Beyerdynamic mce s ll cam?

So i have a microphone shotgun condenser (type listed above) and its advertised to use phantom power, how do I use phantom? I found out I've been using the battery the whole time. Is it because it also needs to be an option on the camera (I use a nikon d5100)?

Kevin - You might as well keep using the battery if that is working for you. The battery supplies the phantom power the mic needs - it would not work without it. Your Nikon camera does not supply it.

Phantom power is 48vdc of power meant to run the large diaphragm on your condenser mic. This added power is one of the things that makes them such strong microphones.

Unfortunately you'll need to keep using batteries as the camera does not provide that. Depending on the mic and how often/long you use it, it may prove to be a battery eating power hog. They make rechargable belt or shoulder battery packs (usually used by news type video camera people) that would work out well, but they can get pricey.