Nikon D5100 vs Canon EOS 1D X

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D5100 and Canon EOS 1D X. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Nikon D5100 is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS 1D X is from Canon. Both Nikon and Canon are well known brands though.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D5100 has a "DX"-sensor while Canon EOS 1D X has a "FF"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** 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)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)

Resolution

Nikon D5100 has a 16,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Canon EOS 1D X has 18,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Canon EOS 1D X has a 11 % larger resolution than Nikon D5100. 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

Canon EOS 1D X has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D5100. Canon EOS 1D X has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D5100 has 100 to 6400.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Canon EOS 1D X has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D5100 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D5100 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D5100
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 1D X

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D5100 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds and Canon EOS 1D X can shoot up to 12 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Nikon D5100 and Canon EOS 1D X 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.

Canon EOS 1D X weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2,95 lb) which is 119% heavier than Nikon D5100 and its 611 gr (or 1,35 lb).