Page 1 DIGITAL CAMERA User's Manual...
Page 2 Where to Find It Find what you’re looking for from: The Q&A Index Know what you want to do but don’t know the function name? Find it from the “question and answer” index. The Table of Contents Find items by function or menu name. The Quick Start Guide A brief guide for those who want to get started taking pictures right away.
Page 3: Package Contents
Package Contents Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera. Memory cards are sold separately. D3 digital camera (pg. 3) BF-1A body cap (pp. 4, 387) BS-2 accessory shoe cover (pg. 3) EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover (pp. 32, MH-22 quick charger with power cable and two contact protectors (pp.
Page 4: Symbols And Conventions
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.
Page 5 Introduction Tutorial Image Recording Options Focus Release Mode ISO Sensitivity Exposure White Balance Image Enhancement Flash Photography Other Shooting Options More About Playback Voice Memos Connections Menu Guide Technical Notes...
Page 6 Q&A Index Find what you’re looking for using this “question and answer” index. New Features Question How do I take pictures in 35mm format? How do I take high-quality NEF (RAW) photos? How do I record photographs using two memory cards? Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder? Can I control how photos are processed? Picture Controls How do I preserve details in shadows and...
Page 7 Can I reverse the electronic analog exposure display? Can I display the menus in a different language? Can I save menu settings for use on a different D3 camera? Menus and Displays Question How do I get more information on a menu?
Page 8 Question How do I keep the file number from being reset when I insert a new memory card? How do I reset file numbering to zero? How do I clean the camera or lens? Taking Photographs Question How many more shots can I take with this card? How do I take bigger photographs? How can I get more photos on the...
Page 9 Question Can I set both shutter speed and aperture manually? Can I make photos brighter or darker? How do I make a time exposure? Can I vary exposure or flash level automatically over a series of photos? Can I create multiple copies of a photo using different white balance settings? How do I adjust white balance? How do I change settings for the optional...
Page 10 Question How do I get rid of an unwanted photo? Can I delete several photos at once? Can I zoom in on pictures to make sure they’re in focus? Can I protect photos from accidental deletion? Can I hide selected photos? How do I tell if parts of my photos may be overexposed? How do I tell where the camera focused?
Page 11 Viewing or Printing Photographs on Other Devices Question Can I view my photos on TV? Can I view my photos in High Definition? HDMI How do I copy photos to my computer? How do I print photographs? Can I print photos without a computer? Can I print the date on my photographs? Time stamp How do I order professional prints? Optional Accessories...
Page 12: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Q&A Index ...iv For Your Safety ... xviii Notices...xxi Introduction Overview...2 Getting to Know the Camera...3 Camera Body ... 3 The Top Control Panel ... 8 The Rear Control Panel ...10 The Viewfinder Display...12 The Shooting Information Display ...14 The Command Dials ...16 Quick Start Guide...
Page 13 Image Recording Options Image Area... 60 Image Quality... 65 Image Size ... 69 Slot 2 ... 71 Focus Focus Mode ... 74 AF-Area Mode... 76 Focus Point Selection... 78 Focus Lock... 80 Manual Focus... 83 Release Mode Choosing a Release Mode ... 86 Continuous Mode...
Page 14 Image Enhancement Picture Controls...166 Creating Custom Picture Controls... 174 Active D-Lighting...185 Color Space...187 Flash Photography The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) ...190 Compatible Flash Units ...191 CLS-Compatible Flash Units ... 191 Other Flash Units ... 194 i-TTL Flash Control...196 Flash Modes...197...
Page 15 FV Lock ...201 Flash Contacts...204 Other Shooting Options Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings ...206 Multiple Exposure ...208 Interval Timer Photography ...213 Non-CPU Lenses...220 Using a GPS Unit ...223 More About Playback Full-Frame Playback ...228 Photo Information...231 Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback ...241 Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom...243 Protecting Photographs from Deletion...244 Deleting Individual Photographs ...245...
Page 16 Menu Guide D The Playback Menu: Managing Images...278 Delete... 281 Playback Folder... 281 Hide Image ... 281 Display Mode... 282 Copy Image(s) ... 283 Image Review ... 287 After Delete ... 287 Rotate Tall... 287 Slide Show ... 288 Print Set (DPOF) ... 289 C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options...290 Shooting Menu Bank ...
Page 17 Self-Timer Delay ...318 c4: Monitor off Delay...318 d: Shooting/Display...319 d1: Beep ...319 d2: Shooting Speed ...320 d3: Max. Continuous Release ...320 d4: File Number Sequence...321 d5: Control Panel/Viewfinder...322 d6: Shooting Info Display ...323 d7: LCD Illumination...324 d8: Exposure Delay Mode...324...
Page 18 e: Bracketing/Flash... 325 e1: Flash Sync Speed... 325 e2: Flash Shutter Speed ... 326 e3: Modeling Flash... 326 e4: Auto Bracketing Set ... 327 e5: Auto Bracketing (Mode M)... 328 e6: Bracketing Order ... 329 f: Controls ... 330 f1: Multi Selector Center Button ... 330 f2: Multi Selector...
Page 19 Image Authentication...354 Save/Load Settings ...355 GPS...357 Virtual Horizon...357 Non-CPU Lens Data ...357 AF Fine Tune...358 Firmware Version...359 N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies ...360 D-Lighting ...363 Red-Eye Correction ...364 Trim...365 Monochrome ...366 Filter Effects ...367 Color Balance ...367 Image Overlay...368 Side-by-Side Comparison...371 O My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu...373 Adding Options to My Menu ...373...
Page 20: 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 21 Do not use in the presence of flammable gas Do not use electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas, as this could result in explosion or fire. Keep out of reach of children Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury. Do not place the strap around the neck of an infant or child Placing the camera strap around...
Page 22 Should the insulation be damaged and the wires become exposed, take the power cable to a Nikon- authorized service representative for inspection. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.
Page 23: Notices
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help. • Nikon will not be held liable for any damages resulting from the use of this product. • While every effort has been made to...
Page 24 Notices for Customers in Canada CAUTION This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Symbol for Separate Collection in European Countries This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected separately. The following apply only to users in European countries: •...
Page 25 Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery chargers, batteries, AC adapters, and flash accessories) certified by Nikon specifically for use with this Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic circuitry.
Page 26 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 27: Introduction
Introduction This chapter covers information you will need to know before using the camera, including the names of camera parts. Overview... pg. 2 Getting to Know the Camera ... pg. 3 Camera Body ... pg. 3 The Top Control Panel... pg. 8 The Rear Control Panel ...
Page 28: Overview
Use Only Nikon Brand Accessories Only Nikon brand accessories certified by Nikon specifically for use with your Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within its operational and safety requirements. T COULD DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA AND MAY VOID YOUR Servicing the Camera and Accessories The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing.
Page 29: Getting To Know The Camera
Getting to Know the Camera Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual. Camera Body D (bracketing) button ...
Page 30 Camera Body (Continued) Mirror...90, 105, 395 Self-timer lamp ... 104 Flash sync terminal cover... 204 Ten-pin remote terminal cover ...223, 388 Flash sync terminal... 204 Ten-pin remote terminal ...223, 388 USB connector cover ...258, 264 Lens release button...38 Connector cover...274, 276 USB connector...
Page 31 Depth-of-field preview button ...117, 337 Sub-command dial...16 Fn button ...64, 202, 331 Sub-command dial for vertical shooting ...16 Shutter-release button for vertical shooting ...54 Attaching the Camera Strap Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets on the camera body as shown below.
Page 32 Camera Body (Continued) Viewfinder eyepiece...47 Eyepiece shutter lever...47 O (delete) button... 58, 245 Q (format) button...45 K (playback) button ... 57, 228 Monitor... 57, 90, 228 G (menu) button... 26, 277 N (thumbnail/playback zoom) button ...242, 243 L (protect) button ... 244 ? (help) button...31 R (info) button...14 The Speaker and Microphone...
Page 33 Viewfinder ...47 A (AE/AF lock) button ... 80, 81, 338 B (AF-ON) button ...75, 97 Main command dial ...16 Multi selector...28 Focus selector lock ...78 Memory card access lamp...43, 56 Memory card slot cover ...42 Card slot cover release button (under cover)...
Page 34: The Top Control Panel
The Top Control Panel Shutter speed ...120, 124 Exposure compensation value ... 132 Number of shots in exposure and flash bracketing sequence... 135 Number of shots in WB bracketing sequence ... 139 Number of intervals for interval timer photography ... 216 Focal length (non-CPU lenses)...
Page 35 SHOOT CUSTOM Battery indicator...48 Frame count...49 Preset white balance recording indicator... 155 Manual lens number... 222 “K” (appears when memory remains for over 1000 exposures) ...49 FV lock indicator... 202 Flash sync indicator... 325 Clock battery indicator ... 41, 393 GPS connection indicator ...
Page 36: The Rear Control Panel
The Rear Control Panel LCD Illuminators Holding the power switch in the D position activates the exposure meters and the control panel backlights (LCD illuminators), allowing the displays to be read in the dark. After the power switch is released, the illuminators will remain lit for six seconds (at default settings) while the exposure meters are active or until the shutter is released.
Page 37 Image quality (JPEG images) ..66 “Remaining” indicator ...49 Image size...70 ISO sensitivity indicator ... 108 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator ... 110 ISO sensitivity ... 108 ISO sensitivity (high/low gain) ... 109 Number of exposures remaining ...49 Length of voice memo... 251 White balance fine-tuning...
Page 38: The Viewfinder Display
The Viewfinder Display 12-mm reference circle for center-weighted metering ... 114 AF area brackets ...47, 95 Focus points... 78, 310 Spot metering targets ... 114 Focus indicator...55, 84 Metering... 114 Autoexposure (AE) lock ... 129 Exposure mode ...116 Shutter speed lock icon...127 Shutter-speed ...
Page 39 ISO sensitivity indicator ... 108 Auto ISO sensitivity indicator ... 110 ISO sensitivity ... 108 Frame count...49 Number of exposures remaining ...49 Number of shots remaining before memory buffer fills...88 Preset white balance recording indicator... 155 Exposure compensation value ... 132 PC mode indicator...
Page 40: The Shooting Information Display
The Shooting Information Display Shooting information, including shutter speed, aperture, the number of exposures remaining, and AF-area mode is displayed in the monitor when the R button is pressed. To clear shooting information from the monitor, press the R button again or press the shutter-release button halfway. At default settings, the monitor will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for about 20 seconds.
Page 41 Exposure mode... 116 Flexible program indicator ... 119 Shutter-speed lock icon... 127 Shutter speed...120, 124 Exposure compensation value ... 132 Number of shots in exposure and flash bracketing sequence ... 135 Number of shots in WB bracketing sequence ... 139 Focal length (non-CPU lenses)...
Page 42: The Command Dials
The Command Dials The main- and sub-command dials are used alone or in combination with other controls to adjust a variety of settings. BKT button M button F button ISO button Fn button Sub-command dial Main command dial QUAL button WB button E button I button...
Page 43 Image Quality and Size Press the Fn or QUAL button and rotate the command dials. Choose an image area (pg. Fn button * The DX format image area is automatically selected when a DX lens is attached. Set image quality (pg.
Page 44 Exposure Press the I button and rotate the main command dial to choose the exposure mode. Choose the exposure mode (pg. 117) I button Use the command dials to adjust exposure. Choose a combination of aperture and shutter speed (exposure mode SHOOT CUSTOM e;...
Page 45 Set exposure compensation (pg. 132) E button Shutter speed lock (exposure mode f or h; pg. 127) F button Aperture lock (exposure mode g or h; pg. 128) F button Main command dial SHOOT CUSTOM Main command dial SHOOT CUSTOM Sub-command dial Top control panel Top control panel...
Page 46 Activate or cancel bracketing/ select number of shots in bracketing D button sequence (pp. 135, 138) Select bracketing exposure increment (pg. 136) D button White Balance Press the WB button and rotate the command dials. Choose a white balance setting (pg.
Page 47 Flash Settings Press the M button and rotate the main command dial. Choose flash mode (pg. 199) M button The Fn Button Depending on the option selected for Custom Setting f4 ([Assign FUNC. button], pg. 331), the Fn button and command dials can be used to select shutter speed and aperture in steps of 1 EV, choose pre-specified lens data for non-CPU lenses, or select the focus point.
Page 48 The BS-2 Accessory Shoe Cover The supplied BS-2 accessory shoe cover can be used to protect the accessory shoe or to prevent light reflected from the metal parts of the shoe from appearing in photographs. The BS-2 attaches to the camera accessory shoe as shown at right.
Page 49: Quick Start Guide
Quick Start Guide Follow these steps for a quick start with the D3. Charge the battery (pg. 32). Insert the battery (pg. 34). Attach a lens (pg. 37). Insert a memory card (pg. 42). Turn the camera on (pg. 48).
Page 50 Check camera settings (pp. 48, 51). Battery level Exposure Image size White balance mode SHOOT CUSTOM Number of exposures Frame ISO sensitivity Image quality remaining count Top control panel Rear control panel Select single-servo autofocus (pg. 53). Rotate the focus-mode selector to S (single-servo autofocus). Focus and shoot (pp.
Page 51: Tutorial
Tutorial This section describes how to use the camera menus, how to ready the camera for use, and how to take your first pictures and play them back. Camera Menus ... pg. 26 Using Camera Menus ... pg. 28 Help ... pg. 31 First Steps ...
Page 52: Camera Menus
Camera Menus Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus. To view the menus, press the G button. Tabs Choose from playback, shooting, Custom Settings, setup, retouch, and My menus (see following page). If “Q” icon is displayed, help for current item can be viewed by pressing L (Q) button (pg.
Page 53 Menus The following menus are available: Menu Adjust playback settings and manage photos (pg. D Playback 278). C Shooting Adjust shooting settings (pg. 290). A Custom Settings Personalize camera settings (pg. 301). Format memory cards and perform basic camera B Setup setup (pg.
Page 54: Using Camera Menus
Using Camera Menus Menu Controls The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the menus. Cancel and return to previous menu Navigating the Menus Follow the steps below to navigate the menus. Display the menus. Press the G button to display the menus.
Page 55 Select a menu. Press 1 or 3 to select the desired menu. Position the cursor in the selected menu. Press 2 to position the cursor in the selected menu. Highlight a menu item. Press 1 or 3 to highlight a menu item.
Page 56 Select the highlighted item. Press J to select the highlighted item. To exit without making a selection, press the G button. Note the following points: • Menu items that are displayed in gray are not currently available. • While pressing 2 or the center of the multi selector generally has the same effect as pressing J, there are some cases in which selection can only be made by pressing J.
Page 57: Help
Help If a Q icon is displayed at the bottom left corner of the monitor, help can be displayed by pressing the L (Q) button. A description of the currently selected option or menu will be displayed while the button is pressed.
Page 58: First Steps
First Steps Charge the Battery The D3 is powered by an EN-EL4a rechargeable Li-ion battery (supplied). The EN-EL4a is not fully charged at shipment. To maximize shooting time, charge the battery in the supplied MH-22 quick charger before use. About two hours and twenty-five minutes are required to fully recharge the battery when no charge remains.
Page 59 Charge the battery. Contacts Guide Insert the battery (terminals first), aligning the end of the battery with the guide and then sliding the battery in the direction indicated until it clicks into place. The chamber lamp and charge lamps will blink while the battery charges: Charge state Less than 50% of maximum capacity 50–80% of maximum capacity...
Page 60: Insert The Battery
Insert the Battery Turn the camera off. Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing batteries. Remove the battery-chamber cover. Lift the battery-chamber cover latch, turn it to the open (A) position (q) and remove the BL-4 battery-chamber cover (w).
Page 61 Insert the battery. Insert the battery as shown at right. Latch the cover. To prevent the battery from becoming dislodged during operation, rotate the latch to the closed position and fold it down as shown at right. Be sure the cover is securely latched.
Page 62 The Battery and Charger Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xviii–xx and 398–401 of this manual. To prevent short-circuits, replace the terminal cover when the battery is not in use. Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 40°C (104°F).
Page 63: Attach A Lens
Attach a Lens Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens is removed. Remove the rear lens cap and the camera body cap. After confirming that the camera is off, remove the rear lens cap from the lens and remove the camera body cap.
Page 64 Detaching the Lens Be sure the camera is off when removing or exchanging lenses. To remove the lens, press and hold the lens release button while turning the lens clockwise. After removing the lens, replace the lens caps and camera body cap. CPU Lenses with Aperture Rings In the case of CPU lenses equipped with an aperture ring (pg.
Page 65: Basic Setup
Basic Setup The language option in the setup menu is automatically highlighted the first time menus are displayed. Choose a language and set the time and date. Turn the camera on. Select [language]. Press G to display the camera menus, then select [Language] in the setup menu.
Page 66 Select [World time]. Select [World time] and press Set time zone. A time-zone selection dialog will be displayed. Press 4 or 2 to highlight the local time zone (the [UTC] field shows the difference between the selected time zone and Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in hours) and press J.
Page 67 Set date format. Press 1 or 3 to choose the order in which the year, month, and day will be displayed and press J. Exit to shooting mode. Press the shutter-release button halfway to exit to shooting mode. The Clock Battery The camera clock is powered by a separate, non-rechargeable CR1616 lithium battery with a life of about four years.
Page 68: Insert A Memory Card
Insert a Memory Card The camera stores photographs on CompactFlash and microdrive memory cards (available separately; pg. 389). Up to two memory cards can be inserted in the camera simultaneously. The following section describes how to insert and format a memory card. Turn the camera off.
Page 69 Insert the memory card. Insert the first memory card in slot 1. Slot 2 should be used only if a card is already inserted in slot 1. Insert the memory card with the rear label toward the monitor (q). When the memory card is fully inserted, the eject button will pop up (w) and the green access lamp will light briefly.
Page 70 Removing Memory Cards Turn the camera off. Confirm that the access lamp is off and turn the camera off. Remove the memory card. Open the memory card slot cover (q) and press the eject button (w) to partially eject the card (e). The memory card can then be removed by hand.
Page 71 Formatting Memory Cards Memory cards must be formatted before first use. Format the card as described below. Formatting Memory Cards Formatting memory cards permanently deletes any data they may contain. Be sure to copy any photographs and other data you wish to keep to a computer before proceeding (pg.
Page 72 Press the Q buttons again. Press the Q (I and O) buttons together a second time to format the memory card. Do not remove the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source during formatting. When formatting is complete, the top control panel will show the number of photographs that can be recorded at current settings and the frame-count...
Page 73: Adjust Viewfinder Focus
Adjust Viewfinder Focus The camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to accommodate individual differences in vision. Check that the display in the viewfinder is in focus before shooting. Lift the diopter adjustment knob. Remove the lens cap, turn the camera on, and pull the diopter adjustment knob out (q).
Page 74: Basic Photography And Playback
Basic Photography and Playback Turn the Camera On Before taking photographs, turn the camera on and check the battery level and number of exposures remaining as described below. Turn the camera on. Turn the camera on. The control panels will turn on and the display in the viewfinder will light.
Page 75 Check the number of exposures remaining. The top control panel shows the number of photographs that can be taken at current settings. When this number reaches zero, the number of exposures remaining, frame count, and N icon will flash in the top control panel and a flashing g icon will appear in the viewfinder.
Page 76 The Battery Indicator If the segments in the top control panel battery icon blink on and off, the camera is calculating the battery charge. The battery level will be displayed in about three seconds. Auto Meter Off At default settings, the shutter speed and aperture displays in the top control panel and viewfinder will turn off if no operations are performed for about six seconds (auto meter off ), reducing the drain on the battery.
Page 77: Adjust Camera Settings
Adjust Camera Settings This tutorial describes how to take photos at default settings. Check camera settings. Exposure mode SHOOT CUSTOM Top control panel Default settings are listed below. Option Default NORM Image (JPEG quality normal) Image size (Large) sensitivity White (Auto) balance Exposure...
Page 78 Choose exposure mode e. Exposure mode e is selected at shipment. If another exposure mode is selected, press the I button and rotate the main command dial to select exposure mode e. The camera will automatically adjust shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations.
Page 79 Choose single-servo autofocus. S (single-servo autofocus) is selected at shipment. If another focus mode has been selected, rotate the focus- mode selector until it clicks into place pointing to S (single- servo autofocus). At this setting, the camera will automatically focus on the subject in the selected focus point when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
Page 80: Ready The Camera
Ready the Camera When framing photographs in the viewfinder, hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left. Keep your elbows propped lightly against your torso for support and place one foot half a pace ahead of the other to keep you upper body stable.
Page 81: Focus And Shoot
Focus and Shoot Press the shutter- release button halfway to focus (pg. 56). At default settings, the camera will focus on the subject in the center focus point. Frame a photo in the viewfinder with the main subject positioned in the center focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway.
Page 82 Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to shoot. Smoothly press the shutter- release-button the rest of the way down to take the picture. While the photograph is being recorded to the memory card, the access lamp next to the card slot cover will light.
Page 83: Viewing Photographs
When [On] is selected for [Image review] in the playback menu (pg. 287), photographs are automatically displayed in the monitor for about 20 s (the default setting) after shooting. 1/ 10 N I KON D3 1 125, F5 . 6 85mm 0. 0...
Page 84: Deleting Unwanted Photographs
Deleting Unwanted Photographs To delete the photograph currently displayed in the monitor, press the O button. Note that photographs can not be recovered once deleted. Display the photograph. Display the photograph you wish to delete as described in “Viewing Photographs” on the previous page. K button The card containing the current photograph is indicated by an icon as...
Page 85: Image Recording Options
Image Recording Options This section describes how to choose image area, quality, and size and how to choose the role played by memory card slot 2. Image Area ...pg. 60 Image Quality...pg. 65 Image Size...pg. 69 Slot 2 ...pg. 71...
Page 86: Image Area
Image Area The camera’s FX format (36.0 × 23.9 mm) image sensor can be used to record pictures with an image area (picture angle) equivalent to a 35mm (135) format film camera. Image area is selected using the [Image area] option in the shooting menu. At the default setting of [Auto DX crop], the camera will automatically crop pictures to the DX picture angle when a DX format lens is attached.
Page 87 Choose Image Area Choose the image area used when [Off ] is selected for [Auto DX crop] (pg. 63). Option Images are recorded in FX format using the full area of the image sensor (36.0 × 23.9 mm), producing a picture angle FX format equivalent to a Nikkor lens on a (36x24)
Page 88 DX Lenses DX lenses are designed for use with DX format cameras and have a smaller picture angle than lenses for 35mm format cameras. If [Auto DX crop] is off and [FX format (36 × 24)] or [5 :4 (30 × 24)] is selected for [Image area] when a DX lens is attached, the edges of the image may be eclipsed.
Page 89 Image area can be set using the [Image area] option in the shooting menu or (at default settings) by pressing the Fn button and rotating the main command dial. The Image Area Menu Select [Image area]. Highlight [Image area] in the shooting menu (pg.
Page 90 The Fn Button The image area can be selected by pressing the Fn button and rotating the main command dial until the desired crop is displayed in the viewfinder (pg. 62). This operation (the default option for the Fn button and command dials; pg.
Page 91: Image Quality
Description Raw data from the image sensor are saved directly to the memory card in Nikon Electronic Format (NEF). Use with images that will be transferred to a computer for printing or processing.
Page 92 Image quality is set by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the rear control panel. NEF (RAW) Recording The [NEF (RAW) recording] item in the shooting menu controls compression (pg. 68) and bit depth (pg. 68) for NEF (RAW) images. JPEG Compression JPEG images can be compressed for relatively uniform file size or optimal image quality.
Page 93 The JPEG Compression Menu The JPEG compression item in the shooting menu offers the following options for JPEG images: Option Size priority (default) P Optimal quality Description Images are compressed to produce relatively uniform file size. Quality varies with scene recorded.
Page 94 The NEF (RAW) Recording Menu: Type The [NEF (RAW) recording] > [Type] item in the shooting menu offers the following compression options for NEF (RAW) images: Option Lossless compressed (default) O Compressed Uncompressed The NEF (RAW) Recording Menu: NEF (RAW) Bit Depth The [NEF (RAW) recording] >...
Page 95: Image Size
Image Size Image size is measured in pixels. Choose from Large (the default option), Medium, or Small (note that image size varies depending on the option selected for [Image area], pg. 60): Image area Option FX format (36 × 24) DX format (24 ×...
Page 96 Image size can be set by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the sub-command dial until the desired option is displayed in the rear control panel. QUAL button Sub-command dial Rear control panel The Image Size Menu Image size can also be adjusted using the [Image size] option in the shooting menu (pg.
Page 97: Slot 2
Slot 2 Use the [Slot 2] option in the shooting menu (pg. 290) to choose the role played by the memory card in slot 2. Option Rear control panel Overflow (default) Backup RAW Slot 1- JPEG Slot 2 Backup/RAW Slot 1-JPEG Slot 2 When the above options are selected, the shutter-release will be disabled when either of the memory cards is full.
Page 99: Focus
Focus – Controlling How the Camera Focuses This section describes the options that control how your camera focuses. Focus Mode ...pg. 74 AF-Area Mode ...pg. 76 Focus Point Selection ...pg. 78 Focus Lock ...pg. 80 Manual Focus ...pg. 83...
Page 100: Focus Mode
Focus Mode Focus mode is controlled by the focus-mode selector on the front of the camera. There are two autofocus (AF) modes, in which the camera focuses automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, and one manual focus mode, in which focus must be adjusted manually using the focusing ring on the lens: Option Camera focuses when shutter-release button is pressed...
Page 101 The B Buttons For the purpose of focusing the camera, pressing either of the B buttons has the same effect as pressing the shutter-release button halfway. Predictive Focus Tracking In continuous-servo AF, the camera will initiate predictive focus tracking if the subject moves toward or away from the camera while the shutter- release button is pressed halfway or either of the B buttons is pressed.
Page 102: Af-Area Mode
AF-Area Mode AF-area mode determines how the focus point is selected in autofocus mode (pg. 74). To select the AF- area mode, rotate the AF-area mode selector. The following options are available: Mode User selects focus point manually; camera focuses on subject in selected focus point only.
Page 103 AF-Area Mode AF-area mode is shown in the shooting information display when the R button is pressed. AF-area mode K Single-point AF Custom Setting a3 ([Dynamic AF area], pg. 306) Dynamic- area AF H Auto-area AF * Only active focus point is displayed in the viewfinder. Remaining focus points provide information to assist focus operation.
Page 104: Focus Point Selection
Focus Point Selection The camera offers a choice of 51 focus points that together cover a wide area of the frame. The focus point can be selected manually, allowing photographs to be composed the main subject positioned almost anywhere in the frame (single-point and dynamic-area AF), or automatically (auto-area AF;...
Page 105 Portrait (Tall-Orientation) Photographs When framing shots in portrait (“tall”) orientation, use the command dials to select the focus area. For more information, see Custom Setting f4 ([Assign FUNC. button], pg. 335). See Also For information on choosing when the focus point is illuminated, see Custom Setting a6 ([Focus point illumination], pg.
Page 106: Focus Lock
Focus Lock Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus point in the final composition. It can also be used when the autofocus system is unable to focus (pg.
Page 107 Continuous-servo AF Press the AE-L/AF-L button to lock both focus and exposure (an AE-L icon appears in the viewfinder, see page 129). Focus and exposure will remain locked while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if you later remove your finger from the shutter-release button.
Page 108: Getting Good Results With Autofocus
Getting Good Results with Autofocus Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. The shutter release may be disabled if the camera is unable to focus under these conditions, or the in-focus indicator ( ) may be displayed, allowing the shutter to be released even when the subject is not in focus.
Page 109: Manual Focus
Manual Focus Manual focus is available for lenses that do not support autofocus (non-AF Nikkor lenses) or when the autofocus does not produce the desired results (pg. 82). To focus manually, set the focus-mode selector to M and adjust the lens focusing ring until the image displayed on the clear matte field in the viewfinder is in focus.
Page 110 The Electronic Rangefinder If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm whether the subject in the selected focus point is in focus (the focus point can be selected from any of the 51 focus points).
Page 111: Release Mode
Release Mode – Single Frame, Continuous, Live View, Self-Timer, or Mirror Up Release mode determines how the camera takes photographs: one at a time, in a continuous sequence, with the view through the lens displayed in the monitor, with a timed shutter-release delay, or with the mirror raised to enhance shutter response and minimize vibration.
Page 112: Choosing A Release Mode
Choosing a Release Mode The camera supports the following release modes: Mode Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-release Single frame button is pressed. While shutter-release button is held down, 1–9 frames per Continuous second low speed While shutter-release button is held down, camera records Continuous up to 9 frames per second high speed...
Page 113 To choose a release mode, press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to the desired setting. Release mode dial lock release Release mode dial...
Page 114: Continuous Mode
Continuous Mode To take pictures in C low speed) modes: Select C or C Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to C Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. While the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down, pictures will be taken at the frame rate selected for Custom Setting d2 ([Shooting speed], pg.
Page 115 See Also For information on choosing the maximum number of photographs that can be taken in a single burst, see Custom Setting d3 ([Max. continuous release], pg. 320). For information on the number of pictures that can be taken in a single burst, see page 423.
Page 116: Framing Pictures In The Monitor (Live View)
Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) Select live view (a) mode to frame pictures in the monitor. Choose live view options in shooting menu (pg. 91). g [Hand-held] (pg. 94) Raise mirror and display view through lens in monitor. Frame picture in monitor.
Page 117 Live View Options Before taking pictures using live view, rotate the mode dial to a (live view) and choose a live view mode and the release mode that will be used while the camera is in live view mode. The following live view modes are available: Option Choose when taking hand-held shots of moving...
Page 118 Release mode can be chosen from the following options: Option s Single frame (default) Continuous low-speed Continuous high-speed Select [Live view]. In the shooting menu (pg. 290), highlight [Live view] and press 2. Select [Live view mode]. Highlight [Live view mode] and press 2.
Page 119 Select a release mode. Highlight the release mode that will be during live view and press J. Exit to shooting mode. Press the shutter-release button halfway to exit the menus and return to shooting mode.
Page 120 Hand-Held Mode Select live view mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to a. Press the shutter-release button all the way down. The mirror will be raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor instead of the viewfinder (for improved focus, pause briefly with the shutter-release button pressed halfway before...
Page 121 Frame a picture in the monitor. To magnify the view in the monitor up to 13 ×, press the N button while rotating the main command dial. N button While the view through the lens is zoomed in, a navigation window will appear in the bottom right corner of the display.
Page 122 Take the picture. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to reset focus and exposure and take the picture. If continuous high speed or continuous low speed is selected for [Release mode], the monitor will turn off while the shutter-release button is pressed.
Page 123 Tripod Mode Ready the camera. Mount the camera on a tripod or place it on a stable, level surface. Select live view mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to a. Frame a picture in the viewfinder.
Page 124 Check the view in the monitor. To magnify the view in the monitor up to 13 × and check focus, press the N button while rotating the main command dial. N button While the view through the lens is zoomed in, a navigation window will appear in the bottom right corner of the display.
Page 125 To preview exposure at current settings, press J. In exposure modes other than h, exposure can be adjusted by pressing the E button and rotating the main command dial (note that while exposure compensation can be adjusted by ±5 EV, only values between –3 and +3 EV can be previewed in the monitor).
Page 126 Focusing with Contrast-Detect Autofocus Contrast-detect autofocus will take longer than normal (phase-detection) autofocus. In the following situations, the camera may be unable to focus using contrast-detect autofocus: • The camera is not mounted on a tripod • The subject contains lines parallel to the long edges of the frame •...
Page 127 The Shooting Information Display To hide or display indicators in the monitor in live view mode, press the R button. Shooting information display Shooting info + histogram 1 Only displayed during exposure preview (tripod mode; pg. 99). 2 Not displayed when view through lens is zoomed in. Monitor Brightness Monitor brightness can be adjusted by pressing the K button while the view through the monitor is displayed.
Page 128 Shooting in Live View Mode Although they will not appear in the final picture, banding or distortion may be visible in the monitor under fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium lamps or if the camera is panned horizontally or an object moves at high speed through frame.
Page 129: Self-Timer Mode
Self-Timer Mode The self-timer can be used to reduce camera shake or for self- portraits. To use the self-timer, mount the camera on a tripod (recommended) or place the camera on a stable, level surface and follow the steps below: Select self-timer mode.
Page 130 Start the timer. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the timer. The self-timer lamp will start to blink, stopping two seconds before the photograph is taken. To turn the self-timer off before a photograph is taken, turn the release mode dial to another setting.
Page 131: Mirror Up Mode
Mirror up Mode Choose this mode to minimize blurring caused by camera movement when the mirror is raised. Use of a tripod is recommended. Select mirror up mode. Press the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to M Raise the mirror.
Page 133: Iso Sensitivity
ISO Sensitivity – Reacting Faster to Light “ISO sensitivity” is the digital equivalent of film speed. The higher the ISO sensitivity, the less light needed to make an exposure, allowing higher shutter speeds or smaller apertures. This chapter describes how to set ISO sensitivity manually and automatically. Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually...
Page 134: Choosing Iso Sensitivity Manually
Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually ISO sensitivity can be set to values between ISO 200 and ISO 6400 in steps equivalent to below ISO 200 and 0.3–2 EV above ISO 6400 are also available for special situations. ISO sensitivity can be adjusted by pressing the ISO button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is...
Page 135 ISO Sensitivity Settings The settings available depend on the option selected for Custom Setting b1 ([ISO sensitivity step value], pg. 313). Custom Setting b1 (ISO sensitivity step value) 1/3 step (default) 1/2 step 1 step * If possible, the current ISO sensitivity setting is maintained when the step value is changed.
Page 136: Auto Iso Sensitivity Control
Auto ISO Sensitivity Control If [Off ] (the default setting) is chosen for the [ISO sensitivity auto control] option in the shooting menu, ISO sensitivity will remain fixed at the value selected by the user (see page 108). If [On] is chosen, ISO sensitivity will automatically be adjusted if optimal exposure can not be achieved at the value selected by the user (flash level is adjusted appropriately).
Page 137 Auto ISO Sensitivity Control Noise is more likely at higher sensitivities. Use the [High ISO NR] option in the shooting menu to reduce noise (see page 299). Foreground subjects may be underexposed in photos taken with a flash at slow shutter speeds, in daylight, or against a bright background.
Page 139: Exposure
Exposure – Controlling How the Camera Sets Exposure This section describes the options available to control exposure, including metering, exposure mode, exposure lock, exposure compensation, and bracketing. Metering ... pg. 114 Exposure Mode... pg. 116 e: Programmed Auto... pg. 118 f: Shutter-Priority Auto ...
Page 140: Metering
Metering Metering determines how the camera sets exposure. The following options are available: Method Recommended in most situations. Camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets exposure according to distribution of 3D color brightness, color, distance, and composition for natural matrix II results.
Page 141 To choose a metering method, press the metering selector lock button and rotate the metering selector until the desired mode is displayed. 3D Color Matrix II Metering In matrix metering, exposure is set using a 1005-segment RGB sensor. Use a type G or D lens for results that include range information (3D color matrix metering II;...
Page 142: Exposure Mode
Exposure Mode Exposure mode determines how the camera sets shutter speed and aperture when adjusting exposure. Four modes are available: programmed auto (e), shutter-priority auto (f ), aperture-priority auto (g), and manual (h). Mode Programmed auto (pg. 118) Shutter-priority auto (pg.
Page 143 To choose the exposure mode, press the I button and rotate the main command dial until the desired mode is displayed in the viewfinder or top control panel. Depth-of-Field Preview To preview the effects of aperture, press and hold the depth-of-field preview button. The lens will be stopped down to the aperture value selected by the camera (modes e and f ) or the value chosen by the user (modes g and h), allowing...
Page 144: E: Programmed Auto
e: Programmed Auto In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture according to a built-in program to ensure optimal exposure in most situations. This mode is recommended for snapshots and other situations in which you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed and aperture.
Page 145 Flexible Program In exposure mode e, different combinations of shutter speed and aperture can be selected by rotating the main command dial (“flexible program”). Rotate the command dial to the right for large apertures (small f-numbers) that blur background details or fast shutter speeds that “freeze”...
Page 146: F: Shutter-Priority Auto
f: Shutter-Priority Auto In shutter-priority auto, you choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically selects the aperture that will produce the optimal exposure. To take photographs in shutter-priority auto: Select exposure mode f. Press the I button and rotate the main command dial until f is displayed in the viewfinder and top...
Page 147 Fast shutter speed ( Shutter speed can be locked at the selected setting (see page 127). Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. See Also See page 411 for information on what to do if flashing “A” indicator appears in the shutter-speed displays. Slow shutter speed ( 1,000...
Page 148: G: Aperture-Priority Auto
g: Aperture-Priority Auto In aperture-priority auto, you choose the aperture while the camera automatically selects the shutter speed that will produce the optimal exposure. To take photographs in aperture-priority auto: Select exposure mode g. Press the I button and rotate the main command dial until g is displayed in the viewfinder and top...
Page 149 Small apertures (high f-numbers) increase depth of field (see page 117), bringing both foreground and background into focus. Large apertures (low f-numbers) soften background details in portraits or other compositions that emphasize the main subject. Small aperture (f/36) Aperture can be locked at the selected setting (see page 128). Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.
Page 150: H: Manual
h: Manual In manual exposure mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. To take photographs in manual exposure mode: Select exposure mode h. Press the I button and rotate the main command dial until h is displayed in the viewfinder and top control panel.
Page 151 Sub-command dial Setting aperture Setting shutter speed Main command dial Shutter speed and aperture can be locked at the selected setting (see pages 127, 128). Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. AF Micro Nikkor Lenses Provided that an external exposure meter is used, the exposure ratio need only be taken into account when the lens aperture ring is used to set aperture.
Page 152 Use for long time-exposure photographs of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks. Nikon recommends using a fully-charged EN-EL4a battery or an optional EH-6 AC adapter to prevent loss of power while the shutter is open.
Page 153: Shutter-Speed And Aperture Lock
Shutter-Speed and Aperture Lock The F button can be used to lock shutter speed at the value selected in shutter-priority auto or manual exposure mode, or to lock aperture at the value selected in aperture-priority auto and manual exposure modes. Lock is not available in programmed auto.
Page 154 Aperture Lock To lock aperture at the selected value, press the F button and rotate the sub-command dial until R icons appear in the viewfinder and the top control panel. F button Sub-command dial To unlock aperture, press the F button and rotate the sub-command dial until the R icons disappear from the displays.
Page 155: Autoexposure (Ae) Lock
Autoexposure (AE) Lock Use autoexposure lock to recompose photographs after metering exposure. Select center-weighted or spot metering (pg. 114). Matrix metering will not produce the desired results with autoexposure lock. If using center-weighted metering, select the center focus point with the multi selector (pg.
Page 156 Recompose the photograph. Keeping the AE-L/AF-L button pressed, recompose the photograph and shoot.
Page 157 Metered Area In spot metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in a 4-mm (0.16 in.) circle centered on the selected focus point. In center-weighted metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in the center of the viewfinder (the default area for center-weighted metering is shown by the 12-mm circle in the viewfinder).
Page 158: Exposure Compensation
Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. It is most effective when used with center-weighted or spot metering (see page 114). In exposure mode h, only the exposure information shown in the electronic analog exposure display is affected;...
Page 159 Exposure compensation can be set to values between –5 EV (underexposure) and +5 EV (overexposure) in increments of In general, choose positive values to make the subject brighter, negative values to make it darker. –1 EV No exposure +1 EV compensation At values other than ±0, the 0 at the center of the electronic analog exposure displays will flash and a E icon will be displayed...
Page 160: Bracketing
Bracketing The camera offers three types of bracketing: exposure bracketing, flash bracketing, and white balance bracketing. In exposure bracketing (pg. 135), the camera varies exposure compensation with each shot, while in the case of flash bracketing (pg. 135), flash level is varied with each shot (i-TTL and, in the case of the SB-800, auto aperture flash control modes only;...
Page 161 Exposure and Flash Bracketing Select flash or exposure bracketing. Choose the type of bracketing to be performed using Custom Setting e4 ([Auto bracketing set], pg. 327). Choose [AE & flash] to vary both exposure and flash level (the default setting), [AE only] to vary only exposure, or [Flash only] to vary only flash level.
Page 162 Select an exposure increment. Pressing the BKT button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose the exposure increment. BKT button At default settings, the size of the increment can be chosen from , and 1 EV. The bracketing programs with an increment of Control panel display See Also...
Page 163 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. The camera will vary exposure and/or flash level shot-by-shot according to the bracketing program selected. Modifications to exposure are added to those made with exposure compensation (see page 132), making it possible to achieve exposure compensation values of more than 5 EV.
Page 164 Canceling Bracketing To cancel bracketing, press the BKT button and rotate the main command dial until the number of shots in the bracketing sequence is zero (r) and M is no longer displayed in the control panel on top of the camera. The program last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated.
Page 165 White Balance Bracketing Select white balance bracketing. Choose [WB bracketing] for Custom Setting e4 [Auto bracketing set] (pg. 327). Choose the number of shots. Pressing the BKT button, rotate the main command dial to choose the number of shots in the bracketing sequence. The number of shots is shown in the top control panel.
Page 166 Select a white balance increment. Pressing the BKT button, rotate the sub-command dial to choose the white balance adjustment. Each increment is roughly equivalent to 5 mired. BKT button Choose from increments of 1 (5 mired), 2 (10 mired), or 3 (15 mired).
Page 167 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. Each shot will be processed to create the number of copies specified in the bracketing program, and each copy will have a different white balance. Modifications to white balance are added to the white balance adjustment made with white balance fine-tuning.
Page 168 Canceling Bracketing To cancel bracketing, press the BKT button and rotate the main command dial until the number of shots in the bracketing sequence is zero (r) and W are no longer displayed in the control panels. The program last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated.
Page 169: White Balance
White Balance – Keeping Colors True 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 170: White Balance Options
White Balance Options For natural coloration, choose a white balance setting that matches the light source before shooting. The following options are available: Option Auto (default) J Incandescent I Fluorescent Sodium-vapor lamps Warm-white fluorescent White fluorescent Cool-white fluorescent Day white fluorescent Daylight fluorescent High temp.
Page 171 Option N Flash G Cloudy M Shade K Choose color temp. L Preset manual * All values are approximate. Fine-tuning set to 0. Auto white balance is recommended with most light sources. If the desired results can not be achieved with auto white balance, choose an option from the list above or use preset white balance.
Page 172 Studio Flash Lighting Auto white balance may not produce the desired results with large studio flash units. Choose a color temperature, use preset white balance, or set white balance to [Flash] and use fine tuning to adjust white balance. Color Temperature The perceived color of a light source varies with the viewer and other conditions.
Page 173: Fine-Tuning White Balance
Fine-Tuning White Balance White balance can be “fine tuned” to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a deliberate color cast into an image. White balance is fine tuned using the [White balance] option in the shooting menu or by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial.
Page 174 Fine tune white balance. Use the multi selector to fine- tune white balance. White balance can be fine tuned on the amber (A)–blue (B) axis and the green (G)–magenta (M) axis. The horizontal (amber- blue) axis corresponds to color temperature, with each increment equivalent to about 5 mired.
Page 175 White Balance Fine Tuning The colors on the fine-tuning axes are relative, not absolute. For example, moving the cursor to B (blue) when a “warm” setting such as J (incandescent) is selected for white balance will make photographs slightly “colder” but will not actually make them blue. “Mired”...
Page 176 The WB Button At settings other than K ([Choose color temp.]) and L ([Preset manual]), the WB button can be used to fine-tune white balance on the amber (A)–blue (B) axis (pg. 148; to fine-tune white balance when K or L is selected, use the shooting menu as described on page 147).
Page 177: Choosing A Color Temperature
Choosing a Color Temperature When K ([Choose color temp.]) is selected for white balance, color temperature can be selected by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial. The color temperature is displayed in the rear control panel: WB button Choose Color Temperature Note that the desired results will not be obtained with flash or fluorescent lighting.
Page 178: Preset Manual
Preset Manual Preset manual is used to record and recall custom white balance settings for shooting under mixed lighting or to compensate for light sources with a strong color cast. Two methods are available for setting preset white balance: Method Direct measurement Copy from existing...
Page 179 The camera can store up to five values for preset white balance in presets d-0 through d-4. A descriptive comment can be added to any white balance preset (pg. 163). Stores last value measured for white balance (pg. 154). This preset is overwritten when a new value is measured.
Page 180 Measuring a Value for White Balance Light a reference object. Place a neutral gray or white object under the lighting that will be used in the final photograph. In studio settings, a standard gray panel can be used as a reference object. Note that exposure is automatically increased by 1 EV when measuring white balance;...
Page 181 Select direct measurement mode. Release the WB button briefly and then press the button until the L icon starts to flash. A flashing D will also appear in the top control panel and viewfinder. At default settings, the displays will flash for about six seconds.
Page 182 Check the results. If the camera was able to measure a value for white balance, C will flash in the control panels, while the viewfinder will show a flashing a. At default settings, the displays will flash for about six seconds. If lighting is too dark or too bright, the camera may be unable to measure white balance.
Page 183 Direct Measurement Mode If no operations are performed while the displays are flashing, direct measurement mode will end in the time selected for Custom Setting c2 ([Auto meter-off delay], pg. 317). The default setting is six seconds. Preset d-0 The new value for white balance will be stored in preset d-0, automatically replacing the previous value for this preset (no confirmation dialog will be displayed).
Page 184 Copying White Balance from d-0 to Presets d-1–d-4 Follow the steps below to copy a measured value for white balance from d-0 to any of the other presets (d-1–d-4). Select L ([Preset manual]). Highlight [Preset manual] in the white balance menu (pg. 144) and press 2.
Page 185 Copying White Balance from a Photograph (d-1–d-4 Only) Follow the steps below to copy a value for white balance from a photograph on the memory card to a selected preset (d-1–d-4 only). Existing white balance values can not be copied to preset d-0.
Page 186 Highlight a source image. Highlight the source image. To view the highlighted image full frame, press the N button. If two memory cards are inserted, the slot can be selected by holding the N button and pressing 1. The menu shown at right will be displayed (pg.
Page 187 Selecting a White Balance Preset To set white balance to a preset value: Select L ([Preset manual]). Highlight [Preset manual] in the white balance menu (pg. 144) and press 2. Select a preset. Highlight the desired preset and press the center of the multi selector.
Page 188 Selecting a White Balance Preset: the WB Button At a setting of L ([Preset manual]), presets can also be selected by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial. The current preset is displayed in the rear control panel while the WB button is pressed.
Page 189 Entering a Comment Follow the steps below to enter a descriptive comment of up to thirty-six characters for a selected white balance preset. Select L ([Preset manual]). Highlight [Preset manual] in the white balance menu (pg. 144) and press 2. Select a preset.
Page 191: Image Enhancement
Image Enhancement This chapter describes how to optimize sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation and hue using Picture Controls, how to preserve detail in highlights and shadows using active D-lighting, and how to choose a color space. Picture Controls ... pg. 166 Creating Custom Picture Controls ...
Page 192: Picture Controls
Picture Controls Nikon’s unique Picture Control system makes it possible to share image processing settings among compatible devices and software. Select from the Picture Controls provided with the camera to instantly adjust image processing settings, or make independent adjustments to sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation, and hue.
Page 193 Picture Controls. Nikon Picture Controls Versus Custom Picture Controls The Picture Controls supplied by Nikon are referred to as Nikon Picture Controls. In addition to the Nikon Picture Controls supplied with the camera, optional Picture Controls are available for download from Nikon websites.
Page 194 Selecting Nikon Picture Controls The camera offers four preset Nikon Picture Controls. Choose a Picture Control according to the subject or type of scene. Option Q Standard R Neutral S Vivid T Monochrome Take monochrome photographs. Choosing a Picture Control Select [Set Picture Control].
Page 195 The Picture Control Grid Pressing the N button in Step 2 displays a Picture Control grid showing the contrast and saturation for the selected Picture Control in relation to the other Picture Controls (only contrast is displayed when [Monochrome] is selected).
Page 196: Modifying Existing Picture Controls
Modifying Existing Picture Controls Existing Nikon or custom Picture Controls can be modified to suit the scene or the user’s creative intent. Choose a balanced combination of settings using [Quick adjust], or make manual adjustments to individual settings. Select a Picture Control.
Page 197 Picture Control Settings Option Choose from options between [–2] and [+2] to reduce or exaggerate the effect of the selected Picture Control (note that this resets all manual adjustments). For Quick adjust example, choosing positive values for [Vivid] makes pictures more vivid. Not available with [Neutral], [Monochrome], or custom Picture Controls.
Page 198 “A” (Auto) Results for auto contrast and saturation vary with exposure and the position of the subject in the frame. Use a type G or D lens for best results. The icons for Picture Controls that use auto contrast and saturation are displayed in green in the Picture Control grid, and lines appear parallel to the axes of the grid.
Page 199 Filter Effects (Monochrome Only) The options in this menu simulate the effect of color filters on monochrome photographs. The following filter effects are available: Option Yellow Enhances contrast. Can be used to tone down the brightness Orange of the sky in landscape photographs. Orange produces more contrast than yellow, red more contrast than orange.
Page 200: Creating Custom Picture Controls
Creating Custom Picture Controls The Nikon Picture Controls supplied with the camera can be modified and saved as custom Picture Controls. Select [Manage Picture Control]. In the shooting menu (pg. 290), highlight [Manage Picture Control] and press 2. Select [Save/edit].
Page 201 Select a Picture Control. Highlight an existing Picture Control and press 2, or press J to proceed to step 5 to save a copy of the highlighted Picture Control without further modification. Edit the selected control. See page 171 for more information.
Page 202 Name the Picture Control. The text-entry dialog shown at right will be displayed. By default, new Picture Controls are named by adding a two-digit number (assigned automatically) to the name of the existing Picture Control. This name can be edited to create a new name as described below.
Page 203 [Toning] options in place of [Saturation] and [Hue] controls. The Original Picture Control Icon The Nikon Picture Control on which the custom Picture Control is based is indicated by an icon in the top right corner of the edit display.
Page 204: Sharing Custom Picture Controls
Sharing Custom Picture Controls Custom Picture Controls created using ViewNX or optional software such as Capture NX can be copied to a memory card and loaded into the camera, or custom Picture Controls created with the camera can be copied to the memory card to be used in compatible cameras and software.
Page 205 Select a destination. Choose a destination for the custom Picture Control (C-1 through C-9) and press 2. Name the Picture Control. Name the Picture Control as described on page 176. The new Picture Control will appear in the Picture Control list and can be renamed at any time using the [Rename] option in the [Manage Picture Control] menu.
Page 206 Up to 99 custom Picture Controls can be stored on the memory card at any one time. The memory card can only be used to store user-created custom Picture Controls. The Nikon Picture Controls supplied with the camera can not be copied to the memory card.
Page 207 Managing Custom Picture Controls Follow the steps below to rename or delete custom Picture Controls. Renaming Custom Picture Controls Select [Rename]. In the [Manage Picture Control] menu, highlight [Rename] and press 2. Select a Picture Control. Highlight a custom Picture Control (C-1 through C-9) and press 2.
Page 208 Control (C-1 through C-9) and press 2. Select [Yes]. Highlight [Yes] and press J to delete the selected Picture Control. Nikon Picture Controls The Nikon Picture Controls supplied with the camera ([Standard], [Neutral], [Vivid], and [Monochrome]) can not be renamed or deleted.
Page 209 Deleting Custom Picture Controls from the Memory Card Select [Load/save]. In the [Manage Picture Control] menu, highlight [Load/save] and press 2. Select [Delete from card]. Highlight [Delete from card] and press 2.
Page 210 Select a Picture Control. Highlight a custom Picture Control (slot1 through 99) and either; • press 2 to view current Picture Control settings, or • press J to display confirmation dialog shown at right. Select [Yes]. Highlight [Yes] and press J to delete the selected Picture Control.
Page 211: Active D-Lighting
Active D-Lighting Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast. Use for high contrast scenes, for example when photographing brightly lit outdoor scenery through a door or window or taking pictures of shaded subjects on a sunny day. Active D-Lighting off Active D-Lighting: High...
Page 212 To use active D-lighting: Select [Active D-Lighting]. In the shooting menu (pg. 290), highlight [Active D-Lighting] and press 2. Choose an option. Highlight [Off], [Low], [Normal], or [High] and press J. Active D-Lighting Additional time is required to record images when Active D-lighting is on (pg.
Page 213: Color Space
Color Space The color space determines the gamut of colors available for color reproduction. Choose a color space according to how photographs will be processed on leaving the camera. Option Choose for photographs that will be printed or W sRGB (default) used “as is, ”...
Page 214 For more information, see the documentation provided with the application or device. Nikon Software ViewNX (supplied) and Capture NX (available separately) automatically select the correct color space when opening photographs created with the D3.
Page 215: Flash Photography
– Using Optional Flash Units This chapter describes how to use the camera with optional flash units that support the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) ... pg. 190 Compatible Flash Units ... pg. 191 CLS-Compatible Flash Units ...
Page 216: The Nikon Creative Lighting System (Cls)
The CLS-compatible D3 can be used for flash photography when an optional Speedlight is mounted on the camera’s accessory shoe. A flash can be used not only when natural lighting is inadequate, but also to fill in shadows, illuminate back-lit subjects, and even to add a catch light to the eyes of a portrait subject.
Page 217: Compatible Flash Units
Compatible Flash Units CLS-Compatible Flash Units The D3 can be used with the following CLS-compatible flash units: the SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200, and SU-800. The SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, and SB-R200 The principal features of these flash units are listed below.
Page 218 The following features are available with the SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200, and SU-800: Flash unit Flash mode/feature i-TTL balanced fill-flash i-TTL for digital SLR Auto aperture Non-TTL auto Range-priority manual Manual Repeating flash Auto FP High-Speed Sync FV lock AF-assist for multi-area AF Flash Color Information Communication REAR...
Page 219 Modeling Illumination CLS-compatible Speedlights such as the SB-800 and SB-600 emit a modeling flash when the camera depth-of-field preview button is pressed. This feature can be used with Advanced Wireless Lighting to preview the total lighting effect achieved with multiple flash units. Modeling illumination can be turned off using Custom Setting e3 [Modeling flash] (pg.
Page 220: Other Flash Units
Refer to the Speedlight manual for detailed instructions. If the Speedlight supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System, refer to the section on CLS- compatible digital SLR cameras. The D3 is not included in the “digital SLR” category in the SB-80DX, SB-28DX, and SB-50DX manuals.
Page 221 Use only Nikon Speedlights. Negative voltages or voltages over 250 V applied to the accessory shoe could not only prevent normal operation, but damage the sync circuitry of the camera or flash. Before using a Nikon Speedlight not listed in this section, contact a Nikon-authorized service representative for more information.
Page 222: I-Ttl Flash Control
i-TTL Flash Control When a CLS-compatible flash unit is set to TTL, the camera automatically selects one of the following types of flash control: i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR: Flash unit emits series of nearly invisible preflashes (monitor preflashes) immediately before main flash. Preflashes reflected from objects in all areas of frame are picked up by 1,005-segment RGB sensor and are analyzed in combination with range information from matrix metering system to adjust flash output for...
Page 223: Flash Modes
Flash Modes The camera supports the following flash modes: Flash mode This mode is recommended for most situations. In programmed auto and aperture-priority auto modes, shutter speed will automatically be set to values Front-curtain between sync High-Speed Sync). Flash is combined with shutter speeds as slow as 30 s to capture both subject and background at night or under dim light.
Page 224 Flash mode Description Combines red-eye reduction with slow sync. Use for portraits taken against a backdrop of night scenery. Available only in exposure modes e and g. Tripod is Red-eye recommended to prevent blurring caused by camera reduction with shake. slow sync...
Page 225: Control Panel
Choosing a Flash Mode To choose the flash mode, press the M button and rotate the main command dial until the desired flash mode is selected in the top control panel: Front-curtain sync Red-eye reduction with slow sync 1 Available only in exposure modes e and g. In modes f and h, front- curtain sync is selected when M button is released.
Page 226 Studio Flash Systems Rear-curtain sync can not be used with studio flash systems, as the correct synchronization can not be obtained. Shutter Speed and Aperture Shutter speed and aperture can be set as follows when a Speedlight is used: Mode Shutter speed Set automatically by camera Value selected by user...
Page 227: Fv Lock
FV Lock This feature is used to lock flash output, allowing photographs to be recomposed without changing the flash level and ensuring that flash output is appropriate to the subject even when the subject is not positioned in the center of the frame. Flash output is adjusted automatically for any changes in ISO sensitivity, and aperture.
Page 228 Focus. Position the subject in the center of the frame and press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. Lock flash level. After confirming that the flash ready indicator (M) is displayed in the viewfinder, press the Fn button. The flash will emit a monitor preflash to determine the appropriate flash level.
Page 229 Release FV lock. Press the Fn button to release FV lock. Confirm that the FV lock icons (P and e) are no longer displayed in the top control panel and viewfinder. Metering The metering areas for FV lock are as follows: Speedlight Stand-alone flash unit Used with other flash...
Page 230: Flash Contacts
Flash Contacts The camera is equipped with an accessory shoe for attaching optional flash units directly to the camera and a sync terminal that allows flash units to be connected via a sync cable. When an optional flash unit is attached, the flash will fire whenever the shutter is released.
Page 231: Other Shooting Options
Other Shooting Options This chapter covers restoring default settings, making multiple exposures, interval timer photography, and using GPS units and non-CPU lenses. Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings... pg. 206 Multiple Exposure ... pg. 208 Interval Timer Photography... pg. 213 Non-CPU Lenses ... pg. 220 Using a GPS Unit...
Page 232: Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings
Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings The camera settings listed below can be restored to default values by holding the ISO and WB buttons down together for more than two seconds (these buttons are marked by a green dot). The control panels turn off briefly while settings are reset.
Page 233 The following shooting-menu options will also be reset. Only settings in the bank currently selected using the [Shooting menu bank] option will be reset (pg. 291). Settings in the remaining banks are unaffected. Option Default Option Default Image quality JPEG Normal White balance Auto Image size...
Page 234: Multiple Exposure
Multiple Exposure Follow the steps below to record a series of two to ten exposures in a single photograph. Multiple exposures can be recorded at any image quality setting, and produce results with colors noticeably better than photographs combined in an imaging application because they make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor.
Page 235 Select the number of shots. Press 1 or 3 to choose the number of exposures that will be combined to form a single photograph and press J. Select [Auto gain]. Highlight [Auto gain] and press Set gain. Highlight one of the following options and press J.
Page 236 Select [Done]. Highlight [Done] and press J. A n icon will be displayed in the top control panel. To exit without taking a multiple exposure, select [Multiple exposure] > [Reset] in the shooting menu. Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. In continuous high-speed and continuous low- speed release modes (pg.
Page 237 Multiple Exposure Do not remove or replace the memory card while recording a multiple exposure. Live view (pg. 90) can not be used to record multiple exposures. The information listed in the playback photo information display (including date of recording and camera orientation) is for the first shot in the multiple exposure.
Page 238 Interrupting Multiple Exposures Selecting [Multiple exposure] in the shooting menu while a multiple exposure is being recorded displays the options shown at right. To interrupt a multiple exposure before the specified number of exposures have been taken, highlight [Cancel] and press J.
Page 239: Interval Timer Photography
Interval Timer Photography The camera is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals. Select [Interval timer shooting]. Highlight [Interval timer shooting] in the shooting menu (pg. 290) and press 2. Select a starting trigger. Highlight one of the following [Choose start time] options and press 2.
Page 240 Choose a start time. Press 4 or 2 to highlight hours or minutes; press 1 or 3 to change. The starting time is not displayed if [Now] is selected for [Choose start time]. Choose an interval. Press 4 or 2 to highlight hours, minutes, or seconds;...
Page 241 Start shooting. Highlight [Start] > [On] and press J (to return to the shooting menu without starting the interval timer, highlight [Start] > [Off] and press J). The first series of shots will be taken at the specified starting time. Shooting will continue at the selected interval until all shots have been taken.
Page 242 Out of Memory If the memory card is full, the interval timer will remain active but no pictures will be taken. Resume shooting (pg. 217) after deleting some pictures or turning the camera off and inserting another memory card. Bracketing Adjust bracketing settings before starting interval timer photography.
Page 243 Pausing Interval Timer Photography Interval time photography can be paused by: • Pressing the J button between intervals • Highlighting [Start] > [Pause] in the interval timer menu and pressing J • Turning the camera off and then on again (if desired, the memory card can be replaced while the camera is off ) •...
Page 244 Interrupting Interval Timer Photography Interval timer shooting will end automatically if the battery is exhausted. Interval timer photography can also be ended by: • Selecting [Start] > [Off ] in the interval timer menu • Performing a two button reset (pg. 206) •...
Page 245 Shooting Menu Banks Changes to interval timer settings apply to all shooting menu banks (pg. 291). If shooting menu settings are reset using the [Reset shooting menu] item in the shooting menu (pg. 290), interval timer settings will be reset as follows: •...
Page 246: Non-Cpu Lenses
Non-CPU Lenses By specifying lens data (lens focal length and maximum aperture), the user can gain access to a variety of CPU lens functions when using a non-CPU lens. If the focal length of the lens is known: • Automatic power zoom can be used with SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights (available separately) •...
Page 247 The Non-CPU Lens Data Menu Select [Non-CPU lens data]. Highlight [Non-CPU lens data] in the setup menu (pg. 344) and press 2. Select a lens number. Highlight [Lens number] and press 4 or 2 to choose a lens number between 1 and 9. Select a focal length.
Page 248 Select [Done]. Highlight [Done] and press J. The specified focal length and aperture will be stored under the chosen lens number. This combination of focal length and aperture can be recalled at any time by selecting the lens number using camera controls as described below. Choosing a Lens Number Using Camera Controls Assign non-CPU lens number selection to a camera control.
Page 249: Using A Gps Unit
Using a GPS Unit Optional Garmin GPS units that conform to version 2.01 or 3.01 of the National Marine Electronics Association NMEA0183 data format can be connected to the camera’s ten-pin remote terminal using an MC-35 GPS adapter cord (available separately; pg. 388), allowing information on the camera’s current position to be recorded when photographs are taken.
Page 250 When the camera establishes communication with a GPS device, a k icon will be displayed in the top control panel. Photo information for pictures taken while the k icon is displayed will include an additional page (pg. 238) recording the current latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), and heading.
Page 251 Setup Menu Options The [GPS] item in the setup menu contains the options listed below. • [Auto meter off]: Choose whether or not the exposure meters will turn off automatically when a GPS unit is attached. Option Exposure meters will turn off automatically if no operations are performed for the period specified in Custom Setting c2 Enable [Auto meter-off delay].
Page 253: More About Playback
More About Playback – Playback Options This chapter describes how to play back photographs and details the operations that can be performed during playback. Full-Frame Playback... pg. 228 Photo Information ... pg. 231 Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback ... pg. 241 Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom ...
Page 254: Full-Frame Playback
Full-Frame Playback To play photographs back, press the K button. The most recent photograph will be displayed in the monitor. O button K button N button L button J button H button Rotate tall To display “tall” (portrait-orientation) photographs in tall orientation, select [On] for the [Rotate tall] option in the playback menu (pg.
Page 255 View additional photographs View photo information View thumbnails Zoom in on photograph Delete images Record/play voice memo Change protect status View images on other memory card Return to shooting mode Display menus Description Press 2to view photographs in order recorded, 4 to view photographs in reverse order.
Page 256 Image Review When [On] is selected for [Image review] in the playback menu (pg. 287), photographs are automatically displayed in the monitor for about 20 s (the default setting) after shooting. In single-frame, self-timer, and mirror- up release modes, photographs are displayed one at a time as they are taken.
Page 257: Photo Information
, EXP. TUN I NG 0, 0, FOCAL LENGTH 85mm LENS 1. 4 FLASH MODE, 100 - 1 N I KON D3 Shooting Data page 1 1/ 10 N I KON D3 1 125, F5 . 6 85mm 0. 0 AUTO 0, 0 100NC_D3 DSC_0001.
Page 258 File Information 1 Voice memo icon ... 248 2 Protect status ... 244 3 Retouch indicator ... 360 4 Focus point ... 282 5 Image highlights 6 AF area brackets...47, 95 7 Frame number/ total number of frames 8 Highlight display indicator 9 Image quality ...65 1 Displayed only if [Focus point] is selected for [Display mode] (pg.
Page 259 RGB Histogram H ighlights 1 Voice memo icon ... 248 2 Protect status ... 244 3 Retouch indicator ... 360 4 Image highlights (areas of image that may be overexposed) are marked by a flashing border. 5 Folder number–frame number ...
Page 260 4 Some sample histograms are shown below: • If the image contains objects with a wide range of brightnesses, the distribution of tones will be relatively even. • If the image is dark, tone distribution will be shifted to the left. •...
Page 261 , EXP. TUN I NG FOCAL LENGTH 85mm LENS Optional , TTL , + 1 . 3 FLASH MODE, SLOW N I KON D3 7 Focal length...382 8 Lens data ...220 9 Focus mode ... 74 Lens VR (vibration reduction) 10 Flash mode ...197...
Page 262 : Adobe RGB COLOR SPACE PI CTURE CNTRL : STANDARD QUICK ADJUST SHARPNESS CONTRAST BRI GHTNESS SATURATION N I KON D3 8 Sharpening ...171 9 Contrast ...171 10 Brightness ...171 11 Saturation Filter effects 12 Hue ...171 Toning 13 Camera name 14 Folder number–frame...
Page 263 Shooting Data Page 3 N I KON D3 1 Voice memo icon ... 248 2 Protect status ... 244 3 Retouch indicator ... 360 4 High ISO noise reduction... 299 Long exposure noise reduction ... 299 5 Active D-Lighting... 185 1 Displayed only if [Data] is selected for [Display mode] (pg.
Page 264 : 35m ALTITUDE : 15/12/2007 TIME(UTC) : 01 : 15 : 56 : 105 . 17 º HEADING N I KON D3 7 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) 8 Heading 9 Camera name 10 Folder number-frame number 100 - 1 ...293...
Page 265 1 Displayed in red if photo was taken with ISO sensitivity auto control on. 2 3 4 1/ 10 N I KON D3 1 8000 , F2 . 8 HI-0 . 3 85mm + 1 . 3...
Page 266 26 Folder name ...293 27 Date of recording ... 39 28 Slot number... 42 29 White balance...144 Color temperature ...151 White balance fine-tuning ...147 Preset manual ...152 30 Color space ...187 N I KON D3 85mm N N OR ORMAL AL 4256x2832...
Page 267: Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback
Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback To display images in “contact sheets” of four or nine images, press the N button and rotate the main command dial. Full-frame playback Thumbnail playback...
Page 268 The following operations can be performed while thumbnails are displayed: Change number of images displayed Toggle full frame playback Highlight images Page through images Delete highlighted photo Record/play voice memo Change protect status of highlighted photo View images on other memory card Return to shooting mode...
Page 269: Taking A Closer Look: Playback Zoom
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom Press the N button and rotate the main command dial right to zoom in on the image displayed in full-frame playback or on the image currently highlighted in thumbnail playback. The following operations can be performed while zoom is in effect: Zoom in or View other areas of image...
Page 270: Protecting Photographs From Deletion
Protecting Photographs from Deletion In full-frame, zoom, and thumbnail playback, the L button can be used to protect photographs from accidental deletion. Protected files can not be deleted using the O button or the [Delete] option in the playback menu. Note that protected images will be deleted when the memory card is formatted (pp.
Page 271: Deleting Individual Photographs
Deleting Individual Photographs To delete the photograph displayed in full-frame playback or the photograph highlighted in the thumbnail list, press the O button. Once deleted, photographs can not be recovered. Select an image. Display the image or highlight it in the thumbnail list. Press the O button.
Page 272 Voice Memos If a voice memo has been recorded with the selected image, the confirmation dialog shown at right will be displayed when the O button is pressed. • [Image/sound]: Select this option and press the O button to delete both photo and voice memo. •...
Page 273: Voice Memos
Voice Memos – Recording and Playback The camera is equipped with a built-in microphone, allowing voice memos to be added to photographs. Voice memos can be played back over the camera’s built-in speaker. Recording Voice Memos ... pg. 248 Playing Voice Memos... pg. 253...
Page 274: Recording Voice Memos
Recording Voice Memos Voice memos up to sixty seconds long can be added to photographs using the built-in microphone. Readying the Camera for Recording Before recording voice memos, choose the desired options for the [Voice memo] (pg. 248), [Voice memo overwrite] (pg. 249), and [Voice memo button] (pg.
Page 275 Voice Memo Overwrite This option controls whether the voice memo for the most recent photograph can be overwritten in shooting mode. The following options are available: Option Description Voice memo can not be recorded in Disable shooting mode if one already exists for (default) most recent image.
Page 276 Automatic Recording (Shooting Mode) If [On (Auto and manual)] is selected for [Voice memo] (pg. 248), a voice memo will be added to the most recent photograph when shooting ends. Recording will end when the H button is pressed or after the specified recording time has ended. Manual Recording (Shooting Mode) If [On (Auto and manual)] or [Manual only] is selected for [Voice memo] (pg.
Page 277: Playback Mode
Playback Mode To add a voice memo to the photograph currently displayed in full-frame playback or highlighted in the thumbnail list (pg. 228): Choose a photograph. Display or highlight the photograph. Only one voice memo can be recorded per image; additional voice memos can not be recorded for images already marked with a h icon.
Page 278 Interrupting Recording Recording will end automatically if: • The G button is pressed to display the menus • The K button is pressed • The shutter-release button is pressed halfway • The camera is turned off During interval timer photography, recording will end automatically about two seconds before the next photograph is taken.
Page 279: Playing Voice Memos
Playing Voice Memos Voice memos can be played back over the camera’s built-in speaker when the associated image is viewed in full-frame playback or highlighted in the thumbnail list (pp. 228, 242). The presence of a voice memo is indicated by an h icon. Press Press H to start playback.
Page 280: Voice Memo Playback Options
Voice Memo Playback Options The [Audio output] option in the setup menu controls whether voice memos are played back over the camera’s built-in speaker or by a device to which the camera is connected via an HDMI or audio/video cable. When sound is played back over the built-in speaker, the [Audio output] option also controls playback volume.
Page 281: Connections
Connections – Connecting to External Devices This chapter describes how to copy photographs to a computer, how to print pictures, and how to view them on a television set. Connecting to a Computer ... pg. 256 Direct USB Connection ... pg. 258 Wireless and Ethernet Networks ...
Page 282: Connecting To A Computer
This section describes how to connect the camera to a computer using the supplied UC-E4 USB cable. Once the camera is connected, Nikon Transfer (supplied) or optional Nikon software such as Camera Control Pro 2 can be used to copy photographs to the computer or control the camera remotely.
Page 283 * See the websites listed on page xxiv for the latest information on supported operating systems. Windows 2000 Professional select [MTP/PTP] when using Nikon Transfer. If [MTP/PTP] is selected when the camera is connected, the Windows hardware wizard will be displayed. Click [Cancel] to exit the wizard, and then disconnect the camera.
Page 284: Direct Usb Connection
Direct USB Connection Connect the camera using the supplied UC-E4 USB cable. Select a USB option. Before connecting the camera to the computer, make sure the correct option is selected for the [USB] item in the camera setup menu (pg. 257). Turn the camera off.
Page 285 [MTP/PTP] is selected). Transfer photographs. Transfer photographs to the computer as described in the online help for Nikon Transfer. To view the online help, start Nikon Transfer and select [Nikon Transfer help] from the Nikon Transfer [Help] menu.
Page 286 Windows 2000 Professional Click the “Unplug or Eject Hardware” icon ( ) in the taskbar and select [Stop USB Mass Storage Device] from the menu that appears. Mac OS X Drag the camera volume (“NIKON D3”) into the Trash.
Page 287: Wireless And Ethernet Networks
Wireless and Ethernet Networks If the optional WT-4 wireless transmitter is attached, photographs can be transferred or printed over wireless or Ethernet networks and the camera can also be controlled from network computers running Camera Control Pro 2 (available separately). The WT-4 can be used in any of the following modes: Mode Upload new or existing photographs to computer or ftp...
Page 288: Printing Photographs
Printing Photographs Photographs can be printed by any of the following methods: • Connect the camera to a printer and print JPEG photographs directly from the camera (pg. 263). • Insert the camera memory card in a printer equipped with a card slot (see the printer manual for details).
Page 289: Direct Usb Connection
Direct USB Connection If the camera is connected to a PictBridge printer via the supplied USB cable, selected JPEG pictures can be printed directly from the camera. Select photographs for printing using [Print set (DPOF)] (pg. 272) Select [MTP/PTP] in camera [USB] menu and connect camera to Print photographs one at a time (pg.
Page 290 Connecting the Printer Connect the camera using the supplied UC-E4 USB cable. Select [MTP/PTP]. If the [USB] option in the camera setup menu has been changed from the default setting of [MTP/PTP], display the [USB] menu and select [MTP/PTP] (pg. 257).
Page 291 Printing Pictures One at a Time Select a picture. Press 4 or 2 to view additional pictures, or press the N button and rotate the main command dial right to zoom in on the current frame (pg. 243). Press K to return to full-frame playback. To view six pictures at a time, press the center of the multi selector.
Page 292 Adjust printing options. Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option and press 2 to select. Option Menu shown at right will be displayed. Press 1 or 3 to choose page size (to print at Page size default page size for current printer, select [Printer default]), then press J to select and return to previous menu.
Page 293 Option Menu shown at right will be displayed. To exit without cropping picture, highlight [No cropping] and press J. To crop picture, highlight [Crop] and press 2. Cropping If [Crop] is selected, dialog shown at right will be displayed. Rotate main command dial to right to increase size of crop, left to decrease.
Page 294: Printing Multiple Pictures
Printing Multiple Pictures Display the PictBridge menu. Press the G button in the PictBridge playback display (see Step 4 on page 264). Choose [Print select] or [Print (DPOF)]. Highlight one of the following options and press 2. • [Print select]: Select pictures for printing.
Page 295 Select pictures. Use the multi selector to scroll through the pictures on the memory card. To display the current picture full screen, press N button. To select the current picture for printing, press the L button and press 1. The picture will be marked with a Z icon and the number of prints will be set to 1.
Page 296 Adjust printing options. Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option and press 2 to select. Option Menu of page size options will be displayed (pg. 266). Press 1 or 3 to choose page size (to print at default Page size page size for current printer, select [Printer default]), then press J to select and return to previous menu.
Page 297 Creating Index Prints To create an index print of all JPEG pictures on the memory card, select [Index print] in Step 2 of “Printing Multiple Pictures” (pg. 268). Note that if the memory card contains more than 256 pictures, only the first 256 images will be printed. Select [Index print].
Page 298 Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set The [Print set (DPOF)] option in the playback menu is used to create digital “print orders” for PictBridge-compatible printers and devices that support DPOF. Selecting [Print set (DPOF)] from the playback menu displays the menu shown in Step 1. Choose [Select/set].
Page 299 Select imprint options. Highlight the following options and press 2 to toggle the highlighted option on or off (to complete the print order without including this information, proceed to Step 4). • [Data imprint]: Print shutter speed and aperture on all pictures in print order.
Page 300: Viewing Photographs On Tv
Viewing Photographs on TV The supplied EG-D2 audio/video (A/V) cable can be used to connect the D3 to a television or VCR for playback or recording. A type A High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable (available separately from commercial sources) can be used to connect the camera to high-definition video devices.
Page 301 Turn the camera on and press K button. During playback, images will be displayed both on the television screen or recorded to video tape and the camera monitor. Video Mode (pg. 346) Be sure that the video standard matches the standard used in the video device.
Page 302: High-Definition Devices
High-Definition Devices The camera can be connected to HDMI devices using a type A HDMI cable (available separately from commercial sources). Turn the camera off. Always turn the camera off before connecting or disconnecting an HDMI cable. Connect the HDMI cable as shown. Connect to high- definition device Tune the device to the HDMI channel.
Page 303: Menu Guide
Menu Guide This chapter describes the options available in the camera menus. D The Playback Menu: Managing Images ... pg. 278 C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options... pg. 290 A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings... pg. 301 B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup... pg. 344 N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies...
Page 304: D The Playback Menu: Managing Images
D The Playback Menu: Managing Images The playback menu contains the options listed below. For information on using the playback menu, see “Tutorial: Camera Menus” (pg. 26). Option Delete Playback folder Hide image Display mode Copy image(s) Image review After delete Rotate tall Slide show Print set (DPOF)
Page 305: Selecting Multiple Pictures
Selecting Multiple Pictures To select multiple pictures for [Delete] (pg. 281), [Hide image] (pg. 281), [Print set (DPOF)] (pg. 289), and direct printing (pg. 268): Highlight a picture. To view the highlighted picture full screen, press and hold the N button. If two memory cards are inserted, the slot can be selected by holding the N button and pressing 1.
Page 306 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to select additional pictures. To deselect a picture, highlight it and press center of multi selector. Press J to complete the operation. A confirmation dialog will be displayed; highlight [Yes] and press J. J button...
Page 307: Delete
Playback Folder Choose a folder for playback. Option NC_D3 Pictures in all folders created with the D3 will be visible (default) during playback. Pictures in all folders will be visible during playback. Only pictures in the current folder will be visible Current during playback.
Page 308: Display Mode
Display Mode Choose the information available in the playback photo information display (pg. 231). Press 1 or 3 to highlight an option, then press 2 to select the option for the photo information display. A L appears next to selected items; to deselect, highlight and press 2.
Page 309: Copy Image(S)
Copy Image(s) Copy photographs from the memory card in slot 1 to the memory card in slot 2. Option Select image(s) Select photographs from memory card in slot 1. Select destination Select destination folder on memory card in slot 2. folder Copy images? Copy selected photographs to specified destination.
Page 310 Preselect all or protected images. Highlight one of the following options and press 2: • [Deselect all]: No images will be preselected. Choose this option when selecting individual images by hand. • [Select all images]: Preselect all images in the current folder. Choose this option when selecting all or most images in the current folder to be copied.
Page 311 Choose a selection method. Highlight one of the following options and press 2. Option Enter number of destination folder. Select folder by number Select destination folder from list. Select folder from list Select a destination folder. Enter the desired folder number or highlight the destination folder and press J to select the folder and return to the [Copy image(s)] menu.
Page 312 Select [Yes]. A confirmation dialog will be displayed. Highlight [Yes] and press J. Copy Image(s)? Images can only be copied if there is sufficient space on the destination memory card. Hidden pictures can not be copied. If the destination folder contains a file with the same name as a file selected for copying, a warning will be displayed.
Page 313: Image Review
Image Review Choose whether pictures are automatically displayed in the monitor immediately after shooting. Option Pictures are automatically displayed in the monitor after shooting. Off (default) Pictures can only be displayed by pressing K button. After Delete Choose the picture displayed after an image is deleted. Option Show next Display following picture.
Page 314: Slide Show
Slide Show Create a slide show of the pictures in the current playback folder (pg. 281). Hidden images (pg. 281) are not displayed. Option Start Frame interval Choose how long each picture will be displayed. Audio playback To start the slide show, highlight [Start] and press J. The following operations can be performed while the slide show is in progress: Skip back/skip...
Page 315: Print Set (Dpof)
A dialog shown at right is displayed when the show ends or when the J button is pressed to pause playback. Select [Restart] to restart (if the slide was paused, the show will resume from the next slide) or [Exit] to return to the playback menu.
Page 316: C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options
C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options The shooting menu contains the options listed below. For information on using the shooting menu, see “Tutorial: Camera Menus” (pg. 26). Option Shooting menu bank Reset shooting menu Active folder File naming Slot 2 Image quality Image size Image area...
Page 317: Shooting Menu Bank
Shooting Menu Bank Shooting menu options are stored in one of four banks. With the exceptions of [Interval timer shooting] and [Multiple exposure], changes to settings in one bank have no effect on the others. To store a particular combination of frequently-used settings, select one of the four banks and set the camera to these settings.
Page 318 Enter a name. To move the cursor in the name area, press the N button and press 4 or 2. To enter a new letter at the current cursor position, use the multi selector to highlight the desired character in the keyboard area and press the center of the multi selector.
Page 319: Reset Shooting Menu
Reset Shooting Menu Choose whether to restore default settings for the current shooting menu bank. See page 419 for a list of default settings. With the exceptions of image quality, image size, white balance, and ISO sensitivity, shooting menu settings are not reset when a two-button reset (pg.
Page 320 Choose a folder number. Press the 4 or 2 to highlight a digit, press 1 or 3 to change. If a folder with the selected number already exists, a W, X, or Y icon will be displayed to the left of the folder number: •...
Page 321 Select Folder Choose [Select folder]. Highlight [Select folder] and press 2. Highlight a folder. Press 1 or 3 to highlight a folder. Select the highlighted folder. Press J to select the highlighted folder and return to the shooting menu (to exit without changing the active folder, press the G button).
Page 322: File Naming
File Naming Photographs are saved using file names consisting of “DSC_” or, in the case of images that use the Adobe RGB color space, “_DSC”, followed by a four-digit number and a three-letter extension (e.g., “DSC 0001.JPG”). The [File naming] option is used to select three letters to replace the “DSC”...
Page 323: Image Size
Choose the size at which pictures are recorded (pg. 69). Image Area Although the D3 can record photographs with the same diagonal picture angle as a 35mm format camera using a 3 : 2 aspect ratio, it can also be used to record photographs with the smaller DX picture angle or the 5 : 4 aspect ratio (pg.
Page 324: Set Picture Control
Set Picture Control Select from the Picture Controls provided with the camera to instantly adjust image processing settings (pg. 166). Manage Picture Control Save and modify custom Picture Control combinations, or copy custom Picture Controls to or from the memory card (pg. 174). Color Space Choose from sRGB and Adobe RGB color spaces (pg.
Page 325: Long Exp. Nr (Long Exposure Noise Reduction)
Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Reduction) Choose whether to reduce noise in pictures taken at slow shutter speeds. Option Photographs taken at shutter speeds slower than 1s are processed to reduce noise. While photographs are being processed, “l m” will blink in the shutter speed/aperture displays for a period of time approximately equal to the...
Page 326: Iso Sensitivity Settings
ISO Sensitivity Settings Adjust ISO sensitivity and ISO sensitivity auto control settings (pp. 108, 110). Live View Choose a live view mode and the release mode that will be used when the camera is in live view mode (pg. 91). Multiple Exposure Create a single photograph from two to ten exposures (pg.
Page 327: A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings
A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings Custom Settings are used to customize camera settings to suit individual preferences. In addition to Custom Settings B ([Custom setting bank]) and A ([Reset custom settings]), settings in the Custom Settings menu are divided into the six groups shown at right.
Page 328: Custom Setting Bank
Self-timer delay c4 Monitor off delay Page Custom Setting d Shooting/display d1 Beep d2 Shooting speed d3 Max. continuous release d4 File number sequence d5 Control panel/viewfinder d6 Shooting info display d7 LCD illumination d8 Exposure delay mode e Bracketing/flash...
Page 329: B: Custom Setting Bank
B: Custom Setting Bank Custom Settings are stored in one of four banks. Changes to settings in one bank have no effect on the others. To store a particular combination of frequently-used settings, select one of the four banks and set the camera to these settings. The new settings will be stored in the bank even when the camera is turned off, and will be restored the next time the bank is selected.
Page 330: A: Autofocus
a: Autofocus a1: AF-C Priority Selection This option controls whether photographs can be taken whenever the shutter-release button is pressed (release priority) or only when the camera is in focus (focus priority) in continuous-servo AF. To select continuous-servo AF, rotate the focus mode selector to C. Option Release Photos can be taken whenever the shutter-release...
Page 331: A2: Af-S Priority Selection
a2: AF-S Priority Selection This option controls whether photographs can be taken only when the camera is in focus (focus priority) or whenever the shutter- release button is pressed (release priority) in single-servo AF. To select single-servo AF, rotate the focus mode selector to S.
Page 332: A3: Dynamic Af Area
a3: Dynamic AF Area If the subject leaves the selected focus point when dynamic-area AF (I; pg. 76) is selected in continuous-servo AF (focus mode C; pg. 74), the camera will focus based on information from surrounding focus points. Choose the number of points from 9, 21, and 51 based on subject movement.
Page 333 Option If the subject leaves the selected focus point, the camera will use 3D-tracking to track the subject and select a new focus point as required. Use to 51 points quickly compose pictures with subjects that are (3D-tracking) moving erratically from side to side (e.g., tennis players).
Page 334: A4: Focus Tracking With Lock-On
a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On This option controls how autofocus adjusts to sudden large changes in the distance to the subject. Option C Long When the distance to the subject changes abruptly, the camera waits for the specified period (long, normal, or Normal short) before adjusting the distance to the subject.
Page 335: A6: Focus Point Illumination
a6: Focus Point Illumination The options in this menu control whether or not the focus points are illuminated. Option Manual Choose [On] (the default setting) to display the active focus mode focus point in manual focus mode. Choose [On] (the default setting) to display the active Continuous focus point in C mode...
Page 336: A7: Focus Point Wrap-Around
a7: Focus Point Wrap-Around Choose whether focus-point selection “wraps around” from one edge of the viewfinder to another. Option Focus-point selection “wraps around” from top to bottom, bottom to top, right to left, and left to right, so that, for example, Wrap pressing 2 when a focus point at the right edge of the viewfinder display is highlighted (q)
Page 337: A9: Af-On Button
a9: AF-ON Button Choose the function performed when the B button is pressed. Option Pressing the B button initiates autofocus. (default) Focus and exposure lock while the B button is B AE/AF lock pressed. C AE lock only Exposure locks while the B button is pressed. Exposure locks when the B button is pressed, and AE lock remains locked until the button is pressed a second...
Page 338: A10: Vertical Af-On Button
a10: Vertical AF-ON Button Choose the function assigned to the B button for vertical shooting. Option G Same as AF-ON AF-ON (default) B AE/AF lock C AE lock only AE lock (Reset on release) E AE lock (Hold) F AF lock only Description Both B buttons perform the function selected for Custom Setting a9.
Page 339: B: Metering/Exposure
b: Metering/Exposure b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value This option determines whether adjustments to sensitivity are made in increments equivalent to b2: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl. This option determines whether adjustments to shutter speed, aperture, and bracketing are made in increments equivalent to EV, or 1 EV.
Page 340: B4: Easy Exposure Compensation
b4: Easy Exposure Compensation This option controls whether the E button is needed to set exposure compensation (pg. 132). If [On (Auto reset)] or [On] is selected, the 0 at the center of the exposure display will blink even when exposure compensation is set to ±0. Option On (Auto reset)
Page 341: B5: Center-Weighted Area
b5: Center-Weighted Area When calculating exposure, center- weighted metering assigns the greatest weight to a circle in the center of the frame. The diameter (φ ) of this circle can be set to 8, 12, 15, or 20 mm or to the average of the entire frame.
Page 342 Select a metering method. Highlight [Matrix metering], [Center-weighted], or [Spot metering] and press 2. Choose an exposure value. Press 1 or 3 to choose an exposure value from +1 to –1 EV. Press J to save changes and exit. Fine-Tuning Exposure Exposure can be fine-tuned separately for each Custom Settings bank and is not affected by two-button resets.
Page 343: C: Timers/Ae Lock
c: Timers/AE Lock c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L At the default setting of [Off ], exposure only locks when the AE-L/ AF-L button is pressed. If [On] is selected, exposure will also lock when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. c2: Auto Meter-off Delay This option controls how long the camera continues to meter exposure when no operations are performed.
Page 344: C3: Self-Timer Delay
c3: Self-Timer Delay This option controls the length of the shutter release delay in self-timer mode. Choose from 2 s, 5 s, 10 s, and 20 s. c4: Monitor off Delay This option controls how long the monitor remains on when no operations are performed.
Page 345: D: Shooting/Display
d: Shooting/Display d1: Beep Choose [High] or [Low] to sound a beep when the self-timer is used or the camera focuses in single-servo autofocus (note that a beep will not sound if [Release] is selected for Custom Setting a2 ([AF-S priority selection], pg. 305). Option Choose the pitch of the beep y High...
Page 346: D2: Shooting Speed
1 and 130. The Memory Buffer Regardless of the option selected for Custom Setting d3, shooting will slow when the memory buffer fills. See page 423 for more information on the capacity of the memory buffer.
Page 347: D4: File Number Sequence
d4: File Number Sequence When a photograph is taken, the camera names the file by adding one to the last file number used. This option controls whether file numbering continues from the last number used when a new folder is created, the memory card is formatted, or a new memory card is inserted in the camera.
Page 348: D5: Control Panel/Viewfinder
d5: Control Panel/Viewfinder Choose the information displayed in the viewfinder and rear control panel. Option Choose from [ISO sensitivity] (y; the default setting) and Rear control [Exposures remaining] (g). If [Exposures remaining] is panel selected, ISO sensitivity will only be displayed while the ISO button is pressed.
Page 349: D6: Shooting Info Display
d6: Shooting Info Display At the default setting of [Auto] (AUTO), the color of the lettering in the information display (pg. 14) will automatically change from black to white or white to black to maintain contrast with the background. To always use the same color lettering, select [Manual] and choose [Dark on light] (B;...
Page 350: D7: Lcd Illumination
d7: LCD Illumination At the default setting of [Off ], the control panel backlights (LCD illuminator) will only light while the power switch is in the D position. If [On] is selected, the control panels will be illuminated while the exposure meters are active (pg. 50). Select [Off ] for increased battery life.
Page 351: E: Bracketing/Flash
e: Bracketing/Flash e1: Flash Sync Speed This option controls flash sync speed. Option Auto FP high-speed sync is used with SB-800, SB-600, and SB-R200 flash units. If other flash units are used, shutter speed is set to 1/250 s (Auto FP) shows a shutter speed of or g, auto FP high-speed sync will be activated if the actual shutter speed is faster than...
Page 352: E2: Flash Shutter Speed
Modeling Flash If [On] (the default setting) is selected when the camera is being used with an optional flash unit that supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS; pg. 190), the flash unit mounted on the camera and any CLS-compatible remote flash units will emit a modeling flash when the camera depth-of-field preview button is pressed (pg.
Page 353: E4: Auto Bracketing Set
e4: Auto Bracketing Set Choose the setting or settings bracketed when auto bracketing (pg. 134) is in effect. Choose [AE & flash] (j; the default setting) to perform both exposure and flash-level bracketing, [AE only] (k) to bracket only exposure, [Flash only] (l) to perform only flash-level bracketing, or [WB bracketing] (m) to perform white-balance bracketing (pg.
Page 354: E5: Auto Bracketing (Mode M)
e5: Auto Bracketing (Mode M) This option determines which settings are affected when [AE & flash] or [AE only] is selected for Custom Setting e4 in manual exposure mode. Option Flash/speed (default) Flash/speed/ aperture Flash/ aperture Flash only Flash bracketing is performed only with i-TTL or AA flash control. If a setting other than [Flash only] is selected and a flash is not used, ISO sensitivity will be fixed at the value for the first shot, regardless of the setting selected for ISO sensitivity auto control (pg.
Page 355: E6: Bracketing Order
e6: Bracketing Order At the default setting of [MTR]>[under]>[over] (H), bracketing is performed in the order described on pages 136 and 140. If [Under]>[MTR]>[over] (I) is selected, shooting will proceed in order from the lowest to the highest value.
Page 356: F: Controls
f: Controls f1: Multi Selector Center Button This option determines what operations can be performed by pressing the center of the multi selector in shooting and playback modes. Shooting Mode Selecting [Shooting mode] displays the following options: Option Select center focus point (default) Not used...
Page 357: F2: Multi Selector
f2: Multi Selector If [Reset meter-off delay] is selected, operating the multi selector when the exposure meters are off (pg. 50) will activate the exposure meters. If [Do nothing] (the default option) is selected, the exposure meters will not be activated when the multi selector is pressed.
Page 358 Option AE/AF lock AE lock only Exposure locks while the Fn button is pressed. AE lock (Reset on release) AE lock (Hold) AF lock only Focus locks while the Fn button is pressed. Flash off Bracketing burst Matrix metering Center- weighted Spot metering...
Page 359 Option Virtual The electronic analog exposure displays act as a tilt horizon meter (pg. 333). None No operation is performed when the Fn button is (default) pressed. * This option can not be used in combination with [FUNC. button+dials] (pg. 334). Selecting this options displays a message and sets [FUNC.
Page 360 FUNC. Button+Dials Selecting [FUNC. button+dials] for Custom Setting f4 displays the following options: Option Choose image area (default) 1 step spd/ aperture Choose non- CPU lens number Focus point selection None Description The Fn button and main command dial can be used to select the image area (pg.
Page 361 Portrait (Tall-Orientation) Photographs To use the command dials to select the focus point when framing shots in portrait (“tall”) orientation: Choose [Focus point selection]. Select [Focus point selection] for Custom Setting f4 ([Assign FUNC. button]) > [FUNC. button+dials]. Unlock the shutter-release button for vertical shooting.
Page 362 Select the focus point. With the camera in portrait (“tall”) orientation, select a focus point by pressing the Fn button and rotating the command dials for vertical shooting. Use the main command dial to move the focus area selection left or right, the sub-command dial to move it up or down.
Page 363: F5: Assign Preview Button
f5: Assign Preview Button Choose the role played by the depth-of-field preview button, either by itself ([Preview button press]) or when used in combination with the command dials ([Preview + command dials]). The options available are the same as for [FUNC. button press] (pg.
Page 364: F6: Assign Ae-L/Af-L Button
f6: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button Choose the role played by the AE-L/AF-L button, either by itself ([AE-L/AF-L button press]) or when used in combination with the command dials ([AE-L/AF-L+command dials]). The options available for [AE-L/AF-L button press] are the same as for [FUNC. button press] (pg.
Page 365: F7: Customize Command Dials
f7: Customize Command Dials This option controls the operation of the main and sub-command dials. Option Controls the direction of the command dials. Choose [No] (the default option) for normal command dial operation, or Reverse [Yes] to reverse the rotation of the command dials. This rotation setting also applies to the command dials for vertical shooting.
Page 366 Option At the default setting of [Sub-command dial], aperture can only be adjusted with the sub-command dial (or with the main command dial if [On] is selected for [Change main/ sub]). If [Aperture ring] is selected, aperture can only be adjusted with the lens aperture ring and the camera aperture Aperture display will show aperture in increments of 1 EV (aperture for...
Page 367: F8: Release Button To Use Dial
f8: Release Button to Use Dial This option allows adjustments that are normally made by holding a button and rotating a command dial to be made by rotating the command dial after the button is released. At the default setting of [No], the button must be pressed while the command dial is rotated.
Page 368: F9: No Memory Card
f9: No Memory Card? At the default setting of [Enable release], the shutter can be released when no memory card is inserted, although no pictures will be recorded (they will however be displayed in the monitor in demo mode). If [Release locked] is selected, the shutter-release button is only enabled when a memory card is inserted in the camera.
Page 369: F10: Reverse Indicators
f10: Reverse Indicators At the default setting of (V), the exposure indicators in the top control panel and shooting information display are displayed with positive values on the left and negative values on the right. Select (W) to display negative values on the left and positive values on the right.
Page 370: B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup
B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup The setup menu contains the options listed below. For information on using the setup menu, see “Tutorial: Camera Menus” (pg. 26). Option Format memory card LCD brightness Lock mirror up for cleaning Video mode HDMI World time Language...
Page 371: Format Memory Card
Format Memory Card Format the card in the selected slot. Note that formatting permanently deletes all pictures and other data on the card. Before formatting, be sure to make backup copies as required. During Formatting Do not turn the camera off or remove memory cards during formatting. Two-Button Format Memory cards can also be formatted by pressing the Q (O and I) buttons for about two seconds (pg.
Page 372: Video Mode
Video Mode When connecting the camera to a television or VCR via the A/V out connector, be sure the camera video mode matches the device video standard (NTSC or PAL). HDMI The camera is equipped with an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connector, allowing pictures to be played back on high-definition televisions or monitors using a type A cable (available separately from commercial suppliers).
Page 373: World Time
World Time Change time zones, set the camera clock, choose the date display order, and turn daylight saving time on or off. Option Choose a time zone. The camera clock is automatically Time zone set to the time in the new time zone. Date and time Set the camera clock (pg.
Page 374: Image Comment
Image Comment Add a comment to new photographs as they are taken. Comments can be viewed in ViewNX (supplied) or Capture NX (available separately) (pg. 387). The comment is also visible on the third page of the photo information display. •...
Page 375: Auto Image Rotation
Auto Image Rotation Photographs taken while [On] (the default option) is selected contain information on camera orientation, allowing them to be rotated automatically during playback (pg. 287) or when viewed in ViewNX or Capture NX (available separately) (pg. 387). The following orientations are recorded: Landscape (wide) Camera rotated 90°...
Page 376: Voice Memo Overwrite
Choose [MTP/PTP] (the default setting) when connecting to a PictBridge printer or an optional WT-4 wireless transmitter or when using Camera Control Pro 2 (available separately; see page 387). See page 257 for information on selecting a USB option for use with Nikon Transfer (supplied).
Page 377: Dust Off Ref Photo
Dust off Ref Photo Acquire reference data for the Image Dust Off option in Capture NX (available separately; for more information, see the Capture NX manual). [Dust off ref photo] is available only when a CPU lens is mounted on the camera. A lens with a focal length of at least 50 mm is recommended.
Page 378 Acquire dust off reference data. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to acquire Image Dust Off reference data. The monitor turns off when the shutter-release button is pressed. If the reference object is too bright or too dark, the camera may be unable to acquire Image Dust Off reference data and the message shown at right will be...
Page 379: Battery Info
Battery Info View information on the battery currently inserted in the camera. Item Bat. meter The current battery level expressed as a percentage. The number of times the shutter has been released with the current battery since the battery was last charged. Note Pic.
Page 380: Wireless Transmitter
Image Authentication Choose whether to embed image authentication information in new photographs as they are taken, allowing alterations to be detected using Nikon’s optional Image Authentication software. Image authentication information can not be embedded in existing photographs. Photographs taken with image authentication on are marked with a p icon on the file information and overview data pages of the photo information display (pp.
Page 381: Save/Load Settings
Save/Load Settings Select [Save settings] to save the following settings to the memory card in slot 1 (if the memory card is full, an error will be displayed; pg 412). Menu Display mode Image review Playback After delete Rotate tall Shooting menu bank File naming Slot 2...
Page 382 Non-CPU lens data My Menu All My Menu items Settings saved using the D3 can be restored by selecting [Load settings]. Note that [Save/load settings] is only available when a memory card is inserted in slot 1, and that the [Load settings]...
Page 383: Gps
Adjust settings for connection to a GPS unit Virtual Horizon Display a virtual horizon based on information from the camera orientation sensor. Tilting the Camera The virtual horizon display is not accurate when the camera is tilted at a sharp angle forward or back.
Page 384: Af Fine Tune
AF Fine Tune Fine-tune focus for up to 20 lenses. AF tuning is not recommended in most situations; use only when required. Option AF fine • [On]: Turn AF tuning on. tune • [Off] (default): Turn AF tuning off. (On/Off) Tune AF for the current lens (CPU lenses only).
Page 385: Firmware Version
Option List previously saved AF tuning values. If a value exists for the current lens, it will be shown with a V icon. To delete a lens from the list, highlight the desired lens and press O. To change a lens identifier (for example to choose an identifier that is the same as the last two digits of the lens serial number to List distinguish it from other lenses of the same type), highlight the...
Page 386: N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies
N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies The options in the retouch menu are used to create trimmed, or retouched copies of the photographs on the memory card. The retouch menu is only displayed when a memory card containing photographs is inserted in the camera. For information on using the shooting menu, see “Tutorial: Camera Menus”...
Page 387 Creating Retouched Copies Select an item in the retouch menu. Press 1 or 3 to highlight an item, 2 to select. Depending on the option selected, a menu may be displayed; highlight an option and press 2. Select a picture. The pictures on the memory card will be displayed.
Page 388 Create a retouched copy. Press J to create a retouched copy. Retouched copies are indicated by a N icon. Retouching Copies Copies created with [Trim] can not be further modified. D-lighting, red-eye correction, filter effects, and color balance can not be applied to monochrome copies.
Page 389: D-Lighting
D-Lighting D-Lighting brightens shadows, making it ideal for dark or backlit photographs. Before After Press 1 or 3 to choose the amount of correction performed. The effect can be previewed in the edit display. Press J to copy the photograph.
Page 390: Red-Eye Correction
Red-Eye Correction This option is used to correct “red-eye” caused by the flash, and is available only with photographs taken using the flash. The photograph selected for red-eye correction is previewed as shown at right. Confirm the effects of red-eye correction and create a copy as described in the following table.
Page 391: Trim
Trim Create a cropped copy of the selected photograph. The selected photograph is displayed with the selected crop shown in yellow; create a cropped copy as described in the following table. Reduce size of crop Increase size of crop Change crop aspect ratio Move crop Preview crop...
Page 392: Monochrome
Trim: Image Quality and Size Copies created from NEF (RAW), NEF (RAW) + JPEG, or TIFF (RGB) photos have an image quality (pg. 65) of JPEG fine; cropped copies created from JPEG photos have the same image quality as the original. The size of the copy varies with crop size and aspect ratio.
Page 393: Filter Effects
Filter Effects Choose from the following color filter effects. After adjusting filter effects as described below, press J to copy the photograph. Option Creates the effect of a skylight filter, making the picture less blue. The effect can be Skylight previewed in the monitor as shown at right.
Page 394: Image Overlay
Image Overlay Image overlay combines two existing NEF (RAW) photographs to create a single picture that is saved separately from the originals with results that are noticeably better than photographs combined in an imaging application because they make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor.
Page 395 Select the highlighted photograph. Press J to select the highlighted photograph and return to the preview display. The selected image will appear as [Image 1]. Set gain. Optimize exposure for the overlay by pressing 1 or 3 to select the gain for image 1 from values between 0.1 and 2.0.
Page 396 Image Overlay Only NEF (RAW) photographs created with the D3 can be selected for image overlay. Other images are not displayed in the selection screen. Only NEF (RAW) photographs with the same image area and bit-depth can be combined.
Page 397: Side-By-Side Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison Compare retouched copies to the original photographs. Select [Side-by-side comparison]. Highlight [Side-by-side comparison] and press 2 to display a picture-selection dialog. Select a picture. Use the multi selector to highlight a picture and press J. Only retouched copies (shown by a N icon) or photographs that have been retouched can be selected.
Page 398 Compare the copy with the Options used to created copy original. The source image is displayed on the left, the retouched copy on the right, with the options used to create the copy listed at the top of the display. Press the multi selector in the Source Retouched...
Page 399: O My Menu: Creating A Custom Menu
O My Menu: Creating a Custom Menu The [My Menu] option can be used to create and edit a customized list of options from the playback, shooting, Custom Settings, setup, and retouch menus for quick access (up to 20 items). Options can be added, deleted, and reordered as described below.
Page 400 Position the new item. Press 1 or 3 to move the new item up or down in My Menu. Press J to add the new item. View My Menu. The items currently displayed in My Menu are indicated by a check mark. Items indicated by a V icon can not be selected.
Page 401: Deleting Options From My Menu
Deleting Options from My Menu Select [Remove items]. In My Menu (O), highlight [Remove items] and press 2. Select items. Highlight items and press 2 to select or deselect. Selected items are indicated by a check mark. Select [Done]. Highlight [Done] and press J. A confirmation dialog will be displayed.
Page 402: Reordering Options In My Menu
Reordering Options in My Menu Select [Rank items]. In My Menu (O), highlight [Rank items] and press 2. Select an item. Highlight the item you wish to move and press J. Position the item. Press 1 or 3 to move the item up or down in My Menu and press J.
Page 403: Technical Notes
Technical Notes – Camera Care, Options, and Resources This chapter covers the following topics: Compatible Lenses... pg. 378 Other Accessories... pg. 383 Caring for the Camera ... pg. 390 Storage ... pg. 390 Cleaning... pg. 390 Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions ... pg. 398 Troubleshooting...
Page 404: Compatible Lenses
AF-S, AF-I Nikkor PC Micro 85mm f/2.8D AF-S / AF-I Teleconverter Other AF Nikkor (except lenses for F3AF) AI-P Nikkor AI-, AI-modified, Nikkor or Nikon Series E lenses Medical-Nikkor 120mm Reflex-Nikkor PC-Nikkor AI-type Teleconverter PB-6 Bellows Focusing Attachment Auto extension rings (PK-series 11A, 12, or 13;...
Page 405 9 When focusing at minimum focus distance with AF 80–200mm f/2.8, AF 35– 70mm f/2.8, AF 28–85mm f/3.5–4.5 <New>, or AF 28–85mm f/3.5–4.5 lens at maximum zoom, in-focus indicator may be displayed when image on matte screen in viewfinder is not in focus. Adjust focus manually until image in viewfinder is in focus.
Page 406 Incompatible Accessories and Non-CPU Lenses The following accessories and non-CPU lenses can • TC-16AS AF teleconverter • Non-AI lenses • Lenses that require the AU-1 focusing unit (400mm f/4.5, 600mm f/5.6, 800mm f/8, 1200mm f/11) • Fisheye (6mm f/5.6, 7.5mm f/5.6, 8mm f/8, OP 10mm f/5.6) •...
Page 407 The AF-S/AF-I Teleconverter The AF-S/AF-I teleconverter can be used with the following AF-S and AF-I lenses: • AF-S VR Micro 105mm f/2.8G ED • AF-S VR 200mm f/2G ED • AF-S VR 300mm f/2.8G ED • AF-S 300mm f/2.8D ED II •...
Page 408 Picture Angle and Focal Length The D3 can be used with Nikon lenses for 35mm (135) format cameras. If [Auto DX crop] is on (the default setting) and a 35mm format lens is attached, the picture angle will be the same as a frame of 35mm film (36.0 ×...
Page 409: Other Accessories
At the time of writing, the following accessories were available for the D3. • Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 (pp. 32, 34): Additional EN-EL4a/EN-EL4 batteries are available from local retailers and Nikon service representatives. These batteries can be recharged and calibrated using an MH-22 or MH-21 quick charger. Power •...
Page 410 • Focusing Screens: The focusing screens available for the D3 are listed below. Type B Brite View clear-matte VI focusing screen Type E clear-matte VI focusing Viewfinder screen eyepiece accessories • Magnifier DG-2: The DG-2 magnifies the scene displayed in the viewfinder.
Page 411 (note that the edges of the frame will not be visible when the view is magnified). • Eyepiece Adapter DK-18: The DK-18 is used when attaching the DG-2 Magnifier or DR-3 Right-Angle Viewing Attachment to the D3. –1 (values –1 ).
Page 412 • The D3 can not be used with linear polarizing filters. Use the C-PL circular polarizing filter instead. • The NC and L37C filters are recommended for protecting the Filters lens.
Page 413 Software with image authentication on have been modified after shooting. Note: Use the latest versions of Nikon software. Most Nikon software offers an auto update feature when the computer is connected to the Internet. • Body Cap BF-1A: The BF-1A keeps the mirror, viewfinder screen, Body cap and low-pass filter free of dust when a lens is not in place.
Page 414 MW-2 radio control set, MT-2 intervalometer, and ML-2 modulite control set. Connects GPS devices to D3 via PC cable supplied by manufacturer of GPS device (pg. 223). Allows infrared remote control at ranges of up to 8 m (26 in.).
Page 415 Approved Memory Cards The following cards have been tested and approved for use in the SanDisk Extreme IV SDCFX4 Extreme III SDCFX3 Ultra II SDCFH Standard SDCFB Other cards have not been tested. For more details on the above cards, please contact the manufacturer. Lexar Media 8 GB Professional...
Page 416: Caring For The Camera
Caring for the Camera Storage When the camera will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery, and store the battery in a cool, dry area with the terminal cover in place. To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Page 417: Replacing The Focusing Screen
A type B clear-matte VI focusing screen is inserted in the camera at shipment. To insert an optional type E clear-matte VI focusing screen for D3 cameras (pg. 384): Remove the lens. Turn the camera off and remove the lens.
Page 418 Latch the screen holder. Push the front edge of holder upward until it clicks into place. Replacing Focusing Screens Do not touch the surface of the mirror or focusing screens. Framing Grids The display in type E focusing screens may be slightly out of position depending on how the focusing screen is placed.
Page 419: Replacing The Clock Battery
Replacing the Clock Battery The camera clock is powered by a CR1616 lithium battery with a life of about four years. If the B icon is displayed in the top control panel while the exposure meters are on, the battery is running low and needs to be replaced.
Page 420 Close the clock battery chamber. Slide the clock battery chamber cover towards the back of the main battery chamber until it clicks into place. Replace the main battery. Reinsert the EN-EL4a. Set the camera clock. Set the camera to the current date and time (pg.
Page 421 Note, however, that the filter is extremely delicate and easily damaged. Nikon recommends that the filter be cleaned only by Nikon-authorized service personnel. Charge the battery or connect an AC adapter. A reliable power source is required when inspecting or cleaning the low-pass filter.
Page 422 Do not use a blower- brush, as the bristles could damage the filter. Dirt that can not be removed with a blower can only be removed by Nikon- authorized service personnel. Under no circumstances should you touch or wipe the filter.
Page 423 The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing. Nikon recommends that the camera be inspected by the original retailer or Nikon service representative once every one to two years, and that it be serviced once every three to five years (note that fees apply to these services).
Page 424: Caring For The Camera And Battery: Cautions
Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions Do not drop: The product may malfunction if subjected to strong shocks or vibration. Keep dry: This product is not waterproof, and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high levels of humidity. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.
Page 425 Cleaning: When cleaning the camera body, use a blower to gently remove dust and lint, then wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. After using the camera at the beach or seaside, wipe off any sand or salt using a cloth lightly dampened in pure water and then dry the camera thoroughly.
Page 426 Turn the product off before removing or disconnecting the power source: Do not unplug the product or remove the battery while the product is on or while images are being recorded or deleted. Forcibly cutting power in these circumstances could result in loss of data or in damage to product memory or internal circuitry.
Page 427 Batteries: Dirt on the battery terminals can prevent the camera from functioning and should be removed with a soft, dry cloth before use. Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. Observe the following precautions when handling batteries: Turn the product off before replacing the battery.
Page 428: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting If the camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common problems below before consulting your retailer or Nikon representative. Refer to the page numbers in the right-most column for more information. Display Problem Viewfinder is out of focus.
Page 429 Shooting Problem Camera takes time to turn Shutter-release disabled. Photos are out of focus. Solution Delete files or folders. • Memory card is full or not inserted. • CPU lens with aperture ring attached but aperture not locked at highest f-number. If displayed in the top control panel, select [Aperture ring] for Custom Setting f7 ([Customize command...
Page 430 Problem Full range of shutter speeds not available. Focus does not lock when shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Image size can not be changed. Can not select focus point Camera is slow to record photos. Photos not recorded in live view mode. Solution Flash in use.
Page 431 • Adjust white balance to match light source. • Adjust [Set Picture Control] settings. Subject is too dark or too bright. Image was not created with D3. • NEF (RAW) or NEF+JPEG image quality option selected for image quality. • Multiple exposure mode is in effect.
Page 432 Problem Effects of Picture Control differ from image to image. Metering can not be changed. Exposure compensation can not be used. Reddish areas appear in photos. Textures are uneven. Solution “A” (auto) is selected for sharpening, contrast, or saturation. For consistent results over a series of photographs, choose a setting other than “A”...
Page 433 Playback Problem Flashing areas appear in images Press 1 or 3 to choose photo Shooting data appear on images information displayed. A graph appears during playback. NEF (RAW) image is Photo was taken at image quality of NEF not played back. + JPEG.
Page 434 Problem Photo is not displayed on high- definition video device. Can not copy photos to computer. Photos not displayed in Capture NX. Can not use Camera Control Pro 2. Miscellaneous Problem Date of recording is not correct. Menu item can not be selected.
Page 435: Error Messages
2 4 Camera unable to focus — using autofocus. Solution Set ring to minimum aperture (largest f-number). Ready a fully-charged spare battery. Replace battery. Contact Nikon- authorized service representative. Aperture value will be displayed if maximum aperture is specified. Focus manually. Page 32, 34 —...
Page 436 Indicator Control View- panel finder Subject too bright; photo will be overexposed. Problem • Use a lower ISO sensitivity. • Use optional ND filter. In exposure mode: f Increase shutter speed g Choose a smaller aperture (larger f-number) Solution Page...
Page 437 Indicator Control View- panel finder Problem Subject too dark; photo will be underexposed. A selected in exposure mode f. Optional flash unit that does not support i-TTL flash control attached and set to TTL. If indicator blinks for 3s — after flash fires, photo may be underexposed.
Page 438 Change flash sync mode or use flash unit that supports red-eye reduction. • Reduce quality or size. • Delete photographs. • Insert new memory card. Release shutter. If error persists or appears frequently, consult Nikon-authorized service representative. Solution Page 65, 69 —...
Page 439 Problem Solution Turn camera off and confirm that card is correctly inserted. • Use Nikon- approved card. • Check that contacts are clean. If card is damaged, contact retailer or Nikon representative. • Delete files or insert new memory card.
Page 440 Indicator Control Monitor panel This card is formatted. Format the card. Folder contains no — images. All images are — hidden. File does not contain image — data. Problem Memory card has Format memory card not been formatted or insert new for use in camera.
Page 441 Indicator Control Monitor panel Memory card does not contain images Cannot select — that can be this file retouched. — Printer error. Check printer. Paper in printer is Check paper. — not of selected size. Paper is jammed in Paper jam. —...
Page 442 Indicator Control Monitor panel Check ink — supply. Out of ink. — * See printer manual for more information. Problem Check ink. To resume, Ink error. select [Continue]. Replace ink and Printer is out of ink. select [Continue]. Solution Page...
Page 443: Appendix
Appendix The Appendix covers the following topics: • Defaults ... pg. 418 • Memory Card Capacity ... pg. 423 • Exposure Program ... pg. 426...
Page 444 Defaults The following defaults are restored either with a two-button reset or using [Reset shooting menu] or [Reset custom settings]. Defaults Restored with a Two-Button Reset (pg. 206) [ISO sensitivity] (pg. 108) [Image quality] (pg. 65) [Image size] (pg. 69) Shooting menu [White balance] (pg.
Page 445 Defaults Restored with [Reset Shooting Menu] (pg. 293) Option [File naming] (pg. 296) [Slot 2] (pg. 71) [Image quality] (pg. 65) [Image size] (pg. 69) [Image area] (pg. 60) [Auto DX crop] (pg. 60) [Choose image area] (pg. 61) [JPEG compression] (pg. 67) [NEF (RAW) recording] (pg.
Page 446 Defaults Restored with [Reset Custom Settings] (pg. 303) [AF-C priority selection] (pg. 304) [AF-S priority selection] (pg. 305) [Dynamic AF area] (pg. 306) [Focus tracking with lock-on] (pg. 308) [AF activation] (pg. 308) [Focus point illumination] (pg. 309) [Manual focus mode] [Continuous mode] [Focus point wrap-around] (pg.
Page 447 Option [Beep] (pg. 319) [Shooting speed] (pg. 320) [Continuous high-speed] [Continuous low-speed] [Max. continuous release] (pg. 320) [File number sequence] (pg. 321) [Control panel/viewfinder] (pg. 322) [Rear control panel] [Viewfinder display] [Shooting info display] (pg. 323) [LCD illumination] (pg. 324) [Exposure delay mode] (pg.
Page 448 [Multi selector center button] (pg. 330) [Shooting mode] [Playback mode] [Multi selector] (pg. 331) [Photo info/playback] (pg. 331) [Assign FUNC. button] (pg. 331) [FUNC. button press] [FUNC. button+dials] [Assign preview button] (pg. 337) [Preview button press] [Preview+command dials] [Assign AE-L/AF-L button] (pg. 338) [AE-L/AF-L button press] [AE-L/AF-L+command dials] [Customize command dials] (pg.
Page 449: Memory Card Capacity
Memory Card Capacity The following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on a 2 GB SanDisk Extreme IV (SDCFX4) card at different image quality, image size, and image area settings. FX format (36 × 24) Image Area Image quality Image size NEF (RAW), Lossless...
Page 450 DX Format (24 × 16) Image Area Image quality NEF (RAW), Lossless compressed, 12-bit NEF (RAW), Lossless compressed, 14-bit NEF (RAW), Compressed, 12-bit NEF (RAW), Compressed, 14-bit NEF (RAW), Uncompressed, 12-bit NEF (RAW), Uncompressed, 14-bit TIFF (RGB) JPEG fine JPEG normal JPEG basic Image size File size...
Page 451 JPEG images; number of images and buffer capacity drop accordingly. d3—Max. Continuous Release (pg. 320) The maximum number of photographs that can be taken in a single burst can be set to any amount between 1 and 130.
Page 452: Exposure Program
Exposure Program The exposure program for programmed auto is shown in the following graph: ISO 200; lens with maximum aperture of f/1.4 and minimum aperture of f/16 (e.g., AF 50mm f/1.4 D) f/1.4 f/2.8 f/5.6 f/11 f/16 f/22 f/32 30" 15" 8" 4" 2" 1" The maximum and minimum values for EV vary with ISO sensitivity;...
Page 453: Specifications
Specifications Nikon D3 Digital Camera Type Type Single-lens reflex digital camera Lens mount Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts) Effective pixels 12.1 million Effective pixels Image sensor 36 × 23.9 mm CMOS sensor (Nikon FX format) Image sensor Total pixels 12.87 million...
Page 454 Storage Double slot File system Viewfinder Viewfinder Frame coverage Magnification Eyepoint Diopter adjustment Focusing screen Reflex mirror Depth-of-field preview Lens aperture Lens Compatible lenses Slot 2 can be used for overflow or backup storage or for separate storage of NEF (RAW) and JPEG images DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge...
Page 455 Shutter Type Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter Speed 8000 Flash sync speed Release Release mode S (single frame), C (continuous high speed), a (live view), E (self-timer), • DX format (24 × 16): Up to 9 fps (C Frame advance rate •...
Page 456 2 EV (ISO 25600 equivalent) above ISO 6400. Can be selected from [High], [Normal], or [Low] Nikon Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus module with TTL phase detection, fine-tuning, 51 focus points (including 15 cross-type sensors) –1 – +19 EV (ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F) •...
Page 457 Flash Accessory shoe Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-800, or Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) SU-800 as commander and SB-800, SB-600, or SB-R200 as remotes; Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except SB-400;...
Page 458 • Nikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in this manual at any time and without prior notice. Nikon will not be held liable for damages that may result from any mistakes that this manual may contain.
Page 459: Calibrating Batteries
Calibrating Batteries The MH-22 quick charger is equipped with a battery calibration feature. Calibrate the battery as required to ensure the accuracy of the camera and charger battery level displays. If the calibration lamp for the current battery chamber blinks when a battery is inserted, the battery needs to be calibrated.
Page 460 Remove the battery, unplug the charger, and take the battery and charger to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection. Charging and Calibrating Two Batteries The MH-22 charges only one battery at a time. If batteries are inserted in both chambers, they will be charged in the order inserted.
Page 461 AC 100–240 V (50/60 Hz) Rated input DC 12.6 V/1,200 mA Rated output Supported batteries Nikon EN-EL4a/EN-EL4 rechargeable Li-ion batteries Charging time per Approx. 2 hours and 25 minutes (EN-EL4a) or 1 hour and 40 minutes (EN-EL4) when battery is fully battery discharged Operating temperature 0–40 °C (+32–104 °F)
Page 462 Supported Standards • DCF Version 2.0: The Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) is a standard widely used in the digital camera industry to ensure compatibility among different makes of camera. • DPOF: Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) is an industry-wide standard that allows pictures to be printed from print orders stored on the memory card.
Page 463 • Slow shutter speeds • Using the optional WT-4 wireless transmitter • Using VR (vibration reduction) mode with VR lenses To ensure that you get the most from rechargeable Nikon EN-EL4a batteries: • Keep the battery contacts clean. Soiled contacts can reduce battery performance.
Page 464: Index
Index Menu items and options in the camera monitor are shown in brackets ([ ]). Symbols K (Single-point AF), 76, 77 I (Dynamic-area AF), 76, 77 H (Auto-area AF), 76, 77 S, 86 , 86, 88, 320 , 86, 88, 320 a, 90 E (Self-timer), 103 , 105...
Page 465 Battery, xviii–xix, 32–36, 401 [Battery info], 353 [Beep], 319 Body cap, 4, 37, 387 Bracketing, 134, 327, 328 exposure, 134, 327 flash, 134, 327 white balance, 134, 139, 327 [Bracketing order], 329 Bulb, 126 Burst, 89, 320, 332 C, 74, 304 Calibrating, 433 calibration, 353, 433 charging, 32...
Page 466 Menu items and options in the camera monitor are shown in brackets ([ ]). Exposure preview, 99, 101 File information, 232 [File naming], 296 [File number sequence], 321 [Filter effects], 367 [Skylight], 367 [Warm filter], 367 [Fine tune optimal exposure], 315 [Firmware version], 359 Flash, 134, 189, 197, 326, 327 bracketing, 134, 327...
Page 467 Image Dust Off, 351 [Image overlay], 368 [Image quality], 65 Image quality, 65 [Image review], 287 [Image size], 69 Image size, 69 [Index print], 271 In-focus indicator, 55, 74, 84, 304, 305 Information, 14, 231, 323 [Interval timer shooting], 213 Interval timer shooting, 213 [ISO sensitivity], 108 [ISO sensitivity auto control], 110...
Page 468 [NEF (RAW) bit depth], 68 [12-bit], 68 [14-bit], 68 [Type], 68 [Compressed], 68 [Lossless compressed], 68 [Uncompressed], 68 Nikon Transfer, 256 [No memory card?], 342 [Non-CPU lens data], 220 Overview data, 239, 240 PC, 223, 259 Photo info, 231 [Photo info/playback], 331...
Page 469 RGB histogram, 233, 282 [Rotate tall], 287 S (single-point AF), 76 S (single-servo AF), 74, 80 S (small), 69 [Save/load settings], 355 Saving camera settings, 355 [Self-timer delay], 318 Sensitivity, 107 [Set Picture Control], 166 [Monochrome], 168 [Filter effects], 171, 173 [Toning], 171, 173 [Neutral], 168 [Standard], 168...
Page 470 Menu items and options in the camera monitor are shown in brackets ([ ]). [Incandescent], 144 [Preset manual], 145 [Shade], 145 White balance, 143 bracketing, 134, 139 preset manual, 145, 152 Wireless, 191, 261, 262, 354, 383 network, 261 transmitter, 261, 354 [Wireless transmitter], 354 [World time], 347 [Date and time], 347...
Page 472 No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION. Printed in Japan SB7J01(11) 6MB00711-01...

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Nikon D3 User Manual

Introduction

Tutorial

Image Recording Options

Focus

Release Mode

ISO Sensitivity

Exposure

White Balance

Image Enhancement

Flash Photography

Other Shooting Options

More about Playback

Voice Memos

Connections

Menu Guide

Technical Notes

Appendix

Quick Links

Related Manuals for Nikon D3

Summary of Contents for Nikon D3