Nikon D3body D3 User's Manual
Nikon D3body - D3 Body 12mp FX Digital SLR Camera Manual
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Nikon D3body manual content summary:
- Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 1
DIGITAL CAMERA User's Manual En - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 2
solution here. i Troubleshooting ➜ pp. 402-408 Camera behaving unexpectedly? Find the solution here. A For Your Safety Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions in "For Your Safety" (pg. xviii). Digitutor Digitutor, a series of "watch and learn" manuals in movie - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 3
Package Contents Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera. Memory cards are sold separately. ❏ D3 digital camera (pg. 3) ❏ BF-1A body cap (pp. 4, 387) ❏ BS-2 accessory shoe cover (pg. 3) ❏ EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover (pp. 32, 34) ❏ MH-22 quick charger - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 4
and other countries. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 5
X Introduction s Tutorial d Image Recording Options N Focus k Release Mode S ISO Sensitivity Z Exposure r White Balance J Image Enhancement l Flash Photography t Other Shooting Options I More About Playback e Voice Memos Q Connections U Menu Guide n Technical Notes iii - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 6
35mm format? Image area How do I take high-quality NEF (RAW) photos? 14-bit NEF (RAW) How do I record photographs using two memory cards? Slot 2 Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder? Live view Can I control how photos are processed? Picture Controls How do I preserve details in shadows and - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 7
defaults? How do I change the self-timer delay? Can I reverse the electronic analog exposure display? Can I display the menus in a different language? Can I save menu settings for use on a different D3 camera? Key phrase World time LCD brightness Two-button reset Reset shooting menu Reset custom - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 8
card? Can I control how the camera focuses? Autofocus How do I take a lot of photographs quickly? Release mode Can I change the frame advance rate? Shooting speed Can I shoot a self-portrait? Self-timer mode Can I take pictures under low light without the flash? ISO sensitivity Can the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 9
balance using different white balance settings? bracketing 139, 327 How do I adjust white balance? White balance 144 How do I change settings for my photographs on the camera? Can I view more information about photos? Why do parts of my photos blink? Key phrase Camera playback See page 228 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 10
Can I zoom in on pictures to make sure they're parts of my photos may be Display mode: overexposed? highlights How do I tell where the camera focused? Display mode: focus point Can I view photos as they are taken? Image review colors? Filter effects Can I use camera to create JPEG copies of - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 11
via USB Can I print the date on my photographs? Time stamp How do I order professional prints? Print set (DPOF) See page 274 276 256 262 263 266, 270 272 ❚❚ Optional Accessories Question What optional flash units (Speedlights) can I use? What lenses can I use? What AC adapters, remote cords - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 12
Know the Camera 3 Camera Body 3 The Top Control Panel 8 The Rear Control Panel 10 The Viewfinder Display 12 The Shooting Information Display 14 The Command Dials 16 Quick Start Guide 23 Tutorial 25 Camera Menus 26 Using Camera Menus 28 Help ...31 First Steps 32 Charge the Battery 32 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 13
Selection 78 Focus Lock 80 Manual Focus 83 Release Mode 85 Choosing a Release Mode 86 Continuous Mode 88 Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View 90 Self-Timer Mode 103 Mirror up Mode 105 ISO Sensitivity 107 Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually 108 Auto ISO Sensitivity Control 110 xi - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 14
White Balance 147 Choosing a Color Temperature 151 Preset Manual 152 Image Enhancement 165 Picture Controls 166 Creating Custom Picture Controls 174 Active D-Lighting 185 Color Space 187 Flash Photography 189 The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS 190 Compatible Flash Units 191 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 15
Reset: Restoring Default Settings 206 Multiple Exposure 208 Interval Timer Photography 213 Non-CPU Lenses 220 Using a GPS Unit 223 More About Playback 227 Full-Frame Playback 228 Photo 263 Viewing Photographs on TV 274 Standard Definition Devices 274 High-Definition Devices 276 xiii - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 16
297 NEF (RAW) Recording 297 White Balance 297 Set Picture Control 298 Manage Picture Control 298 Color Space 298 Active D-Lighting 298 Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Reduction 299 High ISO NR 299 ISO Sensitivity Settings 300 Live View 300 Multiple Exposure 300 Interval Timer - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 17
Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings 301 B: Custom Setting Bank 303 A: Reset Custom Settings ON Button 312 b: Metering/Exposure 313 b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value 313 b2: EV Steps for d1: Beep 319 d2: Shooting Speed 320 d3: Max. Continuous Release 320 d4: File Number Sequence 321 d5: Control - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 18
Bracketing Set 327 e5: Auto Bracketing (Mode M 328 e6: Bracketing Order 329 f: Controls 330 Release Button to Use Dial 341 f9: No Memory Card 342 f10: Reverse Indicators 343 B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup 344 Format Memory Card 345 LCD Brightness 345 Lock Mirror up for Cleaning 345 Video - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 19
Authentication 354 Save/Load Settings 355 GPS 357 Virtual Horizon 357 Non-CPU Lens Data 357 AF Fine Tune 358 Firmware Version 359 N The Lenses 378 Other Accessories 383 Caring for the Camera 390 Storage 390 Cleaning 390 Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions 398 Troubleshooting - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 20
parts could result in injury. In the event of malfunction, the product should be repaired only by a qualified technician. Should the product break open as the result of a fall or other accident, remove the battery and/or AC adapter and then take the product to a Nikon-authorized service center - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 21
and store in a cool, dry place. • The battery may be hot immediately after use or when the product has been used on battery power for an extended period. Before removing the battery turn the camera off and allow the battery to cool. • Discontinue use immediately should you notice any changes in the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 22
parts of the plug should be removed with a dry cloth. Continued use could cable to a Nikonauthorized service representative for inspection. use only the cables provided or sold by Nikon for the purpose to maintain compliance with product regulations. A CD-ROMs CD-ROMs containing software or manuals - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 23
to Part 15 of the FCC rules. D3 These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 24
separately. The following apply only to users in European countries: • This product is that has been digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other device minimum of necessary copies are to be provided for business use by a company. Also, do not copy or reproduce - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 25
Accessories Nikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery chargers, batteries, AC adapters, and flash accessories) certified by Nikon specifically for use with this Nikon digital camera are - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 26
: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support • For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/ Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 27
X This chapter covers information you will need to know before using the camera, including the names of camera parts. Overview pg. 2 Getting to Know the Camera pg. 3 Camera Body pg. 3 The Top Control Panel pg. 8 The Rear Control Panel pg. 10 The Viewfinder Display pg. 12 The Shooting - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 28
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. D Use Only Nikon Brand Accessories Only Nikon brand accessories certified by Nikon specifically for use with your Nikon digital camera are engineered and - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 29
Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and X refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual. Camera Body 1 D (bracketing) 11 Shutter-release button ...... 55, 56 button 135, 139, 327 12 E (exposure - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 30
, 264 8 Lens release button 38 9 Connector cover 274, 276 10 USB connector 258, 264 11 DC-IN connector for optional AC adapter EH-6......383 12 Audio/video (A/V) connector 274 13 HDMI connector 276 14 Focus-mode selector.......... 74, 83 15 Battery-cover latch 34 16 Battery-chamber cover 34 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 31
Fn button 64, 202, 331 8 Mounting index 37 4 Sub-command dial for 9 Lens mount 84 vertical shooting 16 10 Tripod socket 5 Shutter-release button for vertical shooting 54 ❚❚ Attaching the Camera Strap Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets on the camera body as shown below. 5 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 32
Camera Body (Continued) X 1 Viewfinder eyepiece 47 2 Eyepiece shutter lever 47 3 O (delete) button 58, 245 (info) button 14 9 J (OK) button 28 10 Speaker 254 11 Rear control panel 10, 322 12 ISO (ISO sensitivity) button.....108 Two-button reset button .......206 13 QUAL (image quality/size) - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 33
X 1 Viewfinder 47 9 Card slot cover release button 2 A (AE/AF lock) button (under cover 42 80, 81, 338 10 B (AF-ON) button for 3 B (AF-ON) button ..........75, 97 vertical shooting 312 4 Main - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 34
The Top Control Panel 1 11 X 2 3 12 4 5 13 6 7 8 14 9 15 10 1 Shutter speed non-CPU lenses 222 ISO sensitivity 108 2 Shutter-speed lock icon......... 127 3 Flexible program indicator ... 119 4 Exposure mode 116 5 Flash mode 197 6 Shooting menu bank 291 7 Custom settings bank 303 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 35
20 21 22 X 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 13 Battery indicator 48 24 Image comment indicator ....348 14 Frame count 49 25 "Beep" indicator 319 Preset white balance 26 Exposure compensation recording indicator 155 indicator 132 Manual lens number 222 27 Exposure and flash bracketing 15 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 36
the D position activates the exposure meters and the control panel backlights (LCD illuminators), allowing the displays to be read in the dark. After the power switch is released, the illuminators will remain lit for six seconds (at default settings) while the exposure meters are active or until the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 37
indicator 110 Color temperature X indicator 151 7 Memory card slot indicators... 71 5 ISO sensitivity 108 Image quality 66 ISO sensitivity (high/low gain) 8 White-balance bracketing 109 indicator 139 Number of exposures 9 Voice memo recording remaining 49 indicator (shooting - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 38
The Viewfinder Display 3 2 1 X 21 22 23 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1 12-mm reference circle for center-weighted metering ... 114 2 AF area brackets 47, 95 3 Focus points 78, 310 Spot metering targets 114 4 Focus indicator 55, 84 5 Metering 114 6 Autoexposure (AE) - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 39
indicator 325 X 13 ISO sensitivity 108 19 Aperture stop indicator .. 123, 381 14 Frame count 49 20 Battery indicator 48 Number of to normal when a fullycharged battery is inserted. D The Control Panel and Viewfinder Displays The brightness of the control panel and viewfinder displays varies - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 40
when the R button is pressed. R button To clear shooting information from the monitor, press the R button again or press the shutter-release button halfway. At default settings, the monitor will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for about 20 seconds. 1 23 4 56 7 8 16 15 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 41
187 29 Picture Control indicator........169 increment 136 30 Active D-Lighting indicator...185 WB bracketing increment ..... 140 31 High ISO noise reduction Maximum aperture indicator 299 (non-CPU lenses 222 32 Image area indicator 61 8 Aperture stop indicator...123, 381 33 Release mode - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 42
The Command Dials The main- and sub-command dials are used alone or in combination with other controls to adjust a variety of settings. X Fn button BKT button M button F button Sub-command dial E button I button Main command dial ISO button QUAL button WB button 16 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 43
quality (pg. 66) + QUAL button Main command dial Rear control panel Choose an image size (pg. 70) + QUAL button Sub-command dial Rear control panel ❚❚ ISO Sensitivity Press the ISO button and rotate the main command dial. Set ISO sensitivity (pg. 108) + ISO button Main command dial Rear - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 44
and rotate the main command dial to choose the exposure mode. X Choose the exposure mode (pg. 117) + I button Main command dial Top control panel Use the command dials to adjust exposure. Choose a combination of aperture and shutter speed (exposure mode e; pg. 119) SHOOT CUSTOM Exposure mode - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 45
Set exposure compensation (pg. 132) + X E button Main command dial Top control panel Shutter speed lock (exposure mode f or h; pg. 127) Aperture lock (exposure mode g or h; pg. 128) + F button SHOOT CUSTOM Main command dial Top control panel + F button Sub-command dial SHOOT CUSTOM Top - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 46
exposure increment (pg. + 136) D button Sub-command dial Top control panel ❚❚ White Balance Press the WB button and rotate the command dials. Choose a white balance setting (pg. 145) + Fine-tune white balance (pg. 150), set color temperature (pg. 151), or choose a white balance preset (pg - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 47
dial. Choose flash mode (pg. 199) X + M button Main command dial Top control panel A The Fn Button Depending on the option selected for Custom Setting f4 ([Assign FUNC. button], pg. 331), the Fn button and command dials can be used to select shutter speed and aperture in steps of 1 EV, choose - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 48
Accessory Shoe Cover The supplied BS-2 accessory shoe cover can be used to protect the X 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. To remove the accessory shoe cover - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 49
for a quick start with the D3. 1 Charge the battery (pg. 32). X 2 Insert the battery (pg. 34). 3 Attach a lens (pg. 37). 4 Insert a memory card (pg. 42). Back Mounting index 5 Turn the camera on (pg. 48). For information on choosing a language and setting the time and date, see page 39. See - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 50
6 Check camera settings (pp. 48, 51). Exposure X mode Battery level Image size White balance SHOOT CUSTOM Number of exposures Frame remaining count Top control panel ISO sensitivity Image quality Rear control panel 7 Select single-servo autofocus (pg. 53). Rotate the focus-mode selector - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 51
s 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. Camera Menus pg. 26 Using Camera Menus pg. 28 Help ...pg. 31 First Steps pg. 32 Charge the Battery pg. 32 Insert the Battery pg. 34 Attach a Lens pg - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 52
Menus Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus. To view the menus, press the G button. s G button Tabs Choose from playback, shooting, Custom Settings, setup, retouch, and My menus (see following page). Slider shows position in current menu. Q If "Q" icon - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 53
and manage photos (pg. 278). C Shooting Adjust shooting settings (pg. 290). s A Custom Settings Personalize camera settings (pg. 301). B Setup Format memory cards and perform basic camera setup (pg. 344). N Retouch Create retouched copies of existing photographs (pg. 360). O My Menu - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 54
Using Camera Menus ❚❚ Menu Controls The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the menus. s Move cursor up Select highlighted item Cancel and return to previous menu Select highlighted item or display submenu Move cursor down J - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 55
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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 56
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 (pg. 56). 30 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 57
Help If a Q icon is displayed at the bottom left corner of the monitor, help can be displayed by pressing the L (Q) button. A description of the currently selected option or menu will be displayed while the button s is pressed. Press 1 or 3 to scroll through the display. L button 31 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 58
First Steps Charge the Battery The D3 is powered by an EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery s (supplied). The EN-EL4a is not fully charged at shipment. 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 59
lamps s Charge lamps (green) 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. The chamber lamp and charge lamps will blink while the battery charges: Charge state Less - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 60
prevent dust from accumulating inside the battery chamber when the battery is not inserted, slide the battery release in the direction indicated by the arrow (4), remove the BL-4 from the battery, and replace it on the camera. The BL-1 battery-chamber cover for D2-series cameras can not be used. 34 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 61
compatible devices, enabling the camera to show battery charge state in six levels (pg. 48). The [Battery info] option in the setup menu details battery charge, battery life, and the number of pictures taken since the battery was last charged (pg. 353). The battery can be recalibrated as necessary - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 62
and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xviii-xx and 398-401 of this manual. To prevent short-circuits, replace the terminal cover when the battery is not in use. Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 40°C (104°F). During charging, the temperature should be - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 63
body, position the lens in the camera's bayonet mount. Being careful not to press the lensrelease button, rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it clicks into place. Mounting index If the lens is equipped with an A-M or M/A-M switch, select A (autofocus) or M/ A (autofocus with manual priority - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 64
caps and camera body cap. s D CPU Lenses with Aperture Rings In the case of CPU lenses equipped with an aperture ring (pg. 380), lock aperture at the minimum setting (highest f-number). See the lens manual for details. A Lens An AF Nikkor 85 mm f/1.4D lens is used in this manual for illustrative - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 65
time menus are displayed. Choose a language and set the time and date. 1 Turn the camera on. Power switch s 2 Select [language]. Press G to display the camera menus, then select [Language] in the setup menu. For information on using menus, see "Using Camera Menus" (pg. 28). G button 3 Select - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 66
World time]. Select [World time] and press 2. s 5 Set time zone. A time-zone selection dialog will be displayed. time is in effect in the local time zone, press 1 to highlight [On] and press J. 7 Set the date and time. The dialog shown at right will be displayed. Press 4 or 2 to select an item, - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 67
8 Set date format. Press 1 or 3 to choose the order in which the year, month, and day will be displayed and press J. s 9 Exit to shooting mode. Press the shutter-release button halfway to exit to shooting mode. A The Clock Battery The camera clock is powered by a separate, non-rechargeable - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 68
backup or secondary role. If the default setting of [Overflow] is selected for [Slot 2] (pg. 71) 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 The card currently in use is indicated in the top control panel. 42 Slot 2 SHOOT CUSTOM - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 69
lamp Insert the first memory card in slot 1. Slot 2 should be used only if a card is already inserted in slot 1. Insert the memory 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 70
while pressing the eject button. Failure to observe this precaution could damage the camera or memory card. D Memory Cards • Memory cards may be hot after use. Observe due caution when removing memory cards from the camera. • Memory cards that have been formatted in a computer or other device must - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 71
for approximately two seconds. I button A blinking C will appear in the shutter-speed displays in the viewfinder and top control panel. If two memory cards are inserted, the SHOOT main command dial can be used to select the card to be formatted; check that the correct card is selected in the top - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 72
that can be recorded at SHOOT current settings and the frame-count CUSTOM displays will show B. A No Memory Card If no memory card is inserted, the top control panel and viewfinder will show S. If the camera is turned off with a charged EN-EL4a battery and no memory card inserted, S will be - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 73
Remove the lens cap, turn the camera on, and pull the diopter adjustment lenses (available separately; pg. 385) 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 74
* Control panel Viewfinder Description L - Battery fully charged. K - J - Battery partially discharged. I - H d Low battery. Prepare to charge battery or ready spare battery. H d Shutter release disabled. Charge or (blinks) (blinks) exchange battery. * No icon displayed when camera - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 75
that can be s taken at current settings. When this SHOOT number reaches zero, the number of CUSTOM exposures remaining, frame count, and N icon will flash in the top control panel and a flashing g icon will appear in the viewfinder. No further pictures can be taken until you delete - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 76
of time before the exposure meters turn off automatically can be adjusted using Custom Setting c2 ([Auto meter-off delay], pg. 317). A Camera Off Display If the camera is turned off with a battery and memory card inserted, the frame count and number of exposures remaining will be displayed (some - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 77
settings. 1 Check camera settings. Exposure mode Image size White balance s SHOOT CUSTOM Top control panel ISO sensitivity Image quality Rear control panel Default settings are listed in size. 69 ISO sensitivity 200 ISO sensitivity (digital equivalent of film speed) set to ISO 200. 108 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 78
single frame release mode. Release mode dial lock release S (single-frame release) mode is selected at shipment. If another release mode has been selected, hold the release mode dial lock release down and turn the release mode dial Release mode dial to S (single frame). At this setting, the camera - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 79
setting, the camera will automatically focus on the subject in the selected focus point when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Pictures can only be taken when the camera metering uses information from the 1,005-segment RGB sensor to ensure optimal results for the entire frame. 53 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 80
s lightly against your torso for support and place one foot half a pace ahead of the other to keep you upper body stable. When framing photographs in portrait (tall) orientation, unlock the shutter-release button for vertical shooting (pg. 5) and hold the camera as shown at right. For information - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 81
Focus and Shoot 1 Press the shutter- release button halfway to focus (pg. 56). s At default settings, the camera will focus on the subject in the center focus point. Frame a Focus indicator Buffer capacity photo in the viewfinder with the main subject positioned in the center focus point - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 82
Smoothly press the shutter- s release-button the rest of the way down to take the picture. Access lamp 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, turn the camera off, or remove or disconnect - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 83
00 4256x2832 To end playback and return to shooting mode, press the shutter-release button halfway. A Image Review When [On] is selected for [Image review] in the playback menu (pg. 287), photographs are automatically displayed in the monitor for about 20 s (the default setting) after shooting. 57 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 84
the O button. A confirmation dialog will be displayed. O button Press the O button again to delete the image and return to playback. To exit without deleting the picture, press K. A [Delete] To delete multiple images or to delete images from the second of two memory cards - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 85
dImage Recording Options d 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 pg. 60 Image Quality pg. 65 Image Size pg. 69 Slot 2 pg. 71 59 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 86
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 d [Image area] option in the shooting menu. At the default setting of [Auto DX crop], the camera will automatically crop pictures to the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 87
Images are recorded in FX format using the full area of the image sensor (36.0 × 23.9 mm), c FX format (36x24) producing a picture angle equivalent to a Nikkor lens on a 35mm format camera. The d edges of pictures taken with DX Shooting information format lenses will be blacked display out - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 88
A 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 played back you may notice a drop in resolution or that the edges of the picture are blacked out. d DX format (24 × 16) image circle DX format - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 89
Image area can be set using the [Image area] option in the shooting menu or (at default settings) by pressing the Fn button and rotating the 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 (pg. 62). 63 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 90
f6, [Assign AE-L/ AF-L button], pg. 338). Note that some "button press" options can not be combined with options using "+dials." A Information Display (pg. 14) At settings other than [FX format (36 × 24)], the current image area selection can be viewed by pressing the R button to display shooting - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 91
camera supports the following image quality options. Option File type Description Raw data from the image sensor are saved directly to the memory card in Nikon Electronic Format (NEF). Use information on the number of pictures that can be recorded at different image quality and size settings. 65 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 92
button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the rear control panel. QUAL button d Main command dial Rear control panel A NEF (RAW) Recording The [NEF (RAW) recording] item in the shooting menu controls compression (pg. 68) and bit depth (pg. 68) for NEF - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 93
❚❚ The JPEG Compression Menu The JPEG compression item in the shooting menu offers the following options for JPEG images: Option Description Size priority O (default) Images are compressed to produce relatively uniform file size. Quality varies with scene recorded. P Optimal quality Optimal - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 94
NEF (RAW) images: Option Description Lossless NEF images are compressed using a reversible N compressed algorithm, reducing file size by about 20- no effect on image quality. d O Compressed NEF images are compressed using a nonreversible algorithm, reducing file size by about 40-55% percent - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 95
Image Size Image size is measured in pixels. Choose from Large (the default option), Medium, or Small (note that image size varies depending on the option selected for [Image area], pg. 60): Image area Option Size (pixels) Print size (cm/in.) * FX format (36 × 24) L 4,256 × 2,832 54.1 × 36.0/21 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 96
Image size can be set by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the sub-command dial until the desired option is displayed in the rear control panel. d QUAL button Sub-command dial Rear control panel A The Image Size Menu Image size can also be adjusted using the [Image size] option in the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 97
in slot 2. Option Rear control panel Description The memory card in slot 2 is X Overflow (default) used to record photographs d when the memory card in slot 1 is full. Y Backup Each photograph is recorded to both memory cards. Z RAW Slot 1JPEG Slot 2 At image quality settings of NEF (RAW - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 98
d 72 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 99
NFocus - Controlling How the Camera Focuses This section describes the options that control how your camera focuses. N Focus Mode pg. 74 AF-Area Mode pg. 76 Focus Point Selection pg. 78 Focus Lock pg. 80 Manual Focus pg. 83 73 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 100
distance to subject and adjust focus as necessary. At default settings, shutter can be released whether or not subject is in focus (release priority). Camera does not focus automatically; focus must be M Manual (pg. 83) adjusted manually using the lens focusing ring. If maximum aperture of lens - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 101
selection], pg. 304). For information on using release priority in single-servo AF, see Custom Setting a2 ([AF-S priority selection], pg. 305). For information on preventing the camera from focusing when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, see Custom Setting a5 ([AF activation], pg. 308 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 102
)] area AF is selected for Custom Setting a3, focus point will be selected automatically using 3D-tracking. • In single-servo AF (pg. 74), user selects focus point manually; camera focuses on subject in selected focus point only. Camera automatically detects subject and selects focus point - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 103
Focus Single-point AF is automatically selected when manual focus is used. A See Also For information on the settings available in dynamic-area AF, see Custom Setting a3 ([Dynamic AF area], pg. 306). For information on adjusting how long the camera waits before refocusing when an object moves in - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 104
). To select the focus point manually: 1 Rotate the focus selector lock to ●. This allows the multi selector to be used to select the focus point. Focus selector lock 2 Select the focus point. Use the multi selector to select the focus point. At default settings, the center focus point can - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 105
A Portrait (Tall-Orientation) Photographs When framing shots in portrait ("tall") orientation, use the command dials to select the focus area. For more information, see Custom Setting f4 ([Assign FUNC. button], pg. 335). A See Also For information on choosing when the focus point is illuminated, - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 106
be in a focus point in the final composition. It can also be used when the autofocus system is unable to focus (pg. 82). 1 Focus. N Position the subject in the selected focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway to initiate focus. 2 Check that the in-focus indicator - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 107
as the shutter-release button is kept pressed halfway, allowing several photographs in succession to be taken at the same focus setting. Focus will also remain locked between shots while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed. Do not change the distance between the camera and - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 108
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, allowing the shutter to be released even when the subject is not in focus. In these cases, use manual building is in the frame behind the subject. - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 109
focus is available for Focus-mode lenses that do not support selector autofocus (non-AF Nikkor lenses) or when the autofocus does not produce the desired results (pg. 82). To focus manually, set the focus-mode selector to M and adjust the lens focusing ring until N the image displayed - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 110
focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the focus point, press the shutter-release button halfway and N rotate the lens focusing ring pg. 55). Note that with the subjects listed on page 82, the in-focus indicator and the camera, measure from the focal plane mark (E) on the camera body. The - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 111
the view through the lens displayed in the monitor, with a timed shutter-release delay, k or with the mirror raised to enhance shutter response and minimize vibration. Choosing a Release Mode pg. 86 Continuous Mode pg. 88 Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View pg. 90 Self-Timer Mode pg. 103 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 112
per second *. CH While shutter-release button is held down, camera records Continuous up to 9 frames per second * (9-11 fps when [DX format k high speed (24 × 16)] is selected for [Image area]; see page 60). Frame pictures in monitor (pg. 90). Recommended at high a or low angles or in other - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 113
To choose a release mode, press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to the desired setting. Release mode dial lock release Release mode dial k 87 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 114
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], pg. 320). A Continuous High Speed In continuous high speed mode, the maximum frame rate for FX (36 × 24) format - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 115
frame rate will drop when the buffer is full. In rare cases, frame rate may also drop when a microdrive memory card is used access lamp has gone out. If the camera is switched off while data remain in Custom Setting d3 ([Max. continuous release], pg. 320). For information on the number of pictures - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 116
live view (a) mode to frame pictures in the monitor. Rotate the release mode dial to a. Choose live view options in shooting menu (pg. 91). k g [Hand-held] (pg. 94) h [Tripod] (pg. 97) Raise mirror and display view through lens in monitor. Exit Frame picture in monitor. Focus. Mirror - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 117
Live View Options Before taking pictures using live view, rotate the mode dial to a (live view) and choose a live view mode and the release mode that will be used while the camera is in live view mode. The following live view modes are available: Option Description Choose when taking hand-held - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 118
from the following options: Option Description s Single frame Camera takes one photograph each time shutter- (default) release button is pressed. t Continuous low-speed u Continuous high-speed While shutter-release button is held down, camera records photographs in continuous low speed or - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 119
5 Select a release mode. Highlight the release mode that will be during live view and press J. 6 Exit to shooting mode. Press the shutter-release button halfway to exit the menus and return to shooting mode. k 93 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 120
Exit be displayed in the camera monitor instead of the viewfinder (for improved focus, pause briefly with the shutter-release button pressed halfway before pressing it the rest of the way down). To exit without taking a picture, rotate the release mode dial to another setting or press G. 94 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 121
3 Frame a picture in 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. The focus point can be selected using the multi selector. Manual - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 122
rest of the way down to reset focus and exposure and take the picture. If continuous high speed or continuous low speed is selected for [Release mode], the monitor will turn off while the shutter-release button is pressed. The frame advance rate for continuous mode is the same as that selected for - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 123
the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to a. k Release mode dial 3 Frame a picture in the viewfinder. B button Frame a picture in the viewfinder and select a focus point using the multi selector, then press an B button. The camera will focus normally and set exposure - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 124
the frame using the multi Exit selector. To focus using contrast camera focuses. If the camera is able to focus using contrast-detect autofocus, the focus point will be displayed in green; if the camera is unable to focus, the focus point will blink red. Manual focus (focus mode M; pg. 83): Use - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 125
set to A or "p" (flash sync speed). 6 Take the picture. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take the picture. If continuous high speed or continuous low speed is selected for [Release mode], the monitor will turn off while the shutter-release button is pressed. The frame - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 126
camera may be unable to focus using contrast-detect autofocus: • The camera is not mounted on a tripod • The subject contains lines parallel to the long edges of the frame be displayed in green when the camera is unable to focus. Use an AF-S lens. The desired results may not be achieved with other - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 127
Shooting info + histogram 1, 2 Framing guides 2 1 Only displayed during pictures taken in live view mode). To return to live view, release the K button. Monitor brightness can not be adjusted during exposure preview (pg. 99). A HDMI When the camera is attached to an HDMI video device, the camera - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 128
prevents light entering via the viewfinder from interfering with exposure. Some noise may be audible when zoom lenses are zoomed in or out or shutter speed is changed in exposure mode e or f. To reduce blur in tripod mode, choose [On] for Custom Setting d8 ([Exposure delay mode], pg. 324). 102 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 129
. 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. k Release mode dial 2 Frame the photograph - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 130
the self-timer off before a photograph is taken, turn the release mode dial to another setting. k AA In self-timer mode, a shutter speed of A see Custom Setting c3 ([Self-timer delay], pg. 318). For information on setting a beep to sound during the timer count-down, see Custom Setting d1 ([Beep], - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 131
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 k 2 Raise the mirror. Frame the picture, focus, and then press - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 132
k 106 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 133
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 pg. 108 S Auto ISO Sensitivity Control pg. 110 107 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 134
command dial until the desired setting is S displayed in the control panels or viewfinder. ISO button Main command dial Top control panel Rear control panel Viewfinder ISO sensitivity: 6400 A The ISO Sensitivity Menu ISO sensitivity can also be adjusted using the [ISO sensitivity] option in the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 135
normal; in most cases, ISO sensitivities of ISO 200 or above are recommended. A See Also For information on Custom Setting b1 ([ISO sensitivity step value], pg. 313). For information using the [High ISO NR] option in the shooting menu to reduce noise at high ISO sensitivities, see page 299. 109 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 136
value selected by the user (flash level is adjusted appropriately). The maximum value for auto ISO sensitivity can be selected using the [Maximum sensitivity] option in the [ISO sensitivity auto control] menu (the minimum value for auto ISO sensitivity is automatically set to ISO 200). In exposure - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 137
A Auto ISO Sensitivity Control Noise is more likely at higher sensitivities. Use the [High ISO NR] option in the shooting menu to reduce noise (see page 299). Foreground subjects may be underexposed in photos taken with a flash at slow shutter speeds, in daylight, or against a bright background. - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 138
S 112 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 139
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 pg. 114 Exposure Mode pg. 116 e: Programmed Auto pg. 118 Z f: Shutter-Priority - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 140
. † * When non-CPU lens is attached, average for entire frame will be used if [Average] is selected for Custom Setting b5; otherwise, center-weighted metering for non-CPU lenses will use 12-mm circle in center of viewfinder, regardless of setting selected for [Non-CPU lens data]. † For improved - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 141
until the desired mode is displayed. Metering selector lock button Z A 3D Color Matrix II Metering In matrix metering, exposure is set using a 1005-segment RGB sensor. Use a type G or D lens for results that include range information (3D color matrix metering II; see page 380 for information on - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 142
priority auto (pg. 122) User chooses aperture; camera selects shutter speed for best results. Use to blur background for portraits or bring both foreground and background into focus for landscape shots. h Manual (pg. 124) User controls both shutter speed and aperture. Set shutter speed to "A" for - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 143
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. A Custom Setting e3-Modeling Flash This setting controls whether the SB-800, SB-600, SB-R200, and other optional flash units that support the Creative - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 144
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 e is displayed in the Z viewfinder and top control panel. I button Main command dial 2 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. Shutter speed: 1/ - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 145
asterisk ("*") appears in the top control panel. To restore default shutter speed and aperture settings, rotate the command dial until the asterisk is no longer displayed, choose another mode, or turn the camera off. Z Shutter - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 146
main command dial to choose the desired shutter speed. SHOOT CUSTOM Shutter speed can be set to "p" (the flash sync speed limit) or to values between 30 s (q) and 1/8,000 s (o). Use slow shutter speeds to suggest motion by blurring moving objects, high shutter speeds to "freeze" motion. 120 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 147
Fast shutter speed (1/1,000 s) Slow shutter speed (1/10 s) Shutter speed can be locked at the selected setting (see page 127). 3 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. Z A See Also See page 411 for information on what to do if flashing "A" indicator appears in the shutter-speed displays. 121 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 148
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. I button - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 149
. Small aperture (f/36) Large aperture (f/2.8) Aperture can be locked at the selected setting (see page 128). 3 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. Z A Non-CPU Lenses If the maximum aperture of the lens has been specified using the [Non-CPU lens data] item in setup menu (pg. 220) when - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 150
until h is displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel. I button Main command dial 2 Z Choose aperture and shutter speed. 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" (the flash sync speed limit) or to - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 151
Shutter speed and aperture can be locked at the selected Z setting (see pages 127, 128). 3 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. Shutter speed: 1/250 s Aperture: f/8 A AF Micro Nikkor Lenses Provided that an external exposure meter is used, the exposure ratio need only be taken into account when - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 152
are exceeded, the displays will flash. Control panel Custom Setting b2 set to [1/3 step] Optimal exposure Underexposed release button is held down. Use for long time-exposure photographs of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks. Nikon recommends using a fully-charged EN-EL4a battery - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 153
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- - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 154
lock aperture at the selected value, press the F button and rotate the sub-command dial until R 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 R icons disappear from the displays - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 155
results with autoexposure lock. If using center-weighted metering, select the center focus point release button halfway. With the shutter-release button pressed halfway and the subject positioned in the focus point, press the AE-L/AF-L button to lock exposure (and focus, except in manual - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 156
3 Recompose the photograph. Keeping the AE-L/AF-L button pressed, recompose the photograph and shoot. Z 130 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 157
in the viewfinder and top control panel. Note that the metering method can not be changed while exposure lock is in effect (changes to metering take effect when the lock is released). Z A See Also If [On] is selected for Custom Setting c1 ([Shutter-release button AE-L], pg. 317), exposure - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 158
exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. It is most effective when used with center-weighted or spot metering (see page 114 is displayed in the viewfinder or top control panel. Z E button Main command dial ±0 EV (E button pressed) -0.3 EV +2.0 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 159
displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel after you release the E button. The current value for exposure compensation can be Z confirmed in the electronic analog exposure display by pressing the E button. Normal exposure can be restored by setting exposure compensation to ±0. Exposure - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 160
and adjust settings with each shot. Z In white balance bracketing (pg. 139), the camera creates multiple images each time the shutter is released, each settings. A See Also At default settings, the camera varies both exposure and flash level. Custom Setting e4 ([Auto bracketing set], pg. 327) is used - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 161
performed using Custom Setting e4 ([Auto bracketing set], pg. 327). Choose [AE & flash] to vary both exposure and flash level (the default setting), [ top control panel. Number of shots Z BKT button Main command dial Top control panel Exposure and flash bracketing indicator At settings other - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 162
dial to choose the exposure increment. Exposure increment BKT button Sub-command Top control panel dial At default settings, the size of the increment can be chosen from 1/3, 2/3, and 1 an Z increment of 1/3 EV are listed below. Control panel display No. of shots Bracketing order (EVs) 0 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 163
4 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. The camera will vary exposure and/or flash level shot-by- While bracketing is in effect, a bracketing progress indicator will be displayed in the top control panel and viewfinder. A SHOOT segment will disappear from the CUSTOM indicator after each shot. - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 164
priority auto), or shutter speed (aperture-priority auto, manual exposure mode). When [On] is selected for [ISO sensitivity settings] > [ISO sensitivity auto control] in shooting menu and no flash is attached, the camera will automatically vary ISO sensitivity for optimum exposure when the limits of - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 165
the number of shots in the bracketing sequence. The number of shots is shown in the top control panel. Number of shots Z BKT button Main command dial At settings other than zero, a WB bracketing indicator will appear in the top control panel and a W icon will be displayed in the top and rear - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 166
to increased amounts of blue, higher A values to increased amounts of amber (pg. 148). The bracketing programs with an increment of 1 are listed below. Control panel display No. of White balance shots increment Bracketing order (EVs) 0 1 0 3 1B 1B/0/2B 3 1A 1A/2A/0 2 1B 0/1B 2 1A - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 167
the number of exposures remaining, SHOOT the number of exposures remaining, CUSTOM frame count, and N icon will flash in the top control panel, a flashing g icon will appear in the viewfinder, and Z the shutter release will be disabled. Shooting can begin when a new memory card is inserted - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 168
bracketing sequence is zero (r) and W are no longer displayed in the control panels. The program last in effect will be restored the next time created each time the shutter is released. If the camera is turned off while the memory card access lamp is lit, the camera will power off only after all - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 169
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." This chapter covers white balance settings. r White Balance Options pg. 144 Fine-Tuning - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 170
, choose a white balance setting that matches the light source before shooting. The following options are available: Color temp. Option (K) Description White balance is adjusted automatically using color temperature measured by image v Auto (default) 3,500- sensor and 1,005-segment RGB - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 171
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 r displayed in the rear control panel. WB button Main command dial Rear - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 172
flash units. Choose a color temperature, use preset white balance, or set white balance to [Flash] and use fine tuning to adjust white balance. selected for Custom Setting e4 ([Auto bracketing set], pg. 327), the camera will create several images each time the shutter is released. White balance will - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 173
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 If an option other than [Fluorescent], [Choose color temp.], or [Preset manual] is selected, proceed to Step 2. If [Fluorescent] is selected, - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 174
2 Fine tune white balance. Use the multi selector to fine- tune white balance. White balance can (B) Amber (A) Increase magenta Increase blue Magenta (M) Increase amber 3 Press J. Press J to save settings and return to the shooting menu. If white balance has been fine-tuned on the A-B axis, - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 175
For example, moving the cursor to B (blue) when a "warm" setting such as J (incandescent) is selected for white balance will make photographs temperature that takes such variation into account, and as such is the unit used in color-temperature compensation filters. E.g.: • 4000 K-3000 K (a difference - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 176
or L is selected, use the shooting menu as described on page 147). Six settings in both directions are available; each increment is equivalent to about 5 mired (pg. 149). Press the WB button and rotate the sub-command dial until the desired value is displayed in the rear control panel. Rotating the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 177
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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 178
strong color cast. Two methods are available for setting preset white balance: Method Description Direct measurement Neutral gray or white object is placed under lighting that will be used in final photograph and white balance is measured by camera (pg. 154). Copy from existing White balance is - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 179
The camera can store up to five values for preset white balance in presets d-0 through d-4. A apply to all shooting menu banks (pg. 291). A confirmation dialog will be displayed if the user attempts to change a white balance preset created in another shooting menu bank (no warning is displayed for - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 180
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. Note that 126). 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. r - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 181
At default settings, the displays will flash for about six seconds. SHOOT CUSTOM Top control panel Rear control panel Viewfinder 4 Measure white balance. Before the indicators stop flashing, frame the r reference object so that it fills the viewfinder and press the shutter-release button all - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 182
is too dark or too bright, the camera may be unable to measure white balance. A flashing b a will r appear in the control panels and viewfinder (at default settings, the displays will flash for about six Top control panel seconds). Press the shutter-release button halfway to return to Step - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 183
be displayed). A thumbnail will be displayed in the preset white balance list. To use the new value for white balance, select preset d-0 (if no value has been measured for white balance before d-0 is selected, white balance will be set to a color temperature of 5,200 K, the same as [Direct sunlight - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 184
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]). Highlight [Preset manual] in the white balance menu (pg. 144) and press 2. 2 Select a destination. Highlight the destination preset (d-1 to d-4) and press the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 185
memory card 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 (pg. 144) and press 2. 2 Select a destination. Highlight the destination preset (d-1 to d-4) and press - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 186
4 Highlight a source image. Highlight the source image. To view the highlighted image full frame, press the N button. If two memory cards are inserted, the slot can be selected by holding the N button and pressing 1. The menu shown at right - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 187
❚❚ 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 (pg. 144) and press 2. 2 Select a preset. Highlight the desired preset and press the center of the multi selector. To select - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 188
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. Rear control panel WB button Sub-command dial r 162 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 189
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 (pg. 144) and press 2. 2 Select a preset. Highlight the desired preset and press the center of - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 190
r 164 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 191
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 pg. 166 Creating Custom Picture Controls pg. 174 Active D-Lighting pg. 185 Color Space - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 192
will. Custom Picture Controls can also be saved to the memory card for use in compatible software, and software-created Picture Controls can be loaded into the camera. Any given set of Picture Controls will produce nearly the same results on all cameras that support the Nikon Picture Control system - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 193
for use in ViewNX (supplied) and other compatible software, or software-created custom Picture Controls can be loaded into the camera. • Manage custom Picture Controls (pg. 181): Rename or delete custom Picture Controls. J A Nikon Picture Controls Versus Custom Picture Controls The Picture Controls - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 194
Nikon Picture Controls The camera offers four preset Nikon Picture Controls. Choose a Picture Control Picture Control 1 Select [Set Picture Control]. In the shooting menu (pg. 290), J highlight [Set Picture Control] and press 2. 2 Select a Picture Control. Highlight the desired Picture Control - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 195
(only contrast is displayed when [Monochrome] is selected). To select a different Picture Control, press 1 or 3, then press 2 to display Picture Control options and press J. A The Picture Control Indicator The current Picture Control is shown in the shooting information display when the R button is - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 196
Nikon or custom Picture Controls 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 197
❚❚ Picture Control Settings Option Description Choose from options between [-2] and [+2] to reduce or exaggerate the effect of the selected Picture Control Quick adjust (note that this resets all manual adjustments). For example, choosing positive values for [Vivid] makes pictures more vivid. - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 198
to the other Picture Controls (only contrast is displayed when [Monochrome] is selected). Release the N button to return to the Picture Control menu. A Previous Settings The line under the value display in the Picture Control setting menu indicates the previous value for the setting. Use this as - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 199
more contrast than orange. G Green Softens skin tones. Can be used for portraits. Note that the effects achieved with [Filter effects] are control is not available when [B&W] (black-and-white) is selected. A Custom Picture Controls J The options available with custom Picture Controls are - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 200
Creating Custom Picture Controls The Nikon Picture Controls supplied with the camera can be modified and saved as custom Picture Controls. 1 Select [Manage Picture Control]. In the shooting menu (pg. 290), highlight [Manage Picture Control] and press 2. 2 Select [Save/edit]. Highlight [Save/edit] - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 201
step 5 to save a copy of the highlighted Picture Control without further modification. 4 Edit the selected control. See page 171 for more information. To abandon any changes and start over, press the O button. Press J when settings are complete. 5 Select a destination. Choose a destination for - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 202
the O button. Custom Picture Control names can be up to 19 characters J long. Any characters after the 19th will be deleted. After entering the name, press J. The new Picture Control will appear in the Picture Control list. Custom Picture Controls can be renamed at any time using the [Rename - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 203
based on [Monochrome] have [Filter effects] and [Toning] options in place of [Saturation] and [Hue] controls. A The Original Picture Control Icon The Nikon Picture Control on which the custom Picture Control is based is indicated by an icon in the top right corner of the edit display. Original - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 204
/save]. In the [Manage Picture Control] menu, highlight [Load/save] and press 2. 2 Select [Copy to camera]. Highlight [Copy to camera] and press 2. J 3 Select a Picture Control. Highlight a custom Picture Control and either; • press 2 to view current Picture Control settings, or • press J to proceed - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 205
The new Picture Control will appear in the Picture Control list and can be renamed at any time using the [Rename] option in the [Manage Picture Control] menu. J 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 206
slot will be overwritten. 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. The Nikon Picture Controls supplied with the camera can not be copied to the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 207
Picture Controls. ❚❚ Renaming Custom Picture Controls 1 Select [Rename]. In the [Manage Picture Control] menu, highlight [Rename] and press 2. 2 Select a Picture Control. Highlight a custom Picture Control (C-1 through C-9) and press 2. 3 Rename the Picture Control. J Rename the Picture Control - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 208
and press 2. 2 Select a Picture Control. Highlight a custom Picture Control (C-1 through C-9) and press 2. 3 Select [Yes]. Highlight [Yes] and press J to delete the selected Picture Control. J A Nikon Picture Controls The Nikon Picture Controls supplied with the camera ([Standard], [Neutral], [Vivid - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 209
❚❚ Deleting Custom Picture Controls from the Memory Card 1 Select [Load/save]. In the [Manage Picture Control] menu, highlight [Load/save] and press 2. 2 Select [Delete from card]. Highlight [Delete from card] and press 2. J 183 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 210
Select a Picture Control. Highlight a custom Picture Control (slot1 through 99) and either; • press 2 to view current Picture Control settings, or • press J to display confirmation dialog shown at right. 4 Select [Yes]. J Highlight [Yes] and press J to delete the selected Picture Control. 184 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 211
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. Active D-Lighting off Active D-Lighting - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 212
or [High] and press J. J D Active D-Lighting Additional time is required to record images when Active D-lighting is on (pg. 425). Use matrix metering Picture Control settings (pg. 171) can not be adjusted while active D-lighting is in effect. Noise, distortion or banding may be visible at high ISO - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 213
for color reproduction. Choose a color space according to how photographs will be processed on leaving the camera. Option Description W sRGB (default) Choose for photographs that will be printed or used "as is," with no further modification. This color space is capable of expressing a wider - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 214
printing or other commercial print services. Adobe RGB photographs can also be printed using these options, but colors will not be as vivid. JPEG photographs taken in the Adobe RGB color space are Exif 2.21 and DCF 2.0 compliant; applications and printers that support Exif 2.21 and DCF 2.0 will - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 215
chapter describes how to use the camera with optional flash units that support the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS pg. 190 Compatible Flash Units pg. 191 CLS-Compatible Flash Units pg. 191 Other Flash Units pg. 194 i-TTL Flash Control pg. 196 Flash - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 216
communication between the camera and compatible flash units for improved flash photography. The Creative Lighting System supports the following features: • i-TTL flash control: Improved through-the-lens (TTL) flash control for use with CLS (see page 196). Flash level is set using monitor pre-flashes - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 217
a CLS-compatible camera, the SU-800 can be used as a commander for remote SB-800, SB-600, or SB-R200 flash units. The SU-800 itself is not equipped with a flash. A Guide Number To calculate the range of the flash at full power, divide the Guide Number by the aperture. For example, at ISO 100 the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 218
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 Auto zoom 1 Only available when SU-800 is used to control other flash units. 2 Standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR is used with - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 219
emit a modeling flash when the camera depth-of-field preview 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] (pg. 326 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 220
manual for detailed instructions. If the Speedlight supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System, refer to the section on CLScompatible digital SLR cameras. The D3 is not included in the "digital SLR" l category in the SB-80DX, SB-28DX, and SB-50DX manuals. i-TTL flash control can be used at ISO - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 221
The SB-800, SB-600, and SB-400 provide red-eye reduction. When used with AF lenses with focal lengths of 24-105 mm, the SB-800, SB-600, and sync circuitry of the camera or flash. Before using a Nikon Speedlight not listed in this section, contact a Nikon-authorized service representative for more - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 222
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. Preflashes reflected from objects in all areas of frame - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 223
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 -release - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 224
Flash mode Description Combines red-eye reduction with slow sync. Use for portraits taken against a backdrop of night scenery. Red-eye Available only in exposure modes e and g. Tripod is reduction with recommended to prevent blurring caused by camera slow sync shake. l 198 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 225
dial until the desired flash mode is selected in the top control panel: M button Main-command dial Front-curtain sync Slow sync released. 2 In exposure modes e and g, flash-sync mode will be set to slow rear-curtain sync when the M button is released. 3 Y icon blinks if flash unit does not support - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 226
and aperture can be set as follows when a Speedlight is used: Mode Shutter speed Aperture See page e Set automatically by camera (1/250 s-1/60 s) 1, 2 Set automatically 118 f Value selected by user (1/250 s-30 s) 2 by camera 120 g Set automatically by camera (1/250 s-1/60 s) 1, 2 Value - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 227
press], pg. 331). 2 Attach a CLS-compatible flash unit. Mount an SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, or SU-800 on the camera accessory shoe. l 3 Set the flash unit to TTL or AA mode. Turn the flash unit on and set the flash mode to TTL or AA. See the Speedlight instruction manual for details. 201 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 228
of the frame and press the shutter-release button halfway control panel and viewfinder . Fn button SHOOT CUSTOM 6 Recompose the photograph. l 7 Take the photograph. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to shoot. If desired, additional pictures can be taken without releasing - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 229
A (master flash) 5-mm circle in center of frame Area metered by flash exposure meter Entire frame Area metered by flash exposure meter A See Also For information on using the depth-of-field preview or AE-L/AF-L button for FV lock, see Custom Setting f5 ([Assign preview button], pg. 337) or Custom - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 230
cable. When an optional flash unit is attached, the flash will fire whenever the shutter is released. ❚❚ The Accessory Shoe Use the accessory shoe to mount optional flash units directly on the camera without a sync cable (pg. 191). The accessory shoe is equipped with a safety lock for Speedlights - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 231
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........ pg. 206 Multiple Exposure pg. 208 Interval Timer Photography pg. 213 Non-CPU - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 232
: 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. ISO WB button button - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 233
Image size Default JPEG Normal Large Option White balance ISO sensitivity * Fine-tuning off. Default Auto * 200 If the current Picture Control has been modified, existing settings for the Picture Control will also be restored. A See Also See page 418 for a list of default settings. t 207 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 234
because they make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor. ❚❚ Creating a Multiple Exposure Note that at default settings, shooting will select [On] for the [Image review] (pg. 287) option in the playback menu and extend the monitor-off delay using Custom Setting c4 ([Monitor off delay], pg. 318 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 235
number of exposures that will be combined to form a single photograph and press J. 4 Select [Auto gain]. Highlight [Auto gain] and press 2. 5 Set gain. Highlight one of the following options and press J. Option Description t On (default) Gain adjusted according to number of exposures actually - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 236
in the top control panel. To exit without taking a multiple exposure, select [Multiple exposure] > [Reset] in the shooting menu. SHOOT CUSTOM 7 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. In continuous high-speed and continuous low- speed release modes (pg. 86), the camera will record all - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 237
used to record multiple exposures. The information listed in the playback photo information display (including date of recording and camera cancels interval timer shooting. A Other Settings t While multiple exposure mode is in cleaning] and [Dust off ref photo] options in the setup menu - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 238
be adjusted to reflect the number of exposures actually recorded. Note that shooting will end automatically if: • A two-button reset is performed (pg. 206) • The camera is turned off • The battery is exhausted • Pictures are deleted t 212 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 239
frame (S), continuous low speed (CL), or continuous high speed (CH) release mode when using the interval timer. Before beginning interval timer photography, take a test shot at current settings camera clock is set to the correct time and date (pg. 40). Use of a tripod is recommended. Mount the camera - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 240
[Now] is selected for [Choose start time]. 4 Choose an interval. Press 4 or 2 to highlight hours, minutes, or seconds; press 1 or 3 to change. Note that the camera will not be able to take photographs at the specified interval if it is shorter than the shutter speed or the time required to record - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 241
in the monitor one minute before each series of shots is taken. If shooting can not proceed at current settings (for example, if a shutter speed of A is currently selected in manual exposure mode or the start time is in less than a minute), a warning will be displayed in the monitor. A The - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 242
full, the interval timer will remain active but no pictures will be taken. Resume shooting (pg. 217) after deleting some pictures or turning the camera off and inserting another memory card. D Bracketing Adjust bracketing settings the Q icon in the top control panel will blink. Immediately before - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 243
and then on again (if desired, the memory card can be replaced while the camera is off ) • Selecting live view (a), self-timer (E), or mirror-up (MUP) release modes To resume shooting: 1 Choose a new starting trigger. Choose a new starting trigger and start time as described on page 213. 2 Resume - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 244
d2 [Shooting speed] (pg. 320) > [Continuous high-speed]. In S (single frame) and CL (continuous low-speed), photographs will be taken at the rate chosen for Custom Setting d2 [Shooting speed] (pg. 320) > [Continuous low-speed]. A Using the Monitor Pictures can be played back and shooting and menu - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 245
apply to all shooting menu banks (pg. 291). If shooting menu settings are reset using the [Reset shooting menu] item in the shooting menu (pg. 290), interval timer settings will be reset as follows: • Choose start time: Now • Interval: 00:01':00" • Number of intervals: 1 • Number of shots: 1 • Start - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 246
may be necessary to use center-weighted or spot metering to achieve accurate results with some lenses, including Reflex-Nikkor lenses) t • Improves the precision of center-weighted and spot metering and i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR A Focal Length Not Listed If the correct focal length - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 247
❚❚ The Non-CPU Lens Data Menu 1 Select [Non-CPU lens data]. Highlight [Non-CPU lens data] in the setup menu (pg. 344) 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 248
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. Non-CPU - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 249
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. See the MC-35 instruction manual for details. Before turning the camera on, set the GPS device to NMEA mode (4800 baud). t MC-35 223 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 250
When the camera establishes communication with a GPS device, a k icon will be displayed in the top control panel. SHOOT Photo information for pictures taken while CUSTOM the k icon is displayed will include an additional page (pg. 238) recording the current latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 251
Setting c2 Enable [Auto meter-off delay]. This reduces the drain on the (default) battery but may prevent GPS data from being recorded if the shutter-release with a digital compass. Keep the GPS device pointing in the same direction as the lens and at least 20 cm (8 in.) from the camera. A - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 252
t 226 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 253
Playback - Playback Options This chapter describes how to play back photographs and details the operations that can be performed during playback. Full-Frame Playback pg. 228 Photo Information pg. 231 Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback ...... pg. 241 Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom pg - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 254
Full-Frame Playback To play photographs back, press the K button. The most recent photograph will be displayed in the monitor. O button K button N button L button J button Multi selector - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 255
To View additional photographs View photo information Use Description Press 2to view photographs in order recorded, button (pg. 244). I If two memory cards are inserted, choose memory card from which pictures are played back (pg. 230). Return to shooting mode Display menus / K Monitor will - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 256
When [On] is selected for [Image review] in the playback menu (pg. 287), photographs are automatically displayed in the monitor for about 20 s (the default setting) after shooting. In single-frame, self-timer, and mirrorup release modes, photographs are displayed one at a time as they are taken - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 257
[Display mode]. GPS data are only displayed if a GPS device was used when the photo was taken. 1/ 10 100NC_D3 DSC_0001. JPG NORMAL 15/12/ 2007 10: 16: 00 4256x2832 File Information 1/ 10 N I KON D3 1/ 125, F5. 6 200 85mm 0. 0 AUTO 0, 0 100NC_D3 DSC_0001. JPG - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 258
4 Focus point 1 282 13 Time of recording 39 5 Image highlights 2 282 14 Date of recording 39 6 AF area brackets 47, 95 15 Slot number 42 7 Frame number/ 16 Folder name 293 total number of frames 17 File name 296 8 Highlight display indicator 1 282 9 Image quality 65 1 Displayed - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 259
. 2 histograms, horizontal axis gives pixel brightness, vertical axis number of pixels. 7 Current channel 2 8 Histogram (red channel) 4 5 Folder number-frame 9 Histogram (green channel) 4 number 3 293 10 Histogram (blue channel) 4 1 Displayed only if [RGB histogram] is selected for [Display - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 260
to the left. Histograms can provide a rough idea of overall exposure when bright ambient lighting makes it difficult to see photographs in the monitor. I A Histograms Camera histograms are intended as a guide only and may differ from those displayed in imaging applications. 234 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 261
, TTL, +1. 3 SLOW N I KON D3 11 100-1 12 1 Voice memo icon 248 Camera name 12 Folder number-frame number 6 293 1 Displayed only if [Data] is selected for [Display mode] (pg. 282). 2 Displayed in red if photo was taken with ISO sensitivity auto control on. I 3 Displayed if Custom Setting - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 262
balance fine-tuning ... 147 Preset manual 152 5 Color space 187 6 Picture Control 166 7 Quick adjust 2 171 Original Picture Control 3 ...... 177 11 Saturation 4 171 Filter effects 5 171 12 Hue 4 171 Toning 5 171 13 Camera name 14 Folder number-frame number 6 293 I 1 Displayed only if - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 263
memo icon 248 2 Protect status 244 3 Retouch indicator 360 4 High ISO noise reduction...... 299 Long exposure noise reduction 299 5 Active D-Lighting 185 6 Retouch history 360 7 Image comment 348 8 Camera name 9 Folder number-frame number 2 293 1 Displayed only if [Data] is selected for - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 264
: 105. 17º N I KON D3 9 100-1 10 1 Voice memo icon 248 2 Protect status 244 3 Retouch indicator 360 4 Latitude 5 Longitude 6 Altitude 7 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) 8 Heading 2 9 Camera name 10 Folder number-frame number 3 293 1 Displayed only if GPS device was used when photo was taken - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 265
1 Folder number/frame 7 ISO sensitivity 1 108 number 8 Focal length 382 2 Voice memo icon 248 9 GPS data indicator 223 3 Protect status 244 10 Image comment indicator ....348 4 Camera name 11 Flash . I 1 Displayed in red if photo was taken with ISO sensitivity auto control on. 239 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 266
21 18 Picture Control 166 26 Folder name 293 19 Active D-Lighting 185 27 Date of recording 39 20 File name 296 28 Slot number 42 21 Image quality 65 29 White balance 144 22 Image size 69 Color temperature 151 23 Image area 2 60 White balance fine-tuning .....147 Preset manual 152 24 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 267
Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback To display images in "contact sheets" of four or nine images, press the N button and rotate the main command dial. Full-frame playback Thumbnail playback I 241 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 268
and forth between full frame and thumbnail playback. Use multi selector to highlight images for full-frame playback, playback zoom memory cards are inserted, choose memory card from which pictures are played back (pg. 230). Return to shooting Setting f1 [Multi selector center button] (pg. 330). 242 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 269
zoomed in. While N button is pressed, main command dial can be used to control size of frame- rotate dial left to zoom out, right to zoom 36 × 24 (3 : 2) format images in up to 27 × (large images), 20 × (medium images) or 13 × (small images). Release N button to magnify selected area to fill monitor - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 270
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 photograph or highlight it in the thumbnail list and then press the L button. overwrite status can not be set separately. A Removing Protection - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 271
photographs can not be recovered. 1 Select an image. Display the image or highlight it in the thumbnail list. 2 Press the O button. A confirmation dialog will be displayed. Full-frame playback Thumbnail playback To delete the photograph, press the O I button again. To exit without deleting the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 272
O button to delete only the voice memo. To exit without deleting either voice memo or photo, press 4 or 2. A See Also To delete multiple images, use the [Delete] option in the playback menu (pg. 281). The [After delete] option in the playback menu determines whether the next image or the previous - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 273
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 pg. 248 Playing Voice Memos pg. 253 e 247 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 274
seconds long can be added to photographs using the built-in microphone. Readying the Camera for Recording Before recording voice memos, choose selected for [Image review] in manual) playback menu (pg. 287), e recording will begin when shutter-release button is released after shooting. Recording - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 275
exists for most recent image (pg. 250). Existing memo will be deleted and replaced by new memo. ❚❚ Voice Memo Button This option controls manual recording. The following options are available: Option Description Press and Voice memo is recorded while H b hold button is held down. Recording - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 276
the specified recording time has ended. Manual Recording (Shooting Mode) If [On (Auto and manual)] or [Manual only] is selected for [Voice memo Voice memos will not be recorded automatically if [On] is selected for the [Image review] option (pg. 287) in the playback menu. D Slot 2 If two memory - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 277
memo to the photograph currently displayed in full-frame playback or highlighted in the thumbnail list (pg. 228): 1 Choose a photograph Recording During recording, the C icons in the rear control panel will blink. A countdown timer in the rear control panel shows the length of the voice memo that - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 278
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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 279
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 (pp. 228, 242). The the K button or by pressing the shutter-release button halfway • The camera is turned off • Another image is selected 253 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 280
Voice Memo Playback Options The [Audio output] option 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 281
pictures, and how to view them on a television set. Connecting to a Computer pg. 256 Direct USB Connection pg. 258 Wireless and Ethernet Networks pg. 261 Printing Photographs pg. 262 Direct USB Connection pg. 263 Viewing Photographs on TV pg. 274 Standard Definition Devices pg. 274 High - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 282
to insert the connectors at an angle. A Camera Control Pro 2 Camera Control Pro 2 (available separately; pg. 387) can be used to control the camera from a computer. Before connecting the camera, set the camera [USB] option (pg. 257) to [MTP/PTP]. When Camera Control Pro 2 is running, "c" will be - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 283
Choose [Mass Storage] * See the websites listed on page xxiv for the latest information on supported operating systems. D Windows 2000 Professional Do NOT select [MTP/PTP] when using Nikon Transfer. If [MTP/PTP] is selected when the camera is connected, the Windows hardware wizard will be - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 284
Direct USB Connection Connect the camera using the supplied UC-E4 USB cable. 1 Select a USB option. Before connecting the camera to the computer, make sure the correct option is selected for the [USB] item in the camera setup menu (pg. 257). 2 Turn the camera off. Power switch 3 Turn the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 285
will flash in the top control panel (camera displays do not change if [MTP/PTP] is selected). 6 Transfer photographs. Transfer photographs to the computer as described in the online help for Nikon Transfer. To view the online help, start Nikon Transfer and select [Nikon Transfer help] from the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 286
the USB cable disconnected once transfer is complete. If [Mass Storage] is selected, the camera must first be removed from the system as described below. Windows Vista Click the "Safely Storage Device] from the menu that appears. Mac OS X Drag the camera volume ("NIKON D3") into the Trash. Q 260 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 287
computer monitor before select mode upload. PC mode Control camera from computer using Camera Control Pro 2 (available separately). Print mode Print JPEG photographs on printer connected to network computer. For more information, see the WT-4 user's manual. D USB Q Select [MTP/PTP] for the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 288
with a card slot (see the printer manual for details). If the printer supports DPOF (pg. 436), photographs can be selected for printing using [Print set (DPOF)] (pg. 272). • Take the camera memory card to a developer or digital printer center. If the center supports DPOF (pg. 436), photographs can - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 289
a PictBridge printer via the supplied USB cable, selected JPEG pictures can be printed directly from the camera. Take photographs Select photographs for printing using [Print set (DPOF)] (pg. 272) Select [MTP/PTP] in camera [USB] menu and connect camera to printer (pg. 264) Print photographs one at - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 290
Connecting the Printer Connect the camera using the supplied UC-E4 USB cable. 1 Select [MTP/PTP]. If the [USB] option in the camera setup menu has been changed from the default setting of [MTP/PTP], display the [USB] menu and select [MTP/PTP] (pg. 257). 2 Turn the camera off. 3 Connect the USB cable - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 291
rotate the main command dial right to zoom in on the current frame (pg. 243). 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 292
. Menu shown at right will be displayed. Press 1 or 3 to choose [Printer default] (default Time for current printer), [Print time stamp stamp] (print time and date of Q recording on photo), or [No time stamp], then press J to select and return to previous menu. 266 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 293
decrease. Choose position of crop using multi selector and press J. 4 Start printing. Select [Start printing] and press J to start printing. To cancel before all copies have been printed, press J. D Selecting Photographs for Printing Images created at image quality settings of NEF (RAW) or TIFF - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 294
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 (pg. 272). The current print order will be displayed in - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 295
. Use the multi selector to scroll through the pictures on the memory card. To display the current picture full screen, press N button. To select the L button 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 296
default] (default for current printer), [Print time stamp] (print time and date of recording on photo), or [No time stamp], then press J to select and Cropping Choose printer default to print at current printer settings. Only options supported by the current printer can be selected. Note that print - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 297
❚❚ 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" (pg. 268). Note that if the memory card contains more than 256 pictures, only the first 256 images will be printed. 1 Select [Index print]. - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 298
menu is used to create digital "print orders" for PictBridge-compatible printers and devices that support DPOF. Selecting [Print set (DPOF)] from the playback menu displays the menu shown in Step 1. 1 Choose [Select/set]. Highlight [Select/set] and press 2. 2 Select pictures. Use the multi - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 299
Multiple Pictures" to modify and print the current order (pg. 268). DPOF date and data imprint options are not supported when printing via direct USB connection; to print the date of recording on photographs in the current print order, use the PictBridge [Time stamp] option. Q The Print Set option - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 300
EG-D2 audio/video (A/V) cable can be used to connect the D3 to a television or VCR for playback or recording. A type A High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable (available separately from commercial sources) can be used to connect the camera to high-definition video devices. Standard - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 301
recorded to video tape and the camera monitor. A Video Mode (pg. 346) Be sure that the video standard matches the standard used in the video device. . A Audio Output (pg. 254) Q Set [HDMI/audio-video output] to play back or record voice memos on the video device. A Slide Shows The [Slide show] - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 302
on the highdefinition television or monitor screen; the camera monitor will remain off. Q A HDMI (pg. 346) 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 303
UMenu Guide This chapter describes the options available in the camera menus. D The Playback Menu: Managing Images pg. 278 C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options pg. 290 A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings pg. 301 B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup pg. 344 N The Retouch Menu: Creating - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 304
Images The playback menu contains the options listed below. For information on using the playback menu, see "Tutorial: Camera Menus" (pg. 26). Option Delete Playback folder Hide image Display mode Copy image(s) Image review After delete Rotate tall Slide show Print set (DPOF) See page 281 281 281 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 305
for [Delete] (pg. 281), [Hide image] (pg. 281), [Print set (DPOF)] (pg. 289), and direct printing (pg. 268): 1 Highlight a picture. To view the highlighted picture full screen, press and hold the N button. If two memory cards are inserted, the slot can be selected by holding the N button and - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 306
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to select additional pictures. To deselect a picture, highlight it and press center of multi selector. 4 Press J to complete the operation. J button A confirmation dialog will be displayed; highlight [Yes] and press J. U 280 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 307
Pictures in all folders created with the D3 will be visible during playback. Pictures in all folders will be visible during playback. Only pictures memory card. Option Description Select/set Hide or reveal selected pictures. Deselect all? Reveal all pictures. D Protected and Hidden Images - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 308
locked) is shown in red in photo Focus point information display. No focus point is displayed if camera was unable to focus using continuous-servo autofocus or if continuous-servo autofocus was used with auto-area AF. Detailed photo info RGB Red, green, and blue histograms are displayed in - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 309
Copy Image(s) Copy photographs from the memory card in slot 1 to the memory card in slot 2. Option Description Select image(s) Select photographs from memory card in slot 1. Select destination folder Select destination folder on memory card in slot 2. Copy images? Copy selected photographs to - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 310
images in the current folder. 4 Select images. Images preselected in Step 3 are marked by a L icon. To select additional images or deselect preselected pictures, highlight the image and press the center of the multi selector. Press J to return to the [Copy image(s)] menu when selection is complete - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 311
options and press 2. Option Description Enter number of destination folder. Select folder by number Select destination folder from list. Select folder from list 7 Select a destination folder. Enter the desired folder number or highlight the destination folder and press J to select the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 312
displayed. Highlight [Yes] and press J. D Copy Image(s)? Images can only be copied if there is sufficient space on the destination memory card. Hidden pictures can not be copied. If the destination folder contains a file with the same name as a file selected for copying, a warning will be displayed - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 313
next (default) Display following picture. If deleted picture was last frame, previous picture will be displayed. T Show previous Display previous picture. If deleted picture was first frame, following picture will be displayed. If user was scrolling through pictures in order U Continue before - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 314
displayed. Option Description Start Start slide show. Frame interval Choose how long each picture will be displayed. Audio playback Display menu of show and exit to full-frame (pg. 228) or thumbnail playback (pg. 241). Exit to shooting mode Press shutter-release button halfway to return to - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 315
displayed until entire memo has been played, even if frame interval is shorter than voice memo. Choose [Off ] (the default option) to disable voice memo playback during slide shows. Print Set (DPOF) Choose [Select/set] to select pictures for printing on a DPOFcompatible device (pg. 272). Choose - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 316
listed below. For information on using the shooting menu, see "Tutorial: Camera Menus" (pg. 26). Option Shooting menu bank Reset shooting menu Active folder File naming Slot 2 Image quality Image size Image area JPEG compression NEF (RAW) recording White balance Set Picture Control Manage Picture - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 317
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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 318
. 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 to highlight the desired Name area character in the keyboard area and press the center of the multi selector. To delete the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 319
Reset Shooting Menu Choose whether to restore default settings for the current shooting menu bank. See page 419 for a list of default settings. With the exceptions of image quality, image size, white balance, and ISO sensitivity, shooting menu settings are not reset when a two-button reset (pg. 206) - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 320
or 2 to highlight a digit, press 1 or 3 to change. If a folder with the selected number already exists, a W, X, or Y icon will be displayed to the left of the folder number: • W: Folder is empty. • X: Folder is partially full. • Y: Folder contains 999 pictures or a picture numbered 9999. No further - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 321
will be stored in the selected folder. D Folder and File Numbers If the current folder is numbered 999 and contains 999 pictures or a picture numbered 9999, the shutter-release will be disabled and no further photographs can be taken. To continue shooting, create a folder with a number less than 999 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 322
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 edited is a maximum of three characters long. A Extensions The following extensions are used: ".NEF" for NEF (RAW) images, ".TIF" for TIFF (RGB) - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 323
Area Although the D3 can record photographs with the same diagonal picture angle as a 35mm format camera using a 3 : 2 aspect ratio, it can also be used to record photographs with the smaller DX picture angle or the (RAW) images (pg. 68). White Balance Adjust white balance settings (pg. 144). U 297 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 324
Set Picture Control Select from the Picture Controls provided with the camera to instantly adjust image processing settings (pg. 166). Manage Picture Control Save and modify custom Picture Control combinations, or copy custom Picture Controls to or from the memory card (pg. 174). Color Space Choose - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 325
current shutter speed. In continuous release mode, frame rates will slow and the capacity of the memory buffer will drop. Photographs can not be taken until processing is complete and "l m" has cleared from the displays. Noise reduction will not be performed if the camera is turned off before - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 326
ISO Sensitivity Settings Adjust ISO sensitivity and ISO sensitivity auto control settings (pp. 108, 110). Live View Choose a live view mode and the release mode that will be used when the camera is in live view mode (pg. 91). Multiple Exposure Create a single photograph from two to ten exposures (pg - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 327
A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings Custom Settings are used to customize camera settings to suit individual preferences. In addition to Custom Settings B ([Custom setting bank]) and A ([Reset custom settings]), settings in the Custom Settings menu are divided into the six groups shown - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 328
310 a9 B button 311 a10 Vertical B button 312 b Metering/exposure b1 ISO sensitivity step value 313 b2 EV steps for exposure cntrl. 313 b3 EV Setting Page d Shooting/display d1 Beep 319 d2 Shooting speed 320 d3 Max. continuous release 320 d4 File number sequence 321 d5 Control - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 329
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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 330
a: Autofocus a1: AF-C Priority Selection 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, - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 331
a2: AF-S Priority Selection This option controls whether 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. Focus mode - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 332
-servo AF (focus mode C; pg. 74), the camera will focus based on information from surrounding focus points. leaves the selected focus point, the camera will focus based on information from the selected focus point, the camera will focus based on selected focus point, the camera will focus based on - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 333
camera will use 3D-tracking to track the subject f 51 points (3D-tracking) and select a new focus point as required. Use to quickly compose pictures shutter-release button and recompose the photograph with the subject in the selected focus point. A 3D-Tracking When the shutter-release button - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 334
the frame. The camera immediately adjusts focus when the distance Off to the subject changes. Use when photographing a series of subjects at varying distances in quick succession. a5: AF Activation This option controls whether both the shutter-release button and the B button can be used to - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 335
control whether or not the focus points are illuminated. Option Description Manual Choose [On] (the default setting) to display the active focus mode focus point in manual focus mode. Continuous mode Choose [On] (the default setting) to display the active focus point in CH (continuous high - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 336
at the right edge of the display is selected has no effect. a8: AF Point Selection Choose the number of focus points available for manual focuspoint selection. Option Description Choose from the 51 focus points shown at right. B 51 points (default) Choose from the 11 focus points shown at - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 337
) Exposure locks when the B button is pressed, and remains locked until the button is pressed a second time, the shutter is released, or the exposure meters turn off. E AE lock (Hold) Exposure locks when the B button is pressed, and remains locked until the button is pressed a second - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 338
as AF-ON Both B buttons perform the function selected for Custom Setting a9. A AF-ON (default) Pressing the vertical B button initiates D AE lock (Reset on release) pressed, and remains locked until the button is pressed a second time, the shutter is released, or the exposure meters turn - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 339
b: Metering/Exposure b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value This option determines whether adjustments to sensitivity are made in increments speed and aperture are in increments equivalent to 1 EV. The bracketing increment is set to 1 EV. b3: EV Steps for Exposure Comp. This option determines whether - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 340
) On Off (default) Description Exposure compensation is set by rotating one of the command dials (see note below). The setting selected using the command dial is reset when the camera or exposure meters turn off (exposure compensation settings selected using the E button are not reset). As above - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 341
of the setting selected for [Non-CPU lens data] in the setup menu (pg. 220). When [Average] is selected, the average of the entire frame will be used for both CPU and non-CPU lenses. b6: Fine Tune Optimal Exposure Use this option to fine-tune the exposure value selected by the camera. Exposure can - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 342
[Matrix metering], [Center-weighted], or [Spot metering] and press 2. 4 Choose an exposure value. Press 1 or 3 to choose an exposure value from +1 to -1 EV. Press J to save changes and exit. D Fine-Tuning Exposure Exposure can be fine-tuned separately for each Custom Settings bank and is not - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 343
AE-L At the default setting of [Off ], 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 This option controls how long the camera continues to meter exposure when - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 344
d 20 s c4: Monitor off Delay This option controls how long the monitor remains on when no operations are performed. Choose from 10 s, 20 s, 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes. Choose a shorter monitor-off delay for longer battery life. Regardless of the setting chosen, the monitor remains on if no - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 345
Shooting/Display d1: Beep Choose [High] or [Low] to sound a beep when the self-timer is used or the camera focuses in single-servo autofocus (note that a beep will not sound if [Release] is selected for Custom Setting a2 ([AF-S priority selection], pg. 305). Option Description y High Choose the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 346
speeds, or when using VR (vibration reduction) mode with VR lenses. Option Description In CH (continuous high-speed) mode, the frame advance Continuous high-speed rate for DX format (pg. 61) can be selected from 9 (the default setting), 10, and 11 frames per second (fps). Regardless of the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 347
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 release button will be disabled and no further photographs can be taken. Choose [Reset] for Custom Setting - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 348
Description Choose from [ISO sensitivity] (y; the default setting) and Rear control [Exposures remaining] (g). If [Exposures remaining] is panel selected, ISO sensitivity will only be displayed while the ISO button is pressed. Choose from [Frame count] (h; the default setting) and Viewfinder - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 349
Info Display At the default setting of [Auto] (AUTO), the color of the lettering in the information display (pg. 14) will automatically change from black to white or white to black to maintain contrast with the background. To always use the same color lettering, select [Manual] and choose [Dark on - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 350
[Off ] for increased battery life. d8: Exposure Delay Mode At the default setting of [Off ], shutter is released when the shutterrelease button is pressed. When shooting with [Tripod] selected in live view mode (pg. 97) or in situations where the slightest camera movement can blur pictures, [On] can - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 351
e1: Flash Sync Speed This option controls flash sync speed. Option Description Auto FP high-speed sync is used with SB-800, SB-600, and SB-R200 flash units. If other flash units are used, 1/250 s (Auto FP) shutter speed is set to 1/250 s. When the camera shows a shutter speed of 1/250 s in - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 352
with slow sync). Options range from 1/60 s ([1/60 s], the default setting) to 30 s ([30 s]). e3: Modeling Flash If [On] (the default setting) is selected when the camera is being used with an optional flash unit that supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS; pg. 190), the flash unit mounted - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 353
bracketed when auto bracketing (pg. 134) is in effect. Choose [AE & flash] (j; the default setting) to perform both exposure and flash-level bracketing, [AE only] (k) to bracket only exposure, [Flash only] (l) to perform only flash-level bracketing, or [WB bracketing] (m) - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 354
level (Custom Setting e4 set to [AE & flash]). I Flash only Camera varies flash level only (Custom Setting e4 set to [AE & flash]). Flash bracketing is performed only with i-TTL or AA flash control. If a setting other than [Flash only] is selected and a flash is not used, ISO sensitivity will be - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 355
e6: Bracketing Order At the default setting of [MTR]>[under]>[over] (H), bracketing is performed in the order described on pages 136 and 140. If [Under]>[MTR]>[over] (I) is selected, shooting will proceed in order from the lowest to the highest value. U 329 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 356
Controls options: Option Select center J focus point (default) Not used Description Pressing the center of the multi selector in shooting full-frame or thumbnail playback and playback zoom. p Zoom off on/ Choose the initial zoom setting from [Low magnification], [Medium magnification], and [High - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 357
f3: Photo Info/Playback At the default setting of [Info13/Playback42], pressing 1 or 3 in full-frame playback changes the photo information displayed, when used in combination with the command dials ([FUNC. button+dials]). ❚❚ FUNC. Button Press Selecting [FUNC. button press] for Custom Setting f4 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 358
mode (mode CH or CL) is selected, the camera will repeat the bracketing burst while the shutterrelease button is held down (in single frame release mode, white balance bracketing will be repeated at the frame rate for CH release mode). L Matrix metering Matrix metering is activated while the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 359
] will be set to [None]. A Virtual Horizon When [Virtual horizon] is selected for [FUNC. button press], the electronic analog exposure displays in the viewfinder and top control panel act as a horizontal level when the Fn button is pressed. Camera tilted right Camera level Camera tilted left - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 360
Custom Setting f4 displays the following options: Option Description Choose i image area (default) The Fn button and main command dial can be used to and rotate a command dial to w CPU lens choose a lens number specified using the [Non-CPU number lens data] option (pg. 220). x Focus point - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 361
) Photographs To use the command dials to select the focus point when framing shots in portrait ("tall") orientation: 1 Choose [Focus point selection]. Select [Focus point selection] for Custom Setting f4 ([Assign FUNC. button]) > [FUNC. button+dials]. 2 Unlock the shutter-release button for - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 362
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 area selection left or right, the sub-command dial to move it up or down. Main - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 363
by the depth-of-field preview button, either by itself ([Preview button press]) or when used in combination with the command dials ([Preview + command dials]). The options available are the ] lacks a [Focus point selection] option (the default setting for [Preview + command dials] is [None]). U 337 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 364
f6: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button Choose the role played by the AE-L/AF-L button, either by itself ([AE-L/AF-L button press]) or when used in combination with the command dials ([AE-L/AF-L+command dials]). The options available for [AE-L/AF-L button press] are the same as for [FUNC. button - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 365
[Yes] to reverse the rotation of the command dials. This setting also applies to the command dials for vertical shooting. At the default setting of [Off ], the main command dial controls shutter speed and the sub-command dial controls Change aperture. If [On] is selected, the main command dial - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 366
. At the default setting of [Off ], the multi selector is used to choose the picture displayed during full-frame playback, highlight thumbnails, and navigate menus. If [On] is selected, the main command dial can be used to choose the picture displayed during full-frame playback, move the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 367
button is pressed again, the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, or any of the I, E, t, M, ISO, QUAL, or WB button is pressed. Except when [No limit] is selected for Custom Setting c2 [Auto meter-off delay] or an optional EH-6 AC adapter is used, setting will also end when the exposure meters - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 368
release button is only enabled when a memory card is inserted in the camera. Note that when photographs are being captured to a computer using Camera Control Pro 2 (available separately), photographs are not recorded to the camera memory card and the shutter will be enabled regardless of the setting - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 369
f10: Reverse Indicators At the default setting of (V), the exposure indicators in the top control panel and shooting information display are displayed with positive values on the left and negative values on the right. Select (W) to display negative values on - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 370
Setup The setup menu contains the options listed below. For information on using the setup menu, see "Tutorial: Camera Menus" (pg. 26). Option See page Format memory card 345 LCD brightness 345 Lock mirror up for cleaning 1 395 Video mode 346 HDMI 346 World time 347 Language 347 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 371
from seven settings for monitor brightness. Choose higher values for increased brightness, lower values for reduced brightness. Lock Mirror up for Cleaning Lock the mirror in the up position to allow inspection or manual cleaning of the low-pass filter that protects the camera image sensor (pg. 395 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 372
A/V out connector, be sure the camera video mode matches the device video standard (NTSC or PAL). HDMI 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 type A cable (available - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 373
daylight saving time on or off. Option Description Time zone Choose a time zone. The camera clock is automatically set to the time in the new time zone. Date and time Set the camera clock (pg. 39). Date format Choose the order in which the day, month, and year are displayed. Daylight saving - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 374
Image Comment Add a comment to new photographs as they are taken. Comments can be viewed in ViewNX (supplied) or Capture NX (available separately) (pg. 387). The comment is also visible on the third page of the photo information display. • [Done]: Save changes and return to the setup menu. • [Input - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 375
or Capture NX (available separately) (pg. 387). 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. Choose this option when taking photographs with the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 376
when the camera is in shooting mode. See "Voice Memos: Recording Voice Memos" (pg. 249). Voice Memo Button This option controls the operation of ] (the default setting) when connecting to a PictBridge printer or an optional WT-4 wireless transmitter or when using Camera Control Pro 2 (available - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 377
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; U in manual focus mode, set focus to infinity - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 378
Data The same reference data can be used for photographs taken with different lenses or at different apertures. Reference images can not be viewed using computer imaging software. A grid pattern is displayed when reference images are viewed on the camera; histograms and highlights are not displayed - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 379
Note Pic. meter that the camera may sometimes release the shutter without recording a photograph, for example when measuring preset white balance. • [j]: Due to repeated use and recharging, calibration is Calibration required to ensure that battery level can be measured accurately; recalibrate - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 380
is used to adjust settings for connection to a wireless network, using an alterations to be detected using Nikon's optional Image Authentication software Camera Control Pro 2 Image authentication information is not embedded in TIFF (RGB) photographs recorded directly to a computer using Camera Control - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 381
JPEG compression Shooting NEF (RAW) recording (all banks) White balance (with fine tuning and presets d-0-d-4) Set Picture Control Color space Active D-Lighting Long exp. NR High ISO NR ISO sensitivity settings Live view Custom settings (all banks) All Custom Settings except [Reset custom - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 382
Menu Setup My Menu Option Video mode HDMI World time (excepting date and time) Language Image comment Auto image rotation Voice memo Voice memo overwrite Voice memo button Audio output USB Image authentication GPS Non-CPU lens data All My Menu items Settings saved using the D3 can be restored by - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 383
on information from the camera orientation sensor. D Tilting the Camera The virtual horizon display is not accurate when the camera is tilted at a sharp angle forward or back. A See Also For information on using the electronic analog exposure displays as a tilt meter, see Custom Setting f4 ([Assign - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 384
. Saved value Tune AF for the current lens (CPU lenses only). Press 1 or 3 to choose a value between +20 and -20. Values for up to 20 lenses can Move focal point away from camera. be stored. Current value Choose the AF tuning value used Default when no previously saved value exists for the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 385
is the same as the last two digits of the lens serial number to List distinguish it from other lenses of the same type), highlight the teleconverter is used, separate values can be stored for each combination of lens and teleconverter. Firmware Version View the current camera firmware version. U - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 386
when a memory card containing photographs is inserted in the camera. For information on using the shooting menu, see "Tutorial: Camera Menus" (pg. 26). Option See page i D-Lighting 371 * Not available with photographs taken with [Monochrome] selected for [Set Picture Control] (pg. 168). U 360 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 387
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). If two memory cards are inserted, the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 388
images, and copies created from TIFF (RGB) photos are saved as fine-quality JPEG images of the same size as the original. Sizepriority compression is used when copies are saved in JPEG format. U 362 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 389
D-Lighting D-Lighting brightens shadows, making it ideal for dark or backlit photographs. Before 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. After U 363 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 390
that are not affected by red-eye; check the preview thoroughly before proceeding. To Use Zoom in N + Zoom out N + View other areas of N + image frame. While N button is pressed, area currently visible in monitor is indicated by yellow border. Press J to cancel zoom. Create copy U If the camera - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 391
main command dial left to increase the size of the crop. Rotate the main command dial to switch between aspect ratios of 3 : 2, 4 : 3, and 5 : 4. Use multi selector to move crop to other area of image. Preview crop Press center of multi selector to preview cropped image. Create copy J Save the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 392
A Trim: Image Quality and Size Copies created from NEF (RAW), NEF (RAW) + JPEG, or TIFF (RGB) photos have an image quality (pg. 65) 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. Aspect - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 393
Skylight Description Creates the effect of a skylight filter, making the picture less blue. The effect can be previewed in the monitor as warm" red cast. The effect can be previewed in the monitor. Color Balance Use the multi selector to create a copy with modified color balance as shown below - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 394
are noticeably better than photographs combined in an imaging application because they make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor. The new picture is saved at current image quality and size settings; before creating an overlay, set image quality and size (pp. 65, 69; all options are available - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 395
the highlighted photograph. Press J to select the highlighted photograph and return to the preview display. The selected image will appear as [Image 1]. 5 Set gain. 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. The default value - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 396
photo info (including date of recording, metering, shutter speed, aperture, exposure mode, exposure U compensation, focal length, and image orientation) and values for white balance and picture control as the photograph selected for [Image 1]. Overlays saved in NEF (RAW) format use the compression - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 397
] 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. To view the highlighted photograph full frame, press and hold the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 398
the retouched copy on the right, with the options used to create the copy listed at the top of the display. Press the multi 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 399
O My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu 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). Options can be added, deleted, and reordered as described below. For - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 400
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 View My Menu. 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. U 374 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 401
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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 402
. U 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. 376 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 403
, and Resources This chapter covers the following topics: Compatible Lenses pg. 378 Other Accessories pg. 383 Caring for the Camera pg. 390 Storage pg. 390 Cleaning pg. 390 Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions pg. 398 Troubleshooting pg. 402 Error Messages pg. 409 Appendix pg. 417 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 404
series 11A, 12, or 13; - ✔8 ✔ - ✔ 13 - - ✔ PN-11) 1 IX-Nikkor lenses can not be used. 2 Vibration Reduction (VR) supported with VR lenses. 3 Spot metering meters selected focus point. 4 The camera's exposure metering and flash control systems do not work properly when shifting and/or tilting the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 405
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 380). 12 Range of rotation for AI 80-200mm f/2.8 ED tripod mount is limited by camera body. Filters can not be exchanged while - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 406
D Incompatible Accessories and Non-CPU Lenses The following accessories and non-CPU lenses can NOT be used with the D3: • TC-16AS AF teleconverter • Non-AI lenses • Lenses that require the AU-1 focusing unit (400mm f/4.5, 600mm • AF lenses for the F3AF (AF 80mm f/ 2.8, AF 200mm f/3.5 ED, AF - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 407
, 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. If the maximum aperture has not been specified using [Non-CPU lens data], the camera aperture display will show - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 408
A Picture Angle and Focal Length The D3 can be used with Nikon lenses for 35mm (135) format cameras. If [Auto DX crop] is on (the default setting) 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 409
for long-term storage. The camera can also be controlled from any computer on the network using Camera Control Pro 2 (available separately). Note that the WT-4 requires an independent power source; an EH-6 AC adapter or an EN-EL3e battery is recommended. See the WT-4 manual for details. n 383 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 410
available for the D3 are listed below. Type B Brite View A type B focusing screen clear-matte is supplied with the VI focusing camera. screen Type lenses. • Magnifier DG-2: The DG-2 magnifies the scene displayed in the viewfinder. Use for close-up photography, copying, telephoto lenses, - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 411
diopters of -3, -2, 0, +1, and +2 m-1 (values with camera diopter control centered at -1 m-1). Use diopter adjustment lenses only if the desired focus can not be achieved with the built-in diopter adjustment control (-3 to +1 m-1). Test diopter adjustment lenses before purchase to ensure that the - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 412
use of a filter is not recommended when the subject is framed against a bright light, or when a bright light source is in the frame. • Center-weighted , B12). • Nikon Speedlights SB-800, SB-600, and SB-400 • Nikon Wireless Remote Speedlight SB-R200 (Controlled remotely Optional using the SB-800 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 413
. • Camera Control Pro 2: Control the camera remotely from a computer and save photographs directly to the computer hard disk. • Image Authentication: Determine whether photographs taken with image authentication on have been modified after shooting. Body cap Note: Use the latest versions of Nikon - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 414
. 80 cm (2 ft. 7 in.) Remote Cord MC-36 Remote shutter release; can be used for interval timer photography or to reduce camera shake or keep the shutter open during a time exposure. Equipped with back-lit control panel, shutter-release lock for use in bulb photography, and timer that beeps at one - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 415
❚❚ Approved Memory Cards The following cards have been tested and approved for use in the D3: SanDisk 8 GB Extreme IV SDCFX4 4 GB 2 GB 8 GB Extreme III SDCFX3 4 GB 2 GB 1 GB 8 GB Ultra II SDCFH 4 GB 2 GB 1 GB 4 GB Standard SDCFB 2 GB 1 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 416
50 °C (122 °F) or below -10 °C (14 °F) Cleaning Use a blower to remove dust and lint, then wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. After using the camera at the beach or seaside, Camera wipe off sand or salt with a cloth lightly dampened in distilled body water and dry thoroughly. Important: Dust - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 417
at shipment. To insert an optional type E clear-matte VI focusing screen for D3 cameras (pg. 384): 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 418
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. n A Framing Grids The display in type E focusing screens may be slightly out of position depending on how the focusing screen is placed. 392 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 419
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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 420
. 6 Replace the main battery. Reinsert the EN-EL4a. 7 Set the camera clock. Set the camera to the current date and time (pg. 39). Until the date and time have been set, the B icon will flash in the top control panel. n D Inserting the Clock Battery Insert the clock battery in the correct orientation - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 421
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. If the battery level is below J (60%), turn the camera off and insert a fully-charged - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 422
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. Remove any dust and lint - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 423
can be retouched using Capture NX (available separately; pg. 387) or the clean image options available in some third-party imaging applications. D Servicing the Camera and Accessories The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing. Nikon recommends that the camera be inspected by - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 424
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 not use sensor to deteriorate or produce a white blur effect in photographs. n 398 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 425
, but this has no affect on pictures and does not indicate a malfunction. Storage: To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a dry, wellventilated area. If the product will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery to prevent leakage and store the camera in a plastic bag containing - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 426
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 the AC adapter is connected. Dry the accessory shoe cover: If the camera is used in the rain, water may penetrate the supplied BS-2 accessory shoe cover. Remove - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 427
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. Do not expose the battery to flame or excessive heat. After removing the battery from the camera, be sure to - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 428
more information. ❚❚ Display Problem Solution Page Viewfinder is out of focus. Adjust viewfinder focus or use optional diopter adjustment lenses. 47 Viewfinder is dark. Insert a fully-charged battery. 48 Displays turn off without warning. Choose longer delays for Custom Setting c2 ([Auto - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 429
card is full or not inserted. • CPU lens with aperture ring attached but aperture not locked at highest f-number. If B is displayed in the top control panel, Shutter-release disabled. select [Aperture ring] for Custom Setting f7 ([Customize command dials]) > [Aperture setting] to use lens - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 430
325 Speedlight, choose [1/250 s (Auto FP)] for full range of shutter speeds. Focus does not lock when shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Camera is in focus mode C: use AE-L/ AF-L button to lock focus. 81 Image size can not be changed. [Image quality] set to [NEF (RAW)]. 69 • Unlock - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 431
is slower than 1 s: 299 photos. use long exposure noise reduction. Photos are blotched or • Clean lens. - smeared. • Clean low-pass filter. 395 • Adjust white balance to match 144 Colors are unnatural. light source. • Adjust [Set Picture Control] 166 settings. Can not measure white - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 432
Effects of Picture Control sharpening, contrast, or saturation. differ from image to For consistent results over a series 172 image. of photographs, choose a setting other than "A" (auto). Metering can not be changed. Autoexposure lock is in effect. 131 Exposure compensation can not be used - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 433
Set [USB] to [MTP/PTP]. 350 • NEF (RAW) and TIFF photos can not be 262 Can not print photos. printed by direct USB connection. Use DPOF print service (TIFF images only) or transfer to computer and print using supplied software or Capture NX. Photo is not displayed on TV. Choose correct video - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 434
Photos not displayed in Capture NX. Update software to latest version. 387 Can not use Camera Control Pro 2. Set [USB] to [MTP/PTP]. 257 ❚❚ Miscellaneous Problem Solution Page Date of recording is not correct. Set camera clock. 39 Some options are not available at Menu item can not be - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 435
largest f-number). H d Low battery. Ready a fully-charged spare battery. H (blinks) d (blinks) Battery exhausted. Replace battery. G d Battery can not be (blinks) (blinks) used. Contact Nikonauthorized service representative. B (blinks) - Camera clock is not set. Set camera clock. No lens - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 436
Indicator Control Viewpanel finder Problem Subject too bright; q photo will be overexposed. Solution Page • Use a lower ISO 108 sensitivity. • Use optional ND filter. 386 In exposure mode: f Increase shutter 120 speed g Choose a smaller 122 aperture (larger f-number) n 410 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 437
Indicator Control View- panel finder Problem Solution Page • Use a higher ISO 108 sensitivity. • Use optional flash. In 191 manual 120, 124 exposure mode. (blinks) c (blinks) Optional flash unit that does not support i-TTL flash control attached and set to TTL. Change flash mode setting - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 438
Indicator Control View- panel finder Problem Solution Y (blinks) - Flash unit that does not support red-eye reduction attached and flash sync mode set to red-eye reduction. Change flash sync mode or use flash unit that supports red-eye reduction. Memory insufficient to • Reduce quality or - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 439
) Insert another card. • Unable to create new folder. Solution Turn camera off and confirm that card is correctly inserted. • Use Nikon- approved card. • Check that contacts are clean. If card is damaged, contact retailer or Nikon representative. • Delete files or insert new memory card. Page 42 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 440
Indicator Control Monitor panel Problem Solution This card is not formatted. Format the C (blinks) Memory card has not been formatted for use in camera. Format memory card or insert new memory card. card. Select folder Folder contains no images. No images on containing images - - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 441
Indicator Control Monitor panel Problem Solution Page Cannot select this file - Memory card does not contain images that can be retouched. Images created with other devices can not be retouched. - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 442
Indicator Control Monitor panel Problem Solution Check ink supply. - Ink error. Check ink. To resume, select [Continue]. Out of ink. - Printer is out of ink. Replace ink and select [Continue]. * See printer manual for more information. Page 263 * 263 * n 416 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 443
Appendix The Appendix covers the following topics: • Defaults pg. 418 • Memory Card Capacity pg. 423 • Exposure Program pg. 426 n 417 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 444
or using [Reset shooting menu] or [Reset custom settings]. ❚❚ Defaults Restored with a Two-Button Reset (pg. 206) 1 Option [ISO sensitivity] Picture Control has been modified, existing settings for the Picture Control will also be restored. 2 Only the settings in the bank currently selected using - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 445
) [Set Picture Control] (pg. 166) [Color space] (pg. 187) [Active D-Lighting] (pg. 185) [Long exp. NR] (pg. 299) [High ISO NR] (pg. 299) [ISO sensitivity settings] (pg. 108) [ISO sensitivity] (pg. 108) [ISO sensitivity auto control] (pg. 110) [Live view] (pg. 90) [Live view mode] (pg. 91) [Release - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 446
] 0 [Center-weighted] 0 [Spot metering] 0 c1 [Shutter-release button AE-L] (pg. 317) Off c2 [Auto meter-off delay] (pg. 317) 6 s c3 [Self-timer delay] (pg. 318) 10 s c4 [Monitor off delay] (pg. 318) 20 s * Only the settings in the bank currently selected using the [Custom settings bank - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 447
Option d1 [Beep] (pg. 319) [Shooting speed] (pg. 320) d2 [Continuous high-speed] [Continuous low-speed] d3 [Max. continuous release] (pg. 320) d4 [File number sequence] (pg. 321) [Control panel/viewfinder] (pg. 322) d5 [Rear control panel] [Viewfinder display] d6 [Shooting info display] (pg. 323) d7 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 448
dials] [Customize command dials] (pg. 339) [Reverse rotation] (pg. 339) f7 [Change main/sub] (pg. 339) [Aperture setting] (pg. 340) [Menus and playback] (pg. 340) f8 [Release button to use dial] (pg. 341) f9 [No memory card?] (pg. 342) f10 [Reverse indicators] (pg. 343) Default Select center focus - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 449
Memory Card Capacity The following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on a 2 GB SanDisk Extreme IV (SDCFX4) card at different image quality, image size, and image area settings. ❚❚ FX format (36 × 24) Image Area Image quality Image size File size 1 NEF (RAW), - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 450
❚❚ DX Format (24 × 16) Image Area Image quality Image size File size 1 NEF (RAW), Lossless - compressed, 12-bit 5.7 MB NEF (RAW), Lossless - compressed, 14-bit 7.0 MB NEF (RAW), - Compressed, 12-bit 4.7 MB NEF (RAW), - Compressed, 14-bit 6.0 MB NEF (RAW), Uncompressed, - 8.1 MB - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 451
Drops if [Optimal quality] is selected for [JPEG compression], ISO sensitivity is set to P or higher, [High ISO NR] is on when auto ISO sensitivity control is on or ISO sensitivity is set to 2000 or higher, or long exposure noise reduction, active D-Lighting or image authentication is on. 3 Figures - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 452
32 30" 15" 8" 4" 2" 1" 2 4 8 15 30 60 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 Shutter speed The maximum and minimum values for EV vary with ISO sensitivity; the above graph assumes an ISO sensitivity of ISO 200 equivalent. When matrix metering is used, values over 171/3 EV are reduced to 171/3 EV. n 426 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 453
Specifications ❚❚ Nikon D3 Digital Camera Type Type Lens mount Single-lens reflex digital camera Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts) Effective pixels Effective pixels 12.1 million Image sensor Image sensor Total pixels Dust-reduction System 36 × 23.9 mm CMOS sensor (Nikon FX - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 454
down to value selected by user (g and h modes) or by camera (e and f modes) Instant return, electronically controlled Lens Compatible lenses n • 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 455
(ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20 °C/68 °F) TTL exposure metering using 1,005-segment RGB sensor • 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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 456
1/2, or 1 EV. Can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200 or to approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1 (ISO 12800 equivalent), or 2 EV (ISO 25600 equivalent) above ISO 6400. Can be selected from [High], [Normal], or [Low] Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module with TTL - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 457
Accessory shoe Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock Nikon Creative Lighting Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-800, or System (CLS) SU-800 as commander and SB-800, SB-600, or SB-R200 as remotes; Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 458
stated, all figures are for a camera with a fully-charged battery operating at an ambient temperature of 20 °C (68 °F). • Nikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in this manual at any time and without prior notice. Nikon will not be held liable - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 459
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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 460
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. A Charging and Calibrating Two - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 461
V (50/60 Hz) Rated output DC 12.6 V/1,200 mA Supported batteries Nikon EN-EL4a/EN-EL4 rechargeable Li-ion batteries Charging time per Approx. 2 hours and 25 minutes (EN-EL4a) or 1 hour battery and 40 minutes (EN-EL4) when battery is fully discharged Operating temperature 0-40 °C (+32-104 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 462
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 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 463
(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. • Use batteries immediately after charging. Batteries will lose their charge if left unused. • Check - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 464
, 350 [Audio output], 254, 350 Auto bracketing, 134, 327, 328 [Auto bracketing (Mode M)], 328 [Auto bracketing set], 327 [AE & flash], 327 [AE only], 327 [Flash only], 327 [WB bracketing], 327 Auto FP high-speed sync, 190, 197, 325 [Auto image rotation], 349 Auto meter off, 317 [Auto meter-off delay - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 465
-36, 401 [Battery info], 353 [Beep], 319 Body cap, 4, 37, 387 Bracketing, 134, 327, 328 exposure, 134, 327 flash, 134, 327 white balance, 134, 139, 327 [Bracketing order], 329 Bulb, 126 Burst, 89, 320, 332 C C, 74, 304 Calibrating, 433 calibration, 353, 433 charging, 32 info, 353 Camera Control Pro - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 466
Firmware version], 359 Flash, 134, 189, 197, 326, 327 bracketing, 134, 327 control, 196 i-TTL balanced-fill flash for digital SLR, 196 standard i-TTL flash for digital continuous-servo AF, 74, 304 manual, 74, 83, 95 440 Hide image], 281 High definition, 274, 276, 346, 436 [High ISO NR], 299 Highlights - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 467
], 91 [Hand-held], 91, 94 [Tripod], 91, 97 [Release mode], 92 Live view, 90-102 LO, 109 [Lock mirror up for cleaning], 345 [Long exp. NR], 299 M M, 74, 83 M (manual focus mode), 83 M (medium), 69 Magenta, 148, 367 [Manage Picture Control], 174 Manual, 83, 95, 124 Mass Storage, 257, 350 Matrix, 114 - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 468
], 68 Nikon Transfer, 256 [No memory card?], 342 [Non-CPU lens data], 220 O Overview data, 239, 240 P PC, 223, 259 Photo info, 231 [Photo info/playback], 331 PictBridge, 263, 436 Picture angle, 60, 297, 382 Picture Controls, 166 Playback, 57, 227, 274 folder, 281 full-frame, 228 information - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 469
settings], 355 Saving camera settings, 355 [Self-timer delay], 318 Sensitivity, 107 [Set Picture Control release button, 3, 56 [Shutter-release button AE-L], 317 [Side-by-side comparison], 371 Single-point AF, 76 Size, 69 [Slide show], 288 [Frame -release button lock, 335 Video, 274, 346 [Video mode - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 470
in the camera monitor are shown in brackets ([ ]). [Incandescent], 144 [Preset manual], 145 [Shade], 145 White balance, 143 bracketing, 134, 139 preset manual, 145, 152 Wireless, 191, 261, 262, 354, 383 network, 261 transmitter, 261, 354 [Wireless transmitter], 354 [World time], 347 [Date and time - Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 471
- Nikon D3body | D3 User's Manual - Page 472
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. Printed in Japan SB7J01(11) 6MB00711-01
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DIGITAL CAMERA
En
User's Manual