Setting Video Exposure On Nikon D5100 (Low Light/Low Noise)

I've found this is the best way to set the exposure for video recording on the D5100; especially in low light situations. Obviously this is no substitute for having full control of manual exposure settings, such as on the Canon T2i/T3i, but it's sufficient enough for most amateurs.

The noise in the video would be even less with a suitable video editing program such as Sony Vegas, or Adobe, where you can adjust the rendering settings, contrast, et cetera. All of my videos are edited in WMM V6.0, which is very sub-standard, and creates mediocre quality on my published videos.

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• Nikon D5100
• DSLR video
• Nikon D5100 exposure
• Nikon D5100 manual exposure
• Nikon D5100 automatic exposure
• Setting ISO on Nikon D5100
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• Nikon
• 18-55
• 18-55 kit lens
• 18-55mm
• Rokinon 85mm
• Rokinon 85mm F1.4
• how to Nikon D5100
• Nikon D5100 HD video
• how to
• low light video
• manual exposure d5100
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• Nikon D5100 settings
• Nikon D5100 low light
• Nikon D5100 low noise
• D5100 Exposure
• Nikon D5100 video quality
• D5100 Nikon

[davetrumpet1]

Thanks for the tutorial.. Which fast lens would you recommend?

[Prouisorsapientiae]

@davetrumpet1

I would suggest the Nikkor 35mm f1.8 DX (which I have), and the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8. I also love my Rokinon 85mm f1.4, and it was only $280. Another lens worth mentioning is the Nikkor 50mm f1.4.

[mymou]

okkk U cant even imagine how much you've helped me!! THANKS! U can check my vids they will be less noisy now thanks to you! and my subscribers are going to be happy to see me in not so blurry video. Thank you again !!

[Prouisorsapientiae]

@mymou

I saw your videos and there is definitely noise from higher ISO.  I have found that the kit lens needs quite a bit of light indoors, even at f3.5. You will probably have to set up an extra light in the kitchen to get the best results. Also, when you render your videos, make sure you choose a high bit rate if possible. Good luck!

[HomeStudioMovies]

When i go to AUTO ISO sensitivity control, Maximim Sensitivity, or Minimum shutter speed, it says "This Option is Not Available at current settings or at camera's current state." Why is that???

[Prouisorsapientiae]

@HomeStudioMovies

Auto ISO only works in M, A, S, and P shooting modes. Make sure the camera is set to one of these. The camera adjusts all of the settings for you when you are in the other modes such as Effects, or Auto. Auto ISO would just be a redundancy in these modes, so the camera will not allow you to select it in these modes. Hope this helps.

[mymou]

@Prouisorsapientiae Thank You so much for checking the videos! I definitely think to buy a new light. And later another lens since I am a begginer I was thinking about the 18-135 and maybe alose the AFS 50 1.8mm. But since then I will definetly put an extra light in that kitchen of me. And lower my Iso while filming In the dark. Thank you again

[HomeStudioMovies]

@Prouisorsapientiae It still doesnt work. I tried all 4 of those options (M,A,S,and P). There's a lot of things this camera won't let me do. I think maybe there something i need to do that i just don't know. I'm just going to take it back to the camera corner and have them help me. Thanks tho.

[Prouisorsapientiae]

@mmp11

I'm glad the video helped!

[mmp11]

i just got this camara, my very first digital and i want to start shooting right off, i study for movie maker. so the first thing that i notice is that shutter auto adjust this video kinda tranquilizeme a bit

[mmp11]

hey man thanks a lot

[smackthatshit64]

Most helpful video I found right off the bat

[Prouisorsapientiae]

@vfgproductions

Yes, I only use the integrated microphone as my audio. I am contemplating acquiring a Røde Videomic in the future. I'm sorry, but I don't know what you are referring to with a VA configuration. I'm assuming some type of professional audio setup?

[vfgproductions]

Thanks man! Very helpful - very clear and concise. Just got my 5100. BTW -Are you using any kind of VA configuration?

And are you use the in camera sound as your only audio? If so - are you just use 1/8" to XLR adapter?

[Prouisorsapientiae]

@d4riel

Thank you very much! I may have a couple more D5100 tutorial videos coming up, so keep an eye out for them. Have fun with your camera.

[d4riel]

@Prouisorsapientiae UFFFF :D you must be a teacher :P o make more tutorial about nikon D5100 , really thanxss i will made some test with my D5100 , really helpfull your info men

[Prouisorsapientiae]

@d4riel

Put simply, it effects how smooth video appears with motion. The shutter controls how long it exposes each frame of a video clip. If you are shooting at 24fps, and the camera is setting the shutter to 1/60 second, it will expose each of the 24 frames for 1/60th of a second. The higher the shutter, the sharper the frames, but may appear "choppy" played back. Lower shutter speeds tend to blur the image slightly, creating a smooth transition between frames. Hope this helps!

[d4riel]

@Prouisorsapientiae uff thanxss for reply men , now what is the importance of shutter speed in VIDEO o_O ?? im crazy with this jejee i think the video only use iso and aperture :S shutter speed just for photo, i have never used a dsrl camara jejeje :P

[Prouisorsapientiae]

@HYFEEproductions @zainkam1 @nearlygreenzebra

Thanks for the comments! I'm glad the video helped.

[Prouisorsapientiae]

@d4riel

A (aperture priority) allows you to choose the f-stop you desire, while the camera chooses your shutter speed and ISO for you. Shooting in S (shutter priority) allows you to choose your shutter speed, and the camera decides which f-stop and ISO to use; theoretically speaking, lol. Since the aperture is the only function you have full control over in movie mode, I use A mode and allow the camera to pick shutter and ISO for me, and then just lock in what I desire as per video.

[Prouisorsapientiae]

@tycusX

It really depends on what you plan on doing with the camera. I am very happy with the D5100, but really wish it was capable of 60fps HD video, along with full manual exposure control for video. There are many pros and cons to each camera, so to keep it short, if you want to do mostly video, go with the Canon. If you plan on doing a lot of photography, time lapse, AND video, go with the Nikon. My next camera will most likely be the 5D Mark II or Mark III. That's my opinion!

[tycusX]

dude, around august of this year i'm willing on buying the nikon d5100, but people keep saying that the t3i is better., i want to know from your opinion how good the nikon is or if i should consider getting the canon t3i....

[d4riel]

super exelent video :D men, but im confussed what is the diference between usind A vs S for videos in the D5100 x__X ??