A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Nikon D5100 vs D3

The Nikon D5100 and the Nikon D3 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in April 2011 and August 2007. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (D5100) and a full frame (D3) sensor. The D5100 has a resolution of 16.1 megapixels, whereas the D3 provides 12.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon D5100
versus
Nikon D3
Nikon D5100   Nikon D3
Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
16.1 MP – APS-C sensor 12.1 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/30p Video no Video
ISO 100-6,400 (100 - 25,600) ISO 200-6,400 (100 - 25,600)
Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
4 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
660 shots per battery charge4300 shots per battery charge
128 x 97 x 79 mm, 560 g 160 x 157 x 88 mm, 1300 g
logo
Check D5100 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check D3 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D5100 and the Nikon D3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

ad

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D5100 and the Nikon D3 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3
Compare D5100 versus D3 top
Comparison D5100 or D3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D3 is considerably larger (102 percent) than the Nikon D5100. Moreover, the D3 is substantially heavier (132 percent) than the D5100. It is noteworthy in this context that the D3 is splash and dust-proof, while the D5100 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor (as in the D3) will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, while more compact options are available for the smaller-sensor camera (D5100). You can compare the optics available in the Nikon Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the D5100 gets 660 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL14 battery, while the D3 can take 4300 images on a single charge of its Nikon EN-EL4a power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D3 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the D5100, there are third party battery grips available as optional accessories (see here on ebay).

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
# image 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.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon T2i 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 530 g 440 n Feb 2010 699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III 156 mm 157 mm 80 mm 1155 g 2200 Y Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D5300 125 mm 98 mm 76 mm 480 g 600 n Oct 2013 799ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D3200 125 mm 96 mm 77 mm 505 g 540 n Apr 2012 599ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5200 129 mm 98 mm 78 mm 555 g 500 n Nov 2012 749ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D7000 132 mm 105 mm 77 mm 780 g 1050 Y Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3100 124 mm 96 mm 75 mm 505 g 550 n Aug 2010 599ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D5000 127 mm 104 mm 80 mm 590 g 510 n Apr 2009 749ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D700 147 mm 123 mm 77 mm 1074 g 1000 Y Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
17.
 
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.
padding

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The D5100 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 85 percent) than the D3, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D5100 features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon D3 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D3 is 132 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

In terms of chip-set technology, the D5100 uses a more advanced image processing engine (EXPEED 2) than the D3 (EXPEED), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

Nikon D5100 and Nikon D3 sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Nikon D5100 offers a higher resolution of 16.1 megapixels, compared with 12.1 MP of the Nikon D3. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 8.43μm for the D3). However, it should be noted that the D5100 is much more recent (by 3 years and 7 months) than the D3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D5100 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 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. The corresponding values for the Nikon D3 are 21.3 x 14.2 inches or 54.1 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.2 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.2 x 9.4 inches or 36 x 24 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D5100 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D3 are ISO 200 to ISO 6400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

D5100 versus D3 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
# image 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.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
3.
 
Canon T2i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.578466
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III APS-H 10.1 3888 2592none22.711.7107871
5.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
6.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
7.
 
Nikon D5300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.9133883
8.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
9.
 
Nikon D3200 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/30p24.113.2113181
10.
 
Nikon D5200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60i24.213.9128484
11.
 
Nikon D7000 APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/24p23.513.9116780
12.
 
Nikon D3100 APS-C 14.2 4608 30721080/24p22.511.391967
13.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
14.
 
Nikon D5000 APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.712.586872
15.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
16.
 
Nikon D700 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2230380
17.
 
Sony NEX-5N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.612.7107977
padding

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The D5100 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the D3 does not. The highest resolution format that the D5100 can use is 1080/30p.

ad

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D5100 and the D3 are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinder in the D3 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D5100 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the D3 has a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.51x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D5100 and Nikon D3 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Core Features
# image 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.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon T2ioptical n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D5300optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D3200optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D5200optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D7000optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D3100optical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
14.
 
Nikon D5000optical n2.7 / 230 full-flex n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
15.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
16.
 
Nikon D700optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
17.
 
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.
padding

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D5100 has one, while the D3 does not. While the built-in flash of the D5100 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The D5100 has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the D3 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D5100 and the Nikon D3 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D5100 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the D3 uses Compact Flash cards. The D3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D5100 only has one slot.

ad

Connectivity 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 Nikon D3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
# image 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.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon T2iYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark IIIY- / ----2.0---
5.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
6.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
7.
 
Nikon D5300Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
8.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D3200Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D5200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D7000Ymono / monoY-mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D3100Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
14.
 
Nikon D5000Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
15.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
16.
 
Nikon D700Y- / ---mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony NEX-5NYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
padding

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D3 (unlike the D5100) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D5100 and the D3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D3 was replaced by the Nikon D4, while the D5100 was followed by the Nikon D5200. Further information on the features and operation of the D5100 and D3 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D5100 Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D3 Manual.

ad

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D5100 and the Nikon D3? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.


Advantages of the Nikon D5100:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (16.1 vs 12.1MP) with a 16% higher linear resolution.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.4 EV of extra DR).
  • Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (EXPEED 2 vs EXPEED).
  • Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (128x97mm vs 160x157mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 740g or 57 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (85 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years and 7 months of technical progress since the D3 launch.


Reasons to prefer the Nikon D3:

  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1 stops ISO advantage).
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.51x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (4300 versus 660) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2007).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D3 comes out slightly ahead of the D5100 (12 : 11 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D5100 11:12 D3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D5100 and the Nikon D3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D5100 and the D3 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
# image  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.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon T2i..+ +..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D Mark III............ Feb 2007 4,499ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 899ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D53004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 799ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D32005/5+ +..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 599ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D52004/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2012 749ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D70004/5....80/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2010 1,499ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D31005/5+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2010 599ebay.com
13.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
14.
 
Nikon D5000..+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Apr 2009 749ebay.com
15.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
16.
 
Nikon D700..89/100..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2008 2,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-5N3/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2011 699ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
padding

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

logo
Check D5100 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check D3 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D5100 Nikon D3
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Nikon F mount lenses
    Launch Date April 2011 August 2007
    Launch Price USD 749 USD 4,999
    Sensor Specs Nikon D5100 Nikon D3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.6 x 15.7 mm 36.0 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 370.52 mm2 860.4 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 43.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixels 12.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4928 x 3264 pixels 4256 x 2832 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.80 μm 8.43 μm
    Pixel Density 4.34 MP/cm2 1.40 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6,400 ISO 200 - 6,400 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 2 EXPEED
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 80 81
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.5 23.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.6 12.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1183 2290
    Screen Specs Nikon D5100 Nikon D3
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.51x 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D5100 Nikon D3
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 4 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations300 000 actuations
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D5100 Nikon D3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D5100 Nikon D3
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL14 Nikon EN-EL4a
    Battery Life (CIPA)660 shots per charge4300 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 128 x 97 x 79 mm
    (5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 in)
    160 x 157 x 88 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 in)
    Camera Weight 560 g (19.8 oz) 1300 g (45.9 oz)
    logo
    Check D5100 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check D3 offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3