Nikon Coolpix P5100

In 2007, Nikon built a camera that took the word "compact" seriously. The Coolpix P5100 is a manual-control-loving camera in the P-series' enthusiast class. It offers a large 1/1.72-inch CCD sensor far beyond most pocket compacts, a bright NIKKOR lens starting at f/2.7, optical VR vibration reduction, and a hot-shoe for external flash. On top of that, full manual modes — aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual — put the photographic process in your hands. A premium CCD compact with a magnesium alloy body that fits in your palm but makes you think like an SLR shooter.

📦 What's in the box

• Nikon Coolpix P5100 body
• Original Nikon battery (EN-EL5)
• Original charger
• Original box (a big plus for collector value)
• Shoot-ready kit
• Shipped in RetroCameraLand's exclusive packaging

✅ Condition Info

The camera is very clean for its age and fully functional. It comes boxed with its original accessories. The magnesium alloy body retains its sturdiness, the lens is clear, and the screen and all functions work flawlessly. Condition and functions have been individually tested and approved by the RetroCameraLand expert team.

✨ Why This Camera

The P5100 offers a rare combination for a compact body: a large CCD sensor, a bright NIKKOR lens, full manual controls, and external flash support.

• 🔍 12.1 MP CCD sensor (1/1.72 inch, larger than most compacts)
• 🎯 NIKKOR 3.5x optical zoom, 35-123mm equivalent
• 🔎 f/2.7-5.3 aperture range (bright wide angle)
• 🎛️ Full manual modes: P / A (aperture priority) / S (shutter priority) / M
• ✨ Optical VR vibration reduction
• 🔦 Hot-shoe — compatible with i-TTL Nikon Speedlight flashes
• 👁️ Optical viewfinder + 2.5-inch LCD screen (230,000 dots)
• 🌈 ISO 64-3200
• 🎬 VGA video recording (640x480, 30 fps)
• 💾 SD / SDHC / MMC card + 52MB internal memory
• 🔋 EN-EL5 rechargeable battery

The 3.5x NIKKOR zoom starting at 35mm wide angle gives an ideal range for street, portrait, and everyday scenes. The bright aperture, opening up to f/2.7 at wide angle, helps gather more light in dim cafés and night outings. Optical VR vibration reduction also delivers sharper handheld shots.

The P5100's real character comes from its large 1/1.72-inch CCD sensor. Unlike the small sensors typical pocket compacts use, this larger surface produces saturated, natural colors, sharp detail, and that familiar CCD character. With aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes, you can set exposure yourself from start to finish — turning the camera from an "auto box" into a true photographic tool.

👀 Who It's For, Where to Use It

A natural choice for photographers who love manual control and set their own exposure, collectors seeking a large-sensor CCD compact, and anyone wanting to experiment creatively with light using external flash. A camera loved by those who say "I'm the one running the camera."

Great for street photography, portraits, café and night outings, travel, and everyday shots. The hot-shoe also opens it up to events and studio experiments with external Nikon Speedlight flash. Its magnesium alloy body offers a premium feel and long-lasting durability.

🔥 RetroCameraLand's Take

The P5100 is one of the compacts that best carries 2007's "small body, big ambition" philosophy. While most compacts remained simple auto boxes, Nikon packed this one with full manual controls, a large CCD sensor, a bright NIKKOR lens, and a hot-shoe — a decision that turned it into a serious tool that fits in the enthusiast photographer's pocket.

The 12.1 MP CCD sensor, at 1/1.72 inch, is larger than many compacts of its era, making a real difference in color depth and detail. It naturally produces the "vintage digital" aesthetic sought after today through its CCD character, while its manual modes and optical VR add a modern sense of control. The video side stays modestly VGA (640x480) in keeping with its era, but the P5100's real strength has always been still photography and the joy of manual control. A solid choice both for everyday use and for adding to a collection.

🛡️ The RetroCameraLand Guarantee

Every camera in our collection is thoroughly tested and inspected for condition by our expert team before being added to our catalog. The lens, sensor, screen, buttons, and all functions are checked individually. Our 24/7 customer support is with you from the moment you purchase through after delivery. Feel free to reach out to us anytime for usage tips, maintenance advice, or compatible accessory recommendations. The RetroCameraLand guarantee ensures the longevity not just of the product you bought, but of the relationship we build with you.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nikon Coolpix P5100 working, has it been tested?
Yes. Every camera is individually tested and approved by the RetroCameraLand expert team. This unit is boxed, comes with its original accessories, and is fully functional.

Does it have manual controls?
Yes. The P5100 offers full manual control: Program, aperture priority (A), shutter priority (S), and full manual (M) modes are available. You can set exposure yourself from start to finish.

Is its sensor different from other compacts?
Yes. The P5100 uses a 12.1 MP 1/1.72-inch CCD sensor. This is larger than the small sensors typical pocket compacts use, making a difference in color and detail.

Can I attach an external flash?
Yes. The body has a hot-shoe, letting you use creative lighting control with i-TTL compatible Nikon Speedlight flashes.

Can it shoot video, and which memory card does it use?
It records VGA (640x480, 30 fps) video. It uses SD / SDHC / MMC cards and has 52MB of internal memory.