Compare with...

  • Nikon D7000
  • Sony SLT A57
  • Nikon D90
  • Canon EOS 60D
  • Nikon D3200
Front view of Nikon D5100

Nikon D5100

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vs
Front view of Canon 650D / T4i

Canon Rebel T4i

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$497
  • 16.1 MP
  • APS-C CMOS
  • 3" LCD
Released April, 2011
Nikon's Picture Controls are akin to Canon's Picture Styles in being preset combinations of sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation and hue.
Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Apr, 2011)
 
$690
  • 17.9 MP
  • APS-C CMOS
  • 3" LCD
Released June, 2012
The 18 megapixel 650D / T4i offers a dual AF system which ensures sharp stills as well as continuous autofocus tracking when shooting movies, a 1,040,000-dot vari-angle LCD screen complete with touch-screen operation, a 63-zone metering sensor, standard ISO settings of 100-12800 (expandable to 25600), and 5fps continuous shooting.
Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Sep, 2012)
 

Conclusion Which is better for you?

71%
65%
View Details
60%
40%
View Details
69%
56%
View Details
83%
83%
View Details

Winner

NikonD5100

69
55

Features Key features of the Nikon D5100 compared to the Canon Rebel T4i

MP16.1

APS-C

Angle view of Nikon D5100
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 100% by by Cebuano (May, 2011)
Angle view of Canon 650D / T4i

17.9 MP

APS-C

While these features may sound familiar to owners of recent-model mirrorless cameras, its worth noting that EOD 650D is the first 35mm style DSLR to offer touchscreen control.
Rated 77% by by DPReview (Aug, 2012)

megapixels

0 MP
17.9 MP

16.1 MP
20 MP
The Nikon D5100 is a new 16.2 megapixel DSLR camera that can record Full HD movies at 1920x1280 pixels / 25fps with stereo sound.
D5100 by Photography Blog (Apr, 2011)
To be honest, super megapixel just hasn't been enough to prompt me to buy anything new.
Rebel T4i by PaulMcCarl (Oct, 2012)

sensor size

Nikon D5100
Canon Rebel T4i
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.
D5100 by Rob-LaRosa (Apr, 2011)
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.
Rebel T4i by DPReview (Aug, 2012)

viewfinder size

Nikon D5100
Canon Rebel T4i
Viewfinder: The D5100 has a pentamirror viewfinder with approximately 95% coverage of the actual resulting image, the same as the D3100.
D5100 by dojoklo
The camera overall is pretty responsive if you only use the view finder.
Rebel T4i by Richard-Lin (Feb, 2013)

body size

127 x 97 x 79 mm
133 x 100 x 79 mm
It is lightweight and reasonably easy to carry around.
D5100 by Carl-E.-Sims--BGANGA (Jun, 2012)
I have completely changed my mind, it will be worth carrying around a little extra weight on vacataions, etc. because of the quality difference.
Rebel T4i by Melanie-P. (Mar, 2013)

focus points

0
11

9
20
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.
D5100 by Photography Blog (Apr, 2011)
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.
Rebel T4i by TrustedReviews (Jul, 2012)
 

Performance Real world tests of Nikon D5100 vs Canon Rebel T4i

DxOMark image quality

Nikon D5100
Canon Rebel T4i
Was very excited to get his camera in the mail and it was everything it said it was, the picture quality is great and I was VERY happy with this purchase.
D5100 by Kmimi00 (Feb, 2013)
As with previous entry and mid-range Canon DSLRs before it, the 650D's video image quality is quite good with pleasing colors and contrast.
Rebel T4i by DPReview (Aug, 2012)

DxOMark low light performance

Nikon D5100
Canon Rebel T4i
This is an excellent camera for those photographers who do low light shooting, The colors are brilliant and clear.
D5100 by Filmmaster-6 (Feb, 2012)
I have also been very pleased with the quality of shooting in low light conditions.
Rebel T4i by Martin (Oct, 2012)

shutter lag

0 ms
269 ms

273 ms
300 ms
Its shutter delay is minimal and it takes multiple pictures fast enough to catch the moment almost every time.
D5100 by Peter (May, 2012)
The Canon EOS 650D's maximum shutter speed is 30 seconds and there's a Bulb mode for even longer exposures, which is excellent news if you're seriously interested in night photography.
Rebel T4i by Photography Blog (Sep, 2012)

continuous shooting

4 fps
Continuous 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.
D5100 by dojoklo
I would love for example change the burst rate, i.e. shoot in burst mode but with longer period.
Rebel T4i by Art (Feb, 2013)

battery life

660 photos
440 photos
One thing I forgot to add, the battery life is wonderful.
D5100 by Eleanor-Faye-Lewis--appy20
Battery life is really fantastic compared to my Olympus point and shoot.
Rebel T4i by Theresa-M.-Studer--Terra57 (Mar, 2013)
 

Differences What are the advantages of each

Advantages compared to the Canon Rebel T4i

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
Around 65% higher low light performance
Significantly more color depth 23.5 bits vs 21.7 bits
Around 10% more color depth
Significantly larger dynamic range 13.0 ev vs 11.2 ev
More than 15% larger dynamic range
More photos per charge 660 vs 440
220 more shots; Longer battery life
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
Around 15% higher resolution screen
Faster rapid fire 5 fps vs 4 fps
25% 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 Rebel T4i

Rated 76%
Read the review (Apr, 2011)
Here we look at the RAW files processed through Adobe Camera Raw (in this case version 6.4 beta).
Rated 77%
Read the review (Aug, 2012)
What this means in practical terms is that despite the compositional benefits of using live view and the 650D's well-designed touchscreeen controls, shooting through the viewfinder remains the preferable option when trying to use autofocus to catch that 'decisive moment.
Rated 90%
Read the review (Apr, 2011)
The Nikon D5100 lets you dial in shutter speeds of up to 30 seconds and has a Bulb mode as well for exposure times of practically any length, which is very good news if you are seriously interested in night photography.
Rated 90%
Read the review (Sep, 2012)
In particular we appreciated the new touch-screen interface, faster burst mode, expanded ISO range and the ability to continuously auto-focus during movie recording, although the innovative Hybrid AF system still doesn't solve the camera's sluggish Live View auto-focusing, something that Sony's SLT range in particular has already overcome.
Rated 80%
Read the review (Mar, 2012)
Read the review (May, 2011)
Another clear improvement over the D5100 is the addition of a 3in, high-resolution, tilt-and-swivel LCD monitor that displays at a resolution of 920k dots a huge upgrade over the 230k-dots offered by the D3100 and D5000.
Rated 80%
Read the review (Jul, 2012)
ISO performance is pretty good on the whole and while some noise does begin to show itself as low as ISO 400 images retain their integrity right up until ISO 12,800.
Rated 77%
Read the review (Apr, 2011)
Despite the higher-resolution sensor, the D5100 delivers visibly better image quality at all ISO sensitivities than the D5000, although the D5000 has slightly better white balance.
Rated 78%
Read the review (Oct, 2012)
The control layout on the back remains essentially unchanged, but Canon tweaked the design on the menu and info buttons for the better; they're slighly easier to feel now.
Rated 90% by 648 users at amazon.com
The built-in flash is good but I prefer to use the very capable but (relatively) inexpensive SB-400 external flash unit.
Rated 100% by by Thomas-F.-Harrison (Feb, 2012)
D7000 takes the best picture but it goes over $1000 and it feels very similar to D5100, so why not get D5100 for $400-500 cheaper?
Rated 100% by by James-Lee (Jun, 2011)
The D5100 is high quality in pictures!
Rated 100% by by Tigre3000 (Aug, 2012)
Rated 87% by 467 users at amazon.com
It takes beautiful, clear pictures and I always know when I am in focus.
Rated 100% by by anniez (Sep, 2012)
I was excited about the new STM lenses, because I have seen many examples of how loud a lens is on video.
Rated 80% by by DrinkSomeBCBS (Jul, 2012)
You are still able to zoom in and essentially magnify a selected area but when you begin your recording the cropped or zoomed area goes away and your standard focal length will be recorded.
Rated 100% by by T3iEnthusiast

mount

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 100% by by J.-Ludwick (May, 2011)
For the money you can't go wrong with the Nikon 18-55mm kit lens purchased with the D5100.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 80% by by mdmiataman (Sep, 2012)
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.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by UltraCody (Jul, 2011)

lens

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 80% by by Mr.-Dynes (Dec, 2011)
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 Karthik (Jan, 2012)
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.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by Vittala (Jan, 2013)

type

As has become standard for a Nikon at this price point, the D5100 offers a single control dial, pentamirror viewfinder and no built-in autofocus motor.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 76% by by DPReview (Apr, 2011)
The shutter release action on the Nikon D5100 is surprisingly quiet, with a dampened mirror slap that makes this DSLR actually quieter than some rangefinder cameras.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Apr, 2011)
The most important differences between the T2i, T3i, and the T4i is that the T4i includes: 9 cross-type autofocus points (which help to capture a clearer image), A hybrid sensor which also accounts for continuous video autofocus, an extended ISO Range, A fabulous touch screen which also swivels, there are also two additional shooting modes which are night-time shooting and HDR, Lastly is the built-in stereo microphone which you may learn to love or not use depending on the lens.
Canon Rebel T4i | Rated 100% by by Random-Rebel (Jun, 2012)

viewfinder

The t2i's viewfinder is slightly bigger, but it's not enough of a difference for me to really be able to tell like you can when going from the t3 (small viewfinder) to the t2i/3i or D5100.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 80% by by Mr.-Dynes (Dec, 2011)
As mentioned in my D60 review I enjoy the use of a viewfinder and even though the D5100 has liveview I still now prefer the viewfinder.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by Scott-D.-Welch (Nov, 2011)
As you can see from the illustration below, the D5100's viewfinder is pretty much the same size as the Canon EOS 600D/Rebel T3i and Canon's entry-level EOS 1100D/Rebel T3.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 76% by by DPReview (Apr, 2011)

video

I 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 Diane-H
The 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.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by dojoklo
The D5100 boasts a 16 megapixel image sensor (just like the D7000), shoots 4 frames per second in continuous mode, has HD video capability at 24, 25, and 30 fps, and includes the fully rotating rear LCD screen improved in flexibility from the screen of the D5000.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by dojoklo

Competition What else you should consider

Front view of Nikon D5100 Front view of Canon 650D / T4i

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July 26, 2012
Which camera i have to choose as i am Beginner?

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Community What does Sortable's community think

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2

Nikon D5100
Canon Rebel T4i
 
60% of users recommend the Nikon D5100 over the Canon Rebel T4i
 

Nikon D5100

Satyam-Prasad-Joshi
cameras Community
Fair Minded
Intermediate II
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
soto
cameras Community
Helper
Beginner I
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
Bob-Andersen
cameras Community
Helper
Beginner I
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

Canon Rebel T4i

Alvaro-Puentes
Beginner II
cameras Community
Helper
Continuous recording up to 29:59 without having to restart, phase detection auto focus, assuming you will be shooting in well lit areas most of these cameras provide comparable daytime quality,... View Alvaro-Puentes's recommendation

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