Nikon 2500 User Manual

Download

Page 1

The Guide to Digital Photography

with the

DIGITAL CAMERA

Page 2

Shoot, View, and Enjoy

A Flowchart Guide to Using Your Camera

STEP 1—Ready the camera

Getting ready First Steps 16

Camera setup

STEP 2—Take pictures

Creative photography (scene mode)

STEP 3—Play them back…

…and delete unwanted pictures…

First Steps Camera Setup

Tutorial: Taking PicturesSnapshots (auto mode) 24

Getting Creative

Taking Pictures: The DetailsCustom shots and movies 51

Review and Deletion…while shooting… 31

Basic Playback…after shooting… 78

Keep or Delete…immediately 58

Review and Deletion…while shooting 31

Basic Playback…during playback 78

Deleting PicturesDelete multiple pictures 86

16 69

STEP 4—Install camera software

Quick Start Guide (provided)Install software

Get to know Nikon View 5 —

STEP 5—Copy pictures to your computer

Nikon View 5 Reference Manual (provided on CD)

ConnectionsTransfer pictures 41

—

Page 3

Product Documentation

The documentation for this product includes the manuals listed below. Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly to get the most from your camera.

Quick-Start Guide

The Quick-Start Guide takes you through the process of unpacking and setting up your Nikon digital camera, taking your first pictures, installing software, and transferring pictures to your computer.

Guide to Digital Photography

The Guide to Digital Photography (this manual) provides complete operating instructions for your camera.

Nikon View 5 Reference Manual

The Nikon View 5 Reference Manual can be found in electronic format on the reference CD provided with your camera. For information on viewing the Reference Manual, see “Connections” in this manual.

Overview

Getting to Know the COOLPIX 2500

Menu Guide

First Steps

Taking Pictures

Review and Deletion

Getting Creative

Connections

Beyond Point-and-Shoot

Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

Camera Setup

Basic Playback

The Playback Menu

Technical Notes

Index

Page 4

For Your Safety

To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them.

The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions listed in this section are indicated by the following symbol:

This icon marks warnings, information that should be read before using your Nikon product to prevent possible injury.

WARNINGS

Turn off immediately in the event of malfunction

Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the equipment or from the AC adapter (available separately), unplug the AC adapter or remove the battery immediately, taking care to avoid burns. Continued operation could result in injury. After removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.

Do not use in the presence of flammable gas

Do not use electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas, as this could result in explosion or fire.

Observe caution when using the camera strap

Caution should be exercised to prevent strangulation when wearing the camera strap around your neck. Never place the strap around the neck of an infant or child.

Do not disassemble

Touching the product’s internal parts could result in injury. In the event of a malfunction, the product should be repaired only by a qualified technician. Should the product break open as the result of a fall or other accident, remove the battery or AC adapter and then take the product to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.

Observe proper precautions when handling batteries

Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. Observe the following precautions when handling batteries for use in this product:

• Be sure the product is off before replacing the battery. If you are using an AC adapter, be sure it is unplugged.

• Use only a rechargeable Nikon EN-EL2 lithium-ion battery (supplied).

• When inserting the battery, do not attempt to insert it upside down or backwards.

• Do not short or disassemble the battery.

• Do not expose the battery to flame or to excessive heat.

• Do not immerse in or expose to water.

• Do not transport or store with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.

Page 5

• Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged. To avoid damage to the product, be sure to remove the battery when no charge remains.

• When the battery is not in use, attach the terminal cover and store in a cool place.

• Immediately after use, or when the product is used on battery power for an extended period, the battery may become hot. Before removing the battery, turn the camera off and allow the battery to cool.

• Discontinue use immediately should you notice any changes in the battery, such as discoloration or deformation.

Use appropriate cables

When connecting cables to the input and output jacks, use only the cables provided or sold by Nikon for the purpose, to maintain compliance with product regulations.

The lens section

• Do not insert your fingers in the gap between the rotating lens section and the camera body. Your fingers could be pinched between the body and the lens section, resulting in injury. Particular care should be observed in the case of small children.

• To prevent your fingers, flesh, or other objects from being pinched in the gap between the rotating lens section and the camera body, return the lens section to its housing in the camera body before transporting the camera.

Keep out of reach of children

Particular care should be taken to prevent infants from putting the battery or other small parts into their mouths.

Removing memory cards

Memory cards may become hot during use. Observe due caution when removing memory cards from the camera.

CD-ROMs

The CD-ROMs on which the software and manuals are distributed should not be played back on audio CD equipment. Playing CD-ROMs on an audio CD player could cause hearing loss or damage the equipment.

Observe caution when operating the flash

Using the flash close to your subject’s eyes could cause temporary visual impairment. Particular care should be observed if photographing infants, when the flash should be no less than one meter (39˝) from the subject.

Avoid contact with liquid crystal

Should the monitor break, care should be taken to avoid injury due to broken glass and to prevent liquid crystal from the monitor touching the skin or entering the eyes or mouth.

iii

Page 6

Caring for the Camera and Battery

Keep dry

This product is not waterproof, and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high levels of humidity. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.

Keep free of salt, sand, and dust

After using your camera at the beach or seaside, wipe off any sand or salt with a lightly dampened cloth and then dry your camera thoroughly.

Do not touch the lens with your fingers

The proper procedure for cleaning the lens is described in “Technical Notes: Caring for Your Camera.”

Handle the lens and all moving parts with care

Do not apply force to the lens or to the battery, card, and connector covers. These parts are especially susceptible to damage.

Turn the product off before removing the battery or unplugging the AC adapter

Do not unplug the product or remove the battery while the product is on, or while images are being recorded or deleted. Forcibly cutting power to the product in these circumstances could result in loss of data or in damage to product memory or internal circuitry. To prevent an accidental interruption of power, avoid carrying the product from one location to another while the AC adapter is connected.

Do not drop

The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration.

Keep away from strong magnetic fields

Do not use or store this device in the vicinity of equipment that generates strong electromagnetic radiation or magnetic fields. Strong static charges or the magnetic fields produced by equipment such as radio transmitters could interfere with the monitor, damage data stored on the memory card, or affect the product’s internal circuitry.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature

Sudden changes in temperature, such as occur when entering or leaving a heated building on a cold day, can cause condensation inside the device. To prevent condensation, place the device in a carrying case or a plastic bag before exposing it to sudden changes in temperature.

Notes on the monitor

• The monitor may contain a few pixels that are always lit or that do not light. This is a characteristic common to all TFT LCD monitors and does not indicate a malfunction. Images recorded with the product will not be affected.

• Images in the monitor may be difficult to see in a bright light.

• The monitor is lit by an LED backlight. Should the monitor begin to dim or flicker, contact your Nikon service representative.

• Do not apply pressure to the monitor, as this could cause damage or malfunction. Dust or lint adhering to the monitor can be removed with a blower brush. Stains can be removed by rubbing the surface lightly with a soft cloth or chamois leather.

• Should the monitor break, care should be taken to avoid injury due to broken glass and to prevent the liquid crystal from the monitor touching the skin or entering the eyes or mouth.

Page 7

Smear

When you frame bright subjects, vertical comet-like streaks that whiten toward either end may appear in the monitor. This phenomenon, known as “smear,” does not appear in the final photograph and does not indicate a malfunction. Some smearing may appear in movies.

Batteries

• When you turn the device on, check the battery-level displayed in the monitor to determine whether the battery needs to be replaced. The battery needs to be replaced when the battery-level indicator is flashing.

• Ready a spare battery and keep it fully charged when taking pictures on important occasions. Depending on your location, you may find it difficult to purchase replacement batteries on short notice.

• On cold days, the capacity of batteries tends to decrease. Be sure the battery is fully charged before taking pictures outside in cold weather. Keep a spare battery in a warm place and exchange the two as necessary. Once warmed, a cold battery may recover some of its charge.

• Should the battery terminals become dirty, wipe them off with a clean, dry cloth before use.

Memory cards

• Turn the power off before inserting or removing memory cards. Inserting or removing cards with the power on could render them unusable.

• Insert memory cards as shown in the illustration at right. Inserting cards upside down or backwards could damage the camera or the card.

Storage

• To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you will not be using the product for long periods, remove the battery to prevent leakage and store the camera in a plastic bag containing a desiccant. Do not, however, store the camera case in a plastic bag, as this may cause the material to deteriorate. Note that desiccant gradually loses its capacity to absorb moisture and should be replaced at regular intervals.

• Do not store the camera with naphtha or camphor moth balls, close to equipment that produces strong magnetic fields, or in areas subject to extremes of temperature, for example near a space heater or in a closed vehicle on a hot day.

• To prevent mold or mildew, take the camera out of storage at least once a month. Turn the camera on and release the shutter a few times before putting the camera away again.

• Store the battery in a cool, dry place.

Page 8

Notices

• No part of the manuals included with this product may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form, by any means, without Nikon’s prior written permission.

• Nikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in these manuals at any time and without prior notice.

• Nikon will not be held liable for any damages resulting from the use of this product.

• While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in these manuals is accurate and complete, we would appreciate it were you to bring any errors or omissions to the attention of the Nikon representative in your area (address provided separately).

Notice for customers in Canada

CAUTION

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.

ATTENTION

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

A Note on Electronically-Controlled Cameras

In extremely rare instances, unusual characters may appear in the monitor and the camera may stop functioning. In most cases, this phenomenon is caused by a strong external static charge. Turn the camera off, remove and replace the battery, and turn the camera on again, or, if you are using an AC adapter (available separately), disconnect and reconnect the adapter and turn the camera on again. In the event of continued malfunction, contact your retailer or Nikon representative. Note that disconnecting the power source as described above may result in loss of any data not recorded to the memory card at the time the problem occurred. Data already recorded to the memory card will not be affected.

Page 9

Notice for customers in the U.S.A.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

Tested To Comply With FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

CAUTIONS

Modifications

The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Nikon Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Interface Cables

Use the interface cables sold or provided by Nikon for your equipment. Using other interface cables may exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.

Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A. Tel.: 631-547-4200

E2500

vii

Page 10

Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera or other device may be punishable by law.

• Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced

Do not copy or reproduce paper money, coins, securities, government bonds, or local government bonds, even if such copies or reproductions are stamped “Sample.”

The copying or reproduction of paper money, coins, or securities which are circulated in a foreign country is prohibited.

Unless the prior permission of the government has been obtained, the copying or reproduction of unused postage stamps or post cards issued by the government is prohibited.

The copying or reproduction of stamps issued by the government and of certified documents stipulated by law is prohibited.

Trademark Information

Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Mac OS, Power Macintosh, PowerBook, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Finder, Power Mac, iMac, and iBook are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft, Windows, and Outlook are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Internet Explorer is a product of Microsoft Corporation. Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation. Internet is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation. Netscape and Netscape Navigator are registered trademarks of Netscape Communications Corporation. CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. Lexar Media is a trademark of Lexar Media Corporation. Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. Zip is a registered trademark of Iomega Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Eudora is a registered trademark of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, licensed to QUALCOMM Incorporated. PRINT Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

• Cautions on certain copies and reproductions

The government has issued cautions on copies or reproductions of securities issued by private companies (shares, bills, checks, gift certificates, etc.), commuter passes, or coupon tickets, except when a minimum of necessary copies are to be provided for business use by a company. Also, do not copy or reproduce passports issued by the government, licenses issued by public agencies and private groups, ID cards, and tickets, such as passes and meal coupons.

• Comply with copyright notices

The copying or reproduction of copyrighted creative works such as books, music, paintings, woodcut prints, maps, drawings, movies, and photographs is prohibited except when it is done for personal use at home or for similar restricted and non-commercial use.

viii

Page 11

Table of Contents

Product Documentation .................................................................................. i

For Your Safety ............................................................................................... ii

Caring for the Camera and Battery ................................................................. iv

Notices ........................................................................................................... vi

Introduction: Before You Begin ...................................................................... 1

Overview: About This Manual ....................................................................... 2

Getting to Know the COOLPIX 2500: The Parts of the Camera and Their

Functions ......................................................................................................... 4

Where to Find It—Parts of the COOLPIX 2500 ................................................ 4

How to Use It—Camera Controls and Displays ................................................ 6

Menu Guide: Index to Menu Options ........................................................... 9

Tutorial: Getting Started ................................................................................. 15

First Steps: Getting Ready to Use Your Camera ............................................ 16

Step 1—Attach the Camera Strap ................................................................... 16

Step 2—Insert the Battery and Memory Card .................................................. 16

Step 3—Check the Battery Level ..................................................................... 18

Step 4—Choose a Language .......................................................................... 20

Step 5—Set the Time and Date ....................................................................... 22

Taking Pictures: The Basics ............................................................................. 24

Step 1—Ready the Camera ............................................................................. 24

Step 2—Choose Mode .......................................................................... 25

Step 3—Adjust Camera Settings (Optional) ..................................................... 26

Step 4—Frame the Picture .............................................................................. 26

Step 5—Focus and Shoot ............................................................................... 28

Step 6—Put the Camera Away ....................................................................... 30

Review and Deletion: Quick Review ............................................................. 31

Quick Review .................................................................................................. 32

Full-Screen Review .......................................................................................... 32

Thumbnail Review .......................................................................................... 34

Getting Creative: Scene Selection ................................................................. 36

Connections: Your Camera and Your Computer ............................................ 41

Before You Begin: Installing Nikon View 5 ....................................................... 42

Making the Connection: Connecting to Your Computer ................................. 44

Page 12

Taking Pictures: The Details ............................................................................ 51

Beyond Point-and-Shoot: Camera Controls .................................................. 52

, , or Movie: Choosing a Shooting Mode ......................................... 52

Flash Photography: The Button .................................................................. 53

Delaying Shutter Release: Choosing a Self-Timer Mode ................................... 55

Framing Pictures: Optical and Digital Zoom ..................................................... 57

Keep or Delete: Picture Review ....................................................................... 58

Fine-Tuning Camera Settings: The -Mode Menu ..................................... 59

Making Effective Use of Memory: Image Quality and Size ............................... 60

Adjusting Exposure: Exp. +/–........................................................................... 63

Keeping Colors True: White Balance ............................................................... 64

Taking Pictures in a Sequence: Continuous ...................................................... 66

Getting Sharper Pictures: BSS (Best Shot Selector) ........................................... 67

Making Edges More Distinct: Image Sharpening ............................................. 68

Camera Setup: The SET-UP Menu ................................................................... 69

Adjusting Monitor Brightness: Brightness ........................................................ 72

Formatting Memory Cards: CF Card Format .................................................... 73

Setting the Time and Date: Date ..................................................................... 74

Conserving Battery Power: Auto Off ............................................................... 74

Choosing a Language: Language .................................................................... 75

Choosing a USB Protocol: USB ........................................................................ 75

Restoring Default Settings: Reset All ( Mode Only) .................................. 76

Playing Pictures Back: Playback Mode ........................................................... 77

Basic Playback: Full-Frame and Thumbnail Playback ................................... 78

The Playback Menu: Managing Pictures ....................................................... 85

Deleting Pictures: Delete ................................................................................. 86

Ordering Prints: Print Set................................................................................. 88

Safeguarding Valuable Pictures: Protect .......................................................... 90

Marking All Pictures for Transfer: Auto Transfer............................................... 91

Technical Notes: Camera Care, Options, and Resources ............................... 93

Caring for Your Camera .................................................................................. 94

Optional Accessories ....................................................................................... 95

Web Resources ............................................................................................... 96

Troubleshooting.............................................................................................. 96

Specifications ................................................................................................. 103

Index ................................................................................................................. 106

Page 13

Introduction

Before You Begin

This chapter is divided into the following sections:

Overview

Read this section for a description of how this manual is organized and for an explanation of the symbols and conventions used.

Getting to Know the COOLPIX 2500

Bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the manual for information on the names and functions of camera parts.

Menu Guide

Refer to this section for instructions on using the menus that control some aspects of camera operation. This section also contains an index of menu options.

Overview

2–3

Getting to Know the COOLPIX 2500

4–8

Menu Guide

9–14

Page 14

Overview

About This Manual

Thank you for your purchase of a COOLPIX 2500 digital camera. This manual has been written to help you enjoy taking digital pictures with your COOLPIX

Introduction—Overview

2500. Read this manual thoroughly before use, and keep it handy when using the product.

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Your Nikon COOLPIX digital camera is designed to the highest standards and includes complex electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery chargers, batteries, and AC adapters) certified by Nikon specifically for use with your Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic circuitry.

THE USE OF NON-NIKON ELECTRONIC ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA AND MAY VOID

NIKON WARRANTY.

YOUR

For more information about Nikon brand accessories, contact your local authorized Nikon dealer.

Page 15

To make it easier to find the information you need, the following symbols and conventions are used:

This icon marks cautions, information that you should read before use to prevent damage to your camera.

This icon marks tips, additional information you may find helpful when using your camera.

Introduction—Overview

This icon marks notes, information that you should read before using your camera.

This icon indicates that more information is available elsewhere in this manual.

Life-Long Learning

As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing product support and education, continually-updated information is available on-line at the following sites:

•For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/

•For users in Europe: http://www.nikon-euro.com/

•For users in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa:

http://www.nikon-asia.com/

Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the URL below for contact information:

http://www.nikon-image.com/eng/

Page 16

Getting to Know the COOLPIX 2500

The Parts of the Camera and Their Functions

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read

Introduction—Getting to Know the COOLPIX 2500

through the rest of the manual.

Where to Find It—Parts of the COOLPIX 2500

The parts of the camera are identified below. For more information on the function of each part, refer to the page numbers listed.

45 3 2

1 Shutter-release button ..... 28, 29

2 Eyelet for camera strap .......... 16

3 Built-in Speedlight ................. 53

4 Lens ........................ 18, 26, 103

5 Self-timer lamp ...................... 55

6 Zoom buttons (

........................... 27, 57, 80, 81

7 Cover latch ............................ 17

/ )

8 Battery-chamber/memory card

slot cover .............................. 17

9 Cover release (for use when

connecting optional EH-60 AC

adapter) .......................... 19, 95

10 USB connector

(under cover) ......................... 45

12 button ............... 59, 70, 85

/SMALL PIC. button...

31, 82

Page 17

Introduction—Getting to Know the COOLPIX 2500

15 13 12 1116

13 / button .. 36, 46, 79, 80 14 Tripod socket

/ button..... 33-34, 53, 78, 80

16 Flash-ready lamp ................... 28

17 Non-slip grip

1014

A Mode selector ......................... 6

B Monitor................................... 6

C Multi selector .......................... 8

Page 18

How to Use It—Camera Controls and Displays

Introduction—Getting to Know the COOLPIX 2500

A The Mode Selector

The mode selector selects the operating mode and turns the camera on and off. Choose to take still pictures and movies ( 52), (playback mode) to play them back ( 78). Slide the mode selector to OFF when you have finished using the camera.

B The Monitor

The monitor is where you compose pictures before shooting. In mode, the monitor shows the view through the camera lens, together with icons indicating the status of camera settings.

13245

17 16

15 14 13

NORMAL

1600

89101112

1 Zoom indicator ...................... 57

Focus indicator1..................... 28

3 Recording indicator ............... 29

4 “Date not set” icon2............. 23

5 Camera shake icon

.............. 54

6 Battery level indicator4.......... 19

7 Self-timer indicator ................ 55

8 Number of exposures remaining

............................................. 25

9 Exposure compensation ......... 63

10 Flash mode ............................ 53

11 Image quality ........................ 61

12 Image size ............................. 62

13 Sensitivity gain indicator ........ 54

14 Best shot selector (BSS)/continu-

ous shooting mode .......... 67/66

15 Image sharpening .................. 68

16 White balance ....................... 64

17 Shooting mode ............... 25, 36

mode

Playback mode

1 Displayed only when shutter-release button is

pressed halfway.

2 Appears when clock-calendar has not been set.

3 Appears only at slow shutter speeds. 4 Appears only when battery is running low.

Page 19

The monitor is also used to play pictures back. When a picture is played back full screen, information about the image is shown superimposed on the photo.

11 10

NORMAL

1600

0012/0015

789

1 Current folder ....................... 49

2 3

2 File number and type ............. 49

3 Battery level indicator*........... 19

4 Transfer icon........ 33, 34, 44, 79

5 6

5 Print-order icon ..................... 88

6 Protect icon ........................... 90

7 Current frame number/

total number of frames

8 Image quality ........................ 61

9 Image size ............................. 62

10 Time of recording .................. 22

11 Date of recording .................. 22

* Appears only when battery is running low.

Controlling the Monitor

To hide camera settings or photo info, press the multi selector to the left. Press the multi selector to the left a second time to view indicators again.

Introduction—Getting to Know the COOLPIX 2500

Indicators displayed

1600

NORMAL

Indicators

hidden

Page 20

C The Multi Selector

Introduction—Getting to Know the COOLPIX 2500

The multi selector is used to navigate through cam- era menus, to page through or select pictures during playback ( 78), and to control the display of indicators in the monitor. In mode, the multi selector is also used to select the shooting mode and to turn the self-timer on and off.

Self-timer on/off ( 55)

Press up to display self-timer menu, press

ONON

up or down to highlight

OFFOFF

option. Press right to exit menu.

Indicators on/off ( 7)

Press to left to hide or display indicators in monitor.

Shooting mode selection

( 52)

Press down to display shooting-mode menu, press up or down to highlight option. Press right to exit menu.

Page 21

Menu Guide

Index to Menu Options

Changes to some camera settings are made with the help of menus that appear in the camera monitor. The options available depend on the operating mode and, in mode, on the shooting mode selected ( 52).

Menu DescriptionMode

SHOOTING

SET-UP

PLAY

BACK

In (auto) and scene modes, the SHOOTING menu is used to set image quality and size, and to adjust exposure for very bright, very dark, or high-contrast subjects.

(manual) mode gives you full control over camera settings. In addition to the settings available in auto and scene modes, the manualmode SHOOTING menu contains four advanced shooting options.

The SET-UP menu, which is accessed from the SHOOTING menu, contains options for basic camera setup (e.g., setting the time and date, choosing a language).

The PLAY BACK menu contains options for managing the pictures stored on the memory card by, for example, deleting selected images or selecting pictures for printing or for transfer to your computer.

10,

59–

11,

59–

12,

70–

13,

72–

73,

85–

Introduction—Menu Guide

No menu is available in movie mode ( 52, 98).

Page 22

SHOOTING MENU

Introduction—Menu Guide

SELECT

OFF

IMAGE QUALITY

Choose FINE for printing and enlarging, BASIC to reduce file size.

SET

SELECT

OFF

IMAGE SIZE

Choose small sizes for e-mail or the web, large sizes for printing.

SET

SELECT

OFF

–

EXP.+/

EXP. +/–

Adjust exposure for bright, dark, or high contrast subjects.

SET

SELECT

OFF

The Shooting Menu / Scene

Pressing the MENU button when the mode selector is set to displays the SHOOTING menu. In (auto) and scene modes, this menu contains three basic shooting options.

SET

FINE

NORMAL

BASIC

1600

1280 1024

640

Choose from settings between –2.0 and

+2.0 EV

Page 23

SHOOTING MENU

SELECT

OFF

IMAGE QUALITY FINE

NORMAL

BASIC

SELECT

OFF

IMAGE SIZE

SELECT

OFF

WHITE BALANCE

SELECT

OFF

–

EXP.+/

SELECT

OFF

CONTINUOUS

Single

Continuous Multi-Shot 16

SELECT

OFF

BEST SHOT SELECTOR

Off

SELECT

OFF

IMAGE SHARPENING

Auto

High Norm

SELECT

OFF

The Shooting Menu

In (manual) mode, the SHOOTING menu contains four advanced shooting options in addition to the three basic options available in auto and scene modes.

SET

IMAGE QUALITY

Choose FINE for printing and enlarging, BASIC to reduce file size.

SET

IMAGE SIZE

Choose small sizes for e-mail or the web, large sizes for printing.

SET

WHITE BALANCE

Match to lighting to ensure that colors are reproduced accurately.

SET

EXP. +/–

Adjust exposure for bright, dark, or high contrast subjects.

SET

CONTINUOUS

Take pictures in sequence or create collages of sixteen consecutive photographs.

SET

BEST SHOT SELECTOR

Use when photos could be blurred by inadvertent camera movement.

SET

IMAGE SHARPENING

Heighten or reduce the sharpness of outlines in your photographs.

SET

FINE

NORMAL

BASIC

1600

1280 1024

Auto

White Bal Preset Fine Incandescent

Choose from settings between –2.0 and

+2.0 EV

Off

Auto

High Normal

Introduction—Menu Guide

640

Fluorescent Cloudy Speedlight

Single

Continuous Multi-Shot 16

Low Off

Page 24

SET-UP Brightness CF Card Format

Introduction—Menu Guide

Date Auto Off Language USB Reset All

SELECT

OFF

BRIGHTNESS

Brightness

Adjust monitor brightness.

SET

SELECT

OFF

CF CARD FORMAT

WARNING ! All images will be deleted !

Format

SELECT

OFF

DATE

CF Card Format

Format memory cards for use in your camera.

SET

Date

Set the time and date.

SET

SELECT

OFF

AUTO OFF

Brightness CF Card Format Date

Auto Off

Language USB Reset All

SELECT

OFF

LANGUAGE

Brightness CF Card Format Date Auto Off

Language

USB Reset All

SELECT

OFF

USB

Brightness CF Card Format Date Auto Off

PTP

Language

Mass Storage

USB

Reset All

SELECT

OFF

RESET ALL

Reset all settings to default values

Reset

SELECT

OFF

Auto Off

Specify how long the monitor will remain on before turning off automatically to save power.

SET

Language

Choose the language in which camera messages and menus are displayed.

SET

USB

Choose a transfer protocol for use when your camera is connected to a computer.

SET

Reset All ( mode only)

Reset camera settings to their default values.

SET

The Setup Menu / / Scene

The SET-UP menu, which can be accessed from the SHOOTING menu, contains options for camera setup.

SET

Maximum

(Five levels)

Minimum

Format

Year, Month, Day, hour, minute, order of display for year, month,

22–23

and day

30 s

1m 5m

30 m

De (German)

20–21

En (English)

Fr (French)

Es (Spanish)

PTP

Mass Storage

Ye s

(Japanese)

Page 25

Delete

Print Set Protect Auto Transfer CF Card Format Brightness

OFF

DELETE

Selected Images

All Images

SELECT

OFF

PRINT SET

Print set

Delete print set

SELECT

OFF

PROTECT

SELECT SET

AUTO TRANSFER

All ON

All OFF

SELECT

OFF

CF CARD FORMAT

WARNING ! All images will be deleted !

Format

SELECT

OFF

BRIGHTNESS

SELECT

OFF

DELETE

The Playback Menu

Pressing the MENU button when the mode selector is set to displays the PLAY BACK menu, which contains options for managing the pictures on the memory card.

SELECT

SET

Delete

Delete all or selected pictures.

SET

Print Set

Select pictures for printing on a DPOFcompatible device.

SET

Protect

Protect selected pictures from accidental deletion.

QUICK

DONE

Auto Transfer

Mark all pictures for transfer to a computer, or remove transfer marking from all pictures.

SET

CF Card Format

This option is used to format memory cards for use in your camera.

SET

Brightness

Adjust monitor brightness.

SET

86–87

88–89

Introduction—Menu Guide

Selected Images All Images

Print set Delete print set

Select pictures for protection. Protected pictures are marked by a

icon.

All ON

All OFF

Format

Maximum

(Five levels)

Minimum

Page 26

The Scene Menu ( and Modes)

Your Nikon digital camera offers a choice of twelve “scene” modes for com-

Introduction—Menu Guide

mon compositions. When a scene is selected from the SCENE menu, camera settings are automatically adjusted to produce optimal results for the selected scene, sparing you the necessity of adjusting camera settings one-by-one.

Mode Description

Portrait

Party/Indoor

Night Portrait

Beach/Snow

Landscape

Sunset

Night Landscape

Museum

Fireworks Show

Close Up

Copy

Back Light

Use for portraits.

Use to capture background details or the effects of candlelight and other indoor lighting.

Use when shooting portraits against a backdrop of night scenery.

Use for bright subjects such as snowfields, beaches, and sunlight expanses of water.

Use to enhance outlines, colors, and contrast in skyscapes, forests, and other landscape shots.

Use to preserve the deep hues seen in sunsets and sunrises.

Use when taking landscape shots a night.

Use where a flash is prohibited.

Use to capture the expanding burst of light from a firework.

Use to capture vivid colors in close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other small objects.

Use to copy text and line drawings from a white board or from a book or other printed matter.

Use when light is coming from behind your subject, throwing their features into shadow.

Page 27

Tutorial

Getting Started

This chapter is divided into the following four sections:

First Steps

This section details the steps you will take before using your camera for the first time.

Taking Pictures

Read this section for a step-by-step guide to the basics of taking pictures with the COOLPIX 2500.

Review and Deletion

Learn how to review and delete pictures while setting up your next shot.

Getting Creative

Explore the creative possibilities of scene mode.

First Steps

16–23

Taking Pictures

24–30

Review and Deletion

31–35

Getting Creative

36–40

Page 28

First Steps

Getting Ready to Use Your Camera

Before using your camera for the first time, you will need to complete the steps shown below.

Tutorial—First Steps

Attach the Camera Strap 16STEP 1 Insert the Battery and Memory Card 16–17STEP 2 Check the Battery Level 18–19STEP 3 Choose a Language 20–21STEP 4 Set the Time and Date 22–23STEP 5

Step 1—Attach the Camera Strap

To ensure that the camera is not dropped and damaged, attach the strap as shown and wear it around your neck while using or carrying the camera.

Adjust to length shown if

wearing around neck

Step 2—Insert the Battery and Memory Card

Your camera is powered by a rechargeable Nikon EN-EL2 lithium-ion battery, which can be charged using the MH-60 battery charger provided with the camera. To store pictures, your camera uses CompactFlash™ memory cards.

.1 Charge the battery

The EN-EL2 lithium-ion battery supplied with your camera is not fully charged at shipment. We recommend that you charge the battery before use. Instructions for charging the battery may be found in the instruction manual included with the battery charger.

.2 Turn the camera off

Before inserting or removing the battery or memory card, be sure the mode selector is in the “OFF” position.

Page 29

.3 Open the battery-chamber/card slot cover

Slide the cover latch in the direction of the icon (A1) until the red dot is visible (A2), indicating that the cover is unlatched. Slide the cover out (B) and flip it open (C).

A B

.4 Insert the battery and memory card

Insert a fully-charged EN-EL2 battery with the “+” and “–” contacts oriented as shown

2 L E

N E

in the label on the underside of the batterychamber/card slot cover (A). Insert the memory card as shown in the label at the entrance to the memory card slot (B), slid-

2 L E

ing it in until it is firmly in place and the eject button pops up (the card is fully inserted when the top of the card is level with the top of the eject button).

.5 Close the battery-chamber/card slot cover

Close the battery chamber/card slot cover (A, B) and slide the latch in the direction of the icon until the red dot is hidden, indicating that the cover is latched (C). To prevent the battery or memory card being dislodged during operation, be sure that the cover is securely latched.

Tutorial—First Steps

2 L E

N E

EL 2

Formatting Memory Cards

The memory card supplied with your camera is formatted at shipment. Other memory cards, however, must be formatted before first use. For information on formatting memory cards, see “Camera Setup: CF Card Format” ( 73).

Page 30

Step 3—Check the Battery Level

Before using the camera, check the battery level in the monitor to make sure

Tutorial—First Steps

that the battery is charged.

.1 Turn the lens section to shooting position

Before taking pictures, rotate the lens section to bring the lens into shooting position, as shown at right. If you omit this step before sliding the mode selector to , a message will be displayed in the monitor. To clear the message from the screen, rotate the lens section to shooting position.

.2 Turn the camera on

Slide the mode selector to .

Read Battery Warnings

Read and follow all warnings and instructions supplied by the battery manufacturer.

The Lens Section

When adjusting the angle of the lens, rotate the lens section slowly; do not use excessive force. Care should be taken to avoid catching fingers, hair, or clothing between the lens section and the camera body.

Removing the Memory Card

Memory cards can be removed without loss of data when the camera is off. When removing memory cards, turn the camera off and open the battery chamber/card slot cover (1). Press the eject button to partially eject the card (2), and then remove the card by hand.

Page 31

.3 Check the battery level in the monitor

Display Meaning Camera status

NO ICON

Battery fully

charged

Low battery

Camera functions normally.

Recharge or replace battery without de-

NORMAL

1600

lay.

WARNING ! !

BATTERY

EXHAUSTED

Battery

exhausted

No pictures can be taken until battery has been recharged or replaced.

The Clock Battery

The camera’s internal clock-calendar is powered by a separate, rechargeable power source, which is charged as necessary when the main battery is installed. If the camera has been stored for an extended period with the main battery removed, the clock may need to be reset. The clock power source can provide several days of back-up power after charging for about ten hours.

Removing the Battery

The battery can be removed without affecting pictures on the memory card. Before removing the battery, turn the camera off. Remove the battery by hand, holding it between your finger and thumb as shown at right. Do not use your fingernails.

Tutorial—First Steps

Alternative Power Sources

To power your camera continuously for extended playback or while the camera is connected to a computer, we recommend the EH-60 AC adapter (available separately; 95).

Page 32

Step 4—Choose a Language

Camera menus and messages can be displayed in your choice of German,

Tutorial—First Steps

English, French, Japanese, and Spanish.

IMAGE QUALITY

OFF

Slide mode selector to

Highlight page tab

Position cursor in SET-UP menu Highlight Language

SHOOTING MENU

SELECT

OFF

BRIGHTNESS

Brightness

CF Card Format Date Auto Off Language USB

SELECT

OFF

SET

Press MENU button to display menu

for current shooting mode

Brightness CF Card Format Date Auto Off Language USB

OFF

Highlight SET-UP menu page tab ( )

Brightness CF Card Format Date Auto Off

Language

USB

OFF

SELECT

SET-UP

SELECT

LANGUAGE

SELECT

SET

Page 33

LANGUAGE

Brightness CF Card Format Date Auto Off

Language

USB

SELECT

OFF

SET

Display options

LANGUAGE Brightness CF Card Format Date Auto Off

Language

USB

SELECT

OFF

SET

Return to SET-UP menu. If you have

yet to set the time and date, proceed

to Step 5.6 on the following page to

set the time and date.

LANGUAGE

Brightness CF Card Format Date Auto Off

Language

USB

OFF

Choose a language from:

De Deutsch (German)

En English

Fr Français (French)

Japanese

Es Español (Spanish)

SELECT

Tutorial—First Steps

SET

Page 34

Step 5—Set the Time and Date

Information on the time and date of recording is included with all pictures

Tutorial—First Steps

taken with your Nikon digital camera. To set the camera’s internal clock to the correct time and date:

Slide mode selector to

Position cursor in SET-UP menu Highlight Date

SHOOTING MENU

SELECT

OFF

BRIGHTNESS

Brightness

CF Card Format Date Auto Off Language USB

SELECT

OFF

SET

Press MENU button to display menu

for current shooting mode

Brightness CF Card Format Date Auto Off Language USB

Highlight SET-UP menu page tab ( )Highlight page tab

Brightness CF Card Format

Date

Auto Off Language USB

IMAGE QUALITY

SELECT

OFF

SET-UP

SELECT

OFF

DATE

SELECT

OFF

SET

Page 35

DATE

Tutorial—First Steps

SELECT

OFF

Display DATE menu

5.9 until all items have been set.

.11

Choose order in which year, month,

and day will be displayed

OFF

DATE

SELECT

DATE

SELECT

SET

SELECT

OFF

Highlight Year, Month, Day, hour, or

minute (selected item blinks on and

.10

.12

Save changes to settings and

off in green)

DATE

SELECT

OFF

Highlight Y M DEdit selected item. Repeat steps 5.8–

DATE Brightness CF Card Format

Date

Auto Off Language USB

SELECT

OFF

return SET-UP menu

SET

Any pictures taken before the time and date have been set will have a time stamp of “0000.00.00 00:00.” If the time and date have not been set, a flashing

(“Date not set”) icon will be displayed in the top right corner of

the monitor when the camera is in mode.

Page 36

Taking Pictures

The Basics

This section details the basic steps involved in taking pictures in mode. In this automatic, “point-and-shoot” mode, the majority of camera settings are

Tutorial—Taking Pictures

controlled by the camera in response to shooting conditions, producing the best possible results in most situations.

Ready the Camera 24–25STEP 1 Choose Mode 25STEP 2 Adjust Settings (Optional) 26STEP 3 Frame the Picture 26–27STEP 4 Focus and Shoot 28–29STEP 5 Put the Camera Away 30STEP 6

Step 1—Ready the Camera

.1 Turn the lens section to shooting position

Rotate the lens as shown.

.2 Slide the mode selector to

When you slide the mode selector from OFF to , the flash-ready lamp under the monitor will light and the monitor will display a welcome message.

Page 37

.3 Check indicators in the monitor

If the low-battery icon ( ; 19) is displayed (A), recharge the battery or use an AC adapter (available separately).

The monitor also shows the number of pictures that can be taken at current settings (B). If the message “OUT OF MEMORY” appears in monitor, the memory card is full. Delete pictures ( 33–34), use a new memory card, or choose a lower quality or image size ( 60).

Step 2—Choose Mode

1600

NORMAL

Tutorial—Taking Pictures

NORMAL

1600

Press multi selector down to display

shooting-mode menu

NORMAL

1600

*When you press the multi selector down to display the shooting-mode menu,

the current shooting mode will be highlighted. If mode is already selected, press the multi selector to the right to exit the menu.

NORMAL

1600

Select (selected

option is highlighted in green)

Press multi selector to right to exit menu (shooting-mode menu will also close if no operation is performed for about two seconds). Current shooting mode is shown by icon at top left corner of monitor.

Page 38

Step 3—Adjust Camera Settings (Optional)

The following table shows the default settings for mode. For more infor-

Tutorial—Taking Pictures

mation, refer to the page numbers in the rightmost column.

Setting Default Description

Flash

mode

Auto

Flash fires automatically when lighting is poor.

Self timer Off Self-timer off. 55–56

Image

quality

Image

size

NORMAL

1600 Pictures are 1,600 ×1,200 pixels in size. 62

Pictures compressed for balance between quality and file size that is ideal for snapshots.

Exp. +/– ±0 No exposure compensation performed. 63

Step 4—Frame the Picture

.1 Adjust the lens angle

The lens section can be rotated 130° forward from its housing in the camera body, and 90° back toward the monitor. To frame a quick arms-length self-portrait, rotate the lens to point in the same direction as the monitor.

When the lens is obscured by the camera body, a warning will be displayed in the monitor and pictures can not be taken. To clear the message from the monitor, rotate the lens section to shooting position.

Forward Back (toward monitor)

130°

0°

Range of rotation

Shooting position

50°50°

90°

Page 39

.2 Ready the camera

Hold the camera steadily in both hands.

.3 Frame your subject

Use the zoom buttons to frame your subject against the background.

Indicator in monitor shows amount of zoom while either button is pressed

Tutorial—Taking Pictures

Zoom out Zoom in

When the camera is zoomed all the way in, holding the button down for about two seconds extends the zoom range digitally (digital zoom;

57). The zoom indicator turns yellow when digital zoom is in effect.

NORMAL

1600

Don’t Block the Shot

To avoid dark or partially obscured pictures, keep your fingers and other objects away from the lens and flash window.

Page 40

Step 5—Focus and Shoot

Tutorial—Taking Pictures

.1 Focus

Press the shutter-release button halfway to set focus and expo-

sure. The camera will focus on the subject closest to the camera, and lock focus at this distance while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

With the shutter-release button pressed halfway, check the focus indicator and flash-ready lamp.

1600

NORMAL

Flash-ready lamp

Focus indicator

lights when

shutter-release

button is pressed

halfway

Focus

indicator

Flash-

ready

lamp

Green

Flashes red

Flickers

Off

Subject in focus. Camera unable to focus. Change your

composition and try again.

Flash will fire when picture is taken. Flash charging. Remove finger briefly from

shutter-release button, then try again. Flash off or not required.

When Lighting Is Poor

If lighting is poor, the view through the camera lens may appear slightly “grainy” when viewed in the monitor.

Page 41

.2 Take the picture

Smoothly press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take a picture.

After each shot, the picture you have just taken will be displayed briefly in the monitor before being recorded to the memory card. If you are not satisfied with the results, you can delete the picture instantly by pressing the ( ) button. If you need more time to study the picture, you can pause the display for up to ten seconds by pressing the ( ) button. For more information, see “Keep or Delete” ( 58).

Getting Good Results with Autofocus

Autofocus performs best when there is contrast between the subject and background and the subject is evenly lit. It does not perform well if the subject is very dark or moving rapidly, if there are objects of sharply differing brightness in the scene (e.g., the sun is behind your subjects and their features are in deep shadow), or if the subject contains objects at different distances from the camera (e.g., the subject is inside a cage).

Tutorial—Taking Pictures

During Recording

While pictures are being recorded to the memory card, a icon will be displayed in the monitor.

Pictures taken while earlier images are being recorded are stored in a temporary memory buffer. When the buffer is full, an hourglass ( ) icon will be displayed and the shutter release will be disabled.

Do not turn the camera off, remove the memory card, or remove or disconnect the power source while or is displayed.

Page 42

Step 6—Put the Camera Away

Tutorial—Taking Pictures

.1 Turn the camera off

Turn the camera off to save battery power.

.2 Return the lens section to the closed position

To protect the lens, return the lens section to its housing in the camera body.

Page 43

Review and Deletion

Quick Review

Using the quick review function on your Nikon digital camera, you can view the results of earlier attempts while setting up the next shot, and use what you see to change camera settings or to choose a better angle. Once you have the shot you want, you can delete your failures instantly to make room for more shots on the memory card.

To use quick review, the camera must be in mode. Press the button once to display the most recent picture at the top left corner of the monitor, twice to display pictures full screen. Pressing the button a third time returns you to mode.

Tutorial—Review and Deletion

1600

NORMAL

Mode Quick Review

NORMAL

1600

Pictures are displayed in the top left corner of the monitor, allowing you to view the results of previous attempts while setting up your next shot.

Pictures are displayed full screen or in menus of four or nine “thumbnail” images. You can zoom in on and delete individual pictures.

NORMAL

1600

Full-Screen Review

1/0011

Page 44

Quick Review

The following operations can be performed in

Tutorial—Review and Deletion

quick review:

NORMAL

1600

Press DescriptionTo

Press the multi selector up to view pictures

View other

pictures

View current

picture full screen

Return to

shooting mode

All other camera controls function as they do in shooting mode.

Shutter

release

recorded before the current photo, down to view pictures recorded after the current photo.

Enter full-screen review (see opposite) with the current picture displayed full screen.

To return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.

Full-Screen Review

The following operations can be performed in fullscreen review:

NORMAL

1600

Press DescriptionTo

Press the multi selector up to view pictures

View other

pictures

recorded before the current photo, down to view pictures recorded after the current photo. Keep multi selector pressed to scroll rapidly to the desired frame number.

1/0011

Page 45

View multiple

pictures

Delete current

picture

Zoom photo in

Select current

picture for transfer

to a computer

Hide or display

photo info

Return to

mode

Press DescriptionTo

( )

Shutter

release/

Press the ( ) button to display up to nine pictures at a time as small thumbnail previews (see following page).

A confirmation dialog will be displayed. Press multi selector up or down to highlight option, press to right to select.

DELETE

•Select No to exit without deleting picture

•Select Yes to de- lete picture

SET

SELECT

Yes

Press the ( ) button for an enlarged view of the current photo ( 81). While the photo is zoomed in, use the multi selector to view areas not visible in the monitor. To cancel zoom, press .

Pictures selected for transfer are marked with a icon. Turn this marking on or off to select the pictures that will be transferred to a computer at a later date ( 44).

Press multi selector to left to hide or display photo info superimposed on picture in monitor ( 7).

To end review and return to shooting mode, press the button or press the shutterrelease button halfway.

Tutorial—Review and Deletion

Page 46

Thumbnail Review

Pressing the ( ) button in full-screen review

Tutorial—Review and Deletion

displays a menu of four thumbnail images. The following operations can be performed while thumbnails are displayed:

Press DescriptionTo

Highlight pictures

Change number of

pictures displayed

Delete highlighted

picture

Select highlighted

picture for transfer

to a computer

Return to

mode

( )/

( )

Shutter release/

Press the multi selector up, down, left, or right to highlight thumbnails.

With four thumbnails displayed, press the button once to view nine thumbnail images. Press to “zoom in” from nine thumbnails to a four-thumbnail view or, when four thumbnails are displayed, to view highlighted picture full size.

A confirmation dialog will be displayed. Press multi selector up or down to highlight option, press to right to select.

DELETE

•Select No to exit without deleting picture

•Select Yes to de- lete picture

SET

SELECT

Yes

Pictures selected for transfer are marked with a icon. Turn this marking on or off to select the pictures that will be transferred to a computer at a later date ( 44).

To end review and return to shooting mode, press the button or press the shutterrelease button halfway.

Page 47

Playback Mode ( 77)

This section describes quick review, which allows you to view pictures without leaving mode. To learn about additional playback options available in (playback) mode, see “Playing Pictures Back” ( 77).

Tutorial—Review and Deletion

Page 48

Getting Creative

Scene Selection

Your Nikon digital camera offers a choice of “scene” modes for common compositions, such as portraits, landscapes, and close-ups, which require special

Tutorial—Getting Creative

combinations of settings that apply to any scene of the same type. When a scene is selected from the SCENE menu, camera settings are automatically adjusted to produce optimal results for the selected composition, sparing you the necessity of adjusting camera settings one-by-one.

Scene selection is only available in and modes (for information on choosing a shooting mode, see “Tutorial: Taking Pictures”; 25). To choose a scene:

SELECT SET

Press SCENE button to display menu

of scene choices

NORMAL

1600

Portrait

SELECT SET

Make selection (chosen scene takes

effect when option is highlighted;

highlighted scene shown by icon and

caption in monitor)

Press SCENE button to return to shooting mode (selected scene shown by icon in monitor)

Page 49

In scene mode, you can adjust flash ( 53) and self-timer ( 55) settings (restrictions may apply depending on the scene selected). Pressing the MENU button will display the SHOOTING menu ( 59). To return to or mode, select OFF in the SCENE menu.

The following pages describe when to use each scene mode.

Portrait

Use for portraits. Main subject stands out clearly while background details are softened, lending the composition a sense of depth.

•Degree to which background details are softened depends on the amount of light available

Party/Indoor

Use for shots that include details of the background behind the main subject, or to capture the effects of candlelight and other indoor background lighting.

Camera Shake: ✯

Tutorial—Getting Creative

Camera Shake

At slow shutter speeds, a icon appears in the monitor. Pictures taken at these speeds may be blurred by inadvertent camera movement (“camera shake”). While use of a tripod is recommended when this icon is displayed, other methods that may be successful in preventing blurring at a given setting are indicated by the number of stars in the “Camera Shake” rating:

✯ Support the camera steadily in both hands with your elbows against

your torso.

✯✯ Place the camera on a flat, level surface such as a wall or table.

Page 50

Night Portrait

Tutorial—Getting Creative

•Flash mode is set to (auto with red-eye reduction; 53).

Beach/Snow

Landscape

•Focus is fixed at infinity, allowing the camera to focus on distant scenes through foreground objects such as a window or a screen of branches. The focus indicator (AF●) is not displayed.

•Flash turns off ( ) automatically.

Use for shots that provide a natural balance between the main subject and the background when shooting portraits against a backdrop of night scenery.

Camera Shake: ✯

Vividly captures the brightness of such subjects as snowfields, beaches, or sunlight expanses of water.

Use for vivid landscape shots that enhance outlines, colors, and contrast in such subjects as skyscapes and forests.

Noise Reduction

“Noise” in the form of randomly-spaced, brightly-colored pixels tends to appear in pictures taken at slow shutter speeds. This effect is particularly noticeable in dark areas of the picture. At settings of Night Portrait and Night Landscape, pictures taken at slow shutter speeds are processed to reduce noise before being saved to the memory card. As result, more time is required to save pictures to the memory card.

Page 51

Sunset

Preserves the deep hues seen in sunsets and sunrises. Flash turns off ( ) automatically.

Camera Shake: ✯

Night Landscape

A slow shutter speed is used to produce stunning night landscapes.

•Focus is fixed at infinity; the focus indicator (AF●) is not displayed.

•Flash turns off ( ) automatically.

Museum

Flash turns off ( ) automatically. Use indoors where flash photography is prohibited (for example in museums and art galleries) or in other settings in which you do not want to use the flash.

•The Best Shot Selector (BSS; 67) turns on automatically, reducing the effects of inadvertent camera movement.

•Photography may be prohibited altogether in some settings. Be sure to obtain permission first.

Fireworks Show

Slow shutter speeds are used to capture the expanding burst of light from a firework. The camera responds more rapidly to the shutter-release button, ensuring that you can capture the start of the burst.

•Focus is fixed at infinity; the focus indicator (AF●) is not displayed.

•Flash turns off ( ) automatically.

•Follow the firework as it ascends and press the shutter-release button all the way down at the start of the burst.

•Self-timer can not be used ( 56).

Camera Shake: ✯✯

Camera Shake: ✯

Camera Shake: ✯✯

Tutorial—Getting Creative

Page 52

Close Up

Tutorial—Getting Creative

Camera is set to focus on objects as close as 4 cm (1.6˝) from the lens, making it possible to capture vivid colors in close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other small objects, with the background artistically blurred.

•When this option is selected, the camera will automatically adjust zoom to focus at very short distances. If you change the zoom position, the camera may be unable to focus.

•Camera focuses on subject at center of frame.

Camera Shake: ✯

Copy

Provides clear pictures of text or drawings on a white board, business card, or in other printed matter.

•Colored text and drawings may not show up well in the final picture.

Back Light

Use when light is coming from behind your subject, throwing their features into shadow, or when your subject is in the shade but the background is brightly lit. The flash will fire automatically to “fill in” (illuminate) shadows.

•Flash is set to (fill flash; 53).

OFF

Select this item to return to the shooting mode ( or

) in effect when scene mode was selected. The mode

last in effect will be displayed in the monitor when this

SELECT SET

option is highlighted.

Page 53

Connections

Your Camera and Your Computer

Your Nikon digital camera stores pictures as digital data. Instead of making the trip to a developer and getting negatives, you can simply copy your pictures to a computer for long-term storage using the Nikon View 5 software provided with your camera. Once transferred to your computer, your pictures can be viewed, printed, sent to your acquaintances via email, or saved to a Zip disk or other removable media for delivery to a photofinisher. Any copies stored on the memory card after transfer can be deleted to make way for new pictures, which you can then add to the growing digital photo album on your computer.

Page 54

Before You Begin: Installing Nikon View 5

Before copying pictures to your computer, you will need to install Nikon View 5,

Connections

an application that allows you to transfer pictures from the camera memory card to a computer hard disk and view them on the computer monitor. To install Nikon View 5, you must have a computer running one of the following operating systems:

Pre-installed versions of Windows XP Home Edition, or Win-

Windows

Macintosh

dows XP Professional, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows Millennium Edition (Me), Windows 98 Second Edition (SE).

Mac OS 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, Mac OS X (10.1.2 or later). Only models with built-in USB ports supported.

The first step to installing Nikon View 5 is to read the installation instructions. These are included on the reference CD provided with your camera.

Insert the reference CD

After turning on your computer and waiting

Nikon View 5

Macintosh and Windows

DeFr

EsNl It

Reference Manual

for the operating system to start up, place the reference CD in a CD-ROM drive.

If you are using a Macintosh computer, the reference CD window will open automatically on the desktop. Windows users will need first to doubleclick the My Computer icon and then the Nikon icon to open the reference CD window.

Already Have Nikon View?

In order to transfer pictures to your computer using the UC-E3 USB cable, the COOLPIX 2500 requires the version of Nikon View 5 provided with the camera. If you have a version of Nikon View that was included with another Nikon digital camera, you will need to upgrade to the version provided with the COOLPIX 2500.

Page 55

Install Adobe Acrobat Reader

The installation instructions are in Portable Document Format (PDF). To view the instructions, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or later. If you have already installed this version of Acrobat, proceed to Step 3.

To install Adobe Acrobat Reader, open the folder for the language of your choice and double-click the installer icon. The installer start-up screen will be displayed; follow the onscreen instructions to complete installation.

Installer icon

(Windows)

Installer icon (Macintosh)

Connections

Start-up screen (Windows)

Read installation instructions for Nikon View 5

Once you have installed Adobe Acrobat Reader, double-click the INDEX.pdf icon in the root directory of the reference CD to view a clickable index of the documentation available for Nikon View 5. Follow the links to view the installation instructions for your computer system. If desired, you can print the installation instructions using the Print… command in the Acrobat File menu, and follow along during installation of Nikon View 5.

Start-up screen (Macintosh)

Before Installing Nikon View 5

Before installing Nikon View 5, be sure to exit all other programs, including Adobe Acrobat Reader and any virus-checking software.

Page 56

Making the Connection: Connecting to Your Computer

Once you have installed Nikon View 5, you are ready to transfer photographs

Connections

and movies to your computer. Pictures can be transferred via a direct USB connection between the camera and computer, or by removing the memory card from the camera and inserting it in a card reader or PC card slot.

Direct Connection: Connecting Your Camera by Cable

If your computer has a built-in USB interface, you can connect it to your camera using the UC-E3 cable provided.

Slide the mode selector to

The camera will enter playback mode ( 78) with your most recent picture displayed full frame in the monitor.

Select the pictures to be transferred

Press the ( ) button to display the pictures on the memory card in “contact sheets” of four or nine thumbnails ( 80). Confirm that only the pictures you want to copy to the computer are marked with a icon. To remove the icon from a picture, or to select an unmarked picture for transfer, highlight the image with the multi selector and press the ( ) button.

Turn the camera off

Turn the camera off before connecting it to a computer.

Transferring More than 999 Pictures

No more than 999 pictures can be transferred at one time using the ( ) button. To copy more pictures, use Nikon View 5. See the Nikon View 5 Reference Manual (on CD) for details.

Page 57

Turn the computer on

Turn the computer on and wait for the operating system to start up.

Connect the camera and computer

Connect the UC-E3 USB cable as shown below. Use the flat connector for connection to the computer, and connect the other end of the cable to the camera’s USB connector. Do not connect the camera via a USB hub or keyboard.

Turn the camera on

Slide the mode selector to or . If the UCE3 is connected, the monitor will remain off, and all controls except the ( ) button and power switch will be inactive.

Connections

Before Connecting the Camera

Before connecting your camera to a computer, make sure that Nikon View 5 is installed.

Use a Reliable Power Source

When transferring data between the camera and the computer, be sure that the battery is fully charged. If in doubt, recharge the battery before beginning transfer or use the optional EH-60 AC adapter.

Page 58

TRANSFER COMPLETED

Press the ( ) button

PREPARING TO TRANSFER

TRANSFERRING IMAGE TO COMPUTER

When the camera is connected and turned on,

Connections

Nikon View 5 will start automatically (see the reference CD for details). Once Nikon View 5 has started, press the ( ) button to begin copying the pictures selected in Step 2 to the computer. The message “PREPARING TO TRANSFER” will appear in the camera monitor.

Wait for the pictures to be transferred to the computer

While pictures being copied to the computer, the camera monitor will show “TRANSFERRING IMAGE TO COMPUTER.” Do not turn the camera off, remove the memory card, or disconnect the cable while transfer is in progress.

Remove the camera from the system

When all marked pictures have been transferred, the message “TRANSFER COMPLETED” will be displayed in the camera monitor. Before disconnecting the cable or turning the camera off, you must remove the camera from the system as follows:

Windows XP

Click the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon ( ) in the taskbar and select Safely remove USB Mass Storage Device from the menu that appears.

Windows 2000 Professional

Click the “Unplug or Eject Hardware” icon ( ) in the taskbar and select Stop USB Mass Stor- age Device from the menu that appears.

Page 59

Windows Me

Click the “Unplug or Eject Hardware” icon ( in the taskbar and select Stop USB Disk from the menu that appears.

Windows 98 SE

In My Computer, click with the right mouse button on the removable disk corresponding to the camera and select Eject from the menu that appears.

Macintosh

Drag the “untitled” (“NO_NAME”) camera volume into the Trash.

Once you have removed the camera from the system, you can disconnect the interface cable or turn the camera off.

)

Mac OS 9 Mac OS X

Windows XP

If PTP is selected in the USB menu ( 75), an error will be displayed when the ( ) button is pressed to begin transfer. Disconnect the camera as instructed in Step 9 and select Mass Storage, then try again.

Mac OS X

Pictures can not be transferred using the ( ) button in Mac OS X. Use Nikon View 5 to transfer pictures. See the Nikon View 5 Reference Manual (on CD) for details.

Connections

Disconnecting the Camera

Before turning the camera off or disconnecting the interface cable, be sure that transfer is complete and that the camera displays the message “TRANSFER COMPLETED.” While transfer is in progress, do not disconnect the USB cable, turn the camera off, or remove the memory card from the camera

Page 60

Reading Pictures from Memory Cards

If you have a CompactFlash™ card reader or your computer is equipped with a

Connections

PC card slot, you can transfer pictures directly from the memory card. Before inserting the memory card in a card reader or card slot, turn the camera off and remove the card from the camera.

Turn the computer on

Turn the computer on and wait for the operating system to start up.

Insert the memory card

If you are using a PC card slot, insert the memory card into a PC card adapter (see note below), and then insert the adapter into the PC card slot. If you are using a card reader, insert the memory card directly into the card reader. If installed, Nikon View 5 will detect cards from Nikon digital cameras and start automatically. See the Nikon View 5 Reference Manual (on CD) for information on transferring pictures to your computer.

CompactFlash™ Card Readers

Before using a card reader, be sure to read all documentation provided by the manufacturer.

PC Card Adapter

To read CompactFlash™ memory cards using a PC card slot, you will require an EC-AD1 PC-card adapter (shown at right), available separately from Nikon.

Page 61

Removing the Memory Card

Be sure that transfer is complete before removing memory cards from the card reader or PC card slot.

Before removing the memory card from a PC card slot or card reader, you will need to remove the card from the system:

Windows XP

Click the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon ( ) in the taskbar and remove the memory card from the system.

Windows 2000 Professional/Windows Me

Click the “Unplug or Eject Hardware” icon ( the memory card from the system.

Windows 98 SE

In My Computer, right click on the removable disk corresponding to the memory card and select Eject from the menu that appears.

Macintosh

Drag the “untitled” (“NO_NAME”) volume that represents the memory card into the Trash.

) in the taskbar and remove

File and Folder Names

Pictures taken with the COOLPIX 2500 are identified by file names that begin with “DSCN” or, in the case of images created with the small picture function ( 82), “SSCN,” followed by a four-digit file number assigned automatically by the camera (e.g., “DSCN0001”). Each file name ends in a three-letter “extension” that identifies the type of picture: “.JPG” for photographs and “.MOV” for movies. Picture files are stored in folders created automatically by the camera and named with a three-digit folder number followed by “NIKON” (e.g., “100NIKON”). The folder name and file number can be viewed in full-screen review and full-frame playback, when they are displayed in the top right corner of the monitor ( 7).

Connections

Page 62

Page 63

Taking Pictures

The Details

In “Tutorial: Taking Pictures,” you learned the basic order of operations for taking pictures in mode. This chapter details the options available for taking pictures in all shooting modes. It is divided into the following sections:

Beyond Point-and-Shoot

Read this section for advice on the most frequentlyused camera controls, including shooting-mode and scene selection, flash mode, the self-timer, and zoom, as well as for information on the operations that can be performed while pictures are displayed in the monitor after shooting.

Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

This section details the options available in the SHOOTING menu.

Beyond Point-andShoot

52–58

Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

59–68

Page 64

Beyond Point-and-Shoot

, , or Movie: Choosing a Shooting Mode

mode, you have a choice of four basic shooting modes (for

Taking Pictures—Beyond Point-and-Shoot

In information on choosing a shooting mode, see “Tutorial: Taking Pictures”; 24):

Auto produces good results in a wide range of situations. Use for snapshots or when you want control over image quality (

Auto

Manual

Movie

61), image size ( 62), and exposure compensation ( 63) while leaving the camera in charge of other settings.

Choose this mode for complete control over all camera settings, including white balance ( 64), sharpening ( 68), and BSS (

67). You can also choose to take pictures in continuous sequence while the shutter-release button is held down ( 66).

This mode is used to record NORMAL-quality silent movies 320 × 240 pixels in size (QVGA) at a rate of about fifteen frames per second. Recording begins when the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down and ends when the shutter-release button is fully pressed a second time.

•In place of the number of exposures remaining, the exposurecount display in monitor shows the length of the movie that can be recorded.

•Movie ends automatically after fifteen seconds or when no more space is available on the memory card.

•Movies are stored as QuickTime movie files ending in “.MOV”.

•The flash turns off (

•Menus and scene-selection are disabled in movie mode.

) automatically.

Camera Controls

Pressing the SCENE button in or mode displays a menu of twelve “scenes,” where you can choose an option suited to your subject and composition and let the camera adjust settings for best results. For more information, see “Tutorial: Getting Creative” ( 36).

Page 65

AUTO

Flash Photography: The Button

In mode, the button controls the flash. Four flash modes are available (restrictions may apply in scene mode; 36):

Mode How it works When to use it

AUTO

Auto

Auto with

red-eye

reduction

Flash Cancel

(off)

Flash fires when lighting is poor.

Pre-flash fires before main flash. This causes subjects’ pupils to contract before photo is taken, minimizing “red-eye” effect caused by flash reflecting from retina.

Flash will not fire even when lighting is poor.

Best choice in most circumstances.

Use for portraits (works best when subjects are well within range of flash and looking at pre-flash). Because a slight delay occurs after the shutter-release button is fully pressed to allow the preflash to take effect, this setting is not recommended with erratically-moving subjects or in other situations in which you want the camera to react quickly.

Use when subject is outside range of flash, to capture natural lighting under dim light, or where use of a flash is prohibited. Use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blurring.

Taking Pictures—Beyond Point-and-Shoot

Anytime Flash

(fill flash)

Flash fires whenever picture is taken.

Use to “fill-in” (illuminate) shadows and back-lit subjects.

The Flash-Ready Light

A short pause is required between exposures for the flash system to charge. If the shutter-release button is pressed halfway while the flash is charging, the flash-ready light under the monitor will flicker. Remove your finger briefly from the shutter-release button and try again.

Page 66

The flash mode can be selected with the button:

Taking Pictures—Beyond Point-and-Shoot

1600

Press button to display

flash-mode menu

1600

AUTO

NORMAL

Press multi selector up or down until

desired mode is highlighted

Press multi selector to right to exit menu (flash-mode menu will also close if no operation is performed for about two seconds). Current flash mode is shown by icon at bottom of monitor.

1600

AUTO

NORMAL

The ISO (Sensitivity Gain) and (Camera Shake) Icons

When lighting is poor and the flash is off ( ), the camera will automatically raise its sensitivity to light for faster exposures, minimizing blur caused by camera shake. When sensitivity is raised above the default value, an ISO icon will appear in the monitor to warn that “noise” may appear in the final picture. If the shutter speed required for exposure is very slow, a (camera shake) icon will appear in the monitor. Use of a tripod or support is recommended.

Page 67

ONON

OFFOFF

Delaying Shutter Release: Choosing a Self-Timer Mode

When the self-timer is on, pictures will not be taken until ten seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down, giving you time to position yourself in front of the camera when taking pictures in which you want to appear yourself. When taking low-light or close-up shots with the flash off, the self-timer can be used to prevent pictures from being blurred camera movement that occurs when the shutter-release button is pressed.

To use the self-timer:

Position the camera

Mount the camera on a tripod (recommended) or rest it on a flat, stable surface.

Turn the self-timer on

The self-timer setting is controlled with the multi selector.

Taking Pictures—Beyond Point-and-Shoot

NORMAL

1600

Press multi selector up to

display self-timer menu

NORMAL

1600

ONON

OFFOFF

NORMAL

Press multi selector right to exit menu (self-timer menu will also close if no operation is performed for about two seconds). When timer is on, self-timer icon is displayed in monitor.

1600

Press multi selector up or

down to highlight ON

ONON

OFFOFF

Page 68

Compose the picture

Adjust camera settings and frame the picture. Remember that the camera

Taking Pictures—Beyond Point-and-Shoot

will focus on the closest object; compose your picture with no other objects between your subject and the camera.

Start the timer

Press the shutter-release button all the way down to lock focus and activate the timer.

Count-down timer in monitor shows number of seconds remaining until picture is taken

Full press

1600

NORMAL

The self-timer lamp on the front of the camera will start to blink when the shutter-release button is pressed, and continue to blink until one second before the photo is taken. The selftimer lamp will stay lit during the final second to warn that the shutter is about to be released. To stop the timer before a picture is taken, press the shutter-release button.

Restrictions on the Self-Timer

The self-timer is not available in movie mode ( 52) or when Fireworks Show ( 39) is selected in scene mode.

Page 69

Framing Pictures: Optical and Digital Zoom

Your Nikon digital camera offers two kinds of zoom: optical zoom, in which the camera’s telescoping lens can be used to magnify the subject up to 3 ×, and digital zoom, in which digital processing is used to further magnify the image up to 4 ×.

Optical Zoom

Photos can be framed in the monitor using the zoom buttons.

Indicator in monitor displays amount of zoom while either button is pressed

Zoom out Zoom in

Optical zoom is not available in movie mode, although digital zoom can be used to magnify the subject up to about 3 ×.

Digital Zoom

At the maximum optical zoom position, holding the button down for two seconds triggers digital zoom.

Taking Pictures—Beyond Point-and-Shoot

Maximum optical zoom

position

Hold for 2 s

Zoom indicator turns yellow

in digital zoom range

The camera can be zoomed in and out in the digital zoom range by pressing the

and buttons. To restore ordinary optical zoom, press until the

zoom indicator turns white. In digital zoom, data from the camera’s image sensor are processed digitally,

enlarging the center portion of the picture to fill the frame. Unlike optical zoom, digital zoom does not increase the amount of detail visible in the picture. Instead, details visible at maximum optical zoom are enlarged, producing a slightly “grainy” image. While digital zoom is in effect, the camera focuses on the subject in the center of the frame, even if objects in other areas of the frame are closer to the camera.

Page 70

Keep or Delete: Picture Review

After each shot, the picture you have just taken

Taking Pictures—Beyond Point-and-Shoot

will be displayed briefly in the monitor until being recorded to the memory card. The following operations can be performed while the picture is displayed:

To Press Description

A confirmation dialog will be displayed. Press multi selector up or down to highlight option, press to right to select.

Delete

picture

Pause

display

DELETE

Yes

SELECT SET

Display will be paused for ten seconds and pause icon ( ) will change to . During this time, you can press ( ) to record picture and return to shooting mode, or press to delete photo as described above. Picture will be recorded automatically if no operations are performed for ten seconds.

•Select No to save picture and return to shooting mode

•Select Yes to delete picture

Page 71

Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

The -Mode Menu

In mode, changes to some settings are made with the help of a SHOOTING menu that appears when the MENU button is pressed.

To make selections from the SHOOTING menu:

Taking Pictures—Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

Slide mode selector to

Highlight menu item

Highlight option

(to return to previous menu, press

multi selector to left)

IMAGE QUALITY

OFF

IMAGE QUALITY

FINE

NORMAL BASIC

OFF

SELECT

SET

Press MENU button to display

menu for current mode

Display options

Make selection

IMAGE QUALITY

OFF

IMAGE QUALITY FINE

NORMAL

BASIC

OFF

IMAGE QUALITY

OFF

SELECT

To exit the menu and return to shooting mode, press the MENU button.

SET

Page 72

The options available in the SHOOTING menu depend on the shooting mode selected. No menu is available in movie mode.

Taking Pictures—Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

SHOOTING MENU

Option

IMAGE QUALITY

IMAGE SIZE

EXP. +/–

SELECT

OFF

Shooting menu

( , scene)

SET

61 62 63

SHOOTING MENU

Option

IMAGE QUALITY 61

IMAGE SIZE 62

WHITE BALANCE 64–65

SELECT

OFF

Shooting menu

( mode)

SET

EXP. +/– 63

CONTINUOUS 66

BEST SHOT SELECTOR 67

IMAGE SHARPENING 68

Making Effective Use of Memory: Image Quality and Size

Together, image quality and size determine how much space each picture occupies on the memory card, which in turn determines the total number of pictures that can be stored. The current image size and quality are shown in the monitor.

NORMAL

1600

Page 73

To get an idea of how different settings for image quality and size affect the number of pictures that can be stored, view the table below, which shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on eight- and sixteenmegabyte memory cards at different combinations of image quality and size.

8-MB memory card 16-MB memory card

1600

FINE

NORMAL

BASIC

15 29

1280

12 23 43

1024

18 34 60

640

43 71

113

1600

16 31 59

1280

24 47 86

1024

37 69

121

640

86 144 229

*Figures are approximate. File size of JPEG images depends on scene record-

ed, producing wide variations in number of images that can be stored.

Image Quality

To reduce the amount of memory that each shot occupies, pictures are compressed as they are saved to the memory card. Compression selectively reduces the quality of the image; the more the picture is compressed, the more noticeable this loss of quality is likely to be (the actual effect depends on the size of the picture when printed or displayed and on the type of subject). The image-quality menu allows you to choose the amount of compression performed.

IMAGE QUALITY

OFF

SELECT

SET

Taking Pictures—Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

Option Description

FINE

NORMAL

Compression

ratio (approx.)

1:4

1:8

Fine image quality, suitable for enlargements or high-quality prints.

Normal image quality, suited to most applications.

Basic image quality, suitable for pictures

BASIC

1:16

that will be distributed by e-mail or used in web pages.

Page 74

Image Size

Image size refers to the physical dimensions of the

Taking Pictures—Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

image, measured in pixels. Choose an image size according to the space available on the memory card and the task at hand.

IMAGE SIZE

OFF

Option DescriptionSize (pixels)

1600

1,600 ×1,200

Suited to print sizes ranging from large photo album through to A5 (roughly 8˝ ×6˝).

1280 Suited to postcard-size prints.1,280 × 960

Suited to printing at smaller sizes (for exam-

1024

1,024 × 768

ple, as an illustration in a letter or report), or to display on monitors 17˝ or larger.

640

640 × 480

Can be displayed full screen on 13˝ monitors. Suited to distribution by e-mail or the web.

Print sizes assume a printer resolution of approximately 200 dpi.

SELECT

SET

Print Size

The size of pictures when printed depends on the resolution of the printer (the higher the resolution, the smaller the final print size).

Page 75

Adjusting Exposure: Exp. +/–

The Exp. +/– (exposure compensation) menu al- lows you to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker.

EXP.+/

–

Taking Pictures—Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

At values other than ±0, exposure compensation is shown in the monitor.

NORMAL

1600

OFF

SELECT

+0.3

SET

Page 76

1600

NORMAL

Keeping Colors True: White Balance

White balance is used to preserve natural colors

Taking Pictures—Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

under different types of lighting. At settings other than Auto, the current white balance setting is shown in the monitor.

Choosing a White Balance Setting

In mode, white balance can be chosen from the following options (in and scene modes, white balance is adjusted automatically):

WHITE BALANCE

Option Description

AutoA

White Bal Preset

White balance automatically adjusted to suit lighting conditions. Best choice in most circumstances.

White object used as reference to set white balance under unusual lighting conditions.

Fine White balance adjusted for direct sunlight. Incandescent For use with incandescent lighting. Fluorescent For use with most types of fluorescent lighting. Cloudy Use for pictures taken under cloudy skies.

Speedlight

White balance adjusted to match light produced by flash.

OFF

SELECT

SET

Page 77

Preset White Balance

Preset white balance is used to adjust white balance when shooting under mixed lighting or to compensate for light sources with a strong color cast (for example, to make pictures taken under a lamp with a red shade look as though they had been taken under white light). When (White Bal Preset) is selected from the white-balance menu, the camera will zoom in and the menu shown at right will be displayed in the monitor.

Option Description

Recalls the most recent setting for preset white

Cancel

balance from memory and sets white balance to this value.

To measure a new value for white balance, place a white object, such as a piece of paper, under the lighting that will be used in the final photograph. Frame this object so that it fills the square in the

Measure

center of the menu shown above. Highlight Measure and press the multi selector to the right to

measure a new value for white balance (shutter will be released and camera will return to original zoom position, but no picture will be recorded).

WHITE BALANCE PRESET

Cancel

OFF

Measure

SELECT

SET

Taking Pictures—Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

Page 78

Taking Pictures in a Sequence: Continuous

1600

NORMAL

The options in the “continuous” menu are used

Taking Pictures—Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

to take pictures in a continuous sequence. This can be useful when, for example, you are trying to capture a fleeting expression on a portrait subject, or photograph a subject that is moving unpredictably. With the Multi-Shot 16 option, you can record movement in a single picture consisting of sixteen consecutive frames.

Option Description

Single

Continuous

Multi-Shot 16

At settings other than Single, the current “continuous” setting is indicated by an icon in the monitor.

Camera takes one picture each time the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down.

While the shutter-release button is held down, pictures are recorded at a rate of about three frames every two seconds. The camera will continue to take pictures even when the memory buffer ( 29) is full, although the rate at which pictures are recorded will drop.

Each time the shutter-release button is pressed, the camera takes sixteen consecutive “thumbnail” images 400 × 300 pixels in size and combines them into a collage measuring 1,600 × 1,200 pixels. This option is only available when image size ( 62) is set to 1600.

OFF

CONTINUOUS

Single

Continuous

Multi-Shot 16

SELECT

SET

Flash, Focus Exposure, and White Balance

At settings of Continuous and Multi-Shot 16, the flash turns off, and focus distance, exposure, and auto white balance are determined by the first picture in each series.

Page 79

Getting Sharper Pictures: BSS (Best Shot Selector)

The “Best Shot Selector” (BSS) is recommended for situations in which inadvertent camera movement can produce blurred pictures, for example when:

• the camera is zoomed in

• the flash can not be used although lighting is poor

BSS may not produce the desired results with a moving subject or if you change the composition while the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down.

Option Description

Camera takes photos as long as the shutter-release button is held down, to a maximum of ten. These images are then compared and the sharpest photo (the image with the highest level

of detail) saved to the memory card. The flash turns off, and focus distance, exposure, and auto white balance are determined by the first photograph in the series.

Off BSS off; camera functions normally.

When BSS is on, a BSS icon appears in the monitor.

BEST SHOT SELECTOR

Off

SELECT

OFF

SET

Taking Pictures—Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

1600

NORMAL

Restrictions on BSS

BSS is not available at CONTINUOUS settings other than Single. Selecting Continuous or Multi-Shot 16 automatically cancels BSS.

Page 80

Making Edges More Distinct: Image Sharpening

1600

NORMAL

The camera automatically emphasizes the borders

Taking Pictures—Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

between light and dark areas of each picture, making the image seem sharper. The effects are too subtle to be seen in the camera monitor, but are visible when the picture is viewed on a computer monitor or printed. mode gives you control over the amount of sharpening performed (in and scene modes, the camera adjusts sharpening according to the subject).

Option Description

Auto

High

Normal

Camera sharpens edges for optimal results; adjustment performed differs from image to image.

Image processed to increase sharpness, making edges more distinct.

Camera performs same standard level of sharpening on all images.

Low Amount of sharpening reduced below normal level. Off No sharpening performed.

When taking pictures that will later be retouched, choose settings of Normal or Low.

At settings other than Auto, an image-sharpening icon appears in the monitor.

IMAGE SHARPENING

Auto

High Norm

SELECT

OFF

SET

Page 81

Camera

Setup

The SET-UP Menu

This chapter details the options available in the SETUP menu, where you can adjust basic camera settings and perform such tasks as formatting memory cards and restoring settings to their default values.

Page 82

The SET-UP menu contains options for basic camera setup. The SET-UP menu is accessed from the SHOOTING menu for , , or scene mode (no

Camera Setup

menu is available in movie mode). To make a selection from the SET-UP menu:

Slide mode selector to

Press MENU button to display menu

IMAGE QUALITY

OFF

SELECT

SET

for current shooting mode

SHOOTING MENU

OFF

SELECT

Highlight page tab (selected page

SET

Brightness CF Card Format Date Auto Off Language USB Reset All

OFF

Highlight

SET-UP

SELECT

SET

tab highlighted in green)

BRIGHTNESS

Brightness

CF Card Format Date Auto Off Language USB Reset All

OFF

SELECT

Display SET-UP menu

SET

AUTO OFF Brightness CF Card Format Date

Auto Off

Language USB Reset All

OFF

SELECT

Highlight menu item

SET

Page 83

AUTO OFF

Brightness CF Card Format Date

Auto Off

Language USB Reset All

OFF

SELECT

Display options

AUTO OFF Brightness CF Card Format Date

Auto Off

Language USB Reset All

OFF

SELECT

Make selection

Brightness CF Card Format Date

Auto Off

Language USB

SET

(to return to previous menu, press

To exit the menu and return to shooting mode, press the MENU button.

SET

Reset All

OFF

Highlight option

multi selector to left)

AUTO OFF

SELECT

Camera Setup

SET

Page 84

The SET-UP menu contains the following options:

Camera Setup

SET-UP Brightness CF Card Format Date Auto Off Language USB Reset All

OFF

SELECT

SET

Option

Brightness 72

CF Card Format 73

Date 74

Auto Off 74

Language 75

USB 75

Reset All ( only) 76

Adjusting Monitor Brightness: Brightness

This option controls monitor brightness. Press the multi selector up or down to increase or decrease the brightness of the monitor by moving the arrow to the right of the display up or down.

BRIGHTNESS

OFF

SELECT

SET

SET-UP Menu Options

The Brightness and CF Card Format options can also be accessed from the playback menu in mode ( 85).

Page 85

Formatting Memory Cards: CF Card Format

The memory card provided with your camera is formatted at shipment. If you purchase additional memory cards for added storage, you will however need to format the cards before first use to ensure that they work properly in your camera. Formatting memory cards is also an effective way of deleting all pictures on the card.

Selecting CF Card Format from the setup or playback menus displays the confirmation dialog shown above. To format the memory card:

CF CARD FORMAT

WARNING ! All images will be deleted !

Format

SELECT

OFF

SET

Camera Setup

Highlight Format (to exit without

formatting card, highlight No and

press multi selector to right)

CF CARD FORMAT

WARNING ! All images will be deleted !

Format

SELECT

OFF

FORMATTING

SET

Press multi selector to right to start

formatting. Formatting begins immediately. While formatting is in progress, the message shown above

will be displayed.

During Formatting

Do not remove the memory card, remove the battery, or unplug the AC adapter (available separately) while formatting is in progress.

Before Formatting

Formatting memory cards permanently deletes all data they contain, including protected pictures and any other data that may be on the card. Before

formatting, be sure to transfer to a computer any pictures you would like to keep.

Page 86

Setting the Time and Date: Date

This option is used to set the camera to the cur-

Camera Setup

rent date and time. For more information, see “Tutorial: First Steps” ( 22).

DATE

OFF

SELECT

SET

Conserving Battery Power: Auto Off

When operated on battery power, the camera will enter sleep mode if no operations are performed for thirty seconds (or three minutes when menus are displayed). The time limit for sleep mode can be chosen from thirty seconds (30 s), one minute (1m), five minutes (5m), and thirty minutes (30 m) using Auto Off.

Sleep Mode (Auto Off)

In sleep mode, the camera itself is effectively off, consuming almost no power. The camera can be reactivated by pressing the shutter-release button or sliding the mode selector to a new position.

When powered by the EH-60 AC adapter (available separately), the camera will remain on for thirty minutes if no operations are performed, regardless of the setting in the Auto Off menu.

AUTO OFF

Brightness CF Card Format Date

Auto Off

Language USB Reset All

OFF

SELECT

SET

Page 87

Choosing a Language: Language

This option is used to choose the language in which camera menus and messages are displayed. For more information, see “Tutorial: First Steps” ( 20).

Brightness CF Card Format Date Auto Off

Language

USB Reset All

Choosing a USB Protocol: USB

Before pictures can be copied to a computer via direct USB connection ( 44), you will need to select a USB transfer protocol that matches that used by your computer’s operating system. Your camera supports two protocols: PTP (Picture Trans- fer Protocol) and Mass Storage.

Protocol Description

PTP Choose Picture Transfer Protocol.

Mass Storage Choose the Mass Storage transfer protocol.

Brightness CF Card Format Date Auto Off Language

USB

Reset All

LANGUAGE

OFF

USB

OFF

SELECT

PTP

Mass Storage

SELECT

SET

Camera Setup

Windows XP

If PTP is selected in the USB menu when the camera is connected to a computer running Windows XP Home Edition or Windows XP Professional, an error will be displayed when the ( ) button is pressed to begin transfer.

Mac OS X

Pictures can not be transferred using the ( ) button in Mac OS X. Use Nikon View 5 to transfer pictures. See the Nikon View 5 Reference Manual (on CD) for details.

Page 88

Restoring Default Settings: Reset All ( Mode Only)

Reset All is used to reset settings to their default

Camera Setup

values. This option is only available in the SET-UP menu for mode, but resets settings for all modes.

Option Description

No Exit menu, leaving settings unchanged.

Reset Restore settings to default values.

Choosing Reset restores the settings listed below to their default values.

DefaultSetting DefaultSetting

±0Exposure compensation

SingleContinuous

OffBest Shot Selector

Choosing Reset also clears the current file number ( 49) from memory. Numbering will continue from the lowest number available on the memory card. All other settings are unaffected.

RESET ALL

Reset all settings to default values

Reset

OFF

SELECT

AutoImage sharpeningAutoWhite balance

30 sAuto off

SET

3Monitor brightness

Resetting File Numbering to 0001

To reset file numbering ( 49) to 0001, select Reset All after either deleting all pictures ( 87) or formatting the memory card ( 73).

Page 89

Playing

Pictures Back

Basic Playback

78–84

The Playback Menu

Playback Mode

This section details the operations that can be performed when the mode selector is set to . It is divided into the following two sections:

Basic Playback

This section covers playback operations that can be performed using the buttons on the back of the camera and the multi selector.

The Playback Menu

Read this section for a description of the operations that can be performed in the playback menu.

85–91

Page 90

Basic Playback

1/0011

1600

NORMAL

Full-Frame and Thumbnail Playback

When the mode selector is set to , the camera enters playback mode with the most recent pic-

Playing Pictures Back—Basic Playback

ture displayed in the monitor.

The following operations can be performed in playback mode:

Press DescriptionTo

Press the multi selector up to view pictures record-

View other

pictures

View

multiple

pictures

Delete

current

picture

ed before the current photo, down to view pictures recorded after the current photo. Keep multi selector pressed to scroll rapidly to the desired frame number.

Press the ( ) button to display up to nine pic-

( )

tures at a time as small thumbnail previews ( 80).

A confirmation dialog will be displayed. Press multi selector up or down to highlight option, press to right to select.

( )

DELETE

•Select No to exit without deleting picture

•Select Yes to delete picture

SET

SELECT

Yes

Page 91

Zoom

photo in

Select

current

picture for

transfer to a

computer

Create small

copy of current

picture

Play movie

back

Hide or

display

photo info

Display

playback

Press DescriptionTo

( )

SMALL

PIC.

( )

Press the ( ) button for an enlarged view of the current photo ( 81).

Pictures selected for transfer are marked with a icon. Turn this marking on or off to select the pictures that will be transferred to a computer at a later date ( 44).

If the current picture is a photograph, pressing the

button will create a small copy (320 × 240)

for electronic distribution ( 82).

If the current picture is marked with a icon to show that it is a movie, pressing the button starts and pauses movie playback ( 84).

Press multi selector to left to hide or display photo info superimposed on picture in monitor ( 7).

Press the MENU button to display or hide the playback menu ( 85).

Playing Pictures Back—Basic Playback

Image File and Folder Names

Pictures taken with the COOLPIX 2500 are identified by file names that begin with “DSCN” or, in the case of pictures created with the small picture function ( 82), “SSCN,” followed by a four-digit file number assigned automatically by the camera. Each file name ends in a three-letter “extension” that identifies the type of picture: “.JPG” for photographs and “.MOV” for movies. Picture files are stored in folders created automatically by the camera and named with a three digit folder number followed by “NIKON” (e.g., “100NIKON”).

Page 92

Thumbnail Review

Pressing the ( ) button in full-screen review

Playing Pictures Back—Basic Playback

displays a menu of four thumbnail images. The following operations can be performed while thumbnails are displayed:

Press DescriptionTo

Highlight

pictures

Change

number of

pictures

displayed

Delete

highlighted

picture

Select high-

lighted picture

for transfer to

a computer

Create small

copy of high-

lighted picture

( )/

( )

SMALL

PIC.

( )

Press the multi selector up, down, left, or right to highlight thumbnails.

With four thumbnails displayed, press the button once to view nine thumbnail images. Press

to “zoom in” from nine thumbnails to a fourthumbnail view or, when four thumbnails are displayed, to view highlighted picture full size.

A confirmation dialog will be displayed. Press multi selector up or down to highlight option, press to right to select.

DELETE

•Select No to exit without deleting picture

•Select Yes to delete picture

SET

SELECT

Yes

Pictures selected for transfer are marked with a

icon. Turn this marking on or off to select the pictures that will be transferred to a computer at a later date ( 44).

If the current picture is a photograph, pressing the button will create a small copy for electronic distribution ( 82).

Page 93

Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom

Use the ( ) button to zoom in on photos displayed in single-image playback (playback zoom can not be used with movies or copies created with the small picture function).

DescriptionTo Press

Zoom increases each time button is pressed,

Zoom photo in ( )

to a maximum of 6.0 ×. While image is zoomed in, icon and zoom ratio are displayed in upper left corner of monitor.

X2.0

SCROLL ZOOM

Playing Pictures Back—Basic Playback

View other

areas of image

Press the multi selector to scroll to areas of the image not visible in the monitor.

Press to cancel zoom.Cancel zoom

Playback Tips

In single-image playback, pictures are displayed briefly at low resolution while being read from the memory card. This makes it possible to scroll rapidly through the pictures in memory without waiting for each image to be displayed at full resolution.

To scroll quickly to a particular frame number without viewing the intervening pictures, press and hold the multi selector. The picture displayed will not change, but the frame number displayed at the bottom right corner of the monitor will increase or decrease rapidly. Release the multi selector when the desired frame number is reached.

The first and last pictures in memory are linked. Pressing the multi selector up when the first picture in memory is displayed will take you to the last picture. Pressing the multi selector down when the last picture is displayed takes you to the first picture.

Page 94

Creating a Small Copy of a Picture: Small Picture

2/0012

Pressing the SMALL PIC. ( ) button in full-frame or thumbnail playback

Playing Pictures Back—Basic Playback

creates a small copy of the current picture. Copies are 320 × 240 pixels in size and have an image quality of BASIC, making them ideal for distribution by email or for use in web pages.

To create a small copy of the picture currently displayed in full-frame playback, or the picture highlighted in thumbnail playback:

Press SMALL PIC. ( ) button to

display confirmation dialog

Small Pic

Creating small Picture file ?

Yes

SELECT SET

NORMAL

1600

Create small copy and return to

playback mode with original picture

displayed

1/0011

Highlight Yes (to exit without creat-

ing copy, highlight No and press

multi selector to right)

Small Pic

Creating small Picture file ?

Yes

SELECT SET

To view copy, press multi selector

down. Copy will have same time and

date of creation as original.

Page 95

Once created, copies are independent of the original: deleting a copy has no effect on the original, deleting the original no effect on the copy. Copies are stored on the memory card as independent files with names of the form “SSCNnnnn.JPG,” where “nnnn” is a four-digit number assigned automatically by the camera. Copies will have the same transfer marking as the originals; print and protect attributes, however, must be set separately.

When displayed in full-frame playback and full-screen review, copies will occupy roughly one-quarter of the monitor and are surrounded by a gray frame. In thumbnail playback and review, copies are indicated by a gray border. Copies can not be viewed using playback zoom ( 81); pressing the ( ) button when a copy is displayed has no effect.

Restrictions on Small Picture

The small picture function described in this section can not be used in quick review.

Copies can not be created from movies. Additional copies of an image can not be created from a small picture file; pressing the SMALL PIC. ( ) button when a copy is displayed will have no effect. Pressing the SMALL PIC. button will also have no effect if there is not enough space for the copy on the memory card.

The COOLPIX 2500 may not be able to create small copies from images taken with another make of camera.

Playing Pictures Back—Basic Playback

Viewing Small Picture Files on Other Cameras

Copies created with the small picture function may not display correctly when viewed on other models of Nikon digital camera. You may also not be able to transfer copies from other models of Nikon digital camera to a computer.

Page 96

Movie Playback

Movies are indicated by a icon. In full-frame

Playing Pictures Back—Basic Playback

playback, movies can be viewed using the button. Movies can not be played back when thumbnails are displayed.

Start playback

Pause/resume

playback

Rewind movie

one frame

Advance

movie one

frame

START

9/0019

DescriptionTo Press

When movie ends, final frame is displayed for one second, followed by a still image of the first frame.

Pressing the button while playback is in progress pauses display. To resume playback, press the button again.

When movie is paused, pressing the multi selector up rewinds the movie one frame.

When movie is paused, pressing the multi selector down advances the movie one frame. If the last frame of the movie is displayed, pressing the multi selector down ends movie playback and displays the first frame of the movie.

Page 97

The Playback Menu

Managing Pictures

The playback menu contains options for deleting pictures and protecting images from deletion. You can also create a digital “print order” for printing photographs on any device compatible with the Digital Print Order Format (DPOF), and select images for transfer to a computer.

To view the playback menu:

Playing Pictures Back—The Playback Menu

Select

Press MENU button to display

playback menu

DELETE

Delete

Print Set Protect Auto Transfer CF Card Format Brightness

OFF

SELECT

SET

The playback menu contains the following options:

DELETE

Delete

Print Set Protect Auto Transfer CF Card Format Brightness

OFF

SELECT

SET

Option

Delete 86–87

Print Set 88–89

Protect 90

Auto Transfer 91

CF Card Format 73

Brightness 72

Memory Card Format/Brightness

The CF Card Format and Brightness options can also be accessed from the SET-UP menu for mode. These options are described in “Camera Setup” ( 69).

Page 98

Deleting Pictures: Delete

The Delete menu contains the following options:

Playing Pictures Back—The Playback Menu

DELETE

Selected Images

DescriptionOption

Delete selected photographs and movies.

Delete all pictures.All Images

Selected Images

All Images

OFF

SELECT

SET

Deleting Selected Photographs and Movies

To delete selected photographs and movies:

Highlight Selected Images Display menu of thumbnail images

Highlight picture Press multi selector up or down to se-

DELETE

Selected Images

All Images

SELECT

OFF

ERASE SELECTED IMAGES

SELECT SET

QUICK

SET

DONE

lect picture for deletion. Selected pictures are marked by icon. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to select additional pictures for deletion. To deselect picture, highlight and press multi selector up or down. To exit without deleting pictures, press MENU button.

ERASE SELECTED IMAGES

SELECT SET

ERASE SELECTED IMAGES

SELECT SET

QUICK

DONE

Page 99

DELETE

Press to display a confirmation dialog. Press multi selector up or down to highlight option, press to right to put choice into effect:

• Select No to return to playback menu without deleting pictures

SET

• Select Yes to delete all selected pictures

OFF

Yes

SELECT

Deleting All Photographs and Movies

To delete all pictures on the memory card:

Playing Pictures Back—The Playback Menu

Selected Images

All Images

OFF

DELETE

SELECT

SET

ERASE ALL IMAGES

Erasing All Images

( )

Exclude

Yes

SELECT

OFF

SET

Highlight All Images Confirmation dialog displayed. Press

multi selector up or down to highlight option, press to right to put choice into effect:

• Select No to return to playback menu without deleting pictures

• Select Yes to delete all pictures on memory card (protected pictures will not be deleted)

Before Deletion

Once deleted, pictures can not be recovered. Be sure that any pictures you would like to keep have been transferred to your computer.

Protected Pictures

Pictures marked with a icon are protected and can not be selected for deletion.

Page 100

Ordering Prints: Print Set

Selecting Print Set from the playback menu dis-

Playing Pictures Back—The Playback Menu

plays the menu shown at right. Using the Print set option, you can specify the pictures to be

printed, the number of prints, and the information to be included on each print. This information is stored on the memory card in Digital Print Order Format (DPOF). Once a print order has been created, the memory card can be removed from the camera and inserted in any DPOF-compatible device—be it your personal photo printer or a photofinisher’s print system—and pictures printed directly from the card.

DescriptionOption

Create or modify print order.Print set Cancel the current print order.Delete print set

Selecting Pictures for Printing

To create a print order, or to modify the existing print order, highlight Print set in the print set menu and press the multi selector to the right. The menu shown at right will be displayed. To select pictures for printing:

PRINT SET

Print set

Delete print set

SELECT

OFF

SELECT SET

QUICK

SET

DONE

Highlight pictures Press multi selector up to select

SELECT SET

QUICK

DONE

picture. Selected pictures are

marked by icon.

SELECT SET

QUICK

DONE

Nikon 2500 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual