Of course, the price gap between Nikon D3300 and Nikon D7100 is quite significant; hence, the price factor alone may be enough to affect one’s decision in choosing between these two DSLR cameras. Nikon D3300 is much more affordable, yet it comes with a slightly better image sensor. But you should know that Nikon D7100 is equipped with a number of advanced features that can greatly improve the performance, versatility, and eventually image quality. See the detailed comparisons between Nikon D3300 vs D7100 below to determine which one is the best for you.
Image Sensor
It is true that Nikon D3300 is equipped with a slightly better image sensor. Each of the two models here is equipped with a 24 MP APS-C CMOS image sensor, which promises superior sharpness and detail. However, Nikon D3300 has a maximum ISO of 12800 (expandable to 25600), and the ISO performance is slightly better.
On the other hand, Nikon D7100 only has a maximum ISO of 6400, albeit also expandable to 25600. Take a look at the comparisons between Nikon D7000 vs D7100 in our previous post. In casual uses, Nikon D3300 can actually deliver better image quality.
AF System
However, Nikon D3300 is equipped with an entry-level AF system with just 11 focus points including 1 cross-type focus point. The AF system is good enough for its class, but it is incomparable to Nikon D7100.
Nikon D7100 comes with an advanced AF system which features 51 focus points including 15 cross-type focus points. In addition, the AF motor is located inside the body of the camera. You can tune the AF system to match different lenses. It has a greater range of AF options that can greatly enhance the performance and image quality in particular conditions, especially in high-ISO applications such as in sports and wildlife photography.
Display and Viewfinder
Nikon D3300 comes with a 3.0-inch display screen and a pentamirror viewfinder. Both the display screen and viewfinder are definitely usable.
But, again, Nikon D7100 is simply standing at a higher class. It comes with a 3.2-inch display screen that also boasts a higher resolution. The viewfinder is also of a higher quality. It has a pentaprism viewfinder with a higher magnification. The viewfinder offers better image fidelity and accuracy. There is a top display for easy viewing and changing of the settings.
Other Features
There are still several things that you need to consider in choosing between Nikon D3300 vs D7100. You see, Nikon D3300 is a much simpler camera. It lacks some features, such as the headphone port, timelapse recording, and AE bracketing.
Nikon D7100 offers a number of additional features. It has AE bracketing and timelapse recording. It also makes a more suitable choice for video projects because of the headphone port, in addition to the much better AF system and microphone port. The housing is environmentally sealed, which means that you don’t need to worry so much about the wind, rain, and dust. And it has two memory card slots for extra storage. The battery life is slightly longer.
Conclusion
For casual uses in which you don’t need to use any advanced features or settings, Nikon D3300 is probably sufficient. In fact, this model may even deliver better image quality. However, for more demanding uses, you should choose Nikon D7100. It comes with much better features, most notably the powerful AF system, which can greatly enhance the performance, versatility, and image quality. The battery life is also slightly better.
