Nikon D5100 vs Pentax W80

The following is a in depth analysis of the Nikon D5100 and Pentax W80, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Nikon and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the D5100 (16MP) and W80 (12MP) and the D5100 (APS-C) and W80 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The D5100 was announced 23 months after the W80 making them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Nikon D5100 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax W80 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the D5100 grades against the W80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon D5100 and Pentax Optio W80. The whole galleries are viewable at Nikon D5100 Gallery and Pentax W80 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to travel with your camera, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon D5100 enjoys outer 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 W80 has proportions of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).

Examine the Nikon D5100 and Pentax W80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at that moment. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the D5100 against the W80.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the D5100 and W80 is 66 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to see the gap in sensor dimensions only by looking through a spec sheet. The pic underneath might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the D5100 and W80.

As you can see, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The D5100 having a larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Nikon D5100 will provide you with more detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The younger D5100 will have a benefit in sensor tech.