Nikon D3000 vs Kodak EasyShare Z981

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D3000 and the Kodak EasyShare Z981, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D3000 was introduced in December 2009 and Kodak EasyShare Z981 was introduced in July 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D3000 Highlights

      • 10.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Kodak EasyShare Z981 Highlights

      • 14 MP 1/2.33-inch CCD Sensor
      • 64 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 201k dot Fixed Screen
      • Electronic Viewfinder
      • 0.9 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D3000 and Kodak EasyShare Z981.

      PROS

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   64 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Internal Storage

      CONS

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 201k dot
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.9 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 62
      •   Weight - 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz)
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Weight - 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon D3000

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D3000 over Kodak EasyShare Z981.

      Nikon D3000 vs Kodak EasyShare Z981
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs 1/2.33-inch
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 201k dot
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 16 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps vs 0.9 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Lighter 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz) vs 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D3000.

      Advantage of Kodak EasyShare Z981

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Kodak EasyShare Z981 over Nikon D3000.

      Nikon D3000 vs Kodak EasyShare Z981
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 10.2 Megapixel vs 14 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 64
      Higher Native ISO 1,600 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 3872 x 2592 vs 4288 x 3216
      Center Autofocus vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Image Stabilization vs
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 95% vs 100%
      Speaker vs Mono
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Internal Storage vs 64 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Kodak EasyShare Z981.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D3000 Kodak EasyShare Z981
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D3000 Kodak EasyShare Z981
        Low Resolution Sensor10.2 Megapixel14 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        No Face Detection
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot201k dot
        Low Max Continuous Shooting3.0 fps0.9 fps
        No HDMI Output
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via Eye-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D3000 and Kodak EasyShare Z981 have 3.0" Fixed screens with 230k dot and 201k dot resolutions respectively.


      Viewfinder

      Nikon D3000 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderKodak EasyShare Z981 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. Nikon D3000 has 95% coverage with 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Kodak EasyShare Z981 has 100% coverage magnification.

      Sensor

      Nikon D3000 features a 10.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 1,600 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode. Kodak EasyShare Z981 features a 14 megapixel 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.08 x 4.56 mm and a total area of 20.8 mm2. Its native ISO range is 64 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Nikon D3000 is equipped with EXPEED processor and can take pictures up to 3872 x 2592 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2896 x 1944, 1936 x 1296 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Kodak EasyShare Z981 can take pictures up to 4288 x 3216 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4288 x 2848, 4288 x 2416, 2832 x 2128, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 960 with 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.

      Image Stabilization on Kodak EasyShare Z981

      Kodak EasyShare Z981 has an image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      NFC on Kodak EasyShare Z981

      Kodak EasyShare Z981 has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer.


      Battery

      Nikon D3000 comes with EN-EL9a battery pack with battery life of 500 shots and Kodak EasyShare Z981 comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D3000 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Kodak EasyShare Z981 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D3000 has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D3000, and up to 1/2000 sec on Kodak EasyShare Z981. Nikon D3000 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps. Kodak EasyShare Z981 can shoot continuously up to 0.9 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D3000 and 6.20 m on Kodak EasyShare Z981. Nikon D3000 also accepts external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on Nikon D3000.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D3000 body has dimensions of 126 x 97 x 64 mm (4.96 x 3.82 x 2.52") and Kodak EasyShare Z981 body has dimensions of 124 x 85 x 105 mm (4.88 x 3.35 x 4.13"). Nikon D3000 weighs 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz) and Kodak EasyShare Z981 weighs 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz).

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      126 mm

      97 mm

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      124 mm

      85 mm

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      97 mm

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      85 mm

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      64 mm

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      105 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D3000 and Kodak EasyShare Z981

      Nikon D3000 and Kodak EasyShare Z981 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      AVERAGE
      63
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 201k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      POOR
      53
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 201k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.9 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      POOR
      52
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 201k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.9 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      GOOD
      71
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Small Sensor
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 201k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Street Photography

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      GOOD
      77
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz)
      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 201k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 201k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D3000 and Kodak EasyShare Z981 and give them scores of 55 and 57 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      OVERALL
      55
      OVERALL
      57

      Sensor

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 62
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   64 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      POOR
      53
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 0.9 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      GOOD
      76
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 201k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      POOR
      40
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      53
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D3000

      Kodak EasyShare Z981

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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