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How many Megapixels does the Nikon D5100 have?

The Nikon D5100 is equipped with a an APS-C sensor that offers an image resolution of 16.1 megapixels (MP), or 16.1 million pixels. With its native aspect ratio of 3:2, the sensor has 4 928 horizontal pixels and 3 264 vertical pixels.

A 35mm film slide or negative contains 5-15 MP of useful detail, so that the Nikon D5100 can be considered to be a high-resolution camera that outresolves any 35mm film camera.

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A high megapixel count makes it possible to crop any captured image substantially or to make very large prints from the image file. On the downside, large megapixel files are slower to transfer and take up more storage space on the computer harddisk. Also, high-resolution imaging requires sharper, more expensive lenses than low-res picture taking.

How large can I print with 16.1 MP?

The maximum print size of the Nikon D5100 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.6 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.6 cm. Few people actually print their images that large on a regular basis, but it is nice to have the option to make very large prints of exceptional shots. Also, as mentioned earlier, a key advantage of high-MP cameras is that it is possible to crop an image ex-post and thereby, for example, change the composition of the capture or zoom in on some detail.

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Sensor specs and performance

The table below compares the sensor specs of the Nikon D5100 to those of several similar cameras. In addition to sensor class and megapixel count, DXO values are reported as indicators of the sensor's imaging quality (higher is better). Three aspects are covered: color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape), and high-ISO noise (DXO Sports). Larger sensor cameras tend to outperform cameras of the same generation that are equipped with a smaller imager. On the other hand, larger sensors are more expensive and require bigger and heavier lenses than smaller light receptors.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D5100 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/30p23.513.6118380
2.
 
Canon T2i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.578466
3.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
4.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
5.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
6.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
7.
 
Nikon D5200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.213.9128484
8.
 
Nikon D7000 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/24p23.513.9116780
9.
 
Nikon D3100 APS-C 14.2 4608 30721080/24p22.511.391967
10.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
11.
 
Sony NEX-5N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.612.7107977
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Further information on the sensor in the Nikon D5100 and the camera's operation can be found in the camera manual.

In the United States, the D5100 was initially launched in April 2011 at a price of $749.

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Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Nikon D5100
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date April 2011
    Launch Price USD 749
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.7 mm
    Sensor Area 371 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 928 x 3 264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.80 μm
    Pixel Density 4.34 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6 400 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25 600 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 2
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.6
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1183
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.51x
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)660 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 128 x 97 x 79 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 560 g (19.8 oz)

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