Nikon 8400 User Manual

Printed in JapanSB4H04000301(11)6MA03711-AEn(En)The Nikon Guide to Digital Photographywith theDIGITAL CAMERANo reproduction in any form of this manual

viiiThe Setup Menu 130Language ... 131Date..

The Shooting Menu90 Interval Timer PhotographyTo display the menu shown in Step 1, below, highlight Intvl timer shooting in the CONTINUOUS menu and pr

91The Shooting MenuBest Shot Selector (BSS)Option Description Off BSS off. OnCamera takes shots while shutter-release button is pressed, to a maximu

The Shooting Menu92 Restrictions on BSSBSS may not produce the desired results with a moving subject or if the composition is changed while the shutte

93The Shooting MenuImage Adjustment Image AdjustmentAt settings other than Auto, the current image-adjustment setting is indicated by an icon in the s

The Shooting Menu94Saturation Control Black-and-WhiteWhen Black&white is selected, monitor shows the view through the lens in black-and-white

95The Shooting Menu User SettingIn P, S, A, and M modes, the number of the current user set-tings bank appears in the shooting display.User SettingCam

The Shooting Menu96Image SharpeningThe camera automatically processes pictures to empha-size the borders between light and dark areas, making edges se

97The Shooting MenuLensThe lens menu is used to adjust camera settings for optimal results with the optional converter lenses and adapters listed belo

The Shooting Menu98Exposure OptionsThe exposure options menu contains two options for controlling exposure.EXPOSURE OPTIONSBulb/TimeAE lock AE LockAu

99The Shooting Menu Bulb / TimeIn mode M, shutter speed can be set to BULB or TIME for long exposures of up to ten minutes ( 50). This menu control

1IntroductionIntroductionThank you for your purchase of a Nikon COOLPIX 8400 digital camera. This manual has been written to help you enjoy taking pi

The Shooting Menu100Focus OptionsOption DescriptionAutoCamera automatically selects focus area containing subject closest to cam-era. Selected focus

101The Shooting MenuAF SystemWhen Off is selected for AF area mode, the focus sys-tem can be selected from the following options:AF SYSTEMHybrid AFSta

The Shooting Menu102 Focus Confi rmationUse focus confi rmation to determine exactly what ar-eas of the frame are in focus before a picture is taken. F

103The Shooting MenuZoom OptionsDigital TeleWhen On is selected, pressing the button for about 2 s at the maximum optical zoom position activates di

The Shooting Menu104Speedlight OptionsThe Speedlight opt. menu contains three options for controlling the built-in Speedlight and optional fl ash units

105The Shooting MenuSpeedlight CntrlThis option is used to control the built-in and optional Speedlights when using optional fl ash accessories mounte

The Shooting Menu106 SB-800 and SB-600 SpeedlightsSet the optional Speedlight to TTL mode. In this mode, SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights will use monit

107The Shooting MenuAuto BracketingIn some situations, you may fi nd it diffi cult to select ap-propriate exposure-compensation and white-balance settin

The Shooting Menu108 Continuous Shooting (Autoexposure Bracketing)At settings of Continuous H and Continuous L ( 88), shooting will pause after each

109The Shooting MenuNoise ReductionAt slow shutter speeds, “noise” in the form of ran-domly-spaced, brightly-colored pixels may appear in pictures, pa

Introduction2 button( 26, 49, 59, 139) (exposure compensation) button ( 44)Voice memo record/ playback button ( 74)LCD illuminator button ( 6)Powe

The Shooting Menu110ResetSelect this option to restore settings for the current User Setting bank ( 95) to their original state.Option DescriptionNo

111The Shooting MenuMy MenuThis option determines which of the twenty items in the full shooting menu appear in the six-item custom menu displayed whe

The Shooting Menu112CF Card FormatCF card format formats memory cards for use in the camera. Note that formatting memory cards per-manently deletes a

113The Playback MenuThe Playback MenuThe playback menu contains the following options:PLAYBACK MENU 1/2Delete 114–115Folders 116–119Slide show 120–121

The Playback Menu114The delete menu contains the following options:Option DescriptionSelected images Delete selected pictures.Erase all images Delete

115The Playback Menu Before DeletionOnce deleted, pictures can not be recovered. If desired, transfer pictures to a com-puter before deletion ( 76–7

The Playback Menu116By default, pictures are stored in a folder with the name NIKON. To make it easier to locate pictures during playback, additional

117The Playback Menu Folder OptionsThe Folder options menu can also be accessed from the setup menu ( 133).5Repeat steps 3 and 4 to create new fi ve-l

The Playback Menu118DELETETOKYOKOBEOSAKA2Display list of existing folders. *FOLDER OPTIONSRenameDeleteNewDelete1Highlight Delete.* Folder NIKON can no

119The Playback MenuSelecting a Folder for Storage and Playback: FoldersThe Folders item in the playback Folders menu ( 116) can be used to select al

3IntroductionCommand dial (monitor) button ( 4)Zoom ( / ) buttons ( 18, 67, 70)Electronic viewfi nder( 4, 5)Diopter adjustment control ( 19) (menu)

The Playback Menu120Pictures will be played back one after the other in the order recorded, with a pause between each frame. Movies are displayed as

121The Playback Menu Auto OffThe camera will enter standby mode if no operations are performed for thirty minutes during a slide show. Frame IntervalO

The Playback Menu122This option is used to protect pictures from accidental deletion. Protected fi les can not be deleted by press-ing the button or

123The Playback MenuWhen creating a slide show or showing pictures to an audience, the Hide image option can be used to hide selected pictures. Hidde

The Playback Menu124 Print set is used to select pictures for printing on devices that support PictBridge or Digital Print Order Format (DPOF), to

125The Playback Menu Print SetIf the menu shown in Step 6 is displayed after a print order is created, the Date and Info options will be reset. “Date”

The Playback Menu126When the camera is connected to a computer running PictureProject, pictures can be transferred (copied) to the computer ( 76).

127The Playback Menu Restrictions on Auto TransferNo more than 999 pictures can be transferred using Auto transfer. To transfer more than 999 picture

The Playback Menu128To move pictures to another folder on the memory card:SELECT SOURCE FOLDERNIKONKOBETOKYO Source / Destination FoldersThe followi

129The Playback MenuSELECT DEST. FOLDERKOBETOKYONIKON7Highlight destination folder.MOVE IMAGE(S)?Confirm image move to another folder?YesNo8Confi rmati

Introduction4The following indicators are displayed during shooting 1:F2.6F2.6F2.61.0.01.01010108M8M8MTOKYOTOKYOTOKYOAE-LAE-LAE-LAF-LAF-LAF-L1AE/AFAE/

The Setup Menu130The Setup MenuThe setup menu contains the following options:SET-UP 1/3Language 131Date 131–132Folders 133Monitor options 133–135Seq.

131The Setup MenuThe date menu contains the following options:Option DescriptionDate Set camera to current date and time ( 15–16).Time zoneChoose home

The Setup Menu132* To turn daylight saving time on or off, highlight DaylightSaving and press multi se-lector right. Selecting daylight saving time a

133The Setup MenuThe options in this menu control the quality of the preview displayed in the monitor, whether pictures are displayed after shooting (

The Setup Menu134Review OptionsThis option controls whether pictures are displayed af-ter shooting in P, S, A, and M modes (picture review).Option Des

135The Setup MenuStart-up DisplayStart-up display controls which display activates when the camera is turned on (the button can be used to switch be

The Setup Menu136Pictures are assigned fi le names that include a four-digit fi le number assigned by adding one to the largest fi le number in the curre

137The Setup Menu Shutter sound controls the “beep” made by the cam-era speaker.SHUTTER SOUNDOffOnShutter SoundOption DescriptionOnCamera beeps once t

The Setup Menu138CF card format formats memory cards for use in the camera. See “The Shooting Menu: CF Card Format” ( 112).When operated on battery

139The Setup MenuFUNCAssigning frequently-used functions to the FUNC but-ton allows the selected settings to be adjusted without accessing the camera

5Introduction 19 User Settings bank... 95 20 Ultra HS recording indicator... 89 21 Spot metering target ...

The Setup Menu140If On is selected for this option, the self-timer lamp will light after shooting to confi rm that the shutter has been released. Wh

141The Setup MenuUSB confi gures the camera for connection to a com-puter or printer. See “Viewing Pictures on a Comput-er” ( 76) and “Printing Pictu

The Setup Menu142 Date ImprintData imprinted at a size of (640 × 480), (1,024 × 768), or (1,280 × 960) may be diffi cult to read.Regardless of

143Technical NotesTechnical NotesAt the time of writing, the following optional accessories were available for this camera. Contact your local retail

Technical Notes144The following cards have been tested and approved for use with the COOLPIX 8400:Nikon EC-CF All capacitiesSanDiskCompactFlash (SDCF

145Technical NotesTo ensure continued enjoyment of your Nikon product, observe the following precautions when storing or using the device: Keep dryT

Technical Notes146Cleaning Lens / Electronic Viewfi nderOne key to preserving the condition of these glass parts is to not touch them with your fi ngers

147Technical NotesStorageTurn the camera off when not in use and check that the power-on lamp is off before putting the camera away. To prevent mold

Technical Notes148 The following table lists the error messages and other warnings that appear in the monitor and how to deal with them.Display Proble

149Technical NotesDisplay Problem SolutionIMAGE CANNOTBE SAVED• Memory card has not been formatted for use in camera, or error occurred while saving p

Introduction6123456789101112 1 Flash mode... 38 2 Battery level indicator ... 17 3 Exposure compe

Technical Notes150Display Problem SolutionSPEEDLIGHT IS IN THE CLOSED POSITIONSpeedlight prevented from popping up when required for additional lighti

151Technical NotesIf the camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common problems below before consulting your retailer or Nikon repres

Technical Notes152Problem SolutionMonitor is hard to read• Ambient lighting too bright: use electronic viewfi nder.• Monitor brightness needs adjustmen

153Technical NotesProblem Solution Flash does not fi re• Flash is off. Flash turns off automatically when:◆ Focus mode is set to (infi nity)◆ Landsca

Technical Notes154Problem SolutionPictureProject does not start when camera is connected or memory card inserted in card reader or card slot• Camera i

155Technical NotesFrame coverage Approximately 97% horizontal and 97% vertical (shooting)Monitor1.8˝, 134,000-dot, High Transmissive Advanced TFT LCD

Technical Notes156 Power sources • One rechargeable Nikon EN-EL7 lithium-ion battery (supplied)• MB-CP10 battery pack (available separately) with s

157Technical NotesSymbols, , 9550, 100, 200, 400, 51, , , , , , , , 34–36, see Auto mode, see Image mode, see Movie mode, see Playback mode bu

Technical Notes158EElectronic viewfi nder, see Viewfi nderElectronic VR, 60E-mail, 34, 72Exif 2.2, 155Exif Print, see Exif 2.2Exposure bracketing, 108Ex

159Technical NotesPP (programmed auto) mode, 45–46PAL, see Video modePanorama, 30–32Passive AF, see AutofocusPhoto information, 68–69PictBridge, 80–84

7IntroductionFold out to use Range of rotationStow on camera bodyStorage position †Frame self-portraits ** Monitor shows mirror im-age of what will ap

Printed in JapanSB4H04000301(11)6MA03711-AEn(En)The Nikon Guide to Digital Photographywith theDIGITAL CAMERANo reproduction in any form of this manual

Introduction8To select a mode, align the mode icon with the “ ” mark next to the mode dial. Choose from fi ve movie modes. Auto ( 17)A simple “po

9First StepsFirst StepsCharging the BatteryThe camera uses a rechargeable Nikon EN-EL7 lithium-ion battery (supplied). Charge the battery before fi rs

Trademark InformationApple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft and Windows

1212First Steps101 Turn the camera off3 Insert the batteryInsert a fully-charged EN-EL7 battery as shown in the label inside the battery-chamber cover

11First Steps EN-EL7 BatteriesBefore using the EN-EL7, read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages ii–iii and 147 of this manual.Do not use the

21First Steps12The camera stores pictures on CompactFlash™ memory cards. See “Technical Notes: Approved Memory Cards” ( 144) for a list of compatibl

13First Steps The Eject ButtonIf the eject button is up when the card-slot cover is closed, closing the cover will partially eject the memory card, ca

햲햲햶햶햳햳햴햴햵햵First Steps14Turning the Camera On1 Ready the monitor2 Turn the camera onThe fi rst time the camera is turned on, a language-selection dialog

15First Steps The Clock BatteryWhen the main battery is installed or an AC adapter is connected, the clock battery will charge in about 10 hours. Whe

First Steps16‡ If daylight saving time ( 132) is in effect in local time zone, highlight DaylightSav-ing and press center of multi selector. To retu

17Basic PhotographyBasic Photography The Battery IndicatorShooting displayControl panel Status Notes—Battery fully charged.Camera functions normally.B

Basic Photography181 Ready the cameraHold the camera steadily in both hands. Don’t Block the ShotTo avoid muffl ed sound or dark or partially obscur

19Basic Photography The Built-in SpeedlightIn mode, the built-in Speedlight will pop up automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed hal

iTechnical NotesThe Shooting MenuMore on PlaybackMoviesMore on PhotographyBasic PhotographyFirst StepsScene ModeIntroductionSymbols and ConventionsTo

Basic Photography201 FocusPress the shutter-release button halfway to set fo-cus and exposure ( 7). In mode, the camera will automatically focus

21Basic Photography During RecordingWhile pictures are being recorded to the memory card, a ( recording) or ( wait) icon will be displayed in the

Basic Photography22AF / AE LockFocus and exposure are locked when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, and remain locked while the shutter-r

23Basic Photography Playback ModePictures can also be viewed by rotating the mode dial to (playback mode; 65). Playback TipsPictures are displayed

Basic Photography24Quick Playback ZoomFor an enlarged (× 3) view of the picture currently displayed in full-screen review ( 23) or full-frame playbac

25Basic Photography Image File and Folder NamesOn the memory card, pictures are identifi ed by fi le names with three parts: a four letter identifi er, a

26Scene ModeScene mode offers a menu of fi fteen “scenes,” each corresponding to a common situation, such as a backlit subject, sunset, or interior sho

27 When Lighting Is PoorAn ISO icon may be displayed when lighting is poor ( 39). Noise ReductionRandomly-spaced, brightly-colored pixels (“noise”)

28Use tripodHold camera steadyAuto—Auto —Auto* Landscape ( )Use for vivid landscape shots that enhance outlines, colors, and contrast in such subjects

29Hold camera steadyUse tripodHold camera steadyAuto* Museum ( )Use indoors where fl ash photography is prohibited (for example, in museums and art ga

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

30Auto — Back light ( )Use when light is coming from behind a portrait subject, throwing their features into shadow, or when the subject is in the sha

31Hold camera steadyAuto*— Dusk / Dawn( )Preserves the colors seen in the weak natural light before sunrise or after sunset.• Noise reduction ( 109)

32 Panorama AssistPan direction, zoom, exposure compensation, image quality and size, fl ash mode, and focus mode can not be changed after the fi rst p

33More on PhotographyMore on PhotographyPictures taken with a digital camera are stored as image fi les. The size of the fi les, and with it the number

More on Photography34 Viewing RAW (NEF) Images on a ComputerRAW (NEF) images can only be viewed using PictureProject (version 1.0.1 or later) or Nikon

35More on PhotographyTo choose image quality or size: The Shooting MenuImage quality and size can also be set using the Image mode option in the shoot

More on Photography36 Memory Card Capacity and Image ModeThe following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on a 256 MB m

37More on PhotographySelect a fl ash mode according to lighting conditions.ModeHow it works When to use itShooting displayControl panelAutoIf lighting

More on Photography38To choose a fl ash mode: Manual Pop-UpWhen Manual is selected for Speedlight opt. > Pop up, the built-in Speedlight can be rais

39More on Photography Using the Built-in SpeedlightWhen Auto (the default option) is selected for Speedlight opt. > Pop up ( 104), the built-in Sp

iii• Do not handle the plug or battery char-ger with wet hands. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock. Observe proper

More on Photography40Choose a focus mode according to the subject and composition.Mode How it works When to use itNO ICONAutofocusCamera automatically

41More on PhotographyThe self-timer and ML-L3 remote control (supplied; 42) can be used for self-portraits or to avoid blurring that may result from

More on Photography42Using the ML-L3 Remote ControlTo use the ML-L3 remote control:1 Mount the camera on a tripod (recommended) or place it on a stabl

43More on PhotographyUsing the ML-L3: Replacing the BatteryThe ML-L3 remote control is powered by a three-volt CR2025 lithium battery. To replace the

More on Photography441/601268M8M8M1.0.01.0F2.6Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera. Exposure compen

45More on PhotographyIn (auto) and scene modes, the camera automati-cally adjusts shutter speed and aperture to produce op-timal exposure. In P, S,

More on Photography46P: Programmed AutoIn programmed auto, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and ap-erture according to the amount of lig

47More on PhotographyS: Shutter-Priority AutoIn shutter-priority auto, the user selects the shutter speed by rotating the com-mand dial; aperture is s

More on Photography48A: Aperture-Priority AutoIn aperture-priority auto, aperture is controlled by rotating the command dial; shutter speed is set aut

49More on PhotographyM: ManualIn manual exposure mode, the user controls both shutter speed and aper-ture. Shutter speed can be set to values between

ivNoticesE8400Notice for customers in the U.S.A.Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference StatementThis equipment has been

More on Photography50 Understanding the Exposure DisplaysThe exposure displays show the amount pictures will be under- or over-exposed at the values c

51More on PhotographySensitivity (ISO equivalency) is the digital equivalent of fi lm speed. The higher the sensitivity, the less light needed to make

More on Photography52 Exposure ModeIf Auto is selected in mode S or M, AUTO will appear in the photo information display but sensitivity will be fi xed

53More on Photography White BalanceP, S, A, and M Modes OnlyThe color of the light refl ected from an object varies with the color of the light source

More on Photography545Rotate mode dial to P, S, A, or M. At set-tings other than Auto, current setting is shown in shooting display and W-B icon appe

55More on Photography Preset White BalancePreset white balance is used when shooting under mixed lighting or to compensate for light sources with a

More on Photography56Manual focus is available in P, S, A, M, and modes for situations in which the desired results can not be achieved using autofo

57More on PhotographyImage AdjustmentThe shooting menu ( 85) includes options for controlling sharpness, contrast, and color saturation. These setti

Movies58MoviesIn mode, the camera can record the following types of movie. All except time-lapse movies include sound recorded via the built-in mic

59Movies Autofocus ModeSelect Single AF if the sound of the camera focusing interferes with recording. Selecting a Movie ModeTo select a movie mode w

vNotice for customers in CanadaCAUTIONThis class B digital apparatus meets all re-quirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulation

Movies60 Movie FilesMovies are recorded as QuickTime movie fi les with the extension “.MOV” and names consisting of “INTN” (time-lapse movies) or “DSCN

61Movies TV, Small, Sepia, and Black-and-White MoviesThe Speedlight turns off when TV movie 640, Small movie 320, Sepia movie 320, or B / W movie 32

Movies62Recording a Time-Lapse MovieSelecting Time-lapse movie from the MOVIE menu ( 58) displays the menu shown in Step 1, below. Take a Test Sh

63Movies Use a Reliable Power SourceIf possible, use the optional EH-54 AC adapter when recording time-lapse movies. During RecordingTo save power,

Movies64To play a movie back, rotate the mode dial to and display the movie in full-frame playback (movie fi les are indicated by a icon). Press

65More on PlaybackMore on Playback Deleting the Current PictureTo delete the current picture, press the button. A confi r-mation dialog will be dis

More on Playback66Creating HI-Quality Copies of RAW Images (Full-Frame Playback)HI-quality (TIFF) copies can be created from RAW-quality images, allow

67More on PlaybackViewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail PlaybackPressing the () button in full-screen review ( 23) or full-frame playback ( 65) d

More on Playback68 Photo InformationIn full-screen review ( 23) and full-frame playback ( 65), information about each picture is superimposed on th

69More on PlaybackPage 4 (Shooting Information, continued)Page 5 (Exposure Information)Page 6 (Focus Confi rmation) 1 White balance 2 Color saturatio

viTable of ContentsFor Your Safety... iiNotices...

More on Playback70Taking a Closer Look: Playback ZoomUse the ( ) button to zoom in on still pictures dis-played in full-screen review ( 23) or ful

71More on Playback Playback ZoomPlayback zoom is not available with movies or with copies created using the small picture option. Additional time is r

More on Playback72Quick EditPressing the shutter-release button during full-frame or thumbnail playback ( 65, 67) displays the menu shown at right.O

73More on PlaybackEnhancing Contrast: D-LightingD-lighting can be used to brighten dark or backlit subjects. CopiesCopies are stored as fi les with nam

More on Playback74To Press DescriptionRecord memoMemo of up 20 s can be recorded while button is pressed. Recording ends after about 20 s or when

75More on PlaybackThe EG-CP14 audio / video (A / V) cable included with the camera can be used to connect the camera to a television or video-cassett

More on Playback76Using the UC-E6 USB cable and PictureProject software, you can view photo-graphs and movies on a computer. Before pictures can be t

77More on PlaybackConnecting the USB CableTurn the computer on and wait for it to start up. After confi rming that the camera is off, connect the UC-

More on Playback78MacintoshDrag the camera volume (“NO NAME”) into the Trash.Disconnecting the CameraIf PTP is selected in the USB menu, the camera ca

79More on PlaybackTo print the pictures from the camera memory card:• select pictures for printing using the Print set option and take the memory card

viiMovies 58Movie Mode... 58Recording Movies...

More on Playback80Printing Via Direct USB ConnectionWhen the camera is connected to a PictBridge-compatible printer via the UC-E6 USB cable, selected

81More on Playback3 Turn the camera onTurn the camera and printer on. The menu shown at right will be displayed.Option DescriptionPrintselectionPrint

More on Playback82* Select Back to return to Step 2, Cancel to exit without printing pictures.† Press center of multi selector to interrupt printing

83More on Playback† Press center of multi selector to interrupt printing before all pictures have been printed.PictBridgePrint selectionPrint all imag

More on Playback84 Printing DPOF Print Orders on PictBridge Compatible PrintersThe DPOF printing option is only available if pictures have previously

85The Shooting MenuThe Shooting MenuP, S, A, and M Modes Only* Illustration shows default menu. Press button again to return to shooting mode.Press

The Shooting Menu86 The IconA icon appearing next to a highlighted option indicates that the selected option can be changed by rotating the comman

87The Shooting MenuMeteringChoose a metering method suited to the composition and lighting conditions.METERINGSpotCenter-weightedSpot AF areaMatrix Me

The Shooting Menu88ContinuousUse the options in this menu to capture a fl eeting expression on a portrait subject, photograph a subject that is moving

89The Shooting Menu Other Camera SettingsSettings other than Single can not be used in combination with BSS ( 91), white-bal-ance bracketing ( 107),