• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1200.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D5100
  • Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
Links
Prices: Compare Prices Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D5000
D5000 vs D5100
Canon SX40 HS
SX40 HS vs SX50
Successor: Nikon D5200
D5100 vs D5200
Canon SX60
SX50 vs SX60
General
Model Number: D5100 SX50
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: SLR EVF
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $899.95 $449.99
Street Price: $649.99 $459.00
Date Available: 2011-04-17 2012-10-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 29.2 oz (829 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
21.3 oz (603 g)
includes batteries
Size: 5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 in.
(128 x 97 x 79 mm)
4.8 x 3.4 x 4.2 in.
(123 x 87 x 106 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony  
Effective Megapixels: 16.2 12.1
Sensor Format: APS-C 1/2.3 inch
Sensor size: 368.16mm2 (23.60mm x 15.60mm) 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.79 microns 1.54 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x n/a
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed  
Self-Cleaning: Yes No
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 80 47
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 23.5 20.3
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 13.6 11.2
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 1,183 179
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4928 x 3264 (16.1 MP, Other),
3696 x 2448 (9.0 MP, Other),
2464 x 1632 (4.0 MP, Other)
4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2664 (10.7 MP, 3:2),
4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9),
2992 x 2992 (9.0 MP, 1:1),
2816 x 1880 (5.3 MP, 3:2),
2816 x 1584 (4.5 MP, 16:9),
2112 x 2112 (4.5 MP, 1:1),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3),
1600 x 1064 (1.7 MP, 3:2),
1200 x 1200 (1.4 MP, 1:1),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), NEF (RAW) 14-bits, RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3), 12-bit Raw (.CR2); RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 3.9 13.0
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (30/​25/​24)
1280x720 (30/​25/​24)
640x424 (30/​25)
1920x1080 (24p)
1280x720 (30p)
640x480 (30/​120)
320x240 (30/​240)
Movie File Format: MOV H.264/MPEG-4 MOV (Image: H.264, Audio: Stereo Linear PCM)
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F n/a
Lens: NIKKOR AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR Canon Zoom Lens; Ultra Sonic Motor (USM)
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm 24 - 1,200mm
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm 4.3 - 215mm
Zoom Ratio: 3.00x 50.00x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 -22 (W), f/5.6 -36 (T) f/3.4 (W) / f/6.5 (T) - f/8.0
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 28 cm to Infinity
11.0 in to Infinity
5 cm to Infinity
2.0 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:   0 - 50 cm
0.0 - 19.7 in
Filter Thread: 52.0mm n/a
Thread Type: n/a 67mm (with optional adatper)
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom: No Yes
Digital Zoom Values: n/a Up to 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: 11 point TTL phase detection with 3D focus tracking by Nikon Multi-CAM 1000; Single-point, Dynamic and Auto Area modes. One cross-type sensor. Contrast Detect AF with Face Detection;
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: Optical / LCD EVF / LCD
Viewfinder Type: SLR type; eye-level pentamirror, ~95% coverage, ~0.78x magnification (50mm f/1.4 lens and infinity, -1.0m^1), 17.9mm eyepoint (-1.0m^1), -1.7 to +0.7 diopter EVF type; 202K-dot LCD with diopter adjustment of -4 to +1
Focus Peaking: No No
EVF Resolution: n/a  
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.52x  
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.78x  
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 2.8
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots 460,800 dots (153,600 px)
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: Yes
Selfie Screen: Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 31.0x 10.0x
Top Deck Display: No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 6400 6400
Minimum ISO (native): 100 80
ISO Settings: Auto, 100-6400, Hi-1=12800, Hi-2=25600 Auto, ISO 80 - 6400
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Incandescent, Fluorescent (7), Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Manual Auto (including Face Detection WB), Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, Custom. Multi-area WB correction available in Smart Auto
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec 1/2000 - 15 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes No
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 3D Color Matrix Metering II (420-pixel RGB), Center-weighted (75% given to 8mm circle in the center), Spot (3.5mm circle (2.5%) centered on selected focus point) Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Spot (centre or linked to Face Detection AF or FlexiZone AF frame)
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close up, Scene (Party/indoor, Beach/snow, Sunset, Dusk/dawn, Pet portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Autumn colors, Food, Night portrait, Night landscape), Special Effects (Stills or D-movies: Silhouette, Selective Color, Night Vision, High Key, Low Key, Miniature Effect, Color Sketch). Custom (2), Sports, SCN (Portrait, Smooth Skin, Smart Shutter, High-Speed Burst HQ, Handheld NightScene, Snow, Fireworks, Stitch Assist), Creative Filters (High Dynamic Range, Fish-eye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Soft Focus, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect, Color Accent, Color Swap), Movie Digest
Self Timer: 2, 5, 10, 20 seconds 2, 10, Custom seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):    
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, rear-curtain with slow sync, rear-curtain sync, off; 18-300mm coveraqge Auto, Flash On, Slow Synchro, Flash Off; Red-eye Reduction and Correction available
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent Auto ISO: 1.6 ft. - 18 ft. (W), 4.6 - 9.8 ft. (T) (50cm - 5.5m (W), (1.4m - 3.0m (T))
Max Flash Sync: 1/200 1/2000
Flash Exposure Compensation: -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot shoe Hot-Shoe (E-TTL)
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support: UHS-I  
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: NEF (RAW) 14-bits, RAW+JPEG 12-bit Raw (.CR2); RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: MOV H.264/MPEG-4 MOV (Image: H.264, Audio: Stereo Linear PCM)
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
NFC: No No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: Yes No
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional ML-L3 IR Remote or MC-DC2 Remote Cord Optional Wired (RS-60E3)
Connections (extended): HDMI Out (with CEC), Accessory Terminal for Wired Remote (MC-DC2) or GPS (GP-1), 3.5mm Stereo Mic Jack; DC-input via dummy battery AC adapter. Combined USB/AV, Mini (Type-C) HDMI, Remote Terminal
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.73 1.85
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.77 2.51
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 0.77  
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 3.9 13.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 100 10
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 4.0  
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 13  
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 3.9  
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 9  
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.27 seconds 0.48 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):   0.41 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR): 1.28 seconds  
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR): 0.488 seconds  
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.248 seconds 0.341 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.29 seconds 0.55 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.114 seconds 0.067 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Optical Viewfinder: Wide-area AF: 0.408s Live View: Full AF lag: 1.28s Prefocused: 0.49s  
Startup Time: 0.5 seconds 2.0 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.4 seconds 1.4 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 4.0 seconds 4.5 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   315 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 660 shots  
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL14 Proprietary NB-10L
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL14 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary NB-10L Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: ViewNX 2 CD-ROM Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS Windows 7 / 7 SP1 / Vista SP2 / XP SP3; Mac OS X v10.5+
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: 3" Vari-angle 921K-dot LCD, Full HD Videos (up to 1920x1080@30fps), In-camera Special Effects, Night Vision mode, HDR, Active D-Lighting, 3.5mm External Stereo Mic socket. Intelligent Image Stabilization, DIGIC 5 processor, improved AF speed, 1080p24 Full HD movies, 13 fps High-Speed Burst HQ mode, Zoom Framing Assist, 58 scene Smart Auto, 12-bit RAW+JPEG capture.