Nikon COOLPIX 8400 Owner Manual

(En)

The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography

with the

DIGITAL CAMERA

Trad emark I nformation

Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. Lexar Media is a trademark Lexar Media Corporation. Microdrive is a registered trademark of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies in the United States and / or other countries. Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. PictBridge is a trademark. D-Lighting technology is provided by Apical Limited. 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 ﬁ nd 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.

Introduction

First Steps

Basic Photography

Scene Mode

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 permanent visual impairment.

Turn off immediately in the event of

malfunction

Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the camera, battery charger, or AC adapter (available separately), unplug the battery charger or AC adapter and remove the battery 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 use the camera or battery charger

in the presence of ﬂ ammable gas

Do not use electronic equipment in the presence of ﬂ ammable gas, as this could result in explosion or ﬁ re.

Observe caution when using the camera

strap

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.

Do not disassemble

Touching the internal parts of the camera or battery charger could result in injury. Repairs should be performed only by qualiﬁ ed technicians. Should the camera or battery charger 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 battery.

Observe the following precautions when

handling the battery charger

• Keep dry. Failure to observe this precaution could result in ﬁ re 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 ﬁ re.

• 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 ﬂ ame. 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 ﬁ re or electric shock.

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

Observe proper precautions when han-

dling batteries

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

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

• Use only rechargeable Nikon EN-EL7 lithium-ion batteries (supplied).

• When inserting the battery, do not attempt to insert it upside down or backwards.

• Do not short or disassemble batteries.

• Do not expose batteries to ﬂ ame 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 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.

• The battery may be hot to the touch immediately after use or after 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 change in the battery, such as discoloration or deformation.

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.

Removing memory cards

Memory cards may become hot during use. Observe due caution when removing memory cards from the camera.

Handle moving parts with care

Be careful that your ﬁ ngers or other objects are not pinched by the lens 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

ﬂ ash

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

When using the viewﬁ nder

When operating the diopter adjustment control with your eye to the viewﬁ nder, care should be taken to not put your ﬁ nger in your eye accidentally.

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.

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.

• 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).

E8400

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. Tel.: 631-547-4200

Notice for customers in Canada

CAUTION

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.

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.

ATTENTION

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

• 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.

For Your Safety................................................................................................. ii

Notices............................................................................................................. iv

Introduction 1

Parts of the Camera......................................................................................... 2

The Shooting Display (Monitor / Electronic Viewﬁ nder) ................................ 4

The Control Panel............................................................................................ 6

The Monitor..................................................................................................... 7

The Shutter-Release Button............................................................................ 7

The Mode Dial ................................................................................................. 8

The Multi Selector ........................................................................................... 8

First Steps 9

Charging the Battery....................................................................................... 9

Inserting the Battery ....................................................................................... 10

Inserting Memory Cards.................................................................................. 12

Turning the Camera On .................................................................................. 14

Basic Setup....................................................................................................... 15

Basic Photography 17

Step 1 —Rotate the Mode Dial to

Step 2 — Frame the Picture .............................................................................. 18

Step 3 — Focus and Shoot ................................................................................ 20

Step 4 — View the Results (Quick Review / Full-Screen Review) ..................... 23

Scene Mode 26

Taking Pictures for a Panorama......................................................................... 31

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon COOLPIX 8400 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.

Before using the camera, ready the camera strap and lens cap as shown below.

Introduction

Attaching the Camera Strap

Attach the camera strap as shown below. Repeat for the second eyelet.

햲햳

햴 햵

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 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/

The Lens Cap

When replacing or removing the lens cap, press the tabs on either side of the cap to release the latch. To avoid losing the lens cap, use the cord provided to attach it to the camera as shown.

Parts of the Camera

Introduction

Mode dial (

(exposure compensation) button ( 44) Voice memo record/ playback button ( 74)

Shutterrelease button

(

DC-IN connector cover

Eyelet for camera strap (× 2)

DC-IN connector (

11)

LCD illuminator button ( 6)

Power switch (

(ﬂ ash mode)

button ( 37)

button

( 26, 49, 59, 139)

Microphone ( 58, 74)

14)

Accessory shoe cover (

Control panel

(

Lens

146, 154)

(

Lens not extended

104)

Accessory shoe ( 104)

Built-in Speedlight

19, 37)

(

AF-assist illuminator (LED; 21, 145, 154) Self-timer lamp ( 41) Shot conﬁ rmation lamp ( 140)

AF ranging sensor (

101)

Lens ring

Lens ring removed

Infrared receiver

42)

(

Digital I / O (USB) and audio / video (A / V) out connector ( 75, 77, 80)

Zoom ( / ) buttons

( 18, 67, 70)

(AE / AF lock)

button ( 22, 138)

Diopter adjustment control (

19)

Electronic

viewﬁ nder

4, 5)

(

Digital I / O

(USB) and

audio / video

(A / V) out

connector

cover

(menu) button

( 26, 85, 113)

(quick review)

button ( 23)

Multi selector (

(delete) button

( 23, 57, 65)

(self-timer)

button ( 41)

(display)

button ( 5, 65)

Command dial

Memory card slot cover (

12, 13)

Memory card slot (

12)

Introduction

Speaker (

64, 74)

Monitor (

4, 5, 7)

MF-AF (manual focus /focus mode)

button ( 40, 56)

Tripod socket

Battery-chamber cover (

Battery-chamber cover latch ( 10)

(monitor)

button ( 4)

10, 11)

F2.6

TOKYO

AE-L

AF-L

AE/AF

126

The Shooting Display (Monitor / Electronic Viewﬁ nder)

F2.6

126

F2.6

126

F2.6

126

The following indicators are displayed during shooting 1:

AE/AF

AE-L

AF-L

F2.6

8M8M8M

126

Introduction

TOKYO

1.0.01.0

1/60601/60

15 14 13

1 Auto / scene mode 2................... 17, 26

2 Zoom indicator 3............................. 18

Folder name 4................. 25, 116, 133

3 Focus indicator 5............................. 20

4 Focus mode................................... 40

5 Flash mode.................................... 38

1 Icons displayed vary with camera settings. 2 Icon varies with mode or scene selected. 3 Displayed when zoom buttons are pressed. 4 Appears only in case of folders created or renamed

using Folders option ( 116).

10 11 12

5 6 7 8 9

6 Battery level indicator 6................... 17

7 “Date not set” icon 7...................... 15

8 Recording indicator ....................... 21

9 Flash indicator ............................... 20

10 Image size ..................................... 35

11 Image quality................................. 35

12 Number of exposures

remaining...................................... 17

13 Date imprint indicator.................. 142

14 Aperture.................................. 48, 49

15 Shutter speed.......................... 47, 49

16 Self-timer indicator ........................ 41

17 Exposure compensation................. 44

18 Exposure / focus lock........... 31, 63, 98

5 Displayed when shutter-release button is pressed

halfway. 6 Appears when batteries are running low. 7 Appears when camera clock has not been set.

The Button

The electronic viewﬁ nder can be used to frame pictures when bright ambient lighting conditions make the display in the monitor difﬁ cult to see. Use the button to switch between the monitor and viewﬁ nder.

8M8M8M

126

126 F2.6

F2.6

1/60

8M8M8M

126

F2.6

1/60

8M8M8M

126

F2.6

100

TOKYO

AE/AF

126

195

F2.6

126

F2.6

126

NRNRNR

33 32 30

TOKYO

AE/AF

1.0.01.0

F2.6

1/60601/60

29 28

2220

100

126

8M8M8M

23 24

195

”195”

Introduction

19 User Settings bank......................... 95

20 Ultra HS recording indicator........... 89

21 Spot metering target ..................... 87

22 Flash mode for optional

Speedlights.................................. 105

23 White balance ............................... 54

24 Sensitivity (ISO equivalency) ........... 52

25 Image adjustment.......................... 93

Black-and-white indicator.............. 94

26 Focus areas

8 Five focus areas are available when Auto is selected for AF-area mode in P, S, A, or M mode ( 100). The active

focus area lights when the camera focuses. Nine focus areas are displayed when Manual is selected in P, S, A, or

M mode ( 100) or (Portrait), (Night portrait), or (Close up) is selected in scene mode ( 26).

................................ 100

27 Length of movie ............................ 58

28 Exposure display ...................... 49, 50

Manual focus display..................... 56

29 Exposure mode........................ 46–49

30 Converter lens setting.................... 97

31 Best Shot Selector (BSS) ................. 91

Bracketing indicator..................... 107

Noise reduction ........................... 109

32 Metering mode ............................. 87

33 Continuous shooting mode ........... 89

The Button

To hide or display shooting indicators, press the button.

Histogram (P, S, A only; not displayed when AE

Current settings

1/60

F2.6

126

8M8M8M

lock is on)

F2.6

1/60

126

8M8M8M

Framing guidesView through lens only

The Control Panel

1 2

Introduction

3 4 5

1 Flash mode.................................... 38

2 Battery level indicator .................... 17

3 Exposure compensation

indicator........................................ 44

4 White balance indicator................. 54

5 Sensitivity (ISO equivalency)

indicator........................................ 52

1 Control panel is shown with all elements lit for

illustrative purposes.

6 Shutter speed 2......................... 47, 49

11 10

Aperture 2................................ 48, 49

Continuous mode.......................... 88

Selected scene (scene mode) ......... 26

Movie mode.................................. 59

White balance ............................... 53

Image transfer status..................... 77

Exposure compensation................. 44

Image mode.................................. 35

Sensitivity (ISO equivalency) .......... 51

User Settings bank ........................ 95

7 Exposure count display (number of

exposures remaining)..................... 17

Exposure indicator......................... 50

8 Focus mode................................... 40

9 Manual focus indicator.................. 56

10 Metering mode ............................. 87

11 Continuous shooting mode ........... 89

12 Self-timer ...................................... 41

2 Press button to switch between shutter-speed

and aperture displays (S and A modes excluded).

The Button

To view settings in the dark, press the button ( 2). The LCD illuminator (control panel backlight) will light for about eight seconds or until the button is pressed again.

The Monitor

0°

90°

Introduction

Fold out to use Range of rotation

180°

Frame self-portraits

* Monitor shows mirror im-

age of what will appear in ﬁ nal picture.

† If camera is on, monitor

turns off and electronic viewﬁ nder turns on auto-

Stow on camera body

Storage position

†

matically.

The Shutter-Release Button

The camera has a two stage shutter-release button. The camera sets focus and exposure when the button is pressed halfway. Focus and exposure will remain locked while the shutter-release button is kept in this position. To release the shutter, press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.

Press halfway

to lock focus

and exposure

Press all the

way down to

shoot

Do Not Use Excessive Force

Do not use excessive force when rotating the monitor. Failure to observe this precaution could damage the hinge connecting the monitor to the camera body.

Introduction

The Mode Dial

To select a mode, align the mode icon with the “ ” mark next to the mode dial.

Auto ( 17)

A simple “point-and-shoot” mode recommended for ﬁ rst time users of digital cameras.

Playback ( 65)

Play pictures back in the monitor.

WB ( 53)

Display a menu of white balance options.

ISO ( 51)

Display a menu of sensitivity (ISO equivalency) options.

The Multi Selector

P S A M ( 45)

Choose these modes for varying degrees of control over shutter speed and aperture.

( 33)

Display a menu of image quality and size options.

Scene ( 26)

“scenes” suited to different subjects or shooting conditions and let the camera do the rest.

Choose from ﬁ ve movie modes.

Setup ( 130)

Display the setup menu,

The multi selector is used to navigate through the camera menus.

Move cursor up

Cancel and return to previous menu,

or move cursor left

Move cursor down

or make selection

Press center to

make selection

Display sub-menu, move cursor right,

First Steps

Charging the Battery

The camera uses a rechargeable Nikon EN-EL7 lithium-ion battery (supplied). Charge the battery before ﬁ rst use or when the battery is running low.

CHARGE lamp starts

blinking when

battery is inserted.

Charging is complete

when lamp stops

blinking.

Connect the power cable

Connect the power cable to the supplied MH-56

battery charger (햲) and insert the wall plug into a power outlet (햳). The CHARGE lamp will light to show that the charger is on (햴).

Charge the battery

Remove terminal cover and slide the EN-EL7 into the MH-56 terminals ﬁ rst. During charging, the CHARGE lamp shows battery status as follows:

CHARGE

lamp Description

Blinks Battery charging.

On Battery fully charged.

Battery error. If ambient temperature is not 5–35 °C (41–95 °F), wait until temperature is in this range before charging. Otherwise unplug

Flickers

charger and remove battery immediately and take both devices to retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative.

About two and a half hours are required to charge a fully depleted battery.

Unplug the charger

Remove the battery and unplug the charger.

First Steps

The MH-56 Battery Charger

Before using the MH-56, read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages

ii–iii of this manual.

The MH-56 is for use with EN-EL7 batteries. Do not use with non-compatible batteries. The supplied power cable is intended solely for use with the MH-56 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.

Inserting the Battery

First Steps

Turn the camera off

Open the battery-chamber cover

Slide the battery-chamber cover latch to the position (햲) and ﬂ ip the battery-chamber cover open (햳).

Insert the battery

Insert a fully-charged EN-EL7 battery as shown in the label inside the battery-chamber cover.

Inserting Batteries

Inserting the battery upside down or backwards could damage the camera. Check to be sure the battery is in the correct orientation.

Close the battery-chamber cover

Close the battery-chamber cover (햲) and slide the latch to the position (햳).

EN-EL7 Batteries

Before using the EN-EL7, read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages ii–iii and 147 of this manual.

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.

When the Battery Is Not in Use

When the battery is not in use, remove it from the camera or battery charger and replace the terminal cover. The camera and battery charger draw minute amounts of current even when off; if left in place, the battery could be drained to the point that it no longer functions. Turn the camera off before removing or inserting batteries. To remove the battery, open the battery-chamber cover as described in Step 2, above, and slide the battery out. Note that the battery may become hot during use; observe due caution when removing the battery.

Alternative Power Sources

To power the camera continuously for extended periods, use an EH-54 AC adapter (available separately; 143). Do not,

under any circumstances, use another make or model of AC adapter. Failure to observe this precaution could result in

overheating or in damage to the camera.

Removing the Battery-Chamber Cover

To r emove the battery-chamber cover when using the optional MB-CP10 battery pack, open the cover, press it down (햲) and twist it off as shown (햳).

First Steps

Replace the battery-chamber cover when the battery pack is not in use. To replace the cover, insert one corner and press down while rotating the cover as shown until it clicks into place.

Recycle Used Batteries

Used batteries are a valuable resource. Please recycle used batteries in accordance with local regulations.

Inserting Memory Cards

The camera stores pictures on CompactFlash™ memory cards. See “Technical Notes: Approved Memory Cards” ( 144) for a list of compatible cards.

Turn the camera off

First Steps

Open the memory card slot cover

A yellow notice detailing memory card insertion is placed in the memory card slot at shipment. Remove the notice and read the instructions.

Insert a memory card

Check that the eject button is all the way down (햲) and then insert a memory card as shown in the label inside the memory card slot cover (햳).

Inserting Memory Cards

Insert memory cards terminals ﬁ rst. Inserting the card upside down or backwards could damage the camera or the card. Check to be sure the card is in the correct orientation.

of insertion

Terminals

Direction

Rear

label

DO NOT INSERT:

Close the memory card slot cover

Format Memory Cards Before First Use

Memory cards must be formatted before ﬁ rst use. See “The Shooting Menu: CF Card Format” (

112).

The Eject Button

If the eject button is up when the card-slot cover is closed, closing the cover will partially eject the memory card, causing errors when the camera is turned on. Be sure the eject button is down before inserting memory cards.

Removing Memory Cards

Memory cards can be removed without loss of data when the camera is off. To remove memory cards, turn the camera off and open the memory card slot cover. Press the eject button to pop it up (햲), then press it again to partially eject the card (햳). The card can then be removed by hand. Note that memory cards may become hot during use; observe due caution when removing memory cards.

First Steps

햲

햶

햳

햴

햵

Turning the Camera On

Ready the monitor

햲

First Steps

햴

햶

Turn the camera on

The ﬁ rst time the camera is turned on, a languageselection dialog will be displayed ( 15). Choose a language and set the time and date.

Tur ning the Camera Off

To turn the camera off, rotate the power switch to the off position. The displays will turn off and the lens will retract.

햳

햵

Auto Power Off (Standby Mode)

If no operations are performed for one minute (three minutes when menus are displayed), the monitor and electronic viewﬁ nder will turn off automatically and the camera will enter standby mode, reducing the drain on the batteries (if the camera is powered by an optional AC adapter or the Loop option is selected during a slide show [ 120], the display will turn off after thirty minutes). To reactivate the display, press the , , or button, choose a new mode, or press the shutter-release button halfway.

The length of time before the camera enters standby mode can be changed using the Auto off option in the setup menu ( 138).

Basic Setup

Svenska

Deutsch English Español Français Italiano Nederlands

Cancel

日本語

Highlight Deutsch (German), English, Español (Spanish), Français (French), Italiano (Italian), Nederlands (Dutch), Svenska (Swedish), (Japanese),

(Simpliﬁ ed Chinese),

(Traditional Chinese), or (Korean).

Set

* Press button to exit without selecting language.

DATE

Set time and date?

Yes

Conﬁ rmation dialog displayed.

DATE

Set time and date?

Yes

Highlight Yes .

†

† Select No to exit to mode selected with mode dial. If time and date are not set,

(“date not set”) icon will ﬂ ash in monitor during shooting and all pictures will have time stamp of “00.00.0000 00:00.” Movies will be dated “01.09.2004 00:00.”

HOME TIME ZONE

London, Casablanca

Back Set

Display map of world time zones.

Select home time zone.

HOME TIME ZONE

Madrid, Paris, Berlin

Back Set

First Steps

The Clock Battery

When the main battery is installed or an AC adapter is connected, the clock battery will charge in about 10 hours. When fully charged, the clock battery can provide several days of backup power. The clock may be reset when the battery runs low; when the

battery is exhausted, the DATE menu is displayed automatically.

The Camera Clock

The camera clock is less accurate than most watches or household clocks. Check the clock regularly against more accurate timepieces and reset as necessary.

F2.6

126

TIME ZONE

01. 09. 2004 00 : 00

Madrid, Paris, Berlin

Time zone

DaylightSaving

DATE

DM Y

01 .. 200409

00 : 00

F2.6

‡

Exit to mode currently selected with mode dial. Note that time and date of recording will not be imprinted on pictures unless Date or Date and time is

8M8M8M

selected for Date imprint ( 142).

126

Display DATE menu.

Select Month. Repeat steps 8–9 to

edit Month, Year, hour, and minute.

Choose order in which Day, Month,

and Year will be displayed.

DATE

01 .. 200409

00 :

DATE

MD Y

10 .. 200401

10 :

TIME ZONE menu displayed.

First Steps

‡ If daylight saving time ( 132) is in effect in local time zone, highlight DaylightSav-

ing and press center of multi selector. To return to Step 6, highlight current time zone. To return to Step 4, highlight Time zone and press multi selector right.

Edit Day (order of Day, Month, and

Year may differ in some areas).

DATE

DM Y

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Basic Photography

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

Step 1 —Rotate the Mode Dial to

Shooting mode:

indicates auto mode.

Exposure mode ( 45): P (programmed auto) is automatically selected in mode.

The Battery Indicator

Shooting

display

—

WARNING!!

BATTERY

EXHAUSTED

Control

panel Status Notes

(ﬂ ashes)

Rotate the mode dial to

and turn the camera on

The lens will extend and the monitor or electronic viewﬁ nder will display a welcome message (

135). The camera is ready to shoot when the view through the camera lens is displayed and the control panel lights.

Monitor /

electronic viewﬁ nder

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: Depends on capacity of memory card and options chosen for image quality and size.

Battery fully charged.

Battery partially discharged.

Low battery.

Ready spare battery.

Battery exhausted.

Battery

indicator

Image quality / size ( 33):

Choose according to how picture will be used.

Camera functions normally.

If built-in Speedlight ﬁ res, monitor turns off while ﬂ ash recharges. No pictures can be taken until battery has been recharged or replaced.

Control panel

Basic Photography

Step 2 — Frame the Picture

Zoom

Ready the camera

Hold the camera steadily in both hands.

To avoid mufﬂ ed sound or dark or partially obscured pictures, keep ﬁ ngers and other objects away from the microphone, lens, built-in

Basic Photography

out

Indicator shows

amount of zoom

Digital zoom

Speedlight, AF-assist lamp (LED), and AF ranging sensor.

Frame the subject

The camera is equipped with two types of built-in zoom: optical zoom, in which the camera’s telescoping lens can be used to magnify the subject up to 3.5 ×, and digital zoom, in which digital processing is used to further magnify the image up to 4 ×, for a total of 14 ×. Use the zoom buttons to frame your subject in the center of the monitor:

• Press the button to zoom out from your sub-

• Press the button to zoom in on your subject so

• When the camera is zoomed in to maximum

Don’t Block the Shot

ject, increasing the area visible in the frame.

that it ﬁ lls a larger area of the frame.

magniﬁ cation, holding the about two seconds will trigger digital zoom, and the zoom indicator will turn yellow. Use the and buttons to adjust zoom in the digital zoom range. To cancel digital zoom, press until the zoom indicator turns white.

button down for

Digital zoomMiddle zoom position

Wide angle Telephoto

The Built-in Speedlight

In mode, the built-in Speedlight will pop up automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway if additional light is required for correct exposure. Do not place your ﬁ ngers where they will obstruct the built-in Speedlight. If the Speedlight is prevented from popping up when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, a message will be displayed (

150).

Do not attempt to raise the Speedlight by hand. Failure to observe this precaution could result in damage to the Speedlight. To lower the Speedlight, gently press it straight down until it clicks into place. Do not apply force to the front, back, or sides.

Digital Zoom ( 103)

In digital zoom, data from the camera’s image sensor are processed digitally, enlarging the center portion of the picture to ﬁ ll the frame. Unlike optical zoom, digital zoom does not increase the amount of detail visible in the picture. Instead, details visible at maximum optical zoom are simply enlarged, producing a slightly “grainy” image.

When Lighting Is Poor

When lighting is poor, the image in the display is processed to compensate and some mottling may occur. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Viewﬁ nder Focus

If the image in the electronic viewﬁ nder seems blurred, rotate the diopter adjustment control until the image is in sharp focus. When operating the diopter control with your eye to the viewﬁ nder, care should be taken to avoid accidentally putting your ﬁ nger in your eye.

Display Lag

The image from the camera CCD must be processed before it can be displayed in the monitor or electronic viewﬁ nder, resulting in a slight lag between the movement of the subject and the image in the display. This lag can be reduced by selecting Quick re- sponse for the Monitor options > Release speed option in the setup menu ( 133).

Basic Photography

Step 3 — Focus and Shoot

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Focus indicator

Basic Photography

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Flash indicator

Focus

Press the shutter-release button halfway to set focus and exposure ( 7). In mode, the camera will automatically focus on the subject at the center of the frame. Focus and exposure will lock while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. If the subject is poorly lit and the ﬂ ash is on, the built-in Speedlight will pop up automatically.

With the shutter-release button pressed halfway, check the focus and ﬂ ash indicators:

On (green) Subject in focus.

indicator

Focus

Blinks green

indicator

On (red)

Flash

Blinks red Built-in Speedlight is charging.

* Always lights when focus is set to inﬁ nity (

manual focus is used ( 56).

Take the picture

Press the shutter release button the rest of the way down to take the picture. To prevent blur, press the

shutter-release button down smoothly.

Camera unable to focus on subject at center of frame. Using focus lock, focus on another subject at same distance, then recompose picture and shoot.

Built-in Speedlight will ﬁ re when picture is taken.

Built-in Speedlight is off or not re-

Off

quired.

40) or

+ 140 hidden pages

Nikon COOLPIX 8400 Owner Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

For Your Safety

Notices

Table of Contents

Introduction

Parts of the Camera

The Control Panel

The Monitor

The Shutter-Release Button

The Mode Dial

The Multi Selector

First Steps

Charging the Battery

Inserting the Battery

Inserting Memory Cards

Turning the Camera On

Basic Setup

Basic Photography

Step 2 — Frame the Picture

Step 3 — Focus and Shoot