Nikon D5100 Detailed Review

In additional D5100 was introduced by Nikon in April 2011. It belongs to the Amateur DSLRs category.

Nikon is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Nikon.

Also D5100 features a CMOS sensor in APS-C size (with Nikon cameras: DX)that has an area of approximately 24 x 16 mm² (0.93″ x 0.61″).

Picture of D5100’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The D5100’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 16 megapixel. That’s roughly average and will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 or A2 size.

The Nikon supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Nikon’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The D5100 features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.

The D5100 has an optical viewfinder with a penta mirror. Viewfinders with a penta mirror are typical for entry level cameras. The viewfinder covers 95% of the field of view and has a magnification of 0.52x, an average value for a viewfinder like this.

The D5100’s shutter speed varies from 1/4000s to 30s.

The D5100’s sensitivity is from 100 ISO and 6400 ISO.

Also, Nikon’s sensitivity can be boosted to 25600. Therefore, ISO boosting will lead to growth noise.

The D5100 supports all general exposure modes.

The Nikon allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The D5100’s auto focus processor has 11 AF points. The main point is about that the more points the autofocus has then preferably. If AF has more points then you have a better opportunity to have a focus at the interesting area. In addition, It is a big advantage in a difficult condition. For example, when doing macross.

Manual focusing is available in the Nikon. Even in complicated location.

The D5100 has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 12m (40 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

The D5100 features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.92 megapixel. That’s about average.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The D5100 does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

D5100 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Nikon D5100 Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Nikon. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

However, the camera can be controlled over a wired connection.

Connect the Nikon to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Nikon supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Nikon D5100 has a EN-EL14 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 570 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The D5100’s battery battery parameters:

The Nikon D5100’s size is 128 x 97 x 79mm³. (5.0″ x 3.8″ x 3.1″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.0″ x 3.8″ x 3.1″ grams (560 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the D5100:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.