When Nikon launched the Nikon D5100 the really put the cat amongst the pigeons. Here was a cheap DSLR camera that could cut it with the big boys. Indeed, much of the technology came from its more expensive Pro siblings. The 16 MP sensor was a transplant from the Nikon D7000.

Not just a stills camera, the D5100 shoots full HD video and the tracking mode has been a real boon for videographers. Although the D5100 lacks an in built motor for AF-S lenses, the autofocus is fast and quiet.

Nikon’s in-house contrast control – Active D-lighting has been a real boon in the D5100. It measures the contrast in the frame to ensure that details is kept in the brightest and darkest parts of the image.

The D5100 has plenty of power and is able to shoot 4 FPS almost continuously – you would have to shoot around 100 frames before you filled the buffer.

The tiltable screen on the D5100 was greeted with some amusement when it was launched, as these sort of gimmicky add ons are usually associated with the cheaper consumer end of the market. But, in fact it is really useful, particularly for video, where you may be shooting from difficult angles. The external stereo mic also makes the D5100 a good choice for film makers.

It also has some great effect modes including night vision, (which can shoot a bw image right up to 102,400 iso) to color sketch which gives the image a naive cartoonish quality.

Whilst no photographer would want to rely on a built in flash, the D5100’s is certainly good enough for fill in and is able to hold flesh tones pretty well.

The D5100 doesn’t feel as sturdy as it’s more expensive siblings. It has a plastic casing rather than an alloy. Nevertheless it feels comfortable in hand and the dials and buttons are well placed. The menus are logical and intuitive and any beginner should be able to find their way around fairly easily.

Nikon have a great reputation for image quality and the D5100 can produce superb pictures in nearly all conditions. The technology in the camera is excellent and in many areas is equal to the D7000 or even D3s. the built quality is the only clue that this isn’t a top of the range model, being a plastic casing instead of an alloy. The D5100 is a really superb camera and will be hard to improve on. The technicians at Nikon have a huge challenge to meet expectations for the D5200, which is expected soon.

Want to find out more about Nikon’s D5200 ?, Then visit Jeremy Bayston’s site to check out the latest information and the D5200 launch date.