Nikon D3200 Owner's Manual

DIGITAL CAMERA

User's Manual

Product Documentation

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. The documentation for this product consists of a User’s Manual (this booklet) and a Reference Manual (pdf). instructions thoroughly and keep them where they will be read by all who use the product.

To get the most from your camera, please be sure to read all

For information on basic camera operations, see the

User’s Manual (this booklet).

For complete product information, see the

Reference Manual (available on the supplied reference CD).

The Reference Manual can be viewed using Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat Reader

5.0 or later, available for free download from the Adobe website.

1 Start the computer and insert the reference CD. 2 Double-click the CD (Nikon D3200) icon in Computer or My Computer (Windows)

or on the desktop (Macintosh).

3 Double-click the INDEX.pdf icon to display a language selection screen and click a

language to display the Reference Manual.

Camera Settings

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

Help

Use the camera’s on-board help feature for help on menu items and other topics. See page 52 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

A For Your Safety

Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions in “For Your Safety” (0 iv-vii).

Package Contents

Confirm that the package contains the following items:

D3200 camera

BS-1 accessory shoe cover

DK-20 rubber eyecup

BF-1B body cap

EN-EL14 rechargeable Li-ion battery (with terminal cover)

UC-E17 USB cable EG-CP14 audio/video cable DK-5 eyepiece cap (0 26)

ViewNX 2 CD-ROM

User’s Manual (this booklet)

Purchasers of the lens kit option should confirm that the package also includes a lens. Memory cards are sold separately. Cameras purchased in Japan display menus and messages in English and Japanese only; other languages are not supported. apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

MH-24 battery charger (plug adapter supplied in countries or regions where required; shape depends on country of sale)

Reference CD (contains the Reference Manual) Warr anty

AN-DC3 strap

❚❚ 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 are shown in bold.

Package Contents........................................................................................................................i

For Your Safety .......................................................................................................................... iv

Notices........................................................................................................................................... v

Introduction 1

Getting to Know the Camera................................................................................................. 1

The Camera Body ......................................................................................................................1

The Mode Dial.............................................................................................................................3

The Viewfinder............................................................................................................................4

The Information Display..........................................................................................................5

First Steps ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Basic Photography 11

Battery Level and Card Capacity ........................................................................................11

“Point-and-Shoot” Photography (i and j Modes)...................................................12

Creative Photography (Scene Modes) .............................................................................15

Playback and Deletion 17

Viewing Photographs ...........................................................................................................17

Display pictures....................................................................................................................... 17

Deleting Pictures ....................................................................................................................18

Guide Mode 19

Guide Mode Menus ............................................................................................................... 20

Using the Guide ...................................................................................................................... 22

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. 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

AKeep the sun out of the frame

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

Sunlight focused into the camera

ADo not look at the sun through the viewfinder

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

AUsing the viewfin der diopter adjustment control

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

ATurn 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.

ADo 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.

AKeep out of reach of children

Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury. In addition, note that small parts constitute a chocking

Should a child swallow any part of this

hazard. equipment, consult a physician immediately.

ADo not disassemble

Touching the product’s internal parts could result in

In the event of malfunction, the product should

injury. be repaired only by a qualified technician. 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.

ADo not place the strap around the neck of an inf ant or child

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

ADo not remain in contact with the camera, batter y, or charger for

extended periods while the devices are on or in use

Parts of the device become hot. Leaving the device in direct contact with the skin for extended periods may result in low-temperature burns.

Should the

Keep these safety instructions where all those

ADo not aim a flash at the operator of a motor vehicle

Failure to observe this precaution could result in accidents.

AObserve 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. be observed when photographing infants, when the flash should be no less than one meter (39 in.) from the subject.

Parti cular care sho uld

AAvoid 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.

AObserve 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 produc t 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

Do not transport or store the battery with

battery. 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. 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.

Before removing the battery

AObserve proper precautions when handling the charger

• Keep dry. result in fire or electric shock.

• Do not short the charger terminals. Failure to observe this precaution could result in overheating and damage to the charger.

• 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 go near the charger during thunderstorms. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.

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

Failure to observe this precaution could

Notices

• Do not use with travel converters or a dapters designed to convert from one voltage to another or with DC-toAC inver ters. damage the product or cause overheating or fire.

Failure to observe this precaution could

AUse 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.

ACD-ROMs

CD-ROMs containing softw are 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.

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

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

Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

The Battery Charger

• 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).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS—SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS DANGER—TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS

For connection to a supply not in the U.S.A., use an attachment plug adapter of the proper configuration for the power outlet if needed. This power unit is intended to be correctly oriented in a vertical or floor mount position.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. harmful interfere nce to radio or television recepti on, 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.

These limits are designed to provide

This equipment generates, uses,

If this equipment does cause

However,

D3200

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. limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.

Notice for Customers in the State of California WARNING: Handling the co rd on this product may expose you

to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. handling.

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

Using other interface cables may exceed the

Wash hands after

Notice for Customers in Canada

CAUTION

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

Notices for Customers in Europe

CAUTION

RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.

This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected separately.

The following apply only to users in European countries:

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

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

Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

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

• Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced

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

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

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

• 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.

Disposing of Data Storage Devices

Please note that deleting images or formatting memory cards or other d ata storage devices does not completely erase the original image data. available software, potentially resulting in the malicious use of personal image data. 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). avoid injury when physically destroying data storage devices.

Deleted files can sometimes be recovered from discarded storage devices using commercially

Be sure to also replace any pictures selected for preset manual. Care should be taken to

ATT ENT IO N

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. dispose of as household waste.

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

• 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. this product for the purpose of making illegal copies or to infringe copyright laws.

Ensuring the privacy of such data is

Do not

Do not use

AVC Patent Portfolio License

HIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE AVC PATENT POR TFOLIO LICENSE FOR THE PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL USE OF A CONSUMER TO

ENCODE VIDEO IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AV C STANDARD (“AVC VIDEO”) AND/OR (ii) DECODE AVC VIDEO THAT WAS ENCODED BY A

(i)

CONSUMER ENGAGED IN A PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY AND/OR WAS OBTAINED FROM A VIDEO PROVIDER LICENSED TO PROVIDE

VIDEO.

AVC LA, L.L.C.

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Nikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. electronic accessories (including 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. shown at right could interfere with normal operation of the camera o r result in the batteries overheating, igniting, rupturing, or leaking.

For more information about Nikon brand accessories, contact a local authorized Nikon dealer.

NO LICENSE IS GRANTED OR SHALL BE IMPLIED FOR ANY OTHER USE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM MPEG

SEE http://www.mpegla.com

Only Nikon brand

The use of third-party rechargeable Li-ion batteries not bearing the Nikon holographic seal

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. THE USE OF NON-NIKON 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. Nikon 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 Before Taking Important Pictures

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

A Life-Long Learning

As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing product support and education, continually-updated information is available 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. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the following URL for contact information: http://imaging.nikon.com/

vii

Introduction

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.

The Camera Body

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 Mode dial...................................3

2 Eyelet for camera strap...........6

3 R (information) button...... 44

4 E/N button

Exposure compensation

Adjusting aperture ........... 38

Flash compensation

Shutter-release button

6 Power switch.............................2

7 Movie-record button............ 47

8 AF-assist illuminator

Self-timer lamp...................... 25

Red-eye reduction lamp ..... 34

9 Infrared receiver (front)....... 25

10 Body cap 11 CPU contacts

...13, 14

12 Built-in flash............................32

13 M/ Y button

Flash mode..........................32

Flash compensation

14 Speaker ....................................49

15 Focal plane mark (E)

16 Eyelet for camera strap.......... 6

17 Microphone ............................51

18 Connector cover 19 Fn button

Using the Fn button

20 Mounting mark........................ 7

21 Lens release button ..............10

22 Mirror 23 Lens mount 24 Accessory shoe cover

15 16

25 Accessory shoe (for optional

flash units)

26 Connector for external

microphone...................49, 62

27 USB and A/V connector

Connecting to a

computer......................... 58

28 HDMI mini-pin connector

29 Accessory terminal ...............62

The Camera Body (Continued)

1 Viewfinder eyepiece................8

2 Rubber eyecup

3 Infrared receiver (rear)..........25

4 Monitor

Viewing settings ..................5

Live view..............................39

Viewing photographs.......17

5 K button

Playback...............................17

6 G button

Menu.....................................52

7 X button

Playback zoom in

8 W/Q button

Thumbnails/playback zoom

out......................................18

Help.......................................52

9 P (information edit) button

..................................................5

10 Tripod socket 11 Diopter adjustment

control .................................... 8

12 A/L button

Using the A (L) button Protecting photographs

13 Command dial 14 a button

Live view..............................39

Movie ...................................47

15 Multi selector .........................54

16 Memory card slot cover......... 7

17 J (OK) button ....................... 54

18 I/E/# button

Release mode..................... 23

Self-timer/

from deletion

Remote control...............25

15 16 17

19 Memory card access lamp

.........................................13, 24

20 Power connector cover for

optional power connector

21 Battery-chamber cover latch

..................................................6

22 Battery-chamber cover ..........6

23 O button

Deleting pictures ...............18

24 Battery latch..........................6, 9

A The Power Switch

Rotate the power switch as shown to turn the camera on.

Rotate the power switch as shown to turn the camera off.

A The Microphone and Speaker

Do not place the microphone or speaker in close proximity to magnetic devices. Failure to observe this precaution could affect the data recorded on the magnetic devices.

The Mode Dial

The camera offers a choice of the following shooting modes and g mode:

P, S, A, and M Modes (0 36)

Select these modes for full

g Mode (0 19)

Take and view pictures and adjust settings with the help of an on-screen guide.

Auto Modes

Select these modes for simple, point-and-shoot photography.

• i Auto (0 12) • j Auto (flash off ) (0 12)

Scene Modes

The camera automatically optimizes settings to suit the scene selected with the mode dial. Match your selection to the scene being photographed.

• k Portr ait (0 15)

• l Landscape (0 15)

• p Child (0 15)

• m Sports (0 16)

• n Close up (0 16)

• o Night portrait (0 16)

control over camera settings.

• P— Programmed auto

• S —Shutter-priority auto

• A— Aperture-priority auto

• M—Manual

A Scene Auto Selector (Live View)

Selecting live view in i or j mode enables automatic scene selection (“scene auto selector”; 0 44) when autofocus is used.

The Viewfinder

1 Focus points

2 Focus indicator.......................13

3 Autoexposure (AE) lock

indicator

4 Shutter speed ..................37, 38

5 Aperture (f-number) ......37, 38

6 Battery indicator ....................11

2 3

7 Number of exposures

remaining ............................11

Number of shots remaining

before memory buffer

fills .........................................24

White balance recording

indicator Exposure compensation value Flash compensation value

ISO sensitivity.........................35

8 “K” (appears when memory

remains for over 1000

exposures) ........................... 11

6 8411597

1210

9 Flash-ready indicator............14

10 Flexible program indicator

11 Exposure indicator.................38

Exposure compensation

display

Electronic rangefinder

12 Flash compensation

indicator

13 Exposure compensation

indicator

14 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator 15 Warning indicator

1514

D The Viewfinder

The response time and brightness of the viewfinder display may vary with temperature.

The Information Display

Camera settings can be viewed and adjusted in the information display. make changes to settings. selector and press J to view options for the highlighted item.

2 3

4 5

Press the P button once to view settings, and again to

Highlight items using the multi

148 9 10 11 12 13

P button

23 24 25

26 27 28

16 17 19

1 Shooting mode

i auto/

j auto (flash off).............. 12

Scene modes...................... 15

Guide mode ....................... 19

P, S, A, and M modes.......... 36

2 Aperture (f-number) ......37, 38

3 Shutter speed ..................37, 38

4 Shutter-speed display 5 Aperture display

6 Auto-area AF indicator ........ 29

3D-tracking indicator........... 29

Focus point

7 Eye-Fi connection indicator 8 Manual flash indicator

Flash compensation indicator

for optional flash units

9 Print date indicator

10 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator 11 Active D-Lighting 12 Picture Control 13 “Beep” indicator

14 Battery indicator....................11

15 GPS connection indicator 16 Help icon

17 Exposure indicator ................38

18 Number of exposures

19 “K” (appears when memory

Exposure compensation

indicator

remaining ............................11

White balance recording

indicator

remains for over 1000

exposures)............................11

222120

20 Flash mode ............................. 33

21 Flash compensation 22 Exposure compensation

23 Image quality......................... 30

24 Image size............................... 31

25 White balance

26 ISO sensitivity......................... 35

27 Release mode......................... 23

28 Focus mode......................27, 40

29 AF-area mode ..................29, 41

30 Metering

First Steps

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

1 Attach the strap.

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

2 Charge the battery.

If a plug adapter is supplied, raise the wall plug and connect the plug adapter as shown below at left, making sure the plug is fully inserted. Insert the battery and plug the charger in. An exhausted battery will fully charge in about an hour and thirty minutes.

Battery

charging

Charging complete

3 Insert the battery.

Insert the battery in the orientation shown (e), using the battery to keep the orange battery latch pressed to one side. The latch locks the battery in place when the battery is fully inserted (r).

4 Insert a memory card (available separately).

Check to be sure the card is in the correct orientation and then slide the card until it clicks into place.

5 Attach a lens.

Be careful to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens or body cap is removed.

Autofocus is available with AF-S lenses. autofocus with a lens equipped with an A-M mode switch, slide the switch to A (if the lens has an M/A-M switch, select M/A for autofocus with manual override). on other lenses that can be used with the D3200, see page 60.

Keeping marks aligned, position lens on camera, then rotate until lens clicks into place.

When using

For information

If the lens has a vibration reduction (VR) switch, select ON to reduce the effects of vibration.

6 Turn the camera on.

A language-selection dialog will be displayed.

7 Choose a language and set the camera clock.

Use the multi selector and J button to select a language and set the camera clock.

Move cursor up

J button: select highlighted item

Select highlighted item or display sub-menu

Move cursor down

qwe

Select language Select time zone Select date format

rt Note: The language and

date/time can be changed at any time using the

Language and Tim e zone and date options in

Select daylight saving

time option

Set time and date

the setup menu (0 53).

8 Focus the viewfinder.

After removing the lens cap, rotate the diopter adjustment control until the viewfinder display and focus point are in sharp focus. When operating the control with your eye to the viewfinder, be careful not to put your fingers or fingernails in your eye.

Focus point

D During Charging

Do not move the charger or touch the battery during charging. Failure to observe this precaution could in very rare instances result in the charger showing that charging is complete when the battery is only partially charged. Remove and reinsert the battery to begin charging again.

D Charging the Battery

Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages iv–v and 64–66 of this manual. Charge the battery indoors at ambient temperatures of 5–35 °C (41–95 °F). Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0 °C/32 °F or above 40 °C/104 °F; failure to observe this precaution could damage the battery or impair its performance. Capacity may be reduced and charging times may increase at battery temperatures from 0 °C/32 °F to 15 °C/59 °F and

from 45 °C/113 °F to 60 °C/140 °F. The battery will not charge if its temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 60 °C (140 °F). If the CHARGE lamp flashes quickly (about eight times a second) during charging, confirm that the temperature is in the correct range and then unplug the charger and remove and reinsert the battery. If the problem persists, cease use immediately and take battery and charger to your retailer or a Nikon-authorized service representative.

Do not attempt to charge a fully-charged battery. Failure to observe this precaution will result in reduced battery performance.

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

A Removing the Battery

Turn the camera off and open the battery-chamber cover. Press the battery latch in the direction shown by the arrow to release the battery and then remove the battery by hand.

D Formatting Memory Cards

If this is the first time the memory card will be used in the camera or if the card has been formatted in another device, select

memory card

to format the card (053

the card may contain

you wish to keep to a computer before proceeding.

in the setup menu and follow the on-screen instructions

Note that this permanently deletes any data

. Be sure to copy any photographs and other data

Format

D Memory Cards

• Memory cards may be hot after use. Observe due caution when removing memory cards from the camera.

• Turn the power off before inserting or removing memory cards. Do not 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. Failure to observe 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, heat, high levels of humidity, or direct sunlight.

• Do not format memory cards in a computer.

A Removing Memory Cards

After confirming that the memory card access lamp is off, turn the camera off, open the memory card slot cover, and press the card in to eject it (q). The card can then be removed by hand (w).

A The Write Protect Switch

SD memory cards are equipped with a write protect switch to prevent accidental loss of data. When this switch is in the “lock” position, the memory card can not be formatted and photos can not be deleted or recorded (a beep will sound if you attempt to release the shutter). To unlock the memory card, slide the switch to the “write” position.

Write-protect switch

A CPU Lenses with Aperture Rings

In the case of CPU lenses equipped with an aperture ring (0 60), lock aperture at the minimum setting (highest f-number).

A 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 (q) while turning the lens clockwise (w). After removing the lens, replace the lens caps and camera body cap.

A The Camera Clock

The camera clock is less accurate than most watches and household clocks. Check the clock regularly against more accurate time pieces and reset as necessary.

A Adjusting Viewfinder Focus

If you are unable to focus the viewfinder as described above, select single-servo autofocus (AF-S; 0 27), single-point AF (c; 0 29), and the center focus point, and then frame a highcontrast subject in the center focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway to focus the camera. With the camera in focus, use the diopter adjustment control to bring the subject into clear focus in the viewfinder. If necessary, viewfinder focus can be further adjusted using optional corrective lenses.

A The Setup Menu

Language and date/time settings can be changed at any time using the Language and Time zone and date options in the setup menu.

Basic Photography

Battery Level and Card Capacity

Before shooting, check the battery level and number of exposures remaining.

1 Turn the camera on.

2 Check the battery level.

Check the battery level in the information display (if the battery is low, a warning will also be displayed in the viewfinder). If the monitor is off, press the P button to view the information display; if the monitor does not turn on, the battery is exhausted and must be recharged.

Information display View finder Description

L K

H d

(flashes)

— Battery fully charged. — Battery partially discharged.

Low battery. Ready fully-charged spare battery or prepare to charge battery.

(flashes)

Battery exhausted; shutter release disabled. exchange battery.

Charge or

3 Check the number of exposures remaining.

The information display and viewfinder show the number of photographs that can be taken at current settings (values over 1,000 are rounded down to the nearest hundred; e.g., values between 1,200 and 1,299 are shown as 1.2 K). If a warning is displayed stating that there is not enough memory for additional photographs, insert another memory card (0 7) or delete some photos (0 18).

“Point-and-Shoot” Photography (i and j Modes)

This section describes how to take photographs in i and j modes, automatic “point-and-shoot” modes in which the majority of settings are controlled by the camera in response to shooting conditions.

1 Turn the camera on.

Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on. The information display will appear in the monitor.

2 Select i or j Mode.

To shoot where use of a flash is prohibited, photograph infants, or capture natural lighting under low light, select auto (flash off ) mode by rotating the mode dial to j. the dial to i (auto).

Otherwise, rotate

3 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. elbows propped lightly against your torso for support and place one foot half a pace ahead of the other to keep your upper body stable.

When framing photographs in portrait (tall)

orientation, hold the camera as shown at right.

In j mode, shutter speeds slow when lighting is poor; use of a tripod is recommended.

Keep your

4 Frame the photograph.

Frame a photograph in the viewfinder with the main subject in at least one of the 11 focus points.

Mode dial

Focus point

5 Press the shutter-release button halfway.

Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. The camera will select the focus points automatically. may pop up and the AF-assist illuminator may light.

If the subject is poorly lit, the flash

6 Check the indicators in the viewfinder.

When the focus operation is complete, the selected focus points will be briefly highlighted, a beep will sound (a beep may not sound if the subject is moving), and the in-focus indicator (I) will appear in the viewfinder.

In-focus indicator Description

I Subject in focus.

I (flashes)

While the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the number of exposures that can be stored in the memory buffer (“

Camera unable to focus using autofocus. See page 28.

”; 024) will be displayed in the viewfinder.

In-focus indicator

capacit y

7 Shoot.

Smoothly press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to release the shutter and record the photograph. lamp will light and the photograph will be displayed in the monitor for a few seconds (the photo will automatically clear from the display when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway).

or disconnect the power source until the lamp has gone out and recording is complete.

Do not eject the memory card or remove

The memory card access

Memory card access

lamp

Buffer

A Image Sensor Cleaning

The camera vibrates the low-pass filter covering the image sensor to remove dust when the camera is turned on or off.

A The Shutter-Release Button

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

The camera focuses when the shutter-

Focus: press halfway Shoot: press all the way down

A The Standby Timer

The viewfinder and information display will turn off if no operations are performed for about 8 seconds, reducing the drain on the battery. Press the shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the display. The length of time before the standby timer expires automatically can be selected using the Auto off timers option in the setup menu (0 53).

Exposure meters on Exposure meters off Exposure meters on

A The Built-in Flash

If additional lighting is required for correct exposure in i mode, the built-in flash will pop up automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. If the flash is raised, photographs can only be taken when the flash-ready indicator (M) is displayed. If the flashready indicator is not displayed, the flash is charging; remove your finger briefly from the shutter-release button and try again.

To save battery power when the flash is not in use, return it to its closed position by pressing it gently downward till the latch clicks into place.

A Using a Zoom Lens

Use the zoom ring to zoom in on the subject so that it fills a larger area of the frame, or zoom out to increase the area visible in the final photograph (select longer focal lengths on the lens focal length scale to zoom in, shorter focal lengths to zoom out).

Zoom in

Zoom ring

Zoom out

Creative Photography (Scene Modes)

The camera offers a choice of “scene” modes. Choosing a scene mode automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography as simple as selecting a mode, framing a picture, and shooting as described on pages 12–14.

The following scenes can be selected with the mode dial:

kPortra it

Use for portraits with soft, natural-looking skin tones. background or a telephoto lens is used, background details will be softened to lend the composition a sense of depth.

lLandscape

Use for vivid landscape shots in daylight. The built-in flash and AF-assist illuminator turn off; use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur when lighting is poor.

Mode dial

If the subject is far from the

pChild

Use for snapshots of children. Clothing and background details are vividly rendered, while skin tones remain soft and natural.

mSports

nClose up

o Night Por trait

Fast shutter speeds freeze motion for dynamic sports shots in which the main subject stands out clearly. and AF-assist illuminator turn off.

Use for close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other small objects (a macro lens can be used to focus at very close ranges). of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur.

Use for a natural balance between the main subject and the background in portraits taken under low light. recommended to prevent blur.

The built-in flash

Use of a tripod is

Use

Playback and Deletion

Photographs are automatically displayed for a few seconds after shooting. If no photograph is displayed in the monitor, the most recent picture can be viewed by pressing the K button.

Viewing Photographs

1 Press the K button.

A photograph will be displayed in the monitor.

K button

2 View additional pictures.

Additional pictures can be displayed by pressing 4 or 2 or rotating the command dial.

Display pictures

To display images in “contact sheets” of four, nine, or 72 images (thumbnail playback), press the W (Q) button. playback), press the W (Q) button when 72 images are displayed.

To view images taken on a selected date (calendar

Full -fram e

playback

W (Q)

Thumbnail playback Calendar

playback

❚❚ Thumbnail Playback

Use the multi selector or command dial to highlight images and press J to display the highlighted image full frame. the number of images displayed.

Press X to reduce

❚❚ Calendar Playback

Press the W (Q) button to toggle between the date list and the list of thumbnails for the selected date.

Use the multi selector to highlight dates in the date list or to highlight pictures in the thumbnail list. date list to return to 72-frame playback.

Press X when the cursor is in the

Deleting Pictures

To delete the photograph currently displayed in full-frame playback or highlighted in thumbnail playback or the thumbnail list, press the O button. A confirmation dialog will be displayed; press the O button again to delete the image and return to playback (to exit without deleting the picture, press K). recovered.

Once deleted, photographs can not be

W (Q) button

Thumbnail lis

Date list

O button

Full-frame playback Thumbnail playback Calendar playback

(thumbnail list)

+ 61 hidden pages

Nikon D3200 Owner's Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Package Contents

Table of Contents

For Your Safety

Notices

Introduction

Getting to Know the Camera

First Steps

Basic Photography

Battery Level and Card Capacity

Creative Photography (Scene Modes)

Playback and Deletion