The D5100 is a high-performance D-SLR designed to stimulate your creative side and help you create still images and movies like no other.
The swing-out vari-angle monitor combines with the camera’s D-movie function to enable unique shots from any angle. Still images or movies can be shot using a special effect to add a sense of magic.
High Dynamic Range imaging lets you capture exquisitely detailed stills of high-contrast scenes.
The perfect way to capture your view of the world, this camera was made with freedom of expression in mind.
16.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor: delivers lifelike images with vivid colors, reduced noise and smooth tonal gradations.
High ISO (100-6400) light sensitivity - manually extendable up to 25600 using the Hi2 setting. Enables faster shutter speeds for finely detailed images with minimal noise when you shoot fast-moving subjects or take pictures in low light. Features an Auto ISO setting.
EXPEED 2 image processing engine: optimizes the camera's technologies for superior performance and maximum image quality.
7.5 cm (3-in.), 921k-dot vari-angle LCD monitor with wide viewing angle: lets you capture unique shots from any angle. Boasts a side opening mechanism that makes it easy to shoot self-portraits or use a tripod.
D-Movie – full HD (1080p) movie clips: a dedicated movie-record button right next to the shutter-release makes it easy to keep the camera steady when you switch between recording stills and movies. AF-F mode keeps everything in focus, and the camera's vari-angle monitor and Special Effects mode enable unique shots. The camera supports use of an external microphone and offers 30p, 25p and 24p frame rates.
Live View with Scene Auto Selector: makes it easy to compose images using the vari-angle LCD monitor. Scene Auto Selector will select the best mode for the scene and subject you want to capture. Boasts easily selectable AF modes, including Face Priority AF that detects and tracks faces within the frame.
Razor-sharp 11-point AutoFocus system: offers fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame. Four AF-area modes, including 3D-tracking AF, deliver sharp results, whether your subject is off-center, moving fast or completely unpredictable.
4 fps continuous shooting: enables you to capture fast-moving action at four frames per second.
Special Effects mode: lets you shoot distinctive still images and movies using a special effect. Offers a range of effects, including Color Sketch, Miniature effect, Night Vision and Selective Color that lets you emphasize up to three colors of your choice and turns the rest of the image to monochrome.
Scene Modes automatically adjust camera settings, including Picture Controls and active D-Lighting, to take the guesswork out of tricky photo situations and deliver optimal results. Simply turn the mode dial to SCENE to access the most commonly used modes. Sample photos appear on the display to help you select the right mode.
HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging: delivers exquisitely detailed shots of high-contrast scenes. Takes two shots within a single shutter release to create an image with an extremely wide dynamic range, low noise and rich color gradation.
Extensive in-camera Retouch Menu: lets you edit and enhance photos and movies in the camera. Offers a range of effects and filters including Perspective Control, Soft Focus and Color Outline, which transforms your photo into a line drawing.
Dual Integrated dust reduction system: Image Sensor Cleaning and Airflow Control systems keep dust away from the camera’s image sensor for clear, spot-free images.
HDTV compatibility: camera features a built-in HDMI connector with HDMI-CEC support so you can view your photos and movies on any HDTV and control playback features using your TV’s remote control.
Infrared front and back receiver: helps prevent image blur when shooting close-ups and self-portraits.
Stereo sound: designed specifically for D-SLRs, Nikon’s optional Stereo Microphone ME-1 lets you record movie clips in high-quality stereo sound, with no AF noise. Comes with windscreen and soft case accessories.
Type
Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens mount
Nikon F mount (with AF contacts)
Effective angle of view
Approx. 1.5 x lens focal length (Nikon DX format)
Effective pixels
16.2 million
Image sensor
23.6 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor
Total pixels
16.9 million
Dust-reduction system
Image sensor cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)
Image size (pixels)
4,928 x 3,264 (L) 3,696 x 2,448 (M) 2,464 x 1,632 (S)
Storage file formats
NEF (RAW): 14 bit, compressed JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1 : 4), normal (approx. 1 : 8), or basic (approx. 1 : 16) compression NEF (RAW)+JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
Picture Control System
Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls
Media
SD (Secure Digital), SDHC, and SDXC memory cards
File system
DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.3 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge
Viewfinder
Eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder
Frame coverage
Approx. 95% horizontal and 95% vertical
Magnification
Approx. 0.78 x (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0m-1)
Eyepoint
17.9 mm (-1.0m-1)
Diopter adjustment
-1.7-+0.7 m-1
Focusing screen
Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VII screen
Reflex mirror
Quick return
Lens aperture
Instant return, electronically controlled
Compatible lenses
Autofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I lenses. Autofocus is not available with other type G and D lenses, AF lenses (IX NIKKOR and lenses for the F3AF are not supported), and AI-P lenses. Non-CPU lenses can be used in mode M, but the camera exposure meter will not function. 1The electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.
Shutter type
Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed
1/4000 - 30 s in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV; Bulb; Time (requires optional ML-L3 remote control)
Flash sync speed
X=1/200 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200 s or slower
Release mode
Single frame, continuous, self-timer, delayed remote, quick-response remote, quiet shutter release
Frame advance rate
Up to 4 fps (manual focus, mode M or S, shutter speed 1/250 s or faster, and other settings at default values)
Self-timer
2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; 1-9 exposures
Exposure metering
TTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor
Metering method
Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-mm circle in center of frame Spot: Meters 3.5-mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point
Metering range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20 °C/68 °F)
Matrix or center-weighted metering: 0-20 EV Spot metering: 2-20 EV
Exposure meter coupling
CPU
Mode
Auto modes (auto; auto, flash off ); programmed auto with flexible program (P); shutter-priority auto (S); aperture-priority auto (A); manual (M); scene modes (portrait; landscape; child; sports; close up; night portrait; night landscape; party/indoor; beach/snow; sunset; dusk/dawn; pet portrait; candlelight; blossom; autumn colors; food); special effects modes (night vision; color sketch; miniature effect; selective color; silhouette; high key; low key)
Exposure compensation
-5 - +5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Exposure bracketing
Exposure bracketing: 3 frames in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV White balance bracketing: 3 frames in steps of 1 Active D-Lighting bracketing: 2 frames
Exposure lock
Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
ISO sensitivity
ISO 100 - 6400 in steps of 1/3 EV. Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7, 1, or 2 EV (ISO 25600 equivalent) above ISO 6400; auto ISO sensitivity control available
Active D-Lighting
Auto, extra high, high, normal, low, off
Autofocus
Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, 11 focus points (including one cross-type sensor), and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1 ft. 8 in.-9 ft. 10 in.)
Detection range
-1 - +19 EV (ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F)
Lens servo
Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status Manual focus (MF): Electronic rangefinder can be used
Focus points
Can be selected from 11 focus points
AF-area mode
Single-point AF, dynamic-area AF, auto-area AF, 3D-tracking (11 points)
Focus lock
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Built-in flash
Auto, portrait, child, close up, night portrait, party/indoor, pet portrait, color sketch: Auto flash with auto pop-up P, S, A, M, food: Manual pop-up with button release
Guide Number
Approx. 12/39, 13/43 with manual flash (m/ft, ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F)
Flash control
TTL: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR using 420-pixel RGB sensor are available with built-in flash and SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, or SB-400 (i-TTL balanced fill-flash is available when matrix or center-weighted metering is selected) Auto aperture: Available with SB-900/SB-800 and CPU lens Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include SB-900, SB-800, SB-80DX, SB-28DX, SB-28, SB-27, and SB-22S Distance-priority manual: Available with SB-900, SB-800, and SB-700
Flash modes
Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, rear-curtain with slow sync, rear-curtain sync, off
Flash compensation
-3 - +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Flash-ready indicator
Lights when built-in flash or optional flash unit such as SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, or SB-400 is fully charged; blinks for 3 s after flash is fired at full output
Accessory shoe
ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock
Nikon Creative Lighting System
Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-900, SB-800, or SB-700 as a master flash, or SU-800 as commander; Flash Color Information Communication supported with built-in flash and all CLS-compatible flash units
Sync terminal
AS-15 sync terminal adapter (available separately)
White balance
Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine tuning.
Live view - lens servo
Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time-servo AF (AF-F) Manual focus (MF)
Live view - AF-area mode
Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF
Live view - autofocus
Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected)
Live View - Automatic scene selection
Available in auto and flash off modes
Movie - metering
TTL exposure metering using main image sensor
Movie - metering method
Matrix
Movie - frame size (pixels) and frame rate
1,920 x 1,080, 30 p/25 p/24 p, high/normal 1,280 x 720, 30 p/25 p/24 p, high/normal 640 x 424, 30 p/25 p, high/normal A frame rate of 30 p (actual frame rate 29.97 fps) is available when NTSC is selected for video mode. 25 p is available when PAL is selected for video mode. Actual frame rate when 24 p is selected is 23.976 fps.
Movie - file format
MOV
Movie - video compression
H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
Movie - audio recording format
Linear PCM
Movie - audio recording device
Built-in monaural or external stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustable
Monitor
7.5-cm/3-in., approx. 921k-dot (VGA), vari-angle low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170 ° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment
Playback
Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images or calendar) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, slide show, histogram display, highlights, auto image rotation, and image comment (up to 36 characters)
USB
Hi-Speed USB
Video output
NTSC, PAL
HDMI output
Type C mini-pin HDMI connector
Accessory terminal(s)
Remote cord: MC-DC2 (available separately) GPS unit: GP-1 (available separately)
Audio input
Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter)
Supported languages
Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish
Battery
One rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL14 battery
AC adapter
EH-5b AC adapter; requires EP-5A power connector (available separately)
Tripod socket
1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx.128 x 97 x 79 mm (5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 in.)
Weight
Approx. 510 g/1 lb. 2 oz. (camera body only) Approx. 560 g (1 lb. 3.7 oz.) with battery and memory card but without body cap
Operating environment - temperature
0-40 °C (+32-104 °F)
Operating environment - humidity
Less than 85% (no condensation)
Supplied accessories
EN-EL14 rechargeable Li-ion battery (with terminal cover), MH-24 battery charger, AN-DC3 strap, EG-CP14 audio/video cable, UC-E6 USB cable, DK-5 eyepiece cap, BS-1 accessory shoe cover, DK-20 rubber eyecup, BF-1B body cap, ViewNX 2 CD, User's Manual
A great value starter kit. Includes the D5100 camera and the lightweight AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm II lens that boasts a precision 3x zoom and ED glass elements for sharp images. Offers the ideal way to begin shooting creative images.
Standard zoom lens kit. Enables you to shoot in low-light without a flash, for more natural-looking images. Includes the D5100 camera and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm VR that offers a precision 3x zoom lens and features Vibration Reduction to reduce the effects of camera shake.
Double zoom lens kit that offers excellent value for money. Includes the D5100 camera, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm II wide-angle zoom lens and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm telephoto lens. Both lenses feature fast, quiet autofocus and ED glass elements for sharp images.
Versatile double VR zoom lens kit. Includes the D5100 camera, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm VR wide-angle zoom lens and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm VR telephoto lens. Both lenses feature Vibration Reduction to reduce the effects of camera shake.
Superb double super-zoom VR lens kit. Includes the D5100 camera, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm VR wide-angle zoom lens and the powerful AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm 5.5x zoom lens with super-telephoto reach for stunning close-ups.