Some at first glance "interesting" characteristics of this camera such as the subsequent editing of the photos in the camera itself, are basically just a nice addition or gimmick that you ever use just "takes along", but later in practice hardly is (I take to prefer the computer). Much better example would have a second dial fallen to some functions and direct dial quickly. After all, the FN button is freely programmable, I switched on my election ISO and find it very useful. Even with the other settings I am very satisfied (you can adjust as sharpness, color saturation, brightness, contrast, etc. all the way to his individual taste and by storing in up to 6 different profiles also permanently set). Clean the handling ago you would certainly be able to solve a lot better on the D5100, but is it me now well in hand (not too large, can be well with you) and otherwise I've gotten used to the service and get so allerbestens cope. Each camera is indeed a compromise - and the Nikon D5100 is a very good!
To their true form, the Nikon D5100 is running high but in the range of image quality, especially when it is best right from the start instead of donated their kit lens a better lens. There are quite favorable, such as the Nikkor 35 mm or for portraits and the 50mm 1.8 g, (the equivalent of yes, a slight telephoto 75mm), bringing both very nice results. For travel and the way I use the Sigma 17-70 mm, which is even suitable as macro lens to a certain degree. All of these lenses can I fully recommend!
Even the automatic Nikon is relatively good, scene modes for specific shooting situations such as sunset, beach / snow, etc. Indoors, there are also enough, all I use but barely, because I just more fun personal individual picture composition.
The ambitious amateur Fotgraf found in the Nikon D5100, a camera that is easy to use (even by people who do not want to set as much himself.), But also offers plenty of creative possibilities - and it mainly provides a particularly good image quality as previously was accessible only for photo-journalists and true professionals.
All this at a very reasonable price. Therefore, a strong buy recommendation from me for the Nikon D5100.
Their successor, the D5200, is likely at least as good, if not yet allow better picture quality.