Nikon D5100 Digital SLR Camera Review - For the Beginner Photographer

The Nikon D5100 is a significant improvement over the Nikon D3100. This digital single lens reflex camera is a great beginner/intermediate photographer's camera, however; The D5100 has new and improved features to significantly improve and enhance your photography experience.

Features:

• 2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor.


• Side-articulated 3.0" LCD monitor (920,000 dots).


• 11 AF points (with 3D tracking).


• Full-time AF.


• IS0 100-6400 range (Up to 25,600 equivalent when expanded).


• HD movies (1080p, 720p or WVGA).


• 4 fps continuous shooting.


• In-camera effects filters in both stills and video modes.


• Image Sensor Cleaning.


• Air Flow Control System.


• Image Dust-Off Reference Data (Optional Software required).


• Infrared port for use with a wireless remote control.


• Image sizes available in 3 different sizes. 4928 x 3264, 3696 x 2448 and 2464 x 1632.


• AFS Lens Mount.


• 3D tracking ability to follow the subject as in moves within the frame.


• Shutter speeds from 1/4000 to 30 seconds.


• 14 white balance modes.


• Build in and pop-up flash modes, as well as a plug for an external flash.


• In-camera image retouching capabilities.

The Nikon D5100 uses the same high-level Sensor as the D7000, a significant improvement over the D3100. The D5100 includes High Dynamic Range capability. (HDR). This feature takes two images, one underexposed and one overexposed then combines these two images to create a clean, crisp, spectacular image!

This camera has a special effects feature with a range of special effects, including night vision mode. In night vision mode, this camera shoots with ISO sensitivities of up to 102,400. The resulting movie or still image using this ISO sensitivity will be monochromatic, but this is still a major accomplishment. This camera takes still pictures at 4 frames per second and can record high definition video at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080.

Exposure modesin the Nikon D5100 include Auto, Program, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority, Manual, Flash Off, Scene, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-Up, and Effects.

Scene mode selections include Night Landscape, Party; Indoor, Beach; Snow, Sunset, Dusk; Dawn, Pet Portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Autumn Colors, Food, and Night Portrait.

In-camera image editing includes resizing, cropping, post-capture D-Lighting, redeye correction, monochrome and other filter effects, color balance, image overlay, quick retouch, straighten, distortion control, perspective control, miniature effect, fisheye, color outline, color sketch, and selective color.

What's in the Kit?

• Nikon D5100 digital camera


• AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens


• Front and rear lens caps


• Body mount cap BF-1B


• Neck Strap AN-DC3


• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery EN-EL14


• Battery charger MH-24


• USB cable UC-E6


• Audio / Video Cable EG-CP14


• Eyecup DK-20


• Eyepiece cap DK-5


• Accessory shoe cover BS-1


• Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM


• User manuals

There are also many accessories for the D5100, including books that will help you master each feature.

If you wish to capture the activities of your children, your family pet, or your son at his football game, this camera will capture the image during movement. Now you can capture those fleeting moments that go by all too quickly for the older cameras.