I am looking to finally get myself a DSLR and the Nikon D5100 is looking like the one I might go with. I know it's an entry level, but I can't afford (and really don't think I need?) anything fancier. However, I would appreciate any feedback any of you might have on this camera and entry-level in general... I don't want to shell out the bucks and then discover I've only upgraded my point-and-shoot. My biggest concern about this camera specifically is that it seems to be limited in lens options? Is this true of most of these cameras - that you can ONLY buy lenses made for that particular camera? I was also considering the Canon T3i, but from reviews it really sounds as though the image quality of the Nikon is superior...?
Thanks for any advice/support/experiences/etc!!
Amber
Hi amber and you can buy any lens that is compatible with a Nikon. There are a range of manufacturers e.g Sigma, Tamron that make lenses that will work. The key to better shots is better lenses and your ability and not necessarily in that order.
What Andy said. No shortage of leses for that camera. I'm going to upgrade from my old D50 eventually. I have the kit AF lenses..but I'm also using some old lenses from my 35mm film camera days. They work fine, as long as you don't mind manually setting everything.
I'm not a Nikon shooter, but I believe that the D5100 doesn't have a built-in autofocus motor.
All recent lenses have the autofocus motor in the lens itself, but some older Nikon lenses (prior to 1992, I think) had the autofocus driven from the motor in the camera body. While you can still fit these lenses on the D5100, you'll have to manually focus them.
The more expensive Nikon DSLRs retain the built-in motor for compatibility with old lenses. Probably not a major concern unless you know someone with a bunch of old film lenses you can borrow, but worth being aware of.
@ambermagen Everyone i know who has a D5100 absolutely loves it. Not entry level, but one step above. I have the D3100 and absolutely love it, and the D5100 has a better sensor, better LCD screen and it brackets. Get it!
I've used the D5100 for work and it's a really nice camera. Some of the shots in my project are from this camera. I think you will be pleased with it and the lens options available.
That is the camera I am planning on buying this summer. And I heard what these guys are saying...Nikons tend to be one of the friendlier camera companies for keeping their lenses standard and able to be used on any NIKON DSLR. The NIkon one is an exception but it's not a DSLR anyway, even though it comes removable lenses . One critique I read claimed that the D-5100 photos are comparable to the D700, which is a more expensive camera.
@5unflow3r Yes that was the impression I got too, that ability/quality-wise the D5100 is basically equivalent to the D700 but not as "stream-lined"/more menu-based (but way cheaper!).
@ambermagen and lighter! :-) Plus, this is dorky, but I have had a camera with a screen that can be angled, and I really liked it...just a perk, not a deal breaker...but a very cool feature
@5unflow3r Yes!! Smaller size is huge for me... the main reason I haven't gotten a dslr yet is because I am always on the go with small children and have to be able to shove my camera in a diaper bag. Not that this will be THAT small, but I just can't wait any longer... :p And I've never even seen an angled screen... that part kind of worries me because I'm afraid I'll break it off lol
@ambermagen Amber have you considered the NEW D3200?
It has the new 24MP sensor, same 4fps burst as the D5100, EXPEED 3 processor as found in the flagship D4. D3100/D5100 and the D7000 all use the old EXPEED 2 processor,1080p vid plus external mic input, wireless option to send photos to smart phones with new Nikon app, 2 Ir remote sensor front and rear and the 920k 3 in lcd.
D5100 will no doubt be replaced soon enough.
As for lens choice it is huge from Nikon or any of the 3 major third party companies.
@ambermagen I use a Nikon D5100... with two kit lens and a macro I purchased. all Nikkor/.Nikon,,I absolutely LOVE it. and it was a GIANT step up from my Nikon Point and shoot. I would recommend it..
I just got my brand new Nikon D5100 and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!
This is a great camera. The lens has the option of auto focus (I hear some type of motor) or I can switch it to manual. I use both!
The quality is great, there is so much to learn going to a DSLR so for me it was a huge step up from my Canon point n shoot.
Oh, once you get it be sure to start doing the Camera Settings Challenges!! I started them because I wanted to learn how to use the settings. Some challenges are basic, some are a bit harder, but either way you will grow your skills (I'm assuming you haven't used a DSLR and I know I could be assuming incorrectly).
Yes, this is an EXCELLENT CHOICE - I give mine 5 stars!
I just got the D5100 as my first dSLR. I was concidering the T3i as well, but I heard the D5100 was better for video (I do YouTube videos) and also my P&S is a Nikon. I find the user interface is better and easier to learn with.
If buying the camera is goning set you back in terms of cash, don't even worry about the lenses yet...At least in the opinion of a novice 18yo photographer. Cannon has a better selection of lenses, but you're only going to have to worry about that after you figure out how to work the camera. If you're like me, and don't read manuals, this could take a while. But it's more fun that way.
I'd say D5100. Not just cus I have one. I pondered the same questions 2 months ago, but never looked back.
@cheribug@myhrhelper@remirixjones Thanks for stopping to comment and reassure me :) And yes @myhrhelper, I am looking forward to the Settings Challenges - I have attempted some of them just for fun, to see just how far I can push my lovely little point-and-shoot, but of course it only emphasizes the fact that I need a real camera lol And I'm sure I will be good to go with the kit lens it comes with for awhile, because like you mention @remirixjones, I'm definitely more of the trial-and-error sort so it'll take me some time to run out of challenges :)
i have the nikon D3100 and it is an amazing camera. I love it and would never trade it. But i do believe the D5100 is a step better/ higher grade. Good luck on your photos. Once holding one of them cameras you will never want to put it down :)
I have Nikon D5100 and love it, when I bought the kit we got one extra lense which is 55-300mm. And I find that I used the longer lens often than the kit though. It is depend on the outcome I want to do!!
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All recent lenses have the autofocus motor in the lens itself, but some older Nikon lenses (prior to 1992, I think) had the autofocus driven from the motor in the camera body. While you can still fit these lenses on the D5100, you'll have to manually focus them.
The more expensive Nikon DSLRs retain the built-in motor for compatibility with old lenses. Probably not a major concern unless you know someone with a bunch of old film lenses you can borrow, but worth being aware of.
More details here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/compatibility-lens.htm#dslr
How freaking fabulous is that?
It has the new 24MP sensor, same 4fps burst as the D5100, EXPEED 3 processor as found in the flagship D4. D3100/D5100 and the D7000 all use the old EXPEED 2 processor,1080p vid plus external mic input, wireless option to send photos to smart phones with new Nikon app, 2 Ir remote sensor front and rear and the 920k 3 in lcd.
D5100 will no doubt be replaced soon enough.
As for lens choice it is huge from Nikon or any of the 3 major third party companies.
This is a great camera. The lens has the option of auto focus (I hear some type of motor) or I can switch it to manual. I use both!
The quality is great, there is so much to learn going to a DSLR so for me it was a huge step up from my Canon point n shoot.
Oh, once you get it be sure to start doing the Camera Settings Challenges!! I started them because I wanted to learn how to use the settings. Some challenges are basic, some are a bit harder, but either way you will grow your skills (I'm assuming you haven't used a DSLR and I know I could be assuming incorrectly).
Yes, this is an EXCELLENT CHOICE - I give mine 5 stars!
If buying the camera is goning set you back in terms of cash, don't even worry about the lenses yet...At least in the opinion of a novice 18yo photographer. Cannon has a better selection of lenses, but you're only going to have to worry about that after you figure out how to work the camera. If you're like me, and don't read manuals, this could take a while. But it's more fun that way.
I'd say D5100. Not just cus I have one. I pondered the same questions 2 months ago, but never looked back.