Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D5100

Last Updated & Fact Checked:  April 18, 2026

Are you trying to decide between the Nikon D3200 and the Nikon D5100?

Product Versus will provide you with all the product details so you can quickly compare the facts to find which product is right for you – the Nikon D3200 or the Nikon D5100 – and find out exactly what the differences are.

Both the Nikon D3200 and the Nikon D5100 are quality products, so read on to find out which one is best for your needs!

Nikon D3200 quick facts

Nikon D5100 quick facts

Nikon D3200 product details

Bestseller No. 1
Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX NIKKOR Zoom Lens (Renewed)
  • This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished, shows limited or no wear, and includes all original accessories plus a 90 day warranty
  • 24.2 MP DX format CMOS sensor,Display Screen 3.0 Inch Rear Screen, LCD (921000)
  • EXPEED III Image Processing
  • Wide ISO sensitivity range,Filter Thread: 52 millimeter
  • One touch Full HD 1080p movie recording
Bestseller No. 2
Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR NIKKOR Zoom Lens (Import)
  • Import model products are materially identical to their USA model counterparts, but do not qualify for manufacturer rebate or warranty programs
  • 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor
  • EXPEED III Image Processing
  • Wide ISO sensitivity range
  • One-touch Full HD 1080p movie recording

Nikon D5100 product details

Bestseller No. 1
Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only)
  • 3-inch, 921,000-dot Super-Density horizontal type Vari-Angle LCD Monitor
  • In-camera Special Effects Mode and HDR (High Dynamic Range)
  • Stunning Full 1080p HD Movies with Full Time Autofocus
  • High Resolution 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor
  • Includes rechargeable Li-ion battery, quick charger, rubber eyecup, USB cable, AV cable, camera strap, eyepiece cap, and shoe cover
Bestseller No. 2
Nikon D5100 16.2MP Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR Lens (Renewed)
  • This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box
Bestseller No. 3
Nikon D5100 16.2MP Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR Lens
  • This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box

New products & alternatives to the Nikon D3200 and the Nikon D5100

New
Nikon D3200 24.2 Megapixel HD Video,Wi-Fi Compatibility D-SLR Body Only (Black) (Renewed)
  • 24.2 effective megapixels DX-format CMOS image sensor
  • Wide sensitivity range up to ISO 6400, expandable to ISO 12800
  • Comfortable live view shooting using a large, 3-inch LCD monitor
  • Simple and slim styling with reliable holding and superior operability
  • Full HD movie recording at 1,920 x 1,080/30p
New
Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens – 24.2MP + 128GB Memory Card + Camera Bag + Protective Memory Card Case + USB Card Reader + More
  • Bundle Items Include: Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens + 128GB Memory Card + Camera Bag + Protective Memory Card Case + USB Card Reader + Hand Strap + Flexible Tripod + 52mm UV Filter + Cleaning Kit
  • The Nikon D3200 DSLR with 18-55mm VR lens features a 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3 processor for exceptional image quality and speed. Capture detailed JPEG or RAW photos and Full HD 1080p video with vibrant color and fine tonal gradations, while the 3.0" 921K-dot LCD offers bright, clear viewing for framing, playback, and menu navigation.
  • The included AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens delivers sharp, blur-free results across wide-angle to medium telephoto ranges. An 11-point phase-detection AF system ensures quick, precise focusing, while a broad ISO range of 100–6400 (expandable to 12800) enables clean, noise-controlled images in varied lighting conditions.
  • Record cinema-quality video at 1080p (30/25/24 fps) or 720p (60/50 fps) with full-time autofocus, manual exposure control, and external stereo mic compatibility. Capture up to 4 fps in continuous shooting mode, utilize Active D-Lighting for balanced exposures, and experiment with creative effects using the in-camera retouch menu and scene modes.
  • Ideal for beginners and enthusiasts, Guide Mode offers step-by-step instructions with sample images to simplify shooting. Optional WU-1a wireless connectivity lets you send images directly to your smartphone or control the camera remotely. Compact, lightweight, and durable, the D3200 is designed for comfort and portability without compromising performance.
New
Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens – 24.2MP, Full HD 1080p Video, 11-Point Autofocus + Nikon 50 f/1.4G AF-S 58MM Lens + 128GB Memory Card + 72" Tripod + LED Light + More
  • Bundle Items Include: Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens + Nikon 50 f/1.4G AF-S 58MM Lens + 128GB Memory Card + 72" Tripod + LED Light + 52mm Color Filter Kit + Camera Bag + Lens Bag + Protective Memory Card Case + USB Card Reader + Hand Strap + Flexible Tripod + 52mm UV Filter + 58mm Filter Kit + 58mm Color filter Kit + Lens Cap Keeper + Photo Editing Software + Cleaning Kit
  • The Nikon D3200 DSLR with 18-55mm VR lens features a 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3 processor for exceptional image quality and speed. Capture detailed JPEG or RAW photos and Full HD 1080p video with vibrant color and fine tonal gradations, while the 3.0" 921K-dot LCD offers bright, clear viewing for framing, playback, and menu navigation.
  • The included AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens delivers sharp, blur-free results across wide-angle to medium telephoto ranges. An 11-point phase-detection AF system ensures quick, precise focusing, while a broad ISO range of 100–6400 (expandable to 12800) enables clean, noise-controlled images in varied lighting conditions.
  • Record cinema-quality video at 1080p (30/25/24 fps) or 720p (60/50 fps) with full-time autofocus, manual exposure control, and external stereo mic compatibility. Capture up to 4 fps in continuous shooting mode, utilize Active D-Lighting for balanced exposures, and experiment with creative effects using the in-camera retouch menu and scene modes.
  • Ideal for beginners and enthusiasts, Guide Mode offers step-by-step instructions with sample images to simplify shooting. Optional WU-1a wireless connectivity lets you send images directly to your smartphone or control the camera remotely. Compact, lightweight, and durable, the D3200 is designed for comfort and portability without compromising performance.
New
Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens – 24.2MP, Full HD 1080p Video, Guide Mode, 11-Point Autofocus + Nikon 14-24mm Lens + 128GB Memory Card + 72" Tripod + Camera Bag + Bag + More (Renewed)
  • Bundle Items Include: Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens + Nikon 14-24mm Lens + 128GB Memory Card + 72" Tripod + LED Light + 52mm Color Filter Kit + Camera Bag + Lens Bag + Protective Memory Card Case + USB Card Reader + Hand Strap + Flexible Tripod + 52mm UV Filter + Lens Cap Keeper + Photo Editing Software + Cleaning Kit
  • The Nikon D3200 DSLR with 18-55mm VR lens features a 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 3 processor for exceptional image quality and speed. Capture detailed JPEG or RAW photos and Full HD 1080p video with vibrant color and fine tonal gradations, while the 3.0" 921K-dot LCD offers bright, clear viewing for framing, playback, and menu navigation.
  • The included AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens delivers sharp, blur-free results across wide-angle to medium telephoto ranges. An 11-point phase-detection AF system ensures quick, precise focusing, while a broad ISO range of 100–6400 (expandable to 12800) enables clean, noise-controlled images in varied lighting conditions.
  • Record cinema-quality video at 1080p (30/25/24 fps) or 720p (60/50 fps) with full-time autofocus, manual exposure control, and external stereo mic compatibility. Capture up to 4 fps in continuous shooting mode, utilize Active D-Lighting for balanced exposures, and experiment with creative effects using the in-camera retouch menu and scene modes.
  • Ideal for beginners and enthusiasts, Guide Mode offers step-by-step instructions with sample images to simplify shooting. Optional WU-1a wireless connectivity lets you send images directly to your smartphone or control the camera remotely. Compact, lightweight, and durable, the D3200 is designed for comfort and portability without compromising performance.
New
Nikon D3200 24.2MP DSLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm VR Zoom Lens – Full HD 1080p Video Capture, Fast 11-Point Autofocus System + Nikon 14-24mm Lens + 72" Tripod + 128GB Memory Card + Camera Bag + More
  • Bundle Items Include: Nikon D3200 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens + Nikon 14-24mm Lens + 128GB Memory Card + 72" Tripod + LED Light + Flexible Tripod + Camera Bag + Lens Bag + Protective Memory Card Case + USB Card Reader + Hand Strap + 52mm Color Filter Kit + 52mm UV Filter + Lens Cap Keeper + Photo Editing Software + Cleaning Kit
  • The Nikon D3200 DSLR with 18-55mm VR lens incorporates a 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor paired with an EXPEED 3 processor, ensuring outstanding image detail and processing speed. Capture rich JPEG or RAW stills and Full HD 1080p video with vivid colors and smooth tonal gradations, while the bright 3.0" 921K-dot LCD provides clear viewing for composing shots, playback, and menu navigation.
  • The supplied AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens delivers crisp, stabilized results from wide-angle to medium telephoto perspectives. An 11-point phase-detection autofocus system delivers rapid, accurate focusing performance, and the ISO range of 100–6400 (expandable to 12800) ensures clean, low-noise photos in diverse lighting conditions.
  • Shoot cinematic video at 1080p (30/25/24 fps) or 720p (60/50 fps) with continuous autofocus, full manual exposure settings, and support for an external stereo microphone. Achieve up to 4 fps in continuous shooting, enhance exposure balance with Active D-Lighting, and explore creative possibilities using the built-in retouch menu and scene effect modes.
  • Perfect for both beginners and hobbyists, Guide Mode provides step-by-step assistance along with example images to simplify the learning curve. With the optional WU-1a wireless adapter, you can transfer photos directly to a smartphone or operate the camera remotely. Compact, lightweight, and rugged, the D3200 offers portability without sacrificing performance.

Our conclusion on the Nikon D3200 vs Nikon D5100

Both the Nikon D3200 and the Nikon D5100 are high quality products and we are sure you will be happy with either one. In the end it comes down to your budget and the value for money you are looking for.

Either way, the Nikon D3200 and the Nikon D5100 are both excellent products that will more than do their job!