Nikon D5100 DSLR

The Nikon D5100 DSLR is a 16.2 megapixel camera suitable for both experts and photography neophytes. Advanced features allow for precise control while presets and easy-to-understand controls let newbies figure things out at their own pace. It's officially called a medium-class DSLR, meaning it's perfect for introducing yourself to DSLR's, or more advanced users. It has a high ISO range that makes it versatile in different lighting situations. ISO is especially important for low-light situations. A CMOS sensor lets the Nikon D5100 have an ISO range of 100 to 6400.

A full-time auto-focus mode helps you capture images of difficult subjects like quirky pets or children with limitless energy. Even when not using the full-time auto-focus, the camera uses an 11-point auto-focus system, which makes sure the right part of the shot is in focus and that nothing is left out. The EXPEED 2 engine processes images extremely fast, so if you want to take photos rapidly, don't worry about the Nikon D5100 not being able to keep up with you. It even has a four-frames-per-second burst mode, which lets you take pictures in bunches so you can find the one that you think works best or keep them all to string together a longer moment.

A 3" swivel Vari-Angle LCD monitor lets you tilt and swing the screen so you can see what you're shooting from many different angles. The resolution is excellent at 921,000 pixels. To get the perfect shot, does your camera need to be somewhere you can't stand behind it? Flip the monitor around and you can stand to the side and make sure everything is how it should be. Want to take a picture of yourself? Flip the monitor and line yourself up perfectly. With one-button Live View you can view and compose your shot without looking through the viewfinder. Once again, this is good when holding the camera at an unusual angle. There is a convenient switch on the side of the camera to turn Live Mode on.

The Nikon D5100 DSLR is also capable of recording HD movies in full 1080p quality. Up to 20 minutes of uninterrupted recording time is possible, and the camera also allows for zooming while in movie mode. When it comes to capturing audio, sound is captured in mono using built-in microphone. An accessory called the ME-1 Stereo Microphone can capture audio in stereo. The accessory has a low, medium and high setting so you can vary the sensitivity of the microphone.

Some of the best features of the Nikon D5100 are the scene modes. Scene modes are presets for specific scenarios where you often take pictures. A landscape mode when taking pictures of a beautiful view. Portrait mode for those perfect family photos. Pet mode for the pets who won't stand still. These modes help the amateur photographer set the camera to capture each scene perfectly. Another great aspect of the scene modes is that they can be a great base upon which you can further manipulate the aperture, ISO, etc. Use them as a starting point and tinker further to find the perfect shot.

Besides the scene modes, another huge resource the Nikon D5100 provides users the various in-camera effects. A special effects mode lets you change the appearance of both movies and photos before they are taken. Here are some examples:

- Miniature Mode: Makes distant subjects look miniature by altering the area of focus.
- High Key: A picture that is bright and glowing.
- Low Key: Good for dark images that emphasize the mood.
- Selective Color: Choose up to three colors that will remain, the rest being converted to black and white.
- Color Sketch: Outlines images colorfully to lend the image an artistically sketched feel.
- Night Vision: Black-and-white images for low light situations.
- Silhouette: Silhouettes the focus of the image.

These are just a few of the different effects available in special effects mode. Play with them while playing with images and discover new ways to take photos you might not have thought of! There are even more options to tinker with images if you use the retouch menu. The retouch menu lets you alter a photo after it has been taken but before it is transferred to the computer.

Cost

The Nikon D5100 can be found at a cost between $750 to $900. Many times it is offered in a kit that includes a bag and an extra lens.

Accessories

The ME-1 Stereo Microphone mentioned above is an external microphone to enhance the quality of captured audio. It reduces unwanted noise and can be adjusted to capture less or more audio. There is the SB400 Flash, a speedlight that lets you move the flash away from the camera to create more dynamic shots. There are also two lenses that can be purchased, which both have VR Image Stabilization to keep the shot steady even when taking shots at long distance. The first is a 55-200mm range lens. The second is a 55-300mm range.

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Sources:

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-SLR-Cameras/25478/D5100.html

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond5100/