D5100 vs D3100

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
There are several differences to consider when deciding whether to purchase the D5100 or D3100. The D3100 is more of a beginner DSLR and the D5100 is just a step before the semi-pro D7000.

First the differences:

They both have:
  • 11 AF Points
  • No in-body focus motor
  • Video auto-focus
  • SDXC card compability
  • CLS compatibility, but no commander mode
  • Plastic bodies
2352d1302010150-d5100-info-nikon-d5100-dslr-camera-side.jpeg


25472_D3100_left.png


http://nikonites.com/d5100/2498-d5100-vs-d5000.html
http://nikonites.com/d5100/2500-d5100-vs-d7000.html
http://nikonites.com/d3200/5672-nikon-d3200-vs-d5100.html
http://nikonites.com/d5100/2507-d5100-vs-d90.html
http://nikonites.com/d5200/9382-d5200-vs-d5100.html
 

ChrisM

New member
There are several differences to consider when deciding whether to purchase the D5100 or D3100. The D3100 is more of a beginner DSLR and the D5100 is just a step before the semi-pro D7000.

Out of curiosity, what makes the D5100 less of a beginner DSLR than the D3100?
 

jdeg

^ broke something
Staff member
Out of curiosity, what makes the D5100 less of a beginner DSLR than the D3100?

There's a couple more differences not listed above like the D5100 having more focus modes, exposure bracketing, white balance bracketing, the HDR feature, and more scene modes. I guess it's up to the purchaser if those features + the above are worth the extra $200.
 

ChrisM

New member
Thanks, I was just curious. I think if I ever upgrade (maybe that should say "when" I upgrade) i'll just take the big jump up to one of the pro Nikons.
 

CameraTester

New member
I think they now have a D5200, which seems like an awesome camera. I will have to look at it. I haven't done much looking. There should be a sticky comparing D5100 to D5200. That's if the D5200 is selling now.
 

pHoToDeMoN

Senior Member
I am pretty sure the D5200 is not available in the U.S. yet. From reviews it doesn't seem like much has changed from the D5100.
 

Pe11e

Senior Member
I migrated from D3100 to D5100, and it's the best decision! First of all LCD rotating screen is a gift from heaven for videographers (like me). Also I can now freely say that videos are a bit sharper than on D3100, and also ISO noise is less noticable on D5100 footage and photos. D3100 ISO 800 noise = D5100 ISO 1600 noise, per my tests. Also I installed custom firmware, so I can control aperture/ISO in M mode for videos, 54mbps bitrate, and also I now have lossless NEFs.
 
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