Product Description

Unleash the photographer in you with the CoolPix P5100 12.1 Megapixel Digital Camera. With the 3x zoom NIKKOR lens, you've got the quality optics to capture a great image, while the 12.1 megapixels ensure high resolution for large prints and images. The VR Optical Image Stabilization minimizes the effect of camera shake for a shot free of motion blur. Pictures are further improved by the Nikon In-Camera Innovations features - Red-EyeFix to eliminate red eye, D-Lighting to compensate for underexposed images or insufficient flash and Face-Priority AF, which automatically finds and focuses on up to 12 faces for greater clarity. The P5100 comes with 52 MB internal memory, but can also accept SD and SDHC memory cards and can connect via USB to either your Windows PC or your Mac. Bright 2.5-inch High Resolution LCD and Optical Viewfinder make it easy to compose and share your pictures SD/SDHC memory card compatible - Internal memory approx. 52 MB (1 GB memory card recommended) 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 Nikon In-Camera Innovations - Red-EyeFix, D-Lighting to compensate for underexposed images or insufficient flash and Face-Priority AF, which automatically finds and focuses on up to 12 faces Hot Shoe for i-TTL compatible Nikon Speedlights USB connection to both Mac and Windows based computers Unit Dimensions - Approx. 98 x 64.5 x 41 mm (3.9 x 2.5 x 1.6 in.) excluding projections Weight - Approx. 200 g (7.1 oz.) without battery and SD memory card

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #436 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Nikon
• Model: 25580
• Dimensions: 2.50" h x 1.60" w x 3.90" l, 1.30 pounds
• Display size: 2.5

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

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

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Customer Reviews

questionable warranty
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.

Disappointed
I have been a Nikon digital user for several years, usually having multiples for different uses. My main camera is currently a D40X SLR, but I like to have a pocket size also. I bought the Coolpix P5100 to upgrade from a Coolpix 4200 which I had for 4 years. It was highly recommended by sales people at 2 different camera stores over other models I was considering. But it is a big disappointment. Because I am primarily an SLR user, my expectations are high. But even comparing it to my old 4200, this camera is a loser. It is extremely slow to focus and take the picture (the worst I have ever used). It does great on landscapes or posed pictures, but forget anything that is moving, such as kids at play or animals. It seems not to be able to focus on moving objects at all. Other features (or lack of them) that I dislike:
- the mode dial does not have frequently used modes such as landscape or sports; you have to use scene and then cursor through a whole list of modes to get to them (very annoying)
- I'm used to using the viewfinder (no other option with the SLRs), and monitors are difficult to see in sunlight. This camera has a viewfinder, but there is no way to turn the monitor off (there is with my old 4200), so the battery drains much faster.
I expected something better than what I had, but I didn't get it. Sorry, Nikon, but you let me down on this one. I would return it if I could.

I spilled beer on it and it still works
OK, so it was my "friend" who spilled my beer on the camera; I probably shouldn't have left it on the table, but it's so light and fun to use that I like to keep it handy. (The beer only splashed onto the front lens area, so not much damage. I was on it right away with napkins then cleaned it later with rubbing alcohol. The auto lens cover still sticks a little, but no long term effects as of yet.)

Two months ago, I was shopping for a camera for my first ever trip to Yellowstone Nat'l Park. I was torn between the Nikon P5100 and the Canon G9. I agonized over all the reviews and sample pictures. The Canon was great, but cost $200 more and weighed a lot more. The Nikon was lightweight, more pocket friendly and still 12 megapixels.

Believe it or not, this is my first digital camera. I have a couple film cameras, a Nikon 35Ti point and shoot and a Canon T90 SLR. I used to be a professional, toting bags of heavy equipment with me everywhere, and I wanted to get as far away from that as possible, even if it meant sacrificing "picture quality." And by that, I mean the difference between something you'd see in a scrapbook versus in a published book. This little camera does a great job; overall I was very happy with it. Most of my disappointments came from the rustiness of my own photography skills.

However I did hit a enough snags to reduce the rating to 4 stars. The camera sometimes had a hard time metering, especially at the Paint Pots or waterfalls. I usually used either Aperture or Shutter priority, depending on whether I wanted depth of field or stop-action -- I love having that ability. But when the meter was fooled, I would have to switch to Manual. I never tried the preprogrammed settings (Portrait, Landscape, etc). The other problem was focusing -- the camera does great with people, but terrible on landscapes with no contrast (again, the paint pots or thermal features with lots of steam). I found that setting the focus from AF to landscape helped a lot, but I was frustrated enough to take away a star.

So I'm sure I would have gotten much better pictures had I spent $1500 on a new SLR and lenses and a tripod and hauled 40 pounds of equipment with me instead of carrying a $300 camera (with the extra telephoto extender too) that fits in my pocket. But would I have had as much fun? I doubt it.

P.S. I spilled coffee on it too. That I can't blame on anyone but me.