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  • Nikon D3100
  • Canon EOS 1100D
  • Sony SLT-A37
  • Samsung Galaxy Camera
  • Canon Rebel T4i
Front view of Nikon D5100

Nikon D5100

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Front view of Nikon D3200

Nikon D3200

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Ranked #4 and #5 in cheapest Nikon DSLRs
$497
  • 16.1 MP
  • APS-C CMOS
  • 3" LCD
Released April, 2011
It has an excellent JPEG noise profile, very clean up to ISO 400 and, despite some detail degradation from color noise, quite usable up through ISO 1600.
Rated 77% by by c|net (Apr, 2011)
 
$547
  • 24.1 MP
  • APS-C CMOS
  • 3" LCD
Released April, 2012
The 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR kit lens that Nikon supplied feels fairly well-balanced - if a tad front-heavy - on the Nikon D3200 and it fits into place with a reassuring mechanical click.
Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Jun, 2012)
 

Conclusion Which is better for you?

85%
85%
View Details
79%
21%
View Details
80%
80%
View Details
83%
81%
View Details

Winner

NikonD5100

75
69

Features Key features of the Nikon D5100 compared to the Nikon D3200

MP16.1

APS-C

Back view of Nikon D5100
Up to ISO 1600, there isn't much to separate these models, but once we get into the higher ISO settings it is clear that the Panasonic G2 is the weakest of the bunch.
Rated 76% by by DPReview (Apr, 2011)
Angle view of Nikon D3200

24.1 MP

APS-C

The excellent f1.8 35mm DX Nikon on this camera makes a super-light weight compact package you can carry all day long, producing super images.
Rated 100% by by Waikiki (May, 2012)

megapixels

0 MP
24.1 MP
16.1 MP
30 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)
With its huge 24 megapixel sensor, the entry-level D3200 instantly becomes the highest-resolution APS-C DX format Nikon DSLR, and it offers more pixels than any competing manufacturer too.
D3200 by Photography Blog (Jun, 2012)

sensor size

Nikon D5100
Nikon D3200
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)
While that ticks most of the boxes of what can be expected from an entry-level DSLR, the headline-grabbing feature of the D3200 is undoubtedly its 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor.
D3200 by TrustedReviews (Jun, 2012)

viewfinder size

Nikon D5100
Nikon D3200
Viewfinder: The D5100 has a pentamirror viewfinder with approximately 95% coverage of the actual resulting image, the same as the D3100.
D5100 by dojoklo
One figure hidden away in every SLR's spec is the size of the viewfinder (often in a format that makes comparison between competing models impossible).
D3200 by DPReview (Jul, 2012)

body size

127 x 97 x 79 mm
125 x 96 x 77 mm
It is lightweight and reasonably easy to carry around.
D5100 by Carl-E.-Sims--BGANGA (Jun, 2012)
The speed in which I can take rapid, multiple shots is amazing and the overall feel and weight make the camera very comfortable to carry for long periods and to use quickly!
D3200 by John-Gagliardi--johngags (Jun, 2012)

focus points

0
11
11
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)
But I also hate the tiny focus points which only illuminate (and briefly) when you half-press the shutter.
D3200 by c|net (Jun, 2012)
 

Performance Real world tests of Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3200

DxOMark image quality

Nikon D5100
Nikon D3200
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).
D5100 by Cebuano (May, 2011)
Image Quality - Absolutely top-notch - the Nikon D3200 takes super crisp photos with excellent color representation.
D3200 by CKE (Jul, 2012)

DxOMark low light performance

Nikon D5100
Nikon D3200
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 been using this camera for over 2 weeks now and I am more than satisfied with the quality of the images even in low light condition.
D3200 by Gablud (Oct, 2012)

shutter lag

0 ms
273 ms
276 ms
300 ms
imaging-resource.com
Its shutter delay is minimal and it takes multiple pictures fast enough to catch the moment almost every time.
D5100 by Peter (May, 2012)
One thing that has frustrated me in the past with other cameras has been the slow response time between pushing the shutter button to the picture actually being taken.
D3200 by Dolly (Feb, 2013)

continuous shooting

4 fps
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
Burst Mode - The camera will take 4photos/second in a burst.
D3200 by CKE (Jul, 2012)

battery life

660 photos
540 photos
One thing I forgot to add, the battery life is wonderful.
D5100 by Eleanor-Faye-Lewis--appy20
Good battery life,light weight are the pros, camera clock is somewhat inaccurate and the memory card was a little hot to remove after I shot a 300+ images at a wedding are the cons.
D3200 by Deborah-Roslan--pyrola (Dec, 2012)
 

Differences What are the advantages of each

Full specs comparison
Front view of Nikon D5100

Advantages compared to the D3200

Has a flip out screen Yes vs No
Somewhat common; Great for recording movies
Significantly higher light sensitivity 25,600 ISO vs 12,800 ISO
2x higher light sensitivity; Avoid blur in low light situations
Larger sensor APS-C vs APS-C
Almost the same
Supports HDR Yes vs No
Somewhat common; Combines multiple photos together to capture both bright and dark areas
More photos per charge 660 vs 540
120 more shots; Longer battery life
More highly reviewed by consumers 82.75% vs 80.97%
Almost the same
Back view of Nikon D3200

Advantages compared to the D5100

Much higher resolution 24.1 MP vs 16.1 MP
Around 50% higher resolution; Capture more detail, good for large prints
Marginally more recently announced Apr, 2012 vs Apr, 2011
Announced date over a year later
Lighter 505 g vs 560 g
Around 10% lighter
Smaller 125 x 96 x 77 mm vs 127 x 97 x 79 mm
Almost the same

Reviews Word on the street

Nikon D5100

Nikon D3200
Rated 76%
Read the review (Apr, 2011)
Having said that, even at the HI1.0 (ISO 12,800) setting high contrast detail is still acceptable and, despite the visible luminance noise, images are perfectly usable at smaller print sizes.
Rated 73%
Read the review (Jul, 2012)
With a limited number of direct buttons on the camera these info screens remain the main interface for adjusting some key shooting parameters such as focus mode and white balance.
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 (Jun, 2012)
An improved movie mode with greater control over exposure and sound, an expanded Guide mode and simpler controls for beginners, more connectivity options and a better LCD screen all add up to the best entry-level Nikon DSLR that we've ever reviewed.
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 70%
Read the review (Jun, 2012)
In addition to a composite, a HDMI out, and a USB connector, plus the connector for Nikon's proprietary GPS module, D3200 adds a jack for an external mic, bringing it into parity with its peers.
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 (Jun, 2012)
Processing speed also impresses, especially given how the D3200's high-resolution sensor results in relatively large file sizes (around 8-12MB per full-resolution fine-quality JPEG and around 25MB for Raw files).
Rated 90% by 639 users at amazon.com
Probably a great point and shoot too, but I prefer to not change all my macro settings for that such as white balance, bracketing, exposure, so I use my.
Rated 100% by by Will-F--uGems
That method did not work well for macro close up shots with the older Nikons.
Rated 100% by by Will-F--uGems
i highly recommend this camera to anyone wanting to get into photography and take amazing photos!
Rated 100% by by romerider (Dec, 2011)
Rated 91% by 308 users at amazon.com
Higher pixel counts on the same size sensor create a tradeoff.
Rated 60% by by now-what (Jul, 2012)
The details and contrasts of the pictures taken are deep and rich and very beautiful on they eyes.
Rated 100% by by killahca-h (May, 2012)
The menu system is also quite intuitive and anyone who has ever used a DSLR before (whether Nikon or not) will find it very easy to work with.
Rated 100% by by Gene-B (Jun, 2012)

sensor

If you can afford, of course get the D7000 with more buttons to play with and a heavier body to carry around, though the picture quality is about the same as D5100 (same sensor and pixel count) in most shooting conditions.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by Plantasphilia (Mar, 2012)
The D5100 produces noise-free JPEG images at ISO 100-1600, with ISO 3200 also looking pretty good.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Apr, 2011)
If you are like me and enjoy HDR photography, astrophotography, macro-shots and have a deeper understanding of how all the features of how cameras work (like why you would change the metering from "Matrix" to "spot" or why it's useful to change ISO settings all the time, etc) then you will be really frustrated by the D5100 - you are better off spending the money and getting the D7000.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 80% by by T-Payne--t_payne

screen

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 100% by by T-Diddy--Gadget-Slave (Jul, 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 G.-Ward--HDFAN (Jun, 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 90% by by Photography Blog (Apr, 2011)

image quality

The good news is that the D5100 performs far better than the Canon in low light conditions.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 60% by by Angel_Pen--angel_rising (Jun, 2011)
The D5100 really is amazing in low light conditions.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by P.-Barnett (May, 2012)
The image quality in the D5100 is quite incredible up to 800ASA, and rivals the best color films I have shot over the years.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by S.-Arora (Oct, 2011)

video

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 80% by by G.-Ward--HDFAN (Jun, 2011)
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

iso

There are 9 ISO settings available on the Nikon D5100 and the ISO speed can be adjusted in 1/3 EV increments.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Apr, 2011)
Low-light performance is outstanding with this camera, and the level of detail captured by the D5100 is excellent, even at higher ISOs.
Nikon D5100 | Rated 100% by by Paul-Christensen--gadget-geek
We found that measured ISO from the D5100 is roughly 1/3EV higher than indicated - so ISO 100 = ISO 125 (approx).
Nikon D5100 | Rated 76% by by DPReview (Apr, 2011)

Competition What else you should consider

1
 Nikon D3100 7-way tie: Can autofocus while shooting video
6
 Nikon D5200 Best image quality as rated by DXOMark
8
 Nikon D60 Largest sensor
Front view of Nikon D5100 Front view of Nikon D3200

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August 14, 2012
Camera for HD video D3200, D5100, T3i, A57

I'm looking to film skiing primarily and already have a couple Nikon lenses.  Im really happy with the  Nikon ED AF-S VR-NIKKOR 70-200mm 1:2.8G Nikon ED AF NIKKOR 80-200mm 1:2.8 D I plan I...

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August 10, 2012
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...

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May 16, 2012
Most important thing for me is the detail of the image.

I am a beginner. I am very much interested in portrait and night photography. Most important features for me is to get a larger image sensor and good exposure control system with good pixel as...

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Latest Questions

July 28, 2012
Nikon D5100 versus D3200 . . . or D7100?

I'm an amatuer photographer preparing to go on an African photo safari.  I'm ready to invest in an DSLR camera for the trip.  I had decided on the Nikon D5100 with the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR ED VR ...

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December 26, 2012
Start up videographer, image quality, night time shots, best price

I am doing a degree in media and production and have a particular interest in making short films. I was wondering what camera is best for this. Also the best camera for night time shots and image...

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December 12, 2012
Is the D3200 or D5100 better for videography?

Provides the best quality and the most options when filming in any condition. 

Robin-Billingham | 0 comments | Last response 5 months ago
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Unanswered Questions

January 6, 2013
Image quality and camera speed are important -

I am moving on from a D60, which was my first DSLR. I want to upgrade without much cost, the D3200 and D5100 seem like good runners in my current price range (£250-£350). The D3200 is a little is...

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December 26, 2012
Large, high resolution photos and HD Video

Im interested in shooting large high detail outdoor photographs for use as computer wallpapers etc. I would also like good HD recording with autofocus. Which camera would you recommend? I like of...

Kentston-Cripe | 0 comments
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December 26, 2012
Image quality, low-light conditions, flash

I am a teenager and I am doing my first steps in this exiting field called photography, so I would like a camera that can live up to my expectations and that can take high-quality pictures under...

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Community What does Sortable's community think

49

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13

Nikon D5100
Nikon D3200
 
79% of users recommend the Nikon D5100 over the Nikon D3200
 

Nikon D5100

Marilena-Mery
cameras Community
Helper
Beginner I
I've held and tested both, get the 5100 , you won't regret it if you have the dough , get the d7100....though cheers View Marilena-Mery's recommendation
Salar-Full-HD
cameras Community
Fair Minded
Intermediate I
Nikon d5100 is better for your use because it has high iso and lower noise in high iso that makes it very good in the dark . View Salar-Full-HD's recommendation
Pedro-Jos-Gil-Acevedo
cameras Community
Fair Minded
Intermediate I
I opt for the D5100 for video, due to having a full screen articulated compared with fixed screen model D3200. View Pedro-Jos-Gil-Acevedo's recommendation

Nikon D3200

Nezar-Al-Basha
Intermediate I
cameras Community
Fair Minded
New with many feature, easy for beginner if you want the old one for cheaper try D3100  View Nezar-Al-Basha's recommendation
Nico-Socha
Intermediate I
cameras Community
Fair Minded
Take the D3200, why ? Because the sensor is developed by Sony and these are the best sensors out there at the moment. I think the sensor is very similar to the Sony NEX-7 sensor and no 24MP on an... View Nico-Socha's recommendation
nick
Expert I
cameras Community
Fair Minded
3200 is easy to use and gives good results - also smaller than 5100 View nick's recommendation

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