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Nikon D5100
49
SCORE
Nikon · DSLR · 16.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Nikon D5100

General 49Optics 52Video Performance 57Features and Benefits 41Storage and Battery 51
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KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelD5100
Released2011
Announcement date05/04/2011
Camera typeDSLR

General 49

Brand
Nikon
Model
D5100
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2011
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
05/04/2011
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
128 x 97 x 79 mm
Camera weight
560 g

Optics 52

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
16.2 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4928 x 3264
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
15.6 x 23.6
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
4 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Nikon F DX
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Expeed 2
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
64003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
110300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
No
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Nikon D5100, with a score of 49 out of 100, offers a variety of specifications that are worth considering. Announced on April 5, 2011, and released later that year, this DSLR initially had a launch price of $799. The camera’s dimensions are 128 x 97 x 79mm, and it weighs 560g or 1.23lbs.

Considering its age, the D5100 may not be the top choice for photographers in today’s market. However, it still holds some value for those who appreciate its specifications and compact size.

Nikon D5100 Overview and Optics

The Nikon D5100 receives a score of 52/100 for its optics. This camera features a 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, an Expeed 2 processor, and a shooting speed of 4 frames per second. The DXOMARK score for the sensor is 80, which is decent but not outstanding in today’s market. The sensor size is APS-C, and the lens mount is Nikon F DX.

Unfortunately, the D5100 lacks image stabilization, which is a drawback for those who need steady shots. The aspect ratio of 3:2 is standard for most DSLR cameras. When compared to newer models, the D5100’s optics may not be as impressive, but it still offers reliable performance for casual photographers.

The Nikon D5100 provides satisfactory optics for its age, but it may not meet the needs of more advanced users in the current market.

Nikon D5100 Video Performance 57

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
30 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Yes
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4, MOV, H.264
Read our notes on nikon d5100 video performance

The Nikon D5100 scores well enough in the video category. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of Full HD, with dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The maximum video frame rate is 30 frames per second, ensuring decent video quality for casual users.

In today’s market, the D5100’s video capabilities are average, as many modern cameras offer 4K resolution and higher frame rates. However, the D5100 includes a time-lapse functionality built-in, which is a useful feature for capturing dynamic scenes over time.

Nikon D5100 Features and Benefits 41

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9210001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on nikon d5100 features and benefits

The Nikon D5100’s features score stands at 41/100. The camera possesses a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots but lacks a touchscreen. It does, however, have a flip screen for easier viewing at various angles. Unfortunately, the D5100 does not come with GPS, WiFi, or Bluetooth capabilities.

Comparing these specifications to today’s market, the Nikon D5100 falls short in terms of technological advancements. Many modern cameras now include touchscreens and connectivity options such as WiFi and Bluetooth for seamless photo sharing and remote control. The absence of these features makes the D5100 less competitive and appealing to photographers who value convenience and up-to-date technology.

Despite its shortcomings, the Nikon D5100 remains a reliable camera for those who prioritize essential functions and do not require advanced features. Its flip screen and solid resolution contribute to a satisfactory user experience, but the lack of connectivity options and a touchscreen may deter some potential buyers.

Nikon D5100 Storage and Battery 51

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
EN-EL14
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
2200 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on nikon d5100 storage and battery

The storage and battery section of the Nikon D5100 receives a score of 51/100. This camera has one memory card slot, which accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The battery life allows for 2200 shots, utilizing an EN-EL14 battery. However, the camera does not support USB charging.

In today’s market, the Nikon D5100’s storage and battery specifications are somewhat average. The single memory card slot and lack of USB charging are limitations compared to newer models. Despite this, the 2200-shot battery life remains a strong point, as it ensures extended shooting sessions without the need for frequent battery replacements.