Supplied 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
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
Creativity from any point of view
More fun and artistic pictures and movies
Full HD 1080p D-Movie with Sound
Exquisite detail in highlight and shadow
Image quality in a class of its own
With high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 4 frames per second, you'll never miss a moment and with D5100's large optical viewfinder providing accurate and realistic composition, you'll get a precise view and focus in every situation.
D5100's 11-point AF system provides flexibility to compose the shot you want ensuring your subject is captured sharply wherever it's located in the frame. Working together with the Scene Recognition System, the camera can keep your main subject in focus even if the composition changes using Nikon's exclusive 3D-tracking.
Vital for dark or backlit subjects, the D5100's built-in pop-up flash automatically brightens your subject even when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight. Expect natural looking results thanks to intelligent flash control.
From wide angle to telephoto, from prime to Micro, the NIKKOR interchangeable lens lineup offers more choices to see and capture still images and D-Movies of the world from your perspective.
1Special effects video examples were produced using a pre-production D5100 D-SLR.
Specifications
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Lens MountNikon F bayonet mount
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Picture AngleNikon DX format (Effective picture angle 1.5x [Approx.] conversion factor)
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Effective Pixels16.2 million
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Sensor Size23.6mm x 15.6mm
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Image Sensor FormatDX
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Image Sensor TypeCMOS
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Total Pixels16.9 million
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Dust-reduction systemImage sensor cleaning
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Image Area (pixels)DX-format
(L) 4,928 x 3,264
(M) 3,696 x 2448
(S) 2,464 x 1,632
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File Format Still ImagesCompressed 14-bit NEF (RAW)
JPEG (Baseline Compliant) -
Picture ControlLandscape
Monochrome
Neutral
Portrait
Standard
User-customizable Settings
Vivid -
Storage MediaSD
SDHC
SDXC -
Card Slot1 Secure Digital (SD)
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File SystemCompliant with DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0
DPOF (Digital Print Order Format)
EXIF 2.3 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) -
ViewfinderEye-level Pentamirror Single-Lens Reflex viewfinder
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Viewfinder Frame Coverage95 % Approx.
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Viewfinder Magnification0.78x Approx.
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Viewfinder Eyepoint17.9mm
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Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment-1.7 to +0.7 m¯¹
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Focusing ScreenType B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VII screen
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Reflex MirrorQuick-return type
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Lens ApertureInstant-return type
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Lens Compatibility at a Glance***AF-S Lens Required for Autofocus
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Compatible LensesAF-S, AF-I: All Functions Supported
AI-P NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except 3D Color Matrix Metering II
IX NIKKOR Lenses Cannot be Used
Non-CPU: Can be used in mode M, but Exposure Meter does not Function; Electronic Rangefinder can be used if Maximum Aperture is f/5.6 or Faster
Other AF NIKKOR (Excluding lenses for F3AF): All Functions Supported Except 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except Autofocus
Type D PC NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except Autofocus and some Shooting Modes -
Shutter typeElectronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane
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Shutter Speed1/4000 to 30 sec. in steps of 1/3 EV
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Fastest Shutter Speed1/4000 sec.
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Slowest Shutter Speed30 sec.
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Flash Sync SpeedUp to 1/200 sec.
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Bulb Shutter SettingYes
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Shutter Release ModesContinuous
Delayed remote
Quick Response Remote Mode
Quiet shutter-release
Self-timer mode
Single-frame [S] mode -
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at full resolution4 frames per second
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Self-timer2, 5, 10, 20 sec. Timer duration electronically controlled
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Exposure Metering SystemTTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor
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Metering MethodMatrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses)
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Metering Range0 to 20 EV (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)
2 to 20 EV (spot metering) -
Exposure Meter CouplingCPU
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Exposure ModesAdvanced Scene Modes
Aperture-Priority (A)
Auto
Auto (flash off)
Manual (M)
Programmed Auto with flexible Program (P)
Shutter-Priority Auto (S)
Special Effects Mode -
Scene ModesAutumn Colors
Beach / Snow
Blossom
Candlelight
Child
Close-up
Dusk / Dawn
Food
Landscape
Night Landscape
Night Portrait
Party / Indoor
Pet Portrait
Portrait
Sports
Sunset -
Exposure Compensation±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
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Exposure Bracketing3 frames ±2 EV in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 steps
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Exposure LockYes
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Mirror Lock UpYes (for image sensor cleaning)
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ISO SensitivityISO 100 - 6400
Hi-0.3
Hi-0.7
Hi-1 (ISO 12,800)
Hi-2 (ISO 25,600)
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Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity100
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Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity6400
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Highest Expanded ISO SensitivityHI-2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent)
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Long Exposure Noise ReductionYes
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High ISO Noise ReductionLow
Normal
High
Off -
Active D-LightingOn
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D-Lighting Bracketing2 frames
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Single-point AF ModeYes
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Dynamic AF ModeNumber of AF points: 11 (3D-tracking)
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Auto-area AF ModeYes
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Autofocus SystemNikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection
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Lens ServoAutofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); Continuous-servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status
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Focus PointCan be selected from 11 focus points
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Focus LockFocus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF)
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Focus ModesAuto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A)
Continuous-servo (AF-C)
Face-Priority AF available in Live View only and D-Movie only
Full-time Servo (AF-A) available in Live View only
Normal area
Single-servo AF (AF-S)
Wide area
Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used -
Maximum Autofocus Areas/Points11
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Autofocus Sensitivity-1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F)
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Built-in FlashYes
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Flash ControlAuto aperture: Available with SB-910/SB-900/SB-800 and CPU lens
Distance priority manual: Available with SB-910, SB-900 and SB-700
i-TTL Balanced fill-flash, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR
Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-80DX, SB-28DX, SB-28, SB-27, and SB-22S -
Flash Sync ModesFront-curtain sync (normal)
Rear-curtain sync
Red-Eye reduction
Red-Eye reduction with slow sync
Slow sync -
Flash Compensation-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
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Accessory ShoeYes
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Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)CLS Supported
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White BalanceAuto
Cloudy
Direct Sunlight
Flash
Fluorescent (7 types)
Incandescent
Preset Manual
Shade -
White Balance Bracketing3 exposures
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Live View ShootingYes
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Live View Lens servoAutofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time-servo AF (AF-F)
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Live View AF-area modeFace-priority AF
Wide-area AF
Normal-area AF
Subject-tracking AF -
Live View Scene Auto SelectorAuto mode
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Movie MeteringTTL exposure metering using main image sensor
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Movie Maximum recording time20 min.
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Movie File FormatMOV
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Movie Video CompressionH.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
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Movie Audio recording formatLinear PCM
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MovieHD 1,920x1,080 / 30 fps
HD 1,920x1,080 / 24 fps
HD 1,280x720 / 30 fps
HD 1,280x720 / 24 fps
VGA 640x424 / 30 fps -
Movie AudioBuilt-in microphone, monaural
Optional external stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter) -
Monitor Size3.0 in. diagonal
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Monitor Resolution921,000 Dots
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Monitor TypeWide Viewing Angle
Vari-angle TFT-LCD -
Monitor Angle of View170-degree wide-viewing angle
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Monitor AdjustmentsBrightness, 7 levels
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Playback FunctionsAuto Image Rotation
Calendar
Full Frame
Highlight Point Display
Histogram Display
Movie Playback
Shooting Data
Slideshow
Sound Playback
Thumbnail (4, 9 or 72 images)
Zoom -
In-Camera Image EditingColor Balance
Color Outline
Color Sketch
D-Lighting
Distortion Control
Edit Movie
Filter Effects
Fisheye
Image Overlay
Miniature Effect
Monochrome
NEF (RAW) Processing
Perspective Control
Quick Retouch
Red-Eye Correction
Resize
Side-by-Side Comparison
Straighten
Trim -
Image CommentYes
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InterfaceAudio/Video Out
HDMI output: Type C mini-pin HDMI connector
Hi-speed USB
NTSC
Stereo Microphone Input -
Wi-Fi FunctionalityEye-Fi Compatible
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GPSGP-1 GPS unit
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Total custom Settings20
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My MenuYes with customization
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Recent SettingsYes
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Supported LanguagesArabic
Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
Czech
Danish
Dutch
English
Finnish
French
German
Indonesian
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Norweigan
Polish
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Swedish
Thai
Turkish
Spanish -
Date, Time and Daylight Savings Time SettingsYes
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World Time SettingYes
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Battery / BatteriesEN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
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Battery Life (shots per charge)660 shots (CIPA)
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AC AdapterEH-5a AC Adapter
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Battery ChargerMH-24 Quick Charger
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Tripod Socket1/4 in.
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Approx. DimensionsWidth: 5.0 in. (127mm)
Height: 3.8 in. (96.5mm)
Depth: 3.1 in. (78.7mm) -
Approx. Weight19.7 oz. (560g)camera body only
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Supplied SoftwareViewNX 2 CD-ROM
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Supplied 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
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
Product Q&A
Ask your questions. Share your answers.
Answers
D5100 IN VIDEO:
There is not control for iso or shutter!!! all auto camera decides iso 6000 in dark and you cant do anything to change iso in video
Answers
Does the camera have manual exposure and manual aperture control during recording mode??
Answers
this is verry bad because youe videos looks like amateur vids !!
hope nikon wake up and fix that!!!
i buy my d5100 three days ago :(
Answers
The D5100 CAN auto focus with both AF-S lenses AND AF-I lenses.
It will auto focus with an AF-S lens that is not a G lens.
It will not auto focus with a G lens that is not also AF-S, despite what a popular review reports.
Therefore, there is no NIkon fisheye that will auto focus with the D5100.
Answers
Why are the photos taken on auto much better quality than the ones taken on manual with the same settings?
Answers
How does the D5100's HDR mode work? I see it under "Menu -> Shooting Menu -> HDR" but it's always disabled no matter what settings I seem to configure on the D5100. What presets must I use to enable HDR?
I realize HDR through software is going to be better than the D5100's auto-HDR, nevertheless I just want to see how the D5100's HDR is.
Thanks!
Answers
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
Among the above two which one would be better and why?
Answers
Answers
What Camera, lens, and settings are you using. i.e. 1080p/24, etc.
Answers
Product Registration
Nikon Answers Site
Review
Nikon D5100 Review
by Lori GruninApril 2011
CNET's Lori Grunin posted her review of the Nikon D5100 D-SLR, rating the camera 3.5 out of 5 stars. Grunin was impressed by the ergonomic layout of the camera's buttons, particularly the video record button. She noted that shooting with the camera "feels fast and fluid." Grunin said, "The Nikon D5100 delivers a solid combination of image quality, performance, features and design."
Award Winner
Gear Patrol's 20 Best Travel Gadgets
Gear Patrol's Eric Yang included the Nikon D5100 D-SLR in their list of 20 Best Travel Gadgets. Yang noted that the editors have grown fond of the D5100 because of its combination of portability and robustness among other features. He explained that the winning products, "earned our stamp of approval for a combination of price, approachability, and something we like to call the U-factor: U for everyday Usability."
April 2011
Review
Nikon D5100 Review
by Barnaby Britton with Richard Butler and Andy WestlakeApril 2011
DP Review's Barnaby Britton posted his review of the Nikon D5100 D-SLR. Britton liked the effects mode, as well as the resolution and noise performance of the camera when shooting stills and HD video. He said, "The D5100 is without doubt one of the most compelling products in its class, and offers an excellent mixture of straightforward handling, a well-targeted feature set, and excellent video and still image quality." He added: "Effective and easy-to-use features make the D5100 ideal for everyday photography/videography." The D5100 received a dpreview.com Silver Award, which represents a camera recommended by the website.
Review
Nikon D5100 Review
by Kevin WongApril 2011
Engadget posted Kevin Wong's review of the Nikon D5100 D-SLR on its website, saying, "...The D5100 can certainly shoot along with the bog boys of consumer cameras." Wong was impressed with the resolution of the camera, its still and HD video capabilities, articulated LCD design and in-camera effects. He concluded by saying, "The D5100 is a winner in our books..."
Review
Nikon D5100 Review
by Phil RyanMay 2011
Pop Photo's Phil Ryan posted his review of the D5100 D-SLR camera, touting the high overall image quality and full HD video capture. He reminisced: "Nikon kickstarted a revolution in the photography world when it included video recording in the D90..." He explained that the D5100 finesses the combination of still and HD video even further. Ryan said, "After running the D5100 through the Popular Photography Test Lab, we can say that the camera's images look great. In fact, the D5100 earned an Extremely High rating in overall image quality. He also noted that the camera offers "great full-HD video."
Review
Nikon D5100 D-SLR Review
by TJ DoneganJune 2011
TJ Donegan posted a review of the Nikon D5100 D-SLR to the Digital Camera Info website, touting the camera as “arguably the best sub-$1,000 D-SLR we have tested yet.” Donegan was impressed with the camera’s still image color accuracy, as well as its combination of manual controls, creative modes, and ergonomic design. Donegan also said, “… the D5100 feels well-built,” adding, “The camera has a fair amount of heft, offering good stability without feeling overly weighty.”
Review
Nikon D5100 D-SLR Review
by Theano NikitasJune 2011
Macworld/PCWorld’s Theano Nikitas posted her review of the Nikon D5100 D-SLR, awarding it four out of five stars. Nikitas was impressed with the excellent still images produced by the camera as well as the HD video quality. “The D5100 delivers an excellent feature set and image quality that rivals or exceeds the competition,” she said. Other features that were noted by Nikitas included the excellent low light/high ISO performance, beautiful 3-inch, high resolution articulated LCD, and new special effects.
Review
Nikon D5100 D-SLR Review
by Mark HolderSeptember 2011
Mark Holder posted his review of the Nikon D5100 D-SLR on the Videomaker magazine website. He began by stating, “The Nikon D5100 DSLR camera is jam-packed with some very nice features, great in-camera effects and produces gorgeous images to boot. It definitely packs plenty of punch and the average consumer or enthusiast will surely be left pleasantly pleased.” Holder was impressed by the overall design of the camera, the quality of audio capable from the built-in microphone and inclusion of an external mic port.
Review
Nikon D5100 Review
by Shawn BarnettJuly 2011
Shawn Barnett posted his review of the Nikon D5100 D-SLR on the Imaging Resource website, touting it as an easy choice for a “Dave’s Pick.” He said, “[the D5100] offers an approachable design that couples a great feature set with excellent image quality.” He found the camera easy and fun to use, with its still and Full HD video capabilities and variety of built-in effects, especially the integrated HDR mode. Regarding the HD video, Barnett noted: “Capturing movies with the Nikon D5100 is almost as simple as you could make it.”
Review
Nikon D5100 Review
by Eric ReaganJuly 2011
Eric Reagan posted his review of the Nikon D5100 D-SLR on Photography Bay, praising a number of the camera’s features including its low light performance and fast auto-focus, as well as its overall design and feature set. “It’s an easy-to-carry and easy-to-use entry-level D-SLR,” Reagan said. “The D5100 shines among the entry-level D-SLR ranks,” he added.
Review
Nikon D5100 Review
by David ElrichAugust 2011
David Elrich posted his review of the Nikon D5100 D-SLR on the Digital Trends website, calling the camera a Digital Trends Editors’ Choice. Elrich was impressed with the accurate colors the camera produced, as well as its high ISO range. He explained that the camera is meant to be used out of its auto setting, stating: “Once you get the hang of the controls, this camera was meant for exploration—no matter if it’s exposure compensation, white balance, ISO and lots more.” Elrich added, “[The Nikon D5100] takes solid photos and videos, offering the response shutterbugs demand as they move from point-and-shoots to 'real' cameras."
Award Winner
Camera of the Year
The Digitalcamerainfo.com staff announced that the Nikon D5100 D-SLR has been named Camera of the Year. Out of the dozens of cameras tested, the website's staff chooses the very best the industry has to offer. According to the website, "The D5100 blew us away by getting the simple things right." Touted features included the D5100's "phenomenal color accuracy, expanded dynamic range, and above-average performance in nearly every category." The D5100 also received honors as the Best Budget DSLR.November 2011
Award Winner
IF Product Design Award 2012
The Nikon D5100 D-SLR has been honored with the iF Product Design Award 2012 from the International Forum Design GmbH of Hanover, Germany. The iF design awards have been awarded since 1953; to products exhibiting superior design. In selecting recipients, product aspects including quality of design, functionality, degree of innovation, simplicity of operation and environmental impact are considered for the product design award. Features to note include the D5100's ease of use and high quality still images and Full HD video.November 2011
Award Winner
PCMag.com Best of the Year 2011 Gold Winner
The Nikon D5100 D-SLR has been awarded the honors of PCMag.com's Best of the Year 2011 Gold Winner in the D-SLR category. Each year PCMag.com reviews thousands of devices and only the best of the best make it to the Best of the Year. PCMag.com's editors said, "Nikon's D5100 was our favorite D-SLR of the year." The editors noted such features as the camera's 16-megapixel resolution, articulating LCD, high ISO capabilities and its ability to autofocus while recording Full HD movies as reasons why the D5100 was deserving of the honors. The editors also explained that the camera's image quality, optical finder and NIKKOR optics "make it an excellent value."November 2011
Review
Nikon D5100 Review
by Kevin Pereira and Candace BaileyDecember 2011
Kevin Pereira and Candace Bailey reviewed the D5100 D-SLR for G4 TV's Attack of the Show. The reviewers found the D5100 to be ergonomically designed, with excellent noise reduction, and a very quiet AF, sharp images with vivid colors. Pereira and Bailey gave the D5100 a 5 out of 5 rating, noting that the camera offers incredible value.
Review
Nikon D5100 Review
by Jack NeubartFebruary 2012
Shutterbug magazine posted Jack Neubart's review of the D5100 D-SLR on its website. Overall, Neubart was impressed with the camera. He noted that Live View and camcorder users will "love the camera's vari-angle monitor." He also found that continued use of the LCD did not cause a battery drain. Neubart liked some of the camera's Effects modes, including Color Sketch and Selective Color. He found the Auto White Balance to work very well, "AWB ably handled a variety of lighting situations, especially mixed lighting, and proved to be my go-to white balance setting." He was also impressed with the quality of the kit lens that came with the camera. "In the end, the D5100 and 18-55mm VR combo very nicely handled practically anything I threw at it," he added.
Award Winner
2012 TIPA Best D-SLR Entry Level Award
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) awarded the Nikon D5100 with the 2012 TIPA Best D-SLR Entry Level Award. The camera was chosen due to its image quality, high ISO, Vari-Angle LCD, and convenient placement of photographer controlled settings. TIPA awards are given to the best imaging products; selected by the editors of member camera and imaging magazines from around the globe.April 2012