Yesterday, Nikon USA finally announced the highly anticipated entry-level DSLR D5100 as well as ME-1 stereo microphone.

The latest Nikon D5100 is packed with 16.2 MegaPixels CMOS sensor and powered by the EXPEED 2 image-processing engine. FYI, the higher-end Nikon D7000 which was released late last year is also using the same line of sensor. That said, the Nikon D5100 should have better ISO handling as compared to older bodies such as the Nikon D90.

The Nikon D5100 also includes a 3-inch vari-angle LCD – just like Canon’s 60D – for users’ pleasure of shooting from various angles. I reckon it pretty useful for video shooters. Apart from that, this camera is capable of full HD video recording at 24fps/30fps. With the announcement of stereo microphone ME-1, this camera could be very useful for photographers who are also into good videos with good quality audio.

Although it does not come with guide mode like the D3100, the D5100 has a feature of special effects that users can apply onto their images in-camera. While another interesting feature is the so-called ‘Night vision’ mode. When this option is selected, the camera will increase its ISO sensitivity as high as ISO 102400. Now that’s some crazy shit I’d really like to check out, though I rarely go beyond ISO 800 or ISO 1000 on my D90.

On the cons side, the D5100 still does not come with autofocus motor. I said ‘still’ because there was no autofocus motor in its predecessor – D5000, too. However, it’s understandable since most Nikkor lenses are AF-S these days and this camera is a entry-level DSLR afterall. Heck, even third-party lenses come with autofocus motor these days.

Anyway, here’s an interesting video on the latest Nikon D5100. For more hands-on reviews/previews of this new awesome entry-level camera, check out Nikonrumors. Can’t wait to try them hands-on!

[Image credit goes to NR]

Latest line-ups in the Canon EX Speedlite family are the new 320EX and 270EX II that is to replace the current Speedlite 270EX.

Besides, following Canon’s trend to roll out a newer version of entry level Digital SLR almost in an annual basis, they have announced the all new Canon 600D, making 500D feeling as old as Nikon’s D40.

The latest upper entry-level DSLR has 18MP CMOS sensor (similar to that of 550D’s) and a tilt-and-swivel LCD monitor just like 60D’s. Another plus of this round’s upgrade is its ability to control flashguns remotely using its own built-in flash. Others: 3.7fps, ISO 100-6400 expandable to 12800, full HD 1080p, 9-point AF.

On the other hand, Canon is releasing an upgrade to its almost 2-year-old 1000D.

The brand new Canon 1100D boasts 12MP CMOS sensor with 720p HD movie recording. Apart from that, I don’t see anything new. ISO 100-6400, 9-point AF system, 2.7” LCD screen. It is reported to be released in coming April.

I am not at all excited with the announcements because they’re all targeted at entry-level users – users who have yet to own a DSLR, and because particularly I’m not a fan. Can’t wait for head on reviews between the spanking new 1100D, 600D and Nikon’s recently-selling-like-hot-cakes entry-level model D3100.

Source of info and images: Dpreview, 2, Photoradar.