Page 1 DIGITAL CAMERA User's Manual (with Warranty) • Read this manual thoroughly before using the camera. • To ensure proper use of the camera, be sure to read “For Your Safety” (page xiii). • After reading this manual, keep it in a readily accessible place for future reference.
Page 2 Android operating system. The app is available free from the website (http://snapbridge.nikon.com), Apple App Store® and Google Play For the latest information on SnapBridge, visit the Nikon website for your area (0 xxi). D500 Model Name: N1501...
Page 3 — making online photo sharing easier than ever Upload of photos and thumbnail images to the NIKON IMAGE SPACE cloud service A range of services that enriches your imaging life, including: • Camera remote control •...
Page 4 Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat Reader. 1 On your computer, launch a web browser and open the Nikon manual download site at http://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/ 2 Navigate to the page for the desired product and download the manual.
Page 5 Camera Settings The explanations in this manual assume that default settings are used. Nikon User Support Visit the site below to register your camera and keep up-to-date with the latest product information. You will find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and can contact us for technical assistance.
Page 6: Package Contents
Package Contents Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera. BF-1B body cap (0 18, 333) D500 digital camera (0 1) EN-EL15 rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover (0 13, 15) MH-25a battery charger (comes with either an AC wall adapter or power cable of a type and shape that varies with the country or region of sale;...
Page 7 Use Capture NX-D to fine-tune pictures that have been copied to a computer and to convert NEF (RAW) images to other formats. Capture NX-D is available for download from: http://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/ You can also visit this website for the latest information on Nikon software, including system requirements.
Page 8: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Package Contents ................ iv For Your Safety ................xiii Notices..................xvii Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN)........xxii Introduction Getting to Know the Camera ............1 Camera Body ....................1 The Control Panel ...................5 The Viewfinder Display.................7 Using the Tilting Monitor..............9 Using the Touch Screen ..............
Page 9 Live View Photography Autofocus ....................47 Manual Focus ..................49 Using the i Button................50 The Live View Display................. 53 The Information Display..............54 Touch Photography (Touch Shutter)..........55 Movies Recording Movies ............... 58 Indices...................... 63 Using the i Button................64 The Live View Display.................
Page 10 Focus Autofocus..................97 Autofocus Mode ................101 AF-Area Mode..................103 Focus Point Selection ..............108 Focus Lock ................... 111 Manual Focus ................114 Release Mode Choosing a Release Mode............116 Self-Timer Mode ............... 119 Mirror up Mode................. 121 ISO Sensitivity Manual Adjustment ..............123 Auto ISO Sensitivity Control...........
Page 11 White Balance White Balance Options.............159 Fine-Tuning White Balance .............163 Choosing a Color Temperature ..........166 Preset Manual ................169 Viewfinder Photography..............170 Live View (Spot White Balance) ............174 Managing Presets ................177 Image Enhancement Picture Controls.................180 Selecting a Picture Control.............180 Modifying Picture Controls ............182 Creating Custom Picture Controls..........185 Preserving Detail in Highlights and Shadows .....189 Active D-Lighting................189...
Page 12 Other Shooting Options The R Button ................226 The i button................229 Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings ....230 Flicker Reduction..............234 Multiple Exposure ..............236 Interval Timer Photography........... 243 Non-CPU Lenses................ 250 Location Data ................253 More About Playback Viewing Images.................
Page 13 Retouch Menu Options ............314 NEF (RAW) Processing..............314 Trim......................316 Image Overlay..................317 Technical Notes Compatible Lenses..............320 The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)......326 Other Accessories..............333 Caring for the Camera ..............335 Storage ....................335 Cleaning ....................335 Image Sensor Cleaning..............336 Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions......343...
Page 14 Error Messages................355 Specifications ................362 Lenses ..................375 AF-S DX NIKKOR 16–80mm f/2.8–4E ED VR ......375 Approved Memory Cards............385 Memory Card Capacity ............387 Battery Life................. 390 Index ................... 392 Warranty Terms - Nikon Europe Service Warranty .... 403...
Page 15: For Your Safety
For Your Safety To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them.
Page 16 AC adapter and then take the product meter (3 ft 4 in.) from the subject. to a Nikon-authorized service center Particular care should be observed for inspection. when photographing infants.
Page 17 Observe proper precautions when • When the battery is not in use, attach the terminal cover and store handling batteries Batteries may leak, overheat, rupture, in a cool, dry place. • The battery may be hot or catch fire if improperly handled. Observe the following precautions immediately after use or when the when handling batteries for use in...
Page 18 When connecting cables to the input thunderstorms. Failure to observe and output jacks, use only the cables this precaution could result in provided or sold by Nikon for the electric shock. purpose to maintain compliance with • Do not damage, modify, or forcibly product regulations.
Page 19: Notices
Notices • No part of the manuals included with • Nikon will not be held liable for any this product may be reproduced, damages resulting from the use of transmitted, transcribed, stored in a this product. retrieval system, or translated into •...
Page 20 • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, to which the receiver is connected. Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A. • Consult the dealer or an Tel.: 631-547-4200...
Page 21 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 •...
Page 22 Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including chargers, batteries, AC adapters, and flash accessories) certified by Nikon specifically for use with this Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic circuitry.
Page 23 Use Only Nikon Brand Accessories Only Nikon brand accessories certified by Nikon specifically for use with your Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within its operational and safety requirements. T HE USE OF NON IKON ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA AND MAY VOID YOUR...
Page 24: Bluetooth And Wi-Fi (Wireless Lan)
FCC WARNING The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Nikon Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Page 25 RF exposures have not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects might occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research. The D500, which is equipped with a LBEE5UW1FS (FCC ID:VPYLB1FS / IC ID:772C-LB1FS) Wireless...
Page 26 Security Although one of the benefits of this product is that it allows others to freely connect for the wireless exchange of data anywhere within its range, the following may occur if security is not enabled: • Data theft: Malicious third-parties may intercept wireless transmissions to steal user IDs, passwords, and other personal information.
Page 27: Introduction
Introduction Getting to Know the Camera Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual. Camera Body T button ....92, 95, 230 Power switch ......
Page 28 Camera Body (Continued) Self-timer lamp ......120 Lens release button ......19 Stereo microphone ..60, 64, 290 Lens mounting mark ....18 Meter coupling lever ....365 Mirror........121, 339 BKT button Flash sync terminal ....197 ..147, 151, 155, 195, 238, 301 Ten-pin remote terminal Flash sync terminal cover ..
Page 29 Pv button....49, 131, 301, 303 Battery-chamber cover latch..15 Sub-command dial.....302 Lens mount ......18, 115 Fn1 button ......301, 303 CPU contacts N-Mark (NFC antenna)....21 Contact cover for optional MB-D17 multi-power battery pack ..333 Power connector cover Tripod socket Battery-chamber cover ..15, 17 The Speaker...
Page 30 Camera Body (Continued) Viewfinder ......7, 29, 119 Sub-selector ....109, 111, 141, 301, 303 Eyepiece shutter lever ....119 AF-ON button..102, 112, 293, 301 O/Q button....42, 278, 304 Main command dial....302 K button .......40, 255 Multi selector..31, 39, 301, 302 G button......30, 281 Focus selector lock.....
Page 31: The Control Panel
The Control Panel The control panel shows a variety of camera settings when the camera is on. The items shown here appear the first time the camera is turned on; information on other settings can be found in the relevant sections of this manual. 10 9 Exposure mode ......130 AF-area mode ......
Page 32 LCD Illuminators Rotating the power switch Power switch toward D activates the backlights for the buttons and control panel, making it easier to use the camera in the dark. After the power switch is released, the backlights will remain lit for a few seconds while the standby timer is active (0 296) or until the shutter is released or the power switch is rotated toward D again.
Page 33: The Viewfinder Display
The Viewfinder Display Monochrome indicator .....180 Focus indicator.....38, 111, 115 AF area brackets......29 Metering ........128 Roll indicator Autoexposure (AE) lock..... 141 1.3× DX crop ......88, 89 Shutter speed lock icon ... 140, 302 Framing grid (displayed when On Shutter speed .....
Page 34 Exposure mode ......130 Flash compensation indicator ........203 Exposure/flash bracketing indicator ........147 Exposure compensation WB bracketing indicator ... 151 indicator ........143 ADL bracketing indicator..155 Number of exposures Low battery warning ....35 remaining......36, 387 Number of shots remaining before ISO sensitivity indicator ....
Page 35: Using The Tilting Monitor
Using the Tilting Monitor The monitor can be angled and rotated as shown below. Normal use: The monitor is normally used in storage position. Low-angle shots: Tilt the monitor up to take shots in live view with the camera held low. High-angle shots: Tilt the monitor down to take shots in live view with the camera held high.
Page 36 Using the Monitor Rotate the monitor gently, stopping when you feel resistance. Do not use force. Failure to observe these precautions could damage the camera or monitor. If the camera is mounted on a tripod, care should be taken to ensure that the monitor does not contact the tripod. Do not lift or carry the camera by the monitor.
Page 37: Using The Touch Screen
Using the Touch Screen The touch-sensitive monitor supports the following operations: Flick Flick a finger a short distance left or right across the monitor. Slide Slide a finger over the monitor. Stretch/Pinch Place two fingers on the monitor and move them apart or pinch them together.
Page 38 ❚❚ Using the Touch Screen During playback (0 258), the touch screen can be used to: • View other images • Zoom in or out • View thumbnails • View movies During live view, the touch screen can be used to take pictures (touch shutter;...
Page 39: First Steps
First Steps Attach the Camera Strap Attach the strap securely to the camera eyelets. Charge the Battery Insert the battery and plug the charger in (depending on the country or region, the charger comes with either an AC wall adapter or a power cable). An exhausted battery will fully charge in about two hours and 35 minutes.
Page 40 • Power cable: After connecting the power cable with the plug in the orientation shown, insert the battery and plug the cable in. The CHARGE lamp will flash while the battery charges. Battery charging Charging complete The Battery and Charger Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xiii–xvi and 343–347 of this manual.
Page 41: Insert The Battery And A Memory Card
Insert the Battery and a Memory Card Before inserting or removing the battery or memory cards, confirm that power switch is in the OFF position. Insert the battery in the orientation shown, using the battery to keep the orange battery latch pressed to one side. The latch locks the battery in place when the battery is fully inserted.
Page 42 Memory Cards • Memory cards may be hot after use. Observe due caution when removing memory cards from the camera. • Turn the power off before inserting or removing memory cards. Do not remove memory cards from the camera, turn the camera off, or remove or disconnect the power source during formatting or while data are being recorded, deleted, or copied to a computer.
Page 43 ❚❚ Removing the Battery and Memory Cards Removing the Battery Turn the camera off and open the battery-chamber cover. Press the battery latch in the direction shown by the arrow to release the battery and then remove the battery by hand. Removing Memory Cards After confirming that the memory card access lamp is off, turn the camera off and open the memory card slot cover.
Page 44: Attach A Lens
Attach a Lens Be careful to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens or body cap is removed. The lens generally used in this manual for illustrative purposes is an AF-S DX NIKKOR 16–80mm f/2.8–4E ED VR. Remove the camera body cap Remove the rear lens cap Mounting mark (camera)
Page 45 Detaching the Lens Be sure the camera is off when removing or exchanging lenses. To remove the lens, press and hold the lens release button (q) while turning the lens clockwise (w). After removing the lens, replace the lens caps and camera body cap.
Page 46: Camera Setup
Camera Setup ❚❚ Setup from a Smartphone or Tablet Before proceeding, install the SnapBridge app as described inside the front cover and enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your smartphone or tablet (below, “smart device”). Note that the actual camera and smart device displays may differ from those shown below. Turn the camera on.
Page 47 Press J when the dialog at right is displayed. If you do not wish to use a smart device to configure the camera, press G (0 27). Pair the camera and the smart device. • Android devices with NFC support: After checking that NFC is enabled on the smart device, touch the camera N (N-Mark) to the NFC antenna on...
Page 48 Check the authentication code. After confirming that the camera and smart device display the same six- digit authentication code, follow the steps below to complete pairing (note that the code may not be displayed in Camera some versions of iOS, but you should follow the steps below even if the code is not displayed).
Page 49 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process. To record location data with photographs, select Yes when prompted and enable the location data features both in the SnapBridge app and on the smart device itself (for more information, see the documentation provided with the smart device).
Page 50 What SnapBridge Can Do for You The SnapBridge app can be used for a variety of tasks once the camera has been paired with your smart device. For more information on the features below, see SnapBridge online help. Auto Upload At default settings, JPEG photographs will automatically be uploaded to the smart device as they are taken (this feature is not available with movies or with NEF/RAW or TIFF images).
Page 51 Tips for Wireless Networks • Pairing: To pair the camera with a smart device (for example, with a new device or if you did not opt to pair with a smart device during setup), select Start for Connect to smart device in the camera setup menu and follow the instructions on page 21, starting with Step 3.
Page 52 ❚❚ Setup from the Camera Menus The camera clock can be set manually. Turn the camera on. A language-selection dialog will be displayed. Use the multi selector and J button to navigate the menus. Power switch Left Right J button (select) Down Multi selector Press 1 and 3 to highlight a language and press J to select.
Page 53 Press G when the dialog at right is displayed. G button Set the camera clock. Press the G button to display the setup menu. G button Highlight Time zone and date and press 2 (the setup menu is automatically displayed with Time zone and date highlighted the first time the menus are displayed;...
Page 54 After using Time zone to choose a time zone and (if applicable) Daylight saving time to enable daylight saving time, highlight Date and time and press 2. Press 4 or 2 to highlight items and press 1 or 3 to change, then press J to set the clock when adjustments are complete.
Page 55: Focus The Viewfinder
Focus the Viewfinder Lift the diopter adjustment control and rotate it until the viewfinder display, focus points, and AF area brackets are in sharp focus. When operating the control with your eye to the viewfinder, be careful not to put your fingers or fingernails in your eye.
Page 56: Tutorial
Tutorial Camera Menus Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus. To view the menus, press the G button. G button Tabs Choose from the following menus: • D: Playback (0 281) • B: Setup (0 304) •...
Page 57: Using Camera Menus
Using Camera Menus ❚❚ Menu Controls The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the menus. Multi selector Move cursor up Select highlighted item Cancel and return Select highlighted to previous menu item or display sub- menu J button Move cursor down Select highlighted item...
Page 58 ❚❚ Navigating the Menus Follow the steps below to navigate the menus. Display the menus. Press the G button to display the menus. G button Highlight the icon for the current menu. Press 4 to highlight the icon for the current menu. Select a menu.
Page 59 Highlight a menu item. Press 1 or 3 to highlight a menu item. Display options. Press 2 to display options for the selected menu item. Highlight an option. Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option. Select the highlighted item. Press J to select the highlighted item.
Page 60 Note the following points: • Menu items that are displayed in gray are not currently available. • While pressing 2 or the center of the multi selector generally has the same effect as pressing J, there are some items for which selection can only be made by pressing J.
Page 61: Basic Photography And Playback
Basic Photography and Playback The Battery Level and Number of Exposures Remaining Before taking photographs, check the battery level and number of exposures remaining as described below. ❚❚ Battery Level The battery level is shown in the control panel and viewfinder. Control panel Viewfinder Icon...
Page 62 ❚❚ Number of Exposures Remaining The camera has two memory card slots: XQD card slot one for XQD cards and the other for SD cards. When two cards are inserted, the role played by each is determined by the options selected for Primary slot selection and Secondary slot function;...
Page 63: Point-And-Shoot" Photography
“Point-and-Shoot” Photography Ready the Camera. When framing photographs in the viewfinder, hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left. When framing photographs in portrait (tall) orientation, hold the camera as shown at right. Frame the photograph.
Page 64 Press the shutter-release button halfway. Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. The in-focus indicator (I) will appear in the Focus indicator viewfinder when the focus operation is complete. Viewfinder display Description Subject in focus. Focus point is between camera and subject. Focus point is behind subject.
Page 65 The Standby Timer (Viewfinder Photography) The shutter speed and aperture displays in the control panel and viewfinder will turn off if no operations are performed for about six seconds, reducing the drain on the battery. Press the shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the displays. Exposure meters on Exposure meters off The length of time before the standby timer expires automatically can...
Page 66: Viewing Photographs
Viewing Photographs Press the K button. A photograph will be displayed in the monitor. The memory card containing the picture currently displayed is shown by an icon. K button View additional pictures. Additional pictures can be displayed by pressing 4 or 2 or flicking a finger left or right over the display (0 258).
Page 67 Image Review When On is selected for Image review in the playback menu (0 282), photographs are automatically displayed in the monitor after shooting. See Also See pages 256 and 257 for information on choosing a memory card slot.
Page 68 ❚❚ Deleting Unwanted Photographs To delete the photograph currently displayed in the monitor, press the O (Q) button. Note that photographs can not be recovered once deleted. Display the photograph. Display the photograph you wish to delete as described on the preceding page.
Page 69: Live View Photography
Live View Photography Follow the steps below to take photographs in live view. Rotate the live view selector to C (live view photography). Live view selector Press the a button. The mirror will be raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor.
Page 70 Focus. Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. The focus point will flash green and the shutter release will be disabled while the camera focuses. If the camera is able to focus, the focus point will be displayed in green; if the camera is unable to focus, the focus point will flash red (note that pictures can be taken even when the focus point flashes red;...
Page 71 Take the picture. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to shoot. The monitor will turn off. Exit live view. Press the a button to exit live view. Exposure Preview During live view, you can press J to preview the effects of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity on exposure.
Page 72 Live View Zoom Preview Press the X button to magnify the view in the monitor up to a maximum of about 11×. A navigation window will appear in a gray frame at the bottom right corner of the display. Use the multi selector to scroll to areas of the frame not visible in the monitor, or press W (M) to zoom out.
Page 73: Autofocus
Autofocus To take pictures using Focus-mode selector autofocus, rotate the focus- mode selector to AF. ❚❚ Choosing a Focus Mode The following autofocus modes are available in live view: Mode Description Single-servo AF: For stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter- AF-S release button is pressed halfway.
Page 74 ❚❚ Choosing an AF-Area Mode The following AF-area modes can be selected in live view: Mode Description Face-priority AF: Use for portraits. The camera automatically detects and focuses on portrait subjects; the selected subject is indicated by a double yellow border (if multiple faces, up to a maximum of 35, are detected, the camera will focus on the closest subject;...
Page 75: Manual Focus
To choose an AF-area mode, press the AF-mode button and rotate the sub-command dial until the desired mode is displayed in the monitor. AF-mode button Sub-command Monitor dial Manual Focus To focus in manual focus mode (0 114), rotate the lens focus ring until the subject is in focus.
Page 76: Using The I Button
Using the i Button The options listed below can be accessed by pressing the i button during live view photography. Highlight items using the multi selector and press 2 to view options for the highlighted item. After choosing the desired setting, press J to i button return to the i-button menu.
Page 77 Option Description During live view photography, the white balance (hue) of the monitor can be set to a value different from that used for photographs (0 159). This can be effective if the lighting under which shots are framed is different from that used when the photographs are Photo live view taken, as is sometimes the case when a flash or preset display WB...
Page 78 ❚❚ Split-Screen Display Zoom Selecting Split-screen display zoom in the live view photography i button menu splits the display into two boxes showing separate areas of the frame side-by-side at a high zoom ratio. The positions of the magnified areas are shown in the navigation window.
Page 79: The Live View Display
The Live View Display Item Description The amount of time remaining before live q Time remaining view ends automatically. Displayed if — shooting will end in 30 s or less. Photo live view Monitor hue (photo live view display white display white balance).
Page 80: The Information Display
The Information Display To hide or display indicators in the monitor, press the R button. Virtual horizon (0 305) Information on Information off Histogram (exposure Framing guides preview only; 0 45)
Page 81: Touch Photography (Touch Shutter)
Touch Photography (Touch Shutter) Touch the monitor to focus and lift your finger to take the photograph. Tap the icon shown at right to choose the operation performed by tapping the monitor in shooting mode. Choose from the following options: Option Description Touch the monitor to position the focus...
Page 82 Taking Pictures Using Tap Shooting Options Avoid moving the camera when releasing the shutter. Camera movement can result in blurred photographs. The shutter-release button can be used to focus and take pictures even when the W icon is displayed to show that touch shooting options are active.
Page 83 Shooting in Live View To prevent light entering via the viewfinder from interfering with photographs or exposure, close the viewfinder eyepiece shutter (0 119). Although they will not appear in the final picture, jagged edges, color fringing, moiré, and bright spots may appear in the monitor, while bright bands may appear in some areas with flashing signs and other intermittent light sources or if the subject is briefly illuminated by a strobe or other bright, momentary light source.
Page 84: Movies
Movies Read this section for information on recording and viewing movies. Recording Movies Movies can be recorded in live view. Rotate the live view selector to 1 (movie live view). Live view selector Press the a button. The mirror will be raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor, modified for the effects of exposure.
Page 85 Choose a focus mode (0 47). Choose an AF-area mode (0 48). Focus. Frame the opening shot and press the AF-ON button to focus. Note that the number of subjects that can be detected in face-priority AF drops during movie recording. AF-ON button Focusing Focus can also be adjusted by pressing the shutter-release button...
Page 86 Start recording. Press the movie-record button to start recording. A recording indicator and the time available are displayed in the monitor. Exposure can be locked by pressing the center of the sub- Movie-record button selector (0 141) or altered by up to ±3 EV using exposure compensation Recording indicator (0 143);...
Page 87 End recording. Press the movie-record button again to end recording. Recording will end automatically when the maximum length is reached, or the memory card is full (note that depending on memory card write speed, shooting may end before the maximum length is reached). Exit live view.
Page 88 Exposure Mode The following exposure settings can be adjusted in movie mode: Aperture Shutter speed ISO sensitivity 1, 2 P, S — — — ✔ 1, 2 — — ✔ ✔ ✔ 2, 3 1 The upper limit for ISO sensitivity can be selected using the ISO sensitivity settings >...
Page 89: Indices
Indices If Index marking is assigned to a control using Custom Setting g1 (Custom control assignment, 0 303), you can press the selected control during recording to add indices that can be used to locate frames during editing and Index playback (0 81).
Page 90: Using The I Button
Using the i Button The options listed below can be accessed by pressing the i button in movie mode. Highlight items using the multi selector and press 2 to view options for the highlighted item. After choosing the desired setting, press J to return to the i button i-button menu.
Page 91 Option Description When two memory cards are inserted, you can Destination choose the card to which movies are recorded (0 288). Press 1 or 3 to adjust monitor brightness (note that this affects live view only and has no effect on Monitor brightness photographs or movies or on the brightness of the monitor for menus or playback;...
Page 92: The Live View Display
The Live View Display Item Description Indicates that movies can not be q “No movie” indicator — recorded. Volume of audio output to headphones. w Headphone volume Displayed when third-party headphones are connected. e Microphone sensitivity Microphone sensitivity. Sound level for audio recording. r Sound level Displayed in red if level is too high;...
Page 93 The Count-Down Display A count down will be displayed 30 s before live view ends automatically (0 53). Depending on shooting conditions, the timer may appear immediately when movie recording begins. Note that regardless of the amount of recording time available, live view will still end automatically when the timer expires.
Page 94: Frame Size, Frame Rate, And Movie Quality
Frame Size, Frame Rate, and Movie Quality The Frame size/frame rate option in the movie shooting menu is used to choose the movie frame size (in pixels) and frame rate. You can also choose from two Movie quality options: high and normal.
Page 95: The Information Display
The Information Display To hide or display indicators in the monitor, press the R button. Virtual horizon (0 305) Information on Information off Histogram Framing guides HDMI If the camera is connected to an HDMI device, the view through the lens will appear both in the camera monitor and on the HDMI device.
Page 96: The Movie Crop
The Movie Crop Movies have an aspect ratio of 16 : 9 and are recorded using a crop that varies with the frame size and the option selected for Choose image area in the movie shooting menu (0 68, 288). 1920 ×...
Page 97: Taking Photos In Movie Mode
Taking Photos in Movie Mode To take photos in movie mode (either in live view or during movie recording), select Take photos for Custom Setting g1 (Custom control assignment) > Shutter-release button (0 303). Photos with an aspect ratio of 16 : 9 can then be taken at any time by pressing the shutter-release button all the way down.
Page 98 ❚❚ Image Size The size of photos taken in movie mode varies with the movie frame size (0 68) and, in the case of photos taken at frame sizes of 1920 × 1080 and 1280 × 720, with the image area and the option selected for Image size >...
Page 99 Wireless Remote Controllers and Remote Cords If Record movies is selected for Custom Setting g1 (Custom control assignment) > Shutter-release button (0 303), the shutter-release buttons on optional wireless remote controllers and remote cords (0 333, 334) can be used to start live view and to start and end movie recording.
Page 100: Time-Lapse Movies
Time-Lapse Movies The camera automatically takes photos at selected intervals to create a silent time-lapse movie using the options currently selected for Choose image area, Frame size/frame rate, Movie quality, and Destination in the movie shooting menu (0 288). Before Shooting Before shooting a time-lapse movie, take a test shot at current settings and view the results in the monitor (time-lapse movies are shot using the movie crop;...
Page 101 Adjust time-lapse movie settings. Choose an interval, total shooting time, and exposure smoothing option. • To choose the interval between frames: Highlight Interval and Choose an interval longer than press 2. the slowest anticipated shutter speed (minutes and seconds) and press J. •...
Page 102 • To enable or disable exposure smoothing: Highlight Exposure smoothing Highlight an option and and press 2. press J. Selecting On smooths abrupt changes in exposure in modes other than M (note that exposure smoothing only takes effect in mode M if auto ISO sensitivity control is enabled in the photo shooting menu).
Page 103 Calculating the Length of the Final Movie The total number of frames in the final Length recorded/ movie can be calculated by dividing the maximum length shooting time by the interval and rounding up. The length of the final movie can then be calculated by dividing the number of shots by the frame rate selected for Frame size/frame rate in movie shooting menu...
Page 104 ❚❚ Ending Shooting To end shooting before all the photos are taken, highlight Off in the time-lapse movie menu and press J, or press J between frames or immediately after a frame is recorded. A movie will be created from the frames shot to the point where shooting ended.
Page 105 During Shooting During shooting, Q will flash and the time-lapse recording indicator will be displayed in the control panel. The time remaining (in hours and minutes) appears in the shutter-speed display immediately before each frame is recorded. At other times, the time remaining can be viewed by pressing the shutter-release button halfway.
Page 106: Viewing Movies
Viewing Movies Movies are indicated by a 1 icon in full-frame playback (0 255). Tap the a icon in the monitor or press the center of the multi selector to start playback; your current position is indicated by the movie progress bar. 1 icon Length Current position/total length...
Page 107 Description Start Press 3 while the movie is paused to start slow-motion slow-motion playback. playback Rotate the main command dial to skip Skip 10 s ahead or back 10 s. Rotate the sub-command dial to skip to Skip ahead/ next or previous index, or to skip to the last or first frame if the movie contains no back indices.
Page 108: Editing Movies
Editing Movies Trim footage to create edited copies of movies or save selected frames as JPEG stills. Option Description Create a copy from which unwanted footage Choose start/end point has been removed. Save selected frame Save a selected frame as a JPEG still. Trimming Movies To create trimmed copies of movies: Display a movie full frame (0 255).
Page 109 Select Choose start/end point. Press i or J, then highlight Choose start/end point and press 2. Select Start point. To create a copy that begins from the current frame, highlight Start point and press J. The frames before the current frame will be removed when you save the copy in Step 9.
Page 110 Choose the end point. Press L (Z/Q) to switch from the start point (w) to the end point (x) selection tool and then select the closing frame as described in Step 5. The frames after the selected frame L (Z/Q) button will be removed when you save the copy in Step 9.
Page 111 Save the copy. Highlight Save as new file and press J to save the copy to a new file. To replace the original movie file with the edited copy, highlight Overwrite existing file and press J. Trimming Movies Movies must be at least two seconds long. The copy will not be saved if there is insufficient space available on the memory card.
Page 112: Saving Selected Frames
Saving Selected Frames To save a copy of a selected frame as a JPEG still: Pause the movie on the desired frame. Play the movie back as described on page 80, pressing the center of the multi selector to start and resume playback and 3 to pause.
Page 113 Save Selected Frame JPEG movie stills created with the Save selected frame option can not be retouched. JPEG movie stills lack some categories of photo information (0 261). The Retouch Menu Movies can also be edited using the Edit movie option in the retouch menu (0 312).
Page 114: Image Recording Options
Image Recording Options Image Area Choose an image area from DX (24×16) and 1.3× (18×12). Option Description Pictures are recorded using a 23.5 × 15.7 mm image DX (24×16) area (DX format). Pictures are recorded using an 18.0 × 12.0 mm image 1.3×...
Page 115 The image area can be selected using the Choose image area option in the photo shooting menu or by pressing a control and rotating a command dial. ❚❚ The Choose Image Area Menu Select Choose image area. Highlight Choose image area in the photo shooting menu and press 2.
Page 116 ❚❚ Camera Controls Assign image area selection to a camera control. Use Custom Setting f1 (Custom control assignment, 0 301) to assign Choose image area to a control. Use the selected control to choose an image area. The image area can be selected by pressing the selected control and rotating the main or sub-command dial until the desired crop is displayed in the viewfinder (0 88).
Page 117: Image Quality
Image Quality The D500 supports the following image quality options. See page 387 for information on the number of pictures that can be stored at different image quality and size settings. Option File type Description RAW data from the image sensor are saved without additional processing.
Page 118 Image quality is set by pressing the T button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the control panel. T button Main command Control panel dial JPEG Compression Image quality options with a star (“★”) use compression intended to ensure maximum quality;...
Page 119 ❚❚ NEF (RAW) Compression To choose the type of compression for NEF (RAW) images, highlight NEF (RAW) recording > NEF (RAW) compression in the photo shooting menu and press 2. Option Description NEF images are compressed using a reversible Lossless algorithm, reducing file size by about 20–40% with compressed no effect on image quality.
Page 120: Image Size
Image Size Image size is measured in pixels. Choose from # Large, $ Medium, or % Small (note that image size varies depending on the option selected for Choose image area, 0 88): Image area Option Size (pixels) Print size (cm/in.) Large 5568 ×...
Page 121 Image size for JPEG and TIFF images can be set by pressing the T button and rotating the sub-command dial until the desired option is displayed in the control panel. To choose the size of NEF (RAW) images, use the Image size > NEF (RAW) option in the photo shooting menu.
Page 122: Using Two Memory Cards
Using Two Memory Cards When two memory cards are inserted in the camera, you can choose one as the primary card using the Primary slot selection item in the photo shooting menu. Select XQD card slot to designate the card in the XQD card slot as the primary card, SD card slot to choose the SD card.
Page 123: Focus
Focus This section describes the focus options available when photographs are framed in the viewfinder. Focus can be adjusted automatically (see below) or manually (0 114). The user can also select the focus point for automatic or manual focus (0 108) or use focus lock to focus and recompose photographs after focusing (0 111).
Page 124 Cross Sensors The availability of cross-sensor focus points varies with the lens used. Cross sensors (cross-sensor focus Lens 2, 3 points highlighted in gray AF-S lenses other than those listed below with maximum apertures of f/4 or faster 99 cross sensors •...
Page 125 AF-S/AF-I Teleconverters and Available Focus Points When an AF-S or AF-I teleconverter is attached, the focus points shown in the illustrations can be used for autofocus and electronic rangefinding (note that at maximum combined apertures slower than f/5.6, the camera may not be able to focus on dark or low-contrast subjects).
Page 126 Max. lens Available focus points (cross-sensor Teleconverter aperture focus points highlighted in gray TC-20E, TC-20E II, TC-20E III 15 focus points (9 selectable) TC-14E, TC-14E II, TC-14E III f/5.6 with 5 cross sensors 1 At maximum zoom, in the case of zoom lenses. 2 Other focus points use line sensors, which detect horizontal lines, but note that if there are only 5 cross sensors, only those shown by ■...
Page 127: Autofocus Mode
Autofocus Mode Choose from the following autofocus modes: Mode Description Single-servo AF: For stationary subjects. Focus locks when shutter- release button is pressed halfway. At default settings, shutter AF-S can only be released when in-focus indicator (I) is displayed (focus priority; 0 292). Continuous-servo AF: For moving subjects.
Page 128 See Also For information on using focus priority in continuous-servo AF, see Custom Setting a1 (AF-C priority selection, 0 292). For information on using release priority in single-servo AF, see Custom Setting a2 (AF-S priority selection, 0 292). For information on preventing the camera from focusing when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, see Custom Setting a8 (AF activation, 0 293).
Page 129: Af-Area Mode
AF-Area Mode Choose how the focus point for autofocus is selected. • Single-point AF: Select the focus point as described on page 108; the camera will focus on the subject in the selected focus point only. Use with stationary subjects. •...
Page 130 • 3D-tracking : Select the focus point as described on page 108. In AF-C focus mode, the camera will track subjects that leave the selected focus point and select new focus points as required. Use to quickly compose pictures with subjects that are moving erratically from side to side (e.g., tennis players).
Page 131 AF-area mode can be selected by pressing the AF-mode button and rotating the sub-command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the viewfinder and control panel. Control panel AF-mode button Sub-command dial Viewfinder 3D-tracking When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the colors in the area surrounding the focus point are stored in the camera.
Page 132 AF-Area Mode AF-area mode is shown in the control panel and viewfinder. Viewfinder focus-point AF-area mode Control panel Viewfinder display Single-point AF 25-point dynamic-area AF 72-point dynamic-area AF 153-point dynamic-area AF 3D-tracking Group-area AF Auto-area AF * Only active focus point is displayed in the viewfinder. Remaining focus points provide information to assist focus operation.
Page 133 AF-S/AF-I Teleconverters If 3D-tracking or auto-area AF is selected for AF-area mode when an AF-S/AF-I teleconverter is used, single-point AF will automatically be selected at combined apertures slower than f/5.6. Manual Focus Single-point AF is automatically selected when manual focus is used. See Also For information on how autofocus adjusts to changes in the distance to the subject, see Custom Setting a3 (Focus tracking with lock-on,...
Page 134: Focus Point Selection
Focus Point Selection The camera focuses using 153 focus points, of which 55 shown at right can be selected manually, allowing photographs to be composed with the main subject positioned almost anywhere in the frame (when 1.3× (18×12) is selected for Choose image area, the camera focuses using 117 focus points, of which 45 can be selected manually;...
Page 135 The focus selector lock can be rotated to the locked (L) position following selection to prevent the selected focus point from changing when the multi selector is pressed. The Sub-selector The sub-selector can be used in place of the multi selector to select the focus point.
Page 136 See Also For information on choosing the number of focus points that can be selected using the multi selector, see Custom Setting a6 (Number of focus points, 0 293). For information on choosing separate focus points and/or AF-area modes for vertical and horizontal orientations, see Custom Setting a7 (Store by orientation, 0 293).
Page 137: Focus Lock
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. If the camera is unable to focus using autofocus (0 113), focus lock can also be used to recompose the photograph after focusing on another object at the same distance as your original subject.
Page 138 AF-S focus mode: Focus locks automatically when the in-focus indicator (I) appears, and remains locked until you remove your finger from the shutter-release button. Focus can also be locked by pressing the center of the sub-selector as described on the previous page. Recompose the photograph and shoot.
Page 139 Getting Good Results with Autofocus Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. The shutter release may be disabled if the camera is unable to focus under these conditions, or the in-focus indicator (●) may be displayed and the camera may sound a beep, allowing the shutter to be released even when the subject is not in focus.
Page 140: Manual Focus
Manual Focus Manual focus is available for lenses that do not support autofocus (non-AF NIKKOR lenses) or when the autofocus does not produce the desired results (0 113). • AF lenses: Set the lens focus Focus-mode selector mode switch (if present) and camera focus-mode selector to M.
Page 141 ❚❚ The Electronic Rangefinder The viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the subject in the selected focus point is in focus. Choose from 55 focus points, or from 45 points if 1.3× (18×12) is selected for Choose image area (0 89). After positioning the subject in the selected focus point, press the shutter-release button halfway and rotate the lens focus ring until the in-focus indicator (I) is displayed.
Page 142: Release Mode
Release Mode Choosing a Release Mode To choose a release mode, press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial so that the pointer aligns with the desired setting. Pointer Mode Description Single frame: The camera takes one photograph each time the shutter-release button is pressed.
Page 143 Mode Description Self-timer: Take pictures with the self-timer (0 119). Mirror up: Choose this mode to minimize camera shake in telephoto or close-up photography or in other situations in which the slightest camera movement can result in blurred photographs (0 121). * Average frame rate with an EN-EL15 battery, continuous-servo AF, manual or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of s or faster, remaining settings (or in the case of C...
Page 144 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. Note, however, that frame rate will drop when the buffer is full (tAA). The approximate number of images that can be stored in the memory buffer at current settings is shown in the exposure-...
Page 145: Self-Timer Mode
Self-Timer Mode The self-timer can be used to reduce camera shake or for self- portraits. Select self-timer mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to E. Frame the photograph and focus. In single-servo AF (0 101), photographs can only be taken if the in-focus (I) indicator appears in the viewfinder.
Page 146 Start the timer. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the timer. The self- timer lamp will start to flash. Two seconds before the photograph is taken, the self- timer lamp will stop flashing. The shutter will be released about ten seconds after the timer starts.
Page 147: Mirror Up Mode
Mirror up Mode Choose this mode to minimize blurring caused by camera movement when the mirror is raised. To use mirror-up mode, press the release mode dial lock release and rotate the release mode dial to M (mirror up). After pressing the shutter- release button halfway to set focus and exposure, press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to raise...
Page 148 Mirror Up While the mirror is raised, photos can not be framed in the viewfinder and autofocus and metering will not be performed. Mirror up Mode A picture will be taken automatically if no operations are performed for about 30 s after the mirror is raised. Preventing Blur To prevent blurring caused by camera movement, press the shutter- release button smoothly.
Page 149: Iso Sensitivity
ISO Sensitivity Manual Adjustment The camera’s sensitivity to light can be adjusted according to the amount of light available. Choose from settings that range from ISO 100 and ISO 51200 in steps equivalent to EV. Settings of from about 0.3 to 1 EV below ISO 100 and 0.3 to 5 EV above ISO 51200 are also available for special situations.
Page 150 ISO Sensitivity The higher the ISO sensitivity, the less light needed to make an exposure, allowing faster shutter speeds or smaller apertures, but the more likely the image is to be affected by noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines). Noise is particularly likely at settings between Hi 0.3 and Hi 5.
Page 151: Auto Iso Sensitivity Control
Auto ISO Sensitivity Control If On is selected for ISO sensitivity settings > Auto ISO sensitivity control in the photo shooting menu, ISO sensitivity will automatically be adjusted if optimal exposure can not be achieved at the value selected by the user (ISO sensitivity is adjusted appropriately when the flash is used).
Page 152 Adjust settings. The maximum value for auto ISO sensitivity can be selected using Maximum sensitivity (the minimum value for auto ISO sensitivity is automatically set to ISO 100; note that if the ISO sensitivity selected by the user is higher than that chosen for Maximum sensitivity, the value selected by the user will be used instead).
Page 153 Minimum Shutter Speed Auto shutter-speed selection can be fine-tuned by highlighting Auto and pressing 2: for example, values faster than those usually selected automatically can be used with telephoto lenses to reduce blur. Note, however, that Auto functions only with CPU lenses; if a non-CPU lens is used without lens data, minimum shutter speed is fixed at Shutter speeds may drop below the selected minimum if optimum exposure can not be achieved at the ISO sensitivity chosen for...
Page 154: Exposure
Exposure Metering Metering determines how the camera sets exposure. The following options are available: Option Description Matrix: Produces natural results in most situations. Camera meters wide area of the frame and sets exposure according to tone distribution, color, composition, and, with type G, E, or D lenses (0 320), distance information (3D color matrix metering III;...
Page 155 To choose a metering option, press the Y button and rotate the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the viewfinder and control panel. Control panel Y button Main command Viewfinder dial Non-CPU Lens Data Specifying the focal length and maximum aperture of non-CPU lenses using the Non-CPU lens data option in the setup menu (0 251) allows the camera to use color matrix metering when matrix is selected and improves the accuracy of center-weighted and spot metering.
Page 156: Exposure Mode
Exposure Mode To determine how the camera sets shutter speed and aperture when adjusting exposure, press the I button and rotate the main command dial until the desired option appears in the control panel. I button Main command Control panel dial Mode Description...
Page 157 Pv button Custom Setting e5—Modeling Flash This setting controls whether optional flash units that support the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS; 0 326) will emit a modeling flash when the Pv button is pressed.
Page 158: P: Programmed Auto
P: 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. Flexible Program In exposure mode P, different combinations of shutter speed and aperture can be selected by rotating the main command dial while the exposure meters are on (“flexible program”).
Page 159: S: Shutter-Priority Auto
S: 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 choose a shutter speed, rotate the main command dial while the exposure meters are on. Shutter speed can be set to “p”...
Page 160: A: Aperture-Priority Auto
A: 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 choose an aperture between the minimum and maximum values for the lens, rotate the sub-command dial while the exposure meters are on.
Page 161: M: Manual
M: Manual In manual exposure mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. While the exposure meters are on, rotate the main command dial to choose a shutter speed, and the sub-command dial to set aperture. Shutter speed can be set to “p” or to values between 30 s and s, or the shutter can be held open 8000...
Page 162 AF Micro NIKKOR Lenses Provided that an external exposure meter is used, the exposure ratio need only be taken into account when the lens aperture ring is used to set aperture. Exposure Indicators The exposure indicators in the viewfinder and control panel show whether the photograph would be under- or over-exposed at current settings.
Page 163: Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only)
Long Time-Exposures Close the viewfinder eyepiece shutter to prevent the photograph being affected by light entering via the viewfinder (0 119). Nikon recommends using a fully charged battery or an optional AC adapter and power connector to prevent loss of power while the shutter is open.
Page 164 Select exposure mode M. Press the I button and rotate the main command dial until M is displayed in the control panel. I button Main command Control panel dial Choose a shutter speed. While the exposure meters are on, rotate the main command dial to choose a shutter speed of Bulb (A) or Time (%).
Page 165 Close the shutter. Bulb: Take your finger off the shutter-release button. Time: Press the shutter-release button all the way down.
Page 166: Shutter-Speed And Aperture Lock
Shutter-Speed and Aperture Lock Shutter speed lock is available in shutter-priority auto and manual exposure modes, aperture lock in aperture-priority auto and manual exposure modes. Shutter speed and aperture lock are not available in programmed auto exposure mode. Assign shutter speed and aperture lock to a camera control. Assign Shutter spd &...
Page 167: Autoexposure (Ae) Lock
Autoexposure (AE) Lock Use autoexposure lock to recompose photographs after using center-weighted metering and spot metering (0 128) to meter exposure. Lock exposure. Shutter-release button Position the subject in the selected focus point and press the shutter- release button halfway. With the shutter-release button pressed halfway and the subject positioned in the focus point, press the center of the...
Page 168 Metered Area In spot metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered at the selected focus point (0 128). In center-weighted metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in an 8-mm circle in the center of the viewfinder. Adjusting Shutter Speed and Aperture While exposure lock is in effect, the following settings can be adjusted without altering the metered value for exposure:...
Page 169: Exposure Compensation
Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. It is most effective when used with center-weighted or spot metering (0 128). Choose from values between –5 EV (underexposure) and +5 EV (overexposure) in increments of EV.
Page 170 ±0 EV –0.3 EV +2.0 EV (E button pressed) At values other than ±0.0, the 0 at the center of the exposure indicators will flash (exposure modes P, S, and A only) and a E icon will be displayed in the viewfinder and control panel after you release the E button.
Page 171 See Also For information on choosing the size of the increments available for exposure compensation, see Custom Setting b3 (Exp./flash comp. step value, 0 294). For information on making adjustments to exposure compensation without pressing the E button, see Custom Setting b4 (Easy exposure compensation, 0 295).
Page 172: Bracketing
Bracketing Bracketing automatically varies exposure, flash level, Active D-Lighting (ADL), or white balance slightly with each shot, “bracketing” the current value. Choose in situations in which getting the right settings is difficult and there is not time to check results and adjust settings with each shot, or to experiment with different settings for the same subject.
Page 173 ❚❚ Exposure and Flash Bracketing To vary exposure and/or flash level over a series of photographs: Exposure modified by: Exposure modified by: Exposure modified by: 0 EV –1 EV +1 EV Choose the number of shots. Pressing the BKT button, rotate the main command dial to choose the number of shots in the bracketing sequence.
Page 174 Select an exposure increment. Pressing the BKT button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose the exposure increment. Exposure increment BKT button Sub-command Control panel dial At default settings, the size of the increment can be chosen from 0.3 ( ), 0.7 ( ), 1, 2, and 3 EV.
Page 175 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 143). While bracketing is in effect, a bracketing progress indicator will be displayed in the viewfinder and control panel.
Page 176 Exposure and Flash Bracketing In continuous low speed, continuous high speed, and quiet continuous modes, shooting will pause after the number of shots specified in the bracketing program have been taken. Shooting will resume the next time the shutter-release button is pressed. In self- timer mode, the camera will take the number of shots selected in Step 1 on page 147 each time the shutter-release button is pressed, regardless of the option selected for Custom Setting c3 (Self-...
Page 177 ❚❚ White Balance Bracketing The camera creates multiple copies of each photograph, each with a different white balance. Choose the number of shots. Pressing the BKT button, rotate the main command dial to choose the number of shots in the bracketing sequence. The number of shots is shown in the control panel.
Page 178 Select a white balance increment. Pressing the BKT button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose the white balance adjustment. Each increment is roughly equivalent to 5 mired. White balance increment BKT button Sub-command Control panel dial Choose from increments of 1 (5 mired), 2 (10 mired), or 3 (15 mired).
Page 179 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.
Page 180 ❚❚ Canceling Bracketing To cancel bracketing, press the BKT button and rotate the main command dial until the number of shots in the bracketing sequence is zero (r) and W is no longer displayed. The program last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated.
Page 181 ❚❚ ADL Bracketing The camera varies Active D-Lighting over a series of exposures. Choose the number of shots. Pressing the BKT button, rotate the main command dial to choose the number of shots in the bracketing sequence. The number of shots is shown in the control panel. Number of shots Control panel BKT button...
Page 182 Select Active D-Lighting. Pressing the BKT button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose Active D-Lighting. BKT button Sub-command dial Active D-Lighting is shown in the control panel. Control panel display Y Auto R Low Q Normal P High Z Extra high...
Page 183 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. The camera will vary Active D-Lighting shot-by-shot according to the bracketing program selected. While bracketing is in effect, a bracketing progress indicator will be displayed in the control panel. A segment will disappear from the indicator after each shot.
Page 184 ❚❚ Canceling Bracketing To cancel bracketing, press the BKT button and rotate the main command dial until the number of shots in the bracketing sequence is zero (r) and d is no longer displayed. The program last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated.
Page 185: White Balance
White Balance White Balance Options White balance ensures that colors are unaffected by the color of the light source. Auto white balance is recommended with most light sources. If the desired results can not be achieved with auto white balance, choose an option from the list below or use preset white balance.
Page 186 Option Color temp. Description Use with subjects lit by direct 5200 K Direct sunlight sunlight. 5400 K Use with optional flash units. Flash Use in daylight under overcast 6000 K Cloudy skies. Use in daylight with subjects in Shade 8000 K the shade.
Page 187 The Photo Shooting Menu White balance can also be adjusted using the White balance option in the photo or movie shooting menu (0 285, 289), which also can be used to fine-tune white balance (0 163) or manage white-balance presets (0 169). The Auto option in the White balance menu offers a choice of Keep white (reduce warm colors), Normal, and Keep warm lighting colors.
Page 188 Color Temperature The perceived color of a light source varies with the viewer and other conditions. Color temperature is an objective measure of the color of a light source, defined with reference to the temperature to which an object would have to be heated to radiate light in the same wavelengths.
Page 189: Fine-Tuning White Balance
Fine-Tuning White Balance At settings other than K (Choose color temp.), white balance can be “fine-tuned” to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a deliberate color cast into an image. ❚❚ The White Balance Menu To fine-tune white balance from the photo shooting menu, select White balance and follow the steps below.
Page 190 Press J. Press J to save settings and return to the photo shooting menu. If white balance has been fine-tuned, an asterisk (“U”) will be displayed in the control panel. ❚❚ The U Button At settings other than K (Choose color temp.) and L (Preset manual), the U button can be used to fine-tune white balance on the amber (A)–blue (B) axis (0 163;...
Page 191 The Information Display During viewfinder photography, you can press the U button to adjust white balance settings in the information display. Rotate the main command dial to choose the white balance mode and rotate the sub-command dial to choose the color temperature (mode K, “choose color temperature”) or white balance preset (preset manual mode), or use the multi-selector to fine- tune white balance on the amber (A)–blue (B) and green (G)–magenta...
Page 192: Choosing A Color Temperature
Choosing a Color Temperature Follow the steps below to choose a color temperature when K (Choose color temp.) is selected for white balance. Choose Color Temperature Note that the desired results will not be obtained with flash or fluorescent lighting. Choose N (Flash) or I (Fluorescent) for these sources.
Page 193 Select a value for green-magenta. Press 4 or 2 to highlight the G (green) or M (magenta) axis and press 1 or 3 to select a value. Value for green (G)- magenta (M) axis Press J. Press J to save changes and return to the photo shooting menu.
Page 194 ❚❚ The U Button When K (Choose color temp.) is selected, the U button can be used to select the color temperature, although only for the amber (A)–blue (B) axis. Press the U button and rotate the sub- command dial until the desired value is displayed in the control panel (adjustments are made in mireds;...
Page 195: Preset Manual
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. The camera can store up to six values for preset white balance in presets d-1 through d-6. Two methods are available for setting preset white balance: Method Description...
Page 196: Viewfinder Photography
Viewfinder Photography Light a reference object. Place a neutral gray or white object under the lighting that will be used in the final photograph. In studio settings, a standard gray panel can be used as a reference object. Note that exposure is automatically increased by 1 EV when measuring white balance;...
Page 197 Select a preset. Press the U button and rotate the sub-command dial until the desired white balance preset (d-1 to d-6) is displayed in the control panel. U button Sub-command Control panel dial Select direct measurement mode. Release the U button briefly and then press the button until the L icon in the control panel starts to flash.
Page 198 Check the results. If the camera was able to measure a value for white balance, C will flash in the control panel, while the viewfinder will show a flashing a. Press the shutter-release button Control panel halfway to exit to shooting mode. Viewfinder If lighting is too dark or too bright, the camera may be unable to...
Page 199 Selecting a Preset Selecting Preset manual for the White balance option in the photo shooting menu displays the dialog shown at right; highlight a preset and press J. If no value currently exists for the selected preset, white balance will be set to 5200 K, the same as Direct sunlight.
Page 200: Live View (Spot White Balance)
Live View (Spot White Balance) During live view (0 43, 58), white balance can be measured in a selected area of the frame, eliminating the need to prepare a reference object or change lenses during telephoto photography. Press the a button. The mirror will be raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor.
Page 201 Select a preset. Press the U button and rotate the sub-command dial until the desired white balance preset (d-1 to d-6) is displayed in the monitor. U button Sub-command Monitor dial Select direct measurement mode. Release the U button briefly and then press the button until the L icon in the monitor starts to flash.
Page 202 Measure white balance. Press the center of the multi selector or press the shutter-release button all the way down to measure white balance. The time available to measure white balance is that selected for Custom Setting c4 (Monitor off delay) > Live view (0 296).
Page 203: Managing Presets
Managing Presets ❚❚ Copying White Balance from a Photograph Follow the steps below to copy a value for white balance from an existing photograph to a selected preset. Select Preset manual. Select White balance in the photo shooting menu, then highlight Preset manual and press 2.
Page 204 Highlight a source image. Highlight the source image. To view the highlighted image full frame, press and hold the X button. To view images in other locations, press W (M) and select the desired card and folder (0 256). Copy white balance. Press J to copy the white balance value for the highlighted photograph to the selected preset.
Page 205 Choosing a White Balance Preset Highlight the current white balance preset (d-1– d-6) and press 2 to select another preset. Fine-Tuning Preset White Balance The selected preset can be fine-tuned by selecting Fine-tune and adjusting white balance as described on page 163. Edit Comment To enter a descriptive comment of up to 36 characters for the current white-balance...
Page 206: Image Enhancement
Image Enhancement Picture Controls Selecting a Picture Control Choose a Picture Control according to the subject or type of scene. Option Description Standard processing for balanced results. Standard Recommended for most situations. Minimal processing for natural results. Choose for photographs that will later be processed or Neutral retouched.
Page 207 Press L (Z/Q). A list of Picture Controls will be displayed. L (Z/Q) button Select a Picture Control. Highlight the desired Picture Control and press J. Custom Picture Controls Custom Picture Controls are created through modifications to existing Picture Controls using the Manage Picture Control option in the photo or movie shooting menu (0 185).
Page 208: Modifying Picture Controls
Modifying Picture Controls Existing preset or custom Picture Controls (0 185) 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. Select a Picture Control. Highlight the desired Picture Control in the Picture Control list (0 180) and press 2.
Page 209 ❚❚ Picture Control Settings Option Description Mute or heighten the effect of the selected Picture Control (note that this resets all manual adjustments). Not available with Neutral, Quick adjust Monochrome, Flat, or custom Picture Controls (0 185). Control the sharpness of outlines. Select A to adjust sharpening automatically according to the type of Sharpening scene.
Page 210 “A” (Auto) Results for auto sharpening, clarity, contrast, and saturation vary with exposure and the position of the subject in the frame. Use a type G, E, or D lens for best results. Switching Between Manual and Auto Press the X button to switch back and forth between manual and auto (A) settings for sharpening, clarity, contrast, and saturation.
Page 211: Creating Custom Picture Controls
Creating Custom Picture Controls The Picture Controls supplied with the camera can be modified and saved as custom Picture Controls. Select Manage Picture Control. Highlight Manage Picture Control in the photo shooting menu and press 2. Select Save/edit. Highlight Save/edit and press 2. Select a Picture Control.
Page 212 Select a destination. Choose a destination for the custom Picture Control (C-1 through C-9) and press 2. Name the Picture Control. Name area The text-entry dialog shown at right will be displayed. By default, new Picture Controls are named by adding a two-digit number (assigned automatically) to the name of the existing Picture Control;...
Page 213 Save changes and exit. Press J to save changes and exit. The new Picture Control will appear in the Picture Control list. Manage Picture Control > Rename Custom Picture Controls can be renamed at any time using the Rename option in the Manage Picture Control menu.
Page 214 Sharing Custom Picture Controls The Load/save item in the Manage Picture Control menu offers the options listed below. Use these options to copy custom Picture Controls to and from memory cards (if two memory cards are inserted, the card in the primary slot will be used; 0 96). Once copied to memory cards, Picture Controls can be used with other cameras or compatible software.
Page 215: Preserving Detail In Highlights And Shadows
Preserving Detail in Highlights and Shadows 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.
Page 216 To use Active D-Lighting: Select Active D-Lighting. Highlight Active D-Lighting in the photo shooting menu and press 2. Choose an option. Highlight the desired option and press J. If Y Auto is selected, the camera will automatically adjust Active D-Lighting according to shooting conditions (in exposure mode M, however, Y Auto is equivalent to Q Normal).
Page 217: High Dynamic Range (Hdr)
High Dynamic Range (HDR) Used with high-contrast subjects, High Dynamic Range (HDR) preserves details in highlights and shadows by combining two shots taken at different exposures. HDR is most effective when used with matrix metering (0 128; with spot or center-weighted metering and a non-CPU lens, an exposure differential of Auto is equivalent to about 2 EV).
Page 218 Select a mode. Highlight HDR mode and press 2. Highlight one of the following and press J. • To take a series of HDR photographs, select 0 On (series). HDR shooting will continue until you select Off for HDR mode. •...
Page 219 Choose the exposure differential. To choose the difference in exposure between the two shots, highlight Exposure differential and press 2. The options shown at right will be displayed. Highlight an option and press J. Choose higher values for high-contrast subjects, but note that choosing a value higher than required may not produce the desired results;...
Page 220 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. The camera takes two exposures when the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down. “l y” will flash in the control panel and l u in the Control panel viewfinder while the images are combined;...
Page 221 The BKT Button If HDR (high dynamic range) is selected for Custom Setting f1 (Custom control assignment) > BKT button + y (0 301), you can select the HDR mode by pressing the BKT button and rotating the main command dial and the exposure differential by pressing the BKT button and rotating the sub-command dial.
Page 222: Flash Photography
Flash Photography To take photos with a flash, attach an optional flash unit (0 326) to the camera accessory shoe. You can also use one or more remote flash units for off-camera flash photography. For information on using flash units, see the documentation provided with the device.
Page 223: Take Pictures
Before using a Nikon flash unit not listed in this section, contact a Nikon- authorized service representative for more information.
Page 224 i-TTL Flash Control When a CLS-compatible flash unit is set to TTL, the camera automatically selects one of the following types of flash control: • i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR: Flash unit emits series of nearly invisible preflashes (monitor preflashes) immediately before main flash.
Page 225: On-Camera Flash Photography
On-Camera Flash Photography When an SB-5000, SB-500, SB-400, or SB-300 is mounted on the camera, the flash control mode, flash level, and other flash settings can be adjusted using the Flash control > Flash control mode item in the photo shooting menu (in the case of the SB-5000, these settings can also be adjusted using the controls on the flash unit).
Page 226 • Manual: Choose the flash level manually. • Repeating flash: The flash fires repeatedly while the shutter is open, producing a multiple-exposure effect. Choose the flash level (Output), the number of times the units fire (Times), and the number of times the flash fires per second (Frequency, measured in Hertz).
Page 227: Flash Modes
Flash Modes The camera supports the following flash modes: Flash mode Description This mode is recommended for most situations. In programmed auto and aperture-priority auto modes, shutter speed will automatically be set to values Front-curtain between s with Auto FP High- 8000 sync Speed Sync;...
Page 228 ❚❚ Choosing a Flash Mode To choose the flash mode, press the W (M) button and rotate the main command dial until the desired flash mode is selected in the control panel: W (M) button Main command dial Red-eye reduction 1, 2 Front-curtain sync Red-eye reduction...
Page 229: Flash Compensation
Flash Compensation Flash compensation is used to alter flash output by from –3 EV to +1 EV in increments of EV, 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 or reflections.
Page 230 Optional Flash Units In i-TTL and auto aperture (qA) flash control modes, the flash compensation selected with the optional flash unit or the Flash control option in the photo shooting menu is added to the flash compensation selected with the W (M) button and command dial. See Also For information on choosing the size of the increments available for flash compensation, see Custom Setting b3 (Exp./flash comp.
Page 231: Fv Lock
FV Lock This feature is used to lock flash output, allowing photographs to be recomposed without changing the flash level and ensuring that flash output is appropriate to the subject even when the subject is not positioned in the center of the frame. Flash output is adjusted automatically for any changes in ISO sensitivity and aperture.
Page 232 Lock flash level. After confirming that the flash-ready indicator (M) is displayed in the viewfinder, press the control selected in Step 1. The flash will emit a monitor preflash to determine the appropriate flash level. Flash output will be locked at this level and FV lock icon (e) will appear in the viewfinder.
Page 233 Metering The metering areas for FV lock are as follows: Flash unit Flash mode Metered area i-TTL 6-mm circle in center of frame Stand-alone flash Area metered by flash exposure unit meter i-TTL Entire frame Used with other flash units (Advanced Area metered by flash exposure A (master Wireless Lighting)
Page 234: Remote Flash Photography
Remote Flash Photography Use remotely controlled flash units for off-camera lighting (Advanced Wireless Lighting, or AWL; 0 326). The camera supports two types of remote flash control: optical AWL, in which the master flash controls the remote flash units using optical signals (low-intensity flash pulses), and radio AWL, in which the remote flash units are controlled by means of radio signals emitted by a WR-R10 mounted on the camera.
Page 235: Setup
Setup This section details the steps involved in setting up a WR-R10 or a master flash mounted on the camera accessory shoe (C) and remote flash units (f ) for wireless flash photography. More information on using optional flash units can be found in the documentation provided with the devices.
Page 236 Set the WR-R10 channel selector to the desired channel. Radio AWL A WR-A10 adapter is required when using the WR-R10. Be sure to update the WR-R10 firmware to the latest version; for information on firmware updates, see the Nikon website for your area.
Page 237 C: Choose a link mode. Select Wireless remote (WR) options > Link mode in the setup menu (0 307) and choose from the following options: • Pairing: Pair the flash unit with the WR-R10. • PIN: Connect the camera and flash unit using a four-digit PIN.
Page 238 Reconnecting As long as the channel, link mode, and other settings remain the same, the camera will automatically connect to previously paired flash units when you select remote mode and Steps 3–5 can be omitted. The flash unit LINK lamp lights green when a connection is established. Radio-Controlled Flash Units Radio-controlled flash units can be combined with any of the following flash units mounted on the camera accessory shoe:...
Page 239 ❚❚ Optical/Radio AWL For remote flash lighting that incorporates both optically- and radio-controlled flash units, select Optical/radio AWL for Flash control > Wireless flash options in the photo shooting menu and set up the radio-controlled units as described under “Radio AWL”(0 210).
Page 240: Taking Photos
Taking Photos The Flash control > Remote flash control item in the photo shooting menu offers three options for remote flash photography: Group flash, Quick wireless control, and Remote repeating. ❚❚ Group Flash Select this option to adjust settings separately for each group. C: Select Group flash options.
Page 241 If Optical AWL or Optical/radio AWL is selected for Flash control > Wireless flash options in the photo shooting menu (0 284), choose a channel for the master flash. If the remote flash units include an SB-500, you must choose channel 3, but otherwise you can choose any channel between 1 and 4.
Page 242 C/f: Compose the shot. Compose the shot and arrange the flash units. See the documentation provided with the flash units for more information. After arranging the units, take a test shot to confirm that all flash units are functioning. You can also test- fire radio-controlled flash units by pressing the i button in the flash info display (0 222) and selecting M Test flash.
Page 243 C: Adjust flash settings. Choose the balance between groups A and B. Adjust flash compensation for groups A and B. Choose a flash control mode and flash level for the units in group C: • M: Choose the flash level manually. •...
Page 244 f: Group the remote flash units. Choose a group (A, B, or C). Optical AWL Although there is no limit on the number of remote flash units that may be used, the practical maximum is three per group. With more than this number, the light emitted by the remote flash units will interfere with performance.
Page 245 ❚❚ Remote Repeating When this option is selected, the flash units fire repeatedly while the shutter is open, producing a multiple-exposure effect. C: Select Remote repeating options. Highlight Remote repeating options in the flash control display menu and press 2. C: Adjust flash settings.
Page 246 f: Set the channel (optical AWL only). Set the remote flash units to the channel selected in Step 2. f: Group the remote flash units. Optical AWL Choose a group (A, B, or C) for each remote flash unit. Although there is no limit on the number of remote flash units that may be used, the practical maximum is three per group.
Page 247 Optical AWL Position the sensor windows on the remote flash units to pick up the light from the master flash (particular care is required if the camera is not mounted on a tripod). Be sure that direct light or strong reflections from the remote flash units do not enter the camera lens (in TTL mode) or the photocells on the remote flash units (qA mode), as this may interfere with exposure.
Page 248: Viewing Flash Info
Viewing Flash Info The camera can display flash info for SB-5000, SB-500, SB-400, and SB-300 flash units mounted on the camera accessory shoe and for remote flash units controlled via radio AWL using a WR-R10. To view flash info, press the R button in the information display (0 226).
Page 249 ❚❚ Distance-Priority Manual Flash control mode ....199 FP indicator ........299 Flash compensation (distance- priority manual)....199, 203 Distance ........199 ❚❚ Manual Flash control mode ... 199, 200 FP indicator ........299 Flash level........200 ❚❚ Repeating Flash Flash control mode ...
Page 250 ❚❚ Group Flash Flash-ready indicator ....196 Remote flash control ....214 Remote flash control mode ... 208 2, 3 Group flash control mode ..214 Group flash mode....... 214 Flash level/ flash compensation ..203, 214 Channel ..... 210, 211, 215 Link mode........
Page 251 ❚❚ Remote Repeating Flash-ready indicator ....196 Remote flash control ..214, 219 Flash level (output) ....219 Remote flash control mode ... 208 Number emitted (times)... 219 Frequency ........219 Group status (enabled/disabled) ....219 Channel ..... 210, 211, 220 Link mode ........
Page 252: Other Shooting Options
Other Shooting Options The R Button Pressing the R button during viewfinder photography displays shooting information in the monitor including shutter speed, aperture, number of exposures remaining, and AF-area mode. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Bluetooth connection indicator Interval timer indicator.....
Page 253 Flash sync indicator....299 Flexible program indicator..132 Shutter-speed lock icon.... 140 Exposure mode......130 Shutter speed ..... 133, 135 Position of current frame in bracketing sequence ..149, 153 Aperture stop indicator..134, 323 ADL bracketing amount ..156 Aperture (f-number)..
Page 254 42 41 Exposure compensation “k” (appears when memory indicator........143 remains for over 1000 Exposure compensation value ...143 exposures)........36 Flash compensation indicator Number of exposures ............203 remaining ......36, 387 Flash compensation value..203 Manual lens number....252 FV lock indicator......206 Image quality ........
Page 255: The I Button
The i button To access the options below, press the i button during viewfinder photography. Highlight items using the multi selector and press J to view options for the highlighted item. To return to shooting mode, press the i button shutter-release button halfway.
Page 256: Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings
Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings The camera settings listed below can be restored to default values by holding the T and E buttons down together for more than two seconds (these buttons are T button E button marked by a green dot). The control panel turns off briefly while settings are reset.
Page 257 ❚❚ Settings Accessible from the Photo Shooting Menu Option Default Extended photo menu banks Image quality JPEG normal Image size JPEG/TIFF Large NEF (RAW) Large ISO sensitivity settings ISO sensitivity Auto ISO sensitivity control White balance Auto > Keep white (reduce warm colors) Fine-tuning A-B: 0, G-M: 0 Picture Control settings...
Page 258: Other Settings
❚❚ Settings Accessible from the Movie Shooting Menu Option Default ISO sensitivity settings ISO sensitivity (mode M) Auto ISO control (mode M) Maximum sensitivity 51200 White balance Same as photo settings Active D-Lighting Same as photo settings Electronic VR ❚❚ Other Settings Option Default Focus point...
Page 259 Option Default Headphone volume Metering Matrix metering Bracketing Flash mode Front-curtain sync Flash compensation FV lock Exposure delay mode 1 Focus point not displayed if auto-area AF is selected for AF-area mode. 2 Number of shots is reset to zero. Bracketing increment is reset to 1EV (exposure/flash bracketing) or 1 (white balance bracketing).
Page 260: Flicker Reduction
Flicker Reduction The camera offers two Flicker reduction options for reducing the effects of flicker due to fluorescent or mercury-vapor lighting. The first is located in the photo shooting menu and is used to reduce flicker in photos taken during viewfinder photography, while the second is in the movie shooting menu and is used to reduce flicker in live view and movie mode.
Page 261 Flicker Reduction in the Photo Shooting Menu Take a test shot and view the results before taking additional photographs. Flicker reduction can detect flicker at 100 and 120 Hz (associated respectively with AC power supplies of 50 and 60 Hz). Flicker may not be detected or the desired results may not be achieved with dark backgrounds or bright light sources.
Page 262: Multiple Exposure
Multiple Exposure Follow the steps below to record a series of two to ten exposures in a single photograph. ❚❚ Creating a Multiple Exposure Multiple exposures can not be recorded in live view. Exit live view before proceeding. Extended Recording Times If the monitor turns off during playback or menu operations and no operations are performed for about 30 s, shooting will end and a multiple exposure will be created from the exposures that have been...
Page 263 Select a mode. Highlight Multiple exposure mode and press 2. Highlight one of the following and press J: • To take a series of multiple exposures, select 0 On (series). Multiple exposure shooting will continue until you select Off for Multiple exposure mode.
Page 264 Choose the number of shots. Highlight Number of shots and press 2. Press 1 or 3 to choose the number of exposures that will be combined to form a single photograph and press J. The BKT Button If Multiple exposure is selected for Custom Setting f1 (Custom control assignment) >...
Page 265 Choose the overlay mode. Highlight Overlay mode and press 2. The following options will be displayed. Highlight an option and press J. • Add: The exposures are overlaid without modification; gain is not adjusted. • Average: Before the exposures are overlaid, the gain for each is divided by the total number of exposures taken (gain for each exposure is set to 2 exposures,...
Page 266 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. In continuous release modes (0 116), the camera records all exposures in a single burst. If On (series) is selected, the camera will continue to record multiple exposures while the shutter-release button is pressed; if On (single photo) is selected, multiple exposure shooting will end after the first photograph.
Page 267 ❚❚ Ending Multiple Exposures To end a multiple exposure before the specified number of exposures have been taken, select Off for multiple exposure mode. If shooting ends before the specified number of exposures have been taken, a multiple exposure will be created from the exposures that have been recorded to that point.
Page 268 Interval Timer Photography If interval timer photography is activated before the first exposure is taken, the camera will record exposures at the selected interval until the number of exposures specified in the multiple exposure menu have been taken (the number of shots listed in the interval timer shooting menu is ignored).
Page 269: Interval Timer Photography
Interval Timer Photography The camera is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals. Before Shooting Select a release mode other than self-timer (E) when using the interval timer. Before beginning interval timer photography, take a test shot at current settings and view the results in the monitor. Once settings have been adjusted to your satisfaction, close the viewfinder eyepiece shutter to prevent light entering via the viewfinder interfering with photographs and exposure (0 119).
Page 270 Adjust interval timer settings. Choose a start option, interval, number of shots per interval, and exposure smoothing option. • To choose a start option: Highlight Start options and Highlight an option and press 2. press J. To start shooting immediately, select Now. To start shooting at a chosen date and time, select Choose start day and start time, then choose the date and time and press J.
Page 271 • To choose the number of shots per interval: Highlight No. of intervals × Choose the number of intervals shots/interval and press 2. and the number of shots per interval and press J. In S (single frame) mode, the photographs for each interval will be taken at the rate chosen for Custom Setting d1 (CL mode shooting speed;...
Page 272 Start shooting. Highlight Start and press J. The first series of shots will be taken at the specified starting time, or after about 3 s if Now was selected for Start options in Step 2. Shooting will continue at the selected interval until all shots have been taken.
Page 273 ❚❚ Pausing Interval Timer Photography Interval timer photography can be paused between intervals by pressing J or selecting Pause in the interval timer menu. ❚❚ Resuming Interval Timer Shooting To resume shooting: • Starting Now Highlight Restart and press J. •...
Page 274 ❚❚ No Photograph The camera will skip the current interval if any of the following situations persist for eight seconds or more after the interval was due to start: the photograph or photographs for the previous interval have yet to be taken, the memory card is full, or the camera is unable to focus in AF-S (note that the camera focuses again before each shot).
Page 275 Interval Timer Photography Choose an interval longer than the time needed to take the selected number of shots and, if you are using a flash, the time needed for the flash to charge. If the interval is too short, the number of photos taken may be less than the total listed in Step 2 (the number of intervals multiplied by the number of shots per interval) or the flash may fire at less than the power needed for full exposure.
Page 276: Non-Cpu Lenses
Non-CPU Lenses Non-CPU lenses can be used in exposure modes A and M, with aperture set using the lens aperture ring. By specifying lens data (lens focal length and maximum aperture), the user can gain access to the following CPU lens functions. If the focal length of the lens is known: •...
Page 277 To enter or edit data for a non-CPU lens: Select Non-CPU lens data. Highlight Non-CPU lens data in the setup menu and press 2. Select a lens number. Highlight Lens number and press 4 or 2 to choose a lens number. Enter the focal length and aperture.
Page 278 To recall lens data when using a non-CPU lens: Assign non-CPU lens number selection to a camera control. Assign Choose non-CPU lens number to a control using Custom Setting f1 (Custom control assignment, 0 301). Use the selected control to choose a lens number. Press the selected control and rotate the main or sub- command dial until the desired lens number is displayed in the control panel.
Page 279: Location Data
MC-35 GPS adapter cord (0 334). ❚❚ GP-1/GP-1A GPS Units These optional GPS units are designed for use with Nikon digital cameras. For information on connecting the unit, see the manual provided with the device.
Page 280 ❚❚ Setup Menu Options The Location data item in the setup menu contains the options listed below. • Position: The current latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), and heading (if supported) as reported by the source device. • External GPS device options > Standby timer: Choose whether or not the standby timer is enabled when a GPS unit is attached.
Page 281: More About Playback
More About Playback Viewing Images Full-frame Thumbnail playback playback Full-Frame Playback To play photographs back, press the K button. The most recent photograph will be displayed in the monitor. Additional pictures can be displayed by flicking left or right or pressing 4 or 2; to view additional information on the current K button photograph, press 1 or 3 (0 261).
Page 282: Playback Controls
Playback Controls O (Q) : Delete the current picture (0 278) : View the menus (0 281) L (Z/Q) : Protect the current picture (0 273) : Zoom in (0 271) W (M) : View multiple images (0 255) : Use in combination with the multi selector as described below Display slot/folder selection dialog.
Page 283 Two Memory Cards If two memory cards are inserted, you can select a memory card for playback by pressing the W (M) button when 72 thumbnails are displayed. Rotate Tall To display “tall” (portrait-orientation) photographs in tall orientation, select On for the Rotate tall option in the playback menu (0 282).
Page 284: Using The Touch Screen
Using the Touch Screen During playback, the touch-sensitive monitor can be used to: Flick left or right to view other images. View other images In full frame view, you can touch the bottom of the display to display a frame advance bar, then slide your finger left or right to scroll rapidly to other images.
Page 285 To “zoom out” to a thumbnail view (0 255), use a pinch gesture in full-frame playback. Use pinch and View thumbnails stretch to choose the number of images displayed from 4, 9, and 72 frames. Tap the on-screen guide to start movie playback (movies are indicated by a 1 icon).
Page 286: The I Button
The i Button Pressing the i button during full-frame or thumbnail playback displays the options listed below. • Rating: Rate the current picture (0 274). • Select to send to smart device/deselect (photographs only): Select photos for i button upload to a smart device. •...
Page 287: Photo Information
Photo Information Photo information is superimposed on images displayed in full- frame playback. Press 1 or 3 to cycle through photo information as shown below. Note that “image only”, shooting data, RGB histograms, and highlights are only displayed if corresponding option is selected for Playback display options (0 281).
Page 288: File Information
❚❚ File Information 10 9 Protect status....... 273 Image size ........94 Retouch indicator ....... 311 Image area ........88 Upload marking......276 Time of recording....... 304 IPTC preset indicator..256, 306 Date of recording ....... 304 Focus point 1, 2 ......97, 108 Current card slot .....
Page 289 ❚❚ Highlights Image highlights Current channel Folder number–frame number * Flashing areas indicate highlights (areas that may be overexposed) for current channel. Hold the W (M) button and press 4 or 2 to cycle through channels as follows: W (M) button (all channels) (red) (green)
Page 290 ❚❚ RGB Histogram Image highlights Histogram (RGB channel). In all histograms, horizontal axis gives Folder number–frame number pixel brightness, vertical axis White balance ......159 number of pixels. Color temperature ....166 Histogram (red channel) White balance fine-tuning ..........163 Histogram (green channel) Preset manual .......
Page 291 Playback Zoom To zoom in on the photograph when the histogram is displayed, press X. Use the X and W (M) buttons to zoom in and out and scroll the image with the multi selector. The histogram will be updated to show only the data for the portion of the image visible in the monitor.
Page 292 ❚❚ Shooting Data Metering ........128 Focal length ......... 250 Shutter speed ....133, 135 Lens data ........250 Aperture....... 134, 135 Focus mode ......47, 97 Exposure mode ......130 Lens VR (vibration reduction) ISO sensitivity ......123 Camera name Exposure compensation ...
Page 293 White balance......159 Color space........286 Color temperature....166 Picture Control ......180 White balance fine-tuning ..........163 Preset manual......169 High ISO noise reduction..286 HDR exposure differential ..193 Long exposure noise HDR smoothing......193 reduction ........286 Vignette control ......286 Active D-Lighting......189 Retouch history......
Page 294 Name of photographer ... 306 Copyright holder ...... 306 1 Displayed in red if photo was taken with auto ISO sensitivity control on. 2 Displayed if Custom Setting b7 (Fine-tune optimal exposure, 0 295) has been set to a value other than zero for any metering method. 3 Displayed only if VR lens is attached.
Page 295 ❚❚ IPTC Preset (0 306) Caption City Event ID State Headline Country Object Name Category Byline Title Supplemental Categories Writer/Editor (Supp. Cat.) Credit Byline Source...
Page 296 ❚❚ Overview Data 19 20 21 22 23 28 27 26 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 Image comment indicator..306 Current card slot .....40, 96 Frame number/total number of Rating ..........274 frames Metering ........128 Protect status.......273 Exposure mode ......130 Retouch indicator .......311 Shutter speed .....
Page 297: Taking A Closer Look: Playback Zoom
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom To zoom in on an image displayed in full- frame playback, press the X button or the center of the multi selector or give the display two quick taps. The following operations can be performed while zoom is in effect: X button Description...
Page 298 Description Faces (up to 35) detected during zoom are indicated by white borders in navigation window. Rotate sub- command dial or tap on-screen guide to view other faces. On-screen guide Select faces Rotate main command dial or tap e or f icons at bottom of display to view View other same location in other photos at...
Page 299: Protecting Photographs From Deletion
Protecting Photographs from Deletion In full-frame, zoom, and thumbnail playback, the L (Z/Q) button can be used to protect photographs from accidental deletion. Protected files can not be deleted using the O (Q) button or the Delete option in the playback menu. Note that protected images will be deleted when the memory card is formatted (0 304).
Page 300: Rating Pictures
Rating Pictures Rate pictures or mark them as candidates for later deletion. Ratings can also be viewed in ViewNX-i and Capture NX-D. Rating is not available with protected images. Select an image. Display the image or highlight it in the thumbnail list in thumbnail playback.
Page 301 Rating Pictures with the Fn2 Button If Rating is selected for Custom Setting f1 (Custom control assignment) > Fn2 button, pictures can be rated by keeping the Fn2 button pressed and pressing 4 or 2 (0 301).
Page 302: Selecting Photos For Upload
Selecting Photos for Upload Follow the steps below to select photos for upload to the smart device before connecting. Movies can not be selected for upload. Selecting Individual Photos Select a photo. Display the photo or highlight it in the thumbnail list in thumbnail playback.
Page 303: Selecting Multiple Photos
Selecting Multiple Photos Follow the steps below to change the upload status of multiple photos. Choose Select image(s). In the playback menu, select Select to send to smart device, then highlight Select image(s) and press 2. Select photos. Use the multi selector to highlight photos and press the center of the multi selector to select or deselect (to view the highlighted picture full screen, press and hold the X button).
Page 304: Deleting Photographs
Deleting Photographs To delete all photographs in the current folder or the photograph displayed in full-frame playback or highlighted in the thumbnail list, press the O (Q) button. To delete multiple selected photographs, use the Delete option in the playback menu.
Page 305: The Playback Menu
The Playback Menu The Delete option in the playback menu contains the following options. Note that depending on the number of images, some time may be required for deletion. Option Description Delete selected pictures. Selected Delete all pictures in the folder currently selected for playback (0 281).
Page 306 Select the highlighted picture. Press the center of the multi selector to select the highlighted picture. Selected pictures are marked by a O icon. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to select additional pictures; to deselect a picture, highlight it and press the center of the multi selector. Press J to complete the operation.
Page 307: Menu List
Menu List This section lists the options available in the camera menus. For more information, see the Menu Guide. D The Playback Menu: Managing Images Delete Selected Delete multiple images (0 279). Playback folder (defaults to All) (Folder name) Choose a folder for playback. Current Hide image Hide or reveal images.
Page 308 Copy image(s) Select source Copy pictures from one memory card to another. This option is only available Select image(s) when two memory cards are inserted in Select destination folder the camera. Copy image(s)? Image review (defaults to Off) Choose whether pictures are automatically displayed in the monitor immediately after shooting (0 257).
Page 309: C The Photo Shooting Menu: Shooting Options
C The Photo Shooting Menu: Shooting Options Photo shooting menu bank Recall photo shooting menu settings previously stored in a photo shooting menu bank. Changes to settings are stored in the current bank. Extended photo menu banks (defaults to Off) Choose whether photo shooting menu banks store exposure mode, shutter speed (exposure modes S and M),...
Page 310 Flash control Flash control mode Choose the flash control mode for optional flash units mounted on the Wireless flash options camera accessory shoe or adjust Remote flash control settings for wireless flash photography Radio remote flash info (0 199, 208). Choose image area (defaults to DX (24×16)) Choose the image area (0 88).
Page 311 NEF (RAW) recording NEF (RAW) compression Choose the type of compression and the bit depth for NEF (RAW) images NEF (RAW) bit depth (0 93). ISO sensitivity settings Adjust ISO sensitivity settings for ISO sensitivity photographs (0 123, 125). Auto ISO sensitivity control White balance (defaults to Auto) Auto...
Page 312 Color space (defaults to sRGB) sRGB Choose a color space for photographs. Adobe RGB Active D-Lighting (defaults to Off) Preserve details in highlights and Auto shadows, creating photographs with Extra high natural contrast (0 189). High Normal Long exposure NR (defaults to Off) Reduce “noise”...
Page 313 Flicker reduction Flicker reduction setting This option takes effect during viewfinder photography (0 234). Flicker reduction indicator Select Enable for Flicker reduction setting to adjust shot timing to reduce the effects of flicker under fluorescent or mercury vapor lighting. The Flicker reduction indicator item controls whether a FLICKER icon is displayed in the viewfinder when flicker is detected.
Page 314: The Movie Shooting Menu: Movie Shooting Options
1 The Movie Shooting Menu: Movie Shooting Options Reset movie shooting menu Select Yes to restore movie shooting menu options to their default values. File naming Choose the three-letter prefix used in naming the image files in which movies are stored. The default prefix is “DSC”. Destination (defaults to XQD card slot) XQD card slot...
Page 315 Movie quality (defaults to High quality) High quality Choose movie quality (0 68). Normal ISO sensitivity settings Adjust ISO sensitivity settings for ISO sensitivity (mode M) movies. Auto ISO control (mode M) Maximum sensitivity White balance (defaults to Same as photo settings) Same as photo settings Choose the white balance for movies (0 159).
Page 316 Manage Picture Control Save/edit Create custom Picture Controls (0 185). Rename Delete Load/save Active D-Lighting (defaults to Off) Preserve details in highlights and Same as photo settings shadows, creating movies with natural Extra high contrast (0 189). Select Same as High photo settings to use the option Normal...
Page 317 Frequency response (defaults to Wide range) Wide range Choose microphone frequency response. Vocal range Wind noise reduction (defaults to Off) Choose whether to enable the built-in microphone’s low-cut filter to reduce wind noise. Time-lapse movie Start The camera automatically takes photos at selected intervals to create a silent Interval time-lapse movie (0 74).
Page 318: A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings
A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings Custom settings bank Recall Custom Settings previously stored in a Custom Settings menu bank. Changes to settings are stored in the current bank. a Autofocus a1 AF-C priority selection (defaults to Release) When AF-C is selected for viewfinder Release photography, this option controls Focus + release...
Page 319 a4 3D-tracking face-detection (defaults to Off) Choose whether the camera detects and focuses on faces when 3D-tracking is selected for AF-area mode (0 104). a5 3D-tracking watch area (defaults to Normal) Choose the area monitored by pressing Wide the shutter-release button halfway Normal when 3D-tracking is selected for AF-area mode (0 104).
Page 320 a10 Autofocus mode restrictions (defaults to No restrictions) AF-S Choose the autofocus modes available in viewfinder photography (0 101). AF-C No restrictions a11 Focus point wrap-around (defaults to No wrap) Choose whether viewfinder focus-point Wrap selection “wraps around” from one No wrap edge of the display to another.
Page 321 b4 Easy exposure compensation (defaults to Off) On (Auto reset) Choose whether exposure compensation can be adjusted solely by rotating a command dial, without pressing the E button. b5 Matrix metering (defaults to Face detection on) Face detection on Choose Face detection on to enable face detection when shooting portraits Face detection off with matrix metering during viewfinder...
Page 322 c Timers/AE lock c1 Shutter-release button AE-L (defaults to Off) On (half press) Choose whether exposure locks when the shutter-release button is pressed. On (burst mode) c2 Standby timer (defaults to 6 s) Choose how long the camera continues to meter exposure when no operations are performed (0 39).
Page 323 d Shooting/display d1 CL mode shooting speed (defaults to 5 fps) 9 fps Choose the frame advance rate for (continuous low-speed) mode. 8 fps 7 fps 6 fps 5 fps 4 fps 3 fps 2 fps 1 fps d2 Max. continuous release (defaults to 200) Choose the maximum number of shots 1–200...
Page 324 d6 Electronic front-curtain shutter (defaults to Disable) Enable Enable or disable the electronic front- curtain shutter in M mode, eliminating Disable blur caused by shutter motion. d7 File number sequence (defaults to On) Choose how the camera assigns file numbers. Reset d8 Viewfinder grid display (defaults to Off)
Page 325 e Bracketing/flash e1 Flash sync speed (defaults to 1/250 s) 1/250 s (Auto FP) Choose a flash sync speed. 1/250 s 1/200 s 1/160 s 1/125 s 1/100 s 1/80 s 1/60 s Fixing Shutter Speed at the Flash Sync 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 possible shutter speed (30 s or %).
Page 326 e2 Flash shutter speed (defaults to 1/60 s) 1/60 s Choose the slowest shutter available when the flash is used in modes P and A. 1/30 s 1/15 s 1/8 s 1/4 s 1/2 s 15 s 30 s e3 Exposure comp. for flash (defaults to Entire frame) Choose how the camera adjusts flash Entire frame...
Page 327 e6 Auto bracketing (mode M) (defaults to Flash/speed) Flash/speed Choose the settings affected when exposure/flash bracketing is enabled in Flash/speed/aperture exposure mode M. Flash/aperture Flash only e7 Bracketing order (defaults to MTR > under > over) Choose the bracketing order for MTR >...
Page 328 f3 Shutter spd & aperture lock Shutter speed lock Lock shutter speed at the value currently selected in mode S or M, or Aperture lock aperture at the value currently selected in mode A or M. f4 Customize command dials Reverse rotation Choose the roles played by the main and sub-command dials.
Page 329 f7 Reverse indicators (defaults to (W) is selected, the exposure indicators in the control panel, viewfinder, and information display are displayed with negative values on the left and positive values on the right. Select (V) to display positive values on the left and negative values on the right.
Page 330: B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup
B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup Format memory card XQD card slot To begin formatting, choose a memory card slot and select Yes. Note that SD card slot formatting permanently deletes all pictures and other data on the card in the selected slot.
Page 331 Monitor color balance Adjust monitor color balance. Virtual horizon View a virtual horizon based on information from the camera tilt sensor. Information display (defaults to Auto) Auto Adjust the information display for different viewing conditions. Manual AF fine-tune Fine-tune focus for different lens types. AF fine-tune (On/Off) AF tuning is not recommended in most Saved value...
Page 332 Image Dust Off ref photo Start Acquire reference data for the Image Dust Off option in Capture NX-D (0 v). Clean sensor and then start Image comment Add a comment to new photographs as Attach comment they are taken. Comments can be Input comment viewed as metadata in ViewNX-i or Capture NX-D (0 v).
Page 333 Location data Download from smart device Adjust location data settings (0 253). Position External GPS device options Wireless remote (WR) options Adjust LED lamp and link mode settings LED lamp for optional wireless remote controllers. Link mode Assign remote (WR) Fn button (defaults to None) Preview Choose the role played by the Fn button...
Page 334 Connect to smart device Start To connect a smart device, select Start and follow the on-screen guide. Password protection Password protection controls whether Bluetooth connections are password protected. Send to smart device (auto) (defaults to Off) Select On to upload photos to a smart device as they are taken.
Page 335 Conformity marking View a selection of the standards with which the camera complies. MB-D17 battery type (defaults to LR6 (AA alkaline)) LR6 (AA alkaline) To ensure that the camera functions as expected when the optional MB-D17 HR6 (AA Ni-MH) multi-power battery pack is used with FR6 (AA lithium) AA batteries, match the option selected in this menu to the type of batteries...
Page 336 Save/load settings Save settings Save camera settings to or load camera settings from a memory card. Settings Load settings files can be shared with other D500 cameras. Reset all settings Reset Reset all settings apart from the options selected for Language and Time zone Do not reset and date in the setup menu.
Page 337: N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies
N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies NEF (RAW) processing Create JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs (0 314). Trim Create a cropped copy of the selected photograph (0 316). Resize Select image Create small copies of selected photographs. Choose destination Choose size D-Lighting Brighten shadows.
Page 338 Perspective control Create copies that reduce the effects of perspective taken from the base of a tall object. Filter effects Create the effects of the following Skylight filters: Warm filter • Skylight: A skylight filter effect • Warm filter: A warm tone filter effect Monochrome Copy photographs in Black-and-white, Black-and-white...
Page 339: O My Menu/M Recent Settings
O My Menu/m Recent Settings Add items PLAYBACK MENU Create a custom menu of up to 20 items selected from the playback, photo PHOTO SHOOTING MENU shooting, movie shooting, Custom MOVIE SHOOTING MENU Setting, setup, and retouch menus. CUSTOM SETTING MENU SETUP MENU RETOUCH MENU Remove items...
Page 340: Retouch Menu Options
Retouch Menu Options NEF (RAW) Processing Create JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs. Select NEF (RAW) processing. Highlight NEF (RAW) processing in the retouch menu and press 2 to display a picture selection dialog listing only NEF (RAW) images created with this camera.
Page 341 Choose settings for the JPEG copy. Adjust the settings listed below. Note that white balance and vignette control are not available with multiple exposures or pictures created with image overlay and that exposure compensation can only be set to values between –2 and +2 EV.
Page 342: Trim
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. Description Reduce size of W (M) Press W (M) to reduce the size of the crop. crop Increase size of Press X to increase the size of the crop.
Page 343: Image Overlay
Image Overlay Image overlay combines two existing NEF (RAW) photographs to create a single picture that is saved separately from the originals; the results, which make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor, are noticeably better than photographs combined in an imaging application.
Page 344 Select the first image. Use the multi selector to highlight the first photograph in the overlay. To view the highlighted photograph full frame, press and hold the X button. To view images in other locations, press W (M) and select the desired card and folder as described on page 256.
Page 345 Preview the overlay. To preview the composition as shown at right, press 4 or 2 to place the cursor in the Preview column, then press 1 or 3 to highlight Overlay and press J (note that colors and brightness in the preview may differ from the final image).
Page 346: Technical Notes
Technical Notes Read this chapter for information on compatible accessories, cleaning and storing the camera, and what to do if an error message is displayed or you encounter problems using the camera. Compatible Lenses Camera setting Exposure Focus mode Metering system mode M (with electronic...
Page 347 Focus mode Metering system mode M (with electronic 3D Color Lens/accessory rangefinder) AI-, AI-modified ✔ — ✔ — ✔ ✔ NIKKOR or Nikon Series — — E lenses Medical-NIKKOR ✔ — ✔ — — — — — 120mm f/4 — ✔...
Page 348 13 When focusing at minimum focus distance with AF 80–200mm f/2.8, AF 35–70mm f/2.8, AF 28–85mm f/3.5–4.5 <New>, or AF 28–85mm f/3.5–4.5 lens at maximum zoom, in-focus indicator may be displayed when image on matte screen in viewfinder is not in focus. Adjust focus manually until image in viewfinder is in focus. 14 With maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.
Page 349 Recognizing CPU and Type G, E, and D Lenses CPU lenses (particularly types G, E, and D) are recommended, but note that IX-NIKKOR lenses can not be used. CPU lenses can be identified by the presence of CPU contacts, type G, E, and D lenses by a letter on the lens barrel.
Page 350 Incompatible Accessories and Non-CPU Lenses The following can be used with the D500: • TC-16A 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 focusing unit AF Teleconverter TC-16) •...
Page 351 The size of the area exposed by a 35mm camera is 36 × 24 mm. The size of the area exposed by the D500 when DX (24×16) is selected for Choose image area in the photo shooting menu, in contrast, is 23.5 ×...
Page 352: The Nikon Creative Lighting System (Cls)
The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) Nikon’s advanced Creative Lighting System (CLS) offers improved communication between the camera and compatible flash units for improved flash photography. ❚❚ CLS-Compatible Flash Units The following features are available with CLS-compatible flash units: i-TTL balanced ✔...
Page 353 Remote flash control ✔ ✔ ✔ — ✔ ✔ — — — ✔ ✔ ✔ — ✔ i-TTL i-TTL — — — — Quick wireless ✔ ✔ — — ✔ [A:B] — — — — flash control qA Auto aperture ✔ ✔...
Page 354 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ — — Auto FP High-Speed Sync ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ FV lock ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ — ✔ AF-assist for multi-area AF — — — ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔...
Page 355 The SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander: When mounted on a CLS- compatible camera, the SU-800 can be used as a commander for SB-5000, SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, SB-500, or SB-R200 flash units in up to three groups. The SU-800 itself is not equipped with a flash.
Page 356 ❚❚ Other Flash Units The following flash units can be used in non-TTL auto and manual modes. Flash unit SB-80DX, SB-30, SB-27 SB-28DX, SB-22S, SB-22, SB-23, SB-29 SB-28, SB-26, SB-20, SB-16B, SB-21B Flash mode SB-25, SB-24 SB-50DX SB-15 SB-29S ✔ ✔...
Page 357 Refer to the flash unit manual for detailed instructions. If the unit supports CLS, refer to the section on CLS-compatible digital SLR cameras. The D500 is not included in the “digital SLR” category in the SB-80DX, SB-28DX, and SB-50DX manuals.
Page 358 Notes on Optional Flash Units (Continued) The SB-5000, SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, SB-500, and SB-400 provide red-eye reduction, while the SB-5000, SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, and SU-800 provide AF-assist illumination with the following restrictions: • SB-5000: AF-assist illumination is available when 24–135 mm AF lenses are used with the focus points shown below.
Page 359: Other Accessories
Other Accessories At the time of writing, the following accessories were available for the D500. Power sources • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15 (0 13, 373) • Battery Charger MH-25a (0 13, 373) • Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D17 • Power Connector EP-5B, AC Adapter EH-5b...
Page 360 Camera Control Pro 2 Software • Remote Cord MC-22/MC-22A (length 1 m/3 ft 3 in. Remote • Remote Cord MC-30/MC-30A (length 80 cm/2 ft 7 in. terminal accessories • Remote Cord MC-36/MC-36A (length 85 cm/2 ft 9 in. • Extension Cord MC-21/MC-21A (length 3 m/9 ft 10 in. •...
Page 361: Caring For The Camera
Caring for the Camera Storage When the camera will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry area with the terminal cover in place. To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Page 362: Image Sensor Cleaning
Image Sensor Cleaning If you suspect that dirt or dust on the image sensor is appearing in photographs, you can clean the sensor using the Clean image sensor option in the setup menu. The sensor can be cleaned at any time using the Clean now option, or cleaning can be performed automatically when the camera is turned on or off.
Page 363 ❚❚ “Clean at Startup/Shutdown” Choose from the following options: Option Description The image sensor is automatically cleaned each Clean at startup time the camera is turned on. The image sensor is automatically cleaned Clean at during shutdown each time the camera is turned shutdown off.
Page 364 If dust can not be fully removed using the options in the Clean image sensor menu, clean the image sensor manually (0 339) 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 protect the camera’s internal circuitry.
Page 365 Note, however, that the sensor is extremely delicate and easily damaged. Nikon recommends that the sensor be cleaned only by Nikon-authorized service personnel. Charge the battery or connect an AC adapter.
Page 366 Press J. The message shown at right will be displayed in the monitor and a row of dashes will appear in the control panel and viewfinder. To restore normal operation without inspecting the image sensor, turn the camera off. Raise the mirror. Press the shutter-release button all the way down.
Page 367 Do not use a blower-brush, as the bristles could damage the sensor. Dirt that can not be removed with a blower can only be removed by Nikon-authorized service personnel. Under no circumstances should you touch or wipe the sensor. Turn the camera off.
Page 368 Servicing the Camera and Accessories The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing. Nikon recommends that the camera be inspected by the original retailer or a Nikon-authorized service representative once every one to two years, and that it be serviced once every three to five years (note that fees apply to these services).
Page 369: Caring For The Camera And Battery: Cautions
Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions Do not drop: The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration. Keep dry: This product is not waterproof, and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high levels of humidity. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.
Page 370 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.
Page 371 Storage: To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a dry, well- ventilated area. If you are using an AC adapter, unplug the adapter to prevent fire. If the product will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery to prevent leakage and store the camera in a plastic bag containing a desiccant.
Page 372 The battery and charger: Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. Observe the following precautions when handling batteries and chargers: • Use only batteries approved for use in this equipment. • Do not expose the battery to flame or excessive heat. •...
Page 373 If the problem persists, cease use immediately and take battery and charger to your retailer or a Nikon-authorized service representative. • Do not move the charger or touch the battery during charging. Failure...
Page 374: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting If the camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common problems below before consulting your retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative. Battery/Display The camera is on but does not respond: Wait for recording to end. If the problem persists, turn the camera off.
Page 375: Shooting
Shooting Camera takes time to turn on: Delete files or folders. Shutter-release disabled: • Memory card is locked (SD cards only; 0 16), full, or not inserted (0 36). • Release locked is selected for Slot empty release lock in the setup menu (0 309) and no memory card is inserted (0 15).
Page 376 Can not select focus point: • Unlock focus selector lock (0 108). • Auto-area AF selected for AF-area mode or face-priority AF selected in live view; choose another mode (0 48, 103). • Camera is in playback mode (0 255). •...
Page 377 Can not measure white balance: Subject is too dark or too bright (0 170). Image can not be selected as source for preset white balance: Image was not created with D500 (0 177).
Page 378: Playback
White balance bracketing unavailable: • NEF (RAW) or NEF+JPEG image quality option selected for image quality (0 91). • Multiple exposure mode is in effect (0 236). Photographs and movies do not appear to have the same exposure as the preview shown in the monitor during live view: Changes to monitor brightness during live view have no effect on images recorded with the camera (0 50).
Page 379 Can not delete photo: Picture is protected. Remove protection (0 273). Can not retouch picture: Photo can not be further edited with this camera (0 360). The camera displays a message stating that the folder contains no images: Select All for Playback folder (0 281).
Page 380: Bluetooth And Wi-Fi (Wireless Networks)
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (Wireless Networks) Smart devices do not display the camera SSID (network name): • Confirm that Disable is selected for Airplane mode in the camera setup menu (0 307). • Confirm that Enable is selected for Bluetooth > Network connection in the camera setup menu.
Page 381: Error Messages
Ready a fully-charged Low battery. 13, 35 spare battery. • Battery exhausted. • Recharge or replace battery. • Battery can not be • Contact Nikon- used. authorized service representative. • An extremely • Replace the battery, or exhausted recharge the battery if...
Page 382 Indicator Control View- panel finder Problem Solution No lens attached, or non-CPU lens attached without specifying Aperture value will be maximum aperture. displayed if maximum Aperture shown in aperture is specified. stops from maximum aperture. Camera unable to focus Change composition or —...
Page 383 (flashes) (flashes) camera has run out of device. file or folder numbers. • Insert new memory card. Release shutter. If error persists or appears Camera malfunction. frequently, consult — (flashes) Nikon-authorized service representative.
Page 384 Camera cannot and confirm that No memory card. detect memory card is correctly card. inserted. • Error accessing • Use Nikon- memory card. approved card. • Check that — contacts are clean. If card is damaged, contact This memory card retailer or Nikon- cannot be used.
Page 385 Indicator Control Monitor panel Problem Solution Memory card is Memory card is locked (write locked. Slide lock to Slide card write- “write” position. (flashes) protected). protect switch to Eye-Fi card is “write” position. Not available if locked (write Eye-Fi card is locked. protected).
Page 386 Indicator Control Monitor panel Problem Solution File has been created or modified using a File can not be Cannot display this — computer or played back on — file. different make of camera. camera, or file is corrupt. Images created Selected image Cannot select this with other devices...
Page 387 Indicator Control Monitor panel Problem Solution Paper is jammed Clear jam and Paper jam. — — in printer. select Continue. Insert paper of Printer is out of Out of paper. — selected size and — paper. select Continue. Check ink. To —...
Page 388: Specifications
Lens mount Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts) Effective angle of view Nikon DX format; focal length in 35 mm [135] format equivalent to approx. 1.5× that of lenses with FX format angle of view Effective pixels 20.9 million...
Page 389 Storage File format • NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit (lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed); large, medium, and small available (medium and small images are recorded at a bit depth of 12 bits using lossless compression) • TIFF (RGB) • JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx.
Page 390 Viewfinder –1 Eyepoint 16 mm (–1.0 m ; from center surface of viewfinder eyepiece lens) –2–+1 m –1 Diopter adjustment Focusing screen Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark II screen with AF area brackets (framing grid can be displayed) Quick return Reflex mirror Pressing Pv button stops lens aperture down to Depth-of-field preview...
Page 391 Release Release mode S (single frame), C (continuous low speed), (continuous high speed), Q (quiet shutter- release), Q (quiet continuous shutter-release), E (self-timer), M (mirror up) • C : 1–9 fps Approximate frame • C : 10 fps advance rate •...
Page 392 Exposure Exposure mode Programmed auto with flexible program (P); shutter-priority auto (S); aperture-priority auto (A); manual (M) Exposure compensation –5 – +5 EV in increments of , or 1 EV Exposure lock Luminosity locked at detected value ISO sensitivity ISO 100 – 51200 in steps of , or 1 EV.
Page 393 ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts Accessory shoe and safety lock Nikon Creative Lighting i-TTL flash control, radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting, optical Advanced Wireless System (CLS) Lighting, modeling illumination, FV lock, Color...
Page 394 White balance White balance Auto (3 types), incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual (up to 6 values can be stored, spot white balance measurement available during live view), choose color temperature (2500 K–10000 K), all with fine-tuning. Bracketing Bracketing types Exposure, flash, white balance, and ADL...
Page 395 Movie File format Video compression H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding Linear PCM Audio recording format Built-in stereo or external microphone; Audio recording device sensitivity adjustable ISO sensitivity • Exposure modes P, S, and A: Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 100 to Hi 5) with selectable upper limit •...
Page 396 Interface SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0 Micro-B connector); connection to built-in USB port is recommended HDMI output Type C HDMI connector Audio input Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter; plug-in power supported) Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5mm diameter) Audio output Can be used to connect optional remote Ten-pin remote terminal control, WR-R10 (requires WR-A10 adapter) or WR-1 wireless remote controller, GP-1/GP-1A...
Page 397 One rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL15 battery Battery Battery pack Optional MB-D17 multi-power battery pack with one rechargeable Nikon EN-EL18a or EN-EL18 Li-ion battery (available separately), one rechargeable Nikon EN-EL15 Li-ion battery, or eight AA alkaline, Ni-MH, or lithium batteries. A BL-5 battery-chamber cover is required when using EN-EL18a or EN-EL18 batteries.
Page 398 • Nikon reserves the right to change the appearance and specifications of the hardware and software described in this manual at any time and without prior notice. Nikon will not be held liable for damages that may result from any mistakes that this manual may contain.
Page 399 AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 0.23–0.12 A (in other regions) DC 8.4 V/1.2 A Rated output Supported batteries Nikon EN-EL15 rechargeable Li-ion batteries Charging time Approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes at an ambient temperature of 25 °C (77 °F) when no charge remains Operating temperature 0 °C–40 °C (+32 °F–104 °F)
Page 400 Nikon reserves the right to change the appearance and specifications of the hardware and software described in this manual at any time and without prior notice. Nikon will not be held liable for damages that may result from any mistakes that this manual may contain.
Page 401: Lenses
Rubber lens-mount gasket The AF-S DX NIKKOR 16–80mm f/2.8–4E ED VR is for use exclusively with Nikon DX format digital cameras. SLR film cameras and D2- and D1-series, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70- series, D60, D50, D40-series, and D3000 digital SLR cameras are...
Page 402 Focus Distance Indicator Note that the focus distance indicator is intended only as a guide and may not accurately show the distance to the subject and may, due to depth of field or other factors, not show ∞ when the camera is focused on a distant object.
Page 403 • Keep the CPU contacts clean. • Should the rubber lens-mount gasket be damaged, cease use immediately and take the lens to a Nikon-authorized service center for repair. • Use a blower to remove dust and lint from the lens surfaces.
Page 404 ❚❚ Vibration Reduction (VR) AF-S DX NIKKOR 16–80mm f/2.8–4E ED VR lenses support vibration reduction (VR), which reduces blur caused by camera shake even when the camera is panned, allowing shutter speeds to be slowed by approximately 4.0 stops. This increases the range of shutter speeds available and permits hand-held, tripod- free photography in a wide range of situations.
Page 405 Vibration Reduction • When using vibration reduction, press the shutter-release button halfway and wait for the image in the viewfinder to stabilize before pressing the shutter-release button the rest of the way down. • When vibration reduction is active, the image in the viewfinder may jiggle after the shutter is released.
Page 406 Using Built-in Flash Units If the camera is equipped with a built-in flash, be sure the subject is at a range of at least 0.6 m (2 ft) and remove lens hoods to prevent vignetting (shadows created where the end of the lens obscures the built-in flash).
Page 407 Supplied Accessories for AF-S DX NIKKOR 16–80mm f/2.8–4E ED VR Lenses • 72 mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-72 • Rear Lens Cap LF-4 • Bayonet Hood HB-75 Align the lens hood mounting mark (●) with the lens hood alignment ) as shown in Figure q and then rotate the hood (w) until mark ( the ●...
Page 408 Optional Accessories for AF-S DX NIKKOR 16–80mm f/2.8–4E ED VR Lenses • 72 mm screw-on filters • Lens Case CL-1218 A Note on Wide- and Super Wide-Angle Lenses Autofocus may not provide the desired results in situations like those shown below. 1 Objects in the background occupy more of the focus point than the main subject: If the focus point contains both foreground and background objects,...
Page 409 Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Nikon Corporation is under license.
Page 410 Supported Standards • DCF Version 2.0: The Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) is a standard widely used in the digital camera industry to ensure compatibility among different makes of camera. • Exif version 2.3: The camera supports Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) version 2.3, a standard in which information stored with photographs is used for optimal color reproduction when the images are output on Exif-compliant printers.
Page 411: Approved Memory Cards
Approved Memory Cards The camera accepts the XQD and SD memory cards listed in the following sections. Other cards have not been tested. For more details on the cards listed below, please contact the manufacturer. ❚❚ XQD Memory Cards The following XQD memory cards have been tested and approved for use in the camera.
Page 412 ❚❚ SD Memory Cards The camera supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, including SDHC and SDXC cards compliant with UHS-II. Cards rated UHS Speed Class 3 or better are recommended for movie recording; using slower cards may result in recording being interrupted.
Page 413: Memory Card Capacity
Memory Card Capacity The following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on a 64 GB Lexar Professional 2933× XQD 2.0 card at different image quality, image size, and image area settings. ❚❚ DX (24×16) Image Area Image quality Image size File size...
Page 414 ❚❚ 1.3× (18×12) Image Area Image quality Image size File size No. of images Buffer capacity Large 12.4 MB 2900 NEF (RAW), Lossless Medium 9.1 MB 3900 compressed, 12-bit Small 7.0 MB 5100 NEF (RAW), Lossless Large 15.4 MB 2300 compressed, 14-bit NEF (RAW), Large...
Page 415 d2—Max. Continuous Release (0 297) The maximum number of photographs that can be taken in a single burst can be set to any amount between 1 and 200.
Page 416: Battery Life
- One EN-EL18a battery (MB-D17): Approximately 2510 shots - Eight AA alkaline batteries (MB-D17): Approximately 1140 shots • Photographs, continuous release mode (Nikon standard - One EN-EL15 battery (camera): Approximately 2740 shots - One EN-EL15 battery (MB-D17): Approximately 2740 shots...
Page 417: Battery Performance
• Using VR (vibration reduction) mode with VR lenses • Repeatedly zooming in and out with an AF-P lens. To ensure that you get the most from rechargeable Nikon EN-EL15 batteries: • Keep the battery contacts clean. Soiled contacts can reduce battery performance.
Page 418: Index
Index Symbols 12-bit............93 14-bit............93 P (Programmed auto) ....130, 132 3D color matrix metering III..128 S (Shutter-priority auto) ..130, 133 3D-tracking ......104, 105, 293 A (Aperture-priority auto)..130, 134 3D-tracking face-detection...293 M (Manual) ......... 130, 135 3D-tracking watch area ....293 S (Single frame) .........
Page 419 Aspect ratio ......... 70, 316 Assign MB-D17 buttons ....303 Camera Control Pro 2 ......334 Assign remote (WR) Fn button..307 Capture NX-D ..........v Attaching the lens.......18 Center-weighted metering . 128, 295 Audio ............60 Charging the battery ......13 Audio output ........370 Choose color temp.
Page 420 Exposure mode .........130 Exposure preview ....... 45 Date and time........304 Exposure smoothing ....76, 245 Date format ........304 Extended photo menu banks ..283 Daylight saving time....... 304 External GPS device options254, 307 DCF............384 External microphone....65, 334 Default settings ....230, 288, 310 Eye-Fi upload ........308 Delete..........
Page 421 Focal plane mark ......115 High definition........384 Focus.... 47–49, 97–115, 292–294 High Dynamic Range (HDR) 191, 287 Focus indicator....38, 111, 115 High ISO NR....... 286, 290 Focus lock ........... 111 Highlight display......... 65 Focus mode......47, 97, 114 Highlights ..........263 Focus point 37, 48, 97, 103, 108, 293, Highlight-weighted metering..128 Histogram....
Page 422 LCD illumination......6, 298 Minimum shutter speed....126 LED lamp ..........307 Mired .............165 Lens..... 18, 19, 250, 305, 320, 375 Mirror .........117, 121, 339 Lens focus ring....49, 114, 375 Mirror up mode ....... 117, 121 Lens mount ......3, 18, 115 Modeling flash ......131, 300 Lens mounting mark.....
Page 423 Overflow (Secondary slot function) .. Radio AWL ......... 208, 210 Overlay mode ........239 Radio remote flash info ....213 Overview data ........270 Rank items (My Menu) ....313 Rating............274 RAW primary - JPEG secondary Paring ........... 211 (Secondary slot function)....96 Perspective control......
Page 424 Secondary slot function..96, 283 Straighten..........311 Select to send to smart device ..282 Sub-dial frame advance ....302 Self-timer......117, 119, 296 Subject motion........292 Send to smart device (auto) ..308 Sub-selector.. 109, 111, 141, 301, 303 Sensitivity....123, 125, 285, 289 Sync with smart device....304 Set clock from satellite....
Page 425 Vignette control........ 286 Virtual horizon..... 54, 69, 305 Vivid (Set Picture Control)..... 180 Warm filter .......... 312 WB......151, 159, 285, 289 WB bracketing (Auto bracketing set) 146, 151 White balance..151, 159, 285, 289 White balance bracketing..146, 151 Wide-area AF.........48 Wi-Fi ..........xxii, 308 Wind noise reduction ....
Page 429: Warranty Terms - Nikon Europe Service Warranty
Nikon Europe B.V. will, without charge for labor and parts, repair the product in the terms and conditions set as below. Nikon reserves the right (at its sole discretion) to replace or repair the product.
Page 430 • any damage resulting from modifications or adjustments which may be made to the product, without the prior written consent of Nikon, in order to comply with local or national technical standards in force in any other country than the ones for which the product was originally designed and/or manufactured.
Page 431 Notice: An overview of all authorized Nikon Service Stations can be found online by following this Link (URL = http://www.europe-nikon.com/service/ ).
Page 432 Nikon D500 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. AMA16541 Printed in Europe SB6B01(11) 6MB34311-01...

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