Upgrade Guide

Nikon D3→Nikon D5100

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

£97 used

2007

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D5100

£35 used (-£62)

2011

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the D3. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the D5100

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	D3	D5100
Price	£97 used	£35 used
Released	2007	2011	↑
Sensor	12.1MP full-frame CMOS	16.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	12MP	16MP	↑
Video	No video	Full HD 1080p/30
Autofocus	51-point phase-detect (15 cross-type) via viewfinder; phase or contrast AF 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	9fps	4fps	↓
Battery Life	~4300 shots (CIPA)	~660 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	1240g (body only)	560g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots	3.0" vari-angle LCD, 921k dots
Mount	Nikon F mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Dual CompactFlash slots	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D3 and D5100 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D5100 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D3

Related buying guides

Camera family history