Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D5000

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D5100 and Nikon D5000. 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 D5000 has 12,3 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Nikon D5100 has a 32 % larger resolution than Nikon D5000. 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 D5000. Nikon D5100 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 6400 while Nikon D5000 has 200 to 6400.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Neither of these two cameras has a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that supports autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own, and often they rely on the cameras providing this autofocus motor but since these two camera models do not have this either it will result in no autofocus is possible.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D5100
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon D5000

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 D5000 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Nikon D5100 and Nikon D5000 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 4% heavier than Nikon D5000 and its 590 gr (or 1.3 lb).

Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D5000 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon D5100 and Nikon D5000, 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 D5000
Name	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5000
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5000
Release Year	2011	2009
Release Date	2011-04-05	2009-04-14
MSRP	359 USD	849 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5000
Camera Type	DSLR	DSLR
Sensor	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5000
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	4928 x 3264 pixels	4288 x 2848 pixels
Megapixels	16,2 MP	12,3 MP
Image Processor	EXPEED 2	EXPEED
Image	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5000
ISO Range	100 - 6400	200 - 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	RAW
Optics & Focus	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5000
Autofocus Motor	No	No
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 Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	11	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 D5100	Nikon D5000
Articulated LCD	Fully articulated	Fully articulated
Screen size	3#	2,7”
Screen dots	921000	230000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	TFT LCD monitor	N/A
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Optical (pentamirror)	Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage	95%	95%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.)	0.78× (0.52× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5000
Frames per second	4 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	12 meters	17 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 steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5000
Video recording	Yes	Yes
Video format	MPEG4	MPEG4
Video resolution	1280 x 720 1920 x 1080	1280 x 720
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes
Built-in Speakers	Yes	Yes
Storage	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5000
Memory Card	SD/SDHC	SD/SDHC
Connectivity	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5000
HDMI Output	Yes	Yes
Microphone Port	Yes	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	Yes Eye-Fi Connected	Yes Eye-Fi Connected
Remote Control	Yes (Optional ML-L3)	Yes (Optional (ML-L3))
GPS	Yes Optional with GP-1	Yes Optional
Body & Dimensions	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5000
Enviromentally sealed	No	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery & charger	Nikon EN-EL9a Lithium-Ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA)	N/A	510 shots
Width	128 mm	127 mm
Height	97 mm	104 mm
Depth	79 mm	80 mm
Weight	611 gram	590 gram