P, S, A, And M Modes; Shutter Speed And Aperture - Nikon D5100 Reference Manual

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P, S, A, and M Modes

Shutter Speed and Aperture

P, S, A, and M modes offer different degrees of control over shutter
speed and aperture:
Mode
Programmed auto
P
(0 62)
Shutter-priority auto
S
(0 63)
Aperture-priority auto
A
(0 64)
M Manual (0 65)
D
Lens Aperture Rings
When using a CPU lens equipped with an aperture ring (0 198), lock the aperture ring at the When using a CPU lens equipped with an aperture ring ( When using a CPU lens equipped with an aperture ring (
minimum aperture (highest f-number). Type G lenses are not equipped with an aperture minimum aperture (highest f-number). minimum aperture (highest f-number).
ring.
A
Shutter Speed and Aperture Shutter Speed and Aperture Shutter Speed and Aperture
The same exposure can be achieved with different combinations of shutter speed and The same exposure can be achieved with different combinations of shutter speed and The same exposure can be achieved with different combinations of shutter speed and
aperture. Fast shutter speeds and large apertures freeze moving objects and soften Fast shutter speeds and large apertures freeze moving objects and soften Fast shutter speeds and large apertures freeze moving objects and soften
background details, while slow shutter speeds and small apertures blur moving objects and background details, while slow shutter speeds and small apertures blur moving objects and background details, while slow shutter speeds and small apertures blur moving objects and
bring out background details.
Fast shutter speed
1
( /
1,600
Camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure. Camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure. Camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure.
Recommended for snapshots and in other situations in which Recommended for snapshots and in other situations in which Recommended for snapshots and in other situations in which
there is little time to adjust camera settings.
User chooses shutter speed; camera selects aperture for best User chooses shutter speed; camera selects aperture for best User chooses shutter speed; camera selects aperture for best
results. Use to freeze or blur motion.
User chooses aperture; camera selects shutter speed for best User chooses aperture; camera selects shutter speed for best User chooses aperture; camera selects shutter speed for best
results. Use to blur background or bring both foreground and
background into focus. background into focus. background into focus.
User controls both shutter speed and aperture. User controls both shutter speed and aperture. User controls both shutter speed and aperture. Set shutter speed
to "Bulb" or "Time" for long time-exposures. to "Bulb" or "Time" for long time-exposures. to "Bulb" or "Time" for long time-exposures.
Shutter speed
Slow shutter speed
s) (1 s)
Description
adjust camera settings. adjust camera settings.
Use to freeze or blur motion. Use to freeze or blur motion.
Use to blur background or bring both foreground and Use to blur background or bring both foreground and
Large aperture (f/5.6)
(Remember, the higher the f-number, the
Aperture
Small aperture (f/22)
smaller the aperture.)
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