In The Nikon pecking order the Nikon D5100 is positioned below the full-featured Nikon D7000 and above D3100. Is this the camera for you? As you know, we are all about giving you an unbiased view on this product, and we hope that the following review is helpful to you.

Generally speaking, if you are looking to upgrade your Nikon D50, D60, D3000 (or even if this happens to be your first Nikon product), the Nikon D5100 could be the perfect choice. In comparison to these other Nikon models it has more megapixels, video, and processing and shooting speed. In addition, it has an improved rear LCD screen for easier viewing. Let’s break down the features of this camera now and give you some guidance as to if this is the perfect camera for you.

The Nikon D5100 Specifications

1 ) Autofocus Capability – There are 11 autofocus (AF) points on the D5100, and this should be more than sufficient for most photographers in tracking moving objects like animals, athletes, etc. If you want to track faster moving objects like birds or faster moving sports you might want to consider the Nikon D7000, which has a much more customizable and sophisticated autofocus system. Keep in mind that the D5100 does not have an autofocusing motor built into the body. This means that you will need to purchase lenses that have autofocus motors built-in.

2 ) Body Size And Weight – If you are moving up from the D3100 you will notice that it is a bit heavier and larger…but not by much. Most photographers will find its size and weight great for carrying about and general use. It does not have weather sealing at the memory card and battery doors…so keep this in mind if you plan on doing a lot of “wet and damp weather” photography. For general photography, even users who plan on using their camera every day, the non-magnesium construction should prove to be strong and durable enough.

3 ) Controls – The D5100 offers many of the basic controls on the body’s exterior, with the capability to change many settings via the rear LCD screen. If you prefer to have most of the control capabilities on your camera body you might want to consider the D7000 instead.

4 ) Ease of Operation – The menus and controls of the Nikon D5100 are easy to learn and simple to use for most photographers.

5 ) Image And Sensor Quality – If you are upgrading from the older D90 you will notice some significant improvements. For example, the D5100 has 16.2 megapixel sensors while the D90 has only 12.3 megapixels. This means that you can crop a picture and still have an image with enough quality to print or display on the wall. This also means that sensors will operate better in low light conditions for those photographers who love “night photography”.

6) The “Rubber Hits The Road” Hands On Test – The Nikon D5100 is a bit taller than the D3100, but the body fits very nicely in the hand. It has a rubber gripping surface that provides a nice grip on the body. The body is relatively light, and this is equally nice if you happen to need to carry the camera around for extended periods. If you are looking for a wonderful image taking experience, the D5100′s controls, body, and overall feel suits the bill nicely.

7 ) Shooting Speed – As you move up the range of DSLR’s that Nikon provides you will also be moving up in not only the continuous shooting speed, but the maximum number of shots provided. The Nikon D5100 will shoot 4 frames per second for up to 100 shots in continuous shooting mode. This is more than adequate for most photographers, but if you plan to do a lot of wildlife, bird, or sports photography you might want to consider the D7000 (which has 6 frames per second).

8 ) Video – The D5100 can shoot both 720p and 1080p video at either 24, 25 or 30 frames per second.

9 ) Viewfinder Quality – The viewfinder is the primary means of engagement with a camera, so if it is not adequate, the whole experience suffers. The D5100 has a pentamirror viewfinder with roughly 95% coverage of the actual image being viewed. This is more than adequate for most users, but if this is an area you are particular about you might want to consider the D7000 (which has a 100% view).

Where Oh Where Can I Purchase The Nikon D5100 ?

We hope that you found this review helpful. We are all about offering you the best “No Fluff & Honest” camera reviews on the market. To help support us in our mission we would appreciate it if you would purchase this camera online from our affiliate company at:
D5100 DX-format Digital SLR Camera w/ 18-55mm VR Lens – All New – On Sale, Regularly $899.98 Before $50 Nikon Instant Savings – Add a Second Lens and Save Even This company is very well known and is very competitive in terms of service, satisfaction, price, etc. Thanks so much to you and all our friends for your fantastic support.

The Nikon D5100 Conclusion

Most users will be more than happy with the combination of features and functionality that the Nikon D5100 provides.