Updated (October, 2012): Compare the Nikon D5200 vs Nikon D3200

Nikon D5100

78

 
Nikon D3100

56

 
Winner

Nikon D5100

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
Movie format
Full HD
1080p @ 30fps
Color depth
Great color depth
23.5 bits
Dynamic range
Wide dynamic range
13 EV
Screen resolution
High resolution screen
920k dots
 
Runner-up

Nikon D3100

Reasons to buy the Nikon D3100

Movie format
Full HD
1080p @ 24fps
Movie continuous focus
Movie continuous focus
Makes it easy to get in-focus movies
Size
Really small
Prosumer size 124x96x73 mm
Thickness
Thin
2.9"
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
Screen resolution Much higher resolution screen 920k dots vs 230k dots
Help
4x higher resolution screen
Low light performance 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
External mic jack Has an external mic jack Yes vs No
Help
Record high quality audio with an external microphone
HDR Has in-camera HDR Yes vs No
Help
Combines multiple exposures to capture high dynamic range
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
Color depth Better color depth 23.5 bits vs 22.5 bits
Help
Distinguishes 1 more bits of color
Sensor size Larger sensor APS-C 23.6x15.6mm vs APS-C 23.1x15.4mm
Help
Almost the same
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
True resolution Higher true resolution 16.1 MP vs 14.2 MP
Help
Capture more than 10% more detail in your photos
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
Nikon D5100 Learn more about
the Nikon D5100

Advantages of the Nikon D3100

Size Smaller 124x96x73 mm vs 127x96x78 mm
Help
Around 10% smaller
Thickness Thinner 2.9" vs 3.1"
Help
Around 10% thinner
Startup delay Slightly less startup delay 400 ms vs 500 ms
Help
20% less delay when turning on
Weight Lighter 505 g vs 560 g
Help
Around 10% lighter
Lowest price Cheaper $399.00 vs $496.95
Help
The best price we've seen is $98 cheaper (around 20% less)
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
78 vs 56
Explain scores
Nikon D3100 Nikon D3100
Green arrow Snapsort recommends the Nikon D5100.

similarities

Compared to recent entry-level DSLRs

Common Strengths Common Weaknesses
Lens availability Many lenses available Help
169 lenses
Movie continuous focus Focus continuously recording movies Help
Makes it easy to get in-focus movies
Startup delay Minimal startup delay Help
D5100:500 ms
D3100:400 ms
Supports 24p 24p support Help
For that film look
Lowest price Inexpensive Help
D5100:$496.95
D3100:$399.00
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
Viewfinder coverage Below average viewfinder coverage Help
95%
Cross type focus points Few cross-type focus points Help
1
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
Panorama Neither camera stitches together panoramas Help
You could stitch photos in post
Shutter lag Significant shutter lag Help
D5100:273 ms
D3100:279 ms
Autofocus Slower contrast detection video autofocus Help
slower focusing
Image stabilization No image stabilization Help
Risk of blur
3D Neither camera can take 3D photos Help
No 3d support
Viewfinder size Below average viewfinder size Help
0.51x
True resolution Capture low resolution images Help
D5100:16.1 MP
D3100:14.2 MP
Weather sealed Neither is weather sealed Help
Need to shelter it from weather

dxomark

DXOMark

competitors

Shared Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

Nikon D3200

Nikon D3200

Entry-level DSLR

$547 with 18-55mm lens

True resolution Takes much higher resolution photos
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Thickness Is thicker
Canon Rebel T3i

Canon Rebel T3i

Entry-level DSLR

$549 body only

$599 - $649 with 18-55mm lens

True resolution Takes slightly higher resolution photos
Lens focus motor Has a built-in focus motor
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Thickness Is thicker
Canon Rebel T3

Canon Rebel T3

Entry-level DSLR

$332 body only

$449 - $499 with 18-55mm lens

Lens focus motor Has a built-in focus motor
Thickness Is thicker
Sensor cleaning Lacks a self cleaning sensor
Nikon D5200

Nikon D5200

Entry-level DSLR

$697 body only

$797 with 18-55mm lens

True resolution Takes much higher resolution photos
Focus points Has much more focus points
Lowest price Is significantly more expensive
Thickness Is thicker
Nikon D90

Nikon D90

Entry-level DSLR

$599 - $899 body only

$799 - $1,099 with 18-105mm lens

Viewfinder size Significantly larger viewfinder
Viewfinder Has higher quality type of viewfinder
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Thickness Is thicker
Canon 650D / T4i

Canon Rebel T4i

Entry-level DSLR

$699 - $800 body only

$749 with 18-55mm lens

True resolution Takes slightly higher resolution photos
Light sensitivity Slightly higher maximum light sensitivity
Lowest price Is significantly more expensive
Thickness Is thicker
Nikon D7000

Nikon D7000

Entry-level DSLR

$897 body only

$997 with 18-105mm lens

Viewfinder size Slightly larger viewfinder
Weather sealed Has a weather sealed body
Lowest price Is much more expensive
Thickness Is thicker

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

$436 with 18-55mm lens

Sensor size Larger sensor
Size Smaller
Movie format Does not take movies
Low light performance Significantly more noise at high ISO

appearance

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

discussion

Showing 25 comments

TeachingMama (4:23 AM, August 17, 2012)
Trying to decide which would be the best camera for my needs. I have only used simple point and shoot cameras thus far. The majority of my pictures are of children, pets, family gatherings, etc. Between the D3100 and the D5100, Costco is offering decent packages for either camera. Which camera would you recommend for my needs? Thanks!
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (9:35 PM, July 05, 2012)
Snapsort recommends the D5100 or D3200, both are good cameras, the D3200 is more beginner friendly. 

Stick with the kit lens to start, and then look to upgrade using our sister site LensHero.com.
 
Mb (9:22 PM, July 05, 2012)
Hii Snapsort....i want 2 buy DSLR.. as beginrs wht will u suggest D3100 or D5100? also suggest what kind of lense shall i buy wth camera? my photography based on nature ! kindly sugst me as early as possible......rgds......mb
 
moloy (9:10 PM, July 05, 2012)
werner hiii.....i am willingly to buy DSLR..what will u suggest D3100 or D5100?
 
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!!