Nikon announces the new D5100

Nikon has announced the D5100: “The D5100 is a great camera that allows you to express your artistic side through impressive images and movies. You can shoot with creative effects and unique angles, all at the level of superior image quality seen in the D7000!”

Jordi Brinkman, Product Manager for Nikon Europe

The D5100 is the successor to the D5000, a popular model in the Nikon range. it comes with an updated Vari-angle LCD screen, which now open horizontally for greater functionality, especially when using a tripod. The D5000 was criticised for its screen not being fully usable when the camera was on a tripod. The screen is also thinner whilst at the same time offering higher resolution (921,000 dots compared to just 230,000 on the D5000).

Coming in at around 10% smaller than the D5000, the D5100 will also be cheaper, according to Nikon. Considering that it will also offer better image quality (on par with the D7000 according to Nikon) should increase its appeal.

Other improvements include:

• Nikon's Expeed 2 imaging processor
• 16.2MP CMOS sensor
• ISO equivalent to 102,400 in night vision mode (25,600 in Hi 2 mode)
• External stereo mike option (ME-1 @ £120)
• 2 IR sensors (one front, one back) to improve wireless performance
• New MOV H.264 video system ( as on the D3100 and D7000) offering full 1080p recording at 30, 35 & 24fps for clips up to 20 mins long
• New HDR mode
• New Special Effects mode - 7 effects in all including high key, low key and night vision
• Refresh of menu items (rounded 3D effect)

Price is expected to be £669.99 body only and £779.99 with 18-55mm kit lens.