Nikon Coolpix P5100 12.1MP Digital Camera with 3.5x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom | List Price: $349.95
Discount Price: Too low to display
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Brand: Nikon
Binding: Electronics
Features: - Supplied accessories - USB Cable UC-E6, Audio Video Cable EG-CP14, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5, Battery Charger MH-61, Strap AN-CP16, COOLPIX Software Suite CD-ROM
- 12.1 Megapixels for large photos and prints (max 20 x 30 inches)
- Image resolution - 4000 x 3000 (standard), 3968 x 2232 (widescreen)
- 3.5x Optical Zoom-Nikkor Glass Lens (35mm equivalent - 35-123mm) / digital zoom 4x
- VR Optical Image Stabilization minimizes the effect of camera shake
questionable warranty [Posted on 2008-07-25]
I purchased a P5100 from Amazon - one week into its first use (during a vacation), it stopped working - the lens refused to exit the body. I just have been in touch with Nikon where I learned that I will need to pay for the return of the camera for warranty repair. I will never ever again buy a camera from Amazon since unlike a bricks and mortar shop, they seem to have no responsibility for products like this once they sell them.
Now I'm convinced I'll never buy any other brand [Posted on 2008-07-28]
I have owned semi-professional Nikon film cameras for many years but somehow got sidetracked into buying Canon for my point-and-shoot digital cameras. No more! This camera is GREAT. The build is soooo substantial you know you're handling a serious machine. Controls are extra solid and intuitive, with the right balance between function-specific "real" buttons and screen menu selections. The fact that it has a hotshoe makes it extra flexible, eventhough the built-in flash normally does the job. It's fast and really easy to handle, eventhough it's aimed to a serious amateur segment. Finally, regarding the image quality: SUPERB. I was astounded at the sharpness, detail, color accuracy, and saturation of my latest set of prints. My only quibble with this awesome camera is that it doesn't have a wide-angle lens... its zoom starts at 35mm equivalent which is a bit of a pain for taking panorama or quirky wide angle close-ups, which happen to be my favorite! If you're OK with the lens, do not think twice and buy this baby. You'll love the photos it takes.
The best enthusiast camera for your dollar on the market [Posted on 2008-09-01]
I've had/used this camera for 2 weeks now and i'm pleased with my purchase. It performs well but based on expert reviews does not beat its main compeditor i.e. canon G9 but still gives good performance in its class...and for $150 less than its rivals...THIS IS A DEAL!
I believe its even better that the P6000 that has the same sensor size but costs more.
Get it if you can, while not as popular as others its a much better deal if cost is a factor.
Great little camera! [Posted on 2008-09-08]
This is my first digital camera and I am greatly impressed with its versatility and general ease of use. Yes, I agree with others, the lag time is somewhat daunting, but for most applications it is acceptable. The overall excellence in picture quality alone, especially with regard to clarity and exacting color, should thoroughly delight most discriminating photographers. The camera is extremely sensitive to very subtle light sources and automatically adjusts to accept poorly illuminated environments. It is hard to believe that anyone would not be happy with this camera.
Underrated, very capable [Posted on 2008-10-09]
First of all, let me address one of the major complaints about this camera: low light AF hunting. I've never had a digital camera that did NOT have trouble getting its focus in low light. The Canon XTi has the problem, my Minolta digital had the problem and, from what I've read the Olympus E510 and Nikon D60 also have that problem. But with the P5100 there are ways around it using the landscape setting.
The other problem, overblown and overstated, is the noise factor. If you are seriously thinking about this camera and like low light photography, as I do, then I would suggest you go to this Flickr link and have a look at how capable the P5100 truly is in low light situations. The noise is not a factor if the settings are correct. Link: http://www.flickr.com/search/?ss=2&w=all&q=P5100+night&m=text
I bought this looking for a camera capable of doing film-like work (or as close as possible)with a very small body. That does not mean I am necessarily looking for razor-sharp resolution (though you do get that with this fine Nikkor lens). I wanted a certain "look" to the photographs that this camera can indeed produce.
No RAW? Who cares! I don't do PS anyway and would rather have an excellent camera that takes great photographs in the first place and doesn't require the use of RAW and hours slaving away over Photo Shop rebuilding a flawed photograph piece by piece. No thank you. If that appeals to you then get the G9 or G10, but don't try to put it in your pocket! But if you want what is, IMHO, a better camera and lens to use on site and get it right the first time, on location, then this is a better choice. Have a look at this link to see the P5100's low light capability and film-like qualities: http://www.flickr.com/photos/atemzeit/2312242297/
Or here to see its beautiful bokeh: http://www.flickr.com/photos/soul-san/2585370492/
And bear in mind that this camera does this with 12.1 pixels on a tiny little sensor. How? The secret is the custom application of the EXPEED digital image processing engine. Something the G9 and G10 don't have. You get the advantages of a huge pixel count (on a small sensor) but without the excessive noise found on cameras not possessing such a capable processing engine. And, regarding the G9 and G10, not only is this camera much smaller but the build is far better and it has a hard substantial feel, thanks in part to the magnesium front plate.
But, for me, all it boils down to is this: is this camera able to deliver the look you are searching for or not? If you like what you see when you brouse Flickr then give it a try. If you don't like what you see, give it a pass. The proof is in the pudding and you can read ten different reviews and everyone says something different. So just go by the results you can see on the net.
This review is my opinion only and, as I said, you can certainly find people who do not agree with me about this. I read many reviews and finally just decided to peruse Flickr to see actual results. So don't take my word for it, look for yourself.
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