Nikon D5200 vs Nikon D3100

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100
      68
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      61
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D5200 and the Nikon D3100, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D5200 was introduced in May 2013 and Nikon D3100 was introduced in December 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D5200 Highlights

      • 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 39 Focus Points (39 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Nikon D3100 Highlights

      • 14 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points (11 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D5200
      4. Advantage of Nikon D3100
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D5200 and Nikon D3100.

      PROS

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 84
      •   Weight - 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 67
      •   Weight - 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)

      Advantage of Nikon D5200

      Nikon D5200
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D5200 over Nikon D3100.

      Nikon D5200 vs Nikon D3100
      Higher Sensor Resolution 24.1 Megapixel vs 14 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
      Higher Boosted ISO 25,600 vs 12,800
      More Powerful Processor EXPEED 3 vs EXPEED 2
      Max Image Resolution 6000 x 4000 vs 4608 x 3072
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 39 vs 11
      More Cross-type Focus Points 9 vs 1
      Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 230k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
      Spot Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1284 vs 919
      Higher DxO Color Depth 24.2 vs 22.5
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.9 vs 11.3
      Higher DxO Overall Score 84 vs 67
      Speaker Mono vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      Microphone Input vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D5200.

      Nikon D5100
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Nikon D5600
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D5300
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D5500
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D5000
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      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Nikon D100
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Nikon D3400
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Fujifilm S5 Pro
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony NEX-5
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      APS-C

      14 MP

      Olympus OM-D E-M1
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      Micro Four Thirds

      16.3 MP

      Advantage of Nikon D3100

      Nikon D3100
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D3100 over Nikon D5200.

      Nikon D5200 vs Nikon D3100
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.52x vs 0.53x
      Average Metering vs
      Lighter 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz) vs 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 500 shots vs 550 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D3100.

      Nikon D3000
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Nikon D3500
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D3400
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D3300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D3200
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon SX530 HS
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Nikon Z7 II
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon SX150 IS
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.1 MP

      Pentax WG-3 GPS
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Pentax K100D Super
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Panasonic ZS8
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      1/2.33-inch

      14.1 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D5200 Nikon D3100
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C Mini Type C
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D5200 Nikon D3100
        No Image Stabilization
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Optional via Eye-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing
        Short Battery Life500 shots550 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D5200 and Nikon D3100 have 3.0" screens with 921k dot and 230k dot resolutions respectively. Nikon D5200 has a Fully Articulated screen which makes it selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting. Nikon D3100 has a Fixed screen

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      Nikon D5200 with Fully Articulated screen


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinders. They both have 95% coverage.

      Sensor

      Nikon D5200 features a 24.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Nikon D3100 features a 14 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.1 x 15.4 mm and a total area of 237.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D5200 is equipped with EXPEED 3 processor and can take pictures up to 6000 x 4000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4496 x 3000, 2992 x 2000 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Nikon D3100 is equipped with EXPEED 2 processor and can take pictures up to 4608 x 3072 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3456 x 2304, 2304 x 1536 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Nikon F lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D5200 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D3100 nothing can be done. On Nikon D3100 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Nikon D5200 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Nikon D5200 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Nikon D3100 has a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D5200 and Nikon D3100 come with EN-EL14 battery pack with battery life of 500 shots on Nikon D5200 and with battery life of 550 shots on Nikon D3100.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D5200 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slot. Nikon D3100 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D5200 and Nikon D3100 have Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane. shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D5200, and up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D3100. Nikon D5200 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Nikon D3100 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D5200 has 39 (9 cross-type) focusing points and Nikon D3100 has 11 (1 cross-type) focusing points. They both have detection range from -1 to +19 EV


      Exposure

      Both cameras' exposure metering ranges from 0 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Nikon D5200 and ±5 EV range on Nikon D3100. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D5200 and exposure lock and manual exposure adjustment on Nikon D3100.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100.. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe to Nikon D5200 and via Hot Shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock to Nikon D3100. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D5200 body has dimensions of 129 x 98 x 78 mm (5.08 x 3.86 x 3.07") and Nikon D3100 body has dimensions of 124 x 96 x 75 mm (4.88 x 3.78 x 2.95"). Nikon D5200 weighs 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz) and Nikon D3100 weighs 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz).

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      129 mm

      98 mm

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      124 mm

      96 mm

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      98 mm

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      96 mm

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      78 mm

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      75 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D5200 and Nikon D3100

      Nikon D5200 and Nikon D3100 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      GOOD
      72
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      GOOD
      79
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      78
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      GOOD
      82
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz)
      GOOD
      78
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      GOOD
      79
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D5200 and Nikon D3100 and give them scores of 68 and 61 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      OVERALL
      68
      OVERALL
      61

      Sensor

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      GOOD
      70
      •   Sensor Resolution - 24.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 84
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 67

      Photo

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

      Video

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      BAD
      14
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      GOOD
      82
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   39 Focus Points
      •   9 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      82
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   1 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      GOOD
      80
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D5200

      Nikon D3100

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 555 g (1.22 lb / 19.58 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 500 shots
      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 505 g (1.11 lb / 17.81 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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