Yes, the AF speed indoors is noticeable but not a show stopper. The d5100 may be a little slower than the D7k to acquire focus, but it is more accurate, in my very limited D5100 experience.

I do miss the buttons of my D7k, menu diving takes getting used to.

I can say without a doubt that the smaller size of the D5100 is a problem for me. I have small hands and even though you would think I would like a smaller body, it just isn't so. The weight of my 17-70 2.8-4 lens tilts the camera forward and there isn't much grip to hold it steady. I end up supporting it by the lens much of the time.

I never understood the photogs that preferred larger camera bodies, but now I understand them fully. I cannot imagine using a 70-200 2.8 on this body! :)

Also coming from a D7k, and for what my primary needs are (low light sports), a D5100 is not going to cut it. That's why I only picked up the D5100 as a spare camera. It is a great all around camera for most occasions and video, just not low light sports.

I'm quite satisfied with my Nikon D5100. I like the button placement of Nikon D5100 more than other Nikon bodies. I like its Pentax style button placement. You can control the body with just 1 hand. It's not really possible with other Nikon bodies. If Nikon adds/move the Fn button to the shutter button side of the body and another dial in front of the body, I'd be fully satisfied with my Nikon D5100, though I don't mind some weather sealing and some better metering.

tsitalon1 said:
I had a D7k since launch and had multiple AF issues. Mostly inconsistent focus tracking problems and unexpected backfocus from time to time.

I recently sold the D7k and picked up a refurb D5100 last night. I've only shot a few pics with the D5100, and while the focus is absoluetely slower (with same lens) than the D7k, it doesn't *seem* to have any of the issues I saw with my D7k. I almost venture to say that it has restored my faith in Nikon, but time will tell.

Sorry I don't have more experience with the D5100 for a more thorough comparison. You're welcome to contact me in a few weeks if you like.

If you're wondering why in the world I would sell my D7k and move to the D5100, it's because I needed something to shoot with while I wait for the D400.

same with me. i bought the d7k right when it came out... is the focus speed difference really that noticeble?

I had a D7k since launch and had multiple AF issues. Mostly inconsistent focus tracking problems and unexpected backfocus from time to time.

I recently sold the D7k and picked up a refurb D5100 last night. I've only shot a few pics with the D5100, and while the focus is absoluetely slower (with same lens) than the D7k, it doesn't *seem* to have any of the issues I saw with my D7k. I almost venture to say that it has restored my faith in Nikon, but time will tell.

Sorry I don't have more experience with the D5100 for a more thorough comparison. You're welcome to contact me in a few weeks if you like.

If you're wondering why in the world I would sell my D7k and move to the D5100, it's because I needed something to shoot with while I wait for the D400.

Wait.... What camera is that??? Is that a new camera? How did you get it? Never heard of a Nikon D51000...

Nope. D5100 doesn't have any problems.

A DSLR in general cannot focus well on very low, or no contrast area's since it does not "see"anything to focus on... so on a whithe shirt with no shadows, clear blue sky, etc it cannot focus.

This is also the "culprit" often when trying to focus on someones face in close-up (when not focussing on eye or eyebrow, but on a cheack or forehead), then the camera realy seems to focus rather on the background, or hair, because the focussing sensors other than the center one do find a "structure" to focus on.

I've had a D5100 since January and have mainly used it outdoor in good to reasonable light. No problem there.

The last 2 weeks I've used it indoors under low light and even on some occasions good light and have found it really, really struggles.

Especially in low contrast scenes or against whites - sometimes it simply doesn't focus on anything.

I have a d7000 and have been plagued with the focus issues, does the d5100 have the same focus issues?