Nikon
D5100
 vs
Nikon
D7000

Updated (February, 2013): Compare the Nikon D5200 vs Nikon D7100

Nikon D7000

92

  
Nikon D5100

78

  
Winner

Nikon D7000

Reasons to buy the Nikon D7000

Low light performance
 Low noise at high ISO
1,167 ISO
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
 
Runner-up

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
Color depth
 Great color depth
23.5 bits
Dynamic range
 Wide dynamic range
13 EV
Screen flips out
 Flip-out screen
Great for movies
Sensor size
 Large sensor
APS-C 23.6x15.6mm
 

differences

Advantages of the Nikon D5100
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
Size Smaller 127x96x78 mm vs 132x105x77 mm
Help
 Around 10% smaller
Weight Much lighter 560 g vs 780 g
Help
 Around 30% lighter
Lowest price Significantly cheaper $496.95 vs $896.95
Help
 The best price we've seen is $400 cheaper (more than 40% less)
Nikon D5100 Learn more about
the Nikon D5100

Advantages of the Nikon D7000
Weather sealed Weather sealed Yes vs No
Help
 Sealed to shoot in the rain
Focus points Many more focus points 39 vs 11
Help
 Set focus accurately within the frame
Battery life Significantly longer battery life 1050 shots vs 660 shots
Help
 Around 60% more shots per battery charge
Viewfinder size Significantly larger viewfinder 0.62x vs 0.51x
Help
 Around 50% larger viewfinder
Cross type focus points Significantly more cross-type focus points 9 vs 1
Help
 Grab focus in difficult situations
Viewfinder coverage Significantly 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
Storage slots Has more storage slots 2 vs 1
Help
 More slots allows storing more images without switching memory cards
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
Fastest shutter speed Much faster max shutter speed 1/8000s vs 1/4000s
Help
 2x faster max shutter speed
Startup delay Slightly less startup delay 400 ms vs 500 ms
Help
 20% less delay when turning on
Thickness 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
78 vs 92
Explain scores
Nikon D7000 Nikon D7000
Green arrow Snapsort recommends the Nikon D7000.

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
D7000:1,167 ISO
Overall image quality Good image quality Help
80.0
Lens availability Many lenses available Help
169 lenses
Movie continuous focus Focus continuously recording movies Help
Makes it easy to get in-focus movies
Sensor size Large sensors Help
APS-C 23.6x15.6mm
Startup delay Minimal startup delay Help
D5100:500 ms
D7000:400 ms
Supports 24p 24p support Help
For that film look
Light sensitivity Poor maximum light sensitivity Help
6,400 ISO
Panorama Neither camera stitches together panoramas Help
You could stitch photos in post
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
True resolution Capture low resolution images Help
16.1 MP

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
Size Is slightly smaller
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
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
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Thickness Is thicker
Compare the Rebel T3i vs the D5100
Compare the Rebel T3i vs the D7000
Nikon D7100

Nikon D7100

Entry-level DSLR

$1,197 body only

$1,497 with 18-105mm lens
Screen size Has a significantly larger screen
Screen resolution Has a slightly higher resolution screen
Lowest price Is much more expensive
Weight Is slightly heavier
Compare the D7100 vs the D5100
Compare the D7100 vs the D7000
Nikon D5200

Nikon D5200

Entry-level DSLR

$697 body only

$797 with 18-55mm lens
True resolution Takes much higher resolution photos
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Compare the D5200 vs the D5100
Compare the D5200 vs the D7000
Nikon D90

Nikon D90

Entry-level DSLR

$599 - $899 body only

$799 - $1,099 with 18-105mm lens
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Weight Is significantly heavier
Compare the D90 vs the D5100
Compare the D90 vs the D7000
Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D

Pro DSLR

$699 - $899 body only

$999 - $1,279 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
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
Fastest shutter speed Has a slower max shutter speed
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Compare the Rebel T4i vs the D5100
Compare the Rebel T4i 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

$1,200 - $1,697 body only

$2,227 with 85mm lens
Cross type focus points Significantly more cross-type focus points
Focus points More focus points
Movie format Lower resolution movies
Low light performance Significantly more noise at high ISO
Compare the D300S vs the D7000

appearance

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

discussion

Showing 25 comments

Hosein (10:29 PM, April 14, 2013)
Hi,

I have D5100 for nearly one year. It is a perfect camera for beginners. I definitely recommend you to save your money for lenses. D7000 is for sure better than D5100 but if your budget is limited, don't waste your money for the body. I'm sure using good glasses you can perform much better with D5100 than D7000 with bad glasses.
 
Navid (5:39 AM, March 01, 2013)
Well, there is hardly any difference in snaps of D5100 & D7000.And what I have found out D5100 performs better in most of the cases.It seems unbelievable but it is it in reality.I have both, and what I have found out results of D5100 are always much better, I don't know why.
 
Avatar for Ehdz Ram Ehdz Ram (8:21 AM, February 12, 2013)
Well this comparisson will not end. Which one is the best between the two camera. Most of the people here are just sharing their opinion but didn't actually applied it in reality. If we compare function to function of both camera, what's the difference?
Here are some throw away question that everyone may consider in choosing both camera:
* Are the image quality different for both camera with the same lense, same ISO setting, same shutter speed and apperture setting?
* Do you need your camera to be expose in a dusty or even a high humid area to take photo so you need to be weather sealed?
* Do you always shoot under the rain or dusty condition?
* Do you need a higher than 4 frames per second to take a photo in sports mode?
* Are this qualities you are looking and bragging for produce great shots?
OR....
* You want the D7000 because you want to show to every one that your more of a professional photographer...isn't it?
* You became more of a professional photographer because you got a mid pro gear?
* You can use some of the old lense because D7000 have a built in motor and and D5100 doesn't have, but do you really need to use it?
Well to be frankly speaking, even a point and shoot dummy digital camera produce such a stunning photo. Cameras are just tools, photographer and skills creates good photos. IMHO, better buy a camera that you can afford and try to master your techniques in taking good photos.
Cheers to all...
 
Thom (8:06 PM, January 23, 2013)
i found this great article of D5100 VS D7000
http://www.d5100dslr.com/versus/d5100-d7000/
 
Avatar for Uthmaan Uthmaan (9:55 PM, December 06, 2012)
Do you have samples of D5100 with kit lens?
 
Mirzamahmad (10:31 PM, July 13, 2012)
Which one did u buy i m choosing these days and i cant decide!
 
Kmlovette (3:01 AM, June 26, 2012)
hi,
did you try the 18-55 lens on the d5100 and the d7000....i have heard that lens is really a sharp lens.
the kit lens i have with the d80  18-135 is not that sharp and noticed using a friend's d60 with the 18-55 lens
that her photos were amazingly sharp.
 
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.