D5100 Grid Lines

[John H]

A recent tutorial on the nphoto site indicated that you are able to show "grid lines" on the D5100, I have checked the cd but am unable to locate how to show this function, I have found grid lines but this is in the "straighten tool" after you have taken your photograph. Anybody any idea how to operate this function? Thanks

[Ashleyj]

As far as I know the D5100 does not have the option of displaying a grid through the viewfinder.

Have you tried live view?

[John H]

Yes, tried looking at live view couldn't see anything, as said previous not sure if D5100 has it, it was mentioned on a tutorial on the nphoto site which said the D5100 does have the ability of grid lines but can't find any mention on the camera CD and can't find anything in the camera options?

[greenwing]

You can display a grid on the Live View screen (press Info repeatedly to get it, manual P103) but not in the viewfinder. Where's the tutorial?

Chris

[Ashleyj]

The other option if you want grid lines when using the view finder is to replace the focusing screen with one with etched grid lines.

A friend on mine did that on her Canon which did not have them. Obviously you cannot turn them off as you would be able to if they were in the firmware, but I never turn them off on my D90 anyway so I can't see that as being a problem.

I'm sure if you Google you'll find something.

[John H]

Thanks will check out later, the tutorial is on the nphoto website, under tutorials, "four easy steps to a straight horizon" - click on photo and takes you into tutorial, near the end gives a list of which cameras have grid lines/spirit levels, etc again thanks for the info everyone

[Chris George]

The tutorial is here

http://www.nphotomag.com/2012/03/30/...aight-horizon/

The grid view is only available in Live View on the rear LCD. As the article explains, many recent models have this function. And some have the additional Virtual Horizon facility. Both great for avoiding wonky horizons!