Nikon D5100 Reference Manual page 16

[] The Shooting Menu
White balance can be selected using the White balance option in
the shooting menu (_ 151), which also can be used to fine-tune
white balance (_ 83) or measure a value for preset white balance
(_ 84).
The _ Fluorescent option in the White balance menu can be used
to select the light source from the bulb types shown at right.
[] Color Temperature
The perceived color of a light source varies with the viewer and other conditions. Color
temperature is an objective measure of the color of a light source, defined with reference to
the temperature to which an object would have to be heated to radiate light in the same
wavelengths. While light sources with a color temperature in the neighborhood of 5,000-
5,500 K appear white, light sources with a lower color temperature, such as incandescent
light bulbs, appear slightly yellow or red. Light sources with a higher color temperature
appear tinged with blue. The camera white balance options are adapted to the following
color temperatures:
• _ (sodium-vapor lamps): 2,700K
• _ (incandescent)/
(warm-white fluorescent): 3,000K
• _ (white fluorescent): 3,700K
• _ (cool-white fluorescent): 4,200K
• _ (day white fluorescent): 5,000K
[] The Fn Button
• -_,'-
(direct sunlight):
5,200 K
• _ (flash): 5,400 K
• ,11, (cloudy): G,O00 K
• _ (daylight fluorescent): 6,500 K
• _ (hightemp. mercury-vapor):7,200 K
• f_..-. ( shade): 8,000 K
For information on using the Fn button and the command dial for white balance, see page
165.
82