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Nikon D5100 Comparison Review

The Nikon D5100 is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was revealed to the public in April 2011 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 16.1 megapixel.

camera

Is the Nikon D5100 a good camera? The D5100 has a Camera Elo of 1635. This rating puts the D5100 below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the D5100 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Nikon D5100 is more than 12 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2011.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D5100
Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses
16.1 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/30p Video
ISO 100 - 6 400 (100 - 25 600)
Optical viewfinder
3.0 LCD, 921k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
4 shutter flaps per second
660 shots per battery charge
128 x 97 x 79 mm, 560 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Nikon D5100 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Nikon D5100 vs credit card front
D5100 versus credit card top view
D5100 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Nikon D5100 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D5100 128 mm 97 mm 79 mm 560 g 660 n Apr 2011 749ebay.com
2.
 
Canon T2i 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 530 g 440 n Feb 2010 699ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 799ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 599ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D5200 129 mm 98 mm 78 mm 555 g 500 n Nov 2012 749ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 Y Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3100 124 mm 96 mm 75 mm 505 g 550 n Aug 2010 599ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 749ebay.com
11.
 
Sony NEX-5N 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 269 g 460 n Aug 2011 699ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Nikon D5100 was launched in the US market at a price of $749. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Nikon D5100 features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Nikon D5100 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Nikon D5100 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

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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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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The D5100 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the D5100 can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the D5100 has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 95% and a magnification of 0.51x. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Nikon D5100 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon D5100optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon T2ioptical n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
3.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D5200optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D7000optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D3100optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
11.
 
Sony NEX-5Noptional n3.0 / 920 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The LCD screen on the Nikon D5100 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD is hinged on the side and can be flipped out for odd-angle shots in both portrait and landscape orientation. Also, this fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment is often appreciated by videographers for its flexibility. Moreover, v-loggers like the design because the screen can be turned to be front-facing.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the D5100

One convenient feature of the D5100 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D5100 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D5100Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
2.
 
Canon T2iYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
3.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
4.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
5.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
6.
 
Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D5200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Nikon D7000Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D3100Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Sony NEX-5NYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
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It is notable that the D5100 has a microphone port. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Further information on the features and operation of the D5100 can be found in the free online Nikon D5100 Manual or on the Nikon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D5100 handle or perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is why expert reviews are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D51005/5+ +..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2011 749ebay.com
2.
 
Canon T2i..+ +..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 699ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 899ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 799ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 599ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D52004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2012 749ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D31005/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2010 599ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 749ebay.com
11.
 
Sony NEX-5N3/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2011 699ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Nikon D5100 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the D5100.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Nikon D5100 based on?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Nikon D5100 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Nikon equipped the D5100 with the EXPEED 2 image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Nikon D5100?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400.

Does the Nikon D5100 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the D5100 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Nikon D5100?

Nikon mentions a shutter rating of 100 000 actuations for the D5100. This number represents a Mean Time before Failure, that is an average value. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust the expected shutter life of the D5100 over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Nikon D5100?

Nikon embeds the number of shutter actuations in image metadata. You can check the number of shots that your D5100 has taken up to now by uploading a recent image to the free online shutter count finder app.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Nikon D5100?

No, the Nikon D5100 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Does the Nikon D5100 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Nikon D5100 for flash photography?

The D5100's flash sync speed is 1/200 sec.

Does the Nikon D5100 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).

Which battery does the Nikon D5100 use?

The camera gets its power from the EN-EL14 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Is there a vertical grip available for the Nikon D5100?

Nikon does not offer an optional battery grip, but third party suppliers do (see here on ebay).

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 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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