Nikon D5100 vs Pentax K-5 IIs

Below is a in-depth analysis of the Nikon D5100 and Pentax K-5 IIs, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Nikon and Pentax. The resolution of the D5100 (16MP) and the K-5 IIs (16MP) is very similar and both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (APS-C).

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The D5100 was announced 3 years before the K-5 IIs and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Nikon D5100 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax K-5 IIs being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise view of how the D5100 matches up versus the K-5 IIs when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D5100 and Pentax K-5 IIs. The whole galleries are available at Nikon D5100 Gallery and Pentax K-5 IIs Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Nikon D5100 comes with external dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 79mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.1") and a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs) and the Pentax K-5 IIs has specifications of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 760 grams (1.68 lbs).

Check out the Nikon D5100 and Pentax K-5 IIs in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the D5100 and the K-5 IIs.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the D5100 and K-5 IIs is 66 and 60 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor measurements only by going over a spec sheet. The photograph here should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the D5100 and K-5 IIs.

As you can see, both of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the exact same MP and you should expect similar quality of files but you should take the release date of the products into consideration. The older D5100 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.