Nikon D90 Owner Manual

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Page 1

DIGITAL CAMERA

User's Manual

Page 2

Where to Find It

Find what you’re looking for from:

The Table of Contents

Find items by function or menu name.

The Q&A Index

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

The Index

Search by key word.

Error Messages

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

Troubleshooting

Camera behaving unexpectedly?

A For Your Safety

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

Help

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

Find the solution here.

➜

Find it from the

➜

pp. viii–xiii

pp. iv–vii

pp. 276–278

pp. 255–257

pp. 250–254

Digitutor

“Digitutor”, a series of “watch and learn” manuals in movie form, is available from the following website: http://www.nikondigitutor.com/index_eng.html

Page 3

Package Contents

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

❏ D90 digital camera

(pg. 3)

❏ EN-EL3e

rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover (pp. 22, 23)

❏ EG-D2 audio/video

cable (pg. 146)

❏ Body cap

(pp. 3, 240)

❏ MH-18a quick

charger with power cable (pg. 22)

❏ UC-E4 USB cable

(pp. 149, 151)

❏ BM-10 LCD monitor

cover (pg. 17)

❏ AN-DC1 strap

(pg. 17)

❏ DK-5 eyepiece cap

(pg. 17)

❏ BS-1 accessory shoe

cover (pg. 233)

❏ Warranty ❏ User’s Manual (this guide) ❏ Quick Guide (a guide for first-time users describing the basic steps involved in such tasks

taking pictures, copying pictures to a computer, and printing pictures)

❏ Software Installation Guide ❏ Software Suite CD-ROM ❏ Registration card (U. S. A. only)

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Symbols and Conventions

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

This icon marks cautions; information that should be read before use to

prevent damage to the camera.

This icon marks notes; information that should be read before using the

camera.

Trademark Information

Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks, or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The SD logo is a trademark of the SD Card Association. PictBridge and the SDHC logo are trademarks. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Page 5

Introduction

Basic Photography and Playback

Q&A Index

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

New Features

Question Key phrase See page

Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder? Live view 43 How do I shoot movies? Recording movies 50 Can I control how photos are processed? Picture Controls 108 How do I preserve details in shadows and highlights? How do I keep the subject in focus when changing the composition? How do I remove dust from the low-pass filter protecting the image sensor?

Frequently-Asked Questions

Question Key phrase See page

How do I use the menus? Using the menus 18 How do I get more information on a menu? Help 21 Can I get quick access to frequently-used settings? My Menu 225 Can I get quick access to recently-used settings? Recent settings 224 What do these indicators mean? Control panel, viewfinder 7, 9 What does this warning mean? Error messages and displays 255

How many more shots can I take with this card?

How much charge does the battery have left? Battery level 34 What does “exposure” mean and how does it work? Exposure 79 What do I do with the viewfinder eyepiece cap? Self timer, remote control 66, 68 What optional flash units (Speedlights) can I use? Optional flash units 233 What lenses can I use? Lenses 228 What accessories are available for my camera? Accessories 239 What memory cards can I use? Approved memory cards 242 What software is available for my camera? Accessories 240 Who can I ask to repair or inspect my camera? Servicing the camera 247 How do I clean the camera or lens? Cleaning the camera 243

Active D-Lighting 119

3D-tracking 173

Clean Image Sensor 203

Number of exposures remaining

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Camera Setup

Question Key phrase See page

How do I stop parts of my photos from blinking? Photo info, highlights

How do I focus the viewfinder? Viewfinder focus 32 How do I keep the monitor from turning off? Monitor off 180 How do I set the clock? How do I set the clock for daylight saving time? How do I change time zones when I travel? How do I adjust monitor brightness? LCD brightness 202 How do I restore default settings? Two-button reset 75 How do I turn off the light on the front of the camera? Can I display a framing grid in the viewfinder? Grid display 181 How do I view the control panel in the dark? LCD illuminator 8, 196 How do I keep the shutter speed and aperture displays from turning off? How do I change the self timer delay? Self timer 66, 179 How do I change the remote delay? Remote control 68, 180 How do I keep the camera from beeping? Beep 180 Can I display the menus in a different language? Language 204 How do I keep the file number from being reset when I insert a new memory card? How do I reset file numbering to 1?

World time 204

AF-assist illuminator 174

Auto meter off 35, 179

File number sequence 182

131,

163

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Taking Photographs

Question Key phrase See page

Is there an easy way to take snapshots? Auto mode 34 Is there an easy way to take more creative shots? Scene modes 41

j mode 34

Can I take pictures without the flash?

How do I bring out a portrait subject? Portrait mode 41 How can I get good landscape shots? Landscape mode 41 How do I take close ups of small objects? Close-up mode 42 How do I “freeze” a moving subject? Sports mode 42 Can I include night backgrounds in my portraits? Night portrait mode 42 How do I take a lot of photographs quickly? Release mode 64 Can I shoot a self-portrait? Self timer 66 Is there a remote control for this camera? Remote control 68 How do I adjust exposure? P, S, A, and M modes 78 How do I freeze or blur moving objects? Mode S (shutter-priority auto) 81

How do I blur background details?

Can I make photos brighter or darker? Exposure compensation 90 How do I make a time exposure? Long time-exposures 85 How do I use the flash? Flash photography 70 Can the flash fire automatically when needed? How do I keep the flash from firing? How do I prevent red eye? Red-eye reduction 71 Can I control how the camera focuses? Autofocus 54 How do I focus on a moving subject? Autofocus mode 54 How do I choose where the camera focuses? Focus point 56 Can I change the composition after focusing? Focus lock 57 Can I create a multiple exposure? Multiple exposure 121 How do I improve image quality? How do I take bigger photographs? How can I get more photos on the memory card? Can I take photos at a reduced size for e-mail?

Flash mode 71 ISO sensitivity 74

Mode A (aperture-priority auto)

Flash mode 70

Image quality and size 62, 63

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Viewing and Retouching Photographs

Question Key phrase See page

Can I view my photographs on the camera? Camera playback 48, 128 Can I view more information about photos? Photo info 129

How do I get rid of an unwanted photo? Deleting individual photos

Can I delete several photos at once? Delete 162 Can I zoom in on pictures to make sure they’re in focus? Can I protect photos from accidental deletion? Protect 139 Is there an automatic playback (“slide show”) option? Can I view my photos on TV? Television playback 146 Can I view my photos in High Definition? HDMI 147 How do I copy photos to my computer? Connecting to a computer 148 How do I print photographs? Printing photographs 150 Can I print photos without a computer? Printing via USB 151

Can I print the date on my photographs? Time stamp, DPOF

How do I order professional prints? Print set (DPOF) 157 How do I bring out details in shadows? D-Lighting 212 Can I get rid of red eye? Red-eye correction 212 Can I crop photographs on the camera? Trim 213 Can I create a monochrome copy of a photograph? Monochrome 214 Can I create a copy with different colors? Filter effects 215 How do I adjust existing colors? Color balance 216 Can I make a small copy of a photograph? Small picture 216 Can I overlay two photos to make a single image? Image overlay 218 Can I use the camera to create JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs? Is there a quick way to retouch photographs? Quick retouch 221 Can I straighten photographs? Straighten 221 How do I reduce distortion? Distortion control 222 Can I create the effect of a fisheye lens? Fisheye 222 Can I compare retouched copies with the originals? Side-by-side comparison 223

Playback zoom 138

Pictmotion Slide show

NEF (RAW) processing 220

49, 140,

162

141,

143

152,

155

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

For Your Safety ........................................................................................................................ xiv

Notices........................................................................................................................................ xvi

Introduction 1

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

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

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

The Mode Dial.............................................................................................................................6

The Control Panel......................................................................................................................7

The Viewfinder............................................................................................................................9

The Shooting Information Display................................................................................... 10

The Command Dials..............................................................................................................13

Attaching the AN-DC1 Camera Strap..............................................................................17

The BM-10 Monitor Cover ................................................................................................... 17

The DK-21 Viewfinder Eyepiece Cup............................................................................... 17

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

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

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

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

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

Insert the Battery ....................................................................................................................23

Attach a Lens............................................................................................................................25

Basic Setup................................................................................................................................27

Inserting Memory Cards....................................................................................................... 29

Adjust Viewfinder Focus......................................................................................................32

Basic Photography and Playback 33

“Point-and-Shoot” Photography (i and j Modes)...................................................34

Step 1: Turn the Camera On................................................................................................ 34

Step 2: Choose Shooting and Focus Modes ................................................................. 36

Step 3: Check Camera Settings.......................................................................................... 36

Step 4: Frame the Photograph .......................................................................................... 37

Step 5: Focus............................................................................................................................38

Step 6: Shoot............................................................................................................................39

Creative Photography (Scene Modes) .............................................................................41

k Portrait .............................................................................................................................. 41

l Landscape........................................................................................................................41

n Close Up ...........................................................................................................................42

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m Sports.................................................................................................................................42

o Night Portrait ..................................................................................................................42

Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View)..................................................................43

Basic Playback...........................................................................................................................48

Deleting Unwanted Photographs.....................................................................................49

Recording and Viewing Movies (Live View) ...................................................................50

For Your Safety

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

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

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

this Nikon product.

❚❚ WARNINGS

Keep the sun out of the frame

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

Do not look at the sun through the viewfinder

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

Using the viewfinder diopter con trol

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

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 disassemble

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

Do not use in the presence of flammable gas

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

Keep out of reach of children

Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury.

Do not place the strap around the neck of an

infant or child

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

Observe caution when using the flash

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

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

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Observe proper precautions when handling

batteries

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

• Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment.

• Do not short or disassemble the battery.

• Be sure the product is off before

replacing the battery. If you are using an AC adapter, be sure it is unplugged.

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

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

• Do not immerse in or expose to water.

• Replace the terminal cover when

transporting the battery. Do not transport or store the battery with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.

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

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

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

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

Observe proper precautions when handling the

quick charger

• Keep dry. Failure to observe this pr eca ution cou ld r esult in f ire or e lec tri c shock.

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

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

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

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

Use appropriate cables

When connecting cables to the input and output jacks, use only the cables provided or sold by Nikon for the purpose to maintain compliance with product regulations.

CD-ROMs

CD-ROMs containing software or manuals should not be played back on audio CD equipment. Playing CD-ROMs on an audio CD player could cause hearing loss or damage the equipment.

Avoid contact with liquid crystal

Should the monitor break, care should be taken to avoid injury due to broken glass and to prevent the liquid crystal from the monitor touching the skin or entering the eyes or mouth.

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Notices

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

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

Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

Federal Communications Commission (F CC) Radio Frequenc y 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 a ccordance with the instruc tions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.

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

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

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

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

CAUTIONS

Modifications

The FCC requires the user be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Nikon Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Interface Cables

Use the interface cables sold or provided by Nikon for your equipment. Using other interface cables may exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.

Notice for Customers in the State of California WARNING: 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

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Notices for Customers in Canada CAUTION

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

Symbol for Separate Collection in European Countries

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

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

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

Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduc tion

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

• Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced

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

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

Unless the prior permission of the government has been obtained, the copying or reproduction or unused postage stamps or post cards issued by the government is prohibited.

The copying or reproduction of stamps issued by the government and of certified documents stipulated by law is prohibited.

• 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.

ATT EN TIO N

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

• 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 produc t for the purpose of making illegal copies or to infringe copyright laws.

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Disposing of Data Storage Devices

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

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

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 battery 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.

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.

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

This chapter covers information you will need to know before using the camera, including the names of camera parts, how to use the camera menus, and how to ready the camera for use.

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

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

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

The Mode Dial .............................................................................................................................. 6

The Control Panel........................................................................................................................ 7

The Viewfinder............................................................................................................................. 9

The Shooting Information Display........................................................................................ 10

The Command Dials................................................................................................................... 13

Attaching the AN-DC1 Camera Strap .................................................................................. 17

The BM-10 Monitor Cover........................................................................................................ 17

The DK-21 Viewfinder Eyepiece Cup.................................................................................... 17

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

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

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

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

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

Insert the Battery ........................................................................................................................ 23

Attach a Lens ................................................................................................................................ 25

Basic Setup .................................................................................................................................... 27

Inserting Memory Cards........................................................................................................... 29

Adjust Viewfinder Focus........................................................................................................... 32

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Overview

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.

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.

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.

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Getting to Know the Camera

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. Yo u may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual.

The Camera Body

11 12

1 Mode dial.............................................................6

2 Eyelet for camera strap.................................17

3 Focal plane mark (E) ....................................60

4 Accessory shoe (for optional flash

unit)................................................................233

5 Accessory shoe cover ................................. 233

6 Power switch....................................................34

7 Shutter-release button..................................38

8 E (exposure compensation) button........90

Two-button reset button .............................75

9 Z (metering) button.....................................87

Q (format) button .........................................30

10 I (release mode) button ............................64

11 AF (autofocus mode) button .......................54

Two-button reset button .............................75

12 Control panel......................................................7

13 Main command dial.......................................13

14 AF-assist illuminator................................... 174

Self-timer lamp................................................67

Red-eye reduction lamp ..............................71

15 Sub-command dial ........................................13

16 Fn button................................................197, 198

17 Depth-of-field preview button................. 82

18 Speaker

19 Body cap.........................................................240

20 CPU contacts

21 Mounting index...............................................25

22 Lens mount.......................................................60

23 Tripod socket

24 Battery-chamber cover.................................23

25 Battery-chamber cover latch......................23

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The Camera Body (Continued)

1 Built-in flash......................................................70

2 M (flash mode) button ................................... 70

Y (flash compensation) button...............91

3 Microphone.............................................50, 170

4 Infrared receiver..............................................69

5 D (bracketing) button .................................92

6 Connector cover..............146, 147, 149, 151

7 Lens release button .......................................26

8 Focus-mode selector.............................. 54, 59

9 Mirror.........................................................43, 246

10 DC-IN connector for optional EH-5a or

EH-5 AC adapter ........................................239

11 USB connector

Connecting to a computer ....................149

Connecting to a printer...........................151

12 HDMI mini-pin connector .........................147

13 Video connector ...........................................146

14 Accessory terminal ......................................241

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The Camera Body (Continued)

13 14

1 Viewfinder eyepiece ......................................32

2 DK-21 viewfinder eyepiece cup.................17

3 O (delete) button

Deleting pictures .........................................49

Deleting pictures during playback..... 140

Q (format) button.........................................30

4 Monitor

Live view.........................................................43

Viewing pictures ..........................................50

Full-frame playback.................................. 128

5 K (playback) button ...........................50, 128

6 G (menu) button..............................19, 159

7 L (help/protect) button..................21, 139

WB (white balance) button

White balance ...............................................95

Fine tuning white balance........................97

Color temperature.......................................99

8 W (thumbnail/playback zoom out)

button...........................................................135

ISO (ISO sensitivity) button...........................74

9 X (playback zoom in) button...................138

QUAL (image quality/size) button

Image quality................................................62

Image size.......................................................63

10 Diopter adjustment control........................32

11 AE-L/AF-L button

Focus lock.......................................................57

Choosing role............................................. 200

12 a (live view) button

Taking photographs ...................................43

Shooting movies ..........................................50

13 Multi selector ...................................................19

14 J (OK) button..................................................19

15 Memory card slot cover................................29

16 Focus selector lock.........................................56

17 Memory card access lamp....................29, 39

18 R (information display/quick settings

display) button ......................................10, 12

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The Mode Dial

The camera offers a choice of the following eleven shooting modes:

❚❚ P, S, A, and M Modes

Select these modes for full control over camera settings.

P— Programmed auto (pg. 80): Camera chooses shutter speed and aperture, user controls other settings.

S —Shutter-priority auto (pg. 81): Choose fast shutter speeds to freeze action, slow shutter speeds to suggest motion by blurring moving objects.

❚❚ Auto Modes

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

A —Aperture-priority auto (pg. 82): Adjust aperture to soften background details or increase depth-of-field to bring both main subject and background into focus.

M—Manual (pg. 83): Match shutter speed and aperture to your creative intent.

i Auto (pg. 34): Camera adjusts settings automati- cally to produce optimal results with “point-andshoot” simplicity. Recommended for first-time users of digital cameras.

j Auto (flash off ) (pg. 34): As above, except that the flash will not fire even when lighting is poor.

❚❚ Scene Modes

Selecting a scene mode automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography as simple as rotating the mode dial.

k Por trait (pg. 41): Shoot portraits with back- ground in soft focus.

l Landscape (pg. 41): Preserve details in landscape shots.

n Close up (pg. 42): Take vivid close-ups of flowers, insects, and other small objects.

m Sports (pg. 42): Freeze motion for dynamic sports shots.

o Night portrait (pg. 42): Shoot portraits against a dimly-lit backdrop.

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The Control Panel

1 Shutter speed

Shutter-priority auto...................................81

Manual exposure mode ............................83

Exposure compensation value...................90

Flash compensation value...........................91

White balance fine-tuning...........................97

White balance color temperature.............99

White balance preset number.................100

Number of shots in bracketing

sequence.........................................................92

2 Battery indicator..............................................34

3 Flash mode........................................................71

4 Image size..........................................................63

5 Image quality ...................................................62

6 White balance fine-tuning indicator........97

7 White balance..................................................95

14 13

9 8

8 ISO sensitivity compensation indicator

ISO sensitivity................................................74

ISO display and adjustment..................181

9 “K” (appears when memory remains for

over 1000 exposures).................................35

10 “Beep” indicator ........................................... 180

11 GPS connection indicator......................... 124

12 Release mode...................................................64

13 Aperture (f-number)

Aperture-priority auto...............................82

Manual exposure mode ............................83

Bracketing increment

AE/flash bracketing.....................................92

White balance bracketing .....................191

Bracketing programs............................... 264

14 Color temperature..........................................99

Large-Capacity Memory Cards

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

Page 28

The Control Panel (Continued)

15 Flash compensation indicator...................91

16 “Clock not set” indicator

Clock battery.................................................27

Warnings......................................................255

17 Flexible program indicator..........................80

18 Metering............................................................87

19 Focus points.....................................................56

AF-area mode............................................... 173

20 Autofocus mode.............................................54

21 Black-and-white indicator........................181

22 Number of exposures remaining ............. 35

Number of shots remaining before

memory buffer fills......................................65

Preset white balance recording

indicator.......................................................101

Capture mode indicator............................ 148

ISO sensitivity

ISO sensitivity................................................74

ISO display and adjustment.................. 181

25 24

22 21

23 ISO sensitivity indicator ............................... 74

Auto ISO sensitivity indicator...................166

24 Bracketing progress indicator

AE/flash bracketing .................................... 92

White balance bracketing......................191

ADL bracketing ..........................................193

25 Bracketing indicator......................................92

26 White balance bracketing indicator......191

27 Exposure compensation indicator...........90

28 Multiple exposure indicator .....................121

The LCD Illuminator

Holding the power switch in the D position activates the exposure meters and the control panel backlight (LCD illuminator), allowing the display to be read in the dark. After the power switch is released, the illuminator will remain lit while the camera exposure meters are active (six seconds at default settings) or until the shutter is released or the power switch is rotated to D again.

Power switch

Page 29

The Viewfinder

3 4

1 Framing grid (displayed when On is

selected for Custom Setting d2).......... 181

2 Reference circle for center-weighted

metering .........................................................87

3 Battery indicator*...........................................34

4 Black-and-white indicator*......................181

5 Focus points...................................54, 173, 174

6 Center focus point (normal frame)........ 174

7 Center focus point (wide frame)............. 174

8 “No memory card” warning*................... 181

9 Focus indicator .........................................38, 60

10 Flash value (FV) lock indicator ................ 198

11 Shutter speed............................................81, 83

12 Aperture (f-number)...............................82, 83

13 Battery indicator .............................................34

14 White balance bracketing indicator...... 191

15 Bracketing indicator ......................................92

16 ISO sensitivity indicator................................74

* Can be hidden with Custom Setting d4 (pg. 181).

9 10

20 22

17 Number of exposures remaining .............35

18 “K” (appears when memory remains for

19 Flash-ready indicator.....................................42

20 Autoexposure (AE) lock indicator.............88

21 Electronic analog exposure display.........84

22 Flash compensation indicator ...................91

23 Exposure compensation indicator...........90

24 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator.................. 166

25 ISO sensitivity compensation indicator..74

16 18112112 1913 17

Number of shots remaining before

memory buffer fills......................................65

White balance recording indicator ....... 101

Exposure compensation value ..................90

Flash compensation value .......................... 91

Capture mode indicator............................ 148

ISO sensitivity......................................... 74, 181

over 1000 exposures) .................................35

Exposure compensation..............................90

2524

The Viewfinder Display

Owing to the characteristics of this type of viewfinder display, you may notice fine lines radiating outward from the selected focus point. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction. If the battery is totally exhausted or not inserted, the display in the viewfinder will dim. The viewfinder display will return to normal when a fully-charged battery is inserted.

The Control Panel and Viewfinder

The response times and brightness of the control panel and viewfinder may vary with temperature.

Page 30

The Shooting Information Display

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

displayed in the monitor when the R button is pressed. the R button again to change selected settings (pg. 12). clear shooting information from the monitor, press the R button a third time or press the shutter-release button halfway. At default settings, the monitor will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for about 10 seconds.

23 4

Press

5 6 7

R button

121314151617

21 22 23 24

35 34

33 32 31

See Also

For information on choosing how long the monitor stays on, see Custom Setting c4 (Monitor off delay, pg. 180). For information on changing the color of the lettering in the shooting information display, see Custom Setting d8 (Shooting info display, pg. 183).

25 26

10 11

27 28

29 30

8 9

Page 31

The Shooting Information Display (Continued)

1 Shooting mode

i auto/j auto (flash off).........................34

Scene modes.................................................41

P, S, A, and M modes......................................78

2 Flexible program indicator ..........................80

3 Shutter speed

Shutter-priority auto...................................81

Manual exposure mode ............................83

Exposure compensation value...................90

Flash compensation value...........................91

Color temperature ..........................................99

Number of shots in bracketing

sequence...............................................92, 191

4 Aperture (f-number)

Aperture priority auto................................82

Manual exposure mode ............................83

Bracketing increment

AE/flash bracketing.....................................92

White balance bracketing...................... 191

Bracketing programs...............................264

5 Release mode...................................................64

6 Continuous shooting speed .............64, 182

7 Remote control mode indicator ................68

Self-timer mode indicator............................66

8 ISO sensitivity indicator................................74

Auto ISO sensitivity indicator..................166

9 “Beep” indicator............................................180

10 “K” (appears when memory remains for

over 1000 exposures) .................................35

11 White balance..................................................95

White balance fine-tuning indicator........97

12 AE-L/AF-L button assignment.....................200

13 Fn button assignment.................................197

14 Picture Control indicator ........................... 108

Active D-Lighting indicator

16 High ISO noise reduction indicator .......168

17 Long exposure noise reduction

indicator.......................................................167

.......................119

18 Metering ............................................................87

19 Flash mode........................................................71

Flash control mode for

optional flash units .................................. 233

20 Electronic analog exposure display.........84

Exposure compensation ..............................90

Bracketing progress indicator

AE/flash bracketing.....................................92

White balance bracketing .....................191

ADL bracketing..........................................193

21 AC adapter indicator .....................................34

22 Flash value (FV) lock indicator ................198

23 Flash compensation indicator....................91

24 Exposure compensation indicator...........90

Multiple exposure indicator

26 Bracketing indicator

AE/flash bracketing.....................................92

White balance bracketing .....................191

ADL bracketing..........................................193

Active D-Lighting bracketing amount

28 Image comment indicator........................ 205

29 Autofocus mode.............................................54

30 ISO sensitivity......................................... 74, 181

31 Number of exposures remaining .............35

32 GPS connection indicator......................... 124

33 Auto-area AF indicator...............................173

3D-tracking indicator.................................173

Focus point .......................................................54

AF-area mode indicator............................. 173

34 Image size..........................................................63

35 Image quality ...................................................62

36 “Clock not set” indicator.................... 27, 255

37 Camera battery indicator.............................34

MB-D80 battery type display...................184

MB-D80 battery indicator......................... 184

......................121

... 193

Page 32

❚❚ Changing Settings in the Shooting Information Display (Quick Settings Display)

To change settings for the items listed below, press the R button in the shooting information display. using the multi selector and press J to jump to the menu for

the highlighted item.

Highlight items

654321

R button

1 Long exposure noise reduction ............. 167

2 High ISO noise reduction.......................... 168

3 Active D-Lighting ........................................119

4 Picture Control.............................................. 108

5Fn button assignment.................................197

6AE-L/AF-L button assignment .....................200

7 Tip display.......................................................182

Page 33

The Command Dials

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

M button:

flash mode and

flash compensation

D button:

bracketing

Sub-command dial

E button: exposure compensation

I button: release mode

B button: autofocus mode

L (WB) button:

white balance

W (ISO) button:

ISO sensitivity

X (QUAL) button:

image quality/image size

❚❚ Image Quality and Size

Set image quality (pg. 62).

Main-command dial

X (QUAL) button Main command

dial

Z button: metering

Control panel

Page 34

Choose an image size (pg. 63).

❚❚ Autofocus Mode

Choose an autofocus mode (pg. 54).

❚❚ Release Mode

Choose a release mode (pg. 64).

❚❚ ISO Sensitivity

X (QUAL) button Sub-command

dial

B button Main command

dial

I button Main command

dial

Control panel

Set ISO sensitivity (pg. 74).

❚❚ Exposure

Choose a combination of aperture and shutter speed (exposure mode P; pg. 80).

W ISO button Main command

dial

Mode P Main command

dial

Control panel

Page 35

Choose a shutter speed (exposure mode S or M; pp. 81,

83).

Choose an aperture (exposure mode A or M; pp. 82, 83).

Choose a metering method (pg. 87).

Set exposure compensation (pg. 90).

Mode S or M Main command

dial

Mode A or M Sub-command

dial

Z button Main command

dial

E button Main command

dial

Control panel

Activate or cancel bracketing/ select number of shots in bracketing sequence (pp. 92,

Not displayed in ADL

191). bracketing (pg. 193).

D button Main command

dial

Control panel

Page 36

Select bracketing exposure increment (pg. 92, 192).

❚❚ White Balance

Choose a white balance setting (pg. 95).

Fine-tune white balance (pg.

97), set color temperature (pg. 99), or choose a white balance preset (pg. 106).

❚❚ Flash Settings

Choose flash mode (pg. 71).

D button Sub-command

dial

L (WB)

button

Main command

dial

L (WB)

button

Sub-command

dial

Control panel

Adjust flash compensation (pg. 91).

M button Main command

dial

M (Y) button Sub-command

dial

Control panel

Page 37

Attaching the AN-DC1 Camera Strap

Attach the strap as shown below.

The BM-10 Monitor Cover

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

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

The DK-21 Viewfinder Eyepiece Cup

Before attaching the DK-5 viewfinder eyepiece cap and other viewfinder accessories (pg. 239), remove the viewfinder eyepiece cup by placing your fingers underneath the flanges at either side and sliding it off as shown at right.

Page 38

Camera Menus

Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus.

button.

Ta b s

Choose from playback, shooting, Custom Settings, setup, retouch, and recent settings menus (see below).

If “Q” is displayed, help for current item can be viewed by pressing L button (pg. 21).

To view the menus, press the G

Slider shows position in current menu.

Current settings are shown by icons.

Menu options

Options in current menu.

The following menus are available:

D Playback (pg. 160) Adjust playback settings and manage photos. C Shooting (pg. 165) Adjust shooting settings. A Custom Settings (pg. 171) Personalize camera settings.

B Setup (pg. 202) Format memory cards and perform basic camera setup.

N Retouch (pg. 209) Create retouched copies of existing photographs.

Select from the twenty most recently used menu items. If

m Recent settings (pg. 224)

desired, a custom menu (“My Menu”) can be displayed in place of Recent settings (pg. 224).

G button

Page 39

Using Camera Menus

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

Move cursor up

Cancel and return

to previous menu

Move cursor down

Follow the steps below to navigate the menus.

1 Display the menus.

Press the G button to display the menus.

2 Highlight the icon for the current menu.

Press 4 to highlight the icon for the current menu.

J button Select highlighted item

Select highlighted item or display submenu

G button

3 Select a menu.

Press 1 or 3 to position the cursor in the selected menu.

Page 40

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.

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 or the center of the multi selector generally has the same effect

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

• To exit the menus and return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway (pg. 35).

Using the Command Dials

The main command dial can be used to move the cursor up and down, the sub-command dial to move the cursor left and right. The sub-command dial can not be used to make a selection.

Page 41

Help

If a Q icon is displayed at the bottom left corner of the monitor, help can be displayed by pressing the L button. description of the currently selected option or menu will be displayed while the button is pressed. Press 1 or 3 to scroll through the display.

Q icon

L button

Page 42

First Steps

Charge the Battery

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

The EN-EL3e is not fully charged at shipment. battery in the supplied MH-18a quick charger before use. hours are required to fully recharge the battery when no charge remains.

To maximize shooting time, charge the

About two and a quarter

1 Plug the charger in.

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

2 Remove the terminal cover.

Remove the terminal cover from the battery.

3 Insert the battery.

Li-ion BA

TTERY PACK

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

Page 43

4 Remove the battery when charging is complete.

Charging is complete when the CHARGE lamp stops blinking.

Insert the Battery

Remove the battery and unplug the charger.

1 Turn the camera off.

Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing batteries.

2 Open the battery-chamber cover.

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

3 Insert the battery.

Insert the battery as shown at right.

4 Close the battery-chamber cover.

Power switch

❚❚ Removing the Battery

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

Page 44

The Battery and Charger

Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xiv–xv and 248–249 of this manual. Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0 °C (32°F) or above 40°C (104°F). Charge the battery indoors at ambient temperatures between 5–35°C (41–95°F); for best results, charge

the battery at temperatures above 20°C (68°F). Battery capacity may temporarily drop if the battery is charged at low temperatures or used at a temperature below the temperature at which it was charged. If the battery is charged at a temperature below 5°C (41°F), the battery life indicator in the Battery info (pg. 208) display may show a temporary decrease.

The battery may be hot immediately after use. Wait for the battery to cool before recharging.

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

Incompatible Batteries

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

EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries

The supplied EN-EL3e shares information with compatible devices, enabling the camera to show battery charge state in six levels (pg. 34). The Battery info option in the setup menu details battery charge, battery life, and the number of pictures taken since the battery was last charged (pg. 208).

Page 45

Attach a Lens

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

An AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is used in this manual

Focal length scale

Lens hood (pg. 273)

Lens cap

Zoom ring

Mounting index Focal length index

CPU contacts

Focus mode switch (pg. 25, 273)

VR (vibration reduction) switch

Focus ring (pg.59, 273)

(pg. 228)

Rear cover

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

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

2 Attach the lens.

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

If the lens is equipped with an A-M or M/A-M switch, select A (autofocus) or M/A (autofocus with manual priority).

Being careful

Mounting index

Page 46

❚❚ Detaching the Lens

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

replace the lens cap, rear cover, and camera body cap.

After removing the lens,

❚❚ Vibration Reduction (VR)

AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18–105mm 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 105mm (Nikon measurements; effects vary with the user and shooting conditions).

To use vibration reduction, slide the VR switch to ON. Vibration 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 the subject and focusing in both autofocus and manual modes. vibration reduction applies 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.

CPU Lenses with Aperture Rings

In the case of CPU lenses equipped with an aperture ring (pg. 228), lock aperture at the minimum setting (highest f-number). See the lens manual for details.

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.

When the camera is panned,

Turn vibration

Page 47

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. Note that if the time and date are not set, B will blink in the monitor and the time and date recorded with photographs will be incorrect.

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 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.

Power switch

5 Set the date and time.

The dialog shown at right will be displayed. Press 4 or 2 to select an item, 1 or 3 to change. clock is set to the current date and time.

Press J when the

Page 48

6 Choose a date format.

Press 1 or 3 to choose the order in which the year,

month, and day will be displayed and press J.

7 Exit to shooting mode.

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

The Setup Menu

Language and date/time settings can be changed at any time using the Language (pg. 204) and World time (pg. 204) options in the setup menu.

The Clock Battery

The camera clock is powered by an independent, rechargeable power source, which is charged as necessary when the main battery is installed or the camera is powered by an optional EH-5a or EH-5 AC adapter (pg. 239). Two days of charging will power the clock for about three months. If the B icon flashes in the control panel, the clock battery is exhausted and the clock has been reset. Set the clock to the correct time and date.

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.

Page 49

Inserting Memory Cards

The camera stores pictures on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (available separately).

1 Turn the camera off.

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

Power switch

2 Open the card slot cover.

Slide the card slot cover out (q) and open the card slot (w).

3 Insert the memory card.

Holding the memory card as shown at right, slide it in until it clicks into place. light for a few seconds.

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.

The memory card access lamp will

Close the memory card slot cover.

Access lamp

Front

If C is displayed in the control panel as shown at right, format the card as described on the following page.

The Access Lamp

Do not remove the battery or disconnect the power source while the memory card access lamp is lit. Failure to observe this precaution could result in damage to the card.

Page 50

❚❚ Formatting Memory Cards

Memory cards must be formatted after being used in other devices. Format the card as described below.

Formatting Memory Cards

Formatting memory cards permanently deletes any data they may contain. Be sure to copy any photographs and other data you wish to keep to a computer before proceeding (pg. 148).

1 Turn the camera on.

2 Press the Q buttons.

Hold the Q (Z and O) buttons down simultaneously for approximately two seconds.

A blinking C will appear in the shutterspeed displays in the control panel and viewfinder. memory card, wait six seconds (the default setting) until C stops blinking or press any button other than the Q (Z and O) buttons.

To exit without formatting the

Power switch

O button

Z button

3 Press the Q buttons again.

Press the Q (Z and O) buttons together a second time while C is blinking to format the memory card.

disconnect the power source during formatting.

Do not remove the memory card or remove or

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

Page 51

❚❚ 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).

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

• Memory cards that have been formatted in a computer or other device must be reformatted

• Turn the power off before inserting or removing memory cards. Do not remove memory

• 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

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

If no memory card is inserted, the control panel and viewfinder will show S and an icon will appear in the viewfinder as shown at right. If the camera is turned off with a charged EN-EL3e battery and no memory card inserted, S will be displayed in the control panel and an icon will be displayed in the viewfinder.

The card can then be removed by hand (w).

Memory Cards

from the camera.

in the camera before they can be used for recording or playback.

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.

card.

No Memory Card

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, photos can not be recorded or deleted and the memory card can not be formatted. To u nlock the memory card, slide the switch to the “write” position.

See Also

See page 202 for information on formatting memory cards using the Format memory card option in the setup menu.

Write-protect switch

Page 52

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 and turn the camera

on.

2 Focus the viewfinder.

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

Power switch

Focus point

Eyepiece Correction Lenses

Corrective lenses (available separately; pg. 239) can be used to further adjust viewfinder diopter.

Page 53

Basic Photography and Playback

This chapter outlines the basics of taking and viewing photographs in auto and scene modes. default settings, see page 258.

“Point-and-Shoot” Photography (i and j Modes)............................................... 34

Creative Photography (Scene Modes)....................................................................... 41

Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View)............................................................ 43

Basic Playback................................................................................................................ 48

It assumes that default camera settings are used; for information on restoring

Step 1: Turn the Camera On .................................................................................................... 34

Step 2: Choose Shooting and Focus Modes...................................................................... 36

Step 3: Check Camera Settings .............................................................................................. 36

Step 4: Frame the Photograph ............................................................................................... 37

Step 5: Focus................................................................................................................................. 38

Step 6: Shoot................................................................................................................................. 39

k Portrait....................................................................................................................................... 41

l Landscape................................................................................................................................. 41

n Close Up .................................................................................................................................... 42

m Sports ......................................................................................................................................... 42

o Night Portrait........................................................................................................................... 42

Deleting Unwanted Photographs......................................................................................... 49

Recording and Viewing Movies (Live View).............................................................. 50

Use a CPU Lens

Auto and scene modes are only available with CPU lenses. If these modes are selected when a non-CPU lens is attached, the shutter release will be disabled.

Page 54

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

This section describes how to take photographs in i (auto) mode, an automatic “point-and-shoot” mode in which the majority of settings are controlled by the camera in response to shooting conditions, and

in which the flash will fire automatically if the subject is poorly lit. take photographs with the flash off while leaving the camera in control of other settings, rotate the mode dial to j to select auto (flash off) mode.

Step 1: Turn the Camera On

1 Turn the camera on.

Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on. The control panel and viewfinder displays will light.

Power switch

2 Check the battery level.

Check the battery level in the viewfinder or control panel.

Control panel Viewfinder Description

L — Battery fully charged. K

— Battery partially discharged. J

H d

(blinks) Note: When camera is powered by optional EH-5a or EH-5 AC adapter, battery level is not displayed; instead, a 9 icon appears in the shooting information display (pg. 10).

(blinks)

Low battery. charge battery. Battery exhausted; shutter release disabled. exchange battery.

Ready fully-charged spare battery or prepare to

Charge or

Page 55

3 Check the number of exposures remaining.

The exposure count displays in the control panel and viewfinder show the number of photographs that can be stored on the memory card. number of exposures remaining.

If there is not enough memory to store additional photographs at current settings, the display will flash as shown at right. until the memory card has been replaced (pg. 31) or photographs have been deleted (pp. 49, 162).

Large-Capacity Memory Cards

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

Auto Meter Off

At default settings, the viewfinder and the shutter speed and aperture displays in the control panel will turn off if no operations are performed for about six seconds (auto meter off), reducing the drain on the battery. Press the shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the display in the viewfinder (pg. 38).

No further pictures can be taken

6 s

Check the

Exposure meters on Exposure meters off Exposure meters on

The length of time before the exposure meters turn off automatically can be adjusted using Custom Setting c2 (Auto meter-off delay, pg. 179).

Camera Off Display

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

Page 56

Step 2: Choose Shooting and Focus Modes

1 Select i or j mode.

Mode dial

To take photographs without the flash, rotate the mode dial to j.

dial to i.

2 Select autofocus.

Otherwise, rotate the mode

Focus-mode selector

Rotate the focus-mode selector to AF (autofocus).

Step 3: Check Camera Settings

Check settings in the control panel. The default settings for i and j mode are listed below.

AF-area mode

Flash mode

Image size

Image quality

Autofocus mode

Release mode

Option Default Description Pa ge

Flash mode (i mode)

Flash mode (j mode)

Image quality

Image size L (Large) Images are 4,288 × 2,848 pixels in size. 63

Release mode

Autofocus mode

AF-area mode Auto-area The camera automatically selects the focus point. 173

j (flash off) Flash will not fire even when lighting is poor. 71

NORM

(JPEG Normal)

8 (Single frame)

(Auto select)

If the subject is poorly lit, the flash will pop up automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway and fire when the picture is taken.

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

One picture is taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed. The camera automatically selects single-servo autofocus if the subject is stationary, continuousservo autofocus if the subject is in motion. picture will be taken if the camera is unable to focus.

Ideal for snapshots.

Page 57

Step 4: Frame the Photograph

1 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. against your torso for support and place one foot half a pace ahead of the other to keep your upper body stable. In j mode, shutter speeds slow when lighting is poor; use of a tripod is recommended.

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

For information on framing photographs in the monitor in live view mode, see page 43.

Keep your elbows propped lightly

2 Frame the photograph.

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

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 index to zoom in, shorter focal lengths to zoom out).

Focus point

Zoom in

Zoom ring

Zoom out

Page 58

Step 5: Focus

1 Press the shutter-release button halfway.

Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. The camera will select the focus points automatically.

flash may pop up and the AF-assist illuminator may light.

2 Check the indicators in the viewfinder.

When the focus operation is complete, the selected focus points will be briefly highlighted, a beep will sound, and the in-focus indicator (J) will appear in the viewfinder. single-servo autofocus (pg. 54), focus will lock while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

In-focus indicator Description

J Subject in focus.

J (blinks)

While the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the number of exposures that can be stored in the memory buffer (“t”; pg. 65) will be displayed in the viewfinder.

Camera unable to focus using autofocus. See page 55.

If the camera chooses

If the subject is poorly lit, the

In-focus

indicator

Buffer capac ity

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.

Page 59

Step 6: Shoot

Smoothly press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to release the shutter and record the photograph. memory card slot cover will light.

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

❚❚ Turning the Camera Off

Turn the camera off when shooting is complete.

The access lamp next to the

Do not eject the

Power switch

Access lamp

Camera Off Display

If the camera is turned off with a battery and memory card inserted, the number of exposures remaining will be displayed in the control panel.

Auto (Flash off) Mode

Choose this mode where flash photography is prohibited, when photographing infants, or to capture natural lighting under low light conditions.

i mode j mode

Page 60

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. Flash range varies with aperture and ISO sensitivity (pg. 266); remove lens hoods when using the flash. If the flash is raised, photographs can only be taken when the flash-ready indicator (M) is displayed. If the flash-ready 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. For more information on using the flash, see page 70.

Page 61

Creative Photography (Scene Modes)

The camera offers a choice of six “scene” modes. Selecting a program automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography as easy as rotating the mode dial.

Mode Description

k Portr ait For portraits. l Landscape For natural and man-made landscapes in daylight or at night. n Close up For close up shots of flowers, insects, and other small objects. m Sports For moving subjects.

Night portrait For portraits taken under low light.

To take photographs in scene modes:

1 Select the desired mode.

Rotate the mode dial to select a scene mode.

Mode dial

2 Take p h o to graphs.

Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

k Portra it

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

If the

l Landscape

Use for vivid landscape shots in daylight or at night. in flash and AF-assist illuminator turn off automatically. a tripod is recommended to prevent blur when lighting is poor.

The built-

Use of

Page 62

n Close Up

Use for close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other small objects (a macro lens can be used to focus at very close ranges). the center focus point.

The camera automatically focuses on the subject in

Use of a tripod is recommended to

prevent blur.

m Sports

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

o Night Portrait

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

The built-in flash

Use of a tripod

Focus Point

At default settings, the camera selects the focus point as follows:

• k, l, and o modes: The camera selects the focus point automatically.

• n mode: The camera focuses on the subject in the center focus point. Other focus points can

be selected with the multi selector (pg. 56).

• m mode: The camera focuses continuously while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, tracking the subject in the center focus point. If the subject leaves the center focus point, the camera will continue to focus based on information from the other focus points. The starting focus point can be selected with the multi selector (pg. 56).

The Built-in Flash

If additional lighting is required for correct exposure in k, n, or o mode, the built-in flash will pop automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

Page 63

Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View)

Press the a button to frame pictures in the monitor.

1 Press the a button.

The mirror will be raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor. no longer be visible in the viewfinder.

Item Description Pa ge

Shooting mode The mode currently selected with the mode dial.

Time remaining

“No movie” icon Indicates that movies can not be recorded. 50

Autofocus mode The current autofocus mode. 44

Image size The option currently selected for image size. 63

Image quality The option currently selected for image quality. 62

White balance The option currently selected for white balance. 95

Audio recording

indicator Time remaining

(movie mode)

Monitor brightness

The amount of time remaining before live view ends automatically.

Indicates whether sound is being recorded with movies. 170

The recording time remaining in movie mode. 50

To adjust monitor brightness, press the K button during live view.

Displayed if shooting will end in 30 s or less.

The subject will

a button

34, 41,

Before Selecting Live View

Note that metering can not be changed in live view mode. Choose a metering method before selecting live view mode.

Page 64

2 Choose an autofocus mode.

Press the B button and rotate the command dial until one of the following autofocus modes is displayed in the monitor (note that these autofocus modes differ from those available in

other shooting modes):

Mode Description

Face

priority

Wide a rea

(default)

Normal

area

The camera automatically detects and focuses on portrait subjects facing the camera. Use for hand-held shots of landscapes and other non-portrait subjects. focus point can be selected using the multi selector. Use for pin-point focus on a selected spot in the frame. recommended.

3 Check the view in the monitor.

To magnify the view in the monitor and check focus, press the X button.

Use for portraits.

A tripod is

The

B button Main command

dial

xit

Monitor

X button

xit

Press X to zoom in up to a maximum of 6.7 ×, or press W to zoom out. the view through the lens is zoomed in, a navigation window will appear in a gray frame at the bottom right corner of the display. scroll to areas of the frame not visible in the monitor.

Use the multi selector to

Press the J button to

start recording (pg. 50).

Monitor Brightness

Monitor brightness can be adjusted by pressing the K button while the view through the monitor is displayed. Press 1 or 3 to adjust brightness (note that monitor brightness has no effect on pictures taken in live view mode). To return to live view, release the K button.

While

Page 65

4 Choose the focus point.

Wide and normal area autofocus: Rotate the focus

selector lock to “J” and use the multi selector to move the focus point to any point in the frame. Return the focus selector lock to “L” when selection is complete.

Face -priori ty autofo cus: A double yellow border will be displayed when the camera detects a portrait subject facing the camera (if multiple faces, up to a maximum of five, are detected, the camera will focus on the closest subject).

Manual focus: Use the multi selector to choose the focus point for electronic rangefinding (pg. 59) as described for wide and normal area autofocus, above.

5 Focus.

Focus selector lock

Focus point

xit

Focus point

xit

Autofocus: In wide and normal area autofocus, the camera will focus while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

In face-priority

autofocus, the camera sets focus and exposure

for the face in the double yellow border while

xit

the shutter-release button is pressed halfway; if the camera can no longer detect the subject (because, for example, the subject has looked away), borders will no longer be displayed. focus point will blink green and the monitor

The

xit

may brighten or darken while the camera focuses. if the camera is unable to focus, the focus point will blink red.

If the camera is able to focus, the focus point will be displayed in green;

Note that pictures can be taken even when the focus point blinks red, and that single-servo autofocus is used regardless of the option selected for autofocus mode (pg. 54). Check focus in the monitor before shooting.

Page 66

Manual focus: Focus using the lens focusing ring.

6 Take t h e p ic ture.

Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take pictures in the current release mode (pg. 64).

When shooting is complete, the photograph will be displayed in the

off.

The monitor will turn

monitor for 4 s or until the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. camera will then return to live view mode.

7 Exit live view mode.

Press the a button to exit live view mode.

Shooting in Live View Mode

Although they will not appear in the final picture, banding or distortion may be visible in the monitor under fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium lamps or if the camera is panned horizontally or an object moves at high speed through frame. Bright light sources may leave after-images in the monitor when the camera is panned. Bright spots may also appear. When shooting in live view mode, avoid pointing the camera at the sun or other strong light sources. Failure to observe this precaution could result in damage to the camera’s internal circuitry.

The effects of aperture on depth of field can not be previewed in live view mode but are visible in the final photograph.

Live view shooting ends automatically if the lens is removed.

Live view mode can be used for up to an hour. when used in live view mode for extended periods, the temperature of the camera’s internal circuits may rise, resulting in image noise and unusual colors (the camera may also become noticeably warm, but this does not indicated a malfunction). To prevent damage to the camera’s internal circuits, live view shooting will end automatically before the camera overheats. A count-down display will appear in the monitor 30 s before shooting ends. At high ambient temperatures, this display may appear immediately when live view mode is selected.

To reduce blur when using a tripod, choose On for Custom Setting d10 (Exposure delay

mode).

Exposure Lock and Exposure Compensation

Exposure can be locked by pressing the AE-L/AF-L button (pg. 88) or (in P, S, A, and M modes) altered using exposure compensation (pg. 90). The effects of exposure compensation are visible in the monitor during live view.

Note, however, that

The

xit

Page 67

Face-Priority AF

The camera’s ability to detect faces depends on a variety of factors, including whether or not the subject is facing the camera. The camera may be unable to detect subjects that are not facing the camera or faces that are hidden by sunglasses or other obstructions or that take up too much or too little of the frame. If no face is detected when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the camera will focus on the subject in the center of the frame.

The camera will continue to focus until a face is detected or the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. If a flashing double red border is displayed, the camera is unable to focus; recompose the picture and try again.

Using Autofocus in Live View

Autofocus is slower in live view. The camera may be unable to focus in the following situations:

• The subject contains lines parallel to the long edge of the frame

• The subject lacks contrast

• The subject in the focus point contains areas of sharply contrasting brightness, or the

subject is lit by spot lighting or by a neon sign or other light source that changes in brightness

• A cross (star) filter or other special filter is used

• The subject appears smaller than the focus point

• The subject is dominated by regular geometric patterns (e.g., windows in a skyscraper)

• The subject is moving

Note that the focus point may sometimes be displayed in green when the camera is unable to focus.

Use an AF-S lens. The desired results may not be achieved with other lenses or teleconverters.

The Shooting Information Display

To hide or display indicators in the monitor in live view mode, press the R button.

xit

Shooting information

HDMI

When the camera is attached to an HDMI video device, the camera monitor will turn off and the video device will display the view through the lens as shown at right.

Shooting information

off

Framing guides

(zoom not available)

Exit

Page 68

Basic Playback

NOROR

MALAL

At default settings, photographs are automatically displayed for about 4 s after shooting. be viewed by pressing the K button.

1 Press the K button.

2 View additional pictures.

If no photograph is displayed in the monitor, the most recent picture can

A photograph will be displayed in the monitor.

K button

Additional pictures can be displayed by pressing 4 or 2.

To view additional information on the current photograph, press 1 and 3 (pg. 129).

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

AUTO 0, 0

100

NCD

15/09/2008 10:15:29

1/ 12

1/250 F11

90 DS

0001. JPG

200

NIKON D90

35mm

4288x2848

Page 69

Deleting Unwanted Photographs

To delete the photograph currently displayed in the monitor, press the O button. Note that photographs can not be recovered once deleted.

1 Display the photograph.

Display the photograph you wish to delete as described on the previous page.

K button

2 Delete the photograph.

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

O button

Press the O button again to delete the image and return to playback. without deleting the picture, press K.

To exit

Delete

To delete multiple images, use the Delete option in the playback menu (pg. 162).

Page 70

Recording and Viewing Movies (Live View)

Movies up to 2 GB in size can be recorded in live view mode. Before recording, choose frame size and sound options in the Movie settings menu (pg. 170).

1 Press the a button.

The mirror will be raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor. no longer be visible in the viewfinder.

The 0 Icon

A 0 icon (pg. 43) will be displayed if there is insufficient space on the memory card to record movies.

2 Focus.

Frame the opening shot and press the shutter-release button halfway to focus on your subject.

3 Start recording.

Press the J button to start recording (at default settings, both video and sound be recorded; do not cover the microphone on the front of the camera during recording). available is displayed in the monitor, together with a recording indicator. locked by pressing the AE-L/AF-L button (pg. 88) or (in P, S, A, and M modes) altered using exposure compensation (pg. 90). that camera will not focus if the shutter-release button is pressed halfway during recording.

The subject will

The recording time

Exposure can be

a button

Recording indicator

Time remaining

Note

4 End recording.

To end recording, press the J button (to end recording and take a still picture in the mode currently selected with the mode dial, press the shutter-release button all the way down). Recording will end automatically when the maximum size is reached or the memory card is full.

Movie files can be up to 2 GB in size. The maximum length is 5 min for movies with a frame size of 1280 × 720, 20 min for other movies; note that depending on memory card write speed, shooting may end before this length is reached.

Maximum Size

xit

Page 71

Recording Movies

Banding or distortion may be visible in the monitor and in the final movie under fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium lamps or if the camera is panned horizontally or an object moves at high speed through frame. Bright light sources may leave after-images when the camera is panned. Jagged edges, false colors, moiré, and bright spots may also appear. When recording movies, avoid pointing the camera at the sun or other strong light sources. Failure to observe this precaution could result in damage to the camera’s internal circuitry.

Recording ends automatically if the lens is removed.

Live view can be used to record movies for up to an hour. Note, however, that when used in live view mode for extended periods, the temperature of the camera’s internal circuits may rise, resulting in image noise and unusual colors (the camera may also become noticeably warm, but this does not indicated a malfunction). To prevent damage to the camera’s internal circuits, recording will end automatically before the camera overheats. A count-down display will appear in the monitor 30 s before shooting ends. At high ambient temperatures, this display may appear immediately when live view mode is selected.

Autofocus is not available when recording movies. Matrix metering is used regardless of the metering method selected.

Page 72

❚❚ Viewing Movies

Movies are indicated by a 1 icon in full-frame playback (pg. 128). The following operations can be performed while a movie is displayed:

Movie indicator

To Use Descriptio n

Start/pause/

resume

Advance/

rewind

Adjust volume X

Exit to shooti ng

mode

Display menus G See page 159 for more information.

Return to full-

frame playback

J Press J to start, pause, or resume playback.

Press 4 or 2 to rewind or fast forward. While playback is paused, press 4 or 2 to rewind or advance one frame.

W Press X to increase volume, W to decrease.

Monitor will turn off.

/K Press the selector up or press K to exit to full-frame playback.

Time remaining

Audio indicator

Photographs can be taken immediately.

Page 73

More on Photography (All Modes)

This and the following two chapters build on the Tutorial to cover more advanced shooting and playback options.

Focus................................................................................................................................ 54

Autofocus....................................................................................................................................... 54

Focus Point Selection ................................................................................................................ 56

Focus Lock ..................................................................................................................................... 57

Manual Focus................................................................................................................................ 59

Image Quality and Size................................................................................................. 61

Image Quality............................................................................................................................... 62

Image Size...................................................................................................................................... 63

Release Mode................................................................................................................. 64

Continuous Mode ....................................................................................................................... 65

Self-Timer Mode ($)................................................................................................................... 66

Using an Optional Remote Control (#)................................................................................ 68

Using the Built-in Flash ................................................................................................ 70

Flash Mode .................................................................................................................................... 71

ISO Sensitivity................................................................................................................ 74

Two-Button Reset.......................................................................................................... 75

Page 74

Focus

Focus can be adjusted automatically (see “Autofocus,” below) or manually (pg. 59). The user can also select the focus point for automatic or manual focus (pg. 59) or use focus lock to focus to recompose photographs after focusing (pg. 57).

Autofocus

When the focus mode selector is set to AF, the camera focuses automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

will sound when the camera focuses. sound when AF-A is selected in m (sports) mode or when continuous-servo autofocus is used (note that continuous-servo autofocus may be selected automatically when shooting moving subjects in AF-A autofocus mode).

With lenses that offers A-M selection, select A when using autofocus. support M/A (autofocus with manual priority), select M/A. autofocus or the camera is unable to focus using autofocus, use manual focus (pg. 59).

In single-point AF, a beep

No beep will

❚❚ Autofocus Mode

The following autofocus modes are available when the focus mode selector is set to

AF:

Autofocus mode Description

Auto select

AF-A

(default setting)

AF-S Single-servo AF

AF-C Continuous-servo AF

Camera automatically selects single-servo autofocus when subject is stationary, continuous-servo autofocus when subject is moving. For stationary subjects. is pressed halfway. Shutter can only be released when in-focus indicator is displayed. For moving subjects. shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Photographs can be taken even when in-focus indicator is not displayed.

Shutter can only be released if camera is able to focus.

Focus locks when shutter-release button

Camera focuses continuously while

Focus mode selector

With lenses that

If the lens does not support

To choose the autofocus mode, press the B button. time the B button is pressed.

B button Main command dial Control panel

The focus mode changes each

Page 75

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 (J) 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, rotate the focus mode selector to M and use manual focus (pg. 59), or use focus lock (pg. 57) to focus on another subject at the same distance and then recompose the photograph.

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

Example: Subject is the same color as the background.

The focus point contains objects at different distances from the camera.

Example: Subject is inside a cage.

The subject is dominated by regular geometric patterns.

Example: A row of windows in a skyscraper.

The 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 l, or m modes or if Off has been selected for Custom Setting a3 (Built-in AF-assist illuminator; pg. 174). 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 24–200 mm and remove the lens hood.

See Also

Custom Setting d1 (Beep; pg. 180) can be used to turn the beep speaker on or off.

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.

F-assist illuminator

Page 76

Focus Point Selection

The camera offers a choice of eleven focus points that together cover a wide area of the frame. or focuses on subject in the center focus point. manually to compose photographs with the main subject positioned almost anywhere in the frame.

At the default settings, the camera chooses the focus point automatically

The focus point can also be selected

1 Choose single- or dynamic-area AF.

At default settings, the focus point is selected automatically in i, j, k, l, o, P, S, A, and M modes. enable manual focus-point selection in these modes, select Single point, Dynamic area, or 3D-tracking (11 points) for Custom Setting a1 (AF-area mode; pg. 173).

2 Set the focus selector lock to “J“.

Set the focus selector lock to the “J” position. This allows the multi selector to be used to select the focus point.

3 Select the focus point.

Use the multi selector to select the focus point in the viewfinder or control panel while the exposure meters are active (pg. 35). selector lock can be returned to the “L” (locked) position following selection to prevent the selected focus point from changing when the multi selector is pressed.

The focus

Focus selector lock

See Also

Custom Setting a1 (AF-area mode; pg. 173) controls how the camera selects the focus point. Custom Setting a2 (Center focus point; pg. 174) controls the size of the center focus point. Custom Setting a4 (AF point illumination; 175) controls whether the active focus point is highlighted in the viewfinder.

Page 77

Focus Lock

Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus point in the final composition. also be used when the autofocus system is unable to focus (pg. 55). most effective when Single point, Dynamic area, or 3D-tracking (11 points) is selected for Custom Setting a1 (AF-area mode; pg. 173).

Focus lock is

It can

1 Focus.

Position the subject in the selected focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway to initiate focus. (J) appears in the viewfinder.

Check that the in-focus indicator

2 Lock focus.

AF-A and AF-C autofocus modes (pg. 54): 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). the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if you later remove your finger from the shutter-release button.

AF-S autofocus mode (pg. 54): Focus will lock automatically when the in-focus indicator appears, and remain locked until you remove your finger from the shutter-release button. button (see above).

Focus will remain locked while

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

Shutter-release button

AE-L/AF-L button

3 Recompose the photograph and shoot.

Focus will remain locked between shots if you keep the AE-L/AF-L button pressed (AF-A/AF-C) or the shutter-release button pressed halfway (AF-S), allowing several photographs in succession to be taken at the same focus setting.

Page 78

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

If the subject moves, focus again at the new distance.

Continuous Mode (pg. 65)

Use the AE-L/AF-L button to lock focus in continuous mode.

See Also

Custom Setting f4 (Assign AE-L/AF-L Button; pg. 200) controls the behavior of the AE-L/AF-L button.

Page 79

Manual Focus

Manual focus is available for lenses that do not support autofocus (non-AF Nikkor lenses) or when autofocus does not produce the desired results (pg. 55). manual focus, set the camera focus-mode selector and/or the lens focus-mode switch as follows:

• AF-S lenses: Set the lens focus-mode switch to M.

To use

• AF lenses: Set the both the camera focus-mode selector and the lens focus-mode switch to M.

• Manual focus lenses: Set the camera focus-mode switch to M.

To focus manually, adjust the lens focusing ring until the image displayed on the clear matte field in the viewfinder is in focus. any time, even when the image is not in focus.

Photographs can be taken at

Focus-mode selector

Using Manual Focus with AF Lenses

Be sure the camera focus-mode selector is set to M when using manual focus with AF lenses. Focusing manually with the focus-mode selector set to AF could damage the lens.

AF-S DX Nikkor 18–105mm f/3.5–5.6G VR Lenses (pg. 273)

Like other AF-S lenses, the AF-S DX Nikkor 18–105mm f/3.5–5.6G VR lens used in this manual for illustrative purposes can be used for manual focus simply by setting the lens focus-mode switch to M.

Page 80

❚❚ The Electronic Rangefinder

If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the subject in the selected focus point is in focus (the focus point can be selected from any of the 11 focus points). positioning the subject in the selected focus point, press the shutter-release button halfway and rotate the lens focusing ring until the in-focus indicator (I) is displayed. the subjects listed on page 55, 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

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.).

46.5mm

Foca l plane mark

Page 81

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.

Larger, higher quality images can be printed at larger

Image Quality and Size

Large file size

JPEG fine

High<Image quality>Low

JPEG normal

JPEG basic

Small file size S M L

Small<Image size >Large

Changes to image quality and size are reflected in the number of exposures remaining as displayed in the control panel and viewfinder (pg. 35).

File Names

Photographs are stored as image files with names of the form “DSC_nnnn.xxx,” wh er e nnnn is a four-digit number between 0001 and 9999 assigned automatically in ascending order by the camera, and xxx is one of the following three letter extensions: “NEF” for NEF images or “JPG” for JPEG images. The NEF and JPEG files recorded at a setting of “NEF+JPEG” have the same file names but different extensions. Small copies created with the small picture option in the retouch menu have file names beginning with “SSC_” and ending with the extension “.JPG” (e.g., “SSC_0001.JPG”), while images recorded with the other options in the retouch menu have file names beginning with “CSC” (e.g., “CSC_0001. JPG”). Images recorded at a Shooting menu > Color space > Adobe RGB (pg. 167) have names that begin with an underscore (e.g., “_DSC0001.JPG”).

Page 82

Image Quality

The camera supports the following image quality options (listed in descending order by image quality and file size):

Option File type Description

Raw 12-bit data from the image sensor are saved directly to the memory

Choose for images that will be processed on a computer. JPEG

card.

NEF (RAW) NEF

JPEG fine

JPEG normal

(default)

JPEG basic

NEF (RAW) +

JPEG fine NEF (RAW) + JPEG normal NEF (RAW) +

JPEG basic

Image quality can be set by pressing the X (QUAL) button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the control panel. quality can also be adjusted from the shooting menu (pg. 165).

copies of NEF (RAW) images can be created using the NEF (RAW) processing option in the retouch menu (pg. 220) or software such as ViewNX (supplied) or Capture NX 2 (available separately; pg. 240). Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 4 (fine image quality). Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 8 (normal

JPEG

image quality). Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 16 (basic image quality). Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one fine-quality JPEG image.

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.

Image

X (QUAL) button Main command dial Control panel

NEF (RAW) Images

Note that the option selected for image size does not affect the size of NEF (RAW) images. When opened in software such as Capture NX 2 (available separately) or ViewNX (supplied), NEF (RAW) images have the dimensions given for large (L-size) images.

NEF (RAW)/NEF+JPEG

When photographs taken at NEF (RAW) + JPEG Fine, NEF (RAW) + JPEG Normal, or NEF (RAW) + JPEG Basic are viewed on the camera, only the JPEG image will be displayed. When

photographs taken at these settings are deleted, both NEF and JPEG images will be deleted.

White balance bracketing (pg. 191) is not available when an NEF (RAW) + JPEG option is selected for image quality. Selecting an NEF (RAW) + JPEG option cancels white balance bracketing.

Page 83

Image Size

Image size is measured in pixels. The following options are available.

Image size Size (pixels) Approximate size when printed at 200 dpi

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

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

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

* Approximate size when printed at 200 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). size decreases as printer resolution increases.

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

Image size can also be

adjusted from the shooting menu (pg. 165).

X (QUAL) button Sub-command dial Control panel

Note that the option selected for image size does not affect the size of NEF (RAW) images.

When viewed on a computer, NEF images are 4,288 × 2,848 pixels in size.

Page 84

Release Mode

Release mode determines how the camera takes photographs: one at a time, in a continuous sequence, with a timed shutter-release delay, or with a remote control.

Mode Description

Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-release button is

8 Single frame

Continuous low

speed

Continuous

high speed

$ Self-timer

" Delayed remote Optional ML-L3 remote control required.

# Quick-response

* Average frame rate with an EN-EL3e battery, manual focus, manual or shutter-priority auto

exposure, a shutter speed of

Setting d6 in the case of continuous low speed mode) at default values, and memory

remaining in memory buffer.

To choose the release mode, press the I button and rotate the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the control panel.

pressed. Access lamp will light while photo is recorded; next shot can be taken immediately if enough space remains in memory buffer. Camera records 1–4 frames per second while shutter-release button is held down (pg. 65).* (CL mode shooting speed; pg. 182). Camera records up to 4.5 frames per second while shutter-release button is held down (pg. 65). Use for self-portraits or to reduce blurring caused by camera shake (pg. 66).

Optional ML-L3 remote control required. caused by remote camera shake (pg. 68).

/250 s or faster, other settings (with the exception of Custom

Frame rate can be cho sen with Cu stom Setti ng d6

Use for self-portraits (pg. 68). Use to reduce blurring

I button Main command dial

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 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.

Control panel

Page 85

Continuous Mode

To take pictures in ! (continuous low speed) and 9 (continuous high speed) modes:

1 Select ! or 9 mode.

Press the I button and rotate the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the control panel.

I button Main command dial Control panel

2 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

While the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down, pictures will be t aken at up to 4 .5 fps in c ontinuous high speed m ode, or at the frame rate selected for Custom Setting d6 (CL mode shooting speed, pg. 182) in continuous low speed mode.

Buffer Size

The approximate number of images that can be stored in the memory buffer at current settings is shown in the exposure-count displays in the viewfinder and control panel while the shutter-release button is pressed. The illustration at right shows the display when space remains in the buffer for about 21 pictures.

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” (pg. 205).

See Also

For information on the number of photographs that can be taken in a single burst, see page

262.

Page 86

Self-Timer Mode ($)

The self-timer 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 $ mode.

Press the I button and rotate the main command dial until $ is displayed in

the control panel.

I button

Main command dial Control panel

3 Frame the photograph.

Frame the photograph. Before taking a photograph with the flash in P, S, A, or M modes (pg. 78), press the M button to raise the flash and wait for the M indicator to be displayed in the viewfinder (pg. 70). raised after the timer has started.

Cover the Viewfinder

After framing the photograph, remove the viewfinder eyepiece cup and insert the supplied DK-5 eyepiece cap as shown. This prevents light entering via the viewfinder interfering with exposure.

The timer will stop if the flash is

DK-5 eyepiece cap

Page 87

4 Start the timer.

Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus, and then press the button the rest of the way down to start the self-timer. lamp will start to blink and a beep will begin to sound. photograph is taken, the self-timer lamp will stop blinking and the beeping will become more rapid. seconds after the timer starts.

The timer will not start if the camera is unable to focus or in other situations in which the shutter can not be released.

At default settings, the shutter will be released ten

The self-timer

Two seconds before the

The self-timer can be cancelled by selecting another release mode. camera off cancels self-timer mode and restores single frame or continuous mode.

Turning the

Bulb

In self-timer mode, a shutter speed of A is equivalent to approximately 1/10 s.

See Also

For information on changing the timer duration and choosing the number of shots taken, see Custom Setting c3 (Self-timer, pg. 179). For information on setting a beep to sound as the timer counts down, see Custom Setting d1 (Beep, pg. 180).

Page 88

Using an Optional Remote Control (#)

Use the optional ML-L3 remote control for self-portraits (pg. 241) or to operate the camera remotely.

Before Using the Remote Control

Before using the remote control for the first time, remove the clear plastic battery insulator sheet.

1 Mount the camera on a tripod.

Mount the camera on a tripod or place the camera on a stable, level surface.

2 Select " or # mode.

Press the I button and rotate the main command dial to select one of the following modes:

I button

" Delayed remote

# Quick-response remote

The camera will enter stand-by mode. continuous mode will be restored if no operations are performed for about a minute.

3 Frame the photograph.

Frame the photograph. If autofocus is in effect, the camera shutter-release button can be used to set focus, although only the shutter-release button on the remote control can be used to release the shutter.

Main command dial Control panel

Mode Description

Shutter released about 2 s after remote shutter-release button is pressed. Shutter released when remote shutter-release button is pressed.

At default settings, single frame or

Page 89

4 Cover the viewfinder

After framing the photograph, remove the viewfinder eyepiece cup and insert the supplied DK-5 eyepiece cap as shown. prevents light entering via the viewfinder interfering with exposure.

This

DK-5 eyepiece cap

5 Take the photograph.

Aim the transmitter on the ML-L3 at the infrared receiver on the camera and press the shutter-release button on the ML-L3. timer lamp will light for about two seconds before the shutter is released. flash after the shutter has been released. modes (pg. 54), the camera will return to stand-by mode without releasing the shutter if unable to focus. in manual focus mode, if AF-C is selected in autofocus mode, or if the camera has already been focused using the camera shutter-release button (see step 3).

Remote control mode can be cancelled by selecting another release mode. frame or continuous mode will be restored if the camera is turned off or no operations are about one minute.

Using the Built-in Flash

If the flash is required, the camera will only respond to the shutter-release button on the ML-L3 once the flash has charged. In i, k, n, and o modes, the flash will begin charging when delayed remote or quick-response remote mode is selected; once the flash is charged, it will automatically pop up and fire if required when the shutter-release button on the ML-L3 is pressed. In P, S, A, and M modes, raising the flash during the two-second count-down in delayed remote mode will cancel the two-second timer. Wait for the flash to charge and then press the shutter-release button on the ML-L3 to restart the timer.

In flash-sync modes that support red-eye reduction, the red-eye reduction lamp will light for about one second before the shutter is released. In delayed remote mode, the self-timer lamp will light for two seconds, followed by the red-eye reduction lamp, which lights for one second before the shutter is released to reduce red-eye.

See Also

For information on choosing the length of time the camera will remain in stand-by mode before remote control mode is cancelled, see Custom Setting c5 (Remote on duration, pg.

180). For information on controlling the beeps that sound when the remote control is used, see Custom Setting d1 (Beep, pg. 180).

In delayed remote mode, the self-

In quick-response remote mode, the self-timer lamp will

In AF-A or AF-S is selected in autofocus

The camera will release the shutter without focusing

Single-

Page 90

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, n, and o Modes

1 Choose a shooting mode.

Rotate the mode dial to select the desired mode.

2 Choose a flash mode.

Press the M button and rotate until the desired flash mode is displayed in the control panel (pg. 71).

3 Take p i c tures.

The flash will pop up as required when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, and fire when a photograph is taken.

❚❚ Using the Built-in Flash: P, S, A, and M Modes

1 Choose a shooting mode.

Rotate the mode dial to select the desired mode.

2 Raise the flash.

Press the M button to raise the flash.

3 Choose a flash mode.

Press the M button and rotate until the desired flash mode is displayed in the control panel (pg. 71).

4 Select a metering method and set exposure. 5 Take p i c tures.

The flash will fire whenever a picture is taken.

M button

Page 91

Flash Mode

Press the M button and rotate the main command dial until the desired flash mode is displayed in the control panel.

M button Main command dial Control panel

The current flash mode is displayed in the control panel as shown below.

Y (red-eye reduction): Use for portraits. Red-eye reduction lamp lights before flash fires, reducing “red-eye.”

j (off ): Flash does not fire even when lighting is poor or subject is back-lit.

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.

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-curtain sync): Flash fires just before shutter closes (see below). If this icon is not displayed, flash will fire immediately after shutter opens.

Rear-Curtain Sync

Normally the flash fires as the shutter opens (“front-curtain sync”; see below at left). In rearcurtain sync, the flash fires just before the shutter closes, creating the effect of a stream of light behind moving subjects.

Front-curtain sync Rear- curtain sync

Page 92

The flash modes available depend on the mode currently selected with the mode dial.

i, k, n o

Auto Auto+Slow sync

Auto+

red-eye

reduction

P, A S, M

Fill flash Fill flash

Red-eye

reduction

Slow sync+

red-eye

reduction

Off Off

* SLOW is displayed after main M button is released.

Rearcurtain+ slow sync

Slow sync

Red-eye

reduction

Auto+ Slow sync+ red-eye reduction

Rearcurtain sync

Page 93

❚❚ 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.

The Built-in Flash

Use with CPU lenses with focal lengths of 18–300 mm or non-CPU lenses with focal lengths of 18–200 mm (pg. 232; note that auto flash level control is available with CPU lenses only). Remove lens hoods to prevent shadows. Lenses that block the subject’s view of the red-eye reduction lamp may interfere with red-eye reduction. The flash has a minimum range of 60 cm (2 ft.) and can not be used in the macro range of macro zoom lenses.

If the flash fires in ! or 9 mode (pg. 65), only one picture will be taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed.

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.

See Also

See page 198 for information on locking flash value (FV) for a metered subject before recomposing a photograph.

For information on choosing the slowest shutter speed available when using the flash, see Custom Setting e1 (Flash shutter speed, pg. 185). For information on using the built-in flash in commander mode, see Custom Setting e2 (Flash cntrl for built-in flash, pg. 185). For information on previewing the effects of the flash, see Custom Setting e3 (Modeling flash, pg.

191).

See the Appendix for more about the built-in flash, including flash control (pg. 265), shutter sync speeds (pg. 265), and range (pg. 266). For information on optional flash units, see pg. 233.

Page 94

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.

ISO sensitivity can be set between values roughly equivalent to ISO 200 and ISO 3200 in steps equivalent to below ISO 200 by about 0.3 EV (S, equivalent to ISO 160), 0.7 EV (T, equivalent to ISO 125), or 1.0 EV (U, equivalent to ISO 100), or raised above ISO 3200 by about

0.3 EV (P, equivalent to ISO 4000), 0.7 EV (Q, equivalent to ISO 5000), or 1.0 EV

(R, equivalent to ISO 6400). default setting), which allows the camera to set ISO sensitivity automatically in response to lighting conditions. viewfinder when AUTO is selected.

ISO sensitivity can be selected by pressing the W (ISO) button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the control panel. sensitivity can also be adjusted from the shooting menu (pg. 165).

W (ISO) button Main command dial Control panel

/3 EV. For special situations, ISO sensitivity can be lowered

Auto and scene modes also offer an AUTO option (the

01 is displayed in the control panel and

ISO

AUTO

If the mode dial is rotated to P, S, A, or M after 01 is selected for ISO sensitivity in another mode, the ISO sensitivity last selected in P, S, A, or M mode will be restored.

HI 0.3–HI 1

Pictures taken at these settings are more likely to be subject to noise and color distortion.

See Also

For information on enabling auto ISO sensitivity control in P, S, A, or M modes, see page 78. For information on using the High ISO NR opt ion in t he sh oot ing men u to red uce no ise at hig h IS O sensitivities, see page 165.

Page 95

Two-Button Reset

The camera settings listed below can be restored to default

E button

values by holding the E and B buttons down together for more than two seconds (these buttons are marked by a green

The control panel turns off briefly while settings are

dot).

Custom Settings are not affected.

reset.

Image quality (pg. 62) JPEG normal Image size (pg. 63) L Release mode (pg. 64) Single frame ISO sensitivity (pg. 74)

Auto and scene modes AUTO P, S, A, M 200

White balance (pg. 95) Auto

Fine tuning (pg. 97) 0

Color temperature (pg. 99) 5000 K Picture Control modifications (pg. 110) Autofocus mode (pg. 54) AF-A Autofocus mode (live view)

k, o Face-p rior ity

i, j, l, m, P, S, A, M Wide area

n Normal area

1 Focus point not displayed if Auto-area is selected for Custom Setting a1 (AF-area mode). 2 Number of shots reset to zero. Bracketing increment reset to 1 EV (exposure/flash

bracketing) or 1 (white balance bracketing).

Option Default

None

Option Default

Focus point (pg. 56) Metering (pg. 87) Matrix AE/AF lock hold (pp. 88, 200) Off Flexible program (pg. 80) Off Exposure compensation (pg. 90) Flash compensation (pg. 91) Off Bracketing (pg. 92) Off FV lock (pg. 198) Off Flash mode (pg. 71)

i, k, n

P, S, A, M

Multiple exposure (pg. 121) Off

B button

Center

Off

Auto front-

curtain sync

Auto slow

sync

Front curtain

sync

Default Settings

See pages 258–261 for a list of default settings.

Page 96

Page 97

P, S, A, and M Modes

P, S, A, and M modes offer control over a variety of advanced settings, including shutter speed and aperture, metering, flash compensation, and white balance.

Shutter Speed and Aperture....................................................................................... 78

Mode P (Programmed Auto)................................................................................................... 80

Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto)............................................................................................... 81

Mode A (Aperture-Priority Auto)........................................................................................... 82

Mode M (Manual)........................................................................................................................ 83

Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only) .............................................................................. 85

Exposure ......................................................................................................................... 87

Metering......................................................................................................................................... 87

Autoexposure Lock (P, S, and A Modes Only).................................................................... 88

Exposure Compensation .......................................................................................................... 90

Flash Compensation .................................................................................................................. 91

Exposure and Flash Bracketing .............................................................................................. 92

White Balance ................................................................................................................ 95

Fine-Tuning White Balance...................................................................................................... 97

Choosing a Color Temperature.............................................................................................. 99

Preset Manual............................................................................................................................... 100

Picture Controls ............................................................................................................. 108

Selecting Nikon Picture Controls .......................................................................................... 109

Modifying Existing Picture Controls..................................................................................... 110

Creating Custom Picture Controls ........................................................................................ 113

Sharing Custom Picture Controls.......................................................................................... 115

Managing Custom Picture Controls ..................................................................................... 117

Active D-Lighting .......................................................................................................... 119

Multiple Exposure ......................................................................................................... 121

The GP-1 GPS Unit......................................................................................................... 124

Page 98

Shutter Speed and Aperture

P, S, A, and M modes offer different degrees of control over shutter speed and aperture:

Mode Description

Programmed auto

(pg. 80)

Shutter-priority auto

(pg. 81)

Aperture-priority auto

(pg. 82)

M Manual (pg. 83)

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

Use to blur background or bring both foreground and

results. background into focus. User controls both shutter speed and aperture. to “A” or “&” for long time-exposures.

Set shutter speed

Lens Aperture Rings

When using a C PU lens equipped w ith an aperture r ing (pg. 228), lock th e apert ure ring at the mini mum aperture (highest f-number). Type G lenses are not equipped with an aperture ring.

Non-CPU lenses can only be used in exposure mode M, when aperture can be adjusted manually using the lens aperture ring (in other modes, the shutter-release will be disabled). The camera exposure meter, auto ISO sensitivity control, and variety of other features can not be used (pg.

165).

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.

2 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

Flexible Program

In mode P, different combinations of shutter speed and aperture can be selected by rotating the main command dial (“flexible program”). Rotate the main command dial to the right for large apertures (small fnumbers) that blur background details or fast shutter speeds that “freeze” motion. Rotate the main command dial to the left for small apertures (large 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 indicator appears in the control panel. To restore default shutter speed and aperture settings, rotate the main command dial until the indicator is no longer displayed, choose another mode, or turn the camera off.

Mode dial

Main command

dial

See Also

See page 263 for information on the built-in exposure program.

Nikon D90 Owner Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Q&A Index

Table of Contents

For Your Safety

Notices

Introduction

Overview

Getting to Know the Camera

The Camera Body

The Mode Dial

The Control Panel

The Viewfinder

The Shooting Information Display

The Command Dials

Attaching the AN-DC1 Camera Strap

The BM-10 Monitor Cover

The DK-21 Viewfinder Eyepiece Cup

Camera Menus

Using Camera Menus

Help

First Steps

Charge the Battery

Insert the Battery

Attach a Lens

Basic Setup

Inserting Memory Cards

Adjust Viewfinder Focus

Basic Photography and Playback

Step 1: Turn the Camera On

Step 2: Choose Shooting and Focus Modes

Step 3: Check Camera Settings

Step 4: Frame the Photograph

Step 5: Focus

Step 6: Shoot

Creative Photography (Scene Modes)

k Portra it

l Landscape

n Close Up

m Sports

o Night Portrait

Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View)

Basic Playback

Deleting Unwanted Photographs

Recording and Viewing Movies (Live View)

More on Photography (All Modes)

Focus

Autofocus

Focus Point Selection

Focus Lock

Manual Focus

Image Quality and Size

Image Quality

Image Size

Release Mode

Continuous Mode

Using the Built-in Flash

Flash Mode

ISO Sensitivity

Two-Button Reset

P, S, A, and M Modes

Shutter Speed and Aperture

Mode P (Programmed Auto)