What To Know
- In addition to the standard P, A, S, and M modes, the D5100 also has a built-in HDR mode and a Scene Auto Selector mode.
- However, the D5100 has a number of advantages over the D3100, including a higher resolution sensor, a more advanced autofocus system, a larger and brighter viewfinder, and built-in Wi-Fi and GPS.
- However, if you are on a budget or if you are just starting out with photography, the D3100 is a more affordable option that still offers a great range of features.
The Nikon D5100 and D3100 are two popular entry-level DSLRs from Nikon. They offer a range of features that make them suitable for both beginners and experienced photographers. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that may influence your purchase decision. In this blog post, we will compare the Nikon D5100 vs D3100 in-depth to help you make an informed choice.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Nikon D5100 features a 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the D3100 has a 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. The D5100’s higher resolution sensor allows it to capture images with more detail and clarity. It also has a wider ISO range (100-6400) than the D3100 (100-3200), which means it can perform better in low-light conditions.
Autofocus System
The Nikon D5100 has a 39-point autofocus system, while the D3100 has an 11-point autofocus system. The D5100’s more advanced autofocus system allows it to focus faster and more accurately, even in low-light conditions.
Viewfinder and Display
The Nikon D5100 has a pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage, while the D3100 has a pentamirror viewfinder with 92% coverage. The D5100’s viewfinder is larger and brighter, making it easier to compose and preview your shots. Both cameras have a 3-inch LCD display with a resolution of 921,000 dots.
Shooting Modes
The Nikon D5100 offers a wider range of shooting modes than the D3100. In addition to the standard P, A, S, and M modes, the D5100 also has a built-in HDR mode and a Scene Auto Selector mode. The D3100 has a Scene Auto Selector mode, but it does not have a built-in HDR mode.
Connectivity
The Nikon D5100 has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, while the D3100 does not. The D5100’s Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to transfer images to your smartphone or tablet, and to control the camera remotely. The D5100’s GPS connectivity allows you to geotag your images with location information.
Battery Life
The Nikon D5100 has a longer battery life than the D3100. The D5100 can take approximately 660 shots on a single charge, while the D3100 can take approximately 550 shots.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The Nikon D5100 and D3100 are both excellent entry-level DSLRs that offer a range of features for photographers of all skill levels. However, the D5100 has a number of advantages over the D3100, including a higher resolution sensor, a more advanced autofocus system, a larger and brighter viewfinder, and built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. If you are looking for a camera that offers the best possible image quality and performance, the D5100 is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget or if you are just starting out with photography, the D3100 is a more affordable option that still offers a great range of features.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the best way to decide which camera is right for you is to try them both out and see which one you prefer. However, we hope that this comparison has given you a good overview of the key differences between the Nikon D5100 and D3100.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which camera has a better image quality?
A: The Nikon D5100 has a better image quality than the D3100 due to its higher resolution sensor and wider ISO range.
Q: Which camera has a more advanced autofocus system?
A: The Nikon D5100 has a more advanced autofocus system than the D3100 with 39 focus points compared to 11 focus points.
Q: Which camera has a larger and brighter viewfinder?
A: The Nikon D5100 has a larger and brighter viewfinder than the D3100 with 95% coverage compared to 92% coverage.
Q: Which camera has more shooting modes?
A: The Nikon D5100 has more shooting modes than the D3100, including a built-in HDR mode and a Scene Auto Selector mode.
Q: Which camera has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS?
A: The Nikon D5100 has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, while the D3100 does not.
