Nikon D100 User Manual

The Nikon D100

I didn’t want to like the D100 but that’s not how it’s turned out! As soon as the D100 slipped into my hands and I looked through the viewfinder, I instantly grew fond of this little digital. While the D100 only weighs a mere 24.7oz, it is packed with goodies. I had to wonder with the 6MP CCD and the low price, what the compromise was in the D100 since Nikon doesn’t give you more for less. The compromise is in the one place that makes the most sense, and that’s write times, because it sure ain’t in image quality. The D100 delivers features you won’t find in any other camera. Point blank, the D100 delivers image quality, no mistaking that!

Big, Beautiful images!

Disclaimer

The information that follows is based on a limited number of body/flash samples. There are simply too many manufacture changes (as warned in the IB) to state for certainly that every feature is going work the same way with every piece of equipment every time in every way. This is an unedited text.

Original Announcement TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon D100 digital SLR

camera, on February 21, 2002. The Nikon D100 was developed to meet the growing demand for a superbly designed compact and lightweight digital SLR of exceptional value. The camera's target users are advanced amateurs and professionals who seek an approachable digital SLR camera that offers superb image quality and performance.

The new Nikon D100 boasts sophisticated digital image control technology, including superb image quality with 6.1 effective megapixels, an improved image-processing algorithm, and an enhanced Auto White Balance system. It inherits exclusive, high-performance Nikon features such as 3D Matrix Metering, Five-Area Autofocus and a built-in Speedlight with D-TTL flash control capability. And of course, it provides full compatibility with more than 40 AF Nikkor lenses for professional optical quality, as well as numerous other accessories including a dedicated Multi Function Battery Pack and a new Nikon Capture 3 software which enables remote control of the camera body as well as reading/adjustment of Nikon ‘NEF’ RAW image file for greater results. All of these features are packed in a stylish, compact and lightweight body for optimum portability. With so many innovations in such a practical design, the Nikon D100 is certain to attract countless new digital SLR users to the world of Nikon digital SLR photography.

Note: Specifications, design, product name and standard accessories may differ by country or area.

Nikon D100 Feature Highlights 6-megapixel high-definition images

The excitement begins with the Nikon D100’s new large CCD -- equal in size to that of Nikon D1-series professional cameras yet offering even higher definition. The camera features 6.1 million effective pixels which produce ultrahigh-definition 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images. Quality in fact that rivals film printing itself. In addition, the D100’s new one-chip system LSI provides super-fast image processing in a compact and lightweight body capable of handling this rich, high-resolution data, while keeping power consumption to a minimum.

Quality digital images – automatically

The Nikon D100 makes your introduction to Nikon digital SLR imaging quality easier than ever. The secret is Nikon’s 3D Digital Matrix Image Control that features a refined image-processing algorithm to ensure astonishingly faithful color reproduction with exceptionally smooth gradations. The three components of this highly effective image-control function are 3D Matrix Metering for precise exposure control, TTL White Balance for precise color temperature determination, and Tone Compensation for optimal contrast whatever the lighting situation. Moreover, the camera’s built-in Speedlight features D-

TTL Flash operation to provide advanced flash control. The D100 handles it all automatically.

High-performance Nikon SLR features

Those acquainted with Nikon SLRs will find the Nikon D100 controls and operation intuitive. The D100 features the same control system and advanced features of field-proven Nikon SLRs -- including the acclaimed Five-Area Autofocus system, 10-segment Matrix Metering sensor and TTL Multi Sensor. And as expected, the camera accepts the full range of AF Nikkor lenses, as well as a variety of Speedlights including the latest SB-80DX. Users will enjoy the same high level of performance and capability that they had expect from a Nikon SLR. It’s the best of Nikon SLR advances made digital.

Digital photography that completes your vision

Users can fully explore the advantages of digital SLR photography with the Nikon D100 and exclusive Nikon software. Nikon View 5 software (supplied) enables easy transfer and viewing of images -- including those taken in Nikon ‘NEF’ RAW file format -- on computer. The new optional Nikon Capture 3 software features versatile image manipulation tools that allow users to fine-tune images. It even lets users control the camera remotely from their computer.

Nikon D100 Major Features

• 6.1 effective megapixels for 3,008 x 2,000-pixel images

• Compact and lightweight (weighs approx. 700g/24.7 oz.)

• New CCD sensor is the same size as that of D1-series SLRs (lens magnification factor x1.5)

• 3D Digital Matrix Image Control for precise exposure control, adaptive auto white balance, and optimal

color accuracy

• High-performance built-in Speedlight with D-TTL flash control -- offers results equal to Nikon’s field-

proven 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash

• Three color modes offered for different workflow environments

• Five-Area Autofocus with Dynamic AF operation

• High-speed image processing provided by new one-chip system LSI

• Top shutter speed of 1/4,000 sec. and flash sync speed up to 1/180 sec.

• Plug-and-play USB1.1interface for quick computer connection

• On-Demand Grid Lines can be displayed in viewfinder

• Custom Settings can be selected in the LCD monitor

• Compatible with CompactFlash™ cards Type I and Type II including 512MB/1GB IBM MicroDrive™

• Nikon View 5 software (supplied) enables easy transfer and viewing of images on your computer

• Optional Nikon Capture 3 software for excellent image management and remote operation

• Optional Multi Function Battery Pack MB-D100 accepts six 1.5V LR6 (AA-size alkaline) batteries or one or

two Li-ion batteries for extended shooting capability. Features voice memo recording/playback function, vertical shutter release button, Main and Sub Command Dials, AF start button and a 10-pin remote terminal.

Nikon D100 Specifications

Type of camera Lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera Nikon D100 Effective Pixels 6.1 million CCD 23.7 x 15.6mm RGB CCD; 6.31 million total pixels Image Size L (3,008 x 2,000); M (2,240 x 1,488), S (1,504 x 1,000) Sensitivity ISO equivalency 200 - 1600 (can be boosted to higher ISO equivalency) Storage System: EXIF file (uncompressed TIFF or compressed JPEG); uncompressed RAW (12-bit), Media:

CompactFlash™ (CF) Card (Type I/II) and 512MB/1GB IBM Microdrive™ Shooting Modes 1) Single frame shooting (S) mode, 2) Continuous shooting (C) mode 3) Self-timer mode: time duration can be set

White Balance 1) Auto (TTL control using image sensor), 2) Manual (6 settings with fine tuning), 3) Preset Color Setting 3 modes available Color Adjustment +3 to -3 step for each color setting

LCD Monitor 1.8-in., 120,000-dot (originally announced as 118,000-dot), low-temp. polysilicon TFT LCD with

LED backlighting Playback Function 1 frame; Thumbnail (4/9 segments); Magnifying playback; Slide show; Histogram indication; Highlight point display

Delete Function Card Format, All frames delete, Selected frames delete Video Output NTSC or PAL (switchable) Interface USB 1.1 Viewfinder Optical-type fixed-eye level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2 to +1 m

-1

Eyepoint 20mm (at -1.0 m

)

-1

)

Focusing Screen B-type Bright View Clear Matte screen II Viewfinder Frame Coverage

Approx. 95% Viewfinder Magnification Approx. 0.8x with 50mm lens set to infinity and -1.0 m

-1

Viewfinder Information Focus indications, Shutter speed, Aperture value, Exposure indicator, Exposure compensation, Flash output level compensation, Frame count, etc.

On-Screen Information Focus frame, Grid lines, Center-weighted metering area Autofocus TTL phase detection, Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus module; Detection range: EV -1 to EV 19 (ISO

100 equivalent, at normal temperature: 20°C/68°F)

Lens Servo 1) Single Servo AF (S), 2) Continuous Servo AF (C), 3) Manual focus (M) Focus Area One of five focus areas can be selected AF Area Mode 1) Single Area AF

2) Dynamic AF (Dynamic AF Mode with Closest Subject Priority is available)

Focus Lock Focus is locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button or lightly pressing shutter release button in (S) AF Compatible Lenses 1) D-type/G-type AF Nikkor: All functions possible, 2) D-type Manual-Focus Nikkor: All

functions except autofocus possible, 3) AF Nikkor other than D-type/G-type: All functions possible except 3D Matrix Metering 4) AI-P Nikkor: All functions except 3D Matrix Metering and autofocus possible, 5) Non-CPU: Usable in [M] mode (camera’s built-in exposure meter does not work) Electronic Rangefinder usable with lens with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster; IX-Nikkors cannot be used.

Picture Angle Approx. 1.5x focal length in 35mm [135] format equivalent Exposure Metering TTL full-aperture exposure metering system;

1) 3D Matrix Metering with 10-segment SPD, 2) Center-Weighted , 3) Spot Metering Exposure Metering Range 1) Matrix Metering: EV 0-21 2) Center-Weighted Metering: EV 0-21, 3) Spot Metering: EV 3-21 (at normal temperature, ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens) Exposure Mode 1) [P] Auto-Multi Program (Flexible Program possible), 2) [S] Shutter-Priority Auto, 3) [A] Aperture-Priority Auto, 4) [M] Manual; shutter speed/aperture adjustable in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps; ISO Automatic Control Mode (Custom setting) is available in any exposure mode (P, S, A, M)

Exposure Compensation Exposure compensated in ±5 EV range in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps Auto Exposure Lock Detected exposure value locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button Auto Exposure Bracketing Number of shots: two or three, Compensation steps: 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 step Shutter Speeds 30 to 1/4,000 sec. and Bulb Sync Contact X-contact only; flash synchronization up to 1/180 sec. Flash Control 1) D-TTL (Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash controlled by five-segment TTL Multi Sensor ) with built-

in Speedlight and external Speedllight such asSB-80DX/28DX/50DX: three modes available

2) Non-TTL Auto Flash with an external Speedlight Flash Sync Mode 1) Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync), 2) Red-Eye Reduction 3) Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync, 4) Slow Sync, 5) Rear-Curtain Sync Built-in Speedlight Manual pop-up type, GN: 11/36 (ISO 100, m/ft.) Sensitivity range: ISO 200 - 800 equivalent Sync flash system with external Speedlight: Not available

Ready-light Red LED indicator inside the viewfinder Accessory Shoe Standard ISO-type hot-shoe contact; safety lock provided Sync Terminal Available in optional hot shoe adapter AS-15 Self-timer Electronically controlled; timer duration: 2, 5, 10 (default), 20 sec. Depth-of-field Preview Button Stop-down lens aperture by pressing depth-of-field preview button (Electronically

controlled type)

Voice Memo Available in optional Multi Function Battery Pack Letter Input Multi selector enables inputting of alphanumeric characters (max. 36) Remote Control 10-pin remote terminal available in optional Multi Function Battery Pack

Power Requirements Li-ion Battery Pack EN-EL3 (7.2V DC), AC Adapter EH-5 (100-240V AC) Tripod Socket 1/4 in. (ISO1222) Requirements Can be selected on LCD Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 144 x 116 x 80.5mm (5.7 x 4.6 x 3.2 in.) Weight (without battery) Approx. 700g (24.7oz.) Optional Accessories Multi Function Battery Pack MB-D100, Li-ion Battery Pack EN-EL3, Charger, MH-18/19,

AC Adapter EH-5, CompactFlash™ Cards, Speedlight SB-80DX/SB-28DX/SB-50DX, “Nikon Capture3” Control Software, Semi-Soft Case CF-D100

CompactFlash™ is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

The D100 Package

When the D100 is purchased in the US, it comes in a blue box with the following:

D100 (with BF-1A body cap and BM-2 LCD Monitor cover)

Quick Start Guide

Nikon Guide to Digital Photography (the instruction book)

Warranty & Important Information envelope

DK-5 eyepiece

AN-D100 Strap

EN-EL3 battery

MH-18 charger

EG-D100 video cable

UC-E4 USB cable

Nikon View 5.1 CD-Rom

Nikon View 5.1 CD-Rom reference manual

D100 Serial Numbers

Since the D100 has only been out a very short time, there is no serial number track record established as of yet. The lowest serial number I’ve seen is 2000200, mine is 2000271.

D100 Instruction Book

The instruction book I received with my D100 had the serial number of 6MBA0111-01. There are very few omissions in the IB, what few there are will be noted.

The D100 Body

Nikon has never come out and said exactly the construction make up of the D100. It is definitely a combination of metal and polycarbonate, the top cover is metal and the prism and back polycarbonate as well as the base cover. With the camera being so light, I’m assuming the chases is magnesium but wouldn’t swear on it. Since I had a relatively short time to test drive the D100 prior to writing this, I was harder on the D100 than I normally am on my gear just to see what it can withstand. This little body does great, you don’t have to worry about ruggedness no matter what the actual construction materials might be!

Because of some physical attributes such as the prism with pop-up flash, conventional cable release socket, lens-metering limitations, some have assumed incorrectly the D100 is a digital N80. This is not the case. The D100 body is a unique design which must have cost Nikon a fortune to put into production!

There is a weak point in the D100 construction I feel, one I’ve not personally tested just observed. The CompactFlash door is polycarbonate attached with two, small hinges. Because of the angle you have to use to insert the CF card, I can easily see this door breaking off if you’re wearing gloves, in a hurry, etc. There are no contacts in the door so if it does break off (not personally tested) you can still continue to shoot (you can shoot with the door open).

The LCD monitor on the D100 is located in the dead center of the back of the camera. Originally announced as a 118,000-dot it ended up a 120,000-dot. While it does provide nice, bright images, like the D1 Family, you should not base your color and exposure by what you see on the LCD monitor (you need to

take advantage of Display Modes pg.xx). The image zoom feature of the D100 is outstanding though, big improvement over the D1 Family (pg.xx). And Nikon not only made it possible to use a monitor cover (unlike Canon) but finally produced a monitor cover that we can use! The BM-2 is a super clear plastic cover that fits snuggly over the monitor and that comes with the camera when brand new. And the nicest thing, the monitor is basically flush with the camera body!

My question about the monitor was/is, is it 100% viewing of the image you capture? This is not stated in any of the specs but from testing it appears to be about 98% and not 100%. This is a bummer with the viewfinder at 95%!

D100 Picture Angle

The CCD of the D100 is like that of the D1 Family in that there is a net focal length gain of 50% (but the CCD in the D100 is totally new, not the same as I the D1 Family). The CCD is smaller physically than a 35mm image so it only is capturing the “center” portion of the image projected by the lens at the film plane. This means a 14mm lens on the D100 is equal to a 21mm lens on a 35mm body. This focal length “increase” has some saying that a fullsize CCD is required.

I would like to pass on to you an old technique for getting wider shots. This technique started back in the days when either photographers didn’t have available because of money or design, ultrawide lenses. This might help you until the day when a fullsize CCD shows up in a camera. Physically MOVE back! It is amazing how this old technique can be successfully employed shooting digital (unless you’re against a cliff or wall)!

D100 Layout

The basic layout of the D100 though similar to other Nikon bodies, has some new twists and short falls to get use to.

The viewfinder is a pleasant surprise! When you put the D100 up to your eye and you look through the viewfinder, it doesn’t feel like you’re viewing down a tunnel. While the viewfinder magnification for the D100 is the same as the D1 Family (.8x with a 50mm lens) the actual “feel” is quite different! This is true even though we only “see” approximately 95% of the image we’re capturing (in the D1 Family it’s 96%). The viewfinder is bright as well, coming with the B-type Bright View Clear Matte screen II. What’s cool is, like the N80, you can turn on grid lines (pg.xx).

The Eyecup and Diopter of the D100 aren’t the greatest design. The eyepiec is the rectangle kind and slips over the viewfinder opening. It attaches by stretching over the viewfinder eyepiece and shrinking back into place. The eyepiece can be uncomfortable depending on your forehead. I personally find it uncomfortable so I switched to the DK-10 eyecup.

The Diopter provides correction of -2 to +1. The problem I find is with the slider you use to adjust the Diopter. I’ve accidentally hit the slider a couple of times now. The problem is there is no zero mark or detent to know where the zero correction is. The + side is at the top of the slider, the minus is at the bottom, but no idea where zero is technically. You are supposed to look through the viewfinder and adjust the Diopter until the lines or AF sensors become dark. Not the best of systems!

The ON/OFF switch for the D100 is around the shutter release button. It’s a simple pull/push to turn the D100 on or off. The shutter release itself is where you activate the meter and fire the camera. One of the short comings of the D100 is the play in the shutter release button. Comparing it to the D1 Family, you’ll find you have to push on the release harder and further, especially to actually fire the camera.

The D100 in unique in that is has a built-in pop up flash. This flash has limited power and runs off the EN-EL3 battery in the D100. The flash has a guide number of only 56, so it’s works best in my opinion for fill flash. Built-in pop up flash is new to most digital shooters and they don’t realize one major drawback in using them and that’s the lens.

Because the pop-up flash is not tall, it doesn’t stand very far above the prism, longer lenses or lens shades literally blocks the light from the flash. When this happens, that lower portion of your photograph will be dark from the lens/shade shadow. This is simply a limitation of the flash. If you want to do real flash photography, you need to use a real flash like the SB-80DX and then you won’t have this problem!

Located to the left of the lens barrel and near the handle you will find the DoF button. You can depress this button closing down the aperture to the predetermined setting for viewing.

Power

The D100 is powered by a single EN-EL3 7.4V Li-ion Battery or by the optional MB-D100 Battery Pack powered by: 6 AA batteries or 1-2 EN-EL3). The instruction book says you should expect approximately 1600 captures on one charge. Sound a bit fantastic? To be honest with you, I got bored and stopped counting captures, the D100 battery lasts that long! When I first received the D100, I received it with a fully charged battery but no charger, yikes you might say. Well, I just went for it and shot, previewed and played and tested for four days before the charger arrived. The battery indicator after all of that still read “charge sufficient for full operation.” This, even after a whole lot of 30sec exposures testing out the Noise Reduction (CS#4 pg.xx) to boot! Needless to say, I’m impressed! (Good thing since “spare batteries are impossible to get!)

The EN-EL3 is charged by the MH-18 charger (yes, new charger with new technology). The operation of this charger is basically the same as the MH-16 (pg.70 TDG) with a couple of changes. There is no refresh button on the MH-18. These means that whether it needs it or not, you cannot refresh the EN-EL3 3 times prior to use (like required for the EN-4). You still need to follow all other cautions outlined for the MH-16 which includes making sure the battery is cold to the touch and you leave the battery in the charger at least 15 minutes after the green light comes on.

MH-19 Multi Charger is available for the D100.

EH-5 is the AC charger for the D100. The socket in the D100 for the EH-5 is a different configuration than that for the D1 Family. If you were thinking your could use your Digital Camera Battery for the D1 Family for the D100, can’t do it until a new cable is made just for the D100.

The D100 battery indicator acts differently than that in the D1 Family. The actual indicator is located in the top left corner of the LCD panel. When fully charged, the battery symbol is solid black. At some point, the indicator is only 7/8 black (you have approximately ¾ of a charge left), the left most portion of the battery indicator going transparent. This signifies “charge sufficient for full operation.” The next change in the battery symbol is when only 1/3 of the battery is black. This means the battery is low (less than ¼ charge left). When this occurs, a battery symbol that is 2/3 blank appears in the viewfinder. When the battery is “exhausted” the battery symbol in both the LCD and viewfinder blink.

There is a clock battery in the D100. It is charged by either the EN-EL3 or the EH-5 when attached. It states in the IB that 3 days of charging of the clock battery by the EN-EL3 is good for 5 months of operation. If the clock battery should go dead, the date/time resets to the factory default. Unlike the D1 Family clock battery which has a life and must go back to be replaced when dead, it appears this is not the case for the D100. Since I have no way of testing this, we’ll have to have faith in the IB.

Top Control/LCD Panel

The layout and functions accessed via the Top Control LCD Panel is different in the D100 from the D1 Family. This is partly because there is no rear LCD panel as on the D1 Family to display info. Obviously, to see anything, you’d think you’d need the camera turned on. Well, when the D100 is turned off, the number of captures remaining on the CompactFlash card is displayed. If no card is inserted, an – E – is displayed in place of the numeral. Once the shutter release is depressed and stays on (default is 6sec) you can see and set the following: Aperture, Shutter Speed, Exposure Mode, White Balance, File Type and Size, Dynamic Focus, ISO, Exposure Compensation, Flash Exposure Compensation, Bracketing and Bracketing Process Indicator, Clock and K (memory overload).

Aperture and Shutter Speed are set as they have been set on a Nikon for some time. The aperture is controlled by the sub-command dial (the dial in the front) and the shutter speeds by the command dial (the dial in the back). Depending on which exposure mode you’re in depends on which you can change, aperture or shutter speed. (You have a shutter speed range of 30sec to 1/4000.)

The D100 has the usual exposure mode cast, A (aperture priority), S (shutter priority), P (program mode) and M (manual). In aperture priority, you select the aperture (via sub-command dial) and the camera selects the correct shutter speed (which is stepless though it only reports ½ stops). In shutter priority, you select the shutter speed (command dial) and the camera selects the aperture (which is stepless though it only reports ½ stops). Program mode, the D100 selects the aperture and shutter speed for you. If you don’t like the combo of shutter speed/aperture the camera has selected, you can simply rotate the command dial.

This permits you to change the shutter speed and accordingly the aperture. When you’re in Flexible Program mode, a P* appears in the LCD panel. The only way to deactivate Flexible Program is to either let the camera turn itself of or you turn it off or change exposure modes. (The exposure mode you have selected is only indicated by the dial or representing letter for the mode in the viewfinder.)

To select one of the four available exposure modes, you simply rotate the dial on the top left of the viewfinder. There is no button to push to rotate the dial, just turn it until the mode you desire is opposite the white line on the viewfinder. Besides the exposure modes, four other functions are accessed by rotating the dial: White Balance (WB), ISO, File Type & Size (QUAL) and Dynamic Focus ([+]).

White Balance on the D100 is little different from the D1 Family.

WB Setting -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3

Sunlight +400k +200k +100k 5200k -200k -300k -400k

Shade +1200k +800k +400k 8000k -500k -900k -1300k

Cloudy +600k +400k +200k 6000k -200k -400k -600k

Incandescent +300k +200k +100k 3000k -100k -200k -300k

Fluorescent +3000k +2300k +800k 4200k -500k -1200k -1500k

Flash +600k +400k +200k 5400k -200k -400k -600k

The defaults for the D100 run down the middle of the chart above. The numbers on the left and right are the degrees in Kelvin you can fine tune a particular setting. For example, my favorite is Cloudy -3 which is the equivalent to 6600 degrees Kelvin. To make this all happen, rotate the dial to the left of the viewfinder to WB. When this is accomplished, you’ll see a white balance symbol appear in the LCD panel. By rotating the command dial, you can change the white balance. By rotating the sub-command dial, you can fine tune the white balance by + or – 3 (as per the chart above). If you set a + or – to a certain white balance, it remains in place until you program it out.

I’ve not mention the A, automatic white balance setting yet. In the D1 Family, this white balance setting is useless so I didn’t try it out on the D100 until my partner asked about it. Since the D100 calculates white balance different than the D1 Family and the A has a range of 4200-8000°k (greater than the D1 Family), I decided to give it a spin. This is what I found.

The D100 in A performs better than in the D1 Family. I provides reasonable color for most situations. I found though for my personal shooting, I still preferred the Cloudy-3 setting. Shooting Menu.

The D100 has Preset white balance. You can select PRE using the dial, but you must set the exposure mode you want to use in the Shooting Menu first (see pg.xx). The procedure for setting the Preset is outlined on pg.xx.

To set the ISO in the D100, rotate the dial to the left of the prism until ISO is opposite the white line. The D100 has the ISO range of 200 – 1600 in 1/3 stop increments. You change the ISO by rotating the command dial and unlike the D1 Family, you must go through all the ISOs to reach one, you can’t cycle through them. Once past 1600 ISO, you come up to HI-1 and HI-2 (this can also be set using the Shooting Menu, pg.#). HI-1 gives you the approximate ISO of 3200 and HI-2 the approximate ISO of 6400. (The noise at these higher ISOs is ) Custom Setting #3 is a real cool ISO Auto. (HI cannot be used when CS#3 is ON).

By rotating the dial to the left of the viewfinder so the QUAL is opposite the white line, you access the fourteen different file types / sizes available in the D100. You see all of your options but one displayed along the left side of the LCD (cannot change RAW from compressed to uncompressed via this method). Here’s your options: Raw (NEF), RGB-TIFF, Jpeg-Fine, Normal and Basic. You have two options with Raw, Compressed and Uncompressed (there is no message on the LCD informing you which has been selected, you must look at the Shooting Menu). With all other file formats, you have the option of Large (3008x2000), Medium (2240x1488) and Small (1504x1000). The corresponding file sizes for each are as follows:

Raw (compressed) 9.6MB

Raw (uncompressed) 4.8-5.8MB

RGB-TIFF L=17.4MB, M=9.7MB, S=4.5MB

Jpeg – Fine L=3.0MB, M=1.7MB, S=790KB

Jpeg – Normal L=1.5MB, M=870KB, S=410KB

Jpeg – Basic L=790KB, M=460KB, S=230KB

(you can set these settings via the Shooting Menu as well)

Personally, I shot the D100 in either the Fine – Large or Fine – Medium when creating images. I used the other file types / quality settings only when testing. I found for everything I do, the Fine works great, producing beautiful 16x prints! A BIG point with the D100 and the file type / quality setting you select is the write times. As I’ve already mentioned, the write times of the D100 are not the same as the D1 Family. You need to be aware of this because it could effect your photographic success. In the following chart, the numbers were derived using a freshly charged EN-EL3, 50f1.8AF lens and Lexar 512 24x card. (for testing method, refer to TDG pg.242).

D100 Write Times

Raw Raw-com pressed

1 Fram e 5.50sec 39.11sec

4 Frames 22.15sec 2.36min

RGB - TIFF

Large Medium Small

1 Fram e 28.17sec 16.15sec 7.88sec

6 Frames 2.47min 1.36min 46.14sec

Fine - Jpeg

Large Medium Small

1 Fram e 2.63sec 1.90sec 1.26sec

6 Frames 10.90sec 7.20sec 5.01sec

Normal - Jp eg

Large Medium Small

1 Fram e 1.82sec 1.39sec 1.04sec

6 Frames 7.04sec 6.70sec 4.55sec

Basic - Jpeg

Large Medium Small

1 Fram e 1.27sec 1.12sec 1.10sec

6 Frames 6.74sec 6.60sec 4.65sec

This test was done as per pg.242 TDG. Be sure that camera is active prior to testing for accurate times. Be sure CS#4 is OFF for fastest write times.

The instruction book states that for RGB-TIFF, the buffer will only hold 5 frames. This is a typo, it will hold 6. The interesting thing strictly from a mathematical stand point, that the D100 buffer for Raw though the files are smaller than TIFF, is smaller than that for TIFF.

There is a slight addition to these write times that comes from “buffer wake up.” When you turn on the D100 or wake it up, you’ll notice the green write light on the back of the camera comes on. This momentary wake up of the write system will add at most a second to the above write times (does not effect shooting time). Also be aware that if custom setting #4 is ON, the number of captures is reduced by one so if the max is 6, it’s 5 with CS#4 ON.

You can activate Dynamic Focus by first rotating the dial to the left of the viewfinder until the [+] is opposite the white line. Next, rotate the command dial until you see + signs appearing in the box in the LCD. Dynamic focus is the same as in the D1 Family. Refer to pg.40 of TDG to learn how it works.

The D100 also has available Single-area AF. You’ll know you’re in this mode when there are no + symbols in the AF box in the LCD panel. You still have use of the five AF sensors in this mode, but the camera will not automatically switch from one sensor to the next as it does in Dynamic mode. You still have the automatic lock-on tracking, you just don’t have the dynamic working for you.

Exposure Compensation in the D100 is not really all the different from any other Nikon. By depressing the l button on the top right next to the shutter release, you can activate exposure

compensation. By depressing the button and rotating the command dial, you can access plus or minus five stops of compensation. By using CS#9, you can set the compensation to ½ or ⅓ stop increments. I personally set mine to ½ increments. When bracketing is activated, a l appears in both the LCD panel and

viewfinder. If you have both exposure compensation and flash exposure compensation activated, you will see both dl and l in the viewfinder and LCD panel.

Flash Modes in the D100 are you standard Nikon options. By depressing the d button next to the Exposure Comp button and rotating the command dial you can access the five flash mode. They are: Frontcurtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow Sync, Rear-curtain / slow sync. No matter which one of these flash modes you select, you are stuck with a top flash sync speed of just 1/180 (compared to 1/500 with the D1 Family). For my personal photography, this is a major limitation! Having to always be looking in the viewfinder to see if the camera is saying HI gets real old real fast! When the HI message appears, you’re only option is to close down the aperture which increases your DoF and shortens you working distance with the flash. All around, this is just a painful process!

In Front-curtain sync the camera syncs at 1/60 – 1/180 and the flash fires when the first shutter curtain starts its travel. In Red-eye reduction, the AF assist lamp comes on for approximately one second to help reduce the effect of red eye. The camera syncs at 1/60 – 1/180. In Red-eye reduction slow sync, you have the red-eye reduction working with shutter speeds of 30sec to 1/180. Slow Sync (my preferred mode) permits the camera to sync the ambient light exposure from 30sec to 1/180 permitting you to meld the light from the flash with the ambient light. Rear-curtain / slow rear curtain permits the same shutter speed range of 30sec to 1/180 with the flash firing at the end of the shutter curtain cycle.

By depressing the dl button at the rear and left of the viewfinder, you activate the Flash Exposure Compensation. You have available +1 stop and -3 stop (keep in mind you have ± 3 comp with the SB-

80DX). Personally, I didn’t find this in camera flash compensation that effective. When using it in conjunction with the built-in pop up flash, the plus has nearly no effect and the minus, only subtle effect. Using this with the SB-28DX, SB-50DX, and SB-80DX, it has the same effect as if you dialed it in directly

in the flash. When activated, the compensation and flash exposure compensation activated, you will see both

dl appears in the LCD panel and viewfinder. If you have both exposure

dl and l in the viewfinder and

LCD panel.

The D100 offers three types of bracketing, exposure bracketing, flash exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing. Exposure bracketing and flash exposure bracketing captures in multiple captures different exposures. White balance bracketing allows you to bracket the white balance setting without manually changing the balance. You select which you’re going to bracket via CS#11. You have the options of: AE & Flash, AE Only, Flash Only and WB Bracketing.

You access bracketing by depressing the BKT button on the back left of the camera and then turning the command dial. When exposure bracketing is activated, BKT appears in the LCD and the

l starts

blinking (it also blinks in the viewfinder). This is true for all except the white balance bracketing. When WB is activated,

◄► start to flash under WB in the lower middle of the LCD panel (they also start blinking

in the viewfinder).

For ambient and/or flash exposure bracketing, first select either AE & Flash, AE Only or Flash Only at CS#11. Next, depress the BKT button and rotate the command dial to activate. While depressing the BKT button, rotate the sub-command dial to select bracketing program. You have a number of options for the number of frames and exposure compensation (value determined by CS#9). Refer to pg.92-93 in the instruction book for all the bracketing combination possibilities.

What cool about the D100 is the Bracketing Process Indicator. When activated, right above the capture counter can appear any combination of +◄█►- depending where you are in the shooting/bracketing process. For example, if you’ve set the camera to bracket 3F 0.5, you’ll see +◄█►- in the LCD panel and after the first exposure you’ll see +◄ ►- and after the next +◄ you’ll see and after the last you’ll see nothing. The chart on pg.92 of the IB shows you all the symbol / bracketing combos that are possible with the D100.

White balance bracketing is a whole new ballgame in bracketing. You access white balance bracketing as described above. You have the options of 2 or 3 frames and a limited WB adjustment range (as per pg.93 of the IB). Unlike exposure bracketing where you take one frame for each bracketed amount, you only take one capture in white balance bracketing. The camera creates from that one capture the additional bracketed captures. The D100 doesn’t bracket from Auto to Cloudy to Shade but rather from -3 to -2 to -1 for a given WB setting. This means you need to make sure that with some bracketing programs, you’re not already at

-3 and you ask the camera to bracket beyond that. The bracketing process indicator +◄█►- appears and operates for WB bracketing just like it does for exposure bracketing.

One word of caution in using WB bracketing. The very subtle changes made in the white balance using WB bracketing cannot be observed on the D100’s monitor! To see the effect of your bracketing, you’re going to need to use your computer monitor.

When you have any custom settings set in the D100, CSM appears in the LCD above the frame counter.

Finally, be forewarned that this dial can easily rotate when rubbed up against something like yourself. In this case, some things will naturally not work correctly. If you try to access certain items in the menus and can’t, it’s more than like this dial has been rotated. You must have the dial set to one of the exposure modes in order to access all menu items.

You might, might, sometime see the p symbol appear in the LCD panel (see battery pg.xx). If this

happens, the clock and calendar in the D100 reset to the default date / time of 2002.01.01 00:00:00. If this happens, recharge the EL-EN3 and reset the date / time via the Set Up Menu.

The last symbol in the LCD panel is a very small k that appears above the capture counter. This appears when you have more than 1000 captures remaining in the CompactFlash card. A small k appears in the viewfinder as well, to the right of the capture counter.

Shooting Mode Dial

The Shooting Mode Dial is the dial at the base of the Function Dial. By depressing the button at the eleven o’clock position, you can rotate the Shooting Mode dial to select one of its three options, Single Frame, Continuous and Self-timer. When in Single Frame, you take one picture each time you depress the shutter release. When the camera is in Continuous mode, the camera continues to fire as long you depress the shutter release. You can capture the maximum of 6 frames (4 RAW) in one burst at 3fps. Self-timer is your basic self-timer and you can regulate the self-timer duration via CS#8.

One of my biggest bug-a-boos with the D100 is its shooting speed which is a combination of fps and write times. Being use to the D1H’s 5fps / 40frame buffer, the D100 feels like it’s crawling along. When it comes to capturing action, the D100 just doesn’t cut it for my photography.

Custom Settings

The D100 has in many ways your typical D1 Family custom settings. With few exceptions, they function the same as in the D1 Family. Rather then listing the similarities to the D1 Family or unique settings, I’m going to just go through all of them. Where appropriate, I’ll mention what I’ve used, how and if it worked for my applications.

You access the Custom Setting Menu by depressing first the MENU button located on the back to the left of the monitor. Depending on where the last menu was left (the D100 remembers the last menu/setting you used even if you turned off the camera or removed the battery), you will or will not have to use the Thumbpad to access Custom Settings. Once you access the CSM MENU (there are four main directories to select from CSM MENU being one, the highlighted feature must be on the left to thumb through the four directories and then you right Thumbpad to access the CSM MENU), you can thumb up and down the custom settings. You have the following available to you:

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