Image Quality And Size; Image Quality - Nikon D5100 Reference Manual

Image Quality and Size

Together, image quality and size determine how much space each photograph
occupies on the memory card. Larger, higher quality images can be printed at larger
sizes but also require more memory, meaning that fewer such images can be stored
on the memory card (0 218).

Image Quality

Choose a file format and compression ratio (image quality).
Option File type
Raw 14-bit data from the image sensor are saved directly to the memory
NEF (RAW) NEF card. Settings such as white balance and contrast can be adjusted on a
computer after shooting.
JPEG fine Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 4 (fine quality).
JPEG Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 8 (normal quality).
JPEG normal
JPEG basic Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 16 (basic quality).
Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one fine-quality JPEG
NEF (RAW) +
JPEG fine image.
NEF/ Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one normal-quality
NEF (RAW) +
JPEG normal JPEG JPEG image.
Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one basic-quality
NEF (RAW) +
JPEG basic JPEG image.
1
Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button.
Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
Information display
2
Display image quality options.
Highlight the current image quality in the
information display and press J.
Description
P button
z
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