Nikon D300 User Manual

DIGITAL CAMERA

User's Manual

Where to Find It

Find what you’re looking for from:

The Q&A Index

Know what you want to do but don’t know the function name? from the “question and answer” index.

The Table of Contents

Find items by function or menu name.

The Quick Start Guide

A brief guide for those who want to get started taking pictures right away.

The Index

Search by key word.

Error Messages

If a warning is displayed in the viewfinder or monitor, find the solution here.

Tro ubl esho otin g

Camera behaving unexpectedly?

A For Your Safety

Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions in “For Your Safety” (pg. xviii).

Find the solution here.

➜

pp. iv–ix

Find it

pp. x–xvii

pp. 21–22

pp. 416–421

pp. 388–395

pp. 381–387

Digitutor

Digitutor, a series of “watch and learn” manuals in movie form, is available from the following website:

http://www.nikondigitutor.com/index_eng.html

Package Contents

Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera. Memory cards are sold separately.

• D300 digital camera (pg. 3)

• Body cap (pp. 34, 367)

• BM-8 LCD monitor cover (pg. 19)

• DK-5 eyepiece cap (pg. 20)

• EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover (pp. 30,

32)

• MH-18a quick charger with power cable (pg. 30)

• UC-E4 USB cable (pp. 224, 232)

• EG-D100 video cable (pg. 242)

• AN-D300 strap (pg. 19)

• Warranty

• User’s Manual (this guide)

• Quick Guide

• Software Installation Guide

• Software Suite CD-ROM

• Registration card (U. S. A. only)

Symbols and Conventions

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 the camera.

This icon marks notes; information that should be read before

using the camera.

Menu items, options, and messages displayed in the camera monitor are shown in brackets ([ ]).

A Trademark Information

Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks, or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Corporation. Microdrive is a trademark of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies in the United States 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.

CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk

Introduction

Tutorial

Image Recording Options

Focus

Release Mode

ISO Sensitivity

Exposure

White Balance

Image Enhancement

Flash Photography

Other Shooting Options

More About Playback

Connections

Menu Guide

Technical Notes

iii

Q&A Index

Find what you’re looking for using this “question and answer” index.

❚❚ New Features

Question Key phrase See page

How do I take high-quality NEF (RAW) photos? Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder? Live view 79 Can I control how photos are processed? Picture Controls 148 How do I preserve details in shadows and highlights? How do I focus on erratically moving subjects? Can I adjust focus separately for different lenses? How do I remove dust from the low-pass filter protecting the image sensor?

❚❚ Camera Setup

Question Key phrase See page

How do I focus the viewfinder? Viewfinder focus 43 How do I keep the monitor from turning

off? How do I keep the shutter speed and

aperture displays from turning off?

14-bit NEF (RAW) 59

Active D-Lighting 168

3D-tracking 270

AF fine tune 327

Cleaning the low-pass filter

Monitor off delay 280

Auto meter off

371

46, 279

Question Key phrase See page

How do I set the clock? How do I set the clock for daylight savings time? How do I change time zones when I travel? How do I adjust monitor brightness for menus or playback? How do I restore default settings? Two-button reset 184 How do I restore shooting menu defaults? How do I restore Custom Setting defaults? How do I change the self-timer delay? Self-timer delay 280 How do I turn the speaker off? Beep 281 Can I reverse the electronic analog exposure display? Can I display the menus in a different language? Can I save menu settings for use on a different D300 camera?

World time 36, 316

LCD brightness 313

Reset shooting menu 257

Reset custom settings 266

Reverse indicators 311

Language 316

Save/load settings 325

❚❚ Menus and Displays

Question Key phrase See page

How do I get more information on a menu? How do I use the menus? Using the menus 24 What do these indicators mean? What information is in the shooting information display?

What does this warning mean?

How much charge does the battery have left?

Help 29

Viewfinder, control panel, shooting information display

Error messages and displays

Battery level 44

8, 10, 12

388

Question Key phrase See page

How do I get more information about the battery? How do I keep the file number from being reset when I insert a new memory card? How do I reset file numbering to zero? How do I clean the camera or lens? Cleaning the camera 370

Battery info 322

File number sequence 283

❚❚ Taking Photographs

Question Key phrase See page

How many more shots can I take with this card?

How do I take bigger photographs? How can I get more photos on the

memory card? Can I control how the camera focuses? Autofocus 61 How do I take a lot of photographs quickly? Can I change the frame advance rate? Shooting speed 76, 282 Can I shoot a self-portrait? Self-timer mode 91 Can I take pictures under low light without the flash? Can the ISO sensitivity I choose be adjusted to ensure optimal exposure?

How do I freeze or blur moving objects?

How do I blur background details or keep both foreground and background in focus?

Number of exposures remaining

Image quality and size 56, 60

Release mode 74

ISO sensitivity 96

ISO sensitivity auto control

Exposure mode f (shutter-priority auto)

Exposure mode g (aperture-priority auto)

108

109

Question Key phrase See page

Can I set both shutter speed and aperture manually? Can I make photos brighter or darker? Exposure compensation 116

How do I make a time exposure? Long time-exposures 113 Can I vary exposure or flash level

automatically over a series of photos? Can I create multiple copies of a photo using different white balance settings? How do I adjust white balance? White balance 127 Can I take pictures with a flash? Flash photography, flash

How can I reduce “red-eye”? 176

How can I record multiple shots as a single photograph?

Can I pick the standard exposure level?

How can I reduce blur? Exposure delay mode 285 Can the flash be used at shutter speeds faster than

/250 s?

Exposure mode h (manual)

Exposure and flash bracketing White balance bracketing

mode, red-eye reduction

Multiple exposure 186

Fine tune optimal exposure

Flash sync speed 288

111

119, 298

123, 298

173

277

❚❚ Viewing Photographs

Question Key phrase See page

Can I view my photographs on the camera? Can I view more information about photos?

Why do parts of my photos blink? Photo info, highlights 209, 250

Camera playback 206

Photo info 208

vii

Question Key phrase See page

How do I get rid of an unwanted photo?

Can I delete several photos at once? Delete 248 Can I zoom in on pictures to make sure

they’re in focus? Can I protect photos from accidental

deletion? Can I hide selected photos? Hide image 249 How do I tell if parts of my photos may be overexposed?

How do I tell where the camera focused?

Can I view photos as they are taken? Image review 251 Is there an automatic playback (“slide

show”) option?

Deleting individual photos

Playback zoom 220

Protect 221

Display mode: highlights

Display mode: focus point

Slide show 252

222

250

❚❚ Retouching Photographs

Question Key phrase See page

How do I bring out details in shadows? D-Lighting 334 Can I get rid of red eye? Red-eye correction 335 Can I crop photographs on the camera? Trim 336 Can I create a monochrome copy of a

photograph? Can I create a copy with different colors? Filter effects 338 Can I use the camera to create JPEG

copies of NEF (RAW) photographs? Can I overlay two photos to make a single image?

Monochrome 337

Color balance 338

Image overlay 339

viii

❚❚ Viewing or Printing Photographs on Other Devices

Question Key phrase See page

Can I view my photos on TV? Television playback 242 Can I view my photos in High Definition? HDMI 244

How do I copy photos to my computer?

How do I print photographs? Printing photographs 230 Can I print photos without a computer? Printing via USB 231 Can I print the date on my photographs? Time stamp 234 How do I order professional prints? Print set (DPOF) 240

Connecting to a computer

224

❚❚ Optional Accessories

Question Key phrase See page

What optional flash units (Speedlights) can I use? What lenses can I use? Compatible lenses 350 What AC adapters, remote cords, and viewfinder accessories are available for my camera?

What memory cards can I use?

What software is available for my camera?

Optional flash units 357

Other accessories 364

Approved memory cards

Other accessories 367

369

Table of Contents

Q&A Index ................................................................................................iv

For Your Safety .................................................................................. xviii

Notices.....................................................................................................xxi

Introduction 1

Overview....................................................................................................2

Getting to Know the Camera..............................................................3

Camera Body....................................................................................... 3

The Control Panel.............................................................................. 8

The Viewfinder Display..................................................................10

The Shooting Information Display............................................12

The Command Dials .......................................................................14

Quick Start Guide................................................................................. 21

Tutorial 23

Camera Menus...................................................................................... 24

Using Camera Menus .....................................................................26

Help ......................................................................................................29

First Steps ............................................................................................... 30

Charge the Battery ..........................................................................30

Insert the Battery .............................................................................32

Attach a Lens.....................................................................................34

Basic Setup.........................................................................................36

Insert a Memory Card.....................................................................39

Adjust Viewfinder Focus ...............................................................43

Basic Photography and Playback................................................... 44

Image Recording Options 55

Image Quality........................................................................................ 56

Image Size .............................................................................................. 60

Focus 61

Focus Mode ........................................................................................... 62

AF-Area Mode....................................................................................... 64

Focus Point Selection......................................................................... 66

Focus Lock.............................................................................................. 68

Manual Focus ........................................................................................ 71

Release Mode 73

Choosing a Release Mode ................................................................ 74

Continuous Mode................................................................................ 76

Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) ............................. 79

Self-Timer Mode................................................................................... 91

Mirror up Mode .................................................................................... 93

ISO Sensitivity 95

Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually................................................ 96

Auto ISO Sensitivity Control ............................................................ 98

Exposure 101

Metering ...............................................................................................102

Exposure Mode ..................................................................................104

e: Programmed Auto...................................................................106

f: Shutter-Priority Auto...............................................................108

g: Aperture-Priority Auto............................................................109

h: Manual .........................................................................................111

Autoexposure (AE) Lock..................................................................114

Exposure Compensation ................................................................ 116

Bracketing ............................................................................................118

White Balance 127

White Balance Options ....................................................................128

Fine-Tuning White Balance ............................................................131

Choosing a Color Temperature ....................................................135

Preset Manual .....................................................................................136

Image Enhancement 147

Picture Controls..................................................................................148

Creating Custom Picture Controls.......................................... 156

Active D-Lighting...............................................................................167

Color Space..........................................................................................169

Flash Photography 171

The Built-in Flash ...............................................................................172

Using the Built-in Flash....................................................................173

Flash Modes.........................................................................................176

Flash Compensation.........................................................................178

FV Lock ..................................................................................................180

Other Shooting Options 183

Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings .......................184

Multiple Exposure .............................................................................186

Interval Timer Photography...........................................................191

Non-CPU Lenses.................................................................................198

Using a GPS Unit ................................................................................201

xii

More About Playback 205

Full-Frame Playback .........................................................................206

Photo Information............................................................................. 208

Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback .....................218

Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom........................................220

Protecting Photographs from Deletion.....................................221

Deleting Individual Photographs ................................................222

Connections 223

Connecting to a Computer............................................................224

Direct USB Connection ...............................................................226

Wireless and Ethernet Networks .............................................229

Printing Photographs.......................................................................230

Direct USB Connection ...............................................................231

Viewing Photographs on TV..........................................................242

Standard Definition Devices .....................................................242

High-Definition Devices .............................................................244

Menu Guide 245

D The Playback Menu: Managing Images...............................246

Delete ...........................................................................................248

Playback Folder.........................................................................249

Hide Image..................................................................................249

Display Mode .............................................................................250

Image Review.............................................................................251

After Delete ................................................................................251

Rotate Tall ...................................................................................251

Slide Show...................................................................................252

Print Set (DPOF) ........................................................................253

xiii

C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options...............................254

Shooting Menu Bank .............................................................. 255

Reset Shooting Menu ............................................................. 257

Active Folder.............................................................................. 258

File Naming ................................................................................ 260

Image Quality ............................................................................ 260

Image Size................................................................................... 260

JPEG Compression................................................................... 260

NEF (RAW) Recording .............................................................261

White Balance............................................................................ 261

Set Picture Control................................................................... 261

Manage Picture Control......................................................... 261

Color Space ................................................................................261

Active D-Lighting..................................................................... 261

Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Reduction) ..........262

High ISO NR................................................................................263

ISO Sensitivity Settings ..........................................................263

Live View .....................................................................................263

Multiple Exposure.................................................................... 263

Interval Timer Shooting......................................................... 263

A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings ..............264

Custom Setting Bank .............................................................. 266

Reset Custom Settings ........................................................... 266

a: Autofocus.................................................................................... 267

a1: AF-C Priority Selection..................................................... 267

a2: AF-S Priority Selection ..................................................... 268

a3: Dynamic AF Area............................................................... 269

a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On .......................................270

a5: AF Activation ...................................................................... 271

a6: AF Point Illumination ....................................................... 271

a7: Focus Point Wrap-Around .............................................272

a8: AF point selection ............................................................. 272

a9: Built-in AF-assist illuminator .........................................273

a10: AF-On for MB-D10 ..........................................................274

b: Metering/Exposure .................................................................275

b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value .............................................. 275

b2: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl........................................... 275

b3: Exp Comp/Fine Tune....................................................... 275

xiv

b4: Easy Exposure Compensation ......................................276

b5: Center-Weighted Area ....................................................277

b6: Fine Tune Optimal Exposure.........................................277

c: Timers/AE Lock ..........................................................................279

c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L .........................................279

c2: Auto Meter-off Delay........................................................279

c3: Self-Timer Delay .................................................................280

c4: Monitor off Delay...............................................................280

d: Shooting/Display......................................................................281

d1: Beep .......................................................................................281

d2: Viewfinder Grid Display ..................................................281

d3: Viewfinder Warning Display..........................................282

d4: CL Mode Shooting Speed ..............................................282

d5: Max. Continuous Release ...............................................282

d6: File Number Sequence....................................................283

d7: Shooting Info Display ......................................................284

d8: LCD Illumination................................................................285

d9: Exposure Delay Mode......................................................285

d10: MB-D10 Battery Type ....................................................285

d11: Battery Order....................................................................287

e: Bracketing/Flash .......................................................................288

e1: Flash Sync Speed ...............................................................288

e2: Flash Shutter Speed..........................................................291

e3: Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash...........................................291

e4: Modeling Flash...................................................................298

e5: Auto Bracketing Set..........................................................298

e6: Auto Bracketing (Mode M).............................................299

e7: Bracketing Order................................................................300

f: Controls.........................................................................................301

f1: Multi Selector Center Button..........................................301

f2: Multi Selector.......................................................................302

f3: Photo Info/Playback ..........................................................302

f4: Assign FUNC. Button .........................................................303

f5: Assign Preview Button......................................................306

f6: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button..................................................307

f7: Customize Command Dials ............................................308

f8: Release Button to Use Dial..............................................309

f9: No Memory Card?...............................................................310

f10: Reverse Indicators............................................................311

B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup...............................................312

Format Memory Card .............................................................313

LCD Brightness.......................................................................... 313

Clean Image Sensor................................................................. 314

Lock Mirror up for Cleaning .................................................314

Video Mode................................................................................ 314

HDMI............................................................................................. 315

World Time................................................................................. 316

Language .................................................................................... 316

Image Comment ......................................................................317

Auto Image Rotation ..............................................................318

USB ................................................................................................ 319

Dust off Ref Photo.................................................................... 319

Battery Info................................................................................. 322

Wireless Transmitter ...............................................................323

Image Authentication ............................................................324

Save/Load Settings.................................................................. 325

GPS ................................................................................................ 326

Non-CPU Lens Data................................................................. 327

AF Fine Tune .............................................................................. 327

Firmware Version ..................................................................... 328

N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies .............329

D-Lighting................................................................................... 334

Red-Eye Correction.................................................................. 335

Trim ............................................................................................... 336

Monochrome............................................................................. 337

Filter Effects................................................................................ 338

Color Balance............................................................................. 338

Image Overlay ...........................................................................339

Side-by-Side Comparison .....................................................342

O My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu......................................344

xvi

Technical Notes 349

Compatible Lenses ...........................................................................350

Optional Flash Units (Speedlights)..............................................357

Other Accessories..............................................................................364

Caring for the Camera......................................................................370

Storage..............................................................................................370

Cleaning ...........................................................................................370

The Low-Pass Filter.......................................................................371

“Clean Now” ...............................................................................371

“Clean at Startup/Shutdown” ..............................................372

Manual Cleaning.......................................................................374

Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions..........................377

Troubleshooting ................................................................................381

Error Messages ...................................................................................388

Appendix ..............................................................................................396

Specifications......................................................................................406

Index....................................................................................................... 416

xvii

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. To prevent possible injury, read all

warnings before using this Nikon product.

❚❚ WARNINGS

A Keep the sun out of the frame

Keep the sun well out of the frame when shooting backlit subjects. Sunlight focused into the camera when the sun is in or close to the frame could cause a fire.

A 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.

A Using the viewfinder diopter control

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

xviii

A Turn off immediately in the event of

malfunction

Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the equipment or 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 Nikonauthorized service center for inspection.

A 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, remove the battery and/or AC adapter and then take the product to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.

A 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.

A Keep out of reach of children

Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury.

A Do not place the 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.

A 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:

• Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment.

• Do not short or disassemble the battery.

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

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

• Do not expose the battery to flame or to excessive heat.

• Do not immerse in or expose to water.

• Replace the terminal cover when transporting the battery. Do not transport or store the battery 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, dry place.

• The battery may be hot immediately after use or when the product has been used on battery power for an extended period. 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.

xix

A Observe proper precautions when

handling the quick charger

• Keep dry. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.

• Dust on or near the metal parts of the plug should be removed with a dry cloth. Continued use could result in fire.

• Do not handle the power cable or go near the charger during thunderstorms. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.

• Do not damage, modify, or forcibly tug or bend the power cable. Do not place it under heavy objects or expose it to heat or flame. Should the insulation be damaged and the wires become exposed, take the power cable to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.

• Do not handle the plug or charger with wet hands. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.

A 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.

A CD-ROMs

CD-ROMs containing software or manuals 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.

A Observe caution when using the flash

• Using the camera with the flash in close contact with the skin or other objects could cause burns.

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

A Avoid contact with liquid crystal

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.

Notices

•

No p art of t he manua ls inc lude d 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.

Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Inter ference 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).

D300

CAUTIONS

Modifications

The FCC requires the user 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 WARNIN G: Handling the cord on this product

may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wa sh

hands after handling.

Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A. Tel.: 631-547-4200

xxi

Notices for Customers in Canada

CAUTION

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Symbol for Separate Collection in European Countries

This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected separately. The following apply only to users in European countries:

•

This product is designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household waste.

• For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management.

Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

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

• Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced

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

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

Unless the prior permission of the government has been obtained, the copying or reproduction or 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.

ATT EN TI ON

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

• Cautions on certain copies and reprod uctions

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, woodcuts, 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.

xxii

Disposing of Data Storage Devices

Please note that deleting ima ges or formatting memory cards or other data storage devices does not completely erase the original image data. Deleted files can sometimes be recovered from discarded storage devices using commercially available software, potentially resulting in the malicious use of personal image data. Ensuring the privacy of such data is the user’s responsibility.

Before discarding a data storage device or transferring ownership to another person, erase all data using commercial deletion software, or format the device and then completely refill it with images containing no private information (for example, pictures of empty sky). Be sure to also replace any pictures selected for preset manual. Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically destroying data storage devices.

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Nikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. chargers, batteries, AC adapters, and flash accessories) 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 Nikon warranty. rechargeable Li-ion batteries not bearing the Nikon holographic seal shown at right 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.

Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery

The use of third-party

xxiii

A Before Taking Important Pictures

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

A Life-Long Learning

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

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

• For users in Europe and Afric a: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support

• For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/

Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product 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 following URL for contact information: http://nikonimaging.com/

xxiv

Introduction

This chapter covers information you will need to know before using the camera, including the names of camera parts.

Overview.............................................................................. pg. 2

Getting to Know the Camera ........................................... pg. 3

Camera Body ....................................................................................... pg. 3

The Control Panel .............................................................................. pg. 8

The Viewfinder Display.................................................................. pg. 10

The Shooting Information Display ............................................ pg. 12

The Command Dials ....................................................................... pg. 14

Quick Start Guide ............................................................. pg. 21

Overview

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly

to get the most from the camera, and keep them where they will be read by all those who use the product.

D Use Only Nikon Brand Accessories

Only Nikon brand accessories certified by Nikon specifically for use with your Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within its operational and safety requirements.

COULD DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA AND MAY VOID YOUR NIKON WARRANTY.

D Servicing the Camera and Accessories

The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing. recommends that the camera be inspected by the original retailer or a Nikon-authorized service representative once every one to two years, and that it be serviced once every three to five years (note that fees apply to these services). Frequent inspection and servicing are particularly recommended if the camera is used professionally. Any accessories regularly used with the camera, such as lenses or optional flash units, should be included when the camera is inspected or serviced.

THE USE OF NON-NIKON ACCESSORIES

Nikon

Getting to Know the Camera

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 through the rest of the manual.

Camera Body

1 Release mode dial.......................75

2 Release mode dial

lock release....................................75

3 QUAL (image quality/size)

button ......................................57, 60

Two-button reset button ......184

4 Eyelet for camera strap .............19

5 WB (white balance)

button .......................129, 134, 135

6 ISO (ISO sensitivity) button.......96

7 Accessory shoe

(for optional flash unit) ..........363

8 Power switch................................ 44

9 Shutter-release button ...... 51, 52

10 E (exposure compensation)

button...........................................116

Two-button reset button.......184

11 I (exposure mode)

button...........................................105

Q (format) button.....................41

12 Eyelet for camera strap............. 19

13 Focal plane mark (E) ...............72

14 Control panel ..................................8

Camera Body (Continued)

1 Built-in flash ............................... 173

2 Flash pop-up button............... 173

3 M (flash mode) button ............173

Y (flash compensation)

button ..........................................178

4 Flash sync terminal

cover............................................. 363

5 Ten-pin remote terminal

cover....................................201, 368

6 Flash sync terminal.................. 363

7 Ten -pin rem ote

terminal ..............................201, 368

8 Connector cover..............226, 242

9 Video connector........................242

10 HDMI connector........................244

11 DC-IN connector for

optional AC adapter EH-5a

or EH-5..........................................364

12 USB connector................. 226, 232

13 Lens release button................... 35

14 Focus-mode selector.......... 62, 71

15 Meter coupling lever...............408

16 Mirror ..............................79, 93, 374

+ 418 hidden pages

Nikon D300 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Q&A Index

For Your Safety

Notices

Introduction

Overview

Getting to Know the Camera

Camera Body