Upgrade Guide

Nikon D810→Nikon D5100

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

You own

Nikon

D810

£190 used

2014

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

D5100

£35 used (-£154)

2011

❌

Skip it

The D5100 offers little measurable spec improvement over the D810. Spend the money on glass instead.

Unchanged or similar

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	D810	D5100
Price	£190 used	£35 used
Released	2014	2011	↓
Sensor	36.3MP full-frame CMOS	16.2MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	36MP	16MP	↓
Video	Full HD 1080p/60	Full HD 1080p/30
Autofocus	51-point phase-detect (15 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	5fps	4fps	↓
Battery Life	~1200 shots (CIPA)	~660 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	980g (with battery)	560g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x	Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.78x
Screen	3.2" fixed LCD, 1.23M dots	3.0" vari-angle LCD, 921k dots
Mount	Nikon F mount	Nikon F-mount (DX)
Memory Cards	Dual slots: CompactFlash + SD	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See D810 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 D810

Related buying guides

Camera family history