Yesterday Nikon announced the D5100, their newest DSLR camera. Just like the D3100 replaced the D3000, the D5100 is Nikon's update for the popular, but slightly "old" D5000. Here is Nikon's tech spec page on the camera. So what's the big deal? Well just like the more advanced D7000, the D5100 adds 1080p HD video to its arsenal. The also announced the ME-1 which is their first attempt at an external microphone for audio recording during video. Right now all of Nikon's entry-level DSLR cameras have 1080p HD video capability, but none of their pro bodies do. Go figure, right? Well I guess we will just have to wait for that. The D5100 retains an articulating LCD screen, but unlike the D5000, the LCD screen folds out to the left instead of the bottom. The D5000 sported an LCD screen that reminded me of the original nintendo gameboy, but the D5100 has solved that problem with it's 921K resolution LCD. So what else do you need to know about the D5100? Here is Nikon's propaganda page dedicated to the D5100. If you want a quick summary of what's important, click 'MORE' to see some of the key features I've highlighted.Key Features in the Nikon D5100
- Articulating "Vari-Angle" 921K dot LCD Display
- Same or similar high resolution 16.2 Megapixel sensor as the Nikon D7000
- "Natural" ISO settings from 100-6,400 Can be pushed to 25,600
- NIGHT VISION mode that gives an ISO equivalent of 102,400
- Built in HDR (gag, hopefully its not too strong and actually helps you make good photographs, not paintings)
- Same excellent AF system found in the D3100
- Some other new gimmick modes that I would ignore