nikon: d5100 D SLR

the ‘d5100’ digital SLR by nikon image courtesy of engadget

capturing images at 16.2-megapixel and recording up to 1080p HD videos, nikon‘s ‘d5100 digital SLR‘ offers built-in optimizing technology for focus, exposure, and colour balance, as well as special image effects previewable in real-time. the camera features a swivel 3-inch, 921,000 dot LCD monitor that is fully rotatable along the camera’s axis when snapped out from its back, providing a way to capture scenes from almost angle.

camera with kit lens

the normal ISO range of the ‘d5100’ is 100 to 6400. nikon’s active d-lighting technology automatically balances shadows and highlights of images to generate more even exposures. night vision mode enables the camera to shoot at up to 102,400 ISO, while HDR functionality automatically combines one overexposed and one underexposed image to capture extended tonal range.

nikon’s scene recognition system optimizes focus, exposure, and white balance of photographs by instantly comparing subject information against a database of 30,000 images of different kinds. the camera features an 11-point autofocus system and a burst rate of 4fps.

front view

image effects built into the camera include selective colour, colour sketch, and miniature, all of which are previewable in real-time on the LCD monitor for both still images and movies. postproduction edits such as colour and filter effects or red eye correction can be done in the camera itself.

top view image courtesy of dpreview

offering variable frame rates and resolutions, the ‘d5100’ can capture up to 1080p full HD movies at 30fps through the use of a dedicated movie record button, facilitating the switching between the capture of moving and still images. face priority functionality can track up to 35 human faces.

video footage can be edited and trimmed in the camera to streamline postproduction.

closer view of the camera front and mode dial

the nikon ‘d5100 D-SLR’ will be available throughout the united states beginning in mid-april, at an expected retail cost of 800 USD for the camera body and 900 USD for the body and kit lens.

nikon’s overview of the ‘d5100’