User manual NIKON 300

DIGITAL CAMERA COOLPIX 300 User's Manual i Cautions · · · The reproduction of all or part of this manual without our permission is prohibited. The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. We have made every effort to produce a perfect manual, but should you find any mistakes, we would be grateful if you would kindly let us know. We shall take no responsibility for consequences resulting from the operation of this product, despite the terms mentioned above. · Important ! The symbols in this manual indicate important safety precautions that must be observed to ensure safe operation of this product. Be sure to read all sections marked with this symbol before use. Caution The symbols in this manual indicate areas in which caution is needed to avoid damaging the product. Sections marked with this symbol should be read before use to ensure that the product continues to operate properly. ii 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/TV technician for help. CAUTION 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. Serial and SCSI Cables Please use the serial cables supplied with your COOLPIX 300 (see page 4 of this manual) or the optional SS-E300 SCSI cable. Other interface cables may exceed the limits specified for Class B devices in Part 15 of the FCC rules. Notice for customers in Canada 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. iii Safety Precautions Be sure to observe the following safety precautions when using and storing your COOLPIX 300. Do not look directly at the sun through the viewfinder Viewing the sun or other strong light source through the viewfinder could cause permanent visual impairment. Cut power immediately in the event of malfunction Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the camera or the optional AC adaptor, unplug the AC adaptor and remove the batteries immediately, taking care to avoid burns. Continued operation could result in injury. After removing the batteries, take the camera to a qualified technician for repairs. 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. Do not place wrist strap around neck Placing the wrist strap around your neck could result in strangulation. Special care should be taken to avoid getting the strap around the neck of an infant or child. Do not disassemble Touching the camera's internal parts could result in injury. In the event of a malfunction, the camera should be repaired only by a qualified technician. Should the camera break open as the result of a fall or other accident, remove the batteries and/or AC adaptor and take the camera to a qualified technician for repairs. iv Use only AA alkaline batteries Using other batteries could cause fire. 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 camera. · If you are using the optional AC adaptor, be sure to unplug the camera before replacing the batteries. · When inserting batteries, be sure to align their positive (+) and negative (-) poles as shown below. · Replace all batteries at the same time using only one type of battery. Do not mix batteries of different types or use old batteries together with new. Do not attempt to recharge, short, or disassemble the batteries. Do not expose the batteries to flame or to excessive heat or moisture. Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged. To avoid damage to the camera, be sure to remove the batteries when no charge remains. When the camera is used continuously for a long time on battery power, the batteries may become hot. When removing the batteries, due caution should be observed to prevent burns. · · · · Use the appropriate cables When connecting cables to the serial, SCSI, and AV ports, be sure to use the appropriate cables. Connecting an earphone to the serial jack could result in hearing loss. v Observe proper precautions when using the AC adaptor Improper use of the COOLPIX 300's optional AC adaptor could result in fire or electric shock. Observe the following precautions when using the AC adaptor. · · · Be sure to use a voltage which matches the voltage written on the adaptor. The adaptor is for indoor use only. Use batteries when operating your COOLPIX 300 out of doors. Be careful not to damage the power cord's protective insulation. Do not cut or abrade the cord, expose the cord to heat or flame, or place heavy objects on the cord. When removing the cord from a power outlet, pull on the adaptor; never pull directly on the cord itself. Should the cord be damaged, return it to your retailer for a replacement. Continued use could result in fire or electric shock. Do not use the AC adaptor near water, or expose the cord to steam or moisture. Do not handle the AC adaptor when your hands are wet. Do not expose the adaptor to heat or flame. Do not disassemble. Unplug the adaptor when not in use, when replacing the batteries, and when cleaning the adaptor or putting it away. · · · · Keep out of reach of children Particular care should be taken to prevent infants from putting the camera's batteries or other small parts into their mouths. Do not walk while looking through viewfinder Walking while looking through the camera's viewfinder or while using the touch-panel display could result in a fall or other injury. Observe caution when operating the flash Using the flash close to your subject's eyes could cause temporary visual impairment. vi How to hold the COOLPIX 300 When taking photographs with the COOLPIX 300, you can frame your shots using either the viewfinder or the touch-panel display. Using the viewfinder with the touch-panel display's cover closed saves battery power and allows you to support the camera with both hands, which prevents the camera from shaking and so blurring your photographs. When framing pictures through the viewfinder, close the touch-panel cover and hold the camera as shown below. When framing photographs in the touch-panel display, hold the camera and stylus as shown below. Note: When using the flash, be careful not to place your finger over the flash window. vii Changing the language of the touch-panel display When you first turn the camera on, the touch-panel display's menus and messages may appear in a language other than English. To change the language of the display, follow the steps described in the second and third chapters of this manual ("Before You Begin" and "First Steps") to ready the camera and stylus and to turn the camera on. Using the stylus, touch OK in the lower right corner of the first menu that appears in the main window of the touch-panel display. Then touch the MENU key with the stylus. In the menu that appears, select the fourth item from the top. xxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx Touch here Note: In this illustration, "xxxxx..." is used in place of the characters that will actually be seen in the display. The following window will appear. xxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx 1/2 Note: In this illustration, "xxxxx..." is used in place of the characters that will actually be seen in the display. viii Press the Page Down arrow ( the second item from the top. ), and in the menu that next appears select xxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx 2/2 Touch here Note: In this illustration, "xxxxx..." is used in place of the characters that will actually be seen in the display. In the menu that appears, select "E" for English and touch the ENTER key. xxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxx E F G J Select "E" xxxxxxxx [5] Note: In this illustration, "xxxxx..." is used in place of the characters that will actually be seen in the display. Turn the camera off. When you next turn the camera on, the information in the touch-panel display will be displayed in English. ix Notice concerning prohibition of copying or reproduction Note that simply being in possession of material which has been copied or reproduced by means of a digital camera 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. The copying or reproduction of unused postage stamps or post cards issued by the government without obtaining approval from the government is prohibited. The copying or reproduction of stamps issued by the government and 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 works such as books, music, paintings, woodcut prints, maps, drawings, movies, and photographs which are copyrighted creative works is prohibited except when it is done for personal use at home or for similar restricted and non-commercial use. x Contents Safety Precautions ................................................................. iv Overview ...................................................................... 1 Before You Begin ......................................................... 3 What's in this Package .................................................................. 3 Parts of the COOLPIX 300.............................................................. 5 Attaching the Wrist Strap .............................................................. 6 A Guide to the Touch-Panel Display ........................................... 7 Using the Stylus ............................................................................... 9 Through the Viewfinder ............................................................... 11 Cautions ........................................................................................ 12 First Steps .................................................................... 15 Putting Batteries in Your Camera ............................................... 15 Attaching the Optional AC Adaptor ........................................ 17 Turning the Camera On .............................................................. 19 Checking the Battery Level ........................................................ 21 Setting the Time and Date ......................................................... 23 Taking Your First Photograph ....................................................... 25 Creating Your First Memo ............................................................ 33 Making Your First Recording ....................................................... 35 Playback .................................................................... 39 The Main Menu ............................................................................ 39 The Playback Window ................................................................ 40 Playing Back a Single Image or Recording .............................. 42 Adding Voice Memos or Recordings to Images ...................... 44 Annotating Photographs and Recordings ............................... 45 xi Viewing Multiple Images ............................................................. 46 The Status Bar ............................................................................... 48 Playback Options ........................................................................ 49 Deleting Images and Recordings from Memory ...................... 51 Slide Shows ................................................................................... 53 Connecting the COOLPIX 300 to a Television Set .................... 59 Settings ....................................................................... 61 The Setup Menu ........................................................................... 61 Shooting Mode ............................................................................ 64 Using the Flash .............................................................................. 65 Image Quality .............................................................................. 67 Sound Recording Options .......................................................... 69 Using the Self Timer ...................................................................... 72 Display Options ............................................................................ 73 Speaker Options .......................................................................... 74 Macro Close-Up ........................................................................... 75 Connections .............................................................. 77 Making a Serial Port Connection ............................................... 77 Making a SCSI Connection ........................................................ 81 Caring for Your Camera ........................................... 86 Cleaning ....................................................................................... 86 Storage ......................................................................................... 86 Troubleshooting ......................................................... 87 General problems ........................................................................ 87 Error codes .................................................................................... 95 Specifications ............................................................ 96 Index .......................................................................... 98 xii Overview Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon COOLPIX 300. The COOLPIX 300 combines a digital camera, memo tablet, and digital audio recording system into a compact, light-weight (240 gram, or 8.6 ounce) package that fits comfortably into a pocket or briefcase. Recorded image and sound data can be played back using the camera's built-in speaker and TFT video display, or the camera can be attached to television set to create multimedia presentations. The COOLPIX 300 can also be attached to a computer, where your images and recordings can be edited for use in other applications, or even included in your home page on the World-Wide Web. Some of the COOLPIX 300's more outstanding features include: · · Storage of up to 132 photographs (up to 66 high-quality photographs) or 17 minutes of sound data A touch-sensitive TFT display, which offers simple, menu-driven operation, and allows on-the-spot viewing of stored data using the camera's sophisticated play-back and slide-show features Digital image sensing using a charge-coupled device (CCD) with 330,000 pixels and an electronic shutter with auto exposure, automatic gain control, and auto white balance A macro close-up function for taking photographs at ranges as close as 14 cm (5.5), making it possible to take full-frame photographs of documents as small as ordinary business cards Built-in automatic flash with red-eye reduction An internal clock-calendar which records the date and time of every image and recording made Video, serial (RS-232C), and SCSI interfaces which make it possible to use the camera in audio-visual presentations or to transfer the camera's stored data to a computer, where they can be edited or transferred to disk for long-term storage · · · · · Overview 1 This manual explains how to use and care for your COOLPIX 300. The next section, "Before You Begin," introduces you to the parts of the camera and gives basic precautions that should be observed when using and storing the COOLPIX 300. This section is followed by "First Steps," which takes you from putting batteries in your camera and turning it on to making your first photographs, memos, and recordings. "Playback" describes how to play back and delete images and recordings, how to combine memos, photographs, and recordings, and how to connect your camera to a television to make multi-media presentations using the camera's play-back and slide-show features. Information on using the camera's advanced settings, such as the flash, timer, and image compression, may be found in the "Settings" chapter, while "Connections" describes how the COOLPIX 300 may be connected to a computer using a serial or SCSI interface. The final sections, "Caring for Your Camera" and "Troubleshooting," describe how to look after your COOLPIX 300 and what steps you can take should you encounter difficulties. Please read all instructions carefully to ensure that you get the most from your camera. Note: The illustrations in this manual are composites. Photographs taken with the COOLPIX 300 may differ from those shown here. Note: The illustrations in this manual show the display for the NTSCcompatible model of the COOLPIX 300. Due to differences in video standards, the position of items in the PAL-compatible model's display will differ slightly from that shown here. 2 Overview Before You Begin This chapter introduces you to the contents of this package and to the parts of your Nikon COOLPIX 300. It also lists basic precautions that should be taken to ensure that your camera continues to operate properly. What's in this Package Purchasers of the COOLPIX 300 should find that the package contains all the items listed below. Should you notice that anything is missing, contact your retailer immediately. Nikon COOLPIX 300 digital camera (1) Carrying case (1) Stylus (1) Wrist strap (1) Four AA alkaline batteries (4) Cloth (1) Before You Begin : What's in This Package 3 SC-E300M serial (RS-232/ RS-422) cable for Macintosh SC-E300 serial (RS-232C) cable for PC (1) User's manual (this manual) EG300 video cable (1) Open Me First Envelope (1) Nikon View software and manual (1) 4 Before You Begin : What's in This Package Parts of the COOLPIX 300 Before You Begin : Parts of the COOLPIX 300 5 [ 1] [ 2] [ 3] [ 4] [ 5] [ 6] [ 7] [ 8] [ 9] [10] [11] [12] Viewfinder eyepiece Microphone Recording lamp Speaker ON/OFF switch Record button Strap pin POWER lamp READY lamp Macro close-up switch AV out Shutter release button [13] Touch-panel display [14] Cover for serial and SCSI connectors [15] Stylus for touch-panel display [16] DC connector for attaching optional AC adaptor [17] Cover for touch-panel display [18] Lens [19] Viewfinder window [20] Red-eye reduction lamp [21] Flash window [22] Photocell Attaching the Wrist Strap Attach the wrist strap to the strap pin as shown below. Be sure to keep the strap on your wrist when carrying the camera. 6 Before You Begin : Attaching the Wrist Strap A Guide to the Touch-Panel Display The centerpiece of the COOLPIX 300's user interface is its touch-panel display, which gives access to most of the camera's functions and settings through a series of menus and icons. To view the touch-panel display, slide open the panel's protective cover. Note: When using your COOLPIX 300 with the touch-panel display open, hold the camera as shown below. Before You Begin : A Guide to the Touch Panel Display 7 Caution: When operating the touch-panel display, use only the stylus provided for this purpose. Using a pen or other sharp object could result in damage to the display. Do not exert pressure; the display will respond to a light touch from the stylus, and using too much pressure could damage the touch panel. To keep the display free of fingerprints, avoid touching it with your hands. When the camera is on, you can save power by closing the touch-panel display. You will still be able to take photographs using the viewfinder, but the touch-panel display will be off, reducing the amount of battery power consumed. You can turn the display on again by opening the cover. Note: If you close the touch panel display while creating a memo, any unsaved data will be lost. The main items in touch-panel display are shown below. [ [ [ [ [ [ 1] 2] 3] 4] 5] 6] CANCEL key Previous Page up DELETE key Settings list Main window [ 7] Status bar [ 8] MENU key [ 9] Next [10] Page down [11] ENTER key 8 Before You Begin : A Guide to the Touch Panel Display Using the Stylus The COOLPIX 300's touch-panel display is operated with a special telescoping stylus which fits into a compartment in the camera's body. To use the stylus, first remove it from its compartment and extend it as shown below. Caution: The compartment for the stylus is located adjacent to the connector for the optional AC adaptor. To avoid accidental disconnection, care should taken removing the stylus when the AC adaptor is plugged in. Before You Begin : Using the Stylus 9 When operating the touch-panel display, hold the stylus as you would an ordinary pen, being careful not to touch the display with your hands. There is no need to exert pressure when using the stylus, as the panel will respond to a light touch. Using too much pressure could damage the display. When you have finished using the touch-panel display, close the panel's cover and return the stylus to its compartment, pushing it in until the black plastic cap at the top of the stylus latches with the camera's body. Note: The touch panel should be operated only with the stylus provided, as other objects might damage the display. Should the stylus be lost or damaged, contact your retailer for a replacement. 10 Before You Begin : Using the Stylus Through the Viewfinder The viewfinder contains two frames. The frame on the left is used when taking pictures at a range of 65 cm (two feet) or more, that on the right when composing photographs for macro close-up at ranges of 14 ­ 23 cm (5.5 ­ 9). The READY lamp, which indicates whether or not the camera is ready to take photographs, is located below the viewfinder eyepiece. [1] Macro close-up field-of-view Use this frame when composing photographs in macro close-up mode [2] Field of view (normal mode) [3] READY lamp Note: The illustrations in this manual are composites. Photographs taken with the COOLPIX 300 may differ from those shown here. Before You Begin : Through the Viewfinder 11 Cautions To ensure that your COOLPIX 300 continues to operate properly, you should observe the following precautions. Do not touch the lens with your fingers The proper procedure for cleaning the camera's lens is described in "Caring for Your Camera." Do not cut power when the camera is on Do not unplug the camera or remove the batteries while the camera is on, or while data are being recorded or items deleted from memory. Forcibly cutting power to the camera in these circumstances could result in loss of data or in damage to the camera's internal circuitry or memory. For this reason, you should not carry the camera from one place to another while it is connected to the optional AC adaptor, as this could result in the camera coming unplugged accidentally. Observe caution when using the touch-panel display When operating the touch-panel display, use only the stylus provided for this purpose. Using a pen or other sharp object could result in damage to the display. The panel will respond to a light touch from the stylus; do not exert pressure on the display. To keep the display clean, clean the tip of the stylus before use and avoid touching the display with your fingers. If you do get fingerprints or other stains on the display, clean the display with a soft cloth as described in "Caring for Your Camera." 12 Before You Begin : Cautions Turn the camera off before connecting the AC adaptor or other peripherals Be sure the camera is off before connecting the optional AC adaptor. When connecting the camera to a computer or television set, be sure that both the camera and the device to which it is to be connected are off before attaching the cables. When the camera is connected to a computer, be sure to turn the camera on before turning on the computer, and to turn the computer off before turning off the camera. Do not drop Your camera may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration. Keep away from strong magnetic fields Do not use or store your camera in the vicinity of equipment that produces strong electromagnetic radiation or magnetic fields. The magnetic fields produced by equipment such as radio transmitters or household television sets could interfere with the touch-panel display or otherwise adversely affect your camera's internal memory and functioning. Keep dry The COOLPIX 300 is not waterproof, and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high levels of humidity. Keep free of salt, sand, and dust After using your camera at the beach or seaside, wipe off any sand or salt with a damp cloth and then dry your camera thoroughly. 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 camera. To prevent condensation, place the camera in its carrying case or a plastic bag before exposing it to sudden changes in temperature. Before You Begin : Cautions 13 Batteries When you turn the camera on, check the battery level displayed in the start-up window to determine whether the batteries need to be replaced. See "Checking Battery Level" for a description of the battery level indicator. Replace the batteries with AA alkaline batteries. Do not use nickelcadmium batteries. On cold days, the capacity of batteries tends to decrease. When taking pictures outside in cold weather, keep a spare set of warm batteries on hand. 14 Before You Begin : Cautions First Steps This section guides you through the steps you will take when using your COOLPIX 300 for the first time, from inserting the batteries or plugging in the optional AC adaptor to making your first photographs, memos, and recordings. Putting Batteries in Your Camera When putting new batteries in your camera, first make sure that the camera is off (if you are using the optional AC adaptor, you should also unplug the camera). You may then slide the battery cover off as illustrated below. Insert the batteries with the positive (+) and negative (-) poles aligned as shown in the illustration on the following page. Use only AA alkaline batteries and be sure that all batteries are of the same model; do not mix batteries of different types or use new batteries together with old. Avoid using old batteries, as this may prevent the battery-level indicator from functioning properly. First Steps : Putting Batteries in Your Camera 15 Being careful not to catch your fingers in the latches, slide the battery cover back on until you hear the "click" made by the latches closing. 16 First Steps : Putting Batteries in Your Camera Attaching the Optional AC Adaptor To increase battery life, the COOLPIX 300 can also be operated using a special-purpose AC adaptor which is available separately. When connecting this optional AC adaptor, first make sure that the camera is off. Then insert the power jack into the camera's DC connector. Plug the AC adaptor into a power outlet. You are now ready to turn the camera on. Caution: Use only an adaptor authorized by Nikon for use with the COOLPIX 300 (three kinds of adaptor are available from Nikon: the EH-10, rated for circuits of 90­120V; the EH-10E, for use with circuits of 220­240V; and the EH-10AS, for use in Australia) and be sure the voltage of the circuit you are using matches the voltage printed on the adaptor. Using another adaptor or an incorrect voltage could result in fire or electric shock. When operating the camera with the AC adaptor, take care that the camera does not accidentally become unplugged. Do not carry the camera from one place to another while it is connected to the adaptor. Caution: The adaptor is for indoor use only. Use batteries when operating your COOLPIX 300 out of doors. First Steps : Attaching the AC Adaptor 17 Note: Avoid using the camera continuously for an extended period of time when it is powered by the AC adaptor, as the camera may overheat. Note: You will not be able to use the flash or adjust flash settings while the camera is plugged in, even when there are batteries in the camera. In these circumstances, the flash will automatically be set to "Off." When leaving the camera unattended, unplug the AC adaptor by pulling directly on the adaptor itself. Unplugging the adaptor by the cord could damage the cord's protective insulation, leading to fire or electric shock. Note: The shape of the AC adaptor depends on the country of use. Caution: Do not unplug the AC adaptor when the camera is on, or when data are being recorded or deleted from memory. Forcibly cutting power to the camera when in these circumstances could result in loss of data or in damage to the camera's internal memory. 18 First Steps : Attaching the AC Adaptor Turning the Camera On To turn the camera on, slide the ON/OFF switch down and then release it. POWER lamp READY lamp ON/OFF switch recording lamp After the COOLPIX 300 is turned on, the word "HELLO" will appear in the touch-panel display and the POWER, READY, and recording lamps will flash while the camera performs a brief initial check of its internal systems and power supply. Once this check is complete, the POWER lamp will glow steadily and the camera's remaining battery level and available memory will be shown in the touch-panel display. First Steps : Turning the Camera On 19 Note: To increase the life of the batteries, the camera will automatically enter "sleep" mode if no operations are performed for thirty seconds. When the camera enters "sleep" mode, the touch-panel display will turn off automatically but the POWER lamp will remain lit. If no operations are performed for a further two minutes, the camera will turn itself off automatically (this does not apply when the camera is being powered by the AC adaptor). When in sleep mode, the touch-panel display can be reactivated by half-pressing the shutter-release button or by touching the display window with the stylus. The touch-panel display also reactivates automatically whenever the record button is pressed. To turn the camera off, slide and release the ON/OFF switch as shown above. The touch-panel display will briefly show the word "GOOD-BYE" on a blue background while the camera shuts down. You can safely unplug the AC adaptor or exchange the batteries once the POWER lamp has gone off. Note: After turning the camera off, you will need to wait four or five seconds before you will be able to turn the camera on again. 20 First Steps : Turning the Camera On Checking the Battery Level Once the camera has been turned on and finished its initial check, the following status window will be shown in the touch-panel display. FRI JAN 3.1997 22:10:32 BATTERY POWER 100% REMAINING MEMORY 100% PICTURES 66 COUNT SOUNDS 1017 SEC PICTURES 49 SET +SOUNDS OK Note: The above window will be displayed for about ten seconds after the camera has finished its initial check, after which time the camera will enter recording mode. To restore the status window, press the MENU key with the stylus and select STATUS from the lower right corner of the main menu. The status window can be dismissed at any time by pressing OK . Check the value listed after BATTERY POWER to determine the battery level. Should the battery level fall to ten percent or less, you will need to replace the batteries as soon as possible. When the camera is in recording mode, battery level is shown iconically in the status bar of the touch panel display. [ 66] Batteries fully charged Battery level 50% Battery level low -- replace batteries as soon as possible Battery level indicator First Steps : Checking the Battery Level 21 Note: At low battery levels, you may find that the camera will not record images under some settings. There may also not be enough power to charge the flash, in which case the flash will automatically be set to "Off." The flash will also be set to "Off" whenever the battery-level indicator shows the low battery mark ( ). When the battery level becomes critically low, an alarm will sound (a rapid beeping which continues for thirty seconds) and the following warning will appear in the touch-panel display. BATTERIES ARE LOW CAMERA WILL POWER DOWN WITHIN 30 SECONDS Turn the camera off as quickly as possible (if no action is taken the camera will turn itself off automatically in thirty seconds) and replace the batteries before turning the camera back on. Note: Photographs, sounds, and memos stored in the camera's memory will remain even when the batteries are removed and the camera is unplugged. Refer to "Deleting Images and Recordings from Memory" in the "Playback" section for information on erasing the contents of memory. 22 First Steps : Checking the Battery Level Setting the Time and Date When you turn on your camera for the first time, you will need to set the time and date. Open the touch-panel display and press the MENU key with the tip of the stylus to bring up the COOLPIX 300's main menu. MENU RECORDING PLAY BACK SLIDE SHOW SET UP STATUS Select SET UP to bring up the setup menu and then press Next (w). Choose DATE from the menu that appears. MENU SETUP SHOOTING MODE SPEED LIGHT IMAGE QUALITY SOUND MODE SELF TIMER 1/2 Next arrow (w) MENU SETUP DATE LCD PANEL SPEAKER INTERFACE 2/2 First Steps : Setting the Time and Date 23 Selecting DATE brings up the following window. MENU SETUP DATE M-D-Y D-M-Y DATE [MAR][ 1]'[97] TIME [ 0]:[00]:[00] Select "M-D-Y" or "D-M-Y" to display the date in the order "month-dayyear" or "day-month-year," respectively. The year is shown as two digits: values between zero and eighty-nine correspond to years between 2000 and 2089, values between ninety and ninety-nine to years between 1990 and 1999. Time is displayed as "[hour] : [minute] : [second]" using a twentyfour hour clock. To change the time or date, select the item you wish to change and press the arrow keys ( ) to increase or decrease its value. Pressing decreases the value of the selected item by ten, while pressing decreases the value of the item by one. Similarly, pressing increases the value by ten; pressing increases the value by one. When you have finished setting the time and date, press the MENU key to return to the main menu, or ENTER to return to the setup menu. Selecting CANCEL discards any changes and returns you to the setup menu. Note: The clock-calendar has its own internal power supply. Should you notice that the clock is running extremely late, this is probably a sign that the clock's battery needs to be replaced. Take the camera to your local Nikon representative for servicing. 24 First Steps : Setting the Time and Date Taking Your First Photograph Once you have checked the battery level and set the time and date, you are ready to make your first recordings. This section gives a brief description of how to make a photograph after turning the camera on; more detailed information on changing the camera's settings may be found in the "Settings" chapter. For instructions on how to make memos or record sounds, refer "Creating Your First Memo" and "Making Your First Recording" immediately following this section. Step 1 - Turn the camera on Open the touch-panel display and turn the camera on as described above in "Turning the Camera On." Step 2 - Check the amount of memory remaining Once the camera has been turned on and has finished its initial check, the following status window will appear in the touch-panel display. FRI JAN 3.1997 22:10:32 BATTERY POWER 100% REMAINING MEMORY 100% PICTURES 66 COUNT SOUNDS 1017 SEC PICTURES 49 SET +SOUNDS OK Note: The above window will be displayed for about ten seconds after the camera has finished its initial check, after which time the camera will enter recording mode. To restore the status window, press the MENU button with the stylus and select STATUS from the lower right corner of the main menu. First Steps : Taking Your First Photograph 25 The amount of memory available for making further recordings is shown as a percentage next to the REMAINING MEMORY item (fractions of less than one percent are rounded down). PICTURES indicates the number of photographs or memos that could be recorded at the current quality setting if all available memory were used to store images. When this number reaches zero, you will need to transfer the recordings in memory to a computer or delete all or some of the stored items before you will be able to take more photographs. If there is no memory available when the camera is turned on, or if there is not enough memory to record a picture at the current image quality when the shutter-release button is pressed, the camera will display a message warning you that memory is full (see "Troubleshooting"). Step 3 - Put the camera in recording mode You can only take photographs when the camera is in recording mode. The camera enters recording mode automatically ten seconds after having been turned on, or when you use the stylus to select OK from the lower right corner of the status window (you can also make the camera enter recording mode by selecting RECORDING from the COOLPIX 300's main menu). When the camera is in recording mode, the READY lamp will glow steadily and the main display window in the touch-panel will show the view through the lens. [ 66] 26 First Steps : Taking Your First Photograph Step 4 - Check the camera's settings When the camera is in recording mode, a hand icon ( ) appears in the status bar at the bottom of the touch-panel's main window. Touching this icon with the stylus causes the COOLPIX 300's settings to be displayed in the settings list at the top right corner of the main window. Settings list (flash mode) Hand icon [ 66] Number of exposures remaining Battery level indicator Touching the hand icon once will bring up the flash-mode icon as shown above. Touching the hand icon a second time brings up icons which show the current shooting-mode and image-quality settings, Shooting mode Image quality while pressing it a third time brings up the sound-mode and timer icons. Sound mode Timer setting To hide the settings list, touch the hand icon a fourth time. First Steps : Taking Your First Photograph 27 Check to see that the settings are appropriate to your subject, lighting conditions and memory requirements. Touching an icon with the stylus will bring up a menu which will allow you to change the settings for that item (see "Settings"). In most circumstances the default settings shown above (flash set to auto, single frame shutter mode, fine image quality, and sound recorder and timer off) should be adequate to your needs; for detailed information on how to change your camera's settings to suit particular situations and tasks, refer to "Settings." Step 5 - Ready the camera The COOLPIX 300's design allows you to frame your shots using either the viewfinder or the touch-panel display. Using the viewfinder with the touch-panel display's cover closed saves battery power and allows you to support the camera with both hands, which prevents the camera from shaking and so blurring your photographs. When framing pictures through the viewfinder, close the touch-panel cover and hold the camera as shown below. Because the touch-panel display presents a view directly through the lens, composing photographs in the touch-panel's main window makes possible precise framing of your subjects. It also, however, makes your photographs more susceptible to blurring caused by hand shake. When framing photographs in the touch-panel display, hold the camera and stylus as shown below. 28 First Steps : Taking Your First Photograph Note: Be careful not to place your finger over the lens or flash window when taking photographs. Step 6 - Compose a photograph Frame your subject in the viewfinder (illustrated below) or in the touchpanel display. Note that as the touch-panel display shows the view directly through the lens, there is no need to adjust your composition when using macro close-up. First Steps : Taking Your First Photograph 29 Note: COOLPIX 300 uses a parallax viewfinder with a field of view which is between 80% and 85% of that of the lens. The viewfinder will therefore show an area slightly smaller than that which will appear in the actual photograph. At distances of between 14 and 23 cm (5.5 ­ 9), objects centered in viewfinder will appear off-center in the actual photograph. Use the macro close-up field of view when framing photographs in the viewfinder from a short distance. Step 7 - Half-press the shutter release button Pressing the shutter release button down halfway causes a beep to sound once. The READY lamp will flash while the camera adjusts its auto exposure settings and charges the flash. half-press Note: You can skip this step when framing photographs in the viewfinder, as the camera will automatically charge the flash and adjust its auto exposure settings whenever the ENTER key is pressed. 30 First Steps : Taking Your First Photograph Step 8 - Take a photograph When the camera is ready to record an image, the READY lamp will glow steadily. You can now take a picture by pressing the shutter release button down the rest of the way or, if you are framing a photograph in the touchpanel display, by touching the ENTER key with the stylus. full-press ENTER key First Steps : Taking Your First Photograph 31 A beep will sound three times, signaling that the camera's electronic shutter has been released, and the READY lamp will blink while the camera transfers the photograph to memory. When the camera has finished recording the image, the exposure count in the status bar of the touch-panel display will go down by one. Number of exposures remaining [ 65] Note: After shutter has been released and the camera has finished transferring the photograph to memory, a flashing letter "M" will appear for a few seconds at the top left corner of the main window. While this letter is displayed, you can annotate the photograph you have just taken by touching the main window with the stylus. This allows you to create a memo which can be displayed directly on the photograph (refer to "Creating Your First Memo" for further details on creating memos, or to "Annotating Photographs and Recordings" in the "Playback" chapter for more information on using memos to annotate photographs and recordings). Alternatively, you can delete the photograph you have just taken by touching the DELETE key while the letter "M" is displayed. This will bring up the delete dialog shown in the "Deleting Images and Recordings from Memory" (see "Playback," below). When the READY lamp goes out, the camera is ready to record another picture. 32 First Steps : Taking Your First Photograph Creating Your First Memo COOLPIX 300 offers a simple drawing function which allows you to create memos in three colors, either as independent images or as notes written directly on photographs or combined with sound recordings stored in the camera's memory. This section gives an overview of the memodrawing function. For information on how to add memos to photographs and recordings, see "Annotating Photographs and Recordings" in the "Playback" section and "Taking Your First Photograph" immediately above. Step 1 - Put the camera in recording mode To create a memo, first turn your COOLPIX 300 on and enter recording mode as described in steps 1­3 of the preceding section. Step 2 - Ready the camera Hold the camera and stylus as shown below. First Steps : Creating Your First Memo 33 Step 3 - Touch the main window with the stylus With the camera in recording mode, touch the main window of the touchpanel display once with the stylus. The main window will show a threecolor palette on a blue background. Color palette Step 4 - Select a color Use the stylus to touch the area of the color palette that corresponds to the color in which you wish to draw. Step 5 - Create a memo Using the stylus, draw or write on the blue background area to create a memo. The position of the color palette will change automatically to allow you to draw anywhere within the main window. To change colors, select a new color from the palette with the tip of the stylus. If you make a mistake, you can clear the display by pressing the DELETE key. Step 6 - Save your work When you have finished creating a memo, touch the ENTER key with the stylus to save your work and return to recording mode. To return to recording mode without saving your memo, touch the CANCEL key. Note: If you close the display cover while creating a memo, any unsaved data will be lost. 34 First Steps : Creating Your First Memo Making Your First Recording In addition to its camera and memo functions, the COOLPIX 300 incorporates a digital recording device which allows to record up to seventeen minutes of audio data. Sound recordings can be stored independently or made in combination with photographs and memos. This section describes the basics of making audio recordings with your COOLPIX 300. For more information on recorder settings, refer to the "Settings" chapter. Step 1 - Turn the camera on Open the touch panel display and turn the camera on as described above in "Turning the Camera On." Step 2 - Check the amount of memory remaining Once the camera has been turned on and has finished its initial check, the following status window will appear in the touch-panel display. FRI JAN 3.1997 22:10:32 BATTERY POWER 100% REMAINING MEMORY 100% PICTURES 66 COUNT SOUNDS 1017 SEC PICTURES 49 SET +SOUNDS OK Note: The above window will be displayed for about ten seconds after the camera has finished its initial check, after which time the camera will enter recording mode. To restore the status window, press the MENU button with the stylus and select STATUS from the lower right corner of the main menu. First Steps : Making Your First Recording 35 The amount of memory available for making further recordings is shown as a percentage next to the REMAINING MEMORY item. The number next to SOUNDS indicates how many seconds of audio data could be recorded were all the available memory used to store sound recordings. PICTURES + SOUNDS gives the number of photographs that could be made in combination with sound recordings if the camera were set to make audio recordings automatically whenever the shutter was released (see below for information on sound settings). If there is no memory available when the camera is turned on, or if the camera runs out of memory while making a recording, the camera will display a message warning you that memory is full (see "Troubleshooting"). When this happens, you will need to transfer the data in memory to a computer or delete all or some of the stored items before you will be able to record more audio data. Step 3 - Put the camera in recording mode You will need to put the camera in recording mode to choose a sound setting and record audio data. The camera enters recording mode automatically ten seconds after having been turned on, or when you use the stylus to select OK from the lower right corner of the status window (you can also make the camera enter recording mode by selecting RECORDING from the COOLPIX 300's main menu). When the camera is in recording mode, the READY lamp will glow steadily and the main display window in the touch-panel will show the view through the lens. Step 4 - Choose a sound setting As the default setting for the COOLPIX 300's audio recorder is "Off," you will need to change the sound settings before you will be able to record sounds. Using the stylus, touch the hand icon ( ) at the lower left corner of the main window of the touch panel display until the microphone icon ( ) is displayed in the settings list. Touch the microphone icon with the stylus to make changes to the camera's sound settings. Sound mode 36 First Steps : Making Your First Recording