Nikon D5100 vs Sony HX300

Its time to take a closer look at the Nikon D5100 and Sony HX300, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Nikon and Sony. The resolution of the D5100 (16MP) and the HX300 (20MP) is very similar but the D5100 (APS-C) and HX300 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

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The D5100 was revealed 22 months earlier than the HX300 making them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Nikon D5100 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a simple view of how the D5100 scores against the HX300 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon D5100 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The full galleries are provided at Nikon D5100 Gallery and Sony HX300 Gallery.

If you're aiming to travel with your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Nikon D5100 has outside dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 79mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs) while the Sony HX300 has dimensions of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon D5100 and Sony HX300 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the D5100 compared to the HX300.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the D5100 and HX300 is 66 and 63 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions only by reviewing specifications. The picture here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the D5100 and HX300.

To sum up, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The D5100 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX300 will offer you more detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos more aggressively. The more aged D5100 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.