Nikon adds to digital SLR range with the D5100
Nikon, whose D3100 has become the UK's best selling digital SLR, is unveiling the successor to the D5000
Author: Olivier Laurent
05 Apr 2011 Tags: NikonNikon d5100
Packing some of the D7000's features, such as the 16.2 megapixels CMOS sensor and the Expeed 2 image-processing engine, the D5100 has been designed for enthusiast and advanced photographers. "Our target audience is firstly people that upgrade from their first DSLR camera, but also people who want more advanced features," says Simon Iddon, enthusiast product manager at Nikon UK. "We aim for this camera to be at least in the top three selling DSLR in the UK market."
The D5100 has a sensitivity range of ISO100 to ISO6400, which can be expanded to ISO25,600 at Hi 2. However, as part of a series of new special effects features, the new model can also capture, in black-and-white, images at ISO102,400. "It's quite a unique [effect]," says Iddon. "As for what it's going to be used for, we're not quite sure, but we're going to stick with wildlife, I think. The effect really is about being able to shoot in extreme low-light situations with an ISO equivalent to 102,400. You can actually shoot in these almost pitch-black conditions."
The D5100 has an 11-point AF system, with four AF-area modes, including 3D-tracking autofocus, which lets photographers keep their main subject in focus "even when the composition changes quickly in action scenes."
To make the D5100 user-friendly, Nikon has moved the Liveview switch from the back of the camera, placing it next to the mode dial. The firm has also moved the dedicated movie recording button to the top of camera, allowing photographers to access a "whole host of options" from one area of the camera's body.
The new model sports a burst rate of 4fps, a vari-angle LCD screen, a High-Dynamic Range mode, and a series of picture controls - standard, vivid, neutral, monochrome, portrait and landscape. Nikon has also improved on the D5000 movie mode, by offering full-HD recording, for up to 20 minutes, at frame rates of 24, 25 and 30p. As for capturing audio, Nikon is now offering its own external microphone - the ME-1 -, which is specifically designed for DSLRs.
While the D5100 will replace the D5000, Nikon will continue to sell the D90. "The reason is that the D90 is an iconic model," says Iddon. "The demand is still huge for that camera."
The D5100 will be available from 21 April, retailing at £670 (body only) and £780 (with Nikon's 18-55mm VR lens). The ME-1 microphone will retail at £120.
In the following video, Simon Iddon, Nikon UK's enthusiast product manager, goes through the D5100's main features.
Visit www.nikon.co.uk.
Comments
When are Nikon going to stop catering to the whims of the entry level / enthusiast market with its multiple new releases over the past year and give us a full frame upgrade, particularly the long overdue D700 replacement.
As a lifelong Nikon owner, I'm starting to wonder if Canon is an alternative
Like that other comment [I saw] this is more cameras for the landfill. We need products that are truthful to the needs of people and not money managers. So many people value solid quality and the life of a product. With this new camera another will be discontinued and those owners not supported! Typical Nikon methods. Canon seems to have a better corp policy. Fuji is even better.
Pentax does not replicate the replicants. The K 5 [etc] seems to fit my values. Everything seems to be backward compatible where it counts... the lenses.
Zeiss said something to the effect that they will bring back the Contax when the technology stabilizes.... so the camera will last a long time for the customer!
This planet does not need more LANDFILL!
@ I want a real camera: "So many people value solid quality and the life of a product. [...] This planet does not need more LANDFILL!"
So go and buy a D700. Solid quality with proven reliability and IQ. If this camera is not for you, then don't buy it. One less for landfill.
@CJaM: "long overdue D700 replacement"? Oh my God, I am SO embarrassed walking around with my ancient D700. What will the neighbours think? Nikon OWES me a new camera! As soon as those pesky D700 replacement rumours started (probably about 2 weeks after the camera was originally released) my D700 has just never worked the same again and refuses to take good pictures. I am only the poor human interface in the image-making equation.
Waaaahh! My current camera isn't good enough! Waaahhh! I own Nikon but Canon is looking better everyday! I own Canon but Nikon is looking more and more attractive! I own Sony but why can't they be more like Pentax! Waaahhh!
Wow. Just, wow.
You've never had it so good...
@CJaM: I have a D5000 myself; carried it around Photokina on a dangly belt in a rubber shell, have the cheapest VR kit lens on it, have the screen folded so there's nothing to be scratched, and I don't care particularly about it - I don't panic about it getting bashed, probably wouldn't cry too much if I broke it, and appreciate that the value is pretty low now.
Now, for not much more than the D5000 cost, a new Nikon user can have the sensor from the D7000 and an articulated screen in a lightweight, simple body. This takes nothing away from the cameras I already have, but for new consumers - well, they're getting something much, much better. Good for them, progress is awesome. I don't feel the need to "upgrade" my perfectly functional D5000 to this just because a better one came out.
Yep, I am looking forward to a new full-frame body; the longer I wait, the more use I get out of my investment in a D3S though. Can't really complain at that :)
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