Cameras Indepth

Choosing a camera requires having a lot of information concerning the camera you intend to buy. But what if you had two cameras in mind: The
Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D. How easy will it be to get all the information you require?

That’s what this comparison article is designed to supply you with; in-depth information that will help your decision-making easy.  

We reveal the specs, what kind of photography they are suited for, their common and unique features, as well as their pros and cons, and lots more. All you need you to know about these amateur cameras from the top two camera manufacturers in the world is served to you on a platter of gold.

But before we go into the full course meal, the comparison overview in the next section will serve as an appetizer of what’s to come.

You might also be interested in this Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1200D comparison.

Comparison Overview – Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D

The first major difference you’ll notice about these cameras is how physically different they are. The Nikon D5100 is smaller than the Canon 1100D. However, despite being the larger camera, the 1100D is the lighter of the two.

The D5100 has the edge over the Canon camera in terms of the number of features possessed. Two standout features that the Nikon camera has that are missing in the Canon 1100D are the articulating screen and microphone port.

Furthermore, when both cameras are compared as to which of them will deliver better quality, the Nikon D5100 still comes out on top. It basically does better when it comes to everything sensor than the 1100D.

An upper-hand which the Canon 1100D possesses over the D5100 is its longer battery life. However, the difference might not account for a major decision-maker.

Both cameras seem to cancel each other out in the video recording department. While the Nikon D5100 has a better video resolution, the 1100D has more video formats.

Neither camera does well in terms of wireless connectivity as both cameras lack Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.  

Price/Value Ratio – Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D

Which camera offers more value for money?

The D5100 does not offer more value for money than the 1100D and vice versa. Although the Canon 1100D is way cheaper than the Nikon D5100, the features it posseses justifies its price.

These features include an articulating screen, microphone port, time-lapse recording, and UHS card support. Neither of these features are found in the 1100D.

Now we can go onto the main menu…

Comparison Table – Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D

What Situation is Each Best For? – Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D

Check out the Canon 1100D hands-on review in the video below.

Common Features – Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D

There are features that these cameras share in common despite their differences. The D5100 and the 1100D have the following similarities:

i. Sensor Format and Type
ii. Anti-Aliasing Filter
iii. ISO
iv. Viewfinder
v. Built-in Flash
vi. Hot Shoe (External Flash Shoe)
vii. Storage
viii. HDMI Port
ix. USB Port

Sensor Format and Type

The sensor is a very important part of any camera. It has a significant role in determining the final and overall image quality produced. The sensor’s performance level is usually influenced by the sensor’s format and type.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D are both fitted with an APS-C format sensor. This sensor format is called the DX-format by the Nikon Company.

The sensor’s format to a large extent has a major impact on the sensor’s size. In terms of size, the APS-C sensor format is regarded as medium-sized. It is smaller than the full-frame and the medium format sensors but it is larger than the 1 inch and four-thirds sensors. This is important as the sensor size affects the quality of the image produced.

The bigger the sensor, the heavier it tends to be. This is another thing you would worry less about with the sensors found in these cameras.

Both cameras apart from using a similar sensor format also make use of the same CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductors) sensors. This aids in battery conservation because the CMOS sensor does not consume power like the CCD sensor.

Anti-Aliasing Filter

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D have a feature called the anti-aliasing filter or low pass filter. It is found just before the sensor.

The primary function of this filter is to prevent the occurrence of moiré. Moiré is a repetitive pattern of lines or dots that appear in an image. This happens when the patterns on the image captured coincide with that of the camera’s sensor. This is why cameras with a low sensor resolution are bound to experience moiré than those with a higher sensor resolution.

As much as this serves an advantage, this is not seen as an advantage these days by many. This is because the anti-aliasing filter affects the image’s details and sharpness. Images produced by a camera that has an anti-aliasing filter are not as detailed and sharp as those without it.

Many newer cameras are capable of overcoming moiré occurrence thanks to sensor technology advancement and higher sensor resolutions.

ISO

The ISO of a camera is a measure of the sensor’s sensitivity to light. It deals with how effectively the sensor can make use of the light available to it. Therefore, cameras that possess a high ISO range can effectively capture clear images in low light conditions.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D are similar in terms of ISO. They have the same ISO range of 100 – 6400. This means that both sensors possess the same light sensitivity.

Most sensors have the option of an expanded ISO range. The Nikon D5100, however, has this option while the 1100D does not. Its ISO can be expanded to a maximum ISO value of 25600.

Viewfinder

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D are both fitted with an optical pentamirror eye-level viewfinder.

The job of the viewfinder in a camera is to help one frame and control a shot properly. With the help of a viewfinder, the shot captured will always be found with the frame and not out of frame.

The type of viewfinder sported by these cameras has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s quickly discuss this, shall we?

These cameras get to conserve battery power since they are fitted with an optical viewfinder rather than an electronic viewfinder. An optical viewfinder can be said to be mechanical and doesn’t need power for it to operate. An electronic viewfinder, on the other hand, requires power to operate. The optical viewfinder ensures the batteries of these cameras get to last as long as they even do.

When we talk about pentamirror, we are referring to the type of material used to make the viewfinder. A viewfinder is either made from a pentamirror like the ones in the Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D. Or it is made from a pentaprism material.

The pentamirror material is more used in amateur cameras such as the ones in this article. The use of a pentamirror puts these cameras at a disadvantage. This is because the pentamirror material does not allow in the passage of sufficient light through it.

The pentaprism, on the other hand, allows enough light through. The more light that passes through, the clearer and brighter the images are seen through the viewfinder.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D both have 95% viewfinder coverage.

Built-in Flash

There are times when you just have to shoot in areas and conditions where the lighting is poor. When this happens without a light source that will illuminate the subjects about to be captured, such images are bound to be poor in quality.

In such situations, one has to make provision for a source of light that will illuminate the subjects he/she seeks to capture. Cameras such as the Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100 are readily fitted with a built-in flash that serves as that alternative source of light. This means that you can still capture great shots in low light conditions.

The presence of a built-in flash can help one out of sticky situations especially where there is no external flash available. It reduces the constant need for an external flash. This is apart from the fact that one can do without having to spend extra just to purchase one as well as the additional weight it adds to the camera.

The D5100’s flash can be used with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System.

Hot Shoe (External Flash Shoe)

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D both possess a camera feature known as the hot shoe. This feature is found on top of these cameras and it allows the attachment of other external accessories to the camera.

Although other accessories are used with this feature, an external flash is more commonly used. Hence, most people refer to this feature as an external flash shoe.

An external flash has more advantages than the built-in flash: It is more versatile and efficient. A built-in flash is fixed in position; hence it is bound to cause red-eye effect more frequently than an external flash: Since it is always directed towards the subject’s eye. Also, an external flash offers more flash power than a built-in flash would and can cover wider and longer ranges.

However, the disadvantage is that it will add to your camera’s overall weight which can become burdensome as one shoots for an extended period.

Besides, you’ll have to purchase it separately. Hence, if you are on a tight budget you might not be able to afford it.

If you are not on a budget and would love to purchase an external flash, allow us to recommend the Neewer NW-670 TTL Flash Speedlite. It is suitable with most Canon cameras including the 1100D.

Learn more about a hot shoe in the next video.

Storage

These cameras make use of a single card slot for storage purposes. Both cameras store their files on SDXC cards.

The single card slot storage means limited terms of storage capacity for these cameras, unlike cameras that possess dual card slots. Besides, such cameras enjoy storage flexibility and options.

HDMI Port

The HDMI port feature allows a larger screen to be connected to the camera via an HDMI cable.

When this is done, the images captured on the camera can be viewed directly on the larger screen. This is especially useful for editing purposes. A larger screen gives a larger view hence angles and points within the frame can be easily detected as well.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D both have a mini HDMI port that allows them to carry out this function.

USB Port

The USB 2.0 port found in both cameras is used to connect to certain supported devices with the aid of a USB cable. When the connection is made, files can be transferred from the camera to the device and vice versa.

Unique Features – Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D

In this section, we look at how different these cameras are from each other. We discuss the features found in the Nikon D5100 and not in the Canon 1100D and vice versa.

Unique Features – Nikon D5100

The following are the features that the D5100 has that the 1100D does not have:

i. Articulating Screen
ii. Microphone Port
iii. Time-Lapse Recording
iv. UHS Card Support
v. Nikon F Lens Mount
vi. EXPEED 2 Image Processor

Articulating Screen

The major screen feature that distinguishes the Nikon D5100 from the Canon 1100D is the articulating screen. This screen can be turned, tilted and swiveled. It can be turned completely to face the user which makes it an awesome camera for taking selfies.

Not only will selfie lovers cherish this camera because of this, but vloggers will also do the same. Professional photographers involved in street and wildlife photography will also benefit greatly from this feature.

In most cases, these photographers have to deal with capturing difficult angles. Using a camera that has a fixed screen does not allow for the versatility that will enable the capturing of such shots. However, with a fully articulating screen, the job is made easier.

Microphone Port

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D are capable of recording videos. Therefore, a built-in microphone is fitted into these cameras so that audio can be captured during video shoots. The issue with these cameras is that they do not record quality audio as well as we would like.

What then is one who is concerned about getting good audio in his/her videos supposed to do then? Easy, we recommend you get an external microphone that can easily record high-quality audio while you shoot your videos.

However, this can only be connected if the camera possesses a microphone port. Once again the Nikon D5100 excels in this regard while the Canon 1100D falls short. This means the latter is limited to producing only low-quality audio with its built-in microphone.

Time-Lapse Recording

The Nikon D5100 is manufactured with a built-in intervalometer that allows you to create time-lapse videos. Shooting can be done at low frequencies with this feature.

A time-lapse video is a short video made from some pictures of a particular scene that has been captured at different intervals. Examples of time-lapse videos are blooming plants, sunsets, sunrise, traffic in the city, etc

UHS Card Support

The D5100 can make use of a UHS-I memory card. Therefore, you can read and write files at Ultra High Speeds of up to 104MB/s.

Nikon F Lens Mount

A feature that is always different when Nikon and Canon cameras are compared is the lens mount. This is because both cameras make use of lens mounts exclusive to their respective brands.

A good number of Nikon DSLR cameras are fitted with the Nikon F lens mount and this includes the Nikon D5100. The lens mount is found between the camera body and the lens itself. It is used to hold the lens in place and connects the camera body to the lens.

EXPEED 2 Image Processor

Nikon and Canon image processors are also different because of the reason we mentioned above regarding their lens mounts.

The Nikon Company has its series of image processors with the trademark name EXPEED. Early DSLR cameras sported the first generation of the EXPEED image processor. Subsequently, it was improved on and the EXPEED 2 was manufactured. This is the image processor that runs the Nikon D5100.

This EXPEED 2 image processor enables the D5100 to process images and videos at a faster speed than the older EXPEED image processor. Also, it is responsible for the camera’s ability to record 1080p video whereas the EXPEED could only do 720p video.

Unique Features – Canon 1100D

The following are the features that the D5100 has that the 1100D does not have:

i. Canon EF/EF-S Lens Mount
ii. DIGIC 4 Image Processor

Canon EF/EF-S Lens Mount

Just like the Nikon Company makes use of lens mounts that are exclusive to their cameras, the Canon Company does the same. Hence, the Canon 1100D can be fitted with either the Canon EF or the Canon EF-S lens mount.

DIGIC 4 Image Processor

The Canon Company employs the use of its distinct image processors known as the DIGIC. DIGIC is an acronym that stands for ‘Digital Imaging Integrated Circuit’.

For the Canon 1100D, it is fitted with the DIGIC 4 image processor which is the 4^th generation of DIGIC processors. This image processor gives the camera a processing edge over those that made use of older DIGIC generations.

Unique Pros – Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D

What advantages do these cameras have over each other when we consider their possession of seemingly common features? This section reveals these advantages.

Unique Pros – Nikon D5100

Which has a Larger Sensor  D5100 or 1100D?

The D5100 has a larger sensor than the 1100D. It has a sensor size of 23.6 x 15.6mm while the Canon 1100D has a sensor dimension of 22.2 x 14.8mm. Hence, the former is larger than the latter.

Due to this difference, the format factors of these sensors are different. The D5100 and the 1100D have a format factor of 1.5 and 1.6 respectively. The native aspect ratio however of both cameras is the same at 3:2.

The size of your sensor is also important in determining image quality. Since the sensor captures light necessary for image production, a larger sensor is bound to capture more light thanks to its larger surface area.

A larger sensor offers more advantages than smaller ones. One of such is that a larger sensor enables the camera to detect more details when an image is to be captured. If both cameras have the same sensor resolution (megapixels), the one with the larger sensor has the upper hand.

Besides, it offers a better dynamic range, low-light sensitivity, color depth, individual pixels, and depth-of-field control.

The benefits of a larger sensor are discussed in the next video.

Which has a Higher Sensor Resolution D5100 or 1100D?

The D5100 has a higher sensor resolution than the 1100D. It has a sensor resolution of 16.1 megapixels while the Canon 1100D has 12.2 megapixels: That is 3.9 megapixels more.

A camera’s sensor resolution is the sensor’s sensitivity and ability to capture details thereby producing well-detailed quality images. Hence, a higher sensor resolution will produce an image that is better detailed than one produced by a lower sensor resolution.

Printing larger images and cropping images without the occurrence of grain and blur are benefits of having a higher sensor resolution as well. However, we advise you to print and crop cautiously with these cameras due to their sensor resolutions.

It is important to note that a higher sensor resolution alone does not account for a better picture. Other contributing factors must also be functioning at optimal levels. For example, the lens and lighting used have a great effect on picture quality. If the light is poor, the high sensor resolution might not salvage the situation.

Which has a Better Sensor Performance D5100 or 1100D?

The D5100 has a better sensor performance than the 1100D. It has a sensor performance score of 80 while the Canon 1100D scores 62.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D have a color depth of 23.5 bits and 21.9 bits respectively. Hence, the D5100 does better with a higher value of 1.6 bits.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D have a dynamic range of 13.6 EV and 11.3 EV. Therefore, there is a difference of 2.3 EV with the D5100 having the advantage.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D have a low light ISO of 1183 and 755 respectively. This gives the D5100 an advantage of 0.6 stops over the 1100D.

In determining the sensor’s performance level, three major sensor aspects are considered and measured. These are the color depth, dynamic range, and the low light ISO. The measurements and the results are made by the DXO Company.

A camera’s color depth is the sensor’s sensitivity and ability to produce distinct colors. Therefore, cameras with higher color depth produce richer colors than those with lower color depth. A camera’s color depth is usually measured in bits.

The DXO Company refers to color depth as the DXO portrait. Upon close inspection, we discover that the color depth also influences the image quality of a portrait picture.

The dynamic range is the sensor’s ability to effectively detect details in its lightest and darkest point in the frame. The dynamic range is also called the DXO landscape and it influences the overall image quality of a landscape picture.

The last measurement (low light ISO) is the sensor’s sensitivity in low light conditions. A higher low light ISO means the camera can efficiently capture clearer images in low light than one with a lower low light ISO. Noise is efficiently managed with a camera that has a high low-light ISO.  

The low light ISO is also referred to as DXO sports because it influences images captured at a sports event.

Which has a Larger Screen D5100 or 1100D?

The D5100 has a larger screen than the 1100D. It has 3 inches display screen while the Canon 1100D sports a 2.7 inches LCD screen. That makes the screen of the D5100 0.3-inch larger than that of the 1100D.

Since larger screens offer a clearer and bigger view, the Nikon D5100 will be the preferred camera when this feature is considered.

Which has a Screen Resolution D5100 or 1100D?

The D5100 has a higher screen resolution than the 1100D. It has a higher screen resolution of 921,000 dots while the Canon 1100D sports a poor screen resolution of just 230,000 dots.

The screen resolution of a camera measures the screen’s ability to efficiently display and render a certain amount of details. A higher screen resolution will produce images that are better detailed on the screen than a lower screen resolution.

Which has a Higher Video Resolution D5100 or 1100D?

The D5100 has a higher video resolution than the 1100D. It shoots video at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps video frame rate. The Canon 1100D, on the other hand, shoots videos at 1280 x 720 at 30 fps video frame rate.

Which has a Higher Viewfinder Magnification D5100 or 1100D?

The D5100 has a slightly higher viewfinder magnification than the 1100D. The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D have a viewfinder magnification of 0.51 and 0.50 respectively. This difference of 0.01 won’t account for much in real-life situations.

Viewfinder magnification deals with how bold the images transmitted on the viewfinder appear.

Which has a Faster Continuous Shooting Speed D5100 or 1100D?

The D5100 has a faster continuous shooting speed than the 1100D. The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D have a continuous shooting speed of 4 frames per second and 3 frames per second respectively. Therefore, the D5100 is faster by 1fps.

Burst mode is a very helpful feature that allows the photographer to capture successive images non-stop within a period. It is also known as continuous shooting mode.

One thing that makes shooting in this mode effective is the camera’s continuous shooting speed. The continuous shooting speed measures how many images are captured per second in burst mode. A camera with a faster continuous shooting speed will capture more images in a specified period than one with a slower shooting speed.

Which has More Focus Points D5100 or 1100D?

The D5100 has more focus points than the 1100D even though the use the same phase-detection autofocus system. The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D have 11 and 9 focus points respectively. This gives the D5100 the advantage of 2 more focus point.

Focus points are points within a frame whereby a camera can create exposure on thereby enhancing the details of that particular point.

Which has a Longer Flash Coverage D5100 or 1100D?

The D5100 has a longer flash coverage than the 1100D. The Nikon D5100 and the Canon 1100D have a flash coverage of 12.0m and 9.2m when used at ISO 100. This means the D5100 has a 2.8m longer flash coverage.

A built-in flash usually has a range it can cover which determines how well it can illuminate a subject and its surroundings.

Which is Smaller  D5100 or 1100D?

The D5100 is smaller than the 1100D. It has a size dimension of 127 x 97 x 79m while the Canon 1100D has a size dimension of 130 x 100 x 78mm. The Nikon D5100 is, therefore, 2mm narrower, 3mm shorter, but 1mm thinner than the 1100D which makes it 4% smaller.

Portability is important when considering a camera to buy. Moving about with a smaller camera is not much of a hassle unlike when you have a larger camera.

A smaller camera an even be packed along easily as one goes on a trip. A good number of photographers would readily opt for a smaller camera; given it delivers quality images.

Which is Newer D5100 or 1100D?

The D5100 is 1 month and some days newer than the 1100D. Hence, it doesn’t have many advantages as regarding benefitting from technological advancements.

Newer cameras usually enjoy the advantage of technological advancements over older cameras. The cameras in this comparison are just months apart based on their announcement dates.

Watch the Nikon D5100 hands-on review in the following video.

Unique Pros – Canon 1100D

Which has More Video Formats 1100D or D5100?

The 1100D has more video formats which it can shoot in than the D5100. It shoots in H.264 and Motion JPEG, while the Nikon D5100 shoots only in MPEG-4.

Which has a Longer Battery Life 1100 or D5100?

The 1100D has a longer battery life than the D5100. It has the advantage of capturing 40 shots more than the Nikon camera.

The Nikon D5100 is fitted with the EN-EL14 power pack that allows it to capture 660 shots after it is fully charged. The Canon 1100D, on the other hand, uses the LP-E10 battery that enables it to capture 700 shots after a full charge.

The longer a camera can last, the longer one gets to shoot. This is an important issue that a good number of professionals consider irrespective of the photography type they are engaged in. Therefore, a camera with a long-lasting battery is always sought after.

Which has Less Startup Delay 1100D or D5100?

The 1100D has less startup delay than the D5100. It has a startup time of 100ms while the Nikon D5100 has a startup time of 500ms. This puts the Canon 1100D as being 400ms faster.

Startup delay refers to the time needed by the camera to be fully functional after it has been switched on. Cameras with more startup delay are prone to missing important shots.

Which has Less Shutter Lag 1100D or D5100?

The 1100D has less shutter lag than the D5100. It has a shutter lag of 110ms while the Nikon D5100 will delay for about 273ms before shooting can resume.

Shutter lag or shutter delay refers to the interval between when you press the shutter for capture and when it gets saved.

What happens during this period is that the camera processes the image as it tries to save it. This makes the camera inactive whereby you cannot make another shot until the saving is done.

Less shutter lag means a camera does not have to wait for long before it can resume shooting.

Which has More Available Lenses 1100D or D5100?

TThe 1100D has more available lenses than the D5100. It uses the Canon EF/EF-S lens mount which allows it to make use of 319 native lenses and 107 optical stabilization lenses.

The Nikon D5100, on the other hand, sports the Nikon F lens mount and has 302 native lenses and 101 native lenses at its disposal.

With more available lenses at its disposal, the Canon 1100D can create more distinct scenes than the Nikon D5100.

One of such lenses which we highly recommend is the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens.

Which is Lighter 1100D or D5100?

The 1100D is 65g and 12% lighter than the D5100. It has a body-weight of 495g while the Nikon D5100 weighs 560g.

Weight is a factor that needs to be considered especially if your trade requires using your camera for an extended period.

This factor is further considered when the cameras in mind are interchangeable lens cameras. Since the lens used is bound to cause an increase in the overall weight of the camera. Apart from the lenses used, accessories that will be used such as the external flash and the rest must be equally considered.

Which is Cheaper 1100D or D5100?

The 1100D is cheaper than the D5100. The launching prices of both cameras show that the Canon 1100D was launched at a price that is 40% cheaper than that of the Nikon D5100.

The price of the camera you intend buying will either cause you to buy it or not. No matter how many other factors might affect your decision, your purchasing power supersedes all.

Unique Cons – Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D

Unique Cons – Canon 1100D

i. It lacks an articulating screen.

ii. An external microphone cannot be connected to the camera.

iii. It cannot create time-lapse videos.

iv. It does not support UHS cards.

Common Pros – Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D

Common Cons – Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D

Check out these other interesting comparison articles below:

Nikon D3100 vs D300 – Which Should You Buy?

Nikon D3100 vs D3000 – Extensive Comparison

Nikon D7100 vs Canon 700D – Which is Better For You?

Nikon D3300 vs Sony A58 – In-depth Comparison

Nikon D40 vs D3300 – In-depth Comparison

Nikon D3300 vs D5000 – Which is Better For You?

General Feeling Among Users – Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D

Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D – FAQs

Is D5100 still a good camera?

The D5100 is still a good camera even after 9 years and will serve any beginner photographer well. Even enthusiast photographers have been reported to enjoy using it.

To enable the Nikon D5100 compete with newer amateur cameras like the Nikon D3300 you will need to invest in lenses. If you are into portrait photography, look for .50mm 1.8f lenses and 70 -300mm lenses for landscape photography.

A major drawback for most users is the low number of Autofocus points and lack of autofocus motor. This can also be corrected using an AF-S lens.

Is the Nikon D5100 good for video?

The Nikon D5100 is good for video that is suitable for its level and category. This upper-entry level amateur camera has live contrast detection autofocusing that allows it perform autofocus tracking while recording video.

The D5100 records full HD video with H.264/MPEG-4 AVC formats. This guarantees you a high definition video display.

The video recording duration of the Nikon D5100 irrespective of the frame rate and resolution is 20 minutes. And the maximum size per clip that can be recorded is 4 gigabytes.

How do you autofocus on Nikon D5100?

To autofocus on Nikon D5100, you need to switch from the default AUTO mode. You can do this by turning the top dial on the camera. As far as the camera is in AUTO mode, you cannot perform or change autofocus settings.

You can set your D5100 to either P, S, A or M modes to access the autofocus settings.

Make sure you are using any of the newer Nikon AF-S lenses or the older AF-I lenses as the autofocus won’t work on just AF lenses. Using non-Nikon lenses may not work with the Nikon D5100’s autofocus.

Does Nikon D5100 have autofocus motor?

The D5100 does not have a built-in autofocus motor that allows cameras to change the focus of the lens in use. As result, the Nikon D5100 relies only on lenses that have their own autofocus motor.

Most Nikon AF-S lenses have autofocus motor and can be used with the D5100 to perform the function. AF and AF-D lenses do not have autofocus motor.

The D5100 can still manually focus AF and AF-D lenses with the help of a focus confirmation light found in the viewfinder.

How do I upload photos from my Nikon D5100?

The following are the steps on how to upload photos from Nikon D5100 to your computer:

i. Make sure your camera battery is fully charged

ii. Turn on your computer

iii. Turn off your camera

iv. Connect the USB cable to your camera and computer

v. Turn on your camera

vi. Your computer should show an autoplay window (on a Windows computer) for your camera.

vii. Select a program to import or download your photos depending on the camera software recently installed.

viii. Turn off your camera when the download is complete before disconnecting your camera from your computer

Conclusion – Nikon D5100 vs Canon 1100D