Nikon has unveiled the D5100, successor to its second-tier DSLR, the D5000. The new model, which is positioned between the D3100 and the D7000, features a 16.2-megapixel, CMOS sensor and a 3-inch, high-res, vari-angle LCD.
The trickle-down effect sees the camera equipped with the same DX-format (APS-C) sensor and EXPEED 2 image-processing engine as the more advanced D7000, giving the D5100 a standard ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 6400, extendable to 25600 ISO in the Hi 2 setting.
The vari-angle monitor features a resolution of 921,000 dots, opens to the side from 0° to 180°, and can be rotated up to 90° clockwise and up to 180° counter-clockwise when open.
Full HD movies (1920 x 1080p, 30p) are available with full-time autofocus and subject tracking. Stereo audio can be recorded with the optional ME-1 Stereo Microphone.
The D5100 is the first Nikon to offer in-camera special effects: Selective Colour; Colour Sketch; Miniature Effect; and Night Vision.
The camera is expected to be available in Australia from April 21. Australian pricing will be announced closer to the release date.
Tech Specs: Nikon D5100
Resolution: 16.2 megapixels
Sensor type: CMOS
Sensor size: 23.6 x15.6mm
Crop factor: 1.5x
Lens mount: Nikon F mount (with AF contacts)
Max image size: 4928 x 3,264 pixels
Stabilisation: With VR lenses only
Monitor: 3-inch diagonal. 921,000 dots (VGA), vari-angle TFT LCD with 170 ° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment
File formats: NEF (RAW), JPEG, NEF (RAW) + JPEG
Sensitivity: ISO 100-6400 extendable to ISO 25600 (equivalent)
Continuous shooting: Up to 4 frames per second (manual focus, mode M or S, shutter speed 1/250 s or faster, and other settings at default values)
Movies: Yes. Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 @ 30, 25 and 24fps).
Video compression: MOV, H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
Audio recording: Built-in monaural or external stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustable
Media: SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards
Battery: One rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL14 battery
Dimensions: 128 x 97 x 79 mm (W x H x D)
Weight: 560g (body only with battery and memory card)
