Reasons to choose D3X
Released in 2008, D3X has about 862 mm² of sensor area, 24.5 MP effective resolution, and a 1,260 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.
Side-by-side comparison
Nikon D3X
vs Nikon D5100
VS
Sensor area
862 mm²
D3X368 mm²
D5100- Area ratio
- 2.34:1
- Absolute difference
- 493 mm²
- Relative difference
- 134%
The D3X has the larger sensor area. More area usually means greater light-gathering potential, though real image quality still depends on sensor architecture and generation.
These cameras were released 3 years apart. Consider sensor generation when comparing pixel metrics.
Key specification differences
D3XMetricD5100
24.5 MPEffective pixels16.2 MP
35.9 × 24Sensor23.6 × 15.6
5.93 µmPixel pitch4.77 µm
35.17 µm²Pixel area22.73 µm²
2.84 MP/cm²Pixel density4.4 MP/cm²
1Crop factor1.53
—Maximum video1,920 × 1,080
1,260 gWeight560 g
Compact Flash (Type I or II) x 2, UDMAStorageSDHC, SDXC, Secure Digital
Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a rechargeable battery Li-ion batteryBatteryLithium-Ion EN-EL14 rechargeable battery Li-ion battery
Amber marks the value that is generally preferable in this comparison context. It is not an overall camera score.
How to choose between these cameras
The D3X has the larger sensor area. The D5100 has the lighter body. The D3X has the higher effective resolution. The D5100 is the newer release. Also consider the lens system and subjects you shoot.
Reasons to choose D5100
Released in 2011, D5100 has about 368 mm² of sensor area, 16.2 MP effective resolution, and a 560 g body. Use these values to narrow the field, not as an overall image-quality score.