• APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • Detailed specifications
  • Nikon D5100
  • Sony Alpha SLT-A37
Links
Prices: Compare Prices  
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor: Nikon D5000
D5000 vs D5100
 
Successor: Nikon D5200
D5100 vs D5200
 
General
Model Number: D5100 A37
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: SLR SLR
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $899.95 $599.99
Street Price: $649.99  
Date Available: 2011-04-17 2012-06-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 29.2 oz (829 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
25.6 oz (726 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 in.
(128 x 97 x 79 mm)
4.9 x 3.6 x 3.3 in.
(124 x 92 x 85 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Sony
Effective Megapixels: 16.2 16.1
Sensor Format: APS-C APS-C
Sensor size: 368.16mm2 (23.60mm x 15.60mm) 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.79 microns 4.82 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x 1.5x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: No Yes
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 80 75
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 23.5 23.3
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 13.6 12.9
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 1,183 799
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)
4912 x 3264 (16.0 MP, 3:2),
4912 x 2760 (13.6 MP, 16:9),
3568 x 2368 (8.4 MP, Other),
3568 x 2000 (7.1 MP, 16:9),
2448 x 1624 (4.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 1376 (3.4 MP, 16:9),
12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other),
5536 x 2160 (12.0 MP, Other),
8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other),
3872 x 2160 (8.4 MP, Other),
7152 x 1080 (7.7 MP, Other),
4912 x 1080 (5.3 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9)
Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), NEF (RAW) 14-bits, RAW+JPEG JPEG, MPO, RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 3.9 5.5
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (30/​25/​24)
1280x720 (30/​25/​24)
640x424 (30/​25)
1920x1080 (60i(FH)/​24p(FX)/​24p(FH))
1440x1080 (30p)
640x480 (30p)
Movie File Format: MOV H.264/MPEG-4 AVCHD 1.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC)
Composite Video Out: Yes No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: Yes n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Nikon F Sony Alpha (Minolta A)
Lens: NIKKOR AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm 27 - 83mm
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm 18 - 55mm
Zoom Ratio: 3.00x 3.06x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 -22 (W), f/5.6 -36 (T) f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 36 (T)
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 28 cm to Infinity
11.0 in to Infinity
25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 52.0mm 55.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes No
Digital Zoom: No Yes
Digital Zoom Values: n/a Up to 2x Precision, Up to 2x Clear Image Zoom, 1.4x (8.4MP) or 2.0x (4MP) Smart Zoom
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. Phase Detection: 15 points (3 points cross type); Wide (auto, 15 points), Zone, Spot, Local; Enhanced Object Tracking
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; 1.1cm (0.43") 1.15M-dot LCD (380K-dot time-multiplexed RGB), 100% coverage, 1.1x magnification, 19mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a  
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.52x 0.73x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 0.78x 1.10x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 2.6
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots 230,400 dots (76,800 px)
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: Yes
Selfie Screen: Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 31.0x 11.8x
Top Deck Display: No No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 6400 16000
Minimum ISO (native): 100 100
ISO Settings: Auto, 100-6400, Hi-1=12800, Hi-2=25600 Auto (100-3200), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 16000; (Multi-frame NR mode up to ISO 25600)
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Incandescent, Fluorescent (7), Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Manual Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Warm, Cool, Day, Daylight), Flash, Custom, Color Temp/Filter (2500-9900K with 15-step Magenta/Green compensation)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec 1/4000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0EV 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) 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot
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). Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, Portrait, SportsAction, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Hand-held Twilight (6 shot layering), Night Portrait, Picture Effect (Posterization (color/B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial color (R/G/B/Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera (Normal/Cool), Soft High-key, Soft Focus (Hi/Mid/Lo), HDR Painting (Hi/Mid/Lo), Miniature (7 Settings))
Self Timer: 2, 5, 10, 20 seconds 2 or 10 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, Off, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. 10.0 m / 32.8 ft.
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent Lens dependent
Max Flash Sync: 1/200 1/160
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
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC MS PRO Duo / 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 RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: MOV H.264/MPEG-4 AVCHD 1.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC)
Included Memory: 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 Yes
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 (RM-S1AM/RM-L1AM)
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. Type-C Mini HDMI (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, 3.5mm External Stereo Micophone Jack, DC Input
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.73 0.47
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.77 0.45
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): Unlimited 2
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 5.5
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 0.11 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
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 0.080 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.29 seconds 0.32 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.114 seconds 0.057 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Optical Viewfinder: Wide-area AF: 0.408s Live View: Full AF lag: 1.28s Prefocused: 0.49s Full AF lag, Wide-area mode = 0.124s
Startup Time: 0.5 seconds 0.9 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.4 seconds 0.9 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 4.0 seconds 2.5 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):    
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 660 shots 450 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary EN-EL14 Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary EN-EL14 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 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 Sony Software CD-ROM
OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS Windows XP SP3/Vista SP2/7, Mac OS X (v.10.3 +)
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. SteadyShot INSIDE Sensor-shift Image Stabilization (up to 4 EV correction), Full HD 1080i60 Video, Up to 7 fps Burst Mode (Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE), Enhanced Object Tracking AF, 2x Clear Image Digital Zoom, Auto Portrait Framing.