int *pointer[280];
//Creates 280 pointers of type int.
In 32 bit os, 4 bytes for each pointer. so 4 * 280 = 1120 bytes.
int (*pointer)[100][280];
// Creates only one pointer which is used to point an array of [100][280] ints.
Here only 4 bytes.
Coming to your question, int (*pointer)[280];
and int (*pointer)[100][280];
are different though it points to same 2D array of [100][280].
Because if int (*pointer)[280];
is incremented, then it will points to next 1D array, but where as int (*pointer)[100][280];
crosses the whole 2D array and points to next byte. Accessing that byte may cause problem if that memory doen't belongs to your process.