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DIGITAL CAMERA
En
User's Manual
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Where to Find ItFind what youre looking for from:
i The Q&A Index pKnow what you want to do but dont know the function na
from the question and answer index.
i The Table of Contents pFind items by function or menu name.
i The Quick Start Guide pA brief guide for those who want to get started taking pictu
i The Index pSearch by key word.
i Error Messages p
If a warning is displayed in the viewfinder or monitor, find there.
i Troubleshooting pCamera behaving unexpectedly?Find the solution here.
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Package ContentsBe sure all items listed here were included with you
Memory cards are sold separately. D300 digital camera (pg. 3)
Body cap (pp. 34, 368)
BM-8 LCD monitor cover (pg. 19)
DK-5 eyepiece cap (pg. 20) EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-ion battery with termina
(pp. 30, 32)
MH-18a quick charger with power cable (pg. 30)
UC-E4 USB cable (pp. 224, 232)
EG-D100 video cable (pg. 242)
AN-D300 strap (pg. 19)
Warranty
Users Manual(this guide)
Quick Guide
Software Installation Guide
Software Suite CD-ROM
Registration card (U. S. A. only)
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Symbols and ConventionsTo make it easier to find the information you need, th
symbols and conventions are used:
Menu items, options, and messages displayed in the cam
are shown in brackets ([ ]).
A Trademark InformationMacintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademar
I Mi ft Wi d d Wi d Vi t ith i t
DThis icon marks cautions; information that should be
use to prevent damage to the camera.
AThis icon marks notes; information that should be rea
using the camera.
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Introduction
Tutorial
Image Recording OptionsFocus
Release Mode
ISO Sensitivity
Exposure
White Balance
Image Enhancement
Flash Photography
Other Shooting Options
More About Playback
Connections
X
k
S
Z
r
J
l
t
I
Q
s
dN
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Q&A Index
Find what youre looking for using this question and index.
New Features
Camera Setup
Question Key phrase
How do I take high-quality NEF (RAW)
photos? 14-bit NEF (RAW)
Can I use the monitor as a viewfinder? Live view
Can I control how photos are processed? Picture Controls
How do I preserve details in shadows and
highlights?Active D-Lighting
How do I focus on erratically movingsubjects?
3D-tracking
Can I adjust focus separately for different
lenses?AF fine tune
How do I remove dust from the low-pass
filter protecting the image sensor?
Cleaning the low-p
filter
Question Key phrase
How do I focus the viewfinder? Viewfinder focus
How do I keep the monitor from turningoff?
Monitor off delay
How do I keep the shutter speed and
aperture displays from turning off?Auto meter off
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Menus and Displays
How do I set the clock?
World time
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?LCD brightness
How do I restore default settings? Two-button rese
How do I restore shooting menudefaults?
Reset shooting m
How do I restore Custom Setting
defaults?Reset custom set
How do I change the self-timer delay? Self-timer delay
How do I turn the speaker off? BeepCan I reverse the electronic analog
exposure display?Reverse indicato
Can I display the menus in a different
language?Language
Can I save menu settings for use on a
different D300 camera? Save/load setting
Question Key phrase
How do I get more information on amenu? Help
How do I use the menus? Using the menus
What do these indicators mean? Viewfinder, contr
panel shootingWhat information is in the shooting
Question Key phrase
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Taking Photographs
How do I get more information about the
battery?Battery info
How do I keep the file number frombeing reset when I insert a new memory
card?File number sequen
How do I reset file numbering to 1?
How do I clean the camera or lens? Cleaning the camer
Question Key phrase
How many more shots can I take with this
card?
Number of exposur
remaining
How do I take bigger photographs? Image quality and sHow can I get more photos on the
memory card?
Can I control how the camera focuses? Autofocus
How do I take a lot of photographs
quickly?Release mode
Can I change the frame advance rate? Shooting speedCan I shoot a self-portrait? Self-timer mode
Can I take pictures under low light
without the flash?ISO sensitivity
Can the ISO sensitivity I choose be
adjusted to ensure optimal exposure?
ISO sensitivity auto
controlHow do I freeze or blur moving objects?
Exposure mode f
(shutter-priority au
How do I blur background details or keep
both foreground and background inExposure mode g
(
Question Key phrase
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Viewing Photographs
Can I set both shutter speed and aperture
manually?
Exposure mode h
(manual)
Can I make photos brighter or darker? Exposure compeHow do I make a time exposure? Long time-expos
Can I vary exposure or flash level
automatically over a series of photos?
Exposure and fla
bracketing
Can I create multiple copies of a photo
using different white balance settings?
White balance
bracketing
How do I adjust white balance? White balance
Can I take pictures with a flash? Flash photograp
flash mode, red-e
reductionHow can I reduce red-eye?
How can I record multiple shots as a
single photograph?
Multiple exposur
Can I pick the standard exposure level?Fine tune optima
exposure
How can I reduce blur? Exposure delay m
Can the flash be used at shutter speeds
faster than 1/250 s?Flash sync speed
Question Key phrase
Can I view my photographs on the
camera?
Camera playback
Can I view more information about
photos?Photo info
Why do parts of my photos blink? Photo info, highl
Question Key phrase
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Retouching Photographs
How do I get rid of an unwanted photo?Deleting individual
photos
Can I delete several photos at once? DeleteCan I zoom in on pictures to make sure
theyre in focus?Playback zoom
Can I protect photos from accidental
deletion?Protect
Can I hide selected photos? Hide image
How do I tell if parts of my photos may beoverexposed?
Display mode:highlights
How do I tell where the camera focused?Display mode: focu
point
Can I view photos as they are taken? Image review
Is there an automatic playback (slideshow) option? Slide show
Question Key phrase
How do I bring out details in shadows? D-Lighting
Can I get rid of red eye? Red-eye correction
Can I crop photographs on the camera? Trim
Can I create a monochrome copy of a
photograph?Monochrome
Can I create a copy with different colors? Filter effectsCan I use the camera to create JPEG
copies of NEF (RAW) photographs?Color balance
Can I overlay two photos to make a single
image?Image overlay
Question Key phrase
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Viewing or Printing Photographs on Other Devices
Optional Accessories
Question Key phrase
Can I view my photos on TV? Television playba
Can I view my photos in High Definition? HDMI
How do I copy photos to my computer?Connecting to a
computer
How do I print photographs? Printing photogr
Can I print photos without a computer? Printing via USB
Can I print the date on my photographs? Time stampHow do I order professional prints? Print set (DPOF)
Question Key phrase
What optional flash units (Speedlights)
can I use?Optional flash un
What lenses can I use? Compatible lense
What AC adapters, remote cords, and
viewfinder accessories are available for
my camera?
Other accessorie
What memory cards can I use?Approved memo
cards
What software is available for my
camera?Other accessorie
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Q&A Index .........................................................................
For Your Safety ................................................................
Notices.................................................................................
Introduction
Overview............................................................................
Getting to Know the Camera.....................................Camera Body ............................................................
The Control Panel ...................................................
The Viewfinder Display..........................................
The Shooting Information Display ...................
The Command Dials ..............................................
Quick Start Guide............................................................
Tutorial
Camera Menus.................................................................Using Camera Menus ............................................
Help .............................................................................
First Steps ..........................................................................Charge the Battery .................................................
Insert the Battery ....................................................
Attach a Lens............................................................
Basic Setup
Table of Contents
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Viewing Photographs.......................................
Deleting Unwanted Photographs................
Image Recording OptionsImage Quality...............................................................
Image Size.....................................................................
Focus
Focus Mode ..................................................................
AF-Area Mode..............................................................
Focus Point Selection................................................
Focus Lock.....................................................................Manual Focus...............................................................
Release Mode
Choosing a Release Mode .......................................Continuous Mode.......................................................
Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View) ....
Self-Timer Mode..........................................................
Mirror up Mode ...........................................................
ISO Sensitivity
Choosing ISO Sensitivity Manually.......................
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Exposure
Metering ............................................................................
Exposure Mode...............................................................e: Programmed Auto ............................................
f: Shutter-Priority Auto........................................
g: Aperture-Priority Auto.....................................
h: Manual ...................................................................
Autoexposure (AE) Lock..............................................Exposure Compensation.............................................
Bracketing .........................................................................
White Balance
White Balance Options.................................................
Fine-Tuning White Balance.........................................
Choosing a Color Temperature .................................
Preset Manual ..................................................................
Image Enhancement
Picture Controls..............................................................Creating Custom Picture Controls....................
Active D-Lighting...........................................................Color Space.......................................................................
Flash Photography
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Other Shooting Options
Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings
Multiple Exposure ......................................................Interval Timer Photography ...................................
Non-CPU Lenses.........................................................
Using a GPS Unit .........................................................
More About Playback
Full-Frame Playback ..................................................
Photo Information......................................................
Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom................
Protecting Photographs from Deletion.............
Deleting Individual Photographs .........................
Connections
Connecting to a Computer .....................................Direct USB Connection ....................................
Wireless and Ethernet Networks ..................
Printing Photographs...............................................Direct USB Connection ....................................
Viewing Photographs on TV...................................Standard Definition Devices ..........................
High Definition Devices
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Menu Guide
DThe Playback Menu: Managing Images...........
Delete.....................................................................Playback Folder...................................................
Hide Image...........................................................
Display Mode.......................................................
Image Review......................................................
After Delete..........................................................
Rotate Tall .............................................................
Slide Show............................................................
Print Set (DPOF)..................................................
CThe Shooting Menu: Shooting Options...........Shooting Menu Bank........................................
Reset Shooting Menu .......................................Active Folder........................................................
File Naming..........................................................
Image Quality......................................................
Image Size.............................................................
JPEG Compression.............................................NEF (RAW) Recording .......................................
White Balance......................................................
Set Picture Control.............................................
Manage Picture Control...................................
Color Space ..........................................................
Active D-Lighting...............................................Long Exp. NR (Long Exposure Noise Redu
High ISO NR..........................................................
ISO Sensitivity Settings ....................................
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a3: Dynamic AF Area ....................................
a4: Focus Tracking with Lock-On.............
a5: AF Activation............................................
a6: AF Point Illumination ............................
a7: Focus Point Wrap-Around...................
a8: AF Point Selection ..................................
a9: Built-in AF-assist Illuminator...............
a10: AF-On for MB-D10................................
b: Metering/Exposure.......................................
b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value ...................b2: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl. ...............
b3: Exp Comp/Fine Tune ............................
b4: Easy Exposure Compensation ...........
b5: Center-Weighted Area .........................
b6: Fine Tune Optimal Exposure..............
c: Timers/AE Lock ...............................................
c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L ..............
c2: Auto Meter-off Delay.............................
c3: Self-Timer Delay ......................................
c4: Monitor off Delay....................................
d: Shooting/Display...........................................d1: Beep ............................................................
d2: Viewfinder Grid Display .......................
d3: Viewfinder Warning Display...............
d4: CL Mode Shooting Speed ...................
d5: Max. Continuous Release ....................d6: File Number Sequence.........................
d7: Shooting Info Display ...........................
d8: LCD Illumination.....................................
d9: Exposure Delay Mode
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e7: Bracketing Order .........................................
f: Controls ..................................................................
f1: Multi Selector Center Button ...................
f2: Multi Selector.................................................
f3: Photo Info/Playback....................................
f4: Assign FUNC. Button...................................
f5: Assign Preview Button ...............................
f6: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button ...........................
f7: Customize Command Dials......................
f8: Release Button to Use Dial........................f9: No Memory Card? ........................................
f10: Reverse Indicators .....................................
BThe Setup Menu: Camera Setup............................Format Memory Card .......................................
LCD Brightness....................................................Clean Image Sensor...........................................
Lock Mirror up for Cleaning ...........................
Video Mode ..........................................................
HDMI.......................................................................
World Time...........................................................
Language ..............................................................Image Comment ................................................
Auto Image Rotation ........................................
USB ..........................................................................
Dust off Ref Photo..............................................
Battery Info ...........................................................Wireless Transmitter .........................................
Image Authentication ......................................
Copyright Information.....................................
Save/Load Settings
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Monochrome ..................................................
Filter Effects .....................................................
Color Balance ..................................................
Image Overlay.................................................
Side-by-Side Comparison...........................
OMy Menu: Creating a Custom Menu...............
Technical Notes
Compatible Lenses ....................................................Optional Flash Units (Speedlights)......................
Other Accessories.......................................................
Caring for the Camera..............................................Storage...................................................................
Cleaning ................................................................
The Low-Pass Filter............................................
Clean Now ....................................................
Clean at Startup/Shutdown ...................
Manual Cleaning............................................
Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions..
Troubleshooting .........................................................
Error Messages ............................................................
Appendix .......................................................................
Specifications...............................................................Index.................................................................................
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For Your SafetyTo prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to your
others, read the following safety precautions in their entiretthis equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all th
the product will read them.
The consequences that could result from failure to observe
precautions listed in this section are indicated by the follow
WARNINGS
A Keep the sun out of the frameKeep the sun well out of the framewhen shooting backlit subjects.
Sunlight focused into the camera
when the sun is in or close to the
frame could cause a fire.
A Do not look at the sun through theviewfinder
Viewing the sun or other strong
light source through the
viewfinder could cause
permanent visual impairment.A Using the viewfinder diopter control
When operating the viewfinder
diopter control with your eye to
h i fi d h ld b
A Turn off immediately imalfunctionShould you notice
unusual smell com
equipment or AC a
(available separate
AC adapter and rembattery immediate
to avoid burns. Co
operation could re
After removing the
the equipment to a
authorized service inspection.
A Do not disassembleTouching the prod
This icon marks warnings. To prevent possible injury
warnings before using this Nikon product.A
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A Do not use in the presence of flammablegas
Do not use electronic equipment
in the presence of flammable gas,
as this could result in explosion orfire.
A Keep out of reach of childrenFailure to observe this precaution
could result in injury.
A Do not place the strap around the neck ofan infant or child
Placing the camera strap around
the neck of an infant or child
could result in strangulation.
A Observe proper precautions whenhandling batteries
Batteries may leak or explode if
improperly handled. Observe the
following precautions when
handling batteries for use in this
product: Use only batteries approved for
use in this equipment.
Do not short or disassemble the
battery.
Be sure the product is off before
replacing the battery. If you areusing an AC adapter, be sure it is
unplugged.
Do not attempt to insert the
metal objects su
hairpins.
Batteries are pro
when fully disch
damage to the premove the batt
charge remains.
When the batter
attach the termi
store in a cool, d
The battery mayimmediately afte
product has bee
power for an ext
Before removing
the camera off a
battery to cool.
Discontinue use
should you notic
the battery, such
or deformation.
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A Observe proper precautions whenhandling the quick charger
Keep dry. Failure to observe this
precaution could result in fire or
electric shock. Dust on or near the metal parts of
the plug should be removed with
a dry cloth. Continued use could
result in fire.
Do not handle the power cable or
go near the charger duringthunderstorms. Failure to observe
this precaution could result in
electric shock.
Do not damage, modify, or
forcibly tug or bend the power
cable. Do not place it under
heavy objects or expose it to heat
or flame. Should the insulation be
damaged and the wires become
exposed, take the power cable to
a Nikon-authorized service
representative for inspection.
Failure to observe this precaution
could result in fire or electric
shock.
Do not handle the plug or charger
with wet hands. Failure toobserve this precaution could
result in electric shock.
Do not use with travel converters
or adapters designed to convert
A Use appropriate cablesWhen connecting
input and output ja
the cables provide
Nikon for the purpcompliance with p
regulations.
A CD-ROMsCD-ROMs containi
manuals should noback on audio CD e
Playing CD-ROMs o
player could cause
damage the equip
A Observe caution when Using the camera w
close contact with
other objects could
Using the flash clo
subjects eyes coul
temporary visual im
Particular care sho
observed when ph
infants, when the f
no less than one m
from the subject.
A Avoid contact with liquShould the monito
should be taken to
due to broken glas
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Notices No part of the manuals included with this
product may be reproduced,transmitted, transcribed, stored in a
retrieval system, or translated into any
language in any form, by any means,
without Nikons prior written permission.
Nikon reserves the right to change the
specifications of the hardware and
software described in these manuals at
any time and without prior notice.
Nikon will not be held
damages resulting froproduct.
While every effort ha
ensure that the inform
manuals is accurate a
would appreciate it w
any errors or omissio
of the Nikon represen
(address provided se
Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Sta
This equipment has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class Bdigital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC rules.These limits are designed toprovide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequencyenergy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio
communications.However, there is noguarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation.If this equipmentdoes cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to
CAUTIONS
Modifications
The FCC requires the
that any changes or mto this device that are
approved by Nikon Co
void the users author
equipment.
Interface Cables
Use the interface cabl
by Nikon for your equ
other interface cables
limits of Class B Part 1
D30
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Notices for Customers in Canada
CAUTION
This Class B digital apparatus complies
with Canadian ICES-003.
ATTENTION
Cet appareil numrique
conforme la norme NM
Canada.Notices for Customers in Europe
This symbol indicates that
this product is to be
collected separately.The following apply only to
users in European countries: This product is designated
for separate collection at anappropriate collection point. Do notdispose of as household waste.
For more information, contact theretailer or the local authorities incharge of waste management.
This symbol on the batte
indicates that the batter
to be collected separate
The following apply only
users in European count
All batteries, whether msymbol or not, are desseparate collection at acollection point.Do nhousehold waste.
For more information, retailer or the local autcharge of waste mana
Disposing of Data Storage Devices
Please note that deleting images or formatting memory cards or otdevices does not completely erase the original image data. Delete
sometimes be recovered from discarded storage devices using comavailable software, potentially resulting in the malicious use of perdata. Ensuring the privacy of such data is the users responsibility.
Before discarding a data storage device or transferring ownership tperson, erase all data using commercial deletion software, or formathen completely refill it with images containing no private informa
example, pictures of empty sky). Be sure to also replace any picturpreset manual. Care should be taken to avoid injury when physicadata storage devices.
i i hibi i f i d i
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Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction
Note that simply being in possession of material that has been d
reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other devipunishable by law.
Items prohibited by law from being copied orreproduced
Do not copy or reproduce paper
money, coins, securities, government
bonds, or local government bonds,even if such copies or reproductions
are stamped Sample.
The copying or reproduction of papermoney, coins, or securities which are
circulated in a foreign country is
prohibited.
Unless the prior permission of the
government has been obtained, the
copying or reproduction of unusedpostage stamps or post cards issued by
the government is prohibited.
The copying or reproduction of stamps
issued by the government and ofcertified documents stipulated by lawis prohibited.
Cautions on certain copiThe government haon copies or reprod
securities issued by
(shares, bills, checksetc.), commuter pas
tickets, except whennecessary copies arebusiness use by a co
not copy or reprodu
issued by the governissued by public age
groups, ID cards, and
passes and meal cou
Comply with copyright n
The copying or repr
copyrighted creativebooks, music, painti
prints, maps, drawinphotographs is goveand international co
not use this product
making illegal copiecopyright laws.
Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic AccessoriesNikon cameras are designed to the highest standards and includ
electronic circuitry.Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (incchargers, batteries, AC adapters, and flash accessories) certified
specifically for use with this Nikon digital camera are engineered
A B f T ki I t t Pi t
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A Before Taking Important PicturesBefore taking pictures on important occasions (such as at w
before taking the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensu
camera is functioning normally.Nikon will not be held liablor lost profits that may result from product malfunction.
A Life-Long LearningAs part of Nikons Life-Long Learning commitment to ong
support and education, continually-updated information is
line at the following sites:
For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/
For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com
For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon
Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product i
tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and gen
digital imaging and photography.Additional information mavailable from the Nikon representative in your area.See thURL for contact information: http://imaging.nikon.com/
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XIntroductionThis chapter covers information you will need to kn
using the camera, including the names of camera p
Overview................................................................
Getting to Know the Camera .............................Camera Body....................................................................
The Control Panel ...........................................................
The Viewfinder Display.................................................
The Shooting Information Display ...........................The Command Dials ......................................................
Quick Start Guide .................................................
O i
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X
OverviewThank you for your purchase of a Nikon single-lens re
digital camera. Please be sure to read all instructions to get the most from the camera, and keep them whe
be read by all those who use the product.
D Use Only Nikon Brand Accessories
Only Nikon brand accessories certified by Nikon specificallyyour Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to op
its operational and safety requirements.THEUSEOFNON-NIKCOULDDAMAGEYOURCAMERAANDMAYVOIDYOUR NIKONWARRAN
G tti t K th C
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Getting to Know the CameTake a few moments to familiarize yourself with cam
and displays. You may find it helpful to bookmark trefer to it as you read through the rest of the manua
Camera Body
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1 Release mode dial.......................75
2 Release mode diallock release....................................75
3 QUAL (image quality/size)
button ......................................57, 60
T b tt t b tt 182
8 Power switch...
9 Shutter-release10 E (exposure co
button................
Two-button res
I (
Camera Body (Continued)
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X
Camera Body (Continued)
1
2
3
4
5
8
13
14
15
16
1 Built-in flash............................... 171
2 Flash pop-up button............... 171
3 M (flash mode) button ............ 171
Y (flash compensation)button .......................................... 176
4 Flash sync terminal
cover 364
9 Video connector..
10 HDMI connector..
11 DC-IN connector f
optional AC adap
or EH-5....................
12 USB connector.....
13 Lens release butto
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
12
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 F b tt 117 121 179 302
8 CPU contacts
9 Mounting index
10
Lens mount......11 Tripod socket
12 Body cap ...........
Camera Body (Continued)
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X
Camera Body (Continued)
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2
1 Viewfinder eyepiece...................43
2 DK-23 viewfindereyepiece cup.................................20
3 O (delete) button............... 54, 222
Q (format) button.....................41
7 L (protect) butt
? (help) button .....R (info) button ...
8 W (thumbnail/p
zoom out) button
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1 2
1 Diopter adjustment control ....43
2 Metering selector..................... 1013 A (AE/AF lock)
button ............................ 68, 69, 306
4 B (AF-ON) button ..........63, 83
7 Focus selector l
8 Memory card s9 Memory card ac
lamp ...................
10 AF-area mode s
The Control Panel
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X
The Control Panel
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1 Color temperature indicator ...... 133
2 Shutter speed ......................106, 109
Exposure compensation
value................................................. 114
Flash compensation value ....... 176
ISO sensitivity...................................94
White balance fine-tuning ....... 132Color temperature....................... 133
White balance preset
number............................................ 143
Number of shots in exposure
and flash bracketing
sequence ........................................ 117
Number of shots in WB
bracketing sequence.................. 121
Number of intervals for
7 Image quality ........
8 Auto-area AF indic
AF-area mode indi
3D-tracking indica
9 White balance fine
indicator..................
10 White balance .......11 Number of exposu
remaining ...............
Number of shots re
before memory bu
Capture mode ind
Preset white balan
recording indicato
Manual lens numb
12 K (appears when
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19
18
20
21
22
23
24
14 Flash mode................................. 171
15 Beep indicator ........................... 281
16 Aperture (f-number)..........107, 109
Aperture
(number of stops)........................ 353
Exposure and flash
bracketing increment ................ 118WB bracketing increment......... 122
Number of shots per
interval ............................................ 192
Maximum aperture
(non-CPU lenses) ......................... 198
PC mode indicator ...................... 227
17 Aperture stop indicator............. 353
18 Flash compensation
indicator 176
23 Image comment
24 Shooting menu
25 Custom settings
26 Exposure and fla
bracketing indic
WB bracketing in
27 Electronic analodisplay..................
Exposure compe
Exposure and fla
bracketing prog
indicator ..............
WB bracketing pindicator ..............
PC connection in
28 MB-D10 battery
The Viewfinder Display
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X
The Viewfinder Display1
4
2
3
5 6 7 129 118 10 13
16
17
18 2019
1 Framing grid (displayed 14 Number of exp
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D
1 Framing grid (displayed
when [On] is selected for
Custom Setting d2) ................. 281
2Focus points........................ 66, 272
3 AF area brackets ...................43, 81
4 Battery indicator................ 44, 282
(display can be turned off with
Custom Setting d3)
5 Focus indicator......................51, 72
6 Metering...................................... 100
7 Autoexposure (AE) lock .........112
8 Shutter speed...................106, 109
9 Aperture (f-number) ......107, 109
Aperture
(number of stops) .................... 35310 Exposure mode......................... 102
11 Flash compensation
indicator ...................................... 176
12 Exposure compensation
indicator ...................................... 11413 ISO sensitivity...............................94
14 Number of exp
remaining.........
Number of shot
before memory White balance r
indicator............
Exposure comp
value...................
Flash compensa
PC mode indica15 Flash-ready ind
16 FV lock indicato
17 Flash sync indic
18 Aperture stop i
19 Electronic analodisplay ...............
Exposure comp
display ...............
20 Auto ISO sensit
indicator............
21 K (appears wh
remains for ove
exposures)........
The Shooting Information Disp
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X
g pShooting information, including shutter
speed, aperture, the number of exposures
remaining, buffer capacity, and AF-areamode, is displayed in the monitor when the
R button is pressed.To clear shootinginformation from the monitor, press theR
button again or press the shutter-release button halfw
default settings, the monitor will turn off automaticaloperations are performed for about 20 seconds.
R but
121314151617
9
10
11
19
20
18
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8
37
21
33 32 31
22 23 24 25
36
35
34
1 Exposure mode................................. 102 19 Image size ............
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p
2 Flexible program indicator ........... 105
3 Flash sync indicator......................... 288
4 Shutter speed...........................106, 109Exposure compensation value.... 114Flash compensation value............ 176Number of shots in exposureand flash bracketing sequence... 117Number of shots in WBbracketing sequence ...................... 121
Focal length (non-CPU lenses).... 198Color temperature........................... 133
5 Color temperature indicator........ 133
6 Aperture stop indicator ................. 353
7 Aperture (f-number) ..............107, 109Aperture (number of stops) ......... 353
Exposure and flashbracketing increment..................... 118WB bracketing increment ............. 122Maximum aperture(non-CPU lenses).............................. 198
8 Camera battery indicator.................44
9 MB-D10 battery type display....... 287MB-D10 battery indicator ............. 286
10 Shooting menu bank...................... 255
11 Custom settings bank .................... 266
12 Picture Control indicator............... 149
13Color space indicator...................... 167
14 Active D-Lighting indicator.......... 166
15 High ISO noise reductionindicator .............................................. 263
g
20 Electronic analogdisplay ...................
21 FV lock indicator
22 ISO sensitivity indAuto ISO sensitiv
23 Exposure compenindicator ...............
24 Flash compensatindicator ...............
25 GPS connection i
26 Beep indicator.
27 Flash mode ..........
28 Multiple exposur
29 K (appears whe
remains for over exposures) ...........
30 Number of exposremaining ............Manual lens num
31 White balance.....
White balance finindicator ...............
32 Auto-area AF indFocus points indiAF-area mode ind3D-tracking indic
33 Image quality......34 Copyright inform
35 Interval timer ind
36 Image comment
The Command Dials
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X
The main- and sub-command dials are used alone or
combination with other controls to adjust a variety of
QUAL buttonImage
quality/size
ISO buttonISO
sensitivity
WB buttonWhitebalance
M buttonFlash mode/
Flash
compensation
Sub-comm
Main comma
Image Quality and Size
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Press the QUALbutton and rotate the command dials
Set imagequality
(pg. 57)
Choose an image
size (pg. 60)
ISO SensitivityPress the ISObutton and rotate the main command d
Set ISO
sensitivity
(pg. 94)
QUAL button Main command dial C
+
QUAL button Sub-command dial C
+
ISO b tt M i d di l C
+
ExposureP h I b d h d d
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X
Press theIbutton and rotate the main command d
the exposure mode.
Choose the
exposure mode
(pg. 102)
Use the command dials to adjust exposure.
Choose a
combination ofaperture and
shutter speed
(exposure mode
P; pg. 105)
Choose a shutter
speed (exposure
mode S or M; pp.
106, 110)
I button Main command dial Co
+
Exposure
mode e
Main
command dial
Co
+
+
Exposure
mode f or h
Main
command dial
Co
Set exposure
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compensation
(pg. 114)
Activate or
cancel
bracketing/
select number
of shots in
bracketing
sequence
(pp. 117, 120)
Select
bracketing
exposure
increment(pg. 118)
A The Fn ButtonD di th ti l t d f C t S tti f4
E button Main command dial C
+
Fn button Main command dial C
+
Fn button Sub-command dial C
+
White BalanceP th WB b tt d t t th d di l
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X
Press the WBbutton and rotate the command dials.
Choose a whitebalance setting
(pg. 127)
Fine-tune
white balance
(pg. 132), set
color
temperature(pg. 133), or
choose a white
balance preset (pg. 143)
Flash SettingsPress the Mbutton and rotate the command dials.
Choose flash
mode (pg. 171)
WB button Main command dial Co
+
WB button Sub-command dial Co
+
M button Main command dial Co
+
Attaching the AN-D300 Camer
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Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets
body as shown below.
The BM-8 Monitor CoverA clear plastic cover is provided with the camera
to keep the monitor clean and protect it when the
camera is not in use. To attach the cover, insert
the projection on the top of the cover into the
matching indentation above the camera monitor
(q) and press the bottom of the cover until it
clicks into place (w).
To remove the cover, hold the camera firmly and
pull the bottom of the cover gently outwards as
shown at right.
The DK-23 Viewfinder Eyepiece
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X
Before attaching the DK-5 viewfinder
eyepiece cap and other viewfinder
accessories (pp. 89, 366), remove the DK-23viewfinder eyepiece cup by placing your
fingers underneath the flanges on either side
and sliding it off as shown at right. The DK-5
viewfinder eyepiece cap is used in self-timer
(pg. 89) and interval-timer photography (pg. 189).
Quick Start Guide
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Follow these steps for a quick start with the D300.
1 Charge the battery (pg. 30).
2 Insert the battery (pg. 32).
3 Attach a lens(pg. 34).
4 Insert a memory card (pg. 39).
Front
6 Check camera settings (pp. 44, 47).
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X
7 Select single-servo autofocus (pp. 49, 62).
Rotate the focus-mode selector to S (single-servo
8 Focus and shoot(pp. 51, 52).
Press the shutter-release
button halfway to focus, thenpress the shutter-release
button the rest of the way
down to take the photograph.
9 View thephotograph (pg. 53).
Control panel Viewf
Exposure mode
Image sizeImage quality
White balance
Number of expos
Battery level
Focus i
s
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sTutorialThis section describes how to use the camera menu
the camera for use, and how to take your first pictuthem back.
Camera Menus ......................................................
Using Camera Menus ....................................................
Help .....................................................................................
First Steps ..............................................................
Charge the Battery .........................................................
Insert the Battery ............................................................
Attach a Lens....................................................................
Basic Setup........................................................................
Insert a Memory Card....................................................
Format the Memory Card ............................................
Adjust Viewfinder Focus...............................................
Basic Photography and Playback
Camera Menus
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s
Most shooting, playback, and setup options
can be accessed from the camera menus.Toview the menus, press theG button.G bu
Choose from playback, shooting,
Custom Settings, setup, retouch,
and My menus (see following
page).
TabsSlider shows position
menu.
Cur
are
icon
If Q icon is displayed, help for
current item can be viewed by
pressingL (Q) button (pg. 29).
Q Options in current m
Menu options
MenusThe following menus are available:
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g
Menu Description
D Playback Adjust playback settings and man(pg. 246).
C Shooting Adjust shooting settings (pg. 254)
A Custom Settings Personalize camera settings (pg. 2
B SetupFormat memory cards and perfor
setup (pg. 311).N Retouch
Create retouched copies of existin
(pg. 329).
O My MenuCreate a menu of custom options
desired, a menu of recently-used
displayed in place of [My Menu] (p
Using Camera Menus
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s
Menu Controls
The multi selector andJ button are used to navigate
Navigating the MenusFollow the steps below to navigate the menus.
1 Display the menus.Press theG button to display the
menus.
2 Highlight the icon for thecurrent menu.
Move cursor up
Cancel and return
to previous menu
Select
highlighted itemor display sub-
menu
Select
highlighted
item
Sele
item
J
Move cursor down
G bu
3 Select a menu.
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Press1 or3 to select the desired menu.
4 Position the cursor in theselected menu.
Press2
to position the cursorin the selected menu.
5 Highlight a menu item.
Press1 or3 to highlight amenu item.
6 Display options.Press2 to display options for
the selected menu item.
8 Select the highlighted item.
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s
PressJ to select the highlighted item.To exit without making a selection, press
theG button.
Note the following points:
Menu items that are displayed in gray are not curren
While pressing2 or the center of the multi selector g
the same effect as pressingJ, there are some cases
selection can only be made by pressing J.
To exit the menus and return to shooting mode, pre
shutter-release button halfway (pg. 52).
J butt
HelpIf a Q icon is displayed at the bottom left
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If a Q icon is displayed at the bottom left
corner of the monitor, help can be displayed
by pressing theL (Q) button.Adescription of the currently selected optionor menu will be displayed while the button
is pressed.Press1 or3 to scroll throughthe display.
L b
First Steps
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s
Charge the BatteryThe D300 is powered by an EN-EL3e rechargeable Li-i(supplied).
The EN-EL3e is not fully charged at shipment.To maxshooting time, charge the battery in the supplied MH
charger before use.About two and a quarter hours arfully recharge the battery when no charge remains.
1 Plug the charger in.
Insert the AC adapter plug into thebattery charger and plug the power
cable into an electrical outlet.
2 Remove the terminal cover.Remove the terminal cover from the
3 Insert the battery.I t th b tt i t th h Th
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Insert the battery into the charger.TheCHARGE lamp will blink while the battery
charges.
4 Remove the battery when chargingis complete.
Charging is complete when the CHARGElamp stops blinking.Remove the batteryand unplug the charger.
Insert the Battery
1 T rn the camera off P i h
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s
1 Turn the camera off.
Always turn the camera offbefore inserting or removing
batteries.
2 Open the battery-chamber cover.Open the battery-chamber cover on the
bottom of the camera.
3 Insert the battery.Insert the battery as shown at right.
4 Close the battery-chamber cover.
Power switch
D The Battery and ChargerRead and follow the warnings and cautions on pages xviiix
this manual.To prevent short-circuits, replace the termin
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p , p
the battery is not in use.
Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0
above 40C (104F).Charge indoors at ambient temperavicinity of 535C (4195F); for best results, charge the b
temperatures above 20C (68F).Battery capacity may tethe battery is charged at low temperatures or used at a te
below the temperature at which it was charged.If the baat a temperature below 5C (41F), the battery life indicatinfo] (pg. 321) display may show a temporary decrease.
The battery may be hot immediately after use.Wait for thbefore recharging.
Use the charger with compatible batteries only.Unplug wD Incompatible BatteriesThe D300 can not be used with EN-EL3 or EN-EL3a rechar
batteries for the D100, D70 series, or D50 or with the MS-
holder.
A EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-ion BatteriesThe supplied EN-EL3e shares information with compatibl
enabling the camera to show battery charge state in six l
The [Battery info] option in the setup menu details battery
life, and the number of pictures taken since the battery w
(pg. 321).
Attach a LensCare should be taken to prevent dust from entering t
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s
when the lens is removed.
1 Remove the rear lens cap and the camera bAfter confirming that the camera is off, remove th
cap from the lens and remove the camera body c
2 Attach the lens.
Keeping the mountingmark on the lens
aligned with the
mounting mark on the
camera body, position
the lens in the camerasbayonet mount.Beingcareful not to press the
lens release b tton
wq
3 Remove the lens cap.q
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Detaching the LensBe sure the camera is off when removing or
exchanging lenses.To remove the lens, pressand hold the lens release button while turningthe lens clockwise.After removing the lens,replace the lens caps and camera body cap.
D CPU Lenses with Aperture RingsIn the case of CPU lenses equipped with an aperture ring
aperture at the minimum setting (highest f-number).Seefor details.A LensAn AF-S DX VR 18200mm f/3.55.6G ED lens is used in th
illustrative purposes.
w
q
Focal length
scaleFocal length ind
Focus mode swi
Mounting inde
Basic SetupThe language option in the setup menu is automatica
hi hli h d h fi i di l d Ch
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s
highlighted the first time menus are displayed. Choos
and set the time and date.
1 Turn the camera on.
2 Select [Language].PressG to display the
camera menus, then select
[Language] in the setup menu.
For information on using
menus, see Using CameraMenus (pg. 26).
3 Select a language.
Power switch
G bu
4 Select [World time].Select [World time] and press
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Select [World time] and press
2.5 Set time zone.
A time-zone selection dialog
will be displayed.Press4 or2to highlight the local time zone
(the [UTC] field shows the
difference between the
selected time zone and
Coordinated Universal Time, or
UTC, in hours) and pressJ.
6 Turn daylight saving timeon or off.
Daylight saving time options
will be displayed.Daylightsaving time is off by default; if
daylight saving time is in effect in the local timeto highlight [On] and pressJ.
7
8 Set date format.Press1 or3 to choose the
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s
order in which the year, month,
and day will be displayed and
pressJ.
9 Exit to shooting mode.
Press the shutter-release button halfwayto exit to shooting mode.
A The Clock BatteryThe camera clock is powered by an independent, rechargea
source, which is charged as necessary when the main batte
h i d b i l EH 5 EH 5 AC
Insert a Memory CardThe camera stores photographs on CompactFlash a
memory cards (available separately; pg 371) The f
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memory cards (available separately; pg. 371).The fsection describes how to insert and format a memo
1 Turn the camera off.Always turn the camera off
before inserting or removing
memory cards.
2 Open the card slot cover.Unlatch the card slot cover (q) and open
the card slot (w).
3 Insert the memory card.Insert the memory card with the front
label toward the monitor (q).When thememory card is fully inserted, the eject
button will pop up (w) and the greenaccess lamp will light briefly.
Power switch
FAcce
4 Close the card slot cover.
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s
Removing Memory Cards
1 Turn the camera off.Confirm that the access lamp is off and
turn the camera off.
2 Remove the memory card.Open the memory card slot cover and
press the eject button (q) to partially
eject the card (w).The memory card canthen be removed by hand.Do not pushon the memory card while pressing theeject button.Failure to observe this precaution cothe camera or memory card.
Ac
Format the Memory CardMemory cards must be formatted before first use.Fas described below
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as described below.
D Formatting Memory CardsFormatting memory cards permanently deletes any data the
Be sure to copy any photographs and other data you wish
computer before proceeding (pg. 224).
1 Turn the camera on.
2 Press theQ buttons.Hold theQ (I and O)
buttons down simultaneouslyfor more than two seconds.
A blinkingCwill appear in
the shutter-speed displays in
the control panel and
viewfinder. To exit without
Power switch
O button
3 Press theQ buttons again.Press theQ (I and O) buttons together a seco
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s
format the memory card.Do not remove the memremove or disconnect the power source during form
When formatting is complete, the
control panel and viewfinder will show
the number of photographs that can
be recorded at current settings.
D Memory Cards Memory cards may be hot after use.Observe due cautionremoving memory cards from the camera. Memory cards that have been formatted in a computer or
must be reformatted in the camera before they can be us
recording or playback.
Turn the power off before inserting or removing memory remove memory cards from the camera, turn the camera
or disconnect the power source during formatting or whi
being recorded, deleted, or copied to a computer.Failurethese precautions could result in loss of data or in damage
or card.
Do not touch the card terminals with your fingers or meta
Do not bend, drop, or subject to strong physical shocks.
Do not apply force to the card casing.Failure to observe t
Adjust Viewfinder FocusThe camera is equipped with diopter adjustment to
individual differences in vision. Check that the disp
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individual differences in vision.Check that the dispviewfinder is in focus before shooting.
1 Turn the camera on.Remove the lens cap and turn
the camera on.
2 Focus the viewfinder.Rotate the diopter control
until the viewfinder display,
focus points, and AF area
brackets are in sharp focus.
When operating the dioptercontrol with your eye to the
viewfinder, be careful not to
put your fingers or fingernails
in your eye.
Power switch
Basic Photography and Pla
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s
Turn the Camera OnBefore taking photographs, turn the camera on and cbattery level and number of exposures remaining as d
below.
1 Turn the camera on.Turn the camera on.Thecontrol panel will turn on and
the display in the viewfinder
will light.
2 Check the battery level.Check the battery level in the control
panel or viewfinder.Icon *
DescriptionControl panel Viewfinder
L Battery fully charged.
K
Battery partially dischargJ I
H dLow battery.Prepare to c
Power switch
3 Check the number of exposuresremaining.
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The exposure-count displays in the
control panel and viewfinder show
the number of photographs that
can be taken at current settings.When this number reaches zero, Awill flash in the exposure-count
displays while the shutter-speed
displays will show a blinkingn
orj.
A LCD IlluminatorsHolding the power switch in theD
position activates the exposure meters
and control panel backlights (LCD
Power switch
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s
p g (
illuminators), allowing the display to beread in the dark.After the powerswitch is released, the illuminator will
remain lit for six seconds (at default
settings) while the camera exposure
meters are active or until the shutter is released.
A Auto Meter OffAt default settings, the shutter speed and aperture displays
panel and viewfinder will turn off if no operations are perfor
six seconds (auto meter off ), reducing the drain on the batt
shutter-release button halfway to reactivate the display in t
(pg. 52).
The length of time before the exposure meters turn off auto
be adjusted using Custom Setting c2 ([Auto meter-off delay
A Camera Off DisplayIf the camera is turned off with a battery and
memory card inserted, the frame count and
6 s
Exposure meters on Exposure meters off Exposu
Adjust Camera SettingsThis tutorial describes how to take photos at defaul
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1 Check camera settings.
Default settings are listed below.
Option Default Description
Image
quality
NORM(JPEG
normal)
Record JPEG images at a compreof roughly 1 : 8*.Ideal for snapsh* [Size priority] selected for [JPEG co
Image sizeL
(Large)Images are 4,288 2,848 pixels i
ISO
sensitivity 200ISO sensitivity (digital equivalent
speed) set to ISO 200.
White
balance
v
(Auto)
White balance is adjusted autom
natural colors under most types
Exposure
mode
e
(Programmed
auto)
Camera automatically adjusts sh
speed and aperture for optimal e
most situations.
Control panel Vie
Exposure mode
Image size
Image quality
White balance
2 Choose exposure mode e.Press theI button and rotate the
main command dial to select exposure
I
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s
main command dial to select exposure
mode e.The camera will automaticallyadjust shutter speed and aperture foroptimal exposure in most situations.
3 Choose single framerelease mode.
Hold the release mode dial lock
release down and turn therelease mode dial to S (single
frame).At this setting, thecamera will take one
photograph each time the
shutter-release button ispressed.
4 Choose single-point AF.
Rotate the AF-area modeselector until it clicks into place
pointing toK (single-point
Ma
dia
Release mode dia
Release mode dia
lock release
AF-area mode
selector
5 Choose single-servoautofocus.
Rotate the focus mode selector
Focus-mode
selector
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Rotate the focus-mode selector
until it clicks into place
pointing to S (single-servo
autofocus).At this setting, thecamera will automatically focus
on the subject in the selected
focus point when the shutter-
release button is pressed
halfway.Pictures can only be taken when the cfocus.
6 Choose matrix metering.Rotate the metering selector to
Y (matrix metering).Matrixmetering uses information
from the 1,005-segment RGBsensor to ensure optimal
results for the entire frame.
Metering selec
Ready the CameraWhen framing photographs in the
viewfinder, hold the handgrip in your right
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s
hand and cradle the camera body or lenswith your left.Keep your elbows proppedlightly against your torso for support and
place one foot half a pace ahead of the other
to keep you upper body stable.
Hold the camera as shown at right when
framing photographs in portrait (tall)
orientation.
For information on framing photographs in
the monitor, see page 79.
Focus and Shoot
1 Press the shutter-release button
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release button
halfway to focus
(pg. 52).
At default settings, the
camera will focus on the
subject in the centerfocus point.Frame a
photo in the viewfinder
with the main subject positioned in the center f
press the shutter-release button halfway.If theto focus, a beep will sound and the in-focus indappear in the viewfinder.If the subject is dark, illuminator may light automatically to assist the
operation.
While the shutter-release button is pressed half
focus will lock and the number of exposures thcan be stored in the memory buffer (t; pg. 77
be shown in the viewfinder display.
Viewfinder display DescriptionI Subject in focus.
I(blinks)
Camera unable to focus on su
point using autofocus.
Focus
indicator
2 Press the shutter-releasebutton the rest of the way
down to shoot.
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s
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 nex
slot cover will light.Do not eject the memory card,camera off, or remove or disconnect the power sour
lamp has gone out.
A
Viewing Photographs
1 Press theK button.
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A photograph will be displayed in the monitor.
2 View additional pictures.Additional pictures can be
displayed by pressing4 or2.
To view additional information
on the current photograph,
press1 and3 (pg. 206).
To end playback and return to shooting mode,
shutter-release button halfway.
Highligh
Deleting Unwanted PhotographTo delete the photograph currently displayed in the m
press the O button.Note that photographs can not b
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s
once deleted.
1 Display the photograph.Display the photograph you wish to delete as des
Viewing Photographs on the previous page.
2 Delete the photograph.
Press theO
button.
A confirmation dialog will be
Press the O button again to delete the image and
K button
O button
d
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Image RecordingOptions
This section describes how to choose image quality
Image Quality........................................................Image Size..............................................................
Image QualityThe D300 supports the following image quality optio
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d
Option File type Description
NEF (RAW) NEF
RAW data from the image sensor a
directly to the memory card in Niko
Format (NEF). Use with images tha
transferred to a computer for print
processing. Note that once transfe
computer, NEF (RAW) images can o
using ViewNX version 1.2.0 or later
compatible software such as Captu
1.3.5 or later or Capture NX 2 versio
later (available separately; pg. 368)
TIFF (RGB)TIFF
(RGB)
Record uncompressed TIFF-RGB imdepth of 8 bits per channel (24-bit
supported by a wide variety of ima
applications.
JPEG fine
JPEG
Record JPEG images at a compress
roughly 1:4 (fine image quality).
*
JPEG normalRecord JPEG images at a compress
roughly 1:8 (normal image quality
JPEG basicRecord JPEG images at a compress
roughly 1:16 (basic image quality).
NEF (RAW)+
JPEG fine
NEF/
JPEG
Two images are recorded, one NEF
and one fine-quality JPEG image.
NEF (RAW)+
JPEG normal
Two images are recorded, one NEF
and one normal-quality JPEG imag
Image quality is set by pressing
the QUAL button and rotating the
main command dial until the
desired setting is displayed in the
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control panel.
A NEF (RAW) RecordingThe [NEF (RAW) recording] item in the shooting menu co
compression (pg. 58) and bit depth (pg. 59) for NEF (RAW
A JPEG CompressionJPEG images can be compressed for relatively uniform file
image quality.The [JPEG compression] option in the shobe used to choose the type of compression (pg. 58).
QUAL button
C
The JPEG Compression MenuThe [JPEG compression] item in the shooting menu o
following options for JPEG images:
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d
The NEF (RAW) Recording Menu: TypeThe [NEF (RAW) recording] > [Type] item in the shoot
offers the following compression options for NEF (RAW
Option Description
OSize priority
(default)
Images are compressed to produc
uniform file size.Quality varies witrecorded.
P Optimal qualityOptimal image quality.File size vascene recorded.
Option Description
N
Lossless
compressed
(default)
NEF images are compressed using a
algorithm, reducing file size by abou
with no effect on image quality.
O Compressed
NEF images are compressed using a
reversible algorithm, reducing file si
4055% with almost no effect on imUncompressed NEF images are not compressed.
The NEF (RAW) Recording Menu: NEF (RAW) Bit DepThe [NEF (RAW) recording] > [NEF (RAW) bit depth]
shooting menu offers the following bit-depth optio
(RAW) images:
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Option Description
q12-bit
(default)NEF (RAW) images are recorded at a bit-d
r 14-bit
NEF (RAW) images are recorded at a bit-d
producing files roughly 1.3 times larger th
but increasing the color data recorded.Madvance rate (pg. 77) falls to 2.5 fps.
Image SizeImage size is measured in pixels.Choose from the foloptions:
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d
Image size can be set by pressing
the QUAL button and rotating the
sub-command dial until thedesired option is displayed in the
control panel.
Option Size (pixels) Size when printed at 200 d
L (default) 4,288 2,848 54.5 36.2 cm (21.4
M 3,216 2,136 40.8 27.1 cm (16.1
S 2,144 1,424 27.2 18.1 cm (10.7
* Print size in inches equals image size in pixels divided by prinin dots per inch (dpi; 1 inch = approximately 2.54 cm).Print siprinter resolution increases.
SQUAL button
Co
N
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Focus Controlling How the Camera FocusesThis section describes the options that control how
focuses.
Focus Mode ...........................................................
AF-Area Mode .......................................................
Focus Point Selection ..........................................
Focus Lock .............................................................
Manual Focus ........................................................
Focus ModeFocus mode is controlled by the
focus-mode selector on the front of
h Th
Focus-mode selec
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N
the camera.There are twoautofocus (AF) modes, in which the
camera focuses automatically
when the shutter-release button is
pressed halfway, and one manual
focus mode, in which focus must be adjusted manual
focusing ring on the lens:
Option Description
SSingle-servo
AF
Camera focuses when shutter-release button
halfway.Focus locks when in-focus indicatorin viewfinder, and remains locked while shuttbutton is pressed halfway (focus lock).At defshutter can only be released when in-focus in
displayed (focus priority).
C
Continuous-
servo AF
Camera focuses continuously while shutter-re
is pressed halfway.If subject moves, camera predictive focus tracking (pg. 63) to predict finsubject and adjust focus as necessary.At defshutter can be released whether or not subje
(release priority).
M
Manual
Camera does not focus automatically; focus madjusted manually using the lens focusing rin
maximum aperture of lens is f/5.6 or faster, vi
f i di t b d t fi f
A TheB ButtonFor the purpose of focusing the camera, pressing
theB button has the same effect as pressing
the shutter-release button halfway.
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A Predictive Focus Tracking
In continuous-servo AF, the camera will initiate predictivethe subject moves toward or away from the camera while
release button is pressed halfway or theB button is p
allows the camera to track focus while attempting to pred
subject will be when the shutter is released.
A See AlsoFor information on using focus priority in continuous-servCustom Setting a1 ([AF-C priority selection], pg. 267).Fousing release priority in single-servo AF, see Custom Setti
priority selection], pg. 268).For information on preventinfrom focusing when the shutter-release button is pressed
Custom Setting a5 ([AF activation], pg. 271).
AF-Area ModeAF-area mode determines how the
focus point is selected in autofocus
d T l t th AF d
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N
mode.To select the AF-area mode,rotate the AF-area mode selector.The following options are available:
Mode Description
K
Single-
point AF
User selects focus point manually; camera foc
subject in selected focus point only.Use for recompositions with subjects that will stay in se
point.
I
Dynamic-
area AF
In continuous-servo AF (pg 62), user selects focumanually; if subject briefly leaves selected fo
camera will focus based on information from
points.Number of focus points used can be 9, 21, and 51 using Custom Setting a3 ([Dyn
pg. 269).If [51 points (3D-tracking)] is selectSetting a3, focus point will be selected auto
using 3D-tracking.
In single-servo AF, user selects focus point man
focuses on subject in selected focus point o
H
Camera automatically detects
subject and selects focus point.Iftype G or D lens is used, camera candistinguish human subjects from
AF-area mode se
A AF-Area ModeAF-area mode is shown in the control panel.
AF a
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A Manual FocusSingle-point AF is automatically selected when manual fo
AF-area mode
K Single-point AF
I Dynamic-area AF *
Custom Setting a3 ([Dynamic AF area], p
9 points
(default)
21 points
51 points
51 points (3D-tracking)
H Auto-area AF
* Only active focus point is displayed in the viewfinder.Rempoints provide information to assist focus operation.
AF-aindic
Focus Point SelectionThe D300 offers a choice of 51
focus points that together cover a
wide area of the frame The focus
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N
wide area of the frame.The focuspoint 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 that ma
point detection is not available when auto-area AF is
select the focus point manually:
1 Rotate the focus selectorlock to .
This allows the multi selector to
be used to select the focus
point.
2 Select the focus point.
Use the multi selector to selectthe focus point.At defaultsettings, the center focus point
b l t d b i th
AF-area mode se
Focus selector loc
A See AlsoFor information on choosing when the focus point is illum
Custom Setting a6 ([AF point illumination], pg. 271).For setting focus-point selection to wrap around, see Custo
([Focus point wrap-around], pg. 272).For information onnumber of focus points that can be selected using the m
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number of focus points that can be selected using the m
Custom Setting a8 ([AF point selection], pg. 272).For infochanging the role of the multi selector center button, see
f1 ([Multi selector center button], pg. 300).
Focus LockFocus lock can be used to change the composition af
making it possible to focus on a subject that will not b
point in the final composition It can also be used wh
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N
point in the final composition.It can also be used whautofocus system is unable to focus (pg. 70).1 Focus.
Position the subject in the selected focuspoint and press the shutter-release
button halfway to initiate focus.
2 Check that the in-focus indicator(I) appears in the viewfinder.
Single-servo AFFocus will lock automatically
when the in-focus indicator
appears, and remain locked
until you remove your finger
from the shutter-releasebutton.Focus can also be locked by pressing thebutton (see following page).
Continuous-servo AF
Press the AE-L/AF-L button to lock both
focus and exposure (an AE-L icon appears
in the viewfinder, see page 112).Focusand exposure will remain locked whileh AE L/AF L b i d if
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and exposure will remain locked whilethe AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if
you later remove your finger from the
shutter-release button.
3 Recompose thephotograph and shoot.
Focus will remain locked
between shots as long as the
shutter-release button is kept
pressed halfway, allowing several photographs
to be taken at the same focus setting.Focus wilocked between shots while the AE-L/AF-L button
A
Getting Good Results with AutoAutofocus does not perform well under the condition
below.The shutter release may be disabled if the camto focus under these conditions, or the in-focus indica
be displayed and the camera may sound a beep, allow
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N
be displayed and the camera may sound a beep, allow
shutter to be released even when the subject is not in
these cases, use manual focus (pg. 71) or use focus loc
focus on another subject at the same distance and th
recompose the photograph.
There is little or no contrast between
and the backgroundExample: subject is the same color as the
The focus point contains objects at didistances from the cameraExample: subject is inside a cage.
The subject is dominated by regular g
patternsExample: a row of windows in a skyscrap
The focus point contains areas of sha
contrasting brightness
Example: subject is half in the shade.
Background objects appear larger tha
Manual FocusManual focus is available for
lenses that do not support
autofocus (non-AF Nikkor lenses)
Focus-mode
selector
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( )or when the autofocus does not
produce the desired results
(pg. 70).To focus manually, setthe focus-mode selector to M and
adjust the lens focusing ring until
the image displayed on the clear
matte field in the viewfinder is in
focus.Photographs can be takenat any time, even when the image
is not in focus.
The Electronic RangefinderIf the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6
or faster, the viewfinder focus indicator can
be used to confirm whether the subject in
the selected focus point is in focus (the
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N
p (
focus point can be selected from any of the
51 focus points).After positioning thesubject in the selected focus point, press
the shutter-release button halfway and
rotate the lens focusing ring until the in-
focus indicator (I) is displayed.Note thatwith the subjects listed on page 70, the in-
focus indicator may sometimes be
displayed when the subject is not in focus;
confirm focus in the viewfinder before
shooting.
kRelease ModeSi l F C i Li Vi S
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Release Mode Single Frame, Continuous, Live View, Seor Mirror Up
Release mode determines how the camera takes phone at a time, in a continuous sequence, with the vi
the lens displayed in the monitor, with a timed shut
delay, or with the mirror raised to enhance shutter r
minimize vibration.
Choosing a Release Mode...................................
Continuous Mode.................................................
Framing Pictures in the Monitor (Live View)...
Self-Timer Mode ...................................................
Mirror up Mode.....................................................
Choosing a Release ModeThe camera supports the following release modes:
Mode DescriptionS Camera takes one photograph each time shu
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k
S
Single frame
Camera takes one photograph each time shu
button is pressed.
CL
Continuous
low speed
While shutter-release button is held down, ca
16 frames per second. 1 Frame rate can be cCustom Setting d4 ([CL mode shooting speed
CH
Continuous
high speed
While shutter-release button is held down, ca
up to 6 frames per second. 2
a
Live view
Frame pictures in monitor (pg. 79). Recommor low angles or in other situations in which v
hard to use or when enlarged view in monitoobtaining very precise focus.
E
Self-timer
Use self-timer for self-portraits or to reduce bl
by camera shake (pg. 89).
MUP
Mirror up
Choose this mode to minimize camera shake
or close-up photography or in other situationslightest camera movement can result in blur
photographs (pg. 91).
1 Average frame rate with an EN-EL3e battery, continuous-serv
or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of1/250 s o
remaining settings other than Custom Setting d4 at default v
memory remaining in memory buffer.2 Average frame rate with an EN-EL3e battery, continuous-serv
or shutter-priority auto exposure, a shutter speed of1/250 s o
To choose a release mode, press
the release mode dial lock release
and turn the release mode dial to
the desired setting.
Release mode
release
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Release mode
dial
Continuous ModeTo take pictures in CH (continuous high speed) and CL (
low speed) modes:
1
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k
1 Select CH or CL mode.Press the release mode dial
lock release and turn the
release mode dial to CH or CL.
2 Frame a photograph, focus, andshoot.While the shutter-release button is
pressed all the way down, pictures will be taken a
in continuous high speed mode, or at the frame r
for Custom Setting d4 ([CL mode shooting speed
continuous low speed mode.
Release mode
dial
A Power Source and Frame RateThe maximum frame advance rate varies with the power
Power source Maximum frame adv
Battery (EN-EL3e) 6 fps 2
AC adapter 8 fps3
MB-D10 battery pack6 f 2
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A Buffer SizeThe approximate number of images that can be
stored in the memory buffer at current settings isshown in the exposure-count displays in the
viewfinder and control panel while the shutter-
MB D10 battery pack
with EN-EL3e battery6 fps 2
MB-D10 battery pack
with EN-EL4a battery8 fps 3
MB-D10 battery pack
with AA-size batteries 4 8 fps 3
1 Average frame rate with continuous-servo AF, manual or shut
auto exposure, a shutter speed of1/250 s or faster, other settin
values, and memory remaining in memory buffer.Maximum frate when recording NEF (RAW) or NEF (RAW) + JPEG pictures
selected for [NEF (RAW) recording] > [NEF (RAW) bit depth] (p
2.5 fps.
2 Maximum frame advance rate with EN-EL3e battery is 6 fps, e
[7 fps] is selected for Custom Setting d4 ([CL mode shooting s
pg. 282).
3 Maximum frame rate in continuous-low speed mode is 7 fps.selected for [ISO sensitivity settings] > [ISO sensitivity auto co
shooting menu (pg. 96), maximum frame advance rate in conspeed mode is 7.5 fps.
4 Frame rate slows at low temperatures and when batteries are
A The Memory BufferThe camera is equipped with a memory buffer for tempora
allowing shooting to continue while photographs are being
memory card. Up to 100 photographs can be taken in succhowever, that frame rate will drop when the buffer
