Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D5100 and Nikon D3. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon D5100 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor while Nikon D3 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

** 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 D5100 has a 16,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon D3 has 12,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D5100 has a 33 % larger resolution than Nikon D3. 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 D3 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon D5100. Nikon D3 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 25600 while Nikon D5100 has 100 to 6400.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D3 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 D5100
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D3

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon D5100 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds and Nikon D3 can shoot up to 9 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

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

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon D5100. Unfortunately Nikon D3 does not support recording movies and movie clips.

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 D3 weighs 1300 gr (equal to 2.87 lb) which is 113% heavier than Nikon D5100 and its 611 gr (or 1.35 lb).

Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D5100 and Nikon D3, 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 D5100	Nikon D3
Name	Nikon D5100	Nikon D3
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D5100	Nikon D3
Release Year	2011	2007
Release Date	2011-04-05	2007-08-23
MSRP	359 USD	4999 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D5100	Nikon D3
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D5100	Nikon D3
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX"	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type	CMOS	CMOS
Resolution	4928 x 3264 pixels	4256 x 2832 pixels
Megapixels	16,2 MP	12,1 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED 2	EXPEED
Image	Nikon D5100	Nikon D3
ISO Range	100 - 6400	200 - 25600
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	RAW
Optics & Focus	Nikon D5100	Nikon D3
Autofocus Motor	No	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView
Focus Points	11	51
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	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
Screen & Viewfinder	Nikon D5100	Nikon D3
Articulated LCD	Fully articulated	Fixed
Screen size	3#	3”
Screen dots	921000	922000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	TFT LCD monitor	N/A
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentamirror)	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage	95%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.)	0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D5100	Nikon D3
Frames per second	4 fps	9 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/8000 seconds
Built-in Flash	Yes	No
Built-in Flash Range	12 meters	N/A
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 steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D5100	Nikon D3
Video recording	Yes	No
Video format	MPEG4	N/A
Video resolution	1280 x 720 1920 x 1080	N/A
Built-in Microphone	Yes	No
Built-in Speakers	Yes	No
Storage	Nikon D5100	Nikon D3
Memory Card	SD/SDHC	Compact Flash
Connectivity	Nikon D5100	Nikon D3
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	Yes	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	Yes Eye-Fi Connected	No
Remote Control	Yes (Optional ML-L3)	Yes
GPS	Yes Optional with GP-1	Yes Optional with GP-1
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D5100	Nikon D3
Enviromentally sealed	No	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger	EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA)	N/A	4300 shots
Width	128 mm	160 mm
Height	97 mm	157 mm
Depth	79 mm	88 mm
Weight	611 gram	1300 gram