Targeting a new digital camera? If a DSLR is your cup of tea, then Nikon might reel you in to their camp with the D5100 DSLR. This will be a new 16.2-megapixel shooter, as it will definitely come with a wide range of innovative features that will offer photographers the tools to go beyond creative constraints and let one take visual storytelling to another level – not to mention the ability to shoot HD movies as well, just like any other self-respecting DSLR camera ought to be able to do these days.
For starters, the Nikon D5100 will come with an impressive 3″ super sharp 921,000-dot Vari-angle LCD screen, full HD (1080p) movie recording capability with full-time autofocus, as well as in-camera effects which you can apply right on the spot to photos and movies so that everyone else can follow your creative expression all the better.
With the D5100, it doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or not – regardless of your level, you can be confident of pulling off difficult shots as well thanks to the aforementioned swing-out style Vari-angle LCD display, giving you access to new angles that you would not have managed to pull of using a standard DSLR. This extremely sharp LCD display comes with a 1000:1 contrast ratio and 921,000-dot resolution, where you can rotate it 180 degrees horizontally and vertically to boot.
If you love being in control, then the Nikon D5100 is one versatile puppy, coming with advanced camera features that will include full manual controls (P,S,A,M on the mode dial), letting one control the camera’s aperture and shutter speeds in a jiffy. The moment you capture that Kodak moment, you will be able to take advantage of the flexible retouch menu which allows you to apply extra in-camera effects and editing options.
Sporting a wide ISO range of 100-6400 (which can be expanded to a staggering 25,600 ISO) ought to be a confidence booster for photographers as they attempt to shoot in outdoor and indoor low-light situations – heck, you can also use just your hands sans tripod in low noise conditions. Nikon’s Active D-lighting feature will also do its part in keeping shadows and highlights consistent for even exposures.
Expect the Nikon D5100 DSLR to arrive in the US from the middle of this month onwards, where it will retail for $799.95 for the body only, and $899.95 for the body and lens outfit which comprises of the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens.
“The D5100 is a great camera that allows you to express your artistic side through impressive images and movies,” said Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager of Nikon Europe. “You can shoot with creative effects and unique angles, all at the level of superior image quality seen in the D7000!”
| Nikon D3100 | Nikon D5000 | Nikon D5100 | |||
| Sensor (effective resolution) | 14.2-megapixel CMOS | 12.3-megapixel CMOS | 16.2-megapixel CMOS | ||
| 23.6x15.8mm | 23.6x15.8mm | 23.6x15.6mm | |||
| Color depth | 12-bit | 12-bit | 14-bit | ||
| Sensitivity range | ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 3200/12,800 (expanded) | ISO 100 (expanded)/200 - ISO 1600/3200 (expanded) | ISO 100 - ISO 6400/25,600 (expanded) | ||
| Continuous shooting | 3fps n/a raw/100 JPEG | 4 fps 9 raw/100 JPEG | 4 fps n/a raw/100 JPEG | ||
| Viewfinder magnification/effective magnification | 95% coverage 0.80x/0.53x | 95% coverage 0.78x/0.52x | 95% coverage 0.78x/0.52x | ||
| Autofocus | 11-pt AF center cross-type | 11-pt AF center cross-type to f5.6 | 11-pt AF center cross-type to f5.6 | ||
| Shutter speed | 1/4000 to 30 secs; bulb; 1/200 sec x-sync | 1/4000 to 30 secs; bulb; 1/200 sec x-sync | 1/4000 to 30 secs; bulb; 1/200 sec x-sync | ||
| Metering | 420-pixel 3D color matrix metering II | 420-pixel 3D color matrix metering II | 420-pixel 3D color matrix metering II | ||
| LCD size | 3 inches fixed 230,000 dots | 2.7 inches articulated 230,000 dots | 3 inches articulated 921,000 dots | ||
| Video | 1080/24p; 720/30p/25p/24p H.264 QuickTime MOV | 720/24p Motion JPEG AVI | 1080/30p/24p; 720/30p/25p/24p H.264 QuickTime MOV | ||
| Rated estimated max HD video length | 4GB/10 minutes | 2GB/5 minutes | 20 minutes | ||
| Audio | Mono | Mono | Mono; mic input | ||
| Manual aperture and shutter in video | Aperture only | Aperture only | Yes | ||
| Wireless flash | No | No | Yes | ||
| Memory slots | 1 x SDXC | 1 x SDHC | 1 x SDXC | ||
| Battery life (CIPA rating) | 550 shots | 510 shots | 660 shots | ||
| Dimensions (inches, WHD) | 4.9x3.8x2.9 | 5.0x4.1x3.1 | 5.0x3.8x3.1 | ||
| (ounces) | 17.7 | 21.6 | 19.6 | ||
| Mfr. price | n/a | $629.95 (body only) | $799.95 (body only) | ||
| $699.95 (with 18-55mm VR lens) | $699.99 (est, with 18-55mm VR lens) | $899.95 (with 18-55mm VR lens) | |||
| Ship date | September 2010 | April 2009 | April 2011 |
