p5100 users

[Scotttyd]

I just got my p5100 and I am learning the controls, settings, etc.

I was curious as to what the "best" settings are for underwater use in regards to items such as:
optimize image - I was thinking vivid or more vivid
ISO settings (see thread in main forum)
metering
use or do not use noise reduction
af area mode
auto focus mode

Now I know the best way to learn these is practice, but I was curious to what others uses have used.

 

[randini]

Congrat's on the new cammy. I don't have the 5100, but I do have the P5000 so the settings should for the mst part be the same.

I like to turn off image optimization and noise reduction in the camera. The reason is that I can do both of these just as well, if not better, in post processing when I see fit, rather then letting the camera do it all the time and possibly over processing images.

These little cameras aren't high ISO beasts. Keep the ISO as low as you can, usually under 200. IIRC, the P5100 has a feaeture that my 5000 doesn't, one where you can set an auto ISO with a limit. For example you could put it to Auto200 and the camera will select the best ISO for the settings you are using, but will never go over 200. That might be worth exploring.

For AF mode, I leave it in single AF, not point having the camera contsantly focusing and running down the battery when I'm not ready to take a picture.

For metering I tend to use center or spot AF Area. And for AF area I use center. That way I aim at my subject, get focus lock, then recompose as I see fit.

Also, I have the customizable "Fn" button set to open the white balance menu. It takes a little getting used to (you have to hold the button down until you make the selection from the menu), but it's a lot quicker than trying to dig WB out of the main menu.

Good luck & enjoy your new toy.

 

[Scotttyd]

What type of carrying case do you use for the nikon p5100? I have an ikelite housing (should be waiting for me at home) and a af35 strobe. I want something sturdy when I take it on NC boat diving. I will use it on limited travel trips (so I can probably use my reg bag to fit everything in a carryon if needed. Is there a good pelican case (or something along those lines).

 

[divengolf]

What type of carrying case do you use for the nikon p5100? I have an ikelite housing (should be waiting for me at home) and a af35 strobe. I want something sturdy when I take it on NC boat diving. I will use it on limited travel trips (so I can probably use my reg bag to fit everything in a carryon if needed. Is there a good pelican case (or something along those lines).

I have a P5100, Ike housing and two Ike strobes plus all th support stuff. I use a 1510 pelican case. it's OK as a carry-on. rather than buying foam, i use my t-shirts as padding. the only downside is that the 1510 weighs about 14# empty, so it's about 35-40 pounds full.

There are others similar to pelican. i found my case on ebay new for about $115. i'd look there first. it retails for over $200.