• ImageLink and the ImageLink print system logo are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company. • D-Lighting technology is provided by o Apical Limited. • 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.
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Introduction First Steps Basic Photography and Playback: Auto Mode Shooting Suited for the Scene - High-sensitivity Shooting Mode, Scene Mode One-Touch Portrait Mode More on Playback Movies Voice Recordings Connecting to Televisions, Computers, and Printers Shooting, Playback, and Setup Menus Technical Notes...
Introduction 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 prod- uct will read them.
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Should the insulation be damaged and the wires become exposed, take it to a Nikon-authorized service rep- resentative for inspection. Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or electric...
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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 compli- ance with product regulations. Handle moving parts with care...
Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Interface Cables Use the interface cables sold or pro- vided by Nikon for your equipment. Using other interface cables may harmful exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.
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Notices Notice for customers in Canada CAUTION This Class B digital apparatus com- plies with Canadian ICES-003. ATTENTION Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Symbol for Separate Collec- tion in European Countries This symbol indicates that this product is to be col- lected separately.
Table of Contents Introduction ...ii For Your Safety...ii WARNINGS ... ii Notices... v About This Manual...1 Information and Precautions...2 Parts of the Camera...4 Attaching the Camera Strap ...4 The Monitor...6 Shooting ...6 Playback...7 Basic Operations ...8 The i (shooting/playback) Button ...8 The C (mode) Button ...8 The Rotary Multi Selector ...9 The m Button ...10...
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Table of Contents K n Shooting Suited for the Scene - High-sensitivity Shooting Mode, Scene Mode ...33 High-sensitivity Shooting Mode ...33 Scene Modes ...34 Features ...35 A One-Touch Portrait Mode...42 Taking Pictures in the One-Touch Portrait Mode...42 The One-Touch Portrait Menu...43 i More on Playback...44 Viewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail Playback ...44 Viewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail Wheel Playback ...
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Connecting to Televisions, Computers, and Printers ...72 Connecting to a TV...72 Connecting to a Computer ...73 Before Connecting the Camera ...73 Transferring Pictures from the Camera to a Computer...74 Connecting to a Printer...77 Connecting the Camera and Printer ...78 Printing Pictures One at a Time...79 Printing Multiple Pictures...80 Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set ...83 Connecting to a ImageLink-compatible Printer ...85...
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Table of Contents Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu...102 Displaying the Setup Menu...103 R Menus...103 V Welcome Screen ...104 W Date...105 Z Monitor Settings...108 f Date Imprint...109 b Vibration Reduction...111 u AF Assist ...111 h Sound Settings...112 I Record Orientation ...112 i Auto Off ...112 M Format Memory/O Format Card ...113 j Language ...114...
About This Manual Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon COOLPIX S51 digital camera. This manual was 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.
Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking the cam- era 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.
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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 gov- ernment bonds, even if such copies or reproductions are stamped “Sample”.
Parts of the Camera Power switch (c 20) Power-on lamp (c 20, 112) Shutter-release button (c 24) Eyelet for camera strap Attaching the Camera Strap Built-in microphone (c 51, 61, 67) Built-in flash (c 28) A (one-touch portrait) button (c 42)/ (D-Lighting) button (c 48) Lens (c 120, 132)
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Rotary multi selector: c 9 H (self-timer): c 30 F (macro mode): c 31 C (mode) button (c 8) Speaker (c 51, 66, 69) Monitor (c 6) m button (c 10, 87, 96) Tripod socket Multi connector (c 72, 74, 78) J (flash mode): c 28 I (exposure compensation): c 32 d (apply selection) button: c 9...
The Monitor The following indicators may appear in the monitor during shooting and playback (actual display varies with current camera settings). Shooting f g h i j l f g h i j l f g h i j l cdehi Shooting mode* ...
Playback I J K I J K I J K Date of recording ... 16 Time of recording... 16 Internal memory indicator ... 26 Battery level indicator ... 20 File number and type... 118 Calendar guide/ list by date guide... 52, 53 Volume indicator...
Basic Operations The i (shooting/playback) Button The C (mode) Button Shooting-mode Selection Menu Setup mode (c 102) Movie mode (c 61) Playback-mode Selection Menu Setup mode (c 102) Audio playback mode (c 69) Press i once in shooting mode to enter full-frame playback;...
The Rotary Multi Selector The rotary multi selector is made up of the rotating ring and the d button. When selecting menus or pictures, you can either press the rotating ring up, down, left, or right, or rotate it. When choosing from numerous menu items or pictures, rotating the ring is recommended for easy scrolling and faster operation.
Basic Operations The m Button Press m to display the menu for the selected mode. Use the rotary multi selector to navigate the menus (c 9). • L Shooting menu (c 86) • K High-sensitivity menu (c 86) • n Scene menu (c 34) •...
Basic Operations Help Displays Press v (l) to view a description of the currently selected menu option. Image mode Set image quality and size. Exit Back • To return to the original menu, press v (l) again. • Press m to return to shooting or playback mode.
First Steps Charging the Battery The camera uses a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL8 (supplied). Charge the battery with the or when the battery is running low. Connect the power cable Connect the power cable to the battery charger 1 and insert the wall plug into a power outlet 2.
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• To power the camera continuously for extended periods, use an AC Adapter EH-64 (avail- able separately from Nikon) (c 117). Do not, under any circumstances, use another make or model of AC adapter. Failure to observe this precaution could result in over- heating or in damage to the camera.
Inserting the Battery Insert a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL8 (supplied) that has been fully charged, using the Battery Charger MH-62 (supplied), into your camera. Open the battery-chamber/memory card slot cover. Insert the battery. Confirm that the positive (+) and negative (-) termi- nals are oriented correctly as described on the label at the entrance of the battery chamber, and insert the battery.
Removing the Battery Turn the camera off before removing the battery. To eject the battery, open the battery-chamber/ memory card slot cover and slide the battery latch in the direction shown 1. The battery can then be removed by hand 2. •...
Setting Display Language, Date, and Time A language-selection dialog is displayed the first time the camera is turned Press the power switch to turn on the camera. The power-on lamp will light and the monitor will turn on. Use the rotary multi selector to choose the desired language and press d.
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Select your home time zone (c 107) and press d. The date menu is displayed. Edit the day ([D]) (order of the day, month, and year may differ in some areas) and press d. Edit the month ([M]) and press d. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to edit the year ([Y]), hour, and minutes.
Inserting Memory Cards Pictures are stored in the camera’s internal memory (approx.13 MB) or on removable Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (available separately) (c 117). If a memory card is inserted in the camera, pictures are automatically stored on the memory card and pictures recorded to the memory card can be played back, deleted, or transferred.
• Do not turn the camera off or open the battery-chamber/memory card slot cover until formatting is complete. • The first time you insert the memory cards used in other devices into the COOLPIX S51, be sure to format them (c 113).
Basic Photography and Playback: Auto Mode Step 1 Turn the Camera On and Select L (Auto) Mode This section describes how to take pictures in L (auto) mode, an automatic, “point-and-shoot” mode recommended for first-time users of digital cam- eras. Press the power switch to turn on the camera.
Step 1 Turn the Camera On and Select L (Auto) Mode Indicators Displayed in L (Auto) Mode Shooting mode M displayed in L (auto) mode Image mode Choose from seven image-mode options depending on how you plan to use the picture. The default set- ting is c Normal (3,264 ×...
Step 2 Frame a Picture Ready the camera. Hold the camera steadily in both hands, keeping your fingers and other objects away from the lens, flash, and self-timer lamp. Frame the picture. Position the main subject near the center of the mon- itor.
Digital Zoom Unlike optical zoom, data from the camera’s image sensor are processed digitally with digital zoom. Details visible at maximum optical zoom are simply enlarged, producing a slightly “grainy” image. High-sensitivity Shooting Mode In high-sensitivity shooting mode (c 33), sensitivity is increased to reduce blurring caused by camera shake or subject movement under low lighting.
Step 3 Focus and Shoot Press the shutter-release button halfway. By default, the camera automatically focuses on the subject in the center focus area. When the subject is in focus, the focus area and focus indicator (p) glow green and exposure is set. When the camera is unable to focus, the focus area and focus indicator blink red.
During Recording While pictures are being recorded, the y (wait) icon will be displayed, and the M (internal memory) or O (memory card) icon will blink. Do not turn the camera off, open the battery- chamber/memory card slot cover, or remove or disconnect the power source while these icons are displayed.
Step 4 Viewing and Deleting Pictures Full-Frame Playback Press i. The last picture taken will be displayed. Use the rotary multi selector G, H, I, or J to view additional pictures. Pictures taken in “tall” orientation will be rotated auto- matically (c 112).
Full-Frame Playback Mode The following options are available in full-frame playback mode. Option Playback zoom View thumbnails Display thumbnail wheel D-Lighting Record/play voice memo Switch to shooting mode Quick Playback Zoom Pressing v (k) during full-frame playback zooms the current picture in 3×, with the center of the picture displayed in the monitor (Quick Playback Zoom) (c 46).
Using the Flash The flash has a range of about 0.3–6 m (1–19 ft. 8.0 in.) when the camera is zoomed out all the way. With maximum optical zoom applied, the range is about 0.3–4 m (1–13 ft. 1.5 in.) (when [ISO sensitivity] is set to [Auto]). The following flash modes are available.
Red-Eye Reduction The COOLPIX S51 is equipped with an advanced red-eye reduction system. Pre-flashes are fired several times at low intensity before the main flash to reduce “red-eye.” If the camera detects “red-eye”...
Taking Pictures with the Self-Timer The camera is equipped with a ten-second and three-second timer for self- portraits. When using the self-timer, use of a tripod is recommended. Turn vibration reduction (c 111) off when using a tripod. Press H (self-timer). The self-timer menu is displayed.
Macro (Close-up) Mode Macro mode is used for taking pictures of objects as close as 4 cm (1.6 in.). Note that the flash may be unable to light entire subject at distances of less than 30 cm (11.8 in.). Press L (macro mode). The macro mode menu is displayed.
Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera to make pictures brighter or darker. Press the rotary multi selector I (expo- sure compensation). Use the rotary multi selector to adjust exposure. • When the picture is too dark: adjust the exposure compensation to “+”...
Shooting Suited for the Scene - High-sensitivity Shooting Mode, Scene Mode High-sensitivity Shooting Mode In high-sensitivity shooting mode, sensitivity is increased with shooting under low lighting to reduce blurring caused by camera shake or subject move- ment, allowing you to capture the atmosphere of the scene. ISO sensitivity will be automatically increased to a maximum of 1600 depending upon the brightness of the subject.
Scene Modes The camera offers a choice of 15 “scene” options. Camera settings are auto- matically optimized for the selected subject type. B Portrait E Landscape P Sports D Night portrait C Party/indoor Enter scene mode by pressing C in shooting mode, select- ing n (use the rotary multi selector), and then pressing d.
Features B Portrait Use this mode for portraits in which the main subject stands out clearly. Portrait subjects exhibit smooth, natu- ral-looking skin tones. • Camera focuses on subject in center of frame. • Digital zoom cannot be applied. Off* * Other settings can be selected.
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Scene Modes D Night Portrait Use this mode to achieve a natural balance between the main subject and background lighting in portraits taken at night. • Camera focuses on subject in center of frame. • Digital zoom cannot be applied. Fill flash with slow sync and red-eye reduction.
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I Sunset Preserves the deep hues seen in sunsets and sunrises. • Camera focuses at infinity. When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the focus indicator (c 24) always lights; however, focus may not be set for near subjects, while the camera focuses at infinity. Off* * Other settings can be selected.
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Scene Modes M Close up Photograph flowers, insects, and other small objects at close range. • The camera enters macro mode (c 31) and the camera automatically zooms to the position at the closest dis- tance at which the camera can focus. The camera can focus at distances as close as 4 cm (1.6 in.) when F is green.
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K Fireworks show Slow shutter speeds are used to capture the expanding burst of light from a firework. • Camera focuses at infinity. When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the focus indicator (c 24) always lights; however, focus may not be set for near subjects, while the camera focuses at infinity.
Scene Modes F Panorama assist Use when taking a series of pictures that will later be joined to form a single pan- orama using Panorama Maker. * Other settings can be selected. Taking Pictures for a Panorama The camera focuses on the subject in the center of the frame. Use a tripod for best results.
Take the second picture. Compose the next picture so that it over- laps the first picture. Repeat until you have taken the necessary number of pictures to complete the scene. Press d when shooting is completed. The camera returns to step 2. Panorama Assist Flash mode (c 28), self-timer (c 30), macro mode (c 31), and exposure compensation (c 32) settings cannot be adjusted after the first picture is taken.
One-Touch Portrait Mode Taking Pictures in the One-Touch Portrait Mode For portrait shots, press A when the camera is in L (auto) mode, high- sensitivity shooting mode, scene mode, and movie mode. The following features are automatically activated: • Portrait: The portrait subject stands out clearly. •...
The One-Touch Portrait Menu Press m in one-touch portrait mode to display the one-touch portrait menu. In addition to image mode, portrait effects (reducing vividness of skin tones, softening overall image) can be set. Image mode Choose an image size and quality (c 87). Portrait effect Choose from [Normal], [Brighter] (reduces vividness of skin tones), and [Softer] (soft effect).
More on Playback Viewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail Playback Press t (j) in full-frame playback (c 26) to dis- play pictures in “contact sheets” of thumbnail images. The following operations can be performed while thumbnails are displayed. Choose pictures Change number of pictures dis- played Cancel thumb-...
Viewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail Wheel Playback Rotate the rotary multi selector in full-frame play- back (c 26) to display the thumbnail wheel. The thumbnail wheel is displayed at the right of the monitor. When a thumbnail is selected, the thumb- nail is displayed at the left of the monitor.
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom Pressing v (k) during full-frame playback (c 26) zooms the current picture in 3×, with the center of the picture displayed in the monitor (Quick Playback Zoom). The guide at lower right shows which portion of the picture is enlarged.
• The COOLPIX S51 editing functions may not be available for pictures taken with non- COOLPIX S51 digital cameras. • If a copy created using the COOLPIX S51 is viewed on a different digital camera, the picture may not be displayed or may not be transferred to a computer.
Editing Pictures Enhancing Brightness and Contrast: D-Lighting D-Lighting can be used to create copies with enhanced brightness and con- trast, brightening dark portions of a picture. Enhanced copies are stored as separate files. Select the desired picture from full- frame (c 26), thumbnail (c 44), or thumbnail wheel (c 45) playback and press A.
Creating a Cropped Copy: Crop This function is only available when D is displayed in the monitor with playback zoom (c 46) enabled. Cropped copies are stored as separate files. Press v (k) to zoom in on the image. Refine copy composition. Press v or t to adjust the zoom ratio.
Editing Pictures H Resizing Pictures: Small Picture Create a small copy of the current picture. Small copies are stored as JPEG files with a compression ratio of 1:16. The following sizes are available. Option I 640×480 Suited to television playback. J 320×240 Suited to display on web pages.
• If a voice memo already exists for the current picture, it must be deleted before a new voice memo can be recorded. • The COOLPIX S51 may be not able to attach a voice memo to pictures recorded by other cameras.
Viewing Pictures by Date In calendar mode or list by date mode, pictures taken on a specified date can be displayed. When m is pressed, the calendar menu or the list by date menu is displayed, and all pictures taken on a specified date can be selected for deletion, printing, and protection.
Selecting a Date in List by Date Mode Enter list by date mode by press- ing C in playback mode, selecting L (use the rotary multi selector), and then pressing d. Dates for which pictures exist will be listed. Choose the desired date and press d. Camera lists up to 29 dates.
Viewing Pictures by Date Using Calendar Mode and List by Date Mode Select date Select month (cal- endar mode only) Switch to full- frame playback Delete picture View calendar or list by date menu View playback mode menu Switch to shoot- ing mode Notes on Calendar Mode and List by Date Mode •...
Calendar and List by Date Menus Press m in either mode to display the following menus for only the pic- tures taken on the specified date. Print set Slide show Delete Protect Rotate image* Small picture* * During full-frame playback only The procedure for selecting pictures in calendar or date list playback differs from that in full-frame playback as follows: •...
Pictmotion by muvee Pictmotion* creates slide show movies with custom transitions and back- ground music. It is only available when a memory card is inserted in the camera. * Pictmotion is powered by muvee Technologies. Creating a Pictmotion Movie This section describes the easiest way to create a Pictmotion movie. Enter Pictmotion mode by press- ing C in playback mode, selecting P (use the rotary...
Creating a Custom Pictmotion Movie Use the rotary multi selector to choose [View images] in the picture selection screen (c 56, step 3) and press d. The check box is selected (y). Choose [All images] or [List by date] and press d. [All images]: Proceed to step 4 [List by date]: Proceed to step 3 Select a date.
(c 99). Nikon Transfer (Windows only) When the Windows version of the supplied Nikon Transfer software (c 73) is used to trans- fer pictures stored on the memory card to a computer, Pictmotion movies created with the camera can be transferred to the computer and converted to movie files.
2 Effects Rotate the rotary multi selector to display [Effects] and press the rotary multi selector J. Choose from [Motion] [Moody], [Pro-slow], [Pro-fast], and [Classic]. • Press v (k) to preview selected style on the left side of the monitor. 3 Playback Order Rotate the rotary multi selector to display [Play- back order], and press the rotary multi selector...
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Choose [End] and press d. Monitor returns to that shown in step 2. To resume playback, choose [Restart] and press d. Pictmotion Playback The COOLPIX S51 cannot play Pictmotion movies created with another make of camera. Pictmotion by muvee Play Pictmotion...
Movies Recording Movies To shoot movies with sound recorded via the built-in microphone, select shooting mode and follow the steps below. Enter movie mode by pressing C in shooting mode, select- ing S (use the rotary multi selector), and then pressing d. Exposure count display shows maximum total length of movie that can be recorded.
The Movie Menu Press m in movie mode to display the movie menu. Movie options Choose type of movie that will be recorded. Auto-focus mode Choose how camera focuses in movie mode. c 63 c 65...
Selecting Movie Options The movie menu offers the options shown below. Option Image size and frame rate Image size: 640 × 480 pixels Frame rate: 30 frames per second TV movie 640A Recording automatically stops after 60 seconds. Suited for Pictmotion movies (c 56).
The Movie Menu Stop-Motion Movies Use the rotary multi selector to choose [Movie options] > [Stop-motion movie] and press d. Choose [Playback speed] and press d. Press m. The camera returns to shooting mode. Press the shutter-release button to record the first frame. The recorded picture will be superimposed on the view through the lens.
Auto-Focus Mode Choose how the camera focuses in movie mode. Option Z Single AF Camera focuses when shutter-release button is pressed half- (default setting) way and locks at this position during shooting. Camera focuses continuously until focus is acquired and locked.
Movie Playback In full-frame playback (c 26), movies are recog- nized by movie mode icons. To play a movie, display it in full-frame playback and press d. The movie mode icon varies depending upon a movie option (c 63) selected in shooting mode. Use the zoom buttons to adjust playback volume.
Voice Recordings Making Voice Recordings Audio voice recordings can be recorded over the built-in microphone and played back over the built-in speaker. Enter voice recording mode by pressing C in shooting mode, selecting (use the rotary multi selector), and then pressing d. The length of recording that can be made will be dis- played.
Making Voice Recordings Operations During Recording The following operations are available during recording. If the monitor has turned off, press i to reactivate. Press Pause/resume recording Create index End recording Sound Quality Press m in voice recording mode to display the following sound quality options.
Playing Voice Recordings Enter audio playback mode by pressing C in playback mode, selecting q (use the rotary multi selector), and then press- ing d. Choose the desired file and press d. The selected file will be played back. Control icons File number Playback time Progress indicator...
Playing Voice Recordings Operations During Playback Use the zoom buttons to adjust playback volume. Press t (j) to lower vol- ume, or v (k) to raise volume. Rotate the rotary multi selector to advance or rewind the voice recording. Playback controls appear at the top of the monitor. Press the rotary multi selector I or J to choose a control, then press d to perform the selected operation.
Choose [Yes] and press d. Copying starts. Voice Recordings The COOLPIX S51 may be unable to play or copy sound files created with another make of camera. [No sound file.] Message If there are no sound files stored on the memory card when q is selected (c 69, step1), the message, [No sound file.], will be displayed.
Connecting to Televisions, Computers, and Printers Connecting to a TV Connect the camera to a television using the supplied audio video/USB cable to play back pictures on the television. Turn off the camera. Connect the camera to the TV using the supplied audio video/ USB cable.
(c 75). Macintosh Mac OS X (version 10.3.9, 10.4.9) Refer to the Nikon website for the latest information on operating system compatibility. Note on Power Source When connecting the camera to a computer, use a fully charged battery to prevent the cam-...
(Windows Vista), or [Always use this program for this action.] (Windows XP). Nikon Transfer will start. Mac OS X Nikon Transfer will start automatically if [Yes] was selected in the Auto-Launch set- ting dialog when Nikon Transfer was first installed. Connecting the Audio Video/USB Cable When connecting the audio video/USB cable, be sure that the connectors are oriented cor- rectly.
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Transfer pictures when Nikon Transfer has finished loading. Click [Start Transfer] in Nikon Transfer. At the default setting, all pictures are trans- ferred to the computer. At the Nikon Transfer default setting, the folder to which pictures are transferred is automatically opened when transfer is complete.
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Connecting to a Computer Using Standard OS Operations to Open Image/Sound Files • Navigate to the folder on the computer’s hard disk to which pictures were saved and open a picture in the viewer supplied with your operating system. • Sound files copied to the computer can be played back using QuickTime or any other WAV- compatible audio player.
Connecting to a Printer Users of PictBridge-compatible (c 135) printers can connect the camera directly to the printer and print pictures without using a computer. Print pictures one at a time (c 79) Turn camera off and disconnect audio video/USB cable Note on Power Source When connecting the camera to a printer, use a fully charged battery to prevent the camera from turning off unexpectedly.
Connecting to a Printer Connecting the Camera and Printer Turn off the camera. Turn on the printer. Check printer settings. Connect the camera to the printer using the supplied audio video/USB cable. Turn on the camera. When connected correctly, the PictBridge start-up screen 1 will be displayed in the camera monitor.
Printing Pictures One at a Time After connecting the camera to the printer correctly (c 78), print pictures by following the procedure below. Use the rotary multi selector to choose the desired picture and press d. The PictBridge menu is displayed. Press t (j) to switch to thumbnail display.
Connecting to a Printer Choose [Start print] and press d. Printing starts. Monitor display returns to that shown in step 1 when printing is complete. To cancel before all copies have been printed, press Printing Multiple Pictures After connecting the camera to the printer correctly (c 78), print pictures by following the procedure below.
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Choose the desired paper size and press To specify paper size using printer settings, choose [Default] in the paper size menu and press d. Choose [Print selection], [Print all images] or [DPOF printing] and press d. Print selection Choose the pictures and number of copies (up to nine) of each.
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Connecting to a Printer DPOF printing Print pictures for which a print order has been created in [Print set] (c 83). The menu shown at right will be displayed. To print, choose [Start print] and press d. Choose [Cancel] and press d to return to the print menu.
Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set The [Print set] option in the playback menu is used to create digital “print orders” for printing on DPOF-compatible devices (c 135). In addition to pictures themselves, shooting date and photo information (shutter speed, aperture, etc.) can also be printed. When the camera is connected to a PictBridge-compatible printer, pictures can be printed from the printer according to the DPOF print order you have created for pictures on the memory card.
Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set Choose whether or not to also print shooting date and photo information. [Date]: Print date of recording on all pictures in the print order. [Info]: Print shutter speed and aperture on all pictures in the print order.
Connecting to a ImageLink-compatible Printer See documentation provided with your printer for information on operating the printer. Attach the Dock Insert PV-12 (supplied) to the printer. Turn the camera off and attach it to the dock insert. Print pictures. Follow the procedures described in the printer manual. Removing the Dock Insert Place your thumbs where indicated, press, and lift.
Shooting, Playback, and Setup Menus Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu The shooting menu and high-sensitivity menu contain the following options. Image mode Choose image size and quality. White balance Match white balance to the light source. Continuous Take pictures one at a time or in a sequence. Use the “best shot selector”...
• To exit the shooting or high-sensitivity menu, press m. Z Image Mode Pictures taken with a digital camera are recorded as image files. The size of the files, and with it the number of images that can be recorded, depends on the size and quality of the images.
Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu Image Mode and the Number of Exposures Remaining The following table lists the number of pictures that can be stored in internal memory and on a 256 MB memory card, together with the size of still pictures. Note that the number of pic- tures that can be stored will differ depending on the composition of the picture (due to JPEG compression).
d 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.
Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu Preset Manual Preset manual is used with mixed lighting or to compensate for light sources with a strong color cast (for example, to make pictures taken under a lamp with a red shade look as though they had been taken under white light). Place a white or gray reference object under the lighting that will be used during shooting.
q Continuous Capture a fleeting expression on a portrait subject, photograph a subject that is moving unpredictably, or capture motion in a series of pictures. Focus, exposure, and white balance are fixed at the values for the first picture in each series.
Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu A Best Shot Selector (BSS) The “best shot selector” is convenient for shooting in situations where inad- vertent camera movement can result in blurred pictures. At [On] setting, the flash automatically turns off and focus, exposure, and white balance for all pictures are determined by the first picture in each series.
W ISO Sensitivity Sensitivity is a measure of how quickly the camera reacts to light. The higher the sensitivity, the less light needed to make an exposure. Although a high ISO rating is suited for taking pictures of subjects in action or in poor lighting, high sensitivity is often associated with “noise”...
Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu k AF Area Mode Use this option to determine where the camera focuses. Auto Camera automatically selects the focus area (one of five) containing the subject closest to the cam- era. The selected focus area is displayed when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
Restrictions on Camera Settings Restrictions apply to the following settings in L (auto) mode. Flash mode Flash turns off at [Continuous] settings of [Continuous] or [Multi-shot 16], or when [BSS] is on. Applied setting is restored when [Single] is selected, or [BSS] is turned off.
Playback Options: The Playback Menu The playback menu contains the following options. Print set Select pictures to print and the number of copies for each. Slide show View pictures stored in the internal memory or on a memory card in an automatic slide show.
Selecting Multiple Pictures When following the steps below to select multiple pictures for a print set (c 83), deletion (c 99), protection from deletion (c 99), rotate (c 100), copying between internal memory and the memory card (c 100), or for the welcome screen (c 104), the screen shown at right is displayed.
Playback Options: The Playback Menu z Slide Show Play back pictures stored in the internal memory or on a memory card in an automated “slide show”. Display the slide show menu; use the rotary multi selector to choose [Start] and press d. To change the interval between pictures, choose [Frame intvl], select the desired interval time, and press d before choosing [Start].
A Delete The delete menu contains the options shown below. If no memory card is inserted in the camera, pictures in the internal memory will be deleted. If a memory card is inserted, pictures on the memory card will be deleted. Erase selected images Delete selected pictures (c 97).
Playback Options: The Playback Menu G Rotate Image Record picture orientation information for playback display. Pictures can be rotated 90° clockwise or counterclockwise. Choose a file to be rotated in the picture selection screen (c 97) and select the direction to rotate the chosen picture. Rotate the rotary multi selector clockwise (or press J) or counterclockwise (or press I) in the rotate image screen.
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Notes on Copying Pictures • If there is not enough space in the memory or on the memory card to receive the copy, an error message will be displayed. Delete unwanted pictures or insert a new memory card (if using a memory card) before trying again. •...
Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu The setup menu contains the following options. Menus Choose how menus are displayed. Welcome screen Select screen displayed when camera is turned on. Date Set camera clock and choose home and destination time zones. Monitor settings Adjust monitor brightness and choose display style.
Displaying the Setup Menu First, display the playback-mode or shooting-mode selection menu by press- ing C. Then select Z (use the rotary multi selector), press d. Set up • Use the rotary multi selector to choose and apply settings. (c 9) •...
Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu V Welcome Screen You can select the welcome screen to be displayed when the camera is turned on. Disable welcome (default setting) A welcome screen is not displayed when the camera is turned on. The camera will be ready for shooting as soon as it is turned on.
W Date Set the camera clock and choose home and travel destination time zones. Date Set camera clock to current date and time. See “Setting Display Language, Date, and Time” (c 16-17) for more informa- tion. Time zone X (home time zone) can be specified and daylight saving enabled or disabled from [Time zone] options.
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Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu Choose the travel destination time zone and press d. The setting is enabled. While the travel destination time zone is selected, the Y icon will be displayed in the monitor when the camera is in shooting mode. The Clock Battery The clock battery charges when the main battery is installed or an AC adapter is connected, and can provide several days of backup power after about 10 hours of charging.
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Time Zones (c 16) The camera supports the time zones listed below. For time differences not listed below, set the camera clock to local time (c 16, 105). GMT +/– Location –11 Midway, Samoa –10 Hawaii, Tahiti –9 Alaska, Anchorage PST (PDT): Los Angeles, –8 Seattle, Vancouver...
Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu Z Monitor Settings Choose whether or not to display information in the monitor, and set the monitor brightness. Photo info Choose information displayed in monitor during shooting and playback mode. Brightness Choose from five settings for monitor brightness. Photo Info The following display options are available.
f Date Imprint Date and time of recording can be imprinted on pictures for printing this information from printers that are not DPOF-compatible (c 135). Off (default setting) Date and time are not imprinted on pictures. Date Date is imprinted on the bottom right corner of pictures taken while this option is in effect.
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Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu Date Counter Pictures taken while this option is in effect are imprinted with the number of days remaining until, or the number of days elapsed since a specified date. Use it to track the growth of a child or count down the days until a birthday or wedding.
b Vibration Reduction Vibration reduction effectively corrects blur, caused by slight hand move- ment known as camera shake, that commonly occurs when shooting with zoom applied or at slow shutter speeds. Vibration reduction can be used in all shooting modes. When [Off] is selected, an icon for the current setting is not displayed in the monitor (c 6).
Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu h Sound Settings Adjust the following sound settings. Button sound When [On] (default setting) is selected, beep will sound once when operations are completed successfully, twice when the camera acquires focus on the sub- ject, and three times when error is detected.
• Do not turn the camera off, disconnect the AC adapter, or remove the battery or memory card during formatting. • The first time you insert the memory cards used in other devices into the COOLPIX S51, for- mat them.
Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu j Language Choose one of 23 languages for display of camera menus and messages. Czech Danish German (default setting) Spanish Greek French Indonesian Italian Hungarian Dutch Norwegian k Video Mode Choose from [NTSC] and [PAL]. n Reset All This option restores the following settings to their default values.
(c 114) in the setup menu will remain unaffected even if [Reset all] is performed. B Firmware Version View the current camera firmware version. Default value Text Disable welcome Auto info Auto Auto Default value High Default COOLPIX S51 Ver. X.X Back...
Audio video/USB cable Approved Memory Cards The following memory cards have been tested and approved for use in the COOLPIX S51. SanDisk Toshiba Panasonic If the memory card will be used with a card reader or similar device, the device must support memory card specifications.
(e.g., “101P_001”; c 40), “SOUND” (nor- mal quality sound) or “SOUNE” (high quality sound) for voice recordings (e.g., “101SOUND”; c 67), and “NIKON” for all other pictures (e.g., “100NIKON”). When the number of files within a folder reaches 9999, a new folder will be created.
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• Pictmotion movies (c 56) are stored under the “NKST” folder in folders named with a three-digit folder number followed by “PRJCT” (e.g., “101PRJCT”). Each folder contains the picture and sound files for a single Pictmotion movie. • Folders can hold up to 200 pictures; if a picture is taken when the current folder contains 200 pictures, a new folder will be created by adding one to the current folder number.
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. Do Not Drop The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shock or vibration.
The Self-timer Lamp/AF-assist Illuminator LED The light-emitting diode (LED; c 4, 30, 111) used in the self- timer lamp/AF-assist illuminator conforms to the following IEC standard: The Battery • Check the battery level when taking the camera out, and charge the battery if necessary (c 12).
Some smear may appear in movies. • Images in 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.
Error Messages The following table lists the error messages and other warnings displayed in the monitor, as well as the solutions for dealing with them. Display Clock not set. S (blinks) Battery running low. Battery exhausted. Warning! Battery exhausted. Camera cannot focus. p (●...
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The copy option screen or copy sound file screen will be displayed. File not created with View file on computer or COOLPIX S51. other device. Solution ory or memory card. 50, 87 ory or memory card.
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Delete affected Pictmo- tion movie. Disable protection. Turn camera off and then on again. If error persists, contact retailer or Nikon representative. Turn camera off and remove obstruction. If Nikon Transfer displays error, click [OK] to exit. Resume operation after turning camera off and reconnecting cable.
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Error Messages Display Printer error. Check printer status. Printer error: check paper Printer error: paper Printer error: out of paper Printer error: check Printer error: out of Printer error: file cor- rupt * See the documentation provided with your printer for further guidance and informa- tion.
Troubleshooting If the camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common prob- lems below before consulting your retailer or Nikon representative. Refer to the page numbers in the right-most column for more information. Display, Settings and Power Supply...
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Turn the camera off, remove and replace the battery, and then turn the camera on again. In the event of continued malfunction, contact your retailer or Nikon representative. Note that disconnecting the power source as described above may result in the loss of any data not recorded to internal memory or the memory card at the time the problem occurred.
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Problem [Image mode] not available No sound when shutter is released AF-assist illuminator does not light Pictures appear smeared Colors are unnatural Randomly spaced bright pix- els (“noise”) appear in image Pictures are too dark (underexposed) Pictures are too bright (overexposed) Unexpected results when flash mode is set to A...
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Troubleshooting Playback Problem File cannot be played back Cannot zoom in on picture Cannot record voice memo Cannot use D-Lighting, crop, or small picture options Cannot create or play Pict- motion movie Custom Pictmotion music tracks are not listed Cause/Solution •...
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• Audio video/USB cable is not correctly con- nected. • Camera is not recognized by the com- puter. • Computer is not set to launch Nikon Transfer automatically. For more information on Nikon Transfer, refer to help information contained in Nikon Transfer.
Specifications Nikon COOLPIX S51 Digital Camera Type Effective pixels Image sensor Lens Focal length f/-number Construction Digital zoom Vibration reduction Autofocus (AF) Focus range (from lens) Focus-area selection Auto (5-area automatic selection), center, manual with AF-assist illumination Class 1 LED product (IEC 60825-1 Edition 1.2...
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Exposure Metering 224-segment matrix, center-weighted (digital zoom) Exposure control Programmed auto exposure with exposure compensation (–2.0 to +2.0 EV in steps of Range [W]: 0.5 to 16.4 EV (ISO 100) [T]: 1.2 to 17.1 EV Shutter Mechanical and charge-coupled electronic shutter Speed Aperture Electronically-controlled preset aperture...
(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. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery 3.7 V, 730 mAh Approx.
Exif-compliant printers. • PictBridge: A standard developed cooperatively by the digital camera and printer industries, allowing photographs to be output directly to a printer without connecting the camera to a computer.
Index Symbols d (apply selection) button 5 q Audio playback mode 69 L Auto mode 20–27 J Calendar mode 52 T (delete) button 10, 26 z (D-Lighting) 48 I (exposure compensation) 5, 32 l Help 11 K High-sensitivity shooting mode 33 L List by date mode 53 m button 10 C (mode) button 5, 8...
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Movies 61, 66 deleting 66 playback 66 recording 61 Multi connector 5 Museum (N) 38 Night landscape (G) 37 Nikon Transfer 58, 74 One-touch portrait mode 42 menu 43 taking pictures 42 Panorama 40–41 Panorama assist (F) 40 Panorama Maker 76...
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Index PictBridge 77–83, 135 Pictmotion by muvee 56 Playback 26, 44–50 menu 96–100 thumbnail 44 zoom 46 Playback menu 96–100 Playback-mode selection menu 8 Power switch 4 Power-on lamp 4, 20 Print set 83, 96 Print size 88 Protect 99 Record orientation 112 Red-eye reduction 29 Reset all 114...
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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 China YP7F01(11) 6MA34011-01...
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