Photo courtesy of Nikon

April 2011

Nikon has announced it's latest DSLR, the D5100. This is an upper entery level camera which replaces the D5000. It falls between the D3100 and D7000 in both specifications and price. The D5100 has a 16.2MP sensor, similar to the one in the D7000. It also features 1080p movie capability as well as a 3.0 inch, 921K dot Vari-angle LCD screen.

The D5100 is the first Nikon DSLR to feature in camera effects which can be applied to both photos and movies. It has a Night Vison mode which offers extreme low light capability where the camera uses an ISO of 102,400. It also has an HDR (high dynamic range) feature.

Nikon also introduced the ME-1 microphone. This is a stereo mic that attaches to the hotshoe of the camera. It's made specifically for DSLR use and has noise dampening components intended to minimize noise created from autofocus operation. Besides the D5100, it can also be used with any Nikon camera that features HD movie capability including the D7000, D300s, D3s, and Coolpix P7000, as well as any other camera which has a 3.5mm stereo input jack.

The D5100 will be available in the US in mid April at an estimated price of $799.95 body only, and $899.95 for the body with the AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens. The ME-1 microphone will be availalble later in the month for an estimated price of $179.95. For more info visit Nikon's product page here.