Nikon D300BODY User Manual

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Page 1

DIGITAL CAMERA

User's Manual

Page 2

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 eshoot ing

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. 419–425

pp. 391–398

pp. 383–390

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

Page 3

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, 368)

• 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)

Page 4

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. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. 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

PictBridge is a trademark.

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Introduction

Tutori al

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

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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 146 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 165

3D-tracking 270

AF fine tune 327

Cleaning the low-pass filter

Monitor off delay 280

Auto meter off

373

46, 279

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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 182 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 37, 315

LCD brightness 312

Reset shooting menu 257

Reset custom settings 266

Reverse indicators 310

Language 315

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

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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 1? How do I clean the camera or lens? Cleaning the camera 372

Battery info 321

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 89 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 94

ISO sensitivity auto control

Exposure mode f (shutter-priority auto)

Exposure mode g (aperture-priority auto)

106

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Question Key phrase See page

Can I set both shutter speed and aperture manually? Can I make photos brighter or darker? Exposure compensation 114

How do I make a time exposure? Long time-exposures 111 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 125 Can I take pictures with a flash? Flash photography,

How can I reduce “red-eye”? 174

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

flash mode, red-eye reduction

Multiple exposure 184

Fine tune optimal exposure

Flash sync speed 288

109

117, 297

121, 297

171

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 208, 250

Camera playback 204

Photo info 206

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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

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❚❚ 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 365

Approved memory cards

Other accessories 368

371

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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

Format the Memory Card .............................................................41

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

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

Turn the Camera On .......................................................................44

Adjust Camera Settings.................................................................47

Ready the Camera ...........................................................................50

Focus and Shoot ..............................................................................51

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Viewing Photographs.................................................................... 53

Deleting Unwanted Photographs............................................. 54

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................................................................................... 89

Mirror up Mode .................................................................................... 91

ISO Sensitivity 93

Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually................................................ 94

Auto ISO Sensitivity Control ............................................................ 96

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Exposure 99

Metering ...............................................................................................100

Exposure Mode...................................................................................102

e: Programmed Auto ..................................................................104

f: Shutter-Priority Auto ..............................................................106

g: Aperture-Priority Auto ........................................................... 107

h: Manual......................................................................................... 109

Autoexposure (AE) Lock ..................................................................112

Exposure Compensation.................................................................114

Bracketing ............................................................................................116

White Balance 125

White Balance Options ....................................................................126

Fine-Tuning White Balance ............................................................129

Choosing a Color Temperature ....................................................133

Preset Manual .....................................................................................134

Image Enhancement 145

Picture Controls..................................................................................146

Creating Custom Picture Controls.......................................... 154

Active D-Lighting...............................................................................165

Color Space..........................................................................................167

Flash Photography 169

The Built-in Flash ...............................................................................170

Using the Built-in Flash....................................................................171

Flash Modes.........................................................................................174

Flash Compensation.........................................................................176

FV Lock ..................................................................................................178

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Other Shooting Options 181

Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings .......................182

Multiple Exposure .............................................................................184

Interval Timer Photography ..........................................................189

Non-CPU Lenses.................................................................................196

Using a GPS Unit ................................................................................199

More About Playback 203

Full-Frame Playback .........................................................................204

Photo Information.............................................................................206

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

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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

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

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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

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..........................................................290

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

e4: Modeling Flash...................................................................297

e5: Auto Bracketing Set..........................................................297

e6: Auto Bracketing (Mode M).............................................298

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e7: Bracketing Order ...............................................................299

f: Controls ........................................................................................300

f1: Multi Selector Center Button ......................................... 300

f2: Multi Selector....................................................................... 301

f3: Photo Info/Playback.......................................................... 301

f4: Assign FUNC. Button......................................................... 302

f5: Assign Preview Button ..................................................... 305

f6: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button .................................................306

f7: Customize Command Dials............................................ 307

f8: Release Button to Use Dial.............................................. 308

f9: No Memory Card? ..............................................................309

f10: Reverse Indicators ...........................................................310

B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup...............................................311

Format Memory Card .............................................................312

LCD Brightness.......................................................................... 312

Clean Image Sensor................................................................. 313

Lock Mirror up for Cleaning .................................................313

Video Mode................................................................................ 313

HDMI............................................................................................. 314

World Time................................................................................. 315

Language .................................................................................... 315

Image Comment ......................................................................316

Auto Image Rotation ..............................................................317

USB ................................................................................................ 318

Dust off Ref Photo.................................................................... 318

Battery Info................................................................................. 321

Wireless Transmitter ...............................................................322

Image Authentication ............................................................323

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technical Notes 349

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

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

Other Accessories ..............................................................................365

Caring for the Camera......................................................................372

Storage..............................................................................................372

Cleaning ...........................................................................................372

The Low-Pass Filter.......................................................................373

“Clean Now” ...............................................................................373

“Clean at Startup/Shutdown” ..............................................374

Manual Cleaning.......................................................................376

Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions.......................... 379

Troubleshooting ................................................................................383

Error Messages ...................................................................................391

Appendix ..............................................................................................399

Specifications......................................................................................409

Index.......................................................................................................419

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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.

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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.

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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.

• Do not use with travel converters or adapters designed to convert from one voltage to another or with DC-to-AC inverters. to observe this precaution could damage the product or cause overheating or fire.

Fai lure

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.

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Notices

•

No p art of t he ma nuals include d wit h 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. 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. guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular insta llation. 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

• Increase the separation between the

• Connect the equipment into an outlet

• Consult the dealer or an experienced

These limits are designed to

However, there is no

If this equipment

antenna.

equipment and receiver.

on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

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 k nown to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

hands after handling.

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

Wash

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Notices for Customers in Canada

CAUTION

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

Notices for Customers in Europe

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.

Disposing of Data Storage Devices

Please note that deleting images 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.

ATT EN TI ON

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

This symbol on the battery indicates that the battery is to be collected separately.

The following apply only to users in European countries:

• All batteries, whether marked with this symbol or not, are designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point. household waste.

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

Do not dispose of as

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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.

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

• Caut ions 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.

• Com ply 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.

The use of third-party

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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. or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.

Nikon will not be held liable for damages

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 Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support

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

Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. available from the Nikon representative in your area. URL for contact information: http://imaging.nikon.com/

Additional information may be

See the following

xxiv

Page 27

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

Page 28

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

Page 29

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 ......182

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

5 WB (white balance)

button .......................127, 132, 133

6 ISO (ISO sensitivity) button.......94

7 Accessory shoe

(for optional flash unit) .......... 364

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

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

10 E (exposure compensation)

button...........................................114

Two-button reset button.......182

11 I (exposure mode)

button...........................................103

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

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

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

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

Page 30

Camera Body (Continued)

1 Built-in flash ...............................171

2 Flash pop-up button............... 171

3 M (flash mode) button ............ 171

Y (flash compensation)

button ..........................................176

4 Flash sync terminal

cover............................................. 364

5 Ten-pin remote terminal

cover....................................199, 369

6 Flash sync terminal.................. 364

7 Ten-pin remote

terminal ..............................199, 369

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..........................................365

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

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

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

15 Meter coupling lever...............411

16 Mirror ..............................79, 91, 376

Page 31

1 AF-assist illuminator ............... 273

Self-timer lamp ............................90

Red-eye reduction lamp........ 174

2 Sub-command dial.....................14

3 Depth-of-field preview

button .................................103, 305

4 Fn button .........117, 121, 179, 302

5 Battery-chamber cover .............32

6 Battery-chamber cover

latch .................................................32

7 Contact cover for optional

MB-D10 battery pack.............. 365

8 CPU contacts

9 Mounting index .......................... 34

10 Lens mount................................... 72

11 Tripod socket

12 Body cap ......................................368

Page 32

Camera Body (Continued)

1 Viewfinder eyepiece...................43

2 DK-23 viewfinder

eyepiece cup.................................20

3 O (delete) button............... 54, 222

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

4 K (playback) button ....... 53, 204

5 Monitor.......................... 53, 79, 204

6 G (menu) button.......... 24, 245

7 L (protect) button................221

? (help) button .............................29

R (info) button ...........................12

8 W (thumbnail/playback

zoom out) button.....................218

9 X (playback zoom in)

button...........................................220

10 J (OK) button.............................. 28

Page 33

1 2

1 Diopter adjustment control ....43

2 Metering selector..................... 101

3 A (AE/AF lock)

button ............................68, 69, 306

4 B (AF-ON) button ..........63, 83

5 Main command dial ...................14

6 Multi selector................................26

7 Focus selector lock..................... 66

8 Memory card slot cover............ 39

9 Memory card access

lamp .........................................40, 52

10 AF-area mode selector ............. 64

11 Card slot cover latch.................. 39

Page 34

The Control Panel

1 2 3 4

8 9

Color temperature indicator

Shutter speed ...................... 106, 109

Exposure compensation

value................................................. 114

Flash compensation value ....... 176

ISO sensitivity................................... 94

White balance fine-tuning ....... 132

Color temperature....................... 133

White balance preset

number............................................ 143

Number of shots in exposure and flash bracketing

sequence ........................................ 117

Number of shots in WB

bracketing sequence.................. 121

Number of intervals for interval timer

photography ................................. 192

Focal length

(non-CPU lenses) ......................... 198

Flash sync indicator .................... 288

Flexible program indicator....... 105

Exposure mode ............................ 102

Image size .........................................60

...... 133

17 16 15

14 13

12 11

Image quality ...................................57

Auto-area AF indicator..................65

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

3D-tracking indicator .......... 65, 270

White balance fine-tuning

indicator.......................................... 132

White balance ............................... 127

Number of exposures

remaining ..........................................45

Number of shots remaining

before memory buffer fills...........77

Capture mode indicator............ 224

Preset white balance

recording indicator ..................... 137

Manual lens number................... 198

“K” (appears when memory

remains for over 1000

exposures).........................................45

Battery indicator .............................44

Page 35

21 22 23

14 Flash mode................................. 171

15 “Beep” indicator ........................... 281

16 Aperture (f-number) ..........107, 109

Aperture

(number of stops)........................ 353

Exposure and flash

bracketing increment ................ 118

WB bracketing increment......... 122

Number of shots per

interval ............................................ 192

Maximum aperture

(non-CPU lenses) ......................... 198

PC mode indicator ...................... 227

17 Aperture stop indicator ............. 353

18 Flash compensation

indicator.......................................... 176

19 Exposure compensation

indicator.......................................... 114

20 ISO sensitivity indicator................ 94

Auto ISO sensitivity

indicator.............................................96

21 FV lock indicator .......................... 179

22 “Clock not set” indicator .... 38, 391

28 27

23 Image comment indicator........ 316

24 Shooting menu bank.................. 255

25 Custom settings bank ................ 266

26 Exposure and flash

bracketing indicator ................... 117

WB bracketing indicator............ 121

27 Electronic analog exposure

display.............................................. 111

Exposure compensation ........... 114

Exposure and flash bracketing progress

indicator.......................................... 117

WB bracketing progress

indicator.......................................... 121

PC connection indicator............ 227

28 MB-D10 battery indicator .........365

29 Multiple exposure

indicator.......................................... 186

30 GPS connection indicator......... 201

31 Interval timer indicator.............. 192

Page 36

The Viewfinder Display

56 7 12911810131415

18 20 2119

Page 37

1 Framing grid (displayed

when [On] is selected for

Custom Setting d2) .................281

2 Focus points........................ 66, 272

3 AF area brackets ...................43, 81

4 Battery indicator................ 44, 282

(display can be turned off with Custom Setting d3)

5 Focus indicator......................51, 72

6 Metering...................................... 100

7 Autoexposure (AE) lock .........112

8 Shutter speed...................106, 109

9 Aperture (f-number) ......107, 109

Aperture

(number of stops) ....................353

10 Exposure mode......................... 102

11 Flash compensation

indicator ......................................176

12 Exposure compensation

indicator ......................................114

13 ISO sensitivity ...............................94

14 Number of exposures

remaining...................................... 45

Number of shots remaining before memory buffer fills... 51, 77 White balance recording

indicator.......................................137

Exposure compensation

value..............................................114

Flash compensation value.....176

mode indicator ....................227

15 Flash-ready indicator...............171

16 FV lock indicator .......................179

17 Flash sync indicator .................288

18 Aperture stop indicator..........353

19 Electronic analog exposure

display ..........................................111

Exposure compensation

display ..........................................114

20 Auto ISO sensitivity

indicator......................................... 96

21 “K” (appears when memory

remains for over 1000

exposures)..................................... 45

D No Battery

When the battery is totally exhausted or no battery is inserted, the display in the viewfinder will dim. malfunction. The viewfinder display will return to normal when a fullycharged battery is inserted.

This is normal and does not indicate a

D The Control Panel and Viewfinder Displays

The brightness of the control panel and viewfinder displays varies with temperature, and the response times of the displays may drop at low temperatures.

This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Page 38

The Shooting Information Display

Shooting information, including shutter speed, aperture, the number of exposures remaining, buffer capacity, and AF-area

mode, is displayed in the monitor when the R button is pressed. information from the monitor, press the R button again or press the shutter-release button halfway. default settings, the monitor will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for about 20 seconds.

To clear shooting

R button

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

19 18

8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17

22 23 24 25 26

37 36 35 34

33 32 31 30

A See Also

For information on choosing how long the monitor stays on, see Custom Setting c4 ([Monitor off delay], pg. 280). For information on changing the color of the lettering in the shooting information display, see Custom Setting d7 ([Shooting info display], pg. 284).

Page 39

Exposure mode.................................102

Flexible program indicator........... 105

Flash sync indicator.........................288

Shutter speed...........................106, 109

Exposure compensation value.... 114

Flash compensation value............ 176

Number of shots in exposure and flash bracketing sequence... 117 Number of shots in WB

bracketing sequence...................... 121

Focal length (non-CPU lenses).... 198

Color temperature...........................133

Color temperature indicator ........ 133

Aperture stop indicator................. 353

Aperture (f-number) ..............107, 109

Aperture (number of stops) ......... 353

Exposure and flash

bracketing increment.....................118

WB bracketing increment............. 122

Maximum aperture

(non-CPU lenses)..............................198

Camera battery indicator.................44

MB-D10 battery type display....... 287

MB-D10 battery indicator .............286

Shooting menu bank...................... 255

Custom settings bank .................... 266

Picture Control indicator ............... 149

Color space indicator......................167

Active D-Lighting indicator.......... 166

High ISO noise reduction

indicator.............................................. 263

Long exposure noise reduction

indicator.............................................. 262

Release mode (single frame/

continuous) indicator........................74

Continuous shooting speed ...........77

Exposure and flash

bracketing indicator........................ 117

WB bracketing indicator................ 121

Image size ..............................................60

Electronic analog exposure

display..................................................111

FV lock indicator............................... 179

ISO sensitivity indicator ....................94

Auto ISO sensitivity indicator .........96

Exposure compensation

indicator .............................................. 114

Flash compensation

indicator .............................................. 176

GPS connection indicator .............201

“Beep” indicator................................281

Flash mode.........................................171

Multiple exposure indicator......... 186

“K” (appears when memory

remains for over 1000

exposures) .............................................45

Number of exposures

remaining ..............................................77

Manual lens number.......................198

White balance....................................127

White balance fine-tuning

indicator .............................................. 132

Auto-area AF indicator......................65

Focus points indicator.......................66

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

3D-tracking indicator...............65, 270

Image quality........................................56

Interval timer indicator ..................192

Image comment indicator............316

“Clock not set” indicator......... 38, 391

Page 40

The Command Dials

The main- and sub-command dials are used alone or in combination with other controls to adjust a variety of settings.

M button

Flash mode/

Flash

compensation

QUAL button

Image

quality/size

WB button

White

balance

ISO button

ISO

sensitivity

Fn button

Bracketing

Sub-command dial

E button

Exposure compensation

I button

Exposure mode

Main command dial

Page 41

❚❚ Image Quality and Size

Press the QUAL button and rotate the command dials.

Set image quality (pg. 57)

QUAL button Main command dial Control panel

Choose an image size (pg. 60)

QUAL button Sub-command dial Control panel

❚❚ ISO Sensitivity

Press the ISO button and rotate the main command dial.

Set ISO sensitivity (pg. 94)

ISO button Main command dial Control panel

Page 42

❚❚ Exposure

Press the I button and rotate the main command dial to choose the exposure mode.

Choose the exposure mode (pg. 102)

I button Main command dial Control panel

Use the command dials to adjust exposure.

Choose a combination of aperture and shutter speed (exposure mode P; pg. 105)

Choose a shutter speed (exposure mode S or M; pp. 106, 110)

Exposure

mode e

Main

command dial

Control panel

Choose an aperture (exposure mode A or M; pp. 107, 110)

Exposure

mode f or h

Exposure

mode g or h

Main

command dial

Sub-command

dial

Control panel

Page 43

Set exposure compensation (pg. 114)

Activate or cancel bracketing/ select number of shots in bracketing sequence (pp. 117, 120)

Select bracketing exposure increment (pg. 118)

E button Main command dial Control panel

Fn button Main command dial Control panel

Fn button Sub-command dial Control panel

A The Fn Button

Depending on the option selected for Custom Setting f4 ([Assign FUNC. button], pg. 302), the Fn button and command dials can be used to select shutter speed and aperture in steps of 1 EV, to choose pre-specified lens data for non-CPU lenses, or to select dynamic-area AF.

A The Depth-of-Field Preview and AE-L/AF-L Buttons

Depending on the options selected for Custom Settings f5 ([Assign preview button], pg. 305) and f6 ([Assign AE-L/AF-L button], pg. 306), the depth-of-field preview and AE-L/AF-L buttons can be used with the command dials to perform the same functions as the Fn button.

Page 44

❚❚ White Balance

Press the WB button and rotate the command dials.

Choose a white

balance setting (pg. 127)

WB button Main command dial Control panel

Fine-tune white balance (pg. 132), set color temperature (pg. 133), or choose a white balance preset (pg. 143)

WB button Sub-command dial Control panel

❚❚ Flash Settings

Press the M button and rotate the command dials.

Choose flash mode (pg. 171)

Adjust flash compensation (pg. 176)

M button Main command dial Control panel

M button Sub-command dial Control panel

Page 45

Attaching the AN-D300 Camera Strap

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

The BM-8 Monitor Cover

A clear plastic cover is provided with the camera to keep the monitor clean and protect it when the camera is not in use. To attach the cover, insert the projection on the top of the cover into the matching indentation above the camera monitor (q) and press the bottom of the cover until it clicks into place (

To remove the cover, hold the camera firmly and pull the bottom of the cover gently outwards as shown at right.

w).

Page 46

The DK-23 Viewfinder Eyepiece Cup

Before attaching the DK-5 viewfinder eyepiece cap and other viewfinder accessories (pp. 89, 366), remove the DK-23

viewfinder eyepiece cup by placing your fingers underneath the flanges on either side and sliding it off as shown at right. The DK-5 viewfinder eyepiece cap is used in self-timer (pg. 89) and interval-timer photography (pg. 189).

Page 47

Quick Start Guide

Follow these steps for a quick start with the D300.

Charge the battery (pg. 30).

Insert the battery (pg. 32).

Attach a lens (pg. 34).

Insert a memory card (pg. 39).

Mounting

index

Front

Turn the camera on (pg. 44).

For information on choosing a language and setting the time and date, see page

36.

See page 43 for information on

adjusting viewfinder focus.

Page 48

Check camera settings (pp. 44, 47).

Exposure mode

Image size

Image quality

White balance

Control panel Viewfinder display

Select single-servo autofocus (pp. 49, 62).

Rotate the focus-mode selector to S (single-servo autofocus).

Focus and shoot

Battery level

Number of exposures remaining

ISO sensitivity

(pp. 51, 52).

Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus, then press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take the photograph.

View the

Focus indicator

photograph (pg. 53).

Delete unwanted photos (pg. 54).

Press O twice to delete the current photograph.

K button

O button

Page 49

Tutorial

This section describes how to use the camera menus, how to ready the camera for use, and how to take your first pictures and play them back.

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

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

Help ...................................................................................................... pg. 29

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

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

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

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

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

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

Format the Memory Card ............................................................. pg. 41

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

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

Turn the Camera On ....................................................................... pg. 44

Adjust Camera Settings................................................................. pg. 47

Ready the Camera ........................................................................... pg. 50

Focus and Shoot .............................................................................. pg. 51

Viewing Photographs..................................................................... pg. 53

Deleting Unwanted Photographs ............................................. pg. 54

Page 50

Camera Menus

Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus. view the menus, press the G button.

Tab s

Choose from playback, shooting, Custom Settings, setup, retouch, and My menus (see following page).

If “Q” icon is displayed, help for current item can be viewed by pressing L (Q) button (pg. 29).

G button

Slider shows position in current menu.

Current settings are shown by icons.

Menu options

Options in current menu.

Page 51

❚❚ Menus

The following menus are available:

Menu Description

D Playback

C Shooting Adjust shooting settings (pg. 254). A Custom Settings Personalize camera settings (pg. 264).

B Setup

N Retouch

O My Menu

Adjust playback settings and manage photos (pg. 246).

Format memory cards and perform basic camera setup (pg. 311). Create retouched copies of existing photographs (pg. 329). Create a menu of custom options (pg. 344). desired, a menu of recently-used settings can be displayed in place of [My Menu] (pg. 348).

Page 52

Using Camera Menus

❚❚ Menu Controls

The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the menus.

Select highlighted

item Select highlighted item or display submenu

Cancel and return to previous menu

Move cursor up

Move cursor down

❚❚ Navigating the Menus

Follow the steps below to navigate the menus.

1 Display the menus.

Press the G button to display the menus.

2 Highlight the icon for the

current menu.

Press 4 to highlight the icon for the current menu.

J button

Select highlighted item

G button

Page 53

3 Select a menu.

Press 1 or 3 to select the desired menu.

4 Position the cursor in the

selected menu.

Press 2 to position the cursor in the selected menu.

5 Highlight a menu item.

Press 1 or 3 to highlight a menu item.

6 Display options.

Press 2 to display options for the selected menu item.

7 Highlight an option.

Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option.

Page 54

8 Select the highlighted item.

Press J to select the highlighted item. To exit without making a selection, press the G button.

Note the following points:

• Menu items that are displayed in gray are not currently available.

• While pressing 2 or the center of the multi selector generally has

the same effect as pressing J, there are some cases in which selection can only be made by pressing J.

• To exit the menus and return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway (pg. 52).

J button

Page 55

Help

If a Q icon is displayed at the bottom left corner of the monitor, help can be displayed by pressing the L (Q) button. description of the currently selected option or menu will be displayed while the button is pressed. the display.

Press 1 or 3 to scroll through

L button

Page 56

First Steps

Charge the Battery

The D300 is powered by an EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion battery (supplied).

The EN-EL3e is not fully charged at shipment. shooting time, charge the battery in the supplied MH-18a quick charger before use.

About two and a quarter hours are required to

fully recharge the battery when no charge remains.

1 Plug the charger in.

Insert the AC adapter plug into the battery charger and plug the power cable into an electrical outlet.

To maximize

2 Remove the terminal cover.

Remove the terminal cover from the battery.

-i

Page 57

3 Insert the battery.

Insert the battery into the charger. The CHARGE lamp will blink while the battery charges.

4 Remove the battery when charging

is complete.

Charging is complete when the CHARGE lamp stops blinking. and unplug the charger.

Remove the battery

Page 58

Insert the Battery

1 Turn the camera off.

Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing

batteries.

2 Open the battery-chamber cover.

Open the battery-chamber cover on the bottom of the camera.

3 Insert the battery.

Insert the battery as shown at right.

4 Close the battery-chamber cover.

Power switch

❚❚ Removing the Battery

Before removing the battery, turn the camera off. To prevent short-circuits, replace the terminal cover when the battery is not in use.

Page 59

D The Battery and Charger

Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xviii–xx and 379–382 of this manual.

the battery is not in use.

Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0°C (32 °F) or above 40°C (104 °F). Charge indoors at ambient temperatures in the vicinity of 5–35°C (41–95°F); for best results, charge the battery at temperatures above 20°C (68 °F). Battery capacity may temporarily drop if the battery is charged at low temperatures or used at a temperature below the temperature at which it was charged. If the battery is charged at a temperature below 5°C (41°F), the battery life indicator in the [Battery info] (pg. 321) display may show a temporary decrease.

The battery may be hot immediately after use. before recharging.

Use the charger with compatible batteries only. Unplug when not in use.

To prevent short-circuits, replace the terminal cover when

Wait for the battery to cool

D Incompatible Batteries

The D300 can not be used with EN-EL3 or EN-EL3a rechargeable Li-ion batteries for the D100, D70 series, or D50 or with the MS-D70 CR2 battery holder.

A EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries

The supplied EN-EL3e shares information with compatible devices, enabling the camera to show battery charge state in six levels (pg. 44). The [Battery info] option in the setup menu details battery charge, battery life, and the number of pictures taken since the battery was last charged (pg. 321).

Page 60

Attach a Lens

Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens is removed.

1 Remove the rear lens cap and the camera body cap.

After confirming that the camera is off, remove the rear lens cap from the lens and remove the camera body cap.

2 Attach the lens.

Keeping the mounting mark on the lens aligned with the mounting mark on the camera body, position the lens in the camera’s bayonet mount. careful not to press the lens-release button, rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it clicks into place.

Being

Mounting index

If the lens is equipped with an A-M or

M/A-M switch, select A (autofocus) or M/ A (autofocus with manual priority).

Page 61

3 Remove the lens cap.

❚❚ Detaching the Lens

Be sure the camera is off when removing or exchanging lenses. To remove the lens, press and hold the lens release button while turning the lens clockwise. After removing the lens, replace the lens caps and camera body cap.

D CPU Lenses with Aperture Rings

In the case of CPU lenses equipped with an aperture ring (pg. aperture at the minimum setting (highest f-number). See the lens manual for details.

352), lock

A Lens

An AF-S DX VR 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6G ED lens is used in this manual for illustrative purposes.

Mounting index

Focal length

scale

Lens cap

Focal length index

Focus mode switch (pg. 34)

CPU contacts

(pg. 352)

Zoom ring

Rear cover

VR (vibration reduction) ON/OFF switch

VR mode switch

Focus ring (pg. 71)

Page 62

Basic Setup

The language option in the setup menu is automatically highlighted the first time menus are displayed. Choose a language and set the time and date.

1 Turn the camera on.

2 Select [Language].

Press G to display the camera menus, then select [Language] in the setup menu. For information on using menus, see “Using Camera Menus” (pg. 26).

3 Select a language.

Press 1 or 3 to highlight the desired language and press J.

Power switch

G button

Page 63

4 Select [World time].

Select [World time] and press

5 Set time zone.

A time-zone selection dialog will be displayed. to highlight the local time zone (the [UTC] field shows the difference between the selected time zone and Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in hours) and press J.

Press 4 or 2

6 Turn daylight saving time

on or off.

Daylight saving time options will be displayed. saving time is off by default; if daylight saving time is in effect in the local time zone, press 1 to highlight [On] and press J.

Daylight

7 Set the date and time.

The dialog shown at right will be displayed. select an item, 1 or 3 to change. Press J when the clock is set to the current date and time.

Press 4 or 2 to

Page 64

8 Set date format.

Press 1 or 3 to choose the order in which the year, month, and day will be displayed and press J.

9 Exit to shooting mode.

Press the shutter-release button halfway to exit to shooting mode.

A The Clock Battery

The camera clock is powered by an independent, rechargeable power source, which is charged as necessary when the main battery is installed or the camera is powered by an optional EH-5a or EH-5 AC adapter (pg. 365). months. exhausted and the clock has been reset. and date.

A The Camera Clock

The camera clock is less accurate than most watches and household clocks. reset as necessary.

Two days of charging will power the clock for about three

If the B icon flashes in the control panel, the clock battery is

Set the clock to the correct time

Check the clock regularly against more accurate time pieces and

Page 65

Insert a Memory Card

The camera stores photographs on CompactFlash and microdrive memory cards (available separately; pg. 371). section describes how to insert and format a memory card.

The following

1 Turn the camera off.

Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing memory cards.

2 Open the card slot cover.

Unlatch the card slot cover (q) and open the card slot (w).

3 Insert the memory card.

Insert the memory card with the front label toward the monitor (q). memory card is fully inserted, the eject button will pop up (w) and the green access lamp will light briefly.

D Inserting Memory Cards

Insert the memory card terminals first.

Inserting the card upside down or backwards could damage the camera or the card. that the card is in the correct orientation.

Check to be sure

When the

Power switch

Front

Access lamp

Direction of insertion

Te rm in a ls

Front

Page 66

4 Close the card slot cover.

❚❚ Removing Memory Cards

1 Turn the camera off.

Confirm that the access lamp is off and turn the camera off.

2 Remove the memory card.

Open the memory card slot cover and press the eject button (q) to partially eject the card (w). then be removed by hand. on the memory card while pressing the eject button. the camera or memory card.

Failure to observe this precaution could damage

The memory card can

Do not push

Access lamp

Page 67

Format the Memory Card

Memory cards must be formatted before first use. Format the card as described below.

D Formatting Memory Cards

Formatting memory cards permanently deletes any data they may contain. Be sure to copy any photographs and other data you wish to keep to a computer before proceeding (pg. 224).

1 Turn the camera on.

2 Press the Q buttons.

Hold the Q (I and O) buttons down simultaneously for more than two seconds.

A blinking C will appear in the shutter-speed displays in the control panel and viewfinder. To exit without formatting the memory card, press any button other than the Q (I and O) buttons.

Power switch

O button

I button

A See Also

See page 312 for information on formatting memory cards using the [Format memory card] option in the setup menu.

Page 68

3 Press the Q buttons again.

Press the Q (I and O) buttons together a second time to format the memory card.

remove or disconnect the power source during formatting.

Do not remove the memory card or

When formatting is complete, the control panel and viewfinder will show the number of photographs that can be recorded at current settings.

D Memory Cards

• Memory cards may be hot after use. removing memory cards from the camera.

• Memory cards that have been formatted in a computer or other device must be reformatted in the camera before they can be used for recording or playback.

• Turn the power off before inserting or removing memory cards. remove memory cards from the camera, turn the camera off, or remove or disconnect the power source during formatting or while data are being recorded, deleted, or copied to a computer. these precautions could result in loss of data or in damage to the camera or card.

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

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

• Do not apply force to the card casing. Failure to observe this precaution

could damage the card.

• Do not expose to water, high levels of humidity, or direct sunlight.

Observe due caution when

Failure to observe

A No Memory Card

If no memory card is inserted, the control panel and viewfinder will show S. turned off with a charged EN-EL3e battery and no memory card inserted, S will be displayed in the control panel.

If the camera is

Do not

Page 69

Adjust Viewfinder Focus

The camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to accommodate individual differences in vision. viewfinder is in focus before shooting.

Check that the display in the

1 Turn the camera on.

Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on.

Power switch

2 Focus the viewfinder.

Rotate the diopter control until the viewfinder display, focus points, and AF area brackets are in sharp focus. When operating the diopter control with your eye to the viewfinder, be careful not to put your fingers or fingernails in your eye.

A Adjusting Viewfinder Focus

If you are unable to focus the viewfinder as described above, select singlepoint AF (K) and rotate the focus mode selector to S, then frame a highcontrast subject in the center focus point and focus using autofocus. the camera in focus, rotate the diopter control until the subject is clearly focused in the viewfinder. adjusted using optional corrective lenses (pg. 366).

If necessary, viewfinder focus can be further

With

Page 70

Basic Photography and Playback

Turn the Camera On

Before taking photographs, turn the camera on and check the battery level and number of exposures remaining as described

below.

1 Turn the camera on.

Turn the camera on. The control panel will turn on and the display in the viewfinder will light.

Power switch

2 Check the battery level.

Check the battery level in the control panel or viewfinder.

Icon

DescriptionControl panel Viewfinder

L — Battery fully charged. K —

Battery partially discharged.J —

I —

H d

(blinks)

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

(blinks)

Low battery. Prepare to charge battery or ready spare battery. Shutter release disabled. exchange battery.

Charge or

Page 71

3 Check the number of exposures

remaining.

The exposure-count displays in the control panel and viewfinder show the number of photographs that can be taken at current settings. When this number reaches zero, A will flash in the exposure-count displays while the shutter-speed displays will show a blinking n or j.

A Large-Capacity Memory Cards

When enough memory remains on the memory card to record a thousand or more pictures at current settings, the number of exposures remaining will be shown in thousands, rounded down to the nearest hundred (e.g., if there is room for approximately 1,260 exposures, the exposure count display will show 1.2 K).

Page 72

A LCD Illuminators

Holding the power switch in the D position activates the exposure meters and control panel backlights (LCD illuminators), allowing the display to be read in the dark. switch is released, the illuminator will

remain lit for six seconds (at default settings) while the camera exposure meters are active or until the shutter is released.

After the power

Power switch

A Auto Meter Off

At default settings, the shutter speed and aperture displays in the control panel and viewfinder will turn off if no operations are performed for about six seconds (auto meter off), reducing the drain on the battery. shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the display in the viewfinder (pg. 52).

6 s

Exposure meters on Exposure meters off Exposure meters on

The length of time before the exposure meters turn off automatically can be adjusted using Custom Setting c2 ([Auto meter-off delay], pg. 279).

A Camera Off Display

If the camera is turned off with a battery and memory card inserted, the frame count and number of exposures remaining will be displayed (some memory cards may only display this information when the camera is on).

Control panel

Press the

Page 73

Adjust Camera Settings

This tutorial describes how to take photos at default settings.

1 Check camera settings.

Exposure mode

Image size

Image quality

White balance ISO sensitivity

Control panel Viewfinder display

Default settings are listed below.

Option Default Description Page

Image quality

Image size

ISO

sensitivity

White

balancev(Auto)

Exposure

mode

NORM

(JPEG

normal)

(Large)

200

(

Programmed

auto

Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 8

* [Size priority] selected for [JPEG compression].

Images are 4,288 × 2,848 pixels in size. 60

ISO sensitivity (digital equivalent of film speed) set to ISO 200.

White balance is adjusted automatically for natural colors under most types of lighting.

Camera automatically adjusts shutter

speed and aperture for optimal exposure in

)

most situations.

. Ideal for snapshots.

126

102

Focu s point

Center

focus point

(single-

point AF)

Focus point

Viewfinder focus point display is shown

Camera focuses on subject in center

above. focus point when shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

Page 74

2 Choose exposure mode e.

Press the I button and rotate the main command dial to select exposure

mode e. adjust shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations.

The camera will automatically

I button

Main command dial

3 Choose single frame

release mode.

Hold the release mode dial lock release down and turn the release mode dial to S (single frame).

At this setting, the camera will take one photograph each time the shutter-release button is pressed.

4 Choose single-point AF.

Rotate the AF-area mode selector until it clicks into place pointing to K (single-point AF).

At this setting, the user

can choose the focus point.

Release mode dial lock release

Release mode dial

AF-area mode selector

Page 75

5 Choose single-servo

autofocus.

Rotate the focus-mode selector until it clicks into place pointing to S (single-servo autofocus). camera will automatically focus on the subject in the selected focus point when the shutterrelease button is pressed halfway. focus.

At this setting, the

Pictures can only be taken when the camera is in

Focus-mode selector

6 Choose matrix metering.

Rotate the metering selector to Y (matrix metering). metering uses information from the 1,005-segment RGB sensor to ensure optimal results for the entire frame.

Matrix

Metering selector

Page 76

Ready the Camera

When framing photographs in the viewfinder, hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left. lightly against your torso for support and

place one foot half a pace ahead of the other to keep you upper body stable.

Hold the camera as shown at right when framing photographs in portrait (tall) orientation.

For information on framing photographs in the monitor, see page 79.

Keep your elbows propped

Page 77

Focus and Shoot

1 Press the shutter-

release button halfway to focus (pg. 52).

At default settings, the camera will focus on the subject in the center focus point. Frame a photo in the viewfinder with the main subject positioned in the center focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway. to focus, a beep will sound and the in-focus indicator (I) will appear in the viewfinder. illuminator may light automatically to assist the focus operation.

Viewfinder display Description

I Subject in focus. I

(blinks)

While the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, focus will lock and the number of exposures that can be stored in the memory buffer (“t”; pg. 77) will be shown in the viewfinder display.

If the subject is dark, the AF-assist

Camera unable to focus on subject in focus point using autofocus.

Focus indicator

If the camera is able

Buffer capacity

For information on what to do if the camera is unable to focus using autofocus, see “Getting Good Results with Autofocus” (pg. 70).

Page 78

2 Press the shutter-release

button the rest of the way down to shoot.

Smoothly press the shutter-

release-button the rest of the way down to take the picture. While the photograph is being recorded to the memory card, the access lamp next to the card slot cover will light.

camera off, or remove or disconnect the power source until the lamp has gone out.

Do not eject the memory card, turn the

Access lamp

A The Shutter-Release Button

The camera has a two-stage shutter-release button. when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. To take the photograph, press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.

Focus Take photograph

The camera focuses

Page 79

Viewing Photographs

1 Press the K button.

A photograph will be displayed in the monitor.

2 View additional pictures.

Additional pictures can be displayed by pressing 4 or 2. To view additional information on the current photograph, press 1 and 3 (pg. 206).

Highlights

To end playback and return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.

100--1

Select R, G, B

A Image Review

When [On] is selected for [Image review] in the playback menu (pg. 251), photographs are automatically displayed in the monitor for about 20 s (the default setting) after shooting.

Page 80

Deleting Unwanted Photographs

To delete the photograph currently displayed in the monitor, press the O button. once deleted.

1 Display the photograph.

Display the photograph you wish to delete as described in “Viewing Photographs” on the previous page.

K button

Note that photographs can not be recovered

2 Delete the photograph.

Press the O button. A confirmation dialog will be displayed.

O button

Press the O button again to delete the image and return to playback.

To exit without deleting the picture, press K.

A [Delete]

To delete multiple images, use the [Delete] option in the playback menu (pg. 248).

Page 81

Image Recording Options

This section describes how to choose image quality and size.

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

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

Page 82

Image Quality

The D300 supports the following image quality options.

Option File type Description

RAW data from the image sensor are saved directly to the memory card in Nikon Electronic Format (NEF). Use with images that will be

NEF (RAW) NEF

TIFF (RGB)

JPEG fine

JPEG normal

JPEG basic

NEF (RAW)+

JPEG fine

NEF (RAW)+

JPEG normal

NEF (RAW)+

JPEG basic

*[Size priority] selected for [JPEG compression].

(RGB)

JPEG

NEF/

JPEG

transferred to a computer for printing or processing. Note that once transferred to a computer, NEF (RAW) images can only be viewed using ViewNX version 1.2.0 or later or other compatible software such as Capture NX version

1.3.5 or later or Capture NX 2 version 2.1.0 or later (available separately; pg. 368). Record uncompressed TIFF-RGB images at a bit

TIFF

depth of 8 bits per channel (24-bit color). TIFF is supported by a wide variety of imaging applications. Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1:4 (fine image quality). Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1:8 (normal image quality). Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1:16 (basic image quality). Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image and one fine-quality JPEG image. Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image and one normal-quality JPEG image. Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image and one basic-quality JPEG image.

A File Size

See page 405 for information on the number of pictures that can be recorded at different image quality and size settings.

Page 83

Image quality is set by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the control panel.

QUAL button

Main command

dial

Control panel

A NEF (RAW) Recording

The [NEF (RAW) recording] item in the shooting menu controls compression (pg. 58) and bit depth (pg. 59) for NEF (RAW) images.

A JPEG Compression

JPEG images can be compressed for relatively uniform file size or optimal image quality. be used to choose the type of compression (pg. 58).

The [JPEG compression] option in the shooting menu can

A NEF (RAW)+JPEG

When photographs taken at [NEF (RAW) + JPEG fine], [NEF (RAW) + JPEG normal], or [NEF (RAW) + JPEG basic] are viewed on the camera, only the JPEG image will be displayed. are deleted, both NEF and JPEG images will be deleted.

When photographs taken at these settings

A The Image Quality Menu

Image quality can also be adjusted using the [Image quality] option in the shooting menu (pg. 254).

Page 84

❚❚ The JPEG Compression Menu

The [JPEG compression] item in the shooting menu offers the following options for JPEG images:

Option Description

Size priority

(default)

P Optimal quality

Images are compressed to produce relatively uniform file size. Quality varies with scene recorded. Optimal image quality. File size varies with scene recorded.

❚❚ The NEF (RAW) Recording Menu: Type

The [NEF (RAW) recording] > [Type] item in the shooting menu offers the following compression options for NEF (RAW) images:

Option Description

Lossless

compressed

(default)

O Compressed

Uncompressed NEF images are not compressed.

NEF images are compressed using a reversible algorithm, reducing file size by about 20–40% with no effect on image quality. NEF images are compressed using a nonreversible algorithm, reducing file size by about 40–55% with almost no effect on image quality.

Page 85

❚❚ The NEF (RAW) Recording Menu: NEF (RAW) Bit Depth

The [NEF (RAW) recording] > [NEF (RAW) bit depth] item in the shooting menu offers the following bit-depth options for NEF (RAW) images:

Option Description

12-bit

(default)

r 14-bit

NEF (RAW) images are recorded at a bit-depth of 12 bits.

NEF (RAW) images are recorded at a bit-depth of 14 bits, producing files roughly 1.3 times larger than 12-bit files but increasing the color data recorded. Maximum frame advance rate (pg. 77) falls to 2.5 fps.

A NEF (RAW) Images

Note that the option selected for image size does not affect the size of NEF (RAW) images. compatible software such as Capture NX version 1.3.5 or later or Capture NX 2 version 2.1.0 or later (available separately) images have the dimensions given for large ([L]-size) images.

When opened in

ViewNX version 1.2.0 or later or other

, NEF (RAW)

Page 86

Image Size

Image size is measured in pixels. Choose from the following options:

Option Size (pixels) Size when printed at 200 dpi (approx.)

L (default) 4,288 × 2,848 54.5 × 36.2 cm (21.4 × 14.2 in.)

M 3,216 × 2,136 40.8 × 27.1 cm (16.1 × 10.7 in.)

S 2,144 × 1,424 27.2 × 18.1 cm (10.7 × 7.1 in.)

* Print size in inches equals image size in pixels divided by printer resolution

in dots per inch (dpi; 1 inch = approximately 2.54 cm). printer resolution increases.

Print size decreases as

Image size can be set by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the sub-command dial until the desired option is displayed in the control panel.

QUAL button

Control panel

A The Image Size Menu

Image size can also be adjusted using the [Image size] option in the shooting menu (pg. 254).

Sub-command

dial

Page 87

Focus

– Controlling How the Camera Focuses

This section describes the options that control how your camera focuses.

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

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

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

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

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

Page 88

Focus Mode

Focus mode is controlled by the

Focus-mode selector

focus-mode selector on the front of the camera.

There are two autofocus (AF) modes, in which the camera focuses automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, and one manual focus mode, in which focus must be adjusted manually using the

focusing ring on the lens:

Option Description

Camera focuses when shutter-release button is pressed

halfway.

Single-servo

Continuous-

servo AF

Manual (pg. 71)

in viewfinder, and remains locked while shutter-release

button is pressed halfway (focus lock). At default settings,

shutter can only be released when in-focus indicator is

displayed (focus priority).

Camera focuses continuously while shutter-release button

is pressed halfway. If subject moves, camera will engage

predictive focus tracking (pg. 63) to predict final distance to

subject and adjust focus as necessary.

shutter can be released whether or not subject is in focus

(release priority).

Camera does not focus automatically; focus must be

adjusted manually using the lens focusing ring.

maximum aperture of lens is f/5.6 or faster, viewfinder

focus indicator can be used to confirm focus (electronic

range finding; pg. 72), but photographs can be taken at any

time, whether or not subject is in focus.

Focus locks when in-focus indicator (I) appears

At default settings,

Choose single-servo AF for landscapes and other stationary subjects. Continuous-servo AF may be a better choice with erraticallymoving subjects. Manual focus is recommended when the camera is unable to focus using autofocus.

Page 89

A The B Button

For the purpose of focusing the camera, pressing the B button has the same effect as pressing the shutter-release button halfway.

B button

A Predictive Focus Tracking

In continuous-servo AF, the camera will initiate predictive focus tracking if the subject moves toward or away from the camera while the shutterrelease button is pressed halfway or the B button is pressed. allows the camera to track focus while attempting to predict where the subject will be when the shutter is released.

This

A See Also

For information on using focus priority in continuous-servo AF, see Custom Setting a1 ([AF-C priority selection], pg. 267). using release priority in single-servo AF, see Custom Setting a2 ([AF-S priority selection], pg. 268). For information on preventing the camera from focusing when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, see Custom Setting a5 ([AF activation], pg. 271).

For information on

Page 90

AF-Area Mode

AF-area mode determines how the focus point is selected in autofocus mode.

To select the AF-area mode, rotate the AF-area mode selector. The following options are available:

AF-area mode selector

Mode Description

Single-

point AF

Dynamic-

area AF

Auto-area

User selects focus point manually; camera focuses on subject in selected focus point only. Use for relatively static compositions with subjects that will stay in selected focus point.

• In continuous-servo AF (pg 62), user selects focus point manually; if subject briefly leaves selected focus point, camera will focus based on information from surrounding points.

Number of focus points used can be selected from 9, 21, and 51 using Custom Setting a3 ([Dynamic AF area], pg. 269). If [51 points (3D-tracking)] is selected for Custom Setting a3, focus point will be selected automatically using 3D-tracking.

• In single-servo AF, user selects focus point manually; camera focuses on subject in selected focus point only.

Camera automatically detects subject and selects focus point. type G or D lens is used, camera can distinguish human subjects from background for improved subject detection. focus points are highlighted for about one second after camera focuses. Active focus points are not displayed in continuous-servo AF.

In single-servo AF, active

Page 91

A AF-Area Mode

AF-area mode is shown in the control panel.

AF-area mode Control panel

K Single-point AF

AF-area mode indicator

Custom Setting a3 ([Dynamic AF area], pg. 269)

9 points

(default)

Dynamic

-area AF

H Auto-area AF

* Only active focus point is displayed in the viewfinder. Remaining focus

points provide information to assist focus operation.

21 points

51 points

51 points (3D-tracking)

A Manual Focus

Single-point AF is automatically selected when manual focus is used.

A See Also

For information on the settings available in dynamic-area AF, see Custom Setting a3 ([Dynamic AF area], pg. 269). long the camera waits before refocusing when an object moves in front of the camera, see Custom Setting a4 ([Focus tracking with lock-on], pg. 270).

For information on adjusting how

Page 92

Focus Point Selection

The D300 offers a choice of 51 focus points that together cover a wide area of the frame. point can be selected manually, allowing photographs to be composed with the main subject positioned almost anywhere in the frame (single-point and dynamic-

area AF), or automatically (auto-area AF; note that manual focus point detection is not available when auto-area AF is selected). select the focus point manually:

1 Rotate the focus selector

lock to ●.

This allows the multi selector to be used to select the focus point.

2 Select the focus point.

Use the multi selector to select the focus point. settings, the center focus point can be selected by pressing the center of the multi selector.

The focus

At default

AF-area mode selector

Focus selector lock

The focus selector lock can be rotated to the locked (L) position following selection to prevent the selected focus point from changing when the multi selector is pressed.

Page 93

A See Also

For information on choosing when the focus point is illuminated, see Custom Setting a6 ([AF point illumination], pg. 271). setting focus-point selection to “wrap around,” see Custom Setting a7 ([Focus point wrap-around], pg. 272). For information on choosing the number of focus points that can be selected using the multi selector, see Custom Setting a8 ([AF point selection], pg. 272). changing the role of the multi selector center button, see Custom Setting f1 ([Multi selector center button], pg. 300).

For information on

Page 94

Focus Lock

Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus point in the final composition. autofocus system is unable to focus (pg. 70).

1 Focus.

It can also be used when the

Position the subject in the selected focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway to initiate focus.

2 Check that the in-focus indicator

(I) appears in the viewfinder.

Single-servo AF

Focus will lock automatically when the in-focus indicator appears, and remain locked until you remove your finger from the shutter-release button. button (see following page).

Focus can also be locked by pressing the AE-L/AF-L

Page 95

Continuous-servo AF

Press the AE-L/AF-L button to lock both focus and exposure (an AE-L icon appears in the viewfinder, see page 112). and exposure will remain locked while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if you later remove your finger from the shutter-release button.

Focus

Shutter-release

button

AE-L/AF-L button

3 Recompose the

photograph and shoot.

Focus will remain locked between shots as long as the shutter-release button is kept pressed halfway, allowing several photographs in succession to be taken at the same focus setting. locked between shots while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed.

Focus will also remain

Do not change the distance between the camera and the subject while focus lock is in effect. again at the new distance.

If the subject moves, focus

A See Also

For information on choosing the role played by the AE-L/AF-L button, see Custom Setting f6 ([Assign AE-L/AF-L button], pg. 306).

Page 96

Getting Good Results with Autofocus

Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below.

The shutter release may be disabled if the camera is unable to focus under these conditions, or the in-focus indicator (●) may be displayed and the camera may sound a beep, allowing the shutter to be released even when the subject is not in focus. these cases, use manual focus (pg. 71) or use focus lock (pg. 68) to focus on another subject at the same distance and then recompose the photograph.

There is little or no contrast between the subject and the background

Example: subject is the same color as the background.

The focus point contains objects at different distances from the camera

Example: subject is inside a cage.

The subject is dominated by regular geometric patterns

Example: a row of windows in a skyscraper.

The focus point contains areas of sharply contrasting brightness

Example: subject is half in the shade.

Background objects appear larger than the subject

Example: a building is in the frame behind the subject.

The subject contains many fine details

Example: a field of flowers or other subjects that are small or lack variation in brightness.

Page 97

Manual Focus

Manual focus is available for lenses that do not support autofocus (non-AF Nikkor lenses) or when the autofocus does not produce the desired results (pg. 70). the focus-mode selector to M and adjust the lens focusing ring until the image displayed on the clear matte field in the viewfinder is in focus. at any time, even when the image is not in focus.

To focus manually, set

Photographs can be taken

Focus-mode selector

A A-M Selection/Autofocus with Manual Priority

If the lens supports A-M selection, set the lens A-M switch to M (manual). If the lens supports M/A (autofocus with manual override, MF priority) or A/M (autofocus with manual override, AF priority), focus can be adjusted manually, regardless of the mode selected with the lens. See the documentation provided with your lens for details.

Page 98

The Electronic Rangefinder

If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the subject in the selected focus point is in focus (the focus point can be selected from any of the 51 focus points). subject in the selected focus point, press the shutter-release button halfway and rotate the lens focusing ring until the in-

focus indicator (I) is displayed. with the subjects listed on page 70, the infocus indicator may sometimes be displayed when the subject is not in focus; confirm focus in the viewfinder before shooting.

After positioning the

Note that

A Focal Plane Position

To determine the distance between your subject and the camera, measure from the focal plane mark (E) on the camera body. between the lens mounting flange and the focal plane is 46.5 mm (1.83 in.).

The distance

Focal plane mark

Page 99

Release Mode

– Single Frame, Continuous, Live View, Self-Timer,

or Mirror Up

Release mode determines how the camera takes photographs: one at a time, in a continuous sequence, with the view through the lens displayed in the monitor, with a timed shutter-release delay, or with the mirror raised to enhance shutter response and minimize vibration.

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

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

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

Self-Timer Mode ............................................................... pg. 89

Mirror up Mode................................................................. pg. 91

Page 100

Choosing a Release Mode

The camera supports the following release modes:

Mode Description

Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-release

Single frame

Continuous

low speed

Continuous

high speed

Live view

Self-timer

MUP

Mirror up

1 Average frame rate with an EN-EL3e battery, continuous-servo AF, manual

or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of remaining settings other than Custom Setting d4 at default values, and memory remaining in memory buffer.

2 Average frame rate with an EN-EL3e battery, continuous-servo AF, manual

or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of settings at default values, and memory remaining in memory buffer.

button is pressed.

While shutter-release button is held down, camera records 1–6 frames per second.1 Custom Setting d4 ([CL mode shooting speed], pg. 76).

While shutter-release button is held down, camera records up to 6 frames per second.

Frame pictures in monitor (pg. 79). or low angles or in other situations in which viewfinder is hard to use or when enlarged view in monitor can assist in obtaining very precise focus. Use self-timer for self-portraits or to reduce blurring caused by camera shake (pg. 89). Choose this mode to minimize camera shake in telephoto or close-up photography or in other situations in which the slightest camera movement can result in blurred photographs (pg. 91).

Frame rate can be chosen using

Recommended at high

/250 s or faster,

/250 s or faster, other

Nikon D300BODY 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

The Control Panel

The Viewfinder Display

The Shooting Information Display

The Command Dials

Quick Start Guide

Tutorial

Camera Menus

Using Camera Menus

Help

First Steps

Charge the Battery

Insert the Battery

Attach a Lens

Basic Setup

Insert a Memory Card

Format the Memory Card

Adjust Viewfinder Focus

Basic Photography and Playback

Turn the Camera On

Adjust Camera Settings

Ready the Camera

Focus and Shoot

Viewing Photographs

Deleting Unwanted Photographs

Image Recording Options

Image Quality

Image Size

Focus

Focus Mode

AF-Area Mode

Focus Point Selection

Focus Lock

Manual Focus

Release Mode

Choosing a Release Mode