The Nikon D5100 Modes

 

 

The Nikon D5100 camera is capable of shooting amazing pictures in any situation.  Here’s’ a rundown of the exposure and scene modes built into the camera.

 

 

 

 

Some basic photography Terms.

ISO (International Organization For Standardization)

This measures how sensitive (fast) the camera is to light.  Lower (Slower) numbers mean the camera is less sensitive.  Higher Numbers means the camera is very sensitive to light  the Nikon Camera is capable of  as little as 100 ISO to as much as 6400 ISO.

Aperture (F-STOP) Setting

The Aperture on the camera works exactly like the pupil in your eye.  It regulates how much light is let into the camera. Typical F-Stop numbers are 2.8, 42, 5, 5.6, 6.3, 7.1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22.   The smaller the number, the wider the opening  and the more light is let into the camera.

Shutter Speed

This measures how fast the camera takes the picture.  A typical starting value is 1/60 of a second.  Slower shutter speeds will cause moving objects to blur, while faster shutter speeds will “freeze” fast moving objects.

 

The Nikon Exposure Modes

Mode P Programmed Auto Mode

The Camera selects the optimal shutter speed and F-Stop (aperture).  This mode is best for spontaneous “point and shoot” situations.

Mode S Shutter-priority Auto

You choose the shutter speed (how fast the camera takes the picture) and the camera automatically chooses the optimal F-Stop.   This mode is useful if you want to “freeze” very fast action such as  Water, Bubbles, Sports,  Cars.  Remember, the “faster” the picture is taken the more light is required.

Mode A Aperture Priority auto

You choose the F-Stop (how much light is coming in to the lens) and the camera automatically sets the optimal Shutter Speed.

Mode M Manual Mode

You choose the F-Stop and the Shutter speed.  Great when you want the most Creative Control over your pictures.

 

The Nikon Scene Modes

 

Portrait Mode

Renders smooth natural skin tones and it slightly De-focuses the background to bring out the subject.

 

Landscape Mode

Use with a tripod to create vivid colored landscapes in daylight.

 

Child Mode

Gives Soft skin tones and vivid colors to clothes and backgrounds.

 

Sports Mode

Automatically sets fast shutter speeds to freeze dynamic motion.

Close-Up Mode

Great for getting in real close.  A tripod helps to avoid blurring or shaking.