Nikon’s latest CMOS image sensor and the new EXPEED 2 image-processing engine creates high-resolution rendering and rich expression of tones.
The D5100 is an entry-level DSLR aimed at beginner DSLR photographers wishing to take their photography to the next level and express their creativity through high quality images and superior functionality. It features a new horizontal swing, vari-angle monitor, Full (1080p) HD movie recording with full autofocus and Nikon’s easy-to-use menu for uncomplicated photography and video capture from a wide variety of angles. In addition the D5100 is the first Nikon DSLR to include a Special Effects mode including night vision and selective colour, allowing the user to be more creative with their photography all at the touch of a button.
D5100 with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
The D5100 is a member of the popular D5000 series, which was the first Nikon digital-SLR camera series equipped with the vari-angle monitor. The vari-angle monitor adopted for the D5100 has been enlarged to three inches and now utilises a side hinge that enables better flexibility during hand-held shooting or when mounted on a tripod. The camera is also equipped with the D-Movie function that supports recording of Full-HD (1920 × 1080p, 30p) movies, as well as a Special Effects mode allowing a variety of special effects to be applied to still images and movies.
D5100 Primary Features:
1. I AM BRIGHT AT NIGHT
A high-resolution Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, an image-processing engine that provides superior image quality and rich expression of tones and the new High Dynamic Range (HDR) function.
The D5100 is equipped with the same DX-format CMOS image sensor and EXPEED 2 image-processing engine as the high-end D7000. These features enable capture of high-resolution images with excellent expression of tones. With standard sensitivity settings of ISO 100–6400 and additional increases up to Hi 2 (ISO 25600 equivalent), the camera offers improved capability when shooting in dim lighting conditions and also produces better results when capturing movement.
The HDR function captures two shots of varying exposure each time the shutter-release button is pressed and combines them into a single image with a broad dynamic range. The resulting images beautifully re-create what is seen by the naked eye, even when shooting backlit scenes, with little or no loss of detail in shadows or highlights.
2. I AM A NEW PERSPECTIVE
A large 3-inch, approximately 921k-dot high-resolution vari-angle monitor increases visibility. In addition, the range of colours that can be reproduced by the monitor is equivalent to that of the sRGB gamut.
Adoption of a side hinge for the vari-angle monitor prevents the monitor from hitting the tripod when opened while the camera is mounted. The vari-angle monitor opens to the side from 0 to 180°, and can be rotated up to 90° clockwise and up to
180° counter-clockwise when open. This enables shooting from a wide variety of angles, from low to high, making self portraits easier.
3. I AM FULL HD CREATIVITY
The D5100 is equipped with the D-Movie function that enables recording of high-definition movies (1920 × 1080p, 30p) exhibiting superior video quality. Auto-focusing during movie recording is possible using contrast-detect AF. When the focus mode is set to full-time-servo AF (AF-F) and the AF-area mode to subject-tracking AF, the camera automatically maintains focus on a subject moving throughout the frame. The D5100 also offers in-camera movie editing functions that allow users to save a single frame as a still JPEG image or delete unnecessary portions from the beginning and/or end of movie files.
In addition, the D5100 is equipped with built-in support for stereo audio recording via the Stereo Microphone ME-1 (available separately), and the mode dial and live view switch have been positioned on the same spindle in consideration of operational ease.
The optional Stereo Microphone ME-1 can be used to record sound in stereo while also preventing noise caused by lens vibration being recorded during autofocus.
4. I AM SPECIAL EFFECTS
The first Nikon digital-SLR camera to offer Special Effects mode.
The D5100 offers special effects that can be applied with both shooting of still images and movie recording. Special effects are viewed on the monitor before shooting or recording begins, allowing users to confirm the desired results in real time.
The Special Effects mode built into the D5100 offers seven special effects, including Selective Colour and Colour Sketch.
Favourite Special Effects
Selective colour, all colours other than those selected by the user are recorded in monochrome. Up to three colours can be selected at a time.
Colour sketch
The camera detects and colours outlines for a colour sketch effect. The monitor display can be used to adjust the vividness of colours and the thickness of outlines.
Miniature effect
Distant subjects appear as miniatures for a diorama effect. Users can choose the orientation (vertical/horizontal) and width (narrow/normal/wide) of the area that will be in focus.
Night vision
When this option is selected, extremely high ISO sensitivities are used (up to ISO 102400 equivalent). This enables shooting in the dark while verifying the subject and composition in the monitor.
* RAW recording is not possible. Still images can only be recorded in JPEG (black-and-white) format. Only contrast-detect AF can be used.
5. I AM TALENTED
Additional Features and Functions
1. High-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 4 fps1, and a very precise and durable shutter unit that has passed testing for 100,000 cycles.
2. Equipped with Quiet shutter-release mode for shooting in situations in which quieter shutter operation is desired. Infrared receivers for remote control operation on the front and back of the camera enable wireless control over the shutter from both in front of and behind the camera (optional ML-L3 wireless remote control supported).
3. Equipped with 16 scene modes that enable the simple capture of beautiful photos of the desired scene with automatic optimisation of camera settings.
4. Built-in HDMI-CEC compatibility enables control over playback of still images and movies using the television's remote control when the camera is connected to a high-definition TV via the HDMI connector.
1 Manual focus, M or S mode, shutter speed 1/250 s or faster, and other settings at default values
For more information go to: http://mynikonlife.com.au/gear/digital-slr-cameras/d5100