The Nikon D5100 is a superb DSLR camera that would stake its claim as one of the top models that many budding photography enthusiasts would be looking into. It is priced as a high-end entry level DSLR and significantly better in terms of its functionalities and features when compared to some of the other cheaper and basic entry level DSLR models such as the Nikon D3100 and Canon EOS Rebel T3.
→ Click here to see the latest Nikon D5100 price
Here’s a short and non-technical Nikon D5100 review, if you are looking for an in-depth review, please visit DPReview.com.
The Nikon D5100 is known as a DX format camera because it uses the Nikon DX lenses designed for the APS-C size sensor. So far as megapixels are concerned, the D5100 has a 16MP CMOS sensor that delivers greater detail and more natural-looking images at higher ISO (3200) than Canon EOS 600D according to a Nikon D5100 review by CameraLabs.com.
Features and highlights of the Nikon D5100
- 11-point auto focus system
- An improved side hinged and swiveling LCD screen
- Continuous shooting at 4 fps which does not stall even after 30-35 frames
- HD movie shooting at 30 fps
- Dedicated special effects mode which allows shooting stills using only a preferred set of colors among others
What I Like About the Nikon D5100
There are several advantages and disadvantages to the Nikon D5100. There is an important change if you turn the back of the camera towards you. You will now notice that the Nikon D5100 features a 3″ LCD monitor that can swivel, flip and do all sorts of things. It offers rich colors and sharper images through its 921,000 dots high resolution screen.
This is a welcome change from the older Nikon D5000 where the swiveling LCD screen was bottom mounted and often came in the way when you are trying to shoot pictures using a tripod. The side mounted swiveling and hinged LCD screen is a first for Nikon and allows photo enthusiasts to take that difficult shot from above the heads of crowd or stoop really low when shooting kids or pets. It also allows for comfortable shooting when the camera is mounted on a tripod without the screen coming in the way.
What I Dislike About the Nikon D5100
If you turn on the camera and watch the LCD screen on live view mode, you will notice that the picture does not fill the screen. The shape of the picture is 4:3 which tends to leave a lot of space at the foot of the screen wasted; not really as it is now used by Nikon to show some useful shooting information. For those who love a live histogram in the shoot information, they are bound to be disappointed as the Nikon does not have that. This is an important area of difference with some of the other cameras also vying a top spot for the upper entry level DSLR market.
Overall Thoughts About the Nikon D5100
The D5100 is certainly a good camera and a good value for money. It has everything that an amateur photographer looks for in the first DSLR camera that he buys. However, this may not the right camera for a professional looking for a high performance body to take on challenging photo assignments.