Sony Dsc H400 Vs Nikon D3100: Which Camera Is The Best Choice For Beginners?
What To Know
- The Sony DSC H400 has a 50x optical zoom, while the Nikon D3100 has a 3x optical zoom.
- An electronic viewfinder is a small screen that shows you the image that the camera is seeing, while an optical viewfinder is a window that shows you the scene directly.
- The Sony DSC H400 has a battery life of 380 shots, while the Nikon D3100 has a battery life of 550 shots.
When it comes to choosing a camera, there are many factors to consider, such as image quality, features, and price. In this blog post, we will compare the Sony DSC H400 and the Nikon D3100, two popular cameras that offer different features and benefits. We will help you decide which camera is right for you.
Specifications
| Feature | Sony DSC H400 | Nikon D3100 |
| — | — | — |
| Sensor | 20.1MP Super HAD CCD | 14.2MP CMOS |
| Lens | 24.5-1225mm f/3.5-6.3 | 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 |
| Optical Zoom | 50x | 3x |
| Digital Zoom | 200x | 4x |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Optical |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch, 921k dots | 3.0-inch, 230k dots |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 60fps | 1080p at 30fps |
| Continuous Shooting | 1.5 fps | 3 fps |
| Battery Life | 380 shots | 550 shots |
| Price | $299 | $499 |
Image Quality
The Sony DSC H400 has a 20.1MP Super HAD CCD sensor, while the Nikon D3100 has a 14.2MP CMOS sensor. Both cameras can produce high-quality images, but the Sony DSC H400 has a slight edge in terms of resolution. However, the Nikon D3100 has a larger sensor, which means it can capture more light and produce better images in low-light conditions.
Lens
The Sony DSC H400 has a 24.5-1225mm f/3.5-6.3 lens, while the Nikon D3100 has an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. The Sony DSC H400 has a much longer focal length, which means it can zoom in much closer to distant subjects. However, the Nikon D3100 has a wider aperture, which means it can let in more light and produce sharper images at lower shutter speeds.
Optical Zoom
The Sony DSC H400 has a 50x optical zoom, while the Nikon D3100 has a 3x optical zoom. The Sony DSC H400 can zoom in much closer to distant subjects, making it a good choice for wildlife and sports photography. However, the Nikon D3100 has a wider focal length range, which means it can capture more of the scene in a single shot.
Digital Zoom
The Sony DSC H400 has a 200x digital zoom, while the Nikon D3100 has a 4x digital zoom. Digital zoom is a type of zoom that uses software to enlarge the image, which can result in a loss of image quality. However, the Sony DSC H400’s 200x digital zoom is very impressive and can be used to capture close-up shots of distant subjects.
Viewfinder
The Sony DSC H400 has an electronic viewfinder, while the Nikon D3100 has an optical viewfinder. An electronic viewfinder is a small screen that shows you the image that the camera is seeing, while an optical viewfinder is a window that shows you the scene directly. Optical viewfinders are generally considered to be better than electronic viewfinders, as they provide a more accurate representation of the scene and are easier to use in bright sunlight.
LCD Screen
The Sony DSC H400 and the Nikon D3100 both have 3.0-inch LCD screens. However, the Sony DSC H400’s LCD screen has a higher resolution of 921k dots, while the Nikon D3100’s LCD screen has a resolution of 230k dots. The Sony DSC H400’s LCD screen is also touch-sensitive, which makes it easy to navigate the camera’s menus and settings.
Video Recording
The Sony DSC H400 can record 1080p video at 60fps, while the Nikon D3100 can record 1080p video at 30fps. The Sony DSC H400 has a higher frame rate, which means that it can capture smoother video. However, the Nikon D3100 has a better autofocus system, which can help to keep your videos in focus.
Continuous Shooting
The Sony DSC H400 can shoot continuously at 1.5 fps, while the Nikon D3100 can shoot continuously at 3 fps. The Nikon D3100 has a faster continuous shooting speed, which means that it can capture more action shots in a single burst.
Battery Life
The Sony DSC H400 has a battery life of 380 shots, while the Nikon D3100 has a battery life of 550 shots. The Nikon D3100 has a longer battery life, which means that you can take more photos on a single charge.
Price
The Sony DSC H400 is priced at $299, while the Nikon D3100 is priced at $499. The Sony DSC H400 is a more affordable option, but the Nikon D3100 offers more features and better image quality.
The Bottom Line: Making the Right Choice
The Sony DSC H400 and the Nikon D3100 are both good cameras, but they offer different features and benefits. The Sony DSC H400 is a good choice for beginners who want a camera that is easy to use and has a long zoom lens. The Nikon D3100 is a good choice for more experienced photographers who want a camera that offers more manual controls and better image quality.
Questions You May Have
1. Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The Nikon D3100 has a larger sensor than the Sony DSC H400, which means it can capture more light and produce better images in low-light conditions.
2. Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Nikon D3100 has a better autofocus system than the Sony DSC H400, which can help to keep your photos and videos in focus.
3. Which camera has a longer battery life?
The Nikon D3100 has a longer battery life than the Sony DSC H400, which means that you can take more photos on a single charge.
