Nikon Coolpix P300 User Manual
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Nikon Coolpix P300 User Manual

Nikon digital camera user manual
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  • Page 1 DIGITAL CAMERA User’s Manual...

  • Page 2: Trademark Information

    High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. • All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. AVC Patent Portfolio License...
  • Page 3 Introduction First Steps Basic Photography and Playback: A (Auto) Mode More on Shooting More on Playback Editing Pictures Movie Recording and Playback Connecting to Televisions, Computers and Printers Basic Camera Setup Caring for the Camera Technical Notes and Index...

  • Page 4: 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 5 USB cable, place it under heavy objects, or expose it to heat or flames. Should the insulation be damaged and the wires become exposed, take it to a Nikon- authorized service representative for inspection. Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or electric shock.
  • Page 6 For Your Safety Use appropriate cables When connecting cables to the input and output jacks, use only the cables provided or sold by Nikon for the purpose, to maintain compliance with product regulations. Handle moving parts with care Be careful that your fingers or other objects are not pinched by the lens cover or other moving parts.

  • Page 7: Notices

    Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Interface Cables Use the interface cables sold or provided by Nikon for your equipment. Using other interface cables may exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.

  • Page 8: Notice For Customers In Canada

    State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747-3064 Tel: 631-547-4200 Notice for Customers in Canada...

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents For Your Safety ... ii WARNINGS ... ii Notices ... v Introduction ...1 About This Manual ... 1 Information and Precautions ... 2 Parts of the Camera ... 4 Camera Body ...4 Monitor ...6 Basic Operations... 9 Command Dial ...9 Raising and Lowering the Flash (K (Flash Pop-up) Control)...9 Rotary Multi Selector ...10...
  • Page 10 Table of Contents More on Shooting ... 40 Selecting a Shooting Mode (Mode Dial)...40 Selecting Scenes for Shooting (Scene Mode)...41 Shooting in the Scene Selected by the Camera (Scene Auto Selector)...42 Selecting a Scene Mode to Take Pictures (Features) ...44 Taking Pictures with Easy Panorama...57 Viewing Pictures Recorded with Easy Panorama...59 Taking Pictures with Panorama Assist...60...
  • Page 11 Editing Pictures ...108 Picture Editing Functions ... 108 Editing Pictures... 110 k Quick Retouch: Enhancing Contrast and Saturation ... 110 I D-Lighting: Enhancing Brightness and Contrast... 111 e Skin Softening: Making Skin Appear Smoother... 112 p Filter Effects: Digital Filter... 114 g Small Picture: Decreasing Image Size ...
  • Page 12 Table of Contents Basic Camera Setup ...141 Setup Menu... 141 Welcome Screen ... 143 Time Zone and Date... 144 Monitor Settings... 147 Print Date ... 149 Vibration Reduction ... 150 Motion Detection... 151 AF Assist... 152 Digital Zoom... 152 Sound Settings... 153 Auto Off ...

  • Page 13: Introduction

    Introduction About This Manual Thank you for your purchase of Nikon COOLPIX P300 digital camera. This manual is written to help you enjoy taking pictures with your Nikon digital camera. Read this manual thoroughly before use, and keep it where all those who use the product will read it.

  • Page 14: Information And Precautions

    Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.
  • Page 15 Information and Precautions Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction Note that simply being in possession of material that was digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera or other device may be punishable by law. • Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced Do not copy or reproduce paper money, coins, securities, government bonds or local government bonds, even if such copies or reproductions are stamped “Sample”.

  • Page 16: Parts Of The Camera

    Parts of the Camera Camera Body Zoom control... 27 f : Wide ...27 g : Tele...27 h: Thumbnail playback... 94 i : Playback zoom...96 j : Help ...41 Command dial ...9 Shutter-release button...13, 28 Power switch/power-on lamp... 19, 153 Mode dial...40 Microphone (stereo)...
  • Page 17 Monitor...6, 25 k (apply selection) button ...10 Rotary multi selector ...10 c (playback) button...30 b (e movie-record) button... 118 Charge lamp... 17, 134 Flash lamp... 34 Speaker ...106, 126 Tripod socket d button...11, 41, 73, 98, 122, 142 l (delete) button...31, 106, 126 18 19 20 Cover latch...14, 22 Battery-chamber/...

  • Page 18: Monitor

    Parts of the Camera Monitor The indicators that appear on the monitor during shooting and playback disappear after a few seconds (A147). The displayed information varies according to the camera settings and condition. Shooting 1/250 1/250 1/250 F5.6 F5.6 F5.6 9999 9999 9999...
  • Page 19 Shooting mode* ...24, 40, 41, 62 Macro mode ...38 Zoom indicator ...27 Focus indicator...28 AE/AF-L indicator...61 Flash mode ...32 Flash exposure compensation ...89 Battery level indicator ...24 Motion detection icon ...151 Vibration reduction icon ...150 Noise reduction burst ...47 Travel destination indicator...144 “Date not set”...
  • Page 20 Parts of the Camera Playback Date of recording... 20 Time of recording ... 20 Protect icon...102 Volume indicator...106, 126 Battery level indicator ... 24 Movie types*...123 Image mode* ... 74 Easy panorama indicator... 59 (a) Current frame number/total number of frames... 30 (b) Movie length ...126 Internal memory indicator ...

  • Page 21: Basic Operations

    Basic Operations Command Dial You can rotate the command dial to operate any of the following functions. For Shooting Mode Mode dial set to A Mode dial set to B or D For Playback Mode Playback zoom For Menu Screen Mode First level of shooting menu or setup menu is displayed...

  • Page 22: Rotary Multi Selector

    Basic Operations Rotary Multi Selector Operate by rotating the rotary multi selector, pressing up (H), down (I), left (J) or right (K) on the rotary multi selector, or pressing the k button. For Shooting Rotate to set the aperture value /Choose the option Display n (Self-timer/ Smile timer) menu...

  • Page 23: D (Menu) Button

    d (Menu) Button Press the d button to display the menu for the selected mode and to select options for the menu items. • Use the rotary multi selector to navigate the menus (A10). Tab for the menus available in the current shooting mode*/tab for playback mode menu Tab for movie menu (during shooting mode) Tab for displaying the setup menu...

  • Page 24: Using Camera Menus

    Basic Operations Using Camera Menus Press the d button. Press the rotary multi selector H or I to choose an item, and then press K or the k button. • Items can also be chosen by rotating the rotary multi selector (A10). •...

  • Page 25: Pressing The Shutter-Release Button Halfway/All The Way

    Pressing the Shutter-Release Button Halfway/All the Way • The camera features a two-stage shutter-release button. To set focus and exposure, press the shutter-release button halfway, stopping when you feel resistance. When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, focus and exposure (shutter speed and aperture value) are set. Focus and exposure remain locked while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

  • Page 26: First Steps

    First Steps Inserting the Battery Insert a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12 (supplied) into the camera. • Charge the battery before first use or when the battery is running low (A16). Slide the cover latch to the Y side (1), and open the battery-chamber/memory card slot cover (2).

  • Page 27: Removing The Battery

    Removing the Battery Before opening the battery-chamber/memory card slot cover, turn the camera off (A19) and confirm that the power-on lamp and the monitor are off. To eject the battery, open the battery-chamber/ memory card slot cover and slide the orange battery latch in the direction indicated by the arrow (1), then remove the battery while being careful not to remove the battery at an angle (2).

  • Page 28: Charging The Battery

    Charging the Battery Charge the supplied Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12 inserted into the camera, by connecting the supplied Charging AC Adapter EH-69P to the camera via the supplied USB Cable UC-E6, and then plugging the Charging AC Adapter into an electrical outlet. Prepare the Charging AC Adapter EH-69P.
  • Page 29 Plug the Charging AC Adapter into an electrical outlet. The charge lamp slowly blinks green to indicate that the battery is charging. About four hours are required to charge a fully exhausted battery. The following chart explains charge lamp status when the camera is plugged into the electrical outlet.
  • Page 30 Failure to observe this precaution could result in overheating or in damage to the camera. Charging Using Computer or Battery Charger • Connecting the COOLPIX P300 to a computer also charges the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN- EL12 (A134, 156). • The EN-EL12 can be charged without using the camera by using the Battery Charger MH-65...

  • Page 31: Turning On And Off The Camera

    Turning On and Off the Camera Press the power switch to turn on the camera. The power-on lamp (green) lights, and then the monitor is turned on (the power-on lamp turns off when the monitor is turned on). Press the power switch again to turn off the camera. When the power is turned off, the power-on lamp and monitor are also turned off.

  • Page 32: Setting The Display Language, Date And Time

    Setting the Display Language, Date and Time Dialogs for language selection and camera clock setting are displayed the first time the camera is turned on. Press the power switch to turn on the camera. • The power-on lamp lights, and then the monitor is turned on (the power-on lamp turns off when the monitor is turned on).
  • Page 33 Press H or I to choose the date display order and press the k button or K. Press H, J, I or K to set date and time, and press the k button. • To choose an item: Rotate the rotary multi selector, or press K or J (selected in the following order: D (day) ➝...

  • Page 34: Inserting The Memory Card

    Inserting the Memory Card The recorded data is stored in the camera’s internal memory (approx. 90 MB) or on commercially available Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (A167). If a memory card is inserted in the camera, data is automatically stored on the memory card, and data recorded to the memory card can be played back, deleted, or transferred.

  • Page 35: Formatting A Memory Card

    Formatting a Memory Card If the message on the right is displayed when the camera is turned on, the memory card must be formatted before use. Note that formatting (A154) permanently deletes all pictures and other data on the memory card. Be sure to make copies of any data you wish to keep before formatting the memory card.

  • Page 36: Basic Photography And Playback: A (Auto) Mode

    Basic Photography and Playback: A (Auto) Mode Step 1 Turn the Camera On and Select A (Auto) Mode This section describes how to take pictures in A (auto) mode, an automatic, “point- and-shoot” mode recommended for first-time users of digital cameras. Press the power switch to turn on the camera.

  • Page 37: Indicators Displayed In A (Auto) Mode

    Indicators Displayed in A (Auto) Mode Shooting mode A is displayed in A (auto) mode. Shutter speed (A63) Aperture value (A63) Internal memory indicator Pictures are recorded to internal memory (approx. 90 MB). When a memory card is inserted, C is not displayed and pictures are recorded to the memory card.

  • Page 38: Step 2 Frame A Picture

    Step 2 Frame a Picture Ready the camera. • Hold the camera steadily in both hands. • Keep your fingers, hair, strap and other objects away from the lens, flash, AF-assist illuminator and microphone. • When using the flash (A32) to shoot in the “tall” orientation, hold the camera so that the flash is above the lens.

  • Page 39: Using The Zoom

    Using the Zoom Rotate the zoom control to activate the optical zoom. Rotate the zoom control toward g to zoom in, increasing the size of the subject. Rotate the zoom control toward f to zoom out, increasing the area visible in the frame. •...

  • Page 40: Step 3 Focus And Shoot

    Step 3 Focus and Shoot Press the shutter-release button halfway. • When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway (A13), the camera sets focus and exposure (shutter speed and aperture value). The focus and exposure remain locked while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. •...

  • Page 41: During Recording

    During Recording While the indicator showing the number of exposures remaining is blinking, images are being recorded. Do not open the battery-chamber/memory card slot cover. Cutting the power or removing the memory card in these circumstances could result in loss of data or in damage to the camera or card.

  • Page 42: Step 4 Viewing And Deleting Pictures

    Step 4 Viewing and Deleting Pictures Viewing Pictures (Playback Mode) Press the c (Playback) button. • The last picture shot is displayed in full- frame playback mode. • Rotate the rotary multi selector, or press H, I, J or K to view previous or subsequent pictures.

  • Page 43: Deleting Unnecessary Images

    Deleting Unnecessary Images Press the l button to delete the image currently displayed on the monitor. • To exit without deleting, press the d button. Use the rotary multi selector to choose the desired deletion method and press the k button.

  • Page 44: Using The Flash

    Using the Flash In dark locations or when the subject is backlit, you can shoot pictures with a flash by raising the flash. You can set a flash mode that suits the shooting conditions. • The flash has a range of about 0.5 to 6.5 m (1 ft. 8 in. to 21 ft.) at the wide-angle zoom position, and about 0.5 to 2.5 m (1 ft.

  • Page 45: Setting The Flash Mode

    Setting the Flash Mode Slide the K (flash pop-up) control. • Flash is raised. • When the flash is lowered, the flash mode is fixed at W (Off ). Press the rotary multi selector m (flash mode). • The flash mode menu is displayed. Use the rotary multi selector to choose the desired mode and press the k button.

  • Page 46: Flash Lamp

    Using the Flash Shooting When Lighting is Dim or When the Flash is Set to W (Off) • Use of a tripod is recommended to stabilize the camera during shooting and avoid the effects of camera shake. When the camera is stabilized with a tripod, set Vibration reduction (A150) to Off in the setup menu (A141).

  • Page 47: Taking Pictures With The Self-Timer

    Taking Pictures with the Self-Timer The self-timer is suitable for taking group pictures and reducing the vibration when the shutter-release button is pressed. Timer durations of two or ten seconds can be selected. When using the self-timer, use of a tripod is recommended. Set Vibration reduction (A150) in the setup menu (A141) to Off when using a tripod to stabilize the camera.

  • Page 48: Taking Pictures Of Smiling Faces (Smile Timer)

    Taking Pictures of Smiling Faces (Smile Timer) The camera detects smiling faces using face detection and releases the shutter automatically. This can be used when the shooting mode (A40) is set to A (auto) mode, the Portrait or Night portrait scene mode, or A, B, C or D mode. Press the rotary multi selector n (self-timer).
  • Page 49 Notes on Smile Timer • The digital zoom is not available. • Under some shooting conditions, faces and smiling faces may not be detected properly. • See “Notes on Face Priority” (A86) for more information. • This feature cannot be used simultaneously with certain features. See “Functions that Cannot be Applied Simultaneously”...

  • Page 50: Macro Mode

    Macro Mode Macro mode is used for taking pictures of objects as close as 3 cm (1.2 in.). Note that the flash may be unable to light the entire subject at distances of less than 50 cm (1 ft. 8 in.). Press the rotary multi selector p (macro mode).

  • Page 51: Adjusting Brightness (Exposure Compensation)

    Adjusting Brightness (Exposure Compensation) By adjusting exposure compensation when taking pictures, overall image brightness can be adjusted to make images brighter or darker. It can be used in A (Auto) mode or in scene modes. • To adjust exposure compensation in A, B and C modes, use the creative slider (A69).

  • Page 52: More On Shooting

    More on Shooting Selecting a Shooting Mode (Mode Dial) Rotate the mode dial and align an icon to the mark to select one of the following shooting modes. A Auto mode (A24) An automatic, “point-and- shoot” mode recommended for first- time users of digital cameras.

  • Page 53: Selecting Scenes For Shooting (Scene Mode)

    Selecting Scenes for Shooting (Scene Mode) When one of the following scenes is selected using the mode dial or the scene menu, images are captured using settings that are optimized for the selected scene. y (Scene) Press the d button to display the scene menu and choose one of the following shooting scenes.

  • Page 54: Shooting In The Scene Selected By The Camera (Scene Auto Selector)

    Selecting Scenes for Shooting (Scene Mode) Shooting in the Scene Selected by the Camera (Scene Auto Selector) By simply framing a picture, the camera automatically selects the optimum scene mode from the following for simpler shooting. • d: Auto mode (general shooting) •...
  • Page 55 Notes on Scene Auto Selector • The digital zoom is not available. • Depending upon shooting conditions, the camera may not select the desired scene mode. Should this occur, switch to A (Auto) mode (A24) or choose the desired scene manually (A44). Focusing in Scene Auto Selector •...

  • Page 56: Selecting A Scene Mode To Take Pictures (Features)

    Selecting Scenes for Shooting (Scene Mode) Selecting a Scene Mode to Take Pictures (Features) • The mode dial can be used to select scenes when shooting (A41). • See “Shooting in the Scene Selected by the Camera (Scene Auto Selector)” (A42) for more information on Scene auto selector scene mode.
  • Page 57 o Backlighting Use when light is coming from behind the subject, throwing features or details into shadow. Press the d button to adjust HDR (high dynamic range) composite settings in HDR for the shooting scene. • When HDR is set to Off (default setting): The flash fires to prevent the subject from being hidden in shadow.
  • Page 58 Selecting Scenes for Shooting (Scene Mode) y M b Portrait Use this mode for portraits. • The camera automatically detects and focuses on a face (see “Shooting with Face Priority” (A85) for more information). • If the camera detects multiple faces, the camera focuses on the face closest to the camera.
  • Page 59 y M c Landscape Use this mode for vivid landscapes and cityscapes. Select Noise reduction burst or Single shot on the screen that is displayed when c Landscape scene mode is selected. • Noise reduction burst: This enables you to shoot a sharp landscape with a minimum of noise.
  • Page 60 Selecting Scenes for Shooting (Scene Mode) y M d Sports Use this mode for dynamic action shots that freeze the action in a single shot and record motion in a series of pictures. With continuous shooting, instantaneous movements of moving subjects can be captured clearly.
  • Page 61 y M e Night portrait Use this mode for portraits taken at sunset or at night. Flash is used to illuminate the subject while maintaining the mood of the background. Select Hand-held or Tripod on the screen that is displayed when e Night portrait scene mode is selected.
  • Page 62 Selecting Scenes for Shooting (Scene Mode) y M f Party/indoor Suitable for taking pictures in parties. Captures the effects of candlelight and other indoor background lighting. • The camera focuses on the subject at the center of the frame. • Hold the camera steadily as pictures are easily affected by camera shake.
  • Page 63 y M h Sunset Preserves the deep hues seen in sunsets and sunrises. • The camera focuses on the subject at the center of the frame. • When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the focus area or focus indicator (A6) always lights in green. •...
  • Page 64 Selecting Scenes for Shooting (Scene Mode) y M k Close-up Photograph flowers, insects and other small objects at close range. • The macro mode (A38) is enabled and the camera automatically zooms to the closest position to the subject where the camera can shoot. •...
  • Page 65 y M u Food Use this mode when taking pictures of food. • The macro mode (A38) is enabled and the camera automatically zooms to the closest position to the subject where the camera can shoot. • The closest distance at which the camera can focus varies depending on the zoom position.
  • Page 66 Selecting Scenes for Shooting (Scene Mode) y M l Museum Use indoors where flash photography is prohibited (for example, in museums and art galleries) or in other situations in which you do not want to use the flash. • The camera focuses on the subject at the center of the frame. •...
  • Page 67 y M p Panorama Use this mode for shooting panorama pictures. Select Easy panorama or Panorama assist on the screen that is displayed when p Panorama scene mode is selected. • Easy panorama (default setting): Shoots panorama pictures that can be played back on the camera by moving the camera in the direction you want to create a panorama picture.
  • Page 68 Selecting Scenes for Shooting (Scene Mode) y M O Pet portrait Use this mode for shooting pictures of dogs or cats. The camera detects and focuses on the face of a dog or cat. • Detected faces are displayed in a double frame indicating the focus area, and when a face is in focus, this double frame lights in green.

  • Page 69: Taking Pictures With Easy Panorama

    Taking Pictures with Easy Panorama Rotate the mode dial to y. Press the d button to display the scene menu screen, choose p Panorama with the rotary multi selector and press the k button. Choose V Easy panorama and press the k button.
  • Page 70 Selecting Scenes for Shooting (Scene Mode) Frame the first portion of the panorama scene, and press the shutter-release button halfway to adjust the focus. • The zoom is fixed at the wide-angle position. • The framing guide is displayed on the screen. •...

  • Page 71: Viewing Pictures Recorded With Easy Panorama

    * The pictures can also be scrolled by rotating the rotary multi selector. Note on Viewing Pictures Recorded with Easy Panorama Panorama pictures recorded with functions other than easy panorama of the COOLPIX P300 may not be scrolled or zoomed on this camera.

  • Page 72: Taking Pictures With Panorama Assist

    Selecting Scenes for Shooting (Scene Mode) Taking Pictures with Panorama Assist The camera focuses on the subject at the center of the frame. Using a tripod makes the composition easier. When the camera is stabilized with a tripod, set Vibration reduction (A150) to Off in the setup menu (A141).
  • Page 73 Frame the first portion of the panorama scene and take the first picture. • 1/3 of the image will be displayed as translucent. Shoot the next picture. • Match the outline of the next picture so that 1/3 of the frame overlaps the previous picture, and press the shutter-release button.

  • Page 74: Setting The Exposure For Shooting (A, B, C, D Modes)

    Setting the Exposure for Shooting (A, B, C, D Modes) A, B, C, D Modes By rotating the mode dial, you can shoot pictures in the following four exposure modes: A (Programmed auto), B (Shutter-priority auto), C (Aperture-priority auto), and D (Manual). Not only can you set the shutter speed and aperture value, you can also select a variety of advanced settings, such as changing the ISO sensitivity and white balance with the shooting menu (A72), or adjusting the brightness (exposure...

  • Page 75: Shutter Speed

    Shutter Speed and Aperture Value The same exposure can be achieved with different combinations of shutter speed and aperture value, allowing you to freeze or blur motion and control depth of field. The following figures show how shutter speed and aperture value affect exposure.

  • Page 76: A (Programmed Auto) Mode

    Setting the Exposure for Shooting (A, B, C, D Modes) A (Programmed Auto) Mode The camera sets the shutter speed and aperture value automatically for optimal exposure. Rotate the mode dial to A. Frame the subject and shoot. • In the default setting, the camera automatically selects one or more of the nine focus areas containing the subject closest to the camera.

  • Page 77: B (Shutter-Priority Auto) Mode

    B (Shutter-Priority Auto) Mode The user chooses the shutter speed; the camera selects the aperture value automatically. Rotate the mode dial to B. Rotate the command dial to choose a shutter speed value. Focus and shoot. • In the default setting, the camera automatically selects one or more of the nine focus areas containing the subject closest to the camera.

  • Page 78: C (Aperture-Priority Auto) Mode

    Setting the Exposure for Shooting (A, B, C, D Modes) C (Aperture-Priority Auto) Mode The user chooses the aperture value; the camera selects the shutter speed automatically. Rotate the mode dial to C. Rotate the rotary multi selector to choose the aperture value (f/-number).

  • Page 79: D (Manual) Mode

    D (Manual) Mode The user controls both the shutter speed and aperture value. • The shutter speed can be set in a range from a maximum speed of 1/2000 to eight seconds. Rotate the mode dial to D. Rotate the command dial to choose a shutter speed value.

  • Page 80: Shutter Speed

    Setting the Exposure for Shooting (A, B, C, D Modes) Focus and shoot. • In the default setting, the camera automatically selects one or more of the nine focus areas containing the subject closest to the camera. When the subject is in focus, the focus area (active focus area) lights in green (maximum of nine areas) (A83).

  • Page 81: Adjusting Brightness, Vividness And Hue (A, B, C, D Modes)

    Adjusting Brightness, Vividness and Hue (A, B, C, D Modes) When the rotary multi selector K (o) is pressed in the shooting mode A, B, C or D, brightness (exposure compensation), vividness and hue can be adjusted with the creative slider. o Brightness (Exp.
  • Page 82 Adjusting Brightness, Vividness and Hue (A, B, C, D Modes) Adjust o brightness, G vividness, or F hue. • The rotary multi selector is used as follows. – HI: The slider moves. The effect can be adjusted while confirming the results on the monitor. The effect can also be adjusted by rotating the command dial.
  • Page 83 Adjusting Brightness, Vividness and Hue (A, B, C, D Modes) Adjusting Brightness (Exposure Compensation) Adjust the overall brightness of the image. • To make the subject brighter, move the slider toward “+”. • To make the subject darker, move the slider toward “–”.

  • Page 84: Shooting Options: Shooting Menu (A, B, C, D Modes)

    Shooting Options: Shooting Menu (A, B, C, D Modes) While shooting in A, B, C and D, the shooting menu contains the following options. Image mode Choose the image mode (combination of image size and compression rate) at which images are saved. This setting can be changed when using any shooting mode. White balance Match white balance to the light source to produce images with natural-looking colors.

  • Page 85: Displaying The Shooting Menu

    Displaying the Shooting Menu Choose A (Programmed auto), B (Shutter-priority auto), C (Aperture-priority auto) or D (Manual) by rotating the mode dial. Press the d button to display the shooting menu. • Use the rotary multi selector to select items and set functions on menus (A10). •...

  • Page 86: Image Mode (Image Quality/Image Size)

    Shooting Options: Shooting Menu (A, B, C, D Modes) Image Mode (Image Quality/Image Size) Set to A, B, C or D M d (Shooting menu) M Image mode Image mode refers to the combination of image size and image quality (compression ratio) at which images are saved.

  • Page 87: Number Of Exposures Remaining

    Number of Exposures Remaining The following table lists the approximate number of images that can be saved in the internal memory and on a 4 GB memory card. Note that due to JPEG compression, the number of images that can be saved differs depending on the composition of the image. In addition, this number may vary depending on the make of memory card, even when the memory cards have the same specified capacity.

  • Page 88: White Balance

    Shooting Options: Shooting Menu (A, B, C, D Modes) White Balance Set to A, B, C or D M d (Shooting menu) M White balance The color of light reflected from an object varies with the color of the light source. The human brain is able to adapt to changes in the color of the light source, with the result that white objects appear white whether seen in the shade, direct sunlight, or under incandescent lighting.

  • Page 89: Preset Manual

    Preset Manual Use when you want to make pictures shot under unusual lighting conditions (such as lamps with reddish light) look as though they were shot in normal light. Use the procedure below to shoot after measuring the white balance value under the shooting light.

  • Page 90: Metering

    Shooting Options: Shooting Menu (A, B, C, D Modes) Metering Set to A, B, C or D M d (Shooting menu) M Metering The process of measuring the brightness of the subject to determine the exposure is known as “metering. ” Use this option to choose how the camera meters exposure.

  • Page 91: Continuous

    Continuous Set to A, B, C or D M d (Shooting menu) M Continuous Change the settings for continuous shooting and BSS (Best Shot Selector). Single (default setting) One picture is shot each time the shutter-release button is pressed. Continuous While the shutter-release button is pressed all the way, pictures are taken at a rate of about eight frames per second (fps) (when Image mode is set to I 4000 ×...
  • Page 92 Shooting Options: Shooting Menu (A, B, C, D Modes) Notes on Continuous Shooting • During continuous shooting, the flash is not available. Focus, exposure and white balance are fixed at the values for the first picture in each series. • The frame rate may become slower depending on the image mode, memory card type or shooting conditions.

  • Page 93: Iso Sensitivity

    ISO Sensitivity Set to A, B, C or D M d (Shooting menu) M ISO sensitivity When ISO sensitivity is increased, less light is needed when taking pictures. Higher ISO sensitivity allows darker subjects to be captured. Additionally, even with subjects of similar brightness, pictures can be taken at faster shutter speeds, and blurring caused by camera shake and subject movement can be reduced.

  • Page 94: Exposure Bracketing

    Shooting Options: Shooting Menu (A, B, C, D Modes) Exposure Bracketing Set to A, B or C M d (Shooting menu) M Exposure bracketing The exposure (brightness) can be changed automatically during continuous shooting. This is effective for shooting when it is difficult to adjust the picture brightness.

  • Page 95: Af Area Mode

    AF Area Mode Set to A, B, C or D M d (Shooting menu) M AF area mode You can set how the camera selects the focus area for autofocus. Face priority The camera automatically detects and focuses on a face (see “Shooting with Face Priority”...

  • Page 96: Subject Tracking

    Shooting Options: Shooting Menu (A, B, C, D Modes) Center The camera focuses on the subject at the center of the frame. The focus area is always displayed at the center of the frame. Subject tracking Subject tracking begins once you select a subject to be focused on, and the focus area will move and follow the subject.

  • Page 97: Shooting With Face Priority

    Shooting with Face Priority The camera automatically detects and focuses on a human face. The face detection function operates in the following situations. • When Face priority is selected for AF area mode (A83) • When Scene auto selector (A42), Portrait (A46) or Night portrait (A49) is selected in scene mode •...
  • Page 98 Shooting Options: Shooting Menu (A, B, C, D Modes) Press the shutter-release button halfway. • The camera focuses on the face framed by the double border. The double border lights in green and the focus is locked. • When the camera is unable to focus on a face, the double border blinks.

  • Page 99: Focusing On Moving Subjects For Shooting (Subject Tracking/Face Priority Tracking)

    Focusing on Moving Subjects for Shooting (Subject Tracking/ Face Priority Tracking) Choose this mode to shoot moving subjects. • When Subject tracking is selected, it begins once you select a subject to be focused on, and the focus area will move and follow the subject. •...
  • Page 100 Shooting Options: Shooting Menu (A, B, C, D Modes) Press the shutter-release button to take the picture. • If the camera focuses on the focus area when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the focus area display lights in green and the focus is locked. •...

  • Page 101: Autofocus Mode

    Autofocus Mode Set to A, B, C or D M d (Shooting menu) M Autofocus mode Choose how the camera focuses. Single AF (default setting) The camera focuses only when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Full-time AF The camera focuses continuously until the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Use with moving subjects.

  • Page 102: Functions That Cannot Be Applied Simultaneously

    Shooting Options: Shooting Menu (A, B, C, D Modes) Functions that Cannot be Applied Simultaneously Some settings in the flash mode, the macro mode, the self-timer/smile timer, the creative slider and the shooting menu cannot be used with other functions. Restricted function Flash mode Continuous...
  • Page 103 Restricted function Setting Print date Continuous (A79) Blink warning Smile timer (A36)/ Continuous (A79)/Exposure bracketing (A82) Digital zoom Smile timer (A36) AF area mode (A83) Continuous (A79) Shutter Speed The control range of the shutter speed differs depending on the ISO sensitivity setting. Additionally, the range is restricted as shown below during continuous shooting.

  • Page 104: More On Playback

    More on Playback Operations in Full-Frame Playback In shooting mode, press the c (playback) button to enter playback mode and play back the images that have been shot (A30). The following operations can be performed in full-frame playback mode. Function Choose pictures Thumbnail display/ Calendar display...

  • Page 105: Displaying The Histogram And Shooting Information

    Displaying the Histogram and Shooting Information Press the k button in full-frame playback mode to display the histogram and shooting information (except for movies and easy panorama pictures). Press the k button again to return to full-frame playback mode. 15/05/2011 15/05/2011 15/05/2011 15:30...

  • Page 106: Viewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail Playback

    Viewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail Playback Rotate the zoom control toward f (h) in full-frame playback mode (A30, 92) to display pictures as thumbnail images in thumbnail playback mode. The following operations can be performed in thumbnail playback mode. Choose pictures Increase the number of thumbnails displayed/Calendar...

  • Page 107: Calendar Display

    Icons on the Thumbnails When pictures with Print order (A99) and Protect (A102) settings are selected, the icons shown on the right appear. Movies are displayed as film frames (In the 72- picture thumbnail display, D is displayed at the top of the monitor when a movie is selected).

  • Page 108: Taking A Closer Look: Playback Zoom

    Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom Rotate the zoom control playback mode (A30) to zoom in on the current picture, enlarging and displaying the center of the picture. • The guide at lower right shows which portion is enlarged. The following operations can be performed while pictures are zoomed in.
  • Page 109 Pictures Taken Using the Face Priority or Pet Detection When the zoom control is rotated toward g (i) during full-frame playback mode for pictures taken in Face Priority (A85) or Pet Detection (A56), the picture is enlarged at the center of the face that was detected during shooting (excluding pictures that were shot using Continuous (A79), Exposure bracketing (A82) or Face priority tracking (A87)).

  • Page 110: Playback Options: Playback Menu

    Playback Options: Playback Menu The following options are available in playback menu. Quick retouch Easily create retouched images in which contrast and saturation have been enhanced. D-Lighting Enhance brightness and contrast in dark portions of pictures. Skin softening Make the subject’s skin appear smoother. Filter effects Apply a variety of effects using digital filter.

  • Page 111: Print Order: Setting The Pictures And Number Of Copies To Print

    a Print Order: Setting the Pictures and Number of Copies to Print Press the c button (Playback mode) M d (Playback menu) M a Print order If you choose to use one of the following methods to print pictures that are recorded on a memory card, the pictures to print and the number of copies can be set in advance on the memory card.

  • Page 112: Print Date

    Playback Options: Playback Menu Choose whether or not to also print shooting date and photo information. • Choose Date and press the k button to print the shooting date on all pictures in the print order. • Choose Info and press the k button to print shooting information (shutter speed and aperture value) on all pictures in the print order.

  • Page 113: Slide Show

    b Slide Show Press the c button (Playback mode) M d (Playback menu) M b Slide show View pictures stored in the internal memory or on a memory card in an automatic slide show. Use the rotary multi selector to choose Start and press the k button.

  • Page 114: Protect

    Playback Options: Playback Menu d Protect Press the c button (Playback mode) M d (Playback menu) M d Protect Protect selected pictures from accidental deletion. In the picture selection screen, choose a picture and set or cancel protection. See “Selecting Pictures” (A103) for more information. Note, however, that formatting the camera’s internal memory or the memory card permanently erases the protected files (A154).

  • Page 115: Selecting Pictures

    Selecting Pictures The picture selection screen, as shown on the right, is displayed in the following menus. Only one picture can be selected for some menu items, while for other menu items, multiple pictures can be selected. Functions for which only one picture can be selected •...

  • Page 116: Rotate Image

    Playback Options: Playback Menu f Rotate Image Press the c button (Playback mode) M d (Playback menu) M f Rotate image Change the orientation of pictures played back in the camera’s monitor after shooting. Still pictures can be rotated 90° clockwise or counterclockwise. Pictures that were recorded in the “tall”...

  • Page 117: E Voice Memo

    E Voice Memo Press the c button (Playback mode) M d (Playback menu) M E Voice memo Use the camera’s microphone to record voice memos for pictures. Recording Voice Memos Choose the desired picture from full-frame (A30) or thumbnail (A94) playback mode and press the d button.

  • Page 118: Deleting Voice Memos

    • Voice memos cannot be recorded for a picture that already has a voice memo attached on it. The current voice memo must be deleted before a new voice memo can be recorded. • The COOLPIX P300 is not able to record a voice memo for a picture captured with another make or model of digital camera.

  • Page 119: Copy: Copying Between The Internal Memory And Memory Card

    h Copy: Copying Between the Internal Memory and Memory Card Press the c button (Playback mode) M d (Playback menu) M h Copy Copy pictures between the internal memory and a memory card. Use the rotary multi selector to choose a destination option to which images are copied and press the k button.

  • Page 120: Editing Pictures

    • The COOLPIX P300’s editing functions are not available for pictures shot with digital cameras other than the COOLPIX P300. • If a copy created using the COOLPIX P300 is viewed on a different digital camera, it may not be possible to display the picture properly or transfer it to a computer.

  • Page 121: Restrictions On Picture Editing

    Restrictions on Picture Editing The following restrictions apply when editing pictures that were created by editing. Editing function used Quick retouch Skin softening, Filter effects, Small picture or crop can be used. D-Lighting Quick retouch and D-Lighting cannot be used together. Skin softening Quick retouch, D-Lighting, Small picture or crop can be used.

  • Page 122: Editing Pictures

    Editing Pictures k Quick Retouch: Enhancing Contrast and Saturation Easily create retouched pictures in which contrast and saturation have been enhanced. Retouched copies are stored as separate files. Choose the desired picture from full-frame (A30) or thumbnail (A94) playback mode and press the d button.

  • Page 123: I D-Lighting: Enhancing Brightness And Contrast

    I D-Lighting: Enhancing Brightness and Contrast Create copies with enhanced brightness and contrast, brightening dark portions of a picture. Enhanced copies are stored as separate files. Choose the desired picture from full-frame (A30) or thumbnail (A94) playback mode and press the d button. •...

  • Page 124: Skin Softening: Making Skin Appear Smoother

    Editing Pictures e Skin Softening: Making Skin Appear Smoother Skin softening can be applied to faces that are detected in pictures already taken, to make skin appear smoother. Pictures edited with this function are stored as separate files. Choose the desired picture from full-frame (A30) or thumbnail (A94) playback mode and press the d button.
  • Page 125 Confirm the results. • Skin tones in up to 12 faces, in the order of that closest to the center of the frame, are softened. • When multiple faces are edited using skin softening, use the rotary multi selector J and K to switch the face that is displayed.

  • Page 126: Filter Effects: Digital Filter

    Editing Pictures p Filter Effects: Digital Filter Apply a variety of effects using digital filter. The following effect options are available. The image created with the filter effect is saved separately from the original picture file. Option Cross screen Fisheye Miniature effect Painting Choose the desired picture from full-frame...
  • Page 127 Check the effect, choose Save and press the k button. • A new, edited copy is created. • To cancel, select Cancel and press the k button. • Copies created by editing with filter effect can be recognized by the c icon displayed in playback mode. More Information See “File and Folder Names”...

  • Page 128: Small Picture: Decreasing Image Size

    Editing Pictures g Small Picture: Decreasing Image Size Create a small copy of the picture taken. Suitable for displaying on web pages or sending as e-mail attachments. The available size is l 640×480, m 320×240 or n 160×120. Small copies are stored as separate files with a compression ratio of 1:16.

  • Page 129: Crop: Creating A Cropped Copy

    a Crop: Creating a Cropped Copy Create a copy containing only the portion visible on the monitor when u is displayed with playback zoom (A96) enabled. Cropped copies are stored as separate files. Rotate the zoom control toward g (i) in full- frame playback mode (A30) to zoom in on the picture.

  • Page 130: Movie Recording And Playback

    Movie Recording and Playback Recording Movies High-definition movies with sound can be recorded. • The maximum movie length for a single movie is 4 GB or 29 minutes, even when there is sufficient free space on the memory card (A125). Turn on the camera and display the shooting screen.

  • Page 131: Notes On Movie Recording

    Notes on Movie Recording • When recording a movie onto a memory card, a memory card with an SD speed class of Class 6 or higher is recommended (A167). If the transfer speed of the card is slow, the movie recording may end unexpectedly.

  • Page 132: Recording Movies In Slow Motion And Fast Motion (Hs Movie)

    Recording Movies Recording Movies in Slow Motion and Fast Motion (HS Movie) HS (high speed) movies can be recorded. Movies recorded using HS movie can be played back in slow motion at 1/4 or 1/2 of normal playback speed, or played back in fast motion at a speed two times faster than normal speed.

  • Page 133: Hs Movie

    Notes on HS Movie • The sound is not recorded. • Zoom position, focus, exposure and white balance are locked when the b (e movie-record) button is pressed to start recording. HS Movie Recorded movies are played back at about 30 frames per second. When Movie options (A123) is set to h HS 120 fps (640×480) or i HS 60 fps (1280×720), movies that can be played back in slow motion can be recorded.

  • Page 134: Using The Movie Menu

    Recording Movies Using the Movie Menu The options below can be set in the movie menu. Movie options Select the desired movie option to record. Autofocus mode Choose how the camera focuses when recording movies. Displaying the Movie Menu Press the d button in the shooting mode to display the menu, use the rotary multi selector to change to the D tab and display the movie menu (A11).

  • Page 135: Movie Options

    Movie Options Display the shooting screen M d M D (Movie menu) (A122) M Movie options You can choose the type of movie to shoot. The camera can record normal speed movies and HS (high speed) movies (A120), which can be played back in slow motion or fast motion. The higher the resolution and bitrate, the higher the picture quality;...
  • Page 136 Recording Movies HS Movies See “Recording Movies in Slow Motion and Fast Motion (HS Movie)” (A120) for more information. Option h HS 120 fps (640×480) i HS 60 fps (1280×720) j HS 15 fps (1920×1080) • The movie bitrate is the volume of movie data recorded per second. As a variable bitrate (VBR) system has been adopted, the movie recording rate varies automatically according to the subject so that more data is recorded per second for movies containing frequently moving subjects, thus increasing movie file size.

  • Page 137: Autofocus Mode

    Maximum Movie Length Option d HD 1080pP (1920×1080) (default setting) e HD 1080p (1920×1080) f HD 720p (1280×720) g VGA (640×480) h HS 120 fps (640×480) i HS 60 fps (1280×720) j HS 15 fps (1920×1080) All figures are approximate. The maximum movie length varies with the make of the memory card and the bitrate of the recorded movie.

  • Page 138: Movie Playback

    See “Deleting Unnecessary Images” (A31) for more information. Note on Movie Playback Movies shot with cameras other than COOLPIX P300 cannot be played back. Description Rewind the movie while the k button is pressed down. Advance the movie while the k button is pressed down.

  • Page 139: Connecting To Televisions, Computers And Printers

    Connecting to Televisions, Computers and Printers Connecting to a TV Connect the camera to a television to play back pictures on the television. If your television is equipped with an HDMI connector, you can connect it to the camera with a commercially available HDMI cable to enjoy recorded movies in the high-definition quality.
  • Page 140 Connecting to a TV Tune the television to the video channel. • See the documentation provided with your television for details. Hold down the c button to turn on the camera. • The camera enters playback mode, and the recorded pictures are displayed on the television.

  • Page 141: Connecting To A Computer

    For more information on installing the software, refer to the Quick Start Guide. • ViewNX 2: Use the image transfer feature “Nikon Transfer 2” to save images that were captured with the camera on the computer. Saved images can be viewed and printed.

  • Page 142: Transferring Images From A Camera To A Computer

    (A134, 156). • If the AC Adapter EH-62F (A166) (available separately) is used, COOLPIX P300 can be powered from an electrical outlet. Do not use any other make or model of AC adapter as they may cause the camera to overheat or malfunction.
  • Page 143 Double-click Import File on the Devices and Printers K P300 screen. • Windows Vista When the AutoPlay dialog is displayed, click Import File using Nikon Transfer 2. • Windows XP When the action selection dialog is displayed, select Nikon Transfer 2 Import File, and click OK.

  • Page 144: Disconnecting The Camera

    Connecting to a Computer When transfer is complete, the ViewNX 2 screen is displayed (ViewNX 2 default setting) and transferred images are displayed. For more information on using ViewNX 2, refer to the ViewNX 2 help information (A133). Disconnecting the Camera Do not turn off the camera or disconnect the camera from the computer during transfer.
  • Page 145 ViewNX 2. Starting Nikon Transfer 2 Manually To start Nikon Transfer 2, first start ViewNX 2, and then click the Transfer icon at the top of the screen or select Launch Transfer from the File menu. For More Information on Using ViewNX 2 and Nikon Transfer 2 For more information on ViewNX 2 or Nikon Transfer 2, start ViewNX 2 or Nikon Transfer 2 and select ViewNX 2 Help from the Help menu.

  • Page 146: Charging While Connecting To A Computer

    • When the camera is connected to a computer, an application installed on the computer, such as Nikon Transfer 2, may start. If the camera was connected to the computer for the sole purpose of charging the battery, exit the application.

  • Page 147: Connecting To A Printer

    • When connecting the camera to a printer, use a fully charged battery to prevent the camera from turning off unexpectedly. • If the AC Adapter EH-62F (available separately) (A166) is used, COOLPIX P300 can be powered from an electrical outlet. Do not use any other make or model of AC adapters as they may cause the camera to heat up or malfunction.

  • Page 148: Connecting The Camera And Printer

    Connecting to a Printer Connecting the Camera and Printer Turn off the camera. Turn on the printer. • Check the printer settings. Connect the camera to the printer using the supplied USB cable. • Be sure that connectors are properly oriented. Do not attempt to insert connectors at an angle, and do not use force when connecting or disconnecting the USB cable.

  • Page 149: Printing Pictures One At A Time

    Printing Pictures One at a Time After connecting the camera to the printer correctly (A136), print pictures by following the procedure below. Use the rotary multi selector to choose the picture to be printed and press the k button. • Rotate the zoom control to f (h) to display 12 thumbnails, or to g (i) to switch back to full-frame playback.

  • Page 150: Printing Multiple Pictures

    Connecting to a Printer Choose Start print and press the k button. Printing starts. • The monitor display returns to that shown in step 1 when printing is complete. • To cancel before all copies have been printed, press the k button.
  • Page 151 Choose Print selection, Print all images or DPOF printing and press the k button. Print selection Choose the pictures (up to a maximum of 99) and number of copies (up to nine per picture). • Rotate the rotary multi selector, or press J or K to choose the pictures, and press H or I to set the number of copies for each.
  • Page 152 Connecting to a Printer DPOF printing Pictures for which a print order was created in the Print order option (A99) can be printed. • When the menu shown on the right is displayed, choose Start print and press the k button to start printing.

  • Page 153: Basic Camera Setup

    Basic Camera Setup Setup Menu The setup menu contains the following options. Welcome screen Choose whether or not to display the Welcome screen on the monitor when the camera is turned on. Time zone and date Set camera clock and choose home and destination time zones. Monitor settings Adjust photo information display and monitor brightness settings.

  • Page 154: Displaying The Setup Menu

    Setup Menu Displaying the Setup Menu Choose the z (Setup) tab in the menu screen. Press the d button to display the menu screen. Press J on the rotary multi selector. • The tabs can now be selected. • See “Rotary Multi Selector” (A10). Press H or I to select the z tab.

  • Page 155: Welcome Screen

    Welcome Screen Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Welcome screen Choose whether or not to display the Welcome screen on the monitor when the camera is turned on. None (default setting) Displays the shooting or playback screen without displaying the Welcome screen. COOLPIX Displays the Welcome screen before displaying the shooting or playback screen.

  • Page 156: Time Zone And Date

    Setup Menu Time Zone and Date Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Time zone and date Set the camera’s internal clock. Date and time Set the camera clock to the current date and time. Use the rotary multi selector to set the date and time in the date screen. •...

  • Page 157: Time Zone

    Press K. • The time zone selection screen is displayed. Press J or K to choose the travel destination (Time zone). • The time difference between home and the travel destination is displayed. • When using the camera in an area where daylight saving time is in effect, turn on the daylight saving setting with H.

  • Page 158: Time Zones

    Setup Menu Time Zones The camera supports the time zones listed below. For time differences not listed below, set the camera clock using Date and time. UTC +/- Midway, Samoa Hawaii, Tahiti Alaska, Anchorage PST (PDT): Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver MST (MDT): Denver, Phoenix CST (CDT): Chicago, Houston, Mexico City...

  • Page 159: Monitor Settings

    Monitor Settings Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Monitor settings Change the settings for the options below. Photo info Choose information displayed on the monitor during shooting and playback mode (A148). Brightness Choose from five settings to select the monitor brightness. The default setting is 3. Setup Menu...

  • Page 160: Photo Info

    Setup Menu Photo info Select whether or not the photo information is displayed on the monitor. See “Monitor” (A 6) for information on indicators displayed on the monitor. Show info Auto info The same information as in Show info is displayed. If no operations are (default performed after a few seconds, the display will be the same as Hide info.

  • Page 161: Print Date

    Print Date Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Print date The shooting date and time can be imprinted on pictures at the time of shooting. This information can be printed even from printers that do not support printing of the date and time (A100).

  • Page 162: Vibration Reduction

    Setup Menu Vibration Reduction Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Vibration reduction Set the vibration reduction function for taking still pictures and movies. Use to correct blur, which is caused by the slight hand movements known as camera shake that commonly occur when shooting at the telephoto zoom position or at slow shutter speeds.

  • Page 163: Motion Detection

    Motion Detection Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Motion detection Enable motion detection to reduce the effects of subject movement and camera shake when shooting still pictures. Auto (default setting) When the camera detects the movement of the subject or camera shake, the ISO sensitivity is raised and the shutter speed is increased to reduce their effects.

  • Page 164: Af Assist

    Setup Menu AF Assist Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M AF assist Enable or disable the AF-assist illuminator that assists the autofocus when the lighting is dim. Auto (default setting) AF-assist illuminator turns on automatically when the subject is dimly lit. The illuminator has a range of about 4.0 m (13 ft.) at the maximum wide-angle position and about 1.5 m (4 ft.

  • Page 165: Sound Settings

    Sound Settings Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Sound settings Adjust the following sound settings. Button sound Turn the beep and start-up sounds On (default setting) or Off. The beep sounds once when the settings are completed successfully, twice when the camera focuses on the subject, and three times when an error is detected.

  • Page 166: Format Memory/Format Card

    Setup Menu Format Memory/Format Card Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Format memory/Format card Format the internal memory or a memory card. Formatting permanently deletes all data in the internal memory or memory card. The deleted data cannot be recovered. Be sure to transfer important pictures to a computer before formatting.

  • Page 167: Language

    Language Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Language Choose one of 26 languages for displaying the camera menus and messages. Czech Danish German (default setting) Spanish Greek French Indonesian Italian TV Settings Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M TV settings Adjust the settings for connecting to a TV.

  • Page 168: Charge By Computer

    Setup Menu Charge by Computer Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Charge by computer Choose whether or not the battery inserted into the camera is charged when the camera is connected to a computer via the USB cable (A134). Auto (default setting) When the camera is connected to a computer that is running, the battery inserted into the camera is automatically charged using power supplied by the computer.

  • Page 169: Blink Warning

    Blink Warning Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Blink warning Choose whether or not blinking eyes are detected when using face priority (A85) in the following shooting modes. • In the following scene modes: Scene auto selector (A42), Portrait (A46) and Tripod in Night portrait (A49) •...
  • Page 170 Setup Menu Operating the Did someone blink? Screen The following operations can be performed when the Did someone blink? screen is displayed. If no operations are performed for a few seconds, the screen automatically returns to the shooting screen. Zoom in to the face for which blinking was detected Return to full-frame...

  • Page 171: Reset All

    Reset All Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Reset all When Reset is selected, the camera settings are restored to the default values. Pop-up Menu Option Flash mode (A32) Self-timer (A35)/Smile timer (A36) Macro mode (A38) Creative slider adjustment (A69) Exposure compensation (A39) Shooting in the Scene Mode...
  • Page 172 Setup Menu Shooting Menu Option Image mode (A74) White balance (A76) Metering (A78) Continuous (A79) ISO sensitivity (A81) Exposure bracketing (A82) AF area mode (A83) Autofocus mode (A89) Flash exp. comp. (A89) Movie Menu Option Movie options (A123) Autofocus mode (A125) Setup Menu Option Welcome screen (A143)

  • Page 173: Firmware Version

    Setup menu: Time zone and date (A144), Language (A155) and Video mode (A155) in TV settings Firmware Version Press the d button M z (Setup menu) (A142) M Firmware version Displays the current camera firmware version. Setup Menu Default value Default COOLPIX P300 Ver.X.X Back...

  • Page 174: Caring For The Camera

    Caring for the Camera Caring for the Camera To ensure continued enjoyment of this Nikon product, observe the following precautions when using or storing the device. Keep dry The device will be damaged if immersed in water or subjected to high humidity.

  • Page 175: The Battery

    • Charge the battery in an indoor environment that is between 5 and 35 °C (41 to 95 °F). • When charging the battery by connecting the COOLPIX P300 to the Charging AC Adapter EH-69P or to a computer, the chargeable capacity may decrease when the battery temperature is between 45 to 60 °C (113 to 140 °F).

  • Page 176: Cleaning

    Caring for the Camera Cleaning Avoid touching glass parts with your fingers. Remove dust or lint with a blower (typically a small device with a rubber bulb attached to one end that is pumped to produce a stream of air out the other end). To remove Lens fingerprints or other stains that cannot be removed with a blower, wipe the lens with a soft cloth, using a spiral motion that starts at the center of the...

  • Page 177: Storage

    • Images on the monitor may be difficult to see under bright lighting. • The monitor is lit by an LED backlight. Should the monitor begin to dim or flicker, contact your Nikon-authorized service representative. Caring for the Camera...

  • Page 178: Technical Notes And Index

    Technical Notes and Index Optional Accessories Rechargeable Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12 battery Charging AC Charging AC Adapter EH-69P adapter Battery charger Battery Charger MH-65 AC Adapter EH-62F (connect as shown) AC adapter Be sure that the power connector cord has been properly aligned in power connector and battery chamber grooves before closing the battery-chamber/memory card slot cover.

  • Page 179: Approved Memory Cards

    Approved Memory Cards The following Secure Digital (SD) memory cards have been tested and approved for use in this camera. • When recording a movie onto a memory card, a memory card with an SD speed class of Class 6 or higher is recommended. If the transfer speed of the card is slow, the movie recording may end unexpectedly.

  • Page 180: File And Folder Names

    • A folder for storing files is automatically created using the following naming convention: “Folder number + NIKON” (e.g., “100NIKON”). If there are 200 files in a folder, a new folder is created. (For example, the folder name following “100NIKON”...
  • Page 181 • When image files or voice files are copied between the internal memory and a memory card (A107), the file naming conventions are as follows: - Files copied using Selected images are copied to the current folder (or to the folder used for subsequent pictures), where they are assigned file numbers in ascending order following the largest file number in memory.

  • Page 182: Error Messages

    Error Messages The following table lists the error messages and other warnings displayed on the monitor, as well as the solutions for dealing with them. Display (blinks) Battery exhausted. Battery temperature high The camera will turn off to prevent overheating. Q (blinks red) Please wait for the camera to finish...
  • Page 183 Display Description Card is not formatted. Memory card has not Format card? been formatted for use in this camera. Memory card is full. Out of memory. Error occurred while recording picture. Camera has run out of file numbers. Picture cannot be Image cannot be saved.
  • Page 184 File cannot be viewed on this camera. File not created with View file using the computer or any COOLPIX P300. other device which was used to create or edit this file. The picture cannot be played back in a slide show.
  • Page 185 Turn camera off and then on again. If error persists, contact retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative. Turn off camera and reconnect USB cable. Turn off camera , remove and reinsert battery, and turn on camera.
  • Page 186 Error Messages Display Printer error: check ink Printer error: out of ink Printer error: file corrupt * See the documentation provided with your printer for further guidance and information. Description Check ink, select Resume and press Ink error the k button to resume printing. Replace ink cartridge, select Resume and press the k button to resume Ink cartridge is empty.

  • Page 187: 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. Refer to the page numbers in the right-most column for more information. Display, Settings and Power Supply...
  • Page 188 Data already recorded is not affected. In the event of continued malfunction, contact your retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative. Cause/Solution 20, 144...
  • Page 189 Shooting Problem Cannot set to Disconnect the HDMI cable or USB cable. shooting mode • When camera is in playback mode, press the c or shutter-release button. No picture taken • When menus are displayed, press the d button. when shutter- •...
  • Page 190 Troubleshooting Problem • Off is selected for Digital zoom in the setup menu. • The digital zoom cannot be used in the following situations. - When Smile timer is set - When the scene mode is Scene auto selector, Digital zoom is not available.
  • Page 191 File cannot be make or model of camera. played back. • Movies recorded with cameras other than COOLPIX P300 cannot be played back. • Playback zoom cannot be used with movies, small pictures, or cropped copies of size 320 × 240 pixels or Cannot zoom in on smaller.
  • Page 192 • Confirm that the operating system used is compatible connected to a with the camera. computer. • Computer is not set to launch Nikon Transfer 2 automatically. For more information on Nikon Transfer 2, refer to help information contained in ViewNX 2. The PictBridge...

  • Page 193: Specifications

    Specifications Nikon COOLPIX P300 Digital Camera Type Compact digital camera Effective pixels 12.2 million Image sensor 1/2.3-in. type CMOS; approx. 12.75 million total pixels Lens 4.2× optical zoom, NIKKOR lens 4.3-17.9mm (angle of view equivalent to that of 24-100 mm...
  • Page 194 Specifications ISO sensitivity (Standard output sensitivity) Exposure Metering Exposure control Shutter Speed Aperture Range Self-timer Built-in flash Range (approx.) (ISO sensitivity: Auto) Flash control Interface Data transfer protocol Video output HDMI output I/O terminal • ISO 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 •...
  • Page 195 Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Supported languages Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian • One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12 (supplied) Power sources • AC Adapter EH-62F (available separately) Approx.

  • Page 196: Supported Standards

    (W × H × D) Weight Specifications • Nikon will not be held liable for any errors this manual may contain. • The appearance of this product and its specifications are subject to change without notice. Supported Standards • DCF: Design Rule for Camera File System is a standard widely used in the digital camera industry to ensure compatibility among different makes of camera.

  • Page 197: Index

    Index Symbols R 61 C Aperture-priority auto mode 62, 66 k (apply selection) button 10 A Auto mode 24 o Backlighting mode 45 l Delete button 31, 106, 126 o Exposure compensation 39, 69 X Flash mode 32 K Flash pop-up control 33 p Macro mode 38 D Manual mode 62, 67 d Menu button 11...
  • Page 198 Movie playback 126 Movie recording 118 Multi-shot 16 79 Museum l 54 Night landscape j 44 Night portrait e 49 Nikon Transfer 2 129 Number of exposures remaining 24, 75 Off 32 Optical zoom 27 Optional accessories 166 Panorama assist 55, 60...
  • Page 199 Print date 21, 100, 149 Print order 99 Printer 135 Programmed auto mode 64 Protect 102 Quick retouch 110 Rechargeable battery 166 Recording slow motion movies 120 Red-eye reduction 32 Reset all 159 Rotary multi selector 10 Rotate image 104 RSCN 168 Scene auto selector x 42 Scene mode 41...
  • Page 200 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. FX1A03(11) © 2011 Nikon Corporation 6MM04611-03...

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