Image Quality and Size

Together, image quality and size determine how much space each photograph occupies on the memory card. Larger, higher quality images can be printed at larger sizes but also require more memory, meaning that fewer such images can be stored on the memory card.

Image Quality

Choose a file format and compression ratio (image quality).

Option

File type

Description

 

 

 

Raw 14-bit data from the image sensor are saved directly to the memory

 

NEF (RAW)

NEF

card. Settings such as white balance and contrast can be adjusted on a

 

 

computer after shooting.

 

 

 

JPEG fine

 

Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 4 (fine quality).

 

 

JPEG

 

JPEG normal

Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 8 (normal quality).

 

JPEG basic

 

Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 16 (basic quality).

 

 

 

 

NEF (RAW) +

 

Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one fine-quality JPEG

 

JPEG fine

 

image.

 

NEF/

 

NEF (RAW) +

Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one normal-quality

 

JPEG normal

JPEG

JPEG image.

 

 

 

NEF (RAW) +

 

Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one basic-quality

 

JPEG basic

 

JPEG image.

 

 

 

 

1Place the cursor in the information display.

If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.

z

Information display

Pbutton

2 Display image quality options.

Highlight the current image quality in the information display and press J.

3Choose a file type.

Highlight an option and press J. To return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.

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Nikon D5100 (18-55mm Kit), D5100 1855mm Kit Image Quality and Size, Display image quality options, Choose a file type