The Nikon Coolpix P5100 is designed to satisfy the needs of photography enthusiasts, and professional photographers looking for a compact yet versatile digital camera. It provides an astounding 12.1 effective megapixels of resolution, and combined with Nikon's innovative EXPEED digital image processor, the P5100 reproduces the finest details and subtlest tones with precision and clarity, even when taking advantage of sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200. Furthermore, the precision 3.5x Zoom Nikkor lens is endowed with Nikon's proven optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization system that counteracts the effects of camera shake in lower light or when shooting unsteady subjects to help achieve sharper results.

The mode dial of the Coolpix P5100 allows users to quickly access four advanced exposure modes that offer both enthusiasts and more advanced photographers greater personal control over the camera. In addition the camera is programmed with a variety of automated and scene modes that provide for the simplest operation. It is easy to compose your shots on the 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD monitor that provides a wide 170-degree viewing angle for easier framing and more reassured shooting, and there is also an optical viewfinder to aid composition, particularly in brightly lit conditions.

The quality-crafted body of the Coolpix P5100 is made of a durable magnesium alloy, and features a quality finish, with a comfortable grip covered in grid-pattern rubber. The cameras capabilities can also be expanded with the availability of optional converter lenses that further extend the cameras wide-angle and telephoto reach, plus the built-in accessory shoe adds support for Nikon Speedlights and advanced i-TTL flash control.

• 12.1 Megapixels for Superb Image Quality

The 1/1.72-inch RGB CCD can capture an effective resolution of 12.1 megapixels providing images that capture the finest details of your subjet with the ability to crop creatively and produce beautiful enlargements.

• 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor Lens

the P5100 incorporates a powerful 3.5x Zoom- Nikkor lens that provides superb image sharpness, plus the camera provides a 4x digital zoom that extends compositional freedom, and macro shooting capability that can focus as close as 1.6" (4 cm).

• Shooting Mode Dial for Greater Control

the P5100 provides four exposure modes that are easily accessed via the Mode dial to provide greater control over camera operation. The Programmed Auto [P] mode automatically selects the optimal shutter and aperture settings; Shutter-priority Auto [S] lets the user select shutter speed, while the camera sets the optimal aperture; Aperture-priority Auto [A] offers 10-step manual control over the aperture setting to let the user decide depth of field, while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed; and the Manual [M] exposure mode provides full control over both the aperture and shutter speed settings.

• Lens Shift VR Image Stabilization

Optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) is field proven technology that provides the ability to shoot at shutter speeds as much as three stops slower without blurring the image, as well as producing a smoother viewfinder image which aids composition. Nikon's VR system also yields sharper results when using the optional telephoto converter lens.

• Enhanced Performance with EXPEED

The advanced EXPEED image processing system provides optimized performance and color reproduction, and Nikon's signature 'look and feel' of rich accurate colors, smooth skin gradations and exceptional detail

• ISO 3200 Capability

Extended light sensitivity range up to ISO 3200 adds the power to shoot more effectively in lower lighting conditions, or to capture fast moving subjects with outstanding clarity. Furthermore, the EXPEED image processing engine provides clear results and effective noise reduction, even when shooting with high ISO settings.

• Nikon In-Camera Red-Eye Fix

The Red-Eye Fix system automatically corrects for most instances of the red-eye effect that is commonly caused by the use of a built-in flash on a compact camera.

• Nikon D-Lighting

The Nikon D-Lighting feature can rescue underexposed images or shots taken with too much backlight by automatically brightening the dark areas in the picture, while maintaining the brighter areas of the image.

• Nikon Face-Priority AF

The Face-Priority AF system automatically detects and achieves sharp focus on people's faces wherever they are in the frame for crisp, sharp portraits.

• Distortion Control

The innovative distortion control feature corrects for barrel distortion when shooting in at wide angles, and even displays the corrected image on the LCD in real time.

• Creative Digital Filters for Monochrome Photography

When shooting monochrome images, the P5100 provides a choice of 4 different digital filters for creative effects, (yellow, orange, red and green).

• Continuous Flash Shooting

Continuous flash shooting helps capture the action by allowing a burst of consecutive flash shots without having to wait for the flash to recharge.

• 1:1 Format Image Capture

Shoot pictures with a more traditional framing and composition thanks to the 1:1 (square) format option.

• Intuitive Menus

The improved menu interface makes it much easier and faster to locate and activate any of the cameras feature, plus the camera menus are available in a choice of 23 languages.

• Built-in and Expandable Memory

The camera includes 52MB of built-in memory, and the memory capacity can be expanded dramatically with Secure digital (SD) or Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) memory cards.

• Extensive System Expandability

Optional system components further expand the photographic possibilities of the COOLPIX P5100. Nikon's 0.67x wide-angle converter (WC-E67) and 3.0x tele-converter (TC-E3ED) lenses are available to extend the range of the attached 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens, while a built-in accessory shoe supports the use of Nikon's advanced i-TTL flash control for external flashes, including the Speedlight SB-400, SB-600 and SB-800.

• PictBridge Compatibility

Simply connect the Coolpix P5100 to a PictBridge compatible printer with the included USB cable, engage the direct print feature, and print directly - without the need for a computer The direct print feature allows you to select all images or just the images you like best, and even make multiple copies to share with family and friends.