Page 1
En
The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography
with the
DIGITAL CAMERA
Page 2
The documentation for this product includes the manuals listed below.
Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly to get the most from your
cam era.
Quick Start Guide
The Quick Start Guide takes you through the process of unpacking and
set ting up your Nikon digital camera, taking your fi rst photographs, and
trans fer ring them to your computer.
Guide to Digital Photography
The Guide to Digital Photography (this manual) provides complete op er -
at ing in struc tions for your camera.
PictureProject reference CD
The PictureProject reference CD contains information on installing and using PictureProject. See the Quick Start Guide for viewing instructions.
CAUTION: Foreign Matter on the Low-Pass Filter
Nikon takes every possible precaution to pre vent foreign matter from com ing into
con tact with the low-pass fi lter during production and ship ping. The D2Xs, how ev er,
is designed to be used with interchangeable lens es, and for eign matter may enter the
camera when lens es are removed or exchanged. Once inside the camera, this for eign
matter may adhere to the low-pass fi lter, where it may appear in photographs tak en
under cer tain con di tions. To prevent foreign matter from entering the camera, do
not exchange lenses in dusty environments. To pro tect the camera when no lens is in
place, be sure to replace the body cap pro vid ed with the camera, being care ful to fi rst
remove all dust and other foreign matter that may be ad her ing to the body cap.
Should foreign matter fi nd its way onto the low-pass fi lter, clean the low-pass fi lter as
instructed on pages 256–257 of this manual, or have the low-pass fi lter cleaned by
authorized Nikon ser vice per son nel. Pho to graphs affected by the presence of for eign
matter on the low-pass fi lter can be re touched us ing Capture NX (available separately)
or the clean image options available in some third-party im ag ing software.
Product Documentation
Page 3
i
Then read “Overview” and “Getting to Know the
Camera” to acquaint your self with the con ven tions
used in this man u al and the names of cam era parts,
then set up the cam era as de scribed in “First Steps.”
How to Read This Manual
First, be aware of the warnings, cautions, and notices on pages ii–vii.
…and on ac ces so ries and trou ble shoot ing.
…on connecting to a com put er, printer, or TV…
…on recording and playing voice memos…
Refer to these chapters for more on playback…
Once you have mastered the basics of dig i tal photography, you can read these sections for complete
in for ma tion on when and how to use camera
controls.
Now you are ready to take photographs and play
them back.
…on cam era menus and cus tom settings…
High-Speed Crop
Using a GPS Unit
Overlay / Multiple Exposure
Two-Button Reset
Non-CPU Lenses
Overview
Interval Timer Photography
Self-Timer Mode
Image Quality and Size
ISO Sensitivity
White Balance
Image Adjustment
Flash Photography
Exposure
Focus
First Steps
Getting to Know the Camera
Basic Photography
Choosing a Shooting Mode
Basic Playback
Voice Memos
More About Playback
Technical Notes
Connections
Menu Guide
Trimming Photographs
Page 4
ii
WARNINGS
Do not look at the sun through the view-
fi nder
Viewing the sun or other strong light
source through the viewfi nder could
cause per ma nent visual im pair ment.
Turn off immediately in the event of
malfunction
Should you notice smoke or an un usu al
smell coming from the equip ment,
quick charger, or AC adapt er (avail able
sep a rate ly), unplug the AC adapt er
and re move the battery im me di ate ly,
taking care to avoid burns. Con tin ued
op er a tion could re sult in injury. After
re mov ing the bat tery, take the equip ment
to a Nikon-au tho rized service cen ter for
in spec tion.
Do not use in the presence of fl am-
ma ble gas
Do not use electronic equip ment in the
presence of fl ammable gas, as this could
result in ex plo sion or fi re.
Do not place strap around the neck of
an infant or child
Placing the camera strap around the
neck of an infant or child could result
in strangulation.
Do not disassemble
To uching the internal parts of the camera
or quick charger could result in injury. In
the event of a malfunction, the prod uct
should be re paired only by a qualifi ed tech ni cian. Should the product break open
as the re sult of a fall or other ac ci dent,
re move the battery and/or AC adapt er and
then take the prod uct to a Nikon-au tho rized ser vice cen ter for in spec tion.
Observe proper precautions when han-
dling batteries
Batteries may leak or explode if im prop er ly handled. Observe the fol low ing
pre cau tions when handling bat ter ies for
use in this product:
• Be sure the product is off before re plac ing batteries. If you are using an
AC adapter, be sure it is un plugged.
• Use only batteries approved for use in
this equipment.
• Use only CR1616 lithium batteries to replace the clock battery. Using another
type of battery could cause an explosion.
Dispose of used batteries as directed.
• Do not at tempt to insert batteries upside
down or back wards.
• Do not short or disassemble bat teries.
• Do not expose batteries to fl ame or to
excessive heat.
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 this
Nikon product to prevent possible injury.
Page 5
iii
• Do not immerse in or expose to wa ter.
• Batteries are prone to leakage when
fully discharged. To avoid damage to
the prod uct, be sure to remove batteries
when no charge re mains.
• Discontinue use immediately should you
notice any changes in the batteries, such
as dis col or a tion or de for ma tion.
• Replace the terminal cover when transporting EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion batteries. Do not transport or store with metal
objects such as neck lac es or hair pins.
• When EN-EL4a batteries are not in use,
at tach the terminal cover and store in a
cool place.
• Immediately after use, or when the
prod uct is used on battery power for
an ex tend ed period, the EN-EL4a bat tery
may become hot. Before re mov ing the
bat tery, turn the camera off and al low
the battery to cool.
Observe proper precautions when han-
dling the quick charger
• Keep dry. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fi re or electric shock.
• Dust on or near the metal parts of the
plug should be removed with a dry cloth.
Continued use could result in fi re.
• Do not handle the power cable or go
near the charger during thunderstorms.
Failure to observe this precaution could
result in electric shock.
• Do not damage, modify, forcibly tug or
bend the power cable, place it under
heavy objects, or expose it to heat or
fl ame. Should the insulation be damaged and the wires become exposed,
take it to a Nikon-authorized service
representative for inspection. Failure to
observe these precautions could result
in fi re or electric shock.
• Do not handle the plug or charger with
wet hands. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.
Use appropriate cables
When connecting cables to the in put and
output jacks, use only the ca bles pro vid ed or sold by Nikon for the pur pose,
to main tain com pli ance with prod uct
reg u la tions.
Keep out of reach of children
Particular care should be tak en to pre vent
infants from putting the bat tery or other
small parts into their mouths.
Removing memory cards
Memory cards may become hot dur ing use. Observe due cau tion when
re mov ing memory cards from the
cam era.
CD-ROMs
The CD-ROMs on which the soft ware
and manuals are dis trib ut ed should not
be played back on audio CD equip ment.
Playing CD-ROMs on an audio CD play er
could cause hear ing loss or dam age the
equip ment.
Observe caution when using a fl ash
Using a fl ash close to your sub ject’s eyes
could cause tem po rary vi su al im pair ment.
Par tic u lar care should be observed if
pho to graph ing in fants, when the fl ash
should be no less than one meter (39˝)
from the sub ject.
When using the viewfi nder
When operating the diopter ad just ment
control with your eye to the viewfi nder,
care should be tak en not to put your
fi n ger in your eye ac ci den tal ly.
Avoid contact with liquid crystal
Should the monitor break, care should
be tak en to avoid injury due to bro ken
glass and to pre vent liq uid crystal from
the mon i tor touch ing the skin or en ter ing
the eyes or mouth.
Page 6
iv
Do not drop
The product may malfunction if sub ject ed to
strong shocks or vi bra tion.
Keep dry
This product is not waterproof, and may
mal func tion if im mersed in wa ter or ex posed
to high levels of hu mid i ty. Rust ing of the
in ter nal mech a nism can cause ir rep a ra ble
dam age.
Avoid sudden changes in tem per a ture
Sud den chang es in tem per a ture, such as oc cur when en ter ing or leav ing a heat ed build ing on a cold day, can cause con den sa tion
in side the de vice. To prevent con den sa tion,
place the device in a car ry ing case or a plas tic
bag be fore ex pos ing it to sud den chang es in
tem per a ture.
Keep away from strong mag net ic fi elds
Do not use or store this device in the vi cin i ty
of equip ment that gen er ates strong elec tro mag net ic radiation or mag net ic fi elds.
Strong static charg es or the mag net ic fi elds
pro duced by equip ment such as radio trans mit ters could in ter fere with the monitor,
dam age data stored on the mem o ry card, or
affect the prod uct’s in ter nal cir cuit ry.
Do not point the lens at strong light sources
for extended periods
Avoid pointing the lens at the sun or other
strong light sources for extended periods
when using or storing the camera. Intense
light may cause deterioration in the image
sensor, producing a white blur effect in
photographs.
Do not touch the shutter curtain
The shutter curtain is extremely thin and
easily damaged. Under no cir cum stanc es
should you exert pres sure on the curtain,
poke it with clean ing tools, or sub ject it to
powerful air cur rents from a blow er. These
actions could scratch, de form, or tear the
curtain.
Handle all mov ing parts with care
Do not ap ply force to the bat tery-cham ber,
card-slot, or con nec tor cov ers. These parts
are es pe cial ly sus cep ti ble to dam age.
Cleaning
• When cleaning the camera body, use a
blow er to remove dust and lint, then wipe
gently with a soft, dry cloth. After using
your camera at the beach or seaside, wipe
off any sand or salt using a cloth lightly
damp ened with pure water and then dry
your camera thoroughly. In rare in stanc es,
static electricity produced by a brush or
cloth may cause the LCD dis plays to light
up or dark en. This does not in di cate a
malfunction, and the dis play will shortly
return to normal.
• When cleaning the lens and mirror, re mem ber that these elements are easily
dam aged. Dust and lint should be gen tly
removed with a blower. When using an
aerosol blower, keep the can vertical (tilting the can could result in liquid be ing
sprayed on the mir ror). If you do get a
fi ngerprint or other stain on the lens, apply a small amount of lens cleaner to a soft
cloth and wipe the lens carefully.
• See “Technical Notes: Caring for Your
Cam era” for information on cleaning the
low-pass fi lter ( 256).
Storage
•To prevent mold or mildew, store the cam era in a dry, well-ven ti lat ed area. If you
will not be us ing the prod uct for long pe ri ods, re move the bat tery to pre vent leak age and store the cam era in a plastic bag
con tain ing a des ic cant. Do not, how ev er,
store the cam era case in a plas tic bag, as
this may cause the ma te ri al to de te ri o rate.
Note that des ic cant grad u al ly los es its ca pac i ty to ab sorb mois ture and should be
re placed at reg u lar in ter vals.
Caring for the Camera and Battery
Page 7
v
• Do not store the camera with naph tha or
camphor moth balls, close to equip ment
that pro duc es strong mag net ic fi elds, or in
areas subject to extremes of tem per a ture,
for ex am ple near a space heater or in a
closed ve hi cle on a hot day.
•To prevent mold or mil dew, take the cam era out of storage at least once a month.
Turn the camera on and re lease the shut ter a few times before putting the cam era
away again.
• Store the battery in a cool, dry place. Replace the terminal cover before put ting
the battery away.
Notes on the monitor
• The monitor may contain a few pix els that
are always lit or that do not light. This is
a char ac ter is tic com mon to all TFT LCD
monitors and does not in di cate a mal func tion. Im ag es re cord ed with the prod uct
will not be af fect ed.
• Images in the mon i tor may be dif fi cult to
see in a bright light.
• Do not apply pressure to the monitor; this
could cause dam age or mal func tion. Dust
or lint on the mon i tor can be re moved
with a blower. Stains can be re moved
by rub bing the surface light ly with a soft
cloth or cham ois leath er.
• Should the monitor break, care should be
taken to avoid injury due to bro ken glass
and to pre vent the liq uid crystal from the
monitor touch ing the skin or en ter ing the
eyes or mouth.
• Replace the monitor cover when trans port ing the camera or leaving it un at tend ed.
Turn the product off before re mov ing or disconnecting the power source
Do not unplug the product or re move the
battery while the prod uct is on, or while
im ag es are being recorded or deleted. Forc ibly cut ting pow er to the prod uct in these
cir cum stanc es could re sult in loss of data or
in damage to product memory or internal
circuitry. To pre vent an ac ci den tal in ter rup tion of pow er, avoid car ry ing the prod uct
from one lo ca tion to an oth er while the AC
adapter is con nect ed.
Batteries
• When you turn the device on, check the
battery-level dis played in the con trol pan el
to de ter mine whether the bat tery needs
to be re placed. The bat tery needs to be
re placed when the battery-level in di ca tor
is fl ash ing.
• Ready a spare bat tery and keep it ful ly
charged when tak ing pho to graphs on im por tant oc ca sions. De pend ing on your lo ca tion, you may fi nd it diffi cult to pur chase
re place ment bat ter ies on short notice.
• On cold days, the capacity of bat ter ies
tends to de crease. Be sure the battery is
fully charged before tak ing pho to graphs
out side in cold weath er. Keep a spare
bat tery in a warm place and ex change the
two as nec es sary. Once warmed, a cold
bat tery may re cov er some of its charge.
• Should the bat tery ter mi nals be come dirty,
wipe them off with a clean, dry cloth be fore use.
• After removing the battery from the cam era, be sure to replace the ter mi nal cov er.
Memory cards
•Turn the pow er off before in sert ing or
re mov ing mem o ry cards. In sert ing or
re mov ing cards with the pow er on could
ren der them un us able.
• Insert mem o ry cards as
shown in the il lus tra tion
at right. In sert ing cards
up side down or back wards could dam age the
cam era or the card.
Page 8
vi
Notice for customers in the U.S.A.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement
D2Xs
Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Notices
CAUTIONS
Modifi cations
The FCC requires the user to be notifi ed
that any changes or modifi cations 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.
Notice for customers in the State of California
WARNING: Handling the cord on this product
will expose you to lead, a chemical known to
the State of California to cause birth defects
or other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
Nikon Inc.,
1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York
11747-3064, U.S.A. Tel.: 631-547-4200
• 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
specifi cations 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).
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.
Page 9
vii
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.
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 certifi ed
documents stipulated by law is prohibited.
• 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 certifi cates, 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 governed by
national and international copyright laws.
Do not use this product for the purpose of
making illegal copies or to infringe copyright laws.
Disposing of Data Storage Devices
Please note that deleting images or formatting memory cards or other data storage devices
does not completely erase the original image data. Deleted fi les can sometimes be recovered
from discarded storage devices using commercially available software, potentially resulting
in the malicious use of personal image data. Ensuring the privacy of such data is the user’s
responsibility.
Before discarding a data storage device or transferring ownership to another person, erase
all data using commercial deletion software, or format the device and then completely refi ll it
with images containing no private information (for example, pictures of empty sky). Be sure
to also replace any pictures selected for preset white balance (
60). Care should be taken
to avoid injury or damage to property when physically destroying data storage devices.
Page 10
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Table of Contents
For Your Safety ................................................................................................ ii
Caring for the Camera and Battery................................................................ iv
Notices.............................................................................................................. vi
Introduction 1
Overview.......................................................................................................... 2
Getting to Know the Camera ......................................................................... 3
First Steps......................................................................................................... 15
Step 1—Attach the Camera Strap .................................................................... 15
Step 2—Insert the Battery ................................................................................ 16
Step 3—Basic Setup ......................................................................................... 17
Step 4—Attach a Lens...................................................................................... 20
Step 5—Insert a Memory Card ......................................................................... 22
Tutorial 25
Basic Photography........................................................................................... 26
Step 1—Ready the Camera .............................................................................. 27
Step 2—Adjust Camera Settings....................................................................... 29
Step 3—Frame a Photograph ........................................................................... 31
Step 4—Focus.................................................................................................. 32
Step 5—Check Exposure .................................................................................. 33
Step 6—Take the Photograph........................................................................... 34
Basic Playback.................................................................................................. 35
Taking Photographs 37
Using Camera Menus ...................................................................................... 39
High-Speed Crop ............................................................................................. 41
Choosing a Shooting Mode ............................................................................ 43
Image Quality and Size ................................................................................... 45
Image Quality................................................................................................... 45
Image Size........................................................................................................ 48
ISO Sensitivity .................................................................................................. 52
White Balance.................................................................................................. 55
Fine-Tuning White Balance ............................................................................... 57
Choosing a Color Temperature ......................................................................... 59
Preset White Balance........................................................................................ 60
Image Adjustment........................................................................................... 68
Making Edges More Distinct: Image Sharpening ............................................... 68
Adjusting Contrast: Tone Compensation........................................................... 69
Suiting Colors to a Workfl ow: Color Space ....................................................... 70
Matching Colors to the Subject: Color Mode .................................................... 72
Controlling Color: Hue Adjustment .................................................................. 73
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ix
Focus................................................................................................................. 74
Focus Mode ..................................................................................................... 74
Focus Area Selection ........................................................................................ 76
Autofocus ........................................................................................................ 78
AF-Area Mode.............................................................................................. 78
Focus Lock.................................................................................................... 82
Getting Good Results with Autofocus........................................................... 84
Manual Focus................................................................................................... 85
Exposure........................................................................................................... 86
Metering.......................................................................................................... 86
Exposure Mode ................................................................................................ 87
Autoexposure Lock........................................................................................... 97
Exposure Compensation................................................................................... 99
Bracketing ........................................................................................................ 100
Flash Photography........................................................................................... 108
Compatible Flash Units..................................................................................... 108
Flash Sync Modes............................................................................................. 112
FV Lock ............................................................................................................ 114
Flash Contacts and Indicators ........................................................................... 116
Overlay / Multiple Exposure ............................................................................. 118
Trimming Photographs ................................................................................... 123
Interval Timer Photography............................................................................ 125
Self-Timer Mode.............................................................................................. 130
Non-CPU Lenses............................................................................................... 131
Using a GPS Unit.............................................................................................. 135
Two-Button Reset............................................................................................ 136
More About Playback 137
Single-Image Playback...................................................................................... 138
Photo Information............................................................................................ 139
Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback.................................................. 142
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom ............................................................... 144
Protecting Photographs from Deletion.............................................................. 145
Deleting Individual Photographs ....................................................................... 146
Voice Memos 147
Recording Voice Memos ................................................................................... 148
Playing Voice Memos........................................................................................ 152
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Menu Guide 155
The Playback Menu ......................................................................................... 156
Delete .............................................................................................................. 156
Playback Folder ................................................................................................ 158
Slide Show ....................................................................................................... 159
Hide Image....................................................................................................... 161
Print Set ........................................................................................................... 163
Display Mode ................................................................................................... 166
Image Review................................................................................................... 166
After Delete ..................................................................................................... 167
Rotate Tall ........................................................................................................ 167
The Shooting Menu......................................................................................... 168
Shooting Menu Bank........................................................................................ 169
Reset Shooting Menu....................................................................................... 171
Active Folder .................................................................................................... 172
File Naming...................................................................................................... 173
Image Quality................................................................................................... 174
Image Size........................................................................................................ 174
Hi-Speed Crop.................................................................................................. 174
JPEG Compression............................................................................................ 174
RAW Compression ........................................................................................... 175
White Balance.................................................................................................. 175
Long Exp. NR.................................................................................................... 175
High ISO NR ..................................................................................................... 176
ISO Sensitivity................................................................................................... 176
Image Sharpening ............................................................................................ 176
Tone Compensation ......................................................................................... 176
Color Space...................................................................................................... 177
Color Mode...................................................................................................... 177
Hue Adjustment............................................................................................... 177
Image Overlay .................................................................................................. 177
Multiple Exposure............................................................................................. 177
Trim ................................................................................................................. 178
Interval Timer Shooting .................................................................................... 178
Non-CPU Lens Data.......................................................................................... 178
Custom Settings............................................................................................... 179
The Setup Menu .............................................................................................. 213
Format ............................................................................................................. 214
LCD Brightness................................................................................................. 215
Mirror Lock-up ................................................................................................. 215
Video Mode ..................................................................................................... 216
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xi
World Time ...................................................................................................... 216
Language ......................................................................................................... 216
Image Comment .............................................................................................. 217
Auto Image Rotation........................................................................................ 218
Recent Settings ................................................................................................ 219
Voice Memo..................................................................................................... 219
Voice Memo Overwrite..................................................................................... 219
Voice Memo Button ......................................................................................... 220
Audio Output................................................................................................... 220
USB .................................................................................................................. 220
Dust Off Ref Photo........................................................................................... 221
Battery Info ...................................................................................................... 223
Wireless LAN.................................................................................................... 223
Image Authentication....................................................................................... 231
Save/Load Settings ........................................................................................... 232
Firmware Version.............................................................................................. 232
Connections 233
Television Playback.......................................................................................... 234
Connecting to a Computer ............................................................................. 235
Connecting to a Printer................................................................................... 238
Technical Notes 243
Optional Accessories ....................................................................................... 244
Lenses for the D2Xs.......................................................................................... 244
Other Accessories for the D2Xs ........................................................................ 247
Caring for the Camera .................................................................................... 253
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 258
Specifi cations ................................................................................................... 261
Quick Charger / Rechargeable Battery ............................................................... 265
Index................................................................................................................. 271
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Trademark Information
Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are trademarks or reg is tered trade marks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft
and Win dows are reg is tered trade marks of Microsoft Corporation. Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
CompactFlash is a trade mark of SanDisk Cor po ra tion. Microdrive is a registered trademark of Hitachi Global Storage
Technologies in the United States and/or other countries. Lexar Me dia is a trade mark of Lexar Me dia Cor po ra tion.
PictBridge is a trademark. All oth er trade names men tioned in this man u al or the oth er doc u men ta tion pro vid ed with
your Nikon prod uct are trade marks or reg is tered trade marks of their re spec tive holders.
Page 15
1
This chapter is divided into the following sections:
Overview
Read this section for a description of how this
man u al is organized and for an ex pla na tion of
the symbols and conventions used.
Getting to Know the Camera
Bookmark this section and refer to it for information on the names and func tions of camera
parts.
First Steps
This section details the steps required to ready
the camera for use: inserting the battery and
memory card, attaching a lens and cam era strap,
and setting the date, time, and lan guage.
Introduction
Getting Started
Page 16
2
Introduction—Overview
This icon marks settings that can be
fi ne-tuned from the Custom Set tings menu.
This icon marks settings that can be
adjusted using camera menus.
Overview
About This Manual
Take Test Shots
Before taking pictures on important occasions (for example, at weddings or be fore
tak ing the cam era with you on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is
func tion ing normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profi ts that may
result from product malfunction.
Life-Long Learning
As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing prod uct sup port and
ed u ca tion, con tin u al ly-updated information is avail able on-line at the following sites:
• For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/
• For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support
• For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/
Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product in for ma tion, tips, an swers
to fre quent ly-asked ques tions (FAQs), and gen er al advice on digital imaging and pho tog ra phy. Ad di tion al information may be available from the Nikon rep re sen ta tive in
your area. See the URL below for contact in for ma tion:
http://nikonimaging.com/
Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon D2Xs single-lens refl ex (SLR) digital
camera with interchangeable lenses. This manual has been written to help
you enjoy taking pictures with your Nikon digital camera. Read this manual
thoroughly before use, and keep it handy when using the product.
To make it easier to fi nd the information you need, the following sym bols
and con ven tions are used:
This icon marks cautions, information that should be read before use
to prevent damage to the camera.
This icon marks tips, additional information that may be helpful when
using the camera.
This icon marks notes, information
that should be read before using
the camera.
This icon indicates that more information is available elsewhere in this
manual or in the Quick Start Guide.
Page 17
3
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may fi nd it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you
read through the rest of the manual.
Camera Body
LCD Illuminators
Holding the power switch in the position activates the exposure meters and control
panel backlights (LCD illuminators), allowing the display to be read in the dark. After
the power switch is released, the illuminator will remain lit while the camera exposure
meters are active or until the shutter is re leased.
Getting to Know the Camera
Camera Controls and Displays
Eyelet for
camera
strap:
15
Mode dial lock
release:
44
Mode dial:
44
Bracketing ( )
button: 100, 105
Flash sync
mode (
)
button: 113
Command lock (
)
button: 96
Accessory shoe:
116
Diopter
adjustment
knob: 31
Top control
panel:
6
Exposure mode (
) button: 87
Format ( ) button: 23
Exposure
compensation
(
) button:
99
Shutter-release
button:
32, 34
Power switch: 27
Metering selector:
86
Metering selector
lock button: 86
Focal plane mark
(
): 85
Eyelet for
camera
strap:
15
Page 18
4
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
Camera Body (continued)
Ambient light sensor: 55, 60
Self-timer lamp: 130
Flash sync terminal: 116
10-pin remote terminal: 251
Audio / video (A / V) connector
(under cover):
234
Housings for fl ash
sync and 10-pin remote terminal caps
(on inside of cover)
USB connector (under cover):
236
Lens release button: 21
Focus-mode selector: 74
Battery cover latch: 16
DC-in connector
(under cover):
247
Sub-command dial:
12
Depth-of-fi eld preview button:
87
Sub-command
dial for vertical
shooting:
12
Shutter-release
button for vertical
shooting: 31
Vertical shooting shutterrelease button lock:
31, 75
Connector
for optional
wireless LAN
adapter (under
cover):
247
Tripod socket
FUNC. button:
208
Page 19
5
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
Eyepiece shutter lever: 31, 130
Viewfi nder eyepiece:
31, 248
Delete (
) button: 35,
146
Format ( ) button: 23
Playback (
)
button: 138
Monitor:
28,
215, 253
Menu (
)
button: 39
Thumbnail ( )
button: 142
Protect ( )
button: 145
HELP button:
39
Enter (
)
button: 40
Playback zoom
( ) button: 144
Speaker: 153
Rear control panel: 9
ISO sensitivity (ISO)
button: 52
Image quality / size (QUAL)
button: 46, 49
White balance (WB)
button: 55–67
Microphone:
148
Microphone (
) button: 148
AF-ON (
) button for vertical
shooting: 75
Main command dial
for vertical shooting:
12
Card-slot cover
release button
(under cover):
22
AF-area mode
selector:
78
Focus selector
lock:
76
Multi selector:
14
Memory card
slot cover:
22
Memory card
access lamp:
22, 24
Main command
dial:
12
AF-ON (
)button:
75
AE / AF lock (
)
button: 82, 97
The Speaker and Microphone
Do not bring magnetic devices, such as microdrive cards, close to the built-in speaker
or microphone.
Page 20
6
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
The Top Control Panel
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
14
15
16
17
8
25
23
21
20
9
10
11
12
13
24
18
19
22
Page 21
7
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
1 Shutter speed ..........................87–96
Exposure compensation value ....... 99
Number of shots in bracketing
sequence .................................... 100
Number of intervals for
interval timer photography ......... 127
Focal length (non-CPU lens) ........ 131
ISO sensitivity................................ 52
“Busy” indicator ........................... 42
2 Shutter-speed lock icon................. 96
3 Flexible program indicator............. 89
4 Exposure mode............................. 87
5 Memory card indicator............ 23, 28
6 Focus area .................................... 76
AF-area mode..........................78–81
7 Flash sync mode ......................... 112
8 Number of exposures
remaining ..................................... 28
Number of shots remaining
before memory buffer fi lls............. 44
Capture mode indicator.............. 236
9 Aperture stop indicator........... 93, 95
10 Aperture (f/-number) ...............87–96
Aperture (number of stops)..... 93, 95
Bracketing increment.......... 101, 105
Number of shots per interval....... 125
Maximum aperture
(non-CPU lens)............................ 133
PC mode indicator ...................... 236
11 Battery indicator ........................... 27
12 Frame count ................................. 28
13 “K” (appears when memory remains
for over 1000 exposures) .............. 51
14 FV lock indicator ......................... 114
15 Sync indicator ............................. 113
16 Clock battery indicator.......... 19, 255
17 GPS connection indicator............ 135
18 High-speed crop indicator............. 41
19
Exposure compensation indicator
... 99
20 Interval timer indicator................ 127
21 Multiple exposure indicator......... 121
22 Aperture lock icon ........................ 96
23 Image comment indicator........... 217
24 Exposure bracketing indicator ..... 100
White-balance bracketing
indicator ..................................... 105
25 Electronic analog exposure
display .......................................... 95
Exposure compensation ................ 99
Bracketing progress
indicator ..............................100–107
PC mode indicator ...................... 236
Page 22
8
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
The Rear Control Panel
1
3
2
4
5
6
7
9
8
13
10
11
12
Page 23
9
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
1 Custom settings bank ................. 182
2 “Remaining” indicator.................. 28
3 Shooting menu settings bank ..... 169
4 ISO sensitivity indicator ................. 52
Auto ISO sensitivity indicator....... 191
5 ISO sensitivity................................ 52
ISO sensitivity (high gain) .............. 52
Number of exposures
remaining ..................................... 28
Length of voice memo ................ 149
White balance fi ne-tuning ............ 57
White balance preset number ....... 60
Color temperature ........................ 59
PC mode indicator ...................... 236
6 “K” (appears when memory remains
for over 1000 exposures) .............. 51
Color temperature indicator.......... 59
7 Image quality................................ 45
8 Image size .................................... 48
9 White-balance bracketing
indicator ..................................... 105
10 Voice memo recording indicator
(shooting mode) ......................... 149
11 Voice memo status indicator ....... 149
12 Voice memo recording mode ...... 150
13 White balance mode..................... 55
Page 24
10
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
The High Speed Crop
When On is selected for High-speed crop, the highspeed crop is shown by the transparent area in the
viewfi nder.
The Viewfi nder Display
3 4 5 6 87 9 10
11 12
13
14
15 16
17 18 19 20 21
22
23
25
26
27
28
24
2
1
High-speed crop
Page 25
11
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
1 8-mm (0.31 in.) reference circle for
center-weighted metering............. 85
2 Focus brackets (focus areas).......... 76
Spot metering targets ................... 86
3 Focus indicator ....................... 32, 85
4 Metering ...................................... 86
5 Bracketing indicator.................... 100
6 Autoexposure (AE) lock................. 97
7 Black-and-white indicator ............. 72
8 Shutter-speed lock icon................. 96
9 Shutter speed ..........................87–96
10 Aperture lock icon ........................ 96
11 Aperture (f/-number) ...............87–96
Aperture (number of stops)..... 93, 95
12 Exposure mode............................. 87
13 Exposure compensation indicator.. 99
14 Frame count ................................. 28
Number of exposures
remaining ..................................... 28
Number of shots remaining
before memory buffer fi lls............. 44
Exposure compensation value ....... 99
PC mode indicator ...................... 236
15 “K” (appears when memory remains
for over 1000 exposures) .............. 51
16 Flash-ready indicator................... 116
17 Battery indicator ........................... 27
18 FV lock indicator ......................... 114
19 Sync indicator ............................. 113
20 Aperture stop indicator........... 93, 95
21 Electronic analog exposure
display .......................................... 95
Exposure compensation ................ 99
22 Voice memo status indicator ....... 149
23 White-balance bracketing
indicator ..................................... 105
24 White-balance mode .................... 51
25 Image size .................................... 48
26 Image quality................................ 45
27 ISO sensitivity indicator ................. 52
Auto ISO sensitivity indicator....... 191
28 ISO sensitivity................................ 52
No Battery
When the battery is totally exhausted or no battery is inserted, the display in the viewfi nder will dim. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction. The viewfi nder
display will return to normal when a fully-charged battery is inserted.
Page 26
12
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
The Command Dials
The main- and sub-command dials are used alone or in combination with
other controls to adjust a variety of settings. For ease of access when taking
photographs in tall (portrait) orientation, dials that duplicate the functions
of the main and sub-command dials have been placed close to the shutterrelease button for vertical shooting (
31).
Image
quality / size
button
ISO
sensitivity
button
White
balance
button
Flash sync
mode button
Bracketing
button
Command
lock button
Main command dial
Exposure
com pen sa tion
button
Exposure
mode button
Sub-command dial
Image quality and size
Set image qual i ty (
45).
Choose an image size ( 48).
White balance
Choose a white balance setting (
55).
Fine-tune white balance / choose a color
temperature / choose a white balance preset
( 56, 59, 60).
ISO sensitivity
Set ISO sensitivity (
52).
Page 27
13
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
Exposure
Choose an aperture (exposure mode A or
M;
92, 94).
Choose the exposure mode ( 87–95).
Choose a shutter speed (exposure mode S
or M; 90, 94).
Choose a com bi na tion of aperture and
shutter speed (exposure mode P; 89).
Set exposure com pen sa tion ( 99).
Aperture lock (exposure mode A or M;
96).
Shutter speed lock (exposure mode S or
M; 96).
Activate or cancel bracketing / select number of shots in bracketing sequence (
100, 105).
Select bracketing exposure increment (
101, 105).
Flash settings
Choose a fl ash sync mode for optional
Speedlight (
112).
Page 28
14
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
The Multi Selector
The multi selector is used for the following operations:
• Menu navigation: Cancel
and return to previous menu
( 40).
• Shooting:Select focus area to
left of current focus area (
76).
• Full-frame playback: Display
previous page of photo information ( 139).
• Thumbnail playback:Highlight thumbnail to left of
current thumbnail ( 142).
• Menu navigation: Select
highlighted item ( 40).
• Shooting: Select center focus
area ( 76).
• Playback: Change number of
images displayed ( 142).
• Menu navigation: Select
highlighted item or display
sub-menu ( 40).
• Shooting: Select focus area
to right of current focus area
( 76).
• Full-frame playback: Display
next page of photo information ( 139).
• Thumbnail playback: Highlight thumbnail to right of
current thumbnail ( 142).
• Menu navigation: Move highlight bar up ( 40).
• Help: Scroll up ( 39).
• Shooting: Select focus area above current focus
area (
76).
• Full-frame playback: Display previous image (
35).
• Thumbnail playback: Highlight thumbnail above
current thumbnail ( 142).
• Menu navigation: Move highlight bar down ( 40).
• Help: Scroll down ( 39).
• Shooting: Select focus area below current focus
area ( 76).
• Full-frame playback: Display next image ( 35).
• Thumbnail playback: Highlight thumbnail below
current thumbnail ( 142).
The Multi Selector
The button can also be used to select items highlighted in the camera menus. There
may be some cases in which the operations listed on this page do not apply.
Page 29
15
Introduction—First Steps
Before using the camera for the fi rst time, complete the following steps:
First Steps
Getting the Camera Ready for Use
Step 1 Attach the Camera Strap................................................................ 15
For more information on batteries and alternative power sources, see:
• Technical Notes: Optional Accessories.................................................
247
• Caring for the Camera and Battery ..................................................... iv–v
Step 2 Insert the Battery ........................................................................... 16
Step 3 Basic Setup ..................................................................................... 17–19
For information on changing the clock battery, see:
• Technical Notes: Caring for Your Camera ............................................
255
To learn more about the lenses available for the D2Xs, see:
• Technical Notes: Optional Accessories.................................................
244–246
Step 4 Attach a Lens.................................................................................. 20–21
Step 5 Insert a Memory Card..................................................................... 22–24
To learn more about compatible memory cards, see:
• Technical Notes: Approved Memory Cards..........................................
252
For more information on formatting memory cards, see:
• The Setup Menu: Formatting Memory Cards....................................... 214
Step 1—Attach the Camera Strap
Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets on the camera body as
shown below.
C
S
C
L
C
S
C
L
C
S
C
L
C
S
C
L
Page 30
16
Introduction—First Steps
Step 2—Insert the Battery
The D2Xs can be used with the supplied rechargeable Nikon EN-EL4a Li-ion
battery or an optional EN-EL4 battery.
2
.1 Charge the battery
The EN-EL4a is not fully charged at ship ment. To max i mize shoot ing
time, charge the battery in the supplied MH-21 quick charger before
use (
266). About 145 minutes are required to fully recharge the
battery when no charge remains.
2
.2 Turn the camera off
Turn the cam era off before inserting or re mov ing bat ter ies.
2
.3 Remove the bat tery-chamber cover
Turn the bat tery-chamber cover latch to the
open po si tion ( ) and remove the bat terycham ber cov er.
2
.4 Attach the battery cover to the battery
The battery can be charged with the cover
attached.
2
.5 In sert the bat tery
In sert the battery as shown at right.
2
.6 Latch the battery-cham ber cover
To prevent the battery from being dis lodged
during operation, be sure the cover is securely latched.
Removing the Battery
Before removing the battery, turn the camera off and rotate the bat tery-chamber cover
latch to the open po si tion ( ).
EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries
The EN-EL4a shares information with compatible devices, enabling the camera to show
battery charge state in six levels and the MH-21 to both display the current level and
charge the battery appropriately. The Battery info option in the setup menu details
battery charge, battery life, and the number of pictures taken ( 223).
2
Page 31
17
Introduction—First Steps
Step 3—Basic Setup
Choose a language and set the time and date as described below.
Turn camera on.
3
.1
Display menus.
*
3
.2
Display SET UP menu.
3
.3
Position cursor in SET UP menu.
3
.4
Highlight Language.
3
.5
Display options.
3
.6
Highlight option.
3
.7
Return to SET UP menu.
3
.8
* If option is highlighted, press multi selector to left until icon at left of menu is se-
lected.
3
Page 32
18
Introduction—First Steps
Highlight World time.
3
.9
Display options.
3
.10
Highlight Time zone.
3
.11
Display map of world time zones.
3
.12
Select local time zone.
†
3
.13
Return to WORLD TIME menu.
‡
3
.14
† UTC fi eld shows time difference between selected time zone and Coordinated Uni-
versal Time (UTC), in hours.
‡ If daylight saving time is in effect in local time zone, highlight Daylight saving time
and press multi selector to right. Press multi selector down to highlight On and press
multi selector right. Time will automatically be advanced one hour.
Highlight Date.
3
.15
Display DATE menu.
3
.16
3
Page 33
19
Introduction—First Steps
Edit Year, Month, Day, Hour, Minute,
and Second. Press multi selector left
or right to select item, up or down to
change. Press button to set date
and time and return to to WORLD
TIME menu.
3
.17
Highlight Date format.
3
.18
Display options.
3
.19
Choose order in which date is listed.
3
.20
Return to WORLD TIME menu.
3
.21
The camera clock is less accurate than
most watches and household clocks.
Check the clock regularly against
more accurate time pieces and reset
as necessary. The clock can be reset
using the World time option in the
setup menu (
213).
Return to SET UP menu.
3
.22
The Clock Battery
The clock-calendar is powered by a separate, non-rechargeable CR1616 lithium battery with a life of about four years. When this battery is exhausted, a icon will
be displayed in the top control panel while the exposure meters are on. For information on replacing the clock battery, see “Technical Notes: Caring for the Camera”
( 255).
3
Page 34
20
Introduction—First Steps
4
.1 Turn the camera off
Turn the camera off before attaching or
re mov ing lenses.
4
.2 Attach a lens
Keep ing the mounting mark on the lens
aligned with the mounting mark on the
cam era body, position the lens in the cam era’s bayonet mount. Being careful not to
press the lens-release button, ro tate the lens
counter-clockwise until it clicks into place.
4
.3 Lock aperture at the minimum setting
This step is not necessary if you are using a
type G lens not equipped with an aperture
ring. If you are using a lens of another type,
lock aperture at the minimum setting (highest f/-num ber).
If this step is omitted when attaching a CPU
lens, the ap er ture dis plays in the con trol
panel and viewfi nder will show a blinking
when the camera is turned on. Pho to graphs can not be taken until the cam era is
turned off and ap er ture locked at the highest f/-num ber.
Step 4—Attach a Lens
Nikon recommends using a type G or type D CPU lens to take full ad van tage
of the features the camera offers.
4
Type D lensType G lensCPU lenses have CPU
contacts
Page 35
21
Introduction—First Steps
4
Protect the Camera from Dirt and Dust
Any dust, dirt, or other foreign matter inside your
cam era could show up as specks or blotches in your
pho to graphs or the viewfi nder display. When no lens is
in place, keep the lens mount covered with the supplied
BF-1A body cap . When exchanging lens or replacing
the body cap, keep the lens mount pointed down.
Detaching the Lens
Be sure the camera is off when removing or exchanging
lenses. To remove the lens, press and hold the lens-release button while turning the lens clockwise.
Page 36
22
Introduction—First Steps
No Memory Card
If no memory card is inserted in the camera when a
charged EN-EL4a battery is inserted or the camera is
pow ered by an AC adapt er,
will appear in the
ex po sure-count displays in the control panel and viewfi nder
.
Step 5—Insert a Memory Card
In place of fi lm, the D2Xs uses CompactFlash memory cards or microdrive
cards to store photographs. For a list of approved mem o ry cards, see “Technical Notes: Approved Memory Cards” (
252).
5
.1 Turn the cam era off
Turn the cam era off before inserting or re mov ing mem o ry cards.
5
.2 Open the card slot cover
Open the door protecting the card-slot cover release button (햲) and press the release
button (햳) to open the card slot (햴).
1
2
3
5
.3 Insert a memory card
Insert the memory card with the rear label
toward the monitor (햲). When the memory card is fully inserted, the green access
lamp will light and the eject button will pop
up (햳). Close the card slot cover.
Inserting Memory Cards
Insert the memory card terminals fi rst. Inserting the card upside down or backwards
could damage the camera or the card.
Check to be sure that the card is in the correct orientation.
1
2
5
Di rec tion of
insertion
Rear
label
Ter mi nals
Page 37
23
Introduction—First Steps
5
.4 Format the mem o ry card
Memory cards must be for mat ted be fore fi rst use.
Formatting Memory Cards
Formatting memory cards permanently deletes any data they
may contain. Be sure to copy any photographs and other data you
wish to keep to a com put er be fore proceeding (
235–238).
To for mat the card, turn the camera on and hold the ( and )
but tons down si mul ta neous ly for ap prox i mate ly two sec onds. A blink ing will appear in the shut ter-speed display and the frame count
will blink. Press ing both but tons to geth er a sec ond time will for mat
the mem o ry card. Press any other button to exit with out for mat ting.
During formatting, the letters will appear in the frame-count dis play. When for mat ting is com plete, the frame-count display will show
the number of pho to graphs that can be re cord ed at current set tings.
During Formatting
Do not remove the card or battery or unplug the AC adapter
(available sep a rate ly) during formatting.
Format ( 214)
Memory cards can also be formatted using the Format option in the setup menu.
5
Page 38
24
Introduction—First Steps
Memory Cards
• Memory cards may be hot after use. Observe due caution when removing memory
cards from the camera.
• Format memory cards before fi rst use.
•Turn the pow er off before in sert ing or re mov ing mem o ry cards. Do not remove
mem o ry cards from the camera, turn the camera off, or re move or disconnect the
power source during formatting or while data are being recorded, deleted, or copied
to a computer. Failure to observe these precautions could result in loss of data or in
dam age to the camera or card.
• Do not touch the card terminals with your fi ngers or metal objects.
• Do not apply force to the card casing. Failure to ob serve this precaution could dam-
age the card.
• Do not bend, drop, or subject to strong physical shocks.
• Do not expose to water, high levels of humidity, or direct sunlight.
Removing Memory Cards
Memory cards can be removed without loss of data
when the camera is off. Be fore removing the mem o ry
card, wait for the green card access lamp next to the
card slot cover to go out and then turn the camera
off. Do NOT at tempt to remove the card while the
ac cess lamp is on. Failure to observe this pre cau tion
could re sult in loss of data or in damage to the cam era
or card. Open the door protecting the card-slot cover
release button and press the release button to open the
card slot, then press the eject but ton to par tial ly eject
the card (햲). The card can then be removed by hand
(햳). Do not push on the memory card while pressing
the eject button. Failure to observe this precaution
could damage the memory card.
1
2
Access lamp
5
Page 39
25
This chapter takes you step-by-step through the
process of taking your fi rst photographs and
play ing them back.
Basic Photography
This section describes how to use autofocus
and programmed auto autoexposure for sim ple,
“point-and-shoot” pho tog ra phy that will produce optimal re sults in most situations.
Basic Playback
Read this section for information on viewing pho to graphs in the monitor.
Tutorial
Basic Photography and Playback
Page 40
26
Tutorial—Basic Photography
Basic Photography
Taking Your First Photographs
There are six basic steps to taking photographs:
Step 1 Ready the Camera .......................................................................... 27–28
To learn how to restore settings to their default values, see:
• Taking Photographs: Two-Button Reset...............................................
136
• Menu Guide: The Shooting Menu—Reset Shooting Menu..................
171
• Menu Guide: The Custom Settings Menu—Menu Reset ..................... 183–184
Step 2 Adjust Camera Settings.................................................................. 29–30
To learn more about the following camera settings, see:
• Taking Photographs: Choosing a Shooting Mode................................
43–44
• Taking Photographs: Image Quality and Size ...................................... 45–51
• Taking Photographs: ISO Sensitivity .................................................... 52–53
• Taking Photographs: White Balance.................................................... 55–67
• Taking Photographs: Image Adjustment.............................................. 68–73
• Taking Photographs: Focus.................................................................. 74–85
• Taking Photographs: Exposure ............................................................ 86–107
Step 3 Frame the Photograph ................................................................... 31
To learn how to preview the effects of aperture, see:
• Taking Photographs: Exposure ............................................................
87
To learn about optional viewfi nder accessories, see:
• Technical Notes: Optional Accessories................................................. 248
Step 4 Focus............................................................................................... 32
To learn more about focus options, see:
• Taking Photographs: Focus..................................................................
74–85
Step 5 Check Exposure .............................................................................. 33
To learn how to change the composition after setting exposure, see:
• Taking Photographs: Exposure ............................................................
97
To learn more about fl ash photography, see:
• Taking Photographs: Flash Photography ............................................. 108–117
Step 6 Take the Photograph ...................................................................... 34
For information on time-lapse photography, cropping, delaying shutter release, image overlay, and multiple exposure, see:
• Taking Photographs: Overlay / Multiple Exposure.................................
118–122
• Taking Photographs: Trimming Photographs ....................................... 123–124
• Taking Photographs: Interval Timer Photography................................ 125–129
• Taking Photographs: Self-Timer Mode................................................. 130
Page 41
27
Tutorial—Basic Photography
Step 1—Ready the Camera
Before taking photographs, ready the camera as described below.
1
.1 Turn the cam era on
The control panel will turn on and the dis play in the viewfi nder will light.
1
.2 Check the battery level
Check the battery level in the viewfi nder or
top control panel.
1
* No icon displayed when camera powered by optional AC adapter.
Icon
*
Control
panel
View-
fi nder Status Notes
—
Battery fully
charged
Aperture and shut ter-speed in di ca tors in top
con trol pan el and all in di ca tors in viewfi nder
turn off if no op er a tions are per formed for 6 s
(auto meter off). Press shutter-re lease but ton
halfway to re ac ti vate dis play.
—
Battery
partially
discharged
—
—
(fl ashes) (fl ashes)
Battery
exhausted
Shutter release disabled.
Low battery Ready fully-charged spare battery.
The Battery Indicator
If the segments in the control panel battery icon blink on and off, the camera is calculating the battery charge. The battery level will be displayed in about three seconds.
The Icon
A fl ashing icon in the control panel indicates that the battery has malfunctioned
or is otherwise unsuitable for use in the D2Xs (the icon in the viewfi nder may also
fl ash). Contact a Nikon-authorized service representative.
Page 42
28
Tutorial—Basic Photography
1
.3 Check the num ber of exposures re main ing
The exposure-count display in the top control pan el shows the num ber of pho to graphs
that can be taken at current set tings. When
this number reaches zero, the icon will
fl ash in the top control panel and a fl ashing
icon will appear in the viewfi nder. No
further pictures can be taken until you de lete pic tures or in sert a new mem o ry card.
You may be able to take additional pictures
at lower image qual i ty or size set tings.
1
The Monitor Cover
A clear plastic cover (the BM-3 LCD monitor cover) is
pro vid ed with the cam era to keep the monitor clean,
and to pro tect the mon i tor when the camera is not in
use or when you are trans port ing the camera. To re move the mon i tor cover, hold the cam era fi rmly, take
the cover by its edges, and pull the bot tom of the cover
gen tly out wards as shown at right (햲). Once the cover
is un latched, you can move it slightly away from the
mon i tor and then remove it as shown (햳).
To r eplace the cover for shooting or stor age, insert the
two projections on the top of the cover into the match ing in den ta tions above the camera monitor (햲), then
press the bot tom of the cover un til you hear it click into
place (햳).
C
S
C
L
A
/
V
O
U
T
DC
I
N
S
A
/
V
O
U
T
D
C
IN
A
/
V
O
U
T
DC
I
N
Camera Off Display
If the camera is turned off with a battery and memory
card inserted, the frame count and num ber of ex po sures
remaining will be displayed (some memory cards may
only display this information when the camera is on).
Page 43
29
Tutorial—Basic Photography
Step 2—Adjust Camera Settings
This tutorial describes how to take photographs at the default settings listed
in the table below, using a type G or D lens. Information on when and how
to change settings from their default values is provided in “Taking Photographs” ( 37).
2
Option Default Description
Image
quality
Image
size
ISO
sensitivity
White
balance
Exposure
mode
Focus
area
Center focus area 76
Camera focuses on subject in center focus
area.
(Programmed auto)
87–
95
Built-in exposure program automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture for optimal
exposure in most situations.
A
(Auto)
55–
67
White balance is adjusted automatically for
nat u ral col ors under most types of lighting.
100
52–
53
Sensitivity (dig i tal equivalent of fi lm speed)
set to value roughly equiv a lent to ISO 100.
L
(Large)
48–
49
Images are 4,288 × 2,848 pix els in size.
NORM
(JPEG Normal)
45–
48
Pictures are com pressed for balance be tween
im age quality and fi le size that is ideal for
snap shots.
2
.1 Set the shooting mode to single frame ( 43)
Hold the mode-dial lock re lease down (햲)
and turn the shooting mode dial (햳) to S
(sin gle frame). At this setting, the camera
will take one pho to graph each time the
shut ter-re lease but ton is pressed.
ear
control
panel
White balanceImage size
Exposure mode
Focus area
Image qualityISO sensitivity
Top control panel
Page 44
30
Tutorial—Basic Photography
2
.2 Choose single-area AF ( 78)
Rotate the AF-area mode se lec tor until it
clicks into place point ing to (sin gle-area
AF). At this setting, the user can choose
from eleven focus areas. Pressing the shutter-release button halfway locks focus at
the distance to the subject in the selected
focus area.
2
.3 Choose single-servo autofocus ( 74)
Rotate the focus-mode se lec tor until it
clicks into place point ing to S (sin gle-servo
autofocus). At this setting, the cam era
will au to mat i cal ly focus on the sub ject in
the se lect ed focus area when the shut terrelease but ton is pressed half way. Pic tures
can only be taken when the camera is in
focus.
2
.4 Choose matrix me ter ing ( 86)
Press the metering selector lock button
and rotate the me ter ing selector to
(matrix metering). Matrix me ter ing uses
in for ma tion from all ar eas of the frame to
de ter mine ex po sure, en sur ing op ti mal results for the entire frame. If a type G or D
lens is mounted on the camera, 3D matrix
metering II is used for exposure control that
takes into account maximum brightness,
contrast, and the distance to the subject.
When matrix metering is selected, the metering display in the viewfi nder shows .
2
Page 45
31
Tutorial—Basic Photography
Step 3—Frame a Photograph
To prevent blurred photographs caused by unsteady hands (camera shake),
hold the camera steadily in both hands, with your elbows propped lightly
against your torso for support. Hold the handgrip in your right hand and
cradle the cam era body or lens with your left.
The rec om mend ed stance for tak ing pho to graphs is with one foot a half pace
in front of the other and your upper body stable.
Viewfi nder Focus
The viewfi nder is equipped with diopter adjustment to
ac com mo date individual dif fer enc es in vision. To adjust
viewfi nder focus, pull the diopter adjustment knob out
(햲) and rotate it until the viewfi nder display and focus
brackets are in sharp focus (햳). When operating the
diopter adjustment knob with your eye to the viewfi nder, be careful not to put your fi ngers or fi ngernails
in your eye.
Diopter can be adjusted in the range –3 m–1 to +1 m–1. Cor rec tive lenses (avail able
sep a rate ly; 248) allow di opt ers of –6 m–1 to +3 m–1.
Attaching Diopter Adjustment Viewfi nder Lenses
Before attaching a diopter-adjustment viewfi nder lens,
remove the DK-17 viewfi nder eyepiece by closing the
viewfi nder shutter to release the eyepiece lock (햲) and
then unscrewing the eyepiece as shown at right (햳).
1
2
The shutter-release button
for vertical shooting ( 4)
can be used when taking
photographs in portrait
(tall) ori en ta tion.
3
Page 46
32
Tutorial—Basic Photography
Step 4—Focus
In sin gle-servo AF, the camera focuses on the sub ject in the se lect ed focus
area when the shut ter-re lease but ton is pressed halfway. After cen ter ing the
fo cus brack ets on your subject, press the shut ter-re lease button halfway and
check focus in the viewfi nder.
To focus on an off-center subject, use focus lock (
82–83) or select the
focus area containing your subject using the multi selector ( 76). For information on what to do if the camera is unable to focus using autofocus, see
“Getting Good Results with Autofocus” ( 84).
Viewfi nder display Description
●
Subject in focus.
Focus point is between camera and subject.
Focus point is behind subject.
(fl ashes)
Camera unable to focus on subject in focus brackets using
autofocus.
4
Page 47
33
Tutorial—Basic Photography
Step 5—Check Exposure
In exposure mode P (programmed auto), the cam-
era automatically sets shutter speed and aperture
when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Before shooting, check the shut ter-speed
and aperture in di ca tors in the viewfi nder. If the
photo would be un der- or over-exposed at cur rent settings, one of the fol low ing indicators will
ap pear in either the shutter-speed or ap er ture
display.
Shutter Speed and Camera Shake
To prevent blurring caused by camera shake, the shutter speed should be faster than
the inverse of the focal length of the lens, in seconds (for example, if a lens has a focal
length of 50 mm, shutter speed should be faster than
1
/
60 s). Use of a tripod is rec om -
mend ed when shooting at slower shutter speeds. To prevent blur, try increasing ISO
sensitivity ( 52–53) or using a VR lens. An optional Speedlight ( 108) can be used
to prevent blur at shutter speeds of
1
/
60 s or slower.
Indicator Description
Photo will be overexposed. Use optional Neutral Density (ND) fi lter.
Photo will be underexposed. Raise ISO sensitivity ( 52–53) or use optional Speedlight ( 108).
5
Page 48
34
Tutorial—Basic Photography
While the photograph is being recorded to the
mem o ry card, the access lamp next to the card
slot cov er will light. Do not eject the mem o ry
card, turn the camera off, or remove or dis con nect the power source until the lamp has
gone out. Re mov ing the memory card or cutting
pow er in these cir cum stanc es could result in loss
of data.
Step 6—Take the Photograph
Smoothly press the shutter-re lease button the rest
of the way down.
Do Not Photograph Strong Light Sources
Avoid taking pictures with the camera focused on the sun or other strong light source.
Intense light may cause deterioration in the image sensor the camera uses in place of
fi lm. It may also produce a white blur effect in photographs.
Rotate Tall ( 167)
This playback menu option controls whether portrait-orientation photographs taken
with On selected for the Auto image rotation option in the setup menu are automatically rotated during playback.
Image Review ( 166)
Photographs can be viewed at any time during or after recording by pressing the
button. When On is selected for the Image review option in the playback menu,
photographs are automatically displayed in the monitor immediately after shooting.
6
Page 49
35
Tutorial—Basic Playback
Basic Playback
Viewing Photographs
To play photographs back, press the
button. The most recent pho to graph
will be dis played in the mon i tor.
Viewing Additional Photographs
To page through photographs in the order recorded, press the multi selector
down. Press the multi selector up to view photographs in reverse order. To
scroll rapidly through the images on the memory card, press and hold the up
or down buttons on the multi selector.
When the last photograph on the memory card is displayed, you can return
to the fi rst photograph by pressing the multi selector down. When the fi rst
photograph in memory is displayed, you can view the last photograph by
pressing the multi selector up.
Deleting Unwanted Photographs
To delete the pho to graph cur rent ly
dis played in the monitor, press the
button. A confi rmation dialog will be
dis played. Press the button again
to de lete the image and re turn to
play back. To exit without de let ing the
picture, press the multi selector left or
right.
Take Additional Photographs
To end playback and return to shooting mode, press the
button or press
the shutter-release but ton halfway.
Delete ( 156)
To delete multiple images, use the Delete option in the playback menu.
Page 50
36
Page 51
37
“Tutorial: Basic Photography” described the basic order of operations for taking photographs at
the most commonly-used settings. This chapter
explains how and when to adjust camera set tings
for different shooting conditions.
Taking
Photographs
The Details
Page 52
38
Taking Photographs
Flash Photography................................................................... 108–117
Image Quality and Size ............................................................ 45–51
Image Adjustment ................................................................... 68–73
The chart below shows the basic order for adjusting settings when taking
photographs. Before proceeding, be sure to read “Using Camera Menus”
( 39) for information on menu operations.
Exposure: Metering ................................................................. 86
Overlay / Multiple Exposure ....................................................... 118–122
Exposure: Exposure Compensation ........................................... 99
Exposure: Bracketing ............................................................... 100–107
Exposure: Exposure Mode ........................................................ 87–95
Focus ...................................................................................... 74–85
High-Speed Crop ..................................................................... 41–42
Choosing a Shooting Mode ...................................................... 43–44
ISO Sensitivity ......................................................................... 52–54
White Balance ......................................................................... 55–67
Interval Timer Photography...................................................... 125–129
Self-Timer Mode...................................................................... 130
Will I need a fl ash?
How will this photograph be used?
How important is background lighting to the photograph?
Will I need the following advanced options?
Is the subject very bright, very dark, or high contrast?
What is more important, shutter speed or aperture?
What is the subject, and how will I compose the photograph?
What lighting is available?
How do I want to control the shutter?
Will this be a single photo, or a series of photos?
Trimming Photographs............................................................. 123–124
Page 53
39
Taking Photographs—Using Camera Menus
The next four sections involve settings that can be
accessed via the camera menus. To view the menus,
turn the camera on and press the button.
Choosing a Menu
There are fi ve main menus: the playback menu,
the shooting menu, the Custom Settings menu,
the setup menu, and Recent Settings. When the
menu button is pressed, the camera displays the
last menu used. To select a different menu:
Position cursor in selected menu.
3
If menu item is highlighted, press .
1
Select menu.
2
Using Camera Menus
Basic Menu Operations
Recent Settings
The Recent Settings ( ) menu lists the eight most recently selected items in the shooting and Custom Settings menus. The Recent settings option ( 219) in
the setup menu can be used to lock the menu or delete
items to customize the menu.
Help
For help on menu options, press the button. A description of the currently selected option or menu will
be displayed. Press the multi selector up or down to
scroll the display.
Page 54
40
Taking Photographs—Using Camera Menus
• To return to the previous menu without making a selection, press the multi
se lec tor to the left.
• The selection for some options is made from a sub-menu. Repeat steps 3
and 4 to make a selection from a sub-menu.
• Some menu items are not available while images are being recorded to the
memory card.
• Pressing the button or the center of the multi selector performs the
same func tion as press ing the multi selector to the right. In some cases,
a selection can only be made using button or the center of the multi
selector.
Exiting the Menus
To exit the menus, press the button (if a menu option is highlighted, press
the button twice). You can also exit the menus by press ing the but ton
to exit to playback mode or by turning the cam era off. To exit the menus
and fo cus the cam era for the next shot, press the shut ter-release but ton
half way.
Highlight menu item. Display options.
21
Make selection.
4
Highlight option.
3
Making a Selection
To modify settings for an item in the current menu:
Page 55
41
Taking Photographs—High-Speed Crop
When high-speed crop is on, photographs will
include only the area framed in the viewfi nder
high-speed crop (see right). Photographs can be
recorded at up to eight frames per second, and
more photographs can be taken before the memory
buffer fi lls (
43).
High-speed crop is turned on and off using the
FUNC. button or the Hi-speed crop item in the
shooting menu.
High-Speed Crop
High-Speed Frame Advance
Option Description
Off
(default)
High-speed crop off. Photographs include entire area visible in viewfi nder.
On
High-speed crop on. High-speed crop is displayed in viewfi nder and high-speed crop indicator is displayed in top control panel.
The Hi-Speed Crop Menu
1
Highlight Hi-speed crop in the shooting
menu ( 168) and press the multi selector to
the right.
2
High light the de sired op tion and press the
multi se lec tor to the right. The shooting menu
will be displayed.
Focus Areas
The two focus areas outside the high-speed crop are not available when high-speed
crop is on ( 76).
Image Size
Selecting high-speed crop reduces image size ( 48).
High-speed crop
Page 56
42
Taking Photographs—High-Speed Crop
2
Press the FUNC. button and rotate the main
command dial until the high-speed crop indicator is displayed in the top control panel.
The FUNC. Button
1
Select Hi-speed crop for Custom Setting f5
(FUNC. + command; 209).
The Viewfi nder Crop Display
The brightness of the area outside the high-speed crop varies with aperture.
“Busy”
If high-speed crop is turned on or off while pictures are
being recorded to the memory card, will fl ash in
the top control panel and no photographs can be taken
until all pictures have been recorded or the original highspeed crop setting has been restored.
Camera Off Display
If high-speed crop is on when the camera is turned off,
the high-speed crop indicator will be displayed in the
top control panel.
Page 57
43
Taking Photographs—Choosing a Shooting Mode
*Average frame rate with continuous-
servo AF, manual or shutter-priority auto
ex po sure, a shutter speed of ½50 s or
faster, and memory re main ing in memory buffer. Number of pictures that can
be stored in buffer depends on options
selected for image quality and Hi-speed
crop (see right; fi gures assume that ISO
sensitivity is set to ISO 100 equivalent,
long exposure noise reduction is off,
and Size priority is selected for JPEG
compression).
Choosing a Shooting Mode
Single Frame, Continuous, Self-Timer, or Mirror Up
Shooting mode determines how the camera takes pho to graphs: one at a
time, in a continuous sequence, with a timed shutter-release delay, or with
the mirror raised to enhance shutter response and minimize vibration.
Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-release button is
pressed. Access lamp will light while photo is recorded; next shot can
be taken immediately if enough space remains in memory buffer.
S
Single
frame
DescriptionMode
Use the self-timer for self-portraits or to reduce blurring caused by
camera shake ( 130).
Self-timer
Press shutter-release button once to raise mirror, again to take photograph (shutter will be released automatically if shutter-release button is
not pressed for 30 s after mirror up). Mirror will be lowered after shutter
is released. Choose this mode to minimize camera shake in situations
in which the least camera movement can result in blurred photographs.
Note that autofocus, metering, and framing can not be confi rmed in the
viewfi nder while mirror is raised.
M-UP
Mirror up
While shut ter-re lease but ton is held down, camera records 1–4 frames
per second (1–7 fps when high-speed crop is on; 41).* Frame rate
can be chosen using Custom Setting d1 (Shooting Speed; 197).
CL
Continuous
low speed
While shut ter-re lease but ton is held down, camera records up to 5
frames per second (8 fps when high-speed crop is on; 41).
*
CH
Continuous
high speed
Quality
Hi-speed crop
Off On
Uncompressed NEF+JPEG
16 28
Compressed NEF+JPEG
16 28
Uncompressed NEF
17 29
Compressed NEF
17 29
TIFF (RGB)
16 28
JPEG
22 38
Page 58
44
Taking Photographs—Choosing a Shooting Mode
To choose a shooting mode, press the mode dial
lock release and turn the mode dial to the desired
setting.
The Memory Buffer
The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for tem po rary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. The frame
rate will drop when the buffer is full.
While photographs are being recorded to the memory card, the access lamp next to
the memory card slot will light. Depending on the number of the images in the buff er, recording may take from a few seconds to a few minutes. Do not re move the
mem o ry card or re move or dis con nect the power source until the access lamp
has gone out. If the camera is switched off while data remain in the buffer, the power
will not turn off until all images in the buffer have been recorded. To turn the camera off without recording the images in the buffer, press the button while turning
the camera off (keep the button pressed for at least one second after turning the
camera off). If the battery is exhausted while images remain in the buffer, the shutter
release will be disabled and the images transferred to the memory card.
The approximate time required to write the entire buffer to a 1 GB SanDisk SDCFX
(Extreme III) card is as follows (ISO sensitivity set to ISO 100 equivalent, long exposure
noise reduction off, and Size priority selected for JPEG compression):
Quality Hi-speed crop: Off Hi-speed crop: On
Uncompressed NEF (RAW) + JPEG Basic (Large) 35 s (16 frames) 40 s (28 frames)
Uncompressed NEF (RAW) 35 s (17 frames) 35 s (29 frames)
TIFF RGB (Large) 530 s (16 frames) 590 s (28 frames)
JPEG Fine (Large) 16 s (22 frames) 20 s (38 frames)
Buffer Size
The number of im ag es that can be stored in the memory
buffer at current set tings is shown in the ex po sure-count
dis plays in the viewfi nder and top con trol pan el while
the shutter-release button is pressed.
d2—Maximum Shots ( 197)
The maximum number of photographs that can be taken in a single burst can be limited to any amount between 1 and 60.
Page 59
45
Taking Photographs—Image Quality and Size
Image Quality and Size
Making Effective Use of Memory
Together, image quality and size determine how much space each pho to graph occupies on the memory card.
Image Quality
The D2Xs supports the following image quality options (listed in descending
order by image quality and fi le size):
Option Description
NEF (RAW) +
JPEG fi ne
Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image and one fi ne-quality JPEG image.
NEF (RAW) +
JPEG basic
Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image and one basic-quality JPEG image.
NEF (RAW) +
JPEG normal
Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image and one normalquality JPEG image.
NEF (RAW)
Raw 12-bit data from the image sensor are saved directly to the
memory card in Nikon Electronic Format (NEF).
TIFF (RGB)
Record uncompressed TIFF-RGB images at a bit depth of 8 bits per
channel (24-bit color). Time needed to record images increases.
JPEG normal Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 8.
JPEG fi ne Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 4.
JPEG basic Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 16.
NEF (RAW) / N EF + J PEG
NEF (RAW) images can only be viewed using compatible software such as PictureProject
or Capture NX ( 250). When photographs taken at NEF (RAW) + JPEG fi ne, NEF
(RAW) + JPEG normal, or NEF (RAW) + JPEG basic are viewed on the camera, only
the JPEG image will be displayed. When photographs taken at these settings are deleted, both NEF and JPEG images will be deleted.
White balance bracketing can not be used with NEF (RAW) images. Se lect ing an NEF
(RAW) option for image quality cancels white balance bracketing.
TIFF (RGB)
About 30 s are required to record a TIFF (RGB) image (1 GB SanDisk SDCFX (Extreme III)
card; recording time varies with make of memory card).
Page 60
46
Taking Photographs—Image Quality and Size
Image quality can be set using the Image quality option in the shooting
menu or by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the main command dial.
Two options are available for controlling compression: RAW compression for
NEF (RAW) images (
48) and JPEG compression for JPEG images ( 47).
The Image Quality Menu
1
Highlight Im age quality in the shooting
menu ( 168) and press the multi selector to
the right.
2
High light the de sired op tion and press the
multi se lec tor to the right. The shooting menu
will be displayed.
The QUAL Button
Press the QUAL button and rotate the main command dial (note that RAW compression and
JPEG compression can only be adjusted from the
shooting menu). Image quality is displayed in the
rear control panel and viewfi nder sidebar:
Rear control panel
Viewfi nder
Option Rear panel Viewfi nder
NEF (RAW)
RAW
NEF (RAW) + JPEG fi ne
RAW+FINE
NEF (RAW) + JPEG basic
RAW
+
BASIC
NEF (RAW) + JPEG normal
RAW
+
NORM
TIFF (RGB)
TIFF
JPEG normal
NORM
JPEG fi ne
FINE
JPEG basic
BASIC
Page 61
47
Taking Photographs—Image Quality and Size
The JPEG Compression Menu
The JPEG compression menu offers the following options for JPEG images:
Option Description
Size priority
(default)
Optimal quality Optimal image quality. File size varies with scene recorded.
Images are compressed to produce relatively uniform fi le size.
Quality varies with scene recorded.
2
High light the de sired op tion and press the
multi se lec tor to the right. The shooting menu
will be displayed. The selected option takes
effect whenever image quality is set to NEF
(RAW) + JPEG fi ne, NEF (RAW) + JPEG normal, NEF (RAW) + JPEG basic, JPEG fi ne,
JPEG normal, or JPEG basic.
The effects of these options are most pronounced with large image sizes
( 48), high ISO sensitivity ( 52), complex scenes, image quality settings of
RAW+BASIC or BASIC, or heavy sharpening ( 68). To choose an option:
1
Highlight JPEG compression in the shooting
menu ( 168) and press the multi selector to
the right.
File Names
Photographs are stored as image fi les with names of the form “DSC_nnnn.xxx,”
where nnnn is a four-digit number between 0001 and 9999 as signed automatically
in ascending order by the camera, and xxx is one of the following three letter extensions: “NEF” for NEF images, “TIF” for TIFF-RGB, “JPG” for JPEG im ag es, and “NDF”
for Dust Off ref photos (
221–222). The NEF and JPEG fi les recorded at a setting of
“NEF+JPEG” have the same fi le names but different extensions. Images recorded at a
Color space setting of Adobe RGB (
70) have names that begin with an underbar
(e.g., “_DSC0001.JPG”). The “DSC” portion of the fi le name can be changed using
the File naming option in the shooting menu (
173).
Page 62
48
Taking Photographs—Image Quality and Size
The Raw Compression Menu
The following options are available for NEF (RAW) images:
Option Description
Comp. NEF
(RAW)
NEF images are compressed, reducing fi le size by about 40–50%
per cent with almost no effect on image quality.
NEF (RAW)
(default)
NEF images are not compressed.
1
Highlight RAW compression in the shooting
menu ( 168) and press the multi selector to
the right.
2
High light the de sired op tion and press the multi
se lec tor to the right. The shooting menu will
be displayed. The selected option takes effect
whenever image quality is set to NEF (RAW) +
JPEG fi ne, NEF (RAW) + JPEG normal, NEF
(RAW) + JPEG basic, or NEF (RAW).
Image Size
Image size is measured in pixels. Smaller sizes pro duce smaller fi les, making
them suited to dis tri bu tion via e-mail or inclusion in web pages. Con verse ly,
the larger the image, the larger the size at which it can be printed without
becoming noticeably “grainy.” Choose image size according to the space
available on the memory card and the task at hand (note that image size
varies depending on the setting selected for Hi-speed crop; 41).
Large 54.5 × 36.2 (21˝ × 14˝)4,288 × 2,848 40.8 × 27.1 (16˝ × 11˝)3,216 × 2,136
Medium 40.8 × 27.1 (16˝ × 11˝)3,216 × 2,136 30.5 × 20.3 (12˝ × 8˝)2,400 × 1,600
Small 27.2 × 18.1 (11˝ × 7˝)2,144 × 1,424 20.3 × 13.5 (8˝ × 5˝)1,600 × 1,064
Size (pixels) Print size (cm)
*
Size (pixels) Print size (cm)
*
Hi-speed crop: Off Hi-speed crop: On
Option
* Approximate size when printed at 200 dpi.
Page 63
49
Taking Photographs—Image Quality and Size
2
High light the de sired op tion and press the
multi se lec tor to the right (note that the
pixel size listed will vary to refl ect the option
currently selected for Hi-speed crop). The
shooting menu will be displayed.
Image size can be set using the Image size option in the shooting menu or
by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the sub-command dial. Note that
the option selected does not affect the size of NEF (RAW) images. When
opened software such as PictureProject or Capture NX, NEF im ag es are
4,288 × 2,848 (high-speed crop off) or 3,216 × 2,136 (high-speed crop on)
pixels in size.
The Image Size Menu
1
Highlight Im age size in the shooting menu
( 168) and press the multi selector to the
right.
The QUAL Button
Image size can also be set by pressing the QUAL
button and rotating the sub-command dial. Image size is displayed in the rear control panel and
in the viewfi nder sidebar:
Rear control panel
Viewfi nder
Page 64
50
Taking Photographs—Image Quality and Size
Memory Card Capacity and Image Quality/Size
The following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on
a 1 GB card at different image quality and size settings.
Image quality
Image
size
Hi-speed crop: Off Hi-speed crop: On
File
size
1
No. of
images
1
Buffer
capacity
2
File
size
1
No. of
images
1
Buffer
capacity
2
NEF + JPEG
Fine
3, 4, 5
L
6
25.1 MB 36 16 14.2 MB 64 28
M
6
22.6 MB 41 16 12.8 MB 72 28
S
6
20.7 MB 45 16 11.8 MB 79 28
NEF + JPEG
Normal
3, 4, 5
L
6
22.2 MB 41 16 12.6 MB 73 28
M
6
20.9 MB 44 16 11.9 MB 78 28
S
6
20.0 MB 47 16 11.4 MB 82 28
NEF + JPEG
Basic
3, 4, 5
L
6
20.7 MB 45 16 11.8 MB 79 28
M
6
20.1 MB 47 16 11.4 MB 82 28
S
6
19.6 MB 48 16 11.2 MB 84 28
NEF (RAW)
4
— 19.2 MB 49 17 10.9MB 86 29
TIFF (RGB)
L 36.5 MB 26 16 20.5 MB 46 28
M 21.2 MB 46 16 11.9 MB 83 28
S 10.3 MB 104 16 5.8MB 183 28
JPEG Fine
5
L 5.9 MB 138 22 3.3 MB 244 38
M 3.3 MB 244 22 1.9 MB 433 38
S 1.5 MB 538 22 0.84 MB 919 38
JPEG Normal
5
L 2.9 MB 274 22 1.7 MB 473 38
M 1.7 MB 473 22 0.95 MB 822 38
S 0.76 MB 1000 22 0.44 MB 1700 38
JPEG Basic
5
L 1.5 MB 538 22 0.85 MB 919 38
M 0.85 MB 919 22 0.49 MB 1500 38
S 0.39 MB 1900 22 0.23 MB 3100 38
1 All fi gures are approximate. Size of JPEG fi les varies with scene recorded.
2 Maximum number of frames that can be stored in memory buffer. Drops when Long
Exp. NR is on, when ISO sensitivity is set to HI-0.3 or higher, or when High ISO NR
is on and Custom Setting b1 (ISO auto) is on or ISO sensitivity is ISO 400 or higher.
3Total for NEF and JPEG images.
4 Figures assume RAW compression is set to NEF (RAW). Selecting Comp. NEF
(RAW) decreases fi le size of NEF (RAW) images by approximately forty to fi fty per-
cent; although number of exposures remaining does not change, number of images
that can be recorded increases.
5 Figures assume JPEG compression is set to Size priority. Selecting Optimal qual-
ity increases fi le size of JPEG images by up to eighty percent; number of images and
buffer capacity drop accordingly.
6 Applies to JPEG images only. File size of NEF (RAW) images can not be changed.
Page 65
51
Taking Photographs—Image Quality and Size
Number of Exposures Remaining
The number of exposures remaining shown in the ex po sure count dis plays in the
con trol panel and viewfi nder is only an ap prox i ma tion. The number of compressed
NEF or JPEG im ag es that can be stored on a memory card de pends on the subject and
com po si tion of each photograph. In gen er al, the more de tailed the image, the larger
the re sult ing fi le and the fewer the images that can be stored.
Large-Capacity Memory Cards
When enough mem o ry re mains on the memory card to
record a thou sand or more pic tures at cur rent set tings,
the num ber of exposures re main ing will be shown in
thou sands, round ed down to the near est hun dred (e.g.,
if there is room for ap prox i mate ly 1,260 ex po sures, the
ex po sure count dis play will show 1.2 K).
d2—Maximum Shots ( 197)
The maximum number of photographs that can be taken in a single burst can be limited to any amount between 1 and 60.
Page 66
52
Taking Photographs—ISO Sensitivity
“ISO sensitivity” is the digital equivalent of fi lm speed. The higher the ISO
sensitivity, the less light needed to make an exposure, allowing higher shutter
speeds or smaller apertures.
ISO sensitivity can be set between values roughly equivalent to ISO 100 and
ISO 800 in steps equivalent to
1
/3 EV. Settings over ISO 800 are avail able
where high sensitivity is a priority:
ISO Sensitivity
Reacting Faster to Light
*Available only when 1/3 step is selected for Custom Setting b2 (ISO step value).
†Available only when 1/2 step is selected for Custom Setting b2 (ISO step value).
ISO sensitivity can be adjusted using the ISO sensitivity option in the shooting menu or by pressing the ISO button and rotating the main command
dial.
The ISO Menu
1
Highlight ISO sensitivity in the shooting
menu ( 168) and press the multi selector to
the right.
1000
ISO equivalent
1250
3200Approximately 2
Approximately 1 1600
Approximately
2
/
3
*
Viewfi nder displayEV steps over ISO 800 Control panel display
Approximately ½
†
1100
Approximately
1
/
3
*
2
High light the de sired op tion and press the
multi se lec tor to the right. The shooting menu
will be displayed.
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53
Taking Photographs—ISO Sensitivity
The ISO Button
ISO sensitivity can also be set by pressing the ISO
button and rotating the main command dial. ISO
sensitivity is displayed in the control panels and
viewfi nder sidebar:
Top control panel
Viewfi nder
Rear control panel
Page 68
54
Taking Photographs—ISO Sensitivity
Noise
The higher the ISO sensitivity, the more likely pictures are to be subject to “noise” in
the form of randomly-spaced, brightly-colored pixels. Pho tos taken at settings over
ISO 800 will likely con tain ap pre cia ble amounts of noise.
High ISO NR ( 176 )
This option can be used to reduce noise at ISO sensitivities of ISO 400 or more (this
reduces the capacity of the memory buffer). Note that although noise reduction is
always in effect at ISO sensitivities over ISO 800, selecting On for High ISO NR will
increase the amount of noise reduction performed.
b1—ISO Auto ( 191)
When On is selected for Custom Setting b1 (ISO auto), the camera will automatically
vary ISO sensitivity from the value selected by the user to help ensure optimum exposure. ISO sensitivity can not be set to values over ISO 800 while ISO auto is on, and On
can not be selected for ISO auto is when ISO is set to a value over ISO 800.
b2—ISO Step Value ( 192)
Depending on the option selected for Custom Setting b2, ISO sensitivity can also be set
in increments equivalent to ½ or 1 EV.
ISO step value set to 1/2 step ISO step value set to 1 step
If possible, the current ISO sensitivity setting is maintained when the step value is
changed. If the current ISO sensitivity setting is not available at the new step value,
ISO sensitivity will be rounded up to the nearest available setting.
d5—Cntrl Panel / Finder > Rear Control Panel ( 199)
If Exposures remaining is selected for Cntrl panel / fi nder > Rear control panel
(Custom Setting d5), ISO sensitivity will only be displayed in the rear control panel
while the ISO button is pressed. If ISO sensitivity is selected, ISO sensitivity will be
displayed except during voice memo recording and playback.
Page 69
55
Taking Photographs—White BalanceTaking Photographs—White Balance
White Balance
Keeping Colors True
The color of light refl ected from an object varies with the color of the light
source. The human brain is able to adapt to changes in the color of the light
source, with the result that white objects appear white whether seen in the
shade, direct sunlight, or under incandescent lighting. Unlike the fi lm used in
fi lm cameras, dig i tal cam er as can mimic this adjustment by processing images
according to the color of the light source. This is known as “white balance.”
For natural coloration, choose a white bal ance set ting that match es the light
source before shooting. The following options are available:
* Fine-tuning set to 0.
Auto white balance is recommended with most light sources. If the desired
results can not be achieved with auto white balance, choose an option from
the list above or use preset white balance.
Approximate
color
tem per a ture
*
White bal ance adjusted automatically using color
temperature measured by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, image sensor, and ambient light sensor. For
best results, use type G or D lens. With SB-800
or SB-600 Speedlight, white balance refl ects
conditions in effect when Speedlight fi res.
3,500–
8,000 K
Auto
Use under incandescent lighting.3,000 KIncandescent
DescriptionOption
Use under fl uorescent lighting.4,200 KFluorescent
Use with subjects lit by direct sunlight.5,200 KDirect sunlight
Use with Nikon Speedlights.5,400 KFlash
Use in daylight under overcast skies.6,000 KCloudy
Use in daylight with subjects in the shade.8,000 KShade
Choose color temperature from list of values
( 59).
2,500–
10,000 K
Choose color
temp.
Use subject, light source, or existing photograph as reference for white balance ( 60).
—
White balance
preset
Page 70
56
Taking Photographs—White Balance
White balance can be set using the White balance option in the shooting
menu or by pressing the WB button and rotating the main command dial.
The White Balance Menu
1
Highlight White balance in the shooting
menu (
168) and press the multi selector to
the right.
2
High light the de sired op tion and press the
multi se lec tor to the right. Selecting Choose
color temp. displays a menu of color temperatures ( 59), White balance preset a
preset white balance menu ( 60), other
options a fi ne-tuning dialog ( 57).
The WB Button
White balance can also be set by pressing the
WB button and rotating the main command dial.
White balance is displayed in the rear control
panel and viewfi nder sidebar:
Studio Strobe Lighting
Auto white balance may not produce the desired results with studio strobe lighting.
Choose a color temperature, use preset white balance, or set white balance to Flash
and use fi ne tuning to adjust white balance.
e5—Auto BKT Set ( 203)
When WB bracketing is selected for custom setting e5 (Auto BKT set), the camera
will create several images each time the shutter is released. White balance will be varied with each image, “bracketing” the value currently selected for white balance.
Rear control panel Viewfi nder
Page 71
57
Taking Photographs—White BalanceTaking Photographs—White Balance
2
Press the multi selector up or down to choose
the desired value and press the multi selector
to the right. The shooting menu will be displayed.
Fine-Tuning White Balance
At settings other than (Choose color temp.) and PRE (preset), white
bal ance can be “fi ne tuned” to compensate for vari a tions in the color of
the light source or to in tro duce a deliberate “warm” or “cold” cast into
an image. Higher settings can be used to lend im ag es a blu ish tinge or to
com pen sate for light sources with a yellow or red cast, while low er ing white
bal ance can make pho to graphs ap pear slight ly more yellow or red or com pen sate for light sources with a blue cast. Adjustments can be made in the
range +3 to –3 in in cre ments of one. Except in Fluorescent mode, each
in cre ment is equiv a lent to about 10 mired.
White balance is fi ne tuned using the White balance option in the shooting
menu or by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial.
The White Balance Menu
1
In the white balance menu ( 55), highlight
an option other than Choose color temp. or
White balance preset and press the multi
selector to the right.
Color Temperature
The perceived color of a light source varies with the viewer and other conditions. Color
temperature is an objective measure of the color of a light source, defi ned with ref er ence to the temperature to which an object would have to be heated to radiate light
in the same wavelengths. While light sources with a color temperature in the neigh bor hood of 5,000–5,500 K appear white, light sources with a lower color tem per a ture,
such as incandescent light bulbs, appear slightly yellow or red. Light sourc es with a
higher color temperature appear tinged with blue.
Page 72
58
Taking Photographs—White Balance
Fine-Tuning and Color Temperature
Approximate color-temperatures for settings other than A (auto) are given below (values may differ from color temperatures given by pho to color meters):
Incandescent Fluorescent
*
Direct
sunlight Flash
Cloudy
(daylight)
Shade
(daylight)
+3 2,700 K 2,700 K 4,800 K 4,800 K 5,400 K 6,700 K
+2 2,800 K 3,000 K 4,900 K 5,000 K 5,600 K 7,100 K
+1 2,900 K 3,700 K 5,000 K 5,200 K 5,800 K 7,500 K
±0 3,000 K 4,200 K 5,200 K 5,400 K 6,000 K 8,000 K
–1 3,100 K 5,000 K 5,300 K 5,600 K 6,200 K 8,400 K
–2 3,200 K 6,500 K 5,400 K 5,800 K 6,400 K 8,800 K
–3 3,300 K 7,200 K 5,600 K 6,000 K 6,600 K 9,200 K
* The size of the increments for Fluorescent refl ects the wide variations in color tem-
per a ture among the many different types of fl uorescent light source, ranging from
low-tem per a ture sta di um lighting to high-temperature mer cu ry-vapor lamps.
“Mired”
Any given change in color temperature produces a greater difference in color at low
color tem per a tures than it would at higher color temperatures. For example, a change
of 1000 K produces a much greater change in color at 3000 K than at 6000 K. Mired,
calculated by multiplying the inverse of the color temperature by 10 6, is a measure of
color temperature that takes such variation into account, and as such is the unit used
in color-temperature compensation fi lters. E.g.:
• 4000 K – 3000 K (a difference of 1000 K) = 83 mired
• 7000 K – 6000 K (a difference of 1000 K) = 24 mired
The WB Button
Press the WB button and rotate the sub-command
dial until the desired value is displayed in the rear
control panel. At settings other than ±0, a
icon appears in the rear control panel and viewfi nder sidebar.
Rear control panel
Viewfi nder
Page 73
59
Taking Photographs—White BalanceTaking Photographs—White Balance
Choosing a Color Temperature
Choose a setting of (Choose color temp.) to select the color temperature
from thirty-one predetermined values ranging from 2,500 K to 10,000 K in
increments of roughly 10 mired (note that the desired results will not be obtained with fl ash or fl uorescent lighting). Color temperature can be selected
in the white-balance menu or with the WB button and sub-command dial.
The White Balance Menu
1
In the white balance menu ( 55), highlight
an Choose color temp. and press the multi
selector to the right.
2
Highlight the desired color temperature and
press the multi selector to the right. The
shooting menu will be displayed.
The WB Button
At a setting of (Choose color temp.), color
temperature can be selected by pressing the WB
button and rotating the sub-command dial. The
color temperature is displayed in the rear control
panel:
…
Take Test Shots
Take a test shot to determine if the selected value is appropriate to the light source.
Page 74
60
Taking Photographs—White Balance
Preset White Balance
Preset white balance is used to record and recall custom white balance settings for shooting under mixed lighting or to compensate for light sources
with a strong color cast. Four options are available for setting preset white
balance:
Recording New Values with the Camera
(1) Frame a neutral gray or white object and press the shutter-release button
to measure a value for white balance (
61).
(2) Measure white balance with the ambient light sensor ( 61).
Copying Values from Existing Photographs
(3) Copy white balance from another image on the memory card ( 66).
The camera can store up to fi ve values for preset white balance in presets
d-0 – d-4. White balance values recorded with options (1) and (2) are stored
in preset d-0. To prevent this value from being replaced the next time white
balance is measured, the value stored in d-0 can be copied to presets d-1 – d-4
for long-term storage ( 67). White balance values copied using option (3)
are also stored in presets d-1 – d-4. A descriptive comment can be added to
any white balance preset ( 65).
White Balance Presets
Changes to white balance presets apply to all shooting menu banks ( 169). A confi rmation dialog will be displayed if the user attempts to change a white balance preset
created in another shooting menu bank (no warning is displayed for preset d-0).
d-0
Stores last value measured
for white balance ( 61).
Store values copied from images
on memory card
( 66).
d-1 – d-4
Store values copied from d-0 (
67).
Page 75
61
Taking Photographs—White BalanceTaking Photographs—White Balance
Measuring a Value for White Balance
White balance can be measured with reference to a neutral gray object or by
measuring the color of the light source. The new value for white balance is
automatically stored in preset d-0.
Description
A standard gray card or other neutral gray or white object is placed
under lighting that will be used in fi nal photograph and white balance
is measured using both 1,005-pixel RGB sensor and main image sensor.
Use for fl ash photography or when the subject and camera are under
different lighting.
Reference
Neutral
gray
object
Color of light source is measured by sensor on camera pentaprism and
white balance adjusted to produce natural coloration without reference
object. Use when subject is under same lighting as camera.
Light
source
1
Press the WB button and rotate the main com-
mand dial until is displayed in the rear
control panel or viewfi nder sidebar.
Rear control panel
Viewfi nder
If the new value for preset white balance will be used immediately, select
preset d-0 by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial
until d-0 is displayed in the rear control panel ( 64). Otherwise there is
no need to select d-0 when measuring a new value for white balance.
Page 76
62
Taking Photographs—White Balance
2
Release the WB button briefl y and then press
the button until the icon in the rear control
panel and viewfi nder sidebar start to fl ash. A
blinking
will also appear in the top control
panel and viewfi nder frame-count displays.
3
To measure white balance using a neutral gray or white object…
…frame the reference object so that it fi lls the
viewfi nder and press the shutter-release button all the way down. The camera will measure a value for white balance and store it in
preset d-0. No photograph will be recorded;
white balance can be measured accurately
even when the camera is not in focus.
To measure the color of the light source…
…make sure that the ambient light sensor is
lit by the light source and press the FUNC.
button. The camera will calculate a value for
white balance and store it in preset d-0.
To exit without measuring a new value for
white balance, press the WB button.
Top control panel
Rear control panel
Viewfi nder
Exposure Mode
Preset white balance can be measured in all exposure modes. When using a reference
object to set white balance, do not alter exposure from the value suggested by the
camera.
Page 77
63
Taking Photographs—White BalanceTaking Photographs—White Balance
4
If the camera was able to measure a value for white balance, will
fl ash for about three seconds in the control panels, while the viewfi nder
will show a fl ashing .
Top control panel
Rear control panel
Viewfi nder
If lighting is too dark or too bright, or if some types of artifi cial lighting
are used when measuring white balance using the ambient light sensor,
the camera may be unable to measure white balance. A fl ashing
will appear in the control panels and viewfi nder for about three seconds.
Return to Step 3 and measure white balance again. If the camera is unable to measure white balance using the ambient light sensor, try measuring white balance using a neutral gray or white reference object.
The new value for white balance will be stored in
preset d-0, automatically replacing the previous
value for this preset (no confi rmation dialog will
be displayed). If white balance was set using a
reference object, a thumbnail will be displayed in
the preset white balance list. Presets measured
using the ambient light sensor are marked by a
icon.
To use the new value for white balance, select preset d-0 (if no value has
been measured for white balance before d-0 is selected, white balance
will be set to a color temperature of 5,200 K, the same as Direct sun-
light). The new white balance value will remain in preset d-0 until white
balance is measured again. By copying preset d-0 to one of the other
presets before measuring a new value for white balance, up to fi ve white
balance values can be stored ( 67).
Top control panel
Rear control panel
Viewfi nder
Page 78
64
Taking Photographs—White Balance
Selecting a White Balance Preset
To set white balance to a preset value:
1
Highlight White balance preset in the white
balance menu (
55) and press the multi selector to the right. The menu shown at right
will be displayed. (To return to the shooting
menu, press the
button.)
2
Presets are identifi ed by an icon or thumbnail,
a name (d-0 – d-4), and a comment. Press the
multi selector up, down, left, or right to highlight the desired preset. To select the highlighted preset and return to shooting mode
without completing steps 3–5, press the
button.
3
Press the center of the multi selector to display
the menu shown at right. To view options for
other presets, highlight the name of the current preset (d-0 – d-4) and press the multi
selector right.
Selecting a White Balance Preset: the WB Button
At a setting of (White balance preset), presets
can also be selected by pressing the WB button and
rotating the sub-command dial. The current preset is
displayed in the rear control panel while the WB button
is pressed.
Page 79
65
Taking Photographs—White BalanceTaking Photographs—White Balance
5
Press the multi selector to the right to set
white balance to the value stored in the
selected preset and return to the shooting
menu.
Entering a Comment
To enter a descriptive comment of up to thirty-six
characters for a selected white balance preset,
highlight the preset in the thumbnail display and
press the center of the multi selector as described
in steps 1–3 on the previous page. The menu
shown at right will be displayed.
1
Press the multi selector up or down to high-
light Edit comment.
3
Press the button to return to the thumbnail
display.
2
Press the multi selector to the right to display
the text edit dialog. Edit the comment as described on page 217.
4
Press the multi selector up or down to high-
light Set.
Page 80
66
Taking Photographs—White Balance
Copying White Balance from a Photograph (d-1 – d-4 Only)
To copy a value for white balance from a photograph on the memory card to a selected preset
(d-1 – d-4 only), highlight the preset in the thumbnail display and press the center of the multi selector as described in steps 1–3 on page 64. The
menu shown at right will be displayed.
1
Press the multi selector up or down to high-
light Select image.
2
Press the multi selector to the right to display
the photographs on the memory card. Only
photographs taken with the D2Xs will be displayed; other images can not be selected.
3
Press the multi selector up, down, left, or right
to highlight the desired image. To view the
highlighted image full frame, press the button. Press the button again to return to the
thumbnail list.
4
Press the center of the multi selector to copy
the white balance value for the highlighted
photograph to the selected preset and return
to the thumbnail display. If the highlighted
photograph has a comment, the comment
will be copied to the comment for the selected
preset.
Page 81
67
Taking Photographs—White BalanceTaking Photographs—White Balance
Copying White Balance from d-0 to Presets d-1 – d-4
To copy a measured value for white balance
from d-0 to any of the other presets (d-1 – d-4),
highlight the destination preset in the thumbnail
display and press the center of the multi selector
as described in steps 1–3 on page 64. The menu
shown at right will be displayed.
1
Press the multi selector up or down to high-
light Copy d-0.
2
Press the multi selector to the right to copy
white balance from d-0 to the selected preset
and return to the thumbnail display. If comment has been created for d-0, the comment
will be copied to the comment for the selected
preset.
Page 82
68
Taking Photographs—Image Adjustment
Image Adjustment
Shooting Menu Settings
This section describes settings that can only be adjusted from the shooting
menu (
168).
Making Edges More Distinct: Image Sharpening
When a photograph is taken, the camera au to mat i cal ly processes the image
to increase the dis tinc tion be tween light and dark areas, mak ing the pic ture
appear sharper. The Im age sharpening menu con trols the amount of
sharp en ing performed.
The camera automatically adjusts sharpening according to the
subject and how other camera settings are adjusted. Amount
of sharpening varies from shot to shot, even in scenes of same
type; to take multiple shots with same sharpening, choose different setting. For best results, use a type G or D lens.
Auto
(default)
Camera sharpens all im ag es the same standard amount.Normal
DescriptionOption
Images are sharpened less than the standard amount.Low
Images are sharpened slightly less than the standard amount.Medium low
Images are sharpened slightly more than the standard amount.Medium high
Images are sharpened more than the standard amount.High
Images are not sharpened.None
1
Highlight Im age sharpening in the shooting
menu ( 168) and press the multi selector to
the right.
2
High light the de sired op tion and press the
multi se lec tor to the right. The shooting menu
will be displayed.
Page 83
69
Taking Photographs—Image AdjustmentTaking Photographs—Image Adjustment
Adjusting Contrast: Tone Compensation
As photographs are saved to the memory card, they are processed to adjust
the distribution of tones in the image, en hanc ing con trast. Tone com pen sa tion is performed by means of tone curves that defi ne the relationship
be tween the dis tri bu tion of tones in the original image and the compensated
result. The Tone compensation menu controls the type of curve used.
Camera automatically optimizes con trast by selecting the ap pro pri ate
curve. Curve varies from shot to shot, even in scenes of same type;
to take multiple shots with same curve, choose different setting. For
best results, use a type G or D lens.
Auto
(default)
Camera uses same standard curve for all im ag es. Suit ed to most
scenes, whether dark or bright.
Normal
DescriptionOption
Produces “softer” images. Pre vents highlights on portrait subjects
from being “washed out” in direct sunlight.
Less
contrast
Choose this curve to preserve de tail in misty land scapes and other
low-contrast subjects.
More
contrast
Camera Control Pro (available separately) can be used to
download
up to three custom tone curves to the camera. Choose Custom to
se lect a user-defi ned curve ( 72). If no custom curve has been created, this op tion is equiv a lent to Nor mal.
Custom
1
Highlight Tone compensation in the shoot-
ing menu ( 168) and press the multi selector
to the right.
2
High light the de sired op tion and press the
multi se lec tor to the right. If Custom is selected, a menu of custom tone curves will be
displayed ( 72). Otherwise, the shooting
menu will be displayed.
Page 84
70
Taking Photographs—Image Adjustment
1
Highlight Color space in the shooting menu
( 168) and press the multi selector to the
right.
2
High light the de sired op tion and press the
multi se lec tor to the right. The shooting menu
will be displayed.
Suiting Colors to a Workfl ow: Color Space
The color space determines the gamut of colors available for color reproduction. Choose a color space according to how pho to graphs will be pro cessed
on leaving the cam era.
Choose for photographs that will be print ed or used “as is,” with
no fur ther modifi cation. Color mode II is not available ( 72).
sRGB
(default)
sRGB
This color space is capable of expressing a wider gamut of colors
than sRGB, making it the preferred choice for images that will be
extensively processed or retouched. Black-and-white (sRGB) is
not available for Color mode when this option is in effect.
AdobeRGB
Adobe
DescriptionOption
Page 85
71
Taking Photographs—Image AdjustmentTaking Photographs—Image Adjustment
Color Space
sRGB is recommended when taking photographs that will be printed without modifi cation or viewed in applications that do not support color management, or when taking photographs that will be printed with ExifPrint, the direct printing option on some
household printers, or kiosk printing or other commercial print services. Adobe RGB
photographs can also be printed using these options, but colors will not be as vivid.
JPEG photographs taken in the Adobe RGB color space are Exif 2.21 and DCF 2.0 compliant; applications and printers that support Exif 2.21 and DCF 2.0 will select the correct color space automatically. If the application or device does not support Exif 2.21
and DCF 2.0, select the appropriate color space manually. An ICC color profi le is embedded in TIFF photographs taken in the Adobe RGB color space, allowing applications
that support color management to automatically select the correct color space. For
more information, see the documentation provided with the application or device.
Nikon Software
Capture NX (available separately) and PictureProject automatically select the correct
color space when opening photographs created with the D2Xs.
Page 86
72
Taking Photographs—Image Adjustment
1
Highlight Color mode in the shooting menu
( 168) and press the multi selector to the
right.
2
High light the de sired op tion and press the
multi se lec tor to the right. The shooting menu
will be displayed.
Matching Colors to the Subject: Color Mode
Much as fi lm cameras offer a choice of fi lms for different subjects, the D2Xs
offers a choice of color modes with subtly different palettes.
Choose for portrait shots.
I
(default)
DescriptionOption
Choose for photographs that will be extensively processed or
retouched. This option is available only when AdobeRGB is
selected for Color space.
II
Choose for nature or landscape shots.
III
Color Space and Color Mode
If sRGB is chosen for Color space when Color mode is set to Mode II, Color mode
will be reset to the mode in effect when sRGB was last selected. Selecting Adobe
RGB for Color space when Black-and-white (sRGB) is selected for Color mode sets
Color mode to II.
Take pictures in black-and-white with a wide tone range suited
a wide variety of subjects, from portraits to landscapes. This option is only available when sRGB is selected for Color Space.
Black-and-white
(sRGB)
Page 87
73
Taking Photographs—Image AdjustmentTaking Photographs—Image Adjustment
Controlling Color: Hue Adjustment
Hue can be adjusted in the range about –9 ° to +9 ° in in cre ments of 3 °. If
red is taken as the start ing color, raising hue above 0 ° (the de fault set ting)
would introduce a yel low cast, mak ing col ors that would be red at a setting
of 0 ° ap pear in creas ing ly or ange. Low er ing hue be low 0 ° would in tro duce
a blue cast, mak ing col ors that would be red at a setting of 0 ° appear in creas ing ly pur ple.
1
Highlight Hue adjustment in the shooting
menu ( 168) and press the multi selector to
the right.
Hue
The RGB color model used in digital photographs re pro duc es colors using dif fer ing
amounts of red, green, and blue light. By mixing two colors of light, a variety of
dif fer ent colors can be pro duced. For example, red combined with a small amount
of green light produces orange. If red and green are mixed in equal amounts, yellow re sults, while a smaller amount of red produces a yel low green. Mixing dif fer ent
amounts of red and blue light pro duc es col ors rang ing from a red dish purple through
pur ple to navy, while mixing different amounts of green and blue light produces col ors
rang ing from em er ald to turquoise. (Add ing a third color of light results in lighter hues;
if all three mixed in equal amounts, the results range from white through gray.) When
this pro gres sion of hues is ar ranged in a cir cle, the re sult is known as a color wheel.
2
High light the de sired op tion and press the
multi se lec tor to the right. The shooting menu
will be displayed.
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74
Taking Photographs—Focus
Focus
Controlling How the Camera Focuses
This section describes the options that control how your camera focuses:
fo cus mode, focus-area selection, and AF-area mode.
Focus Mode
Focus mode is controlled by the focus mode
se lec tor on the front of the camera. There are
two autofocus (AF) modes, in which the cam era
focuses automatically when the shutter-re lease
button is pressed halfway, and one manual focus
mode, in which focus must be adjusted man u al ly
using the focusing ring on the lens:
Camera focuses when shutter-release button is pressed half way. Fo cus
locks when in-focus indicator (●) appears in view fi nd er, and re mains
locked while shutter-release button is pressed halfway (focus lock).
S
Sin gle-servo
AF
DescriptionOption
Camera focuses continuously while shutter-release but ton is pressed
halfway. If subject moves, camera will engage predictive fo cus track-
ing to predict fi nal distance to subject and adjust focus as necessary.
At default settings, shutter can be released whether or not subject is in
focus (release priority).
C
Con tin u ous-
servo AF
Camera does not focus automatically; focus must be adjusted manually using the lens focusing ring. If max i mum aperture of lens is f/5.6
or faster, view fi nd er fo cus in di ca tor can be used to con fi rm focus
(electronic range fi nd ing), but photographs can be taken at any time,
wheth er or not camera is in focus.
M
Man u al
Choose single-servo AF for landscapes and other stationary subjects. Continuous-servo AF may be a better choice with erratically-moving subjects.
Man u al fo cus is rec om mend ed when the cam era is unable to focus using
autofocus.
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75
Taking Photographs—Focus
a1—AF - C Mode Priority ( 185)
If Focus is selected for Custom Setting a1 (AF-C mode priority), photographs can be
taken in continuous servo-AF only when the camera is in focus. Select FPS rate + AF
for improved focus during continuous shooting.
a2—AF-S Mode Priority ( 185)
If Release is selected for Custom Setting a2 (AF-S mode priority), photographs can
be taken in single servo-AF even when the camera is not in focus.
a5—AF Activation ( 188)
If AF-ON only is selected for Custom Setting a5 (AF activation), the camera will only
focus when one of the AF-ON buttons is pressed, not when the shutter-release button
is pressed halfway.
a8—Vertical AF-ON ( 190)
Custom Setting a8 (Vertical AF-ON) controls whether the AF-ON button for vertical
shooting is used to initiate autofocus, select the focus area, or both.
c2—AE-L / AF-L ( 195)
If desired, the AE- L / AF- L button can perform the same function as the AF-ON button.
The AF-ON Buttons
For the purpose of focusing the camera, pressing either of the AF-ON buttons has the
same effect as pressing the shutter-release button halfway (the AF-ON button for vertical shooting can only be used when the shutter-release button for vertical shooting is
unlocked).
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76
Taking Photographs—Focus
Focus Area Selection
The D2Xs offers a choice of eleven focus areas that together cover a wide
area of the frame. The focus area can be selected manually, allowing photographs to be com posed the main sub ject positioned almost anywhere in
the frame, or automatically to ensure that the subject closest to the camera
is always in focus regardless of where it is the frame (closest-subject priority;
79). Group dynamic-AF can be used to focus on the closest subject in a
selected area of the frame ( 79).
To select the focus area, rotate the focus selector
lock. The multi selector can then be used to select the focus area. The se lect ed focus area is displayed in the top control panel and is highlighted
briefl y in the viewfi nder.
To select the center focus area (or focus area
group) at any time, press the center of the multi
selector.
The focus selector lock can be rotated to the locked position following selection to prevent the se lect ed fo cus area from changing when the multi
se lec tor is pressed.
High-Speed Crop
The two focus areas outside the high-speed crop are
not available when high-speed crop is on ( 41).
Focus Area Selection
The focus area can not be changed during playback or while menus are displayed.
Focus areas not available
when high-speed crop is on
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Taking Photographs—Focus
Focus Area Selection for Portrait (Tall) Orientation Photographs
If the shutter-release button for vertical shooting is unlocked, the focus area can also be selected by pressing
the AF-ON button for vertical shooting and rotating the
sub-command dial for vertical shooting. The se lect ed
focus area is displayed in the top control panel and is
highlighted briefl y in the viewfi nder.
Rotate the sub-command dial clockwise to cycle endlessly through focus areas in the order shown at right,
counter-clockwise to cycle through focus areas in the
reverse order. Focus areas 5 and 10 are not available
when high-speed crop is on.
10
9811
172
4
5
63
a6—Focus Area Illum ( 189)
Custom Setting a6 (Focus area Illum) controls how long the focus area is illuminated
in the viewfi nder after selection and whether focus areas are displayed in manual focus
mode or continuous shooting mode.
a7—Focus Area ( 190)
This option can be used to set focus area selection to “wrap around.”
a8—Vertical AF-ON ( 190)
Custom Setting a8 (Vertical AF-ON) controls whether the AF-ON button for vertical
shooting is used to initiate autofocus, select the focus area, or both.
f1—Center Button > Shooting Mode ( 205)
Depending on the option selected for Center button > Shooting mode (Custom Setting f1), pressing the center of the multi selector will have no effect or will illuminate
the selected focus area.
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78
Taking Photographs—Focus
Autofocus
When the focus mode selector is set to S (single-servo autofocus) or C (con-
tin u ous-servo auto fo cus), the cam era fo cus es au to mat i cal ly when the shut ter-re lease but ton is pressed half way. This section de scribes fo cus op tions
that are only avail able in sin gle- and con tin u ous-servo AF.
AF-Area Mode
AF-area mode de ter mines how the focus area is
selected in autofocus mode. To select the AF-area
mode, rotate the AF-area mode selector. The selected mode is shown by an icon in the top control
panel (see following page).
Manual Focus
Single-area AF is automatically selected when manual focus is used.
The Top Control Panel
The selected focus area or group of focus areas is shown in the top control panel in
single-area AF, dynamic-area AF, and group dynamic-AF. The illustrations in the “Icon”
column show the display when the center focus area or focus area group is selected.
The top control panel display does not show the focus area selected by the camera for
dynamic-area AF with closest subject priority.
a1—AF - C Mode Priority ( 185)
In focus mode C (continuous-servo autofocus) photographs can be taken even when
the camera is not in focus (release priority). To ensure that the camera is in focus when
the picture is taken, choose Focus for Custom Setting a1 (AF-C mode priority). Select FPS rate + AF for improved focus during continuous shooting.
a2—AF-S Mode Priority ( 185)
In focus mode S (single-servo autofocus) photographs can be taken only when the
camera is in focus (focus priority). To allow photographs to be taken regardless of
whether or not the camera is in focus, choose Release for Custom Setting a2 (AF-S
mode priority).
a3—Group Dynamic AF ( 186)
This option controls how focus areas are grouped in group dynamic-AF mode and
whether the camera tracks the subject in the center focus area of the selected group.
a4—Lock-On ( 188)
This option controls whether the camera immediately adjusts focus to track a subject
when the distance to the subject changes drastically.
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79
Taking Photographs—Focus
DescriptionMode
User selects focus area manually, but camera uses information
from multiple focus areas to de ter mine focus. If sub ject leaves
selected focus area even briefl y, cam era will focus based on
in for ma tion from oth er focus areas (focus area selected in view fi nd er does not change). Use when fol low ing erratically moving
subjects in continuous-servo AF and in oth er situations in which
it is diffi cult to keep subject in se lect ed focus area.
• When high-speed crop is on ( 41), focus areas
outside high-speed crop can not be selected, and
camera will not use these areas to determine focus.
Dynamic-
area AF
User selects focus area manually; camera focuses on subject in
selected focus area only. Use for relatively static com po si tions
with sub jects that will stay in selected focus area. Focus areas
outside high-speed crop can not be selected when high-speed
crop is on (
41).
Single-
area AF
Icon
User chooses focus area group (see
right). Camera focuses on center
of selected group; if subject leaves
focus area even briefl y, camera
focuses based on information from
other focus areas in same group.
Use when subject is moving erratically but place of subject in overall
composition is known.
Group
dynamic-
AF
Bottom
Top
CenterLeft Right
Camera selects focus area containing principal subject closest
to camera. Prevents out-of-focus shots when photographing
erratically moving subjects. Focus area can not be selected
manually, and focus areas are not displayed in viewfi nder or top
control panel. Camera may be unable to select focus area containing closest subject when telephoto lens is used or subject is
poorly lit. Single-area AF is recommended in these cases.
• When high-speed crop is on ( 41), camera will not
select focus areas outside high-speed crop.
Dynamic-
area AF
with
closest
subject
priority
• When high-speed crop is on ( 41), left
and right focus-area groups do not include
focus areas outside high-speed crop.
Left Right
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80
Taking Photographs—Focus
Focus-area selection
AF-area mode Control-panel display
Summary of Autofocus Options
Focus mode
Manual
Single-area AF
AF-S
Manual
Dynamic-area AF
Manual
(camera focuses on
center focus area of
selected group)
Group dynamic-AF
Automatic
Dynamic-area AF
with closest-
subject priority
Manual
Single-area AF
AF-C
Manual
Dynamic-area AF
Manual
(camera focuses on
center focus area of
selected group)
Group dynamic-AF
Automatic
Dynamic-area AF
with closest-
subject priority
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81
Taking Photographs—Focus
Camera focuses on subject in selected focus area.
Focus will remain locked while shutter-release button
is pressed half way.
Use with static sub jects when
time is avail able to com pose
pho to.
Camera focuses on subject in selected focus area. If
sub ject moves before cam era has focused, camera
will focus based on in for ma tion from other focus
areas. Fo cus will remain locked while shut ter-re lease
but ton is pressed half way.
Use with static sub jects when
time is avail able to com pose
photo.
As above, except camera focuses on subject in center
focus area of selected group. If subject moves before
camera has focused, camera will focus based on information from other focus areas in same group.
Use when sure of subject’s
place in overall composition
but unsure of its exact position.
As above, except that camera selects focus area con tain ing principal sub ject closest to camera. If sub ject
moves before cam era has focused, camera will focus
based on in for ma tion from other focus areas.
Use when sure that sub ject
will be clos est ob ject to cam era but un sure where it will
ap pear in fi nal com po si tion.
Camera continues to focus on subject in selected
focus area while shutter-release button is pressed
halfway.
Use with moving subjects that
can be continuously framed
in single focus area.
Camera focuses on subject in selected focus area.
While shutter-release button is pressed halfway, camera tracks sub ject as it moves from one fo cus area to
the next.
Use with subjects that are
moving unpredictably.
As above, except camera focuses on subject in center
focus area of selected group.
Use when sure of moving
subject’s place in overall composition but unable to predict
its exact position.
As above, except that camera selects focus area con tain ing principal sub ject closest to camera.
Use with erratically mov ing
sub jects when you know
sub ject will be clos est ob ject
to camera.
How it works When to use it
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82
Taking Photographs—Focus
Focus Lock
Focus lock can be used to change the com po si tion after focusing, making
it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus area in the fi nal
composition. It can also be used when the autofocus system is unable to
focus ( 84).
In single-servo AF, focus locks automatically when the in-focus indicator (●)
appears in the viewfi nder. In continuous-servo AF, focus must be locked
man u al ly using the AE-L/AF-L button. To recompose a photograph using
focus lock:
1
Position the subject in the selected focus area and press the shutter-re-
lease button halfway to ini tiate focus.
2
Check that the in-focus indicator (●) appears in the viewfi nder.
Single-servo AF
Focus will lock automatically when the info cus indicator appears, and re main locked
until you remove your fi nger from the shutterre lease button. Focus can also be locked by
pressing the AE-L/AF-L button (see below).
Con tin u ous-servo AF
Press the AE-L/AF-L button to lock both fo cus
and exposure. Focus will remain locked while
the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if you
later remove your fi nger from the shutter-re lease button.
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83
Taking Photographs—Focus
3
Re com pose the pho to graph and shoot.
In single-ser vo AF, focus will remain locked be tween shots as long as the
shutter-re lease button is kept pressed half way, al low ing sev er al pho to graphs
in suc ces sion to be taken at the same focus setting. Focus will also remain
locked between shots while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed.
Do not change the distance between the camera and the subject while focus
lock is in effect. If the subject moves, focus again at the new distance.
c2—AE-L/AF-L ( 195)
This option controls whether the AE-L/AF-L button locks focus and exposure (the default setting), focus only, or exposure only.
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84
Taking Photographs—Focus
Getting Good Results with Autofocus
Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. If the
camera is unable to focus using autofocus, use manual focus ( 85) or use
focus lock (
82) to focus on another subject at the same distance and then
recompose the photograph.
AF-Assist Illuminators
If the subject is dark, an optional Speedlight with an AF-assist illuminator can be used
to assist the autofocus.
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85
Taking Photographs—Focus
Manual Focus
Manual focus is available for lenses that do not
sup port autofocus (non-AF Nikkor lens es) or
when the autofocus does not produce the desired
re sults ( 84). To focus manually, set the focusmode selector to M and adjust the lens focusing
ring until the image displayed on the clear matte
fi eld in the viewfi nder is in focus. Pho to graphs
can be taken at any time, even when the image
is not in focus.
The Electronic Range Finder
If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or
faster, the viewfi nder fo cus indicator can be used
to con fi rm whether the subject in the se lect ed focus area is in focus. After positioning the sub ject
in the active focus area, press the shut ter-re lease
but ton half way and rotate the lens fo cus ing ring
un til the in-fo cus in di ca tor (●) is dis played.
A-M Selection/Autofocus with Manual Priority
When using a lens that offers A-M selection, select M when focusing manually. With
lenses that support M/A (autofocus with manual priority), focus can be adjusted man u al ly with the lens set to M or M/A. See the documentation provided with your lens
for details.
Focal Plane Position
To determine the distance between your subject and
the camera, measure from the focal plane mark on the
camera body. The distance between the lens mounting
fl ange and the focal plane is 46.5 mm (1.83˝).
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86
Taking Photographs—Exposure
Metering
The metering method determines how the cam era sets exposure:
Exposure
Controlling How the Camera Sets Exposure
b6—Center Weight ( 194)
This option controls the size of the area assigned the greatest weight in centerweighted metering.
Camera meters circle 3 mm (0.12˝) in diameter (approximately 2% of
frame). Circle is centered on current focus area (in group dynamic AF, on
center focus area of current group; 78), making it possible to meter
off-center subjects (if non-CPU lens is used or if dynamic-area AF with
closest subject priority is in effect, camera will meter center focus area).
En sures that sub ject will be correctly ex posed, even when back ground is
much brighter or darker.
*
Spot
Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to area in center
of frame (defaults to area shown by 8-mm reference circle in viewfi nder).
Classic meter for portraits; recommended when using fi lters with an exposure factor (fi lter factor) over 1 × ( 249).
*
Center-
weighted
DescriptionMethod
1,005-pixel RGB sensor sets exposure based on variety of information
from all areas of frame. With type G or D lens, camera uses 3D color
matrix metering II for natural results even when frame is dominated by
bright (white or yellow) or dark (black or dark green) colors. With other
CPU lenses, 3D range information is not included; instead, camera uses
color matrix metering II. Color matrix metering is available when focal
length and maximum aperture of non-CPU lens are specifi ed using Non-
CPU lens data item in shooting menu ( 131; center-weighted metering
is used if focal length or aperture is not specifi ed). Matrix metering will
not produce desired results with autoexposure lock ( 97) or exposure
compensation ( 99), but is recommended in most other situations.
3D color
matrix II/
Color
matrix II/
Color
matrix
* For improved precision with non-CPU lenses, specify lens focal length and maximum
aperture in Non-CPU lens data menu ( 131).
Before shooting, press the metering selector lock
button and rotate the me ter ing selector to choose
a meth od suit ed to the com po si tion and light ing
conditions, and confi rm your se lec tion in the
viewfi nder.
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