Nikon 9481 User Manual
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Nikon 9481 manual content summary:
- Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 1
DIGITAL CAMERA User's Manual En - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 2
solution here. i Troubleshooting ➜ pp. 383-390 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 9481 | User Manual - Page 3
with power cable (pg. 30) • UC-E4 USB cable (pp. 224, 232) • EG-D100 video cable (pg. 242) • AN-D300 strap (pg. 19) • Warranty • User's Manual (this guide) • Quick Guide • Software Installation Guide • Software Suite CD-ROM • Registration card (U. S. A. only) i - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 4
Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. PictBridge is a trademark. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. ii - Nikon 9481 | User 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 Q Connections U Menu Guide n Technical Notes iii - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 6
Q&A Index Find what you're looking for using this "question and answer" index. ❚❚ New Features Question Key phrase How do I take high-quality NEF (RAW) photos? 14-bit NEF (RAW) Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder? Live view Can I control how photos are processed? Picture Controls How do I - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 7
Question How do I set the clock? How do I set the clock for daylight savings time? How do I change time zones when I travel? How do I adjust monitor brightness for menus or playback? How do I restore default settings? How do I restore shooting menu defaults? How do I restore Custom Setting defaults? - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 8
Question Key phrase How do I get more information about the battery? Battery info How do I keep the file number from being reset when I insert a new memory card? File number sequence How do I reset file numbering to 1? How do I clean the camera or lens? Cleaning the camera See page 321 283 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 9
Question Key phrase See page Can I set both shutter speed and aperture Exposure mode h manually? (manual) 109 Can I make photos brighter or darker? Exposure compensation 114 How do I make a time exposure? Long time-exposures 111 Can I vary exposure or flash level - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 10
Question Key phrase How do I get rid of an unwanted photo? Deleting individual photos Can I delete several photos at once? Delete Can I zoom in on pictures to make sure they're in focus? Playback zoom Can I protect photos from accidental deletion? Protect Can I hide selected photos? Hide - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 11
❚❚ Viewing or Printing Photographs on Other Devices Question Key phrase Can I view my photos on TV? Television playback Can I view my photos in High Definition? HDMI How do I copy photos to my computer? Connecting to a computer How do I print photographs? Printing photographs Can I print - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 12
to Know the Camera 3 Camera Body 3 The Control Panel 8 The Viewfinder Display 10 The Shooting Information Display 12 The Command Dials 14 Quick Start Guide 21 Tutorial 23 Camera Menus 24 Using Camera Menus 26 Help ...29 First Steps 30 Charge the Battery 30 Insert the Battery 32 Attach - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 13
Recording Options 55 Image Quality 56 Image Size 60 Focus 61 Focus Mode 62 AF-Area Mode 64 Focus Point Selection 66 Focus Lock 68 Manual Focus 71 Release Mode 73 Choosing a Release Mode 74 Continuous Mode 76 Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View 79 Self-Timer Mode 89 Mirror - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 14
114 Bracketing 116 White Balance 125 White Balance Options 126 Fine-Tuning White Balance 129 Choosing a Color Temperature 133 Preset Manual 134 Image Enhancement 145 Picture Controls 146 Creating Custom Picture Controls 154 Active D-Lighting 165 Color Space 167 Flash Photography - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 15
Other Shooting Options 181 Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings 182 Multiple Exposure 184 Interval Timer Photography 189 Non-CPU Lenses 196 Using a GPS Unit 199 More About Playback 203 Full-Frame Playback 204 Photo Information 206 Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback 218 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 16
Menu Guide 245 D The Playback Menu: Managing Images 246 Delete 248 Playback Folder 249 Hide Image 249 Display Mode 250 Image Review 251 After Delete 251 Rotate - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 17
a3: Dynamic AF Area 269 a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On 270 a5: AF Activation 271 a6: AF Point Illumination 271 a7: Focus Point Wrap-Around 272 a8: AF Point Selection 272 a9: Built-in AF-assist Illuminator 273 a10: AF-On for MB-D10 274 b: Metering/Exposure 275 b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 18
e7: Bracketing Order 299 f: Controls 300 f1: Multi Selector Center Button 300 f2: Multi Selector 301 f3: Photo Info/Playback 301 f4: Assign FUNC. Button 302 f5: Assign Preview Button 305 f6: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button 306 f7: Customize Command Dials 307 f8: Release Button to Use Dial 308 f9: - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 19
365 Caring for the Camera 372 Storage 372 Cleaning 372 The Low-Pass Filter 373 "Clean Now 373 "Clean at Startup/Shutdown 374 Manual Cleaning 376 Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions 379 Troubleshooting 383 Error Messages 391 Appendix 399 Specifications 409 Index...419 xvii - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 20
in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them. The After removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikonauthorized service center for inspection. When operating the viewfinder diopter control with your - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 21
A Do not use in the presence of flammable gas Do not use electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas, as this could result in explosion or fire. A Keep out of reach of children Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury. A Do not place the strap around the neck of an infant - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 22
• Do not damage, modify, or A CD-ROMs CD-ROMs containing software or manuals should not be played back on audio CD equipment. Playing CD-ROMs on an cable to subject's eyes could cause a Nikon-authorized service temporary visual impairment. representative for inspection. Particular care should - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 23
• While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in these manuals is accurate and complete, we would appreciate it were you to bring any errors and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 24
completely refill it with images containing no private information (for example, pictures of empty sky). Be sure to also replace any pictures selected for preset manual. Care should be taken to avoid injury when physically destroying data storage devices. xxii - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 25
Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other device may be punishable by law. • Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced Do not - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 26
available online at the following sites: • For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/ • For users in Europe and Africa: 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 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 27
. 3 Camera Body pg. 3 The Control Panel pg. 8 The Viewfinder Display pg. 10 The Shooting Information Display pg. 12 The Command Dials pg. 14 Quick Start Guide pg. 21 1 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 28
lens reflex (SLR) X digital camera. Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly to get the most from the camera, and keep them where they YOUR NIKON WARRANTY. D Servicing the Camera and Accessories The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing. Nikon recommends that the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 29
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 8 9 2 10 3 4 11 12 5 6 13 7 14 1 Release mode dial 75 8 Power switch 44 2 Release mode dial 9 Shutter-release button ...... 51, 52 lock - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 30
Camera Body (Continued) 1 X 2 3 4 6 7 5 8 9 10 13 11 14 12 15 16 1 Built-in flash 171 2 Flash pop-up button 171 3 M (flash mode) button 171 Y (flash compensation) button 176 4 Flash sync terminal cover 364 5 Ten-pin remote terminal cover 199, 369 6 Flash sync terminal 364 7 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 31
8 9 X 1 10 2 3 4 5 11 6 7 12 1 AF-assist illuminator 273 Self-timer lamp 90 Red-eye reduction lamp........ 174 2 Sub-command dial 14 3 Depth-of-field preview button 103, 305 4 Fn button .........117, 121, 179, 302 5 Battery-chamber cover 32 6 Battery-chamber cover latch 32 7 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 32
Camera Body (Continued) X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 Viewfinder eyepiece 43 7 L (protect) button 221 2 DK-23 viewfinder ? (help) button 29 eyepiece cup 20 R (info) button 12 3 O (delete) button 54, 222 8 W (thumbnail/playback Q (format) button 41 zoom out) button 218 4 K (playback) - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 33
12 X 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 Diopter adjustment control ....43 2 Metering selector 101 3 A (AE/AF lock) button 68, 69, 306 4 B (AF-ON) button ..........63, 83 5 Main command dial 14 6 Multi selector 26 7 Focus selector lock 66 8 Memory card slot cover 39 9 Memory card access lamp 40, 52 10 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 34
11 Number of exposures remaining 45 Number of shots remaining before memory buffer fills...........77 Capture mode indicator 224 Preset white balance recording indicator 137 Manual lens number 198 12 "K" (appears when memory remains for over 1000 exposures 45 13 Battery indicator 44 8 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 35
18 31 19 20 30 29 X 21 28 22 23 27 26 24 25 14 Flash mode 171 15 "Beep" indicator 281 16 Aperture (f-number)..........107, 109 Aperture (number of stops 353 Exposure and flash bracketing increment 118 WB bracketing increment......... 122 Number of shots per interval 192 Maximum - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 36
The Viewfinder Display 1 2 X 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 17 10 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 37
1 Framing grid (displayed 14 Number of exposures when [On] is selected for remaining 45 Custom Setting d2 281 Number of shots remaining 2 Focus points 66, 272 3 AF area brackets 43, 81 before memory buffer fills... 51, 77 White balance recording X 4 Battery indicator 44, 282 indicator - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 38
The Shooting Information Display Shooting information, including shutter speed, aperture, the number of exposures X remaining, buffer capacity, and AF-area mode, is displayed in the monitor when the R button is pressed. To clear shooting information from the monitor, press the R R button - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 39
memory remains for over 1000 exposures 45 WB bracketing increment 122 30 Number of exposures Maximum aperture remaining 77 (non-CPU lenses 198 Manual lens number 198 8 Camera battery indicator 44 31 White balance 127 9 MB-D10 battery type display....... 287 MB-D10 battery indicator 286 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 40
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 M button Flash mode/ Flash compensation QUAL button Image quality/size WB button White balance ISO button ISO sensitivity Fn button Bracketing Sub-command dial - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 41
❚❚ Image Quality and Size Press the QUAL button and rotate the command dials. Set image quality X (pg. 57) + QUAL button Main command dial Control panel Choose an image size (pg. 60) + QUAL button Sub-command dial Control panel ❚❚ ISO Sensitivity Press the ISO button and rotate the main - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 42
❚❚ Exposure Press the I button and rotate the main command dial to choose the exposure mode. X Choose the exposure mode (pg. 102) + I button Main command dial Use the command dials to adjust exposure. Choose a combination of aperture and shutter speed (exposure mode P; pg. 105) + Exposure - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 43
Set exposure compensation (pg. 114) + X E button Main command dial Control panel Activate or cancel bracketing/ select number of shots in bracketing sequence (pp. 117, 120) + Fn button Main command dial Control panel Select bracketing exposure increment (pg. 118) + Fn button Sub-command - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 44
❚❚ White Balance Press the WB button and rotate the command dials. X Choose a white balance setting (pg. 127) + WB button Main command dial Control panel Fine-tune white balance (pg. 132), set color temperature (pg. 133), or choose a white WB button balance preset (pg. 143) + Sub- - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 45
Attaching the AN-D300 Camera Strap Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets on the camera body as shown below. X The BM-8 Monitor Cover A clear plastic cover is provided with the camera to keep the monitor clean and protect it when the camera is not in use. To attach the cover, insert the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 46
The DK-23 Viewfinder Eyepiece Cup Before attaching the DK-5 viewfinder eyepiece cap and other viewfinder X accessories (pp. 89, 366), remove the DK-23 viewfinder eyepiece cup by placing your fingers underneath the flanges on either side and sliding it off as shown at right. The DK-5 viewfinder - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 47
Quick Start Guide Follow these steps for a quick start with the D300. 1 Charge the battery (pg. 30). X 2 Insert the battery (pg. 32). 3 Attach a lens (pg. 34). 4 Insert a memory - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 48
6 Check camera settings (pp. 44, 47). Exposure mode X Image size Image quality Battery level Number of exposures remaining White balance Control panel ISO sensitivity Viewfinder display 7 Select single-servo autofocus (pp. 49, 62). Rotate the focus-mode selector to S (single-servo - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 49
sTutorial 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. 24 Using Camera Menus pg. 26 Help ...pg. 29 First Steps pg. 30 Charge the Battery pg. 30 Insert the Battery pg. 32 Attach a - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 50
Camera 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 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 51
❚❚ Menus The following menus are available: Menu Description D Playback Adjust playback settings and manage photos (pg. 246). C Shooting Adjust shooting settings (pg. 254). s A Custom Settings Personalize camera settings (pg. 264). B Setup Format memory cards and perform basic camera setup - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 52
Using Camera Menus ❚❚ Menu Controls The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the menus. Select s Move cursor up highlighted item Select Cancel and return highlighted item to previous menu or display sub- menu Move cursor down J button Select highlighted item ❚❚ Navigating - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 53
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 9481 | User Manual - Page 54
8 Select the highlighted item. Press J to select the highlighted item. To exit without making a selection, press the G button. s J button Note the following points: • Menu items that are displayed in gray are not currently available. • While pressing 2 or the center of the multi selector - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 55
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 29 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 56
First Steps Charge the Battery The D300 is powered by an EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion battery s (supplied). The EN-EL3e is not fully charged at shipment. To maximize shooting time, charge the battery in the supplied MH-18a quick charger before use. About two and a quarter hours are required to fully - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 57
3 Insert the battery. Insert the battery into the charger. The CHARGE lamp will blink while the battery charges. s 4 Remove the battery when charging is complete. Charging is complete when the CHARGE lamp stops blinking. Remove the battery and unplug the charger. 31 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 58
Insert the Battery 1 Turn the camera off. Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing s batteries. Power switch 2 Open the battery-chamber cover. Open the battery-chamber cover on the bottom of the camera. 3 Insert the battery. Insert the battery as shown at right. 4 Close the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 59
D The Battery and Charger Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xviii-xx and 379-382 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) - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 60
button, rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it clicks into place. If the lens is equipped with an A-M or M/A-M switch, select A (autofocus) or M/ A (autofocus with manual priority). 34 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 61
aperture ring (pg. 352), lock aperture at the minimum setting (highest f-number). See the lens manual for details. A Lens An AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens is used in this manual for illustrative purposes. Mounting index Focal length scale Focal length index Focus mode switch (pg. 34 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 62
Basic Setup The language option in the setup menu is automatically highlighted the first time menus are displayed. Choose a language and set the time and date. s 1 Turn the camera on. Power switch 2 Select [Language]. Press G to display the camera menus, then select [Language] in the setup menu. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 63
4 Select [World time]. Select [World time] and press 2. 5 Set time zone. s A time-zone selection dialog will be displayed. Press 4 or 2 to highlight the local time zone (the [UTC] field shows the difference between the selected time zone and Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in hours) and press - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 64
8 Set date format. Press 1 or 3 to choose the order in which the year, month, and day will be displayed and s press J. 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 an independent, rechargeable - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 65
Insert a Memory Card The camera stores photographs on CompactFlash and microdrive memory cards (available separately; pg. 371). The following section describes how to insert and format a memory card. 1 Turn the camera off. Power switch s Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 66
4 Close the card slot cover. s ❚❚ Removing Memory Cards 1 Turn the camera off. Confirm that the access lamp is off and turn the camera off. Access lamp 2 Remove the memory card. Open the memory card slot cover and press the eject button (q) to partially eject the card (w). The memory card can then - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 67
Format the Memory Card Memory cards must be formatted before first use. Format the card as described below. D Formatting Memory Cards s Formatting memory cards permanently deletes any data they may contain. Be sure to copy any photographs and other data you wish to keep to a computer before - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 68
3 Press the Q buttons again. Press the Q (I and O) buttons together a second time to format the memory card. Do not remove the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source during formatting. s When formatting is complete, the control panel and viewfinder will show the number of - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 69
Adjust Viewfinder Focus The camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to accommodate individual differences in vision. Check that the display in the viewfinder is in focus before shooting. 1 Turn the camera on. Power switch s Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on. 2 Focus the viewfinder. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 70
Basic Photography and Playback Turn the Camera On Before taking photographs, turn the camera on and check the s battery level and number of exposures remaining as described below. 1 Turn the camera on. Turn the camera on. The control panel will turn on and the display in the viewfinder will light. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 71
3 Check the number of exposures remaining. The exposure-count displays in the control panel and viewfinder show s the number of photographs that can be taken at current settings. When this number reaches zero, A will flash in the exposure-count displays while the shutter-speed displays will - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 72
A LCD Illuminators Holding the power switch in the D Power switch position activates the exposure meters and control panel backlights (LCD illuminators), allowing the display to be read in the dark. After the power s switch is released, the illuminator will remain lit for six seconds (at - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 73
Adjust Camera Settings This tutorial describes how to take photos at default settings. 1 Check camera settings. Exposure mode Image size s Image quality White balance Control panel ISO sensitivity Viewfinder display Default settings are listed below. Option Default Description Page Image - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 74
2 Choose exposure mode e. Press the I button and rotate the main command dial to select exposure mode e. The camera will automatically s adjust shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations. I button Main command dial 3 Choose single frame release mode. Release mode dial - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 75
5 Choose single-servo autofocus. Focus-mode selector Rotate the focus-mode selector until it clicks into place pointing to S (single-servo autofocus). At this setting, the s camera will automatically focus on the subject in the selected focus point when the shutter- release button is - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 76
the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left. Keep your elbows propped s lightly against your torso for support and place one foot half a pace ahead of the other to keep you upper body stable. Hold the camera as shown at right when framing - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 77
Focus and Shoot 1 Press the shutter- release button halfway to focus (pg. 52). 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 9481 | User Manual - Page 78
2 Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to shoot. 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 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 79
Viewing Photographs 1 Press the K button. A photograph will be displayed in the monitor. s 2 View additional pictures. Additional pictures can be displayed by pressing 4 or 2. To view additional information on the current photograph, press 1 and 3 (pg. 206). Highlights 100--1 Select R, G, B To - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 80
Deleting Unwanted Photographs To delete the photograph currently displayed in the monitor, press the O button. Note that photographs can not be recovered once deleted. s 1 Display the photograph. Display the photograph you wish to delete as described in "Viewing Photographs" on the previous page. K - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 81
dImage Recording Options d This section describes how to choose image quality and size. Image Quality pg. 56 Image Size pg. 60 55 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 82
; pg. 368). Record uncompressed TIFF-RGB images at a bit TIFF (RGB) TIFF depth of 8 bits per channel (24-bit color). TIFF is (RGB) supported by a wide variety of imaging applications. JPEG fine Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1:4 (fine image quality). * JPEG normal JPEG - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 83
Image quality is set by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the control panel. QUAL button Main command dial d Control panel A NEF (RAW) Recording The [NEF (RAW) recording] item in the shooting menu controls compression (pg. 58) - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 84
❚❚ 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. dP Optimal quality - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 85
❚❚ The NEF (RAW) Recording Menu: NEF (RAW) Bit Depth The [NEF (RAW) recording] > [NEF (RAW) bit depth] item in the shooting menu offers the following bit-depth options for NEF (RAW) images: Option Description q 12-bit (default) NEF (RAW) images are recorded at a bit-depth of 12 bits. d NEF ( - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 86
Image Size Image size is measured in pixels. Choose from the following options: Option Size (pixels) Size when printed at 200 dpi (approx.) * L (default) 4,288 × 2,848 54.5 × 36.2 cm (21.4 × 14.2 in.) M 3,216 × 2,136 40.8 × 27.1 cm (16.1 × 10.7 in.) d S 2,144 × 1,424 27.2 × 18.1 cm (10.7 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 87
NFocus - Controlling How the Camera Focuses This section describes the options that control how your camera focuses. N Focus Mode pg. 62 AF-Area Mode pg. 64 Focus Point Selection pg. 66 Focus Lock pg. 68 Manual Focus pg. 71 61 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 88
, shutter can be released whether or not subject is in focus (release priority). Camera does not focus automatically; focus must be M Manual (pg. 71) adjusted manually using the lens focusing ring. If maximum aperture of lens is f/5.6 or faster, viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 89
A The B Button For the purpose of focusing the camera, pressing the B button has the same effect as pressing the shutter-release button halfway. B button A Predictive Focus Tracking N In continuous-servo AF, the camera will initiate predictive focus tracking if the subject moves toward or away - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 90
is selected for Custom Setting a3, focus point will be selected automatically using 3D-tracking. • In single-servo AF, user selects focus point manually; camera focuses on subject in selected focus point only. Camera automatically detects subject and selects focus point. If type G or D lens is - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 91
active focus point is displayed in the viewfinder. Remaining focus points provide information to assist focus operation. A Manual Focus Single-point AF is automatically selected when manual focus is used. A See Also For information on the settings available in dynamic-area AF, see Custom Setting - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 92
Selection The D300 offers a choice of 51 focus points that together cover a wide area of the frame. The focus point can be selected manually, allowing photographs to be composed with the main subject AF-area mode selector positioned almost anywhere in the N frame (single-point and dynamic- area - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 93
A See Also For information on choosing when the focus point is illuminated, see Custom Setting a6 ([AF point illumination], pg. 271). For information on setting focus-point selection to "wrap around," see Custom Setting a7 ([Focus point wrap-around], pg. 272). For information on choosing the number - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 94
Focus Lock Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus point in the final composition. It can also be used when the autofocus system is unable to focus (pg. 70). 1 Focus. N Position the subject in the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 95
Continuous-servo AF Press the AE-L/AF-L button to lock both focus and exposure (an AE-L icon appears in the viewfinder, see page 112). Focus and exposure will remain locked while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if you later remove your finger from the shutter-release button. Shutter-release - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 96
displayed and the camera may sound a beep, allowing the shutter to be released even when the subject is not in focus. In these cases, use manual focus (pg. 71) or use focus lock (pg. 68) to focus on another subject at the same distance and then recompose the photograph. N There is - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 97
the image is not in focus. A A-M Selection/Autofocus with Manual Priority If the lens supports A-M selection, set the lens A-M switch to M (manual). If the lens supports M/A (autofocus with manual override, MF priority) or A/M (autofocus with manual override, AF priority), focus can be adjusted - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 98
The Electronic Rangefinder If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the subject in the selected focus point is in focus (the focus point can be selected from any of the 51 focus points). After positioning the subject in the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 99
kRelease Mode - Single Frame, Continuous, Live View, Self-Timer, or Mirror Up Release mode determines how the camera takes photographs: one at a time, in a continuous sequence, with the view through the lens displayed in the monitor, with a timed shutter-release k delay, or with the mirror - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 100
Choosing a Release Mode The camera supports the following release modes: Mode Description S Camera remaining in memory buffer. 2 Average frame rate with an EN-EL3e battery, continuous-servo AF, manual or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster, other settings at - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 101
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 75 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 102
Continuous Mode To take pictures in CH (continuous high speed) and CL (continuous low speed) modes: 1 Select CH or CL mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to CH or CL. k Release mode dial 2 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. While the shutter-release - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 103
pack with AA-size batteries 4 Maximum frame advance rate 1 6 fps 2 8 fps 3 6 fps 2 8 fps 3 8 fps 3 1 Average frame rate with continuous-servo AF, manual or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of 1/250 s or faster, other settings at default k values, and memory remaining in memory - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 104
A The Memory Buffer The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. Up to 100 photographs can be taken in succession; note, however, that frame rate will drop when the buffer is full. In rare cases - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 105
Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) Select live view (a) mode to frame pictures in the monitor. The following options are available: • Hand-held (g): Choose when taking hand-held shots of moving subjects, or when framing photographs at angles that make it difficult to use the viewfinder (pg. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 106
Hand-Held Mode (g) 1 Select live view mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to a. Release mode dial 2 Adjust [Live view] options in the shooting menu. k Select [Live view] in the shooting menu and choose [Hand-held] for [Live view mode]. The [Live view] - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 107
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. Manual focus (focus mode M; pg. 71): Focus using the lens focusing ring. 81 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 108
6 Take the picture. Press the shutter-release button the 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. k D No Picture After - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 109
Tripod Mode (h) 1 Ready the camera. Mount the camera on a tripod or place it on a stable, level surface. 2 Select live view mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to a. k Release mode dial 3 Adjust [Live view] options in the shooting menu. Select [Live view] in - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 110
-servo autofocus mode. In both single-servo and continuous-servo autofocus modes, the shutter can be released even when the camera is not in focus. Manual focus (focus mode M; pg. 71): Use zoom for precise focus. 84 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 111
To magnify the view in the monitor up to 13 × and check focus, press the X button. X button Exit While the view through the lens is zoomed in, a navigation window will appear in the bottom right corner of the display. Use the multi selector to scroll to areas of the frame not visible in the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 112
D Focusing with Contrast-Detect Autofocus Contrast-detect autofocus will take longer than normal (phase-detection) autofocus. In the following situations, the camera may be unable to focus using contrast-detect autofocus: • The camera is not mounted on a tripod • The subject contains lines parallel - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 113
shooting ends. At high ambient temperatures, this display may appear immediately when live view mode is selected. In exposure modes other than manual, cover the viewfinder with the supplied DK-5 eyepiece cap after focusing. This prevents light entering via the viewfinder from interfering with - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 114
A The Shooting Information Display To hide or display indicators in the monitor in live view mode, press the R button. Exit Shooting information on Shooting information off A Monitor Brightness k Monitor brightness can be adjusted by pressing the K button while the view through the monitor is - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 115
be taken if the in-focus (I) indicator appears in the viewfinder. Focus-mode selector A Cover the Viewfinder In exposure modes other than manual, cover the viewfinder with the supplied DK-5 eyepiece cap after focusing. This prevents light entering via the viewfinder from interfering with exposure - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 116
3 Start the timer. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the timer. The self-timer lamp (AF-assist illuminator) will start to blink and a beep will begin to sound. Two seconds before the photograph is taken, the self-timer lamp will stop blinking and the beeping will become - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 117
Mirror up Mode Choose this mode to minimize blurring caused by camera movement when the mirror is raised. Use of a tripod is recommended. 1 Select mirror up mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to MUP. Release mode k dial 2 Raise the mirror. Frame - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 118
k 92 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 119
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. 94 S Auto ISO Sensitivity Control pg. 96 93 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 120
Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually ISO sensitivity can be set to values between ISO 200 and ISO 3200 in steps equivalent to 1/3 EV. Settings of from about 0.3-1 EV below ISO - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 121
A ISO Sensitivity Settings The settings available depend on the option selected for Custom Setting b1 ([ISO sensitivity step value], pg. 275). Custom Setting b1 (ISO sensitivity step value) ISO sensitivity settings available 1/3 step (default) LO 1, LO 0.7, LO 0.3, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 122
Auto ISO Sensitivity Control If [Off ] (the default setting) is chosen for the [ISO sensitivity auto control] option in the shooting menu, ISO sensitivity will remain fixed at the value selected by the user (see page 94). If [On] is chosen, ISO sensitivity will automatically be adjusted if optimal - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 123
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 263). When a flash is used, the value selected for [Minimum shutter speed] is ignored in favor of the option selected for Custom Setting e1 ([Flash - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 124
S 98 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 125
, exposure compensation, and bracketing. Metering pg. 100 Exposure Mode pg. 102 e: Programmed Auto pg. 104 Z f: Shutter-Priority Auto pg. 106 g: Aperture-Priority Auto pg. 107 h: Manual pg. 109 Autoexposure (AE) Lock pg. 112 Exposure Compensation pg. 114 Bracketing pg. 116 99 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 126
Metering Metering determines how the camera sets exposure. The following options are available: Method Description a 3D color matrix II Recommended in most situations. Camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets exposure according to distribution of brightness, color, distance, and - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 127
To choose a metering method, rotate the metering selector until the desired mode is displayed. Metering selector Z A 3D Color Matrix II Metering In matrix metering, exposure is set using a 1,005-segment RGB sensor. Use a type G or D lens for results that include range information (3D color matrix - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 128
). Type G lenses are not equipped with an aperture ring. Non-CPU lenses can only be used in exposure mode g (aperture-priority auto) and h (manual). In other modes, exposure mode g is automatically selected when a non-CPU lens is attached. The exposure mode indicator (e or f ) in the control panel - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 129
Flash This setting controls whether the built-in flash and the SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-R200, and other optional flash units that support the Creative Lighting System (CLS; see page 357) will emit a modeling flash when the depth-of-field preview button is pressed. See page 297 for - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 130
e: Programmed Auto In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture according to a built-in program to ensure optimal exposure in most situations. This mode is recommended for snapshots and other situations in which you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed and - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 131
A Flexible Program In exposure mode e, different combinations of shutter speed and aperture can be selected by rotating the main command dial ("flexible program"). Rotate the command dial to the right for large apertures (small f-numbers) that blur background details or fast shutter speeds that " - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 132
f: Shutter-Priority Auto In shutter-priority auto, you choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically selects the aperture that will produce the optimal exposure. To take photographs in shutter-priority auto: 1 Select exposure mode I button f. Press the I button and rotate the main - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 133
g: Aperture-Priority Auto In aperture-priority auto, you choose the aperture while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed that will produce the optimal exposure. To take photographs in aperture-priority auto: 1 Select exposure mode g. I button Press the I button and rotate the main - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 134
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. 197) when a non-CPU lens is attached, the current f-number will be displayed in the viewfinder and control panel, rounded to the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 135
h: Manual In manual exposure mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. To take photographs in manual exposure mode: 1 Select exposure mode h. Press the I button and rotate the main command dial until h is displayed in the viewfinder and control panel. I button Main command dial Z 109 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 136
2 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 "p" or to values between 30 s and 1/8,000 s, or the shutter can be held open indefinitely for a long time-exposure (A, pg. 111). Aperture - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 137
A Electronic Analog Exposure Displays The electronic analog exposure displays in the control panel and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under- or overexposed at current settings. Depending on the option chosen for Custom Setting b2 ([EV steps for exposure cntrl.], pg. 275), the amount - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 138
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 focus mode). Confirm that the in-focus indicator (I) appears in the viewfinder. AE-L/AF-L button While exposure lock is in effect, an AE - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 139
3 Recompose the photograph. Keeping the AE-L/AF-L button pressed, recompose the photograph and shoot. A Metered Area Z In spot metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in a 3-mm (0.12 in.) circle centered on the selected focus point. In center-weighted metering, exposure will be - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 140
Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. In exposure mode h, only the exposure information shown in the electronic analog exposure display is affected; shutter speed and aperture do not change. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 141
Exposure compensation can be set to values between -5 EV (underexposure) and +5 EV (overexposure) in increments of 1/3 EV. In general, choose positive values to make the subject brighter, negative values to make it darker. -1 EV No exposure compensation +1 EV At values other than ±0, the 0 at - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 142
Bracketing The D300 offers three types of bracketing: exposure bracketing, flash bracketing, and white balance bracketing. In exposure bracketing (pg. 117), the camera varies exposure compensation with each shot, while in the case of flash bracketing (pg. 117), flash level is varied with each shot - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 143
❚❚ Exposure and Flash Bracketing 1 Select flash or exposure bracketing. Choose the type of bracketing to be performed using Custom Setting e5 ([Auto bracketing set], pg. 297). Choose [AE & flash] to vary both exposure and flash level (the default setting), [AE only] to vary only exposure, or [Flash - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 144
3 Select an exposure increment. Pressing the Fn button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose the exposure increment. Exposure increment Fn button Sub-command dial Control panel At default settings, the size of the increment can be chosen from 1/3, 2/3, and 1 EV. The bracketing programs with an - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 145
4 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. The camera will vary exposure and/or flash level shot-by-shot according to the bracketing program selected. Modifications to exposure are added to those made with exposure compensation (see page 114), making it possible to achieve exposure compensation values - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 146
exceeded. Custom Setting e6 ([Auto bracketing (mode M)], pg. 298) can be used to change how the camera performs exposure and flash bracketing in manual exposure mode. Bracketing can be performed by varying flash level together with shutter speed and/or aperture, or by varying flash level alone. 120 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 147
❚❚ White Balance Bracketing 1 Select white balance bracketing. Choose [WB bracketing] for Custom Setting e5 [Auto bracketing set] (pg. 297). 2 Choose the number of shots. Pressing the Fn button, rotate the main command dial to choose the number of shots in the bracketing sequence. The number of - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 148
3 Select a white balance increment. Pressing the Fn button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose the white balance adjustment. Each increment is roughly equivalent to 5 mired. White balance increment Fn button Sub-command Control panel dial Choose from increments of 1 (5 mired), 2 (10 mired), or - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 149
4 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. Each shot will be processed to create the number of copies specified in the bracketing program, and each copy will have a different white balance. Modifications to white balance are added to the white balance adjustment made with white balance fine-tuning. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 150
❚❚ Canceling Bracketing To cancel bracketing, press the Fn button and rotate the main command dial until the number of shots in the bracketing sequence is zero (r) and W is no longer displayed in the control panel. The program last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 151
"white balance." This chapter covers white balance settings. r White Balance Options pg. 126 Fine-Tuning White Balance pg. 129 Choosing a Color Temperature pg. 133 Preset Manual pg. 134 125 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 152
White Balance Options For natural coloration, 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 ( - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 153
K Choose color temp. 2,500- Choose color temperature from list 10,000 of values (pg. 133). Use subject, light source, or existing L Preset manual - photograph as reference for white balance (pg. 134). * All values are approximate. Fine-tuning set to 0. Auto white balance is recommended with - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 154
A Studio Flash Lighting Auto white balance may not produce the desired results with large studio flash units. Choose a color temperature, use preset white balance, or set white balance to [Flash] and use fine tuning to adjust white balance. A Color Temperature The perceived color of a light source - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 155
shooting menu (pg. 254), then highlight a white balance option and press 2. If an option other than [Fluorescent], [Choose color temp.], or [Preset manual] is selected, proceed to Step 2. If [Fluorescent] is selected, highlight a lighting type r and press 2. If [Choose color temp.] is selected - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 156
2 Fine tune white balance. Use the multi selector to fine- tune white balance. White balance can be fine tuned on the amber (A)-blue (B) axis and the green (G)-magenta (M) axis. The horizontal Coordinates Adjustment (amber-blue) axis corresponds to color temperature, with each increment - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 157
A White Balance Fine Tuning The colors on the fine-tuning axes are relative, not absolute. For example, moving the cursor to B (blue) when a "warm" setting such as J (incandescent) is selected for white balance will make photographs slightly "colder" but will not actually make them blue. A "Mired" - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 158
❚❚ The WB Button At settings other than K ([Choose color temp.]) and L ([Preset manual]), the WB button can be used to fine-tune white balance on the amber (A)-blue (B) axis (pg. 130; to fine-tune white balance when K or L - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 159
Choosing a Color Temperature When K ([Choose color temp.]) is selected for white balance, color temperature can be selected by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial. The color temperature is displayed in the control panel: WB button Sub-command dial Control panel r D Choose - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 160
Preset Manual Preset manual is used to record and recall custom white balance settings for shooting under mixed lighting or to compensate for light sources with a strong color cast. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 161
The camera can store up to five values for preset white balance in presets d-0 through d-4. A descriptive comment can be added to any white balance preset (pg. 144). d-0 Stores last value measured for white balance (pg. 136). This preset is overwritten when a new value is measured. d-1-d-4 Store - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 162
white balance; in exposure mode h, adjust exposure so that the electronic analog exposure displays shows ±0 (pg. 111). 2 Set white balance to L ([Preset manual]). Press the WB button and rotate the main command dial until L is displayed in the control panel. r WB button Main command dial Control - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 163
3 Select direct measurement mode. Release the WB button briefly and then press the button until the L icon in the control panel and viewfinder start to flash. A flashing D will also appear in the control panel and viewfinder. At default settings, the displays will flash for about six seconds. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 164
If lighting is too dark or too bright, the camera may be unable to measure white balance. A flashing b a will appear in the control panel and viewfinder (at default settings, the displays will flash for about six seconds). Press the shutterrelease button halfway to return to Step 4 and measure white - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 165
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. 126) and press 2. 2 Select a destination. Highlight the destination preset (d-1 to d-4) and press the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 166
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. 126) and press 2. 2 Select a destination. Highlight the destination preset (d-1 to d-4) and press - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 167
4 Highlight a source image. Highlight the source image. To view the highlighted image full frame, press the X button. 5 Copy white balance. Press the center of the multi selector to copy the white balance value for the highlighted photograph to the selected preset. If the highlighted photograph has - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 168
❚❚ 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. 126) and press 2. 2 Select a preset. Highlight the desired preset and press the center of the multi selector. To select - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 169
A Selecting a White Balance Preset: the WB Button At a setting of L ([Preset manual]), presets can also be selected by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial. The current preset is displayed in the control panel - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 170
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. 126) and press 2. 2 Select a preset. Highlight the desired preset and press the center of - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 171
JImage Enhancement This chapter describes how to optimize sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation and hue using Picture Controls, how to preserve detail in highlights and shadows using active D-Lighting, and how to choose a color space. Picture Controls pg. 146 Creating Custom Picture Controls - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 172
-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. J 146 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 173
❚❚ Using Picture Controls Picture Controls can be used as described below. • Select Nikon Picture Controls (pg. 148): Select an existing Nikon Picture Control. • Modify existing Picture Controls (pg. 150): Modify an existing Picture Control to create a combination of sharpening, contrast, brightness - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 174
Selecting Nikon Picture Controls The camera offers four preset Nikon Picture Controls. Choose a Picture Control according to the subject or type of scene. Option Description Q Standard Standard processing for balanced results. Recommended for most situations. R Neutral Minimal processing for - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 175
A The Picture Control Grid Pressing the W button in Step 2 displays a Picture Control grid showing the contrast and saturation for the selected Picture Control in relation to the other Picture Controls (only contrast is displayed when [Monochrome] is selected). To select a different Picture Control, - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 176
can be modified to suit the scene or the user's creative intent. Choose a balanced combination of settings using [Quick adjust], or make manual adjustments to individual settings. 1 Select a Picture Control. Highlight the desired Picture Control in the [Set Picture Control] menu (pg. 148) and press - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 177
more green, and greens more yellow, positive values (up to [+3]) to make reds more orange, greens more blue, and blues more purple. Manual adjustments Filter effects Simulate the effect of color filters on monochrome photographs. Choose from [Off ] (the default setting), yellow, orange, red, and - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 178
D Active D-Lighting [Contrast] and [Brightness] can not be adjusted when Active D-Lighting (pg. 165) is on. Any manual adjustments currently in effect will be lost when Active D-Lighting is turned on. D "A" (Auto) Results for auto contrast and saturation vary with exposure and the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 179
A Filter Effects (Monochrome Only) The options in this menu simulate the effect of color filters on monochrome photographs. The following filter effects are available: Option Description Y Yellow Enhances contrast. Can be used to tone down the brightness O Orange of the sky in landscape - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 180
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. 254), highlight [Manage Picture Control] and press 2. 2 Select [Save/edit]. Highlight [Save/edit] - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 181
3 Select a Picture Control. Highlight an existing Picture Control and press 2, or press J to proceed to step 5 to save a copy of the highlighted Picture Control without further modification. 4 Edit the selected Picture Control. See page 151 for more information. To abandon any changes and start - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 182
6 Name the Picture Control. Keyboard The text-entry dialog shown at right will be displayed. By area Name area default, new Picture Controls are named by adding a two-digit number (assigned automatically) to the name of the existing Picture Control. This name can be edited to create a new - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 183
A Custom Picture Controls Custom Picture Controls are not affected by [Reset shooting menu] (pg. 257). Custom Picture Controls do not have a [Quick adjust] option (pg. 151). Custom Picture Controls based on [Monochrome] have [Filter effects] and [Toning] options in place of [Saturation] and [Hue] - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 184
Sharing Custom Picture Controls Custom Picture Controls created using the Picture Control Utility available with ViewNX version 1.2.0 or later or optional software such as Capture NX version 1.3.5 or later or Capture NX 2 version 2.1.0 or later can be copied to a memory card and loaded into the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 185
4 Select a destination. Choose a destination for the custom Picture Control (C-1 through C-9) and press 2. 5 Name the Picture Control. Name the Picture Control as described on page 156. The new Picture Control will appear in the Picture Control list and can be renamed at any time using the [Rename] - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 186
❚❚ Saving Custom Picture Controls to the Memory Card 1 Select [Copy to card]. After displaying the [Load/ save] menu as described in Step 1 on page 158, highlight [Copy to card] and press 2. 2 Select a Picture Control. Highlight a custom Picture Control and press 2. 3 Choose a destination. Choose - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 187
Managing Custom Picture Controls Follow the steps below to rename or delete custom 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 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 188
❚❚ Deleting Custom Picture Controls from the Camera 1 Select [Delete]. In the [Manage Picture Control] menu, highlight [Delete] 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 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 189
❚❚ 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 163 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 190
3 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. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 191
Active D-Lighting Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast. Use for high contrast scenes, for example when photographing brightly lit outdoor scenery through a door or window or taking pictures of shaded subjects on a sunny day. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 192
To use active D-Lighting: 1 Select [Active D-Lighting]. In the shooting menu (pg. 254), highlight [Active D-Lighting] and press 2. 2 Choose an option. Highlight [Off], [Low], [Normal], or [High] and press J. J D Active D-Lighting When Active D-Lighting is on, the capacity of the memory buffer drops - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 193
Color Space The color space determines the gamut of colors available for color reproduction. Choose a color space according to how photographs will be processed on leaving the camera. Option Description W sRGB (default) Choose for photographs that will be printed or used "as is," with no - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 194
on some household printers, or kiosk printing or other commercial print services. Adobe RGB photographs can also be printed using these options, but If the application or device does not support Exif 2.21 and DCF 2.0, select the appropriate color space manually. An ICC color profile is embedded in - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 195
lFlash Photography - Using the Built-in Flash This chapter describes how to use the built-in flash. The Built-in Flash pg. 170 Using the Built-in Flash pg. 171 Flash Modes pg. 174 Flash Compensation pg. 176 FV Lock pg. 178 l 169 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 196
in Flash The built-in flash has a Guide Number (GN) 17/56 (m/ft, ISO 200, 20 °C/68 °F). It supports i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR, to the subject's eyes. The following types of i-TTL flash control are supported: i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR: Speedlight emits series of nearly - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 197
Using the Built-in Flash Follow these steps when using the built-in flash. 1 Choose a metering method (pg. 100). Metering selector Select matrix or center-weighted metering to activate i-TTL balanced fillflash for digital SLR. Standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR is activated automatically when - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 198
4 Check exposure (shutter speed and aperture). Press the shutter-release button halfway and check shutter speed and aperture. The settings available when the built-in flash is raised are listed below. Mode Shutter speed Aperture See page e Set automatically by camera (1/250 s-1/60 s) 1, 2 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 199
Lowering the Built-in Flash To save power when the flash is not in use, press it gently downward until the latch clicks into place. D The Built-in Flash Use with lenses with focal lengths of 18-300 mm (pg. 354). Remove lens hoods to prevent shadows. The flash has a minimum range of 60 cm (2 ft.) and - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 200
Flash Modes The D300 supports the following flash modes: Flash mode Description This mode is recommended for most situations. In programmed auto and aperture-priority auto modes, Front-curtain sync - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 201
Flash mode Description In shutter-priority auto or manual exposure mode, flash fires just before the shutter closes. Use to create effect of a stream of light behind moving objects. In programmed auto and aperture- - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 202
Flash Compensation Flash compensation is used to alter flash output by from -3EV to +1EV in increments of 1/3EV, changing the brightness of the main subject relative to the background. Flash output can be increased to make the main subject appear brighter, or reduced to prevent unwanted highlights - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 203
A Optional Flash Units Flash compensation is also available with optional SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, and SB-R200 flash units. A See Also For information on choosing the size of the increments available when setting flash compensation, see Custom Setting b3 ([Exp comp/fine tune], pg. 275). l 177 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 204
FV Lock This feature is used to lock flash output, allowing photographs to be recomposed without changing the flash level and ensuring that flash output is appropriate to the subject even when the subject is not positioned in the center of the frame. Flash output is adjusted automatically for any - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 205
4 Lock flash level. After confirming that the flash ready indicator (M) is displayed in the viewfinder, press the Fn button. The flash will emit a monitor preflash to determine the appropriate flash level. Flash output will be locked at this level and FV lock icons (e) will appear in the control - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 206
(available separately). Set the optional flash to TTL mode (the SB-900 and SB-800 can also be used in AA mode; see the flash manual for details). While FV lock is in effect, flash output will automatically be adjusted for changes in flash zoom head position. When Commander mode is - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 207
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. 182 Multiple Exposure pg. 184 Interval Timer Photography pg. 189 Non-CPU - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 208
Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings The camera settings listed below can be restored to default values by holding the QUAL and E buttons down together for more than two seconds (these buttons are marked by a green dot). The control panel turns off briefly while settings are reset. QUAL - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 209
The following shooting-menu options will also be reset. Only settings in the bank currently selected using the [Shooting menu bank] option will be reset (pg. 255). Settings in the remaining banks are unaffected. Option Image quality Image size Default JPEG Normal Large Option White balance ISO - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 210
Multiple Exposure Follow the steps below to record a series of two to ten exposures in a single photograph. Multiple exposures can be recorded at any image quality setting, and produce results with colors noticeably better than photographs combined in an imaging application because they make use of - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 211
3 Select the number of shots. Press 1 or 3 to choose the 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 On (default) - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 212
6 Select [Done]. Highlight [Done] and press J. A n icon will be displayed in the control panel. To exit without taking a multiple exposure, select [Multiple exposure] > [Reset] in the shooting menu. 7 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. In continuous high-speed and continuous low- speed release - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 213
D Multiple Exposure Do not remove or replace the memory card while recording a multiple exposure. Live view (pg. 79) can not be used to record multiple exposures. The information listed in the playback photo information display (including date of recording and camera orientation) is for the first - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 214
❚❚ Interrupting Multiple Exposures Selecting [Multiple exposure] in the shooting menu while a multiple exposure is being recorded displays the options shown at right. To interrupt a multiple exposure before the specified number of exposures have been taken, highlight [Cancel] and press J. If - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 215
Interval Timer Photography The D300 is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals. 1 Select [Interval timer shooting]. Highlight [Interval timer shooting] in the shooting menu (pg. 254) and press 2. 2 Select a starting trigger. Highlight one of the following [Choose start time] - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 216
3 Choose a start time. Press 4 or 2 to highlight hours or minutes; press 1 or 3 to change. The starting time is not displayed if [Now] is selected for [Choose start time]. 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 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 217
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 Viewfinder Eyepiece Cap In exposure - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 218
D Out of Memory If the memory card is full, the interval timer will remain active but no pictures will be taken. Resume shooting (pg. 193) after deleting some pictures or turning the camera off and inserting another memory card. A Bracketing Adjust bracketing settings before starting interval timer - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 219
❚❚ Pausing Interval Timer Photography Interval time photography can be paused by: • Pressing the J button between intervals • Highlighting [Start] > [Pause] in the interval timer menu and pressing J • Turning the camera off and then on again (if desired, the memory card can be replaced while the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 220
❚❚ Interrupting Interval Timer Photography Interval timer shooting will end automatically if the battery is exhausted. Interval timer photography can also be ended by: • Selecting [Start] > [Off ] in the interval timer menu • Performing a two button reset (pg. 182) • Selecting [Reset shooting menu] - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 221
A Shooting Menu Banks Changes to interval timer settings apply to all shooting menu banks (pg. 255). If shooting menu settings are reset using the [Reset shooting menu] item in the shooting menu (pg. 257), interval timer settings will be reset as follows: • Choose start time: Now • Interval: 00:01': - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 222
Non-CPU Lenses By specifying lens data (lens focal length and maximum aperture), the user can gain access to a variety of CPU lens functions when using a non-CPU lens. If the focal length of the lens is known: • Automatic power zoom can be used with SB-900, SB-800, and SB-600 Speedlights (available - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 223
❚❚ The Non-CPU Lens Data Menu 1 Select [Non-CPU lens data]. Highlight [Non-CPU lens data] in the setup menu (pg. 311) 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 9481 | User Manual - Page 224
5 Select [Done]. Highlight [Done] and press J. The specified focal length and aperture will be stored under the chosen lens number. This combination of focal length and aperture can be recalled at any time by selecting the lens number using camera controls as described below. ❚❚ Choosing a Lens - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 225
GP-1 GPS Unit The GP-1 is an optional GPS unit designed for use with Nikon digital cameras. For information on connecting the unit, see the manual provided with the GP-1. t 199 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 226
. These devices connect to the MC-35 using a cable with a D-sub 9pin 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). MC-35 t 200 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 227
k icon is displayed will include a page of GPS data (pg. 215), including the current latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), and heading (if supported). If no data are received from the GPS unit for two seconds, the k icon will clear from the display and the camera will stop - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 228
only available if a GPS device is connected, when it displays the current latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), and heading (if supported) as reported by the GPS device. t A Heading The heading is only recorded if the GPS device is equipped with a digital compass (note - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 229
IMore About Playback - Playback Options This chapter describes how to play back photographs and details the operations that can be performed during playback. Full-Frame Playback pg. 204 Photo Information pg. 206 Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback ...... pg. 218 Taking a Closer Look: - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 230
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 G button L button W button X button J button Multi selector Sub-command dial Main command dial I A Rotate Tall To display "tall" (portrait-orientation) - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 231
To View additional photographs Use Description Press 2 to view photographs in order recorded, 4 to view photographs in reverse order. View photo information Press 1 or 3 to view information about current photograph (pg. 206). View thumbnails Zoom in on photograph Delete images Change protect - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 232
Photo Information Photo information is superimposed on images displayed in fullframe playback. There are up to 9 pages of information for each photo. Press 1 or 3 to cycle through photo information as shown below. Note that shooting data, RGB histograms, and highlights are only displayed if - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 233
❚❚ File Information 1 2 34 5 1/ 10 6 12 100ND300 DSC_0001. JPG NORMAL 7 15/12/2007 10: 15 : 29 4288x2848 11 10 9 8 1 Protect status 221 7 Image quality 56 2 Retouch indicator 329 8 Image size 60 3 Focus point 250 9 Image authentication 323 4 AF area brackets 43, 81 10 Time of - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 234
❚❚ Highlights 1 1 2 3 4 100-1 6 Highlights 5 Sele ct R, G, B 1 Protect status 221 2 Retouch indicator 329 3 Image highlights 2 250 4 Folder number-frame number 258 5 Current channel 2 6 Highlight display indicator ...250 1 Displayed only if [Highlights] is selected for [Display mode] ( - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 235
❚❚ RGB Histogram 1 12 7 3 4 8 Highlights 100--1 5 9 6 Select R, G, B 1 Protect status 221 2 Retouch indicator 329 3 Image highlights 2 250 4 Folder number- frame number 258 5 Histogram (RGB channel) 3. In all histograms, horizontal axis gives pixel brightness, vertical axis number of - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 236
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. 210 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 237
❚❚ Shooting Data Page 11 12 3 MTR, SPD, AP. : , 1/ 8000, F4. 8 4 EXP. MODE, I SO : , 200 5 , EXP. TUN I NG :+1. 3, +5/ 6 6 7 8 FOCAL LENGTH : 35mm LENS : 18-200 / 3. 5-5.6 AF / VR : S / VR-On 9 FLASH MODE, : Built - i n, TTL, +1. 3 SLOW 10 CMD : M: TTL, +3. 0 A: TTL, +3. 0 B: OFF - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 238
8 Contrast 151 3 White balance 125 9 Brightness 151 Color temperature 133 10 Saturation 4 151 White balance fine-tuning.... 129 Filter effects 5 151 Preset manual 134 11 Hue 4 151 4 Color space 167 Toning 5 151 5 Picture Control 148 12 Camera name 6 Quick adjust 2 151 13 Folder number - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 239
❚❚ Shooting Data Page 3 * 1 2 3 NOI SE REDUC. : H I I SO NORM 4 ACT. D-L I GHT. : NORMAL 5 RETOUCH : D-L I GHT I NG WARM FILTER CYANOTYPE TRI M 6 COMMENT : SPRI NG HAS COME. SP RI NG HAS COME. 3636 N I KON D300 7 1 Protect status 221 2 Retouch indicator 329 3 High ISO noise reduction - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 240
❚❚ Shooting Data Page 4 * 1 2 3 ART I ST : NI KON TARO 4 COPYRI GHT : NI KON N I KON D300 5 1 Protect status 221 2 Retouch indicator 329 3 Name of photographer.......... 324 4 Copyright holder 324 100--1 6 5 Camera name 6 Folder number- frame number 258 * Displayed only if [Data] is - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 241
❚❚ GPS Data 1 1 2 3 LATITUDE. :N :35º 36. 371' 4 LONGITUDE :E :1 39º 43. 696' 5 ALTITUDE :35m 6 TIME(UTC) :15/12/2007 :01:15:29 7 HEADING :105. 07º N I KON D300 8 100--1 9 1 Protect status 221 2 Retouch indicator 329 3 Latitude 4 Longitude 5 Altitude 6 Coordinated Universal Time - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 242
❚❚ Overview Data 1 2 3 1 / 10 N I KON D300 4 16 5 15 14 6 13 1/ 8000, F4. 8 200 35mm 7 12 -1. 3 +1. 3 REAR 8 11 10000 A6, M1 L 9 100ND300 DSC_0001. JPG NORMAL 15/12/2007 10: 15: 29 4288x2848 10 1 Frame number/ 6 ISO sensitivity 94 total number of frames 7 Focal length - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 243
260 26 White balance 125 20 Image quality 56 Color temperature 133 21 Image size 60 White balance fine-tuning ....129 22 Image authentication Preset manual 134 indicator 323 27 Color space 167 23 Time of recording 37 I 217 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 244
Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback To display images in "contact sheets" of four or nine images, press the W button. W W X X Full-frame Thumbnail playback I 218 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 245
The following operations can be performed while thumbnails are displayed: To Use Description Press W button to "zoom out" Display more images W from one to four images per page. Press again to display nine images per page. Press X button to "zoom in" from Display fewer images X nine to - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 246
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom Press the X button to zoom in on the image displayed in full-frame playback or on the image currently highlighted in thumbnail playback. The following operations can be performed while zoom is in effect: To Zoom in or out View other areas of image I View other - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 247
Protecting Photographs from Deletion In full-frame, zoom, and thumbnail playback, the L button can be used to protect photographs from accidental deletion. Protected files can not be deleted using the O button or the [Delete] option in the playback menu. Note that protected images will be deleted - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 248
Deleting Individual Photographs To delete the photograph displayed in full-frame playback or the photograph highlighted in the thumbnail list, press the O button. Once deleted, photographs can not be recovered. 1 Select an image. Display the image or highlight it in the thumbnail list. 2 Press the O - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 249
QConnections - Connecting to External Devices This chapter describes how to copy photographs to a computer, how to print pictures, and how to view them on a television set. Connecting to a Computer pg. 224 Direct USB Connection pg. 226 Wireless and Ethernet Networks pg. 229 Printing Photographs - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 250
Connecting to a Computer This section describes how to connect the camera to a computer using the supplied UC-E4 USB cable. Once the camera is connected, Nikon Transfer or optional Nikon software such as Camera Control Pro 2 can be used to copy photographs to the computer or control the camera - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 251
CD (see the Install Guide for more information). To ] as described below. Operating system * • Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (32-bit Nikon Transfer Camera Control Pro 2 Home Premium/ Business/Enterprise/Ultimate editions) • Windows XP Service Pack 3 (Home Edition/Professional) Choose [MTP/PTP] - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 252
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. 225). 2 Turn the camera off. Power switch 3 Turn the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 253
5 Turn the camera on. Power switch If [Mass Storage] is selected for [USB] (pg. 225), c will be displayed in the control panel and viewfinder, and the PC connection indicator will flash in the control panel (camera displays do not change if [MTP/PTP] is selected). 6 Transfer photographs. Transfer - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 254
7 Turn the camera off. If [MTP/PTP] is selected for [USB], the camera can be turned off and 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 Remove Hardware" icon - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 255
on printer connected to network computer. For more information, see the WT-4 user's manual. Be sure to update to the latest versions of the WT-4 firmware and and WT-4A/B/C/D/E is in the number of channels supported; unless otherwise stated, all references to the WT-4 also apply to the WT - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 256
memory card in a printer equipped with a card slot (see the printer manual for details). If the printer supports DPOF (pg. 416), photographs can be selected for printing using [Print set from a computer. Some digital print services may also support TIFF; check with the service before ordering. 230 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 257
Direct USB Connection If the camera is connected to 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. 240) Select [MTP/PTP] in camera [USB] menu and connect - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 258
❚❚ 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. 225). 2 Turn the camera off. 3 Connect the USB - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 259
❚❚ Printing Pictures One at a Time 1 Select a picture. Press 4 or 2 to view additional pictures, or press the X button to zoom in on the current frame (pg. 220). To view six pictures at a time, press the W button. Use the multi selector to highlight pictures, or press X to display the highlighted - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 260
3 Adjust printing options. Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option and press 2 to select. Option Description Menu shown at right will be displayed. Press 1 or 3 to choose page size (to print at Page size default page size for current printer, select [Printer default]), then press J to select - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 261
Option Description Menu shown at right will be displayed. To exit without cropping picture, highlight [No cropping] and press J. To crop picture, highlight [Crop] and press 2. Cropping If [Crop] is selected, dialog shown at right will be displayed. Press X to increase size of crop, W to - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 262
Printing Multiple Pictures 1 Display the PictBridge menu. Press the G button in the PictBridge playback display (see Step 4 on page 232). G button 2 Choose [Print select] or [Print (DPOF)]. Highlight one of the following options and press 2. • [Print select]: Select pictures for printing. • [ - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 263
3 Select pictures. Use the multi selector to scroll through the pictures on the memory card. To display the current picture full screen, press X 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 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 264
copies have been printed, press J. Q A Page Size, Border, Time Stamp, and Cropping Choose printer default to print at current printer settings. Only options supported by the current printer can be selected. Note that print quality may drop if small crops are printed at large sizes. A See Also See - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 265
❚❚ 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. 236). Note that if the memory card contains more than 256 pictures, only the first 256 images will be printed. 1 Select [Index print]. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 266
The [Print set (DPOF)] option in the playback menu is used to create digital "print orders" for PictBridge-compatible printers and devices that support DPOF. Selecting [Print set (DPOF)] from the playback menu displays the menu shown in Step 1. 1 Choose [Select/set]. Highlight [Select/set] and press - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 267
follow the steps in "Printing Multiple Pictures" to modify and print the current order (pg. 236). DPOF date and data imprint options are not supported Q when printing via direct USB connection; to print the date of recording on photographs in the current print order, use the PictBridge [Time stamp - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 268
Viewing Photographs on TV The supplied EG-D100 video cable can be used to connect the D300 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 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 269
A Video Mode (pg. 313) Be sure that the video standard matches the standard used in the video device. Note that resolution will drop when images are output on a PAL device. A Television Playback Use of an EH-5a or EH-5 AC adapter (available separately) is recommended for extended playback. When the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 270
High-Definition Devices The camera can be connected to HDMI devices using a type A HDMI cable (available separately from commercial sources). 1 Turn the camera off. Always turn the camera off before connecting or disconnecting an HDMI cable. 2 Connect the HDMI cable as shown. Connect to camera - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 271
UMenu Guide This chapter describes the options available in the camera menus. D The Playback Menu: Managing Images pg. 246 C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options pg. 254 A Custom - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 272
D The Playback Menu: Managing Images The playback menu contains the options listed below. For information on using the playback menu, see "Tutorial: Camera Menus." Option Delete Playback folder Hide image Display mode Image review After delete Rotate tall Slide show Print set (DPOF) See page 248 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 273
Selecting Multiple Pictures To select multiple pictures for [Delete] (pg. 248), [Hide image] (pg. 249), [Print set (DPOF)] (pg. 240), and direct printing (pg. 236): 1 Highlight a picture. To view the highlighted picture full screen, press and hold the X button. X button 2 Press the center of the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 274
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. Delete Select this option to delete pictures. Protected - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 275
Playback Folder Choose a folder for playback. Option ND300 (default) All Current Description Pictures in all folders created with the D300 will be visible during playback. Pictures in all folders will be visible during playback. Only pictures in the current folder will be visible during playback. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 276
Display Mode Choose the information available in the playback photo information display (pg. 206). Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option, then press 2 to select the option for the photo information display. A L appears next to selected items; to deselect, highlight and press 2. To return to the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 277
Image Review Choose whether pictures are automatically displayed in the monitor immediately after shooting. Option Description On Pictures are automatically displayed in the monitor after shooting. Off (default) Pictures can only be displayed by pressing K button. After Delete Choose the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 278
Slide Show Create a slide show of the pictures in the current playback folder (pg. 249). Hidden images (pg. 249) are not displayed. Option Description Start Start slide show. Frame interval Choose how long each picture will be displayed. To start the slide show, highlight [Start] and press J. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 279
Print Set (DPOF) Choose [Select/set] to select pictures for printing on a DPOFcompatible device (pg. 240). Choose [Deselect all?] to remove all pictures from the current print order. U 253 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 280
C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options The shooting menu contains the options listed below. For information on using the shooting menu, see "Tutorial: Camera Menus" (pg. 24). Option Shooting menu bank Reset shooting menu Active folder File naming Image quality Image size JPEG compression NEF (RAW) - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 281
of four banks. With the exceptions of [Interval timer shooting], [Multiple exposure], and modifications to Picture Controls (quick adjust and other manual adjustments), changes to settings in one bank have no effect on the others. To store a particular combination of frequently-used settings, select - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 282
2 Enter a name. Keyboard area To move the cursor in the name area, press the W button and press 4 or 2. To enter a new letter at the current cursor position, use the multi selector to highlight the Name area desired character in the keyboard area and press the center of the multi selector. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 283
Reset Shooting Menu Choose whether to restore default settings for the current shooting menu bank. See page 401 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. 182) - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 284
Active Folder Select the folder in which subsequent images will be stored. ❚❚ New Folder Number 1 Select [New folder number]. Highlight [New folder number] and press 2. 2 Choose a folder number. Press 4 or 2 to highlight a digit, press 1 or 3 to change. If a folder with the selected number already - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 285
❚❚ Select Folder 1 Choose [Select folder]. Highlight [Select folder] and press 2. 2 Highlight a folder. Press 1 or 3 to highlight a folder. 3 Select the highlighted folder. Press J to select the highlighted folder and return to the shooting menu (to exit without changing the active folder, press the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 286
File Naming Photographs are saved using file names consisting of "DSC_" or, in the case of images that use the Adobe RGB color space, "_DSC", followed by a four-digit number and a three-letter extension (e.g., "DSC_0001.JPG"). The [File naming] option is used to select three letters to replace the " - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 287
NEF (RAW) Recording Choose compression and bit-depth options for NEF (RAW) images (pg. 58). White Balance Adjust white balance settings (pg. 126). Set Picture Control Select from the Picture Controls provided with the camera to instantly adjust image processing settings (pg. 146). Manage Picture - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 288
Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Reduction) Choose whether to reduce noise in pictures taken at slow shutter speeds. Option Description Photographs taken at shutter speeds slower than 8 s are processed to reduce noise. While photographs are being processed, the capacity of the memory buffer - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 289
High ISO NR Photographs taken at high ISO sensitivities can be processed to reduce "noise." Option Description S High Noise reduction is performed at ISO sensitivities of ISO T Normal (default) 800 and higher. While photographs are being processed, the capacity of the memory buffer will drop. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 290
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 9481 | User Manual - Page 291
The following Custom Settings are available: Custom Setting Page Custom Setting Page B Custom setting bank 266 d Shooting/display A Reset custom settings 266 d4 CL mode shooting speed 282 a Autofocus d5 Max. continuous release 282 a1 AF-C priority selection 267 d6 File number sequence - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 292
C: Custom Setting Bank Custom Settings are stored in one of four banks. Changes to settings in one bank have no effect on the others. To store a particular combination of frequently-used settings, select one of the four banks and set the camera to these settings. The new settings will be stored in - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 293
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 9481 | User Manual - Page 294
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 9481 | User Manual - Page 295
a3: Dynamic AF Area If the subject leaves the selected focus point when dynamic-area AF (I; pg. 64) is selected in continuous-servo AF (focus mode C; pg. 62), the camera will focus based on information from surrounding focus points. Choose the number of focus points from 9, 21, and 51 based on - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 296
Option Description If the subject leaves the selected focus point, the 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 with subjects that are moving erratically from side to side (e.g., tennis - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 297
a5: AF Activation This option controls whether both the shutter-release button and the B button can be used to initiate autofocus, or whether autofocus is only initiated when the B button is pressed. Option Shutter/ AF-ON (default) B only Description Autofocus can be performed with the B button or - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 298
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 9481 | User Manual - Page 299
a9: Built-in AF-assist Illuminator Choose whether the built-in AF-assist illuminator lights to assist the focus operation when lighting is poor. Option Description The AF-assist illuminator lights when lighting is poor. AF- assist illumination is only available when both of the On (default) - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 300
a10: AF-On for MB-D10 Choose the function assigned to the B button on the optional MB-D10 battery pack. Option Description A AF-ON (default) Pressing the MB-D10 B button initiates autofocus. B AE/AF lock Focus and exposure lock while the MB-D10 B button is pressed. C AE lock only Exposure - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 301
b: Metering/Exposure b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value This option determines whether adjustments to sensitivity are made in increments equivalent to 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, or 1 EV. Option H 1/3 step (default) I 1/2 step J 1 step b2: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl. This option determines whether adjustments - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 302
b4: Easy Exposure Compensation This option controls whether the E button is needed to set exposure compensation (pg. 114). If [On (Auto reset)] or [On] is selected, the 0 at the center of the exposure display will blink even when exposure compensation is set to ±0. Option K On (Auto reset) On - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 303
b5: Center-Weighted Area When calculating exposure, center- Option weighted metering assigns the greatest M φ 6 mm weight to a circle in the center of the frame. L φ 8 mm (default) The diameter (φ ) of this circle can be set to N φ 10 mm 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm or to the average of the O φ 13 mm - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 304
2 Select [Yes]. The message shown at right will be displayed; highlight [Yes] and press 2 to proceed, or select [No] to exit without altering exposure. 3 Select a metering method. Highlight [Matrix metering], [Center-weighted], or [Spot metering] and press 2. 4 Choose an exposure value. Press 1 or 3 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 305
c: Timers/AE Lock c1: Shutter-Release Button 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 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 306
c3: Self-Timer Delay This option controls the length of the shutter release delay in self-timer mode. Choose from 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, and 20 s. Option a 2s b 5s c 10 s (default) d 20 s c4: Monitor off Delay This option controls how long the monitor remains on when no operations are performed. Choose - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 307
d: 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. 268)). Option y High (default) z Low - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 308
d3: Viewfinder Warning Display Choose whether low battery warning is displayed in the viewfinder. Option Description On (default) A low battery (I) icon is displayed when the battery is low. Off Low battery warning is not displayed in the viewfinder. d4: CL Mode Shooting Speed This option - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 309
d6: File Number Sequence When a photograph is taken, the camera names the file by adding one to the last file number used. This option controls whether file numbering continues from the last number used when a new folder is created, the memory card is formatted, or a new memory card is inserted in - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 310
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 light] (B; black lettering) or [Light on dark] (W; white lettering). Monitor brightness will automatically be adjusted for maximum contrast - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 311
d8: LCD Illumination At the default setting of [Off ], the control panel backlight (LCD illuminator) will only light while the power switch is in the D position. If [On] is selected, the control panel will be illuminated while the exposure meters are active (pg. 46). Select [Off ] for increased - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 312
A Using AA Batteries EN-EL4a or EN-EL4 rechargeable Li-ion batteries (available separately) or EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion batteries are recommended for best performance. Fewer pictures can be taken with AA batteries (pg. 417). The capacity of AA batteries drops sharply at temperatures below 20 °C ( - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 313
d11: Battery Order Choose whether the battery in the camera or the batteries in the battery pack are used first when an optional MB-D10 battery pack is attached. Option 5 Use MB-D10 batteries first (default) 6 Use camera battery first Description The camera battery is used only when the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 314
Speed Limit To fix shutter speed at the sync speed limit in shutter-priority auto or manual exposure modes, select the next shutter speed after the slowest U possible shutter speed (30 the highest shutter speed supported by the camera, making it possible to choose the maximum aperture for reduced depth of - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 315
Flash Control at [1/320 s (Auto FP)] When [1/320 s (Auto FP)] is selected for Custom Setting e1 ([Flash sync speed], pg. 288), the built-in flash can be used at shutter speeds as fast as 1/320 s, while optional SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, and SB-R200 flash units can be used at any shutter speed (Auto FP - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 316
auto or aperture-priority auto exposure modes (regardless of the setting chosen, shutter speeds can be as slow as 30 s in shutter-priority auto and manual exposure modes or at flash settings of slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, or red-eye reduction with slow sync). Options range from 1/60 s ([1/60 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 317
effect (pg. 292). 4 Commander Use the built-in flash as a master flash controlling mode one or more remote optional flash units (pg. 293). A "Manual" and "Repeating Flash" Y icons blink in the control panel and viewfinder when these options are selected. A The SB-400 When an optional SB-400 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 318
❚❚ Manual Choose a flash level between [Full] and [1/128] (1/128 of full power). At full power, the built-in flash has a Guide Number of 18/59 (m/ft., ISO 200, 20°C/68°F). ❚❚ Repeating Flash The flash fires repeatedly while the shutter is open, producing a strobe-light effect. Press 4 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 319
❚❚ Commander Mode Use the built-in flash as a master flash controlling one or more remote optional SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, or SB-R200 flash units in up to two groups (A and B) using advanced wireless lighting. Selecting this option displays the menu shown at right. Press 4 or 2 to highlight the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 320
Follow the steps below to take photographs in commander mode. 1 Adjust settings for the built-in flash. Choose the flash control mode and output level for the built-in flash. Note that output level can not be adjusted in [- -] mode. 2 Adjust settings for group A. Choose the flash control mode and - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 321
flash units to the selected channel. Turn all the remote flash units on and set them to the channel selected in Step 4. See the Speedlight instruction manuals for details. 8 Raise the built-in flash. Press the flash pop-up button to raise the built-in flash. Note that even if [- -] is selected - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 322
A The Flash Sync Mode Display M does not appear in the control panel flash sync mode display when [- -] is selected for [Built-in flash] > [Mode]. A Flash Compensation The flash compensation value selected with the Y (M) button and subcommand dial is added to the flash compensation values selected - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 323
e4: Modeling Flash If [On] (the default setting) is selected when the camera is being used with the built-in flash or an optional SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, or SB-R200 flash unit, a modeling flash will be emitted when the camera depth-of-field preview button is pressed (pg. 103). No modeling flash is - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 324
Bracketing (Mode M) This option determines which settings are affected when [AE & flash] or [AE only] is selected for Custom Setting e5 in manual exposure mode. Option Description F Flash/speed (default) Camera varies shutter speed (Custom Setting e5 set to [AE only]) or shutter speed and flash - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 325
e7: Bracketing Order At the default setting of [MTR]>[under]>[over] (H), bracketing is performed in the order described on pages 118 and 122. If [Under]>[MTR]>[over] (I) is selected, shooting will proceed in order from the lowest to the highest value. U 299 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 326
f: Controls f1: Multi Selector Center Button This option determines what operations can be performed by pressing the center of the multi selector in shooting and playback modes. ❚❚ Shooting Mode Selecting [Shooting mode] displays the following options: Option Select center J focus point (default) - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 327
Option Choose u folder Description Pressing center of multi selector displays list of folders. Highlight folder and press J to select folder for playback. Folder can not be changed if only one folder exists of if [Current] is selected for [Playback folder] (pg. 249). f2: Multi Selector If [Reset - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 328
f4: Assign FUNC. Button Choose the role played by the Fn button, either by itself ([FUNC. button press]) or when used in combination with the command dials ([FUNC. button+dials]). ❚❚ FUNC. Button Press Selecting [FUNC. button press] for Custom Setting f4 displays the following options: Option - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 329
Option Description If the Fn button is pressed while exposure or flash bracketing is active in single frame release mode, all shots in the current bracketing program will be taken each time the shutter-release button is t Bracketing burst pressed. If white balance bracketing is active or - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 330
❚❚ FUNC. Button+Dials Selecting [FUNC. button+dials] for Custom Setting f4 displays the following options: Option Description If the Fn button is pressed when the command dials are rotated, changes to shutter speed v 1 step spd/ aperture (exposure modes f and h) and aperture (exposure modes g - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 331
f5: Assign Preview Button Choose the role played 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 same as for [FUNC. button press] (pg. 302) and [FUNC. button+ - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 332
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 press] (pg. 302 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 333
f7: Customize Command Dials This option controls the operation of the main and sub-command dials. Option Description Controls the direction of the command dials. Choose [No] Reverse (the default option) for normal command dial operation, or rotation [Yes] to reverse the rotation of the command - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 334
Option Description 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 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 335
f9: No Memory Card? At the default setting of [Enable release], the shutter can be released when no memory card is inserted, although no pictures will be recorded (they will however be displayed in the monitor in demo mode). If [Release locked] is selected, the shutter-release button is only enabled - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 336
f10: Reverse Indicators At the default setting of (V), the exposure indicators in the control panel, viewfinder 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 the left and positive - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 337
B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup The setup menu contains the options listed below. For information on using the setup menu, see "Tutorial: Camera Menus" (pg. 24). Option See page Format memory card 312 LCD brightness 312 Clean image sensor 373 Lock mirror up for cleaning 1 376 Video mode - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 338
Format Memory Card Format the card. Note that formatting permanently deletes all pictures and other data on the card. Before formatting, be sure to make backup copies as required. D During Formatting Do not turn the camera off or remove memory cards during formatting. A Two-Button Format Memory - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 339
choose options for automatic image sensor cleaning (pg. 373). 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. 376). Video Mode When connecting the camera to a television or VCR via - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 340
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 separately from commercial suppliers). Before connecting the camera to high-definition device, - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 341
World Time Change time zones, set the camera clock, choose the date display order, and turn 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. 37). Date - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 342
Image Comment Add a comment to new photographs as they are taken. Comments can be viewed in ViewNX version 1.2.0 or later or in Capture NX version 1.3.5 or later or Capture NX 2 version 2.1.0 or later (available separately; pg. 368). The comment is also visible on the third shooting data page in the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 343
Auto Image Rotation Photographs taken while [On] (the default option) is selected contain information on camera orientation, allowing them to be rotated automatically during playback (pg. 251) or when viewed in ViewNX version 1.2.0 or later or in Capture NX version 1.3.5 or later or Capture NX 2 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 344
the Image Dust Off option in Capture NX version 1.3.5 or later or Capture NX 2 version 2.1.0 or later (available separately; for more information, see the software manual). [Dust off ref photo] is available only when a CPU lens is mounted on the camera. A lens with a focal length of at least 50 mm - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 345
so that it fills the viewfinder and then press the shutter-release button halfway. U In autofocus mode, focus will automatically be set to infinity; in manual focus mode, set focus to infinity - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 346
3 Acquire dust off reference data. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to acquire Image Dust Off reference data. The monitor turns off when the shutter-release button is pressed. If the reference object is too bright or too dark, the camera may be unable to acquire Image Dust - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 347
Battery Info View information on the battery currently inserted in the camera. Item Description Bat. meter The current battery level expressed as a percentage. The number of times the shutter has been released with the current battery since the battery was last charged. Note Pic. meter that - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 348
A The MB-D10 Battery Pack The information displayed when the camera is powered by an optional MB-D10 battery pack depends on the type of batteries used: EN-EL3e EN-EL4a/EN-EL4 (option) 8 × AA (option) Bat. meter ✔ ✔ ✔ Pic. meter ✔ ✔ - Calibration - ✔ - Charging life ✔ ✔ - Wireless Transmitter - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 349
Image Authentication Choose whether to embed image authentication information in new photographs as they are taken, allowing alterations to be detected using Nikon's optional Image Authentication software. Image authentication information can not be embedded in existing photographs. Photographs - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 350
Copyright Information Add copyright information to new photographs as they are taken. Copyright information is visible on the fourth shooting data page in the photo information display (pg. 214) and can be viewed in ViewNX version 1.2.0 or later or in Capture NX version 1.3.5 or later or Capture NX - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 351
Save/Load Settings Select [Save settings] to save the following settings to the camera memory card (if the memory card is full, an error will be displayed; pg. 394). Menu Option Display mode Playback Image review After delete Rotate tall Shooting menu bank File naming Image quality Image - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 352
Menu Option Clean image sensor Video mode HDMI World time (excepting date and time) Language Setup Image comment Auto image rotation USB Image authentication Copyright information GPS Non-CPU lens data All My Menu items My Menu/ Recent Settings All recent settings Choose tab - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 353
Non-CPU Lens Data By specifying lens data (lens focal length and maximum aperture) for up to nine non-CPU lenses, the user can gain access to a variety of CPU lens functions (pg. 196). AF Fine Tune Fine-tune focus for up to 12 lens types. AF tuning is not recommended in most situations; use only - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 354
Option Description List previously saved AF tuning values. If a value exists for the current lens, it will be shown with a V icon. To delete a lens from the list, highlight the desired lens and press O. To change a lens identifier (for example, to choose an identifier that is the same as the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 355
N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies The options in the retouch menu are used to create trimmed, or retouched copies of the photographs on the memory card. The retouch menu is only displayed when a memory card containing photographs is inserted in the camera. For information on using the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 356
Creating Retouched Copies Except in the case of [Image overlay] (pg. 339) and [Side-by-side comparison] (pg. 342), the photographs to be retouched can be selected in full-frame playback as well as from the retouch menu. ❚❚ Creating Retouched Copies in Full-Frame Playback 1 Choose a picture. Display - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 357
4 Create a retouched copy. Press J to create a retouched copy. Retouched copies are indicated by a N icon. ❚❚ Creating Retouched Copies from the Retouch Menu 1 Select an item in the retouch menu. Press 1 or 3 to highlight an item, 2 to select. Depending on the option selected, a menu may be - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 358
3 Display retouch options. Press J to display retouch options (see the section for the selected option for details). To exit without creating a retouched copy, press G. 4 Create a retouched copy. Press J to create a retouched copy. Retouched copies are indicated by a N icon. U 332 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 359
D Retouching Copies Copies created with [Trim] can not be further modified. D-lighting, red-eye correction, filter effects, and color balance can not be applied to monochrome copies. Otherwise the options in the retouch menu can each be applied once to existing copies, although this may result in - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 360
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 334 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 361
Red-Eye Correction This option is used to correct "red-eye" caused by the flash, and is available only with photographs taken using the flash. The photograph selected for red-eye correction is previewed as shown at right. Confirm the effects of red-eye correction and create a copy as described in - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 362
Trim Create a cropped copy of the selected photograph. The selected photograph is displayed with the selected crop shown in yellow; create a cropped copy as described in the following table. To Use Description Reduce size of crop W Press the W button to reduce the size of the crop. Increase - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 363
D Trim: Image Quality and Size Copies created from NEF (RAW), NEF (RAW) + JPEG, or TIFF (RGB) photos have an image quality (pg. 56) 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 9481 | User Manual - Page 364
Filter Effects Choose from the following color filter effects. After adjusting filter effects as described below, press J to copy the photograph. Option Skylight Description Creates the effect of a skylight filter, making the picture less blue. The effect can be previewed in the monitor as shown - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 365
Image Overlay Image overlay combines two existing NEF (RAW) photographs to create a single picture that is saved separately from the originals with results that are noticeably better than photographs combined in an imaging application because they make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 366
4 Select 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 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 367
8 Preview the overlay. Press 1 or 3 to highlight [Overlay] and press J (to save the overlay without displaying a preview, highlight [Save] and press J). To return to Step 7 and select new photos or adjust gain, press W. 9 Save the overlay. Press J while the preview is displayed to save the overlay. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 368
Side-by-Side Comparison Compare retouched copies to the original photographs. ❚❚ Making a Side-by-Side Comparison 1 Select a picture. Use the multi selector to select a picture and press J. Only retouched copies (shown by a N icon) or photographs that have been retouched can be selected. 2 Select [ - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 369
3 Compare the copy with the original. Options used to create copy The source image is displayed on the left, the retouched copy on the right, with the options used to create the copy listed at the top of the display. Press the multi selector in the direction indicated by the Source Retouched - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 370
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). If desired, recent settings can be displayed in place of My Menu (pg. 348). - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 371
4 Position the new item. Press 1 or 3 to move the new item up or down in My Menu. Press J to add the new item. 5 Add more items. The items currently displayed in My Menu are indicated by a check mark. Items indicated by a V icon can not be selected. Repeat steps 1-4 to select additional items. U 345 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 372
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 9481 | User Manual - Page 373
Reordering Options in My Menu 1 Select [Rank items]. In My Menu (O), highlight [Rank items] and press 2. 2 Select an item. Highlight the item you wish to move and press J. 3 Position the item. Press 1 or 3 to move the item up or down in My Menu and press J. Repeat Steps 2-3 to reposition additional - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 374
Displaying Recent Settings To display the twenty most recently used settings, select [Recent settings] for [My Menu] > [Choose tab]. 1 Select [Choose tab]. In My Menu (O), highlight [Choose tab] and press 2. 2 Select [Recent settings]. Highlight [Recent settings] and press J. The name of the menu - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 375
. 372 Storage pg. 372 Cleaning pg. 372 The Low-Pass Filter pg. 373 "Clean Now pg. 373 "Clean at Startup/Shutdown pg. 374 Manual Cleaning pg. 376 Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions pg. 379 Troubleshooting pg. 383 Error Messages pg. 391 Appendix pg. 399 Specifications pg. 409 n 349 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 376
-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 5 Electronic rangefinder can not be used with shifting or tilting. 6 Manual exposure mode only. 7 Can be used with AF-S and AF-I lenses - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 377
displayed when image on matte screen in viewfinder is not in focus. Adjust focus manually until image in viewfinder is in focus. 10 With maximum aperture of f/5.6 or Non-CPU lens data] (pg. 196). 16 Can be used in manual exposure modes at shutter speeds slower than 1/125 s. 17 Exposure determined by - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 378
D Incompatible Accessories and Non-CPU Lenses The following accessories and non-CPU lenses can NOT be used with the D300: • TC-16AS AF teleconverter • AF lenses for the F3AF (AF 80mm • Non-AI lenses f/2.8, AF 200mm f/3.5 ED, • Lenses that require the AU-1 AF Teleconverter TC-16) focusing - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 379
4D ED II 2 • AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR • AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR 2 • AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR 2 1 Autofocus not supported. 2 Autofocus not supported when used with AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II/TC-20E II. A Compatible Non-CPU Lenses If lens data are specified using [Non-CPU lens data - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 380
A The Built-in Flash The built-in flash can be used with CPU lenses with focal lengths of 18- 300mm. Remove lens hoods to prevent shadows. The flash has a minimum range of 60 cm (2 ft.) and can not be used in the macro range of macro zoom lenses. The flash may be unable to light the entire subject - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 381
D Red-Eye Reduction Lenses that block the subject's view of the AF-assist illuminator may interfere with red-eye reduction. D AF-Assist Illumination AF-assist illumination is not available with the following lenses: • AF-S VR 200mm f/2G ED • AF-S VR 200-400mm f/4G ED At ranges under 0.7m (2ft. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 382
A Calculating Picture Angle The size of the area exposed by a 35mm camera is 36 × 24 mm. The size of the area exposed by the D300, in contrast, is approximately 23.6 × 15.8 mm, meaning that the diagonal picture angle of a 35mm camera is approximately 1.5 times that of the D300. To calculate the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 383
Lighting System (CLS) offers improved 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 170). Flash - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 384
SB-R200 The principal features of these flash units are listed below. Flash unit Feature SB-900 1 SB-800 SB-600 SB-400 SB-R200 2 Guide ISO 100 34/111 No. 3 ISO 200 48/157 38/125 53/174 30/98 21/69 42/138 30/98 10/33 14/46 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 385
calculate the range of the flash at full power, divide the Guide Number by the aperture. For example, at ISO 100 the SB-800 has a Guide Number of 38 m or 125 ft.; its range at an aperture of f/5.6 is 38÷5.6 or about 6.8 meters (or in feet, 125÷5.6=approximately 23 ft. 7 in.). - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 386
i-TTL i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR ✔2 ✔2 ✔3 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ AA Auto aperture ✔4 - - ✔5 ✔5 ✔5 - - A Non-TTL auto ✔6 - - ✔5 - ✔5 - - GN Range-priority manual M Manual RPT Repeating flash Auto FP High-Speed Sync 7 FV lock AF-assist for multi-area AF 8 Flash - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 387
30,SB-27 1, SB-22s, SB-22, SB-20, SB-16B, SB-15 SB-23,SB-29 2, SB-21B 2, SB-29s 2 A Non-TTL auto ✔ - ✔ - M Manual ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ G Repeating flash ✔ - - - REAR Rear-curtain sync ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 1 Flash mode is automatically set to TTL and shutter-release is disabled. Set flash unit to A (non - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 388
D Notes on Optional Speedlights Refer to the Speedlight manual for detailed instructions. If the Speedlight supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System, refer to the section on CLScompatible digital SLR cameras. The D300 is not included in the "digital SLR" category in - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 389
prevent normal operation, but damage the 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 information. n 363 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 390
Flash Contacts The D300 is equipped with an accessory shoe for attaching optional flash units directly to the camera and a sync terminal that allows flash units to be connected via a sync cable. ❚❚ The Accessory Shoe Use the accessory shoe to mount optional flash units directly on the camera without - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 391
Battery EN-EL3e (pp. 30, 32): Additional EN-EL3e batteries are available from local retailers and Nikon service representatives. The EN-EL3e can be recharged using an MH-18a or MH-18 quick charger. • Multi or a second EN-EL3e battery is recommended. See the WT-4 manual for details. n 365 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 392
Viewfinder eyepiece accessories • Diopter-Adjustment Viewfinder Lens DK-20C: To accommodate individual differences in vision, viewfinder lenses are available with diopters of -5, -4, -3, -2, 0, +0.5, +1, +2, and +3 m-1. Use diopter adjustment lenses only if the desired focus can not be achieved - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 393
• Nikon filters can be divided into three types: screw-in, slip-in, and rear-interchange. Use Nikon filters; filters manufactured by other makers may interfere with autofocus or electronic range finding. • The D300 can not be used with linear polarizing filters. Use the C-PL circular polarizing - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 394
Software Body cap • Capture NX: A complete photo editing package. • Capture NX 2: A complete photo editing package with such advanced editing features as selection control points and an auto retouch brush. • Camera Control Pro 2: Control the camera remotely from a computer and save photographs - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 395
Remote terminal accessories The D300 is equipped with a tenpin remote terminal for remote control and automatic photography. The terminal is provided with a cap, which protects the contacts when the terminal is not in use. The following accessories can be used (all lengths are approximate): • - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 396
Remote terminal accessories • Adapter Cord MC-25: Ten-pin to two-pin adapter cord for connection to devices with two-pin terminals, including the MW-2 radio control set, MT-2 intervalometer, and ML2 modulite control set (length 20 cm/8 in.). • GPS Adapter Cord MC-35 (pg. 199): Connects GPS devices - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 397
❚❚ Approved Memory Cards The following cards have been tested and approved for use in the D300: 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 GB Lexar Media Professional UDMA - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 398
Caring for the Camera Storage When the camera will not be used for an extended period, replace the monitor cover, remove the battery, and store the battery in a cool, dry area with the terminal cover in place. To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area. Do not store - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 399
Cleaning If the options described in this section are not sufficient to remove dust or other foreign objects from the image sensor, clean the sensor manually as described on page 376. 373 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 400
3 Select [Clean now]. Highlight [Clean now] and press 2. The message shown at right will be displayed while cleaning is in progress. The message shown at right will be displayed when cleaning is complete. ❚❚ "Clean at Startup/Shutdown" 1 Select [Clean at startup/ shutdown]. Display the [Clean image - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 401
dust can not be fully removed using the options in the [Clean image sensor] menu, clean n the image sensor manually (pg. 376) or consult a Nikon-authorized service representative. If image sensor cleaning is performed several times in succession, image sensor cleaning may be temporarily disabled to - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 402
(pg. 373) option in the setup menu, the filter can be cleaned manually as described below. Note, however, that the filter is extremely delicate and easily damaged. Nikon recommends that the filter be cleaned only by Nikon-authorized service personnel. 1 Charge the battery or connect an AC adapter. A - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 403
not use a blowerbrush, as the bristles could damage the filter. Dirt that can not be removed with a blower can only be removed by Nikonauthorized service personnel. Under no circumstances should you touch or wipe the filter. 7 Turn the camera off. The mirror will return to the down position and the - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 404
foreign matter find its way onto the low-pass filter, clean the filter as described above, or have the filter cleaned by authorized Nikon service personnel. Photographs affected by the presence of foreign matter on the filter can be retouched using Capture NX version 1.3.5 or later or Capture NX - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 405
Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions Do not drop: The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration. Keep dry: This product is not waterproof, and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high levels of humidity. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 406
Cleaning: When cleaning the camera body, use a blower to gently remove dust and lint, then wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. After using the camera at the beach or seaside, wipe off any sand or salt using a cloth lightly dampened in pure water and then dry the camera thoroughly. In rare instances, - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 407
Turn the product off before removing or disconnecting the power source: Do not unplug the product or remove the battery while the product is on or while images are being recorded or deleted. Forcibly cutting power in these circumstances could result in loss of data or in damage to product memory or - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 408
Batteries: Dirt on the battery terminals can prevent the camera from functioning and should be removed with a soft, dry cloth before use. Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. Observe the following precautions when handling batteries: Turn the product off before replacing the battery. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 409
Troubleshooting If the camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common problems below before consulting your retailer or Nikon representative. Refer to the page numbers in the right-most column for more information. ❚❚ Display Problem or Nikon-authorized service representative. Note - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 410
❚❚ Shooting Problem Solution Page Camera takes time to turn on. Delete files or folders. selector to S 62 or C. Photos are out of focus. • Camera unable to focus using autofocus: use manual focus or focus lock. 68, 71 Full range of shutter speeds not available. Flash in use. Flash sync - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 411
Problem Solution Page Image size can not be changed. [Image quality] set to [NEF (RAW)]. 56 • Unlock focus selector lock. 66 • Auto-area AF selected for - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 412
Problem Solution Page • Camera is in focus mode C. 62 • Center focus point is not selected 64 for single-point AF or dynamic- area AF. AF-assist - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 413
Problem Solution Page A (auto) is selected for sharpening, Effects of Picture Control contrast, or saturation. For differ from image to consistent results over a series of 152 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 414
❚❚ Playback Problem Solution Page Flashing areas appear in images Shooting data appear on images Press 1 or 3 to choose photo information displayed, or change settings for [Display mode]. A - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 415
Problem Solution Page • Set [USB] to [MTP/PTP]. 318 • NEF (RAW) and TIFF photos can not be 230 printed by direct USB connection. Use Can not print photos. DPOF print service (TIFF images only) or transfer to computer and print using ViewNX version 1.2.0 or later or Capture NX version 1.3.5 or - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 416
❚❚ Miscellaneous Problem Solution Page Date of recording is not correct. Set camera clock. 37 Some options are not available at certain Menu item can not be selected. - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 417
viewfinder, control panel, and monitor. Indicator Control Viewpanel finder Problem Solution Page B (blinks) Lens aperture ring is Set can not be used. • Recharge or replace battery. • Contact Nikonauthorized service representative. • An extremely • Replace the battery, H d exhausted or - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 418
Indicator Control Viewpanel finder Problem Solution Page No lens attached, or non-CPU lens specified. stops from maximum aperture. - D Camera unable to (blinks) focus using autofocus. Focus manually. 71 • Use a lower ISO 94 sensitivity • In exposure mode: Subject too bright; q - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 419
Indicator Control Viewpanel finder Problem Solution Page • Use a higher ISO 94 sensitivity • In exposure mode: mode f. Change shutter speed or select manual 106, 109 exposure mode. (blinks) c (blinks) Optional flash unit that does not support i-TTL flash control attached and set to - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 420
Indicator Control Viewpanel finder Problem Solution Page - c (blinks) If indicator blinks for 3s after flash fires, photo may be underexposed Release shutter. If error O (blinks) persists or appears Camera malfunction. frequently, consult Nikon-authorized - service representative. n 394 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 421
Indicator Control Monitor panel Problem Solution Page No memory card. Camera cannot S detect memory card. Turn camera off and confirm that card is correctly inserted. 39 • Error accessing This memory - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 422
Indicator Control Monitor panel Problem Solution Page This card is not formatted. Format the card. C (blinks) Memory card has not been formatted for use in camera. Format memory card or - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 423
Indicator Control Monitor panel Problem Solution Cannot select this file. - Memory card does not contain images that can be retouched. Images created with other devices can not be retouched. Check - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 424
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 231 * 231 * n 398 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 425
Appendix The Appendix covers the following topics: • Defaults pg. 400 • Memory Card Capacity pg. 405 • Exposure Program pg. 407 • Aperture, Sensitivity, and Flash Range pg. 408 n 399 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 426
Defaults The following defaults are restored either with a two-button reset or using [Reset shooting menu] or [Reset custom settings]. ❚❚ Defaults Restored with a Two-Button Reset (pg. 182)1 Option Default [ISO sensitivity] (pg. 94) 200 [Image quality] (pg. 56) JPEG normal Shooting [Image - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 427
❚❚ Defaults Restored with [Reset Shooting Menu] (pg. 257) 1 Option Default [File naming] (pg. 260) DSC [Image quality] (pg. 56) JPEG normal [Image size] (pg. 60) Large [JPEG compression] (pg. 58) Size priority [NEF (RAW) recording] (pg. 58) [Type] Lossless compressed [NEF (RAW) bit - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 428
❚❚ Defaults Restored with [Reset Custom Settings] (pg. 266) * Option Default a1 [AF-C priority selection] (pg. 267) Release a2 [AF-S priority selection] (pg. 268) Focus a3 [Dynamic AF area] (pg. 269) 9 points a4 [Focus tracking with lock-on] (pg. 270) Normal a5 [AF activation] (pg. 271) - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 429
Option d1 [Beep] (pg. 281) d2 [Viewfinder grid display] (pg. 281) d3 [Viewfinder warning display] (pg. 282) d4 [CL mode shooting speed] (pg. 282) d5 [Max. continuous release] (pg. 282) d6 [File number sequence] (pg. 283) d7 [Shooting info display] (pg. 284) d8 [LCD illumination] (pg. 285) d9 [ - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 430
Option [Multi selector center button] (pg. 300) f1 [Shooting mode] [Playback mode] f2 [Multi selector] (pg. 301) f3 [Photo info/playback] (pg. 301) [Assign FUNC. button] (pg. 302) f4 [FUNC. button press] [FUNC. button+dials] [Assign preview button] (pg. 305) f5 [Preview button press] [Preview+ - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 431
Memory Card Capacity The following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on a 2 GB SanDisk Extreme III (SDCFX) card at different image quality and size settings. Image quality NEF (RAW), Lossless compressed, 12-bit NEF (RAW), Lossless compressed, 14-bit 3 NEF (RAW), - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 432
1 All figures are approximate. File size varies with scene recorded. 2 Maximum number of exposures that can be stored in memory buffer at ISO 200. Drops if [Optimal quality] is selected for [JPEG compression], ISO sensitivity is set to P or higher, [High ISO NR] is on when auto ISO sensitivity - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 433
Exposure Program The exposure program for programmed auto is shown in the following graph: Aperture f/1.4 − f/16 ISO 200; lens with maximum aperture of f/1.4 and minimum aperture of f/16 (e.g., AF 50mm f/1.4 D) [ EV] f/1 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 f/1.4 15 f/2 16 f/2.8 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 434
Aperture, Sensitivity, and Flash Range The range of the built-in flash varies with sensitivity (ISO equivalency) and aperture. Aperture at ISO equivalent of Range 200 400 800 1600 3200 m ft. 1.4 2 2.8 4 5.6 1.0-12.0 3ft. 3in.-39ft. 4in. 2 2.8 4 5.6 8 0.7-8.5 2ft. 4in.-27ft. 11in. 2.8 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 435
Specifications ❚❚ Nikon D300 Digital Camera Type Type Lens mount Effective picture angle Single-lens reflex digital camera Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts) Approx. 1.5 × lens focal length (Nikon DX format) Effective pixels Effective pixels 12.3 million Image sensor Image sensor - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 436
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 lenses not supported. • Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II. Lenses for F3AF not - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 437
, 20 °C/68 °F) • Spot metering: 2-20 EV n Exposure meter coupling Combined CPU and AI Exposure mode Programmed auto with flexible program (e); shutterpriority auto (f ); aperture priority auto (g); manual (h) Exposure compensation -5 - +5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2, or 1 EV 411 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 438
Electronic range finding supported Can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points Single-point AF, dynamic-area AF, auto-area AF Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/ AF-L button Manual pop-up with button release and a Guide Number of 17 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 439
SB-400 • Auto aperture: Available with SB-900 or SB-800 and CPU lens • Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include SB-900, SB-800, SB-28, SB-27, and SB-22s • Range-priority manual: Available with SB-900 and SB-800 Flash mode Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 440
with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional MC-35 GPS adapter cord and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector) Supported languages Supported languages Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 441
and without prior notice. Nikon will not be held liable for damages that may result from any mistakes that this manual may contain. MH-18a quick charger Rated input Rated output Supported batteries AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) DC 8.4 V/900 mA Nikon EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion battery Charging time - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 442
an industry-wide standard that allows pictures to be printed from print orders stored on the memory card. • Exif version 2.21: The camera supports Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) version 2.21, a standard in which information stored with photographs is used for optimal - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 443
A Battery Life The number of shots that can be taken with fully-charged batteries varies with the condition of the battery, temperature, and how the camera is used. In the case of AA batteries, capacity also varies with make and storage conditions; some batteries can not be used. Sample figures for - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 444
The following can reduce battery life: • Using the monitor • Keeping the shutter-release button pressed halfway • Repeated autofocus operations • Taking NEF (RAW) or TIFF (RGB) photographs • Slow shutter speeds • Using the optional WT-4 wireless transmitter • Using the optional GP-1 GPS unit • Using - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 445
), 100, 277, 278 b (Spot), 100, 278 e (Programmed auto), 104 f (Shutter-priority auto), 106 g (Aperture-priority auto), 107 h (Manual), 109 Q (Help), 24, 29 t (Memory buffer), 51 L (Preset manual), 127, 134 Numerics 1,005-segment RGB sensor, 126 3D color matrix metering II, 100, 101 3D-tracking, 64 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 446
21, 168, 416 [Exp comp/fine tune], 275 Exposure, 99, 100, 112, 114 lock, 112 meters, 46, 279 mode, 102 aperture-priority auto, 107 manual, 109 programmed auto, 104 shutter-priority auto, 106 program, 407 Exposure bracketing, 116, 297, 298 Exposure compensation, 114 [Exposure delay mode], 285 F File - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 447
sync terminal, 364 [Flash cntrl for built-in flash], 291 [Commander mode], 293 [Manual], 292 [Repeating flash], 292 [Flash shutter speed], 290 [Flash sync speed], 288 , 51, 72 lock, 68 mode, 62 continuous-servo AF, 62, 69, 267, 269 manual, 62, 71, 81 single-servo AF, 62, 68, 268 point, 64, 66, 84 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 448
Local area network, 365 [Lock mirror up for cleaning], 376 [Long exp. NR], 262 M M, 62, 71, 81, 109 Magenta, 130, 338 [Manage Picture Control], 154 Manual, 62, 71, 81, 109 Mass Storage, 225 Matrix, 100, 101, 278 [Max. continuous release], 282 MB-D10, 274, 285, 287, 322, 365 [MB-D10 battery - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 449
[Multi selector], 301 [Multi selector center button], 300 [Multiple exposure], 184 Multiple exposure, 184 [My Menu], 344 [Add items], 344 [Rank items], 347 [Remove items], 346 N NEF, 56, 58 NEF (RAW), 56, 59 [NEF (RAW) recording], 58 [NEF (RAW) bit depth], 59 [12-bit], 59 [14-bit], 59 [Type], 58 [ - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 450
.], 127, 133 [Cloudy], 127 [Direct sunlight], 126 [Flash], 127 [Fluorescent], 126 [Incandescent], 126 [Preset manual], 127, 134 [Shade], 127 White balance, 121, 126 bracketing, 121 preset manual, 127, 134 Wireless, 229, 365 network, 229, 365 transmitter, 229, 365 [Wireless transmitter], 229 [World - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 451
[Daylight saving time], 37, 315 [Time zone], 37, 315 WT-4, 229, 365 425 - Nikon 9481 | User Manual - Page 452
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 Europe SB8K04(11) 6MB00211-04
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DIGITAL CAMERA
En
User's Manual