Nikon D5100 Reference Manual page 119

Choosing an AF-Area Mode
In modes other than i and j, the following AF-area modes can be selected in live
view:
Option
6 Face-priority AF
7 Wide-area AF
8 Normal-area AF
9 Subject-tracking AF Track a selected subject as it moves through the frame.
1
Place the cursor in the information
display.
Press the P button to place the cursor in the
information display.
2
Display AF-area modes.
Highlight the current AF-area mode in the
information display and press J.
3
Choose an AF-area mode.
Highlight an option and press J. To return to live
view, press P.
The camera automatically detects and focuses on portrait subjects
facing the camera. Use for portraits.
Use for hand-held shots of landscapes and other non-portrait
subjects. Use the multi selector to select the focus point.
Use for pin-point focus on a selected spot in the frame. A tripod is
recommended.
Description
P button
x
101