Nikon D5100 vs Canon EOS Rebel XS
This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D5100 and Canon EOS Rebel XS. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Nikon D5100 is manufacturered by Nikon but Canon EOS Rebel XS is from Canon. Both Nikon and Canon are well known brands though.
Nikon D5100 were released 2011 and Canon EOS Rebel XS was released 2008. That is a 3 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.| Camera | Released |
| Nikon D5100 | 2011 |
| Canon EOS Rebel XS | 2008 |
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 Rebel XS has a "APSC"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
| Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
| Nikon D5100 | 75 mm Nikon DX sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
| Canon EOS Rebel XS | 80 mm Canon APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.6 |
** 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 Rebel XS has 10,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
| Camera | Megapixels |
| Nikon D5100 |
16,2 MP
16084992 pixels 4928 x 3264 |
| Canon EOS Rebel XS |
10,1 MP
10077696 pixels 3888 x 2592 |
Nikon D5100 has a 60 % larger resolution than Canon EOS Rebel XS. 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 D5100 has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS Rebel XS. Nikon D5100 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Canon EOS Rebel XS has 100 to 1600.
| Camera | ISO Range |
| Nikon D5100 | 100-6400 |
| Canon EOS Rebel XS | 100-1600 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
There is a big difference between these two cameras. Canon EOS Rebel XS 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 Rebel XS
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 Rebel XS can shoot up to 1,5-3 pictures per seconds.
| Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
| Nikon D5100 | 4 |
| Canon EOS Rebel XS | 1,5-3 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D5100. Unfortunately Canon EOS Rebel XS does not support recording movies and movie clips.
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 22% heavier than Canon EOS Rebel XS and its 502 gr (or 1,11 lb).
| Camera | Weight |
| Nikon D5100 | 611 gr 1,35 lb |
| Canon EOS Rebel XS | 502 gr 1,11 lb |
