Nikon D5100 Review
Nikon D5100 Review – Introduction
Nikon d5100 Review
The Nikon D5100 review is here! The D5100 is the first camera that Nikon managed to release in 2011. This is the predecessor to the already discontinued Nikon D5000. So where do you think this camera slots into Nikon current line up? Simply put, straight in the middle of Nikons DX line-up.
Nikon needed to fill the gap between the entry level D3100 and the higher end D7000. The Nikon D5100 was announced on April 5th 2011, and it got the same 16.2 megapixel sensor as its bigger brother but still a plastic outer shell. Taking a leaf out of Canon’s book, Nikon, did a proper vari-angle flip out LCD, and it also gets the crisp and clear 920.000 dot display that users of higher end models already enjoy.
Nikon D5100 Review – Specs
- 16.2 DX CMOS sensor
- 11 AF points with 3D tracking
- ISO 100-6400 and up to 25.600 with expansion
- Full HD video capture at 24 and 30 fps (h.264 .MOV)
- Full time AF in video mode
- 3.5mm microphone input
- Built-in effects for video and for stills
- 4 fps continuous shooting
- In-camera HRD mode
Nikon d5100 Review
Design
In the past I owned a D5000, and everything I found wrong with it got fixed in the D5100. The placement of the hinge does make a difference and feels more natural and it is easier to use when shooting video, the extra LCD resolution is very welcome as well. This also does make the body look slightly shorter than its predecessor, but I think it looks nicer this way.
The traditional Nikon button layout suffered a drastic change to make way for the LCD’s hinge mechanism. The “Play” button is located above the joystick and the delete, zoom buttons are below the joystick and the menu button was slightly raised at the viewfinder level.
Like the latest Nikons (D3100, D7000) the D5100 gets a dedicated live-view switch and a record button right next to it, in conjunction with the vari-angle LCD this will make videographers very happy.
If you take a closer look at the body of the D5100 you will notice that there are now 2 IR receivers, one in the front and one in the back. I can’t really see the application of that but if someone has an idea please post a comment below.
With the D5100, Nikon introduced some special effects, the first one is in camera HDR witch takes 2 exposures of the same scene up to 3 stops apart to get a wider dynamic range and combines the two so that you can get a more dramatic or more realistic effect.
Also there is an effects option on the mode dial, this can be used in video or when taking still shots, it has some creative filters and I must admit they can be fun and useful to have as well. There are a total of 7 effects available (color sketch mode, hi-key, lo-key, night vision, silhouette, miniature mode and selective color).
Among the normal ports (AV out, USB) you now get an HDMI out port and also a 3.5mm microphone port and it features a connector the GP-1 unit witch also doubles as a connector for the MC-DC2 remote control.
SD/SDHC/SDXC, you can stick any of them in the camera, it will accept them. Also consider that if you will be shooting video with this you will need a large enough card, or even multiple cards, 1080p HD even compressed H.264 does take up a lot of space.
Nikon D5100 Review – Image quality
With all the video features and ergonomics this is still a DSLR and it has to take great photos, because in the end we a buying a camera that also shoots video.
The kit lens, the old 18-55, that was my first lens when I started out, although it is not my first choice when it comes to lenses I think that it can do its job for every enthusiast starting out in photography.
D5100 got the sensor from its older brother the D7000, I have test one out and I can say that the images look stunning, colors are well saturated, there is a tremendous amount of detail and contrast in the JPEGs straight from the camera. But as I learned over the years, I would change the default format to RAW, which is where the Nikon D5100 will shine; it will capture far more detail then shooting plain old JPEG.
Nikon D5100 review – Shooting HD video
The D5100 D-SLR offers variable frame rates and resolutions for movies, and can record 1080p at a cinema-like 24 or 30fps, or a web-friendly 720p resolution at either 24 or 30 fps for up to 20 minutes per clip, in the AVC-HD H.264 codec. Once recorded, movie clips can be edited and trimmed in the camera to save time in post-production. Whether utilizing a wireless or hot shoe mounted microphone such as the new ME-1, sound can be recorded via the stereo microphone input for professional audio results. Captured movies can be easily shared using the HDMI output, and controlled remotely with HDMI CEC compatibility.
Who is the Nikon D5100 for?
If you are buying your first DSLR the Nikon D5100 is a perfect beginner camera, you will be very happy with the low light ability of this camera and the image quality will be far better than any point and shoot or even any super zoom out there.
Despite the fact that the D5100 will not auto-focus with older Nikon lenses (it only works with AF-S lenses), you can still find an entire range of lenses by Nikon, Sigma, Tamron or Tokina that will work great and will suit your needs.
This camera I intended for the enthusiast photographer that also like to shoot video. If you want video witch high image quality at full HD then this is the camera for you, if you like taking stunning pictures where ever you go then this is the camera for you.
The Nikon D5100 gets a 9/10 rating for its versatility, price and unique features.
This was the Nikon D5100 Review.
PS. I went ahead an written a Nikon D5100 lens guide here you can find out what kind of lenses will work best on your new Nikon D5100
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when it will be available in saudi arabia?
Soon…but women are not allowed to use it.
I think the 2nd IR port is for the remote. ON the D40, you had to use the remote from in front of the camera.
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What if lenses are poor? Here are some lists of lenses Nikon D5100:
35 mm – This is a fast lens and light, ideal for Nikon D5100. One type of goal that the use in low light without a flash, but the image quality is still excellent.
50mm – This is considered the least expensive type of lens and very useful forType of portrait shots. This objective was focused to about 0.45 meters and its auto-focus is really just about F100. Good performance with the aperture settings and the others are the best qualities of this lens.
18-105mm VR – It ‘captures landscapes, because they are in perfect quality and manufactured specifically to improve the type of landscape images. It is not necessary to use only this goal, because they can be carried out under the guidance of a professional photographerFocus.
These are just some of the lenses that you can use the D5100, and
Perfect just what I was looking for! .
when will this be available in romania? I’m really interested and passioned about cameras
In your review, in reference to the rear mounted IR sensor, you said that you “can’t really see the application of that”. I’m pretty sure it is intended for when using a tripod and shooting a longer exposure while positioned behind the camera, as opposed to a group portrait that includes the photographer or a self portrait which would require only the front IR sensor. Sure in all situations there’s an effective work-around such as the self timer but its always nice to use the wireless remote even when the camera is within reach.
Hi
I am considering buying a Nikon DSLR..tired of the point and shot cameras. I am not a pro and don’t plan on being a full time photographer..I just want to take good pictures when I’m using a camera. I do like to take creative and unusual locations and different looks at life and objects..so I need to upgrade to this kind of camera. With a budget between $1000-$1600 would you recommend the 5100 or the 7000 and why? Also, what two lenses would you recommend?
Hey Bob,
You could go for the D7000 (you can get it here), you can also go for the D7000 + 18-105 kit lens.(link here) it will give a a versatile zoom with a best performing DX camera out there.
I own both cameras personally and I am happy with the results they produce, but if you have the budget I would recommend the D7000 because of the build quality, class leading ISO performance, advanced movie mode, and compatibility with older nikon lenses.
If you decide to go with the D7000 + 18-105 kit lens i would also recomment getting the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 prime lens. It is a very good performer and it is the cheapest of the bunch(you can get it here)
The Nikon D5100 is no slouch either, has good ISO performance , feels great in the hands, it has the tilt and swivel screen, if you want you can either get the D5100 body only here or get the D5100 + 18-55 kit lens here, bare in mind the D5100 will work only with AF-S lenses (lenses with an internal focusing motor).
If you have any more questions please let me know.
I use the rear IR port more than the front. I set the remote time to 15 minutes and can shoot wildlife with the camera outside on a tripop pointed at thier frequently used areas. I then use the remote from inside the house to get very close up pictures. If nothing shows up for 10 minutes or so I take a picture anyway to reset the remotes timer. The birds etc. tend to ignore the camera. In my first week with it I managed to get a wonderful full frame picture of a hummingbird this way. I also use the remote when shooting landscapes and starscapes at night, though shutter delay mode which allows the mirror to raise first would accomplish the same thing for short exposures (less than 30 seconds).
With regards to the D5100 or D7000 as a starter camera, consider the D5100 and put the price difference into buying either the Nikon or Tameron 70-300 zoom lens. While slower (allowsing less light) than a pro lens, coupled with the D5100s very good high ISO allows shooting with this lens at decent speeds. I’ve shot hummingbirds in the shade at 1/1000 at ISO1600 at full zoom (F5.6 min) with very good results.