Deciding on your first Digital SLR or adding a new camera to your collection can be overwhelming when you start considering the many options available. I have been a long fan of Nikon cameras and have gotten superb photographs with their Digital SLR cameras. In this article I am comparing the Nikon D3100 to the D5100. The question you have to ask is whether or not the Nikon D5100 Price is worth the upgrade from the Nikon D3100. Lets take a look at these two superb cameras and see what they have to offer.
As you look at the different digital SLR cameras, from entry level to enthusiast and professional, the cameras obviously increase in price and in sophistication. Typically the autofocus and exposure metering systems improve. The higher-end cameras also shoot faster, have more settings that can be controlled by the photographer and give higher resolution.
Image quality and Sensor quality are two important considerations that any level of photographer will notice in their images. The Nikon D5100 has 16.2 megapixels 23.6 x 15.6mm sensor. This is the same sensor that is featured on Nikon's outstanding DSLR the D7000. The D3100 is equipped with 14.2 megapixels 23.1 x 15.4mm sensor. The increase in resolution gives sharper images and allows for better editing in programs such as Photoshop. You will have the ability to crop and enlarge prints and still maintain a superb image with high resolution for printing or for display. The better sensor in the D5100 gives better performance at higher ISO settings and in low light situations. You will see lower digital noise, an improved dynamic range, better tonal ranges and superb color sensitivity. It might be fair to say the higher megapixels and better sensor justifies the Nikon D5100 price alone.
Another consideration to look at when comparing the Nikon D5100 to the D3100 is the shooting speed and its Autofocus (AF). The D3100 shoots 3 frames per second (fps) in continuous mode while the D5100 shoots 4 fps. Higher shooting speeds mean capturing fast moving objects in situations like sports or wildlife shots. The fast shooting speed and good AF system allows for capturing great action shots. Both cameras have 11 AF points, which will probably be more than enough for most users. If you are a professional and specialize in sports or wildlife photography or action shots, you will want a camera that is more sophisticated and has a customizable AF system. When purchasing either a D3100 or D5100 you should know that neither of them have an autofocusing motor built into the body so you will need to have a lens with built-in AF motors. This shouldn't be an issue with the newer lenses available.
The Nikon D5100 is equipped with several extras not found on the D3100. One is the 3" Vari-angle LCD. This is especially nice when trying to capture those tricky shots. The D5100 also has HDR (High Dynamic Range) that helps give exceptional detail in the highlights and shadows of your image. There are also several scene modes and in-camera special effects that the D5100 offers. The D5100 is also equipped with a Full HD video mode, which appeals to many videographers.
Another consideration is the size and weight of these two cameras. The D3100 is slightly smaller and lighter than the D5100. This is something that should be considered as traveling light as possible is an issue for some people.
When looking at all the options and functions of these two cameras, the Nikon D5100 out performs the Nikon D3100. The important question you must ask your self, is the Nikon D5100 price jump (about $200) worth it? If you are looking to buy your first DSLR or invest in a back-up camera, the investment in the D5100 is well worth it. If you already own the Nikon D3100 and do not need a back-up camera, you might want to sit tight. The D3100 is capable of delivering superb images. Good luck and have fun capturing life's memories!
As you look at the different digital SLR cameras, from entry level to enthusiast and professional, the cameras obviously increase in price and in sophistication. Typically the autofocus and exposure metering systems improve. The higher-end cameras also shoot faster, have more settings that can be controlled by the photographer and give higher resolution.
Image quality and Sensor quality are two important considerations that any level of photographer will notice in their images. The Nikon D5100 has 16.2 megapixels 23.6 x 15.6mm sensor. This is the same sensor that is featured on Nikon's outstanding DSLR the D7000. The D3100 is equipped with 14.2 megapixels 23.1 x 15.4mm sensor. The increase in resolution gives sharper images and allows for better editing in programs such as Photoshop. You will have the ability to crop and enlarge prints and still maintain a superb image with high resolution for printing or for display. The better sensor in the D5100 gives better performance at higher ISO settings and in low light situations. You will see lower digital noise, an improved dynamic range, better tonal ranges and superb color sensitivity. It might be fair to say the higher megapixels and better sensor justifies the Nikon D5100 price alone.
Another consideration to look at when comparing the Nikon D5100 to the D3100 is the shooting speed and its Autofocus (AF). The D3100 shoots 3 frames per second (fps) in continuous mode while the D5100 shoots 4 fps. Higher shooting speeds mean capturing fast moving objects in situations like sports or wildlife shots. The fast shooting speed and good AF system allows for capturing great action shots. Both cameras have 11 AF points, which will probably be more than enough for most users. If you are a professional and specialize in sports or wildlife photography or action shots, you will want a camera that is more sophisticated and has a customizable AF system. When purchasing either a D3100 or D5100 you should know that neither of them have an autofocusing motor built into the body so you will need to have a lens with built-in AF motors. This shouldn't be an issue with the newer lenses available.
The Nikon D5100 is equipped with several extras not found on the D3100. One is the 3" Vari-angle LCD. This is especially nice when trying to capture those tricky shots. The D5100 also has HDR (High Dynamic Range) that helps give exceptional detail in the highlights and shadows of your image. There are also several scene modes and in-camera special effects that the D5100 offers. The D5100 is also equipped with a Full HD video mode, which appeals to many videographers.
Another consideration is the size and weight of these two cameras. The D3100 is slightly smaller and lighter than the D5100. This is something that should be considered as traveling light as possible is an issue for some people.
When looking at all the options and functions of these two cameras, the Nikon D5100 out performs the Nikon D3100. The important question you must ask your self, is the Nikon D5100 price jump (about $200) worth it? If you are looking to buy your first DSLR or invest in a back-up camera, the investment in the D5100 is well worth it. If you already own the Nikon D3100 and do not need a back-up camera, you might want to sit tight. The D3100 is capable of delivering superb images. Good luck and have fun capturing life's memories!
Check HERE, Nikon D5100 whether a decent price to move from Nikon D3100. Click Here for Read More Detail Nikon D5100 Review.
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