Nikon 25462 Reference Manual

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Page 1

DIGITAL CAMERA

Reference Manual

Page 2

Where to Find It

Find what you’re looking for from:

A For Your Safety

Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions in “For Your Safety” (0 xi–xvi).

Help

Use the camera’s on-board help feature for help on menu items and other topics. See page 11 for details.

Digitutor

“Digitutor”, a series of “watch and learn” manuals in movie form, is available from the following website: http://www.nikondigitutor.com/index_eng.html

The Table of Contents

➜

0 vi–x

Find items by function or menu name.

The Q&A Index

➜

0 ii–v

Know what you want to do but don’t know the function name?

Find it from

the “question and answer” index.

The Index

➜

0 194–196

Search by key word.

Error Messages

➜

0 183–185

If a warning is displayed in the viewfinder or monitor, find the solution here.

Troubleshooting

➜

0 179–182

Camera behaving unexpectedly?

Find the solution here.

Page 3

Q&A Index 0 ii

Table of Contents 0 vi

Introduction 0 1

Basic Photography and Playback 0 25

Guide Mode 0 35

More on Playback 91

Full-Frame Playback................................................................................................................91

Photo Information.................................................................................................................. 92

Thumbnail Playback ...............................................................................................................97

Calendar Playback...................................................................................................................98

Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom..............................................................................99

Protecting Photographs from Deletion........................................................................ 100

Deleting Photographs ........................................................................................................ 101

Full-Frame, Thumbnail, and Calendar Playback........................................................101

The Playback Menu..............................................................................................................102

Slide Shows............................................................................................................................. 104

Connections 105

Connecting to a Computer ............................................................................................... 105

Before Connecting the Camera.......................................................................................105

Connecting the Camera.....................................................................................................106

Printing Photographs.......................................................................................................... 107

Connecting the Printer.......................................................................................................107

Printing Pictures One at a Time.......................................................................................108

Printing Multiple Pictures..................................................................................................110

Creating Index Prints...........................................................................................................113

Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set .........................................................................114

Viewing Photographs on TV ............................................................................................. 116

Menu Guide 117

D The Playback Menu: Managing Images............................................................................ 117

Playback Folder.................................................................................................................117

Display Mode.....................................................................................................................118

Image Review ....................................................................................................................118

Rotate Tall...........................................................................................................................118

C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options ............................................................................ 119

Reset Shooting Options.................................................................................................119

ISO Sensitivity Settings ..................................................................................................120

Color Space ........................................................................................................................121

Noise Reduction ...............................................................................................................122

AF-Assist..............................................................................................................................122

Built-in Flash ......................................................................................................................123

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B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup .......................................................................................... 124

Reset Setup Options....................................................................................................... 125

LCD Brightness................................................................................................................. 125

Info Display Format ........................................................................................................ 125

Auto Info Display............................................................................................................. 127

Video Mode ....................................................................................................................... 127

Time Zone and Date....................................................................................................... 127

Language ........................................................................................................................... 127

Image Comment.............................................................................................................. 128

Auto Image Rotation...................................................................................................... 128

Dust off Ref Photo ........................................................................................................... 129

Auto off Timers................................................................................................................. 130

Self-Timer Delay............................................................................................................... 131

Remote on Duration....................................................................................................... 131

Beep ..................................................................................................................................... 131

Viewfinder Options......................................................................................................... 132

File Number Sequence.................................................................................................. 133

Buttons................................................................................................................................ 134

No Memory Card? ........................................................................................................... 136

Date Imprint ...................................................................................................................... 136

Active Folder ..................................................................................................................... 138

Eye-Fi Upload.................................................................................................................... 139

Firmware Version............................................................................................................. 139

N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies ................................................................. 140

Creating Retouched Copies ............................................................................................. 141

D-Lighting.......................................................................................................................... 142

Red-Eye Correction ......................................................................................................... 142

Trim ...................................................................................................................................... 143

Monochrome .................................................................................................................... 143

Filter Effects....................................................................................................................... 144

Color Balance .................................................................................................................... 145

Small Picture ..................................................................................................................... 145

Image Overlay................................................................................................................... 147

NEF (RAW) Processing.................................................................................................... 149

Quick Retouch .................................................................................................................. 150

Color Outline..................................................................................................................... 150

Miniature Effect................................................................................................................ 150

Stop-Motion Movie......................................................................................................... 151

Before and After............................................................................................................... 154

m Recent Settings.................................................................................................................155

Technical Notes 157

Compatible Lenses...............................................................................................................157

Compatible CPU Lenses .................................................................................................... 157

Compatible Non-CPU Lenses .......................................................................................... 159

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Optional Flash Units (Speedlights)................................................................................. 162

The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)..................................................................162

Other Accessories ................................................................................................................. 166

Approved Memory Cards ..................................................................................................167

Attaching a Power Connector and AC Adapter.........................................................168

Caring for the Camera......................................................................................................... 169

Storage .....................................................................................................................................169

Cleaning...................................................................................................................................169

The Low-Pass Filter ..............................................................................................................170

Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions............................................................. 174

Available Settings................................................................................................................. 176

Memory Card Capacity ....................................................................................................... 177

Exposure Program................................................................................................................178

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................... 179

Display......................................................................................................................................179

Shooting (All Modes)...........................................................................................................180

Shooting (P, S, A, M)...........................................................................................................181

Playback...................................................................................................................................182

Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................182

Error Messages....................................................................................................................... 183

Specifications ......................................................................................................................... 186

Battery Life ..............................................................................................................................193

Index.......................................................................................................................................... 194

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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:

❚❚ WARNINGS

Keep the sun out of the frame

Keep the sun well out of the frame when shooting backlit subjects. Sunlight focused into the camera when the sun is in or close to the frame could cause a fire.

Do not look at the sun through the viewfinder

Viewing the sun or other strong light source through the viewfinder could cause permanent visual impairment.

Using the viewfinder diopter control

When operating the viewfinder diopter control with your eye to the viewfinder, care should be taken not to put your finger in your eye accidentally.

Turn off immediately in the event of malfunction

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

Do not use in the presence of flammable gas

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

Keep out of reach of children

Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury.

Do not disassemble

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

Do not place the 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.

Observe caution when using the flash

• Using the camera with the flash in close contact with the skin or other objects could cause burns.

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

Avoid contact with liquid crystal

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

This icon marks warnings. To prevent possible injury, read all warnings before using this Nikon product.

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xii

Observe proper precautions when handling batteries

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

• Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment.

• Do not short or disassemble the battery.

• Be sure the product is off before

replacing the battery. If you are using an AC adapter, be sure it is unplugged.

• Do not attempt to insert the battery upside down or backwards.

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

• Do not immerse in or expose to water.

• Replace the terminal cover when

transporting the battery. Do not transport or store the battery with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.

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

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

• The battery may be hot immediately after use or when the product has been used on battery power for an extended period. Before removing the battery turn the camera off and allow the battery to cool.

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

Observe proper precautions when handling the quick charger

• Keep dry. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire 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 fire.

• 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, or forcibly tug or bend the power cable. Do not place it under heavy objects or expose it to heat or flame. Should the insulation be damaged and the wires become exposed, take the power cable to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.

• Do not handle the plug or charger with wet hands. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.

• Do not use with travel converters or adapters designed to convert from one voltage to another or with DC-to-AC inverters. Failure to observe this precaution could damage the product or cause overheating or fire.

Use appropriate cables

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

CD-ROMs

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

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Notices

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

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

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

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

Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement

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

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.

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

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

CAUTIONS

Modifications

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

Interface Cables

Use the interface cables sold or provided by Nikon for your equipment.

Using other interface cables may exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.

Notice for Customers in the State of California WARNING: Handling the cord on this product

may 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

D3000

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Notices for Customers in Canada CAUTION

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

AT TE NTI ON

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Notice for Customers in Europe

This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected separately.

The following apply only to users in European countries:

• This product is designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household waste.

• For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management.

This symbol on the battery indicates that the battery is to be collected separately.

The following apply only to users in European countries:

• All batteries, whether marked with this symbol or not, are designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household waste.

• For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management.

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 files 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 refill it with images containing no private information (for example, pictures of empty sky). Be sure to also replace any pictures selected for preset manual white balance (0 83). Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically destroying data storage devices.

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

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

The use of non-Nikon electronic accessories could damage the camera and may void your Nikon warranty. The use of third-party rechargeable Li-ion batteries not bearing the Nikon holographic seal shown at right could interfere with normal operation of the camera or result in the batteries overheating, igniting, rupturing, or leaking.

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

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Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

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

• Items prohibited by law from being copied or

reproduced

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

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

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

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

• Cautions on certain copies and reproductions

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

• Comply with copyright notices

The copying or reproduction of copyrighted creative works such as books, music, paintings, woodcuts, 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.

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A Before Taking Important Pictures

Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.

A Life-Long Learning

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

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

• For users in Europe 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 information, tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the following URL for contact information: http://imaging.nikon.com/

Page 19

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. To get the most from your camera, please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly and keep them where they will be read by all who use the product.

❚❚ Symbols and Conventions

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

Overview

This icon marks cautions; information that should be read before use to prevent damage to the camera.

This icon marks notes; information that should be read before using the camera.

This icon marks references to other pages in this manual.

D Use Only Nikon Brand Accessories

Only Nikon brand accessories certified by Nikon specifically for use with your Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within its operational and safety requirements. THE USE OF NON-NIKON ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA AND MAY VOID YOUR NIKON WARRANTY.

D Servicing the Camera and Accessories

The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing. Nikon recommends that the camera be inspected by the original retailer or a Nikon-authorized service representative once every one to two years, and that it be serviced once every three to five years (note that fees apply to these services). Frequent inspection and servicing are particularly recommended if the camera is used professionally. Any accessories regularly used with the camera, such as lenses or optional flash units, should be included when the camera is inspected or serviced.

A Camera Settings

The explanations in this manual assume that default settings are used.

Page 20

Getting to Know the Camera

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

The Camera Body

3 4

1 Mode dial...................................4

2 Focal plane mark (E) .......... 49

3 R (information) button.........6

4 E (exposure compensation)

button................................... 77

N (aperture) button............. 71

Flash compensation button

................................................ 79

5 Shutter-release button ........ 29

6 Power switch.......................... 25

7 AF-assist illuminator............. 43

Self-timer lamp...................... 56

Red-eye reduction lamp ..... 60

8 Infrared receiver ....................56

9 BF-1A body cap 10 CPU contacts

11 Built-in flash............................58

12 M (flash mode) button ......... 58

Y (flash compensation)

button................................... 79

13 Eyelet for camera strap 14 Connector cover

15 E (self-timer) button ...........57

Fn (function) button ...........134

16 Mounting index..................... 16

17 Lens release button ..............17

18 Mirror......................................172

19 Lens mount.............................49

20 BS-1 accessory shoe cover

..............................................162

21 Accessory shoe (for optional

flash unit) ...........................162

22 VIDEO-OUT connector........116

23 Reset switch..........................179

24 USB connector

Connecting to a

computer............................106

Connecting to a printer ..107

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The Camera Body (Continued)

1 Viewfinder eyepiece..............23

2 DK-20 rubber eyecup 3 Monitor

Viewing settings...................6

Viewing pictures.................32

Full-frame playback...........91

4 K (playback) button ..... 32, 91

5 G (menu) button.....11, 117

6 W (thumbnail/playback

zoom out) button...............97

Q (help) button.......................11

7 X (playback zoom in)

button................................... 99

P (information edit)

button......................................7

8 Tripod socket 9 Diopter adjustment

control.................................. 23

10 A (AE-L/AF-L)

button.......................... 47, 135

L (protect) button ..........100

11 Command dial ..........................8

12 Memory card slot cover....... 20

13 Multi selector ......................... 12

14 J (OK) button .......................12

15 Memory card access lamp

......................................... 20, 29

16 O (delete) button

Deleting pictures................33

Deleting pictures during

playback.............................101

17 Power connector cover for

optional power connector

..............................................168

18 Battery-chamber cover latch

................................................15

19 Battery-chamber cover ........15

Page 22

The Mode Dial

The camera offers a choice of the following modes:

❚❚ P, S, A, and M Modes

Select these modes for full control over camera settings.

P—Programmed auto (0 68): Camera chooses shutter speed and aperture, user controls other settings.

S— Shutter-priority auto (0 69): Choose fast shutter speeds to freeze action, slow shutter speeds to suggest motion by blurring moving objects.

A— Aperture-priority auto (0 70): Adjust aperture to soften background details or increase depth-of-field to bring both main subject and background into focus.

M—Manual (0 71): Match shutter speed and aperture to your creative intent.

❚❚ GUIDE Mode

g (0 35): Take and view pictures and adjust settings with the help of an on-screen guide.

❚❚ Auto Modes

Select these modes for simple, point-andshoot photography.

i Auto (0 25): Camera adjusts settings automati- cally to produce optimal results with “point-andshoot” simplicity. Recommended for first-time users of digital cameras.

j Auto (flash off) (0 25): As above, except that the flash will not fire even when lighting is poor.

❚❚ Scene Modes

Selecting a scene mode automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene.

k Portrait (0 30): Shoot portraits with back- ground in soft focus.

l Landscape (0 30): Preserve details in landscape shots.

p Child (0 31): Create portraits of children. Clothing and background details are vividly rendered while skin tones remain soft and natural.

m Sports (0 31): Freeze motion for dynamic sports shots.

n Close up (0 31): Take vivid close-ups of flowers, insects, and other small objects.

o Night portrait (0 31): Shoot portraits against a dimly-lit backdrop.

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The Viewfinder

2 3 4

6 7

1614

1918

10 128

91311

1 Framing grid (displayed when

On is selected for Viewfinder options > Viewfinder grid in the

setup menu) .....................132

2 Reference circle for center-

weighted metering............74

3 Card warning indicator...... 183

4 Battery indicator ....................25

5 Focus points............................46

6 Focus indicator................28, 49

7 Autoexposure (AE) lock

indicator................................75

8 Shutter speed ..................69, 71

9 Aperture (f-number) ......70, 71

10 Battery indicator ................... 25

11 Number of exposures

remaining ...........................26

Number of shots remaining

before memory buffer

fills .........................................54

White balance recording

indicator............................... 83

Exposure compensation value

................................................ 76

Flash compensation

value ..................................... 78

ISO sensitivity......................... 62

12 “K” (appears when memory

remains for over 1000

exposures)........................... 26

13 Flash-ready indicator............ 29

14 Flexible program

indicator............................... 68

15 Exposure indicator ................71

Exposure compensation

display...................................77

Electronic rangefinder .......132

16 Flash compensation

indicator............................... 78

17 Exposure compensation

indicator............................... 76

18 Auto ISO sensitivity

indicator.............................120

19 Warning indicator ...............183

D No Battery

When the battery is exhausted or no battery is inserted, the display in the viewfinder will dim. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction. The viewfinder display will return to normal when a fully-charged battery is inserted.

D The Viewfinder Display

Owing to the characteristics of this type of viewfinder display, you may notice fine lines radiating outward from the selected focus point. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

D The Viewfinder

The response time and brightness of the viewfinder display may vary with temperature.

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The Information Display

Shooting information, including shutter speed, aperture, and the number of exposures remaining, is displayed in the monitor when the R button is pressed.

Camera in normal orientation

Camera rotated 90° to shoot

in tall (portrait) orientation

R button

28 27 26 25 24 23

19 18 17 16 15 14

111098 13

29 28 27 26 25 24 23

15 14

22 21

18 17

1 Shooting mode

i auto/

j auto (flash off) .............. 25

Scene modes ...................... 30

Guide mode ........................ 35

P, S, A, and M modes........... 67

2 Aperture (f-number) ......70, 71

3 Shutter speed ..................69, 71

4 Shutter-speed display.............7

5 Aperture display.......................7

6 Exposure indicator................ 71

Exposure compensation

indicator............................... 77

Electronic rangefinder....... 132

7 Auto-area AF indicator ........ 45

3D-tracking indicator........... 45

Focus point............................. 46

8 Help icon................................183

9 Flash mode..............................59

10 Exposure compensation......76

11 Flash compensation..............78

12 Number of exposures

remaining ............................26

13 “K” (appears when memory

remains for over 1000

exposures)............................26

Active D-Lighting

...................64

15 Metering ..................................74

16 AF-area mode.........................44

17 Focus mode.............................41

18 Release mode .........................53

19 ISO sensitivity .........................62

20 White balance........................ 80

21 Image size............................... 52

22 Image quality ......................... 50

23 Battery indicator.................... 25

24 “Beep” indicator ..................131

25 Picture Control....................... 87

26 Auto ISO sensitivity

indicator.............................120

27 Manual flash indicator .......123

Flash compensation indicator

for optional flash units ...164

28 Date imprint indicator .......136

29 Eye-Fi connection

indicator.............................139

Page 25

❚❚ Changing Settings in the Information Display

To change settings for the items listed in the information display, press the P button. Highlight items using the multi selector and press J to view options for the highlighted item.

Some

items can also be adjusted using the command dial and camera buttons (0 8).

A The Shutter-Speed and Aperture Displays

These displays provide visual indications of shutter speed and aperture.

Fast shutter speed, large

aperture (small f-number).

Slow shutter speed, small

aperture (large f-number).

While the mode dial is rotated, this display is replaced by an image of the mode dial.

A Turning the Monitor Off

To clear information from the display, press the R button again. Note that the monitor turns off automatically while the shutter-release is pressed or if no operations are performed for 8 s (the default value). The information display can be restored by pressing the R button.

A See Also

For information on choosing how long the monitor stays on, see Auto off timers (0 130). For information on choosing a design for the information display, see Info display format, (0 125). For information on choosing whether information is displayed when the shutterrelease button is pressed; see Auto info display (0 127).

P button

Page 26

The Command Dial

The command dial can be used with other controls to adjust a variety of settings when shooting information is displayed in the monitor.

Choose a combination of aperture and shutter speed (mode P; 0 68).

Mode P Command dial Information display

Choose a shutter speed (mode S or M; 0 69, 71).

Mode S or M Command dial Information display

Choose an aperture (mode A; 0 70).

Mode A Command dial

Information display

Choose an aperture (mode M; 0 71).

Mode M E button Command dial Information display

Command dial

M button: flash mode and flash compensation

Fn (E) button: release mode,

image quality and size, ISO sensitivity, white balance,

ctive D-Lighting,

or framing grid display

Mode dial

E button:

aperture, exposure compensation, and flash compensation

Page 27

Set exposure compensation (mode P, S, or A; 0 76).

Mode P, S, or A

E button Command dial Information display

Choose a flash mode (0 59).

M button Command dial Information display

Adjust flash compensation (mode P, S, A, or M; 0 78).

P, S, A, or M M button E button Command dial Information display

Page 28

The Power Switch

Rotate the power switch as shown to turn the camera on.

Rotate the power switch as shown to turn the camera off.

The role of the Fn (E) button can be selected using the Buttons >

E/Fn button option in the setup menu

(0 134), allowing the following settings to be adjusted by pressing the Fn (E) button and rotating the command dial:

Fn (E) button Command dial

Release mode (0 53) White balance (080)

Image quality and size (0 50) Active D-Lighting (0 64)

ISO sensitivity (0 62) Set framing grid (0 132)

Viewfinder

Page 29

Camera Menus

Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus.

To view the

menus, press the G button.

Ta b s

Choose from the following menus:

•

D: Playback (0 117) • N: Retouch (0 140)

• C: Shooting (0 119) • m: Recent settings (0 155)

• B: Setup (0 124)

If a d icon is displayed at the bottom left corner of the monitor, help can be displayed by pressing the Q (W) button. A description of the currently selected option or menu will be displayed while the button is pressed. Press

1 or 3 to scroll through the display.

A Guide Mode

To display the guide menu, rotate the mode dial to GUIDE (0 35).

G button

Slider shows position in current menu.

Current settings are shown by icons.

Menu options

Options in current menu.

Q (W) button

Page 30

Using Camera Menus

The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the camera menus.

Follow the steps below to navigate the menus.

1 Display the menus.

Press the G button to display the menus.

2 Highlight the icon for the current menu.

Press 4 to highlight the icon for the current menu.

3 Select a menu.

Press 1 or 3 to select the desired menu.

Select highlighted item or display sub-menu

Move cursor up

Move cursor down

J button: select highlighted item

Cancel and return to

previous menu

G button

Page 31

4 Position the cursor in the selected menu.

Press 2 to position the cursor in the selected menu.

5 Highlight a menu item.

Press 1 or 3 to highlight a menu item.

6 Display options.

Press 2 to display options for the selected menu item.

7 Highlight an option.

Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option.

8 Select the highlighted item.

Press J to select the highlighted item. To exit without making a selection, press the G button.

Note the following:

• Menu items that are displayed in gray are not currently available.

• While pressing 2 generally has the same effect as pressing J, there are some

cases in which selection can only be made by pressing J.

• To exit the menus and return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button

halfway (0 29).

Page 32

First Steps

Charge the Battery

The camera is powered by an EN-EL9a rechargeable Li-ion battery (supplied). To maximize shooting time, charge the battery in the supplied MH-23 quick charger before use.

About one hour and forty minutes are required to fully recharge the

battery when no charge remains.

1 Plug the charger in.

Insert the AC adapter plug into the battery charger and plug the power cable into an electrical outlet.

2 Remove the terminal cover.

Remove the terminal cover from the battery.

3 Insert the battery.

Insert the battery as shown in the illustration on the charger.

The CHARGE lamp will blink while the

battery charges.

4 Remove the battery when charging is

complete.

Charging is complete when the CHARGE lamp stops blinking.

Remove the battery and unplug

the charger.

EL-EL9a

7.2V 1080mAh

7.8Wh

Termi na l cover

Battery

charging

Charging complete

EL-EL9a

7.2V 1080mAh

7.8Wh

EL-EL9a

7.2V 1080mAh

7.8Wh

Page 33

Insert the Battery

1 Turn the camera off.

2 Open the battery-chamber cover.

Unlatch (q) and open (w) the battery-chamber cover.

3 Insert the battery.

Insert the battery as shown at right.

4 Close the battery-chamber cover.

A Inserting and Removing Batteries

Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing batteries.

D The Battery and Charger

Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xi–xii and 174–175 of this manual. Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0°C (32 °F) or above 40°C (104°F). Charge the battery indoors at ambient temperatures between 5–35°C (41–95°F); for best results, charge the battery at temperatures above 20°C (68 °F).

Battery capacity may temporarily

drop if the battery is charged at low temperatures.

The battery may be hot immediately after use. Wait for the battery to cool before recharging.

Use the charger with compatible batteries only. Unplug when not in use.

Power switch

Page 34

Attach a Lens

Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens is removed.

The lens generally used in this manual for illustrative purposes is an AF-S

DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR.

1 Turn the camera off.

2 Remove the rear lens cap and the

camera body cap.

3 Attach the lens.

Keeping the mounting index on the lens aligned with the mounting index on the camera body, position the lens in the camera’s bayonet mount (q). Being careful not to press the lensrelease button, rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it clicks into place (w).

Slide the A-M switch to A (autofocus; if the lens has an M/A-M switch, select M/A for autofocus with manual priority).

D Autofocus

Autofocus is supported with only AF-S and AF-I lenses, which are equipped with autofocus motors.

Autofocus is not available with other AF lenses.

Focal length scale

Focal length index

A-M mode switch (see below)

VR (vibration reduction) switch (0 17)

Mounting index

Rear lens cap

Lens cap

Focus ring (0 48, 191)

CPU contacts

(0 158)

Zoom ring

Page 35

❚❚ 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 (q) while turning the lens clockwise (w).

After removing the lens,

replace the lens caps and camera body cap.

❚❚ Vibration Reduction (VR)

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR lenses support vibration reduction (VR), which reduces blur caused by camera shake even when the camera is panned, allowing shutter speeds to be slowed by approximately 3 EV at a focal length of 55mm (Nikon measurements; effects vary with the user and shooting conditions).

To use vibration reduction, slide the VR switch to ON.

Vibration reduction is activated when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, reducing the effects of camera shake on the image in the viewfinder and simplifying the process of framing the subject and focusing in both autofocus and manual modes. When the camera is panned, vibration reduction applies only to motion that is not part of the pan (if the camera is panned horizontally, for example, vibration reduction will be applied only to vertical shake), making it much easier to pan the camera smoothly in a wide arc.

Vibration reduction can be turned off by sliding the VR switch to OFF.

Turn vibration reduction off when the camera is securely mounted on a tripod, but leave it on if the tripod head is not secured or when using a monopod.

D CPU Lenses with Aperture Rings

In the case of CPU lenses equipped with an aperture ring (0 158), lock aperture at the minimum setting (highest f-number).

D Vibration Reduction

Do not turn the camera off or remove the lens while vibration reduction is in effect. If power to the lens is cut while vibration reduction is on, the lens may rattle when shaken. This is not a malfunction, and can be corrected by reattaching the lens and turning the camera on. Vibration reduction is disabled while the built-in flash is charging. When vibration reduction is active, the image in the viewfinder may be blurred after the shutter is released. This does not indicate a malfunction.

Page 36

Basic Setup

A language-selection dialog will be displayed the first time the camera is turned on. Choose a language and set the time and date. Photographs can not be taken until you have set the time and date.

1 Turn the camera on.

A language-selection dialog will be displayed.

2 Select a language.

Press 1 or 3 to highlight the desired language and press J.

3 Choose a time zone.

A time-zone selection dialog will be displayed. Press 4 or 2 to highlight the local time zone (the UTC field shows the difference between the selected time zone and Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in hours) and press J.

4 Choose a date format.

Press 1 or 3 to choose the order in which the year, month, and day will be displayed.

Press J

to proceed to the next step.

5 Turn daylight saving time on or off.

Daylight saving time options will be displayed. Daylight saving time is off by default; if daylight saving time is in effect in the local time zone, press 1 to highlight On and press J.

Power switch

Page 37

6 Set the date and time.

The dialog shown at right will be displayed. Press 4 or 2 to selec t an item, 1 or 3 to change. Press J to set the clock and exit to shooting mode.

A The Setup Menu

Language and date/time settings can be changed at any time using the Language (0 127) and Time zone and date (0 127) options in the setup menu.

A The Clock Battery

The camera clock is powered by an independent, rechargeable power source, which is charged as necessary when the main battery is installed or the camera is powered by an optional EP-5 power connector and EH-5a AC adapter (0 168). Three days of charging will power the clock for about a month. If a message warning that the clock is not set is displayed when the camera is turned on, the clock battery is exhausted and the clock has been reset. Set the clock to the correct time and date.

A The Camera Clock

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.

Page 38

Insert a Memory Card

The camera stores pictures on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (available separately).

1 Turn the camera off.

2 Open the card slot cover.

Slide the card slot cover out (q) and open the card slot (w).

3 Insert the memory card.

Holding the memo ry card as shown at right, sl ide it in until it clicks into place.

The memory card

access lamp will light for a few seconds.

the memory card slot cover.

If this is the first time the memory card will be used in the camera or the card has been formatted in another device, format the card as described on page 21.

❚❚ Removing Memory Cards

After confirming that the access lamp is off, turn the camera off, open the memory card slot cover, and press the card in to eject it (q).

The card can then be

removed by hand (w).

A Inserting and Removing Memory Cards

Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing memory cards.

D Inserting Memory Cards

Inserting memory cards upside down or backwards could damage the camera or the card. Check to be sure the card is in the correct orientation.

Power switch

4.0

Front

Access lamp

4.0

Page 39

Format the Memory Card

Memory cards must be formatted before first use or after being formatted in other devices.

Format the card as described below.

1 Turn the camera on.

2 Display format options.

Press the G button to display the menus. Highlight Format memory card in the setup menu and press 2.

For more information on

using the menus, see page 11.

3 Highlight Ye s .

To exit without formatting the memory card, highlight No and press J.

4 Press J.

The message at right will be displayed while the card is formatted.

Do not remove the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until formatting is complete.

D 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 computer before proceeding (0 105).

Power switch

G button

Page 40

D Memory Cards

• Memory cards may be hot after use. Observe due caution when removing memory cards from the camera.

• Turn the power off before inserting or removing memory cards. Do not remove memory cards from the camera, turn the camera off, or remove 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 damage to the camera or card.

• Do not touch the card terminals with your fingers or metal objects.

• Do not bend, drop, or subject to strong physical shocks.

• Do not apply force to the card casing. Failure to observe this precaution could damage

the card.

• Do not expose to water, heat, high levels of humidity, or direct sunlight.

A The Write Protect Switch

Memory cards are equipped with a write protect switch to prevent accidental loss of data. When this switch is in the “lock” position, the memory card can not be formatted and photos can not be deleted or recorded (a beep will sound if you attempt to release the shutter). To unlock the memory card, slide the switch to the “write” position.

Write-protect switch

4.0

Page 41

Adjust Viewfinder Focus

The camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to accommodate individual differences in vision.

Check that the display in the viewfinder is in focus before

framing pictures in the viewfinder.

1 Remove the lens cap and turn the camera

on.

2 Focus the viewfinder.

Slide the diopter adjustment control up and down until the viewfinder display and focus point are in sharp focus.

When operating the control with your eye to the viewfinder, be careful not to put your fingers or fingernails in your eye.

A Adjusting Viewfinder Focus

If you are unable to focus the viewfinder as described above, select single-servo autofocus (AF-S; 0 42), single-point AF (c; 0 45), and the center focus point (0 46), and then frame a high-contrast subject in the center focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway to focus the camera. With the camera in focus, use the diopter adjustment control to bring the subject into clear focus in the viewfinder. If necessary, viewfinder focus can be further adjusted using optional corrective lenses (0 166).

Power switch

Focus point

Page 42

Page 43

Basic Photography and Playback

This section describes how to take photographs in i (auto) mode, an automatic “point-and-shoot” mode in which the majority of settings are controlled by the camera in response to shooting conditions, and in which the flash will fire automatically if the subject is poorly lit.

take photographs with the flash off while leaving the camera in control of other settings, rotate the mode dial to j to select auto (flash off ) mode.

Step 1: Turn the Camera On

1 Turn the camera on.

Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on. The information display will appear in the monitor.

2 Check the battery level.

Check the battery level in the information display or the viewfinder (if the monitor is off, press the R button to view the information display; if the monitor does not turn on, the battery is exhausted and must be recharged).

“Point-and-Shoot” Photography (i and j Modes)

Information display Viewfinder Description

L — Battery fully charged. K — Battery partially discharged.

H d

Low battery. Ready fully-charged spare battery or prepare to charge battery.

(blinks)

Battery exhausted; shutter release disabled. Charge or exchange battery.

Power switch

Page 44

3 Check the number of exposures

remaining.

The information display and viewfinder show the number of photographs that can be stored on the memory card.

Check the number of

exposures remaining.

If there is not enough memory to store additional photographs at current settings, a warning will be displayed.

No further pictures

can be taken until the memory card has been replaced (0 20) or photographs have been deleted (0 33, 101).

When enough memory remains on the memory card to record a thousand or more pictures at current settings, the number of exposures remaining will be shown in thousands, rounded down to the nearest hundred (e.g., if there is room for 1,260 exposures, the exposure count display will show 1.2 K).

A Auto Meter Off

At default settings, the viewfinder and information display will turn off if no operations are performed for about eight seconds (auto meter off ), reducing the drain on the battery. Press the shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the display (0 29).

The length of time before the exposure meters turn off automatically can be adjusted using the Auto off timers option in the setup menu (0 130).

A Image Sensor Cleaning

At default settings, the camera vibrates the low-pass filter covering the image sensor to remove dust when the camera is turned on or off (0 170).

8 s

Exposure meters on Exposure meters off Exposure meters on

Page 45

Step 2: Select i or j Mode

To shoot where use of a flash is prohibited, photograph infants, or capture natural lighting under low light conditions, rotate the mode dial to j. Otherwise, rotate the mode dial to i.

Step 3: Frame the Photograph

1 Ready the camera.

When framing photographs in the viewfinder, hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left.

Keep your elbows propped lightly against your torso for support and place one foot half a pace ahead of the other to keep your upper body stable.

Hold the camera as shown at right when framing photographs in portrait (tall) orientation.

In j mode, shutter speeds slow when lighting is poor; use of a tripod is recommended.

2 Frame the photograph.

Frame a photograph in the viewfinder with the main subject in at least one of the 11 focus points.

j mode i mode

Mode dial

Focus point

Page 46

Step 4: Focus

1 Press the shutter-release button halfway.

Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus.

The camera will select the focus points

automatically.

If the subject is poorly lit, the flash may pop up and the AF-assist illuminator may light.

2 Check the indicators in the viewfinder.

When the focus operation is complete, the selected focus points will be briefly highlighted, a beep will sound, and the in-focus indicator (I) will appear in the viewfinder.

While the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the number of exposures that can be stored in the memory buffer (“t”; 0 54) will be displayed in the viewfinder.

A Using a Zoom Lens

Use the zoom ring to zoom in on the subject so that it fills a larger area of the frame, or zoom out to increase the area visible in the final photograph (select longer focal lengths on the lens focal length scale index to zoom in, shorter focal lengths to zoom out).

In-focus indicator Description

I Subject in focus.

I (blinks)

Camera unable to focus using

autofocus. See page 42.

Zoom in

Zoom out

Zoom ring

In-focus indicator

Buffer

capacity

Page 47

Step 5: Shoot

Smoothly press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to release the shutter and record the photograph.

The access lamp next to the memory card slot cover will light and the photograph will be displayed in the monitor for a few seconds (the photo will automatically clear from the display when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway).

Do not eject the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until the lamp has gone out and recording is complete.

A The Shutter-Release Button

The camera has a two-stage shutter-release button. The camera focuses when the shutterrelease button is pressed halfway. To take the photograph, press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.

A The Built-in Flash

If additional lighting is required for correct exposure in i mode, the built-in flash will pop up automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. If the flash is raised, photographs can only be taken when the flash-ready indicator (M) is displayed. If the flashready indicator is not displayed, the flash is charging; remove your finger briefly from the shutter-release button and try again.

To save battery power when the flash is not in use, return it to its closed position by pressing it gently downward till the latch clicks into place.

A Using the Flash

For more information on using the flash, see page 58.

Access lamp

Page 48

Creative Photography (Scene Modes)

The camera offers a choice of “scene” modes. Choosing a scene mode automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography as simple as selecting a mode, framing a picture, and shooting as described on pages 25–29.

❚❚ The Mode Dial

The following scenes can be selected with the mode dial:

❚❚ Scene Modes

Mode

k Portrait l Landscape p Child

m Sports n Close up o Night portrait

Mode dial

kPor trait

Use for portraits with soft, naturallooking skin tones. If the subject is far from the background or a telephoto lens is used, background details will be softened to lend the composition a sense of depth.

lLandscape

Use for vivid landscape shots in daylight. The built-in flash and AF-assist illuminator turn off; use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur when lighting is poor.

Page 49

pChild

Use for snapshots of children. Clothing and background details are vividly rendered, while skin tones remain soft and natural.

mSports

Fast shutter speeds freeze motion for dynamic sports shots in which the main subject stands out clearly.

The built-in

flash and AF-assist illuminator turn off.

nClose Up

Use for close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other small objects (a macro lens can be used to focus at very close ranges). Use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur.

oNight Portrait

Use for a natural balance between the main subject and the background in portraits taken under low light.

Use of a

tripod is recommended to prevent blur.

Page 50

Basic Playback

At default settings, photographs are automatically displayed for about 4 s after shooting.

If no photograph is displayed in the monitor, the most recent picture can

be viewed by pressing the K button.

1 Press the K button.

A photograph will be displayed in the monitor.

2 View additional pictures.

Additional pictures can be displayed by pressing 4 or 2 or rotating the command dial.

To view additional information on the current photograph, press 1 and 3 (0 92).

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

K button

100D3000 DS

0001. JP

1/250 F 11

100

15/04/2009 10:02:27

3872x2592

NOROR

MALAL

AUTO A6, M1

–

1. 3 +1. 0

NIKON D30001/ 12

Page 51

Deleting Unwanted Photographs

To delete the photograph currently displayed in the monitor, press the O button. Note that photographs can not be recovered once deleted.

1 Display the photograph.

Display the photograph you wish to delete as described on the preceding page.

2 Delete the photograph.

Press the O button. A confirmation dialog will be displayed; press the O button again to delete the image and return to playback (to exit without deleting the picture, press K).

A Delete

To delete selected images (0 102), all images taken on a selected date (0 103), or all images in the current playback folder (0 117), use the Delete option in the playback menu.

O button

Page 52

Page 53

Guide Mode

The guide menu gives access to a variety of frequently-used and useful functions.

The top level of the guide menu is displayed when the

mode dial is rotated to g.

The Guide Menu

Choose from the following menus:

Shoot View/delete Set up

Take pictures. View and/or delete pictures. Change camera settings.

D Guide Mode

Guide mode is reset to Easy operation > Auto when the mode dial is rotated to another setting or the camera is turned off. If no other option is selected when the shutter-release button is pressed, the camera will take pictures in auto mode. If the monitor turns off, the top level menu can be displayed by pressing the G button. To increase the time the monitor remains on when no operations are performed, select Set up > Auto off timers in the guide menu.

A Displaying the Top Level of the Guide Menu

Press the G button at any time to return to the top level of the guide menu.

Battery indicator (0 25)

Shooting mode: A guide mode indicator appears on the shooting mode icon.

Number of exposures remaining (0 26)

Page 54

The following operations can be performed while the guide menu is displayed:

To Use Description

Highlight

options

Press 1 or 3 to highlight options in the guide menu.

Press 1, 3, 4, or 2 to highlight options in displays like that shown at right.

Select

highlighted

option

J Press J to select the highlighted option.

Return to

display

Press 4 to return to the previous display.

To cancel and return to the previous display from displays like that shown at right, highlight & and press J.

Return to top

level menu

G button

Press G to return to the top level of the guide menu.

View help

Q (W) button

If a d icon is displayed at the bottom left corner of the monitor, help can be displayed by pressing the Q (W) button.

A description of the currently selected option will be displayed while the button is pressed. Press 1 or 3 to scroll through the display.

d (help) icon

Page 55

Shoot: Taking Pictures in Guide Mode

Select Shoot to take pictures using settings that suit the scene.

Highlight Shoot in the top level of the guide menu and press J to display the following options:

Press G to display

guide menu

Highlight Shoot Press J to display options

Easy operation

Auto

Close-ups

Landscapes

1, 2

No flash

Sleeping faces

Portraits

Distant subjects

1, 2

Moving subjects

1, 2

Night portrait

Advanced operation

Soften backgrounds: Select aperture

Freeze motion (people): Select a shutter speed

Freeze motion (vehicles): Select a shutter speed

Timers & remote control

Single frame

Continuous

10-second self-timer

Delayed remote

Quick-response remote

1 Built-in flash turns off automatically.

Optional flash units can still be used (0 162).

2 AF-assist illuminator (0 43) turns off automatically. 3 If the subject is poorly lit, you can raise ISO sensitivity as described on page 62 after selecting

Start shooting.

Page 56

To select a scene (Easy operation > Auto in this example):

❚❚ More Settings

Select More settings to adjust the following:

Press 2

Highlight an option Highlight a scene

Press 2

Highlight Start shooting (to adjust the

settings listed below, select More

settings)

Press J to view camera settings in the

information display (0 6)

Flash mode

Picture Control

Release mode Exposure compensation

AF-area mode Flash compensation

1 Modes available vary with shooting option selected in guide mode. 2 Advanced operation only.

A Displaying the Top Level of the Guide Menu

Press the G button at any time to return to the top level of the guide menu.

Page 57

View/Delete: Viewing and Deleting Pictures in Guide Mode

Select View/delete to view and delete pictures.

Highlight View/delete in the top level of the guide menu and press J to display the following options:

To select an option (View single photos in this example):

Press G to display

guide menu

Highlight View/delete Press J to display options

View single photos View multiple photos Choose a date View a slide show Delete photos

Highlight an option Press J to select

A Displaying the Top Level of the Guide Menu

Press the G button at any time to return to the top level of the guide menu.

Page 58

Set up: Changing Camera Settings in Guide Mode

Select Set up to format memory cards or adjust camera settings.

Highlight Set up in the top level of the guide menu and press J to display the following options:

Changes to settings other than Playback folder, Print set (DPOF), Format memory

card, Video mode, Time zone and date, Language, No memory card?, and Eye-Fi upload only apply in guide mode and are not reflected in other shooting modes.

To select an option (Beep > Off in this example):

Press G to display

guide menu

Highlight Set up Press J to display options

Image quality LCD brightness Auto off timers Image size Info background color Beep Active D-Lighting Auto info display Date imprint Playback folder Video mode No memory card? Print set (DPOF) Time zone and date Eye-Fi upload

Format memory card Language

* Only available when compatible Eye-Fi memory card is inserted.

Highlight a setting Press J Highlight an option

Press J to select

A Displaying the Top Level of the Guide Menu

Press the G button at any time to return to the top level of the guide menu.

Page 59

More on Photography (All Modes)

Focus can be adjusted automatically or manually (see “Focus Mode,” below). The user can also select the focus point for automatic or manual focus (0 46) or use focus lock to focus to recompose photographs after focusing (0 46).

Focus Mode

Choose from automatic and manual focus modes.

1 Place the cursor in the information display.

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

2 Display focus-mode options.

Highlight the current focus mode in the information display and press J.

Focus

R button Information display P button

Page 60

3 Choose a focus mode.

Highlight one of the following options and press J.

Note that AF-S and AF-C are available only in

modes P, S, A, and M.

Option Description

AF-A

Auto-servo AFCamera automatically selects single-servo autofocus if subject is

stationary, continuous-servo autofocus if subject is moving.

AF-S

Single-servo AFFor stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter-release button

is pressed halfway.

AF-C

Continuousservo AF

For moving subjects. Camera focuses continuously while shutterrelease button is pressed halfway.

MF Manual focus Focus manually (0 48).

D Continuous-servo Autofocus

In AF-C mode or when continuous-servo autofocus is selected in AF-A mode, the camera gives priority to shutter response and the shutter may be released before the in-focus indicator is displayed.

A Getting Good Results with Autofocus

Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. The shutter release may be disabled if the camera is unable to focus under these conditions, or the in-focus indicator (I) may be displayed and the camera may sound a beep, allowing the shutter to be released even when the subject is not in focus. In these cases, focus manually (0 48) or use focus lock (0 46) to focus on another subject at the same distance and then recompose the photograph.

There is little or no contrast between the subject and the background.

Example: Subject is the same color as the background.

The focus point contains areas of sharply contrasting brightness.

Example: Subject is half in the shade.

The focus point contains objects at different distances from the camera.

Example: Subject is inside a cage.

Background objects appear larger than the subject.

Example: a building is in the frame behind the subject.

The subject is dominated by regular geometric patterns.

Example: A row of windows in a skyscraper.

The subject contains many fine details.

Example: A field of flowers or other subjects that are small or lack variation in brightness.

Page 61

D The AF-Assist Illuminator

If the subject is poorly lit, the AF-assist illuminator will light automatically to assist the autofocus operation when the shutterrelease button is pressed halfway. The AF-assist illuminator will not light:

• During continuous-servo autofocus or manual focus

• In shooting modes in which the AF-assist illuminator can not be

used (0 176)

• If Off has been selected for the AF-assist option in the shooting

menu (0 122)

The illuminator has a range of about 0.5–3.0 m (1 ft. 8 in.–9 ft. 10 in.); when using the illuminator, use a lens with a focal length of 18–200 mm and remove the lens hood.

A Focus Mode

Focus mode can also be selected from the shooting menu (0 119).

A The Beep Speaker

The Beep option in the setup menu (0 131) can be used to turn the beep speaker on or off.

-assist

illumi

nator

Page 62

AF-Area Mode

Choose how the focus point for autofocus is selected.

1 Place the cursor in the information display.

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

2 Display AF-area mode options.

Highlight the current AF-area mode in the information display and press J.

R button Information display P button

Page 63

3 Choose an AF-area mode.

Highlight one of the following options and press J.

f 3D-tracking (11 points) is not available

when AF-S is selected for focus mode.

Option Description

c Single point

User selects focus point using multi selector (0 46); camera focuses on subject in selected focus point only. Use with stationary subjects.

Dynamic area

In AF-A and AF-C focus modes, user selects focus point manually (0 46), but camera will focus based on information from surrounding focus points if subject briefly leaves selected point. Use with erratically moving subjects. In AF-S focus mode, user selects focus point manually (0 46); camera focuses on subject in selected focus point only.

e Auto-area Camera automatically detects subject and selects focus point.

3D-tracking (11 points)

In AF-A and AF-C focus modes, user selects focus point using multi selector (0 46). If subject moves after camera has focused, camera uses 3Dtracking to select new focus point and keep focus locked on original subject while shutter-release button is pressed halfway. If subject leaves viewfinder, remove your finger from shutter-release button and recompose photograph with subject in selected focus point.

A AF-Area Mode

AF-area mode can also be selected from the shooting menu (0 119). AF-area mode selections made in shooting modes other than P, S, A, or M are reset when another shooting mode is selected.

A 3D-tracking (11 Points)

When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the colors in the area surrounding the focus point are stored in the camera. Consequently 3D-tracking may not produce the desired results with subjects that are the same color as the background.

Page 64

Focus Point Selection

In manual focus mode or when autofocus is combined with AF-area modes other than e Auto-area, you can choose from 11 focus points, making it possible to compose photographs with the main subject almost anywhere in the frame.

1 Choose an AF-area mode other than

e Auto-area

(0 44).

2 Select the focus point.

Use the multi selector to select the focus point in the viewfinder or information display.

Press J to

select the center focus point.

Focus Lock

Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing in AF-A, AF-S, and AF-C focus modes (0 41), making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus point in the final composition.

If the camera is unable to focus using

autofocus (0 42), you can also focus on another subject at the same distance and then use focus lock to recompose the photograph.

Focus lock is most effective when

an option other than e Auto-area is selected for AF-area mode (0 44).

1 Focus.

Position the subject in the selected focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway to initiate focus.

Check that the in-focus indicator

(I) appears in the viewfinder.

Focus point

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2 Lock focus.

AF-A and AF-C focus modes: With the shutter-release

button pressed halfway (q), press the AE-L/AF-L button (w) to lock both focus and exposure (an AE-L icon will be displayed in the viewfinder). Focus will remain locked while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if you later remove your finger from the shutter-release button.

AF-S focus mode: Focus will lock automatically when the in-focus indicator appears, and remain locked until you remove your finger from the shutterrelease button.

Focus can also be locked by pressing the AE-L/AF-L button (see

above).

3 Recompose the photograph and shoot.

Focus will remain locked between shots if you keep the shutter-release button pressed halfway (AF-S) or keep the AE-L/AF-L button pressed, allowing several photographs in succession to be taken at the same focus setting.

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.

A The AE-L/AF-L Button

The Buttons > AE-L/AF-L option in the setup menu (0 135) controls the behavior of the

AE-L/AF-L button.

Shutter-release button

AE-L/AF-L button

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Manual Focus

Manual focus can be used when you are not using an AF-S or AF-I lens or when autofocus does not produce the desired results (0 42).

1 Set the lens focus-mode switch.

If the lens is equipped with an A-M or M/A-M switch, slide the switch to M.

2 Focus.

To focus manually, adjust the lens focus ring until the image displayed on the clear matte field in the viewfinder is in focus.

Photographs can be taken at any time, even

when the image is not in focus.

A AF-S Lenses

Users of AF-S lenses (including the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR lens used in this manual for illustrative purposes; 0 191) can select manual focus simply by setting the lens focus-mode switch to M.

A M/A

If the lens supports M/A (autofocus with manual override, MF priority), manual focus can also be selected by setting the camera focus mode to MF (manual focus; 0 41). Focus can then be adjusted manually, regardless of the mode selected with the lens.

A-M switch

M/A-M

switch

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❚❚ The Electronic Rangefinder

If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the subject in the selected focus point is in focus (the focus point can be selected from any of the 11 focus points).

After positioning the subject in the selected focus point, press the shutter-release button halfway and rotate the lens focus ring until the in-focus indicator (I) is displayed.

Note that with the subjects listed on page 42, the in-focus indicator may sometimes be displayed when the subject is not in focus; confirm focus in the viewfinder before shooting.

A 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 flange and the focal plane is 46.5 mm (1.83 in.).

A The Exposure Indicator

If desired, the exposure indicator can be used to determine whether the focus point for manual focus is in front of or behind the subject (0 132).

Focal plane mar

46.5 mm

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Image Quality and Size

Together, image quality and size determine how much space each photograph occupies on the memory card.

Larger, higher quality images can be printed at larger

sizes but also require more memory, meaning that fewer such images can be stored on the memory card (0 177).

Image Quality

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

1 Place the cursor in the information display.

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

2 Display image quality options.

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

3 Choose a file type.

Highlight one of the following options and press

R button Information display P button

Option File type Description

NEF (RAW) NEF

Raw 12-bit data from the image sensor are saved directly to the memory card. Choose for images that will be processed on a computer.

JPEG fine

JPEG

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

JPEG normal

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

JPEG basic

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

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NEF (RAW) +

JPEG basic

NEF/ JPEG

Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one basicquality JPEG image.

A NEF (RAW) Images

Note that the option selected for image size does not affect the size of NEF (RAW) or NEF (RAW) +JPEG images. Date imprint (0 136) is not available at image quality settings of NEF (RAW) or NEF (RAW) +JPEG.

NEF (RAW) images can be viewed on the camera or using software such as Capture NX 2 (available separately; 0 167) or ViewNX (available on the supplied Software Suite CD). JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) images can be created using the NEF (RAW) processing option in the retouch menu (0 149).

A NEF (RAW)/NEF+JPEG

When photographs taken at 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.

A File Names

Photographs are stored as image files with names of the form “DSC_nnnn.xxx,” where nnnn is a four-digit number between 0001 and 9999 assigned automatically in ascending order by the camera, and xxx is one of the following three letter extensions: “NEF” for NEF images, “JPG” for JPEG images, or “AVI” for stop-motion movies. The NEF and JPEG files recorded at a setting of NEF (RAW) + JPEG basic have the same file names but different extensions. Small copies created with the small picture option in the retouch menu have file names beginning with “SSC_” and ending with the extension “.JPG” (e.g., “SSC_0001.JPG”). Stop motion movies have file names beginning with “ASC_” (e.g., “ASC_0001.AVI”); images recorded with the other options in the retouch menu have file names beginning with “CSC” (e.g., “CSC_0001. JPG”). Images recorded with the Color space option in the shooting menu set to Adobe RGB (0 121) have names that begin with an underscore (e.g., “_DSC0001.JPG”).

A The Shooting Menu

Image quality can also be adjusted using the Image quality option in the shooting menu (0 119).

A The Fn Button

Image quality and size can also be adjusted by pressing the Fn (E) button and rotating the command dial (0 134).

Option File type Description

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Image Size

Image size is measured in pixels.

1 Place the cursor in the information display.

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

2 Display image size options.

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

3 Choose an image size.

Highlight one of the following options and press

R button Information display P button

Image size Size (pixels) Approximate size when printed at 200 dpi

# Large 3,872 × 2,592 49.2 × 32.9 cm (19.4 × 13.0 in.) $ Medium 2,896× 1,944 36.8 × 24.7 cm (14.5 × 9.7 in.) % Small 1,936 × 1,296 24.6 × 16.5 cm ( 9.7 × 6.5 in.)

A The Shooting Menu

Image size can also be adjusted using the Image size option in the shooting menu (0 119).

A The Fn Button

Image quality and size can also be adjusted by pressing the Fn (E) button and rotating the command dial (0 134).

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Release Mode

Release mode determines how the camera takes photographs: one at a time, in a continuous sequence, or with a timed shutter-release delay or remote control.

1 Place the cursor in the information display.

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

2 Display release mode options.

Highlight the current release mode in the information display and press J.

3 Choose a release mode.

Highlight one of the following options and press

R button Information display P button

Mode Description

8 Single frame

Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-release button is pressed.

I Continuous

Camera records about 3 frames per second while shutter-release button is held down.

E Self-timer

Use for self-portraits or to reduce blurring caused by camera shake (0 55).

" Delayed remote

Optional ML-L3 wireless remote control required. Shutter is released after two-second delay (0 55).

Quick-response remote

Optional ML-L3 wireless remote control required. Shutter is released immediately (0 55).

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A The Memory Buffer

The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. Up to 100 photographs can be taken in succession; note, however, that 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 buffer, recording may take from a few seconds to a few minutes. Do not remove the memory card or

remove or disconnect 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. 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.

A Continuous Release Mode

Continuous release mode (I) can not be used with the built-in flash; rotate the mode dial to

j (0 27) or turn the flash off (0 58–59).

A Buffer Size

The approximate number of images that can be stored in the memory buffer at current settings is shown in the viewfinder exposure-count display while the shutter-release button is pressed. The illustration shows the display when space remains in the buffer for about 21 pictures.

A Auto Image Rotation

The camera orientation recorded for the first shot applies to all images in the same burst, even if the camera is rotated during shooting. See “Auto Image Rotation” (0 128).

A The Shooting Menu

Release mode can also be adjusted using the Release mode option in the shooting menu (0 119).

A See Also

For information on using the Fn (E) button and the command dial to select a release mode, see page 134. For information on the number of photographs that can be taken in a single burst, see page 177.

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Self-Timer and Remote Modes

The self-timer and optional ML-L3 wireless remote control (0 167) can be used to reduce camera shake or for self-portraits.

1 Mount the camera on a tripod.

Mount the camera on a tripod or place the camera on a stable, level surface.

2 Select a release mode (0 53).

Select self-timer (E), delayed remote ("), or quick-response remote mode (#).

3 Frame the photograph.

A Using a Remote Control

If autofocus is in effect in delayed remote or quick-response remote mode, the camera can be focused by pressing the shutter-release button halfway (the shutter will not be released if the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down).

A Cover the Viewfinder

After framing the photograph, remove the DK-20 rubber eyecup (q) and insert the supplied DK-5 eyepiece cap as shown (w). This prevents light entering via the viewfinder interfering with exposure. Hold the camera firmly when removing the rubber eyecup.

DK-5 eyepiece cap

q w

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4 Take the photograph.

Self-timer mode: Press the shutter-

release button halfway to focus, and then press the button the rest of the way down to start the self-timer.

The self-timer lamp will start to blink and a beep will begin to sound.

Two seconds before the photograph is taken, the self-timer lamp will stop blinking and the beeping will become more rapid.

The shutter will be released ten seconds after the timer starts.

The timer will not start if the camera is unable to focus or in other situations in which the shutter can not be released.

Delayed remote and quick-response remote modes: From a distance of 5 m (16 ft.) or

less, aim the transmitter on the ML-L3 at the infrared receiver on the camera and press the shutter-release button on the ML-L3.

In delayed remote mode, the self-timer lamp will light for about two seconds before the shutter is released.

In quick-response remote mode, the self-timer lamp will flash after the shutter has been released. No picture will be taken if the camera is unable to focus or in other situations in which the shutter can not be released.

If no operations are performed for about five minutes after selecting delayed remote or quick-response remote modes, the camera will automatically return to single frame or continuous mode, cancelling remote control mode.

Turning the camera off cancels self-timer and remote release modes and restores single frame or continuous mode.

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D Before Using the Remote Control

Before using the remote control for the first time, remove the clear plastic battery insulator sheet.

D Using the Built-in Flash

Before taking a photograph with the flash in P, S, A, or M modes, press the M button to raise the flash and wait for the M indicator to be displayed in the viewfinder (0 58). Shooting will be interrupted if the flash is raised after the self-timer or delayed remote timer has started. In auto or scene modes in which the flash pops up automatically, the flash will begin charging when delayed remote or quick-response remote mode is selected; once the flash is charged, it will automatically pop up and fire if required when the shutter-release button on the ML-L3 is pressed. The camera will only respond to the shutter-release button on the ML-L3 once the flash has charged.

In flash modes that support red-eye reduction, the red-eye reduction lamp will light for about one second before the shutter is released. In delayed remote mode, the self-timer lamp will light for two seconds, followed by the red-eye reduction lamp, which lights for one second before the shutter is released to reduce red-eye.

A The E Button

Self-timer mode can also be selected by pressing the

E button (0 134).

A See Also

For information on changing the duration of the self-timer, see page 131. For information on choosing the length of time the camera will remain in standby mode before remote control mode is cancelled, see page 131. For information on controlling the beeps that sound when the self-timer and remote control are used, see page 131.

E button

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Using the Built-in Flash

The camera supports a variety of flash modes for photographing poorly lit or backlit subjects.

❚❚ Using the Built-in Flash: i, k, p, n, and o Modes

1 Choose a flash mode (0 59).

2 Take pictures.

The flash will pop up as required when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, and fire when a photograph is taken.

❚❚ Using the Built-in Flash: P, S, A, and M Modes

1 Raise the flash.

Press the M button to raise the flash.

2 Choose a flash mode (0 59).

3 Take pictures.

The flash will fire whenever a picture is taken.

❚❚ Lowering the Built-in Flash

To save power when the flash is not in use, press it gently downward until the latch clicks into place.

M button

Page 77

Flash Mode

To choose a flash mode:

1 Place the cursor in the information display.

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

2 Display flash mode options.

Highlight the current flash mode in the information display and press J.

3 Choose a flash mode.

Highlight a mode and press J. The flash modes available vary with shooting mode:

R button Information display P button

i, k, p, n o

No Auto

NYr

Auto+ slow sync+ red-eye reduction

NYo Auto +red-eye reduction

j Off Nr Auto +slow sync

j Off

P, A S, M

N Fill flash N Fill flash

NY Red-eye reduction NY Red-eye reduction

NYp Slow sync+ red-eye reduction Nq Rear-curtain sync

Np Slow sync

Nq*Rear curtain +slow sync

* p appears in information display when setting is complete.

Page 78

The flash modes listed on the previous page may combine one or more of the following settings, as shown by the flash mode icon:

• AUTO (auto flash): When lighting is poor or subject is back lit, flash pops up automatically

when shutter-release button is pressed halfway and fires as required.

• Y (red-eye reduction): Use for portraits. Red-eye reduction lamp lights before flash fires,

reducing “red-eye.”

• j (off): Flash does not fire even when lighting is poor or subject is back-lit.

• SLOW (slow sync): Shutter speed slows automatically to capture background lighting at

night or under low light. Use to include background lighting in portraits.

• REAR (rear-curtain sync): Flash fires just before shutter closes, creating a stream of light

behind moving light sources (below at right). If this icon is not displayed, flash will fire as the shutter opens (front-curtain sync; the effect this produces with moving light sources is shown below at left).

Front-curtain sync Rear-curtain sync

A Choosing a Flash Mode

The flash mode can also be selected by pressing the M button and rotating the command dial (in P, S, A, and M modes, raise the flash before using the M button to choose the flash mode).

M button Command

dial

Information display

A The Built-in Flash

For information on the lenses that can be used with the built-in flash, see page 160. Remove lens hoods to prevent shadows. The flash has a minimum range of 0.6 m (2 ft.) and can not be used in the macro range of macro zoom lenses.

The shutter release may be briefly disabled to protect the flash after it has been used for several consecutive shots. The flash can be used again after a short pause.

A Shutter Speeds Available with the Built-in Flash

The following shutter speeds are available with the built-in flash.

Mode Shutter speed Mode Shutter speed

i, k, p, P, A

/200–1/60 s S

/200–30 s

/200–1/125 s M

/200–30 s, bulb

/200–1 s

Page 79

A Aperture, Sensitivity, and Flash Range

Flash range varies with sensitivity (ISO equivalency) and aperture.

Aperture at ISO equivalent of Approximate range

100 200 400 800 1600 m ft.

1.4 2 2.8 4 5.6 1.0–8.5 3ft. 3in.–27ft. 11n. 2 2.8 4 5.6 8 0.7–6.0 2 ft. 4in.–19ft. 8in.

2.8 4 5.6 8 11 0.6–4.2 2ft.–13ft. 9in. 4 5.6 8 11 16 0.6–3.0 2ft.–9ft. 10in.

5.6 8 11 16 22 0.6–2.1 2ft.–6ft. 11in. 8 11162232 0.6–1.5 2ft.–4ft. 11in.

11 16 22 32 — 0.6–1.1 2ft.–3ft. 7in. 16 22 32 — — 0.6–0.7 2ft.–2ft. 4in.

Page 80

ISO Sensitivity

“ISO sensitivity” is the digital equivalent of film speed. The higher the ISO sensitivity, the less light needed to make an exposure, allowing higher shutter speeds or smaller apertures.

1 Place the cursor in the information display.

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

2 Display ISO sensitivity options.

Highlight the current ISO sensitivity in the information display and press J.

3 Choose an ISO sensitivity.

Highlight an option and press J. ISO sensitivity can be set between values roughly equivalent to ISO 100 and ISO 1600 in steps equivalent to 1 EV. For special situations, ISO sensitivity can be raised above ISO 1600 by about 1 EV (Hi 1, equivalent to ISO 3200).

Auto and scene modes also offer an AUTO option, which allows the camera to set ISO sensitivity automatically in response to lighting conditions.

R button Information display P button

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A AUTO

If the mode dial is rotated to P, S, A, or M after AUTO is selected for ISO sensitivity in another mode, the ISO sensitivity last selected in P, S, A, or M mode will be restored.

A Hi 1

Pictures taken at this setting are more likely to be subject to noise and color distortion.

A The Shooting Menu

ISO sensitivity can also be adjusted using the ISO sensitivity settings option in the shooting menu (0 120).

A See Also

For information on enabling auto ISO sensitivity control in P, S, A, or M modes, see page 120. For information on using the Noise reduction option in the shooting menu to reduce noise at high ISO sensitivities, see page 122. For information on using the Fn (E) button and the command dial to select ISO sensitivity, see page 134.

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Active D-Lighting

If On is selected, the camera automatically adjusts Active D-Lighting during shooting to preserve details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast.

Use for high contrast scenes, for example when photographing brightly lit outdoor scenery through a door or window or taking pictures of shaded subjects on a sunny day.

It is most effective when used with L Matrix metering (0 74).

1 Place the cursor in the information display.

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

2 Display Active D-Lighting options.

Highlight Active D-Lighting in the information display and press J.

3 Choose an option.

Highlight " On or ! Off and press J.

Active D-Lighting: ! Off Active D-Lighting: " On

R button Information display P button

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D Active D-Lighting

Noise (graininess, banding, and mottling) may appear in photographs taken with Active D-Lighting at high ISO sensitivities. More time is required to record images when Active D-Lighting is on.

D “Active D-Lighting” Versus “D-Lighting”

The Active D-Lighting option in the shooting menu adjusts exposure before shooting to optimize the dynamic range, while the D-Lighting option in the retouch menu (0 142) optimizes dynamic range in images after shooting.

A The Shooting Menu

Active D-Lighting can also be adjusted using the Active D-Lighting option in the shooting menu (0 119).

A See Also

For information on using the Fn (E) button and command dial to turn Active D-Lighting on and off, see page 134.

Page 84

Page 85

P, S, A, and M Modes

P, S, A, and M modes offer different degrees of control over shutter

speed and aperture:

Shutter Speed and Aperture

Mode Description

Programmed auto (0 68)

Camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure. Recommended for snapshots and in other situations in which there is little time to adjust camera settings.

Shutter-priority auto (0 69)

User chooses shutter speed; camera selects aperture for best results.

Use to freeze or blur motion.

Aperture-priority auto (0 70)

User chooses aperture; camera selects shutter speed for best results. Use to blur background or bring both foreground and background into focus.

M Manual (0 71)

User controls both shutter speed and aperture. Set shutter speed to “bulb” or “time” for long time-exposures.

D Lens Aperture Rings

When using a CPU lens equipped with an aperture ring (0 158), lock the aperture ring at the minimum aperture (highest f-number). Type G lenses are not equipped with an aperture ring.

A Shutter Speed and Aperture

The same exposure can be achieved with different combinations of shutter speed and aperture. Fast shutter speeds and larger apertures freeze moving objects and soften background details, while slow shutter speeds and small apertures blur moving objects and bring out background details.

Fast shutter speed

(

/1,600 s)

Slow shutter speed

(1 s)

Small aperture (f/22) Large aperture (f/5.6)

(Remember, the higher the f-number, the

smaller the aperture.)

Shutter speed Aperture

Page 86

Mode P (Programmed Auto)

In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations.

This mode is recommended for snapshots and other situations in which you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed and aperture.

To take photographs in programmed auto:

1 Rotate the mode dial to P.

2 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

A Flexible Program

In mode P, different combinations of shutter speed and aperture can be selected by rotating the command dial (“flexible program”). Rotate the dial to the right for large apertures (low f-numbers) that blur background details or fast shutter speeds that “freeze” motion. Rotate the dial to the left for small apertures (high f-numbers) that increase depth of field or slow shutter speeds that blur motion. All combinations produce the same exposure. While flexible program is in effect, a U (R) indicator appears in the viewfinder and information display. To restore default shutter speed and aperture settings, rotate the command dial until the indicator is no longer displayed, choose another mode, or turn the camera off.

A The Exposure Program

See page 178 for information on the built-in exposure program.

Mode dial

Command dial

Page 87

Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto)

In shutter-priority auto, you choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically selects the aperture that will produce the optimal exposure.

Use slow shutter speeds to suggest motion by blurring moving subjects, fast shutter speeds to “freeze” motion.

To take photographs in shutter-priority auto:

1 Rotate the mode dial to S.

2 Choose a shutter speed.

Shutter speed is shown in the viewfinder and information display.

Rotate the command dial to choose the desired shutter speed from values between 30 s and

/4,000 s.

3 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

Fast shutter speed (1/1,600 s) Slow shutter speed (1 s)

Mode dial

Command dial

Page 88

Mode A (Aperture-Priority Auto)

In aperture-priority auto, you choose the aperture while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed that will produce the optimal exposure.

Large apertures (low f-numbers) reduce depth of field, blurring objects behind and in front of the main subject.

Small apertures (high f-numbers) increase depth of field, bringing out

details in the background and foreground.

Short field depths are generally used in portraits to blur background details, long field depths in landscape photographs to bring the foreground and background into focus.

To take photographs in aperture-priority auto:

1 Rotate the mode dial to A.

2 Choose an aperture.

Aperture is shown in the viewfinder and information display.

Rotate the command dial to choose the desired aperture from values between the minimum and maximum for the lens.

3 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

Small aperture (f/22) Large aperture (f/5.6)

Mode dial

Command dial

Page 89

Mode M (Manual)

In manual exposure mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. To take photographs in manual exposure mode:

1 Rotate the mode dial to M.

2 Choose aperture and shutter speed.

Checking the exposure indicator (see below), adjust shutter speed and aperture.

Shutter speed is selected by rotating the command dial: choose from

values between 30 s and

/4,000 s or select “bulb” to hold the shutter open

indefinitely for a long time-exposure (0 72).

Aperture is selected by pressing

the N (E) button and rotating the command dial: choose from values between the minimum and maximum for the lens.

Shutter speed and aperture are

shown in the viewfinder and information display.

3 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

Shutter speed Aperture

Command

dial

N(E) button Command

dial

A The Exposure Indicator

If a CPU lens is attached and a shutter speed other than “bulb” or “time“ is selected, the exposure indicator in the viewfinder and information display shows whether the photograph would be under- or over-exposed at current settings. If the limits of the exposure metering system are exceeded, the indicator will flash.

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV

Mode dial

Page 90

❚❚ Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only)

Shutter speeds of “bulb” and “time“ can be used for long time-exposure photographs of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks.

prevent blurring caused by camera shake, use a tripod and an optional remote control (0 167).

1 Ready the camera.

Mount the camera on a tripod or place it on a stable, level surface. To prevent loss of power before the exposure is complete, use a fully charged EN-EL9a battery or an optional EH-5a AC adapter and EP-5 power connector.

Note that

noise may be present in long exposures; before shooting, choose On for the Noise reduction option in the shooting menu (0 122).

2 Rotate the mode dial to M.

3 Choose a shutter speed.

Rotate the command dial until “Bulb” (A) appears in the viewfinder or information display.

For a shutter speed of “Time” (&), select delayed remote or quickresponse remote mode after choosing the shutter speed (0 53).

Shutter speed Description

Bulb

Shutter remains open while shutter-release button is held down. Tripod is recommended to prevent blur.

Time

Optional ML-L3 wireless remote control required (0 167). Shutter opens when shutter-release button on remote control is pressed and remains open for about thirty minutes or until shutter-release button is pressed a second time.

Length of exposure: 35 s

Aperture: f/25

Mode dial

Command dial

Page 91

4 Open the shutter.

Bulb: After focusing, press the shutter-release button all the way down. Keep

the shutter-release button pressed until the exposure is complete.

Time: Press the shutter-release button on the remote control all the way down. The shutter will open immediately (quick-response remote) or two seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed (delayed remote) and remain open until the button is pressed a second time.

5 Close the shutter.

Bulb: Take your finger off the shutter-release button.

Time: Press the shutter-release button on the remote control all the way down.

Shooting ends automatically after about 30 minutes.

A Self-timer Mode

In self-timer mode, a shutter speed of “Bulb” is equivalent to approximately 1/10 s.

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Exposure

Metering

Choose how the camera sets exposure in P, S, A, and M modes (in other modes, the camera selects the metering method automatically).

1 Place the cursor in the information display.

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

2 Display metering options.

Highlight the current metering method in the information display and press J.

3 Choose a metering method.

Highlight one of the following options and press

R button Information display P button

Method Description

L Matrix

Produces natural results in most situations. Camera uses 420-pixel RGB sensor to meter a wide area of the frame and set exposure according to tone distribution, color, composition, and, with type G or D lenses (0 158), range information (3D color matrix metering II; with other CPU lenses, camera uses color matrix metering II, which does not include 3D range information).

Centerweighted

Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to center area. Classic meter for portraits; recommended when using filters with an exposure factor (filter factor) over 1×.

N Spot

Camera meters current focus point; use to meter off-center subjects (if e Auto-area is selected for AF-area mode as described on page 44, camera will meter center focus point). Ensures that subject will be correctly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker.

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Autoexposure Lock

Use autoexposure lock to recompose photographs after metering exposure:

1 Select M Center-weighted or N Spot metering

(0 74).

L Matrix metering will not produce the desired results.

2 Lock exposure.

Position the subject in the selected focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway.

With the shutterrelease button pressed halfway and the subject positioned in the focus point, press the AE-L/AF-L button to lock focus and exposure.

While exposure lock is in effect, an AE-L indicator will appear in the viewfinder.

3 Recompose the photograph.

Keeping the AE-L/AF-L button pressed, recompose the photograph and shoot.

A The Shooting Menu

Metering can also be adjusted using the Metering option in the shooting menu (0 119).

A Adjusting Shutter Speed and Aperture

While exposure lock is in effect, the following settings can be adjusted without altering the metered value for exposure:

Mode Setting

Programmed auto Shutter speed and aperture (flexible program; 0 68)

Shutter-priority auto Shutter speed

Aperture-priority auto Aperture

The metering method itself can not be changed while exposure lock is in effect.

A See Also

If On is selected for Buttons > AE lock in the setup menu (0 135), exposure will lock when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. For information on changing the role of the AE-L/AF-L button, see Buttons > AE-L/AF-L.

Shutter-release

button

AE-L/AF-L button

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Exposure Compensation

Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker.

It is most effective when used with

center-weighted or spot metering (0 74).

1 Place the cursor in the information display.

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

2 Display exposure compensation options.

Highlight exposure compensation in the information display and press J.

3 Choose a value.

Highlight a value and press J. Exposure compensation can be set to values between –5 EV (underexposure) and +5 EV (overexposure) in increments of

/3 EV. In general, choose positive values to make the subject brighter, negative values to make it darker.

Normal exposure can be restored by setting exposure compensation to ±0.

Exposure

compensation is not reset when the camera is turned off.

R button Information display P button

–1 EV No exposure compensation +1 EV

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A The E Button

Exposure compensation can also be set by pressing the E button and rotating the command dial. The selected value is shown in the viewfinder and information display.

E button Command dial

–0.3 EV +2 EV

A Mode M

In mode M, exposure compensation affects only the exposure indicator; shutter speed and aperture do not change.

A Using a Flash

When a flash is used, exposure compensation affects both background exposure and flash level.

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Flash Compensation

Flash compensation is used to alter flash output from the level suggested by the camera, changing the brightness of the main subject relative to the background. Flash output can be increased to make the main subject appear brighter, or reduced to prevent unwanted highlights or reflections.

1 Place the cursor in the information display.

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

2 Display flash compensation options.

Highlight flash compensation in the information display and press J.

3 Choose a value.

Highlight a value and press J. Flash compensation can be set to values between –3 EV (darker) and +1 EV (brighter) in increments of

/3 EV. In general, choose positive values to make the subject brighter, negative values to make it darker.

Normal flash output can be restored by setting flash compensation to ±0.

Flash

compensation is not reset when the camera is turned off.

R button Information display P button

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A The Y (M) and E Buttons

Flash compensation can also be set by rotating the command dial while pressing the Y (M) and E buttons. The selected value is shown in the viewfinder and information display.

Y (M) button E button Command dial

–0.3 EV + 1 EV

A Optional Flash Units

Flash compensation is also available with optional SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, or SB-R200 flash units. The SB-900, SB-800, and SB-600 also allow flash compensation to be set using the controls on the flash unit.

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White Balance

White balance ensures that colors are unaffected by the color of the light source. Auto white balance is recommended for most light sources; in P, S, A, and M modes, other values can be selected if necessary according to the type of source:

1 Place the cursor in the information display.

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

2 Display white balance options.

Highlight the current white balance setting in the information display and press J.

3 Choose a white balance option.

Highlight one of the following options and press

R button Information display P button

v Auto H Direct sunlight M Shade

J Incandescent N Flash L Preset manual (0 83) I Fluorescent (0 81) G Cloudy

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A The Shooting Menu

White balance can be selected using the White balance option in the shooting menu (0 119), which also can be used to fine-tune white balance (0 82) or measure a value for preset white balance (0 83).

The I Fluorescent option in the White balance menu can be used to select the light source from the bulb types shown at right.

A 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, defined with reference 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 neighborhood of 5,000– 5,500 K appear white, light sources with a lower color temperature, such as incandescent light bulbs, appear slightly yellow or red. Light sources with a higher color temperature appear tinged with blue. The camera white balance options are adapted to the following color temperatures:

• I (sodium-vapor lamps): 2,700 K

• J (incandescent)/

I (warm-white fl.): 3,000 K

• I (white fluorescent): 3,700 K

• I (cool-white fl.): 4,200 K

• I (day white fluorescent): 5,000 K

• H (direct sunlight): 5,200 K

• N (flash): 5,400 K

• G (cloudy): 6,000 K

• I (daylight fluorescent): 6,500 K

• I (mercury-vapor lamps): 7,200 K

• M (shade): 8,000 K

A The Fn Button

For information on using the Fn (E) button and the command dial for white balance, see page 134.

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Fine-Tuning White Balance

White balance can be “fine tuned” to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a deliberate color cast into an image.

White balance is

fine tuned using the White balance option in the shooting menu.

1 Display white balance options.

To display the menus, press the G button. Highlight White balance in the shooting menu and press 2 to display white balance options.

2 Select a white balance option.

Highlight an option other than Preset manual and press 2 (if Fluorescent is

selected, highlight a lighting type and press

2).

The fine-tuning options shown at right

will be displayed.

Fine-tuning is not

available with Preset manual white balance.

3 Fine tune white balance.

Use the multi selector to fine-tune white balance.

4 Press J.

A White Balance Fine Tuning

The colors on the fine-tuning axes are relative, not absolute. For example, moving the cursor to B (blue) when a “warm” setting such as J (incandescent) is selected will make photographs slightly “colder” but will not actually make them blue.

G button

Coordinates

Adjustmen

Increase green

Increase

blue

Increase amber

Increase magenta