Upgrade Guide

Nikon D3S→Nikon D3100

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

You own

Nikon

D3S

£168 used

2009

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D3100

£35 used (-£133)

2010

⚖️

Situational

One clear hardware improvement over the D3S. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.

What's new in the D3100

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	D3S	D3100
Price	£168 used	£35 used
Released	2009	2010	↑
Sensor	12.1MP full-frame CMOS	14.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	12MP	14MP	↑
Video	720p/24	Full HD 1080p/24, 720p/30
Autofocus	51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF in live view (tripod mode)	11-point phase-detect (1 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	9fps	3fps	↓
Battery Life	~4200 shots (CIPA)	~550 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1420g (with battery)	505g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 230k dots
Mount	Nikon F mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Dual CompactFlash slots	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D3S and D3100 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D3100 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D3S

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Camera family history