Best way to take panoramic landscape photo with D5100

Richd

Is there a custom setting on D5100 that can capture panoramic landscape shots?

Moose

Howdy Richd,

Unfortunately, the Nikon D5100 doesn't come equipped with a dedicated panorama mode or setting. In order to capture panoramas, you'll have to do it the good ole' fashioned way.

In my experience, the best way to capture a panoramic shot is to mount your D5100 to a tripod and enable Manual mode to ensure the exposure is exactly the same as you pan across the horizon.

Once in Manual mode, first autofocus on the horizon and then flip the switch on your lens from AF to MF. This will set the focus point and keep it consistent throughout the shot.

Next, hold down the (+/-) button and rotate the command dial to set the aperture. For landscapes and cityscapes, you'll want to be around f/8 to f/11.

After you set your desired aperture, take a look at the LCD screen. You'll see a bunch of notches from (+) to (-). This is the exposure level indicator. You want the exposure level to be lined up in the middle of the indicator. Too much to the left (towards +) and you'll end up with an overexposed (bright) shot. Too much to the right (towards -) and you'll end up with an underexposed (dark) shot.

You want the level right in the middle of the indicator. To do this, you'll need to adjust the shutter speed by rotating the command dial left or right.

Once you have those settings in place. Start capturing your shots from left to right or right to left. Make sure you leave some overlap when taking your shots.

When you get back home, you can stick your photos together using Panoramic software. If you're on Windows, Image Composite Editor by Microsoft is a really easy panoramic program. If you're on Mac OS X, PTgui would be your best bet.

Hope that helps and happy shooting! :)