Nikon D5100 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens Kit (16.2MP) 3 inch LCD (discontinued by manufacturer)

Product Information

Perhaps the most noticeable upgrade that the Nikon D5100 makes on the D5000 is with the LCD, which goes from being a 2. Ideally, we would have liked to have seen the diamond-like formation of the 11 AF points cover a bit more of the viewfinder, especially on the horizontal plane, as they’re a little bunched in together towards the centre of the viewfinder.

However, there are also plenty of differences between the two models, especially in terms of camera and imaging features. Initially the battle was to produce affordable models, and once this was achieved manufacturers turned their attention to producing cameras with higher pixel counts.

Still on the subject of ISO, we're disappointed that its slightly fussy auto ISO system is unchanged from the D3100/D7000.

Using the camera in live view, we found the contrast-detect AF system to be surprisingly quick – far quicker than the Canon EOS 600D by comparison, and with much less back-and-forth focus-hunting involved. When you come across that perfect shot, there are instances where you know instinctively that one picture just won’t cut it. This camera by Nikon is also equipped with a revolutionary new Silent Shutter mechanism that greatly reduces the sound made by the mechanical shutter commonly used by DSLR cameras. So although it makes do with no focus motor, a single control dial and a defiantly plastic body shell, it still offers the super-wide ISO span of 100-25,600 (equivalent) and class-leading image quality of the D7000, especially as regards high ISO noise performance. When switched on the camera is instantly ready to operate, although it’ll generally take half a second or so for the autofocus to lock on.The professional-grade D3s currently leads the way here with a top (expanded) ISO setting of 102,400, but models further down the line are increasingly benefitting from Nikon’s expertise in this field. Along with faster processing times, better battery performance and the ability to record 14-bit (as opposed to 12-bit) Raw files, the new processing engine is able to deliver a maximum continuous shooting speed of 4fps – a slight improvement over the D3100’s 3fps, but not quite up there with the 6fps of the D7000. The Nikon camera can also augment the pictures with a host of special effects that can be configured on it through the special effects mode.

It only works for JPEG capture though and requires a quick trip into the main menu settings to activate unless you assign the Function button to it. It is also great for beginners, because it shows most of the camera settings and even a graphic representation of the size of the lens aperture.

The lack of loud sounds associated with the shutter release will allow for better photography thanks to less distractions and miniscule vibrations caused by the excess noise, as sound after all, is derived from vibrations.

This caused problems in some shooting positions, especially when the camera was mounted on a tripod.Accessed directly via the main Shooting mode dial the D5100’s eight individual filters are: Selective Colour, Miniature, Colour Sketch, Night Vision, Silhouette, High Key and Low Key. Tracking Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module with 11 AF points (One cross-type sensor in centre of frame). Image stabilisation remains purely lens-based too, so you’ll have to invest in Nikon Vibration Reduction (VR) lenses if you want to take advantage of this. Conceptually, the D5100 perfectly fills the gap in Nikon's line-up between the entry-level D3100 and the much more enthusiast-orientated D7000 - marrying the ease-of-use of the former with the image quality of the latter.