• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D5100 advantages over Panasonic G100

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.79 vs 3.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    83 mm vs 64 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Panasonic G100 advantages over Nikon D5100

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    54 mm vs 79 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    4 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    419g vs 829g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    1840k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • 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
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D5100
Body Only
All D5100 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic G100
Kit with 12-32mm Lens
  • Kit with 12-32mm Lens
  • Kit with Lens + Tripod Grip
All G100 Deals

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

Panasonic G100
Sony A55
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic G100 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

Panasonic G100
Sony A33
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic G100 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

Panasonic G100
Sony A57
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic G100 vs Sony A57

Compared to Olympus E-M5 III

Nikon D5100
Olympus E-M5 III
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Olympus E-M5 III

Panasonic G100
Olympus E-M5 III
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compare Panasonic G100 vs Olympus E-M5 III

Compared to Olympus E-M10 IV

Nikon D5100
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $649
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Olympus E-M10 IV

Panasonic G100
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $649
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic G100 vs Olympus E-M10 IV

Compare Other Cameras?