Which one to buy ? - Nikon D5100 vs D3100 vs D7000
Nikon DSLR range of "consumer" is always something that intrigued me. Not that I never owned a camera from that range but how they position their cameras in the relationship with Canon on their main competitors (and the popularity of the Sony DSLR and camera mirrorless in general). The range includes consumer DSLR Nikon Nikon D3100, D5100 D7000 Nikon and Nikon. So that all three cameras have some unique features, it would be best for you? Start with how they look on paper.
Features | Nikon D3100 | ||
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Sensor Type | DX Format (APS-C) CMOS Sensor | DX Format (APS-C) CMOS Sensor | APS-C CMOS Sensor |
Sensor Size | 23.1x15.4mm | 23.6x15.6mm | 23.6 x 15.6mm |
Sensor Resolution | 14.2 megapixels | 16.2 megapixels | 16.2 megapixels |
LCD | 3.0-inch (230k dots) TFT LCD | 3.0-inch (921k dots) TFT LCD | 3-inch (920k dots) LCD |
Tilt LCD | No | Yes | No |
Live View | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | Pentamirror type | Pentamirror type | Pentaprism |
Viewfinder Coverage | Approx. 95% | Approx. 95% | Approx. 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8x (with 50mm at infinity) | 0.78x (with 50mm at infinity) | Approx. 0.94x |
HD Movie | 1920 × 1080 @24fps, 1280 x 720 @30fps | 1920 × 1080 @29.97, 25, 23.976fps | 1920x1080 (24fps), 1280x720 (30, 24, 25fps) |
Movie Mode AF | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Max. Continuous Burst Speed | 3fps | 4fps | 6fps |
AF System | 11-point AF System | 11-point AF System | 39 focus points (including 9 cross-type sensors) |
Built-in Image Stabilisation | No | No | No |
Image Sensitivity | ISO 100 to 3200 (Extendable to 12800) | ISO 100 to 6400 (Extendable to 25600) | AUTO(100-3200), 100-6400 (Expandable to 25600) |
Shutter Speed Range | 1/4000 to 30s & Bulb | 1/4000 to 30s & Bulb | 30-1/8000 sec (1/2 or 1/3 stop increments), Bulb |
Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Memory Card Slot(s) | 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC Card | 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC Card | 2x SD/SDHC/SDXC Cards |
Weight (Body only, incl. battery & memory card) | Approx. 505g | Approx. 560g | Approx. 690g |
Dimensions (H x W x D) | Approx. 124 x 96 x 74.5mm | Approx. 128 x 97 x 79mm | 132 x 105 x 77mm |
Price | £340.75 | £489.98 | £775.5 |
To avoid making a post so dull, I'll leave you with pixel peeping on the table and just give a quick overview here. Looking at the three cameras, the changes are not that important from body to body. If you compare the D5100 to D3100 for example, the difference is the LCD and the sensor. In comparison with D7000 D5100, other than the AF system, dual memory card slots, non-tiltable LCD screen (plus the LCD screen), there is not much difference. However, it is clear that Nikon does not attempt to distinguish most of the cameras with some of their techniques, but rather their overall performance and "feel". While I am still tempted to say that most of D5100 is similar to D3100 on that aspect, Nikon D7000 is a completely different beast entirely performance is certainly more than class "people used. "
Nikon D5100 - D3100 - D7000 - Differences in action
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Nikon D3100 - The first thing you'll notice when hefting Nikon D3100 compared with the two models is its weight. Even if your body compact enough grip to be subjective, but the weight difference is its largest. Use a good half hour and the difference that at first will begin to thank you. This causes the user to agree or camera light for easier to move to DSLR. It does not have many frills though. It does the job (and very nicely too) without making life difficult for you to honestly make learning the art of DSLR. If you already have some experience though, you may find it a bit simpler, especially LCD screen of what is considered "low" resolution. The biggest gap for newbie? Its lightweight body is partly due to lack an inner engine, so you'll need to get the lens (the more expensive the people there) has a motor built-in. For the young photographer, you should note this so you do not end up buying a lens you can not autofocus with.
Nikon D5100 - While the D5100 also comes without a motor inside, it provides a tiltable LCD screen is useful but is great for recording video. The feeling of the camera is very much similar to Nikon D3100 and you will not have to worry about using it. Some new features include effects D5100 allows you to have similar kinds of fun with your images is common with many compact digital cameras. Having said that though, it will also make a good DSLR for more serious users who want a DSLR to record video. I can easily imagine a number with a combination of a Nikon D700 (or D300S) and D5100. Leveraging the strengths of the two cameras for different requirements. As this point, it is also the only camera offers multiple frame rate in models with Nikon-D movies are available (probably time for a firmware upgrade to other models?)
Nikon D7000 - no mistakes about the Nikon D7000. It may be in the consumer category, but I can easily make a living using this camera. It feels strong (although you will find the "pro" more so) and a leading LCD screen, it will be comfortable for most of the serious shooter. Turned the other side of the camera from the other two models but it is not something that would feel awkward in the small. In fact, I personally prefer the way as anyone who used to shoot a DSLR with a leading LCD screen will tell you. The best feature of the D7000 are two memory card slots of it. The fact that it uses SD cards rather than CF cards can be due to a consumer focus, but the quality, reliability and speed of current SD memory card, I'm more than happy to take pictures with SD cards rather than CF cards anyway. Transfer files to my Mac is much simpler with no external card reader required. With options such as backup files JPEG / RAW file sharing different cards, it makes life no matter your job is something very simple. The only reason I would go on the D7000 would be if I really need a higher performance camera for the specific use. If you are unclear about what I could mention, Nikon D7000 is more than enough for you.
ISO test
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Nikon D5100 - D3100 - D7000 - So, to choose?
For most entry-level shooters, you will primarily be compared with D5100 D3100. Facing it, the D7000 can be spec'd better and you can have money to burn for the camera "best", but the extra weight (I did mention it was bloody heavy after a meeting afternoon shooting) will not go down unless you are buff and / or should perform. Choose between D5100 or D3100 in this case would be a matter of whether you need a tiltable LCD screen. Higher resolution, noise handling a little better will not suddenly make your photos better. AF-F will still be smoking if you are expecting it to perform like your camera so keep that in mind if you are getting them for their feature film. The best thing for D5100 D3100 against in this category are the filters and effects you can learn more about DRTV Kai video on the D5100.
For those serious digital SLR camera or want to upgrade their existing, it is simply D5100 or D7000. Again, it's likely you'll find more than enough D5100 with extra features thrown in a random shooting and editing. However, if you do not find the LCD tilt may be necessary or needed a stronger body with greater efficiency, D7000 is the way to go. You'll find the D7000 than the overall response from the metering and AF final shot. Needless to say too much for the genre, the choice should be clear if you are in this category.
Nikon D7000 vs Nikon D5000 Quick Review
Summary
- Buy Nikon D3100 if you are new to DSLR and wanted a solution that is compact and lightweight to help you learn everything needed to shoot DSLR.
- Buy Nikon D5100 if you need a DSLR with tiltable LCD screen even for still images or movies or if you are a user searches the knowledge to get serious in the DSLR camera
- Buy Nikon D7000 if you are upgrading your DSLR for higher performance and that's why you need it for what you plan to return.