The Nikon D5100 a Worthy Replacement for the D5000

The Nikon D5100 is the 2011 Nikon DSLR release following the D3100 in 2010, it replaces the Nikon D5000 and sits just below the D7000. Many of the components have been adopted from the D5000 but some features have been adopted from the D7000, for example, the 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 2 sensor are from the D7000, but the white balance RGB sensor and the autofocus sensor are adopted from the D5000.

The most apparent physical change to the D5100 is the hinged vari-angle LCD monitor which has been made bigger than previous models from 2.7 inches to 3 inches and the dot resolution from 230,000 to 920,000 dots giving brighter more detailed viewing. Now that this screen is able to swivel, taking different perspectives is much easier such as low down shots or around corners and when the camera is on a tripod

The full high definition video capability in 1080p performs particularly well and results are improved by a precise exposure control and stereo recording through the built in mic. There are special effects that can be applied during shooting like night vision, colour sketch and silhouette among others which can be played back immediately on the LCD screen.

The new line DSLRs are taking a leaf out of the compact system cameras book and responding well to what the market wants which is the smaller size design of the D5100 making it 10% smaller and lighter than the D5000 but keeping the excellent build quality solid feel. The D5100 can also be bought in bundle packages giving a range of choices in lenses, for example, Nikon D5100 + 18-105mm VR Lens Kit, Nikon D5100 + 18-55mm VR Lens Kit or Nikon D5100 + 18-55mm VR + 55-200mm VR Lens Kit or just get the body only.

There are many more great features in this DSLR, check out more D5100 specifications online!