Getting to Know Your Camera 1: Nikon D5100 Features Inventory

When I did my Better Photo course a couple of months ago, the first assignment, and a very useful one, was sitting down with the camera and manual and finding out exactly what I have on hand.  The check  list below was suggested by the instructor (Peter Burian).

Photo:  whitegadget.com

Nikon D5100 Features Inventory

1.Removable memory cards supported: SD, SDHC (UHS-1), SXDC (UHS-1)

2.LCD screen that lets you preview images: YES

3.A feature for magnifying images when you view them in Playback mode: YES

4.AUTOFOCUS LOCK, for locking focus while you recompose: YES

5.APERTURE PRIORITY mode (sometimes marked as AV) (f/stop): YES

6.Shutter Priority mode (sometimes marked as TV) for setting any desired shutter speed: YES

7.Several exposure metering patterns (please specify): Matrix, Center and Spot

8.An EXPOSURE COMPENSATION control (often marked [+/-]) for making brighter or darker images: YES

9.An AUTOEXPOSURE LOCK (often called AE Lock) for locking exposure while you recompose: YES

10.A "histogram" for evaluating exposures: YES

11.A fully Manual (M) mode: YES

12. A standard Program (P) Mode: YES

13.The ability to select ISO SETTINGS:: 100-6400 in steps of 1/3 EV; Hi 0.7, Hi 1, Hi 2

14.The ability to set WHITE BALANCE: Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types) direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual

15.Several JPEG QUALITY options (please list): Fine (1:4), Normal (1:8), Basic (1:16)

16.Several JPEG SIZE options (pixels per option): 4928x3264, 3696x2448, 2464x1632

17.A RAW capture mode: NEF, 14bit, compressed

18.A TIFF capture mode: NO

19.A built-in zoom lens or an accessory zoom lens (SLR): AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G

20.A Macro option for extreme close focusing (built-in to the camera): NO

21.An accessory zoom lens with "macro" (close focusing capability): Hope to have one soon

22.Threads on the front of your lens so you can mount filters: YES

23.A hot shoe that accepts an optional accessory flash unit: YES

24.A control that lets you adjust the level of Sharpening, Color Saturation (richness) and Contrast: Active-D Lighting (preserving greater detail in high contrast settings) ; also features 6 Picture Controls (Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape) within which the following can be adjusted: sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation, hue, filter effects, toning.

25.EXIF DATA RECORDING (for data on all settings used to make a photo): Exif 2.3

26.The ability to VIEW EXIF DATA (at least the f/stop, shutter speed and ISO) in Playback mode when viewing images: YES, plus much more

27.A socket (in camera base) that allows you to use a tripod: YES

28.Compatibility with some type of remote control accessory: YES

29.  Weight:  Body 554g;  Nikon 18-55mm VR Kit Lens 263g;  body + kit lens  817g (28.8 oz, or 1.8lbs)

#