Nikon D300OUTFIT manual

En_04 DIGIT AL CAMERA En User's Manual No reproduction in an y form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critic al articl es or reviews), may be made without written authoriz ation from NIKON CORPORATION. Printed in Europe SB8K04(11) 6MB00211-04 En Q0310_UM_En_EUR_03_Cov er.fm Page 1 Wednesday, November 19, 20 08 [...]

Wher e to F ind I t Find what you ’ re looking for from: Digitutor Digitutor , a series o f “watch and learn” manuals in movie form, is available from the f ollowing website: http://ww w .nikondigitutor .com/index_eng .ht ml i The Q&A Index ➜ pp. iv–ix Know what you want to do but don’t know t he funct ion name? Fin d i t from the ?[...]

i P ackage C ontents Be sure all items listed here we re included with your camera. Memory cards are sold separately . • D300 digital camera (pg . 3) • Body cap (pp . 34, 368) • BM-8 L C D monitor cover (pg . 19) • DK-5 eyepiec e cap (pg . 20) • EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion batter y with term inal cover (pp. 30, 32) • MH-18a quick charge[...]

ii Symbols and C onv entions T o make it easier to find the information you need, the f ollowing symbols and conven tions are used: Menu items, options , and messages displayed in the camera monitor are shown in brackets ([ ]). A T rademark Information Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime ar e registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Microsoft, Windows and [...]

iii Introduction Tu t o r i a l Image Recordi ng Options Fo c u s Release Mode ISO Sensitivity Exposure White Balance Image Enhancement Flash Photography Other S hooting Options More About Playback Connec tions Menu Guide T echnica l Notes X k S Z r J l t I Q U n s d N[...]

iv Q&A Inde x Find what you ’re looking for us ing this “ question and answer ” index. ❚❚ New Features ❚❚ Camera Setup Que sti on Key phrase See page How do I take high-qualit y NEF (RA W ) photos? 14-bit NEF (RA W ) 59 Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder? Live view 79 Can I control ho w photos are processed? Picture Contr o ls [...]

v ❚❚ Menus and Displays How do I set the clock? W orld time 37, 315 How do I set the clock for daylight savings time? How do I change time zones when I travel? How do I adjust monitor brightness for menus or playback ? L CD brightness 312 How do I restore default settings? T wo -button reset 182 How do I restore shooting menu defaults? Reset sh[...]

vi ❚❚ T a king Photographs How do I get more inf ormation about the battery? Batter y info 321 How do I keep the file number from being reset when I insert a new memor y card? F ile number sequence 283 How do I rese t file nu mbering to 1? How do I clean the camera or lens? Cleaning th e camera 372 Que sti on Key phrase See page How many mor e [...]

vii ❚❚ Viewing Photographs Can I set both shutter speed and aperture manually? Exposure mode h (manual) 109 Can I make photos brigh ter or darker? Exposure compensat ion 114 How do I make a time exposure? Long time- exposures 111 Can I var y exposure or fla sh level automatically o ver a series of photos? Exposure and flash bracketing 1 17, 297[...]

viii ❚❚ Retouching Phot ographs How do I get rid of an unwanted photo? Deleting individual photos 222 Can I delete sev eral photos at once? Delete 248 Can I zoom in on pictures to make sur e they’re in focus? Playba ck zoom 220 Can I prot ect photos from accident al deleti on? Prot ec t 22 1 Can I hide selected phot os? Hide image 249 How do [...]

ix ❚❚ Viewing or Printing Photog raphs on Other Devices ❚❚ O ptional Ac cessories Que sti on Key phrase See page Can I view my phot os on T V? T elevision playback 242 Can I view my photos in High Definition? HDMI 244 How do I copy photos to m y computer? Connectin g to a computer 224 How do I prin t photogra phs? Printin g photogr aphs 230[...]

x Q&A Index ........... .......... ........... .......... .......... ......... .......... .......... ........... .... iv For Your Safety .......... ............. ............ ............. ............ ............ .......... xviii Notices .... ........ .......... ........... .......... .......... ........... ........ .......... ........... ...[...]

xi Viewing Photographs .................................................................... 53 Deleting Unwanted Photographs ............................................. 54 Image Recording Options 55 Image Qual ity ......... ........... .......... ........ ........... .......... .......... ........... ........ 56 Image Size ....... .......... ....[...]

xii Exposure 99 Metering .. .......... .......... ........... .......... ........ ........... .......... .......... ........... .. 100 Exposure M ode.... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........ ........... ........ 102 e : Programmed Auto .................................................................. 104 f : Shutter-Pr[...]

xiii Other Shooting Options 181 Two-Button Re set: Restoring Def ault Settings ..................... .. 182 Multiple Exp osure ............. .......... .......... ........... .......... ........... ........ .... 184 Interval Tim er Photogr aphy .......... ........... .......... .......... ........... ...... 1 89 Non-CPU Lenses ........ ........... [...]

xiv Menu Guide 245 D The Playbac k Menu: M anaging Images .. ............ ............. .... 246 Delete ........................................................................................... 248 Playback Folder......................................................................... 249 Hide Image ..............................................[...]

xv a3: Dynamic AF Area ...............................................................269 a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On ........................................ 270 a5: AF Activation ....................................................................... 271 a6: AF Point Illumination ....................................................... 271 a7:[...]

xvi e7: Bracketing Order ............................................................... 299 f: Controls ........................................................................................ 300 f1: Multi Selector Center Button ......................................... 300 f2: Multi Selector.......................................................[...]

xvii Monochrome ............................................................................. 337 Filter Effects ................................................................................338 Color Balance .............................................................................338 Image Overlay.............................................[...]

xviii F or Y our Safety T o prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read the follo w ing safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these saf ety instruct ions where all those who use the product will r ead them. The consequences that could result from failur e to obser ve the precautions[...]

xix A Do not use in the presence of flammable gas Do not use electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas , as this could result in explosion or fire . A Keep out of reach of children F ailure to observe this precaution could result in injury. A Do not place the strap around the neck of an infant or child Placing the camera strap around th[...]

xx A Obser ve proper precautions when handling the quick charger • Keep dry. Failur e to observe this preca utio n coul d resu lt in f ire or electric shock. • Dust on or near the metal par ts of the plug should be remov ed with a dr y cloth. Cont inued use could result in fire. • Do not handle th e power cable or go near the char ger during [...]

xxi Notices • N o p a r t o f t h e m a n u a l s i n c l u d e d w i t h t h i s product may be r eproduced, transmitted, tr ans cribed, st ored in a retrieval system, or tr an slated into an y language in any f orm, by any means, withou t Nikon’ s prior w ritten pe rmission . • Nikon res er ves the right to c hange the specificatio ns of th[...]

xxii Notices for Customers in Canada CA UT IO N This Class B digital apparatus com plies with Canadian ICES-003. AT T E N T I O N Cet appareil numé rique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Cana da. Notices f or Customers in Europe This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected separ ately . The following apply only to u[...]

xxiii Notice C oncerning Prohibition of Copying or Repr o duction Note that simply being in po ssession of material that has been digitally copied or reproduced by means of a scanner , digi tal camera, or other device may be punishable by la w. • Items prohibited by la w from being copied or reproduced Do not copy or reproduce paper money , coins[...]

xxiv A Before T ak ing Impor tant Pictures Before taking pictures on impor ta nt occasions (such as at weddings or before t aking the camera on a trip), take a test shot t o ensure that the camera is functioning normally . Nikon will not be hel d liable for da mages or lost profits that may r esult from product malfunction. A Life-Long Learning As [...]

X 1 X Intr oduc tion This chapter covers inf ormation you will need to k now before using the camera, including the names of camera par ts. Over view .............. ....................... ............................ ............. pg . 2 Getting to Know the Camera ................ ....................... .... pg. 3 Camera Body ........ ........ ..[...]

2 X Ov ervi ew Thank you for y our purchase of a Nikon single -lens reflex (SLR) digital camera. Please be sure to read all instruct ions thoroughly to get the most from th e camera, and keep the m where the y will be read by all those who use the product. D Use Only Nikon Brand A ccessories Only Nikon bran d accessories certified by Nikon specific[...]

3 X Getting to Know the C amera T ake a few moments to familia rize yourse lf with camera con trols and displays. Y ou may find it helpful to bookmar k this sect ion and refer to it a s you read th rough the rest of t he m anu al. Cam e ra B o d y 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 Release mode dial ....................... 75 2 Release mode dial lo[...]

4 X Cam e ra B o d y (Conti n ue d) 1 2 3 4 5 8 13 14 15 16 6 7 9 10 11 12 1 Built-in flash ............................... 171 2 Flash pop-up button............... 171 3 M (flash mode) button ............ 171 Y (flash compensa tion) button .......................................... 176 4 Flash sync terminal cover ..................................[...]

5 X 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 12 11 9 8 10 1 AF-assist illuminator ............... 273 Self-timer lamp ............................ 90 Red-eye reduction lamp ........ 174 2 Sub- command dial ..................... 14 3 Depth-of-field preview button ................................. 103, 305 4 Fn button ......... 117, 121, 179, 302 5 Battery- chamber cov er ....[...]

6 X Cam e ra B o d y (Conti n ue d) 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 1 Viewfinder ey epiece................... 43 2 DK-23 viewfinder eyepiece cup................................. 20 3 O (delete) button............... 54, 222 Q (format) button ..................... 41 4 K (playback) button ....... 53, 204 5 Monitor .......................... 53, 79, 204 6 G (me[...]

7 X 1 2 5 4 3 6 7 8 10 11 9 1 Diopter adjustment control ....43 2 Metering selector ..................... 101 3 A (AE/AF lock) button ............................ 68, 69, 306 4 B (AF-ON) button .......... 63, 83 5 Main command dial ................... 14 6 Multi selector ................................ 26 7 Fo cus selector lock ...................[...]

8 X The Cont rol Pane l 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 1 Color temperature indica tor ...... 133 2 Shutter speed ........ .............. 10 6, 109 Exposure compensation value ........... ............... ............. .......... 114 Flash compensation value ....... 176 ISO sensitivity ...... ................ ............. 94 White balance[...]

9 X 19 18 20 21 22 23 24 31 25 26 28 27 30 29 14 Flash mode ................................. 171 15 “Beep” indicator .... ................ ....... 281 16 Aperture (f-n umber) .......... 107, 10 9 Aperture (number of sto ps) .......... .............. 353 Exposure and flash bracketing increment ................ 118 WB bracketing increment ......[...]

10 X The V iewfinder Display 1 4 2 3 56 7 1 2 91 1 81 0 1 3 1 4 1 5 16 17 18 20 21 19[...]

11 X D No Batter y When the batter y is totally exhausted or no batter y is inser ted, the display in the viewfinder will dim. This is normal and does not indica te a malfunction. The viewfinder display will r eturn to normal when a fully- charged battery is inserted. D The C ontrol P anel and V iewfinder Display s The brightness of the control pan[...]

12 X The Shooting Inf ormation Display Shooting information, including shutter speed, aperture, the number of exposures remaining , buffer capacity , and AF-area mode, is displa yed in the monitor when the R button is pressed . T o clear shooting information from the monit or , press the R button again or press the shutter-r elease button halfway .[...]

13 X 1 Exposure mode................ ................. 102 2 Flexible pr ogram indicator ........... 105 3 Flash sync indica tor ............ ............. 288 4 Shutter s peed ........... .......... ...... 106, 109 Exposure compensation value.... 114 Flash compens ation value ............ 176 Number of sho ts in exposure and flash bracketing seque[...]

14 X The C ommand Dials The main- and sub-command dials are used alone or in combination with ot her contr ols to adjust a variety of settings. I button Exposure mode E button Exposure comp ens atio n QUAL button Image quality/size ISO button ISO sensit ivity WB button White balance M button Fla sh m o de / Flas h compensation Fn button Bracket ing[...]

15 X ❚❚ Image Quality and Size Press the QUA L button and rotate the c ommand dials. Set image quality (pg. 57) Choose an image size (pg . 60) ❚❚ ISO Sensitivit y Press the ISO button and rotate the main command dial . Set ISO sensitiv ity (pg. 94) QUAL button Main command dial Control panel + QUAL button Sub- command dia l Control panel + [...]

16 X ❚❚ Expo su re Press the I button and rotate the m ain com man d dia l to cho ose the exposure mode. Choose the exposure mode (pg. 102) Use the command dials to adjust exposure. Choose a combinat ion of aperture and shutter speed (exposure mode P; pg. 105) Choose a shutt er speed ( exposure mode S or M; pp . 106, 110) Choose an aperture (ex[...]

17 X Set exposu re compensa tion (pg. 114) Acti vate or can cel bracketing/ select number of shots in bracketing sequence (pp. 117, 120 ) Select bracketing exp osur e increment (pg. 118 ) A The Fn Button Depending on the option selected for Custom Setting f4 ([Assign FUNC. button], pg. 302), the Fn button and command dials can be used to select shu[...]

18 X ❚❚ White Balance Press the WB button and rotate the command dials . Choose a white balance setting (pg. 127) Fine-t une white balance (pg. 132), set color temperature (pg. 133), or choose a whit e balance preset (pg . 143) ❚❚ Flash Settings Press the M button and rotate the command dials . Choose flash mode (pg. 171) Adjust flash compe[...]

19 X A ttaching the AN-D300 Camera Str ap Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets on the camera body as shown below . The BM-8 Monit or C ov er A clear plastic cover is provided with the camera to keep the monitor clean and protect it when the camera is not in use . T o attach the cov er, insert the projection on the top of the cov er i[...]

20 X The DK -23 V iewfinder Ey epiece C up Before attaching the DK -5 viewfinder eyepiece cap and other viewfinder accessories (pp. 89, 366), remove the DK -23 viewfinder eyepiece cu p by placing your fingers undernea th the flanges o n either side and sliding it off as shown at right. The DK-5 viewfinder eyepiece cap is used in self-timer (pg. 89)[...]

21 X Quick Star t Guide F ollow these steps f or a quick star t with the D300. 1 Charge the battery (pg. 30). 2 Inser t the battery (pg. 32). 3 Att ac h a le ns (pg. 34). 4 Inser t a memor y card (pg. 39). 5 T urn the camera on (pg . 44). F o r information on choosing a language and setting the time and da te, see page 36. Se e pag e 43 for in for [...]

22 X 6 Check camera settings (pp . 44, 47). 7 Select single -servo autofocus (pp. 49, 62). Rotate the focus-mode selector to S (single-ser vo autof ocus). 8 F ocus and shoot (pp. 51, 52). Pr ess the sh utter-release button halfway to focus, then press the shutter-r elease button the rest of the wa y down to take the photograph. 9 Vi ew t h e photog[...]

s 23 s T utorial This section describes how to use the camera menus, how to ready the camera for use , and how to take your first pictures and play them back. Camera Menus ............. ............................ ....................... .. pg. 24 Using Camera Menu s ..... .......... .......... ........... ........ .......... ........... .... pg. [...]

24 s Cam e ra Me n u s Most shooting, playback, and setup options can be accessed from th e camera me nus. To view the menus, pr ess the G button. G button Choose from playback , shooting, Cust om Settings, setup , retouch, and My menus (see following page). Ta b s Slider shows position in current menu. Current settings are sh own by icons. If “ [...]

25 s ❚❚ Menus The following menus are available: Menu Description D Playback A djust playback settings and manage p hotos (pg. 246). C Shootin g Adjust shooting settings (pg . 254). A Cust om Settings Personaliz e camera settings (pg . 264). B Setup Fo rmat memor y cards and perform basic camera setup (pg. 311). N Retouch Create retouched copie[...]

26 s Usi ng Cam e ra M e nu s ❚❚ Menu Controls The multi selec tor and J button are used to navigate the menus. ❚❚ Navigating the Menus F ollow the steps below to navigate the menus. 1 Display the menus . Pr ess the G button to display the menus. 2 Highlight the icon f or the current menu. Pr ess 4 to hig hlight the icon for the curr ent me[...]

27 s 3 Sel ect a m enu . Pr ess 1 or 3 to select the desired menu. 4 P osition the cursor in the selected menu. Pr ess 2 to position the cursor in the selec ted menu. 5 Highlight a menu item. Pr ess 1 or 3 to highlight a menu item. 6 Display options . Pr ess 2 to displa y options f or the selected menu item. 7 Highlight an option. Pr ess 1 or 3 to [...]

28 s 8 Select the highlighted item. Pr ess J to selec t the highlighted item. T o exit without mak ing a selec tion, press the G button. Note the following points: • Menu items that are display ed in gray ar e not curre ntly avai lable. • While pressing 2 or the center of the multi selector generally has the same effect as pressing J , there ar[...]

29 s Help If a Q icon is displayed at the bottom lef t corner of the monit or , help can be displayed by pressing the L ( Q ) button. A description of the cur rentl y selected option or menu will be displayed while the button is pressed. Press 1 or 3 to scroll through the display . L button[...]

30 s F irst Steps Charge the Battery The D300 is pow ered by an EN-EL3e r echargeab le Li-ion battery (supplied). The EN-EL3e is not fully charged at shipment. T o maximize shooting time, charge the batter y in the supp lied MH-18a quick charger befor e use. About two an d a quarter hours are r equired to fully recharge the batter y when no charge [...]

31 s 3 Insert the batt er y . Inser t the battery into the charger . The CHARGE lamp will blink wh ile the batter y charges. 4 Remov e the battery when charg ing is complete . Charging is complete wh en the CHAR GE lamp stops blinking. Remove the batt er y and unplug the charger .[...]

32 s Inser t the Batt er y 1 Tu r n t h e c a m e r a o f f. Always turn the camera off before inserting or removing batteries. 2 Open the batter y-chamber cov e r . Open the batte ry- chamber co ver on the bottom of the camera. 3 Insert the battery . Inser t the batter y as shown at right. 4 Close the ba ttery-chamber cov er . ❚❚ Removing the [...]

33 s D The Battery and Charger Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xviii–xx and 379–382 of this manual . T o prev ent short- circuits, replac e th e terminal cover when the battery is not in use. Do not use the battery at ambient temperatur es below 0 °C (32 °F) or above 40 °C (104 °F). Charge indoors at ambient temperatur es[...]

34 s At ta ch a L e n s Care should be taken to prevent dust from entering the ca mera when the lens is remov ed. 1 Remov e the rear lens cap and the camera body cap . After confir ming that the camera is o ff , remove the rear lens cap from th e lens and remo ve the camera body ca p. 2 Attach the lens . Keeping the mounting mark on the lens aligne[...]

35 s 3 Remov e the lens cap. ❚❚ Detaching the Lens Be sure the cam era is off when remo ving or exchanging lenses. T o remove the lens, pr ess and hold the lens release button while turn ing the lens clockwise. After removing the lens, replace the lens caps and camera body cap. D CPU Lenses with Aperture R ings In the case of CPU lenses equippe[...]

36 s Basic Setup The language option in the setup menu is automatically highlighted the first time menus ar e displayed. Choose a language and set the time and date. 1 Tu r n t h e c a m e r a o n . 2 Select [Language]. Pr ess G to display the camera menus, then selec t [Language] in the setup menu. F or information on using menus, see “Using Cam[...]

37 s 4 Select [ W orld time]. Selec t [ World time] and press 2 . 5 Set time zone. A time -zone sele ction dialog will be displayed. Pr ess 4 or 2 to highlight the local time zone (the [UTC] field shows the difference between the selected time zone an d Coordinated Universal Time, or UT C, in hours) and press J . 6 T urn daylight saving time on or [...]

38 s 8 Set dat e for mat. Pr ess 1 or 3 to choo se the order in which the year , month, and day will be displayed and press J . 9 Exit to shooting mode. Pr ess the sh utter-release button halfway to exit to s hootin g mode. A The Clock Battery The camera clock is power ed by an independent, rechargeable po wer source, which is char ged as necessar [...]

39 s Inser t a Memor y Card The camera stores phot ographs on CompactFlash and micr odrive memory cards (available separately; pg. 371). The following section describes how to insert and format a memory card . 1 Tu r n t h e c a m e r a o f f . Always turn the camera off befor e inserting or removing memory cards. 2 O pen the card slot c over . Unl[...]

40 s 4 Close the car d slot co ver . ❚❚ Removing Memor y Cards 1 Tu r n t h e c a m e r a o f f. Confirm that the access lamp is off and turn the camera off . 2 Remove the memory card. Open the memory card sl ot cove r and press the eject button ( q ) to par tially eject the card ( w ). The memor y card can then be remov ed by hand. Do not push[...]

41 s Fo r m a t t h e M e m o r y Ca r d Memory cards must be f ormatted before first u se. Fo r m a t t h e c a r d as described below . D Form atting Memory Cards F ormatting 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 befor e proceeding (pg. 224). 1 Tu[...]

42 s 3 Pres s t he Q buttons again. Pr ess the Q ( I and O ) buttons together a second time to for m at th e m e mo r y ca rd. Do not remove the memory card or remov e or disconnect the power sour ce during formatting. When f ormatting is complet e, the control panel and viewfinder will show the number of phot ographs that can be recorded at curr e[...]

43 s Adjust V iewfinder F ocus The camera is equipped with diopte r adjustment t o accommod ate individual differ ences in vision. Check that the display in the viewfinder is in focus befor e shooting. 1 Tu r n t h e c a m e r a o n . Remove the lens cap and turn the camer a on. 2 Focus the viewfinder . Rotate the diopter control until the viewfind[...]

44 s Basic Photogr aphy and Pla yback T urn the Camer a O n Before taking photogr a phs, turn the camera on and check the batter y level and number of ex posures r emaining as described below . 1 Tu r n t h e c a m e r a o n . T urn the camera on. The control panel will turn on and the display in the viewfinder will light. 2 Check the batter y leve[...]

45 s 3 Check the number of exposures remaining . The exposure -count displays in the control panel and viewfinder sho w the number of photographs that can be taken at current settings . When this number reaches zer o, A will flash in the exposur e - count displays while the shutter-speed displays will show a blink ing n or j . A Large - Capa city M[...]

46 s A L CD Illuminators Holding the power switch in the D position activates the exposure meters and control panel backl ights (L CD illuminators), allowing the display to be read in the dar k. After the power switch is released, the illumina tor will remain lit f or six seconds (a t default settings) while the camera exposure meters are active or[...]

47 s A djust C a mera Settings This tutorial describes how to take photos at default sett ings. 1 Check camera settings . Default settings are listed below . Option Defa ult Description Page Image quality NORM (JP EG normal) Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 8 * . Ideal for snapshots. * [Size priority ] selected for [JPE G co[...]

48 s 2 Choose exposure mod e e . Pr ess the I button and rotate the main command dial to select exposure mode e . The camera will automatically adjust shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure in most situations. 3 Choose single frame rel eas e m od e. Hold the r elease mode dial lock release down and turn the release mode dial to S (single f[...]

49 s 5 Choose single -ser vo autof ocus. Rotate the focus-mode selector until it clicks into place pointing to S (single-ser vo autof ocus). At this setting , the camera will automatically focus on the subject in the selected focus point when the shutt er- release button is pressed halfway . Pictures can only be taken when the camer a is in focu s.[...]

50 s R eady the Camer a When framing ph ot ogr aphs in the viewfinder , hold the ha ndgrip in your right hand and crad le the camera bo dy or lens with your l eft. Keep your elbows propped lightly against your torso for suppor t a nd place one foot half a pace ahead of the other to keep yo u upper body sta ble. Hold the camera as shown at right whe[...]

51 s F ocus and Shoot 1 Press the shutter- release button halfway to f ocus (pg. 52). At default set tings, the camera will focus on the subject in the center focu s p oint . Frame a photo in the viewfinder with the main subject positioned in the center focus point and press the shutter-release button halfway. If the came ra is able to focus , a be[...]

52 s 2 Press the shutter-release button th e rest of the wa y down to sho ot. Smoothly press the shutter- release-button the rest of the way down to take the picture. While the photograph is being recorded to the memory card, the access lamp next to the card slot cover will light. Do not eject the memory card, turn the camer a off, or remov e or di[...]

53 s V iewing Photographs 1 Press the K button. A photograph will be displayed in the monitor . 2 View additional pictures . Additional pictur es can be displayed by pressing 4 or 2 . T o view additional information on the curren t photog raph, press 1 and 3 (pg. 206). T o end playback and return to shooting mode, pr ess the shutter-r elease button[...]

54 s D eleting Unwanted Photogr aphs T o delete the photograph currently displaye d in the monitor , press the O button. Note that photographs can not be recov ered once dele ted. 1 Display the photograph. Display the photograph you wish to delete as described in “Viewing Photographs” on the previous page. 2 Delete the photogr aph. Pr ess the O[...]

d 55 d Image Rec ording Options This section describes how to choose image quality and size. Image Quality ............... ........................ ........................... ...pg. 56 Image Size... ............................ ....................... .....................pg. 60[...]

56 d Image Quality The D300 supp or ts the following image quality options. A Fil e Si ze See page 405 for information on the number of pictures that can be recorded at differ ent image qualit y and size settings. Option Fil e t y pe Description NEF (RA W ) NEF RA W data from th e image sensor ar e saved dire ct ly to the me mor y card in Nik on El[...]

57 d Image quality is set by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the control panel. A NEF (RA W ) Recor ding The [NEF (RA W ) recording] item in the shooting menu contr ols compres sion (pg. 58) and bit dept h (pg. 59) for NEF (RA W ) images. A JPEG Compression JPEG images can be com[...]

58 d ❚❚ The JPEG Compression Menu The [JPEG compre ssion] item in the shooting menu offe rs the following options for JPEG images: ❚❚ The NEF (RA W ) Recording Menu: T ype The [NEF (RA W ) recording] > [ T y pe] item in the shoo ting menu offers the following compression options for NEF (RA W ) images: Option Description O Size priority [...]

59 d ❚❚ The NEF (RAW ) Recording Me nu: NEF (RAW ) Bit Depth The [NEF (RA W ) recording] > [NEF (RA W ) bit depth] item in the shooting menu off ers the following bit-depth options fo r NEF (RA W ) images: A NEF (RA W ) Images Note that the option selected for image size does not aff ect the size of NEF (RA W ) images. When opened in ViewNX [...]

60 d Image Size Image size is measured in pixels . Choose from th e follo w ing options: Image size can be set by pr essing the QUAL button and rotating the sub- command dial until the desired option is displaye d in the control panel. A The Image Size Menu Image size can also be adjusted using the [Image size] option in the shooting menu (pg. 254 [...]

N 61 N Fo c u s – Controlling How the C amera F o cuses This section describes the option s that control how your camera foc us es. F oc us Mode ....................... ....................... .......................... pg. 62 AF-Area Mode .............. ........................ ....................... .......pg. 64 F oc us Point Selection ......[...]

62 N Fo c u s M o d e Fo c u s m o d e i s co n t r o l l e d b y t h e focus-mode selector on the front of the camera. Ther e are two autofocus (AF) modes, in which the camera f ocuses automatically when the shutter -release button is pressed halfway , and one manual focus mode, in which focu s must be adjusted manually using the focusing ring on [...]

63 N A The B Button F or the purpo se of focusing the camera, pr essing the B button has the same effect as pressing the shutter-release button halfway . A Predictive F ocus T racking In continuous-ser vo AF , the camera will initiate predic tive focus tr ackin g if the subject moves toward or away from the camera while the shutter- release button [...]

64 N AF-Area Mode AF-area mode determines how the focus point is selected in autof ocus mode. To s e l e c t t h e A F - a r e a m o d e , rotate the AF-are a mod e se lec tor . The fo llowing options a re av ailable: Mode Description K Single - point AF User selects focus point manually ; camera focuses on subject in selec ted focus point only . U[...]

65 N A AF-Area Mode AF-area mode is shown in the contr ol panel. A Manual Focus Single-point AF is automatically selected when manual f ocus is used. A See Also F or information on the settings av aila ble in dyna mic-area AF , see Custom Setting a3 ([D ynamic AF area], pg. 269 ). F or information on adjusting how lo ng th e c am era wa it s b efo [...]

66 N Fo c u s Po i n t S e l e c t i o n The D300 offers a choice of 51 focus points that together co ver a wide area of the frame. The fo cu s point can be selected manually, allowing photographs to be composed with the main subject positioned almost anywhere in the frame (single -point and dynamic- area AF), or automatically (auto-area AF; note t[...]

67 N A See Also F or information on choosing when th e focus point is illuminated , see Custom Setting a6 ([AF point illumination], pg . 271). F or information on setting focus-point selection to “w rap around, ” see Custom Setting a7 ([F o cus point wrap-around], pg. 272). For inf or mation on choosing the number of focus points that can be se[...]

68 N Fo c u s L o c k F ocus lock c an be used to change the composition af ter focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus point in the final composition. It can also be used when th e autofocus system is unable to f ocus (pg. 70). 1 Fo c u s . P osition the subject in the selec ted focus point and press the shut[...]

69 N Continuous-ser vo AF Pr ess the AE-L/AF-L button to lock both focus and exposure (an AE-L ic on appears in the viewfinder , see page 112). Fo c u s and exposur e will r emain locked while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if you late r remove your fin ger from th e shutter-r elease button. 3 Recom pose the photograph and shoot. F o cus wil[...]

70 N Getting Good Results with Autof o cus Autofocus does not per form well under the conditions listed below . The shutter release may be disabled if the camera is unable to focus under these conditions , or the in-f ocus indicator ( ● ) ma y be displayed and the camera ma y sound a beep, allowing the shutter t o be release d even when the subj [...]

71 N Manual F ocus Man ua l focu s i s avai lab le fo r lenses that do not suppor t autof ocus (non-AF Nikkor lenses) or when the aut ofocus does not produce the desir ed results (pg. 70). T o focus manually , set the focus-mode selector to M and adjust the lens focusing ring until the image displayed on the clear matte field in the viewfinder is i[...]

72 N The Electronic Rangefinder If the lens has a maximum aper ture of f/5.6 or faster , the viewfinder focus indicator can be used to confirm wh ether the subjec t in the selected focus point is in f ocus (the focus point can be selected fr om any of the 51 focus points) . After positionin g the subject in the selected f o cus point, press the shu[...]

k 73 k Release Mode – Single Fr ame, Continuous , Live View , Self- T imer , or Mirror Up Release mode dete rmines how the camera t akes photographs: one at a time, in a continuous sequence , with the view through the lens displayed in the monit o r , with a timed shutter-release delay , or with the mirr or raised t o enhance shutter response and[...]

74 k Choosing a Release Mode The camera supports the following r elease modes: Mode Description S Single frame Camera takes one photograph each time shutter-release button is pressed. C L Cont inu ous low speed While shutter-release button is held down, camera records 1–6 frames per second . 1 Fr ame rate can be chosen using Custom Setting d4 ([C[...]

75 k T o choose a release mode , press the rele ase mode dial lock rele ase and turn the relea se mode dial to the desired setting. Release mode dial Release mode dial loc k relea se[...]

76 k C ontinuous Mode T o tak e pictures in C H (continuo us high speed) and C L (continuous low speed) modes: 1 Select C H or C L mode. Pr ess the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to C H or C L . 2 F rame a photogr aph, focus, and shoot. While the shutter-releas e button is pressed all the way down, pictures will be ta[...]

77 k A Po wer Source and F rame Rate The maximum frame advance rate varies with the power source used. A Buffer Size The appr oxima te numbe r of images that can be store d in the mem or y buffer at curr ent setting s is shown in the exposure- count displays in the viewfi nder and control panel while the shutter- release button is pressed. The illu[...]

78 k A The Memory Buf fer The camera is equipped with a memory buffer f or temporary storage, allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being saved to the memor y card. Up to 100 photogr aphs can be taken in succession; note , however , that frame rate will drop when the buff er is full. In rare c ases, frame rate ma y also drop when a mi[...]

79 k F raming Pi c tures in the Monit or (Liv e V iew) Selec t live view ( a ) mode to frame pic tures in the monito r . The following options are available: • Hand-held ( g ): Choose wh en tak ing hand-held shots of moving subjects, or when framing photog raphs at angles th at make it difficult to use the viewfinder (pg. 80). Came ra foc use s n[...]

80 k Hand-Held Mode ( g ) 1 Select live view mode. Pr ess the release mode dial lock release and turn the release mode dial to a . 2 Adjust [Liv e view] options in the shooting menu. Selec t [Live view] in the sh ooting menu and choose [Hand-hel d] for [Live view mode]. The [Live view] menu also contains a [Release mode] o ption, wher e you can cho[...]

81 k 4 Fr ame a pic ture in the monitor . T o magnify the view in the mo nitor up to 3 ×, press the X button. While the view through t he lens is zoomed in, a navigation window will appear in the bottom right corner of the display. Use the multi selector to scroll within the AF area brackets. 5 Foc u s . Autof ocus (focus mode S or C ): Pr ess the[...]

82 k 6 Ta k e t h e p i c t u r e . Pr ess the shutter-relea se button the rest of the way do wn to r eset focus and exposure and take the picture. If c ontinuous high speed or continuous lo w speed is selected for [Release mode], the monitor will tur n off while the shutter-release button is pressed. D No Pict ure After shooting, play the pict ure[...]

83 k Tr i p o d M o d e ( h ) 1 Ready the cam era. Mount the camera on a tripod or place it on a stable, level sur face . 2 Selec t live view mode . Press the r elease mode dial lock rele ase and turn the release mode dial to a . 3 Adjust [Live view] opti ons in the shooting menu. Select [Live view] in the shooting menu and choose [ Tripod] f or [L[...]

84 k 5 Press the shutter-release button all the wa y down. The mirror will be raised and the view through the lens will be displayed in the camera monitor . The subject will no longer be visible in the viewfin der . T o exit without taking a picture , rota te the release mode dial to another setting or press G . 6 Fo c u s . Autofocus (focus mode S[...]

85 k T o magnify the view in the mo nitor up to 13 × an d check focus, press the X butt on. While the view through t he lens is zoomed in, a navigation window will appear in the bottom right corner of the displa y. Use the multi selector to scr oll to areas of the frame not visible in the monitor . Pr ess J to exit z o om. 7 Ta k e t h e p i c t u[...]

86 k D Focusing with Contr ast-Detect Autofocus Contrast -detec t autofocus will take longer than normal (phase - detection) autofocus. In the fo llow in g si tuat io ns, th e ca mer a may be u nab le t o focu s using contrast-detect autofocus: • The came ra is no t mounte d on a tri pod • The subject contains lines parallel to the long edge of[...]

87 k D Shooting in Liv e Vie w Mode Although they will not appear in the final pic ture, banding or distor tion may be visible in the monitor under fluoresce nt, mercury vapor , or sodium lamps or if the camera is panned horizontally or if an object moves at high speed through the frame. Bright light sources may leave after-images in the monitor wh[...]

88 k A The Shooting Informa tion Display T o hide or display indicators in the monitor in live view mode , press the R button. A Monito r Bright ness Monitor brightness can be adjusted by pressing the K button while the view through the monitor is display ed. Pres s 1 or 3 to adjust brightness (note that monitor brightness has no effect on pic ture[...]

89 k Self- T imer Mode The self-timer can be use d to reduc e camera shak e or for self - por traits. T o use the self-timer , mount the camera on a tripod (recommended) or pl ace the camera on a stable, level sur face and follo w the step s below : 1 Select self-timer mode. Press the r elease mode dial lock rele ase and turn the release mode dial [...]

90 k 3 Star t the timer . Pr ess the sh utter-release button all the way down to star t the timer . The self-timer lamp (AF-assist illuminator) will star t to bl ink and a beep will begin to sound. T wo seconds before the photograph is taken, the self-timer lamp wil l stop blinking and the beeping will become more ra pid. Raising the flash interrup[...]

91 k Mirror up Mode Choose this mode to min imize blurr ing caused by came ra movement when the mirror is raised . Use of a tripod is recommended. 1 Selec t mirror up mode. Press the r elease mode dial lock rele ase and turn the release mode dial to M UP . 2 Rais e t he m irr or . F rame the picture , focus , and then press the shutter-release butt[...]

92 k[...]

S 93 S ISO Sensitivity – Reacting F aster to Light “ISO sensitivity ” is the digital equ ivalent of film speed. The higher the ISO sensitivity , the less light needed to make an exposure , allowing higher shutter speeds or smaller aper tures. This chapter describes how to set ISO sensit ivity manually and automatically . Choosing ISO Sensitiv[...]

94 S Choosing ISO Sensitivit y Manually ISO sensitivity can be set to valu es between ISO 200 and ISO 3200 in steps equivalent to 1 / 3 EV . Settings of from about 0.3–1 E V below ISO 200 and 0.3–1 E V above ISO 3200 are also available for special situations. ISO sensitivity can be adjusted by pressing the ISO button and rotating the main c o m[...]

95 S A ISO Sensitivity Settings The settings available depend on the option selected for Custom Setting b1 ([ISO sensitivity step value], pg. 275). A HI 0.3–HI 1 The settings [HI 0.3] thr ough [HI 1] corr espond to ISO sen sitivities 0.3–1 EV over ISO 3200 (ISO 4000–6400 equivalent). Pictures taken at these settings are more likely to be subj[...]

96 S A uto ISO Sensitivit y C ontrol If [Off ] (the default setting) is chosen for the [ISO sensitivity auto control] option in the shooting menu, ISO sensitivity will remain fixed at the value sele c ted by the user (see page 94). If [On] is chosen, ISO sensitivity will automaticall y be adjusted if optimal exposure can not be a chieved at the val[...]

97 S A Auto ISO Sensitivity Control Noise is more likely at high er sensit ivities. Use the [High ISO NR] option in the shooting menu to reduce noise (see page 263). Wh en a flash is used, the value selected for [Minimum shutte r speed] is ignored in fa vor of the option selected for Cust o m Setting e1 ([Flash sync speed], pg . 288). F oreground s[...]

98 S[...]

V 99 Z Exposur e – Controlling How the C amera Sets Exposure This section describes the option s available to co ntrol exposure, including metering, exposure mo de, exposure lock, expo sure compensation, and bracketing . Metering ................... ....................... ....................... ........ pg. 100 Exposure Mode ...................[...]

100 Z Metering Metering de termines how the came ra sets exposure. The following options are available: Method Description a 3D color matrix II Recommended in most situations. Camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets exposure acc ording to distr ibution of brightness, color , distance, and composition for natural resu lts. Z Center - weighte[...]

101 Z T o ch oose a meterin g method, rotate the met ering selector until the desired mode is display ed. A 3D Color Matrix II Metering In matrix metering, exposure is set using a 1,005-segment RGB sensor . Use a type G or D lens for results that include range inf ormation (3D color matrix metering II; see page 352 for inf or mation on lens types).[...]

102 Z Exposure Mode Exposure mode determines how the camer a sets shutter speed and aperture when adjusting e xposure . F our modes are available: programmed auto ( e ), shutter-pri orit y auto ( f ), aper ture -prior ity auto ( g ), and manual ( h ). A Lens T ypes When using a CPU lens equipped with an aper ture ring (pg. 352), lock the aperture r[...]

103 Z T o choose the exposure mode, press the I button and rotate th e main command dial until the desired mode is displayed in the control panel or viewf inder . A Depth-of-Field Previe w T o preview the effects of aperture, press and hold the depth-of-field preview button. The lens wi ll be stopped down to the aper ture value selected by the came[...]

104 Z e : Pr ogrammed Auto In this mode, the camera automa tically adjusts shutt er speed and aperture according t o a built-in prog ram to ensure optimal exposure in most situations. This mode is recommended f o r snapshots and other situations in which you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed and aper ture. To t a k e photographs i[...]

105 Z A Flexi bl e Pr ogra m In ex posu re mode e , diff e rent combinations of shutter speed and aperture can be selected by rotating the main command dial (“flexible program ”). Rotate the command dial to the righ t for large apertures (small f-numbers) that blur background details or fast shutter speeds that “freeze ” motion. Rot ate t h[...]

106 Z f : Shutter-Priority Aut o In sh utter-pr iorit y auto, you c hoose the shutter speed while the camera automatically select s the aperture that will produc e the optima l exposure. T o take photographs in shutter-priority auto: 1 Select ex posur e mode f . Pr ess the I bu tton and rotate the main command dial until f is display ed in the view[...]

107 Z g : Aper ture -Priority Auto In aper ture -priorit y auto, you choose the aper ture while the camera automatically selec ts the shutte r speed that wi ll produc e the optimal exposure. T o take photographs in aper ture -priorit y auto: 1 Sel ect e xp osur e mode g . Pr ess the I button and rotate the main command dial until g is displayed in [...]

108 Z 3 F rame a photogr aph, focus, and shoot. A Non-CPU Lenses If the maximum aper ture of the lens has been specified using the [Non-CPU lens data] item in setup menu (pg. 197) when a non-CPU lens is attached, the current f-number will be displa yed in the viewfinder and control panel, r ounded to the nearest full stop. Other wise the aper ture [...]

109 Z h : Manual In manual exposure mode, y ou control both shutter speed and aper ture. T o tak e photographs in manual exposure mode : 1 Sel ect e xp osur e mode h . Pr ess the I button and rotate the main command dial until h is displayed in the viewfinder an d control pan el. I button Main command dial[...]

110 Z 2 Choose aperture and shutter speed. Rotate the main command dial to choose a shutter speed, and the sub- command dial to set aper ture. Shutter speed can be set “ p ” or to values bet ween 30 s and 1 / 8,000 s, or the shutter can be held open indefinitely for a long time- exposure ( A , pg. 111). Aper ture can be set to values between th[...]

111 Z A Electronic Analog Exposure Displays The electronic analog exposure display s in the contr ol panel and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under- or o ver- exposed at current settings . Depending on th e option ch osen fo r Cust om Setting b2 ([EV steps for exposure cntrl. ], pg . 275), the amount of under- or over-exposure is s[...]

112 Z Aut o ex p os u re (A E) Lo c k Use autoexposure lock to r ecompose photographs after metering exposure. 1 Select center- weight ed or spot metering (pg. 100). Matrix metering w ill not produce the desir ed results with autoexposure lock. If using center-weight e d metering, sele ct the ce nter focus point with the multi selector (pg. 66). 2 [...]

113 Z 3 Recom pose the photo graph. Keeping the AE-L/AF-L button pressed, r ecompose the photograph and shoot . A Metered Area In spot metering, exposure will be lo cked at the value metered in a 3-mm (0.12 in.) circle center ed on the selected focus point. In center-w eighted metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in the center o f[...]

114 Z Exposure C ompensation Exposure compensation is used to alter exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker . In exposure mode h , only the exposure in formatio n shown in the electronic analog exposure displ ay is affected; shutter speed and aperture do not change. T o choose a value for exposure compens[...]

115 Z Exposure compensation can be set to values between –5 EV (underexposure) and +5 E V (overexposur e) in increments of 1 / 3 EV . In general, choose positive value s to make the subjec t brighter , negative values to make it darker . At value s other than ±0, the 0 at the cen ter of the el ectronic analog exposure displays will flash and a E[...]

116 Z Brack eting The D300 off ers three types of bracketing: exposure bracketing , flash bracketing, and white balance bracketing. In exposure brack eting (pg. 117), the camera varies exposure compensation with each shot, whil e in the case of flash brack eting (pg. 117), fl ash level is vari ed with each sho t (i- T TL and, in the case of th e SB[...]

117 Z ❚❚ Exposure and Flash Bracketing 1 Selec t flash or exposur e bracketing . Choose the typ e of br acketing to be per formed using Cust om Setting e5 ([Aut o bracketing set], pg. 297). Choose [AE & flash] to vary both exposure an d flash level (the de fault setting), [AE only] to var y only expo sure, or [F lash only] to var y only fla[...]

118 Z 3 Select an exposure incr ement. Pr essing the Fn but ton, rota te the sub- command dial to choose the exposure increment. At default settings, the size of the increment can be chosen from 1 / 3 , 2 / 3 , and 1 EV . The bracketing prog rams with an increment of 1 / 3 EV are listed below . A See Al so Fo r information on choosing the size of t[...]

119 Z 4 Fr ame a photograph, focus, and shoot. The camera will var y exposure and/or flash level shot-by-shot according t o the bracketing program selected. Modif icatio ns to exposure are added to those made with exposure compensation (see page 114), mak ing it possible to achieve exposure compensation values of more than 5 EV . While bracketing i[...]

120 Z ❚❚ Canceling Bracketing T o cancel bracketing, pr ess the Fn button and rotate the main command dial until the number of shots in the bracketing sequence is zer o ( ) and M is no longer displayed in the control panel on top of the camera. The program last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated. Bracketing can als[...]

121 Z ❚❚ White Balanc e Bracketing 1 Selec t white balance br acketing. Choose [ WB bracketing] for Cust om Setting e5 [Auto bracketing set] (pg. 297). 2 Choose the number of shots. Pressing the Fn button, rotat e the main command dial to choose the numbe r of shots in the bracket ing sequence. The number of shots is shown in the control panel.[...]

122 Z 3 Select a white balance increment. Pr essing the Fn but ton, rota te the sub- command dial to choose the white balance adjustment. Each increment is roughly equivalent to 5 mired. Choose from increments of 1 (5 mir ed), 2 (10 mired), or 3 (15 mired). High er B values c orrespond to incr eased amounts of blue, higher A values to incr eased am[...]

123 Z 4 Fr ame a photograph, focus, and shoot. Each shot will be processed t o create the n umber of copi es specified in the bracketing progra m, and each copy will have a differ ent white balanc e. Modifications to wh ite balance are added to the white balance ad justment made with white balance fine-tuning. If the number of shots in the bracketi[...]

124 Z ❚❚ Canceling Bracketing T o cancel bracketing, pr ess the Fn button and rotate the main command dial until the number of shots in the bracketing se q ue n c e i s ze ro ( r ) and W is n o lo n g er d is p la ye d in t he c o nt ro l panel. The program last in eff ec t will be restored the next time bracketing is activated. Bracketing can [...]

r 125 r White Balanc e – K eeping Colors T rue The color of light refl ected from an object varies with the color of the light source. The human brain is able to ada pt to changes in the color of the light source, with the result that whit e objects appear white whether seen in the shade, dir ect sunlight, or under incandescent lighting. Unlike t[...]

126 r White Balance Options F or natural color ation, choose a white balance setting that matches the light source befor e shooting. The fo llow ing opt ion s are a vailable: Option Color te mp. (K) Description v Auto (default) 3,500– 8,000 * White balance is adjusted automatically using color temperatur e measured by image sensor and 1,005-segme[...]

127 r Auto whit e balance is r ecommended with most light sou rces . If the desired results can not be achi eved with auto white balance, choose an option fr om the list above or use pr eset white balance . White balanc e can be selected by pressing the WB button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the contr[...]

128 r A Studio Flash Lighting Auto white balance may not produc e the desired results with large studio flash units. Choose a color temperature , use preset white balance , or set white balance to [Flash] and use fine tuning to adjust white balance. A Color T emperatur e The perceived colo r of a light source varies with the viewer and other condit[...]

129 r F ine - T uning White Balanc e White balanc e can be “fine tuned” to compensat e for varia t ions in the color of the light source or to introduc e a deliberate color cast into an image. White balance is fine tuned using the [ White balance] option in th e shooting menu or by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial. ❚?[...]

130 r 2 F ine tune white balanc e. Use the multi selector to fine - tune white balance. White balanc e can be fine tuned on the amber (A)–blue (B) axis and the green (G)–magenta (M) axis. The hor izontal (amber-blue) axis corresponds to color te mperature , with each increment equivalent to about 5 mired. The ver tica l (gre en-magenta) axis h [...]

131 r A White Balanc e Fine T uning The colors on the fine-tuning axes are relativ e, not absolute . For example , moving the cursor to B (blue) when a “warm ” se tting such as J (incandescent) is selec ted for white balance will make photographs slightly “ colder ” but will not actually make them blue. A “Mire d” Any given change in c [...]

132 r ❚❚ The WB Button At settings other than K ([Choose c olor temp.] ) and L ([P reset manual]), the WB button can be used to fine -tune white balance on the amber (A)–blue (B) axis (pg. 130; to fin e -tune white balance when K or L is selected, use the shoo ting menu as described on page 129). Six settings in both directions are available;[...]

133 r Choosing a Color T emp era ture When K ([Choos e color te mp. ]) is selected f or white bal ance , color temperature can be selec ted by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub- command dial. The colo r temper ature is displayed in the con trol panel: D Choose Color T emperature Note that the desired results will not be obtained with flas[...]

134 r Pr eset 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. T wo methods a re available for setting pr eset white balance: Method Description Direct measurement Neutral gray or white objec t is placed under lighting that [...]

135 r The camera ca n stor e up to five v alues for pr eset white balance in presets d-0 through d-4. A descriptive comment can be added to any whit e balance preset (pg. 144) . A White Balance Presets Changes to white balance presets apply to all shooting menu banks (pg. 255). A confirmation dialog will be displayed if the user att empts to change[...]

136 r ❚❚ Measuring a V alue for Whit e Balance 1 Li ght a re fere nce ob je c t. Place a neutral gray or w hite objec t under the lighting th at will be used in the final phot ograph. In studio settings, a standard gray panel can be used as a ref e rence object. Note that exposure is automatically incr ease d by 1 EV when measuring white balanc[...]

137 r 3 Sel ect di rect mea sur emen t mo de . Rele ase t he WB button briefly and then press the button until the L icon in the control panel and viewfinder star t to flash. A flashing D will also appear in the control panel and viewfinder . At default settings, the displays will flash for about six seconds . 4 Meas ur e whit e bala nc e. Befor e [...]

138 r If lighting is too dark or to o bright, the camera may be unable to measur e white balance. A flashing ba will a ppear in the contr ol panel and viewfinder (at default settings, the displays will flash f or about six seconds). Press the shutter- release button halfway to retur n to Step 4 and measure white balance again. 6 Select pre set d-0.[...]

139 r ❚❚ Copy ing White Balance fr om d-0 to Pr esets d-1–d-4 F ollow the steps belo w to copy a measured value f or white balance from d-0 to any of the other presets (d-1– d-4). 1 Sel ect L ([P reset manual]). Highlight [Preset manual] in the white balance menu (pg. 126) and press 2 . 2 Selec t a destination. Highlight the destination pre[...]

140 r ❚❚ Copying Whit e Balance fr om a Photograph ( d-1– d-4 Only) F ollow the steps below to copy a value for white balance from a photograph on the memor y ca rd to a selected preset (d-1– d-4 only). Existing white balance v a lues can not be co pied to prese t d-0. 1 Select L ([P reset manual]). Highlight [Preset manual] in the white ba[...]

141 r 4 Highlight a source image . Highlight the source image. To view the highli ghted image full frame, press the X button. 5 Copy w hit e b al an ce. Press the center of the multi selec tor to copy the whit e balance value fo r the highlighted photograph to the selected preset. If the highlighted phot ograph has a comment (pg . 316), the comment[...]

142 r ❚❚ Selec ting a White B alance Preset T o set white balance to a preset value: 1 Select L ([P reset manual]). Highlight [Preset manual] in the white balanc e menu (pg. 12 6) and press 2 . 2 Select a pre set. Highlight the desired preset and press the center of the multi selector . To s e l e c t t h e highlighted preset and displa y fine [...]

143 r A Selecting a White Balance Preset: the WB Button At a set tin g o f L ([Preset manual]), presets can also be selected by pressing the WB button and r otating the sub-command dial. The current preset is displayed in the control panel while the WB button is pressed. WB button Sub -command dial Control pane l[...]

144 r ❚❚ Entering a C omment F ollow the steps below to enter a descriptive comment of up to thirt y-six characters for a selected white balance preset. 1 Select L ([P reset manual]). Highlight [Preset manual] in the white balanc e menu (pg. 12 6) and press 2 . 2 Select a pre set. Highlight the desired preset and press the center of the multi s[...]

J 145 J Image Enhanc ement This chapter de scribes how to optimize sharpening, c ontrast, brightness, saturation and hue using Picture Controls, how to preserve detail in highlights and shadows using active D- Lighting, and how to choo se a color spa ce. Picture Controls ..................... ....................... ................. pg. 146 Creati[...]

146 J Pic ture Control s Nikon’ s unique P ic ture Control sy stem makes it possible to share image processing settings among compatible devices and software. Selec t from the Picture Controls provided with the camera to instan tly adjust imag e processing settings , or make independent adjustments to sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation,[...]

147 J ❚❚ Using Picture Controls Pictur e Contr ols can be used as described below . • Se le ct Ni ko n Pi ctur e C ont rol s (pg. 148): Select an existing Nikon Pict ure Co ntrol. • Modify existing Pic ture Controls (pg . 150): Modify an existing Picture Control to create a combination of sharpe ning, contrast, brightness, saturation, and h[...]

148 J Se lect in g Ni k on Pi ctu r e C o n tr o ls The camera offers four preset Nikon Picture Controls. Choose a Picture Control accor ding to the subjec t or type of scene. ❚❚ Choosing a Picture Control 1 Se lect [S et Pict ur e C on tr ol ]. In the shoo ting menu (pg. 254), highlight [Set Pict ure Control] and press 2 . 2 Se lect a P ict ur[...]

149 J A The Picture C ontrol Grid Pressing the W button in Step 2 displays a Picture Control grid showing the contrast and saturation for the selected Pict ure Control in relation t o the other P ic ture Co ntrols (only contrast is displayed when [Monochrome] is selected). T o selec t a different P ic ture Contr o l, press 1 or 3 , then press 2 to [...]

150 J Modifying Existing Picture C ontr ols Existing Nikon or custom Picture Controls can be modified to suit the scene or the user ’ s creative int e nt. Choose a balanced combination of settings using [Quick adjust], or make manual adjustments to individual settings. 1 Se lect a P ict ur e C ont ro l. Highlight the desired Picture Contr ol in t[...]

151 J ❚❚ Pic ture Cont rol Sett ings Option Description Quick a djust Choose from options between [– 2] and [+2] to reduce or exaggerate the effect of the selected Picture C ontrol (note that this resets all manual adjustments). Fo r example, choosing positive values for [Vivid] makes pictures more vivid. Not available with [Neutral], [Monoch[...]

152 J D Active D-Lighting [Contr ast] and [Brightness] can not be adjust ed when Active D-Lighting (pg. 165) is on. Any manual adjustments currently in effect will be lost when Active D-Lighting is turned on. D “A” ( A u t o ) Results f or auto contrast and satur ation va ry with exposure and the position of the subject in the frame. Use a type[...]

153 J A Filter E ffects (Monochrome Only) The options in this menu simulate the eff ect of color filters on monochrome photographs. The follo wing filter effects are available: Note that the effects achieved with [F ilter effects] are more pr onounced than those produced by physical glass filters. A T oning (Monochrome Only) Pressing 3 when [ T oni[...]

154 J Crea ting Custom Picture C ontrols The Nikon Pictu re Co ntrols supplied with the camera can be modified and sav ed as custom Picture Contr ols. 1 Select [Manage Picture Co nt ro l ] . In the shoo ting menu (pg. 254), highlight [Manage Picture Control] and pr ess 2 . 2 Se lec t [S ave/ edi t] . Highlight [Save/edit] and press 2 .[...]

155 J 3 Sel ect a P ict ur e C ont rol . Highlight an existing Picture Contro l and pres s 2 , or press J to proceed to step 5 to save a copy of the highlighted Picture Contro l without further modification. 4 Edit the selected Picture Cont rol. See page 151 for more information. T o abandon an y changes and star t over from default settings, press[...]

156 J 6 Name the Pic ture Co nt ro l. The tex t- e ntr y dial og s hown at right wil l be displa yed. By default, new Picture Controls are named by adding a two-digit number (assigned automatically) to the name of the existing Picture C ontrol . This name can be edited to cr eate a new name as described below . T o move the cursor in the name area,[...]

157 J A Cus t om Pi c t ur e C on tr ol s Custom Picture Controls are not affected by [Reset shooting menu] (pg. 257). Custom Picture Controls do not have a [ Quick adjust] option (p g. 151). Custom Picture Controls based on [M onochrome] have [Filter effects] and [ T oning] options in place of [S aturation] and [Hue] controls. A The Original Pictu[...]

158 J Sharing C ustom Picture C ontrols Custo m Pic ture Control s cre ated usin g th e Pic ture Contro l Ut ilit y available with ViewNX version 1.2.0 or later or optional sof tware such as Captu re NX v ersion 1.3.5 or later or Captur e NX 2 version 2.1.0 or later can be copied to a memory card and loaded into the camera, or cust om Picture C ont[...]

159 J 4 Selec t a destination. Choose a destination f o r the custom Picture Control (C-1 through C-9) and pr ess 2 . 5 Name the Picture C ontrol . Name the Picture Control as described on page 156. The new Pictur e Control will appear in the Picture Control list and can be renamed at any time using the [Rename] opt ion in the [Man age Picture Cont[...]

160 J ❚❚ Saving Custom Pic ture Cont rols t o the Memor y Card 1 Select [ Co py t o card ]. After displaying the [Load/ save] menu as described in Step 1 on page 158, highlight [Cop y to car d] an d pre s s 2 . 2 Se lect a P ict ur e C ont ro l. Highlight a custom Picture Control and pr ess 2 . 3 Choose a destination. Choose a destination from [...]

161 J Managing C ustom Pic ture C ontrols F ollow the steps below t o rename or delete cust om Picture Controls. ❚❚ Renaming Custom Pic ture Co ntrols 1 Sel ect [R ena me ]. In the [ Manage Picture Control] menu, highlight [R ename] and press 2 . 2 Sel ect a P ict ur e C ont rol . Highlight a custom Picture Cont rol (C- 1 th rough C-9 ) an d pr[...]

162 J ❚❚ Deleting Custom P ic ture C ontrols from the Camer a 1 Select [Delete]. In the [ Manage Pict ure Control] menu, highlight [Delete] and press 2 . 2 Se lect a P ict ur e C ont ro l. Highlight a custom Picture Contro l (C-1 throu gh C-9) and press 2 . 3 Select [ Y es]. Highlight [ Y es] and press J to delete the sele cted Picture Con tro [...]

163 J ❚❚ Deleting Custom Picture Cont rols from the Memory Card 1 Selec t [Load/sa ve]. In the [ Manage Picture Control] menu, highlight [Load/save] and press 2 . 2 Select [Delete from card]. Highlight [Delete from card] and press 2 .[...]

164 J 3 Se lect a P ict ur e C ont ro l. Highlight a custom Picture Control (slot1 through 99) and either; • press 2 to view curr ent Picture Control settings, or • press J to display confirmation dialog shown at right. 4 Select [ Y es]. Highlight [ Y es] and press J to delete the sele cted Picture Con tro l.[...]

165 J Ac t i ve D - L i g ht i n g Active D-Lighting preser ves details in highlights and shadows , creating photographs with natural contrast. Use for high contrast scenes, f o r example when photographing brightly lit outdoor scener y through a door or window or taki ng pictures of shaded subjects on a sunny day . Active D-Lighting off Active D-L[...]

166 J T o use a ctive D-Lighting : 1 Select [Active D-Lighting]. In the shoo ting menu (pg. 254), highlight [Active D-Lighting] and press 2 . 2 Choose an option. Highlight [Off ], [Lo w], [Normal], or [High] and pres s J . D Active D-Lighting When Active D-Lighting is on, the capacity of the memory buffer drops and additional time is required to r [...]

167 J C olor Space The color spac e determines the gamut of colors available f or color reproduction. Choose a color space according to how photographs will be processed on leaving th e camera. 1 Sel ect [ Co lor s pac e]. Highlight [Color space] in the shooting menu (pg. 254) and press 2 . 2 Selec t a color space . Highlight the desired option and[...]

168 J A Color Spac e Color spaces define the correspondenc e between colors and the numeric values that represent them in a digital image file . The sRGB color space is widely used, while the A dobe RGB co lor space is typically used in publishing and commercial printing . sRGB is recommended when taking photographs that will be printed without mod[...]

l 169 l F lash Photogr aph y – Using the Built-in Flash This chapter de scribes how to use the built-in flash. The Built-in F lash .............. ....................... ...................... pg. 170 Using the Built-in Flash ... ....................... ...................... pg. 171 Flash Modes.............. ....................... .............[...]

170 l The Built-in F lash The built-in flash has a Guide Numb er (GN) 17/56 (m/ft, ISO 200, 20 °C/68 °F). It suppor ts i- T TL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR, which uses monitor pre-flashes to adjust flash output for balanced lighting not only when natural li ghting is inadequate but when filling in shadows and backlit subjec ts or adding a [...]

171 l U sing the Built-in F lash F ollow these steps when using the built -in flash. 1 Choose a metering method (pg. 100). Selec t matrix or center-weighted meter ing to ac tivate i- T TL b alanced fil l- flash for digital SLR. Standa rd i- T TL flash for digital SLR is activated automatically when spot metering is selected . 2 Press the flash pop-[...]

172 l 4 Check exposure (shutter speed and aper ture). Pr ess the shutter-relea se button halfway and ch eck shutter speed and aper ture. The settings available wh en the built-in flash is raised are listed below . At default settings, the eff ects of the flash can be previewed by pressing the depth- of-field preview button to emit a modeling pr efl[...]

173 l Lo w ering the Built-in Flash T o save powe r when the flash is not in use , press it gently downward until the latch clicks into place. D The Built-in Flash Use with lenses with focal lengths of 18– 300 mm (pg. 354). Remove lens hoods to prevent shadows. The flash has a minimum range of 6 0 cm (2 ft.) and can not be used in the macro range[...]

174 l Fla s h M o d e s The D300 supp or ts the following flash modes: Fla s h m od e Description Fro n t- c ur t ai n sync This mode is r ecommended for most situations . In programmed aut o and aperture -priorit y auto modes, shutter speed will automatically be set to values between 1 / 250 and 1 / 60 s ( 1 / 8,000 to 1 / 60 s when an optional fl[...]

175 l Rear-cur tain sync In shutter-pr iority auto or ma nual exposure mode, flash fires just before the shutter closes. Use to create eff ect of a stream of light behind moving objects. In programmed auto and aperture -priority auto, slow rear-curtain sync is used to capture both subject and backg roun d. Use of tripod is recommended to prevent bl[...]

176 l F lash C ompensation Flas h compensat ion is used to alte r flash output by fr om –3 EV to +1 EV in increments of 1 / 3 EV , changing the brightness of the main subject relative to the backgr ound. Flash output can be increased to make the main subject appear brighter , or reduced to prevent unwanted highlights or reflections. Press the Y b[...]

177 l A Optional Flash Units Flash compensation is al so available with optiona l SB-900, SB-800, SB-60 0, SB-400, and SB-R200 flash units. A See Also F or information on choosing the size of the increments available when setting flash compensation, see Custom Setting b3 ([Exp comp/fine tune], pg. 275).[...]

178 l FV Lock This featur e is used to lock flash output, allowing photogr aphs to be recompo sed without chang ing the flash lev el and ensuring that flash output is appr opriate to the subject even when the subject is not positioned in the center of th e frame . Flas h o ut put is adjusted automatically for an y cha nges in ISO sensitivity and ap[...]

179 l 4 Lock f lash level. After confirming tha t the flash ready indicator ( M ) is displayed in the viewfin der , press the Fn button. The flash will emit a monit or pref lash to determine the appropriate flash level. Flash output will be locked at this level and FV lock ic ons ( e ) will appear in the control panel and viewfinder . 5 Recompose t[...]

180 l D Using FV Lock with the Built-in Flash FV lock is only available with the built-in flash when [ T TL] (t he default option) is selected f or Custom Se tting e3 ([F lash cntrl f or built-in fla sh], pg. 291). A Using FV Lock with Optional F lash Units FV lock is also available with S B- 900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, and SB-R200 flash units (av[...]

t 181 t O ther Shooting Options This chapter covers r estoring de fault settings, mak ing multiple exposures, int erval timer photograph y , and using GPS units and non-CPU le nses. T wo-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings ........ pg. 182 Multiple Exposure ............ ....................... ...................... pg. 184 Interval Timer Phot[...]

182 t T wo -Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings The camera settings listed below can be rest ored to default values by holding the QUAL and E buttons down together f or more than two seconds (these buttons are marked b y a green dot). The control panel turns off briefly while settings are reset . 1 Custom Setting f6 ([Assign AE-L/AF-L button],[...]

183 t The following shooting-menu opt ions will also be reset. Only settings in the bank currently se le cted using the [Sho oting menu bank] option wil l be reset (pg. 255). Settings in the remaining banks are unaffected. If the curren t Picture C ontrol has been modified , existing settings for the P ic ture C ontrol will also be r estor ed. A Se[...]

184 t Multiple Exposure F o llow the steps below to r ecord a series of two to ten exposur e s in a single photog raph. Mu ltip le e xpos ures can be rec orded at a ny image quality sett ing, and produce results with colors noticeably better than photographs combin ed in an imaging application because they make use of RA W data from the camera imag[...]

185 t 3 Selec t the number of shots. Pr ess 1 or 3 to choose the number of exposures that will be combined to f orm a single photograph and pr ess J . 4 Selec t [A uto gain]. Highlight [Auto gain] and pr ess 2 . 5 Set gain. Highlight one of the following options and press J . Option Description On (default) Gain adjusted according to number of expo[...]

186 t 6 Select [Done] . Highlight [Done] and press J . A n icon will be displayed in the control panel. To e x i t without taking a multiple exposure, select [Multiple exposure] > [Reset] in the shooting menu. 7 F rame a photogr aph, focus, and shoot. In continuous high-speed and continuous low- speed release modes (pg . 74 ), the camera records[...]

187 t D Multiple Exposure Do not remov e or replace the memor y card while recor ding a multiple exposure. Live view (pg . 79) can not be us ed to recor d multiple exposures. The information listed in the playback photo information display (including date of recording and camera orientation) is for the first shot in the multiple exposure. If no ope[...]

188 t ❚❚ Interrupting Multiple Exp osures Selec ting [Multiple exposure] in the shooting menu while a multiple exposure is being recorded displays the options shown at right. T o interrupt a multiple expo sure before the specified number of exposures have been taken, highlight [ Cancel] and pr ess J . If shooting ends before the specified numbe[...]

189 t Int er val T imer Photograph y The D300 is equipped to take pho tographs automatically at preset intervals. 1 Selec t [Interval timer shooting]. Highlight [Inter val timer shooting] in the shooting menu (pg. 254) and press 2 . 2 Selec t a starting trigger . Highlight one of the following [Choose start time] options an d press 2 . • [Now] : [...]

190 t 3 Choose a start time. Pr ess 4 or 2 t o highligh t hours or minutes; press 1 or 3 to change. The star ting time is not displayed if [Now] is selected for [ Choose star t time]. 4 Choose an interval. Pr ess 4 or 2 to highlig ht hours, minutes, or seconds; press 1 or 3 to change. Note that the camera will not be able to take photographs at the[...]

191 t 5 Choose the number of intervals and number of shots per interval. Pr ess 4 or 2 to highlight number of int ervals or number of shots; press 1 or 3 to change. The total numbe r of shots that will be taken is displayed to the right. 6 Start shooting. Highlight [Star t] > [On] and press J (to r eturn to the shooting menu without star ting th[...]

192 t D Out o f Me mory If the memory card is full, the interv al timer will r emain active but no pictures will be taken. Resume shooting (pg. 193) after del eting some pictures or turning the ca mera off and inser ting another memor y card. A Brack eting Adjust bracketing settings before starting interval timer photography . If exposure and/or fl[...]

193 t ❚❚ P ausing Interval Ti mer Photograph y Interval time photography can be paused by: • Pressing the J butt on between intervals • Highlighting [Start] > [Pause] in the interval timer menu and pressing J • T urning the camera off and then on again (if desired, the memory card can be replaced while the camera is off ) • Selecting[...]

194 t ❚❚ Interrupting Int er val T imer Photography Inter val timer shooting will end automatically if the batter y is exhausted. Interval timer photograph y can also be ended by : • Selecting [Star t] > [Off ] in the interval timer menu • Performing a two button reset (pg. 182) • Selec ting [Reset shoo ting menu] in the sh ooting menu[...]

195 t A Shooting Menu Banks Changes to interval timer settings ap ply to all shooting menu banks (pg. 255). If shooting menu settings are reset using t he [Reset shooting menu] item in the shooting menu (pg. 257), in terval timer settings will be reset as foll ows: • Choose start time: Now • Interval: 00:01':00" • Number of interval[...]

196 t Non-CPU Lenses By specifying lens data (lens fo cal length and maximum aper ture), the user can gain ac cess to a variety of CPU lens functions when using a non-CPU lens . If the focal length of the lens is k nown: • Automatic po wer zoom can be us ed with SB -900, SB-800, an d SB-600 Speedlights (available separately) • Lens focal length[...]

197 t ❚❚ The Non- CPU Lens Data Menu 1 Select [Non- CPU lens data]. Highlight [Non-C PU lens data] in the setup menu (pg. 311) and press 2 . 2 Selec t a lens number . Highlight [Lens number] and press 4 or 2 to choose a lens number betwee n 1 and 9. 3 Select a focal length. Highlight [Focal length (mm)] and press 4 or 2 to choose a focal length[...]

198 t 5 Select [Done] . Highlight [Done] and press J . The specified focal length and aper ture will be stored under the chosen lens num ber . This combination of focal length and aper ture can be recalled at any time by selec ting the le ns number using camera controls as describ ed below . ❚❚ Choosing a Lens Number Using Camer a Controls 1 As[...]

199 t U sing a GPS Unit A GPS u nit can be co nnec ted to th e ten-pi n remote t ermin al, allowing the current latitude, longitude , altitude, Coordinat ed Universal Time (UT C), an d heading to be recorded with each photograph taken. Th e c am era ca n b e u s ed w i th a n o pt io na l G P-1 GPS unit (see below; no te that the GP-1 does not prov[...]

200 t ❚❚ O ther GPS Units Optional Garmin GPS units that conform to version 2.01 or 3.01 of the National Marin e Electronics Association NMEA0183 data format c an be co nnec ted to the camera’ s ten- pin remote termina l using an MC-35 GP S adapter cord (available separately ; pg. 370). Operatio n has been confi rmed wi th Garmin eT rex and G[...]

201 t ❚❚ The k Icon When the ca mera establishe s communication with a GPS device, a k icon will be displayed in the control panel. Photo information fo r pictures taken while the k icon is displayed will include a page of GPS data (pg. 215), including the current latitude, lo ngitude , altitude, Coor dinated Universal Time (UT C ), and he adin[...]

202 t ❚❚ Setup Menu O ptions The [GPS] item in the setup menu contains the options listed below . • [Auto meter off ] : Choose wh ether or not t he exposure meters will turn off automatically when a GPS unit is attached. • [Position] : T his item is only available if a GPS device is connected, when it displays the current latitude , longitu[...]

I 203 I Mor e About Pla yback – Playback Options This chapter de scribes how to pl ay back photographs and details the operations that can be per formed during pl ayback. F ull-Frame Playback.... ........................ ....................... ... pg. 204 Photo Information ................ ............................ ............ pg. 206 Viewin[...]

204 I Fu l l - F r a m e P l a y b a c k T o play photographs back , press the K button. The most recent photograph will be displayed in the monitor . A Rotate T all T o display “tall” (portrait-orientation) phot ograph s in tall or ientation, select [On] for the [Rotate tall] option in the playback me nu (pg. 251). Note that because the camera[...]

205 I A Image Review When [On] is selected for [Image r eview] in the playback menu (pg . 251), photographs are automatically displayed in the monitor for about 20 s (the default setting) after shooting (b ecause the camera is already in the correct orientation, images are not rotated automatically during image rev iew ). In single -frame, self-tim[...]

206 I Photo Informa tion Photo information is superimposed on images displayed in full- frame playback. There are up t o 9 pages of inf ormation for each photo . Press 1 or 3 to cycle thro ugh photo inf ormation as shown below . Note that shooting data , RGB histograms , and highlights are only display ed if corresponding option is selected for [Di[...]

207 I ❚❚ File Information * Displayed only if [F ocus po int] is selected for [Display mode] (pg. 250). 1/ 10 100 ND 300 15 / 12 / 2007 10 : 15 : 29 4288 x2848 N N OR O R M AL AL D S C _ 0001. JPG 1 2 4 3 5 12 11 10 9 8 6 7 1 Protect status ............................. 221 2 Retouch indicator..................... 329 3 F o cus point * ........[...]

208 I ❚❚ Highlights 1 1 Displayed only if [Highlights] is selected for [Display mode] (pg. 250). 2 Blink ing areas indicate highlights (areas that may be over exposed) for current channel . Press 4 or 2 while pressing W button to cycle through channels as fol lows: 100 - 1 Highlights Sel e c t R, G, B 1 2 3 4 6 5 1 Protect status ..............[...]

209 I ❚❚ RGB Histogram 1 1 Displayed only if [RGB histogram] is selected for [Display mode] (pg. 250). 2 Blinking areas indicate highlights (areas that may be over exposed) for curren t channel. Press 4 or 2 while pressing W button to cycle through channels as follows: 100 -- 1 Highlights Select R, G, B 5 3 4 6 7 8 9 1 2 1 Protect status ......[...]

210 I 3 Some sample histograms are shown below: • If the image contains objec ts with a wide range of brightne sses, the distribution of tones will be relatively ev en. • If the image is dark, tone distribution will be shifted to the left. • If the image is bright, tone distribution will be shifted to the right. Increasing exposure compensati[...]

211 I ❚❚ Shooting Data Page 1 1 1 Displayed only if [Data] is selected for [Display mode] (pg. 250). 2 Displayed in red if photo was taken with ISO sensitiv ity auto control on. 3 Displayed if Custom Setting b6 ([Fin e tune optimal exposure], pg. 277) has been set to a value other than zero for an y metering method. 4 Displayed only if VR lens [...]

212 I ❚❚ Shooting Data Page 2 1 1 Displayed only if [Data] is selected for [Display mode] (pg. 250). 2 [Standard] and [ Vivid] Picture Controls only . 3 [Neutral], [Monoc hrome], and cu stom Pi cture Contr ols. 4 Not displayed with monochr o me Picture C ontrols . 5 Monochrome P icture Contr ols only. 100 -- 1 N I KO N D 300 W H I T E BALANCE C[...]

213 I ❚❚ Shooting Data Page 3 * * Displayed only if [Data] is selected for [Display mode] (pg. 250). N O I SE RE D U C . AC T . D – LI GH T . RET O U C H CO MM E N T : H I IS O NORM : N O R M A L : D – LI G H TI N G W A R M FIL TER C Y A N O TYP E TR I M : SPR I N G H A S CO M E . SP RI N G H A S CO M E . 3636 100 -- 1 N I KO N D 300 3 4 5 [...]

214 I ❚❚ Shooting Data Page 4 * * Displayed only if [Data] is selected for [Display mode] (pg. 250) and copyright i nformation was appended to phot ograph (pg . 324). 100 -- 1 N I KO N D 300 AR T IS T C O PYRI GH T : NI KO N TAR O : NIKO N 3 4 6 5 1 2 1 Protect status ............................. 221 2 Retouch indicator..................... 32[...]

215 I ❚❚ GPS Data 1 1 Displayed only if GPS device was us ed when photo was taken (pg. 1 99). 2 Displayed only if GPS device is equipped with electronic compass. LA TITUDE . LONGITUDE AL TITUDE TIME(UTC) HEADING : N : 35 º 36. 371' : E : 13 9 º 43. 696' : 35m : 15 / 12 / 2007 : 01 : 15 : 29 : 105. 07 º 100 -- 1 N I KO N D 300 3 5 6[...]

216 I ❚❚ Overview Da ta * Displayed in r ed if photo was taken with ISO sensitivity auto control on. 100 ND 300 D S C _ 0001. JPG 1 / 8000 , F4 . 8 200 35 mm – 1 . 3 + 1 . 3 REAR 10000 A6, M 1 L N I KO N D 300 15 / 12 / 2007 10 : 15 : 29 4288 x2848 N OR O R M AL AL 1 / 10 1 2 3 4 6 9 10 5 7 8 13 12 14 15 11 16 1 Fra m e n u mb e r / total num[...]

217 I 100 ND 300 D S C _ 0001. JPG 1 / 8000 , F4 . 8 H I 0 . 3 35 mm – 1 . 3 + 1 . 3 REAR 10000 A6, M 1 N I KO N D 300 15 / 12 / 2007 10 : 15 : 29 4288 x2848 N N OR O R M AL AL 1 / 10 17 18 19 25 26 27 23 22 21 24 20 17 Picture C ontrol .......................... 148 18 Active D-Lighting .................... 166 19 Fi le name ....................[...]

218 I V iewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Pla yback T o display images in “ contact sheets” of four or nine images, press the W button. W X F ull-frame Thum bnail p laybac k W X[...]

219 I The following operations can be per formed w hile thumbnails are displayed: A See Also F or information on choosing the role played by the cen ter of the multi selector , see Custom S etting f1 ([Mult i selector cent er button], pg. 300). To Use Description Display more images W Pres s W button to “zoom out ” from one t o four images pe r[...]

220 I T aking a Closer Look: Playback Z oom Press the X b ut t on t o z o om i n on t h e i m ag e d is p la ye d in f u ll - fr am e playback or on the image c urrently highlighted in thumbnail playback. The fo llowing operations can be pe r formed w hile zoom is in effect: To Use Description Zoom in or out X / W Pre ss X to zoom in to maximum of [...]

221 I Pr otec ting Photogr aphs from Deletion In full-frame, zoom, and thumbnail pla y back, the L butto n can be used to protect photographs from accidental deletion. Protected files can not be dele ted using the O button or the [Delete] option in the playback menu . Note that prot ected images will be deleted whe n the memor y card is formatted ([...]

222 I Deleting Individual Photographs T o delete the photograph displayed in full-frame playback or the photograph highlighted in the th umbnail list, press the O button. Once deleted, photograp hs can not be recovered. 1 Select an image. Display the image or highlig ht it in the thumbnail list. 2 Pres s t he O button. A confirmation dialog will be[...]

Q 223 Q C onnec tions – Connecting to Ex ternal Devices This chapter de scribes how to c o py photog raphs to a computer , how to print pictures, and how to view them on a television set. Connecting to a Computer ........... ....................... ......... pg. 224 Direct US B Connec tion ................ .......... ........... ........ ........[...]

224 Q C onnec ting to a Co mputer This section describes how to co nnect the camera to a computer using the supplied UC-E4 USB cable. Once the camera is connected, Nik on T ransfer or optional Nikon sof tware such as Camera Control Pr o 2 can be used to copy photographs to the computer o r control the ca mera remotely. D Connecting Cables Be sure t[...]

225 Q ❚❚ Before Connec tin g the Camera Install the necessar y soft ware from the supplied installer CD (s ee the Install Guide for m ore i nfo r mat i on ). T o ensure that data transfer is not interrupted , be su re the camera battery is fully charged. If in doubt, charge the batter y before use or use an EH-5a or EH-5 AC adapter (available s[...]

226 Q Di re ct U SB C on nect io n Connect the camera using the supplied UC-E4 USB cable. 1 Select a USB optio n. Before connecting the camera to the computer , make sure the correct option is selected for the [USB] item in the camera setup menu (pg. 225). 2 Tu r n t h e c a m e r a o f f. 3 T urn the computer on. T urn the computer on and wait for[...]

227 Q 5 Tu r n t h e c a m e r a o n . If [Mass Stor age] is selected for [USB] (pg. 225), c will be displayed in the control panel and vie wfinder , and the PC connection indicator will flash in the contr ol panel (camer a displays do not change if [MTP/P TP] is selected). 6 Tr a n s f e r p h o t o g r a p h s . T ransfer photographs to the compu[...]

228 Q 7 Tu r n t h e c a m e r a o f f. If [MTP/PTP] is selected f or [USB ], t he camera can be t urned off and the USB cable discon nected once transfer is complete. If [Mass Storage] is selected, the camera must first be re moved from the system as described below . Windows Vi sta Click the “Safely Remove Hardware ” icon ( ) in the taskbar a[...]

229 Q W ireless and Ethernet Netw orks If the optional W T -4 wireless transmitt er is attached, photogr aphs can be transferred or printed over wireless or Ethe rnet net works and the camera can also be co ntrolled from network computers running Camera Control P ro 2 (available separately). The W T -4 can be used in any of the following modes: F o[...]

230 Q Prin ting Photographs Photographs can be printed by any of the following methods: • Connec t the came ra to a printer and print JPEG photographs directly fr om the camera (pg . 231). • Inser t the camera memory card in a printer equi pped with a card slot (see the printe r manual for details). If the printer supports DPOF (pg. 416), photo[...]

231 Q Dir ect USB C onne c tion If the camera is connec ted to a Pi ctBridge printer via the supplied USB cable, selected JPEG pictures can be printed dir ectly from the camera. D USB Hubs Connect the camera directly to the computer; do not connect the cable via a USB h ub or key board . A Printing V ia Direc t USB Connection Be sure the battery is[...]

232 Q ❚❚ Connec ting the Printer Connect the camera using the supplied UC-E4 USB cable. 1 Select [MTP/PTP]. If the [USB] option in the camera setup menu has bee n changed fr om the default setting of [MTP/PTP], displa y the [USB] menu an d select [MTP/PTP ] (pg . 225). 2 Tu r n t h e c a m e r a o f f. 3 Connect the USB cable. T urn the printer[...]

233 Q ❚❚ Printing Pictures One at a Time 1 Sel ect a p ictu re . Pr ess 4 or 2 to view a dditional pictures, or press the X button to zoom in on the current frame (pg . 220). T o view six pictures at a time, pr ess the W button. Use the multi se lector to highligh t pictures, or press X to display the highlighted picture full frame. 2 Display p[...]

234 Q 3 Adjus t printing op tions. Pr ess 1 or 3 to high light an option and press 2 to s elec t. Option Description Page siz e Menu shown at right will be displayed. Press 1 or 3 to choose page size (to print at default page size f or current printer , selec t [Printer default]), then press J to select and return to previous menu. No. of copi es M[...]

235 Q 4 Start printing. Select [Star t pr inting] and press J to start printing. To cancel be fore all copies have been printed, pr ess J . D Selecting Photographs for Printing Images created at image quality se ttings of NEF (RA W ) or TIFF (RGB) (pg. 56) can not be selected for printing. A See Also Se e pa ge 39 7 fo r in form ati on o n wh at to[...]

236 Q Printing Multiple P ic tures 1 Display the P ictBridge menu. Pr ess the G button in the PictBridge playback displ ay (see St ep 4 on page 232). 2 Choose [Print select] or [Print (DPOF)]. Highlight one of the following options and press 2 . • [Print select] : Sel ect p ictur es f or printing. • [Print (DPOF)] : Print an existing print orde[...]

237 Q 3 Se lect p ictu re s. Use the multi selector t o scroll through the pictures on the memory card. To d i s p l a y t h e current picture full screen, press X button. To s e l e c t t h e current picture for printing, press the L button and press 1 . The picture will be marked with a Z icon and the number of prints will be set to 1. Keeping th[...]

238 Q 5 Adjus t printing op tions. Pr ess 1 or 3 to highlight an option and press 2 to select. 6 Star t printing. Select [Star t printing] and press J to start printing. T o c ancel before all copie s have been pr inted, press J . A Page Size , Border , Time Stamp , and Cropping Choose printer defa ult to prin t at current printer settings. Only op[...]

239 Q ❚❚ Creating Index Prints T o create an index print of all JPEG pic tures on the memor y card, select [I ndex print] in Step 2 of “P rin ting Multiple Pictures ” (pg . 236). Note that if the memory card cont ains more than 256 pic tures, only the first 256 images will be printed . 1 Sel ect [I nde x pri nt] . Highlight [Index print] in[...]

240 Q ❚❚ Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set The [Print set (DPOF)] option in the playback menu is used to creat e digital “ print orders ” for P ictBridge -compatible printer s and devices that support DPOF . Selectin g [Print set (DPOF)] from the playback menu displays the menu shown in Step 1. 1 Choose [Selec t/set]. Highlight [Selec [...]

241 Q 3 Selec t imprint options. Highlight the follo w ing options and press 2 to t oggle the highlighted option on or off (to complete the prin t order without including this information, proceed t o Step 4). • [Data imprint] : Print shutter speed and aper ture on all pictures in print order . • [Imprint date] : P rint date of recording on all[...]

242 Q V iewing Photographs on T V The supplied EG-D1 00 video cable can be used to connec t the D300 to a television or VCR for playback or r ecording . A type A H igh- D efinition M ultimedia I nter fa ce (HDMI) cable (available separately from commercial sour ces) can be used to connect the camera to high-definition video devices. Standard Defini[...]

243 Q A V ideo Mode (pg. 313) Be sure that the video standard mat ches the standard used in the video device. Note that resolution will drop wh en images are output on a P AL device. A T elevision Playback Use of an EH-5a or EH-5 AC adapter (available separately) is recommended for extended playback. When the EH-5a or EH-5 is connected, the camer a[...]

244 Q High-Definition Devices The camera can be connected to HDMI devices using a type A HDMI cable (available sep arately fr om commercial sources). 1 Tu r n t h e c a m e r a o f f. Always turn the camera off before connecting or disconnecting an HD MI cable. 2 Connect the HDMI cable as shown. 3 T une the device to the HDMI channel . 4 T urn the [...]

U 245 U Menu Guide This chapter de scribes the option s a vailable in the camera menus. D The Playback Menu: Managing Images ............ ... pg. 246 C The Shooting M enu: Shooting Options......... ........ pg. 254 A Cust om Settings: Fine- T uning Camera Settings .......... ............................ .................. pg . 264 B The Setup Menu:[...]

246 U D The Pla yback Menu: Managing Images The pla yback menu contain s the options l isted bel ow . Fo r information on using the playback menu, see “T utorial: Camera Menus. ” Option See pag e Delete 248 Playback folder 249 Hide image 249 Display mode 250 Image review 251 Af ter de let e 251 Rotate tall 251 Slide show 252 Print set (DPOF) 24[...]

247 U Selec ting Multiple Pictures T o sele ct multiple pic tures for [Delete] (pg. 248), [H ide image] (pg. 249), [Print set (DPOF)] (pg. 240), and direct pr inting (pg. 236): 1 Highlight a pic ture . T o vie w the highlighted pic ture full screen, pr ess and hold the X button. 2 Press the center of the multi selector to select the highlighted pic[...]

248 U 3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 to select additional pictures. T o deselect a picture, highligh t it and press cent er of multi selector . 4 Pres s J to complete the operation. A confirmation dialog will be displayed; highlight [ Y es] and press J . Delete Select this option to delete pic tures. Protected and hidden images will not be deleted. Option [...]

249 U Playback Folder Choose a f older for playback. Hide Image Hid e or r eve al se lect ed pi ctur es. Hidden pictures are visible only in the [Hide image] menu and ca n on ly be deleted by formatting the memory card. D Protected and Hidden Images Revealing a protected image will also remove protection from the image. Option Description ND300 (de[...]

250 U Display Mode Choose the information a vailable in the playback photo inf ormation display (pg. 206). Pr ess 1 or 3 to highlight an option, then press 2 to select the option for the photo inf o rmation displa y . A L appears next to selec ted items; to deselect, highlight and press 2 . T o return to the playback menu, highlight [Done] and pres[...]

251 U Image Review Choose whether pictures a re automa tically displayed in the monitor immediat ely after shooting. After Delete Choose the picture displayed after an image is deleted . Rotate Tall Choose wheth er to rotate “tall ” (por trait- orientation) pic tures for display during playback. Note that because the camera itself is already in[...]

252 U Slide Show Creat e a slide show of the pictur es in the current pl ayback f older (pg. 249). Hidden images (pg. 249) are not display ed. T o star t the slide show , highlight [Star t] and press J . The following operations can be per for med while the slide show is in progress: A dialog shown at righ t is displayed wh en the show ends or wh e[...]

253 U Print Set (DPOF) Choose [Select/set] to select pi ctures for printing on a DPOF- compatible device (pg. 240). Choose [Deselect all?] to r emove all pictures from the current print order .[...]

254 U C The S ho oting Menu: Shooting Options The shooting menu conta ins the options listed below. Fo r information on using the sho oting menu, see “T utorial: Camera Menus” (pg. 24). Option See pag e Shootin g menu bank 255 Reset shooting menu 257 Ac ti ve fo ld er 258 File naming 260 Image quality 56 Image size 60 JPEG compression 58 NEF (R[...]

255 U Shooting Menu Bank Shooting menu option s are stored in one of four banks. Wit h t h e exceptions of [Inter val time r shoo ting], [Mul tiple exposure], and modifications to P ic ture C o ntrol s (quick adjust and other manual adjustments), changes to settings in one bank have no eff ect on the others. T o store a par ticular combination of f[...]

256 U 2 Enter a name. T o move the cursor in th e name area, press the W button and press 4 or 2 . To enter a new le tter at the current cursor position, use the multi selector to highlight the desired character in the keyboard ar ea and press the cent er of the multi selector . To delete the character at the curr ent cursor position, press the O b[...]

257 U Reset Shooting Menu Choose whether to restor e de fault settings for the current shooting menu bank. See page 401 for a list of default settings. With the exceptions of image qual it y , image size, white balance, and ISO sensitivity , shooting menu settings are not reset when a two-button r eset (pg . 182) is performed. Option Description Ye[...]

258 U Active Folder Select the folder in which subsequent ima ges will be stor ed. ❚❚ New Folder Number 1 Select [New folder number]. Highlight [New folder number] and press 2 . 2 Choose a folder number . Pr ess 4 or 2 to highlig ht a digit, pr ess 1 or 3 to chan ge. If a folder with the selected number alr eady exists, a W , X , or Y icon will[...]

259 U ❚❚ Select Folder 1 Choose [Selec t folder]. Highlight [Select f older] and press 2 . 2 Highlight a folder . Pr ess 1 or 3 to highlight a f older . 3 Selec t the highlighted folder . Pr ess J to select the highlighted folder and return to the shooting menu (to exit without changing the active folder , press the G butt on). Subsequent photo[...]

260 U File Naming Photogr a phs are sa ved using file na mes consisting of “DSC_” or , in the case of images that use th e A dobe RGB color space, “_DSC” , followed by a f o ur-digit number and a three -letter extension (e.g., “DSC_0001.JPG”). The [F ile naming] option is used to sel ect three letters to replace the “DSC ” por tion [...]

261 U NEF (RAW) Recording Choose compression and bit- depth options for NEF (RA W ) images (pg. 58). White Balance Adjust white balance settings (pg. 126). Set Picture Control Select from the P icture Con trols pr ovided with the camer a to instantly adjust image proc essing settings (pg. 146). Manage Picture Control Save and modify custom Picture [...]

262 U Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Reduction) Choose whet her to reduce noise in pic tures taken at slow shutter speeds. Option Description On Photographs taken at shutter speeds slower than 8 s are processed to reduce noise. While photographs are being processed, the capacity of the memory buffer will drop . “ lm ” will blink in the shutt[...]

263 U High ISO NR Photographs taken a t high ISO se nsitivities can be processed t o redu ce “nois e. ” ISO Sensitivity Settings Adjust ISO sensitivity and ISO sensitivity auto c ontrol settings (pp. 94, 96). Live View Choose a liv e view mode and the r elease mode tha t will be used when the ca mera is in live view mode (pg. 79). Multiple Expo[...]

264 U A C ustom S ettings: F ine - T uning Camer a Settings Custom Settings are used to customize camera settings to suit individual pref erences . In addition to Custom Settin gs B ([Cu stom setting bank]) and A ([Reset custom settings] ), settings in the Custom Settings menu are divided into the six groups shown at right. Cus tom Se tt ing groups[...]

265 U The following Custom Settings are ava ilable: Custom Set ting Pa ge B Cust om setting bank 266 A Reset custom settings 266 a Auto foc us a1 AF-C pri ority selec tion 267 a2 AF-S priority selectio n 2 68 a3 Dynamic AF area 269 a4 F ocus track ing with lock-on 270 a5 AF activation 271 a6 AF point illumination 271 a7 Fo c u s p o i n t w r a p -[...]

266 U C: Custom Setting Bank Custom Settings are stor ed in one of four banks. Changes to settings in one bank hav e no effect on the others. To s t o r e a par ticular combination of frequently-used settings , selec t one of the four banks and set the camera to these settings. The new settings will be sto red in the bank even when the camera is tu[...]

267 U a1: AF-C Priority Selection This option controls whether photographs can be taken whenever the sh utter-release button is pressed ( release priority ) or on ly wh en t he c a me ra is in foc us ( focus priority ) in continuous-ser vo AF . T o sele ct continuo us-ser vo AF , rotate the f ocus mode selec tor to C . Regardless of the optio n sel[...]

268 U a2: AF-S Priority Selection This option controls whethe r photogr a phs can be taken onl y when the camer a is in focus ( foc us priority ) or whenev er the shutter - release butt on is pressed ( release priority ) in single-ser vo AF . To select single -ser vo AF , rotate the focus mode selector to S . Regardless of the option se lected, foc[...]

269 U a3: Dynamic AF Area If the subjec t leaves the selec ted focus point when dynamic-area AF ( I ; pg. 64) is selected in continuous-ser vo AF (focus mode C ; pg. 62), the camer a will focus based on information from surrounding focus points. Choose the number of f ocus points from 9, 21 , and 51 based on subject mov ement. Only active focus poi[...]

270 U A 3D-tra cking When the shutter-release button is pr essed halfway , the colors in the area surrounding the focus point are stored in the camera. Consequently 3D- tracking may not produce the desired results with su bjects that are the same color as the background or that occupy a very small area of the frame. a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On [...]

271 U a5: AF Activation This option controls whether both the shu tter- relea se b utto n an d the B button can be used to initiate autofocus, or whether autofocus is only i nitiated when the B butt on is pressed. a6: AF Point Illumination Choose whether the act ive focus po int is highlighted in r ed in the viewfinder . Opti on Description Shutter[...]

272 U a7: Focus Point Wrap-Around Choose whether focus-point selection “wraps around” from one edge of the viewf inder to another . a8: AF Point Selection Choose the number of f ocus points availabl e for manu al focus- point selection. Option Description Wra p Focus-point selection “wraps around” from top to bottom, bottom to top, right to[...]

273 U a9: Built-in AF-assist Illuminator Choose whether the built-in AF-assist illuminator lights to assist the fo cus operatio n when lightin g is poor . A The AF-Assist Illuminator 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 24– 200 mm an[...]

274 U a10: AF-On for MB-D10 Choose the function assigned to the B button on the optional MB-D10 battery pack. Option Description A AF-ON (default) Pr essing the MB-D10 B button initi ates autofocus. B AE/AF lock Focus and exposure lock while the MB-D10 B button is pressed. C AE lock only Exposure locks while the MB-D10 B button is pressed. D AE loc[...]

275 U b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value b2: EV Steps fo r Exposure Cntrl. This option determines whether adjustments to shutter speed, aperture, and bracketing are made in increments equivalent to 1 / 3 EV , 1 / 2 EV , or 1 EV . b3: Exp Comp /Fine Tune b: Metering/Exposure This option determin es whether adjustments to sensitivity are made in incremen[...]

276 U b4: Easy Exposur e Compensation This option controls whethe r the E button is needed to set exposure compensation (pg. 114). If [On ( Aut o reset)] or [On] is selected, the 0 at the center of the expo sure displa y will blink even when exposure compensation is set to ±0. A Change Main/Sub The dial used to set exposur e compensation when [O n[...]

277 U b5: Center-Weighted Area Note that the dia meter is fix ed at 8 mm when a non-CPU lens is used, regardless of the setting sele cted for [Non-CPU l ens data] in the setup menu (pg. 196). b6: Fine Tune Optimal Exposure Use this option to fin e -tune the exposure value selec ted by the camera. Exposure can be fine tuned se parately for each mete[...]

278 U 2 Select [ Y es]. The message shown at right will be disp layed; highlight [ Y es] and press 2 to p roceed, or selec t [No] to exit witho ut altering exposure. 3 Select a metering method. Highlight [Matrix metering], [Center-weighted], or [Spot metering] and press 2 . 4 Choose an exposure value. Pr ess 1 or 3 to choo se an exposure value from[...]

279 U c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L At the default setting of [Off ], exposure only locks when the AE-L/ AF-L button is pressed. If [On] is selected, exposure will also lock when the shutter-release butto n is pressed halfway . c2: Auto Meter-off Delay Choose a shor ter m eter-o ff delay for longer batter y life. When the camera is powered by an [...]

280 U c3: Self-Timer Delay c4: Monitor off Delay This option controls the length of the shutter release delay in self-tim er mode. Choose from 2s , 5s , 1 0s , a n d 2 0s . Option a 2s b 5s c 10 s (default) d 20 s This option controls how long th e monitor remains on when no opera tions are per for med. C hoos e from 10 s, 2 0 s, 1 mi nute, 5 minut[...]

281 U d1: Beep Choose [High] or [ Low] to sound a beep when the self-timer is used or the camera focuses in single -ser vo autof ocus (note that a beep will not sound if [Rel ease] is selected for C ustom Setting a2 ([AF-S priorit y selection], pg. 268)). d2: Viewfinder Grid Display Choose whether on-dema nd grid lines are displayed in the viewfind[...]

282 U d3: Viewfinder Warning Display Choose whether low battery warning is displayed in the view finder . d4: CL Mode Shooting Speed This option determin es the ma ximum frame advance rate in C L (continuo us low speed) m o de (during inte r val timer pho togr aphy , this setting also determines th e frame advance rate f or single - frame mode). Ch[...]

283 U d6: File Number Sequence When a photograph is taken, the came ra names the file by adding one to the last file number used. This option controls whe ther file numbering continues from the last number used when a new folder is creat e d, the memory card is f ormatted, or a new memory card is inserted in the camera. D File Number Sequence If th[...]

284 U d7: Shooting Info Display At the default setti ng of [Auto] ( AUTO ), the color of th e lettering in the information display (pg. 12) will automatically change from black to white or white t o black to maintain contrast with the background . T o always use the same color letter ing, select [Manual] and choo se [Dark on ligh t] ( B ; black let[...]

285 U d8: LCD Illumination At the default setting of [Off ], the contr o l panel back light (L CD illuminator) will onl y light whil e the power switch is in the D position. If [On] is selec ted, the control panel will be illumin ated while the expo sure meters are active (pg. 46). Select [Off ] f or increased batter y life. d9: Exposure Delay Mode[...]

286 U A Using AA Batt eries EN-EL4a or EN-EL4 re chargeable Li-ion batteries (available separately) or EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion batteries ar e recommended fo r best per formance. F ewer pic tures can be taken with AA batteries (pg. 417). The capacity of AA batteries drops sharply at temperatures below 20 °C (68 °F) and varies with make and sto[...]

287 U d11: Battery Order Choose whether the battery in the camera or the batteries in the battery pack are used first when an optional MB-D10 battery pack is attached. A X icon is displayed in the camera contr ol panel when the batter ies in the MB-D10 are in use. A The MB-D10 Battery Pack The MB-D10 t akes one EN-EL3e, EN-EL4a, or EN -EL4 recharge[...]

288 U e1: Flash Sync Speed This option controls flash sync speed. A Fixing Shutter Speed at the F lash Sync Speed Limit T o fix shutter speed at the sync speed limit in shutter-priority auto or manual exposure modes, select the next shutter speed af ter the slow est possible shutter speed (30 s or bulb). An X (flash sync indicator) will be displaye[...]

289 U Flash Control at [1/320 s (Aut o FP)] When [1/320 s (A uto FP)] is selec t ed f or Custom Setting e1 ([F l ash sync speed], pg. 288), the built-in flash can be used at sh utter speeds as fast as 1 / 320 s, while optional SB-9 00, SB-800, SB-600, and SB-R200 flash units can be used at any shutter speed (Auto FP High-Speed Sync). D [1/320 s (A [...]

290 U e2: Flash Shutter Speed This option determine s the slow est shutter speed av ailable when using front - or rear-cur tain sync or re d-eye reduction in programmed auto or aperture-prior ity auto exposure modes (regar dless of the setting chosen, shutter speeds can be as slow as 30 s in shutter-priority auto an d manual exposure modes or at fl[...]

291 U e3: Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash Choose the flash mode for th e bu ilt- in fl ash. A “Manual” and “Repeating Flash ” Y icons blink in the control panel and viewfinder when these options ar e selected. A The SB-400 When an optional SB-400 flash unit is attached and turned on, Custom Setting e3 changes to [Optional flash], allowing th[...]

292 U ❚❚ Manu al Choose a flash le vel betw een [F ull] and [1/128] ( 1 / 128 of full power). At fu l l po we r , t h e b u i l t-in flash h as a Guide Number of 18/59 (m/ft., ISO 200, 20 °C/68 °F). ❚❚ Repeating Flash The flash fir es repeatedly whil e the shutter is open, producing a strobe -light effect. Press 4 or 2 to highlight the fo[...]

293 U ❚❚ Commander Mode Use the built-in flash as a master flash controlling one or more remote optional SB-900, SB-80 0, SB-600, or SB-R20 0 flash units in up to two gr oups (A and B) using advanced wir eless lighting . Selecting this option displays the menu shown at right. Press 4 or 2 to highlig ht the fol low in g o p ti on s, 1 or 3 to ch[...]

294 U F o llow the steps below t o take photographs in commander mode . 1 Adjust settings f or the built-in flash. Choose the flash control mode and output level for the built-in flash. Note that output level can not be adjusted in [– –] mode. 2 Adjust settings f or group A. Choose the flash control mode and output level for the flash units in [...]

295 U 6 Com po se th e sh ot . Compose the sh ot and arrange the flash un its as shown below . Note that the maximum distan ce at which the remote flash units can be placed may var y with sh ooting conditions. 7 Set the remote flash units to the selected channel. T ur n all the remote flash units on and set them to the channel selected in Step 4. S[...]

296 U A The Flash S ync Mode Display M does not appear in the control panel flash sync mode display when [– –] is selected f or [Built -in flash] > [Mod e]. A Flash C ompensation The flash compensation value selected with the Y ( M ) button and sub- command dial is added to the flash co mpensation values selec ted for the built-in flash, gro[...]

297 U e4: Modeling Flash If [On] (the def ault setting) is selected when the camera is being used with the built-in fla sh or an optional SB-900, SB-80 0, SB-600, or SB-R200 flash unit, a modeling flash will be emitted when the camera depth-of-field preview button is pressed (pg . 103). No modeling flash is emitted if [Off ] is selected. e5: Auto B[...]

298 U e6: Auto Bracketing (Mode M) This option determines which se ttings are af fected when [AE & flash] or [ AE only] is selected f or Custom Se tting e5 in man ual exposure mode. Flash bracketing is per formed only with i- T TL or AA flash control. If a setting other than [F lash only] is selected and the flash is not used, ISO sensitivity w[...]

299 U e7: Bracketing Order At the default setting of [MTR ]>[under]>[over] ( H ), bracketing is per formed in the order desc ribed on pages 118 and 122. If [Under]>[MTR]>[over] ( I ) is selec ted, shooting will proceed in order from the lowest to the highest value.[...]

300 U f1: Multi Selector Center Button This option determin es what operations can be per formed by pressing the cen ter of the multi selector in shooting an d playback modes. ❚❚ Shooting Mode Selec ting [Shooting mode ] displays the following options: ❚❚ Playback Mode Selectin g [Playback mode] displays the following options: f: C o n t r [...]

301 U f2: Multi Selector If [Reset me ter-off de lay] is selected, operating the multi selector when the exposur e meters are off (pg . 46) will activate the exposure meters . If [Do nothing] (the default option) is selected, the exposure meters wil l not be ac tivated when the multi sel ector is pressed. f3: Photo Info/Playback At the default sett[...]

302 U f4: Assign FUNC. Button Choose th e role played by the Fn button, either by itself ([F UNC. button press]) or when used in combina tion with the command dials ([FUNC. button+dials]). ❚❚ FUNC. Button Press Selecting [F UNC. button press] f or Custom Setting f4 displays the following options: Option Description q Prev iew * Press the Fn but[...]

303 U t Brack eting burst If the Fn button is pressed while exposure or flash bracketing is active in single frame release mode, all shots in the current bracketing program will be taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed. If white balance bracketing is ac tive or continuous release mode (mode C H or C L ) is selected, the camera will [...]

304 U ❚❚ FUNC. Button+Dials Selecting [F UNC. button+dials] for Custom Setting f4 displays the following options: Option Description v 1 step spd/ aperture If the Fn button is pressed when the command dials are rotated, changes to shutter speed (exposure modes f and h ) and aper ture (exposu re modes g and h ) are made in incr ements of 1 EV , [...]

305 U f5: Assign Preview Button Choose the role played by the depth- of-field preview button, either by itself ([Pre view button pre ss]) or when used in comb ination with the command dials ([P review + command dials]). The options a vailable ar e the same as for [FUNC. button press] (pg. 302) and [FUNC . button+dials] (pg. 304), except that the de[...]

306 U f6: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button Choose th e role played by the AE-L/AF-L button, either by itse lf ([AE-L/AF-L button press]) or when used in combination with the command dials ([AE-L/AF-L+command dials]). The options ava ilable for [AE-L/AF-L button press] are the same as f o r [FUNC. button press] (pg . 302), exc ept that [AE-L/AF-L button pres[...]

307 U f7: Customize Command Dials This option controls the operation of the main and sub- command dials. Option Description Reverse rotation Controls the dir ec tion of the command dials. Choose [No] (the default option) for normal command dial operation, or [ Y es] to reverse the rotation of the command dials. This setting also applies to the comm[...]

308 U f8: Release Button to Use Dial This option allows adjustments that are normal ly made by holding a button and ro tating a command di al to be made by rotating th e command dial af ter the button is released. At the default setting of [No], the button must be pr esse d while the command dial is rotate d. If [ Y es] is selected, the se tting ca[...]

309 U f9: No Memory Card? At the default setting of [Enabl e release], the shutter can be releas ed when no memory card is inserted, although no picture s will be recorded (they will however be displayed in the monitor in demo mode). If [Release locked ] is selected, the shutter-r elease button is only ena bled when a memory card is inserted in the[...]

310 U f10: Reverse Indicators At the default setting of ( V ), the exposure indicators in the control pa nel, viewfinder and shooting informa tion display ar e displayed with positi ve values on the left and negative values on the right. Select ( W ) to display negativ e values on the left and positive va lues on the right.[...]

311 U B The Setup Menu: Cam e ra S e t up The setup menu contains the options listed below . Fo r information on using the setup menu, see “T utorial: Camer a Menus” (pg . 24). Option See page Format memor y card 312 L CD brightness 312 Clean image sensor 373 Lock mirror up for cleaning 1 376 Vid e o m od e 313 HDMI 314 Wo r l d t i m e 315 Lan[...]

312 U Format Memory Card Fo r m a t t h e c a r d. Note that formatting permanently deletes all pictures and other data on the card . Be fore for matt ing, be su re to make backup copies as requir ed. D During Forma tting Do not turn the camera off or remo ve memory cards during formatting . A T wo-Button F ormat Memor y cards can also be formatted[...]

313 U Clean Image Sensor Select this option to remo ve dust from the image sensor or to choose options for automatic image sensor cle aning (pg. 373). Lock Mirror up for Cleaning Lock the mirror in the up position to allow inspection or manual cleaning of the low-pass filter that protects the camera image sensor (pg. 376). Video Mode When connectin[...]

314 U HDMI The camera is equipped with an HDMI ( H igh- D efinition M ultimedia I nter face) connec tor , allowing pic tures to be played back on high-definition televisio ns or monitors us ing a type A cable (available separately fr om commer cial suppliers). Befo re connectin g the camera to high -definition device, choose the HDMI format fr om t[...]

315 U World Time Change time zones, set the camera clock, choose the date display order , and turn daylight saving time on or off . Language Choose a language for ca mera menus and messages. The following options are available. Option Description Tim e zo ne Choose a time zone. The camera clock is automa tically set to the time in the new time zone[...]

316 U Image Comment Add a comment to new photographs a s they are taken. Comments can be viewed in V iewNX versio n 1.2.0 or later or in Capture NX version 1.3.5 or later or Capture NX 2 version 2.1.0 or later (available separately ; pg. 368). The comment is also visible on the third shooting data page in the photo information display . • [Done]:[...]

317 U Auto Image Rotation Photographs taken while [On] (the default option) is selec ted contain in formation on camera orien tation, all owing them to be rotated automatically during playback (pg. 251) or when viewed in ViewNX version 1.2.0 or l ater or in Capture NX version 1.3.5 or later or Captur e NX 2 verson 2.1.0 or later (a vailable separat[...]

318 U USB Choose a USB option for co nnec tion to a com puter or P ictBridge printer . Choose [MTP/PTP] (the de fault setting) when co nnecting to a PictBridge pr inter or an opt ional W T -4 w ireless transmitter or when using Camera Control P ro 2 (available separately; see pa ge 368). See page 225 for information on selecting a USB option for us[...]

319 U 1 Choose a star t option. Highlight one of the following options and press J . T o exit without acquiring image dust off data, press G . • [Start] : The message shown at right will be displayed and “ rEF” will appear in the viewfinder and c ontrol pa nel displays. • [Clean sensor and then start] : Selec t this option to clean the imag[...]

320 U 3 Acqu ire du st of f re fere nce dat a. Pr ess the shutter-release button the rest of the way do wn to acquire Image Du st Off reference data. The monito r turns off when the shutter -releas e button is pres sed. If the reference object is too br ight or too dark, th e camera may b e unable to acquire Image Du st Off reference data and the m[...]

321 U Battery Info View information o n the battery currently inserted in the camera. Item Description Bat. meter The current battery level expressed as a percen tage. Pic. meter The number of times the shutter has been released with the current battery since the battery was last charged . Note that the camera may sometimes release the shutter with[...]

322 U A The MB-D10 Battery Pack The information displayed when the camera is powered by an optional MB-D10 battery pack depends on the type of batteries used: Wireless Transmitter This option is used to adjust se ttings for connection to a wireless network , using an opti onal W T -4 w ireless transmitter . See “Connections: Wireless and Ethernet[...]

323 U Image Authentication Choose whether to embed image authentication information in new photographs as they are taken, allowing alterations to be detected using Nikon ’ s optional Image Authentication software. Image authentication informat ion can not be embedded in existing photog raphs. Photographs taken with image authentication on are mar[...]

324 U Copyright Information Add cop y right informa tion to ne w photogra phs as they ar e taken. Copyright inf ormation is visible on the four th shooting data page in the photo information displa y (pg. 214) and can be view e d in ViewN X version 1. 2.0 or la ter or in Cap t ure NX version 1.3.5 or later or Capture NX 2 v ersion 2.1.0 or later (a[...]

325 U Save/Load Settings Select [Save settings] to save the f ollowing settings to the camera mem or y c ard ( if th e me mor y card is f ull, a n e rror w ill be disp layed ; pg. 39 4). Menu Option Playback Display mode Image review After delete Rotate tall Shooting (all banks) Shooting menu bank File naming Image quality Image size JPEG compressi[...]

326 U Settings saved using the D300 can be restor ed by selecting [Load settings]. Note that [Sa ve/load settings] is only avail able when a memor y card is inserted in the camera, and that the [Load settings] option is on ly available if the card contains saved settings. A Saved Settings Settings are saved in a file named NCSETUP1. The camera will[...]

327 U Non-CPU Lens Data By specifying lens data (lens foca l length and maximum aperture) for up to nine non-CPU lenses, the user can gain access to a var iety of CPU lens functions (pg. 196) . AF Fine Tune Fine-tune focus for up to 12 le ns types. AF tuning is not recommen ded in most situations; use on ly when requir ed. Option Description AF fin[...]

328 U D AF T uning The camera may be unable to focus at minimum range or at infinity when AF tuning is applied. D Live V iew (T ripo d) Mode T uni ng is not applied to contrast- detec t autofocus when [ Tripod] is selected in live view mode (pg. 83). A Sa ve d V alu e Only one value can be stored for each type of lens. If a t eleco nverter i s used[...]

329 U N T he Retouch Menu: Crea ting Retouched Copies The options in the retouch menu a re used to create trimmed, or retouched copies of the photographs on the memor y card. The retouc h menu is only display ed when a memor y card contain ing photographs is inserted in the camera. F or information on using the retouch menu, see “T utorial: Camer[...]

330 U Crea ting Retouched Copies Except in the case of [Image overlay] (pg. 339) and [ Side -by-side comparison] (pg. 342), the photog raph s to be retou ched c an be selected in full-frame playback as well as from the ret ouch menu. ❚❚ Creating Retouched Copies in F ull-Frame Playback 1 Choose a pic ture. Display the desired picture in full-fr[...]

331 U 4 Create a retouc hed co py . Pr ess J to create a retouched copy . Retouched copies are indicated by a N icon. ❚❚ Creating Retouched Copies from the Reto uch Menu 1 Selec t an item in the retouch menu. Pr ess 1 or 3 to highlight an item, 2 to selec t. Depen ding on the option selec ted, a menu may be displa yed; highlight an option and p[...]

332 U 3 Display r etouch options. Pr ess J to display retouch options (s ee the section for the selected option for details). T o exit without creating a retouched copy, press G . 4 Create a re touche d copy . Pr ess J to create a retouch ed copy. Retouched cop ies are indi cated by a N icon.[...]

333 U D Retouching C o pies Copies cr eated with [ T rim] can not be further modified. D-lighting, red-eye c orrection, filter effects, and color balance can not be applied to monochrome copies. Other wise th e options in the retouch menu can each be applied once to existing copies, although this may result in loss of detail. A Image Quality Except[...]

334 U D-Lighting D-lighting brightens shadows, making it ideal for dark or backlit photographs . Press 1 or 3 to choose the amount of correction per formed. The eff ect can be previewed in the edit display . Pr ess J to copy the phot ograph. Before Af te r[...]

335 U Red-Eye Correction This option is used to correct “r ed-eye” caused by the flash, and is available on ly with photographs taken using the flash. The photograph selected f or red-eye correction is previewed as shown at right. Confirm the effects of red-eye correction and create a copy as described in the following table. Note that red-ey e[...]

336 U Trim Crea te a cropped c opy of the sel ected photograph. The selected photo graph is displayed with the selec ted crop shown in yello w ; cr eate a cr op ped cop y as described in the following table. To Use Description Reduce size of crop W Press the W button to reduce the size of the crop. Increase size of crop X Press the X button to incr[...]

337 U D T rim: Image Quality and Size Copies c reat ed from NEF (RA W ), NEF (RA W ) + JPEG, or TIFF (RGB) p hotos have an imag e quality (pg. 56) of JPEG fine; cropped copies crea ted from JPEG photos have the same image quality as the original. The size of the copy varies with crop size and aspect ratio. Monochrome Copy photogra phs in [Black -an[...]

338 U Filter Ef fects Choose from the following color filter effects. After adjusting fil ter effects as described below , press J to copy the ph otograph . Color Balance Use the multi selector to c reat e a copy with modified color balance as shown bel ow . The effect is display ed in the monitor together with red, green, and blue histograms (pg. [...]

339 U Image Overlay Image overl ay combines tw o existing NEF (RA W ) photographs to create a single picture that is saved separately from the originals with results that are noticeably better than photogr aphs combined in an imaging applicat ion because they make use of RA W data from the camera image sensor . The new picture is saved at current i[...]

340 U 4 Select the highlighted photograph. Pr ess J to selec t the highlighted photograph and return to the preview display . The selected image w ill appear as [Image 1]. 5 Set gain. Optimize exposure f or the ov erlay by pr essing 1 or 3 to select the gain for image 1 from values between 0.1 and 2.0. The default value is 1.0; selecting 0.5 cuts g[...]

341 U 8 Pr eview the ov erlay . Pr ess 1 or 3 to highlight [Overlay] and press J (t o save the overlay withou t displaying a preview , highlight [Save] and press J ). To r e t u r n t o S t e p 7 and select new photos or adjust g ain, press W . 9 Save the overlay . Pr ess J while the preview is displayed to sav e the overlay . After an o verlay is [...]

342 U Side-by-Side Comparison Comp are reto uch ed co pie s to th e or igin al p hoto grap hs. ❚❚ Making a Side-by-Side Comparison 1 Se lect a p ictu re . Use the multi sele ctor to select a picture and press J . Only retouched copies (shown by a N icon) or photo graphs that have been ret ouched can be selected. 2 Select [Side -by-side com pa r[...]

343 U 3 Compare the c opy with the original. The source image is displayed on the left, the retouched copy on the right, with the options used to crea te the copy listed at the top of the display . Pr ess the multi selector in the direction indicated by the arrow adja cent t o the highlighted image ( 1 3 4 or 2 ) to switch between the sour ce im ag[...]

344 U O My Menu: Crea ting a Cust om Menu The [My M enu] option can be used to create and edit a customized list of options fr om the playback, shooting , Custom Settings, setup , and retouch menus fo r quick access (up to 20 items). If desired, r ecent settings can be displayed in place of My Menu (pg. 348). Options can be added, deleted, and reor[...]

345 U 4 P osition the new item. Pr ess 1 or 3 to move the new item up or down in My Menu. Pr ess J to add the new item. 5 Add more items. The items curr ently displayed in My Menu are indicated by a check mark. Items indicated by a V icon can not be selected. Repeat steps 1–4 to select additional items.[...]

346 U Deleting Options from My Menu 1 Selec t [Remove items]. In My Menu ( O ), highlight [Remove it ems] and press 2 . 2 Select items . Highlight items and press 2 to select or deselec t. Selecte d items are indicated by a check mark. 3 Select [Done] . Highlight [Done] and press J . A confirmation dialog will be displayed . 4 Delete the sele cted [...]

347 U Reordering Options in My Menu 1 Sel ect [Ra nk i te ms] . In My Men u ( O ), highlight [Rank items] and press 2 . 2 Sel ect an ite m. Highlight the item yo u wish to move and pr ess J . 3 P osition the item. Pres s 1 or 3 to move the item up or down in My Menu and press J . Repeat Ste ps 2–3 to reposition additional items.[...]

348 U Displaying Rec ent Settings T o display the twenty most rec ently used settings , select [Recent settings] for [My M enu] > [Choose tab]. 1 Select [ Choose ta b]. In My Menu ( O ), highlight [Choose tab] and press 2 . 2 Select [Recent settings]. Highlight [Recent settings] and press J . The name of the menu will ch ange from “ MY MENU”[...]

n 349 n Te c h n i c a l N o t e s – Camera Care , Options, and Resources This chapter covers the following topics: Compatible Lenses .. ....................... ................... ............. pg . 350 O ptional Flash Units (Speedligh ts) ........... .................. pg . 357 Other Accessories ........................... .....................[...]

350 n C ompatible Lenses 1 IX-Nikkor lenses can not be used. 2 Vibration Reduction ( VR) sup ported with VR lenses. 3 Spot metering meters selected focus point. 4 The camera’ s exposure mete ring and flas h control systems do not work properly when shifting and/or tilting th e lens, or when an aper ture other than the maximum aper ture is used. 5[...]

351 n 9 When focusing at minimum f ocus distance with AF 80–200mm f/2.8, AF 35– 70mm f/2.8, AF 28–85mm f/3. 5–4.5 <New>, or AF 28–85mm f/3.5–4.5 lens at maximum zoom, in-focus indicator may be displa yed when image on matte screen in viewfinder is not in fo cus. Adjust focus manually until image in viewfinder is in focus. 10 With [...]

352 n D Inco mpat ibl e Acces sor ies and Non -C PU Le nse s The following accessories and non-CPU lenses can NOT be used with the D300: • T C-16AS AF teleconv erter • Non-AI lenses • Lenses that r equire the AU-1 focusing unit (400mm f /4.5, 600mm f/5.6, 800mm f/8, 12 00mm f/11) • F isheye (6mm f/5.6, 7.5mm f/5.6, 8mm f/8, OP 10mm f/5.6 ) [...]

353 n A The AF-S/AF-I T elecon verter The AF-S/AF-I telecon verter can be used with the following AF-S and AF-I lenses: • AF-S VR M icro 105mm f/2.8G ED 1 • AF-S VR 200mm f/2G ED • AF-S VR 300mm f/2.8G ED • AF-S 300m m f/2.8D ED II • AF-S 30 0mm f/2.8D ED • AF-I 30 0mm f/2.8D ED • AF-S 30 0mm f/4D E D 2 • AF-S 400m m f/2.8D ED II ?[...]

354 n A The Built-in Flash The built-in flash can be used with CPU lenses with focal lengths of 18– 300mm. Remove lens hoods to prevent shadows . The flash has a minimum range of 60 cm (2 f t.) and can not be used in the macro range of macro zoom lenses. The flash may be unable to light the entire subject with the following lenses at ranges less [...]

355 n D Red-Ey e Reduction Lenses that block the subject ’ s view of the AF-assist illuminator may interfere with red-eye reduction. D AF-Assist Illumination AF-assist illumination is not available with the following lenses: • AF-S VR 200mm f/2G ED • AF-S VR 200–400mm f/4G ED At ranges under 0.7 m (2 f t. 4 in.), the following lenses may bl[...]

356 n A Calculating Picture Angle The size of the area exposed by a 35mm camera is 36 × 2 4 mm. The size of the area exposed by the D300, in contrast, is approximately 23.6 × 15.8 mm, meaning that the diagonal picture angle of a 35mm camera is approximat ely 1.5 times that of the D300. T o calculate the focal length of lenses for the D 300 in 35m[...]

357 n Optional F lash Units (Speedlights) The D300 can be us ed with CLS-compatible flash units. The Niko n Creativ e Lighting System ( CLS) Niko n ’ s advanced Creative Lightin g System (CLS) off ers improved communication between the camera and compatib le flash units for improved flash photography. The Creative Lighting System supports the fol[...]

358 n ❚❚ CLS-Compatible Flash Units The D300 can be used with th e follo w ing CLS-compatible flash units: the SB-900, SB -800, SB-600 , SB-400, SB-R 200, and SU-800. The SB-900, SB-800, SB- 600, SB-400, and SB-R200 The principal features of these flash units are listed below. SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander When mounted on a CLS-compatibl[...]

359 n A Guide Nu mber T o calculate the range of the flash at full pow er , divide the Guide Number by the aper ture. Fo r example, at ISO 100 the SB- 800 has a Guide Number of 38 m or 125 ft.; its range at an aper ture of f/5.6 is 38 ÷ 5.6 or about 6.8 meters (or in feet, 125 ÷ 5.6 = a pproximat ely 23 f t. 7 in.). F or each t wofold increase in[...]

360 n The following features are available with the SB -900, SB-800 , SB-600, SB-400, SB-R 200, an d SU-800: 1 Only available when SU-800 is used to contr ol other fla sh units. 2 Standard i- T TL flash for digital SLR is used with spot metering or when selected with flash unit. 3 Standard i- T TL flash for digital SLR is used with spot metering. 4[...]

361 n Other Flash Units The f o llowi ng flash units can be used in no n- T TL auto and manua l modes. If they are set to T TL, the camera shutter-release button will lock and no phot ographs can be taken. Speedl ight SB-80DX, SB-28DX, SB-28, SB-26, SB-25, SB-24 SB-50DX SB-30, SB-27 1 , SB-22s, SB-22, SB-20, SB-16B, SB-15 SB-23, SB-29 2 , SB-21B 2 [...]

362 n D Notes on Optional Speedlights Refer to the Speedligh t manual for deta iled instructions. I f the Speedlight suppor ts the Ni kon Creative Lighting System, refer to the section on CLS- compatible digital SLR camer as. The D 300 is not included in the “ digital SLR” category in the SB-80DX, SB-28 DX, and SB-50DX manuals . i- T TL flash c[...]

363 n When an SC-series 17, 28, or 29 sync cable is used f or off- camera flash photography , correct exposure may not be achieved in i- T TL mode. We recommend that you choose spot meteri ng to select standa rd i- T TL flash control . T ake a test shot and view the results in the monitor . In i- T TL, use the flash panel or bounce adapter pro vide[...]

364 n Fl ash C ontacts The D300 is equipped w ith an accessor y shoe for attaching optional flash units directly to the camera and a sync terminal that allows flash units to be con nected vi a a sync cable. ❚❚ The Accessor y Shoe Use the accessor y sh oe to mount optional flash units directly on the camera without a sync cable (pg . 358). The a[...]

365 n Other Ac cessories At the time of writing , the following acc e ssories wer e available for the D300. Power so ur ce s • Rechargeable Li-ion Batt er y EN-EL3e (pp. 30, 32): A dditional EN-EL3e batteries are available from local retailers and Nikon ser vice representatives. The EN-EL3e can be recharged using an MH-18a or MH-18 quick charger [...]

366 n Viewf in der eyepi ece accessories • Diopter-Adjustment Viewfinder L ens DK-2 0C : T o accommodate individual differences in vision, viewfinder lenses are available with diopters of –5 , –4, –3, –2, 0, +0.5, +1, +2, and +3 m –1 . Use diopter adjustment lenses only if the desired f ocus can not be achieved with the built-in diopter[...]

367 n Filters • N ikon filters can be divided into three types: screw-in, slip-in, and rear-interchange. Use Nikon filters; filters manufactured by other makers may interfere with autofocus or electronic range finding. • The D300 can not be used with linea r polarizing filters. Use the C-PL circular polarizing filter instead. • Use NC and L37[...]

368 n Softw are • Captur e NX : A complet e photo editing package . • Capture NX 2 : A complete photo editing package with such advanced editing features as selection control points and an auto retouch br ush. • Camera Control Pro 2 : Control the camera remotely from a computer and save photographs direc tly to the computer hard disk. • Ima[...]

369 n Remote terminal accessories The D300 is equipped with a ten- pin remote terminal for remote control and automatic photography . The terminal is provided with a cap, which protects the contacts when the terminal is not in use. The following accessories can be used (all lengths are approximate): • Remote Cord MC-22: Remote sh utter release wi[...]

370 n Remote term ina l accessories • Adapter C ord MC-25 : T en-pin to two-pin adapter cord for connection to devices with two-pin terminals, including the MW -2 radio control set, M T -2 inter valometer , and ML - 2 modulite control set (length 20 cm/8 in.). • GPS Adapter Cor d MC-35 (pg. 199): Connects GPS devices to D300 via PC cable suppli[...]

371 n ❚❚ Ap proved Memory Cards The following cards have been tested and approved f o r use in the D300: Othe r cards have not been tested. F o r more details on the abo ve cards, please contact the manufacturer . San Dis k Extreme IV SDCFX4 8G B 4G B 2G B Extreme III SDCFX3 8G B 4G B 2G B 1G B Ultra II SDCFH 8G B 4G B 2G B 1G B Stand ard SDCF [...]

372 n Car i ng fo r t he Ca m era Storage When the camer a will not be used fo r an extended period , replac e the monitor cover , remove the batt er y , and store the battery in a cool, dry area with the terminal cov er in place. T o preven t mold or mildew , store the camera in a dry , wel l-ventil ated ar ea. Do not store y our camera with napht[...]

373 n The L ow-P ass Filter The image sensor that acts as th e camera ’ s pic ture element is fitted with a low-pass filter to prevent moiré. If you suspect that dir t or dust on the filter is appe aring in photographs , you can clean the filter using the [Clean image se nsor] option in the setup menu. The filter can be cl eaned at any time usin[...]

374 n 3 Select [ Clean n ow]. Highlight [Clean now] and press 2 . The message shown at right will be displayed while cleaning is in progr es s. The message shown at right will be disp layed when cl eaning is comp lete. ❚❚ “Clean at Star tup/Shutdown ” 1 Select [Clean at startup/ shutdown]. Display the [Clean image sensor] menu as described [...]

375 n 2 Sel ect an opt io n. Highlight one of the following options and press J . D Image Sensor Cleaning The follo wing interrupt image sensor cleaning: raising the built-in flash, pressing the shutter-release, depth-of-fie ld preview , or B button, or using FV lock . Cleaning is per formed by vibrating the image sensor . If dust can not be fully [...]

376 n ❚❚ Manual Cleaning If fore ign matter can not be remo v ed from the low-pass filter using the [Clean image sensor] (pg. 373) option in the setup menu, the filter can be cleaned manually as described below. Note , how ever , that the filter is extremely delicat e and easily damaged. Nikon recommen ds that the filte r be cleaned only b y Ni[...]

377 n 4 Rais e t he m irr or . Pr ess the shutter -releas e button all the way down. The mirror will be raised and the shutter cur tain will open, revealing the low-pass filter . The display in the viewfinder will turn off a nd the row of dashes in th e control panel will bl ink. 5 Examine the low-pass filt er . Holding the camera so that light fal[...]

378 n D Use a Reliable Po wer Sourc e The shutter cur tain is delicate and easily damaged. If the camera powers off while the mirror is raised, the curtain will close automatically . To prevent damage to the cur tain, obser ve the following pr ecautions: • Do not tur n the camera off or remove or disconnect the power sour ce while the mirror is r[...]

379 n Caring f or the Camera and Batt er y: C autions Do not drop : The produc t may malfunction if subjec ted to strong shocks or vibration. Keep dry : This product is not waterproof , and may malfunction if immersed in water or exposed to high lev els of hum idity . Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage. Avoid sud den cha[...]

380 n Cleaning : When cleaning the camera body , use a blower to gently remov e dust and lint, then wipe gently with a soft, dr y cloth. Aft er using the camera at the beach or seaside, wipe off any sand or salt using a cloth lightly dampened in pure wat er and then dr y the camera thoroughly . In r are instances, static electricity may cause the L[...]

381 n T urn the produc t off before removing or disconnecting the power sour ce : Do not unplug the product or remo ve the batter y while the product is on or while images are being recorded or deleted. F o rcibly cutting pow er in these circumstances could result in loss of data or in damage to product memor y or internal circuitry. T o prevent an[...]

382 n Batte ries : Dir t on the battery terminals can prevent the camera from functioning and should be remov ed with a soft, dry cloth before use. Batteries may leak or explode if improperly handled. Obser ve the following precautions when handling batteries: T urn the product off bef o re replacing the batter y . The battery may become hot when u[...]

383 n T roubleshooting If the camera fails to func tion as expected, check the list of common problems below bef ore consulting your retailer or Nikon repres entat ive. Refer to the page numbers in the right-most co lu mn for mo re in for m at io n. ❚❚ Display A A Note on Electronicall y-Controlled Cameras In extremely rare instances, unusual c[...]

384 n ❚❚ Shooting Problem Sol ution Pag e Camera takes time to turn on. Delete files or f olders. — Shutter-releas e disabled. • Memor y card is full or not inser ted. 39, 45 • CPU lens with aper ture ring attached but aperture not locked at highest f-number . If B is displayed in control panel, select [Ape r ture ri ng] for Cus tom Setti[...]

385 n Image s ize c an not be changed. [Image quality] set to [NEF (RA W )]. 56 Can not select focus point • Un lock focus selector lock . 66 • Auto-area AF selec ted for f ocus mode: choose another mode. 64 • The camera is in playback mode. 203 • The camera is in menu operation. 245 • Press shutte r-release button halfway to turn monitor[...]

386 n AF-assist illuminator does not light. • Camera is in focus mode C .6 2 • Center focus point is not selected for single-point AF or dynamic- area AF . 64 • [Off ] selected for C ustom Setting a9 ([Built-in AF-assist illuminator]). 273 • Illuminator has turned off automatically . Il luminator may become hot with cont inued use; wait for[...]

387 n Ef fe cts of P ictu re C on tr ol differ fr om image to image. A (auto) is selected for sharpening, contrast, or saturation. For consistent results ov er a ser ies of photographs, choose a s etting other than A (auto). 152 Metering can not be changed. Autoexposure lock is in effect. 112 Exposure compensation can not be used. Choose exposure m[...]

388 n ❚❚ Playback Problem Sol ution Pag e Flashing areas appear in images Pres s 1 or 3 to choose photo information display ed, or change settings for [Display mode]. 206, 250 Shooting data appear on images A graph appears during playback. NEF (RA W ) image is not played back. Photo was taken at image qual ity of NEF + JPEG. 57 Some photos are [...]

389 n Can not print photos. • S et [USB] to [MTP/PT P]. 318 • NEF (R A W ) and TIFF photos can not be printed by direct USB connec tion. Use DPOF print service ( TIFF images only) or transfer to c omputer and print using ViewNX v ersion 1.2.0 or later or Capture NX version 1 .3.5 or later or Capture NX 2 version 2.1.0 or la ter. 230 Photo is no[...]

390 n ❚❚ Miscellaneous Problem Sol ution Pag e Date of reco rdin g is not correc t. Set camera clock. 37 Menu item can not be selected. Some options are not a vailable at certain comb inations o f settings o r when no memory card is inserted. Note that [Battery info] option is not available when camera is power e d by an optional A C adapter . [...]

391 n Error Messages This section lists the indicators and error messages th at appear in the viewfinder , control panel, and monitor . Indicator Problem Solution Pag e Control panel View- finder B (blinks) Lens aperture ring is not set to minimum aper ture. Set ring to minimum aperture (largest f-number). 35 H d Low battery . Ready a fully-charged[...]

392 n F No lens attached, or non-CPU len s attached without specifying maximum aperture. Aper ture shown in stops from maximum aper ture. Aper ture value will be displayed if maximum aper ture is specified. 196 — D (blinks) Camera u nable to focus using autofocus. Fo c u s m a n u a l ly. 7 1 q Subject too bright; photo will be overexposed . • [...]

393 n r Subject too dark ; photo will be underexposed. •U s e a h i g h e r I S O sensitivity 94 • I n exposure mode: e Use fl ash f Lower shutter speed 171 106 g Choose a larger aperture (s maller f-number) 107 A (blinks) A selected in exposure mode f . Change shutter speed or select manual exposure mode. 106, 109 (blinks) c (blinks) Optional [...]

394 n — c (blinks) If indicator blinks for 3s after flash fires, photo may be underex posed. Check photo in monitor; if underexposed, adjust settings and try again. 172 n (blinks) j (blinks) Memory insufficient to record fur ther ph otos at current settings , or camera has run out of file or folder numbers . • Reduce quality or size. 56, 60 •[...]

395 n Indicator Problem Solut ion Pag e Monitor Control panel No memory car d. S Camera cannot detect memor y card. T urn camera off and confirm that card is correctl y inser ted. 39 This memory car d can not be us ed. Card ma y be damaged. Insert another card. (blinks) • Er ror accessing memor y card. •U s e N i k o n - approved card. 371 • [...]

396 n This c ard is not formatted. For m at t he car d. C (blinks) Memory card has not been formatted for use in ca mera. Fo rmat memory card or insert new memor y card . 39, 41 Fo ld e r contains no images . — No images on memory card or in folder(s) selected for playback. Select fo lder containing images from [Playback folder] menu or inser t d[...]

397 n Cannot select this file . — Memory card does not contain images that can be reto uch ed. Images created with other devices can not be retouched. 330 Check printe r . — Printer error . Check printer . To resume, select [C ontinue] (if avail able ). 231 * Check paper . — Paper in printer is not of selected size. Insert paper of correc t s[...]

398 n Check ink supply . —I n k e r r o r . Check ink. To resume, select [Cont inu e]. 231 * Out of ink. — Printer is out of ink. Replace i nk and select [Cont inue] . 231 * * See printer manu al for more information. Indicator Problem Sol ution Pag e Monitor Control panel[...]

399 n Appe ndix The Appendix covers the following topics: • Defaults .. ......... .......... .......... ........... .......... ........... ........ .......... ........... .... pg. 400 • Memor y Card Capacity .............. .......... ........... .......... ........ ........... . pg. 405 • Exposure Program .. ........... .......... ........ ..[...]

400 n Defaults The following defaults are r estored either with a two -button reset or using [Reset shooting menu] or [Rese t custom settings]. ❚❚ Defaults Rest ored with a Tw o-Button Reset ( pg. 182) 1 Opti on Default Shooti ng menu 2 [ISO sensitivity] (pg. 94) 200 [Image quality] (pg. 56) JPEG normal [Image size] (pg . 60) L [ White balance][...]

401 n ❚❚ Defaults Restored with [Res et Shooting Menu] (pg . 257) 1 Option Default [File naming] (pg . 260) DSC [Image quality] (pg. 56) JPEG normal [Image size] (p g. 60) Large [JPEG compression] (pg. 58) Size priority [NEF (RA W ) recording] (pg. 58) [T y p e] L os sless compres sed [NEF (RA W ) bit depth] 12-bit [ White balance] (pg. 126) Au[...]

402 n ❚❚ Defaults Restor ed with [Res et Custom Settings] (pg. 266) * Option Default a1 [AF-C priorit y selection] (pg. 267) Release a2 [AF-S priority selection] (pg. 268) F oc us a3 [Dynamic AF area] (pg. 269) 9 points a4 [Focus tracking with lock-o n] (pg. 270) Nor mal a5 [AF activation] (pg. 271) Shutter/AF-ON a6 [AF point illumination ] (pg[...]

403 n d1 [Beep] (pg. 281) H igh d2 [ Viewfinder grid display] (pg. 281) O ff d3 [ Viewfinder warning display] (pg . 282) On d4 [CL mode shooting speed] (pg . 282) 3 fps d5 [Max. continuous release] (pg . 282) 100 d6 [File number sequence] (pg . 283) On d7 [Shooting info display] (pg. 284) Auto d8 [L CD illumination] (pg. 285) Of f d9 [Exposure dela[...]

404 n f1 [Multi selector center butt on] (pg. 300 ) [Shooting mode] Select center focus point [Playback mode] Thumbnail on/off f2 [Multi selector] (pg. 301) Do nothing f3 [Photo info/playback] (pg. 301) Info / Play back f4 [Assign FUNC. button] (pg. 302) [FUNC. button p ress] None [FUNC. button+ dials] Aut o bracketin g f5 [Assign preview button] ([...]

405 n Me mo r y Card Cap a cit y The following table shows the approximate number of pic tures that can be stored on a 2 GB SanDisk Ex treme III (SDCFX) card at different image quality and size settings. Image quality Image size File size 1 No. of images 1 Buffer capa city 2 NEF (RA W ), Lossless compressed, 12-bit —1 3 . 6 M B 9 8 1 8 NEF (RA W [...]

406 n 1 All figures are appr oximate. File siz e varies with scene recor ded. 2 Ma ximu m num ber of ex posu res tha t can b e store d in me mor y bu ffer at ISO 20 0. Drops if [Optimal quality] is selec ted fo r [JPEG compression], ISO sensitivity is set to P or higher , [H igh ISO NR] is on when auto ISO sensitivity control is on or ISO sensitivi[...]

407 n Ex po sure Pro gram The ex posu re progra m for pro gram med a uto i s show n in the fol lo wi ng gr ap h : The maximum and minimum values for EV var y with ISO sensitivity ; the above graph assumes an ISO sensitivity of ISO 200 equivalent. When matrix metering is used , values o ver 17 1 / 3 EV are reduc ed to 17 1 / 3 EV . -4 -3 12 13 -2 -1[...]

408 n Aper ture, Sensitivity , and Flash Range The range of the built-in flash varies with sensitivity (ISO equivalenc y) and aper ture. The built-in flash has a minimum range of 0.6 m (2 ft.). In programmed aut o exposure mode (mode e ), the maximum aperture (minimum f-number) is limited according to ISO sensitivity , as shown below: F or each one[...]

409 n Specifications ❚❚ Nikon D300 Digital Camera Ty pe Typ e Single -lens reflex digital camera Lens mount N ikon F mount (with AF c oupling and AF contacts) Ef fe ctiv e p ict ur e an gle Approx. 1.5 × lens focal length (Nikon DX format) Effect ive pixels Effectiv e pix els 12. 3 million Image sensor Image sensor 23.6 × 15.8 mm CMOS sensor [...]

410 n File system DCF ( D esign Rule fo r C amera F ile Syste m) 2.0, DPO F ( D igital P rint O rder F ormat), Exif 2.21 ( Ex change able I mage F ile F or mat for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge Viewfin der View fin der Eye -level pentapri sm single -lens reflex viewfinder Fram e cove ra ge Approx. 100% horizontal and 100% v er tical Magnificat[...]

411 n Shutt er Typ e Electronically- controlled ver tical-travel focal-plane shutter Speed 1 / 8000 – 30 s in steps of 1 / 3 , 1 / 2 , or 1 EV, bulb , X2 50 Flash sync speed X= 1 / 250 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1 / 320 s or slow er (flash range drops at speeds between 1 / 250 and 1 / 320 s) Release Release mode S (single frame), C L (contin[...]

412 n Exposure br acketing 2 – 9 frames in steps of 1 / 3 , 1 / 2 , 2 / 3 , or 1 EV Flash bracketing 2 – 9 frames in steps of 1 / 3 , 1 / 2 , 2 / 3 , o r 1 EV White balance bracketing 2 – 9 frames in steps of 1, 2, or 3 Exposure l ock Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L / AF-L button ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure In dex) ISO[...]

413 n Flash control • TTL : i- T TL balanced fill-flash and standard i- T TL flash for digital SLR using 1, 005-segment RGB sensor ar e available with built-in flash and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, or SB-400 • Auto aperture : A vailable with SB-900 or SB-800 and CPU lens • Non-TTL auto : Supported flash units include SB-900, SB-800, SB-28, SB-27,[...]

414 n Monitor Monitor 3-in., 920,000-dot (VGA), low-temperatur e polysilicon TFT L CD with 170 ° viewing angle, 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment Playback Playback F ull-frame and thumbnail (four o r nine images) playback with pla yback z oom, slide show , histogram display , auto im age rotation, and image comment (up to 36 ch aracte[...]

415 n • Unless otherwise stated, all figures are for a camera with a fully-charged battery operating at an ambien t temperature of 20 °C (68 °F). • Nikon reserves the right to change th e 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 m[...]

416 n A Supported Standards • DCF Version 2.0 : The D esign Rule for C amera F ile Syst em (DCF) is a standard widely used in the digital camer a industry to ensure compatibility among different makes of camera. • DPOF : D igital P rint O rder F ormat (DPOF) is an industr y-wide standard that allows pictures to be printed from print or ders sto[...]

417 n A Battery Life The number of shots that can be taken with fully-charged batteries varies with the condition of the battery, t emperature, and ho w the camera is used. In the case of AA batt eries, capa city also varies with make and storage conditions; some batteries can not be used. Sample figures f or the camera and optional MB-D10 multi-po[...]

418 n The following can r educe battery life: • Using the monitor • Keeping the shutter-release button pressed halfwa y • Repeated autofocus operations • T aking NEF (RAW) or TIFF (RGB) photographs • Slow shutter sp eeds • Using the optional W T -4 wireless transmitter • Using the opti onal GP-1 GPS unit • Using VR (vibration reduct[...]

419 Inde x Menu items and options in the camera monitor are shown in brack ets ([ ]). Symbols K (Single-point AF), 64, 65 I (Dynamic-area AF), 64, 65, 269 H (Auto-area AF), 64, 65 S , 62, 68, 74, 268 C L , 74, 76, 282 C H , 74, 76 a , 79 E (Self-timer), 89 M UP , 91 a (Matrix), 100, 101, 278 Z (Ce nter- weight ed), 100, 277, 278 b (Spot), 100, 278 [...]

Menu items an d options in th e camera monitor a re shown in brackets ([ ]). 420 Bracketing, 116, 297, 29 8 exposure , 116, 297, 298 flash , 116, 297, 29 8 white balance , 116, 121 [Bracketin g order], 299 [Built-in AF-assist illuminator], 273 Bulb, 110 Burst, 186, 282, 303 C C , 62, 69, 267, 269 Camera Control Pr o 2, 224, 225, 3 68 Capture NX, 56[...]

421 [File naming], 260 [File number se quence], 283 [Filter effec ts] , 338 [Skylight] , 338 [ Warm filter] , 338 [Fine tune optimal exposure], 277 [Firm ware version], 328 Flash, 171, 174, 176, 178 bracketing , 116, 29 7, 298 compensation , 176 control , 170, 357 i- T TL bala nced-fill flash for digital SLR , 170, 357 standard i- T TL flash for di[...]

Menu items an d options in th e camera monitor a re shown in brackets ([ ]). 422 [Interval timer shooting], 189 Inter val timer shooting, 189 ISO sensitivity, 93, 94, 96 [ISO sensitivity settings], 95 [ISO sensitivity] , 9 5 [ISO sensitivity auto control ] , 96 [Maximum sensitivity] , 96 [Minimum shutte r speed] , 96 [ISO sensitivity step value], 2[...]

423 [Multi selector], 301 [Multi selector center button], 300 [Multiple exposure], 184 Multiple exposure, 184 [My Menu], 344 [Add items] , 344 [Rank items] , 3 47 [Remove items] , 346 N NEF , 56 , 58 NEF (RA W ), 56, 59 [NEF (RA W ) recor ding], 58 [NEF (RA W ) bit depth] , 59 [12-bit] , 59 [14-bit] , 59 [T yp e ] , 58 [Compre ssed ] , 58 [Lossless[...]

Menu items an d options in th e camera monitor a re shown in brackets ([ ]). 424 S S , 60 [Save/load settings], 325 Saving camera settings, 325 [Self-timer delay], 280 Sensitivity, 93, 94, 96 [Set Picture C ontrol], 148 [Monochro me] , 148 [F ilter eff ects] , 151, 153 [T o n in g ] , 151, 153 [Neutral] , 148 [Standard] , 148 [V iv i d] , 148 Setup[...]

425 [Dayligh t saving tim e] , 37, 315 [T i me z o ne ] , 37, 315 W T -4 , 229, 365[...]

En_04 DIGIT AL CAMERA En User's Manual No reproduction in an y form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critic al articl es or reviews), may be made without written authoriz ation from NIKON CORPORATION. Printed in Europe SB8K04(11) 6MB00211-04 En Q0310_UM_En_EUR_03_Cov er.fm Page 1 Wednesday, November 19, 20 08 [...]