NE W
Nikon The Complete Manual
The independent handbook for Nikon users
TWELFTH EDITION
Digital Edition
100% UNOFFICIAL
Includes the latest models
Contents What you can find inside the bookazine Introducing Nikon
42 Modes Learn the different modes • Auto mode • Program mode • Scene modes • Aperture Priority mode • Shutter Priority mode • Manual mode Using your Nikon
8 Introducing Nikon Discover the Nikon family
24 S et up your Nikon From box to shot 58 Composing your shots Discover the best ways to align and take your shots 64 Focusing your Nikon Get up close and personal with your shots
28 P ick the right lens A guide to the right lens
68 Metering your shots Take control over how your camera reads the light
72 Control white balance Discover how the white balance affects the colour 76 Master ISO Understand the essential element to exposure
34 Essential kit What do you need?
80 Work with flash Illuminate your subject with the use of light
36 C leaning your Nikon Keep your camera clean 38 T he Nikon buttons What do they all do?
“There’s an extensive line-up of cameras to suit all skill levels and budgets”
40 T he Nikon menus Navigate the menus 6
For all Nikon Cameras How to
84 Portraits Take picture portraits with these essential tips 88 Landscapes Capture the mood of your natural surroundings
After the shot 108 Make basic adjustments Do simple edits 110 Camera and lens correction Correct distortion
92 Macro Shoot the finer details of life with Macro shots 96 Wildlife Take stunning wildlife shots with these rules 100 Black & White Create an elegant film noir vibe with your photos 104 Low light Master low-light shots
112 Counteract colour casts Utilise the white balance options in Capture NX-D
120 Share on Facebook Show your friends your photographs
114 Liven up a landscape Adjust exposure and boost contrast
122 Share on Flickr Set up your own great gallery on Flickr
116 Print images Get your images printed with PhotoBox
124 Back up your photos Secure your shots on the internet with Dropbox
118 SnapBridge Take remote control of your camera and share
126 Glossary 7
Introducing Nikon
Bridge/Superzoom
Technical data Price £370/$400 Megapixels (effective) 16 Max resolution (pixels)
4608 x 3456
Sensor information 1/2.3” (6.17 x 4.55 mm) Lens data
4.3 -151mm, f/3.4 to 6.9
Zoom 35x optical zoom Focus/macro 1cm macro Shutter speed 8sec-1/2000sec (1/4000sec available in certain modes) ISO sensitivity 80-1600 ( ISO 3200 available when using P, S, A or M mode) Exposure modes Auto, 17 Scene modes, P, A, S, M Metering options Matrix, Centerweighted, Spot
Nikon Coolpix A1000
Flash modes A, A+SS, FOn, SS,RC+SS, FOff, RE, Manual Weight 330g (with battery) Dimensions (mm) Batteries
114.2 x 71.7 x 40.5 Li-ion EN-EL12
Storage SD/SDHC/SDXC LCD 3” 921k-dot TFTtilting Viewfinder: None
The Nikon Coolpix A1000 sits among the manufacturer’s top-ofthe-range compacts, and it’s perfect for those wanting plenty of compositional scope without carrying a bulky kit bag. It’s ultra-portable at just 330g, a touch heavier than the A900, but still manages to incorporate a grip to make handling convenient. The 35x optical zoom lens is designed to capture pretty much any subject and can be extended up to 70x via the Dynamic Fine Zoom function. In 35mm terms, the camera can shoot 24mm-wide shots right up to an astonishing 840mm for distant subjects, with 1cm close focusing for macro, too. You can use the manual focusing ring for fine tuning image sharpness, and the ISO range of ISO 80 to 1600 (3200 in certain modes) lets you shoot in lower light while keeping a high shutter speed. You can also capture action using the 7fps continuous shooting mode and 1/4,000s top shutter speed. All of this is great, but the main disappointment is the absence of RAW mode. Being restricted to JPEG is frustrating if you wish to edit images extensively. Wi-Fi is built in, and there’s SnapBridge technology for extra connectivity and easy sharing. The camera can shoot 4K movies, with a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160.
▲ The Coolpix A1000 is very user-friendly
and offers plenty of features, but its lack of RAW mode might put some off
Summary This camera ticks an awful lot of boxes for a portable compact. The downside that’s hard to ignore is the lack of RAW mode 20
Introducing Nikon
Bridge/Superzoom
Nikon Coolpix P1000 With incredible zoom capabilities the P1000 is the only compact camera that can boast a 125x optical zoom (at the time of writing). With
Technical data Price £509/$760 Megapixels (effective) 16 Max resolution (pixels) 4608x3456
a 16MP sensor and a f2.8 maximum aperture, it means images are wonderfully bright, while the 4K video capabilities mean users can shoot crisp telephoto video, which is ideal for wildlife shooters. The camera also features 250x Dynamic fine zoom, which is equivalent to 6000mm and will enable users to capture detail on the Moon.
Sensor information 1/2.3-in. type CMOS 4.3 to 539 mm, f2.8-8
Zoom
125x optical, 250x digital
Focus/macro 30cm-infinity Shutter speed 1-1/4000sec (15-1/4000sec when ISO is 100 in M mode) ISO sensitivity 100-1600 Exposure modes
Auto, Scene Auto Selector, Scene Modes, P, S, A, M
Metering options
Matrix, Center- weighted, Spot
Flash modes
A, A+RE, FOn, Manual, SS, RCS, FOff
Summary
Weight
1415g (with battery)
For photographers wanting to shoot a wide range of subjects without the bulk of multiple lenses this is perfect
Batteries
Rechargeable Li-ion
Storage
SD, SDHC, SDXC
LCD
3.2-in TFT LCD
Viewfinder:
Electronic viewfinder, 1 cm (0.39-in.)
Dimensions (mm) 146.3x118.8x181.3
Nikon Coolpix B500 The Nikon Coolpix B500 offers an impressive 40x optical zoom, extendable to 80x Dynamic Fine Zoom, which will ensure that you are always at the centre
Lens data
Technical data Price £250/$300 Megapixels (effective) 16 Max resolution (pixels) 4608x3456
of the action. The captures you take will be high quality thanks to the 16-megapixel sensor, and the high performance Vibration Reduction (VR) teamed with the Target Finding AF will aid sharp shooting. On top of that, the vari-angle LCD means that images can be taken at awkward angles and it is comfortable in hand.
Sensor information 1/2.3-in CMOS Lens data
4.0 to 160mm, f3 to 6.5
Zoom
40x Optical zoom
Focus/macro
30cm to infinity/1cm to infinity
Shutter speed 1-1/1500s ISO sensitivity
125 to 1600, 3200, 6400
Exposure modes
Programmed Auto
Metering options
Matrix, Centerweighted, Spot
Flash modes
TTL auto flash
Weight 542g Dimensions (mm) 113.5 x 78.3 x 94.9 Batteries
Summary The B500 is portable with a far reaching zoom that will mean you’ll rarely miss a shot
Four LR6/L40 (AA-size) alkaline batteries
Storage
SD, SDHC, SDXC
LCD
3” TFT LCD
Viewfinder: N/A
21
Getting started
Set up your Nikon
Set up your Nikon Everything you need to know to get more from your new Nikon camera Whether it’s an upgrade or your first step into the world of photography, a new camera is an exciting purchase. However, a shiny new Nikon camera with all its buttons and dials can be a little overwhelming, leaving you wondering how to get started. In this guide, we will take you through the process of setting up your camera from the moment you take it out of the box. Once it’s ready, continue to the other guides and discover how lenses work, what the modes do, how to take different styles of photos and finally what to do with your shots once you have taken them. So what are you waiting for? Lift the lid and let us help you get started!
What you’ll need Essential extras for your camera
Camera bag
Cleaning cloth
Memory card
A camera bag helps keep your kit safe and secure on the go. There are many types available, from shoulder bags to backpacks, all of varying sizes.
Dust and smudges on your lens can show up in your photos. Carry a microfibre cloth and use it to keep your LCD screen clear, too.
Check whether your camera requires an SD, SDHC or SDXC card or a micro version, and buy one for your camera to store your photos on.
24
Getting started
Set up your Nikon
What’s in the box? Learn about the important bits supplied in the box 1 Use the supplied camera strap to reduce the risk of dropping your camera. 2 Keep hold of the manual, as you’ll need it to learn about your specific camera. 3 Take off any protective film covering the LCD screen before you get started. 4 If you’ve purchased a CSC or DSLR, then it will probably come with a kit lens. 5 New cameras usually come with a digital copy of the manual and editing software. 6 Plug your camera into the charger for a few hours before you start setting up. 7 You should be supplied with cables for connecting your kit to other devices.
1 Strap 2 Manual 3 Camera
4 Lens 5 Software 6 Battery charger 7U SB cables
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Getting started
Essential kit
Essential kit Improve and expand your photography skills and experience with these must-have items
Lenses
Integral to your images are lenses! Coming in focal lengths from fisheye to superzoom, there’s a lens for everything. Generally you’ll want to use anything less than 35mm for a landscape, between 50-85mm for portraits, and over 100mm for action. Aperture is also important – the smaller the f-stop (eg f1.8), the more pleasing background blur
Filters
There are plenty of filters available, each impacting your shots in a different way. Protector and UV filters are totally transparent, serving primarily to protect your lens. You can also get polarising filters, which boost colour and reduce glare. A popular choice for landscape photographers is a neutral density filter, which is a relatively opaque filter used to extend exposure times for more creative and unique results
Camera bag
As your camera equipment builds up, it’s a good idea to get hold of a bag that can fit your kit – plus extras like laptops and spare cards or batteries – into it. Think about what you need from your camera bag: you’ll want it padded to protect your kit and your shoulders, but think about what style you want, too. Backpacks are best if you travel a lot, while shoulder bags offer ease of access
Tripod
A tripod is vital if you want to use a long exposure and don’t want to risk moving. Keep your eyes peeled for a sturdy one that can hold heavier loads. There are different types of heads available for a tripod too. The most common is a ball head, which can be easily revolved and locked into position for perfect compositions
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Getting started
Essential kit Lens pen or cloth
Memory card
Lens spots and dust motes are an expected annoyance when using lenses on a regular basis. Trust in a reliable make of lens cloth or pen to wipe away marks and stains before you begin capturing your subject. This will save you hours upon hours of time later on, cloning and removing the blemishes in an editing suite
Many digital cameras have abandoned internal memories, so you’ll need to invest in a quality memory card. Most common of all are SD, SDHC and SDXC cards, which are relatively cheap, while some top-end cameras will use Compact Flash cards. Opt to use multiple smaller cards (eg 8GB) rather than one large one (eg 64GB)
Remote control
If you enjoy shooting landscapes, seascapes or nightscapes, you may wish to invest in a remote control. These types of shots call for longer exposures and, as such, any movement the camera and tripod experience will be captured in your shot. Using the camera’s self-timer or, even better, a tethered or wireless remote control, will eradicate this
Flash
This lovely versatile flash, the SB5000, is compatible with selected wireless remote trigger systems, and is a reliable, high end flash gun that is both compact and powerful, with a flash range of 14200mm (14mm achievable with in-built diffuser) and a manoeuvrable tilt head for a range of flash angles. The SB5000 can also take up to 100 full power flash bursts without overheating, perfect for longer shoots where you don’t want to worry about your flash failing you.
35
Getting started
The Nikon buttons
The Nikon buttons Get to know your way around your Nikon camera by learning what all those buttons do and learn to identify them easily When you first get your Nikon camera, or even when you’ve had it for quite some time, you might not know what all of those fiddly buttons do. What are their functions? This guide aims to inform you about what all of them do. You’ll be an expert in no time! 6
7 10
1
2 3 4
5
8 1 Playback The Playback button will bring up all the stills and video footage recorded on the memory card or internal memory.
9
2 Menu In order to adjust the majority of settings you’ll need to press this Menu button to find the option you want to change. 38
11
12
3 Playback zoom Sometimes you need to examine an image closely. To scroll in to your captured images for a closer inspection, use this button.
Getting started
The Nikon buttons 4 Thumbnail/Playback zoom out/Help Three commands here; to show images as thumbnails, zoom out of an image or bring up the help screen. 5 Information If your camera doesn’t have an info LCD screen, use the info button to discover what settings you currently have programmed in. 6 AE-L/AF-L The AutoExposure-Lock holds the current exposure. AutoFocus-Lock stops the camera finding a new object to focus on.
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17
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19
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7 Command dial The command dial is used to affect settings, for example it can widen the aperture or slow down shutter speed. 8 Live View Instead of composing through the viewfinder, you can use the LCD screen instead (Live View). This is ideal when recording movies. 9 OK button When you want to change a setting or action a command you’ll use the OK button in order to confirm the instruction.
13 Pop-up flash This lightning bolt icon symbolises the pop-up flash. Simply hit it when a bit of extra illumination is required.
17 Shutter button The most important and probably obvious button on the camera. It’s the shutter button which you press to fire the shot.
10 Multi selector This refers to the ring or area around the OK button. Photographers use these arrows to navigate the menu.
14 Manual/Autofocus switch To control the focus yourself push this switch to M for manual, otherwise let the camera do the work with Autofocus.
18 Metering Choose between the camera’s metering options, usually this is the option of Spot, Evaluative/ Matrix or Centre Weighted.
11 Burst mode/self-timer Photographers can make use of these controls to alter how many shots a fired in one go, or to utilise the camera’s self-timer.
15 Lens release Hold down this button and gently pull away the lens to remove it. Change lenses quickly to avoid dust and debris collecting on the sensor.
19 Exposure compensation This lets you override the suggested settings, allowing you to quickly underexpose or overexpose.
12 Delete When you’re reviewing images in Playback mode, use this delete button to erase unwanted or imperfect captures.
16 Movie record Shown as a small red dot, the shortcut movie record button fast tracks movie-makers into the dedicated recording mode.
20 Mode dial The palette of modes gifts photographers with the manual and semi manual options as well as commonlyused scene modes and auto. 39
Modes
Manual mode
Manual mode
o Aut
M
Discover how Manual mode gives you complete creative control over your exposures
S
A P
Of all the modes available, Manual mode (M) is by far the most advanced. This setting quite simply, gives you complete control over your exposures, which means you can adjust settings such as white balance, metering and focusing alongside your ISO, shutter speed and aperture. Unlike Aperture and Shutter Priority mode, where the camera helps to balance an exposure based on the setting you’ve selected, in Manual the stabilisers are off and all the decisions regarding exposure are up to you. Manual is a great mode for experimenting but avoid rushing into using this setting if you simply want to grab a quick shot. To get great results in Manual mode, you need to have a clear understanding of how exposure works, which is something you can
▲Exposure control Switch to M on your mode dial and select your own exposure settings for the shot
Total freedom Manual mode gives you complete control, which means you can use it to photograph any subject or scene 54
Modes
Manual mode
Shoot stunning sunsets
Adjust the shutter speed by rotating the scroll wheel and the aperture via the front wheel
1 Switch to Manual mode Rotate to M and select self-timer or remote shutter release to reduce camera shake.
start to pick up on using the more supportive Program, Aperture and Shutter Priority modes first. When using these semi-automatic settings, pay attention to how the camera assists your exposure and apply similar principles when you’re ready to explore full Manual mode. Although mastering Manual mode can be a trial and error process, taking some time to really experiment with it, even as a beginner, is definitely worthwhile. With plenty of practise however, you’ll soon start to feel confident in Manual mode, which is when it’s really worth experimenting with different combinations of aperture and shutter speed. Help is at hand too, as all cameras come with a light meter, which you can preview inside the viewfinder or on your LCD screen when using Live View to shoot. The light meter will give you a good indication as to whether your image will be under- or overexposed based on the settings you’ve selected. The marker should appear central at 0 for an evenly exposed image; if it sits to the right your image may be underexposed or overexposed if it’s to the left.
2 Adjust your settings Set a narrow aperture for a sharp result and a slow shutter speed to avoid an underexposed shot.
3 Compose the scene Use Live View and focus a third of the way into the frame. Release the shutter to activate the timer.
4 The result The slow shutter speed caught the moving water as mist and the narrow aperture means it is all sharp. 55
Using your Nikon
Focusing your Nikon
Focusing your Nikon Learn how to keep your shots pin-sharp with the right focus mode, focusing tricks and some clever ways to avoid camera shake Editing software has come a long way and now boasts some incredible tools to sharpen up soft shots. They can’t save one that’s simply out of focus, however, so it’s vital to learn how to keep it sharp in-camera. The best way to do this is to learn the right mode for the job, as well as utilising tricks like pre-focusing, and selecting your AF point. Cameras like the Nikon D500 and D5 with their outstanding 153-point AF system will give the photographer exceptionally wide coverage when shooting detail. Their new image metering sensors deliver staggeringly accurate subject recognition and detail, which makes focussing easy. Read on to explore focussing methods further. But to begin with, learn the most basic method of focusing your camera – just half-press the shutter-release button to focus, then fully press it to take the shot. It’s as simple as that!
▲Keep it sharp At close distances, only a small portion of the shot will be in focus so it’s important to be accurate with your technique, and often Manual is the best mode for macro. Using a tripod to stop movement back and forth will help too
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Using your Nikon
Focusing your Nikon
Works best with
Nikon D5
65
How to
Portraits
Works best with
85mm f1.4 lens
▲Simple but effective portraits Beautiful portraits don’t have to involve a complicated studio setup. Some of the most strking images are captured with only natural light, or just one flash and a reflector like this stunning shot
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How to
Portraits
Capture stunning portraits
Lighting styles
1 Flat lighting Use even lighting to flatten shadows on your model’s face and even out skin tones.
Exercise your creativity with your Nikon to create simple yet effective portraits Portraits, head and shoulder shots, selfies – no matter how you look at it, portrait photography is a massive part of our day-to-day life. How can you ensure that you’re capturing stunning portraits with your Nikon camera? The art of taking a portrait is a skill, and like all good skills, it’s something you learn, so let’s start with the basics.
2 Rembrandt lighting Create a deliberate shadow for a dramatic look by lighting predominantly from one side.
The essential kit For any photographer starting out, all you need are the three core materials: light, a camera, and your subject. Once you have acquired your model and your kit, it’s time to look at the technicalities of both what and how you’re going to photograph. People come in different shapes and sizes, so it’s easy to get carried away in the flow of taking images and forget what looks good and flattering to your subject. For instance, look at your choice of lens; if you are
3 Ring flash Designed to create hard edges and bleach out detail, ring flash is ideal for interesting portraits.
▼Consider location and lighting Shooting outdoors can yield great opportunities to mix natural and artificial light. Consider using a remote trigger to fire off-camera flash guns to achieve almost studio quality with minimal fuss
4 Rim lighting Add rear lighting to create a rim of light around their body; great for adding drama and forcing focus. 85
After the shot
Editing with Nikon Capture NX-D Before
After
Liven up a landscape Adjust exposure, selectively lighten shadows and boost colour and contrast
Use it to… Adjust exposure
Change the exposure of your imagery post capture to enhance the scene
Due to the fact that Capture NX-D is created by Nikon itself, it should be more compatible with your Nikon camera and the images you produce compared to third-party photo-fixing apps. For example, you can access the same White Balance presets that your camera contains from within Capture NX-D’s workspace. This enables you to
Utilise the histogram
Pay attention to how your edits affect the histogram and use it to help
Boost contrast
Alter the contrast in your pictures in order to add depth
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9000
After the shot
Editing with Nikon Capture NX-D
Set Histogram to Brightness
override the White Balance setting that you used in-camera to get more accurate-looking colours. In this short tutorial we’ll show you how to quickly brighten up an under-exposed landscape so that it has more detail in the shadows and a healthier contrast overall. This will reveal a wider range of detail throughout a typical landscape’s contrasting tones. Use the software to straighten the horizon and tweak the exposure in order to create a more professional looking shot. We’ll also look at brightening the shadows and boosting the contrast. It pays to remember that all editing in Capture NX-D is nondestructive, so don’t be afraid of experimenting with the sliders – you can always revert back to the original.
By default, the histogram window shows you three separate graphs for the red, green and blue channels. To easily see a photo’s spread of shadows, midtones and highlights, set the Histogram’s drop-down menu to Brightness. Now you’ll see an undulating white graph that shows the spread and strength of tones in the scene.
Transform a flat photo
01 Straighten things up If the horizon isn’t level click on the Straighten tool icon in the toolbar – a straight horizon is essential. Click and drag to draw a line that follows the shot’s tilted horizon. The tool will measure the angle of the horizon and rotate the shot to counteract the tilt.
02 Adjust the exposure In the Edit panel, click on the Exposure Compensation drop-down and choose the +1/2 EV preset. This performs the same job as opening the lens’s aperture by half an f-stop. You can manually fine-tune the EV value by using the Exposure Compensation slider too.
Before
After
▲Helpful histograms
03 Brighten the shadows Click on the Edit panel’s Tone icon and boost the image’s Saturation to 40 for more vibrant landscape colours. Click on the adjacent Tone/Detail icon. Drag the Shadow Protection slider to 47. This selectively lightens the under-exposed shadows without accidentally blowing out the sky’s brighter details.
The Histogram window enables you to diagnose and fix common exposure problems. The histogram’s undulating graph shows the spread and strength of particular tones, with shadows at the left, midtones in the middle and highlights at the right. The histogram for our unprocessed start image has plenty of shadows at the left, but it lacks strong highlights at the far right. This indicates that the start file is slightly under-exposed. After using Exposure Compensation to brighten up the shot, the edited image’s histogram graph has more highlights peaking at the far right. The shadows are less strong at the left, as they’ve been brightened up by the Shadow Protection slider in Step 3
04 Boost the contrast The underexposed shot is now brighter, but it’s still a bit lacking on contrast. Drag the D-Lighting HS slider to the right. A value of around 13 will produce slightly darker blacks at the far left of the histogram. This creates a more striking contrast between the darkest shadows and the brightest highlights. 115