Nikon 6MB07411-03 User Manual

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Page 1

DIGITAL CAMERA

User's Manual

Page 2

Where to Find It

Find what you’re looking for from:

The Table of Contents

Find items by function or menu name.

The Q&A Index

Know what you want to do but don’t know the function name? it from the “question and answer” index.

The Quick Start Guide

A brief guide for those who want to get started taking pictures right away.

The Index

Search by key word.

Error Messages

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

Tro ubl eshoo ting

Camera behaving unexpectedly?

A For Your Safety

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

Find the solution here.

➜

x–xvii

iv–ix

19–20

425–430

403–407

398–402

Find

Help

Use the camera’s on-board help feature for help on menu items and other topics. See page 25 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

Page 3

Package Contents

Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera. Memory cards are sold separately.

• D3S digital camera (0 3)

•EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover (0 26, 28)

• EG-D2 audio/video cable (0 269)

• BF-1B body cap (0 31, 375)

•MH-22 quick charger with power cable and two contact protectors (0 26, 417)

•UC-E4 USB cable (0 254, 259)

• BS-2 accessory shoe cover (0

• USB cable clip (0 255)

18,

186)

•AN-DC5 strap (0 18)

•Warranty

• User’s Manual (this guide)

•Quick Guide

• Software Installation Guide

• Software Suite CD-ROM

Page 4

Symbols and Conventions

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

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.

Menu items, options, and messages displayed in the camera monitor

bold

are shown in

A Trademark Information

Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks, or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

PictBridge is a trademark.

Page 5

Q&A Index

0 iv

Table of Contents

Introduction

Tutori al

Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View)

Recording and Viewing Movies

Image Recording Options

Focus

Release Mode

ISO Sensitivity

Exposure

White Balance

Image Enhancement

Flash Photography

Other Shooting Options

More About Playback

Voice Memos

0 x

0 1

0 21

0 53

0 65

0 77

0 89

0 101

0 109

0 115

0 149

0 169

0 185

0 199

0 221

0 245

Connections

Menu Guide

Technical Notes

0 253

0 273

0 365

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Q&A Index

Find what you’re looking for using this “question and answer” index.

❚❚ New Features

Question Key phrase

How do I take pictures in 35mm format? Image area 78 How do I take high-quality NEF (RAW)

photos? Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder? Live view 53 How do I shoot movies? Movies 65

Can I shoot movies under low light?

How do I record photographs using two memory cards?

Can I control how photos are processed? Picture Controls 170 How do I preserve details in shadows

and highlights? How do I focus on erratically moving

subjects? How do I tell if the camera is level? Virtual horizon 338 Can I adjust focus separately for

different lenses? How do I remove dust from the low-pass

filter protecting the image sensor?

14-bit NEF (RAW) 85

High-sensitivity movie

mode

Slot 2 88

Active D-Lighting 181

3D-tracking 297

AF fine tune 339

Cleaning the low-pass

filter

378

❚❚ Camera Setup

Question Key phrase

How do I keep the monitor from turning off?

How do I keep the shutter speed and aperture displays from turning off?

Monitor off delay 306

Auto meter off

45,

305

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Question Key phrase

How do I set the clock? How do I set the clock for daylight

savings time? How do I change time zones when I

travel? How do I adjust monitor brightness for

menus or playback? Can I reverse the exposure indicator? Reverse indicators 324 Can I display the menus in a different

language? Can I save menu settings for use on a

different D3S camera? How do I restore default settings? Two-button reset 200 How do I restore shooting menu

defaults? How do I restore Custom Setting

defaults?

Time zone and date

LCD brightness 326

Language

Save/load settings 336

Reset shooting menu 287

Reset custom settings 294

34,

330

33,

331

❚❚ Menus and Displays

Question Key phrase

How do I get more information on a menu?

How do I use the menus? Using the menus 22 Can I get quick access to frequently-used

settings? Can I get quick access to recently-used

settings?

What does this warning mean?

How much charge does the battery have left?

Help 25

My Menu 359

Recent settings 363

Error messages and

displays

Battery level 43

403

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Question Key phrase

How do I get more information about the battery?

How do I keep the file number from being reset when I insert a new memory card?

How do I reset file numbering to 1? How do I clean the camera or lens? Cleaning the camera 377

Battery info 333

File number sequence 308

❚❚ Taking Photographs

Question Key phrase

How many more shots can I take with this card?

How do I take bigger photographs? How can I get more photos on the

memory card? How do I focus the viewfinder? Viewfinder focus 41 Can I control how the camera focuses? Autofocus 89 Can I choose the focus point? Focus point 94 How do I take a lot of photographs

quickly?

Can I change the frame advance rate? Shooting speed

Can I take pictures under low light without the flash?

Can the ISO sensitivity I choose be adjusted to ensure optimal exposure?

Can I make photos brighter or darker? Exposure compensation 134 How do I make a time exposure? Long time-exposures 128

Number of exposures

remaining

Image quality and size 83, 86

Release mode 102

104,

307

ISO sensitivity 110

ISO sensitivity auto

control

112

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Question Key phrase

Can I vary exposure or flash level automatically over a series of photos?

Can I create multiple copies of a photo using different white balance settings?

Can I vary Active D-Lighting automatically over a series of photos?

How do I adjust white balance? White balance 149 How do I change settings for optional

flash units? How can I record multiple shots as a

single photograph? Can I record voice memo when taking a

photograph?

Can I pick the standard exposure level?

How can I reduce blur? Exposure delay mode 310 How do I select movie frame size,

microphone sensitivity, high-sensitivity movie mode, and card slot options?

Exposure and flash

bracketing

White balance

bracketing

ADL bracketing

Flash mode 193

Multiple exposure 202

Voice memo 246

Fine tune optimal

exposure

Movie settings 70

136,

312

141,

312

145,

312

304

❚❚ Viewing Photographs

Question Key phrase

Can I view my photographs on the camera?

Can I view movies on the camera? Viewing movies 73 Can I view more information about

photos?

Why do parts of my photos blink? Photo info, highlights

Camera playback 222

Photo info 225

227,

277

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Question Key phrase

How do I get rid of an unwanted photo?

Can I delete several photos at once? Delete 242 Can I zoom in on pictures? Playback zoom 237 Can I protect photos from accidental

deletion? Can I hide selected photos? Hide image 275 How do I tell if parts of my photos may

be overexposed?

How do I tell where the camera focused?

Can I view photos as they are taken? Image review 281 Can I record voice memos with photos? Voice memo 249 Is there an automatic playback (“slide

show”) option?

Deleting individual

photos

Protect 238

Display mode:

highlights

Display mode: focus

point

Slide show 282

240

227,

277

226,

277

❚❚ Retouching Photographs

Question Key phrase

How do I bring out details in shadows? D-Lighting 344 Can I get rid of red eye? Red-eye correction 345 Can I crop photographs on the camera? Trim 346 Can I create a monochrome copy of a

photograph?

Can I create a copy with different colors?

Can I use the camera to create JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs?

Can I overlay two NEF (RAW) photos to make a single image?

Can I trim movies or save movie stills? Editing movies 74

Monochrome 347

Filter effects,

Color balance

NEF (RAW) processing 353

Image overlay 349

348

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❚❚ Viewing or Printing Photographs on Other Devices

Question Key phrase

Can I view my photos on TV? Television playback 269 Can I view my photos in High Definition? HDMI 271

How do I copy photos to my computer?

How do I print photographs? Printing photographs 258 Can I print photos without a computer? Printing via USB 259 Can I print the date on my photographs? Time stamp 261

Connecting to a

computer

254

❚❚ Optional Accessories

Question Key phrase

What memory cards can I use?

What lenses can I use? Compatible lenses 366 What optional flash units (Speedlights)

can I use? What software is available for my

camera? What AC adapters, remote cords, and

viewfinder accessories are available for my camera?

Approved memory

cards

Optional flash units 187

Other accessories 375

Other accessories 372

419

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Q&A Index ................................................................................................iv

For Your Safety .................................................................................. xviii

Notices.....................................................................................................xxi

Introduction 1

Overview....................................................................................................2

Getting to Know the Camera..............................................................3

Camera Body....................................................................................... 3

The Top Control Panel ..................................................................... 8

The Rear Control Panel..................................................................10

The Viewfinder Display..................................................................12

The Information Display................................................................14

The Camera Strap ............................................................................18

The BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cover .................................................18

Quick Start Guide................................................................................. 19

Tutorial 21

Camera Menus...................................................................................... 22

Using Camera Menus .....................................................................23

Help ......................................................................................................25

First Steps ............................................................................................... 26

Charge the Battery ..........................................................................26

Insert the Battery .............................................................................28

Attach a Lens.....................................................................................31

Basic Setup.........................................................................................33

Insert a Memory Card.....................................................................36

Format the Memory Card .............................................................39

Adjust Viewfinder Focus ...............................................................41

Basic Photography and Playback................................................... 43

Turn the Camera On .......................................................................43

Adjust Camera Settings.................................................................46

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Focus and Shoot.............................................................................. 49

Viewing Photographs.................................................................... 51

Deleting Unwanted Photographs............................................. 52

Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) 53

Framing Photographs in the Monitor .......................................... 54

Recording and Viewing Movies 65

Recording Movies................................................................................ 66

Viewing Movies .................................................................................... 73

Editing Movies ...................................................................................... 74

Image Recording Options 77

Image Area............................................................................................. 78

Image Quality........................................................................................ 83

Image Size .............................................................................................. 86

Slot 2 ........................................................................................................ 88

Focus 89

Focus Mode ........................................................................................... 90

AF-Area Mode....................................................................................... 92

Focus Point Selection......................................................................... 94

Focus Lock.............................................................................................. 96

Manual Focus ........................................................................................ 99

Release Mode 101

Choosing a Release Mode .............................................................. 102

Continuous Mode..............................................................................104

Self-Timer Mode.................................................................................106

Mirror up Mode .................................................................................. 108

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ISO Sensitivity 109

Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually..............................................110

Auto ISO Sensitivity Control ..........................................................112

Exposure 115

Metering ...............................................................................................116

Exposure Mode...................................................................................118

e: Programmed Auto ..................................................................120

f: Shutter-Priority Auto ..............................................................122

g: Aperture-Priority Auto ...........................................................123

h: Manual......................................................................................... 125

Long Time-Exposures.......................................................................128

Shutter-Speed and Aperture Lock...............................................130

Autoexposure (AE) Lock ..................................................................132

Exposure Compensation.................................................................134

Bracketing ............................................................................................136

White Balance 149

White Balance Options ....................................................................150

Fine-Tuning White Balance ............................................................153

Choosing a Color Temperature ....................................................157

Preset Manual .....................................................................................158

Image Enhancement 169

Picture Controls..................................................................................170

Selecting a Picture Control........................................................ 170

Modifying Existing Picture Controls ......................................172

Creating Custom Picture Controls.......................................... 176

Sharing Custom Picture Controls ...........................................179

Active D-Lighting...............................................................................181

Color Space..........................................................................................183

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Flash Photography 185

Using a Flash .......................................................................................186

The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) ..........................187

Other Flash Units...........................................................................189

i-TTL Flash Control ............................................................................192

Flash Modes.........................................................................................193

FV Lock ..................................................................................................196

Other Shooting Options 199

Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings .......................200

Multiple Exposure .............................................................................202

Interval Timer Photography ..........................................................208

Non-CPU Lenses.................................................................................214

Using a GPS Unit ................................................................................217

More About Playback 221

Full-Frame Playback .........................................................................222

Photo Information.............................................................................225

Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback .....................235

Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom........................................237

Protecting Photographs from Deletion.....................................238

Deleting Photographs ..................................................................... 240

Full-Frame and Thumbnail Playback .....................................240

The Playback Menu ......................................................................242

Voice Memos 245

Recording Voice Memos .................................................................246

Playing Voice Memos .......................................................................251

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Connections 253

Connecting to a Computer ............................................................254

Direct USB Connection............................................................... 255

Wireless and Ethernet Networks............................................. 257

Printing Photographs.......................................................................258

Connecting the Printer............................................................... 259

Printing Pictures One at a Time............................................... 260

Printing Multiple Pictures.......................................................... 263

Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set .................................267

Viewing Photographs on TV ..........................................................269

Standard Definition Devices..................................................... 269

High-Definition Devices............................................................. 271

Menu Guide 273

D The Playback Menu: Managing Images...............................274

Playback Folder......................................................................... 275

Hide Image ................................................................................. 275

Display Mode............................................................................. 277

Copy Image(s) ...........................................................................278

Image Review ............................................................................ 281

After Delete................................................................................ 281

Rotate Tall................................................................................... 282

Slide Show .................................................................................. 282

C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options...............................284

Shooting Menu Bank .............................................................. 285

Reset Shooting Menu ............................................................. 287

Extended Menu Banks............................................................ 287

Active Folder.............................................................................. 288

File Naming ................................................................................ 290

Vignette Control....................................................................... 290

Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Reduction) ..........291

High ISO NR................................................................................ 291

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A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings ..............292

B: Custom Setting Bank ........................................................294

A: Reset Custom Settings .....................................................294

a: Autofocus ....................................................................................295

a1: AF-C Priority Selection.....................................................295

a2: AF-S Priority Selection .....................................................296

a3: Dynamic AF Area ...............................................................296

a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On........................................298

a5: AF Activation.......................................................................298

a6: Focus point Illumination.................................................299

a7: Focus Point Wrap-Around..............................................299

a8: AF Point Selection .............................................................300

a9: AF-ON Button......................................................................300

a10: Vertical AF-ON Button ...................................................301

b: Metering/Exposure..................................................................302

b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value ..............................................302

b2: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl. ..........................................302

b3: EV Steps for Exposure Comp.........................................302

b4: Easy Exposure Compensation ......................................303

b5: Center-Weighted Area ....................................................304

b6: Fine Tune Optimal Exposure.........................................304

c: Timers/AE Lock ..........................................................................305

c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L .........................................305

c2: Auto Meter-off Delay........................................................305

c3: Self-Timer..............................................................................305

c4: Monitor off Delay...............................................................306

d: Shooting/Display......................................................................306

d1: Beep .......................................................................................306

d2: Shooting Speed .................................................................307

d3: Max. Continuous Release ...............................................307

d4: File Number Sequence....................................................308

d5: Control Panel/Viewfinder...............................................309

d6: Information Display..........................................................309

d7: Screen Tips...........................................................................310

d8: LCD Illumination................................................................310

d9: Exposure Delay Mode......................................................310

e: Bracketing/Flash .......................................................................311

e1: Flash Sync Speed ...............................................................311

e2: Flash Shutter Speed..........................................................312

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e3: Modeling Flash................................................................... 312

e4: Auto Bracketing Set ......................................................... 312

e5: Auto Bracketing (Mode M)............................................. 313

e6: Bracketing Order ............................................................... 313

f: Controls ........................................................................................314

f1: Multi Selector Center Button ......................................... 314

f2: Multi Selector....................................................................... 315

f3: Photo Info/Playback.......................................................... 315

f4: Assign Fn Button................................................................ 316

f5: Assign Preview Button ..................................................... 321

f6: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button .................................................321

f7: Assign BKT Button.............................................................. 322

f8: Customize Command Dials............................................ 322

f9: Release Button to Use Dial.............................................. 324

f10: No Memory Card?............................................................ 324

f11: Reverse Indicators ...........................................................324

B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup...............................................325

Format Memory Card .............................................................326

LCD Brightness.......................................................................... 326

Image Dust Off Ref Photo .....................................................327

Video Mode................................................................................ 329

HDMI............................................................................................. 329

Flicker Reduction...................................................................... 330

Time Zone and Date ...............................................................330

Language .................................................................................... 331

Image Comment ......................................................................331

Auto Image Rotation ..............................................................332

Battery Info................................................................................. 333

Image Authentication ............................................................334

Save/Load Settings.................................................................. 336

Virtual Horizon .......................................................................... 338

AF Fine Tune .............................................................................. 339

Firmware Version ..................................................................... 340

N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies .............341

D-Lighting................................................................................... 344

Red-Eye Correction.................................................................. 345

Trim ............................................................................................... 346

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Monochrome .............................................................................347

Filter Effects ................................................................................348

Color Balance .............................................................................348

Image Overlay............................................................................349

NEF (RAW) Processing.............................................................353

Resize ............................................................................................355

Side-by-Side Comparison......................................................357

O My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu ......................................359

Technical Notes 365

Compatible Lenses ...........................................................................366

Other Accessories.............................................................................. 372

Caring for the Camera......................................................................377

Storage..............................................................................................377

Cleaning ...........................................................................................377

The Low-Pass Filter.......................................................................378

“Clean Now” ...............................................................................378

“Clean at Startup/Shutdown” ..............................................379

Manual Cleaning.......................................................................381

Replacing the Focusing Screen................................................384

Replacing the Clock Battery ......................................................386

Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions..........................388

Defaults .................................................................................................392

Exposure Program.............................................................................397

Troubleshooting ................................................................................398

Error Messages ...................................................................................403

Specifications......................................................................................408

Calibrating Batteries ....................................................................417

Approved Memory Cards ............................................................... 419

Memory Card Capacity ....................................................................420

Battery Life ...........................................................................................423

Index.......................................................................................................425

xvii

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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:

This icon marks warnings. To prevent possible injury, read all

warnings before using this Nikon product.

❚❚ WARNINGS

A 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.

A 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.

A 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.

xviii

A 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 Nikonauthorized service center for inspection.

A 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.

Page 21

A 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.

A Keep out of reach of children

Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury.

A 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.

A 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.

• Use only CR1616 lithium batteries to replace the clock battery. Using another type of battery could cause an explosion. Dispose of used batteries as directed.

• Do not 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 damage to the product, be sure to remove the battery when no charge remains.

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

xix

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A 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. to observe this precaution could damage the product or cause overheating or fire.

Fai lure

A 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.

A 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.

A Observe caution when using the flash

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

• Using optional flash units 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.

A 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.

Page 23

Notices

• No part of th e manu als i nclud ed wi th thi s 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.

Notices for Customers in Canada

CAUTION

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

Notices for Customers in Europe

CAUTION

RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.

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.

• 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).

ATT EN TI ON

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

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. household waste.

• For more information, contact the

retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management.

Do not dispose of as

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Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

The Battery Charger

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS—SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS DANGER—TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS

For connection to a supply not in the U.S.A., use an attachment plug adapter of the proper configuration for the power outlet if needed. This power unit is intended to be correctly oriented in a vertical or floor mount position.

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. Thi s 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. 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.

If this equipment does cause

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 WARNIN G: 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.

hands after handling.

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

D3S

Wash

xxii

Page 25

Disposing of Data Storage Devices

Please no te 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. Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically destroying data storage devices.

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.

• Caut ions 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.

xxiii

Page 26

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Nikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. 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. 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.

Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery

The use of third-party

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. available from the Nikon representative in your area. URL for contact information: http://imaging.nikon.com/

Additional information may be

See the following

xxiv

Page 27

Introduction

This chapter covers information you will need to know before using the camera, including the names of camera parts.

Overview..................................................................................... 2

Getting to Know the Camera .................................................. 3

Camera Body ................................................................................................3

The Top Control Panel...............................................................................8

The Rear Control Panel .......................................................................... 10

The Viewfinder Display .......................................................................... 12

The Information Display........................................................................ 14

The Camera Strap .................................................................................... 18

The BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cover ......................................................... 18

Quick Start Guide .................................................................... 19

Page 28

Overview

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

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.

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. 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). particularly recommended if the camera is used professionally. 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.

Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly

THE USE OF NON-NIKON

Frequent inspection and servicing are

Nikon

Any

Page 29

Getting to Know the Camera

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual.

You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and

Camera Body

1 D (bracketing)

button......... 137, 141, 145, 204, 322

2 Release mode dial

lock release.................................... 103

3 Release mode dial ........................103

4 Eyelet for camera strap ................. 18

5 M (flash mode) button................. 194

6 F (command lock)

button.................................... 130, 131

7 Focal plane mark (E)................. 100

8 Metering selector ......................... 117

9 Metering selector

lock button .................................... 117

10 Power switch.............................10, 43

11 Shutter-release button ...........49, 50

12 E (exposure compensation)

button.............................................134

13 Eyelet for camera strap ................. 18

14 I (exposure mode)

button.................. 120, 122, 123, 125

Q (format) button........................ 39

15 Top control panel..............................8

16 Diopter adjustment control......... 41

17 Accessory shoe

(for optional flash unit)........ 18, 186

18 Accessory shoe cover

.......................................... 18, 186, 390

Page 30

Camera Body (Continued)

1 Mirror ..................................... 108, 381

2 Self-timer lamp............................. 107

3 Microphone (for movies)........67, 71

4 Flash sync terminal cover........... 186

5 Ten-pin remote terminal

cover....................................... 217, 376

6 Flash sync terminal ...................... 186

7 Ten-pin remote terminal... 217, 376

8 USB connector cover ..........255, 259

9 Lens release button ....................... 32

10 Connector cover ..................269, 271

11 USB connector ..................... 255, 259

12 Connector for external

microphone..................................... 71

13 Audio/video (A/V)

connector....................................... 269

14 HDMI mini-pin connector .......... 271

15 DC-IN connector for optional EH-6

AC adapter..................................... 372

16 Focus-mode selector...............90, 99

17 Battery-chamber cover latch....... 28

18 Battery-chamber cover................. 28

19 Meter coupling lever ...................411

20 Body cap.................................. 31, 375

Page 31

1 Pv (depth-of-field preview)

button............................. 67, 119, 321

2 Sub-command dial............. 222, 322

3 Fn button ........................ 82, 197, 316

4 Sub-command dial for

vertical shooting .......................... 320

5 Shutter-release button for

vertical shooting .......................... 320

6 Vertical shooting shutter-release

button lock .................................... 320

7 CPU contacts

8 Mounting index .............................. 32

9 Lens mount............................. 32, 100

10 Tripod socket

D The Microphone and Speaker

Do not place the microphone or speaker in close proximity to magnetic devices.

Failure to observe this precaution could affect the data

recorded on the magnetic devices.

Page 32

Camera Body (Continued)

1 Viewfinder eyepiece...................... 42

2 Eyepiece shutter lever................... 42

3 O (delete) button .................. 52, 240

Q (format) button........................ 39

4 K (playback) button ........... 51, 222

5 Monitor..............................51, 53, 222

6 G (menu) button ............. 22, 273

7 N (thumbnail/playback

zoom) button....................... 235, 237

8 L (protect) button ................... 238

? (help) button ................................ 25

9 J (OK) button ................................ 23

10 R (info) button .............................. 14

11 Rear control panel................. 10, 309

12 ISO (ISO sensitivity) button......... 110

Two-button reset button ...........200

13 QUAL (image quality/size)

button.........................................84, 86

14 WB (white balance)

button........................... 151, 156, 157

Two-button reset button ...........200

15 Microphone

(for voice memos) ........................ 246

Page 33

1 Viewfinder........................................ 41

2 A (AE/AF lock)

button................................96, 97, 321

3 B (AF-ON) button ....... 56, 67, 91

4 Main command dial ........... 222, 322

5 Multi selector .................................. 23

6 Focus selector lock......................... 94

7 Memory card access lamp .....38, 50

8 Memory card slot cover..........36, 38

9 Card slot cover release button

(under cover)................................... 36

Speaker (under cover).......... 73, 251

10 B (AF-ON) button for

vertical shooting .......................... 301

11 H (microphone) button .....247, 248

12 a (live view) button ........55, 59, 66

13 AF-area mode selector.................. 92

14 Main command dial for

vertical shooting .......................... 320

Page 34

The Top Control Panel

Shutter speed.......................... 122, 126

Exposure compensation value..... 134

Number of shots in exposure and flash bracketing

sequence ........................................... 137

Number of shots in

WB bracketing sequence............... 141

Number of intervals for

interval timer photography.......... 211

Focal length (non-CPU lenses)..... 216

ISO sensitivity ................................... 110

Shutter-speed lock icon................. 130

Flexible program indicator............ 121

Exposure mode................................ 118

Flash mode........................................ 193

Shooting menu bank...................... 285

Custom settings bank..................... 294

Memory card indicator

(slot 1).............................................37, 39

Memory card indicator

(slot 2).............................................37, 39

Number of exposures remaining ...44

Number of shots remaining before

memory buffer fills ..........................105

Capture mode indicator .................257

Aperture stop indicator .........124, 369

Aperture (f-number)

Aperture (number of stops)

Bracketing increment.............138, 142

Number of shots in ADL bracketing

sequence............................................145

Number of shots per interval ........211

Maximum aperture

(non-CPU lenses)..............................216

PC mode indicator ...........................257

Battery indicator.................................43

Frame count ........................................44

Preset white balance

recording indicator..........................160

Manual lens number .......................216

“K” (appears when memory remains

for over 1000 exposures)..................44

................123, 126

...124, 369

Page 35

FV lock indicator .............................. 197

Flash sync indicator......................... 311

Clock battery indicator.............35, 386

GPS connection indicator.............. 219

Focus mode indicator........................90

Interval timer indicator.................. 211

Multiple exposure indicator.......... 203

Aperture lock icon........................... 131

Multiple exposure (series)

indicator.............................................204

Image comment indicator............. 331

“Beep” indicator............................... 306

Exposure compensation

indicator.............................................134

Exposure and flash

bracketing indicator........................137

WB bracketing indicator.................141

ADL bracketing indicator ...............145

Exposure indicator...........................127

Exposure compensation

indicator .............................................134

Bracketing progress indicator:

Exposure and flash bracketing...137

WB bracketing................................141

ADL bracketing..............................145

PC connection indicator.................257

Tilt indicator.......................................318

Page 36

The Rear Control Panel

A LCD Illuminators

Rotating the power switch toward D activates the exposure meters and the control panel backlights (LCD illuminator), allowing the displays to be read in the dark. After the power switch is released, the illuminators will remain lit for six seconds while the exposure meters are active or until the shutter is released or the power switch is rotated toward D again.

Power switch

Page 37

Image quality (JPEG images) ...........84

“Remaining” indicator.................... 309

Image size.............................................86

ISO sensitivity indicator ................. 110

Auto ISO sensitivity

indicator.............................................113

ISO sensitivity ................................... 110

ISO sensitivity (high/low gain) .....111

Number of exposures remaining ....44

Length of voice memo ................... 249

White balance fine-tuning ............156

White balance preset number...... 167

Color temperature........................... 157

PC mode indicator........................... 257

“K” (appears when memory remains

for over 1000 exposures)..................44

Color temperature indicator..........157

Memory card slot indicators............88

Image quality ......................................84

White balance bracketing

indicator .............................................141

Voice memo recording

indicator (shooting mode).............247

Voice memo status

indicator ....................................249, 250

Voice memo recording

mode...................................................247

White balance ...................................151

White balance fine-tuning

indicator .............................................156

Page 38

The Viewfinder Display

1 12-mm reference circle for center-

weighted metering...................... 116

2 AF area brackets .......................41, 59

3 Focus points .................. 94, 299, 300

Spot metering targets................. 116

4 Focus indicator ...................... 49, 100

5 Metering......................................... 116

6 Autoexposure (AE) lock .............. 132

7 Exposure mode.............................118

8 Shutter speed lock icon .............. 130

9 Shutter speed....................... 122, 126

10 Aperture lock icon........................ 131

Page 39

11 Aperture (f-number) .......... 123, 126

Aperture (number of stops)

................................................. 124, 369

12 ISO sensitivity indicator ..............110

Auto ISO sensitivity indicator

13 ISO sensitivity................................ 110

14 Frame count .................................. 309

Number of exposures

remaining......................................... 44

Number of shots remaining before

memory buffer fills ............... 49, 105

Preset white balance

recording indicator...................... 160

Exposure compensation value

PC mode indicator ....................... 257

* Displayed when an optional flash unit is attached (0 187). The flash-

ready indicator lights when the flash is charged.

..... 113

15 “K” (appears when memory

remains for over 1000

exposures)........................................ 44

16 Flash-ready indicator*.......197, 412

17 FV lock indicator ...........................197

18 Flash sync indicator ..................... 311

19 Aperture stop indicator ..............124

20 Battery indicator............................. 43

21 Exposure indicator .......................127

Exposure compensation

display.............................................134

Tilt indicator .................................. 318

22 Exposure compensation

....134

indicator ......................................... 134

23 Exposure and flash bracketing

indicator ......................................... 137

D No Battery

When the battery is totally exhausted or no battery is inserted, the display in the viewfinder will dim. malfunction. The viewfinder display will return to normal when a fullycharged battery is inserted.

This is normal and does not indicate a

D The Control Panel and Viewfinder Displays

The brightness of the control panel and viewfinder displays varies with temperature, and the response times of the displays may drop at low temperatures.

This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Page 40

The Information Display

Shooting information, including shutter speed, aperture, frame count, number of exposures remaining, and AF-area mode, is displayed in the monitor when the R button is pressed.

R button

A Turning the Monitor Off

To clear shooting information from the monitor, press the R button twice more or press the shutter-release button halfway. The monitor will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for about 10 seconds. 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 Custom Setting c4 (Monitor off delay, 0 306). For information on changing the color of the lettering in the information display, see Custom Setting d6 (Information display, 0 309).

Page 41

Exposure mode................................ 118

Flexible program indicator............ 121

Shutter-speed lock icon................. 130

Shutter speed .......................... 122, 126

Exposure compensation value..... 134

Number of shots in exposure and

flash bracketing sequence ............137

Number of shots in WB bracketing

sequence ........................................... 141

Focal length (non-CPU lenses)..... 216

Multiple exposure indicator.......... 203

Aperture lock icon........................... 131

Multiple exposure (series)

indicator.............................................204

Aperture (f-number) .............. 123, 126

Aperture (number of stops)

Bracketing increment............ 138, 142

Number of shots in ADL bracketing

sequence ........................................... 145

Maximum aperture

(non-CPU lenses) ............................. 216

Aperture stop indicator.................. 124

.... 124, 369

Exposure indicator...........................127

Exposure compensation indicator Bracketing progress indicator:

Exposure and flash bracketing

WB bracketing................................141

ADL bracketing..............................145

Number of exposures

remaining ............................................ 44

“K” (appears when memory

remains for over 1000

exposures)............................................44

Frame count .......................................44

Manual lens number .......................216

Pv button assignment ....82, 119, 321

Color space indicator.......................183

Active D-Lighting indicator ...........182

High ISO noise reduction

indicator .............................................291

Shooting menu bank ......................285

Auto-area AF indicator......................93

Focus points indicator.......................94

AF-area mode indicator....................93

3D-tracking indicator...............93, 297

Flash mode ........................................193

Flash sync indicator .........................311

...134

....137

Page 42

The Information Display (Continued)

Release mode (single frame/

continuous) indicator..................... 102

Continuous shooting speed

.................................................... 104, 307

Clock battery indicator.............35, 386

FV lock indicator .............................. 197

Interval timer indicator .................. 211

Image comment indicator............. 331

indicator............................................. 335

“Beep” indicator............................... 306

Vignette control indicator............. 290

Exposure compensation

indicator............................................. 134

Battery indicator.................................43

ADL bracketing amount ................ 146

Image area indicator..........................79

Fn button assignment.....................316

AE-L/AF-L button assignment .........321

Picture Control indicator................171

Long exposure noise reduction

indicator .............................................291

Custom settings bank .....................294

Focus mode indicator........................90

Memory card indicator

(slot 2) ............................................ 37, 39

Memory card indicator

(slot 1) ............................................ 37, 39

GPS connection indicator...............219

Exposure and flash

bracketing indicator........................137

WB bracketing indicator.................141

ADL bracketing indicator ...............145

Page 43

❚❚ Changing Settings in the Information Display

To change settings for the items listed below, press the R button in the information display. selector and press J to view options for the highlighted item.

Highlight items using the multi

R button

1 Shooting menu bank .................. 285

2 High ISO noise reduction........... 291

3 Active D-Lighting......................... 181

4 Color space.................................... 183

5 Pv button assignment ................ 321

6 Fn button assignment................. 316

7 AE-L/AF-L button assignment..... 321

8 Picture Control.............................. 170

9 Long exposure noise

reduction ....................................... 291

10 Custom settings bank................. 294

A Too l Tips

A tool tip giving the name of the selected item appears in the information display. (Screen tips; 0 310).

Tool tips can be turned off using Custom Setting d7

A Viewing Button Assignments

0, 2, and 4 icons indicate the “button press” function (0 316, 321) performed respectively by the Pv button, Fn button, and AE-L/AF-L button. The “button+command dials” functions (0 318) are indicated by 1, 3, and 5 icons. and “button + command dials,” the latter assignment can be viewed by pressing the N button.

If separate functions have been assigned to “button press”

Page 44

The Camera Strap

Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets on the camera body as shown below.

The BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cover

The supplied BS-2 accessory shoe cover can be used to protect the accessory shoe or to prevent light reflected from the metal parts of the shoe from appearing in photographs. The BS-2 attaches to the camera accessory shoe as shown at right.

To remove the accessory shoe cover, hold it down with your thumb and slide it off as shown at right while keeping a firm grip on the camera.

Page 45

Quick Start Guide

Follow these steps for a quick start with the D3S.

1 Charge the battery (0 26).

2 Insert the battery (0 28).

Attach the battery-chamber cover before inserting the battery.

3 Attach a lens (0 31).

Mounting

index

4 Insert a memory card (0 36).

Back

Page 46

5 Turn the camera on (0 43).

For information on choosing a language and setting the time and date, see page 33. See page 41 for information on adjusting viewfinder focus.

6 Select single-servo autofocus (0 47, 90).

Rotate the focus-mode selector to S (single-servo autofocus).

7 Focus and shoot (0 49, 50).

Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus, then press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take the photograph.

Focus indicator

8 View the

photograph (0 51).

K button

Page 47

Tutorial

This section describes how to use the camera menus, how to ready the camera for use, and how to take your first pictures and play them back.

Camera Menus ......................................................................... 22

Using Camera Menus ............................................................................. 23

Help .............................................................................................................. 25

First Steps ................................................................................. 26

Charge the Battery .................................................................................. 26

Insert the Battery ..................................................................................... 28

Attach a Lens............................................................................................. 31

Basic Setup................................................................................................. 33

Insert a Memory Card............................................................................. 36

Format the Memory Card ..................................................................... 39

Adjust Viewfinder Focus........................................................................ 41

Basic Photography and Playback......................................... 43

Turn the Camera On ............................................................................... 43

Adjust Camera Settings......................................................................... 46

Focus and Shoot ...................................................................................... 49

Viewing Photographs............................................................................. 51

Deleting Unwanted Photographs ..................................................... 52

Page 48

Camera Menus

Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus. view the menus, press the G button.

G button

Tab s

Choose from the following menus:

• D: Playback (0 274) • B: Setup (0 325)

• C: Shooting (0 284) • N: Retouch (0 341)

• A: Custom Settings (0 292) • O/m: My Menu or Recent settings

(defaults to My Menu; 0 359)

Slider shows position in current menu.

Current settings are shown by icons.

Menu options

Options in current menu.

If d icon is displayed, help for current item can be viewed by pressing L (Q) button (0 25).

Page 49

Using Camera Menus

❚❚ Menu Controls

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

Multi selector

Move cursor up

Cancel and return to previous menu

Move cursor down

❚❚ Navigating the Menus

Follow the steps below to navigate the menus.

Select highlighted item

Select highlighted item or display sub-menu

J button

Select highlighted item

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.

G button

Page 50

3 Select a menu.

Press 1 or 3 to select the desired menu.

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.

Page 51

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 points:

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

• While pressing 2 or the center of the multi selector 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 50).

J button

Help

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

A description of the currently selected option or menu will be displayed while the button is pressed. scroll through the display.

Press 1 or 3 to

L (Q) button

Page 52

First Steps

Charge the Battery

The D3S is powered by an EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery (supplied). To maximize shooting time, charge the battery in the supplied MH-22 quick charger before use. About two hours and twenty-five 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.

Term inal co v er

3 Remove the contact protector.

Remove the contact protector from the quick charger battery chamber.

Page 53

4 Charge the battery.

Chamber

Contacts

Guide

Insert the battery (terminals first), aligning the end of the battery with the guide and then sliding the battery in the direction indicated until it clicks into place. and charge lamps will blink while the battery charges:

Charge state

Less than 50% of maximum capacity H (blinks) H (blinks) I (off) I (off ) 50–80% of maximum capacity H (blinks) K (g lows) H (blinks) I (off ) More than 80% but less than 100% of maximum capacity 100% of maximum capacity K (glows) I (off) I (off) I (off )

Charging is complete when the chamber lamp stops blinking and the charge lamps turn off. About two hours and twentyfive minutes are required to fully charge an exhausted battery.

lamps

The chamber lamp

Chamber

lamp

H (blinks) K (g lows) K (glows) H (blinks)

Charge lamps

50% 80% 100%

Charge lamps (green)

5 Remove the battery when charging is complete.

Remove the battery and unplug the charger.

D Calibration

See page 417 for more information on calibration.

Page 54

Insert the Battery

1 Turn the camera off.

D Inserting and Removing Batteries

Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing batteries.

2 Remove the battery-chamber cover.

Lift the battery-chamber cover latch, turn it

to the open ( the BL-4 battery-chamber cover (

) position (q) and remove

3 Attach the cover to the battery.

If the battery release is positioned so that the arrow (4) is visible, slide the battery release to cover the arrow. projections on the battery into the matching slots in the cover and slide the battery release to reveal the arrow.

Insert the two

Power switch

D The BL-4 Battery-Chamber Cover

The battery can be charged with the BL-4 attached. To prevent dust from accumulating inside the battery chamber when the battery is not inserted, slide the battery release in the direction indicated by the arrow (4), remove the BL-4 from the battery, and replace it on the camera. The BL-1 battery-chamber cover for D2-series cameras can not be used.

Page 55

4 Insert the battery.

Insert the battery as shown at right.

5 Latch the cover.

To prevent the battery from becoming dislodged during operation, rotate the latch to the closed position and fold it down as shown at right. sure the cover is securely latched.

D EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries

The supplied EN-EL4a shares information with compatible devices, enabling the camera to show battery charge state in six levels (0 43). The Battery info option in the setup menu details battery charge, battery life, and the number of pictures taken since the battery was last charged (0 333). The battery can be recalibrated as necessary to ensure that battery level continues to be reported accurately (0 417).

Page 56

D The Battery and Charger

Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xviii–xx and 388–391 of this manual.

Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 40 °C (104 °F). vicinity of 5–35°C (41–95 °F); for best results, charge the battery at temperatures above 20 °C (68 °F). drop if the battery is charged at low temperatures or used at a temperature below the temperature at which it was charged. If the

battery is charged at a temperature below 5 °C (41 °F), the battery life indicator in the Battery info (0 333) display may show a temporary decrease.

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.

Charge indoors at ambient temperatures in the

Battery capacity may temporarily

A Compatible Batteries

The camera can also be used with EN-EL4 rechargeable Li-ion batteries.

A Removing the Battery

Before removing the battery, turn the camera off, lift the battery-chamber cover latch, and turn it to the open (A) position. short-circuits, replace the terminal cover when the battery is not in use.

To prevent

Page 57

Attach a Lens

Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens is removed. used in this manual for illustrative purposes.

An AF Nikkor 85 mm f/1.4D IF lens is

Lens cap

Mounting index

CPU contacts (0 368)

Aperture ring

A-M mode switch (032, 99) Focus ring (0 99)

1 Turn the camera off.

2 Remove the rear lens cap and the camera body cap.

Page 58

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

Being careful not to press the lens-release button, rotate

(q). the lens counter-clockwise until it clicks into place (w).

If the lens is equipped with an A-M or

M/A-M switch, select A (autofocus) or M/A (autofocus with manual priority).

❚❚ Detaching the Lens

Be sure the camera is off when removing or exchanging lenses. press and hold the lens release button (q) while turning the lens clockwise (w). removing the lens, replace the lens caps and camera body cap.

To remove the l e n s,

After

D CPU Lenses with Aperture Rings

In the case of CPU lenses equipped with an aperture ring (0 368), lock aperture at the minimum setting (highest f-number).

A Image Area

The DX format image area is automatically selected when a DX lens is attached (0 78).

Mounting

index

Image area

Page 59

Basic Setup

The language option in the setup menu is automatically highlighted the first time menus are displayed. Choose a language and set the time and date.

1 Turn the camera on.

2 Select Language in the

setup menu.

Press G to display the camera menus, then select Language in the setup menu. For information on using menus, see “Using Camera Menus” (0 23).

3 Select a language.

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

Power switch

G button

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4 Select Time zone and date.

Select Time zone and date and press 2.

5 Set time zone.

Select Time zone and press 2. 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.

6 Turn daylight saving time

on or off.

Select Daylight saving time and press 2. 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.

Daylight saving

7 Set the date and time.

Select Date and time and press 2. an item, 1 or 3 to change. Press J when the clock is set to the current date and time.

Press 4 or 2 to select

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8 Set date format.

Select Date format and press

Press 1 or 3 to choose the

2. order in which the year, month, and day will be displayed and press J.

9 Exit to shooting mode.

Press the shutter-release button halfway to exit to shooting mode.

A The B Icon

If a flashing B icon appears in the top control panel the first time the camera is used, check that clock settings (including time zone and daylight saving time) are correct. button is pressed to exit the menu.

A The Clock Battery

The camera clock is powered by a separate, non-rechargeable CR1616 lithium battery with a life of about four years. When this battery is exhausted, a B icon will be displayed in the top control panel while the exposure meters are on. For information on replacing the clock battery, see page 386.

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.

A GPS Units (0 217)

If a GPS unit (0 376) is connected, the camera clock will be set to the time and date provided by the GPS unit (0 220).

A Nikon Transfer

If the camera is connected to a computer, the supplied Nikon Transfer software can be used to synchronize the camera clock with the computer (Mac OS X version 10.5.7 excluded). Nikon Transfer can be installed from the supplied Software Suite CD.

The icon disappears when the J

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Insert a Memory Card

The camera stores photographs on Type I CompactFlash memory cards (available separately; 0 419). Type II cards and microdrives can not be used. Up to two memory cards can be inserted in the camera simultaneously. The following section describes how to insert and format a memory card.

1 Turn the camera off.

D Inserting and Removing Memory Cards

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

2 Open the card slot cover.

Open the door protecting the card-slot cover release button (q) and press the release button (w) to open the card slot (e).

Power switch

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A Memory Card Slots

Slot 1 is for the main card; the card in slot 2 plays a backup or secondary role. If the default setting of Overflow is selected for Slot 2 (0 88) when two memory cards are inserted, the card in slot 2 will only be used when the card in slot 1 is full.

Slot 1

The card currently in use is indicated in the top control panel and information display (the illustrations at right show the displays when two cards are inserted).

3 Insert the memory card.

Insert the first memory card in slot 1. Slot 2 should be used only if a card is already inserted in slot 1. memory card with the rear label toward the monitor (q).

When the memory

card is fully inserted, the eject button will pop up (w) and the green access lamp will light briefly.

Insert the

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Top co ntrol panel

Information display

Eject button

Access lamp

Slot 2

Rear label

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D Inserting Memory Cards

Insert the memory card terminals first. Inserting the card upside down or backwards could damage the camera or the card. be sure that the card is in the correct orientation.

4 Close the card slot cover.

If this is the first time the memory card will be used after being used or formatted in another device, format the card as described on page 39.

❚❚ Removing Memory Cards

1 Turn the camera off.

Confirm that the access lamp is off and turn the camera off.

Check to

Direction of insertion

Terminals

Rear label

Access lamp

2 Remove the memory card.

Open the memory card slot cover (q) and press the eject button (w) to partially eject the card (e). The memory card can then be removed by hand. Do not push on the memory card while pressing the eject button. Failure to observe this precaution could damage the camera or memory card.

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Format the Memory Card

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

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 (0 254).

1 Turn the camera on.

2 Press the Q buttons.

Hold the Q (I and O) buttons down simultaneously until a blinking C appears in the shutter-speed displays in the top control panel and viewfinder. If two memory cards are inserted, the card in slot 1 (0 37) will be selected; you can choose the card in slot 2 by rotating the main command dial. To exit without formatting the memory card, wait until C stops blinking (about six seconds) or press any button other than the Q (I and O) buttons.

O button I button

SHOOT

3 Press the Q buttons again.

Press the Q (I and O) buttons together a second time while C is blinking to format the memory card.

remove the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source during formatting.

Do not

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When formatting is complete, the top control panel and viewfinder will show the number of photographs that can be recorded at current settings and the

SHOOT

CUSTOM

frame-count displays will show B.

D Memory Cards

• Memory cards may be hot after use. 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. 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, high levels of humidity, or direct sunlight.

A No Memory Card

If no memory card is inserted, the top control panel and viewfinder will show S. camera is turned off with a charged EN-EL4a battery and no memory card inserted, S will be displayed in the top control panel.

A See Also

See page 326 for information on formatting memory cards using the Format memory card option in the setup menu.

Observe due caution when

If the

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Failure to

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Adjust Viewfinder Focus

The camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to accommodate individual differences in vision. viewfinder is in focus before shooting.

Check that the display in the

1 Turn the camera on.

Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on.

2 Lift the diopter adjustment control

(q)

3 Focus the viewfinder.

Rotate the diopter adjustment control (w) until the viewfinder display, focus points, and AF area brackets are in sharp focus.

AF area brackets

Focus point

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4 Replace the diopter adjustment

control.

Push the diopter adjustment control back in (e).

A Diopter-Adjustment Viewfinder Lenses

Corrective lenses (available separately; 0 373) can be used to further adjust viewfinder diopter. Before attaching a diopter-adjustment viewfinder lens, remove the DK-17 viewfinder eyepiece by closing the viewfinder shutter to release the eyepiece lock (q) and then unscrewing the eyepiece as shown at right (w).

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Basic Photography and Playback

Turn the Camera On

Before taking photographs, turn the camera on and check the battery level and number of exposures remaining as described below.

1 Turn the camera on.

Power switch

Turn the camera on. The control panels will turn on and the display in the viewfinder will light.

2 Check the battery level.

Check the battery level in the top control panel or viewfinder.

Icon

L — Battery fully charged. K —

Battery partially discharged.J —

I —

H d

(blinks)

* No icon displayed when camera is powered by optional EH-6 AC adapter.

(blinks)

Low battery. or ready spare battery. Shutter release disabled. Charge or exchange battery.

SHOOT

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DescriptionControl panel Viewfinder

Prepare to charge battery

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3 Check the number of exposures remaining.

The top control panel shows the number of photographs that can be taken at current settings. When this number reaches zero, N and n icons will flash in the top control panel and a flashing j icon will

appear in the viewfinder as shown at right. No further pictures can be taken until you delete pictures or insert a new memory card. You may be able to take additional pictures at lower image quality or size settings.

A Large-Capacity Memory Cards

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 approximately 1,260 exposures, the exposure count display will show 1.2 K).

A The Battery Indicator

If the segments in the top control panel battery icon blink on and off, the camera is calculating the battery charge. The battery level will be displayed in about three seconds.

SHOOT

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SHOOT

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SHOOT

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A Auto Meter Off

The shutter speed and aperture displays in the top control panel and viewfinder will turn off if no operations are performed for about six seconds (auto meter off), reducing the drain on the battery. shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the display in the viewfinder (0 50).

6 s

Press the

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Exposure meters on

SHOOT

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Exposure meters off

SHOOT

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Exposure meters on

The length of time before the exposure meters turn off automatically can be adjusted using Custom Setting c2 (Auto meter-off delay,

0 305).

A Camera Off Display

If the camera is turned off with a battery and memory card inserted, the memory card icon, frame count, and number of exposures remaining will be displayed (some memory cards may in rare cases only display this information when the camera is on).

Top co ntrol panel

Page 72

Adjust Camera Settings

This tutorial describes the basic steps involved in taking photos.

1 Choose exposure mode e.

Press the I button and rotate the main command dial to select exposure

The camera will automatically

mode e. adjust shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations.

2 Choose single frame

release mode.

Hold the release mode dial lock release down and turn the release mode dial to S (single frame). camera will take one photograph each time the shutter-release button is pressed.

At this setting, the

I button

Main command dial

Release mode dial lock release

Release mode dial

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3 Choose single-point AF.

Rotate the AF-area mode selector until it clicks into place pointing to K (single-point

At this setting, the user

AF). can choose the focus point.

AF-area mode selector

Focus point

4 Choose single-servo

autofocus.

Rotate the focus-mode selector until it clicks into place pointing to S (single-servo autofocus). camera will automatically focus on the subject in the selected focus point when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. focus.

At this setting, the

Pictures can only be taken when the camera is in

Focus-mode selector

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5 Choose matrix metering.

Press the metering selector lock button and rotate the metering selector to Y (matrix metering).

Matrix metering uses information from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor to

ensure optimal results for the entire frame.

6 Check camera settings.

Exposure mode

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Focus mod e

Metering selector

Metering

Top control panel Viewfinder display

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Focus and Shoot

1 Press the shutter-

Focus point

release button halfway to focus (0 50).

At default settings, the camera will focus on the subject in the center focus point. Frame a photo in the viewfinder with the main subject positioned in the center focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway. the camera is able to focus, the in-focus indicator (I) will appear in the viewfinder.

Viewfinder display Description

I Subject in focus.

2 Focus point is between camera and subject.

4 Focus point is behind subject.

(blinks)

While the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, focus will lock and the number of exposures that can be stored in the memory buffer (“t”; 0 105) will be shown in the viewfinder display.

Camera unable to focus on subject in focus point using autofocus.

Focus indicator

Buffer capacity

For information on what to do if the camera is unable to focus using autofocus, see “Getting Good Results with Autofocus” (0 98).

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2 Press the shutter-release

button the rest of the way down to shoot.

Smoothly press the shutterrelease-button the rest of the way down to take the picture. While the photograph is being

recorded to the memory card, the access lamp next to the card slot cover will light.

disconnect the power source until the lamp has gone out.

Do not eject the memory card or remove or

Access lamp

A The Shutter-Release Button

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

Focus Take photograph

The camera

Page 77

Viewing Photographs

MALAL

1 Press the K button.

K button

A photograph will be displayed in the monitor. The memory card containing the picture currently displayed is shown by an icon.

2 View additional pictures.

Additional pictures can be displayed by pressing 4 or 2. To view additional information on the current photograph, press 1 and 3 (0 225).

AUTO 0, 0

100

NCD3S DSC_0001. JP

15/04/2009 10:15:00

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

1/10

125 F5. 6 200 85

NIKON

NNOR

4256x2832

D3S

A Image Review

When On is selected for Image review in the playback menu (0 281), photographs are automatically displayed in the monitor after shooting.

A See Also

See page 224 for information on choosing a memory card slot.

Page 78

Deleting Unwanted Photographs

To delete the photograph currently displayed in the monitor, press the O button. deleted.

Note that photographs can not be recovered once

1 Display the photograph.

Display the photograph you wish to

delete as described in “Viewing Photographs” on the previous page.

2 Delete the photograph.

Press the O button. A confirmation dialog will be displayed (the location of the current picture is shown by the icon in the bottom left corner of the dialog).

Press the O button again to delete the image and return to playback.

To exit without deleting the picture, press K.

O button

A Delete

To delete multiple images or to select the memory card from which images will be deleted, use the Delete option in the playback menu (0 242).

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Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View)

This chapter describes how to frame pictures in the monitor using live view.

Framing Photographs in the Monitor ................................. 54

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Framing Photographs in the Monitor

Press the a button to frame pictures in the monitor. The following options are available:

• Trip od (h): Choose when the camera is mounted on a tripod

(0 55). for precise focus, making this option suitable for static subjects. Contrast-detect autofocus can be used to compose photographs

with the subject positioned anywhere in the frame.

• Hand-held (g): Choose when taking hand-held shots of moving

subjects, or when framing photographs at angles that make it difficult to use the viewfinder (0 59). using phase-detection autofocus.

A Phase-Detection Versus Contrast-Detect AF

The camera normally uses phase-detection autofocus, in which focus is adjusted based on data from a special focusing sensor. selected in live view, however, the camera uses contrast-detect autofocus, in which the camera analyses the data from the image sensor and adjusts focus to produce the greatest contrast. Contrast-detect autofocus takes longer than phase-detection autofocus.

A Flicker

You may notice flicker or banding in the monitor during live view or when shooting movies under certain types of lighting, such as fluorescent or mercury-vapor lamps. reduced by choosing a Flicker reduction option that matches the frequency of the local AC power supply (0 330).

You can zoom in on the image displayed in the monitor

Camera focuses normally

When Tri po d is

Flicker and banding can be

Page 81

Tripod Mode (h)

1 Frame a picture in the viewfinder.

With the camera mounted on a tripod or resting on a stable, level surface, frame the subject in the viewfinder.

2 Choose Trip od for Live

view mode in the

shooting menu.

Press the G button and select the shooting menu. Select Live view mode, highlight Tri pod, and press J.

3 Press the a button.

The mirror will be raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor instead of the viewfinder.

G button

a button

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4 Focus.

Autofocus (focus mode S or C): In tripod mode, the focus point for contrast-detect autofocus can be moved to any point in the frame using the multi selector. n is displayed when the focus point is at the center of the frame except when the view through the lens is zoomed in.

To focus using contrast-detect autofocus, press the B button. focus point will blink green and the monitor may brighten while the camera focuses. using contrast-detect autofocus, the focus point will be displayed in green; if the camera is unable to focus, the focus point will blink red.

If the camera is able to focus

D Contrast-Detect Autofocus

The camera will not continue to adjust focus while the B button is pressed in continuous-servo autofocus mode. servo and continuous-servo autofocus modes, the shutter can be released even when the camera is not in focus.

Contrast-detect focus poin

B button

The

In both single-

Manual focus (focus mode M; 0 99): Use zoom for precise focus.

Page 83

To magnify the view in the monitor up to 13 × and check focus, press the N button and rotate the main command dial. While the view through the lens is zoomed in, a navigation window will appear in the bottom right corner of the display.

N button Main command dial

Use the multi selector to scroll to areas of the frame not visible in the monitor.

D Exposure Preview

In tripod mode, you can press J to preview the effects of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity on exposure during both still photography and movie recording. Exposure is set using matrix metering and can be adjusted by ±5 EV (0 134), although only values between –3 and +3 EV are reflected in the preview display. accurately reflect exposure when an optional flash unit is attached, Active D-Lighting (0 181) or bracketing is in effect, p is selected for shutter speed, or the subject is very bright or dark. Exposure preview is not available when A is selected for shutter speed.

Note that the preview may not

5 Take the p ic ture.

Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take the picture. The monitor turns off during shooting and turns back on once the photograph is recorded.

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6 End live view.

Press the a button to end live view.

D Focusing with Contrast-Detect Autofocus

Contrast-detect autofocus will take longer than normal (phasedetection) autofocus. unable to focus using contrast-detect autofocus:

• The camera is not mounted on a tripod

• The subject contains lines parallel to the long edge of the frame

• The subject lacks contrast

• The subject in the focus point contains areas of sharply contrasting brightness, or the subject is lit by spot lighting or by a neon sign or other light source that changes in brightness

• Flicker or banding appears under fluorescent, mercury-vapor, sodiumvapor, or similar lighting

• A cross (star) filter or other special filter is used

• The subject appears smaller than the focus point

• The subject is dominated by regular geometric patterns (e.g., blinds or a row of windows in a skyscraper)

• The subject is moving

Note that the focus point may sometimes be displayed in green when the camera is unable to focus.

Use an AF-S lens. lenses or teleconverters.

A Remote Cords

If the shutter-release button on a remote cord (available separately; see 0 376) is pressed halfway for over a second in tripod mode, it will activate contrast-detect autofocus. button is pressed all the way down without focusing, focus will not be adjusted before the picture is taken.

In the following situations, the camera may be

The desired results may not be achieved with other

If the remote cord shutter-release

Page 85

Hand-Held Mode (g)

1 Choose Hand-held for

Live view mode in the

shooting menu.

Press the G button and select the shooting menu. Select Live view mode, highlight Hand-held, and press J.

G button

2 Press the a button.

The mirror will be raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor instead of the viewfinder.

a button

3 Frame a picture in the monitor.

To magnify the view in the monitor up to 13 ×, press the N button and rotate the main command dial.

N button Main command dial

While the view through the lens is zoomed in, a navigation window will appear in the bottom right corner of the display. Use the multi selector to scroll within the AF area brackets.

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4 Focus.

Autofocus (focus mode S or C): Press the shutter-release button halfway or press the B button. focus normally and set exposure. either button is pressed, temporarily interrupting live view. Live view is restored when the button is released.

Manual focus (focus mode M; 0 99): Focus using the lens focus ring.

5 Take the pic t ure.

Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to reset focus and exposure and take the picture. on once the photograph is recorded.

The camera will

Note that the mirror will click back into place while

The monitor turns off during shooting and turns back

6 End live view.

Press the a button to end live view.

Page 87

D Shooting in Live View Mode

Although they will not appear in the final picture, flicker, banding, or distortion may be visible in the monitor under fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium lamps or if the camera is panned horizontally or if an object moves at high speed through the frame. appear. the sun or other strong light sources. could result in damage to the camera’s internal circuitry.

Noise may be audible when the camera adjusts aperture. pictures can be taken in live view if a CPU lens with an aperture ring is attached with Aperture ring selected for Custom Setting f8 (Customize

command dials)> Aperture setting (0 323). dial when using a CPU lens with an aperture ring.

Shooting ends automatically if the lens is removed.

Live view mode can be used for up to an hour. when used in live view mode for extended periods, the camera may become noticeably warm and its internal temperature may rise, resulting in noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels or fog). damage to the camera’s internal circuits, shooting will end automatically before the camera overheats. appear in the monitor 30 s before shooting ends. temperatures, this display may appear immediately when live view mode is selected.

During live view, the camera displays shutter speed and aperture based on the lighting conditions metered at the start of live view. metered again for the current subject when the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down.

A m icon in the monitor indicates that On is selected for Movie settings > High-sensitivity movie mode in the shooting menu (0 72). Live view is adjusted for sensitivities of from ISO 6400 to Hi 3, but photographs are taken at the sensitivity selected for ISO sensitivity settings in the shooting menu (0 110).

Metering can not be changed during live view. method before starting live view. On for Custom Setting d9 (Exposure delay mode, 0 310). To prevent light entering via the viewfinder from interfering with exposure, close the viewfinder eyepiece shutter (0 106).

When shooting in live view mode, avoid pointing the camera at

Failure to observe this precaution

To reduce blur in tripod mode, choose

Bright spots may also

Note that no

Select Sub-command

Note, however, that

To prevent

A count-down display will

At high ambient

Exposure is

Choose a metering

Page 88

A The Information Display

To hide or display indicators in the monitor in live view mode, press the R button.

Information on

Information off

Virtual horizon

Information

+ histogram

(exposure

preview

only; 0 57)

* Not displayed during zoom. Histogram not displayed during zoom or

movie recording.

A AF area brackets

AF area brackets are displayed only in hand-held mode.

TripodHand-held

Frami ng guides

Page 89

D No Picture

After shooting, play the picture back in the monitor to ensure that the photograph has been recorded. In hand-held mode, note that the sound the mirror makes when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway or the B button is pressed can be mistaken for the sound of the shutter, and that if single-servo AF is used, a photograph will only be recorded if the camera is able to focus.

A Monitor Brightness

Except during exposure preview, monitor brightness can be adjusted by pressing the K and 2 button. right of the display will turn yellow; keeping the K button pressed, press 1 or 3 to adjust brightness (note that monitor brightness has no effect on pictures taken in live view mode). To return to live view, release the K button.

The brightness indicator at the

A HDMI

If live view is used while the camera is attached to an HDMI video device, the camera monitor will turn off and the video device will display the view through the lens as shown at right. Press the R button to turn the histogram display on and off during exposure preview (0 57).

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Page 91

Recording and Viewing Movies

This chapter describes how to record movies in live view.

Recording Movies.................................................................... 66

Viewing Movies........................................................................ 73

Editing Movies ......................................................................... 74

Page 92

Recording Movies

Movies can be recorded at 24 fps by pressing the Pv button in live view mode. space (0 183) before recording.

If desired, choose a Picture Control (0 170) and color

1 Choose a live view mode

in the shooting menu.

Press G and select the

shooting menu. view mode, highlight an option, and press J. Tri pod is selected, exposure can be previewed in the monitor by pressing J (0 57).

2 Press the a button.

The mirror is raised and the view through the lens is displayed in the monitor instead of the viewfinder.

A Exposure (High-Sensitivity Movie Mode Excluded)

In Hand-held mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity for all exposure modes.

In Tri po d mode

aperture selected by the user (modes

) or the camera (modes e and f), while shutter speed and ISO sensitivity are controlled by the camera. In mode and ISO sensitivity in the exposure preview ( is not recommended in modes when the camera adjusts aperture may be recorded with the movie.

, movies are recorded at the

h (0

69), you can press J and adjust aperture, shutter speed,

Select Live

G button

a button

and

57). Exposure preview

and f, as the sound made by the lens

Page 93

D The 0 Icon

A 0 icon indicates that movies can not be recorded.

3 Focus.

Focus before starting recording.

Frame the opening shot and

either press the B button

(Trip od) or press the shutter-

release button halfway (Hand-

held) to focus on your subject.

In hand-held mode, autofocus is not available after recording

begins.

4 Start recording.

Press the Pv button or the

center of the multi selector

to start recording.

video and monaural sound

are recorded; do not cover

the microphone during

recording (the built-in

microphone is located on the front of the camera). The j

icon blinks and the time available is displayed in the monitor.

Exposure can be altered by up to ±3 EV using exposure

compensation; note, however, that changes to exposure,

including AE lock and exposure compensation, can only be

made during exposure preview.

Both

Pv button j icon

B button

Time remaining

A Focusing During Recording

To focus in tripod mode using contrast-detect autofocus, press the

button. Autofocus is not available in hand-held mode after recording begins; use manual focus to focus during recording (099; note that in hand-held mode, recording will end if the shutter-release button is pressed halfway or the B button is pressed).

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5 End recording.

Press the Pv button again to end recording (to end recording and take a still picture in live view, press the shutter-release button all the way down). when the maximum size is reached or the memory card is full.

A Maximum Size

Individual movie files can be up to 2 GB in size. length is 5 minutes for movies with a frame size of 1280 × 720, 20 minutes for other movies; note that depending on memory card write speed, shooting may end before this length is reached.

A Flicker

You may notice flicker or banding in the monitor during live view or when shooting movies under certain types of lighting, such as fluorescent or mercury-vapor lamps. Flicker and banding can be reduced by choosing a Flicker reduction option that matches the frequency of the local AC power supply (0 330).

A See Also

Frame size, microphone sensitivity, high-sensitivity movie mode, and card slot options are available in the Movie settings menu (0 70). role played by the center of the multi selector (either selecting the center focus point or toggling zoom) can be selected using Custom Setting f1 (Multi selector center button; 0 314), and the behavior of the AE-L/AF-L button can be adjusted using Custom Setting f6 (Assign

AE-L/AF-L button; 0 321).

A Adjusting Microphone Sensitivity

Microphone sensitivity can be adjusted without leaving live view. recording, hold the K button and press 4 or H.

The microphone settings icon will turn

yellow. Keep the K or H button pressed and press 1 and 3 to adjust microphone sensitivity.

Recording will end automatically

The maximum

Before starting

The

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D Recording Movies

Flicker, banding, or distortion may be visible in the monitor and in the final movie under fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium lamps or if the camera is panned horizontally or an object moves at high speed through frame. also appear. during recording, bright bands may appear or the top or bottom of the frame may brighten. camera at the sun or other strong light sources. precaution could result in damage to the camera’s internal circuitry.

Matrix metering is used regardless of the metering method selected. Depending on the brightness of the subject, changes to exposure may have no visible effect. view and during recording, but do not always apply to movies. that movies can not be recorded if a CPU lens with an aperture ring is attached with Aperture ring selected for Custom Setting f8 (Customize

command dials)> Aperture setting (0 323). dial when using a CPU lens with an aperture ring.

Recording ends automatically if the lens is removed.

When used in live view mode for extended periods, the camera’s internal temperature may rise, resulting in noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels or fog; the camera may also become noticeably warm, but this does not indicate a malfunction). camera’s internal circuits, recording will end automatically before the camera overheats. 30 s before shooting ends. may appear immediately when live view mode is selected.

Sounds made by the camera lens when aperture is adjusted or during focusing may be picked up by the microphone in tripod mode.

Jagged edges, false colors, moiré, and bright spots may

If a flash or other light source with brief duration is used

When recording movies, avoid pointing the

Shutter speed and sensitivity are displayed in live

To prevent damage to the

A count-down display will appear in the monitor

At high ambient temperatures, this display

Failure to observe this

Note

Select Sub-command

D Exposure Mode M

When exposure mode h is selected in tripod mode, shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity can be changed in the exposure preview (066). Note that the expected results will not be achieved at ISO sensitivities below ISO 200 or above ISO 12800 or at shutter speeds slower than sensitivity movie mode should be off.

/25s, and that auto ISO sensitivity control and high-

Page 96

❚❚ Movie Settings

Adjust movie settings before recording.

1 Select Movie settings

in the shooting menu.

Press the G button to display the menus. Highlight Movie settings in the shooting menu and press 2.

2 Choose movie options.

To choose a frame size, highlight Quality and press 2. Highlight one of the following options and press J to select:

Option Frame size (pixels) Maximum length

1280× 720 (16 :9)

640×424 (3: 2) 640 × 424

320×216 (3: 2) 320 × 216

* Available only when FX format is selected for

option is selected, frame size will be 640 × 424.

A Frame Size

If the aspect ratio of the crop currently selected for still images differs from that of the movie frame, guides showing the movie frame crop will be displayed during live view when indicators are hidden (0 62). The area outside the movie frame crop is grayed out during recording.

G button

1280 × 720 5 min.

Image area

20 min.

; if another

Page 97

To turn the built-in or external microphone on or off or to adjust microphone sensitivity, highlight Microphone and press 2. off and press J. sensitivity automatically, select Auto sensitivity (A).

To turn sound recording off, highlight Microphone

To turn recording on and adjust microphone

Selecting any other option turns recording on and sets the microphone to the selected sensitivity.

A Using an External Microphone

Instead of the built-in microphone, commercially-available external microphones can be used to avoid picking up sounds produced by the lens during focusing or vibration reduction. available with any microphone that has a stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter).

Stereo recording is

To choose a destination when using two memory cards, highlight Destination and press 2.

Select a slot and press J.

The menu shows the time available on each card; recording ends automatically when no time remains.

A Using a TV as a Monitor

If the camera is connected to a TV using an A/V or HDMI cable, the television can be used as a monitor for live view and movie recording. If an A/V cable is connected when the a button is pressed, the view through the camera lens will be displayed both on the TV and in the camera monitor, but the camera monitor will turn off during movie recording. If an HDMI cable is connected, the camera monitor will remain off during both live view and movie recording.

Page 98

To adjust ISO sensitivity to suit lighting conditions, highlight High-sensitivity movie mode and press 2.

If lighting is so poor that the subject is difficult to see with the naked eye, highlight On and press J to shoot at ISO sensitivities of ISO 6400 to Hi 3 (a m icon will be displayed in the monitor).

Select Off to shoot at ISO sensitivities between ISO 200 and ISO 12800.

A High-Sensitivity Movie Mode

Movies shot at high sensitivities are prone to noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines) and after-images of light sources and other bright objects. If the subject is brightly lit, highlights may be “washed out” and details may be lost. Check the results in the monitor and turn high-sensitivity movie mode off if necessary. Note that the camera may have difficulty focusing using contrast-detect autofocus.

Although m is displayed whenever high-sensitivity movie mode is enabled, photographs taken while high-sensitivity movie mode is in effect are shot at the ISO sensitivity selected for ISO sensitivity in the shooting menu (0 110).

Page 99

Viewing Movies

Movies are indicated by a 1 icon in full-frame playback (0 222). Press the center of the multi selector to start playback.

1 icon Length Current position/total length

Volu me

Guide

The following operations can be performed:

To Use Description

Pause 3/ J Pause playback.

Play

Rewind/ advance

Adjust volume

Trim movie J See page 74 for more information.

Resume

shooting

Display menus G See page 273 for more information.

Exit 1/K Exit to full-frame playback.

Resume playback when movie is paused or during rewind/advance.

Speed doubles with each press, from 2× to 4 × to 8× to 16×; keep pressed to skip to beginning or end

4/2

of movie. or advances one frame at a time; keep pressed for continuous rewind or advance.

N+

Hold N and press 1 to increase volume, 3 to

1/3

decrease.

Monitor turns off. immediately.

If playback is paused, movie rewinds

Photographs can be taken

A 2 icon

2 is displayed in full-frame and movie playback if the movie was recorded without sound.

Page 100

Editing Movies

Trim footage to create edited copies of movies or save selected frames as JPEG stills. movie in full-frame playback and press J.

Trimming Movies

1 Choose an option.

To trim the opening footage

from the copy, highlight Choose start point in the edit movie menu and press J. Select Choose end point to trim the ending footage.

2 View the movie and choose a

starting or end point.

Press the center of the multi selector to start or resume playback, 3 to pause, and 4 or 2 to rewind or advance (0 73; pause to rewind or advance one frame at a time). the movie paused on the desired frame, press 1 to delete all frames before (Choose start point) or after (Choose end point) the selected frame. shown by h and i icons.

To adjust volume, hold N and press 1 and 3. With

To view movie retouch options, display a

Starting and ending frames are

Nikon 6MB07411-03 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Q&A Index

Table of Contents

For Your Safety

Notices

Introduction

Overview

Getting to Know the Camera

Camera Body

The Top Control Panel

The Rear Control Panel

The Viewfinder Display

The Information Display

The Camera Strap

The BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cover

Quick Start Guide

Tutorial

Camera Menus

Using Camera Menus

Help

First Steps

Charge the Battery

Insert the Battery

Attach a Lens

Basic Setup

Insert a Memory Card

Format the Memory Card

Adjust Viewfinder Focus

Basic Photography and Playback

Turn the Camera On

Adjust Camera Settings

Focus and Shoot

Viewing Photographs

Deleting Unwanted Photographs

Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View)

Framing Photographs in the Monitor

Recording and Viewing Movies

Recording Movies

Viewing Movies

Editing Movies