Nikon D5100: The latest entry level contender

[MJ]

Nikon released its newest entry level DSLR, the D5100, in April 2011. Replacing the Nikon D5000, the D5100 offers many attractive new features including a vari-angle 3.0" LCD screen, special effects mode and various ergonomic improvements that would please current and new Nikon users.

Red Dot Photo takes a compartive view between the D5100 and D5000, and showcases some of the photos taken by the former in the following review.

Nikon D5100's new and improved features

A summary of the D5100's notable features are as follows:

1. Ergonomic changes and improvements


(Left: Nikon D5000, Right: Nikon D5100)

The Nikon D5100 sees a number of changes in appearance, namely the rearrangement of various buttons such as the delete, menu, zooming, and information button. The changing of the delete button's position from the top left hand side (in the D5000) to the bottom right hand side of the camera currently is definitely a welcome change by users. It is a more convenient position for users to preview and delete any images that they do not want anymore.

2. Live View toggle

(The Nikon D51000 features a new Effects mode and a Live view toggle)

Users can easily switch from viewfinder to Live View via a toggle conveniently placed next to the mode dial. This replaces the previous Live View button at the back of the camera in the Nikon D5000.

3. Newly added Effects mode
The Nikon D5100 is also the first Nikon DSLR to feature a Effects mode, with interesting and fun effects such as selective colour, miniature, night vision, and colour sketch. It allows new users to have a little fun with their captured images while familiarising themselves with the other modes of a typical DSLR.

Below are two images taken with the effects mode:

(Left: Miniature effect mimicking a tilt shift lens, Right: Night Vision effect)

4. 3.0 inch Vari-angle LCD monitor

The 921,000 dot Vari-angle LCD monitor in the D5100 is an improvement from its predecessor, in terms of size and resolution. It also enables users to have greater flexibility when framing their shots or video angles, allowing high quality playback and viewing.

5. High Dynamic Range

The D5100 also features high dynamic range,enabling an image with extreme contrasts to be captured and exposed correctly by taking two exposures and combining them together.

Technical Specifications
Here is a rundown of technical specifications of Nikon's D5100 and D5000.

DSLR	Nikon D5100	Nikon D5000
Effective pixels	16.2 million	12.3 million
Image sensor	23.6 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor	23.6 x 15.8mm CMOS sensor
Image size (pixels)	4,928 x 3,264 (L) 3,696 x 2,448 (M) 2,464 x 1,632 (S)	4288 x 2848 (L) 3216 x 2136 (M) 2144 x 1424 (S)
ISO sensitivity	ISO 100 - 6400 in steps of 1/3 EV (ISO 25600 equivalent) above ISO 6400; auto ISO sensitivity control available	ISO 200-3200 Lo-1 (ISO 100) Hi-1 (ISO 6400)
Movie	Frame size (pixels) and frame rate: - 1,920 x 1,080, 30 p/25 p/24 p (high/normal) - 1,280 x 720, 30 p/25 p/24 p (high/normal) - 640 x 424, 30 p/25 p (high/normal) A frame rate of 30 p (actual frame rate 29.97 fps) is available when NTSC is selected for video mode. 25 p is available when PAL is selected for video mode. Actual frame rate when 24 p is selected is 23.976 fps. F File format/Video compression: MOV, H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding Audio recording device: Built-in monaural or external stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustable	HD 1280 x 720/ 24 fps VGA 640 x 424/ 24 fps QVGA 320 x 216/ 24 fps Movie with sound Stop motion movie D movie
Monitor	3-in., approx. 921k-dot (VGA), vari-angle low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170 degrees viewing angle	2.7-in., approx. 230k-dot, vari-angle TFT-LCD with wide-viewing angle
Power source	EN-EL14 Lithium-ion battery	EN-EL9 Lithium-ion battery EN-EL9A Lithium-ion battery
Dimensions (approx.) (W x H x D)	128 x 97 x 79 mm	127 x 104 x 80 mm
Weight (approx.)	510 g (body only)	560g (body only)

Noise Test: Nikon D5100 vs D5000
A simple noise test was also carried out. The below setup was photographed from ISO100-6400 with both cameras.100% crops were then collated.

Noise is exceptionally well controlled in both cameras, even at high ISOs such as 6400. The D5100 manages to still preserve details at ISO 6400, highlighting another improvement from its predecessor.

(Click here to view in high resolution)

Images taken with the D5100
Here is a mini gallery of images taken with the Nikon D5100!


(f/3.5, ISO100, 1/2500 shutter speed)


(f/3.5, ISO 200, 1/160 shutter speed)


(f/3.5, ISO 100, 1/320 shutter speed)


(f/4.0, ISO 1250, +0.67EV, 1/100 shutter speed)

Conclusion
The Nikon D5100 is certainly a stronger contender in the entry level DSLR range. With features such as the effects mode and the a vari-angle LCD monitor, the camera will definitely provide new DSLR users fun experiences while learning more about photography. Its ergonomic and functional improvements from the D5000 is also another impressive feat by Nikon that will please new and current Nikon users.