Upgrade Guide

Nikon D3100→Nikon D5500

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

You own

Nikon

D3100

£35 used

2010

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D5500

£165 used (+£130)

2015

✅

Strong upgrade

The D5500 improves across 4 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most D3100 owners will notice the difference.

What's new in the D5500

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	D5500
Price	£35 used	£165 used
Released	2010	2015	↑
Sensor	14.2MP APS-C CMOS	24.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	14MP	24MP	↑
Video	Full HD 1080p/24, 720p/30	Full HD 1080p/60
Autofocus	11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view	39-point phase-detect (9 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	3fps	5fps	↑
Battery Life	~550 shots (CIPA)	~820 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	505g (with battery)	470g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.82x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 230k dots	3.2" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04M dots
Mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D3100 and D5500 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D5500 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D3100

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