Nikon D5100 User Manual 2

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DIGITAL CAMERA
Reference Manual
En
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Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. To get the most from your camera, please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly and keep them where they will be read by all who use the product.
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
D
damage to the camera.
This icon marks notes; information that should be read before using the camera.
A
This icon marks references to other pages in this manual.
0
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. 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
See page 11
A For Your Safety
Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions in “For Your Safety” (0 x–xv).
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Where to Find It
Find what you’re looking for from:
The Table of Contents ............ 0 iv Error Messages........................ 0 224
i i
The Q&A Index........................ 0 ii Troubleshooting..................... 0 220
i i
The Index ................................ 0 237
i
Introduction 0 1
X
Basic Photography 0 25
s
More on Photography (All Modes) 0 35
z
P, S, A, and M Modes 0 61
t
Live View 0 99
x
Recording and Viewing Movies 0 107
y
Special Effects 0 115
%
More on Playback 0 123
I
Connections 0 137
Q
The Playback Menu 0 149
o
The Shooting Menu 0 151
i
Custom Settings 0 156
L
The Setup Menu 0 167
g
The Retouch Menu 0 176
u
Recent Settings /
w
Technical Notes 0 197
n
My Menu 0 192
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Q&A Index

Find what you’re looking for using this “question and answer” index.
Taking Photographs
Shooting Modes and Framing Options
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Is there a quick and easy way to take snapshots i? 26–29 How do I quickly adjust settings for different scenes? 30–34 Can I use special effects during shooting? 115–121 Can I choose a shutter speed (mode S)? 63 Can I choose an aperture (mode A)? 64 How do I make long (“time”) exposures (mode M)? 66 How can I record multiple shots as a single photograph? 78 Can I frame photos in the monitor (live view)? 99–106 Can I shoot movies? 107–109
Release Modes
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Can I take photos one at a time or in quick succession? 35 How do I take pictures with the self-timer or a remote control? 37 Can I reduce shutter noise in quiet surroundings? 35
Focus
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Can I choose how the camera focuses? 39, 42 Can I choose the focus point? 43
Image Quality and Size
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How do I take pictures for printing at large sizes? How can I get more pictures on the memory card?
Exposure
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Can I make photos brighter or darker? 70 How do I preserve details in shadows and highlights? 74, 76
Using the Flash
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Can I set the flash to fire automatically when needed?
How do I avoid “red-eye”?
0
47–49
50–53How do I keep the flash from firing?
Viewing Photographs
Playback
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How do I view photographs on the camera? 123 How do I view more information about a photo? 124–128 Can I view photos in an automatic slide show? 136 Can I view photos on a TV? 146–148 Can I protect photos from accidental deletion? 132
Deletion
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How do I delete unwanted photos? 133–135
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Retouching Photographs
How do I create retouched copies of photos? 176–191 How do I remove “red-eye”? 178 How do I make JPEG copies of RAW (NEF) photos? 183 Can I overlay two NEF (RAW) photos to make a single image? 181–182 Can I create a copy of a photo that looks like a painting? 186 Can I trim movie footage on the camera or save movie stills? 111–113
0
Menus and Settings
How do I adjust settings in the information display? 5–6 How do I use the menus? 11–13 How do I display menus in another language? 19, 171 How do I keep the displays from turning off? 160 How do I focus the viewfinder? 23 Can I display a framing grid in the monitor? 103 How do I set the camera clock? 19, 170 How do I format memory cards? 22 How do I restore default settings? 58, 152, 157 Is there any way to stop the camera beeping? 161 How do I get help for a menu or message? 11, 224
Connections
How do I copy photos to a computer? 137–138 How do I print photos? 139–145
Can I print the date of recording on my photos?
141, 145,
Maintenance and Optional Accessories
What memory cards can I use? 207 What lenses can I use? 197 What optional flash units (Speedlights) can I use? 202 What other accessories are available for my camera? What software is available for my camera? What do I do with the supplied eyepiece cap? 38 How do I clean the camera? Where should I take my camera for servicing and repairs?
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0
163
0
206
209
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Table of Contents

Q&A Index .................................................................................................................................... ii
For Your Safety ........................................................................................................................... x
Notices......................................................................................................................................... xii
Introduction 1
Getting to Know the Camera................................................................................................. 1
The Camera Body ......................................................................................................................1
The Mode Dial.............................................................................................................................3
The Monitor .................................................................................................................................4
The Information Display..........................................................................................................5
The Command Dial ...................................................................................................................7
The Viewfinder......................................................................................................................... 10
Camera Menus..........................................................................................................................11
Using Camera Menus ............................................................................................................ 12
First Steps ...................................................................................................................................14
Charge the Battery ................................................................................................................. 14
Insert the Battery ....................................................................................................................15
Attach a Lens............................................................................................................................ 17
Basic Setup................................................................................................................................ 19
Insert a Memory Card............................................................................................................21
Format the Memory Card ....................................................................................................22
Adjust Viewfinder Focus ......................................................................................................23
Basic Photography 25
Battery Level and Card Capacity ........................................................................................ 25
“Point-and-Shoot” Photography (i and j Modes)...................................................26
Creative Photography (Scene Modes) .............................................................................30
The Mode Dial.......................................................................................................................... 30
k Portrait ..............................................................................................................................30
l Landscape........................................................................................................................ 30
p Child .................................................................................................................................. 31
m Sports ................................................................................................................................ 31
n Close up............................................................................................................................ 31
Other Scenes ............................................................................................................................ 32
o Night Portrait..................................................................................................................32
r Night Landscape ...........................................................................................................32
s Party/Indoor....................................................................................................................32
t Beach/Snow .................................................................................................................... 33
u Sunset ............................................................................................................................... 33
v Dusk/Dawn...................................................................................................................... 33
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w Pet Portrait....................................................................................................................... 33
x Candlelight........................................................................................................................34
y Blossom.............................................................................................................................34
z Autumn Colors ...............................................................................................................34
0 Food ....................................................................................................................................34
More on Photography (All Modes) 35
Release Mode ............................................................................................................................35
Self-Timer and Remote Control Modes...........................................................................37
Focus ............................................................................................................................................39
Focus Mode...............................................................................................................................39
AF-Area Mode ..........................................................................................................................42
Focus Point Selection ............................................................................................................43
Focus Lock.................................................................................................................................44
Manual Focus ...........................................................................................................................45
Image Quality and Size ..........................................................................................................47
Image Quality...........................................................................................................................47
Image Size..................................................................................................................................49
Using the Built-in Flash..........................................................................................................50
Flash Mode................................................................................................................................51
ISO Sensitivity............................................................................................................................54
Interval Timer Photography.................................................................................................56
Restoring Default Settings ...................................................................................................58
P, S, A, and M Modes 61
Shutter Speed and Aperture................................................................................................61
Mode P (Programmed Auto) ..............................................................................................62
Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto) ..........................................................................................63
Mode A (Aperture-Priority Auto).......................................................................................64
Mode M (Manual)....................................................................................................................65
Exposure .....................................................................................................................................68
Metering..................................................................................................................................... 68
Autoexposure Lock ................................................................................................................69
Exposure Compensation......................................................................................................70
Flash Compensation ..............................................................................................................72
Preserving Detail in Highlights and Shadows ...............................................................74
Active D-Lighting....................................................................................................................74
High Dynamic Range (HDR) ................................................................................................76
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Multiple Exposure ...................................................................................................................78
White Balance ........................................................................................................................... 81
Fine-Tuning White Balance................................................................................................. 83
Preset Manual ..........................................................................................................................84
Bracketing ..................................................................................................................................88
Picture Controls........................................................................................................................91
Selecting a Picture Control.................................................................................................. 91
Modifying Picture Controls ................................................................................................. 92
Creating Custom Picture Controls.................................................................................... 95
Sharing Custom Picture Controls ..................................................................................... 97
Live View 99
Framing Photographs in the Monitor .............................................................................. 99
Focusing in Live View..........................................................................................................100
Recording and Viewing Movies 107
Recording Movies................................................................................................................. 107
Viewing Movies ..................................................................................................................... 110
Editing Movies ....................................................................................................................... 111
Trimming Movies..................................................................................................................111
Saving Selected Frames .....................................................................................................113
Special Effects 115
Shooting with Special Effects........................................................................................... 115
% Night Vision...................................................................................................................116
g Color Sketch .................................................................................................................116
( Miniature Effect ...........................................................................................................116
3 Selective Color .............................................................................................................117
1 Silhouette ......................................................................................................................117
2 High Key .........................................................................................................................117
3 Low Key ..........................................................................................................................117
Options Available in Live View ........................................................................................118
More on Playback 123
Full-Frame Playback.............................................................................................................123
Photo Information................................................................................................................124
Thumbnail Playback ............................................................................................................ 129
Calendar Playback ................................................................................................................ 130
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom........................................................................... 131
Protecting Photographs from Deletion........................................................................ 132
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Deleting Photographs......................................................................................................... 133
Full-Frame, Thumbnail, and Calendar Playback ....................................................... 133
The Playback Menu ............................................................................................................. 134
Slide Shows ............................................................................................................................. 136
Connections 137
Connecting to a Computer ............................................................................................... 137
Before Connecting the Camera ...................................................................................... 137
Connecting the Camera .................................................................................................... 138
Printing Photographs .......................................................................................................... 139
Connecting the Printer ...................................................................................................... 139
Printing Pictures One at a Time ......................................................................................140
Printing Multiple Pictures ................................................................................................. 142
Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set......................................................................... 144
Viewing Photographs on TV ............................................................................................. 146
Standard Definition Devices ............................................................................................ 146
High-Definition Devices .................................................................................................... 147
Menu Guide 149
D The Playback Menu: Managing Images ........................................................................... 149
Playback Folder................................................................................................................ 149
Playback Display Options............................................................................................. 150
Image Review ................................................................................................................... 150
Rotate Tall .......................................................................................................................... 150
C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options ............................................................................ 151
Reset shooting menu..................................................................................................... 152
Storage Folder.................................................................................................................. 152
Auto Distortion Control ................................................................................................ 153
Color Space........................................................................................................................ 153
Long Exposure NR........................................................................................................... 154
High ISO NR ....................................................................................................................... 154
ISO Sensitivity Settings.................................................................................................. 155
A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings ................................................................... 156
Reset Custom Settings................................................................................................... 157
a: Autofocus ........................................................................................................................... 158
a1: AF-C Priority Selection............................................................................................ 158
a2: Built-in AF-assist Illuminator................................................................................. 158
a3: Rangefinder ................................................................................................................ 159
b: Exposure............................................................................................................................. 159
b1: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl.................................................................................. 159
c: Timers/AE Lock ................................................................................................................. 159
c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L ................................................................................ 159
c2: Auto off Timers .......................................................................................................... 160
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c3: Self-Timer .....................................................................................................................160
c4: Remote on Duration.................................................................................................161
d: Shooting/Display .............................................................................................................161
d1: Beep...............................................................................................................................161
d2: ISO Display ..................................................................................................................161
d3: File Number Sequence ...........................................................................................162
d4: Exposure Delay Mode .............................................................................................162
d5: Print Date.....................................................................................................................163
e: Bracketing/Flash...............................................................................................................164
e1: Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash ..................................................................................164
e2: Auto Bracketing Set .................................................................................................165
f: Controls ................................................................................................................................165
f1: Assign E/Fn Button ..................................................................................................165
f2: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button .........................................................................................166
f3: Reverse Dial Rotation................................................................................................166
f4: Slot Empty Release Lock..........................................................................................166
f5: Reverse Indicators......................................................................................................166
B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup .......................................................................................... 167
Monitor Brightness..........................................................................................................168
Info Display Format.........................................................................................................168
Auto Info Display..............................................................................................................170
Video Mode........................................................................................................................170
Flicker Reduction..............................................................................................................170
Time Zone and Date .......................................................................................................170
Language ............................................................................................................................171
Image Comment ..............................................................................................................171
Auto Image Rotation ......................................................................................................172
Image Dust Off Ref Photo .............................................................................................172
GPS ........................................................................................................................................174
Eye-Fi Upload ....................................................................................................................175
Firmware Version .............................................................................................................175
N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies ................................................................. 176
Creating Retouched Copies..............................................................................................177
D-Lighting...........................................................................................................................178
Red-Eye Correction..........................................................................................................178
Trim .......................................................................................................................................179
Monochrome..................................................................................................................... 179
Filter Effects........................................................................................................................180
Color Balance.....................................................................................................................181
Image Overlay ...................................................................................................................181
NEF (RAW) Processing ....................................................................................................183
Resize....................................................................................................................................184
Quick Retouch...................................................................................................................185
Straighten ...........................................................................................................................185
Distortion Control............................................................................................................185
Fisheye.................................................................................................................................186
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Color Outline..................................................................................................................... 186
Color Sketch ......................................................................................................................186
Perspective Control ........................................................................................................187
Miniature Effect................................................................................................................ 188
Selective Color.................................................................................................................. 189
Side-by-Side Comparison............................................................................................. 191
m Recent Settings/O My Menu....................................................................................... 192
My Menu ................................................................................................................................. 192
Technical Notes 197
Compatible Lenses...............................................................................................................197
Compatible CPU Lenses .................................................................................................... 197
Compatible Non-CPU Lenses .......................................................................................... 199
Optional Flash Units (Speedlights)................................................................................. 202
The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) .................................................................203
Other Accessories ................................................................................................................. 206
Approved Memory Cards.................................................................................................. 207
Attaching a Power Connector and AC Adapter ........................................................ 208
Caring for the Camera ......................................................................................................... 209
Storage..................................................................................................................................... 209
Cleaning .................................................................................................................................. 209
The Low-Pass Filter.............................................................................................................. 210
Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions ............................................................. 214
Available Settings ................................................................................................................. 216
Memory Card Capacity ....................................................................................................... 218
Exposure Program (Mode P)............................................................................................. 219
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................... 220
Display ..................................................................................................................................... 220
Shooting (All Modes) .......................................................................................................... 220
Shooting (P, S, A, M)........................................................................................................... 222
Playback .................................................................................................................................. 223
Miscellaneous........................................................................................................................ 223
Error Messages....................................................................................................................... 224
Specifications .........................................................................................................................227
Battery Life ............................................................................................................................. 236
Index..........................................................................................................................................237
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For Your Safety

To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them.
The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions listed in this section are indicated by the following symbol:
This icon marks warnings. To prevent possible injury, read all warnings before using
A
this Nikon product.
❚❚ WARNINGS
Keep the sun out of the frame
A
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.
Do not look at the sun through the viewfinder
A
Viewing the sun or other strong light source through the viewfinder could cause permanent visual impairment.
Using the viewfinder diopter control
A
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.
Turn off immediately in the event of malfunction
A
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 Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.
Do not use in the presence of flammable gas
A
Do not use electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas, as this could result in explosion or fire.
Keep out of reach of children
A
Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury.
Do not disassemble
A
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.
Do not place the strap around the neck of an
A
infant or child
Placing the camera strap around the neck of an infant or child could result in strangulation.
Observe caution when using the flash
A
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.
Avoid contact with liquid crystal
A
Should the monitor break, care should be taken to avoid injury due to broken glass and to prevent the liquid crystal from the monitor touching the skin or entering the eyes or mouth.
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Observe proper precautions when handling
A
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 batter y 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 a void damag e 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.
Observe proper precautions when handling the
A
charger
Keep dry. Failure to observe this precaution could 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.
Do not use with travel converters or adapters designed to convert from one voltage to another or with DC-to-AC inverters. Failure to observe this precaution could damage the product or cause overheating or fire.
Use appropriate cables
A
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.
CD-ROMs
A
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.
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Notices

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.
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. 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.
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).
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. Do not dispose of as household waste.
For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management.
DISPOSE OF USED
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Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.
The Battery Charger
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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.
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. interface cables may exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Notice for Customers in the State of California WARNIN G: Handling the cord on this product
may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A. Tel.: 631-547-4200
D5100
Using other
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Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction
Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other device may be punishable by law.
Items prohibited by law from being copied or
reproduced
Do not copy or reproduce paper money, coins, securities, government bonds, or local government bonds, even if such copies or reproductions are stamped “Sample.”
The copying or reproduction of paper money, coins, or securities which are circulated in a foreign country is prohibited.
Unless the prior permission of the government has been obtained, the copying or reproduction of unused postage stamps or post cards issued by the government is prohibited.
The copying or reproduction of stamps issued by the government and of certified documents stipulated by law is prohibited.
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.
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 white balance (0 84). Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically destroying data storage devices.
AVC Patent Portfolio License
THIS PRODUCT IS LICENSED UNDER THE AVC PATENT PORTFOLIO LICENSE FOR THE PERSONAL AND NON-
COMMERCIAL USE OF A CONSUMER TO (i) ENCODE VIDEO IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AVC STANDARD (“AVC VIDEO”) AND/OR (ii) DECODE AVC VIDEO THAT WAS ENCODED BY A CONSUMER ENGAGED IN A PERSONAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY AND/OR WAS OBTAINED FROM A VIDEO PROVIDER LICENSED TO PROVIDE AVC VIDEO.
NO LICENSE IS GRANTED OR SHALL BE IMPLIED FOR ANY OTHER USE. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE
OBTAINED FROM MPEG LA, L.L.C.
SEE http://www.mpegla.com
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Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories
Nikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand 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. The use of third-party 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.
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.
A 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/
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Introduction

X

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 9
10
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13
14
15
16
17
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19
20
22
23
21
X
24
25
26
27
28
29
1 Mode dial...................................3
2 Live view switch............99, 107
3 R
(information) button
.........................................6, 103
4 Movie-record button ......... 107
5 E (exposure compensation)
button ...................................71
N (aperture) button .............65
Flash compensation button
................................................73
6 Shutter-release button.........28
7 Power switch.............................2
8 AF-assist illuminator .............41
Self-timer lamp ......................37
Red-eye reduction lamp ......52
9 Infrared receiver (front) ....... 37
10 Body cap................................206
11 CPU contacts
12 Built-in flash............................50
13 M (flash mode) button .........50
Y (flash compensation)
button................................... 73
14 Speaker..................................110
15 Focal plane mark (E)...........46
16 Eyelet for camera strap
17 Microphone..........................107
18 Connector cover
19 E (self-timer) button ...........38
Fn (function) button ...... 9, 165
20 Mounting mark...................... 17
21 Lens release button...............18
22 Mirror.....................................212
23 Lens mount ......................17, 46
24 Accessory shoe cover......... 202
25 Accessory shoe (for optional
flash units)......................... 202
26 Accessory terminal............. 207
27 USB and A/V connector
Connecting to a
computer...........................138
Connecting to a printer
Connecting to a TV.......... 146
28
HDMI mini-pin connector
29 Connector for external
microphone ......................109
... 139
... 147
1
Page 20
The Camera Body (Continued)
2
3 4
5
X
6
1 Viewfinder eyepiece............. 38
2 Rubber eyecup ...................... 38
3 G (menu) button .... 11, 149
Two-button reset button .... 58
4 Infrared receiver (rear)......... 37
5 Monitor.......................................4
Viewing settings ...................5
Live view .............................. 99
Full-frame playback.........123
6 Tripod socket 7 Diopter adjustment
control.................................. 23
8 P (information edit)
button......................................5
Two-button reset button .... 58
1
7
8
9
21
9 A (AE-L/AF-L)
button................... 44, 69, 166
L (protect) button...........132
10 Command dial..........................7
11 K (playback) button..........123
12 Memory card slot cover.......21
13 Multi selector..........................12
14 J (OK) button .......................12
15 X (playback zoom in)
button.................................131
16 Memory card access lamp
.........................................21, 27
17 O (delete) button
Deleting pictures during
playback .............................133
10
11
12
13
14 15 16
17
18
19
20
22
18 Power connector cover for
optional power connector
..............................................208
19 Battery-chamber cover latch
................................................ 15
20 Battery-chamber cover........ 15
21 W (thumbnail/playback
zoom out) button ............129
Q (help) button...................... 11
22 Battery latch........................... 15
A The Power Switch
Rotate the power switch as shown to turn the camera on.
2
Rotate the power switch as shown to turn the camera off.
Page 21

The Mode Dial

The camera offers a choice of the following shooting modes:
P, S, A, and M Modes
Select these modes for full control over
Auto Modes
Select these modes for simple, point­and-shoot photography.
i Auto (0 26)
j Auto (flash off ) (0 26)
Special Effects Modes
Use special effects during shooting.
% Night vision (0 116)
g Color sketch
(0 116, 118)
( Miniature effect
(0 116, 119)
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 Portrai t (0 30)
l Landscape (0 30)
p Child (0 31)
camera settings.
P— Programmed auto (0 62)
S —Shutter-priority auto (0 63)
A —Aperture-priority auto (0 64)
M—Manual (0 65)
3 Selective color
(0 117, 120)
1 Silhouette (0 117)
2 High key (0 117)
3 Low key (0 117)
m Sports (0 31)
n Close up (0 31)
h: Other scenes (0 32)
X
A Scene Auto Selector (Live View)
Selecting live view in i or j mode enables automatic scene selection (“scene auto selector”; 0 104) when autofocus is used.
3
Page 22

The Monitor

The monitor can be angled and rotated as shown below.
X
Normal use
Fold the monitor against the camera face out. This position is recommended for normal photography.
Low-angle shots
Frame live view shots with the camera close to the ground.
High-angle shots
Frame live view shots while holding the camera over your head.
Self-portraits
Use for self-portraits in live view. shows a mirror image of what will appear in the final picture.
180°
The monitor
90°
180°
D Using the Monitor
Rotate the monitor gently within the limits shown. Do not use force. Failure to observe these precautions could damage the connection between the monitor and the camera body. To protect the monitor when the camera is not in use, fold it ba ck face d own a gainst t he camer a body.
A See Also
See “Framing Photographs in the Monitor” for information on framing photographs in the monitor (0 99).
4
Page 23

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.
1
2 3
4 5
6
Press the P button once to view settings, and again to
Highlight items using the multi
1487 9 10 11 12 13
15
P button
25 26
27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
X
16 18 20
1 Shooting mode
i auto/
j auto (flash off) ...............26
Scene modes .......................30
P, S, A , and M modes............61
Special effects mode ...... 115
2 Aperture (f-number) ......64, 65
3 Shutter speed ..................63, 65
4 Shutter-speed display ............6
5 Aperture display ......................6
6 Auto-area AF indicator.........42
3D-tracking indicator............42
Focus point..............................43
7 Manual flash indicator....... 164
Flash compensation indicator
for optional flash units ...205
8 Print date indicator............. 163
9 Auto ISO sensitivity
indicator............................. 155
10 Multiple exposure indicator
................................................79
17
11 HDR indicator.........................76
12 “Beep” indicator...................161
13 Battery indicator....................25
14 15 Eye-Fi connection
16 Help icon ........................11, 224
17 ADL bracketing amount ..... 90
18 Exposure indicator................ 65
19 Number of exposures
20 “K” (appears when memory
19
GPS connection indicator
indicator.............................175
Exposure compensation
indicator...............................71
Bracketing progress
indicator...............................90
remaining ............................25
White balance recording
indicator ..............................85
Capture mode indicator ...138
remains for over 1,000
exposures) ........................... 25
...174
23 242221
21 Flash mode..............................51
22 Flash compensation..............72
23 Exposure compensation ......70
24 Picture Control........................91
25 Image quality..........................47
26 Image size................................49
27 White balance.........................81
28 ISO sensitivity .........................54
29 Release mode .........................35
30 Focus mode....................39, 100
31 AF-area mode................42, 101
32 Metering ..................................68
33
Active D-Lighting
34 Bracketing increment...........89
....................74
5
Page 24
A Hiding Shooting Information
To turn the monitor off, press the R button. while the shutter-release button is pressed or if no operations are performed for about 8 s (for information on choosing how long the monitor stays on, see Custom Setting c2 (Auto off timers, 0 160)). The information display can be restored by pressing the R button again.
Note that the monitor turns off automatically
X
R button Information display Monitor off
A Rotating the Camera
When the camera is rotated 90 °, shooting information rotates to match camera orientation.
A The Shutter-Speed and Aperture Displays
These displays provide visual indications of shutter speed and aperture.
Fast shutter speed, large aperture
(small f-number).
While the mode dial is rotated, this display is replaced by an image of the mode dial.
Slow shutter speed, small aperture
(large f-number).
A See Also
For information on choosing a design for the information display, see Info display format, (0 168). For information on choosing whether information is displayed automatically; see Auto info display (0 170). For information on the indicators displayed in live view, see page
103.
6
Page 25

The Command Dial

The command dial can be used with other controls to adjust a variety of settings when shooting information is displayed in the monitor.
M button
E button
Fn button
Mode dial
Command dial
Choose a scene (h mode; 0 32).
h mode Command dial Information display
Choose a special effect (q mode; 0 115).
X
Choose a combination of aperture and shutter speed (mode P; 0 62).
Choose a shutter speed (mode S or M; 0 63, 65).
q mode Command dial Information display
Mode P Command dial Information display
Mode S or M Command dial Information display
7
Page 26
Choose an aperture (mode A; 0 64).
Mode A Command dial
Choose an aperture (mode M;
X
0 65).
Mode M E button Command dial Information display
Set exposure compensation (mode P, S, or A; 0 70).
Mode P, S, or A
Choose a flash mode (0 51).
Adjust flash compensation (mode P, S, A, or M; 0 72).
E button Command dial Information display
M button Command dial Information display
+
Information display
+
+
+
+
P, S, A, or M M button E button Command dial Information display
8
Page 27
The role of the Fn button can be selected using Custom Setting f1 (Assign E/Fn button; 0 165), allowing the following settings to be adjusted by pressing the Fn (E) button and rotating the command dial:
Fn (E) button Command dial
Release mode (0 35) Image quality/size (0 47)
ISO sensitivity (0 54) White balance (0 81)
Active D-Lighting (0 74) Auto bracketing (0 88)
+
X
9
Page 28

The Viewfinder

1
2 3
59
6 7 84
X
11 15
1210
1 Focus points..............................................................43
2 Focus indicator ..................................................27, 46
3 Autoexposure (AE) lock indicator ........................69
4 Shutter speed ....................................................63, 65
5 Aperture (f-number) ........................................64, 65
6 Battery indicator ......................................................25
7 Bracketing indicator................................................88
8 “K” (appears when memory remains for over
1,000 exposures)...................................................25
9 Flash-ready indicator ..............................................28
10 Flexible program indicator....................................62
11 Exposure indicator...................................................65
Exposure compensation display..........................71
Electronic rangefinder......................................... 159
D The Viewfinder
The response time and brightness of the viewfinder display may vary with temperature.
12 Flash compensation indicator..............................72
13 Exposure compensation indicator...................... 70
14 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator............................. 155
15 Number of exposures remaining ....................... 25
Number of shots remaining before memory
buffer fills.........................................................27, 36
White balance recording indicator .....................85
Exposure compensation value............................. 70
Flash compensation value .................................... 72
Capture mode indicator ......................................138
ISO sensitivity........................................................... 54
16 Warning indicator.................................................224
13
1614
10
Page 29

Camera Menus

Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus. menus, press the G button.
Ta bs
Choose from the following menus:
D: Playback (0 149)
C: Shooting (0 151)
A: Custom Settings (0 156)
B: Setup (0 167)
To view the
N: Retouch (0 176)
m/O: Recent settings or My Menu (defaults to
Recent settings; 0 192)
Slider shows position in current menu.
Current settings are shown by icons.
Menu options
Options in current menu.
G button
X
d
If a d icon is displayed at the bottom left corner of the monitor, help can be displayed by pressing the Q (W) button. Press 1 or 3 to scroll through the display. Press
Q (W) again to return to the menus.
Q (W) button
11
Page 30

Using Camera Menus

The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the camera menus.
Move cursor up
J button: select highlighted item
Cancel and return to
previous menu
Select highlighted item or display sub-menu
X
Follow the steps below to navigate the menus.
Move cursor down
1 Display the menus.
Press the G button to display the menus.
2 Highlight the icon for the current menu.
Press 4 to highlight the icon for the current menu.
3 Select a menu.
Press 1 or 3 to select the desired menu.
G button
12
Page 31
4 Position the cursor in the selected menu.
Press 2 to position the cursor in the selected menu.
5 Highlight a menu item.
Press 1 or 3 to highlight a menu item.
6 Display options.
Press 2 to display options for the selected menu item.
7 Highlight an option.
Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option.
X
8 Select the highlighted item.
Press J to select the highlighted item. To exit without making a selection, press the G button.
Note the following:
Menu items that are displayed in gray are not currently available.
While pressing 2 generally has the same effect as pressing J, there are some
cases in which selection can only be made by pressing J.
To exit the menus and return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button
halfway (0 28).
13
Page 32

First Steps

Charge the Battery

The camera is powered by an EN-EL14 rechargeable Li-ion battery (supplied). To maximize shooting time, charge the battery in the supplied MH-24 battery charger before use. when no charge remains.
A The Plug Adapter
Depending on the country or region of purchase, a plug adapter may
X
be supplied with the charger. The shape of the adapter varies with the country or region of purchase. If a plug adapter is supplied, raise the wall plug and connect the plug adapter as shown at right, making sure the plug is fully inserted. Attempting to forcibly remove the plug adapter could damage the product.
1 Remove the terminal cover.
2 Insert the battery.
About 1 hour and 30 minutes are required to fully recharge the battery
Remove the terminal cover from the battery.
Insert the battery as shown in the illustration on the charger.
D Charging the Battery
Charge the battery indoors at ambient temperatures between 5–35°C (41–95°F). The battery will not charge if its temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 60 °C (140 °F).
3 Plug the charger in.
The CHARGE lamp will blink while the battery charges.
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.
4 Remove the battery when charging is complete.
Charging is complete when the CHARGE lamp stops blinking. Unplug the charger and remove the battery.
14
Battery
charging
Charging complete
Page 33

Insert the Battery

1 Turn the camera off.
A Inserting and Removing Batteries
Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing batteries.
2 Open the battery-chamber cover.
Unlatch (q) and open (w) the battery-chamber cover.
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).
e
4 Close the battery-chamber cover.
w
X
q
r
Battery latch
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.
15
Page 34
D The Battery and Charger
Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages x–xi and 214–215 of this manual. 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. If the CHARGE lamp flickers 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
X
result in reduced battery performance.
Use the charger with compatible batteries only. Unplug when not in use.
16
Page 35

Attach a Lens

Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens is removed. DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR.
The lens generally used in this manual for illustrative purposes is an AF-S
Focal length mark
Focal length scale
Lens cap
Focus ring (0 45, 106)
Zoom ring (0 29)
1 Turn the camera off.
2 Remove the rear lens cap and the
camera body cap.
3 Attach the lens.
Keeping the mounting mark on the lens aligned with the mounting mark on the camera body, position the lens in the
q
camera’s bayonet mount ( careful not to press the lens-release button, rotate the lens counter­clockwise until it clicks into place (
). Being
w
).
Mounting mark
CPU contacts
A-M mode switch (see below)
VR (vibration reduction) switch (0 18)
(0 198)
Rear lens cap
X
Slide the A-M mode switch to A (autofocus; if the lens has an M/A-M switch, select M/A for autofocus with manual override).
D Autofocus
Autofocus is supported with only AF-S and AF-I lenses, which are equipped with autofocus motors. Autofocus is not available with other AF lenses (0 197).
17
Page 36
❚❚ Vibration Reduction (VR)
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR lenses support vibration reduction (VR), which reduces blur caused by camera shake even when the camera is panned, allowing shutter speeds to be slowed by approximately 3 EV at a focal length of 55 mm (Nikon measurements; effects vary with the user and shooting conditions).
To use vibration reduction, slide the VR switch to ON. reduction is activated when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, reducing the effects of camera shake on the image in the viewfinder and simplifying the process of framing
X
the subject and focusing in both autofocus and manual focus modes. only to motion that is not part of the pan (if the camera is panned horizontally, for example, vibration reduction will be applied only to vertical shake), making it much easier to pan the camera smoothly in a wide arc.
Vibration reduction can be turned off by sliding the VR switch to OFF. reduction off when the camera is securely mounted on a tripod, but leave it on if the tripod head is not secured or when using a monopod.
When the camera is panned, vibration reduction applies
Vibration
Turn vibration
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.
D CPU Lenses with Aperture Rings
In the case of CPU lenses equipped with an aperture ring (0 198), lock aperture at the minimum setting (highest f-number).
D Vibration Reduction
Do not turn the camera off or remove the lens while vibration reduction is in effect. If power to the lens is cut while vibration reduction is on, the lens may rattle when shaken. This is not a malfunction, and can be corrected by reattaching the lens and turning the camera on. Vibration reduction is disabled while the built-in flash is charging. When vibration reduction is active, the image in the viewfinder may be blurred after the shutter is released. This does not indicate a malfunction; wait for the image in the viewfinder to stabilize before shooting.
18
Page 37

Basic Setup

A language-selection dialog will be displayed the first time the camera is turned on. Choose a language and set the time and date. Photographs can not be taken until you have set the time and date.
1 Turn the camera on.
A language-selection dialog will be displayed.
2 Select a language.
Press 1 or 3 to highlight the desired language and press J.
3 Choose a time zone.
A time-zone selection dialog will be displayed. Press 4 or 2 to highlight the local time zone (the UTC field shows the difference between the selected time zone and Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in hours) and press J.
4 Choose a date format.
Press 1 or 3 to choose the order in which the year, month, and day will be displayed. to proceed to the next step.
5 Turn daylight saving time on or off.
Daylight saving time options will be displayed. Daylight saving time is off by default; if daylight saving time is in effect in the local time zone, press 1 to highlight On and press J.
X
Press J
6 Set the date and time.
The dialog shown at right will be displayed. Press 4 or 2 to sel ect a n ite m, 1 or 3 to change. Press J to set the clock and exit to shooting mode.
19
Page 38
A The Setup Menu
Language and date/time settings can be changed at any time using the Language (0 171) and Time zone and date (0 170) options in the setup menu.
A The Clock Battery
The camera clock is powered by an independent, rechargeable power source, which is charged as necessary when the main battery is installed or the camera is powered by an optional EP-5A power connector and EH-5b AC adapter (0 208). Three days of charging will power the clock for about a month. If a message warning that the clock is not set is displayed when the camera is turned on, the clock battery is exhausted and the clock has been reset. Set the clock to the correct time and date.
X
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.
20
Page 39

Insert a Memory Card

4
GB
The camera stores pictures on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (available separately; 0 207).
1 Turn the camera off.
A Inserting and Removing Memory Cards
Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing memory cards.
2 Open the card slot cover.
Slide the card slot cover out (q) and open the card slot (w).
3 Insert the memory card.
Ho ldin g the m emor y c ard as s hown at ri ght, slid e it in until it clicks into place. access lamp will light for a few seconds. the memory card slot cover.
D Inserting Memory Cards
Inserting memory cards upside down or backwards could damage the camera or the card. Check to be sure the card is in the correct orientation.
If this is the first time the memory card will be used in the camera or the card has been formatted in another device, format the card as described on page 22.
A Removing Memory Cards
After confirming that the 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).
The memory card
Close
Access lamp
Front
X
GB
4
A The Write Protect Switch
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.
GB
4
Write-protect switch
21
Page 40

Format the Memory Card

Memory cards must be formatted before first use or after being formatted in other devices.
Format the card as described below.
D Formatting Memory Cards
Formatting memory cards permanently deletes any data they may contain. Be sure t o copy any photographs and other data you wish to keep to a computer before proceeding (0 137).
1 Turn the camera on.
X
2 Display format options.
Press the G button to display the menus. Highlight Format memory card in the setup menu and press 2. using the menus, see page 11.
For more information on
G button
3 Highlight Ye s .
To exit without formatting the memory card, highlight No and press J.
4 Press J.
The message at right will be displayed while the card is formatted.
memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until formatting is complete.
Do not remove the
D Memory Cards
Memory cards may be hot after use. Observe due caution when removing memory cards from the camera.
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.
22
Page 41

Adjust Viewfinder Focus

The camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to accommodate individual differences in vision. framing pictures in the viewfinder.
Check that the display in the viewfinder is in focus before
1 Remove the lens cap.
2 Turn the camera on.
3 Focus the viewfinder.
Rotate the diopter adjustment control until the viewfinder display and focus point are in sharp
When operating the control with your eye
focus. to the viewfinder, be careful not to put your fingers or fingernails in your eye.
Focus point
A Adjusting Viewfinder Focus
If you are unable to focus the viewfinder as described above, select single-servo autofocus (AF-S; 0 39), single-point AF (c; 0 42), and the center focus point (0 43), and then frame a high-contrast 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 (0 206).
X
23
Page 42
X
24
Page 43

Basic Photography

s

Battery Level and Card Capacity

Before shooting, turn the camera on and check the battery level and number of exposures remaining in the information display or 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).
❚❚ Battery Level
Information display Viewfinder Description
L Battery fully charged.
K
H d
H
(blinks)
d
(blinks)
Battery partially discharged. Low battery. Ready fully­charged spare battery or prepare to charge battery. Battery exhausted; shutter release disabled. Charge or exchange battery.
❚❚ Number of Exposures Remaining
The information display and viewfinder show the number of photographs that can be stored on the memory card (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). stating that there is not enough memory for additional photographs, insert another memory card (0 21) or delete some photos (0 133).
If a warning is displayed
s
25
Page 44
“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.
s
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).
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. photographs in portrait (tall) orientation, hold the camera as shown above at right.
In j mode, shutter speeds slow when lighting is poor; use of a tripod is recommended.
4 Frame the photograph.
Frame a photograph in the viewfinder with the main subject in at least one of the 11 focus points.
Otherwise, rotate
Keep your
Mode dial
When framing
26
Focus point
Page 45
5 Press the shutter-release button halfway.
Press the shutter-release button halfway to
The camera will select the focus points
focus. 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.
s
In-focus indicator Description
I Subject in focus.
I (blinks)
While the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the number of exposures that can be stored in the memory buffer (“t”; 0 36) will be displayed in the viewfinder.
Camera unable to focus using autofocus. See page 40.
In-focus indicator
7 Shoot.
Smoothly press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to release the shutter and record the photograph. the memory card slot cover 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).
memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until the lamp has gone out and recording is complete.
The access lamp next to
Do not eject the
Access lamp
Buffer
capacit y
27
Page 46
A The Shutter-Release Button
The camera has a two-stage shutter-release button. The camera focuses when the shutter­release button is pressed halfway. To take the photograph, press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.
Focus: press halfway Shoot: press all the way down
A Auto Meter-Off
The viewfinder and information display will turn off if no operations are performed for about
s
8 seconds (auto meter-off ), reducing the drain on the battery. Press the shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the display. The auto meter-off delay can be selected using Custom Setting c2 (Auto off timers; 0 160).
8 s
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.
28
Page 47
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).
Note that in the case of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR, changes to zoom can alter maximum aperture by up to 11/3 EV. The camera however automatically takes this into account when setting exposure, and no modifications to camera settings are required following adjustments to zoom.
Zoom in
Zoom ring
Zoom out
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 (0 210).
s
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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 26–29.

The Mode Dial

The following scenes can be selected with the mode dial:
s
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.
Mode dial
If the subject is far from the
lLandscape
30
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.
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pChild
Use for snapshots of children. Clothing and background details are vividly rendered, while skin tones remain soft and natural.
mSports
nClose up
Fast shutter speeds freeze motion for dynamic sports shots in which the main subject stands out clearly. flash 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.
The built-in
Use
s
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Other Scenes

The fo llowing scenes can be selected by rotating the mode dial to h and rotating the command dial until the desired scene appears in the monitor.
Mode dial Command dial Monitor
oNight Portrait
s
rNight Landscape
Use for a natural balance between the main subject and the background in portraits taken under low light. tripod is recommended to prevent blur.
Reduce noise and unnatural colors when photographing night landscapes, including street lighting and neon signs. The built-in flash and AF-assist illuminator turn off; use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur.
Use of a
sParty /Indoor
32
Capture the effects of indoor background lighting. scenes.
Use for parties and other indoor
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tBeach/Snow
Capture the brightness of sunlit expanses of water, snow, or sand. and AF-assist illuminator turn off.
The built-in flash
uSunset
vDusk/Dawn
wPet Portrai t
Preserves the deep hues seen in sunsets and sunrises. The built-in flash and AF­assist illuminator turn off; use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur when lighting is poor.
Preserves the colors seen in the weak natural light before dawn or after sunset. The built-in flash and AF-assist illuminator turn off; use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur when lighting is poor.
Use for portraits of active pets. The AF­assist illuminator turns off.
s
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xCandlelight
yBlossom
s
zAutumn Colors
For photographs taken by candlelight. The built-in flash turns off; use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur when lighting is poor.
Use for fields of flowers, orchards in bloom, and other landscapes featuring expanses of blossoms. turns off; use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur when lighting is poor.
Captures the brilliant reds and yellows in autumn leaves. use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur when lighting is poor.
The built-in flash turns off;
The built-in flash
34
0Food
Use for vivid photographs of food. Use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur; the flash can also be used (0 50).
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More on Photography (All Modes)

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Release Mode

Choose from the following release modes:
Mode Description
Single frame: Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-release button is pressed.
8
Continuous: While shutter-release button is held down, camera records up to 4 frames
I
per second. Self-timer: Use self-timer for self-portraits or to reduce blurring caused by camera shake
E
(0 37). Delayed remote: Shutter is released 2 s after shutter-release button on optional ML-L3
"
remote control is pressed (0 37). Quick-response remote: Shutter is released when shutter-release button on optional ML-L3
#
remote control is pressed (0 37). Quiet shutter release: As for single frame, except that mirror does not click back into place while shutter-release button is fully pressed, allowing user to control timing of click
J
made by mirror, which is also quieter than in single frame mode. Also, beep does not sound when camera focuses, keeping noise to a minimum in quiet surroundings.
1 Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
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Information display P button
2 Display release-mode options.
Highlight the current release mode in the information display and press J.
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3 Choose a release mode.
Highlight a release mode and press J. To re turn to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.
A The Memory Buffer
The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. Up to 100 photographs can be taken in succession; note, however, that frame rate will drop when the buffer is full.
While photographs are being recorded to the memory card, the access lamp next to the memory card slot will light. Depending on the number of the images in the buffer, recording may take from a few seconds to a few minutes. Do not remove the memory card or
remove or disconnect the power source until the access lamp has gone out. If the camera is
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switched off while data remain in the buffer, the power will not turn off until all images in the buffer have been recorded. If the battery is exhausted while images remain in the buffer, the shutter release will be disabled and the images transferred to the memory card.
A Buffer Size
The approximate number of images that can be stored in the memory buffer at current settings is shown in the viewfinder exposure-count display while the shutter-release button is pressed. The illustration shows the display when space remains in the buffer for about 27 pictures.
A Auto Image Rotation
The camera orientation recorded for the first shot applies to all images in the same burst, even if the camera is rotated during shooting. See “Auto Image Rotation” (0 172).
A The Shooting Menu
The release mode can also be selected using the Release mode option in the shooting menu (0 151).
A The Fn Button
The release mode can also be selected by pressing the Fn button and rotating the command dial (0 165).
A See Also
For information on the number of photographs that can be taken in a single burst, see page
218.
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Self-Timer and Remote Control Modes

The self-timer and optional ML-L3 remote control (0 207) can be used to reduce camera shake or for self-portraits.
1 Mount the camera on a tripod.
Mount the camera on a tripod or place the camera on a stable, level surface.
2 Select a release mode.
Select E (self-timer), " (delayed remote), or # (quick- response remote) mode (0 35; note that if no operations are performed for about a minute after a remote control mode is selected, the camera will automatically return to single frame, continuous, or quiet shutter-release mode).
3 Frame the photograph.
Remote control mode: Check focus by pressing the shutter-release button halfway.
No photograph will be taken even if the button is pressed all the way down.
4 Take the photograph.
Self-timer mode: Press the shutter-release button
halfway to focus, and then press the button the rest of the way down. start to blink and a beep will begin to sound. seconds before the photo is taken, the lamp will stop blinking and the beeping will become more rapid. released ten seconds after the timer starts.
The self-timer lamp will
Two
The shutter will be
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Remote control mode: From a distance of 5 m (16 ft.) or less, aim the transmitter on the ML-L3 at either of the infrared receivers on the camera (0 1, 2) and press the ML-L3 shutter-release button. timer lamp will light for about two seconds before the shutter is released. timer lamp will flash after the shutter has been released.
Note that the timer may not start or a photograph may not be taken if the camera is unable to focus or in other situations in which the shutter can not be released. Turning the camera off cancels self-timer and remote control release modes and restores single frame, continuous, or quiet shutter-release mode.
In delayed remote mode, the self-
In quick-response remote mode, the self-
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D Before Using the Remote Control
Before using the remote control for the first time, remove the clear plastic battery-insulator sheet.
A Cover the Viewfinder
When taking photos without your eye to the viewfinder, remove the DK-20 rubber eyecup (q) and insert the supplied DK-5 eyepiece cap as shown (w). This prevents light entering via the viewfinder interfering with exposure. Hold the camera firmly when removing the rubber eyecup.
DK-20 rubber eyecup DK-5 eyepiece cap
q
w
D Using the Built-in Flash
Before taking a photograph with the flash in P, S, A, M, or 0 modes, press the M button to raise the flash and wait for the M indicator to be displayed in the viewfinder (0 50).
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be interrupted if the flash is raised while a remote control mode is in effect or after the self­timer has started. If the flash is required, the camera will only respond to the ML-L3 shutter­release button once the flash has charged. In auto or scene modes in which the flash pops up automatically, the flash will begin charging when a remote control mode is selected; once the flash is charged, it will automatically pop up and fire when required. Note that only one photograph will be taken when the flash fires, regardless of the number of exposures selected for Custom Setting c3 (Self-timer; 0 160).
In flash modes that support red-eye reduction, the red-eye reduction lamp will light for about one second before the shutter is released in quick-response remote mode. In delayed remote mode, the self-timer lamp will light for two seconds, followed by the red-eye reduction lamp which light for one second before the shutter is released.
A The E Button
Self-timer mode can also be selected by pressing the E button (0 165).
Shooting will
E button
A See Also
For information on choosing the duration of the self-timer, and the number of shots taken, see Custom Setting c3 (Self-timer; 0 160). For information on choosing how long the camera will wait for a signal from the remote, see Custom Setting c4 (Remote on duration; 0 161). For information on controlling the beeps that sound when the self-timer and remote control are used, see Custom Setting d1 (Beep; 0 161).
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Focus

This section describes the focus options available when photographs are framed in the viewfinder. below). or use focus lock to focus to recompose photographs after focusing (0 44).
The user can also select the focus point for automatic or manual focus (0 45)

Focus Mode

Choose from the following focus modes. Note that AF-S and AF-C are available only in modes P, S, A, and M.
Option Description
Auto-servo
AF-A
AF
Single-servo AFFor stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter-release button is
AF-S
Continuous-
AF-C
servo AF
MF Manual focus Focus manually (0 45).
1 Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
Focus can be adjusted automatically or manually (see “Focus Mode,”
Camera automatically selects single-servo autofocus if subject is stationary, continuous-servo autofocus if subject is moving. Shutter can only be released if camera is able to focus.
pressed halfway. Shutter can only be released if camera is able to focus. For moving subjects. Camera focuses continuously while shutter­release button is pressed halfway. If subject moves, camera will engage predictive focus tracking to predict final distance to subject and adjust focus as necessary (0 40). At default settings, shutter can only be released if camera is able to focus (0 158).
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Information display P button
2 Display focus-mode options.
Highlight the current focus mode in the information display and press J.
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3 Choose a focus mode.
Highlight a focus mode and press J. To re turn to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.
A Predictive Focus Tracking
In AF-C mode or when continuous-servo autofocus is selected in AF-A mode, the camera will initiate predictive focus tracking if the subject moves toward or away from the camera while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. This allows the camera to track focus while attempting to predict where the subject will be when the shutter is released.
D Continuous-servo Autofocus
When Focus is selected for Custom Setting a1 (AF-C priority selection; 0 158) and the camera is in AF-C mode or continuous-servo autofocus is selected in AF-A mode, the camera
z
gives higher priority to focus response (has a wider focus range) than in AF-S mode, and the shutter may be released before the in-focus indicator is displayed.
A Getting Good Results with Autofocus
Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. The shutter release may be disabled if the camera is unable to focus under these conditions, or the in-focus indicator (I) may be displayed and the camera may sound a beep, allowing the shutter to be released even when the subject is not in focus. In these cases, focus manually (0 45) or use focus lock (0 44) to focus on another subject at the same distance and then recompose the photograph.
There is little or no contrast between the subject and the background.
Example: Subject is the same color as the background.
The focus point contains objects at different distances from the camera.
Example: Subject is inside a cage.
The subject is dominated by regular geometric patterns.
Example: Blinds or a row of windows in a skyscraper.
The focus point contains areas of sharply contrasting brightness.
Example: Subject is half in the shade.
Background objects appear larger than the subject.
Example: A building is in the frame behind the subject.
The subject contains many fine details.
Example: A field of flowers or other subjects that are small or lack variation in brightness.
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D The AF-Assist Illuminator
If the subject is poorly lit, the AF-assist illuminator will light automatically to assist the autofocus operation when the shutter­release button is pressed halfway. The AF-assist illuminator will not light:
In live view or during movie recording
During manual focus or if live view is off and continuous-servo
autofocus is selected (AF-C selected for focus mode, or continuous-servo AF selected in AF-A focus mode)
• If the center focus point is not selected in c (Single-point AF), d (Dynamic-area AF),
or f (3D-tracking (11 points)) AF-area mode (0 42, 43)
In shooting modes in which the AF-assist illuminator can not be used (0 216)
If Off has been selected for Custom Setting a2 (Built-in AF-assist illuminator; 0 158)
The illuminator has a range of about 0.5–3.0 m (1 ft. 8 in.–9 ft. 10 in.); when using the illuminator, use a lens with a focal length of 18–200 mm and remove the lens hood. The AF­assist illuminator will turn off automatically to protect the lamp after a period of continuous use. Normal function will resume after a brief pause. Note that the illuminator may become hot when used multiple times in quick succession.
AF-assist illuminator
A See Also
For information on focusing in live view, see page 100. For information on using release priority in continuous-servo AF, see Custom Setting a1 (AF-C priority selection, 0 158). Custom Setting d1 (Beep; 0 161) can be used to turn the beep speaker on or off.
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AF-Area Mode

Choose how the focus point for autofocus is selected. Note that d (Dynamic-area AF) and f (3D-tracking (11 points)) are not available when AF-S is selected for
focus mode.
Option Description
c Single-point AF
d Dynamic-area AF
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3D-tracking
f
(11 points)
e Auto-area AF Camera automatically detects subject and selects focus point.
User selects focus point using multi selector (0 43); camera focuses on subject in selected focus point only. Use with stationary subjects. In AF-A and AF-C focus modes, user selects focus point using multi selector (0 43), but camera will focus based on information from surrounding focus points if subject briefly leaves selected point. Use with erratically moving subjects. In AF-A and AF-C focus modes, user selects focus point using multi selector (0 43). If subject moves after camera has focused, camera uses 3D­tracking to select new focus point and keep focus locked on original subject while shutter-release button is pressed halfway. If subject leaves viewfinder, remove your finger from shutter-release button and recompose photograph with subject in selected focus point.
1 Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
Information display P button
2 Display AF-area mode options.
Highlight the current AF-area mode in the information display and press J.
3 Choose an AF-area mode.
Highlight an AF-area mode and press J. To return to shooting mode, press the shutter­release button halfway.
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A AF-Area Mode
AF-area mode selections made in shooting modes other than P, S, A, or M are reset when another shooting mode is selected.
A 3D-tracking (11 Points)
When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the colors in the area surrounding the focus point are stored in the camera. Consequently 3D-tracking may not produce the desired results with subjects that are the same color as the background.
A See Also
For information on the AF-area modes available in live view, see page 101.

Focus Point Selection

In manual focus mode or when autofocus is combined with AF-area modes other than e (Auto-area AF), you can choose from 11 focus points, making it possible to compose photographs with the main subject almost anywhere in the frame.
1 Choose an AF-area mode other than e
(Auto-area AF;
0 42).
2 Select the focus point.
Use the multi selector to select the focus point in the viewfinder or information display while the exposure meters are on. center focus point.
Press J to select the
Focus point
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Focus Lock

Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing in AF-A, AF-S, and AF-C focus modes (0 39), making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a
focus point in the final composition. (0 40), you can also focus on another subject at the same distance and then use focus lock to recompose the photograph. option other than e (Auto-area AF) is selected for AF-area mode (0 42).
If the camera is unable to focus using autofocus
Focus lock is most effective when an
1 Focus.
Position the subject in the selected focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway to initiate focus. (I) appears in the viewfinder.
Check that the in-focus indicator
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2 Lock focus.
AF-A and AF-C focus modes: With the shutter-release
button pressed halfway (q), press the AE-L/AF-L button (w) to lock both focus and exposure (an AE-L icon will be displayed in the viewfinder; 0 69). L button is pressed, even if you later remove your finger from the shutter-release button.
AF-S focus mode: Focus locks automatically when the in-focus indicator appears, and remains locked until you remove your finger from the shutter-release button. by pressing the AE-L/AF-L button (see above).
Focus will remain locked while the AE-L/AF-
Focus can also be locked
Shutter-release button
AE-L/AF-L button
3 Recompose the photograph and shoot.
Focus will remain locked between shots if you keep the shutter-release button pressed halfway (AF-S) or keep the AE-L/AF-L button pressed, allowing several photographs in succession to be taken at the same focus setting.
Do not change the distance between the camera and the subject while focus lock is in effect.
A The AE-L/AF-L Button
Custom Setting f2 (Assign AE-L/AF-L button; 0 166) controls the behavior of the AE-L/AF-L button.
If the subject moves, focus again at the new distance.
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Manual Focus

Manual focus can be used when you are not using an AF-S or AF-I lens or when autofocus does not produce the desired results (0 40).
1 Set the lens focus-mode switch.
If the lens is equipped with an M/A-M or A-M mode switch, slide the switch to M.
2 Focus.
To focus manually, adjust the lens focus ring until the image displayed on the clear matte field in the viewfinder is in focus. when the image is not in focus.
A Selecting Manual Focus with the Camera
If the lens supports M/A (autofocus with manual override), manual focus can also be selected by setting the camera focus mode to MF (manual focus; 0 39). Focus can then be adjusted manually, regardless of the mode selected with the lens.
Photographs can be taken at any time, even
A-M mode
switch
M/A-M switch
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❚❚ The Electronic Rangefinder
k
If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the subject in the selected focus point is in focus (the focus point can be selected from any of the 11 focus points). positioning the subject in the selected focus point, press the shutter-release button halfway and rotate the lens focus ring until the in-focus indicator (I) is displayed. subjects listed on page 40, the in-focus indicator may sometimes be displayed when the subject is not in focus; confirm focus in the viewfinder before shooting.
After
Note that with the
A The Exposure Indicator
If desired, the exposure indicator can be used to determine whether the focus point for
z
manual focus is in front of or behind the subject (0 159).
A Focal Plane Position
To determine the distance between your subject and the camera, measure from the focal plane mark on the camera body. The distance between the lens mounting flange and the focal plane is 46.5 mm (1.83 in.).
46.5 mm
Focal plane mar
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Image Quality and Size

Together, image quality and size determine how much space each photograph occupies on the memory card. sizes but also require more memory, meaning that fewer such images can be stored on the memory card (0 218).

Image Quality

Choose a file format and compression ratio (image quality).
Option File type Description
Raw 14-bit data from the image sensor are saved directly to the memory
NEF (RAW) NEF
JPEG fine
JPEG normal Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 8 (normal quality).
JPEG basic Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 16 (basic quality).
NEF (RAW) +
JPEG fine NEF (RAW) + JPEG normal NEF (RAW) +
JPEG basic
card. Settings such as white balance and contrast can be adjusted on a computer after shooting. Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 4 (fine quality).
JPEG
Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one fine-quality JPEG image.
NEF/
Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one normal-quality
JPEG
JPEG image. Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one basic-quality JPEG image.
1 Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
Larger, higher quality images can be printed at larger
z
Information display P button
2 Display image quality options.
Highlight the current image quality in the information display and press J.
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3 Choose a file type.
Highlight an option and press J. To re t u rn to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.
A NEF (RAW) Images
Note that the option selected for image size does not affect the size of NEF (RAW) images. White balance bracketing (0 88), high dynamic range (HDR, 0 76), and print date (0 163) are not available at image quality settings of NEF (RAW) or NEF (RAW)+ JPEG.
NEF (RAW) images can be viewed on the camera or using software such as Capture NX 2 (available separately; 0 206) or ViewNX 2 (available on the supplied ViewNX 2 CD). JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) images can be created using the NEF (RAW) processing option in the retouch menu (0 183).
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A NEF (RAW) + JPEG
When photographs taken at NEF (RAW) + JPEG are viewed on the camera, only the JPEG image will be displayed. When photographs taken at these settings are deleted, both NEF and JPEG images will be deleted.
A The Shooting Menu
Image quality can also be adjusted using the Image quality option in the shooting menu (0 151).
A The Fn Button
Image quality and size can also be adjusted by pressing the Fn button and rotating the command dial (0 165).
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Image Size

Image size is measured in pixels. Choose from the following options:
Image size Size (pixels) Print size (cm/in.)
# Large 4,928 × 3,264 41.7 × 27.6/16.4 × 11.4 $ Medium 3,696 × 2,448 31.3 × 20.7/12.3 × 8.2 % Small 2,464 × 1,632 20.9 × 13.8/8.2 × 5.4
* Approximate size when printed at 300 dpi. Print size in inches equals image size in pixels
divided by printer resolution in dots per inch (dpi; 1 inch =approximately 2.54 cm).
*
1 Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
Information display P button
2 Display image size options.
Highlight the current image size in the information display and press J.
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3 Choose an image size.
Highlight an option and press J. To return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.
A The Shooting Menu
Image size can also be adjusted using the Image size option in the shooting menu (0 151).
A The Fn Button
Image quality and size can also be adjusted by pressing the Fn button and rotating the command dial (0 165).
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Using the Built-in Flash

The camera supports a variety of flash modes for photographing poorly lit or backlit subjects.
❚❚ Using the Built-in Flash: i, k, p, n, o, s, w, and g Modes
1 Choose a flash mode (0 51).
2 Take pictures.
The flash will pop up as required when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, and fire when a photograph is taken.
DO NOT attempt to raise it
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not pop up automatically, by hand. damage the flash.
Failure to observe this precaution could
❚❚ Using the Built-in Flash: P, S, A, M, and 0 Modes
1 Raise the flash.
Press the M button to raise the flash.
2 Choose a flash mode (P, S, A, and M modes
only; 0 51).
If the flash does
3 Take pictures.
The flash will fire whenever a picture is taken.
A Lowering the Built-in Flash
To save power when the flash is not in use, press it gently downward until the latch clicks into place.
50
M button
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Flash Mode

The flash modes available vary with shooting mode:
i, k, p, n, s, w, g o 0
No Auto
Njo Auto +red-eye reduction
j Off Nr Auto +slow sync
P, A S, M
N Fill flash N Fill flash
Nj Red-eye reduction Nj Red-eye reduction
Njp Slow sync+ red-eye reduction Nq Rear-curtain sync
Np Slow sync
Nq*Rear curtain +slow sync
* p appears in information display when setting is complete.
Njr
Auto+ slow sync+ red-eye reduction
j Off
N Fill flash
1 Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
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Information display P button
2 Display flash mode options.
Highlight the current flash mode in the information display and press J.
3 Choose a flash mode.
Highlight a mode and press J. To return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.
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A Flash Modes
The flash modes listed on the previous page may combine one or more of the following settings, as shown by the flash mode icon:
AUTO (auto flash): When lighting is poor or subject is back lit, flash pops up automatically when shutter-release button is pressed halfway and fires as required.
j (red-eye reduction): Use for portraits. reducing “red-eye.”
j (off ): Flash does not fire even when lighting is poor or subject is back-lit.
SLOW (slow sync): Shutter speed slows automatically to capture background lighting at night
or under low light. Use to include background lighting in portraits.
REAR (rear-cur tain sync): Flash fires just before shutter closes, creating a stream of light behind moving light sources (below at right). If this icon is not displayed, flash will fire as the shutter opens (front-curtain sync; the effect this produces with moving light sources is shown below at left).
Red-eye reduction lamp lights before flash fires,
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Front-curtain sync Rear-curtain sync
A Choosing a Flash Mode
The flash mode can also be selected by pressing the M button and rotating the command dial (in P, S, A, M, and 0 modes, raise the flash before using the M button to choose the flash mode).
M button Command dial Information display
A The Built-in Flash
For information on the lenses that can be used with the built-in flash, see page 200. Remove lens hoods to prevent shadows. The flash has a minimum range of 0.6 m (2 ft.) and can not be used in the macro range of zoom lenses with a macro function.
The shutter release may be briefly disabled to protect the flash after it has been used for several consecutive shots. The flash can be used again after a short pause.
+
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A Shutter Speeds Available with the Built-in Flash
Shutter speed is restricted to the following ranges when the built-in flash is used:
Mode Shutter speed Mode Shutter speed
i, k, p, s, w, g, P, A
n, 0
o
1
/200–1/60 s S
1
/200–1/125 s M
1
/200–1 s
1
/200–30 s
1
/200–30 s, Bulb
A Aperture, Sensitivity, and Flash Range
Flash range varies with sensitivity (ISO equivalency) and aperture.
Aperture at ISO equivalent of Approximate range
100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400 m ft.
1.4 2 2.8 4 5.6 8 11 1.0–8.5 3ft. 3in.–27 ft. 11n. 2 2.8 4 5.6 8 11 16 0.7–6.0 2 ft. 4in.–19ft. 8in.
2.8 4 5.6 8 11 16 22 0.6–4.2 2 ft.–13ft. 9in. 4 5.6 8 11 16 22 32 0.6–3.0 2ft.–9ft. 10in.
5.6 8 11 16 22 32 0.6–2.1 2ft.–6 ft. 11in. 8 11162232—— 0.61.5 2ft.4ft. 11in.
11 16 22 32 0.6–1.1 2ft.–3ft. 7in. 16 22 32 0.6–0.7 2ft.–2ft. 4in.
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ISO Sensitivity

“ISO sensitivity” is the digital equivalent of film speed. The higher the ISO sensitivity, the less light needed to make an exposure, allowing higher shutter speeds or smaller apertures, but the more likely the image is to be affected by noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines; noise is particularly likely at settings of Hi 0.3–Hi 2). Choosing Auto allows the camera to set ISO sensitivity automatically in response to lighting conditions.
Mode I SO sensitivity
i, j, % AUTO
P, S, A, M 100–6400 in steps of 1/3 EV; Hi 0.3, Hi 0.7, Hi 1, Hi 2
Other shooting modes AUTO; 100–6400 in steps of 1/3 EV; Hi 0.3, Hi 0.7, Hi 1, Hi 2
1 Place the cursor in the information display.
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If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
Information display P button
2 Display ISO sensitivity options.
Highlight the current ISO sensitivity in the information display and press J.
3 Choose an ISO sensitivity.
Highlight an option and press J. To re t u rn to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.
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A AUTO
If the mode dial is rotated to P, S, A, or M after AUTO is selected for ISO sensitivity in another mode, the ISO sensitivity last selected in P, S, A, or M mode will be restored.
A The Shooting Menu
ISO sensitivity can also be adjusted using the ISO sensitivity settings option in the shooting menu (0 155).
A See Also
For information on enabling auto ISO sensitivity control in P, S, A, or M modes, see page 155. For information on using the High ISO NR option in the shooting menu to reduce noise at high ISO sensitivities, see page 154. For information on using the Fn button and the command dial to select ISO sensitivity, see page 165.
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Interval Timer Photography

The camera is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals.
D Before Shooting
Before beginning interval timer photography, take a test shot at current settings and view the results in the monitor. To ensure that shooting starts at the desired time, check that the camera clock is set correctly (0 170).
Use of a tripod is recommended. Mount the camera on a tripod before shooting begins. To ensure that shooting is not interrupted, be sure the battery is fully charged or use an optional EH-5b AC adapter and EP-5A power connector.
1 Select Interval timer shooting.
Press the G button to display the menus.
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Highlight Interval timer shooting in the shooting menu and press 2.
2 Choose a starting time.
Choose from the following starting triggers.
To start shooting immediately, highlight Now
and press 2. after settings are completed; proceed to Step 3.
To choose a starting time, highlight Start time
and press 2 to display the start time options shown at right. highlight hours or minutes and press 1 or 3 to change.
Shooting begins about 3 s
Press 4 or 2 to
Press 2 to continue.
G button
3 Choose the interval.
Press 4 or 2 to highlight hours, minutes, or seconds and press 1 or 3 to choose an interval longer than the slowest anticipated shutter speed.
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Press 2 to continue.
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4 Choose the number of intervals.
Press 4 or 2 to highlight number of intervals (i.e., the number of times the camera shoots); press 1 or 3 to change. Press 2 to continue.
5 Start shooting.
Highlight On and press J (to return to the shooting menu without starting the interval timer, highlight Off and press J). series of shots will be taken at the specified starting time, or after about 3 s if Now was selected for Choose start time in Step 2. interval until all shots have been taken. the time needed to record the image to the memory card may vary from shot to shot, the interval between a shot being recorded and the start of the next shot may vary.
A Cover the Viewfinder
To prevent light entering via the viewfinder interfering with exposure, remove the rubber eyecup and cover the viewfinder with the supplied DK-5 eyepiece cap (0 38).
A Other Settings
Settings can not be adjusted during interval timer photography. Regardless of the release mode selected, the camera takes one photograph at each interval; in mode J, camera noise will be reduced. Bracketing (0 88), multiple exposure (0 78), and high dynamic range (HDR; 0 76) can not be used.
A Interrupting Interval Timer Photography
To interrupt interval timer shooting, turn the camera off or rotate the mode dial to a new setting. Returning the monitor to the storage position does not interrupt interval timer shooting.
The first
Shooting will continue at the selected
Note that because shutter speed and
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Restoring Default Settings

The camera settings listed below and on page 59 can be restored to default values by holding the G and P buttons down together for more than two seconds (these buttons are marked by a green dot). information display turns off briefly while settings are reset.
❚❚ Settings Accessible from the Information Display
Option Default 0
Image quality JPEG normal 47 Image size Large 49 White balance
P, S, A, M Auto 81
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ISO sensitivity
P, S, A, M 100
k, l, p, m, n, o, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z, 0, g, (,
3, 1, 2, 3
Release mode
m, w Continuous Other shooting modes Single frame
Focus mode
Viewfinder
Shooting modes other than %
Live view/movie AF-S 100
AF-area mode
Viewfinder
n, x, 0, 1, 2, 3 Single-point AF m, w Dynamic-area AF i, j, k, l, p, o, r, s, t, u, v, y, z, g, 3, P, S, A, MAuto-area AF
1
Auto
AF-A 39
The
Metering
P, S, A, M Matrix metering 68
Active D-Lighting
P, S, A, M Auto 74
Auto bracketing
P, S, A, M Off 88
Picture Control settings
54
P, S, A, M Unmodified291
Exposure compensation
%, P, S, A, M Off 70
Flash compensation
35
P, S, A, M Off 72
Flash mode
i, k, p, n, w, g Auto o Auto slow sync
s
P, S, A, M Fill flash
42
G button P button
Option Default 0
Auto+red-eye
reduc tion
51
Live view/movie
k, l, p, o, s, t, u, v, x, y, z
3, P, S, A, M n, 0 Normal-area AF
1 Fine-tuning reset to 0. 2 Current Picture Control only.
58
Face-priority AF
Wide-area AF
101m, r, w, %, g, 3, 1, 2,
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❚❚ Other Settings
Option Default 0
Focus point AE/AF lock hold
Shooting modes other than i and j
Flexible program
P Off 62
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
HDR mode
P, S, A, M Off 76
Multiple exposure
Multiple exposure mode
P, S, A, M Off 78
1 Focus point not displayed if e (Auto-area AF) is selected for AF-area mode.
1
Center 43
Off 166
Special effects mode
g
Vividness 0 Outlines 0
(
Orientation Landscape Width Normal
3
Color Off Color range 3
Option Default 0
118
119
120
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P, S, A, and M Modes

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Shutter Speed and Aperture

P, S, A, and M modes offer different degrees of control over shutter speed and aperture:
Mode Description
Programmed auto
P
(0 62)
Shutter-priority auto
S
(0 63)
Aperture-priority auto
A
(0 64)
M Manual (0 65)
D Lens Aperture Rings
When using a CPU lens equipped with an aperture ring (0 198), lock the aperture ring at the minimum aperture (highest f-number). Type G lenses are not equipped with an aperture ring.
A Shutter Speed and Aperture
The same exposure can be achieved with different combinations of shutter speed and aperture. Fast shutter speeds and large apertures freeze moving objects and soften background details, while slow shutter speeds and small apertures blur moving objects and bring out background details.
Shutter speed Aperture
Camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure. Recommended for snapshots and in other situations in which there is little time to adjust camera settings. User chooses shutter speed; camera selects aperture for best results. Use to freeze or blur motion. User chooses aperture; camera selects shutter speed for best results. Use to blur background or bring both foreground and background into focus. User controls both shutter speed and aperture. Set shutter speed to “Bulb” or “Time” for long time-exposures.
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Fast shutter speed
1
(
/1,600 s)
Slow shutter speed
(1 s)
Large aperture (f/5.6) Small aperture (f/22)
(Remember, the higher the f-number, the
smaller the aperture.)
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Mode P (Programmed Auto)

In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations. other situations in which you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed and aperture.
To take photographs in programmed auto:
This mode is recommended for snapshots and
1 Rotate the mode dial to P.
Mode dial
2 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.
A Flexible Program
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In mode P, different combinations of shutter speed and aperture can be selected by rotating the command dial (“flexible program”). Rotate the dial to the right for large apertures (low f-numbers) that blur background details or fast shutter speeds that “freeze” motion. Rotate the dial to the left for small apertures (high f-numbers) that increase depth of field or slow shutter speeds that blur motion. All combinations produce the same exposure. While flexible program is in effect, a U (R) indicator appears in the viewfinder and information display. To restore default shutter speed and aperture settings, rotate the command dial until the indicator is no longer displayed, choose another mode, or turn the camera off.
A See Also
See page 219 for information on the built-in exposure program.
Command dial
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Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto)

In shutter-priority auto, you choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically selects the aperture that will produce the optimal exposure. shutter speeds to suggest motion by blurring moving subjects, fast shutter speeds to “freeze” motion.
Fast shutter speed (1/1,600 s) Slow shutter speed (1 s)
To take photographs in shutter-priority auto:
Use slow
1 Rotate the mode dial to S.
2 Choose a shutter speed.
Shutter speed is shown in the viewfinder and information display. dial to choose the desired shutter speed from values between 30 s and
Rotate the command
1
/4,000 s.
3 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.
Mode dial
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Command dial
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Mode A (Aperture-Priority Auto)

In aperture-priority auto, you choose the aperture while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed that will produce the optimal exposure. (low f-numbers) reduce depth of field, blurring objects behind and in front of the main subject. details in the background and foreground. portraits to blur background details, long field depths in landscape photographs to bring the foreground and background into focus.
To take photographs in aperture-priority auto:
Small apertures (high f-numbers) increase depth of field, bringing out
Short field depths are generally used in
Large aperture (f/5.6) Small aperture (f/22)
Large apertures
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1 Rotate the mode dial to A.
Mode dial
2 Choose an aperture.
Aperture is shown in the viewfinder and information display. dial to choose the desired aperture from values between the minimum and maximum for the lens.
Rotate the command
Command dial
3 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.
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Mode M (Manual)

In manual exposure mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. To take photographs in manual exposure mode:
1 Rotate the mode dial to M.
Mode dial
2 Choose aperture and shutter speed.
Checking the exposure indicator (see below), adjust shutter speed and aperture. values between 30 s and open indefinitely for a long time-exposure (0 66). pressing the N (E) button and rotating the command dial: choose from values between the minimum and maximum for the lens. are shown in the viewfinder and information display.
Command
Shutter speed is selected by rotating the command dial: choose from
Shutter speed Aperture
dial
1
/4,000 s or select “Bulb” or “Time” to hold the shutter
Aperture is selected by
Shutter speed and aperture
N(E) button Command
dial
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3 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.
A The Exposure Indicator
If a CPU lens is attached and a shutter speed other than “Bulb” or “Time” is selected, the exposure indicator in the viewfinder (below) and information display shows whether the photograph would be under- or over-exposed at current settings (the display varies depending on the options selected for Custom Settings b1, EV steps for exposure cntrl. and f5, Reverse indicators; 0 159, 166). If the limits of the exposure metering system are exceeded, the indicator will flash.
Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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❚❚ Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only)
Select the following shutter speeds for long time-exposures of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks.
Bulb (A): The shutter remains open while the shutter-
release button is held down. or an optional MC-DC2 remote cord (0 207).
Time (&): Requires an optional ML-L3 remote control
(0 207). release button. The shutter remains open for thirty minutes or until the button is pressed a second time.
Start the exposure by pressing the ML-L3 shutter-
To prevent blur, use a tripod
1 Ready the camera.
Mount the camera on a tripod or place it on a stable, level surface. To prevent loss of power before the exposure is complete, use a fully charged EN-EL14 battery or an optional EH-5b AC adapter and EP-5A power connector.
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noise (bright spots, randomly-spaced bright pixels, or fog) may be present in long exposures; before shooting, choose On for Long exposure NR in the shooting menu (0 154).
Length of exposure: 35 s
Aperture: f/25
Note that
2 Rotate the mode dial to M.
3 Choose a shutter speed.
Rotate the command dial to choose a shutter speed of Bulb (A). “Time” (&), select a remote control release mode (0 35) after choosing the shutter speed.
For a shutter speed of
Mode dial
Command dial
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4 Open the shutter.
Bulb: After focusing, press the shutter-release button on the camera or optional
remote cord all the way down. the exposure is complete.
Time: Press the ML-L3 shutter-release button all the way down.
Keep the shutter-release button pressed until
5 Close the shutter.
Bulb: Take your finger off the shutter-release button.
Time: Press the ML-L3 shutter-release button all the way down.
automatically after thirty minutes.
Shooting ends
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Exposure

Metering

Choose how the camera sets exposure in P, S, A, and M modes (in other modes, the camera selects the metering method automatically).
Method Description
Produces natural results in most situations. Camera uses 420-pixel RGB sensor
Matrix
L
metering
Center-
M
weighte d metering
Spot
N
t
metering
1 Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
to meter a wide area of the frame and set exposure according to tone distribution, color, composition, and, with type G or D lenses (0 198), distance information (3D color matrix metering II; with other CPU lenses, the camera uses color matrix metering II, which does not include 3D distance information). Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to center area. Classic meter for portraits; recommended when using filters with an exposure factor (filter factor) over 1×. Camera meters current focus point; use to meter off-center subjects (if e Auto- area AF is selected for AF-area mode during viewfinder photography as de scr ibe d on page 42, cam era wil l me ter cen ter foc us p oin t). Ensures that subject will be correctly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker.
Information display P button
2 Display metering options.
Highlight the current metering method in the information display and press J.
3 Choose a metering method.
Highlight an option and press J. To re t u rn to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.
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Autoexposure Lock

Use autoexposure lock to recompose photographs after using M (Center-weighted metering) and N (Spot metering) to meter exposure; note that autoexposure lock is
not available in i or j mode.
1 Meter exposure.
Position the subject in the center of the frame (center-weighted metering) or the selected focus point (spot metering) and press the shutter-release button halfway to set focus and meter exposure. indicator (I) appears in the viewfinder.
Check that the in-focus
2 Lock exposure.
With the shutter-release button pressed halfway and the subject positioned in the focus point, press the AE-L/AF-L button to lock exposure.
Shutter-release
button
A Autoexposure Lock
If On is selected for Custom Setting c1 (Shutter-release button AE-L; 0 159), exposure will lock when the shutter-
release button is pressed halfway. For information on changing the role of the AE-L/AF-L button, see Custom Setting f2 (Assign AE-L/AF-L button; 0 166).
While exposure lock is in effect, an AE-L indicator will appear in the viewfinder.
AE-L/AF-L button
3 Recompose the photograph.
Keeping the AE-L/AF-L button pressed, recompose the photograph and shoot.
A Adjusting Shutter Speed and Aperture
While exposure lock is in effect, the following settings can be adjusted without altering the metered value for exposure:
Mode Setting
Programmed auto Shutter speed and aperture (flexible program; 0 62)
Shutter-priority auto Shutter speed
Aperture-priority auto Aperture
The metering method itself can not be changed while exposure lock is in effect.
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Exposure Compensation

Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. M (Center-weighted metering) or N (Spot metering) (0 68). between –5 EV (underexposure) and +5 EV (overexposure) in increments of general, positive values make the subject brighter while negative values make it darker.
It is most effective when used with
Choose from values
1
/3 EV. In
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–1 EV No exposure compensation +1 EV
1 Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
Information display P button
2 Display exposure compensation options.
Highlight exposure compensation in the information display and press J.
3 Choose a value.
Highlight a value and press J. To return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.
No rma l expos ure can be res tored b y setting exposure compensation to ±0. compensation is not reset when the camera is turned off, but is reset if you select another mode after choosing %.
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Exposure
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A The E Button
Exposure compensation can also be set by pressing the E button and rotating the command dial. The selected value is shown in the viewfinder and information display.
E button Command dial
–0.3 EV +2 EV
A Mode M
In mode M, exposure compensation affects only the exposure indicator; shutter speed and aperture do not change.
A Using a Flash
When a flash is used, exposure compensation affects both background exposure and flash level.
A See Also
For information on choosing the size of the increments available for exposure compensation, see Custom Setting b1 (EV steps for exposure cntrl., 0 159). For information on automatically varying exposure over a series of shots, see page 88.
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Flash Compensation

Flash compensation is used to alter flash output from the level suggested by the camera, changing the brightness of the main subject relative to the background. Choose from values between –3 EV (darker) and +1 EV (brighter) in increments of
1
/3 EV; in general, positive values make the subject brighter while negative values
make it darker.
1 Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
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Information display P button
2 Display flash compensation options.
Highlight flash compensation in the information display and press J.
3 Choose a value.
Highlight a value and press J. To return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.
Normal flash output can be restored by setting flash compensation to ±0. compensation is not reset when the camera is turned off.
Flash
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A The Y (M) and E Buttons
Flash compensation can also be set by rotating the command dial while pressing the Y (M) and E buttons. The selected value is shown in the viewfinder and information display.
Y (M) button E button Command dial
–0.3 EV +1 EV
A Optional Flash Units
Flash compensation is also available with optional flash units that support the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS; see page 203). The SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, and SB-600 also allow flash compensation to be set using the controls on the flash unit. The flash compensation selected with the optional flash unit is added to the flash compensation selected with the camera.
A See Also
For information on choosing the size of the increments available for flash compensation, see Custom Setting b1 (EV steps for exposure cntrl., 0 159).
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Preserving Detail in Highlights and Shadows

Active D-Lighting

Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast. photographing brightly lit outdoor scenery through a door or window or taking pictures of shaded subjects on a sunny day. L (Matrix metering; 0 68).
Use for high contrast scenes, for example when
It is most effective when used with
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Active D-Lighting: ! Off Active D-Lighting: Y Auto
1 Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
Information display P button
2 Display Active D-Lighting options.
Highlight Active D-Lighting in the information display and press J.
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3 Choose an option.
Highlight Y Auto, Z Extra high, P High, Q Normal, R Low, or ! Off and press J. Y Auto is selected, the camera will
automatically adjust Active D-Lighting according to shooting conditions. shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.
To re t u rn to
D Active D-Lighting
Noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines) may appear in photographs taken with Active D-Lighting. Uneven shading may be visible with some subjects. Active D-Lighting can not be used at ISO sensitivities of Hi 0.3 or above. A setting of Y Auto is equivalent to Q Normal in mode M or when center-weighted or spot metering is used.
A “Active D-Lighting” Versus “D-Lighting”
The Active D-Lighting option in the shooting menu adjusts exposure before shooting to optimize the dynamic range, while the D-Lighting option in the retouch menu (0 178) optimizes dynamic range in images after shooting.
A The Shooting Menu
Active D-Lighting can also be adjusted using the Active D-Lighting option in the shooting menu (0 151).
A See Also
For information on automatically varying Active D-Lighting over a series of shots, see page
88. For information on using the Fn button and command dial to turn Active D-Lighting on and off, see page 165.
If
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High Dynamic Range (HDR)

High Dynamic Range (HDR) combines two exposures to form a single image that captures a wide range of tones from shadows to highlights, even with high-contrast subjects. other metering methods, an exposure differential of Auto is equivalent to about 2EV). while HDR is in effect.
HDR is most effective when used with L (Matrix metering) (0 68; with
It can not be used to record NEF (RAW) images. The flash can not be used
+
First exposure (darker) Second exposure (brighter) Combined HDR image
1 Select HDR (High Dynamic Range).
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Press the G button to display the menus. Highlight HDR (High Dynamic Range) in the shooting menu and press 2.
G button
2 Enable HDR.
Highlight HDR mode and press 2.
76
The options shown at right will be displayed. Highlight On and press J.
u will be displayed in the viewfinder.
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3 Choose the exposure differential.
To choose the difference in exposure between the two shots, highlight Exposure differential and press 2.
The options shown at right will be displayed.
Highlight an option and press J. Choose
higher values for high-contrast subjects, but note that choosing a value higher than required may not produce the desired results; if Auto is selected, the camera will automatically adjust exposure to suit the scene.
4 Choose the amount of smoothing.
To choose how much the boundaries between the two images are smoothed, highlight Smoothing and press 2.
The options shown at right will be displayed. Highlight an option and press J. Higher values produce a smoother composite image.
5 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.
The camera takes two exposures when the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down. are combined; no photographs can be taken until recording is complete. turns off automatically after the photograph is taken ; to turn off HDR before shooting, rotate the mode dial to a setting other than P, S, A, or M.
lu” will be displayed in the viewfinder while the images
HDR
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D Framing HDR Photographs
The edges of the image may be cropped out. The desired results may not be achieved if the camera or subject move during shooting. Use of a tripod is recommended. Depending on the scene, shadows may appear around bright objects or halos may appear around dark objects; this effect can be reduced by adjusting the amount of smoothing.
A See Also
For information on using the Fn button to choose an HDR mode, see page 165.
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Multiple Exposure

Follow the steps below to record a series of two or three exposures in a single photograph. sensor to produce colors noticeably superior to those in software-generated photographic overlays.
❚❚ Creating a Multiple Exposure
Multiple exposures can not be recorded in live view. Exit live view before proceeding. Note that at default settings, shooting will end and a multiple exposure will be recorded automatically if no operations are performed for about 30 s.
A Extended Recording Times
For an interval between exposures of more than 30 s, select On for the Image review (0 150) option in the playback menu and extend the monitor-off delay for image review using Custom Setting c2 (Auto off timers, 0 160). The maximum interval between exposures is about 30 s longer than the option selected for Custom Setting c2. If no operations are performed for approximately 30 s after the monitor has turned off during
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playback or menu operations, shooting will end and a multiple exposure will be created from the exposures that have been recorded to that point.
1 Select Multiple exposure.
Press the G button to display the menus. Highlight Multiple exposure in the shooting menu and press 2.
Multiple exposures can make use of RAW data from the camera image
2 Enable multiple exposure mode.
Highlight Multiple exposure mode and press 2.
The options shown at right will be displayed. Highlight On and press J.
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G button
Page 97
3 Choose the number of shots.
Highlight Number of shots and press 2.
The dialog shown at right will be displayed. Press 1 or 3 to choose the number of exposures that will be combined to form a single photograph and press J.
4 Choose the amount of gain.
Highlight Auto gain and press 2.
The following options will be displayed. Highlight an option and press J.
On: Gain is adjusted according to number of exposures actually recorded (gain for each exposure is set to
1
/3 for 3 exposures).
Off: Gain is not adjusted when recording multiple exposure. if background is dark.
1
/2 for 2 exposures,
Recommended
5 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.
In continuous release mode (0 35), the camera records all exposures in a single burst; shooting will pause after each multiple exposure. In self-timer mode, the camera will automatically record the number of exposures selected in Step 3, regardless of the option selected for Custom Setting c3 (Self-timer) > Number of shots (0 160). modes, one photograph will be taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed; continue shooting until all exposures have been recorded.
.
A The Multiple Exposure Indicator
Progress is shown by the multiple exposure indicator in the information display.
$ (on): Camera ready to record new multiple exposure. Press the
shutter-release button all the way down to begin shooting.
$ (blinks): Shooting in progress.
In other release
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❚❚ Interrupting Multiple Exposures
To interrupt a multiple exposure before the specified number of exposures have been taken, select Off for Multiple exposure > Multiple exposure mode in the shooting menu. exposure will be created from the exposures that have been recorded to that point. to reflect the number of exposures actually recorded. shooting will end automatically if:
The mode dial is rotated to a setting other than P, S, A, or M
A two-button reset is performed (0 58)
The camera is turned off
The battery is exhausted
One of the exposures is deleted
If Auto gain is on, gain will be adjusted
A multiple
Note that
D Multiple Exposures
Do not remove or replace the memory card while recording a multiple exposure.
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The information listed in the playback photo information display (including metering, exposure, shooting mode, focal length, date of recording and camera orientation) is for the first shot in the multiple exposure.
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White Balance

White balance ensures that colors are unaffected by the color of the light source. Auto white balance is recommended for most light sources; in P, S, A, and M modes, other values can be selected if necessary according to the type of source:
Option Description
v Auto Automatic white balance adjustment. Recommended in most situations.
J Incandescent Use under incandescent lighting.
I Fluorescent Use with the light sources listed on page 82.
H Direct sunlight Use with subjects lit by direct sunlight.
N Flash Use with the flash. G Cloudy Use in daylight under overcast skies. M Shade Use in daylight with subjects in the shade.
L Preset manual Measure white balance or copy white balance from existing photo (0 84).
1 Place the cursor in the information display.
If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the P button. Press the P button again to place the cursor in the information display.
Information display P button
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2 Display white balance options.
Highlight the current white balance setting in the information display and press J.
3 Choose a white balance option.
Highlight an option and press J. To return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.
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A The Shooting Menu
White balance can be selected using the White balance option in the shooting menu (0 151), which also can be used to fine-tune white balance (0 83) or measure a value for preset white balance (0 84).
The I Fluorescent option in the White balance menu can be used to select the light source from the bulb types shown at right.
A Color Temperature
The perceived color of a light source varies with the viewer and other conditions. Color temperature is an objective measure of the color of a light source, defined with reference to the temperature to which an object would have to be heated to radiate light in the same wavelengths. While light sources with a color temperature in the neighborhood of 5,000–
t
5,500 K appear white, light sources with a lower color temperature, such as incandescent light bulbs, appear slightly yellow or red. Light sources with a higher color temperature appear tinged with blue. The camera white balance options are adapted to the following color temperatures:
I (sodium-vapor lamps): 2,700 K
J (incandescent)/
I (warm-white fluorescent): 3,000 K
I (white fluorescent): 3,700 K
I (cool-white fluorescent): 4,200 K
I (day white fluorescent): 5,000 K
H (direct sunlight): 5,200 K
N (flash): 5,400 K
G (cloudy): 6,000 K
I (daylight fluorescent): 6,500 K
I (high temp. mercury-vapor): 7,200 K
M (shade): 8,000 K
A The Fn Button
For information on using the Fn button and the command dial for white balance, see page
165.
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