Are you looking for a digital camera that does a better job of taking pictures than your smartphone or point-and-shoot camera When you're a blogger looking to step up, it's probably a good idea to get a digital SLR camera. But maybe there's another way to approach this.

The Nikon D5100 is the upper-entry-level camera in the Nikon DSLR lineup. Slotting itself just above the D3100 Nikon D3100 , it produces superior-quality images using a similar design with a less efficient interface.

Very low image noise; Excellent white-balance; Reliable metering; Good dynamic range; Accurate autofocus system; Quick shutter-lag; Great shot-to-shoot speed; Instant power-on and off times; Quick to record and stop video; Full HD video with autofocus; Good build quality; Rangefinder MF assistance

Mostly slow autofocus; Uneven color response; Slight image softness; Noise-reduction even when disabled; LCD glare when settings are changed; Live-View not exposure-priority; Microphone records camera noise; Difficulty to setup video framing; Limited external controls; Limited interface control; Odd...

A well-rounded package, it ticks all the boxes for a mid-priced DSLR whilst offering some amusing extras and strong picture and movie performance

Nikon has stirred up the camera crowds once again with its newly released D5100 , filling the industry with the buzz of a new high-resolution articulating screen. In terms of consumer DSLR options, the D5100 has taken on the role of the mid-range model in Nikon's product line between the D3100 and...

High-res articulating screen; 1080p at 30fps; High ISO noise performance

Not very rigid / rugged; No built in AF motor; Only 11 AF points

A well-rounded package, it ticks all the boxes for a mid-priced DSLR whilst offering some amusing extras and strong picture and movie performance [via Stuff UK ]

As near to a professional camera in features as one could want; a price that is in the "novice" range. Read the book - you'll find features that will surprise and impress you. I was an industrial photographer (professional) for almost FORTY years and purchased this because I wanted a camera that I...

FEATURES & PRICE

DOES NOT APPLY

Pros : Side-mounted tilt / swivel LCD screen; same sensor and processing as the Nikon D7000; good speed and battery life; in-camera HDR and filter effects; Full HD video capture with aperture control; audio levels control and external microphone jack.

Excellent image quality and high ISO performance; very similar to the D7000; Excellent dynamic range; especially from RAW; Compact body; Versatile left-hinged swivel LCD with high resolution; Records 1080p movies at up to 30fps; Dedicated movie record button; Chromatic aberration automatically

No support for screw-drive autofocus; Somewhat weak flash with narrow coverage; Built-in flash does not support wireless operation; No dedicated ISO button; No control over shutter speed or ISO for movies; though aperture can be set before recording begins; Warm Auto and Incandescent WB in tungsten

- Camera looks good, ticks the box in terms of style, strap is a nice length around your Neck doesnt hang too low. - Image quality by and large looks good, want a wide angle lens and need to understand better ISO's that keep using Auto and pre defined modes for shooting.

Complete Novice like me can pick the camera up and use the different modes

Nikon's latest mid-price consumer SLR is pitched to go head-to-head with the Canon EOS 600D The two cameras are uncannily similar, with very little to separate their dimensions, weights and prices.

The Nikon D5100 is an important step forward in the history of SLR cameras. Make available, in an entry-level price, features and qualities typical of more expensive models and semi-professional. Just think of the 16 mega pixel sensor and, above all, the high quality in the images it captures.

Image quality; features and specifications semiprofessional

We would have preferred a greater customization of the buttons