
- Horizontal swing-out, vari-angle LCD monitor that gives new viewpoints from flexible angles
- Approx. 921k-dot, wide-viewing-angle (170°), 7.5-cm (3-in.) vari-angle LCD monitor. Horizontal swing-out monitor makes it easy to operate even when shooting with a tripod.
- More beautiful and easier movie recording in full HD (1,920 x 1,080/30p) format: D-Movie
- You can enjoy recording full HD movies only digital SLR cameras can realize utilizing a variety of exchangeable lenses. Stereo recording is available with the optional stereo microphone.
- Image reproduction with high resolution and rich tonal gradation, equivalent to those of a higher-class model
- The D5100 employs an image sensor equivalent to that of the higher-class model, D7000. Furthermore, image processing engine "EXPEED 2" achieves high image quality, high-speed image processing and multiple functions.
- Special effects mode that enables various creative effects in still images and movies. [NEW] ...more
- 16.2 effective megapixels. Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor. ...more
- Image processing engine "EXPEED 2" that achieves high image quality, high-speed image processing and multiple functions. ...more
- Wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 6400, expandable to Hi 2 (ISO 25600 equivalent) delivers sharp images with reduced blur caused by camera shake even in dark lighting situations and sports scenes. ...more
- Fast and accurate 11-point AF system that captures even moving subjects. ...more
- Live View shooting function that lets you focus on a desired point within the frame. ...more
- Scene Auto Selector that automatically selects the most appropriate scene mode according to the shooting scenes or subjects. ...more
- 16 options of Scene Modes enable you to select the most appropriate mode according to your shooting scenes or subjects. ...more
- HDR (High Dynamic Range) that allows you to shoot easily even in a difficult high-contrast scene. [NEW]
...more - Lightweight and compact, user-friendly body with superior operability. ...more
- Easy-to-use in-camera image-editing functions such as NEW (RAW) processing, filter effects and edit movie. ...more
New Perspectives
Changes your photographic expression with unique angles —
shooting with the vari-angle LCD monitorThe D5100 incorporates an approx. 921k-dot, 7.5-cm (3-in.), wide-viewing-angle, vari-angle LCD monitor that realizes comfortable movie and Live View shooting. The LCD monitor opens horizontally from 0° to 180° and flips up and down from +180° to -90°. Highly improved operability when shooting from a high or low angle allows you to shoot with a stable posture while confirming composition even if shooting from ground level. You can enjoy new, creative expressions by shooting from various angles and discover unique points of view.- The LCD monitor is protected from dirt or damage because it can be stored when not in use.
Various scenes captured taking advantage of the vari-angle LCD monitor
- High angle
It is easy to shoot from a high angle holding the camera with an outstretched arm, even if there are many people standing in front of you.
- Self-portrait
You can compose your image precisely by checking the LCD monitor facing you.
- Tripod shooting
The horizontal swing-out LCD monitor makes it easy to shoot with a tripod. Remote close-up shooting is available using the rear infrared receiver to prevent image blur caused by camera shake.
Allows you to compose your photograph precisely and focus on a desired point viewing the LCD monitor — Live View shooting
Live View shooting gets the most out of the vari-angle LCD monitor. You can shoot while confirming your subject with the large, easy-to-view, 7.5-cm (3-in.) VGA (approx. 921k-dot), wide-viewing-angle (170°), 100% frame coverage LCD monitor. The dedicated Live View switch realizes simple, smooth switching from shooting with the finder to Live View shooting. Also, contrast-detect AF lets you focus on a desired point within a frame.Three focus modes — selectable according to your subject
-Single-servo AF (AF-S)
Suitable for a stationary subject such as landscapes, architecture or flowers.-Full-time-servo AF (AF-F)
Convenient for shooting a moving subject which is usually difficult to focus on, such as a child or pet. Available in both Live View mode and movie recording. Camera focuses continuously, after shooting starts.-Manual focus (MF)
Manual focusing. Suitable for a subject for which autofocus is difficult, such as an animal in a cage or a person in the shade with the sun in the background.Four AF-area modes — automatically focus on someone's face or a moving subject
-Face-priority AF
Suitable for focusing on someone's face such as for a commemorative photo.-Wide-area AF
Suitable for handheld shooting such as for a landscape. AF area can be moved to a desired point within the frame.-Normal-area AF
Convenient for shooting with pin-point focus such as for a close-up of a flower. Using a tripod is recommended for more precise focusing.-Subject-tracking AF
After focusing is activated, AF area tracks the subject automatically. Suitable for a moving subject such as a child or pet.- Face-priority AF
Recommended combination of focus mode and AF-area mode
- Single-servo AF and wide-area AF
Suitable for a stationary subject
- Full-time-servo AF and subject-tracking AF
Suitable for a moving subject
Records movies more beautifully and easily —
full HD movie-recording function: D-MovieThe D5100 offers high-image-quality full HD movie recording at 1,920 x 1,080/30p. You can shoot creative movies easily, not only taking advantage of shallow depth of field, high ISO sensitivity performance and a variety of interchangeable NIKKOR lenses of digital SLR cameras but also utilizing the vari-angle LCD monitor and special effects mode of the D5100.
Contrast-detect AF is possible and if you set full-time-servo AF (AF-F) for focus mode and subject-tracking AF for AF-area mode, focus point tracks even a moving subject continuously and three-dimensionally.Optional Stereo Microphone ME-1 compatible
In addition to monaural recording with the built-in microphone, the D5100 lets you record stereo sound with optional Stereo Microphone ME-1. Using Stereo Microphone ME-1 also reduces noise caused by lens vibration being recorded during autofocus shooting.
Furthermore, you can select the sensitivity level for either the built-in microphone or Stereo Microphone ME-1, choosing from auto, high, medium or low according to shooting conditions. Select low for scenes in louder environments, such as a concert hall; high for quieter environments, with more delicate sounds, such as a murmuring stream.In-camera movie editing functions
You can edit your movie easily without a PC. It is possible to delete unwanted parts by choosing the start or end point in single frame units, and save a selected frame as a JPEG image with the same image size as that of the selected movie frame.D-Movie frame size, frame rate and maximum recording time
Movie qualityQualityBit rate (high/normal quality)Maximum lengthFrame size (pixels)Frame rate1,920 x 1,08030p (29.97 fps)1, 2★ high/normal18 Mbps/10 Mbps20 min.425p (25 fps)2, 324p (23.976 fps)1,280 x 72030p (29.97 fps)110 Mbps/6 Mbps25p (25 fps)324p (23.976 fps)8 Mbps/5 Mbps640 x 42430p (29.97 fps)14 Mbps/2 Mbps25p (25 fps)3- Available when NTSC is selected for video mode.
- Not output to television during recording.
- Available when PAL is selected for video mode.
- Movies recorded in miniature effect mode are up to 3 minutes long when played back.
Sample movie
Note: The video shown here was taken using the D-Movie function, then converted to Flash Video format for ease of handling. Image quality varies from the original.Nikon Digital SLR Camera D5100 Specifications
TypeTypeSingle-lens reflex digital cameraLens mountNikon F mount (with AF contacts)Effective angle of viewApprox. 1.5 x lens focal length (Nikon DX format)Effective pixelsEffective pixels16.2 millionImage sensorImage sensor23.6 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensorTotal pixels16.9 millionDust-reduction systemImage Sensor Cleaning, Airflow Control System, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)StorageImage size (pixels)- 4,928 x 3,264 [L]
- 3,696 x 2,448 [M]
- 2,464 x 1,632 [S]
File format- 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 SystemStandard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture ControlsMediaSD (Secure Digital), SDHC and SDXC memory cardsFile systemDCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.3 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridgeViewfinderViewfinderEye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinderFrame coverageApprox. 95% horizontal and 95% verticalMagnificationApprox. 0.78 x (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-1)Eyepoint17.9 mm (-1.0 m-1)Diopter adjustment-1.7 to +0.7 m-1Focusing screenType B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VII screenReflex mirrorQuick returnLens apertureInstant return, electronically controlledLensCompatible 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
- Note: The electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster
ShutterTypeElectronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutterSpeed1/4000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, Bulb; Time (requires optional Remote Control ML-L3)Flash sync speedX = 1/200 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200 s or slowerReleaseRelease mode(single frame),
(continuous),
(self-timer),
(delayed remote),
(quick-response remote),
(quiet shutter release)
Frame advance rateUp to 4 fps (manual focus, mode M or S, shutter speed 1/250 s or faster, and other settings at default values)Self-timer2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; 1 to 9 exposuresExposureMeteringTTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensorMetering 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
Range
(ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)- Matrix or center-weighted metering: 0 to 20 EV
- Spot metering: 2 to 20 EV
Exposure meter couplingCPUModeAuto 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 to +5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EVExposure bracketing3 frames in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EVExposure lockLuminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L buttonISO sensitivity
(Recommended Exposure Index)ISO 100 to 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 availableActive D-LightingAuto, extra high, high, normal, low, offADL bracketing2 framesFocusAutofocusNikon 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 to 3 m/1 ft. 8 in. to 9 ft. 10 in.)Detection range-1 to +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 pointCan be selected from 11 focus pointsAF-area modeSingle-point AF, dynamic-area AF, auto-area AF, 3D-tracking (11 points)Focus lockFocus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L buttonFlashBuilt-in flash,
,
,
,
,
,
,
: Auto flash with auto pop-up
- P, S, A, M,
: Manual pop-up with button release
Guide numberApprox. 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, 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 modeAuto, 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, offFlash compensation-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EVFlash-ready indicatorLights 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 outputAccessory shoeISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lockNikon Creative Lighting
System (CLS)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 unitsSync terminalSync Terminal Adapter AS-15 (available separately)White balanceWhite balanceAuto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine tuningWhite balance bracketing3 frames in steps of 1Live ViewLens servo- Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time-servo AF (AF-F)
- Manual focus (MF)
AF-area modeFace-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AFAutofocusContrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected)Automatic scene selectionAvailable inand
modes
MovieMeteringTTL exposure metering using main image sensorMetering methodMatrixFrame size (pixels)
and frame rate- 1,920 x 1,080, 30p/25p/24p, ★ high/normal
- 1,280 x 720, 30p/25p/24p, ★ high/normal
- 640 x 424, 30p/25p, ★ high/normal
- A frame rate of 30p (actual frame rate 29.97 fps) is available when NTSC is selected for video mode; 25p is available when PAL is selected for video mode; Actual frame rate when 24p is selected is 23.976 fps
File formatMOVVideo compressionH.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video CodingAudio recording formatLinear PCMAudio recording deviceBuilt-in monaural or external stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustableMonitorMonitor7.5-cm/3-in., approx. 921k-dot (VGA), vari-angle low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170°viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustmentPlaybackPlaybackFull-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)InterfaceUSBHi-Speed USBVideo outputNTSC, PALHDMI outputType C mini-pin HDMI connectorAccessory terminal- Remote Cord MC-DC2 (available separately)
- GPS Unit GP-1 (available separately)
Audio inputStereo mini-pin jack (3.5-mm diameter)Supported languagesSupported languagesArabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, TurkishPower sourceBatteryOne Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL14AC adapterAC Adapter EH-5a/5b; requires Power Connector EP-5A (available separately)Tripod socketTripod socket1/4 in. (ISO 1222)Dimensions / weightDimensions
(W x H x D)Approx. 128 x 97 x 79 mm/5.0 x 3.8 x 3.1 in.WeightApprox. 560 g/1 lb. 3.7 oz. with battery and memory card but without body cap; Approx. 510 g/1 lb. 2 oz. (camera body only)Operating environmentTemperature0 to 40°C/32 to 104°FHumidityLess than 85% (no condensation)AccessoriesSupplied accessories
(may differ by country or area)Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL14, Battery Charger MH-24, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-20, USB Cable UC-E6, Audio Video Cable EG-CP14, Camera Strap AN-DC3, Body Cap BF-1B, Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1, ViewNX 2 CD-ROM- Microsoft and Windows, Windows 7 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
- Macintosh and QuickTime are registered trademarks or trademarks of Apple Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
- The SD, SDHC and SDXC logos are trademarks of the SD Card Association.
- PictBridge is a trademark.
- HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC.
- Google Maps™ is a trademark of Google Inc.
- Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
- Images in viewfinders, on LCDs and monitors shown in this site are simulated.
Memory card capacity
The following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on an 8 GB Toshiba R95 W80MB/s UHS-I SDHC card at different image quality and size settings.Image qualityImage sizeFile size*1No. of images*1Buffer capacity*2NEF (RAW) + JPEG fine*3Large
Medium
Small23.9 MB
20.8 MB
18.4 MB244
279
31110
10
11NEF (RAW) + JPEG normal*3Large
Medium
Small20.4 MB
18.6 MB
17.4 MB285
307
32510
10
12NEF (RAW) + JPEG basic*3Large
Medium
Small18.3 MB
17.5 MB
16.9 MB311
324
33310
10
12NEF (RAW)-16.4 MB34316JPEG fineLarge
Medium
Small7.1 MB
4.4 MB
2.0 MB844
1400
3300100
100
100JPEG normalLarge
Medium
Small3.9 MB
2.2 MB
1.0 MB1600
2900
6200100
100
100JPEG basicLarge
Medium
Small1.8 MB
1.1 MB
0.5 MB3300
5700
11400100
100
100- *1 : All figures are approximate. File size varies with scene recorded.
- *2 : Maximum number of exposures that can be stored in memory buffer at ISO 100. Drops if long exposure noise reduction or auto distortion control is on.
- *3 : Image size applies to JPEG images only. Size of NEF (RAW) images cannot be changed. File size is the total for NEF (RAW) and JPEG images.
Approved memory cards
The following SD memory cards have been tested and approved for use in the D5100.
Cards with class 6 or faster write speeds are recommended for movie recording.
Recording may end unexpectedly when cards with slower write speeds are used.SD memory cardsSDHC memory cards*2SDXC memory cards*3SanDisk1GB, 2GB*14GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB64GBToshiba1GB, 2GB*14GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB64GBPanasonic1GB, 2GB*14GB, 6GB, 8GB, 12GB, 16GB, 24GB, 32GB48GB, 64GBLexar Media1GB, 2GB*14GB, 8GB-Platinum II1GB, 2GB*14GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB-Professional1GB, 2GB*14GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB-- *1 : Check that any card readers or other devices with which the card will be used support 2 GB cards.
- *2 : Check that any card readers or other devices with which the card will be used are SDHC-compliant. The camera supports UHS-1.
- *3 : Check that any card readers or other devices with which the card will be used are SDXC-compliant. The camera supports UHS-1.
Note: Please check with the SD card manufacturer regarding features, specifications, warranty, and other items. Nikon cannot assure compatibility with SD cards not listed above.System chart
- Nikon retains all usage rights to these images.
Sample Images 1
- Photographer: Bob Krist
- Original data size
(JPG : 8.38 MB)
Shutter speed1/350 secondAperturef/6.7Focal length55mmExposure modeShutter-Priority AutoExposure metering3D Color Matrix Metering IISensitivityISO 100White balanceDirect sunlightPicture controlStandardImage qualityJPEG Fine (8-bit)LensAF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-EDSample Images 2
- Photographer: Kathy Wolfe
- Original data size
(JPG : 5.48 MB)
Shutter speed1/250 secondAperturef/8Focal length29mmExposure modeProgrammed AutoExposure metering3D Color Matrix Metering IISensitivityAuto (ISO 100)White balanceAutoPicture controlStandardImage qualityJPEG Fine (8-bit)LensAF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VRSample Images 3
- Photographer: Bob Krist
- Original data size
(JPG : 5.24 MB)
Shutter speed1/180 secondAperturef/5.6Focal length18mmExposure modeAperture-Priority AutoExposure metering3D Color Matrix Metering IISensitivityISO 100White balanceAutoPicture controlStandardImage qualityJPEG Fine (8-bit)LensAF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VRSample Images 4
- Photographer: Bob Krist
- Original data size
(JPG : 3.98 MB)
Shutter speed1/400 secondAperturef/8Focal length55mmExposure modeClose upExposure metering3D Color Matrix Metering IISensitivityAuto (ISO 100)White balanceAutoPicture controlStandardImage qualityJPEG Fine (8-bit)LensAF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VRSample Images 5
- Photographer: Kathy Wolfe
- Original data size
(JPG : 5.44 MB)
Shutter speed1/1,000 secondAperturef/4.5Focal length29mmExposure modePet portraitExposure metering3D Color Matrix Metering IISensitivityAuto (ISO 400)White balanceAutoPicture controlStandardImage qualityJPEG Fine (8-bit)LensAF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR