Who It's For:
The Nikon D5100 is Nikon’s upper entry level HD DSLR. This camera is meant for amatures who need a little more control over their final image than the Nikon D3100.
What We Like:
Flip Out Screen: This feature allows you to take photos as well as shoot video from odd angles without difficulty.
In-Camera HDR: Some people might think this is a bit of a gimmik, but the Nikon D5100 simplifies the process of creating an HDR image.
External Mic Jack: This allows you to record higher quality audio with a microphone plugged directly into the camera. Allowing you to shoot without the use of an external sound recorder.
What We Don't:
No Focus Motor: Because the D5100 lacks an internal focus motor, all lenses without a motor will have to be manually focused. Most new lenses will not be affected by this, but older D lenses will need to be manually focused.
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We have been shooting with the D5100 for about 3 months now and absolutely love it. It is and does exactly what Nikon says it is supposed to be and supposed to do. I came to the D5100 after 20 years of shooting film, a late adopter of DSLR and for the time being I couldn't be happier. Will I out grow it, yes. But not wanting to spend thousands of dollars on a top of the line DSLR as my first purchase in the digital realm this camera gives me 99% of the control I need at a price that can't be beat.