Nikon | DSLR Cameras

Creativity from any point of view

Stimulate your creativity. The NIKON D5100 offers a host of new photographic and video tools that deliver superior performance and exceptional image quality with surprising versatility. With 16.2 megapixels, a swivel Vari-Angle LCD monitor, full HD movie capabilities, new EFFECTS Mode and new HDR setting, you hold the power and performance to capture beautiful moments and the freedom to get creative.

See the D5100 in Action View 3D Demo Digitutor

Compose great overhead shots with the Nikon D5100's Vari-angle display.

Vari-angle LCD Monitor

Creativity from any point of view

Take pictures or record movies from a unique viewpoint, the D5100's 3.0 inch, super sharp, 921,000-dot Vari-angle LCD monitor allows for versatile high quality viewing and playback. Explore every angle, with overhead shots, waist level candids, ground level and fun self portraits; you will never miss a shot. This Vari-angle monitor allows you to be creative from any point of view.

View Vari-Angle Sample Photos

Effects mode

More fun and artistic pictures and movies

The D5100 incorporates an amazing array of special effects for use when taking still pictures or recording D-Movie Full HD movies. Selective Color isolates any color within the scene; capture details in places too dark for your own eyes using Night Vision; create bright, glowing images filled with atmosphere with High Key; emphasize the mood of a scene using Low Key; Miniature Effect makes a scene look like a miniature scale model; and Color Sketch creates color outlines of the subject that are played back as a series of stills in a slide show.

View Effects Mode Sample Photos View Effects Mode D-Movie Samples1

Isolate the vibrant shades of blue in your subject's dress with the D5100's Selective Color effect.

Tell better stories

Full HD 1080p D-Movie with Sound

The D5100 delivers exceptionally high-quality movie performance due to its full HD capability while the latest in Full-time autofocus takes the guess work out of tracking your subjects while in motion. Effortless moviemaking is at your fingertip thanks to D5100's ergonomically placed Live View and Movie start button. Your D-Movies will come to life thanks to D5100's sound recording capability - get stereo sound with Nikon's optional ME-1 Stereo Microphone.

View D-Movie Samples

HDR (High Dynamic Range)

Exquisite detail in highlight and shadow

In scenes with extreme contrasts, such as bright, sunlit clouds and a foreground deep in shadow, it was once quite difficult to render the textures of both equally. Not any more. D5100 combines two exposures to create an image revealing an extremely wide dynamic range, but with less noise and richer color gradation than ever before.

View HDR Sample Photos

Stunning image quality

Image quality in a class of its own

Incorporating the latest Nikon D-SLR technologies such as the 16.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 2 image processing engine, the D5100 delivers outstanding image quality. Its CMOS sensor offers a remarkably wide ISO range (ISO 100 to 6400) with reduced noise which enables you to shoot at faster shutter speeds and capture scenes and subjects with less blur. Handheld shooting and full HD movies come out looking great even in low light.

View D5100 Sample Photos

The D5100's 16.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor

Nikon's EXPEED 2 image processing engine

You won't miss a moment of action thanks to the D5100's high-speed continuous shooting.

Speed and performance that delivers

With high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 4 frames per second, you'll never miss a moment and with D5100's large optical viewfinder providing accurate and realistic composition, you'll get a precise view and focus in every situation.

The D5100's 11-point AF system works together with the Scene Recognition System to keep your subject in focus where it's located in the frame.

Capture your subjects precisely

D5100's 11-point AF system provides flexibility to compose the shot you want ensuring your subject is captured sharply wherever it's located in the frame. Working together with the Scene Recognition System, the camera can keep your main subject in focus even if the composition changes using Nikon's exclusive 3D-tracking.

Create better portraits—even when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight—with the D5100's built-in pop-up flash.

Brilliance whenever needed

Vital for dark or backlit subjects, the D5100's built-in pop-up flash automatically brightens your subject even when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight. Expect natural looking results thanks to intelligent flash control.

Expand your picture taking capabilities with Nikon's comprehensive lineup of NIKKOR lenses.

NIKKOR lenses expand your vision

From wide angle to telephoto, from prime to Micro, the NIKKOR interchangeable lens lineup offers more choices to see and capture still images and D-Movies of the world from your perspective.

1Special effects video examples were produced using a pre-production D5100 D-SLR.

LCD, Video and Photo Gallery images are for illustrative purposes only

Tech Specs

Effective Pixels (Megapixels)
16.2 million
Sensor Size
23.6 mmx15.6 mm
Image Sensor Format
DX
Monitor Size
3 in. diagonal
Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
5 in.127 mm x 3.8 in.96.5 mm x 3.1 in.78.7 mm
Approx. Weight
19.7 oz.560 g

Lens Mount
Nikon F bayonet mount

Effective Pixels (Megapixels)
16.2 million
Sensor Size
23.6 mmx15.6 mm
Image Sensor Format
DX
Total Pixels
16.9 million

Viewfinder Frame Coverage
95 % (Approx.)

Fastest Shutter Speed
1/4000 sec.
Slowest Shutter Speed
30 sec.
Bulb Shutter Setting
Yes
Top Continuous Shooting Speed at Full Resolution
4 frames per second

Picture Control
Landscape, Monochrome, Neutral, Portrait, Standard, Standard, User-customizable Settings

Lowest Standard ISO Sensitivity
100
Highest Standard ISO Sensitivity
6400
Long Exposure Noise Reduction
Yes

Auto-Area AF Mode
Yes

Built-in Flash
Yes

Monitor Size
3 in. diagonal
Monitor Resolution
921000 Dots

Recent Settings
Yes
World Time Setting
Yes

Battery Life (shots per charge)
660 shots (CIPA)

Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth)
5 in.127 mm x 3.8 in.96.5 mm x 3.1 in.78.7 mm
Approx. Weight
19.7 oz.560 g

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