Upgrade Guide

Nikon D90→Nikon D3100

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

You own

Nikon

D90

£42 used

2008

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D3100

£35 used (-£7)

2010

⚖️

Situational

One clear hardware improvement over the D90. 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	D90	D3100
Price	£42 used	£35 used
Released	2008	2010	↑
Sensor	12.3MP APS-C CMOS	14.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	12MP	14MP	↑
Video	720p/24	Full HD 1080p/24, 720p/30
Autofocus	11-point phase-detect (1 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	4.5fps	3fps	↓
Battery Life	~850 shots (CIPA)	~550 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	700g (with battery)	505g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 96% coverage, 0.94x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 920k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 230k dots
Mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D90 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 D90

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Camera family history