Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 49
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 57
SCORE
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|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D5100 | D5300 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2011 | 2013 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
05/04/2011 | 17/10/2013 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 128 x 97 x 79 mm | 125 x 98 x 76 mm |
| Camera weight | 560 g | 480 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16.2 MP050 | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4928 x 3264 | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
15.6 x 23.6 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
4 fps045 | 5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F DX | Nikon F DX |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 2 | Expeed 4 |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
64003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
110300 | 390300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
30 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MPEG-4, MOV, H.264 | MOV |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✓ | ✓ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✓ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9210001150001500000 | 10370001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✓ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14 | EN-EL14a |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
2200 shots1505000 | 600 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Nikon D5300 is the victor in this comparison, earning a score of 57/100, while the Nikon D5100 trails behind at 49/100. Both cameras share the same DSLR type and similar launch prices, with the D5100 at $799 and the D5300 at $800. They also have comparable sizes, with the D5100 measuring 128 x 97 x 79mm and the D5300 at 125 x 98 x 76mm.
The D5300 outperforms the D5100 due to its higher score, signifying a better camera. Additionally, the D5300 is lighter, weighing 480g, compared to the D5100’s 560g. This makes the D5300 more portable and easier to handle during photography sessions.
However, the D5100 has its merits, as it was released earlier, in 2011. This could potentially make it more affordable for those on a budget. Despite the lower score, the D5100 remains a viable option for some photographers.
When comparing the Nikon D5100 and D5300, the latter emerges as the superior choice due to its higher score and lighter weight. However, the D5100 may still be suitable for those seeking a more budget-friendly option.
The Nikon D5300 emerges as the winner in the optics comparison with a score of 65 out of 100, while the Nikon D5100 scores 52 out of 100. Both cameras share several specifications, including the CMOS sensor type, APS-C sensor size, Nikon F DX lens mount, and lack of image stabilization.
The Nikon D5300 outperforms the D5100 in terms of megapixels, shooting speed, and processor. With 24.2 megapixels, the D5300 provides higher resolution images than the D5100’s 16.2 megapixels. This results in more detailed and sharper photos. The D5300 also has a faster shooting speed of 5 frames per second, compared to the D5100’s 4 frames per second, allowing for better capture of fast-moving subjects. Furthermore, the D5300 is equipped with the Expeed 4 processor, an upgrade from the D5100’s Expeed 2 processor. This improvement contributes to better image quality and faster performance.
However, the D5100 has its merits as well. The lower megapixel count can be beneficial for those who prioritize smaller file sizes and faster processing over higher resolution. Additionally, the D5100’s lower score does not necessarily imply poor performance; it simply means the D5300 has an edge in certain aspects.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon D5300 offers superior optics performance with its higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and upgraded processor. The D5100, on the other hand, may be suitable for photographers who prefer smaller file sizes and can work with slightly lower performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras depends on individual preferences and photography needs.
The Nikon D5300 has a higher video score, reflecting its solid performance in this area. However, the D5100 is still a good choice for casual use.
Both cameras are capable of recording Full HD video with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Additionally, the D5300 can capture video at a maximum frame rate of 60 frames per second, ensuring smooth and high-quality footage. The D5100 falls behind with a lower max frame rate.
Both models have a built-in time-lapse functionality, providing users with the opportunity to create dynamic and visually appealing videos.
The Nikon D5300 wins the features comparison with a score of 46/100, while the Nikon D5100 scores 41/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, and no touchscreen or Bluetooth capabilities. However, the D5300 surpasses the D5100 in several aspects, making it the better choice for those seeking more advanced features.
The winning camera, the Nikon D5300, boasts a larger screen size of 3.2 inches compared to the D5100’s 3 inches. Additionally, its screen resolution is higher at 1,037,000 dots, as opposed to the D5100’s 921,000 dots. These improvements provide a clearer and more enjoyable viewing experience for users. Furthermore, the D5300 is equipped with GPS and WIFI capabilities, which the D5100 lacks. These added features allow for easy geotagging of photos and wireless transfer of images, making the D5300 more convenient and versatile.
On the other hand, the Nikon D5100 offers no significant advantages over the D5300, as it shares most of its features with its competitor. The lower score of the D5100 reflects its fewer features and capabilities, but it may still be a suitable option for those who do not require the additional functionalities of the D5300.
After comparing the features of both cameras, it is clear that the Nikon D5300 is the superior choice due to its larger screen size, higher screen resolution, and additional GPS and WIFI capabilities. The Nikon D5100, while still a viable option, falls short in these areas and does not offer any notable advantages over the D5300.
The Nikon D5100 surpasses the Nikon D5300 in storage and battery with a score of 51/100 compared to the D5300’s 29/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including one memory card slot, compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, and the absence of USB charging.
The D5100’s superior battery life of 2200 shots sets it apart from the D5300, which only offers 600 shots. This significant difference allows the D5100 to capture more images before requiring a battery change or recharge.
On the other hand, the D5300 uses the slightly more advanced EN-EL14a battery type, compared to the D5100’s EN-EL14. However, this advantage does not compensate for the considerable gap in battery life.
In terms of storage and battery, the Nikon D5100 outperforms the Nikon D5300 due to its longer battery life, making it a more reliable choice for extended shooting sessions. The D5300’s marginally advanced battery type does not offer any significant benefits in this comparison.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon D5100 or the Nikon D5300:
