Nikon D5100 Digital SLR Camera (18-55mm VR Lens Kit)
Posted by Notcot on May 7, 2012 in Photography |
- Including Charger, Lithium battery
- Get creative with the Nikon D5100! This digital camera features a 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor to capture scenes andsubjects with less blur
- The 3-inch LCD screen lets you explore photographyfrom every angle
- Meanwhile, the D5100’s HDRmode provides exquisite detail in both highlight and shadow situations
- The 11-point AF system lets you compose yourshot while ensuring whatever you’re focusing on is in the frame
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Nikon d5100 gives the results I want. Let me share my 50,000 hours of research!,
I suppose like many people, when I decided I was going to buy a new camera I researched various models online to the point of going mad. I swear it was such a relief to finally purchase the Nikon d5100, first of all I am so happy with it, but almost as important was being able to move on with my life and leave camera research behind!
The reason I sold my Nikon d5000 and upgraded was mainly because I need to use an external microphone, which the d5000 doesn’t allow, as I record interviews and DSLR video is perfect for this.
I bought a SLR camera because I photograph bands, and the low-light capability of an SLR is necessary. The d5000 was good. The d5100 is even better. Really pleased with the results when combined with the 35mm f1.8.
The d5000 took very good photo’s for me, but I believe that the d5100 is slightly better. I suppose it is natural for technology to provide better tools over time, combined with what i’ve learned about photography over the past 18 months (the d5000 was the first SLR I had owned).
As for the video element of this camera, like most SLR’s video is still new but evolving at an impressive rate. Yes certain camera’s will make it easier to film, but they normally come with a more hefty price tag. You’ll also probably need to learn one or two workarounds with whichever SLR you choose to film with, but if you look at the work of guys like Philip Bloom or Chase Jarvis you will see that filming quality work with SLR’s is possible. Obviously that have flexibility with their budgets, but if you’re wondering if you can get decent footage from an SLR – yes you can.
When I record video interviews, once I put the d5100 on a small tripod, get all of my settings the way I like them and adjust the focus on the subject (literally takes about two minutes), once I’m into live view mode I just hit the record button on the top of the camera and I’m away. Very easy and the HD footage is outstanding. So pleased with the video side of things from the d5100.
On a quick side note: Editing video. I’ve read so many horror stories from people saying the couldn’t open their video footage in various software editing programs, and this was the camera’s fault or that they need editing software costing several hundred pounds, or need to convert the video format before editing. Not the case! I record in the highest HD setting on the d5100 for up to 20 minutes for each piece and luckily it works 100% perfectly with iMovie ’09! I open and save the video footage with iPhoto (a useful workaround I picked up during my 7,000 hours of camera research!), and then import the video from iPhoto into iMovie. I am a novice and it is very simple. Believe me.
Again it’s just down to your preference but I like the flip screen with this camera (I was used to it from the d5000). I don’t see myself snapping it off as it is very sturdy and I am never tempted to play cricket with the camera. It protects the back LCD screen from scratches, and a damaged screen would seriously make any camera less useful.
I was also considering the Nikon d7000. It is roughly £300 more expensive and is certainly a more capable camera. But I didn’t NEED it. The ability to save favorite user settings (U1 and U2 on the dial) are nice but I don’t mind setting the camera when I use it. I also don’t own any other lenses, certainly not the older Nikon lenses, so the built in autofocus capability wasn’t important to me. If you have invested in lenses over the years, then it will probably be an important feature for you. If you’ve invested in lenses over the years, you are probably a fairly serious photographer so you’ll most be considering the d7000 or even more sophisticated cameras. The LCD screen on the top of the camera is what I like a lot about the d7000, but again it wasn’t that important to me. When I’m at a gig I read my settings by using either the flip out screen on the camera or through the viewfinder. No doubt the d7000 is more advanced than the d5100 and has a few extra features, but if you want to take good photographs and some video, their is not much (if anything) between the two cameras as far as the final product is concerned.
Personally I would recommend buying the d5100 body only and buying one lens which will aid you as much as possible depending on what type of photography you are most interested in. I already have the lens which is perfect for me, the 35mm f1.8. It feels right for this size of camera, the quality is produces and the flexibility it allows compared to the kit lens is noticeable (my opinion). You can save about £50-100 just buying the camera body, and put that money towards buying a lens of your choice.
As for the Canon/Nikon debate, it honestly makes me laugh how much time some people have to go on camera forum’s or YouTube and tell people how rubbish one brand or camera model is. I am…
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|Superb Camera,
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First up I need to say that I’m no great photographer and also that this is my first DSLR.
Therefore my review will be from a new users perspective – especially if you (like me) are thinking of making the transition from a “pro-sumer” ultra zoom to a DSLR camera.
My camera for the last 2 years has been a canon powershot SX20IS – 20x optical zoom and 12.1m pixels.
I’ve been using the Nikon for a month and can say for sure that it will allow me to take better quality images than the canon but that it won’t replace the canon entirely – theres space for canon the nikon and my iphone for taking pictures – I just need to know what to take out with me. Through choice it would be the Nikon – but the camera plus the lense(s) and other kit makes for a lot of gear and you can’t just chuck it into a rucksack.
To show what a total numpty I was a month a go it took me a while to stop looking for the zoom buttons and to do this manually on the lense – the massive advantage of this is that the zoom is so so fast – the AF is fast as well – and you can of course focus manually. I’ve only really used it in auto mode, sport mode (4 FPS continous shooting) and played with some of the scene modes, I’ve typically been taking shots of my kids while they play and the results in all conditions – sun, cloud and in doors with and without flash have been very pleasing.
It is very simple to select auto and take great photo’s – but to make sure you get the most out the camera you need to explore all the options and manual settings. I’ve purchased the D5100 for dummies book (also available on the kindle) – the sport mode was brillant for taking shots of my kids on fairground rides today – 350 shots almost all in focus and better than any compact camera could ever do.
So far on top of the kit in the box I’ve purchased the following items – I think this is the minimum amount of accessories you can get away with… one point is that you need to buy NIKON comptatible lenses for the AF system to work – the 55-300 lense I purchased is brilliant value although definitely not top of the range.
My shopping list so far (all from Amazon as the prices are tough to beat) is:
32gb class 10 SD card.Transcend – Flash memory card – 32 GB – Class 10 – SDHC
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens
Nikon D5100 For Dummies Nikon D5100 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers))
Hama 4426 Soft Lens Pouch 90x80mm Hama 4426 Soft Lens Pouch 90x80mm
AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR Cameras and accessories – Black AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR Cameras and accessories – Black [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]
Nikon Li-on battery EN-EL14, VFB10602 Nikon Li-on batteri EN-EL14, VFB10602
I currently use photoshop elements as I had a copy on my laptop all ready and can’t afford/justify the full version.
To get a good overview of the basic feature the dummies book listed above is available in kindle format from Amazon – worth a download of the free sample or a read of the book through the “look inside” feature on the amazon product page.
The total outlay would be close to £850 – but for this you have almost a complete setup – the extra battery was probably a luxury as I’ve taken 650 shots today alone and the battery is still showing full but best to be safe than sorry – you must use NIKON batteries – others will not work (I really wished it used AA rechargables but the battery does charge from flat in 90 mintes and the charger is small.
To sum up – for me – a superb camera and one that will allow me to really work on and enjoy a hobby that I really enjoy.
Exceptional value and superb build.
I hope this review helps – there are some great techical reviews and help on the web – on dpreview and similar – all appear to rate this camera highly. If you’re thinking of the D3100 I think the extra features on the D5100 make it the better buy.
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|Nikon D5100 – Excellent!,
Like so many people on here I am new to buying a DSLR and was torn between the so popular D3100 and the new D5100! I did consider the option of the D3100 and spending the change on more kit. In the end I went to a a shop and purchased a D3100 as I wanted to pick up the camera and the cost worked out the same as an online purchase – i like some customer service
After a couple of days with the camera (which is brilliant) I decided that the D5100 was more suited due to;
a/ the swivel screen as I use it on a tripod for portraits and it was difficult using the fixed screen
b/ the better low light sensitivity as I use the camera inside a lot
c/ the mic input for the video is a must to eliminate the focus noise.
I am using this camera on manuel mode all the time now and have spent the past month immersing myself in the DSLR and the internet offers some amazing resources for budding photographers. All in all I am very happy with this camera, I added the amazing 50mm, f1.4g prime lens which is perfect for inside portrait use and sucks in all the light – in fact I use the prime lens almost exclusively and keep the kit 18 – 55 lens as a back.
I am no expert but am enjoying this camera so much more than the compact cameras I have owned in the past (all of which are very impressive) and find that the creative input I now have have raised my expectations and understanding of photography – I highly recommend making the jump to DSLR and would recommend this camera to anyone.
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