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Overall camera rating:
Nikon D5100
User Reviews and Specs | Submitted by Adam, Sep 28 2013 03:21 AM | Last updated Sep 29 2013 10:09 PM
The Nikon D5100 is an upper entry-level DSLR featuring a low-noise 16-megapixel sensor, full HD video support, and an articulating LCD screen.
- Darthdury, JRosen, romalliv22 and 2 others like this
Product Photos
| Purchase Link: | Buy Now at B&H Photo! |
| GENERAL: | |
| List Price (USA): | $599 |
| In Production: | Yes |
| Launch Date: | April 2011 |
| Successor: | Nikon D5200 |
| Predecessor: | Nikon D5000 |
| IMAGE CAPTURE: | |
| Megapixels: | 16.2 |
| Format: | DX (APS-C) |
| Sensor Type: | CMOS |
| Max. Resolution (pixels): | 4928 x 3264 |
| Low-Pass Filter: | Yes |
| Sensor Dimensions (mm): | 23.6 x 15.6 |
| Min. ISO: | 100 |
| Max. ISO: | 6400 |
| Expanded ISO Range: | 100-25600 |
| ISO Adjustment Steps: | 1/2EV, 1/3EV |
| Still File Formats: | JPEG, 14-bit RAW, RAW+ |
| Dust Removal Support: | No |
| Shooting Modes: | Full Auto, Program (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Manual (M), Bulb (B), User, Auto (No Flash), Scene |
| Additional Features: | In-Camera Retouching, Custom Picture Control, Active-D Lighting |
| PERFORMANCE: | |
| Minimum Shutter Speed (s): | 30 |
| Maximum Shutter Speed (s): | 1/4000 |
| Shutter Life (actuations): | 100,000 |
| Max. Burst (FPS): | 4 |
| JPEG Buffer Size: | 63 |
| RAW Buffer Size: | 11 |
| Release Modes: | Single-Frame, Continuous Lo, Continuous Hi, Quiet Shutter, Self-Timer |
| VIEWFINDER & LCD: | |
| LCD Screen Size ("): | 3.0 |
| LCD Screen Resolution (dots): | 921,000 |
| Electronic Level/Horizon: | No |
| Live View Mode: | Yes |
| Viewfinder Type: | Pentamirror |
| Viewfinder Magnification (x): | 0.78 |
| Viewfinder Frame Coverage (%): | 95 |
| METERING: | |
| Metering Sensor: | 420-pixel RGB senso |
| Auto Metering Modes: | Matrix, Center-Weighted, Spot |
| Meter Operating Range (EV): | 0 to 20 |
| Exposure Compensation Range (EV): | -5 to 5 |
| Exposure Compensation Steps: | 1/2EV, 1/3EV |
| Auto Bracking Frames: | 3 |
| Auto Bracketing Modes: | Exposure, White Balance, Custom Image Effects |
| AUTOFOCUS: | |
| Primary AF Type: | Phase Detect Autofocus |
| AF Sensor: | Multi-CAM 1000 |
| AF Modes: | Single-Servo AF, Continuous AF, Auto-Area AF |
| AF Points: | 11 |
| Minimum Required Aperture: | F5.6 |
| AF Operating Range (EV): | -1 to 19 |
| Screwdrive AF Support: | No |
| Live View Autofocus: | Contrast Detect |
| Face Detection Support: | Yes |
| VIDEO: | |
| Movie Mode: | Yes |
| Movie File Formats: | MOV, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 |
| Built-In Microphone: | Mono |
| Video Framerates (Size/FPS): | 1080p/24, 1080p/30, 720p/24, 720p/30, VGA/30 |
| Video Autofocus: | Continuous AF |
| Manual Video Controls: | ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, Exposure Compensation |
| FLASH: | |
| Built-In Flash: | Yes |
| Flash Sync Speed (s): | 1/200 |
| Flash Compensation Range (EV): | -1 to 3 |
| Supported Flash Modes: | Red-Eye Reduction, Slow-Speed Sync, Rear-Curtain Sync, Fill Flash |
| Hotshoe: | Yes |
| BODY: | |
| Mount Type: | Nikon F Mount |
| Number of Media Slots: | 1 |
| Compatible Card Types: | SD, SDHC, SDXC |
| Width (mm): | 127 |
| Height (mm): | 96.5 |
| Depth (mm): | 78.7 |
| Weight (g): | 560 |
| Battery Grip: | No |
| Battery Model: | EN-EL14 |
| Battery Life (Frames): | 660 |
| Power Adapter Support: | Yes |
| Weather Sealing: | No |
| Included Accessories: | EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery MH-24 Quick Charger DK-20 Rubber Eyecup UC-E6 USB Cable EG-CP14 Audio Video Cable AN-DC3 Camera Strap DK-5 Eyepiece Cap BF-1B Body Cap BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM |
| Other Notes: | Articulating LCD screen |
| Available Colors: | Black |
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3 Reviews
This D5100 was purchased as an upper entry level shooter. I love the articulating screen--that was one of the major selling points. Sure I'd like the D7100, but when reading all the specs and comparing side by side, the 5100 has the same processor that the 7000 has, the same sensor, but a few less bells and whistles... not to mention a couple of hundred dollars to put towards some good glass.
I've taken video that was really great, hi-def footage that was used in sales presentations that the client raved about. In the end, that's what matters... what we can sell.
The D5100 was a great purchase that I'd make again. Next up, looking at the D7100 (or 7200??? if/when they ever come out). In the mean time, I'll keep my eyes peeled and my wallet closed!
The D5100 is a really good camera !
I went from the D5000 and the D5100 and I think this is a great improvement.
(+)
-First the video quality that was pretty much the main reason why I upgraded.
-I love the bigger articulating screen which I will miss when I will buy my next camera, because it is very useful in pretty much every situations.
-It is also much more sensitive in low light situations.
-The price is great for what you can do with it.
(-)
-I found the body a little small because I have big hands and a little light (but I like my cameras to be heavy
)
-The battery life is not long enough
When I will change for a FX camera, I will probably keep it as a second camera because I love it and it works very well !
Wow! what a camera body!
It is such a good camera and I am over the moon with its performance and build quality.
The images it creates are sharp and detailed. The crop sensor is the same as the one out of the D7000 so you know its good!
Its articulating screen is very handy in certain situations, whether shooting high crowds, or for your back down low if you lazy:)
It has 9 focus points that are very well placed and give accurate focus.
The Live view mode button is located in a vey good spot for easy use.
The cameras shutter is quiet
The body is actually very light and yet strong and sturdy
The full 1080P HD video recording at 30fps when in NTSC is just great:) super sharp and colourful
I could go on all day with this camera about good battery life, low noise, no dust spots, good overall positioning for buttons, but at the end of the day its just an all round great entry to semi-professional camera and is a great first buy. You can learn on it quick and once professional its still got all the features to make you not need to upgrade. I have done just this, have 4 different lenses now but no need for a new camera body, only later when I need a full frame. I will always have my D5100 and use it as much as I can:)
I do not think there are any negative points that stick out, but in a review you have to write some dont you:)
The ISO range is great, but low noise levels are not as super smooth as you think, after 640 I can start to see some grain in my images, so I always try stay below, which is easy unless its night anyway.
I love the flip out LCD screen, but the live view mode is terribly slow at focusing and the shutter is more laggy at taking the photo, so I never use it unless on a tripod and with a still subject. Thats all the negatives!