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CNET editors' rating:
3.0 stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 11 reviews
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Product summary
The good: The Nikon Coolpix P5100 fits manual exposure controls and optical image stabilization into a compact but sturdy body and produces very good photographs.
The bad: Slow; strong barrel distortion at wide angle. Be prepared to use the small optical viewfinder instead of its LCD outdoors when the sun is shining.
The bottom line: Despite its image-quality strengths, sluggish performance tarnishes the appeal of the otherwise well-equipped, compact Nikon Coolpix P5100.
Specifications: Digital camera type: Compact; Resolution: 12.1 megapixels; Optical zoom: 3.5 x; See full specs
Price range: $279.00 - $407.69
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 01/02/2008
- Released on: 09/15/2007
Released not long after its sibling, the P5000, the Nikon Coolpix P5100 quickly claimed its role as the new leader of the Coolpix pack. The two cameras bear a close familial resemblance both on the surface and under the hood--most notably the solid, compact body, optical image stabilization, and manual exposure controls. But the P5100 delivers 12 megapixels (versus the P5000's 10), improved Face-Priority autofocus, lens distortion correction setting, a redesigned mode dial, continuous flash, and a slightly wider lens, along with a few other changes.
Weighing 8.1 ounces fully loaded and measuring 3.9 by 2.5 by 1.6 inches, the P5100 is compact enough to stow in a jacket pocket and carry around all day. At the same time, this little SLR lookalike is extremely well built and feels rugged enough to withstand rougher-than-usual handling. Ergonomics are good, and its rubberized grip provides a comfortable and solid handhold.
The small optical viewfinder is helpful when sunlight washes out the 230,000-pixel 2.5-inch LCD, which occurs more frequently than it should. Despite its small size--and only 80 percent coverage--the viewfinder is usable for most shots.
The P5100's 3.5x optical zoom is only a hair wider than the P5000's (35mm-to-123mm-equivalent versus 36mm-to-126mm) but it can't match any of Panasonic's 28mm wide-angle cameras nor the Canon A650 IS' 6x optical zoom. Wide angle and telephoto accessory lenses are available to make up the difference, but the 3.5x optical zoom should be sufficient for general picture-taking.
If you feel the need for extra flash power, you can pick up a Nikon Speedlight (SB-400, SB-600, or SB-800). Because the P5100 is so small, you're probably better off with the relatively petite SB-400 to prevent the camera from being top-heavy.
When it comes to features, the P5100 doesn't discriminate against any skill set: Whether you're an experienced shooter, in the learning phase, or a point-and-shooter, you'll find something to like about this camera. Amateur photographers will appreciate the full complement of manual exposure controls and tweaking options. Those in learning mode can get their photographic feet wet with flexible Program mode, which allows you to opt for a faster shutter speed or a wider aperture setting. And newcomers will feel comfortable with Auto mode, the P5100's 15 scene modes, and onboard context-sensitive help.
Other features of interest include the ability to cap the ISO range when using Auto ISO as well as a group of image-optimization settings. In addition to Normal, the latter includes Softer (for portraits), two Vivid options (Vivid and More Vivid), Portrait, and Custom (for adjusting contrast, sharpness, and saturation). There's also a black and white option in the same menu group.
The P5100 also offers Nikon's signature D-Lighting, which adjusts exposure post-capture so underexposed images can be brightened. D-Lighting generally works well but at the expense of adding some image noise.
Working with the P5100 can be a little confusing, especially for photographers who aren't used to using a command dial in conjunction with the four-way controller or the user-assignable function (Fn) button. The P5100's menu system is easy to understand once you know where to find the settings. For some inexplicable reason, Vibration Reduction (Nikon parlance for optical--and sometimes electronic--image stabilization) lives in the Setup menu along with the Format function.
Continue reading- See more CNET content tagged:
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- Nikon Coolpix,
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 11 reviews
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Where to buy
Nikon Coolpix P5100:
$279.00 - $407.69
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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$279.00 | Yes |
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$348.99 |
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$279.88 | Yes |
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$349.95 | Yes |
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