DSLR Camera Review - The Nikon D5100

Great shots for all


It's easy - all you need is an eye for detail

by S Shiva
04:46 AM May 11, 2011

The Nikon D5100 is a new entry to Nikon's range of DSLRs that is easy to use, and delivers a great performance for both photo and video capture. The versatility that comes with the D5100 makes it an ideal camera for anyone, from a beginner learning about DSLRs to more experienced photographers.

Boasting the ability to shoot 16.2 Megapixel photos, a range of special effect modes, high-definition (1080p) video recording, and a HDR option that merges images, the D5100 is no doubt a powerful device.

With only five buttons and a navigation pad near its display panel, the D5100 does not look nearly as complex as other recent DSLR models. The buttons, however, provide quick access to navigating and managing captured photos and videos.

The video recording, live view and power buttons are located at the top of the camera, around the capture button. There is also a mode dial that can be used to select the different special effect modes, which include Night Vision, Colour Sketch and Silhouette, just to name a few. The dial can also be used to set the camera mode to manual, auto, aperture priority or shutter priority modes.

There are no quick-access buttons to manipulate shots with more advanced options like sensitivity, white balance or metering, but these can be found and adjusted within the camera's menu.

The D5100 has a three-inch display panel that can be tilted, thanks to an articulated joint located on its left. This feature comes in handy when trying to capture photos at difficult angles, and also to reduce glare on the screen when shooting outdoors.

The display is bright and clear, and does well when it comes to showing detail and colour. When using the live view mode, which uses the display instead of the viewfinder to look through the camera lens, the display delivers a smooth performance, although there is a drop in frame rate when certain special effects modes, like Colour Sketch, are activated.

With its 18-55mm lens, which comes in the box, the D5100 is capable of producing clear pictures with accurate colours and minimal noise. The D5100 has an ISO range of 100-6400, and is expandable to ISO 25,600.

Photos are visibly grainier at the ISO 6400 setting, but makes up for it by allowing good low-light shooting. Video quality is decent and has good detail and colour, but is not a replacement for a full video-camera.

When it comes to speed, the D5100 does not disappoint. It starts up in under a second, almost immediately as soon as the power is flicked to 'On'. It is capable of capturing at 4fps (frame-per-second) and can shoot continuously at this rate.

The battery life of the D5100 is good, lasting many hours of continuous shooting on a single charge. Charging the battery takes a little long though, requiring over an hour for it to reach full charge.

Overall, the D5100 is a versatile DSLR ideal for learning with and can be used by intermediate and advanced photographers as well. Thanks to its special effects modes, more unusual looking photos can be captured. For those looking for a good quality DSLR that is straightforward to use and can deliver good result, the D5100 is the choice for you.

Source: www.todayonline.com