Nikon D7100 vs Nikon D5100

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon D7100 and Nikon D5100. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon D7100

Nikon D5100

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon D7100 were released 2013 and Nikon D5100 was released 2011. That is a 2 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Nikon D7100	2013
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 D7100	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 D7100 has a 24,1 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 D7100	24,1 MP 24000000 pixels 6000 x 4000
Nikon D5100	16,2 MP 16084992 pixels 4928 x 3264

Nikon D7100 has a 49 % 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 D7100	100-6400
Nikon D5100	100-6400

Autofocus and lens compatibility

There is a big difference between these two cameras. Nikon D7100 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 D7100
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 D7100 can shoot up to 6 pictures per seconds and Nikon D5100 can shoot up to 4 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon D7100	6
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 D7100 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 D7100 weighs 675 gr (equal to 1.49 lb) which is 10% heavier than Nikon D5100 and its 611 gr (or 1.35 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon D7100	675 gr 1.49 lb
Nikon D5100	611 gr 1.35 lb