Professional unit at an affordable price

After I perforce had to temporarily obtain a replacement for our small digital camera and wanted to sacrifice any four-figure sum came for me both the Nikon 3200 and Canon EOS 1100 shortlisted. By chance I discovered while browsing on Amazon offering the D5100 for just under 500, - incl. Kit lens 18-55. As of 3200, except the maximum resolution is 5100 in all respects clearly superior, there was no hesitation for me. Even compared to the Canon EOS 1100, the 5100 is much better. To be fair, one must currently also drag the EOS 600D as an alternative to consider price, however. Much give the two cameras do not do it yourself. I opted for the reason for Nikon, because I know a lot more than Canon Nikon Owner User in the relationship (exchange borrow lenses etc.)

The camera itself:

1. image quality - at least to the additional interest acquired Micro Nikkor 40mm f / 2.8G is the result of my previous recordings outstanding. In this price range I have not held such a thing possible. 5 Stars

2. Processing - for 500, - EUR incl. Kit lens is good to very good processing. However, there has been a corresponding change to previous metal housings - but is probably the way things go. For this, the camera is very light and can be operated with one hand if need be. 4 stars +

3. Equipment / Functions - compared to the small (3200 and 1100) high-resolution folding screen, a number of programs, good functionality - all the best. included software also good. 5 Stars

4. Accessories / equipment available in addition to the camera. There are a seemingly endless range of lenses and other accessories, which is partly very cheap to buy. I have in addition to the kit lens equal to 40mm Micro Nikkor nor granted for narrow 230 EUR. The results have blown me away. I thought those images create only professionals. And I had just one day after more excellent shots fired together as before in 10 years. 5 Stars

5. autofocus. The autofocus is relatively fast with the two lenses that I have and provides good sharp. the numerous programs in conjunction with the turn-off auto focus can easily switch back and forth. Autofocus then jump again to quickly. - Also 5 star (but concise)

6. Video function. Present and functioning - I film but not with my camera. therefore no rating.

7. Kit lens 18-55 VR. - Well the images are ok - good wide angle to slight telephoto.
Image quality satisfactory - sound pleasant - autofocus quickly and accurately. Build quality still sufficient but very wobbly and easily the whole. But for 50, - surcharge on the housing even for 5 star because it so for very little money can shoot passable photos as climbers from a small format digital camera. And when the lens times gives up the ghost, as I believe times that this will happen eventually is broken not much.

All in all 5 stars - Conclusion: 5 years ago would have blown off the camera everything there was on the market. Meanwhile, the 5200 probably all a bit better - but also costs significantly more.

Balance after 4 months and approximately 25,000 allowances.
The image quality is excellent - especially the right converted to JPG images are fantastically up to high ISO areas (eg 3200etc really high.)
Only negatives in my experience:
- Lack of AF motor - there is so great lenses that work with a D90 or D7000. - Shame.
- AF on some lenses without ultrasonic motor very slow and imprecise (especially Tamron 70mm-300mm and 90mm.)
- Ergonomics is not optimal for large hands in the long run. My When replacement is managed D70 is much better in the hand.
- Video recordings eat an enormous amount of memory on the card. Here, for example, the D7000 two slots = double space
- The battery capacity of the original battery has deteriorated significantly. The D70 of the battery lasts now approximately 4x shots through - especially in Live View or video the battery is Rip-Rip empty.

Enough bitching - given the currently low price still a buy recommendation. That specifically in Hinblich on a D3200, which no one needs megapixel who buys a beginner DSLR. With den16 MP I have made very beautiful A3 prints - and there wa still air for my eyes.

Today I would probably give 4 stars with tendency to 5 stars.