Nikon D5100 vs D3100 / D7000 / D5000 - Feature Comparison

When Nikon announced the Nikon D5100. The new digital SLR camera is aimed towards advanced-beginner photographers. The Nikon D5100 is the replacement for the Nikon D5000 which was released two years ago. If you are debating between the Nikon D5100 vs D3100, I've decided to go compare those two entry-level SLR cameras side-by-side. I personally have the Nikon D3100 so I can give you a good opinion on whether you should buy the D3100 or the D5100 and why. In this specs comparison review I will also compare the D5100 vs D5000 and D7000 too, for those of you who really have problem deciding which one to buy.

Before we start, let's go through some of the interesting specs of the Nikon D5100 and see what makes it a great camera for beginners and enthusiast photographers alike.

The New Nikon D5100 Upper-level digital SLR camera
New design & features, Replacing the D5000

Let's continue with the IAMNikon Promotional video and than go straight to the comparison section..

OK - Let's Start the comparison. We start with sensor..

Same sensor as the D7000

Nikon D5100 comes with a bunch of new features and upgrade upon the specs of the D5000 (the older model). From what I've heard on some of the Nikon preview videos on YouTube, the Nikon D5100 features the same 16.2-megapixel (effective resolution) DX ASP-C CMOS sensor as the more advanced D7000. That means that the D5100 will feature the same low-noise performance that the D7000 provides in high ISO sensitivity settings, and that's a very good start. The focal length multiplier is 1.5x.


Nikon D5100: 16.2MP (23.6 x 15.7 mm)
Nikon D3100: 14.2MP (23.1 x 15.4 mm)
Nikon D5000: 12.3MP (23.6 x 15.8 mm)
Nikon D7000: 16.2MP (23.6 x 15.7 mm)

You might also be interested in reading the Nikon D3100 high ISO noise test which I made on March 15, 2011.

Faster Expeed 2 Imaging processor

The Nikon D5100 also features the Expeed 2 imaging processor, the same one that is found on the Nikon D7000. The D3100 utilizes the C2 imaging processor. Although I didn't read a in-depth comparison between the two, I can just assume that the Expeed 2 is a faster processor.

Nikon D5100: Expeed 2
Nikon D3100: Expeed C2
Nikon D5000: Expeed
Nikon D7000: Expeed 2

Up to ISO 6400 (native)

The Nikon D5100 has a high ISO sensitivity range, starting from ISO100 up to ISO6400 in its native sensitivity. The ISO is expandable using two settings: Hi1 (ISO 12800) and Hi2 (ISO25600). When you compare the D5100 vs D7000 you can see that the D5100 inherits the same native ISO range, mainly because it uses the same sensor and imaging processor.

Nikon D5100: ISO 100-6400 (12800, 25600)
Nikon D3100: ISO 100-3200 (6400, 12800)
Nikon D5000: ISO 200-3200 (6400)
Nikon D7000: ISO 100-6400 (12800, 25600)

3-inch 921K-dot Vari-angle Monitor

Nikon has decided to surprise us with a new 921K-dot 3-inch Swivel/Tilt vari-angle LCD monitor.  It's the same high quality monitor as the D7000. The Nikon D5000 has an articulated monitor, but the LCD is only 2.7-inch and has an inferior 230K-dot resolution. So this is a well appreciated upgrade over the D5000. This alone will convince some D5000 owners to upgrade to the new D5100 camera.

The articulating screen is very useful when shooting still images and videos in weird angles. Many photographers want to have this features especially for shooting videos. Because movie recording is done via the LCD, it's much easier to shoot it when you have an articulating LCD vs a Fixed one. It is good for self portraits, group shots, with a DSLR rig, when mounted on a tripod or just for every use that you can think of. Maybe it's time to replace your old camcorder and get a DSLR camera instead?

Nikon D5100: 3" 921,000 Articulating
Nikon D3100: 3" 230,000 Fixed
Nikon D5000: 2.7" 230,000 Articulating
Nikon D7000: 3" 921,000 Fixed

4fps High speed continuous shooting

Nikon D5100 features a 4fps high speed continuous shooting mode. There isn't any change here from the D5100 which also support that speed. If you compare the D5100 vs D3100 vs D7000, you can see that the D3100 has 3fps and the D7000 has 6fps. The D7000 will certainly appeal more to sports photographers than the D5100, but the different is not that huge (well, it depends on what you want to shoot). I also want to remind you that the burst speed is not the only thing that you should examine in the specs. You should also look at how many pictures the camera can picture before the buffer is full. The longer the duration the better. More expensive cameras have larger buffer and faster data transfer rate.

Nikon D5100: 4fps
Nikon D3100: 3fps
Nikon D5000: 4fps
Nikon D7000: 6fps

11 Focus Points

The more focus point the camera has, the better the automatic subject tracking is and better shooting flexibility. Fast action shooters know how to appreciate this feature when they shoot subjects that more independently and erratically. The Nikon D5100 has 11 AF points as the D3100 and D5000. The Nikon D7000 has 39 AF points. Also worth mentioning that the D5100 has a tracking AF option that the D5000 didn't have.

Nikon D5100: 11 AF Points
Nikon D3100: 11 AF Points
Nikon D5000: 11 AF Points
Nikon D7000: 39 AF Points

1080p Full HD Video Recording

This is most probably the "crème de la crème" of the D5100 specs. Comparing the Nikon D5000 vs D5100, the D5000 only offered 720p24 as the highest resolution. The D5100 now features 1080p Full HD movie recording at 30, 25 and 24fps. The camera can also shoot 720p at the 30, 25 and 24fps.

The D5100 even exceeds the flexibility of the D7000 in D-movie mode. The Nikon D7000 records Full HD videos at only 24p and 720p at 24, 25 and 30 fps. So the D5100 is the only one from the four digital SLR cameras that features 1080p in those three frame rate modes.

I bought the Nikon D3100 a few weeks ago and have the chance to shoot some videos with it. You can view this Nikon D3100 720p sample video to see the video image quality. I guess that the video quality will be on par with the D7000 and the D3100, and that's a good thing!

Nikon ME-1 Microphone

Nikon has prepared us a nice surprise for the announcement of the D5100. The D5100 has a 3.5mm audio input jack that you can connect the brand new (optional) Nikon ME-1 external stereo microphone. Yes, a new stereo microphone for capturing crystal clear stereo sound. For serious videographers it's a must have accessory. I don't have the option to mount an external camera microphone on my D3100, the camera doesn't support it. That means that I have to acknowledge the fact that I can only shoot videos with monaural sound.

The new ME-1 stereo microphone attaches to the camera's hot shoe and record sound while minimizing destructing noise, either from wind and/or AF motor. The new ME-1 mic is also compatible with D3s, D300s, D7000 and even with the Nikon COOLPIX P7000.

Here is a Nikon D5100 sample video (the same video that the have on the official website)

As you can see, gorgeous colors, sharpness and clarity. If my eyes are not misleading me, I think that Nikon even improved the rolling shutter speed effect that is common with all DSLR cameras.Overall, one of the most promising & affordable HDSLR cameras to date.

The next video shows you the new "Effects" mode (an option on the dial wheel). The new "Effects" mode enables you to apply quick effects to both stills and videos. Have a look..

I personally not a huge fan of in-camera effects and I think that they are more gimmicky than useful. Even so, some of use don't have the time or knowledge to apply effects in video editing software, so this feature is for them. Some people will like it and some won't, but it's there if you need it.

As you can see in the right image, the Live View lever and the D-movie record/stop button are positioned at the top of the camera (D3100 it's on the rear).

Nikon D5100: 1080p and 720p @ 24/25/30 fps
Nikon D3100: 1080p @ 24 fps, 720p @ 24/25/30 fps
Nikon D5000: 720p @ 24 fps
Nikon D7000: 1080p @ 24 fps, 720p @ 24/25/30 fps

Weight & Dimensions

The D5100 is 10% smaller and also lighter than its predecessor, the D5000. It has a new design and a better grip to hold the camera. I think that Nikon has improved the grip considering the camera is even smaller than the D5000.

Does the Nikon D5100 has a vertical battery grip? - From what I've read, Nikon doesn't plan to release a battery grip for the D5100 at the moment (pity).

Here is the weight and size comparison between the four cameras that we compare in this article:

Nikon D5100: 128 x 97 x 79 mm / 560g
Nikon D3100: 124 x 96 x 75 mm / 505g
Nikon D5000: 127 x 104 x 80 mm / 590g
Nikon D7000: 132 x 105 x 77 mm / 780g

*weight with battery

What's More?

The Nikon D5100 doesn't come with in-camera GPS for geotagging photos.I personally thought that Nikon will be the first one to put a GPS in the new D5100, but obviously I was mistaken. Who knows, maybe the D5200 will have it? (dough).

What battery model the D5100 works with?

The Nikon D5100 works with a Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery.

What's the battery life of the Nikon D5100?

Nikon claims 660 shots (CIPA) per charge - According to the official NikonUSA.com website.

Does the camera comes with a software CD?

As other Nikon DSLR cameras, the D5100 comes with ViewNX 2 CD-ROM, a software for viewing images and videos, including viewing Raw files.

What do I get in the box?

You get the following:

• EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
• MH-24 Quick Charger
• DK-20 Rubber Eyecup
• UC-E6 USB Cable
• EG-CP14 Audio Video Cable
• AN-DC3 Camera Strap
• DK-5 Eyepiece Cap
• BF-1B Body Cap
• BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover
• Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM

The supplied accessories may be different, depends on the country in which the camera is being sold.

Is the Nikon D5100 compatible with the GP-1 GPS Unit?

Yes.

What accessories are compatible with the D5100?

• Right-angle Viewing attachment DR-6 & Eyepiece magnifier DG-2
• Eyepiece Adapter DK-22
• Eyepiece correction lenses DK-20C
• Rubber Eyecup DK-20
• Eyepiece Cap DK-5
• Nikon flashes: Speedlight SB-900, SB-700, SB-600, SB-400, SU-800 (commander) and also
  Close-up Speedlight commander Kit R1C1, Accessory shoe adapter AS-15 and TTL remote cord SC-28, 29
• ME-1 Stereo Microphone
• GP-1 GPS Unit
• Remote cord MC-DC2
• AC adapter EH-5a/5b
• Power connector EP-5A
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL14
• Battery Charger MH-24
• ML-L3 Wireless remote control (infrared)
• MC-DC2 Remote release cord (1 meter)
• and more..

Should you buy the D5100?

The Nikon D5100 digital SLR is a big upgrade from the D5000. It has many of the most popular features which (some of them) can be found on pricier models in Nikon's lineup, including high-res vari-angle LCD, 1080p videos, 3.5mm audio input jack, Expeed 2, ISO 6400 (native) and 14-bit image processing. The D5100 inherits the D7000 high quality CMOS sensor. That's a huge leap over the D5000 model when it comes to high ISO performance.

As a Nikon D3100 owner, I can tell you that the D5100 is a great new SLR camera form Nikon. If you are searching to purchase a new entry-level DSLR camera, the D5100 is one of my top picks. Does it worth the $200 price difference between the D3100? - Well, it has more video frame-rate options, ability to connect the new ME-1 stereo microphone (or any other DSLR mic with that connector), it has faster (4fps) burst, higher resolution, higher ISO sensitivity, 14bit image processing, AE and WB bracketing and more custom settings - Oh, and let's not forget the Vari-angle high resolution LCD! - So, the D5100 is a better camera overall. D3100 or D5100? - If I had to choose between the D3100 and D5100, I would have picked the D5100 without hesitations.