Best Digital Camera Under 200

Best Digital Camera: Nikon D5100 Digital Camera Review

 

Nikon D5100 Digital Camera offers a host of new photographic and video tools that deliver superior performance and exceptional image quality with surprising versatility. With 16.2 megapixels, a swivel Vari-Angle LCD monitor, full HD movie capabilities, new EFFECTS Mode and new HDR setting, you hold the power and performance to capture beautiful moments and the freedom to get creative.

The Nikon D5100 brings the high quality 16.2 megapixel sensor, great low-light performance, and full HD video capability with all the frame rate options from the popular pro-sumer D7000 to the enthusiast level model – and then includes a fully adjustable side-mounted rotating screen to boot. The D5100 should prove to be an excellent option for new dSLR users plus those experienced enthusiasts wishing to upgrade their D50, D60, or even their D3000 to gain additional megapixels, shooting and processing speed, video, and an improved rear LCD screen. The variety of features and functions offered on the various Nikon dSLR cameras might make it difficult to choose between them, but there are some important differences.

The New Nikon D5100 sits just above the D3100, a bit below the aging D90, and several steps below the fully-featured and highly customizable Nikon D7000. The D5100 boasts a 16 megapixel image sensor (just like the D7000), shoots 4 frames per second in continuous mode, has HD video capability at 24, 25, and 30 fps, and includes the fully rotating rear LCD screen improved in flexibility from the screen of the D5000.

Generally as the cameras increase in price and capability from the entry level model to the enthusiast pro-sumer model they gain more sophisticated autofocus and exposure metering systems, shoot faster (more frames per second) in continuous shooting mode, have more controls and buttons for changing settings on the camera body, and offer more menu and custom function options.

Sensor and Image Quality: The sensors of the D5100 and D7000 are greatly improved over the older D90 in a couple of ways. The D5100 and D7000 have 16.2 megapixel sensors, where the D90 has 12.3 megapixels. The relatively new D3100 has a 14.2 MP sensor. This increase in resolution allows for more intrusive editing of the files in Photoshop, the ability to crop a picture and still obtain an image with high enough resolution for printing or display, and allows for larger prints. In addition, the improved sensor results in better performance at high ISO settings and in low light, better dynamic range, tonal range, and color sensitivity. Have a look at the dxomark website to compare the sensors. (View Fiture and Specs)

Exposure Metering: The D5100, while sharing a similar sensor to the D7000, does not have the same advanced metering system. It shares the less sophisticated 420 pixel RGB metering sensor of the D3100 and offers matrix metering, non-adjustable center-weighted, and spot metering modes. This system may be more than sufficient for many users, especially those not intending to adjust their exposure settings and dig into their menus in reaction to complex lighting situations. But if your shooting demands require more precise exposure metering and control over the size of the areas being metered, you need to consider the D7000 or D90. The 2016 pixel RGB metering sensor of the D7000 is also improved compared to the D90, and will result in more accurate metering performance of straightforward and complex lighting scenes and situations. Both these cameras offer matrix metering, center-weighted, and spot metering modes. With center-weighted metering on the D90, you can select the size of the center-weighted area to be a 6, 8, or 10mm center circle, and the D7000 adds a 13mm circle option.

Autofocus: The autofocus systems of the D3100, D5100, and D90 all have 11 autofocus (AF) points with the center one being a more accurate cross-type. These AF systems may be more than sufficient for most users, and they can successfully track moving objects in the frame such as athletes, performers, or animals. However, if you specialize in sports, action, wildlife, or bird photography, you are going to want to consider the much more sophisticated, accurate, and customizable AF system of the D7000. The D7000 boasts a significantly improved AF system of 39 AF points with 9 of them being cross type. The AF system of the D7000 allows for you to use these points in various ways including automatic AF point selection, single point AF, and dynamic area AF using your choice of 9 points, 21 points, all points, or all points with 3D-tracking. It is important to note that the D5100 and D3100 do not have an autofocusing motor built into the body so you have to be sure to purchase lenses with built-in AF motors. For example, the Nikon “Nifty 50″ 50mm f/1.8 will not autofocus with these cameras. The D7000 and D90 have the built-in motor.

Body, Construction and Size/ Weight: The D5100 is just slightly larger and a tiny bit heavier than the D3100, both weighing just over one pound. Both have plastic bodies and more limited buttons and controls that the higher end models. Many users should find its size and weight great for using and carrying around, though some prefer the ergonomics of a larger body. The D90 and D7000 appear very similar at first glance, but the plastic body of the D90 has been upgraded to the partially magnesium alloy body (top and rear) of the D7000. This adds slightly to the weight: 1.5 lbs for the D90 vs. 1.7 lbs for the D7000. The D7000 also has weather sealing at the memory card and battery doors, which the D5100 and D3100 do not. The higher end D7000 and D90 include not only the 3″ rear LCD screen but also a top LCD panel for viewing and changing your settings. This is essential for photographers who are constantly changing their settings to deal with various shooting situations. For most users, including even those using the camera daily or in travel situations, the non-magnesium construction of the D5100 should be far more than good enough, strong enough, and durable enough.

ISO: As mentioned in the Sensor and Image Quality section above, the high ISO performance of the D7000 is greatly improved over the D90. The tests at dxomark.com tell this story, along with the fact that the native ISO range of the D7000 is 100-6400 expandable up to 25,600. The D5100 shares these specifications, and should offer similar results. The D3100 has a native ISO range of 100-3200 expandable to 12800, and the range of the D90 is 200-3200. This means that with the D7000 and D5100 you can use higher ISO settings when required, such as in low light situations, and not have as much difficulty with digital noise, particularly in the shadow areas of images.

Controls: As with construction, the buttons and controls vary with these cameras. The D3100 and D5100 offer more limited, basic controls on the exterior of the camera. However you can use the rear LCD screen to quickly change many settings, or else go into the menus. The D7000 offers an extensive array of controls on the camera body, allowing one to quickly change an large number of settings as they work, including focus mode and focus area settings, shooting mode, and exposure mode. The controls of the D7000 are similar to the D90 with some changes including the addition of the shooting mode ring under the mode dial (to change from single shot to high speed continuous to self timer, etc.), and the live-view switch with movie record button inside it. The D7000 also offers 2 customizable user settings (U1, U2) on the mode dial, and you can assign functions of your choice to buttons such as the Fn Button.

Menus and Custom Settings: These allow for greater control over customizing how the camera functions. The D5100 has less Menu and Custom Settings options than the D90 and the highly customizable D7000, and more than the D3100 (which offers no custom settings). These settings enable you to customize the operation, function, and controls to work how you want them to, including things like exposure increments, Live View options, tweaking how the autofocus system operates, setting more precise white balance settings, and customizing which button does what. There are ebooks such as my Nikon D7000 Experience – The Photographer’s Guide to Operation and Image Creation with the Nikon D7000 and “Nikon D5100 Experience” which walk you through all of the Menu settings and Custom Settings so that you can set up your camera to work best for how you photograph, and also begin to learn to master all the advanced features, settings, and controls of these powerful dSLR camera.

Wireless Flash: The D7000 includes the feature of advanced wireless lighting using the built in flash as a commander for off-camera Nikon Speedlights. However, the D5100 and D3100 do not have this capability. With the D7000, you can set up one or more Speedlights in remote mode, then trigger them wirelessly with the built in flash of the camera.

Viewfinder: The D5100 has a pentamirror viewfinder with approximately 95% coverage of the actual resulting image, the same as the D3100. The higher quality pentaprism viewfinder of the D90 gives 96% coverage of the actual resulting image, while the D7000 has an even larger, brighter pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage. While in-and-of-itself, a 95% viewfinder works just fine, when you compare it side-by-side with the large, clear view of the D7000, you can see and understand the advantages of a clearer view of your entire scene with a 100% view, pentaprism viewfinder.

Processor: The Nikon D5100 and D3100 use the fast Expeed 2 image processor just like the D7000. This allows for more video options including full 1080p HD at 24, 25, and 30 fps, overall faster processing of stills and video files, and the ability to maintain fast continuous speed shooting for numerous frames. The D90 has the older Nikon Expeed processor, which is also generally fast enough to handle its processing needs.

Continuous Shooting Speed: As you work your way up the Nikon dSLR line-up the cameras’ continuous shooting speed and maximum shots at that rate increases. The D3100 shoots 3 frames per second (fps) in continuous shooting mode, the D5100 shoots 4 fps, and the D7000 shoots 6 fps for up to 100 shots. The D90 can shoot 4.5 fps up to 100 images. If you often capture action and really need the higher frame rate, such as for sports, action, or wildlife shooting, you are going to have to seriously consider the D7000 over the other cameras. Paired with its advanced autofocus system, this fast frame rate can sharply capture moving objects is all types of situations. A nice feature of the D7000 is that you can adjust the low speed continuous mode to shoot anywhere from 1 to 5 fps, using the custom settings.

Memory Card: The D5100, D3100, and D90 all use a single SD memory card. The D7000 accepts 2 SD cards, where the second card can be used in a variety of ways: overflow when the first card fills up, JPEG on one / RAW on the other, or mirrored backup of the first card. The second card can come in handy as well if one is shooting video files, and one card can be designated for stills and the other video.

Battery and Battery Grip: The D5100 and D3100 both use the EN-EL14 battery, and the D7000 uses the new, higher capacity EN-EL15 battery. The D7000 accepts the optional MB-D11 battery pack/ vertical grip which is constructed of magnesium alloy. The D90 uses the EN-EL3e battery and its optional battery pack/ vertical grip is the MB-D80. The D5100 and D3100 don’t accept a battery grip. The battery grip is handy for providing the ability to use a second battery and thus prolonging shooting time, and also creates a larger camera body which some users find more comfortable, especially when shooting in portrait orientation.

Full HD video: The D5100 shoots 1080p and 720p video at 24, 25, and 30 fps. The D3100 shoots 1080p at 24 fps and 720p at 24, 25, and 30 fps. The D7000 also shoots 1080p at 24 fps only and 720p at 24, 25, and 30 fps, up to 20 minutes with full-time continuous autofocus. The D90 offers 720p video at 24 fps, with a 5 minute shooting time.

Ease of Operation: While beginners may find all the buttons, controls, and menus of any dSLR difficult and confusing at first, the menus and controls of the D5100 and D3100 are pretty basic and simple to learn for a dedicated user. The additional controls and menus of the D7000 and D90 are all quite intelligently designed and will become intuitive and straightforward for the more advanced user once they are learned and understood. Again, have a look at helpful guides such as my Nikon D7000 Experience – The Photographer’s Guide to Operation and Image Creation with the Nikon D7000 and “Nikon D5100 Experience” to begin to learn to master all the advanced features, settings, and controls of these powerful dSLR cameras.

Hands on Experience: The camera body of the D5100 fits nicely in the hand, and is a little bit taller than the D3100, so the pinky doesn’t fall off the grip quite as easily. The rubber gripping surface and rubber thumb spot work nicely, and help retain the grip on the body, even when holding it at your side or carrying it around without a strap, and the light weight of the camera also adds to this ease of portability. Those who prefer the ergonomics of a larger, more solid feeling camera body will have to look at the D90 or D7000. The Live View switch, placed on the top of the camera at the mode dial, feels and sounds a little plasticy, but works find, and the record button for movies is conveniently placed on the top of the camera, near the shutter button. The FN button, on the front near the lens mount, can be customized to adjust one of a number of settings quickly, like image quality, white balance, HDR, or +RAW (to take a RAW file in addition to a JPEG if set on just JPEG). I prefer to make it an ISO button. The side mounted rear LCD screen is a definite improvement over the bottom mounted, limited screen of the D5000, and rugged and durable. The view through the viewfinder is a bit tiny and cramped, as is typically the case in this level of dSLR. Changing settings is quick and easy with the “i” button and rear LCD screen. Overall, the body, feel, controls, and LCD screen of the D5100 make for a great image taking experience.

About the Author

Best Place To Get Product Review and Price

Nikon MD-4 Motor drive for Nikon F3 Body $29.95

NEW NEOPRENE CAMERA BODY CASE SLEEVE NIKON D3S D700 L $14.99

NIKON EM BODY AND NIKON CASE $29.00

NIKON FM CAMERA BODY $89.00

NIKON EM CAMERA BODY WITH CASE. $29.00

NEW NIKON D7000 CAMERA BODY + TAMRON 17-50mm A16 II A16II 17-50mm F2.8 LENS $1,399.00

Nikon D3 12.1 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) $2,295.00

Nikon D5000 Digital SLR Camera Body $341.09

Nikon N65 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only $29.99

2 set Lens Rear Cap and Body Cap for Nikon $6.90

Nikon D5100 Digital SLR Camera BODY ONLY 25476 BRAND NEW! $574.99

KIEV-17 Russian SLR Film 35mm Camera USSR Nikon F lens mount BODY $39.99

KIEV-19M Russian SLR Film Camera 35mm USSR Nikon F lens mount BODY $29.99

Nikon N65 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only $25.00

Nikon N8008s Camera Body 35mm SLR Film Camera. Used, near mint condition. $64.99

Nikon D5100 16.2Mp DSLR Body Kit – Mint – In Box with Accessories $615.50

Nikon F4S F4 + MB-21 + MF-22 35mm SLR Camera Body MINT $845.00

NIKON F2 SLR 35mm FILM CAMERA BODY CHROME BLACK WITH CAP DP-1 PRISM FINDER NICE $499.00

Nikon F5 35mm SLR Camera Body MINT $895.00

Nikon D300 Digital Camera body User Manual in Spanish $32.00

Nikon FM2 35mm Film Camera Body Black Titanium Shutter MINT- $525.00

Nikon Leather Body Case for 1 J1 Digital CB-N2000 (BLACK) *BRAND NEW* $35.95

Nikon F100 35mm Film Camera Body – EXCELLENT CONDITION – SOLID NIKON PRO QUALITY $299.95

Nikon F EARLY RARE NOS Spiratone Mint Box Camera Metal Body Cover WOW Japan LOOK $25.00

Nikon F5 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only $217.50

NIKON Black EM Camera BODY ONLY. Tested! w/new batteries & Warrenty NICE! $22.50

Nikon N80 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only $80.00

ORIGINAL NIKON NIKKORMAT FTN 35MM SLR CAMERA BODY $55.00

Nikon FM 35mm Camera Body – EXTRA CLEAN 100% MECHANICS NIKON QUALITY/DURABILITY $149.95

Nikon D800 36.3MP DSLR Camera Body Only Black+16GB+Bundled 2Gift+1 Year Warranty $4,099.00

NIKON F2 PHOTOMIC FILM CAMERA CHROME BODY & MD-2 MB1 MOTOR DRIVE USED $199.00

Nikon F100 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only with MB-15 Vertical Grip $339.99

NIKON EM SLR 35mm Film Camera BLACK BODY EX+ $24.99

NIKON N2020 camera body with strap. Works good ! $35.99

NIKON N70 camera body with instructions and strap. Excellent condition!!! $33.95

Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body Black 12.3 MP USA with case low use $589.00

Nikon FM Camera Body 35mm SLR Film Camera $80.00

Generic NIKON PLASTIC BODY CAP to fit Film or Digital SLR $4.95

Nikon FE2 35mm Camera Body – SUPERIOR CONDITION NIKON DURABILITY & QUALITY 100% $239.95

Nikon D300 Body 12.3 MP Digital Camera w/ extras $900.00

Nikon D7000 16.2 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) $1,059.00

Nikon FG Chrome 35mm Film SLR Camera Body Only 35 F G 205702 $45.95

Nikon F100 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only $150.00

Nikon Nikkormat FT 35mm Film Camera Body & Nikon EM 35mm Film Camera Body 205182 $6.50

*EXCELLENT CONDITION* Nikon D700 12.1MP BODY $2,037.00

Nikon D1X 5.3 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) $222.50

Nikon D7000 16.2 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) 2 Year CDN Warranty $1,042.73

Nikon D40 6.1 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) $229.99

Nikon D2X 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) $750.00

Nikon D80 body with 18-200mm 1: 3.5-6.3 HSM lens $615.00

Nikon N5005 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only $0.99

Nikon RS (body cap) $0.99

Nikon D40 6.1 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only), (for parts or repair) $45.00

Body Cap Cover for Nikon D7000/D5000/D5100/D3100/D3000/D90/D80/D70/D60/D50/D40 $0.99

NIKON N8008s SLR 35MM CAMERA BODY $29.99

Nikon D40 6.1 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black DSLR (BODY ONLY + Accessories) $187.50

Three (3) Nikon N90S 35mm SLR film camera body lot 189412 $15.50

Nikon N90S 35mm SLR Film Camera Body w/ MB10 Battery Grip $41.00

Nikon N90S 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only $9.25

Nikon FG 35mm Film Camera Body Black 30 Day Warranty $149.95

Nikon D1X 5.3 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) $178.53

Nikon FM2 35mm SLR Film Camera Body only $180.00

Nikon D1X 5.3 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) $166.03

Nikon FE 35mm camera body $27.00

Nikon Digital D70 Camera Body with Battery & Charger, Free Shipping (3219508) $239.00

Nikon D70 Digital SLR Camera Body, Battery & Charger. FREE UK POSTAGE $214.83

New MIB Nikon D800E 36.3 MP Camera (Body Only) $4,252.00

Nikon Nikkormat FTN 35mm SLR Film Camera Body 30 Day Warranty $129.95

Nikon F-401 Autofocus SLR Camera, with Strap. body only. $14.10

Nikon F3HP 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only $199.00

Nikon D200 10.2 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) $365.00

Nikon D80 Body w/ AF Nikkor 50mm 1.8D Lens and MB-D80 +2 Battery Packs $549.95

Nikon D3 12.1 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) $2,136.00

Nikon D700 12.1 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) $1,801.00

Nikon D80 10.2 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) $265.00

Nikon Nikkormat FT Body Only 35mm SLR Film Camera Manual Focus $49.95

Nikon F801 MF-21 MF21 QD Data Back 35mm Body Only Normal Screen $39.95

Body Cap + Rear Lens Cover for Nikon D3000 D3100 D5000 D7000 $4.74

Nikon N65 35mm SLR Film Camera Body Only $50.00

Nikon D70s 6.1 MP Digital SLR Camera – Black (Body Only) $249.99

NEW Nikon D5000 12MP Digital SLR Camera Body $587.93

Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body D-90 NEW $835.68

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 16GB 13PCS 3 Lenses New $1,179.77

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 3 Lenses 32GB 16PC KIT $946.89

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 16PCS 32GB 3 Lens $999.74

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 16GB 13PC 3 Lenses New $1,173.27

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 3 Lens 8GB 13PC New $983.46

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 16PC 24GB 3 Lens $949.71

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 16GB 3 Lenses 13PCS $1,188.01

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 24GB 3 Lenses 16PCS $952.62

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 3 Lens 8GB 13PC New KIT $993.67

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 3 Lens 24GB 16PC New $944.17

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 3 Lenses 8GB 13PCS KIT $963.09

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 8GB 3 Lenses 13PCS $958.54

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 13PC 16GB 3 Lens $1,207.53

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 14PC 20GB 3 Lens $960.47

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 20GB 14PCS 3 Lenses New $968.92

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 3 Lens 20GB 14PC New $995.61

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 1 Lens 16GB 9PCS KIT $1,117.32

Nikon D90 SLR Camera Body & 3 Lenses 24GB 16PCS KIT $979.30