Nikon D5000 User Manual

© 2009 Nikon Corporation No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews

viiiP, S, A, and M Modes 79Shutter Speed and Aperture ...8

82tMode S (Shutter-Priority Auto)In shutter-priority auto, you choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically selects the aperture that will

83tMode A (Aperture-Priority Auto)In aperture-priority auto, you choose the aperture while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed that wil

84tMode M (Manual)In manual exposure mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. To take photographs in manual exposure mode:1 Rotate the mode

85tA The Exposure IndicatorIf a CPU lens is attached and a shutter speed other than “bulb” or “time” is selected, the exposure indicator in the viewfi

86t❚❚ Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only)Shutter speeds of “bulb” and “time” can be used for long time-exposure photographs of moving lights, the stars,

87t4 Open the shutter.Bulb: After focusing, press the shutter-release button on the camera or remote cord all the way down. Keep the shutter-release b

88tExposureMeteringChoose how the camera sets exposure in P, S, A, and M modes (in other modes, the camera selects the metering method automatically).

89tAutoexposure LockUse autoexposure lock to recompose photographs after metering exposure:1 Select center-weighted (M) or spot (N) metering (0 88).Ma

90tExposure CompensationExposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. It

91tA 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

ixConnecting to a Computer ... 134Before Connecting the Ca

92tFlash CompensationFlash compensation is used to alter flash output from the level suggested by the camera, changing the brightness of the main subj

93tA 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

94tActive D-LightingActive D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast. Use for high contrast s

95tD Active D-LightingNoise (graininess, banding, and mottling) may appear in photographs taken with Active D-Lighting at high ISO sensitivities. If c

96tWhite BalanceWhite balance ensures that colors are unaffected by the color of the light source. Auto white balance is recommended for most light so

97tA The Shooting MenuWhite balance can be selected using the White balance option in the shooting menu (0 148), which also can be used to fine-tune w

98tFine-Tuning White BalanceWhite balance can be “fine tuned” to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a delibera

99tPreset ManualPreset manual is used to record and recall custom white balance settings for shooting under mixed lighting or to compensate for light

100tWhen the camera is ready to measure white balance, a flashing D (L) will appear in the viewfinder and information display.5 Measure white balance.

101tD Measuring Preset White BalanceIf no operations are performed while the displays are flashing, direct measurement mode will end when the exposure

xd7: Live View Display Options ...161e: Bracketing/Flash...

102t❚❚ 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 P

103tBracketingBracketing automatically varies exposure, Active D-Lighting, or white balance slightly with each shot, “bracketing” the current value. C

104t2 Place the cursor in the information display.If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the R button. Press the P button to p

105t5 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.AE bracketing: The camera will vary exposure with each shot. The first shot will be taken at the value curr

106tPicture ControlsNikon’s unique Picture Control system makes it possible to share image processing settings, including sharpening, contrast, bright

107t3 Choose a Picture Control.Highlight one of the following options and press J.Option DescriptionQ StandardStandard processing for balanced results

108tModifying Existing Picture ControlsExisting preset or custom Picture Controls can be modified to suit the scene or the user’s creative intent. Cho

109t❚❚ Picture Control SettingsOption DescriptionQuick adjustChoose from options between –2 and +2 to reduce or exaggerate the effect of the selected

110tA The Picture Control GridPressing the X button in Step 3 displays a Picture Control grid showing the contrast and saturation for the selected Pic

111tCreating Custom Picture ControlsThe preset Picture Controls supplied with the camera can be modified and saved as custom Picture Controls.1 Select

xiTechnical Notes 193Compatible Lenses...1

112t6 Name the Picture Control.The text-entry dialog shown at right will be displayed. By default, new Picture Controls are named by adding a two-digi

113tSharing Custom Picture ControlsCustom Picture Controls created using the Picture Control Utility available with ViewNX or optional software such a

114tThe GP-1 GPS UnitThe GP-1 GPS unit (available separately) can be connected to the camera’s accessory terminal using the cable supplied with the GP

115IIMore on PlaybackThis chapter describes how to view photographs and details the operations that can be performed during playback.Full-Frame Playba

116IFull-Frame PlaybackTo play photographs back, press the K button. The most recent photograph will be displayed in the monitor.To Use DescriptionVie

117IPhoto InformationPhoto information is superimposed on images displayed in full-frame playback. Press 1 or 3 to cycle through photo information as

118I❚❚ RGB Histogram** Displayed only if RGB histogram is selected for Display mode (0 146).1 Protect status ...

119I❚❚ Highlights ** Displayed only if Highlights is selected for Display mode (0 146). Blinking areas indicate highlights.❚❚ Shooting Data Page 111 D

120I❚❚ Shooting Data Page 211 Displayed only if Data is selected for Display mode (0 146).2 Standard, Vivid, Portrait, and Landscape Picture Controls

121I❚❚ GPS Data** Displayed only if GPS device was used when photo was taken (0 114).❚❚ Overview Data* Displayed in red if photo was taken with ISO se

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

122IThumbnail PlaybackTo display images in “contact sheets” of four, nine, or 72 images, press the W button.Full-frame playbackCalendar playbackThumbn

123ICalendar 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

124ITaking 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

125IProtecting Photographs from DeletionIn full-frame, zoom, thumbnail, and calendar playback, the L button can be used to protect photographs from ac

126IDeleting PhotographsTo delete the photograph displayed in full-frame playback or the photograph highlighted in the thumbnail list, press the O but

127IThe Playback MenuThe Delete option in the playback menu contains the following options. Note that depending on the number of images, some time may

128I❚❚ Select Date: Deleting Photographs Taken on a Selected Date1 Choose Select Date.In the delete menu, highlight Select date and press 2.2 Highligh

129ISlide ShowsThe Slide show option in the playback menu is used to display a slide show of the pictures in the current playback folder (0 146).To di

130I

131QQConnectionsThis chapter describes how to copy photographs to a computer, how to print pictures, and how to view them on a television set.Viewing

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

132QViewing Photographs on TVThe supplied EG-CP14 audio video (A/V) cable can be used to connect the camera to a television or VCR for playback or rec

133QHigh-Definition DevicesThe camera can be connected to HDMI devices using a type C mini-pin HDMI cable (available separately from third-party suppl

134QConnecting to a ComputerThis section describes how to use the supplied UC-E6 USB cable to connect the camera to a computer.Before Connecting the C

135QConnecting the CameraConnect the camera using the supplied USB cable.1 Turn the camera off.2 Turn the computer on. Turn the computer on and wait f

136QPrinting PhotographsTo print selected JPEG pictures on a PictBridge printer via a direct USB connection, follow the steps below.Connecting the Pri

137Q3 Turn the camera on.A welcome screen will be displayed in the monitor, followed by a PictBridge playback display.Printing Pictures One at a Time1

138Q4 Start printing.Select Start printing and press J to start printing. To cancel before all copies have been printed, press J.BorderThis option is

139QPrinting Multiple Pictures1 Display the PictBridge menu.Press the G button in the PictBridge playback display (see Step 3 on page 137).2 Choose an

140Q3 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

141Q4 Display printing options.Press J to display PictBridge printing options.5 Adjust printing options.Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option and press

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

142QCreating Index PrintsTo create an index print of all JPEG pictures on the memory card, select Index print in Step 2 of “Printing Multiple Pictures

143QCreating a DPOF Print Order: Print SetThe Print set (DPOF) option in the playback menu is used to create digital “print orders” for PictBridge-com

144Q4 Select imprint options.Highlight the following options and press 2 to toggle the highlighted option on or off (to complete the print order witho

145MiLguwoMenu GuideThe current menu is displayed by pressing the G button; to select from the menus listed below, press 4. This chapter describes the

146oD The Playback Menu: Managing ImagesTo display the playback menu, press G and select the D (playback menu) tab.The playback menu contains the foll

147oChoose whether pictures are automatically displayed in the monitor immediately after shooting. If Off is selected, pictures can only be displayed

148iC The Shooting Menu: Shooting OptionsTo display the shooting menu, press G and select the C (shooting menu) tab.The shooting menu contains the fol

149iAdjust ISO sensitivity (0 74).❚❚ ISO Sensitivity Auto ControlIf Off is chosen for ISO sensitivity auto control in P, S, A, and M modes, ISO sensit

150iSelect On to reduce barrel distortion when shooting with wide-angle lenses and to reduce pin-cushion distortion when shooting with long lenses (no

151iIf On is selected, photographs taken at shutter speeds slower than 8 s will be processed to reduce noise. The time required for processing is roug

xvNotices for Customers in CanadaCAUTIONThis Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.ATTENTIONCet appareil numérique de la classe B

152iCreate, rename, or delete folders, or choose the folder in which subsequent photographs will be stored.• Select folder: Choose the folder in which

153LA Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera SettingsTo display the Custom Settings menu, press G and select the A (Custom Settings menu) tab.G buttonCus

154LThe following Custom Settings are available:Choose Ye s to reset Custom Settings to default values. Custom Settings are not reset when a two-butt

155LThis option determines how the focus point for autofocus is selected (0 56).If On is selected and lighting is poor, the built-in AF-assist illumin

156LChoose On to use the exposure indicator to determine whether the camera is correctly focused in manual focus mode (0 54; note that this function i

157LThis option determines how long the monitor remains on if no operations are performed during menu display and playback (Playback/menus), while pho

158LIf High (high pitch) or Low (low pitch) is selected, a beep will sound at the selected pitch when the camera focuses in single-servo AF (AF-S or w

159LWhen 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

160LChoose the date information imprinted on photographs as they are taken.At settings other than Off, the selected option is indicated by a d icon in

161L❚❚ 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

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

162LChoose the flash mode for the built-in flash in P, S, A, and M modes.Choose the setting (exposure, Active D-Lighting, or white balance) varied whe

163LChoose the role played by the Fn (E) button.f: Controlsf1: Assign E/Fn ButtonG button ➜ A Custom Settings menuOption DescriptionE Self-timer Press

164LChoose the role played by the AE-L/AF-L button..Choose Ye s to reverse the direction of the command dial.If Release locked is selected, the shutt

165gB 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

166gThe LCD brightness menu contains the following options:• LCD brightness: The menu at right will be displayed; press 1 or 3 to choose monitor brigh

167gThe “Classic” display is shown below.Camera in normal orientationCamera rotated 90° to shoot in tall (portrait) orientationPSetProgrammed autoProg

168gThis option can be set separately for auto and scene modes and for P, S, A, and M modes. If On is selected, the information display will appear af

169gChange time zones, set the camera clock, choose the date display order, and turn daylight saving time on or off.Choose a language for camera menus

170gPhotographs taken while On is selected contain information on camera orientation, allowing them to be rotated automatically during playback or whe

171gAcquire reference data for the Image Dust Off option in Capture NX 2 (available separately; for more information, see the Capture NX 2 manual).Ima

1XXIntroductionThis chapter covers information you will need to know before using the camera, including the names of camera parts, how to use the came

172g3 Acquire dust off reference data.Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to acquire Image Dust Off reference data. The monitor

173gThis option is displayed only when an Eye-Fi memory card (available separately from third-party suppliers) is inserted in the camera. Choose Enabl

174uN 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

175uCreating Retouched CopiesTo create a retouched copy:1 Display a photo full frame (0 116).2 Press J to display the retouch menu.3 Display retouch o

176uD-Lighting brightens shadows, making it ideal for dark or backlit photographs.Press 1 or 3 to choose the amount of correction performed. The effec

177uCreate a cropped copy of the selected photograph. The selected photograph is displayed with the selected crop shown in yellow; create a cropped co

178uCopy photographs in Black-and-white, Sepia, or Cyanotype (blue and white monochrome).Selecting Sepia or Cyanotype displays a preview of the select

179uUse 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

180uCreate a small copy of the selected picture. The following sizes are available:The small picture option can be used during full-frame playback as

181u5 Press J to complete the operation.Press J. A confirmation dialog will be displayed; highlight Ye s and press J to copy pictures at the selected

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

2XOverviewThank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. To get the most from your camera, please be sure to read all

182uImage overlay combines two existing NEF (RAW) photographs to create a single picture that is saved separately from the originals; the results, whi

183u6 Set gain.Highlight Image 1 or Image 2 and optimize exposure for the overlay by pressing 1 or 3 to set gain for the selected image to values betw

184uCreate JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs.1 Select NEF (RAW) processing. Highlight NEF (RAW) processing in the retouch menu and press 2 to displ

185uCreate copies with enhanced saturation and contrast. D-Lighting is applied as required to brighten dark or backlit subjects.Press 1 or 3 to choose

186uCreate an outline copy of a photograph to use as a base for painting. The effect can be previewed in the edit display. Press J to copy the photogr

187uSelecting Stop-motion movie from the retouch menu displays the menu shown in Step 1. Follow the steps below to create a stop-motion movie from pho

188u6 Select Save.The menu shown at right will be displayed; if no further edits are necessary, highlight Save and press J to proceed to Step 7.To edi

189uCompare retouched copies to the original photographs. This option is only available if the J button is pressed to display the retouch menu when a

190wm Recent Settings/O My MenuThe camera offers a choice of two custom menus: a recent settings menu consisting of the twenty most recently used sett

191wO My Menu: Creating a Custom MenuThe My Menu option can be used to create and edit a customized list of up to 20 options from the playback, shooti

3XGetting to Know the CameraTake a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this sec

192w3 Select Done.Highlight Done and press J.4 Delete the selected items.A confirmation dialog will be displayed. Press J to delete the selected items

193nnTechnical NotesRead this chapter for information on compatible accessories, cleaning and storing the camera, and what to do if an error message i

194nCompatible LensesCompatible CPU LensesAutofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses only; autofocus is not supported with other autofocus (

195nCompatible Non-CPU LensesNon-CPU lenses may only be used when the camera is in mode M. Selecting another mode disables the shutter release. Apertu

196nD 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

197nD AF-Assist IlluminationAF-assist illumination is not available with the following lenses:• AF-S NIKKOR 14–24mm f/2.8G ED• AF-S VR 70–200mm f/2.8G

198nOptional Flash Units (Speedlights)The camera supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) and can be used with CLS-compatible flash units. Op

199n❚❚ CLS-Compatible Flash UnitsThe camera can be used with the following CLS-compatible flash units:• The SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, and SB-R20

200n❚❚ Other Flash UnitsThe following flash units can be used in non-TTL auto and manual modes.Flash unit SB-80DX, SB-28DX, SB-28, SB-26, SB-25, SB-24

201nD Notes on Optional Flash Units (Continued)The SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, and SB-400 provide red-eye reduction, while the SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, and

4XThe Camera Body (Continued)111121314161918151721222043567891021 Viewfinder eyepiece... 252 DK-24 rubber eyecup3 MonitorViewing settings ..

202nOther AccessoriesAt the time of writing, the following accessories were available for the D5000.Power sources• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL9a

203nApproved Memory CardsThe following SD memory cards have been tested and approved for use in the D5000. All cards of the designated make and capaci

204nAttaching a Power Connector and AC AdapterTurn the camera off before attaching an optional power connector and AC adapter.1 Ready the camera.Open

205nCaring for the CameraStorageWhen the camera will not be used for an extended period, return the monitor to the storage position, remove the batter

206nThe 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

207n❚❚ “Clean at Startup/Shutdown”1 Select Clean at startup/shutdown.Display the Clean image sensor menu as described in Step 2 on the previous page.

208n❚❚ Manual CleaningIf foreign matter can not be removed from the low-pass filter using the Clean image sensor option in the setup menu (0 206), the

209n7 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

210nCaring for the Camera and Battery: CautionsDo not drop: The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration.Keep dry: This prod

211nStorage: To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you are using an AC adapter, unplug the adapter to prevent

5XThe Mode DialThe camera offers a choice of the following shooting modes:❚❚ P, S, A, and M ModesSelect these modes for full control over camera setti

212nAvailable SettingsThe following tables list the settings that can be adjusted in each mode.❚❚ Modes Available from the Mode Diali j k l p m n o P

213n❚❚ h ModesCustom settings3e1: Flash cntrl for built-in flash ———————— ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔e2: Auto bracketing set ———————— ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔f1: Assign E/Fn button

214nCustom settings3c1: Shutter-release button AE-L ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔c2: Auto off timers ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔c3

215nMemory Card CapacityThe following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on a 4 GB SanDisk Extreme III 30MB/s Edition S

216nExposure ProgramThe exposure program for programmed auto is shown in the following graph:The maximum and minimum values for EV vary with ISO sensi

217nTroubleshootingIf the camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common problems below before consulting your retailer or Nikon repre

218nShooting (All Modes)Camera takes time to turn on: Delete files or folders.Shutter-release disabled:• Memory card is locked, full, or not inserted

219nShooting (P, S, A, M)Smudges appear in photographs: Clean front and rear lens elements. If problem persists, perform image sensor cleaning (0 206)

220nPlaybackMiscellaneousFlashing areas, shooting data, or graphs appear on images: Press 1 or 3 to choose photo information displayed, or change sett

221nError MessagesThis section lists the indicators and error messages that appear in the viewfinder and monitor.A Warning IconsA flashing d in the mo

6XThe Viewfinder152346 717151820191110 13816914121 Framing grid (displayed when On is selected for Custom Setting d2)... 1582 Re

222n—● (blinks)Camera can not focus using autofocus. Change composition or focus manually.31, 55, 60Subject is too bright. q• Use a lower ISO sensitiv

223nError. Press shutter release button again.O(blinks)Release shutter. If error persists or appears frequently, consult Nikon-authorized service repr

224nSpecifications❚❚ Nikon D5000 Digital CameraTypeType Single-lens reflex digital cameraLens mount Nikon F mount (with AF contacts)Effective picture

225nLensCompatible lenses • AF-S or AF-I: All functions supported.• Type G or D AF NIKKOR without built-in autofocus motor: All functions except autof

226nWhite balance bracketing3 frames in steps of 1ADL bracketing 2 framesExposure lock Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L buttonISO se

227nFlash-ready indicator Lights when built-in flash or optional flash unit such as SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-80DX, SB-28DX, or SB-50DX is fu

228n• 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

229nNikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in this manual at any time and without prior notice.

230n❚❚ Supported Standards • DCF Version 2.0: The Design Rule for Camera File Systems (DCF) is a standard widely used in the digital camera industry t

231nBattery LifeThe number of shots that can be taken with fully-charged batteries varies with the condition of the battery, temperature, and how the

7XThe MonitorThe monitor opens outwards 180° and can be rotated 180° left or 90° right as shown below, allowing the monitor to be angled for high- and

232IndexSymbolsi (Auto mode)... 28j (Auto (flash off) mode) ... 28k (Portrait) ...

233Distortion control ...185D-Lighting ... 176DPOF...136, 139, 143, 230Dynam

234Perspective control...186Photo info ... 117, 146PictBridge... 136, 230Pictu

235

236

En_04No 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

8XThe Information DisplayShooting information, including shutter speed, aperture, and the number of exposures remaining, is displayed in the monitor w

9X❚❚ Changing Settings in the Information DisplayTo change settings for the items listed in the information display, press the P button. Highlight ite

10XThe Command DialThe command dial can be used with other controls to adjust a variety of settings when shooting information is displayed in the moni

11XChoose an aperture (mode M; 0 84).+Mode M E button Command dial Information displaySet exposure compensation (mode P, S, or A; 0 90).+Mode P, S, or

iQ&A Index 0 iiTable of Contents 0 viX Introduction 0 1s Basic Photography and Playback 0 27x Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) 0 41y

12XThe Power SwitchRotate the power switch as shown to turn the camera on.Rotate the power switch as shown to turn the camera off.The role of the Fn (

13XCamera MenusMost shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus. To view the menus, press the G button.Ta bsChoose fro

14XUsing 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

15X4 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

16XFirst StepsCharge the BatteryThe camera is powered by an EN-EL9a rechargeable Li-ion battery (supplied). To maximize shooting time, charge the batt

17XInsert 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

18XAttach a LensCare should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens is removed. An AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR lens i

19X❚❚ Detaching the LensBe sure the camera is off when removing or exchanging lenses. To remove the lens, press and hold the lens release button (q) w

20XBasic 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

21X6 Set the date and time.The dialog shown at right will be displayed. Press 4 or 2 to select an item, 1 or 3 to change. Press J to set the clock and

iiFind what you’re looking for using this “question and answer” index.Q&A Index❚❚ Camera DisplaysQuestion Key phrase 0What do these icons mean?The

22XInsert a Memory CardThe camera stores pictures on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (available separately).1 Turn the camera off.2 Open the card slo

23XFormat the Memory CardMemory cards must be formatted after being used or formatted in other devices. Format the card as described below.1 Turn the

24XD Memory Cards• Memory cards may be hot after use. Observe due caution when removing memory cards from the camera.• Turn the power off before inser

25XAdjust Viewfinder FocusThe camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to accommodate individual differences in vision. Check that the display in th

26X

27ssBasic Photography and PlaybackThis chapter outlines the basics of taking and viewing photographs in auto and scene modes.“Point-and-Shoot” Photogr

28s“Point-and-Shoot” Photography (i and j Modes)This section describes how to take photographs in i (auto) mode, an automatic “point-and-shoot” mode i

29s3 Check the number of exposures remaining.The information display and viewfinder show the number of photographs that can be stored on the memory ca

30sStep 2: Select i or j ModeTo shoot where use of a flash is prohibited, photograph infants, or capture natural lighting under low light conditions,

31sStep 4: Focus1 Press the shutter-release button halfway.Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. The camera will select the focus points

iii❚❚ Taking PhotographsQuestion Key phrase 0Is there a quick and easy way to take snapshots? Auto modes 28–32How do I quickly adjust settings for dif

32sStep 5: ShootSmoothly press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to release the shutter and record the photograph. The access lamp n

33sCreative Photography (Scene Modes)The camera offers a choice of “scene” modes. Choosing a scene mode automatically optimizes settings to suit the s

34s❚❚ Scene ModeskPortraitUse for portraits with soft, natural-looking skin tones. If the subject is far from the background or a telephoto lens is us

35snClose UpUse for close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other small objects (a macro lens can be used to focus at very close ranges). Use of a tri

36stBeach/SnowCapture the brightness of sunlight expanses of water, snow, or sand. The built-in flash and AF-assist illuminator turn off.uSunsetPreser

37sxCandlelightFor photographs taken by candlelight. The built-in flash turns off; use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur when lighting is poo

38s1SilhouetteSilhouette subjects against bright backgrounds. The built-in flash turns off; use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur when lighti

39sBasic PlaybackAt default settings, photographs are automatically displayed for about 4 s after shooting. If no photograph is displayed in the monit

40sDeleting Unwanted PhotographsTo delete the photograph currently displayed in the monitor, press the O button. Note that photographs can not be reco

41xxFraming Pictures in the Monitor (Live View)This chapter describes how to frame pictures in the monitor using live view.Framing Photographs in the

iv❚❚ Viewing, Retouching, and Printing PhotographsQuestion Key phrase 0How do I view photographs on the camera? Playback 39, 116How do I delete unwant

42xFraming Photographs in the MonitorFollow the steps below to take photographs in live view.1 Press the a button.The mirror will be raised and the vi

43x2 Choose an autofocus mode.Press the P button and use the multi selector to highlight the current autofocus mode in the monitor. Press J to display

44x4 Focus.Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus.Face priority: The camera sets focus for the face in the double yellow border while the s

45xA Live View Display OptionsPress the R button to cycle through display options as shown below. The options available depend on the setting selected

46xD Shooting in Live View ModeTo prevent light entering via the viewfinder from interfering with exposure, remove the rubber eyecup and cover the vie

47xA Manual FocusTo focus in manual focus mode (0 60), rotate the lens focus ring until the subject is in focus.To magnify the view in the monitor up

48x

49yyRecording and Viewing MoviesThis chapter describes how to record movies in live view.Recording Movies...

50yRecording MoviesMovies can be recorded at 24 fps in live view mode.1 Press the a button.The mirror is raised and the view through the lens is displ

51y❚❚ Movie SettingsTo choose movie frame size and sound options:1 Select Movie settings.Press the G button to display the menus. Highlight Movie sett

v❚❚ Menus and SettingsQuestion Key phrase 0How do I use the menus? Using the menus 13–15How do I get help for a menu or message?Help 13Error messages

52yViewing MoviesMovies are indicated by a 1 icon in full-frame playback (0 116). The following operations can be performed while a movie is displayed

53zzMore on Photography (All Modes)This and the following two chapters build on the Tutorial to cover more advanced shooting and playback options.Focu

54zFocusFocus can be adjusted automatically or manually (see “Focus Mode,” below). The user can also select the focus point for automatic or manual fo

55zD Continuous-servo AutofocusIn AF-C mode or when continuous-servo autofocus is selected in AF-A mode, the camera gives higher priority to focus res

56zAF-Area ModeChoose how the focus point for autofocus is selected.1 Place the cursor in the information display.If shooting information is not displ

57z3 Choose an AF-area mode.Highlight one of the following options and press J. f 3D-tracking (11 points) is not available when AF-S is selected for f

58zFocus Point SelectionIn manual focus mode or when autofocus is combined with AF-area modes other than e Auto-area, you can choose from 11 focus poi

59z2 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

60zManual 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 55).1 Se

61z❚❚ 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

viQ&A Index ... i

62zImage Quality and SizeTogether, image quality and size determine how much space each photograph occupies on the memory card. Larger, higher quality

63zNEF (RAW) + JPEG fineNEF/JPEGTwo images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one fine-quality JPEG image. NEF (RAW) + JPEG normalTwo images are re

64zImage SizeImage size is measured in pixels.1 Place the cursor in the information display.If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, p

65zRelease ModeRelease mode determines how the camera takes photographs: one at a time, in a continuous sequence, with a timed shutter-release delay o

66zA The Memory BufferThe camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being sa

67zSelf-Timer and Remote Modes The self-timer and optional ML-L3 wireless remote control (0 203) can be used to reduce camera shake or for self-portra

68z4 Take the photograph.Self-timer mode: Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus, and then press the button the rest of the way down to sta

69zD Before Using the Remote Control Before using the remote control for the first time, remove the clear plastic battery insulator sheet.D Using the

70zUsing the Built-in FlashThe camera supports a variety of flash modes for photographing poorly lit or backlit subjects. ❚❚ Using the Built-in Flash:

71zFlash Mode To choose a flash mode:1 Place the cursor in the information display.If shooting information is not displayed in the monitor, press the

viis Party/Indoor ...35t Beach/Snow .

72zA 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

73zA Aperture, Sensitivity, and Flash Range Flash range varies with sensitivity (ISO equivalency) and aperture.Aperture at ISO equivalent of Range 20

74zISO Sensitivity“ISO sensitivity” is the digital equivalent of film speed. The higher the ISO sensitivity, the less light needed to make an exposure

75zA 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

76zInterval Timer PhotographyThe camera is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals.1 Select Interval timer shooting.To display

77z6 Start shooting.Highlight Start > On and press J (to return to the shooting menu without starting the interval timer, highlight Start > Off

78zTwo-Button ResetThe camera settings listed below can be restored to default values by holding the R and P buttons down together for more than two s

79ttP, S, A, and M ModesP, S, A, and M modes offer control over a variety of advanced settings, including shutter speed and aperture, metering, flash

80tShutter Speed and ApertureP, S, A, and M modes offer different degrees of control over shutter speed and aperture:Mode Description PProgrammed auto

81tMode P (Programmed Auto)In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations. This mod