Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital
camera. To get the most from your camera, please be sure to read all
instructions thoroughly and keep them where they will be read by all
those who use the product.
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 are
shown in bold.
Camera Settings
The explanations in this manual assume that default settings are used.
Help
Use the camera’s on-board help feature for help on menu items and other
topics. See page 22 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
A For Your Safety
Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety
instructions in “For Your Safety” (0 xiii–xv).
Where to Find It
Find what you’re looking for from:
The Table of Contents..............................................................
i
The Q&A Index.........................................................................
i
The Quick Start Guide .............................................................0xxii
i
The Index..................................................................................0449
Find what you’re looking for using this “question and answer”
index.
Taking Photographs
Shooting and Framing Options
i
Is there a quick and easy way to take snapshots?xxii, 40
Can I frame photos in the monitor (C live view
photography)?
Can I shoot movies (1 movie live view)?63
Can I join photographs taken at regular intervals to
create a time-lapse movie?
Release Modes
i
Can I take photos in quick succession?111
How do I take pictures with the self-timer?114
Focus
i
Can I choose how the camera focuses?97
Can I choose the focus point?103
Exposure
i
Can I make photos brighter or darker?137
How do I preserve details in shadows and highlights?
Image Quality and Size
i
How do I take pictures for printing at large sizes?
How can I get more pictures on the memory card?
Viewing Photographs
Playback
i
How do I view photographs on the camera?235
How do I view more information about a photo?238
Can I view photos in an automatic slide show?291
Can I view photos on a TV?280
Can I protect photos from accidental deletion?249
Deletion
i
How do I delete unwanted photos?251
0
49
223
184,
186
90, 93
0
ii
Retouching Photographs
How do I create retouched copies of photos?361
How do I make JPEG copies of RAW (NEF) photos?372
Can I trim movie footage on the camera or save
movie stills?
0
79
Menus and Settings
How do I use the menus?19
How do I keep the displays from turning off?316, 317
How do I focus the viewfinder?38
How do I set the camera clock?30, 348
How do I format memory cards?36
How do I restore default settings?
How do I get help for a menu or message?22
Connections
How do I copy photos to a computer?263
How do I print photos?271
Can I print the date of recording on my photos?274
Maintenance and Optional Accessories
What memory cards can I use?442
What lenses can I use?385
What optional flash units (Speedlights) can I use?192
What other accessories are available for my camera?
What software is available for my camera?
How do I clean the camera?398
Where should I take my camera for servicing and
repairs?
0
207, 295,
305
0
0
391
405
iii
Table of Contents
Q&A Index ................................................................................................. ii
For Your Safety .................................................................................... xiii
Notices.................................................................................................... xvi
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 adjustment
control
When operating the viewfinder
diopter adjustment control with
your eye to the viewfinder, care
should be taken not to put your
finger in your eye accidentally.
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.
xiii
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.
note that small parts constitute a
chocking hazard.
swallow any part of this
equipment, consult a physician
immediately.
In addition,
Should a child
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 Do not remain in contact with the
camera, battery, or charger for extended
periods while the devices are on or in use
Parts of the device become hot.
Leaving the device in direct
contact with the skin for extended
periods may result in lowtemperature burns.
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.
xiv
A Observe proper precautions when
handling the 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 Do not aim a flash at the operator of a
motor vehicle
Failure to observe this precaution
could result in accidents.
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.
xv
Notices
• No part of the manuals included with this
product may be reproduced, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system,
or translated into any language in any
form, by any means, without Nikon’s prior
written permission.
• Nikon reserves the right to change the
specifications of the hardware and
software described in these manuals at
any time and without prior notice.
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
electrical and electronic
equipment 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.
• Separate collection and recycling
helps conserve natural resources and
prevent negative consequences for
human health and the environment
that might result from incorrect
disposal.
• 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).
ATTENTION
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
xvi
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.
The accessory power cord must be used
For USA only: Over AC 125 V
Use a power cord over AWG 18 in size
suited to the voltage in use with plugs
rated for AC 250 V 15 A (NEMA 6P-15)
and a minimum of SVT type cord for
insulation.
Power S upply C ord
Use a UL Listed, 1.8 to 3 m (6 to 10 ft),
SPT-2, AWG no. 18 power supply cord
rated for 125 V 7 A, with a non-polarized
NEMA 1-15P plug rated for 125 V 15 A.
xvii
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.
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 (0 168). Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically
destroying data storage devices.
Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road,
Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A.
Tel.: 631-547-4200
Wash
xviii
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.
Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories
Nikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex
electronic circuitry.
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 chargers,
• Cautions on cer tain 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 no tices
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.
The use of third-party
xix
AVC Pate nt Portfol io Licen se
T
HISPRODUCTISLICENSEDUNDERTHE AVC PATENTPORTFOLIOLICENSEFORTHEPERSONALAND
NON-COMMERCIALUSEOFACON SUMERTO (i) ENCODEVIDEOINCOMPLIANCEWITHTHE AVC
STANDARD (“AVC VIDEO”) AND/OR (ii) DECODE AVC VIDEOTHATWASENCODEDBYACONSUMER
ENGAGEDINAPERSONALANDNON-COMMERCIALACTIVITYAND/ORWASOBTAINEDFROMAVIDEO
PROVIDERLICENSEDTOPROVIDE AVC VIDEO. NOLICENSEISGRANTEDORSHALLBEIMPLIEDFO R
ANYOTHERUSE. ADDITIONALINFORMATIONMAYBEOBTAINEDFROM MPEG LA, L.L.C. SEE
http://www.mpegla.com
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
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).
Frequent inspection and servicing are
particularly recommended if the camera is used professionally. Any
accessories regularly used with the camera, such as lenses or optional
flash units, should be included when the camera is inspected or
serviced.
Nikon
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.
damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.
Nikon will not be held liable for
xx
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
xxi
Quick Start Guide
Follow these steps for a quick start with the D4.
1 Attach the camera strap.
Attach the strap securely to the camera eyelets.
2 Charge (0 23) and insert (0 25) the battery.
Attach the battery-chamber cover before inserting the
battery.
3 Attach a lens (0 28).
xxii
4 Insert a memory card (0 33).
Back
5 Turn the camera on (0 40).
A See Also
For information on choosing a language and setting the time and
date, see page 30.
viewfinder focus.
See page 38 for information on adjusting
6 Select autofocus (0 97).
Rotate the focus-mode selector
to AF (autofocus).
7 Focus and shoot (0 43, 44).
Press the shutter-release
button halfway to focus, then
press the shutter-release
button the rest of the way
down to take the photograph.
8 View the
photograph
(0 46).
K button
Focus-mode selector
Focus indicator
xxiii
xxiv
X
Introduction
Package Contents
Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera.
Memory cards are sold separately.