Nikon D300S User Manual

DIGITAL CAMERA

User's Manual

Where to Find It

Find what you’re looking for from:

The Table of Contents

Find items by function or menu name.

The Q&A Index

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

The Index

Search by key word.

Error Messages

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

Tro ubl esho otin g

Camera behaving unexpectedly?

A For Your Safety

Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions in “For Your Safety” (0 xviii–xx).

Find the solution here.

➜

x–xvii

iv–ix

398–403

378–384

373–377

Find

Help

Use the camera’s on-board help feature for help on menu items and other topics. See page 21 for details.

Digitutor

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

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

Package Contents

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

• D300S digital camera

(0 3)

•EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover (0 22, 24)

• EG-D2 audio/video cable (0 239)

• BF-1A body cap (0 26, 355)

• MH-18a quick charger with power cable (0 22)

• UC-E4 USB cable (0 224, 229)

•BM-8 monitor

cover (0 16)

• DK-5 eyepiece cap

(0 91, 191)

DK-23 rubber eyecup

•

(0 91, 191)

•AN-DC4 strap

•

BS-1 accessory shoe cover (0 347)

•Warranty

• User’s Manual (this guide)

•Quick Guide

• Software Installation Guide

• Software Suite CD-ROM

• Registration card (U. S. A. only)

Symbols and Conventions

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

This icon marks cautions; information that should be read before

use to prevent damage to the camera.

This icon marks notes; information that should be read before

using the camera.

This icon marks references to other pages in this manual.

Menu items, options, and messages displayed in the camera monitor

bold

are shown in

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. The SD logo is a trademark of the SD Card Association. PictBridge and the SDHC logo are trademarks. 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

Q&A Index

0 iv

Table of Contents

Introduction

Tutorial

Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View)

Recording and Viewing Movies

Image Recording Options

Focus

Release Mode

ISO Sensitivity

Exposure

White Balance

Image Enhancement

Flash Photography

Other Shooting Options

More About Playback

0 x

0 1

0 17

0 47

0 57

0 67

0 73

0 85

0 95

0 101

0 133

0 153

0 169

0 181

0 203

Connections

Menu Guide

Technical Notes

0 223

0 243

0 339

iii

Q&A Index

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

❚❚ New Features

Question Key phrase

How do I take high-quality NEF (RAW) photos?

Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder? Live view 47 How do I shoot movies? Movies 57 How do I record photographs using two

memory cards? Can I control how photos are processed? Picture Controls 154 How do I preserve details in shadows

and highlights? How do I focus on erratically moving

subjects? How do I tell if the camera is level? Virtual horizon 311 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

How do I focus the viewfinder? Viewfinder focus 36 How do I keep the monitor from turning

off? How do I keep the shutter speed and

aperture displays from turning off? Can I display a framing grid in the

viewfinder?

14-bit NEF (RAW) 70

Primary slot,

secondary slot

Active D-Lighting 164

3D-tracking 265

AF fine tune 312

Cleaning the low-pass

filter

Monitor off delay 274

Auto meter off

Viewfinder grid display 275

358

273

39,

Question Key phrase

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 change the self-timer delay? Self-timer 273 How do I turn the speaker off? Beep 275 Can I reverse the exposure indicator? Reverse indicators 299 Can I display the menus in a different

language? Can I save menu settings for use on a

different D300S camera? How do I restore default settings? Two-button reset 182 How do I restore shooting menu

defaults? How do I restore Custom Setting

defaults?

Time zone and date

LCD brightness 301

Language

Save/load settings 310

Reset shooting menu 256

Reset custom settings 262

29, 302

28,

303

❚❚ Menus and Displays

Question Key phrase

How do I get more information on a menu?

How do I use the menus? Using the menus 18 Can I get quick access to frequently-used

settings? Can I get quick access to recently-used

settings? What do these indicators mean? What information is in the information

display?

What does this warning mean?

How much charge does the battery have left?

Help 21

My Menu 333

Recent settings 337

Viewfinder, control

panel, information

display

Error messages and

displays

Battery level 37

8, 10,

378

Question Key phrase

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 357

Battery info 307

File number sequence 277

❚❚ Taking Photographs

Question Key phrase

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? How do I make an NEF (RAW) copy of the

next photo? Can I control how the camera focuses? Autofocus 74 Can I choose the focus point? Focus point 78 How do I take a lot of photographs

quickly?

Can I change the frame advance rate? Shooting speed

How do I take pictures with the selftimer?

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 68, 71

+NEF (RAW) 294

Release mode 86

276

Self-timer mode 91

ISO sensitivity 96

ISO sensitivity auto

control

Exposure mode f

(shutter-priority auto)

Exposure mode g

(aperture-priority auto)

108

109

89,

Question Key phrase

Can I set both shutter speed and aperture manually?

Can I make photos brighter or darker? Exposure compensation 118 How do I make a time exposure? Long time-exposures 114 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? Can I vary Active D-Lighting

automatically over a series of photos? How do I adjust white balance? White balance 133 Can I take pictures with a flash? Flash photography, flash

How can I reduce “red-eye”? 175

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 278 Can the flash be used at shutter speeds

faster than

/250 s?

Exposure mode h

(manual)

Exposure and flash

bracketing

White balance

bracketing

ADL bracketing

mode, red-eye

reduction

Multiple exposure 184

Fine tune optimal

exposure

Flash sync speed 281

111

120,

289

125,

289

129,

289

171

272

❚❚ Viewing Photographs

Question Key phrase

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

Camera playback 204

Photo info 207

209,

247

vii

Question Key phrase

How do I get rid of an unwanted photo?

Can I delete several photos at once? Delete 221 Can I zoom in on pictures? Playback zoom 218 Can I protect photos from accidental

deletion? Can I hide selected photos? Hide image 245 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

Protect 219

Display mode:

highlights

Display mode: focus

point

Slide show 252

220

209,

247

208,

247

❚❚ Retouching Photographs

Question Key phrase

How do I bring out details in shadows? D-Lighting 319 Can I get rid of red eye? Red-eye correction 320 Can I crop photographs on the camera? Trim 321 Can I create a monochrome copy of a

photograph?

Can I create a copy with different colors?

Can I use the camera to create JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs?

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

Monochrome 322

Filter effects,

Color balance

NEF (RAW) Processing 327

Image overlay 324

322,

323

viii

❚❚ Viewing or Printing Photographs on Other Devices

Question Key phrase

Can I view my photos on TV? Television playback 239 Can I view my photos in High Definition? HDMI 241

How do I copy photos to my computer?

How do I print photographs? Printing photographs 228 Can I print photos without a computer? Printing via USB 229 Can I print the date on my photographs? Time stamp 231 How do I order professional prints? Print set (DPOF) 237

Connecting to a

computer

224

❚❚ Optional Accessories

Question Key phrase

What memory cards can I use?

What lenses can I use? Compatible lenses 340 What optional flash units (Speedlights)

can I use? What software is available for my

camera? What AC adapters, battery packs,

remote cords, and viewfinder accessories are available for my camera?

Approved memory

cards

Optional flash units 347

Other accessories 355

Other accessories 352

393

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 Information Display................................................................12

The BM-8 Monitor Cover...............................................................16

Tutorial 17

Camera Menus...................................................................................... 18

Using Camera Menus .....................................................................19

Help ......................................................................................................21

First Steps ............................................................................................... 22

Charge the Battery ..........................................................................22

Insert the Battery .............................................................................24

Attach a Lens.....................................................................................26

Basic Setup.........................................................................................28

Insert a Memory Card.....................................................................31

Format the Memory Card .............................................................34

Adjust Viewfinder Focus ...............................................................36

Basic Photography and Playback................................................... 37

Turn the Camera On .......................................................................37

Adjust Camera Settings.................................................................40

Ready the Camera ...........................................................................42

Focus and Shoot ..............................................................................43

Viewing Photographs ....................................................................45

Deleting Unwanted Photographs............................................. 46

Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) 47

Framing Photographs in the Monitor.......................................... 48

Recording and Viewing Movies 57

Recording Movies................................................................................ 58

Viewing Movies .................................................................................... 63

Editing Movies ...................................................................................... 64

Image Recording Options 67

Image Quality........................................................................................ 68

Image Size .............................................................................................. 71

Using Two Memory Cards ................................................................ 72

Focus 73

Focus Mode ........................................................................................... 74

AF-Area Mode....................................................................................... 76

Focus Point Selection......................................................................... 78

Focus Lock.............................................................................................. 80

Manual Focus ........................................................................................ 83

Release Mode 85

Choosing a Release Mode ................................................................ 86

Continuous Mode................................................................................ 88

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

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

ISO Sensitivity 95

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

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

Exposure 101

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

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

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

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

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

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

Long Time-Exposures.......................................................................114

Autoexposure (AE) Lock ..................................................................116

Exposure Compensation.................................................................118

Bracketing ............................................................................................120

White Balance 133

White Balance Options ....................................................................134

Fine-Tuning White Balance ............................................................137

Choosing a Color Temperature ....................................................141

Preset Manual .....................................................................................142

Image Enhancement 153

Picture Controls..................................................................................154

Selecting a Picture Control........................................................ 154

Creating Custom Picture Controls.......................................... 160

Active D-Lighting...............................................................................164

Color Space..........................................................................................166

xii

Flash Photography 169

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

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

Flash Modes.........................................................................................175

Flash Compensation......................................................................... 177

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

Other Shooting Options 181

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

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

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

Non-CPU Lenses................................................................................. 195

Using a GPS Unit ................................................................................198

More About Playback 203

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

Photo Information............................................................................. 207

Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback .....................216

Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom........................................218

Protecting Photographs from Deletion.....................................219

Deleting Photographs .....................................................................220

Full-Frame and Thumbnail Playback .....................................220

The Playback Menu ......................................................................221

Connections 223

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

Direct USB Connection ...............................................................225

Wireless and Ethernet Networks .............................................227

Printing Photographs.......................................................................228

Connecting the Printer ...............................................................229

Printing Pictures One at a Time ...............................................230

xiii

Printing Multiple Pictures.......................................................... 233

Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set .................................237

Viewing Photographs on TV ..........................................................239

Standard Definition Devices..................................................... 239

High-Definition Devices............................................................. 241

Menu Guide 243

D The Playback Menu: Managing Images...............................244

Playback Folder......................................................................... 245

Hide Image ................................................................................. 245

Display Mode............................................................................. 247

Copy Image(s) ...........................................................................248

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

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

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

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

C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options...............................253

Shooting Menu Bank .............................................................. 254

Reset Shooting Menu ............................................................. 256

Active Folder.............................................................................. 256

File Naming ................................................................................ 258

Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Reduction) ..........258

High ISO NR................................................................................ 259

A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings ..............260

B: Custom Setting Bank........................................................ 262

A: Reset Custom Settings..................................................... 262

a: Autofocus.................................................................................... 263

a1: AF-C Priority Selection..................................................... 263

a2: AF-S Priority Selection ..................................................... 264

a3: Dynamic AF Area............................................................... 264

a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On .......................................266

a5: AF Activation ...................................................................... 266

a6: AF Point Illumination ....................................................... 266

a7: Focus Point Wrap-Around .............................................267

a8: AF Point Selection............................................................. 267

a9: Built-in AF-assist Illuminator .........................................268

a10: AF-On for MB-D10 ..........................................................269

xiv

b: Metering/Exposure..................................................................270

b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value ..............................................270

b2: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl. ..........................................270

b3: Exp Comp/Fine Tune .......................................................270

b4: Easy Exposure Compensation ......................................271

b5: Center-Weighted Area ....................................................272

b6: Fine Tune Optimal Exposure.........................................272

c: Timers/AE Lock ..........................................................................273

c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L .........................................273

c2: Auto Meter-off Delay........................................................273

c3: Self-Timer..............................................................................273

c4: Monitor off Delay...............................................................274

d: Shooting/Display......................................................................275

d1: Beep .......................................................................................275

d2: Viewfinder Grid Display ..................................................275

d3: Viewfinder Warning Display..........................................275

d4: Screen Tips...........................................................................276

d5: CL Mode Shooting Speed ..............................................276

d6: Max. Continuous Release ...............................................276

d7: File Number Sequence....................................................277

d8: Information Display..........................................................278

d9: LCD Illumination................................................................278

d10: Exposure Delay Mode ...................................................278

d11: MB-D10 Battery Type ....................................................279

d12: Battery Order....................................................................280

e: Bracketing/Flash .......................................................................281

e1: Flash Sync Speed ...............................................................281

e2: Flash Shutter Speed..........................................................282

e3: Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash...........................................283

e4: Modeling Flash...................................................................289

e5: Auto Bracketing Set..........................................................289

e6: Auto Bracketing (Mode M).............................................290

e7: Bracketing Order................................................................290

f: Controls.........................................................................................291

f1: D Switch................................................................................291

f2: Multi Selector Center Button..........................................291

f3: Multi Selector.......................................................................292

f4: Photo Info/Playback ..........................................................292

f5: Assign Fn Button.................................................................292

f6: Assign Preview Button ..................................................... 296

f7: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button .................................................296

f8: Customize Command Dials............................................ 297

f9: Release Button to Use Dial.............................................. 298

f10: No Memory Card?............................................................ 299

f11: Reverse Indicators ...........................................................299

B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup...............................................300

Format Memory Card .............................................................301

LCD Brightness.......................................................................... 301

Video Mode................................................................................ 301

HDMI............................................................................................. 302

Time Zone and Date ...............................................................302

Language .................................................................................... 303

Image Comment ......................................................................303

Auto Image Rotation ..............................................................304

Image Dust Off Ref Photo .....................................................305

Battery Info................................................................................. 307

Wireless Transmitter ...............................................................308

Image Authentication ............................................................308

Save/Load Settings.................................................................. 310

Virtual Horizon .......................................................................... 311

AF Fine Tune .............................................................................. 312

Eye-Fi Upload ............................................................................313

Firmware Version ..................................................................... 314

N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies .............315

D-Lighting................................................................................... 319

Red-Eye Correction.................................................................. 320

Trim ............................................................................................... 321

Monochrome.............................................................................322

Filter Effects................................................................................ 322

Color Balance............................................................................. 323

Image Overlay ...........................................................................324

NEF (RAW) Processing ............................................................ 327

Resize............................................................................................ 329

Side-by-Side Comparison .....................................................331

O My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu ......................................333

xvi

Technical Notes 339

Compatible Lenses ...........................................................................340

Optional Flash Units (Speedlights)..............................................347

The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) ..........................348

Other Accessories ..............................................................................352

Caring for the Camera......................................................................357

Storage..............................................................................................357

Cleaning ...........................................................................................357

The Low-Pass Filter.......................................................................358

“Clean Now” ...............................................................................358

“Clean at Startup/Shutdown” ..............................................359

Manual Cleaning.......................................................................361

Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions..........................364

Defaults .................................................................................................368

Exposure Program.............................................................................372

Troubleshooting ................................................................................373

Error Messages ...................................................................................378

Specifications......................................................................................385

Approved Memory Cards ............................................................... 393

Memory Card Capacity ....................................................................394

Battery Life ...........................................................................................396

Index.......................................................................................................398

xvii

For Your Safety

To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them.

The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions listed in this section are indicated by the following symbol:

This icon marks warnings. To prevent possible injury, read all

warnings before using this Nikon product.

❚❚ WARNINGS

A Keep the sun out of the frame

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

A Do not look at the sun through the

viewfinder

Viewing the sun or other strong light source through the viewfinder could cause permanent visual impairment.

A Using the viewfinder diopter control

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

xviii

A Turn off immediately in the event of

malfunction

Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the equipment or AC adapter (available separately), unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery immediately, taking care to avoid burns. Continued operation could result in injury. After removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikonauthorized service center for inspection.

A Do not disassemble

Touching the product’s internal parts could result in injury. In the event of malfunction, the product should be repaired only by a qualified technician. Should the product break open as the result of a fall or other accident, remove the battery and/or AC adapter and then take the product to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.

A Do not use in the presence of flammable

gas

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

A Keep out of reach of children

Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury.

A Do not place the strap around the neck of

an infant or child

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

A Observe proper precautions when

handling batteries

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

• Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment.

• Do not short or disassemble the battery.

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

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

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

• Do not immerse in or expose to water.

• Replace the terminal cover when transporting the battery. Do not transport or store the battery with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.

• Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged. To avoid damage to the product, be sure to remove the battery when no charge remains.

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

• The battery may be hot immediately after use or when the product has been used on battery power for an extended period. Before removing the battery turn the camera off and allow the battery to cool.

• Discontinue use immediately should you notice any changes in the battery, such as discoloration or deformation.

xix

A Observe proper precautions when

handling the quick charger

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

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

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

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

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

• 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.

Notices

• No part of the manu als in cluded w ith this product may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form, by any means, without Nikon’s prior written permission.

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

Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Inter ference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

If this equipment does cause

• Nikon will not be held liable for any damages resulting from the use of this product.

• While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in these manuals is accurate and complete, we would appreciate it were you to bring any errors or omissions to the attention of the Nikon representative in your area (address provided separately).

CAUTIONS

Modifications

The FCC requires the user 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

D300S

Wash

xxi

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

xxii

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

• Cautions on certain copies and reproductions

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

• Comply with copyright notices

The copying or reproduction of copyrighted creative works such as books, music, paintings, 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

xxiii

A Before Taking Important Pictures

Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning normally. damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.

Nikon will not be held liable for

A Life-Long Learning

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

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

• For users in Europe 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. See the following URL for contact information: http://imaging.nikon.com/

Additional information may be

xxiv

Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The BM-8 Monitor Cover ....................................................................... 16

Overview

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. 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.

ACCESSORIES 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.

A Camera Settings

The explanations in this manual assume that default settings are used.

Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly

THE USE OF NON-NIKON

Nikon

Getting to Know the Camera

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual.

You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and

Camera Body

1 Release mode dial.......................... 87

2 Release mode dial

lock release...................................... 87

3 QUAL (image quality/size)

button.........................................69, 71

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

4 Eyelet for camera strap 5 WB (white balance)

button........................... 135, 140, 141

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

7 Accessory shoe

(for optional flash unit)............... 347

8 BS-1 accessory shoe cover .........347

9 Power switch.............................37, 39

10 Shutter-release button ...........43, 44

11 E (exposure compensation)

button............................................. 118

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

12 I (exposure mode)

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

Q (format) button........................ 34

13 Eyelet for camera strap

14 Focal plane mark (E)................... 84

15 Control panel......................................8

Camera Body (Continued)

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

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

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

Y (flash compensation)

button............................................. 177

4 Built-in microphone ................59, 62

5 Flash sync terminal cover........... 347

6 Ten-pin remote terminal

cover....................................... 198, 356

7 Flash sync terminal ......................347

8 Ten-pin remote terminal... 198, 356 9

Connector cover

.... 225, 229, 239, 241

A/V OUT

MIC

10 A/V connector ............................... 239

11 HDMI mini-pin connector .......... 241

12 Connector for external

microphone...............................58, 62

13 DC-IN connector for optional AC

adapter EH-5a or EH-5 ................352

14 USB connector ..................... 225, 229

15 Lens release button ....................... 27

16 Focus-mode selector...............74, 83

17 Meter coupling lever ...................387

18 Mirror ....................................... 93, 361

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