Nikon Coolpix P5100 12.1MP Digital Camera with 3.5x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 1.6 x 2.5 inches ; 1.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000VKSRV8
• Item model number: 25580
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,335 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 26, 2007

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Nikon Coolpix P5100 is the new flagship model in the Nikon Coolpix lineup, designed to satisfy photography enthusiasts. Built on a custom application of Nikon's innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept and incorporating the precision optics of a Nikkor lens, the Coolpix P5100 is built to realize optimum performance and maximum image quality.

Class-leading imaging ability begins with a full 12.1 effective megapixels of sharp resolution and a new digital image processing engine that reproduce the finest details and subtlest tones with precision and clarity, even when taking advantage of sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200. (ISO 3200 is available only for image sizes of 5 megapixels [2592 x 1944] or smaller.) It also includes the compositional freedom of the 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens and compatibility with various converter lenses that further extend wide-angle and telephoto reach.

In addition to a variety of automated and scene modes, four advanced exposure modes offer both enthusiasts and more advanced photographers greater personal control over the camera. The Mode dial provides easy access to these modes, reflecting the Coolpix P5100's logical design that works to simplify and streamline operation for the photographer.

Optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization counteracts the effects of camera shake in lower light or when shooting unsteady subjects to help achieve sharper results. Active full time, it also stabilizes images displayed on the 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD monitor with wide 170-degree viewing angle for easier framing and more reassured shooting.

The quality-crafted body is made of solid magnesium alloy (Mg), featuring a quality finish, a comfortable grip covered in grid-pattern rubber, as well as an optical viewfinder to aid composition, particularly in brightly lit conditions. The built-in accessory shoe adds support for Nikon Speedlights and advanced i-TTL flash control.

Nikon Coolpix P5100 Feature Highlights

Superb image quality
Excellent imaging quality is a priority for the Coolpix P5100, from the 12.1 effective megapixels of imaging power produced by its 1/1.72-inch RGB CCD and new digital image processing engine, to its powerful 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens and optical lens shift VR.

Shooting modes that give the user greater control
Four exposure modes accessed via the Mode dial provide greater control over camera operation. Programmed Auto [P] mode automatically selects the optimal shutter and aperture settings. Shutter-priority Auto [S] lets the user select shutter speed, while the camera sets the optimal aperture. Aperture-priority Auto [A] offers 10-step manual control over the aperture setting to let the user decide depth of field, while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed. Manual [M] exposure mode provides full control over both the aperture and shutter speed settings.

Proven lens shift VR image stabilization
Optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) is field-proven technology originally developed for interchangeable lenses used in Nikon SLR camera systems. The VR technology provides the ability to shoot at shutter speeds as much as three stops slower without blurring the image, as well as producing a smoother viewfinder image which aids composition. Nikon's exclusive VR system also yields sharper results when shooting in low light when using the 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens, or when reaching farther with an optional telephoto converter lens.

ISO 3200 capability
Extended light sensitivity range up to ISO 3200 adds the power to shoot more effectively in lower lighting conditions or to capture fast moving subjects with outstanding clarity. And the new image processing engine produces clear results, even when shooting with high ISO settings.

The convenience of system expandability
Optional system components further expand the photographic possibilities of the Coolpix P5100. Nikon's 0.67x wide-angle converter (WC-E67) and 3.0x tele-converter (TC-E3ED) lenses are available to extend the range of the attached 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens, while a built-in accessory shoe supports the use of Nikon's advanced i-TTL flash control for external flashes, including the Speedlight SB-400, SB-600, and SB-800. These accessories are not included and must be purchased separately.

Other features

• Three unique Nikon image innovations: Face-priority AF with improved speed and efficiency, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting
• Optimize image for shooting monochrome photographs using a choice of 4 different filters for creative effects, (yellow, orange, red, and green)
• Continuous flash shooting helps capture the action by allowing a burst of consecutive flash shots without having to wait for the flash to recharge
• 1:1 size format allows photos to be shot using 1:1 (square) perspective
• Distortion control corrects for barrel distortion in images shot and even displays the corrected image on the LCD in real time
• Macro shooting from as close as 4 centimeters (1.6 inches)
• 4x digital zoom extends compositional freedom
• Improved menu interface, available in a choice of 23 languages
• Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
• SDHC card compatibility
• Approximately 52MB of internal memory
• PictBridge support

What's in the box
Nikon Coolpix P5100 digital camera, UC-E6 USB cable, EG-CP14 audio-video cable, EN-EL5 rechargeable li-ion battery, MH-61 battery charger, AN-CP16 strap, Software Suite CD-ROM

Product Description

Nikon is a precision optical company with worldwide manufacturing, research and marketing capabilities. The Nikon name is equated with extraordinary photographic performance, innovation, precision and optical quality.PRODUCT FEATURES:12.1 Megapixels for stunning prints as large as 20 x 30 inches;3.5x Optical Zoom-Nikkor Glass Lens - quality optics provide exceptional images;VR Optical Image Stabilization minimizes the effect of camera shake;Incredible, Bright 2.5-inch High Resolution LCD and Optical Viewfinder make it easy to compose and share your pictures;Program, Aperture, Shutter and Manual Exposure Modes give you greater creative control over camera operation;Auto adjusts up to ISO 3200 (5MP or lower) - keep shooting, even in lower light.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

99 of 101 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compromise between P&S and DSLR, November 16, 2007

By	JAM in SF (San Francisco CA) - See all my reviews

I love this camera. My guess is you'll love it too, at least if your needs are similar to mine:

I cut my teeth on a Pentax Spotmatic in the 1970s, and appreciate the flexibility of manual controls. Point-&-Shoot digital cameras are small and light, but (nearly) everything is automatic. The P5100 allows you to manually adjust the shutter speed and aperture, just like with a DSLR; but unlike a DSLR, the P5100 is (while a bit heavier and bulkier than I might ideally like) pocketable. It's a compromise between a DSLR and a P&S, and in that sense works really well for me.

The build is really solid, the controls are exceptionally easy to use, and image quality is superb. My only real complaints are that it's a bit slow (shutter lag seeems longer than most, there's a lag while the image is being processed, and it grinds and struggles to focus in low light) and the on/off switch is located in the wrong place (the center of the grip, so I find myself turning the camera on & off when I don't mean to). I consider these minor inconveniences.

So if you're a photo enthusiast who wants more control than offered by most P&S cameras, but you don't want to deal with the bulk of a DSLR, you may love the P5100 too.

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UPDATE: I've had the camera for nearly 3 months now, so a brief update. I still rate it as an amazing little camera -- a lot of features and flexibility are squeezed into a small, solidly-constructed, pocketable box. If pocketability is what you want, this camera is I still believe an excellent choice. It's truly like having a DSLR in your pocket in many respects.

And it's not perfect: I wish I could give it 4-1/2 stars. When there are so many features packed into a small box, I guess there are bound to be compromises.

The P5100's compromises show up mainly in low light. First, there's a lot of noise above 400 ISO (although it's rated up to 3200). In that sense, this camera behaves more like a film camera -- which isn't so terrible, I've learned to work with it. The bigger problem is AutoFocus: It's a bit slow in the best of circumstances, and in low light it can take up to ten seconds to fix a focus. This doesn't lend itself to "point-&-shoot" captures. Again, I've learned to live with this: In low-light situations, I frame a shot and pre-focus: I depress the shutter halfway well before I'm actually ready to shoot, and then just wait. It works, but takes getting-used-to. I've also learned that center focus is a lot faster than the other auto focus options, and that in landscape mode, AF is turned off, with focus set at infinity. Most important: from a half-depressed position, the shutter release is very responsive. Bottom line: Low light photography requires a bit of advance planning.

When shopping for this camera, I preferred both the Canon G9 and A650 to the Nikon P5100, each for different reasons. But neither Canon camera is IMO pocketable. So if you want DSLR-like flexibility in a small box, I still think the P5100 is about the best you can do at this point.

89 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE LOVE LOVE This camera!!!, October 16, 2007

By	Darla Hall - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Ok so my last camera was a Nikon 3200 which we loved but the shutterspeed was slow and it was just a little outdated. We decided it was time for a new camera so we went to the store and ended up with an Olympus 1000 (great sale price). We got home and after we used it a couple of times we realy didn't like the camera because many pictures were blurred and just not very clear. So we sold the Olympus and splurged and got this camera. This camera is worth every penny! The pictures are so clear and the camera is actually much easier to use than I thought it would be. We took a picture of our ceiling fan while it was on high just to see how it would turn out and in the picture it is as clear as if the fan was off. This is an amazing camera with awesome features and my husband and I are both blown away by the picture quality. We can't wait to get outside and use the camera to try all the features.

115 of 127 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I like my P5000 very much, thus I would recommend the P5100, November 10, 2007

By	Gerald Siegel (Mililani Town, HI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First let me tell you what to buy with the camera. 1) the UR- E20 adapter tube. You can leave it on all the time as protection and for extra finger grip, I do. It weighs next to nothing 2) the wide angle converter lens, also very small gizmo, another hundred dollars but gives you a wide view of 24mm equivalent and the menu option allows the camera to correct some barrel distortion inherent in this type optic.Works pretty darn good except at extreme edges 3)Nikon's SB400 flash,which is a marvel. Small,light,dedicated to the system and has a swivel flash tube up front for bounce,unusual in anything this small and two celled. Flash uses two AA size standard power and delivers a lot more than the built in body flash pintsize runt,rechargeables are better natch. And if you get the flash you prolong the camera batter,a nice bonus and less less redeye4) a spare Li-Ion battery by Nikon another mere 20 bucks or so.Fast 2 hour charge will do it. Now this whole kit and kaboodle will run the tab up a bit more than you expected,but you will get shots that are equal or better than a heavy SLR with a heavy zoom lens.I do not joke. The camera's Program mode is one of the better ones out there. Meaning I trust it a lot.

Some professional reviewers tend to poke away at this camera's lack of zip to them, and forget it is powered by a minute size battery,about the size of a slice of cheddar on a buffet table:-). It can't do burst shots and start up in a microsecond, true. They are not accepting it for what it delivers at this price. What else is out there but heavier and pricier in this category I mean.


The lens will not open as wide at tele end as an indoor shooter would want without flash, and is not the speediest performer out there overall. BUT FAST ENOUGH if you pre- focus, and why not prefocus I say...it tells you that the lens has found its target. Nikon has done a good job on this product and you just can't go wrong at the price. I am really falling for this little fellow as a grab and go item. The LCD is hard to see outdoors except for the histogram playback. Indoors it is a delight to see. You may also want to pick up a wrist lanyard vs the neck strap which comes with it. Your preference.Battery delivers plenty juice for a day of reasonable shooting even with LCD viewing. When I go next trip to the Serengeti ,well, I take a generator and power inverter (:-), or maybe just a car battery adapter. I carry all this kit,if you are interested, in one half of a Mountainsmith Aurora II Camera Bum Bag/ Lumbar Pack with room for trail mix and cellphone..
Why schlep heavy stuff on a vacation? Enjoy.