Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D5100
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3100 and Nikon D5100. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.
Nikon D3100 were released 2010 and Nikon D5100 was released 2011. That is a 1 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Nikon D3100 | 2010 |
Nikon D5100 | 2011 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Nikon D3100 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon D5100 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Nikon D3100 has a 14,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D5100 has 16,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Nikon D3100 |
14,2 MP
14155776 pixels 4608 x 3072 |
Nikon D5100 |
16,2 MP
16084992 pixels 4928 x 3264 |
Nikon D5100 has a 14 % larger resolution than Nikon D3100. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Nikon D3100 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D5100. Nikon D3100 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Nikon D5100 has 100 to 6400.
Camera | ISO Range |
Nikon D3100 | 100-12800 |
Nikon D5100 | 100-6400 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Neither of these two cameras has a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that supports autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own, and often they rely on the cameras providing this autofocus motor but since these two camera models do not have this either it will result in no autofocus is possible.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3100
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D5100
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D3100 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds and Nikon D5100 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Nikon D3100 | 3 |
Nikon D5100 | 4 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Nikon D3100 and Nikon D5100 can shoot movies.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Nikon D5100 weighs 611 gr (equal to 1.35 lb) which is 21% heavier than Nikon D3100 and its 505 gr (or 1.11 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Nikon D3100 | 505 gr 1.11 lb |
Nikon D5100 | 611 gr 1.35 lb |
Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D5100 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3100 and Nikon D5100, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Nikon D3100 |
Nikon D5100 |
Name | Nikon D3100 | Nikon D5100 |
Manufacturer | Nikon | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Nikon D3100 |
Nikon D5100 |
Release Year | 2010 | 2011 |
Release Date | 2010-08-19 | 2011-04-05 |
MSRP | 699 USD | 359 USD |
Buy it today | ||
Camera Type |
Nikon D3100 |
Nikon D5100 |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Nikon D3100 |
Nikon D5100 |
Sensor Size |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 4608 x 3072 pixels | 4928 x 3264 pixels |
Megapixels | 14,2 MP | 16,2 MP |
Image Processor | EXPEED 2 | EXPEED 2 |
Image |
Nikon D3100 |
Nikon D5100 |
ISO Range | 100 - 12800 | 100 - 6400 |
White Balance Presets | 12 | 12 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Nikon D3100 |
Nikon D5100 |
Autofocus Motor | No | No |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 11 | 11 |
Lens Mount |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon F See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
DX / APS-C (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Nikon D3100 |
Nikon D5100 |
Articulated LCD | Fixed | Fully articulated |
Screen size | 3” | 3# |
Screen dots | 230000 | 921000 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | TFT LCD monitor | TFT LCD monitor |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 95% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) | 0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Nikon D3100 |
Nikon D5100 |
Frames per second | 3 fps | 4 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | 12 meters | 12 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | No | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Average |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Nikon D3100 |
Nikon D5100 |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
MPEG4 |
MPEG4 |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | No | Yes |
Storage |
Nikon D3100 |
Nikon D5100 |
Memory Card |
SD/SDHC |
SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Nikon D3100 |
Nikon D5100 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | Yes |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
Remote Control |
Optional
|
Yes (Optional ML-L3)
|
GPS |
Yes Optional |
Yes Optional with GP-1 |
Body & Dimensions |
Nikon D3100 |
Nikon D5100 |
Enviromentally sealed | No | No |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger
|
Battery Life (CIPA) | N/A | N/A |
Width | 124 mm | 128 mm |
Height | 96 mm | 97 mm |
Depth | 75 mm | 79 mm |
Weight | 505 gram | 611 gram |