- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How they compare
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Compare with...
- Sony SLT A57
- Nikon D7000
- Canon EOS 60D
- Nikon D3200
- Nikon D5200
Rated 100% by by Cebuano (May, 2011)D5100 superior low light excellent image quality and loving it more, I have returned my D3100 and keeping Nikon D5100 instead,using Nikon 35mm 1.8G AF-S ( same 1600 ISO and shutter, Aperture etc., clearly less noise under indoor night low light condition worth every penny IMHO).
Rated 77% by by DPReview (Aug, 2012)For users moving up from compact cameras, the 650D offers a very significant increase in image quality and a comfortable to hold camera wrapped in an interface that accommodates both touchscreen and external control operation.
Conclusion Which is better for you?
Features Key features of the Nikon D5100 compared to the Canon EOS 650D
MP16.1
APS-C
Rated 100% by by Brox (Nov, 2012)The saturation, crispness and quality are amazing, and take any photo into lightroom and they will blow your friends away.
17.9 MP
APS-C
Rated 77% by by DPReview (Aug, 2012)Canon clearly put a lot of thought into its implementation, and the EOS 650D sports the most comprehensive and intuitive touchscreen interface we've yet seen in any camera.
megapixels
| 0 MP | 17.9 MP | 20 MP |
D5100 by Photography Blog (Apr, 2011)The Nikon D5100 is a new 16.2 megapixel DSLR camera that can record Full HD movies at 1920x1280 pixels / 25fps with stereo sound.
EOS 650D by PaulMcCarl (Oct, 2012)To be honest, super megapixel just hasn't been enough to prompt me to buy anything new.
sensor size
D5100 by Rob-LaRosa (Apr, 2011)I had purchased one of the Micro Four Thirds cameras because it was light and small, but I found the quality lacking when compared to APS-C cameras.
EOS 650D by DPReview (Aug, 2012)When its APS-C sensor is combined with a reasonably fast lens, the EOS 650D offers the opportunity for creative use of shallow depth of field, something that will be a revelation to anyone used to shooting video with their smartphone or compact camera.
viewfinder size
D5100 by dojokloViewfinder: The D5100 has a pentamirror viewfinder with approximately 95% coverage of the actual resulting image, the same as the D3100.
EOS 650D by Richard-Lin (Feb, 2013)The camera overall is pretty responsive if you only use the view finder.
body size
127 x 97 x 79 mm
133 x 100 x 79 mm
EOS 650D by Melanie-P. (Mar, 2013)I have completely changed my mind, it will be worth carrying around a little extra weight on vacataions, etc. because of the quality difference.
focus points
| 0 | 11 | 20 |
D5100 by Photography Blog (Apr, 2011)Ultimately the Nikon D5100 easily overcomes its few real weak points, offering a compelling mix of great image and movie quality, precise and quick auto-focusing, accurate metering and a fantastic LCD screen, all in a format that most users will find intutive and enjoyable to use.
EOS 650D by TrustedReviews (Jul, 2012)Whereas the 600D offered only one cross-type AF sensor in the centre of the viewfinder, all nine AF points of the 650D are of the cross-type variety.
Performance Real world tests of Nikon D5100 vs Canon EOS 650D
DxOMark image quality
D5100 by Michael-Broshar (Feb, 2013)It's a Nikon and it is absolutely loaded with very nice, high-quality features and takes near professional quality photos.
EOS 650D by Anuragi also observed that this mode is better that auto mode in terms of picture quality/sharpness and contrast for night photography although you have to wait 3 to 5 seconds to let your camera merge all 4 shots to generate single picture with wow effect.
DxOMark low light performance
D5100 by Filmmaster-6 (Feb, 2012)This is an excellent camera for those photographers who do low light shooting, The colors are brilliant and clear.
EOS 650D by Martin (Oct, 2012)I have also been very pleased with the quality of shooting in low light conditions.
shutter lag
| 0 ms | 269 ms | 300 ms |
D5100 by Peter (May, 2012)Its shutter delay is minimal and it takes multiple pictures fast enough to catch the moment almost every time.
EOS 650D by E.-Reed (Jun, 2012)With the t4i you'd gain better images, video, high ISO performance, touchscreen, shutter lag and a few other things.
continuous shooting
D5100 by dojokloContinuous Shooting Speed: As you work your way up the Nikon dSLR line-up the cameras' continuous shooting speed and maximum shots at that rate increases.
EOS 650D by Art (Feb, 2013)I would love for example change the burst rate, i.e. shoot in burst mode but with longer period.
battery life
660 photos
440 photos
EOS 650D by Theresa-M.-Studer--Terra57 (Mar, 2013)Battery life is really fantastic compared to my Olympus point and shoot.
Differences What are the advantages of each
Advantages compared to the Canon EOS 650D
| Much better overall image quality | 80.0 | vs | 62.0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Around 30% better image quality | |||
| Larger sensor | APS-C | vs | APS-C |
| More than 10% larger sensor; higher quality photos | |||
| Significantly less noise at high ISO | 1,183 ISO | vs | 722 ISO |
| More than 60% higher low light performance | |||
| Significantly better dynamic range | 13.0 ev | vs | 11.2 ev |
| Around 20% better dynamic range | |||
| More photos per charge | 660 | vs | 440 |
| 220 more shots; Longer battery life | |||
| Slightly less startup delay | 500 ms | vs | 700 ms |
| Around 30% less startup delay; Be ready for anything | |||
| Smaller | 127 x 97 x 79 mm | vs | 133 x 100 x 79 mm |
| Around 10% smaller | |||
Advantages compared to the Nikon D5100
| Has a touch screen | Yes | vs | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somewhat common; Fewer buttons, interact directly with menus | |||
| Many more cross-type focus points | 9 | vs | 1 |
| 8 more cross type focus points; Easier and faster focusing in low light | |||
| Marginally more recently announced | Jun, 2012 | vs | Apr, 2011 |
| Announced date over 1 years later | |||
| Higher resolution screen | 1,040 k dots | vs | 920 k dots |
| More than 10% higher resolution screen | |||
| Faster rapid fire | 5 fps | vs | 4 fps |
| Around 30% faster continuous shooting; Take photos in rapid succession to capture motion | |||
| Higher resolution | 17.9 MP | vs | 16.1 MP |
| More than 10% higher resolution; Capture more detail, good for large prints | |||
Reviews Word on the street
Nikon D5100 | Canon EOS 650D | ||
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![]() | Rated 100% by by Will-F--uGems Rated 100% by by Will-F--uGems Rated 100% by by romerider (Dec, 2011) | Rated 100% by by Random-Rebel (Jun, 2012) Rated 80% by by DrinkSomeBCBS (Jul, 2012) Rated 100% by by T3iEnthusiast | |
video
Nikon D5100 | Rated 80% by by G.-Ward--HDFAN (Jun, 2011)Where the D5100 shines is decent still shots but a tad better video quality if your using the right lens, as it will shoot 1080p/24p/30p where the D7000 shoots only 1080p/24p, and this is where the articulating upgraded LCD comes into play, makes filming with this camera a tad more enjoyable and more flexible.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by Diane-HI pair my d5100 with a 55-200mm Nikkor AF VR lens, and with a stabilization rig, quality boom mic, and final cut pro x editing, im able to turn out some stunning and professional video.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by dojokloThe Nikon D5100 brings the high quality 16.2 megapixel sensor, great low-light performance, and full HD video capability with all the frame rate options from the popular pro-sumer D7000 to the enthusiast level model - and then includes a fully adjustable side-mounted rotating screen to boot.
flips out
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by T-Diddy--Gadget-Slave (Jul, 2011)Initially, I did want the extra controls & perceived build quality & built-in AF of the D90/D7000, but the articulating screen and the awesome photos coming out of the D5100 are just beautiful (btw, Lightroom is useful no matter which DLSR you choose to buy).
Nikon D5100 | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Apr, 2011)In summary, the Nikon D5100 is a versatile and compact DSLR that is well suited to beginner and more experienced shooter alike, with the fully-articulating screen a welcome addition for videographers.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 60% by by Aaron-Kirsch (May, 2012)PROs: The image quality of the D5100 is fantastic, and the flip out screen is quite nice.
screen
Nikon D5100 | Rated 80% by by G.-Ward--HDFAN (Jun, 2011)A couple of things that stand out on the D5100 is size and weight (Smaller and lighter) and articulating screen when shooting video, the still image quality is excellent on both cameras but with the edge going out to the D7000just based on a better auto focus system and better weather resistant body.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 80% by by TrustedReviews (Mar, 2012)Straight out of the box, the most obvious hardware upgrade the D5100 enjoys over the D5000 is the large articulated LCD monitor dominating the back of the camera.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by Paul-Christensen--gadget-geekThe D5100 offers nearly the same image quality as its bigger brother in a less-expensive, smaller package, while adding a few tricks the D7000 doesn't have including an articulating display that helps you frame hard-to-reach spots.Compared to its lesser-priced but still excellent brother the D3100, the D5100 offers improved image quality, speed, and resolution, along with a higher-resolution articulating display.
mount
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by J.-Ludwick (May, 2011)I recently purchased this Nikon D5100 camera and have since replaced the kit lens with the Nikon 18-200mm VRll and have a 35mm f/1.8G AF-S on order.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 80% by by mdmiataman (Sep, 2012)For the money you can't go wrong with the Nikon 18-55mm kit lens purchased with the D5100.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by UltraCody (Jul, 2011)By the 1st week of April, I was gonna stick with a Samsung NX10, then I saw the Nikon D5100 on Amazon, although it wasn't actually available yet.
lens
Nikon D5100 | Rated 80% by by Mr.-Dynes (Dec, 2011)The picture quality isn't necessarily better (although the t3i's larger sensor will show more of the imperfections of a lower quality lens than the D5100's and the kit lens is definitely a low quality lens compared to the other offerings in either the Canon or Nikon line), but the build at least feels better.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by Karthik (Jan, 2012)I bought the D5100 with two Nikon lenses (18-55 and 55-250 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom lens).
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by Vittala (Jan, 2013)Found this package in amazon.com (Nikon d5100, with 18-55mm and 55-300 mm lens, 32GB SD card, UV filters, wide angle and telephoto lenses) and compared price with Best Buy, Fry's and Costco, Costco was providing the camera and 2 lenses specified above + bag and 8 GB SD Card for $899 but no filters tripods, wide angle and telephoto lenses.
Competition What else you should consider
| | 1 | Sony SLT A57 Fastest rapid fire mode |
| | 2 | Nikon D7000 OK delay taking photos |
| | 3 | Canon EOS 60D Most shots per battery charge |
| | 4 | Nikon D3200 High resolution |
| | 5 | Nikon D5200 Best image quality as rated by DXOMark |
| | 6 | Nikon D3100 Smallest |
| | 7 | Canon EOS 600D 3-way tie: Highest resolution screen |
| | 8 | Sony SLT A58 Sensor with the most color depth |
Popular Questions
Which camera i have to choose as i am Beginner?
I am going to buy my first ever DSLR camera but after reading lots of entries i am totally confused to select the right one. mainly i would like to take portriat (faces), nature things. and after...
First dSLR, big decision: Nikon (D3200 or D5100) or Canon (EOS 650D).
Hi all! After my Sony NEX-5 was stolen a while back I now want to level up and move into the beginner dSLR range. Over the last couple weeks I have been reading up a lot on these cameras and...
Which should i buy today?
I am a beginner, i take pictures of landscapes, sky, moon, animals, portraits... I am not into wildlife photography. Can you suggest one?
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Community What does Sortable's community think
9
10
Nikon D5100
I am very very enthusiastic photographer and nuts for photography gadgets.I've actually ruined my 5 months finding out which one is best among d5100 and 550d.Literally,there's no difference in in... View Satyam-Prasad-Joshi's recommendation
- 0 comments
- October 21, 2012
- Reply to: Which camera i have to choose as i am Beginner?
The D5100 and the D3200 are very similar cameras (although the video AF on the D3200 seems to have suffered some improvement, so if you like shooting videos you should take that into but the is a... View soto's recommendation
- 0 comments
- December 13, 2012
- Reply to: Which should i buy today?
The Nikon D5100 is a better for still image quality but the Canon T4i has a slight edge in video. View Bob-Andersen's recommendation
- 0 comments
- December 10, 2012
- Reply to: Which one is best for me?
Canon EOS 650D
New release with new engine, touch screen and high resolution , hypird focus system View Nezar-Al-Basha's recommendation
- 0 comments
- November 14, 2012
- Reply to: Which camera i have to choose as i am Beginner?
I think you made the right choice ... touch screen, full HD filming with 5D Mark II pedigree, Manual control while filming (Nikon doesn't allow this) and you can take pictures too while recording... View Marian-Birladeanu's recommendation
- 0 comments
- September 27, 2012
- Reply to: First dSLR, big decision: Nikon (D3200 or D5100) or Canon (EOS 650D).
I prefer the canon...it just feels so good. The flip-screen helps in capturing through nice angles! nikon isnt just my choice. Best luck. Have fun. View Sushrut-Ahale's recommendation
- 0 comments
- August 10, 2012
- Reply to: Canon eos 650d or nikon d5100 HELP











