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Select a Nikon digital camera ----- 2008 models ----- Nikon D700 Nikon D60 Nikon P80 Nikon P60 Nikon S600 ----- 2007-2008 models ----- Nikon D300 Nikon P5100 Nikon P50 Nikon S700 ----- 2007 models ----- Nikon D40x Nikon P5000 Nikon S50c Nikon S50 Nikon S500 Nikon S200 Nikon L12 Nikon L11 Nikon L10 ----- 2006-2007 models ----- Nikon D40 Nikon S10 VR Nikon S9 Nikon S8 Nikon S7c Wi-Fi Nikon L5 VR Nikon L6 ----- 2006 models ----- Nikon D80 Nikon P3 VR Wi-Fi Nikon S6 Wi-Fi Nikon S5 Nikon L2 Nikon L3 Nikon L4 ----- 2005-2006 models ----- Nikon D200 Nikon P1 Nikon P2 Nikon S4 Nikon S3 Nikon L1 ----- 2005 models ----- Nikon D70s Nikon D50 Nikon Coolpix 7900 Nikon Coolpix 5900 Nikon Coolpix 7600 Nikon Coolpix 5600 Nikon Coolpix 4600 Nikon Coolpix S2 Nikon Coolpix S1 -- 2004 & earlier -- Nikon D70 Nikon Coolpix 8800 Nikon Coolpix 8700 Nikon Coolpix 8400 Nikon Coolpix 5400 / 5000 Nikon Coolpix 4800 Nikon Coolpix 4500 Nikon Coolpix SQ Nikon Coolpix 5200 / 4200 Nikon Coolpix 4300 Nikon Coolpix 3700 Nikon Coolpix 4100 / 3200 Nikon Coolpix 3100

Category: Serious Amateur

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Nikon Coolpix P5100 Review is based on a production model. All sample images are unretouched, except where specified.

City Reflections

The Nikon Coolpix P5100 is identical to the Coolpix P5000 with a slight increase to 12.1MP resolution. Many of you will like this relatively compact digital camera that offers total exposure flexibility in an attractive and durable body. The design is clean with lots of controls that make the camera intuitive to use. The P5100 has one of the best grip on a compact digital camera. The textured and almost all-black finish give the camera a professional look.

Like on the P5000, advanced functions include Manual AF area frame and corresponding Spot AF area metering, auto exposure bracketing, manual WB and Best Shot Selector. An effective Vibration Reduction (VR) technology ("Image Stabilization") allows handholding the camera at slow shutter speeds.

The Nikon P5100 gives very good image quality at ISO 64. Noise is controlled up to ISO 200, but higher ISOs are visibly noisy. No RAW file format is available. It features an optical viewfinder and a real six-blade hexagonal iris diaphragm (10 steps in 1/3EV increments).

Besides AUTO mode and 16 easy-to-use Scene Modes, advanced photographers will appreciate Programmed Auto with Program Shift, Manual White Balance, up to 99 Manual AF areas. Macro mode allows you to get as close as 4 cm (1.6 in.). The LCD is large at 2.5 in. with 230,000 pixels resolution and movie mode is 640x480 pixels 30fps, with sound.

The Nikon Coolpix P5100 gives the photographer a quiet feeling of confidence that it can handle any photographic challenge. It will appeal to the serious amateur photographer desiring a compact and light digital camera with an effective image stabilization and full control over camera operations.

See if you fit the Nikon Coolpix P5100 User Profile below: