• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon D5100 advantages over Ricoh GR III

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 0.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 660 vs 200 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    13 vs 9 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Ricoh GR III advantages over Nikon D5100

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 79 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    6 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Less shutter lag
    0.17 vs 0.27 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Longer exposure
    1200 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 100 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • 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 panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Nikon D5100
Body Only

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Ricoh GR III
Ricoh GR III
All GR III 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 Nikon D3100

Nikon D5100
Nikon D3100
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Nikon D3100

Ricoh GR III
Nikon D3100
  • $971
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Ricoh GR III vs Nikon D3100

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

Ricoh GR III
Sony A55
  • $971
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Ricoh GR III vs Sony A55

Compared to Sony A33

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

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Sony A33

Ricoh GR III
Sony A33
  • $971
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Ricoh GR III vs Sony A33

Compared to Sony A35

Nikon D5100
Sony A35
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5100 vs Sony A35

Ricoh GR III
Sony A35
  • $971
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Ricoh GR III vs Sony A35

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

Ricoh GR III
Sony A57
  • $971
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Ricoh GR III vs Sony A57

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