Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D50

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D5100 and Nikon D50. 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

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.

** 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 D50 has 6 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D5100 has a 167 % larger resolution than Nikon D50. 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 Nikon D50. Nikon D5100 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Nikon D50 has 200 to 1600.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D50 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 D50

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 D50 can shoot up to 2,5 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 D50 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 D50 weighs 620 gr (equal to 1.37 lb) which is 1% heavier than Nikon D5100 and its 611 gr (or 1.35 lb).

Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D50 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D5100 and Nikon D50, 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 D50
Name	Nikon D5100	Nikon D50
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D5100	Nikon D50
Release Year	2011	2005
Release Date	2011-04-05	2005-04-20
MSRP	359 USD	799 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D5100	Nikon D50
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D5100	Nikon D50
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	CCD
Resolution	4928 x 3264 pixels	3008 x 2000 pixels
Megapixels	16,2 MP	6 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED 2	EXPEED
Image	Nikon D5100	Nikon D50
ISO Range	100 - 6400	200 - 1600
White Balance Presets	12	6
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 D50
Autofocus Motor	No	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView	Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous
Focus Points	11	5
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 D5100	Nikon D50
Articulated LCD	Fully articulated	Fixed
Screen size	3#	2”
Screen dots	921000	130000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	TFT LCD monitor	N/A
Live view	Yes	No
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentamirror)	Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage	95%	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.)	0.75× (0.5× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D5100	Nikon D50
Frames per second	4 fps	2,5 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	12 meters	11 meters
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	No
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/2 EV, 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D5100	Nikon D50
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 D50
Memory Card	SD/SDHC	SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Nikon D5100	Nikon D50
HDMI Output	Yes	No
Microphone Port	Yes	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	Yes Eye-Fi Connected	No
Remote Control	Yes (Optional ML-L3)	Yes (Optional (ML-L3))
GPS	Yes Optional with GP-1	No
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D5100	Nikon D50
Enviromentally sealed	No	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger	Nikon EN-EL3 Lithium-Ion & charger included
Battery Life (CIPA)	N/A	400 shots
Width	128 mm	133 mm
Height	97 mm	102 mm
Depth	79 mm	76 mm
Weight	611 gram	620 gram