The 12.1-megapixel Nikon Coolpix P5100 is a high-end digital camera that aims to incorporate DSLR features into a compact body. It combines DSLR-like elements such as a hot shoe and manual exposure modes and controls with point-and-shoot automation and ease of use. The P5100 has a stabilized 3.5x optical zoom lens and a high-resolution 2.5-inch LCD screen. It sells for $399.

The P5100 follows the Nikon P5000, which has 10.1 megapixels and the same 3.5x optical zoom lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen. The P5000 has an older image processor and an older version of face detection that is almost useless. The new processor on the P5100 promises better signal-to-noise ratio.

We put it to the test in our imaging lab and the P5100 came through. It produces less noise than the P5000 and was solid all-around in terms of image quality. Color and white balance accuracy are quite good, and the 12-megapixel camera has very nice resolution. On the downside, the high megapixel count leads to high noise levels when the ISO is increased above 400 and the camera’s noise reduction system smoothes over detail, making it look almost like a painting when viewed very closely. However, the camera does a good job keeping noise levels low and detail sharp at low ISO speeds. The video is a substantial improvement on the P5100’s predecessor, the P5000, especially in bright light. Overall, the P5100 significantly improves on the P5000, but doesn’t quite live up to the standards set by Canon’s high-end point-and-shoots, such as the Canon PowerShot G9.

The Nikon P5100 has a full set of manual exposure modes and controls to attract DSLR users who are looking for a more compact camera to tote to the park or club. The manual, priority, and program modes will be familiar as will the 64-1600 ISO range and full palette of white balance settings. There are also image optimization settings that simulate different types of film similar to Fujifilm’s film simulation modes.

The P5100 has a hot shoe that accepts Nikon SB-400, SB-600, and SB-800 Speedlight units. These look odd when attached because they are nearly the same size as the compact camera, but are a nice option when a lot of light is needed. The P5100 also has a built-in flash that reaches 26 feet but doesn’t evenly light the entire frame. This reach is twice that of the built-in unit on the Canon PowerShot G9, the P5100’s most direct competitor. The G9 also has a hot shoe.

The Canon G9 is quite a competitor with its 6x optical zoom lens as compared to the Nikon P5100’s 3.5x optical zoom lens. Both have optical image stabilization systems. Neither are very wide: both have a 35mm equivalent wide focal length. This is much narrower than many other compact models like the Panasonic TZ3 with its 10x, 28-280mm range.

The Nikon P5100 comes in a 3.8 x 2.5 x 1.6-inch body that has a decent sized hand grip for being so small. Nikon throws in strategically placed rubber pads that make handling almost as comfortable as a DSLR.

DSLR users won’t be the only ones attracted to the Nikon Coolpix P5100. Point-and-shooters will appreciate the 15 scene modes and the D-lighting automatic exposure fix in the playback mode.

The Nikon P5100 is designed to woo DSLR users who want a more-portable camera, but we don’t think this camera has the guts to impress this picky market. The P5100 is plagued by slow processing times, a pedestrian burst mode, and an auto focus system that is slower than most sloths. It performed respectably but not as good as the overachieving Canon G9. The P5100’s $399 price is $100 cheaper than the G9, making it a tempting budget option in the high-end market.