Nikon D5100 vs Nikon Z30

Here, we will be evaluating the Nikon D5100 and Nikon Z30, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are sold by Nikon. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the D5100 (16MP) and Z30 (21MP) but both cameras posses the identical sensor sizing (APS-C).

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The D5100 was released 12 years earlier than the Z30 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Nikon D5100 being a Compact SLR camera and the Nikon Z30 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the D5100 scores versus the Z30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D5100 & Nikon Z30. The complete galleries are provided at Nikon D5100 Gallery & Nikon Z30 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D5100 comes with external dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 79mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.1") along with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs) and the Nikon Z30 has dimensions of 128mm x 74mm x 60mm (5.0" x 2.9" x 2.4") accompanied by a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon D5100 and Nikon Z30 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the D5100 and the Z30.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the D5100 and Z30 is 66 and 79 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reading a spec sheet. The image below will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the D5100 and Z30.

Clearly, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You can expect the Nikon Z30 to deliver extra detail as a result of its extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged D5100 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.