Fujifilm X-E1 vs Nikon D5100

This is a full comparison between the cameras Fujifilm X-E1 and Nikon D5100. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

Fujifilm X-E1 is manufacturered by Fujifilm but Nikon D5100 is from Nikon. Both Fujifilm and Nikon are well known brands though.

Fujifilm X-E1 were released 2012 and Nikon D5100 was released 2011. That is a 1 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Fujifilm X-E1 2012
Nikon D5100 2011

Type of camera

Fujifilm X-E1 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon D5100 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Fujifilm X-E1 has a "Fujifilm APS-C"-sensor while Nikon D5100 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Fujifilm X-E1 75 mm
Fujifilm sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Nikon D5100 75 mm
Nikon DX sensor
Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:

Resolution

Fujifilm X-E1 has a 16 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D5100 has 16,2 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Fujifilm X-E1 16 MP
15980544 pixels
4896 x 3264
Nikon D5100 16,2 MP
16084992 pixels
4928 x 3264

Nikon D5100 has a 1 % larger resolution than Fujifilm X-E1. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon D5100 has a larger ISO-range than Fujifilm X-E1. Nikon D5100 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Fujifilm X-E1 has 200 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Fujifilm X-E1 200-6400
Nikon D5100 100-6400

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Fujifilm X-E1 has a built-in autofocus motor but Nikon D5100 does not. If you want to be able to use autofocus on Nikon D5100 there is a need for having an autofocus motor inside the lens. We really encourage you to look closely at our lens compatibility charts at the links below.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Fujifilm X-E1
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D5100

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Fujifilm X-E1 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds and Nikon D5100 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Fujifilm X-E1 6
Nikon D5100 4

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Fujifilm X-E1 and Nikon D5100 can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon D5100 weighs 611 gr (equal to 1.35 lb) which is 75% heavier than Fujifilm X-E1 and its 350 gr (or 0.77 lb).

Camera Weight
Fujifilm X-E1 350 gr
0.77 lb
Nikon D5100 611 gr
1.35 lb

Fujifilm X-E1 vs Nikon D5100 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Fujifilm X-E1 and Nikon D5100, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Fujifilm X-E1
Nikon D5100
Name Fujifilm X-E1 Nikon D5100
Manufacturer Fujifilm Nikon
Release Date and Price
Fujifilm X-E1
Nikon D5100
Release Year 2012 2011
Release Date 2012-09-06 2011-04-05
MSRP 999 USD 359 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Fujifilm X-E1
Nikon D5100
Camera Type Mirrorless DSLR
Sensor
Fujifilm X-E1
Nikon D5100
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 4896 x 3264 pixels 4928 x 3264 pixels
Megapixels 16 MP 16,2 MP
Image Processor EXR Pro EXPEED 2
Image
Fujifilm X-E1
Nikon D5100
ISO Range 200 - 6400 100 - 6400
White Balance Presets 7 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW
Optics & Focus
Fujifilm X-E1
Nikon D5100
Autofocus Motor Yes No
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Multi Area
Center
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points N/A 11
Lens Mount Fujifilm X

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier APS-C Sensor (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
DX / APS-C (1.5x)
1.5x multiplier
Example:
24 mm becomes 36 mm
50 mm becomes 75 mm
100 mm becomes 150 mm
200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Fujifilm X-E1
Nikon D5100
Articulated LCD Fixed Fully articulated
Screen size 2.8” 3#
Screen dots 460000 921000
Touch screen No No
Screen type TFT color LCD monitor TFT LCD monitor
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Electronic Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 95%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Fujifilm X-E1
Nikon D5100
Frames per second 6 fps 4 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash Yes Yes
Built-in Flash Range N/A 12 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse No Yes
Metering modes Multi
Spot
Average
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Fujifilm X-E1
Nikon D5100
Video recording Yes Yes
Video format H.264
MPEG4
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers Yes Yes
Storage
Fujifilm X-E1
Nikon D5100
Memory Card SD/SDHC
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Fujifilm X-E1
Nikon D5100
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No Yes
Eye-Fi Connected
Remote Control Optional through RR-80
Yes (Optional ML-L3)
GPS No Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Fujifilm X-E1
Nikon D5100
Enviromentally sealed No No
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion NP-W126 rechargeable battery & charger
Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 350 shots N/A
Width 129 mm 128 mm
Height 75 mm 97 mm
Depth 38 mm 79 mm
Weight 350 gram 611 gram