DIGITAL CAMERA User's Manual 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 written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION.
Where to Find It Find what you’re looking for from: i The Table of Contents ➜ 0 x–xvii Find items by function or menu name. i The Q&A Index ➜ 0 iv–ix Know what you want to do but don’t know the function name? Find it from the “question and answer” index. i The Quick Start Guide ➜ 0 19–20 A brief guide for those who want to get started taking pictures right away. i The Index ➜ 0 425–430 Search by key word.
Package Contents Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera. Memory cards are sold separately.
Symbols and Conventions To make it easier to find the information you need, the following symbols and conventions are used: D This icon marks cautions; information that should be read before use to prevent damage to the camera. A This icon marks notes; information that should be read before using the camera. 0 This icon marks references to other pages in this manual. Menu items, options, and messages displayed in the camera monitor are shown in bold.
Q&A Index 0 iv Table of Contents 0 x X Introduction s Tutorial 0 1 x Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) 0 53 y Recording and Viewing Movies d Image Recording Options 0 65 N Focus k Release Mode 0 89 S ISO Sensitivity Z Exposure 0 109 r White Balance J Image Enhancement 0 149 l Flash Photography t Other Shooting Options 0 185 I More About Playback e Voice Memos 0 221 Q Connections U Menu Guide 0 253 n Technical Notes 0 365 0 21 0 77 0 101 0 115 0 169 0 199 0 245 0 2
Q&A Index Find what you’re looking for using this “question and answer” index.
Question How do I set the clock? How do I set the clock for daylight savings time? How do I change time zones when I travel? How do I adjust monitor brightness for menus or playback? Can I reverse the exposure indicator? Can I display the menus in a different language? Can I save menu settings for use on a different D3S camera? How do I restore default settings? How do I restore shooting menu defaults? How do I restore Custom Setting defaults? Key phrase 0 Time zone and date 34, 330 LCD brightness 326
Question How do I get more information about the battery? How do I keep the file number from being reset when I insert a new memory card? How do I reset file numbering to 1? How do I clean the camera or lens? Key phrase 0 Battery info 333 File number sequence 308 Cleaning the camera 377 Key phrase Number of exposures remaining 0 ❚❚ Taking Photographs Question How many more shots can I take with this card? How do I take bigger photographs? How can I get more photos on the memory card? How do I foc
Question Can I vary exposure or flash level automatically over a series of photos? Can I create multiple copies of a photo using different white balance settings? Can I vary Active D-Lighting automatically over a series of photos? How do I adjust white balance? How do I change settings for optional flash units? How can I record multiple shots as a single photograph? Can I record voice memo when taking a photograph? Can I pick the standard exposure level? How can I reduce blur? How do I select movie frame si
Question How do I get rid of an unwanted photo? Can I delete several photos at once? Can I zoom in on pictures? Can I protect photos from accidental deletion? Can I hide selected photos? How do I tell if parts of my photos may be overexposed? How do I tell where the camera focused? Can I view photos as they are taken? Can I record voice memos with photos? Is there an automatic playback (“slide show”) option? Key phrase Deleting individual photos Delete Playback zoom 242 237 Protect 238 Hide image Displ
❚❚ Viewing or Printing Photographs on Other Devices Question Can I view my photos on TV? Can I view my photos in High Definition? How do I copy photos to my computer? How do I print photographs? Can I print photos without a computer? Can I print the date on my photographs? Key phrase Television playback HDMI Connecting to a computer Printing photographs Printing via USB Time stamp 0 269 271 Key phrase Approved memory cards Compatible lenses 0 419 Optional flash units 187 Other accessories 375 Other
Table of Contents Q&A Index ................................................................................................iv For Your Safety .................................................................................. xviii Notices.....................................................................................................xxi Introduction 1 Overview....................................................................................................2 Getting to Know the Camera..............
Focus and Shoot.............................................................................. 49 Viewing Photographs.................................................................... 51 Deleting Unwanted Photographs............................................. 52 Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) 53 Framing Photographs in the Monitor .......................................... 54 Recording and Viewing Movies 65 Recording Movies................................................................
ISO Sensitivity 109 Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually..............................................110 Auto ISO Sensitivity Control ..........................................................112 Exposure 115 Metering ...............................................................................................116 Exposure Mode...................................................................................118 e: Programmed Auto ..................................................................
Flash Photography 185 Using a Flash .......................................................................................186 The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) ..........................187 Other Flash Units...........................................................................189 i-TTL Flash Control ............................................................................192 Flash Modes.........................................................................................193 FV Lock ...
Connections 253 Connecting to a Computer ............................................................254 Direct USB Connection ............................................................... 255 Wireless and Ethernet Networks............................................. 257 Printing Photographs.......................................................................258 Connecting the Printer............................................................... 259 Printing Pictures One at a Time..................
A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings ..............292 B: Custom Setting Bank ........................................................294 A: Reset Custom Settings .....................................................294 a: Autofocus ....................................................................................295 a1: AF-C Priority Selection .....................................................295 a2: AF-S Priority Selection .....................................................
e3: Modeling Flash................................................................... 312 e4: Auto Bracketing Set ......................................................... 312 e5: Auto Bracketing (Mode M)............................................. 313 e6: Bracketing Order ............................................................... 313 f: Controls ........................................................................................ 314 f1: Multi Selector Center Button ...............................
Monochrome .............................................................................347 Filter Effects ................................................................................348 Color Balance .............................................................................348 Image Overlay............................................................................349 NEF (RAW) Processing.............................................................353 Resize .........................................
For Your Safety To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them. The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions listed in this section are indicated by the following symbol: icon marks warnings. To prevent possible injury, read all A This warnings before using this Nikon product.
A Do not use in the presence of flammable gas Do not use electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas, as this could result in explosion or fire. A Keep out of reach of children Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury. A Do not place the strap around the neck of an infant or child Placing the camera strap around the neck of an infant or child could result in strangulation.
A Observe proper precautions when • • • • • • xx A Use appropriate cables handling the quick charger When connecting cables to the Keep dry. Failure to observe this input and output jacks, use only precaution could result in fire or the cables provided or sold by electric shock. Nikon for the purpose to maintain Dust on or near the metal parts of compliance with product the plug should be removed with regulations. a dry cloth. Continued use could A CD-ROMs result in fire.
Notices • No part of the manuals included with this • Nikon will not be held liable for any product may be reproduced, transmitted, damages resulting from the use of this product. transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, • While every effort has been made to or translated into any language in any form, by any means, without Nikon’s prior ensure that the information in these manuals is accurate and complete, we written permission.
Notices for Customers in Canada CAUTION This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Notices for Customers in Europe This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected separately. The following apply only to users in European countries: • This product is designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household waste. • For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management.
Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other device may be punishable by law. • Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced Do not copy or reproduce paper money, coins, securities, government bonds, or local government bonds, even if such copies or reproductions are stamped “Sample.
A Before Taking Important Pictures Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.
XIntroduction This chapter covers information you will need to know before using the camera, including the names of camera parts. X Overview..................................................................................... 2 Getting to Know the Camera .................................................. 3 Camera Body ................................................................................................3 The Top Control Panel.......................................................................
Overview Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly to get the most from the camera, and keep them where they will be read by all those who use the product. X D Use Only Nikon Brand Accessories Only Nikon brand accessories certified by Nikon specifically for use with your Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within its operational and safety requirements.
Getting to Know the Camera Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual. Camera Body 1 D (bracketing) button......... 137, 141, 145, 204, 322 2 Release mode dial lock release .................................... 103 3 Release mode dial........................ 103 4 Eyelet for camera strap ................. 18 5 M (flash mode) button.................
Camera Body (Continued) X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 4 Mirror ..................................... 108, 381 Self-timer lamp............................. 107 Microphone (for movies)........67, 71 Flash sync terminal cover........... 186 Ten-pin remote terminal cover....................................... 217, 376 Flash sync terminal...................... 186 Ten-pin remote terminal ... 217, 376 USB connector cover.......... 255, 259 Lens release button ....................... 32 Connector cover ...........
X 1 Pv (depth-of-field preview) 6 button............................. 67, 119, 321 2 Sub-command dial............. 222, 322 7 3 Fn button........................ 82, 197, 316 8 4 Sub-command dial for 9 vertical shooting .......................... 320 10 5 Shutter-release button for vertical shooting .......................... 320 Vertical shooting shutter-release button lock ....................................320 CPU contacts Mounting index.............................. 32 Lens mount.....................
Camera Body (Continued) X 1 Viewfinder eyepiece...................... 42 2 Eyepiece shutter lever................... 42 3 O (delete) button .................. 52, 240 Q (format) button........................ 39 4 K (playback) button ........... 51, 222 5 Monitor..............................51, 53, 222 6 G (menu) button ............. 22, 273 7 N (thumbnail/playback zoom) button ....................... 235, 237 8 L (protect) button ................... 238 ? (help) button ................................
X 1 Viewfinder........................................ 41 2 A (AE/AF lock) button................................96, 97, 321 3 B (AF-ON) button ....... 56, 67, 91 4 Main command dial ........... 222, 322 5 Multi selector .................................. 23 6 Focus selector lock......................... 94 7 Memory card access lamp .....38, 50 8 Memory card slot cover..........36, 38 9 Card slot cover release button (under cover)................................... 36 Speaker (under cover)..........
The Top Control Panel X 1 Shutter speed .......................... 122, 126 10 Number of exposures remaining ... 44 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 Exposure compensation value ..... 134 Number of shots in exposure and flash bracketing sequence ........................................... 137 Number of shots in WB bracketing sequence............... 141 Number of intervals for interval timer photography .......... 211 Focal length (non-CPU lenses) ..... 216 ISO sensitivity ...................................
X FV lock indicator .............................. 197 27 Exposure and flash bracketing indicator ........................137 Flash sync indicator......................... 311 WB bracketing indicator.................141 Clock battery indicator.............35, 386 ADL bracketing indicator ...............145 GPS connection indicator.............. 219 28 Exposure indicator ...........................127 Focus mode indicator........................90 Exposure compensation Interval timer indicator .............
The Rear Control Panel X A LCD Illuminators Rotating the power switch toward D Power switch activates the exposure meters and the control panel backlights (LCD illuminator), allowing the displays to be read in the dark. After the power switch is released, the illuminators will remain lit for six seconds while the exposure meters are active or until the shutter is released or the power switch is rotated toward D again.
Image quality (JPEG images)...........84 6 “K” (appears when memory remains for over 1000 exposures).................. 44 “Remaining” indicator .................... 309 Color temperature indicator..........157 Image size.............................................86 Memory card slot indicators............ 88 7 ISO sensitivity indicator ................. 110 Image quality ...................................... 84 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator.............................................
The Viewfinder Display X 1 12-mm reference circle for center6 weighted metering...................... 116 7 2 AF area brackets .......................41, 59 8 3 Focus points .................. 94, 299, 300 9 Spot metering targets................. 116 10 4 Focus indicator ...................... 49, 100 5 Metering......................................... 116 12 Autoexposure (AE) lock ..............132 Exposure mode.............................118 Shutter speed lock icon ..............130 Shutter speed....
11 Aperture (f-number) .......... 123, 126 Aperture (number of stops) ................................................. 124, 369 12 ISO sensitivity indicator.............. 110 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator..... 113 13 ISO sensitivity................................ 110 14 Frame count .................................. 309 Number of exposures remaining......................................... 44 Number of shots remaining before memory buffer fills ...............
The Information Display Shooting information, including shutter speed, aperture, frame count, number of exposures remaining, and AF-area mode, is displayed in the monitor when the R button is pressed. X R button A Turning the Monitor Off To clear shooting information from the monitor, press the R button twice more or press the shutter-release button halfway. The monitor will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for about 10 seconds.
X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Exposure mode ................................ 118 Flexible program indicator............ 121 Shutter-speed lock icon ................. 130 Shutter speed .......................... 122, 126 Exposure compensation value..... 134 Number of shots in exposure and flash bracketing sequence ............ 137 Number of shots in WB bracketing sequence ........................................... 141 Focal length (non-CPU lenses) ..... 216 Multiple exposure indicator..........
The Information Display (Continued) X 21 Release mode (single frame/ 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 16 continuous) indicator ..................... 102 Continuous shooting speed .................................................... 104, 307 Clock battery indicator.............35, 386 FV lock indicator .............................. 197 Interval timer indicator .................. 211 Image comment indicator............. 331 Copyright information indicator.............................................
❚❚ Changing Settings in the Information Display To change settings for the items listed below, press the R button in the information display. Highlight items using the multi selector and press J to view options for the highlighted item. R button 1 2 3 4 5 Shooting menu bank.................. 285 High ISO noise reduction........... 291 Active D-Lighting......................... 181 Color space.................................... 183 Pv button assignment ................ 321 X Fn button assignment........
The Camera Strap Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets on the camera body as shown below. X The BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cover The supplied BS-2 accessory shoe cover can be used to protect the accessory shoe or to prevent light reflected from the metal parts of the shoe from appearing in photographs. The BS-2 attaches to the camera accessory shoe as shown at right.
Quick Start Guide Follow these steps for a quick start with the D3S. 1 Charge the battery (0 26). X 2 Insert the battery (0 28). Attach the battery-chamber cover before inserting the battery. 3 Attach a lens (0 31). Mounting index 4 Insert a memory card (0 36).
5 Turn the camera on (0 43). For information on choosing a language and setting the time and date, see page 33. See page 41 for information on adjusting viewfinder focus. X 6 Select single-servo autofocus (0 47, 90). Rotate the focus-mode selector to S (single-servo autofocus). 7 Focus and shoot (0 49, 50). Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus, then press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take the photograph. 8 20 View the photograph (0 51).
sTutorial This section describes how to use the camera menus, how to ready the camera for use, and how to take your first pictures and play them back. s Camera Menus ......................................................................... 22 Using Camera Menus ............................................................................. 23 Help .............................................................................................................. 25 First Steps ...................................
Camera Menus Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus. To view the menus, press the G button. s Tabs Choose from the following menus: • D: Playback (0 274) • C: Shooting (0 284) • A: Custom Settings (0 292) G button • B: Setup (0 325) • N: Retouch (0 341) • O/m: My Menu or Recent settings (defaults to My Menu; 0 359) Slider shows position in current menu. Current settings are shown by icons. Menu options Options in current menu.
Using Camera Menus ❚❚ Menu Controls The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the menus. Multi selector Move cursor up Cancel and return to previous menu Select highlighted item Select highlighted item or display sub-menu Move cursor down s J button Select highlighted item ❚❚ Navigating the Menus Follow the steps below to navigate the menus. 1 Display the menus. G button Press the G button to display the menus. 2 Highlight the icon for the current menu.
3 Select a menu. Press 1 or 3 to select the desired menu. s 4 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 menu item. 6 Display options. Press 2 to display options for the selected menu item. 7 Highlight an option. Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option.
8 Select the highlighted item. Press J to select the highlighted item. To exit without making a selection, press the G button. J button s Note the following points: • Menu items that are displayed in gray are not currently available. • While pressing 2 or the center of the multi selector generally has the same effect as pressing J, there are some cases in which selection can only be made by pressing J. • To exit the menus and return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway (0 50).
First Steps Charge the Battery s The D3S is powered by an EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery (supplied). To maximize shooting time, charge the battery in the supplied MH-22 quick charger before use. About two hours and twenty-five minutes are required to fully recharge the battery when no charge remains. 1 Plug the charger in. Insert the AC adapter plug into the battery charger and plug the power cable into an electrical outlet. 2 Remove the terminal cover. Remove the terminal cover from the battery.
4 Charge the battery. Contacts Chamber lamps Charge lamps (green) s Guide Insert the battery (terminals first), aligning the end of the battery with the guide and then sliding the battery in the direction indicated until it clicks into place.
Insert the Battery 1 s Turn the camera off. Power switch D Inserting and Removing Batteries Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing batteries. 2 Remove the battery-chamber cover. Lift the battery-chamber cover latch, turn it to the open (A) position (q) and remove the BL-4 battery-chamber cover (w). 3 Attach the cover to the battery. If the battery release is positioned so that the arrow (4) is visible, slide the battery release to cover the arrow.
4 Insert the battery. Insert the battery as shown at right. 5 Latch the cover. To prevent the battery from becoming dislodged during operation, rotate the latch to the closed position and fold it down as shown at right. Be sure the cover is securely latched. s D EN-EL4a Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries The supplied EN-EL4a shares information with compatible devices, enabling the camera to show battery charge state in six levels (0 43).
D The Battery and Charger Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xviii–xx and 388–391 of this manual. s Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 40 °C (104 °F). Charge indoors at ambient temperatures in the vicinity of 5–35°C (41–95 °F); for best results, charge the battery at temperatures above 20 °C (68 °F).
Attach a Lens Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens is removed. An AF Nikkor 85 mm f/1.4D IF lens is used in this manual for illustrative purposes. Lens cap Mounting index CPU contacts (0 368) s Aperture ring A-M mode switch (0 32, 99) Focus ring (0 99) 1 Turn the camera off. 2 Remove the rear lens cap and the camera body cap.
3 Attach the lens. Keeping the mounting index on the lens aligned with the mounting index Mounting on the camera body, index position the lens in the camera’s bayonet mount (q). Being careful not to press the lens-release button, rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it clicks into place (w). s If the lens is equipped with an A-M or M/A-M switch, select A (autofocus) or M/A (autofocus with manual priority). ❚❚ Detaching the Lens Be sure the camera is off when removing or exchanging lenses.
Basic Setup The language option in the setup menu is automatically highlighted the first time menus are displayed. Choose a language and set the time and date. 1 Turn the camera on. Power switch s 2 Select Language in the setup menu. G button Press G to display the camera menus, then select Language in the setup menu. For information on using menus, see “Using Camera Menus” (0 23). 3 Select a language. Press 1 or 3 to highlight the desired language and press J.
4 Select Time zone and date. Select Time zone and date and press 2. 5 s Set time zone. Select Time zone and press 2. Press 4 or 2 to highlight the local time zone (the UTC field shows the difference between the selected time zone and Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in hours) and press J. 6 Turn daylight saving time on or off. Select Daylight saving time and press 2.
8 Set date format. Select Date format and press 2. Press 1 or 3 to choose the order in which the year, month, and day will be displayed and press J. 9 Exit to shooting mode. s Press the shutter-release button halfway to exit to shooting mode. A The B Icon If a flashing B icon appears in the top control panel the first time the camera is used, check that clock settings (including time zone and daylight saving time) are correct. The icon disappears when the J button is pressed to exit the menu.
Insert a Memory Card The camera stores photographs on Type I CompactFlash memory cards (available separately; 0 419). Type II cards and microdrives can not be used. Up to two memory cards can be inserted in the camera simultaneously. The following section describes how to insert and format a memory card. s 1 Turn the camera off. Power switch D Inserting and Removing Memory Cards Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing memory cards. 2 Open the card slot cover.
A Memory Card Slots Slot 1 is for the main card; the card in slot 2 plays a backup or secondary role. If the default setting of Overflow is selected for Slot 2 (0 88) when two memory cards are inserted, the card in slot 2 will only be used when the card in slot 1 is full. Slot 1 Slot 2 The card currently in use is indicated in the top control panel and information display (the illustrations at right show the displays when two cards are inserted).
D Direction of insertion 4GB Inserting Memory Cards Insert the memory card terminals first. Inserting the card upside down or backwards could damage the camera or the card. Check to be sure that the card is in the correct orientation. Terminals Rear label s 4 Close the card slot cover. If this is the first time the memory card will be used after being used or formatted in another device, format the card as described on page 39. ❚❚ Removing Memory Cards 1 Turn the camera off.
Format the Memory Card Memory cards must be formatted before first use or after being used or formatted in other devices. D Formatting Memory Cards Formatting memory cards permanently deletes any data they may contain. Be sure to copy any photographs and other data you wish to keep to a computer before proceeding (0 254). s 1 Turn the camera on. 2 Press the Q buttons.
When formatting is complete, the top control panel and viewfinder will show the number of photographs that can be recorded at current settings and the frame-count displays will show B. SHOOT CUSTOM s D Memory Cards • Memory cards may be hot after use. Observe due caution when removing memory cards from the camera. • Turn the power off before inserting or removing memory cards.
Adjust Viewfinder Focus The camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to accommodate individual differences in vision. Check that the display in the viewfinder is in focus before shooting. 1 Turn the camera on. Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on. s 2 Lift the diopter adjustment control (q). 3 Focus the viewfinder. Rotate the diopter adjustment control (w) until the viewfinder display, focus points, and AF area brackets are in sharp focus.
4 Replace the diopter adjustment control. Push the diopter adjustment control back in (e). s A Diopter-Adjustment Viewfinder Lenses Corrective lenses (available separately; 0 373) can be used to further adjust viewfinder diopter. Before attaching a diopter-adjustment viewfinder lens, remove the DK-17 viewfinder eyepiece by closing the viewfinder shutter to release the eyepiece lock (q) and then unscrewing the eyepiece as shown at right (w).
Basic Photography and Playback Turn the Camera On Before taking photographs, turn the camera on and check the battery level and number of exposures remaining as described below. 1 Turn the camera on. Power switch s Turn the camera on. The control panels will turn on and the display in the viewfinder will light. 2 Check the battery level. Check the battery level in the top control panel or viewfinder. SHOOT CUSTOM Icon * Control panel Viewfinder Description L — Battery fully charged.
3 Check the number of exposures remaining. The top control panel shows the number of photographs that can be taken at current settings. When this number reaches zero, N and n icons will flash in the top control panel and a flashing j icon will appear in the viewfinder as shown at right. No further pictures can be taken until you delete pictures or insert a new memory card. You may be able to take additional pictures at lower image quality or size settings.
A Auto Meter Off The shutter speed and aperture displays in the top control panel and viewfinder will turn off if no operations are performed for about six seconds (auto meter off ), reducing the drain on the battery. Press the shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the display in the viewfinder (0 50).
Adjust Camera Settings This tutorial describes the basic steps involved in taking photos. 1 Choose exposure mode e. I button Press the I button and rotate the main command dial to select exposure mode e. The camera will automatically adjust shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations. s Main command dial 2 Choose single frame release mode. Release mode dial lock release Hold the release mode dial lock release down and turn the release mode dial to S (single frame).
3 Choose single-point AF. Rotate the AF-area mode selector until it clicks into place pointing to K (single-point AF). At this setting, the user can choose the focus point. AF-area mode selector s Focus point 4 Choose single-servo autofocus. Focus-mode selector Rotate the focus-mode selector until it clicks into place pointing to S (single-servo autofocus).
5 Choose matrix metering. Metering selector Press the metering selector lock button and rotate the metering selector to Y (matrix metering). Matrix metering uses information from the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor to ensure optimal results for the entire frame. s 6 Check camera settings.
Focus and Shoot 1 Press the shutterrelease button halfway to focus (0 50). Focus point At default settings, the camera will focus on the subject in the center focus point. Frame a Focus Buffer photo in the viewfinder indicator capacity with the main subject positioned in the center focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway. If the camera is able to focus, the in-focus indicator (I) will appear in the viewfinder. Viewfinder display I 2 4 2 4 (blinks) s Description Subject in focus.
2 Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to shoot. Smoothly press the shutterrelease-button the rest of the Access lamp way down to take the picture. While the photograph is being recorded to the memory card, the access lamp next to the card slot cover will light. Do not eject the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until the lamp has gone out. s A The Shutter-Release Button The camera has a two-stage shutter-release button.
Viewing Photographs 1 Press the K button. K button A photograph will be displayed in the monitor. The memory card containing the picture currently displayed is shown by an icon. 2 s View additional pictures. Additional pictures can be displayed by pressing 4 or 2. To view additional information on the current photograph, press 1 and 3 (0 225). 1/ 10 1/ 125 F5. 6 AUTO N I KON D3S 200 85mm 0, 0 100NCD3S DSC_0001.
Deleting Unwanted Photographs To delete the photograph currently displayed in the monitor, press the O button. Note that photographs can not be recovered once deleted. 1 Display the photograph. Display the photograph you wish to delete as described in “Viewing Photographs” on the previous page. s 2 Delete the photograph. Press the O button. A confirmation dialog will be displayed (the location of the current picture is shown by the icon in the bottom left corner of the dialog).
xFraming Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) This chapter describes how to frame pictures in the monitor using live view. x Framing Photographs in the Monitor .................................
Framing Photographs in the Monitor x Press the a button to frame pictures in the monitor. The following options are available: • Tripod (h): Choose when the camera is mounted on a tripod (0 55). You can zoom in on the image displayed in the monitor for precise focus, making this option suitable for static subjects. Contrast-detect autofocus can be used to compose photographs with the subject positioned anywhere in the frame.
Tripod Mode (h) 1 Frame a picture in the viewfinder. With the camera mounted on a tripod or resting on a stable, level surface, frame the subject in the viewfinder. 2 Choose Tripod for Live G button view mode in the shooting menu. Press the G button and select the shooting menu. Select Live view mode, highlight Tripod, and press J. 3 x Press the a button. The mirror will be raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor instead of the viewfinder.
4 x Focus. Autofocus (focus mode S or C): In tripod mode, the focus point for contrast-detect autofocus can be moved to any point in the frame using the multi selector. n is displayed when the focus Contrast-detect focus point point is at the center of the frame except when the view through the lens is zoomed in. To focus using contrast-detect B button autofocus, press the B button. The focus point will blink green and the monitor may brighten while the camera focuses.
To magnify the view in the monitor up to 13 × and check focus, press the N button and rotate the main command dial. While the view through the lens is zoomed in, a navigation window will appear in the bottom right corner of the display. + N button Main command dial x Use the multi selector to scroll to areas of the frame not visible in the monitor. D Exposure Preview In tripod mode, you can preview exposure in the monitor by pressing J.
6 End live view. Press the a button to end live view. x D Focusing with Contrast-Detect Autofocus Contrast-detect autofocus will take longer than normal (phasedetection) autofocus.
Hand-Held Mode (g) 1 Choose Hand-held for Live view mode in the shooting menu. G button Press the G button and select the shooting menu. Select Live view mode, highlight Hand-held, and press J. x 2 Press the a button. The mirror will be raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor instead of the viewfinder. 3 a button Frame a picture in the monitor. To magnify the view in the monitor up to 13 ×, press the N button and rotate the main command dial.
4 Focus. Autofocus (focus mode S or C): Press the shutter-release button halfway or press the B button. The camera will focus normally and set exposure. Note that the mirror will click back into place while either button is pressed, temporarily interrupting live view. Live view is restored when the button is released. x Manual focus (focus mode M; 0 99): Focus using the lens focus ring. 5 Take the picture.
D Shooting in Live View Mode Although they will not appear in the final picture, flicker, banding, or distortion may be visible in the monitor under fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium lamps or if the camera is panned horizontally or if an object moves at high speed through the frame. Bright spots may also appear. When shooting in live view mode, avoid pointing the camera at the sun or other strong light sources.
A The Information Display To hide or display indicators in the monitor in live view mode, press the R button. Information on Virtual horizon * Information off x Information + histogram (exposure preview only; 0 57) * Framing guides * * Not displayed during zoom. A AF area brackets AF area brackets are displayed only in hand-held mode.
D No Picture After shooting, play the picture back in the monitor to ensure that the photograph has been recorded. In hand-held mode, note that the sound the mirror makes when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway or the B button is pressed can be mistaken for the sound of the shutter, and that if single-servo AF is used, a photograph will only be recorded if the camera is able to focus.
x 64
yRecording and Viewing Movies This chapter describes how to record movies in live view. y Recording Movies.................................................................... 66 Viewing Movies........................................................................ 73 Editing Movies .........................................................................
Recording Movies Movies can be recorded at 24 fps by pressing the Pv button in live view mode. If desired, choose a Picture Control (0 170) and color space (0 183) before recording. 1 Choose a live view mode G button in the shooting menu. Press G and select the shooting menu. Select Live view mode, highlight an option, and press J: • Tripod: In modes g and h, movies are recorded at the selected aperture (0 123, 125).
D The 0 Icon A 0 icon indicates that movies can not be recorded. 3 Focus. B button Focus before starting recording. Frame the opening shot and either press the B button (Tripod) or press the shutterrelease button halfway (Handheld) to focus on your subject. In hand-held mode, autofocus is not available after recording begins. 4 Start recording. Pv button y j icon Press the Pv button or the center of the multi selector to start recording.
5 End recording. Press the Pv button again to end recording (to end recording and take a still picture in live view, press the shutter-release button all the way down). Recording will end automatically when the maximum size is reached or the memory card is full. A Maximum Size Individual movie files can be up to 2 GB in size.
D Recording Movies Flicker, banding, or distortion may be visible in the monitor and in the final movie under fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium lamps or if the camera is panned horizontally or an object moves at high speed through frame. Jagged edges, false colors, moiré, and bright spots may also appear. If a flash or other light source with brief duration is used during recording, bright bands may appear or the top or bottom of the frame may brighten.
❚❚ Movie Settings Adjust movie settings before recording. 1 Select Movie settings in the shooting menu. G button Press the G button to display the menus. Highlight Movie settings in the shooting menu and press 2. y 2 Choose movie options. To choose a frame size, highlight Quality and press 2. Highlight one of the following options and press J to select: Option a 1280×720 (16:9) * b 640×424 (3:2) c 320×216 (3:2) Frame size (pixels) 1280 × 720 640 × 424 320 × 216 Maximum length 5 min. 20 min.
To turn the built-in or external microphone on or off or to adjust microphone sensitivity, highlight Microphone and press 2. To turn sound recording off, highlight Microphone off and press J. To turn recording on and adjust microphone sensitivity automatically, select Auto sensitivity (A). Selecting any other option turns recording on and sets the microphone to the selected sensitivity.
To adjust ISO sensitivity to suit lighting conditions, highlight High-sensitivity movie mode and press 2. If lighting is so poor that the subject is difficult to see with the naked eye, highlight On and press J to shoot at ISO sensitivities of ISO 6400 to Hi 3 (a m icon will be displayed in the monitor). Select Off to shoot at ISO sensitivities between ISO 200 and ISO 12800.
Viewing Movies Movies are indicated by a 1 icon in full-frame playback (0 222). Press the center of the multi selector to start playback. 1 icon Length Current position/total length Volume Guide y The following operations can be performed: To Pause Play Use 3/J Pause playback. Description Resume playback when movie is paused or during rewind/advance. Speed doubles with each press, from 2× to 4× to 8× Rewind/ to 16×; keep pressed to skip to beginning or end 4/2 of movie.
Editing Movies Trim footage to create edited copies of movies or save selected frames as JPEG stills. To view movie retouch options, display a movie in full-frame playback and press J. Trimming Movies 1 Choose an option. To trim the opening footage from the copy, highlight Choose start point in the edit movie menu and press J. Select Choose end point to trim the ending footage. y 2 View the movie and choose a starting or end point.
3 Save the copy. Select Yes and press J to save the edited copy. If necessary, the copy can be trimmed as described above to remove additional footage. Edited copies are indicated by a 9 icon in full-frame playback. D Trimming Movies Movies must be at least two seconds long. The current position will be displayed in red if creating a copy at the current playback position would result in a movie less than two seconds long.
Saving Selected Frames 1 Choose Save selected frame. To save a selected frame as a JPEG still, highlight Save selected frame in the edit movie menu and press J. 2 View the movie and choose a frame. Press the center of the multi selector to start or resume playback, 3 to pause, and 4 or 2 to rewind or advance (0 73; pause to rewind or advance one frame at a time). To adjust volume, hold N and press 1 and 3. Starting and ending frames are shown by h and i icons.
dImage Recording Options This section describes how to choose image area, quality, and size and how to choose the role played by memory card slot 2. Image Area ............................................................................... 78 Image Quality........................................................................... 83 d Image Size................................................................................. 86 Slot 2 ......................................................................
Image Area d The camera’s FX format (36.0 × 23.9 mm) image sensor can be used to record pictures with an image area (picture angle) equivalent to a 35mm (135) format film camera. Image area is selected using the Image area option in the shooting menu. At the default setting of Auto DX crop, the camera will automatically crop pictures to the DX picture angle when a DX format lens is attached.
❚❚ Choose Image Area Choose the image area used when a non-DX lens is attached or a DX-lens is attached with Off selected for Auto DX crop (0 81). Option Description Images are recorded in FX format using the full area FX (36×24) of the image sensor (36.0 × 23.9 mm), producing a picture angle equivalent to a NIKKOR lens on a c 1.0× 35mm format camera. The edges of pictures taken (FX format) with DX format lenses will be blacked out. A 30.0 × 20.
A Image Area The selected option is shown in the information display. A d DX Lenses DX lenses are designed for use with DX format cameras and have a smaller picture angle than lenses for 35mm format cameras. If Auto DX crop is off and an option other than DX (24×16) (DX format) is selected for Image area when a DX lens is attached, the edges of the image may be eclipsed.
Image area can be set using the Image area option in the shooting menu or by pressing the Fn button and rotating a command dial. ❚❚ The Image Area Menu 1 Select Image area in the shooting menu. G button Press G to display the menus. Highlight Image area in the shooting menu (0 284) and press 2. 2 d Choose an option. Highlight Auto DX crop or Choose image area and press 2. 3 Adjust settings. Choose an option and press J. The selected crop is displayed in the viewfinder (0 80).
❚❚ The Fn Button The image area can be selected by pressing the Fn button and rotating the main or subcommand dial until the desired crop is displayed in the viewfinder (0 80). This operation can not be performed during live view or while a multiple exposure is being recorded. d Fn button Main command dial The option currently selected for image area can be viewed by pressing the Fn button to display the image area in the top control panel or information display. FX format is displayed as “36×24”, 1.
Image Quality The D3S supports the following image quality options. See page 420 for information on the number of pictures that can be stored at different image quality and size settings. Option File type NEF (RAW) NEF TIFF (RGB) TIFF (RGB) JPEG fine JPEG normal JPEG JPEG basic NEF (RAW)+ JPEG fine NEF (RAW)+ JPEG normal NEF (RAW)+ JPEG basic NEF/ JPEG Description RAW data from the image sensor are saved directly to the memory card in Nikon Electronic Format (NEF).
Image quality is set by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the rear control panel. QUAL button Main command dial Rear control panel d A NEF (RAW) Once transferred to a computer, NEF (RAW) images can only be viewed using ViewNX (available on the supplied Software Suite CD) or Capture NX 2 (available separately; 0 375). JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) images can be created using the NEF (RAW) processing option in the retouch menu (0 353).
The following options can be G button accessed from the shooting menu. Press the G button to display the menus, highlight the desired option and press 2. ❚❚ JPEG Compression Choose the type of compression for JPEG images. Option Description Images are compressed to produce relatively O Size priority uniform file size. Optimal Optimal image quality. File size varies with scene P quality recorded. d ❚❚ NEF (RAW) Recording > Type Choose the type of compression for NEF (RAW) images.
Image Size Image size is measured in pixels. Choose from Large, Medium, or Small (note that image size varies depending on the option selected for Image area, 0 78): Image area FX (36×24) 1.0× (FX format) 1.2× (30×20) 1.2× d DX (24×16) 1.5× (DX format) 5 : 4 (30×24) Option L M S L M S L M S L M S Size (pixels) 4,256 × 2,832 3,184 × 2,120 2,128 × 1,416 3,552 × 2,368 2,656 × 1,776 1,776 × 1,184 2,784 × 1,848 2,080 × 1,384 1,392 × 920 3,552 × 2,832 2,656 × 2,120 1,776 × 1,416 Print size (cm/in.) * 36.
A NEF (RAW) Images Note that the option selected for image size does not affect the size of NEF (RAW) images. When opened in software such as ViewNX (supplied) or Capture NX 2 (available separately), NEF (RAW) images have the dimensions given for large (L-size) images in the table on the previous page. A The Image Size Menu Image size can also be adjusted using the Image size option in the shooting menu (0 284).
Slot 2 Use the Slot 2 option in the shooting menu (0 284) to choose the role played by the memory card in slot 2. Option P Overflow Q Backup d RAW Slot 1 - R JPEG Slot 2 Rear control panel Description The memory card in slot 2 is used to record photographs when the memory card in slot 1 is full. Each photograph is recorded to both memory cards. At image quality settings of NEF (RAW)+JPEG, the NEF (RAW) image is recorded to the memory card in slot 1, the JPEG image to the memory card in slot 2.
NFocus – Controlling How the Camera Focuses This section describes the options that control how your camera focuses. Focus Mode .............................................................................. 90 AF-Area Mode .......................................................................... 92 N Focus Point Selection ............................................................. 94 Focus Lock ................................................................................ 96 Manual Focus ...........
Focus Mode Focus mode is controlled by the Focus-mode selector focus-mode selector on the front of the camera. There are two autofocus (AF) modes, in which the camera focuses automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, and one manual focus mode, in which focus must be adjusted manually using the focus ring on the lens: Option N Description Camera focuses when shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
A The B Buttons For the purpose of focusing the camera, pressing either of the B buttons has the same effect as pressing the shutter-release button halfway; note, however, that vibration reduction (available with VR lenses) can only be engaged by pressing the shutter-release button halfway.
AF-Area Mode AF-area mode determines how the focus point is selected in autofocus mode (0 90). To select the AF-area mode, rotate the AF-area mode selector. The following options are available: AF-area mode selector Mode N 92 Description User selects focus point manually; camera focuses on K subject in selected focus point only. Use for relatively static Singlecompositions with subjects that will stay in selected focus point AF point.
A AF-Area Mode AF-area mode is shown in the information display. AF-area mode indicator AF-area mode Information display K Single-point AF Custom Setting a3 (Dynamic AF area, 0 296) 9 points I Dynamic -area AF * 21 points N 51 points 51 points (3D-tracking) H Auto-area AF * Only active focus point is displayed in the viewfinder. Remaining focus points provide information to assist focus operation. A Manual Focus Single-point AF is automatically selected when manual focus is used.
Focus Point Selection The D3S offers a choice of 51 focus points that together cover a wide area of the frame. The focus point can be selected manually, allowing photographs to be composed with the main subject positioned almost AF-area mode selector anywhere in the frame (singlepoint and dynamic-area AF), or automatically (auto-area AF; note that manual focus point detection is not available when auto-area AF is selected). To select the focus point manually: N 1 Rotate the focus selector lock to ●.
A Portrait (Tall-Orientation) Photographs When framing shots in portrait (“tall”) orientation, use the command dials to select the focus point. For more information, see Custom Setting f4 (Assign Fn button, 0 316). A See Also For information on choosing when the focus point is illuminated, see Custom Setting a6 (Focus point illumination, 0 299). For information on setting focus-point selection to “wrap around,” see Custom Setting a7 (Focus point wrap-around, 0 299).
Focus Lock Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus point in the final composition. It can also be used when the autofocus system is unable to focus (0 98). 1 Focus. Position the subject in the selected focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway to initiate focus. 2 N Check that the in-focus indicator (I) appears in the viewfinder.
Continuous-servo AF Press the AE-L/AF-L button to lock both focus and exposure (an AE-L icon appears in the viewfinder, see page 132). Focus and exposure will remain locked while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if you later remove your finger from the shutter-release button. Shutter-release button AE-L/AF-L button 3 N Recompose the photograph and shoot.
Getting Good Results with Autofocus Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. The shutter release may be disabled if the camera is unable to focus under these conditions, or the in-focus indicator (●) may be displayed and the camera may sound a beep, allowing the shutter to be released even when the subject is not in focus. In these cases, use manual focus (0 99) or use focus lock (0 96) to focus on another subject at the same distance and then recompose the photograph.
Manual Focus Manual focus is available for lenses that do not support autofocus (non-AF NIKKOR lenses) or when the autofocus does not produce the desired results (0 98). • AF-S lenses: Set the lens focus mode switch to M. • AF lenses: Set the lens focus mode Focus-mode selector switch (if present) and camera focus-mode selector to M. D AF Lenses Do not select focus mode S or C. Failure to observe this precaution could damage the camera. • Manual focus lenses: Set the camera focus-mode selector to M.
The Electronic Rangefinder N If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the subject in the selected focus point is in focus (the focus point can be selected from any of the 51 focus points). After positioning the subject in the selected focus point, press the shutter-release button halfway and rotate the lens focus ring until the in-focus indicator (I) is displayed.
kRelease Mode – Single Frame, Continuous, Quiet Shutter-Release, Self-Timer, or Mirror Up Release mode determines how the camera takes photographs: one at a time (with or without reduced camera noise), in a continuous sequence, with a timed shutter-release delay, or with the mirror raised to enhance shutter response and minimize vibration. Choosing a Release Mode.................................................... 102 k Continuous Mode..................................................................
Choosing a Release Mode The camera supports the following release modes: Mode S Single frame CL Continuous low speed CH Continuous high speed k J Quiet shutterrelease E Self-timer MUP Mirror up Description Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-release button is pressed. While shutter-release button is held down, camera records 1–9 frames per second.
To choose a release mode, press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to the desired setting.
Continuous Mode To take pictures in CH (continuous high speed) and CL (continuous low speed) modes: 1 Select CH or CL mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to CH or CL. Release mode dial 2 k Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. While the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down, pictures will be taken at the frame rate selected for Custom Setting d2 (Shooting speed, 0 307).
A Buffer Size The approximate number of images that can be stored in the memory buffer at current settings is shown in the exposure-count displays in the viewfinder and top control panel while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. The illustration at right shows the display when space remains in the buffer for about 85 pictures.
Self-Timer Mode The self-timer can be used to reduce camera shake or for selfportraits. To use the self-timer, mount the camera on a tripod (recommended) or place the camera on a stable, level surface and follow the steps below: 1 Select self-timer mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to E. Release mode dial k 2 Frame the photograph and focus. In single-servo autofocus (0 90), photographs can only be taken if the in-focus (I) indicator appears in the viewfinder.
3 Start the timer. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the timer. The self-timer lamp will start to blink. Two seconds before the photograph is taken, the self-timer lamp will stop blinking. The shutter will be released about ten seconds after the timer starts. To turn the self-timer off before a photograph is taken, turn the release mode dial to another setting. k A A In self-timer mode, a shutter speed of A is equivalent to approximately 1/5 s.
Mirror up Mode Choose this mode to minimize blurring caused by camera movement when the mirror is raised. Use of a tripod is recommended. 1 Select mirror up mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to MUP. Release mode dial 2 Raise the mirror. Frame the picture, focus, and then press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to raise the mirror.
SISO Sensitivity – Reacting Faster to Light “ISO sensitivity” is the digital equivalent of film speed. The higher the ISO sensitivity, the less light needed to make an exposure, allowing higher shutter speeds or smaller apertures. This chapter describes how to set ISO sensitivity manually and automatically. Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually.................................... 110 Auto ISO Sensitivity Control................................................
Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually ISO sensitivity can be set to values between ISO 200 and ISO 12800 in steps equivalent to 1/3 EV. Settings of from about 0.3 to 1 EV below ISO 200 and 0.3 to 3 EV above ISO 12800 are also available for special situations. ISO sensitivity can be adjusted by pressing the ISO button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the control panels or viewfinder.
A The ISO Sensitivity Menu ISO sensitivity can also be adjusted using the ISO sensitivity option in the shooting menu (0 284). A Hi 0.3–Hi 3 The settings Hi 0.3 through Hi 3 correspond to ISO sensitivities 0.3–3 EV over ISO 12800 (ISO16000–102400 equivalent). Pictures taken at these settings are more likely to be subject to noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines). A Lo 0.3–Lo 1 The settings Lo 0.3 through Lo 1 correspond to ISO sensitivities 0.3–1 EV below ISO 200 (ISO 160–100 equivalent).
Auto ISO Sensitivity Control If On is selected for ISO sensitivity settings > ISO sensitivity auto control in the shooting menu, ISO sensitivity will automatically be adjusted if optimal exposure can not be achieved at the value selected by the user (ISO sensitivity is adjusted appropriately when the flash is used). 1 Select ISO sensitivity auto control for ISO sensitivity settings in the shooting menu. G button To display the menus, press the G button.
3 Adjust settings. The maximum value for auto ISO sensitivity can be selected using Maximum sensitivity (the minimum value for auto ISO sensitivity is automatically set to ISO 200; note that if the value selected for Maximum sensitivity is lower than the value currently selected for ISO sensitivity, the value selected for Maximum sensitivity will be used).
S 114
VExposure – Controlling How the Camera Sets Exposure This section describes the options available to control exposure, including metering, exposure mode, exposure lock, exposure compensation, and bracketing. Metering ................................................................................. 116 Exposure Mode...................................................................... 118 e: Programmed Auto............................................................................
Metering Metering determines how the camera sets exposure. The following options are available: Method Description Recommended in most situations. Camera meters a wide a area of the frame and sets exposure according to distribution 3D color of brightness, color, distance, and composition for natural matrix II results.
To choose a metering method, press the metering selector lock button and rotate the metering selector until the desired mode is displayed in the viewfinder. Metering selector A Matrix Metering The metering method used is determined by the type of lens attached: • Type G and D lenses: Range information is included when determining exposure (3D color matrix metering II). • Other CPU lenses: Range information is not included when determining exposure (color matrix metering II).
Exposure Mode Exposure mode determines how the camera sets shutter speed and aperture when adjusting exposure. Four modes are available: programmed auto (e), shutter-priority auto (f ), aperture-priority auto (g), and manual (h). Mode Z Description Camera sets shutter speed and aperture for Programmed optimal exposure. Recommended for snapshots e auto and in other situations in which there is little time (0 120) to adjust camera settings.
A Depth-of-Field Preview To preview the effects of aperture, press and hold the Pv button. The lens will be stopped down to the aperture value selected by the camera (modes e and f ) or the value chosen by the user (modes g and h), allowing depth of field to be previewed in the viewfinder.
e: Programmed Auto In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture according to a built-in program to ensure optimal exposure in most situations. This mode is recommended for snapshots and other situations in which you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed and aperture. To take photographs in programmed auto: 1 Select exposure mode e. Press the I button and rotate the main command dial until e is displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel.
A Flexible Program In exposure mode e, different combinations of shutter speed and aperture can be selected by rotating the main command dial while the exposure meters are on (“flexible program”). Rotate the command dial to the right for large apertures (small f-numbers) that blur background details or fast shutter speeds that Main command dial “freeze” motion. Rotate the command dial to the left for small apertures (large f-numbers) that increase depth of field or slow shutter speeds that blur motion.
f: Shutter-Priority Auto In shutter-priority auto, you choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically selects the aperture that will produce the optimal exposure. To take photographs in shutter-priority auto: 1 Select exposure mode f. Press the I button and rotate the main command dial until f is displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel. 2 I button Main command dial Choose a shutter speed. Rotate the main command dial while the exposure meters are on to choose a shutter speed.
g: Aperture-Priority Auto In aperture-priority auto, you choose the aperture while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed that will produce the optimal exposure. To take photographs in aperture-priority auto: 1 Select exposure mode g. Press the I button and rotate the main command dial until g is displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel. 2 I button Main command dial Choose an aperture.
3 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. Z A Non-CPU Lenses (0 366, 369) Use the lens aperture ring to adjust aperture. If the maximum aperture of the lens has been specified using the Non-CPU lens data item in setup menu (0 215) when a non-CPU lens is attached, the current f-number will be displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel, rounded to the nearest full stop.
h: Manual In manual exposure mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. To take photographs in manual exposure mode: 1 Select exposure mode h. Press the I button and rotate the main command dial until h is displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel.
2 Choose aperture and shutter speed. While the exposure meters are on, rotate the main command dial to choose a shutter speed, and the sub-command dial to set aperture. Shutter speed can be set to “p” or to values between 30 s and 1/8,000 s, or the shutter can be held open indefinitely for a long time-exposure (A, 0 128). Aperture can be set to values between the minimum and maximum values for the lens.
A AF Micro NIKKOR Lenses Provided that an external exposure meter is used, the exposure ratio need only be taken into account when the lens aperture ring is used to set aperture. A Exposure Indicators The exposure indicators in the viewfinder and top control panel show whether the photograph would be under- or over-exposed at current settings (if r or q is displayed in f or g modes, the indicators show the amount of under- or over-exposure).
Long Time-Exposures At a shutter speed of A, the shutter will remain open while the shutter-release button is held down. Use for long time-exposure photographs of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks. A tripod and optional remote cord (0 376) are recommended to prevent blur. 1 Ready the camera. Mount the camera on a tripod or place it on a stable, level surface. If you are using an optional remote cord, attach it to the camera.
3 Choose a shutter speed. While the exposure meters are active, rotate the main command dial until “A” appears in the shutter-speed displays. The exposure indicators do not appear when “A“ is selected. SHOOT CUSTOM 4 Press the shutter-release button all the way down. Press the shutter-release button on the camera or remote cord all the way down. The shutter will remain open while the shutter-release button is pressed. 5 Release the shutter-release button.
Shutter-Speed and Aperture Lock The F button can be used to lock shutter speed at the value selected in shutter-priority auto or manual exposure mode, or to lock aperture at the value selected in aperture-priority auto and manual exposure modes. Lock is not available in programmed auto. ❚❚ Shutter-Speed Lock To lock shutter speed at the selected value, press the F button and rotate the main command dial until F icons appear in the viewfinder and the top control panel.
❚❚ Aperture Lock To lock aperture at the selected value, press the F button and rotate the sub-command dial until F icons appear in the viewfinder and the top control panel. F button Sub-command dial To unlock aperture, press the F button and rotate the sub-command dial until the F icons disappear from the displays.
Autoexposure (AE) Lock Use autoexposure lock to recompose photographs after metering exposure. 1 Select center-weighted or spot metering (0 116). Metering selector Matrix metering will not produce the desired results with autoexposure lock. If using center-weighted metering, select the center focus point with the multi selector (0 94). 2 Z Lock exposure. Position the subject in the selected focus point and press the shutterrelease button halfway.
3 Recompose the photograph. Keeping the AE-L/AF-L button pressed, recompose the photograph and shoot. A Metered Area In spot metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in a 4-mm (0.16 in.) circle centered on the selected focus point. In centerweighted metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in a 12-mm circle in the center of the viewfinder.
Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. In exposure mode h, only the exposure information shown in the exposure indicator is affected; shutter speed and aperture do not change. To choose a value for exposure compensation, press the E button and rotate the main command dial until the desired value is displayed in the viewfinder or top control panel.
Exposure compensation can be set to values between –5 EV (underexposure) and +5 EV (overexposure) in increments of 1/3 EV. In general, choose positive values to make the subject brighter, negative values to make it darker. –1 EV No exposure compensation +1 EV At values other than ±0.0, the 0 at the center of the exposure indicators will flash and a E icon will be displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel after you release the E button.
Bracketing Bracketing automatically varies exposure, flash level, Active D-Lighting (ADL), or white balance slightly with each shot, “bracketing” the current value. Choose in situations in which it is difficult to set exposure, Active D-Lighting, or white balance and there is not time to check results and adjust settings with each shot, or to experiment with different settings for the same subject.
2 Choose the number of shots. Pressing the D button, rotate the main command dial to choose the number of shots in the bracketing sequence. The number of shots is shown in the top control panel. Number of shots D button Main command dial Top control panel Exposure and flash bracketing indicator At settings other than zero, a M icon and exposure and flash bracketing indicator will be displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel.
3 Select an exposure increment. Pressing the D button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose the exposure increment. Exposure increment D button Sub-command dial Top control panel At default settings, the size of the increment can be chosen from 1/3, 2/3, and 1 EV. The bracketing programs with an increment of 1/3 EV are listed below. Control panel display Z No. of shots 0 3 3 2 2 3 5 7 9 A Bracketing order (EVs) 0 +0.3/0/+0.7 –0.3/–0.7/0 0/+0.3 0/–0.3 0/–0.3/+0.3 0/–0.7/–0.3/+0.3/+0.7 0/–1.0/–0.
4 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. The camera will vary exposure and/or flash level shot-by-shot according to the bracketing program selected. Modifications to exposure are added to those made with exposure compensation (see page 134), making it possible to achieve exposure compensation values of more than 5 EV. While bracketing is in effect, a bracketing progress indicator will be displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel. A segment will disappear from the indicator after each shot.
❚❚ Canceling Bracketing To cancel bracketing, press the D button and rotate the main command dial until the number of shots in the bracketing sequence is zero ( ) and M is no longer displayed. The program last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated. Bracketing can also be cancelled by performing a two-button reset (0 200), although in this case the bracketing program will not be restored the next time bracketing is activated.
❚❚ White Balance Bracketing The camera creates multiple copies of each photograph, each with a different white balance. For more information on white balance, see page 149. 1 Select white balance bracketing. Choose WB bracketing for Custom Setting e4 Auto bracketing set. 2 Choose the number of shots. Pressing the D button, rotate the main command dial to choose the number of shots in the bracketing sequence. The number of shots is shown in the top control panel.
3 Select a white balance increment. Pressing the D button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose the white balance adjustment. Each increment is roughly equivalent to 5 mired. White balance increment D button Sub-command dial Top control panel Choose from increments of 1 (5 mired), 2 (10 mired), or 3 (15 mired). Higher B values correspond to increased amounts of blue, higher A values to increased amounts of amber (0 154). The bracketing programs with an increment of 1 are listed below.
4 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. Each shot will be processed to create the number of copies specified in the bracketing program, and each copy will have a different white balance. Modifications to white balance are added to the white balance adjustment made with white balance fine-tuning.
❚❚ Canceling Bracketing To cancel bracketing, press the D button and rotate the main command dial until the number of shots in the bracketing sequence is zero (r) and W is no longer displayed. The program last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated. Bracketing can also be cancelled by performing a twobutton reset (0 200), although in this case the bracketing program will not be restored the next time bracketing is activated.
❚❚ ADL Bracketing The camera varies Active D-Lighting over a series of exposures. For more information on Active D-Lighting, see page 181. 1 Select ADL bracketing. Choose ADL bracketing for Custom Setting e4 Auto bracketing set. 2 Choose the number of shots. Pressing the D button, rotate the main command dial to choose the number of shots in the bracketing sequence. The number of shots is shown in the top control panel.
3 Select Active D-Lighting. Pressing the D button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose Active D-Lighting. D button Sub-command dial Active D-Lighting is shown in the top control panel.
4 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. The camera will vary Active D-Lighting shot-by-shot according to the bracketing program selected. While bracketing is in effect, a bracketing progress indicator will be displayed in the top control panel. A segment will disappear from the indicator after each shot.
❚❚ Canceling Bracketing To cancel bracketing, press the D button and rotate the main command dial until the number of shots in the bracketing sequence is zero. The program last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated. Bracketing can also be cancelled by performing a two-button reset (0 200), although in this case the bracketing program will not be restored the next time bracketing is activated.
rWhite Balance – Keeping Colors True The color of light reflected from an object varies with the color of the light source. The human brain is able to adapt to changes in the color of the light source, with the result that white objects appear white whether seen in the shade, direct sunlight, or under incandescent lighting. Unlike the film used in film cameras, digital cameras can mimic this adjustment by processing images according to the color of the light source. This is known as “white balance.
White Balance Options For natural coloration, choose a white balance setting that matches the light source before shooting. The following options are available: Option v Auto J Incandescent I Fluorescent Sodium-vapor lamps r H N G M Warm-white fluorescent White fluorescent Cool-white fluorescent Day white fluorescent Daylight fluorescent High temp. mercury-vapor Direct sunlight Flash Cloudy Shade K Choose color temp. L Preset manual Color temp.
Auto white balance is recommended with most light sources. If the desired results can not be achieved with auto white balance, choose an option from the list above or use preset white balance. White balance can be selected by pressing the WB button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the rear control panel.
A Color Temperature The perceived color of a light source varies with the viewer and other conditions. Color temperature is an objective measure of the color of a light source, defined with reference to the temperature to which an object would have to be heated to radiate light in the same wavelengths. While light sources with a color temperature in the neighborhood of 5,000–5,500 K appear white, light sources with a lower color temperature, such as incandescent light bulbs, appear slightly yellow or red.
Fine-Tuning White Balance White balance can be “fine tuned” to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a deliberate color cast into an image. White balance is fine tuned using the White balance option in the shooting menu or by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial. ❚❚ The White Balance Menu 1 Select a white balance option in the shooting menu. G button To display the menus, press the G button.
2 Fine tune white balance. Use the multi selector to finetune white balance. White balance can be fine tuned on the amber (A)–blue (B) axis and the green (G)–magenta (M) Coordinates Adjustment axis. The horizontal (amberblue) axis corresponds to color temperature, with each increment equivalent to about 5 mired. The vertical (greenmagenta) axis has the similar effects to the corresponding color compensation (CC) filters.
A White Balance Fine Tuning The colors on the fine-tuning axes are relative, not absolute. For example, moving the cursor to B (blue) when a “warm” setting such as J (Incandescent) is selected for white balance will make photographs slightly “colder” but will not actually make them blue. A Color Temperature Fine-Tuning When Choose color temp. is selected, you can view the color temperature while fine-tuning white balance.
❚❚ The WB Button At settings other than K (Choose color temp.) and L (Preset manual), the WB button can be used to fine-tune white balance on the amber (A)–blue (B) axis (0 154; to fine-tune white balance when K or L is selected, use the shooting menu as described on page 153). Six settings in both directions are available; each increment is equivalent to about 5 mired (0 155). Press the WB button and rotate the sub-command dial until the desired value is displayed in the rear control panel.
Choosing a Color Temperature When K (Choose color temp.) is selected for white balance, color temperature can be selected by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial. The color temperature is displayed in the rear control panel: Rear control panel WB button Sub-command dial r D Choose Color Temperature Note that the desired results will not be obtained with flash or fluorescent lighting. Choose N (Flash) or I (Fluorescent) for these sources.
Preset Manual Preset manual is used to record and recall custom white balance settings for shooting under mixed lighting or to compensate for light sources with a strong color cast. Two methods are available for setting preset white balance: Method Direct measurement Copy from existing photograph r 158 Description Neutral gray or white object is placed under lighting that will be used in final photograph and white balance is measured by camera (0 160).
The camera can store up to five values for preset white balance in presets d-0 through d-4. A descriptive comment can be added to any white balance preset (0 168). d-0 Stores last value measured for white balance (0 160). This preset is overwritten when a new value is measured. d-1–d-4 Store values copied from d-0 (0 163). Store values copied from images on memory card (0 164). r A White Balance Presets Changes to white balance presets apply to all shooting menu banks (0 285).
❚❚ Measuring a Value for White Balance 1 Light a reference object. Place a neutral gray or white object under the lighting that will be used in the final photograph. In studio settings, a standard gray panel can be used as a reference object. In exposure mode h, adjust exposure so that the exposure indicator shows ±0 (0 127). 2 Set white balance to L (Preset manual). Press the WB button and rotate the main command dial until L is displayed in the rear control panel.
4 Measure white balance. Before the indicators stop flashing, frame the reference object so that it fills the viewfinder and press the shutter-release button all the way down. The camera will measure a value for white balance and store it in preset d-0. No photograph will be recorded; white balance can be measured accurately even when the camera is not in focus. 5 Check the results.
6 Select preset d-0. If the new value for preset white balance will be used immediately, select preset d-0 by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial until d-0 is displayed in the rear control panel. D r Direct Measurement Mode If no operations are performed while the displays are flashing, direct measurement mode will end in the time selected for Custom Setting c2 (Auto meter-off delay, 0 305).
❚❚ Copying White Balance from d-0 to Presets d-1–d-4 Follow the steps below to copy a measured value for white balance from d-0 to any of the other presets (d-1–d-4). 1 Select L (Preset manual) for White balance in the shooting menu. G button Press the G button and select White balance in the shooting menu. Highlight Preset manual and press 2. 2 Select a destination. Highlight the destination preset (d-1 to d-4) and press the center of the multi selector. 3 Copy d-0 to the selected preset.
❚❚ Copying White Balance from a Photograph (d-1–d-4 Only) Follow the steps below to copy a value for white balance from an existing photograph to a selected preset (d-1–d-4 only). Existing white balance values can not be copied to preset d-0. 1 Select L (Preset manual). Highlight Preset manual in the white balance menu and press 2. 2 Select a destination. Highlight the destination preset (d-1 to d-4) and press the center of the multi selector. 3 r 164 Choose Select image.
4 Highlight a source image. Highlight the source image. To view the highlighted image full frame, press the N button. To view images in other locations, press 1 while pressing N and select the desired card and folder (0 224). 5 Copy white balance. Press the center of the multi selector to copy the white balance value for the highlighted photograph to the selected preset. If the highlighted photograph has a comment (0 331), the comment will be copied to the comment for the selected preset.
❚❚ Selecting a White Balance Preset To set white balance to a preset value: 1 Select L (Preset manual). Highlight Preset manual in the white balance menu and press 2. 2 Select a preset. Highlight the desired preset and press the center of the multi selector. To select the highlighted preset and display fine tuning menu (0 154) without completing the next step, press J instead of pressing the center of the multi selector. r 166 3 Select Set. Highlight Set and press 2.
A Selecting a White Balance Preset: the WB Button At a setting of L (Preset manual), presets can also be selected by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial. The current preset is displayed in the rear control panel while the WB button is pressed.
❚❚ Entering a Comment Follow the steps below to enter a descriptive comment of up to thirty-six characters for a selected white balance preset. 1 Select L (Preset manual). Highlight Preset manual in the white balance menu and press 2. 2 Select a preset. Highlight the desired preset and press the center of the multi selector. 3 Select Edit comment. Highlight Edit comment and press 2. r 4 Edit the comment. Edit the comment as described on page 286.
JImage Enhancement This chapter describes how to optimize sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation and hue using Picture Controls, how to preserve detail in highlights and shadows using Active D-Lighting, and how to choose a color space. Picture Controls ..................................................................... 170 Selecting a Picture Control.................................................................170 Modifying Existing Picture Controls ..............................................
Picture Controls Nikon’s unique Picture Control system makes it possible to share image processing settings, including sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation, and hue, among compatible devices and software. Selecting a Picture Control The camera offers a choice of preset Picture Controls. Choose a Picture Control according to the subject or type of scene. Option Q R S T 1 J Description Standard processing for balanced results. Standard Recommended for most situations.
A Preset Picture Controls Versus Custom Picture Controls The Picture Controls supplied with the camera are referred to as preset Picture Controls. Custom Picture Controls are created through modifications to existing Picture Controls using the Manage Picture Control option in the shooting menu (0 176). Custom Picture Controls can be saved to a memory card for sharing among other D3S cameras and compatible software (0 179).
Modifying Existing Picture Controls Existing preset or custom Picture Controls (0 176) can be modified to suit the scene or the user’s creative intent. Choose a balanced combination of settings using Quick adjust, or make manual adjustments to individual settings. 1 Select a Picture Control. Highlight the desired Picture Control in the Set Picture Control menu (0 170) and press 2. 2 Adjust settings. Press 1 or 3 to highlight the desired setting and press 4 or 2 to choose a value (0 173).
❚❚ Picture Control Settings Option Manual adjustments (all Picture Controls) Description Choose from options between –2 and +2 to reduce or exaggerate the effect of the selected Picture Control (note that this resets all manual adjustments). For Quick adjust example, choosing positive values for Vivid makes pictures more vivid. Not available with Neutral, Monochrome, or custom Picture Controls. Control the sharpness of outlines.
D Active D-Lighting Contrast and Brightness can not be adjusted when Active D-Lighting (0181) is on. Any manual adjustments currently in effect will be lost when Active D-Lighting is turned on. D “A” (Auto) Results for auto contrast and saturation vary with exposure and the position of the subject in the frame. Use a type G or D lens for best results.
A Toning (Monochrome Only) Pressing 3 when Toning is selected displays saturation options. Press 4 or 2 to adjust saturation. Saturation control is not available when B&W (black-and-white) is selected. A Custom Picture Controls The options available with custom Picture Controls are the same as those on which the custom Picture Control was based.
Creating Custom Picture Controls The preset Picture Controls supplied with the camera can be modified and saved as custom Picture Controls. 1 Select Manage Picture G button Control in the shooting menu. To display the menus, press the G button. Highlight Manage Picture Control in the shooting menu and press 2. 2 Select Save/edit. Highlight Save/edit and press 2. 3 J 176 Select a Picture Control.
4 Edit the selected Picture Control. See page 173 for more information. To abandon any changes and start over from default settings, press the O button. Press J when settings are complete. 5 Select a destination. Choose a destination for the custom Picture Control (C-1 through C-9) and press 2. 6 Name the Picture Control. Keyboard area Name area The text-entry dialog shown at right will be displayed.
A Manage Picture Control > Rename Custom Picture Controls can be renamed at any time using the Rename option in the Manage Picture Control menu. A Manage Picture Control > Delete The Delete option in the Manage Picture Control menu can be used to delete selected custom Picture Controls when they are no longer needed. A The Original Picture Control Icon The original preset Picture Control on which the custom Picture Control is based is indicated by an icon in the top right corner of the edit display.
Sharing Custom Picture Controls Custom Picture Controls created using the Picture Control Utility available with ViewNX or optional software such as Capture NX 2 can be copied to a memory card and loaded into the camera, or custom Picture Controls created with the camera can be copied to the memory card to be used in other D3S cameras and compatible software and then deleted when no longer needed.
A Use Slot 1 Slot 1 is used when saving custom Picture Controls to a memory card or copying custom Picture Controls to the camera. Cards in slot 2 can not be used. A Saving Custom Picture Controls Up to 99 custom Picture Controls can be stored on the memory card at any one time. The memory card can only be used to store user-created custom Picture Controls.
Active D-Lighting Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast. Use for high contrast scenes, for example when photographing brightly lit outdoor scenery through a door or window or taking pictures of shaded subjects on a sunny day.
To use Active D-Lighting: 1 Select Active D-Lighting in the shooting menu. G button To display the menus, press the G button. Highlight Active D-Lighting in the shooting menu and press 2. 2 Choose an option. Highlight the desired option and press J. If Y Auto is selected, the camera will automatically adjust Active D-Lighting according to shooting conditions (in exposure mode h, however, Y Auto is equivalent to Q Normal). J D Active D-Lighting Matrix metering is recommended (0 116).
Color Space The color space determines the gamut of colors available for color reproduction. Choose a color space according to how photographs will be processed on leaving the camera. Option W sRGB X Adobe RGB 1 Description Choose for photographs that will be printed or used “as is,” with no further modification. This color space is capable of expressing a wider gamut of colors than sRGB, making it the preferred choice for images that will be extensively processed or retouched.
A Color Space Color spaces define the correspondence between colors and the numeric values that represent them in a digital image file. The sRGB color space is widely used, while the Adobe RGB color space is typically used in publishing and commercial printing.
lFlash Photography – Using Optional Flash Units This chapter describes how to use the camera with optional flash units that support the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). Using a Flash .......................................................................... 186 The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) ...................................187 Other Flash Units ...................................................................................189 i-TTL Flash Control.......................................
Using a Flash The camera supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) and can be used with CLS-compatible flash units. Optional flash units can be attached directly to the camera accessory shoe as described below. The accessory shoe is equipped with a safety lock for flash units with a locking pin, such as the SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, and SB-400. 1 Remove the accessory shoe cover. 2 Mount the flash unit on the accessory shoe. See the manual provided with the flash unit for details.
The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) Nikon’s advanced Creative Lighting System (CLS) offers improved communication between the camera and compatible flash units for improved flash photography. The camera can be used with the following CLS-compatible flash units: ❚❚ The SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, and SB-R200: Flash unit Feature Guide ISO 100 No.
The following features are available with the SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, and SB-R200: Flash unit Flash mode/feature i-TTL balanced fill-flash i-TTL for digital SLR AA Auto aperture A Non-TTL auto Distance-priority GN manual M Manual RPT Repeating flash Auto FP High-Speed Sync 7 FV lock AF-assist for multi-area AF 8 Flash Color Information Communication REAR Rear-curtain sync Y Red-eye reduction Power zoom l 188 Advanced Wireless Lighting Commander Remote SB-900 SB-900 SB-900 SB-800 SB-600 SB-400 SB
A Modeling Illumination CLS-compatible flash units such as the SB-900, SB-800, and SB-600 emit a modeling flash when the camera Pv button is pressed. This feature can be used with Advanced Wireless Lighting to preview the total lighting effect achieved with multiple flash units. Modeling illumination can be turned off using Custom Setting e3 Modeling flash (0 312). Other Flash Units The following flash units can be used in non-TTL auto and manual modes.
D Notes on Optional Flash Units Refer to the flash unit manual for detailed instructions. If the unit supports CLS, refer to the section on CLS-compatible digital SLR cameras. The D3S is not included in the “digital SLR” category in the SB-80DX, SB-28DX, and SB-50DX manuals. i-TTL flash control can be used at ISO sensitivities between 200 and 12800. At values over 12800, the desired results may not be achieved at some ranges or aperture settings.
D Notes on Optional Flash Units (Continued) The SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, and SB-400 provide red-eye reduction in red-eye reduction and slow sync with red-eye reduction modes, while the SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, and SU-800 provide AF-assist illumination when the conditions for AF-assist illumination are met.
i-TTL Flash Control When a CLS-compatible flash unit is set to TTL, the camera automatically selects one of the following types of flash control: i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR: Flash unit emits series of nearly invisible preflashes (monitor preflashes) immediately before main flash.
Flash Modes The camera supports the following flash modes: Flash mode Description This mode is recommended for most situations. In programmed auto and aperture-priority auto modes, shutter speed will automatically be set to values Front-curtain between 1/250 and 1/60 s (1/8,000 to 1/60 s with Auto FP sync High-Speed Sync; 0 311). Flash is combined with shutter speeds as slow as 30 s to capture both subject and background at night or under dim light.
❚❚ Choosing a Flash Mode To choose the flash mode, press the M button and rotate the main command dial until the desired flash mode is selected in the top control panel: M button Front-curtain sync Slow sync 1 Red-eye reduction with slow sync 3, 4 l 194 Main command dial Rear-curtain sync 2 Red-eye reduction 3 1 Available only in exposure modes e and g. In modes f and h, slow sync becomes front-curtain sync.
A Studio Flash Systems Rear-curtain sync can not be used with studio flash systems, as the correct synchronization can not be obtained.
FV Lock This feature is used to lock flash output, allowing photographs to be recomposed without changing the flash level and ensuring that flash output is appropriate to the subject even when the subject is not positioned in the center of the frame. Flash output is adjusted automatically for any changes in ISO sensitivity and aperture. FV lock is available with CLS compatible flash units only. To use FV lock: 1 Assign FV lock to the Fn button.
4 Focus. Position the subject in the center of the frame and press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. 5 Lock flash level. After confirming that the flash ready indicator (M) is displayed in the viewfinder, press the Fn button. The flash will emit a monitor preflash to determine the appropriate flash level. Flash output will be locked at this level and FV lock icons (P and e) will appear in the top control panel and viewfinder. 6 Fn button SHOOT CUSTOM Recompose the photograph.
8 Release FV lock. Press the Fn button to release FV lock. Confirm that the FV lock icons (P and e) are no longer displayed in the top control panel and viewfinder.
tOther Shooting Options This chapter covers restoring default settings, making multiple exposures, interval timer photography, and using GPS units and non-CPU lenses. Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings................ 200 Multiple Exposure ................................................................. 202 Interval Timer Photography................................................ 208 Non-CPU Lenses .................................................................... 214 Using a GPS Unit........
Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings The camera settings listed below can be restored to default values by holding the ISO and WB buttons down together for more than two seconds (these buttons are marked by a green dot). The control panels turn off briefly while settings are reset.
The following shooting-menu options will also be reset. Only settings in the bank currently selected using the Shooting menu bank option will be reset (0 285). Settings in the remaining banks are unaffected. Option Image quality Image size Default JPEG normal Large Option White balance ISO sensitivity Default Auto * 200 * Fine-tuning off. If the current Picture Control has been modified, existing settings for the Picture Control will also be restored.
Multiple Exposure Follow the steps below to record a series of two to ten exposures in a single photograph. Multiple exposures can be recorded at any image quality setting, and produce results with colors noticeably better than photographs combined in an imaging application because they make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor. ❚❚ Creating a Multiple Exposure Note that shooting will end and a multiple exposure will be recorded automatically if no operations are performed for 30 s.
2 Select a mode. Highlight Multiple exposure mode and press 2. Highlight one of the following and press J: • To take a series of multiple exposures, select % On (series). Multiple exposure shooting will continue until you select Off for Multiple exposure mode. • To take one multiple exposure, select $ On (single photo). Normal shooting will resume automatically after you have created a single multiple exposure. • To exit without creating additional multiple exposures, select Off.
3 Choose the number of shots. Highlight Number of shots and press 2. Press 1 or 3 to choose the number of exposures that will be combined to form a single photograph and press J. A The D Button If Multiple exposure is selected for Custom Setting f7 (Assign BKT button; 0 322), you can select the multiple exposure mode by pressing the D button and rotating the main command dial and the number of shots by pressing the D button and rotating the sub-command dial.
4 Adjust gain. Highlight Auto gain and press 2. Highlight one of the following options and press J. Option On Off 5 Description Gain adjusted according to number of exposures actually recorded (gain for each exposure is set to 1/2 for 2 exposures, 1/3 for 3 exposures, etc.). Gain is not adjusted when recording multiple exposure. Recommended if background is dark. Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.
The n icon will blink until shooting ends. If On (single photo) is selected, multiple exposure shooting ends automatically when the multiple exposure is complete; if On (series) is selected, multiple exposure shooting will only end when Off is selected for multiple exposure mode. The n icon clears from the display when multiple exposure shooting ends.
D Multiple Exposure Do not remove or replace the memory card while recording a multiple exposure. Multiple exposures can not be recorded in live view (0 404). Taking photographs in live view resets Multiple exposure mode to Off. The information listed in the playback photo information display (including date of recording and camera orientation) is for the first shot in the multiple exposure.
Interval Timer Photography The camera is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals. D Before Shooting Select a release mode other than self-timer (E) or mirror up (MUP) when using the interval timer. Before beginning interval timer photography, take a test shot at current settings and view the results in the monitor. Remember that the camera will focus before each shot—no shots will be taken if the camera is unable to focus in single-servo AF.
3 Choose a start time. Press 4 or 2 to highlight hours or minutes; press 1 or 3 to change. The starting time is not displayed if Now is selected for Choose start time. Press 2 to continue. 4 Choose an interval. Press 4 or 2 to highlight hours, minutes, or seconds; press 1 or 3 to change. Choose an interval longer than the slowest anticipated shutter speed. Press 2 to continue. 5 Choose the number of intervals and number of shots per interval.
6 Start shooting. Highlight Start > On and press J (to return to the shooting menu without starting the interval timer, highlight Start > Off and press J). The first series of shots will be taken at the specified starting time, or after about 3 s if Now was selected for Choose start time in Step 2. Shooting will continue at the selected interval until all shots have been taken.
A Bracketing Adjust bracketing settings before starting interval timer photography. If exposure, flash, or ADL bracketing is active while interval timer photography is in effect, the camera will take the number of shots in the bracketing program at each interval, regardless of the number of shots specified in the interval timer menu.
❚❚ Pausing Interval Timer Photography Interval time photography can be paused by: • Pressing the J button between intervals • Highlighting Start > Pause in the interval timer menu and pressing J • Turning the camera off and then on again (if desired, the memory card can be replaced while the camera is off ) • Selecting self-timer (E) or mirror-up (MUP) release modes • Pressing the a button To resume shooting: 1 Choose a new starting trigger.
❚❚ Interrupting Interval Timer Photography Interval timer shooting will end automatically if the battery is exhausted. Interval timer photography can also be ended by: • Selecting Start > Off in the interval timer menu • Performing a two button reset (0 200) • Selecting Reset shooting menu in the shooting menu (0 287) • Changing bracketing settings (0 136) Normal shooting will resume when interval timer photography ends.
Non-CPU Lenses By specifying lens data (lens focal length and maximum aperture), the user can gain access to a variety of CPU lens functions when using a non-CPU lens.
❚❚ The Non-CPU Lens Data Menu 1 Select Non-CPU lens data in the setup menu. G button Press the G button to display the menus. Highlight Non-CPU lens data in the setup menu and press 2. 2 Select a lens number. Highlight Lens number and press 4 or 2 to choose a lens number between 1 and 9. 3 Select a focal length. Highlight Focal length (mm) and press 4 or 2 to choose a focal length between 6 and 4,000 mm. 4 Select a maximum aperture.
5 Select Done. Highlight Done and press J. The specified focal length and aperture will be stored under the chosen lens number. This combination of focal length and aperture can be recalled at any time by selecting the lens number using camera controls as described below. ❚❚ Choosing a Lens Number Using Camera Controls 1 Assign non-CPU lens number selection to a camera control. Select Choose non-CPU lens number as the “+command dials” option for a camera control in the Custom Settings menu (0 319).
Using a GPS Unit A GPS unit can be connected to the ten-pin remote terminal, allowing the current latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), and heading to be recorded with each photograph taken. The camera can be used with an optional GP-1 GPS unit (see below; note that the GP-1 does not provide the compass heading), or with third-party units connected via an optional MC-35 GPS adapter cord (0 218).
❚❚ Other GPS Units Garmin GPS units that conform to version 2.01 or 3.01 of the National Marine Electronics Association NMEA0183 data format can be connected to the camera’s ten-pin remote terminal using an MC-35 GPS adapter cord (available separately; 0 376). Operation has been confirmed with Garmin eTrex and Garmin geko series devices equipped with a PC interface cable connector. These devices connect to the MC-35 using a cable with a D-sub 9-pin connector provided by the manufacturer of the GPS device.
❚❚ The k Icon When the camera establishes communication with a GPS device, a k icon will be displayed in the top control panel. Photo information for pictures taken while the k icon is displayed will include a page of GPS data (0 233). GPS data are only recorded when the k icon is displayed; confirm that the k icon is displayed before shooting (a flashing k icon indicates that the GPS device is searching for a signal; pictures taken while the k icon is flashing will not include GPS data).
❚❚ Setup Menu Options The GPS item in the setup menu contains the options listed below. • Auto meter off: Choose whether or not the exposure meters will turn off automatically when a GPS unit is attached.
IMore About Playback – Playback Options This chapter describes how to play back photographs and details the operations that can be performed during playback. Full-Frame Playback.............................................................. 222 Photo Information ................................................................ 225 Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback .............. 235 Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom ............................... 237 Protecting Photographs from Deletion ........
Full-Frame Playback To play photographs back, K button press the K button. The most recent photograph will be displayed in the monitor. Multi selector Sub-command dial O button K button G button N button L button J button H button Main command dial I A Rotate Tall To display “tall” (portrait-orientation) photographs in tall orientation, select On for the Rotate tall option in the playback menu (0 282).
To View additional photographs Use Description Press 2 to view photographs in order recorded, 4 to view photographs in reverse order. Press 1 or 3 to view information about current photograph (0 225). View photo information View thumbnails N+ See page 235 for more information on the thumbnail display. Zoom in on photograph N+ See page 237 for more information on playback zoom.
To Use Play movie Edit movie J Description If current picture is marked with 1 icon to show that it is a movie, pressing center of multi selector starts movie playback (0 73). Create edited copy of current movie (0 74). A Image Review When On is selected for Image review in the playback menu (0 281), photographs are automatically displayed in the monitor after shooting (because the camera is already in the correct orientation, images are not rotated automatically during image review).
Photo Information Photo information is superimposed on images displayed in fullframe playback. There are up to 9 pages of information for each photo. Press 1 or 3 to cycle through photo information as shown below. Note that shooting data, RGB histograms, and highlights are only displayed if corresponding option is selected for Display mode (0 277; shooting data page 4 is only displayed if copyright information was recorded with the photograph as described on page 335).
❚❚ File Information 1 2 3 4 5 6 1/ 10 15 14 13 100NCD3S DSC_0001. JPG 15/ 04/ 2009 10: 15: 00 12 11 10 9 N OR ORMAL AL 4256x2832 8 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Voice memo icon...................................246 Protect status .........................................238 Retouch indicator .................................341 Focus point 1, 2.......................................... 94 AF-area brackets 1 .............................
❚❚ Highlights 1 1 2 3 4 5 100-1 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Voice memo icon..................................246 Protect status ........................................ 238 Retouch indicator................................. 341 Image highlights 2 Folder number–frame number 3 ...... 288 Highlight display indicator ................277 Current channel 2 1 Displayed only if Highlights is selected for Display mode (0 277).
❚❚ RGB Histogram 1 5 White balance........................................150 Color temperature ................................157 White balance fine-tuning .................153 9 Preset manual........................................158 10 6 Current channel 2 100-1 11 7 Retouch indicator .................................341 8 Histogram (RGB channel) 4. In all histograms, horizontal axis gives pixel 7 brightness, vertical axis number of pixels.
4 Some sample histograms are shown below: • If the image contains objects with a wide range of brightnesses, the distribution of tones will be relatively even. • If the image is dark, tone distribution will be shifted to the left. • If the image is bright, tone distribution will be shifted to the right. Increasing exposure compensation shifts the distribution of tones to the right, while decreasing exposure compensation shifts the distribution to the left.
❚❚ Shooting Data Page 1 1 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 MTR, SPD, AP. EXP. MODE, I SO , EXP. TUN I NG FOCAL LENGTH LENS AF / VR FLASH MODE, N I KON D3S 11 1 2 3 4 3 : , 1/ 8000 , F2. 8 : , Hi 0. 3 : + 1. 3, +5 / 6 : 85mm : 85 / 1. 4 :C : Optional, TTL, +1. 0 SLOW 100-1 12 13 Voice memo icon.................................. 246 Protect status ........................................ 238 Retouch indicator................................. 341 Metering method................................. 116 Shutter speed .
❚❚ Shooting Data Page 2 1 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2 WHI T E BAL. COLOR SPACE PI CTURE CTRL QUICK ADJUST SHARPENING CONTRAST BRI GHTNESS SATURATION HUE N I KON D3S 13 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 3 : AUTO, 0 , 0 : sRGB : STANDARD :0 :3 :0 :0 :0 :0 100-1 14 15 Voice memo icon.................................. 246 Protect status ........................................ 238 Retouch indicator................................. 341 White balance ....................................... 150 Color temperature..........
❚❚ Shooting Data Page 3 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 NOI SE REDUC. ACT. D- L I GHT . V IGNETT E CTRL RETOUCH 8 COMMENT : HI I SO/ LONG EXP. : NORMAL : NORMAL : D- L I GHT ING : WARM F I LTER : CYANOTYPE : TR I M : SPR ING HAS COME. SP R ING HAS COME. 3636 N I KON D3S 100-1 9 10 11 1 Voice memo icon.................................. 246 2 Protect status ........................................ 238 3 Retouch indicator .................................341 4 High ISO noise reduction ....................
❚❚ GPS Data 1 1 2 3 4 LAT I TUDE 5 LONGI TUDE 6 7 ALT I TUDE T I ME (UTC) 8 HEADING N I KON D3S 9 :N : 35º 35. 971' :E : 13 9º 43. 696' : 35m : 15 / 04 /2009 : 01 : 15 : 00 : 105. 17º 100-1 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Voice memo icon ..................................246 Protect status .........................................238 Retouch indicator .................................341 Latitude Longitude Altitude Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) Heading 2 Camera name Image area 3.............
❚❚ Overview Data 1 2 3 1/ 10 4 N I KON D3S 5 17 16 15 14 13 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 –1. 3 1/ 8000 F2. 8 Hi 0. 3 + 1. 0 SLOW AUTO 0 , 0 100NCD3S DSC_0001. JPG 15/ 04/ 2009 10: 15: 00 85mm N 7 8 9 10 11 N OR ORMAL AL 4256x2832 Frame number/total number of frames Voice memo icon.................................. 246 Protect status ........................................ 238 Camera name Retouch indicator.................................
Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback To display images in “contact sheets” of four, nine, or 72 images, press the N button and rotate the main command dial. N button Full-frame playback Main command dial Thumbnail playback The following operations can be performed: To Display more images Display fewer images Toggle full frame playback Highlight images Use N+ N+ Description Press N button and rotate main command dial to left to increase number of images displayed.
To Page through images Delete highlighted photo Record/play voice memo Change protect status of highlighted photo View images in other locations Return to shooting mode Display menus Use Description Press N button and rotate subcommand dial to scroll through images a page at a time. N+ O See page 240 for more information. H See page 246 for more information. L See page 238 for more information. Choose card and folder from which pictures are played back (0 224). N+ /K G Monitor will turn off.
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom Press the N button and rotate the main command dial right to zoom in on the image displayed in full-frame playback or on the image currently highlighted in thumbnail playback. The following operations can be performed while zoom is in effect: To Use N+ Zoom in or out N+ View other areas of image Use multi selector to view area not visible in monitor. Keep multi selector pressed to scroll rapidly to other areas of frame.
Protecting Photographs from Deletion In full-frame, zoom, and thumbnail playback, the L button can be used to protect photographs from accidental deletion. Protected files can not be deleted using the O button or the Delete option in the playback menu. Note that protected images will be deleted when the memory card is formatted (0 39, 326). To protect a photograph: 1 Select an image. Display the image in full-frame playback or playback zoom or highlight it in the thumbnail list.
A Voice Memos Changes to the protect status of images also apply to any voice memos that may have been recorded with the images. Voice memo overwrite status can not be set separately. A Removing Protection from All Images To remove protection from all images in the folder or folders currently selected in the Playback folder menu, press the L and O buttons together for about two seconds.
Deleting Photographs To delete the photograph displayed in full-frame playback or highlighted in the thumbnail list, press the O button. To delete multiple selected photographs or all photographs in the current playback folder, use the Delete option in the playback menu. Once deleted, photographs can not be recovered. Note that pictures that are protected or hidden can not be deleted. Full-Frame and Thumbnail Playback Press the O button to delete the current photograph. 1 Select an image.
A See Also The After delete option in the playback menu determines whether the next image or the previous image is displayed after an image is deleted (0 281). A Voice Memos If a voice memo has been recorded with the selected image, the confirmation dialog shown at right will be displayed when the O button is pressed. • Image/sound: Select this option and press the O button to delete both photo and voice memo. • Sound only: Select this option and press the O button to delete only the voice memo.
The Playback Menu Select Delete in the playback menu to delete pictures and their associated voice memos. Note that depending on the number of images, some time may be required for deletion. Option Description Q Selected Delete selected pictures. Delete all pictures in the folder currently selected for R All playback (0 275). If two cards are inserted, you can select the card from which pictures will be deleted.
3 Select the highlighted picture. Press the center of the multi selector to select the highlighted picture. Selected pictures are marked by a O icon. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to select additional pictures; to deselect a picture, highlight it and press the center of the multi selector. 4 Press J to complete the operation. A confirmation dialog will be displayed; highlight Yes and press J.
I 244
eVoice Memos – Recording and Playback The camera is equipped with a built-in microphone, allowing voice memos to be added to photographs. Voice memos can be played back over the camera’s built-in speaker. Recording Voice Memos ...................................................... 246 Playing Voice Memos............................................................
Recording Voice Memos Voice memos up to sixty seconds long can be added to photographs using the built-in microphone. Readying the Camera for Recording Before recording voice memos, adjust settings using the Voice memo options item in the setup menu. ❚❚ Voice Memo This option controls whether voice memos are recorded automatically or manually. The following options are available: Option 7 Off On 8 (Auto and manual) 9 e 246 Manual only Description Voice memos can not be recorded in shooting mode.
❚❚ Voice Memo Overwrite This option controls whether the voice memo for the most recent photograph can be overwritten in shooting mode. The following options are available: Option Description Voice memo can not be recorded in Disable shooting mode if one already exists for most recent image. Voice memo can be recorded in shooting mode even if one already Enable exists for most recent image (0 248). Existing memo will be deleted and replaced by new memo.
Automatic Recording (Shooting Mode) If On (Auto and manual) is selected for Voice memo (0 246), a voice memo will be added to the most recent photograph when shooting ends. Recording will end when the H button is pressed or after the specified recording time has ended. Manual Recording (Shooting Mode) If On (Auto and manual) or Manual only is selected for Voice memo (0 246), a voice memo can be recorded for the most recent photograph by pressing and holding the H button.
Playback Mode To add a voice memo to the photograph currently displayed in full-frame playback or highlighted in the thumbnail list (0 222, 235): 1 Choose a photograph. Display or highlight the photograph. Only one voice memo can be recorded per image; additional voice memos can not be recorded for images already marked with a h icon. 2 Press and hold the H button.
A Interrupting Recording Recording will end automatically if: • The G button is pressed to display the menus • The K button is pressed • The shutter-release button is pressed halfway • The camera is turned off During interval timer photography, recording will end automatically about two seconds before the next photograph is taken. A After Recording If a voice memo has been recorded for the most recent photograph, a C icon will be displayed in the rear control panel.
Playing Voice Memos Voice memos can be played back over the camera’s built-in speaker when the associated image is viewed in full-frame playback or highlighted in the thumbnail list (0 222, 235). The presence of a voice memo is indicated by an h icon. To Press Start/end playback H Delete voice memo O A Description Press H to start playback. Playback will end when H button is pressed again or entire memo has been played back. Confirmation dialog will be displayed.
Voice Memo Playback Options The Voice memo options > Audio output item in the setup menu controls whether voice memos are played back over the camera’s built-in speaker or by a device to which the camera is connected via an HDMI or audio/video cable. When sound is played back over the built-in speaker, the Audio output option also controls playback volume. Option % Via speaker Description Voice memos are played back over built-in speaker. Selecting this option displays menu shown at right.
QConnections – Connecting to External Devices This chapter describes how to copy photographs to a computer, how to print pictures, and how to view them on a television set. Connecting to a Computer .................................................. 254 Direct USB Connection ........................................................................255 Wireless and Ethernet Networks ......................................................257 Printing Photographs .................................................
Connecting to a Computer This section describes how to use the supplied UC-E4 USB cable to connect the camera to a computer. Before connecting the camera, install Nikon Transfer and ViewNX from the supplied Software Suite CD (see the Software Installation Guide for more information).
Direct USB Connection Connect the camera using the supplied UC-E4 USB cable. 1 Turn the camera off. 2 Turn the computer on. Turn the computer on and wait for it to start up. 3 Connect the USB cable. Connect the USB cable as shown. Do not use force or attempt to insert the connectors at an angle. D USB Hubs Connect the camera directly to the computer; do not connect the cable via a USB hub or keyboard. D The USB Cable Clip To prevent cable from being disconnected, attach the clip as shown.
4 Turn the camera on. 5 Transfer photographs. Nikon Transfer will start automatically; click the Start Transfer button to transfer photographs (for more information on using Nikon Transfer, select Nikon Transfer help from the Nikon Transfer Help menu). 6 Start Transfer button Turn the camera off. Turn the camera off and disconnect the USB cable when transfer is complete. D During Transfer Do not turn the camera off or disconnect the USB cable while transfer is in progress.
Wireless and Ethernet Networks If the optional WT-4 wireless transmitter (0 372) is attached, photographs can be transferred or printed over wireless or Ethernet networks and the camera can also be controlled from network computers running Camera Control Pro 2 (available separately). The WT-4 can be used in any of the following modes: Mode Function Upload new or existing photographs to computer or ftp Transfer mode server. Thumbnail Preview photographs on computer monitor before select mode upload.
Printing Photographs To print selected JPEG pictures on a PictBridge printer via direct USB connection, follow the steps below.
Connecting the Printer Connect the camera using the supplied UC-E4 USB cable. 1 Turn the camera off. 2 Connect the USB cable. Turn the printer on and connect the USB cable as shown. Do not use force or attempt to insert the connectors at an angle. D USB Hubs Connect the camera directly to the printer; do not connect the cable via a USB hub or keyboard. 3 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 1 Select a picture. Press 4 or 2 to view additional pictures. Press 1 or 3 to view photo information (0 225), or press the N button and rotate the main command dial right to zoom in on the current frame (0 237). Press K to return to full-frame playback. To view six pictures at a time, press the center of the multi selector. Use the multi selector to highlight pictures, or press the center of the multi selector again to display the highlighted picture full frame.
3 Adjust printing options. Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option and press 2 to select. Option Description Menu shown at right will be displayed. Press 1 or 3 to choose page size (to print at Page size default page size for current printer, select Printer default), then press J to select and return to previous menu. Menu shown at right will be displayed. Press 1 or 3 to No. of choose number of copies copies (maximum 99), then press J to select and return to previous menu.
Option Description Menu shown at right will be displayed. To exit without cropping picture, highlight No cropping and press J. To crop picture, highlight Crop and press 2. Cropping If Crop is selected, dialog shown at right will be displayed. Rotate main command dial to left to increase size of crop, right to decrease. Choose position of crop using multi selector and press J. A Page Size, Border, Time Stamp, and Cropping Choose printer default to print at current printer settings.
Printing Multiple Pictures 1 Display the PictBridge menu. G button Press the G button in the PictBridge playback display (see Step 3 on page 259). 2 Choose Print select or Print (DPOF). Highlight one of the following options and press 2. • Print select: Select pictures for printing. • Print (DPOF): Print an existing print order created with the Print set (DPOF) option in the playback menu (0 267). The current print order will be displayed in Step 3.
3 Select pictures. Use the multi selector to scroll through the pictures on the memory card (to view images in other locations, press 1 L button while pressing N and select the desired card and folder as described on page 224). To display the current picture full screen, press and hold the N button. To select the current picture for printing, press the L button and press 1. The picture will be marked with a Z icon and the number of prints will be set to 1.
5 Adjust printing options. Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option and press 2 to select. Option Description Menu of page size options will be displayed (0 261). Press 1 or 3 to choose page size (to print at default Page size page size for current printer, select Printer default), then press J to select and return to previous menu. Menu of border options will be displayed (0 261).
❚❚ Creating Index Prints To create an index print of all JPEG pictures on the memory card, select Index print in Step 2 of “Printing Multiple Pictures” (0 263). Note that if the memory card contains more than 256 pictures, only the first 256 images will be printed. 1 Select Index print. Highlight Index print in the PictBridge menu (0 263) and press 2. The confirmation dialog shown at right will be displayed. 2 Display printing options. Press J to display PictBridge printing options.
Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set The Print set (DPOF) option in the playback menu is used to create digital “print orders” for PictBridge-compatible printers and devices that support DPOF. 1 Choose Select/set for the Print set (DPOF) item in the playback menu. G button Press the G button and select Print set (DPOF) in the playback menu. Highlight Select/set and press 2 (to remove all photographs from the print order, select Deselect all?). 2 Select pictures.
3 Select imprint options. Highlight the following options and press 2 to toggle the highlighted option on or off (to complete the print order without including this information, proceed to Step 4). • Data imprint: Print shutter speed and aperture on all pictures in print order. • Imprint date: Print date of recording on all pictures in print order. 4 Complete the print order. Highlight Done and press J to complete the print order.
Viewing Photographs on TV The supplied EG-D2 audio/video (A/V) cable can be used to connect the D3S to a television or VCR for playback or recording. A type C mini-pin High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable (available separately from commercial sources) can be used to connect the camera to high-definition video devices. Standard Definition Devices To connect the camera to a standard television: 1 Turn the camera off. Always turn the camera off before connecting or disconnecting the A/V cable.
4 Turn the camera on and press K button. During playback, images will be displayed both on the television screen and in the camera monitor. A Video Mode If no image is displayed, check that camera is correctly connected and that the option selected for Video mode (0 329) matches the video standard used in the TV. A Television Playback Use of an EH-6 AC adapter (available separately) is recommended for extended playback.
High-Definition Devices The camera can be connected to HDMI devices using a type C minipin HDMI cable (available separately from commercial sources). 1 Turn the camera off. Always turn the camera off before connecting or disconnecting an HDMI cable. 2 Connect the HDMI cable as shown. Connect to camera Connect to highdefinition device 3 Tune the device to the HDMI channel.
4 Turn the camera on and press K button. During playback, images will be displayed on the highdefinition television or monitor screen; the camera monitor will remain off. A Q 272 Movies To display or hide a guide in the monitor when viewing movies on an HDMI device, press the R button. A HDMI At the default setting of Auto, the camera automatically selects the appropriate HDMI format for the high-definition device. The HDMI format can be chosen using the HDMI option in the setup menu (0 329).
UMenu Guide This chapter describes the options available in the camera menus. D The Playback Menu: Managing Images ....................... 274 C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options....................... 284 A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings......... 292 B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup...................................... 325 N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies........ 341 O My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu..............................
D The Playback Menu: Managing Images To display the playback menu, press G and select the K (playback menu) tab. G button Option Delete Playback folder Hide image Display mode Copy image(s) Image review After delete Rotate tall Slide show Print set (DPOF) U 274 A See Also Menu defaults are listed on page 392.
Playback Folder G button ➜ D playback menu Choose a folder for playback. Option Description Pictures in all folders created with the D3S will be visible during NCD3S playback. All Pictures in all folders will be visible during playback. Only pictures in the current folder will be visible during Current playback. Hide Image G button ➜ D playback menu Hide or reveal selected pictures as described below.
2 Select pictures. Use the multi selector to scroll through the pictures on the memory card (to view the highlighted picture full screen, press and hold the N button; to view images in other locations, press 1 while pressing N and select the desired card and folder as described on page 224) and press the center of the multi selector to select the current picture. Selected pictures are marked by a R icon; to deselect a picture, highlight it and press the center of the multi selector. 3 Press J.
Display Mode G button ➜ D playback menu Choose the information available in the playback photo information display (0 225). 1 Select options. Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option, then press 2 to select the option for the photo information display. A L appears next to selected items; to deselect, highlight and press 2. 2 Save changes and exit. To return to the playback menu, highlight Done and press J.
Copy Image(s) G button ➜ D playback menu Copy photographs from the memory card in slot 1 to the memory card in slot 2. Option i Select image(s) Select destination j folder Copy image(s)? 1 Description Select photographs from memory card in slot 1. Select destination folder on memory card in slot 2. Copy selected photographs to specified destination. Choose Select image(s). Highlight Select image(s) and press 2. 2 Select the source folder.
4 Select additional images. Highlight pictures and press the center of the multi selector to select or deselect (to view the highlighted picture full screen, press and hold the N button). Selected images are marked with a L. Press J to proceed to Step 5 when your selection is complete. 5 Choose Select destination folder. Highlight Select destination folder and press 2. 6 Select a destination folder. To enter a folder number, choose Select folder by number, enter the number (0 288), and press J.
7 Copy the images. Highlight Copy image(s)? and press 2. A confirmation dialog will be displayed; highlight Yes and press J. Press J again to exit when copying is complete. D Copying Images Images will not be copied if there is insufficient space on the destination card. Be sure the battery is fully charged before copying movies. If the destination folder contains an image with the same name as one of the images to be copied, a confirmation dialog will be displayed.
Image Review G button ➜ D playback menu Choose whether pictures are automatically displayed in the monitor immediately after shooting. If Off is selected, pictures can only be displayed by pressing the K button. After Delete G button ➜ D playback menu Choose the picture displayed after an image is deleted. Option Show S next Show T previous Description Display following picture. If deleted picture was last frame, previous picture will be displayed. Display previous picture.
Rotate Tall G button ➜ D playback menu Choose whether to rotate “tall” (portrait-orientation) pictures for display during playback. Note that because the camera itself is already in the appropriate orientation during shooting, images are not rotated automatically during image review. Option On Off Description “Tall” (portrait-orientation) pictures are automatically rotated for display in the camera monitor.
To Skip back/skip ahead View additional photo info Press Pause/resume J Exit to playback menu Exit to playback mode Exit to shooting mode Description Press 4 to return to previous frame, 2 to skip to next frame. Change photo info displayed (0 225). Pause or resume slide show. Voice memo playback may continue after J button has been pressed. G End slide show and return to playback menu. K End slide show and exit to full-frame (0 222) or thumbnail playback (0 235).
C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options To display the shooting menu, press G and select the C (shooting menu) tab. G button U 284 Option Shooting menu bank Reset shooting menu Extended menu banks Active folder File naming Slot 2 Image quality Image size 0 285 287 287 288 290 88 83 86 Option Set Picture Control Manage Picture Control Color space Active D-Lighting Vignette control Long exp.
Shooting Menu Bank G button ➜ C shooting menu Shooting menu options are stored in one of four banks. With the exceptions of Extended menu banks, Interval timer shooting, Multiple exposure, and modifications to Picture Controls (quick adjust and other manual adjustments), changes to settings in one bank have no effect on the others. To store a particular combination of frequently-used settings, select one of the four banks and set the camera to these settings.
❚❚ Renaming Shooting Menu Banks Selecting Rename in the Shooting menu bank menu displays the list of shooting menu banks shown in Step 1. 1 Select a bank. Highlight the desired bank and press 2. 2 Enter a name. Keyboard area To move the cursor in the name area, press the N button and press 4 or 2. To enter a new letter at the current cursor position, use the multi selector Name area to highlight the desired character in the keyboard area and press the center of the multi selector.
3 Save changes and exit. After editing the name, press J to save changes and exit. The Shooting menu bank menu will be displayed. Reset Shooting Menu G button ➜ C shooting menu Select Yes to restore default settings for the current shooting menu bank. See page 392 for a list of default settings.
Active Folder G button ➜ C shooting menu Select the folder in which subsequent images will be stored. ❚❚ Select Folder by Number 1 Select Select folder by number. Highlight Select folder by number and press 2. The dialog shown at right will be displayed, with the current slot underlined. The current slot varies with the option selected for Slot 2 (0 88). 2 Choose a folder number. Press 4 or 2 to highlight a digit, press 1 or 3 to change.
❚❚ Select Folder from List 1 Choose Select folder from list. Highlight Select folder from list and press 2. 2 Highlight a folder. Press 1 or 3 to highlight a folder. 3 Select the highlighted folder. Press J to select the highlighted folder and return to the shooting menu (to exit without changing the active folder, press the G button). Subsequent photographs will be stored in the selected folder.
File Naming G button ➜ C shooting menu Photographs are saved using file names consisting of “DSC_” or, in the case of images that use the Adobe RGB color space, “_DSC”, followed by a four-digit number and a three-letter extension (e.g., “DSC_0001.JPG”). The File naming option is used to select three letters to replace the “DSC” portion of the file name. For information on editing file names, see steps 2 and 3 of “Renaming Shooting Menu Banks” (0 286).
Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Reduction) G button ➜ C shooting menu If On is selected, photographs taken at shutter speeds slower than 1 s will be processed to reduce noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels or fog).
A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings To display the Custom Settings menu, press G and select the A (Custom Settings menu) tab. G button Custom Settings are used to customize camera settings to suit individual preferences.
The following Custom Settings are available: B A a a1 a2 a3 a4 a5 a6 a7 a8 a9 a10 b b1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 c c1 c2 c3 c4 d d1 d2 Custom Setting Custom setting bank Reset custom settings Autofocus AF-C priority selection AF-S priority selection Dynamic AF area Focus tracking with lock-on AF activation Focus point illumination Focus point wrap-around AF point selection AF-ON button Vertical AF-ON button Metering/exposure ISO sensitivity step value EV steps for exposure cntrl. EV steps for exposure comp.
B: Custom Setting Bank G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Custom Settings are stored in one of four banks. Changes to settings in one bank have no effect on the others. To store a particular combination of frequently-used settings, select one of the four banks and set the camera to these settings. The new settings will be stored in the bank even when the camera is turned off, and will be restored the next time the bank is selected.
a: Autofocus a1: AF-C Priority Selection G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option controls whether Focus mode selector photographs can be taken whenever the shutter-release button is pressed (release priority) or only when the camera is in focus (focus priority) in continuous-servo AF. To select continuous-servo AF, rotate the focus mode selector to C. Option G Release E Release + focus F Focus Description Photos can be taken whenever the shutter-release button is pressed.
a2: AF-S Priority Selection G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option controls whether Focus mode selector photographs can be taken only when the camera is in focus (focus priority) or whenever the shutterrelease button is pressed (release priority) in single-servo AF. To select single-servo AF, rotate the focus mode selector to S. Option G Release F Focus Description Photos can be taken whenever the shutter-release button is pressed.
Option Description If the subject leaves the selected focus point, the d 21 points camera will focus based on information from the surrounding 20 focus points. Choose when photographing subjects that are moving unpredictably (e.g., players at a football game). If the subject leaves the selected focus point, the e 51 points camera will focus based on information from the surrounding 50 focus points. Choose when photographing subjects that are moving quickly and can not be easily framed in the viewfinder (e.
a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option controls how autofocus adjusts to sudden large changes in the distance to the subject during continuous-servo AF. Option C 5 (Long) Description When the distance to the subject changes abruptly, the camera waits for the specified period before adjusting D 3 (Normal) the distance to the subject. This prevents the camera from refocusing when the subject is briefly obscured by ) 2 objects passing through the frame.
a6: Focus point Illumination G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu The options in this menu control whether or not the focus points are illuminated. Option Description Manual focus Choose On to display the active focus point in manual mode focus mode. Choose On to display the active focus point in CH Continuous (continuous high-speed) and CL (continuous low-speed) mode modes. Focus point Choose the brightness of the focus point display in the brightness viewfinder from Extra high, High, Normal, and Low.
a8: AF Point Selection G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the number of focus points available for manual focuspoint selection. Option B 51 points Description Choose from the 51 focus points shown at right. Choose from the 11 focus points A 11 points shown at right. Use for quick focuspoint selection. a9: AF-ON Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the function performed when the B button is pressed.
Option E AE lock (Hold) F AF lock only Description Exposure locks when the B button is pressed, and remains locked until the button is pressed a second time or the exposure meters turn off. Focus locks while the B button is pressed. a10: Vertical AF-ON Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the function assigned to the B button for vertical shooting.
b: Metering/Exposure b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Select the increments used when making adjustments to ISO sensitivity (0 110). If possible, the current ISO sensitivity setting is maintained when the step value is changed. If the current ISO sensitivity setting is not available at the new step value, ISO sensitivity will be rounded to the nearest available setting. b2: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl.
b4: Easy Exposure Compensation G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option controls whether the E button is needed to set exposure compensation (0 134). If On (Auto reset) or On is selected, the 0 at the center of the exposure display will blink even when exposure compensation is set to ±0. Option Description Exposure compensation is set by rotating one of the command dials (see note below).
b5: Center-Weighted Area G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu When calculating exposure, center-weighted metering assigns the greatest weight to a circle in the center of the frame. The diameter (φ ) of this circle can be set to 8, 12, 15, or 20 mm or to the average of the entire frame. Note that unless Average is selected, the diameter is fixed at 12 mm when a non-CPU lens is used, regardless of the setting selected for Non-CPU lens data in the setup menu (0 214).
c: Timers/AE Lock c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu If Off is selected, exposure only locks when the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed. If On is selected, exposure will also lock when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. c2: Auto Meter-off Delay G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose how long the camera continues to meter exposure when no operations are performed.
c4: Monitor off Delay G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose how long the monitor remains on when no operations are performed during playback (Playback; defaults to 10 s) and image review (Image review; defaults to 4 s) or when menus (Menus; defaults to 20 s) or information (Information display; defaults to 10 s) are displayed. Choose a shorter monitor-off delay for longer battery life.
d2: Shooting Speed G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the maximum frame advance rate for CH (continuous highspeed) and CL (continuous low-speed) modes. Note that the frame advance rate may drop below the selected value at slow shutter speeds, if auto ISO sensitivity control is on, or when VR (vibration reduction) mode is used with VR lenses.
d4: File Number Sequence G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu When a photograph is taken, the camera names the file by adding one to the last file number used. This option controls whether file numbering continues from the last number used when a new folder is created, the memory card is formatted, or a new memory card is inserted in the camera.
d5: Control Panel/Viewfinder G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the information displayed in the viewfinder and rear control panel. Option Rear control panel Viewfinder display Description Choose from ISO sensitivity (9) and Exposures remaining (k). If Exposures remaining is selected, ISO sensitivity will only be displayed while the ISO button is pressed. Choose from Frame count (l) and Exposures remaining (k).
d7: Screen Tips G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose On to display tool tips for items selected in the information display (0 17). d8: LCD Illumination G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu If Off is selected, the control panel backlights (LCD illuminators) will only light while the power switch is rotated toward D. If On is selected, the control panels will be illuminated while the exposure meters are active (0 45). Select Off for increased battery life.
e: Bracketing/Flash e1: Flash Sync Speed G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option controls flash sync speed. Option Description Use auto FP high-speed sync with SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, and SB-R200 flash units. If other flash units are used, shutter 1/250 s speed is set to 1/250 s. When the camera shows a shutter (Auto FP) speed of 1/250 s in exposure mode e or g, auto FP highspeed sync will be activated if the actual shutter speed is faster than 1/250 s.
e2: Flash Shutter Speed G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option determines the slowest shutter speed available when using front- or rearcurtain sync or red-eye reduction in programmed auto or aperture-priority auto exposure modes (regardless of the setting chosen, shutter speeds can be as slow as 30 s in shutter-priority auto and manual exposure modes or at flash settings of slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, or red-eye reduction with slow sync). Options range from 1/60 s (1/60 s) to 30 s (30 s).
e5: Auto Bracketing (Mode M) G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option determines which settings are affected when AE & flash or AE only is selected for Custom Setting e4 in manual exposure mode. Option F Flash/speed Flash/speed/ G aperture H Flash/aperture I Flash only Description Camera varies shutter speed (Custom Setting e4 set to AE only) or shutter speed and flash level (Custom Setting e4 set to AE & flash).
f: Controls f1: Multi Selector Center Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option determines the role assigned to the center of the multi selector in shooting and playback modes (regardless of the option selected, pressing the center of the multi selector when a movie is displayed full frame starts movie playback). ❚❚ Shooting Mode Option J Select center focus point Not used Role assigned to center of multi selector Select center focus point. None.
❚❚ Live View J Option Select center focus point p Zoom on/off Start movie j recording Not used Role assigned to center of multi selector Pressing the center of the multi selector in live view selects the center focus point. Press the center of the multi selector to toggle zoom on and off. Choose the initial zoom setting from Low magnification, Medium magnification, and High magnification. The zoom display will center on the active focus point.
f4: Assign Fn Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the role played by the Fn button, either by itself (Fn button press) or when used in combination with the command dials (Fn button + command dials). ❚❚ Fn Button Press Selecting Fn button press for Custom Setting f4 displays the following options: q r B C D E F s U 316 Option Preview * Description Press the Fn button to preview depth of field (0 119).
Option Bracketing t burst Matrix L metering Center- M weighted N metering Spot metering Virtual m horizon * K Playback * Access top O item in MY MENU * None Description If the Fn button is pressed while exposure, flash, or ADL bracketing is active in single frame or quiet shutter-release mode, all shots in the current bracketing program will be taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed.
A Virtual Horizon When Virtual horizon is selected for Fn button press, the exposure indicators in the viewfinder and top control panel can be used as a horizontal level. Press the Fn button to toggle between exposure and tilt meter displays. Camera tilted right Camera level Camera tilted left Control panel Viewfinder Note that the display may not be accurate when the camera is tilted at a sharp angle forward or back.
Option Description If the Fn button is pressed when the command dials are rotated, changes to shutter speed (exposure modes f 1 step spd/ and h) and aperture (exposure modes g and h) are v aperture made in increments of 1 EV, regardless of the option selected for Custom Setting b2 (EV steps for exposure cntrl., 0 302). Choose non- Press the Fn button and rotate a command dial to choose a lens number specified using the Non-CPU w CPU lens number lens data option (0 214).
2 Unlock the shutter-release Vertical shutter-release button lock button for vertical shooting. 3 Select the focus point. With the camera in portrait (“tall”) orientation, select a focus point by pressing the Fn button and rotating the command dials for vertical shooting. Use the main command dial to move the focus point selection left or right, the sub-command dial to move it up or down.
f5: Assign Preview Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the role played by the Pv button, either by itself (Preview button press) or when used in combination with the command dials (Preview + command dials).
f7: Assign BKT Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the role played by the D button. Option Auto t bracketing Multiple $ exposure Description Press the t button and rotate a command dial to choose the bracketing increment and number of shots in the bracketing sequence (0 136). Press the t button and rotate a command dial to choose the mode and number of shots for multiple exposures (0 204).
Option Description If Sub-command dial is selected, aperture can only be adjusted with the sub-command dial (or with the main command dial if On is selected for Change main/sub). If Aperture ring is selected, aperture can only be adjusted with the lens aperture ring and the camera aperture display will Aperture show aperture in increments of 1 EV (aperture for type G lenses setting is still set using the sub-command dial).
f9: Release Button to Use Dial G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Selecting Yes allows adjustments that are normally made by holding the I, E, D, M, ISO, QUAL, or WB button and rotating a command dial to be made by rotating the command dial after the button is released. Setting ends when any of the affected buttons is pressed again or the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup To display the setup menu, press G and select the B (setup menu) tab.
Format Memory Card G button ➜ B setup menu To begin formatting, choose a memory card slot and select Yes. Note that formatting permanently deletes all pictures and other data on the card in the selected slot. Before formatting, be sure to make backup copies as required. D During Formatting Do not turn the camera off or remove memory cards during formatting. A Two-Button Format Memory cards can also be formatted by pressing the Q (O and I) buttons for more than two seconds (0 39).
Image Dust Off Ref Photo G button ➜ B setup menu Acquire reference data for the Image Dust Off option in Capture NX 2 (available separately; for more information, see the Capture NX 2 manual). Image Dust Off ref photo is available only when a CPU lens is mounted on the camera. A non-DX lens with a focal length of at least 50 mm is recommended. When using a zoom lens, zoom all the way in. 1 Choose a start option. Highlight one of the following options and press J.
2 Frame a featureless white object in the viewfinder. With the lens about ten centimeters (four inches) from a welllit, featureless white object, frame the object so that it fills the viewfinder and then press the shutter-release button halfway. In autofocus mode, focus will automatically be set to infinity; in manual focus mode, set focus to infinity manually. 3 Acquire dust off reference data. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to acquire Image Dust Off reference data.
Video Mode G button ➜ B setup menu When connecting the camera to a television or VCR via the audio/ video (A/V OUT) connector, be sure the camera video mode matches the device video standard (NTSC or PAL). HDMI G button ➜ B setup menu The camera is equipped with an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connector, allowing pictures to be played back on high-definition televisions or monitors using a cable with a type C mini-pin connector (available separately from commercial suppliers).
Flicker Reduction G button ➜ B setup menu Reduce flicker and banding when shooting under fluorescent or mercury-vapor lighting during live view or movie recording. Choose a frequency which matches that of the local AC power supply. D Flicker Reduction If you are unsure as to the frequency of the local power supply, test both options and choose the one that produces the best results.
Language G button ➜ B setup menu Choose a language for camera menus and messages. The following options are available. Czech Danish German English Spanish French Indonesian Italian Dutch Norwegian Image Comment Polish Portuguese Russian Finnish Swedish Turkish Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Japanese Korean G button ➜ B setup menu Add a comment to new photographs as they are taken. Comments can be viewed as metadata in ViewNX (supplied) or Capture NX 2 (available separately; 0 375).
Auto Image Rotation G button ➜ B setup menu Photographs taken while On is selected contain information on camera orientation, allowing them to be rotated automatically during playback (0 282) or when viewed in ViewNX (supplied) or in Capture NX 2 (available separately; 0 375). The following orientations are recorded: Landscape (wide) orientation Camera rotated 90° clockwise Camera rotated 90° counter-clockwise Camera orientation is not recorded when Off is selected.
Battery Info G button ➜ B setup menu View information on the battery currently inserted in the camera. Item Battery meter Description The current battery level expressed as a percentage. The number of times the shutter has been released with the current battery since the battery was last charged. Note that Picture the camera may sometimes release the shutter without meter recording a photograph, for example when measuring preset white balance.
Image Authentication G button ➜ B setup menu Choose s On to embed image authentication information in new photographs as they are taken, allowing alterations to be detected using Nikon’s optional Image Authentication software. Image authentication information can not be embedded in existing photographs. Photographs taken with image authentication on are marked with a p icon on the file information and overview pages of the photo information display (0 226, 234).
Copyright Information G button ➜ B setup menu Add copyright information to new photographs as they are taken. Copyright information is visible on the fourth shooting data page in the photo information display (0 232) and can be viewed as metadata in ViewNX (supplied) or in Capture NX 2 (available separately; 0 375). • Done: Save changes and return to the setup menu. • Artist: Enter a photographer name as described on page 286. Photographer names can be up to 36 characters long.
Save/Load Settings G button ➜ B setup menu Select Save settings to save the following settings to the memory card in slot 1 (if the memory card is full, an error will be displayed; 0 405). Use this option to share settings among D3S cameras.
Menu Option Clean image sensor Video mode HDMI Flicker reduction Time zone and date (excepting date and time) Language Setup Image comment Auto image rotation Voice memo options Image authentication Copyright information GPS Non-CPU lens data All My Menu items My Menu/ All recent settings Recent Settings Choose tab Settings saved using the D3S can be restored by selecting Load settings.
Virtual Horizon G button ➜ B setup menu Display a virtual horizon based on information from the camera image sensor. If the camera is level, the reference line will be displayed in green. Reference line D Tilting the Camera The virtual horizon display is not accurate when the camera is tilted at a sharp angle forward or back. If the camera is unable to measure tilt, the amount of tilt will not be displayed.
AF Fine Tune G button ➜ B setup menu Fine-tune focus for up to 20 lens types. AF tuning is not recommended in most situations and may interfere with normal focus; use only when required. Option Description AF fine • On: Turn AF tuning on. tune • Off: Turn AF tuning off. (On/Off) Tune AF for the current lens (CPU Move focal lenses only). Press 1 or 3 to choose point away Saved a value between +20 and –20. from camera. value Values for up to 20 lens types can be stored.
D AF Tuning The camera may be unable to focus at minimum range or at infinity when AF tuning is applied. D Live View (Tripod) Mode Tuning is not applied to contrast-detect autofocus when Tripod is selected in live view mode (0 55). A Saved Value Only one value can be stored for each type of lens. If a teleconverter is used, separate values can be stored for each combination of lens and teleconverter. Firmware Version View the current camera firmware version.
N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies To display the retouch menu, press G and select the N (retouch menu) tab. G button The options in the retouch menu are used to create trimmed, or retouched copies of existing pictures. The retouch menu is only displayed when a memory card containing photographs is inserted in the camera.
Creating Retouched Copies To create a retouched copy: 1 Select an item in the retouch menu. Press 1 or 3 to highlight an item, 2 to select. Depending on the option selected, a menu may be displayed; highlight an option and press 2. 2 Select a picture. The pictures on the memory card will be displayed. Use the multi selector to highlight a picture (to view the highlighted picture full screen, press and hold the N button).
3 Display retouch options. Press J to display retouch options (see the section for the selected option for details). To exit without creating a retouched copy, press G. A Monitor off Delay The monitor will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for 20 s. Any unsaved changes will be lost. To increase the time the monitor remains on, choose a longer menu display time for Custom Setting c4 (Monitor off delay, 0 306). 4 Create a retouched copy. Press J to create a retouched copy.
D-Lighting G button ➜ N retouch menu D-Lighting brightens shadows, making it ideal for dark or backlit photographs. Before After Press 1 or 3 to choose the amount of correction performed. The effect can be previewed in the edit display. Press J to copy the photograph.
Red-Eye Correction G button ➜ N retouch menu This option is used to correct “red-eye” caused by the flash and is available only with photographs taken using a flash. The photograph selected for red-eye correction is previewed as shown at right. Confirm the effects of red-eye correction and create a copy as described in the following table.
Trim G button ➜ N retouch menu Create a cropped copy of the selected photograph. The selected photograph is displayed with the selected crop shown in yellow; create a cropped copy as described in the following table. To Use Reduce size of crop N+ Press N button and rotate main command dial right to reduce the size of the crop. Increase size of crop N+ Press N button and rotate main command dial left to increase the size of the crop.
A Trim: Image Quality and Size Copies created from NEF (RAW), NEF (RAW) + JPEG, or TIFF (RGB) photos have an image quality (0 83) of JPEG fine; cropped copies created from JPEG photos have the same image quality as the original. The size of the copy varies with crop size and aspect ratio.
Filter Effects G button ➜ N retouch menu Choose from the following color filter effects. After adjusting filter effects as described below, press J to copy the photograph. Option Description Creates the effect of a skylight filter, making the picture less blue. The effect can be previewed in the monitor as shown at right. Skylight Warm filter Creates a copy with warm tone filter effects, giving the copy a “warm” red cast. The effect can be previewed in the monitor.
A Zoom To zoom in on the image displayed in the monitor, press N, rotate the main command dial to the right, and then release the N button. The histogram will be updated to show data only for the portion of the image displayed in the monitor. To choose the area displayed using zoom, press N and use the multi selector. To exit zoom, press the N button and rotate the main command dial to the left.
2 Display NEF (RAW) images. Press J to display a picture selection dialog listing only NEF (RAW) images created with this camera. 3 Select a photograph. Highlight the first photograph in the overlay. To view the highlighted photograph full frame, press and hold the N button. Press J to select the highlighted photograph and return to the preview display. 4 Select the second photograph. The selected image will appear as Image 1.
5 Set gain. Highlight Image 1 or Image 2 and optimize exposure for the overlay by pressing 1 or 3 to select the gain for image 1 from values between 0.1 and 2.0. Repeat for the second image. The default value is 1.0; selecting 0.5 cuts gain in half, while selecting 2.0 doubles gain. The effects of gain are visible in the Preview column. 6 Highlight the Preview column. Press 4 or 2 to highlight the Preview column. 7 Preview the overlay.
8 Save the overlay. Press J while the preview is displayed to save the overlay. After an overlay is created, the resulting image will be displayed full-frame in the monitor. + D Image Overlay Only NEF (RAW) photographs created with the D3S can be selected for image overlay. Other images are not displayed in the selection dialog. Only NEF (RAW) photographs with the same image area and bit-depth can be combined.
NEF (RAW) Processing G button ➜ N retouch menu Create JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs. 1 Select NEF (RAW) processing. Highlight NEF (RAW) processing and press 2 to display a picture selection dialog listing only NEF (RAW) images created with this camera. 2 Select a photograph. Use the multi selector to highlight a photograph (to view the highlighted photograph full frame, press and hold the N button). Press J to select the highlighted photograph and proceed to the next step.
3 Adjust NEF (RAW) processing settings. Choose image quality (0 83), image size (0 86), white balance (0 150), exposure compensation (0 134), a Picture Control (0 170; note that the Picture Control grid can not be displayed), high ISO noise reduction (0 291), color space (0 183), and vignette control (0 290) for the JPEG copy.
Resize G button ➜ N retouch menu Create small copies of selected photographs. 1 Select Resize. Highlight Resize and press 2. The dialog shown at right will be displayed. 2 Choose a size. Highlight Choose size and press 2. The following options will be displayed; highlight an option and press J. Option Size (pixels) Option Size (pixels) 2.5 M 1920 × 1280 0.6 M 960 × 640 1.1 M 1280 × 856 0.
3 Choose pictures. Highlight Select image and press 2. The dialog shown at right will be displayed; highlight pictures using the multi selector and press the center of the multi selector to select or deselect (to view the highlighted picture full screen, press and hold the N button). Selected pictures are marked by a 8 icon. Press J when the selection is complete. Note that photographs taken at an image-area setting of 5 : 4 (0 79) can not be resized. 4 Save the resized copies.
Side-by-Side Comparison G button ➜ N retouch menu Compare retouched copies to the original photographs. ❚❚ Making a Side-by-Side Comparison 1 Select Side-by-side comparison. Highlight Side-by-side comparison and press 2 to display a picture selection dialog. 2 Select a picture. Use the multi selector to highlight a picture and press J. Only retouched copies (shown by a N icon) or photographs that have been retouched can be selected.
3 Compare the copy with the original. Options used to create copy The source image is displayed on the left, the retouched copy on the right, with the options used to create the copy listed at the top of the display. Press Source Retouched 4 or 2 to switch between the image copy source image and the retouched copy. To view the highlighted picture full frame, press and hold the N button. If the copy was created from two images using Image overlay, press 1 or 3 to view the other source image.
O My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu To display My Menu, press G and select the O (My Menu) tab. G button The My Menu option can be used to create and edit a customized list of options from the playback, shooting, Custom Settings, setup, and retouch menus for quick access (up to 20 items). If desired, recent settings can be displayed in place of My Menu (0 363). Options can be added, deleted, and reordered as described below. Adding Options to My Menu 1 Select Add items.
3 Select an item. Highlight the desired menu item and press J. 4 Position the new item. Press 1 or 3 to move the new item up or down in My Menu. Press J to add the new item. 5 Add more items. The items currently displayed in My Menu are indicated by a check mark. Items indicated by a V icon can not be selected. Repeat steps 1–4 to select additional items.
Deleting Options from My Menu 1 Select Remove items. In My Menu (O), highlight Remove items and press 2. 2 Select items. Highlight items and press 2 to select or deselect. Selected items are indicated by a check mark. 3 Select Done. Highlight Done and press J. A confirmation dialog will be displayed. 4 Delete the selected items. Press J to delete the selected items. A Deleting Items in My Menu To delete the item currently highlighted in My Menu, press the O button.
Reordering Options in My Menu 1 Select Rank items. In My Menu (O), highlight Rank items and press 2. 2 Select an item. Highlight the item you wish to move and press J. 3 Position the item. Press 1 or 3 to move the item up or down in My Menu and press J. Repeat Steps 2–3 to reposition additional items. A Reordering Items in My Menu The item currently highlighted in My Menu can be moved up or down by pressing the N button and pressing 1 or 3. Release the N button when the operation is complete.
Displaying Recent Settings To display the twenty most recently used settings, select m Recent settings for O My Menu > Choose tab. 1 Select Choose tab. In My Menu (O), highlight Choose tab and press 2. 2 Select m Recent settings. Highlight m Recent settings and press J. The name of the menu will change from “MY MENU” to “RECENT SETTINGS.” Menu items will be added to the top of the recent settings menu as they are used. To view My Menu again, select O My Menu for m Recent settings > Choose tab.
U 364
nTechnical Notes – Camera Care, Options, and Resources Read this chapter for information on compatible accessories, cleaning and storing the camera, and what to do if an error message is displayed or you encounter problems using the camera. Compatible Lenses................................................................ 366 Other Accessories.................................................................. 372 Caring for the Camera .......................................................... 377 Storage ...
Compatible Lenses Camera setting Focus mode S C CPU lenses 1 Lens/accessory Type G or D AF NIKKOR 2 ✔ AF-S, AF-I NIKKOR PC-E NIKKOR series — PC Micro 85mm — f/2.
9 When focusing at minimum focus distance with AF 80–200mm f/2.8, AF 35– 70mm f/2.8, AF 28–85mm f/3.5–4.5 , or AF 28–85mm f/3.5–4.5 lens at maximum zoom, in-focus indicator may be displayed when image on matte screen in viewfinder is not in focus. Adjust focus manually until image in viewfinder is in focus. 10 With maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster. 11 Some lenses can not be used (see page 369). 12 Range of rotation for AI 80–200mm f/2.8 ED tripod mount is limited by camera body.
A Recognizing CPU and Type G and D Lenses CPU lenses can be identified by the presence of CPU contacts, type G and D lenses by a letter on the lens barrel. Type G lenses are not equipped with a lens aperture ring. CPU contacts CPU lens Aperture ring Type G lens Type D lens A The AF-S/AF-I Teleconverter The AF-S/AF-I teleconverter can be used with the following AF-S and AF-I lenses: • • • • • • • • • • • • AF-S VR Micro 105mm f/2.8G ED 1 AF-S VR 200mm f/2G ED AF-S VR 300mm f/2.8G ED AF-S 300mm f/2.
A Compatible Non-CPU Lenses If lens data are specified using Non-CPU lens data (0 214), many of the features available with CPU lenses can also be used with non-CPU lenses. If lens data are not specified, color matrix metering can not be used, and center-weighted metering is used when matrix metering is selected. Non-CPU lenses can only be used in exposure modes g and h, when aperture must be set using the lens aperture ring.
A Picture Angle and Focal Length The D3S can be used with Nikon lenses for 35mm (135) format cameras. If Auto DX crop is on and a 35mm format lens is attached, the picture angle will be the same as a frame of 35mm film (36.0 × 23.9 mm); if a DX lens is attached, the picture angle will automatically be adjusted to 23.5 × 15.6 mm (DX format). To choose a picture angle different from that of the current lens, turn Auto DX crop off and select from FX (36×24), 1.2× (30×20), DX (24×16), and 5 : 4 (30×24).
A Picture Angle and Focal Length (Continued) The DX (24×16) picture angle is about 1.5 times smaller than the 35mm format picture angle, while the 1.2× (30×20) picture angle is about 1.2 times smaller and the 5 : 4 (30×24) picture angle is about 1.1 times smaller. To calculate the focal length of lenses in 35mm format when DX (24×16) is selected, multiply the focal length of the lens by about 1.5, by about 1.2 when is 1.2× (30×20) selected, or by about 1.
Other Accessories At the time of writing, the following accessories were available for the D3S. • EN-EL4a and EN-EL4 Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries (0 26, 28): Additional EN-EL4a/EN-EL4 batteries are available from local retailers and Nikon service representatives. These batteries can be recharged and calibrated using an MH-22 or MH-21 quick charger. Power sources • MH-22 and MH-21 Quick Chargers (0 26, 417): The MH-22, MH-21 can be used to recharge EN-EL4a and EN-EL4 batteries.
• Focusing Screens (0 384): The focusing screens available for the D3S are listed below. Type B A type B focusing screen Brite View clearis supplied with the matte VI camera. focusing screen Type E focusing screens are etched with a grid, making them suitable Type E for copying and clear-matte VI architectural focusing screen photography. Best results are achieved with PC-NIKKOR lenses.
• DK-14 and DK-17A Antifog Finder Eyepieces: These viewfinder eyepieces prevent fogging in humid or cold conditions. The DK-17A is equipped with a safety lock. • DR-5 and DR-4 Right-Angle Viewing Attachments: The DR-5 and Viewfinder DR-4 attach to the viewfinder eyepiece at a right angle, eyepiece allowing the image in the viewfinder to be viewed from above when the camera is in the horizontal shooting accessories position.
PC card adapters Software • EC-AD1 PC Card Adapter: The EC-AD1 PC card adapter allows Type I CompactFlash memory cards to be inserted in PCMCIA card slots. • Capture NX 2: A complete photo editing package with such advanced editing features as selection control points and an auto retouch brush. • Camera Control Pro 2: Control the camera remotely from a computer and save photographs directly to the computer hard disk.
Remote terminal accessories n 376 The D3S is equipped with a ten-pin remote terminal for remote control and automatic photography. The terminal is provided with a cap, which protects the contacts when the terminal is not in use. The following accessories can be used (all lengths are approximate): • Remote Cord MC-22: Remote shutter release with blue, yellow, and black terminals for connection to a remote shuttertriggering device, allowing control via sound or electronic signals (length 1 m/3 ft. 3 in.).
Caring for the Camera Storage When the camera will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry area with the terminal cover in place. To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a dry, wellventilated area.
The Low-Pass Filter The image sensor that acts as the camera’s picture element is fitted with a low-pass filter to prevent moiré. If you suspect that dirt or dust on the filter is appearing in photographs, you can clean the filter using the Clean image sensor option in the setup menu. The filter can be cleaned at any time using the Clean now option, or cleaning can be performed automatically when the camera is turned on or off. ❚❚ “Clean Now” 1 Place the camera base down.
3 Select Clean now. Highlight Clean now and press 2. The message shown at right will be displayed while cleaning is in progress. The message shown at right will be displayed when cleaning is complete. ❚❚ “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. Highlight Clean at startup/ shutdown and press 2.
2 Select an option. Highlight one of the following options and press J. Option Description The image sensor is automatically cleaned 5 Clean at startup each time the camera is turned on. The image sensor is automatically cleaned Clean at 6 during shutdown each time the camera is shutdown turned off. Clean at startup The image sensor is cleaned automatically at 7 & shutdown startup and at shutdown. 8 Cleaning off Automatic image sensor cleaning off.
❚❚ Manual Cleaning If foreign matter can not be removed from the low-pass filter using the Clean image sensor (0 378) option in the setup menu, the filter can be cleaned manually as described below. Note, however, that the filter is extremely delicate and easily damaged. Nikon recommends that the filter be cleaned only by Nikon-authorized service personnel. 1 Charge the battery or connect an AC adapter. A reliable power source is required when inspecting or cleaning the low-pass filter.
4 Raise the mirror. Press the shutter-release button all the way down. The mirror will be raised and the shutter curtain will open, revealing the low-pass filter. The display in the viewfinder will turn off and the row of dashes in the top control panel will blink. 5 Examine the low-pass filter. Holding the camera so that light falls on the low-pass filter, examine the filter for dust or lint. If no foreign objects are present, proceed to Step 7. 6 Clean the filter.
D Use a Reliable Power Source The shutter curtain is delicate and easily damaged. If the camera powers off while the mirror is raised, the curtain will close automatically. To prevent damage to the curtain, observe the following precautions: • Do not turn the camera off or remove or disconnect the power source while the mirror is raised.
Replacing the Focusing Screen A type B clear-matte VI focusing screen is inserted in the camera at shipment. To insert an optional type E clear-matte VI focusing screen for D3S cameras (0 373): 1 Remove the lens. Turn the camera off and remove the lens. 2 Unlatch the screen holder. Using the tweezers supplied with the focusing screen, pull the focusing screen latch towards you. The screen holder will spring open. 3 Remove the existing screen.
5 Latch the screen holder. Push the front edge of holder upward until it clicks into place. D Replacing Focusing Screens Do not touch the surface of the mirror or focusing screens. A Framing Grids The display in type E focusing screens may be slightly out of position depending on how the focusing screen is placed.
Replacing the Clock Battery The camera clock is powered by a CR1616 lithium battery with a life of about four years. If the B icon is displayed in the top control panel while the exposure meters are on, the battery is running low and needs to be replaced. When the battery is exhausted, the B icon will blink while the exposure meters are on. Photographs can still be taken but will not be stamped with the correct time and date, and interval timer photography will not function correctly.
5 Close the clock battery chamber. Slide the clock battery chamber cover towards the back of the main battery chamber until it clicks into place. 6 Replace the main battery. Reinsert the EN-EL4a. 7 Set the camera clock. Set the camera to the current date and time (0 34). Until the date and time have been set, the B icon will flash in the top control panel. ACAUTION Use only CR1616 lithium batteries. Using another type of battery could cause an explosion. Dispose of used batteries as directed.
Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions Do not drop: The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration. Keep dry: This product is not waterproof, and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high levels of humidity. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage. Avoid sudden changes in temperature: Sudden changes in temperature, such as occur when entering or leaving a heated building on a cold day, can cause condensation inside the device.
Cleaning: When cleaning the camera body, use a blower to gently remove dust and lint, then wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. After using the camera at the beach or seaside, wipe off any sand or salt using a cloth lightly dampened in pure water and then dry the camera thoroughly. In rare instances, static electricity may cause the LCD displays to light up or go dark. This does not indicate a malfunction, and the display will soon return to normal. The lens and mirror are easily damaged.
Turn the product off before removing or disconnecting the power source: Do not unplug the product or remove the battery while the product is on or while images are being recorded or deleted. Forcibly cutting power in these circumstances could result in loss of data or in damage to product memory or internal circuitry. To prevent an accidental interruption of power, avoid carrying the product from one location to another while the AC adapter is connected.
Batteries: Dirt on the battery terminals can prevent the camera from functioning and should be removed with a soft, dry cloth before use. Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. Observe the following precautions when handling batteries: Turn the product off before replacing the battery. The battery may become hot when used for extended periods. Observe due caution when handling the battery. Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment.
Defaults The default settings for the options in the camera menus are listed below. For information on two-button reset, see page 200.
Long exp.
a7 a8 a9 a10 b1 b2 b3 b4 b5 b6 c1 c2 c3 c4 d1 d2 d3 d4 d5 n 394 d6 d7 d8 d9 Option Focus point wrap-around (0 299) AF point selection (0 300) AF-ON button (0 300) Vertical AF-ON button (0 301) ISO sensitivity step value (0 302) EV steps for exposure cntrl. (0 302) EV steps for exposure comp.
Option Default Flash sync speed (0 311) 1/250 s Flash shutter speed (0 312) 1/60 s Modeling flash (0 312) On Auto bracketing set (0 312) AE & flash Auto bracketing (Mode M) (0 313) Flash/speed Bracketing order (0 313) MTR > under > over Multi selector center button (0 314) Shooting mode Select center focus point Playback mode Thumbnail on/off Live view Start movie recording f2 Multi selector (0 315) Do nothing f3 Photo info/playback (0 315) Info /Playback f4 Assign Fn button (0 316) Fn button press (0 316)
❚❚ Setup Menu Defaults Option LCD brightness (0 326) Clean image sensor Clean at startup/shutdown HDMI (0 329) Time zone and date (0 330) Daylight saving time Auto image rotation (0 332) Voice memo options (0 246) Voice memo Voice memo overwrite Voice memo button Audio output Image authentication (0 334) GPS (0 220) Auto meter off Use GPS to set camera clock n 396 Default 0 Cleaning off Auto Off On Off Disable Press and hold Via speaker Off Enable Yes
Exposure Program The exposure program for programmed auto is shown in the following graph: 12 14 f/1 16 15 f/1.4 1 /3 17 17 18 19 f/5.6 f/8 20 f/2.8 f/1.4 − f/16 Aperture f/2 f/4 21 f/11 22 f/16 23 f/22 f/32 13 11 9 10 8 7 5 6 3 2 4 0 1 -1 -3 -2 ] V [E -4 ISO 200; lens with maximum aperture of f/1.4 and minimum aperture of f/16 (e.g., AF 50mm f/1.
Troubleshooting If the camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common problems below before consulting your retailer or Nikon representative. ❚❚ Display Viewfinder is out of focus: Adjust viewfinder focus or use optional diopter adjustment lenses (0 41, 373). Viewfinder is dark: Insert a fully-charged battery (0 26, 43). Displays turn off without warning: Choose longer delays for Custom Setting c2 (Auto meter-off delay) or c4 (Monitor off delay) (0 305, 306).
❚❚ Shooting Camera takes time to turn on: Delete files or folders. Shutter-release disabled: • Memory card is full or not inserted (0 36, 44). • CPU lens with aperture ring attached but aperture not locked at highest f-number. If B is displayed in the top control panel, select Aperture ring for Custom Setting f8 (Customize command dials) > Aperture setting to use lens aperture ring to adjust aperture (0 323). • Exposure mode S selected with A selected for shutter speed (0 404).
Photos not recorded in live view mode: • Sound of mirror clicking down when shutter-release button was pressed halfway in hand-held mode was mistaken for sound of shutter (0 63). • Unless Release is chosen for Custom Setting a2 (AF-S priority selection), shutter release is disabled if camera is unable to focus when focus mode S is selected in hand-held mode (0 63, 296).
Effects of Picture Control differ from image to image: A (auto) is selected for sharpening, contrast, or saturation. For consistent results over a series of photographs, choose a setting other than A (auto) (0 174). Can not adjust Picture Control contrast or brightness: Contrast and brightness can not be adjusted when Active D-Lighting is on. Turn Active D-Lighting off (0 174, 182).
Can not change print order: Memory card is full: delete photos (0 44, 240). Can not select photo for printing: Photo is in NEF (RAW) format. Create JPEG copy using NEF (RAW) processing (0 353) or transfer to computer and print using ViewNX (supplied) or Capture NX 2 (available separately; 0 375). Can not print photos: NEF (RAW) and TIFF photos can not be printed by direct USB connection.
Error Messages This section lists the indicators and error messages that appear in the viewfinder, top control panel, and monitor. Indicator Control Viewpanel finder B (blinks) H d Problem Lens aperture ring is not set to minimum aperture. Low battery. • Battery exhausted. • Battery can not be used. H d • An extremely (blinks) (blinks) exhausted rechargeable Li-ion battery or a thirdparty battery is inserted in the camera. B (blinks) F — Solution 0 Set ring to minimum aperture (largest 32 f-number).
Indicator Control ViewProblem Solution 0 panel finder 2 4 Camera unable to focus — Focus manually. 99 (blinks) using autofocus. • Use a lower ISO 110 sensitivity 374 • Use optional ND filter. Subject too bright; In exposure mode: q photo will be f Increase shutter 122 overexposed. speed 123 g Choose a smaller aperture (larger f-number) • Use a higher ISO 110 sensitivity 187 • Use optional flash. In exposure mode: Subject too dark; photo f Lower shutter 122 r will be underexposed.
Indicator Control Viewpanel finder Problem Solution Check photo in If indicator blinks for 3s c monitor; if — after flash fires, photo (blinks) underexposed, adjust may be underexposed. settings and try again. Flash unit that does not Change flash sync support red-eye Y mode or use flash unit — reduction attached and that supports red-eye (blinks) flash sync mode set to reduction. red-eye reduction. • Reduce quality or size.
Indicator Control panel Solution 0 Turn camera off and confirm that card is 36 correctly inserted. • Use Nikon419 approved card. • Check that contacts — are clean. If card is This memory card cannot be damaged, contact used. retailer or Nikon Card may be representative. (blinks) • Unable to create • Delete files or insert 36, 240 damaged. new folder. new memory card Insert after copying another card. important images to computer or other device.
Indicator Monitor Control panel All images are hidden. — File does not contain image data. — Cannot select this file. — Check printer. — Check paper. — Paper jam. — Out of paper. — Check ink supply. — Out of ink. — Problem Solution No images can be played back until All photos in another folder has current folder are been selected or Hide hidden. image used to allow at least one image to be displayed.
Specifications ❚❚ Nikon D3S Digital Camera Type Type Single-lens reflex digital camera Lens mount Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts) Effective pixels Effective pixels 12.1 million Image sensor Image sensor 36.0 × 23.9 mm CMOS sensor (Nikon FX format) Total pixels 12.
Storage Picture Control System Can be selected from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome; selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls Media Type I CompactFlash memory cards (UDMA compliant) Double slot Slot 2 can be used for overflow or backup storage or for separate storage of NEF (RAW) and JPEG images; pictures can be copied between cards. File system DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.
Lens Compatible lenses • DX AF NIKKOR: All functions supported • Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All functions supported (PC Micro-NIKKOR does not support some functions). IX NIKKOR lenses not supported. • Other AF NIKKOR: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported.
Exposure Metering TTL exposure metering using 1,005-pixel RGB sensor Metering method • Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 12 mm circle in center of frame.
Focus Autofocus Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, and 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors) Detection range –1 – +19 EV (ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F) Lens servo • Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (S); continuous-servo AF (C); predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status • Manual (MF): Electronic range finding supported Focus point Can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points AF-area mode Single-point AF, dynamic-
Flash Nikon Creative Lighting Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-900, System (CLS) SB-800, or SU-800 as commander and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, or SB-R200 as remotes; Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except SB-400; Flash Color Information Communication and FV lock supported with all CLS-compatible flash units Sync terminal ISO 519 sync terminal with locking thread White balance White balance Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types),
Monitor Monitor 3-in.
Dimensions/weight Dimensions (W × H × D) Approx. 159.5 × 157 × 87.5 mm (6.3 × 6.2 × 3.4 in.) Weight Approx. 1,240 g (2 lb. 12 oz.) without battery, memory card, body cap, or accessory shoe cover Operating environment Temperature 0–40 °C (+32–104 °F) Humidity Less than 85% (no condensation) • Unless otherwise stated, all figures are for a camera with a fully-charged battery operating at an ambient temperature of 20 °C (68 °F).
A Supported Standards • DCF Version 2.0: The Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) is a standard widely used in the digital camera industry to ensure compatibility among different makes of camera. • DPOF: Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) is an industry-wide standard that allows pictures to be printed from print orders stored on the memory card. • Exif version 2.21: The camera supports Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) version 2.
Calibrating Batteries The MH-22 quick charger is equipped with a battery calibration feature. Calibrate the battery as required to ensure the accuracy of the camera and charger battery level displays. If the calibration lamp for the current battery chamber blinks when a battery is inserted, the battery needs to be calibrated. To begin calibration, press the calibration button for the current chamber for about a second.
A Battery Warning If the chamber and calibration lamps flash on and off in sequence when no battery is inserted, there is a problem with the charger. If the chamber and calibration lamps flash on and off in sequence when a battery is inserted, a problem has occurred with the battery or charger during charging. Remove the battery, unplug the charger, and take the battery and charger to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection.
Approved Memory Cards The following Type I CompactFlash memory cards have been tested and approved for use in the D3S. Type II cards and microdrives can not be used.
Memory Card Capacity The following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on a 4 GB SanDisk Extreme IV (SDCFX4) card at different image quality, image size, and image area settings.
❚❚ DX (24×16) Image Area * Image quality NEF (RAW), Lossless compressed, 12-bit NEF (RAW), Lossless compressed, 14-bit NEF (RAW), Compressed, 12-bit NEF (RAW), Compressed, 14-bit NEF (RAW), Uncompressed, 12-bit NEF (RAW), Uncompressed, 14-bit TIFF (RGB) JPEG fine 3 JPEG normal 3 JPEG basic 3 Image size File size 1 No. of images 1 Buffer capacity 2 — 5.2 MB 460 62 — 6.4 MB 356 54 — 4.5 MB 626 78 — 5.6 MB 522 59 — 8.3 MB 460 58 — 10.8 MB 356 52 L M S L M S L M S L M S 15.
1 All figures are approximate. File size varies with scene recorded. 2 Maximum number of exposures that can be stored in memory buffer at ISO 200. Drops if Optimal quality is selected for JPEG compression, ISO sensitivity is set to Hi 0.3 or higher, High ISO NR is on when auto ISO sensitivity control is on or ISO sensitivity is over ISO 3200, or long exposure noise reduction, Active D-Lighting, or image authentication is on. 3 Figures assume JPEG compression is set to Size priority.
Battery Life The number of shots that can be taken with a fully-charged EN-EL4a battery (2,500 mAh) varies with the condition of the battery, temperature, and how the camera is used. Sample figures are given below. • CIPA standard: Approximately 4,200 shots. Measured at 23 °C/ 73.4 °F (±2 °C/3.6 °F) with an AF-S NIKKOR 24–70mm f/2.8G ED lens under the following test conditions: lens cycled from infinity to minimum range and one photograph taken at default settings once every 30 s. Live view not used.
The following can reduce battery life: • Using the monitor • Keeping the shutter-release button pressed halfway • Repeated autofocus operations • Taking NEF (RAW) or TIFF (RGB) photographs • Slow shutter speeds • Using the optional WT-4 wireless transmitter • Using the optional GP-1 GPS unit • Using VR (vibration reduction) mode with VR lenses To ensure that you get the most from rechargeable Nikon EN-EL4a batteries: • Keep the battery contacts clean. Soiled contacts can reduce battery performance.
Index Symbols K (Single-point AF) ....................... 92, 93 I (Dynamic-area AF) .......... 92, 93, 296 H (Auto-area AF) ............................ 92, 93 S .......................................... 90, 96, 102, 296 C .......................................... 90, 97, 295, 296 M ..................................................... 60, 90, 99 CL ............................................. 102, 104, 307 CH ............................................ 102, 104, 307 J .................................
Backlight.......................................... 10, 310 Backup (Slot 2)......................................... 88 Battery......................... 26, 28–30, 43, 333 Battery info ............................................ 333 Beep ......................................................... 306 D button....... 137, 141, 145, 204, 322 Black-and-white (Monochrome).... 347 Body cap...................................... 4, 31, 375 Border............................................. 261, 265 Bracketing.....
E Easy exposure compensation......... 303 Electronic rangefinder....................... 100 Ethernet......................................... 257, 372 EV steps for exposure cntrl. ............. 302 Exif version 2.21.......................... 184, 416 Exposure............ 115, 116, 118, 132, 134 Exposure bracketing ....... 136, 312, 313 Exposure compensation................... 134 Exposure delay mode........................ 310 Exposure indicator.............................. 127 Exposure lock ..............
Image quality........................................... 83 Image review ............................... 224, 281 Image size ................................................. 86 Incandescent (White balance)........ 150 Index print ............................................. 266 In-focus indicator ............................ 49, 90 Information .................................. 225, 277 Information display ..................... 14, 309 Interval timer shooting ..................... 208 ISO sensitivity ....
No. of copies (PictBridge [Setup] menu) 261 Non-CPU lens ....................................... 214 Non-CPU lens data..................... 214, 215 O Optimal quality (JPEG compression) 85 Overflow (Slot 2)..................................... 88 Overview data ...................................... 234 P Page size........................................ 261, 265 Phase-detection autofocus ................ 54 Photo info ..................................... 225, 277 Photo info/playback........................
Shutter-release button 49, 50, 96, 132, 305 Shutter-release button AE-L............ 305 Side-by-side comparison.................. 357 Single-frame.......................................... 102 Single-point AF ................................ 92, 93 Single-servo AF...................... 90, 96, 296 Size ....................................................... 70, 86 Size priority (JPEG compression) ...... 85 Skylight ................................................... 348 Slide show...........................
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DIGITAL CAMERA User's Manual 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 written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION.
