Nikon D5100 Reference Manual

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Page 1 Nikon DIGITAL CAMERA !C)C : } Reference Manual...
Page 2 To display the Custom Settings menu, press MENU and select the _ (Custom Settings menu) tab. MENU b utton Custom Settings are used to customize camera settings Custom Setting groups to suit individual preferences. Main menu Reset Custom settings (__3157)
Page 3 The following Custom Settings are available: Autofocus Bracketing/flash Controls #_ ..l ..Note: Depending on camera settings, s ome items may be grayed out and unavailable.For information on the optionsavailable in each shooting mode, see page 216. Select Yes to restore Custom Settings to their default values.
Page 4 When AF-Cis selected for viewfinder photography (_ 39), this option controls whether photographs can be taken whenever the shutter-release button is pressed (release priority) or only when the camera is in focus (focus priority). Option'°_ ..Description Release Photos can be taken whenever the shutter-release button is pressed. _'"'] Focus Photos can only be taken once the camera has focused.
Page 5 Choose On to use the exposure indicator to determine whether the camera is correctly focused in manual focus mode (_ 65; note that this function is not available in shooting mode M, when the exposure indicator instead shows whether the subject is correctly exposed).
Page 6 This option determines howlongthemonitor r emains onifnooperations are performed duringmenu display a ndplayback (Playback/menus), while photographs aredisplayed inthemonitor a fter s hooting ( Image review), and during live view(Live view), a ndhowlong theexposure meters, viewfinder, andinformation display r emain o nwhen nooperations areperformed ( Auto meter-off).
Page 7 Choose how long the camera will remain before cancelling currently selected remote control release mode and restoring the previously selected release mode (_ 37). Choose shorter times for longer battery life. Choose the pitch (High or Low) of the beep that sounds when the camera focuses using single-servo AF (AF-S or when single-servo AF is selected for AF-A;...
Page 8 When a photograph is taken, the camera names the file by adding one to the last file number used. This option controls whether file numbering continues from the last number used when a new folder is created, the memory card is formatted, or a new memor/card is inserted in the camera.
Page 9 Choose the date information imprinted on photographs as they are taken. Description Option The time and date do not appear on photographs. The date or date and time are imprinted on DATE Date photographs taken while this option is in ............
Page 10 Choose the flash mode for the builtqn flash in P,S,A, and M modes. Manual icon blinks in the viewfinder and information display when Manual is selected and the flash is raised. The SB-400 When an optional SB-400 flash unit (_ 202) is attached and turned on, Flash cntrl for built-in flash changes to Optional...
Page 11 Choose the setting (exposure, white balance, or Active D-Lighting) varied when bracketing is in effect (P,S,A, and M modes only; _ 88). Choose the role played by the Fn (_) button. If an item marked with an asterisk ("_") is selected, a white-on-black icon corresponding to the item will appear in the information...
Page 12 Choose the role played by the AE-L/AF-L b utton. _-_!_ -O_ption -_- ..Description ........... AE/AF Focus and exposure lock while the AE-L/AF-L button lock )ressed. !_1 AElock Exposure locks while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed. AE-L/AF-L button only AFlock Focus locks while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed.
Page 13 To display the setup menu, press MENU and select the y (setup menu) tab. MENU b utton The setup menu contains the following options: Option ..Default Option l=_7=Defau°it= -_l_=_ ..1168 Daylightsavingtime !170 Infodisplayformat GrapNdblack !168 Language2 ..Auto infodisplay 1170 Image comment Cleanimage sensor...
Page 14 Press • or• tochoose m onitor b rightness. Choose h igher values f orincreased brightness, lower v alues f orreduced brightness. Choose f romthefollowing t woformats f ortheinformation display ( _ 5). Classic (_ 169) Graphic (_ 5) Select a format. Highlight an option and press I_.
Page 15 The "Classic" display is shown below. 25 26 27 28 29 30 Auto-area AF indicator ..42 Shooting mode Active D-Lighting ....74 _° auto/ 3D-tracking indicator ... 42 Bracketing increment ... 89 L_ auto (flash off) ....26 Manual flash indicator ..
Page 16 If On is selected, the information display will appear after the shutter-release button is pressed halfway; if image review (_ 150) is off, it will also be displayed immediately after shooting. Choose On if you find yourself frequently referring to the information display during shooting.
Page 17 Choose a language for camera menus and messages. The following options are available: Nederlands Dutch (:e_tina Czech Arabic Dansk Danish Traditional Norsk Norwegian q_Z(_) Chinese Deutsch German Polski Polish Simplified English English Portugu_s Portuguese _(_) Chinese EspaSol Spanish PyccK_ Russian Japanese Suomi Finnish...
Page 18 Photographs taken while On is selected contain information on camera orientation, allowing them to be rotated automatically during playback or when viewed in ViewNX 2 or Capture NX 2 (available separately; _ 206). The following orientations are recorded: Camerarotated 90°clockwise Camera rotated 90°...
Page 19 Start:The message shown at right will be displayed and "rEF" will appear in the viewfinder. Cleansensor andthen start: Select this option to clean the image sensor before starting. message shown at right will be displayed and "rEF" will appear in the viewfinder when cleaning is complete.
Page 20 This item is used to adjust settings for optional GP-1 GPS units. The GP-1 can be connected to the camera's accessory terminal (_ 207) using the cable supplied with the GP-1, allowing information on the camera's current position to be recorded when photographs are taken (turn the camera off before connecting the GP-1;...
Page 21 This option is displayed only when an Eye-Fi memory card (available separately from third-party suppliers) is inserted in the camera. Choose Enable to upload photographs to a preselected destination. Note that pictures will not be uploaded signal strength is insufficient. Observe all local laws concerning wireless devices and choose Disable where wireless devices are prohibited.
Page 22 To display the retouch menu, press MENUand select the [3_ (retouch menu) tab. MENU button The options in the retouch menu are used to create trimmed or retouched copies of existing pictures, and are only available when a memory card containing photographs is inserted in the camera.
Page 23: Creating Retouched Copies
Creating Retouched Copies To create a retouched copy: Display retouch options. Highlight the desired item in the retouch menu and press I_. Select a picture. Highlight a picture and press _). Retouch The camera may not be able to display or retouch images created with other devices.
Page 24 D-Lighting brightens shadows, making it ideal for dark or backlit photographs. Before After Press • or • to choose the amount of correction performed. The effect can be previewed in the edit display. Press _) to copy the photograph. This option is used to correct "red-eye" caused by the flash, and is available only with photographs taken using the flash.
Page 25 Create a cropped copy of the selected photograph. selected photograph is displayed with the selected crop shown in yellow; create a cropped copy as described in the following table. Description Increase size of crop button to increase the size of the crop. Reduce size of crop Press the ql_ button to reduce the size of the crop.
Page 26 Choose from the following filter effects. After adjusting filter effects as described below, press _ to copy the photograph. Creates the effect of a skylight filter, making Skylight picture less blue. The effect can be previewed the monitor as shown at right. Creates a copy with warm tone filter effects, giving Warm filter the copy a "warm"...
Page 27 Use the multi selector to create a copy with modified color balance as shown below. The effect is displayed in the monitor together with red, green, and blue histograms (_ 125) giving the distribution of tones in the copy. Increase amount of green Create retouched copy Increaseamount of blue -_ Increaseamount of amber...
Page 28 Select the first image. Use the multi selector to highlight the first photograph in the overlay. To view the highlighted photograph full frame, press and hold the _ button. Press _) to select the highlighted photograph and return to the preview display.
Page 29 Create JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs. Select NEF (RAW) processing. Highlight NEF (RAW) processing in the retouch menu and press I_ to display a picture selection dialog listing only NEF (RAW) images created with this camera. Select a photograph. Highlight a photograph (to view the highlighted...
Page 30 Create s mall copies o fselected p hotographs. Select Resize. To resize selected images, press MENU to display the menus and select Resize in the retouch menu. Choose a size. Highlight Choose size and press I_. The options shown at right will be displayed; highlight an option and press _).
Page 31 Viewing Resized Copies Playback zoom may not be available when resized copies are displayed. Image Quality Copies created from NEF (RAW) or NEF (RAW) + JPEG photos have an image quality (_ 47) of JPEG fine; copies created from JPEG photos have the same image quality as the original.
Page 32 Create copies that appear to have been taken with a fisheye lens. Press I_ to increase the effect (this also increases the amount that will be cropped out at the edges of the image), • to reduce it. The effect can be previewed in the edit display.
Page 33 Create copies that reduce the effects of perspective taken from the base of a tall object. Use the multi selector to adjust perspective (note that greater amounts of perspective control result in more of the edges being cropped out). The results can be previewed in the edit display.
Page 34 Create a copy that appears to be a photo of a diorama. Works best with photos taken from a high vantage point. Description i_r_e°s_, Choose q[] i Press ql_ to choose orientation of area that is in focus. orientation If photo is displayed in wide orientation, press...
Page 35 Create a copy in which only selected hues appear in color. Select Selective color. Highlight Selective color in the retouch menu and press I_ to display a picture selection dialog. Select a photograph. Highlight a photograph (to view the highlighted photograph full frame, press and hold the button).
Page 36 Choose the color range. Press • or • to increase or decrease the range of similar hues that will be included in the final photograph or movie. Choose from values between 1 and 7; note that higher values may include hues from other colors. The effect can be previewed in the edit display.
Page 37 Compare retouched copies to the original photographs. This option is only available if the _) button is pressed to display the retouch menu when a copy or original is played back full frame. Select a picture. Select a retouched copy (shown by a _r icon) or a photograph that has been retouched in full-...
Page 38 To display the recent settings menu, press MENU and select the C]I(recent settings) tab. MENU b utton The recent settings menu lists the twenty most recently used settings, with the most recently-used items first. Press • or • to highlight an option and press I_ to select.
Page 39 IIAdding Options to MyMenu Select items. In My Menu (g), highlight Add items and press I_. Select a menu. Highlight the name of the menu containing the option you wish to add and press I_. Select an item. Highlight the desired menu item and press Position the new item.
Page 40: Deleting Options From My Menu
II Deleting Options from My Menu Select Remove items. In My Menu (g), highlight Remove items and press I_. Select items. Highlight items and press I_ to select or deselect. Selected items are indicated by a check mark. Select Done. Highlight Done and press _).
Page 41 II Reordering Options in MyMenu Select Rankitems. In My Menu (g), highlight Rank items and press I_. Select an item. Highlight the item you wish to move and press _). Position the item. Press • or • to move the item up or down in My Menu and press _).
Page 43: Technical Notes
Technical N otes Read this chapter for information on compatible accessories, cleaning and storing the camera, and what to do if an error message is displayed or you encounter problems using the camera. Compatible CPU Lenses This camera supports autofocus with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses only. AF-S lenses have names beginning with AF-S, A F-I lenses names beginning with AF-I.
Page 44 Identifying CPU and Type G and D Lenses CPU lenses can be identified by the presence of CPU contacts, type G and D lenses by a letter on the lens barrel. Type G lenses are not equipped with a lens aperture ring.
Page 45: Compatible Non-Cpu Lenses
Compatible Non-CPU Lenses Non-CPU lenses may only be used when the camera is in mode M. Selecting another mode disables the shutter release. Aperture must be adjusted manually via the lens aperture ring and the camera metering system, i-TTL flash control, and other features requiring a CPU lens can not be used.
Page 46 [_ The Built-in Flash The built-in flash can be used with lenses with focal lengths of 18-300 ram, although some cases the flash be unable to entirely light the subject at some ranges or focal lengths due to shadows cast by the lens, while lenses that block...
Page 47 Lens Zoom position Minimum distance without vignetting 250 mm 2.5 m/8 2in. AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED 350 mm 2.0 m/6 ft. 7in. 200 mm 5.0 m/16 ft. 5 in. 250 mm 3.0 m/9 ft. lOin. AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II 300 mm 2.5 m/8 ft.
Page 48 250 V applied to the accessory shoe could not only prevent normal operation, but damage the sync circuitry of the camera or flash. Before using a Nikon flash unit not listed in this section, contact a Nikon-authorized service representative for more information.
Page 49 The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) Nikon's advanced Creative Lighting System (CLS) offers improved communication between the camera and compatible flash units for improved flash photography. II CLS-Compatible F lashUnits The camera can be used with the following CLS-compatible flash units: °...
Page 50 The following features are available with CLS-compatible flash units: AF-assist f or multi-area AF2 Flash ColorInformation Communication Power zoom I Only available when SU-800 is used to control other flash units. The SU-800 itself is not equipped with a flash. 2 CPU lens required.
Page 51 _I_ Notes on Optional Flash Units Refer to the Speedlight manual for detailed instructions. If the flash unit supports CLS, refer to the section on CLS-compatible digital SLR cameras. The D51 O0 is not included in the "digital SLR" category in the SB-8ODX, SB-28DX, and SB-5ODX manuals.
Page 52 Software Note: Use the latest versions of Nikon software. Most Nikon software offers an auto update feature when the computer is connected to the Internet.
Page 53 ML-L3wirelessremotecontrol (_ 37): The ML-L3 uses a 3 V CR2025 battery. ii _ iii Remote Pressing the battery-chamber latch to the right ((1)), insert a fingernail into the gap and open the battery chamber ((2)). Ensure that the battery is inserted in the correct orientation ((4)).
Page 54: Power Connector
Attaching a Power Connector and AC Adapter Turn the camera off before attaching an optional power connector and AC adapter. Ready the camera. Open the battery-chamber (_rl_) and power connector (<(2)) covers. Insert the EP-5A power connector. Be sure to insert the connector in the orientation shown, using the connector...
Page 55 Nikon recommends that the camera be inspected by the original retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative once every one to two years, and that it be serviced once every three to five years (note that fees apply to these services). Frequent...
Page 56: The Low-Pass Filter
The Low-Pass Filter The image sensor that acts as the camera's picture element is fitted with a low-pass filter to prevent moir& If you suspect that dirt or dust on the filter is appearing photographs, you can clean the filter using the Clean image sensor option in the setup menu.
Page 57: Select An Option
If dust can not be fully removed using the options in the Clean image sensor menu, clean the image sensor manually (_ 212) or consult a Nikon-authorized service representative. If image sensor cleaning is performed several times in succession, image sensor cleaning...
Page 58 (_ 210), the filter can be cleaned manually as described below. Note, however, that the filter is extremely delicate and easily damaged. Nikon recommends that the filter be cleaned only by Nikon-authorized service personnel. Charge the battery or connect an AC adapter.
Page 59 End cleaning or inspection immediately. _1_ Foreign Matter on the Low-Pass Filter Nikon takes every possible precaution to prevent foreign matter from coming into contact with the low-pass filter during production and shipping. The D5100, however, is designed...
Page 60 Donot drop:The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration. Keepdry: This product is not waterproof, and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high levels of humidity. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.
Page 61 To prevent mold or mildew, take the camera out of storage at least once a month. Turn the camera on and release the shutter a few times before putting it away. Store the battery in a cool, dry place. Replace the terminal cover before putting the battery away.
Page 62 The following table lists the settings that can be adjusted in each mode. _,.,_.,-_ _i,_, €,_, o_o _o__ ......=_.=_._o_o==_.:_o_=, _°_°_=°_°_-°-°-_.,_, s,A, _;_, /,_, ......_ .........._ ....
Page 63 d l: Beep d2: ISO display d3: File number sequence d4: Exposure delay mode _, dS: Print date -_ el: Flash cntrl for built-in flash e2: Auto bracketing _" fl: Assign _/Fn button f2: Assign AE-L/AF-L button f3: Reverse dial rotation f4: Slot empty release lock fS: Reverse indicators...
Page 64 The following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on an 8 GB Toshiba R95 W8OMB/s UHS-I SDHC card at different image quality and size settings. Image quality 23.9 MB Large Medium NEF (RAW)+ JPEG fine 3 20.8 MB Small 18.4 MB...
Page 65 The exposure program for mode P is shown in the following graph: F (lensfocal length) <_ 55 mm 55mm < F<_135mm _135mm<F f1.4 Y///// >< f2.8 f5.6 ///////// ////////// ///////////_////_Y,," 30" 15" 8" 4" 2" 1" 1/15 1/30 1/60 1/125 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/8000 Shutter speed (seconds)
Page 66: Shooting (All Modes)
If the problem persists after removing the battery from the camera, contact your retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative. Shooting (All Modes) Cameratakes time to turn on: Delete files or folders. Shutter-releasedisabled: •...
Page 67 Photosare out of focus: • AF-S or AF-I lens is not attached: use AF-S or AF-I lens or focus manually. • Camera unable to focus using autofocus (_ 40): use manual focus or focus lock (_ 44, 45). • Camera is in manual focus mode: focus manually (_ 45).
Page 68 Shooting (P, S, A, M) Shutter-releasedisabled: • Non-CPU lens is attached: rotate camera mode dial to M (_ 65, 199). • Mode dial rotated to S after shutter speed of"Bulb" or "Time" selected in mode M: choose new shutter speed (_ 63). Fullrange of shutterspeedsnot available: Flash in use (_ 53).
Page 69 Playback NEF(RAW)image is not playedback:Photo was taken at image quality of NEF (RAW)+JPEG (_ 48). Somepicturesare not displayedduringplayback:Select All for Playback folder. Note that Current is automatically selected after photograph is taken (_ 149). "Tall" (portrait) orientation photosare displayedin "wide" (landscape)orientation: •...
Page 70 This section lists the indicators and error messages that appear in the viewfinder monitor. Warning Icons A flashing 0 in the monitor or _] in the viewfinder indicates that a warning or error message can be displayed in the monitor by pressing the ? (ql_) button.
Page 71 Notavailable if Eye-Fi c ardis _r tected). Slide card Thiscardis not formatted. _mera off and insert new quality or size. 47, 49 Cardis full Delete photographs. a..utofocus. Change 40, 45 ISO sensitivity. • Use commercial NDfilter. [o In mode: Subject is too bright S Increase shutter speed _ture...
Page 72 * See printer manual for more information.
Page 73 II NikonD5100 Digital Camera Image size(pixels) • 4,928 x 3,264 (L) • 3,696 x 2,448 (M) • 2,464 x 1,632 (S) • JPE6: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1 : 4), normal (approx. 1 : 8), or basic (approx. 1 : 16) compression •...
Page 74 ComPatible lenses Autofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I lenses. Autofocus is not available with other type G and D lenses, AF lenses (IX NIKKOR and lenses for the F3AF are not supported), and AI-P lenses. Non-CPU lenses can be used in mode M, but the camera exposure meter will not function.
Page 75 Autofocus Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, 11 focus points (including one cross-type sensor), and AF- assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1 ft. 8 in.-9 ft. 10 in.) • Autofocus (AF):Single-servo AF (AF-S);continuous-servo AF (AF-C);auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A);predictive...
Page 76 White balance Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine tuning. Lensservo • Autofocus(AF): S ingle-servo AF (AF-S);full-time-servo AF (AFIF) • Manual focus (MF) AF-area mode Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking Autofocus Contrast-detect...
Page 77 Nikon will not be held liable for damages that may result from any mistakes that this manual may contain.
Page 78 Nikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in this manual at any time and without prior notice. Nikon will not be held liable for damages that may result from any mistakes that this manual may contain.
Page 79 II TheAF-SDXNIKKOR18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is for use exclusively with Nikon format digital cameras. If the camera is equipped with an AF-ON button, vibration reduction will not be activated when the AF-ON button is pressed.
Page 80 Supplied Accessories • 52 mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-52 Optional Accessories • 52 mm screw-on filters • LF-1 and LF-4 rear lens caps • Flexible Lens Pouch CL-0815 • Lens Hood HB-45 (attaches as shown at right) (_ :_ A Note on Wide-Angle Lenses Autofocus...
Page 81: Supported Standards
SD-3C, LLC. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Page 82: Battery Life
• Using a GP-1 GPS unit • Using VR (vibration reduction) mode with VR lenses To ensure that you get the most from rechargeable Nikon EN-EL14 batteries: • Keep the battery contacts clean. Soiled contacts can reduce battery performance. • Use batteries immediately after charging.
Page 83 Symbols (Flash compensation) ....72 Auto ISO sensitivity control,,_,, 155 Auto meter-off ....... 28, 160 [] (Exposure compensation) ..70 _.° (Auto mode) ........ Auto off timers ......160 O (Help) ..........11 _. (Auto (flash o ff) mode) .... • (focus indicator) __27, 44, 46, 69 Auto-area...
Page 84 Information ...... 5, 124, 168 Flexible program ......62 Flicker reduction ..104, 108, 170 Information display ..5, 168, 170 Date and time ......1 9, 170 Infrared receiver ......3 7 Fluorescent (White balance)81, Date counter ........163 Fn button ........
Page 85 NEF (RAW) processing ....183 camera ..........18 Neutral (Set Picture Control) ..91 Television ........146 Nikon Transfer 2 ....1 37, 138 Reset ......... 58, 152, 157 Thumbnail playback ....1 29 Non-CPU lens ........ lgg Time ............
Page 86 Nikon No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION. NIKON CORPORATION SB1C01(11) 6MB11311-01 © 2011 Nikon Corporation...

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