Nikon D5 vs Nikon D7100
- Full frame
- 21 megapixels
- Nikon F
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50
Overall -
30
Imaging -
63
Features -
65
Size -
0
Price
Nikon D5 vs Nikon D7100: a Complete Review and Comparison
Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models introduced by the same brand - Nikon. Although both products are offered by the same brand, they come from different categories. Thus, Nikon, is a camera from Pro DSLR category, while D7100 is a Semi-Pro DSLR camera. Both products that we are going to review are equipped with the same type of sensor - CMOS. However, they have different resolution. The first compared model, Nikon D5, features has a resolution of 21.0 MP. Another model that we are reviewing, Nikon D7100, features a sensor with a resolution of 24.0 MP.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Nikon D5 and Nikon D7100.
Nikon D5 Key Features:
- 21.0 MP Full frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 102400 (Expands to 3280000)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3.2″ Fixed Type Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 14.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 4K (UHD) 30p/25p/24p, 1080/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, 720/60p/50p
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 160 x 158.5 x 92 mm
- Weight: 1415 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Nikon D4s. Compare
Nikon D7100 Key Features:
- 24.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Expands to 50 - 25600)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3.2″ Fixed Type Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 6.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 24 fps)
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 136 x 107 x 76 mm
- Weight: 765 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Nikon D7000. Compare
- Replaced by Nikon D7200. Compare
Being a newer model, Nikon D5 substituted
Nikon D4s.
Be sure to check out some of our other comparisons that may also interest you:
Nikon D5 vs. D4s
Nikon D4s vs. Nikon D7100
Why is Nikon D5 a better choice than Nikon D7100
| Sensor Area | 855.62 mm2 vs 366.6 mm2 | 57.2% larger pixel area |
| Continuous Shooting | 14 fps vs 6 fps | 8 fps faster |
| Number Of Focus Points | 153 vs 51 | 102 more focus points |
| Number Of Cross Focus Points | 99 vs 15 | 84 more cross focus points |
| Screen Resolution | 2,359k dots vs 1,229k dots | 47.9% higher resolution screen |
| Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
| Battery Life | 3780 shots vs 950 shots | 2830 more frames with a single charge |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
| Dxo Color Depth | 25.1 vs 24.2 | Better color depth |
| Dxo Low Light Iso | 2434 vs 1256 | Better High ISO performance |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.72 vs 0.63 | 0.09 better magnification |
What are the key reasons to pick Nikon D7100 over Nikon D5
| Sensor Resolution | 24.0 MP vs 21.0 MP | 12.5% more pixels |
| Built-In Flash | Yes vs No | All the lenses are stabilized |
| Flash Range | 12 vs No | 12 better flash range |
| Weight | 765 g vs 1415 g | 650 g lighter |
| Dxo Dynamic Range | 13.7 vs 12.3 | Better dynamic range |
Key PROs of Nikon D5 and Nikon D7100
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3.2″ | Large display |
| Screen Resolution | 2,359k dots | 1,229k dots | High resolution screen |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
| Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
| Headphone Port | Yes | Yes | Better video control |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
| Storage Slots | 2 slots | 2 slots | Extra Storage Slots |
| Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
| Battery Life | 3780 shots | 950 shots | Big number of frames with a single charge |
Key CONs of Nikon D5 and Nikon D7100
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type | No flexible viewing angles |
| Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
Nikon D5 vs Nikon D7100: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D5 and Nikon D7100 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Nikon D7100 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 650g less than the Nikon D5. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Nikon D5 and Nikon D7100 by the type of Sensor and Resolution
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D5 and Nikon D7100 any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D5 features a 21.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor . Nikon D7100, in its turn, comes with a 24.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D5 and Nikon D7100 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Nikon D5 has a sensor area 0.4x bigger compared to Nikon D7100. What does it mean? This basically means that if you these cameras them with the same aperture and focal length, the first model will give you more control in terms of the blurry background and depth of field.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Nikon D5 and Nikon D7100 Suitable?
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D5 and Nikon D7100 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
| Photography Type | Nikon D5 | Nikon D7100 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Nikon D5 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (21 MP)
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D7100 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D5 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large Full frame(35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Big battery life (3780 shots)
Disadvantages:
- Big size (160 x 158.5 x 92 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D7100 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Big battery life (950 shots)
Disadvantages:
- Big size (136 x 107 x 76 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D5 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Fast Continuous Shooting (14.0 fps)
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of autofocus Points (153)
- Big Number of CrossFocus Points (99)
- Nice Low Light ISO (2434)
- Big battery life (3780 shots)
- Big size (160 x 158.5 x 92 mm)
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesNikon D7100 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of autofocus Points (51)
- Big size (136 x 107 x 76 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (6.0 fps)
- Small Number of CrossFocus Points (15)
- Bad Low Light ISO (1256)
Nikon D5 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (1415 g)
- Big size (160 x 158.5 x 92 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
Nikon D7100 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (765 g)
- Big size (136 x 107 x 76 mm)
Nikon D5 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
- Good Dynamic Range (12.3)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
- Nice Low Light ISO (2434)
Disadvantages:
- Low resolution sensor (21 MP)
Nikon D7100 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (13.7)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- Bad Max Native ISO (6400)
Comparison of Nikon D5 vs Nikon D7100: Final Verdict
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D5 or Nikon D7100, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D5 and Nikon D7100 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Nikon D5 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D7100. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Nikon D5 vs Nikon D7100 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D5 | Nikon D7100 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Model | D5 | D7100 |
| Announced | Jan 05, 2016 | Apr 25, 2013 |
| Body Type | Large SLR | Mid-size SLR |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full frame | APS-C |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.8 x 23.9 mm | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
| Sensor Area | 855.62 mm2 | 366.60 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 21.0 MP | 24.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 5588 x 3712 | 6000 x 4000 |
| Max Native ISO | 102,400 | 6,400 |
| Max Boosted ISO | 3,280,000 | 25,600 |
| Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 287 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1x | x |
| Macro Focus Range | ||
| AutoFocus | ||
| AF Touch |  |
|
| AF Continuous | |
|
| AF Single | |
|
| AF Tracking | |
|
| AF Selective | |
|
| AF Center | |
|
| AF Multi Area | |
|
| AF Live View | |
|
| AF Face Detection | |
|
| AF Contrast Detection | |
|
| AF Phase Detection | |
|
| Number of Focus Points | 153 | 51 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | 99 | 15 |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ | 3.2″ |
| Screen Resolution | 2,359k dots | 1,229k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.72 | 0.63 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/8000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 14.0 fps | 6.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 0 | 12 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| DxO Sensor Scores | ||
| DxO Sensor Score | 88 | 83 |
| DxO Color Depth | 25.1 | 24.2 |
| DxO Dynamic Range | 12.3 | 13.7 |
| DxO Low Light ISO | 2434 | 1256 |
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | 4K (UHD) 30p/25p/24p, 1080/60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, 720/60p/50p | 1920 x 1080 (60, 50, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 24 fps) |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Video Formats | MPEG-4, H.264 | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 1415 g | 765 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 160 x 158.5 x 92 mm | 136 x 107 x 76 mm |
| Battery Life | 3780 shots | 950 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | EN-EL18a | EN-EL15 |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Optional | Optional |
| Storage Type | Dual CompactFlash or dual XQD | SD/SDHC/SDXC x 2 slots |
| Storage Slots | 2 | 2 |
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