Nikon Df User Manual

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User’s Manual

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DIGITAL CAMERA

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

To get the most from your camera, please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly and keep them where they will be read by all who use the product.

Symbols and Conventions

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

This icon marks cautions; information that should be read before

use to prevent damage to the camera.

This icon marks notes; information that should be read before

using the camera.

This icon marks references to other pages in this manual.

Menu items, options, and messages displayed in the camera monitor are shown in bold.

Camera Settings

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

Help

Use the camera’s on-board help feature for help on menu items and other topics. See page 15 for details.

Nikon Manual Viewer 2

Install the Nikon Manual Viewer 2 app on your smartphone or tablet to view Nikon digital camera manuals, anytime, anywhere. Manual Viewer 2 can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store and Google Play. manuals requires an Internet connection, for which fees may be levied by your phone or Internet service provider.

Download of the app and any product

Nikon

A For Your Safety

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

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Package Contents

Confirm that the package contains the following items:

BS-1 accessory shoe cover

BF-1B body cap

Df camera

EN-EL14a rechargeable Li-ion battery (with terminal

cover)

AN-DC9 strap (0 18) UC-E6 USB cable

String for eyepiece cap (0 23)

ViewNX 2 CD Warranty

User’s Manual (this manual)

MH-24 battery charger

(plug adapter supplied in countries or regions where required; shape depends on country of sale.)

DK-26 eyepiece cap (0 23)

Purchasers of the lens kit option should confirm that the package also includes a lens.

Memory cards are sold separately (0 363).

Cameras purchased in Japan display menus and messages in English and Japanese only; other languages are not supported. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

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For Your Safety ........................................................................................x

Notices.................................................................................................... xiii

Introduction 1

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

Camera Menus...................................................................................... 15

First Steps ............................................................................................... 18

Basic Photography and Playback 29

Taking Photographs ........................................................................... 29

Basic Playback.......................................................................................34

Deleting Unwanted Photographs ................................................. 35

Exposure Mode 36

P: Programmed Auto......................................................................38

S: Shutter-Priority Auto..................................................................39

1/3 STEP (Exposure Modes S and M).............................................40

A: Aperture-Priority Auto...............................................................41

M: Manual............................................................................................42

Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only)..................................44

Release Mode 46

Choosing a Release Mode ................................................................ 46

Self-Timer Mode................................................................................... 48

Mirror up Mode .................................................................................... 50

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Image Recording Options 51

Image Area............................................................................................. 51

Image Quality and Size...................................................................... 55

Image Quality ................................................................................... 55

Image Size.......................................................................................... 58

Focus 59

Autofocus ............................................................................................... 59

Autofocus Mode.............................................................................. 59

AF-Area Mode ..................................................................................62

Focus Point Selection ....................................................................64

Focus Lock ......................................................................................... 66

Manual Focus ........................................................................................ 68

ISO Sensitivity 70

The ISO Sensitivity Dial...................................................................... 70

Auto ISO Sensitivity Control ............................................................ 72

Exposure 75

Metering ................................................................................................. 75

Autoexposure Lock ............................................................................. 77

Exposure Compensation .................................................................. 79

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White Balance 81

White Balance Options ...................................................................... 81

Fine-Tuning White Balance .............................................................. 84

Choosing a Color Temperature ...................................................... 88

Preset Manual ....................................................................................... 90

Viewfinder Photography...............................................................90

Live View (Spot White Balance)..................................................93

Managing Presets............................................................................96

Image Enhancement 100

Picture Controls..................................................................................100

Creating Custom Picture Controls.......................................... 106

Preserving Detail in Highlights and Shadows.........................110

Active D-Lighting.......................................................................... 110

High Dynamic Range (HDR)...................................................... 112

Flash Photography 116

Using a Flash .......................................................................................116

i-TTL Flash Control........................................................................ 124

Flash Modes.........................................................................................125

Flash Compensation.........................................................................128

FV Lock ..................................................................................................130

Other Shooting Options 133

Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings .......................133

Bracketing ............................................................................................136

Multiple Exposure .............................................................................149

Interval Timer Photography...........................................................156

Non-CPU Lenses.................................................................................163

Non-AI Lenses................................................................................ 167

Location Data......................................................................................170

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Live View Photography 172

Focusing in Live View ..................................................................175

Using the P Button .......................................................................179

The Live View Display: Live View Photography .................180

The Information Display: Live View Photography.............182

Manual Focus .................................................................................183

For Your Safety

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

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

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

warnings before using this Nikon product.

❚❚ WARNINGS

A Keep the sun out of the frame

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

A Do not look at the sun through the

viewfinder

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

A Using the viewfinder diopter adjustment

control

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

A Do not use in the presence of flammable

gas

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

A 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. operation could result in injury. After removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikonauthorized service center for inspection.

Continued

A Do not disassemble

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

In the

Should the

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A Keep out of reach of children

Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury. In addition, note that small parts constitute a chocking hazard. Should a child swallow any part of this equipment, consult a physician immediately.

A Do not place the strap around the neck of

an infant or child

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

A Do not remain in contact with the

camera, battery, or charger for extended periods while the devices are on or in use

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

A Do not leave the product where it will be

exposed to extremely high temperatures, such as in an enclosed automobile or in direct sunlight

Failure to observe this precaution could cause damage or fire.

A Observe proper precautions when

handling batteries

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

• Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment.

Observe the

• Do not short or disassemble the battery.

• Be sure the product is off before replacing the battery. 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. transport or store the battery with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.

• Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged. 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.

If you are

Do not

To a voi d

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A Observe proper precautions when

handling the charger

• Keep dry. precaution could result in injury or product malfunction due to fire or electric shock.

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

• Do not go near the charger during thunderstorms. this precaution could result in electric shock.

• Do not handle the plug or charger with wet hands. observe this precaution could result in injury or product malfunction due to fire or electric shock.

•

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

Failure to observe this

Continued use could

Failure to observe

Failure to

A Use appropriate cables

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

A CD-ROMs

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

A Do not aim a flash at the operator of a

motor vehicle

Failure to observe this precaution could result in accidents.

A Observe caution when using the flash

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

•

Using optional flash units close to the subject’s eyes could cause temporary visual impairment. The flash should be no less than one meter (3 ft 4 in.) from the subject. Particular care should be observed when photographing infants.

A Avoid contact with liquid crystal

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

A Do not carry tripods with a lens or

camera attached

You could trip or accidentally strike others, resulting in injury.

A Follow the instructions of airline and

hospital personnel

This camera transmits radio frequencies that could interfere with medical equipment or aircraft navigation. Disable the wireless network feature and remove all wireless accessories from the camera before boarding an aircraft, and turn the camera off during take off and landing. In medical facilities, follow staff instructions regarding the use of wireless devices.

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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 Canada

CAN ICES-3 B / NMB-3 B

Notices for Customers in Europe

CAUTION

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

This symbol indicates that electrical and electronic equipment 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.

• Separate collection and recycling helps conserve natural resources and prevent negative consequences for human health and the environment that might result from incorrect disposal.

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

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

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

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

The following apply only to users in European countries:

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

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

Do not dispose of as

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Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

The Battery Charger

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

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

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement

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

• Reorient or relocate the receiving

• Increase the separation between the

• Connect the equipment into an outlet

• Consult the dealer or an experienced

If this equipment does cause

antenna.

equipment and receiver.

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

radio/television technician for help.

xiv

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. other interface cables may exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.

Notice for Customers in the State of California WARNIN G: Handling the cord on this

product may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

handling.

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

Wash hands after

Using

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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. 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). preset manual (0 90). destroying data storage devices.

Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically

Be sure to also replace any pictures selected for

Deleted files can

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Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

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

• Items prohibited by law from being copied or

reproduced

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

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

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

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

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Nikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. batteries, AC adapters, and flash accessories) certified by Nikon specifically for use with this Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic circuitry.

The use of non-Nikon electronic accessories could damage the camera and may void your Nikon warranty. rechargeable Li-ion batteries not bearing the Nikon holographic seal shown at right could interfere with normal operation of the camera or result in the batteries overheating, igniting, rupturing, or leaking.

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

Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including chargers,

• 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. not copy or reproduce passports issued by the government, licenses issued by public agencies and private groups, ID cards, and tickets, such as passes and meal coupons.

• Comply with copyright notices

The copying or reproduction of copyrighted creative works such as books, music, paintings, woodcuts, prints, maps, drawings, movies, and photographs is governed by national and international copyright laws. not use this product for the purpose of making illegal copies or to infringe copyright laws.

The use of third-party

Also, do

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D Use Only Nikon Brand Accessories

Only Nikon brand accessories certified by Nikon specifically for use with your Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within its operational and safety requirements.

ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA AND MAY VOID YOUR NIKON WARRANTY.

THE USE OF NON-NIKON

D Servicing the Camera and Accessories

The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing. Nikon recommends that the camera be inspected by the original retailer or a Nikon-authorized service representative once every one to two years, and that it be serviced once every three to five years (note that fees apply to these services). Frequent inspection and servicing are particularly recommended if the camera is used professionally. Any accessories regularly used with the camera, such as lenses or optional flash units, should be included when the camera is inspected or serviced.

A Before Taking Important Pictures

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

Nikon will not be held liable for

A Life-Long Learning

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

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

• For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support/

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

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

Additional information may be

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Introduction

Getting to Know the Camera

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

The Camera Body

You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and

91011

1 Eyelet for camera strap

2 Exposure compensation dial .......79

3 Exposure compensation dial lock

release ...............................................79

4 ISO sensitivity dial ..........................70

5 ISO sensitivity dial lock release ...70

6 Focal plane mark (E) ................... 69

7 Accessory shoe (for optional flash

unit)................................................. 116

8 Accessory shoe cover.................. 116

9 Shutter-speed dial lock release...39

10 Power switch...................................... 5

11 Shutter-release button..................31

12 Release socket.............................. 323

13 Exposure mode dial ......................... 6

14 D button

LCD illuminator..............................5

Two-button reset..................... 133

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

16 Release mode dial ............................ 7

17 Shutter-speed dial..........................39

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The Camera Body (Continued)

1 Mirror................................................. 50

2 Metering coupling lever.............167

3 Lens mounting mark..................... 24

4 D button

Bracketing ................137, 141, 145

5 Self-timer lamp............................... 48

6 Flash sync terminal cap 7 USB connector cover 8 HDMI connector cover

9 Cover for accessory terminal .....325

10 Lens release button ....................... 25

11 AF-mode button.... 60, 63, 175, 176

12 Focus-mode selector..... 59, 68, 175

13 Flash sync terminal ......................117

14 USB connector .....................211, 214

15 HDMI mini-pin connector ..........222

16 Accessory terminal...................... 325

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1 Sub-command dial...................... 267

2 Pv button

Using the Pv

button......................... 41, 174, 266

3 Fn button

Using the Fn button................. 263

4 Battery-chamber/memory card

slot cover ..........................................19

5 Battery-chamber/memory card

slot cover latch ................................ 19

6 Power connector cover .............. 326

7 CPU contacts

8 Lens mount......................................24

9 AF coupling 10 Tripod socket

11 Body cap ..................................24, 324

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The Camera Body (Continued)

10 11

1 O button

2 K button

3 Monitor

4 G button

5 L/U button

6 X/T button

Delete...................................35, 203

Playback............................... 34, 185

Viewing settings......................... 11

Viewing pictures......................... 34

Live view..................................... 172

Full-frame playback .................185

Menu ....................................15, 224

Help ............................................... 15

Protect.........................................201

White balance ............................. 82

Playback zoom in...................... 199

Image quality/size................56, 58

7 W/M button

Playback zoom out/

thumbnails........................196, 197

Two-button reset......................133

Flash mode.................................126

Flash compensation.................128

8 P button

Changing settings in the

information display....................14

Changing settings during live

view..............................................179

Retouching pictures ................290

9 Viewfinder eyepiece...................... 23

10 Viewfinder........................................ 28

11 Diopter adjustment control......... 28

12 A button

Using the AE/AF lock

button ........................... 66, 77, 267

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13 B button

AF-ON ............................................ 60

14 Main command dial.................... 267

15 Metering selector ........................... 76

16 J (OK) button .......................16, 261

17 Multi selector...................................16

A The Power Switch

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

18 Focus selector lock .........................64

19 Memory card access lamp..... 20, 32

20 R (info) button...............................11

21 a button....................................... 172

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

A The LCD Illuminator

Pressing the activates the control panel backlight (LCD illuminator), allowing the display to be read in the dark. The backlight will remain lit for about 6 seconds or until the shutter is released or the

button is pressed again.

button while the camera is on

button

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The Exposure Mode Dial

To choose from the modes listed below, lift and rotate the exposure mode dial.

• P—Programmed auto (0 38)

• S—Shutter-priority auto (0 39)

• A—Aperture-priority auto (0 41)

• M—Manual (0 42)

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The Release-Mode Dial

Rotate the release mode dial to choose a release mode (0 46).

Release mode dial

Mode Description

Single frame

Continuous low

speed

Continuous

high speed

One photograph is taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed.

The camera takes photographs at a slow rate while the shutter-release button is pressed. The camera takes photographs at a fast rate while the shutter-release button is pressed.

MUP

Quiet shutterrelease

Self-timer

Mirror up

As for single-frame, except that camera noise is reduced.

Take pictures with the selftimer.

Raise the mirror before taking photographs.

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The Control Panel

1 Shutter speed............................39, 42

Number of intervals for interval

timer photography ......................158

2 Battery indicator............................. 29

3 Exposure and flash bracketing

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

WB bracketing indicator.............141

ADL bracketing indicator ...........145

4 Multiple exposure indicator ......150

5 Aperture (f-number)................41, 42

Aperture (number of stops).........37

Number of shots per interval ....158

PC mode indicator ....................... 325

6 Aperture stop indicator ................ 37

7 “k” (appears when memory

remains for over 1000

exposures)........................................ 30

8 Number of exposures

remaining.........................................30

Number of shots remaining before

memory buffer fills ........................47

Preset white balance recording

indicator ........................................... 91

Capture mode indicator..............325

HDMI-CEC connection

indicator .........................................223

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The Viewfinder

231

5678 9 10 11

17 18 19 23

Note: Display shown with all indicators lit for illustrative purposes.

1 Framing grid (displayed when On

is selected for Custom Setting

d2) ................................................... 253

2 Focus points............................64, 249

AF-area mode..................................62

3 AF area brackets.....................28, 189

4 Focus indicator......................... 32, 69

5 Metering ........................................... 75

6 Autoexposure (AE) lock................. 77

7 Exposure mode...............................36

10 Aperture (f-number) ...............41, 42

11 Monochrome indicator .............. 100

12 Low battery warning .....................29

12 13 14 15 16

242221 2620

8 Flexible program indicator........... 38

9 Shutter speed ...........................39, 42

Autofocus mode .............................59

Aperture (number of stops) .........37

(displayed when the Monochrome Picture Control or a Picture Control based on Monochrome is selected)

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13 Active D-Lighting indicator .......111

14 HDR indicator................................ 112

15 ISO sensitivity indicator................ 70

16 “k” (appears when memory

remains for over 1000

exposures)........................................ 30

17 FV lock indicator........................... 131

18 Flash sync indicator .....................257

19 Aperture stop indicator ................ 37

20 Exposure indicator......................... 43

Exposure compensation

display............................................... 80

Roll indicator ................................. 265

21 Flash compensation indicator...128 22 Exposure compensation

indicator ........................................... 80

* Displayed when an optional flash unit is attached (0 118). The flash-ready

indicator lights when the flash is charged.

23 Exposure and flash bracketing

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

WB bracketing indicator.............141

ADL bracketing indicator ...........145

24 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator...... 72

25 Number of exposures

remaining.........................................30

Number of shots remaining before

memory buffer fills ........................47

Preset white balance recording

indicator ........................................... 91

Exposure compensation value.... 80

Flash compensation value.........128

ISO sensitivity..................................70

AF-area mode.................................. 62

26 Flash-ready indicator*................ 121

D No Battery

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

This is normal and does not indicate a

D The Control Panel and Viewfinder Displays

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

This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

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The Information Display

Press the R button to display shutter speed, aperture, the number of exposures remaining, AF-area mode, and other shooting information in the monitor. The display lights automatically when settings such as white balance and image quality are changed by pressing a button and rotating a command dial.

R button

123 56 74

8 9

24 23 22

1617181920

Note: Display shown with all indicators lit for illustrative purposes.

1 Exposure mode...............................36

2 Flexible program indicator...........38

3 Flash sync indicator..................... 257

4 Shutter speed........................... 39, 42

Number of shots in exposure and

flash bracketing sequence ........ 137

Number of shots in WB bracketing

sequence ....................................... 141

Number of exposures (multiple

exposure)....................................... 151

Focal length (non-CPU lenses)

Color temperature..........................88

... 163

5 Color temperature indicator........88

6 Aperture stop indicator.................37

Non-AI lens indicator .................. 168

7 Aperture (f-number) ...............41, 42

Aperture (number of stops) .........37

Bracketing increment ........ 138, 142

Number of shots in ADL bracketing

sequence........................................ 145

Multiple exposure mode............ 150

Maximum aperture (non-CPU

lenses)............................................. 166

10 11 12 13

14 15

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8 Auto-area AF indicator..................64

Focus points indicator................... 64

AF-area mode indicator................ 64

3D-tracking indicator .................... 64

9 Exposure indicator......................... 43

Exposure compensation

display............................................... 80

Bracketing progress indicator

Exposure and flash

bracketing ..................................137

WB bracketing...........................141

10 “Beep” indicator............................253

11 Satellite signal indicator.............171

12 Interval timer indicator...............160

13 “k” (appears when memory

remains for over 1000

exposures)........................................ 30

14 Number of exposures

remaining.........................................30

Multiple exposure auto gain

indicator .........................................152

Manual lens number ...................166

15 “Clock not set” indicator...... 27, 276

16 Fn button assignment .................263

17 AE-L/AF-L button assignment .....267

18 Picture Control indicator ............101

19 Long exposure noise reduction

indicator .........................................242

20 Custom settings bank .................245

21 Vignette control indicator..........241

22 White balance ................................. 81

White balance fine-tuning

indicator ........................................... 85

23 Image quality .................................. 55

24 Image size ........................................58

25 Flash mode..................................... 125

A Turning the Monitor Off

To clear shooting information from the monitor, press the R button or press the shutter-release button halfway. automatically if no operations are performed for about 10 seconds.

The monitor will turn off

A See Also

For information on choosing how long the monitor stays on, see Custom Setting c4 (Monitor off delay, 0 253). For information on changing the color of the lettering in the information display, see Custom Setting d8 (Information display, 0 256). The information display can be set to turn on automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway; for more information, see page 273.

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The Information Display (Continued)

26 28 29 3127 3230

47 46 45 44 43

26 Image area indicator......................52

27 Release mode..............................7, 46

Continuous shooting speed...... 254

28 Exposure delay mode................. 256

29 FV lock indicator .......................... 131

30 Flash compensation indicator.. 128

Flash compensation value......... 128

31 Multiple exposure indicator...... 153

32 Exposure compensation

indicator............................................ 80

Exposure compensation value ....80

33 ADL bracketing amount............. 111

34 Copyright information ............... 279

35 Camera battery indicator..............29

36 Image comment indicator......... 278

37 ISO sensitivity indicator ................70

ISO sensitivity ..................................70

Auto ISO sensitivity indicator ......72

34 35 36 37

3839404142

38 Pv button assignment................. 266

39 HDR indicator................................ 113

HDR exposure differential ......... 114

40 Active D-Lighting indicator....... 111

41 High ISO noise reduction

indicator......................................... 242

42 Shooting menu bank.................. 236

43 Autofocus mode .............................59

44 Eye-Fi connection indicator ......285

45 Auto distortion control............... 241

46 Metering ........................................... 75

47 Exposure and flash bracketing

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

WB bracketing indicator ............ 141

ADL bracketing indicator........... 145

Page 34

The P button

Use the P button for quick access to frequently-used settings in playback mode and during viewfinder and live view photography. During viewfinder photography, you can press the P button to change the settings listed at the bottom of the information display.

Highlight items

using the multi selector and press J to view options for the highlighted item.

1234 5

10 9 8 7 6

1 Shooting menu bank .................. 236

2 High ISO noise reduction ...........242

3 Active D-Lighting .........................110

4 HDR (High Dynamic Range).......112

5 Pv button assignment.................266

6 Fn button assignment .................263

7 AE-L/AF-L button assignment .....267

8 Picture Control..............................100

9 Long exposure noise

reduction........................................242

10 Custom settings bank .................245

P button

A Tool T ips

A tool tip giving the name of the selected item appears in the information display. be turned off using Custom Setting d4 (Screen Tips; 0 254).

Too l tips ca n

A See Also

For information on using the P button to access settings during live view photography, see page 179, or see page 290 for information on displaying the retouch options during full-frame playback.

Page 35

Camera Menus

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

Ta bs

Choose from the following menus:

• D: Playback (0 229)

• C: S hooting (0 235)

• A: Custom Settings (0 243)

Slider shows position in current menu.

Current settings are shown by icons.

Options in current menu.

• B: Setup (0 271)

• N: Retouch (0 287)

• O/m: MY MENU or RECENT SETTINGS

(defaults to MY MENU; 0 313)

Menu options

G button

If a d icon is displayed at the bottom left corner of the monitor, help can be displayed by pressing the L (U) button. A 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.

L (U) button

Page 36

❚❚ 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.

3 Select a menu.

Press 1 or 3 to select the desired menu.

J button: select highlighted item

Select highlighted item or display sub-menu

G button

Page 37

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

• To exit the menus and return to shooting mode, press the

shutter-release button halfway (0 33).

Page 38

First Steps

Attach the Camera Strap

Attach the strap securely to the camera eyelets.

Charge the Battery

The camera is powered by an EN-EL14a rechargeable Li-ion battery (supplied). To maximize shooting time, charge the battery in the supplied MH-24 battery charger before use. adapter is supplied, raise the wall plug and connect the adapter, making sure the plug is fully inserted, then insert the battery and plug the charger in.

If a plug

Battery charging

Charging complete

About an hour and 50 minutes are required to fully recharge the battery when no charge remains. Unplug the charger and remove the battery when charging is complete.

D Charging the Battery

Charge the battery indoors at ambient temperatures between 5 °C– 35 °C (41 °F–95 °F). below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 60 °C (140 °F).

The battery will not charge if its temperature is

Page 39

Insert the Battery and a Memory Card

Before inserting batteries or memory cards, rotate the power switch to OFF.

D Inserting and Removing Batteries and Memory Cards

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

1 Open the battery-chamber/memory

card slot cover.

Unlatch (q) and open (w) the battery- chamber/memory card slot cover.

2 Insert the battery.

Insert the battery in the orientation shown (q), using the battery to keep the battery latch pressed to one side. latch locks the battery in place when the battery is fully inserted (w).

The

A No Memory Card

If the camera is turned off with a charged EN-EL14a battery and no memory card inserted, S will be displayed in the control panel and viewfinder.

Battery latch

Page 40

3 Insert the memory card.

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

D Inserting Memory Cards

Inserting memory cards upside down or backwards could damage the camera or

the card. the correct orientation. The cover will not close if the card is not correctly inserted.

Check to be sure the card is in

4 Close the battery-chamber/memory

card slot cover.

A Removing the Battery

Turn the camera off and open the batterychamber/memory card slot cover. Press the battery latch in the direction shown by the arrow to release the battery and then remove the battery by hand.

Memory card access lamp

Front

A Removing Memory Cards

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

The card can then be

Page 41

D The Battery and Charger

Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages x–xii and 335–338 of this manual.

(32 °F) or above 40 °C (104 °F); failure to observe this precaution could damage the battery or impair its performance. Capacity may be reduced and charging times may increase at battery temperatures from 0 °C (32 °F) to 15 °C (59 °F) and from 45 °C (113 °F) to 60 °C (140 °F).

If the CHARGE lamp flashes quickly (about eight times a second) during charging, confirm that the temperature is in the correct range and then unplug the charger and remove and reinsert the battery. If the problem persists, cease use immediately and take battery and charger to your retailer or a Nikon-authorized service representative.

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

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

Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0 °C

Page 42

A Formatting Memory Cards

If this is the first time the memory card will be used in the camera or if the card has been formatted in another device, select Format memory card in the setup menu and follow the on-screen instructions to format the card (0 272). data the card may contain. Be sure to copy any photographs and other data you wish to keep to a computer before proceeding.

Note that this permanently deletes any

D Memory Cards

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

• Turn the power off before inserting or removing memory cards. Do not remove memory cards from the camera, turn the camera off, or remove or disconnect the power source during formatting or while data are being recorded, deleted, or copied to a computer. Failure to observe these precautions could result in loss of data or in damage to the camera or card.

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

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

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

precaution could damage the card.

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

• Do not format memory cards in a computer.

Observe due caution when

A The Write Protect Switch

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

Write-protect switch

To unlock the memory

Page 43

A The Eyepiece Cap

Use the supplied string to attach the eyepiece cap to the camera strap as shown.

To prevent light entering via the viewfinder interfering with exposure, attach the eyepiece cap during live view, long time-exposures, selftimer photography, and on other occasions in which you will not be looking through the viewfinder while the shutter is open. To remove the cap, press the clips and lift.

A Removing the Viewfinder Eyepiece

The viewfinder eyepiece must be removed before optional diopter adjustment viewfinder lenses can be attached. grasp it lightly between your finger and thumb and rotate it as shown.

To remove the eyepiece,

Page 44

Attach a Lens

Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens is removed. for illustrative purposes is an AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G (Special Edition).

Attach the lens as shown.

Align the mounting marks

The lens generally used in this manual

Remove the

camera body cap

Remove the rear lens cap

Mounting mark (camera)

Mounting mark (lens)

Rotate the lens as shown until it clicks into place

Page 45

A Detaching the Lens

Be sure the camera is off when removing or exchanging lenses. and hold the lens release button (q) while turning the lens clockwise (w). After removing the lens, replace the lens caps and camera body cap.

To remove the lens, press

A Lens Focus Mode

If the lens is equipped with a focus mode switch, select autofocus mode (A, M/A, or A/M).

D CPU Lenses with Aperture Rings

In the case of CPU lenses equipped with an aperture ring (0 320), lock aperture at the minimum setting (highest f-number).

A Non-CPU/Non-AI Lenses

The camera can be used with non-CPU lenses and lenses not equipped with AI mechanisms (non-AI lenses; 0 163).

A Image Area

The DX format image area is automatically selected when a DX lens is attached (0 51).

Image area

Page 46

Basic Setup

A language-selection dialog will be displayed the first time the camera is turned on. date.

Photographs can not be taken until you have set the time

and date.

Choose a language and set the time and

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. to highlight the local time zone (the UTC field shows the difference between the selected time zone and Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in hours) and press J.

Press 4 or 2

4 Choose a date format.

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

Press

Page 47

5 Turn daylight saving time

on or off.

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

Daylight

6 Set the date and time.

The dialog shown at right will be displayed. select an item, 1 or 3 to change. clock and exit to shooting mode (note that the camera uses a 24-hour clock).

A Setting the Clock

Language and date/time settings can be changed at any time using the Language (0 277) and Time zone and date (0 276) options in the setup menu. an optional GPS unit (0 170).

A The Clock Battery

The camera clock is powered by an independent, rechargeable power source, which is charged as necessary when the main battery is installed or the camera is powered by an optional power connector and AC adapter (0 323). three months. If the camera displays a warning at startup stating that the clock is not set and a Y icon flashes in the information display, the clock battery is exhausted and the clock has been reset. Set the clock to the correct time and date.

A The Camera Clock

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

Check the clock regularly against more accurate time pieces and

reset as necessary.

Press 4 or 2 to

Press J to set the

The camera clock can also be set using data provided by

Two days of charging will power the clock for about

Page 48

Adjust Viewfinder Focus

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

Check that the display in the

1 Turn the camera on.

Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on.

2 Focus the viewfinder.

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

AF area brackets

Viewfinder not in focus Viewfinder in focus

A Adjusting Viewfinder Focus

If you are unable to focus the viewfinder as described above, select single-servo autofocus (AF-S; 0 59), single-point AF (0 62), and the center focus point (0 65), and then frame a high-contrast subject in the center focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway to focus the camera. control to bring the subject into clear focus in the viewfinder. If necessary, viewfinder focus can be further adjusted using optional corrective lenses (0 324).

With the camera in focus, use the diopter adjustment

Page 49

Basic Photography and Playback

Taking Photographs

Turn the Camera On

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

1 Turn the camera on.

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

2 Check the battery level.

Check the battery level in the control panel or viewfinder.

Icon

L — Battery fully charged. K — Battery partially discharged.

H d

(flashes)

Low battery. Charge battery or ready spare battery. Battery exhausted; shutter release disabled. Charge or exchange battery.

Power switch

DescriptionControl panel Viewfinder

Page 50

3 Check the number of exposures remaining.

The control panel shows the number of photographs that can be taken at current settings (values over 1000 are rounded down to the nearest hundred; e.g., values between 2900 and 2999 are shown as 2.9 k). reaches zero, A will flash in the exposure-count displays while the shutter-speed displays will show a flashing n or j. Insert another memory card or delete some photos.

Choose an Exposure Mode

Lift the exposure mode dial and rotate it to the desired setting.

When this number

A Image Sensor Cleaning

The camera vibrates the low-pass filter covering the image sensor to remove dust when the camera is turned on or off (0 329).

Page 51

Ready the Camera

When framing photographs in the viewfinder, hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left. lightly against your torso for support and place one foot half a pace ahead of the other to keep your upper body stable. When framing photographs in portrait (tall) orientation, hold the camera as shown in the bottom of the three illustrations at right.

Keep your elbows propped

Focus and Shoot

1 Press the shutter-

release button halfway

Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. The active focus point will be displayed.

Focus indicator

Focus point

Buffer capacity

Page 52

2 Check indicators in the viewfinder.

When the focus operation is complete, the in-focus indicator (I) will appear in the viewfinder.

Viewfinder display Description

I Subject in focus.

2 Focus point is between camera and subject.

4 Focus point is behind subject.

(flashes)

While the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, focus will lock and the number of exposures that can be stored in the memory buffer (“t”; 0 47) will be shown in the viewfinder display.

For information on what to do if the camera is unable to focus using autofocus, see “Getting Good Results with Autofocus” (0 61).

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

3 Shoot.

Smoothly press the shutterrelease-button the rest of the way down to release the shutter and record the photograph. photograph is being recorded to the memory card, the memory card access lamp will light.

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

While the

Memory card access lamp

Do not eject the memory

Page 53

A The Shutter-Release Button

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

Focus: press halfway Shoot: press all the way

The camera focuses

down

A The Standby Timer

The viewfinder and the control panel shutter speed and aperture displays will turn off if no operations are performed for about 6 seconds, reducing the drain on the battery. halfway to reactivate the display. The length of time before the standby timer expires automatically can be selected using Custom Setting c2 (Standby timer, 0 251).

Press the shutter-release button

Exposure meters onExposure meters

off

A Camera Off Display

If a battery and memory card are inserted, the number of exposures remaining will be displayed when the camera is turned off.

Exposure meters

Control panel

Page 54

Basic Playback

MALAL

1 Press the K button.

A photograph will be displayed in the monitor.

2 View additional pictures.

Additional pictures can be

displayed by pressing 4 or 2. To view additional information on the current photograph, press 1 and 3 (0 188).

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

K button

1/12

125 F5. 650

0, 0

C_0001. JP

100

NC_D

F DS

15/10/2013 10:02:28

NIKON Df

NNOR

4928x3280

A Image Review

When On is selected for Image review in the playback menu (0 232), photographs are automatically displayed in the monitor for a few seconds after shooting.

Page 55

Deleting Unwanted Photographs

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

1 Display the photograph.

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

2 Delete the photograph.

Press the O button. A confirmation dialog will be displayed; press the O button again to delete the image and return to playback. deleting the picture, press K.

Note that photographs can not be recovered once

O button

To ex it wi thou t

A Delete

To delete selected images (0 205), all images taken on a selected date (0 206), or all images in the current folder (0 205), use the Delete option in the playback menu.

Page 56

Exposure Mode

To choose an exposure mode, lift and rotate the exposure mode dial.

Mode Description

Programmed auto (0 38): 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.

Shutter-priority auto (0 39): User chooses shutter speed; camera

selects aperture for best results. Use to freeze or blur motion. Aperture-priority auto (0 41): User chooses aperture; camera selects shutter speed for best results. Use to blur background or bring

both foreground and background into focus.

Manual (0 42): User controls both shutter speed and aperture. Set

shutter speed to Bulb (B) or Time (T) for long time-exposures.

Page 57

A Lens Types

When using a CPU lens equipped with an aperture ring (0 320), lock the aperture ring at the minimum aperture (highest f-number). and E lenses are not equipped with an aperture ring.

When using non-CPU lenses (0 163), select exposure mode A or M and adjust aperture using the lens aperture ring. If exposure mode P or S is selected with a non-CPU lens, the camera will function in exposure mode A and 7 will appear in the viewfinder. See page 318 for more information.

Type G

A Non-CPU Lenses (0 163)

Use the lens aperture ring to adjust aperture. If the maximum aperture of the lens has been specified using the Non-CPU lens data item in setup menu (0 163) when a non-CPU lens is attached, the current f-number will be displayed in the viewfinder and control panel, rounded to the nearest full stop. Otherwise the aperture displays will show only the number of stops (F, with maximum aperture displayed as FA) and the f-number must be read from the lens aperture ring. Aperture for lenses not equipped with AI mechanisms (non-AI lenses) is adjusted using the lens aperture ring. Changes to aperture are not shown in the camera displays; use the subcommand dial to set the camera to the aperture selected with the aperture ring (0 168).

Page 58

P: Programmed Auto

In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture according to a built-in program to ensure optimal exposure in most situations.

A Flexible Program

In exposure mode P, different combinations of shutter speed and aperture can be selected by rotating the main command dial while the exposure meters are on (“flexible program”). Rotate the dial to the right for large apertures (low f-numbers) that blur background details or fast shutter speeds that “freeze” motion. Rotate the dial to the left for small apertures (high f-numbers) that increase depth of field or slow shutter speeds that blur motion. All combinations produce the same exposure. While flexible program is in effect, a E indicator appears in the viewfinder. To restore default shutter speed and aperture settings, rotate the main command dial until the indicator is no longer displayed, choose another exposure mode, or turn the camera off.

A See Also

See page 339 for information on the built-in exposure program.

Main command dial

Viewfinder

Page 59

S: Shutter-Priority Auto

In shutter-priority auto, you rotate the shutter-speed dial to choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically selects the aperture that will produce the optimal exposure. X, and T; to choose another setting, keep the shutter-speed dial lock release pressed while rotating the dial.

The dial locks at settings of 1/3 STEP,

Shutter-speed dial

Shutter-speed dial lock release

/3 EV steps (0 40)

Flash sync (0 257)

/4000 s–1/2 s

1–4 s (red)

• Settings of T (time, 0 44) and B (bulb, 0 44) take effect only in

exposure mode M.

A See Also

For information on using the command dial to fine-tune the shutter speed selected with the shutter-speed dial, see Custom Setting f11 (Easy shutter-speed shift; 0 270). See page 347 for information on what to do if flashing “A” or “%” indicator appears in the shutter- speed displays.

Page 60

1/3 STEP (Exposure Modes S and M)

When the shutter-speed dial is rotated to 1/3 STEP, shutter speed can be adjusted in increments of

/3 EV by rotating the main command dial; the selected shutter speed is displayed in the control panel and viewfinder. Choose from values between exposure mode M, speeds of “Bulb” and “Time” can be used to record long time-exposures.

/4000 and 30 s. In

Main command dial

Page 61

A: Aperture-Priority Auto

In aperture-priority auto, you choose the aperture while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed that will produce the optimal exposure. between the minimum and maximum values for the lens, rotate the sub-command dial while the exposure meters are on; the selected aperture is shown in the control panel and viewfinder.

A Lenses with Aperture Rings

If Aperture ring is selected for Custom Setting f7 (Customize

command dial) > Aperture setting (0 268), aperture can be set using

the lens aperture ring.

A Depth-of-Field Preview

To preview the effects of aperture, press and

hold the Pv button.

down to the aperture value selected by the

camera (exposure modes P and S) or the value

chosen by the user (exposure modes A and M),

allowing depth of field to be previewed in the

viewfinder.

To choose an aperture

The lens will be stopped

Sub-command dial

Pv button

A Custom Setting e5—Modeling Flash

This setting controls whether optional flash units that support the

Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS; 0 118) will emit a modeling flash

when the Pv button is pressed.

See page 259 for more information.

Page 62

M: Manual

In manual exposure mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. While the exposure meters are on, rotate the subcommand dial to set aperture to values between the minimum and maximum for the lens; to set shutter speed, keep the shutterspeed dial lock release pressed while rotating the shutter-speed dial. Use the exposure indicators to check exposure.

Sub-command dial

/4000 s–1/2 s

/3 EV steps (0 40)

Flash sync (0 257)

Shutter-speed dial

Long time-exposures

(0 44)

1–4 s (red)

Page 63

A Lenses with Aperture Rings

If Aperture ring is selected for Custom Setting f7 (Customize

command dial) > Aperture setting (0 268), aperture can be set using

the lens aperture ring.

A The Exposure Indicator

If a shutter speed other than “bulb” or “time” is selected, the exposure

indicator in the viewfinder shows whether the photograph would be

under- or over-exposed at current settings.

metering system are exceeded, the displays will flash.

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV

If the limits of the exposure

A See Also

For information on using the command dial to fine-tune the shutter

speed selected with the shutter-speed dial, see Custom Setting f11

(Easy shutter-speed shift; 0 270). For information reversing the

exposure indicators so that negative values are displayed on the right

and positive values on the left, see Custom Setting f10 (Reverse

indicators, 0 269).

Page 64

❚❚ Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only)

Select the following shutter speeds for long time-exposures of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks.

• Bulb (B): The shutter remains open while the shutter-release button is held down. prevent blur, use a tripod or an optional wireless remote controller (0 325) or remote cord (0 325).

• Time (T): Start the exposure by using the shutter-release button on the camera or on an optional remote cord, or wireless remote controller. the button is pressed a second time.

Before proceeding, mount the camera on a tripod or place it on a stable, level surface. To prevent loss of power before the exposure is complete, use a fully charged battery or an optional AC adapter and power connector. Note that noise (bright spots, randomlyspaced bright pixels, or fog) may be present in long exposures; before shooting, choose On for Long exposure NR in the shooting menu (0 242). viewfinder interfering with photographs or exposure, cover the viewfinder with the supplied eyepiece cap (0 23).

The shutter remains open for thirty minutes or until

To prevent light entering via the

Length of exposure:

Aperture: f/25

35 s

1 Rotate the exposure mode

dial to M.

Exposure mode dial

Page 65

2 Choose a shutter speed.

Keeping the shutter-speed dial lock release pressed, rotate the shutter-speed dial to B (bulb) or T (time; if the shutter-speed dial is rotated to 1/3 STEP, you can choose the shutter speed by rotating the main command dial).

At a shutter speed of

“bulb”, the control panel and viewfinder show A, while % is displayed when “time” is selected.

Shutter-speed dial

Shutter-speed dial lock release

Bulb

Time

3 Open the shutter.

Bulb: After focusing, press the shutter-release button on the camera or optional remote cord or wireless remote controller all the way down. until the exposure is complete.

Time: Press the shutter-release button all the way down.

Keep the shutter-release button pressed

4 Close the shutter.

Bulb: Take your finger off the shutter-release button.

Time: Press the shutter-release button all the way down.

Shooting ends automatically after thirty minutes.

Page 66

Release Mode

Choosing a Release Mode

To choose a release mode, rotate the release mode dial to the desired setting (0 7).

Mode Description

Single frame: Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-

release button is pressed. Continuous low speed: While shutter-release button is held down, camera records 1–5 frames per second.1

using Custom Setting d5 (CL mode shooting speed, 0 254).

Continuous high speed: While shutter-release button is held down,

camera records up to 5.5 frames per second. Quiet shutter-release: As for single frame, except that mirror does not click back into place while shutter-release button is fully pressed, allowing user to control timing of click made by mirror, which is

also quieter than in single frame mode. sound regardless of setting selected for Custom Setting d1 (Beep; 0 253). Self-timer: Take pictures with the self-timer (0 48).

Mirror up: Choose this mode to minimize camera shake in telephoto or close-up photography or in other situations in which the

slightest camera movement can result in blurred photographs.

1 Average frame rate with an EN-EL14a battery, continuous-servo AF, manual

or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of remaining settings other than Custom Setting d5 at default values, and memory remaining in memory buffer.

2 Average frame rate with an EN-EL14a battery, continuous-servo AF, manual

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

Frame rate can be chosen

In addition, beep does not

/200 s or faster,

/200 s or faster, other

Page 67

Frame rate drops at slow shutter speeds or very small apertures (high f-numbers), when vibration reduction (available with VR lenses) or auto ISO sensitivity control is on (0 70, 72), or when the battery is low.

A The Memory Buffer

The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. be taken in succession; note, however, that the frame rate will drop when the buffer is full (tAA). The approximate number of images that can be stored in the 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 55 pictures.

While photographs are being recorded to the memory card, the memory card access lamp will light. Depending on shooting conditions and memory card performance, 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.

Up to 100 photographs can

A Live View

If a continuous release mode is used during live view photography (0 172) , photographs will be displayed in place of the view through the lens while the shutter-release button is pressed.

A See Also

For information on choosing the maximum number of photographs that can be taken in a single burst, see Custom Setting d6 (Max. continuous release, 0 254). pictures that can be taken in a single burst, see page 364.

For information on the number of

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Self-Timer Mode

The self-timer can be used to reduce camera shake or for selfportraits.

1 Mount the camera on a tripod.

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

2 Select self-timer mode.

Rotate the release-mode dial to E.

3 Frame the photograph.

A Cover the Viewfinder

To prevent light entering via the viewfinder interfering with photographs and exposure, cover the viewfinder with the supplied DK-26 eyepiece cap (0 23).

4 Take the photograph.

Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus, and then press the button the rest of the way down to start the self-timer (note that the timer will not start if the camera is unable to focus or in other situations in which the shutter can not be released). to flash. timer lamp will stop flashing. seconds after the timer starts. To cancel shooting, select another release mode.

Two seconds before the photograph is taken, the self-

Release mode dial

The self-timer lamp will start

The shutter will be released ten

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A See Also

For information on choosing the duration of the self-timer, the number of shots taken, and the interval between shots, see Custom Setting c3 (Self-timer; 0 252). sound when the self-timer is used, see Custom Setting d1 (Beep; 0 253).

For information on controlling the beeps that

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Mirror up Mode

Choose this mode to minimize blurring caused by camera movement when the mirror is raised. recommended.

1 Select mirror up mode.

Rotate the release-mode dial to

UP.

2 Raise the mirror.

Frame the picture, focus, and then press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to raise the mirror.

D Mirror Up

While the mirror is raised, photos can not be framed in the viewfinder and autofocus and metering will not be performed.

3 Take a pic ture.

Press the shutter-release button all the way down again to take a picture. prevent blurring caused by camera movement, press the shutter-release button smoothly. mirror lowers when shooting ends.

Use of a tripod is

Release mode dial

The

A Mirror up Mode

A picture will be taken automatically if no operations are performed for about 30 s after the mirror is raised.

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Image Recording Options

Image Area

Choose an image area from FX (36×24) 1.0× and DX (24×16) 1.5×.

Viewfinder display

Photo with FX

image area (36×24)

A DX Lenses

DX lenses are designed for use with DX format cameras and have a smaller angle of view than lenses for 35mm format cameras.

crop is off and FX (36×24) 1.0× (FX format) is selected for Choose image area when a DX lens is attached, the edges of the image may be

eclipsed. This may not be apparent in the viewfinder, but when the images are played back you may notice a drop in resolution or that the edges of the picture are blacked out.

Photo with DX

image area (24×16)

If Auto DX

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❚❚ Choose Image Area

Choose the image area used when a non-DX lens is attached or a DX-lens is attached with Off selected for Auto DX crop (0 53).

Option Description

FX (36×24)

1.0×

(FX format)

DX (24× 16)

1.5× (DX format)

❚❚ Auto DX Crop

Choose whether to automatically select a DX crop when a DX lens is attached.

Option Description

Camera automatically selects DX crop when DX lens is

attached. If another lens is attached, the crop selected for

Choose image area will be used.

Off Crop selected for Choose image area is used.

Images are recorded in FX format using the full area of the image sensor (36.0 × 23.9 mm), producing an angle of view equivalent to a NIKKOR lens on a 35 mm format camera. An area at the center of the image sensor 23.4 ×

15.5 mm is used to record pictures in DX format. To calculate the approximate focal length of the lens in 35mm format, multiply by 1.5.

A The Viewfinder Display

The DX format crop is shown at right; the area outside the crop can be viewed in gray when Off is selected for Custom Setting a5 (Focus point illumination) > AF point illumination (0 248).

DX format

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Image area can be set using the Image area option in the shooting menu or by pressing a control and rotating a command dial.

❚❚ The Image Area Menu

1 Select Image area in

the shooting menu.

Press G to display the menus.

Highlight Image

area in the shooting menu (0 235) and press 2.

G button

2 Choose an option.

Highlight Auto DX crop or Choose image area and press

3 Adjust settings.

Choose an option and press J. The selected crop is displayed in the viewfinder (0 52).

A Image Area

The selected option is shown in the information display.

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❚❚ Camera Controls

1 Assign image area selection to a camera control.

Select Choose image area as the “press + command dials” option for a camera control in the Custom Settings menu (0 266). Image area selection can be assigned to the Fn button (Custom Setting f4, Assign Fn button, 0 263), the Pv button (Custom Setting f5, Assign preview button, 0 266), or the A AE-L/AF-L button (Custom Setting f6, Assign AE-L/AF-L button, 0 267).

2 Use the selected control to choose an image area.

The image area can be selected by pressing the selected button and rotating the main or sub-command dial until the desired crop is displayed in the viewfinder (0 51).

The option currently selected for image area can be viewed by pressing the button to display the image area in the viewfinder or information display. format is displayed as “36 – 24” and DX format as “24 – 16”.

D Auto DX Crop

The selected control can not be used to choose the image area when a DX lens is attached and Auto DX crop is on.

A Image Size

Image size varies with the option selected for image area (0 58).

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Image Quality and Size

Together, image quality and size determine how much space each photograph occupies on the memory card. images can be printed at larger sizes but also require more memory, meaning that fewer such images can be stored on the memory card (0 364).

Image Quality

Choose a file format and compression ratio (image quality).

Option File type Description

Raw data from the image sensor are saved directly

NEF (RAW) NEF

TIFF (RGB)

JPEG fine

JPEG normal

JPEG basic

NEF (RAW)+

JPEG fine

NEF (RAW)+

JPEG normal

NEF (RAW)+

JPEG basic

* Size priority selected for JPEG compression.

to the memory card. Settings such as white balance and contrast can be adjusted after shooting. Record uncompressed TIFF-RGB images at a bit

TIFF

depth of 8 bits per channel (24-bit color). TIFF is

(RGB)

supported by a wide variety of imaging applications. Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1:4 (fine quality). Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of

JPEG

roughly 1:8 (normal quality). Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1:16 (basic quality). Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image and one fine-quality JPEG image.

NEF/

Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image

JPEG

and one normal-quality JPEG image. Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image and one basic-quality JPEG image.

Larger, higher quality

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Image quality can be set by pressing the X (T) button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the information display.

X (T) button Main command dial Information display

A The Shooting Menu

Image quality can also be adjusted using the Image quality option in the shooting menu (0 235).

A NEF (RAW) Images

NEF (RAW) images can be viewed on the camera or using software such as Capture NX 2 (available separately; 0 325) or ViewNX 2 (available on the supplied ViewNX 2 CD). does not affect the size of NEF (RAW) images; when viewed on a computer, NEF (RAW) images have the dimensions given for large (#- size) images in the table on page 58. JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) images can be created using the NEF (RAW) processing option in the retouch menu (0 300).

Note that the option selected for image size

A NEF+JPEG

When photographs taken at settings of NEF (RAW) + JPEG are viewed on the camera, only the JPEG image will be displayed. When photographs taken at these settings are deleted, both NEF and JPEG images will be deleted.

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The following options can be accessed from the shooting menu. Press the G button to display the menus, highlight the desired option and press 2.

❚❚ JPEG Compression

Choose the type of compression for JPEG images.

Option Description

Size priority

P Optimal quality

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

❚❚ NEF (RAW) Recording > Type

Choose the type of compression for NEF (RAW) images.

Option Description

Lossless

compressed

O Compressed

Uncompressed NEF images are not compressed.

NEF images are compressed using a reversible algorithm, reducing file size by about 20–40% with no effect on image quality. NEF images are compressed using a nonreversible algorithm, reducing file size by about 35–55% with almost no effect on image quality.

❚❚ NEF (RAW) Recording > NEF (RAW) Bit Depth

Choose a bit depth for NEF (RAW) images.

Option Description

q 12-bit

r 14-bit

NEF (RAW) images are recorded at a bit-depth of 12 bits. NEF (RAW) images are recorded at a bit depth of 14 bits, producing files larger than those with a bit depth of 12 bits but increasing the color data recorded.

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Image Size

Image size is measured in pixels. Choose from # Large, $ Medium, or % Small (note that image size varies depending on

the option selected for Image area, 0 51):

Image area Option Size (pixels) Print size (cm/in.)

FX (36× 24) 1.0×

(FX format)

DX (24× 16) 1.5×

(DX format)

* Approximate size when printed at 300 dpi. Print size in inches equals image

size in pixels divided by printer resolution in dots per inch (dpi; 1 inch=approximately 2.54 cm).

Image size can be set by pressing the X (T) button and rotating the sub-command dial until the desired setting is

displayed in the information display.

X (T) button Sub command dial Information display

Large 4928 × 3280 41.7 × 27.8/16.4 × 10.9

Medium 3696 × 2456 31.3 × 20.8/12.3 × 8.2

Small 2464 × 1640 20.9 × 13.9/ 8.2 × 5.5 Large 3200 × 2128 27.1 × 18.0/10.7 × 7.1

Medium 2400 × 1592 20.3 × 13.5/ 8.0 × 5.3

Small 1600 × 1064 13.5 × 9.0/ 5.3 × 3.5

A The Shooting Menu

Image size can also be adjusted using the Image size option in the shooting menu (0 235).

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Focus

This section describes the focus options available when photographs are framed in the viewfinder. automatically (see below) or manually (0 68). select the focus point for automatic or manual focus (0 64) or use focus lock to focus to recompose photographs after focusing (0 66).

Focus can be adjusted

The user can also

Autofocus

To use autofocus, rotate the focusmode selector to AF.

Focus-mode selector

Autofocus Mode

Choose from the following autofocus modes:

Mode Description

Single-servo AF: For stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter-

release button is pressed halfway. At default settings, shutter can

AF-S

only be released when in-focus indicator (I) is displayed (focus priority; 0 246).

Continuous-servo AF: For moving subjects. Camera focuses continuously while shutter-release button is pressed halfway; if subject moves, camera will engage predictive focus tracking

AF-C

(0 60) to predict final distance to subject and adjust focus as necessary. not subject is in focus (release priority; 0 246).

At default settings, shutter can be released whether or

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Autofocus mode can be selected by pressing the AF-mode button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the viewfinder.

AF-mode button Main command dial

AF-S AF-C

A The B Button

For the purpose of focusing the camera, pressing the B button has the same effect as pressing

the shutter-release button halfway.

B button

A Predictive Focus Tracking

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

A See Also

For information on using focus priority in continuous-servo AF, see Custom Setting a1 (AF-C priority selection, 0 246). on using release priority in single-servo AF, see Custom Setting a2 (AF-S priority selection, 0 246). See page 175 for information on the autofocus options available in live view.

For information

This

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A Getting Good Results with Autofocus

Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. The shutter release may be disabled if the camera is unable to focus under these conditions, or the in-focus indicator (I) may be displayed and the camera may sound a beep, allowing the shutter to be released even when the subject is not in focus. In these cases, focus manually (0 68) or use focus lock (0 66) to focus on another subject at the same distance and then recompose the photograph.

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

Example: Subject is the same color as the background.

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

Example: Subject is inside a cage.

The subject is dominated by regular geometric patterns.

Example: Blinds or a row of windows in a skyscraper.

The focus point contains areas of sharply contrasting brightness.

Example: Subject is half in the shade.

Background objects appear larger than the subject.

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

The subject contains many fine details.

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

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AF-Area Mode

Choose how the focus point for autofocus is selected.

• Single-point AF: Select the focus point as described on page 64; the camera will focus on the subject in the selected focus point only. Use with stationary subjects.

• Dynamic-area AF: Select the focus point as described on page 64. AF-C focus mode, the camera will focus based on information

from surrounding focus points if the subject briefly leaves the selected point. selected:

- 9-point dynamic-area AF: Choose when there is time to compose the photograph or when photographing subjects that are moving predictably (e.g., runners or race cars on a track).

- 21-point dynamic-area AF: Choose when photographing subjects that are moving unpredictably (e.g., players at a football game).

- 39-point dynamic-area AF: Choose when photographing subjects

that are moving quickly and can not be easily framed in the viewfinder (e.g., birds).

• 3D-tracking: Select the focus point as described on page 64. focus mode, the camera will track subjects that leave the selected focus point and select new focus points as required. Use to quickly compose pictures with subjects that are moving erratically from side to side (e.g., tennis players). leaves viewfinder, remove your finger from the shutter-release button and recompose the photograph with the subject in the selected focus point.

The number of focus points varies with the mode

If the subject

In AF-C

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• Auto-area AF: The camera automatically detects the subject and selects the focus point.

If a type G, E, or D lens is used

(0 320), the camera can distinguish human subjects from the background for improved subject detection. are highlighted briefly after the camera focuses; in AF-C mode, the main focus point remains highlighted after the other focus points have turned off.

AF-area mode can be selected by pressing the AF-mode button and rotating the sub-command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the viewfinder.

The active focus points

AF-mode button Sub-command dial Viewfinder

A 3D-tracking

When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the colors in the area surrounding the focus point are stored in the camera. Consequently 3D-tracking may not produce the desired results with subjects that are the same color as the background or that occupy a very small area of the frame.

Page 84

A AF-Area Mode

AF-area mode is shown in the viewfinder.

AF-area mode Viewfinder AF-area mode Viewfinder

Single-point AF

9-point dynamic-area

21-point dynamic-area

* Only active focus point is displayed in the viewfinder.

points provide information to assist focus operation.

39-point dynamic-area

3D-tracking

Auto-area AF

Remaining focus

A Manual Focus

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

A See Also

For information on adjusting how long the camera waits before refocusing when an object moves in front of the camera, see Custom Setting a3 (Focus tracking with lock-on, 0 247). information on the autofocus options available in live view.

See page 177 for

Focus Point Selection

The camera offers a choice of 39 focus points that can be used to compose photographs with the main subject positioned almost anywhere in the frame.

1 Rotate the focus selector lock to ●.

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

Focus selector lock

Page 85

2 Select the focus point.

Use the multi selector to select the focus point in the viewfinder while the exposure meters are on. the center focus point.

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

A Auto-area AF

The focus point for auto-area AF is selected automatically; manual focus-point selection is not available.

A See Also

For information on choosing when the focus point is illuminated, see Custom Setting a5 (Focus point illumination, 0 248). on setting focus-point selection to “wrap around,” see Custom Setting a6 (Focus point wrap-around, 0 249). For information on choosing the number of focus points that can be selected using the multi selector, see Custom Setting a7 (Number of focus points, 0 249). For information on changing the role of the J button, see Custom Setting f2 (OK button, 0 261).

Press J to select

For information

Page 86

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. using autofocus (0 61), focus lock can also be used to recompose the photograph after focusing on another object at the same distance as your original subject. when an option other than auto-area AF is selected for AF-area mode (0 62).

If the camera is unable to focus

Focus lock is most effective

1 Focus.

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

Check

2 Lock focus.

AF-C focus mode: With the shutterrelease button pressed halfway (q), press the A AE-L/AF-L button (w) to lock both focus and exposure (an AE-L icon will be displayed in the viewfinder). Focus will remain locked while the A AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if you later remove your finger from the shutter-release button.

Shutter-release button

A AE-L/AF-L button

AF-S focus mode: Focus locks automatically when the in-focus indicator (I) appears, and remain locked until you remove your finger from the shutterrelease button. A AE-L/AF-L button (see above).

Focus can also be locked by pressing the

Page 87

3 Recompose the photograph

and shoot.

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

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

A Locking Focus with the B Button

During viewfinder photography, the B button can be used in place of the shutter-release button to lock focus (0 60). If AF-ON only is selected for Custom Setting a4 (AF activation, 0 247), the camera will not focus when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway; instead, the camera will focus when the B button is pressed, at which point focus will lock and remain locked until the button is pressed again. The shutter can be released at any time, regardless of the options selected for Custom Settings a1 (AF-C priority selection, 0 246) and a2 (AF-S priority selection, 0 246), and the in-focus indicator (I) will not be displayed in the viewfinder.

A See Also

See Custom setting c1 (Shutter-release button AE-L, 0 251) for information on using the shutter-release button to lock exposure, Custom Setting f6 (Assign AE-L/AF-L button, 0 267) for information on choosing the role played by the A AE-L/AF-L button.

If the subject moves, focus again at the

Page 88

Manual Focus

Manual focus is available for lenses that do not support autofocus (non-AF NIKKOR lenses) or when the autofocus does not produce the desired results (0 61).

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

• AF lenses: Set the lens focus mode

switch (if present) and camera focus-mode selector to M.

D AF Lenses

Do not use AF lenses with the lens focus mode switch set to M and the camera focus-mode selector set to AF.

Failure to observe this precaution could damage the camera or lens.

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

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

Focus-mode selector

Page 89

❚❚ The Electronic Rangefinder

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 39 focus points). in the selected focus point, press the shutterrelease button halfway and rotate the lens focus ring until the infocus indicator (I) is displayed. listed on page 61, the in-focus indicator may sometimes be displayed when the subject is not in focus; confirm focus in the viewfinder before shooting. electronic rangefinder with optional AF-S/AF-I teleconverters, see page 321.

After positioning the subject

Note that with the subjects

For information on using the

A Focal Plane Position

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

46.5mm

Focal plane mark

Page 90

ISO Sensitivity

The ISO Sensitivity Dial

ISO sensitivity can be set to values between ISO 100 and ISO 12800 in increments of to 1 EV below ISO 100 and 0.3 to 4 EV above ISO 12800 for special situations.

ISO sensitivity is selected using the ISO sensitivity dial. Keeping the ISO sensitivity dial lock release pressed, rotate the dial to the desired setting.

ISO sensitivity dial

/3 EV, or choose from settings of from about 0.3

ISO sensitivity dial lock release

The selected value is displayed in the viewfinder while the dial is in motion.

Page 91

A Hi 0.3–Hi 4

The settings Hi 0.3 through Hi 4 correspond to ISO sensitivities 0.3–4 EV over ISO 12800 (ISO 16000– 204800 equivalent). are more likely to be subject to noise (randomlyspaced bright pixels, fog, or lines).

Pictures taken at these settings

A Lo 0.3–Lo 1

The settings Lo 0.3 through Lo 1 correspond to ISO sensitivities 0.3–1 EV below ISO 100 (ISO 80–50 equivalent). bright. Contrast is slightly higher than normal; in most cases, ISO sensitivities of ISO 100 or above are recommended.

Use for larger apertures when lighting is

A See Also

For information on using the High ISO NR option in the shooting menu to reduce noise at high ISO sensitivities, see page 242.

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Auto ISO Sensitivity Control

If On is selected for Auto ISO sensitivity control > Auto ISO sensitivity control in the shooting menu, ISO sensitivity will

automatically be adjusted if optimal exposure can not be achieved at the value selected by the user (ISO sensitivity is adjusted appropriately when the flash is used).

1 Select Auto ISO

sensitivity control for Auto ISO sensitivity control in the shooting

menu.

To display the menus, press the G button.

Auto ISO sensitivity control in the shooting menu, highlight Auto ISO sensitivity control and press 2. ISO sensitivity

shows the value selected with the ISO sensitivity dial.

2 Select On.

Highlight On and press J (if Off is selected, ISO sensitivity

will remain fixed at the value selected with the ISO sensitivity dial).

Select

G button

Page 93

3 Adjust settings.

The maximum value for auto ISO sensitivity can be selected using Maximum sensitivity (the minimum value for auto ISO sensitivity is automatically set to ISO 100; note that if the ISO sensitivity selected by the user is higher than that chosen for Maximum sensitivity, the value selected by the user will be used instead). modes P and A, sensitivity will only be adjusted if underexposure would result at the shutter speed selected for Minimum shutter speed ( modes S and M, ISO sensitivity will be adjusted for optimal exposure at the shutter speed selected by the user). selected, the camera will choose the minimum shutter speed based on the focal length of the lens. Press J to exit when settings are complete.

/2000–1 s, or Auto; in exposure

In exposure

If Auto is

Page 94

A Minimum Shutter Speed

Auto shutter-speed selection can be fine-tuned by highlighting Auto and pressing 2: for example, values faster than those usually selected automatically can be used with telephoto lenses to reduce blur. Note, however, that Auto is available only with CPU lenses or when lens data are provided for non-CPU lenses; if a non-CPU lens is used without lens data, minimum shutter speed is fixed at below the selected minimum if optimum exposure can not be achieved at the ISO sensitivity chosen for Maximum sensitivity.

/30 s. Shutter speeds may drop

A Auto ISO Sensitivity Control

Noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines) is more likely at higher sensitivities. to reduce noise (see page 242). When a flash is used, the value selected for Minimum shutter speed is ignored in favor of the option selected for Custom Setting e1 (Flash sync speed, 0 257). Note that ISO sensitivity may be raised automatically when auto ISO sensitivity control is used in combination with slow sync flash modes (available with optional flash units; 0 116), possibly preventing the camera from selecting slow shutter speeds.

Use the High ISO NR option in the shooting menu

Page 95

Exposure

Metering

Metering determines how the camera sets exposure. The following options are available:

Option Description

Matrix: Produces natural results in most situations. Camera meters

a wide area of the frame and set exposure according to tone distribution, color, composition, and, with type G, E, or D lenses (0 320), distance information (3D color matrix metering II; with other CPU lenses, camera uses color matrix metering II, which

does not include 3D distance information). With non-CPU lenses, camera uses color matrix metering if focal length and maximum aperture are specified using Non-CPU lens data option in setup menu (0 164); otherwise camera uses center-weighted metering. Center-weighted: Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to center area (if CPU lens is attached, size of area can be selected using Custom Setting b1, Center-weighted area,

0 250; if non-CPU lens is attached, area is 12 mm in diameter). Classic meter for portraits; recommended when using filters with an exposure factor (filter factor) over 1×. Spot: Camera meters circle 4 mm (0.16 in.) in diameter (approximately 1.5% of frame). Circle is centered on current focus point, making it possible to meter off-center subjects (if

non-CPU lens is used or if auto-area AF is in effect, camera will meter center focus point). Ensures that subject will be correctly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker.

Page 96

To choose a metering method, rotate the metering selector until the desired setting is displayed in the viewfinder.

Metering selector

A See Also

For information on choosing the size of the area assigned the greatest weight in center-weighted metering, see Custom Setting b1 (Center- weighted area, 0 250). adjustments to optimal exposure for each metering method, see Custom Setting b2 (Fine-tune optimal exposure, 0 250).

For information on making separate

Page 97

Autoexposure Lock

Use autoexposure lock to recompose photographs after using center-weighted metering and spot metering to meter exposure. Note that matrix metering will not produce the desired results.

1 Lock exposure.

Position the subject in the selected focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway. button pressed halfway and the subject positioned in the focus point, press the A AE-L/AF-L button to lock focus and exposure (if you are using autofocus, confirm that the I in-focus indicator appears in the viewfinder).

While exposure lock is in effect, an AE-L indicator will appear in the viewfinder.

With the shutter-release

2 Recompose the

photograph.

Keeping the A AE-L/AF-L button pressed, recompose the photograph and shoot.

Shutter-release

button

A AE-L/AF-L button

Page 98

A Metered Area

In spot metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in a 4-mm (0.16 in.) circle centered on the selected focus point. In centerweighted metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in a 12-mm circle in the center of the viewfinder.

A Adjusting Shutter Speed and Aperture

While exposure lock is in effect, the following settings can be adjusted without altering the metered value for exposure:

Exposure

mode

P Shutter speed and aperture (flexible program; 0 38) S Shutter speed A Aperture

The new values can be confirmed in the viewfinder and control panel. Note that metering can not be changed while exposure lock is in effect.

Setting

A See Also

If On is selected for Custom Setting c1 (Shutter-release button AE-L, 0 251), exposure will lock when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. see Custom Setting f6 (Assign AE-L/AF-L button, 0 267).

For information on changing the role of the A AE-L/AF-L button,

Page 99

Exposure Compensation

Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. It is most effective when used with center-weighted or spot metering (0 75).

Choose from values between –3 EV (underexposure) and +3 EV (overexposure) in increments of values make the subject brighter while negative values make it darker.

/3 EV. In general, positive

–1 EV No exposure

compensation

Exposure compensation is adjusted using the exposure compensation dial. Keeping the exposure compensation dial lock release pressed, rotate the exposure compensation dial to the desired setting.

Exposure compensation dial

Exposure compensation dial lock release

+1 EV

Page 100

The selected value is shown in the viewfinder while the dial is in motion.

±0 EV –0.3 EV +2.0 EV

At values other than 0, the 0 at the center of the exposure indicators will flash (exposure modes P, S, and A only) and a E icon will be displayed once a value is selected.

Normal exposure can be restored by setting exposure compensation to 0.

A Exposure Mode M

In exposure mode M, exposure compensation affects only the exposure indicator; shutter speed and aperture do not change.

A Using a Flash

When a flash is used, exposure compensation affects both flash level and exposure, altering the brightness of both the main subject and the background. Custom Setting e4 (Exposure comp. for flash, 0 259) can be used to restrict the effects of exposure compensation to the background only.

A See Also

For information on automatically varying exposure, flash level, white balance, or Active D-Lighting, see page 136.

Nikon Df User Manual

Table of Contents

For Your Safety

Notices

Introduction

Getting to Know the Camera

Camera Menus

First Steps

Basic Photography and Playback

Taking Photographs

Basic Playback

Deleting Unwanted Photographs

Exposure Mode

P: Programmed Auto

S: Shutter-Priority Auto

1/3 STEP (Exposure Modes S and M)

A: Aperture-Priority Auto

M: Manual

❚❚ Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only)

Release Mode

Choosing a Release Mode

Self-Timer Mode

Mirror up Mode

Image Recording Options

Image Area

Image Quality and Size

Image Quality

Image Size

Focus

Autofocus

Autofocus Mode

AF-Area Mode

Focus Point Selection

Focus Lock

Manual Focus

ISO Sensitivity

The ISO Sensitivity Dial

Auto ISO Sensitivity Control

Exposure

Metering

Autoexposure Lock

Exposure Compensation