Nikon D500 vs Nikon D5100

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D500 and Nikon D5100. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D500 were released 2016 and Nikon D5100 was released 2011. That is a 5 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon D500 2016
Nikon D5100 2011

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon DX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon D500 75 mm
Nikon DX 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:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon D500 has a 21 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 D500 21 MP
20668416 pixels
5568 x 3712
Nikon D5100 16,2 MP
16084992 pixels
4928 x 3264

Nikon D500 has a 28 % 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

Nikon D500 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D5100. Nikon D500 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Nikon D5100 has 100 to 6400.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon D500 100-51200
Nikon D5100 100-6400

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D500 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 D500
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 D500 can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds and Nikon D5100 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D500 10
Nikon D5100 4

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Nikon D500 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 D500 weighs 860 gr (equal to 1.9 lb) which is 41% heavier than Nikon D5100 and its 611 gr (or 1.35 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon D500 860 gr
1.9 lb
Nikon D5100 611 gr
1.35 lb

Nikon D500 vs Nikon D5100 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D500 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 D500
Nikon D5100
Name Nikon D500 Nikon D5100
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon D500
Nikon D5100
Release Year 2016 2011
Release Date 2016-01-05 2011-04-05
MSRP 1999 USD 359 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon D500
Nikon D5100
Camera Type DSLR DSLR
Sensor
Nikon D500
Nikon D5100
Sensor Size APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm)
Also known as "DX"
Sensor Type CMOS CMOS
Resolution 5568 x 3712 pixels 4928 x 3264 pixels
Megapixels 21 MP 16,2 MP
Image Processor EXPEED 5 EXPEED 2
Image
Nikon D500
Nikon D5100
ISO Range 100 - 51200 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 D500
Nikon D5100
Autofocus Motor Yes No
Autofocus Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 153 11
Lens Mount Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier 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
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 D500
Nikon D5100
Articulated LCD Tilting Fully articulated
Screen size 3.2” 3#
Screen dots 2359000 921000
Touch screen Yes No
Screen type TFT LCD TFT LCD monitor
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Optical (pentaprism) Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 95%
Viewfinder Magnification 1× (0.67× 35mm equiv.) 0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution 0 N/A
Photography features
Nikon D500
Nikon D5100
Frames per second 10 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
Highlight Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon D500
Nikon D5100
Video recording Yes Yes
Video format MPEG4
H.264
MPEG4
Video resolution 1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
1280 x 720
1920 x 1080
Built-in Microphone Yes Yes
Built-in Speakers Yes Yes
Storage
Nikon D500
Nikon D5100
Memory Card SD/SDHC
XQD
SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Nikon D500
Nikon D5100
HDMI Output Yes Yes
Microphone Port Yes Yes
Headphone Port Yes No
Wireless Yes
Built-in (Wi-Fi with low energy Bluetooth)
Yes
Eye-Fi Connected
Remote Control Yes (Optional, wired or wireless) Yes (Optional ML-L3)
GPS Yes
Optional with GP-1
Yes
Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions
Nikon D500
Nikon D5100
Enviromentally sealed Yes No
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 1240 shots N/A
Width 147 mm 128 mm
Height 115 mm 97 mm
Depth 81 mm 79 mm
Weight 860 gram 611 gram