Overall, I had a very positive experience with the Nikon D5100. The camera is capable of delivering excellent results both for digital stills and video. As can be seen from image comparisons against other older Nikon DSLRs, the sensor on the Nikon D5100 and D7000 DSLRs is truly remarkable.

The latest addition to Nikon's expansive DSLR line, the 16-megapixel Nikon D5100 fits neatly between the entry-level D3100 ($700 with kit lens) and

Beautiful 3-inch articulated LCD; Well-rounded feature set; Top-notch image quality (still and video; Excellent low-light/high-ISO

Requires AF-S lens with built-in AF motor; Live View and video AF

The latest addition to Nikon's expansive DSLR line, the 16 megapixel D5100, fits neatly between the entry-level D3100 ($700 with kit lens) and the more sophisticated D7000 ($1200 body only).

Well-rounded feature set; Top-notch image quality (still and video; Excellent low-light/high-ISO performance; New special effects; Full time AF in Live View and video

No dedicated ISO button; Requires AF-S lens with built-in AF motor; Live View and video AF aren't lightning-fast; Special Effects parameters must be set in Live View

On April 5, 2011, nearly two years after the launch of the well regarded (and quite popular) Nikon D5000, Nikon announced its much anticipated advanced entry-level replacement DSLR, the . Like the D5000, the D5100 trickles down impressive image sensor technology to price-minded photographers.

Retailing for approximately ￡670 body only or ￡750 with an 18-55mm VR kit lens, the Nikon D5100 replaces the D5000 as Nikon's advanced entry-level DSLR. Sitting below the enthusiast-level D7000 but above the bare-bones D3100, the D5100 takes some advanced specifications from the former and mixes...

Hi-resolution articulated monitor; Easy to use; Much improved live view AF

Special Effects a bit limited; No wireless flash control/DoF preview

Nikon's baby-of-the-range D3100 was our Editors' Choice at the close of 2010, so we have high expectations of 2011's addition to the range, the D5100 . With just £9 separating this from Canon's EOS 600D, the Nikon fields a lower 16.2-megapixel resolution.

Angle-adjustable LCD; built-in effects filters for JPEG shooting; solid build; large, well-labelled controls; good ergonomics

Manual focusing required in video mode

The latest addition to Nikon's updated consumer SLR range is the D5100, which slots into the series above the entry-level D3100 and below the higher-end D7000.

Noise handled very well up to 3200 ISO; Good general responsiveness (on/off; photo saving; Good build quality and swivel screen; 1080p HD video mode; Fun creative filters

Autofocus too slow in Live View and video modes; Automatic white balance doesn't work very well under tungsten light; Controls and menus could be better; Mono sound in video mode; Built-in flash isn't compatible with wireless slave flash units

Although there has been some overlap, digital SLR development has gone through some quite distinct phases. Initially the battle was to produce affordable models, and once this was achieved manufacturers turned their attention to producing cameras with higher pixel counts.

Although DSLRs are becoming increasingly complex and feature-rich, manufacturers are trying to make them easier to use. Nikon has been at the forefront of this development, over the last six months we've seen the Nikon D3100 and now it's bigger brother the Nikon D5100.

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.