Nikon D5100

[Joanna71985]

Question- does anyone have this camera? I currently have the Nikon D40, and I am leaning towards upgrading to the D5100. But I just want to hear first-hand experiences about it. Thanks!

 

[OKW Lover]

Don't have one, but am also seriously considering getting one as an upgrade from my D3100. Found Ken Rockwell's review and it sounds good.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I don't have D5100, but I do own a D5000. I love it. It feels real good and is easy to use.

 

[photo_chick]

It really depends on why you're getting a new body. What is it that you want to get out of the new purchase?

 

[SurferStitch16]

I just got the D5100 on Tuesday as a surprise present!! I have the D40X and was in love with the camera. The big thing that I didn't like about that one was the lack of HDR photos, which I have recently become very big into. The D5100 does HDR great and much much more than the D40X. I actually read the manuel, which I NEVER EVER do, on it and learned a ton of stuff. I have played with it every day and it still amazes me. It can do so much more than the one I had before. It was really easy to use, I probably didn't need to read the manuel, but I wanted to make sure I get the most I can out of this camera. It is very easy to use and the buttons are nicer. Do you have any specific questions about that camera??

 

[Joanna71985]

It really depends on why you're getting a new body. What is it that you want to get out of the new purchase?

More ISO, for one thing. I also am looking to get a dSLR that's more advanced

I just got the D5100 on Tuesday as a surprise present!! I have the D40X and was in love with the camera. The big thing that I didn't like about that one was the lack of HDR photos, which I have recently become very big into. The D5100 does HDR great and much much more than the D40X. I actually read the manuel, which I NEVER EVER do, on it and learned a ton of stuff. I have played with it every day and it still amazes me. It can do so much more than the one I had before. It was really easy to use, I probably didn't need to read the manuel, but I wanted to make sure I get the most I can out of this camera. It is very easy to use and the buttons are nicer. Do you have any specific questions about that camera??

Pretty much is it hard to use (which you answered), is it big in size or about the same size as the D40. That's it for right now. I will definitely come to you if I think of anymore

 

[SurferStitch16]

More ISO, for one thing. I also am looking to get a dSLR that's more advanced

This is the camera to get then!! It has a crazy amount of ISO: 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3200, 4000, 5000, 6400, Hi 0.3, Hi 0.7, Hi 1, Hi 2. There are plenty of ISO options!! I have not tried the Hi ISO options yet, but I am planning on either staying up really late or getting up really early one night this weekend to try them out on a sky background. I am really really excited for it!! The effects are especially cool and there are a lot of scene options, which is nice when I am feeling lazy and don't have to change settings. Good luck with your decision, but I think its clear where I stand

 

[HPS3]

I sold a T2i to buy my D5100. I love it. I also picked up a 35mm f1.8 af-s and a SB600. It is the same size as my brothers D60. I love the feel of this camera.

 

[Joanna71985]

This is the camera to get then!! It has a crazy amount of ISO: 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3200, 4000, 5000, 6400, Hi 0.3, Hi 0.7, Hi 1, Hi 2. There are plenty of ISO options!! I have not tried the Hi ISO options yet, but I am planning on either staying up really late or getting up really early one night this weekend to try them out on a sky background. I am really really excited for it!! The effects are especially cool and there are a lot of scene options, which is nice when I am feeling lazy and don't have to change settings. Good luck with your decision, but I think its clear where I stand

Thank you for the info! That sounds perfect

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I'm looking at the 5100 myself. Does anyone know for sure if the focus motor is built into the body or do they still rely on the lens?

 

[kmadams]

I'm looking at the 5100 myself. Does anyone know for sure if the focus motor is built into the body or do they still rely on the lens?

I have the 5100, and the focus motor is NOT built into the body. We have to manually focus our fisheye lens, and a couple of other older lenses that I have. Not a deal breaker, just be aware.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I have the 5100, and the focus motor is NOT built into the body. We have to manually focus our fisheye lens, and a couple of other older lenses that I have. Not a deal breaker, just be aware.

Thanks

 

[WDWFigment]

I've heard nothing but good things about it. My wife uses a D3100 and loves it, for what it's worth.

 

[cbombard]

Just got the D5100 for my birthday.. Yippeee.. now to finish reading the manual before our trip to the world in 2 weeks!


Any must knows for someone coming from a D40?

 

[HPS3]

Congrats on your new camera! I sure like my D5100, but it does look funny with my Sigma 70-200 mounted on it. Anyway, great choice and make sure to post some photos in the Nikon thread.

 

[cbombard]

How is the battery life you are seeing with your D5100? We are off to the world for 10days soon.. and well.. the battery is on back order everywhere I have looked.. sooo I have the original only.


I will post some pictures there.. Here is one from last night..

 

[HPS3]

I still only have 1 battery and haven't needed an extra yet. I can take pictures all day shooting with my 35 or sigma 70-200 neither have stabilization. For my upcoming WDW trip I plan on getting another because this May I had my T2i and ran out of battery by nightfall. Luckily, my brother let me use his D3100.

 

[thehowells]

how many photos are you taking to drain a battery in one day? i have a d3000, and would almost 400 a day and never ran out of battery

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I've drained my battery a few times. Long exposures drain it real quick.

Just an FYI for those thinking about it, the cheap Ebay knock off's DO NOT WORK. The camera powers up but the LCD states that it's not a compatible battery. I miss my $8 knock off I had on my D5000, that thing lasted forever!

 

[cbombard]

Good to know about them not working..

I have heard similar before..

The number of shots is not worries me.. it is my wife's love of live view, and viewing pictures during meals..