Nikon Coolpix P5100

Connectivity
Software (7.0)
The Nikon P5100 shares the same Nikon Software Suite as the Nikon S510 series camera. The CD-ROM is equipped with programs such as Nikon Transfer, Apple QuickTime, My Picturetown Utility, ArcSoft PanoramaMaker and Kodak EasyShare Software.

Before beginning installation of these programs users will be directed to a black install menu window with easy to use menu tabs. The options given are: Nikon Standard Install, Custom Install, Link to Nikon, Kodak EasyShare and an Install Quide and Quit button on the bottom of the screen. Total installation time for all five software programs took between 10-15 minutes.

In the Link to Nikon tab, users have the option of connecting directly to Nikon websites where they can view information on and download a free trial of Capture NX, access My Picturetown and User Registration or view other Nikon products and services in the US, Europe and Asia Pacific.

The Nikon Transfer program has basic features and easy to view drop-down menu tabs for options, thumbnails and a transfer queue. The options tab will help users identify the location of their pictures when saved on a computer but it will not allow you to save photos from the camera onto the queue. The camera must also be attached to the computer to view any photos on Nikon Transfer. It will not even allow users to open photos previously saved on your computer. Also, any editing on images must be done using the Kodak EasyShare software.

Jacks, ports, plugs (6.5)
The P5100 has a small rubber cover on its right side that hides the single USB/AV-out port. The USB function can be set to PTP or MTP and the AV can be set to NTSC or PAL standard. Next to this rubber cover is a smaller rubber flap that opens so a power adapter can be threaded into the battery compartment.

Direct Print Options (5.5)
Like most other digital cameras, the Nikon P5100 is Pictbridge compatible and connects with the supplied USB cable. Users can create print orders in the playback menu. Users can scroll through and select images to print, but cannot select them all at once like on most digital cameras. Each image can be set to print 0-9 times and the date and info can be added to each if desired.

Battery (5.75)
The P5100 comes with an EN-EL5 rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a charger to revitalize it every once in awhile. The 3.7V, 1,100 mAh battery is thin and has an average battery life of 240 shots per charge. It takes the battery about two hours to recharge in the supplied charger, which also comes with a cable to connect it to the wall. Users who will need the camera on for an extended period of time, such as those who use the interval timer feature, may want to purchase the optional EH-62A AC adapter from Nikon. This fits into the battery compartment and the cable threads through a rubber flap in the right side so it can plug into a standard wall outlet.

Memory (5.0)
Manufacturers are beginning to include more internal memory in digital cameras. This is a positive move because cameras are coming with more resolution. The 12.1-megapixel Nikon P5100 comes with 52MB of internal memory, which sounds very generous when the average camera offers about half that. The P5100’s internal memory can hold nine full-resolution images, so an SD or SDHC card will still be necessary.

Other Features (3.5)
Voice Recording – Hidden near the bottom of the Scene mode menu is the Voice Recording mode, which allows users to record audio for up to five hours. Users can only start and stop the recording. To fast forward and rewind and such, users must access the playback mode. Unfortunately, the audio here is no better than the audio recorded with movies. There is a low-pitched hiss in the background and subjects sound garbled even when they aren’t far away.