When Nikon launched the Nikon D5100 the really put the cat amongst the pigeons. Here was a cheap DSLR camera that could cut it with the big boys. Indeed, much of the technology came from its more expensive Pro siblings. The 16 MP sensor was a transplant from the Nikon D7000.
Although the D5100 doesn't have an inbuilt motor, making the AF speed dependent on the lens being used, the AutoFocus is generally perfectly acceptable and tracking mode is available which is particularly good for shooting video.
The D5100 controls the contrast extremes with Nikon's own Active D-lighting software, which enables the camera to capture fine detail on both the brightest and darkest parts of the image.
Frames per Second is often a good guide the a camera's versatility and the D5100 can shoot 4 FPS. More importantly it can do so for up to 100 frames before the buffer gets jammed.
The tiltable screen on the D5100 was greeted with some amusement when it was launched, as these sort of gimmicky add ons are usually associated with the cheaper consumer end of the market. But, in fact it is really useful, particularly for video, where you may be shooting from difficult angles. The external stereo mic also makes the D5100 a good choice for film makers.
Many serious cameras have skimped on the Effects Modes that are common in consumer cameras. But Nikon have understood that sometimes even enthusiasts want to have fun with different effects. Color Sketch, which turns your picture into a childish drawing and Night Vision, which lets you shoot a BW image all the way up to 102,400 ISO are particularly good.
Whilst no photographer would want to rely on a built in flash, the D5100's is certainly good enough for fill in and is able to hold flesh tones pretty well.
The feel of the camera in hand has always been important and the buttons are well placed for intuitive operation. The menus are also fairly straightforward, certainly easy for a beginner to find their way around.
Nikon have a great reputation for image quality and the D5100 can produce superb pictures in nearly all conditions. The technology in the camera is excellent and in many areas is equal to the D7000 or even D3s. the built quality is the only clue that this isn't a top of the range model, being a plastic casing instead of an alloy. The D5100 is a really superb camera and will be hard to improve on. The technicians at Nikon have a huge challenge to meet expectations for the D5200, which is expected soon.
Although the D5100 doesn't have an inbuilt motor, making the AF speed dependent on the lens being used, the AutoFocus is generally perfectly acceptable and tracking mode is available which is particularly good for shooting video.
The D5100 controls the contrast extremes with Nikon's own Active D-lighting software, which enables the camera to capture fine detail on both the brightest and darkest parts of the image.
Frames per Second is often a good guide the a camera's versatility and the D5100 can shoot 4 FPS. More importantly it can do so for up to 100 frames before the buffer gets jammed.
The tiltable screen on the D5100 was greeted with some amusement when it was launched, as these sort of gimmicky add ons are usually associated with the cheaper consumer end of the market. But, in fact it is really useful, particularly for video, where you may be shooting from difficult angles. The external stereo mic also makes the D5100 a good choice for film makers.
Many serious cameras have skimped on the Effects Modes that are common in consumer cameras. But Nikon have understood that sometimes even enthusiasts want to have fun with different effects. Color Sketch, which turns your picture into a childish drawing and Night Vision, which lets you shoot a BW image all the way up to 102,400 ISO are particularly good.
Whilst no photographer would want to rely on a built in flash, the D5100's is certainly good enough for fill in and is able to hold flesh tones pretty well.
The feel of the camera in hand has always been important and the buttons are well placed for intuitive operation. The menus are also fairly straightforward, certainly easy for a beginner to find their way around.
Nikon have a great reputation for image quality and the D5100 can produce superb pictures in nearly all conditions. The technology in the camera is excellent and in many areas is equal to the D7000 or even D3s. the built quality is the only clue that this isn't a top of the range model, being a plastic casing instead of an alloy. The D5100 is a really superb camera and will be hard to improve on. The technicians at Nikon have a huge challenge to meet expectations for the D5200, which is expected soon.
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Looking to find more information on the Nikon D5200? Then visit www.D5200.org to find the latest information on the launch date of Nikon's D5200 digital SLR camera.
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