Nikon CP4200 User Manual

The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography

with the

DIGITAL CAMERA

Trademark Information

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. Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. The SD logo is a trademark of the SD Card Association. 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.

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 product to prevent possible injury.

WARNINGS

Do not look at the sun through the viewfinder

Viewing the sun or other strong light source through the viewfinder 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 kit (available separately), unplug the AC adapter kit 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 flammable gas

Do not use electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas, as this could result in explosion or fire.

Do not place strap around the neck of an infant or child

Placing the camera strap around the neck of an infant or child could result in strangulation.

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 qualified 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 kit and removing the battery.

Observe proper precautions when handling batteries

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

• Before replacing the battery, turn the product off and make sure the power-on lamp has gone out. If you are using an AC adapter kit, be sure it is unplugged.

• Use only rechargeable Nikon ENEL5 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 flame or to excessive heat.

• Do not immerse in or expose to water.

• Do not transport or store with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.

• Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged. To avoid damage to the product, be sure to remove the 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.

• 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 CDROMs on an audio CD player could cause hearing loss or damage the equipment.

Observe caution when operating the flash

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

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.

Notices

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

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

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).

E4200

CAUTIONS

Modifications

The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Nikon Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Interface Cables

Use the interface cables sold or provided by Nikon for your equipment. Using other interface cables may exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.

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

iii

Notice for customers in Canada

CAUTION ATTENTION

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

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

Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

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

• Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced

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

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

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

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

• Cautions on certain copies and reproductions

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

• 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.

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Nikon COOLPIX cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery chargers, batteries, AC adapters, and Speedlights) certified by Nikon specifically for use with this Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic circuitry.

THE USE OF NON-NIKON ELECTRONIC ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE THE CAMERA

AND MAY VOID YOUR

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.

Before Taking Important Pictures

Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking the camera with you on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.

Life-Long Learning

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

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

• For users in Europe: 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 information, tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the URL below for contact information:

http://nikonimaging.com/

NIKON WARRANTY. The use of third-party rechargeable

Table of Contents

For Your Safety ..................................................................................................................... i

Notices ............................................................................................................................... iii

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................... vi

Introduction........................................................................................................................ 1

Before You Begin ................................................................................ 2

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

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

The Mode Dial .................................................................................................................... 6

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

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

First Steps............................................................................................. 8

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

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

Checking the Battery Level................................................................................................ 12

Basic Setup ....................................................................................................................... 14

Basic Photography............................................................................. 17

Step 1–Select Mode................................................................................................... 17

Step 2–Frame the Picture .................................................................................................. 19

Step 3–Focus and Shoot.................................................................................................... 21

Step 4–View the Results (Full-screen Playback) .................................................................. 24

Scene Mode ....................................................................................... 27

Assist and Scene Modes .................................................................................................... 27

Framing Assist................................................................................................................... 28

Scene Mode............................................................................................................. 34

Taking Pictures for a Panorama.................................................................................. 40

More on Photography....................................................................... 42

When Lighting Is Poor: Using the Flash ......................................................................... 42

Taking a Self-Portrait: Using the Self-Timer.................................................................. 44

Easy Close-Ups: Macro Close-Up Mode ....................................................................... 46

Controlling Exposure: Exposure Compensation ........................................................... 47

Movies................................................................................................ 49

Selects Movie Types .......................................................................................................... 49

Recording Movies........................................................................................................ 51

Viewing Movies ................................................................................................................ 52

More on Playback.............................................................................. 53

Viewing Pictures on the Camera........................................................................................ 53

Cropping Pictures .............................................................................................................. 56

Voice Memos: Recording and Playback .............................................................................. 57

Viewing Pictures on TV ...................................................................................................... 59

Viewing Pictures on a Computer ....................................................................................... 60

Printing Pictures ................................................................................................................ 64

Print Set ...................................................................................................................... 65

Printing via Direct USB Connection .................................................................................... 68

The Shooting Menu........................................................................... 73

Using the Shooting Menu.................................................................................................. 73

Image Mode...................................................................................................................... 75

White Balance ................................................................................................................... 79

Metering ........................................................................................................................... 81

Continuous ....................................................................................................................... 82

Best Shot Selector ............................................................................................................. 84

Image Adjustment ............................................................................................................. 85

Image Sharpening ............................................................................................................. 86

Sensitivity .......................................................................................................................... 87

Auto Bracketing ................................................................................................................ 88

Saturation Control............................................................................................................. 90

AF Area Mode ................................................................................................................... 91

Auto-focus Mode .............................................................................................................. 94

Noise Reduction ................................................................................................................ 95

The Playback Menu ........................................................................... 96

Using the Playback Menu .................................................................................................. 96

Slide Show .................................................................................................................. 97

Delete .......................................................................................................................... 99

Protect .................................................................................................................... 101

Auto Transfer .......................................................................................................... 102

Small Pic. .................................................................................................................. 105

Copy ......................................................................................................................... 106

vii

The Setup Menu .............................................................................. 109

Using the Setup Menu .................................................................................................... 109

Welcome Screen ...................................................................................................... 110

Date .......................................................................................................................... 112

Monitor Settings ...................................................................................................... 115

Date Imprint ................................................................................................................... 116

Brightness ................................................................................................................. 117

Sound Settings .......................................................................................................... 118

Auto Off ......................................................................................................................... 119

Format Memory/Card...................................................................................................... 119

Language ................................................................................................................... 120

USB.......................................................................................................................... 121

Video Mode.................................................................................................................... 121

Reset All ..................................................................................................................... 121

Firmware Version ...................................................................................................... 122

Technical Notes................................................................................ 123

Optional Accessories ....................................................................................................... 123

Caring for Your Camera.................................................................................................. 126

Error Messages ............................................................................................................... 129

Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................. 133

Specifications.................................................................................................................. 136

Index .............................................................................................................................. 139

viii

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon COOLPIX 4200 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 handy when using the product.

Symbols Used in this Manual

To make it easier to find the information you need, the following symbols and conventions are used:

This icon marks cautions, information that should be read before use to prevent damage to your camera.

This icon marks notes, information that should be read before using your camera.

This icon marks tips, additional information that may be helpful when using your camera.

This icon indicates that more information is available elsewhere in this manual or in the Quick Start Guide.

Before You Begin

First Steps

Basic Photography

Scene Mode

More on Playback

The Shooting Menu

The Playback Menu

The Setup Menu

Technical Notes

Before You Begin

Parts of the Camera

Shutter-release button ( 7)

Before You Begin

Power-on lamp (12)

Mode dial ( 6)

Self-timer lamp ( 44)/ AF-Assist illuminator (LED; 22, 127, 136)

Viewfinder

Built-in Speedlight ( 42)

Power switch (12)

Eyelet for camera strap

Memory card slot cover (10)

Power connector cover for AC adapter kit ( 124)

Attaching the Camera Strap

Microphone (57)

Lens ( 19)

Lens not extended

Lens cover

Zoom ( / ) buttons ( 19)

Green (AF) lamp ( 21)

Multi selector (/ / / ) ( 7)

Red ( ) lamp ( 21)

Viewfinder ( 19)

Monitor

(4, 5)

Interface connector cover

(delete) button ( 25)

MENU button ( 74, 96)

USB ( 62)/ Audio/Video (A/V) out ( 59) connector

(center)/ (transfer)

button ( 7, 60)

Speaker

Batterychamber cover ( 8)

(play) button

Tripod socket ( 41, 44)

Power connector cover for AC adapter kit ( 124)

Before You Begin

Interface connector cover

Battery latch ( 8)

Battery-chamber cover ( 8)

The Monitor

Shooting

Before You Begin

23 18

1 Shooting mode . . . . . 17, 27, 49

2 Zoom indicator 3 Focus indicator

4 Macro close-up mode . . . . . . 46

5 Battery level indicator 6 Internal memory/memory card

indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

7 Camera shake icon 8 “Date not set” icon

9 Time zone indicator

10 Self-timer indicator . . . . . . . . 44

11 Date imprint indicator . . . . . 116

12 Number of exposures remaining/

length of movie. . . . . 17, 18, 51

13 Flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

14 Focus area

15 Image quality . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

16 Image size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

17 Exposure compensation . . . . 47

. . . . . . . . .19

. . . . . . . . .21

. . . . . 12

. . 43, 129

. . . . . . 16

. . . . . 112

. . . . . . . . . .23, 91

546

7 8

10 11

18 Sensitivity (ISO equivalency) . 87 19 Bracketing 20 White balance bracketing

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

22 Noise reduction . . . . . . . . . . 95

23 Continuous shooting mode . . . 82

24 White balance . . . . . . . . . . . 79

25 Image adjustment . . . . . . . . 85

26 Image sharpening . . . . . . . . 86

1) Appears when the zoom buttons are pressed.

2) Appears when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

3) Appears when the battery is running low.

4) Appears at slow shutter speeds to warn that pictures may be blurred.

5) Blinks when the camera clock has not been set.

6) Appears when the new city time zone has been set.

7) Displays the focus area when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway if AF area mode has been set to Auto.

8) Appears when the Bracketing has been set.

9) Appears when the White balance bracketing has been set.

12131516

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

. 88

Playback

18 17

16 15 14

1 2

3 4

5 6

91112

Before You Begin

START

1 Current folder . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

2 File number and type . . . . . . 26

3 Internal memory/memory card

indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4 Battery level indicator* . . . . . 12

5 Volume indicator. . . . . . . . .118

6 Voice memo recording guide . . 57 7 Voice memo playback guide. . . 57 8 Current frame number/total

number of frames/length of

movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24, 51

9 Voice memo icon . . . . . . . . . 57

Display in the Monitor

Use Monitor settings in the setup menu to switch to display or hide information for shooting or playback ( 115). To show information, set Monitor settings to Show

info, Auto info, or Framing grid. To hide information on the monitor, set Monitor settings to Hide info. To turn off the monitor, set Monitor settings to Monitor off.

If the battery level indicator appears, the monitor will turn off temporarily while the flash is charging ( 12, 22).

10 Movie playback icon . . . . . . 52

11 Image quality . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

12 Image size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

13 Movie indicator . . . . . . . . . . 51

14 Protect icon . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

15 Print-order icon . . . . . . . . . . 65

16 Transfer icon . . . . . . . . . . . 102

17 Time of recording . . . . . . . . 14

18 Date of recording. . . . . . . . . 14

* Appears when the battery is running low.

The Mode Dial

Using the mode dial, you can select from seven shooting modes and the setup mode. Choose a shooting mode according to shooting conditions.

Before You Begin

Movie ( 51 - 52)

Choose from three movie modes. You can make movies with sound.

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

Auto ( 17)

A simple “point-and-shoot” mode in which the majority of camera settings are controlled by the camera. You can choose from thirteen shooting menus to achieve the desired effect.

Scene ( 27, 34)

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

Setup ( 109 - 122)

Choose this mode to display the setup menu, where you can perform such tasks as setting the camera clock and adjusting monitor brightness.

Portrait Assist

Landscape Assist

Sports Assist

Night Portrait Assist

Use framing assist to help compose pictures suited to a particular type of subject ( 27 - 28).

Navigating the Menus

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

Move cursor up.

Press to make selection.

Cancel and return to previous menu, or move cursor left.

Move cursor down.

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

The Shutter-Release Button

Your camera has a two stage shutter-release button. The camera sets focus and exposure when the button is pressed halfway. The green (AF) lamp next to the viewfinder and the focus indicator in the monitor will light when the focus operation is complete. Focus and exposure will remain locked while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. To take the picture, press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.

Before You Begin

Press the

button

halfway.

Press the

button the

rest of the

way down.

First Steps

Inserting Batteries

Your camera uses Nikon EN-EL5 rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

• Provided with camera

• Can be recharged using supplied MH-61 battery charger (be sure to

charge battery before using camera for first time or after long period of disuse). About two hours are required to charge battery when no charge remains.

First Steps

Open the battery-chamber cover

Slide the cover in the direction shown in ( ) until it stops and open the cover ( ).

Insert the battery

Insert the battery as shown in the label at the entrance to the battery chamber, making sure the positive “+” and negative “–” terminals are in the correct orientation. The small projection on the battery is on the same side as the negative terminal.

Inserting Batteries

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

The orange battery latch is pushed aside as the battery is inserted. The latch will close when the battery is fully inserted.

Battery latch

Close the battery-chamber cover

Close the cover ( ) and slide it in until it latches ( ). Ensure the cover is closed firmly.

Replacing Batteries

Turn the camera off and make sure that the power-on lamp has gone out before opening the battery-chamber cover. Slide the battery latch in the direction indicated to eject the battery, which can then be removed using your fingers.

• Note that the battery may become hot during use. Observe due caution when removing the battery.

First Steps

Read Battery Warnings

Read and follow the battery warnings and cautions on pages i - ii and page 128 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 optional EH-62A AC adapter kit. 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. For more information on attaching instructions for EH-62A AC adapter kit, see “Connecting the EH-62A AC Adapter Kit” ( 124).

Inserting Memory Cards

Pictures can be stored in the camera’s internal memory (about 12 MB) or on Secure Digital (SD) memory card. If no memory card has been inserted in the camera, pictures will be stored in the camera’s internal memory, and if the camera contains a memory card, then pictures will automatically be stored on the card. To store pictures in the internal memory, remove the memory card.

First Steps

Direction of insertion

Terminals

Front

Confirm that the camera is off

The power-on lamp should be off.

Open the memory card slot cover

Slide the cover in the direction shown in ( ) until it stops, and the cover will open automatically ( ).

Insert the memory card

Insert the memory card in the direction of the arrow shown on the label at the entrance to the memory card slot until it stops.

Inserting Memory Cards

Insert the memory card terminals first. 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.

Close the memory card slot cover

Close the cover ( ) and slide it until it latches ( ). Ensure the cover is closed firmly.

Formatting Memory Cards

Memory cards must be formatted using the COOLPIX4200 before first use. For information on formatting memory cards, see Format Memory/Card ( 119) in the setup menu.

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 confirm that the power-on lamp is

Do not open the memory card slot cover while

off. the power-on lamp is lit. Open the memory card slot cover and press the memory card to partially eject the card. The card can then be removed by hand.

• Memory cards may become hot during use; observe due caution when removing memory cards.

Memory Cards

• Use only Secure Digital (SD) memory cards.

• Do not disassemble or modify.

• Do not drop, bend, or expose to water or strong physical shocks.

• Do not touch the metal terminals with your fingers or metal objects.

• Do not affix labels or stickers to the memory card.

• Do not leave in direct sunlight in a closed vehicle or in other areas exposed to high temperatures.

• Do not expose to high levels of humidity or to corrosive gas.

The Write Protect Switch

Memory cards are equipped with a write protect switch to prevent accidental loss of data. When this switch is in the “lock” position, pictures can not be recorded, deleted, or edited, and the card can not be formatted. Do not lock the card when taking, deleting, or editing pictures or when transferring pictures to a computer.

Write protect switch When the memory card is locked,

pictures can be played back but can not be recorded, deleted, edited, or transferred using the ( ) button on the camera, and the card can not be formatted.

First Steps

Checking the Battery Level

Turn the camera on

• Press the power switch.

• The power-on lamp lights when the cam-

era is on.

First Steps

Check the battery level in the moni-

tor

When the camera is turned on for the first time, a language-selection dialog will be displayed. Choose the desired language and press . See “Basic Setup” ( 14).

Battery Level

Display Meaning

NO ICON Battery fully charged.

Low battery. If flash fires, monitor turns off while Speed-

(lights)

WARNING!!

BATTERY

EXHAUSTED

The red ( ) and green (AF) lamps will blink when the “WARNING!! BATTERY EXHAUSTED” warning is displayed.

Turning the Camera Off

To turn the camera off when the power-on lamp is lit, press the power switch.

• Do not remove the battery or disconnect the EH-62A AC adapter kit (optional) until the poweron lamp has gone out.

light recharges.

Battery exhausted. Charge or replace with a fully charged battery.

The Button

The camera can also be turned on by pressing the button for about two seconds. Your most recent picture will be displayed in the monitor ( 53).

The Power-On Lamp

The power-on lamp indicates the following:

When the power-on lamp is The camera is

On On

Blinking In standby mode

Off Off

Auto Power Off (Standby Mode)

If no operations are performed for one minute (default setting), the monitor will turn off automatically and the camera will enter standby mode to reduce the drain on the battery. While the camera is in standby mode, the power-on lamp will blink. If no operations are performed for three minutes after the camera enters standby mode, the power will turn off automatically and the power-on lamp will go out. The camera will be reactivated from standby mode when you:

• Press the power switch

• Press the shutter-release button halfway

• Press the

• Press the MENU button to display the menu for the current mode

• Rotate the mode dial to select a new mode

The length of time before the camera enters standby mode can be changed using the Auto off option in the setup menu ( 119). However, when a menu or the setup menu is displayed, the monitor will turn off after three minutes, and when pictures are being shown in a non-stop slide show ( 97) or when the camera is powered by an AC adapter kit, the monitor will turn off after thirty minutes. When connecting the camera to a computer or printer with a USB cable, Auto power off function does not work.

button to view the last picture taken

First Steps

Basic Setup

The first time the camera is turned on, a language-selection dialog will be displayed in the monitor. Follow the steps below to choose a language and set the time and date.

First Steps

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

(Japanese), (Simplified Chinese), or (Korean), and press .

TIME ZONE menu displayed.*

Display map of world time zones. Select home time zone.

Confirmation dialog displayed. Highlight Yes.

* To turn daylight saving time on or

off, press to highlight Day-

lightSaving and press . When DaylightSaving is checked, time

will automatically be advanced one hour ( 114). To return to Step 3, press to highlight current time zone.

Display DATE menu.

• When turning the camera on and setting the date and time for the first time, you can not return to HOME TIME ZONE menu.

Edit Day (order of Day, Month, and Year may differ in some areas).

First Steps

Select Month. Repeat steps 7 - 8 to edit Month, Year, hour, and minute.

Choose order in which Day, Month, and Year will be displayed.

Highlight D M Y.

Exit to mode currently selected with the mode dial. Note that time and date of recording will not be imprinted on pictures unless Date or Date and time is selected for Date imprint ( 116).

Date not Set

If you exit without setting time and date, the (“date not set”) icon will flash in the monitor when the camera is in shooting mode and all pictures will have time stamp of “0000.00.00 00:00” (still images) or “2004.01.01 00:00” (movies).

The Clock Battery

When the main battery is installed or the camera is powered by an EH-62A AC adapter kit (optional), the clock battery will charge in about ten hours. When fully charged, the clock battery can provide several days of back-up power.

First Steps

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.

Time Zones

The local time or daylight saving time can be set when traveling abroad. See Date ( 112) in the setup menu for details.

Setting the Clock from Provided Software (Windows XP/Mac OS X

Only)

If the camera is connected with the USB option set to PTP ( 60) in the setup menu, provided software can be used to set the camera clock to the same time and date as the computer. See the provided software Reference Manual (on CD) for details.

Basic Photography

Step 1–Select Mode

This section details the basic steps involved in taking pictures in (auto shooting mode). In this automatic, “point-and-shoot” mode, the majority of camera settings are controlled by the camera in response to shooting conditions, producing optimal results in most situations.

Rotate the mode dial to

Shooting mode

indicates auto shooting mode.

Image size

Choose from five options depending on how you plan to use the picture ( 77). The default setting is

4M (2272

Image quality

Choose from three options depending on how you plan to use the picture ( 75). The default setting is NORMAL.

× 1704).

Turn t he cam era on

The power-on lamp will light and the monitor will display a welcome screen ( 110). The camera is ready to shoot when the monitor shows the view through the camera lens.

Internal memory/memory card

When the camera contains a memory card, is displayed, and when there is no memory card in the camera, is displayed.

Number of exposures remaining

The number of pictures that can be stored on the internal memory or a memory card depends on the capacity of the memory or memory card and the option chosen for Image mode (Im-

age quality and Image size) ( 78).

Flash mode

Choose from five modes depending on lighting and your creative intent (42).

Basic Photography

Number of Exposures Remaining

If the number of exposures remaining is zero, the message “OUT OF MEMORY” will be displayed in the monitor and no further pictures can be taken until you:

• Choose a lower image quality or image size setting ( 75) (depending on the condition, no fur- ther pictures may be taken even if you change the setting).

• Insert a new memory card ( 10).

• Remove the memory card so that pictures will be recorded in the internal memory ( 11) (pic-

tures can be taken only when the internal memory has space).

• Delete some pictures in the internal memory or on a memory card.

Auto Shooting Mode

(auto shooting) mode provides thirteen shooting menu options such as White

balance, Image sharpening and Continuous. See “Using the Shooting Menu”

( 73).

Basic Photography

Advanced Brightness Control LCD

The COOLPIX4200’s Advanced Brightness Control LCD optimizes visibility in sunlight and other lighting conditions.

Step 2–Frame the Picture

Ready the camera

Hold the camera steadily in both hands. Photographs can be framed in the monitor or the viewfinder.

Don’t Block the Shot

To avoid dark or partially obscured pictures, keep your fingers and other objects away from the lens, flash window, and microphone.

Frame your subject

Your Nikon digital camera is equipped with two types of built-in zoom: optical zoom, in which

Zoom out Zoom in

Indicator in monitor shows amount of zoom when either button is pressed

Digital zoom

the camera’s telescoping lens can be used to magnify the subject up to 3 ×, and digital zoom, in which digital processing is used to further magnify the image up to 4 ×, for a total of 12 ×. Use the zoom buttons to frame your subject in the center of the monitor:

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

• Press the (T) button to zoom in on your subject so that it fills a larger area of the frame.

• When the camera is zoomed in to maximum magnification, holding the (T) button down for more than two seconds will trigger digital zoom. The zoom indicator will turn yellow, and the green (AF) lamp next to the viewfinder will blink. Use the (T) and (W) buttons to adjust zoom in the digital zoom range. To cancel digital zoom, press (W) until the zoom indicator turns white.

Basic Photography

Digital Zoom

• In digital zoom, data from the camera's image sensor are processed digitally, enlarging the center area of the picture to fill 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. Note that the effects of digital zoom are not visible in the viewfinder - use the monitor when framing pictures with digital zoom. Digital zoom is not available when the monitor is off or when an assist mode (except for sports assist) is selected.

• When digital zoom is working, the focus area is fixed in the center of the frame ( 91).

• When digital zoom is working, Metering is set to just like Center-weighted (81).

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.

Basic Photography

Monitor or Viewfinder?

• Use the monitor to confirm camera settings at a glance while at the same time viewing an image that shows how the final picture will appear. This is particularly useful when the image in the viewfinder does not accurately reflect what will appear in the final picture, for example when: – your subject is less than 1.5 meters (4'11") from the camera – digital zoom is in effect

• Use the viewfinder when you want to save power by turning the monitor off ( 115), or when bright ambient lighting makes it difficult to see the display in the monitor.

• When taking pictures continuously using the sports assist or continuous option, etc., they are displayed on the monitor later than actual shooting. We recommend you to take pictures continuously using the viewfinder.

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