Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Nikon P500 and Nikon D5100 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon P500 has external dimensions of 116 x 84 x 10 mm (4.57 x 3.31 x 4.06″) and weighs 494 g (1.09 lb / 17.43 oz) (including batteries). Nikon D5100 has external dimensions of 128 x 97 x 79 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 3.11″) and weighs 560 g (1.23 lb / 19.75 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon P500 and the Nikon D5100. Nikon P500 is 12mm narrower and 13mm shorter than Nikon D5100 but it is also 24mm thicker. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Nikon P500 has a built-in lens but Nikon D5100 doesn't. Once you put a lens on D5100, its thickness will increase significantly.
Here is the back view size comparison of the Nikon P500 and Nikon D5100.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon P500 and Nikon D5100.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Nikon P500 is 66g lighter than the Nikon D5100 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on D5100, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix P500 nor Nikon D5100 provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Nikon P500 and Nikon D5100's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
Nikon P500 features a
Tilting-only screen which is mostly only good for shooting from waist or over-the-head levels. On the other hand, Nikon D5100 sports a
Fully Articulated screen which is more flexible and useful, especially for taking selfies and video.