Upgrade Guide

Nikon D3100→Nikon D300S

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

D3100

£35 used

2010

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D300S

£79 used (+£43)

2009

✅

Strong upgrade

The D300S improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most D3100 owners will notice the difference.

What's new in the D300S

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	D3100	D300S
Price	£35 used	£79 used
Released	2010	2009	↓
Sensor	14.2MP APS-C CMOS	12.3MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	14MP	12MP	↓
Video	Full HD 1080p/24, 720p/30	720p/24
Autofocus	11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view	51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF in live view (tripod mode)
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	3fps	7fps	↑
Battery Life	~550 shots (CIPA)	~950 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	505g (with battery)	920g (with battery)	↓
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Yes	↑
Viewfinder	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.94x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 230k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots
Mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD

Compare side-by-side

See D3100 and D300S next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D300S against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D3100

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Camera family history