Decision tools · Compare
D4S vs D5100
Quick take: The D5100 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·14 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | D4SNikon · 2014 | D5100Nikon · 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £425 used | £35 usedBest |
| Sensor | 16.2MP full-frame CMOS | 16.2MP APS-C CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.2MP | 16.2MP |
| Video | Full HD 1080p/60 | Full HD 1080p/30 |
| Autofocus | 51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type, 11 at f/8) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view | 11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face priority in live view |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) |
| Burst Rate | 11fpsBest | 4fps |
| Battery Life | ~3020 shots (CIPA)Best | ~660 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 1350g (with battery) | 560g (with battery)Best |
| Dimensions | 160 × 156.5 × 90.5mm | 128 × 97 × 79mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x |
| Screen | 3.2" fixed LCD, 921k dots | 3.0" vari-angle LCD, 921k dots |
| Mount | Nikon F mount | Nikon F-mount (DX) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots: XQD + CompactFlash | Single SD slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, 3.5mm mic + headphone | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, 3.5mm mic, accessory terminal (MC-DC2 / GP-1) |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
D4S
D5100
Portrait
5.9/10
5.6/10
Street
3.9/10
5.7/10
Travel
3.4/10
5.1/10
Wedding & Events
6.3/10
4.4/10
Documentary
4.4/10
4.2/10
Sports & Action
6.3/10
4.6/10
Landscape
4.3/10
4.4/10
Wildlife
5.9/10
5.2/10
Casual
2.3/10
3.5/10
Food
3.8/10
5.1/10
Macro
3.4/10
4.3/10
Architecture
4.5/10
4.7/10
Astrophotography
6.0/10
5.0/10
Vlogging & Video
—
3.8/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
Next
More comparisons with D4S
Camera family history