I also have a problem of what to buy. I thought the most important item was the monitor to ensure there was correct colour rendition. This would require a monitor that can be calibrated to a known standard. I have an i7 HP laptop but as far as I know the screen cannot be calibrated. I also have a 23inch 1920x1080 monitor which also cannot be calibrated. What do I need that is cheap?

I want to watermark or apply text to a Nikon pic using its file number, not individually but in batches

Yes, rather proactive whereas the D5100 is passive and you need to have read the manual first to know what is available. Once there help tells you what the alternatives mean.

I quite agree mtnMan and reducing movement further is that to see the screen when taking a portrait you select liveview which locks up the mirror so stops mirror slap. The d5100 also has help screens to explain functions as you select them. Perhaps the best model will be the D7100 which will pull together all the features of the current D7000, D3200 and the D5100 and maybe add a few more.

Having looked at the specs for the D3200 and the D5100 there were only 2 items of significance. The 5100 has 16 mps and the 3200 has 24. For a prosumer the increase is of no significance unless you have a very large colour printer which only a professional would be able to afford. The other is that the 5100 has an articulating screen whereas the 3200 does not. For a keen amateur the swiveling screen is brilliant. I looked at the spec for the 3200 and decided that I preferred the 5100. A further problem of the increased mps for a prosumer is the increased transfer times because of the bigger file sizes. If you want a fixed screen and more gismos than the 3200 go for the D7000.

Thanks PNagy

Thanks guys. Yes, I did use a TV using the A/V cable to a TV for the Transit of Venus. Will use the type C to type A HDMI cable to feed an HD monitor.

Thanks LWOPP. Please use a non-flammable glove

This picture was taken at 16:16hrs approximately 30min before end of transit and 45min before sunset.
Taken with a Nikon D5100 fitted with a Tamron 18-270mm at max.
Set to auto-no flash f/6.3 1/400sec ISO-400 Manual focus.
Image - size large, image - quality fine. File size 3.66MB.
Used a home-made filter to reduce the amount of light.
Take an ordinary cheap UV filter and using a candle, hold the filter at the top of the flame where it will deposit carbon, keep the filter moving and distribute the carbon evenly over the filter. Be careful as the filter will get warm or even hot so wear an inflammable glove. As you can see clouds also acted as a filter. The coating for this shot was a lighter one than that used during the morning when the sun was much brighter.

06-06-12 16:16hrs Hunterville New Zealand

should say that exposures checked by going into liveview before attempting to look through the viewfinder. I also hooked up a TV using the A/V output socket. An all mobile setup. TV im campervan running off batteries through an inverter. Use an extension lead to the camera on a tripod and use an infra-red remote control to avoid disturbing the camera and being in liveview mode the mirror is locked up so no vibration from mirror slap. Sun was a lot brighter when the morning pics were taken. Smoked filter was redone more lightly for the afternoon picture as clouds also acted as a filter and camera was hand-held using the viewfinder, no probs.

Definitely need a 2 or 3 times multiplier

Taken about 30mins before final exit and about 45mins before sunset D5100 with Tamron 18-270mm lens. Smoked a 72mm UV filter using a candle. Picture untouched. No cropping no light adjustment or other filters. Full details available if required

06-06-12 16:16hrs Hunterville New Zealand

re-upload of first pic to make available for download

10:30 Hunterville New Zealand

re-upload of first pic to make it available for download

Correction, first pic was taken at 10:30am New Zealand time

Taken 10:43 download the pic for better resolution