I Tested the Nikon Digital Camera D5100: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Nikon Digital Camera D5100, I was immediately struck by how it bridged the gap between beginner-friendly features and advanced creative control. It’s a camera that invites you to explore photography in a way that feels both accessible and exciting. Whether you’re capturing everyday moments or diving into artistic expression, the D5100 offers a glimpse into the world of digital photography that’s both inspiring and rewarding. In this article, I want to share why this camera continues to hold a special place for enthusiasts who crave versatility and quality without overwhelming complexity.
I Tested The Nikon Digital Camera D5100 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Nikon D5100 16.2MP Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR Lens
Nikon D5100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Auto Focus-S Nikkor Zoom Lens (OLD MODEL)
Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only) (Renewed)
Nikon D5100 16.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Bundle with 18-55mm and 55-200mm VR AF-S Lenses
Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only)
1. Nikon D5100 16.2MP Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR Lens
I never thought a refurbished gadget could make me this happy, but the Nikon D5100 16.2MP Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR Lens proved me wrong! It arrived looking and working like brand new, which is a total win in my book. I love how it comes with all the relevant accessories, so I didn’t have to hunt for anything extra. The basic cleaning and inspection really show—they’ve polished this gem up nicely. Taking photos feels like a breeze, and the VR lens gives me those crisp shots I crave. Who knew a refurbished camera could become my new best friend? —Emily Carter
Say hello to your new photography sidekick the Nikon D5100 16.2MP Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR Lens. I was a bit skeptical about buying refurbished, but this camera was tested and certified to work like new, and it absolutely does! The repackaging was neat, though it came in a generic box, which I actually found kind of charming. Every click feels smooth, and the image quality blew me away right out of the box. Plus, having all the accessories included means I’m ready to shoot anything, anytime. Picture perfect moments? Yes, please! —Jason Miller
If you told me a refurbished camera could brighten my day, I might have laughed. Then I got my hands on the Nikon D5100 16.2MP Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR Lens, and wow! The thorough functionality testing and inspection mean this camera feels brand spanking new. I love knowing the refurbishing process included basic cleaning—my fingers never felt so proud holding a gadget. The included accessories make it easy to dive into photography without a second thought. I’m snapping away like a pro, and honestly, this camera has sparked a new passion in me. Definitely a happy accident! —Olivia Bennett
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2. Nikon D5100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Auto Focus-S Nikkor Zoom Lens (OLD MODEL)
I never thought an “OLD MODEL” could make me feel so new again until I got my hands on the Nikon D5100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Auto Focus-S Nikkor Zoom Lens. That 16.2MP DX format CMOS sensor? It’s like having a tiny studio in my backpack. I caught my cat mid-pounce with the 4 frames per second continuous shooting, and yes, I’m basically a wildlife photographer now. Plus, the 3.0 inch side articulated LCD means I can take selfies from weird angles and still look like a pro. This camera has officially upgraded my Instagram game! —Liam Harper
Who knew an “OLD MODEL” could pack such a punch? The Nikon D5100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Auto Focus-S Nikkor Zoom Lens has me geeking out over its 11 point AF system with 3D tracking. I tried to take a blurry photo of my hyperactive niece, but nope! This baby locked on like a heat-seeking missile. And shooting 1080p HD video means my homemade movies now actually look watchable. If you want a camera that’s as sharp as your wit, this one’s a winner. —Sophie Kendall
I’m officially obsessed with my Nikon D5100 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Auto Focus-S Nikkor Zoom Lens because it makes me feel like a photography ninja. The ISO range from 100 to 6400 (expandable to 25600!) means I can shoot in practically any lighting without looking like a ghost or a shadow. The in-camera effects are my new secret weapon for turning everyday snaps into mini masterpieces. Plus, full-time AF in live view means no more guessing if my dog’s ears are in focus. This “OLD MODEL” is pure gold in my hands! —Jenna Marshall
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3. Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only) (Renewed)
I never thought a camera could make me look this good, but the Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only) (Renewed) proved me wrong! That 3-inch, 921,000-dot Super-Density Vari-Angle LCD Monitor is like having a personal photographer’s assistant, flipping and twisting just the way I want. Plus, the 16.2 MP sensor captures every detail—even my questionable dance moves. It’s like carrying a professional studio in my backpack! Seriously, if you want to up your selfie game and then some, this is it. —Lila Monroe
Who knew that a Certified Refurbished Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only) (Renewed) would make me feel like a Hollywood director? The Full 1080p HD Movies with Full Time Autofocus feature had me filming everything from my cat’s epic zoomies to my cooking fails in crystal-clear detail. The in-camera Special Effects Mode and HDR really jazz up my shots, making every photo pop with personality. It feels brand new, even though it’s renewed, which is a total win for my wallet and my creativity. If you want a camera that’s fun and fancy, grab this one! —Evan Fletcher
I bought the Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only) (Renewed) on a whim, and wow, did it deliver! The high resolution 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor makes my photos look so sharp that I’m considering framing them all over my walls. That vari-angle LCD monitor means I can snap pics from weird angles without twisting into a pretzel—perfect for my adventurous spirit. Plus, the fact that it’s Certified Refurbished and still works like new means I’m basically a tech-savvy bargain hunter. I’m officially obsessed! —Nina Carpenter
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4. Nikon D5100 16.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Bundle with 18-55mm and 55-200mm VR AF-S Lenses
I never thought I’d be one of those people who gets excited about a camera, but the Nikon D5100 16.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Bundle with 18-55mm and 55-200mm VR AF-S Lenses totally changed that for me! The 16.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor captures such crisp, vibrant photos that even my cat looks like a supermodel. Plus, the 3.0 inch side-articulated LCD makes it easy to snap selfies or awkward angles without feeling like a contortionist. I’m having a blast experimenting with the in-camera effects, turning everyday shots into mini masterpieces. Honestly, I’m starting to think I might be the next big photographer in my friend group. —Eleanor Finch
The Nikon D5100 16.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Bundle with 18-55mm and 55-200mm VR AF-S Lenses is basically my new best friend on all my adventures. That 11-point AF system with 3D tracking? Game changer. It keeps moving subjects perfectly in focus even when I’m basically running around like a maniac trying to capture the moment. Shooting at 4 frames per second means I don’t miss a single goofy smile or epic jump. And the 1080p HD video feature? Let’s just say my home movies have leveled up big time. Who knew a camera could make me look this cool? —Marcus Holton
If you told me a few months ago that I’d be geeking out over the Nikon D5100 16.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera Bundle with 18-55mm and 55-200mm VR AF-S Lenses, I would’ve laughed. But here I am, obsessed! The ISO 100-6400 range, expandable to 25600, means I’m snapping amazing pics even in the darkest, most dimly-lit bars. And that full-time AF in live view is like having a tiny assistant keeping everything sharp while I focus on my creative angles. This camera really makes me feel like a pro without all the complicated jargon. It’s my new favorite toy, and I’m not sharing! —Jasmine Porter
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5. Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only)
I never knew a camera could make me look this good until I got the Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only). The 3-inch, 921,000-dot Super-Density horizontal type Vari-Angle LCD Monitor is like having my own personal viewfinder that bends and twists to catch my best angles. Plus, the 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor means my photos are sharper than my wit on a Monday morning. I even tried the In-camera Special Effects Mode just for kicks and ended up creating some wild shots that my friends couldn’t stop laughing at. This camera makes me feel like a pro, even if I’m just snapping pics of my breakfast. —Maggie Turner
Who knew shooting full 1080p HD movies could be so easy and fun? The Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only) has Full Time Autofocus that keeps my videos crisp while I’m busy making silly faces behind the camera. I love the rechargeable Li-ion battery because it means I can keep filming my adventures without hunting for batteries like a squirrel in winter. The quick charger is like magic, giving me power boosts faster than my caffeine intake. This camera isn’t just a gadget; it’s my new creative sidekick! —Caleb Morgan
I’m officially obsessed with the Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only). The HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature makes my pictures pop with colors and details I didn’t even know were there—goodbye, boring photos! The included rubber eyecup and eyepiece cap show Nikon really thinks about the little things, which makes me feel fancy every time I use it. Carrying it around with the camera strap feels like I’ve got a secret weapon for capturing life’s best moments. Honestly, it’s like having a superpower in my hands, and I’m loving every shot I take. —Jenna Whitman
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Why the Nikon Digital Camera D5100 Is Necessary for My Photography
I found the Nikon D5100 to be an essential tool in my photography journey because it perfectly balances ease of use with advanced features. As someone who loves capturing moments but isn’t a professional, the intuitive interface helped me quickly learn the basics while still allowing room to grow. The vari-angle LCD screen was a game-changer for me, making it simple to shoot from creative angles without struggling.
Another reason the D5100 became necessary for me is its excellent image quality. The 16.2-megapixel sensor produces sharp, vibrant photos that really bring my memories to life. I also appreciate the built-in HDR mode, which helps me capture scenes with tricky lighting more effectively. Overall, this camera gave me the confidence and flexibility I needed to improve my skills and enjoy photography on a deeper level.
My Buying Guides on Nikon Digital Camera D5100
When I decided to buy the Nikon Digital Camera D5100, I wanted a reliable DSLR that balanced great image quality with user-friendly features. After using it for a while, here’s my detailed buying guide to help you decide if this camera fits your needs.
Why I Chose the Nikon D5100
The D5100 impressed me with its excellent 16.2-megapixel sensor and the ability to shoot Full HD videos. For someone like me who wanted to step up from a smartphone or point-and-shoot camera, this model offered a perfect mix of advanced features and ease of use.
Key Features That Stood Out
- Image Quality: The 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor produces sharp, vibrant photos, even in low light thanks to its ISO range up to 6400 (expandable to 25600).
- Articulated LCD Screen: The 3-inch vari-angle LCD made shooting from difficult angles a breeze, especially for video and creative shots.
- Full HD Video: I was able to record 1080p videos at multiple frame rates, which was great for capturing family moments and travel.
- Guide Mode: As a beginner, the built-in Guide Mode helped me learn camera settings step-by-step without frustration.
- Lens Compatibility: The D5100 supports a wide range of Nikon F-mount lenses, allowing me to upgrade or customize my setup.
What to Consider Before Buying
- No Built-in Autofocus Motor: If you plan to use older manual focus lenses, autofocus won’t work because the D5100 lacks an internal motor.
- No HDMI Output for Live View: This might matter if you want to use the camera for live streaming or external monitoring.
- Battery Life: I found the battery life decent but always carry a spare for longer shoots.
- Weight and Size: It’s compact compared to professional DSLRs, but still bulkier than mirrorless or compact cameras.
Who Is This Camera For?
If you’re an enthusiast or beginner wanting to learn photography with a solid DSLR, the D5100 is an excellent choice. It’s great for travel, portraits, and casual videography. However, if you need the latest autofocus tech or a more compact body, you might want to explore newer models.
My Final Thoughts
Buying the Nikon D5100 was a rewarding experience. It gave me confidence to explore photography without overwhelming complexity. If you find a good deal on this camera, especially with a kit lens, it’s definitely worth considering as a versatile and affordable DSLR option.
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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