The Best DSLR For Under $200
- 3.0” LCD monitor with 920,000 dots
- 11-point autofocus system
- ISO range of 100-6400
- 1080p video capabilities
- Can shoot in JPEG or RAW
- Relatively lightweight at 1.2 lbs.
As much as you don’t want to think about it, Christmas is right around the corner, and who doesn’t have a photography enthusiast on their holiday shopping list?
While doing a little early Christmas shopping for photography newbies in my life, I figured I would share a deal I personally believe beats any Black Friday deal out there.
The Nikon D5100, also known as one of the best, cheapest DSLRs on the market, is available on MPB for under $200 this season.
So, let me tell you a little bit more about why you need a Nikon D5100.
Nikon D5100 Specs
The Nikon D5100, despite its grandmotherly age of 8 years, has got some specs that make it a great entry-level camera, even in 2019. It runs on a 16.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, shoots HD movies in 1080p and features 4fps continuous shooting.
Other Nikon D5100 specs include:
GeekanoidsGeekanoids runs you through a more thorough examination of all of the Nikon D5100 specs in their Nikon D5100 review above.
Nikon D5100 Body & Design
The LCD screen is admittedly the area where the Nikon D5100 shows its age the most, because it isn’t a touchscreen, but it is hinged at the side for a 180-degree pull and a 270-degree rotation. But, the LCD does feature 921,000 pixels, which is more than most cameras from this era (and honestly more than you probably need).
The viewfinder covers 95%, which is up-to-date with cameras coming out in 2019.
The playback button, information edit, zoom in and zoom out, and delete buttons are all located on the right rear of the camera, while the mode dial, live view switch, shutter and exposure comp buttons are all on the top right.
Overall, the Nikon D5100 is built like a classic with a layout that is intuitive and easy to use.
Nikon D5100 Build & Handling
One of the Nikon D5100 features I like best is the way it sits in your hand. It’s compact, it’s light, but it’s still got some curves, which means you’ve got something to grip.
But, given the Nikon D5100’s slight frame, the handling gets a little uncomfortable with heavier lenses. A good rule of thumb is to only pair the Nikon D5100 with a lens that weighs less than 1 lb.
Due to the Nikon D5100 price, however, it doesn’t come with any texturized or rubberized grips, so just to be safe, make sure you always have it secured with a sling or strap.
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Nikon D5100 Video Performance
Shaffer Nickel, a YouTube photographer, shot an incredible Nikon D5100 review that showcases its video performance. Watch it above.
While the Nikon D5100 obviously doesn’t shoot in 4K, it does shoot in 1080p at 30/25/24 fps. You can also work with full-time live autofocus during recording.
Depending upon the type of lens you’re using with the Nikon D5100, you can also record with image stabilization.
The Nikon D5100 can record for up to 20 minutes, or 4 gigabytes.
Nikon D5100 Price
For any fans of this website, you know I love buying used camera equipment, but it’s especially rewarding when you can get a camera of this quality, in excellent used condition, for $175.
Or, add an extra $10, and get it in like new condition.
MPB is one of my favorite used camera retailers because I actually trust their grading system. If you’re purchasing a “like new” Nikon D5100, there won’t be a scratch on it.
And that’s more than I can say for some of the crap I’ve bought off of Ebay.
Plus, MPB has free shipping, which means you can get your Christmas presents before Black Friday without any of the mayhem and it doesn’t cost you anything extra to ship it to your door.
If you want to be ahead of the game this Christmas season, what better way to do it then to visit MPB now?
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