Everyone is wondering about the new Nikon D5100 released in April of earlier this year. As the same digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera used in the striking short film, “Fragments,” it has warranted a lot of attention—not to mention the use of this exact camera to film its own TV ads, starring the “one and only” Ashton Kutcher, as well.
Those of you thinking about upgrading from the Nikon D3100 or trying to decide which to start off with out of the two are no doubt asking yourselves, “Is there anything to all this buzz?”
There’s no doubt about it—when it comes to top of the line DLSR cameras, no one breaks it down like Nikon. And DSLRs are the top choice for many professional photographers due to their accurate pre-exposure previews and interchangeable lenses.
Nikon D3100 vs D5100: So honestly, how can you go wrong with either?
The D3100 itself has enjoyed extreme popularity as a top of the line entry-level camera since it introduced the Expeed II processer, allowing image and video processing speeds a world apart from the previous processor.
And the D5100 leverages that same technology, but how else do they measure up?
Well, the most important digital camera feature for most photographers is the sensor, so let’s start there.
The D5100 comes with the 16.1 megapixel 23.6 x 15.6 mm sensor while the Nikon D3100 holds a 14.2 megapixel 23.1 x 15.4 mm sensor—certainly a contrast though not one of extremely epic proportions. But for some seriously variable photography, the D5100 can be adjusted from a crystal clear ISO 100 all the way up to 6400, exactly twice that of the D3100, and with some boosting can reach an impressive 1S0 25600.
So while the megapixel difference is only somewhat substantial, the whole package creates an extremely versatile camera.
Besides that, the Nikon D5100 has a better dynamic range, twice as many colors, semi-manual exposure control (as opposed to the Nikon D3100’s complete lack of exposure control), more advanced special effects, and more scene modes.
Not to mention the awesome swivel screen Nikon include in this upgrade!
Nikon D3100 vs D5100 – Some other comparisons between these two Nikon cameras:
Nikon D5100: battery charge life – 660 shots
Nikon D3100: battery charge life – 550 shots
Nikon D5100: 6 Lighting Options
Nikon D3100: On and Off.
Nikon D5100: 4 frames per second
Nikon D3100: 3 frames per second
Nikon D5100: 920k dot 3″ swivel LCD screen (high resolution screen same as high-end Nikon DSLR’s)
Nikon D3100: 230k dot 3″ LCD screen
Verdict: Look, it’s no secret that the D5100 blows the Nikon D3100 out of the water—if you can’t see that, you just haven’t been paying attention.
Does the D3100 have its advantages for amateur photographers? Of course it does.
It’s a lighter camera for one, fewer fifty-five grams, and at about $200 cheaper with the same lens, what is there really to say—if you’re at the entry level it’s an absolutely fantastic camera that measures up quite well, especially considering what it delivers at the price.
But the advantages of the Nikon D5100 are stark if you’ve got a couple extra hundred dollars to invest. And if you’re a serious photographer already spending $600 plus for professional-quality in a digital camera, what difference is that extra cash in the big scheme of things, really?
The real deal is that you’re either ready for the next level or not…
One Last sentence regarding Nikon D3100 vs D5100: "only you can make that decision".
