Nikon makes D5100 camera official. The camera has 180 degree variable swiveling LCD with a sharp 921,000-pixel output and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio. Video is the same like D3100 – 1080p 30fps but with additional possibilities for sensor tweak that gives a Night Vision mode for very low light recording in ISO 102,400, in other words – a truly spy camera.

The camera uses an 11-point auto-focus system from the D3100 and has the 16.2 megapixels sensor from the bigger brother – D7000. Sensitivity range is between ISO 100 to 6,400 with an override option up to 25,600. There is a new effect mode for beginners with a dedicated spot on the mode dial, so they can easily apply selective color, a sketch effect or a miniature effect that mimics a tilt-shift lens etc.. Video supports continuous auto-focus and face detection, and it records in full HD H.264 for 20 minutes per clip.

Audio, previously a weak point of Nikon’s video-capable DSLRs, gets a major upgrade with a new ME-1 microphone add-on. The device mounts to the hot-shoe and provides unidirectional stereo audio recording. Nikon implement a low-cut filter to cut out wind noise and uses a standard 3.5mm plug that work with all standard microphone jacks.

The D5100 should be available in May and will cost $900 with an 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 ED VR kit lens or $800 for body-only option. The microphone ME-1 will cost additionally $160.

Tags | camera, D5100, Gadgets, Nikon