Upgrade Guide

Nikon D810→Nikon D3100

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

D810
You own
Nikon
D810
£190 used
2014
View on GearFrame →
→
D3100
Upgrade to
Nikon
D3100
£35 used (-£155)
2010
View on GearFrame →
❌
Skip it
The D3100 offers little measurable spec improvement over the D810. Spend the money on glass instead.
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.

Genre D810 D3100
Portrait
6.3
5.3
-1.0
Street
4.6
5.5
+0.9
Travel
4.7
4.9
+0.2
Wedding & Events
6.8
4.1
-2.7
Documentary
5.4
3.6
-1.8
Sports & Action
5.8
4.3
-1.5
Landscape
6.0
3.8
-2.2
Wildlife
5.9
4.9
-1.0
Casual
2.8
3.4
+0.6
Food
4.5
3.8
-0.7
Macro
4.0
3.5
-0.5
Architecture
5.6
3.9
-1.7
Astrophotography
6.0
4.6
-1.4
Full spec comparison
Spec D810 D3100
Price £190 used £35 used
Released 2014 2010 ↓
Sensor 36.3MP full-frame CMOS 14.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution 36MP 14MP ↓
Video Full HD 1080p/60 Full HD 1080p/24, 720p/30
Autofocus 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view 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 5fps 3fps ↓
Battery Life ~1200 shots (CIPA) ~550 shots (CIPA) ↓
Weight 980g (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 3.2" fixed LCD, 1.23M dots 3.0" fixed LCD, 230k dots
Mount Nikon F mount Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD Single SD slot
Compare side-by-side

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