• APS-C 355.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Nikon D3100 advantages over Canon T5i

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.01 vs 4.30 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    919 vs 681 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 550 vs 440 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 15 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Canon T5i advantages over Nikon D3100

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    18.0 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.8 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Canon T5i
Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
All T5i Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; 9 cross-type AF points; Stereo microphones; Built-in touchscreen; Multi-shot modes; Improved kit lens; Even more affordable.

  • Little-changed from the earlier T4i; Slow Live View and video autofocus; High ISO performance is unimproved; Below-average battery life; No dedicated AF illuminator.

  • Read our Canon T5i Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon T4i

Nikon D3100
Canon T4i
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Canon T4i

Canon T5i
Canon T4i
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Canon T5i vs Canon T4i

Compared to Sony DSLR-A380

Nikon D3100
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Sony DSLR-A380

Canon T5i
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T5i vs Sony DSLR-A380

Compared to Sony A33

Nikon D3100
Sony A33
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Sony A33

Canon T5i
Sony A33
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T5i vs Sony A33

Compared to Pentax K-r

Nikon D3100
Pentax K-r
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K-r

Canon T5i
Pentax K-r
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T5i vs Pentax K-r

Compared to Sony A57

Nikon D3100
Sony A57
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Sony A57

Canon T5i
Sony A57
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon T5i vs Sony A57

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