Nikon D4s User Manual
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DIGITAL CAMERA
User's Manual
Nikon Manual Viewer 2
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Summary of Contents for Nikon D4s

  • Page 1 DIGITAL CAMERA User's Manual Nikon Manual Viewer 2 Use the Nikon Manual Viewer 2 app to view manuals anytime, anywhere on your smartphone or tablet.
  • Page 2 The explanations in this manual assume that default settings are used. Nikon Manual Viewer 2 Install the Nikon Manual Viewer 2 app on your smartphone or tablet to view Nikon digital camera manuals, anytime, anywhere. Nikon Manual Viewer 2 can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store and Google Play.
  • Page 3: Package Contents

    Package Contents Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera. • D4S digital • BF-1B body cap (0 27, camera (0 1) 411) • BS-2 accessory shoe cover (0 16, 195) • EN-EL18a rechargeable Li-ion • MH-26a battery charger with...
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents For Your Safety ..................xii Notices....................xvi Introduction Getting to Know the Camera..............1 Camera Body ..................1 The Top Control Panel ..............6 The Rear Control Panel ..............8 The Viewfinder Display..............10 The Information Display..............12 The BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cover ..........16 Tutorial Camera Menus..................
  • Page 5 Live View Photography Focusing in Live View Photography and Movie Live View ................52 The Live View Display: Live View Photography ....55 The Information Display: Live View Photography....58 Manual Focus ................... 59 Live View Shutter Release Options........... 60 Movie Live View Indices ....................
  • Page 6 Focus Autofocus ....................97 Autofocus Mode ................97 AF-Area Mode................100 Focus Point Selection..............103 Focus Lock..................105 Manual Focus ..................108 Release Mode Choosing a Release Mode ..............111 Continuous Release Modes ............112 Self-Timer Mode.................114 Mirror up Mode ..................116 ISO Sensitivity Manual Adjustment ................117 Auto ISO Sensitivity Control ............119 Exposure...
  • Page 7 Sharing Custom Picture Controls..........186 Preserving Detail in Highlights and Shadows......188 Active D-Lighting ................188 High Dynamic Range (HDR) ............190 Flash Photography Using a Flash ..................195 The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) ......196 i-TTL Flash Control................202 Flash Modes..................203 Flash Compensation.................206 FV Lock ....................208...
  • Page 8 Other Shooting Options Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings .......211 Multiple Exposure ................214 Interval Timer Photography............221 Time-Lapse Photography ...............229 Non-CPU Lenses.................235 Location Data..................238 More About Playback Viewing Images..................241 Full-Frame Playback ..............241 Thumbnail Playback ..............241 Playback Controls ................ 242 Photo Information................244 Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom........253 Protecting Photographs from Deletion........255 Deleting Photographs ..............257...
  • Page 9 Printing Photographs...............279 Connecting the Printer ...............280 Printing Pictures One at a Time ..........280 Printing Multiple Pictures ............282 Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set........283 Viewing Photographs on TV............285 HDMI Options.................286 Menu Guide D The Playback Menu: Managing Images ......289 Playback Folder.................290 Hide Image..................290 Playback Display Options............291 Copy Image(s)................292...
  • Page 10 A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings....309 Custom Settings Bank ............311 a: Autofocus..................313 a1: AF-C Priority Selection............. 313 a2: AF-S Priority Selection ............. 314 a3: Focus Tracking with Lock-On ........314 a4: AF Activation ..............315 a5: Focus Point Illumination..........315 a6: Focus Point Wrap-Around ..........
  • Page 11 e: Bracketing/Flash ...............331 e1: Flash Sync Speed ...............331 e2: Flash Shutter Speed............332 e3: Optional Flash..............332 e4: Exposure Comp. for Flash..........333 e5: Modeling Flash..............333 e6: Auto Bracketing Set............333 e7: Auto Bracketing (Mode M) ..........334 e8: Bracketing Order..............334 f: Controls..................335 f1: Multi Selector Center Button..........335 f2: Multi Selector...............336 f3: Assign Fn Button..............337 f4: Assign Preview Button............342...
  • Page 12 B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup..........358 Format Memory Card ............. 359 Monitor Brightness..............359 Monitor Color Balance ............360 Image Dust Off Ref Photo ............. 361 Flicker Reduction..............363 Time Zone and Date ............... 363 Language ..................364 Auto Image Rotation .............. 364 Battery Info.................
  • Page 13 Technical Notes Compatible Lenses ................401 Other Accessories................408 Attaching a Power Connector and AC Adapter ....414 Caring for the Camera..............416 Storage....................416 Cleaning ...................416 The Low-Pass Filter...............417 “Clean Now” ................417 “Clean at Startup/Shutdown” ..........418 Manual Cleaning...............420 Replacing the Clock Battery ............424 Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions......426 Defaults ....................430 Exposure Program................438 Troubleshooting ................439...
  • Page 14: 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 15 Do not use in the presence of flammable Observe proper precautions when handling batteries Do not use electronic equipment Batteries may leak or explode if in the presence of flammable gas, improperly handled. Observe the as this could result in explosion or following precautions when fire.
  • Page 16 • Dust on or near the metal parts of Nikon for the purpose to maintain the plug should be removed with compliance with product a dry cloth. Continued use could regulations.
  • Page 17 Observe caution when using the flash Do not carry tripods with a lens or • Using optional flash units in close camera attached contact with the skin or other You could trip or accidentally objects could cause burns. strike others, resulting in injury. •...
  • Page 18: 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 this transmitted, transcribed, stored in a product. retrieval system, or translated into any •...
  • Page 19 Nikon Corporation may void the user’s interference to radio communications. authority to operate the equipment. However, there is no guarantee that...
  • Page 20 Notice for Customers in the State of California WARNING: Handling the cord on this product Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, may expose you to lead, a chemical known Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A. to the State of California to cause birth Tel.: 631-547-4200...
  • Page 21 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 22 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 23: 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 D button E button...
  • Page 24 Camera Body (Continued) Mirror........116, 420 USB connector .....272, 280 Self-timer lamp ......115 Headphone connector..68, 267 Microphone (for movies)..65, 75 Connector for external microphone ......75, 261 Flash sync terminal cover...195 HDMI connector ......285 Ten-pin remote terminal cover........238, 412 Ethernet connector......276 Flash sync terminal ......195 Lens release button .......
  • Page 25 Pv button Vertical shooting shutter-release Using the Pv button button lock........42 ....... 54, 66, 126, 342, 355 Fn button (vertical) Sub-command dial...... 345 Using the Fn button (vertical)... 343 Fn button CPU contacts Using the Fn button Lens mounting mark......28 ......89, 208, 337, 353 Lens mount ......28, 109 Sub-command dial for...
  • Page 26 Camera Body (Continued) J (OK) button......18, 242 Viewfinder eyepiece ..... 39, 114 R (info) button ....... 12, 15 Eyepiece shutter lever..39, 114 O/Q button Rear control panel....8, 329 Deletion ....... 47, 257 S button Formatting memory cards ..35 ISO sensitivity ......117 K button Auto ISO sensitivity control..119...
  • Page 27 Viewfinder ........38 Focus selector lock ...... 103 Sub-selector Microphone .......104, 105, 136, 342, 356 (for voice memos)......261 B button Live view selector ....49, 63 AF-ON ......99, 106, 317 a button Main command dial....345 Live view ....... 49, 63, 349 Multi selector....
  • Page 28: The Top Control Panel

    The Top Control Panel Shutter speed ......128, 130 Number of exposures remaining AF-area mode ......100, 102 ............41, 464 Exposure compensation value ..138 Number of shots remaining before Flash compensation value.....206 memory buffer fills....113, 464 Number of shots in Capture mode indicator....411 exposure and flash bracketing Aperture stop indicator..
  • Page 29 Clock battery indicator .... 31, 424 “Beep” indicator ....... 326 FV lock indicator.......209 Exposure compensation indicator..........138 Shutter-speed lock icon ....134 Flash compensation indicator ..206 Flash sync indicator ......331 Exposure and flash Flash mode ........203 bracketing indicator......142 Metering..........124 WB bracketing indicator ....
  • Page 30: The Rear Control Panel

    The Rear Control Panel “Remaining” indicator ....329 Image quality (JPEG images) ...90 Image size Small image size indicator (JPEG and TIFF images) ....94 (NEF/RAW images) ......95 ISO sensitivity indicator....117 Voice memo recording Auto ISO sensitivity indicator..121 indicator (shooting mode) .... 262 ISO sensitivity........117 Voice memo status ISO sensitivity (high/low gain) ..118...
  • Page 31 LCD Illuminators Rotating the power switch toward D Power switch activates the standby timer, control panel backlights (LCD illuminators), and button backlights (0 330), making it easier to use the camera in the dark. After the power switch is released, the backlights will remain lit for six seconds while the standby timer is active or until the shutter is released or the power switch is rotated toward D again.
  • Page 32: The Viewfinder Display

    The Viewfinder Display 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 19 20 Framing grid (displayed when On Exposure indicator .......131 is selected for Custom Setting d6) Exposure compensation display ............329 ............138 Bracketing progress indicator: 12-mm reference circle for center- Exposure and flash weighted metering......123 bracketing ........142 AF area brackets ......
  • Page 33 Bracketing indicator: Frame count........329 Exposure and flash Number of exposures bracketing ......... 140 remaining .......41, 329, 464 WB bracketing ......146 Number of shots remaining before ADL bracketing......150 memory buffer fills..43, 113, 464 Preset white balance Focus indicator.......43, 109 recording indicator......
  • Page 34: The Information Display

    The Information Display Shooting information, including shutter speed, aperture, frame count, number of exposures remaining, and AF-area mode, is displayed in the monitor when the R button is pressed. R button Exposure mode.........125 Aperture (f-number) ....129, 130 Aperture (number of stops)..129, 405 Flexible program indicator ....127 Bracketing increment ....
  • Page 35 Position of current frame in Shooting menu bank...... 300 bracketing sequence .....144, 148 Number of exposures ADL bracketing amount ....151 remaining ........41, 464 “k” (appears when memory Exposure and flash remains for over 1000 bracketing indicator......142 exposures) ........... 41 WB bracketing indicator ....
  • Page 36 The Information Display (Continued) 23 24 27 28 Release mode indicator....111 Flash compensation indicator ..206 Continuous shooting speed..112 Battery indicator .........40 FV lock indicator.......209 HDR indicator ........191 Clock battery indicator .... 31, 424 HDR exposure differential ..... 194 Interval timer indicator....226 Picture Control indicator....
  • Page 37 ❚❚ Changing Settings in the Information Display To change settings for the items listed below, press the R button in the information display. Highlight items using the multi selector and press J to view options for the highlighted item. R button Shooting menu bank....
  • Page 38: The Bs-2 Accessory Shoe Cover

    The BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cover The supplied BS-2 accessory shoe cover can be used to protect the accessory shoe or to prevent light reflected from the metal parts of the shoe from appearing in photographs. The BS-2 attaches to the camera accessory shoe as shown at right. To remove the accessory shoe cover, hold it down with your thumb and slide it off as shown at...
  • Page 39: Tutorial

    Tutorial Camera Menus Most shooting, playback, and setup options G button can be accessed from the camera menus. To view the menus, press the G button. Tabs Choose from the following menus: • D: Playback (0 289) • B: Setup (0 358) •...
  • Page 40: Using Camera Menus

    Using Camera Menus ❚❚ Menu Controls The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the menus. Multi selector Select Move cursor up highlighted item Select Cancel and return highlighted to previous menu item or display J button sub-menu Select Move cursor down highlighted item...
  • Page 41 Select a menu. Press 1 or 3 to select the desired menu. Position the cursor in the selected menu. Press 2 to position the cursor in the selected menu. Highlight a menu item. Press 1 or 3 to highlight a menu item.
  • Page 42: Help

    Select the highlighted item. Press J to select the highlighted item. To exit without making a selection, press the G button. J button Note the following points: • Menu items that are displayed in gray are not currently available. • While pressing 2 or the center of the multi selector generally has the same effect as pressing J, there are some cases in which selection can only be made by pressing J.
  • Page 43: First Steps

    Attach the strap securely to the camera eyelets. Charge the Battery The D4S is powered by an EN-EL18a rechargeable Li-ion battery (supplied). To maximize shooting time, charge the battery in the supplied MH-26a battery charger before use. Batteries take about 2 hours and 35 minutes to fully recharge when no charge remains.
  • Page 44 Remove the contact protector. Remove the contact protector from the charger battery chamber. Charge the battery. Contacts Chamber lamps Charge lamps (green) Guide Insert the battery (terminals first), aligning the end of the battery with the guide and then sliding the battery in the direction indicated until it clicks into place.
  • Page 45 Remove the battery when charging is complete. Remove the battery and unplug the charger. Calibration See page 459 for more information on calibration.
  • Page 46: Insert The Battery

    Insert the Battery Turn the camera off. Inserting and Removing Batteries Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing batteries. Remove the battery-chamber cover. Lift the battery-chamber cover latch, turn it to the open (A) position (q) and remove the BL-6 battery-chamber cover (w).
  • Page 47 Insert the battery. Insert the battery as shown at right. Latch the cover. To prevent the battery from becoming dislodged during operation, rotate the latch to the closed position and fold it down as shown at right. Be sure the cover is securely latched.
  • Page 48 The Battery and Charger Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xii–xv and 426–429 of this manual. Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 40 °C (104 °F); failure to observe this precaution could damage the battery or impair its performance.
  • Page 49: Attach A Lens

    Attach a Lens Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens is removed. The lens generally used in this manual for illustrative purposes is an AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G. Lens mounting mark Lens cap CPU contacts (0 403) Focus-mode switch (0 28) Focus ring (0 108)
  • Page 50 Attach the lens. Keeping the mounting mark on the lens aligned with the mounting mark on the camera body, position the lens in the camera’s bayonet mount (q). Being careful not to press the lens-release button, rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it clicks into place (w).
  • Page 51: Basic Setup

    Basic Setup The language option in the setup menu is automatically highlighted the first time menus are displayed. Choose a language and set the camera clock. Turn the camera on. Power switch Select Language in the G button setup menu. Press the G button to display the camera menus, then select Language in the setup menu.
  • Page 52 Select Time zone and date. Select Time zone and date and press 2. Set time zone. Select Time zone and press 2. Press 4 or 2 to highlight the local time zone (the UTC field shows the difference between the selected time zone and Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in hours) and press J.
  • Page 53 Set date format. Select Date format and press 2. Press 1 or 3 to choose the order in which the year, month, and day will be displayed and press J. Exit to shooting mode. Press the shutter-release button halfway to exit to shooting mode. The Clock Battery The camera clock is powered by a separate, non-rechargeable CR1616 lithium battery with a life of about two years.
  • Page 54: Insert A Memory Card

    Insert a Memory Card Pictures are stored on memory cards (available separately; 0 462). The camera is equipped with two card slots, one for XQD and the other for Type I CompactFlash cards. Type II cards and microdrives can not be used. Turn the camera off.
  • Page 55 Insert the memory card. XQD memory cards: Holding the card with the rear label toward the monitor, slide it into the XQD card slot until it clicks into place. The green memory card access lamp will light briefly. Memory card access lamp CompactFlash memory cards: Insert the card Eject button...
  • Page 56 Close the card slot cover. If this is the first time the memory card will be used after being used or formatted in another device, format the card as described on page 35. Memory Card Icons The memory cards currently inserted in the camera are indicated as shown (the example at right shows the icons displayed when both an XQD and a CompactFlash card are inserted).
  • Page 57: Format The Memory Card

    Format the Memory Card Memory cards must be formatted before first use or after being used or formatted in other devices. Formatting Memory Cards Formatting memory cards permanently deletes any data they may contain. Be sure to copy any photographs and other data you wish to keep to a computer before proceeding (0 272).
  • Page 58 Press the I (Q) and O (Q) buttons again. Press the I (Q) and O (Q) buttons together a second time while C is flashing to format the memory card. Do not remove the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source during formatting.
  • Page 59 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 60: Adjust Viewfinder Focus

    Adjust Viewfinder Focus The camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to accommodate individual differences in vision. Check that the display in the viewfinder is in focus before shooting. Turn the camera on. Remove the lens cap and turn the camera on. Lift the diopter adjustment control Focus the viewfinder.
  • Page 61 Replace the diopter adjustment control. Push the diopter adjustment control back in (e). Adjusting Viewfinder Focus If you are unable to focus the viewfinder as described above, select single-servo AF (AF-S; 0 97), single-point AF (0 100), and the center focus point (0 103), and then frame a high-contrast subject in the center focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway to focus the camera.
  • Page 62: Basic Photography And Playback

    Basic Photography and Playback Turn the Camera On Before taking photographs, turn the camera on and check the battery level and number of exposures remaining as described below. Turn the camera on. Power switch Turn the camera on. The control panels will turn on and the display in the viewfinder will light.
  • Page 63 Check the number of exposures remaining. The top control panel shows the number of photographs that can be taken at current settings (values over 1000 are rounded down to the nearest hundred; e.g., values between 2900 and 2999 are shown as 2.9 k). If two memory cards are inserted, the displays show the space available on the card in the primary slot.
  • Page 64: Ready The Camera

    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. Keep your elbows propped lightly against your torso for support and place one foot half a pace ahead of the other to keep your upper body stable.
  • Page 65: Focus And Shoot

    Focus and Shoot Press the shutter- Focus point release button halfway (0 44). At default settings, the camera will focus on the subject in the center focus point. Frame a photo in the viewfinder with the main subject Focus Buffer positioned in the center indicator capacity...
  • Page 66 Shoot. Smoothly press the shutter- release-button the rest of the way down to release the shutter and record the photograph. While the photograph is being Memory card access recorded to the memory card, lamp the memory card access lamp will light. Do not eject the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until the lamp has gone out and recording is complete.
  • Page 67 The Multi Selector The multi selector can be used to select the focus point while the exposure meters are on (0 103). Multi selector Camera Off Display If the camera is turned off with a battery and memory card inserted, the memory card icon, frame count, and number of exposures remaining will be displayed (some memory Top control panel...
  • Page 68: Viewing Photographs

    Additional pictures can be displayed by pressing 4 or 2. To view additional information on the current photograph, press 1 and 3 (0 244). N I KON D4S 1 125 F5 . 6 50mm 100NCD4S DSC _ 0001 . JPG...
  • Page 69: Deleting Unwanted Photographs

    Deleting Unwanted Photographs Unwanted photographs can be deleted by pressing 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 in “Viewing Photographs” on the previous page. The location of the current image is shown by an icon at the bottom left corner of the display.
  • Page 71: 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 72 Focus. Press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. The focus point will flash green 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 Sub-selector...
  • Page 73: Take The Picture

    Take the picture. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to shoot. The monitor will turn off. Exit live view mode. Press the a button to exit live view mode. Using Autofocus in Live View Photography and Movie Live View Use an AF-S lens.
  • Page 74: Focusing In Live View Photography And Movie Live View

    Focusing in Live View Photography and Movie Live View To focus using autofocus, rotate the Focus-mode selector focus-mode selector to AF and follow the steps below to choose autofocus and AF-area modes. For information on focusing manually, see page 59. ❚❚...
  • Page 75 ❚❚ Choosing an AF-Area Mode The following AF-area modes can be selected during live view photography and movie 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 76 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 Sub-command Monitor button dial Previewing Focus During Live View Photography To temporarily select maximum aperture for an improved focus preview during live view photography, press the Pv button.
  • Page 77: The Live View Display: Live View Photography

    The Live View Display: Live View Photography Item Description The amount of time remaining before live q Time remaining view ends automatically. Displayed if 55, 68 shooting will end in 30 s or less. Monitor hue (monitor white Adjust monitor hue (monitor white balance). balance) indicator e Autofocus mode The current autofocus mode.
  • Page 78 ❚❚ Adjusting Monitor Hue (Monitor White Balance) If flash lighting is used with Flash or Preset manual white balance (0 155), the colors in the monitor may differ from those in the final photograph. Monitor hue can be adjusted to reduce the effects of ambient lighting on the display in the monitor during live view photography, for example when using a flash.
  • Page 79 ❚❚ Adjusting Monitor Brightness Monitor brightness can be adjusted as described below. Note that brightness adjustment is not available during exposure preview. Highlight the monitor brightness indicator. Press and hold W and press 4 or 2 to highlight the monitor brightness indicator at the right side of the display.
  • Page 80: The Information Display: Live View Photography

    The Information Display: Live View Photography To hide or display indicators in the monitor during live view photography, press the R button. Virtual horizon (0 372) Information on Information off Histogram Framing guides (exposure preview only; 0 50)
  • Page 81: Manual Focus

    Manual Focus To focus in manual focus mode (0 108), rotate the lens focus ring until the subject is in focus. To magnify the view in the monitor up to about 15 × for precise focus, press the X button. While the view through the lens is zoomed in, a navigation window will appear in a gray frame at the bottom right corner of the display.
  • Page 82: Live View Shutter Release Options

    Live View Shutter Release Options The following options can be displayed by pressing G and selecting Live view photography in the shooting menu: Mode Description Except when an optional flash unit is used, the mirror remains up during live view photography, reducing noise Quiet during shooting.
  • Page 83 Silent Mode In silent mode, the flash will not fire, Active D-Lighting (0 188), HDR (0 190), vignette control (0 306), distortion control (0 307), multiple exposure (0 214), and high ISO noise reduction (0 308) turn off, and image quality is fixed at JPEG fine. Image size is determined solely by the option selected for Image area (0 86) and is unaffected by the option selected for JPEG/TIFF recording >...
  • Page 84 Shooting in Live View Mode To prevent light entering via the viewfinder from interfering with photographs or exposure, close the viewfinder eyepiece shutter. Although they will not appear in the final picture unless Silent is selected for Live view photography (0 60), 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...
  • Page 85: Movie Live View

    Movie Live View 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 86 Choose an AF-area mode (0 53). Focus. B button Frame the opening shot and press the B button to focus. Note that the number of subjects that can be detected in face-priority AF drops in movie live view. Focusing in Movie Live View Focus can also be adjusted by pressing the shutter-release button halfway before beginning recording.
  • Page 87: Start Recording

    Start recording. Press the movie-record button to start recording. A recording indicator and the time available are displayed in the monitor. Exposure is set using matrix metering and can be locked by pressing Movie-record button the center of the sub-selector (0 136) or Recording indicator altered by up to ±3 EV using exposure compensation (0 138).
  • Page 88: Indices

    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. Maximum Length The maximum length for individual movie files is 4 GB (for maximum recording times, see page 74); note that depending on memory card write speed, shooting may end before this length is reached.
  • Page 89: The Live View Display: Movie Live View

    The Live View Display: Movie Live View Item Description q Headphone volume Volume of audio output to headphones. Microphone Microphone sensitivity for movie recording. sensitivity Sound level for audio recording. Displayed in red if level is too high; adjust microphone e Sound level sensitivity accordingly.
  • Page 90 ❚❚ Adjusting Settings in the Live View Display Microphone sensitivity, headphone volume, and monitor brightness can be adjusted as described below. Note that headphone volume can not be adjusted during recording, and that brightness affects the monitor only (0 57); pictures recorded with the camera are unaffected.
  • Page 91: The Information Display: Movie Live View

    The Information Display: Movie Live View To hide or display indicators in the monitor during movie live view, press the R button. Virtual horizon (0 372) Information on Information off Histogram Framing guides HDMI If the camera is connected to an HDMI device (0 285), the view through the lens will appear both in the camera monitor and on the HDMI device.
  • Page 92: Image Area

    Image Area Regardless of the option selected for Image area in the shooting menu (0 88), all movies and photographs recorded in movie live view have an aspect ratio of 16 : 9 (or 3 : 2 when the movie frame size is 640 ×...
  • Page 93: Taking Photos During Movie Live View

    Taking Photos During Movie Live View If Take photos is selected for Custom Setting g4 (Assign shutter button, 0 357), photographs can be taken at any time during movie live view by pressing the shutter- release button all the way down. If movie recording is in progress, recording will end and the footage recorded to that point will be saved.
  • Page 94 Image Size The following table shows the size of photographs (aspect ratio 16 : 9) taken in movie live view at frame sizes other than 640 × 424: Image area Option Size (pixels) Print size (cm/in.) Large 4928 × 2768 41.7 ×...
  • Page 95 Recording Movies Flicker, banding, or distortion may be visible in the monitor and in the final movie under fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium lamps or if the camera is panned horizontally or an object moves at high speed through frame (for information on reducing flicker and banding, see Flicker reduction, 0 363).
  • Page 96: Movie Settings

    Movie Settings Use the Movie settings option in the shooting menu (0 299) to adjust the following settings. • Frame size/frame rate, Movie quality: Choose from the following options: Maximum bit rate Maximum length (Mbps) (★ high (★ high quality/ Option quality/Normal) Normal)
  • Page 97 • Microphone sensitivity: Turn the built-in or optional stereo microphones (0 413) on or off or adjust microphone sensitivity. Choose Auto sensitivity to adjust sensitivity automatically, Microphone off to turn sound recording off; to select microphone sensitivity manually, select Manual sensitivity and choose a sensitivity.
  • Page 98 • Movie ISO sensitivity settings: Adjust the following ISO sensitivity settings. - ISO sensitivity (mode M): Choose the ISO sensitivity for exposure mode h from values between ISO 200 and Hi 4. Auto ISO sensitivity control is used in other exposure modes.
  • Page 99: Viewing Movies

    Viewing Movies Movies are indicated by a 1 icon in full-frame playback (0 241). 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 Movie progress Volume Guide...
  • Page 100 Description Rotate the sub-command dial to skip to next Skip ahead/ or previous index, or to skip to the last or first back frame if the movie contains no indices. Press X to increase volume, W to decrease. Adjust volume X /W Trim movie See page 79 for more information.
  • Page 101: 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 the opening or closing 9 Choose start/end point footage has been removed. Save a selected frame as a JPEG still. 4 Save selected frame Trimming Movies To create trimmed copies of movies:...
  • Page 102 Choose the current frame as the new start or end 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.
  • Page 103 Create the copy. Once the desired frame is displayed, press 1. Preview the movie. To preview the copy, highlight Preview and press J (to interrupt the preview and return to the save options menu, press 1). To abandon the current copy and return to Step 5, highlight Cancel and press J;...
  • Page 104: 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 77, pressing the center of the multi selector to start and resume playback and 3 to pause.
  • Page 105 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 (0 244). The Retouch Menu Movies can also be edited using the Edit movie option in the retouch menu (0 375).
  • Page 107: Image Recording Options

    Image Recording Options Image Area Choose from image areas of FX (36 × 24) 1.0× (FX format), DX (24 × 16) 1.5× (DX format), 5 : 4 (30 × 24), and 1.2× (30 × 20) 1.2×. See page 464 for information on the number of pictures that can be stored at different image area settings.
  • Page 108 ❚❚ Image Area Options The camera offers a choice of the following image areas: Option Description Images are recorded in FX format using the full area FX (36×24) of the image sensor (36.0 × 23.9 mm), producing an 1.0× angle of view equivalent to a NIKKOR lens on a (FX format) 35 mm format camera.
  • Page 109 Image Area The selected option is shown in the information display. DX Lenses DX lenses are designed for use with DX format cameras and have a smaller angle of view than lenses for 35 mm format cameras. If Auto DX crop is off and an option other than DX (24×16) (DX format) is selected for Image area when a DX lens is attached, the edges of the image may be eclipsed.
  • Page 110 The image area can be selected using the Image area > Choose image area option in the shooting menu or by pressing a control and rotating a command dial. ❚❚ The Image Area Menu Select Image area in G button the shooting menu.
  • Page 111 ❚❚ Camera Controls Assign image area selection to a camera control. Select Choose image area as the “press + command dials” option for a camera control in the Custom Settings menu (0 341). Image area selection can be assigned to the Fn button (Custom Setting f3, Assign Fn button, 0 337), the Pv button (Custom Setting f4, Assign preview button, 0 342), the center of the sub-selector (Custom Setting f6, Assign sub-...
  • Page 112: Image Quality

    Image Quality The D4S supports the following image quality options. See page 464 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 113 Image quality is set by pressing the T button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the rear control panel. T button Main command dial Rear control panel NEF (RAW) Images NEF (RAW) images can be viewed on the camera or using software such as Capture NX 2 (available separately;...
  • Page 114 The following options can be G button accessed from the shooting menu. Press the G button to display the menus, highlight the desired option and press 2. ❚❚ JPEG/TIFF Recording > JPEG Compression Choose the type of compression for JPEG images. Option Description Images are compressed to produce relatively...
  • Page 115 See Also See page 94 for the image size options available for JPEG and TIFF images, page 95 for the image size options available for NEF (RAW) images.
  • Page 116: Image Size

    Image Size Image size is measured in pixels. In the case of JPEG and TIFF images, you can choose from #Large, $Medium, or %Small (note that image size varies depending on the option selected for Image area, 0 85): Image area Option Size (pixels) Print size (cm/in.)
  • Page 117 The Image Size Menu Image size for JPEG and TIFF images can also be adjusted using the JPEG/TIFF recording > Image size option in the shooting menu (0 304). ❚❚ NEF (RAW) Images When recording photographs G button in NEF (RAW) format, you can choose from sizes of o Large and p Small using the NEF (RAW) recording >...
  • Page 118: 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 shooting menu. Select XQD card slot to designate the card in the XQD card slot as the primary card, CF card slot to choose the CompactFlash card.
  • Page 119: 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 (0 108). The user can also select the focus point for automatic or manual focus (0 103) or use focus lock to focus to recompose photographs after focusing (0 105).
  • Page 120 Autofocus mode can be selected by pressing the AF-mode button and rotating the main command dial until the desired AF-mode button Main command dial setting is displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel. Top control panel Viewfinder See Also For information on using focus priority in continuous-servo AF, see Custom Setting a1 (AF-C priority selection, 0 313).
  • Page 121 The B Buttons For the purpose of focusing the camera, pressing B button either of the B buttons has the same effect as pressing the shutter-release button halfway (note that the B button for vertical shooting can only be used when the vertical shooting shutter-release button lock is unlocked;...
  • Page 122: 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 103; the camera will focus on the subject in the selected focus point only. Use with stationary subjects. •...
  • Page 123 • Group-area AF: The camera focuses using a group of focus points selected by the user, reducing the risk of the camera focusing on the background instead of on the main subject. Choose for subjects that are difficult to photograph using a single focus point.
  • Page 124 AF-Area Mode AF-area mode is shown in the top control panel and viewfinder. Top control Top control AF-area mode panel Viewfinder AF-area mode panel Viewfinder Single-point 3D-tracking 9-point Group-area dynamic-area 21-point dynamic-area Auto-area AF 51-point dynamic-area * Only active focus point is displayed in the viewfinder. Remaining focus points provide information to assist focus operation.
  • Page 125: Focus Point Selection

    Focus Point Selection The camera offers a choice of 51 focus points that can be used to compose photographs with the main subject positioned almost anywhere in the frame. Follow the steps below to choose the focus point (in group-area AF, you can follow these steps to choose a group of focus points).
  • Page 126 The Sub-selector Sub-selector The sub-selector can be used in place of the multi selector to select the focus point. Press the center of the sub-selector to lock exposure (0 136) and focus (0 105). Be careful not to put your fingers or fingernails in your eye when using the sub-selector.
  • Page 127: 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 (0 107), focus lock can also be used to recompose the photograph after focusing on another object at the same distance as your original subject.
  • Page 128 AF-S focus mode: Focus locks automatically when the in-focus indicator (I) appears, and remain locked until you remove your finger from the shutter-release button. Focus can also be locked by pressing the center of the sub-selector (see above). Recompose the photograph and shoot.
  • Page 129 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 130: 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 (0 107). • AF-S lenses: Set the lens focus mode switch to M. • AF lenses: Set the lens focus mode Focus-mode selector switch (if present) and camera focus-mode selector to M.
  • Page 131 The Electronic Rangefinder The viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the subject in the selected focus point is in focus (the focus point can be selected from any of the 51 focus points). After positioning the subject in the selected focus point, press the shutter-release button halfway and rotate the lens focus ring until the in-focus...
  • Page 133: 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 to the desired setting. Mode Description Single frame: Camera takes one photograph each time shutter- release button is pressed. Continuous low speed: While shutter-release button is held down, camera records photographs at the frame rate selected for Custom Setting d2 (Continuous shooting speed, 0 326) >...
  • Page 134: Continuous Release Modes

    Continuous Release Modes In continuous low speed mode, the camera records photographs at the frame rate selected for Custom Setting d2 (Continuous shooting speed, 0 326) > Continuous low-speed. In continuous high speed mode, the maximum frame rate can be chosen from 10 and 11 fps using Custom Setting d2 (Continuous shooting speed, 0 326) >...
  • Page 135 The Memory Buffer The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. Up to 200 photographs can be taken in succession; 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-count...
  • Page 136: Self-Timer Mode

    Self-Timer Mode The self-timer can be used to reduce camera shake or for self- portraits. Mount the camera on a tripod. Mount the camera on a tripod or place the camera on a stable, level surface. Select self-timer mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to E.
  • Page 137 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 138: Mirror Up Mode

    Mirror up Mode Choose this mode to minimize blurring caused by camera movement when the mirror is raised. Use of a tripod is recommended. Select mirror up mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to M Release mode dial Raise the mirror.
  • Page 139: 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 25600 in steps equivalent to EV. Settings of from about 0.3 to 1 EV below ISO 100 and 0.3 to 4 EV above ISO 25600 are also available for special situations.
  • Page 140 The ISO Sensitivity Menu ISO sensitivity can also be adjusted using the ISO sensitivity settings option in the shooting menu (0 299). 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).
  • Page 141: Auto Iso Sensitivity Control

    Auto ISO Sensitivity Control If On is selected for ISO sensitivity settings > Auto ISO sensitivity control in the shooting menu, ISO sensitivity will automatically be adjusted if optimal exposure can not be achieved at the value selected by the user (ISO sensitivity is adjusted appropriately when the flash is used).
  • Page 142 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 143 Turning Auto ISO Sensitivity Control On or Off You can turn auto ISO sensitivity control on or off by pressing the S button and rotating the sub-command dial. The rear control panel displays an Z icon when auto ISO sensitivity control is on and Y when it is off. Auto ISO Sensitivity Control Noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines) is more likely at higher sensitivities.
  • Page 145: 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 a wide area of the frame and set exposure according to tone distribution, color, composition, and, with type G, E, or D lenses (0 401), distance information (3D color matrix metering III;...
  • Page 146 To choose a metering option, press the Y button and rotate the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in Y button Main command dial the viewfinder and top control panel. Top control panel Viewfinder See Also See Custom Setting b5 (Matrix metering, 0 323) for information on choosing whether matrix metering uses face detection.
  • Page 147: Exposure Mode

    Exposure Mode To determine how the I (Q) button camera sets shutter speed and aperture when adjusting exposure, press the I (Q) button and rotate the main command dial until the desired option appears in the Main command dial top control panel. Mode Description Programmed auto (0 127): Camera sets shutter speed and aperture...
  • Page 148 Custom Setting e5—Modeling Flash This setting controls whether optional flash units that support the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS; 0 198) will emit a modeling flash when the Pv button is pressed. See page 333 for more information.
  • Page 149: E: Programmed Auto

    e: Programmed Auto In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture according to a built-in program to ensure optimal exposure in most situations. Flexible Program In exposure mode e, different combinations of shutter speed and aperture can be selected by rotating the main command dial while the exposure meters are on (“flexible program”).
  • Page 150: F: Shutter-Priority Auto

    f: Shutter-Priority Auto In shutter-priority auto, you choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically selects the aperture that will produce the optimal exposure. To choose a shutter speed, rotate the main command dial while the exposure meters are on. Shutter speed can be set to “p”...
  • Page 151: G: Aperture-Priority Auto

    g: Aperture-Priority Auto In aperture-priority auto, you choose the aperture while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed that will produce the optimal exposure. To choose an aperture between the minimum and maximum values for the lens, rotate the sub-command dial while the exposure meters are on.
  • Page 152: H: Manual

    h: 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 153 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 top control panel show whether the photograph would be under- or over-exposed at current settings.
  • Page 154: Long Time-Exposures (H Mode Only)

    Close the viewfinder eyepiece shutter to prevent light entering via the viewfinder from appearing in the photograph or interfering with exposure (0 114). 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 155 Select exposure I (Q) button mode h. Press the I (Q) button and rotate the main command dial until h is displayed in the top control panel. Main command 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 Bulb...
  • Page 156: 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.
  • Page 157 Aperture (exposure modes g and h): Press the selected control and rotate the sub-command dial until F icons appear in the viewfinder and the top control panel. Fn button Sub-command dial To unlock aperture, press the control and rotate the sub- command dial until the F icons disappear from the displays.
  • Page 158: Autoexposure (Ae) Lock

    Autoexposure (AE) Lock Use autoexposure lock to recompose photographs after using center-weighted metering and spot metering (0 123) to meter exposure. Note that matrix metering will not produce the desired results. Lock exposure. Shutter-release button Position the subject in the selected focus point and press the shutter- release button halfway.
  • Page 159 Metered Area In spot metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in a 4-mm (0.16 in.) circle centered on the selected focus point. In center- weighted metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in a 12-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 160: 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 (0 123). Choose from values between –5 EV (underexposure) and +5 EV (overexposure) in increments of EV.
  • Page 161 At values other than ±0.0, the 0 at the center of the exposure indicators will flash (exposure modes e, f, and g only) and a E icon will be displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel after you release the E button. The current value for exposure compensation can be confirmed in the exposure indicator by pressing the E button.
  • Page 162: 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 it is difficult to set exposure, flash level (i-TTL and, where supported, auto aperture flash control modes only; see pages 197 and 202), Active D-Lighting, or white balance and there is not time to check results and adjust settings with each shot, or to experiment with different settings for the same subject.
  • Page 163 Select flash or exposure G button bracketing for Custom Setting e6 (Auto bracketing set) in the Custom Settings menu. To display the menus, press the G button. Select Custom Setting e6 (Auto bracketing set) in the Custom Settings menu, highlight an option, and press J.
  • Page 164 Choose the number of shots. Pressing the D button, rotate the main command dial to choose the number of shots in the bracketing sequence. The number of shots is shown in the top control panel. Number of shots Top control panel D button Main command dial Exposure and flash...
  • Page 165 Select an exposure increment. Pressing the D button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose the exposure increment. Exposure increment D button Sub-command dial Top control panel At default settings, the size of the increment can be chosen from 0.3 ( ), 0.7 ( ), 1, 2, and 3 EV.
  • Page 166 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 138). While bracketing is in effect, a bracketing progress indicator will be displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel.
  • Page 167 Exposure and Flash Bracketing In continuous low speed and continuous high speed 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 2 on page 142 each time the shutter-release button is pressed, regardless of the option selected for Custom Setting c3 (Self-timer) >...
  • Page 168 ❚❚ White Balance Bracketing The camera creates multiple copies of each photograph, each with a different white balance. For more information on white balance, see page 155. Select white balance bracketing. Choose WB bracketing for Custom Setting e6 Auto bracketing set. Choose the number of shots.
  • Page 169 Select a white balance increment. Pressing the D button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose the white balance adjustment. Each increment is roughly equivalent to 5 mired. White balance increment D button Sub-command dial Top control panel Choose from increments of 1 (5 mired), 2 (10 mired), or 3 (15 mired).
  • Page 170 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 171 ❚❚ Canceling Bracketing To cancel bracketing, press the D button and rotate the main command dial until the number of shots in the bracketing sequence is zero (r) and W is no longer displayed. The program last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated.
  • Page 172 ❚❚ ADL Bracketing The camera varies Active D-Lighting over a series of exposures. For more information on Active D-Lighting, see page 188. Select ADL bracketing. Choose ADL bracketing for Custom Setting e6 Auto bracketing set. Choose the number of shots. Pressing the D button, rotate the main command dial to choose the number of shots in the bracketing sequence.
  • Page 173 Select Active D-Lighting. Pressing the D button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose Active D-Lighting. D button Sub-command dial Active D-Lighting is shown in the top control panel. Control panel display Control panel display Auto High Extra high 1 Normal Extra high 2...
  • Page 174 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. The camera will vary Active D-Lighting shot-by-shot according to the bracketing program selected. While bracketing is in effect, a bracketing progress indicator will be displayed in the top control panel. A segment will disappear from the indicator after each shot.
  • Page 175 ❚❚ Canceling Bracketing To cancel bracketing, press the D button and rotate the main command dial until the number of shots in the bracketing sequence is zero (r) and d is no longer displayed. The program last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated.
  • Page 177: 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 178 Option Color temp. Description G Cloudy 6000 K Use in daylight under overcast skies. M Shade 8000 K Use in daylight with subjects in the shade. 2500– Choose color temperature from list of K Choose color temp. 10,000 K values (0 161). Use subject, light source, or existing L Preset manual —...
  • Page 179 Studio Flash Lighting Auto white balance may not produce the desired results with large studio flash units. Use preset white balance or set white balance to Flash and use fine-tuning to adjust white balance. See Also When WB bracketing is selected for Custom Setting e6 (Auto bracketing set, 0 333), the camera will create several images each time the shutter is released.
  • Page 180: Fine-Tuning White Balance

    Fine-Tuning White Balance White balance can be “fine-tuned” to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a deliberate color cast into an image. White balance is fine-tuned using the White balance option in the shooting menu or by pressing the U button and rotating the sub-command dial.
  • Page 181 Fine-tune white balance. Use the multi selector to fine- tune white balance. White balance can be fine-tuned on the amber (A)–blue (B) axis in steps of 0.5 and the green (G)– Coordinates magenta (M) axis in steps of Adjustment 0.25. The horizontal (amber- blue) axis corresponds to color temperature, while the vertical (green-magenta) axis has the similar effects to the corresponding color compensation (CC) filters.
  • Page 182 ❚❚ 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 (0 159; to fine-tune white balance when L is selected, use the shooting menu as described on page 158).
  • Page 183: Choosing A Color Temperature

    Choosing a Color Temperature When K (Choose color temp.) is selected for white balance, color temperature can be selected using the White balance option in the shooting menu or by using the U button, multi selector, and sub-command dial. Choose Color Temperature Note that the desired results will not be obtained with flash or fluorescent lighting.
  • Page 184 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 shooting menu.
  • Page 185 ❚❚ The U Button The U button can be used to select the color temperature for the amber (A)–blue (B) axis only. Press the U button and rotate the sub-command dial until the desired value is displayed in the rear control panel (adjustments are made in mireds;...
  • Page 186: 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 187: 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 188 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 rear control panel. Rear control panel U button Sub-command dial Select direct measurement mode. Release the U button briefly and then press the button until the L icon in the rear control panel starts to flash.
  • Page 189 Check the results. If the camera was able to measure a value for white balance, C will flash in the control panels for about six seconds, while the viewfinder will show a flashing a. Top control panel Rear control panel Viewfinder If lighting is too dark or too bright, the camera may be unable to measure...
  • Page 190 Direct Measurement Mode If no operations are performed during viewfinder photography while the displays are flashing, direct measurement mode will end in the time selected for Custom Setting c2 (Standby timer, 0 324). Protected Presets If the current preset is protected (0 176), 3 will flash in the top control panel and viewfinder (and L in the rear control panel) if you attempt to measure a new value.
  • Page 191: Live View (Spot White Balance)

    Live View (Spot White Balance) In live view photography and movie live view (0 49, 63), 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.
  • Page 192 Select direct measurement mode. Release the U button briefly and then press the button until the L icon in Rear control panel the rear control panel starts to flash. A spot white balance target (r) will be displayed at the selected focus point. Position the target over a white or grey area.
  • Page 193 Exit direct measurement mode. Press the U button to exit direct measurement mode. When Preset manual is selected for White balance in the shooting menu, the position of the target used to measure preset white balance will be displayed on presets recorded during live view photography.
  • Page 194: 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 L (Preset G button manual) for White balance in the shooting menu.
  • Page 195 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 and select the desired card and folder (0 242). Copy white balance. Press J to copy the white balance value for the highlighted photograph to the selected preset.
  • Page 196 Choosing a White Balance Preset Press 1 to 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 159.
  • Page 197 ❚❚ Entering a Comment Follow the steps below to enter a descriptive comment of up to thirty-six characters for a selected white balance preset. Select L (Preset manual). Highlight Preset manual in the white balance menu (0 172) and press 2. Select a preset.
  • Page 198 ❚❚ Protecting a White Balance Preset Follow the steps below to protect the selected white balance preset. Protected presets can not be modified and the Fine-tune and Edit comment options can not be used. Select L (Preset manual). Highlight Preset manual in the white balance menu (0 172) and press 2.
  • Page 199: Image Enhancement

    Image Enhancement Picture Controls Nikon’s unique Picture Control system makes it possible to share image processing settings, including sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation, and hue, among compatible devices and software. Selecting a Picture Control The camera offers a choice of preset Picture Controls. Choose a Picture Control according to the subject or type of scene.
  • Page 200 Select a Picture Control. Highlight the desired Picture Control and press J. J button Custom Picture Controls Custom Picture Controls are created through modifications to existing Picture Controls using the Manage Picture Control option in the shooting menu (0 183). Custom Picture Controls can be saved to a memory card for sharing among other cameras of the same model and compatible software (0 186).
  • Page 201: Modifying Picture Controls

    Modifying Picture Controls Existing preset or custom Picture Controls (0 183) 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 (0 177) and press 2.
  • Page 202 ❚❚ Picture Control Settings Option Description Choose from options between –2 and +2 to reduce or exaggerate the effect of the selected Picture Control (note that this resets all manual adjustments). For Quick adjust example, choosing positive values for Vivid makes pictures more vivid.
  • Page 203 “A” (Auto) Results for auto sharpening, 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. The Picture Control Grid Pressing the W button in Step 2 on page 179 displays a Picture Control grid showing the contrast and saturation for the selected Picture Control in relation to the other Picture Controls...
  • Page 204 Toning (Monochrome Only) Pressing 3 when Toning is selected displays saturation options. Press 4 or 2 to adjust saturation. Saturation control is not available when B&W (black-and-white) is selected. Custom Picture Controls The options available with custom Picture Controls are the same as those on which the custom Picture Control was based.
  • Page 205: Creating Custom Picture Controls

    Creating Custom Picture Controls The preset Picture Controls supplied with the camera can be modified and saved as custom Picture Controls. Select Manage Picture G button Control in the shooting menu. To display the menus, press the G button. Highlight Manage Picture Control in the shooting menu and press 2.
  • Page 206 Edit the selected Picture Control. See page 180 for more information. To abandon any changes and start over from default settings, press the O (Q) button. Press J when settings are complete. Select a destination. Choose a destination for the custom Picture Control (C-1 through C-9) and press 2.
  • Page 207 Save changes and exit. Press J to save changes and exit. The new Picture Control will appear in the Picture Control list. J button Manage Picture Control > Rename Custom Picture Controls can be renamed at any time using the Rename option in the Manage Picture Control menu.
  • Page 208: Sharing Custom Picture Controls

    Picture Controls created with the camera can be copied to the memory card to be used in other D4S cameras and compatible software and then deleted when no longer needed (if two memory cards are inserted, the card in the primary slot will be used;...
  • Page 209 Saving Custom Picture Controls Up to 99 custom Picture Controls can be stored on the memory card at any one time. The memory card can only be used to store user-created custom Picture Controls. The preset Picture Controls supplied with the camera (0 177) can not be copied to the memory card, renamed, or deleted.
  • Page 210: 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 211 To use Active D-Lighting: Select Active G button D-Lighting in the shooting menu. To display the menus, press the G button. Highlight Active D-Lighting in the shooting menu and press Choose an option. Highlight the desired option and press J. If Y Auto is selected, the camera will automatically adjust Active D-Lighting...
  • Page 212: 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 (0 123; with other metering methods and a non-CPU lens, an exposure differential of Auto is equivalent to about 2 EV).
  • Page 213 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 J button select Off for HDR mode. •...
  • Page 214 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 215 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 be displayed in the top control panel and l u in Top control panel the viewfinder while the images are combined;...
  • Page 216 The D Button If HDR (high dynamic range) is selected for Custom Setting f9 (Assign BKT button; 0 344), you can select the HDR mode by pressing the D button and rotating the main command dial and the exposure differential by pressing the D button and rotating the sub-command dial.
  • Page 217: Flash Photography

    Flash Photography Using a Flash The camera supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) and can be used with CLS-compatible flash units. Optional flash units can be attached directly to the camera accessory shoe as described below. The accessory shoe is equipped with a safety lock for flash units with a locking pin.
  • Page 218: 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 camera can be used with the following CLS-compatible flash units: •...
  • Page 219 The following features are available with CLS-compatible flash units: CLS-compatible flash units SU-800 SB-910 SB-900 Close-up SB-800 SB-700 SB-600 Commander photography SB-R200 SB-400 SB-300 i-TTL balanced fill-flash — — — for digital SLR i-TTL Standard i-TTL flash for — — —...
  • Page 220 1 Not available with spot metering. 2 Can also be selected with flash unit. 3 AA/A mode selection performed on flash unit using custom settings. Unless lens data have been provided using the Non-CPU lens data option in the setup menu, “A” will be selected when a non-CPU lens is used. 4 Can only be selected with camera.
  • Page 221 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 D4S is not included in the “digital SLR” category in the SB-80DX, SB-28DX, and SB-50DX manuals.
  • Page 222 Notes on Optional Flash Units (Continued) The SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, and SB-400 provide red-eye reduction, while the SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600, and SU-800 provide AF-assist illumination with the following restrictions: • SB-910 and SB-900: AF-assist illumination is available 17–19 mm 20–105 mm 106–135 mm with 17–135 mm AF lenses, however, autofocus is...
  • Page 223 Use Only Nikon Flash Accessories Use only Nikon flash units. Negative voltages or voltages over 250 V applied to the accessory shoe could not only prevent normal operation, but damage the sync circuitry of the camera or flash. 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

    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. Preflashes reflected from objects in all areas of frame are picked up by RGB sensor with approximately 91K (91,000) pixels and are analyzed in combination with range information from matrix metering system to...
  • Page 225: 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 between Front- s with Auto FP High-Speed 8000 curtain sync Sync;...
  • Page 226: Control Panel

    ❚❚ Choosing a Flash Mode To choose the flash mode, press the M button and rotate the main command dial until the desired flash mode is selected in the top control panel: M button Main command dial Red-eye reduction with 1, 2 Front-curtain sync Red-eye reduction...
  • Page 227 Studio Flash Systems Rear-curtain sync can not be used with studio flash systems, as the correct synchronization can not be obtained. Shutter Speed and Aperture Shutter speed and aperture can be set as follows when an optional flash unit is used: Mode Shutter speed Aperture...
  • Page 228: 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 229 At values other than ±0.0, a Y icon will be displayed in the top control panel and E will be displayed in the viewfinder after you release the M button. The current value for flash compensation can be confirmed by pressing the M button. Normal flash output can be restored by setting flash compensation to ±0.0.
  • Page 230: 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 231 Focus. Position the subject in the center of the frame and press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. Lock flash level. After confirming that the flash-ready indicator (M) is displayed in the viewfinder, press the button selected in Step 1. The flash will emit a monitor preflash to determine the appropriate flash level.
  • Page 232 Release FV lock. Press the button selected in Step 1 to release FV lock. Confirm that the FV lock icons (P and e) are no longer displayed in the top control panel and viewfinder. Metering The metering areas for FV lock are as follows: Flash unit Flash mode Metered area...
  • Page 233: Other Shooting Options

    Other Shooting Options Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings The camera settings listed below can be restored to default values by holding the S and U buttons down together for more than two seconds (these buttons are marked by a green dot). The control panels turn off briefly while settings are reset.
  • Page 234 ❚❚ Settings Accessible from the Shooting Menu Option Default Option Default Extended menu Multiple exposure banks Interval timer Image quality JPEG normal shooting JPEG/TIFF recording Live view Quiet photography Image size Large Movie settings > NEF (RAW) recording Movie ISO sensitivity settings Image size Large ISO sensitivity...
  • Page 235 ❚❚ Other Settings Option Default Option Default Focus point Center Live view monitor hue Preset focus Center point Metering Matrix metering Programmed Bracketing Exposure mode auto Front-curtain Flash mode Flexible program sync Exposure Flash compensation compensation AE lock hold FV lock Aperture lock Exposure delay mode...
  • Page 236: Multiple Exposure

    Multiple Exposure Follow the steps below to record a series of two to ten exposures in a single photograph. Multiple exposures can make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor to produce colors noticeably superior to those in software-generated photographic overlays. ❚❚...
  • Page 237 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 J button continue until you select Off for Multiple exposure mode.
  • Page 238 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 D Button If Multiple exposure is selected for Custom Setting f9 (Assign BKT button;...
  • Page 239 Choose the amount of gain. Highlight Auto gain and press 2. The following options will be displayed. Highlight an option and press J. • On: Gain is adjusted according to number of exposures actually recorded (gain for each exposure is set to for 2 exposures, 3 exposures, etc.).
  • Page 240 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. In continuous release modes (0 111), 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 241 ❚❚ Interrupting Multiple Exposures To interrupt 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 242 Multiple Exposure Do not remove or replace the memory card while recording a multiple exposure. Multiple exposures can not be recorded in live view. Taking photographs in live view resets Multiple exposure mode to Off. The shooting information listed in the playback photo information display (including date of recording and camera orientation) is for the first shot in the multiple exposure.
  • Page 243: 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. Before choosing a starting time, select Time zone and date in the setup menu and make sure that the camera clock is set to the correct time and date (0 30).
  • Page 244 Choose a start option. Highlight Start options and press 2 and then choose from the following starting triggers. • To start shooting immediately, highlight Now and press J. Shooting begins about 3 s after settings are completed; proceed to Step 3. •...
  • Page 245 Choose the number of intervals and number of shots per interval. Highlight No. of intervals × shots/interval and press 2, then press 4 or 2 to highlight number of intervals or number of shots and press 1 or 3 to change.
  • Page 246 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 J button selected for Start options in Step 2. Shooting will continue at the selected interval until all shots have been taken.
  • Page 247 Cover the Viewfinder To prevent light entering via the viewfinder interfering with photographs and exposure, close the viewfinder eyepiece shutter (0 114). Out of Memory If the memory card is full, the interval timer will remain active but no pictures will be taken. Resume shooting (0 227) after deleting some pictures or turning the camera off and inserting another memory card.
  • Page 248 During Shooting During interval timer photography, the Q icon will flash in the top control panel. Immediately before the next shooting interval begins, the shutter speed display will show the number of intervals remaining, and the aperture display will show the number of shots remaining in the current interval.
  • Page 249 ❚❚ Pausing Interval Timer Photography Interval timer photography can be paused by: • Pressing the J button between intervals • Selecting Pause in the interval timer menu • Turning the camera off and then on again (if desired, the memory card can be replaced while the camera is off ) •...
  • Page 250 ❚❚ Interrupting Interval Timer Photography Interval timer shooting will end automatically if the battery is exhausted. Interval timer photography can also be ended by: • Selecting Off in the interval timer menu • Performing a two button reset (0 211) •...
  • Page 251: Time-Lapse Photography

    Time-Lapse Photography The camera automatically takes photos at selected intervals to create a silent time-lapse movie using the options currently selected for Frame size/frame rate, Movie quality, and Destination in the movie settings menu (0 74). Before Shooting Before beginning time-lapse photography, take a test shot at current settings (framing the photo in the viewfinder for an accurate exposure preview) and view the results in the monitor.
  • Page 252 Choose the interval. Highlight Interval and press 2, then press 4 or 2 to highlight minutes, or seconds and press 1 or 3 to change. Choose an interval longer than the slowest anticipated shutter speed. Press J to return to the time-lapse photography menu.
  • Page 253 Start shooting. Highlight Start and press Time-lapse photography starts after 3 s. The camera J button takes photographs at the interval selected in Step 2 for the time selected in Step 3. Note that because shutter speed and the time needed to record the image to the memory card may vary from shot to shot, the interval between a shot being recorded and the start of the next shot may vary.
  • Page 254 Time-Lapse Photography Time-lapse is not available in live view (0 49, 63), at a shutter speed of A or % (0 132) or when bracketing (0 140), High Dynamic Range (HDR, 0 190), multiple exposure (0 214), or interval timer photography (0 221) is active.
  • Page 255 Calculating the Length of the Final Movie The total number of frames in the final movie Length recorded/ can be calculated by dividing the shooting time maximum length by the interval and rounding up. The length of the final movie can then be calculated by diving the number of shots by the frame rate selected for Movie settings >...
  • Page 256 ❚❚ Interrupting Time-Lapse Photography Time-lapse photography will end automatically if the battery is exhausted. The following will also end time-lapse photography: • Selecting Off in the Time-lapse photography menu • Pressing the J button between frames or immediately after a frame is recorded •...
  • Page 257: Non-Cpu Lenses

    Non-CPU Lenses Non-CPU lenses can be used in exposure modes g and h, 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 258 The camera can store data for up to nine non-CPU lenses. To enter or edit data for a non-CPU lens: Select Non-CPU lens G button data in the setup menu. Press the G button to display the menus. Highlight Non-CPU lens data in the setup menu and press 2.
  • Page 259 To recall lens data when using a non-CPU lens: Assign non-CPU lens number selection to a camera control. Select Choose non-CPU lens number as the “Press + command dials” option for a camera control in the Custom Settings menu (0 341). Non-CPU lens number selection can be assigned to the Fn button (Custom Setting f3, Assign Fn button, 0 337), the Pv button (Custom Setting f4, Assign preview button, 0 342), or the center of the sub-selector...
  • Page 260: Location Data

    MC-35 GPS adapter cord (0 413). ❚❚ 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 261 The o Icon Connection status is shown by the o icon: • o (static): The camera has established communication with the GPS device. Photo information for pictures taken while this icon is displayed include an additional page of location data (0 251). •...
  • Page 262 ❚❚ Setup Menu Options The Location data item in the setup menu contains the options listed below. • Standby timer: Choose whether or not the exposure meters will turn off automatically when a GPS unit is attached. Option Description Exposure meters will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for the period specified in Custom Setting c2 (Standby timer (0 324);...
  • Page 263: More About Playback

    More About Playback Viewing Images Full-frame playback Thumbnail playback Full-Frame Playback To play photographs back, press the K button. The K button most recent photograph will be displayed in the monitor. Additional pictures can be displayed by pressing 4 or 2; to view additional information on the current photograph, press 1 or 3 (0 244).
  • Page 264: Playback Controls

    Playback Controls (Q): Delete the current picture (0 257) : View the menus (0 289) (Z/Q):Protect the current picture (0 255) : Zoom in (0 253) : View multiple images (0 241) : Use in combination with the multi :Record and play selector as described below voice memos (0 264)
  • Page 265 Rotate Tall To display “tall” (portrait-orientation) photographs in tall orientation, select On for the Rotate tall option in the playback menu (0 296). Image Review When On is selected for Image review in the playback menu (0 295), photographs are automatically displayed in the monitor after shooting (because the camera is already in the correct orientation, images are not rotated automatically during image review).
  • Page 266: Photo Information

    GPS device was used when the photo was taken (0 238), while IPTC presets are displayed only if embedded in the photo (0 368). N I KON D4S F5 . 6 1 125 50mm 100NCD4S DSC _ 0001 .
  • Page 267: File Information

    ❚❚ File Information 1 23 4 Voice memo icon ........261 Protect status..........255 Retouch indicator........375 IPTC preset indicator....242, 368 1, 2 Focus point ........103 AF area brackets ........38 Frame number/total number of frames 100NCD4S DSC _ 0001 . JPG NOR ORMAL AL 2013 10 : 02 : 27 4928x3280 Image quality ...........90...
  • Page 268 ❚❚ Highlights Image highlights Folder number–frame number..302 100 - 1 Current channel Select R, G, B Highlights * Flashing areas indicate highlights (areas that may be overexposed) for current channel. Hold W button and press 4 or 2 to cycle through channels as follows: W button (all channels) (red)
  • Page 269: Rgb Histogram

    ❚❚ RGB Histogram Image highlights Folder number–frame number..302 White balance ........155 Color temperature......161 100 - 1 White balance fine-tuning.....158 Preset manual ........164 Current channel Histogram (RGB channel). In all histograms, horizontal axis gives pixel brightness, vertical axis number of pixels. Histogram (red channel) Histogram (green channel) Histogram (blue channel)
  • Page 270 Playback Zoom To zoom in on the photograph when the histogram is displayed, press X. Use the X and W 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 271 SYNC MODE SLOW Focus mode ........52, 97 TTL-BL , + 1 . 0 Lens VR (vibration reduction) Flash type 100 - 1 N I KON D4S Commander mode Flash mode ...........203 Metering ..........123 Flash control .........332 Shutter speed ......128, 130 Flash compensation ......206...
  • Page 272 HDR exposure differential ....192 HDR smoothing ........192 : SPRING HAS COME. COMMENT Vignette control........306 100 - 1 Retouch history........375 N I KON D4S Image comment ........366 Name of photographer ..... 367 ARTI S T NIKON TARO Copyright holder ........
  • Page 273 T I ME ( UTC ) 15/10/2013 10 02 27 Heading 100 - 1 N I KON D4S 1 Data for movies are for start of recording. 2 Displayed only if GPS device is equipped with electronic compass. ❚❚ IPTC Preset (0 368) Caption...
  • Page 274 ❚❚ Overview Data NIKON D4S 20 21 22 1 8000 F2 . 8 Hi 0 . 3 50mm + 1 . 0 – 1. 3 SLOW 1 8000 F2 . 8 Hi 0 . 3 50mm – 1. 3 + 1 . 0...
  • Page 275: Taking A Closer Look: Playback Zoom

    Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom Press the X button to zoom in on the image X button displayed in full-frame playback or on the image currently highlighted in thumbnail playback. The following operations can be performed while zoom is in effect: Description Press X to zoom 36×24 (3 : 2) format images in...
  • Page 276 Description Rotate main command dial to view same View location in other photos at current zoom other ratio. Playback zoom is cancelled when a images movie is displayed. Change L (Z/Q) protect See page 255 for more information. status Return to Press the shutter-release button halfway or press the K button to exit to shooting shooting...
  • Page 277: 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 35, 359).
  • Page 278 Voice Memos Changes to the protect status of images also apply to any voice memos that may have been recorded with the images. Voice memo overwrite status can not be set separately. Removing Protection from All Images To remove protection from all images in the folder or folders currently selected in the Playback folder menu, press the L (Z/Q) and O (Q) buttons together for about two seconds during playback.
  • Page 279: 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. Once deleted, photographs can not be recovered.
  • Page 280 Delete the photograph(s). To delete the photograph or photographs, press the O (Q) button (Selected image) or J button (All images). To exit without deleting the photograph or photographs, press the K button. See Also The After delete option in the playback menu determines whether the next image or the previous image is displayed after an image is deleted (0 296).
  • Page 281: The Playback Menu

    The Playback Menu Select Delete in the playback menu to delete pictures and their associated voice memos. Note that depending on the number of images, some time may be required for deletion. Option Description Q Selected Delete selected pictures. Delete all pictures in the folder currently selected for R All playback (0 290).
  • Page 282 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 283: Voice Memos

    Voice Memos Recording Voice Memos Voice memos up to sixty seconds long can be added to photographs using the built-in or optional ME-1 stereo microphones. Readying the Camera for Recording Before recording voice memos, adjust settings using the Voice memo options item in the setup menu. ❚❚...
  • Page 284 ❚❚ Voice Memo Overwrite This option controls whether the voice memo for the most recent photograph can be overwritten in shooting mode. The following options are available: Option Description Voice memo can not be recorded in Disable shooting mode if one already exists for most recent image.
  • Page 285 Automatic Recording (Shooting Mode) If On (Auto and manual) is selected for Voice memo (0 261), a voice memo will be added to the most recent photograph when shooting ends. Recording will end when the H button is pressed or after the specified recording time has ended. Manual Recording (Shooting Mode) If On (Auto and manual) or Manual only is selected for Voice memo (0 261), a voice...
  • Page 286: Playback Mode

    Playback Mode To add a voice memo to the photograph currently displayed in full-frame playback or highlighted in the thumbnail list (0 241): Choose a photograph. Display or highlight the photograph. Only one voice memo can be recorded per image; additional voice memos can not be recorded for images already marked with a h icon.
  • Page 287 Interrupting Recording Pressing the shutter-release button or operating other camera controls may end recording. During interval timer photography, recording ends automatically about two seconds before the next photograph is taken. Recording also ends automatically when the camera is turned off. After Recording If a voice memo has been recorded for the most recent photograph, a C icon will be...
  • Page 288: Playing Voice Memos

    Playing Voice Memos Voice memos can be played back over the camera’s built-in speaker when the associated image is viewed in full-frame playback or highlighted in the thumbnail list (0 241). The presence of a voice memo is indicated by an h icon.
  • Page 289: Voice Memo Playback Options

    Voice Memo Playback Options The Voice memo options > Audio output item in the setup menu controls whether voice memos are played back by the camera (from either the built-in speaker or optional headphones) or by a device to which the camera is connected via an HDMI cable.
  • Page 291: Connections

    ViewNX 2, which is available for download from the websites listed on page xx, as earlier versions that do not support the D4S may fail to transfer NEF (RAW) images correctly. Launch the q Select region (if required) installer.
  • Page 292 Click Yes Click OK Remove the installer CD from the CD-ROM drive. Viewing the Nikon Website To visit the Nikon website after installing ViewNX 2, select All Programs > Link to Nikon from the Windows start menu (Internet connection required).
  • Page 293: System Requirements

    System Requirements Windows • Photos: Intel Celeron, • Photos: Intel Core or Xeon Pentium 4, or Core series, series 1.6 GHz or better • Movies (playback): Core Duo • Movies (playback): Pentium D 2 GHz or better; Intel Core i5 3.0 GHz or better;...
  • Page 294: Using Viewnx 2

    Using ViewNX 2 Copy Pictures to the Computer Before proceeding, be sure you have installed the software on the supplied ViewNX 2 CD (0 269). Connect the USB cable. After turning the camera off and ensuring that a memory card is inserted, connect the supplied USB cable as shown and then turn the camera on.
  • Page 295 Start Nikon Transfer 2 component of ViewNX 2. If a message is displayed prompting you to choose a program, select Nikon Transfer 2. Windows 7 If the following dialog is displayed, select Nikon Transfer 2 as described below. 1 Under Import pictures and videos, click Change program.
  • Page 296 Click Start Transfer. At default settings, pictures on the memory card will be copied to the computer. Start Transfer Terminate the connection. When transfer is complete, turn the camera off and disconnect the USB cable.
  • Page 297: View Pictures

    View Pictures Pictures are displayed in ViewNX 2 when transfer is complete. Starting ViewNX 2 Manually • Windows: Double-click the ViewNX 2 shortcut on the desktop. • Mac: Click the ViewNX 2 icon in the Dock. ❚❚ Retouching Photographs To crop pictures and perform such tasks as adjusting sharpness and tone levels, click the Edit button in the ViewNX 2 toolbar.
  • Page 298: Ethernet And Wireless Networks

    Ethernet and Wireless Networks The camera can be connected to Ethernet or wireless networks using the built-in Ethernet port or an optional WT-5 or WT-4 wireless transmitter (0 409). Note that an Ethernet cable (available separately from commercial sources) is required for an Ethernet connection.
  • Page 299 For more information, see the Network Guide and the documentation for the wireless transmitter or communication unit. Be sure to update to the latest versions of the wireless transmitter or communication unit firmware and supplied software. Optional UT-1 Communication Units In place of the built-in Ethernet port, an optional UT-1 communication unit (0 409) can be used to connect the camera to a local area network (LAN).
  • Page 300 HTTP Server Mode The camera can not be used to record or view movies in http server mode, while live view photography is not available if Silent is selected for Live view photography in the shooting menu. Wireless Transmitters The principal differences between the WT-4 and WT-4A/B/C/D/E and the WT-5 and WT-5A/B/C/D/E is in the number of channels supported;...
  • Page 301: Printing Photographs

    Printing Photographs Selected JPEG images can be printed on a PictBridge printer (0 461) connected directly to the camera. Selecting Photographs for Printing Images created at image quality settings of NEF (RAW) or TIFF (RGB) (0 90) can not be selected for printing. JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) images can be created using the NEF (RAW) processing option in the retouch menu (0 387).
  • Page 302: Connecting The Printer

    Connecting the Printer Connect the camera using the supplied USB cable. Turn the camera off. Connect the USB cable. Turn the printer on and connect the USB cable. Do not use force or attempt to insert the connectors at an angle. USB Hubs Connect the camera directly to the printer;...
  • Page 303: Start Printing

    Adjust printing options. Press J to display the following items, then press 1 or 3 to highlight an item and press 2 to view options (only options supported by the current printer are listed; to use the default option, select Printer default). After selecting an option, press J to return to the printer settings menu.
  • Page 304: Printing Multiple Pictures

    Printing Multiple Pictures Display the PictBridge menu. Press the G button in the PictBridge playback display. Choose an option. Highlight one of the following options and press 2. • Print select: Select pictures for printing. Use the multi selector to highlight pictures (to view images in other locations, press W and select the desired card and folder as described on page 242;...
  • Page 305: Creating A Dpof Print Order: Print Set

    Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set The DPOF print order option in the playback menu is used to create digital “print orders” for PictBridge-compatible printers and devices that support DPOF (0 461). Choose DPOF print G button order > Select/set. Press the G button and select DPOF print order in the playback menu.
  • Page 306 Select imprint options. Highlight the following options and press 2 to toggle the highlighted option on or off. • Print shooting data: Print shutter speed and aperture on all pictures in print order. • Print date: Print date of recording on all pictures in print order.
  • Page 307: Viewing Photographs On Tv

    Viewing Photographs on TV The optional High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable (0 410) or a type C HDMI cable (available separately from third- party suppliers) can be used to connect the camera to high- definition video devices. Turn the camera off. Always turn the camera off before connecting or disconnecting an HDMI cable.
  • Page 308: Hdmi Options

    HDMI Options The HDMI option in the setup menu (0 358) controls output resolution and other advanced HDMI options. ❚❚ Output Resolution Choose the format for images output to the HDMI device. If Auto is selected, the camera will automatically select the appropriate format.
  • Page 309 The HDMI Cable Clip When using the optional Nikon HDMI cable, attach the supplied clip as shown to prevent accidental disconnection. Do not use cable clips with non-Nikon cables. Television Playback Use of an AC adapter and power connector (available separately) is recommended for extended playback.
  • Page 310 HDMI and Live View When the camera is connected via an HDMI cable, HDMI displays can be used for live view photography and movie live view (0 61, 69). Note that if 1920 × 1080; 60p is selected for the Movie settings > Frame size/frame rate option in the shooting menu (0 74), the selected setting will only be reflected in the HDMI output during movie recording if all the following conditions are met: Auto or 1080p...
  • Page 311: Menu Guide

    Menu Guide D The Playback Menu: Managing Images To display the playback menu, press G and select the K (playback menu) tab. G button Option Delete Playback folder Hide image Playback display options Copy image(s) Image review After delete Rotate tall Slide show DPOF print order See Also...
  • Page 312: Playback Folder

    G button ➜ D playback menu Choose a folder for playback (0 241). Option Description Pictures in all folders created with the D4S will be visible NCD4S during playback. Pictures in all folders will be visible during playback. Only pictures in the current folder will be visible during Current playback.
  • Page 313: Playback Display Options

    Select pictures. Use the multi selector to scroll through the pictures on the memory card (to view the highlighted picture full screen, press and hold the X button; to view images in other locations, press W and select the desired card and folder as described on page 242) and press the center of the multi selector to select the current picture.
  • Page 314: Copy Image(S)

    Copy Image(s) G button ➜ D playback menu Copy pictures from one memory card to another. Option Description Select source Choose card from which pictures will be copied. Select pictures to be copied. Select image(s) Select destination Select destination folder on remaining card. folder Copy selected pictures to specified destination.
  • Page 315 Select the source folder. Highlight the folder containing the images to be copied and press 2. Make the initial selection. Before going on to select or deselect individual images, you can mark all or all protected images in the folder for copying by choosing Select all images or Select protected images.
  • Page 316 Select a destination folder. To enter a folder number, choose Select folder by number, enter the number (0 302), and press J. To choose from a list of existing folders, choose Select folder from list, highlight a folder, and press J. Copy the images.
  • Page 317: Image Review

    Copying Images Images will not be copied if there is insufficient space on the destination card. Be sure the battery is fully charged before copying movies. If the destination folder contains an image with the same name as one of the images to be copied, a confirmation dialog will be displayed.
  • Page 318: After Delete

    After Delete G button ➜ D playback menu Choose the picture displayed after an image is deleted. Option Description Show Display following picture. If deleted picture was last frame, next previous picture will be displayed. Show Display previous picture. If deleted picture was first frame, previous following picture will be displayed.
  • Page 319: Slide Show

    Slide Show G button ➜ D playback menu Create a slide show of the pictures in the current playback folder (0 290). Hidden images (0 290) are not displayed. Option Description Start slide show. Start Choose type of image displayed from Still images and Image type movies, Still images only, and Movies only.
  • Page 320 The dialog shown at right is displayed when the show ends. Select Restart to restart or Exit to return to the playback menu. ❚❚ Audio Playback Choose On to play voice memos during slide shows (the sound recorded with movies always plays regardless of the option selected).
  • Page 321: C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options

    C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options To display the shooting menu, press G and select the C (shooting menu) tab. G button Option Option Shooting menu bank Color space Extended menu banks Active D-Lighting Storage folder HDR (high dynamic range) File naming Vignette control Primary slot selection...
  • Page 322: Shooting Menu Bank

    Shooting Menu Bank G button ➜ C shooting menu Shooting menu options are stored in one of four banks. With the exceptions of Extended menu banks, Multiple exposure, Interval timer shooting, Time-lapse photography, and modifications to Picture Controls (quick adjust and other manual adjustments), changes to settings in one bank have no effect on the others.
  • Page 323: Extended Menu Banks

    ❚❚ Restoring Default Settings To restore default settings, O (Q) button highlight a bank in the Shooting menu bank menu and press O (Q). A confirmation dialog will be displayed; highlight Yes and press J to restore default settings for the selected bank. See page 430 for a list of default settings.
  • Page 324: Storage Folder

    Storage Folder G button ➜ C shooting menu Select the folder in which subsequent images will be stored. ❚❚ Select Folder by Number Choose Select folder by number. Highlight Select folder by number and press 2. The dialog shown at right will be displayed, with the current primary slot (0 96) underlined.
  • Page 325 ❚❚ Select Folder from List Choose Select folder from list. Highlight Select folder from list and press 2. Highlight a folder. Press 1 or 3 to highlight a folder. Select the highlighted folder. Press J to select the highlighted folder and return to the shooting menu.
  • Page 326: File Naming

    File Naming G button ➜ C shooting menu Photographs are saved using file names consisting of “DSC_” or, in the case of images that use the Adobe RGB color space (0 305), “_DSC”, followed by a four-digit number and a three-letter extension (e.g., “DSC_0001.JPG”).
  • Page 327: Color Space

    Color Space G button ➜ C shooting menu The color space determines the gamut of colors available for color reproduction. sRGB is recommended for movies and for general- purpose printing and display, Adobe RGB, with its broader gamut of colors, for professional publication and commercial printing. Adobe RGB For accurate color reproduction, Adobe RGB images require applications, displays, and printers that support color management.
  • Page 328: Vignette Control

    Vignette Control G button ➜ C shooting menu “Vignetting” is a drop in brightness at the edges of a photograph. Vignette control reduces vignetting for type G, E, and D lenses (DX and PC lenses excluded). Its effects vary from lens to lens and are most noticeable at maximum aperture.
  • Page 329: Auto Distortion Control

    Auto Distortion Control G button ➜ C shooting menu Select On to reduce barrel distortion when shooting with wide- angle lenses and to reduce pin-cushion distortion when shooting with long lenses (note that the edges of the area visible in the viewfinder may be cropped out of the final photograph, and that the time needed to process photographs before recording begins may increase).
  • Page 330: Long Exposure Nr (Long Exposure Noise Reduction)

    Long Exposure NR G button ➜ C shooting menu (Long Exposure Noise Reduction) If On is selected, photographs taken at shutter speeds slower than 1 s will be processed to reduce noise (bright spots, randomly-spaced bright pixels, or fog). The time required for processing roughly doubles;...
  • Page 331: A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

    A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings To display the Custom Settings menu, press G and select the A (Custom Settings menu) tab. G button Custom Settings are used to customize camera settings to suit individual preferences. Custom Setting groups Main menu Custom settings bank (0 311)
  • Page 332 The following Custom Settings are available: Custom Setting Custom Setting Custom settings bank e Bracketing/flash e1 Flash sync speed a Autofocus a1 AF-C priority selection e2 Flash shutter speed a2 AF-S priority selection e3 Optional flash a3 Focus tracking with lock-on e4 Exposure comp.
  • Page 333: Custom Settings Bank

    Custom Settings Bank G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Custom Settings are stored in one of four banks. Changes to settings in one bank have no effect on the others. To store a particular combination of frequently-used settings, select one of the four banks and set the camera to these settings.
  • Page 334 Custom Settings Bank The top control panel and information displays show the current Custom Settings bank. See Also Menu defaults are listed on page 433. If settings in the current bank have been modified from default values, an asterisk will be displayed adjacent to the altered settings in the second level of the Custom Settings menu.
  • Page 335: A: Autofocus

    a: Autofocus a1: AF-C Priority Selection G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu When AF-C is selected for viewfinder photography (0 97), this option controls whether photographs can be taken whenever the shutter-release button is pressed (release priority) or only when the camera is in focus (focus priority).
  • Page 336: A2: Af-S Priority Selection

    a2: AF-S Priority Selection G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu When AF-S is selected for viewfinder photography (0 97), this option controls whether photographs can be taken only when the camera is in focus (focus priority) or whenever the shutter-release button is pressed (release priority).
  • Page 337: A4: Af Activation

    a4: AF Activation G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu If Shutter/AF-ON is selected, both the shutter-release button and the B button can be used to initiate autofocus. Select AF- ON only to prevent the camera focusing when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
  • Page 338: A6: Focus Point Wrap-Around

    a6: Focus Point Wrap-Around G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose whether focus-point selection “wraps around” from one edge of the viewfinder to another. Option Description Focus-point selection “wraps around” from top to bottom, bottom to top, right to left, and left to right, so that, for example, pressing 2 Wrap when a focus point at the right edge of the viewfinder...
  • Page 339: A8: Assign Af-On Button

    a8: Assign AF-ON Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the function performed when the B button is pressed. Option Description A AF-ON Pressing the B button initiates autofocus. Focus and exposure lock while the B button is B AE/AF lock pressed.
  • Page 340: A9: Assign Af-On Button (Vert.)

    a9: Assign AF-ON Button (Vert.) G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the function assigned to the B button for vertical shooting. Option Description Both B buttons perform the function selected Same as AF-ON button for Custom Setting a8. Pressing the vertical B button initiates A AF-ON autofocus.
  • Page 341: A10: Store By Orientation

    a10: Store by Orientation G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose whether separate focus points can be selected for “wide” (landscape) orientation, for “tall” (portrait) orientation with the camera rotated 90° clockwise, and for “tall” orientation with the camera rotated 90° counterclockwise. Select Off to use the same focus point and AF-area mode regardless of camera orientation.
  • Page 342: A11: Limit Af-Area Mode Selection

    a11: Limit AF-Area Mode G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Selection Choose the AF-area modes that can be selected using the AF-mode button and sub- command dial in viewfinder photography (live view is unaffected; 0 100). Highlight the desired modes and press 2 to select or deselect.
  • Page 343: B: Metering/Exposure

    b: Metering/Exposure b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Select the increments used when making adjustments to ISO sensitivity (0 117). If possible, the current ISO sensitivity setting is maintained when the step value is changed. If the current ISO sensitivity setting is not available at the new step value, ISO sensitivity will be rounded to the nearest available setting.
  • Page 344: B4: Easy Exposure Compensation

    b4: Easy Exposure Compensation G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option controls whether the E button is needed to set exposure compensation (0 138). If On (Auto reset) or On is selected, the 0 at the center of the exposure display will flash even when exposure compensation is set to ±0.
  • Page 345: B5: Matrix Metering

    b5: Matrix Metering G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose U Face detection on to enable face detection when shooting portraits with matrix metering during viewfinder photography (0 123). b6: Center-Weighted Area G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu When calculating exposure, center-weighted metering assigns the greatest weight to a circle in the center of the frame.
  • Page 346: C: Timers/Ae Lock

    c: Timers/AE Lock c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu If On is selected, exposure will lock when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. c2: Standby Timer G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose how long the camera continues to meter exposure when no operations are performed.
  • Page 347: C3: Self-Timer

    c3: Self-Timer G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the length of the shutter release delay, the number of shots taken, and the interval between shots in self-timer mode. • Self-timer delay: Choose the length of the shutter-release delay. •...
  • Page 348: D: Shooting/Display

    d: Shooting/Display d1: Beep G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the pitch and volume of the beep that sounds when the camera focuses using single-servo AF (AF-S; 0 97), when focus locks during live view photography, or while the release timer is counting down in self-timer mode (0 114), or when time-lapse photography ends (0 229).
  • Page 349: D3: Max. Continuous Release

    d3: Max. Continuous Release G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu The maximum number of shots that can be taken in a single burst in continuous mode can be set to any value between 1 and 200. The Memory Buffer Regardless of the option selected for Custom Setting d3, shooting will slow when the memory buffer fills (tAA).
  • Page 350: D5: File Number Sequence

    d5: File Number Sequence G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu When a photograph is taken, the camera names the file by adding one to the last file number used. This option controls whether file numbering continues from the last number used when a new folder is created, the memory card is formatted, or a new memory card is inserted in the camera.
  • Page 351: D6: Viewfinder Grid Display

    d6: Viewfinder Grid Display G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose On to display on-demand grid lines in the viewfinder for reference when composing photographs (0 10). d7: Control Panel/Viewfinder G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the information displayed in the viewfinder and rear control panel.
  • Page 352: D9: Information Display

    d9: Information Display G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu If Auto (AUTO) is selected, the color of the lettering in the information display (0 12) will automatically change from black to white or white to black to maintain contrast with the background. To always use the same color lettering, select Manual and choose Dark on light (B;...
  • Page 353: E: Bracketing/Flash

    e: Bracketing/Flash e1: Flash Sync Speed G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option controls flash sync speed. Option Description Auto FP high-speed sync is used when a compatible flash unit is attached (0 197). If other flash units are used, 1/250 s shutter speed is set to s.
  • Page 354: E2: Flash Shutter Speed

    e2: Flash Shutter Speed G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option determines the slowest shutter speed available when using front- or rear- curtain sync or red-eye reduction in programmed auto or aperture-priority auto exposure modes (regardless of the setting chosen, shutter speeds can be as slow as 30 s in shutter-priority auto and manual exposure modes or at flash settings of slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, or red-eye reduction...
  • Page 355: E4: Exposure Comp. For Flash

    G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu If On is selected when the camera is used with an optional flash unit that supports the Nikon Creative Lighting system (0 196), a modeling flash will be emitted when the camera Pv button is pressed (0 126).
  • Page 356: E7: Auto Bracketing (Mode M)

    e7: Auto Bracketing (Mode M) G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option determines which settings are affected when AE & flash or AE only is selected for Custom Setting e6 in manual exposure mode. Option Description Camera varies shutter speed (Custom Setting e6 set to AE only) or shutter speed and flash level Flash/speed (Custom Setting e6 set to AE &...
  • Page 357: F: Controls

    f: Controls f1: Multi Selector Center Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option determines the role assigned to the center of the multi selector during viewfinder photography, playback, and live view (regardless of the option selected, pressing the center of the multi selector when a movie is displayed full frame starts movie playback).
  • Page 358: F2: Multi Selector

    ❚❚ Playback Mode Option Role assigned to center of multi selector Thumbnail on/off Toggle between full-frame and thumbnail playback. In both full-frame and thumbnail playback, View histograms a histogram is displayed while the center of the multi selector is pressed. Toggle between full-frame or thumbnail playback and playback zoom.
  • Page 359: F3: Assign Fn Button

    f3: Assign Fn Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the role played by the Fn button, either by itself (Press) or when used in combination with the command dials (Press + command dials). ❚❚ Press Selecting Press displays the following options: Option Description During viewfinder photography, you can preview...
  • Page 360 Option Description If the flash is currently off, front-curtain sync will be IDisable/ selected while the Fn button is pressed. If the flash is currently enabled, it will instead be disabled while the enable Fn button is pressed. If the Fn button is pressed while exposure, flash, or ADL bracketing is active in single frame or quiet shutter-release mode, all shots in the current bracketing program will be taken each time the...
  • Page 361 Option Description Keep the Fn button pressed to take photographs with Disable the master camera only when using a wireless synchronized transmitter or wireless remote controller for remote release synchronized release. Keep the Fn button pressed to take photographs with Remote the remote cameras only when using a wireless release only...
  • Page 362 Virtual Horizon When Viewfinder virtual horizon is selected for f3 (Assign Fn button) > Press, pressing the Fn button displays a pitch and roll indicators in the viewfinder. Press the button a second time to clear the indicators from display. Roll Camera tilted right Camera level...
  • Page 363 ❚❚ Press + command dials Selecting Press + command dials displays the following options: Option Description Press the Fn button and rotate a command dial to choose from pre-selected Choose image areas (0 85). image area Selecting Choose image area displays a list of image areas;...
  • Page 364: F4: Assign Preview Button

    f4: Assign Preview Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the role played by the Pv button, either by itself (Press) or when used in combination with the command dials (Press + command dials). The options available are the same as for Assign Fn button (0 337).
  • Page 365: F7: Assign Fn Button (Vert.)

    f7: Assign Fn Button (Vert.) G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the role played by the Fn button for vertical shooting, either by itself (Press) or when used in combination with the command dials (Press + command dials). The options available are the same as for Assign Fn button (0 337), except that AF-ON, Disable synchronized release, and Remote release only are not available...
  • Page 366: F9: Assign Bkt Button

    f9: Assign BKT Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the role played by the D button. If high dynamic range or multiple exposure is active while another function is assigned to the D button, the D button can not be used until high dynamic range or multiple exposure photography ends.
  • Page 367: F10: Customize Command Dials

    f10: Customize Command Dials G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu This option controls the operation of the main and sub-command dials. Option Description Reverse the direction of rotation of the command dials when they are used to make adjustments to Exposure compensation and/or Shutter speed/ Reverse aperture.
  • Page 368 Option Description If Off is selected, the multi selector is used to choose the picture displayed during full-frame playback, highlight thumbnails, and navigate menus. If On or On (image review excluded) is selected, the main command dial can be used to choose the picture displayed during full-frame playback, move the cursor left or right during thumbnail playback, and move the menu highlight bar up or down.
  • Page 369: F11: Release Button To Use Dial

    f11: Release Button to Use Dial G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Selecting Yes allows adjustments that are normally made by holding the I (Q), E, D, M, Y, S, T, U, or AF-mode button and rotating a command dial to be made by rotating the command dial after the button is released (this also applies to the Fn and Pv buttons and the Fn button for vertical shooting, if they have been assigned Active D-Lighting using Custom Setting f3,...
  • Page 370: F14: Assign Multi Selector (Vert.)

    f14: Assign Multi Selector (Vert.) G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose whether the multi selector for vertical shooting is used for focus point selection (Focus point selection; 0 103) or performs the same role as the matching controls on the multi selector (Same as multi selector;...
  • Page 371: F16: Assign Movie Record Button

    f16: Assign Movie Record Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the role played by the movie-record button when C is selected with the live view selector. Option Description Press the button and rotate a command dial to ISO sensitivity choose an ISO sensitivity (0 117).
  • Page 372: F18: Assign Remote (Wr) Fn Button

    f18: Assign Remote (WR) Fn G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Button Choose the role played by the Fn button on the wireless remote controller. Option Description During viewfinder photography, you can preview depth of field while the Fn button is pressed (0 126). During live view photography, you can press the Preview button once to open the lens to maximum aperture,...
  • Page 373: F19: Lens Focus Function Buttons

    Option Description If image quality is set to JPEG fine, JPEG normal, or JPEG basic, “RAW” will be displayed in the rear control panel and an NEF (RAW) copy will be recorded with the next picture taken after the Fn button is pressed (the original image quality setting will be 4 + NEF (RAW) restored when you remove your finger from the...
  • Page 374 Option Description Highlight this option and press 2 to select an AF- area mode (3D-tracking excluded; 0 100). The K AF-area mode selected mode will take effect while a focus function button is pressed; releasing the button restores the original AF-area mode. If the flash is currently off, front-curtain sync will be IDisable/ selected while a focus function button is pressed.
  • Page 375: G: Movie

    g: Movie g1: Assign Fn Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the role played by the Fn button during movie live view. ❚❚ Press Selecting Press displays the following options: Option Description Aperture widens while the button is pressed. Use in combination with Custom Setting g2 (Assign Power aperture preview button) >...
  • Page 376 Choose Image Area When Choose image area is selected, the button can be used in combination with the command dials to cycle from FX-based movie format to DX-based movie format to a 1920 × 1080 crop (except when frame rates of 60p or 50p are selected, movies with a 1920 × 1080 crop will be shot at the frame rate chosen for Movie settings >...
  • Page 377: G2: Assign Preview Button

    g2: Assign Preview Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the role played by the Pv button during movie live view. ❚❚ Press Selecting Press displays the following options: Option Description Aperture narrows while the button is pressed. Use in Power aperture combination with Custom Setting g1 (Assign Fn (close)
  • Page 378: G3: Assign Sub-Selector Center

    g3: Assign Sub-selector Center G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the role played by the center of the sub-selector during movie live view. ❚❚ Press Selecting Press displays the following options: Option Description Press the control during movie recording to add an index at the current position (0 66).
  • Page 379: G4: Assign Shutter Button

    g4: Assign Shutter Button G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu Choose the role played by pressing the shutter-release button when 1 is selected with the live view selector. Option Description Press the shutter-release button all the way down to end movie recording and take a photograph with an Take photos aspect ratio that matches that of a movie frame (for...
  • Page 380: B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup

    B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup To display the setup menu, press G and select the B (setup menu) tab. G button Option Option Format memory card Copyright information Monitor brightness IPTC Monitor color balance Voice memo options Clean image sensor Save/load settings Lock mirror up for cleaning Virtual horizon...
  • Page 381: Format Memory Card

    Format Memory Card G button ➜ B setup menu To begin formatting, choose a memory card slot and select Yes. Note that formatting permanently deletes all pictures and other data on the card in the selected slot. Before formatting, be sure to make backup copies as required.
  • Page 382: Monitor Color Balance

    Monitor Color Balance G button ➜ B setup menu Use the multi selector as shown below to adjust monitor color balance with reference to a sample image. The sample image is the last photograph taken or, in playback mode, the last photograph displayed; to choose a different image, press the W button and select an image from a thumbnail list (to view the highlighted image full frame, press and...
  • Page 383: Image Dust Off Ref Photo

    Image Dust Off Ref Photo G button ➜ B setup menu Acquire reference data for the Image Dust Off option in Capture NX 2 (available separately; for more information, see the Capture NX 2 manual). Image Dust Off ref photo is available only when a CPU lens is mounted on the camera.
  • Page 384 Frame a featureless white object in the viewfinder. With the lens about ten centimeters (four inches) from a well- lit, featureless white object, frame the object so that it fills the viewfinder and then press the shutter-release button halfway. In autofocus mode, focus will automatically be set to infinity; in manual focus mode, set focus to infinity manually.
  • Page 385: Flicker Reduction

    Flicker Reduction G button ➜ B setup menu Reduce flicker and banding when shooting under fluorescent or mercury-vapor lighting during live view or movie recording. Choose Auto to allow the camera to automatically choose the correct frequency, or manually match the frequency to that of the local AC power supply.
  • Page 386: Language

    Language G button ➜ B setup menu Choose a language for camera menus and messages. Auto Image Rotation G button ➜ B setup menu Photographs taken while On is selected contain information on camera orientation, allowing them to be rotated automatically during playback (0 296) or when viewed in ViewNX 2 (supplied) or in Capture NX 2 (available separately;...
  • Page 387: Battery Info

    Battery Info G button ➜ B setup menu View information on the battery currently inserted in the camera. Item Description Charge The current battery level expressed as a percentage. The number of times the shutter has been released with the current battery since the battery was last charged.
  • Page 388: Image Comment

    Image Comment G button ➜ B setup menu Add a comment to new photographs as they are taken. Comments can be viewed as metadata in ViewNX 2 (supplied) or Capture NX 2 (available separately; 0 411). The comment is also visible on the shooting data page in the photo information display (0 250).
  • Page 389: Copyright Information

    Attach copyright information is not selected and that the Artist and Copyright fields are blank before lending or transferring the camera to another person. Nikon does not accept liability for any damages or disputes arising from the use of the Copyright...
  • Page 390: Iptc

    IPTC G button ➜ B setup menu The software needed to create IPTC presets and save them to a memory card can be downloaded using the supplied ViewNX 2 installer CD (Internet connection required) and installed on your computer (for more information, see the software’s on-line help). The memory card can then be inserted in the camera’s primary card slot and the options in the IPTC menu used to copy presets to the camera and embed them in new photographs as described...
  • Page 391 IPTC Information IPTC is a standard established by the International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) with the intent of clarifying and simplifying the information required when photographs are shared with a variety of publications. The camera supports standard roman alphanumeric characters only; other characters will not display correctly except on a computer.
  • Page 392: Save/Load Settings

    (0 96; if the card is full, an error will be displayed). Use this option to share settings among D4S cameras. Menu Option...
  • Page 393 All recent settings Recent Settings Choose tab Settings saved using the D4S can be restored by selecting Load settings. Note that Save/load settings is only available when a memory card is inserted in the camera, and that the Load settings option is only available if the card contains saved settings.
  • Page 394: Virtual Horizon

    Virtual Horizon G button ➜ B setup menu Display roll and pitch information based on information from the camera tilt sensor. If the camera is tilted neither left nor right, the roll reference line will turn green, while if the camera is tilted neither forward nor back, the dot in the center of the display will turn green.
  • Page 395: Af Fine-Tune

    AF Fine-Tune G button ➜ B setup menu Fine-tune focus for up to 20 lens types. AF tuning is not recommended in most situations and may interfere with normal focus; use only when required. Option Description AF fine tune • On: Turn AF tuning on. •...
  • Page 396: Firmware Version

    AF Tuning The camera may be unable to focus at minimum range or at infinity when AF tuning is applied. Live View Tuning is not applied to autofocus during live view (0 52). Saved Value Only one value can be stored for each type of lens. If a teleconverter is used, separate values can be stored for each combination of lens and teleconverter.
  • Page 397: N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies

    N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies To display the retouch menu, press G and select the N (retouch menu) tab. G button The options in the retouch menu are used to create trimmed, or retouched copies of existing pictures. The retouch menu is only displayed when a memory card containing photographs other than small NEF (RAW) images is inserted in the camera.
  • Page 398: Creating Retouched Copies

    Creating Retouched Copies To create a retouched copy: Select an item in the retouch menu. Press 1 or 3 to highlight an item, 2 to select. Select a picture. Highlight a picture and press J. To view the highlighted picture full screen, press and hold the X button.
  • Page 399 Select retouch options. For more information, see the section for the selected item. To exit without creating a retouched copy, press G. Monitor off Delay The monitor will turn off and the operation will be cancelled if no actions are performed for a brief period. Any unsaved changes will be lost.
  • Page 400 Creating Retouched Copies During Playback Retouched copies can also be created during playback. Display picture full Highlight an option Create retouched frame and hold J and and press J. copy. press 2. Retouching Copies Most options can be applied to copies created using other retouch options, although (with the exceptions of Image overlay and Edit movie >...
  • Page 401: D-Lighting

    D-Lighting G button ➜ N retouch menu D-Lighting brightens shadows, making it ideal for dark or backlit photographs. Before After Press 1 or 3 to choose the amount of correction performed. The effect can be previewed in the edit display. Press J to copy the photograph.
  • Page 402: Red-Eye Correction

    Red-Eye Correction G button ➜ N retouch menu This option is used to correct “red-eye” caused by the flash and is available only with photographs taken using a flash. The photograph selected for red-eye correction can be previewed in the edit display. Confirm the effects of red-eye correction and create a copy as described in the following table.
  • Page 403: Trim

    Trim G button ➜ N retouch menu Create a cropped copy of the selected photograph. The selected photograph is displayed with the selected crop shown in yellow; create a cropped copy as described in the following table. Description Reduce size of Press W to reduce the size of the crop.
  • Page 404: Monochrome

    Monochrome G button ➜ N retouch menu Copy photographs in Black-and-white, Sepia, or Cyanotype (blue and white monochrome). Selecting Sepia or Cyanotype Increase displays a preview of the selected saturation image; press 1 to increase color saturation, 3 to decrease. Press J to create a monochrome copy.
  • Page 405: Color Balance

    Color Balance G button ➜ N retouch menu Use the multi selector to create a copy with modified color balance as shown below. The effect is displayed in the monitor together with red, green, and blue histograms (0 247) giving the distribution of tones in the copy. Press J to copy the photograph.
  • Page 406: Image Overlay

    Image Overlay G button ➜ N retouch menu 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 407 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 and select the desired card and folder as described on page 242. Press J to select the highlighted photograph and return to the preview display.
  • Page 408 Preview the overlay. Press 4 or 2 to place the cursor in the Preview column and press 1 or 3 to highlight Overlay. Press J to preview the overlay as shown at right (to save the overlay without displaying a preview, select Save). To return to Step 4 and select new photos or adjust gain, press Save the overlay.
  • Page 409: Nef (Raw) Processing

    NEF (RAW) Processing G button ➜ N retouch menu 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 large NEF (RAW) images created with this camera. Small NEF/RAW images can not be selected;...
  • Page 410 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 411: Resize

    Resize G button ➜ N retouch menu Create small copies of selected photographs. Select Resize. To resize selected images, press G to display the menus and select Resize in the retouch menu. Choose a destination. If two memory cards are inserted, you can choose a destination for the resized copies by highlighting Choose...
  • Page 412 Choose a size. Highlight Choose size and press 2. The options shown at right will be displayed; highlight an option and press J. Choose pictures. Highlight Select image and press 2. Highlight pictures and press the center of the multi selector to select or deselect (to view the highlighted picture full screen, press and hold the X button;...
  • Page 413: Straighten

    Save the resized copies. A confirmation dialog will be displayed. Highlight Yes and press J to save the resized copies. J button Viewing Resized Copies Playback zoom may not be available when resized copies are displayed. Image Quality Copies created from NEF (RAW), NEF (RAW) + JPEG, or TIFF (RGB) photos have an image quality (0 90) of JPEG fine;...
  • Page 414: Distortion Control

    Distortion Control G button ➜ N retouch menu Create copies with reduced peripheral distortion. Select Auto to let the camera correct distortion automatically and then make fine adjustments using the multi selector, or select Manual to reduce distortion manually (note that Auto is not available with photos taken using auto distortion control;...
  • Page 415: Perspective Control

    Perspective Control G button ➜ N retouch menu Create copies that reduce the effects of perspective taken from the base of a tall object. Use the multi selector to adjust perspective (note that greater amounts of perspective control result in more of the edges being cropped out).
  • Page 416: Side-By-Side Comparison

    Side-by-Side Comparison Compare retouched copies to the original photographs. This option is only available if the retouch menu is displayed by pressing the J and 2 buttons when a copy or original is displayed full frame. Select a picture. Select a retouched copy (shown by a &...
  • Page 417 Compare the copy with the Options used to create copy original. The source image is displayed on the left, the retouched copy on the right, with the options used to create the copy listed at the top of the display. Press 4 or 2 to switch between the Source Retouched...
  • Page 418: O My Menu/M Recent Settings

    O My Menu/m Recent Settings To display My Menu, press G and select the O (My Menu) tab. G button The MY MENU option can be used to create and edit a customized list of options from the playback, shooting, Custom Settings, setup, and retouch menus for quick access (up to 20 items).
  • Page 419 ❚❚ Adding Options to My Menu Select Add items. In My Menu (O), highlight Add items and press 2. Select a menu. Highlight the name of the menu containing the option you wish to add and press 2. Select an item. Highlight the desired menu item and press J.
  • Page 420 ❚❚ Deleting Options from My Menu Select Remove items. In My Menu (O), highlight Remove items and press 2. Select items. Highlight items and press 2 to select or deselect. Selected items are indicated by a check mark. Delete the selected items.
  • Page 421 ❚❚ Reordering Options in My Menu Select Rank items. In My Menu (O), highlight Rank items and press 2. Select an item. Highlight the item you wish to move and press J. J button Position the item. Press 1 or 3 to move the item up or down in My Menu and press J.
  • Page 422: Recent Settings

    Recent Settings To display the twenty most recently used settings, select m RECENT SETTINGS for O MY MENU > Choose tab. Select Choose tab. In My Menu (O), highlight Choose tab and press 2. Select m RECENT SETTINGS. Highlight m RECENT SETTINGS and press J.
  • Page 423: Technical Notes

    ✔ ✔ AI-P NIKKOR — — AI-, AI-modified NIKKOR or ✔ ✔ — ✔ — ✔ ✔ — Nikon Series E lenses ✔ ✔ — ✔ Medical-NIKKOR 120mm f/4 — — — — ✔ — ✔ — ✔ Reflex-NIKKOR —...
  • Page 424 4 Observe due caution when tilting or shifting PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lenses, as they may contact the camera body and cause damage or injury. 5 Can not be used with shifting or tilting. 6 The camera’s exposure metering and flash control systems do not work properly when shifting and/or tilting the lens, or when an aperture other than the maximum aperture is used.
  • Page 425 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 426 The AF-S/AF-I Teleconverter The table below shows the focus points available for autofocus and electronic rangefinding when an AF-S/AF-I teleconverter is attached. Note that the camera may be unable to focus on dark or low-contrast subjects if the combined aperture is slower than f/5.6. Autofocus is not available when teleconverters are used with the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED.
  • Page 427 Incompatible Accessories and Non-CPU Lenses The following can be used with the D4S: • TC-16A AF teleconverter • AF lenses for the F3AF (AF 80mm • Non-AI lenses f/2.8, AF 200mm f/3.5 ED,...
  • Page 428 Calculating Angle of View The D4S can be used with Nikon lenses for 35 mm (135) format cameras. If Auto DX crop is on (0 86) and a 35 mm format lens is attached, the angle of view will be the same as a frame of 35 mm film (36.0 × 23.9 mm);...
  • Page 429 Calculating Angle of View (Continued) The DX (24×16) angle of view is about 1.5 times smaller than the 35 mm format angle of view, while the 1.2× (30×20) angle of view is about 1.2 times smaller and the 5 : 4 (30×24) angle of view is about 1.1 times smaller.
  • Page 430: Other Accessories

    • Filters intended for special-effects photography may interfere with autofocus or the electronic rangefinder. • The D4S can not be used with linear polarizing filters. Use the C-PL or C-PLII circular polarizing filter instead. • Use NC filters to protect the lens.
  • Page 431 • Wireless Transmitter WT-4: Connects the camera to wireless and Ethernet networks. The photographs on the camera memory card can be copied to a computer for long-term storage. The camera can also be controlled from any computer on the network using Camera Control Pro 2 (available separately).
  • Page 432 • Eyepiece Adapter DK-18: The DK-18 is used when attaching accessories the DG-2 magnifier or DR-3 right-angle viewing attachment to the D4S. • Antifog Finder Eyepiece DK-14/Antifog Finder Eyepiece DK-17A: These viewfinder eyepieces prevent fogging in humid or cold conditions.
  • Page 433 PC connection indicator (c) will appear in the top control panel. Software Note: Use the latest versions of Nikon software; see the websites listed on page xx for the latest information on supported operating systems. At default settings, Nikon...
  • Page 434 The D4S is equipped with a ten-pin remote terminal (0 2) for remote control and automatic photography. The terminal is provided with a cap, which protects the contacts when the terminal is not in use. The following accessories can be used (all lengths are approximate): •...
  • Page 435 • GPS Adapter Cord MC-35 (0 238): This 35 cm (1 ft 2 in.) cable connects the camera to older GARMIN eTrex- and geko- series GPS units that conform to version 2.01 or 3.01 of the National Marine Electronics Association NMEA0183 data format.
  • Page 436: Attaching A Power Connector And Ac Adapter

    Attaching a Power Connector and AC Adapter Turn the camera off before attaching an optional power connector and AC adapter. Remove the battery-chamber cover. Lift the battery-chamber cover latch, turn it to the open (A) position (q), and remove the BL-6 battery-chamber cover (w).
  • Page 437 Latch the power connector. Rotate the latch to the closed position (q) and fold it down as shown (w). To prevent the power connector being dislodged during operation, be sure that it is securely latched. The battery level is not displayed in the top control panel while the camera is powered by the AC adapter and power connector.
  • Page 438: 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 439: The Low-Pass Filter

    The Low-Pass Filter The image sensor that acts as the camera’s picture element is fitted with a low-pass filter to prevent moiré. If you suspect that dirt or dust on the filter is appearing in photographs, you can clean the filter using the Clean image sensor option in the setup menu.
  • Page 440: Clean At Startup/Shutdown

    Select Clean now. Highlight Clean now and press J. The camera will check the image sensor and then J button begin cleaning. During cleaning, 1 flashes in the top control panel and other operations can not be performed. Do not remove or disconnect the power source until cleaning is complete and...
  • Page 441 Cleaning is performed by vibrating the low-pass filter. If dust can not be fully removed using the options in the Clean image sensor menu, clean the image sensor manually 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...
  • Page 442: Manual Cleaning

    Clean image sensor (0 417) option in the setup menu, the filter can be cleaned manually as described below. Note, however, that the filter is extremely delicate and easily damaged. Nikon recommends that the filter be cleaned only by Nikon-authorized service personnel.
  • Page 443 Press J. The message shown at right will be displayed in the monitor and a row of dashes will appear in the top control panel and viewfinder. To restore normal operation without inspecting the low- pass filter, turn the camera off. Raise the mirror.
  • Page 444 Do not use a blower-brush, as the bristles could damage the filter. 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 filter.
  • Page 445 The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing. Nikon recommends that the camera be inspected by the original retailer or Nikon 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 446: Replacing The Clock Battery

    Replacing the Clock Battery The camera clock is powered by a CR1616 lithium battery with a life of about two years. If the B icon is displayed in the top control panel while the standby timer is on, the battery is running low and needs to be replaced.
  • Page 447 Close the clock battery chamber. Slide the clock battery chamber cover towards the back of the main battery chamber until it clicks into place. Replace the main battery. Reinsert the EN-EL18a. Set the camera clock. Set the camera to the current date and time (0 30).
  • Page 448: 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 449 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 450 Turn the product off before removing or disconnecting the power source: Do not unplug the product or remove the battery while the product is on or while images are being recorded or deleted. Forcibly cutting power in these circumstances could result in loss of data or in damage to product memory or internal circuitry.
  • Page 451 • Turning the camera on or off repeatedly when the battery is fully discharged will shorten battery life. Batteries that have been fully discharged must be charged before use. • The internal temperature of the battery may rise while the battery is in use.
  • Page 452: Defaults

    Defaults The default settings for the options in the camera menus are listed below. For information on two-button reset, see page 211. ❚❚ Playback Menu Defaults Option Default Playback folder (0 290) NCD4S Image review (0 295) After delete (0 296) Show next Rotate tall (0 296) Slide show (0 297)
  • Page 453 Option Default White balance (0 155) Auto > Normal Fine-tuning (0 158) A-B: 0, G-M: 0 Choose color temp. (0 161) 5000 K Preset manual (0 164) Set Picture Control (0 177) Standard Color space (0 305) sRGB Active D-Lighting (0 188) HDR (high dynamic range) (0 190) HDR mode (0 191) Exposure differential (0 192)
  • Page 454 Option Default Movie settings (0 74) Frame size/frame rate (0 74) 1920 × 1080; 60p Movie quality (0 74) High quality Microphone sensitivity (0 75) Auto sensitivity Frequency response (0 75) Wide range Wind noise reduction (0 75) Destination (0 75) XQD card slot ISO sensitivity (mode M): 200 Movie ISO sensitivity settings...
  • Page 455 ❚❚ Custom Settings Menu Defaults Option Default a1 AF-C priority selection (0 313) Release a2 AF-S priority selection (0 314) Focus a3 Focus tracking with lock-on (0 314) 3 (Normal) a4 AF activation (0 315) Shutter/AF-ON a5 Focus point illumination (0 315) Manual focus mode Continuous mode Focus point brightness...
  • Page 456 Option Default c4 Monitor off delay (0 325) Playback 10 s Menus 1 min Information display 10 s Image review Live view 10 min d1 Beep (0 326) Volume Pitch d2 Continuous shooting speed (0 326) Continuous high-speed 11 fps Continuous low-speed 5 fps d3 Max.
  • Page 457 Option Default f1 Multi selector center button (0 335) Shooting mode (0 335) Select center focus point Playback mode (0 336) Thumbnail on/off Live view (0 336) Select center focus point f2 Multi selector (0 336) Do nothing f3 Assign Fn button (0 337) Press (0 337) None Press + command dials (0 341)
  • Page 458 Option Default f11 Release button to use dial (0 347) f12 Slot empty release lock (0 347) Enable release f13 Reverse indicators (0 347) f14 Assign multi selector (vert.) (0 348) Same as multi selector Use X and W f15 Playback zoom (0 348) f16 Assign movie record button (0 349) Press + command dials None...
  • Page 459 ❚❚ Setup Menu Defaults Option Default Monitor brightness (0 359) Manual Manual Monitor color balance (0 360) A-B: 0, G-M: 0 Clean image sensor (0 417) Clean at startup/shutdown (0 418) Clean at startup & shutdown Flicker reduction (0 363) Auto Time zone and date (0 363) Daylight saving time...
  • Page 460: Exposure Program

    Exposure Program The exposure program for programmed auto (0 127) is shown in the following graph: ISO 100; lens with maximum aperture of f/1.4 and minimum aperture of f/16 (e.g., AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G) f/1.4 f/2.8 f/5.6 f/11 f/16 f/22 f/32 30"...
  • Page 461: 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 462: Shooting Menu

    Camera is slow to respond to shutter-release button: Select Off for Custom Setting d4 (Exposure delay mode; 0 327). Only one shot taken each time shutter-release button is pressed in continuous release mode: Turn HDR off (0 190). Photos are out of focus: •...
  • Page 463 Can not measure white balance: Subject is too dark or too bright (0 165). Image can not be selected as source for preset white balance: Image was not created with D4S (0 172). White balance bracketing unavailable: • NEF (RAW) or NEF+JPEG image quality option selected for image quality (0 90).
  • Page 464: Playback

    Exposure compensation can not be used: Choose exposure mode e, f, or g (0 125, 139). Sound is not recorded with movies: Microphone off is selected for Movie settings > Microphone sensitivity (0 75). Playback NEF (RAW) image is not played back: Photo was taken at image quality of NEF + JPEG (0 91).
  • Page 465: Miscellaneous

    Computer displays NEF (RAW) images differently from camera: Third-party software does not display effects of Picture Controls, Active D-Lighting, or vignette control. Use ViewNX 2 (supplied) or optional Nikon software such as Capture NX 2 (available separately). Can not transfer photos to computer: OS not compatible with camera or transfer software.
  • Page 466: Error Messages

    Ready a fully-charged Low battery. spare battery. • Battery exhausted. • Recharge or replace battery. • Battery can not be • Contact Nikon- used. authorized service representative. • An extremely • Replace the battery, xix, 21, exhausted or recharge the...
  • Page 467 Indicator Control View- panel finder Problem Solution Camera unable to focus Change composition or — 43, 108 (flashes) using autofocus. focus manually. • Use a lower ISO sensitivity. • Use optional ND filter. Subject too bright; In exposure mode: f Increase shutter photo will be overexposed.
  • Page 468 • Insert new memory card. Release shutter. If error persists or appears Camera malfunction. frequently, consult — (flashes) Nikon-authorized service representative. The i and j Icons These icons flash to show the card affected.
  • Page 469 Turn camera off and No memory card. S detect memory confirm that card is card. correctly inserted. • Error accessing • Use Nikon- memory card. approved card. • Check that contacts — are clean. If card is This memory damaged, contact...
  • Page 470 Indicator Control Monitor panel Problem Solution The internal Wait for the internal Unable to start temperature of circuits to cool before — 62, 73 live view. Please the camera is resuming live view or wait. high. movie recording. Select folder No images on containing images Folder contains...
  • Page 471 Indicator Control Monitor panel Problem Solution Paper in printer is Insert paper of correct — not of selected size and select Check paper. size. Continue. Paper is jammed Clear jam and select — Paper jam. in printer. Continue. Insert paper of Printer is out of —...
  • Page 472: Specifications

    Specifications ❚❚ Nikon D4S Digital Camera Type Single-lens reflex digital camera Type Lens mount Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts) Effective angle of view Nikon FX format Effective pixels 16.2 million Effective pixels Image sensor 36.0 × 23.9 mm CMOS sensor Image sensor 16.6 million...
  • Page 473 Storage File format • NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed, or uncompressed; small size available (12-bit uncompressed only) • TIFF (RGB) • JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1 : 4), normal (approx. 1 : 8), or basic (approx. 1 : 16) compression (Size priority);...
  • Page 474 Viewfinder Reflex mirror Quick return Pressing Pv button stops lens aperture down to value Depth-of-field preview selected by user (g and h modes) or by camera (e and f modes) Lens aperture Instant return, electronically controlled Lens Compatible with AF NIKKOR lenses, including type Compatible lenses G, E, and D lenses (some restrictions apply to PC lenses) and DX lenses (using DX 24 ×...
  • Page 475 Exposure Metering TTL exposure metering using RGB sensor with approximately 91K (91,000) pixels Metering method • Matrix: 3D color matrix metering III (type G, E, and D lenses); color matrix metering III (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering available with non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data •...
  • Page 476 Focus Autofocus Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, and 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors; f/8 supported by 11 sensors) –2 – +19 EV (ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F) Detection range Lens servo •...
  • Page 477 Flash Nikon Creative Lighting Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, or SB-700 as a master flash, and SB-600 System (CLS) or SB-R200 as remotes, or SU-800 as commander; Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except SB-400 and SB-300;...
  • Page 478 Movie File format H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding Video compression Audio recording format Linear PCM Audio recording device Built-in monaural or external stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustable • Exposure modes e, f, and g: Auto ISO sensitivity control ISO sensitivity (ISO 200 to Hi 4) with selectable upper limit •...
  • Page 479 Interface Ten-pin remote terminal Can be used to connect optional remote control, optional WR-R10 (requires WR-A10 adapter) or WR-1 wireless remote controller, GP-1/GP-1A GPS unit, or GPS device compliant with NMEA0183 version 2.01 or 3.01 (requires optional MC-35 GPS adapter cord and cable with D-sub 9-pin connector) Ethernet RJ-45 connector...
  • Page 480 • Nikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in this manual at any time and without prior notice. Nikon will not be held liable for damages that may result from any mistakes that this manual may contain.
  • Page 481: Calibrating Batteries

    Calibrating Batteries The MH-26a battery charger is equipped with a battery calibration feature. Calibrate the battery as required to ensure the accuracy of the camera and charger battery level displays. If the calibration lamp for the current Chamber battery chamber flashes when a lamps (green) battery is inserted, the battery needs to be calibrated.
  • Page 482 Remove the battery, unplug the charger, and take the battery and charger to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection. Charging and Calibrating Two Batteries The MH-26a charges only one battery at a time.
  • Page 483 Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. 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.
  • Page 484: Approved Memory Cards

    Approved Memory Cards The camera accepts the XQD and CompactFlash 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 485 ❚❚ CompactFlash Memory Cards The following Type I CompactFlash memory cards have been tested and approved for use in the camera. Type II cards and microdrives can not be used. 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB SDCFXPS Extreme Pro 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB...
  • Page 486: Memory Card Capacity

    Memory Card Capacity The following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on a 32 GB Sony S-series QD-S32E XQD card at different image quality, image size, and image area settings. ❚❚ FX (36×24) Image Area Image quality Image size File size...
  • Page 487 ❚❚ DX (24×16) Image Area Image quality Image size File size No. of images Buffer capacity NEF (RAW), Lossless Large 7.4 MB 1600 compressed, 12-bit NEF (RAW), Lossless Large 9.1 MB 1300 compressed, 14-bit NEF (RAW), Large 6.7 MB 2200 Compressed, 12-bit NEF (RAW), Large...
  • Page 488 d3—Max. Continuous Release (0 327) The maximum number of photographs that can be taken in a single burst can be set to any amount between 1 and 200.
  • Page 489: Battery Life

    • Photographs, single-frame release mode (CIPA standard ): Approximately 3020 shots • Photographs, continuous release mode (Nikon standard ): Approximately 5960 shots • Movies: Approximately 55 minutes at 1080/60p 1 Measured at 23 °C/73.4 °F (±3 °C/5.4 °F) with an AF-S NIKKOR 24–...
  • Page 490 • Using a WR-R10/WR-1 wireless remote controller or ML-3 modulite remote control set • Using VR (vibration reduction) mode with VR lenses To ensure that you get the most from rechargeable Nikon EN-EL18a batteries: • Keep the battery contacts clean. Soiled contacts can reduce battery performance.
  • Page 491: Index

    Index Accessories..........408 Symbols Accessory shoe ....... 16, 195 e (Programmed auto) ....125, 127 Active D-Lighting....150, 188, 341 f (Shutter-priority auto) .... 125, 128 Add items (My Menu)......397 g (Aperture-priority auto) ..125, 129 ADL bracketing......150, 333 h (Manual)........
  • Page 492 Autofocus mode restrictions..... 320 Connector for external microphone .. 2, Continuous high speed ... 111, 112, 326 Backlight..........9, 330 Continuous low speed ..111, 112, 326 Battery....21–26, 40, 365, 458, 459 Continuous release mode....111 Battery info ..........365 Continuous-servo AF....
  • Page 493 Flash-ready indicator.. 11, 199, 209, 454 Flexible program........127 Easy exposure compensation... 322 Flicker reduction ........363 Edit movie..........79, 82 Fluorescent (White balance)..... 155 Electronic rangefinder......109 Fn button........89, 337, 353 Ethernet........... 276, 409 Fn button (vertical) ....... 343 EV steps for exposure cntrl ....
  • Page 494 HDMI connector ........285 LCD illumination........330 HDR (high dynamic range) ....190 Lens......27–28, 235, 373, 401 Headphones........68, 267 Lens cap............27 Help............17, 20 Lens focus function buttons ..... 351 Hi ..............118 Lens focus ring......27, 59, 108 Hide image ..........
  • Page 495 Monitor color balance ......360 Playback menu ........289 Monitor hue ..........56 Playback zoom......253, 348 Monitor off delay........325 Portrait (Set Picture Control)..... 177 Monochrome......... 177, 382 Power aperture......353, 355 Movie ISO sensitivity settings (Movie Power connector......408, 414 settings) .............
  • Page 496 RGB ..........90, 247, 305 sRGB............305 RGB Histogram........247 Standard (Set Picture Control) ..177 Rolling ..........340, 372 Standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR 197, Rotate tall..........296 Standby timer......44, 240, 324 Start printing ......... 281, 282 S (small) .........
  • Page 497 Viewfinder grid display ....... 329 ViewNX 2 ....91, 269, 272, 364, 366 Vignette control........306 Virtual horizon....58, 69, 340, 372 Vivid (Set Picture Control) ....177 Voice memo ........261–267 Voice memo button ......262 Voice memo overwrite......262 Warm filter ..........
  • Page 500 No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION. Printed in Japan SB4A01(11) 6MB20611-01...

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