Nikon COOLPIX 8700 User Guide

The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography

with the

DIGITAL CAMERA

Attaching the Camera Strap

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

햲햳

햴햵

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.

Trad emark I nformation

Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Mac OS, Power Macintosh, PowerBook, and Quick Time are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Finder, Power Mac, iMac, and iBook are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Internet is a trademark of Digital Equipment 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. 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 equipment or from the AC adapter (available separately), unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery immediately, taking care to avoid burns. Continued operation could result in injury. After removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection.

Do not use 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.

Do not disassemble

Touching the product’s internal parts could result in injury. In the event of malfunction, the product should be repaired only by a qualiﬁ ed technician. Should the product 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 AC adapter and removing the battery.

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 and make sure the poweron lamp has gone out. If you are using an AC adapter, be sure it is unplugged.

• Use only rechargeable Nikon EN-EL1 lithium-ion batteries (supplied) or sixvolt 2CR5 (DL245) lithium batteries (available separately).

• 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.

• Immediately after use, or when the product is used on battery power for an extended period, the battery may become hot. Before removing the battery, turn the camera off and allow the battery to cool.

• The camera grip may become noticeably warm when the camera is used with a 2CR5 (DL245) lithium battery. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

• 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.

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.

Removing memory cards

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

CD-ROMs

The CD-ROMs on which the software and manuals are distributed 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).

E8700

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.

Table of Contents

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

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

Introduction 1

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

Using the Monitor........................................................................................... 4

Camera Displays............................................................................................... 5

Turning the Camera on and Off ..................................................................... 7

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

Navigating the Menus..................................................................................... 7

First Steps 8

Inserting Batteries ........................................................................................... 8

Inserting Memory Cards.................................................................................. 10

Basic Setup....................................................................................................... 11

Basic Photography 14

Step 1 —Select

Step 2 — Frame the Picture .............................................................................. 16

Step 3 — Focus and Shoot ................................................................................ 18

Step 4 — View the Results (Quick review/Full-screen review)........................ 21

Scene Mode 23

Taking Pictures in Scene Mode....................................................................... 23

Taking Pictures for a Panorama...................................................................... 28

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon COOLPIX 8700 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 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/

Introduction

Nikon COOLPIX cameras are designed to the highest standards and include com-

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

plex electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery chargers, batteries, AC adapters, and Speedlights) certiﬁ ed by Nikon speciﬁ cally 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. The use of third-party rechargeable Li-ion batteries not approved by Nikon could interfere with normal operation of the camera or result in the batteries overheating, igniting, rupturing, or leaking.

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

Parts of the Camera

Accessory shoe cover (

Introduction

Control panel

(

Eyelet for camera strap (× 2)

Self-timer lamp ( Red-eye reduction lamp ( 34) Shot conﬁ rmation lamp ( 133)

Shutter-release button ( 7)

Accessory shoe ( 96)

38)

96)

Built-in Speedlight (

AF-assist illuminator

(LED;

Photocell (

Lens ( 141, 149)

Microphone (

(exposure compensation) button ( 39)

Voice memo record/ playback button ( 63)

17, 34)

19, 140, 149)

98)

49, 63)

Power switch (

(exposure mode) button

( 40)

LCD illuminator button

(

(FUNC) button

( 15, 132)

Command dial

(monitor) button ( 4) Zoom ( / ) buttons

Electronic viewﬁ nder

( 16, 57, 60)

( 4, 5)

Diopter adjustment control (

( 74)

Monitor (

17)

(menu) button

4, 5)

Mode selector

14, 55)

(

Memory card

slot cover

(quick review)

button ( 21)

Multi selector

(display) button ( 4, 55)

(delete) button

( 21, 55, 57, 63)

(

( 7)

Introduction

10)

Audio / video (A / V) out connector

( 64)

/ SIZE (image quality / size)

DC-IN connector ( 9)

button ( 30, 32)

(ﬂ ash mode) button ( 34) ISO (sensitivity) button ( 46)

(AE / AF lock) button ( 20, 132)

/ MF (focus mode / manual focus)

Interface connector

Speaker ( 54, 63)

Digital I / O (USB) connector ( 66, 70)

cover

button ( 37, 47)

Tripod socket Battery-chamber cover

8, 138)

(

Battery pack connector (under cover; 138)

Battery-chamber cover

latch ( 8)

Using the Monitor

F5.6

125

F5.6

125

Introduction

Fold out to use Range of rotation

0°

90°

80°

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.

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.

The and Buttons

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 electronic viewﬁ nder. To hide or display indicators in the monitor or electronic viewﬁ nder when the camera is in shooting mode, press the button.

Settings and view through lens

(shooting display)

8M8M8M

151515

F5.6

1/125

Histogram

1/125

F5.6

8M8M8M

ﬂ ash, and focus indicators only

Framing guidesView through lens with battery,

* Shooting modes (Custom 1) and (Custom 2) only; not displayed in exposure

mode M, in movie mode, or when AE-lock is in effect.

Camera Displays

F5.6

12 5

AE/AF

TOKYO

AE-L

AF-L

100

F5.6

12 5

AE/AF

106

Monitor / Electronic V iewﬁ nder

The following indicators appear in the monitor and electronic viewﬁ nder during shooting:

AF-L

AE-L

16 15

1 Shooting mode.............................. 15

2 Zoom indicator 2............................. 16

Folder name .................. 22, 108, 126

3 Exposure / focus lock ............... 91, 133

4 Focus mode................................... 37

5 Flash indicator ............................... 18

Recording indicator ....................... 19

6 Flash mode.................................... 34

7 Battery level indicator 3................... 14

8 Focus indicator 4............................. 18

9 Image size ..................................... 32

10 Image quality................................. 30

11 Number of exposures

remaining...................................... 14

12 Date imprint indicator.................. 136

13 Aperture.................................. 40, 43

14 Shutter speed.......................... 40, 42

15 “Date not set” icon 5...................... 12

16 Exposure compensation................. 39

17 Self-timer indicator ........................ 38

1 Icon varies with scene mode selected. 2 Displayed when zoom buttons are pressed. 3 Appears when batteries are running low. 4 Displayed when shutter-release button is pressed

halfway.

AE-L

TOKYO

AE/AF

1.0

F5.6

1 /125

1/125 151515

14 13 12

6 7 8

8M8M8M

9 10 11

WBWBWB

NRNRNR

1.0.01.0

32 31

1 /125

1/125

28 27

AE/AF

F5.6

2119 20

100

8M8M8M

151515

22 23

106

”106”

18 Ultra HS recording indicator........... 81

19 Manual focus display ..................... 47

20 Spot metering target ..................... 79

21 Flash mode for optional

Speedlights.................................... 97

22 White balance ............................... 76

23 Sensitivity (ISO equivalency) ........... 46

24 Image adjustment.......................... 86

Black-and-white indicator.............. 87

25 Focus areas.................................... 93

26 Length of movie ............................ 51

27 Exposure display ............................ 44

28 Exposure mode.............................. 40

29 Converter lens setting.................... 90

30 Best Shot Selector (BSS) ................. 84

Bracketing indicator....................... 99

Noise reduction ........................... 101

31 Metering mode ............................. 79

32 Continuous shooting mode ........... 80

5 Appears when camera clock has not been set.

Introduction

Control Panel

Introduction

1 Sensitivity (ISO equivalency)

indicator........................................ 46

2 White balance indicator (appears

when

button is used to set white

balance) ........................................ 76

3 Battery level indicator .................... 14

4 Image quality................................. 30

5 Exposure mode.............................. 40

1 Control panel is shown with all elements lit for

illustrative purposes.

6 Shutter speed 2......................... 40, 42

Aperture 2................................ 40, 43

Shooting mode.............................. 24

Image size ..................................... 32

Exposure compensation................. 39

Sensitivity (ISO equivalency) ........... 46

White balance ............................... 76

Image transfer status..................... 66

7 Manual focus indicator .................. 47

8 Continuous shooting mode ........... 80

9 Exposure compensation

indicator........................................ 39

10 Flash mode.................................... 34

11 Exposure count display (number of

exposures remaining)..................... 14

Exposure indicator......................... 44

12 Metering mode ............................. 79

13 Self-timer ...................................... 38

Focus mode................................... 37

14 Flexible Program ............................ 41

2 Press button to switch between shutter-speed

and aperture displays ( , , P, and M only).

The LCD Illuminator Button

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

Turning the Camera on and Off

When the camera is turned on, the lens will extend and the monitor or electronic viewﬁ nder will display a welcome message. The message will clear from the display when the camera is ready for shooting or playback.

When the camera is turned off, the lens will retract and the camera displays will turn off.

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 take the picture, press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.

Navigating the Menus

Introduction

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

Display sub-menu, move cursor right, or make selection.

EN-EL1

2CR5

EN-EL1

2CR5





First Steps

Inserting Batteries

The camera uses either of the following batteries:

First Steps

Battery Description

• Provided with camera

Rechargeable Nikon

EN-EL1 lithium-ion

batteries (×1)

Six-volt 2CR5 (DL245)

lithium batteries (×1)

• Can be recharged using supplied MH-53 battery charger (be sure to charge battery before using camera for ﬁ rst time or after long period of disuse). About two hours are required to charge battery when no charge remains.

• Available at many retail outlets

• Not rechargeable

Turn the camera off

Open the battery-chamber cover

Slide the battery-chamber cover latch to the



EN-EL1



position () and ﬂ ip the battery-chamber cover open ().

Insert the battery

Insert the 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.

2CR5 (DL245)





Close the battery-chamber cover

Close the battery-chamber cover () and slide the



Replacing Batteries

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.

Read Battery Warnings

Read and follow the battery warnings and cautions on pages ii–iii and 140 of this manual, together with any warnings and instructions supplied by the battery manufacturer.

Alternative Power Sources

To power the camera continuously for extended periods, use an EH-53 AC adapter (available separately; 137). 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.



latch to the position ().

First Steps





Upside down

Sideways

Inserting Memory Cards

The camera stores pictures on CompactFlash™ memory cards. See “Technical Notes: Approved Memory Cards” ( 139) for a list of compatible cards.

First Steps

Turn the camera off

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 () and then insert a memory card as shown in the label inside the memory card slot cover ().





O NOT INSERT:

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 (), then press it again to partially eject the card (). The card can then be removed by hand. Note that memory cards may become hot during use; observe due caution when removing memory cards.

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

Direction

Terminals

Front

Close the memory card slot cover

햲

햴

햶

햳

햵

Format Memory Cards Before First Use

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

104).

Basic Setup

Follow the steps below to choose a language and set the time and date.

Ready the monitor

햲

햳

First Steps

LANGUAGE

Deutsch Nederlands

Español Français Italiano

MENU QUICK

SvenskaEnglish

Cancel Set

햴

햶

Turn the camera on

The ﬁ rst time the camera is turned on, a languageselection dialog will be displayed. Choose a language and set the time and date as described on the following pages.

햵

Set time and date?

London, Casablanca

Madrid, Paris, Berlin

Set time and date?

First Steps

LANGUAGE

Deutsch Nederlands

Español Français Italiano

MENU QUICK

SvenskaEnglish

Cancel Set

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

(Simpliﬁ ed Chinese), or

(Korean).

* Press button to exit without selecting language. Language-selection dialog will

be displayed next time camera is turned on or if monitor is activated after camera has entered standby mode.

DATE

Set time and date?

DATE

Set time and date?

Yes

Conﬁ rmation dialog displayed.

Highlight Yes .

Yes

† Select No to exit to mode selected with mode selector. 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 “0000.00.00 00:00.” Movies will be dated “2004.01.01 00:00.”

HOME TIME ZONE

BK Set

MENU QUICK

Display map of world time zones.

Select home time zone.

HOME TIME ZONE

BK Set

MENU QUICK

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 language-selection dialog will automatically be dis-

played when the clock battery is exhausted.

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.

†

F5.6

12 5

TIME ZONE

01. 01. 2004 00 : 00

Madrid, Paris, Berlin

Time Zone

DaylightSaving

TIME ZONE menu displayed.

‡

Display DATE menu.

00 :

DATE

MYD

01 2004.

‡ If daylight saving time ( 125) is in effect in local time zone, highlight DaylightSav-

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

00 :

DATE

MYD

01 2004

.01

00 :

DATE

MYD

01 2004.

First Steps

Edit Day (order of Day, Month, and

Year may differ in some areas).

10 :

.01

DATE

MYD

02 2004.

Highlight D M Y.

8M8M8M

151515

1 /125

1/125

F5.6

Select Month. Repeat steps 8–9 to

edit Month, Year, hour, and minute.

10 :

.02

DATE

DYM

01 2004.

Choose order in which Day, Month,

and Year will be displayed.

Exit to mode currently selected with mode selector. Note that time and date of recording will not be imprinted on pictures unless Date or Date and time is selected for Date imprint ( 136).

Basic Photography

F5.6

12 5

Step 1 —Select Mode

(auto) mode is selected automatically the ﬁ rst time the camera is turned

on. In this automatic, “point-and-shoot” mode, the majority of settings are

Basic Photography

controlled by the camera in response to shooting conditions, producing optimal results in most situations.

Slide the mode selector to and turn the

camera on

he lens will extend and the monitor or electronic viewﬁ nder will display a welcome message. The camera is ready to shoot when the message is replaced by the shooting display and settings are displayed in the control panel.

Shooting mode ( 15)

indicates

auto mode.

Monitor / electronic

viewﬁ nder

8M8M8M

Battery

indicator

Control panel

Image quality / size ( 30)

Choose according to how picture will be used.

1 /125

1/125

Exposure mode ( 40)

P (programmed auto) is automatically selected in mode.

The Battery Indicator

Monitor Control panel

NO ICON

WARNING!!

BATTERY

EXHAUSTED

(ﬂ ashes)

151515

F5.6

Number of pictures that can be taken depends on capacity of the memory card and options chosen for image quality and size.

Status

Battery fully charged.

Low battery. Ready

spare battery.

Battery exhausted.

Exposure mode

Camera functions normally.

If ﬂ ash ﬁ res, monitor / electronic viewﬁ nder turns off while Speedlight recharges.

No pictures can be taken until battery has been recharged or replaced.

Notes

F5.6

12 5

F5.6

12 5

Conﬁ rm that mode is selected

If Mode Is Not Selected

If mode is not selected, press the button

8M8M8M

and rotate the command dial until the icon is

151515

F5.6

1 /125

1/125

Shooting Mode

The following shooting modes are available:

Icon

Mode

Auto

Scene

Custom 1

Custom 2

displayed in the top left corner of the monitor or electronic viewﬁ nder.

* Icon varies with scene mode selected ( 23).

If User setting (the default option) has not been as- signed to the button ( 132), the shooting mode can be selected using camera menus ( 88).

Automatic, “point-and-shoot” mode.

Automatic mode with choice of twelve “scenes” suited to different subjects or shooting conditions.

Manual modes that offer control over all settings. Separate adjustments can be made in each mode.

Description

⇔ * ⇔ ⇔

F5.6

1 /125

1/125

Basic Photography

8M8M8M

151515

14–20

23–29Varies

Number of Exposures Remaining

If the number of exposures remaining reaches zero, the message “OUT OF MEMORY” will be displayed in the monitor. No further pictures can be taken until:

• a new memory card is inserted ( 10)

•

pictures are deleted ( 21, 106) The “OUT OF MEMORY” message may clear from the display if a lower image quality or size is selected ( 30).

Step 2 — Frame the Picture

F5.6

12 5

F5.6

12 5

Zoom

Ready the camera

Basic Photography

Avoid pressing buttons on left side of camera while shooting.

out

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Indicator shows

amount of zoom

when either button

is pressed

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Hold the camera steadily in both hands.

Don’t Block the Shot

To avoid mufﬂ ed sound or dark or partially obscured pictures, keep ﬁ ngers and other objects away from the microphone, lens, and ﬂ ash. To avoid blocking the red-eye reduction lamp, keep your ﬁ ngers below the ridges on the camera grip.

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 8 ×, and digital zoom, in which digital processing is used to further magnify the image up to 4 ×, for a total of 32 ×. Use the zoom buttons to frame your subject in the center of the monitor:

• Press the button to zoom out from your subject, increasing the area visible in the frame.

• Press the button to zoom in on your subject so that it ﬁ lls a larger area of the frame.

• When the camera is zoomed in to maximum magniﬁ cation, holding the button down for 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.

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Digital zoom

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The Built-in Speedlight

At default settings, 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.

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 ( 95)

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, sensitivity is raised to compensate and the image in the monitor may be slightly mottled. 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.

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 [ 112], the monitor and viewﬁ nder will turn off after thirty minutes). To reactivate the display, press the , , , or button 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 ( 131).

Basic Photography

Step 3 — Focus and Shoot

Always lights when focus is set to inﬁ nity (

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Focus

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Flash indicator

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Focus indicator

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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 and begin charging.

With the shutter-release button pressed halfway, check the focus and ﬂ ash indicators in the monitor or electronic viewﬁ nder.

indicator

On (red) Flash will ﬁ re when picture is taken.

Flash

Blinks red Flash charging.

Off Flash off or not required.

On (green) Subject in focus.

Focus

Blinks green

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.

focus is used ( 47).

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.

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 response for the Monitor options > Shutter release speed option in the setup menu ( 126).

or manual

During Recording

While pictures are being recorded to the memory card, a ( recording) or ( wait) icon will be displayed in the monitor or electronic viewﬁ nder. The camera can continue to take pictures until the icon is displayed. Do not turn the camera off, eject the

memory card, or remove or disconnect the power source while the or icon is displayed. Cutting power or removing the memory card in these circumstances could

result in loss of data or in damage to the camera or card.

Low Battery

If the ﬂ ash ﬁ res when the low battery icon is displayed, the monitor will turn off while the Speedlight recharges.

The AF-Assist Illuminator

If lighting is poor when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the built-in Speedlight will pop up and the AF assist illuminator will light, allowing the camera to focus even when the subject is poorly lit. The AF-assist illuminator has a range of about 1.2 m (3´11˝). The AF-assist illuminator will not light if:

• The built-in Speedlight is obstructed, preventing it from popping up (note that the AF-assist illuminator may light even when the ﬂ ash is off; be careful not to obstruct the Speedlight while shooting)

• Focus mode ( 37) is set to (inﬁ nity)

• (Portrait), (Night Portrait), or (Close up) or is selected in scene mode ( 24–26) or Manual is chosen for Focus options > AF area mode ( 93) and the center focus area is not selected

• (Landscape), (Night landscape), or (Fireworks show) is selected in scene mode ( 25–26)

• A setting other than Time-lapse movie is selected in movie mode ( 49)

• Manual is selected for Speedlight opt. > Pop up ( 96) and the built-in Speedlight is lowered

Getting Good Results with Autofocus

Autofocus 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).

Basic Photography

AF / AE Lock

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Focus and exposure are locked when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway,

Basic Photography

and remain locked while the shutter-release button is held in this position (focus lock). Focus lock can be used to take pictures of off-center subjects or in situations in which the camera is unable to focus using autofocus.

Focus

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Position subject in center of frame and press shutter-release button halfway.

Recompose picture

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Focus and exposure are locked while shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

* Do not change distance between camera and subject while focus lock is in effect. If

subject moves, release shutter-release button and focus again at new distance.

The Button

Focus and exposure will also lock while the button is pressed (if desired, the button can be used to lock focus but not exposure, or vice versa; 132).

Check focus indicator

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Check that focus indicator glows steadily, indicating that subject is in focus.

Take picture

Press shutter-release button rest of way down to take picture.

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