Best Reviewed
Digital SLR Cameras
- Best digital SLR for beginners Nikon D3100 *Est. $500
- Step-up entry DSLR Nikon D5100 *Est. $850
- Best-value advanced DSLR Nikon D7000 *Est. $1200
- Pro digital SLR with full HD video Canon EOS 5D Mark II *Est. $2090
- Best all-around pro DSLR Nikon D3S *Est. $5200
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Step-up entry DSLR
- Photo/video quality equals or beats pricier Nikons
- Compact and lightweight
- Swiveling LCD screen
- Can shoot 20-minute videos in full HD
- Omits several advanced features
- Less beginner-friendly than Nikon D3100
- Plastic body not for heavy-duty use
If you want the best digital SLR under $1,000, experts recommend the Nikon D5100. Although the Canon EOS Rebel T3i (*Est. $700 with kit lens) runs a close second, the Nikon beats it in several side-by-side photo tests. The Nikon D5100 bridges the gap between the top-rated beginner camera Nikon D3100 (*Est. $500 with kit lens) and the top-rated advanced camera Nikon D7000 (*Est. $1,200 body only). Experts find the D5100 nearly as simple to use as the D3100, but with the same impressive image and video quality as the D7000 (the two cameras share the same sensor).
In fact, the newer D5100 beats the D7000 in head-to-head image tests at DigitalCameraInfo.com; tester T.J. Donegan says Nikon has tweaked the performance so that the D5100 achieves dramatically better dynamic range, more accurate colors and "more aggressive noise reduction" than the D7000. The D5100 also adds a frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps) to its full 1080p HD video capture, as well as a swiveling LCD screen that makes it easier to shoot from odd angles -- two features you won't find on the D7000.
However, you won't get the D7000's semi-pro features and build quality with the cheaper D5100. If you're an advanced user, experts say you might miss the D7000's quicker shooting (6 fps versus 4 fps for the D5100), better autofocus, 40 percent longer battery life and customizable settings.
Plenty of reliable experts have already extensively tested the new Nikon D5100, including those at DPReview.com, Imaging-Resource.com, DigitalCameraInfo.com, PhotographyBay.com, DCResource.com and KenRockwell.com. Amazon.com has collected more than 100 owner reviews of the Nikon D5100, including several that are almost as detailed as some professional critiques.
| Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens | |
(264 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. DPReview.com
After shooting thousands of frames and minutely testing every detail of the Nikon D5100, experts here find a lot to like. Importantly, it delivers the same image quality as the pricier Nikon D7000. However, the D5100 lacks some of the D7000's important advanced features, and testers say it's not quite as easy to use as the cheaper Nikon D3100.
Review: Nikon D5100 Review, Barnaby Britton, Richard Butler and Andy Westlake, April 2011
Terrific image quality, terrific features and an "approachable design" (including a useful swiveling LCD screen) make the Nikon D5100 an easy top pick, testers here say. They show side-by-side comparisons between the Nikon D5100 and several other cameras shoppers would likely consider, including the Nikon D7000 and Canon EOS Rebel T3i.
Review: Nikon D5100, Shawn Barnett, Mike Tomkins and Zig Weidelich, July 2011
The Nikon D5100 "blows away" its under-$1,000 rivals, T.J. Donegan concludes after an extensive test. It makes the site's list of the top five digital SLRs.
Review: Nikon D5100 Digital Camera Review, T.J. Donegan, June 2011
Eric Reagan illustrates his review of the Nikon D5100 with a wide variety of test shots, including several challenging low-light, no-flash photos shot indoors at Disney World. In the end, its "impressive" images boost the easy to use, easy to carry D5100 to the top of Reagan's recommended list of cameras.
Review: Nikon D5100 Review, Eric Reagan, July 2011
Jeff Keller recommends both the Nikon D5100 and its rival, the Canon EOS Rebel T3i, after thorough tests. This easy-to-understand review makes it clear how the cameras compare.
Review: DCRP Review: Nikon D5100, Jeff Keller, Updated June 2011
6. Ken Rockwell
Plain-spoken camera critic Ken Rockwell calls the Nikon D5100 "the best all-around camera for most people" in his buyer's guide. This full review explains why, comparing it with other Nikon cameras (including the D7000).
Review: Nikon D5100, Ken Rockwell, October 2011
7. Amazon.com
With more than 150 owner reviews posted, the Nikon D5100 earns an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Some of the reviews are written by knowledgeable camera enthusiasts, and they're extremely detailed and helpful.
Review: Nikon D5100, Contributors to Amazon.com
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