For Your Safety

To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the following safety
precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those
who use the product will read them.
The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions listed in this section are
indicated by the following symbol:
✺✺ WARNINGS
AKeep the sun out of the frame
Keep the sun well out of the frame when shooting
backlit subjects. Sunlight focused into the camera when
the sun is in or close to the frame could cause a fire.
ADo not look at the sun through the viewfinder
Viewing the sun or other strong light source through the
viewfinder could cause permanent visual impairment.
AUsing the viewfinder diopter control
When operating the viewfinder diopter control with
your eye to the viewfinder, care should be taken not to
put your finger in your eye accidentally.
ATurn off immediately in the event of malfunction
Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming
from the equipment or AC adapter (available
separately), unplug the AC adapter and remove the
battery immediately, taking care to avoid burns.
Continued operation could result in injury. After
removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikonauthorized
service center for inspection.
ADo not use in the presence of flammable gas
Do not use electronic equipment in the presence of
flammable gas, as this could result in explosion or fire.
AKeep out of reach of children
Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury.
ADo not disassemble
Touching the product’s internal parts could result in
injury. In the event of malfunction, the product should
be repaired only by a qualified technician. Should the
product break open as the result of a fall or other
accident, remove the battery and/or AC adapter and
then take the product to a Nikon-authorized service
center for inspection.
ADo not place the strap around the neck of an infant or child
Placing the camera strap around the neck of an infant or
child could result in strangulation.
AObserve caution when using the flash
• Using the camera with the flash in close contact with
the skin or other objects could cause burns.
• Using the flash close to the subject’s eyes could cause
temporary visual impairment. Particular care should
be observed when photographing infants, when the
flash should be no less than one meter (39 in.) from the
subject.
AAvoid contact with liquid crystal
Should the monitor break, care should be taken to avoid
injury due to broken glass and to prevent the liquid
crystal from the monitor touching the skin or entering
the eyes or mouth.
AObserve proper precautions when handling batteries
Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled.
Observe the following precautions when handling
batteries for use in this product:
• Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment.
• Do not short or disassemble the battery.
• Be sure the product is off before replacing the battery.
If you are using an AC adapter, be sure it is unplugged.
• Do not attempt to insert the battery upside down or
backwards.
• Do not expose the battery to flame or to excessive
heat.
• Do not immerse in or expose to water.
• Replace the terminal cover when transporting the
battery. Do not transport or store the battery with
metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.
• Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged.
To avoid damage to the product, be sure to remove the
battery when no charge remains.
• When the battery is not in use, attach the terminal
cover and store in a cool, dry place.
• The battery may be hot immediately after use or when
the product has been used on battery power for an
extended period. Before removing the battery turn
the camera off and allow the battery to cool.
• Discontinue use immediately should you notice any
changes in the battery, such as discoloration or
deformation.
AUse appropriate cables
When connecting cables to the input and output jacks,
use only the cables provided or sold by Nikon for the
purpose to maintain compliance with product
regulations.
ACD-ROMs
CD-ROMs containing software or manuals should not be
played back on audio CD equipment. Playing CD-ROMs
on an audio CD player could cause hearing loss or
damage the equipment.

AThis icon marks warnings. To prevent possible injury, read all warnings before using this Nikon
product.

iii
AObserve proper precautions when handling the charger
• Keep dry. Failure to observe this precaution could
result in fire or electric shock.
• Do not short the charger terminals. Failure to observe
this precaution could result in overheating and
damage to the charger.
• Dust on or near the metal parts of the plug should be
removed with a dry cloth. Continued use could result
in fire.
• Do not go near the charger during thunderstorms.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in
electric shock.
• Do not handle the plug or charger with wet hands.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in
electric shock.
• Do not use with travel converters or adapters designed
to convert from one voltage to another or with DC-to-
AC inverters. Failure to observe this precaution could
damage the product or cause overheating or fire.
• No part of the manuals included with this product may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language in any form, by
any means, without Nikon’s prior written permission.
• Nikon reserves the right to change the specifications of
the hardware and software described in these manuals at
any time and without prior notice.
• Nikon will not be held liable for any damages resulting
from the use of this product.
• While every effort has been made to ensure that the
information in these manuals is accurate and complete,
we would appreciate it were you to bring any errors or
omissions to the attention of the Nikon representative in
your area (address provided separately).
Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of
the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit
different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for help.
CAUTIONS
Modifications
The FCC requires the user be notified that any changes or
modifications made to this device that are not expressly
approved by Nikon Corporation may void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Interface Cables
Use the interface cables sold or provided by Nikon for your
equipment. Using other interface cables may exceed the
limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Notice for Customers in the State of California
WARNING: Handling the cord on this product may expose you
to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause
birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York
11747-3064, U.S.A.
Tel.: 631-547-4200

Notices
The Battery Charger

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS—SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

DANGER—TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
CAREFULLY
FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
For connection to a supply not in the U.S.A., use an attachment plug adapter of the proper configuration for the power
outlet if needed. This power unit is intended to be correctly oriented in a vertical or floor mount position.
D5100iv
Notice for Customers in Canada
CAUTION
This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.
ATTENTION
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme
à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Notices for Customers in Europe
This symbol indicates that this product is
to be collected separately.
The following apply only to users in
European countries:
• This product is designated for separate
collection at an appropriate collection point. Do
not dispose of as household waste.
• For more information, contact the retailer or the
local authorities in charge of waste management.
This symbol on the battery indicates that
the battery is to be collected separately.
The following apply only to users in
European countries:
• All batteries, whether marked with this symbol or
not, are designated for separate collection at an
appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as
household waste.
• For more information, contact the retailer or the
local authorities in charge of waste management.
Disposing of Data Storage Devices
Please note that deleting images or formatting memory cards or other data storage devices does not
completely erase the original image data. Deleted files can sometimes be recovered from discarded
storage devices using commercially available software, potentially resulting in the malicious use of
personal image data. Ensuring the privacy of such data is the user’s responsibility.
Before discarding a data storage device or transferring ownership to another person, erase all data using
commercial deletion software, or format the device and then completely refill it with images containing no
private information (for example, pictures of empty sky). Be sure to also replace any pictures selected for
preset manual white balance. Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically destroying data
storage devices.
AVC Patent Portfolio License
THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE AVC PATENT PORTFOLIO LICENSE FOR THE PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL USE OF
A CONSUMER TO (i) ENCODE VIDEO IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AVC STANDARD (“AVC VIDEO”) AND/OR (ii) DECODE AVC VIDEO
THAT WAS ENCODED BY A CONSUMER ENGAGED IN A PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY AND/OR WAS OBTAINED
FROM A VIDEO PROVIDER LICENSED TO PROVIDE AVC VIDEO. NO LICENSE IS GRANTED OR SHALL BE IMPLIED FOR ANY OTHER
USE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C. SEE http://www.mpegla.com
CAUTION
RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO
THE INSTRUCTIONS.

X
6
The Information Display
Camera settings can be viewed and adjusted in the information
display. Press the P button once to view settings, and again to
make changes to settings. Highlight items using the multi
selector and press J to view options for the highlighted item.
P button
19
7 8 9 10 1112 13 14
16 18 20
4
6
5
1
3
2 15
17
27
26
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
25
21 22 23 24
1 Shooting mode
i auto/
j auto (flash off ) .............. 18
Scene modes ...................... 21
P, S, A, and M modes........... 43
Special effects mode......... 55
2 Aperture (f-number) ............ 43
3 Shutter speed ........................ 43
4 Shutter-speed display
5 Aperture display
6 Auto-area AF indicator ........ 34
3D-tracking indicator........... 34
Focus point
7 Manual flash indicator
Flash compensation indicator
for optional flash units
8 Print date indicator
9 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator
10 Multiple exposure indicator
11 HDR indicator
12 “Beep” indicator
13 Battery indicator ....................17
14 GPS connection indicator
15 Eye-Fi connection indicator
16 Help icon..................................72
17 ADL bracketing amount
18 Exposure indicator
Exposure compensation
indicator
Bracketing progress indicator
19 Number of exposures
remaining ............................17
White balance recording
indicator
Capture mode indicator
20 “K” (appears when memory
remains for over 1,000
exposures)............................17
21 Flash mode ............................. 38
22 Flash compensation
23 Exposure compensation
24 Picture Control
25 Image quality......................... 35
26 Image size............................... 36
27 White balance
28 ISO sensitivity......................... 40
29 Release mode......................... 28
30 Focus mode ......................32, 45
31 AF-area mode ..................34, 46
32 Metering
33 Active D-Lighting
34 Bracketing increment

8
X
Camera Menus
Most shooting, playback, and setup options can
be accessed from the camera menus. To view the
menus, press the G button.
Using Camera Menus
The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the camera menus.
Tabs
Choose from the following menus:
• D: Playback (010)
• C: Shooting (010)
• A: Custom Settings (011)
• B: Setup (011)
• N: Retouch (011)
• m/O: Recent settings or My Menu (011)
d
If a d icon is displayed at the bottom left corner of the
monitor, help can be displayed by pressing the Q (W)
button. Press 1 or 3 to scroll through the display. Press
Q (W) again to return to the menus.
Move cursor up
Cancel and return to previous menu
J button: select highlighted item
Select highlighted item or display submenu
Move cursor down
G button
Slider shows position in current menu.
Current settings are shown by icons.
Menu options
Options in current menu.
Q (W) button