• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 1 inch 122.9mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 240.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D5100 advantages over Canon XC10

  • Less expensive
    $650 vs $2373
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.79 vs 3.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    79 mm vs 122 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 1/2 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon XC10 advantages over Nikon D5100

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Newer
    9 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Side-mounted tilt / swivel LCD screen; same sensor and processing as the Nikon D7000; good speed and battery life; in-camera HDR and filter effects; Full HD video capture with aperture control; audio levels control and external microphone jack.

  • AF-S lens mount doesn't offer autofocus with screw-drive lenses; popup flash isn't the greatest; no built-in wireless flash control; HDR function doesn't microalign source images.

  • Read our Nikon D5100 Full Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony A55

Nikon D5100
Sony A55
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Sony A55

Canon XC10
Sony A55
  • $2373
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon XC10 vs Sony A55

Compared to Sony A33

Nikon D5100
Sony A33
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Sony A33

Canon XC10
Sony A33
  • $2373
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon XC10 vs Sony A33

Compared to Sony A57

Nikon D5100
Sony A57
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Sony A57

Canon XC10
Sony A57
  • $2373
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon XC10 vs Sony A57

Compared to Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)

Nikon D5100
Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $899
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)

Canon XC10
Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)
  • $2373
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $899
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Canon XC10 vs Leica V-LUX (Typ 114)

Compared to Sony RX10 II

Nikon D5100
Sony RX10 II
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $998
  • 1 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Sony RX10 II

Canon XC10
Sony RX10 II
  • $2373
  • 1 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $998
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Canon XC10 vs Sony RX10 II

Compare Other Cameras?