Nikon D5100 vs Sony G3

Below is a extended comparison of the Nikon D5100 and Sony G3, former being a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Nikon and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the D5100 (16MP) and G3 (10MP) and the D5100 (APS-C) and G3 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The D5100 was manufactured 2 years later than the G3 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Nikon D5100 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony G3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summary of how the D5100 matches up vs the G3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon D5100 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-G3. The entire galleries are available at Nikon D5100 Gallery & Sony G3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and size. The Nikon D5100 has got 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 Sony G3 has specifications of 97mm x 59mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs).

Check the Nikon D5100 and Sony G3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the D5100 compared to the G3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the D5100 and G3 is 66 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor measurements just by going through a spec sheet. The photograph below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the D5100 and G3.

Clearly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The D5100 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Nikon D5100 will show greater detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The fresher D5100 will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.