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Although there has been some overlap, digital SLR development has gone through some quite distinct phases.
Initially
the battle was to produce affordable models, and once this was achieved
manufacturers turned their attention to producing cameras with higher
pixel counts. This was followed by a push in sensitivity levels and
improved low-light performance.
Updated: We have updated our noise and dynamic range results pages with comparisons to the more recently announced Nikon D3200 (see our Nikon D3200 review) and Nikon D800 (see our Nikon D800 review). We've also added a new sensitivity sequence of raw and JPEG images and the video below.
During
these development phases camera functionality has also expanded, with
manufacturers capitalising upon the benefits of digital technology and
introducing features such as Live View, video and dynamic range
optimisation systems. Now, there's a drive to make these increasingly
complex and versatile SLRs easier to use, while at the same time helping
photographers be more creative.
The Nikon D5100, which serves as the Nikon D5000 replacement, typifies this era in DSLR evolution.
It may not have the 24 million pixels of the Nikon D3200,
but for many the D5100's 16.2 million pixels is enough. In addition,
the D5100 has an articulated 3-inch LCD screen, Special Effects and
fully automated Scene modes, along with the more advanced PSAM exposure
modes.
So on paper, it seems to offer pretty much everything the
aspiring photographer could wish for, with plenty of opportunity to take
creative images. Let's see.
Features
As Nikon's D5000 replacement, the Nikon D5100 sits above the Nikon D3100 and D3200, but below the D7000 in the lineup of Nikon DSLRs. It costs £550 in the UK and $750 in the US for the body only. From left to right: the Nikon D3100, D3200 and D5100Yet
the Nikon D5100 features the same 16.2-million-pixel CMOS sensor and
EXPEED 2 processor as the Nikon D7000. This means raw images are saved
as 14-bit files and users can expect similar quality results with the
two cameras.
However, like the Nikon D5000 it replaces, the
D5100's white balance and metering systems use information from a
420-pixel RGB sensor (the D7000 uses a 2,016 pixel RGB device) and its
autofocus (AF) system has 11 points. While
it may not have the 39 points of the D7000's AF system, the D5100's
Multi-CAM 1000 AF module performed well in the D5000 and Nikon D90
(which has not been discontinued; read our Nikon D90 review).
Like
the D7000, the D5100's native sensitivity can be set from ISO 100 to
6400, and there are four expansion settings topping out at the
equivalent of ISO 25,600 (Hi 2). On those rare occasions when this is
not high enough, Nikon D5100 users can select the Night Vision Special
Effect mode, which pushes the sensitivity to ISO 102,400.
This value is only matched by top-end DSLRs such as Nikon's full-frame D3s. However, while the D3s can shoot in colour at ISO 102,400, the D5100 can only record monochrome images.
In
manual exposure or shutter priority mode when the shutter speed is
1/250sec or faster, the Nikon D5100 can shoot continuously at a maximum
rate of 4fps for around 100 highest quality JPEGs or 20 raw images or 12
simultaneous raw and JPEG files when a class 6 SD card such as a
SanDisk Extreme III is installed.
While this is impressive for a
camera of this level, keen action photographers may look enviously at
the 6fps shooting offered by the D7000. It's also worth bearing in mind
that it takes around 1 min 50 sec for the D5100 to write 100 Fine JPEGs
to the SD card.
Perhaps the most noticeable upgrade that the Nikon
D5100 makes on the D5000 is with the LCD, which goes from being a
2.7-inch 230,000 dot display to a 3-inch 920,000 dot screen. This
matches the size and resolution of the D7000's screen and it should make
a significant difference when using Live View and focusing manually. It
was something of a disappointment that the D7000 doesn't have an
articulated screen, but Nikon has not made this mistake with the Nikon
D5100. Unlike the D5000, however, which had the articulation join at the
bottom on the screen, the D5100's screen is hinged on the left. This
makes the screen easier to use when the camera is on a tripod.
In
addition to the Active D-Lighting (ADL) dynamic range optimisation
system that we now expect with Nikon SLRs, the Nikon D5100 has an HDR
(high dynamic range) mode. When this is selected the camera takes two
exposures, one over and one under the 'correct' exposure and merges them
automatically into a single image with more shadow and highlight detail
than normal. It could prove useful in high contrast conditions if the
effect is subtle and not overtly 'HDR'.
Although there's a lot
packed into the D5100, including full HD (1080p) video and multiple
exposure capability, Nikon seems proudest of its Effects modes. These
allow the user to apply special effects (Night Vision, Color Sketch,
Miniature, Selective Color, Silhouette, High Key and Low Key) to images
as they are captured – rather than post capture as with the Nikon D3100
and D7000.
Furthermore, the impact of these effects can be seen
on the screen when the camera is in Live View mode. While these are fun
and allow the user to create some interesting images, it's disappointing
that its not possible to save raw files at the same time as the JPEGs
when these effect options are selected.
