Nikon COOLPIX L2, COOLPIX L3 User Manual

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The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography with the

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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. D-Lighting technology is provided by Apical Limited. Face-priority AF technology is provided by Identix®. 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.

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 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.

Memory Cards

Pictures taken with this camera can be stored in the camera’s internal memory or on removable memory cards. If a memory card is inserted, all new pictures will be stored on the memory card and delete, playback, and format operations will apply only to the pictures on the memory card. The memory card must be removed before the internal memory can be formatted or used to store, delete, or view pictures.

Introduction

Basic Photography and

Playback

Scene Mode

Movies

Viewing Pictures on the Camera

Connecting to Televisions, Computers, and Printers

Menus

Basic Camera Setup:

The Setup Menu

Shooting Options:

The Shooting Menu

Playback Options:

The Playback Menu

Technical Notes

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

Turn off in the event of malfunction

Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the camera or AC adapter, unplug the AC adapter and remove the batteries immediately, taking care to avoid burns. Continued operation could result in injury. After removing or disconnecting the power source, take the equipment to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection.

Do not disassemble

Touching the product’s internal parts could result in injury. Repairs should be performed only by qualified technicians. Should the camera break open as the result of a fall or other accident, take the product to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection after unplugging the product and/or removing the batteries.

Do not use the camera or AC adapter 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.

Handle the camera strap with care

Never place the strap around the neck of an infant or child.

Keep out of reach of children

Particular care should be taken to prevent infants from putting the batteries or other small parts into their mouths.

Observe caution when handling batteries

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

•Before replacing the batteries, turn the product off. If you are using an AC adapter, be sure it is unplugged.

ii

•Use only the batteries listed of this manual ( 7). Do not use other types. Do not mix old and new batteries or batteries of different makes or types.

•Charge and use each pair of Nikon rechargeable Nikon EN-MH1 NiMH batteries together as a set. Do not mix batteries from different pairs.

•Insert batteries in the correct orientation.

•Do not short or disassemble batteries or attempt to remove or break the covering.

•Do not expose batteries to flame or to excessive heat.

•Do not immerse in or expose to water.

•Do not transport or store 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 batteries when no charge remains.

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

•If liquid from damaged batteries comes in contact with clothing or skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

Observe the following precaution when handling the battery charger

If an MH-71 battery charger is provided with the camera, observe the following precautions:

•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 battery charger during thunderstorms. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.

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

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

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.

iii

Handle moving parts with care

Be careful that your fingers or other objects are not pinched by the lens cover or other moving parts.

CD-ROMs

The CD-ROMs supplied with this device 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.

Observe caution when operating the flash

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

Do not fire the flash while it is touching a person or object

Such use can result in the person being burned, and/or their clothes igniting from the heat of the flash.

Avoid contact with liquid crystal

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

iv

Notices

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

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

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

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

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 equip-

ment 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.

COOLPIX L2/L3

CAUTIONS

Modifications

The FCC requires the user to 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.

v

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. Tel.: [phone]

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.

Symbol for Separate Collection in European Countries

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.

Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

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

•Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced

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

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

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

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

•Cautions on certain copies and reproductions

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

vi

•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.

Disposing of Data Storage Devices

Please note that deleting images or formatting data storage devices such as memory cards or built-in camera memory 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 the welcome screen

( 64). Care should be taken to avoid injury or damage to property when physically destroying data storage devices.

vii

Table of Contents
For Your Safety...................................................................................................	ii
WARNINGS ......................................................................................................................	ii
Notices ...............................................................................................................	v
Introduction ..........................................................................................	1
Parts of the Camera............................................................................................	2
The Monitor .......................................................................................................	4
Shooting ..........................................................................................................................	4
Playback...........................................................................................................................	5
First Steps ...........................................................................................................	6
Inserting Batteries............................................................................................................	. 6
Charge the batteries (EN-MH1 batteries only) ...................................................................	6
Insert the batteries ...........................................................................................................	7
Basic Setup.......................................................................................................................	9
Inserting Memory Cards .................................................................................................	11
Basic Photography and Playback.......................................................	13
(Auto) Mode ...............................................................................................	13
Step1 Select (auto) Mode .........................................................................................	13
Step2 Turn the camera on ..............................................................................................	13
Step3 Frame a picture.....................................................................................................	14
Step4 Focus and shoot ...................................................................................................	15
Viewing Pictures ...............................................................................................	17
Deleting Unwanted Pictures............................................................................................	17
Using the Flash .................................................................................................	18
Taking Pictures with the Self-Timer ...................................................................	20
Macro Close-up Mode ......................................................................................	22
Scene Mode.........................................................................................	23
Scene Mode .....................................................................................................	23
Assist Modes ..................................................................................................................	24
Taking Pictures with Face-Priority AF...............................................................................	26
Other Scenes..................................................................................................................	29
Movies .................................................................................................	39
Movie Mode .....................................................................................................	39
Movie Playback .................................................................................................	40
Movie Options: The Movie Menu ......................................................................	41
Movie Options...............................................................................................................	41
Auto-focus Mode ..........................................................................................................	42
Viewing Pictures on the Camera .......................................................	43
Viewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail Playback ...............................................................	44
Deleting Pictures ............................................................................................................	44
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom .............................................................................	45
Creating a Cropped Copy...............................................................................................	45
Enhancing Contrast: D-Lighting ......................................................................................	46
Voice Memos: Recording and Playback...........................................................................	47
Connecting to Televisions, Computers, and Printers .......................	48

viii

Viewing Pictures on TV .....................................................................................	48
Viewing Pictures on a Computer .......................................................................	49
Printing Pictures ................................................................................................	53
Connecting the Printer ...................................................................................................	54
Printing Pictures One at a Time .......................................................................................	55
Printing Multiple Pictures................................................................................................	57
Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set ............................................................................	59
Menus ..................................................................................................	60
Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu...............................................................	63
Menus...........................................................................................................................	64
Welcome Screen ...........................................................................................................	64
Date..............................................................................................................................	64
Monitor Settings ...........................................................................................................	66
Date Imprint..................................................................................................................	67
Sound Settings ..............................................................................................................	68
Blur Warning .................................................................................................................	69
Auto Off ......................................................................................................................	. 69
Format Memory/ Format Card .......................................................................................	70
Language ......................................................................................................................	70
Interface........................................................................................................................	71
Reset All........................................................................................................................	71
Battery Type ..................................................................................................................	71
Firmware Version ..........................................................................................................	71
Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu .............................................................	72
Image Mode..................................................................................................................	72
White Balance ...............................................................................................................	73
Exposure Compensation................................................................................................	75
Continuous ...................................................................................................................	75
BSS ...............................................................................................................................	76
Color Options................................................................................................................	77
Playback Options: The Playback Menu...............................................................	78
Print Set ........................................................................................................................	78
Slide Show ....................................................................................................................	79
Delete ...........................................................................................................................	80
Protect ..........................................................................................................................	80
Transfer Marking...........................................................................................................	80
Small Pic........................................................................................................................	81
Copy .............................................................................................................................	82
Technical Notes ...................................................................................	83
Optional Accessories .........................................................................................	83
Caring for the Camera......................................................................................	85
Cleaning .......................................................................................................................	. 86
Storage ..........................................................................................................................	87
Error Messages .................................................................................................	88
Troubleshooting ...............................................................................................	91
Appendix..........................................................................................................	95
Specifications..................................................................................................	102
Index ..............................................................................................................	105

ix

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Nikon COOLPIX cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery chargers, batteries, and AC adapters) 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.

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

x

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon COOLPIX L2/L3 digital camera. 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 where all those who use the product will read it.

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 camera.

•Quick Start Guide: The Quick Start Guide takes you through the process of unpacking and setting up your Nikon digital camera, taking your first photographs, and transferring 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 viewing the reference manual, see the Quick Start Guide.

The illustrations in this manual and the Quick Start Guide show the COOLPIX L3.

Illustrations and on-screen text in this manual and the Quick Start Guide may differ from the actual display.

Introduction

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.

Life-Long Learning

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

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

•For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support

•For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/

Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the URL below for contact information:

http://nikonimaging.com/

1

Introduction

Parts of the Camera

Power-on lamp ( 9)

Power switch ( 9)

Speaker ( 40, 47, 68)

Shutter-release button
(	16)
		Self-timer lamp
		(	20)
Built-in		Built-in flash
microphone		(	18)
(	47)

Eyelet for camera strap

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Lens

( 14, 85)

Lens cover closed

Battery-chamber cover ( 7)

Power cord channel cover for
optional AC adapter ( 83)	Battery
	chamber	Lens cover
	( 7)

Attaching the Camera Strap

Attach the strap as shown below.

2

Replacing the connector cover
	Monitor				Zoom button (		14).
	(	4, 13, 17)	MENU button		See also:
			(	60)	•	(thumbnail playback):
						44
Connector					•	(playback zoom):		45
					•	(help):	62
cover
(	48, 49,
54)

Introduction

Flash lamp (	18)		Multi selector
			( 9)
Tripod socket		Memory card slot cover
	(playback) button
		(	12)
(	17, 43)	(delete) button ( 17, 43, 44)
	Mode selector ( 13, 23, 39)
	(scene) mode (	23)
(auto) mode			(movie) mode
(	13)	(	39)

The Multi Selector

Press the multi selector up, down, left, or right to highlight pictures and menu items, then press the center to select. The buttons on the multi selector are also used to:

		: Display flash mode menu
	: Display self-timer	( 18)
		Perform D-lighting (	46)
	menu ( 20)
	: Display macro close-	: Transfer picture (	49)

up mode menu (22)

3

The Monitor

Introduction

The following indicators may appear in the monitor during shooting and playback (actual display varies with current camera settings):

Shooting

5

6

AUTO

20	21	1	2	3	4	7

				8
19			9
			10
18		10	11	12
+1.0				13
17		9999
16	15	14

1	Shooting mode ............	13, 23, 39
2	Exposure lock ...........................		32
3	Macro close-up mode...............		22
4	Zoom indicator...................		14, 22
5	Focus indicator .........................		15
6	Flash mode...............................		18
7	Camera shake icon...................		16
8	Internal memory/Memory card
	indicator...................................		11
9	Battery level indicator ...............		13
10	Sensitivity .................................		16
11	Self-timer indicator...................		20
12	“Date not set” indicator		...........88
	Time zone indicator..................		64

13	Date imprint/Date counter .......	67
14	Number of exposures
	remaining ..........................	13, 98
	Movie length .....................	39, 98
15	Focus area ...............................	15
16	Exposure compensation ...........	75
17	Image mode ............................	72
18	Color options...........................	77
19	White balance .........................	73
20	Best Shot Selector (BSS) ...........	76
21	Continuous shooting mode	..... 75

4

Playback

	19		10.10.2006									100NIKON								1
	18		12:00									9999.JPG								2		3
	17																			4								5
	16												OK							OK
																												6
	15										9999 /9999
	14
			13 12 10									9												7
						OK :START						11
																								8
1												10
	Current folder ..........................										99			D-Lighting icon ........................															46
2	File number and type................										99	11		Movie playback indicator															......... 40
3	Internal memory/Memory card											12		Voice memo icon.....................															47
	indicator...................................										11	13		Image mode ............................															72
4	Battery level indicator ...............										13	14		Movie indicator........................															40
5	D-Lighting guide ......................										46	15		Protect icon .............................															80
6	Volume indicator..........		35, 40, 47									16		Print-order icon........................															57
7	Voice memo recording guide....										47	17		Transfer icon......................															50, 80
8	Voice memo playback guide.....										47	18		Time of recording ......................															9
9	Current frame number/Total											19		Date of recording ......................															9
	number of frames/
	Movie length............................										40

Introduction

5

Introduction

First Steps

Inserting Batteries

The camera uses two AA batteries. Depending on the country or region of purchase, the package will include either alkaline batteries or an MH-71 battery charger with rechargeable EN-MH1 batteries.

Charge the batteries (EN-MH1 batteries only)

If the camera came with a battery charger and rechargeable Nikon EN-MH1 NiMH batteries, charge the batteries as described below. If the camera came with a pair of alkaline batteries, skip to “Insert the batteries” on the following page.

	1	Plug the charger in	3
		Connect the power cable to the
			2
		charger (1) and then plug it into a
		power outlet (2). The CHARGE lamp	1
		will light (3).
	2	Charge the batteries
		Insert the batteries as indicated on
		the charger. The CHARGE lamp will
		start to blink. Charging is complete
		when the CHARGE lamp stops
		blinking.
		A pair of new or fully exhausted
		batteries will charge in about two
		and a half hours.

6

Insert the batteries

1	Open the battery chamber.
	Hold the camera upside down to prevent the

batteries from falling out.

2	Insert the batteries.
	Insert the batteries as shown.

3 Close the battery chamber.

Introduction

Is the Camera Off?

Confirm that the power-on lamp is off before removing batteries.

Batteries

Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages ii–iii and 86 of this manual. The camera can be used with AA alkaline (LR6) batteries, Nikon rechargeable ENMH1 NiMH batteries, ZR6 oxyride batteries, and FR6/L91 lithium batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries or batteries of different makes or types. Batteries with the following defects cannot be used:

Peeling or damaged	Insulation does not reach	Flat negative terminal
insulation	negative terminal

The Battery Type Menu

After replacing the batteries, check that the option selected for Battery Type in the setup menu matches the type of battery used ( 71).

7

Power saving modes and auto power off

This camera features a three-stage power saving function, which works as follows if no operation is attempted for the times shown while the power is on.

	• Approx. five seconds: The monitor brightness will be reduced to about 50% nor-
	mal brightness.
	• Approx. one minute (default setting): The monitor turns off and the camera
Introduction	enters standby mode. The power-on lamp blinks. The camera can be reactivated by
	era will turn off.
	pressing the shutter-release button halfway. (The length of time before entering the
	standby mode can be changed.)
	• Approx. three minutes after the camera has entered standby mode: The cam-

EN-MH1 Batteries

Charge EN-MH1 batteries before first use. Charge and use as a set: do not charge batteries one at a time or mix batteries from different pairs. Note that the batteries may tend to discharge more quickly when new or after a long period of disuse. The batteries will retain a charge longer once they have been used and recharged several times. “Memory” effects that result in reduced battery capacity can be avoided by periodically refreshing the batteries as described in the Appendix ( 101).

8

Basic Setup

A language-selection dialog is displayed the first time the camera is turned on. Choose a language and set the time and date as described below.

The Multi Selector

The multi selector is used in the steps that follow. The buttons needed to perform a task are shown in white; if more than one button is highlighted, any of the highlighted buttons can be used. For example, “press the multi selector up or down” is shown as illustrated below.

Press the multi selector up or down.

Introduction

1	2	DATE

Set time and date?

	No
	Yes
MENU Cancel OK Confirm	OK Confirm

Turn the camera on.

The language-selection screen is displayed.

Highlight the desired display language and press the center of the multi selector.

The confirmation screen is displayed.

9

Introduction

3

TIME ZONE

OK London, Casablanca

DaylightSaving

OK Confirm

Highlight Yes and press the center of the multi selector.

The TIME ZONE menu is displayed.*

*If daylight saving time is in effect, press the multi selector down to highlight “DaylightSaving” and press the center of the multi selector.

4	HOME TIME ZONE
	London, Casablanca
	MENU Back OK Confirm

Press the multi selector right.

The map of world time zones is displayed.

5	DATE			6	DATE
	D	M	Y		D	M	Y
	01	01	2006		15	01	2006
	00	:	00		00	:	00

Press the multi selector left or right to select the home time zone you are in and press the center of the multi selector.

The DATE screen is displayed.

Edit Day (order of Day, Month, and Year may differ in some areas) and press the multi selector right.

10

7

DATE

D M Y

15 05 2006

00 : 00

Edit Month and press the multi selector right.

8	DATE
	D	M	Y
	15	05	2006
	15	:	10
		OK Confirm

Repeat steps 6 and 7 to edit the year, hour, and minutes, then press the multi selector right.

D M Y is highlighted.

9

18

Choose the order in which Day, Month, and Year will be displayed and press the center of the multi selector.

The setting becomes effective, and the screen of the mode (selected by the mode selector) is displayed.

Introduction

Inserting Memory Cards

Pictures are stored in the camera’s internal memory (approximately 23MB) or on removable Secure Digital (SD) memory cards ( 83). Internal memory is used for recording and deleting pictures only if no memory card is inserted.

To insert a memory card:

1	Turn the camera off.
	Confirm that the power-on lamp is off before

inserting or removing memory cards.

11

Introduction

2	Insert the memory card.
	Open the memory card slot. Slide the memory
	card in as shown until it clicks into place. Close
	the memory card slot.
3	Turn the camera on.
	If no message is displayed in the monitor, the
	camera is ready for use.
	If the message shown at right is displayed, the
	memory card must be formatted before use.	CARD IS NOT FORMATTED
	Note that formatting permanently deletes
	all pictures and other data on the memory	Format
	card. Be sure to make copies of any pictures
		No
	you wish to keep before beginning formatting.
		OK Confirm
	To begin formatting, press the multi selector up
	to highlight Format and then press the center of the multi selector. Do
	not turn the camera off or remove the batteries or memory card
	until formatting is complete.

Removing Memory Cards

Before removing memory cards, turn the camera off and confirm that the power-on lamp is off. Open the memory card slot cover and press the card in to partially eject the card. The card can then be removed by hand.

	The Write Protect Switch
SD cards are equipped with a write protect		Write Protect Switch
switch. Pictures cannot be recorded or deleted
and the memory card cannot be formatted when
this switch is in the “Lock” position.

12

Basic Photography and Playback

(Auto) Mode

This section describes how to take pictures in (auto) mode, an automatic, “point-and-shoot” mode recommended for first-time users of digital cameras.

Step1 Select (auto) Mode

1	Slide the mode selector to .
Step2 Turn the camera on
1	Turn the camera on.
	The power-on lamp will light and the monitor will
	turn on. To turn the camera off at any time, press
	the power switch again. Do not remove the bat-
	teries while the power-on lamp is lit.
2	Check indicators in the monitor.		Battery Level
	Check the battery level and number of expo-
	sures remaining.
	Display	Battery level
	NO ICON	Batteries fully charged.
		Low battery; ready spare batter-	6
		ies.

	WARNING!!	Batteries exhausted. Replace bat-	Number of exposures
	BATTERY	teries.
			remaining (		98)
	EXHAUSTED

Playback and Photography Basic

13

Step3 Frame a picture

Playback and Photography Basic

1 Ready the camera.

Hold the camera steadily in both hands, keeping your fingers and other objects away from the lens, flash, and microphone.

2 Frame the picture.

Frame the subject near the center of the monitor.

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Zoom

Use the button to frame the subject in the monitor. Press to zoom out, increasing the area visible in the frame. Press to zoom in up to 3× so that the subject fills a larger area of the frame. Pressing for about two seconds at 3× zoom will trigger digital zoom, allowing the subject to be magnified up to 4× more, for a total of magnification of 12×. Note that unlike optical zoom, digital zoom does not increase the amount of detail visible in the picture. Instead, details visible at 3× zoom are simply enlarged, producing a slightly “grainy” image.

Zoom out Zoom in	Zoom indicator turns
	yellow when digital
	zoom is in effect.
	6

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Step4 Focus and shoot
1	Focus.
	Press the shutter-release button halfway. The
	camera will focus on the subject in the center
	of the focus area (	4). When the camera is
	fully focused on the subject, the focus indicator
	(AF ●) lights up green. Blinking red indicates
	that the camera was unable to focus. Change			Basic
	the composition and try again.		6
				Photography
2	Take the picture.
	Press the shutter release button the rest of the
	way down to take the picture. Note that the			and
	flash may fire if the subject is poorly lit.
				Playback

During Recording

The or icon will blink while pictures are recorded. Removing memory cards or batteries while these icons are blinking could affect pictures or damage the camera or card.

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The Shutter-Release Button –Focus Lock

To set focus and exposure, lightly press the shutter-release button about halfway, stopping when you feel resistance. Focus and exposure lock while the shutter-release button is held in this position. To release the shutter and take a picture, press the shutterrelease button down the rest of the way. Use a gentle touch; moving the camera while pressing the shutter-release button can result in blurred pictures.

Playback and Photography Basic

6

Focus

6

Check focus indicator

6

Recompose	Take picture
picture

Auto-focus performs best when there is contrast between the subject and the background and the subject is evenly lit. It does not perform well if the subject is very dark or moving rapidly, if there are objects of sharply differing brightness in the scene (e.g., the sun is behind your subject and their features are in deep shadow), or if there are several objects at different distances from the camera at the center of the frame (e.g., your subject is inside a cage).

When Lighting Is Poor

If lighting is poor and the flash is off, a icon will be displayed to warn that pictures may be blurred as a result of the slow shutter speeds. If an ISO icon is displayed, sensitivity has been raised to compensate for poor lighting and pictures may be affected by “noise” in the form of randomly-spaced, brightly-colored dots. The camera may process pictures to reduce noise, doubling recording times.

If the warning at right is displayed after a picture is taken, the picture may be blurred. Select No to exit without recording the picture.

5

PICTURE IS BLURRED. SAVE PICTURE?

No

Yes	OK Confirm

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Viewing Pictures

Press the button to display a picture in the monitor. Use the multi selector to view additional pictures: press the multi selector down or right to view pictures in the order recorded, up or left to view pictures in reverse order. Keep the multi selector pressed to scroll quickly to the desired picture. Pictures may be displayed briefly at low resolution while being read from memory.

Press the button again to return to shooting mode.

10.10.2006 100NIKON 15:30 0005.JPG

OK

5/ 5

Deleting Unwanted Pictures

To delete the picture currently displayed in the monitor, press the button. A confirmation dialog will be displayed; highlight one of the following options and press the center of the multi selector:

•No: Exit without deleting the picture.

•Yes: Delete the picture.

Erase 1 image (s)?

No	OK Confirm

Yes

Playback and Photography Basic

17

Using the Flash

The flash has a range of 0.3–3.0m (1ft.–9ft. 10in.) when the camera is zoomed all the way out. The range at maximum zoom is 0.3–1.75m (1ft.–5ft. 9in.). The following flash modes are available:

Playback and Photography Basic

Mode	Description
AUTO Auto	Flash fires automatically when lighting is poor.
Auto with red-	Reduces “red eye” in portraits (				19).
eye reduction
Off	Flash will not fire even when lighting is poor.
Fill flash	Flash fires whenever picture is taken. Use to “fill-in”
	(illuminate) shadows and back-lit subjects.
Slow sync	Flash illuminates main subject; slow shutter speeds are
	used to capture background at night or under dim light.

	1	Flash	AUTO	2
			OK :Confirm

6

Press the flash mode button.

Highlight the desired mode and press the center of the multi selector.

The selected flash mode icon appears at the top of the monitor. If

AUTO is selected, the icon extinguishes automatically after five seconds. The selection made in

(auto) mode is stored in memory even after the camera has been turned off.

•The setting will be canceled if five seconds pass without pressing the center of the multi selector.

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