• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

Buy From

Differences

Nikon D7100 advantages over Nikon D5300

  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 950 vs 600 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More cross-type AF points
    15 vs 9
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.63x vs 0.55x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    51 vs 39
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.8 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    5.3 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D5300 advantages over Nikon D7100

  • Less expensive
    $697 vs $999
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    210 mm vs 158 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D7100

Review Excerpt

  • Solid, ergonomic body design; Stunning, highly detailed photos, thanks to 24.1MP sensor upgrade and removal of optical low-pass filter; Cool 1.3x crop mode extends reach to nearly 2x the full-frame equivalent; Records Full 1080p HD video at up to 30fps with full-time AF; Many pro-level features packed into a consumer-friendly body at reasonable price.

  • Shallow buffer that hampers continuous burst shooting; AF slightly slower than average for its class; No real-time aperture control while in Movie mode (among other quirks); More noticeable moire patterns and aliasing artifacts (but only found when shooting fabrics with strong, distinct patterns).

  • Excellent image quality similar to more expensive DSLRs (like the D7100); Great dynamic range; Responsive all-around performer; Excellent Full HD video-shooting quality; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Built-in GPS; Compact and lightweight size; 18-140mm kit lens performs well for its type and has a very versatile focus length range.

  • AA-filterless sensor makes it more prone to moire; Burst speed slows with highest quality 14-bit RAW images; Live View mode not as good as some competitors; No external headphone jack; GPS receiver not very sensitive.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 70D

Nikon D7100
Canon 70D
  • $695
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Nikon D5300
Canon 70D
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon D5200

Nikon D7100
Nikon D5200
  • $695
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $590
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D5300
Nikon D5200
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $590
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Pentax K-3

Nikon D7100
Pentax K-3
  • $695
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon D5300
Pentax K-3
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Fast startup
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon T6s

Nikon D7100
Canon T6s
  • $695
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon D5300
Canon T6s
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $619
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • NFC

Compared to Nikon D7200

Nikon D7100
Nikon D7200
  • $695
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $1043
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Nikon D5300
Nikon D7200
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1043
  • APS-C
  • NFC
  • Longer stills battery life
Compare Other Cameras?