Nikon Coolpix 3100 UM

En
The Guide to Digital Photography

with the
DIGITAL CAMERA
En
Trademark Information
Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Mac OS, Power Macintosh, PowerBook, and Quick Time are registered trademarks
of Apple Computer, Inc. Finder, Power Mac, iMac, and iBook are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft and
Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Internet is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corpora-
tion. CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. Lexar Media is a trademark of Lexar Media Corpora-
tion. Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. All other trade names mentioned in this
manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective holders.
For Your Safety
To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to oth-
ers, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this
equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the
product will read them.
The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions
listed in this section are indicated by the following symbol:
This icon marks warnings, information that should be read before using your
Nikon product to prevent possible injury.
WARNINGS
Turn off immediately in the event of Do not disassemble
malfunction Touching the product’s internal parts
Should you notice smoke or an unusual could result in injury. In the event of mal-
smell coming from the equipment or from function, the product should be repaired
the AC adapter (available separately), only by a qualified technician. Should the
unplug the AC adapter and remove product break open as the result of a fall
the batteries immediately, taking care or other accident, take the product to a
to avoid burns. Continued operation Nikon-authorized service center for in-
could result in injury. After removing spection after unplugging the AC adapter
the batteries, take the equipment to and removing the batteries.
a Nikon-authorized service center for Observe proper precautions when han-
inspection. dling batteries
Do not use in the presence of flam- Batteries may leak or explode if improp-
mable gas erly handled. Observe the following pre-
Do not use electronic equipment in the cautions when handling batteries for use
presence of flammable gas, as this could in this product:
result in explosion or fire. • Before replacing the batteries, turn the
Observe caution when using the cam- camera off and make sure the power-on
era strap lamp has gone out. If you are using an
Never place the strap around the neck AC adapter, be sure it is unplugged.
of an infant or child. • Use a pair of rechargeable Nikon EN-MH1
NiMH batteries, one CRV3 lithium battery,
two ZR6 (AA) nickel manganese batteries,
or two FR6/L91 (AA) lithium batteries.
Do not use other types of battery. Do
not mix batteries of different types.
• When inserting batteries, do not at-
tempt to insert them upside down or
backwards.
• Do not short or disassemble batteries.
i
For Your Safety
• Do not expose batteries to flame or to Observe caution when operating the

excessive heat. flash
• Do not immerse in or expose to water. Using the flash close to your subject’s
• Do not transport or store with metal eyes could cause temporary visual impair-
objects such as necklaces or hairpins. ment. Particular care should be observed
• Batteries are prone to leakage when if photographing infants, when the flash
fully discharged. To avoid damage to should be no less than one meter (39˝)
the product, be sure to remove the bat- from the subject.
teries when no charge remains. Avoid contact with liquid crystal
• Immediately after use, or when the Should the monitor break, care should
product is used on battery power for be taken to avoid injury due to broken
an extended period, the batteries may glass and to prevent liquid crystal from
become hot. Before removing the bat- the monitor touching the skin or entering
teries, turn the camera off and allow the the eyes or mouth.
batteries to cool.
• Discontinue use immediately should you
notice any changes in the batteries, such
as discoloration or deformation.
Use appropriate cables
When connecting cables to the input and
output jacks, use only the cables pro-
vided or sold by Nikon for the purpose,
to maintain compliance with product
regulations.
Keep out of reach of children
Particular care should be taken to prevent
infants from putting the batteries or other
small parts into their mouths.
Removing memory cards
Memory cards may become hot during
use. Observe due caution when remov-
ing memory cards from the camera.
CD-ROMs
The CD-ROMs on which the software
and manuals are distributed should not
be played back on audio CD equipment.
Playing CD-ROMs on an audio CD player
could cause hearing loss or damage the
equipment.
ii
Cautions
To ensure continued enjoyment of your Nikon product, observe the follow-
ing precautions when storing or using the device:
Keep dry Do not drop
The device will be damaged if immersed The product may malfunction if subjected
in water or subjected to high levels of to strong shocks or vibration.
moisture. Keep away from strong magnetic fields
Handle the lens and all moving parts Do not use or store this device in the
with care vicinity of equipment that generates
Do not apply force to the lens or lens strong electromagnetic radiation or
cover, or to the connector, card slot, or magnetic fields. Strong static charges
battery chamber covers. These parts are or the magnetic fields produced by equip-
especially susceptible to damage. ment such as radio transmitters could
Turn the product off before removing interfere with the monitor, damage data
or disconnecting the power source stored on the memory card, or affect the
Do not unplug the product or remove product’s internal circuitry.
the batteries while the product is on, Avoid sudden changes in temperature
or while images are being recorded or Sudden changes in temperature, such as
deleted. Forcibly cutting power in these occur when entering or leaving a heated
circumstances could result in loss of data building on a cold day, can cause con-
or in damage to product memory or in- densation inside the device. To prevent
ternal circuitry. To prevent an accidental condensation, place the device in a carry-
interruption of power, avoid carrying the ing case or a plastic bag before exposing
product from one place to another while it to sudden changes in temperature.
the AC adapter (available separately) is
connected.
iii
Notices
• No part of the manuals included with • Nikon will not be held liable for any
this product may be reproduced, trans- damages resulting from the use of this
mitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval product.
system, or translated into any language • While every effort has been made to
in any form, by any means, without ensure that the information in these
Nikon’s prior written permission. manuals is accurate and complete, we
• Nikon reserves the right to change the would appreciate it were you to bring
specifications of the hardware and soft- any errors or omissions to the attention
ware described in these manuals at any of the Nikon representative in your area
time and without prior notice. (address provided separately).
Notice for customers in the U.S.A.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and E3100
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protec-
tion against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment CAUTIONS
generates, uses, and can radiate radio Modifications
frequency energy and, if not installed and The FCC requires the user to be notified
used in accordance with the instructions, that any changes or modifications made
may cause harmful interference to radio to this device that are not expressly ap-
communications. However, there is no proved by Nikon Corporation may void
guarantee that interference will not occur the user’s authority to operate the equip-
in a particular installation. If this equipment.
ment does cause harmful interference to Interface Cables
radio or television reception, which can be Use the interface cables sold or provided
determined by turning the equipment off by Nikon for your equipment. Using other
and on, the user is encouraged to try to interface cables may exceed the limits of
correct the interference by one or more of Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.
the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Nikon Inc.,
• Increase the separation between the 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New
equipment and receiver. York
• Connect the equipment into an outlet 11747-3064, U.S.A.
on a circuit different from that to which Tel.: 631-547-4200
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/television technician for help.
iv
Notices / For Your Safety
Notice for customers in Canada
CAUTION ATTENTION
This class B digital apparatus meets all re- Cet appareil numérique de la classe B res-
quirements of the Canadian Interference pecte toutes les exigences du Règlement
Causing Equipment Regulations. sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally copied or repro-
duced by means of a scanner, digital camera or other device may be punishable by law.
• Items prohibited by law from being • Cautions on certain copies and re-
copied or reproduced productions
Do not copy or reproduce paper money, The government has issued cautions on
coins, securities, government bonds, or copies or reproductions of securities is-
local government bonds, even if such sued by private companies (shares, bills,
copies or reproductions are stamped checks, gift certificates, etc.), commuter
“Sample.” passes, or coupon tickets, except when
The copying or reproduction of paper a minimum of necessary copies are to be
money, coins, or securities which are provided for business use by a company.
circulated in a foreign country is pro- Also, do not copy or reproduce pass-
hibited. ports issued by the government, licenses
issued by public agencies and private
Unless the prior permission of the
groups, ID cards, and tickets, such as
government has been obtained, the
passes and meal coupons.
copying or reproduction of unused post-
age stamps or post cards issued by the • Comply with copyright notices
government is prohibited. The copying or reproduction of copy-
righted creative works such as books,
The copying or reproduction of stamps
music, paintings, woodcut prints, maps,
issued by the government and of cer-
drawings, movies, and photographs is
tified documents stipulated by law is
governed by national and international
prohibited.
copyright laws. Do not use this product
for the purpose of making illegal copies
or to infringe copyright laws.
v
Notices
Before Taking Important Pictures

Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking
the camera with you on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is function-
ing normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result
from product malfunction.
Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Your Nikon COOLPIX camera is designed to the highest standards and includes com-
plex electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery
chargers, batteries, and AC adapters) certified by Nikon specifically for use with your
Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within the operational and
safety requirements of this electronic circuitry.
THE USE OF NON-NIKON ELECTRONIC ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA AND MAY VOID YOUR
NIKON WARRANTY.
For more information about Nikon brand accessories, contact your local authorized
Nikon dealer.
vi
Table of Contents
For Your Safety ................................................................................................ i
Cautions .......................................................................................................... iii
Notices ............................................................................................................ iv
Before You Begin .............................................................................................. 1
Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1
Parts of the Camera ......................................................................................... 2
The Monitor..................................................................................................... 4
The Mode Dial ................................................................................................. 6
Navigating the Menus ...................................................................................... 7
The Shutter-Release Button .............................................................................. 7
First Steps .......................................................................................................... 8
Inserting Batteries ............................................................................................ 8
Inserting Memory Cards................................................................................... 10
Checking the Battery Level ............................................................................... 12
Basic Setup ...................................................................................................... 14
Basic Photography ............................................................................................ 16
Step 1 —Select Mode................................................................................ 16
Step 2 — Frame the Picture ............................................................................... 18
Step 3 — Focus and Shoot................................................................................. 20
Step 4 — View the Results................................................................................. 22
More on Photography ...................................................................................... 24
When Lighting Is Poor: Using the Flash............................................................. 24
Taking a Self-Portrait: Using the Self-Timer ....................................................... 26
Easy Close-ups: Macro Close-up Mode............................................................. 27
Assist and Scene Modes ................................................................................... 28
Framing Assist.................................................................................................. 29
Scene Mode ............................................................................................ 34
More on Playback ............................................................................................. 38
Viewing Pictures on the Camera....................................................................... 38
The Picture Enhance Menu ........................................................................... 40
Retouching Pictures .................................................................................. 41
Small Picture............................................................................................. 42
Cropping Pictures ..................................................................................... 43
Viewing Pictures on TV..................................................................................... 44
Viewing Pictures on a Computer ...................................................................... 45
Printing Pictures ............................................................................................... 48
Movies ............................................................................................................... 51
Recording Movies ....................................................................................... 51
Viewing Movies ............................................................................................... 53
Editing Movies ................................................................................................. 54
vii
Table of Contents
The Shooting Menu .......................................................................................... 56

Using the Shooting Menu ................................................................................ 56
Image Quality/Size............................................................................................ 58
White Balance ( Only) ............................................................................... 60
Exp. +/– ........................................................................................................... 62
Date Imprint .................................................................................................... 63
Continuous ( Only) ................................................................................... 64
Best Shot Selector ( Only).......................................................................... 65
Image Sharpening ( Only) ......................................................................... 66
CF Card Format................................................................................................ 67
The Playback Menu........................................................................................... 68
Using the Playback Menu ................................................................................. 68
Slide Show ....................................................................................................... 69
Delete .............................................................................................................. 72
Protect ............................................................................................................. 74
Auto Transfer ................................................................................................... 75
The Setup Menu................................................................................................ 77
Using the Setup Menu ..................................................................................... 77
Welcome Screen .............................................................................................. 78
Brightness ........................................................................................................ 79
Volume ............................................................................................................ 79
Auto Off .......................................................................................................... 79
Video Mode ..................................................................................................... 80
Reset All .......................................................................................................... 80
Technical Notes.................................................................................................. 81
Optional Accessories ........................................................................................ 81
Caring for Your Camera ................................................................................... 82
Error Messages................................................................................................. 84
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 87
Specifications ................................................................................................... 90
Index ................................................................................................................. 92
viii
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon COOLPIX 3100 digital camera. This
manual has been written to help you enjoy taking pictures with your Nikon
digital camera. Read this manual thoroughly before use, and keep it handy
when using the product.
To make it easier to find the information you need, the following symbols
and conventions are used:
This icon marks cautions, informa- This icon marks tips, additional
Before You Begin

tion you should read before use to information you may find helpful
prevent damage to your camera. when using your camera.
This icon marks notes, information This icon indicates that more infor-
that you should read before using mation is available elsewhere in this
your camera. manual or in the Quick Start Guide.
Life-Long Learning
As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing product support and
education, continually-updated information is available on-line at the following sites:
• For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/
• For users in Europe: http://www.nikon-euro.com/
• For users in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa: http://www.nikon-asia.com/
Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers
to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and pho-
tography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in
your area. See the URL below for contact information:
http://www.nikon-image.com/eng/
1
Parts of the Camera
Power switch ( 12)
Mode dial ( 6)
Self-timer lamp ( 26)

Power-on lamp ( 12)
Built-in Speedlight ( 24)
Shutter-release
Viewfinder ( 18)
button ( 7)
Eyelet for camera

strap
Lens ( 18)
Memory card slot cover

( 10)
Attaching the Camera Strap
2
Zoom ( / ) buttons
( 18)
Viewfinder ( 18) Multi selector( / / )
( 7)
Red ( ) lamp ( 20)

(play/transfer)
button ( 22, 45)
Before You Begin

Green (AF) lamp
( 20) Battery-
chamber
cover
Monitor ( 8)
( 5, 18)
Battery-chamber
(delete) button cover latch ( 8)
( 22, 23)
Tripod socket
Interface connector cover ( 25, 26)
(menu) button
(monitor) button
( 56)
( 5)
Interface connector cover
USB ( 46)/
Video-out ( 44) connector
DC-in connector
( 9)
3
The Monitor
Shooting
2
1 3 45
19
18 6
17
15
16
14 7
13
12 8
19
11 10 9
1 Zoom indicator ......................18
1
10 Flash mode .............................24
2 Focus indicator........................20 11 Image quality/size indicator .....58
3 Recording indicator .................21 12 Exposure compensation ..........62
4 “Date not set” icon ...............15
2
13 Sensitivity gain indicator5.........25
5 Camera shake icon3 ................25 14 Continuous shooting mode.....64
6 Battery level indicator .............12
4
15 Best Shot Selector (BSS)...........65
7 Self-timer indicator..................26 16 White balance.........................60
8 Date imprint indicator .............63 17 Macro close-up mode .............27
9 Number of exposures remaining/ 18 Image sharpening ...................66
length of movie...........16, 17, 51
19 Shooting mode ...................6, 16
1 Displayed when zoom buttons are pressed. 5 Indicates that camera has raised sensitivity auto-
2 Appears when camera clock has not been set. matically.
3 Appears at slow shutter speeds to warn that pic-
tures may be blurred.
4 Appears when batteries are running low.
4
Playback
10 2003.03.06 100NIKON 1
9 14:20 0012.JPG 2
3
8
7
6
!12/!19
Before You Begin

4
5
1 Current folder .........................23 6 Protect icon.............................74
2 File number and type ..............23 7 Print-order icon .......................48
3 Battery level indicator1.............12 8 Transfer icon ...........................75
4 Current frame number/ 9 Time of recording..............14–15
total number of frames ...........22
10 Date of recording..............14–15
5 Image quality/size indicator .....58
1 Appears when batteries are running low.
Controlling the Monitor

To hide or display indicators in the monitor, press the button. In and
modes, you can also use the button to turn the monitor off.
Monitor shows view
through lens only
19
Monitor shows
current settings and
view through lens
Monitor off
( and
modes only)
5
The Mode Dial
Using the mode dial, you can select from eight shooting modes and setup
mode. Choose a shooting mode according to shooting conditions.
To select a mode, align the mode icon with the
“ ” mark next to the mode dial.
Auto ( 16)
A simple “point-and-shoot”
Manual ( 17, 56) mode in which the majority
In addition to the shoot- of camera settings are con-
ing-menu options available trolled by the camera. Rec-
in auto mode, you have ommended for first-time us-
access to such menu items ers of digital cameras.
as white balance and image
sharpening.
Scene ( 28, 34–37)
Choose from ten “scenes”
Movie ( 51–52) suited to different subjects
Make silent movies up to or shooting conditions and
40 s in length. let the camera do the rest.
Portrait Assist
Landscape Assist
Setup ( 77)
Choose this mode to dis- Sports Assist
play the setup menu, where Night Portrait Assist
you can perform such tasks Use framing assist to help
as setting the camera clock compose pictures suited
and adjusting monitor to a particular type of
brightness. subject ( 28–33).
6
Navigating the Menus
The multi selector is used to navigate through the camera menus.
Move cursor up
Cancel and return to previous Make selection or

menu, or move cursor left move cursor right
Before You Begin

Move cursor down
The Shutter-Release Button

Your camera has a two stage shutter-release button. The camera sets focus
and exposure when the button is pressed halfway. The green (AF) lamp next
to the viewfinder will light when the focus operation is complete. Focus
and exposure will remain locked while the shutter-release button is pressed
halfway. To take the picture, press the shutter-release button the rest of the
way down.
7
Inserting Batteries
Your camera uses:
• Nikon EN-MH1 rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries (× 2), or
• non-rechargeable CRV3 lithium batteries (× 1)
1
3
1 Open the battery-chamber cover
Pressing the battery-chamber latch ( ; 1 ),
slide the battery-chamber cover out ( 2 ) and
2
flip it open ( 3 ).
2 Insert the batteries

Insert the batteries as shown in the label
inside the battery chamber.
EN-MH1/AA
CRV3
1
3 Close the battery-chamber cover
Close the battery-chamber cover ( 1 ) and
slide it in until it latches ( 2 ). Be sure that the
battery-chamber cover is properly latched.
2
8
Replacing Batteries
Turn the camera off and make sure that the power-on lamp has gone out before
removing or inserting batteries.
Read Battery Warnings
Read and follow all warnings and instructions supplied by the battery manu-
facturer.
Damaged Batteries
The following batteries can not be used:
• Batteries with peeling or damaged insulation. Using
batteries with damaged insulation could result in
leakage, overheating, or rupture. Note that due to
manufacturing defects even new batteries may have
faulty insulation.
• Batteries with insulation that covers only the sides
of the battery and not the area around the negative
terminal.
• Batteries with a flat negative terminal. Do not use
First Steps
such batteries even if the insulation adequately covers
the area around the negative terminal.
EN-MH1 Batteries
Using an MH-70 battery charger, charge EN-MH1 batteries before first use. Charge
each pair of batteries at the same time — do not charge batteries one at a time or mix
batteries with different charges. Note that EN-MH1 batteries may discharge quickly
immediately after purchase or after the batteries have been left unused for an extend-
ed period. This is normal, and the batteries will retain a charge for longer periods after
being used and recharged several times. For more information on charging batteries,
see the documentation provided with the MH-70.
Alternative Power Sources
• To power the camera continuously for extended periods, use an EH-61 AC adapter
( 81). Do not, under any circumstances, use another make or model of AC
adapter. Failure to observe this precaution could result in overheating or in damage
to the camera.
• We recommend that you buy CRV3 lithium batteries as a back-up power source.
• The camera can also be used with a pair of ZR6 (AA) nickel-manganese batteries or
FR6/L91 (AA) lithium batteries.
9
Inserting Memory Cards
Your Nikon digital camera stores pictures on CompactFlash™ memory cards.
1 Confirm that the camera is off

The power-on lamp should be off.
2 Open the memory card slot cover
3 Insert the memory card

Insert the memory card in the direction of the
arrow as shown in the label on the underside
of the memory card slot cover. The memory
card is fully inserted when the eject button is
level with the top of the memory card.
Inserting Memory Cards
Front
Insert the memory card terminals first. In-
Direction of serting the card upside down or backwards
insertion could damage the camera or the card.
Check to be sure the card is in the correct
orientation.
Terminals
4 Close the memory card slot cover
10
Formatting Memory Cards
The memory card supplied with your camera is formatted at shipment. Other memory
cards must be formatted before first use. For information on formatting memory
cards, see “The Shooting Menu: CF Card Format” ( 67).
Removing Memory Cards
Memory cards can be removed without loss of data
when the camera is off. To remove memory cards, turn 1
the camera off and open the card slot cover ( 1 ). Press
the eject button to partially eject the card ( 2 ) and then
remove the card by hand. Note that memory cards may
become hot during use; observe due caution when re-
moving memory cards. 2
Approved Memory Cards

In addition to the card provided with your camera, the following memory cards have
been tested and approved for use with your Nikon digital camera:
Nikon EC-CF All capacities
SDCFB 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB
SanDisk
SDCFH Ultra 128 MB, 192 MB, 256 MB, 384 MB, 512 MB
First Steps
4× USB 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB,
8× USB 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB
12× USB
Lexar
16× USB
Media
24× USB 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB
(including cards with
Write Acceleration)
Hitachi
(Renesas Compact FLASH HB28 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB
Technology)
Operation is not guaranteed with other makes of memory card. For more details on
the above cards, please contact the manufacturer.
11
Checking the Battery Level
1 Turn the camera on
Rotate the power switch until it stops, then
gently release the switch. The power-on
lamp will light. Rotate the mode dial to a
setting other than .
2 Check the battery level in the monitor
Display Meaning
NO ICON Batteries fully charged.
Low battery. Fewer shots
can be taken consecutively
19 in “continuous” mode; if
flash fires, monitor will turn
off while flash recharges.
Ready spare batteries.
WARNING ! !
Batteries exhausted. Replace
BATTERY
with fully-charged batteries.
EXHAUSTED
The red ( ) and green (AF) lamps will blink when
the “battery exhausted” warning is displayed.
The Button
The camera can also be turned on by pressing the button for about a second. Your
most recent picture will be displayed in the monitor ( 22).
12
Turning the Camera Off
To turn the camera off when the power-on lamp is lit, rotate the power-on switch. Do
not remove the batteries or disconnect the AC adapter until the power-on lamp has
gone out.
Auto Power Off (Standby Mode)
If no operations are performed for thirty seconds (three minutes when menus are
displayed), the monitor will turn off automatically and the camera will enter standby
mode to reduce the drain on the batteries (when the camera is powered by an AC
adapter, the monitor will turn off after thirty minutes). While the camera is in standby
mode, the power-on lamp will blink. The camera will be reactivated when you:
• Rotate the power-on switch
• Press or press the shutter-release button halfway
• Press the button to view the last picture taken
• Press the MENU button to display the menu for the current mode
• Rotate the mode dial to select a new mode
The length of time before the camera enters standby mode can be changed using the
Auto off option in the setup menu ( 79).
If no operations are performed for three minutes after the camera enters standby
mode, the camera will turn off automatically and the power-on lamp will go out.
First Steps
The Power-on Lamp
When the power-on lamp is The camera is
On On
Blinking In standby mode
Off Off
13
Basic Setup
Before using your camera for the first time, choose a language for camera
menus and messages and set the camera clock to the correct time and date.
SET-UP SET-UP
1 2
Welcome screen Welcome screen
SET
En Language En Language
SET
Date Date
Rotate the mode dial to Highlight Language.

and turn camera on.
LANGUAGE LANGUAGE
3 4
De Deutsch De Deutsch
En English En English
SET SET
Fr Français Fr Français
Display options. Choose language from Deutsch

(German), English, Français (French),
(Japanese), or Español (Spanish).
SET-UP SET-UP
5 6
Welcome screen Welcome screen
En Language En Language
SET SET
Date Date
Return to setup menu. Highlight Date.
The Icon
If the (“date not set”) icon ( 4) flashes in the top right corner of the monitor when
the camera is in shooting mode, the date and time have not been set or the clock bat-
tery is exhausted. Set the camera clock as described above. Any pictures taken before
the clock has been set will have a time stamp of “0000.00.00 00:00.”
14
DATE DATE
7 8
Y M D Y M D
Display DATE menu. Edit Year.
DATE DATE
9 10
Y M D Y M D
SET
Select Month. Repeat steps 8–9 to Highlight Y M D.

edit remaining items.
First Steps
DATE SET-UP
11 12
D M Y Welcome screen
SET
En Language
SET
Date
Choose order in which Year, Month, Return to setup menu.

and Day will be displayed.
The Clock Battery

When the main batteries are installed or the camera is powered by an AC adapter, the
clock battery will charge in about ten hours. When fully charged, the clock battery can
provide several days of back-up power.
Setting the Clock from Nikon View (Windows XP/Mac OS X Only)
If the camera is connected with the USB option set to PTP ( 45), Nikon View (version
6.0.0 or later) can be used to set the camera clock to the same time and date as the
computer. See the Nikon View Reference Manual for details.
15
Step 1 —Select Mode
This section details the basic steps involved in taking pictures in (auto)
mode. In this automatic, “point-and-shoot” mode, the majority of camera
settings are controlled by the camera in response to shooting conditions,
producing optimal results in most situations.
1 Rotate the mode dial to

The power-on lamp will light and the monitor
will display a welcome screen ( 78). The
camera is ready to shoot when the monitor
shows the view through the camera lens.
Shooting mode
indicates auto mode.
Image quality/size
Choose from five op-
tions depending on
how you plan to use
the picture ( 58).
The default setting
is .
19
Number of exposures remaining

Flash mode The number of pictures that can be
Choose from four modes depend- stored on a memory card depends
ing on lighting and your creative on the capacity of the card and the
intent ( 24). The default setting option chosen for Image quality/
is (auto). size ( 59).
16
Number of Exposures Remaining
If the number of exposures remaining is zero, the message “OUT OF MEMORY” will be
displayed in the monitor. No further pictures can be taken until you:
• choose a lower Image quality/size setting ( 58)
• insert a new memory card ( 10)
• delete some pictures ( 22–23, 72–73)
Mode
(manual) mode provides additional menu options
that give you full control over such settings as white
balance and image sharpening. See “The Shooting
Menu” ( 56).
Basic Photography
17
Step 2 — Frame the Picture
A
1 Ready the camera
Hold the camera steadily in both hands.
Photographs can be framed in the monitor
A or the viewfinder B .
Don’t Block the Shot
B To avoid dark or partially obscured pictures,
keep your fingers and other objects away
from the lens and flash window.
2 Frame your subject

Your Nikon digital camera is equipped with
two types of built-in zoom: optical zoom, in
which the camera’s telescoping lens can be
Zoom out Zoom in used to magnify the subject up to 3 ×, and
digital zoom, in which digital processing is
used to further magnify the image up to 4 ×,
for a total of 12 ×. Use the zoom buttons
to frame your subject in the center of the
monitor:
• Press the W button to zoom out from your
19 subject, increasing the area visible in the
Indicator in monitor shows frame.
amount of zoom when ei- • Press the T button to zoom in on your
ther button is pressed subject so that it fills a larger area of the
frame.
• When the camera is zoomed in to maxi-
mum magnification, holding the T button
down for about two seconds will trigger
digital zoom. The zoom indicator will turn
yellow, and the green (AF) lamp next to
the viewfinder will blink. Use the T and W
19 buttons to adjust zoom in the digital zoom
Digital zoom range. To cancel digital zoom, press W
until the zoom indicator turns white.
18
Digital Zoom
In digital zoom, data from the camera’s image sensor are processed digitally, enlarging
the center portion of the picture to fill the frame. Unlike optical zoom, digital zoom
does not increase the amount of detail visible in the picture. Instead, details visible
at maximum optical zoom are simply enlarged, producing a slightly “grainy” image.
Note that the effects of digital zoom are not visible in the viewfinder—use the moni-
tor when framing pictures with digital zoom. Digital zoom is not available when the
monitor is off or when Multi-Shot 16-1 or Multi-Shot 16-2 is selected in the CON-
TINUOUS menu ( 64).
When Lighting Is Poor
When lighting is poor, sensitivity is raised to compensate and the image in the monitor
may be slightly mottled. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
Monitor or Viewfinder?
Use the monitor to confirm camera settings at a glance while at the same time viewing
an image that shows how the final picture will appear. This is particularly useful when
the image in the viewfinder does not accurately reflect what will appear in the final
picture, for example when:
• your subject is less than a meter (3´3˝) from the camera
• digital zoom is in effect
Use the viewfinder when you want to save power by turning the monitor off ( 5), or
when bright ambient lighting makes it difficult to see the display in the monitor.
Basic Photography
19
Step 3 — Focus and Shoot
1 Focus
Press the shutter-release button halfway to
set focus and exposure. In mode, the
camera will automatically focus on the sub-
ject at the center of the frame. Focus and
exposure will lock while the shutter-release
button is pressed halfway.
Red ( ) lamp With the shutter-release button pressed
halfway, check focus and flash. Focus is
indicated by the green AF (autofocus) lamp
next to the viewfinder and by the focus indi-
cator in the monitor. Flash status is indicated
by the red (flash-ready) lamp next to the
viewfinder.
Green (AF) lamp
Flash will fire when picture
Focus indicator On
Red ( ) lamp
is taken.
Flash charging. Briefly lift
Blinks finger from shutter-release
button, then try again.
Off Flash off or not required.
On Subject in focus.
Green (AF) lamp/
focus indicator
19 Camera unable to focus on

subject at center of frame.
Using focus lock, focus on
Flashes
another subject at same
distance, then recompose
picture and shoot.
2 Take the picture

Press the shutter release button the rest of
the way down to take the picture. To pre-
vent blur, press the shutter-release button
down smoothly.
20
During Recording
While pictures are being recorded to the memory card, a (recording) or (wait) icon
will be displayed in the monitor. You can continue to take pictures until the icon
is displayed. Do not turn the camera off, eject the memory card, or remove or
disconnect the power source while the or icon is displayed. Cutting power
or removing the memory card in these circumstances could result in loss of data or in
damage to the camera or card.
Getting Good Results with Autofocus
Autofocus performs best when there is contrast between the subject and the back-
ground and the subject is evenly lit. It does not perform well if the subject is very dark
or moving rapidly, if there are objects of sharply differing brightness in the scene (e.g.,
the sun is behind your subject and their features are in deep shadow), or if there are
several objects at different distances from the camera at the center of the frame (e.g.,
your subject is inside a cage).
Focusing on Off-Center Subjects: Focus Lock
If your subject is not at the center of the frame when the shutter-release button is
pressed halfway, your picture may be out of focus. To focus on an off-center subject:
1 Focus
Position the subject in the center of the frame and
press the shutter-release button halfway.
10
2 Check the green (AF) lamp and focus indicator

With the shutter-release button pressed halfway,
check that the green (AF) lamp and focus indicator
glow steadily, indicating that the subject is in focus.
Focus and exposure will remain locked while the Basic Photography
shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
3 Recompose the picture
Keeping the shutter-release button pressed half-
way, recompose your picture. Do not change the
distance between the camera and your subject
NORMAL 10 while focus lock is in effect. If your subject moves,
remove your finger from the shutter-release button
and focus again at the new distance.
4 Take the picture
Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way
down to shoot.
21
Step 4 —View the Results
1 Press the button
2003.03.06
14:20
100NIKON
0001.JPG 2 View pictures in the monitor
Your most recent picture will be displayed
in the monitor. To view additional pictures,
press the multi selector down or right to
view pictures in the order recorded, up or
left to view pictures in reverse order. To scroll
1/ 1
quickly to a particular frame number without
viewing the intervening pictures, press and
hold the multi selector.
To cancel full-screen playback and return to
shooting mode, press the button again.
DELETE Deleting Unwanted Pictures
To delete the picture displayed in the moni-
Erase 1 image(s)? tor, press the button. A confirmation dia-
log will be displayed. Press the multi selector
No up or down to highlight YES and then press
Yes the multi selector to the right. To exit with-
SET
out deleting the picture, highlight NO and
press the multi selector to the right.
Done
22
Deleting Your Last Shot
At any time during shooting, you can press the DELETE
button to delete the last picture taken. The confirma-
tion dialog shown at right will be displayed. Delete Erase 1 image(s)?
the picture as described opposite under “Deleting
Unwanted Pictures.”
No
Yes
SET
Playback Tip
Pictures are displayed briefly at low resolution while being read from the memory card.
This makes it possible to scroll rapidly through the pictures in memory without waiting
for each image to be displayed at full resolution.
The first and last pictures in memory are linked. Pressing the multi selector up or left
when the first picture in memory is displayed will take you to the last picture. Pressing
the multi selector down or right when the last picture is displayed takes you to the
first picture.
Image File and Folder Names
On the memory card, pictures are identified by file names with three parts: a four letter
identifier, a four-digit file number assigned automatically by the camera in ascending
order, and a three-letter extension (e.g., “DSCN0001.JPG”).
Picture type Identifier Extension
Still picture DSCN .JPG 22
Original
Movie DSCN .MOV 53
Copy created using Pic. enhance menu option FSCN .JPG 41
Copy Small copy SSCN .JPG 42
Cropped copy RSCN .JPG 43
Basic Photography
When a picture is viewed in the monitor, the file number and extension appear in the
top right corner of the display. The identifier is not displayed, but is visible when the
picture is transferred to a computer.
Pictures are stored in folders created automatically by the camera and named with a
three-digit folder number followed by “NIKON” (e.g., “100NIKON”). Folders can hold
up to 200 pictures; if you take a picture when the current folder contains 200 pictures,
a new folder will be created by adding one to the current folder number. If you take
a picture when the current folder contains a picture numbered 9999, a new folder will
be created and file numbering will begin again from 0001. If file numbering reaches
9999 when the memory card contains a folder numbered 999, no further pictures can
be taken until the memory card has been formatted ( 67) or a new memory card
inserted.
23
When Lighting Is Poor: Using the Flash
The following flash modes are available:
Mode How it works When to use it
AUTO Flash fires when light-
Best choice in most situations.
Auto ing is poor.
Use for portraits (works best when
Flash fires several times
subject is well within range of flash
Auto with at low intensity before
and looking at pre-flash). Not recom-
red-eye main flash, reducing
mended when quick shutter response
reduction “red-eye.”
is required.
Use to capture natural lighting under
dim light or where use of flash is pro-
Flash will not fire even
Flash Cancel hibited. If (camera shake) icon ap-
when lighting is poor.
(off) pears, care should be taken to avoid
blurring.
Flash fires whenever Use to “fill-in” (illuminate) shadows
Anytime Flash
picture is taken. and back-lit subjects.
(fill flash)
To select the flash mode:
1 2
19 19
Display flash-mode menu. Highlight desired mode (to exit with-
out changing mode, wait two sec-
onds or press multi selector to left).
Exit menu. Flash mode shown by icon

3 at bottom of monitor.
19
24
More on Photography
Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency)
“Sensitivity” is a measure of how quickly the camera
responds to light. Your Nikon digital camera normally
has a sensitivity roughly equivalent to film with an ISO
50 rating. When lighting is poor and the flash is off
( ), the camera will automatically increase sensitivity,
permitting faster exposures and minimizing blur caused
by inadvertent camera movement (camera shake). An 19
ISO icon will appear in the monitor to warn that the
picture may be slightly mottled.
The (Camera Shake) Icon
When lighting is poor and the flash is off ( ), shutter
speeds will slow and pictures may be blurred. If the
shutter speed required for exposure is very slow, a
(camera shake) warning will appear in the monitor. Use
of a tripod or support is recommended.
19
Flash Range
Flash range varies with zoom position. When the camera is zoomed all the way out,
the flash has a range of 0.4 – 3.0 m (1´4˝ – 9´10˝). The range at maximum zoom is
0.4 – 1.7 m (1´4˝ – 5´7˝).
Close-Ups
The flash may not be able to light the entire subject at distances of less than 40 cm
(1´4˝). When taking close-ups, play each picture back after shooting to check the
results.
Flash Mode Selection
Depending on the mode selected, the flash mode may change automatically when
you choose a new shooting mode ( 30–37, 51). In (manual) mode, the camera
“remembers” the current flash mode setting even when the camera is turned off. The
most recent setting will automatically be restored whenever the mode dial is set to
, unless the Reset all option in the setup menu is used to restore default settings
( 80). In (auto) mode, the camera only stores the flash mode if the flash fires
at a setting of (auto with red-eye reduction). If AUTO is not selected before the
camera is turned off, the flash will be set to the next time the camera is turned
on. Otherwise the flash mode will automatically be set to AUTO.
25
Taking a Self-Portrait: Using the Self-Timer
When the self-timer is on, pictures are taken ten seconds after the shutter-re-
lease button is pressed. This can be used to allow you to appear in your own
pictures or to prevent close-up or low-light shots from being blurred by the
camera movement that occurs when the shutter-release button is pressed.
When using this option, you should either mount the camera on a tripod
(recommended) or rest it on a flat, level surface.
1 2
19 19
Display self-timer menu. Highlight ON (to exit without
changing mode, wait two seconds or
press multi selector to left).
3 4
19 19
Exit menu. Self-timer icon is dis- Frame picture and start timer. Count-
played in monitor. down timer shows number of seconds
remaining until picture is taken.
Focus and exposure lock when the shutter-re-

lease button is pressed. The self-timer lamp on
the front of the camera will blink until one sec-
ond before the picture is taken, staying lit during
the final second to warn that the shutter is about
to be released.
The Self-Timer
The self-timer is not available in some shooting modes ( 32, 37, 51).
Stopping the Self-Timer
To stop the timer before the picture is taken, press the shutter-release button.
26
Easy Close-ups: Macro Close-up Mode
Macro close-up mode is used for taking close-up shots of small objects at
very short distances (minimum 4 cm/1.6˝).
1 2
19 19
Display macro close-up menu. Highlight ON (to exit without
changing setting, wait two seconds
or press multi selector to left).
3 4
19 19
Exit menu. icon appears in monitor Frame picture. If camera is zoomed
when camera is in macro close-up. out until icon turns green, camera
can focus at distance of 4 cm/1.6˝.
Macro Close-up Mode

Macro close-up is not available in some shooting modes ( 31, 32, 34–37).
At short ranges, the viewfinder does not show the image that will appear in the final
picture. Use the monitor for close-ups.
In macro close-up mode, the camera focuses continuously, even when the shutter-re-
lease button is not pressed halfway.
27
Assist and Scene Modes
Your Nikon digital camera offers a choice of ten “scene” and four “assist”
modes. In these modes, camera settings are automatically optimized for the
selected subject type, sparing you the necessity of adjusting settings one-by-
one.
Assist Modes
Assist modes are chosen by rotating the mode dial to the desired mode.
Framing assist options are available to help you compose your shots.
Mode Description
Use for portraits in which the main subject stands out
Portrait assist 30
clearly while background details are softened.
Use to enhance outlines, colors, and contrast in sky-
Landscape assist scapes, forests, and other landscape shots, or to take 31
portraits that feature a landmark in the background.
Use for sports shots that freeze motion in rapidly-
Sports assist 32
moving subjects.
Night portrait assist Use for portraits taken against a dimly-lit backdrop. 33
Scene Modes
Scene modes are selected by rotating the mode dial to and selecting the
desired scene from a menu.
Mode Description
Use to capture background details or the effects of
Party/Indoor 35
candlelight and other indoor lighting.
Use for bright subjects such as snowfields, beaches,
Beach/Snow 35
and sunlit expanses of water.
Use to preserve the deep hues seen in sunsets and
Sunset 35
sunrises.
Use to preserve the colors seen in the weak natural
Dusk/Dawn 35
light before sunrise and after sunset.
Night landscape Use when taking landscape shots at night. 36
Use to capture vivid colors in close-up shots of flow-
Close up 36
ers, insects, and other small objects.
Museum Use where flash photography is prohibited. 36
Use to capture the expanding burst of light from a
Fireworks show 37
firework.
Copy Use to copy text and line drawings. 37
Use when light is coming from behind your subject,
Back light 37
throwing their features into shadow.
28
Framing Assist
The four assist modes offer a selection of framing
assist options that allow you to compose pictures
with the help of framing guides displayed in the
monitor. To use framing assist, rotate the mode
dial to the desired mode and follow the steps
below. Assist modes
1 PORTRAIT 2 Portrait
close-up
SET SET
After selecting mode, display framing assist Choose composition type. Current
menu (to display menu selection screen, selection shown by large icon and
press multi selector to left; 56). caption.
3 4
19 19
Make selection and return to shoot- When taking pictures, position sub-
ing mode. Framing guide appears in ject or subjects in framing guide as
monitor. described on following pages.
Using the Guides

Your subject does not have to fit exactly in the framing guides. When framing pic-
tures, pay attention to your surroundings; be careful not to trip and fall.
Assist Modes
Depending on your subject, assist modes may not always produce the desired results.
If results are not to your satisfaction, choose (auto) or (manual) and try
again.
29
Framing Assist
Portrait Assist
(portrait assist) mode helps you frame por-
traits in which the main subject stands out clearly
while background details are softened, lending
the composition a sense of depth (the degree of
softening depends on the amount of light avail-
able). A framing assist menu helps you frame
off-center subjects and compose tall or wide
shots and two-person portraits.
PORTRAIT PORTRAIT
Portrait left Portrait
left
No guides are displayed Use to compose shot
in monitor. Camera fo- SET
with subject centered SET
cuses on subject in cen- in left half of frame.

ter of frame; focus lock can be used to Camera will focus on subject in fram-
focus on off-center subjects. ing guide.
Portrait right Portrait Portrait close-up Portrait

right close-up
Use to compose shot Use to compose shot
with subject centered SET
with your subject’s face SET
in right half of frame. positioned in top half of

Camera will focus on subject in fram- frame. Camera will focus on face area
ing guide. in framing guide.
Portrait couple Portrait Portrait figure Portrait figure

couple
Use to compose shot Use to compose shot
with two subjects po- SET
with camera held as
sitioned side-by-side. shown at right and sub-
Camera will focus on closest subject. ject’s face in top half of
frame. Camera will fo-
cus on face area in fram-
ing guide.
Flash Mode Selection in Mode

Flash mode defaults to (auto with red-eye reduction). Other modes can be
selected.
30
Framing Assist
More on Photography
Landscape Assist
(landscape assist) mode helps you frame vivid
landscape shots that enhance outlines, colors,
and contrast. A framing assist menu helps
you frame not only natural landscapes but also
cityscapes and portrait shots featuring a land-
mark in the background.
LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE
No guides are displayed in monitor. Use to focus on distant objects
through foreground objects such as windows or a screen of branches.
Focus is fixed at infinity.
Scenic view
Use to compose landscapes with sky in top third of frame, distant ob-
jects in middle third, and closer objects in bottom third. Match top of SET
skyline with wavy yellow guide.
Architecture
Use to photograph buildings. A grid is displayed in the monitor to
help keep verticals and horizontals aligned with the frame. SET
Group right
Use to compose portraits with portrait subjects to right and landmark
or other object in background at left of frame. Both portrait subject SET
and background object will be in focus.
Group left Group left

Use to compose portraits with portrait subjects to left and landmark
or other object in background at right of frame. Both portrait subject SET
and background object will be in focus.

The flash turns off ( ) automatically in mode.
Macro Close-up Mode
Macro close-up turns off automatically in mode.
31
Framing Assist
Sports Assist
(sports assist) mode is used for dynamic action
shots that capture moving objects. The assist
menu lets you freeze the action in a single shot
or record motion in a series of pictures.
SPORTS SPORTS
While shutter-release button is held down, pictures are recorded at
rate of about 3 frames every 2 seconds (rate of shooting will slow
when icon is displayed). Focus, exposure, and white balance are
determined by first shot in each series. Camera focuses continuously, even when
shutter-release button is not pressed.
Sport
spectator
Shutter-release button can be pressed in one motion without paus-
ing halfway to check focus. Use at ranges of 3 m (9´10˝) or more SET
when subject is moving unpredictably, leaving you no time to com-

pose pictures. Camera focuses continuously, even when shutter-release button is
not pressed.
Sport
composite
Each time shutter-release button is pressed, camera takes 16 shots in
about two seconds and arranges them in four rows to form a single SET
picture. Focus, exposure, and white balance are determined by first

shot in each series.

The flash turns off ( ) automatically in mode; other modes can be selected.
The Self-Timer
The self-timer turns off automatically in mode.
Macro Close-up Mode
Macro close-up turns off automatically in mode.
32
Framing Assist
More on Photography
Night Portrait Assist
(night portrait assist) mode is used for taking
portrait shots at night, when it provides a natural
balance between the main subject and the back-
ground. Pictures taken at slow shutter speeds
are adjusted to improve quality, slightly increas-
ing processing time; to prevent blurring, mount
the camera on a tripod or rest it on a flat, stable
surface. For more information on framing assist
options, see “ Portrait Assist” ( 30).

Flash mode is automatically set to (auto with red-eye reduction).
33
Scene Mode
(scene) mode offers a menu of ten
“scenes,” each corresponding to a common situ-
ation, such as a backlit subject, sunset, or interior
shot. Camera settings are automatically adjusted
to suit the selected scene, sparing you the neces-
sity of adjusting each setting separately. To take Scene mode
pictures in scene mode, rotate the mode dial to
and follow the steps below.
1 Party/Indoor 2 Beach/Snow
SET SET
Display scene menu (to display menu Choose scene. Current selection
selection screen, press multi selector to shown by large icon and caption.
left; 56).
3 4
19 19
Make selection and return to shoot- Take pictures.
ing mode. Selected scene shown by
icon at top left corner of monitor.
Depending on the scene selected, restrictions may apply to flash mode ( ;

24), macro close-up ( ; 27), or the self-timer ( ; 26). These restric-
tions are noted on the pages that follow.
The (Camera Shake) Icon

When the icon appears in the monitor, pictures may be blurred. In this section, the
precautions that you can take to avoid blur are indicated by stars:
✭ hold camera in both hands and brace elbows against your body
✭ ✭ use a tripod or rest the camera on a flat, level surface.
34
The following scenes are available:
Party/Indoor
Use for shots that include details of the background, or to
capture the effects of candlelight and other indoor back-
ground lighting.
✭
OFF No restrictions
Vividly captures the brightness of such subjects as snow-

fields, beaches, or sunlit expanses of water. Flash mode
automatically set to AUTO; other modes can be selected.
No restrictions OFF No restrictions
Sunset
Preserves the deep hues seen in sunsets and sunrises.
✭
OFF No restrictions
Preserves the colors seen in the weak natural light before

sunrise or after sunset.
✭
Pictures taken at slow shutter speeds are processed to improve quality,
slightly increasing time before pictures are saved to memory card.
OFF No restrictions
35
Scene Mode
Night landscape
A slow shutter speed is used to produce stunning night
landscapes. Focus is fixed at infinity.
✭ ✭
Pictures taken at slow shutter speeds are processed to improve quality,
slightly increasing time before pictures are saved to memory card.
OFF No restrictions
Close up
Use to capture vivid colors in close-up shots of flowers, in-
sects, and other small objects, with the background artisti-
cally blurred. Flash mode automatically set to AUTO; other
modes can be selected. ✭
Camera focuses continuously, even when shutter-release button is not
pressed halfway. Minimum focus distance varies with zoom position. To
focus on objects as close as 4 cm/1.6˝ to the lens, adjust zoom until the
macro close-up icon ( ) in monitor turns green.
No restrictions ON No restrictions
Museum
Flash turns off ( ) automatically. Use this mode indoors
where flash photography is prohibited (for example, in mu-
seums and art galleries) or in other indoor settings in which
you do not want to use the flash. ✭
• The Best Shot Selector (BSS; 65) turns on automatically, reducing the
effects of inadvertent camera movement.
• Macro close-up turn off automatically; other modes can be selected.
• Photography may be prohibited altogether in some settings. Be sure to
obtain permission first.
No restrictions No restrictions
36
Scene Mode
Fireworks show
Slow shutter speeds are used to capture the expanding
burst of light from a firework. The camera responds more
rapidly to the shutter-release button, ensuring that you can
capture the start of the burst. ✭ ✭
• Focus is fixed at infinity.
• Follow the firework as it ascends and press the shutter-release button all
the way down at the start of the burst.
OFF OFF
Provides clear pictures of text or drawings on a white board

or in printed matter such as a business card.
• Flash and macro close-up turn off automatically; other modes can be
selected.
• Colored text and drawings may not show up well in the final picture.
No restrictions No restrictions No restrictions
Back light
Use when light is coming from behind your subject, throw-
ing their features into shadow, or when your subject is in
the shade but the background is brightly lit. The flash will
fire automatically to “fill in” (illuminate) shadows.
OFF No restrictions
Scene Mode
Depending on your subject, scene mode may not always produce the desired results. If
results are not to your satisfaction, choose (auto) or (manual) and try again.
37
Viewing Pictures on the Camera
Viewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail Playback
Pressing the (W) button in full-screen play-
back displays the pictures on the memory card
in “contact sheets” of four thumbnail images.
The following operations can be performed while
thumbnails are displayed:
To Press Description
Highlight Press multi selector up, down, left, or right to
pictures highlight pictures.
With four thumbnails displayed, press (W)
Change number button once to view nine thumbnails. Press
(W)/
of pictures (T) to “zoom in” from nine thumbnails to four
(T)
displayed thumbnail-view or, when four thumbnails are dis-
played, to view highlighted picture full screen.
Confirmation dialog will DELETE
Delete be displayed. Press multi Erase 1 image(s)?
highlighted selector up or down to
picture highlight option, press to No
SET
right to select. Yes
38
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom
Use the button to zoom in on still images dis-
played in full-screen playback. While the picture
is zoomed in, you can save a cropped copy of
the picture that contains only the portion of the
image visible in the monitor. Playback zoom and
cropping are not available when the current pic-
ture is a movie or a copy created using the small
picture option ( 42, 53). Cropped and edited copies can not be further
More on Playback
cropped.
Zoom increases each time button is pressed, to
a maximum of 6 ×. While image is zoomed in,
Zoom in (T)
icon and zoom ratio are displayed in top left
corner of monitor.
Use multi selector to scroll to areas of picture not
View other
visible in monitor. To use multi selector to view
areas of picture
other pictures, cancel zoom.
Zoom decreases each time button is pressed. To
Zoom out (W) cancel zoom, zoom picture out until entire picture
is displayed.
Press shutter-release but-
ton to create new picture Save edited image as
containing only portion of a copy?
picture visible in monitor.
Shutter No
Crop picture Confirmation dialog will
button Yes
be displayed; press multi SET
selector up or down to
highlight option, press to
right to select.
Confirmation dialog will DELETE
be displayed. Press multi Erase 1 image(s)?
Delete
selector up or down to
picture
highlight option, press to No
SET
right to select. Yes
39
The Picture Enhance Menu
Using the options in the picture enhance menu, you can create reduced or
cropped copies of the picture displayed in the monitor. You can also produce
a copy in black-and-white or sepia or create a retouched copy by adding soft-
focus effects. To view the picture enhance menu:
1 2
PLAYBACK MENU SET PLAYBACK MENU
PIC. ENHANCE MENU PIC. ENHANCE MENU SET
Display menu selection screen. Select PIC. ENHANCE MENU.
PIC. ENHANCE MENU To make a selection from the picture

3 enhance menu, press the multi selec-
Pic. enhance menu tor up or down to highlight an option,
SET
Small pic then press the multi selector to the
right.
Photo trim
Display options.
Copies are independent of the original image: deleting the copy has no effect
on the original, deleting the original no effect on the copy. The copy will be
created with the same transfer marking and date and time of creation as the
original; print and protect attributes will be off.
Movies
Pressing the MENU button with a movie displayed in full-screen playback or high-
lighted in the thumbnail list will display a menu selection screen containing PLAYBACK
MENU and MOVIE TRIM MENU options ( 54). The PIC. ENHANCE MENU will not
be available.
Viewing Copies on Other Cameras
Copies may not display or transfer correctly when viewed on other models of Nikon
digital camera.
40
Retouching Pictures
Selecting Pic. enhance menu from the picture enhance menu displays the
following retouch options:
Option Description
Creates copy of picture in which objects in center
Halo filter remain in focus, while other areas of the picture
are lightened and softened.
Monochrome filter Creates copy of picture in black-and-white.
Sepia filter Creates copy of picture in sepia.
More on Playback
1 Halo filter 2 Save edited image as
a copy?
SET
No
Yes
SET
Highlight option. Current selection Confirmation dialog displayed. Se-
shown by large icon and caption. lect Yes to create retouched copy, No
to exit without creating copy.
To view the new, retouched copy, press the multi selector down until the
copy is displayed. The copy will be displayed after the last picture recorded.
Copies are stored as NORMAL-quality JPEG files (compression ratio 1 : 8) with
names of the form “FSCNnnnn.JPG,” where “nnnn” is a four-digit number
assigned automatically by the camera.
Picture Enhance
Picture enhance options can not be used with resized copies, cropped copies, or with
copies created using the options in the PIC. ENHANCE MENU.
41
Small Picture
To create a small copy of a picture, select Small pic from the picture enhance
menu or press the shutter-release button while a still image is displayed in
full-screen playback. The following resize options are available:
Option Size (pixels) Description
Copy can be displayed full-screen on television
640 × 480 640 × 480
or 13˝ monitor with no drop in quality.
Suited to display on web pages. Small file size
320 × 240 320 × 240 reduces time needed to display picture in web
browser.
Copy can be sent and received quickly as e-
mail attachment. Where application supports
160 × 120 160 × 120
display of JPEG images, picture can be viewed
in message window.
SMALL PIC
1 2 Save edited image as
a copy?
No
Yes
SET
Highlight option. Confirmation dialog displayed. Se-
lect Yes to create resized copy, No to
exit without creating copy.
To view the new, resized copy, press the multi selector down until the copy
is displayed. The copy will be displayed after the last picture recorded (in
thumbnail playback, small pictures are indicated by a gray border). To reduce
file size, copies are stored on the memory card as BASIC-quality JPEG files
(compression ratio 1 : 16). Copies are stored in separate files on the memory
card with names of the form “SSCNnnnn.JPG,” where “nnnn” is a four-digit
number assigned automatically by the camera.
Copies can not be viewed or cropped using playback zoom.
Small Picture
Small pictures can not be created from resized copies, cropped copies, or from copies
created using the options in the PIC. ENHANCE MENU.
42
Cropping Pictures
When Photo trim is selected from the picture enhance menu, the current
picture will be displayed full screen.
1 2
More on Playback
Zoom picture in and out. Scroll picture. Repeat steps 1 and 2
until desired portion of image is dis-
played in monitor.
To view the new, cropped copy, press
3 Save edited image as the multi selector down until the copy
a copy? is displayed. The copy will be dis-
played after the last picture recorded.
No
Yes
SET
Confirmation dialog displayed. Se-
lect Yes to create cropped copy, No to
exit without creating copy.
Cropped pictures are stored as NORMAL-quality JPEG files (compression

ratio 1 : 8). Depending on the size of the original and the zoom ratio at
the time the copy was created, copies will be 2,048 × 1,536, 1,600 × 1,200,
1,280 × 960, 1,024 × 768, 640 × 480, 320 × 240, or 160 × 120 pixels in size.
Copies are stored in separate files on the memory card with names of the
form “RSCNnnnn.JPG,” where “nnnn” is a four-digit number assigned auto-
matically by the camera.
Pictures can also be cropped as described in “Taking a Closer Look: Playback
Zoom” ( 39).
Photo Trim
Resized copies, cropped copies, and copies created using the options in the PIC. EN-
HANCE MENU can not be cropped.
43
Viewing Pictures on TV
Using the EG-CP11 video cable included with your camera, you can connect
the camera to a television or video-cassette recorder (VCR).
Choosing a Video Mode
The Video mode item in the camera setup menu offers a choice of NTSC
and PAL standards ( 80). Be sure that the standard selected matches that
used in the device.
1 Turn the camera off

Turn the camera off before connecting or
disconnecting the video cable.
2 Connect the video cable

Open the interface cover and insert the black
plug into the camera’s interface connector,
the yellow plug into the video-in jack on the
television or VCR.
3 Tune the television to the video channel

If in doubt, consult the documentation for
your television or VCR.

Press the button for about a second to
turn the camera on. The camera monitor
will remain off and the television will display
the image normally shown in the monitor. If
the camera is connected to a VCR, images
can be recorded to video tape.
44
Viewing Pictures on a Computer
Using the UC-E6 USB cable and Nikon View software provided with your
camera, you can view your photographs and movies on a computer. Before
you can transfer (copy) pictures to your computer, you will need to install
Nikon View. For more information on installing Nikon View and transferring
pictures to your computer, see the Quick Start Guide and the Nikon View
Reference Manual.
Before Connecting the Camera
Pictures can be copied from the camera to the computer by:
More on Playback
• Pressing the button on the camera ( 75)
• Clicking the button in Nikon View
Which method you will use depends on your computer’s operating system
and the USB option selected in the camera setup menu. After consulting
the following table, select the appropriate option using the USB item in the
camera setup menu. The default option is Mass Storage.
SET-UP SET-UP USB
Welcome screen CF card format
SET
PTP
En Language Mass Storage
SET SET
Date Video mode
Pictures transferred using:

Camera Nikon View
Operating system ( ) button button
Windows XP Home Edition
Choose Mass Storage or PTP.
Windows XP Professional
Mac OS X 10.1.3–10.2 Choose PTP. Choose Mass
Mac OS X 10.1.2 —* Storage or PTP.
Windows 2000 Professional
Windows Millennium Edition (Me)
Choose Mass Storage.
Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)
Mac OS 9 (9.0 – 9.2)
* Pictures can not be transferred using camera button in Mac OS X 10.1.2. Use
Nikon View button to transfer pictures.
45
Connecting the USB Cable

Turn the computer on and wait for it to start up. After confirming that the
camera is off, connect the UC-E6 USB cable as shown below. Connect the
camera directly to the computer; do not connect the cable via a USB hub or
keyboard.
UC-E6 USB cable
You can now turn the camera on and transfer pictures as described in the
Quick Start Guide.
Windows 2000 Professional, Windows Millennium Edition (Me),

Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), Mac OS 9 (9.0–9.2)
Do NOT select PTP when connecting the camera to a computer running one of the
above operating systems. If you have connected the camera to a computer running
one of the above operating systems with PTP selected in the USB menu, disconnect
the camera as described below. Be sure to select Mass Storage before reconnecting
the camera.
A dialog will be displayed welcoming you to the Found New Hardware Wizard. Click
Cancel to close the dialog, and then disconnect the camera.
After displaying a message stating that the hardware information database is being
updated, the computer will start the Add New Hardware Wizard. Click Cancel to exit
the wizard, and then disconnect the camera.
The Add New Hardware Wizard will be displayed. Click Cancel to exit the wizard, and
then disconnect the camera.
Mac OS 9 (9.0 – 9.2)
A dialog will be displayed stating that the computer is unable to use the driver needed
for the “Nikon Digital Camera E3100_PTP” USB device. Click Cancel to close the
dialog, and then disconnect the camera.
46
Disconnecting the Camera

If PTP is selected in the USB menu, you can turn the camera off and discon-
nect the USB cable once transfer is complete. If you have not changed the
USB option in the camera setup menu from its default setting of Mass Stor-
age, you must remove the camera from the system as shown below before
turning the camera off or disconnecting the cable.
Windows XP Home Edition/Windows XP
Professional
More on Playback
Click the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon ( ) in
the taskbar and select Safely remove USB Mass
Storage Device from the menu that appears.
Click the “Unplug or Eject Hardware” icon ( ) in
the taskbar and select Stop USB Mass Storage
Device from the menu that appears.
Click the “Unplug or Eject Hardware” icon ( ) in
the taskbar and select Stop USB Disk from the
menu that appears.
In My Computer, click with the right mouse
button on the removable disk corresponding to
the camera and select Eject from the menu that
appears.
Mac OS X
Drag the “NO_NAME” camera volume into the
Trash.
Mac OS 9
Drag the “untitled” camera volume into the
Trash.
Mac OS X Mac OS 9
47
Printing Pictures
Pictures taken with your Nikon digital camera can be printed and enjoyed in
the same way as pictures taken with a film camera. Using the Print set op-
tion in the camera playback menu, you can specify the pictures to be printed,
the number of prints, and the information to be included with each print.
The pictures can then be printed by inserting the camera memory card into
any device that supports Digital Print Order Format (DPOF), be it your per-
sonal photo printer or your photofinisher’s print system.
To create a digital print order, press the MENU button during playback and
select PLAYBACK MENU from the menu selection screen ( 68), then follow
the steps below.
PLAYBACK MENU PRINT SET

1 2
Print set Print selected
SET SET
Slide show Delete print set
Delete
Highlight Print set. Display PRINT SET menu.
PRINT SET PRINT SELECTION

3 4
Print selected
SET
Delete print set
Set Done
Highlight Print selected. Pictures on memory card displayed as
thumbnail images.
“Delete print set”

To cancel the current print order, highlight Delete print set in the PRINT SET menu and
press the multi selector to the right. Print marking will be removed from all pictures in
the current print order; the pictures themselves will not be deleted.
48
PRINT SELECTION PRINT SELECTION
5 6
Set Done Set Done

Highlight picture. Select highlighted picture. Selected
pictures marked by icon.
More on Playback
PRINT SELECTION Use zoom buttons to specify number
7 of prints (up to 9). To deselect picture,
press W button when number of prints
is 1. Repeat steps 5–7 to select additional
pictures. To exit without altering print
order, press button.
Set Done
PRINT SET Press to complete print order and

8 display menu of print options.
Done • To print date of recording on all pic-
SET
tures in print order, highlight Date
Date :ON and press multi selector to right.
Info :ON Check will appear in box next to
item.
• To print shutter speed and aperture
on all pictures in print order, high-
light Info and press multi selector to
Done right. Check will appear in box next
to item.
• To deselect checked item, highlight
and press multi selector to right.
To complete print order and return to
playback, highlight Done and press
multi selector to right. To exit without
altering print order, press button.
49
Printing Pictures
Print Set
If you display the PRINT SET menu after creating a print order, the Date and Info op-
tions will be reset.
“Date”
If Date is selected, the date of recording will appear on
pictures printed using DPOF. The date is based on the
photo information recorded with the picture, and will
not be correct if the camera clock was set incorrectly
when the picture was taken ( 14–15). The date will
not be printed if the print system does not support the
DPOF date function.
The date stamp recorded when Date or Date and time is selected for Date imprint
( 63) forms a permanent part of the image and will appear whenever the pictures
are printed, even if the printer does not spport the DPOF date function. Print set can
not be used to print the time and date of recording on pictures recorded when Date
or Date and time is selected for Date imprint.
50
Recording Movies
To record silent movies up to forty seconds in length:
1 Rotate the mode dial to

The exposure count display in the monitor
shows the length of the movie that can be
recorded.
REC
3 Start recording
Press the shutter-release button all the way
down to start recording. During recording,
Movies
a ●REC icon will be displayed and progress
will be shown by the indicator at the bottom
of the monitor.
4 End recording
Press the shutter-release button all the way
down a second time to end recording. Re-
cording will end automatically after forty
seconds (twenty seconds when TV movie
(640) is selected; 52) or when no more
memory is available on the memory card.

The flash turns off ( ) automatically when movie mode is selected.
Digital Zoom
Digital zoom can not be used while recording is in progress.
51
Recording Movies
The type of movie recorded can be selected from the following options:
Option Description
Small movie (320) Movies are recorded at a rate of 15 frames per second.
(default option) Each frame has a size of 320 × 240 pixels.
Movies are recorded at a rate of 15 frames per second.
Vertical interlacing is used to achieve a size of 640 × 480
TV movie (640)
pixels, suitable for television playback. The maximum
length for movies recorded using this option is 20 s.
Movies are recorded in black and white at a rate of 15
B/W movie (320) frames per second. Each frame has a size of 320 × 240
pixels; file size is the same as for small movies.
Movies are recorded in sepia at a rate of 5 frames per
Sepia movie (320) second. Each frame has a size of 320 × 240 pixels; file
size is the same as for small movies.
MOVIE MOVIE
1 2
Small movie (320) Small movie (320)
TV movie (640) SET TV movie (640)
B/W movie (320) B/W movie (320) SET
Sepia movie (320) Sepia movie (320)
Display MOVIE menu. Highlight option.
Return to shooting mode.

3
Movies
Movies are recorded as Quick Time movie files with the extension “.MOV” and can be
played back on a computer after transfer.
52
Viewing Movies
During playback, movies are indicated by a 2003.03.06 100NIKON
icon. When displayed full screen in the monitor, 14:20 0001.MOV
movies can be played back using the zoom but-
tons and the multi selector. Movies can not be
played back when thumbnails are displayed.
When movie ends, final frame is displayed for
Start playback (T) about one second, followed by still image of first
frame.
Stop playback (W) Stop movie and return to single-image playback.
Pressing multi selector down while movie is in
Pause/resume
progress pauses display. To resume, press multi
playback
selector down again.
Rewind Press and hold to rewind movie.
Movies
Press and hold to fast forward through movie.
Fast forward Playback ends at last frame; once playback has
ended, first frame of movie will be displayed.
Rewind movie When movie is paused, press multi selector once

one frame to left to rewind movie one frame.
When movie is paused, press multi selector once
to right to advance movie one frame. If last frame
Advance movie
of movie is displayed, pressing multi selector to
one frame
right ends movie playback and displays first frame
of movie.
53
Editing Movies
To cut the beginning or end from a movie, press the menu button after
displaying the movie full frame or highlighting it in thumbnail playback (to
skip directly to step 6, display a movie in single-frame playback and press the
shutter-release button).
1 2
PLAYBACK MENU PLAYBACK MENU
MOVIE TRIM MENU MOVIE TRIM MENU
Display menu selection screen. Highlight MOVIE TRIM MENU.
3 Mark new start/stop 4 Mark new start/stop

with shutter press with shutter press
Begin trim Begin trim

Cancel Cancel
Confirmation dialog displayed. Highlight Begin trim (to exit without

trimming movie, highlight Cancel
and press multi selector to right).
5 6
Begin movie playback. Using multi selector to pause, re-

wind, and advance movie, display
first frame you want to keep.
Editing Movies
Any sections cut from a movie are permanently deleted and can not be recovered. Be
sure that the cropped portion of the movie does not contain frames you would like to
keep. Movies can not be trimmed to a length of less than five frames.
54
7 8
Delete all frames before current Display last frame you want to keep.
frame. If movie is paused, press multi
selector down to resume playback.
9 Save trimmed movie? 10 Save trimmed movie?
No No
Review movie SET Review movie
Yes Yes SET
Delete all frames after current Highlight Review (select Yes and press
frame. Confirmation dialog will be multi selector to right to skip to Step
displayed. 13, No to exit without editing movie).
Movies
11 12 Save trimmed movie?
No
Review movie SET
Yes
View edited movie (use multi selec- Highlight Yes (to exit without editing
tor to pause, rewind, and advance, or movie, highlight No and press multi
press /W to end playback). selector to right).
Save edited movie to memory card.

13 WARNING! Sections cut from beginning and end
PLEASE WAIT FOR of movie are discarded.
THE CAMERA TO FINISH
RECORDING
55
Using the Shooting Menu
The shooting menu contains the following options:
Option Description
Image quality/size Choose image size and quality. 58–59
White balance
Match white balance to your light source. 60–61
( mode only)
Adjust exposure for very bright, very dark, or high-con-
Exp. +/– 62
trast subjects.
Date imprint Imprint pictures with the date and/or time of recording. 63
Continuous
Take pictures one at a time or in a sequence. 64
( mode only)
BSS
Turn the Best Shot Selector (BSS) on or off. 65
( mode only)
Image sharpening Control how much outlines in your pictures are sharp-
66
( mode only) ened.
CF card format Format memory cards for use in the camera. 67
In (auto) and (manual) modes, the shooting menu is displayed when

the MENU button is pressed. To display the shooting menu in (scene) or
assist ( , , , ) modes:
1 Party/Indoor 2
SHOOTING MENU
SET SCENE MENU SET
Display scene ( mode) or framing Display menu selection screen.

assist ( , , , modes) menu.
SHOOTING MENU
3 4
SHOOTING MENU SET Image quality/size
SET
SCENE MENU Exp.+/–
Date imprint
Highlight SHOOTING MENU. Display shooting menu.
56
In (movie) mode, pressing the MENU button displays the movie menu (
52). The shooting menu is not available.
To make a selection from the shooting menu:
SHOOTING MENU EXP.+/–

1 2
Image quality/size + 0.3
Exp.+/– 0
SET
Date imprint – 0.3
Highlight menu item. Display options.
EXP.+/– SHOOTING MENU

3 4
+ 0.7 Image quality/size
+ 0.3 Exp.+/–
SET SET
0 Date imprint
Highlight option (to return to previ- Make selection. To exit menu and re-
ous step, press multi selector to left). turn to shooting mode, press MENU
button.
The Shooting Menu
57
Image Quality/Size
Pictures taken with a digital camera are recorded IMAGE QUALITY/SIZE
as image files. The size of the files, and with it
the number of images that can be recorded on High (2048*)
the memory card, depends on the size and qual- Normal (2048)
ity of the images. Before shooting, choose image SET
quality and size according to how you plan to use Normal (1600)
the picture.
Size Print size
Option (pixels) Quality* Description (cm)†
High quality, suitable for
High 2,048 × FINE 17 × 13
enlargements or high-quality
(2048*) 1,536 (1 : 4) (7˝ × 5˝)
prints.
Normal 2,048 × NORMAL Suited to print sizes of up to 17 × 13
(2048) 1,536 (1 : 8) A4 (roughly 10˝ × 8˝).† (7˝ × 5˝)
Suited to print sizes ranging
Normal 1,600 × NORMAL 13 × 10
from large photo album size
(1600) 1,200 (1 : 8) (5˝ × 4˝)
to A5 (roughly 8˝ × 6˝).†
Suited to printing at smaller

sizes (for example, in a let- 9×7
PC screen 1,024 × NORMAL
ter or report), or to display (3.5˝ ×
(1024) 768 (1 : 8)
on computer monitors 17˝ 2.5˝)
or larger.
Can be displayed full-screen
TV screen 640 × NORMAL on a television or 13˝ moni- 5×4
(640) 480 (1 : 8) tor. Suited to distribution by (2˝ × 1.5˝)
e-mail or the web.
* To reduce the amount of memory each shot occupies, pictures are compressed as
they are saved to the memory card. Compression selectively reduces the quality of
the image. The more a picture is compressed, the more noticeable this loss of quality
is likely to be. The figures in parentheses show the approximate compression ratio
for each setting.
† All figures are approximate. Dimensions in “Description” column assume a printer
resolution of approximately 200 dpi, dimensions in “Print size” column a resolution
of approximately 300 dpi.
If in doubt, choose Normal (2048) or Normal (1600). Pictures can be re-

duced or cropped when played back in the monitor after shooting ( 40).
58
The following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be
stored on 16- and 32-megabyte memory cards at different image quality/size
settings.
Image quality/size 16-MB card 32-MB card
High (2048*) 10 20
Normal (2048) 19 39
Normal (1600) 31 62
PC screen (1024) 69 138
TV screen (640) 147 287
* All figures are approximate. File size of pictures depends on scene recorded, produc-
ing wide variations in number of images that can be stored.
Image Quality/Size and Number of Exposures Remaining

The figure shown in the monitor for the number of exposures remaining is only an
approximation. The file size of compressed images varies with the scene recorded,
producing wide variations in the number of pictures that can be stored on the memory
card.
Image Size
Smaller images create smaller files suited to transmission by e-mail or use in web
pages. When printed at larger sizes, however, small images will be rough and uneven
in appearance. The Shooting Menu
Print Size
The size of images when printed depends on the printer resolution: the higher the
resolution, the smaller the final print size.
Image Quality/Size
The current image quality/size setting is shown by an
icon at the bottom left corner of the monitor.
19
59
White Balance ( Only)
White balance is used to preserve natural colors WHITE BALANCE
under different types of lighting. In (auto),
scene, and assist modes, white balance is set Auto
SET
automatically by the camera in response to light- White bal. preset
ing conditions and the selected scene. In
(manual) mode, you can choose white balance Daylight
from the following options:
Option Description
White balance automatically adjusted to suit light-
A Auto ing conditions. Best choice in most situations.
Gray object used as reference to set white balance
White bal. preset
under unusual lighting conditions.
Daylight White balance adjusted for direct sunlight.
Incandescent Use under incandescent lighting.
Fluorescent Use under most types of fluorescent lighting.
Cloudy Use when taking pictures under overcast skies.
Speedlight Use with the flash.
60
Preset White Balance
Preset white balance is used when shooting WHITE BAL PRESET
under mixed lighting or to compensate for light
sources with a strong color cast (for example, to
make pictures taken under a lamp with a red
shade look as though they had been taken under Cancel
white light). When (White bal. preset) is se- Measure SET
lected from the white-balance menu, the camera
will zoom in and the menu shown above at right
will be displayed in the monitor.
Option Description
Recalls the most recent value for preset white balance from
Cancel
memory and sets white balance to this value.
To measure a new value for white balance, place a gray object,
such as a piece of cardboard, under the lighting that will be used
in the final picture. Frame this object so that it fills the square in
Measure the center of the menu shown above. Highlight Measure and
press the multi selector to the right to measure a new value for
white balance (shutter will be released and camera will return to
original zoom position, but no picture will be recorded).
The Shooting Menu
White Balance
At settings other than auto, white balance is shown by
an icon in the monitor.
19
61
Exp. +/–
The Exp. +/– (exposure compensation) menu EXP.+/–
is used to alter exposure from the value sug-
gested by the camera, making pictures brighter
+ 0.3
or darker. Exposure can be adjusted in the range 0
–2.0 to +2.0 EV. SET
– 0.3
Choosing an Exposure Compensation Value

As a rule of thumb, select positive values when large areas of the frame are very bright-
ly lit (for example, when photographing an expanse of sunlit water, sand, or snow)
or when the background is much brighter than the main subject. Choose negative
values when large areas of the frame are very dark (for example, when photographing
a forest of dark green leaves) or when the background is much darker than the main
subject. This is because the camera, in order to avoid extreme over- or under-exposure,
tends to lower exposure when the frame is very bright and raise exposure when the
frame is very dark, which can make naturally bright subjects look dim and naturally
dark subjects appear over-bright, or “washed out.”
Exposure Compensation
At settings other than 0, exposure compensation is
shown in the monitor.
19
62
Date Imprint
The date imprint option is used to imprint the DATE IMPRINT
date or the date and time of recording on pic-
tures as they are recorded to the memory card. Off
SET
It can not be used to imprint a date stamp on Date
pictures after recording.
Date and time
Option Description
Off Time and date do not appear on pictures.
Date is imprinted at bottom right corner of all pictures
Date
taken while this option is in effect.
Date and time are imprinted at bottom right corner of
Date and time
all pictures taken while this option is in effect.
Image Quality/Size
Data imprinted at an Image quality/size setting of TV screen (640) may be difficult
to read. Choose a setting of PC screen (1024) or larger when using the date imprint
option.
Date Imprint
Imprinted data forms a permanent part of the image The Shooting Menu
and will appear whenever the image is printed, regard-
less of whether the date option is chosen in the Print
set menu. At settings other than Off, a DATE icon is
displayed in the monitor during shooting. Check be-
fore shooting to make sure that the camera clock is set
to the correct time and date. 19
The date is recorded in the order selected in the DATE menu. You will not be able to
select Date or Date and time if the camera clock has not been set.
Print Set
The Print set option can be used to print the date and time of recording on images
taken with Off selected in the DATE IMPRINT menu ( 48–50).
63
Continuous ( Only)
Use the options in this menu to capture a fleet- CONTINUOUS
ing expression on a portrait subject, photograph
a subject that is moving unpredictably, or capture Single
SET
motion in a series of pictures. Continuous
Multi-Shot 16-1
Option Description
Camera takes one picture each time shutter-release
Single
button is pressed.
Camera takes pictures continuously while shutter-re-
lease button is held down. Pictures are recorded at
Continuous
rate of about three frames every two seconds. Rate
of recording will drop when icon is displayed.
Each time shutter-release button is pressed, camera takes
Multi-Shot 16-1 sixteen consecutive images 400 × 300 pixels in size and
arranges them in four rows to form a single picture.
Camera takes pictures at a rate of about fifteen frames
per second while shutter-release button is held down.
Shooting ends after seven seconds or when you release
Multi-Shot 16-2 shutter-release button. From these pictures, camera
selects sixteen frames at regular intervals and arranges
them in four rows to form a single picture 1,600 × 1,200
pixels in size. Remaining images are discarded.
Restrictions on Camera Settings
At settings other than Single, the flash turns off automatically and focus, exposure,
and auto white balance for all photos are determined by the first picture in each series.
When Multi-Shot 16-1 or Multi-Shot 16-2 is selected, digital zoom can not be used
and Image quality/size is fixed at Normal (1600). Multi-Shot 16-1 and Multi-Shot
16-2 can not be selected when digital zoom is in effect. BSS is available only at a set-
ting of Single.
Continuous
At settings other than Single, the current “continu-
ous” setting is indicated by an icon in the monitor.
19
64
Best Shot Selector ( Only)
When the “Best Shot Selector” (BSS) is on, the BEST SHOT SELECTOR
camera takes pictures as long as the shutter-
release button is held down, to a maximum of Off
SET
ten. These images are then compared and the On
sharpest picture (the picture with highest level
of detail) saved to memory card. BSS is recom-
mended for situations in which inadvertent cam-
era movement can produce blurred pictures, for
example when:
• the camera is zoomed in
• lighting is poor and the flash can not be used
Option Description
Off BSS off; camera functions normally.
BSS on. Flash turns off automatically and focus, exposure, and
On auto white balance for all photos are determined by the first picture
in each series.
Notes on BSS
BSS may not produce the desired results with a moving subject or if you change the
composition while the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down.
“Continuous” and BSS
CONTINUOUS is automatically set to Single when BSS is on. Choosing another option
for CONTINUOUS cancels BSS. The Shooting Menu
The Self-Timer
BSS will not take effect when the self-timer is on, even if On is selected in the BEST
SHOT SELECTOR menu.
BSS
When BSS is on, a BSS icon appears in the monitor.
19
65
Image Sharpening ( Only)
The camera automatically processes pictures to IMAGE SHARPENING
emphasize the borders between light and dark
areas of the picture, making edges seem sharper. Auto
SET
As this processing takes place after shooting, its High
effects can not be previewed in the monitor, but
they will be visible in the final picture. In Normal
(manual) mode, the image-sharpening menu
gives you control over the amount of sharpening
performed.
Option Description
Camera sharpens edges for optimal results; amount of sharp-
Auto
ening varies from shot to shot.
Pictures processed to increase sharpness, making edges more
High
distinct.
Camera performs same standard level of sharpening on all
Normal
images.
Low Sharpening reduced below normal level.
Off No sharpening performed.
Taking Pictures for Retouching on a Computer

When taking pictures that will later be retouched, choose Off.
Image Sharpening
At settings other than Auto, the current image-sharp-
ening setting is indicated by an icon in the monitor.
19
66
CF Card Format
The memory card provided with your camera CF CARD FORMAT
is formatted at shipment. If you purchase ad- WARNING!
ditional memory cards for added storage, you All images will be
will however need to format the cards before deleted!
first use. No
Format SET
Before Formatting
Formatting memory cards permanently deletes all data they contain,
including protected pictures and any other data that may be on the
card. Before formatting, be sure to transfer to a computer any pictures you
would like to keep ( 45–47).
Selecting CF card format displays the confirmation dialog shown above. To
format the memory card:
CF CARD FORMAT
1 WARNING!
2
FORMATTING
All images will be
deleted!
No
Format
SET
Highlight to Format (to exit without Begin formatting. While formatting
formatting card, highlight No and is in progress, message shown above
press multi selector to right). will be displayed.
The Shooting Menu

During Formatting
Do not turn the camera off, remove the batteries or memory card, or
unplug the AC adapter (available separately) while formatting is in
progress.
67
Using the Playback Menu
The playback menu contains the following options:
Option Description
Select pictures for printing on a DPOF-compatible device;
Print set specify number of copies and information to be included on 48–50
prints.
View pictures on the memory card in an automatic slide
Slide show 69–71
show.
Delete Delete all or selected pictures. 72–73
Protect Protect selected pictures from accidental deletion. 74
Mark all or selected pictures for transfer to a computer; turn
Auto transfer 75–76
auto transfer marking on or off.
To display the playback menu:
PLAYBACK MENU
1 2
PLAYBACK MENU SET Print set
SET
PIC. ENHANCE MENU

Slide show
Delete
Display menu selection screen. Display playback menu.
68
Slide Show
This option is used to play pictures back in an au- SLIDE SHOW
tomated “slide show” with about three seconds
between each picture. Select all
SET
Option Description Select image(s)
View all pictures in order
Select all
recorded.
View specified pictures in
Select image(s)
order selected.
Viewing All Pictures in the Order Recorded
SLIDE SHOW SLIDE SHOW

1 2
Select all Pause
SET
Select image(s) Start
Loop
Highlight Select all. Starting screen displayed.
SLIDE SHOW
3 4
Pause
Start
Loop
Highlight Start. Begin slide show.
“Loop”
If Loop is selected in the starting screen, the slide show SLIDE SHOW
will repeat automatically. To select or deselect the loop
option, highlight Loop and press the multi selector to Pause
the right. A check mark next to Loop indicates that the
loop option is selected. Start
Loop
69
Slide Show
Viewing Chosen Images in the Order Selected
SLIDE SHOW SELECT IMAGE(S)

1 2
Select all
Select image(s)
SET
Set Done
Highlight Select image(s). Pictures on memory card displayed as
thumbnail images.
SELECT IMAGE(S) SELECT IMAGE(S)

3 4
Set Done Set Done

picture marked by number showing
position in slide show.
SELECT IMAGE(S) Repeat steps 3–5 to select addi-

5 6 tional pictures. Pictures will be
played back in order selected.
To deselect picture, highlight
and press W button. Remain-
ing pictures in selection will be
Set Done renumbered. To exit without
Rotate selected picture 90 ° right (→). changing selection, press
Press again to rotate 90 ° left (←), again button.
to return to original orientation.
SLIDE SHOW Starting screen displayed. Start slide

7 show as described in steps 3–4 of
Pause “Viewing All Pictures in the Order
Recorded.”
Start
Loop
70
Slide Show
The Playback Menu

The following operations can be performed during the show:
Menu shown at right will SLIDE SHOW
be displayed. Highlight
Restart and press multi
Pause slide
selector to right to resume
show End
show. Highlight End and
press multi selector to right Restart
to end show.
Press multi selector to right to skip to next slide.
Skip to next
Hold multi selector down to fast forward through
frame
show.
Press multi selector to left to return to previous
Return to previ-
slide. Hold multi selector down to rewind through
ous frame
show.
End slide show End slide show and return to playback.
71
Delete
The delete menu contains the following options: DELETE
Option Description
Erase selected images
Delete selected pic- SET
tures. Erase all images
Erase all images Delete all pictures.
Deleting Selected Pictures
DELETE ERASE SELECTED IMAGES

1 2
SET
Erase all images
Set Done
Highlight Erase selected images. Pictures on memory card displayed as
thumbnail images.
ERASE SELECTED IMAGES ERASE SELECTED IMAGES

3 4
Set Done Set Done

Repeat steps 3 and 4 to select additional pictures. To deselect picture,

5 highlight and press W or T button. To exit without deleting pictures,
press button.
72
The Playback Menu
DELETE Confirmation dialog displayed. Select
6 Yes to delete pictures, No to exit with-
Erase 1 image(s)? out deleting pictures.
No
Yes SET
Deleting All Pictures

To delete all unprotected pictures on the memory card:
DELETE DELETE
1 2
Erase selected images Erasing all images
( Exclude)
Erase all images
SET No
Yes SET
Highlight Erase all images. Confirmation dialog displayed. Se-

lect Yes to delete pictures, No to exit
without deleting pictures.
Before Deletion
Once deleted, pictures can not be recovered. Be sure that any pictures you would
like to keep have been transferred to a computer ( 45–47).
Protected Pictures
Pictures marked with a icon are protected and can not be deleted ( 74).
73
Protect
This option is used to protect pictures from ac- PROTECT
cidental deletion. Protected files can not be
deleted by pressing the button or using the
options in the Delete menu. Note, however,
that protected pictures will be deleted when the
memory card is formatted.
Set Done
PROTECT PROTECT
1 2
Set Done Set Done

Repeat steps 1 and 2 to select

3 additional pictures. To de- 4
select picture, highlight and Done
press W or T button. To exit
without changing protected
status of pictures, press
button.
Complete operation and return to
playback menu.
74
Auto Transfer
This option is used to mark pictures for transfer AUTO TRANSFER
to a computer and to turn automatic transfer
marking on and off. All on
SET
All off
Select image(s)
Option Description
All pictures on memory card are marked for transfer.
All on
Pictures taken while this option is in effect will be
(default option)
marked for transfer.
Remove transfer marking from all pictures on memory
All off card. Pictures taken while this option is in effect will
not be marked for transfer.
Select image(s) Mark selected pictures for transfer.
Transferring More than 999 Pictures

No more than 999 pictures can be marked for transfer. If the memory card contains
more than 999 pictures, transfer all pictures using Nikon View. See the Nikon View
Reference Manual (on CD) for details.
Hidden Pictures
Some Nikon digital cameras allow you to hide pictures during playback. Hidden pic-
tures can be viewed on the COOLPIX 3100 but can not be selected for transfer.
The Icon
Pictures that have been selected for transfer are identified by a icon.
2003.03.06 100NIKON
14:20 0001.JPG
1/ 4
Full-screen playback Thumbnail playback
When you connect the camera to a computer via the UC-E6 USB cable and press the
button to transfer pictures, only pictures marked with a icon will be transferred.
Note that the camera button can not be used to transfer pictures in Mac OS X ver-
sion 10.1.2. Use Nikon View to transfer pictures.
75
Auto Transfer
Marking Selected Pictures for Transfer
AUTO TRANSFER AUTO TRANSFER

1 2
All on
SET
All off
Select image(s)
Set Done
Highlight Select image(s). Pictures on memory card displayed as
thumbnail images.
AUTO TRANSFER AUTO TRANSFER

3 4
Set Done Set Done

Repeat steps 3 and 4 to select

5 additional pictures. To de- 6
select picture, highlight and Done
press W or T button. To exit
without changing transfer
status of pictures, press
button.
Complete operation.
Marking Pictures for Transfer with Other Cameras

Pictures selected for transfer with another model of Nikon camera can not be trans-
ferred when the memory card is inserted in the COOLPIX 3100. Use the COOLPIX
3100 to reselect the pictures.
76
Using the Setup Menu
The setup menu contains the following options:
Option Description
Choose the welcome screen displayed when the camera
Welcome screen 78
is turned on.
Language Choose a language for camera menus and messages. 14–15
Date Set the camera clock. 14–15
Brightness Adjust monitor brightness. 79
Volume Turn the camera speaker on or off. 79
Choose how long the monitor will remain on before turn-
Auto off 79
ing off automatically to save power.
The Setup Menu

CF card format Format memory cards for use in the camera. 67
Choose PTP or Mass Storage according to your comput-
USB 45
er’s operating system.
Video mode Select the video mode from NTSC and PAL. 80
Reset all Restore camera settings to default values. 80
When you rotate the mode dial to (setup), the setup menu will be dis-
played in the monitor. To make a selection from the setup menu, use the
multi selector as described in “The Shooting Menu” ( 56).
SET-UP
Welcome screen
SET
En Language
Date
“Language” and “Date”

The Language and Date options are described in “First Steps” ( 14–15).
“CF Card Format”
The CF card format option is described in “The Shooting Menu” ( 67).
“USB”
The USB option is described in “Viewing Pictures on a Computer” ( 45).
77
Welcome Screen
This option is used to choose the welcome screen WELCOME IMAGE SELECT
displayed when the camera is turned on.
Disable welcome
Coolpix
Welcome image SET
Option Description
No welcome screen is displayed when camera is turned
Disable welcome
on.
Image shown at right is displayed

Coolpix
when camera is turned on.
Select this option to choose wel- WELCOME SCREEN

come screen from pictures cur-
rently stored on camera memory
Welcome image card. Highlight picture using multi
selector, press to select. To
exit without changing welcome Done
screen, press button.
Small Pictures and Cropped Copies

Resized copies created with the small picture and cropping options can only be se-
lected for the welcome screen if they are 640 × 480 pixels or larger.
“Welcome Image”
When Welcome image is selected, the chosen picture WELCOME IMAGE SELECT
will appear at startup even when the memory card con-
taining the image is removed from the camera. If you Replace original
select Welcome image after choosing a custom wel- image?
come screen, the confirmation dialog shown at right No
will be displayed. Select Yes to choose a new picture Yes
for the welcome screen, No to exit leaving the welcome
screen unchanged.
78
Brightness
Press the multi selector up or down to increase BRIGHTNESS
or decrease the brightness of the monitor by
moving the arrow to the left of the display up
or down. Press the multi selector left or right to
return to the setup menu.
Volume
This option is used to enable or disable the
sounds played when an error occurs or when
you turn the camera or monitor on, select a new
mode, make a selection from menus, or release On
SET
Off
the shutter.
Auto Off
When operated on battery power, the camera
will enter standby mode if no operations are
performed for the length of time selected in the SET
AUTO OFF menu. Choose from thirty seconds
(30 s, the default setting), one minute (1 m), five
minutes (5 m), or thirty minutes (30 m). Regard-
less of the option chosen in the AUTO OFF menu,
the monitor will remain on for three minutes
when menus are displayed. When powered by an AC adapter, the camera
will enter standby mode if no operations are performed for thirty minutes.
79
Video Mode
Before connecting your camera to a video device VIDEO MODE
such as a television or VCR ( 44), choose a vid-
eo mode setting that matches the video standard
used in the device. Your Nikon digital camera
supports NTSC and PAL standards.
Reset All
Select this option to restore the settings listed
below to their original state.
Reset all settings
Option Description to default values
No Exit menu, leaving settings unchanged.
Reset Restore settings to default values. No
Reset SET
The following settings are affected:
Setting Default Setting Default
Portrait assist PORTRAIT Image quality/size Normal (2048)
Landscape assist LANDSCAPE White balance Auto
Sports assist SPORTS Exp. +/– ±0
Night portrait NIGHT Date imprint Off
assist PORTRAIT Continuous Single
Scene Party/Indoor Best Shot Selector Off
Movie Small movie (320) Image sharpening Auto
Flash mode Auto* Auto transfer All on
Self-timer Off Welcome screen Coolpix
Macro close-up Off Brightness 3
* may be selected in mode. Volume On
Auto off 30 s
Choosing Reset also clears the current file number ( 23) from memory.
Numbering will continue from the lowest number available on the memory
card. All other settings are unaffected.
Resetting File Numbering to 0001

To reset file numbering ( 23) to 0001, select Reset All after either deleting all pic-
tures ( 73) or formatting the memory card ( 67).
80
Optional Accessories
At the time of writing, the following optional accessories were available for
your Nikon digital camera. Contact your local retailer or Nikon representative
for details.
Rechargeable battery Additional EN-MH1 NiMH batteries are available
from your retailer or local Nikon representative
Battery charger MH-70 battery charger for EN-MH1 batteries
AC adapter EH-61 AC adapter
Carrying case CS-CP14 soft case
CompactFlash™ memory
EC-AD1 PC-card adapter
card adapters
Optional Speedlight SB-30 Speedlight
Flash bracket SK-9 flash bracket for SB-30 Speedlights
When mounted on the SK-9 flash bracket as shown below, the com-
pact Nikon SB-30 Speedlight can be used for wireless sync flash pho-
tography, supplementing the camera’s built-in flash (set the SB-30 to
Wireless Slave A). For more information, see the instructions provided
Technical Notes
with the SB-30.
COOLPIX 3100
SB-30
SK-9
81
Caring for Your Camera
Cleaning
Lens
One key to cleaning the lens is to not touch it with your fingers. Remove dust
or lint with a blower (typically a small device with a rubber bulb attached to
one end that you pump to produce a stream of air out the other). To remove
fingerprints or other stains that can not be removed with a blower, wipe the
lens with a soft cloth, using a spiral motion that starts in the center of the
lens and works out to the edges.
Monitor
Remove dust or lint with a blower. To remove fingerprints and other stains,
clean the monitor with a soft, dry cloth, being careful not to apply pressure.
Avoid contact with liquid crystal
Should the monitor break, care should be taken to avoid injury due to broken
glass and to prevent the liquid crystal from the monitor touching the skin or
entering the eyes or mouth.
Body
Use a blower to remove dust and lint, then wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth.
After using the camera at the beach or seaside, wipe off any sand or salt with
a cloth lightly dampened with fresh water, then dry thoroughly.
Do not use alcohol, thinner, or other volatile chemicals.
Notes on the Monitor

• The monitor may contain a few pixels that are always lit or that do not light. This is a
characteristic common to all TFT LCD monitors, and does not indicate a malfunction.
Images recorded using the product will not be affected.
• When you frame bright subjects, vertical comet-like streaks that whiten toward ei-
ther end may appear in the monitor. This phenomenon, known as “smear,” does not
appear in the final photograph and does not indicate a malfunction. Some smear
may appear in movies.
• Images in the monitor may be difficult to see in a bright light.
• The monitor is lit by an LED backlit. Should the monitor begin to dim or flicker, con-
tact your Nikon service representative.
82
Storage
Turn the camera off when not in use and check that the power-on lamp is
off before putting the camera away. To prevent mold or mildew, store the
camera in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you will not be using the product for
long periods, remove the batteries to prevent leakage and store the camera
in a plastic bag containing a desiccant. Do not store the camera case (avail-
able separately) in a plastic bag, as this may cause the material to deteriorate.
Note that desiccant gradually loses its capacity to absorb moisture and should
be replaced at regular intervals. Do not store your camera with naptha or
camphor moth balls or in locations that:
• are poorly ventilated or damp
• are next to equipment that produces strong electromagnetic fields, such as
televisions or radios
• are exposed to temperatures below –10 °C (14 °F) or above 50 °C (122 °F;
for example near a space heater or in a closed vehicle on a sunny day)
• are subject to humidities of over 60%
To prevent mold or mildew, take the camera out of storage at least once a
Technical Notes
month. Turn the camera on and release the shutter a few times before put-
ting the camera away again.
Store the batteries in a cool, dry place.
Batteries
• When turning the camera on, check that • If the battery terminals are dirty, wipe them
the batteries are charged. The monitor will off with a clean, dry cloth before use.
display a warning when batteries are low. • Repeatedly recharging NiMH batteries be-
• Carry a fresh CRV3 battery as a replacement fore they are fully exhausted may result in
when taking pictures on important occa- a “memory” effect, causing the batteries to
sions. You may find it difficult to purchase lose their charge quickly. The batteries will
replacement batteries on short notice. return to normal after being fully discharged
• On cold days, the capacity of batteries tends and recharged.
to decrease. Be sure that the batteries are • NiMH batteries gradually lose their charge
fully charged before heading outside to when left unused. We recommend that you
take pictures in cold weather. Keep spare charge NiMH batteries immediately before
batteries in a warm place and exchange as use.
necessary. Once warmed, a cold battery • Used batteries are a valuable resource.
may recover some of its charge. Please recycle used batteries in accordance
with local regulations.
83
Error Messages
The following table lists the error messages and other warnings that appear
in the monitor and how to deal with them.
Display Problem Solution
Set clock to current date
Clock not set. 15
(Flashes) and time.
WARNING ! !
Turn camera off and replace
Batteries exhausted. 8
BATTERY batteries.
EXHAUSTED
Use focus lock to focus on
AF● another subject at same
Camera cannot focus. 21
(● flashes red) distance, then recompose
picture.
Use flash, or steady cam-
era using tripod, by placing
Slow shutter speed. Pictures camera on level surface, or 18,
may be blurred. by holding camera in both 24–25
hands with elbows against
torso.
WARNING ! ! Camera turned off or Message clears from display
Please wait for camera button pressed during re- automatically when record- 21
to finish recording
cording. ing is complete.
Monitor has been left on
Use viewfinder or turn cam-
for an extended period, ac-
era off and wait a few min-
MONITOR OFF —
tivating internal circuit pro-
utes before turning camera
tection. on again.
NO CARD PRESENT Camera can not detect Turn camera off and confirm
that memory card is correct- 10–11
memory card.
ly inserted.
CARD IS NOT Press multi selector up to
FORMATTED Memory card has not highlight FORMAT and
67,
been formatted for use press to right to format
FORMAT 10–11
in camera. card, or turn camera off and
NO replace card.
THIS CARD
CANNOT BE USED • Use approved card. 11
• Check that connectors are —
Error accessing memory
WARNING ! ! card. clean. If card is damaged,
This CF card cannot contact retailer or Nikon
be read representative.
84
Error Messages

• Choose lower image qual- 58–59
Camera in shooting mode:
ity/ size.
Insufficient memory to re-
• Delete pictures. 22–23,
cord pictures at current set-
OUT OF MEMORY 72–73
tings.
• Insert new memory card. 10
Camera connected to com-
Disconnect camera, delete
puter: Not enough space on 22–23,
unwanted pictures, and try
memory card to record in- 72–73
again.
formation need for transfer.
• Memory card has not been • Reformat memory card. 67
formatted for use in cam-
era, or error occurred while
saving picture.
IMAGE CANNOT • Camera has run out of file • Insert new memory card 10, 22,
BE SAVED
numbers. or delete pictures. 23,
72–73
• Camera can not copy pic- • Copies can not be created 41–43
ture using small picture, from movies or from other
Technical Notes
crop, or picture enhance copies.
options.
CARD CONTAINS No pictures on memory Press button to return to
22
NO IMAGES card. shooting mode.
FILE CONTAINS File created by computer or View file on computer or
—
NO IMAGE DATA different make of camera. correct make of camera.
If error appears in computer
monitor, click OK to exit
USB cable disconnected or
Nikon View. Turn camera
memory card removed while
off, reconnect cable or re- 45–47
pictures are being trans-
place memory card, then
ferred to computer.
turn camera on and transfer
COMMUNICATIONS pictures.
ERROR Turn camera off and dis-
connect cable, then choose
new USB setting in camera
USB option set incorrectly. setup menu and reconnect 45
camera. If error persists,
use Nikon View but-
ton to transfer pictures.
85
Error Messages

No pictures selected for Disconnect camera and se-
NO IMAGES ARE transfer when buttonlect at least one picture for 47,
MARKED FOR
TRANSFER pressed to transfer pictures
transfer, then begin transfer 75–76
to computer. again.
Error occurred when pic- Check that camera is con-
TRANSFER 12,
tures were transferred to nected and that batteries
ERROR 46
computer. are fully charged.
Turn camera off and then on
Error has occurred during again. If error persists, con-
LENS ERROR —
lens operation. tact retailer or Nikon repre-
sentative.
Turn camera off, unplug op-
tional AC adapter (if using),
Error has occurred in cam- remove and reinsert batter- 8–9,
SYSTEM ERROR
era’s internal circuitry. ies, and turn camera on. If 12
error persists, contact retail-
er or Nikon representative.
86
Troubleshooting
If your camera fails to function as expected, check the list of common prob-
lems below before consulting your retailer or Nikon representative. Refer to
the page numbers listed in the right-most column for information on solving
the problems listed here.
Electronically-Controlled Cameras
In extremely rare instances, unusual characters may appear in the monitor
and the camera may stop functioning. In most cases, this phenomenon is
caused by a strong external static charge. Turn the camera off, remove and
replace the batteries, and turn the camera on again, or, if you are using an
AC adapter (available separately), disconnect and reconnect the adapter, and
turn the camera on again. In the event of continued malfunction, contact
your retailer or Nikon representative. Note that disconnecting the power
source as described above may result in the loss of any data not recorded to
the memory card at the time the problem occurred. Data already recorded
to the memory card will not be affected.
Problem Possible cause
• Camera is off. 12
Technical Notes
• Batteries are not correctly inserted or battery-chamber 8
cover is not properly latched.
• Batteries are exhausted. 12
• EH-61 AC adapter (available separately) is not properly —
Monitor is blank connected.
• Camera is in sleep mode. Press button or press 13
shutter-release button halfway.
• Monitor is off. Press button. 5
• USB cable is connected. —
• Video cable is connected. —
Camera turns off • Batteries are low. 12
without warning • Batteries are cold. 83
No indicators appear • Indicators are hidden. Press button until indicators
5
in monitor are displayed.
• Ambient lighting is too bright: move to a darker loca- 19
Monitor is hard to tion or use viewfinder.
read • Monitor brightness needs adjustment. 79
• Monitor is dirty: clean monitor. 82
87
Troubleshooting

• Camera is in playback mode. 22
• Batteries are exhausted. 12
• Red ( ) lamp flickers: flash is charging. 20
• Green (AF) lamp flickers: camera unable to focus. 20
• Message “CARD IS NOT FORMATTED” appears in 10–11,
No picture is taken
monitor: memory card is not formatted for use in your 67
when shutter-release
camera.
button is pressed
• Message “NO CARD PRESENT” appears in monitor: 10–11
no memory card in camera.
• Message “OUT OF MEMORY” appears in monitor: in- 58
sufficient memory to record picture at current Image
quality/size setting.
• Flash is off. 24
Pictures are too dark • Flash window is blocked. 18
(underexposed) • Subject is outside range of flash. 25
• Exposure compensation is too low. 62
Pictures are too
• Exposure compensation is too high. 62
bright (overexposed)
• Subject was not in focus area when shutter-release 20
Pictures are out of
button was pressed halfway.
focus
• Green (AF) lamp flickers: camera unable to focus. 20
• Camera shook during shot. Blurring caused by cam-
era shake can be reduced by:
Pictures are blurred ◆ Using the flash 24
◆ Using the Best Shot Selector (BSS) 65
◆ Using the self-timer with a tripod 26
• Shutter speed too slow. Noise can be reduced by:
Randomly-spaced
◆ Using the flash 24
bright pixels
◆ Selecting (night portrait assist) mode, or selecting 33, 35,
(“noise”) appear in
(scene) mode and choosing Dusk/Dawn 36
image
or Night landscape
Colors are unnatural • White balance does not match light source. 60
88
Troubleshooting

• Flash is off. Note that flash turns off automatically 24
when:
◆ The mode dial is set to (landscape assist), 31,
(sports assist), or (movie), or to (scene) 32,
Flash does not fire mode with any of Sunset, Night landscape, 51,
Museum, Fireworks show, or Dusk/ 35–36,
Dawn selected in scene menu
◆ Continuous is set to option other than Single 64
◆ BSS is on 65
Picture can not be • Picture has been overwritten or renamed by computer
—
played back or other make of camera.
• Picture is a movie. 53
Copy can not be
• Picture was created with small picture, crop, or edit 41–43
created using small
option.
picture, crop, or edit
• There is not enough free space on memory card to 16–17
options
store new copy.
• Picture is a movie. 53
Can not zoom in on
• Picture was created with small picture option. 42
picture
Technical Notes
• Picture has been cropped to size less than 320 × 240 43
• Camera is off. 12–13
• EH-61 AC adapter (available separately) is not properly 9, 12
connected, or batteries are exhausted.
• UC-E6 USB cable is not correctly connected, or card 10–11,
Nikon View does
not properly inserted in card reader or card slot. 46
not start when cam-
• USB item in setup menu set to PTP when camera con- 45
era is connected or
nected to computer running Windows 2000 Profes-
memory card insert-
sional, Windows Millennium Edition (Me), Windows
ed in card reader or
98 Second Edition (SE), or Mac OS 9.
card slot
• Camera is not registered in Device Manager (Windows —
only).
See Nikon View Reference Manual (on CD) for further
information.
89
Specifications
Type E3100 digital camera
Effective pixels 3.2 million
CCD ˝ high-density CCD; total pixels: 3.34 million
1 2.7
Image size (pixels) • 2,048 × 1,536 (2048)

• 1,600 × 1,200 (1600)
• 1,024 × 768 (1024)
• 640 × 480 (640)
Lens 3 × Zoom Nikkor
Focal length F=5.8 – 17.4 mm (35-mm [135] camera-format equiva-
lent: 38 – 115 mm)
f/-number f/2.8 – f/4.9
Construction Seven elements in six groups
Digital zoom 4 × (35-mm [135] camera-format equivalent: 460 mm)
Autofocus (AF) Contrast-detect through-the-lens (TTL) AF
Focus range 30 cm (1´) – ∞; macro mode 4 cm/1.6˝ (W) – ∞
Focus-area selection Center with five-area selection in frame assist mode
Viewfinder Real-image zoom viewfinder with LED indication
Magnification 0.34 – 0.94 ×
Frame coverage Approximately 82% horizontal and 82% vertical
Monitor 1.5˝, 110,000-dot, low temperature polysilicon TFT LCD
monitor with five-level brightness adjustment
Frame coverage Approximately 97% horizontal and 97% vertical
(shooting mode)
Storage
Media Type I CompactFlash™ (CF) cards
File system Compliant with Design Rule for Camera File System
(DCF), Exif 2.2, and Digital Print Order Format (DPOF)
File formats Compressed: JPEG-baseline-compliant
Movies: Quick Time
Exposure
Metering 256-segment matrix metering linked to AF area
Exposure control Programmed auto exposure with exposure compensa-
tion (–2.0 – +2.0 EV in steps of 1 3 EV)
Range W: +4 – +17.5 EV
(ISO 100 equivalent) T: +5.5 – +16 EV
Shutter Mechanical and charge-coupled electronic shutter
Speed 4 – 1 3,000 s
90
Aperture Electronically-controlled preset aperture
Range Two steps (f/2.8 and f/5.6 [W])
Sensitivity Approximately equivalent to ISO 50 (auto gain of two
to four times)
Self-timer Ten-second duration
Built-in Speedlight
Range (approx.) 0.4 – 3.0 m/1´4˝ – 9´10˝ (W)
0.4 – 1.7 m/1´4˝ – 5´7˝ (T)
Flash control Sensor flash system
Interface USB
Video output Can be selected from NTSC and PAL
I/O terminals DC in; video out/digital I/O
Power sources • Two rechargeable Nikon EN-MH1 NiMH batteries
• One CRV3 lithium battery
• Two ZR6 (AA) nickel manganese batteries
• Two FR6/L91 (AA) lithium batteries
Technical Notes
• EH-61 AC adapter
Approximate battery life 80 min (EN-MH1)/150 min (CRV3). Measured at stan-
dard temperature (20 °C/68 °F) with fully-charged bat-
teries under standard Nikon test conditions: zoom ad-
justed with each shot, flash used in approximately one
third of shots, image type set to Normal.
Dimensions (W × H × D) 87.5 × 65 × 38 mm (3.44˝ × 2.56˝ × 1.50˝)
Approximate weight 150 g (5.3 oz) without battery or memory card
Operating environment
Temperature 0 – 40 °C (32 – 104 °F)
Humidity Less than 85% (no condensation)
Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)

Your camera conforms to the Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF), a standard
widely used in the digital camera industry to ensure compatibility among different
makes of camera.
Exif Version 2.2
Your camera supports Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras)
version 2.2, a standard that allows information stored with pictures to be used for
optimal color reproduction when images are output on Exif-compliant printers.
91
Index
Symbols C Flash, ii, 2, 24–25, 60, 88,
(auto) mode, 6, 16–21 CF card format, 56, 67, 77 89, 91
(delete) button, 3, 22, 23, 74 Clock, see Date mode, 16, 24, 25, 30, 31,
lamp, see Lamp, red ( ) Close-ups, 25, 27, 36 32, 33, 34–37, 51, 64
(landscape assist) mode, Close up, 28, 36 Focus, 20–21, 88, 90
28, 31 CompactFlash (CF), see Mem- Focus lock, 7, 21, 30
(manual) mode, 6, 17, ory cards Framing assist, 6, 28, 29–33
56, 60, 64, 65, 66 Computer, 45–47 Framing pictures, 18–19,
(monitor) button, 3, 13 copying pictures to, 75–76 29–33
(movie) mode, 6, 51–52, Continuous, 56, 64, 65, 89
I
91 Copy, 28, 37
Image quality, see Image
(night portrait assist) mode, Cropping pictures, 39, 43, 89
quality/size
28, 33, 88 CRV3, see Batteries
Image quality/size, 16, 17,
(play/transfer) button, 3,
D 56, 58–59, 64
12, 22, 45
Date, 14–15, 63, 77 Image sharpening, 56, 66
(portrait assist) mode,
Date imprint, 50, 56, 63 Image size, see Image
28, 30
DC-in connector, 3 quality/size
(recording) icon, 21
DCF, see Design rule for Cam- ISO, 25
(sports assist) mode, 28,
era File system
32, 89 J
Delete, 68, 72–73
(wait) icon, 21 JPEG, 23, 90
Deleting pictures, 38, 72–73,
A 74 L
AC adapter, i, iii, vi, 9, 81, 91 all pictures, 73 Lamp, green (AF), 3, 7, 12,
AF●, 4, 20, 84 during shooting, 23 20, 88
AF lamp, see Lamp, green (AF) in full-screen playback, 22 Lamp, red ( ), 3, 12, 20, 88
Auto off, 13, 77, 79 selected pictures, 72–73 Language, 14, 77
Auto transfer, 68, 75–76 Design rule for Camera File Language, choosing, 14
system, 90, 91 Lens, iii, 2, 82, 90
B
Digital Print Order Format, 48,
Backlit subjects, 24, 37 M
50, 90
Back light, 28, 37 Macro mode, 27, 31, 34–37
DPOF, see Digital Print Order
Batteries, i–ii, vi, 8–9, 12, Memory cards, ii, 2, 10–11, 90
Format
83, 91 approved, 11
Dusk/Dawn, 28, 35, 88
CRV3, i, 8, 9, 83, 91 capacity of, 16, 59
EN-MH1, i, 8, 9, 81, 91 E formatting, 11, 67, 74
charging, 9 E-mail, 42, 58, 59 insertion and removal of,
FR6/L91 (AA), i, 9, 91 EN-MH1, see Batteries 10–11
ZR6 (AA), i, 9, 91 Error messages, 84–86 MENU button, 3
Beach/Snow, 28, 35 Exif 2.2, 90, 91 MH-70 battery charger, 9, 81
Best Shot Selector, 36, 56, 64, Exif Print, see Exif 2.2 Mode dial, 2, 6, 29
65, 88, 89 Exp. +/–, 56, 62, 88, 90 Monitor, ii, 3, 4–5, 18–19, 82,
Black-and-white Exposure compensation, 87, 90
movies, 52 see Exp. +/– indicators in, 4–5, 87
still pictures, 41 turning on and off, 5
F
Blur, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34, 65, 88 MOV, see Movies
File numbering, 23, 80
Brightness, 77, 79
Fill flash, 24, 37
BSS, see Best Shot Selector
Fireworks show, 28, 37, 89
92
Movies, 51–55, 90 R Transfer
editing, 54–55 Red-eye reduction, see Flash marking pictures for, 75–76
recording, 51–52 Reset all, 77, 80 Tripod, 3
viewing, 53 Resizing pictures, 42, 89 T button, see Zoom buttons
Movie menu, the, 52 Retouching pictures, 41, 89
U
MOVIE TRIM MENU, 54 Rotating pictures (in slide
USB, 45–47, 77, 89
Multi selector, 3, 7 shows), 70
cable (UC-E6), 46
Museum, 28, 36, 89
S connector, 3
N SCENE ASSISTANCE, 56
V
Night landscape, 28, 36, SCENE MENU, 56
VCR, 44, 79
88, 89 Scene menu, the, 34–37
Video-out connector, 3
Nikon View, 45, 89 (scene) mode, 6, 28,
Video cable (EG-CP11), 44
NTSC, see Video mode 34–37
Video mode, 44, 77, 80
Number of exposures remain- Self-portraits, 26
Video output, 91
ing, 16, 17 Self-timer, 26, 32, 37, 65, 91
Viewfinder, 2, 3, 18–19
Self-timer lamp, 2, 26
O Volume, 77, 79
Sensitivity, 25, 91
On/off, see Power switch
Sepia W
P movies, 52 Welcome screen, 77, 78
PAL, see Video mode still pictures, 41 White balance, 56, 60–61, 88
Party/Indoor, 28, 35 Setup menu, the, 77–80 preset, 61
Photo trim, 43 (setup) mode, 6, 14–15, Wide angle, see Zoom
PIC. ENHANCE MENU, 40–43 77–80 W button, see Zoom buttons
Pic. enhance menu, 41 SHOOTING MENU, 56
Z
PLAYBACK MENU, 68 Shooting menu, the, 56–67
Zoom, 18–19, 90
Playback menu, the, 68–76 Shutter-release button, 2, 7, 20
digital, 18–19, 90
Playing pictures back, 22–23, Shutter-release delay, see Self-
indicator, 18
38–44 timer
optical, 18–19
full-screen playback, 22–23, Size, see Image quality/size
playback, 41, 89
38–39 Slide show, 68, 69–71
Zoom buttons, 3, 18, 38–39
movie playback, 53 Slide shows, 69–71
on TV, 44 creating, 70
Power-on lamp, 2, 12–13, 16 Small pic, 42
Power switch, 2, 12–13 Smear, 82
Printing pictures, 48–50, 59. Speedlight, see Flash
See also Date imprint, Dig- Standby mode, 13, 79
ital Print Order Format Strap, camera, i, 2
Print set, 48–50, 63, 68 Sunset, 28, 35
Protect, 68, 74 Support information, 1
Protected pictures, 73, 74
T
Q Telephoto, see Zoom
Quality, see Image quality/ Television, 44, 80
size connecting to, 44
Quick Time, see Movies taking pictures for display
on, 52, 58
Thumbnail playback, 38
93
Printed in Japan
SB3E10000601(11)
6MAA4711-A

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En

The Guide to Digital Photography

• Do not expose batteries to flame or to Observe caution when operating the

Notice for customers in the U.S.A.

Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction

Before Taking Important Pictures

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

The Shooting Menu .......................................................................................... 56

Before You Begin

Self-timer lamp ( 26)

Eyelet for camera

Memory card slot cover

Attaching the Camera Strap

Red ( ) lamp ( 20)

Before You Begin

Interface connector cover

Before You Begin

Controlling the Monitor

Cancel and return to previous Make selection or

Before You Begin

The Shutter-Release Button

2 Insert the batteries

• Batteries with a flat negative terminal. Do not use

1 Confirm that the camera is off

2 Open the memory card slot cover

3 Insert the memory card

4 Close the memory card slot cover

Approved Memory Cards

2 Check the battery level in the monitor

Rotate the mode dial to Highlight Language.

Display options. Choose language from Deutsch

Return to setup menu. Highlight Date.

Display DATE menu. Edit Year.

Select Month. Repeat steps 8–9 to Highlight Y M D.

Choose order in which Year, Month, Return to setup menu.

The Clock Battery

1 Rotate the mode dial to

2 Turn the camera on

Number of exposures remaining

2 Frame your subject

19 Camera unable to focus on

2 Take the picture

2 Check the green (AF) lamp and focus indicator

To select the flash mode:

Exit menu. Flash mode shown by icon

Focus and exposure lock when the shutter-re-

Macro Close-up Mode

Using the Guides

cuses on subject in cen- in left half of frame.

Portrait right Portrait Portrait close-up Portrait

in right half of frame. positioned in top half of

Portrait couple Portrait Portrait figure Portrait figure

Flash Mode Selection in Mode

skyline with wavy yellow guide.

and background object will be in focus.

Group left Group left

and background object will be in focus.

Flash Mode Selection in Mode

when subject is moving unpredictably, leaving you no time to com-

picture. Focus, exposure, and white balance are determined by first