Nikon D3200 vs D5100
Nikon’s D5100 and D3200 are two entry level DSLR cameras which are widely used by amateur photographers around the world. D 5100 is a camera that was introduced in 2010 whereas the D 3200 was introduced very recently. The D 3200, being the latter version, is advanced in technology and specs than the D 5100.
Nikon D3200 vs D5100 Megapixel Value (Camera Resolution)
Resolution of the camera is one of the main facts a user must look into when buying a camera. This is also known as the megapixel value. The D 5100 has a Nikon DX format 16.2 megapixel sensor. The Nikon D 3200 has an APS-C format 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor. In the sense of resolution, the D 3200 almost doubles the performance of D 5100.
Nikon D3200 vs D5100 ISO Performance
ISO value range is also an important feature. The ISO value of the sensor means how much sensitive the sensor is to a given quantum of light. This feature is very important in night shots and sports and action photography. However, increasing the ISO value causes a noise in the photograph. The D 3200 has an ISO range of 100 to 6400 and a boost value of 12800. The D 5100 has an ISO range of 100 to 6400 and two high settings of 12800 and 25600. In the sense of ISO performance, the D 5100 is better than the D 3200.
Nikon D3200 vs D5100 FPS Rate (Frames per second rate)
Frames per second rate or more commonly known as the FPS rate is also an important aspect when it comes to sports, wildlife and action photography. FPS rate means the mean number of photos the camera can shoot per second on a certain setting. Both cameras have a rate of a 4 frames per second on maximum resolution. Considering the higher resolution of the D 3200, the D 3200 is ahead of the D 5100.
Nikon D3200 vs D5100 Shutter Lag and Recovery Time
A DSLR would not take the picture as soon as the shutter release is pressed. In most of the conditions, the auto focusing and auto white balancing would take place after the button is pressed. Therefore, there is a time gap between the press and the actual photo taken. This is known as the shutter lag of the camera. Both the D 5100 and the D 3200 are fast cameras and have good speed.
Nikon D3200 vs D5100 Number of AF Points (Autofocus points)
Autofocus points or AF points are the points which are built into the memory of the camera. If the priority is given to an AF point, camera will use its autofocus ability to focus the lens to the object in the given AF point. Both of these cameras are equipped with 11 point autofocus systems, but the autofocus mechanism of the D 3200 is more accurate and faster than the system of the D 5100.
Nikon D3200 vs D5100 HD Movie Recording
High definition movies or HD movies correspond to movies having resolution higher than standard definition movies. HD movie modes are 720p and 1080p. 720p has dimensions of 1280×720 pixels while the 1080p has dimensions of 1920×1080 pixels. Both cameras are capable of recording 1080p videos at a rate of 30 fps.
Nikon D3200 vs D5100 Weight and Dimensions
The D 5100 measures 128 x 97 x 79 mm and weights 560 g with battery pack. The D 3200 measures 125 x 96 x 77 mm and weights 505 g with battery pack. The D 5100 is slightly larger and heavier than the D 3200.
Nikon D3200 vs D5100 Storage Medium and Capacity
In DSLR cameras, the inbuilt memory is almost negligible. An external storage device is required to hold images. Both of these cameras support up to SDXC memory cards.
Nikon D3200 vs D5100 Live View and Display Flexibility
Live view is the ability to use the LCD as a viewfinder. This can be convenient because the LCD gives a clear preview of the picture in good colors. Both of these cameras are equipped with live view. The D 5100 has a vary-angle LCD display, but the display of the D 3200 is a fixed one.
In Summary of Nikon D5100 vs D3200 Features and Performance Comparison
The D 3200, being the latest Nikon entry level DSLR, is far more advanced and faster than the D 5100. In many of the aspects discussed here, the D 3200 is ahead. Though the price factor influences the purchase decision, the D 3200 is a better option than the D 5100.