Camera Labs

My bad! Oh my, guess this is back to school for me so I can recall those long forgotten geography lessons!

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Nikon D90 | AF-S 18-200 VR II | AF-S 35mm f/1.8 | Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 | SB-600 | Gorillapod + Manfrotto 484RC2

Just watched the D5100/600d comparison.

That's a really top video Gordon, really enjoyed it!

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Nikon D5000 and D300 with 12-24mm, 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4, 60mm f2.8 Macro, 18-200mm, 17-55mm f2.8 (all Nikon)

As a new member and enthusiast who is considering purchasing the Nikon D5100, is the issue of no definitive manual exposure control for video a big enough problem that one should look at another camera to purchase?
Thanks
Michy

If it was Michy, Nikon wouldnt have sold a single D5100

It depends on you. Personally Ive never taken a DSLR video other than testing it out, so I wouldnt be fussed.

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Nikon D5000 and D300 with 12-24mm, 35mm f1.8, 50mm f1.4, 60mm f2.8 Macro, 18-200mm, 17-55mm f2.8 (all Nikon)

Michy, if you want a camera with a big sensor which can AF during video, I'd recommend a Sony NEX or a Panasonic Lumix G series, such as the GF3, G3 or GH2. The Sony Alpha SLTs also do a good job, but are noisier.

See my reviews of all them for more details,,,

I watched the comparison videos several times, trying to get all the information to register in my head and do you seem to be leaning more towards the Canon T3i somewhat as your preference?

It really depends where your preferences lie, particularly in terms of video. That's where the major differences are. I've also written in deoth about their differences in the verdict page of my D5100 review which should help!

I just finished reading your review on the D5100 and i am curious about something i've read in other reviews, but i haven't seen you mention it.
I've read that in Live View the D5100 doesn't have exposure simulation in Manual Mode. (it does in other modes)
Can you confirm this ?

I'm asking because it's one of my prime contenders for my first DSLR along with the Canon 600D.
Now i don't think it would be a deal breaker, but i think it's rather stupid.

I almost always shoot in Live View (seeing as i don't have an OVF on my camera) and that would be rather important, i don't know how i would use a DSLR though.

P.S. You're site is my favorite camera review site, i wish you had more lens reviews though (with sample pictures)

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Panasonic Lumix FZ38/35

Hey Joe, and welcome to the Cameralabs forums! Enjoy!

To confirm, the D5100 doesn't have exposure simulation in manual mode, however I don't believe that it's included in the other modes either. Exposure simulation is a feature that Nikon's left to their pro bodies, the D3 series. It is a bit stupid that Nikon's left the feature out while Canon's including it with all of their DSLRs, but the majority of photographers probably just don't care, I really don't considering that I don't use Live View very often (unless I'm manual focusing with a fast lens, such as my 50mm f/2 which is MF only and it can be difficult to focus with such fast glass with the viewfinder). I don't think that you'll find yourself using LV very often either, the AF is slow and it's easier to use the viewfinder in bright light. But I can't speak for you, I'm just basing it on personal opinions.

By the way, if you're looking for more reviews (Cameras, lenses, accessories, etc.) check out the User Reviews section of the forums.

Hope that I helped!

-Evan

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-Evan

Gear: 7 Nikon Nikkor AI-S and AF-S lenses, SB-700 flash, Nikon D7000, Nikon FM, variety of accessories

"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs."
- Ansel Adams

One of the best things about live view, in my mind, is the ability to see how you're pictures will turn out given the settings/effects you use, and to correct accordingly, so not having exposure sim. is working against it.

It's funny that i haven't seen a word about it in the Cameralabs review, anyway this is where i read it, maybe a misunderstood, but then what did he mean ?
"The lack of any kind of exposure level indication when using manual mode and live view is also a strange omission." (under Handling in the middle of the page)

But if anyone actually has a D5100 and can check that out for me, i would be grateful.

P.S. Do you think an older (and cheaper) but higher-end D90 would be a better choice ? (mainly for photography) i just watched a tutorial about it and it seemed to have exp. sim. at least in Program mode.
I can't go to a store and personally check it out, it's only really available online or in other bigger cities

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Panasonic Lumix FZ38/35

I just checked the D5100 and in manual mode in Live View, the image doesn't change brightness as you change the exposure settings.

So it's true, thanks Gordon, your reviews helped me choose my current camera (Panasonic Lumix FZ35/38) and i'm sure they will help me in future camera acquisitions.

P.S. mine doesn't change either, it only shows a preview while i half press the shutter

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Panasonic Lumix FZ38/35

Hi Everyone,

So after months of research I have purchased the D5100!!!
So now I am in the process of learning all what this camera can do but for the life of me I can not get it to shoot continuously. I have followed all the instructions, even Gordon's but it's still not working.

If someone can give me step by step instructions on how to set the feature up I will be really greatful.

Thanks

Trinireds, it should be as simple as selecting the continuous shooting mode in the menu (as Gordon explains here) or in the info screen. What's your problem exactly? Did you manage to set the shooting mode to continuous and it doesn't work, or you simply can't set the shooting mode to continuous for some reason?

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Nikon D90 | AF-S 18-200 VR II | AF-S 35mm f/1.8 | Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 | SB-600 | Gorillapod + Manfrotto 484RC2

Hi beren, I set it to continuous shooting mode (thats the setting with the pic of the layered pics, below the S (single shooting) and it still takes one picture and I have tried it in Auto, P, M, A and S and still nothing.

That is why I am confused and thought I needed to do something else.