Nikon
D5100
 vs
Nikon
D3100

Nikon D5100

76
Winner

Nikon D5100
"On the whole the D5100's movies are look great, with smooth motion and impressively low noise in dim light."
dpreview.com | talking about the D5100's video-quality
"Its body design is smaller and neater than its predecessor's and key controls fall easily to hand."
dpreview.com | talking about the D5100's feel

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
13.6 EV
Screen resolution
 High resolution screen
920k dots
Screen flips out
 Flip-out screen
Great for movies
Nikon D3100

54
Runner-up

Nikon D3100
"There's no doubt that the D3100 is one of the best entry-level SLRs available, offering very good image quality coupled with speedy operation and straightforward handling - at least for conventional eye-level use."
dpreview.com | talking about the D3100's overall-performance
"High ISO performance is substantially improved over the D3000, to the extent that images shot at sensitivities as high as 3200 are eminently useable"
dpreview.com | talking about the D3100's iso-noise

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 13.6 EV vs 11.3 EV
Help
 2.3 f-stops more dynamic range
Screen resolution Significantly 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
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
Color depth Better color depth 23.5 bits vs 22.5 bits
Help
 Distinguishes 1 more bits of color
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
Continuous shooting Shoots faster 4 fps vs 3 fps
Help
 More than 30% faster continuous shooting
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
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
Startup delay Less startup delay 400 ms vs 500 ms
Help
 20% less delay when turning on
Size Smaller 124x96x73 mm vs 127x96x78 mm
Help
 Around 10% smaller
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.

performance Which camera has better performance? Cast your vote!

NikonD5100
 Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3100
NikonD3100
Uses Travel score Travel
On holiday or vacation
402
331
Vote Vote
Sports score Sports
Fast action, sometimes indoors
412
243
Vote Vote
Features Color accuracy Color accuracy
White balance in varied lighting
403
251
Vote Vote
Autofocus peformance Still image focusing
Speed and accuracy
374
249
Vote Vote
Autofocus performance Video focusing
Speed and accuracy
377
250
Vote Vote
Manual controls Manual settings
How quickly and easily you can change settings
371
261
Vote Vote
Build quality Build quality
Is it sturdy, well made, plastic or metal
379
257
Vote Vote
Green arrow Join in the discussion below!

similarities

Compared to recent entry-level DSLRs

Common Strengths Common Weaknesses
Low light performance Relatively low noise at high ISO Help
D5100:1,183 ISO
D3100:919 ISO
Movie format Full HD (1080p) video Help
D5100:1080p @ 30fps
D3100:1080p @ 24fps
Lens availability Many lenses available Help
169 lenses
Screen size Larger than average screens Help
3.0"
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
Autofocus Both use faster contrast detection autofocus Help
Contrast detection
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
Shutter lag Significant shutter lag Help
D5100:273 ms
D3100:279 ms
Panorama Neither camera stitches together panoramas Help
You could stitch photos in post
3D Neither camera can take 3D photos Help
No 3d support
Continuous shooting Slow continuous shooting Help
D5100:4 fps
D3100:3 fps
Light sensitivity Poor maximum light sensitivity Help
D5100:6,400 ISO
D3100:3,200 ISO
Viewfinder size Below average viewfinder size Help
0.51x

dxomark

DXOMark

competitors

Shared Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages
Canon Rebel T3i

Canon Rebel T3i

Entry-level DSLR

$609 - $800 body only

$709 - $850 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
Canon EOS Rebel T2i

Canon Rebel T2i

Entry-level DSLR

$499 - $949 body only

$579 - $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

$869 - $897 body only

$1,099 - $1,200 with 18-105mm lens
Viewfinder size Much larger viewfinder
Viewfinder Has higher quality type of viewfinder
Weight Is significantly heavier
Size Is slightly larger
Compare the D90 vs the D5100
Compare the D90 vs the D3100
Nikon D7000

Nikon D7000

Entry-level DSLR

$1,097 - $1,199 body only

$1,227 with 55-200mm lens
Viewfinder size Significantly larger viewfinder
Weather sealed Has a weather sealed body
Weight Is much heavier
Size Is slightly larger
Compare the D7000 vs the D5100
Compare the D7000 vs the D3100
Canon Rebel T3

Canon Rebel T3

Entry-level DSLR

$379 body only

$479 - $554 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
Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D

Pro DSLR

$897 - $1,304 body only

$1,130 - $1,342 with 18-135mm lens
Viewfinder size Significantly larger viewfinder
True resolution Takes slightly higher resolution photos
Thickness Is thicker
Weight Is much heavier
Compare the EOS 60D vs the D5100
Compare the EOS 60D vs the D3100
Nikon D5000

Nikon D5000

Entry-level DSLR

$997 with 18-55mm lens
Thickness Is thicker
Weight Is slightly heavier
Compare the D5000 vs the D5100
Compare the D5000 vs the D3100

Nikon D5100 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

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

Nikon D3100 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

No significant competitors found that are specific to the Nikon D3100.

appearance

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

Find similar cameras

Here are some links to help you find other cameras with similar features to both of these:

discussion Which do you think is better?

Speech is free, but discussion at Snapsort is moderated! Please discuss your opinion of these cameras here, and discuss feedback for Snapsort at our support community.

Showing 25 comments

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)
 
Avatar for TheNicole2016 TheNicole2016 (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)
 
Ando (0:33 PM, August 04, 2011)
Great Website - extremely helpful. I'm new to DSLR photography and looking at buying a Nikon D5100, however I wanted to confirm whether or not it has Guide Mode like the D3100. I'm keen on the extra performance of the D5100, but guide mode for a newbie is pretty attractive. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Avatar for Lucian Armasu Lucian Armasu (9:31 AM, July 20, 2011)
I agree. Your site is just awesome. Very helpful for newbies wanting to buy a DSLR and helping them decide which is best for them in their price range. Good job.
 
john (1:54 PM, July 05, 2011)
And what about the D90? The image quality seems to be quite close to that of the D5100. The D5100 has got a better sensor but with the D90 you have much more control (iso, wb, AF mode, shooting mode,...) without having to go trough different menus I think. Am I right?

And the D90 got an autofocus motor, does this make its  AF faster?  
I don't think the video mode is that important form me. It's the image quality and the controls that matters to me. Is the sensor in the D5100 much better than the D90's?
Isn't the D90 a better deal if I want to get into photography?

(I'm sorry for al those questions, but I really can't choose. I'm not even sure I will be allowed to buy one)
 
john (3:06 PM, July 04, 2011)
The lens came with a D50, so I think it's an AF-S but I will check that later.

Probably I will first buy a telelens and use it with my father's D50 until I got my own DSLR (maybe next year because my parents don't allow me to buy one now, I bought a P100 6 months ago, but I regret I didn't buy a DSLR)
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR seems to be a good lens for not to much money.
Can anybody confirm that? Is it good or not?
I didn't find any other ...-300mm (or more) lenses with image stabilisation for less than €300.