Nikon VAA109EA - D1 Digital Camera SLR User Manual

Getting to Know the D1

Parts of the D1

Focus mode selector dial (pg. 33)

Lens release button (pg. 6)

DC in, video out connector cover (pg. 102)

10-pin remote terminal (pg. 116)

Sync terminal for external flash (pg. 95)

Self-timer lamp (pg. 63)

Mode dial lock release (pg. 26)

Eyelet for camera strap

Auto bracketing button (pg. 53–55)

Flash sync mode button (pg. 96)

Mode dial (pg. 26) AF area mode

button (pg. 34–35)

Accessory shoe (pg. 95)

Depth-of-field preview

button (pg. 64)

Sub-command

dial

Power s witch

(pg. 4)

Eyelet for

camera strap

Shutter-release

button (pg. 20–21)

Exposure mode button

(pg. 43–48)/ Format

button (pg. 13)

Exposure

compensation

button (pg. 51–52)

Top control

panel (pg. v)

Focal plane

indicator (pg. 64)

Metering selector

lock button (pg. 41–42)

Metering selector

(pg. 41–42)

Diopter adjustment

knob (pg. 63)

Getting to Know the D1: Parts of the D1

iii

Eyepiece shutter lever (pg. 62)

AE/AF lock button (pg. 37, 41)

Viewfinder eyepiece

AF start (pg. 33)/

Cancel button (pg. 78)

Main command dial

Focus area selector

(pg. 36; pla ybac k pg. 79)

Focus area

selector lock

(pg. 36)

IEEE 1394

connector cover

(pg. 103)

Rear control panel (pg. v)

Delete button (pg. 81)/ Format button (pg. 13)

Monitor button (pg. 59)

LCD monitor (pg. vii)

Custom setting button (pg. 66)/ Execute button (pg. 78)

Command lock/ Menu button (pg. 43, 46)

Battery pack latch (pg. 4)

Image quality button (pg. 29)/ Select all button (pg. 78)

Sensitivity button (pg. 30)/ Multiple select button (pg. 78)

White balance button (pg. 31)/ Thumbnail button (pg. 78)

Getting to Know the D1: Parts of the D1

Shutter-release button

(vertical shooting)

(pg. 4)

Shutter-release button lock (vertical shooting)

(pg. 4)

Cover for CompactFlash card slot (pg. 12)

Memory card access lamp (pg. 12)

Card slot cover release button (under cover) (pg. 12)

Main command dial

(vertical shooting)

AF start (AF ON) button

(vertical shooting)

(pg. 33)

Tripod socket

Accessories

Body cap

BF-1A

Cover for

LCD monitor

Video cable

EG-D1

Camera strap

AN-D1

Getting to Know the D1: Parts of the D1

Flexible program indicator (pg. 18)

Exposure mode (pg. 43–47)

Bracketing indicator (pg. 53)

Exposure compensation indicator (pg. 51)

Clock battery indicator (pg. 8–9)

Shutter speed (pg. 43–44)/Exposure

compensation (pg. 51)/Date and time (pg. 8)

Year/month indicator (pg. 8–9)

Aperture display (pg. 45)/Playbac k

(pg. 78–80)/PC mode indicator (pg. 104)

Number of exposures

remaining

(pg. 22)

Current frame

number (pg. 22)

Day indicator (pg. 8–9)

Electronic analog exposure display(pg. 48)/ Exposure compensation (pg. 54–55)

Flash sync mode (pg. 96)

CompactFlash memory

card indicator (pg. 22)

Battery indicator (pg. 5)

Focus area display (pg. 36)

Shutter-speed lock (pg. 44)

Aperture lock

(pg. 46)

Top Control Panel

Rear Control Panel

CompactFlash card

status display

White-balance

mode (pg. 31–32)

Image quality display (pg. 28–29) Sensitivity/Number of exposures remaining/

File type/Custom settings number

Black-and-white mode (pg. 28–29) Monitor indicator

Sensitivity indicator (pg. 30)Custom settings indicator (pg. 65)

Getting to Know the D1: Parts of the D1

12mm (0.47˝) reference circle for center-w eighted metering (pg. 41)

Focus brackets (focus area) (pg. 36) Spot-metering targets (pg. 42)

Aperture lock (pg. 45) Exposure mode (pg. 43–48)

Shutter-speed lock (pg. 44)

Exposure compensation

indicator (pg. 18)

Focus indicator (pg. 20) Flash-ready light (pg. 95)

Metering system (pg. 41)

Auto-exposure lock (pg. 49)

Frame counter (pg.22)/

Exposures remaining

in buffer (pg. 22)/

Exposure compensation

value (pg. 51)

Electronic analog

exposure display (pg. 48)/

Exposure compensation (pg. 54–55)

Shutter speed (pg. 44)

Aperture (pg. 45)

Viewfinder Display

Getting to Know the D1: Parts of the D1

vii

LCD Monitor

Note

Getting to Know the D1: Parts of the D1

1 Frame number

The LCD monitor and control panels may darken or turn black at high temperatures. The displays will return to normal when the temperature drops. At low temperatures, the response time of the LCD control panels may drop, but response time will return to normal when the temperature rises.

100-6

1 Folder name 2 Filename 3 Frame number 4 Date of recording

5 Time of recording 6 Protected file 7 Image quality

100

NC_D1/DSC_

0006.JPG

2000/01/26

01:11:20 NORMAL

4567

viii

Caring for the Camera and Battery

Do not drop

The camera and lens may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration.

Keep dry

This product is not waterproof, and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high levels of humidity. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature

Sudden changes in temperature, such as occur when entering or leaving a heated building on a cold day, can cause condensation inside the device. To prevent condensation, place the device in its carrying case or a plastic bag before exposing it to sudden changes in temperature.

Keep away from strong magnetic fields

Do not use or store this device in the vicinity of equipment that produces strong electromagnetic radiation or magnetic fields. Strong static charges or the magnetic fields produced by equipment such as radio transmitters could interfere with the color LCD monitor, damage data stored on the flash memory card, or affect the product’s internal circuitry.

Do not touch shutter curtain

The shutter curtain is made of extremely thin material and is easily damaged. Under no circumstances should you exert pressure on the curtain, poke it with cleaning tools or other implements, or subject it to strong air currents from a blower. Any of these actions could scratch, deform, or tear the curtain.

Cleaning

• When cleaning the camera body, use a blower to remove dust and lint, then wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. After using your camera at the beach or seaside, wipe off any sand or salt using a cloth lightly dampened with pure water and then dry your camera thoroughly. In rare instances,

static electricity produced by a brush or cloth may cause the LCD displays to light up or darken. This does not indicate a malfunction, and the display will shortly return to normal.

• When cleaning the lens and mirror, remember that these elements are easily damaged. Dust and lint should be gently removed with a blower. When using an aerosol blower, keep the can vertical (tilting the can could result in liquid being sprayed on the mirror). If you do get a fingerprint or other stain on the lens, apply a small amount of lens cleaner to a soft cloth and wipe the lens carefully.

• See “Technical Notes: Cleaning the CCD” for information on cleaning the CCD.

Storage

• To prevent mold or mildew, store the equipment in a dry, well-ventilated area. Do not store it with naptha or camphor moth balls, close to equipment that produces strong magnetic fields, or in areas subject to high temperatures, for example near a kerosene heater or in a car on a hot day.

• When leaving the product unattended for a long period of time, remove the battery to prevent leakage and store the camera in a plastic bag containing desiccant. Do not however store the camera case in a plastic bag, as this may cause the material to deteriorate. Note also that desiccant loses its ability to absorb moisture after a period of time, and should be replaced at regular intervals.

• To prevent mold or mildew, take the camera out at least once a month to turn it on and release the shutter a few times.

• Store the battery in a cool, dry place.

Caring for the Camera and Battery

Color LCD monitor

• The monitor may contain a few pixels that are always lit or that do not light. This is a characteristic common to all TFT LCD monitors and does not indicate a malfunction. Images recorded with the camera will not be affected.

• Images in the monitor may be difficult to see in a bright light.

• The monitor is lit by a fluorescent backlight. Should the monitor begin to dim or flicker, contact your Nikon service representative.

• Do not apply pressure to the LCD monitor, as this could cause damage or malfunction. Dust or lint adhering to the monitor can be removed with a blower brush. Stains can be removed by rubbing the surface lightly with a soft cloth or chamois leather.

• 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.

• Replace the monitor cover when transporting the camera or leaving it unattended.

Turn camera off before removing battery or unplugging AC adapter

Do not unplug the product or remove the battery while the camera is on, or while images are being recorded or deleted from memory. Forcibly cutting power to the product in these circumstances could result in loss of data or in damage to internal circuitry or memory. To prevent an accidental interruption of power, avoid carrying the product with you while the AC adapter is connected.

Observe proper precautions when handling batteries

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

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

• Foreign matter on the battery terminals— for example, sweat or oil—may prevent a contact from being formed. Before installing the battery, clean it thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

• When the product is used continuously on battery power for an extended period, the battery may become hot. Due caution should be observed when removing the battery.

• Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment.

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

Spare batteries

• Keep a spare battery fully charged when taking photographs on important occasions. Depending on your location, you may find it difficult to purchase replacement batteries on short notice.

• On cold days, the capacity of the battery tends to decrease. Be sure the battery is fully charged before taking photographs outside in cold weather. Keep a spare battery in a warm place and exchange the two as necessary. Once warmed, a cold battery may recover some of its charge.

Caring for the Camera and Battery

Notice for Customers in the U.S.A. and Canada

Notice for customers in the U.S.A.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement

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

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

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

CAUTIONS

Modifications

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

Interface Cables

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

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

Tested To Comply With FCC Standards

Notice for customers in Canada

CAUTION

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations.

ATTENTION

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Notices

• Reproduction, in whole or in part, of any of the manuals provided with your Nikon product requires prior permission from Nikon.

• The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.

• While Nikon makes every effort to produce perfect manuals, we appreciate any opportunity

for improvement. Should you find any mistakes, we would be grateful if you were to kindly let us know. The address of Nikon’s representative in your area is provided separately.

• Nikon does not accept liability for damages resulting from the use of this product.

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 a government or of certified documents stipulated by law is prohibited.

• Cautions on certain copies and reproductions

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

• Comply with copyright notices

The copying or reproduction of copyrighted creative works such as books, music, paintings, woodcut prints, maps, drawings, movies, and photographs is prohibited except when it is done for personal use at home or for similar restricted and non-commercial use.

Trademark Information

Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with

your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Notices

xii

Contents

Getting to Know the D1............................................................................... ii

Caring for the Camera and Battery ....................................................... viii

About This Manual ....................................................................................... 1

First Steps ...................................................................................................... 3

1 Insert the Battery .................................................................................. 4

2 Attach the Lens .................................................................................... 6

3 Set the Time and Date ......................................................................... 8

4 Choose a Language for the Menus................................................. 10

5 Insert the Memory Card .................................................................... 12

6 Take a Photograph............................................................................. 14

6.1 Set the advance mode to S (single frame) ........................... 14

6.2 Set image quality to NORM (normal) ..................................... 14

6.3 Set sensitivity to ISO 200 equivalent ........................................ 15

6.4 Set white balance to A (auto) ................................................ 15

6.5 Set the focus mode to S (single servo AF).............................. 16

6.6 Set the AF area mode to single area AF ............................... 16

6.7 Select the center focus area .................................................. 17

6.8 Select matrix metering ............................................................. 17

6.9 Set the exposure mode to programmed auto ..................... 18

6.10 Ready the camera ................................................................... 19

6.11 Half-press the shutter release button...................................... 20

6.12 Check the indicators in the viewfinder .................................. 20

6.13 Take a photograph................................................................... 21

7 Play the Photograph Back ................................................................ 23

Camera Settings ........................................................................................ 25

The Mode Dial ............................................................................................ 26

Image Quality ............................................................................................ 28

Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency) ..................................................................... 30

White Balance............................................................................................ 31

Autofocus ................................................................................................... 33

AF Area Mode ............................................................................................ 34

Focus Area.................................................................................................. 36

Focus Lock .................................................................................................. 37

Getting Good Results with Autofocus ..................................................... 39

Manual Focus ............................................................................................. 40

Metering ..................................................................................................... 41

Exposure Mode .......................................................................................... 43

Auto-Exposure Lock ................................................................................... 49

Contents

xiii

Exposure Compensation .......................................................................... 51

Auto Bracketing ......................................................................................... 53

Capture Preview Mode ............................................................................ 56

Record-and-Review .................................................................................. 58

Playing Photographs Back........................................................................ 60

Self Timer Mode .......................................................................................... 62

Diopter Adjustment ................................................................................... 63

LCD Illuminator ........................................................................................... 63

Depth-of-Field Preview.............................................................................. 64

Focal Plane Position................................................................................... 64

Custom Settings ......................................................................................... 65

Changing Custom Settings ....................................................................... 66

Custom Settings Options ........................................................................... 67

Quick Guide to Custom Settings Options ........................................ 74

Two-Button Reset........................................................................................ 76

Playback .................................................................................................... 77

Playing Photographs Back........................................................................ 78

The Playback Menu................................................................................... 82

Flash Photography .................................................................................... 93

Through-the-Lens Flash Photography ...................................................... 94

Flash Sync Modes ...................................................................................... 96

Compatible Speedlights ........................................................................... 98

Using a Speedlight ................................................................................... 100

Connections ............................................................................................ 101

Connecting to a Television or VCR ........................................................ 102

Connecting to a Computer ................................................................... 103

Reading Photographs from Memory Cards ......................................... 105

Technical Notes....................................................................................... 107

Replacing the Focusing Screen ............................................................. 108

Compatible Lenses.................................................................................. 109

Cleaning the CCD ................................................................................... 112

Optional Accessories .............................................................................. 114

Troubleshooting........................................................................................ 118

Specifications ........................................................................................... 123

Exposure Program (Programmed Auto) ................................................ 127

Index ........................................................................................................ 128

Contents

xiv

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon D1 digital camera. This chapter describes the basic layout of this manual.

This manual is divided into seven main chapters:

First Steps

Outlines the steps you will take when using your camera for the first time, from installing the batteries to taking photographs at basic settings.

Camera Settings

Details the advanced settings of your camera.

Custom Settings

Describes the options available in the camera’s custom settings menu.

Playback

Details how to play back and delete images recorded with your camera.

Flash Photography

Lists the flash options available for the D1.

Connections

Describes how to connect your camera to a computer or television.

Technical Notes

Lists the accessories available for your camera, describes how to care for the camera’s CCD, and provides troubleshooting tips.

Tip

About This Manual

When taking photographs on important occasions, take a few trial shots to confirm that the camera is functioning properly. Whenever you are in doubt about how a photograph will turn out, you can take a trial shot and play it back in the camera’s LCD monitor.

FIRST STEPS

This chapter covers the steps you will take when using your camera for the first time, from inserting the battery to taking your first photograph. It describes the most commonly used settings for D-Type autofocus (AF) Nikkor lenses, as shown below.

Operating mode Image quality White balance

Sensitivity

Lens D-Type AF Nikkor lens

Metering Exposure mode

Focus area

Focus mode

ISO 200 equivalent

Normal Auto

Single-frame shooting (S)

Center 3D color matrix metering Programmed auto (P)

Single-servo autofocus (AF-S)

AF area mode Single area AF

1 Insert the Battery

Insert the battery and check the battery indicator.

.1 Charge the battery

The D1 uses rechargeable EN-4 Ni-MH battery packs (available separately). Be sure the battery is fully charged before inserting it in the camera.

Batteries can be charged in about 90 minutes using the MH-16 Quick Charger (available separately). See the documentation provided with the MH-16 for details. More information about batteries can be found in “Technical Notes: Optional Accessories.”

.2 Insert the battery in the camera

Tip

Be sure the camera is off before inserting or removing the battery pack (A). Turn the battery pack latch to the open position (B) and insert the battery in the camera (C).

A B C

First Steps: Insert the Battery

The EN-4 rechargeable battery pack can also be recharged using the MH-15 Quick Charger for the F100 film camera or the EH-3 Quick Charger for the E3/E3s digital cameras.

.3 Turn the battery pack latch to the locked position

Tip

.4 Check the battery indicator

Turn the camera on (A) and confirm the battery level in the control panel on top of the camera (B).

Battery fully charged Low battery

Ready a fully-charged spare battery. (The display in the viewfinder turns off to save power when no operations are being performed.)

Battery exhausted

No photographs can be taken until the battery has been replaced.

All indicators in the viewfinder and rear control panel, and all indicators in the top control panel other than the exposure mode, battery indicator, and exposure counter, disappear six seconds after the camera is turned on (automatic meter switch-off).

A B

First Steps: Insert the Battery

Reactivating the display

Lightly press (half-press) the shutter-release button to reactivate the display in the control panel and viewfinder. Indicators will be displayed for six seconds after you remove your finger from the button. Note that when using the shutter-release button for vertical shooting, you will need to set the shutter-release button lock release for vertical shooting to the unlocked position.

The length of time before automatic meter switch-off can be changed using custom settings (see “Custom Settings,” item 15).

2 Attach the Lens

After making sure that the camera is off, mount the lens and set the aperture to its minimum setting (largest f-number).

.1 Attach the lens to the camera body

Tip

A B

Turn the camera off (A). Align the mounting mark on the lens with the mounting mark on the camera body, then, being careful not to touch the lens-release button, turn the lens counter-clockwise until it locks into place (B).

If no lens is attached, or if a non-CPU lens is attached (see “Technical Notes: Compatible Lenses”), F-- will appear in the top control panel and viewfinder when the camera is turned on (if the exposure mode is set to programmed auto or shutter-priority auto, the exposure mode indicator will also blink).

.2 Set aperture to its minimum setting

Set the lens to minimum aperture (maximum f-number). If the lens is not set to the minimum aperture, a blinking FEE indicator

will appear in the viewfinder and in the control panel on top of the camera when the camera is turned on. The shutter can not be released while this indicator is displayed.

First Steps: Attach the Lens

To get the most from your camera, use a D-Type AF Nikkor lens (see “Technical Notes: Compatible Lenses” for more information).

Note

.3 Lock the aperture ring

Detaching the lens

Before detaching the lens, turn the camera off. Then turn the lens clockwise while holding down the lens-release button.

If you do not intend to set aperture manually using the lens aperture ring, lock the lens aperture (the aperture ring can not be used unless changes have been made to default settings as described in “Custom Settings,” item 22).

When no lens is attached…

If the camera’s lens mount is not covered, dust may find its way onto the mirror or viewfinder screen. This can be prevented by attaching the BF-1A body cap to the camera when no lens is in place (note that the BF-1 body cap can not be used with the D1).

First Steps: Attach the Lens

When attaching or detaching the lens or body cap, be careful that dirt or other foreign matter does not enter the camera body. The presence of foreign matter inside the camera could affect your photographs. When changing lenses or replacing the body cap, hold the camera with the base down or tilted so that the lens mount faces the ground. Be sure to replace the body cap when no lens is in place.

Note

A B

First Steps: Set the Time and Date

3 Set the Time and Date

The D1 records the time and date for each photograph taken. Before using your camera, set the internal clock-calendar to the current time and date.

.1 Check the time and date in the control panel

After turning the camera on, press the auto-bracketing button (BKT) and exposure compensation button ( ) simultaneously. The year indicator will be displayed in the control panel on top of the camera (B). Press the exposure-compensation button (

) once to display the month and day, a second time to display the hour and minute. Pressing the button a third time will clear the time and date from the display).

The clock-calendar is powered by an independent battery with a life of about ten years. When no charge remains, the clock-battery replacement indicator will appear in the control panel on top of the camera. Take the camera to a Nikon-authorized service center, where the clock battery can be replaced for a fee.

A B

First Steps: Set the Time and Date

.2 Set the time and date

To set the time and date, turn the camera on and hold the autobracketing button down for more than two seconds while pressing the exposure compensation button (A). The year indicator in the control panel on top of the camera will flash (B). Set the year using the main command dial. Pressing the exposure-compensation button will cause the month, day, hour, and minute to be displayed in turn; the item currently displayed can be set using the main command dial. Press the exposure compensation button when the minute is displayed to clear the time and date from the display, putting any changes into effect (the display disappears automatically, cancelling changes to settings, if no operations are performed for three minutes).

Note

The time/date display is cleared from the control panel when the shutter-release button is pressed half way. Changes to the time and date will not be saved.

4 Choose a Language for the Menus

Camera menus and messages can be displayed in English, German, French, or Japanese. To select the language used:

.1 Display the playback menu

PLAY BACK DELETE SLIDE SHOW PROTECT HIDE IMAGE PRINT SET SET UP

SET

A B

Holding the mode dial lock-release down, turn the mode dial to PLAY (playback mode). Turn the camera on and press the

button (A) to

display the playback menu (B).

.2 Choose SET UP from the playback menu

PLAY BACK DELETE SLIDE SHOW PROTECT HIDE IMAGE PRINT SET SET UP

SET

Unlock the focus-area selector and press ▼ until SET UP is highlighted. Press the focus-area selector to the right to display the SET UP menu.

SET UP

FOLDERS

20S

E N

OPTIONS AUTO OFF LANGUAGE VIDEO OUTPUT CARDFORMAT

SET

First Steps: Choose a Language for the Menus

.3 Choose a language from the LANGUAGE menu

SET UP

FOLDERS

OPTIONS AUTO OFF LANGUAGE VIDEO OUTPUT CARDFORMAT

SET

20S

LANGUAGE

DEUTSCH ENGLISH FRANÇAIS

日本語

SET

D E F

Using the focus-area selector, highlight LANGUAGE and press the selector to the right to display the LANGUAGE menu. Highlight the desired language and press the focus-area selector to the right (or press the

button) to put your choice into effect.

First Steps: Choose a Language for the Menus

5 Insert the Memory Card

The D1 digital camera uses compact flash-memory cards to record photographs and other information. Before taking photographs, you will need to insert a memory card in the camera’s card slot.

.1 Open the card slot

After making sure the camera is off, open the door covering the cardslot cover release button (1) and press the card-slot cover release button (2) to open the card slot (3).

.2 Insert the memory card, fold the eject button over,

and close the cover

A B

Insert the memory card in the slot (A), being sure that the card terminals are fully inserted in the connector at the back of the slot. The card should be inserted facing the ▲CARD label next to the card slot.

✔

Important:

Do not attempt to insert the card upside down or backwards. Do not use force when inserting the card. Either action could damage your camera.

Fold the eject button over and close the cover (B). If the button is not folded over when the cover is closed, closing the door may partially eject the card, causing errors in recording photographs or during playback.

First Steps: Insert the Memory Card

Note

The following CompactFlash memory cards have been tested and approved for use in the D1:

• Nikon EC-CF CompactFlash memory cards

• SanDisk Corporation SDCFB-4/8/15/30/40/48/64/96 CompactFlash memory cards

Operation is not guaranteed with other cards. IBM microdrive cards are not supported.

Removing memory cards

When removing memory cards, turn the camera off and open the card-slot cover. After confirming that the access lamp is off, stand the eject button up and press it down to eject the card.

Do not attempt

to remove the card while the access lamp is on

. Doing so could result

in loss of data or in damage to the camera or the card.

✔

Important:

The compact flash card may become hot while in use. Observe due caution when removing memory cards from the camera.

Formatting memory cards

Memory cards must be formatted before they can be used to record photographs. When formatting memory cards, first make sure the camera is on, then hold the

buttons down simultaneously for two seconds. A blinking FOR indicator will appear in the top control panel. To format the memory card, press the two buttons again.

✔

Note:

Formatting memory cards permanently erases any data they may contain. Before formatting the card, be sure to make copies of data you would like to keep.

When the card is formatted, the frame-number display in the control panel on top of the camera will show 1, and the number of exposures remaining will appear in both control panels (when a hundred or more exposures remain, the control panels will show FL).

First Steps: Insert the Memory Card

6 Take a Photograph

This section describes how to take a photograph using the most commonly-used settings.

.1 Set the advance mode to S (single frame)

Hold the mode dial lock-release down and turn the mode dial to S (single frame). See “Camera Settings: The Mode Dial” for more information.

.2 Set image quality to NORM (normal)

A C

After turning the camera on, hold the button down (A) and turn the main command dial (B). The image-quality display in the rear control panel (C) will cycle through the image-quality settings as shown below. Stop when the display shows NORM (normal).

HI FINE NORM BASIC

See “Camera Settings: Image Quality” for more information.

First Steps: Take a Photograph

.3 Set sensitivity to ISO 200 equivalent

A CB

Hold the

button down (A) and turn the main command dial (B). The sensitivity display in the rear control panel will cycle through the sensitivity settings as shown below. Stop when the display shows 200 (ISO 200 equivalent).

See “Camera Settings: Sensitivity” for more information.

.4 Set white balance to A (auto)

200 400 800 1600

A CB

Hold the button down (A) and turn the main command dial (B). The white-balance display in the rear control panel will cycle through the white-balance settings as shown below. Stop when the display shows A (auto white balance).

A PRE

See “Camera Settings: White Balance” for more information.

First Steps: Take a Photograph

.5 Set the focus mode to S (single servo AF)

Autofocus

Turn the focus mode selector until it clicks into place pointing to S (single servo AF). For more information on focus settings, see “Camera Settings.”

.6 Set the AF area mode to single area AF

Hold down the AF area mode button (A) and turn the main command dial (B). Stop when [ ] (single area AF) appears in the control panel on top of the camera (C). AF area mode is detailed in “Camera Settings: AF Area Mode.”

First Steps: Take a Photograph

A B C

In autofocus (AF) mode, the camera focuses automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed half way, or when the AF start button is pressed. Two autofocus modes are available: S (single-servo AF) and C (continuous AF). In single-servo AF, the shutter can only be released when the camera is in focus.

Do not use the focus ring when autofocus is in effect.

Autofocus can be set to start only when the AF start button is pressed (see “Custom Settings,” item 4).

.7 Select the center focus area

Metering

A B C

Unlock the focus area selector (A) and push the focus-area selector up, down, left, and right until the focus area display in the control panel on top of the camera shows center focus (B).

The focus area can only be selected while the focus area display is shown in the control panel. To activate the focus area display, halfpress the shutter-release button.

After selecting the focus area, lock the focus area selector (C). More information on focus area can be found in “Camera Settings:

Focus Area.”

.8 Select matrix metering

A B

Hold down the metering selector lock release and turn the metering selector to

(matrix metering). The matrix metering indicator will

appear in the viewfinder (B).

First Steps: Take a Photograph

The D1 offers three metering modes: matrix, center-weighted, and spot (see “Camera Settings: Metering” for details). In matrix mode 3D color metering is used, which sets exposure based on a variety of data from all areas of the frame provided by a CCD sensor with 1005 (67 vertical × 15 horizontal) metering pixels. This system is particularly effective with brightly-colored (white or yellow) or dark-colored (black or dark green) subjects that occupy a substantial portion of the frame, producing photographs closer to what is seen by the naked eye. 3D color metering can however only be used with D-Type lenses. When another type of lens is in place, the system used is color matrix metering, which does not take distance information from the lens into account.

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Nikon VAA109EA - D1 Digital Camera SLR User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual