Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D5100 and Nikon D3. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D5100 were released 2011 and Nikon D3 was released 2007. That is a 4 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D5100 2011
Nikon D3 2007

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D5100 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D3 has a "Nikon FX"-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
Nikon D3 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** 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 D5100 has a 16,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3 has 12,1 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
Nikon D3 12,1 MP
12052992 pixels
4256 x 2832

Nikon D5100 has a 33 % larger resolution than Nikon D3. 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 D3 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D5100. Nikon D3 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 25600 while Nikon D5100 has 100 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D5100 100-6400
Nikon D3 200-25600

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D3 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 Nikon D3

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 Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D5100 4
Nikon D3 9

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 Nikon D3 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 D3 weighs 1300 gr (equal to 2.87 lb) which is 113% heavier than Nikon D5100 and its 611 gr (or 1.35 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D5100 611 gr
1.35 lb
Nikon D3 1300 gr
2.87 lb

Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D5100 and Nikon D3, 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 D5100
Nikon D3
Name Nikon D5100 Nikon D3
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D5100
Nikon D3
Release Year 2011 2007
Release Date 2011-04-05 2007-08-23
MSRP 359 USD 4999 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D5100
Nikon D3
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D5100
Nikon D3
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 4928 x 3264 pixels 4256 x 2832 pixels
Megapixels 16,2 MP 12,1 MP
Image Processor EXPEED 2 EXPEED
Image
Nikon D5100
Nikon D3
ISO Range 100 - 6400 200 - 25600
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 D5100
Nikon D3
Autofocus Motor No Yes
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Focus Points 11 51
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
FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon D5100
Nikon D3
Articulated LCD Fully articulated Fixed
Screen size 3# 3”
Screen dots 921000 922000
Touch screen No No
Screen type TFT LCD monitor N/A
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentamirror) Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 95% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.) 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D5100
Nikon D3
Frames per second 4 fps 9 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash Yes No
Built-in Flash Range 12 meters N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D5100
Nikon D3
Video recording Yes No
Video format MPEG4
N/A
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
N/A
Built-in Microphone Yes No
Built-in Speakers Yes No
Storage
Nikon D5100
Nikon D3
Memory Card SD/SDHC
Compact Flash
Connectivity
Nikon D5100
Nikon D3
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port Yes No
Headphone Port No No
Wireless Yes
Eye-Fi Connected
No
Remote Control Yes (Optional ML-L3)
Yes
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-1
Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D5100
Nikon D3
Enviromentally sealed No Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger
EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA) N/A 4300 shots
Width 128 mm 160 mm
Height 97 mm 157 mm
Depth 79 mm 88 mm
Weight 611 gram 1300 gram