sbesaw Loc: Boston

There are actually 3.
Wired
Infra-red
Radio Frequency

The little $9 ML is IR and works OK. With line of sight. Can also be problematic on sunny days

The cable models, both Nikon and and others work very well if you are in proximity of camera.

For one that works in the greatest variety of situations the RF models, Nikon, Younguo, Vello, ProMaster provide the most flexibility especially if you want to be in the shot. Just throw your arm around someone and fire the camera from behind their back.

Tried IR, too many misfires.

Use cable for landscapes and client shots where I won't be in Pic. easy to use and no batteries to worry about

Use RF when I need to be in pic or for some candid stuff when I want to be more than 10' from the camera. always carry one of each spare battery. Every model i've seen has a different battery for the transmitter and receiver. All I have seen also have an instant release, hit it and it shoots, and also a setting for a delay shot. All I have seen also support AF if button is pressed half way. Some, ProMaster for example, have a lock that you can use to lock the shutter open

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

I needed a wireless release recently for a group photo that was to include me. I also wanted the advantage of shooting from a balcony. Given the distance an IR wireless was not going to cut it. I got a wireless flash kit (in this case from Calumet.) I can use this from up to 500 feet. Yeah 500. It mounts in the flash shoe and comes with a wire that jumps to the shutter release input on the camera. You do not need to use a flash to make it work (in case you were wondering.) It operates at 2.4 GHz, so you do not need line of sight as with an IR. It is more expensive than an IR setup (around $60 or $70 as I recall), but the distance and the added ability I did not have for flash work make it worth the cost. At least to me.

Greg Brandt Loc: illinois

The D5100 has 2 infrared inputs, one on the front and one on the rear of the camera.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

But it still needs line of sight to one or the other. Not usually a problem, unless you want to be in the shot.

bcshooter Loc: New Jersey USA

I use the generic ML-L3 bought from eBay which is IR and the wired remote MC-DC2 also generic. Both are excellent generic units and inexpensive. I have a Nikon D7100 which I just bought for my Christmas present to me. You just need to make sure your camera is listed to the generic unit you plan to purchase on eBay. I believe your D5100 uses the same plugin port configuration as my camera. Enjoy

PS Just ordered a wireless remote controller, transmitter and receiver from eBay, which does not require a line of sight to operate and good for a 100 meter distance.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Nope. The D5100 has one on the front and one on the rear.

It can be a bit fussy at times if you get the lens in the way of the line of sight.

sbesaw Loc: Boston

Still significantly limiting, from my personal experience. Also a challenge in Sunny days.

If you are right behind or in front of the camera they work fine and are certainly reasonably priced

frankd Loc: Raleigh, NC

I purchase an off brand electronic remote release (non Nikon) off of Amazon a few years back and it works fine. If I remember correctly it was significantly less than the Nikon one.

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

I really like my Vello Shutter Boss RF wireless remote.

schuchmn

If all you want to do is trip the shutter without touching the camera (a good idea, BTW), the cordless ML-L3 ($19) or the MC-DC2 cord ($25) will do.

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Sorry, I'm with Nikonian on this.
I have, and use, a 'cable release' on my D100's when doing product photography on a tripod. And used them on my film Olympus bodies prior to going digital. It's a well known and understood name for a specific piece of gear.

I also have a wired, electronic 'remote shutter release' that works on my D200's and D2xs, since neither will accept a mechanical 'cable release'.

Try Googling 'cable release' and see what you get pictures of.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

OK. Did it. The first choice (after images) took me to B&H Photo where 'cable release' brings up all forms of shutter release. Even wireless. Sounds like 'cable release' has become or is at least well on its way to becoming a generic term of art.

Ahhh. The English language continues its slide. But ever since between and among became synonyms I have been in mourning.

DEBJENROB Loc: DELRAY BEACH FL

Gentlemen .... 3 pages back ... a simple question was asked .... do you realize how much time has been spent on wired vs. wireless and consider the amount of time spent correcting someone's use of the word mechanical when applied to a digital camera .... tell him.... his best choice is rf wireless ... it does the same thing a wired does ... only it gives you more distance flexibility .. with the infrared you have to be approximately 16 feet from the camera .. with a wired less than 12 inches ...

sbesaw Loc: Boston

Thought that's what I did!!!

Papa Joe Loc: Midwest U.S.

Tip-Ring, you won't notice a difference between using the self timer and/or the wireless release, but where the wireless release would be more useful is you'll get the shot the instant you trigger the shutter, without the delay caused by using the self timer. If the few seconds are not crucial, then go with the self timer, for less expense. Good luck, and Merry Christmas.