Mode P (Programmed Auto); P (Programmed Auto) - Nikon D5100 Reference Manual

Mode P (Programmed Auto)

In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture for
optimal exposure in most situations. This mode is recommended for snapshots and
other situations in which you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed
and aperture. To take photographs in programmed auto:
1
Rotate the mode dial to P.
2
Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.
A
t
Flexible Program
In mode P, different combinations of shutter speed
and aperture can be selected by rotating the
command dial ("flexible program"). Rotate the dial
to the right for large apertures (low f-numbers) that to the right for large apertures (low f-numbers) that to the right for large apertures (low f-numbers) that
blur background details or fast shutter speeds that blur background details or fast shutter speeds that blur background details or fast shutter speeds that
"freeze" motion. Rotate the dial to the left for small
apertures (high f-numbers) that increase depth of
field or slow shutter speeds that blur motion. field or slow shutter speeds that blur motion. field or slow shutter speeds that blur motion. All
combinations produce the same exposure. While flexible program is in effect, a U (R)
combinations produce the same exposure. combinations produce the same exposure.
indicator appears in the viewfinder and information display. indicator appears in the viewfinder and information display. indicator appears in the viewfinder and information display. To restore default shutter speed
and aperture settings, rotate the command dial and aperture settings, rotate the command dial and aperture settings, rotate the command dial until the indicator is no longer displayed,
choose another mode, or turn the camera off. choose another mode, or turn the camera off. choose another mode, or turn the camera off.
A
See Also
See page 219 for information on the built-in exposure program. See page 219 for information on See page 219 for information on
62
Rotate the dial to the left for small Rotate the dial to the left for small
that increase depth of that increase depth of
Mode dial
Command dial
All All
While flexible program is in effect, a While flexible program is in effect, a