Nikon CF D50 User Manual
The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography
with the
DIGITAL CAMERA
En
About This Manual
The topics in this manual are arranged in order from easy to advanced.
These chapters cover all you need to
know for simple, “point-and-shoot”
photography
Introduction (pages 1–13)
Learn the names of camera parts and ready the camera for use.
Tutorial: Photography and Playback (pages 14–24)
The basic operations involved in taking photographs and playing them back.
Reference: More on Photography (pages 30–50)
Play with exposure and explore the creative possibilities
of some of the camera’s more advanced settings.
Reference: More on Playback (pages 51–67)
Learn more about camera playback, transferring photographs to a computer, and printing photographs.
Setup: Basic Camera Settings (pages 68–75)
Basic camera setup, including formatting memory cards and setting the camera
clock.
Setup: Shooting, Playback, and Custom Settings (pages 76–100)
Read this chapter for more information on Custom Settings and on shooting and playback options.
Technical Notes (pages 101–103)
Read this chapter for information on camera specifi cations, accessories, and
troubleshooting.
Read these chapters for a complete
description of all aspects of camera
operation
Introduction
Tutorial
Reference
Setup
Technical Notes
Photography and Playback
More on Photography
More on Playback
Basic Camera Settings:
The Setup Menu
Shooting Options:
The Shooting Menu
Playback Options:
The Playback Menu
Custom Settings:
The Custom Settings Menu
i
For Your Safety
To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this
equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the
product will read them.
The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions
listed in this section are indicated by the following symbol:
This icon marks warnings, information that should be read before using this
Nikon product to prevent possible injury.
WARNINGS
Do not look at the sun through the view-
fi nder
Viewing the sun or other strong light
source through the viewfi nder could
cause per ma nent visual im pair ment.
Turn off immediately in the event of
malfunction
Should you notice smoke or an un usu al
smell coming from the equip ment or
from the AC adapt er (avail able sep a rate ly), unplug the AC adapt er and
re move the battery im me di ate ly, taking care to avoid burns. Con tin ued
op er a tion could re sult in injury. After
re mov ing the bat tery, take the equip ment to a Nikon-au tho rized service
cen ter for in spec tion.
Do not use in the presence of fl am-
ma ble gas
Do not use electronic equip ment in the
presence of fl ammable gas, as this could
result in ex plo sion or fi re.
Do not place strap around the neck of
an infant or child
Placing the camera strap around the
neck of an infant or child could result
in strangulation.
ii
Do not disassemble
Touching the product’s internal parts
could result in injury. In the event of
a malfunction, the prod uct should be
re paired only by a qualifi ed tech ni cian.
Should the product break open as the
re sult of a fall or other ac ci dent, re move
the battery and/or AC adapt er and then
take the prod uct to a Nikon-au tho rized
ser vice cen ter for in spec tion.
Observe proper precautions when han-
dling batteries
Batteries may leak or explode if im prop er ly handled. Observe the fol low ing
pre cau tions when handling bat ter ies for
use in this product:
• Be sure the product is off before re plac ing the battery. If you are using an
AC adapter, be sure it is un plugged.
• Use only batteries approved for use in
this equipment. Do not mix old and
new batteries or batteries of different
types.
• Do not at tempt to insert the battery
upside down or back wards.
• Do not short or disassemble the bat tery.
• Do not expose the battery to fl ame or
to excessive heat.
• Do not immerse in or expose to wa ter.
• Replace the terminal cover when transporting the battery. Do not transport
or store with metal objects such as
neck lac es or hair pins.
• Batteries are prone to leakage when fully
discharged. To avoid damage to the
prod uct, be sure to remove the battery
when no charge re mains.
• When the battery is not in use, at tach
the terminal cover and store in a cool
place.
• Immediately after use, or when the
prod uct is used on battery power for
an ex tend ed period, the bat tery may
become hot. Before re mov ing the bat tery, turn the camera off and al low the
battery to cool.
• Discontinue use immediately should you
notice any changes in the bat tery, such
as dis col or a tion or de for ma tion.
Use appropriate cables
When connecting cables to the in put
and output jacks, use only the ca bles
pro vid ed or sold by Nikon for the
pur pose, to main tain com pli ance with
prod uct reg u la tions.
Keep out of reach of children
Particular care should be tak en to pre vent infants from putting the bat tery or
other small parts into their mouths.
CD-ROMs
The CD-ROMs on which the soft ware
and manuals are dis trib ut ed should not
be played back on audio CD equip ment.
Playing CD-ROMs on an audio CD play er
could cause hear ing loss or dam age the
equip ment.
Observe caution when using the fl ash
• Do not operate the fl ash with the fl ash
window touching a person or object.
Failure to observe this precaution could
result in burns or fi re.
• Using the fl ash close to your sub ject’s
eyes could cause tem po rary vi su al
im pair ment. Par tic u lar care should
be observed if pho to graph ing in fants,
when the fl ash should be no less than
one meter (39˝) from the sub ject.
When using the viewfi nder
When operating the diopter ad just ment
control with your eye to the viewfi nder,
care should be tak en not to put your
fi n ger in your eye ac ci den tal ly.
Avoid contact with liquid crystal
Should the monitor break, care should
be tak en to avoid injury due to bro ken
glass and to pre vent liq uid crystal from
the mon i tor touch ing the skin or en ter ing the eyes or mouth.
iii
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
specifi cations of the hardware and software described in these manuals at any
time and without prior notice.
Notice for customers in the U.S.A.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/television technician for help.
iv
• 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).
Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
CAUTIONS
Modifi cations
The FCC requires the user to be notifi ed
that any changes or modifi cations made
to this device that are not expressly approved by Nikon Corporation may void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Interface Cables
Use the interface cables sold or provided
by Nikon for your equipment. Using other interface cables may exceed the limits
of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Notice for customers in the State of California
WARNING: Handling the cord on this
product will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to
cause birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Nikon Inc.,
1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York
11747-3064, U.S.A.
Te l.: 631-547-4200
D50
Notice for customers in Canada
CAUTION
This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference
Causing Equipment Regulations.
ATTENTION
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement
sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction
Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or
reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera or other device may be punishable
by law.
• Items prohibited by law from being
copied or reproduced
Do not copy or reproduce paper money,
coins, securities, government bonds, or
local government bonds, even if such
copies or reproductions are stamped
“Sample.”
The copying or reproduction of paper
money, coins, or securities which are
circulated in a foreign country is prohibited.
Unless the prior permission of the
government has been obtained, the
copying or reproduction of unused
postage stamps or post cards issued by
the government is prohibited.
The copying or reproduction of stamps
issued by the government and of certifi ed documents stipulated by law is
prohibited.
• Cautions on certain copies and reproductions
The government has issued cautions on
copies or reproductions of securities issued by private companies (shares, bills,
checks, gift certifi cates, etc.), commuter
passes, or coupon tickets, except when
a minimum of necessary copies are to
be provided for business use by a company. Also, do not copy or reproduce
passports issued by the government,
licenses issued by public agencies and
private groups, ID cards, and tickets,
such as passes and meal coupons.
• Comply with copyright notices
The copying or reproduction of copyrighted creative works such as books,
music, paintings, woodcut prints, maps,
drawings, movies, and photographs is
governed by national and international
copyright laws. Do not use this product
for the purpose of making illegal copies
or to infringe copyright laws.
Trademark Information
Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. The SD logo is a trademark of the SD Card Association. Adobe
and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. PictBridge is a trademark. 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.
v
Table of Contents
For Your Safety.............................................................................................. ii
Notices ........................................................................................................... iv
Introduction.................................................................................................... 1
Getting to Know the Camera....................................................................... 2
First Steps ...................................................................................................... 7
Attaching a Lens ........................................................................................... 7
Charging and Inserting the Battery................................................................ 8
Basic Setup ................................................................................................... 10
Inserting Memory Cards................................................................................ 11
Adjusting Viewfi nder Focus........................................................................... 13
Tutorial: Photography and Playback ............................................................ 14
Taking Photographs in
Digital Vari-Programs ................................................................................... 19
Choosing a Shooting Mode.......................................................................... 21
Using the Self-timer or Remote Control...................................................... 22
Basic Playback ............................................................................................... 24
Reference........................................................................................................ 25
Using Camera Menus.................................................................................... 26
Reference: More on Photography ................................................................ 30
Image Quality and Size................................................................................. 30
Image Quality ............................................................................................... 31
Image Size .................................................................................................... 32
Choosing the Focus Area.............................................................................. 33
Manual Focus ................................................................................................ 35
Flash Sync Mode............................................................................................ 36
Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency)......................................................................... 39
P, S, A, and M Modes .................................................................................... 40
Choosing an Exposure Mode......................................................................... 40
P: Programmed Auto..................................................................................... 42
S: Shutter-Priority Auto.................................................................................. 43
A: Aperture-Priority Auto .............................................................................. 44
M: Manual.................................................................................................... 45
Exposure Compensation (P, S, A, and M Modes Only).................................... 47
Optimizing Images ........................................................................................ 48
White Balance............................................................................................... 49
Restoring Default Settings ........................................................................... 50
Reference: More on Playback........................................................................ 51
Viewing Photographs ................................................................................... 51
Protecting Photographs from Deletion....................................................... 56
Deleting Individual Photographs................................................................. 57
Viewing Photographs on TV ........................................................................ 58
vi
Mode................................................................. 14
Viewing Photographs on a Computer......................................................... 59
Printing Photographs ................................................................................... 62
Setup............................................................................................................... 68
Basic Camera Settings................................................................................... 68
Format.......................................................................................................... 68
CSM/Setup Menu ......................................................................................... 69
Date ............................................................................................................. 69
LCD Brightness ............................................................................................. 69
Video Mode.................................................................................................. 69
Language (LANG).......................................................................................... 70
Image Comment........................................................................................... 70
USB .............................................................................................................. 71
Folders.......................................................................................................... 71
File No. Seq................................................................................................... 73
Mirror Lock-up.............................................................................................. 73
Dust Ref Photo.............................................................................................. 74
Firmware Ver................................................................................................. 75
Image Rotation ............................................................................................. 75
Shooting Options.......................................................................................... 76
Optimize Image............................................................................................. 76
Long Exp. NR ................................................................................................ 78
Image Quality ............................................................................................... 78
Image Size .................................................................................................... 78
White Balance............................................................................................... 79
ISO ............................................................................................................... 82
Playback Options .......................................................................................... 83
Delete........................................................................................................... 84
Playback Fldr................................................................................................. 84
Rotate Tall ..................................................................................................... 84
Slide Show.................................................................................................... 85
Print Set........................................................................................................ 86
Small Picture ................................................................................................. 86
Custom Settings ............................................................................................ 87
Technical Notes............................................................................................... 101
Camera Settings ............................................................................................ 101
Optional Accessories..................................................................................... 104
Caring for the Camera.................................................................................. 115
Troubleshooting............................................................................................ 120
Appendix ....................................................................................................... 126
Specifi cations ................................................................................................ 129
Index .............................................................................................................. 136
A two-button reset (page 50) and Custom Setting R (Menu Reset; page 87) can be
used to restore factory default settings.
vii
Foreign Matter on the Low- Pass Filter
Nikon takes every possible precaution to pre vent foreign matter from com ing into
con tact with the low-pass fi lter during production and ship ping. The D50, how ev er,
is designed to be used with interchangeable lens es, and for eign matter may enter the
camera when lens es are removed or exchanged. Once inside the camera, this for eign
matter may adhere to the low-pass fi lter, where it may appear in photographs tak en
under cer tain con di tions. To prevent foreign matter from entering the camera, do
not exchange lenses in dusty environments. To pro tect the camera when no lens is in
place, be sure to replace the body cap pro vid ed with the camera, being care ful to fi rst
remove all dust and other foreign matter that may be ad her ing to the body cap.
Should foreign matter fi nd its way onto the low-pass fi lter, clean the low-pass fi lter as
instructed on pages 116–117 of this manual, or have the low-pass fi lter cleaned by
authorized Nikon ser vice per son nel. Pho to graphs affected by the presence of for eign
matter on the low-pass fi lter can be re touched us ing Nikon Capture 4 version 4.3 or
later (available separately) or the clean image options available in some third-party
im ag ing software.
Take Te st Shots
Before taking pictures on important occasions (for example, at weddings or be fore
tak ing the cam era with you on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is
func tion ing normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profi ts that
may result from product malfunction.
Life-Long Learning
As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing prod uct sup port
and ed u ca tion, con tin u al ly-updated information is avail able on-line at the following
sites:
• For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/
• For users in Europe: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support
• For users in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa: http://www.nikon-asia.com/
Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product in for ma tion, tips, an swers
to fre quent ly-asked ques tions (FAQs), and gen er al advice on digital imaging and pho tog ra phy. Ad di tion al information may be available from the Nikon rep re sen ta tive in
your area. See the URL below for contact in for ma tion:
http://nikonimaging.com/
Replacing This Manual
Should you lose this manual, replacements can be ordered, for a fee, from any au tho rized Nikon service representative.
viii
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon D50 single-lens refl ex (SLR) digital
camera with interchangeable lenses. This manual has been written to help
you enjoy taking pictures with your Nikon digital camera. Read this manual
thoroughly before use, and keep it handy when using the product. The documentation for this product also includes the manuals listed below. Please be
sure to read all instructions thoroughly to get the most from the cam era.
• Quick Start Guide: The Quick Start Guide takes you through the process
of unpacking and set ting up your Nikon digital camera, taking your fi rst
photographs, and trans fer ring them to your computer.
• PictureProject Reference Manual (on CD): The PictureProject Reference
Manual contains information on using the PictureProject software provided with your camera. For information on view ing the reference manual,
see the Quick Start Guide.
To make it easier to fi nd the information you need, the following sym bols
and con ven tions are used:
This icon marks cautions, information that should be read before use
to prevent damage to the camera.
This icon marks notes, information
that should be read before using
the camera.
This icon marks settings that can be
adjusted using camera menus.
Lens
An AF-S DX 18–55 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens is used in this manual for illustrative
purposes. See the manual provided with the lens for more information.
Focal length scale Mounting index: 7
This icon marks tips, additional information that may be helpful when
using the camera.
This icon indicates that more information is available elsewhere in this
manual or in the Quick Start Guide.
This icon marks settings that can be
fi ne-tuned from the Custom Set tings
menu.
CPU contacts: 105Zoom ring: 16
Introduction
Focus ring:
35 A-M mode switch: 15, 35
1
Getting to Know the Camera
Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may fi nd it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you
read through the rest of the manual.
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
Camera Body
Accessory shoe: 109
Control panel: 4
AF-assist illuminator:
[Self-timer lamp: 22]
[Red-eye reduction lamp: 36]
(self-timer / remote
control) button: 28
[Reset button: 50]
(exposure
compensation)
button: 47
[ Aperture
button: 45]
[Flash compensation: 38]
Infrared
receiver:
28
Power switch:
14
34
Shutter-release
button: 17
Connector cover
USB connector:
Accessory
shoe cover:
109
Built-in fl ash:
(fl ash sync mode)
button: 18, 36
[ Flash compensation: 38]
Mode dial:
6
Eyelet for
camera strap:
7
Lens release
button:
Focus-mode selector:
15, 35
60, 63
109
7
Video connector:
DC-IN connector for optional
EH-5 AC adapter:
58
113
2
Camera Body (continued)
(shooting mode)
button: 21
[Reset button: 50]
(playback)
button: 24, 51
(menu)
button: 26
(thumbnail)
button: 54
[ISO (sensitivity)
button: 39]
(help / protect)
button: 26, 56
[WB (white balance)
button: 49]
Viewfi nder eyepiece cup:
Diopter adjustment control: 13
(AE / AF lock) button:
34, 97, 98
Command dial:
43–45, 51–55
Memory card slot
cover:
Memory card access lamp:
12, 17
button: 24, 57
13Viewfi nder eyepiece: 5, 13, 16
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
11, 12
11,
(delete)
(enter) button: 29
[QUAL (image quality /
size) button: 32]
[ (playback zoom)
button: 55]
Reset switch:
Multi selector
The multi selector is used for menu navigation and to control the display of photo
information during playback.
Display previous page
Return to previous menu
120
Hide/display photo information
Cancel
Hide / display photo information
Tripod socket
Monitor:
Move cursor down
24, 26
Move cursor up
Battery-chamber
cover latch: 9
Battery-chamber
cover: 9
Playback ( 51)
Menu navigation ( 28)
Display next page
Display sub-menu
Make selection
3
Control Panel
1
2
11
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
3
4
5
6
1 Shutter speed ..........................40–45
Exposure compensation value ....... 47
Flash compensation value ............. 38
Sensitivity (ISO equivalency) .......... 39
2 Sensitivity (ISO) indicator ............... 39
Auto sensitivity indicator......... 91, 92
3 Battery indicator ........................... 14
4 Flash sync mode ........................... 36
5 Image quality................................ 31
6 Image size .................................... 32
7 White balance mode..................... 49
12
13
14
15
16
10
9
8
7
8 Number of exposures remaining ... 14
Number of shots remaining
before memory buffer fi lls............. 21
Preset white balance recording
indicator ....................................... 79
PC mode indicator ........................ 59
9 “K” (appears when memory remains
for over 1000 exposures) ................ 5
10 “Beep” indicator .......................... 88
11 Aperture (f/-number) ...............40–45
PC mode indicator ........................ 60
22
21
20
19
17
12 Flash compensation indicator ........ 38
13 Exposure compensation indicator.. 47
14 Flexible program indicator............. 42
15 Focus area .............................. 16, 33
AF-area mode............................... 89
16 AF mode....................................... 88
17 Metering mode............................. 96
4
18
18 Self-timer / remote control
indicator ....................................... 22
19 Bracketing progress indicator ........ 93
20 Bracketing indicator...................... 93
21 Clock battery indicator.......... 10, 123
22 Shooting mode............................. 21
The Viewfi nder Display
1
2
When the battery is totally exhausted, the
display in the viewfi nder will dim. The viewfi nder display will return to normal when a
2
fully-charged battery is inserted.
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
3
4
1 Reference circle for center-weighted
metering....................................... 96
2 Focus brackets (focus areas).... 16, 33
3
“No memory card” warning
.. 11, 123
4 Battery indicator ........................... 14
5 Focus indicator ............... 17, 35, 123
6 Focus area .............................. 16, 33
AF-area mode............................... 89
7 Flash value (FV) lock...................... 98
8 Shutter speed ..........................40–45
9 Aperture (f/-number) ...............40–45
10 Flash compensation indicator........ 38
11 Exposure compensation indicator.. 47
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14
12 Number of exposures remaining ... 14
Number of shots remaining
before memory buffer fi lls............. 21
Preset white balance recording
indicator ....................................... 79
Exposure compensation value ....... 47
Flash compensation value ............. 38
PC mode indicator .................. 59, 60
13 Flash-ready indicator ..................... 18
14 Autoexposure (AE) lock................. 97
15
Electronic analog exposure display
Exposure compensation ................ 47
16 Auto sensitivity indicator......... 91, 92
17 “K” (appears when memory remains
for over 1000 exposures) ................ 5
Large- Capacity Memory Cards
When enough mem o ry re mains on the memory card to
record a thou sand or more pic tures at cur rent set tings,
the num ber of exposures re main ing will be shown in
thou sands, round ed down to the near est hun dred
(e.g., if there is room for ap prox i mate ly 1,260 ex po sures, the ex po sure count dis play will show 1.2 K).
Camera Off Display
If the camera is turned off with a battery and memory
card inserted, the number of exposures remaining will
be displayed in the control panel.
15
16
17
.. 46
5
The Mode Dial
Point-and-Shoot Modes (Digital Vari-Programs)
The D50 offers a choice of the following eleven shooting
modes:
Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera
Advanced Modes (Exposure Modes)
Select these modes for full control over camera settings, including shutter speed and aperture.
P: Programmed auto ( 42)
A: Aperture-priority auto ( 44)
Point-and-Shoot Modes (Digital Vari-Programs)
S: Shutter-priority auto ( 43)
M: Manual ( 45)
Selecting a Digital Vari-Program automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography
as simple as rotating the mode dial.
: Auto ( 14)
: Landscape ( 20)
: Sports ( 20)
: Night portrait ( 20)
: Portrait ( 19)
: Child ( 20)
: Close up ( 20)
6
First Steps
Attaching a Lens
Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the
lens is removed.
Turn the camera off and remove the body
1
cap. Remove the rear lens cap from the
lens.
Keep ing the mounting index on the lens
2
aligned with the mounting index on the
cam era body, position the lens in the cam era’s bayonet mount. Being careful not to
press the lens-release button, ro tate the lens
counter-clockwise until it clicks into place.
Detaching Lenses
Be sure the camera is off when removing or exchanging lenses. To remove the lens, press and hold the lensrelease button while turning the lens clockwise.
Introduction—First Steps
Aperture Ring
If the lens is equipped with an aperture ring, lock aperture at the minimum setting
(highest f/-number). See the lens manual for details.
Attaching the Camera Strap
Attach the strap as shown below.
7
Charging and Inserting the Battery
Use the supplied EN-EL3 battery and MH-18a quick charger.
Charge the battery
Introduction—First Steps
1
1.1 Connect the power cord to the charger
and plug it in.
1.2 Place the battery in the charger. The
CHARGE lamp will blink as the battery
charges. About two hours are required
for an exhausted battery to fully charge.
1.3 Charging is complete when the CHARGE
lamp stops blinking. Remove the battery
from the charger and unplug the charger.
The Battery and Charger
Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages ii–iii and 118–119 of this
manual, together with any warnings and instructions provided by the battery
manufacturer.
Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 40 °C
(104 °F). During charging, the tem per a ture should be in the vi cin i ty of 5–35 °C
(41–95 °F). Note that the battery may become hot during use; wait for the battery to
cool before charging. Failure to observe these precautions could damage the battery,
impair its performance, or prevent it from charging normally.
The supplied power cable is intended solely for use with the MH-18a and is for
domestic use only. It may be necessary to purchase another cable for use abroad;
consult with a local Nikon-authorized retailer or service representative.
8
Insert the battery
2
2.1 After confi rming that the camera is off,
open the battery chamber cover.
2.2 Insert a fully charged battery as shown at
right. Close the battery chamber cover.
Introduction—First Steps
Removing the Battery
Turn the camera off before removing the battery. Replace the terminal cover when
the battery is not in use.
9
Basic Setup
The fi rst time the camera is turned on, the language selection dialog shown
in Step 1 will be displayed in the monitor. Follow the steps below to choose
a language and set the time and date.
Introduction—First Steps
1
Display language-selection dialog.
2
Select language.
3 4
Display DATE menu.
5
Choosing a Language from the Setup Menu ( 68)
Selecting Language (LANG) in the setup menu displays the menu shown in Step 1.
Highlight an option with the multi selector and press the button to return to the
setup menu.
Changing the Time and Date ( 68)
Selecting Date in the setup menu displays the menu shown in Step 3. Set the time
and date as described in Step 4 and press the button to return to the setup
menu.
10
Press multi selector left or right to
select item, up or down to change.
Exit DATE menu. Monitor turns off.
Inserting Memory Cards
The camera stores pictures on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (available
separately).
Insert a memory card
1
1.1 Before inserting or removing memory
cards, turn the camera off and open
the card slot cover.
1.2 Slide the memory card in as shown at
right until it clicks into place. The memory card access lamp will light for about
a second. Close the memory card slot
cover.
1.3 Turn the camera on. If the control panel
shows the number of exposures remaining, the card is ready for use.
If the message shown at right is displayed
in the monitor, the memory card must be
formatted before it can be used in the
camera. Proceed to Step 2.
Front
Introduction—First Steps
The Write Protect Switch
SD cards are equipped with a write protect switch to
prevent accidental loss of data. When this switch is in
the “lock” position, the camera will display a message
to warn that photos can not be recorded or deleted
and the memory card can not be formatted.
Write
protect
switch
11
Format the memory card
2
Formatting memory cards permanently deletes all photographs and
other data they may contain. Be sure all data you wish to keep have
Introduction—First Steps
been copied to another storage device before formatting the card.
.1
2
.2
2
Highlight Yes.
Monitor turns off when formatting is complete.
.3
Begin formatting. Do not turn
camera off or remove battery or
memory card until formatting is
complete.
2
Formatting Memory Cards
Use the camera Format option to format memory cards. Performance may drop if
cards are formatted in a computer.
Removing Memory Cards
1 Confi rm that the access lamp is off.
2 Turn the camera off and open the memory card slot cover.
3 Press the card in to eject (햲). The card can then be
removed by hand (햳).
12
Adjusting Viewfi nder Focus
Photographs are framed in the viewfi nder. Before shooting, make sure that
the display in the viewfi nder is in clear focus.
Remove the lens cap and turn the camera
1
on.
Slide the diopter adjustment control up and
2
down until the focus brackets are in sharp focus. When operating the diopter adjustment
control with your eye to the viewfi nder, be
careful not to put your fi ngers or fi ngernails
in your eye.
Focus
brackets
The eyepiece cup can be removed when adjusting viewfi nder focus.
Introduction—First Steps
13
Tutorial:
Photography and Playback
Taking Photographs in Mode
“Point-and-Shoot” Photography
This section describes how to take pictures in (auto) mode, an automatic, “point-and-shoot” mode in which the majority of settings are controlled
Tutorial—Taking Photographs in Mode
by the camera in response to shooting conditions.
Turn the camera on
1
1.1 Remove the lens cap and turn the camera
on. The control panel will turn on and
the display in the viewfi nder will light.
The monitor remains off during shooting.
1.2 Check the battery level in the viewfi nder
or control panel.
Control
(blinks) (blinks)
View-
panel
fi nder Description
— Battery fully charged.
— Battery partially discharged.
Low battery. Ready fullycharged spare battery.
Shutter-release disabled.
Change battery.
14
1.3 The exposure count displays in the control panel and viewfi nder show the number of photographs that can be stored on
the memory card. Check the number of
exposures remaining.
If there is not enough memory to store
additional photographs at current settings, the display will fl ash as shown at
right. No further pictures can be taken
until the memory card has been replaced
or pictures have been deleted.
Select mode and adjust camera settings
2
2.1 Rotate the mode dial to .
2.2 Rotate the focus-mode selector to AF
(autofocus).
2.3 Slide the lens A-M mode switch to A
(autofocus). See the lens manual for
details.
Tutorial—Taking Photographs in Mode
Illustrations
In illustrations throughout this manual, indicators in the control panel and viewfi nder
are relevant to the explanation in accompanying text are shown in black. Indicators
not mentioned in the text are shown in gray.
15
Frame a photograph
3
3.1 Hold the camera as shown.
Hold the handgrip in your right hand and
cradle the cam era body or lens with your
Tutorial—Taking Photographs in Mode
left. Keep your elbows propped lightly
against your torso for support.
3.2 Frame a photo in the viewfi nder with the
main subject positioned in any of the fi ve
focus areas.
Holding the Camera
Focus
area
16
Using a Zoom Lens
Use the zoom ring to zoom in on the
subject so that it fi lls a larger area of the
frame, or zoom out to increase the area
visible in the fi nal photograph.
Zoom
in
Zoom
out
Focus and shoot
4
4.1 Press the shutter-release button halfway.
The camera will automatically select the
focus area containing the subject closest
to the camera and focus on this subject.
When the focus operation is complete,
the selected focus area will be highlighted, a beep will sound, and the in-focus
indicator (●) will appear in the viewfi nder. Focus will lock while the shutterrelease button is pressed halfway.
If the subject is dark, the AF-assist illuminator may light to assist
the focus operation and the fl ash may pop up.
4.2 Smoothly press the shutter-release button
the rest of the way down to release the
shutter and record the photograph. The
photograph will be displayed in the monitor and the access lamp next to the card
slot cov er will light. Do not eject the
mem o ry card, turn the camera off,
or remove or dis con nect the power
source until the lamp has gone out
and recording is complete.
Tutorial—Taking Photographs in Mode
The Shutter-Release Button
The camera has a two stage shutter-release button. The camera focuses when
the button is pressed halfway; focus locks until the button is released. To take the
picture, press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.
Lock focus Take
photograph
17
The Built-in Flash
If additional lighting is required for correct exposure in
mode, the built-in fl ash will pop up automatically
when the shutter-release is pressed halfway. Subjects
outside the range of the fl ash (0.6–7.5 m / 2´–24´7˝)
may not be properly lit. Remove lens hoods when
using the fl ash.
Once the fl ash is raised, it will only fi re when required
Tutorial—Taking Photographs in Mode
for additional lighting. If the fl ash is required, photographs can only be taken when the
indicator is displayed. Wait until the fl ash-ready indicator is displayed before shooting.
To save battery power when the fl ash is not in use,
return it to the closed position by pressing it gently
downward until the latch clicks into place.
If desired, the fl ash can be turned off so that it will not fi re even when lighting
is poor. Press the button and rotate the command dial until is displayed in
the control panel. To turn the fl ash back on, press the button and rotate the
command dial until is displayed in the control panel.
(fl ash-ready)
Flash fi res when
lighting is poor
18
Auto with red-
eye reduction
(see “Reference”)
Flash off
Digital Vari-Programs
Creative Photography
In addition to , the D50 offers a choice of six Digital Vari-Program modes.
Selecting a program automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected
scene, making creative photography as easy as rotating the mode dial.
Mode Description
Portrait For portraits.
Landscape For landscapes.
Child For pictures of children.
Sports For moving subjects.
Close up For close up shots of small objects.
Night portrait For portraits taken against a backdrop of night scenery.
To take pictures in Digital Vari-Program modes:
Rotate the mode dial to select a Digital Vari-
1
Program mode.
Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot as described for mode.
2
Portrait: Bringing out a Portrait Subject
Use for portraits. Camera selects focus area
containing subject closest to camera; this subject
stands out clearly while background details are
softened, lending composition sense of depth.
Colors are processed for soft, natural-looking
skin tones.
• Degree of softening depends on amount of light available. Increase
distance between subject and background or use telephoto lens for best
results.
Tutorial—Digital Vari-Programs
The Built-in Flash
If additional lighting is required for correct exposure in , , , and ,modes,
the built-in fl ash will pop up automatically when the shutter-release is pressed
halfway. See “Taking Photographs in Mode.”
19
Landscape: Capturing Nature’s Majesty
Use for vivid landscape shots that enhance outlines, colors, and contrast in such subjects as
skyscapes and forests.
• Camera selects focus area containing subject
closest to camera.
• Built-in fl ash and AF-assist illuminator turn off
automatically.
Tutorial—Digital Vari-Programs
Child: Kid Pics in Living Color
Use for snapshots of children. Clothing and
background details are vividly rendered while
skin tones remain soft and natural.
• Camera selects focus area containing subject
closest to camera.
Sports: Bodies in Motion
High shutter speeds freeze motion for dynamic sports
shots in which main subject stands out clearly.
• Camera focuses continuously on subject in
center focus area while shutter-release button
is pressed halfway. Beep does not sound when
camera focuses.
• Built-in fl ash and AF-assist illuminator turn off automatically.
Close up: Photographing Small Objects
Use for close-up shots of fl owers, insects, and
other small objects.
• Camera focuses on subject in center focus
area.
• Tripod recommended to prevent blurring at
slow shutter speeds.
Night Portrait: Taking Portraits at Night
Provides natural balance between main subject
and background in portraits taken under low
light.
• Camera selects focus area containing subject
closest to camera.
• Tripod recommended to prevent blurring at
slow shutter speeds.
20
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