Nikon D5100 Experience Manual page 34

Nikon D5100 Experience
differently than how the camera is currently set up. This is a more advanced shooting method
that can be returned to later if the need arises.
Figure 22 – Shutter-Release Button and AE-L/AF-L Button
To take advantage of this, use Custom Settings f2 to set the AE-L/AF-L Button to AF Lock Only
(Autofocus Lock). With the Autofocus Mode still set to AF-S (Single-servo AF) and the AF-
Area Mode still set to Single-Point AF:
• Set the Mode Dial to P (Program).
• Tap the Shutter-Release Button halfway to wake up the camera and start the metering.
• Looking through the viewfinder, select your AF Point using the Multi Selector and place
it over your subject.
• Press the Shutter-Release Button halfway to focus on your subject.
• As you are holding the Shutter-Release Button half-pressed, press and hold the AE-
L/AF-L Button. Focus is locked at this distance no matter where you aim the camera, or
if you take your finger off the Shutter-Release Button, or if you again press the Shutter-
Release Button halfway or fully, as long as you hold down the AE-L/AF-L Button.
• Move the camera around a bit while looking through the viewfinder and you will see that
the exposure numbers keep changing (aperture and/ or shutter speed).
• Compose your photo as desired and press the Shutter-Release Button fully, while your
thumb is still holding the AE-L/AF-L Button. You have not locked exposure, so proper
exposure is determined when you take the photo.
This is a method of what is referred to as back-button focusing. If you wish to make this even
more complex, you can change Custom Setting c1 to On so that exposure is locked with the half-
press of the Shutter-Release Button. Essentially, you have reversed the roles of these buttons
from how we initially set them up. If you do not have a need for this shooting method, there is
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