User manual NIKON D300S

DIGITAL CAMERA User's Manual En Where to Find It Find what you're looking for from: i i i i i The Table of Contents Find items by function or menu name. 0 x­xvii 0 iv­ix The Q&A Index Know what you want to do but don't know the function name? Find it from the "question and answer" index. The Index Search by key word. 0 398­403 0 378­384 Error Messages If a warning is displayed in the viewfinder or monitor, find the solution here. Troubleshooting 0 373­377 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" (0 xviii­xx). Help Use the camera's on-board help feature for help on menu items and other topics. See page 21 for details. 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. · D300S digital camera · BF-1A body · BM-8 monitor (0 3) cap cover (0 16) (0 26, 355) · BS-1 accessory shoe cover (0 347) · EN-EL3e · MH-18a quick rechargeable Li-ion charger with power battery with terminal cable (0 22) cover (0 22, 24) · DK-5 eyepiece cap (0 91, 191) · DK-23 rubber eyecup (0 91, 191) · EG-D2 audio/video cable (0 239) · UC-E4 USB cable (0 224, 229) · AN-DC4 strap · 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: This icon marks cautions; information that should be read before use to prevent damage to the camera. This icon marks notes; information that should be read before using the camera. This icon marks references to other pages in this manual. D A 0 Menu items, options, and messages displayed in the camera monitor are shown in bold. 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. The SD logo is a trademark of the SD Card Association. PictBridge and the SDHC logo are trademarks. 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 Q&A Index Table of Contents 0 0 0 iv x 1 X Introduction s Tutorial x Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) y Recording and Viewing Movies 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 0 17 0 47 0 57 0 67 0 73 0 85 0 95 0 101 0 133 0 153 0 169 0 181 0 203 0 223 0 243 0 339 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? How do I shoot movies? How do I record photographs using two memory cards? Can I control how photos are processed? How do I preserve details in shadows and highlights? How do I focus on erratically moving subjects? How do I tell if the camera is level? 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 Movies Primary slot, secondary slot Picture Controls Active D-Lighting 3D-tracking Virtual horizon AF fine tune Cleaning the low-pass filter 0 70 47 57 72 154 164 265 311 312 358 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? Can I display a framing grid in the viewfinder? Key phrase Viewfinder focus Monitor off delay Auto meter off Viewfinder grid display 0 36 274 39, 273 275 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 change the self-timer delay? How do I turn the speaker off? Can I reverse the exposure indicator? Can I display the menus in a different language? Can I save menu settings for use on a different D300S camera? How do I restore default settings? How do I restore shooting menu defaults? How do I restore Custom Setting defaults? Key phrase 0 29, 302 Time zone and date LCD brightness Self-timer Beep Reverse indicators Language Save/load settings Two-button reset Reset shooting menu Reset custom settings 301 273 275 299 28, 303 310 182 256 262 Menus and Displays Question How do I get more information on a menu? How do I use the menus? Can I get quick access to frequently-used settings? Can I get quick access to recently-used settings? What do these indicators mean? What information is in the information display? What does this warning mean? How much charge does the battery have left? Key phrase Help Using the menus My Menu Recent settings Viewfinder, control panel, information display Error messages and displays Battery level 0 21 18 333 337 8, 10, 12 378 37 v Question How do I get more information about the battery? How do I keep the file number from being reset when I insert a new memory card? How do I reset file numbering to 1? How do I clean the camera or lens? Key phrase Battery info 0 307 File number sequence Cleaning the camera 277 357 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? How do I make an NEF (RAW) copy of the next photo? Can I control how the camera focuses? Can I choose the focus point? How do I take a lot of photographs quickly? Can I change the frame advance rate? How do I take pictures with the selftimer? 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? How do I blur background details or keep both foreground and background in focus? Key phrase Number of exposures remaining 0 38 Image quality and size 68, 71 +NEF (RAW) Autofocus Focus point Release mode Shooting speed Self-timer mode ISO sensitivity ISO sensitivity auto control Exposure mode f (shutter-priority auto) Exposure mode g (aperture-priority auto) 294 74 78 86 89, 276 91 96 98 108 109 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? Can I vary Active D-Lighting automatically over a series of photos? 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 0 Exposure mode h 111 (manual) Exposure compensation 118 Long time-exposures 114 Exposure and flash 120, bracketing 289 White balance 125, bracketing 289 129, ADL bracketing 289 White balance 133 Flash photography, flash 171 mode, red-eye 175 reduction Multiple exposure Fine tune optimal exposure Exposure delay mode Flash sync speed 184 272 278 281 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 0 204 207 209, 247 vii Question How do I get rid of an unwanted photo? Can I delete several photos at once? Can I zoom in on pictures? Can I protect photos from accidental deletion? Can I hide selected photos? How do I tell if parts of my photos may be overexposed? How do I tell where the camera focused? Can I view photos as they are taken? Is there an automatic playback ("slide show") option? Key phrase Deleting individual photos Delete Playback zoom Protect Hide image Display mode: highlights Display mode: focus point Image review Slide show 0 220 221 218 219 245 209, 247 208, 247 251 252 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 NEF (RAW) photos to make a single image? Key phrase D-Lighting Red-eye correction Trim Monochrome Filter effects, Color balance NEF (RAW) Processing Image overlay 0 319 320 321 322 322, 323 327 324 viii Viewing or Printing Photographs on Other Devices Question Can I view my photos on TV? Can I view my photos in High Definition? How do I copy photos to my computer? How do I print photographs? Can I print photos without a computer? Can I print the date on my photographs? How do I order professional prints? Key phrase Television playback HDMI Connecting to a computer Printing photographs Printing via USB Time stamp Print set (DPOF) 0 239 241 224 228 229 231 237 Optional Accessories Question What memory cards can I use? What lenses can I use? What optional flash units (Speedlights) can I use? What software is available for my camera? What AC adapters, battery packs, remote cords, and viewfinder accessories are available for my camera? Key phrase Approved memory cards Compatible lenses Optional flash units Other accessories 0 393 340 347 355 Other accessories 352 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 Information Display................................................................12 The BM-8 Monitor Cover...............................................................16 Tutorial 17 Using Camera Menus .....................................................................19 Help ......................................................................................................21 Camera Menus...................................................................................... 18 First Steps ............................................................................................... 22 Charge the Battery ..........................................................................22 Insert the Battery .............................................................................24 Attach a Lens.....................................................................................26 Basic Setup.........................................................................................28 Insert a Memory Card.....................................................................31 Format the Memory Card .............................................................34 Adjust Viewfinder Focus ...............................................................36 Basic Photography and Playback................................................... 37 Turn the Camera On .......................................................................37 Adjust Camera Settings.................................................................40 Ready the Camera ...........................................................................42 Focus and Shoot ..............................................................................43 Viewing Photographs ....................................................................45 x Deleting Unwanted Photographs............................................. 46 Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) 47 Framing Photographs in the Monitor .......................................... 48 Recording and Viewing Movies 57 Recording Movies................................................................................ 58 Viewing Movies .................................................................................... 63 Editing Movies ...................................................................................... 64 Image Recording Options 67 Image Quality........................................................................................ 68 Image Size .............................................................................................. 71 Using Two Memory Cards ................................................................ 72 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 Self-Timer Mode................................................................................... 91 Mirror up Mode .................................................................................... 93 xi 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 Long Time-Exposures.......................................................................114 Autoexposure (AE) Lock..................................................................116 Exposure Compensation.................................................................118 Bracketing ............................................................................................120 White Balance 133 White Balance Options ....................................................................134 Fine-Tuning White Balance............................................................137 Choosing a Color Temperature ....................................................141 Preset Manual .....................................................................................142 Image Enhancement 153 Picture Controls..................................................................................154 Selecting a Picture Control........................................................ 154 Creating Custom Picture Controls.......................................... 160 Active D-Lighting...............................................................................164 Color Space..........................................................................................166 xii Flash Photography 169 The Built-in Flash ...............................................................................170 Using the Built-in Flash....................................................................171 Flash Modes.........................................................................................175 Flash Compensation.........................................................................177 FV Lock ..................................................................................................178 Other Shooting Options 181 Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings .......................182 Multiple Exposure .............................................................................184 Interval Timer Photography ..........................................................189 Non-CPU Lenses.................................................................................195 Using a GPS Unit ................................................................................198 More About Playback 203 Full-Frame Playback .........................................................................204 Photo Information.............................................................................207 Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback .....................216 Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom........................................218 Protecting Photographs from Deletion.....................................219 Deleting Photographs .....................................................................220 Full-Frame and Thumbnail Playback .....................................220 The Playback Menu ......................................................................221 Connections 223 Connecting to a Computer ............................................................224 Direct USB Connection ...............................................................225 Wireless and Ethernet Networks .............................................227 Printing Photographs.......................................................................228 Connecting the Printer ...............................................................229 Printing Pictures One at a Time ...............................................230 xiii Printing Multiple Pictures.......................................................... 233 Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set ................................. 237 Viewing Photographs on TV..........................................................239 Standard Definition Devices..................................................... 239 High-Definition Devices............................................................. 241 Menu Guide 243 Playback Folder......................................................................... 245 Hide Image ................................................................................. 245 Display Mode............................................................................. 247 Copy Image(s) ........................................................................... 248 Image Review ............................................................................ 251 After Delete ................................................................................ 251 Rotate Tall ................................................................................... 251 Slide Show .................................................................................. 252 D The Playback Menu: Managing Images...............................244 C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options...............................253 Shooting Menu Bank .............................................................. 254 Reset Shooting Menu ............................................................. 256 Active Folder.............................................................................. 256 File Naming ................................................................................ 258 Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Reduction) .......... 258 High ISO NR................................................................................ 259 A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings ..............260 B: Custom Setting Bank........................................................ 262 A: Reset Custom Settings..................................................... 262 a: Autofocus.................................................................................... 263 a1: AF-C Priority Selection..................................................... 263 a2: AF-S Priority Selection ..................................................... 264 a3: Dynamic AF Area............................................................... 264 a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On ....................................... 266 a5: AF Activation ...................................................................... 266 a6: AF Point Illumination ....................................................... 266 a7: Focus Point Wrap-Around ............................................. 267 a8: AF Point Selection............................................................. 267 a9: Built-in AF-assist Illuminator ......................................... 268 a10: AF-On for MB-D10 .......................................................... 269 xiv b: Metering/Exposure..................................................................270 b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value ..............................................270 b2: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl. ..........................................270 b3: Exp Comp/Fine Tune .......................................................270 b4: Easy Exposure Compensation ......................................271 b5: Center-Weighted Area ....................................................272 b6: Fine Tune Optimal Exposure.........................................272 c: Timers/AE Lock ..........................................................................273 c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L .........................................273 c2: Auto Meter-off Delay........................................................273 c3: Self-Timer..............................................................................273 c4: Monitor off Delay...............................................................274 d: Shooting/Display......................................................................275 d1: Beep .......................................................................................275 d2: Viewfinder Grid Display ..................................................275 d3: Viewfinder Warning Display..........................................275 d4: Screen Tips...........................................................................276 d5: CL Mode Shooting Speed ..............................................276 d6: Max. Continuous Release ...............................................276 d7: File Number Sequence....................................................277 d8: Information Display..........................................................278 d9: LCD Illumination................................................................278 d10: Exposure Delay Mode ...................................................278 d11: MB-D10 Battery Type ....................................................279 d12: Battery Order....................................................................280 e: Bracketing/Flash .......................................................................281 e1: Flash Sync Speed ...............................................................281 e2: Flash Shutter Speed..........................................................282 e3: Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash...........................................283 e4: Modeling Flash...................................................................289 e5: Auto Bracketing Set..........................................................289 e6: Auto Bracketing (Mode M) .............................................290 e7: Bracketing Order................................................................290 f: Controls.........................................................................................291 f1: D Switch................................................................................291 f2: Multi Selector Center Button..........................................291 f3: Multi Selector.......................................................................292 f4: Photo Info/Playback ..........................................................292 f5: Assign Fn Button.................................................................292 xv f6: Assign Preview Button ..................................................... 296 f7: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button ................................................. 296 f8: Customize Command Dials............................................ 297 f9: Release Button to Use Dial.............................................. 298 f10: No Memory Card?............................................................ 299 f11: Reverse Indicators ........................................................... 299 B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup...............................................300 Format Memory Card ............................................................. 301 LCD Brightness.......................................................................... 301 Video Mode................................................................................ 301 HDMI............................................................................................. 302 Time Zone and Date ............................................................... 302 Language .................................................................................... 303 Image Comment ...................................................................... 303 Auto Image Rotation .............................................................. 304 Image Dust Off Ref Photo ..................................................... 305 Battery Info................................................................................. 307 Wireless Transmitter ............................................................... 308 Image Authentication ............................................................ 308 Copyright Information ........................................................... 309 Save/Load Settings.................................................................. 310 Virtual Horizon .......................................................................... 311 AF Fine Tune .............................................................................. 312 Eye-Fi Upload ............................................................................ 313 Firmware Version ..................................................................... 314 N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies .............315 D-Lighting................................................................................... 319 Red-Eye Correction.................................................................. 320 Trim ............................................................................................... 321 Monochrome............................................................................. 322 Filter Effects................................................................................ 322 Color Balance............................................................................. 323 Image Overlay ........................................................................... 324 NEF (RAW) Processing ............................................................ 327 Resize............................................................................................ 329 Side-by-Side Comparison ..................................................... 331 O My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu ......................................333 xvi Technical Notes 339 Compatible Lenses ...........................................................................340 Optional Flash Units (Speedlights)..............................................347 The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) ..........................348 Other Accessories..............................................................................352 Caring for the Camera......................................................................357 Storage..............................................................................................357 Cleaning ...........................................................................................357 The Low-Pass Filter.......................................................................358 "Clean Now" ...............................................................................358 "Clean at Startup/Shutdown" ..............................................359 Manual Cleaning.......................................................................361 Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions..........................364 Defaults .................................................................................................368 Exposure Program.............................................................................372 Troubleshooting ................................................................................373 Error Messages ...................................................................................378 Specifications......................................................................................385 Approved Memory Cards ...............................................................393 Memory Card Capacity ....................................................................394 Battery Life ...........................................................................................396 Index.......................................................................................................398 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 When connecting cables to the handling the quick charger input and output jacks, use only Keep dry. Failure to observe this the cables provided or sold by precaution could result in fire or Nikon for the purpose to maintain electric shock. compliance with product Dust on or near the metal parts of regulations. the plug should be removed with 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 Do not use with travel converters due to broken glass and to or adapters designed to convert prevent the liquid crystal from the from one voltage to another or monitor touching the skin or with DC-to-AC inverters. Failure entering the eyes or mouth. to observe this precaution could damage the product or cause overheating or fire. 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 · Nikon reserves the right to change the would appreciate it were you to bring specifications of the hardware and any errors or omissions to the attention software described in these manuals at of the Nikon representative in your area any time and without prior notice. (address provided separately). 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. D300S These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This CAUTIONS equipment generates, uses, and can radiate Modifications radio frequency energy and, if not installed The FCC requires the user be notified that any changes or modifications made and used in accordance with the 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. Notices for Customers in Europe 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. ATTENTION Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. This symbol on the battery indicates that the battery is to be collected separately. The following apply only to users in European countries: · All batteries, whether marked with this symbol or not, are designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household waste. · For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management. 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. xxii 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 of 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. 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. Life-Long Learning As part of Nikon's "Life-Long Learning" commitment to ongoing product support and education, continually-updated information is available on-line at the following sites: · For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/ · For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support/ · For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/ Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the following URL for contact information: http://imaging.nikon.com/ A xxiv X Introduction This chapter covers information you will need to know before using the camera, including the names of camera parts. X Overview..................................................................................... 2 Getting to Know the Camera .................................................. 3 Camera Body ................................................................................................3 The Control Panel .......................................................................................8 The Viewfinder Display.......................................................................... 10 The Information Display........................................................................ 12 The BM-8 Monitor Cover ....................................................................... 16 1 Overview 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. X 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. D D Servicing the Camera and Accessories The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing. Nikon recommends that the camera be inspected by the original retailer or a Nikon-authorized service representative once every one to two years, and that it be serviced once every three to five years (note that fees apply to these services). Frequent inspection and servicing are particularly recommended if the camera is used professionally. Any accessories regularly used with the camera, such as lenses or optional flash units, should be included when the camera is inspected or serviced. A 2 Camera Settings The explanations in this manual assume that default settings are used. 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. Camera Body 1 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 11 X 1 Release mode dial.......................... 87 2 Release mode dial lock release...................................... 87 3 QUAL (image quality/size) button.........................................69, 71 Two-button reset button ........... 182 4 Eyelet for camera strap 5 WB (white balance) button........................... 135, 140, 141 6 ISO (ISO sensitivity) button .......... 96 7 Accessory shoe (for optional flash unit)............... 347 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 BS-1 accessory shoe cover .........347 Power switch .............................37, 39 Shutter-release button ...........43, 44 E (exposure compensation) button .............................................118 Two-button reset button ...........182 I (exposure mode) button .............................................105 Q (format) button........................ 34 Eyelet for camera strap Focal plane mark (E)................... 84 Control panel......................................8 3 Camera Body (Continued) 1 2 3 4 X 5 6 9 A/V OUT 7 8 10 11 MIC 15 16 17 18 12 13 14 1 Built-in flash .................................. 171 2 Flash pop-up button ................... 171 3 M (flash mode) button................. 171 Y (flash compensation) button............................................. 177 4 Built-in microphone ................59, 62 5 Flash sync terminal cover........... 347 6 Ten-pin remote terminal cover....................................... 198, 356 7 Flash sync terminal...................... 347 8 Ten-pin remote terminal ... 198, 356 9 Connector cover .... 225, 229, 239, 241 10 A/V connector...............................239 11 HDMI mini-pin connector ..........241 12 Connector for external microphone...............................58, 62 13 DC-IN connector for optional AC adapter EH-5a or EH-5 ................352 14 USB connector .....................225, 229 15 Lens release button ....................... 27 16 Focus-mode selector...............74, 83 17 Meter coupling lever ...................387 18 Mirror ....................................... 93, 361 4 8 9 1 2 10 X 3 4 5 6 11 7 12 1 AF-assist illuminator.................... 268 6 Battery-chamber cover latch....... 24 Self-timer lamp............................... 92 7 Contact cover for optional MB-D10 Red-eye reduction lamp............. 175 battery pack ..................................352 2 Sub-command dial...................... 297 8 CPU contacts 3 Depth-of-field preview 9 Mounting index.............................. 27 button.................................... 105, 296 10 Lens mount................................27, 84 4 Fn button.... 121, 125, 129, 179, 292 11 Tripod socket 5 Battery-chamber cover................. 24 12 BF-1A body cap ..................... 26, 355 D The Microphone and Speaker Do not place the microphone or speaker in close proximity to magnetic devices. Failure to observe this precaution could affect audio data recorded with the camera. 5 Camera Body (Continued) 1 2 X 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 Viewfinder eyepiece...................... 36 7 2 DK-23 rubber eyecup ........... 91, 191 3 O (delete) button .................. 46, 220 8 Q (format) button........................ 34 4 K (playback) button ........... 45, 204 9 5 Monitor..............................45, 47, 204 6 G (menu) button ............. 18, 243 10 L (protect) button ...................219 ? (help) button ................................ 21 W (thumbnail/playback zoom out) button.........................216 X (playback zoom in) button .............................................218 J (OK) button................................. 19 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 13 X 1 Diopter adjustment control......... 36 2 Metering selector......................... 103 3 A (AE/AF lock) button................................80, 81, 296 4 B (AF-ON) button ....... 50, 59, 75 5 Main command dial .................... 297 6 Multi selector .................................. 19 7 Multi selector center button......................... 19, 59, 63, 291 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Memory card slot cover................ 31 Focus selector lock......................... 78 Memory card access lamp .....33, 44 AF-area mode selector.................. 76 Speaker.......................................63, 64 R (info) button .............................. 12 a (live view) button........ 49, 52, 58 7 The Control Panel 1 2 3 4 5 15 14 13 12 11 X 6 7 8 9 10 1 Color temperature indicator ......... 141 10 White balance ...................................135 2 Shutter speed .......................... 108, 112 11 "K" (appears when memory remains Exposure compensation value..... 118 Flash compensation value............. 177 ISO sensitivity ......................................96 White balance fine-tuning ............ 140 Color temperature........................... 141 White balance preset number...... 151 Number of shots in exposure, flash, or white balance bracketing sequence .................................. 121, 125 Number of intervals for interval timer photography .......... 192 Focal length (non-CPU lenses) ..... 197 Flash sync indicator......................... 281 Flexible program indicator............ 107 Exposure mode ................................ 104 Image size.............................................71 Image quality ......................................69 Auto-area AF indicator ......................77 AF-area mode indicator ....................77 3D-tracking indicator ...............77, 265 White balance fine-tuning indicator............................................. 140 for over 1000 exposures).................. 38 12 Exposure indicator ...........................113 Exposure compensation indicator .............................................118 Bracketing progress indicator: Exposure and flash bracketing...121 WB bracketing................................125 ADL bracketing ..............................129 PC connection indicator .................224 13 Flash mode ........................................171 14 Aperture (f-number)................109, 112 Aperture (number of stops) ...110, 343 Bracketing increment.............122, 126 Number of shots in ADL bracketing sequence ............................................129 Number of shots per interval ........192 Maximum aperture (non-CPU lenses)..............................197 PC mode indicator ...........................224 15 Aperture stop indicator .........110, 343 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 16 17 18 30 29 19 20 21 22 28 27 26 25 24 23 X 16 Flash compensation indicator...... 177 26 Number of exposures remaining ... 38 Number of shots remaining before 17 Exposure compensation indicator............................................. 118 18 FV lock indicator .............................. 179 19 CompactFlash (CF) card indicator................................................32 20 Secure Digital (SD) card 21 22 23 24 25 indicator................................................32 27 "Clock not set" indicator ..........30, 378 28 Multiple exposure indicator.......... 186 "Beep" indicator............................... 275 MB-D10 battery indicator.............. 280 Battery indicator .................................37 29 30 memory buffer fills ............................ 89 Capture mode indicator .................224 Preset white balance recording indicator ..........................144 Manual lens number .......................197 ISO sensitivity indicator .................... 96 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator.......... 99 Exposure and flash bracketing indicator ........................121 WB bracketing indicator.................125 ADL bracketing indicator ...............129 GPS connection indicator...............200 Interval timer indicator...................192 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) ..................................... 275 2 Focus points ........................... 78, 267 3 AF area brackets .......................36, 52 4 Battery indicator.................... 37, 275 (display can be turned off with Custom Setting d3) 5 Focus indicator .........................43, 84 6 Metering......................................... 102 7 Autoexposure (AE) lock .............. 116 8 Shutter speed....................... 108, 112 9 Aperture (f-number) .......... 109, 112 Aperture (number of stops) ...... 110 10 Exposure mode............................. 104 11 Flash compensation indicator ......................................... 177 12 Exposure compensation indicator ......................................... 118 13 ISO sensitivity.................................. 96 14 Number of exposures remaining......................................... 38 Number of shots remaining before memory buffer fills ..................43, 89 White balance recording indicator .........................................144 Exposure compensation value................................................118 Flash compensation value .........177 15 Flash-ready indicator...................171 16 FV lock indicator...........................179 17 Flash sync indicator .....................281 18 Aperture stop indicator ..............110 19 Exposure indicator.......................113 Exposure compensation display.............................................118 20 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator ........................................... 99 21 "K" (appears when memory remains for over 1000 exposures)........................................ 38 X 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 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 Information Display 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. X R button A Turning the Monitor Off To clear shooting information from the monitor, press the R button twice more or press the shutter-release button halfway. The monitor will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for about 10 seconds. The information display can be restored by pressing the R button. A See Also For information on choosing how long the monitor stays on, see Custom Setting c4 (Monitor off delay, 0 274). For information on changing the color of the lettering in the information display, see Custom Setting d8 (Information display, 0 278). 12 1 23 4 56 7 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 8 9 10 11 12 X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Exposure mode ................................ 104 Flexible program indicator............ 107 Flash sync indicator......................... 281 Shutter speed .......................... 108, 111 Exposure compensation value..... 118 Flash compensation value............. 177 Number of shots in exposure, flash, or white balance bracketing sequence .................................. 121, 125 Focal length (non-CPU lenses) ..... 197 Color temperature........................... 141 Color temperature indicator ......... 141 Aperture stop indicator.................. 110 Aperture (f-number) .............. 109, 111 Aperture (number of stops) .......... 110 Bracketing increment ............ 122, 126 Number of shots in ADL bracketing sequence ........................................... 129 Maximum aperture (non-CPU lenses) ............................. 197 Flash mode........................................ 171 ISO sensitivity indicator ....................96 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator ..........99 White balance................................... 134 White balance fine-tuning indicator............................................. 140 11 "K" (appears when memory remains for over 1000 exposures)............................................ 38 Number of exposures remaining ............................................ 38 Manual lens number .......................197 Fn button assignment .....................292 AE-L/AF-L button assignment .........296 Picture Control indicator ................155 Long exposure noise reduction indicator .............................................258 Custom settings bank .....................262 Auto-area AF indicator...................... 77 Focus points indicator....................... 78 AF-area mode indicator.................... 77 3D-tracking indicator ............... 77, 265 Image quality ...................................... 68 Primary/secondary slot..................... 72 Image size ............................................ 71 Exposure indicator ...........................113 Exposure compensation indicator .............................................118 Bracketing progress indicator: Exposure and flash bracketing...121 WB bracketing................................125 ADL bracketing ..............................129 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 The Information Display (Continued) 22 23 24 25 43 42 41 40 39 38 37 26 27 28 29 30 31 X 36 35 34 33 32 22 Exposure compensation 23 24 25 26 27 display ................................................ 118 Flash compensation indicator............................................. 177 Interval timer indicator .................. 192 Eye-Fi connection indicator .......... 313 GPS connection indicator.............. 200 Exposure and flash bracketing indicator ....................... 121 WB bracketing indicator ................ 125 ADL bracketing indicator............... 129 Metering ............................................ 102 Camera battery indicator..................37 MB-D10 battery type display........ 280 MB-D10 battery indicator.............. 279 "Beep" indicator............................... 275 32 Depth-of-field preview button assignment ........................................296 33 Color space indicator.......................166 34 Active D-Lighting indicator ...........165 35 High ISO noise reduction indicator .............................................259 Shooting menu bank ......................254 Multiple exposure indicator ..........186 ADL bracketing amount .................130 Copyright information ....................309 "Clock not set" indicator.......... 30, 378 Image comment indicator .............303 Release mode (single frame/ continuous) indicator........................ 86 Continuous shooting speed ............ 88 43 FV lock indicator...............................179 28 29 30 31 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 14 Changing Settings in the Information Display To change settings for the items listed below, press the R button in the information display. Highlight items using the multi selector and press J to view options for the highlighted item. R button 3 2 1 4 5 X 10 9 8 7 6 1 2 3 4 5 Shooting menu bank.................. 254 6 High ISO noise reduction........... 259 7 Active D-Lighting......................... 164 8 Color space.................................... 166 9 Depth-of-field preview button assignment.................................... 296 10 Fn button assignment................. 292 AE-L/AF-L button assignment..... 296 Picture Control.............................. 154 Long exposure noise reduction ....................................... 258 Custom settings bank................. 262 Tool Tips A tool tip giving the name of the selected item appears in the information display. Tool tips can be turned off using Custom Setting d4 (Screen tips; 0 276). Viewing Button Assignments 0, 2, and 4 icons indicate the "button press" function (0 292, 296) performed respectively by the depth-of-field preview button, Fn button, and AE-L/AF-L button. The "button+dials" functions (0 295) are indicated by 1, 3, and 5 icons. If separate functions have been assigned to "button press" and "button + dials," the latter assignment can be viewed by pressing the W button. A A 15 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). X To remove the cover, hold the camera firmly and pull the bottom of the cover gently outwards as shown at right. 16 s Tutorial This section describes how to use the camera menus, how to ready the camera for use, and how to take your first pictures and play them back. s Camera Menus ......................................................................... 18 Using Camera Menus ............................................................................. 19 Help .............................................................................................................. 21 First Steps ................................................................................. 22 Charge the Battery .................................................................................. 22 Insert the Battery ..................................................................................... 24 Attach a Lens............................................................................................. 26 Basic Setup................................................................................................. 28 Insert a Memory Card............................................................................. 31 Format the Memory Card ..................................................................... 34 Adjust Viewfinder Focus........................................................................ 36 Basic Photography and Playback......................................... 37 Turn the Camera On ............................................................................... 37 Adjust Camera Settings......................................................................... 40 Ready the Camera ................................................................................... 42 Focus and Shoot ...................................................................................... 43 Viewing Photographs............................................................................. 45 Deleting Unwanted Photographs ..................................................... 46 17 Camera Menus Most shooting, playback, and setup options G button can be accessed from the camera menus. To view the menus, press the G button. s Tabs Choose from the following menus: · D: Playback (0 244) · C: Shooting (0 253) · A: Custom Settings (0 260) · B: Setup (0 300) · N: Retouch (0 315) · O/m: My Menu or Recent settings (defaults to My Menu; 0 333) Slider shows position in current menu. Current settings are shown by icons. Menu options Options in current menu. If d icon is displayed, help for current item can be viewed by pressing L (Q) button (0 21). d 18 Using Camera Menus Menu Controls The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the menus. Multi selector Move cursor up Select highlighted item Select highlighted item or display sub-menu Cancel and return to previous menu Move cursor down s