Nikon D5300 User Manual
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DIGITAL CAMERA
User's Manual
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Summary of Contents for Nikon D5300

  • Page 1 DIGITAL CAMERA User's Manual...
  • Page 2: Product Documentation

    Product Documentation Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. The documentation for this product consists of a User’s Manual (this booklet) and a Reference Manual (pdf ). To get the most from your camera, please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly and keep them where they will be read by all who use the product.
  • Page 3: Package Contents

    Package Contents Confirm that the package contains the following items: BS-1 accessory shoe cover DK-25 rubber eyecup BF-1B body cap D5300 camera EN-EL14a rechargeable MH-24 battery charger (plug AN-DC3 strap Li-ion battery (with terminal adapter supplied in countries or cover) regions where required;...
  • Page 4: Quick Start Guide

    Quick Start Guide Follow these steps for a quick start with the D5300. Attach the camera strap (0 9). Attach the strap as shown. Repeat for the second eyelet. Charge the battery (0 9). Insert the battery and memory card (0 10).
  • Page 5 Turn the camera on (0 12). Choose a language and set the camera clock (0 12). Frame the photograph (0 18). Press the shutter-release button halfway (0 18). Shoot (0 19).
  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Package Contents........................i Quick Start Guide........................ii For Your Safety .......................... vi Notices............................ix Location Data........................... xiii Wireless ............................xiv Introduction Getting to Know the Camera....................1 First Steps “Point-and-Shoot” Modes (i and j) Framing Photos in the Viewfinder..................18 Viewing Photographs ......................
  • Page 7 Special Effects % Night Vision ........................35 g Color Sketch........................35 ' Toy Camera Effect......................35 ( Miniature Effect ......................36 3 Selective Color........................36 1 Silhouette.........................36 2 High Key..........................36 3 Low Key..........................36 ) HDR Painting........................36 Options Available in Live View...................37 P, S, A, and M Modes Mode P (Programmed Auto) ....................42 Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto) ..................42 Mode A (Aperture-Priority Auto)..................42...
  • Page 8: 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 9 • Do not expose the battery to flame or to Do not leave the product where it will be exposed to extremely high temperatures, such as in an excessive heat. • Do not immerse in or expose to water. enclosed automobile or in direct sunlight •...
  • Page 10 Use appropriate cables When connecting cables to the input and output jacks, use only the cables provided or sold by Nikon for the purpose to maintain compliance with product regulations. viii...
  • Page 11: Notices

    Notices • No part of the manuals included with this • Nikon will not be held liable for any product may be reproduced, transmitted, damages resulting from the use of this transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or product. • While every effort has been made to translated into any language in any form, by any means, without Nikon’s prior...
  • Page 12 Nikon may cause harmful interference to radio Corporation may void the user’s authority to communications.
  • Page 13 Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other device may be punishable by law. • Items prohibited by law from being copied or •...
  • Page 14 Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.
  • Page 15: Location Data

    Location Data Track logs: Location data will be recorded with pictures taken while On is selected for Location data > Record location data (0 45). In addition, if Start is selected for Location data > Create log > Log location data in the setup menu, the camera continues to log location data even while off.
  • Page 16: Wireless

    FCC WARNING The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Nikon Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 17 Many studies of low-level RF exposures have not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects might occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research. The D5300, which is equipped with a LBWA1U5YR1 (FCC ID: VPYLBYR650/IC ID: 772C-LBYR650) wireless...
  • Page 18 Notices for Customers in Europe Hereby, Nikon, declares that the D5300 is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. The declaration of conformity may be consulted at http://imaging.nikon.com/support/pdf/DoC_D5300.pdf Notice for Customers in Singapore Trade Name: Model: D5300 This device complies with radio-frequency regulations.
  • Page 19: Introduction

    Introduction Getting to Know the Camera Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual. The Camera Body Mode dial........3 Body cap...
  • Page 20 A/L button ......55 Viewfinder eyepiece..5, 13 Power connector cover for Protecting photographs optional power connector Rubber eyecup from deletion Battery-chamber cover G button Command dial latch ........10, 15 Menus ........54 K button Battery-chamber cover Infrared receiver for ML-L3 Playback.......20 ..........10, 15 remote control (rear) ..
  • Page 21 The Mode Dial The camera offers a choice of the following shooting modes: P, S, A, and M Modes Special Effects Modes Select these modes for full control over Use special effects during shooting. • % Night vision (0 35) camera settings.
  • Page 22 The s (E/#) Button To choose how the shutter is released (release mode), press the s (E/#) button, then highlight the desired option and press J. s (E/#) button Mode Description Single frame: Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-release button is pressed. Continuous L: The camera takes photographs at a slow rate while the shutter-release button is pressed.
  • Page 23 The Viewfinder 11 12 Framing grid (displayed when Aperture (f-number)..... 43 Flash-ready indicator ....21 On is selected for Custom Special effects mode Flexible program indicator Setting d2) ......55 indicator ....... 35 Exposure indicator....43 Focus points ......18 Bracketing indicator Exposure compensation AF area brackets....
  • Page 24 The Monitor The monitor can be angled and rotated as shown below. 180° 90° 180° Normal use Fold the monitor against the camera face out. This position is recommended for normal photography. Low-angle shots Frame live view shots with the camera close to the ground.
  • Page 25 The Information Display Viewing settings: To view the information display, press the R button. R button 12 13 14 15 Shooting mode Wi-Fi connection Number of exposures i auto/ indicator ....... 53 remaining ......13 j auto (flash off) ....17 White balance recording Track log indicator Scene modes ......31 indicator...
  • Page 26 Changing settings: To change the settings at the bottom of the display, press the P button, then highlight items using the multi selector and press J to view options for the highlighted item. P button Image quality Choose a file format and compression ratio. Image size Choose a size for new photos.
  • Page 27: First Steps

    First Steps Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing batteries or memory cards. Attach the strap. Attach the strap as shown. Repeat for the second eyelet. Charge the battery. If a plug adapter is supplied, raise the wall plug and connect the plug adapter as shown below at left, making sure the plug is fully inserted.
  • Page 28: Insert The Battery And Memory Card (0

    Insert the battery and memory card. Insert the battery in the orientation shown, using the battery to keep the orange battery latch pressed to one side. The latch locks the battery in place when the battery is fully inserted. Battery latch Slide the memory card in until it clicks into place.
  • Page 29 Attach a lens. Be careful to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens or body cap is removed. Remove the camera body cap Remove the rear lens cap Mounting mark (camera) Align the mounting marks Mounting mark (lens) Rotate the lens as shown until it clicks into place.
  • Page 30: Choose A Language And Set The Camera Clock (0

    Open the monitor. Open the monitor as shown. Do not use force. Turn the camera on. A language-selection dialog will be displayed. Choose a language and set the camera Move cursor up clock. J button: select Use the multi selector and J button to highlighted item select a language and set the camera clock.
  • Page 31 Check the battery level and number of exposures remaining. Press the R button and check the battery level and number of exposures remaining. In the case of exposures remaining, values over 1000 are shown in thousands, indicated by the letter “k”. R button Battery level (0 14) Number of exposures...
  • Page 32 If the problem persists, cease use immediately and take battery and charger to your retailer or a Nikon-authorized service representative.
  • Page 33 Removing the Battery To remove the battery, turn the camera off and open the battery- chamber cover. Press the battery latch in the direction shown by the arrow to release the battery and then remove the battery by hand. Formatting Memory Cards If this is the first time the memory card will be used in the camera or if the card has been formatted in another device, select Format memory card in the setup menu and follow the on-screen...
  • Page 34 A-M, M/A-M, A/M-M, and Vibration Reduction (VR) Switches When using autofocus with a lens equipped with an A-M mode switch, slide the switch to A (if the lens has an M/A-M or A/M-M switch, select M/A or A/M). For information on other lenses that can be used with this camera, see page 63.
  • Page 35: Point-And-Shoot" Modes (I And J)

    “Point-and-Shoot” Modes (i and j) This section describes how to shoot photographs and movies in i and j modes, automatic “point-and-shoot” modes in which the majority of settings are controlled by the camera in response to shooting conditions. Before proceeding, turn the camera on and rotate the Mode dial mode dial to i or j (the only difference between the two is that the flash will not fire in j mode).
  • Page 36: Framing Photos In The Viewfinder

    Framing Photos in the Viewfinder Ready the camera. When framing photographs in the viewfinder, hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left. When framing photographs in portrait (tall) orientation, hold the camera as shown at right. Frame the photograph.
  • Page 37 Shoot. Smoothly press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take the photograph. The memory card access lamp will light and the photograph will be displayed in the monitor for a few seconds. Do not eject the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until the Memory card access lamp has gone out and recording is complete.
  • Page 38: Viewing Photographs

    Viewing Photographs Pressing K displays a picture in the monitor. K button Press 4 or 2 to view additional pictures. ❚❚ Thumbnail Playback To display images in “contact sheets” of four, 12, or 80 images (thumbnail playback), press the W (Q) button.
  • Page 39: Deleting Unwanted Pictures

    Deleting Unwanted Pictures Display the photograph you wish to delete. K button Press O; a confirmation dialog will be displayed. O button Press the O button again to delete the picture. The Standby Timer The viewfinder and information display will turn off if no operations are performed for about eight seconds, reducing the drain on the battery.
  • Page 40: Framing Photos In The Monitor

    Framing Photos in the Monitor Rotate the live view switch. The view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor (live view). Live view switch Ready the camera. Hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left.
  • Page 41 Take the picture. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down. The monitor turns off and the memory card access lamp lights during recording. Do not eject the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until the lamp has gone out and recording is complete.
  • Page 42 Shooting in Live View Mode Although they will not appear in the final picture, distortion may be visible in the monitor if the camera is panned horizontally or an object moves at high speed through frame. Bright light sources may leave after-images in the monitor when the camera is panned. Bright spots may also appear.
  • Page 43: Viewing Photographs

    Viewing Photographs Pressing K displays a picture in the monitor. K button Press 4 or 2 to view additional pictures. Deleting Unwanted Pictures Display the photograph you wish to delete. K button Press O; a confirmation dialog will be displayed. O button Press the O button again to delete the picture.
  • Page 44: Recording Movies

    Recording Movies Movies can be recorded in live view mode. Rotate the live view switch. The view through the lens is displayed in the monitor. The 0 Icon A 0 icon indicates that movies can not be recorded. Live view switch Ready the camera.
  • Page 45 End recording. Press the movie-record button again to end recording. Recording will end automatically when the maximum length is reached, the memory card is full, another mode is selected, or the monitor is closed (closing the monitor does not end recording on televisions or other external displays).
  • Page 46 Recording Movies Flicker, banding, or distortion may be visible in the monitor and in the final movie under fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium lamps or if the camera is panned horizontally or an object moves at high speed through frame (flicker and banding can be reduced using Flicker reduction;...
  • Page 47: Viewing Movies

    Viewing Movies Press K to start playback and then scroll through pictures until a movie (indicated by a 1 icon) is displayed. K button Press J to start playback; your current position is indicated by the movie progress bar. 1 icon Length Current position/total length Volume...
  • Page 48: Deleting Unwanted Movies

    Deleting Unwanted Movies Display the movie you wish to delete (movies are indicated by 1 icons). K button Press O; a confirmation dialog will be displayed. O button Press the O button again to delete the movie.
  • Page 49: Matching Settings To The Subject Or Situation (Scene Mode)

    Matching Settings to the Subject or Situation (Scene Mode) The camera offers a choice of “scene” modes. Choosing a scene mode automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography as simple as selecting a mode, framing a picture, and shooting as described on page 17. The scenes listed below can be selected with the mode dial.
  • Page 50: The Mode Dial

    The Mode Dial The following scenes can be selected with the mode Mode dial dial: Portrait Use for portraits with soft, natural-looking skin tones. If the subject is far from the background or a telephoto lens is used, background details will be softened to lend the composition a sense of depth.
  • Page 51: Other Scenes

    Other Scenes The following scenes can be selected by rotating the mode dial to h and rotating the command dial until the desired scene appears in the monitor. Mode dial Command dial Monitor Night Portrait Use for a natural balance between the main subject and the background in portraits taken under low light.
  • Page 52: Blossom

    Blossom Use for fields of flowers, orchards in bloom, and other landscapes featuring expanses of blossoms. Note: The built-in flash turns off. Autumn Colors Captures the brilliant reds and yellows in autumn leaves. Note: The built-in flash turns off. Food Use for vivid photographs of food.
  • Page 53: Special Effects

    Special Effects Special effects can be used when recording images. % Night Vision 1 Silhouette g Color Sketch 2 High Key ' Toy Camera Effect 3 Low Key ( Miniature Effect ) HDR Painting 3 Selective Color The following effects can be selected by rotating the mode dial to q and rotating the command dial until the desired option appears in the monitor.
  • Page 54: Selective Color

    Miniature Effect Create photos that appear to be pictures of dioramas. Works best when shooting from a high vantage point. Miniature effect movies play back at high speed, compressing about 45 minutes of footage shot at 1920 × 1080/30p into a movie that plays back in about three minutes.
  • Page 55: Options Available In Live View

    Options Available in Live View ❚❚ g Color Sketch Select live view. Rotate the live view switch. The view through the lens will be displayed in the monitor. Live view switch Adjust options. Press J to display the options shown at right. Press 1 or 3 to highlight Vividness or Outlines and press 4 or 2 to change.
  • Page 56 ❚❚ ' Toy Camera Effect Select live view. Rotate the live view switch. The view through the lens will be displayed in the monitor. Live view switch Adjust options. Press J to display the options shown at right. Press 1 or 3 to highlight Vividness or Vignetting and press 4 or 2 to change.
  • Page 57 Position the focus point. Use the multi selector to position the focus point in the area that will be in focus and then press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. To temporarily clear miniature effect options from the display and enlarge the view in the monitor for precise focus, press X.
  • Page 58 Select a color. Selected color Frame an object in the white square in the center of the display and press 1 to choose the color of the object as one that will remain in the final image (the camera may have difficulty detecting unsaturated colors;...
  • Page 59: P, S, A, And M Modes

    P, S, A, and M Modes P, S, A, and M modes offer different degrees of control over shutter speed and aperture: Mode Description Recommended for snapshots and in other situations in which Programmed auto there is little time to adjust camera settings. Camera sets shutter (0 42) speed and aperture for optimal exposure.
  • Page 60: Mode P (Programmed Auto)

    Mode P (Programmed Auto) This mode is recommended for snapshots or whenever you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed and aperture. The camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations. Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto) In shutter-priority auto, you choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically selects the aperture that will produce the optimal exposure.
  • Page 61 Shutter Speed and Aperture Shutter speed and aperture are shown in the viewfinder and information display. Shutter speed Aperture Fast shutter speeds ( s in this example) Slow shutter speeds (here 1 s) blur motion. 1600 freeze motion. Large apertures (such as f/5.6; remember, the Small apertures (f/22 in this case) bring both lower the f-number, the larger the aperture) background and foreground into focus.
  • Page 62: Exposure Compensation

    Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker (0 75). –1 EV No exposure compensation +1 EV To choose a value for exposure compensation, keep the E (N) button pressed and rotate the command dial until the desired value is selected in the viewfinder...
  • Page 63: Location Data

    Location Data Embedding Location Data in Photos and Movies The built-in location data unit can record information on the camera’s current position (latitude, longitude, altitude) and the current time (UTC) as provided by satellite navigation systems and embed it in photographs and movies taken with the camera.
  • Page 64 Check satellite signal strength. Press the R button and check satellite signal strength in the information display. R button Take pictures. The location data obtained via the navigation satellite system will be recorded with each photograph or movie taken and can be viewed in the playback photo info displays or plotted on a map using the supplied ViewNX 2 software (0 62).
  • Page 65 Location Data Local geographic and atmospheric conditions may prevent or delay the acquisition of location data. The camera may be unable to receive location data indoors, underground, or in metal containers or the vicinity of bridges and other large structures, trees, power lines, or other objects that block or reflect satellite signals.
  • Page 66: Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi What Wi-Fi Can Do for You Install the Wireless Mobile Utility app on your Android and iOS device to display the view through the camera lens on the smart device, take pictures and control the camera remotely, and download pictures from the camera for sharing via the Internet.
  • Page 67: Accessing The Camera

    Accessing the Camera Before connecting via Wi-Fi (wireless LAN), install the Wireless Mobile Utility on your Android or iOS smart device. Instructions for accessing the camera vary with the type of connection used by the smart device. Android • Push-button WPS: If the smart device supports push-button WPS (i.e., has a WPS button connection option in its Wi-Fi settings menu), you can use this easy method to connect to the smart device (0 50).
  • Page 68 WPS (Android Only) Enable the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi. Press the G button to display the menus, then highlight Wi-Fi in the setup menu and press 2. Highlight Network connection and press 2, then highlight Enable and G button press J. Wait a few seconds for Wi-Fi to activate.
  • Page 69 PIN Entry (Android Only) Enable the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi. Press the G button to display the menus, then highlight Wi-Fi in the setup menu and press 2. Highlight Network connection and press 2, then highlight Enable and G button press J. Wait a few seconds for Wi-Fi to activate.
  • Page 70 SSID (Android and iOS) Enable the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi. Press the G button to display the menus, then highlight Wi-Fi in the setup menu and press 2. Highlight Network connection and press 2, then highlight Enable and G button press J. Wait a few seconds for Wi-Fi to activate.
  • Page 71 ❚❚ Terminating the Connection Wi-Fi can be disabled by: • Selecting Wi-Fi > Network connection > Disable in the camera setup menu • Starting movie recording • Turning the camera off ❚❚ Restoring Default Settings To restore default network settings, select Wi-Fi > Network settings > Reset network settings.
  • Page 72: 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. G button Tabs Choose from the following menus: • • : Playback : Retouch • • : Shooting : Recent settings or My Menu (defaults to Recent settings;...
  • Page 73: Menu Options

    Menu Options ❚❚ D Playback Menu: Managing Images Delete Image review DPOF print order Playback folder Rotate tall Rating Playback display options Slide show Select to send to smart device ❚❚ C Shooting Menu: Shooting Options Reset shooting menu Manage Picture Control ISO sensitivity settings Storage folder Auto distortion control...
  • Page 74 ❚❚ N Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies D-Lighting NEF (RAW) processing Color sketch Red-eye correction Resize Perspective control Trim Quick retouch Miniature effect Monochrome Straighten Selective color Filter effects Distortion control Edit movie Color balance Fisheye Side-by-side comparison Image overlay Color outline * Available only if retouch menu is displayed by pressing P and selecting Retouch in full-frame playback when a retouched image or original is displayed.
  • Page 75: Using Camera Menus

    Using Camera Menus The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the camera menus. Move cursor up J button: select highlighted item Cancel and return to Select highlighted item or previous menu display sub-menu Move cursor down Follow the steps below to navigate the menus. Display the menus.
  • Page 76 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. Display options. Press 2 to display options for the selected menu item.
  • Page 77: Viewnx 2

    ViewNX 2, which is available for download from the websites listed on page xii, as earlier versions that do not support the D5300 may fail to transfer NEF (RAW) images correctly. Launch the installer. q Select region (if required) Start the computer, insert the installer CD, and launch the installer.
  • Page 78: System Requirements

    Exit the installer. Windows Mac OS Click Yes Click OK Remove the installer CD from the CD-ROM drive. System Requirements Windows Mac OS • Photos: Intel Celeron, Pentium 4, Core Series; • Photos: Intel Core or Xeon series 1.6 GHz or better •...
  • Page 79: Using Viewnx 2

    If a message is displayed prompting you to choose a program, select Nikon Transfer 2. Windows 7 If the following dialog is displayed, select Nikon Transfer 2 as described below. 1 Under Import pictures and videos, click Change program. A program selection dialog will be displayed;...
  • Page 80: View Pictures

    For More Information Consult online help for more information on using ViewNX 2. Viewing the Nikon Website To visit the Nikon website after installing ViewNX 2, select All Programs > Link to Nikon from the Windows start menu (Internet connection required).
  • Page 81: Technical Notes

    Technical Notes Read this chapter for information on compatible accessories, cleaning and storing the camera, and what to do if an error message is displayed or you encounter problems using the camera. Compatible Lenses This camera supports autofocus with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses only. AF-S lenses have names beginning with AF-S, AF-I lenses names beginning with AF-I.
  • Page 82: Other Accessories

    • Filters intended for special-effects photography may interfere with autofocus or the electronic rangefinder. • The D5300 can not be used with linear polarizing filters. Use C-PL or C-PL II circular polarizing filters instead. • NC filters are recommended for protecting the lens.
  • Page 83 The receivers are attached to the accessory terminals of one or more cameras, allowing the transmitter to be used to release the camera shutters. Microphones Stereo Microphone ME-1 The D5300 is equipped with an accessory terminal for WR-1 and WR-R10 wireless remote controllers , MC-DC2 remote Accessory...
  • Page 84: Approved Memory Cards

    Approved Memory Cards The following SD memory cards have been tested and approved for use in the D5300. Cards with class 6 or faster write speeds are recommended for movie recording. Recording may end unexpectedly when cards with slower write speeds are used.
  • Page 85: Caring For The Camera

    Do not use alcohol, thinner, or other volatile chemicals. Servicing the Camera and Accessories The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing. Nikon recommends that the camera be inspected by the original retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative once every one to two years, and that it be serviced once every three to five years (note that fees apply to these services).
  • Page 86: Caring For The Camera And Battery: Cautions

    Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions Caring for the Camera 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.
  • Page 87 Storage: To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you are using an AC adapter, unplug the adapter to prevent fire. If the product will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery to prevent leakage and store the camera in a plastic bag containing a desiccant.
  • Page 88 • The internal temperature of the battery may rise while the battery is in use. Attempting to charge the battery while the internal temperature is elevated will impair battery performance, and the battery may not charge or charge only partially. Wait for the battery to cool before charging.
  • Page 89: Error Messages

    Slide lock to “write” position. • Use approved card. • Format card. If problem persists, card may be This memory card cannot be damaged. Contact Nikon-authorized service used. Card may be damaged. representative. (flashes) • Error creating new folder. Delete files or insert new Insert another card.
  • Page 90 Indicator Monitor Viewfinder Solution This card is not formatted. Format card or turn camera off and insert new (flashes) memory card. Format the card. • Reduce quality or size. j/A/s • Delete photographs. Card is full (flashes) • Insert new memory card. ●...
  • Page 91 Indicator Monitor Viewfinder Solution Error. Press shutter release Release shutter. If error persists or appears frequently, consult Nikon-authorized service representative. button again. Start-up error. Contact a (flashes) Nikon-authorized service Consult Nikon-authorized service representative. representative. Metering error Unable to start live view.
  • Page 92: Specifications

    Single-lens reflex digital camera Type Nikon F mount (with AF contacts) Lens mount Effective angle of view Nikon DX format; focal length equivalent to approx. 1.5× that of lenses with FX format angle of view Effective pixels Effective pixels 24.2 million Image sensor 23.5 ×...
  • Page 93 Lens Compatible lenses Autofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I lenses. Autofocus is not available with other type G and D lenses, AF lenses (IX NIKKOR and lenses for the F3AF are not supported), and AI-P lenses. Non-CPU lenses can be used in mode M, but the camera exposure meter will not function.
  • Page 94 Y Auto, Z Extra high, P High, Q Normal, R Low, ! Off Active D-Lighting Focus Autofocus Nikon Multi-CAM 4800DX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, 39 focus points (including 9 cross-type sensor), and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5–3 m/1 ft 8 in.–9 ft 10 in.) Detection range –1 –...
  • Page 95 Live view • Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time-servo AF (AF-F) Lens servo • Manual focus (MF) Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF AF-area mode Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point Autofocus automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected) Available in i and j modes Automatic scene selection...
  • Page 96 • 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 97 Output to camera Distance information Manual zoom using independent zoom ring Zoom Nikon Internal Focusing (IF) System with autofocus controlled by Silent Focusing Wave Motor and separate focus ring for manual focus Lens shift using voice coil motors (VCMs) Vibration reduction Minimum focus distance 0.45 m (1.48 ft) from focal plane at all zoom positions...
  • Page 98 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 99 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–140mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR The lens generally used in this manual for illustrative purposes is the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–140mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR. Focal length mark Focal length scale Lens mounting mark (0 11) CPU contacts Lens cap Rear lens cap A-M mode switch (0 16) Zoom ring (0 16)
  • Page 100 Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance. 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. Conformity Marking The standards with which the camera complies can be viewed using the Conformity marking option in the setup menu (0 55).
  • Page 101 • Using an Eye-Fi card • Using VR (vibration reduction) mode with VR lenses To ensure that you get the most from rechargeable Nikon EN-EL14a batteries: • Keep the battery contacts clean. Soiled contacts can reduce battery performance. • Use batteries immediately after charging. Batteries will lose their charge if left unused.
  • Page 104 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 Thailand 6MB18611-01...
  • Page 105 DIGITAL CAMERA Reference Manual...
  • Page 106 Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. To get the most from your camera, please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly and keep them where they will be read by all who use the product.
  • Page 107 Table of Contents For Your Safety ........................viii Notices............................xi Location Data ..........................xv Wireless ............................xvi Introduction Getting to Know the Camera....................1 The Camera Body........................1 The Mode Dial ..........................3 The Viewfinder........................... 4 The Monitor ..........................5 The Information Display ......................6 Camera Menus: An Overview ....................
  • Page 108 Other Scenes ..........................33 o Night Portrait........................33 r Night Landscape ......................33 s Party/Indoor........................34 t Beach/Snow ........................34 u Sunset ..........................34 v Dusk/Dawn........................35 w Pet Portrait ........................35 x Candlelight ........................35 y Blossom ..........................36 z Autumn Colors .......................
  • Page 109 ISO Sensitivity..........................67 Interval Timer Photography....................68 Remote Control Photography.....................70 Using an Optional ML-L3 Remote Control..............70 Restoring Default Settings ....................72 Location Data ..........................74 Embedding Location Data in Photos and Movies............74 Track Logs..........................76 Deleting Logs ...........................78 GPS Options ..........................79 P, S, A, and M Modes Shutter Speed and Aperture....................82 Mode P (Programmed Auto) ....................84 Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto) ..................85...
  • Page 110 Recording and Viewing Movies Recording Movies......................... 126 Movie Settings........................128 Viewing Movies ........................130 Editing Movies ........................131 Trimming Movies........................131 Saving Selected Frames .....................134 Playback and Deletion Full-Frame Playback......................135 Photo Information........................136 Thumbnail Playback ......................140 Calendar Playback ........................ 141 Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom................142 Protecting Photographs from Deletion................
  • Page 111 Wi-Fi What Wi-Fi Can Do for You....................167 Accessing the Camera......................168 WPS (Android Only) ......................169 PIN Entry (Android Only) ....................170 SSID (Android and iOS) ...................... 171 Selecting Pictures for Upload................... 173 Selecting Individual Pictures for Upload ..............173 Selecting Multiple Pictures for Upload ................
  • Page 112 d3: ISO Display ........................188 d4: File Number Sequence ...................188 d5: Exposure Delay Mode .....................189 d6: Print Date........................190 e: Bracketing/Flash.......................192 e1: Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash ..................192 e2: Auto Bracketing Set ....................192 f: Controls ..........................193 f1: Assign Fn Button ......................193 f2: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button ..................194 f3: Reverse Dial Rotation....................194 f4: Slot Empty Release Lock..................194 f5: Reverse Indicators......................194...
  • Page 113 Perspective Control ......................217 Miniature Effect........................ 218 Selective Color........................219 Side-by-side Comparison ..................... 221 m Recent Settings/O My Menu..................222 Choosing a Menu......................... 222 m Recent Settings........................ 222 O My Menu ..........................223 Technical Notes Compatible Lenses....................... 226 Compatible CPU Lenses ....................226 Compatible Non-CPU Lenses ..................
  • Page 114: 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 115 • Do not expose the battery to flame or to Do not leave the product where it will be exposed to extremely high temperatures, such as in an excessive heat. • Do not immerse in or expose to water. enclosed automobile or in direct sunlight •...
  • Page 116 Use appropriate cables When connecting cables to the input and output jacks, use only the cables provided or sold by Nikon for the purpose to maintain compliance with product regulations.
  • Page 117: Notices

    Notices • No part of the manuals included with this • Nikon will not be held liable for any product may be reproduced, transmitted, damages resulting from the use of this transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or product. • While every effort has been made to translated into any language in any form, by any means, without Nikon’s prior...
  • Page 118 Nikon may cause harmful interference to radio Corporation may void the user’s authority to communications.
  • Page 119 Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other device may be punishable by law. • Items prohibited by law from being copied or •...
  • Page 120 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 121: Location Data

    Location Data Track logs: Location data will be recorded with pictures taken while On is selected for Location data > Record location data (0 74). In addition, if Start is selected for Location data > Create log > Log location data in the setup menu (0 76), the camera continues to log location data even while off.
  • Page 122: Wireless

    FCC WARNING The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Nikon Corporation may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 123 Many studies of low-level RF exposures have not found any biological effects. Some studies have suggested that some biological effects might occur, but such findings have not been confirmed by additional research. The D5300, which is equipped with a LBWA1U5YR1 (FCC ID: VPYLBYR650/IC ID: 772C-LBYR650) wireless...
  • Page 124 Notices for Customers in Europe Hereby, Nikon, declares that the D5300 is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. The declaration of conformity may be consulted at http://imaging.nikon.com/support/pdf/DoC_D5300.pdf Notice for Customers in Singapore Trade Name: Model: D5300 This device complies with radio-frequency regulations.
  • Page 125: Introduction

    Introduction Getting to Know the Camera Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you read through the rest of the manual. The Camera Body Mode dial........3 CPU contacts...
  • Page 126 P button Viewfinder eyepiece.. 4, 15, 50 Multi selector ......9 Changing settings in the O button Rubber eyecup ...... 50 information display ..7 Deleting pictures during G button Rating pictures, retouching playback....22, 146 Menus ......8, 175 photos, editing movies, Restoring default Memory card access and selecting pictures for...
  • Page 127: The Mode Dial

    The Mode Dial The camera offers a choice of the following shooting modes: P, S, A, and M Modes Special Effects Modes Select these modes for full control over Use special effects during shooting. • % Night vision (0 37) camera settings.
  • Page 128: The Viewfinder

    The Viewfinder 11 12 Framing grid (displayed when Aperture (f-number).....83 Flash-ready indicator ... 23 On is selected for Custom Special effects mode Flexible program Setting d2) ......188 indicator .......37 indicator....... 84 Focus points ......55 Bracketing indicator ...108 Exposure indicator....87 AF area brackets....15, 20 Exposure compensation Number of exposures...
  • Page 129: The Monitor

    The Monitor The monitor can be angled and rotated as shown below. 180° 90° 180° Normal use Fold the monitor against the camera face out. This position is recommended for normal photography. Low-angle shots Frame live view shots with the camera close to the ground.
  • Page 130: The Information Display

    The Information Display Viewing settings: To view the information display, press the R button. R button 12 13 14 15 Shooting mode Wi-Fi connection Number of exposures i auto/ indicator ......172 remaining ......15 j auto (flash off)....19 White balance recording Track log indicator....77 Scene modes......
  • Page 131 Changing settings: To change the settings at the bottom of the display, press the P button, then highlight items using the multi selector and press J to view options for the highlighted item. P button Image quality......59 White balance ......101 AF-area mode ....53, 120 Image size........61 ISO sensitivity......
  • Page 132: Camera Menus: An Overview

    Camera Menus: An Overview Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from the camera menus. To view the menus, press the G button. G button Tabs Choose from the following menus: • • : Playback (0 175) : Retouch (0 205) •...
  • Page 133 ❚❚ Using Camera Menus The multi selector and J button are used to navigate the camera menus. Move cursor up J button: select highlighted item Cancel and return to Select highlighted item or previous menu display sub-menu Move cursor down Follow the steps below to navigate the menus.
  • Page 134 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. Display options. Press 2 to display options for the selected menu item.
  • Page 135: First Steps

    First Steps Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing batteries or memory cards. Attach the strap. Attach the strap as shown. Repeat for the second eyelet. Charge the battery. If a plug adapter is supplied, raise the wall plug and connect the plug adapter as shown below at left, making sure the plug is fully inserted.
  • Page 136: Insert The Battery And Memory Card

    Insert the battery and memory card. Insert the battery in the orientation shown, using the battery to keep the orange battery latch pressed to one side. The latch locks the battery in place when the battery is fully inserted. Battery latch Slide the memory card in until it clicks into place.
  • Page 137 Attach a lens. Be careful to prevent dust from entering the camera when the lens or body cap is removed. Remove the camera body cap Remove the rear lens cap Mounting mark (camera) Align the mounting marks Mounting mark (lens) Rotate the lens as shown until it clicks into place.
  • Page 138 Open the monitor. Open the monitor as shown. Do not use force. Turn the camera on. A language-selection dialog will be displayed. Choose a language and set the camera Move cursor up clock. J button: select Use the multi selector and J button to highlighted item select a language and set the camera clock.
  • Page 139 Check the battery level and number of exposures remaining. Press the R button and check the battery level and number of exposures remaining. In the case of exposures remaining, values over 1000 are shown in thousands, indicated by the letter “k”. R button Battery level (0 16) Number of exposures...
  • Page 140 If the problem persists, cease use immediately and take battery and charger to your retailer or a Nikon-authorized service representative.
  • Page 141 Removing the Battery To remove the battery, turn the camera off and open the battery- chamber cover. Press the battery latch in the direction shown by the arrow to release the battery and then remove the battery by hand. Formatting Memory Cards If this is the first time the memory card will be used in the camera or if the card has been formatted in another device, select Format memory card in the setup menu and follow the on-screen...
  • Page 142 A-M, M/A-M, A/M-M, and Vibration Reduction (VR) Switches When using autofocus with a lens equipped with an A-M mode switch, slide the switch to A (if the lens has an M/A-M or A/M-M switch, select M/A or A/M). For information on other lenses that can be used with this camera, see page 226.
  • Page 143: Point-And-Shoot" Modes (I And J)

    “Point-and-Shoot” Modes (i and j) This section describes how to shoot photographs and movies in i and j modes, automatic “point-and-shoot” modes in which the majority of settings are controlled by the camera in response to shooting conditions. Before proceeding, turn the camera on and rotate the Mode dial mode dial to i or j (the only difference between the two is that the flash will not fire in j mode).
  • Page 144: Framing Photos In The Viewfinder

    Framing Photos in the Viewfinder Ready the camera. When framing photographs in the viewfinder, hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left. When framing photographs in portrait (tall) orientation, hold the camera as shown at right. Frame the photograph.
  • Page 145 Shoot. Smoothly press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to take the photograph. The memory card access lamp will light and the photograph will be displayed in the monitor for a few seconds. Do not eject the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until the Memory card access lamp has gone out and recording is complete.
  • Page 146: Viewing Photographs

    Viewing Photographs Pressing K displays a picture in the monitor. K button Press 4 or 2 to view additional pictures. Deleting Unwanted Pictures Display the photograph you wish to delete. K button Press O; a confirmation dialog will be displayed. O button Press the O button again to delete the picture.
  • Page 147 The Standby Timer The viewfinder and information display will turn off if no operations are performed for about eight seconds, reducing the drain on the battery. Press the shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the display. The length of time before the standby timer expires automatically can be selected using Custom Setting c2 (Auto off timers;...
  • Page 148: Framing Photos In The Monitor

    Framing Photos in the Monitor Rotate the live view switch. The view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor (live view). Live view switch Ready the camera. Hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left.
  • Page 149 Take the picture. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down. The monitor turns off and the memory card access lamp lights during recording. Do not eject the memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until the lamp has gone out and recording is complete.
  • Page 150: Viewing Photographs

    Viewing Photographs Pressing K displays a picture in the monitor. K button Press 4 or 2 to view additional pictures. Deleting Unwanted Pictures Display the photograph you wish to delete. K button Press O; a confirmation dialog will be displayed. O button Press the O button again to delete the picture.
  • Page 151: Recording Movies

    Recording Movies Movies can be recorded in live view mode. Rotate the live view switch. The view through the lens is displayed in the monitor. Live view switch Ready the camera. Hold the handgrip in your right hand and cradle the camera body or lens with your left.
  • Page 152: Viewing Movies

    Start recording. Press the movie-record button to start recording. A recording indicator and the time available are displayed in the monitor. Movie-record button Recording indicator Time remaining End recording. Press the movie-record button again to end recording. Rotate the live view switch to exit live view. Viewing Movies Press K to start playback and then scroll through pictures until a movie (indicated by a 1 icon) is...
  • Page 153: Deleting Unwanted Movies

    Deleting Unwanted Movies Display the movie you wish to delete (movies are indicated by 1 icons). K button Press O; a confirmation dialog will be displayed. O button Press the O button again to delete the movie. “Point-and-Shoot” Modes (i and j)
  • Page 154: Matching Settings To The Subject Or Situation (Scene Mode)

    Matching Settings to the Subject or Situation (Scene Mode) The camera offers a choice of “scene” modes. Choosing a scene mode automatically optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, making creative photography as simple as selecting a mode, framing a picture, and shooting as described on page 19. The scenes listed below can be selected with the mode dial.
  • Page 155: The Mode Dial

    The Mode Dial The following scenes can be selected with the mode Mode dial dial: Portrait Use for portraits with soft, natural-looking skin tones. If the subject is far from the background or a telephoto lens is used, background details will be softened to lend the composition a sense of depth.
  • Page 156: Sports

    Sports Fast shutter speeds freeze motion for dynamic sports shots in which the main subject stands out clearly. Note The built-in flash and AF-assist illuminator turn off. Close up Use for close-up shots of flowers, insects, and other small objects (a macro lens can be used to focus at very close ranges).
  • Page 157: Other Scenes

    Other Scenes The following scenes can be selected by rotating the mode dial to h and rotating the command dial until the desired scene appears in the monitor. Mode dial Command dial Monitor Night Portrait Use for a natural balance between the main subject and the background in portraits taken under low light.
  • Page 158: Party/Indoor

    Party/Indoor Capture the effects of indoor background lighting. Use for parties and other indoor scenes. Beach/Snow Capture the brightness of sunlit expanses of water, snow, or sand. Note The built-in flash and AF-assist illuminator turn off. Sunset Preserves the deep hues seen in sunsets and sunrises.
  • Page 159: Dusk/Dawn

    Dusk/Dawn Preserves the colors seen in the weak natural light before dawn or after sunset. Note The built-in flash and AF-assist illuminator turn off. Pet Portrait Use for portraits of active pets. Note The AF-assist illuminator turns off. Candlelight For photographs taken by candlelight. Note The built-in flash turns off.
  • Page 160: Blossom

    Blossom Use for fields of flowers, orchards in bloom, and other landscapes featuring expanses of blossoms. Note The built-in flash turns off. Autumn Colors Captures the brilliant reds and yellows in autumn leaves. Note The built-in flash turns off. Food Use for vivid photographs of food.
  • Page 161: Special Effects

    Special Effects Special effects can be used when recording images. % Night Vision 1 Silhouette g Color Sketch 2 High Key ' Toy Camera Effect 3 Low Key ( Miniature Effect ) HDR Painting 3 Selective Color The following effects can be selected by rotating the mode dial to q and rotating the command dial until the desired option appears in the monitor.
  • Page 162 Color Sketch The camera detects and colors outlines for a color sketch effect. The effect can be adjusted in live view (0 41). Note Movies shot in this mode play back like a slide show made up of a series of stills. Toy Camera Effect Create photos and movies that appear to have been shot with a toy camera.
  • Page 163: Selective Color

    Selective Color All colors other than the selected colors are recorded in black and white. The effect can be adjusted in live view (0 43). Note The built-in flash turns off. Silhouette Silhouette subjects against bright backgrounds. Note The built-in flash turns off. High Key Use with bright scenes to create bright images that seem filled with light.
  • Page 164: Low Key

    Low Key Use with dark scenes to create dark, somber images with prominent highlights. Note The built-in flash turns off. HDR Painting Each time a photo is taken, the camera shoots two frames at different exposures and combines them for a painterly effect that emphasizes detail and color.
  • Page 165: Options Available In Live View

    Options Available in Live View ❚❚ g Color Sketch Select live view. Rotate the live view switch. The view through the lens will be displayed in the monitor. Live view switch Adjust options. Press J to display the options shown at right. Press 1 or 3 to highlight Vividness or Outlines and press 4 or 2 to change.
  • Page 166 ❚❚ ' Toy Camera Effect Select live view. Rotate the live view switch. The view through the lens will be displayed in the monitor. Live view switch Adjust options. Press J to display the options shown at right. Press 1 or 3 to highlight Vividness or Vignetting and press 4 or 2 to change.
  • Page 167 Position the focus point. Use the multi selector to position the focus point in the area that will be in focus and then press the shutter-release button halfway to focus. To temporarily clear miniature effect options from the display and enlarge the view in the monitor for precise focus, press X.
  • Page 168 Select a color. Selected color Frame an object in the white square in the center of the display and press 1 to choose the color of the object as one that will remain in the final image (the camera may have difficulty detecting unsaturated colors;...
  • Page 169: More On Photography

    More on Photography Choosing a Release Mode To choose how the shutter is released (release mode), press the s (E/#) button, then highlight the desired option and press J. s (E/#) button Mode Description Single frame: Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-release button is pressed. Continuous L: The camera takes photographs at a slow rate while the shutter-release button is pressed (0 46).
  • Page 170: Continuous Shooting (Burst Mode)

    Continuous Shooting (Burst Mode) In ! (Continuous L) and 9 (Continuous H) modes, the camera takes photographs continuously while the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down. Press the s (E/#) button. s (E/#) button Choose a continuous release mode. Highlight ! (Continuous L) or 9 (Continuous H) and press J.
  • Page 171 The Memory Buffer The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. Up to 100 photographs can be taken in succession. Depending on the battery level and the number of images in the buffer, recording may take from a few seconds to a few minutes.
  • Page 172: Quiet Shutter Release

    Quiet Shutter Release Choose this mode to keep camera noise to a minimum. A beep does not sound when the camera focuses. Press the s (E/#) button. s (E/#) button Select J (Quiet shutter release). Highlight J (Quiet shutter release) and press Press the shutter-release button all the way down.
  • Page 173: Self-Timer Mode

    Self-Timer Mode The self-timer can be used for self-portraits or group shots that include the photographer. Before proceeding, mount the camera on a tripod or place it on a stable, level surface. Press the s (E/#) button. s (E/#) button Select E (Self-timer) mode.
  • Page 174 Cover the Viewfinder When taking photos without your eye to the Rubber eyecup Eyepiece cap viewfinder, remove the rubber eyecup (q) and insert the supplied eyepiece cap as shown (w). This prevents light entering via the viewfinder interfering with exposure. Using the Built-in Flash Before taking a photograph with the flash in modes that require the flash to be raised manually, press the M (Y) button to raise the flash and wait for the M indicator to be...
  • Page 175: Focus (Viewfinder Photography)

    Focus (Viewfinder Photography) This section describes the focus options available when photographs are framed in the viewfinder. Focus can be adjusted automatically or manually (see “Focus Mode, ” below). The user can also select the focus point for automatic or manual focus (0 55) or use focus lock to focus to recompose photographs after focusing (0 55).
  • Page 176 Predictive Focus Tracking In AF-C mode or when continuous-servo autofocus is selected in AF-A mode, the camera will initiate predictive focus tracking if the subject moves toward the camera while the shutter- release button is pressed halfway. This allows the camera to track focus while attempting to predict where the subject will be when the shutter is released.
  • Page 177: Choosing How The Focus Point Is Selected: Af-Area Mode

    Choosing How the Focus Point Is Selected: AF-Area Mode Choose how the focus point for autofocus is selected. Note that d (dynamic-area) and f (3D-tracking) AF-area modes are not available when AF-S is selected for focus mode. Option Description For stationary subjects. Focus point is selected manually; camera c Single-point AF focuses on subject in selected focus point only.
  • Page 178 Choose an AF-area mode. Highlight an option and press J. AF-Area Mode AF-area mode selections made in shooting modes other than P, S, A, or M are reset when another shooting mode is selected. 3D-Tracking If subject leaves the viewfinder, remove your finger from the shutter-release button and recompose the photograph with the subject in the selected focus point.
  • Page 179: Focus Point Selection

    Focus Point Selection In manual focus mode or when autofocus is combined with AF-area modes other than e (Auto-area AF), you can choose from 39 focus points, making it possible to compose photographs with the main subject almost anywhere in the frame. Choose an AF-area mode other than e (Auto-area AF;...
  • Page 180 Lock focus. AF-A and AF-C focus modes: With the shutter-release Shutter-release button button pressed halfway (q), press the A (L) button (w) to lock focus. Focus will remain locked while the A (L) button is pressed, even if you later remove your finger from the shutter- release button.
  • Page 181: Manual Focus

    Manual Focus Manual focus can be used when autofocus is not available or does not produce the desired results (0 52). Set the lens focus-mode switch. M/A-M mode switch mode switch If the lens is equipped with an A-M, M/A-M, or A/M-M mode switch, slide the switch to M.
  • Page 182 Selecting Manual Focus with the Camera If the lens supports M/A (autofocus with manual override) or A/M (autofocus with manual override/AF priority), manual focus can also be selected by setting the camera focus mode to MF (manual focus; 0 51). Focus can then be adjusted manually, regardless of the mode selected with the lens.
  • Page 183: Image Quality And Size

    Image Quality and Size Together, image quality and size determine how much space each photograph occupies on the memory card. Larger, higher quality images can be printed at larger sizes but also require more memory, meaning that fewer such images can be stored on the memory card (0 272).
  • Page 184 NEF (RAW) Images Note that the option selected for image size does not affect the size of NEF (RAW) images. White balance bracketing (0 108), high dynamic range (HDR, 0 96), and print date (0 190) are not available at image quality settings of NEF (RAW) or NEF (RAW)+JPEG. NEF (RAW) images can be viewed on the camera or using software such as Capture NX 2 (available separately;...
  • Page 185: Image Size

    Image Size Choose a size for JPEG images: Image size Size (pixels) Print size (cm/in.) # Large 6000 × 4000 50.8 × 33.9/20 × 13.3 $ Medium 4496 × 3000 38.1 × 25.4/15.0 × 10 % Small 2992 × 2000 25.3 ×...
  • Page 186: Using The Built-In Flash

    Using the Built-in Flash The camera supports a variety of flash modes for photographing poorly lit or backlit subjects. Auto Pop-up Modes In i, k, p, n, o, s, w, g , and ' modes, the built-in flash automatically pops up and fires as required.
  • Page 187 ❚❚ Flash Modes The following flash modes are available: • No (auto flash): When lighting is poor or the subject is backlit, the flash pops up automatically when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway and fires as required. Not available in o mode. •...
  • Page 188: Manual Pop-Up Modes

    Manual Pop-up Modes In P, S, A, M, and 0 modes, the flash must be raised manually. The flash will not fire if it is not raised. Raise the flash. Press the M (Y) button to raise the flash. M (Y) button Choose a flash mode (P, S, A, and M modes only).
  • Page 189 ❚❚ Flash Modes The following flash modes are available: • N (fill flash): The flash fires with every shot. • Nj (red-eye reduction): Use for portraits. The flash fires with every shot, but before it fires, the red-eye reduction lamp lights to help reduce “red-eye. ” Not available in 0 mode.
  • Page 190 Lowering the Built-in Flash To save power when the flash is not in use, press it gently downward until the latch clicks into place. The Built-in Flash For information on the lenses that can be used with the built-in flash, see page 230. Remove lens hoods to prevent shadows.
  • Page 191: Iso Sensitivity

    ISO Sensitivity The camera’s sensitivity to light can be adjusted according to the amount of light available. The higher the ISO sensitivity, the less light needed to make an exposure, allowing higher shutter speeds or smaller apertures. Noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines) is however more likely at settings between Hi 0.3 (equivalent to ISO 16000) and Hi 1 (equivalent to ISO 25600).
  • Page 192: Interval Timer Photography

    Interval Timer Photography The camera is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals. Before Shooting Before beginning interval timer photography, take a test shot at current settings and view the results in the monitor. To ensure that shooting starts at the desired time, check that the camera clock is set correctly (0 201).
  • Page 193 Choose the number of intervals. Press 4 or 2 to highlight number of intervals (i.e., the number of times the camera shoots); press 1 or 3 to change. Press 2 to continue. Start shooting. Highlight On and press J (to return to the shooting menu without starting the interval timer, highlight Off and press J).
  • Page 194: Remote Control Photography

    Remote Control Photography Using an Optional ML-L3 Remote Control The optional ML-L3 remote control (0 237) can be used to reduce camera shake or for self-portraits. Before proceeding, mount the camera on a tripod or place it on a stable, level surface. Press the s (E/#) button.
  • Page 195 Before Using the ML-L3 Remote Control Before using the ML-L3 for the first time, remove the clear plastic battery-insulator sheet. Cover the Viewfinder To prevent light entering via the viewfinder interfering with exposure, remove the rubber eyecup and cover the viewfinder with the supplied eyepiece cap (0 50). The Camera Shutter-Release Button/Other Remote Control Devices If an ML-L3 remote release mode is selected and the shutter is released by any means other than an ML-L3 remote control (for example, the camera shutter-release button or the shutter...
  • Page 196: Restoring Default Settings

    Restoring Default Settings The camera settings listed below and on page 73 can be restored to default values by holding the G and P buttons down together for more than two seconds (these buttons are marked by a green dot). The information display turns off briefly while settings are G button P button...
  • Page 197 ❚❚ Other Settings Option Default Option Default Release mode Special effects mode m, w Continuous H Other shooting modes Vividness Single frame Focus point Outlines Center AE/AF lock hold Shooting modes other Vividness than i and j Vignetting Flexible program Orientation Landscape Multiple exposure...
  • Page 198: Location Data

    Location Data Embedding Location Data in Photos and Movies The built-in location data unit can record information on the camera’s current position (latitude, longitude, altitude) and the current time (UTC) as provided by satellite navigation systems and embed it in photographs and movies taken with the camera.
  • Page 199 Check satellite signal strength. Press the R button and check satellite signal strength in the information display. R button Take pictures. The location data obtained via the navigation satellite system will be recorded with each photograph or movie taken and can be viewed in the playback photo info displays (0 136) or plotted on a map using the supplied ViewNX 2 software (0 154).
  • Page 200: Track Logs

    Track Logs The built in location data unit can log information on the camera’s current position (latitude, longitude, altitude) and the current time (UTC) as provided by satellite navigation systems. Location data are recorded automatically at preset intervals and saved to a track log file stored separately from the pictures taken with the camera. The supplied ViewNX 2 software (0 154) can then be used to view the track on a map.
  • Page 201 End the log. To end the log and save it to the memory card before the selected log length is reached, select Location data > Create log > Log location data, then highlight End and press J. The memory card access lamp will light while the camera saves the log to the memory card;...
  • Page 202: Deleting Logs

    Yes and press J to delete the logs. Copying Logs to a Computer Logs are stored in the “NIKON” > “GNSS” folder on the memory card and have names consisting of “N” followed by the log date (yymmdd), a single-character identifier from 0 to Z assigned in ascending order by the camera, and the extension “.log”...
  • Page 203: Gps Options

    GPS Options Use the Location data > GPS options item in the setup menu to adjust settings for the built-in location data unit. ❚❚ Standby Timer Choose whether the exposure meters turn off automatically when the location data function is enabled. Option Description Exposure meters turn off automatically if no operations are performed for the time...
  • Page 204 Insert the memory card in a card reader or card slot and copy the file to the “NIKON” folder in the root directory of the memory card (if the folder does not already exist, create a new folder and name it “NIKON”).
  • Page 205 Connecting Optional Location Data Units Optional Nikon location data units can be connected to the camera accessory terminal using the cable supplied with the unit (0 237). Be sure the camera is off before connecting the unit.
  • Page 206: P, S, A, And M Modes

    P, S, A, and M Modes Shutter Speed and Aperture P, S, A, and M modes offer different degrees of control over shutter speed and aperture: Mode Description Recommended for snapshots and in other situations in which Programmed auto there is little time to adjust camera settings. Camera sets shutter (0 84) speed and aperture for optimal exposure.
  • Page 207 Shutter Speed and Aperture Shutter speed and aperture are shown in the viewfinder and information display. Shutter speed Aperture Fast shutter speeds ( s in this example) Slow shutter speeds (here 1 s) blur motion. 1600 freeze motion. Large apertures (such as f/5.6; remember, the Small apertures (f/22 in this case) bring both lower the f-number, the larger the aperture) background and foreground into focus.
  • Page 208: Mode P (Programmed Auto)

    Mode P (Programmed Auto) This mode is recommended for snapshots or Mode dial whenever you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed and aperture. The camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations. To take pictures in programmed auto mode, rotate the mode dial to P.
  • Page 209: Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto)

    Mode S (Shutter-Priority Auto) This mode lets you control shutter speed: choose fast shutter speeds to “freeze” motion, slow shutter speeds to suggest motion by blurring moving objects. The camera automatically adjusts aperture for optimal exposure. Fast shutter speeds (e.g., s) freeze motion.
  • Page 210: Mode A (Aperture-Priority Auto)

    Mode A (Aperture-Priority Auto) In this mode, you can adjust aperture to control depth of field (the distance in front of and behind the main subject that appears to be in focus). The camera automatically adjusts shutter speed for optimal exposure. Large apertures (low f-numbers, e.g.
  • Page 211: Mode M (Manual)

    Mode M (Manual) In manual mode, you control both shutter speed and aperture. Shutter speeds of “Bulb” and “Time” are available for long time-exposures of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks (0 88). Rotate the mode dial to M. Mode dial Choose aperture and shutter speed.
  • Page 212: Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only)

    Long Time-Exposures (M Mode Only) Select the following shutter speeds for long time- exposures of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks. • Bulb (A): The shutter remains open while the shutter-release button is pressed all the way Length of exposure: 35 s down.
  • Page 213 ❚❚ Time Rotate the mode dial to M. Mode dial Choose the shutter speed. Rotate the command dial left to choose a shutter speed of “Time” (&). Command dial Open the shutter. After focusing, press the shutter-release button on the camera or optional remote control, remote cord, or wireless remote controller all the way down.
  • Page 214: Exposure

    Exposure Metering Choose how the camera sets exposure. Method Description Produces natural results in most situations. The camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets exposure according to tone distribution, color, Matrix metering composition, and distance. Classic meter for portraits. Camera meters entire frame but assigns Center-weighted greatest weight to center area.
  • Page 215: Autoexposure Lock

    Autoexposure Lock Use autoexposure lock to recompose photographs after using M (Center-weighted metering) and N (Spot metering) to meter exposure; note that autoexposure lock is not available in i or j mode. Meter exposure. Press the shutter-release button halfway. Lock exposure. Shutter-release button With the shutter-release button pressed halfway...
  • Page 216: Exposure Compensation

    Exposure Compensation Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker (0 260). It is most effective when used with M (Center-weighted metering) or N (Spot metering) (0 90). –1 EV No exposure compensation +1 EV To choose a value for exposure...
  • Page 217: Flash Compensation

    (0 7). Optional Flash Units Flash compensation is also available with optional flash units that support the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS; see page 232). The flash compensation selected with the optional flash unit is added to the flash compensation selected with the camera.
  • Page 218: Preserving Detail In Highlights And Shadows

    Preserving Detail in Highlights and Shadows Active D-Lighting Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast. Use for high contrast scenes, for example when photographing brightly lit outdoor scenery through a door or window or taking pictures of shaded subjects on a sunny day.
  • Page 219 Active D-Lighting Noise (randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines) may appear in photographs taken with Active D-Lighting. Uneven shading may be visible with some subjects. Active D-Lighting can not be used at ISO sensitivities of Hi 0.3 or above. “Active D-Lighting” Versus “D-Lighting” Active D-Lighting adjusts exposure before shooting to optimize the dynamic range, while the D-Lighting option in the retouch menu (0 207) brightens shadows in images after shooting.
  • Page 220: High Dynamic Range (Hdr)

    High Dynamic Range (HDR) High Dynamic Range (HDR) combines two exposures to form a single image that captures a wide range of tones from shadows to highlights, even with high-contrast subjects. HDR is most effective when used with L (Matrix metering) (0 90). It can not be used to record NEF (RAW) images.
  • Page 221 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot. The camera takes two exposures when the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down. “l u” will flash in the viewfinder while the images are combined; no photographs can be taken until recording is complete. HDR turns off automatically after the photograph is taken;...
  • Page 222: Multiple Exposure

    Multiple Exposure Follow the steps below to record a series of two or three exposures in a single photograph. Multiple exposures produce colors noticeably superior to those in software-generated photographic overlays created from existing images. ❚❚ Creating a Multiple Exposure Multiple exposures can not be recorded in live view.
  • Page 223 Choose the number of shots. Highlight Number of shots and press 2. The dialog shown at right will be displayed. Press 1 or 3 to choose the number of exposures that will be combined to form a single photograph and press J. Choose the amount of gain.
  • Page 224 ❚❚ Interrupting Multiple Exposures To interrupt a multiple exposure before the specified number of exposures have been taken, select Off for Multiple exposure > Multiple exposure mode in the shooting menu. A multiple exposure will be created from the exposures that have been recorded to that point.
  • Page 225: White Balance

    White Balance White balance ensures that colors are unaffected by the color of the light source. Auto white balance is recommended for most light sources; other values can be selected if necessary according to the type of source: Option Description Automatic white balance adjustment.
  • Page 226 The Shooting Menu White balance can be selected using the White balance option in the shooting menu (0 177), which also can be used to fine-tune white balance (0 103) or measure a value for preset white balance (0 104). The I Fluorescent option in the White balance menu can be used to select the light source from the bulb types shown at right.
  • Page 227: 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. Select a white balance option.
  • Page 228: 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 Description Neutral gray or white object is placed under lighting that will be used in final photo Measure...
  • Page 229 Select Yes. The menu shown at right will be displayed; highlight Yes and press J. The camera will enter preset measurement mode. When the camera is ready to measure white balance, a flashing D (L) will appear in the viewfinder and information display. Measure white balance.
  • Page 230 Check the results. If the camera was able to measure a value for white balance, the message shown at right will be displayed and a will flash in the viewfinder for about eight seconds before the camera returns to shooting mode. To return to shooting mode immediately, press the shutter-release button halfway.
  • Page 231 ❚❚ Copying White Balance from a Photograph Follow the steps below to copy a value for white balance from a photograph on the memory card. Select Preset manual. To display the menus, press the G button. Highlight White balance in the shooting menu and press 2 to display white balance options.
  • Page 232: Bracketing

    Bracketing Bracketing automatically varies exposure, white balance, or Active D-Lighting (ADL) settings slightly with each shot, “bracketing” the current value. Choose in situations in which it is difficult to set exposure or white balance and there is not time to check results and adjust settings with each shot, or to experiment with different settings for the same subject.
  • Page 233 Display bracketing options. Press the P button, then highlight the current bracketing setting and press J. P button Information display Select a bracketing increment. Highlight a bracketing increment and press J. Choose from values between 0.3 and 2 EV (AE bracketing) or 1 to 3 (WB bracketing), or select ADL (ADL bracketing).
  • Page 234 The Bracketing Progress Indicator During AE bracketing, a bar is removed from the bracketing progress indicator with each shot (v > w > x). During ADL bracketing, the setting that will be used for the next shot is underlined in the information display. Disabling Bracketing To disable bracketing and resume normal shooting, select OFF in Step 3 on the previous page.
  • Page 235: Picture Controls

    Picture Controls Nikon’s unique Picture Control system makes it possible to share image processing settings, including sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation, and hue, among compatible devices and software. Selecting a Picture Control Choose a Picture Control according to the subject or type of scene.
  • Page 236: Modifying Picture Controls

    Modifying Picture Controls Existing preset or custom Picture Controls (0 115) 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. Press G to display the menus, then highlight Set Picture Control in the shooting menu and press 2.
  • Page 237 ❚❚ Picture Control Settings Option Description Mute or heighten the effect of the selected Picture Control (note that Quick adjust this resets all manual adjustments). Not available with Neutral, Monochrome, or custom Picture Controls. Control the sharpness of outlines. Select A to adjust sharpening Sharpening automatically according to the type of scene.
  • Page 238 The Picture Control Grid To display a grid showing saturation (non-monochrome controls only) and contrast for the Picture Control selected in Step 2, press and hold the X button. 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 239: Creating Custom Picture Controls

    Creating Custom Picture Controls The Picture Controls supplied with the camera can be modified and saved as custom Picture Controls. Select Manage Picture Control. To display the menus, press the G button. Highlight Manage Picture Control in the shooting menu and press 2. G button Select Save/edit.
  • Page 240 Name the Picture Control. Keyboard By default, new Picture Controls are named area by adding a two-digit number (assigned Name area automatically) to the name of the existing Picture Control; to use the default name, proceed to Step 7. To move the cursor in the name area, rotate the command dial.
  • Page 241: Sharing Custom Picture Controls

    Sharing Custom Picture Controls Custom Picture Controls created using the Picture Control Utility available with ViewNX 2 or optional software such as Capture NX 2 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 and then deleted when no longer needed.
  • Page 242: Live View

    Live View Framing Photographs in the Monitor Follow the steps below to take photographs in live view. Rotate the live view switch. The view through the lens will be displayed in the monitor. Live view switch Position the focus point. Position the focus point over your subject as described on page 121.
  • Page 243: Focusing In Live View

    Focusing in Live View Follow the steps below to choose focus and AF-area modes and position the focus point. ❚❚ Choosing How the Camera Focuses (Focus Mode) The following focus modes are available in live view (note that full-time–servo AF is not available in g, ', and ( modes): Option Description...
  • Page 244 ❚❚ Choosing How the Camera Picks the Area (AF-Area Mode) In modes other than i, j, and (, the following AF-area modes can be selected in live view (note that subject-tracking AF is not available in %, g, ', and 3 modes): Option Description Use for portraits.
  • Page 245 Choose the focus point. 6 (face-priority AF): A double yellow border will be displayed when the camera detects a portrait subject (if multiple faces, up to a maximum of 35, are detected, the camera will focus on the closest subject; to choose a different subject, use the Focus point multi selector).
  • Page 246: The Live View Display

    The Live View Display Item Description 19, 30, q Shooting mode The mode currently selected with the mode dial. 37, 82 w “No movie” icon Indicates that movies can not be recorded. — The amount of time remaining before live view ends e Time remaining 124, 129 automatically.
  • Page 247 Live View/Movie Recording Display Options Press the R button to cycle through display options as shown below. Circled areas indicate edges of movie frame crop. R button Show detailed Show movie indicators Hide indicators photo indicators (0 128) Show basic photo Framing grid indicators * A crop showing the area recorded is displayed during movie recording when frame sizes...
  • Page 248 Exposure Depending on the scene, exposure may differ from that which would be obtained when live view is not used. Metering in live view is adjusted to suit the live view display, producing photographs with exposure close to what is seen in the monitor (note that exposure compensation can only be previewed in the monitor at values between +3 EV and –3 EV).
  • Page 249 Using Autofocus in Live View Autofocus is slower in live view and the monitor may brighten or darken while the camera focuses. The camera may be unable to focus in the situations listed below (note that the focus point may sometimes be displayed in green when the camera is unable to focus): •...
  • Page 250: Recording And Viewing Movies

    Recording and Viewing Movies Recording Movies Movies can be recorded in live view mode. Rotate the live view switch. The view through the lens will be displayed in the monitor. The 0 Icon A 0 icon (0 122) indicates that movies can not be recorded. Before Recording Live view switch Set aperture before recording in mode A or M (0 86, 87).
  • Page 251 End recording. Press the movie-record button again to end recording. Recording will end automatically when the maximum length is reached, the memory card is full, another mode is selected, or the monitor is closed (closing the monitor does not end recording on televisions or other external displays). Taking Photographs During Movie Recording To end movie recording, take a photograph, and exit to live view, press the shutter-release button all the way down and hold it in this position until the shutter is released.
  • Page 252: Movie Settings

    Movie Settings The camera offers the following movie settings. • Frame size/frame rate, Movie quality: Choose from the following options. The frame rate depends on the option currently selected for Video mode in the setup menu (0 202): Maximum length (high movie quality ★/ Frame size/frame rate normal movie quality) Frame size (pixels)
  • Page 253 • Manual movie settings: Choose On to allow manual adjustments to shutter speed and ISO sensitivity when the camera is in mode M. Shutter speed can be set to values as fast as s; the slowest speed available varies with the 4000 frame rate: s for frame rates of 24p, 25p, and 30p,...
  • Page 254: Viewing Movies

    Viewing Movies Movies are indicated by a 1 icon in full-frame playback (0 135). Press J to start playback; your current position is indicated by the movie progress bar. 1 icon Length Current position/total length Volume Movie progress bar Guide The following operations can be performed: Description Pause...
  • Page 255: Editing Movies

    Editing Movies Trim footage to create edited copies of movies or save selected frames as JPEG stills. Option Description Create a copy from which the opening or closing footage has f Choose start/end point been removed. g Save selected frame Save a selected frame as a JPEG still.
  • Page 256 Choose the current frame as the new start or end point. To create a copy that begins from the current frame, highlight Start point and press J. The frames before the current frame will be removed when you save the copy. Start point To create a copy that ends at the current frame, highlight End point and press J.
  • Page 257 Save the copy. Highlight Save as new file and press J to save the copy to a new file. To replace the original movie file with the edited copy, highlight Overwrite existing file and press Trimming Movies Movies must be at least two seconds long. The copy will not be saved if there is insufficient space available on the memory card.
  • Page 258: Saving Selected Frames

    Saving Selected Frames To save a copy of a selected frame as a JPEG still: Pause the movie on the desired frame. Play the movie back as described on page 130, pressing J to start and resume playback and 3 to pause. Pause the movie at the frame you intend to copy.
  • Page 259: Playback And Deletion

    Playback and Deletion Full-Frame Playback To play photographs back, press the K button. The most recent photograph will be displayed in the monitor. K button Description Press 2 to view photographs in order recorded, 4 to view View additional photographs photographs in reverse order.
  • Page 260: Photo Information

    Photo Information Photo information is superimposed on images displayed in full-frame playback. Press 1 or 3 to cycle through photo information as shown below. Note that “image only”, shooting data, RGB histograms, highlights, and overview data are only displayed if corresponding option is selected for Playback display options (0 176). Location data are only displayed if location data were embedded in the picture when it was taken (0 74).
  • Page 261 ❚❚ RGB Histogram Frame number/total number of images Histogram (RGB channel). In all histograms, horizontal axis gives pixel brightness, vertical axis number of pixels. Histogram (red channel) Histogram (green channel) Histogram (blue channel) Upload marking ............173 White balance ............101 White balance fine-tuning .......103 Preset manual............104 Retouch indicator ...........206 Protect status ............143...
  • Page 262 ❚❚ Shooting Data Shooting mode ........19, 30, 37, 82 1 2 3 ISO sensitivity ............67 Exposure compensation ........92 Focal length.............. 231 Lens data Focus mode ............51, 119 Lens VR (vibration reduction) ......267 Flash type ............192, 232 Commander mode Flash mode ............
  • Page 263 ❚❚ Overview Data 14 15 Shutter speed .............83 Frame number/total number of images Aperture ...............83 Protect status............143 ISO sensitivity ............67 Camera name Focal length ............. 231 Retouch indicator........... 206 Location data indicator...........74 Upload marking............173 Image comment indicator ........202 Histogram showing the distribution of tones in the image (0 137).
  • Page 264: Thumbnail Playback

    Thumbnail Playback To display images in “contact sheets” of 4, 12, or 80 images, press the W (Q) button. W (Q) W (Q) Full-frame Thumbnail playback Calendar playback playback Description Display more Press W (Q) button to increase the number of images W (Q) images displayed.
  • Page 265: Calendar Playback

    Calendar Playback To view images taken on a selected date, press the W (Q) button when 80 images are displayed. Thumbnail list W (Q) W (Q) Date list Full-frame Thumbnail playback Calendar playback playback The operations that can be performed depend on whether the cursor is in the date list or the thumbnail list: Description W (Q)
  • Page 266: Taking A Closer Look: Playback Zoom

    Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom Press the X button to zoom in on the image displayed in full-frame playback or on the image currently highlighted in thumbnail or calendar playback. The following operations can be performed while zoom is in effect: Description Press X to zoom in to maximum of approximately 33×...
  • Page 267: Protecting Photographs From Deletion

    Protecting Photographs from Deletion In full-frame, zoom, thumbnail, and calendar playback, the A (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 (0 196).
  • Page 268: Rating Pictures

    Rating Pictures Rate pictures or mark them as candidates for later deletion. Rating is not available with protected images. Rating Individual Pictures Select an image. Display the image in full-frame playback or playback zoom or highlight it in the thumbnail list in thumbnail or calendar playback. Display playback options.
  • Page 269: Rating Multiple Pictures

    Rating Multiple Pictures Use the Rating option in the playback menu to rate multiple pictures. Select Rating. Press the G button to display the camera menus, then highlight Rating in the playback menu and press 2. G button Rate pictures. Press 4 or 2 to highlight pictures (to view the currently highlighted picture full frame, press and hold the X button) and press 1 or...
  • Page 270: Deleting Photographs

    Deleting Photographs Unprotected photographs can be deleted as described below. Once deleted, photographs can not be recovered. Full-Frame, Thumbnail, and Calendar Playback Select an image. Display the image or highlight it in the thumbnail list in thumbnail or calendar playback. Press the O button.
  • Page 271: The Playback Menu

    The Playback Menu The Delete option in the playback menu contains the following options. Note that depending on the number of images, some time may be required for deletion. Option Description Q Selected Delete selected pictures. n Select date Delete all pictures taken on a selected date. R All Delete all pictures in the folder currently selected for playback (0 175).
  • Page 272 ❚❚ Select Date: Deleting Photographs Taken on a Selected Date Choose Select Date. In the delete menu, highlight Select date and press 2. Highlight a date. Press 1 or 3 to highlight a date. To view the pictures taken on the highlighted date, press W (Q).
  • Page 273: Slide Shows

    Slide Shows The Slide show option in the playback menu is used to display a slide show of the pictures in the current playback folder ( 175). Select Slide show. To display the slide show menu, press the G button and select Slide show in the playback menu.
  • Page 274: Slide Show Options

    Slide Show Options Before starting a slide show, you can use the options in the slide show menu to select the images displayed by type or rating and choose how long each image is displayed. • Image type: Choose from Still images and movies, Still images only, Movies only, and By rating.
  • Page 275: Connections

    ViewNX 2, which is available for download from the websites listed on page xiv, as earlier versions that do not support the D5300 may fail to transfer NEF (RAW) images correctly. Launch the installer. q Select region (if required) Start the computer, insert the installer CD, and launch the installer.
  • Page 276 Exit the installer. Windows Mac OS Click Yes Click OK Remove the installer CD from the CD-ROM drive. System Requirements Windows Mac OS • Photos: Intel Celeron, Pentium 4, Core Series; • Photos: Intel Core or Xeon series 1.6 GHz or better •...
  • Page 277: Using Viewnx 2

    If a message is displayed prompting you to choose a program, select Nikon Transfer 2. Windows 7 If the following dialog is displayed, select Nikon Transfer 2 as described below. 1 Under Import pictures and videos, click Change program. A program selection dialog will be displayed;...
  • Page 278: View Pictures

    Click Start Transfer. At default settings, pictures on the memory card will be copied to the computer. During Transfer Do not turn the camera off or disconnect the USB cable while transfer is in progress. Start Transfer Terminate the connection. When transfer is complete, turn the camera off and disconnect the USB cable.
  • Page 279 For More Information Consult online help for more information on using ViewNX 2. Viewing the Nikon Website To visit the Nikon website after installing ViewNX 2, select All Programs > Link to Nikon from the Windows start menu (Internet connection required). Connections...
  • Page 280: Printing Photographs

    Printing Photographs Selected JPEG images can be printed on a PictBridge printer (0 271) connected directly to the camera. Connecting the Printer Connect the camera using the supplied USB cable. Turn the camera off. Connect the USB cable. Turn the printer on and connect the USB cable as shown. Do not use force or attempt to insert the connectors at an angle.
  • Page 281: Printing Pictures One At A Time

    Printing Pictures One at a Time Select a picture. Press 4 or 2 to view additional pictures. Press the X button to zoom in on the current frame (0 142; press K to exit zoom). To view six pictures at a time, press the W (Q) button.
  • Page 282 Start printing. Select Start printing and press J to start printing. To cancel before all copies have been printed, press J. Date Imprint If you select Print time stamp in the PictBridge menu when printing photographs containing date information recorded using Custom Setting d6 (Print date; 0 190), the date will appear twice.
  • Page 283: Printing Multiple Pictures

    Printing Multiple Pictures Display the PictBridge menu. Press the G button in the PictBridge playback display (see Step 3 on page 156). G button Choose an option. Highlight one of the following options and press 2. • Print select: Select pictures for printing. •...
  • Page 284 Select pictures or choose a date. If you chose Print select or Print (DPOF) in Step 2, press 4 or 2 to scroll through the pictures on the memory card. To display the current picture full screen, press and hold the X button.
  • Page 285 Display printing options. Press J to display PictBridge printing options. Adjust printing options. Choose page size, border, and time stamp options as described on page 157 (a warning will be displayed if the selected page size is too small for an index print).
  • Page 286: Creating A Dpof Print Order: Print Set

    Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set The DPOF print order option in the playback menu is used to create digital “print orders” for PictBridge-compatible printers and devices that support DPOF. Choose Select/set for the DPOF print order item in the playback menu. Press the G button and select DPOF print order in the playback menu.
  • Page 287 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 5). • Print shooting data: Print shutter speed and aperture on all pictures in print order.
  • Page 288: Viewing Pictures On Tv

    Viewing Pictures on TV The supplied audio video (A/V) cable can be used to connect the camera to a television or video recorder for playback or recording. A High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable (available separately from third-party suppliers) with a mini HDMI connector (Type C) can be used to connect the camera to high-definition video devices.
  • Page 289: High-Definition Devices

    High-Definition Devices The camera can be connected to HDMI devices using a third-party HDMI cable with a mini HDMI connector (Type C). Turn the camera off. Always turn the camera off before connecting or disconnecting an HDMI cable. Connect the HDMI cable as shown. Connect to camera Connect to high-definition device (choose cable with connector for HDMI device)
  • Page 290 ❚❚ Choosing an Output Resolution To choose the format for images output to the HDMI device, select HDMI > Output resolution in the camera setup menu (0 195). If Auto is selected, the camera will automatically select the appropriate format. ❚❚...
  • Page 291: Wi-Fi

    Wi-Fi What Wi-Fi Can Do for You Install the Wireless Mobile Utility app on your Android and iOS device to display the view through the camera lens on the smart device, take pictures and control the camera remotely, and download pictures from the camera for sharing via the Internet.
  • Page 292: Accessing The Camera

    Accessing the Camera Before connecting via Wi-Fi (wireless LAN), install the Wireless Mobile Utility on your Android or iOS smart device. Instructions for accessing the camera vary with the type of connection used by the smart device. Android • Push-button WPS: If the smart device supports push-button WPS (i.e., has a WPS button connection option in its Wi-Fi settings menu), you can use this easy method to connect to the smart device (0 169) •...
  • Page 293: Wps (Android Only)

    WPS (Android Only) Enable the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi. Press the G button to display the menus, then highlight Wi-Fi in the setup menu and press 2. Highlight Network connection and press 2, then highlight Enable and G button press J. Wait a few seconds for Wi-Fi to activate.
  • Page 294: Pin Entry (Android Only)

    PIN Entry (Android Only) Enable the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi. Press the G button to display the menus, then highlight Wi-Fi in the setup menu and press 2. Highlight Network connection and press 2, then highlight Enable and G button press J. Wait a few seconds for Wi-Fi to activate.
  • Page 295: Ssid (Android And Ios)

    SSID (Android and iOS) Enable the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi. Press the G button to display the menus, then highlight Wi-Fi in the setup menu and press 2. Highlight Network connection and press 2, then highlight Enable and G button press J. Wait a few seconds for Wi-Fi to activate.
  • Page 296 ❚❚ Terminating the Connection Wi-Fi can be disabled by: • Selecting Wi-Fi > Network connection > Disable in the camera setup menu • Starting movie recording • Turning the camera off ❚❚ Restoring Default Settings To restore default network settings, select Wi-Fi > Network settings > Reset network settings.
  • Page 297: Selecting Pictures For Upload

    Selecting Pictures for Upload Follow the steps below to select photos for upload to the smart device. Movies can not be selected for upload. Selecting Individual Pictures for Upload Select an image. Display the image or highlight it in the thumbnail list in thumbnail or calendar playback.
  • Page 298: Selecting Multiple Pictures For Upload

    Selecting Multiple Pictures for Upload To change the upload status of multiple pictures, use the Select to send to smart device option in the playback menu. Choose Select to send to smart device. To display the menus, press the G button. Highlight Select to send to smart device in the playback menu and press 2.
  • Page 299: Camera Menus

    Camera Menus D The Playback Menu: Managing Images To display the playback menu, press G and select the D (playback menu) tab. G button The playback menu contains the following options: Option Default Delete — Playback folder Current Playback display options —...
  • Page 300: Playback Display Options

    G button ➜ D playback menu Playback Display Options Choose the information available in the playback photo information display (0 136). Press 1 or 3 to highlight and press 2 to select or deselect. Selected items are indicated by check marks. To return to the playback menu, press J. G button ➜...
  • Page 301: C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options

    C The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options To display the shooting menu, press G and select the C (shooting menu) tab. G button The shooting menu contains the following options: Option Default Option Default Reset shooting menu — Release mode m, w Storage folder —...
  • Page 302: Storage Folder

    (e.g., 101D5300). The camera treats folders with the same name but different folder numbers as the same folder. For example, if the folder NIKON is selected for Storage folder, photographs in all folders named NIKON (100NIKON, 101NIKON, 102NIKON, etc.) will be visible when Current is selected for Playback folder (0 175).
  • Page 303: Auto Distortion Control

    G button ➜ C shooting menu Auto Distortion Control Select On to reduce barrel distortion in photos taken with wide- angle lenses and to reduce pin-cushion distortion in photos taken with long lenses (note that the edges of the area visible in the viewfinder may be cropped out of the final photograph, and that the time needed to process photographs before recording begins may increase).
  • Page 304: Long Exposure Nr

    G button ➜ C shooting menu Long Exposure NR If On is selected, photographs taken at shutter speeds slower than 1 s will be processed to reduce noise (bright spots, randomly-spaced bright pixels, or fog). The time required for processing roughly doubles; during processing, “l m” will flash in the viewfinder and pictures can not be taken (noise reduction will not be performed if the camera is turned off before processing is complete).
  • Page 305 ❚❚ Auto ISO Sensitivity control If Off is chosen for Auto ISO sensitivity control in P, S, A, and M modes, ISO sensitivity will remain fixed at the value selected by the user (0 67). When On is chosen, ISO sensitivity will automatically be adjusted if optimal exposure can not be achieved at the value selected by the user.
  • Page 306: A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

    A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings To display the Custom Settings menu, press G and select the A (Custom Settings menu) tab. G button Custom Settings are used to customize camera settings Custom Setting groups to suit individual preferences. Main menu Reset custom settings (0 183) 182 A Custom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings...
  • Page 307 The following Custom Settings are available: Custom Setting Default Reset custom settings a Autofocus a1 AF-C priority selection Focus a2 Number of focus points 39 points a3 Built-in AF-assist illuminator a4 Rangefinder b Exposure b1 EV steps for exposure cntrl 1/3 step c Timers/AE lock c1 Shutter-release button AE-L...
  • Page 308: A: Autofocus

    a: Autofocus G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu a1: AF-C Priority Selection When AF-C is selected for viewfinder photography (0 51), 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). Option Description G Release...
  • Page 309: A3: Built-In Af-Assist Illuminator

    G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu a3: Built-in AF-assist Illuminator Choose whether the built-in AF-assist illuminator lights to assist AF-assist illuminator the focus operation when lighting is poor. Option Description The AF-assist illuminator lights when lighting is poor (for more information, see page 252).
  • Page 310: B: Exposure

    b: Exposure G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu b1: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl Select the increments used when making adjustments to shutter speed, aperture, exposure and flash compensation, and bracketing. c: Timers/AE Lock G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L If On is selected, exposure will lock when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
  • Page 311: C3: Self-Timer

    G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu c3: Self-Timer Choose the length of the shutter release delay and the number of shots taken. • Self-timer delay: Choose the length of the shutter-release delay. • Number of shots: Press 1 and 3 to choose the number of shots taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed (from 1 to 9;...
  • Page 312: D2: Viewfinder Grid Display

    G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu d2: Viewfinder Grid Display Choose On to display on-demand grid lines in the viewfinder for reference when composing photographs (0 4). G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu d3: ISO Display Select On to display ISO sensitivity in the viewfinder in place of the number of exposures remaining.
  • Page 313: D5: Exposure Delay Mode

    File Number Sequence If the current folder is numbered 999 and contains either 999 photographs or a photograph numbered 9999, the shutter-release button will be disabled and no further photographs can be taken. Choose Reset for Custom Setting d4 (File number sequence) and then either format the current memory card or insert a new memory card.
  • Page 314: D6: Print Date

    G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu d6: Print Date Choose the date information imprinted on photographs as they are taken. Date imprints can not be added to or removed from existing photos. Option Description The time and date do not appear on photographs. The date or date and time are imprinted on a Date 15 .
  • Page 315 Enter additional dates or edit existing dates. To change a date or enter additional dates, highlight a slot, press 2, and enter a date as described above. Choose a date. Highlight a slot in the date list and press J. Choose a date counter format.
  • Page 316: E: Bracketing/Flash

    e: Bracketing/Flash G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu e1: Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash Choose the flash mode for the built-in flash in P, S, A, and M modes. Option Description 1 TTL Flash output is adjusted automatically in response to shooting conditions. Choose a flash level.
  • Page 317: F: Controls

    f: Controls G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu f1: Assign Fn Button Choose the role played by the Fn button. Fn button Option Description Keeping the Fn button pressed, rotate the command dial to select Image quality/size image quality and size (0 59). Keeping the Fn button pressed, rotate the command dial to select ISO ISO sensitivity sensitivity (0 67).
  • Page 318: F2: Assign Ae-L/Af-L Button

    G button ➜ A Custom Settings menu f2: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button Choose the role played by the A (L) button. Option Description Focus and exposure lock while the A (L) button is AE/AF lock pressed. Exposure locks while the A (L) button is pressed. AE lock only A (L) button Exposure locks when the A (L) button is pressed,...
  • Page 319: B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup

    B The Setup Menu: Camera Setup To display the setup menu, press G and select the B (setup menu) tab. G button The setup menu contains the following options: Option Default Option Default Format memory card — Video mode — Monitor brightness HDMI Info display format...
  • Page 320: Format Memory Card

    G button ➜ B setup menu Format Memory Card Memory cards must be formatted before first use or after being formatted in other devices. 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 (0 153).
  • Page 321: Info Display Format

    G button ➜ B setup menu Info Display Format Choose an information display format (0 6). Formats can be chosen separately for auto, scene, and special effects modes and for P, S, A, and M modes. Classic (0 198) Graphic (0 6) Select a shooting mode option.
  • Page 322 The “Classic” display is shown below. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 36 35 34 33 32 31 30 Eye-Fi connection Shutter speed ......83 Image size ....... 61 indicator......204 Aperture (f-number).....83 Bracketing increment ..
  • Page 323: Auto Info Display

    G button ➜ B setup menu Auto Info Display If On is selected, the information display will appear after the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. If Off is selected, the information display can be viewed by pressing the R button. G button ➜...
  • Page 324: Flicker Reduction

    Acquire Image Dust Off reference data. Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to acquire Image Dust Off reference data. 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 displayed.
  • Page 325: Time Zone And Date

    G button ➜ B setup menu Time Zone and Date Change time zones, set the camera clock, choose the date display order, and turn daylight saving time on or off. Option Description Choose a time zone. The camera clock is automatically set to the time in the new time zone.
  • Page 326: Auto Image Rotation

    G button ➜ B setup menu Auto Image Rotation Photographs taken while On is selected contain information on camera orientation, allowing them to be rotated automatically during playback or when viewed in ViewNX 2 or Capture NX 2 (available separately). The following orientations are recorded: Landscape (wide) orientation Camera rotated 90°...
  • Page 327: Remote Control

    G button ➜ B setup menu Remote Control Choose the functions performed using a remote cord or wireless remote controller. ❚❚ Remote Shutter Release Choose whether the shutter-release button on the optional accessory is used for photography or movie recording. Option Description The shutter-release button on the optional accessory is used to take...
  • Page 328: Eye-Fi Upload

    G button ➜ B setup menu Eye-Fi Upload This option is displayed only when an Eye-Fi memory card (available separately from third-party suppliers) is inserted in the camera. Choose Enable to upload photographs to a preselected destination. Note that pictures will not be uploaded if signal strength is insufficient.
  • Page 329 N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies To display the retouch menu, press G and select the N (retouch menu) tab. G button The retouch menu is used to create trimmed or retouched copies of the photographs on the memory card, and is only available when a memory card containing photographs is inserted in the camera.
  • Page 330: N The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies

    Creating Retouched Copies To create a retouched copy: Display retouch options. Highlight the desired item in the retouch menu and press 2. Select a picture. Highlight a picture and press J (to view the highlighted picture full screen, press and hold the X button).
  • Page 331: D-Lighting

    G button ➜ N retouch menu D-Lighting D-Lighting brightens shadows, making it ideal for dark or backlit photographs. Before D-Lighting D-Lighting (portrait subject) Press 4 or 2 to choose the amount of correction performed; the effect can be previewed in the edit display. Press J to copy the photograph. ❚❚...
  • Page 332: Trim

    G button ➜ N retouch menu Trim Create a cropped copy of the selected photograph. The selected photograph is displayed with the selected crop shown in yellow; create a cropped copy as described in the following table. Description Press the X button to increase the size of the crop. Increase size of crop W (Q) Reduce size of crop...
  • Page 333: Filter Effects

    G button ➜ N retouch menu Filter Effects After adjusting filter effects as described below, press J to copy the photograph. Option Description Creates the effect of a skylight filter, making the Skylight picture less blue. Creates a copy with warm tone filter effects, giving Warm filter the copy a “warm”...
  • Page 334: Color Balance

    G button ➜ N retouch menu Color Balance Use the multi selector to create a copy with modified color balance as shown below. Red, green, and blue histograms (0 137) show the distribution of tones in the copy. Increase amount of green Create retouched copy Increase amount of Increase amount of amber...
  • Page 335: Image Overlay

    G button ➜ N retouch menu Image Overlay Image overlay combines two existing NEF (RAW) photographs to create a single picture that is saved separately from the originals; the results, which make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor, are noticeably better than overlays created in an imaging application.
  • Page 336 Select the second image. The selected image will appear as Image 1. Highlight Image 2 and press J, then select the second photo as described in Step 2. Adjust gain. Highlight Image 1 or Image 2 and optimize exposure for the overlay by pressing 1 or 3 to select gain from values between 0.1 and 2.0.
  • Page 337: Nef (Raw) Processing

    G button ➜ N retouch menu NEF (RAW) Processing Create JPEG copies of NEF (RAW) photographs. Select NEF (RAW) processing. Highlight NEF (RAW) processing in the retouch menu and press 2 to display a picture selection dialog listing only NEF (RAW) images created with this camera.
  • Page 338: Resize

    G button ➜ N retouch menu Resize Create small copies of one or more selected photographs. Select Resize. Highlight Resize in the retouch menu and press Choose a size. Highlight Choose size and press 2. Highlight an option and press J. Choose pictures.
  • Page 339: Quick Retouch

    G button ➜ N retouch menu Quick Retouch Create copies with enhanced saturation and contrast. D-Lighting is applied as required to brighten dark or backlit subjects. Press 4 or 2 to choose the amount of enhancement. Press J to copy the photograph. G button ➜...
  • Page 340: Fisheye

    G button ➜ N retouch menu Fisheye Create copies that appear to have been taken with a fisheye lens. Press 2 to increase the effect (this also increases the amount that will be cropped out at the edges of the image), 4 to reduce it.
  • Page 341: Perspective Control

    G button ➜ N retouch menu Perspective Control Create copies that reduce the effects of perspective taken from the base of a tall object. Use the multi selector to adjust perspective (note that greater amounts of perspective control result in more of the edges being cropped out). Press J to save the retouched copy.
  • Page 342: Miniature Effect

    G button ➜ N retouch menu Miniature Effect Create a copy that appears to be a photo of a diorama. Works best with photos taken from a high vantage point. The area that will be in focus in the copy is indicated by a yellow frame.
  • Page 343: Selective Color

    G button ➜ N retouch menu Selective Color Create a copy in which only selected hues appear in color. Select Selective color. Highlight Selective color in the retouch menu and press 2. Select a photograph. Highlight a photograph and press J (to view the highlighted photograph full frame, press and hold the X button).
  • Page 344 Choose the color range. Press 1 or 3 to increase or decrease the range of similar hues that will be included in the final photograph or movie. Choose from values between 1 and 7; note that higher values may include hues from other colors. Select additional colors.
  • Page 345: Side-By-Side Comparison

    Side-by-side Comparison Compare retouched copies to the original photographs. This option is only available if the retouch menu is displayed by pressing the P button and selecting Retouch when a copy or original is played back full frame. Select a picture. Select a retouched copy (shown by a N icon) or a photograph that has been retouched in full-frame playback.
  • Page 346: Recent Settings/O My Menu

    m Recent Settings/O My Menu Both recent settings, a menu listing the 20 most recently used settings, and My Menu, a custom menu listing up to 20 user-selected options, can be accessed by pressing the G button highlighting the last tab in the menu list (either m or O). G button Choosing a Menu Use the Choose tab option to choose the menu displayed.
  • Page 347: O My Menu

    O My Menu Selecting O MY MENU for Choose tab lets you access a customized menu of up to 20 options selected from the playback, shooting, Custom Settings, setup, and retouch menus. Follow the steps below to add items to, delete items from, and reorder items in My Menu.
  • Page 348 ❚❚ Deleting Options from My Menu Select Remove items. Highlight Remove items and press 2. Select items. Highlight items and press 2 to select or deselect. Selected items are indicated by a check mark. Delete the selected items. Press J. A confirmation dialog will be displayed;...
  • Page 349 ❚❚ Reordering Options in My Menu Select Rank items. 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 350: Technical Notes

    Technical Notes Read this chapter for information on compatible accessories, cleaning and storing the camera, and what to do if an error message is displayed or you encounter problems using the camera. Compatible Lenses Compatible CPU Lenses This camera supports autofocus with AF-S and AF-I CPU lenses only. AF-S lenses have names beginning with AF-S, AF-I lenses names beginning with AF-I.
  • Page 351 Identifying CPU and Type G, E, and D Lenses CPU lenses can be identified by the presence of CPU contacts, type G, E, and D lenses by a letter on the lens barrel. Type G and E lenses are not equipped with a lens aperture ring. CPU contacts Aperture ring CPU lens...
  • Page 352: Compatible Non-Cpu Lenses

    CPU lens can not be used. Some non-CPU lenses can not be used; see “Incompatible Accessories and Non-CPU Lenses, ” below. Camera setting Focus Mode MF (with electronic Lens/accessory rangefinder) Other modes AI-, AI-modified NIKKOR or Nikon Series E lenses — — 2, 3 Medical NIKKOR 120mm f/4 — — Reflex NIKKOR —...
  • Page 353 AF-Assist Illumination The AF-assist illuminator has a range of about 0.5–3.0 m (1 ft 8 in.–9 ft 10 in.); when using the illuminator, use a lens with a focal length of 18–200 mm and remove the lens hood. AF-assist illumination is not available with the following lenses: •...
  • Page 354 The Built-in Flash The built-in flash can be used with lenses with focal lengths of 18–300 mm, although in some cases the flash may be unable to entirely light the subject at some ranges or focal lengths due to shadows cast by the lens (see the illustration below), while lenses that block the subject’s view of the red-eye reduction lamp may interfere with red-eye reduction.
  • Page 355 The size of the area exposed by a 35mm camera is 36 × 24 mm. The size of the area exposed by the D5300, in contrast, is 23.5 × 15.6 mm, meaning that the angle of view of a 35mm camera is approximately 1.5 times that of the D5300.
  • Page 356: Optional Flash Units (Speedlights)

    Optional Flash Units (Speedlights) The camera supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) and can be used with CLS-compatible flash units. The built-in flash will not fire when an optional flash unit is attached. Flash Units Compatible with the Creative Lighting...
  • Page 357 The following features are available with CLS-compatible flash units: CLS-compatible flash units SU-800 SB-910 Close-up SB-900 SB-800 SB-700 SB-600 Commander photography SB-R200 SB-400 SB-300 i-TTL balanced fill-flash — — — for digital SLR i-TTL Standard i-TTL flash for — — —...
  • Page 358 Use Only Nikon Flash Accessories Use only Nikon flash units. Negative voltages or voltages over 250 V applied to the accessory shoe could not only prevent normal operation, but damage the sync circuitry of the camera or flash.
  • Page 359 Refer to the Speedlight manual for detailed instructions. If the flash unit supports CLS, refer to the section on CLS-compatible digital SLR cameras. The D5300 is not included in the “digital SLR” category in the SB-80DX, SB-28DX, and SB-50DX manuals.
  • Page 360: Other Accessories

    • Filters intended for special-effects photography may interfere with autofocus or the electronic rangefinder. • The D5300 can not be used with linear polarizing filters. Use C-PL or C-PL II circular polarizing filters instead. • NC filters are recommended for protecting the lens.
  • Page 361 Microphones Stereo Microphone ME-1 (0 129) The D5300 is equipped with an accessory terminal for WR-1 and WR-R10 wireless remote controllers (0 71), MC-DC2 remote cords (0 88), and GP-1/GP-1A GPS units (0 81),...
  • Page 362: Approved Memory Cards

    Approved Memory Cards The following SD memory cards have been tested and approved for use in the D5300. Cards with class 6 or faster write speeds are recommended for movie recording. Recording may end unexpectedly when cards with slower write speeds are used.
  • Page 363: Attaching A Power Connector And Ac Adapter

    Attaching a Power Connector and AC Adapter Turn the camera off before attaching an optional power connector and AC adapter. Ready the camera. Open the battery-chamber (q) and power connector (w) covers. Insert the EP-5A power connector. Be sure to insert the connector in the orientation shown, using the connector to keep the orange battery latch pressed to one side.
  • Page 364: Caring For The Camera

    Do not use alcohol, thinner, or other volatile chemicals. Servicing the Camera and Accessories The camera is a precision device and requires regular servicing. Nikon recommends that the camera be inspected by the original retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative once every one to two years, and that it be serviced once every three to five years (note that fees apply to these services).
  • Page 365: Image Sensor Cleaning

    Image Sensor Cleaning If you suspect that dirt or dust on the image sensor is appearing in photographs, you can clean the sensor using the Clean image sensor option in the setup menu. The sensor can be cleaned at any time using the Clean now option, or cleaning can be performed automatically when the camera is turned on or off.
  • Page 366 Cleaning is performed by vibrating the image sensor. If dust can not be fully removed using the options in the Clean image sensor menu, clean the image sensor manually (0 243) or consult a Nikon-authorized service representative. If image sensor cleaning is performed several times in succession, image sensor cleaning may be temporarily disabled to protect the camera’s internal circuitry.
  • Page 367 (0 241), the sensor can be cleaned manually as described below. Note, however, that the sensor is extremely delicate and easily damaged. Nikon recommends that the sensor be cleaned only by Nikon-authorized service personnel.
  • Page 368 Nikon takes every possible precaution to prevent foreign matter from coming into contact with the image sensor during production and shipping. The D5300, however, is designed to be used with interchangeable lenses, and foreign matter may enter the camera when lenses are removed or exchanged.
  • Page 369: Caring For The Camera And Battery: Cautions

    Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions Caring for the Camera 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.
  • Page 370: Caring For The Battery

    Storage: To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you are using an AC adapter, unplug the adapter to prevent fire. If the product will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery to prevent leakage and store the camera in a plastic bag containing a desiccant.
  • Page 371 • The internal temperature of the battery may rise while the battery is in use. Attempting to charge the battery while the internal temperature is elevated will impair battery performance, and the battery may not charge or charge only partially. Wait for the battery to cool before charging.
  • Page 372: Available Settings

    Available Settings The following table lists the settings that can be adjusted in each mode. k, l, p, m, n, o, r, s, t, u, %, g, ', (, 3, i, j v, w, x, y, z, 0 1, 2, 3, ) P, S, A, M Image quality Image size...
  • Page 373 k, l, p, m, n, o, r, s, t, u, %, g, ', (, 3, i, j v, w, x, y, z, 0 1, 2, 3, ) P, S, A, M Focus mode (viewfinder) (not available in % mode) (not available AF-area mode (viewfinder) in % and ( modes)
  • Page 374 k, l, p, m, n, o, r, s, t, u, %, g, ', (, 3, i, j v, w, x, y, z, 0 1, 2, 3, ) P, S, A, M a1: AF-C priority selection a2: Number of focus points (not available (not available in l, m, r, t,...
  • Page 375: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting If the camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common problems below before consulting your retailer or Nikon representative. Battery/Display The camera is on but does not respond: Wait for recording to end. If the problem persists, turn the camera off.
  • Page 376 Photos are out of focus: • AF-S or AF-I lens is not attached: use AF-S or AF-I lens or focus manually. • Camera unable to focus using autofocus: use manual focus or focus lock (0 52, 55, 57). • Camera is in manual focus mode: focus manually (0 57). Focus does not lock when shutter-release button is pressed halfway: Use A (L) button to lock focus when live view is off and AF-C is selected for focus mode or when photographing moving subjects in AF-A mode (0 55).
  • Page 377: Shooting (P, S, A, M)

    Can not measure white balance: Subject is too dark or too bright (0 106). Image can not be selected as source for preset white balance: Image was not created with D5300 (0 107). Effects of Picture Control differ from image to image: A (auto) is selected for sharpening, contrast, or saturation.
  • Page 378 Can not delete picture: • Picture is protected: remove protection (0 143). • Memory card is locked (0 12). Can not retouch picture: Photo can not be further edited with this camera (0 205). Can not change print order: • Memory card is full: delete pictures (0 15, 146). •...
  • Page 379: Location Data

    Location Data The camera is unable or slow to acquire a satellite signal: Local geographic and atmospheric conditions may prevent or delay the acquisition of location data. For best results, choose a location with an unobstructed view of the sky. The built-in location data unit may take some time to acquire a signal immediately after the battery is inserted or when the record location data function is enabled for the first time, or after an extended period of disuse.
  • Page 380: Error Messages

    (flashes) card write-protect switch to “write” position. • Use approved card. • Format card. If problem persists, card may be damaged. Contact Nikon-authorized service representative. • Error creating new folder. Delete files or This memory card cannot be insert new memory card.
  • Page 381 Indicator Monitor Viewfinder Solution Format card or turn camera off and insert new This card is not formatted. (flashes) memory card. Format the card. • Reduce quality or size. j/A/s • Delete photographs. Card is full (flashes) • Insert new memory card. ●...
  • Page 382 Indicator Monitor Viewfinder Solution Error occurred updating firmware for optional Flash error flash unit. Contact Nikon-authorized service — (flashes) representative. Release shutter. If error persists or appears Error. Press shutter release frequently, consult Nikon-authorized service — button again. representative. Start-up error. Contact a...
  • Page 383: Specifications

    Single-lens reflex digital camera Type Nikon F mount (with AF contacts) Lens mount Effective angle of view Nikon DX format; focal length equivalent to approx. 1.5× that of lenses with FX format angle of view Effective pixels Effective pixels 24.2 million Image sensor 23.5 ×...
  • Page 384 Lens Autofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I lenses. Autofocus is not Compatible lenses available with other type G and D lenses, AF lenses (IX NIKKOR and lenses for the F3AF are not supported), and AI-P lenses. Non-CPU lenses can be used in mode M, but the camera exposure meter will not function.
  • Page 385 Active D-Lighting Focus Autofocus Nikon Multi-CAM 4800DX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, 39 focus points (including 9 cross-type sensor), and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5–3 m/1 ft 8 in.–9 ft 10 in.) –1 – +19 EV (ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F) Detection range •...
  • Page 386 Live view • Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time-servo AF (AF-F) Lens servo • Manual focus (MF) AF-area mode Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point Autofocus automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected) Available in i and j modes Automatic scene selection...
  • Page 387 • 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 388 Distance information Output to camera Manual zoom using independent zoom ring Zoom Nikon Internal Focusing (IF) System with autofocus controlled by Silent Focusing Wave Motor and separate focus ring for manual focus Vibration reduction Lens shift using voice coil motors (VCMs) Minimum focus distance 0.45 m (1.48 ft) from focal plane (0 58) at all zoom positions...
  • Page 389 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 390: Lenses

    Zoom ring (0 18) The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–140mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR and AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR are for use exclusively with Nikon DX format digital cameras. Focusing with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–140mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR Lenses When single-servo AF (AF-S) is selected as the camera focus mode and the lens A-M switch is set to A, focus can be adjusted by keeping the shutter-release button pressed halfway after the autofocus operation is complete and manually rotating the focus ring.
  • Page 391 ❚❚ Vibration Reduction (VR) The lenses described in this section support vibration reduction (VR), which reduces blur caused by camera shake even when the camera is panned, allowing shutter speeds for DX format cameras to be slowed by approximately 3 EV at a focal length of 55 mm in the case of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR, or 4 EV at a focal length of 140 mm in the case of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–140mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR (according to CIPA guidelines;...
  • Page 392 18 mm 2.5 m/8 ft 2 in. D90/D80/D50 24 mm 1.0 m/3 ft 3 in. 35–140 mm No vignetting D5300/D5200/D5100/D5000/D3200/D3100/ 24–140 mm 1.0 m/3 ft 3 in. D3000/D70 series/D60/D40 series 35–140 mm No vignetting AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR:...
  • Page 393 Supplied Accessories for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–140mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR • 67 mm snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-67 • Rear Lens Cap Optional Accessories for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–140mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR • 67 mm screw-on filters • LF-1 and LF-4 rear lens caps •...
  • Page 394 Lens Care • Keep the CPU contacts clean. • Use a blower to remove dust and lint from the lens surfaces. To remove smudges and fingerprints, apply a small amount of ethanol or lens cleaner to a soft, clean cotton cloth or lens-cleaning tissue and clean from the center outwards using a circular motion, taking care not to leave smears or touch the glass with your fingers.
  • Page 395 • 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. • Exif version 2.3: The D5300 supports Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) version 2.3, a standard in which information stored with photographs is used for optimal color reproduction when the images are output on Exif-compliant printers.
  • Page 396: Memory Card Capacity

    Memory Card Capacity The following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on a 16 GB SanDisk Extreme Pro SDHC UHS-I card at different image quality and size settings. Image quality Image size File size No. of images Buffer capacity NEF (RAW), —...
  • Page 397: Battery Life

    • Using an Eye-Fi card • Using VR (vibration reduction) mode with VR lenses To ensure that you get the most from rechargeable Nikon EN-EL14a batteries: • Keep the battery contacts clean. Soiled contacts can reduce battery performance. • Use batteries immediately after charging. Batteries will lose their charge if left unused.
  • Page 398: Index

    Index Symbols N (Spot metering) ......90 Aperture ......83, 86, 87 o (auto flash) ......63 Aperture-priority auto....86 i (Auto mode)......3, 19 j (red-eye reduction) ..63, 65 Assign AE-L/AF-L button ...194 j (Auto (flash off) mode) ..3, 19 p (slow sync) ....
  • Page 399 CPU lens .......... 226 Flash........23, 62, 232 Image Dust Off ref photo ..199 Create log...........76 Flash (White balance) ....101 Image overlay........ 211 Creative Lighting System ..232 Flash cntrl for built-in flash..192 Image quality........59 Cross screen (Filter effects)..209 Flash compensation......
  • Page 400 Network connection ....169 Red-eye correction ......207 SLR ...........192 Neutral (Set Picture Control) ..111 Red-eye reduction ....63, 65 Standby timer......23, 186 Nikon Transfer 2......153 Release mode ........45 Start printing (PictBridge)158, 161 Non-CPU lens ........228 Remote control ......70, 237 Storage folder........178 Normal-area AF......120...
  • Page 401 Volume........130, 149 Warm filter (Filter effects)..209 WB ............. 101 WB bracketing (Auto bracketing set)........... 108 White balance ....... 101 Wide-area AF ......... 120 Wi-Fi .......... xvi, 167 Wind noise reduction ....128 Wireless........xvi, 167 Wireless Mobile Utility ..167, 168 Wireless remote controller71, 203, Technical Notes...
  • Page 404 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. SB3H01(11) 6MB18411-01...

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