Nikon's 2007 enthusiast compact — 12.1MP 1/1.72-inch CCD, 35-123mm VR zoom, EXPEED, manual controls, EN-EL5.
The Nikon Coolpix P5100 was an enthusiast compact released in September 2007 at around $400, updating the P5000 at the top of Nikon's P-series pocket range. It kept the rangefinder-styled black body and direct controls aimed at photographers wanting a serious carry-everywhere camera in the pre-mirrorless era.
It combines a 12.1-megapixel 1/1.72-inch CCD — larger than typical compact sensors of the day — with a 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor covering 35-123mm equivalent and lens-shift Vibration Reduction. Nikon's EXPEED processor drives a 2.5-inch 230,000-dot LCD, files go to SD/SDHC cards, and the EN-EL5 lithium-ion battery powers a body of 98 x 65 x 41mm and about 230g.
The P5100 suits enthusiasts who want manual exposure control and pocketable handling, and it has gained a following among CCD-compact collectors for its dense 12MP colour rendering in good light. Noise climbs quickly at higher ISOs, and the modest zoom favours street and travel framing over reach; the optically stabilised lens helps at the long end.
Check the EN-EL5 battery holds charge — cells and chargers are still obtainable since the type spanned many Coolpix models. Use SD or SDHC cards (SDXC is not supported). Inspect the mode and command dials for reliable response, the lens for smooth extension, and the CCD for hot pixels or the sensor-line faults that can appear on ageing compacts of this generation.