Nikon D3100 User Manual

DIGITAL CAMERAReference ManualEn

viiiSmall Picture...156Image Overla

84tA The Y (M) and E ButtonsFlash compensation can also be set by rotating the command dial while pressing the Y (M) and E buttons. The selected value

85tActive D-LightingWhen " On is selected, the camera automatically adjusts Active D-Lighting during shooting to preserve details in highlights a

86tD Active D-LightingNoise (randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines) may appear in photographs taken with Active D-Lighting. Uneven shading may

87tWhite BalanceWhite balance ensures that colors are unaffected by the color of the light source. Auto white balance is recommended for most light so

88tA The Shooting MenuWhite balance can be selected using the White balance option in the shooting menu (0 131), which also can be used to fine-tune w

89tFine-Tuning White BalanceWhite balance can be “fine tuned” to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a delibera

90tPreset ManualPreset manual is used to record and recall custom white balance settings for shooting under mixed lighting or to compensate for light

91tWhen the camera is ready to measure white balance, a flashing D (L) will appear in the viewfinder and information display.5 Measure white balance.B

92tD Measuring Preset White BalanceIf no operations are performed while the displays are flashing, direct measurement mode will end when the exposure

93t❚❚ Copying White Balance from a PhotographFollow the steps below to copy a value for white balance from a photograph on the memory card.1 Select Pr

ixFor Your SafetyTo prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety b

94tPicture ControlsNikon’s unique Picture Control system makes it possible to share image processing settings, including sharpening, contrast, brightn

95tModifying Picture ControlsPicture Controls can be modified to suit the scene or the user’s creative intent. Choose a balanced combination of settin

96t❚❚ Picture Control SettingsOption DescriptionQuick adjustChoose from options between –2 and +2 to reduce or exaggerate the effect of the selected P

97tA The Picture Control GridPressing the X button in Step 3 displays a Picture Control grid showing the contrast and saturation for the selected Pict

98tThe GP-1 GPS UnitThe GP-1 GPS unit (available separately) can be connected to the camera’s accessory terminal (0 177) using the cable supplied with

99IIMore on PlaybackTo play photographs back, press the K button. The most recent photograph will be displayed in the monitor.Full-Frame PlaybackTo Us

100IPhoto InformationPhoto information is superimposed on images displayed in full-frame playback. Press 1 or 3 to cycle through photo information as

101I❚❚ RGB Histogram** Displayed only if RGB histogram is selected for Display mode > Detailed photo info (0 130).1Protect status...

102I❚❚ Highlights ** Displayed only if Highlights is selected for Display mode > Detailed photo info (0 130). Blinking areas indicate highlights.❚❚

103I❚❚ Shooting Data Page 211 Displayed only if Data is selected for Display mode > Detailed photo info (0 130).2 Standard, Vivid, Portrait, and La

xAObserve proper precautions when handling batteriesBatteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. Observe the following precautions when handli

104I❚❚ GPS Data** Displayed only if GPS device was used when picture was recorded (0 98); data for movies are for start of recording.❚❚ Overview Data1

105IThumbnail PlaybackTo display images in “contact sheets” of four, nine, or 72 images, press the W button.Full-frame playbackCalendar playbackThumbn

106ICalendar PlaybackTo view images taken on a selected date, press the W button when 72 images are displayed.Press the W button to toggle between the

107ITaking a Closer Look: Playback ZoomPress the X button to zoom in on the image displayed in full-frame playback or on the image currently highlight

108IProtecting Photographs from DeletionIn full-frame, zoom, thumbnail, and calendar playback, the L button can be used to protect photographs from ac

109IDeleting PhotographsTo delete the photograph displayed in full-frame playback or the photograph highlighted in the thumbnail list, press the O but

110IThe Playback MenuThe Delete option in the playback menu contains the following options. Note that depending on the number of images, some time may

111I❚❚ Select Date: Deleting Photographs Taken on a Selected Date1 Choose Select Date.In the delete menu, highlight Select date and press 2.2 Highligh

112ISlide ShowsThe Slide show option in the playback menu is used to display a slide show of the pictures in the current playback folder (0 129).1 Sel

113IThe following operations can be performed while the slide show is in progress:The dialog shown at right is displayed when the show ends. Select Re

xiNotices• No part of the manuals included with this product may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated

114I

115QQConnectionsThis section describes how to use a UC-E4 USB cable (available separately) to connect the camera to a computer.Before Connecting the C

116QConnecting the CameraConnect the camera using a UC-E4 USB cable (available separately).1 Turn the camera off.2 Turn the computer on. Turn the comp

117QPrinting PhotographsTo print selected JPEG pictures on a PictBridge printer via a direct USB connection, follow the steps below.Connecting the Pri

118Q3 Turn the camera on. A welcome screen will be displayed in the monitor, followed by a PictBridge playback display.Printing Pictures One at a Time

119Q3 Adjust printing options.Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option and press 2 to select.Option DescriptionPage sizeMenu of page sizes will be displaye

120Q4 Start printing.Select Start printing and press J to start printing. To cancel before all copies have been printed, press J.Printing Multiple Pic

121Q3 Select pictures or choose a date.If you chose Print select or Print (DPOF) in Step 2, use the multi selector to scroll through the pictures on t

122Q4 Display printing options.Press J to display PictBridge printing options.5 Adjust printing options.Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option and press

123QCreating Index PrintsTo create an index print of all JPEG pictures on the memory card, select Index print in Step 2 of “Printing Multiple Pictures

xiiNotices for Customers in the U.S.A.Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference StatementThis equipment has been tested and

124QCreating a DPOF Print Order: Print SetThe Print set (DPOF) option in the playback menu is used to create digital “print orders” for PictBridge-com

125Q4 Select imprint options.Highlight the following options and press 2 to toggle the highlighted option on or off (to complete the print order witho

126QViewing Photographs on TVAn EG-D2 audio video (A/V) cable (available separately) can be used to connect the camera to a television or video record

127QHigh-Definition DevicesThe camera can be connected to HDMI devices using a type C mini-pin HDMI cable (available separately from third-party suppl

128Q❚❚ HDMI OptionsThe HDMI option in the setup menu controls output resolution and can be used to enable the camera for remote control from devices t

129MoMenu GuideTo display the playback menu, press G and select the D (playback menu) tab.The playback menu contains the following options:Choose a fo

130oChoose the information available in the playback photo information display (0 100) and the transition between frames during playback.• Transition

131iC The Shooting Menu: Shooting OptionsTo display the shooting menu, press G and select the C (shooting menu) tab.The shooting menu contains the fol

132iAdjust ISO sensitivity (0 71).❚❚ Auto ISO SensitivityIf Off is chosen for Auto ISO sensitivity in P, S, A, and M modes, ISO sensitivity will remai

133iSelect On to reduce barrel distortion when shooting with wide-angle lenses and to reduce pin-cushion distortion when shooting with long lenses (no

xiiiNotice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or ReproductionNote that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or reprodu

134iSelect On to reduce noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels, lines, or fog). Noise reduction takes effect at all ISO sensitivities, but is most notic

135iChoose the flash mode for the built-in flash in P, S, A, and M modes.Built-in FlashG button ➜ C shooting menuOption Description1 TTL Flash output

136gB The Setup Menu: Camera SetupTo display the setup menu, press G and select the B (setup menu) tab.The setup menu contains the following options:1

137gPress 1 or 3 to choose monitor brightness. Choose higher values for increased brightness, lower values for reduced brightness.Choose from the foll

138gThe “Classic” display is shown below.87910111213146123 4 51816 17 20 21191523 24 25 26 27 28221 Shooting modei auto/j auto (flash off) ...

139gIf On is selected, the information display will appear after the shutter-release button is pressed halfway; if image review (0 130) is off, it wil

140gChoose a language for camera menus and messages. The following options are available:Add a comment to new photographs as they are taken. Comments

141gPhotographs taken while On is selected contain information on camera orientation, allowing them to be rotated automatically during playback or whe

142g• Start: The message shown at right will be displayed and “rEF” will appear in the viewfinder.• Clean sensor, then start: Select this option to cl

143gThis option determines how long the monitor remains on if no operations are performed during menu display and playback (Playback/menus), while pho

xivUse Only Nikon Brand Electronic AccessoriesNikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. Only Nikon

144gIf On is selected, a beep will sound when the camera focuses in single-servo AF (AF-S or when shooting stationary subjects in AF-A focus mode), wh

145gWhen a photograph is taken, the camera names the file by adding one to the last file number used. This option controls whether file numbering cont

146gChoose the roles played by the Fn and AE-L/AF-L buttons.❚❚ Fn ButtonChoose the role played by the Fn button. The item currently selected is shown

147gIf Release locked is selected, the shutter-release button is only enabled when a memory card is inserted in the camera. Selecting Enable release a

148g❚❚ Date CounterUp to three separate dates can be stored in slots 1, 2, and 3. The first time you use the date counter, you will be prompted to sel

149gCreate, rename, or delete folders, or choose the folder in which subsequent photographs will be stored.• Select folder: Choose the folder in which

150gThis option is displayed only when an Eye-Fi memory card (available separately from third-party suppliers) is inserted in the camera. Choose Enabl

151uN The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched CopiesTo display the retouch menu, press G and select the N (retouch menu) tab.The retouch menu is used to

152uCreating Retouched CopiesTo create a retouched copy :1 Display retouch options.Highlight the desired item in the retouch menu and press 2.2 Select

153uD-Lighting brightens shadows, making it ideal for dark or backlit photographs.Press 1 or 3 to choose the amount of correction performed. The effec

1XXIntroductionThank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. To get the most from your camera, please be sure to rea

154uCreate a cropped copy of the selected photograph. The selected photograph is displayed with the selected crop shown in yellow; create a cropped co

155uChoose from the following filter effects. After adjusting filter effects as described below, press J to copy the photograph.Filter EffectsG button

156uUse the multi selector to create a copy with modified color balance as shown below. The effect is displayed in the monitor together with red, gree

157u2 Choose the desired size.Highlight desired size and press J to select and return to the previous menu.3 Choose Select image.Highlight Select imag

158uImage overlay combines two existing NEF (RAW) photographs to create a single picture that is saved separately from the originals; the results, whi

159u5 Select the second photograph.Press 2 to highlight Image 2. Repeat Steps 2–4 to select the second photo.6 Set gain.Highlight Image 1 or Image 2 a

160uCreate JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs.1 Select NEF (RAW) processing. Highlight NEF (RAW) processing in the retouch menu and press 2 to displ

161uCreate copies with enhanced saturation and contrast. D-Lighting is applied as required to brighten dark or backlit subjects.Press 1 or 3 to choose

162uCreate copies that appear to have been taken with a fisheye lens. Press 2 to increase the effect (this also increases the amount that will be crop

163uCreate a copy that appears to be a photo of a diorama. Works best with photos taken from a high vantage point.Miniature EffectG button ➜ N retouch

2XGetting to Know the CameraTake a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this sec

164uCompare retouched copies to the original photographs. This option is only available if the J button is pressed to display the retouch menu when a

165wm Recent SettingsTo display the recent settings menu, press G and select the m (recent settings) tab.The recent settings menu lists the twenty mos

166w

167nnTechnical NotesCompatible CPU LensesThis camera supports autofocus with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses only. AF-S lenses have names beginning with AF-S

168nA Identifying CPU and Type G and D LensesCPU lenses can be identified by the presence of CPU contacts, type G and D lenses by a letter on the lens

169nCompatible Non-CPU LensesNon-CPU lenses may only be used when the camera is in mode M. Selecting another mode disables the shutter release. Apertu

170nD The Built-in FlashThe built-in flash can be used with lenses with focal lengths of 18–300 mm, although in some cases the flash may be unable to

171nLens Zoom position Minimum distance without vignettingAF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200–400mm f/4G IF-ED250mm 2.5m/8ft. 2in.350 mm 2.0 m/6 ft. 7 in.AF-S NIK

172nOptional Flash Units (Speedlights)The camera supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) and can be used with CLS-compatible flash units. Op

173nThe Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)Nikon’s advanced Creative Lighting System (CLS) offers improved communication between the camera and compa

3XThe Camera Body (Continued)11011121619181513141722232120345678921 Viewfinder eyepiece...542 Rubber eyecup3 MonitorViewing settings...

174nThe following features are available with CLS-compatible flash units:❚❚ Other Flash UnitsThe following flash units can be used in non-TTL auto and

175nD Notes on Optional Flash UnitsRefer to the Speedlight manual for detailed instructions. If the flash unit supports CLS, refer to the section on C

176nOther AccessoriesAt the time of writing, the following accessories were available for the D3100.Power sources• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL14

177nApproved Memory CardsThe following SD memory cards have been tested and approved for use in the D3100. Cards with class 6 or faster write speeds a

178nAttaching a Power Connector and AC AdapterTurn the camera off before attaching an optional power connector and AC adapter.1 Ready the camera.Open

179nCaring for the CameraStorageWhen the camera will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry area with the

180nThe Low-Pass FilterThe image sensor that acts as the camera’s picture element is fitted with a low-pass filter to prevent moiré. If you suspect th

181n❚❚ “Clean At”Choose from the following options:1 Select Clean at.Display the Clean image sensor menu as described in Step 2 on the previous page.

182n❚❚ Manual CleaningIf foreign matter can not be removed from the low-pass filter using the Clean image sensor option in the setup menu (0 180), the

183n7 Clean the filter.Remove any dust and lint from the filter with a blower. Do not use a blower-brush, as the bristles could damage the filter. Dir

Where to Find ItFind what you’re looking for from:A For Your SafetyBefore using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions in “For Yo

X4The Mode DialThe camera offers a choice of the following shooting modes and g mode:P, S, A, and M ModesSelect these modes for full control over came

184nCaring for the Camera and Battery: CautionsDo not drop: The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration.Keep dry: This prod

185nTo prevent mold or mildew, take the camera out of storage at least once a month. Turn the camera on and release the shutter a few times before put

186nAvailable SettingsThe following table lists the settings that can be adjusted in each mode. Defaults can be restored with Reset shooting options (

187nMemory Card CapacityThe following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on a 4 GB SanDisk Extreme SDHC card at differe

188nTroubleshootingIf the camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common problems below before consulting your retailer or Nikon repre

189nFocus does not lock when shutter-release button is pressed halfway: Use AE-L/AF-L button to lock focus when live view is off and AF-C is selected

190nShooting (P, S, A, M)PlaybackShutter-release disabled:• Non-CPU lens is attached: rotate camera mode dial to M (0 169).• Mode dial rotated to S af

191nMiscellaneousCan not delete picture:• Picture is protected: remove protection (0 108).• Memory card is locked (0 20).Can not retouch picture: Phot

192nError MessagesThis section lists the indicators and error messages that appear in the viewfinder and monitor.A Warning IconsA flashing d in the mo

193nThis card is not formatted. Format the card.T(blinks)Format card or turn camera off and insert new memory card.21Card is fullj/A/s(blinks)• Reduc

5XThe Release-Mode SelectorUse the release-mode selector to choose from the following release modes:8 Single frame One photo is taken each time the sh

194nError. Press shutter release button again.O(blinks)Release shutter. If error persists or appears frequently, consult Nikon-authorized service repr

195nSpecifications❚❚ Nikon D3100 Digital CameraTypeType Single-lens reflex digital cameraLens mount Nikon F mount (with AF contacts)Effective angle of

196nLensCompatible lenses • AF-S or AF-I: All functions supported.• Type G or D AF NIKKOR without built-in autofocus motor: All functions except autof

197nISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)ISO 100 – 3200 in steps of 1 EV; can also be set to approx. 1 EV above ISO 3200 (ISO 6400 equivalent)

198nFlash compensation –3 – +1 EV in increments of 1/3 EVFlash-ready indicator Lights when built-in flash or optional flash unit such as SB-900, SB-80

199n• Unless otherwise stated, all figures are for a camera with a fully-charged battery operating at an ambient temperature of 20 °C (68 °F).• Nikon

200nNikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in this manual at any time and without prior notice.

201n❚❚ The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VRThe AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR is for use exclusively with Nikon DX format digital cameras. I

202nA Supplied Accessories• 52 mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-52A Optional Accessories• 52 mm screw-on filters• LF-1 and LF-4 rear lens caps• Flexible L

203n❚❚ Supported Standards• DCF Version 2.0: The Design Rule for Camera File Systems (DCF) is a standard widely used in the digital camera industry to

X6The Information DisplayCamera settings can be viewed and adjusted in the information display. Press the P button once to view settings, and again to

204nBattery LifeThe number of shots that can be taken with fully-charged batteries varies with the condition of the battery, temperature, and how the

205nIndexSymbolsi (Auto mode) ...23j (Auto (flash off ) mode) ...23k (Portrait) ...

206nFlash control ...135Flash mode... 68Flash range...

207nRemote cord ... 78, 177Removing the lens from the camera ...17Reset setup optio

No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without writ

7XA Hiding Shooting InformationTo turn the monitor off, press the R button. Note that the monitor turns off automatically while the shutter-release bu

X8The Command DialThe command dial can be used with other controls to adjust a variety of settings when shooting information is displayed in the monit

9XSet exposure compensation (mode P, S, or A; 0 81).+Mode P, S, or AE button Command dial Information displayChoose a flash mode (0 68).+M button Comm

X10The Viewfinder12 312101315146 84115971 Focus points ... 602 Focus indicator ...26, 633 Autoexposure (AE) lock

11XCamera MenusMost shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus. To view the menus, press the G button.Ta bsChoose fro

X12Using Camera MenusThe multi selector and J button are used to navigate the camera menus.Follow the steps below to navigate the menus.1 Display the

13X4 Position the cursor in the selected menu.Press 2 to position the cursor in the selected menu.5 Highlight a menu item.Press 1 or 3 to highlight a

iQ&A Index 0 iiTable of Contents 0 ivXIntroduction 0 1sBasic Photography and Playback 0 23!Guide Mode 0 33xLive View 0 37yRecording and Viewing Mo

14XFirst StepsCharge the BatteryThe camera is powered by an EN-EL14 rechargeable Li-ion battery (supplied). To maximize shooting time, charge the batt

15XInsert the Battery1 Turn the camera off.2 Open the battery-chamber cover.Unlatch (q) and open (w) the battery-chamber cover.3 Insert the battery.In

X16Attach a LensCare should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens is removed. The lens generally used in this manual for ill

17X❚❚ Vibration Reduction (VR)AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR lenses support vibration reduction (VR), which reduces blur caused by camera shake

X18Basic SetupA language-selection dialog will be displayed the first time the camera is turned on. Choose a language and set the time and date. Photo

19XA The Setup MenuLanguage and date/time settings can be changed at any time using the Language (0 140) and Time zone and date (0 139) options in the

X20Insert a Memory CardThe camera stores pictures on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (available separately; 0 177).1 Turn the camera off.2 Open the c

21XFormat the Memory CardMemory cards must be formatted before first use or after being formatted in other devices. Format the card as described below

X22Adjust Viewfinder FocusThe camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to accommodate individual differences in vision. Check that the display in th

23ssBasic Photography and PlaybackThis section describes how to take photographs in i (auto) mode, an automatic “point-and-shoot” mode in which the ma

iiFind what you’re looking for using this “question and answer” index.Q&A IndexTaking Photographs0Shooting Modes and Framing OptionsIs there a qui

24s3 Check the number of exposures remaining.The information display and viewfinder show the number of photographs that can be stored on the memory ca

25sStep 3: Frame the Photograph1 Ready the camera.When framing photographs in the viewfinder, hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the came

26sStep 4: Focus1 Press the shutter-release button halfway.Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. The camera will select the focus points

27sA The Shutter-Release ButtonThe camera has a two-stage shutter-release button. The camera focuses when the shutter-release button is pressed halfwa

28sCreative Photography (Scene Modes)The camera offers a choice of “scene” modes. Choosing a scene mode automatically optimizes settings to suit the s

29sp ChildUse for snapshots of children. Clothing and background details are vividly rendered, while skin tones remain soft and natural.m SportsFast s

30sBasic PlaybackPhotographs are automatically displayed for about 4 s after shooting. If no photograph is displayed in the monitor, the most recent p

31sDeleting Unwanted PhotographsTo delete the photograph currently displayed in the monitor, press the O button. Note that photographs can not be reco

32s

33!!Guide ModeGuide mode gives access to a variety of frequently-used and useful functions. The top level of the guide is displayed when the mode dial

iiiRetouching Photographs0How do I create retouched copies of photos? 151–164How do I remove “red-eye”? 153How do I make JPEG copies of RAW (NEF) phot

34!Guide Mode MenusTo access these menus, highlight Shoot, View/delete, or Set up and press J.❚❚ Shoot“Start Shooting”To start shooting, highlight Sta

35!❚❚ View/Delete❚❚ Set UpChanges to Image quality, Image size, LCD brightness, Info background color, Auto info display, Auto off timers, Beep, Date

36!The following operations can be performed while the guide is displayed:To Use DescriptionReturn to top level of guideG buttonPress G to turn the mo

37xxLive ViewFollow the steps below to take photographs in live view.1 Rotate the live view switch.The mirror will be raised and the view through the

x382 Choose a focus mode.Press the P button and use the multi selector to highlight the current focus mode in the monitor. Press J to display the foll

39x4 Choose the focus point.Face-priority AF: A double yellow border will be displayed when the camera detects a portrait subject facing the camera (i

x405 Focus.Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus.Face-priority AF: The camera sets focus for the face in the double yellow border while th

41x6 Take the picture.Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to shoot. The monitor will turn off. When shooting is complete, the ph

x42A FlickerYou may notice flicker or banding in the monitor during live view or when shooting movies under certain types of lighting, such as fluores

43xD Using Autofocus in Live ViewAutofocus is slower in live view and the monitor may brighten or darken while the camera focuses. The camera may be u

ivQ&A Index ... i

x44

45yyRecording and Viewing MoviesMovies can be recorded in live view mode.1 Rotate the live view switch.The mirror is raised and the view through the l

y465 Start recording.Press the movie-record button to start recording (the camera can record both video and sound; do not cover the microphone on the

47y❚❚ Movie SettingsChoose movie frame size and sound options.• Frame size (Quality)• Audio (Sound)1 Select Movie settings.Press the G button to displ

y48D Recording MoviesFlicker, banding, or distortion may be visible in the monitor and in the final movie under fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium

49yViewing MoviesMovies are indicated by a 1 icon in full-frame playback (0 99). Press J to start playback.The following operations can be performed:1

50yEditing MoviesTrim footage to create edited copies of movies or save selected frames as JPEG stills.Trimming MoviesTo create trimmed copies of movi

51y4 Choose an option.To create a copy that includes the current frame and all following frames, highlight Choose start point in the edit movie menu a

y52Saving Selected FramesTo save a copy of a selected frame as a JPEG still:1 View the movie and choose a frame.Play the movie back as described on pa

53kkRelease ModeTo choose a release mode, rotate the release-mode selector to the desired setting.Choosing a Release Mode8Single frame (0 5)IContinuou

vGuide Mode 33The Guide ...

54kSelf-Timer Mode The self-timer can be used to reduce camera shake or for self-portraits.1 Mount the camera on a tripod.Mount the camera on a tripod

55zzMore on Photography (All Modes)This section describes the focus options available when photographs are framed in the viewfinder. Focus can be adju

56z3 Choose a focus mode.Highlight a focus mode and press J. To return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.D Continuous-servo A

57zD The AF-Assist Illuminator If the subject is poorly lit, the AF-assist illuminator will light automatically to assist the autofocus operation when

58zAF-Area ModeChoose how the focus point for autofocus is selected. Note that f (3D-tracking (11 points)) is not available when AF-S is selected for

59z3 Choose an AF-area mode.Highlight one of the following options and press J. To return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.A

60zFocus Point SelectionIn manual focus mode or when autofocus is combined with AF-area modes other than e (Auto-area AF), you can choose from 11 focu

61z2 Lock focus.AF-A and AF-C focus modes: With the shutter-release button pressed halfway (q), press the AE-L/AF-L button (w) to lock both focus and

62zManual FocusManual focus can be used when you are not using an AF-S or AF-I lens or when autofocus does not produce the desired results (0 56).1 Se

63z❚❚ The Electronic RangefinderIf the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether t

viExposure ...79Mete

64zImage Quality and SizeTogether, image quality and size determine how much space each photograph occupies on the memory card. Larger, higher quality

65z3 Choose a file type.Highlight an option and press J. To return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.A NEF (RAW) ImagesNote t

66zImage SizeImage size is measured in pixels. Choose from the following options:1 Place the cursor in the information display.If shooting information

67zUsing the Built-in FlashThe camera supports a variety of flash modes for photographing poorly lit or backlit subjects. ❚❚ Using the Built-in Flash:

68zFlash Mode The flash modes available vary with shooting mode:1 Place the cursor in the information display.If shooting information is not displayed

69zA Flash ModesThe flash modes listed on the previous page may combine one or more of the following settings, as shown by the flash mode icon:• AUTO

70zA Shutter Speeds Available with the Built-in FlashShutter speed is restricted to the following ranges when the built-in flash is used:Mode Shutter

71zISO Sensitivity“ISO sensitivity” is the digital equivalent of film speed. Choose from settings that range from a value roughly equivalent to ISO 10

72zA AUTOIf the mode dial is rotated to P, S, A, or M after AUTO is selected for ISO sensitivity in another mode, the ISO sensitivity last selected in

73ttP, S, A, and M ModesP, S, A, and M modes offer different degrees of control over shutter speed and aperture:Shutter Speed and ApertureMode Descrip

viiMenu Guide 129D The Playback Menu: Managing Images... 129Playback Folder..

74tMode P (Programmed Auto)In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations. This mod

75tMode S (Shutter-Priority Auto)In shutter-priority auto, you choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically selects the aperture that will

76tMode A (Aperture-Priority Auto)In aperture-priority auto, you choose the aperture while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed that wil

77tMode M (Manual)In manual exposure mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. To take photographs in manual exposure mode:1 Rotate the mode

78t❚❚ Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only)At a shutter speed of “bulb,” the shutter remains open while the shutter-release button is held down. This can

79tExposureMeteringChoose how the camera sets exposure in P, S, A, and M modes (in other modes, the camera selects the metering method automatically).

80tAutoexposure LockUse autoexposure lock to recompose photographs after metering exposure:1 Set metering to M or N (0 79).L will not produce the desi

81tExposure CompensationExposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. It

82tA The E ButtonExposure compensation can also be set by pressing the E button and rotating the command dial. The selected value is shown in the view

83tFlash CompensationFlash compensation is used to alter flash output from the level suggested by the camera, changing the brightness of the main subj