Nikon DSLR Camera D5100 | Entry Level DSLR Camera Review
I actually wanted to make a review of the Nikon DSLR camera for entry level photographer. Because I have not any money to buy a Nikon DSLR cameras and also the there are no friend who had this camera, then I can’t write a post about Nikon DSLR cameras for entry level.
Until finally, about two weeks ago, there are new member at my local photography club that have a collection of some Nikon DSLR cameras. And one of them is the product of Nikon DSLR camera for beginners. That is Nikon D5100. According to him, He just bought this D5100, because one of his old Nikon DSLR Camera (D5000) is broken.
After observing and make some shots with a Nikon DSLR camera D5100, I can make some quality of still images. I find some difficulties to operate it for the first time, because there are some new button positions in it.
Nikon DSLR camera D5100 has the specifications like here:
- 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS Sensor (such as D7000)
- ISO 100-6400 range, can be raised to ISO 25,600 (as D7000)
- 4 fps burst (still the same as D5000)
- 1080p full HD movie, 30 fps, H.264 AVCHD (as D7000)
- Auto focus while recording video, AF-F mode (live view only)
- Vari-angle 3-inch LCD resolution of 921 thousand pixels (such as D7000)
- 11 AF points with 3D tracking (still the same as D5000)
- 420 pixels RGB (still the same as D5000)
- Quiet shutter mode (as D7000)
- AE bracketing and in camera HDR (not in D3100)
- EXPEED2 14-bit NEF (as D7000)
Nikon DSLR camera D5100 is a product that is between the D3000 and D7000. It’s so right in the middle, it’s not too basic and not too high end also. D5100 is a pretty good product for the beginner. In addition, Nikon DSLR camera D5100 is aimed to overcome the competition with a Canon EOS600D.
The sensors used in the D5100 using the same sensor as D7000 with 16 MP resolution. When D5000 become the first Nikon DSLR camera with LCD screens folding, the D5100 also has folding screens, the hinges location on the side body (not under the body).
D5100 module has a 11 point AF and metering module 420 segments, even still do not have the focus motor in the body (intended for entry-level).
There are no new breakthroughs in technology during live view auto focus or video recording, for example. D5100 is still the same as other cameras that rely on slow contrast detection when the auto focus is used for live-view and video recording.
The good news of course is a folding screen that is now folded into the side instead of downward. This will make it easier when the camera is placed on a tripod. Nikon DSLR camera D5100 has a body wrapped in plastic, with a regular mirror viewfinder (not prism) and without a small LCD on the top like the D90.
You can buy Nikon DSLR Camera D5100 for body only or complete with the kit lens 18-55mm VR.
D5100 has a lever of the Live View that is beside the mode dial and has Night Vision features. This feature is similar to raise the ISO to 102,400 so they can catch the light which is very dim though. This feature can also be used when recording a video.
There is also a direct button for video recording (red) near the ON-OFF camera, side by side with the Ev and the INFO button.
For those who usually use Nikon DSLR camera will definitely feel weird at first because of the many changes taking D5100 button layout. But anyway Nikon still reposition the button with a slick, still within easy reach.
Nikon DSLR camera D5100 can be used as an alternative option for entry level photographers beside Canon EOS600D.
Related posts:
- Premium Entry Level Canon DSLR Camera for Beginner Photographers
- How to shoot at low light with your digital camera
- How To Buy A Digital Camera for Beginner
Category: Photography
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I am a person with some engineering education background. Live with two beautiful woman right now. But one of them is still 4 years old. They both are such as a sunshine for me. I like blogging a lot. So i want to make any kind of article that i know exactly.Subscribe
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Thanks I have the D3100 and was looking to upgrade to this.
Just purchased this SLR camera! I sold my canon 60d for $200 to my friends and buy nikon d5100 for $800 through ebay. even it cost me $600 more… it worth every penny!!
Thanks Andy! I’m still a bit confused which brand to get. Nikon or Canon? Thanks for the review. I had a great time learning from your reviews and other posts.
- Penny
Check this out for some more help if you like. I like Nikon better because I am an old school Nikon lover from the 70′s.
http://www.squidoo.com/nikond3100-vs-canon-t2i
This is a pretty decent dSLR. My friend bought this one and she’s no photographer at all. But she got a hang of it pretty easily.
Nikon produces very easy to use dslr cameras and a lot of them are very affordable too.
The D5100 is a nice camera indeed, for a beginner. If you’re considering it, though, remember that it is actually a very small camera; if you have large hands, I recommend buying a battery grip for it, which also helps with the fact that the camera uses relatively short-lived batteries.
As Andy has mentioned, the Canon T3i/600D is also quite good.
- Matthew
Thank you for review.
I love to capture moments and this camera will help me for taking good quality of pictures. Thanks for such a nice information sharing.
Thanks for the review
interesting to see the differences between Canons similar model. I think Nikon have the edge
I myself like canon, because i have one.
I’m still a Canon man and looking at the review I think I’ve made the right choice
i would like to know how to take good photo’s and then progress onto a SLR camera. the only factor is the lens are so expensive, so a balance on a good camera with a bundle inc 2 lens and accessories is what i would be looking for.
Nice camera…
I want to buy it…
Great review! I am actually planning to buy a new camera this weekend. Thanks that I found this article. It gives me an idea on what type of camera can offer the best quality.
I wish more people would write sites like this that are actually interesting to read. With all the garbage floating around on the web, it is rare to read a site like yours instead.
Awesome review fella, personally I have the old D40 which I think is fantastic, the new version must just be a similar but better.
I really want to have one of theses great devices.Nicon produces some of the best cameras and I really dream about such a camera.
Great review! Will refer you to some friends who are shopping around… Thanks!
its really good camera article. i like it.
I am a newbie when it comes to photography and I am hoping I can buy that camera so that I can practice and enhance my skills on it. I think DSLR are the best when it comes to capturing and having a quality pictures of the desired subject you want to shoot with.
Its very interesting and useful for us.Thanks for a great post.
I bought myself the D5000 over 2yrs ago now and absolutely love it. It’s great for basic SLR photography and a fun & nifty little camera for any amateur photographer. Great review!
Thanks for the useful information.
This entry level Nikon camera seems good, please also write reviews for Cannon vs Nikon DSLRS. Thanks
you can see my post on entry level Canon DSLR camera and make your own comparation
I want to take up amatuer photography and need a good camera for beginners. This sounds perfect. It seems like good quality but not too over the top for someone just starting. The specs provided are great. Thanks.
In today’s world camera is very important. I like your blog.
Many thanks i really like this camera this is very easier than other cameras because this is the folding screen…what a nice camera…
I like your blog. These camera are very good with a great quality. Update your blog reguraly.
Thanks. I will try my best to update it regularly. Recently i have few clients, so i have to take attention to them first.