The Bottom Line: The Nikon D5100 is a very innovative DSLR that not only takes fantastic pictures, but it has the extra convenient Vari-angle LCD Monitor, which allows you to take pictures from unique viewpoints. If you take a lot of portraits that either require a timer because you want to be in the photo, or require you to hold the camera at awkward angles, this is the answer. I bought mine as soon as it came out for that very reason, as well as for the outstanding quality of optics. If price matters for you, I highly recommend this camera. Image Quality This Nikon D5100 will give you outstanding photographs, even in less than ideal conditions, and with 16.2 Megapixels, you can print photos up to billboard sized print, without losing any detail. Of course, most people will not need to print such large photos, but it is nice to have nonetheless. Performance This Nikon D5100 is a fantastic, affordable DSLR that will need everybody's needs, unless you are a professional photographer. Even then, I have known professional photographers to use this camera as a back up DSLR. Even on the auto and program settings, the exposure and perfect 90% of the time (depending on lighting conditions), skin tones are beautiful, the white balance spot on, and even hand held photos in darker lighting conditions come out nice. I have to say that my favorite feature is the large 3 inch LCD screen, which you can rotate in any direction and allows you to take photos at weird and unique angles, as well as see what you look like in the shot whenever you use the delayed timer. Ease of Use This Nikon D5100 offers many different functions, most of which you will never need. I use mine mostly on auto or program, and turn out gorgeous photos every time. Even if you do not know what some of the functions are, it will not keep you from taking great photos. As always, Nikon's dials and buttons stay in the same, familiar spots, and are very intuitive, and you will most likely master the basic functions in no time. Battery Life Under normal weather conditions (about 68 to 70 degrees F), I am able to take about 2000 photos on one charge, which makes this camera ideal for traveling. Portability This is a very portable DSRL for extended periods of time because of its rather light weight (around 560 grams without a lens). This is still not the lightest DSLR available on the market, but it is pretty close to it. I traveled with it for an entire month back in 2012, where I had to let it hang on my shoulder while hiking and sightseeing, and it was quite comfortable and never too heavy.

frnchey75

USA

A very nice dSLR. I take mine everywhere and the video is great! I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to start in photography or to just capture your moments at home with a higher quality. This model includes 1080p HD video and supports RAW format. Great basic especially for the price! Image Quality I shoot in super fine and RAW and I never have an issue with quality. Performance Fast and responsive! the only issue I have is the Live View. It is a nice feature, but it's not as accurate as using the viewfinder. Plus it needs to be extra stable, and the fact that it takes 2 pictures makes it a little off putting. Ease of Use Since the camera has fully auto settings any one with basic electronic knowledge can use this camera. Getting into the extra modes and using the camera well will depend on the knowledge of the user, but very easy to use overall. Durability It's an electronic so it's not indestructible, however it seems to take the little bumps I put it though just fine. The display screen stays nice and clean since you can flip it around and protect it. No scratches on mine yet! A lens filter is a definite purchase to protect your investment. The fact that the display screen is on a 360 degree rotation and can be closed to prevent damage is an awesome upgrade from the base model. Battery Life Obviously it depends on use, and viewing your photos will wear it down faster, however I have no problem getting through an entire wedding on one battery. It would be nice if there was a little bit bigger reminder when the battery is too low to take photos; the battery will go quickly when it gets down to one bar. Portability It gets a bit heavy after a long day of shooting, however the camera is very versatile with the extra straps, holsters and grips you can buy.

nikkicooljoe

USA

This product is really good for those who are already experienced with using a dslr. It has the same sensor as a d7000 making it close to it being a pro Dslr; however, it is still considered a entry-level dslr. The practicality of the flip-out screen is perfect for those who want to carry around a dslr to record video first-person view. Fairly cheap battery extension on eBay that'll make this DSLR's battery last a lot longer.

aawaiaa

USA

My husband gifted me this Camera on my birthday and so far it is the best gift ever. I not only use it just for taking pictures but also for making videos. I haven't touched my handy cam since I got this. It has got the perfect flash. Low-light performance is also great. Very user friendly, Superb battery life.

ManishaDwivedi

USA

Just purchased this camera a couple weeks ago and was used to using my cell phone camera for most pictures. What little I have used it I love it. It takes very good pictures and so far I consider it very user friendly. Image Quality Great images! Ease of Use Pretty easy to figure out with a little help from the users guide.

Carpenter3

USA

If you are looking for an introductory SLR camera, this is a great starter. This camera is easy to use and offers a variety of functions that will satisfy most basic users. Nikon upholds its solid reputation within the camera community with the addition of the D5100. Image Quality Image quality is solid, though quality does diminish in low light situations. If there is an option for stabilization, with a tripod, the quality increases significantly. Performance This camera has a consistently good performance and captures even the minute details in very sharp clarity. It performs quickly with excellent start-up speed and shutter speed. Ease of Use This camera comes with a comprehensive guide, though it isn't necessary as most of the functions on the camera are very intuitive. By simply taking ten minutes to experiment with the options and settings, one can easy figure out how to best utilize the camera. Durability I failed to purchase a camera bag for the first couple months that I owned this product, and I'm happy to say that the camera stood up to the challenge. I accidentally banged it a few times and it has not affected the performance at all. That being said, I strongly recommend purchasing a camera bag straight away! Battery Life The battery life I actually found quite impressive on this camera. I managed to take 1,500 pictures while constantly reviewing and altering the settings before the battery gave out on me. For basic picture taking, I'm confident this camera could last days before having to charge the battery. Portability This SLR isn't very bulky or heavy, though it is certainly still an SLR camera and not as easy to carry around as a standard point-and-shoot. Technology has actually made it so that image quality is nearly comparable on many point-and-shoot models, so I would recommend an SLR only to someone who was considering getting into photography more seriously and interested in exploring the unique functions that SLRs offer.

Jillian109

USA

OK we all know those people that say it's not the camera, it's the photographer. Yes, that is true to a point. When you have a camera that gives you great high quality digital images it makes all the difference. This camera will do that for you. Has great HD digital video options and lots of preset settings for those that don't know how to mess with the settings on their own. It is expensive but at the same time lots cheaper than others out there. It's durable, and not too heavy to carry around. I know peoples number one complaint is the weight of SLR cameras but truly you will never be able to take as great a pic with your cell phone as you would with this camera. I know a lot of good 'iPhone photographers' and they take great pictures it's just in my eyes it's not the same. This ranks one of my greatest Christmas presents ever. Always wanted one but would never get it for myself. Wish I hadn't waited so long. So splurge :-)

gabrayella

USA

I have owned the Nikon D5100 camera for almost a year. I love it, love it, love it. While this is my first DSLR, I have owned several other cameras. This camera has several settings, from auto to the normal DSLR settings for aperture or shutter speed priority, manual etc. It also has settings for different scenes such as candlelight or beach as well as special effect settings where you can select color, silhouette or make it look like a sketch to name a few. I mainly shoot in manual or aperture priority so I cannot vouch for the usefulness of the special settings. The camera itself is easy to us, and the set up makes sense. The screen at the back is large and very readable, it gives you a pretty accurate picture of the photograph and you can zoom in on the photo after it's taken to see if you're happy with the focus, lighting etc. The screen can be tilted or turned out if you're taking a selfie or group photo. When on this mode there is a slight delay to the shutter, but when shooting normally through the eye piece the shutter speed is quick. While I'm more a photographer than video-grapher the video quality on this is great. While the camera isn't small, it's plenty portable for my needs, doesn't fit in a pocket but will fit in a medium size purse or bag depending on the lens. Over all I'm thrilled with the photographs I've been able to capture with this camera.

theblairjrs

Kansas City, MO

This Nikon camera is a great camera for anyone that wants to really get into photography. I received it as a gift and have been very pleased with the quality of the pictures. You can start to use it right away for the basics. There are a ton of bells and whistles to study in order to get the most of this product. If you are looking to do more with your pictures for fun or for business or even blogging, this would be a great camera for you. I have had several Nikon cameras, and they are great quality and last a long time. My father, a photographer, has used Nikon cameras for years and Nikon is his brand of choice and that's why he chose this camera for my gift. You can also purchase many different lenses and accessories to upgrade this camera even more. It would not be a good entry level camera or a camera for someone who just likes to take casual pictures - then you should go with a smaller digital without the bells and whistles or even use the camera on your phone. Portability Not as easily portable for casual photography.

stegers4

Lafayette, IN

I bought this camera to get into photography. I was deciding between this and the Canon T3i but decided on this. The Canon is known for having better quality video then the Nikon, and higher megapixels. But for me I am using this camera for photos, and this camera really performs. Yes it doesn't have as many megapixels as the Canon but the colors are vibrant and don't get washed out in the flash like the Canon's photos. I also liked the feel of this camera better. It is a little smaller and fits my hands better because I am a petite person. I would suggest going to a camera store and testing both cameras before deciding, but for me Nikon was the winner. Ease of Use You really need to read up on this camera to understand the settings, shutter speed etc.

aburt05

USA