Nikon Camcorder D70 User Manual

The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography

with the

DIGITAL CAMERA

Product Documentation

The documentation for this product includes the manuals listed below.

Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly to get the most from your

camera.

Quick Start Guide

The Quick Start Guide takes you through the process of unpacking and

setting up your Nikon digital camera, taking your ﬁrst photographs, and

transferring them to your computer.

Guide to Digital Photography

The Guide to Digital Photography (this manual) provides complete operating

instructions for your camera.

Reference CD

The reference CD contains information on the software provided with

your camera. For information on viewing the reference CD, see the Quick

Start Guide.

CAUTION: Foreign Matter on the Low-Pass Filter

Nikon takes every possible precaution to prevent foreign matter from coming into

contact with the low-pass ﬁlter during production and shipping. The D70, however,

is designed to be used with interchangeable lenses, and foreign matter may enter the

camera when lenses are removed or exchanged. Once inside the camera, this foreign

matter may adhere to the low-pass ﬁlter, where it may appear in photographs taken

under certain conditions. To prevent foreign matter from entering the camera, do not

exchange lenses in dusty environments. To protect the camera when no lens is in place,

be sure to replace the body cap provided with the camera, being careful to ﬁrst remove

all dust and other foreign matter that may be adhering to the body cap.

Should foreign matter ﬁnd its way onto the low-pass ﬁlter, clean the low-pass ﬁlter as

instructed on pages 194–195 of this manual, or have the low-pass ﬁlter cleaned by

authorized Nikon service personnel. Photographs affected by the presence of foreign

matter on the low-pass ﬁlter can be retouched using Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or

later (available separately) or the clean image options available in some third-party

imaging software.

How to Read This Manual

First, be aware of the warnings, cautions, and notices on pages ii–v.

Next, read “Overview” and “Getting to Know the

Camera” to familiarize yourself with the conven-

Overview

Getting to Know the Camera

First Steps

tions used in this manual and the names of camera

parts, then set up your camera as described in

“First Steps.”

Basic Photography

Basic Playback

Now you are ready to take photographs and

play them back. You can then try your hand

at creative composition as described in “Digital

Vari-Programs.”

Digital Vari-Programs

Image Quality and Size

Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency)

White Balance

Optimizing Images

Choosing a Shooting Mode

Focus

Once you have mastered the basics of digital

photography, you can read these sections for

complete information on when and how to use

camera controls.

Exposure

Flash Photography

Self-Timer Mode

Using the Remote Control

Two-Button Reset

More About Playback

Menu Guide

Refer to these chapters for more on playback…

…on camera menus and custom settings…

…on connecting to a computer or TV…

Connections

…on printing photos on a PictBridge printer…

…and on accessories and troubleshooting.

Printing Photographs

Technical Notes

For Your Safety

To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others,

read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equip-

ment. 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 this

Nikon product to prevent possible injury.

WARNINGS

Do not look at the sun through the view-

ﬁnder

Do not disassemble

Touching the product’s internal parts

could result in injury. In the event of

a malfunction, the product should be

repaired only by a qualiﬁed technician.

Should the product break open as the

result of a fall or other accident, remove

the battery and/or AC adapter and then

take the product to a Nikon-authorized

service center for inspection.

Viewing the sun or other strong light

source through the viewﬁnder could

cause permanent visual impairment.

Turn off immediately in the event of

malfunction

Should you notice smoke or an unusual

smell coming from the equipment or

from the AC adapter (available sep-

arately), unplug the AC adapter and

remove the battery immediately, tak-

ing care to avoid burns. Continued

operation could result in injury. After

removing the battery, take the equipment

to a Nikon-authorized service center for

inspection.

Observe proper precautions when han-

dling batteries

Batteries may leak or explode if im-

properly handled. Observe the following

precautions when handling batteries for

use in this product:

• Be sure the product is off before re-

placing the battery. If you are using an

AC adapter, be sure it is unplugged.

• Use only batteries approved for use in

this equipment. Do not mix old and new

batteries or batteries of different types.

• Do not attempt to insert the battery

upside down or backwards.

Do not use in the presence of ﬂam-

mable gas

Do not use electronic equipment in the

presence of ﬂammable gas, as this could

result in explosion or ﬁre.

Do not place strap around the neck of

an infant or child

Placing the camera strap around the

neck of an infant or child could result

in strangulation.

• Do not short or disassemble the bat-

tery.

• Do not expose the battery to ﬂame or

to excessive heat.

• Do not immerse in or expose to water.

• Replace the terminal cover when trans-

porting the battery. Do not transport

or store with metal objects such as

necklaces or hairpins.

• Batteries are prone to leakage when

fully discharged. To avoid damage to

the product, be sure to remove the bat-

tery when no charge remains.

• When the battery is not in use, attach

the terminal cover and store in a cool

place.

• Immediately after use, or when the

product is used on battery power for

an extended period, the battery may

become hot. Before removing the bat-

tery, turn the camera off and allow the

battery to cool.

Removing memory cards

Memory cards may become hot dur-

ing use. Observe due caution when

removing 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.

Observe caution when using the ﬂash

Using the ﬂash close to your subject’s

eyes could cause temporary visual

impairment. Particular care should

be observed if photographing infants,

when the ﬂash should be no less than

one meter (39˝) from the subject.

• Discontinue use immediately should you

notice any changes in the battery, such

as discoloration or deformation.

When using the viewﬁnder

Use appropriate cables

When operating the diopter adjustment

control with your eye to the viewﬁnder,

care should be taken not to put your

ﬁnger in your eye accidentally.

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.

Avoid contact with liquid crystal

Should the monitor break, care should

be taken to avoid injury due to broken

glass and to prevent liquid crystal from

the monitor touching the skin or entering

the eyes or mouth.

Keep out of reach of children

Particular care should be taken to prevent

infants from putting the battery or other

small parts into their mouths.

iii

Notices

• No part of the manuals included with • Nikon will not be held liable for any

this product may be reproduced, trans-

mitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval

damages resulting from the use of this

product.

system, or translated into any language • While every effort has been made to

in any form, by any means, without

Nikon’s prior written permission.

• Nikon reserves the right to change the

speciﬁcations of the hardware and soft-

ware described in these manuals at any

time and without prior notice.

ensure that the information in these

manuals is accurate and complete, we

would appreciate it were you to bring

any errors or omissions to the attention

of the Nikon representative in your area

(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 found

to comply with the limits for a Class B digi-

tal device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC

rules. These limits are designed to provide

D70

Tested To Comply

With FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

reasonable protection against harmful

interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses, and can

radiate radio frequency energy and, if not

installed and used in accordance with the

instructions, may cause harmful interfer-

ence to radio communications. However,

there is no guarantee that interference

will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful in-

terference to radio or television reception,

which can be determined by turning the

equipment off and on, the user is encour-

aged to try to correct the interference by

one or more of the following measures:

CAUTIONS

Modiﬁcations

The FCC requires the user to be notiﬁed

that any changes or modiﬁcations made to

this device that are not expressly approved

by Nikon Corporation may void the user’s

authority to operate the equipment.

Interface Cables

Use the interface cables sold or provided

by Nikon for your equipment. Using other

interface cables may exceed the limits of

Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.

Notice for customers in the State of California

WARNING: Handling the cord on this

product will expose you to lead, a chemical

known to the State of California to cause

birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Wash hands after handling.

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving an-

tenna.

• Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet

on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected.

Nikon Inc.,

1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York

11747-3064, U.S.A. Tel.: 631-547-4200

• Consult the dealer or an experienced

radio/television technician for help.

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 reproduced

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,

coins, securities, government bonds, or

local government bonds, even if such

copies or reproductions are stamped

“Sample.”

The government has issued cautions on

copies or reproductions of securities is-

sued by private companies (shares, bills,

checks, gift certiﬁcates, etc.), commuter

passes, or coupon tickets, except when

a minimum of necessary copies are to be

provided for business use by a company.

Also, do not copy or reproduce pass-

ports issued by the government, licenses

issued by public agencies and private

groups, ID cards, and tickets, such as

passes and meal coupons.

The copying or reproduction of paper

money, coins, or securities which are

circulated in a foreign country is pro-

hibited.

Unless the prior permission of the

government has been obtained, the

copying or reproduction of unused post-

age stamps or post cards issued by the

government is prohibited.

• Comply with copyright notices

The copying or reproduction of copy-

righted creative works such as books,

music, paintings, woodcut prints, maps,

drawings, movies, and photographs is

governed by national and international

for the purpose of making illegal copies

or to infringe copyright laws.

The copying or reproduction of stamps

issued by the government and of cer-

tiﬁed documents stipulated by law is

prohibited.

Trademark Information

Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Mac OS, Power Macintosh, and PowerBook are registered trademarks of Apple

Computer, Inc. Power Mac, iMac, and iBook are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are

registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Pentium is a trademark of Intel Corporation. CompactFlash is a

trademark of SanDisk Corporation. Microdrive is a registered trademark of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies in

the United States and/or other countries. Lexar Media is a trademark of Lexar Media Corporation. PictBridge is a

trademark. 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.

Table of Contents

For Your Safety ................................................................................................ ii

Notices ............................................................................................................ iv

Introduction.......................................................................................................

Overview ..........................................................................................................

Getting to Know the Camera..........................................................................

First Steps ......................................................................................................... 13

Attaching the Camera Strap............................................................................. 13

Inserting Batteries ............................................................................................ 14

Basic Setup ...................................................................................................... 16

Attaching Lenses.............................................................................................. 18

Inserting Memory Cards................................................................................... 20

Tutorial............................................................................................................... 23

Basic Photography ........................................................................................... 24

Step 1—Rotate the Mode Dial to

................................................................ 24

Step 2—Ready the Camera .............................................................................. 24

Step 3—Adjust Camera Settings ...................................................................... 26

Step 4—Frame a Photograph ........................................................................... 27

Step 5—Focus.................................................................................................. 28

Step 6—Take the Photograph .......................................................................... 30

Basic Playback .................................................................................................. 31

Digital Vari-Programs ...................................................................................... 32

Taking Photographs.......................................................................................... 35

When to Use Shooting Options........................................................................ 36

Using Camera Menus....................................................................................... 39

Image Quality and Size.................................................................................... 41

Image Quality .................................................................................................. 41

Image Size ....................................................................................................... 43

Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency)............................................................................ 46

White Balance.................................................................................................. 48

Fine-Tuning White Balance............................................................................... 50

Preset White Balance........................................................................................ 52

Optimizing Images........................................................................................... 56

Customizing Image Enhancement Options ....................................................... 57

Choosing a Shooting Mode............................................................................. 62

Focus................................................................................................................. 64

Focus Mode..................................................................................................... 64

Focus Area Selection ........................................................................................ 66

Focus Lock....................................................................................................... 70

The AF-Assist Illuminator.................................................................................. 72

Getting Good Results with Autofocus .............................................................. 73

Manual Focus .................................................................................................. 74

Exposure........................................................................................................... 75

Metering.......................................................................................................... 75

Exposure Mode................................................................................................ 76

Autoexposure Lock .......................................................................................... 84

Exposure Compensation................................................................................... 86

Bracketing ....................................................................................................... 87

Flash Photography........................................................................................... 94

Flash Sync Modes............................................................................................. 95

Using the Built-in Speedlight ............................................................................ 97

Self-Timer Mode............................................................................................... 105

Using a Remote Control .................................................................................. 107

Two-Button Reset............................................................................................. 111

More About Playback ....................................................................................... 113

Single-Image Playback...................................................................................... 114

Photo Information............................................................................................ 116

Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback.................................................. 118

Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom ............................................................... 120

Protecting Photographs from Deletion.............................................................. 121

Deleting Individual Photographs....................................................................... 122

Menu Guide....................................................................................................... 123

The Playback Menu.......................................................................................... 124

Delete.............................................................................................................. 124

Playback Fldr.................................................................................................... 126

Rotate Tall........................................................................................................ 126

Slide Show....................................................................................................... 127

Hide Image ...................................................................................................... 129

Print Set........................................................................................................... 130

The Shooting Menu......................................................................................... 132

Optimize Image................................................................................................ 132

Long Exp. NR ................................................................................................... 133

Image Quality .................................................................................................. 134

Image Size ....................................................................................................... 134

White Bal......................................................................................................... 134

ISO .................................................................................................................. 134

Custom Settings ............................................................................................... 135

The Setup Menu............................................................................................... 155

Folders............................................................................................................. 156

File No. Seq...................................................................................................... 159

Format............................................................................................................. 160

CSM Menu ...................................................................................................... 161

Date ................................................................................................................ 161

vii

LCD Brightness ................................................................................................ 161

Mirror Lock-Up................................................................................................. 162

Video Mode..................................................................................................... 162

Language......................................................................................................... 163

Image Comment.............................................................................................. 163

USB ................................................................................................................. 165

Dust Ref Photo................................................................................................. 166

Firmware Ver.................................................................................................... 167

Image Rotation ................................................................................................ 168

Connections....................................................................................................... 169

Television Playback .......................................................................................... 170

Connecting to a Computer.............................................................................. 171

Printing Photographs........................................................................................ 175

Technical Notes.................................................................................................. 181

Camera Settings............................................................................................... 182

Optional Accessories........................................................................................ 183

Lenses for the D70........................................................................................... 183

Optional Speedlights........................................................................................ 186

Other Accessories............................................................................................. 190

Caring for the Camera..................................................................................... 193

Troubleshooting............................................................................................... 198

Speciﬁcations ................................................................................................... 201

Index .................................................................................................................. 206

viii

Introduction

Getting Started

This chapter is divided into the following sections:

Overview

Read this section for a description of how this

manual is organized and for an explanation of the

symbols and conventions used.

Getting to Know the Camera

Bookmark this section and refer to it for informa-

tion on the names and functions of camera parts.

First Steps

This section details the steps required to ready the

camera for use: inserting the battery and memory

card, attaching a lens and camera strap, and set-

ting the date, time, and language.

Overview

About This Manual

Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon D70 single-lens reﬂex (SLR) digital

camera with interchangeable lenses. 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-

tion that should be read before use

to prevent damage to the camera.

This icon marks tips, additional in-

formation that may be helpful when

using the camera.

This icon marks notes, information

that should be read before using

the camera.

This icon indicates that more infor-

mation is available elsewhere in this

manual or in the Quick Start Guide.

This icon marks settings that can be

ﬁne-tuned from the Custom Set-

tings menu.

This icon marks settings that can be

adjusted using camera menus.

Take Test Shots

Before taking pictures on important occasions (for example, at weddings or before

taking the camera with you on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is

functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost proﬁts that may

result from product malfunction.

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.europe-nikon.com/support

• 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://nikonimaging.com/

Replacing This Manual

Should you lose this manual, replacements can be ordered, for a fee, from any autho-

rized Nikon service representative.

Getting to Know the Camera

Camera Controls and Displays

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera controls and dis-

plays. You may ﬁnd it helpful to bookmark this section and refer to it as you

read through the rest of the manual.

Camera Body

Power switch:

Shutter-release

button:

Exposure

compensation

) button:

(

Eyelet for

camera

strap:

Eyelet for

camera strap:

LCD illuminator (

)

Mode dial:

button:

Format (

) button:

Accessory shoe:

187

Focal plane mark ( ):

Control panel:

Metering mode (

) button:

Camera Body (continued)

Speedlight lock release (

button: 97

Flash sync mode ( ) button:

)

Built-in Speedlight:

Self-timer lamp:

105, 107

AF-assist illuminator:

Flash exposure compensation

Red-eye reduction

(

) button:

102

lamp:

Infrared receiver :

107

DC-in connector

(under cover):

Video connector

(under cover):

170

Lens release button:

Focus-mode selector:

USB connector

(under cover):

171

Sub-command dial:

147

Tripod

socket

Depth-of-ﬁeld preview

button:

Battery-chamber cover:

Battery-chamber cover latch:

Reset switch:

200

Viewﬁnder eyepiece

cup:

Diopter adjustment control:

Viewﬁnder eyepiece:

AE/AF lock ( ) button:

Shooting mode (

)

button:

Format (

) button:

Multi selector:

Bracketing ( ) button:

Main command

dial: 147

Playback (

button:

)

114

Menu (

button:

)

Sensitivity (ISO)

button: 46

Thumbnail (

button: 118

)

White balance (WB)

button: 48

Protect ( ) button:

121

Help ( ) button:

136

Image quality/size

(QUAL) button:

Memory

card slot

cover:

Monitor:

13, 193

Playback zoom ( )

Focus selector

button:

Enter (

button:

120

lock:

)

Delete ( ) button:

122

Memory card

slot cover

latch:

Memory card access

lamp: 30

Control Panel

1 Shutter speed ............................... 76

Exposure compensation value....... 86

Flash compensation value ........... 102

White balance adjustment ............ 50

Number of shots in bracketing

8 Number of exposures

remaining..................................... 25

Number of shots remaining

before memory buffer ﬁlls............. 62

Preset white balance recording

sequence...................................... 87

indicator....................................... 52

Remote control mode indicator... 107

2 Sensitivity (ISO) indicator............... 46

Auto sensitivity indicator............. 142

9 “K” (appears when memory remains

for over 1000 exposures) .............. 45

3 Battery indicator ........................... 24

4 Flash sync mode ........................... 95

5 Image quality................................ 41

6 Image size .................................... 43

7 White balance mode..................... 48

10 “Beep” indicator ........................ 138

11 Aperture (f/-number) .................... 76

Bracketing increment.................... 87

PC mode indicator...................... 172

12 Clock battery indicator.................. 16

13 Flash compensation indicator...... 102

14 Exposure compensation indicator.. 86

15 Flexible program indicator............. 77

16 Autofocus mode......................... 139

18 Metering mode............................. 75

19 Self-timer indicator ..................... 105

Remote control indicator ............ 107

20 Bracketing progress indicator........ 87

21 Bracketing indicator...................... 87

22 Shooting mode............................. 62

17 Focus area .................................... 66

AF-area mode............................. 140

LCD Illuminator

Pressing the button activates the control panel backlight (LCD illuminator), allowing

the display to be read in the dark.

The Viewﬁnder Display

9 10

Advanced Focusing Screen Display

When the background is bright, the active focus area ( 66) is highlighted in black.

When the background is dark, the active focus area is highlighted brieﬂy in red as

needed to establish contrast with the background (“Vari-Brite” focus areas), making

it easier to identify the selected focus area. The viewﬁnder is also equipped with on-

demand grid lines. When On is selected for Custom Setting 8 (Grid display;

144),

a reference grid is superimposed over the display in the viewﬁnder. This grid is a useful

aid when composing landscape shots or when tilting or shifting a PC Nikkor lens.

Owing to the characteristics of this type of viewﬁnder display, you may notice ﬁne lines

radiating outwards from the selected focus area, or that the display in the viewﬁnder

turns red when the selected focus area is highlighted. These phenomena are normal

and do not indicate a malfunction.

1 8-mm (0.31˝) reference circle for

11 Number of exposures

center-weighted metering............. 75

remaining..................................... 25

Number of shots remaining

before memory buffer ﬁlls............. 62

Preset white balance recording

indicator....................................... 52

Exposure compensation value....... 86

Flash compensation value ........... 102

PC mode indicator...................... 172

2 Focus brackets (focus areas).......... 66

Spot metering targets................... 75

3 Reference grid (displayed when On is

selected for Custom Setting 8).... 144

4 Focus indicator ............................. 28

5 Focus area .................................... 66

AF-area mode............................. 140

12 Flash-ready indicator..................... 97

6 Autoexposure (AE) lock................. 84

FV lock indicator......................... 103

13 Battery indicator ........................... 24

14 Electronic analog exposure

7 Shutter speed ............................... 76

8 Aperture (f/-number) .................... 76

9 Flash compensation indicator...... 102

10 Exposure compensation indicator.. 86

display.......................................... 82

Exposure compensation................ 86

15 Auto sensitivity indicator............. 142

16 “K” (appears when memory remains

for over 1000 exposures) .............. 45

The Viewﬁnder Display

The focus-area and grid-line displays in the viewﬁnder (advanced focusing screen dis-

play) tend to brighten at high temperatures and to darken and exhibit slower response

times at low temperatures. The other displays in the viewﬁnder tend darken at high

temperatures and exhibit slower response times at low temperatures. All displays will

return to normal at room temperature.

No Battery

When the battery is totally exhausted or no battery is inserted, the display in the view-

ﬁnder will dim. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction. The viewﬁnder

display will return to normal when a fully-charged battery is inserted.

The Mode Dial

In addition to Digital Vari-Programs that allow settings to be adjusted to suit

a particular scene simply by rotating the mode dial to the appropriate mode,

the D70 is equipped with exposure modes that offer complete control over

settings.

Digital Vari-Programs

Selecting a Digital Vari-Program automatically op-

timizes settings to suit the selected scene, making

creative photography as simple as rotating the mode

dial.

Auto ( 32)

Use for “point-and-shoot” snapshots that leave the cam-

era in charge of settings. Recommended for ﬁrst-time

users of digital SLR cameras.

Shoot portraits with the background in soft focus.

Landscape ( 32)

Preserve details in landscape shots.

Take close-ups of ﬂowers, insects, or other small objects.

Freeze motion in sports shots.

Night Landscape ( 33)

Use when taking landscape shots at night.

Night Portrait ( 34)

Shoot portraits against a dimly-lit backdrop.

Exposure Modes

Select these modes for full control over camera set-

tings, including shutter speed and aperture, ﬂash

mode, and camera menus.

P Auto Multi Program ( 77)

Let the camera optimize exposure to suit the subject. Use

ﬂexible program to control shutter speed and aperture (

77), or adjust exposure with exposure compensation (

86).

S Shutter-Priority Auto ( 79)

Choose fast shutter speeds to freeze action, slow shutter

speeds to suggest motion by blurring moving objects.

Adjust aperture to soften background details, or increase

depth of ﬁeld to bring both the main subject and the back-

ground into focus.

M Manual ( 82)

Match shutter speed and aperture to your creative intent.

Navigating the Menus

The multi selector is used to navigate through the camera menus.

Move cursor up

Cancel and return

to previous menu,

or move cursor left

Display sub-menu,

move cursor right,

or make selection.

Move cursor down

The Shutter-Release Button

The camera has a two stage shutter-release button. The camera sets focus

and exposure when the button is pressed halfway. Focus and exposure will

remain locked while the shutter-release button is kept in this position. To

take the picture, press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.

The Multi Selector

The

button can also be used to select items highlighted in the camera menus.

There may be some cases in which the operations listed on this page do not apply.

Auto Meter Off

At default settings, the camera continues to meter exposure for six seconds after you

remove your ﬁnger from the shutter-release button. The shutter speed and aperture

indicators in the control panel and all indicators in the viewﬁnder then turn off to save

power (auto meter off). The length of the auto meter off delay can be adjusted using

Custom Setting 23 (Meter-off;

153).

First Steps

Getting the Camera Ready for Use

Attaching the Camera Strap

Attach the camera strap securely to the two eyelets on the camera body as

shown below.

The Monitor Cover

A clear plastic cover (the BM-4 LCD monitor cover) is

provided with the camera to keep the monitor clean,

and to protect the monitor when the camera is not

in use or when you are transporting the camera. To

remove the monitor cover, hold the camera ﬁrmly and

pull the bottom of the cover gently outwards as shown

ᕃ

at right ( ). Once the cover is unlatched, you can move

ᕄ

it slightly away from the monitor ( ) and then remove

ᕅ

it as shown ( ).

To replace the cover for shooting or storage, insert the

two projections on the top of the cover into the match-

ᕃ

ing indentations above the camera monitor ( ), then

press the bottom of the cover until you hear it click into

ᕄ

place ( ).

Inserting Batteries

The D70 uses the following batteries:

Battery

Description

• Provided with camera.

• Can be recharged using supplied MH-18 quick charger (be sure

to charge battery before using camera for ﬁrst time or after long

period of disuse; see charger manual for details). About two hours

are required to recharge battery when no charge remains.

Rechargeable

Nikon EN-EL3

batteries (×1)

• Available at many retail outlets.

• Not rechargeable.

• Can only be used when inserted in

supplied MS-D70 battery holder. In-

sert batteries as shown in illustration

on battery holder.

CR2 lithium

batteries (×3)

Turn the camera off

Turn the camera off before inserting or re-

moving batteries.

Open the battery-chamber cover

Slide the battery-chamber cover latch to the

ᕃ

position ( ) and open the battery-chamber

ᕄ

cover ( ).

Read Battery Warnings

Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages ii–iii and 196–197 of this

manual, together with any warnings and instructions provided by the battery

manufacturer.

Insert the battery or battery holder

Insert the battery or battery holder as shown

at right.

EN-EL3

MS-D70

Latch the battery-chamber cover

To prevent the battery from being dislodged

during operation, be sure the cover is securely

latched.

Removing Batteries

Before removing batteries, turn the camera off and slide the battery-chamber cover

latch to the open position ( ). Replace the terminal cover when the EN-EL3 is not in

use.

CR2 Batteries

CR2 batteries are best suited for use at room temperature. At low temperatures, CR2

batteries loose much of their charge.

Basic Setup

The ﬁrst time the camera is turned on, the language selection dialog shown

in Step 1 will be displayed in the monitor and the

icon will ﬂash in

the control panel. Follow the steps below to choose a language and set the

time and date.

Language

Deutsch

English

Español

Français

Italiano

Deutsch

English

Español

Français

Italiano

Nederlands

Svenska

Nederlands

Svenska

Language selection dialog displayed.

Select language.

Display DATE menu.

Date

Set

2004 01 01

00 00 00

Edit Year, Month, Day, Hour, Minute,

and Second. Press multi selector left

or right to select item, up or down to

change.

Date

Set

2004 01 07

13 45 46

Exit DATE menu. Monitor turns off.

Basic Setup

If the button is not pressed at the completion of basic setup, the language selection

dialog will be displayed the next time the camera is turned on. Until setup is complete,

the icon will continue to ﬂash, and no photographs can be taken nor other

operations performed.

The Clock Battery

The clock-calendar is powered by an independent, rechargeable power source, which

is charged as necessary when the main batteries are installed or the camera is powered

by an optional EH-5 AC adapter. Three days of charging is sufﬁcient to provide about

one month of back-up power. If the

icon ﬂashes in the control panel, the clock

battery is exhausted and the clock has been reset to 2004.01.01 00:00:00. Set the

clock to the correct date and time as described in “The Setup Menu: Date” ( 161).

The Camera Clock

The camera clock is less accurate than most watches and household clocks. Check the

clock regularly against more accurate time pieces and reset as necessary.

Language ( 163)

To change the language in which camera menus and messages are displayed, use the

Language option in the setup menu.

Date ( 161)

Use the Date option in the setup menu to change the time and date.

Attaching Lenses

Nikon recommends using a type G or type D CPU lens to take full advantage

of the features the camera offers.

CPU lenses have CPU

contacts

Type G lens

Type D lens

Turn the camera off

Turn the camera off before attaching or re-

moving lenses.

Attach a lens

Keeping the mounting mark on the lens

aligned with the mounting mark on the cam-

era body, position the lens in the camera’s

bayonet mount. Being careful not to press

the lens-release button, rotate the lens coun-

ter-clockwise until it clicks into place.

Lock aperture at the minimum setting

This step is not necessary if you are using a

type G lens not equipped with an aperture

ring. If you are using a lens of another type,

lock aperture at the minimum setting (highest

f/-number).

If this step is omitted when attaching a CPU

lens, the aperture displays in the control panel

and viewﬁnder will show a blinking

when

the camera is turned on. Photographs can not

be taken until the camera is turned off and

aperture locked at the highest f/-number.

Protect the Camera from Dirt and Dust

Any dust, dirt, or other foreign matter inside your

camera could show up as specks or blotches in your

photographs or the viewﬁnder display. When no lens is

in place, keep the lens mount covered with the supplied

body cap. When exchanging lenses or replacing the

body cap, keep the lens mount pointed down.

Detaching Lenses

Be sure the camera is off when removing or exchanging

lenses. To remove the lens, press and hold the lens-re-

lease button while turning the lens clockwise.

Inserting Memory Cards

In place of ﬁlm, the D70 uses CompactFlash or microdrive memory cards

to store photographs. For a list of approved memory cards, see “Technical

Notes: Approved Memory Cards” ( 192).

Turn the camera off

Turn the camera off before inserting or re-

moving memory cards.

Open the card slot cover

Open the card slot cover as shown at right.

Insert a memory card

Insert the memory card with the rear label

ᕃ

toward the monitor ( ). When the memory

card is fully inserted, the access lamp will light

ᕄ

and the eject button will pop up ( ). Close

the card slot cover.

Inserting Memory Cards

Insert the memory card terminals ﬁrst. Insert-

ing the card upside down or backwards could

damage the camera or the card. Check to be

sure that the card is in the correct orientation.

Terminals

Rear

label

Direction of

insertion

The memory card slot is on a slight angle (see

illustration at right). Match the angle of the

memory card slot when inserting cards.

Format the memory card

Memory cards must be formatted before ﬁrst use.

Formatting Memory Cards

Formatting memory cards permanently deletes any data they may

contain. Be sure to copy any photographs and other data you wish to

keep to a computer before proceeding ( 171–174).

To format the card, turn the camera on and hold the

buttons down simultaneously for approximately two seconds. A blink-

ing will appear in the shutter-speed display and the frame count

(

and

)

will blink. Pressing both buttons together a second time will format the

memory card. Press any other button to exit without formatting.

During formatting, the letters

will be appear in the frame-count

display. When formatting is complete, the frame-count display will show

the number of photographs that can be recorded at current settings.

During Formatting

Do not remove the card or battery or unplug the AC adapter (avail-

able separately) during formatting.

Format ( 160)

Memory cards can also be formatted using the Format option in the setup menu.

Removing Memory Cards

Memory cards can be removed without loss of data when the camera is off. Before

removing the memory card, wait for the green card access lamp next to the card slot

cover to go out and then turn the camera off. Do ^NOTattempt to remove the card

while the access lamp is on. Failure to observe this

precaution could result in loss of data or in damage to

the camera or card. Open card slot cover and press the

ᕃ

eject button to partially eject the card ( ). The card

ᕄ

can then be removed by hand ( ). Do not push on the

memory card while pressing the eject button. Failure

to observe this precaution could damage the memory

card.

Access lamp

Note that memory cards may be hot after use. Observe

due caution when removing memory cards from the

camera.

No Memory Card

If no memory card is inserted in the camera when

charged batteries are in place or the camera is powered

by an AC adapter,

count display.

will appear in the exposure-

Tutorial

Basic Photography and Playback

This chapter is divided into the following sections:

Basic Photography

This section details how to use the

(auto) Digital

Vari-Program for “point-and-shoot” photography

that produces optimal results in most situations.

Step 1 Rotate the Mode Dial to

Step 2 Ready the Camera

Step 3 Adjust Camera Settings

Step 4 Frame the Photograph

Step 5 Focus

24–25

28–29

Step 6 Take the Photograph

Basic Playback

Read this section for information on viewing pho-

tographs in the monitor.

Digital Vari-Programs

This section describes other Digital Vari-Programs

that leave the camera in charge of settings while

allowing you to express your creativity with a vari-

ety of subject types.

Basic Photography

Taking Your First Photographs

Step 1—Rotate the Mode Dial to

Rotate the mode dial to . In this automatic,

“point-and-shoot” mode, the majority of set-

tings are controlled by the camera in response to

shooting conditions, making it ideal for ﬁrst-time

users of digital SLR cameras.

Step 2—Ready the Camera

Before taking photographs, ready the camera as described below.

.1 Turn the camera on

The control panel will turn on and the dis-

play in the viewﬁnder will light.

.2 Check the battery level

Check the battery level in the viewﬁnder or

control panel.

Icon^*

Control View-

panel ﬁnder

Status

Notes

Aperture and shutter-speed indicators in

control panel and all indicators in viewﬁnd-

er turn off if no operations are performed

for 6s (auto meter off). Press shutter-re-

lease button halfway to reactivate display.

Battery fully

charged

—

Battery partially

discharged

—

Low battery Ready fully-charged spare battery.

Battery

Shutter release disabled.

exhausted

(ﬂashes) (ﬂashes)

*No icon displayed when camera powered by optional AC adapter.

.3 Check the number of exposures remaining

The exposure-count displays in the control

panel and viewﬁnder show the number of

photographs that can be taken at current

settings. When this number reaches zero,

will ﬂash in the exposure-count displays,

while the shutter-speed displays will show

a blinking

. No further pic-

tures can be taken until you delete pictures

or insert a new memory card. You may be

able to take additional pictures at lower im-

age quality or size settings.

Non-CPU Lenses

Digital Vari-Program modes (including

mode) are available only with CPU lenses.

The shutter release is disabled when a non-CPU lens is attached. See “Optional Acces-

sories: Lenses for the D70” ( 183).

CR2 Batteries

Depending on the type of battery and on battery use, the camera may require more

time to update the exposure-count display when CR2 batteries are used.

For information on what to do when

“Troubleshooting” ( 200).

ﬂashes in the exposure-count display, see

Camera Off Display

If the camera is turned off with a battery and memory

card inserted, the number of exposures remaining will

be displayed in the control panel.

Step 3—Adjust Camera Settings

When the mode dial is rotated to , camera settings are automatically ad-

justed to produce optimal results in most situations. Image quality, image

size, sensitivity, and shooting mode are set to the values in the table below.

See “Taking Photographs” ( 35).

Shooting mode

Sensitivity is displayed only

when ISO button is pressed.

Image quality

Image size

Option

Default

NORM

Description

Image

Pictures are compressed for balance between im- 41–

quality (JPEG Normal) age quality and ﬁle size that is ideal for snapshots. 42

Image

size

43–

Images are 3,008×2,000 pixels in size.

(Large)

Sensitivity (digital equivalent of ﬁlm speed) set to 46–

value roughly equivalent to ISO 200. 47

Sensitivity

Shooting

200

One photograph is taken each time shutter-release- 62–

mode (Single frame) button is pressed.

Step 4—Frame a Photograph

Choose a focus mode and frame a photograph.

.1 Choose autofocus

Conﬁrm that the focus-mode selector is

pointing to AF (autofocus). At this setting,

the camera will focus automatically when

the shutter-release button is pressed half-

way. Pictures can only be taken when the

camera is in focus.

.2 Frame a photograph

The recommended stance for taking photo-

graphs is with one foot a half pace in front

of the other and your upper body stable.

To prevent blurred photographs caused by

unsteady hands (camera shake), hold the

camera steadily in both hands, with your

elbows propped lightly against your torso

for support. Hold the handgrip in your

right hand and cradle the camera body or

lens with your left.

Viewﬁnder Frame Coverage

The viewﬁnder shows slightly less of the image (approximately 95% both vertically and

horizontally) than appears in the ﬁnal photograph.

Viewﬁnder Focus

The viewﬁnder is equipped with diopter adjustment

to accommodate individual differences in vision. To

adjust viewﬁnder focus, slide the diopter adjustment

control up and down until the viewﬁnder display and

focus brackets are in sharp focus. If necessary, the

rubber eyepiece cup can be removed; when the cup is

replaced, the lettered face should be down.

When operating the diopter adjustment control with your eye to the viewﬁnder, be

careful not to put your ﬁngers or ﬁngernails in your eye.

Diopter can be adjusted in the range –1.6m^–1to +0.5m^–1. Corrective lenses (available

separately;

190) allow diopters of –5m^–1to +3m^–1.

Step 5—Focus

Press the shutter-release button halfway. The camera will automatically

select the focus area containing the subject closest to the camera (closest

subject priority;

140). Once the camera has focused on this subject, a

beep will sound, the selected focus area will be highlighted ( 8), and the

in-focus indicator (●) will appear in the viewﬁnder (see table below). If the

subject moves out of the selected focus area before the camera has focused,

the camera will focus based on information from other focus areas.

Focus indicator

Description

Subject in focus (beep will sound when camera has focused).

●

Camera unable to focus using autofocus.

(ﬂashes)

If the subject is dark, the AF-assist illuminator ( 72) will light automatically

to assist in the focus operation. To focus on a subject that does not fall in

any of the ﬁve focus frames, use focus lock ( 70). For information on what

to do if the camera is unable to focus using autofocus, see “Getting Good

Results with Autofocus” ( 73).

mode, the camera automatically sets shut-

ter speed and aperture when the shutter-release

button is pressed halfway. Before shooting, check

the shutter-speed and aperture indicators in the

viewﬁnder. If the photo would be overexposed

at current settings,

will be displayed; use an

optional Neutral Density (ND) ﬁlter. If the photo

would be underexposed, the built-in Speedlight

will pop up automatically, and ﬁre when the pho-

tograph is taken.

The Built-in Speedlight

If additional lighting is required for correct exposure in

, and modes, the built-in Speedlight will pop

up automatically when the shutter-release is pressed

halfway ( 94). When the built-in Speedlight is raised,

photographs can only be taken when the ﬂash-ready

indicator is displayed. If the ﬂash-ready indicator is not

displayed, remove your ﬁnger brieﬂy from the shutter-

release button and try again.

Flash-ready indicator

If desired, the ﬂash can be turned off so that it will not

ﬁre even when lighting is poor. A red-eye reduction

mode is also available for reducing “red-eye” caused by

light reﬂecting from the subject’s retinas ( 95).

When the Speedlight Is Not in Use

To save battery power when the Speedlight is not in use, return it to the closed position

by pressing it gently downward until the latch clicks into place.

Step 6—Take the Photograph

Smoothly press the shutter-release button the rest

of the way down.

1/9

While the photograph is being recorded to the

memory card after shooting, it will be displayed

in the monitor (see opposite) and the access lamp

next to the card slot cover will light. Do not eject

the memory card, turn the camera off, or

remove or disconnect the power source until

the lamp has gone out. Removing the memory

card or cutting power in these circumstances

could result in loss of data.

100 NCD70 /DSC_0001.JPG

NORMAL

Shutter Sound

The D70 is equipped with a combined electronic (CCD) and mechanical shutter. This

shutter operates on a different principle from the mechanical shutters found in ﬁlm

cameras. As a result, the interval between the sounds made by the shutter and mirror

will not decrease past a certain point, even at high shutter speeds.

Basic Playback

Viewing Photographs

Photographs are displayed automatically while being recorded to the memo-

ry card. Photographs can also be viewed by pressing the

most recent photograph in the monitor.

button to display

1/1

During

The

Recording

Button

100 NCD70 /DSC_0001.JPG

NORMAL

100 NCD70 /DSC_0001.JPG

NORMAL

Photographs are automatically

displayed while being recorded to

memory card.

Press

button at any time to dis-

play most recent photograph.

Press the multi selector up or down to view additional photographs. Press

the multi selector down to view photographs in the order recorded, up to

view photographs in reverse order.

Deleting Unwanted Photographs

To delete the photograph currently displayed in

the monitor, press the

tion dialog will be displayed. Press the

button. A conﬁrma-

button

1/9

again to delete the image and return to playback.

Press any other button to exit without deleting

the picture.

Delete?

Yes

100 NCD70 /DSC_0001.JPG

NORMAL

Take Additional Photographs

To end playback and return to shooting mode, press the

the shutter-release button halfway.

button or press

Digital Vari-Programs

Creative Photography

The D70 offers a choice of seven Digital Vari-Pro-

gram modes. Selecting a program automatically

optimizes settings to suit the selected scene, mak-

ing creative photography as simple as rotating the

mode dial.

Digital Vari-Programs are available with CPU lenses only. When a non-CPU

lens is attached, the shutter release is disabled. See “Camera Settings” (

182) for information on the options available in Digital Vari-Program modes.

Auto

Use for snapshots. Camera settings are automatically adjust-

ed according to subject and lighting, producing vivid, smooth

images with balanced saturation, color, and sharpness.

•Flash set to front-curtain sync. Other modes can be se-

lected ( 96).

Portrait

Use for portraits. Main subject stands out clearly while

background details are softened, lending composition sense

of depth.

•Degree of softening depends on amount of light available.

Increase distance between subject and background or use

telephoto lens for best results.

•Flash set to front-curtain sync. Other modes can be selected ( 96).

Landscape

Use for vivid landscape shots that enhance outlines, colors,

and contrast in such subjects as skyscapes and forests.

•Use wide-angle lens for wider ﬁeld of view.

•Built-in Speedlight and AF-assist illuminator turn off auto-

matically and will not ﬁre even when lighting is poor.

Focus

Except in

mode, the camera automatically selects the focus area containing the

subject closest to the camera. Once the camera has focused on this subject, a beep

will sound ( excepted), the selected focus area will be highlighted ( 8), and focus

will lock. If the subject moves out of the selected focus area before the camera has

focused, the camera will focus based on information from other focus areas.

Close up

Use for close-up shots of ﬂowers, insects, and other small

objects in which main subject stands out clearly. Reds and

greens are captured particularly vividly.

•Camera automatically selects center focus area. Focus area

selection can be changed.

•Tripod, self-timer ( 105), and/or optional remote control ( 107) can be

used to prevent blurring at slow shutter speeds.

•Micro lens recommended. Effective use can be made of other lenses by

focusing at minimum focus distance. With zoom lenses, zoom in to make

subject appear larger.

•Flash set to front-curtain sync. Other modes can be selected ( 96).

Sports

High shutter speeds freeze motion for dynamic sports shots

in which main subject stands out clearly.

•Camera focus continuously while shutter-release button is

pressed halfway, following movement of subject through

focus areas. Note that shutter can be released even when camera is not

in focus; check focus indicator (●) in viewﬁnder before shooting.

•Use telephoto lens for best results. Tripod recommended to prevent blur-

ring when telephoto lens is used.

•Built-in Speedlight and AF-assist illuminator turn off automatically and will

not ﬁre even when lighting is poor.

Night landscape

Slow shutter speeds produce stunning night landscapes

while minimizing mottling and discoloration often seen in

low-light photographs.

•Tripod, self-timer ( 105), and/or optional remote control

(

107) can be used to prevent blurring at slow shutter speeds. At speeds

slower than 1s, use noise reduction to reduce mottling ( 133).

•Use mode for portraits that include night scenery.

•Built-in Speedlight and AF-assist illuminator turn off automatically and will

not ﬁre even when lighting is poor.

Night portrait

Provides natural balance between main subject and back-

ground in portraits taken under low light. Lighting for por-

trait subject will seem natural even when ﬂash is used.

•Tripod, self-timer ( 105), and/or optional remote control

(

107) can be used to prevent blurring at slow shutter speeds. At speeds

slower than 1s, use noise reduction to reduce mottling ( 133).

•Use mode for night shots that do not include portrait subject.

•Flash set to slow sync. Other modes can be selected ( 94).

Exposure Warning

If the limits of the exposure metering system are exceeded, one of the following indi-

cators will be displayed in the control panel and viewﬁnder:

Indicator

Description

Subject too bright. Use optional Neutral Density (ND) ﬁlter.

Subject too dark. Raise sensitivity (ISO equivalency;

46).

Color Space

Photos taken in Digital Vari-Program modes are recorded in the sRGB color space (

59).

Self-Timer and Remote Control Modes

The self-timer and remote control can be used to allow photographers to appear in

their own photographs or prevent blur caused by the camera moving when the shut-

ter-release button is pressed. At default settings, the self-timer delays shutter release

until about ten seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed. For details, see

“Taking Photographs: The Self-Timer” ( 105). The optional ML-L3 remote control

can be used to release the shutter remotely, either instantaneously or with a two-sec-

ond delay. See “Taking Photographs: Using the Remote Control” ( 107).

P, S, A, and M Modes

In addition to the settings available in

mode, P, S,

A, and M modes offer control over such settings as

shutter speed and aperture, white balance, image op-

timization, and exposure compensation. See “Taking

Photographs” ( 35).

Taking

Photographs

The Details

“Tutorial: Taking Photographs” described the basic

order of operations for taking photographs at the

most commonly-used settings. This chapter ex-

plains how and when to adjust camera settings for

different shooting conditions.

When to Use Shooting Options

The following ﬁgure illustrates when to use the shooting options described

in this chapter.

Photos “grainy” when enlarged?

Files too big for e-mail?

Image Quality and Size ( 41–45)

Choose high settings for quality

and size when taking photos that

will be enlarged, lower settings

when taking photos for electronic

distribution or to save space on the

memory card.

Need to get more pictures on a

memory card?

Shooting Mode ( 62–63)

Take photographs one at a time or

in a continuous burst.

Shutter response too slow?

Photos out of focus?

Focus ( 64–74)

Give priority to accurate focus or

shutter response. Select how focus

area is chosen and whether to fo-

cus manually or automatically.

Self-Timer ( 105–106)

Delay shutter release until after the

shutter-release button is pressed.

Want to shoot a self-portrait?

Photos blurred by camera shake?

Remote Control ( 107–110)

Use the optional remote control for

taking photos at a distance.

Two-Button Reset ( 111)

Reset shooting options to default

values.

Want to shoot at default settings?

Photos dull and lifeless?

Optimizing Images ( 56–61)

Adjust sharpness, contrast, color

space, saturation, and hue to suit

your creative intent.

Photos have a red or blue cast?

Colors not natural?

Subject too bright?

White Balance ( 48–55)

Match white balance to lighting for

natural coloration.

Bracketing ( 87–93)

Create

multiple

photographs

“bracketing” a selected exposure

value, ﬂash level, or white balance.

Metering ( 75)

Choose how the camera sets ex-

posure.

Exposure Mode ( 76–83)

Set shutter speed (how long the

CCD is exposed to light) and ap-

erture (the size of the opening

through which light enters the

camera) for a variety of effects.

Exposure Compensation ( 86)

Adjust exposure from the value

suggested by the camera.

Subject too dark, or backlit?

Sensitivity ( 46–47)

Flash Photography ( 94–104)

Use the built-in Speedlight for ad-

ditional lighting when shooting

poorly-lit or backlit subjects.

Raise sensitivity to reduce the

amount of light needed to make

an exposure.

Photos blurred?

The chart below shows the basic order for adjusting settings when taking

photographs. Before proceeding, be sure to read “Using Camera Menus”

(

39) for information on menu operations.

How will this photograph be used?

Image Quality and Size...........................................................

Optimizing Images .................................................................

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

41–45

56–61

132–134

What lighting is available?

Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency)....................................................

White Balance........................................................................

46–47

48–55

Will this be a single photo, or a series of photos?

Choosing a Shooting Mode ...................................................

62–63

64–74

What is the subject, and how will I compose the photography?

Focus.....................................................................................

How important is background lighting to the photograph?

Exposure: Metering................................................................

What is more important, shutter speed or aperture?

Exposure: Exposure Mode.......................................................

76–83

Is the subject very bright, very dark, or high contrast?

Exposure: Exposure Compensation .........................................

Exposure: Bracketing..............................................................

87–93

Will I need a ﬂash?

Flash Photography .................................................................

Optional Accessories: Optional Speedlights ............................

94–104

186–189

How do I want to control the shutter?

Self-Timer Mode ....................................................................

Using a Remote Control.........................................................

105–106

107–110

Using Camera Menus

Basic Menu Operations

The next four sections involve settings that can be accessed via the camera

menus. To view the menus, turn the camera on and press the button.

Folders

NCD70

File No. Seq.

Format

OFF

CSM menu

Date

LCD brightness

Choosing a Menu

The camera has four main menus: the playback menu, the shooting menu,

the Custom Settings menu, and the setup menu. When the menu button

is pressed, the camera displays the last menu used. To select a different

menu:

Folders

File No. Se

Format

CSM menu

Date

NCD70

OFF

PLAY

SHOOTING MENU

CSM MENU

SET UP

LCD bri htness

If menu item is highlighted, press

button.

(To view menu names, press multi se-

lector left when icon is highlighted.)

Optimize image

Long exp. NR

Image quality

Image size

White bal.

O timize ima e

OFF

NORM

OFF

NORM

Lon ex . NR

Ima e ualit

Ima e size

White bal.

ISO

200

Select menu.

Position cursor in selected menu.

The Custom Settings Menu ( 161)

The Custom Settings menu normally lists only options R through 9; if desired, all

options can be displayed.

Making a Selection

To modify settings for an item in the current menu:

Image quality

Optimize image

Long exp. NR

OFF

(

)

RAW NEF Raw

Image quality NORM

FINE JPEG Fine

NORM JPEG Norma

BASIC JPEG Basic

Image size

White bal.

ISO

RAW+BNEF JPEG Basic

200

Highlight menu item.

Display options.

Image quality

Optimize image

Long exp. NR

Image quality

Image size

White bal.

ISO

OFF

(

)

RAW NEF Raw OK

FINE JPEG Fine

RAW

NORM JPEG Normal

BASIC JPEG Basic

RAW+BNEF JPEG Basic

200

Highlight option.

Make selection.

• To return to the previous menu without making a selection, press the multi

selector to the left.

• The selection for some options is made from a sub-menu. Repeat steps 3

and 4 to make a selection from a sub-menu.

• Some menu items may not be available in some modes, during recording,

or when no memory card is inserted in the camera.

• Pressing the

button performs the same function as pressing the multi

selector to the right. In some cases, a selection can only be made using

button.

Exiting the Menus

To exit the menus, press the

button (if a menu option is highlighted,

press the button twice). You can also exit the menus by pressing the

button to exit to playback mode or by turning the camera off. To exit

the menus and focus the camera for the next shot, press the shutter-release

button halfway.

Image Quality and Size

Making Effective Use of Memory

Together, image quality and size determine how much space each photo-

graph occupies on the memory card.

Image Quality

The D70 supports the following image quality options (listed in descending

order by image quality and ﬁle size):

Option

Format

Description

NEF (Raw)

(RAW)

Raw 12-bit data from CCD are saved directly to memory

card in compressed Nikon Electronic Image Format (NEF).

NEF

JPEG Fine

(FINE)

Fine image quality, suitable for enlargements

or high-quality prints.

Low

(1:4)

JPEG Normal

Normal image quality, suited to most ap- Medium

JPEG

(NORM)

plications.

(1:8)

JPEG Basic

(BASIC)

Basic image quality, suitable to distribution

by e-mail or use in web pages.

High

(1:16)

NEF+JPEG

Basic

(RAW BASIC)

Two images are recorded, one NEF (RAW) image and one

basic-quality JPEG image. Image size ( 43) automatically

set to L; JPEG image is 3,008×2,000 pixels in size.

NEF+

JPEG

NEF (Raw)/NEF+JPEG

NEF images can only be viewed using the software provided with the camera or Nikon

Capture 4 version 4.1 or later ( 191). When photographs taken at NEF+JPEG Basic

are viewed on the camera, only the JPEG image will be displayed. When photographs

taken at NEF+JPEG Basic are deleted, both NEF and JPEG images will be deleted.

File Names

Photographs are stored as image ﬁles with names of the form “DSC_nnnn.xxx,”

where nnnn is a four-digit number between 0001 and 9999 assigned automatically in

ascending order by the camera, and xxx is one of the following three letter extensions:

“NEF” for NEF images, “JPG” for JPEG images, and “NDF” for Dust Off ref photos

(

166). The NEF and JPEG ﬁles recorded at a setting of NEF+JPEG Basic have the

same ﬁle names but different extensions. Images recorded at an Optimize image>

Color mode setting of II (Adobe RGB) have names that begin with an underbar, e.g.,

“_DSC0001.JPG” ( 56).

Image quality can be set using the Image quality option in the shooting

menu or by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the main command dial.

The Image Quality Menu

Highlight Image quality in the shooting

menu ( 132) and press the multi selector to

the right.

Optimize image

Long exp. NR

Image quality

Image size

White bal.

OFF

NORM

ISO

200

Highlight the desired option and press the

multi selector to the right. The shooting menu

will be displayed.

Image quality

(

)

RAW NEF Raw

FINE JPEG Fine

NORM JPEG Norma

BASIC JPEG Basic

RAW+BNEF JPEG Basic

The QUAL Button

When the monitor is off, image quality can be

set by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the

main command dial. Image quality is displayed in

the control panel:

Image Size

Image size is measured in pixels. Smaller sizes produce smaller ﬁles, making

them suited to distribution via e-mail or inclusion in web pages. Conversely,

the larger the image, the larger the size at which it can be printed without

becoming noticeably “grainy.” Choose image size according to the space

available on the memory card and the task at hand.

Option

L (3008×2000) 3,008×2,000

(2240×1488) 2,240×1,488

S (1504×1000) 1,504×1,000

Size (pixels)

Size when printed at 200 dpi (approx.)

38×25cm (15˝×10˝)

28×19cm (11˝×7.5˝)

19×13cm (7.5˝×5˝)

Image size can be set using the Image size option in the shooting menu

or by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the sub-command dial. Image

size can not be selected when NEF (Raw) or NEF+JPEG Basic is selected for

image quality. When opened in the software provided with the camera or in

Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or later, NEF images are 3,008×2,000 pixels in

size. When NEF+JPEG Basic is selected for image quality ( 41), the size of

the JPEG image is ﬁxed at L (3,008×2,000 pixels).

The Image Size Menu

Highlight Image Size in the shooting menu

( 132) and press the multi selector to the

right.

Optimize image

Long exp. NR

Image quality

Image size

White bal.

OFF

NORM

ISO

200

Highlight the desired option and press the

multi selector to the right. The shooting menu

will be displayed.

Image size

(

)

3008

200O0K

(

)

M 2240

1488

1000

(

)

S 1504

The QUAL Button

When the monitor is off, image size can be set

by pressing the QUAL button and rotating the

sub-command dial. Image size is displayed in the

control panel:

Memory Card Capacity and Image Quality/Size

The following table shows the approximate number of pictures that can be stored on

a 256MB card at different image quality and size settings.

Image quality

Image size

File size^*

5.0MB

2.9MB

1.6MB

0.8MB

1.5MB

0.8MB

0.4MB

0.8MB

0.4MB

0.2MB

5.8MB^**

No. of images^*Buffer capacity^†

NEF (Raw)

—

130

279

144

253

528

279

481

950

JPEG Fine

JPEG Normal

L^‡

JPEG Basic

NEF+JPEG Basic

†

‡

All ﬁgures are approximate. File size of JPEG images varies with scene recorded.

Maximum number of frames that can be stored in memory buffer.

Size of JPEG image ﬁxed at L. When opened in software provided with camera or in

Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or later, NEF image is 3,008×2,000 pixels.

^**Total ﬁle size of NEF (RAW) and JPEG images.

Large-Capacity Memory Cards

When enough memory remains on the memory card to

record a thousand or more pictures at current settings,

the number of exposures remaining will be shown in

thousands, rounded down to the nearest hundred (e.g.,

if there is room for approximately 1,260 exposures, the

exposure count display will show 1.2K).

Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency)

Reacting Faster to Light

“Sensitivity” is the digital equivalent of ﬁlm speed. The higher the sensitivity,

the less light needed to make an exposure, allowing higher shutter speeds

or smaller apertures.

Sensitivity can be set between values roughly equivalent to ISO 200 and ISO

1600 in steps equivalent to ¹/3 EV. Sensitivity can be adjusted using the ISO

option in the shooting menu or by pressing the ISO button and rotating the

main command dial.

The ISO Menu

Highlight ISO in the shooting menu ( 132)

and press the multi selector to the right.

Optimize image

Long exp. NR

Image quality

Image size

White bal.

OFF

NORM

ISO

200

Highlight the desired option and press the

multi selector to the right. The shooting menu

will be displayed.

ISO

200

250

320

400

500

Sensitivity

The higher the sensitivity, the more likely pictures are to be subject to “noise” in the

form of randomly-spaced, brightly-colored pixels.

5—ISO Auto ( 142)

When On is selected for Custom Setting 5 (ISO auto), the camera will automatically

vary sensitivity from the value selected by the user to help ensure optimum exposure.

The ISO Button

When the monitor is off, sensitivity can be set by

pressing the ISO button and rotating the main

command dial. Sensitivity is displayed in the

control panel:

White Balance

Keeping Colors True

The color of the light reﬂected from an object varies with the color of the light

source. The human brain is able to adapt to changes in the color of the light

source, with the result that white objects appear white whether seen in the

shade, direct sunlight, or under incandescent lighting. Unlike the ﬁlm used in

ﬁlm cameras, digital cameras can mimic this adjustment by processing images

according to the color of the light source. This is known as “white balance.”

For natural coloration, choose a white balance setting that matches the light

source before shooting. When the mode dial is set to P, S, A, or M, white

balance can be selected from the following options:

Approximate

color

Option

temperature^*

Description

White balance adjusted automatically based on

color temperature from 1,005-pixel RGB sensor

and CCD image sensor. For best results, use type

G or D lens. With built-in Speedlight and optional

SB-800 and 600 Speedlights, white balance re-

ﬂects conditions in effect when Speedlight ﬁres.

3,500–

8,000K

Auto

Incandescent

Fluorescent

Dir. sunlight

3,000K

4,200K

5,200K

Use under incandescent lighting.

Use under ﬂuorescent lighting.

Use with subjects lit by direct sunlight.

Use with Nikon Speedlights, including built-in

Speedlight.

Flash

5,400K

Cloudy

Shade

6,000K

8,000K

Use in daylight under overcast skies.

Use in daylight with subjects in the shade.

Use gray or white object or existing photograph

as reference for white balance ( 52).

Preset

—

*Fine-tuning set to 0.

Auto white balance is recommended with most light sources. If the desired

results can not be achieved with auto white balance, choose an option from

the list above or use preset white balance.

White balance can be set using the White bal. option in the shooting menu

or by pressing the WB button and rotating the main command dial.

The White Balance Menu

Highlight White bal. in the shooting menu

132) and press the multi selector to the

right.

Optimize image

Long exp. NR

Image quality

Image size

White bal.

OFF

NORM

(

ISO

200

Highlight the desired option and press the

multi selector to the right. If Preset is select-

ed, a menu of preset white balance options

will be displayed ( 52). Otherwise a white-

balance ﬁne-tuning dialog will be displayed

White bal.

Auto

Incandescent

Fluorescent

Dir. sunlight

Flash

(

50).

The WB Button

When the monitor is off, white balance can be set

by pressing the WB button and rotating the main

command dial. White balance is displayed in the

control panel:

Speedlights Connected via a Sync Cable

Auto white balance may not produce the desired results when the AS-15 accessory

shoe adapter is used to connect optional Speedlights via a sync cable. Use preset white

balance or set white balance to Flash and use ﬁne tuning to adjust white balance.

12—BKT Set ( 146)

When WB bracketing is selected for Custom Setting 12 (BKT set), the camera will

create several images each time the shutter is released. White balance will be varied

with each image, “bracketing” the value currently selected for white balance.

Fine-Tuning White Balance

At settings other than Preset, white balance can be “ﬁne tuned” to compen-

sate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a deliberate

“warm” or “cold” cast into an image. Higher settings can be used to lend

images a bluish tinge or to compensate for light sources with a yellow or red

cast, while lowering white balance can make photographs appear slightly

more yellow or red or compensate for light sources with a blue cast. Adjust-

ments can be made in the range +3 to –3 in increments of one. Except in

Fluorescent mode, each increment is equivalent to about 10 mired.

White balance is ﬁne tuned using the White bal. option in the shooting

menu or by pressing the WB button and rotating the sub-command dial. At

settings other than 0, a

icon appears in the control panel.

The White Balance Menu

In the white balance menu ( 49), highlight

an option other than Preset and press the

multi selector to the right.

White bal.

Fine-tune

Press the multi selector up or down to choose

the desired value and press the multi selector

to the right. The shooting menu will be dis-

played.

White bal.

Fine-tune

Color Temperature

The perceived color of a light source varies with the viewer and other conditions.

Color temperature is an objective measure of the color of a light source, deﬁned with

reference to the temperature to which an object would have to be heated to radiate

light in the same wavelengths. While light sources with a color temperature in the

neighborhood of 5,000–5,500°K appear white, light sources with a lower color tem-

perature, such as incandescent light bulbs, appear slightly yellow or red. Light sources

with a higher color temperature appear tinged with blue.

The WB Button

When the monitor is off, white balance can be

ﬁne tuned by pressing the WB button and rotating

the sub-command dial.

Fine-Tuning and Color Temperature

Approximate color-temperatures for settings other than A (auto) are given below (val-

ues may differ from color temperatures given by photo color meters):

Direct

Cloudy

Shade

Incandescent Fluorescent^*sunlight

Flash

(daylight)

2,700K

2,800K

2,900K

3,000K

3,100K

3,200K

3,300K

2,700K

3,000K

3,700K

4,200K

5,000K

6,500K

7,200K

4,800K

4,900K

5,000K

5,200K

5,300K

5,400K

5,600K

4,800K

5,000K

5,200K

5,400K

5,600K

5,800K

6,000K

5,400K

5,600K

5,800K

6,000K

6,200K

6,400K

6,600K

6,700K

7,100K

7,500K

8,000K

8,400K

8,800K

9,200K

–1

–2

–3

*The size of the increments for Fluorescent reﬂects the wide variations in color tem-

perature among the many different types of ﬂuorescent light source, ranging from

low-temperature stadium lighting to high-temperature mercury-vapor lamps.

“Mired”

Any given change in color temperature produces a greater difference in color at low

color temperatures than it would at higher color temperatures. For example, a change

of 100K produces a much greater change in color at 3000K than at 6000K. Mired,

calculated by multiplying the inverse of the color temperature by 10⁶, is a measure of

color temperature that takes such variation into account, and as such is the unit used

in color-temperature compensation ﬁlters. E.g.:

• 4000K–3000K(a difference of 1000K)=83mired

• 7000K–6000K(a difference of 1000K)=24mired

Preset White Balance

Preset white balance is used to record and recall

custom white balance settings for shooting under

mixed lighting, to compensate for light sources

with a strong color cast, or to replicate the white

balance used in an existing photo. Two methods

are available for setting preset white balance:

Preset

Measure

Use photo

Set

Method

Description

Neutral gray or white object is placed under lighting that will be used

Measure

white balance in ﬁnal photograph and white balance is measured by camera.

Copy from White balance value is copied from photo taken with D70 (if desired,

existing

source picture can be RAW image modiﬁed using white balance ad-

photograph justment option in Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or later).

The camera can store only one value for preset white balance at a time; the

existing value is overwritten when a new value is measured or copied. Mea-

suring a new value for white balance automatically sets Preset to Measure.

Measuring a Value for White Balance

Place a neutral gray or white object under the lighting that will be used in

the ﬁnal photograph. In studio settings, an 18% diffusion panel can be

used to make the reference object appear gray.

Select Measure in the Preset menu ( 55) or

press the WB button and rotate the main com-

mand dial until

is displayed in the control

panel. White balance will be set to the last

value selected for preset white balance; if no

previous value exists, white balance will be set

to 5,200K, equivalent to Dir. sunlight.

Measuring White Balance

Preset white balance can be measured in P, S, A, and M modes. In these modes,

exposure is automatically increased by one EV to ensure accurate results. In mode

M, optimal results can be obtained by setting exposure to 0EV as indicated by the

electronic analog exposure display.

Release the WB button brieﬂy and then press

the button until the icon in the control

panel starts to ﬂash. A blinking will also

appear in the control panel and viewﬁnder

frame-count displays.

Frame the reference object so that it ﬁlls the

viewﬁnder and press the shutter-release but-

ton all the way down. The camera will mea-

sure a value for white balance and use this

value when preset white balance is selected.

No photograph will be recorded; white bal-

ance can be measured accurately even when

the camera is not in focus.

To exit without measuring a new value for white balance, press the WB

button.

If the camera was able to measure a value

for white balance,

control panel, while the viewﬁnder will show

a ﬂashing . To return to shooting mode,

will ﬂash in the

press the shutter-release button halfway or

wait until the exposure meters turn off.

If lighting is too dark or too bright, the camera

may be unable to measure white balance. A

ﬂashing

will appear in the control

panel and viewﬁnder. Return to Step 4 and

measure white balance again.

Copying White Balance from a Photograph

To copy a value for white balance from a photograph on the memory card,

display the white balance menu ( 49) and follow the steps below:

White bal.

Dir. sunlight

Preset

Measure

Use photo

Display options.

Preset

Set

Flash

Cloudy

Shade

Preset

Highlight Preset.

Preset

Measure

Use photo

This image

Select image

Set

Highlight Use photo.

Display current source photo.^*

*To use white balance value for current photo, proceed to Step 11. If no photo is

displayed, preset white balance will be set to 5,200K (Dir. sunlight).

Preset

NCD70

NIKON

TOKYO

This image

Select image

Highlight Select image.

Display folder list.

Preset

NCD70

NIKON

TOKYO

Highlight folder.

Display images in selected folder.

Preset

This image

Set

Select image

Highlight photograph.^†

Select photograph.

†Images displayed may include those created by other cameras, but only photographs

created with D70 can be used as source for preset white balance.

Preset

Optimize image

Long exp. NR

Image quality

Image size

White bal.

OFF

NORM

This image

Set

Select image

ISO

200

Highlight This image.

Set preset white balance to value for

selected photograph.^‡

‡To select different photo, repeat steps 5–12.

Using the Current Value for Preset White Balance

To set white balance to the value currently selected for preset white bal-

ance:

Highlight Preset in the white balance menu

( 49) and press the multi selector to the

right.

White bal.

Dir. sunlight

Flash

Cloudy

Shade

Preset

Highlight Measure and press the multi se-

lector to the right to set white balance to the

current value for preset white balance and

return to the shooting menu.

Preset

Measure

Set

Use photo

Optimizing Images

Image Enhancement

When a Digital Vari-Program mode is selected, the camera automatically

optimizes outlines, contrast, saturation, and hue according to the type of

scene. In P, S, A, and M modes, image enhancement options can be selected

from Normal, Vivid, Sharp, Soft, Direct Print, Portrait, or Landscape to

optimize photographs according to how the picture will be used or the type

of scene. Sharpening, contrast, color reproduction, saturation, and hue can

also be customized individually to match the user’s creative intent.

Option

Description

Recommended for most situations.

Normal

(default)

Enhances saturation, contrast, and sharpness to produce vivid im-

ages with vibrant reds, greens, and blues.

VI Vivid

SH Sharp

Sharpens outlines.

Softens outlines. Use to ensure smooth, natural-looking ﬂesh

tones in portrait subjects or when taking pictures that will be

sharpened in image application.

SF Soft

Optimizes images for printing “as is” via direct USB connection

DP Direct Print

PO Portrait

LA Landscape

Custom

(

175). Images will be sharp and clear even when enlarged.

Lowers contrast and softens background details while lending

natural texture and rounded feel to skin of portrait subjects.

Enhances saturation and sharpness to produce landscapes with

vibrant greens and blues.

Customize sharpness, contrast, color reproduction, saturation,

and hue ( 57).

At Settings Other than Custom

At settings other than Custom:

• Photographs are optimized for current shooting conditions. Results will vary with ex-

posure and the position of the subject in the frame, even in scenes of the same type.

To take a series of photographs with identical image optimization, choose Custom

and adjust settings individually, being sure not to select Auto for Sharpening or

Tone comp.

• Photographs are recorded in the sRGB color space. When Custom is selected, the

color space can be chosen in the Color mode menu ( 59).

• Use a type G or D lens for best results.

To select an image optimization option:

Highlight Optimize image in the shooting

menu ( 132) and press the multi selector to

the right.

Optimize image

Long exp. NR

Image quality

Image size

White bal.

OFF

NORM

ISO

200

Highlight the desired option and press the

multi selector to the right. If Custom is se-

lected, a menu of custom options will be dis-

played. In all other cases, the shooting menu

will be displayed.

Optimize image

Normal

Vivid

Sharp

Soft

Direct Print

Customizing Image Enhancement Options

Select Custom to make separate adjustments to sharpening, contrast, color

reproduction, saturation, and hue.

Making Edges More Distinct: Sharpening

During shooting, the camera processes photographs to emphasize the bor-

ders between light and dark areas, making pictures appear sharper. Sharpen-

ing can be customized using the Sharpening menu.

Option

Description

Camera automatically adjusts sharpening according to sub-

ject. Results vary from shot to shot, even in scenes of same

type; choose different setting to take multiple shots with same

sharpening. For best results, use type G or D lens.

Auto

(default)

Normal

Low

All images are sharpened by same standard amount.

Images are sharpened less than standard amount.

Medium low Images are sharpened slightly less than standard amount.

Medium high Images are sharpened slightly more than standard amount.

High

Images are sharpened more than standard amount.

Images are not sharpened.

None

Adjusting Contrast: Tone Comp.

As photographs are saved to the memory card, they are processed to adjust

the distribution of tones in the image, enhancing contrast. Tone compen-

sation is performed by means of tone curves that deﬁne the relationship

between the distribution of tones in the original image and the compensated

result. The Tone comp. menu controls the type of curve used.

Option

Description

Camera automatically optimizes contrast by selecting appro-

priate curve. Curve varies from shot to shot, even in scenes

of same type; to take multiple shots with same curve, choose

different setting. For best results, use type G or D lens.

Auto

(default)

Camera uses same standard curve for all images. Suited to

most scenes, whether dark or bright.

Normal

Produces “softer” images. Prevents highlights on portrait

subjects from being “washed out” in direct sunlight.

Low contrast

Medium low Slightly less contrast than Normal.

Medium high Slightly more contrast than Normal.

Preserves detail in misty landscapes and other low-contrast

subjects.

High contrast

Custom

Custom curve can be created in Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1

or later (available separately) and downloaded to camera.

Choose Custom to select this user-deﬁned curve. If no

custom curve has been created, this option is equivalent to

Normal.

Suiting Colors to a Workﬂow: Color Mode

The D70 offers a choice of color modes, which determine the gamut of col-

ors available for color reproduction. Choose a color mode according to how

photographs will be processed on leaving the camera.

Option

Description

Choose for portrait shots that will be printed or used “as is,”

with no further modiﬁcation. Photographs are adapted to

sRGB color space.

Ia (sRGB)

(default)

Photographs taken at this setting are adapted to Adobe RGB

color space. This color space is capable of expressing wider

gamut of colors than sRGB, making it preferred choice for im-

ages that will be extensively processed or retouched.

II (Adobe RGB)

Choose for nature or landscape shots that will be printed or

used “as is,” with no further modiﬁcation. Photographs are

adapted to sRGB color space.

IIIa (sRGB)

Mode II

When opening photographs taken in Mode II in Adobe Photoshop or other applica-

tions that support color management, select the Adobe RGB color space. Although

the system for recording Mode II images is based on Exif and DCF, it is not in strict

conformity with these standards. Mode Ia or Mode IIIa is recommended when taking

photographs that will be printed using ExifPrint, the direct printing option on some

household printers, or kiosk printing or other commercial print services. For infor-

mation on whether your printer or print service supports ExifPrint, refer to the docu-

mentation provided with your printer or speak to your photoﬁnisher.

Nikon Software

For best results when viewing photographs on a computer, use the software provided

with the camera or Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or later (available separately), which

make an excellent addition to any imaging workﬂow. Nikon Capture is unique in its

ability to directly edit NEF ﬁles without affecting the image quality of the original, and

belongs at the ﬁrst stage of any production workﬂow involving image editing soft-

ware. When photographs created with the D70 are opened in the software provided

with the camera or Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or later, the appropriate color space

will be selected automatically.

Controlling Vividness: Saturation

Saturation controls the vividness of colors.

Option

Description

Normal

(default)

Normal vividness. Recommended for most situations.

Reduced vividness. Use when taking pictures that will later be

retouched by computer.

Moderate

Enhanced

Increased vividness. Use for vivid, photoprint effect when taking

pictures that will be printed “as is,” without further modiﬁcation.

Controlling Color: Hue Adjustment

Hue can be adjusted in the range of about –9° to +9° in increments of 3°.

If red is taken as the starting color, raising hue above 0° (the default setting)

would introduce a yellow cast, making colors that would be red at a setting

of 0° appear increasingly orange. Lowering hue below 0° would introduce

a blue cast, making colors that would be red at a setting of 0° appear in-

creasingly purple.

Hue

The RGB color model used in digital photographs reproduces colors using differing

amounts of red, green, and blue light. By mixing two colors of light, a variety of

different colors can be produced. For example, red combined with a small amount

of green light produces orange. If red and green are mixed in equal amounts, yel-

low results, while a smaller amount of red produces a yellow green. Mixing different

amounts of red and blue light produces colors ranging from a reddish purple through

purple to navy, while mixing different amounts of green and blue light produces colors

ranging from emerald to turquoise. (Adding a third color of light results in lighter

hues; if all three are mixed in equal amounts, the results range from white through

gray.) When this progression of hues is arranged in a circle, the result is known as a

color wheel.

Choosing Custom Image Optimization Options

Choosing Custom in the Optimize image menu ( 57) displays the menu

shown in Step 1.

Custom

Done

Sharpening

Auto

Sharpening

Tone comp.

Color mode

Saturation

Normal

Low

Medium low

Medium high

Highlight optimization option.

Display sub-menu.

Sharpening

Auto

Custom

Done

Normal

Low

Medium low

Sharpening

Tone comp.

Color mode

Saturation

Medium high

Highlight option.

Make selection.

Repeat steps 1–4 to adjust

other options.

Custom

Done

Sharpening

Tone comp.

Color mode

Saturation

Highlight Done.

Return to shooting menu.

Optimize image

Long exp. NR

Image quality

Image size

White bal.

ISO

OFF

NORM

200

Choosing a Shooting Mode

Single Frame, Continuous, Self-Timer, or Remote Control

Shooting mode determines how the camera takes photographs: one at a

time, in a continuous sequence, with a timed shutter-release delay, or using

a remote control.

Mode

Description

Camera takes one photograph each time shutter release button is

pressed. Access lamp will light while photo is recorded; next shot can

be taken immediately if enough space remains in memory buffer.

Single

frame

Camera records photographs at up to about three frames per second^*

Continuous while shutter-release button is held down.

Use self-timer for self-portraits or to reduce blurring caused by camera

Self-timer shake ( 105).

Shutter release controlled using optional ML-L3 remote. Camera

focuses when shutter-release button on ML-L3 is pressed; shutter is

released after 2s delay ( 107). Gives operator time to pose when

Delayed

remote

taking self-portrait using remote control.

Shutter release controlled using optional ML-L3 remote. When shut-

Quick-

response diately after focusing ( 107). Ensures quick shutter response; can be

remote used to reduce blurring caused by camera shake.

ter-release button on ML-L3 is pressed, camera releases shutter imme-

*Average frame rate in mode M with manual focus,

shutter speed of ½50 s or faster, and memory remaining

in memory buffer. Number of pictures that can be

stored in buffer depends on options selected for im-

age quality and size (see table at right). Additional

photographs can be taken as soon as enough memory

is available in buffer.

Quality Size Capacity

RAW

—

FINE

Note that all pictures taken in continuous mode are

recorded at the orientation for the ﬁrst picture in each

series, even if the camera orientation is changed dur-

ing shooting. For example, if the ﬁrst picture is taken

with the camera in horizontal orientation, all pictures

in the series will be recorded in “wide” (landscape)

orientation, even if the camera is rotated to vertical

orientation during shooting.

NORM

BASIC

RAW

BASIC

To choose a shooting mode, press the

button

and rotate the main command dial. Shooting

mode is displayed in the control panel:

The Memory Buffer

The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage, allowing shoot-

ing to continue while photographs are being saved to the memory card. When the

buffer is full, the shutter is disabled until enough data have been transferred to the

memory card to make room for another photograph. In continuous mode, shooting

will continue as long as the shutter-release button is held down, although the frame

rate will drop once the buffer has ﬁlled.

While photographs are being recorded to the memory card, the access lamp next to

the memory card slot will light. Depending on the number of the images in the buf-

fer, recording may take from a few seconds to a few minutes. Do not remove the

memory card or remove or disconnect the power source until the access lamp

has gone out. If the camera is switched off while data remain in the buffer, the power

will not turn off until all images in the buffer have been recorded to the memory card.

If the battery is exhausted while images remain in the buffer, the shutter release will be

disabled and all images will be transferred to the memory card.

The approximate time required to write the entire buffer to a Lexar Media 40× WA USB

card is given below. Write times may drop when a microdrive card is used.

• NEF (RAW): 6s (4 frames)

• JPEG Normal (size L): 9s (12 frames)

Buffer Size

The number of images that can be stored in the memory

buffer at current settings is shown in the exposure-count

displays in the viewﬁnder and control panel while the

shutter-release button is pressed. Note that the actual

number of images that can be stored in the memory

buffer may vary with the type of subject.

Focus

Controlling How the Camera Focuses

This section describes the options that control how your camera focuses:

focus mode, focus-area selection, and AF-area mode.

Focus Mode

Focus mode is controlled by the focus mode se-

lector on the front of the camera. Two modes are

VIDEO

OUT

available:

Option

Description

Camera focuses automatically when shutter-release button is pressed

halfway. Operation depends on option selected for Custom Setting 2

(Autofocus;

139):

• AF-S (single-servo autofocus): When camera focuses, beep sounds

and in-focus indicator (●) appears in viewﬁnder. Focus remains locked

while shutter-release button is pressed halfway (focus lock). Shutter

can only be released when in-focus indicator is displayed (focus pri-

ority). If subject was moving when shutter-release button was pressed

halfway, camera will track subject until focusing is complete and the

Autofocus

shutter can be released (predictive focus tracking;

65). If subject

stops moving before shutter is released, in-focus indicator will appear

in viewﬁnder and focus will lock at this distance.

• AF-C (continuous-servo autofocus): Camera focuses continuously

while shutter-release button is pressed halfway. If subject moves, fo-

cus will be adjusted to compensate (predictive focus tracking;

65).

Photographs can be taken whether or not camera is in focus (release

priority).

Camera does not focus automatically; focus must be adjusted manually

using the lens focusing ring. If maximum aperture of lens is f/5.6 or

faster, viewﬁnder focus indicator can be used to conﬁrm focus (elec-

Manual

tronic range ﬁnding;

74), but photographs can be taken at any time,

whether or not camera is in focus.

Choosing single-servo AF ensures a sharp, focused image. Continuous-servo

AF may be a better choice with erratically-moving subjects. Manual focus is

recommended when the camera is unable to focus using autofocus.

Predictive Focus Tracking

If the camera autofocus system detects that the subject is moving when the shutter-

release button is pressed halfway, it will automatically initiate predictive focus tracking.

If the subject is moving toward or away from the camera, the camera will track focus

while attempting to predict where the subject will be when the shutter is released. In

single-servo autofocus, the camera will initiate predictive focus tracking if the subject

was moving when the shutter-release button was pressed halfway. Focus will lock

when the subject stops moving. In continuous-servo AF, the camera will also initiate

predictive focus tracking if the subject starts moving after the shutter-release button is

pressed halfway. Focus will not lock when the subject stops moving.

Predictive focus tracking is not available in manual focus mode.

Focus Area Selection

The D70 offers a choice of ﬁve focus areas that together cover a wide area of

the frame. The focus area can be selected manually, allowing photographs

to be composed with the main subject positioned almost anywhere in the

frame, or automatically to ensure that the subject closest to the camera is

always in focus regardless of where it is the frame (closest-subject priority;

140).

Manual focus area selection is not available when closest-subject priority is

selected in autofocus mode. Closest-subject priority is automatically selected

when the mode dial is rotated to

, or ; to enable manual

focus area selection in these modes, select Single area or Dynamic area for

Custom Setting 3 (AF-area mode;

140).

Manual Focus Area Selection

To select the focus area, slide the focus selector

lock to ●. The multi selector can then be used

to select the focus area. The selected focus area

will be displayed in the viewﬁnder, highlighted

in red if necessary to establish contrast with the

background (“Vari-Brite” focus areas;

8). The

selected focus area is also shown in the control

panel.

The focus selector lock can be set to L (lock) following selection to prevent

the selected focus area from changing when the multi selector is pressed.

Focus Area Selection

The focus area can not be changed during playback or while menus are displayed.

3—AF-Area Mode ( 140)

Custom Setting 3 (AF-area mode) determines how the focus area is selected and

what happens if the subject moves out of the selected focus area while the camera is

still focusing. The current setting is indicated by the focus-area displays in the control

panel and viewﬁnder.

Option

Display

Description

User selects focus area manually; camera focuses on subject

in selected focus area only. Selected focus area is high-

lighted in viewﬁnder ( 8) when focus area is selected and

when camera focuses. Use for relatively static compositions

with subjects that will stay in selected focus area. Selected

automatically when mode dial rotated to ; default setting

for P, S, A, and M modes.

Single

area

User selects focus area manually, but camera uses infor-

mation from multiple focus areas to determine focus. Se-

lected focus area is highlighted in viewﬁnder ( 8) when

focus area is selected and when camera focuses. If subject

leaves selected focus area even brieﬂy, camera will still be

able to focus based on information from other focus areas

(focus-area selection does not change). Use when following

erratically moving subjects and in other situations in which it

is difﬁcult to keep subject in selected focus area.

Dynamic

area

Camera automatically selects focus area containing subject

closest to camera. Focus area can not be selected manually,

and focus area is not displayed in control panel; active fo-

cus area is highlighted in viewﬁnder when camera focuses.

Prevents out-of-focus shots when photographing erratically

moving subjects. Selected automatically when mode dial is

Closest

subjct

rotated to

, or

17—Focus Area ( 148)

This option can be used to set focus area selection to “wrap around.”

18—AF Area Illm ( 149)

Depending on the option selected for Custom Setting 18 (AF area illm), the active

focus area will be highlighted brieﬂy in red to improve contrast as needed (“Vari-Brite”

focus areas), highlighted at all times, or never highlighted.

Summary of Autofocus Options

Custom Setting 2 Custom Setting 3 Control View-

Active

focus area

Focus-area

selection

(Autofocus)

(AF-area mode) panel ﬁnder

Shown in

Single area

viewﬁnder and

control panel

Manual

Shown in

AF-S

Dynamic area

viewﬁnder and

control panel

Manual

Closest subjct

Single area

Not shown

Automatic

Manual

Shown in

viewﬁnder and

control panel

Shown in

Dynamic area

viewﬁnder and

control panel

Manual

AF-C

Closest subjct

Not shown

Automatic

How it works

When to use it

Camera focuses on subject in selected focus area.

Beep sounds when camera has focused. Focus will

remain locked while shutter-release button is pressed

halfway.

Use with static subjects when

time is available to compose

photo.

Camera focuses on subject in selected focus area. If

subject moves before camera has focused, camera

will focus based on information from other focus

areas. Beep sounds when camera has focused. Fo-

cus will remain locked while shutter-release button is

pressed halfway.

Use with relatively static sub-

jects when time is available to

compose photo.

As above, except that camera automatically selects Use when sure that subject

focus area containing subject closest to camera. will be closest object to cam-

Beep sounds and active focus area is highlighted in era but unsure where it will

viewﬁnder when camera has focused.

appear in ﬁnal composition.

Camera continues to focus on subject in selected Use with moving subjects that

focus area while shutter-release button is pressed can be continuously framed

halfway.

in single focus area.

Camera focuses on subject in selected focus area.

While shutter-release button is pressed halfway, cam-

era tracks subject as it moves from one focus area to

the next.

Use with subjects that are

moving unpredictably.

As above, except that camera automatically selects Use with erratically moving

focus area containing subject closest to camera. subjects when you know

Active focus area is highlighted in viewﬁnder when subject will be closest object

camera has focused.

to camera.

Focus Lock

Focus lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it

possible to focus on a subject that will not be in one of the ﬁve focus areas

in the ﬁnal composition. It can also be used when the autofocus system is

unable to focus ( 73).

When AF-S is selected for Custom Setting 2 (Autofocus;

139), focus

locks automatically when the in-focus indicator (●) appears in the viewﬁnder.

When AF-C is selected, focus must be locked manually using the AE-L/AF-L

button. To recompose a photograph using focus lock:

Position the subject in the selected focus area and press the shutter-re-

lease button halfway to initiate focus.

Check that the in-focus indicator (●) appears in the viewﬁnder.

AF-S (Single-servo AF)

Focus will lock automatically when the in-

focus indicator appears, and remain locked

until you remove your ﬁnger from the shutter-

release button. Focus can also be locked by

pressing the AE-L/AF-L button (see below).

AF-C (Continuous-servo AF)

Press the AE-L/AF-L button to lock both focus

and exposure. Focus will remain locked while

the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed, even if you

later remove your ﬁnger from the shutter-re-

lease button.

Recompose the photograph and shoot.

In single-servo AF (AF-S), focus will remain locked between shots as long as

the shutter-release button is kept pressed halfway, allowing several photo-

graphs in succession to be taken at the same focus setting. Focus will also

remain locked between shots while the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed.

Do not change the distance between the camera and the subject while focus

lock is in effect. If the subject moves, focus again at the new distance.

AF-Area Mode

Select Single area or Dynamic area for Custom Setting 3 (AF-area mode;

140)

when focusing using focus lock.

Mode

AF-C is selected automatically when the mode dial is rotated to

15—AE-L/AF-L ( 147)

This option controls whether the AE-L/AF-L button locks focus and exposure (the de-

fault setting), focus only, or exposure only.

The AF-Assist Illuminator

The built-in AF assist illuminator enables the

camera to focus even when the subject is poorly

lit. To use the illuminator, AF-S must be selected

for Custom Setting 2 (Autofocus;

139), an

AF-Nikkor lens must be attached, and the center

focus area must be selected or closest subject priority in effect. If these

conditions are met and the subject is poorly lit, the illuminator will light auto-

matically to assist the autofocus operation when the shutter-release button is

pressed halfway. The AF-assist illuminator is not available in

(Sports), and (Night landscape) modes.

(Landscape),

For the AF-assist illuminator to function correctly, the lens must have a focal

length of 24–200mm and the subject must be in range of the illuminator.

Lens hoods should be removed. With most lenses, the illuminator has a

range of about 0.5–3m (1´8˝–9´10˝). With the following lenses, autofocus

with AF-assist illumination is not available at ranges under 1m (3´3˝):

• AF Micro ED 200mm f/4

• AF-S DX ED 12–24mm f/4

• AF-S ED 17–35mm f/2.8

• AF ED 18–35mm f/3.5–4.5

• AF-S DX 18–70mm f/3.5–4.5

• AF 20–35mm f/2.8

• AF ED 24–85mm f/2.8–4

• AF ED 24–85mm f/3.5–4.5

• AF-S VR ED 24–120mm f/3.5–5.6

• AF 24–120mm f/3.5–5.6

• AF ED 28–200mm f/3.5–5.6

• AF Micro ED 70–180mm f/4.5–5.6

With the following lenses, AF assist is not available at ranges under 2m (6´7˝):

• AF-S ED 28–70mm f/2.8 • AF-S DX ED 17–55mm f/2.8

AF assist is not available with the following lenses:

• AF-S VR ED 70–200mm f/2.8

• AF-S ED 80–200mm f/2.8

• AF ED 80–200mm f/2.8

• AF VR ED 80–400mm f/4.5–5.6

• AF-S VR ED 200–400mm f/4

If an optional SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlight is used, the camera AF-assist il-

luminator will turn off and the Speedlight illuminator will be used instead.

With other Speedlights, the camera AF assist illuminator will be used.

4—AF Assist ( 141)

This option can be used to turn the AF-assist illuminator off.

Getting Good Results with Autofocus

Autofocus does not perform well under the conditions listed below. If the

camera is unable to focus using autofocus, use manual focus ( 74) or use

focus lock ( 70) to focus on another subject at the same distance and then

recompose the photograph.

Continuous Use of the AF-Assist Illuminator ( 72)

After the AF-assist illuminator has been used for several consecutive shots, it may turn

off brieﬂy to protect the lamp. The illuminator can be used again after a short pause.

Note that the illuminator may become hot with continuous use.

Manual Focus

Manual focus is available for lenses that do not

support autofocus (non-AF Nikkor lenses) or

when autofocus does not produce the desired

results ( 73). To focus manually, set the focus-

mode selector to M and adjust the lens focusing

ring until the image displayed on the clear matte

ﬁeld in the viewﬁnder is in focus. Photographs

can be taken at any time, even when the image

is not in focus.

The Electronic Range Finder

If the lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or

faster, the viewﬁnder focus indicator can be used

to conﬁrm whether the subject in the selected fo-

cus area is in focus. After positioning the subject

in the active focus area, press the shutter-release

button halfway and rotate the lens focusing ring

until the in-focus indicator (●) is displayed.

A-M Selection/Autofocus with Manual Priority

When using a lens that offers A-M selection, select M when focusing manually. With

lenses that support M/A (autofocus with manual priority), focus can be adjusted man-

ually with the lens set to M or M/A. See the documentation provided with your lens

for details.

Focal Plane Position

To determine the distance between your subject and

the camera, measure from the focal plane mark on the

camera body. The distance between the lens mounting

ﬂange and the focal plane is 46.5mm (1.83˝).

Exposure

Controlling How the Camera Sets Exposure

Metering

In P, S, A, and M modes, the metering mode determines how the camera sets

exposure. The following options are available when a CPU lens is attached

(metering is not performed when a non-CPU lens is used).

Method

Description

Metering is performed by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, which sets exposure

based on variety of information from all areas of frame. This method is

particularly effective where frame is dominated by bright (white or yel-

low) or dark (black or dark green) colors, when its results approach what

is seen by human eyes. 3D color matrix metering, which uses range infor-

mation from lens in adjusting exposure, is available only with type G or D

lenses. Color matrix metering, which does not include range information,

is available with other CPU lenses. Matrix metering will not produce

desired results with autoexposure lock ( 84) or exposure compensation

3D color

matrix/

Color

matrix

(

86), but is recommended in most other cases.

Camera meters entire frame but assigns greatest weight to area in center

of frame 8mm (0.31˝) in diameter, shown by corresponding 8-mm refer-

ence circle in viewﬁnder. Classic meter for portraits; recommended when

using ﬁlters with exposure factor (ﬁlter factor) over 1× ( 191).

Center-

weighted

Camera meters circle 2.3mm (0.09˝) in diameter (approximately 1% of

frame). Circle is centered on current focus area, making it possible to

meter off-center subjects (if Closest subjct is selected for AF-area mode,

camera will meter center focus area). Ensures that subject will be cor-

rectly exposed, even when background is much brighter or darker.

Spot

To choose a metering mode, press the

but-

ton and rotate the main command dial. Metering

mode is displayed in the control panel:

11—Center Wtd ( 145)

This option controls the size of the area assigned the greatest weight in center-

weighted metering.

Exposure Mode

When the mode dial is rotated to P, S, A, or M, the user can set shutter speed

and aperture as described on the following pages.

CPU Lenses

When using a CPU lens equipped with an aperture ring, lock the aperture ring at the

minimum aperture (highest f/-number). At other settings, the shutter release will be

disabled and a blinking

will appear in the aperture displays in the top control

panel and viewﬁnder. Type G lenses are not equipped with an aperture ring.

Non-CPU Lenses

Non-CPU lenses can only be used in mode M, when aperture can be adjusted manually

using the lens aperture ring. In other modes, the shutter-release will be disabled and a

blinking

will appear in the control panel and viewﬁnder aperture displays.

Depth-of-Field Preview

To preview the effects of aperture, press and hold the

depth-of-ﬁeld preview button. If a CPU lens is attached,

the lens will be stopped down to the aperture value

selected by the camera (P and S modes) or the value

chosen by the user (A and M modes), allowing depth of

ﬁeld to be previewed in the viewﬁnder (depth-of-ﬁeld

preview is not available with non-CPU lenses).

5—ISO Auto (

142)

When On is selected for Custom Setting 5 (ISO auto), the camera automatically varies

sensitivity in the range 200–1600 (ISO equivalent) to help ensure optimum exposure

and ﬂash level. In P and A modes, the camera adjusts sensitivity when the shutter

speed needed to obtain optimum exposure would be faster than ¹/8000 s or slower than

a speciﬁed value (shutter speed may drop below the speciﬁed value if optimal exposure

can not be achieved at ISO 1600 equivalent). Otherwise the camera adjusts sensitiv-

ity when the limits of the camera exposure metering system are exceeded (mode S)

or when optimum exposure can not be achieved at the shutter-speed and aperture

selected by the user (mode M).

When sensitivity is altered from the value selected by

the user, ISO AUTO ﬂashes in the control panel and

viewﬁnder. In the camera photo information display for

pictures taken at altered sensitivities, the ISO value will

be displayed in red. Note that noise is more likely to ap-

pear in photographs taken at higher sensitivities.

P: Auto Multi Program

In this mode, the camera automatically adjusts shutter speed and aperture

according to a built-in program ( 78) for optimal exposure in most sit-

uations. This mode is recommended for snapshots and other situations in

which you want to leave the camera in charge of shutter speed and aperture.

Adjustments can be made using ﬂexible program, exposure compensation

(

86), and auto exposure bracketing ( 87). Mode P is only available with

CPU lenses.

To take photographs in auto multi program:

Rotate the mode dial to P.

Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

Flexible Program

In mode P, different combinations of shutter speed and

aperture can be selected by rotating the main command

dial (“ﬂexible program”). All combinations produce the

same exposure. While ﬂexible program is in effect, a

icon appears in the control panel. To restore the default

shutter speed and aperture, rotate the main command

dial until the icon is no longer displayed. Defaults can

also be restored by turning the camera off, rotating the

mode dial, raising or lowering the built-in Speedlight,

performing a two-button reset ( 111), or choosing an-

other setting for Custom Setting 9 (EV step;

144).

Exposure Warning

If the limits of the exposure metering system are exceeded, one of the following indica-

tors will be displayed in the control panel and viewﬁnder:

Indicator

Description

Subject too bright. Use optional Neutral Density (ND) ﬁlter or lower

sensitivity ( 46).

Subject too dark. Raise sensitivity ( 46).

If the ﬂash-ready indicator ( ) blinks in the viewﬁnder, the ﬂash can be used for ad-

ditional lighting. The ﬂash-ready indicator will not be displayed if Off is selected for

Custom Setting 20 (Flash sign).

Exposure Program

The exposure program for mode P is shown in the following graph:

AF 50mm f/1.4D

AF ED 180mm f/2.8D

AF-S ED 300mm f/4D

Shutter speed

The maximum and minimum values for EV vary with sensitivity (ISO equivalency); the

above graph assumes a sensitivity of ISO 200 equivalent. When matrix metering is

used, values over 17¹3 EV are reduced to 17¹

/3 EV.

S: Shutter-Priority Auto

In mode S, you choose the shutter speed while the camera automatically se-

lects the aperture that will produce the optimal exposure. Shutter speed can

be set to values between 30s and ^{1 8,000}s. Use slow shutter speeds to suggest

motion by blurring moving objects, high shutter speeds to “freeze” motion.

Mode S is only available with CPU lenses.

To take photographs in shutter-priority auto:

Rotate the mode dial to S.

Rotate the main command dial to choose the

desired shutter speed.

Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

Exposure Warning

If the limits of the exposure metering system are exceeded, one of the following indica-

tors will be displayed in the control panel and viewﬁnder:

Indicator

Description

Subject too bright. Choose faster shutter speed or lower sensitivity (

46), or use optional Neutral Density (ND) ﬁlter.

Subject too dark. Choose slower shutter speed or higher sensitivity (

46).

If the ﬂash-ready indicator ( ) blinks in the viewﬁnder, the ﬂash can be used for ad-

ditional lighting. The ﬂash-ready indicator will not be displayed if Off is selected for

Custom Setting 20 (Flash sign).

Changing from Mode M to Mode S

If you select a shutter speed of or

(long time exposure) in mode M and

then select mode S without changing the shutter speed, the shutter-speed display will

ﬂash and the shutter can not be released. Rotate the main command dial to select a

different shutter speed before shooting.

Shutter Speed and Camera Shake

To prevent blurring caused by camera shake, the shutter speed should be faster than

the inverse of the focal length of the lens, in seconds (for example, if a lens has a fo-

cal length of 300mm, shutter speed should be faster than /300 s). Use of a tripod is

recommended when shooting at slower shutter speeds. To prevent blur, try increasing

sensitivity ( 46), using the built-in Speedlight ( 94), or attaching a VR lens.

A: Aperture-Priority Auto

In mode A, you choose the aperture while the camera controls shutter speed

for optimal exposure. Small apertures (high f/-numbers) increase depth of

ﬁeld, bringing both the main subject and background into focus. Large

apertures (low f/-numbers) soften background details and let more light into

the camera, increasing the range of the ﬂash and making photographs less

susceptible to blurring. Mode A is only available with CPU lenses.

To take photographs in aperture-priority auto:

Rotate the mode dial to A.

Rotate the sub-command dial to choose the

desired aperture.

Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

Exposure Warning

If the limits of the exposure metering system are exceeded, one of the following indica-

tors will be displayed in the control panel and viewﬁnder:

Indicator

Description

Subject too bright. Choose smaller aperture (larger f/-number) or lower

sensitivity ( 46), or use optional Neutral Density (ND) ﬁlter.

Subject too dark. Choose larger aperture (smaller f/-number) or higher

sensitivity ( 46).

If the ﬂash-ready indicator ( ) blinks in the viewﬁnder, the ﬂash can be used for ad-

ditional lighting. The ﬂash-ready indicator will not be displayed if Off is selected for

Custom Setting 20 (Flash sign).

M: Manual

In mode M, the user controls both shutter speed and aperture. Shutter speed

can be set to values between 30s and 8,000 s, or the shutter can be held

open indeﬁnitely for a long time-exposure (

). Aperture can be set to

values between the minimum and maximum values for the lens. Using the

electronic analog exposure display in the viewﬁnder, you can adjust exposure

according to shooting conditions and the task at hand.

To take photographs in manual exposure mode:

Rotate the mode dial to M.

Rotate the main command dial to choose a shutter speed, and the sub-

command dial to set aperture. Check exposure in the electronic analog

exposure display (see opposite), and continue to adjust shutter speed and

aperture until the desired exposure is achieved.

Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

The Flash-Ready Indicator

If the ﬂash-ready indicator ( ) blinks in the viewﬁnder, the ﬂash can be used for ad-

ditional lighting. The ﬂash-ready indicator will not be displayed if Off is selected for

Custom Setting 20 (Flash sign).

Long Time-Exposures

At a shutter speed of

release button is held down. In delayed remote and quick-response remote modes,

is displayed instead of ; the shutter opens when the shutter-release button

, the shutter will remain open while the camera shutter-

on the optional ML-L3 remote control is pressed (2s after the button is pressed in de-

layed remote mode) and remains open until the remote-control shutter-release button

is pressed a second time (maximum 30minutes;

107). Nikon recommends using a

fully-charged EN-EL3 battery or an optional EH-5 AC adapter to prevent loss of power

while the shutter is open. Note that if the shutter is open for more than approximately

1s at any setting, “noise” in the form of randomly-spaced, brightly-colored pixels may

appear in the ﬁnal photograph.

Non-CPU Lenses

If a non-CPU lens is attached in mode M,

will appear in the aperture displays in

the control panel and viewﬁnder. Aperture must be adjusted manually using the lens

aperture ring, and depth-of-ﬁeld preview is not available. The camera exposure meter

can not be used, and exposure will not be displayed in the electronic analog exposure

display.

Electronic Analog Exposure Display

The electronic analog exposure display in the viewﬁnder shows whether the photo-

graph would be under- or over-exposed at current settings. Depending on the option

chosen for Custom Setting 9 (EV step), the amount of under- or over-exposure is

shown in increments of

3 EV or ½ EV. If the limits of the exposure metering system

are exceeded, the display will ﬂash.

“EV step” set to “1/3 step”

“EV step” set to “1/2 step”

Optimal exposure

Underexposed by ¹

3 EV

Underexposed by ½EV

Overexposed by more than 2EV

Overexposed by more than 3EV

Autoexposure Lock

When center-weighted metering is used, an area in the center of the frame

is assigned the greatest weight when determining exposure. Similarly, when

spot metering is used, exposure is based upon lighting conditions in the se-

lected focus area. If the subject is not in the metered area when the picture

is taken, exposure will be based on lighting conditions in the background,

and the main subject may be under- or over-exposed. To prevent this, use

autoexposure lock:

Rotate the mode dial to P, S, or A and select

center-weighted or spot metering (exposure

lock has no effect in mode M, while Digital

Vari-Program modes are not recommended as

center-weighted and spot metering can not

be selected in these modes).

Position the subject in the selected focus area and press the shutter-re-

lease button halfway (when using center-weighted metering, position

the subject in the center focus area). With the shutter-release button

pressed halfway and the subject still positioned in the focus area, press

the AE-L/AF-L button to lock exposure. Conﬁrm that the in-focus indi-

cator (●) appears in the viewﬁnder.

While exposure lock is in effect, an EL indicator will appear in the view-

ﬁnder.

Keeping the AE-L/AF-L button pressed, recompose the photograph and

shoot.

Metered Area

In spot metering, exposure will be locked at the value metered in a 2.3-mm (0.09˝) cir-

cle centered on the selected focus area. In center-weighted metering, exposure will be

locked at the value metered in an 8-mm (0.31˝) circle at the center of the viewﬁnder.

Adjusting Shutter Speed and Aperture

While exposure lock is in effect, the following settings can be changed without altering

the metered value for exposure:

Mode

Settings

Shutter speed and aperture (ﬂexible program;

Shutter speed

77)

Aperture

The new values can be conﬁrmed in the viewﬁnder and control panel. Note that the

metering method can not be changed while exposure lock is in effect.

15—AE-L/AF-L ( 147)

Depending on the option selected, the AE-L/AF-L button locks both focus and exposure

(the default setting), only focus, or only exposure. Options are available for keeping

exposure locked until the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed a second time, the shutter is

released, or exposure meters turn off.

16—AE Lock ( 148)

If +Release bttn is selected for AE Lock, exposure will lock when the shutter-release

button is pressed halfway.

Exposure Compensation

To obtain the desired results with certain subject compositions, it may be

necessary to use exposure compensation to alter exposure from the value

suggested by the camera. As a rule of thumb, positive compensation may

be needed when the main subject is darker than the background, negative

values when the main subject is brighter than the background.

Exposure compensation is available in modes P, S, and A (in mode M, only the

exposure information in the electronic analog exposure display is affected;

shutter speed and aperture do not change).

Pressing the

button, rotate the main

command dial and conﬁrm exposure com-

pensation in the control panel or the elec-

tronic analog exposure display (the 0 in the

electronic analog exposure display will ﬂash).

Exposure compensation can be set to values

between –5EV (underexposure) and +5EV

(overexposure) in increments of ^{1 3}EV.

0EV (

button pressed)

–0.3EV

The current value for exposure compensation

can be conﬁrmed by pressing the

The current value is shown in the control panel

with a icon; in the viewﬁnder, positive val-

ues are shown by a icon, negative values by

icon.

button.

+2.0EV

Frame the photograph, focus, and shoot.

Normal exposure can be restored by setting exposure compensation to 0 or

performing a two button reset ( 111). Exposure compensation is not reset

when the camera is turned off.

9—EV Step ( 144)

Use this option to set the increments for exposure compensation to ½EV.

10—Exp Comp. ( 145)

If desired, exposure compensation can be set without pressing the

button.

Bracketing

In P, S, A, and M modes, the D70 offers three types of bracketing (bracket-

ing is not available in Digital Vari-Program modes). The type of bracketing

performed is determined by the option selected for Custom Setting 12 (BKT

set): AE & ﬂash, AE only, Flash only, or WB bracketing ( 146).

Type

Description

With each shot, camera varies exposure by maximum of 2EV,

“bracketing” exposure selected with exposure compensation

(modes P, S, and A) or by user (mode M). One photograph is

produced each time shutter is released; up to three shots are

required to complete bracketing sequence.

Exposure

bracketing

(AE & ﬂash or

AE only)

Camera varies ﬂash level by maximum of 2EV with each shot.

One photograph is produced each time shutter is released; up

to three shots are required to complete bracketing sequence.

Available only in i-TTL and auto aperture ﬂash control modes

Flash bracketing

(AE & ﬂash or

Flash only)

(

150).

Camera creates up to three images each time shutter is released,

“bracketing” current white balance setting ( 92). Only one

shot is required to complete bracketing sequence. Recommend-

ed when shooting under mixed lighting or experimenting with

different white balance settings. Not available at NEF (Raw) or

NEF+JPEG Basic image quality.

White balance

bracketing

(WB bracketing)

Digital Vari-Program

If a Digital Vari-Program mode is selected while bracketing is in effect, bracketing will

be suspended until P, S, A, or M mode is restored.

Exposure and Flash Bracketing

Select the type of bracketing to be performed

12 BKT set

AE & flash OK

using Custom Setting 12 (BKT set;

146).

Choose AE & ﬂash to vary both exposure and

ﬂash level (the default setting), AE only to

vary only exposure, or Flash only to vary only

ﬂash level.

AE onl

Flash onl

WB bracketin

Pressing the

mand dial until

panel and the

button, rotate the main com-

is displayed in the control

icons in the control panel

and viewﬁnder start to blink.

Press the

button and rotate the sub-com-

mand dial to choose a bracketing program (

90–91).

Compose a photograph, focus, and shoot.

The camera will vary exposure and/or ﬂash

level shot-by-shot according to the bracketing

program selected. Modiﬁcations to exposure

and ﬂash level are added to those made with

exposure compensation ( 86) and ﬂash ex-

posure compensation ( 102).

While bracketing is in effect, the

icons in

the control panel and viewﬁnder will ﬂash. A

segment will disappear from the bracketing

progress indicator (

, or

) after each shot. The middle segment

( ) disappears when the unmodiﬁed shot is

taken, the

segment when a shot with

negative compensation is taken, and the

segment when a shot with positive compensa-

tion is taken. Bracketing begins again when

all shots in the sequence have been taken.

To cancel bracketing, press the

button and rotate the main command

dial until

is no longer displayed in the control panel. The program

last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated. Brack-

eting can also be cancelled by selecting WB bracketing for Custom Set-

ting 12 or by performing a two-button reset ( 111), although in this

case the bracketing program will not be restored the next time bracketing

is activated.

Shooting Mode

In single frame, self-timer, and remote control modes, one shot will be taken each time

the shutter-release button is pressed. In continuous mode, shooting will pause after

the number of shots speciﬁed in the bracketing program have been taken. Shooting

will resume the next time the shutter-release button is pressed.

The bracketing programs available depend on the option selected for Cus-

tom Setting 9 (EV step; 144).

Custom Setting 9

(EV step)

Control panel

display

No. of Exposure

shots increment

Bracketing

order (EVs)

3 EV

0, –0.3, +0.3

0, –0.7, +0.7

0, –1.0, +1.0

0, –1.3, +1.3

0, –1.7, +1.7

0, –2.0, +2.0

0, +0.3

3 EV

1EV

1¹

1²

2EV

3 EV

0, +0.7

+1EV

+1¹

+1²

0, +1.0

1/3 step

(default)

3 EV

0, +1.3

0, +1.7

+2EV

0, +2.0

–

3 EV

0, –0.3

3 EV

0, –0.7

–1EV

–1¹

–1²

–2EV

0, –1.0

3 EV

0, –1.3

0, –1.7

0, –2.0

13—BKT Order ( 146)

This option can be used to change the bracketing order.

Custom Setting 9

(EV step)

Control panel

display

No. of Exposure

shots increment

Bracketing

order (EVs)

½EV

1EV

0, –0.5, +0.5

0, –1.0, +1.0

0, –1.5, +1.5

0, –2.0, +2.0

0, +0.5

1½EV

2EV

+½EV

+1EV

+1½EV

+2EV

–½EV

–1EV

–1½EV

–2EV

0, +1.0

1/2 step

0, +1.5

0, +2.0

0, –0.5

0, –1.0

0, –1.5

0, –2.0

Resuming Exposure or Flash Bracketing

If the memory card ﬁlls before all shots in the sequence have been taken, shooting

can be resumed from the next shot in the sequence after the memory card has been

replaced or shots have been deleted to make room on the memory card. If the camera

is turned off before all shots in the sequence have been taken, bracketing will resume

from the next shot in the sequence when the camera is turned on.

Exposure and Flash Bracketing

The camera modiﬁes exposure by varying shutter speed and aperture (mode P), aper-

ture (mode S), or shutter speed (modes A and M). Changes to sensitivity required to

attain optimum exposure or ﬂash level when On is selected for Custom Setting 5 (ISO

auto;

142) apply before exposure or ﬂash bracketing is performed.

White Balance Bracketing

Choose WB bracketing for Custom Setting

12 BKT set

AE & flash

12 (BKT set;

146). Note that white bal-

ance bracketing will not be performed if NEF

(Raw) or NEF+JPEG Basic is selected for im-

age quality.

AE onl

Flash onl

WB bracketin

OgK

Pressing the

mand dial until

panel. The

button, rotate the main com-

is displayed in the control

icon in the control panel

and the arrows ( and ) at the ends of the

electronic analog exposure display will start to

blink.

Press the

button and rotate the sub-com-

mand dial to choose a bracketing program (

93). Each increment is equivalent to about 10

mired ( 51); if the number of images in the

bracketing program exceeds the number of

exposures remaining, the bracketing progress

indicator (

blink.

, or

) will

Shooting Mode

In all modes (including continuous mode), the shutter is released only once each time

the shutter-release button is pressed. Each shot is processed to create the number of

copies speciﬁed in the bracketing program.

Turning the Camera Off

If the power is turned off during recording, the camera will not power down until all

shots in the bracketing sequence have been recorded.

Compose a photograph, focus, and shoot.

Each shot will processed to create the number

of copies speciﬁed in the bracketing program,

and each copy will have a different white

balance. Modiﬁcations to white balance are

added to the white balance adjustment made

with white balance ﬁne-tuning ( 50).

If the number of shots in the bracketing

program exceeds the number of exposures re-

maining,

(

) will be displayed and

the bracketing progress indicator and number

of exposures remaining will blink. Shooting

can begin if a new memory card is inserted.

To cancel bracketing, press the

button and rotate the main command

dial until

is no longer displayed in the control panel. The program

last in effect will be restored the next time bracketing is activated. Brack-

eting can also be cancelled by selecting NEF (Raw) or NEF+JPEG Basic

for image quality or performing a two-button reset ( 111), although in

this case reactivating bracketing will not restore the bracketing program.

The number of shots, white balance increment (WB), and bracketing order for

each of the possible white-balance bracketing programs is shown below.

Control panel No. of

display shots WB

Bracketing

order

Control panel No. of

display shots WB

Bracketing

order

0, –1, +1

0, –2, +2

0, –3, +3

0, +1

–1

–2

–3

0, –1

0, –2

0, –3

0, +2

0, +3

13—BKT Order ( 146)

This option can be used to change the bracketing order.

Flash Photography

Using the Built-in Speedlight

The D70 is equipped with a Guide Number 15/49 Speedlight (ISO 200, m/

ft; Guide Number at ISO 100 is 11/36). When a CPU lens is attached, the

built-in Speedlight emits monitor preﬂashes that are analyzed using through-

the-lens (TTL) technology (i-TTL ﬂash control). The built-in Speedlight can be

used not only when natural lighting is inadequate, but also to ﬁll in shadows

and backlit subjects or to add a catch light to the subject’s eyes.

i-TTL Flash Control

The following types of ﬂash control are available with CPU lenses:

Flash control

Description

i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLR is selected automatically in all

modes except mode M or when spot metering is selected in modes

P, S, and A. Speedlight emits series of nearly invisible preﬂashes

(monitor preﬂashes) immediately before main ﬂash. Preﬂashes

reﬂected from objects in all areas of frame are picked up by 1,005-

pixel RGB sensor and are analyzed in combination with information

from matrix metering system to adjust ﬂash output for natural

balance between main subject and ambient background lighting.

If type G or D lens is used, distance information is included when

calculating ﬂash output.

i-TTL Balanced

Fill-Flash for

Digital SLR

Standard i-TTL Flash for Digital SLR is activated automatically in

mode M and when spot metering is selected in modes P, S, and A.

Flash output adjusted to ensure main subject is correctly exposed;

brightness of background is not taken into account. Recommended

for shots in which main subject is emphasized at expense of back-

ground details, or when exposure compensation is used.

Standard

i-TTL Flash for

Digital SLR

When a non-CPU lens is attached, the built-in Speedlight can only be used

when Manual is selected for Custom Setting 19 (Flash mode; 150). If

TTL selected, the shutter release will be disabled when the built-in Speedlight

is raised. The ﬂash-ready indicator ( ) in the viewﬁnder and the icon and

borders of the ﬂash sync mode indicator in the control panel will blink.

19—Flash Mode ( 150)

Flash mode can be selected from TTL, Manual, and Commander mode. In Manual

mode, the built-in Speedlight has a Guide Number (m/ft) of 17/56 (ISO 200) or 12/39

(ISO 100). Commander mode can be used for wireless off-camera ﬂash photography

with SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlights.

Flash Sync Modes

The following ﬂash sync settings are available in P, S, A, and M modes:

Flash sync mode

Description

This mode is recommended for most situations. In P and

A modes, shutter speed will automatically be set to values

Front-curtain sync between ¹/60 and ¹/500 s.

Red-eye reduction lamp lights for approximately 1s before

main ﬂash, causing pupils in subject’s eyes to contract and

reducing “red-eye” effect sometimes caused by ﬂash. Ow-

ing to 1s shutter-release delay, red-eye reduction is not

recommended with moving subjects or in other situations

in which quick shutter response is required. Do not move

camera while red-eye reduction lamp is lit.

Red-eye reduction

Slow sync

Flash is combined with shutter speeds as slow as 30s to

capture both subject and background at night or under dim

light. Available only in P and A modes. Use of tripod is rec-

ommended to prevent blurring caused by camera shake.

Combines red-eye reduction with slow sync. Available only

in P and A modes. Use of tripod is recommended to prevent

blurring caused by camera shake.

Slow sync with red-

eye reduction

In S and M modes, ﬂash ﬁres just before shutter closes, creat-

ing effect of stream of light following moving subjects. In P

and A modes, slow-rear curtain sync is used to capture both

subject and background. Use of tripod is recommended to

prevent blurring caused by camera shake.

Rear-curtain sync

Slow rear-curtain sync

Flash Angle

The ﬂash angle of the built-in Speedlight can cover the ﬁeld of view of a 20mm lens. It

may not be able to light the entire subject with some lenses or apertures ( 101).

ISO Auto

When On is selected for Custom Setting 5 (ISO auto; 142), sensitivity will automati-

cally be adjusted as required for optimal ﬂash output. If a high sensitivity is required,

this may result in the background being overexposed when the ﬂash is used at slow

shutter speeds (slow sync), in bright daylight (daylight sync), or when the background

is brightly lit.

The following ﬂash sync settings are available in

, and modes:

Flash sync mode

Description

If lighting is poor or subject is back-lit, ﬂash pops up when shut-

ter-release button is pressed halfway and ﬁres automatically when

shutter is released. Shutter speed is restricted to values between

Auto front-

curtain sync

/60 and ¹/500 s (¹/125 and ¹/500 s in mode). Auto front-curtain sync is

selected automatically when mode dial is rotated to

, or

Combines red-eye reduction ( 95) with auto front-curtain sync.

Auto with red-

eye reduction

Flash does not ﬁre even when lighting is poor or built-in Speedlight

is raised. Flash does not pop up automatically when shutter-re-

lease button is pressed halfway.

Off

The following ﬂash sync settings are available in mode:

Flash sync mode

Description

If lighting is poor or subject is back-lit, ﬂash pops up when shutter-

release button is pressed halfway. Flash is combined with shutter

speeds as slow as 1s to capture both subject and background at

night or under dim light. Use of tripod is recommended to prevent

blurring caused by camera shake. Auto slow sync is selected auto-

Auto slow sync

matically when mode dial is rotated to

Combines red-eye reduction ( 95) with auto slow sync. Use

of tripod is recommended to prevent blurring caused by camera

shake.

Auto slow sync

with red-eye

reduction

Flash does not ﬁre even when lighting is poor or built-in Speedlight

is raised. Flash does not pop up automatically when shutter-re-

lease button is pressed halfway.

Off

Using the Built-in Speedlight

Follow these steps when using the built-in Speedlight with a CPU lens.

Rotate the mode dial to the desired setting

(

10). If

, or

mode is selected,

proceed to Step 4 ( 98). i-TTL Balanced Fill-

Flash for Digital SLR will be selected, and the

built-in Speedlight will pop-up automatically

when required.

Choose a metering method. In P, S, and A

modes, the metering method determines the

type of ﬂash control used ( 94); select matrix

or center-weighted metering to activate i-TTL

Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLR. Standard i-

TTL Flash for Digital SLR is activated automati-

cally in mode M and when spot metering is

selected in modes P, S, and A.

Press the

button. The built-in Speedlight

will pop up and begin charging. When the

Speedlight is fully charged, the ﬂash-ready

indicator will light.

Auto Flash (

, and Modes)

The built-in Speedlight can not be raised and ﬁred manually in

, and

modes. Once raised, the built-in Speedlight will only ﬁre when required for additional

lighting.

Red-Eye Reduction

Some lenses may block the red-eye reduction lamp, preventing the subject from seeing

the lamp and interfering with red-eye reduction.

When the Speedlight Is Not in Use

To save battery power when the Speedlight is not in use, return it to the closed position

by pressing it lightly downward until the latch clicks into place.

Press the

button and rotate the main command dial until the desired

ﬂash sync icon is displayed in the control panel.

The options available depend on the mode selected with the mode dial:

P, S, A, M

Front curtain

sync

Red-eye

reduction

Slow sync+red-

eye reduction¹

Rear curtain

sync³

Slow

sync²

1Available only in P and A modes. If mode dial is rotated to S or M after this

option has been selected in P or A mode, ﬂash sync mode will be set to

(red-eye reduction).

2Available only in P and A modes. If mode dial is rotated to S or M after this

option has been selected in P or A mode, ﬂash sync mode will be set to

(front-curtain sync).

3In P and A modes, ﬂash-sync mode will be set to

(slow rear-curtain sync)

when the button is released.

Auto front

curtain sync

Auto+red-eye

reduction

Auto slow

sync+red-eye

reduction

Auto slow

sync

Off

Studio Flash Systems

Rear-curtain sync can not be used with studio ﬂash systems, as the correct synchro-

nization can not be obtained.

Press the shutter-release button halfway and check exposure (shutter

speed and aperture). In , and modes, the built-in Speedlight

will pop up automatically if required for additional lighting and the ﬂash

will begin charging. The shutter speeds and apertures available when the

built-in Speedlight is raised are listed below.

Mode

Shutter speed

Aperture

Set automatically by camera (¹/500–¹/60 s)¹

Value selected by user (¹/500–30s)²

Set automatically by camera (¹/500–¹/60 s)¹

Value selected by user (¹/500–30s)²

Set automatically by camera (¹/500–¹/60 s)

Set automatically by camera (¹/500–¹/125 s)

Set automatically by camera (¹/500–1s)

—

Set automatically

by camera

Value selected by

user³

Set automatically

by camera

1Limit for slow shutter speed is set using Custom Setting 21 (Shutter spd;

152). Regardless of option selected, camera may set shutter to speeds as slow

as 30s at ﬂash sync settings of slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, and slow sync

with red-eye reduction.

2Speeds faster than /500 s will be reduced to /500 s when built-in Speedlight is

raised or optional Speedlight is attached and turned on.

3Flash range varies with aperture. Consult table of ﬂash of ﬂash ranges ( 100)

when setting aperture in A and M modes.

Check that the ﬂash-ready indicator appears

in the viewﬁnder. If the ﬂash-ready indicator

is not displayed when the built-in Speedlight is

used, the shutter release will be disabled.

Compose the photograph, making sure that the subject is within range

of the ﬂash ( 100), then focus and shoot. If the ﬂash-ready light blinks

for about three seconds after the photograph is taken, the ﬂash has ﬁred

at full output and the photograph may be underexposed. Check the

results in the monitor. If the photograph is underexposed, adjust settings

and try again.

Using the Built-in Speedlight

If the built-in Speedlight is used in continuous shooting mode, only one photograph

will be taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed.

Vibration reduction (available with VR lenses) does not take effect if the shutter-release

button is pressed halfway while the built-in Speedlight is recharging.

After the built-in Speedlight has been used for several consecutive shots, it may turn

off brieﬂy to protect the ﬂash. The built-in Speedlight can be used again after a short

pause.

Flash Range, Aperture, and Sensitivity

Flash range varies with sensitivity (ISO equivalency) and aperture.

Aperture at ISO equivalent of

Range

200 250 320 400 500 640 800 1000 1250 1600

2.2 2.5 2.8 3.2 3.5

2.8 3.2 3.5 4.5

4.5 5.6 6.3 7.1

5.6 6.3 7.1 10 11 13 14 16 0.6–3.8

10 11 13 14 16 18 20 22 0.6–1.9

11 13 14 16 18 20 22 25 29 32 0.6–1.4

4.5

5.6 6.3 7.1

10 11 0.6–4.0

5.6 1.0–7.7 3´3˝–25´3˝

0.7–5.5 2´4˝–18´1˝

2´–13´1˝

2´–12´6˝

2´–6´3˝

2´–4´7˝

2´–2´11˝

2´–2´4˝

16 18 20 22 25 29 32

22 25 29 32

—

0.6–0.9

0.6–0.7

—

The minimum distance at which the built-in Speedlight can be used is 0.6m (2´).

In P, , and modes, the maximum aperture (minimum f/-number) is limited

according to sensitivity (ISO equivalency) as shown below:

Maximum aperture at ISO equivalent of

200 250 320 400 500 640 800 1000 1250 1600

Mode

2.8

5.6

3.2

6.3

3.3

6.7

3.5

7.1

3.8

7.6

4.2

8.5

4.5

4.8

9.5

For each one-step increase in sensitivity (e.g., from 200 to 400), aperture is stopped

down by half an f/-stop. If the maximum aperture of the lens is smaller than that listed

above, the maximum value for aperture is the maximum aperture of the lens.

i-TTL ﬂash control is available at all sensitivity (ISO equivalency) settings.

100

Compatible Lenses

The built-in Speedlight can be used with any CPU lens with a focal length of 20–

300mm. Note that the built-in Speedlight may be unable to light the entire subject if

the following lenses are not used at or above the minimum ranges given below:

Lens

Zoom position

20mm

Minimum range

2.5m/8´2˝

1.0m/3´3˝

2.5m/8´2˝

1.0m/3´3˝

2.5m/8´2˝

1.5m/4´11˝

0.7m/2´4˝

2.0m/6´7˝

0.7m/2´4˝

1.5m/4´11˝

1.0m/3´3˝

0.8m/2´7˝

3.0m/9´10˝

1.0m/3´3˝

4.0m/13´1˝

2.5m/8´2˝

AF-S DX ED 12–24mm f/4G

24mm

20mm, 24mm

28mm

AF-S ED 17–35mm f/2.8D

AF-S DX IF ED 17–55mm f/2.8G

AF ED 18–35mm f/3.5–4.5D

20mm, 24mm

28mm

35mm

20mm

24mm

20mm

AF 20–35mm f/2.8D

24mm

AF-S VR ED 24–120mm f/3.5–5.6G

24mm

28mm

AF-S ED 28–70mm f/2.8D

AF-S VR 200–400mm f/4G

35mm

200mm

250mm

The minimum distance at which the built-in Speedlight can be used is 0.6m (2´). The

built-in Speedlight can not be used in the macro range of macro zoom lenses.

The built-in Speedlight can also be used with Ai-S, Ai, and Ai-modiﬁed non-CPU lenses

with a focal length of 20–200mm. Restrictions apply to the following lenses:

• Ai-S 25–50mm f/4, Ai 25–50mm f/4, and Ai-S 35–70mm f/3.5: can be used at

35mm at a range of 1.0m/3´3˝ or above

• Ai 50–300mm f/4.5, Ai-modiﬁed 50–300mm f/4.5, Ai-S ED 50–300mm f/4.5, and

Ai-modiﬁed 85–250mm f/4: use at 135mm and above

• Ai ED 50–300mm f/4.5: use at 105mm and above

• Ai-S ED and Ai-ED 200mm f/2: can not be used

101

Flash Exposure Compensation

In P, S, A, and M modes, ﬂash exposure compensation can be used to increase

or reduce ﬂash output from the level chosen by the camera’s ﬂash control

system (ﬂash exposure compensation is not available in Digital Vari-Program

modes). Flash output can be increased to make the main subject appear

brighter, or reduced to prevent unwanted highlights or reﬂections. As a rule

of thumb, positive compensation may be needed when the main subject is

darker than the background, negative compensation when the main subject

is brighter than the background.

Rotate the mode dial to P, S, A, or M and choose a ﬂash sync mode as

described in Steps 1–4 of “Using the Built-in Speedlight” ( 97–98).

Pressing the button, rotate the sub-com-

mand dial and conﬁrm ﬂash exposure com-

pensation in the control panel or viewﬁnder.

Flash exposure compensation can be set to

values between –3EV (darker) and +1EV

(brighter) in increments of ¹/3 EV.

At values other than 0, a

displayed in the control panel and viewﬁnder

after you release the button. The current

value for ﬂash exposure compensation can be

conﬁrmed by pressing the button.

icon will be

Take a picture as instructed in Steps 5–7 of “Using the Built-in Speed-

light” ( 99).

Normal ﬂash output can be restored by setting ﬂash exposure compensation

to 0.0 or performing a two button reset ( 111). Flash exposure compen-

sation is not reset when the camera is turned off.

Using Flash Exposure Compensation with Optional Speedlights

Flash exposure compensation is also available with optional SB-800 and SB-600 Speed-

lights.

9—EV Step ( 144)

This option can be used to set the increments for ﬂash compensation to ½EV.

102

FV Lock

This feature is used to lock ﬂash output, allowing photographs to be re-

composed without changing the ﬂash level. This ensures that ﬂash output

is appropriate to the subject even when the subject is not positioned in the

center of the frame. Flash output is adjusted automatically for any changes

in sensitivity (ISO equivalency) or aperture. To use FV lock:

Select FV Lock for Custom Setting 15 (AE-

15 AE-L/AF-L

L/AF-L;

147).

AE Lock only

AF Lock only

AE Lock hold

AF-ON

FV Lock

Rotate the mode dial to the desired setting and choose a ﬂash sync mode

as described in Steps 1–4 of “Using the Built-in Speedlight” ( 97–98).

Position the subject in the center of the frame

and press the shutter-release button halfway to

focus.

After conﬁrming that the ﬂash-ready indicator

is displayed in the viewﬁnder, press the AE-L/

AF-L button. The built-in Speedlight will emit a

monitor preﬂash to determine the appropriate

ﬂash level. Flash output will be locked at this

level and an EL icon will be displayed in the

viewﬁnder.

103

Recompose the photograph.

Press the shutter-release button the rest of the

way down to shoot. If desired, additional pic-

tures can be taken without releasing FV lock.

Press the AE-L/AF-L button to release FV lock

and conﬁrm that the EL icon is no longer dis-

played in the control panel and viewﬁnder.

Using FV Lock with Optional Speedlights

FV lock is also available with SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights (available separately). Set

the Speedlight to TTL mode (the SB-800 can also be used in AA mode; see the Speed-

light manual for details). While FV lock is in effect, ﬂash output will automatically be

adjusted for changes in Speedlight zoom head position.

104

Self-Timer Mode

Delaying Shutter Release

The self-timer can be used to reduce camera shake or for self-portraits. To

use the self-timer:

Mount the camera on a tripod (recommended) or place the camera on a

stable, level surface.

Press the

button and rotate main com-

mand dial until

displayed in the control panel.

(self-timer mode) is

Frame the photograph and focus. If autofo-

cus is in effect, be sure not to block the lens

when activating the self-timer. In single-servo

autofocus ( 139), photographs can only be

taken if the in-focus (●) indicator appears in

the viewﬁnder.

Cover the Viewﬁnder

To ensure correct exposure in modes other than M, cover the viewﬁnder

eyepiece with your hand or with the supplied DK-5 eyepiece cap before

pressing the shutter-release button. This will prevent light entering via

the viewﬁnder from interfering with the autoexposure operation. The

DK-5 can be attached by removing the viewﬁnder eyepiece cup and slid-

ing the DK-5 down to cover the viewﬁnder eyepiece.

105

Press the shutter-release button all the way

down to start the self-timer. The self-timer

lamp (AF-assist lamp) will start to blink and a

beep will begin to sound. Two seconds before

the photograph is taken, the self-timer lamp

will stop blinking and the beeping will become more rapid. After the

photograph is taken, the shooting mode in effect before the self-timer

was selected will be restored.

The Built-in Speedlight

In P, S, A, and M modes, the self-timer will be cancelled if the built-in

Speedlight is raised before the picture is taken. To start the timer after

raising the Speedlight, wait until the ﬂash-ready indicator is displayed in

the viewﬁnder and then press the shutter-release button.

To cancel the self-timer and restore the shooting mode in effect before self-

timer mode was selected, turn the camera off or rotate the mode dial to

another setting.

In self-timer mode, a shutter speed of

is equivalent to approximately ¹/5 s.

1—Beep ( 138)

This option controls the beep that sounds during the self-timer count-down.

24—Self-timer ( 153)

Self-timer delay can be set to 2s, 5s, 10s (the default setting), or 20s.

106

Using a Remote Control

Remote-Control Photography

The optional ML-L3 remote control can be used for self-portraits or to reduce

blur caused by camera shake.

Before Using the Remote Control

Before using the remote control for the ﬁrst time, remove the clear plastic

battery insulator sheet.

Shooting mode

Description

Gives operator time to pose when taking self-portrait using

remote control.

Delayed remote

Ensures quick shutter response; can be used to reduce blur-

Quick-response remote ring caused by camera shake.

Long Time-Exposures

When the remote control is used in mode M,

can be selected for shutter speed. At

this setting, the shutter opens when the shutter-release button on the optional ML-

L3 remote control is pressed (2s after the button is pressed in delayed remote mode)

and remains open until the remote-control shutter-release button is pressed a second

time (maximum 30minutes;

83). Nikon recommends using a fully-charged EN-EL3

battery or an optional EH-5 AC adapter to prevent loss of power while the shutter is

open. Note that if the shutter is open for more than approximately 1s at any setting,

“noise” in the form of randomly-spaced, brightly-colored pixels may appear in the

ﬁnal photograph.

Using the Built-in Speedlight

In situations in which the ﬂash is required, the camera will only respond to the shutter-

release button on the ML-L3 once the ﬂash has charged. In

, and modes,

the ﬂash will begin charging when delayed remote or quick-response remote mode is

selected; once the ﬂash has charged, the built-in Speedlight will pop up automatically

if required when the shutter-release button on the ML-L3 is pressed. If red-eye reduc-

tion, slow sync with red-eye reduction, auto with red-eye reduction, or auto slow sync

with red-eye reduction is selected, the self-timer lamp will light for about one second

before the shutter is released. In delayed remote mode, the self-timer lamp will blink

for two seconds and then light for one second before the shutter is released.

In P, S, A, and M modes, raising the built-in Speedlight during the two-second count-

down in delayed remote mode will cancel the two-second timer. Wait for the ﬂash to

charge and press the shutter-release button on the ML-L3 to restart the timer.

107

To use the remote control:

Mount the camera on a tripod (recommended) or place the camera on a

stable, level surface.

Press the

button and rotate main com-

mand dial until (delayed remote) or (quick

response remote) is displayed in the control

panel.

Frame the photograph. In autofocus (AF)

mode, the camera shutter-release button can

be used to check focus, although only the

shutter release-button on the remote control

can be used to release the shutter.

Cover the Viewﬁnder

To ensure correct exposure in modes other than M, cover the viewﬁnder

eyepiece with your hand or with the supplied DK-5 eyepiece cap before

pressing the shutter-release button. This will prevent light entering via

the viewﬁnder from interfering with the autoexposure operation. The

DK-5 can be attached by removing the viewﬁnder eyepiece cup and slid-

ing the DK-5 down to cover the viewﬁnder eyepiece.

1—Beep ( 138)

This option controls the beep that sounds during the two-second count-down in de-

layed remote mode or when the shutter is released in quick-response remote mode.

25—Remote ( 154)

The length of time before the camera automatically cancels delayed remote or quick-

response remote mode can be chosen from one, ﬁve, ten, or ﬁfteen minutes.

108

Aim the transmitter on the ML-L3 at the in-

frared receiver on the camera and press the

shutter-release button on the ML-L3 (when

using the remote outdoors, make sure that

the line of site between the transmitter and

the infrared receiver is not blocked by the lens

or other obstacles). How the camera focuses

and shoots depends on the option selected for

Infrared receiver

Approx. 5 m (16´)

Custom Setting 2 (Autofocus;

139).

Custom Setting 2

Shooting

mode

AF-S (Single-servo AF)

AF-C (Continuous-servo AF)

Once camera has focused, self-

timer lamp will blink for 2s before

shutter is released. If unable to fo-

cus, camera will return to standby

without releasing shutter.

Self-timer lamp blinks for 2s be-

fore shutter is released. Camera

does not focus.

Delayed

remote

Shutter is released immediately

after camera focuses. Self-timer

lamp will ﬂash when shooting

is complete. If unable to focus,

camera will return to standby

without releasing shutter.

Camera releases shutter immedi-

ately without focusing. Self-timer

lamp will ﬂash when shooting is

complete.

Quick-

response

remote

The camera will not adjust focus in manual focus mode or if autofocus

has been set using the shutter-release button on the camera.

To return to single-frame or continuous shooting mode, turn the camera

off or rotate the mode dial to another setting. The shooting mode in effect

before remote control mode was selected will also be restored if no opera-

tions are performed for the time selected for Custom Setting 25 (Remote;

154). The default setting is one minute.

109

Replacing the Battery

The ML-L3 remote control is powered by a three-volt CR2025 lithium battery.

To replace the battery:

After sliding the latch in the direction shown

ᕃ

in to unlatch the battery holder, remove the

ᕄ

holder as shown in

Remove the battery from the battery holder.

Insert a fresh battery with the face marked

“+” on top.

Slide the battery holder into the remote until

the latch clicks into place.

Keep out of Reach of Children

Care should be taken to prevent infants from putting the battery or other small parts in

their mouths. Should a child swallow the battery, consult a physician immediately.

110

Two-Button Reset

Restoring Default Settings

The camera settings listed below can be restored

to default values by holding the and but-

tons down together for more than two seconds

(these buttons are marked by a green dot). Cus-

tom Settings are not affected.

Option

Shooting mode

Focus area

Default

Single frame^*

Center^†

Matrix

Option

Flash sync mode

P, S, A, M

Default

Front-curtain sync

Metering

Auto front-curtain

sync

Flexible program

AE hold

Off

Off^‡

Auto slow sync

Flash

compensation

Exposure

compensation

Off

FV lock

Off^‡

Off

Bracketing

Off

LCD illuminator

*Shooting mode is not reset in self-timer and remote modes.

†Not reset when Closest subjct is selected for Custom Setting 3 (AF-area mode).

‡Custom Setting 15 (AE-L/AF-L) is unaffected.

The following shooting-menu options will also be reset.

Option

Default

JPEG Normal

Option

ISO

Default

200

Image quality

Image size

White bal.

Optimize image

Normal

Auto^*

*Fine tuning reset to 0.

R—Menu Reset ( 136)

Custom Settings can be reset to default values by selecting Reset for Custom Setting

R (Menu reset).

111

112

More About

Playback

Playback Options

This section details the operations that can be

performed during playback, including thumbnail

playback, playback zoom, and photo information

display.

113

Single-Image Playback

Photographs are displayed in the monitor during recording and when the

button is pressed.

1/1

During

The

Recording

Button

100 NCD70 /DSC_0001.JPG

NORMAL

100 NCD70 /DSC_0001.JPG

NORMAL

Photographs are automatically

displayed while being recorded to

memory card.

Press

button at any time to dis-

play most recent photograph.

10/10

Photographs taken in “tall” (portrait) orientation

are displayed in tall orientation.

100 NCD70 /DSC_0010.JPG

NORMAL

Using the Multi Selector

The multi selector can be used at any time when the monitor is on. The focus selector

lock switch only takes effect when the monitor is off.

Rotate Tall ( 126)

“Tall” (portrait-orientation) images are not displayed in tall orientation when Off is

selected for the Rotate tall option in the playback menu. Note that all photographs

taken with Off selected for Image rotation ( 168) are displayed in “wide” (land-

scape) orientation, regardless of the option selected for Rotate tall.

7—Image Review ( 144)

Photographs will not be displayed in the monitor during recording if Off is selected for

Custom Setting 7 (Image review).

22—Monitor Off ( 153)

The monitor will turn off automatically to save power if no operations are performed

for the time speciﬁed in Custom Setting 22 (Monitor off).

114

The following operations can be performed in single-image playback:

To To

Press

Description

View additional

photographs

Press multi selector down to view photographs in order

recorded, up to view photographs in reverse order.

View photo

information

Press multi selector left or right to view information

about current photograph ( 116).

View

thumbnails

Press

button to view thumbnail display ( 118).

Zoom in on

photograph

button for enlarged view of current photograph

( )

(

120).

Images marked by

icon can not be deleted using

button or Delete option in playback menu (note that

protected images will be deleted when memory card is

formatted). To protect image, or to remove protection

Protect/remove

protection from

photograph

from protected image, press

Press button to delete

current photograph ( 122).

Conﬁrmation dialog will be

displayed; press again to

delete photo, or press any

other button to exit without

deleting photo.

button ( 121).

1/9

Delete?

Yes

Delete

photograph

100 NCD70 /DSC_0001.JPG

NORMAL

Display

menus

Press

39).

to end playback and display camera menus (

Shutter

End playback release/

To end playback and return to shooting mode, press

button or press shutter-release button halfway.

115

Photo Information

Photo information is superimposed on images displayed in single-image

playback. Press the multi-selector left or right to cycle through photo infor-

mation as follows: Shooting Data Page 2↔ Shooting Data Page 1↔ File

Information↔ Histogram ↔ Highlights.

File Information

1 Protect status.........121

2 Frame number/total

4 File name.................41

5 Image size ...............43

6 Image quality...........41

1/9

number of images .126

3 Folder name ..........156

100 NCD70 /DSC_0001.JPG

NORMAL

Shooting Data, Page 1

1 Protect status.........121

2 Frame number/total

number of images .126

3 Camera name

7 Shutter speed ..........76

8 Aperture..................76

9 Exposure mode........76

Exposure

1/9

CAMERA

DATE

TIME

METERING

SHUTTER

APERTURE

MODE EXP.+/

FOCAL LENGTH

FLASH MODE

NIKON D70

2004/01/07

13:47:05

MATRIX

1/250

F5.6

M, 0.0

34mm

4 Date of recording.....16

5 Time of recording ....16 10 Focal length...........185

compensation..........86

6 Metering .................75 11 Flash control............94

Shooting Data, Page 2

1 Protect status.........121

2 Frame number/total

number of images .126

3 Image optimization..56

4 Sensitivity

6 Image size ...............43

Image quality...........41

7 Sharpening..............57

8 Tone compensation..58

9 Color mode .............59

Hue .........................60

1/9

DEVELOPMENT

CUSTOM

200

WHITE BAL.,

AUTO

SIZE, QUALITY

SHARPNESS

TONE

L, NORMAL

AUTO

MODE1, 0

NORMAL

COLOR, HUE

SATURATION

(ISO equivalency) .....46

5 White balance .........48 10 Saturation................60

White balance

adjustment ..............50

Image Comments

Image comments ( 163–164) do not appear in the photo information display.

116

Histogram

1 Protect status......................................................121

2 Frame number/total number of images...............126

3 Histogram showing the distribution of tones in the

image. The horizontal axis corresponds to pixel

brightness, with dark tones to the left and bright

tones to the right. The vertical axis shows the num-

ber of pixels of each brightness in the image.

1/9

Highlights

1 Protect status......................................................121

2 Image highlights (brightest areas of image) are

marked by a ﬂashing border.

1/9

3 Frame number/total number of images...............126

Highlights

Histograms

Camera histograms are for use only as a guide and may differ from those displayed in

imaging applications.

117

Viewing Multiple Images: Thumbnail Playback

To display images in “contact sheets” of four or

nine images, press the

button in single-image

playback. The following operations can be per-

formed while thumbnails are displayed:

To To

Press

Description

button to switch between four-thumbnail dis-

Change num-

ber of images

displayed

Press

play, nine-thumbnail display, and single-image playback.

Highlight

photographs

Press multi selector up, right, left, or down to highlight

thumbnails.

Zoom in on

photograph

Press

graph ( 120).

button for enlarged view of highlighted photo-

( )

Images marked by

icon can not be deleted using

button or Delete option in playback menu (note that

protected images will be deleted when memory card is

formatted). To protect image, or to remove protection

Protect/remove

protection from

photograph

from protected image, press

Press button to delete

highlighted photograph

122). Conﬁrmation dialog will

be displayed; press again

button ( 121).

(

Delet¹e?

Yes

Delete

photograph

to delete photo, or press any

other button to exit without

deleting photo.

Display

menus

Press

39).

to end playback and display camera menus (

Shutter

End playback release/

To end playback and return to shooting mode, press

button or press shutter-release button halfway.

118

Using the Multi Selector

The multi selector can be used at any time when the monitor is on. The focus selector

lock switch only takes effect when the monitor is off.

22—Monitor Off ( 153)

The monitor will turn off automatically to save power if no operations are performed

for the time speciﬁed in Custom Setting 22 (Monitor off).

119

Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom

Press the

button to zoom in on the image displayed in single-image

playback or on the image currently highlighted in thumbnail playback. The

following operations can be performed while zoom is in effect:

TToo

Press and/or rotate

Description

Cancel/

resume

zoom

Press

to cancel zoom and return to single-

image or thumbnail playback. Press again to

zoom image in.

( )

Press

button.

Navigation window in

bottom right corner

of monitor shows area

that will be displayed

Change

zoom ratio/

navigate to

other areas

of image

when

released.

button is

Keeping

button pressed, rotate main command dial

to change size of area selected or use multi se-

lector to move frame in navigation window to

another location. Selected area will be displayed

in monitor when

button is released.

Use multi selector to

view area not visible

in monitor. Hold multi

selector down to scroll

rapidly to other areas

of frame.

View other

areas of

image

120

Protecting Photographs from Deletion

In full-frame and thumbnail playback, the

button can be use to protect

photographs from accidental deletion. Protected ﬁles can not be deleted

using the

button or the Delete option in the playback menu, and have

DOS “read-only” status when viewed on a Windows computer. Note that

protected images will be deleted when the memory card is formatted.

To protect a photograph:

Display the image in full-frame playback or highlight it in the thumbnail

list.

Press the

button. The photograph will be marked with a

icon.

1/9

100 NCD70 /DSC_0001.JPG

NORMAL

To remove protection from the photograph so that it can be deleted, display

the photograph in full-frame playback or highlight it in the thumbnail list and

then press the

button.

121

Deleting Individual Photographs

To delete a photograph displayed in single-image playback, or the photo-

graph highlighted in thumbnail playback, press the

leted, photographs can not be recovered.

button. Once de-

Display the image in full-frame playback or highlight it in the thumbnail

list.

Press the

button. A conﬁrmation dialog will

be displayed.

1/9

Delete?

Yes

Delet¹e?

Yes

Delete?

Yes

100 NCD70 /DSC_0001.JPG

NORMAL

To delete the photograph, press the

button again. Press any other

button to exit without deleting the photograph.

Protected and Hidden Images

Images marked with a

icon are protected and can not be deleted. Hidden images

are not displayed in single-image or thumbnail playback and can not be selected for

deletion.

Delete ( 124)

To delete multiple images, use the Delete option in the playback menu.

122

Menu Guide

Index to Menu Options

Changes to a variety of camera settings are made

with the help of menus that appear in the camera

monitor. This chapter covers:

The Playback Menu

The playback menu contains options for managing

the images stored on memory cards, and for play-

ing pictures back in automated slide shows.

The Shooting Menu

The shooting menu contains advanced shooting

options, such as image optimization and noise

reduction.

Custom Settings

The CSM (Custom Settings) menu controls ﬁne

details of camera operation.

The Setup Menu

This menu is used for basic camera setup, includ-

ing formatting memory cards and setting the time

and date.

123

The Playback Menu

Managing Images

The playback menu contains the following options:

Option

Delete

Playback fldr

Rotate tall

Slide show

Hide image

Print set

NCD70

124–125

126

Playback ﬂdr

Rotate tall

Slide show

Hide image

Print set

126

127–128

129

130–131

The playback menu is not displayed when no memory card is inserted.

Delete

To display the delete menu, highlight Delete and

press the multi selector to the right. Press the multi

selector up or down to highlight an option, then

press to the right to make a selection.

Delete

Selected

All

Option

Selected Delete selected photographs.

All Delete all photographs.

Description

High-Capacity Memory Cards

If the memory card contains a large number of ﬁles or folders and the number of pic-

tures to be deleted is very large, deletion can sometimes take more than half an hour.

Protected and Hidden Images

Images marked with a

icon are protected and can not be deleted. Hidden images

(

129) are not displayed in the thumbnail list and can not be selected for deletion.

Using the Multi Selector

The multi selector can be used at any time when the monitor is on. The focus selector

lock switch only takes effect when the monitor is off.

124

Deleting Selected Photographs: Selected

Choosing Selected displays the photographs in the folder or folders selected

in the Playback ﬂdr menu ( 126) as small thumbnail images.

Set

Highlight image.

Select highlighted image. Selected

image marked by icon.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 to select additional pictures. To deselect picture,

highlight and press center of multi selector. To exit without deleting

pictures, press

button.

Conﬁrmation dialog displayed. Press

multi selector up or down to highlight

Selected

Delete

option, press

to select.

• Yes: delete selected pictures

• No: exit without deleting images

Yes

Deleting All Photographs: All

Choosing All displays the conﬁrmation dialog

shown at right. Press the multi selector up or

down to highlight an option, then press the

button to make a selection.

All

Delete

all images?

• Yes: delete all images in the folder or folders

selected in the Playback ﬂdr menu ( 126).

Pictures that are protected or hidden will not be

deleted.

Yes

• No: exit without deleting images.

125

Playback Fldr

To display the playback folder menu, highlight

Playback ﬂdr in the playback menu ( 124) and

press the multi selector to the right. Press the

multi selector up or down to highlight an option,

then press to the right to make a selection.

Playback fldr

Current

All

Option

Description

Only images in folder currently selected for storage in setup Folders menu

are displayed during playback ( 156). This option is selected automatical-

ly when photo is taken. If memory card is inserted and this option selected

before photos have been taken, message stating that folder contains no

images will be displayed during playback. Select All to begin playback.

Current

Images in all folders created by cameras that conform to Design Rule for

Camera File System (DCF)—all Nikon digital cameras and most other makes

of digital camera—will be visible during playback.

All

Rotate Tall

To choose whether photographs taken in “tall”

(portrait) orientation are automatically rotated for

display in the monitor, highlight Rotate tall in

the playback menu ( 124) and press the multi

selector to the right. Press the multi selector up

or down to highlight an option, then press to the

right to make a selection.

Rotate tall

Yes

Option

Description

“Tall” (portrait) orientation photos are displayed in tall orientation during

Yes

(default)

playback (to ﬁt in monitor, tall orientation photos are displayed at

size of other photographs).

3 the

“Tall” (portrait) orientation photos are not played back in tall orientation.

Image Rotation ( 168)

Photographs taken with Off selected for Image rotation are displayed in “wide”

(landscape) orientation, regardless of the option selected for Rotate tall.

126

Slide Show

To play images back one after the other in an

automated “slide show,” highlight Slide show in

the playback menu ( 124) and press the multi

selector to the right. Press the multi selector up

or down to highlight an option, then press to the

right to make a selection.

Slide show

Start

Frame intvl

Option

Start

Description

Start slide show.

Choose how long each picture will be displayed.

Frame intvl

Starting the Slide Show: Start

Selecting Start starts an automated slide show. All photographs in the folder

or folders selected in the Playback ﬂdr menu ( 126) will be played back in

the order recorded, with a pause between each image. Hidden photographs

(

129) will not be played back. The following operations can be performed

during a slide show:

To To

Press

Description

Go forward or

back one frame

Press multi selector up to return to previous frame, down

to skip to next frame.

View photo

info

Press multi selector left or right to change photo info

displayed during slide show.

Pause

Press

to pause slide show ( 128).

Exit to playback

Press

to end slide show and display playback menu.

to end slide show and return to playback with

Exit to playback

mode

current image displayed in monitor.

Exit to shooting Shutter Press shutter-release button halfway to end slide show,

mode release turn monitor off, and return to shooting mode.

127

The dialog shown at right is displayed when the

show ends or when the button is pressed to

pause playback. Press the multi selector up or

down to highlight an option, then press to the

right to make a selection.

Restart

Frame intvl

• Restart: Resume slide show.

• Frame Intvl: Change the length of time each

picture is displayed.

To exit the slide show and return to the playback menu, press the multi se-

lector to the left or press the button.

Changing the Display Interval: Frame Intvl

Selecting Frame intvl from the Slide show menu

or the pause menu displays the menu shown at

right. To change the length of time each image is

displayed, press the multi selector up or down to

highlight the appropriate option and then press

the multi selector to the right to return to the

previous menu.

Frame intvl

2 s

3 s

5 s

10 s

128

Hide Image

The Hide image option is used to hide or reveal

selected photographs. Hidden images are visible

only in the Hide image menu, and can only be

deleted by formatting the memory card. High-

light Hide image in the playback menu ( 124)

and press the multi selector to the right. The pho-

tographs in the folder or folders selected in the

Playback ﬂdr menu ( 126) will be displayed as

small thumbnail images.

Set

Highlight image.

Select highlighted image. Selected

image marked by icon.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 to select

additional pictures. To deselect

picture, highlight and press

center of multi selector. To exit

without changing hidden status

Set

Done

of pictures, press

button.

Complete operation and return to

playback menu.

File Attributes for Hidden Images

Hidden images have “hidden” and “read-only” status when viewed on a Windows

computer. In the case of photographs taken at an image quality of NEF+JPEG Basic,

this marking applies to both the NEF (RAW) and JPEG image.

Protected and Hidden Images

Removing protection from an image that is both hidden and protected will simultane-

ously reveal the image.

129

Print Set

Print set is used to create a digital “print order” that lists the photographs

to be printed, the number of copies, and the information to be included on

each print. This information is stored on the memory card in Digital Print

Order Format (DPOF). The card can then be removed from the camera and

used to print the selected images printed on any DPOF-compatible device.

Highlight Print set in the playback menu ( 124)

and press the multi selector to the right. Press the

Print set

multi selector up or down to highlight an option,

then press to the right to make a selection.

Select / set

Deselect all?

Option

Description

Select/set Select photographs for printing.

Deselect all? Remove all images from print order.

If “Print Set” Is Unavailable

If the Print set option is not available in the playback menu, there is not enough space

on the memory card to store the print order. Delete some pictures and try again.

Taking Pictures for Direct Printing

When taking photographs to be printed without modiﬁcation, choose Direct Print

for Optimize image ( 56) or select Custom and set Color mode to Ia (sRGB) or

IIIa (sRGB).

After Creating a Print Order

After creating a print order, do not change the hidden status of images in the print

order or use a computer or other device to delete images. Either action could cause

problems during printing.

DPOF

Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) is an industry-wide standard that allows pictures to

be printed from print orders stored on the memory card. Before printing, check that

the printer or print service supports DPOF.

Exif version 2.21

The D70 supports Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) ver-

sion 2.21, a standard that allows information stored with photographs to be used for

optimal color reproduction when images are output on Exif-compliant printers.

130

Modifying the Print Order: Select/Set

Choosing Select/set displays the photographs in the folder or folders se-

lected in the Playback ﬂdr menu ( 126) as small thumbnail images.

Highlight image.

Set

Press multi selector up to select high-

lighted image and set number of prints

to 1. Selected images are marked by

icon. Press multi selector up or down

to specify number of prints (up to 99).

Set

Repeat steps 1 and 2 to select additional pictures. To deselect picture,

press multi selector down when number of prints is 1. To exit without

changing print order, press

button.

Print set

Done

Data imprint

Imprint date

Complete print order and display menu of print options. Press multi selector

up or down to highlight option.

• To print shutter speed and aperture on all pictures in print order, highlight

Data imprint and press multi selector to right. ✔ will appear next to item.

• To print date of recording on all pictures in print order, highlight Imprint

date and press multi selector to right. ✔ will appear next to item.

• To deselect checked item, highlight and press multi selector to right.

To complete print order and return to playback menu, highlight Done and

press multi selector to right. To exit without altering print order, press

button.

131

The Shooting Menu

Shooting Options

The shooting menu contains the following options:

Option

Optimize image^*

Long exp. NR

Image quality

Image size

White bal.^*

ISO

Optimize image

Long exp. NR

Image quality

Image size

White bal.

OFF

NORM

56–61

133

41–42

43–45

48–55

46–47

ISO

200

*Available only when mode dial is set to P, S, A, or M.

Optimize Image

When the mode dial is set to P, S, A, or M, pho-

tographs are enhanced according to the option

selected in the Optimize image menu. See “Tak-

ing Photographs: Optimizing Images” for details

Optimize image

Normal

Vivid

Sharp

Soft

Direct Print

(

56).

Using the Multi Selector

The multi selector can be used at any time when the monitor is on. The focus selector

lock switch only takes effect when the monitor is off.

132

Long Exp. NR

This option controls whether photographs taken

at shutter speeds slower than about 1s are

processed to reduce “noise” (randomly-spaced,

brightly-colored pixels that appear at slow shutter

speeds, particularly in shadows). Highlight Long

Exp. NR in the shooting menu ( 132) and press

the multi selector to the right. Press the multi

selector up or down to highlight an option, then

press to the right to make a selection.

Long exp. NR

Off

Option

Description

Off

(default)

Noise reduction off; camera functions normally.

Noise reduction takes effect at shutter speeds

of about 1s or slower. Time required to process

images more than doubles. During processing,

blinks in shutter-speed and aper-

ture displays. Next photo can be taken when

is no longer displayed.

The Memory Buffer

The maximum number of shots that can be stored in the memory buffer when noise

reduction is on is as follows:

Image quality Image size No. of shots

RAW

—

BASIC

FINE

RAW+BASIC

NORM

133

Image Quality

Image quality can be selected from the options

shown at right. For more information, see “Taking

Photographs: Image Quality and Size” ( 41).

Image quality

(

)

RAW NEF Raw

FINE JPEG Fine

NORM JPEG Norma

BASIC JPEG Basic

RAW+BNEF JPEG Basic

Image Size

Image size can be selected from L (3008×2000),

M (2240×1488), and S (1504×1000). See “Tak-

ing Photographs: Image Quality and Size” ( 43)

for more information.

Image size

(

)

3008

200O0K

(

)

M 2240

1488

1000

(

)

S 1504

White Bal.

This option is only available when the mode dial is

rotated to P, S, A, or M. For more information, see

“Taking Photographs: White Balance” ( 48).

White bal.

Auto

Incandescent

Fluorescent

Dir. sunlight

Flash

ISO

Sensitivity (ISO equivalency) can be raised above

the default setting of ISO 200 equivalent. See

“Taking Photographs: Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency)”

ISO

200

250

320

400

500

(

46) for details.

134

Custom Settings

Fine-Tuning Camera Settings

The Custom Settings (CSM) menu can be used

to customize camera settings to suit individual

preferences. When Simple is selected for the

CSM menu option in the setup menu ( 161),

the Custom Settings menu contains the following

options:

Menu reset

AF-S

Beep

Autofocus

AF-area mode

AF assist

ISO auto

OFF

Option

136–137 05 ISO auto

Menu reset

142–143

143

01 Beep

138

139

140

141

06 No CF card?

07 Image review

08 Grid display

09 EV step

02 Autofocus

03 AF-area mode

04 AF assist

144

A further sixteen items are listed when Detailed is selected for CSM menu:

Option

10 Exp comp.

Option

18 AF area illm

19 Flash mode

20 Flash sign

21 Shutter spd

22 Monitor off

23 Meter-off

24 Self-timer

25 Remote

145

146

147

148

149

150–151

152

11 Center wtd

12 BKT set

13 BKT order

14 Command dial

15 AE-L/AF-L

16 AE lock

152

153

17 Focus area

154

The ﬁrst and last items in each menu are linked. Pressing the multi selector

down when 09 EV step (simple view) or 25 Remote (detailed view) is select-

ed highlights R Menu reset. Pressing the multi selector up when R Menu

reset is selected displays 09 EV step or 25 Remote.

Using the Multi Selector

The multi selector can be used at any time when the monitor is on. The focus selector

lock switch only takes effect when the monitor is off.

135

The HELP Button

To view help on Custom Settings, press the

(HELP) button when an item

is highlighted in the CSM menu or when the options for a Custom Setting

are displayed.

01 Beep

Confirmation of

focus, remote

release or

self-timer with

audible sound

Custom Setting R: Menu Reset

To restore Custom Settings to default values,

highlight Menu reset in the CSM menu ( 135)

and press the multi selector to the right. Press the

multi selector up or down to highlight an option,

then press to the right to make a selection.

Menu reset

Reset

Option

Description

(default)

Exit menu, leaving settings unchanged.

Reset Restore settings to default values.

Two-Button Reset

Custom Settings are not reset when a two-button reset is performed ( 111).

136

Default settings are listed below.

Option

Default

Option

Default

Menu reset

13 BKT order

14 Command dial

15 AE-L/AF-L

16 AE lock

MTR>Under>Over

01 Beep

AE/AF Lock

AE-L button

No wrap

Auto

02 Autofocus

03 AF-area mode

04 AF assist

AF-S

Single area^*

17 Focus area

18 AF area illm

19 Flash mode

20 Flash sign

21 Shutter spd

22 Monitor off

23 Meter-off

24 Self-timer

25 Remote

05 ISO auto

Off

06 No CF card?

07 Image review

08 Grid display

09 EV step

Release lock

TTL

Off

1/60

1/3 Step

Off

20s

10 Exp comp.

11 Center wtd

12 BKT set

10s

ɂ 8mm

AE & ﬂash

1min

*Default for

, and modes is Closest subjct.

137

Custom Setting 1: Beep

To turn the camera speaker on or off, highlight

Beep in the CSM menu ( 135) and press the

multi selector to the right. Press the multi selector

up or down to highlight an option, then press to

the right to make a selection.

01 Beep

Off

Option

Description

displayed in control panel. Beep

Speaker on;

sounds while release timer is running (self-timer

and delayed remote modes), when photo is taken

in quick-response remote mode, or when camera

has focused in single-servo AF (focus-mode selector

set to AF and AF-S selected for Custom Setting 2).

(default)

Speaker off; beep does not sound.

control panel.

displayed in

Off

138

Custom Setting 2: Autofocus

To choose how the camera focuses when the fo-

cus-mode selector is set to AF, highlight Autofo-

cus in the CSM menu ( 135) and press the multi

selector to the right. Press the multi selector up

or down to highlight an option, then press to the

right to make a selection.

02 Autofocus

AF-S

AF-C

Option

Description

Single-servo AF ( 64). Focus locks when in-focus

indicator (●) appears in viewﬁnder; photographs

can only be taken when camera is in focus. AF-S

displayed in control panel when focus-mode se-

lector is set to AF.

AF-S^*

Continuous-servo AF (

64). Camera focuses

continuously while shutter-release button is pressed

halfway; photographs can be taken even when

camera is not in focus. AF-C displayed in control

panel when focus-mode selector is set to AF.

AF-C^†

*Default for P, S, A, M,

cally reset to AF-S when mode dial rotated to

†Default for mode. Custom Setting 2 automatically reset to AF-C when mode dial

rotated to

, and modes. Custom Setting 2 automati-

, or

139

Custom Setting 3: AF-Area Mode

To choose how the focus area is selected when

the focus-mode selector is set to AF, highlight AF-

area mode in the CSM menu ( 135) and press

the multi selector to the right. Press the multi

selector up or down to highlight an option, then

press to the right to make a selection.

03 AF-area mode

Sin le area

D namic area

Closest sub ct

Option

Description

User selects focus area manually ( 66); cam-

era focuses on subject in selected focus area

only. Use for relatively static compositions with

subjects that will stay in selected focus area.

Also recommended with telephoto lenses or

when subject is poorly lit.

Single

area^{1, 2}

User selects focus area manually ( 66), but

camera uses information from multiple focus

areas to determine focus. If subject leaves se-

lected focus area even brieﬂy, camera will focus

based on information from other focus areas

(focus area selected in viewﬁnder does not

Dynamic

area¹

change). Use when following erratically moving subjects and in other

situations in which it is difﬁcult to keep subject in selected focus area.

Camera automatically selects focus area con-

taining subject closest to camera; active focus

area highlighted when camera focuses ( 8).

If subject leaves active focus area, camera will

focus based on information from other focus

areas. When AF-S is selected for Custom Set-

Closest

subjct^{3, 4}

ting 2 (Autofocus;

139), focus will lock once camera has focused.

Prevents out-of-focus shots when photographing erratically moving

subjects.

1Control panel and viewﬁnder shown with center focus area selected.

2Default for P, S, A, M, and modes. Custom Setting 3 automatically reset to Single

area when mode dial rotated to

3Default for , and modes. Custom Setting 3 automatically reset to

Closest subjct when mode dial rotated to , or

4Active focus area displayed in control panel and viewﬁnder when camera focuses.

140

Custom Setting 4: AF-Assist

To choose whether the built-in AF-assist illumina-

tor lights to assist the focus operation when the

subject is poorly lit, highlight AF-assist in the

CSM menu ( 135) and press the multi selector

to the right. Press the multi selector up or down

to highlight an option, then press to the right to

make a selection.

04 AF assist

Off

Option

Description

AF-assist illuminator lights when conditions are appropriate ( 72). AF-as-

(default) sist illuminator does not light when mode dial is set to

, or

Off AF-assist illuminator off.

141

Custom Setting 5: ISO Auto

To choose whether the camera automatically ad-

justs sensitivity (ISO equivalency) as necessary to

achieve optimal exposure and ﬂash level, highlight

ISO auto in the CSM menu ( 135) and press the

multi selector to the right. Press the multi selector

up or down to highlight an option, then press to

the right to make a selection.

05 ISO auto

Off

Option

Description

Off Sensitivity remains ﬁxed at value selected by user ( 46), even if optimal

(default) exposure can not be achieved.

If optimal exposure and ﬂash level can not be

achieved at sensitivity selected by user, sensitivity

is adjusted to compensate, to minimum approxi-

mately equivalent to ISO 200 and a maximum

approximately equivalent to ISO 1600. ISO AUTO

icon is displayed in control panel and viewﬁnder;

unless Speedlight is used, icon blinks when sensitivity is altered from value

selected by user. Note that noise is more likely at high sensitivities.

• When mode dial is set to P, A,

tomatically adjusts sensitivity when shutter speed needed to obtain opti-

mum exposure would be faster than ¹

8000 s or slower than value speciﬁed

, or : camera au-

for P, A, DVP mode ( 143; shutter speed may drop below speciﬁed

value if optimal exposure can not be achieved at ISO 1600 equivalent).

• When mode dial is set to S: camera automatically adjusts sensitivity

when limits of camera exposure metering system are exceeded.

• When mode dial is set to M: camera automatically adjusts sensitivity

when optimum exposure can not be achieved at selected shutter-speed

and aperture.

Using a Flash

If a high sensitivity is required for optimal ﬂash output when ISO auto is on, the back-

ground may be overexposed if the ﬂash is used at slow shutter speeds (slow sync), in

bright daylight (daylight sync), or the when the background is brightly lit.

ISO Value

The value displayed for sensitivity (ISO equivalency) when the ISO button is pressed is

the value selected by the user. The value shown when ISO auto is on may differ from

the value actually used by camera.

142

Selecting On displays the menu shown at right.

To accept the current setting for P, A, DVP mode

and turn ISO auto on, highlight Done and press

the multi selector to the right. The CSM menu

will be displayed.

05 ISO auto

Done

P, A, DVP mode

To change the shutter speed limit for P, A,

05 P, A, DVP mode

, and modes, highlight P, A, DVP

1/125

1/60

1/30

1/15

1/8

mode and press the multi selector to the right.

Press the multi selector up or down to highlight a

shutter speed between ¹¹²⁵to 30s in steps equiva-

lent to 1EV and press the multi selector to the

right to select the highlighted value and return

to the CSM menu. In P, A,

, and

modes, the camera

will automatically raise sensitivity when the shutter speed needed to obtain

optimum exposure would be slower than the selected value.

Custom Setting 6: No CF Card?

To choose whether the shutter can be released

when no memory card is inserted in the camera,

highlight No CF card? in the CSM menu ( 135)

and press the multi selector to the right. Press the

multi selector up or down to highlight an option,

then press to the right to make a selection.

06 No CF card?

Release locked

Enable release

Option

Description

Shutter-release button disabled when no memory card is inserted.

Shutter release will not lock if Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or later

(available separately) is being used to record photographs to com-

puter.

Release lock

(default)

Enable

release

Shutter-release button enabled even when no memory card is in-

serted.

143

Custom Setting 7: Image Review

This option determines whether photographs

are automatically displayed in the monitor after

shooting (On, the default option) or only when

07 Image review

Off

the

button is pressed (Off). Highlight Image

review in the CSM menu ( 135) and press the

multi selector to the right. Press the multi selector

up or down to highlight an option, then press to

the right to make a selection. Regardless of the option selected, photo-

graphs can be viewed at any time by pressing the button.

Custom Setting 8: Grid Display (On-Demand Grid Lines)

On-demand grid lines can be displayed in the

viewﬁnder for reference when composing pho-

tographs, taking landscape shots, or shifting or

tilting a PC Nikkor lens. To turn the grid-line

display on or off, highlight Grid display in the

CSM menu ( 135) and press the multi selector

to the right. Press the multi selector up or down

08 Grid display

Off

to highlight an option, then press to the right to make a selection. To display

the grid, select On. The default setting is Off (no grid displayed).

Custom Setting 9: EV Step

This option determines whether adjustments to

shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation,

bracketing, and ﬂash exposure compensation are

made in increments equivalent to ¹³EV (1/3 step,

the default option) or ½EV (1/2 step). Highlight

EV step in the CSM menu ( 135) and press the

multi selector to the right. Press the multi selector

09 EV step

1/3 ste

1/2 ste

up or down to highlight an option, then press to the right to make a selec-

tion.

144

Custom Setting 10: Exp Comp.

This option controls whether the

button is

10 Exp comp.

needed to set exposure compensation in P, S,

and A modes ( 86). Highlight Exp comp. in the

detailed CSM menu ( 135) and press the multi

selector to the right. Press the multi selector up

or down to highlight an option, then press to the

right to make a selection.

Off

Option

Description

Off Exposure compensation set by pressing

button and rotating main

(default) command dial.

Exposure compensation set by rotating command dial only. Dial used de-

pends on option selected for Custom Setting 14.

Custom Setting 14

Yes

Sub-command dial

Main command dial

Sub-command dial

Main command dial

Sub-command dial

This option has no effect in M,

, and modes.

Custom Setting 11: Center Wtd

When calculating exposure, center-weighted

metering (available in P, S, A, and M modes;

75) assigns the greatest weight to a circle in the

center of the frame. The diameter (φ) of this circle

can be selected from 6, 8, 10, and 12mm (the

default option is 8mm). Highlight Center wtd

in the detailed CSM menu ( 135) and press the

11 Center wtd

6mm

8mm

10 10mm

12 12mm

multi selector to the right. Press the multi selector up or down to highlight

an option, then press to the right to make a selection.

145

Custom Setting 12: BKT Set

This option controls what settings are affected

when auto bracketing is in effect. Highlight BKT

set in the detailed CSM menu ( 135) and press

the multi selector to the right. Press the multi

selector up or down to highlight an option, then

press to the right to make a selection.

12 BKT set

AE & flash OK

AE onl

Flash onl

WB bracketin

Option

Description

AE & ﬂash

(default)

Camera performs exposure and ﬂash-level bracketing.

AE only

Camera performs exposure bracketing only.

Camera performs ﬂash-level bracketing only.

Flash only

WB bracketing Camera performs white balance bracketing.

Custom Setting 13: BKT Order

This option controls the order in which bracketing

is performed. Highlight BKT order in the detailed

CSM menu ( 135) and press the multi selector

to the right. Press the multi selector up or down

to highlight an option, then press to the right to

13 BKT Order

MTR>Under>O

Under>MTR>Over

make a selection.

Option

Description

MTR>Under>Over Bracketing performed in order described in “Bracketing” (

(default) 90, 93).

Under>MTR>Over Bracketing proceeds in order from lowest to highest value.

White Balance Bracketing

White balance bracketing is not available at image qualities of NEF (Raw) or

NEF+JPEG Basic.

146

Custom Setting 14: Command Dial

This option can be used to exchange the func-

tions of the main and sub-command dials when

setting shutter speed and aperture in S, A, and M

modes. Highlight Command dial in the detailed

CSM menu ( 135) and press the multi selector

to the right. Press the multi selector up or down

to highlight an option, then press to the right to

make a selection.

14 Command dial

Yes

Option

Description

Main command dial controls shutter speed, sub-command dial aperture.

(default)

Yes Main command dial controls aperture, sub-command dial shutter speed.

Custom Setting 15: AE-L/AF-L

This option controls the behavior of the AE-L/AF-L

button. Highlight AE-L/AF-L in the detailed CSM

menu ( 135) and press the multi selector to the

right. Press the multi selector up or down to high-

light an option, then press to the right to make a

selection.

15 AE-L/AF-L

AE/AF Lock

AE Lock onl

AF Lock onl

AE Lock hold

AF-ON

Option

Description

Both focus and exposure lock while AE-L/AF-L button is pressed.

AE/AF Lock

(default)

AE Lock only Exposure locks while AE-L/AF-L button is pressed. Focus is unaffected.

AF Lock only Focus locks while AE-L/AF-L button is pressed. Exposure is unaffected.

AE Lock

hold

Exposure locks when AE-L/AF-L button is pressed and remains locked

until button is pressed again or exposure meters turn off.

Camera focuses when AE-L/AF-L button is pressed. Camera does not

focus when shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

AF-ON

Flash level locks when AE-L/AF-L button is pressed and remains locked

until button is pressed again or exposure meters turn off ( 103).

FV Lock

147

Custom Setting 16: AE Lock

This option controls whether exposure locks while

the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.

Highlight AE Lock in the detailed CSM menu

16 AE Lock

AE-L button

(

135) and press the multi selector to the right.

+ Release bttn

Press the multi selector up or down to highlight

an option, then press to the right to make a selec-

tion.

Option

Description

AE-L button

(default)

Exposure can only be locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button.

Exposure can be locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button or by pressing

shutter-release button halfway.

+Release bttn

Custom Setting 17: Focus Area

By default, the focus-area display is bounded by

the four outer focus areas so that, for example,

pressing the multi selector up when the top focus

area is selected has no effect. Focus-area selec-

tion can be changed to “wrap around” from top

to bottom, bottom to top, right to left, and left to

right. Highlight Focus area in the detailed CSM

17 Focus area

No wrap

Wrap

menu ( 135) and press the multi selector to the right. Press the multi se-

lector up or down to highlight an option, then press to the right to make a

selection.

Option

Description

No wrap

(default)

Wrap-around disabled.

Wrap-around enabled.

Wrap

148

Custom Setting 18: AF Area Illm

This option controls whether or not the active

focus area is highlighted in red in the viewﬁnder.

Highlight AF area illm in the detailed CSM menu

18 AF area illm

Auto

Off

(

135) and press the multi selector to the right.

Press the multi selector up or down to highlight

an option, then press to the right to make a selec-

tion.

Option

Description

Auto Selected focus area is automatically highlighted as needed to provided

(default) contrast with background.

Off Selected focus area is not highlighted.

Selected focus area is always highlighted, regardless of brightness of back-

ground. Depending on brightness of background, selected focus area may

be difﬁcult to see.

149

Custom Setting 19: Flash Mode

To choose the ﬂash mode for the built-in Speed-

light, highlight Flash mode in the detailed CSM

menu ( 135) and press the multi selector to the

right. Press the multi selector up or down to high-

light an option, then press to the right to make a

selection.

19 Flash mode

TTL

Manual

Commander mode

Option

Description

Output of built-in Speedlight is adjusted automatically in response to

TTL

(default) shooting conditions.

Menu at right will be displayed. Highlight set-

ting between Full (full power) and 1/16 (¹

19 Manual

Full power OK

16 of

full power) and press multi selector to right to

return to CSM menu. When mode dial is set to

P, S, A, or M, ﬂash will ﬁre at chosen fraction

of full power whenever built-in Speedlight is

raised (at full power, built-in Speedlight has GN

[m/ft] of 17/56 [ISO 200] or 12/39 [ISO 100]).

1/2 power

1/4 power

1/8 power

1/16 power

Manual

icons blink in control

panel and viewﬁnder. No monitor preﬂash is emitted, allowing built-in

Speedlight to function as master ﬂash for optional slave ﬂash units.

Choose this option to allow camera to con-

trol ﬂash level when one or more SB-800

or SB-600 Speedlights are used for wireless

ﬂash photography in P, S, A, or M mode.

Menu at right will be displayed; choose TTL

(i-TTL ﬂash control, available only with CPU

lens), AA (Auto Aperture, available only

when CPU lens is used with SB-800), or M

(Manual). Selecting M displays menu shown

at right; press multi selector up or down to

choose output level for wireless ﬂash unit

from values between Full (full power) and

19 Commander mode

TTL

Commander

mode

FULL

1/2

1/4

1/8

1/16

1/128 (¹

128 of full power). Press multi se-

lector to right to return to CSM menu.

*If Commander mode is selected, will not

be displayed in ﬂash sync mode icon when

built-in Speedlight is raised.

150

Commander Mode

When using optional SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlights with Commander mode

selected for Custom Setting 19 (Flash mode), set the optional Speedlights to

Channel 3, Group A and position them as shown below.

Speedlight wireless

5m/16´ or less

60–30°

remote sensor should

30° or less

face camera.

Camera (built-

10m/33´ or

in Speedlight)

less

30° or less

5m/16´ or less

60–30°

The maximum distance between the optional Speedlights and the camera is

about 10m (33´) when the Speedlight is positioned in front of the camera

(within 30° on either side of the center line), or about 5m (16´) when the

Speedlight is to the side (30–60° to either side of the center line).

Commander Mode

Press the button to raise the built-in Speedlight. Position the sensor windows on the

optional Speedlights where they will pick up the monitor preﬂashes from the built-in

Speedlight (take particular care when not using a tripod). Be sure that direct light or

strong reﬂections from the optional Speedlights do not enter the camera lens (in TTL

mode) or the photocell on the optional Speedlight (AA mode), as this may interfere with

exposure. To prevent the timing ﬂashes emitted by the built-in Speedlight from appear-

ing in photographs taken at short ranges, use a low sensitivity and small aperture (large

f/-number) and choose a ﬂash sync mode other than rear-curtain sync. After position-

ing the Speedlights, take a test shot and view the results in the camera monitor.

Although there is no limit on the number of optional Speedlights that may used, the practi-

cal maximum is three. With more than this number, the light emitted by the other ﬂash units

will interfere with performance. All Speedlights must be in the same group; ﬂash compensa-

tion ( 102) applies to all Speedlights. See the Speedlight manual for more information.

Commander mode settings of AA (SB-800 only) and TTL are available with CPU

lenses only. If a non-CPU lens is attached, the shutter release will be disabled. The

ﬂash-ready indicator ( ) in the viewﬁnder and the icon and borders of the ﬂash sync

mode indicator in the control panel will blink.

151

Custom Setting 20: Flash Sign

In P, S, A, and M modes, the built-in Speedlight

does not pop up automatically. This option deter-

mines whether the indicator in the viewﬁnder

ﬂickers to warn that the built-in Speedlight is

required for additional lighting when the shutter-

release button is pressed halfway. Highlight Flash

20 Flash sign

Off

the multi selector to the right. Press the multi selector up or down to high-

light an option, then press to the right to make a selection.

Option

Description

indicator ﬂickers to warn that built-in Speedlight is required (P, S, A, and

M modes only). indicator not displayed when built-in Speedlight is raised

or optional Speedlight is attached.

(default)

Off

indicator does not ﬂicker when built-in Speedlight is required.

Custom Setting 21: Shutter Spd

This option determines the slowest shutter speed

possible when using a ﬂash with the mode dial

set to P or A. Options range from ¹60 s (1/60, the

default setting) to 30s (30"). Highlight Shutter

spd in the detailed CSM menu ( 135) and press

the multi selector to the right. Press the multi

selector up or down to highlight an option, then

21 Shutter spd

1/60

1/30

1/15

1/8

1/4

press to the right to make a selection. Regardless of the setting chosen,

shutter speeds as slow as 30s are always available when the ﬂash sync mode

is set to slow sync.

152

Custom Setting 22: Monitor Off

This option controls how long the monitor remains

on when no operations are performed: 10s, 20s

(the default option), 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 10

minutes. Highlight Monitor off in the detailed

CSM menu ( 135) and press the multi selector

to the right. Press the multi selector up or down

to highlight an option, then press to the right to

make a selection. Choose a shorter monitor-off

delay for longer battery life.

22 Monitor off

10 s

20 s

1 min

5 min

_M10 min

10s

20s

Custom Setting 23: Meter-Off

This option controls how long the camera con-

tinues to meter exposure when no operations

are performed: 4s, 6s (the default option), 8s,

16s, or 30 minutes. Highlight Meter-off in the

detailed CSM menu ( 135) and press the multi

selector to the right. Press the multi selector up

or down to highlight an option, then press to the

right to make a selection. Choose a shorter me-

ter-off delay for longer battery life.

23 Meter-off

4 s

6 s

8 s

16 s

_M30 min

16s

Custom Setting 24: Self-Timer

This option controls the length of the shutter-

release delay in self-timer mode. Shutter-release

can be delayed by approximately 2s, 5s, 10s, (the

default option), or 20s. Highlight Self-timer in

the detailed CSM menu ( 135) and press the

multi selector to the right. Press the multi selector

up or down to highlight an option, then press to

the right to make a selection.

24 Self-timer

2 s

5 s

10 s

20 s

10s

20s

The EH-5 AC Adapter

When the camera is powered by an optional EH-5 AC adapter, exposure meters will

not turn off and the monitor will only power off after ten minutes, regardless of the

options chosen for Custom Settings 22 (Monitor off) and 23 (Meter-off).

153

Custom Setting 25: Remote

This option controls how long the camera will

continue to wait for a signal from the remote

control when no operations are performed in

delayed remote or quick-response remote modes:

1minute (the default option), 5 minutes, 10 min-

utes, or 15 minutes. If no signal is received in the

speciﬁed period or the camera is turned off, the

camera will revert to single-frame or continuous

mode (whichever was last in effect).

25 Remote

1 min

5 min

10 min

10M

_M15 min

Highlight Remote in the detailed CSM menu ( 135) and press the multi

selector to the right. Press the multi selector up or down to highlight an op-

tion, then press to the right to make a selection.

154

The Setup Menu

Camera Setup

The setup menu contains three pages of options:

Option

Folders

File No. Seq.

Format

CSM menu

Date

LCD brightness

NCD70

OFF

156–158

159

File No. Seq.

Format

160

CSM menu

Date

161

Mirror lock-up

Video mode

Language

Image comment OFF

USB

LCD brightness

Mirror lock-up

Video mode

Language

161

162

163

Dust ref photo

Image comment

USB

163–164

165

Language

Image comment OFF

USB

Dust ref photo

Firmware Ver.

Image rotation

Dust ref photo

Firmware Ver.

Image rotation

166–167

167

168

Using the Multi Selector

The multi selector can be used at any time when the monitor is on. The focus selector

lock switch only takes effect when the monitor is off.

155

Folders

To create and manage folders, or to choose the

folder in which photographs will be stored, high-

Folders

Select folder

light Folders in the setup menu (

155) and

New

press the multi selector to the right. Press the

multi selector up or down to highlight an option,

then press to the right to make a selection.

Rename

Delete

Option

Description

Select folder Select existing folder for storage.

New

Rename

Delete

Create new folder with ﬁve-letter folder name.

Rename existing folder.

Delete empty folders.

Select Folder

To select the folder in which subsequent images

will be stored, highlight Select folder in the Fold-

ers menu and press the multi selector to the right.

Press the multi selector up or down to highlight a

folder, then press to the right to select the folder

and return to the setup menu. The selected folder

will also be used for playback when Current is

selected in the Playback ﬂdr menu ( 126).

Select folder

NCD70

N I KON

OSAKA

TOKYO

The folder currently selected is listed ﬁrst, followed by NCD70 (the default

folder), followed by the remaining folders in alphabetical order. The folder

selected in the Select folder menu does not change even when the folder is

deleted or a new memory card is inserted. A folder with the same name will

be created when a photograph is taken.

Select folder

Selected folder

N I KON OK

NCD70

OSAKA

NCD70

Other folders

TOKYO

(in alphabetical order)

156

New

To create a new folder, highlight New in the Folders menu and press the

multi selector to the right. The dialog shown in Step 1 will be displayed.

Enter a ﬁve letter folder name as described below.

Set

New

Name area

Folder name appears

here. To move cursor,

Keyboard area

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

A B C D E F G H I J

K L M N O P Q R S T

U VWX Y Z _

Use multi selector to

highlight letters, press

button to select.

press

button and

rotate main command

dial.

_____

To move the cursor in the name area, press the

button and rotate the

main command dial. To enter a new letter at the current cursor position,

use the multi selector to highlight the desired character in the keyboard

area and press the

sor position, press the

button. To delete the character at the current cur-

button. To return to the setup menu without

creating a new folder, press the

button.

Folder names can be up to ﬁve characters long. Any characters after the

ﬁfth will be deleted.

Press the

button to create the folder and return to the setup menu.

Until another folder is selected, all subsequent photographs will be stored

in the new folder. The folder will also be used for playback when Cur-

rent is selected in the Playback ﬂdr menu ( 126).

Folder Names

On the memory card, folder names are preceded by a three-digit folder number as-

signed automatically by the camera (e.g., 100NCD70) Each folder can contain up to

999 photographs. If a photograph is taken when the current folder contains 999 ﬁles

or a picture numbered 9999, the camera will create a new folder by adding one to the

current folder number (e.g., 101NCD70). For the purposes of selection and naming,

all folders with the same name are treated as the same folder. For example, if the

folder NIKON is selected, pictures in all folders named NIKON (100NIKON, 101NIKON,

102NIKON, etc.) will be visible when Current is selected in the Playback ﬂdr menu (

126). Renaming similarly applies to all folders with the same name. During shooting,

pictures are stored in the highest-numbered folder with the selected name.

157

Rename

To rename an existing folder, highlight Rename in the Folders menu and

press the multi selector to the right.

A list of existing folders will be displayed.

Rename

Press multi selector up or down to highlight a

folder name.

NIKON

TOKYO

OSAKA

Press the multi selector to the right. The

dialog shown at right will be displayed. Edit

the folder name as described in Step 1 on the

preceding page. To exit to the setup menu

without changing the folder name, press the

button.

Set

Rename

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

A B C D E F G H I J

K L M N O P Q R S T

U VWX Y Z _

NIKON

Press the

button to rename the folder and return to the setup menu.

Delete

To delete any folders on the memory card that

contain no photographs, highlight Delete in the

Folders menu and press the multi selector to the

right. The dialog shown at right will be displayed;

press the multi selector up or down to highlight

an option, then press to the right to select.

• No: Exit to setup menu without deleting empty

folders.

Delete

DELETE EMPTY

FOLDER?

Yes

• Yes: Delete empty folders and return to setup menu.

Number of Folders

Additional time will be required for recording and playback if the memory card con-

tains a very large number of folders.

158

File No. Seq.

When a photograph is taken, the camera names

the new ﬁle by adding one to the last ﬁle number

used. This option controls whether ﬁle numbering

continues from the last number used when a new

folder is created, the memory card is formatted,

or a new memory card is inserted in the camera.

Highlight File No. Seq. in the setup menu (

File No. Seq.

Off

Reset

155) and press the multi selector to the right. Press the multi selector up or

down to highlight an option, then press to the right to make a selection.

Option

Description

Off File numbering reset to 0001 when new folder is created, memory card is

(default) formatted or new memory card is inserted in camera.

When new folder is created, memory card is formatted, or new memory

card inserted in camera, ﬁle numbering continues from last number used.

If photograph is taken when current folder contains photograph numbered

9999, new folder will be created automatically and ﬁle numbering will be-

gin again from 0001.

As for On, except ﬁle numbering is reset to 0001 with next photograph

taken (new folder will be created if current folder already contains photo-

graphs).

Reset

File Numbering

If the current folder is numbered 999 and contains 999 photographs or a photograph

numbered 9999, the shutter release will be disabled. If File No. Seq. is on, turn it off,

then format the memory card or insert another memory card in the camera.

159

Format

Memory cards must be formatted before ﬁrst use.

Formatting memory cards is also an effective way

of deleting all pictures on the card. To format

a memory card, highlight Format in the setup

menu ( 155) and press the multi selector to

the right. Press the multi selector up or down to

highlight one of the following options and then

Format

FORMAT?

Yes

press the

button:

Option

Description

No Exit without formatting memory card.

Format memory card. Message shown at right

displayed while formatting is in progress. Do not

turn camera off, remove battery or memory

Format

Yes

card, or unplug the AC adapter (available

separately) until formatting is complete and

setup menu is displayed.

FORMATTING

During Formatting

Do not remove the memory card, remove the battery, or unplug the AC adapt-

er (available separately) while formatting is in progress.

Before Formatting

Formatting memory cards permanently deletes all data they contain, including

hidden and 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.

FAT 32

The D70 supports FAT 32, allowing use of memory cards with capacities of over 2GB.

FAT 16 is used when reformatting cards already formatted in FAT 16.

Two-Button Format

Memory cards can also be formatted with the

(

and ) buttons ( 21).

160

CSM Menu

To choose whether the CSM menu lists all twenty-

six Custom Settings or only the ﬁrst ten options,

highlight CSM menu in the setup menu ( 155)

and press the multi selector to the right. Press the

multi selector up or down to highlight an option,

then press to the right to make a selection.

CSM menu

Simple

Detailed

Option

Description

CSM menu contains only items listed below. Changes can not be made

to other Custom Settings while this option is in effect.

• R: Menu reset

• 3: AF-area mode

• 6: No CF card?

• 9: EV step

• 1: Beep

• 4: AF assist

• 7: Image review

• 2: Autofocus

• 5: ISO auto

• 8: Grid display

Simple

(default)

Detailed CSM menu lists all twenty-six options (R–25).

Date

To set the camera clock to the current date and

time, highlight Date in the setup menu ( 155)

and press the multi selector to the right. See

“First Steps: Basic Setup” Step 4 for details (

16). The Date menu is displayed automatically

the ﬁrst time the camera is turned on.

Date

Set

2004 01 01

00 00 00

LCD Brightness

To adjust monitor brightness, highlight LCD

brightness in the setup menu ( 155) and press

the multi selector to the right. The menu shown

at right will be displayed. Press the multi selector

up to increase brightness, down to decrease. The

number at the bottom of the display indicates the

current brightness level, with +2 the brightest set-

LCD brightness

ting and –2 the darkest. Press the multi selector to the right to complete the

operation and return to the setup menu.

161

Mirror Lock-Up

This option is used to lock the mirror in the up

position to allow inspection or cleaning of the

low-pass ﬁlter that protects the CCD image sen-

sor. See “Technical Notes: Caring for the Cam-

era” ( 194). Highlight Mirror lock-up in the

setup menu ( 155) and press the multi selector

to the right. Press the multi selector up or down

to highlight an option, then press to the right to

make a selection.

Mirror lock-up

Yes

Option

Description

When shutter is released, mirror is locked in up position and blinking

“– – – – – – ” is displayed in control panel. Mirror will return to down

position when camera is turned off. To ensure power is available to lower

mirror, Nikon recommends using this option only when camera is powered

by EH-5 AC adapter.

Yes

No Mirror functions normally.

Video Mode

Before connecting the camera to a video device

such as a television or VCR ( 170), choose a

video mode setting that matches the video stan-

dard used in the device. Highlight Video mode

in the setup menu ( 155) and press the multi

selector to the right. Press the multi selector up

or down to highlight an option, then press to the

right to make a selection.

Video mode

NTSC

PAL

Option

Description

NTSC Use when connecting camera to NTSC devices.

Use when connecting camera to PAL devices. Note that number of pixels in

output is selectively reduced, causing drop in resolution.

PAL

Video Output

The default video standard varies with the country or region of purchase.

162

Language

To change the language in which camera menus

and messages are displayed, highlight Language

in the setup menu ( 155) and press the multi

selector to the right. See “First Steps: Basic

Setup” Step 1 for details ( 16). The Language

menu is displayed automatically the ﬁrst time the

camera is turned on.

Language

De Deutsch

En English

Es Español

Fr Français

Image Comment

Using this option, brief text comments can be

added to photographs as they are taken. Com-

ments can be viewed when the photographs are

displayed using the software provided with the

camera or Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or later.

Highlight Image comment in the setup menu (

155) and press the multi selector to the right.

Image comment

Done

Input comment

Attach comment

Press the multi selector up or down to highlight an option, then press to the

right to make a selection.

Option

Description

Done

Save comment and return to setup menu.

Input comment Edit comment.

Attach comment Attach comment to all new photographs.

Input Comment

To edit the image comment, highlight Input comment and press the multi

selector to the right. The following dialog will be displayed.

Input comt

Set

Keyboard area

Use multi selector to

highlight letters, press

button to select.

4 5 6 7 8 9 : ; < =

> ?@A B C D E F G

H I J K L M N O P Q

Comment area

Comment appears here.

To move cursor, press

button and rotate main

command dial.

163

To move the cursor in the comment area, press the

button and rotate the

main command dial. To enter a new letter at the current cursor position, use

the multi selector to highlight the desired character in the keyboard area and

press the

button. To delete the character at the current cursor position,

button. To return to the setup menu without changing the

comment, press the

button.

Comments can be up to thirty-six characters long. Any characters after the

thirty-sixth will be deleted.

After editing the comment, press the

ment menu.

button to return to the image com-

Attach Comment

To add the comment to all subsequent photographs, highlight Attach com-

ment in the input comment menu and press the multi selector to the right.

A ✔ will appear in the box next to Attach comment; highlight Done and

press the multi selector to the right to return to the setup menu.

To prevent the comment from being added to photographs, highlight Attach

comment in the input comment menu and press the multi selector to the

right to remove the check from Attach comment, then highlight Done and

press the multi selector to the right to return to the setup menu.

164

USB

Before connecting the camera to a computer or

printer via USB ( 171, 176), select the appropri-

ate USB option. When connecting the camera to

a PictBridge printer or using the Camera Control

component of Nikon Capture 4 (version 4.1

or later required), select PTP. When using the

software provided with the camera to transfer

(copy) pictures to the computer, choose an option

according to the computer operating system as

shown below.

USB

Mass Stora e

PTP

Windows XP Home Edition

Windows XP Professional

Choose PTP or Mass Storage

Mac OS X

Windows 2000 Professional

Windows Millennium Edition (Me)

Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)

Choose Mass Storage

Mac OS 9

The default setting for USB is Mass Storage. To change the USB setting,

highlight USB in the setup menu ( 155) and press the multi selector to the

right. Press the multi selector up or down to highlight the desired option,

then press the multi selector to the right.

165

Dust Ref Photo

This option is used to acquire reference data for the Image Dust Off function

in Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or later (for more information on Image Dust

Off, see the Nikon Capture 4 User’s Manual).

To acquire Image Dust Off reference data:

Attach a CPU lens. Dust ref photo is only available when a CPU lens

is mounted on the camera. We recommend using a lens with a focal

length of at least 50mm. If using a zoom lens, zoom in to the maximum

telephoto position.

Highlight Dust ref photo in the setup

menu ( 155) and press the multi selector to

the right. The menu shown at right will be

displayed.

Dust ref photo

Yes

Highlight Yes and press the multi selector to

the right (to exit to the setup menu without

acquiring Image Dust Off reference data,

highlight No and press the multi selector to

the right). Camera settings will automatically

be adjusted for Image Dust Off. The message

Dust ref photo

Take photo of

white object

10cm from

lens.

shown at right will be displayed, and

will

be displayed in the viewﬁnder and control

panel. To cancel the operation and return to

the setup menu, press the

button or press

the multi selector to the left. The operation

will also be cancelled when the camera or

monitor is turned off.

Image Dust Off

The Image Dust Off feature in Nikon Capture 4 (available separately) processes NEF

(RAW) photographs to remove the effects of dust in the camera imaging system by

comparing the images to the data acquired with Dust ref photo. It is not available

with JPEG images. The D70 can be used with Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or later.

166

Position the lens ten centimeters (four inches) from a bright, featureless

white object. After framing the object so that nothing else is visible in the

viewﬁnder, press the shutter-release button halfway. In autofocus mode,

focus will automatically be set to inﬁnity; in manual focus mode, set focus

to inﬁnity manually before pressing the shutter-release button.

Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to acquire Im-

age Dust Off reference data (note that noise reduction turns on automati-

cally when the subject is poorly lit, increasing the amount of time needed

to record the data). The monitor turns off when the shutter-release but-

ton is pressed.

If the reference object is too bright or too

dark, the camera may be unable to acquire

Image Dust Off reference data and the mes-

sage shown at right will be displayed. Choose

another reference object and repeat the pro-

cess from Step 3.

Dust ref photo

Take photo of

EXPOSURE

white object

SETTINGS NOT

10cm from

APPROPRIATE

lens.

Firmware Ver.

To display the current camera ﬁrmware version,

highlight Firmware Ver. in the setup menu (

155) and press the multi selector to the right.

Press the multi selector to the left to return to the

setup menu.

Firmware Ver.

Current

A 1. 00

B 1. 00

Done

Image Dust Off Reference Data

When Image Dust Off reference data are viewed on the

camera, the grid pattern shown at right appears in the

monitor; histogram and highlights are not displayed.

Files created with Dust Off ref photo can not be

viewed using computer imaging software.

NDF

Image Dust Off reference image

167

Image Rotation

By default, the D70 records camera orientation

with each photograph taken. This allows “tall”

(portrait) orientation photographs to be displayed

in the correct orientation when played back on

the camera or viewed using the supplied software

or Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or later. If de-

sired, this feature can be turned off while taking

Image rotation

Automatic OK

Off

photographs with the lens pointed up or down, when the camera may fail

to record the correct orientation. Highlight Image rotation in the setup

menu ( 155) and press the multi selector to the right. Press the multi

selector up or down to highlight the desired option, then press the multi

selector to the right.

Option

Description

Camera records whether shots are in landscape (wide) orientation, por-

trait (tall) orientation with the camera rotated 90° clockwise, or portrait

(tall) orientation with the camera rotated 90° counter-clockwise.^*

Automatic

(default)

Landscape (wide)

orientation

Camera rotated 90°

clockwise

Camera rotated 90°

counter-clockwise

Camera orientation is not recorded. Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or

later and software provided with camera display all photographs in

landscape (wide) orientation, and camera rotation icon in Nikon Cap-

ture 4 Camera Control shows camera in horizontal (landscape) orienta-

tion. Choose this option when taking photographs with lens pointing

up or lens pointing down.

Off

*In continuous mode ( 62), orientation recorded for ﬁrst shot applies to all images

in same burst, even if camera orientation is changed during shooting.

Rotate Tall ( 126)

“Tall” orientation photographs taken with Automatic selected for image rotation will

only be displayed in tall orientation in the camera monitor if Yes is selected for Rotate

tall.

168

Connections

Connecting to External Devices

Photographs and camera menus can be displayed

on a television screen or recorded to video tape. If

the software provided with the camera is installed,

the camera can be connected to a computer and

photographs copied to disk for editing, viewing,

printing, or long-term storage.

Television Playback

Read this section for information on connecting

the camera to a television or VCR.

Connecting to a Computer

This section describes how to connect the camera

to a computer.

169

Television Playback

Connecting the Camera to a Video Device

The supplied EG-D100 video cable can be used to connect the D70 to a tele-

vision or VCR for playback or recording.

Turn the camera off.

The EG-D100

Turn the camera off before connecting or dis-

connecting the EG-D100.

Open the cover protecting the video-out and

DC-in connectors.

DC in

Video out

Connect the EG-D100 as shown.

Connect to

video device

Connect to

camera

Tune the television to the video channel.

Turn the camera on. The image normally shown in the monitor will be

displayed on the television or recorded to video tape. The camera moni-

tor will remain blank, but the camera will function normally in all other

respects.

Use an AC Adapter

Use of an EH-5 AC adapter (available separately) is recommended for extended play-

back. When the EH-5 is connected, the camera monitor-off delay will be ﬁxed at ten

minutes and the exposure meters will no longer turn off automatically.

Video Output ( 162)

Be sure that the video standard matches the standard used in the video device. Note

that resolution will drop when images are output on a PAL device.

170

Connecting to a Computer

Data Transfer and Camera Control

The supplied UC-E4 USB cable can be used to connect the camera to a com-

puter. Once the camera is connected, the software provided with the cam-

era can be used to copy photographs to the computer, where they can be

browsed, viewed, and retouched. The camera can also be used with Nikon

Capture 4 version 4.1 or later (available separately), which supports batch

processing and more advanced image editing options and can be used to

control the camera directly from the computer.

Before Connecting the Camera

Install the necessary software after reading the manuals and reviewing the

system requirements. To ensure that data transfer is not interrupted, be sure

the camera battery is fully charged. If in doubt, charge the battery before use

or use an EH-5 AC adapter (available separately).

Before connecting the camera, set the USB option

in the setup menu ( 165) according to the com-

puter operating system and whether the camera

is being controlled using Nikon Capture 4 Camera

Control or photographs are being transferred to

the computer:

USB

Mass Stora e

PTP

Operating system

Transfer^*

Camera Control^†

Windows XP Home Edition

Windows XP Professional

Mac OS X

Choose PTP or

Mass Storage

Choose PTP

Windows 2000 Professional

Windows Millennium Edition (Me)

Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)

Mac OS 9

Choose

Mass Storage

*Pictures can be transferred using software provided with camera.

†Camera Control for D70 available with Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or later.

171

Connecting the USB Cable

Turn the computer on and wait for it to start up.

Turn the camera off.

Connect the UC-E4 USB cable as shown below. Connect the camera

directly to the computer; do not connect the cable via a USB hub or key-

board.

Windows 2000 Professional, Windows Millennium Edition (Me),

Windows 98 Second Edition (SE), Mac OS 9

Do NOT select PTP when using the software provided with the camera under one of the

above operating systems. If the camera has been connected to a computer running

one of the above operating systems with PTP selected, disconnect the camera as de-

scribed below. Be sure to select Mass Storage before reconnecting the camera.

Windows 2000 Professional/Windows Me/Windows 98 SE

The Windows hardware wizard will be displayed. Click Cancel to exit the wizard, and

then disconnect the camera.

Mac OS 9

A dialog will be displayed stating that the computer is unable to use the driver needed

for the “NIKON DSC_D70” USB device. Click Cancel to close the dialog, then discon-

nect the camera.

172

Turn the camera on.

If Mass Storage is selected for USB,

will be displayed in the control panel and

viewﬁnder (if PTP is selected, the camera dis-

plays will only change when Nikon Capture 4

Camera Control is running).

Photographs

can be transferred to the computer using the

software provided with the camera. For more

information, see the documentation provided.

If the Nikon Capture 4 Camera Control compo-

nent is running, the control panel and view-

ﬁnder will show

in place of the number

of exposures remaining. Any photographs

taken will be recorded to the computer hard

disk rather than the camera memory card. See

the Nikon Capture 4 User’s Manual for more

information.

Do Not Turn the Camera Off

Do not turn the camera off while transfer is in progress.

173

Disconnecting the Camera

If PTP is selected for USB ( 165), the camera can be turned off and the

USB cable disconnected once transfer is complete. If the USB option in the

camera setup menu is still at its default setting of Mass Storage, the camera

must ﬁrst be removed from the system as described below.

Windows XP Home Edition/Windows XP Professional

Click the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon ( ) in

the taskbar and select Safely remove USB Mass

Storage Device from the menu that appears.

Windows 2000 Professional

Click the “Unplug or Eject Hardware” icon ( ) in

the taskbar and select Stop USB Mass Storage

Device from the menu that appears.

Windows Millennium Edition (Me)

Click the “Unplug or Eject Hardware” icon ( ) in

the taskbar and select Stop USB Disk from the

menu that appears.

Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)

In My Computer, click with the right mouse but-

ton on the removable disk corresponding to the

camera and select Eject from the menu that ap-

pears.

Mac OS X

Drag the “NIKON_D70” camera volume into the

Trash.

Mac OS 9

Drag the “NIKON D70” camera volume into the

Trash.

Mac OS X

Mac OS 9

174

Printing

Photographs

Connecting to a PictBridge Printer

When the camera is connected to a PictBridge-

compatible printer, photographs can be printed

directly from the camera.

175

When the camera is connected to a PictBridge-compatible printer via the

supplied UC-E4 USB cable, selected JPEG photographs can be printed directly

from the camera (RAW photographs can not be printed using this method).

Before connecting the printer, conﬁrm that it supports PictBridge. To ensure

that printing is not interrupted, be sure the camera battery is fully charged.

If in doubt, charge the battery before use or use an EH-5 AC adapter (avail-

able separately).

Connecting the USB Cable

Set the USB option in the setup menu (

165) to PTP (photographs can not be printed

at the default setting of Mass Storage).

USB

Mass Stora e

PTP

Turn the printer on.

Turn the camera off.

Connect the UC-E4 USB cable as shown below. Connect the camera

directly to the printer; do not connect the cable via a USB hub.

Taking Pictures for Direct Printing

When taking photographs to be printed without modiﬁcation, choose Direct Print

for Optimize image ( 56) or select Custom and set Color mode to Ia (sRGB) or

IIIa (sRGB).

176

Turn the camera on. A welcome screen will

be displayed in the monitor, followed by a

PictBridge menu. Press the multi selector up

or down to highlight an option.

Option

Description

Print selected photos one per page or

print all selected photos in a single-page

“index print.”

Print photos in current print order (

130). Print order can be changed before

printing begins.

(DPOF)

Print menu

Choose whether to imprint date of re-

cording on prints and whether to print

pictures without borders.

Setup

(

)

Print DPOF

Setup

Hidden Images/RAW Images

NEF (RAW) images and images hidden with Hide image ( 129) can not be selected

for printing using the Print and Print (DPOF) options.

Printer Settings

Paper type, tray, and size selections are made from the printer. See the printer manual

for details.

Error Messages

If the dialog shown at right is displayed, an error has

occurred. After checking the printer and resolving any

problems as directed in the printer manual, press the

multi selector up or down to highlight Continue and

press the multi selector to the right to resume printing.

Select Cancel to exit without printing the remaining

images.

PRINT ERROR

ERROR

UNKNOWN ERROR

Continue

Cancel

Using the Multi Selector

The multi selector can be used at any time when the monitor is on. The focus selector

lock switch only takes effect when the monitor is off.

177

Printing Selected Photographs

To print selected photos, highlight Print in the PictBridge menu and press the

multi selector to the right. The menu shown in Step 1 will be displayed.

Choose folder

All

NCD70

NIKON

TOKYO

Print select

Index print

Choose folder

Highlight Choose folder.

Display list of folders.

Choose folder

All

NCD70

NIKON

TOKYO

Print select

Index print

Choose folder

Highlight folder.^*

Return to print menu.

*To display photos in all folders, highlight All. To make selection from one folder only,

highlight folder name.

Print select

Trim Print

Print select

Index print

Choose folder

Set

Display photos in current folder.

Highlight Print Select.^†

†To create index print listing all JPEG images in current folder as small thumbnail im-

ages, highlight Index print and press multi selector to right. Photos in current folder

will be displayed, with JPEG images marked by

icon. Press

to begin printing.

To interrupt printing and exit to PictBridge menu, press

button again.

178

Scroll through photos. Current photo

shown at bottom of display.

Print select

Trim Print

Set

Press multi selector up to select photo

and set number of prints to 1. Selected

Print select

Trim Print

photos are marked by

icon. Press

multi selector up or down to specify

number of prints (up to 99).^‡

Set

‡

If printer supports cropping, photo can be cropped

for printing by pressing button. Dialog shown at

Trim photos

Trim OK

right will be displayed; rotate main command dial to

zoom in or out and use multi selector to scroll to other

areas of image (note that prints may become slightly

“grainy” when highly enlarged). When desired area is

framed in monitor, press

button to return to print

selection dialog. Only selected portion of photo will

be included when image is printed.

Repeat steps 7 and 8 to select additional pictures. To deselect picture,

press multi selector down when number of prints is 1. To exit to Pict-

Bridge menu without printing, press

button.

Begin printing. To cancel and return

to PictBridge menu before all images

Printing

1 / 9

have been printed, press

again.

button

Cancel

179

Printing the Current Print Order

To print the current print order, highlight Print (DPOF) in the PictBridge

menu and press the multi selector to the right.

View photos in current folder. Pictures

in print order are indicated by icon

and number of prints; print order can

be changed as described on page 131.

To exit to PictBridge menu without

(

)

Print DPOF

Set

printing, press

button.

Begin printing. To cancel and return

to PictBridge menu before all images

Printing

1 / 9

have been printed, press

again.

button

Cancel

Setup

To adjust print options, highlight Setup in the

PictBridge menu and press the multi selector to

the right. Press the multi selector up or down

to highlight an option, and press it to the right

to turn the highlighted option on or off. Select

Imprint date to print the date of recording on all

pictures, No border to print pictures without a

Setup

Done

Imprint date

No border

white border (this option is not available if printer does not support border-

less printing).

“Data Imprint”/“Imprint Date”

Selecting Print (DPOF) resets the Data imprint and Imprint date options for the

current print order ( 131). To print the date of recording on photographs, select

Imprint date in the PictBridge Setup menu.

Print Set ( 130)

To create a DPOF print order before printing, use the Print set option in the playback

menu.

180

Technical

Notes

Camera Care, Options, and Resources

This chapter covers the following topics:

Camera Settings

Describes the functions available in different

modes.

Optional Accessories

Lists the lenses and other accessories available for

the D70.

Caring for Your Camera

Provides information on storage and mainte-

nance.

Troubleshooting

Lists the error messages displayed by your camera

and how to deal with them.

Speciﬁcations

Principal speciﬁcations for the D70.

181

Camera Settings

Settings Available in Different Modes

The following table lists the settings that can be adjusted in each mode.

✔

Image size

Image quality

Sensitivity (ISO equivalency)

White balance¹

Optimize image¹

Shooting mode²

✔

Focus lock

Metering¹

✔

✔ ✔³

Depth-of-ﬁeld preview

Flexible program⁴

✔

Autoexposure lock

Exposure compensation¹

Bracketing¹

Flash sync mode^{1, 5}

✔

Manual pop-up for built-in Speedlight

Auto pop-up for built-in Speedlight

Flash exposure compensation¹

Custom Setting 2: Autofocus^{1, 5}

Custom Setting 3: AF-area mode^{1, 5}

Custom Setting 4: AF assist

Custom Setting 5: ISO auto

Custom Setting 19: Flash mode

✔

1Setting last in effect is restored next time P, S, A, or M mode is selected.

2If self-timer, delayed remote, or quick-response remote mode is selected when cam-

era is turned off, single-frame or continuous mode (whichever was last used) will be

selected when camera is turned on.

3CPU lens required.

4Selecting another mode cancels ﬂexible program.

5Selecting

, or restores default for selected mode.

182

Optional Accessories

Lenses and Other Accessories

Lenses for the D70

CPU lenses (particularly type G and D lenses) are recommended for use with

the D70. IX Nikkor CPU lenses can not be used.

Camera setting

Focus

Mode

DVP,

Metering

M (with

electronic

range ﬁnder)

P, S,

Lens/accessory

Type G or D AF Nikkor²

3D Color

✔

—

✔

AF-S, AF-I Nikkor

PC-Micro Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D⁴

AF-S/AF-I Teleconverter⁶

—

✔

Other AF Nikkor (except lenses

for F3AF)

✔

—

✔

AI-P Nikkor

—

✔

AI-,AI-S, or Series E Nikkor

AI modiﬁed Nikkor

✔

—

✔

—

Medical Nikkor 120mm f/4

Reﬂex Nikkor

—

✔

—

PC-Nikkor

✔

AI-type Teleconverter

✔

PB-6 Bellows Focusing Attach-

ment¹³

—

✔

—

✔

—

Auto extension rings (PK-series

11-A, 12, or 13; PN-11)

✔

1 IX Nikkor lenses can not be used.

2 Vibration Reduction (VR) supported with VR lenses.

3 Spot metering meters selected focus area.

4 The camera’s exposure metering and ﬂash control systems

do not work properly when shifting and/or tilting the lens, or

when an aperture other than the maximum aperture is used.

8 If AF 80–200mm f/2.8S, AF 35–70mm f/2.8S, new-model AF

28–85mm f/3.5–4.5S, or AF 28–85mm f/3.5–4.5S is zoomed

in while focusing at minimum range, image on matte screen in

viewﬁnder may not be in focus when in-focus indicator is dis-

played. Focus manually using image in viewﬁnder as guide.

9 With maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.

5 Electronic range ﬁnder can not be used with shifting or tilting. 10 Some lenses can not be used (see following page).

6 Compatible with AF-I Nikkor lenses and with all AF-S lenses 11 Can be used in mode M, but camera exposure meter can not

except DX 12–24mm f/4G, ED 17–35mm f/2.8D, DX 17–

be used.

55mm f/2.8G, DX ED 18–70mm f3.5–4.5G, ED 24–85mm 12 Can be used in mode M at shutter speeds slower than 1/125s,

f/3.5–4.5G,VR ED 24–120mm f/3.5–5.6G, and ED 28–70mm

f/2.8D.

7 With maximum effective aperture of f/5.6 or faster.

but camera exposure meter can not be used.

13 Attach in vertical orientation (can be used in horizontal orien-

tation once attached).

•

Medical Nikkor 200mm f/5.6 requires AS-15 for ﬂash control.

183

CPU lenses can be identiﬁed by the presence of CPU contacts. Type G lenses

are marked with a “G” on the lens barrel, type D lenses with a “D.”

CPU lens

Type G lens

Type D lens

Type G lenses are not equipped with a lens aperture ring. Unlike other CPU

lenses, there is no need to lock the aperture ring at the minimum aperture

setting (maximum f/-number) when using a type G lens.

Incompatible Accessories and Non-CPU Lenses

The following accessories and non-CPU lenses can ^NOTbe used with the D70:

• TC-16A AF Teleconverter

• 200–600mm f/9.5 (serial numbers

• Non-AI lenses

280001–300490)

• Lenses that require the AU-1 focus- • Lenses for the F3AF (80mm f/2.8,

ing unit (400mm f/4.5, 600mm f/5.6, 200mm f/3.5, TC-16 Teleconverter)

800mm f/8, 1200mm f/11)

• PC 28mm f/4 (serial number 180900 or

• Fisheye (6mm f/5.6, 8mm f/8, OP 10mm earlier)

f/5.6)

• PC 35mm f/2.8 (serial numbers 851001–

• 21mm f/4 (old type)

• K2 rings

906200)

• PC 35mm f/3.5 (old type)

• ED 180–600mm f/8 (serial numbers • 1000mm f/6.3 Reﬂex (old type)

174041–174180) • 1000mm f/11 Reﬂex (serial numbers

• ED 360–1200mm f/11 (serial numbers 142361–143000)

174031–174127)

• 2000mm f/11 Reﬂex (serial numbers

200111–200310)

Compatible Non-CPU Lenses

Non-CPU lenses not included in the list above can be used, but only in mode M. Aper-

ture must be adjusted manually using the lens aperture ring and the camera exposure

meter, depth-of-ﬁeld preview, and i-TTL ﬂash control can not be used. If another mode

is selected when a non-CPU lens is attached, the shutter-release will be disabled.

184

Picture Angle and Focal Length

A 35-mm camera has a diagonal picture angle approximately one-and-a-half

times that of the D70. When calculating the focal length of lenses for the

D70 in 35-mm format, you will therefore need to multiply the focal length of

the lens by 1.5, as shown in the following table:

Approximate focal length (mm) in 35-mm format

Picture angle

35-mm ﬁlm camera

D70

(modiﬁed for picture angle)

25.5

52.5

127.5

35-mm ﬁlm camera 105

D70

135

180

200

300

450

400

600

500

750

600

900

157.5 202.5 270

Calculating Picture Angle

Picture size (35-mm format)

The size of the area exposed by a 35-mm

camera is 36×24mm. The size of the

area exposed by the D70, in contrast,

is 23.7×15.6mm. As a result, the picture

angle of photographs taken with the D70

differs from the picture angle for 35-mm

cameras, even when the focal length of

the lens and the distance to the subject

are the same.

(36 mm × 24 mm)

Picture diagonal

Lens

Picture size (D70)

(23.7 mm × 15.6 mm)

Picture angle (35-mm format)

Picture angle (D70)

185

Optional Speedlights

When used with a compatible Speedlight such as the SB-800 or SB-600

(available separately), the D70 supports the full range of options available

with the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS;

203), including i-TTL ﬂash

control ( 94), Flash Color Information Communication, and FV lock (

103). For more information, see the Speedlight manual.

SB-800

This high performance Speedlight has a Guide Number of 53/174 (m/ft,

35-mm zoom head position, ISO 200, 20°C/68°F; GN at ISO 100 is 38/125)

and accepts four AA batteries (ﬁve AA batteries when powered by the sup-

plied SD-800 battery pack) or SD-6, SD-7, or SD-8A power sources (available

separately). The ﬂash head can be rotated through 90° above and 7° below

the horizontal, 180° left, and 90° right for bounce-ﬂash or close-up photog-

raphy. Auto power zoom (24–105mm) ensures that the illuminating angle

is adjusted in accord with lens focal length. The built-in wide panel can be

used for angles of 14mm and 17mm. An illuminator is included to assist in

adjusting settings in the dark, and custom settings are available for ﬁne-tun-

ing all aspects of ﬂash operation.

SB-600

This high performance Speedlight has a Guide Number of 39/128 (m/ft, 35-

mm zoom head position, ISO 200, 20°C/68°F; GN at ISO 100 is 28/92) and

accepts four AA batteries (see the SB-600 manual for details). The ﬂash head

can be rotated through 90° above the horizontal, 180° left, and 90° right for

bounce-ﬂash or close-up photography. Auto power zoom (24–85mm) en-

sures that the illuminating angle is adjusted in accord with lens focal length.

The built-in wide panel can be used for an angle of 14mm. An illuminator

is included to assist in adjusting settings in the dark, and custom settings are

available for ﬁne-tuning all aspects of ﬂash operation.

Use Only Nikon Flash Accessories

Use only Nikon Speedlights. Negative voltages or voltages over 250V applied to the

accessory shoe could not only prevent normal operation, but damage the sync circuitry

of the camera or ﬂash. Before using a Nikon Speedlight not listed in this section, con-

tact a Nikon-authorized service representative for more information.

186

The following features are available with SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights:

Speedlight

SB-800

(Advanced

Wireless

Lighting)

SB-600

(Advanced

Wireless

Lighting)

Flash mode/feature

i-TTL¹

SB-800

SB-600

✔

—

✔

Auto aperture¹

—

✔

Non-TTL auto

✔

GN Range-priority manual

—

✔

Manual

✔

Repeating ﬂash

Rear-curtain sync

Red-eye reduction

—

✔

—

✔

—

✔

REAR

—

✔

Flash Color Information

Communication

✔

—

✔

—

FV lock¹

AF-assist for multi-area AF⁵

Auto zoom¹

✔

—

✔

—

ISO auto (Custom Setting 5)¹

1 Available only with CPU lenses (IX Nikkor lenses excluded).

2 Standard i-TTL Flash for Digital SLR is used when spot meter-

ing is selected. Otherwise, i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital

SLR is used.

4 Adjusted automatically according to camera aperture setting

when CPU lens is used. When non-CPU lens is used, must

be adjusted manually to match aperture selected with lens

aperture ring.

3 Available only with non-CPU lenses.

5 Available CPU AF lenses only (IX Nikkor lenses excluded).

The Accessory Shoe

The D70 is equipped with an accessory shoe that allows

SB-series Speedlights, including the SB-800, 600, 80DX,

28DX, 28, 50DX, 27, 23, 22S, and 29S to be mounted

directly on the camera without a sync cable. The acces-

sory shoe is equipped with a safety lock for Speedlights

with a locking pin, such as the SB-800 and SB-80DX.

The AS-15 Accessory Shoe Adapter

An AS-15 accessory shoe adapter (available separately) can be mounted on the acces-

sory shoe to allow ﬂash accessories to be attached via a sync cable.

187

The following Speedlights can be used in non-TTL auto and manual modes.

If they are set to TTL, the camera shutter-release button will lock and no

photographs can be taken.

Speedlight SB-80DX, SB-28DX, SB-50DX, SB-23,

SB-30, SB-27¹, SB-

22S, SB-22, SB-20,

SB-16B, SB-15

SB-28, SB-26,

SB-25, SB-24

SB-29²,SB-21B²,

SB-29S²

Flash mode

Non-TTL auto

—

✔

—

✔

—

✔

Manual

Repeating ﬂash

REAR Rear-curtain sync

1 When an SB-27 is mounted on the D70, the ﬂash mode is automatically set to TTL, and the shutter-release will be disabled. Set the

SB-27 to A (non-TTL auto ﬂash).

2 Autofocus is only available with AF-Micro lenses (60mm, 105mm, 200mm, or 70–180mm).

, and Modes

When an optional Speedlight is attached in

ﬂash ﬁres whenever a photograph is taken. The following ﬂash modes are available:

, and

modes, the

•

, and modes: Front-curtain sync and red-eye reduction. If off or auto front-

curtain sync is selected when an optional Speedlight is attached, the ﬂash sync mode

selection will change to front-curtain sync. Auto with red-eye reduction becomes

red-eye reduction.

•

, and modes: Front-curtain sync is selected automatically. Red-eye reduction

can also be selected.

mode: Slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, and front-curtain sync. Auto

slow sync becomes slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction becomes red-

eye reduction, and off becomes front-curtain sync.

ISO Auto

When On is selected for Custom Setting 5 (ISO auto; 142), sensitivity will automati-

cally be adjusted as required for optimal ﬂash output. If a high sensitivity is required,

this may result in the background being overexposed when the ﬂash is used at slow

shutter speeds (slow sync), ﬁll-ﬂash is used in bright daylight (daylight sync), or the

background is brightly lit.

Using the Built-in Speedlight

If an SB-50DX Speedlight is set to manual (M) with Manual selected for Custom Set-

ting 19 (Flash mode;

150), both the SB-50DX and the built-in Speedlight will ﬁre

when the built-in Speedlight is raised. The built-in Speedlight will not ﬁre when other

optional Speedlights are attached.

188

Notes on Optional Speedlights

Refer to the Speedlight manual for detailed instructions. If the Speedlight supports the

Creative Lighting System, refer to the section on CLS-compatible digital SLR cameras.

The D70 is not included in the “digital SLR” category in the SB-80DX, SB-28DX, and

SB-50DX manuals.

The shutter will synchronize with an external ﬂash at speeds of ¹

500 s or slower.

i-TTL and Auto Aperture (AA) ﬂash control are available only with CPU lenses. Select-

ing spot metering while an SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlight is attached activates standard

i-TTL Flash for Digital SLR.

i-TTL ﬂash control is available at all sensitivity (ISO equivalency) settings. If the ﬂash-

ready indicator blinks for about three seconds after a photograph is taken with i-TTL

ﬂash control, the photograph may be underexposed.

When an SB-800 or SB-600 is mounted on the camera, AF-assist illumination and red-

eye reduction are performed by the optional Speedlight. With other Speedlights, AF-

assist illumination is performed using the AF-assist illuminator on the camera ( 72).

Auto power zoom is available only with SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights.

In P,

, and modes, the maximum aperture (minimum f/-number)

is limited according to sensitivity (ISO equivalency) as shown below:

Maximum aperture at ISO equivalent of

Mode

200 250 320 400 500 640 800 1000 1250 1600

4.2 4.5 4.8

5.3 5.6

6.3 6.7

8.5 9.5 10 11 11 12 13 13

For each one-step increase in sensitivity (e.g., from 200 to 400), aperture is stopped

down by half an f/-stop. If the maximum aperture of the lens is smaller than that listed

above, the maximum value for aperture is the maximum aperture of the lens.

When an SC-series 17, 28, or 29 sync cable is used for off-camera ﬂash photography,

correct exposure may not be achieved using i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLR.

We recommend that you choose spot metering to select Standard i-TTL Flash for Digi-

tal SLR. Take a test shot and view the results in the monitor.

In i-TTL mode, use the ﬂash panel provided with your Speedlight. Do not use other

panels such as diffusion panels, as this may produce incorrect exposure.

189

Other Accessories

At the time of writing, the following accessories were available for the D70.

Contact your retailer or local Nikon representative for details.

Batteries/

Chargers/

♦EN-EL3 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery

Additional EN-EL3 batteries are available from local retailers and

AC adapters

Nikon service representatives.

♦EH-5 AC Adapter

Use the EH-5 to power the camera for extended periods.

♦MS-D70 CR2 Holder (with Terminal Cover)

The MS-D70 can be used to power the camera with CR2 lithium bat-

teries, which are available at many retail outlets.

♦MH-19 Multi Charger

The MH-19 can be used to recharge the following batteries: EN-EL3

rechargeable Li-ion batteries, MN-30 batteries for the F5 camera

(with MC-E1), MN-15 batteries for the F100 camera (with MC-E2), or

EN-3 batteries for the E3 camera. The charger can charge two pairs

of batteries of different types, for a total of four batteries, and comes

with a twelve-volt cable for connection to a cigarette-lighter socket.

Viewﬁnder

eyepiece

accessories

♦Diopter-Adjustment Viewﬁnder Lenses

To accommodate individual differences in vision, viewﬁnder lenses

are available with diopters of –5, –4, –3, –2, 0, +0.5, +1, +2, and

+3m^–1. Diopter-adjustment lenses can be inserted simply by sliding

them over the viewﬁnder eyepiece; note that the rubber viewﬁnder

eyepiece cup can not be used with lenses that correct for near-sight-

edness. Use diopter adjustment lenses only if the desired focus can

not be achieved with the built-in diopter adjustment control (–1.6 to

+0.5m^–1). Test diopter adjustment lenses before purchase to ensure

that the desired focus can be achieved.

♦DG-2 Magniﬁer

The DG-2 magniﬁes the scene displayed in the viewﬁnder for close-up

photography, copying, telephoto lenses, and other tasks that call for

added precision. Requires eyepiece adapter (available separately).

♦Eyepiece Adapter

Use when attaching the DG-2 Magniﬁer to the D70.

♦DR-6 Right-Angle Viewing Attachment

The DR-6 attaches at a right angle to the viewﬁnder eyepiece, allow-

ing the image in the viewﬁnder to be viewed from above when the

camera is in the horizontal shooting position.

190

Body caps

♦BF-1A Body Cap

The BF-1A keeps the mirror, viewﬁnder screen, and low-pass ﬁlter

free of dust when no lens is mounted on the camera.

Remote

controls

♦ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control

The ML-L3 can be used to release the shutter remotely, without

touching the camera or attaching a cable. Use for self-portraits or

prevent blurring caused by camera shake.

Filters

•

Nikon ﬁlters can be divided into three types: screw-in, drop-in, and rear-

interchange. Use Nikon ﬁlters; ﬁlters manufactured by other makers

may interfere with autofocus or electronic range ﬁnding.

• The D70 can not be used with linear polarizing ﬁlters. Use the C-PL

circular polarizing ﬁlter instead.

• The NC and L37C ﬁlters are recommended for protecting the lens.

•

When using an R60 ﬁlter, set exposure compensation to +1.

• To prevent moiré, use of a ﬁlter is not recommended when the sub-

ject is framed against a bright light, or when a bright light source is

in the frame.

• Color matrix and 3D color matrix metering may not produce the de-

sired results when used with ﬁlters with an exposure factor (ﬁlter fac-

tor) over 1× (Y44, Y48, Y52, O56, R60, X0, X1, C-PL, ND2S, ND4S,

ND4, ND8S, ND8, ND400, A2, A12, B2, B8, B12). We recommend

center-weighted metering. For details, see the manual provided with

the ﬁlter.

PC card

♦EC-AD1 PC Card Adapter

adapters

The EC-AD1 PC card adapter allows Type I CompactFlash memory

cards to be inserted in PCMCIA card slots.

Software

♦Nikon Capture 4 (Version 4.1 or Later)

Nikon Capture 4 version 4.1 or later can be used to capture photos to

a computer and to edit and save RAW images in other formats.

Use Only Nikon Brand Accessories

Only Nikon brand accessories certiﬁed by Nikon speciﬁcally for use with your Nikon

digital camera are engineered and proven to operate within its operational and safety

requirements. THE USE OF NON-NIKON ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE YOUR CAMERA AND MAY VOID YOUR

NIKON WARRANTY.

191

Approved Memory Cards

The following cards have been tested and approved for use in the D70:

16MB, 48MB, 80MB, 96MB, 128MB, 160MB,

SDCFB

256MB, 512MB, 1GB

SDCFB (Type II)

SDCF2B (Type II)

SDCFH

192MB, 300MB

256MB

128MB, 192MB, 256MB, 384MB, 512MB, 1GB

512MB, 1GB

SanDisk

SDCFX

4× USB

16MB, 32MB, 64MB

8× USB

10× USB

16MB, 32MB, 48MB, 64MB, 80MB

160MB

12× USB

16× USB

64MB, 128MB, 192MB, 256MB, 512MB

192MB, 256MB, 320MB, 512MB, 640MB, 1GB

Lexar Media

24× USB

256MB, 512MB

24× WA USB

32× WA USB

40× WA USB

1GB

256MB, 512MB, 2GB, 4GB

Renesas Tech- Compact FLASH

16MB, 32MB

nology (Hitachi)

HB28 C8×

DSCM

3K4

512MB, 1GB

2GB, 4GB

Microdrive

Operation is not guaranteed with other makes of card. For more details on

the above cards, please contact the manufacturer.

Memory Cards

• Memory cards may be hot after use. Observe due caution when removing memory

cards from the camera.

• Format memory cards before ﬁrst use.

• Turn the power off before inserting or removing memory cards. Do not remove

memory cards from the camera, turn the camera off, or remove or disconnect the

power source during formatting or while data are being recorded, deleted, or copied

to a computer. Failure to observe these precautions could result in loss of data or in

damage to the camera or card.

• Do not touch the card terminals with your ﬁngers or metal objects.

• Do not apply force to the card casing. Failure to observe this precaution could dam-

age the card.

• Do not bend, drop, or subject to strong physical shocks.

• Do not expose to heat, water, high levels of humidity, or direct sunlight.

192

Caring for the Camera

Storage and Maintenance

Storage

When the camera will not be used for an extended period, replace the mon-

itor cover, remove the battery, and store the battery in a cool, dry area with

the terminal cover in place. To prevent mold or mildew, store the camera in a

dry, well-ventilated area. Do not store your camera with naphtha 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 above 50°C/122°F (for example, near a

space heater or in a closed vehicle on a hot day) or below –10°C (14°F)

• are subject to humidities of over 60%

Cleaning

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

sand or salt with a cloth lightly dampened in distilled water and dry

thoroughly.

Camera

body

These elements are made of glass and are easily damaged. Remove

dust and lint with a blower. If using an aerosol blower, keep the can

vertical to prevent the discharge of liquid. To remove ﬁngerprints and

other stains, apply a small amount of lens cleaner to a soft cloth and

clean with care.

Lens,

mirror, and

viewﬁnder

Remove dust and lint with a blower. When removing ﬁngerprints and

other stains, wipe the surface lightly with a soft cloth or chamois leather.

Do not apply pressure, as this could result in damage or malfunction.

Monitor

The Monitor

Should the monitor break, care should be taken to avoid injury caused by broken glass

and to prevent liquid crystal from entering your eyes and mouth.

The Control Panel

Rarely, static electricity may cause the control panel to brighten or darken. This does

not indicate a malfunction; the display will shortly return to normal.

193

The Low-Pass Filter

The CCD image sensor that acts as the camera’s picture element is ﬁtted with

a low-pass ﬁlter to prevent moiré. Although this ﬁlter prevents foreign ob-

jects from adhering directly to the image sensor, under certain conditions dirt

or dust on the ﬁlter may appear in photographs. If you suspect that dirt or

dust inside the camera is affecting your photographs, you can check for the

presence of foreign objects on the low-pass ﬁlter as described below.

Remove the lens and turn the camera on.

Press the

button and select Mirror lock-

Mirror lock-up

up from the setup menu ( 162). Highlight

Yes and press the multi selector to the right.

The message, “Press shutter-release button”

will be displayed in the camera monitor, and a

row of dashes will be displayed in the control

panel and viewﬁnder.

Yes

Press the shutter-release button all the way

down. The mirror will be raised and the shut-

ter curtain will open, revealing the low-pass

ﬁlter, and the row of dashes in the control

panel will blink.

Holding the camera so that light falls on the

low-pass ﬁlter, examine the ﬁlter for dust or

lint. If there are foreign objects on the ﬁlter,

the ﬁlter requires cleaning. See the following

section.

194

Turn the camera off. The mirror will return to the down position and the

shutter curtain will close. Replace the lens or body cap and disconnect

the AC adapter.

Cleaning the Low-Pass Filter

The low-pass ﬁlter is extremely delicate and easily damaged. Nikon recom-

mends that ﬁlter be cleaned only by Nikon-authorized service personnel.

Should you choose to clean the ﬁlter yourself, follow the steps below.

Raise the mirror as described in steps 1–4 on the preceding page.

Remove dust and lint from the ﬁlter with a

blower. Do not use a blower-brush, as the

bristles could damage the ﬁlter. Dirt that can

not be removed with a blower can only be re-

moved by Nikon-authorized service personnel.

Under no circumstances should you touch or

wipe the ﬁlter.

Turn the camera off. The mirror will return to the down position and the

shutter curtain will close. Replace the lens or body cap.

Servicing the Camera and Accessories

The D70 is a precision device and requires regular servicing. Nikon recommends that

the camera be inspected by the original retailer or Nikon service representative once

every one to two years, and that it be serviced once every three to ﬁve years (note that

fees apply to these services). Frequent inspection and servicing are particularly recom-

mended if the camera is used professionally. Any accessories regularly used with the

camera, such as lenses or optional Speedlights, should be included when the camera

is inspected or serviced.

Use an AC Adapter

To prevent the camera from powering off while the mirror is raised, use an EH-5 AC

adapter (available separately) for prolonged inspection or cleaning of the low-pass

ﬁlter.

195

Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions

Do not drop

Handle all moving parts with care

The product may malfunction if subjected to Do not apply force to the battery-chamber,

strong shocks or vibration.

card-slot, or connector covers. These parts

are especially susceptible to damage.

Keep dry

This product is not waterproof, and may Cleaning

malfunction if immersed in water or exposed • When cleaning the camera body, use a

to high levels of humidity. Rusting of the

internal mechanism can cause irreparable

damage.

blower to remove dust and lint, then wipe

gently with a soft, dry cloth. After using

your camera at the beach or seaside, wipe

off any sand or salt using a cloth lightly

dampened with pure water and then dry

your camera thoroughly. In rare instances,

static electricity produced by a brush or

cloth may cause the LCD displays to light

up or darken. This does not indicate a

malfunction, and the display will shortly

return to normal.

Avoid sudden changes in temperature

Sudden changes in temperature, such as oc-

cur when entering or leaving a heated build-

ing on a cold day, can cause condensation

inside the device. To prevent condensation,

place the device in a carrying case or a plastic

bag before exposing it to sudden changes in

temperature.

• When cleaning the lens and mirror, re-

member that these elements are easily

damaged. Dust and lint should be gently

removed with a blower. When using an

aerosol blower, keep the can vertical (tilt-

ing the can could result in liquid being

sprayed on the mirror). If you do get a

ﬁngerprint or other stain on the lens, ap-

ply a small amount of lens cleaner to a soft

cloth and wipe the lens carefully.

Keep away from strong magnetic ﬁelds

Do not use or store this device in the vicinity

of equipment that generates strong elec-

tromagnetic radiation or magnetic ﬁelds.

Strong static charges or the magnetic ﬁelds

produced by equipment such as radio trans-

mitters could interfere with the monitor,

damage data stored on the memory card, or

affect the product’s internal circuitry.

• See “Cleaning the Low-Pass Filter” for

information on cleaning the low-pass ﬁlter

Do not leave the lens pointed at the sun

Do not leave the lens pointed at the sun or

another sight source for an extended period.

(

194).

Intense light may cause the image sensor to Storage

deteriorate or produce a white blur effect in • To prevent mold or mildew, store the cam-

photographs.

era in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you

will not be using the product for long pe-

riods, remove the battery to prevent leak-

age and store the camera in a plastic bag

containing a desiccant. Do not, however,

store the camera case in a plastic bag, as

this may cause the material to deteriorate.

Note that desiccant gradually loses its ca-

pacity to absorb moisture and should be

replaced at regular intervals.

Do not touch the shutter curtain

The shutter curtain is extremely thin and

easily damaged. Under no circumstances

should you exert pressure on the curtain,

poke it with cleaning tools, or subject it to

powerful air currents from a blower. These

actions could scratch, deform, or tear the

curtain.

196

• Do not store the camera with naphtha or Turn the product off before removing or dis-

camphor moth balls, close to equipment connecting the power source

that produces strong magnetic ﬁelds, or in Do not unplug the product or remove the

areas subject to extremes of temperature, battery while the product is on, or while

for example near a space heater or in a images are being recorded or deleted. Forc-

closed vehicle on a hot day.

ibly cutting power to the product in these

• To prevent mold or mildew, take the cam- circumstances could result in loss of data or

era out of storage at least once a month. in damage to product memory or internal

Turn the camera on and release the shut- circuitry. To prevent an accidental inter-

ter a few times before putting the camera ruption of power, avoid carrying the product

away again.

from one location to another while the AC

• Store the battery in a cool, dry place. Re- adapter is connected.

place the terminal cover before putting

the battery away.

Batteries

• When you turn the device on, check the

Notes on the monitor

battery-level displayed in the control panel

to determine whether the battery needs

to be recharged or replaced. The battery

needs to be recharged or replaced when

the battery-level indicator is ﬂashing.

• 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 malfunc-

tion. Images recorded with the product • Ready a spare battery and keep it fully

will not be affected.

• Images in the monitor may be difﬁcult to

see in a bright light.

charged when taking photographs on im-

portant occasions. Depending on your lo-

cation, you may ﬁnd it difﬁcult to purchase

replacement batteries on short notice.

• Do not apply pressure to the monitor; this

could cause damage or malfunction. Dust • On cold days, the capacity of batteries

or lint on the monitor can be removed

with a blower. Stains can be removed

by rubbing the surface lightly with a soft

cloth or chamois leather.

• Should the monitor break, care should be

taken to avoid injury due to broken glass

tends to decrease. Be sure the battery is

fully charged before taking photographs

outside in cold weather. Keep a spare

battery in a warm place and exchange the

two as necessary. Once warmed, a cold

battery may recover some of its charge.

and to prevent the liquid crystal from the • Should the battery terminals become dirty,

monitor touching the skin or entering the

eyes or mouth.

wipe them off with a clean, dry cloth be-

fore use.

• Replace the monitor cover when trans- • After removing the battery from the cam-

porting the camera or leaving it unat-

tended.

era, be sure to replace the terminal cover.

• Used batteries are a valuable resource.

Please recycle used batteries in accord

with local regulations.

197

Troubleshooting

Lenses and Other Accessories

This section lists the indicators and error messages that appear in the view-

ﬁnder, control panel, and monitor when there is a problem with the camera.

Consult the list below before contacting your retailer or Nikon representa-

tive.

Indicator

Control View-

panel ﬁnder

Problem

Low battery.

Battery exhausted.

Solution

Ready a fully-charged spare

battery.

Replace battery.

(blinks) (blinks)

(blinks)

Lens aperture ring is not set to Set ring to minimum aperture

minimum aperture.

(largest f/-number).

Attach CPU lens (IX Nikkor ex-

cluded), or rotate mode dial to

M and use lens aperture ring

to set aperture.

No lens attached, or non-CPU

lens attached.

18,

(blinks)

Camera unable to focus using

autofocus.

●

(blinks)

Focus manually.

• If sensitivity (ISO equivalency) 46

is over 200, lower sensitivity.

• Use ND ﬁlter

• In mode:

S Increase shutter speed

191

Subject too bright; photo will

be overexposed.

A Choose a smaller aperture 81

(larger f/-number)

• If sensitivity (ISO equivalency) 46

is under 1600, raise sensitivity.

• Use built-in Speedlight.

• In mode:

S Lower shutter speed

Subject too dark; photo will be

underexposed.

A Choose a larger aperture 81

(smaller f/-number)

Change shutter speed or se- 79,

selected in mode S.

(blinks)

lect mode M.

198

Indicator

Control View-

panel ﬁnder

Problem

Solution

selected in remote control

mode and mode dial rotated

to S.

Change shutter speed or se- 79,

(blinks)

lect mode M.

• Flash required for correct • Raise built-in Speedlight.

exposure (P, S, A, M modes).

• Flash has ﬁred at full power • Check photo in monitor; if 114

(

blinks for three seconds underexposed, adjust set-

after ﬂash ﬁres) .

tings and try again.

Speedlight that does not

support i-TTL ﬂash control at-

tached and set to TTL.

Change ﬂash mode setting on

optional Speedlight.

186

(blinks)

Memory insufﬁcient to record

further photos at current set-

tings, or camera has run out of

ﬁle or folder numbers.

• Reduce quality or size.

• Delete photographs.

• Insert new memory card.

124

(blinks) (blinks)

Release shutter. If error per-

sists or appears frequently,

consult with Nikon-authorized

service representative.

Camera malfunction.

(blinks)

Indicator

Control

panel

Monitor

Problem

Solution

Turn camera off and con-

ﬁrm that card is correctly

inserted.

NO CARD

PRESENT

Camera cannot detect

memory card.

CARD IS NOT

FORMATTED

Memory card has not been

formatted for use in D70.

Format memory card.

199

Indicator

Control

Monitor

panel

Problem

Solution

• Error accessing memory • Use Nikon-approved card. 192

card.

• Check that contacts are 2,

clean. If card is damaged, 20

contact retailer or Nikon

representative.

THIS CARD

CANNOT BE

USED

(blinks)

• Unable to create new • Delete ﬁles or insert new 20,

folder

memory card.

• Card has not been for- • Format memory card.

matted for use in D70.

FOLDER

CONTAINS

NO IMAGES

• Memory card contains no • Insert another card.

images.

• Current folder is empty.

• Set Playback ﬂdr to All. 126

Set Playback ﬂdr to All or

use Hide image to reveal

hidden photos.

ALL IMAGES

HIDDEN

All photos in current folder

are hidden.

126,

129

FILE DOES

NOT

CONTAIN

IMAGE DATA

File has been created or

modiﬁed using a computer

or different make of cam-

era, or ﬁle is corrupt.

Delete ﬁle or reformat 21,

memory card.

124

A Note on Electronically-Controlled Cameras

In extremely rare instances, unusual characters may appear in the control panel 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 battery, and turn

the camera on again, or, if you are using an AC adapter (available separately), dis-

connect and reconnect the adapter and turn the camera

on again. If the problem persists, press the reset switch

(see right) and then reset the camera clock to the correct

date and time ( 16). In the event of continued mal-

function, contact your retailer or Nikon representative.

Note that disconnecting the power source as described

above may result in loss of any data not recorded to the

memory card at the time the problem occurred. Data

Reset switch

already recorded to the card will not be affected.

200

Speciﬁcations

Type

Single-lens reﬂex digital camera with interchangeable lenses

Effective pixels

6.1 million

CCD

23.7×15.6 mm; total pixels: 6.24 million

Image size (pixels)

• 3008×2000 (Large)

• 1504×1000 (Small)

• 2240×1448 (Medium)

Lens mount

Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts)

Compatible lenses^*

Type G or D AF Nikkor All functions supported

Micro Nikkor 85mm

f/2.8D

Other AF Nikkor^†

All functions supported except autofocus and some exposure

modes

All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering and

i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLR

AI-P Nikkor

Non-CPU

All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering, i-

TTL Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLR, and autofocus

Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not func-

tion; electronic range ﬁnder can be used if maximum aper-

ture is f/5.6 or faster

IX Nikkor lenses can not be used

†

Excluding lenses for F3AF

Picture angle

Equivalent in 35-mm format is approximately 1.5 times lens

focal length

Viewﬁnder

Diopter adjustment

Eyepoint

Fixed-eyelevel penta-Dach-mirror type

–1.6–+0.5m^–1

18mm (–1.0m^–1)

Focusing screen

Type B BriteView clear matte screen Mark V with superim-

posed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines

Approximately 95% of lens (vertical and horizontal)

Approximately 0.75× (50-mm lens at inﬁnity; –1.0m^–1)

Frame coverage

Magniﬁcation

Reﬂex mirror

Quick return

Lens aperture

Focus-area selection

Lens servo

Instant return with depth-of-ﬁeld preview

Can be selected from 5 focus areas

• Autofocus (AF): Instant single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-

servo AF (AF-C); predictive focus tracking automatically

activated according to subject status

• Manual focus (M)

201

Autofocus

TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM900 autofocus

module with AF-assist illuminator (range approximately

0.5–3.0m/1´8˝–9´10˝)

Detection range

AF-area mode

–1–+19EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F)

Single-area AF, dynamic-area AF, dynamic-area AF with clos-

est subject priority

Focus lock

Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button half-

way (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button

Exposure

Metering

Matrix

Three-mode through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering

3D color matrix metering (type G and D lenses); color matrix

metering (other CPU lenses); metering performed by 1,005-

pixel RGB sensor

Center-weighted

Spot

Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 12-mm circle in center

of frame

Meters 2.3-mm circle (about 1% of frame) centered on ac-

tive focus area

Range

(ISO 100 equivalent,

f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)

0–20EV (3D color matrix or center-weighted metering)

2–20EV (spot metering)

Exposure meter coupling CPU coupling

Exposure control

Operating mode

Digital Vari-Program ( auto,

portrait,

landscape,

close up,

sports,

night landscape,

night portrait),

programmed auto (P) with ﬂexible program; shutter-priority

auto (S); aperture priority auto (A); manual (M)

Exposure compensation –5–+5EV in increments of ¹/3 or ½EV

Bracketing

Exposure and/or ﬂash bracketing (2–3 exposures in incre-

ments of ¹/3 or ½EV)

Exposure lock

Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button

Shutter

Speed

Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter

30–¹/8000 s in steps of ¹/3 or ½EV, bulb, remote

Sensitivity

200–1600 (ISO equivalent) in steps of ¹/3 EV

White balance

Auto (TTL white-balance with 1,005 pixels RGB sensor), six

manual modes with ﬁne-tuning, preset white balance

2–3 exposures in increments of 1

Bracketing

202

Built-in Speedlight

•

: auto ﬂash with auto pop-up

• P, S, A, M: manual pop-up with button release

• ISO 200: approximately 15/49 (manual 17/56)

• ISO 100: approximately 11/36 (manual 12/39)

Guide number

(m/ft at 20°C/68°F)

Flash

Sync contact

Flash control

TTL

X-contact only; ﬂash synchronization at up to ¹/500 s

TTL ﬂash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor (CPU lenses only)

• Built-in Speedlight: i-TTL balanced ﬁll-ﬂash for digital SLR,

or standard i-TTL ﬂash for digital SLR (spot metering or

mode dial set to M)

• SB-800 or 600: i-TTL balanced ﬁll-ﬂash for digital SLR, or

standard i-TTL ﬂash for digital SLR (spot metering)

Available with SB-800 with CPU lens

Available with such Speedlights as SB-800, 80DX, 28DX, 28,

27, and 22s

Auto aperture

Non-TTL auto

Range-priority manual Available with SB-800

Sync modes

•

: front curtain sync, red-eye reduction

: slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction

: front curtain sync and red-eye reduction available

with optional Speedlights

• P, S, A, M: front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync,

red-eye reduction, slow sync with red-eye reduction

–3–+1EV in increments of ¹/3 or ½EV

Flash compensation

Flash-ready indicator Lights when SB-series Speedlight such as 800, 600, 80DX,

28DX, 50DX, 28, 27, or 22s is fully charged; blinks for 3s

after ﬂash is ﬁred at full output

Accessory shoe

Creative Lighting

System

Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock

Supports Flash Color Information Communication and FV

lock with built-in Speedlight, SB-800, and SB-600. SB-800

and 600 also support Advanced Wireless Lighting.

Storage

Media

File system

Type I and II CompactFlash memory cards; Microdrives

Compliant with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)

2.0 and Digital Print Order Format (DPOF)

• NEF (RAW): compressed 12-bit

Compression

• JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant

203

Self-timer

Electronically controlled timer with 2–20s duration

Depth-of-ﬁeld preview When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped

down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or value

selected by camera (Digital Vari-Program, P, and S modes)

Monitor

1.8˝, 130,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with

brightness adjustment

Video output

Can be selected from NTSC and PAL

USB 2.0 full speed

External interface

Tripod socket

¼˝ (ISO)

Firmware upgrades

Power source

Firmware can be upgraded by user

• One rechargeable Nikon EN-EL3 Li-ion battery; charging

voltage (MH-18 quick charger or optional MH-19 multi

charger): 7.4V DC

• Three CR2 lithium batteries (with MS-D70 battery holder)

• EH-5 AC adapter (available separately)

Dimensions (W×H×D) Approximately 140×111×78mm (5.5˝×4.4˝×3.1˝)

Weight

Approximately 595g (1lb 5oz) without battery, memory

card, body cap, or monitor cover

Operating environment

Temperature

0–40°C (32–104°F)

Humidity

Less than 85% (no condensation)

• Unless otherwise stated, all ﬁgures are for a camera with a fully-charged battery

operating at an ambient temperature of 20°C (68°F).

• Nikon reserves the right to change the speciﬁcations of the hardware and software

described this manual at any time and without prior notice. Nikon will not be held

liable for damages that may result from any mistakes that this manual may contain.

204

Battery Life

The number of shots that can be taken with fully charged batteries varies with the

condition of the batteries, temperature, and how the camera is used. The following

examples assume a fully-charged EN-EL3 battery (1400mAh) or three fresh Sanyo CR2

batteries inserted in the MS-D70 battery holder at a temperature of 20°C (68°F).

Example 1

Zoom Nikkor AF-S DX 18–70mm f/3.5–4.5G IF ED lens; continuous shooting mode;

continuous-servo autofocus; image quality set to JPEG Basic; image size set to M;

shutter speed ½50 s; shutter-release pressed halfway for three seconds and focus cycled

from inﬁnity to minimum range three times with each shot; after six shots, monitor

turned on for ﬁve seconds and then turned off; cycle repeated once exposure meters

have turned off.

Number of shots (EN-EL3): 2000

Number of shots (CR2): 560

Example 2

AF-S DX 18–70mm f/3.5–4.5G IF ED lens; single-frame shooting mode; single-servo

autofocus; image quality set to JPEG Normal; image size set to L; shutter speed ½50 s;

shutter-release pressed halfway for ﬁve seconds and focus cycled from inﬁnity to min-

imum range once with each shot; built-in Speedlight ﬁred at full power with every

other shot; AF-assist illuminator lights when Speedlight is used; cycle repeated once

exposure meters have turned off; camera turned off for one second with every ten

shots.

Number of shots (EN-EL3): 400

Number of shots (CR2): 160

The following can reduce battery life:

• Using the monitor

• Repeated autofocus operations

• Keeping the shutter-release button • Taking NEF (RAW) photographs

pressed halfway

• Slow shutter speeds

To ensure maximum battery performance:

• Keep the battery contacts clean. Soiled contacts can reduce battery performance.

• Use EN-EL3 batteries immediately after charging. Batteries will lose their charge if

left unused.

• CR2 batteries should not be reused after the “battery exhausted” indicator has been

displayed. Although the batteries may recover some of their charge when removed

from the camera, they will be prone to sudden drops in voltage that may result in

unexpected errors.

CR2 Batteries

CR2 batteries are best suited for use at room temperature. At low temperatures, CR2

batteries loose much of their charge. The number of shots that can be taken with

CR2 batteries may very depending on their make and condition. Some makes of CR2

battery can not be used.

205

Index

Symbols

Color temperature. See white

balance

. See

FAT32, 160

mode, Digital Vari-Program

3D color matrix metering. See

metering

CompactFlash. See memory

card

Computer, 171–174

Continuous shooting. See

shooting mode

Contrast. See Tone comp.

CPU lenses, 183–184

Creative Lighting System,

186–189

Custom Settings, 135–154

defaults, 136–137

File No. Seq., 159

Files. See image ﬁles

FINE. See Image quality

Firmware, 167

Firmware Ver., 167

Flash, 94–104, 186–189. See

also Speedlight

A. See mode

Advanced Wireless Lighting,

187

AF. See focus mode; auto-

focus

AF-area mode, 140

AF-assist illuminator, 72

Aperture, 76–83

(auto) mode, 32

Auto meter off, 12

Autoexposure lock, 84

Autofocus, 64

AF-C, 139

bracketing, 87–91

Flash Color Information Com-

munication, 48, 186–187

Flash exposure compensa-

tion, 102

Flash-ready indicator, 94, 97

Flash mode, 150–151

Flash sync mode, 95–96

Flexible program, 77. See also

mode, P, S, A, M

Focal plane mark, 74

Focus. See autofocus; focus

mode; manual focus

Focus area (focus brackets), 66

Focus lock, 70

CSM. See Custom Settings

CSM menu, 135–154

Date, 161

Delete, 124–125

Deleting, 122. See also mem-

ory card, formatting

all images, 125

selected images, 125

single-frame playback, 31

Depth-of-ﬁeld preview, 76

Digital Print Order Format,

130–131

Digital Vari-Program. See

mode

Diopter, 27

DPOF. See Digital Print Order

Format

Dust ref photo, 166–167

DVP. See mode, Digital Vari-

Program

AF-S, 139

Backlight, control panel, 7

BASIC. See Image quality

Battery, 14–15

CR2, 14

EN-EL3, 14

Focus mode, 64

Focusing screen, 8

Folders, 126, 156–158

Folders, 156–158

Format, 160

;

inserting, 14–15

life, 205

storage, 196–197

BKT. See bracketing

Blur, reducing, 80

Bracketing, 87–93. See also

Exposure bracketing; white

balance, bracketing

Brightness. See LCD Brightness

Bulb. See long time exposures

FV lock, 103–104

Grid display, 144

Hide image, 129

Highlight display, 116

Histogram, 116

Hue adjustment, 60

Dynamic-area AF. See AF-area

mode.

Electronic analog exposure

display, 82–83

Electronic range ﬁnder, 74

EV step, 144

Exif version 2.21, 130

Exposure bracketing, 88–91

Exposure compensation, 86

Exposure meters, 75. See also

auto meter off

CCD, 201

cleaning, 194–195

Clock, 16–17

Closest subject priority. See

AF-area mode

Color mode, 59

Color proﬁle. See Color

mode

Illuminator. See backlight,

control panel

Image comment, 163–164

Image dust off, 166–167

Image ﬁles, 41

Image size, 43–45

Image quality, 41–42

Image review, 144

ISO, 134. See also Sensitivity

206

ISO auto, 142–143

i-TTL ﬂash control, 94

Single-frame playback,

114–115

Single-frame shooting. See

Shooting mode

On-Demand grid lines. See

Grid display.

Optimize image, 56–61

JPEG, 41–45

Size. See Image size

Slide show, 127–128

Speedlight, 94–104, 186–189.