User manual NIKON D300

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. 21­22 A brief guide for those who want to get started taking pictures right away. pp. 416­421 Search by key word. pp. 388­395 If a warning is displayed in the viewfinder or monitor, find the solution here. Troubleshooting pp. 381­387 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. · D300 digital camera (pg. 3) · Body cap (pp. 34, 367) · BM-8 LCD monitor cover (pg. 19) · DK-5 eyepiece cap (pg. 20) · EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover (pp. 30, 32) · MH-18a quick charger with power cable (pg. 30) · UC-E4 USB cable (pp. 224, 232) · EG-D100 video cable (pg. 242) · AN-D300 strap (pg. 19) · 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 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 high-quality NEF (RAW) photos? 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? How do I remove dust from the low-pass filter protecting the image sensor? Key phrase 14-bit NEF (RAW) Live view Picture Controls Active D-Lighting 3D-tracking AF fine tune Cleaning the low-pass filter See page 59 79 148 168 270 327 371 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 See page 43 280 46, 279 Auto meter off 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? How do I turn the speaker off? 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 D300 camera? Key phrase See page World time 36, 316 LCD brightness Two-button reset Reset shooting menu Reset custom settings Self-timer delay Beep Reverse indicators Language Save/load settings 313 184 257 266 280 281 311 316 325 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 panel, shooting information display Error messages and displays See page 29 24 8, 10, 12 388 44 How much charge does the battery have Battery level left? v Question Key phrase How do I get more information about the Battery info battery? 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 322 283 370 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 45 56, 60 61 74 76, 282 91 96 98 108 109 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? Can I take pictures with a flash? How can I reduce "red-eye"? How can I record multiple shots as a single photograph? Can I pick the standard exposure level? How can I reduce blur? Can the flash be used at shutter speeds faster than 1/250 s? Key phrase See page Exposure mode h 111 (manual) Exposure compensation 116 Long time-exposures 113 Exposure and flash 119, 298 bracketing White balance 123, 298 bracketing White balance 127 Flash photography, flash 173 mode, red-eye 176 reduction Multiple exposure Fine tune optimal exposure Exposure delay mode Flash sync speed 186 277 285 288 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 206 208 209, 250 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 222 248 220 221 249 250 250 251 252 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 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 the 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 334 335 336 337 338 338 339 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 242 244 224 230 231 234 240 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 357 350 364 369 367 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 Control Panel.............................................................................. 8 The Viewfinder Display..................................................................10 The Shooting Information Display ............................................12 The Command Dials .......................................................................14 Quick Start Guide................................................................................. 21 Tutorial 23 Using Camera Menus .....................................................................26 Help ......................................................................................................29 Camera Menus...................................................................................... 24 First Steps ............................................................................................... 30 Charge the Battery ..........................................................................30 Insert the Battery .............................................................................32 Attach a Lens.....................................................................................34 Basic Setup.........................................................................................36 Insert a Memory Card.....................................................................39 Adjust Viewfinder Focus ...............................................................43 Basic Photography and Playback................................................... 44 Image Recording Options 55 Image Quality........................................................................................ 56 Image Size .............................................................................................. 60 x Focus 61 Focus Mode ........................................................................................... 62 AF-Area Mode....................................................................................... 64 Focus Point Selection......................................................................... 66 Focus Lock.............................................................................................. 68 Manual Focus........................................................................................ 71 Release Mode 73 Choosing a Release Mode ................................................................ 74 Continuous Mode................................................................................ 76 Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) ............................. 79 Self-Timer Mode................................................................................... 91 Mirror up Mode .................................................................................... 93 ISO Sensitivity 95 Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually................................................ 96 Auto ISO Sensitivity Control ............................................................ 98 Exposure 101 Metering ...............................................................................................102 Exposure Mode ..................................................................................104 e: Programmed Auto...................................................................106 f: Shutter-Priority Auto...............................................................108 g: Aperture-Priority Auto............................................................109 h: Manual .........................................................................................111 Autoexposure (AE) Lock..................................................................114 Exposure Compensation ................................................................116 Bracketing ............................................................................................118 xi White Balance 127 White Balance Options ....................................................................128 Fine-Tuning White Balance............................................................131 Choosing a Color Temperature ....................................................135 Preset Manual .....................................................................................136 Image Enhancement 147 Picture Controls..................................................................................148 Creating Custom Picture Controls.......................................... 156 Active D-Lighting...............................................................................167 Color Space..........................................................................................169 Flash Photography 171 The Built-in Flash ...............................................................................172 Using the Built-in Flash....................................................................173 Flash Modes.........................................................................................176 Flash Compensation.........................................................................178 FV Lock ..................................................................................................180 Other Shooting Options 183 Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings .......................184 Multiple Exposure .............................................................................186 Interval Timer Photography...........................................................191 Non-CPU Lenses.................................................................................198 Using a GPS Unit ................................................................................201 xii More About Playback 205 Full-Frame Playback .........................................................................206 Photo Information.............................................................................208 Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback .....................218 Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom........................................220 Protecting Photographs from Deletion.....................................221 Deleting Individual Photographs ................................................222 Connections 223 Connecting to a Computer ............................................................224 Direct USB Connection ...............................................................226 Wireless and Ethernet Networks .............................................229 Printing Photographs.......................................................................230 Direct USB Connection ...............................................................231 Viewing Photographs on TV..........................................................242 Standard Definition Devices .....................................................242 High-Definition Devices .............................................................244 Menu Guide 245 Delete ...........................................................................................248 Playback Folder.........................................................................249 Hide Image..................................................................................249 Display Mode .............................................................................250 Image Review.............................................................................251 After Delete ................................................................................251 Rotate Tall ...................................................................................251 Slide Show...................................................................................252 Print Set (DPOF) ........................................................................253 D The Playback Menu: Managing Images...............................246 xiii C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options...............................254 Shooting Menu Bank .............................................................. 255 Reset Shooting Menu ............................................................. 257 Active Folder.............................................................................. 258 File Naming ................................................................................ 260 Image Quality ............................................................................ 260 Image Size................................................................................... 260 JPEG Compression................................................................... 260 NEF (RAW) Recording ............................................................. 261 White Balance............................................................................ 261 Set Picture Control................................................................... 261 Manage Picture Control......................................................... 261 Color Space ................................................................................ 261 Active D-Lighting ..................................................................... 261 Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Reduction) .......... 262 High ISO NR................................................................................ 263 ISO Sensitivity Settings .......................................................... 263 Live View ..................................................................................... 263 Multiple Exposure.................................................................... 263 Interval Timer Shooting......................................................... 263 A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings ..............264 Custom Setting Bank .............................................................. 266 Reset Custom Settings ........................................................... 266 a: Autofocus.................................................................................... 267 a1: AF-C Priority Selection..................................................... 267 a2: AF-S Priority Selection ..................................................... 268 a3: Dynamic AF Area............................................................... 269 a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On ....................................... 270 a5: AF Activation ...................................................................... 271 a6: AF Point Illumination ....................................................... 271 a7: Focus Point Wrap-Around ............................................. 272 a8: AF point selection ............................................................. 272 a9: Built-in AF-assist illuminator ......................................... 273 a10: AF-On for MB-D10 .......................................................... 274 b: Metering/Exposure ................................................................. 275 b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value .............................................. 275 b2: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl........................................... 275 b3: Exp Comp/Fine Tune....................................................... 275 xiv b4: Easy Exposure Compensation ......................................276 b5: Center-Weighted Area ....................................................277 b6: Fine Tune Optimal Exposure.........................................277 c: Timers/AE Lock ..........................................................................279 c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L .........................................279 c2: Auto Meter-off Delay........................................................279 c3: Self-Timer Delay .................................................................280 c4: Monitor off Delay...............................................................280 d: Shooting/Display......................................................................281 d1: Beep .......................................................................................281 d2: Viewfinder Grid Display ..................................................281 d3: Viewfinder Warning Display..........................................282 d4: CL Mode Shooting Speed ..............................................282 d5: Max. Continuous Release ...............................................282 d6: File Number Sequence....................................................283 d7: Shooting Info Display ......................................................284 d8: LCD Illumination................................................................285 d9: Exposure Delay Mode......................................................285 d10: MB-D10 Battery Type ....................................................285 d11: Battery Order....................................................................287 e: Bracketing/Flash .......................................................................288 e1: Flash Sync Speed ...............................................................288 e2: Flash Shutter Speed..........................................................291 e3: Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash...........................................291 e4: Modeling Flash...................................................................298 e5: Auto Bracketing Set..........................................................298 e6: Auto Bracketing (Mode M) .............................................299 e7: Bracketing Order................................................................300 f: Controls.........................................................................................301 f1: Multi Selector Center Button..........................................301 f2: Multi Selector.......................................................................302 f3: Photo Info/Playback ..........................................................302 f4: Assign FUNC. Button .........................................................303 f5: Assign Preview Button......................................................306 f6: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button..................................................307 f7: Customize Command Dials ............................................308 f8: Release Button to Use Dial ..............................................309 f9: No Memory Card?...............................................................310 f10: Reverse Indicators............................................................311 xv B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup...............................................312 Format Memory Card ............................................................. 313 LCD Brightness.......................................................................... 313 Clean Image Sensor................................................................. 314 Lock Mirror up for Cleaning ................................................. 314 Video Mode................................................................................ 314 HDMI............................................................................................. 315 World Time ................................................................................. 316 Language .................................................................................... 316 Image Comment ...................................................................... 317 Auto Image Rotation .............................................................. 318 USB ................................................................................................ 319 Dust off Ref Photo.................................................................... 319 Battery Info................................................................................. 322 Wireless Transmitter ............................................................... 323 Image Authentication ............................................................ 324 Save/Load Settings.................................................................. 325 GPS ................................................................................................ 326 Non-CPU Lens Data................................................................. 327 AF Fine Tune .............................................................................. 327 Firmware Version ..................................................................... 328 N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies .............329 D-Lighting................................................................................... 334 Red-Eye Correction.................................................................. 335 Trim ............................................................................................... 336 Monochrome............................................................................. 337 Filter Effects................................................................................ 338 Color Balance............................................................................. 338 Image Overlay ........................................................................... 339 Side-by-Side Comparison ..................................................... 342 O My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu ......................................344 xvi Technical Notes 349 Compatible Lenses ...........................................................................350 Optional Flash Units (Speedlights)..............................................357 Other Accessories..............................................................................364 Caring for the Camera......................................................................370 Storage..............................................................................................370 Cleaning ...........................................................................................370 The Low-Pass Filter.......................................................................371 "Clean Now" ...............................................................................371 "Clean at Startup/Shutdown" ..............................................372 Manual Cleaning.......................................................................374 Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions..........................377 Troubleshooting ................................................................................381 Error Messages ...................................................................................388 Appendix ..............................................................................................396 Specifications......................................................................................406 Index.......................................................................................................416 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 A Use appropriate cables handling the quick charger When connecting cables to the · Keep dry. Failure to observe this input and output jacks, use only precaution could result in fire or the cables provided or sold by electric shock. Nikon for the purpose to maintain · Dust on or near the metal parts of compliance with product the plug should be removed with regulations. a dry cloth. Continued use could A CD-ROMs result in fire. CD-ROMs containing software or · Do not handle the power cable or manuals should not be played go near the charger during back on audio CD equipment. thunderstorms. Failure to observe Playing CD-ROMs on an audio CD this precaution could result in player could cause hearing loss or electric shock. damage the equipment. · Do not damage, modify, or A Observe caution when using the flash forcibly tug or bend the power · Using the camera with the flash in cable. Do not place it under close contact with the skin or heavy objects or expose it to heat other objects could cause burns. or flame. Should the insulation be · Using the flash close to the damaged and the wires become subject's eyes could cause exposed, take the power cable to temporary visual impairment. a Nikon-authorized service Particular care should be representative for inspection. observed when photographing Failure to observe this precaution infants, when the flash should be could result in fire or electric no less than one meter (39 in.) shock. from the subject. · Do not handle the plug or charger with wet hands. Failure to A Avoid contact with liquid crystal observe this precaution could Should the monitor break, care result in electric shock. 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. 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. D300 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 Control Panel .............................................................................. pg. 8 The Viewfinder Display.................................................................. pg. 10 The Shooting Information Display ............................................ pg. 12 The Command Dials ....................................................................... pg. 14 Quick Start Guide ............................................................. pg. 21 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 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 1 Release mode dial.......................75 2 Release mode dial lock release....................................75 3 QUAL (image quality/size) button ......................................57, 60 Two-button reset button ...... 184 4 Eyelet for camera strap .............19 5 WB (white balance) button ....................... 129, 134, 135 6 ISO (ISO sensitivity) button.......96 7 Accessory shoe (for optional flash unit) .......... 363 8 Power switch ................................ 44 9 Shutter-release button ...... 51, 52 10 E (exposure compensation) button...........................................116 Two-button reset button.......184 11 I (exposure mode) button...........................................105 Q (format) button..................... 41 12 Eyelet for camera strap............. 19 13 Focal plane mark (E) ............... 72 14 Control panel ..................................8 3 Camera Body (Continued) 1 X 2 3 4 5 8 6 7 9 10 13 14 15 16 11 12 1 Built-in flash ............................... 173 2 Flash pop-up button............... 173 3 M (flash mode) button ............ 173 Y (flash compensation) button .......................................... 178 4 Flash sync terminal cover ............................................. 363 5 Ten-pin remote terminal cover ....................................201, 368 6 Flash sync terminal.................. 363 7 Ten-pin remote terminal ..............................201, 368 8 Connector cover..............226, 242 9 Video connector........................242 10 HDMI connector........................244 11 DC-IN connector for optional AC adapter EH-5a or EH-5..........................................364 12 USB connector................. 226, 232 13 Lens release button ................... 35 14 Focus-mode selector.......... 62, 71 15 Meter coupling lever ...............408 16 Mirror ..............................79, 93, 374 4 8 9 1 2 3 10 X 4 5 6 11 7 12 1 AF-assist illuminator ............... 273 8 CPU contacts Self-timer lamp ............................92 9 Mounting index .......................... 34 Red-eye reduction lamp........ 176 10 Lens mount................................... 72 2 Sub-command dial.....................14 11 Tripod socket 3 Depth-of-field preview 12 Body cap ......................................367 button .................................105, 306 4 Fn button .........119, 123, 181, 303 5 Battery-chamber cover .............32 6 Battery-chamber cover latch .................................................32 7 Contact cover for optional MB-D10 battery pack.............. 364 5 Camera Body (Continued) X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 Viewfinder eyepiece...................43 7 2 DK-23 viewfinder eyepiece cup.................................20 3 O (delete) button............... 54, 222 8 Q (format) button.....................41 4 K (playback) button ....... 53, 206 9 5 Monitor.......................... 53, 79, 206 6 G (menu) button.......... 24, 245 10 L (protect) button ................221 ? (help) button ............................. 29 R (info) button ........................... 12 W (thumbnail/playback zoom out) button .....................218 X (playback zoom in) button...........................................220 J (OK) button.............................. 28 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 X 1 Diopter adjustment control ....43 7 Focus selector lock..................... 66 2 Metering selector..................... 103 8 Memory card slot cover............ 39 3 A (AE/AF lock) 9 Memory card access button ............................ 68, 69, 307 lamp ......................................... 40, 52 4 B (AF-ON) button ..........63, 86 10 AF-area mode selector ............. 64 5 Main command dial ...................14 11 Card slot cover latch .................. 39 6 Multi selector................................26 7 The Control Panel X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 1 Color temperature indicator ...... 135 2 Shutter speed ......................108, 111 Exposure compensation value................................................. 116 Flash compensation value ....... 178 ISO sensitivity...................................96 White balance fine-tuning ....... 134 Color temperature....................... 135 White balance preset number............................................ 145 Number of shots in exposure and flash bracketing sequence ........................................ 119 Number of shots in WB bracketing sequence.................. 123 Number of intervals for interval timer photography ................................. 194 Focal length (non-CPU lenses) ......................... 200 Flash sync indicator .................... 288 Flexible program indicator....... 107 Exposure mode ............................ 104 Image size .........................................60 7 Image quality ...................................57 8 Auto-area AF indicator..................64 9 10 11 AF-area mode indicator................65 3D-tracking indicator .......... 64, 270 White balance fine-tuning indicator.......................................... 134 White balance ............................... 129 Number of exposures remaining ..........................................45 Number of shots remaining before memory buffer fills...........77 Capture mode indicator ............ 224 Preset white balance recording indicator ..................... 139 Manual lens number................... 200 "K" (appears when memory remains for over 1000 exposures) .........................................45 Battery indicator .............................44 12 13 3 4 5 6 8 18 19 20 21 22 23 31 30 29 28 27 26 25 X 24 14 Flash mode................................. 173 23 Image comment indicator........ 317 15 "Beep" indicator ........................... 281 16 Aperture (f-number)..........109, 111 Aperture (number of stops)........................ 353 Exposure and flash bracketing increment ................ 120 WB bracketing increment......... 124 Number of shots per interval ............................................ 194 Maximum aperture (non-CPU lenses) ......................... 200 PC mode indicator ...................... 227 17 Aperture stop indicator............. 353 18 Flash compensation indicator.......................................... 178 19 Exposure compensation indicator.......................................... 116 20 ISO sensitivity indicator................96 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator.............................................98 21 FV lock indicator .......................... 181 22 "Clock not set" indicator .... 38, 388 24 Shooting menu bank.................. 255 25 Custom settings bank ................ 266 26 Exposure and flash bracketing indicator ................... 119 WB bracketing indicator............ 123 27 Electronic analog exposure display.............................................. 113 Exposure compensation ........... 116 Exposure and flash bracketing progress indicator.......................................... 119 WB bracketing progress indicator.......................................... 123 PC connection indicator............ 227 28 MB-D10 battery indicator ......... 364 29 Multiple exposure indicator.......................................... 188 30 GPS connection indicator......... 202 31 Interval timer indicator.............. 194 9 The Viewfinder Display 1 2 X 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 10 1 Framing grid (displayed when [On] is selected for Custom Setting d2) ................. 281 2 Focus points........................ 66, 272 3 AF area brackets ...................43, 84 4 Battery indicator................ 44, 282 (display can be turned off with Custom Setting d3) 5 Focus indicator......................51, 72 6 Metering...................................... 102 7 Autoexposure (AE) lock ......... 114 8 Shutter speed ...................108, 111 9 Aperture (f-number) ......109, 111 Aperture (number of stops) .................... 353 10 Exposure mode......................... 104 11 Flash compensation indicator ...................................... 178 12 Exposure compensation indicator ...................................... 116 13 ISO sensitivity ...............................96 14 Number of exposures remaining ...................................... 45 Number of shots remaining before memory buffer fills ...... 77 White balance recording indicator.......................................139 Exposure compensation value..............................................116 Flash compensation value.....178 PC mode indicator ....................227 15 Flash-ready indicator...............173 16 FV lock indicator .......................181 17 Flash sync indicator .................288 18 Aperture stop indicator..........353 19 Electronic analog exposure display ..........................................113 Exposure compensation display ..........................................116 20 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator......................................... 98 21 "K" (appears when memory remains for over 1000 exposures)..................................... 45 X 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. 11 The Shooting Information Display X Shooting information, including shutter speed, aperture, the number of exposures remaining, buffer capacity, and AF-area mode, is displayed in the monitor when the R button is pressed. To clear shooting R button 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 21 22 23 24 25 26 20 19 18 8 9 10 11 17 16 15 14 13 12 36 35 34 27 28 29 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. 280). For information on changing the color of the lettering in the shooting information display, see Custom Setting d7 ([Shooting info display], pg. 284). 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Exposure mode................................. 104 Flexible program indicator ........... 107 Flash sync indicator......................... 288 Shutter speed...........................108, 111 Exposure compensationvalue..... 116 Flash compensation value............ 178 Number of shots in exposure and flash bracketing sequence... 119 Number of shots in WB bracketing sequence ...................... 123 Focal length (non-CPU lenses) .... 200 Color temperature ........................... 135 Color temperature indicator ........ 135 Aperture stop indicator ................. 353 Aperture (f-number) ..............109, 111 Aperture (number of stops) ......... 353 Exposure and flash bracketing increment..................... 120 WB bracketing increment ............. 124 Maximum aperture (non-CPU lenses).............................. 200 Camera battery indicator .................44 MB-D10 battery type display....... 285 MB-D10 battery indicator ............. 286 Shooting menu bank...................... 255 Custom settings bank .................... 266 Picture Control indicator ............... 151 Color space indicator...................... 169 Active D-Lighting indicator.......... 168 High ISO noise reduction indicator .............................................. 263 Long exposure noise reduction indicator .............................................. 262 Release mode (single frame/ continuous) indicator ........................74 Continuous shooting speed ...........77 Exposure and flash bracketing indicator........................ 119 WB bracketing indicator................ 123 19 Image size ..............................................60 20 Electronic analog exposure display .................................................. 113 21 FV lock indicator ............................... 181 22 ISO sensitivity indicator ....................96 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator .........98 Exposure compensation indicator .............................................. 116 Flash compensation indicator .............................................. 178 GPS connection indicator ............. 202 "Beep" indicator................................ 281 Flash mode ......................................... 173 Multiple exposure indicator ......... 188 "K" (appears when memory remains for over 1000 exposures) .............................................45 Number of exposures remaining ..............................................77 Manual lens number....................... 200 White balance.................................... 129 White balance fine-tuning indicator .............................................. 134 Auto-area AF indicator ......................64 Focus points indicator .......................66 AF-area mode indicator ....................65 3D-tracking indicator............... 64, 270 Image quality........................................56 Interval timer indicator .................. 194 Image comment indicator ............ 317 "Clock not set" indicator......... 38, 388 X 13 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 M button Flash mode/ Flash compensation Fn button Bracketing Sub-command dial QUAL button Image quality/size E button Exposure compensation WB button White balance I button Exposure mode ISO button ISO sensitivity Main command dial 14 Image Quality and Size Press the QUAL button and rotate the command dials. Set image quality (pg. 57) + QUAL button Main command dial Control panel X Choose an image size (pg. 60) + QUAL button Sub-command dial Control panel ISO Sensitivity Press the ISO button and rotate the main command dial. Set ISO sensitivity (pg. 96) + ISO button Main command dial Control panel 15 Exposure Press the I button and rotate the main command dial to choose the exposure mode. X Choose the exposure mode (pg. 104) + I button Main command dial Control panel Use the command dials to adjust exposure. Choose a combination of aperture and shutter speed (exposure mode P; pg. 107) + Exposure mode e Main command dial Control panel Choose a shutter speed (exposure mode S or M; pp. 108, 111) Exposure mode f or h + Main command dial Control panel Choose an aperture (exposure mode A or M; pp. 109, 111) Exposure mode g or h + Sub-command dial Control panel 16 Set exposure compensation (pg. 116) + E button Main command dial Control panel X Activate or cancel bracketing/ select number of shots in bracketing sequence (pp. 119, 122) Select bracketing exposure increment (pg. 120) + Fn button Main command dial Control panel + Fn button Sub-command dial Control panel A The Fn Button Depending on the option selected for Custom Setting f4 ([Assign FUNC. button], pg. 303), the Fn button and command dials can be used to select shutter speed and aperture in steps of 1 EV, to choose pre-specified lens data for non-CPU lenses, or to select dynamic-area AF. 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. 306) and f6 ([Assign AE-L/AF-L button], pg. 307), 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. 17 White Balance Press the WB button and rotate the command dials. Choose a white balance setting (pg. 129) X + WB button Main command dial Control panel Fine-tune white balance (pg. 134), set color temperature (pg. 135), or WB button choose a white balance preset (pg. 145) + Sub-command dial Control panel Flash Settings Press the M button and rotate the command dials. Choose flash mode (pg. 173) + M button Main command dial Control panel Adjust flash compensation (pg. 178) + M button Sub-command dial Control panel 18 Attaching the AN-D300 Camera Strap Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets on the camera body as shown below. X The BM-8 Monitor Cover A clear plastic cover is provided with the camera to keep the monitor clean and protect it when the camera is not in use. To attach the cover, insert the projection on the top of the cover into the matching indentation above the camera monitor (q) and press the bottom of the cover until it clicks into place (w). To remove the cover, hold the camera firmly and pull the bottom of the cover gently outwards as shown at right. 19 The DK-23 Viewfinder Eyepiece Cup X Before attaching the DK-5 viewfinder eyepiece cap and other viewfinder accessories (pp. 91, 365), remove the DK-23 viewfinder eyepiece cup by placing your fingers underneath the flanges on either side and sliding it off as shown at right. The DK-5 viewfinder eyepiece cap is used in self-timer (pg. 91) and interval-timer photography (pg. 191). 20 Quick Start Guide Follow these steps for a quick start with the D300. 1 Charge the battery (pg. 30). X 2 Insert the battery (pg. 32). 3 Attach a lens (pg. 34). Mounting index 4 Insert a memory card (pg. 39). Front 5 Turn the camera on (pg. 44). For information on choosing a language and setting the time and date, see page 36. See page 43 for information on adjusting viewfinder focus. 21 6 Check camera settings (pp. 44, 47). Exposure mode X Image size Image quality White balance Battery level Number of exposures remaining ISO sensitivity Control panel Viewfinder display 7 Select single-servo autofocus (pp. 49, 62). Rotate the focus-mode selector to S (single-servo autofocus). 8 Focus and shoot (pp. 51, 52). Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus, then press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take the photograph. Focus indicator 9 View the photograph (pg. 53). K button 10 Delete unwanted photos (pg. 54). Press O twice to delete the current photograph. O button 22 s Tutorial