Nikon D100 Owner Manual

Product Documentation

The documentation for this product includes the manuals listed below. Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly to get the most from your camera.

Quick Start Guide

The Quick Start Guide takes you through the process of unpacking and set- ting up your Nikon digital camera, taking your first photographs, and transferring them to your computer.

Guide to Digital Photography

The Guide to Digital Photography (this manual) provides complete operat- ing instructions for your camera.

Nikon View 5 Reference Manual

The Nikon View 5 Reference Manual can be found in electronic format on the reference CD provided with your camera. For information on viewing the Reference Manual, see the Quick Start Guide .

CAUTION: Foreign Matter on the CCD

Nikon takes every possible precaution to prevent foreign matter from coming into contact with the CCD during production and shipping. The D100, however, is designed to be used with interchangeable lenses, and foreign matter may enter the camera when lenses are removed or exchanged. Once inside the camera, this foreign matter may adhere to the CCD, where it may appear in photographs taken under certain conditions. To prevent foreign matter from entering the camera, do not exchange lenses in dusty environments. To protect the camera when no lens is in place, be sure to replace the body cap provided with the camera, being careful to first remove all dust and other foreign matter that may be adhering to the body cap.

Should foreign matter find its way onto the CCD, clean the CCD as instructed on pages 186–187 of this manual, or have the CCD cleaned by authorized Nikon service personnel. Photographs affected by the presence of foreign matter on the CCD can be retouched using the clean image options available in some third-party imaging software.

How to Read This Manual

First, be aware of the warnings, cautions, and notices on pages ii–vii.

Next, read “Overview” and “Getting to Know the Camera” to familiarize yourself with the conventions used in this manual and the names of camera parts, then set up your camera as described in “First Steps.”

Now you are ready to take photographs and play them back.

Once you have mastered the basics of digital photography, you can read these sections for complete information on when and how to use camera controls.

Read this chapter for more on thumbnail playback, playback zoom, and photo information.

Refer to these chapters for information on camera menus and custom settings…

…on connecting your camera to a television or computer…

…and on optional accessories, camera care, and troubleshooting.

Overview

Getting to Know the Camera

First Steps

Basic Photography

Basic Playback

Choosing a Shooting Mode

Image Quality and Size

Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency)

White Balance

Image Adjustment

Focus

Exposure

Flash Photography

Self-Timer Mode

More About Playback

Menu Guide

Connections

Technical Notes

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 your Nikon 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.

Tu rn 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 center 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 neck

Placing the camera strap around your neck could result in strangulation. Special care should be taken to avoid placing 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 a 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, remove the battery and/or AC adapter and then take the product to a Nikonauthorized service center for inspection.

Observe proper precautions when handling batteries

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

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

•Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment.

• Do not attempt to insert the battery upside down or backwards.

• Do not short or disassemble the battery.

• Do not expose the battery 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.

• When the battery is not in use, attach the terminal cover and store in a cool place.

•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 changes 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 battery 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 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.

When using the viewfinder

When operating the diopter adjustment control with your eye to the viewfinder, care should be taken not to put your finger 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

Caring for the Camera and Battery

Do not drop

The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration.

Keep dry

This product is not waterproof, and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high levels of humidity. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature

Sudden changes in temperature, such as occur when entering or leaving a heated building on a cold day, can cause condensation inside the device. To prevent condensation, place the device in a carrying case or a plastic bag before exposing it to sudden changes in temperature.

Keep away from strong magnetic fields

Do not use or store this device in the vicinity of equipment that generates strong electromagnetic radiation or magnetic fields. Strong static charges or the magnetic fields produced by equipment such as radio transmitters could interfere with the monitor, damage data stored on the memory card, or affect the product’s internal circuitry.

Do not touch the shutter curtain

The shutter curtain is extremely thin and easily damaged. Under no circumstances should you exert pressure on the curtain, poke it with cleaning tools, or subject it to powerful air currents from a blower. These actions could scratch, deform, or tear the curtain.

Handle all moving parts with care

Do not apply force to the battery-chamber, card-slot, or connector covers. These parts are especially susceptible to damage.

Cleaning

•When cleaning the camera body, use a blower to remove dust and lint, then wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. After using your camera at the beach or seaside, wipe off any sand or salt using a cloth lightly dampened with pure water and then dry your camera thoroughly. In rare instances, static electricity produced by a brush or cloth may cause the LCD displays to light up or darken. This does not indicate a malfunction, and the display will shortly return to normal.

•When cleaning the lens and mirror, remember that these elements are easily damaged. Dust and lint should be gently removed with a blower. When using an aerosol blower, keep the can vertical (tilting the can could result in liquid being sprayed on the mirror). If you do get a fingerprint or other stain on the lens, apply a small amount of lens cleaner to a soft cloth and wipe the lens carefully.

• See “Technical Notes: Caring for Your Camera” for information on cleaning the CCD.

Storage

•To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you will not be using the product for long periods, remove the battery to prevent leakage and store the camera in a plastic bag containing a desiccant. Do not, however, store the camera case in a plastic bag, as this may cause the material to deteriorate. Note that desiccant gradually loses its capacity to absorb moisture and should be replaced at regular intervals.

• Do not store the camera with naphtha or camphor moth balls, close to equipment that produces strong magnetic fields, or in areas subject to extremes of temperature, for example near a space heater or in a closed vehicle on a hot day.

•To prevent mold or mildew, take the camera out of storage at least once a month. Tu rn the camera on and release the shutter a few times before putting the camera away again.

• Store the battery in a cool, dry place. Replace the terminal cover before putting the battery away.

Notes on the monitor

• The monitor may contain a few pixels that are always lit or that do not light. This is a characteristic common to all TFT LCD monitors and does not indicate a malfunction. Images recorded with the product will not be affected.

•Images in the monitor may be difficult to see in a bright light.

•Do not apply pressure to the monitor; this could cause damage or malfunction. Dust or lint on the monitor can be removed with a blower. Stains can be removed by rubbing the surface lightly with a soft cloth or chamois leather.

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

• Replace the monitor cover when transporting the camera or leaving it unattended.

Tu rn the product off before removing or disconnecting the power source

Do not unplug the product or remove the battery while the product is on, or while images are being recorded or deleted. Forcibly cutting power to the product in these circumstances could result in loss of data or in damage to product memory or internal circuitry. To prevent an accidental interruption of power, avoid carrying the product from one location to another while the AC adapter is connected.

Batteries

•When you turn the device on, check the battery-level displayed in the control panel to determine whether the battery needs to be replaced. The battery needs to be replaced when the battery-level indicator is flashing.

• Ready a spare battery and keep it fully charged when taking photographs on important occasions. Depending on your location, you may find it difficult to purchase replacement batteries on short notice.

• On cold days, the capacity of batteries tends to decrease. Be sure the battery is fully charged before taking photographs outside in cold weather. Keep a spare battery in a warm place and exchange the two as necessary. Once warmed, a cold battery may recover some of its charge.

• Should the battery terminals become dirty, wipe them off with a clean, dry cloth before use.

•After removing the battery from the camera, be sure to replace the terminal cover.

Memory cards

•Turn the power off before inserting or removing memory cards. Inserting or removing cards with the power on could render them unusable.

• Insert memory cards as shown in the illustration at right. Inserting cards upside down or backwards could damage the camera or the card.

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).

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.

Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A. Te l.: 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 certified documents stipulated by law is prohibited.

Trademark Information

Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Mac OS, Power Macintosh, and PowerBook are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Power Mac, iMac, and iBook are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. IBM and Microdrive are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. MMX and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation. CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. Lexar Media is a trademark of Lexar Media Corporation. Zip is a registered trademark of Iomega Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. 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.

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 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 prohibited except when it is done for personal use at home or for similar restricted and non-commercial use.

vii

Table of Contents

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

Caring for the Camera and Battery ................................................................. iv

Notices ........................................................................................................... vi

Introduction: Getting Started ......................................................................... 1

Overview: About This Manual ....................................................................... 2

Getting to Know the Camera: Camera Controls and Displays ..................... 4

First Steps: Getting the Camera Ready for Use............................................. 14

Step 1—Attach the Camera Strap ................................................................... 15

Step 2—Insert the Battery ............................................................................... 16

Step 3—Choose a Language .......................................................................... 18

Step 4—Set the Time and Date ....................................................................... 19

Step 5—Attach a Lens .................................................................................... 20

Step 6—Insert a Memory Card........................................................................ 22

Tutorial: Basic Photography and Playback ..................................................... 25

Basic Photography: Taking Your First Photographs ..................................... 26

Step 1—Ready the Camera ............................................................................. 27

Step 2—Adjust Camera Settings ..................................................................... 28

Step 3—Frame a Photograph .......................................................................... 30

Step 4—Focus ................................................................................................ 31

Step 5—Check Exposure................................................................................. 32

Step 6—Take the Photograph ......................................................................... 34

Basic Playback: Viewing Photographs ........................................................... 35

Taking Photographs: The Details .................................................................... 37

The Shooting Menu ........................................................................................ 39

Choosing a Shooting Mode: Single Frame, Continuous, or Self-Timer ....... 41

Image Quality and Size: Making Effective Use of Memory ......................... 43

Image Quality ................................................................................................. 44

Image Size ...................................................................................................... 46

Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency): Reacting Faster to Light ................................ 48

White Balance: Keeping Colors True ............................................................. 50

Fine-Tuning White Balance .............................................................................. 53

Preset White Balance ...................................................................................... 55

Image Adjustment: Shooting Menu Settings ............................................... 58

Making Edges More Distinct: Image Sharpening ............................................. 58

Adjusting Contrast: Tone Compensation ......................................................... 59

Suiting Colors to Your Workflow: Color Mode ................................................ 60

Controlling Color: Hue Adjustment ................................................................. 62

viii

Focus: Controlling How the Camera Focuses ................................................ 63

Focus Mode.................................................................................................... 63

Focus Area Selection ....................................................................................... 64

Autofocus ...................................................................................................... 65

Manual Focus ................................................................................................. 74

Exposure; Controlling How the Camera Sets Exposure................................ 75

Metering ........................................................................................................ 75

Exposure Mode .............................................................................................. 76

Autoexposure Lock ......................................................................................... 84

Exposure Compensation ................................................................................. 86

Bracketing ...................................................................................................... 87

Flash Photography: Using Built-in and Optional Speedlights ..................... 94

Flash Sync Modes ........................................................................................... 96

Using the Built-in Speedlight ........................................................................... 98

Flash Exposure Compensation ........................................................................ 102

Using an Optional Speedlight ......................................................................... 103

Self-Timer Mode: Delaying Shutter Release ................................................. 108

Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings ............................................. 110

More About Playback: Playback Options....................................................... 111

Single-Image Playback .................................................................................... 112

Photo Information .......................................................................................... 114

Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback ................................................ 116

Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom .............................................................. 118

Protecting Photographs from Deletion ............................................................ 119

Deleting Individual Photographs ..................................................................... 120

Menu Guide: Index to Menu Options ............................................................ 121

Using Camera Menus: Basic Menu Operations ............................................. 122

The Playback Menu: Managing Images ........................................................ 124

Deleting Photographs: Delete ......................................................................... 124

Folder Options: Folder Designate .................................................................... 126

Automated Playback: Slide Show .................................................................... 128

Hiding Images During Playback: Hide Image ................................................... 130

Ordering Prints: Print Set................................................................................. 131

Controlling Photo Info: Display Mode ............................................................. 134

The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options ........................................................ 135

Choosing a Settings Bank: Bank Select ........................................................... 135

File Type and Compression: Image Quality....................................................... 136

Choosing an Image Size: Resolution ............................................................... 137

Keeping Colors True: White Balance ............................................................... 138

Setting Sensitivity: ISO .................................................................................... 139

Making Edges More Distinct: Image Sharpening ............................................. 140

Adjusting Contrast: Tone Compensation ......................................................... 141

Setting Colors Based on Workflow: Color Mode ............................................. 142

Controlling Color: Hue Adjustment ................................................................. 143

Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings ............................................ 144

The Setup Menu: Camera Setup .................................................................... 161

Formatting Memory Cards: Format ................................................................. 162

Adjusting Monitor Brightness: LCD Brightness ................................................ 163

Readying the CCD for Inspection: Mirror Lock-up ........................................... 163

Choosing a Video Standard: Video Mode........................................................ 164

Adding Comments to Photographs: Image Comment ..................................... 164

Connections: Connecting to External Devices ............................................... 167

Television Playback: Connecting Your Camera to a Video Device............... 168

Connecting to a Computer: Data Transfer and Camera Control ................. 169

Software for the D100 .................................................................................... 169

Direct USB Connection ................................................................................... 172

Technical Notes: Camera Care, Options, and Resources ............................... 175

Optional Accessories: Lenses and Other Accessories .................................... 176

Lenses for the D100 ....................................................................................... 176

Other Accessories ........................................................................................... 180

Approved Memory Cards ................................................................................ 183

Caring for Your Camera: Storage and Maintenance .................................... 184

Storage .......................................................................................................... 184

Cleaning ......................................................................................................... 185

Troubleshooting: Understanding Error Messages and Displays .................. 188

Web Resources: On-Line Resources for Nikon Users .................................... 192

Specifications .................................................................................................. 193

Index ................................................................................................................. 198

Introduction

Getting Started

This chapter is divided into the following sections:

Overview

Read this section for a description of how this manual is organized and for an explanation of the symbols and conventions used.

Getting to Know the Camera

Bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the manual for information on the names and functions of camera parts.

First Steps

This section details the steps you will take when using your camera for the first time: inserting the battery and memory card, attaching a lens and camera strap, and setting the date, time, and language.

Overview

2–3

Getting to Know the Camera

4–13

First Steps

14–24

Overview

About This Manual

This manual is designed to help you enjoy taking photographs with the advanced Nikon D100 single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. First-time users

Introduction—Overview

who can’t wait to experience the simplicity and immediacy of digital photography can follow the step-by-step instructions in the Quick Start Guide or read “First Steps” and “Tutorial” in this manual, referring to “Getting to Know the Camera” for information on the location of camera controls and displays. Once you have mastered the basics, detailed information on when and how to use the various camera settings can be found in “Taking Photographs” and “Menu Guide.” Information on what to do with your pictures once you have finished shooting is available in “Connections,” which describes how to connect your camera to a television, video-cassette recorder, or computer.

Principal Features

• The D100 is equipped with a large (23.7 × 15.6 mm/0.9˝ × 0.6˝) CCD with

6.1 million effective pixels capable of producing photographs in three different sizes (3008 ×2000, 2240 × 1488, and 1504 × 1000 pixels).

•Proven elements of the D1-series’ 3D digital matrix image control, including precise exposure control based on 3D matrix metering and TTL white balance for optimum color temperature measurements, have been further improved for unerring color reproduction and smooth tonal transitions.

• Three color modes, adapted to sRGB or Adobe color spaces, are available for different work flows.

• Photographs are stored in a temporary memory buffer during shooting, allowing up to six photographs (or four RAW images) to be recorded at a rate of approximately three frames per second.

• Noise reduction is available to reduce the occurrence of randomly-spaced, brightly-colored pixels at shutter speeds of around 1/2s or slower.

• The D100’s built-in Speedlight ensures that you will never miss the chance for that perfect shot, even when lighting is poor.

•The camera is equipped with an automatic sensitivity adjustment function that helps ensure optimal exposure when correct exposure can not be achieved at current settings.

•Twelve-bit output from the camera’s CCD can be saved without modification as high-quality RAW data.

• The optional MB-D100 multi function battery pack can expand your camera’s potential with voice-memo recording and a shutter-release button and command dials for taking photographs in vertical (portrait) orientation.

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

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

This icon marks tips, additional information you may find helpful when using your camera.

Introduction—Overview

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

This icon marks settings that can be adjusted using camera menus.

This icon indicates that more information is available elsewhere in this manual.

This icon marks settings that can be fine-tuned from the Custom Settings menu.

Take Test Shots

Before taking pictures on important occasions (for example, 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.nikon-euro.com/

•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://www.nikon-image.com/eng/

Replacing This Manual

Should you lose this manual, replacements can be ordered, for a fee, from any authorized Nikon service representative.

Getting to Know the Camera

Camera Controls and Displays

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read

Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera

through the rest of the manual.

Camera Body

1 2

3 4

7 8

9 10 11

1 12 13 14

1 Eyelet for camera strap ................. 15

2 Shooting-mode dial lock release ... 41

3 Shooting mode dial ...................... 41

4 Accessory shoe ........................... 104

5 Depth-of-field preview button ...... 76

6 AF-assist illuminator ..................... 72

Self-timer lamp ........................... 108

Red-eye reduction lamp ................ 97

7 Power switch ................................ 27

8 Release terminal ......................... 182

9 Shutter-release button ...... 31–34, 72

10 Exposure compensation ( ) button

.................................................... 86

11 Flash sync mode ( ) button ..... 98

12 LCD illuminator ( ) button (press to

illuminate control panel) ............. 155

Format ( ) button ................... 23

13 Control panel ................................. 8

14 Focal plane mark ( ) ................. 74

Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera

15 Built-in Speedlight .................. 94, 98

16 Sub-command dial ....................... 12

17 Function dial ................................ 12

See also:

Exposure mode .......................... 76

18 Speedlight lock release ................. 98

19 Connector cover ......... 168, 172, 191

20 Lens release button ...................... 21

21 Focus-mode selector ..................... 63

19 20

Sensitivity (ISO equivalency) ....... 48

White balance ........................... 50

Image quality ............................. 44

Image size ................................. 46

AF-area mode ............................ 65

The LCD Illuminator

The control panel backlight (LCD illuminator) will light when the LCD illuminator button ( ) is pressed, allowing you to confirm camera settings in the dark. The illuminator will remain lit while the camera exposure meters are active or until the shutter is released.

Getting to Know the Camera

Camera Body (continued)

Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera

23 24

25 26

27 28

30 31 32

33 34 35 36

37 38

22 Viewfinder eyepiece ..................... 30

23 Flash exposure compensation

( ) button ............................... 102

Format ( ) button ................... 23

24 Bracketing ( ) button................ 88

25 Monitor ( ) button ........... 35, 112

26 MENU ( ) button ............. 39, 122

27 Thumbnail ( ) button.............. 116

28 Protect ( ) button ................... 119

29 ENTER ( ) button ............. 40, 125

Playback zoom ( ) button .......... 118

30 Viewfinder eyepiece cup............... 30

31 AE/AF lock ( ) button .. 70, 84, 154

32 Main command dial ..................... 12

33 Memory card slot cover ................ 22

34 Multi selector ........... 35, 39, 64, 114

35 Focus area lock switch .................. 64

36 Memory card slot cover latch........ 22

37 Memory card access lamp ............ 34

38 Delete ( ) button .............. 35, 120

39 Monitor .................................. 15, 35

Camera Controls and Displays

Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera

43 44

40 Tr ipod socket

41 Connectors for MB-D100 ........... 180

42 Metering selector ......................... 75

43 Diopter adjustment control ........... 30

44 Battery-chamber cover latch ......... 16

45 Battery-chamber cover ......... 16, 180

Getting to Know the Camera

Control Panel

Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera

1 2

5 6

13 14

15 16

Camera Controls and Displays

1 Shutter speed ......................... 79–80

Sensitivity ..................................... 48

Exposure compensation value....... 86

Flash compensation value ........... 102

Number of shots in bracketing

sequence...................................... 88

White balance adjustment ............ 90

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

3 Image size .................................... 46

4 Image quality ............................... 44

5 Flash compensation indicator ..... 102

Exposure compensation indicator ..

7 Flexible program indicator ............ 78

8 Flash sync mode ........................... 96

9 Aperture ...................................... 81

Bracketing increment ................... 88

Image transfer mode indicator.... 173

10 Custom-settings indicator ........... 146

11 Number of exposures remaining ... 27

Number of shots remaining before

memory buffer fills ....................... 41

Remote control mode indicator .. 173

12 White balance mode .................... 50

13 Bracketing indicator ..................... 88

14 Clock battery indicator ................. 19

15 “K” (appears when memory remains

for over 1,000 exposures) ............. 42

16 Bracketing progress indicator ....... 89

17 Focus area .............................. 64–69

Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera

The Control Panel Display

The control panel display tends to darken and exhibit slower response times at high temperatures. The display will return to normal at room temperature.

Getting to Know the Camera

The Viewfinder Display

Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera

1 2

4 5 687 9 10 11

1615141312

No Battery

When the battery is totally exhausted or no battery is inserted, the display in the viewfinder will dim. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction. The viewfinder display will return to normal when a fully-charged battery is inserted.

The Viewfinder Display

The focus-area and grid-line displays in the viewfinder (advanced focusing screen display) tend to brighten at high temperatures and to darken and exhibit slower response times at low temperatures. The other displays in the viewfinder tend darken and exhibit slower response times at high temperatures. All displays will return to normal at room temperature.

Camera Controls and Displays

1 12-mm (0.47˝) reference circle for

center-weighted metering ............ 75

2 Focus brackets (focus areas) ... 64–69

Spot-metering targets .................. 75

Reference grid (displayed when ON is selected for Custom Setting 19) ..

4 Focus indicator ....................... 31, 70

5 Metering ...................................... 75

6 Auto-exposure lock ...................... 84

7 Exposure mode ............................ 76

8 Flash compensation indicator ..... 102

Exposure compensation indicator ..

10 “K” (appears when memory remains

for over 1,000 exposures) ............. 42

11 Flash-ready indicator .................... 99

12 Battery indicator ........................... 17

13 Shutter speed ......................... 80, 82

14 Aperture ................................ 81–82

15 Electronic analog exposure display

157

.................................................... 83

Exposure compensation................ 86

16 Number of exposures remaining ... 27

Number of shots remaining before

memory buffer fills ....................... 41

Exposure compensation value....... 86

Flash exposure compensation value

.................................................. 102

Advanced Focusing Screen Display

When the background is bright, the active focus area ( 64) is highlighted in black. When the background is dark, the active focus area is highlighted briefly in red as needed to establish contrast with the background (“Vari-Brite” focus areas), making it easier to identify the selected focus area. The viewfinder is also equipped with ondemand grid lines. When ON is selected for Custom Setting 19 (Grid Display;

157), a reference grid is superimposed over the display in the viewfinder. This grid is a useful aid when composing landscape shots or when tilting or shifting a PC Nikkor lens.

Owing to the characteristics of this type of viewfinder display, you may notice fine lines radiating outwards from the selected focus area, or that the display in the viewfinder turns red when the selected focus area is highlighted. These phenomena are normal and do not indicate a malfunction.

Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera

Getting to Know the Camera

The Command Dials

The main- and sub-command dials are used alone or in combination with

Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera

other controls to adjust a variety of settings.

Flash sync mode button

Function dial

Image quality and size

Sub-command dial

Exposure compensation button

Main command dial

Bracketing button

Flash exposure compensation button

White balance

Sensitivity (ISO equivalency)

Set image quality ( 46)

Choose an image size ( 47)

Choose a white balance setting ( 52)

Fine-tune white balance ( 53–54)/measure a value for preset white balance (

56)

Set sensitivity (ISO equivalency; 49)

AF-area mode

Exposure

Camera Controls and Displays

Choose a setting for AF-area mode (

65)

Introduction—Getting to Know the Camera

Flash settings

Choose a combination of aperture and shutter speed (exposure mode P 78)

Choose a shutter speed (exposure mode S or M; 80)

Choose an aperture (exposure mode A or M; 81–82)

Set exposure compensation (when function dial set to P, S, A, or M; 86)

Activate or cancel bracketing (when function dial set to P, S, A, or M; 88)

Change bracketing settings (when function dial set to P, S, A, or M; 88)

Choose a flash sync mode (when function dial set to P, S, A, or M; 98)

Set flash compensation (when function dial set to P, S, A, or M; 102)

First Steps

Getting the Camera Ready for Use

Before using your camera for the first time, complete the following steps:

Introduction—First Steps

Attach the Camera Strap 15STEP 1

Insert the Battery 16–17STEP 2

To learn more about batteries and alternative power sources, see:

•Technical Notes: Optional Accessories ........................ 176–183

• Caring for the Camera and Battery ............................ iv–v

Choose a Language 18STEP 3

Set the Time and Date 19STEP 4

Attach a Lens 20–21STEP 5

To learn more about the lenses available for the D100, see:

•Technical Notes: Optional Accessories ........................ 176–183

Insert a Memory Card 22–23STEP 6

To learn more about compatible memory cards, see:

•Technical Notes: Approved Memory Cards ................. 183

For more information on formatting memory cards, see:

• The Setup Menu: Formatting Memory Cards .............. 162

Step 1—Attach the Camera Strap

Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets on the camera body as shown below.

The Monitor Cover

A clear plastic cover (the BM-2 LCD monitor cover) is provided with the camera to keep the monitor clean, and to protect the monitor when the camera is not in use or when you are transporting the camera. To remove the monitor cover, hold the camera firmly and pull the bottom of the cover gently outwards as shown at right (1). Once the cover is unlatched, you can move it slightly away from the monitor (2) and then remove it as shown (3).

To r eplace the cover for shooting or storage, insert the two projections on the top of the cover into the matching indentations above the camera monitor (1), then press the bottom of the cover until you hear it click into place (2).

Do not lift bottom of cover

past point shown

Introduction—First Steps

First Steps

Step 2—Insert the Battery

Your camera is powered by a single rechargeable Nikon EN-EL3 lithium-ion

Introduction—First Steps

battery (provided).

.1 Charge the battery

The EN-EL3 battery supplied with your camera is not fully charged at shipment. To maximize shooting time, batteries should be fully charged before use. The battery will recharge in about two hours when inserted in the MH-18 quick charger provided with your camera; instructions for use may be found in the documentation provided with the charger.

.2 Turn the camera off

Tu rn the camera off before inserting or removing batteries.

.3 Open the battery-chamber cover

Slide the battery-chamber cover latch to the open position ( ; a) and open the batterychamber cover (b).

.4 Insert the battery pack

Insert a fully charged battery with the contacts oriented as shown at right.

.5 Close the battery-chamber cover

To prevent the battery from being dislodged during operation, be sure the cover is securely latched.

Getting the Camera Ready for Use

.6 Check the battery level

Turn the camera on and check the battery level in the control panel or viewfinder.

Icon

NotesStatus

Panel

View-

finder

—

(Flashes)

Battery fully

charged

Battery partially

discharged

Battery exhausted

To save power, aperture and shutterspeed indicators in the control panel and all indicators in viewfinder turn off if no operations are performed for six seconds (auto meter off). Press shutter-release button halfway to reactivate display.

Ready a fully-charged spare battery.Low battery Shutter-release disabled. No pictures can

be taken until battery has been replaced.

Control

(Flashes)

* No icon displayed when camera powered by optional AC adapter.

Removing the Battery

To remove the battery, turn the camera off, open the battery chamber cover as described above, and slide the battery out.

Introduction—First Steps

Camera Off Display

When the camera is off and the main battery is inserted or the camera is powered by an optional EH-5 AC adapter, the control panel will show only the number of exposures remaining. If no memory card is inserted, will be displayed.

7—Auto Meter Off ( 151)

The length of the auto meter off delay can be adjusted using Custom Setting 7.

First Steps

Step 3—Choose a Language

Camera menus and messages can be displayed in your choice of German,

Introduction—First Steps

English, French, Japanese, and Spanish.

PLAYBACK MENU

Delete Folder Designate Slide Show Hide Image Print Set Display Mode

ND100

Turn camera on

Display SET UP menu

Highlight Language

Highlight option

SET UP

Format LCD Brightness Mirror Lock-up Video Output Date Language Image Comment

SET UP

Format LCD Brightness Mirror Lock-up Video Output Date

Language

Image Comment

SET UP

Language

Deutsch

English

Français

Español

– –

O OFF NTSC

– – En

OFF

– –

O OFF NTSC

– – En

OFF

Display camera menus

SET UP Format

LCD Brightness Mirror Lock-up Video Output Date Language Image Comment

Position cursor in SET UP menu

SET UP

Language

De En

Deutsch English Français

日本語

Español

Display options

SET UP

Format LCD Brightness Mirror Lock-up Video Output Date

Language

Image Comment

Make selection and

return to SET UP menu

– –

O OFF NTSC

– – En

OFF

– –

O OFF NTSC

– – En

OFF

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