Nikon D3x vs Nikon D5100

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D3x and Nikon D5100. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D3x were released 2008 and Nikon D5100 was released 2011. That is a 3 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D3x 2008
Nikon D5100 2011

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D3x has a "Nikon FX"-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 **
Nikon D3x 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
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:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon D3x has a 24,5 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
Nikon D3x 24,5 MP
24385536 pixels
6048 x 4032
Nikon D5100 16,2 MP
16084992 pixels
4928 x 3264

Nikon D3x has a 52 % larger resolution than Nikon D5100. 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

Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 100 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D3x 100-6400
Nikon D5100 100-6400

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D3x 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 Nikon D3x
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. Nikon D3x can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Nikon D5100 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D3x 5
Nikon D5100 4

Ability to record movies

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

It is only one of these two cameras that support recording movies and movie clips and that is Nikon D5100. Sadly, the Nikon D3x does not support this.

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 D3x weighs 1260 gr (equal to 2.78 lb) which is 106% heavier than Nikon D5100 and its 611 gr (or 1.35 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D3x 1260 gr
2.78 lb
Nikon D5100 611 gr
1.35 lb

Nikon D3x vs Nikon D5100 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D3x 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
Nikon D3x
Nikon D5100
Name Nikon D3x Nikon D5100
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D3x
Nikon D5100
Release Year 2008 2011
Release Date 2008-12-01 2011-04-05
MSRP 7470 USD 359 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D3x
Nikon D5100
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D3x
Nikon D5100
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 6048 x 4032 pixels 4928 x 3264 pixels
Megapixels 24,5 MP 16,2 MP
Image Processor EXPEED EXPEED 2
Image
Nikon D3x
Nikon D5100
ISO Range 100 - 6400 100 - 6400
White Balance Presets 12 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW + TIFF RAW
Optics & Focus
Nikon D3x
Nikon D5100
Autofocus Motor Yes No
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Single
Continuous
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 51 11
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 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
Nikon D3x
Nikon D5100
Articulated LCD Fixed Fully articulated
Screen size 3” 3#
Screen dots 920000 921000
Touch screen No No
Screen type Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle TFT LCD monitor
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 95%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.7× 0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution N/A N/A
Photography features
Nikon D3x
Nikon D5100
Frames per second 5 fps 4 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/8000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash No Yes
Built-in Flash Range N/A 12 meters
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes Yes
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D3x
Nikon D5100
Video recording No Yes
Video format N/A MPEG4
Video resolution N/A 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone No Yes
Built-in Speakers No Yes
Storage
Nikon D3x
Nikon D5100
Memory Card Compact Flash
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Nikon D3x
Nikon D5100
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port No Yes
Headphone Port No No
Wireless No Yes
Eye-Fi Connected
Remote Control Yes Yes (Optional ML-L3)
GPS Yes
Optional through GP-1
Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D3x
Nikon D5100
Enviromentally sealed Yes No
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery & charger
Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 4400 shots N/A
Width 160 mm 128 mm
Height 157 mm 97 mm
Depth 88 mm 79 mm
Weight 1260 gram 611 gram