Nikon D90 Vs D5100: The Ultimate Showdown For Aspiring Photographers

The Nikon D90 and D5100 are two popular DSLR cameras that have been widely used by photography enthusiasts. Both cameras offer a range of features and capabilities, but they also have some key differences. In this blog post, we will compare the Nikon D90 vs D5100 in detail to help you make an informed decision about which camera is right for you.

Sensor and Image Quality

• Sensor: The Nikon D90 has a 12.3-megapixel CCD sensor, while the D5100 has a 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor.
• Image Quality: Both cameras produce high-quality images with good color accuracy and detail. However, the D5100 has a slight advantage in terms of image quality, thanks to its higher resolution sensor.

Autofocus and Performance

• Autofocus: The Nikon D90 has an 11-point autofocus system, while the D5100 has a 39-point autofocus system.
• Performance: The D5100’s autofocus system is faster and more accurate than the D90’s, especially in low-light conditions.

Continuous Shooting Speed

• Continuous Shooting Speed: The Nikon D90 can shoot up to 4.5 frames per second (fps), while the D5100 can shoot up to 5 fps.
• Buffer Size: The D90 has a buffer size of 24 RAW images, while the D5100 has a buffer size of 25 RAW images.

Video Recording

• Video Recording: Both cameras can record Full HD video (1080p) at 24, 25, or 30 fps.
• Video Quality: The video quality of both cameras is good, with good color and detail. However, the D5100 has a slight advantage in terms of video quality, thanks to its higher resolution sensor.

ISO Range and Noise Performance

• ISO Range: The Nikon D90 has an ISO range of 200-3200, expandable to 6400. The D5100 has an ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 25600.
• Noise Performance: Both cameras perform well at low ISO settings, but the D5100 has a slight advantage at higher ISO settings, thanks to its newer sensor technology.

Viewfinder and LCD Screen

• Viewfinder: The Nikon D90 has a pentaprism viewfinder with 96% coverage. The D5100 has a pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage.
• LCD Screen: The D90 has a 3-inch LCD screen with 921k dots. The D5100 has a 3-inch LCD screen with 921k dots and a vari-angle design.

Other Features

• Built-in Flash: Both cameras have a built-in flash with a range of up to 12 meters.
• External Flash: Both cameras have a hot shoe for connecting an external flash.
• Weather Sealing: The Nikon D90 is weather-sealed, while the D5100 is not.
• Battery Life: The D90 has a battery life of approximately 850 shots, while the D5100 has a battery life of approximately 660 shots.

Which Camera is Right for You?

The Nikon D90 and D5100 are both great cameras for photography enthusiasts. However, there are some key differences between the two cameras that may make one a better choice for you than the other.

• If you need a camera with a fast autofocus system and high continuous shooting speed, the Nikon D5100 is a better choice.
• If you need a camera with a higher resolution sensor and better video quality, the Nikon D5100 is also a better choice.
• If you need a camera that is weather-sealed and has a longer battery life, the Nikon D90 is a better choice.

Takeaways: Nikon D90 vs D5100 – The Verdict

Both the Nikon D90 and D5100 are excellent DSLR cameras that offer a range of features and capabilities. However, the D5100 has a slight edge over the D90 in terms of image quality, autofocus performance, and video recording capabilities. Ultimately, the best camera for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Nikon D5100 has a better autofocus system than the D90, with 39 autofocus points compared to 11.

2. Which camera has a higher resolution sensor?
The Nikon D5100 has a higher resolution sensor than the D90, with 16.2 megapixels compared to 12.3 megapixels.

3. Which camera has a longer battery life?
The Nikon D90 has a longer battery life than the D5100, with approximately 850 shots compared to 660 shots.