Nikon
D5100
 vs
Nikon
D3100

Updated (April, 2012): Compare the Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3200

Nikon D5100

76
Winner

Nikon D5100
"Judged on its own merits the D5100 is a great camera, but we're concerned that an enthusiastic beginner might outgrow it faster than some of the competition."
dpreview.com | talking about the D5100's overall-performance
"Image quality is definitely the D5100's trump card. It offers effectively the same image quality as the higher-end D7000, at a lower cost."
dpreview.com | talking about the D5100's image-quality

Reasons to buy the Nikon D5100

Low light performance
 Low noise at high ISO
1,183 ISO
Overall image quality
 Great image quality
80.0
Color depth
 Great color depth
23.5 bits
Dynamic range
 Wide dynamic range
13 EV
Screen resolution
 High resolution screen
920k dots
Screen flips out
 Flip-out screen
Great for movies
Nikon D3100

54
Runner-up

Nikon D3100
"The D3100 offers little to complain about in terms of image quality, and its new 14Mp sensor delivers very good results."
dpreview.com | talking about the D3100's image-quality
"It's almost impossible to pick up without your hand falling into a sensible position with the key controls at your fingertips."
dpreview.com | talking about the D3100's button-layout

Reasons to buy the Nikon D3100

Movie continuous focus
 Movie continuous focus
Makes it easy to get in-focus movies
Badge
 Autofocuses shooting video
Contrast detection
Size
 Really small
Prosumer size 124x96x73 mm
Weight
 Light-weight
505 g

differences

Advantages of the Nikon D5100
Overall image quality Significantly better image quality 80.0 vs 67.0
Help
 Around 20% better image quality
Low light performance Significantly lower noise at high ISO 1,183 ISO vs 919 ISO
Help
 The D5100 has a slight edge (0.4 f-stops) in low noise, high ISO performance
Dynamic range More dynamic range 13 EV vs 11.3 EV
Help
 1.7 f-stops more dynamic range
Screen resolution Much higher resolution screen 920k dots vs 230k dots
Help
 4x higher resolution screen
External mic jack Has an external mic jack Yes vs No
Help
 Record high quality audio with an external microphone
Color depth Better color depth 23.5 bits vs 22.5 bits
Help
 Distinguishes 1 more bits of color
Screen flips out Has a flip-out screen Yes vs No
Help
 Flip-out screens can be helpful when composing tricky shots or taking movies
HDR Has in-camera HDR Yes vs No
Help
 Combines multiple exposures to capture high dynamic range
True resolution Higher true resolution 16.1 MP vs 14.2 MP
Help
 Capture more than 10% more detail in your photos
Light sensitivity Better maximum light sensitivity 6,400 ISO vs 3,200 ISO
Help
 The D5100's maximum light sensitivity is 1 f-stop better
Light sensitivity (boost) Better boost ISO 25,600 ISO vs 12,800 ISO
Help
 The D5100's boost ISO is 1 f-stop better
Battery life Longer battery life 660 shots vs 550 shots
Help
 20% more shots per battery charge
Continuous shooting Shoots faster 4 fps vs 3 fps
Help
 More than 30% faster continuous shooting
Sensor size Larger sensor APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs APS-C 23.1x15.4mm
Help
 Almost the same
Nikon D5100 Learn more about
the Nikon D5100

Advantages of the Nikon D3100
Size Smaller 124x96x73 mm vs 127x96x78 mm
Help
 Around 10% smaller
Startup delay Slightly less startup delay 400 ms vs 500 ms
Help
 20% less delay when turning on
Thickness Thinner 2.9" vs 3.1"
Help
 Around 10% thinner
Weight Lighter 505 g vs 560 g
Help
 Around 10% lighter
Nikon D3100 Learn more about
the Nikon D3100
vs

recommendations

Relative to the best recent entry-level DSLRs, and ignoring price

Nikon D5100 Nikon D5100
76 vs 54
Explain scores
Nikon D3100 Nikon D3100
Green arrow Snapsort recommends the Nikon D5100.

advice

Need help deciding?

Ask the community!
I am considering either the D5100 or the D3100,
For example: Taking photos in low light or great family photos or ability to take great photos underwater

Select aspects that are most important to you: (max 3)

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Are you a camera expert? Share your knowledge!
0
votes
by Aitvll this month
Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3100

Primary goal is capture stills and movie of high school sporting events (football games, track r...

4 people recommend the Nikon D5100:

" Both cameras are "capable" of fast action, distant images but what's very much more relevant and..."

" Price is so close, d5100 has many advantages as listed by @Philip-Davis.  Good camera, great pri..."

" These cameras are very close in price (within $50 according to sortable), but the D5100 has cons..."
0
votes
by Brad-Jones1 this month
Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3100

Is the 30% extra money worth it? Shall I stick with the D3100 or get the D5100 for the extra mon...

One person recommends the Nikon D3100:

" My advice is to go for the cheaper camera at first.  And then, if you out-grow it, set your sigh..."
One person recommends the Nikon D5100:

" I always try to buy the best camera I can with in my budget, and I think that would be the D5100..."
0
votes
by Sally-Poyser last month
Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3100

Tell us more! Are you a beginner or expert? What types of photos do you like to take? What featu...

One person recommends the Nikon D3100:

" The D3100 is great for beginners, it has an easy to use guide which will help you set up the cam..."
0
votes
by Jalaj-Soni last month
Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3100

Beginner, family photos,image quality, zoom

One person recommends the Nikon D5100:

"If you have the money go with the Nikon D5100, it has more features and is still great for beginne..."
0
votes
by Wendy-Arfapo 11 hours ago
Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3100

I'm just a beginner. And I am starting out a project at school. What I wanted to do is photograp...

similarities

Compared to recent entry-level DSLRs

Common Strengths Common Weaknesses
Movie format Full HD (1080p) video Help
D5100:1080p @ 30fps
D3100:1080p @ 24fps
Lens availability Many lenses available Help
169 lenses
Movie continuous focus Focus continuously recording movies Help
Makes it easy to get in-focus movies
Supports 24p 24p support Help
For that film look
Startup delay Minimal startup delay Help
D5100:500 ms
D3100:400 ms
Lowest price Inexpensive Help
$499.99
Lens focus motor No focus motor Help
Won't autofocus with all lenses
Fastest shutter speed Slow max shutter speed Help
1/4000 of a second
Storage slots Fewer storage slots Help
1
Viewfinder coverage Below average viewfinder coverage Help
95%
Image stabilization No image stabilization Help
Risk of blur
Cross type focus points Few cross-type focus points Help
1
Panorama Neither camera stitches together panoramas Help
You could stitch photos in post
3D Neither camera can take 3D photos Help
No 3d support
Shutter lag Significant shutter lag Help
D5100:273 ms
D3100:279 ms
Light sensitivity Poor maximum light sensitivity Help
D5100:6,400 ISO
D3100:3,200 ISO
Continuous shooting Slow continuous shooting Help
D5100:4 fps
D3100:3 fps
Viewfinder size Below average viewfinder size Help
0.51x
Weather sealed Neither is weather sealed Help
Need to shelter it from weather

dxomark

DXOMark

competitors

Shared Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages
Canon Rebel T3i

Canon Rebel T3i

Entry-level DSLR

$619 - $700 body only

$745 - $1,000 with 18-55mm lens
True resolution Takes slightly higher resolution photos
Lens focus motor Has a built-in focus motor
Thickness Is thicker
Weight Is slightly heavier
Compare the Rebel T3i vs the D5100
Compare the Rebel T3i vs the D3100
Nikon D3200

Nikon D3200

Entry-level DSLR

$699 - $700 with 18-55mm lens
True resolution Takes much higher resolution photos
Compare the D3200 vs the D5100
Compare the D3200 vs the D3100
Canon EOS Rebel T2i

Canon Rebel T2i

Entry-level DSLR

$544 - $949 body only

$649 - $867 with 18-55mm lens
True resolution Takes slightly higher resolution photos
Size Is slightly smaller
Sensor size Has a marginally smaller sensor
Autofocus Lacks autofocus
Compare the Rebel T2i vs the D5100
Compare the Rebel T2i vs the D3100
Nikon D90

Nikon D90

Entry-level DSLR

$897 body only

$1,047 with 55-200mm lens
Viewfinder size Significantly larger viewfinder
Viewfinder Has higher quality type of viewfinder
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Thickness Is thicker
Compare the D90 vs the D5100
Compare the D90 vs the D3100
Canon Rebel T3

Canon Rebel T3

Entry-level DSLR

$333 body only

$489 - $500 with 18-55mm lens
Battery life Has a slightly longer battery life
Lens focus motor Has a built-in focus motor
Thickness Is thicker
Sensor cleaning Lacks a self cleaning sensor
Compare the Rebel T3 vs the D5100
Compare the Rebel T3 vs the D3100
Nikon D7000

Nikon D7000

Entry-level DSLR

$1,000 body only

$1,100 with 55-200mm lens
Viewfinder size Significantly larger viewfinder
Weather sealed Has a weather sealed body
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Thickness Is thicker
Compare the D7000 vs the D5100
Compare the D7000 vs the D3100
Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D

Pro DSLR

$848 - $1,304 body only

$1,177 - $1,342 with 18-135mm lens
Viewfinder size Slightly larger viewfinder
True resolution Takes slightly higher resolution photos
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Thickness Is thicker
Compare the EOS 60D vs the D5100
Compare the EOS 60D vs the D3100

Nikon D5100 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

No significant competitors found that are specific to the Nikon D5100.

Nikon D3100 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages
Nikon D3000

Nikon D3000

Entry-level DSLR

$449 with 18-55mm lens
Sensor size Larger sensor
Size Smaller
Low light performance Significantly more noise at high ISO
Movie format Does not take movies
Compare the D3000 vs the D3100

appearance

Nikon D5100 Nikon D3100
Nikon D5100 Nikon D3100
Nikon D5100 Nikon D3100

discussion

Showing 25 comments

Anupamr48 (10:01 AM, April 26, 2012)
Finally got my D5100 last week!! Superb camera! Thank you Snapsort for all the help.
Your comparisons and detailing helped me a lot during my camera research.

For those who are stuck between D3100 and D5100, here's what i have to say:

Buy the D5100. You'll outgrow D3100 faster + 1 reason that says all- Better picture quality!
 
Patrick (5:19 AM, March 30, 2012)
I was a complete novice to photography but chose the D5100. Absolutely awesome camera, auto mode is great for starting and then just fiddle around until you're happy. I love it!!
 
Anupamr48 (6:11 AM, March 29, 2012)
Till yesterday, i was quite sure to buy d3100. Then came into picture this d5100 which seemingly is better of the two. I have the budget to buy d5100. All i want to know is that, is d5100 worth the extra Rs. 10k ill put into it? Also for a complete begineer Guide Mode of d3100 is an attractive thing.
 
agrawalbharat87 (7:01 AM, February 27, 2012)
have been using the D3100 for more than 6 months..have also used a D5100..

i find the interface of d3100 as compared to d5100..it makes my image clicking experience so awesome, which d5100 comes no where close to..

and i would anyday choose the better interface over "slight" improvement in image quality, iso et al..

cheers,
bharat
 
Avatar for The_Badger The_Badger (4:39 AM, February 02, 2012)
I feel soo retarded! I bought the D3100 5 months ago. Not very long ago the prices dropped. Now I can get a D5100 for the price of a D3100 at that time.
 
Ebpaul23 (1:47 AM, January 10, 2012)
Hi Snapsort! I have heard nothing but great things about the D3100 but after reading a number of reviews on multiple sites regarding shutter issues I am a little worried. Is this a common problem in Nikons?
 
Usmankhalids (7:20 AM, December 19, 2011)
i bought the same in 899 from best buy
 
Avatar for ant.con ant.con (9:52 AM, December 12, 2011)
5100 o 3100 questo il dilemma elp me
 
Avatar for avi chatterjee avi chatterjee (1:39 PM, November 24, 2011)
Hi Smithson,

Please can u put some more light on the issue as I am bit confused in buying 3100 and put the xtra bucks on glass.
 
Kflucker (7:14 PM, November 17, 2011)
First off, this website is exactly what I needed.  Great site.

Good point!  Initally I had my heart on the D3100 but did more research on the D5100 and confused myself (so to speak).  So my question is, if money wasn't a factor which camera should one purchase? 

I ask that because I found that Costco has the D3100 with 18-55mm VR Lens + 55-200mm VR Lens, Training Pack Bundle, Two Training DVDs, Case and 4GB SD Card for $699.  Like I said, I was set on that until I researched the D5100 and found out that Costco also has for the D5100 with 18-55mm and 55-300mm VR lenses, case, 4G 30MB SD card, dvd and guide for $950 which seems to be a GREAT deal given that 300mm is almost $400 by itself. 

So for the $250 extra is it no question that I should get the D5100 package as described above?

Do any cameras come close to the D5100?  I saw the D7000 but that is out of my price range right now.  Hell the D5100 is pushing it but seems worth it from a value perspective.

Hopefully with classes, perfect practice and skill, the camera will pay for itself down the line regardless of which I get. 

Thank so much to all that reply. 

PS.  Sweet pic!
 
Jassy (2:42 PM, November 07, 2011)
I love taking beach,sunset photos which when is better I saw some comments and the said d3100 had better quality is this true?
 
Werner (4:47 PM, October 18, 2011)
I recently got the D3100... My opinion is that: 1. the most expensive part is and always will be the Lens you use. 2. The price vs photo quality ration between entry level and mid range is not enough to spend the money...(save your money for a decent lens)
unless you are comparing between entry and pro then (well you would not be here looking for info).

Conclusion: Today's entry level Nikon's are way better than 3 year old (or even less) pro level body's. So if you buy the best (expensive) today how long will it be that you see a new entry level at half the price that out performs yours!! 

Buy entry level and IF (and when) you become a better photographer then what your camera can offer...(by better I mean you are very comfortable to shoot your DSLR in manual and know what to expect)

This was shot with a D3100 and the kit lens 18-55mm (5 pics stitched) 
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (11:51 PM, October 11, 2011)
Hi Gilgapro, the pixel sizes for the D5100 and D3100 are 22.9 microns and 25.1 microns, see our specs page
 
Gilgapro (11:49 PM, October 11, 2011)
and the d5100 sensor is larger than the d3100 take a look at the specs.
 
Gilgapro (11:48 PM, October 11, 2011)
what are you talking about the d5100 sensor and pixel size is 16.1 and the d3100 is 14.2
 
Avatar for marquitablogs marquitablogs (6:55 PM, October 04, 2011)
so how is this debate coming along? iam also confused about this. i will be getting a dslr soon. and i am set to get a nikon but now choosing between

d3100 - i like the price and sample photos tried it at the shop and feel happy with it.
d5100- at the middle, not entry level and said to have room for upgrades. i am doubtful about image quality, is it far better than d3100??
d90- so costly but will then have more flexibility when i want to upgrade lens.

help me! i just really want to take photos for product shots such as bags, shoes and clothes in white bg and probably with a model or two. i do not plan to upgrade someday i just need decent pix clear enough to sell my items and also be good enough for our tarpaulin advertisement printing.
 
Reem (0:33 PM, October 03, 2011)
Hello Franz,

I noticed you mentioned you had both a D3100 and a D5100! I am new to digital SLR photography and decided to buy my
very first camera.

 


I’m aware of the differences between the D3100 and the
D5100 that sites and reviews are listing, but actually I’m a little confused which one I should start with! And since
you have both, I believe you’ll know better what obvious differences are really there, and maybe you're the best to advise me! I also thougt about the D90 and got myself even more confused!!!

I had an idea that maybe I can go with the
D3100 if there are no REAL differences, and invest more in lenses? What do you
think?
 
Franz (0:08 AM, September 20, 2011)
Hi John
I use the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR on both my nikon d3100 and d5100 and use mainly for action shots of aircraft and find it very good and very stable even at 300

cheers Franz (Australia)
 
Guest (4:56 PM, September 18, 2011)
SnapSORT.
 
Smithson (11:32 AM, September 17, 2011)
I have been recommending SNAPSHOT to friends and family for several weeks.  After purchasing a D3000, I found SNAPSHOT and given its review, I returned it and purchased a D3100. 

Since then I have done a lot of reading about DSLR cameras, specifically regarding sensors.  I was looking to upgrade from the D3100 to a D5100, but I now find a flaw regarding one critical issue.  Specifically regarding the D5100 vs D3100 comparison, I no longer believe SNAPSHOT's better image quality information.  Why?  Well, its simple.  The pixel size of the D5100 sensor is notably smaller than the pixel size of the D3100, and since sensor performance includes the ability to absorb colors in the light spectrum, a smaller pixel cannot possibly out-perform a larger one.  You only need to compare the sensors of FX versus DX cameras to begin to understand this fact.  As a result, with due respect to SNAPSHOT, I find the metrics from DXOMark to be seriously flawed since the D3100 and D5100 use the same lenses.  In short, there is simply no way the D5100 could rate an 80 (with its smaller pixel size and area) while the D3100 rates only a 67 with its larger pixel size and area.  Hell, if smaller pixel size were advantageous the price of point-and-shoot cameras would be 10X what they are today, and FX cameras would cost less than DX cameras. 

While several other quantifiable D5100 features make it extremely attractive, compared to the D3100, since we're taking photos and movies, it seems only reasonable to apply significant weight to the metrics from DXOMark and therefore I strongly believe the D3100 out-performs the D5100 per photo with its larger, spectrum capturing, pixels and sensor.

Of course, I am open to debate on this issue and I am prepared to share what several other manufacturers, including but not limited to Canon and Fuji had to say about the same "pixel-size" issue as it pertains to their cameras abilities to capture the highest quality images. 
 
Nuke_roch (7:20 AM, September 15, 2011)
I LOVE SNAPSHOT!! I'M TELLING EVERYBODY!!
 
Mohit (3:29 PM, August 26, 2011)
I picked up my D5100 some time back and ....I  am loving it :)
Thx guys.
 
Avatar for Jessica Del santo Jessica Del santo (11:13 AM, August 26, 2011)
La d3100 l'ho provata e sinceramente non mi è piaciuta.. comprerò la d5100 soprattutto per lo schermino che è di utilità!
 
Barneystevenwood (10:47 PM, August 06, 2011)
hey if you are still interested you should worry less about the camera and more about the glass (lenses) something that's fast (good aperture.)
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (2:19 PM, August 04, 2011)
The D5100 doesn't have the same Guide mode as the D3100 but it does have Scene mode which is like Auto on steroids (Scene mode well recognize 19 pre-programmed scenes)