Know what you want to do but don’t know the function name?
it from the “question and answer” index.
The Quick Start Guide
i
A brief guide for those who want to get started taking pictures right
away.
The Index
i
Search by key word.
Error Messages
i
If a warning is displayed in the viewfinder, monitor, or control panel,
find the solution here.
Tro ubl eshoo ting
i
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
0
iv–ix
0
19–20
0
425–430
0
403–407
0
398–402
0
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
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
i
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
D
use to prevent damage to the camera.
This icon marks notes; information that should be read before
A
using the camera.
This icon marks references to other pages in this manual.
0
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.
ii
PictBridge is a trademark.
Q&A Index
0 iv
Table of Contents
Introduction
X
Tutori al
s
Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View)
x
Recording and Viewing Movies
y
Image Recording Options
d
Focus
N
Release Mode
k
ISO Sensitivity
S
Exposure
Z
White Balance
r
Image Enhancement
J
Flash Photography
l
Other Shooting Options
t
More About Playback
I
Voice Memos
e
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
Q
Menu Guide
U
Technical Notes
n
0 253
0 273
0 365
iii
Q&A Index
Find what you’re looking for using this “question and answer”
index.
❚❚ New Features
QuestionKey phrase
How do I take pictures in 35mm format?Image area78
How do I take high-quality NEF (RAW)
photos?
Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder?Live view53
How do I shoot movies?Movies65
Can I shoot movies under low light?
How do I record photographs using two
memory cards?
Can I control how photos are processed?Picture Controls170
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 horizon338
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 288
Active D-Lighting181
3D-tracking297
AF fine tune339
Cleaning the low-pass
filter
378
0
72
❚❚ Camera Setup
QuestionKey phrase
How do I keep the monitor from turning
off?
How do I keep the shutter speed and
aperture displays from turning off?
iv
0
Monitor off delay306
Auto meter off
45,
305
QuestionKey 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 indicators324
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 reset200
How do I restore shooting menu
defaults?
How do I restore Custom Setting
defaults?
Time zone and date
LCD brightness326
Language
Save/load settings336
Reset shooting menu287
Reset custom settings294
34,
330
33,
331
❚❚ Menus and Displays
QuestionKey phrase
How do I get more information on a
menu?
How do I use the menus?Using the menus22
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?
Help25
My Menu359
Recent settings363
Error messages and
displays
Battery level43
403
0
0
v
QuestionKey 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 camera377
Battery info333
File number sequence308
❚❚ Taking Photographs
QuestionKey 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 focus41
Can I control how the camera focuses?Autofocus89
Can I choose the focus point?Focus point94
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-exposures128
Number of exposures
remaining
Image quality and size 83, 86
Release mode102
104,
307
ISO sensitivity110
ISO sensitivity auto
control
112
0
0
44
vi
QuestionKey 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 balance149
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 mode310
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 mode193
Multiple exposure202
Voice memo246
Fine tune optimal
exposure
Movie settings70
136,
312
141,
312
145,
312
304
❚❚ Viewing Photographs
QuestionKey phrase
Can I view my photographs on the
camera?
Can I view movies on the camera?Viewing movies73
Can I view more information about
photos?
Why do parts of my photos blink?Photo info, highlights
Camera playback222
Photo info225
227,
277
0
0
vii
QuestionKey phrase
How do I get rid of an unwanted photo?
Can I delete several photos at once?Delete242
Can I zoom in on pictures?Playback zoom237
Can I protect photos from accidental
deletion?
Can I hide selected photos?Hide image275
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 review281
Can I record voice memos with photos?Voice memo249
Is there an automatic playback (“slide
show”) option?
Deleting individual
photos
Protect238
Display mode:
highlights
Display mode: focus
point
Slide show282
240
227,
277
226,
277
❚❚ Retouching Photographs
QuestionKey phrase
How do I bring out details in shadows?D-Lighting344
Can I get rid of red eye?Red-eye correction345
Can I crop photographs on the camera?Trim346
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 movies74
Monochrome347
Filter effects,
Color balance
NEF (RAW) processing353
Image overlay349
348
0
0
viii
❚❚ Viewing or Printing Photographs on Other Devices
QuestionKey phrase
Can I view my photos on TV?Television playback269
Can I view my photos in High Definition?HDMI271
How do I copy photos to my computer?
How do I print photographs?Printing photographs258
Can I print photos without a computer?Printing via USB259
Can I print the date on my photographs?Time stamp261
Connecting to a
computer
254
❚❚ Optional Accessories
QuestionKey phrase
What memory cards can I use?
What lenses can I use?Compatible lenses366
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 units187
Other accessories375
Other accessories372
419
0
0
ix
Table of Contents
Q&A Index ................................................................................................iv
For Your Safety .................................................................................. xviii
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
A
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.
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
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.
xx
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
xxi
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
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
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
X
Introduction
This chapter covers information you will need to know before
using the camera, including the names of camera parts.
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.
X
D Use Only Nikon Brand Accessories
Only Nikon brand accessories certified by Nikon specifically for use with
your Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within
its operational and safety requirements.
The 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
THEUSEOFNON-NIKON
Frequent inspection and servicing are
Nikon
Any
2
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