I don't envy the technical guys at Nikon. Improving on the D5100 is a tough call. The multi-award winning camera boasts an impressive array of features, each of which would put it in the top flight of camera bodies. For example, the 16.2 MP sensor graces Nikon's more expensive, professional spec D7000 and the ISO is extendable right up to 25600 for color and up to 102,400 in BW.
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.
And in car terms, the D5100 has plenty under the hood. Whilst 4 FPS isn't so much these days, it can shoot that almost continuously - up to 100 frames before the buffer is full.
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.
The built in flash is good enough to get you out of a hole, keeping the flesh tones really well though, of course, the hotshoe gives the option of as professional flashgun.
The D5100 doesn't feel as sturdy as it's more expensive siblings. It has a plastic casing rather than an alloy. Nevertheless it feels comfortable in hand and the dials and buttons are well placed. The menus are logical and intuitive and any beginner should be able to find their way around fairly easily.
Nobody could fault the image quality produced by the D5100. It is, after all, a Nikon. The only evidence that this is a cheaper camera than, say the D7000, is in the built quality. The technical specs are excellent. The massive improvement between the D3100 and D3200 means that Nikon have raised expectations for the forthcoming D5200. But if you can't wait, the D5100 is still a great camera.
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.
And in car terms, the D5100 has plenty under the hood. Whilst 4 FPS isn't so much these days, it can shoot that almost continuously - up to 100 frames before the buffer is full.
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.
The built in flash is good enough to get you out of a hole, keeping the flesh tones really well though, of course, the hotshoe gives the option of as professional flashgun.
The D5100 doesn't feel as sturdy as it's more expensive siblings. It has a plastic casing rather than an alloy. Nevertheless it feels comfortable in hand and the dials and buttons are well placed. The menus are logical and intuitive and any beginner should be able to find their way around fairly easily.
Nobody could fault the image quality produced by the D5100. It is, after all, a Nikon. The only evidence that this is a cheaper camera than, say the D7000, is in the built quality. The technical specs are excellent. The massive improvement between the D3100 and D3200 means that Nikon have raised expectations for the forthcoming D5200. But if you can't wait, the D5100 is still a great camera.
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Want to find out more about Nikon's D5200 ?, Then visit Jeremy Bayston's site to check out the latest information and the D5200 launch date.
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