Nikon D5100 Modes & Menus

Nikon D5100 Modes and Menus

Nikon D5100 Capture Modes

The mode dial on the right side of the D5100's top panel provides access to its various exposure modes, with the usual Program, Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, and Manual operating modes found on all Nikon DSLRs, plus an Auto mode, a total of six Scene modes (which Nikon calls "Vari-Programs"), a Scene setting that accesses an additional 11 scene modes not on the dial, and an Effects position that accesses 7 special-effect modes. Here's a full list of what's available:

• Auto: The camera sets almost everything. Used for snapshots or users who just don't want to be bothered with the details of how the camera will do its work. The AF-assist light will come on if needed, and the camera selects the AF point covering the closest subject.
• Program: Puts the camera in charge of aperture and shutter speed, though all remaining camera settings are available. You can vary the combination of aperture and shutter speed the camera has selected, while retaining the same exposure level, by rotating the Command Dial. Called Flexible Program in Nikon parlance, this function is otherwise known as Program Shift, and is a great way to quickly bias your exposure without needing to switch to a Priority mode.
• Shutter Priority: The user controls shutter speed, from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds, while the camera sets the aperture value.
• Aperture Priority: The opposite of Shutter Priority mode, this mode lets the user control the aperture within the range available from the attached lens, while the camera sets the shutter speed.
• Manual: Gives the user complete control over the exposure (both shutter and aperture settings), and provides access to the camera's Bulb shutter setting, for exposures longer than 30 seconds.
• Effects: Provides a selection of special effects modes that can be useful for artistic images. These include Night Vision, Color Sketch, Miniature Effect, Selective Color, Silhouette, High Key, and Low Key. Most are self-explanatory, but a few bear more explanation. The Night Vision mode boosts ISO sensitivity to a maximum of ISO 102,400 equivalent, but also necessitates either manual focus or the slower contrast detection autofocusing that's used in Live View mode, as well as monochrome imagery. High Key and Low Key bias exposure towards predominantly light or dark scenes, respectively.
• Close up: Reds and greens are pumped up, camera selects center focus point, but other points can be chosen with the Multi-Selector. The built-in flash will pop up and fire if the lighting is too dim; tripod use is recommended.
• Sports: Uses higher shutter speeds, camera switches to continuous focus while the shutter button is held down halfway, tracking the subject in the center focus area. If the subject leaves the central AF area, the camera will follow it and judge focus from the other focus areas. The beginning AF area can be chosen with the Multi-selector. Both flash and AF illuminator are turned off and will not fire.
• Child: This mode boosts sharpness and saturation for clothing and background details, but renders skin tones soft and natural-looking. The built-in flash will pop up and fire if the lighting is too dim.
• Landscape: Boosts color saturation, contrast, and sharpening for city and forest landscape shots. Closest-focus AF is used, and the flash and AF-assist light are turned off in this mode.
• Portrait: Adjusts the lens aperture to soften background details to help the main subject stand out more clearly. Sharpness and color saturation are moderated somewhat, to give softer, more natural-looking skin tones. The built-in flash will pop up and fire if the lighting is too dim.
• Scene: The D5100 retains the D5000's separate Scene position, which now offers a slightly reduced selection of 11 modes accessed from a single Mode dial position. They are: Night Portrait, Night Landscape, Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Pet Portrait, Candlelight, Blossom, Autumn Colors, and Food. The Silhouette, High Key, and Low Key modes from the D5000 have been moved to the Effects position, while Night Portrait and Candlelight are new additions for the D5100.
• Auto (Flash Off): In this mode, exposure is automatic but the flash is disabled, and the camera will vary the ISO up to a maximum of 3,200, to capture images using available light. The AF-assist light will come on if needed, and the camera selects the AF point with the closest subject. This mode is great for museums and other places where flash isn't permitted, more natural-looking indoor shots, etc.
  
  
  

Nikon D5100 Menus

The menu system on the Nikon D5100 follows that of the D5000 fairly closely. Pressing the Menu button provides access to the camera's full menu system. See the tables below for details.

Playback Menu:

Shooting Menu 1:

Shooting Menu 2:

Shooting Menu 3:

Custom Setting Menu a:

Custom Setting Menu b:

Custom Setting Menu c:

Custom Setting Menu d:

Custom Setting Menu e:

Custom Setting Menu f:

Setup Menu 1:

Setup Menu 2:

Retouch Menu 1:

Retouch Menu 2:

Retouch Menu 1:

Recent Settings or My Menu:

Recent Settings or My Menu mode can be selected. Recent Settings automatically adds 20 of the most recently used settings to this menu, while My Menu mode lets you define and order what appears on this menu. The screenshot below shows Recent Settings mode.