Nikon COOLPIX S4 Owner Manual

The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography

with the

DIGITAL CAMERA

Attaching the Camera Strap

Attach the camera strap as shown below.

햲 햳

Adjust to length shown if wearing around neck.

The Lens Cap

The lens cap can be opened (햲) and closed (햳) while still attached to the camera.

햲 햳

To remove the cap, open it and then pull and twist the hinge while lifting upward as shown at right.

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 ﬁ nd the information you need, the following symbols and conventions are used:

Introduction

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.

First Steps

Basic Photography

More on Photography

Scene Mode

Voice Recordings

Movies

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 qualiﬁ ed 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 ﬂ ammable gas

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

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

• Use only the batteries listed on page 6 of this manual. 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-B2 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 ﬂ ame 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 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.

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.

Handle moving parts with care

Be careful that your ﬁ ngers or other objects are not pinched between the lens section and camera body or by 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 in.) from the subject.

Do not ﬁ re the ﬂ ash 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 ﬂ ash.

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).

COOLPIX S4

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.

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 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

Introduction 1

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

The Monitor..................................................................................................... 4

First Steps 6

Inserting the Batteries..................................................................................... 6

Inserting Memory Cards.................................................................................. 8

Turning the Camera On .................................................................................. 10

Basic Setup....................................................................................................... 10

Basic Photography 12

Step 1 — Select

Step 2 — Frame the Picture.............................................................................. 13

Step 3 — Focus and Shoot................................................................................ 15

Step 4 — View the Results................................................................................ 16

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon COOLPIX S4 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 cam era.

• Quick Start Guide: The Quick Start Guide takes you through the process of unpacking and set ting up your Nikon digital camera, taking your ﬁ rst photographs, and trans fer ring them to your computer.

• PictureProject Reference Manual (on CD): The PictureProject Reference Manual contains information on using the PictureProject software provided with your camera. For information on view ing the reference manual, see the Quick Start Guide.

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 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 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

Parts of the Camera

Power-on lamp (

Power switch (

10)

Introduction

Shutter-release button (

Zoom (

control

( 14, 21, 34, 40, 41, 42, 44)

15)

/ ) /

Eyelet for camera strap

Power cord channel cover for optional AC adapter (

Mode selector ( 12, 21, 36)

Auto ( 12)

A simple “point-andshoot” mode in which the majority of settings are controlled by the camera. A shooting menu offers control over seven shooting options.

10, 12)

81)

Microphone (

33, 36, 44)

Built-in ﬂ ash

( 17)

Self-timer lamp (

AF-assist illuminator

(LED; 15, 79, 82, 94)

Movie ( 36)

Choose from four movie

modes.

Speaker (

33, 40, 44)

Lens ( 13, 83, 94)

19) /

Lens in storage

position

Scene ( 21)

Choose from ﬁ fteen “scenes” suited to different subjects or shooting conditions and let the camera do the rest. An additional voice recording mode is available for creating audio recordings ( 33).

(monitor) button

( 13, 33)

Monitor (

4, 12,

13, 83, 94)

(delete) button

( 16, 34, 40, 41, 44)

(menu) button

( 21, 35, 36, 58, 65, 72)

(playback) button

( 16, 41, 65)

Flash lamp (

Connector cover

45, 47, 52)

(

Cable connector

45, 47, 52)

(

15)

Introduction

Tripod socket

Battery-chamber latch ( 7)

Battery-chamber cover (

Multi selector

• Menu navigation: Move cursor up.

• Shooting ( menu ( 17).

Press left, right, up,

or down

• Menu navigation: Cancel and return to previous menu, or move cursor left.

• Shooting (

): Display self-tim-

er mode menu ( 19).

• Menu navigation: Move cursor down.

• Shooting (

): Display macro mode

menu ( 20).

): Display ﬂ ash mode

Press center ( ) to make

• Menu navigation: Display sub-menu, move cursor

right, or make selection.

Memory card slot cover ( 8, 9)

Memory card slot (

selection

The Monitor

100NIKON

9999

01.01.2 0 0 5 00:00

9999.JPG

:Start

1.0 AUTO

999

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

Shooting

Introduction

32 4

Playback

50 100 200 400

19 18

17 16 15

1.0

15161718

01.01.2005

01.01.2005 00:00

00:00

13 12 10

AUTO

9999

9999/9999

:Start

101010

999

1214

100NIKON

9999.JPG

9999

1 2

8 9

5 6

7 8

1 Shooting mode.................. 12, 21, 36

2 Exposure lock .................... 32, 39, 62

3 Zoom indicator

............................ 14

4 Focus indicator 2............................. 15

5 Battery level indicator 3................... 12

6 Internal memory / memory card

indicator.................................. 12, 15

7 Camera shake icon 4.......... 18, 28, 77

8 “Date not set” indicator 5............... 11

9 Time zone indicator ....................... 74

10 Self-timer indicator ........................ 19

11 Date imprint / date counter ............. 76

Displayed when zoom button is pressed. 2

Displayed when shutter-release button is pressed

halfway. 3

Appears when batteries are running low.

12 Number of exposures

remaining................................ 12, 92

Movie length........................... 36, 38

13 Flash mode.................................... 17

14 Exposure compensation................. 61

15 Image mode .................................. 59

16 Sensitivity ...................................... 64

17 Continuous shooting mode ..... 61–62

18 Best Shot Selector (BSS) ................. 63

19 Macro close-up mode.................... 20

20 White balance ............................... 60

21 Color option.................................. 64

Appears at slow shutter speeds to warn that pic-

tures may be blurred. 5

Appears when camera clock has not been set.

Introduction

1 Current folder ......................... 92–93

2 File number and type............... 92–93

3 Internal memory / memory card

indicator........................................ 41

4 Battery level indicator 1................... 12

5 D-Lighting guide ........................... 43

6 Volume indicator ..................... 40, 44

7 Voice memo recording guide......... 44

8 Voice memo playback guide .......... 44

9 Current frame number /

total number of frames............ 92–93

Movie length................................. 36

Appears when batteries are running low.

10 D-Lighting icon.............................. 43

11 Movie playback indicator ............... 40

12 Voice memo icon........................... 44

13 Image mode .................................. 59

14 Movie indicator ............................. 40

15 Protect icon ................................... 68

16 Print-order icon ............................. 51

17 Tr ansfer icon............................ 69, 79

18 Time of recording .........10–11, 74–75

19 Date of recording .........10–11, 74–75

First Steps

햲

햳

햴

Inserting the 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-B2 batteries.

Charge the batteries (EN-MH1-B2 batteries only)

If the camera came with a battery charger and rechargeable Nikon EN-MH1-B2

NiMH batteries, charge the batteries as described below. If the camera came

First Steps

with a pair of alkaline batteries, skip to Step 2 on the following page.

1.1 Plug the charger in

Connect the power cable to the charger (햲) and then plug it into a power outlet (햳). The CHARGE lamp will light (햴).

햴

햳

햲

1.2 Charge the batteries

Insert the batteries as indicated on the charger. The CHARGE lamp will start to blink. Charging is complete when the lamp stops blinking.

A pair of new or fully exhausted batteries will charge in about two and a half hours.

Batteries

Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages ii–iii and 84 of this manual. The camera can be used with AA alkaline (LR6) batteries, Nikon rechargeable EN-MH1-B2 NiMH batteries, ZR6 oxy-nickel 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 can not be used:

Peeling or damaged insulation

EN-MH1-B2 Batteries

Charge EN-MH1-B2 batteries before ﬁ rst 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 ( 93).

Insulation does not reach negative terminal

Flat negative terminal

Insert the batteries

햲



햳



햲

햳

2.1 Open the battery-chamber cover

Press the battery-chamber latch and slide the cover in the direction shown (햲) until it opens (햳).

햲

햳

2.2 Insert the batteries

Insert the batteries as shown in the label inside the battery-chamber cover.

2.3 Close the battery-chamber cover

햲

Close the cover (햲) and slide it in the direction shown until it latches (햳).

햳

Replacing Batteries

Turn the camera off and make sure the power-on lamp has gone out before opening the battery chamber cover. Batteries can not be replaced with the camera on a tripod.

The Battery Type Menu

After replacing the batteries, check that the option selected for Battery Type in the setup menu matches the type of batteries used ( 80).

Alkaline Batteries

The performance of alkaline batteries can vary widely. Choose batteries from a reputable manufacturer.

The EH-62B AC Adapter Kit

The optional EH-62B AC adapter kit can be used to power the camera for extended periods ( 81). 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.

First Steps

Inserting Memory Cards

햲

햳

햴

Pictures are stored in the camera’s internal memory (approximately 13.5 MB) or on removable Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. For information on compatible memory cards, see “Technical Notes: Optional Accessories” ( 81).

If no memory card is inserted, pictures are recorded to, and played back and deleted from, the camera’s internal memory. Formatting ( 78) affects internal memory only.

If a memory card is inserted, the card is used for recording, playback, and de-

First Steps

letion. Formatting affects only the memory card, not internal memory. The memory card must be removed from the camera before internal memory

can be formatted or used to record, delete, or view pictures.

To insert a memory card:

Conﬁ rm that the power-on lamp is off

Inserting Memory Cards

Turn the camera off ( 10) before inserting or removing memory cards.

Insert the memory card

Slide the cover in the direction shown (햲) until it opens (햳). Slide the memory card in terminals ﬁ rst until it clicks into place (햴).

햲

Inserting Memory Cards

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

Before inserting the card, make sure that it is unlocked. If the card is locked, pictures can not be recorded, deleted, or edited and the card can not be formatted.

햳

햴

Terminals

Direction

of insertion

Lock switch

Close the memory card slot cover

햲

햳

Close the cover (햲) and slide it in the direction shown until it latches (햳).

햲

햳

First Steps

Formatting Memory Cards

Before they can be used in the COOLPIX S4, memory cards must be formatted using the

Format card option in the camera setup menu ( 78).

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 conﬁ rm that the power-on lamp is off. Do not open the memory card slot cover while the power-on lamp is lit. Open the memory card slot cover and press the card in to partially eject the card. The card can then be removed by hand.

Tur ning the Camera On

DATE

Confirm

Cancel

Confirm

TIME ZONE

Confirm

DATE

Confirm

Press the power switch until the power-on lamp lights. The power-on lamp shows camera status as follows:

Power-on lamp Camera status

On On

Blinks Auto power off (standby mode)

Flickers Batteries exhausted (

Off Off

First Steps

Basic Setup

The ﬁ rst time the camera is turned on, a language-selection dialog will be displayed. Choose a language and set the time and date as follows:

Cancel

Cancel Confirm

Highlight language.

* Press button to exit without selecting language.

DATE

Set time and date?

Highlight Yes.

† See “The Setup Menu: Date” (

Tur ning the Camera Off

To turn the camera off, press the power switch again. The camera is off when the power-on lamp is off. Do not remove the batteries or memory card or disconnect the optional AC adapter until the power-on lamp has gone out.

Auto Power off (Stand-by Mode)

If no operations are performed for about ﬁ ve seconds, the monitor will gradually dim to save power. Full brightness can be restored by pressing the shutter-release button or operating any of the controls next to the monitor. If no operations are performed for about a minute, the monitor will turn off and the camera will enter stand-by mode, further reducing the drain on the battery ( 78). The power-on lamp will blink and the monitor can be reactivated by pressing the shutter-release button halfway. The camera will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for another three minutes.

Confirm

74) for information on setting daylight saving time.

85)

DATE

Set time and date?

Confirm

Conﬁ rmation dialog displayed.

TIME ZONE

London, Casablanc

DaylightSaving

Confirm

TIME ZONE menu displayed.

†

HOME TIME ZONE

Back

Confirm

Back

Confirm

DATE

1010

DATE

Confirm

DATE

Confirm

AUTO

HOME TIME ZONEHOME TIME ZONE

HOME TIME ZONE

London, Casablanc

Back

Confirm

Back Confirm

Display map of world time zones.

DATE

YDM

2005..01

00 00:

Display DATE menu.

DATE

YDM

200501 . .

00 00:

edit Month, Year, hour, and minute.

DATE

15 10:

Confirm

200501 . .10

Choose date display order.

Madrid, Paris, Berli

Back

Confirm

Back Confirm

Select home time zone.

DATE

YDM

2005..01

00 00:

Edit Day (order of Day, Month, and

Year may differ in some areas).

DATE

15 10:

Confirm

200501 . .10

Highlight D M Y.Select Month. Repeat steps 8–9 to

AUTO

Exit to current mode.

First Steps

The Camera Clock

The clock battery charges when the main batteries are installed or an AC adapter is connected, and can provide several days of backup power after about 10 hours of charging. The clock and birthday counter may be reset when the battery runs low; when the battery is exhausted, the DATE menu will be displayed automatically. If the clock is not set, a (“date not set”) icon will ﬂ ash in the monitor during shooting. Pictures taken while this icon is displayed will have a time stamp of “00.00.0000 00:00:00,” while movies will be dated “01.01.2005 00:00:00.”

AUTO

Basic Photography

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 — Select Mode

Slide the mode selector to and turn the camera on. The power-on lamp will light. The camera is ready to shoot when the view through the camera lens is displayed in the monitor.

Basic Photography

Shooting mode: indi- cates auto mode.

ﬁ ve options depending on how picture will be used ( 59). Default is .

Flash mode: choose from ﬁ ve modes according to lighting and creative intent ( 17). Default is AUTO.

Battery indicator: appears when batteries are running low.

AUTO

Internal memory / memory card indicator: indicates whether

internal memory ( ) or memory card ( ) is used.

Number of exposures remaining: depends on capacity of

internal memory or memory card and on option chosen for Image Mode ( 92).

The Battery Indicator

Display Description

NO ICON Batteries fully charged.

WARNING!!

BATTERY EXHAUSTED

Shooting Options

(auto) mode offers ﬂ ash ( 17), self-timer ( 19), and macro close-up options (

20). In addition, a seven-item shooting menu gives full control over such settings as white balance and exposure compensation ( 58).

Low battery; ready spare batteries. If ﬂ ash ﬁ res, monitor will turn off while ﬂ ash recharges. Batteries exhausted. No pictures can be taken until batteries are replaced. Power-on lamp ﬂ ickers.

AUTO

100NIKON

01 .10 .20 05 15 :30

0001.JPG

Step 2 — Frame the Picture

Rotate the lens to shooting position

The lens can be gently rotated up to 180 ° forward from the storage position (0 °) or 90 ° back to face the user for a quick arms-length self-portrait. When the lens is rotated to face the user, the monitor shows a mirror image of what will appear in the ﬁ nal photograph.

Forward

Range of rotation

Back

(toward

0°

monitor)

180°

90°

Ready the camera

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, ﬂ ash, and AF-assist lamp. If attached, the lens cap should be fully open to prevent it from blocking the lens.

Using a Tripod

Rotate the lens to shooting position before mounting the camera on a tripod. Contact with the tripod can damage the camera lens.

The Button

Press the button to hide or display indicators in the monitor.

Indicators displayed Indicators hidden

Shooting

mode

AUTO

100NIKON

0001.JPG

1/11/1

Playback

mode

01.10.2005

01.10.2005 15:30

15:30

Basic Photography

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 10 ×, and digital zoom, in which digital processing is used to further magnify the image up to 4 ×, for a total of 40 ×. Use the zoom control to frame your subject in the center of the monitor:

• T: zoom in on your subject so that it ﬁ lls a larger area of the frame.

• W: zoom out from your subject, increasing the

Basic Photography

area visible in the frame.

• When the camera is zoomed in to maximum magniﬁ cation, holding the control in the T po- sition for about two seconds will trigger digital zoom, and the zoom indicator will turn yellow. Use the zoom control to adjust zoom in the digital zoom range. To cancel digital zoom, zoom out until the zoom indicator turns white.

Digital Zoom

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.

Zoom

out

Indicator shows

amount of zoom

Digital zoom

Zoom

Step 3 — Focus and Shoot

Focus

Press the shutter-release button halfway to set focus and exposure. 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.

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

indicator

Focus

Flash lamp

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 (a blur warning may appear at slow shutter speeds; 77).

Subject in focus.

(green)

Camera unable to focus on subject at

Blinks

center of frame. Using focus lock, focus

red

on another subject at same distance, then recompose picture and shoot (

Flash will ﬁ re when picture is taken.

(red)

Blinks

Flash is charging.

red Off Flash is off or not required.

Basic Photography

Focus indicator

91).

Flash lamp

During Recording

While pictures are being recorded, the internal memory / memory card indicator ( or ) will blink. The camera can continue to take pictures until the (wait) icon is displayed. Do not turn the camera off, eject the memory card, or remove or dis-

connect the power source while the internal memory / memory card indicator is blinking or the 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.

The AF-Assist Illuminator

If lighting is poor, the built-in AF-assist illuminator will light when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, allowing the camera to focus even when the subject is poorly lit (

79).

Step 4 — View the Results

Confirm

Erase 1 image (s)?

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Press the button

A picture will be displayed in the monitor.

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. Pictures are displayed brieﬂ y at low resolution while being read from memory, making it possible to scroll rapidly through pictures without waiting for each image to be displayed at

Basic Photography

full resolution. Keep the multi selector pressed to scroll quickly to the desired picture.

To r eturn to shooting mode, press the button again. For more information on playback, see “More on Playback” ( 41).

Deleting Unwanted Pictures

To delete the current picture, press the button. A conﬁ rmation dialog will be displayed; press the multi selector up or down to highlight an option and then press the center of the multi selector.

• No: Exit without deleting the picture.

• Yes : Delete the picture.

Putting the Camera Away

1. Turn the camera off.

2. Rotate the lens to the storage position.

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Erase 1 image (s)?

Yes

Confirm

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3. Replace and close the lens cap.

The Button

Pressing the button for about one second will turn the camera on in playback mode. Press again to return to the mode selected with the mode selector.

More on Photography

AUTO

:Confirm

AUTO

:Confirm

Using the Flash

The following ﬂ ash modes are available:

Mode How it works When to use it

AUTO

Auto

Auto with

red-eye

reduction

Flash Cancel

(off)

Anytime Flash

( ﬁ ll ﬂ ash)

Slow sync

Flash ﬁ res when lighting is poor. Flash ﬁ res several times at low intensity before main ﬂ ash; pictures are further processed to reduce red-eye if required ( 18).

Flash will not ﬁ re even when lighting is poor.

Flash ﬁ res whenever picture is taken.

Auto ﬂ ash combined with slow shutter speeds.

Best choice in most situations.

Use to reduce “red-eye” in portraits. Works best when subject looks directly at low-intensity ﬂ ashes. Not recommended when quick shutter response is required. Use to capture natural lighting under dim light or where use of ﬂ ash is prohibited. If (camera shake) icon appears, care should be taken to avoid blurring.

Use to “ﬁ ll-in” (illuminate) shadows and back-lit subjects.

Use to capture both subject and background at night or under dim light.

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Display ﬂ ash-mode menu.

Flash

AUTO

:Confirm

Highlight mode.

Exit menu (to exit without changing mode, wait two seconds). Selection is shown by icon at bottom of display.

Flash

AUTO

:Confirm

When Lighting Is Poor

When lighting is poor, sensitivity is raised to compensate and the image in the monitor may be slightly “grainy.” This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

The (Camera Shake) Icon

When lighting is poor and the ﬂ ash is off ( ), shutter speeds will slow and pictures may be blurred. If the shutter speed required for exposure is very slow, a (camera shake) warning be displayed. Use of a tripod or support is recommended. Mottling may appear in pictures taken when this icon is displayed.

Dust or Mist

Light from the ﬂ ash reﬂ ected from particles of dust or other matter in the air may appear in pictures as bright specks. If this occurs, turn the ﬂ ash off and try again.

Red-eye Reduction

The COOLPIX S4 uses advanced red-eye reduction. Low-intensity light pulses cause

More on Photography

the subject’s pupils to contract before the ﬂ ash ﬁ res. The camera then analyzes the image for red-eye; if red-eye is detected, the image will be processed to reduce its effects (“In-Camera Red-Eye Fix”). This slightly increases the amount of time needed to record each picture. If red-eye reduction does not produce the desired results, try again at another ﬂ ash setting.

Default Flash Mode

When the camera is turned on in (auto) mode, the most recent ﬂ ash setting will be restored; in other modes, the ﬂ ash will be reset to the default for the selected mode. Reset all ( 79) resets the ﬂ ash to AUTO ( mode) or to the default for the current mode (assist and scene modes).

Flash Range

The ﬂ ash has a range of 0.4 – 3.0 m (1 ft. 4 in. – 10 ft.). As a result, the ﬂ ash may not be able to light the entire subject at distances of less than 0.4 m (1 ft. 4 in.). When taking close-ups, play each picture back after shooting to check the results.

OFF

:Confirm

OFF

Taking Pictures with the Self-Timer

AUTO

The camera is equipped with a ten-second timer for portraits or to avoid blurring that may result from the camera moving when the shutter-release button is pressed. When using the self-timer, mount the camera on a tripod (recommended) or rest it on a ﬂ at, level surface.

OFF

Self-timer

Display self-timer menu.

OFF

101010

AUTO

Exit menu (to exit without changing

mode, wait two seconds). Selection

is shown by icon in display.

AUTO

Highlight ON.

Set focus and exposure.

Start timer; display in monitor shows seconds remaining before shutter is released. To stop timer before picture is taken, press shutter-release button again or press multi selector left.

The self-timer lamp on the front of the camera will blink until one second before the picture is taken, staying lit during the ﬁ nal second to warn that the shutter is about to be released.

Self-timer

OFF

AUTO

OFF

:Confirm

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101010

Easy Close-ups: Macro Close-up Mode

OFF

:Confirm

OFF

:Confirm

OFF

AUTO

Macro close-up mode is used for taking close-up shots of small objects at very short distances (minimum 4 cm/1.6 in.).

OFF

Macro close-u

:Confirm

OFF

Macro close-up

OFF

:Confirm

Display macro close-up menu.

Exit menu (to exit without changing mode, wait two seconds). Selection is

Highlight ON.

shown by icon in display.

More on Photography

AUTO

Frame picture. Minimum focus distance varies with zoom position; if zoom is adjusted until icon turns green, camera can focus at distance of 4 cm/1.6 in.

AUTO

Macro Close-up Mode

The ﬂ ash may not be able to light the entire subject at distances of less than 40 cm/ 1 ft. 4 in. When taking close-ups, play each picture back after shooting to check the results.

In macro close-up mode, the camera focuses continuously, even when the shutter-release button is not pressed halfway.

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