Nikon
D5100
 vs
Nikon
D7000

Nikon D7000

91
Winner

Nikon D7000
"The D7000's Live View is certainly quite functional as a basic means of framing for stills and video shooting, as long as you understand its limitations"
dpreview.com | talking about the D7000's video-quality
"The D7000 is very similar to the D90. This makes it an easy upgrade for D90 users that want a more 'serious' camera, but don't have the inclination to relearn a whole new ergonomics."
dpreview.com | talking about the D7000's feel

Reasons to buy the Nikon D7000

Overall image quality
 Great image quality
80.0
Color depth
 Great color depth
23.5 bits
Dynamic range
 Wide dynamic range
13.9 EV
Viewfinder size
 Large viewfinder
0.62x
Weather sealed
 Weather sealed
Shoot in extreme weather
Continuous shooting
 Rapid fire
6 fps
Nikon D5100

76
Runner-up

Nikon D5100
"Sophisticated AF system for the price"
dpreview.com | talking about the D5100's auto-focus
"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

Reasons to buy the Nikon D5100

Overall image quality
 Great image quality
80.0
Color depth
 Great color depth
23.5 bits
Dynamic range
 Wide dynamic range
13 EV
Screen flips out
 Flip-out screen
Great for movies
HDR
 In-camera HDR
Combines multiple exposures
Movie continuous focus
 Movie continuous focus
Makes it easy to get in-focus movies

differences

Advantages of the Nikon D5100
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
Weight Much lighter 560 g vs 780 g
Help
 Around 30% lighter
Size Smaller 127x96x78 mm vs 132x105x77 mm
Help
 Around 10% smaller
Lowest price Cheaper $499.99 vs $999.99
Help
 The best price we've seen is $500 cheaper (2x less)
Nikon D5100 Learn more about
the Nikon D5100

Advantages of the Nikon D7000
Focus points Many more focus points 39 vs 11
Help
 Set focus accurately within the frame
Weather sealed Weather sealed Yes vs No
Help
 Sealed to shoot in the rain
Cross type focus points Many more cross-type focus points 9 vs 1
Help
 Grab focus in difficult situations
Viewfinder size Significantly larger viewfinder 0.62x vs 0.51x
Help
 Around 50% larger viewfinder
Battery life Significantly longer battery life 1050 shots vs 660 shots
Help
 Around 60% more shots per battery charge
Viewfinder coverage Much better viewfinder coverage 100% vs 95%
Help
 Around 10% better viewfinder coverage
Continuous shooting Shoots faster 6 fps vs 4 fps
Help
 50% faster continuous shooting
Dynamic range More dynamic range 13.9 EV vs 13 EV
Help
 0.9 f-stops more dynamic range
Lens focus motor Has a built-in focus motor Yes vs No
Help
 Autofocuses with all autofocus lenses
Viewfinder Has a pentaprism viewfinder Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
Help
 Pentaprism viewfinders are typically brighter
Shutter lag Less shutter lag 238 ms vs 273 ms
Help
 More than 10% less delay when taking photos
Storage slots Has more storage slots 2 vs 1
Help
 More slots allows storing more images without switching memory cards
Startup delay Slightly less startup delay 400 ms vs 500 ms
Help
 20% less delay when turning on
Fastest shutter speed Much faster max shutter speed 1/8000s vs 1/4000s
Help
 2x faster max shutter speed
Thickness Slightly thinner 3" vs 3.1"
Help
 Almost the same
Nikon D7000 Learn more about
the Nikon D7000
vs

recommendations

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

Nikon D5100 Nikon D5100
76 vs 91
Explain scores
Nikon D7000 Nikon D7000
Green arrow Snapsort recommends the Nikon D7000.

advice

Need help deciding?

Ask the community!
I am considering either the D5100 or the D7000,
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)

Popular tags:

Are you a camera expert? Share your knowledge!
2
votes
by Aidan-McCarthy last month
Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D7000

I have been acting in videos for years, but I want to direct in this. I consider my self a definit...

17 people recommend the Nikon D5100:

" tight on money  - defaults to d5100"

" Less price for almost same quality,the flip out screen add fun to filming .......and great choic..."

" If you are looking at going the DLSR route, get the Nikon D5100. It has a moving screen like cam..."
3
votes
by Colin-Carmichael last week
Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D7000

I'm changing jobs at the end of the month and have to give up the D5100 I've been using for six ...

12 people recommend the Nikon D7000:

" So I ended up with a D7000 - but a new one! Photoprice.ca found me a new body-only D7000 for les..."

" I had the 5100, liked a lot the pictures, but always had to take my eye off the EVF to do any ad..."

"Well, it really depends on two things: your budget how long do you see yourself in the camera you ..."
12 people recommend the Nikon D5100:

" if you are into photography business - better go for d7000 and that too a new one as the amount ..."

" If you were absolutely happy with the D5100 I see no reason to go for something else. The rule o..."

" If you can score a gently used/refurbished D7000 for little more than D5100, go for it.  Not sur..."
1
votes
by Bob-Crnkovich last week
Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D7000

Really looking to replace D70 which I've had for 6+ yrs.  Looking for more quality in my images ...

8 people recommend the Nikon D7000:

" I do not see from your post where exactly is D70 not satisfying enough for you. What kind of qua..."

" I am going to buy the Nikon D7000 myself soon, I have tried both the D5100 and the D7000... both..."

" If you have older Nikon autofocus (without SWM in the lens) lenses that you want to use, then D7..."
8 people recommend the Nikon D5100:

" d7000 for a serious photography business; d5100 if u do not have old lenses and do not require c..."

" D5100. Same picture quality, half the price to invest in lenses."
2
votes
by Rafael-Torres last month
Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D7000

I have been using the Nikon D60 for about 8 months now and I'm looking for a solid Nikon to upgrad...

4 people recommend the Nikon D7000:

" The D7000 wins out all the way.. After a month of using the D5100 you will look back and regret ..."

" I have a D5100 and I'm very pleased with it. I also have a friend who has a D7000 and although t..."
4 people recommend the Nikon D5100:

" Pick the D5100. Apparently you liked it, so why go for something else which you are not sure abo..."

"I'd recommend the Nikon D5100, which will give you extra money for lenses. Getting a lens like the..."
0
votes
by Emil-Burton-Clausen last month
Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D7000

I am a beginner that wants a very good camera to its price. By budget is about 600 - 700 dollars

3 people recommend the Nikon D5100:

" Based on your budget, you don't really have a choice. If you are into video, read more on that. ..."

" D5100 since your budget is about 600-700 and your purpose is just to hobby"

"The D7000 is outside of your budget. So the winner is the D5100 by default. And you'll find the D5..."

similarities

Compared to recent entry-level DSLRs

Common Strengths Common Weaknesses
Low light performance Very low noise at high ISO Help
D5100:1,183 ISO
D7000:1,167 ISO
Overall image quality Good image quality Help
80.0
Color depth Good color depth Help
23.5 bits
Dynamic range Good dynamic range Help
D5100:13 EV
D7000:13.9 EV
Movie format Full HD (1080p) video Help
D5100:1080p @ 30fps
D7000:1080p @ 24fps
Lens availability Many lenses available Help
169 lenses
Screen resolution High resolution screens Help
920k dots
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
D7000:400 ms
Light sensitivity (boost) Very good boost ISO Help
25,600 ISO
Image stabilization No image stabilization Help
Risk of blur
Panorama Neither camera stitches together panoramas Help
You could stitch photos in post
3D Neither camera can take 3D photos Help
No 3d support
Light sensitivity Poor maximum light sensitivity Help
6,400 ISO

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
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Light sensitivity (boost) Slightly lower boost light sensitivity
Compare the Rebel T3i vs the D5100
Compare the Rebel T3i vs the D7000
Nikon D3200

Nikon D3200

Entry-level DSLR

$699 - $700 with 18-55mm lens
True resolution Takes much higher resolution photos
Weight Is slightly lighter
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Light sensitivity (boost) Slightly lower boost light sensitivity
Compare the D3200 vs the D5100
Compare the D3200 vs the D7000
Nikon D90

Nikon D90

Entry-level DSLR

$897 body only

$1,047 with 55-200mm lens
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Compare the D90 vs the D5100
Compare the D90 vs the D7000
Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D

Pro DSLR

$848 - $1,304 body only

$1,177 - $1,342 with 18-135mm lens
True resolution Takes slightly higher resolution photos
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Weight Is significantly heavier
Compare the EOS 60D vs the D5100
Compare the EOS 60D vs the D7000
Nikon D3100

Nikon D3100

Entry-level DSLR

$500 - $547 with 18-55mm lens
Size Is slightly smaller
Thickness Is thinner
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Light sensitivity (boost) Slightly lower boost light sensitivity
Compare the D3100 vs the D5100
Compare the D3100 vs the D7000
Canon EOS 7D

Canon EOS 7D

Pro DSLR

$1,549 - $1,821 body only

$1,500 - $1,849 with 18-135mm lens
True resolution Takes slightly higher resolution photos
Continuous shooting Shoots faster continuously
Lowest price Is significantly more expensive
Weight Is much heavier
Compare the EOS 7D vs the D5100
Compare the EOS 7D vs the D7000
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 significantly smaller
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Light sensitivity (boost) Slightly lower boost light sensitivity
Compare the Rebel T2i vs the D5100
Compare the Rebel T2i vs the D7000

Nikon D5100 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

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

Nikon D7000 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages
Nikon D300S

Nikon D300S

Pro DSLR

$1,690 - $1,700 body only

$2,547 - $4,295 with 18-200mm lens
Focus points Significantly more focus points
Cross type focus points Significantly more cross-type focus points
Low light performance Significantly more noise at high ISO
Overall image quality Significantly worse image quality
Compare the D300S vs the D7000

appearance

Nikon D5100 Nikon D7000
Nikon D5100 Nikon D7000
Nikon D5100 Nikon D7000

discussion

Showing 25 comments

KC (4:44 PM, April 25, 2012)
I'm an enthusiastic photographer with limited skills.  I travel quite a bit and spend a lot of time hiking in the mountains.  I take a ton of landscape and waterfall photography.  I've gotten into HDR photography over the last 18 months or so and am looking to upgrade from my current Nikon.  I'm debating between the D5100 and the D7000.  Obviously the D7000 seems to be the logical choice, but I'm interested in the in-camera HDR feature that the D5100 has.  As I do hike quite a bit, the weight is also of interest to me.  I'm also looking to upgrade my wide angle lens.  Anything recommended?  
 
Awong (1:06 AM, February 26, 2012)
changing ISO in D5100 is harder than D7000
 
Faye (7:26 PM, February 25, 2012)
I'm looking to buy my first camera - so I have a really low budget. Obviously the best is D7000, and frankly I'm in love with it. I'll never be able to afford it with any lenses though. With the right lenses, will the D5100 produce pictures to rival the D7000 and make up for the missing settings? Or do I have to settle with being content with investing in lenses rather than cameras (which are always improving, so I feel like good lenses will last longer competitively than the actual cameras)?
 
Parthapp5397 (1:24 PM, February 18, 2012)
Can I use my Nikon 18-135 SWM lens ( which was originally supplied with D80 and then  discontinued ) with Nikon D5100 ? Will I face any difficulties in focussing in movie mode ?
 
Chtoulios (3:08 PM, February 06, 2012)
With nikon whether you buy d80 or d3 you get more or less the same colours.
 
No focus motor not a big deal (0:42 AM, February 05, 2012)
Most of my family photos use afs lens like 18-55mm works great and have sharp photos.
If I am shooting lanscapes, I have plenty of time to manually focus non AFS lens.
Most of time, this gave better photos than rely on auto focus, that is spot metering and aperature priority.
So not having focus is not a big hinder for me.
With the extra dough I have. Rather go out and buy prime lens.
Just remember the camera depreciate but prime lenses appreciate ovrr time! !!
 
Avatar for Norhajjar Norhajjar (11:43 PM, January 09, 2012)
Hi Camro, I just got my nikon D5100. Your post was 5 mos ago but if you are still interested for the sample photo of D5100 here's the link click here
 
Agner85 (0:46 AM, December 20, 2011)
add  30fps for video in d5100 advantage
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (3:09 PM, November 28, 2011)
You will be able to use older lenses with both cameras but you will not be able to autofocus with the older lens with the D5100 because it doesn't have a built in focus motor. The D7000 dose have a built in focus motor. 
 
Hinesmegator (3:04 PM, November 28, 2011)
Question:  Will the 5100 and 7000 both allow me to use older model lenses from film cameras?
 
Sasikanth Nimmagadda (5:16 AM, October 31, 2011)
Thanks a lot J Lush, for your comments..
 
J Lush (9:34 PM, October 30, 2011)
Questions on D7000
1. Weather sealed ? What does it mean. Dust Proof ?
(OR) Rain Proof ? (OR) Both Dust & Rain proof ? Any mentions,
anywhere by Nikon.?
The D7000 has weather sealing against dust and rain, but it is not 100%, so I would try to keep it dry, and not too dusty. Also, most Nikon lenses have minimal weather sealing. For maximum weather sealing get a Pentax K-5. The D5100 has minimal protection, so keep it dry and dust free.

2. What Lens?
  a. It has Built-in AF motor.
So should i go for non-AF lens.? Any negatives of using non-AF with
D7000 ? Does it degrade any features of D7000?
Get AF (auto-focus) lenses, all will work with the D7000, no disadvantages.

  b. Any positives of AF-S lens on D7000 or is it same as using non-AF lens?
AF-S lenses have superior AF performance, and are quieter.

3. Is there a way work-around to acheive the below mentioned features of D5100 in the D7000?
  a. Slow-motion video in D7000.? I like it. I want it. Any suggestions ?
Don't think D5100 has built in slo-mo, but you could use software.

  b. Miniature effect in D7000.? I like it. I want it. Any suggestions ?
Again some software will have this functionality, google tiltshiftmaker.

  c. Do I have to really worry about HDR feature in D7000. ? how helpful is it?
Not as good as using dedicated software like Photoshop.

6. Do i miss any other features of D5100 in D7000 ?
Look at the missing feature list and see if you need any of them.

Questions on D5100
1. ABOUT VIDEO : Considering my video requirements as shooting family functions at home, videos of new born, family outings.
   a.Heard that there is no Manual Exposure settings in video mode. How bad is it for a user like me.
For most people this is probably not essential.

  
b.How better is the 30fps video than the 24fps for a user like me.. Can
i really find any difference on my 24-inch Full HD LED monitor.
You might find 30fps has a smoother look.

2. Which lens would you recommend ?
The kit 18-55 VR lens is reasonable. The 18-200 VR lens is excellent but expensive.

3.
Flexi LCD : when using cam at diff angles, handling cam is difficult,
thereby taking shot is complex, it would obviously shake. Is this
feature a real-time win advantage?
This is an advantage. The only disadvantages is that it might make the the camera less robust, which is why I think the D7000 doesn't have it. Also, less room for buttons.
 
Kautilyasave (5:11 PM, October 23, 2011)
find similar cameras ........third line is wrong i guess it shld be....record movies at1080p@24:disqus ,30fps.....
 
John Hugger (9:09 AM, October 15, 2011)
@KAK, that's just a wrong thing to say. Some older Nikkor lenses are amazing but they do depend on an on-camera AF-Motor to autofocus.
 
wampier (8:18 PM, October 07, 2011)
I have seen the horrible video quality on the AF D7000, what is it like taking it off of Auto?? Does the D5100 use the same AF video system?  Debating over the 60D or the D7000.  Dont need the pro aspects so the D5100 should fall right into place.
 
jacobc (10:00 AM, September 22, 2011)
How about the swivel screen? Do they both have that?
And isn't it an advantage for the D5100 that it can shoot video at 30fps while the D7000 can only shoot at 24fps?
:s This is a hard choice. Reckon these things matter too much? I wanna do video and photo :s
Help!
 
rainman (11:22 PM, September 15, 2011)
I want to buy D7000 sooo much, but i think i'll buy D5100.Please help me ,what should i do?
I love D7000 ,but expensive.I don't have any lenses,any accessories etc. i'll also pay extra money for them
D5100
have many interesting features, selective color efect is very cool
(video&photo).But D7000 looks more
professional,strong,bigger,heavier,lcd screen on the top,autofocus motor
etc.
   I need autofocus motor?No,AF-S lens i can buy.
   I need bigger&heavier camera?Why not,feels great,but more expensive,hmmm!!!
  
I need lcd screen on the top?I really dont know,i have never used a cam
with that screen,but d5100 and d3100 have newer menu system,it shows
aperture ,aperture not only numbers but also a circle picture and new
"I" button helps you to change many functions.You dont need super
complicated menu system.Even easier than Canon.
   No bracketing
button like D7000.From that menu i can change.I want HDR photos.I still
have bracketing ,but not button.Maybe i can use "Fn" button as
bracketing button?I dont know.But first DSLR cam with HDR function in
camera.Cool.But only two steps.Not problem ,if i dont like i can use
bracketing function.
   Effects,not all of them (i didnt like
miniature effect) but SELECTIVE COLOR.I LOVED IT!!I can take many
videos,many photos,i dont need post processing for that.Search some
videos from You tube.
    Today i went to shop to look D5100 not so small ,maybe even its much better for travelling and carrying everywhere.
  So should i buy D5100??OR still i should buy D7000??
 
I am not professional ,i have never had a DSLR camera ,it will be my
first camera, so what should i do?And minimum 5 years i can't buy new
camera,If i can't be professional photographer with this camera and gain
some money from my photos:)
   How do i know everything about those
cameras?Last days i watched more than hundred videos about SLR cameras.I
even watched hundred UNBOXING,"VS",HOW TO USE etc videos ,i've read
thousands of review about many camera, about many functions.
   Finally i will buy Nikon ,but D7000 OR D5100 , i am not sure :(((
     Thank you for listening.Pls reply ,and i wonder is there anybody who feels same about those two cameras??
 
Sasikanth Nimmagadda (10:59 PM, September 10, 2011)
Hello Snapsort and Other users.,

I need to clarify some doubts before deciding on buying one of these. Please help me with your answers.

Questions on D7000
1. Weather sealed ? What does it mean. Dust Proof ? (OR) Rain Proof ? (OR) Both Dust & Rain proof ? Any mentions, anywhere by Nikon.?
2. What Lens?
  a. It has Built-in AF motor. So should i go for non-AF lens.? Any negatives of using non-AF with D7000 ? Does it degrade any features of D7000?
  b. Any positives of AF-S lens on D7000 or is it same as using non-AF lens?
3. Is there a way work-around to acheive the below mentioned features of D5100 in the D7000?
  a. Slow-motion video in D7000.? I like it. I want it. Any suggestions ?
  b. Miniature effect in D7000.? I like it. I want it. Any suggestions ?
  c. Do I have to really worry about HDR feature in D7000. ? how helpful is it?
6. Do i miss any other features of D5100 in D7000 ?


Questions on D5100
1. ABOUT VIDEO : Considering my video requirements as shooting family functions at home, videos of new born, family outings.
   a.Heard that there is no Manual Exposure settings in video mode. How bad is it for a user like me.
   b.How better is the 30fps video than the 24fps for a user like me.. Can i really find any difference on my 24-inch Full HD LED monitor.
2. Which lens would you recommend ?
3. Flexi LCD : when using cam at diff angles, handling cam is difficult, thereby taking shot is complex, it would obviously shake. Is this feature a real-time win advantage?


Common questions :
1. I am thinking to opt for Remote control. I like the feature. Which one to use? ML-L3(Infrared)? Any feedback from its users.
2. MEMORY CARD : Your recommendations - which class 4,6,10? which Type-SDHC,SDXC.?
3. any specific tripod model suggested for beginners.
4. Lens Hood ?
5. Lens cleaning = Nikon 7072 Lens Pen Cleaning System (OR) Giottos AA1900 Rocket Air Blaster Large
6. Any ADDITIONAL 2 yrs warranty. Anyone suggests taking this up.


Thanks a lot for reading through a long post. Waiting for your suggestions and feedback.
 
Arri (11:19 PM, August 29, 2011)
 D5100 does NOT have manual control over video operating. That is quite bad thing.  D7000 has.
 
Lukas (10:05 AM, August 26, 2011)
LOL I hope you aren't implying that someone should test dropping the camera, or splashing it with a liquid. Im sure you meant someone should take a photo of these events. If not then you sir are bonkers!
 
Prabhjot Singh1981 (4:23 AM, August 26, 2011)
Yeah the d5100 is a little over $750 retail, not $85..for 400 bucks more you get a much faster and new camera.
 
Prabhjot Singh1981 (4:18 AM, August 26, 2011)
Wrong price for d5000..that price doesn't have the camera
 
photographer 1234567890 (10:45 PM, August 13, 2011)
Not an option for me, as Sony feels that Canada (where I live) is not important enough to release the A580 in.  The also charge hundreds of dollars more for their lenses etc. in Canada, even though our dollar is equal to or worth more than the U.S. dollar.  Sony is the only camera company to do this.
 
photographer 1234567890 (10:26 PM, August 13, 2011)
Also, a 6mp camera does not have the resolution to reveal flaws, whereas the newer 16mp cameras reveal more of what is there.  If it is something nice, it looks nicer and if it is a flaw it looks worse.  Think of it like a magnifying glass.  On a computer monitor a D40 with less mp and a kit lens, may actually look more pleasing due to its less revealing mp.  To truly see its potential, you need to look at the whole large file, or make 8X10 prints.

Also, to remove the question of different lens optics from the equation, when judging a camera's image quality, you need to test both cameras with the same lens and preferably with a prime lens (which is way sharper than a low priced kit lens).

(P.S.  In my above comment I hit "post" before proof-reading it and missed that I wrote "non" twice.  It should read "The 18-55 non VR lens...)
 
photographer 1234567890 (9:52 PM, August 13, 2011)
The non 18-55 non VR lens has ED glass, while the newer VR  version does not.  To keep the price afordable Nikon streemlined the optics in the VR version.  That is to say that you have a better lens on your D40.