Nikon D5100 User Manual

DIGITAL CAMERAReference ManualEn

viiic3: Self-Timer ...160c4: Remote

82tA The Shooting MenuWhite balance can be selected using the White balance option in the shooting menu (0 151), which also can be used to fine-tune w

83tFine-Tuning White BalanceWhite balance can be “fine tuned” to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a delibera

84tPreset ManualPreset manual is used to record and recall custom white balance settings for shooting under mixed lighting or to compensate for light

85tWhen the camera is ready to measure white balance, a flashing L (D) will appear in the viewfinder and information display.5 Measure white balance.B

86tD Measuring Preset White BalanceIf no operations are performed while the displays are flashing, direct measurement mode will end when the exposure

87t❚❚ 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

88tBracketingBracketing automatically varies exposure, white balance, or Active D-Lighting (ADL) slightly with each shot, “bracketing” the current val

89t3 Display bracketing options.Highlight the current bracketing setting and press J.4 Select a bracketing increment.Highlight a bracketing increment

90tA The Bracketing Progress IndicatorDuring AE bracketing, progress is shown by the bracketing indicator in the information display:• v: Camera ready

91tPicture ControlsNikon’s unique Picture Control system makes it possible to share image processing settings, including sharpening, contrast, brightn

ixColor Outline... 186Color Sketch .

92tModifying Picture ControlsExisting preset or custom Picture Controls (0 95) can be modified to suit the scene or the user’s creative intent. Choose

93t❚❚ Picture Control SettingsOption DescriptionQuick adjustChoose from options between –2 and +2 to reduce or exaggerate the effect of the selected P

94tA The Picture Control GridPressing the X button in Step 3 displays a Picture Control grid showing the contrast and saturation for the selected Pict

95tCreating Custom Picture ControlsThe Picture Controls supplied with the camera can be modified and saved as custom Picture Controls.1 Select Manage

96t6 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-digit

97tSharing Custom Picture ControlsCustom Picture Controls created using the Picture Control Utility available with ViewNX 2 or optional software such

98t

99xxLive 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

x100Focusing in Live ViewFollow the steps below to choose focus and AF-area modes and position the focus point.❚❚ Choosing a Focus ModeThe following f

101x❚❚ Choosing an AF-Area ModeIn modes other than i and j, the following AF-area modes can be selected in live view:1 Place the cursor in the informa

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

x102❚❚ Choosing the Focus PointThe method for selecting the focus point for autofocus varies with the option selected for AF-area mode (0 101).6 (face

103xA The Live View DisplayItem Description 0qShooting modeThe mode currently selected with the mode dial. Select i or j for automatic scene selection

x104A Automatic Scene Selection (Scene Auto Selector)If live view is selected in i or j mode, the camera will automatically analyze the subject and se

105xD Shooting in Live View ModeTo prevent light entering via the viewfinder from interfering with exposure, remove the rubber eyecup and cover the vi

x106D 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

107yyRecording and Viewing MoviesMovies can be recorded in live view.1 Rotate the live view switch.The mirror is raised and the view through the lens

y1084 End recording.Press the movie-record button again to end recording. Recording will end automatically when the maximum length is reached, the mem

109y❚❚ Movie SettingsChoose movie quality and sound options.• Movie quality: Choose from the following options. The frame rate depends on the option c

110yViewing MoviesMovies are indicated by a 1 icon in full-frame playback (0 123). Press J to start playback.The following operations can be performed

111yEditing MoviesTrim footage to create edited copies of movies or save selected frames as JPEG stills.Trimming MoviesTo create trimmed copies of mov

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

y1124 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

113ySaving 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 p

y114

115%%Special EffectsSpecial effects can be used when recording images.The following effects can be selected by rotating the mode dial to q and rotatin

116%%Night VisionUse under conditions of darkness to record monochrome images at high ISO sensitivities (with some noise in the form of randomly-space

117%3 Selective ColorAll colors other than the selected colors are recorded in black and white. The effect can be chosen during live view (0 120). The

118%Options Available in Live View❚❚ g Color Sketch1 Select live view.Rotate the live view switch to raise the mirror and display the view through the

119%❚❚ ( Miniature Effect1 Select live view.Rotate the live view switch to raise the mirror and display the view through the lens in the monitor.2 Pos

120%❚❚ 3 Selective Color1 Select live view.Rotate the live view switch to raise the mirror and display the view through the lens in the monitor.2 Disp

121%6 Return to the live view display.Press J to return to live view. During shooting, only objects of the selected hues will be recorded in color; al

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

122%

123IIMore on PlaybackTo play photographs back, press the K button. The most recent photograph will be displayed in the monitor.Full-Frame PlaybackTo U

124IPhoto InformationPhoto information is superimposed on images displayed in full-frame playback. Press 1 or 3 to cycle through photo information as

125I❚❚ Highlights ** Blinking areas indicate highlights.❚❚ RGB Histogram1/12NIKON D5100Highl ight s5431 21Protect status...

126I❚❚ Shooting DataA HistogramsCamera histograms are intended as a guide only and may differ from those displayed in imaging applications. Some sampl

127I1 Displayed in red if photo was taken with auto ISO sensitivity control on.2 Displayed only if VR lens is attached.3 Displayed only if photo was t

128I❚❚ Overview1 Displayed in red if photo was taken with auto ISO sensitivity control on.2 Displayed only if photo was taken using optional flash uni

129IThumbnail PlaybackTo display images in “contact sheets” of four, nine, or 72 images, press the W button.Full-frame playbackCalendar playbackThumbn

130ICalendar 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

131ITaking 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

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

132IProtecting Photographs from DeletionIn full-frame, zoom, thumbnail, and calendar playback, the L button can be used to protect photographs from ac

133IDeleting PhotographsTo delete the photograph displayed in full-frame playback or the photograph highlighted in the thumbnail list, press the O but

134IThe Playback MenuThe Delete option in the playback menu contains the following options. Note that depending on the number of images, some time may

135I❚❚ Select Date: Deleting Photographs Taken on a Selected Date1 Choose Select Date.In the delete menu, highlight Select date and press 2.2 Highligh

136ISlide ShowsThe Slide show option in the playback menu is used to display a slide show of the pictures in the current playback folder (0 149).1 Sel

137QQConnectionsThis section describes how to use the supplied UC-E6 USB cable to connect the camera to a computer.Before Connecting the CameraBefore

138QConnecting the CameraConnect the camera using the supplied UC-E6 USB cable.1 Turn the camera off.2 Turn the computer on. Turn the computer on and

139QPrinting PhotographsTo print selected JPEG pictures on a PictBridge printer via a direct USB connection, follow the steps below.Connecting the Pri

140Q3 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

141Q4 Start printing.Select Start printing and press J to start printing. To cancel before all copies have been printed, press J.BorderThis option is

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

142QPrinting Multiple Pictures1 Display the PictBridge menu.Press the G button in the PictBridge playback display (see Step 3 on page 140).2 Choose an

143QIf you chose Select date in Step 2, press 1 or 3 to highlight a date and press 2 to toggle the highlighted date on or off. To view the pictures ta

144QCreating a DPOF Print Order: Print SetThe DPOF print order option in the playback menu is used to create digital “print orders” for PictBridge-com

145Q4 Select imprint options.Highlight the following options and press 2 to toggle the highlighted option on or off (to complete the print order witho

146QViewing Photographs on TVThe supplied EG-CP14 audio video (A/V) cable can be used to connect the camera to a television or video recorder for play

147QHigh-Definition DevicesThe camera can be connected to HDMI devices using a type C mini-pin HDMI cable (available separately from third-party suppl

148Q❚❚ 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

149MoMenu GuideTo display the playback menu, press G and select the D (playback menu) tab.The playback menu contains the following options:Choose a fo

150oChoose the information available in the playback photo information display (0 124). Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option, then press 2 to select th

151iC The Shooting Menu: Shooting OptionsTo display the shooting menu, press G and select the C (shooting menu) tab.The shooting menu contains the fol

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

152iSelect Ye s to reset shooting menu settings.Create, rename, or delete folders, or choose the folder in which subsequent photographs will be store

153iSelect On to reduce barrel distortion when shooting with wide-angle lenses and to reduce pin-cushion distortion when shooting with long lenses (no

154iIf On is selected, photographs taken at shutter speeds slower than 1 s will be processed to reduce noise (bright spots, randomly-spaced bright pix

155iAdjust ISO sensitivity (0 54).❚❚ Auto ISO sensitivity controlIf Off is chosen for Auto ISO sensitivity control in P, S, A, and M modes, ISO sensit

156LA Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera SettingsTo display the Custom Settings menu, press G and select the A (Custom Settings menu) tab.G buttonCus

157LThe following Custom Settings are available:Note: Depending on camera settings, some items may be grayed out and unavailable. For information on t

158LWhen AF-C is selected for viewfinder photography (0 39), this option controls whether photographs can be taken whenever the shutter-release button

159LChoose On to use the exposure indicator to determine whether the camera is correctly focused in manual focus mode (0 65; note that this function i

160LThis option determines how long the monitor remains on if no operations are performed during menu display and playback (Playback/menus), while pho

161LChoose how long the camera will remain before cancelling the currently selected remote control release mode and restoring the previously selected

xvi

162LWhen 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

163LChoose 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

164LChoose the flash mode for the built-in flash in P, S, A, and M modes.e: Bracketing/Flashe1: Flash Cntrl for Built-in FlashG button ➜ A Custom Sett

165LChoose the setting (exposure, white balance, or Active D-Lighting) varied when bracketing is in effect (P, S, A, and M modes only; 0 88).Choose th

166LChoose the role played by the AE-L/AF-L button.Select Ye s to reverse the rotation of the command dial.Selecting Enable release allows the shutte

167gB 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

168gPress 1 or 3 to choose monitor brightness. Choose higher values for increased brightness, lower values for reduced brightness.Choose from the foll

169gThe “Classic” display is shown below.91011121314151687123 4 5 62019 22 23211825 26 28 29 30 311724271 Shooting mode i auto/j auto (flash off) ...

170gIf On is selected, the information display will appear after the shutter-release button is pressed halfway; if image review (0 150) is off, it wil

171gChoose a language for camera menus and messages. The following options are available:Add a comment to new photographs as they are taken. Comments

1XXIntroductionTake a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refe

172gPhotographs taken while On is selected contain information on camera orientation, allowing them to be rotated automatically during playback or whe

173g• Start: The message shown at right will be displayed and “rEF” will appear in the viewfinder.• Clean sensor and then start: Select this option to

174gThis item is used to adjust settings for optional GP-1 GPS units. The GP-1 can be connected to the camera’s accessory terminal (0 207) using the c

175gThis option is displayed only when an Eye-Fi memory card (available separately from third-party suppliers) is inserted in the camera. Choose Enabl

176uN The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched CopiesTo display the retouch menu, press G and select the N (retouch menu) tab.The options in the retouch m

177uCreating Retouched CopiesTo create a retouched copy:1 Display retouch options.Highlight the desired item in the retouch menu and press 2.2 Select

178uD-Lighting brightens shadows, making it ideal for dark or backlit photographs.Press 1 or 3 to choose the amount of correction performed. The effec

179uCreate a cropped copy of the selected photograph. The selected photograph is displayed with the selected crop shown in yellow; create a cropped co

180uChoose from the following filter effects. After adjusting filter effects as described below, press J to copy the photograph.Filter EffectsG button

181uUse 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

Thank 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 instructi

X2The Camera Body (Continued)178910131716151211142021192218345621 Viewfinder eyepiece... 382 Rubber eyecup ... 383 G (men

182u2 Select the first image.Use the multi selector to highlight the first photograph in the overlay. To view the highlighted photograph full frame, p

183uCreate JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs.1 Select NEF (RAW) processing. Highlight NEF (RAW) processing in the retouch menu and press 2 to displ

184uCreate small copies of selected photographs.1 Select Resize.To resize selected images, press G to display the menus and select Resize in the retou

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 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

187uCreate copies that reduce the effects of perspective taken from the base of a tall object. Use the multi selector to adjust perspective (note that

188uCreate 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

189uCreate a copy in which only selected hues appear in color.1 Select Selective color.Highlight Selective color in the retouch menu and press 2 to di

190u5 Choose the color range.Press 1 or 3 to increase or decrease the range of similar hues that will be included in the final photograph or movie. Ch

191uCompare retouched copies to the original photographs. This option is only available if the J button is pressed to display the retouch menu when a

3XThe Mode DialThe camera offers a choice of the following shooting modes:P, S, A, and M ModesSelect these modes for full control over camera settings

192wm Recent Settings/O My MenuTo display the recent settings menu, press G and select the m (recent settings) tab.The recent settings menu lists the

193w❚❚ Adding Options to My Menu1 Select Add items.In My Menu (O), highlight Add items and press 2.2 Select a menu.Highlight the name of the menu cont

194w❚❚ Deleting Options from My Menu1 Select Remove items.In My Menu (O), highlight Remove items and press 2.2 Select items.Highlight items and press

195w❚❚ Reordering Options in My Menu1 Select Rank items.In My Menu (O), highlight Rank items and press 2.2 Select an item.Highlight the item you wish

196w

197nnTechnical NotesRead this chapter for information on compatible accessories, cleaning and storing the camera, and what to do if an error message i

198nA 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

199nCompatible Non-CPU LensesNon-CPU lenses may only be used when the camera is in mode M. Selecting another mode disables the shutter release. Apertu

200nD 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

201nLens 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

X4The MonitorThe monitor can be angled and rotated as shown below.Normal useFold the monitor against the camera face out. This position is recommended

202nOptional Flash Units (Speedlights)The camera supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) and can be used with CLS-compatible flash units. Op

203nThe Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)Nikon’s advanced Creative Lighting System (CLS) offers improved communication between the camera and compa

204nThe following features are available with CLS-compatible flash units:❚❚ Other Flash UnitsThe following flash units can be used in non-TTL auto and

205nD Notes on Optional Flash UnitsRefer to the Speedlight manual for detailed instructions. If the flash unit supports CLS, refer to the section on C

206nOther AccessoriesAt the time of writing, the following accessories were available for the D5100.Power sources• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL14

207nApproved Memory CardsThe following SD memory cards have been tested and approved for use in the D5100. Cards with class 6 or faster write speeds a

208nAttaching a Power Connector and AC AdapterTurn the camera off before attaching an optional power connector and AC adapter.1 Ready the camera.Open

209nCaring 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

210nThe 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

211n❚❚ “Clean at startup/shutdown”Choose from the following options:1 Select Clean at startup/shutdown.Display the Clean image sensor menu as describe

5XThe Information DisplayCamera settings can be viewed and adjusted in the information display. Press the P button once to view settings, and again to

212n❚❚ Manual CleaningIf foreign matter can not be removed from the low-pass filter using the Clean image sensor option in the setup menu (0 210), the

213n7 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

214nCaring for the Camera and Battery: CautionsDo not drop: The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration.Keep dry: This prod

215nTo 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

216nAvailable SettingsThe following table lists the settings that can be adjusted in each mode.i j PS, A, Mk, p, n, o, sl, m, r, t, u, v w % g (x, y,

217nCustom Settings4d1: Beep ✔✔✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔✔✔✔ ✔d2: ISO display ✔✔✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔✔✔✔ ✔d3: File number sequence ✔✔✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔✔✔✔ ✔d4: Exposure delay mode ✔✔✔ ✔ ✔

218nMemory Card CapacityThe following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on an 8 GB Toshiba R95 W80MB/s UHS-I SDHC card

219nExposure Program (Mode P)The exposure program for mode P is shown in the following graph:The maximum and minimum values for EV vary with ISO sensi

220nTroubleshootingIf the camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common problems below before consulting your retailer or Nikon repre

221nPhotos are out of focus:• AF-S or AF-I lens is not attached: use AF-S or AF-I lens or focus manually.• Camera unable to focus using autofocus (0 4

X6A Hiding Shooting InformationTo turn the monitor off, press the R button. Note that the monitor turns off automatically while the shutter-release bu

222nShooting (P, S, A, M)Shutter-release disabled:• Non-CPU lens is attached: rotate camera mode dial to M (0 65, 199).• Mode dial rotated to S after

223nPlaybackMiscellaneousNEF (RAW) image is not played back: Photo was taken at image quality of NEF (RAW)+JPEG (0 48).Some pictures are not displayed

224nError MessagesThis section lists the indicators and error messages that appear in the viewfinder and monitor.A Warning IconsA flashing d in the mo

225nNot available if Eye-Fi card is locked.(/k(blinks)Eye-Fi card is locked (write protected). Slide card write-protect switch to “write” position.21T

226nFlash errors (blinks)Error occurred updating firmware for optional flash unit. Contact Nikon-authorized service representative.—Error. Press shutt

227nSpecifications❚❚ Nikon D5100 Digital CameraTypeType Single-lens reflex digital cameraLens mount Nikon F mount (with AF contacts)Effective angle of

228nLensCompatible lenses Autofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I lenses. Autofocus is not available with other type G and D lenses, AF lenses (IX N

229nISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)ISO 100 – 6400 in steps of 1/3 EV. Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7, 1, or 2 EV (ISO 25600 equivale

230nWhite balanceWhite balance Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manu

231n• 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

7XThe Command DialThe command dial can be used with other controls to adjust a variety of settings when shooting information is displayed in the monit

232nNikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in this manual at any time and without prior notice.

233n❚❚ 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

234nA 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

235n❚❚ 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

236nBattery LifeThe number of shots that can be taken with fully-charged batteries varies with the condition of the battery, temperature, and how the

237nIndexSymbolsi (Auto mode) ...26j (Auto (flash off) mode) ...26k (Portrait) ...

238nDDate and time...19, 170Date counter...163Date format ...19, 170Day

239nMOV ...218Movie quality...109Movie settings...

240

X8Choose an aperture (mode A; 0 64).Mode A Command dialInformation displayChoose an aperture (mode M; 0 65).+Mode M E button Command dial Information

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

9XThe role of the Fn button can be selected using Custom Setting f1 (Assign E/Fn button; 0 165), allowing the following settings to be adjusted by pre

X10The Viewfinder12 312101316146 7 8411 15591 Focus points ...432 Focus indicator ...

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

iWhere to Find ItFind what you’re looking for from:The Table of Contents ... 0 iv Error Messages... 0 224The Q&A Ind

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

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

X16D The Battery and ChargerRead and follow the warnings and cautions on pages x–xi and 214–215 of this manual. Do not use the battery at ambient temp

17XAttach 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

X18❚❚ 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

19XBasic 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

X20A The Setup MenuLanguage and date/time settings can be changed at any time using the Language (0 171) and Time zone and date (0 170) options in the

21XInsert a Memory CardThe camera stores pictures on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (available separately; 0 207).1 Turn the camera off.2 Open the c

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

X22Format the Memory CardMemory cards must be formatted before first use or after being formatted in other devices. Format the card as described below

23XAdjust Viewfinder FocusThe camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to accommodate individual differences in vision. Check that the display in th

X24

25ssBasic PhotographyBefore shooting, turn the camera on and check the battery level and number of exposures remaining in the information display or v

26s“Point-and-Shoot” Photography (i and j Modes)This section describes how to take photographs in i and j modes, automatic “point-and-shoot” modes in

27s5 Press the shutter-release button halfway.Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. The camera will select the focus points automatically

28sA The Shutter-Release ButtonThe camera has a two-stage shutter-release button. The camera focuses when the shutter-release button is pressed halfwa

29sA Using a Zoom LensUse the zoom ring to zoom in on the subject so that it fills a larger area of the frame, or zoom out to increase the area visibl

30sCreative Photography (Scene Modes)The camera offers a choice of “scene” modes. Choosing a scene mode automatically optimizes settings to suit the s

31spChildUse for snapshots of children. Clothing and background details are vividly rendered, while skin tones remain soft and natural.mSportsFast shu

iiiRetouching Photographs0How do I create retouched copies of photos? 176–191How do I remove “red-eye”? 178How do I make JPEG copies of RAW (NEF) phot

32sOther ScenesThe following scenes can be selected by rotating the mode dial to h and rotating the command dial until the desired scene appears in th

33stBeach/SnowCapture the brightness of sunlit expanses of water, snow, or sand. The built-in flash and AF-assist illuminator turn off.uSunsetPreserve

34sxCandlelightFor photographs taken by candlelight. The built-in flash turns off; use of a tripod is recommended to prevent blur when lighting is poo

35zzMore on Photography (All Modes)Choose from the following release modes:1 Place the cursor in the information display.If shooting information is no

36z3 Choose a release mode.Highlight a release mode and press J. To return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.A The Memory Bu

37zSelf-Timer and Remote Control ModesThe self-timer and optional ML-L3 remote control (0 207) can be used to reduce camera shake or for self-portrait

38zD Before Using the Remote ControlBefore using the remote control for the first time, remove the clear plastic battery-insulator sheet.A Cover the V

39zFocusThis section describes the focus options available when photographs are framed in the viewfinder. Focus can be adjusted automatically or manua

40z3 Choose a focus mode.Highlight a focus mode and press J. To return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway.A Predictive Focus T

41zD The AF-Assist Illuminator If the subject is poorly lit, the AF-assist illuminator will light automatically to assist the autofocus operation when

ivQ&A Index ... i

42zAF-Area ModeChoose how the focus point for autofocus is selected. Note that d (Dynamic-area AF) and f (3D-tracking (11 points)) are not available w

43zFocus 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

44zFocus LockFocus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing in AF-A, AF-S, and AF-C focus modes (0 39), making it possible to focus o

45zManual 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 40).1 Se

46z❚❚ 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

47zImage Quality and SizeTogether, image quality and size determine how much space each photograph occupies on the memory card. Larger, higher quality

48z3 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

49zImage SizeImage size is measured in pixels. Choose from the following options:1 Place the cursor in the information display.If shooting information

50zUsing the Built-in FlashThe camera supports a variety of flash modes for photographing poorly lit or backlit subjects. ❚❚ Using the Built-in Flash:

51zFlash Mode The flash modes available vary with shooting mode:1 Place the cursor in the information display.If shooting information is not displayed

vw Pet Portrait...33x Candlelight.

52zA 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

53zA Shutter Speeds Available with the Built-in FlashShutter speed is restricted to the following ranges when the built-in flash is used:Mode Shutter

54zISO Sensitivity“ISO sensitivity” is the digital equivalent of film speed. The higher the ISO sensitivity, the less light needed to make an exposure

55zA 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

56zInterval Timer PhotographyThe camera is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals.1 Select Interval timer shooting.Press the G

57z4 Choose the number of intervals.Press 4 or 2 to highlight number of intervals (i.e., the number of times the camera shoots); press 1 or 3 to chang

58zRestoring Default SettingsThe camera settings listed below and on page 59 can be restored to default values by holding the G and P buttons down tog

59z❚❚ Other Settings1 Focus point not displayed if e (Auto-area AF) is selected for AF-area mode.Option Default 0Focus point1Center 43AE/AF lock holdS

60z

61ttP, 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

viMultiple Exposure ...78White Balance

62tMode P (Programmed Auto)In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations. This mod

63tMode S (Shutter-Priority Auto)In shutter-priority auto, you choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically selects the aperture that will

64tMode A (Aperture-Priority Auto)In aperture-priority auto, you choose the aperture while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed that wil

65tMode M (Manual)In manual exposure mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. To take photographs in manual exposure mode:1 Rotate the mode

66t❚❚ Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only)Select the following shutter speeds for long time-exposures of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fire

67t4 Open the shutter.Bulb: After focusing, press the shutter-release button on the camera or optional remote cord all the way down. Keep the shutter-

68tExposureMeteringChoose how the camera sets exposure in P, S, A, and M modes (in other modes, the camera selects the metering method automatically).

69tAutoexposure LockUse autoexposure lock to recompose photographs after using M (Center-weighted metering) and N (Spot metering) to meter exposure; n

70tExposure CompensationExposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. It

71tA 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

viiDeleting Photographs... 133Full-Frame, Thumbn

72tFlash CompensationFlash compensation is used to alter flash output from the level suggested by the camera, changing the brightness of the main subj

73tA 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

74tPreserving Detail in Highlights and ShadowsActive D-LightingActive D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs wit

75t3 Choose an option.Highlight Y Auto, Z Extra high, P High, Q Normal, R Low, or ! Off and press J. If Y Auto is selected, the camera will automatica

76tHigh Dynamic Range (HDR)High Dynamic Range (HDR) combines two exposures to form a single image that captures a wide range of tones from shadows to

77t3 Choose the exposure differential.To choose the difference in exposure between the two shots, highlight Exposure differential and press 2.The opti

78tMultiple ExposureFollow the steps below to record a series of two or three exposures in a single photograph. Multiple exposures can make use of RAW

79t3 Choose the number of shots.Highlight Number of shots and press 2.The dialog shown at right will be displayed. Press 1 or 3 to choose the number o

80t❚❚ Interrupting Multiple ExposuresTo interrupt a multiple exposure before the specified number of exposures have been taken, select Off for Multipl

81tWhite BalanceWhite balance ensures that colors are unaffected by the color of the light source. Auto white balance is recommended for most light so