User manual NIKON D3

DIGITAL CAMERA User's Manual En Where to Find It Find what you're looking for from: i i i i i i The Q&A Index pp. iv­ix Know what you want to do but don't know the function name? Find it from the "question and answer" index. The Table of Contents The Quick Start Guide The Index Error Messages pp. x­xvii Find items by function or menu name. pp. 23­24 A brief guide for those who want to get started taking pictures right away. pp. 438­444 Search by key word. pp. 409­416 If a warning is displayed in the viewfinder or monitor, find the solution here. Troubleshooting pp. 402­408 Camera behaving unexpectedly? Find the solution here. A For Your Safety Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions in "For Your Safety" (pg. xviii). Digitutor Digitutor, a series of "watch and learn" manuals in movie form, is available from the following website: http://www.nikondigitutor.com/index_eng.html Package Contents Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera. Memory cards are sold separately. D3 digital camera (pg. 3) BF-1A body cap (pp. 4, 387) BS-2 accessory shoe cover (pg. 3) EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover (pp. 32, 34) MH-22 quick charger with power cable and two contact protectors (pp. 32, 433) UC-E4 USB cable (pp. 256, 264) USB cable clip (pg. 259) EG-D2 audio/video cable (pg. 274) AN-D3 strap (pg. 5) Warranty User's Manual (this guide) Quick Guide Software Installation Guide Software Suite CD-ROM Registration card (U. S. A. only) i Symbols and Conventions To make it easier to find the information you need, the following symbols and conventions are used: D A 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. Menu items, options, and messages displayed in the camera monitor are shown in brackets ([ ]). Trademark Information Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. Microdrive is a trademark of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies in the United States and other countries. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. A ii X Introduction s Tutorial d Image Recording Options N Focus k Release Mode S ISO Sensitivity Z Exposure r White Balance J Image Enhancement l Flash Photography t Other Shooting Options I More About Playback e Voice Memos Q Connections U Menu Guide n Technical Notes iii Q&A Index Find what you're looking for using this "question and answer" index. New Features Question How do I take pictures in 35mm format? How do I take high-quality NEF (RAW) photos? How do I record photographs using two memory cards? Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder? Can I control how photos are processed? How do I preserve details in shadows and highlights? How do I focus on erratically moving subjects? Can I adjust focus separately for different lenses? Key phrase Image area 14-bit NEF (RAW) Slot 2 Live view Picture Controls Active D-Lighting 3D-tracking AF fine tune See page 60 68 71 90 166 185 307 358 Camera Setup Question How do I focus the viewfinder? How do I keep the monitor from turning off? How do I keep the shutter speed and aperture displays from turning off? Key phrase Viewfinder focus Monitor off delay Auto meter off See page 47 318 50, 317 iv Question How do I set the clock? How do I set the clock for daylight savings time? How do I change time zones when I travel? How do I adjust monitor brightness for menus or playback? How do I restore default settings? How do I restore shooting menu defaults? How do I restore Custom Setting defaults? How do I change the self-timer delay? Can I reverse the electronic analog exposure display? Can I display the menus in a different language? Can I save menu settings for use on a different D3 camera? Key phrase See page World time 40, 347 LCD brightness Two-button reset Reset shooting menu Reset custom settings Self-timer delay Reverse indicators Language Save/load settings 345 206 293 303 318 343 347 355 Menus and Displays Question How do I get more information on a menu? How do I use the menus? What do these indicators mean? What information is in the shooting information display? What does this warning mean? Key phrase Help Using the menus Viewfinder, control panels, shooting information display Error messages and displays See page 31 26 8, 10, 12, 14 409 48 353 How much charge does the battery have Battery level left? How do I get more information about the Battery info battery? v Question Key phrase How do I keep the file number from being reset when I insert a new memory File number sequence card? How do I reset file numbering to zero? How do I clean the camera or lens? Cleaning the camera See page 321 390 Taking Photographs Question How many more shots can I take with this card? How do I take bigger photographs? How can I get more photos on the memory card? Can I control how the camera focuses? How do I take a lot of photographs quickly? Can I change the frame advance rate? Can I shoot a self-portrait? Can I take pictures under low light without the flash? Can the ISO sensitivity I choose be adjusted to ensure optimal exposure? How do I freeze or blur moving objects? Key phrase Number of exposures remaining Image quality and size Autofocus Release mode Shooting speed Self-timer mode ISO sensitivity ISO sensitivity auto control Exposure mode f (shutter-priority auto) See page 49 65, 69 73 86 88, 320 103 108 110 120 122 How do I blur background details or keep Exposure mode g both foreground and background in (aperture-priority auto) focus? vi Question Can I set both shutter speed and aperture manually? Can I make photos brighter or darker? How do I make a time exposure? Can I vary exposure or flash level automatically over a series of photos? Can I create multiple copies of a photo using different white balance settings? How do I adjust white balance? How do I change settings for the optional flash unit? How can I record multiple shots as a single photograph? Can I record voice memo when taking a photograph? Can I pick the standard exposure level? How can I reduce blur? Key phrase See page Exposure mode h 124 (manual) Exposure compensation 132 Long time-exposures 126 Exposure and flash 135, 327 bracketing White balance 139, 327 bracketing White balance 144 Flash mode Multiple exposure Voice memo Fine tune optimal exposure Exposure delay mode 197 208 248 315 324 Viewing Photographs Question Can I view my photographs on the camera? Can I view more information about photos? Why do parts of my photos blink? Key phrase Camera playback Photo info Photo info, highlights See page 228 231 232, 282 vii Question How do I get rid of an unwanted photo? Can I delete several photos at once? Can I zoom in on pictures to make sure they're in focus? Can I protect photos from accidental deletion? Can I hide selected photos? How do I tell if parts of my photos may be overexposed? Key phrase Deleting individual photos Delete Playback zoom Protect See page 245 281 243 244 281 282 282 287 251 288 Hide image Display mode: highlights Display mode: focus How do I tell where the camera focused? point Can I view photos as they are taken? Image review Can I record a voice memo on photos? Voice memo Is there an automatic playback ("slide Slide show show") option? Retouching Photographs Question How do I bring out details in shadows? Can I get rid of red eye? Can I crop photographs on the camera? Can I create a monochrome copy of a photograph? Can I create a copy with different colors? Can I use camera to create JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs? Can I overlay two photos to make a single image? Key phrase D-Lighting Red-eye correction Trim Monochrome Filter effects Color balance Image overlay See page 363 364 365 366 367 367 368 viii Viewing or Printing Photographs on Other Devices Question Key phrase Can I view my photos on TV? Television playback Can I view my photos in High Definition? HDMI Connecting to a How do I copy photos to my computer? computer How do I print photographs? Printing photographs Can I print photos without a computer? Printing via USB Can I print the date on my photographs? Time stamp How do I order professional prints? Print set (DPOF) See page 274 276 256 262 263 266, 270 272 Optional Accessories Question What optional flash units (Speedlights) can I use? What lenses can I use? What AC adapters, remote cords, and viewfinder accessories are available for my camera? What memory cards can I use? What software is available for my camera? Key phrase Optional flash units Compatible lenses Other accessories Approved memory cards Other accessories See page 191 378 383 389 387 ix Table of Contents Q&A Index ................................................................................................iv For Your Safety .................................................................................. xviii Notices.....................................................................................................xxi Introduction 1 Overview....................................................................................................2 Getting to Know the Camera..............................................................3 Camera Body ....................................................................................... 3 The Top Control Panel ..................................................................... 8 The Rear Control Panel ..................................................................10 The Viewfinder Display..................................................................12 The Shooting Information Display ............................................14 The Command Dials .......................................................................16 Quick Start Guide................................................................................. 23 Tutorial 25 Using Camera Menus .....................................................................28 Help ......................................................................................................31 Camera Menus...................................................................................... 26 First Steps ............................................................................................... 32 Charge the Battery ..........................................................................32 Insert the Battery .............................................................................34 Attach a Lens.....................................................................................37 Basic Setup.........................................................................................39 Insert a Memory Card.....................................................................42 Adjust Viewfinder Focus ...............................................................47 Basic Photography and Playback................................................... 48 x Image Recording Options 59 Image Area............................................................................................. 60 Image Quality........................................................................................ 65 Image Size .............................................................................................. 69 Slot 2 ........................................................................................................ 71 Focus 73 Focus Mode ........................................................................................... 74 AF-Area Mode....................................................................................... 76 Focus Point Selection......................................................................... 78 Focus Lock.............................................................................................. 80 Manual Focus........................................................................................ 83 Release Mode 85 Choosing a Release Mode ................................................................ 86 Continuous Mode................................................................................ 88 Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) ............................. 90 Self-Timer Mode.................................................................................103 Mirror up Mode ..................................................................................105 ISO Sensitivity 107 Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually..............................................108 Auto ISO Sensitivity Control ..........................................................110 xi Exposure 113 Metering ...............................................................................................114 Exposure Mode...................................................................................116 e: Programmed Auto .................................................................. 118 f: Shutter-Priority Auto .............................................................. 120 g: Aperture-Priority Auto ........................................................... 122 h: Manual......................................................................................... 124 Shutter-Speed and Aperture Lock...............................................127 Autoexposure (AE) Lock..................................................................129 Exposure Compensation.................................................................132 Bracketing ............................................................................................134 White Balance 143 White Balance Options ....................................................................144 Fine-Tuning White Balance............................................................147 Choosing a Color Temperature ....................................................151 Preset Manual .....................................................................................152 Image Enhancement 165 Picture Controls..................................................................................166 Creating Custom Picture Controls.......................................... 174 Active D-Lighting...............................................................................185 Color Space..........................................................................................187 Flash Photography 189 The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) ...............................190 Compatible Flash Units ...................................................................191 CLS-Compatible Flash Units ..................................................... 191 Other Flash Units .......................................................................... 194 i-TTL Flash Control.............................................................................196 Flash Modes.........................................................................................197 xii FV Lock ..................................................................................................201 Flash Contacts.....................................................................................204 Other Shooting Options 205 Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings .......................206 Multiple Exposure .............................................................................208 Interval Timer Photography ..........................................................213 Non-CPU Lenses.................................................................................220 Using a GPS Unit ................................................................................223 More About Playback 227 Full-Frame Playback .........................................................................228 Photo Information.............................................................................231 Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback .....................241 Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom........................................243 Protecting Photographs from Deletion.....................................244 Deleting Individual Photographs ................................................245 Voice Memos 247 Recording Voice Memos .................................................................248 Playing Voice Memos.......................................................................253 Connections 255 Connecting to a Computer ............................................................256 Direct USB Connection ...............................................................258 Wireless and Ethernet Networks .............................................261 Printing Photographs.......................................................................262 Direct USB Connection ...............................................................263 Viewing Photographs on TV..........................................................274 Standard Definition Devices .....................................................274 High-Definition Devices .............................................................276 xiii Menu Guide 277 Delete........................................................................................... 281 Playback Folder......................................................................... 281 Hide Image ................................................................................. 281 Display Mode............................................................................. 282 Copy Image(s) ........................................................................... 283 Image Review ............................................................................ 287 After Delete ................................................................................ 287 Rotate Tall................................................................................... 287 Slide Show .................................................................................. 288 Print Set (DPOF) ........................................................................ 289 D The Playback Menu: Managing Images...............................278 C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options...............................290 Shooting Menu Bank .............................................................. 291 Reset Shooting Menu ............................................................. 293 Active Folder.............................................................................. 293 File Naming ................................................................................ 296 Slot 2............................................................................................. 296 Image Quality ............................................................................ 296 Image Size................................................................................... 297 Image Area ................................................................................. 297 JPEG Compression................................................................... 297 NEF (RAW) Recording ............................................................. 297 White Balance............................................................................ 297 Set Picture Control................................................................... 298 Manage Picture Control......................................................... 298 Color Space ................................................................................ 298 Active D-Lighting ..................................................................... 298 Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Reduction) .......... 299 High ISO NR................................................................................ 299 ISO Sensitivity Settings .......................................................... 300 Live View ..................................................................................... 300 Multiple Exposure.................................................................... 300 Interval Timer Shooting......................................................... 300 xiv A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings ..............301 B: Custom Setting Bank ........................................................303 A: Reset Custom Settings .....................................................303 a: Autofocus ....................................................................................304 a1: AF-C Priority Selection .....................................................304 a2: AF-S Priority Selection .....................................................305 a3: Dynamic AF Area ...............................................................306 a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On........................................308 a5: AF Activation.......................................................................308 a6: Focus Point Illumination .................................................309 a7: Focus Point Wrap-Around..............................................310 a8: AF Point Selection .............................................................310 a9: AF-ON Button......................................................................311 a10: Vertical AF-ON Button ..................................................312 b: Metering/Exposure..................................................................313 b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value ..............................................313 b2: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl. ..........................................313 b3: EV Steps for Exposure Comp.........................................313 b4: Easy Exposure Compensation ......................................314 b5: Center-Weighted Area ....................................................315 b6: Fine Tune Optimal Exposure.........................................315 c: Timers/AE Lock ..........................................................................317 c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L .........................................317 c2: Auto Meter-off Delay........................................................317 c3: Self-Timer Delay .................................................................318 c4: Monitor off Delay...............................................................318 d: Shooting/Display......................................................................319 d1: Beep .......................................................................................319 d2: Shooting Speed .................................................................320 d3: Max. Continuous Release ...............................................320 d4: File Number Sequence....................................................321 d5: Control Panel/Viewfinder...............................................322 d6: Shooting Info Display ......................................................323 d7: LCD Illumination................................................................324 d8: Exposure Delay Mode......................................................324 xv e: Bracketing/Flash....................................................................... 325 e1: Flash Sync Speed............................................................... 325 e2: Flash Shutter Speed ......................................................... 326 e3: Modeling Flash................................................................... 326 e4: Auto Bracketing Set ......................................................... 327 e5: Auto Bracketing (Mode M)............................................. 328 e6: Bracketing Order ............................................................... 329 f: Controls ........................................................................................ 330 f1: Multi Selector Center Button ......................................... 330 f2: Multi Selector....................................................................... 331 f3: Photo Info/Playback.......................................................... 331 f4: Assign FUNC. Button......................................................... 331 f5: Assign Preview Button ..................................................... 337 f6: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button ................................................. 338 f7: Customize Command Dials ............................................ 339 f8: Release Button to Use Dial.............................................. 341 f9: No Memory Card? .............................................................. 342 f10: Reverse Indicators ........................................................... 343 B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup...............................................344 Format Memory Card ............................................................. 345 LCD Brightness.......................................................................... 345 Lock Mirror up for Cleaning ................................................. 345 Video Mode................................................................................ 346 HDMI............................................................................................. 346 World Time ................................................................................. 347 Language .................................................................................... 347 Image Comment ...................................................................... 348 Auto Image Rotation .............................................................. 349 Voice Memo ............................................................................... 349 Voice Memo Overwrite .......................................................... 350 Voice Memo Button ................................................................ 350 Audio Output ............................................................................ 350 USB ................................................................................................ 350 Dust off Ref Photo.................................................................... 351 Battery Info................................................................................. 353 Wireless Transmitter ............................................................... 354 xvi Image Authentication.............................................................354 Save/Load Settings ..................................................................355 GPS.................................................................................................357 Virtual Horizon...........................................................................357 Non-CPU Lens Data .................................................................357 AF Fine Tune...............................................................................358 Firmware Version......................................................................359 N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies .............360 D-Lighting ...................................................................................363 Red-Eye Correction ..................................................................364 Trim................................................................................................365 Monochrome .............................................................................366 Filter Effects ................................................................................367 Color Balance .............................................................................367 Image Overlay............................................................................368 Side-by-Side Comparison......................................................371 O My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu......................................373 Adding Options to My Menu ....................................................373 Deleting Options from My Menu ............................................375 Reordering Options in My Menu.............................................376 Technical Notes 377 Compatible Lenses ...........................................................................378 Other Accessories..............................................................................383 Caring for the Camera......................................................................390 Storage..............................................................................................390 Cleaning ...........................................................................................390 Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions..........................398 Troubleshooting ................................................................................402 Error Messages ...................................................................................409 Appendix ..............................................................................................417 Specifications......................................................................................427 Index.......................................................................................................438 xvii 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: A 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 Turn off immediately in the event of malfunction Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the equipment or AC adapter (available separately), unplug the AC adapter and remove the battery immediately, taking care to avoid burns. Continued operation could result in injury. After removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikonauthorized service center for inspection. 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 control When operating the viewfinder diopter control with your eye to the viewfinder, care should be taken not to put your finger in your eye accidentally. A Do not disassemble Touching the product's internal parts could result in injury. In the event of malfunction, the product should be repaired only by a qualified technician. Should the product break open as the result of a fall or other accident, remove the battery and/or AC adapter and then take the product to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection. xviii 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 Keep out of reach of children Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury. 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 Observe proper precautions when handling batteries Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. Observe the following precautions when handling batteries for use in this product: · Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment. · Do not short or disassemble the battery. · Be sure the product is off before replacing the battery. If you are using an AC adapter, be sure it is unplugged. · Do not attempt to insert the battery upside down or backwards. · Do not expose the battery to flame or to excessive heat. · Do not immerse in or expose to water. · Replace the terminal cover when transporting the battery. Do not transport or store the battery with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins. · Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged. To avoid damage to the product, be sure to remove the battery when no charge remains. · When the battery is not in use, attach the terminal cover and store in a cool, dry place. · The battery may be hot immediately after use or when the product has been used on battery power for an extended period. Before removing the battery turn the camera off and allow the battery to cool. · Discontinue use immediately should you notice any changes in the battery, such as discoloration or deformation. xix A Observe proper precautions when handling the quick charger · Keep dry. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock. · Dust on or near the metal parts of the plug should be removed with a dry cloth. Continued use could result in fire. · Do not handle the power cable or go near the charger during thunderstorms. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock. · Do not damage, modify, or forcibly tug or bend the power cable. Do not place it under heavy objects or expose it to heat or flame. Should the insulation be damaged and the wires become exposed, take the power cable to a Nikonauthorized service representative for inspection. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock. · Do not handle the plug or charger with wet hands. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock. 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 Observe caution when using a 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. Particular care should be observed when photographing infants, when the flash should be no less than one meter (39 in.) from the subject. 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 Avoid contact with liquid crystal xx Notices · No part of the manuals included with this · Nikon will not be held liable for any product may be reproduced, transmitted, damages resulting from the use of this transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, product. or translated into any language in any · While every effort has been made to form, by any means, without Nikon's prior ensure that the information in these written permission. manuals is accurate and complete, we would appreciate it were you to bring · Nikon reserves the right to change the any errors or omissions to the attention specifications of the hardware and of the Nikon representative in your area software described in these manuals at (address provided separately). any time and without prior notice. Notices 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. D3 These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful CAUTIONS interference in a residential installation. Modifications This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not The FCC requires the user be notified installed and used in accordance with the that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly instructions, may cause harmful approved by Nikon Corporation may interference to radio communications. void the user's authority to operate the However, there is no guarantee that equipment. 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. Interface Cables Use the interface cables sold or provided by Nikon for your equipment. Using other interface cables may exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules. Notice for Customers in the State of California WARNING: Handling the cord on this product may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A. Tel.: 631-547-4200 xxi Notices for Customers in Canada CAUTION This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. ATTENTION Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Symbol for Separate Collection in European Countries This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected separately. The following apply only to users in European countries: · This product is designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household waste. · For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management. Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or 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. · 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. Unless the prior permission of the government has been obtained, the copying or reproduction or unused · Comply with copyright notices postage stamps or post cards issued by The copying or reproduction of the government is prohibited. copyrighted creative works such as The copying or reproduction of stamps books, music, paintings, woodcuts, prints, maps, drawings, movies, and issued by the government and of photographs is governed by national certified documents stipulated by law and international copyright laws. Do is prohibited. not use this product for the purpose of making illegal copies or to infringe copyright laws. xxii Disposing of Data Storage Devices Please note that deleting images or formatting memory cards or other data storage devices does not completely erase the original image data. Deleted files can sometimes be recovered from discarded storage devices using commercially available software, potentially resulting in the malicious use of personal image data. Ensuring the privacy of such data is the user's responsibility. Before discarding a data storage device or transferring ownership to another person, erase all data using commercial deletion software, or format the device and then completely refill it with images containing no private information (for example, pictures of empty sky). Be sure to also replace any pictures selected for preset manual. Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically destroying data storage devices. Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories Nikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery chargers, batteries, AC adapters, and flash accessories) certified by Nikon specifically for use with this Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic circuitry. The use of non-Nikon electronic accessories could damage the camera and may void your Nikon warranty. The use of third-party rechargeable Li-ion batteries not bearing the Nikon holographic seal shown at right could interfere with normal operation of the camera or result in the batteries overheating, igniting, rupturing, or leaking. For more information about Nikon brand accessories, contact a local authorized Nikon dealer. xxiii A Before Taking Important Pictures Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction. A Life-Long Learning As part of Nikon's "Life-Long Learning" commitment to ongoing product support and education, continually-updated information is available online at the following sites: · For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/ · For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support · For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/ Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the following URL for contact information: http://nikonimaging.com/ xxiv X Introduction This chapter covers information you will need to know before using the camera, including the names of camera parts. X Overview.............................................................................. pg. 2 Getting to Know the Camera ........................................... pg. 3 Camera Body ....................................................................................... pg. 3 The Top Control Panel...................................................................... pg. 8 The Rear Control Panel .................................................................. pg. 10 The Viewfinder Display.................................................................. pg. 12 The Shooting Information Display ............................................ pg. 14 The Command Dials ....................................................................... pg. 16 Quick Start Guide ............................................................. pg. 23 1 Overview X Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly to get the most from the camera, and keep them where they will be read by all those who use the product. D Use Only Nikon Brand Accessories Only Nikon brand accessories certified by Nikon specifically for use with your Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within its operational and safety requirements. THE USE OF NON-NIKON ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA AND MAY VOID YOUR NIKON WARRANTY. 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. D 2 Getting to Know the Camera Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual. X Camera Body 1 D (bracketing) button ....................... 135, 139, 327 2 Release mode dial lock release....................................87 3 Release mode dial.......................87 4 Eyelet for camera strap ............... 5 5 M (flash mode) button ............ 199 6 F (command lock) button .................................127, 128 7 Focal plane mark (E)................84 8 Metering selector..................... 115 9 Metering selector lock button................................. 115 10 Power switch.................................48 11 Shutter-release button ...... 55, 56 12 E (exposure compensation) button...........................................132 13 Eyelet for camera strap................5 14 I (exposure mode) button...........................................117 Q (format) button..................... 45 15 Top control panel ..........................8 16 Diopter adjustment knob........ 47 17 Accessory shoe ..................22, 204 (for optional flash unit) 18 Accessory shoe cover ........................................ 22, 204, 400 3 Camera Body (Continued) X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Mirror............................90, 105, 395 Self-timer lamp ......................... 104 Flash sync terminal cover...... 204 Ten-pin remote terminal cover ....................................223, 388 Flash sync terminal.................. 204 Ten-pin remote terminal ..............................223, 388 USB connector cover .....258, 264 Lens release button....................38 Connector cover..............274, 276 10 USB connector................. 258, 264 11 DC-IN connector for optional AC adapter EH-6......383 12 Audio/video (A/V) connector ....................................274 13 HDMI connector........................276 14 Focus-mode selector.......... 74, 83 15 Battery-cover latch..................... 34 16 Battery-chamber cover............. 34 17 Meter coupling lever ...............429 18 Body cap ......................................387 4 X 1 Depth-of-field preview 6 button .................................117, 337 2 Sub-command dial.....................16 7 3 Fn button .....................64, 202, 331 8 4 Sub-command dial for 9 vertical shooting .........................16 10 5 Shutter-release button for vertical shooting .........................54 Vertical shooting shutterrelease button lock .................... 54 CPU contacts Mounting index .......................... 37 Lens mount................................... 84 Tripod socket Attaching the Camera Strap Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets on the camera body as shown below. 5 Camera Body (Continued) X 1 Viewfinder eyepiece...................47 2 Eyepiece shutter lever...............47 3 O (delete) button............... 58, 245 Q (format) button.....................45 4 K (playback) button ....... 57, 228 5 Monitor.......................... 57, 90, 228 6 G (menu) button.......... 26, 277 7 N (thumbnail/playback zoom) button ...................242, 243 8 L (protect) button ............... 244 ? (help) button..............................31 R (info) button............................14 9 10 11 12 J (OK) button.............................. 28 Speaker.........................................254 Rear control panel .............10, 322 ISO (ISO sensitivity) button.....108 Two-button reset button .......206 13 QUAL (image quality/size) button...................................... 66, 70 14 WB (white balance) button........................145, 150, 151 Two-button reset button .......206 15 Microphone ................................248 D 6 The Speaker and Microphone Do not bring magnetic devices, such as microdrive cards, close to the built-in speaker or microphone. X 1 Viewfinder .....................................47 2 A (AE/AF lock) button .......................................... 80, 81, 338 3 B (AF-ON) button ..........75, 97 4 Main command dial ...................16 5 Multi selector................................28 6 Focus selector lock .....................78 7 Memory card access lamp....43, 56 8 Memory card slot cover ............42 9 Card slot cover release button (under cover)................................ 42 10 B (AF-ON) button for vertical shooting.......................312 11 H (microphone) button ..........249 12 AF-area mode selector ............. 76 13 Main command dial for vertical shooting......................... 16 7 The Top Control Panel X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 14 15 11 12 1 Shutter speed ...................120, 124 9 Memory card indicator Exposure compensation (slot 2) ...................................... 42, 45 value ............................................. 132 10 Number of exposures Number of shots in remaining ...................................... 49 exposure and flash bracketing Number of shots remaining sequence..................................... 135 before memory buffer fills ...... 88 Number of shots in Capture mode indicator.........256 WB bracketing sequence ...... 139 11 Aperture stop indicator .. 123, 381 Number of intervals for 12 Aperture (f-number)...... 122, 124 interval timer photography .... 216 Aperture (number of Focal length stops)................................... 123, 381 (non-CPU lenses)...................... 222 Exposure and flash bracketing ISO sensitivity ............................ 108 increment ....................................136 2 Shutter-speed lock icon......... 127 WB bracketing increment......140 3 Flexible program indicator ... 119 Number of shots per 4 Exposure mode......................... 116 interval .........................................216 Maximum aperture 5 Flash mode................................. 197 (non-CPU lenses) ......................222 6 Shooting menu bank.............. 291 PC mode indicator....................259 7 Custom settings bank............. 303 8 Memory card indicator (slot 1).......................................42, 45 8 16 17 21 22 23 24 25 26 SHOOT CUSTOM X 18 19 27 28 29 20 13 Battery indicator..........................48 14 Frame count..................................49 Preset white balance recording indicator.................. 155 Manual lens number............... 222 15 "K" (appears when memory remains for over 1000 exposures) .....................................49 16 FV lock indicator....................... 202 17 Flash sync indicator................. 325 18 Clock battery indicator ... 41, 393 19 GPS connection indicator ..... 224 20 Focus mode indicator................74 21 Interval timer indicator .......... 216 22 Multiple exposure indicator....................................... 210 23 Aperture lock icon ................... 128 24 Image comment indicator ....348 25 "Beep" indicator ........................319 26 Exposure compensation indicator.......................................132 27 Exposure and flash bracketing indicator.......................................135 28 White-balance bracketing indicator.......................................139 29 Electronic analog exposure display ..........................................126 Exposure compensation ........133 Exposure and flash bracketing progress indicator ....................135 WB bracketing progress indicator.......................................139 PC connection indicator ........259 Tilt indicator................................333 9 The Rear Control Panel X 1 2 3 8 4 9 10 11 5 6 7 12 A LCD Illuminators Holding the power switch in the D position activates the exposure meters and the control panel backlights (LCD illuminators), allowing the displays to be read in the dark. After the power switch is released, the illuminators will remain lit for six seconds (at default settings) while the exposure meters are active or until the shutter is released. Power switch 10 1 2 3 4 Image quality (JPEG images) ..66 6 "K" (appears when memory remains for over 1000 "Remaining" indicator ...............49 exposures)..................................... 49 Image size......................................70 Color temperature ISO sensitivity indicator ......... 108 indicator.......................................151 Auto ISO sensitivity 7 Memory card slot indicators... 71 indicator ...................................... 110 Image quality ............................... 66 5 ISO sensitivity ............................ 108 8 White-balance bracketing ISO sensitivity (high/low gain) indicator.......................................139 ........................................................ 109 9 Voice memo recording Number of exposures indicator (shooting mode) ....249 remaining ......................................49 Length of voice memo........... 251 10 Voice memo status White balance fine-tuning.... 150 indicator............................. 251, 252 White balance preset 11 Voice memo recording number ........................................ 162 mode.............................................249 Color temperature ................... 151 12 White balance ............................144 PC mode indicator................... 259 White balance fine-tuning indicator.......................................150 X 11 The Viewfinder Display 3 2 1 X 21 22 23 4 56 78 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 12-mm reference circle for 7 Exposure mode .........................116 center-weighted metering ... 114 8 Shutter speed lock icon..........127 2 AF area brackets ...................47, 95 9 Shutter-speed .................. 120, 124 3 Focus points........................ 78, 310 10 Aperture lock icon....................128 Spot metering targets ............ 114 11 Aperture (f-number)...... 122, 124 4 Focus indicator......................55, 84 Aperture (number of stops)........... 123, 381 5 Metering...................................... 114 6 Autoexposure (AE) lock ......... 129 12 12 ISO sensitivity indicator ......... 108 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator ...................................... 110 13 ISO sensitivity ............................ 108 14 Frame count..................................49 Number of exposures remaining ......................................49 Number of shots remaining before memory buffer fills.......88 Preset white balance recording indicator.................. 155 Exposure compensation value ............................................. 132 PC mode indicator................... 259 15 "K" (appears when memory remains for over 1000 exposures) .....................................49 Flash-ready indicator *.............202 FV lock indicator .......................202 Flash sync indicator .................325 Aperture stop indicator .. 123, 381 Battery indicator ......................... 48 Electronic analog exposure display ..........................................126 Exposure compensation display .........................................................133 Tilt indicator................................333 22 Exposure compensation indicator.......................................132 23 Exposure and flash bracketing indicator.......................................135 16 17 18 19 20 21 X * Displayed when an optional flash unit is attached (pg. 191). The flashready indicator lights when the flash is charged. D No Battery When the battery is totally exhausted or no battery is inserted, the display in the viewfinder will dim. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction. The viewfinder display will return to normal when a fullycharged battery is inserted. 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. 13 The Shooting Information Display X Shooting information, including shutter R speed, aperture, the number of exposures button remaining, and AF-area mode is displayed in the monitor when the R button is pressed. To clear shooting information from the monitor, press the R button again or press the shutter-release button halfway. At default settings, the monitor will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for about 20 seconds. 1 23 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 16 15 14 13 12 17 18 19 20 21 36 35 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 34 33 32 31 30 A See Also For information on choosing how long the monitor stays on, see Custom Setting c4 ([Monitor off delay], pg. 318). For information on changing the color of the lettering in the shooting information display, see Custom Setting d6 ([Shooting info display], pg. 323). 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Exposure mode......................... 116 Flexible program indicator ... 119 Shutter-speed lock icon......... 127 Shutter speed...................120, 124 Exposure compensation value ............................................. 132 Number of shots in exposure and flash bracketing sequence ........................................................ 135 Number of shots in WB bracketing sequence .............. 139 Focal length (non-CPU lenses)...................... 222 Multiple exposure indicator.... 210 Aperture lock icon ................... 128 Aperture (f-number) ......122, 124 Aperture (number of stops) ...........123, 381 Exposure and flash bracketing increment ................................... 136 WB bracketing increment ..... 140 Maximum aperture (non-CPU lenses)...................... 222 Aperture stop indicator...123, 381 Number of exposures remaining ......................................49 "K" (appears when memory remains for over 1000 exposures) .....................................49 Frame count..................................49 Manual lens number............... 222 Memory card indicator (slot 2).......................................42, 45 Memory card indicator (slot 1).......................................42, 45 Custom settings bank............. 303 Shooting menu bank.............. 291 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Flash sync indicator .................325 Flash mode..................................197 Clock battery indicator ....41, 393 FV lock indicator .......................202 Interval timer indicator...........216 Image comment indicator ....348 "Beep" indicator ........................319 Exposure compensation indicator.......................................132 Battery indicator ......................... 48 Exposure and flash bracketing indicator.......................................135 WB bracketing indicator ........139 Focus mode indicator ............... 74 Long exposure noise reduction indicator.......................................299 Color space indicator ..............187 Picture Control indicator........169 Active D-Lighting indicator...185 High ISO noise reduction indicator.......................................299 Image area indicator ................. 61 Release mode (single frame/ continuous) indicator................ 86 Continuous shooting speed....320 Auto-area AF indicator ............. 77 Focus points indicator .............. 78 AF-area mode indicator ........... 77 3D-tracking indicator.......77, 307 GPS connection indicator......224 Electronic analog exposure display ..........................................126 X 15 The Command Dials The main- and sub-command dials are used alone or in combination with other controls to adjust a variety of settings. X Fn button Sub-command dial BKT button E button M button I button F button Main command dial ISO button QUAL button WB button 16 Image Quality and Size Press the Fn or QUAL button and rotate the command dials. Choose an image area (pg. 64)* X + Fn button Main command dial Shooting information display * The DX format image area is automatically selected when a DX lens is attached. Set image quality (pg. 66) + QUAL button Main command dial Rear control panel Choose an image size (pg. 70) + QUAL button Sub-command dial Rear control panel ISO Sensitivity Press the ISO button and rotate the main command dial. Set ISO sensitivity (pg. 108) + ISO button Main command dial Rear control panel 17 Exposure Press the I button and rotate the main command dial to choose the exposure mode. X Choose the exposure mode (pg. 117) + I button Main command dial Top control panel Use the command dials to adjust exposure. Choose a combination of aperture and shutter speed (exposure mode e; pg. 119) + SHOOT CUSTOM SHOOT CUSTOM Exposure mode e Main command dial Top control panel Choose a shutter speed (exposure mode f or h; pg. 120, 125) SHOOT CUSTOM + SHOOT CUSTOM Exposure mode f or h Main command dial Top control panel Choose an aperture (exposure mode g or h; pg. 122, 125) + SHOOT CUSTOM SHOOT CUSTOM Exposure mode g or h Sub-command dial Top control panel 18 Set exposure compensation (pg. 132) + X E button Main command dial Top control panel Shutter speed lock (exposure mode f or h; pg. 127) F button + SHOOT CUSTOM Main command dial Top control panel Aperture lock (exposure mode g or h; pg. 128) F button + SHOOT CUSTOM Sub-command dial Top control panel 19 X Activate or cancel bracketing/ select number of shots in bracketing sequence (pp. 135, 138) Select bracketing exposure increment (pg. 136) + D button Main command dial Top control panel + D button Sub-command dial Top control panel White Balance Press the WB button and rotate the command dials. Choose a white balance setting (pg. 145) + WB button Main command dial Rear control panel Fine-tune white balance (pg. 150), set color temperature (pg. 151), or choose a white balance preset (pg. 162) + WB button Sub-command dial Rear control panel 20 Flash Settings Press the M button and rotate the main command dial. Choose flash mode (pg. 199) X + M button Main command dial Top control panel A The Fn Button Depending on the option selected for Custom Setting f4 ([Assign FUNC. button], pg. 331), the Fn button and command dials can be used to select shutter speed and aperture in steps of 1 EV, choose pre-specified lens data for non-CPU lenses, or select the focus point. A The Depth-of-Field Preview and AE-L/AF-L Buttons Depending on the options selected for Custom Settings f5 ([Assign preview button], pg. 337) and f6 ([Assign AE-L/AF-L button], pg. 338), the depth-of-field preview and AE-L/AF-L buttons can be used with the command dials to perform the same functions as the Fn button. 21 The BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cover X The supplied BS-2 accessory shoe cover can be used to protect the accessory shoe or to prevent light reflected from the metal parts of the shoe from appearing in photographs. The BS-2 attaches to the camera accessory shoe as shown at right. To remove the accessory shoe cover, hold it down with your thumb and slide it off as shown at right while keeping a firm grip on the camera. 22 Quick Start Guide Follow these steps for a quick start with the D3. 1 Charge the battery (pg. 32). X 2 Insert the battery (pg. 34). 3 Attach a lens (pg. 37). Mounting index