Reasons to choose Coolpix 3100
Released in 2003, Coolpix 3100 has about 21 mm² of sensor area, 3.1 MP effective resolution, and a 200 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Nikon Coolpix 3100
vs Nikon Coolpix 4600
VS
Sensor area
21 mm²
Coolpix 310025 mm²
Coolpix 4600- Area ratio
- 1.17:1
- Absolute difference
- 4 mm²
- Relative difference
- 16.5%
The Coolpix 4600 has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 2 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
Coolpix 3100MetricCoolpix 4600
3.1 MPEffective pixels3.9 MP
5.33 × 4Sensor5.75 × 4.32
2.62 µmPixel pitch2.52 µm
6.88 µm²Pixel area6.37 µm²
14.54 MP/cm²Pixel density15.7 MP/cm²
6.49Crop factor6.02
—Maximum video—
200 gWeight130 g
CompactFlash type IStorageSecure Digital
AA NiMH (2) batteries includedBatteryAA (2) batteries (NiMH recommended)
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The Coolpix 4600 has the larger sensor area. The Coolpix 4600 has the lighter body. The Coolpix 4600 has the higher effective resolution. The Coolpix 4600 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose Coolpix 4600
Released in 2005, Coolpix 4600 has about 25 mm² of sensor area, 3.9 MP effective resolution, and a 130 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.