Upgrade Guide

Nikon D5100→Nikon D3200

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

You own

Nikon

D5100

£35 used

2011

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D3200

£44 used (+£9)

2012

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the D5100. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the D3200

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	D5100	D3200
Price	£35 used	£44 used
Released	2011	2012	↑
Sensor	16.2MP APS-C CMOS	24.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	16MP	24MP	↑
Video	Full HD 1080p/30	Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60
Autofocus	11-point phase-detect (1 cross-type) 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	4fps	4fps
Battery Life	~660 shots (CIPA)	~540 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	560g (with battery)	505g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Not weather sealed
Viewfinder	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x
Screen	3.0" vari-angle LCD, 921k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 921k dots
Mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D5100 and D3200 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the D3200 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the D5100

Related buying guides

Camera family history