Mastering the Nikon COOLPIX A (2014)
Chapter 5. Setup Menu
The Setup Menu in the Nikon COOLPIX A is a series of settings for basic camera configuration that are not directly related to taking pictures. They cover things like the brightness of the monitor, battery information, firmware version, default language, image time and date information, and many other basic settings.
If you use a Nikon DSLR camera you will notice that the COOLPIX A has no Custom Setting Menu. Many of the functions from this DSLR menu are available in the COOLPIX A, in the Shooting Menu and Setup Menu.
The Setup Menu is most likely the first menu you’ll use when you prepare your new COOLPIX A. You’ll have to set the time and date right away, format a memory card, and set up an Image comment to personalize your images.
The Setup Menu has a symbol that looks like a wrench. It is the third symbol down the menu tree on the left (figure 5.1).
Figure 5.1: Setup Menu
The following is a list of the 27 functions available in the Setup Menu of the COOLPIX A.
Setup Menu Function List
• Format memory card: This function allows you to delete all images from your memory card.
• Save user settings: You can configure the camera under user settings U1 and U2 on the Mode dial and save the settings to internal memory. When you save the settings, the COOLPIX A will remember them and use them when you select U1 or U2.
• Reset user settings: If you decide to return one of your user settings (U1 or U2) back to the factory default configuration, this function will do it for you.
• Monitor brightness: Choose the brightness level for the monitor on the back of your camera.
• Photo info: Allows you to choose how much shooting information is shown on the monitor when you take pictures. It also allows you to change the background of the monitor so it shows a Framing grid or a Virtual horizon.
• HDMI: You can select various HDMI sync rates for interfacing with an HDTV or external monitor/recorder, such as an Atomos Ninja-2 or Samurai Blade (www.Atomos.com).
• Flicker reduction: If you shoot video under fluorescent or mercury–vapor lights, this function allows you to choose a frequency that matches the local electrical power supply to reduce flickering.
• Time zone and date: Set the Time zone, Date and time, Date format, and Daylight saving time in your camera.
• Language: Choose the language you would like your camera to use from a list of 23 languages. It will use the language you choose to display menus and screens.
• Image comment: Add a comment (up to 36 characters) that embeds itself in the internal metadata of each image. This can help you protect your images from theft or simply add pertinent information to each image.
• Auto image rotation: This function adds camera orientation information to each image so the image will display correctly on your camera monitor and computer monitor.
• Self-timer: You can choose a delay time before the camera automatically takes a picture so you can get into a group shot. Also, the hands-off Self-timer allows you to limit camera vibrations when you take pictures that require extreme sharpness.
• Auto off timer: You can choose a delay time-out to automatically turn off the camera monitor and save power.
• Image review time: This allows you to choose how long a picture will be displayed on the monitor after you have taken it.
• Remote on duration (ML-L3): Choose how long the camera will wait for a signal from a Nikon ML-L3 infrared remote release before it cancels the remote-control release mode and turns off.
• Beep: Allows you to turn the camera’s beep sound on and off. When it is enabled, the beep sounds upon successful autofocus and other completed functions. You can also set the pitch of the beep to help you hear it.
• Shutter sound: Since the camera’s internal shutter makes virtually no sound, you may prefer to have an artificial shutter sound output through the camera speaker when the shutter is released.
• File number sequence: This function controls how the camera increments the file numbers of each picture.
• MF distance indicator units: When you are using manual focus (MF), you can have the focus distance scale display in meters (m) or feet (ft).
• Reverse indicators: When an exposure indicator displays on the monitor, such as when you are using Manual (M) exposure mode, you can use this function to select whether the positive and negative values are on the right or left (i.e., –/+ versus +/–).
• Assign Fn1 button: Allows you to choose from a list of several functions that will be activated when you press the Fn1 button.
• Assign ISO/Fn2 button: Allows you to choose from a list of several functions that will be activated when you press the Fn2 button.
• Reverse dial rotation: You can reverse the rotation direction of the Command dial and Rotary multi selector for adjustments to exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture.
• Slot empty release lock: Allows you to lock the shutter release if there is no memory card in the camera.
• GPS: If you own a GPS that can be connected to the Nikon COOLPIX A—such as the Accessory shoe–mounted Nikon GP-1 or another GPS unit—you can record Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) in the metadata of each image.
• Eye-Fi upload: You can use an Eye-Fi Mobi or Pro X2 wireless SD card to wirelessly (Wi-Fi) transmit images from your COOLPIX A to your smartphone, tablet, notebook computer, and many online services (e.g., Flickr).
• Firmware version: Discover the current firmware version installed in your camera. Firmware is the camera’s operating system software that is embedded on in-camera memory chips. It can be upgraded when Nikon releases new firmware specific to your camera.
Let’s examine each of these settings in detail.
Format Memory Card
(User’s Manual, Page 183)
Format memory card allows you to prepare your memory card for use in your camera. This is the best way to prepare the memory card, and it should be done before you use a new one.
Let’s see how memory card formatting is done with the Setup Menu by looking at the screens and steps.
Figure 5.2: Format memory card with Setup Menu screens
Use the following steps to format a memory card:
1. Select Format memory card from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.2, image 1).
2. Select Yes from the screen with the big red exclamation point and warning that all images will be deleted (figure 5.2, image 3).
3. Press the OK button to start the format. When you press the OK button, you’ll see two screens in quick succession. The first will say Formatting memory card. A few seconds later—when the card has been successfully formatted—you’ll briefly see a final screen that says Formatting complete. Then the camera switches back to the first screen of the Setup Menu. The card is now formatted, and you can take lots of pictures.
Interestingly, formatting a memory card doesn’t actually remove images from the card. Instead, it removes their entries from the memory card’s file allocation table (FAT) so they can no longer be seen or found by the camera. However, you could use card recovery software to rescue the images if you do not write anything new to the card after you format it. That’s a good thing to remember in case you ever accidentally format a card with images you wanted to keep.
Save User Settings
(User’s Manual, Page 60)
Save user settings allows you to save up to two user settings. Later you can recall those settings by selecting U1 or U2 from the Mode dial. Each user setting can save certain configuration information, but they can’t save other information. The following lists include items that can and cannot be saved:
Items that can be saved
• Selection of one Exposure mode (M, A, S, P, SCENE, Auto) per user setting
• Exposure and flash compensation (+/– EV settings)
• Flash mode (Front-curtain sync, Rear-curtain sync, Slow sync, Fill flash, No flash, etc.)
• Metering mode (Matrix meter, Center-weighted meter, Spot meter)
• Focus modes (Single-servo autofocus or AF-S, Full-time-servo autofocus or AF-F)
• AF-area modes (Face-priority AF, Wide-area AF, Normal-area AF, Subject-tracking AF)
• Bracketing (AE, WB, ADL)
• Shooting Menu functions (15 of 20 settings can be saved; the next list shows the five Shooting Menu functions along with other menu settings that cannot be saved)
Items that cannot be saved
• Reset shooting menu
• Storage folder
• Release mode
• Manage Picture Control
• Interval timer shooting
• Settings on other menus (Playback Menu, Setup Menu, Retouch Menu, My Menu, and Recent Settings Menu)
Let’s examine how to save a user setting.
Figure 5.3: Saving a user setting (U1 or U2)
Use the following steps to save one of the two user settings (U1 and U2) (these steps must be repeated for each setting):
1. Configure your camera settings exactly how you want them to be saved for one user setting. Be sure to configure all of the items in the previous Items that can be saved list (from the Shooting Menu) that you want to save. When you have the camera configured exactly as you would like it, plus you have the Mode dial set to whatever Exposure mode you want to use for the user setting—such as M, A, S, P, Auto, or SCENE—then you can save the User setting. Note: Do not select U1 or U2 on the Mode dial before you save the setting; instead, leave it set to one of the Exposure modes.
2. Press the MENU button and select Save user settings from the Setup Menu, then scroll to the right (figure 5.3, image 1).
3. Choose either Save to U1 or Save to U2 from the menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.3, image 2).
4. Select Save settings from the menu (figure 5.3, image 3).
5. Press the OK button to save the selected setting.
Settings Recommendation: Any time you make a modification to the Shooting Menu that you want to reuse, be sure to make the modification, check all the savable settings, then resave them under one of the user settings. If you are merely making a temporary setting change, it isn’t important to save it. The user settings will not change unless you resave them. However, if you want to save a particular configuration for future use, set up the camera for the way you want to shoot and save the configuration under one of the user settings. Later you can retrieve that configuration by selecting U1 or U2 on the Mode dial.
Reset User Settings
(User’s Manual, Page 62)
Reset user settings allows you to reset one of the camera’s user settings back to the factory defaults. The two user settings, U1 and U2, are independent of each other and must be reset individually. If you have a preowned COOLPIX A it is a good idea to reset both of the user settings. That way, the user settings are fresh and ready to be configured for your styles of shooting.
The two choices on the Reset user settings menu are Reset and Cancel.
Figure 5.4: Resetting a user setting (U1 or U2)
Here are the steps to reset one of your camera’s user settings (U1 or U2) (these steps must be repeated for each setting):
1. Select Reset user settings from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.4, image 1).
2. Select either Reset U1 or Reset U2. Whichever one you select will be reset to the factory defaults on the next screen. Scroll to the right (figure 5.4, image 2).
3. Choose Reset from the final screen, or choose Cancel (figure 5.4, image 3).
4. Press the OK button. If you chose Reset, the selected user setting will be reset immediately.
Settings Recommendation: If I were to buy a used Nikon COOLPIX A, I would definitely reset the user settings. That way I could reconfigure the camera to my own styles of shooting. It may be a good idea to reset the settings on a new COOLPIX A in case someone at the factory was fiddling around with the camera for some reason, or just to start fresh.
Monitor Brightness
(User’s Manual, Page 183)
Monitor brightness is more important than many people realize. If the monitor is too dim, you’ll have trouble seeing your images in bright light. If it is too bright, you might mistakenly underexpose some images because they look fine on the monitor. Even a seriously underexposed image may look okay on a screen that is too bright.
Figure 5.5: Monitor brightness adjustment
You can select from nine levels of brightness, from –5 to +3. Use the following steps to adjust the intensity of your camera monitor:
1. Select Monitor brightness from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.5, image 1).
2. Use the Rotary multi selector to scroll up or down through the values from –5 to +3 (figure 5.5, image 2). My camera is set to 0 in the small yellow box.
3. Press the OK button when you’ve found the value you like best.
Settings Recommendation: You can use the brightness level bars (figure 5.5, image 2) to adjust the brightness until you can barely see the difference between the last two dark bars on the left. That may be the best setting for your camera. The camera defaults to 0 (zero), which is right in the middle, yet this setting is quite bright.
If you choose to set your camera to a level higher than 0, be sure to check the histogram frequently to validate your exposures. Otherwise you may find that you are allowing the camera to slightly underexpose your images. The COOLPIX A has one of the best exposure meters I’ve seen in a camera, yet it is not perfect and needs your help sometimes.
I keep the Monitor brightness setting on My Menu (discussed in chapter 7, My Menu and Recent Settings). That way I can access it quickly when I am shooting outdoors and need extra brightness. I have found that the COOLPIX A monitor is bright enough to use in direct sunlight when it is set to full brightness, as long as the direct glare of the sun is kept off the monitor. When that happens it is a good idea to use the optional accessory shoe–mounted Nikon DF-CP1 optical viewfinder.
Be careful, though; just like with a smartphone or tablet, the extra Monitor brightness will drain the camera battery more quickly.
Letting the monitor run too brightly might also mask those times when the camera needs help. If you need extra brightness to see in outdoors light, be cautious about underexposure. The bright screen can fool you. Use your histogram!
Photo Info
(User’s Manual, Page 184)
Photo info allows you to choose how much information the Live view monitor will display when you are taking still pictures or recording videos. In figure 5.6 you can see the four screen choices, which match the selection choices in the upcoming configuration screens.
These screens are displayed with a black background where your subject would normally appear. Let’s consider each screen briefly, then we’ll discuss how to choose a screen.
Figure 5.6: Photo info screen choices
The four selections you can choose from the Photo info menu are as follows:
• Shooting info: This default screen provides the normal information-laden shooting screen for still images and video (figure 5.6, image 1).
• Hide info: The sparse Hide info screen is useful when you want to pay more attention to your subject and all the setting information symbols are distracting you (figure 5.6, image 2). Hide info may be useful when you are sending video from the HDMI port to an external recording device, such as an Atomos Ninja-2 (http://www.atomos.com/ninja/). Although the COOLPIX A cannot output clean, overlay-free video, the Hide info screen is sparse enough that the resulting video will have few distracting overlays, allowing you to take advantage of virtually unlimited recording times (instead of 20 or 29 minutes).
• Framing grid: Use this screen when you are shooting architecture or subjects that have lines and require exact camera alignment (figure 5.6, image 3).
• Virtual horizon: When you shoot landscapes or seascapes and need a level horizon, this screen may be invaluable (figure 5.6, image 4). Most of us have a tendency to tilt the camera one way or the other. The virtual horizon can help. It shows left and right camera tilts, but not front to back tilts. When the line is green, the camera is level. Otherwise the line is yellow.
Figure 5.7: Photo info setting choices
Here are the steps to choose one of the Photo info screens:
1. Select Photo info from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.7, image 1).
2. Choose one of the four screen choices, as described in the preceding list. My camera is set to the default Show info screen, with its copious setting information symbols overlay.
3. Press the OK button when you’ve found the screen you like best.
Settings Recommendation: I normally use the default Show info screen because I like to review the camera settings before I take a picture. However, there are times when I just want to enjoy shooting pictures and videos and I am using automatic modes—then I may set the camera to the Hide info screen.
When I am shooting pictures on the street in a downtown walkabout, I often use the Framing grid screen so I can keep buildings level while I take pictures of people. When I am shooting beautiful landscapes with the COOLPIX A, I may use the Virtual horizon screen to make sure the horizon stays level.
You may want to put this setting under My Menu so it is available for quick changes.
HDMI
(User’s Manual, Page 169)
HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) allows you to display your images and videos on a high-definition television (HDTV), video recorder, or monitor. The camera monitor shuts off when the camera is connected to an HD device.
You’ll need an HDMI type A to type C cable, which is not included with the camera but is available from many electronics stores. This cable is also known as a mini-HDMI to HDMI A/V HD cable.
Figure 5.8: HDMI connectors, types A and C
Figure 5.8 gives you a closeup look at both ends of the cable. The smaller end (mini-HDMI, type C) goes into the HDMI port under the small door on the same side of the camera as the Shutter-release button, and the other end (HDMI, type A) plugs into your HD device.
The HDMI setting has two options, Output resolution and Device control, which we’ll discuss next.
Output Resolution
You can select one of the following formats for output to your HDMI device:
• Auto (default): This allows the camera to select the most appropriate format for displaying your image on the currently connected device
• 480p (progressive): 640 x 480 progressive format
• 576p (progressive): 720 x 576 progressive format
• 720p (progressive): 1280 x 720 progressive format
• 1080i (interlaced): 1920 x 1080 interlaced format
Figure 5.9: Selecting an HDMI Output resolution
Use the following steps to select an Output resolution:
1. Select HDMI from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.9, image 1).
2. Choose Output resolution from the menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.9, image 2).
3. Select one of the five output resolutions (figure 5.9, image 3). My camera is set to 720p because I have found that the COOLPIX A uses that output to interface with my computer’s HDMI video capture card, which I used to capture screenshots for this book. Use Auto if you are not sure which Output resolution to use. If Auto doesn’t work, 1080i often will. With some devices you simply have to experiment.
4. Press the OK button to lock in your selection.
Now, let’s examine how to use the device control features of the camera. This lets you use your HDTV’s remote to control your camera.
Device Control
Select a setting to choose how you will control your HDMI device:
• On: When you connect your camera to a television that supports HDMICEC (Consumer Electronics Control), a simple display will appear on your TV screen. There will be two choices: Play and Slide show. When you see this display you can use your TV’s remote to control the camera during full-frame playback and slide shows.
• Off: You must use the camera’s Rotary multi selector to control the image display on the TV.
Figure 5.10: Using Device control (HDMI-CEC)
Use the following steps to select the Device control:
1. Select HDMI from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.10, image 1).
2. Choose Device control from the menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.10, image 2).
3. Select On or Off from the menu (figure 5.10, image 3).
4. Press the OK button to lock in your selection.
Settings Recommendation: These modes will be discussed in more detail in chapter 11, Creating HD Videos. Here we’ve examined only how to select the modes. Leave the HDMI mode set to Auto until you learn more about HDMI. The COOLPIX A can interface with both progressive and interlaced devices.
Flicker Reduction
(User’s Manual, Page 184)
Flicker reduction allows you to attempt to match the camera’s recording frequency to that of the local AC power supply. That way, when you use Live View or shoot a movie under fluorescent or mercury-vapor lighting, you can minimize flickering.
Figure 5.11: Selecting Flicker reduction frequencies
Use the following steps to select a setting in hopes of reducing flicker:
1. Select Flicker reduction from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.11, image 1).
2. Choose 50 Hz or 60 Hz from the menu (figure 5.11, image 2).
3. Press the OK button to lock in your setting.
Settings Recommendation: This function is somewhat limited since there are only two settings. However, it could help control the flickering that looks like dark horizontal bands moving through the movie. Experiment to see if it helps to switch between the two settings when you detect flickering under fluorescent or mercury-vapor lighting.
Time Zone and Date
(User’s Manual, Page 185)
Time zone and date allows you to configure the Time zone, Date and time, Date format, and Daylight saving time for your camera. You may have already set these values when you first turned your camera on. However, in case you have purchased a preowned COOLPIX A, let’s review how to set each of these functions.
Time Zone
Figure 5.12 shows the Time zone configuration screens. The screen used to set the time zone displays a familiar world map from which you will select the area of the world where you are using the camera.
As an example, New York is in the Eastern Time (ET) zone. You’ll need to select your time zone by choosing it from the map (figure 5.12, image 3). I hope you remember your geography lessons! Fortunately, the camera displays some major city names below the time zone map in case you don’t recognize your location.
Figure 5.12: Time zone settings
Use the following steps to set the Time zone:
1. Select Time zone and date from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.12, image 1).
2. Choose Time zone from the menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.12, image 2).
3. To set the Time zone, use the Rotary multi selector to scroll left or right until your location is under the vertical yellow bar or when you see the nearest city marked with a small red dot (figure 5.12, image 3).
4. Press the OK button to lock in the Time zone.
Date and Time
Figure 5.13 shows the three Date and time configuration screens. The final screen in the series allows you to select the year, month, and day (Y, M, D) and the hour, minute, and second (H, M, S).
Figure 5.13: Date and time settings
Use the following steps to set the Date and time:
1. Select Time zone and date from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.13, image 1).
2. Choose Date and time from the menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.13, image 2).
3. Use the Rotary multi selector to scroll left or right until you’ve selected the value you want to change. Then scroll up or down to change the value. The Y M D section on the left, shown in figure 5.13, image 3, includes the year (Y), month (M), and day (D). The H M S section on the right includes the hour (H), minute (M), and second (S).
4. Press the OK button to lock in the Date and time.
Note: The time setting uses the 24-hour military-style clock. To set the clock to 3 p.m., you would set the H and M settings to 15:00. Please refer to the following 12- to 24-Hour Time Conversion Chart.
Date Format
The camera gives you three different ways to format its internal date:
• Y/M/D Year/Month/Day: (2013/12/31)
• M/D/Y Month/Day/Year: (12/31/2013)
• D/M/Y Day/Month/Year: (31/12/2013)
US camera owners will probably use the second setting, which matches the Month/Day/Year format, but you can select your preferred date format from the two additional choices.
Figure 5.14: Date format settings
Here are the steps to set the Date format:
1. Select Time zone and date from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.14, image 1).
2. Choose Date format from the menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.14, image 2).
3. Choose your favorite Date format from the menu (figure 5.14, image 3). My camera is set to M/D/Y Month/Day/Year.
4. Press the OK button to lock in the Date format.
Daylight Saving Time
Many areas of the world observe Daylight saving time. On a specified day in spring of each year, many people set their clocks forward by one hour. Then in the fall they set them back, leading to the clever saying, “spring forward, fall back.” If you set Daylight saving time to On or Off at the specified time each year, your camera’s time will follow the time used in your area. This is not an automatic function, which means you must remember to set the Daylight saving time setting in the spring and autumn of each year or your camera’s time will be incorrect for several months of each year.
Figure 5.15: Daylight saving time settings
Here are the steps to enable or disable Daylight saving time:
1. Select Time zone and date from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.15, image 1).
2. Choose Daylight saving time from the menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.15, image 2).
3. Figure 5.15, image 3, shows the two choices for Daylight saving time: On and Off. If you select On your camera will move the time forward by one hour. Select Off for the following reasons: to move the time back by one hour, if you don’t observe Daylight saving time, or if you’d rather change the time yourself manually.
4. Press the OK button to lock in the setting.
Settings Recommendation: These Time zone and date settings are some of the first settings you’ll modify when you get a new COOLPIX A. It is important to set these items correctly since they are written into the metadata of each image you make. Daylight saving time use is optional.
Language
(User’s Manual, Page 186)
The Language function lets the camera know what language you prefer for the camera menus, screens, and messages. Nikon is an international company that sells cameras and lenses around the world. For that reason, the COOLPIX A can display its screens and menus in up to 23 languages.
You will recognize your language as you scroll through the list shown in figure 5.16, image 2. The camera should come preconfigured for the main language that is spoken where you live. If you prefer a different language, use this setting to select it.
Figure 5.16: Language selection
Use the following steps to select your preferred Language:
1. Select Language from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.16, image 1).
2. Choose your preferred Language from the list of 23 languages, partially shown in figure 5.16, image 2. Scroll up or down with the Rotary multi selector and highlight the language you wish to use.
3. Press the OK button to lock in your choice. All camera text and menu items will immediately change to your selected language.
Settings Recommendation: Most readers of this book will select English. However, if English is your second language you might prefer to use your native language.
Image Comment
(User’s Manual, Page 186)
Image comment is a useful setting that allows you to attach a 36-character comment to each image you shoot. The comment is embedded in the picture’s internal metadata and does not show up on the image itself. You can attach your email address or copyright notice to your images.
Unfortunately, Nikon does not include the copyright symbol (©) in the list of available characters.
Figure 5.17: Attaching an Image comment
Use the following steps to create an Image comment:
1. Select Image comment from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.17, image 1).
2. Select Input comment from the menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.17, image 2).
3. In figure 5.17, image 3, you’ll see a series of symbols, numbers, and letters on top and a rectangle with lines at the bottom. The lines are where you will put the text of the comment you want to attach to the image. There is a blank spot just after the lowercase z, which represents a blank space that you can insert in the line of text to separate words. Notice that lowercase letters follow uppercase letters.
4. Use the Rotary multi selector to scroll through the numbers and letters to find the characters you want to use.
5. Press the OK button to insert a character. Keep inserting new characters until you have the entire comment typed into the rectangle at the bottom of the screen—up to 36 characters. I added sample@email.com. You should substitute your own information.
6. If you make a mistake, hold down the checkered +/– Exposure compensation button while using the Rotary multi selector to move to the position of the error. Push the Delete button and the character will disappear.
7. Press the Playback zoom in button when you are finished entering the comment.
8. The camera will switch back to the screen shown in figure 5.17, image 4. You need to put a check mark in the Attach comment check box so the comment will attach itself to each image. To check the box, highlight the Attach comment line and scroll to the right, or press the OK button to set a check mark in the box.
9. Scroll up to Done and press the OK button to save the new comment (figure 5.17, image 5). You’ll see the check mark on this screen.
10. The camera will switch back to the main Setup Menu. Notice that On is now displayed after Image comment (figure 5.17, image 6).
Settings Recommendation: You can use the comment field for any text you want to add to the internal metadata of the image. I add my email address here because I am worried about image theft and orphaning. You may want to add other text, such as copyright information. Remember, you are limited to 36 characters in the comment.
Auto Image Rotation
(User’s Manual, Page 187)
Auto image rotation affects how vertical images are displayed on your camera monitor and computer monitor. Horizontal images are not affected by this setting. The camera has a direction-sensing device, so it knows how the camera was oriented when you took a picture.
Depending on how you have Auto image rotation set, how the Playback Menu > Rotate tall setting is configured, and the direction you hold your camera when you shoot, the camera will display a vertical image either as an upright portrait image, with the top of the image at the top of the monitor, or lying on its side in a horizontal direction, with the top of the image to the left or right side of the monitor. The two selections are as follows:
• On: With Auto image rotation turned On, the camera stores orientation information within each image, primarily so the image will display correctly in computer software, such as Nikon Capture NX 2 and View NX 2. In other words, the camera records, as part of the image metadata,whether you were holding your camera horizontally or vertically, or even upside-down vertically. The image will display in the correct orientation on your camera monitor only if you have Playback Menu > Rotate tall set to On. Auto image rotation lets the image speak for itself as to orientation, and Rotate tall lets the camera listen to the image and display it in the proper orientation.
• Off: If Auto image rotation is turned Off, the vertical image will be displayed as a horizontal image lying on its side on your computer monitor. The top of the image will be on the left or right, depending on how you held your camera when you took the picture. The camera does not record orientation information in the image metadata when this is set to Off. It will display images horizontally, even if you have the Playback Menu > Rotate tall function set to On.
Figure 5.18: Auto image rotation settings
Use the following steps to set the Auto image rotation function:
1. Select Auto image rotation from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.18, image 1).
2. Choose On or Off from the menu (figure 5.18, image 2).
3. Press the OK button to lock in your selection.
If you’re shooting in Continuous release mode, the position in which you hold your camera for the first shot sets the direction the images are displayed.
Settings Recommendation: If you want your images to be displayed correctly on your camera monitor and computer monitor, you’ll need to be sure that Auto image rotation is set to On. I always keep mine set that way.
Self-Timer
(User’s Manual, Page 188)
You can use the Self-timer to take pictures remotely without touching the camera. Hands-off shooting can reduce vibrations so you get sharper pictures. There are two choices when you use the Self-timer:
• Self-timer delay: This setting allows you to specify a delay before the shutter fires so you have time to position yourself for the shot or allow camera vibrations to settle down. The time delays range from 2 to 20 seconds. This setting can be used instead of a remote release, and you won’t have cables to trip over.
• Number of shots: Use this setting to choose how many shots will be taken for each cycle of the Self-timer. You can choose from one to nine shots in a row.
There are four Self-timer delay settings:
• 2 s: 2 seconds
• 5 s: 5 seconds
• 10 s: 10 seconds (default)
• 20 s: 20 seconds
Figure 5.19: Setting the Self-timer delay
Use the following steps to configure the Self-timer delay:
1. Select Self-timer from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.19, image 1).
2. Select Self-timer delay from the menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.19, image 2).
3. Choose one of the four options from the menu (2 s to 20 s). In figure 5.19, image 3, my camera is set to 10 s.
4. Press the OK button to lock in the setting.
Next, let’s look at how to configure the Number of shots for each Self-timer cycle.
Figure 5.20: Setting the Number of shots
Use the following steps to configure the Number of shots:
1. Select Self-timer from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.20, image 1).
2. Select Number of shots from the menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.20, image 2).
3. Choose the Number of shots for this self-timer cycle—from one to nine—by scrolling up or down with the Rotary multi selector. In figure 5.20, image 3, I selected 1 shot.
4. Press the OK button to choose the setting.
The AF-assist illuminator will blink a couple of times per second while the timer is counting down. Just before the shutter fires, the light will stop blinking and remain on. If you have selected more than one shot under Number of shots, the light will blink three times between each shot in the series.
Settings Recommendation: If I don’t want to take time to plug in a remote release cable, I just put my camera on a tripod and set the Self-timer delay to 2 or 5 seconds. This lets the COOLPIX A make a hands-off exposure so I don’t shake the camera or the tripod. If I must run to get into position for a group shot, I often increase the delay to at least 10 s (10 seconds) to keep from looking like an idiot as I trip while running for position.
I can also control how many shots to take each time I use the Self-timer. I’m sure you’ll agree that the Self-timer in your COOLPIX A is one of the most flexible timers in a compact camera.
Auto Off Timer
(User’s Manual, Page 189)
The camera allows you to set a delay for how long the monitor will remain on before it shuts down to save battery power. Similar to the way a smartphone screen shutdown works, you can select from 20 seconds to 30 minutes before the monitor turns off.
After the monitor shuts off, the camera will wait three more minutes, and if there is no activity, the camera will shut off. During those three minutes, a green light (next to the On/Off label on top of the camera) will blink. When the minutes expire, the light will stop blinking, the lens will retract, and the camera will shut down.
Figure 5.21: Auto off timer setting
Here are the steps to select an Auto off timer setting:
1. Select Auto off timer from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.21, image 1).
2. Choose the delay time-out period. In figure 5.21, image 2, I chose five minutes (5 min).
3. Press the OK button to lock in the setting.
If you are using a Nikon EH-5b AC adapter, the camera will wait 30 minutes after the monitor shutdown time-out before it turns off.
If you are viewing a slide show or transmitting images from an Eye-Fi card, the monitor and camera will not shut down until those operations are completed.
Settings Recommendation: I leave my camera set to 5 min so I will have plenty of time to prepare for another shot without having to restart the camera. However, you can select a monitor time-out as short as 20 seconds (20 s) if you are worried about battery life, which will give you 3 minutes and 20 seconds before the camera shuts down.
Image Review Time
(User’s Manual, Page 189)
This setting allows you to choose how long an image will display on the monitor before it shuts off. If you are like me and love to chimp (view) your images, you may want to select a one-minute Image review time.
Figure 5.22: Image review time
Use the following steps to configure Image review time:
1. Select Image review time from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.22, image 1).
2. Choose the delay time-out period. In figure 5.22, image 2, I selected one minute (1 min).
3. Press the OK button to lock in the setting.
Settings Recommendation: I leave my camera set to 1 min so I will have plenty of time to pass it around so others can see my latest image without the monitor turning off. However, you can select an Image review time as short as one second (1 s) if you are worried about battery life.
What Is Chimping?
Chimping is an enthusiastic viewing of images, sometimes accompanied by appropriate sounds such as “oo, oo, oo, ah, ah, ah.” Say that quickly and you will know where the word chimping comes from.
Remote On Duration (ML-L3)
(User’s Manual, Page 189)
The Remote on duration setting controls how long the camera will wait for you to press the shutter-release button on your Nikon ML-L3 infrared remote when you use a timed Release mode.
If you set the Release mode (in the Quick Menu or Shooting Menu) to Delayed remote (ML-L3) or Quick-response (ML-L3), the camera’s infrared port will stay in a ready state—looking for the remote signal from the ML-L3—for the time delay you set in Remote on duration. This means the camera stays ready to take a picture and leaves the exposure meter active until Remote on duration times out.
The following delay times are available for Remote on duration:
• 1 min: 1 minute (default)
• 5 min: 5 minutes
• 10 min: 10 minutes
• 15 min: 15 minutes
Figure 5.23: Choosing a Remote on duration for Self-timer Remote control mode
Use the following steps to configure Remote on duration:
1. Select Remote on duration (ML-L3) from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.23, image 1).
2. Select a time-out period from 1 min to 15 min (figure 5.23, image 2).
3. Press the OK button to save the setting.
Settings Recommendation: I used to leave Remote on duration set to 1 min (factory default). However, I have recently been leaving it set to 5 min. I wish there were a two-minute setting because 1 min is not quite enough time in some instances, especially when there is a large group portrait involved, and 5 min is often too long (battery wasting). If you use this function, you’ll have to decide how long is long enough.
Beep
(User’s Manual, Page 190)
The Beep setting allows your camera to make a beeping sound to alert you of the following:
• Focus has locked on the subject
• Countdown in Self-timer and Delayed release mode operations
• Taking a picture in Quick-response remote mode
• Trying to take a picture with the memory card locked
You can set the Beep to high- or low-pitched tones, or you can turn it Off. When Beep is active, you’ll see a musical note displayed in the Live view and Information display screens. Let’s examine how to set the pitch or disable the Beep.
Figure 5.24: Choosing the pitch of the Beep
Use the following steps to select a Beep:
1. Select Beep from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.24, image 1).
2. Choose High, Low, or Off from the Beep menu (figure 5.24, image 2).
3. Press the OK button to lock in the setting.
I compared the pitches of the High and Low settings to notes on my piano; Low corresponds to B, one octave above middle C; High corresponds to B, two octaves above middle C. (You probably don’t need that much information; however my somewhat compulsive personality requires that I give it to you. Notice that I didn’t give you the decibel level of the Beeps. Wouldn’t that be excessively excessive? Of course, with my trusty RadioShack digital sound level meter, I do have that information. If you really want it, send me an email.)
Settings Recommendation: I don’t use the Beep; it’s turned Off on my COOLPIX A. If I were using my camera in a quiet area, why would I want it beeping and disturbing those around me? I can just imagine myself sneaking up on my sister before she’s put on her makeup, pressing the Shutter-release button, and hearing her roar with displeasure at my camera’s beep. I want to live, so I turn off Beep.
You might want the reassurance of hearing a beep when AF has been confirmed or when the Self-timer is counting down. If so, turn it on. The AF-assist illuminator flashes during Self-timer operations, so I generally use that instead of Beep.
This is another function that you either love or hate. You can have it either way, but be careful when Beep is enabled while sneaking pictures around wild animals and makeup-free sisters, wives, and female cousins.
Shutter Sound
(User’s Manual, Page 190)
The COOLPIX A has an almost imperceptible shutter release sound. You have to place your ear on the back of the camera to hear it. Therefore, the camera has an artificial shutter sound that will play through the speaker when you fire the shutter. The Shutter sound defaults to On. If you don’t want to hear a shutter sound when you take a picture, turn this function off.
Figure 5.25: Setting the Shutter sound
Here are the steps to choose a Shutter sound setting:
1. Select Shutter sound from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.25, image 1).
2. Choose On or Off from the Shutter sound menu (figure 5.25, image 2).
3. Press the OK button to lock in the setting.
Settings Recommendation: I like silent photography and have no need for an artificial click when I take a picture. No one welcomes a shutter click when you are taking pictures at certain events, such as a wedding. Why call attention to yourself by having the camera play a clicking sound when you take a picture? You can see that a picture was taken by looking at the monitor.
However, if you are shooting action at up to four frames per second, you may want to hear a distinct shutter click for each picture to let you know the shot was successful. In that case, you may welcome the Shutter sound.
File Number Sequence
(User’s Manual, Page 191)
The File number sequence setting allows your camera to count the file numbers for each picture you take in a running sequence from 0001 to 9999. After 9999 pictures, it rolls back over to 0001.
Or you can have the camera reset the image number to 0001 when you format your memory card or insert a new one. Here are the settings and an explanation of how they work:
• On: The file numbers start at 0001 and continue running in a series until you exceed 9999, then the image numbers roll over to 0001 again. The File number sequence continues even if you create a new folder, insert a new memory card, or format the current memory card. If the file number exceeds 9999 during a shoot, the camera will create a new folder on the memory card and start writing the new images—in numbered order starting at 0001—into the new folder. Similarly, if you accumulate 999 images in the current folder, the camera will create a new folder for the next image, but the file numbering will not be reset to 0001 unless the last image in the old folder has a file number of 9999. In other words, no matter what you do with your memory card, or how many folders you or the camera create, the File number sequence will continue incrementing until 9999 images have been taken. Only then will the File number sequence reset to 0001.
• Off: Whenever you format your memory card or insert a new one, or when you create a new folder, the File number sequence starts over at 0001. If you exceed 999 images in a single folder, the camera creates a new folder and starts counting at 0001 again.
• Reset: This is similar to the On setting, but it is not a true running total to 9999 images because the image number depends on the folder in use. The camera simply takes the last number it finds in the current folder and adds 1 to it, up to 999. If you switch to an empty folder, the numbering starts over at 0001. Since a folder cannot hold more than 999 pictures, the image numbers will never go higher than 999. Each folder has its own series of numbers, from 001 to 999, and causes the File number sequence to Reset.
Figure 5.26: File number sequence
Use the following steps to configure the File number sequence:
1. Select File number sequence from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.26, image 1).
2. Choose one of the three options from the list. In figure 5.26, image 2, my camera is set to On.
3. Press the OK button to lock in the setting.
Settings Recommendation: I heartily recommend that you set File number sequence to On. After much experience with Nikon DSLRs and now compact cameras, and many years of storing thousands of image files, I’ve found that it’s better to minimize the number of files that have similar image numbers. Why take a chance on accidentally overwriting a previous shooting session when you transfer files to your computer just because they have the same file name?
MF Distance Indicator Units
(User’s Manual, Page 192)
This setting allows you to use either feet (ft) or meters (m) when you are shooting in manual focus (MF) mode, using the camera’s built-in focus ring to focus the lens, instead of using autofocus.
When you hold the camera in your hand with the monitor facing you, there is a little switch on the lower left side of the camera. It shows the labels for autofocus (AF), closeup mode (a flower), and manual focus (MF).
When you have MF mode selected, the camera will present an MF distance indicator on the Live view monitor (figure 5.27, image 3). You can use this indicator to select a focus distance from 0.3 ft (0.1 m) to 15 ft (5 m) or to infinity (∞). This is a very important indicator for street shooters who want to use manual zone focusing with an appropriate depth of field to cover small focus errors.
You will use the focus ring surrounding the lens—the wide knurled ring next to the camera body—to change the focus distance when you use manual focus, just like when you use a camera with a detachable lens.
Figure 5.27: Using the manual focus indicator with feet or meters
Use these steps to change from feet to meters or vice versa:
1. Select MF distance indicator units from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.27, image 1).
2. Choose either m (meters) or ft (feet) from the menu. In figure 5.27, image 2, my camera is set to ft.
3. Press the OK button to lock in the setting.
4. Examine the Live view monitor(figure 5.27, image 3), where you will find the MF distance indicator. The red arrow points to small letters (ft) at the top of the distance indicator, letting you know this camera is set to feet.
Settings Recommendation: Most photographers in the United States use the feet (ft) setting; others use meters (m). However, with so much metric information being used in the United States these days, this scale may be good metric training for us older photographers. It’s good that we have a choice!
Reverse Indicators
(User’s Manual, Page 192)
The Reverse indicators setting lets you change the direction of your camera’s exposure displays. Normally, any time you see the exposure indicator the – is on the left and the + is on the right.
Figure 5.28: Exposure indicators in the normal position (image 1) and reversed (image 2)
In figure 5.28 you can see both directions displayed. Notice how –/+ becomes +/– when they are reversed. Choose the style that makes you most comfortable.
Figure 5.29: Reverse indicators
Use the following steps to set the Reverse indicators:
1. Select Reverse indicators from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.29, image 1).
2. Choose one of the selections from the list. In figure 5.29, image 2, my camera is set to the normal –/+ exposure indicator direction.
3. Press the OK button to lock in the setting.
Settings Recommendation: A couple years ago Nikon reversed the exposure indicators by putting negative on the left and positive on the right (– /+), to squeals of dismay from long-time Nikon users. However, Nikon did not reverse the indicators on any of their buttons; they are still the opposite direction (+/–). As maddening as this is, we seem to be stuck with the change. Therefore, we appreciate that we can reverse our indicators if we would rather not think backwards when it comes to adjusting exposure. If you have used other camera brands, you may prefer the –/+ direction since many other cameras use that direction. Select your favorite indicator direction for maximum peace of mind.
Assign Fn1 Button
(User’s Manual, Page 193)
The Assign Fn1 button setting allows you to assign various functions to the Fn1 button on the front of the camera. When you press the Fn1 button the camera will execute the function that is associated with it.
Certain assignable functions require selecting something, such as Release mode (e.g., Single frame or Continuous). When you assign one of these functions to the Fn1 button, you have to hold down the Fn1 button and rotate the Command dial to select a value. The value change will display at the appropriate symbol on the Live view monitor. Basically, when the Fn1 button is assigned, it becomes a shortcut to that function—you don’t have to use any of the menus.
With other functions, the button assignment provides functionality that is not available in any of the camera menus (e.g., AF-ON, AE lock) and will execute as soon as you press the Fn1 button, without rotating the Command dial.
The following discusses both types of functions:
Assignable function list
• Flash mode: Assigning this function allows you to press the Fn1 button and rotate the Command dial to select one of the flash modes (e.g., redeye reduction, slow sync, rear-curtain sync).
• Release mode: Choosing this function allows you to press the Fn1 button and rotate the Command dial to select one of the Release modes (e.g., Single frame or Continuous).
• Self-timer: Selecting this function allows you to press the Fn1 button to enable the Self-timer mode. Pressing the Fn1 button again disables the Self-timer. You will need to have selected a Self-timer time-out value under Setup Menu > Self-timer > Self-timer delay. The factory default is 10 seconds (10 s).
• FV lock: If you set this function and the Live view monitor is active and displaying your subject, the Fn1 button will cause the built-in Speedlight to emit a preflash to first determine the proper exposure when you press the Fn1 button, then it will lock the flash output to that level until you press the Fn1 button again. I tested this function with an external SB-400 Speedlight unit. It worked like the built-in flash and fired a preflash. I then tested an SB-900 pro-level Speedlight, and it did not fire a preflash. Therefore, it appears that FV lock works only with the built-in flash and the SB-400. You may also want to investigate the new SB-300 Speedlight, which had just been announced when I was writing this book. It may have functionality similar to the SB-400.
• AE/AF lock: Choosing this function causes AE (exposure) and AF (focus) to lock on the last meter and autofocus reading while you hold the Fn1 button down.
• AE lock only: Selecting this function allows you to lock AE (exposure) on the last meter reading when you hold down the Fn1 button.
• AE lock hold: Enabling this function causes AE (exposure) to lock on the last meter reading when you press the Fn1 button once. It stays locked until you press the Fn1 button again. In other words, the Fn1 button toggles AE lock.
• AF lock only: This function locks the AF (focus) system on the previous autofocus reading while you hold down the Fn1 button.
• AF-ON: This causes the camera to initiate autofocus when you press the Fn1 button, instead of the Shutter-release button. When AF-ON is active the Shutter-release button cannot be used to focus. In other words, the camera separates the autofocus function from the shutter-release function and assigns autofocus to the Fn1 button instead. Most of the more expensive Nikon DSLRs have a dedicated AF-ON button. Not to be left out, the COOLPIX A gives you a similar assignable functionality.
• Exposure compensation: Choosing this function allows you to press the Fn1 button and rotate the Command dial to set the +/– Exposure compensation value.
• +NEF (RAW): When you are using one of the JPEG modes (JPEG Fine, JPEG Normal, or JPEG Basic), you can also get an additional NEF (RAW) image by pressing the Fn1 button before you press the Shutter-release button. The Fn1 button works like a toggle, turning on and off the ability to shoot an image in +NEF (RAW). If you keep the Shutter-release button pressed halfway between shots, the camera will take a series of RAW and JPEG images. When you take a picture, the camera creates both a JPEG and a RAW image on the memory card. After you’re done taking the picture, the camera reverts back to the original setting and shoots JPEGs only. If you have the camera set to RAW mode and press the Fn1 button, nothing happens.
Let’s consider how to assign one of the functions in the previous list to the Fn1 button.
Figure 5.30: Assign Fn1 button
Here are the steps to assign a function to the Fn1 button:
1. Choose Assign Fn1 button from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.30, image 1).
2. Select one of the functions from the list. The function you choose will be assigned to the Fn1 button and will be activated when you press it (figure 5.30, image 2). See the previous list for an explanation of each function.
3. Press the OK button to lock in your selection.
Settings Recommendation: There are so many functions that I’m loathe to recommend anything. People shoot in many different ways, and there are so many choices that it’s hard to pin down just a few. You should experiment with each of the settings and see if they suit your style. You have a lot of choices!
My current favorite for the Fn1 button assignment is AE lock (Hold), as shown in figure 5.30, image 2. I like to be able to lock and unlock the exposure with the Fn1 button for shooting things like sunsets. I often change the Fn1 button assignment for different purposes.
Assign ISO/Fn2 Button
(User’s Manual, Page 194)
Normally you use the camera’s ISO button to set the ISO sensitivity. However, you can assign a different functionality to the ISO/Fn2 button. This works in a similar manner to Assign Fn1 button in the previous section, except most of the assignable functions require a button press and Command dial rotation to select a value.
Let’s consider each of the functions you can assign to the ISO/Fn2 button:
Assignable function list
• ISO sensitivity: This is the default function of the ISO/Fn2 button. You can press the button and rotate the Command dial to select an ISO sensitivity (e.g., 100, 200, or 400).
• White balance: When this function is assigned, you can press the ISO/Fn2 button and rotate the Command dial to change the White balance type (e.g., Auto1, Incandescent, or Fluorescent).
• Image quality/size: When this function is assigned, you can press the ISO/Fn2 button and rotate the Command dial to change the Image quality and size (e.g., Large, Medium, or Small JPEG fine, normal, and basic; or RAW).
• Metering: When this function is assigned, you can press the ISO/Fn2 button and rotate the Command dial to change the Metering type (i.e., Matrix, Center-weighted, or Spot).
• Active D-Lighting: When this function is assigned, you can press the ISO/Fn2 button and rotate the Command dial to change the Active D-Lighting level (e.g., Off, Low, or Normal).
• Auto bracketing: When this function is assigned, you can press the ISO/Fn2 button and rotate the Command dial to change the Auto bracketing increment for AE and WB bracketing or turn ADL bracketing on and off. This function works hand-in-hand with the Shooting Menu > Auto bracketing set function. Whatever type of bracketing you have selected is incremented when you press the ISO/Fn2 button and rotate the Command dial. For AE and WB bracketing an indicator will appear on the Live view monitor and show which image this is in the bracket (which increment). You can adjust the under- and overexposure spread of an AE bracket, or you can change the amber/blue mired value for a WB bracket. For detailed information on how the three bracketing systems work, see the Auto Bracketing Set section in chapter 4, Shooting Menu.
• Monitor brightness: When this function is assigned, you can press the ISO/Fn2 button and press up or down on the Rotary multi selector to adjust the monitor brightness.
Now, let’s discuss how to choose a function from the previous list.
Figure 5.31: Reassigning the ISO/Fn2 button
Follow these steps to select one of the assignable functions:
1. Choose Assign ISO/Fn2 button from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.31, image 1).
2. Select one of the functions from the list. The function you choose will be activated when you press the ISO/Fn2 button (figure 5.31, image 2). See the previous list for an explanation of each function.
3. Press the OK button to lock in your selection.
Settings Recommendation: I leave this assignment set to ISO sensitivity because I often change the ISO. However, it is convenient to be able to adjust other things, such as Monitor brightness, with the ISO/Fn2 button and Command dial (or Rotary multi selector).
I recommend experimenting with each of these functions to see if something besides ISO sensitivity makes more sense for your style of shooting. You can always select ISO sensitivity from the Quick Menu when you need it.
Reverse Dial Rotation
(User’s Manual, Page 194)
This setting allows you to change which direction various functions increment when you rotate the Command dial and Rotary multi selector. There are two selections: Exposure compensation and Shutter speed/aperture. Let’s consider each of the selections:
• Exposure compensation: Normally you must adjust the Exposure compensation value by pressing the Exposure compensation button and rotating the Command dial counterclockwise to increase (+) the compensation value. However, with Exposure compensation checked (figure 5.32), counterclockwise rotation decreases (–) compensation.
• Shutter speed/aperture: You can also reverse the dial rotation for adjusting the shutter speed and aperture. For example, when the COOLPIX A is set to Aperture-priority (A) mode and you rotate the Command dial counterclockwise, the aperture normally decreases in size, like this: f/5.6, f/6.3, f/7.1, and so on. If you check Reverse dial rotation for Shutter speed/aperture, the direction of the aperture size changes will be reversed when you turn the Command dial counterclockwise, like this: f/5.6, f/5, f/4.5, and so on. The same idea applies to adjusting the shutter speed, except that you use the Command dial in Shutter-priority (S) mode to adjust the shutter speed, and you use the Rotary multi selector in Manual(M) mode.
Figure 5.32: Reverse rotation
Use the following steps to reverse the direction of changes when you rotate the Command dial and Rotary multi selector:
1. Select Reverse dial rotation from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.32, image 1).
2. Highlight one of the selections and scroll to the right to place a check mark in the box next to the name. Repeat for the other selection (figure 5.32, image 2).
3. Scroll up to Done and press the OK button to lock in your choices (figure 5.32, image 3).
Settings Recommendation: I leave the camera’s dial rotation set to the factory default. I find life confusing enough without my camera working backwards! Of course, you may have used a different brand of camera that works in the opposite direction, so you might prefer to use this setting.
Slot Empty Release Lock
(User’s Manual, Page 195)
When you set the Slot empty release lock setting to Release locked (LOCK), it prevents you from accidentally using your camera with no memory card inserted. If there is no memory card in the camera, it will not normally let you take a picture.
However, when you set Slot empty release lock to Enable release (OK), the camera will let you take quite a few pictures in Demo mode as it fills up the internal buffer memory. The pictures have nowhere to go, so you’ll lose them as soon as you turn the camera off. You can’t insert a memory card after the fact and save them.
There are two settings for Slot empty release lock:
• Release locked: The camera refuses to take a picture unless a memory card with enough available storage space is inserted in the camera. No memory card will appear on the monitor if you turn the camera on and no memory card is inserted.
• Enable release: If you are showing the camera to people, such as in a camera store display, the Demo mode will let them take a few test pictures with the camera. Demo (in red) will appear in the top-left corner of each image. Any time you want to take pictures without a memory card, you’ll need to select this setting. Just remember that you can’t save any pictures you’ve taken in this mode. When you take pictures with Enable release set, they will be saved to internal memory until the buffer is full, then the camera deletes the first images to make room for the new ones. The number of images the Demo mode can hold varies according to whether you have RAW or JPEG mode enabled.
Figure 5.33: Slot empty release lock
Use the following steps to choose one of the Slot empty release lock settings:
1. Select Slot empty release lock from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.33, image 1).
2. Choose Release locked (LOCK) or Enable release (OK) from the list. In figure 5.33, image 2, my camera is set to Release locked.
3. Press the OK button to choose the setting.
Settings Recommendation: I don’t suggest changing this setting to Enable release unless you know exactly why you are doing it. Otherwise you will lose your images. I’d much rather have the camera refuse to take a picture if I forget to insert a memory card. Don’t you agree?
GPS
(User’s Manual, Page 130)
Nikon has wisely included in the COOLPIX A the ability to geotag your images with global positioning system (GPS) data. Now when you shoot a spectacular travel image, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to find that exact spot next year. With a GPS unit connected, the COOLPIX A will record the following GPS information into the metadata of each image:
• Latitude
• Longitude
• Altitude
• Heading (not available with the Nikon GP-1 GPS)
• UTC (time)
Using a GPS Unit with Your COOLPIX A
As shown in figure 5.34, I use a Nikon GP-1 GPS unit on my COOLPIX A. It’s small, easy to carry and store, and works very well. I have Nikon DSLRs too, and this GPS unit works on all of them, with the proper cables.
Figure 5.34: Nikon COOLPIX A with a Nikon GP-1 GPS unit
The GP-1 comes with a GP1-CA90 cable to interface with the COOLPIX A (it also works with the Nikon D90, D7000, and D7100). The unit also comes with a GP1-CA10 cable for Nikon cameras that have a 10-pin port on the body, such as the Nikon D200, D300, D300S, D700, D800, D2X, D3, D3S, D3X, and D4. You can also get an optional Nikon MC-DC2 remote release cable that plugs directly into the GP-1 for hands-off, vibration-free photography.
In figure 5.34, you can see a Nikon GP-1 attached to the camera’s Accessory shoe. You can also see the included GP1-CA90 cable plugged into the top GPS connector behind the door on the side of the camera. I deliberately put the curl in the cable to keep it from sticking out.
As mentioned previously, one thing to note about the Nikon GP-1 GPS unit is that it doesn’t have a built-in digital compass, so it will not report Heading information to the camera.
Preparing the Camera for GPS Usage
There are several screens to set up the COOLPIX A for GPS use. First, you have to decide how long the camera will stay on when a GPS unit is plugged in to the camera. Next you have to allow time for the GPS unit to synchronize with at least two or three global positioning satellites to provide an accurate GPS signal to the camera.
If you have moved a long distance away from the last location where you used your GPS unit, it will take longer to sync with the satellites. The GP-1 GPS unit can take up to two minutes to get the initial satellite lock; after that it will resync within seconds when the camera is turned back on.
Now, let’s consider the three settings that enable the camera to communicate with a GPS unit: Auto off, Position, and Use GPS to set camera clock.
Auto Off
Figure 5.35 shows the screens you use to configure Auto off so the camera will stay on for extended periods while the GPS is connected. You can choose from two settings:
• Enable: The camera will stay on only as long as the Auto off timer allows the camera to stay on. You can choose from 20 seconds to 30 minutes in Auto off timer (see the Auto Off Timer section earlier in this chapter). Auto off timer is not the same thing as the Auto off setting in figure 5.35. Auto off timer controls the shutdown time for the entire camera, and Auto off is specific to GPS use. If you enable this setting, it may be a good idea to use a longer than normal Auto off timer setting (a minimum of five minutes).
• Disable: The camera will not shut down when you have a GPS unit attached, which allows it to remain synchronized with the GPS satellites.This is the preferred setting to use with a GPS unit. It allows the camera to maintain good global positioning data for recording into the metadata ofyour images. As long as you have a good GPS signal, you will be able to record GPS data at any time. It does use extra battery life for long camera-on periods, so you may want to carry extra batteries if you plan to shoot all day. Turn the camera off between locations.
Figure 5.35: Auto off configuration
Here are the steps to configure the GPS Auto off setting:
1. Choose GPS from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.35, image 1).
2. Select Auto off and scroll to the right (figure 5.35, image 2).
3. Select Enable or Disable (figure 5.35, image 3).
4. Press the OK button to lock in the setting.
Position
The Position setting is informational and shows you the current GPS satellite positioning data. If your GPS unit is not attached to the camera, the Position selection is grayed out. When a GPS unit is attached to the camera, the next screen after Position shows the actual GPS location data that is being detected by the GPS unit (figure 5.36, image 3). When the camera establishes communication with your GPS unit, it does three things:
• A small GPS symbol will be displayed on the Live view and Information displays.
• Position information appears on the GPS Position screen (figure 5.36, image 3).
• An additional GPS data screen will be shown when you are reviewing your captured images. You can see this extra GPS screen by scrolling up or down when an image is displayed in Playback mode.
Figure 5.36: GPS Position setting
Here are the steps to view the GPS position data:
1. Choose GPS from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.36, image 1).
2. Select Position and scroll to the right (figure 5.36, image 2). This setting will be grayed out unless a GPS unit is attached to the camera.
3. View the current GPS Position data (figure 5.36, image 3).
Use GPS to Set Camera Clock
The COOLPIX A has a cool feature that lets the GPS satellite system keep the camera time accurate. The camera will query a GPS satellite and set the clock in the camera. If you use a GPS unit a lot, you might want to leave this on.
Figure 5.37: Use GPS to set camera clock
Here are the steps to enable Use GPS to set camera clock:
1. Choose GPS from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.37, image 1).
2. Select Use GPS to set camera clock and scroll to the right (figure 5.37, image2).
3. Select Yes to enable the setting or No if you want to set the clock yourself (figure 5.37, image 3).
4. Press the OK button to save the setting.
Using the GPS Unit
If the GPS symbol is flashing on the Live view and Information displays, it means that the GPS unit is searching for a signal. If you take a picture with the GPS icon flashing, no GPS data will be recorded. If the GPS symbol is not flashing, it means that the COOLPIX A is receiving good GPS data and is ready to record data to a picture. If the COOLPIX A loses communication with the GPS unit for more than two seconds, the GPS icon will disappear. Make sure the icon is displayed and isn’t flashing before you take pictures!
If you want the GPS Heading information to be accurate, keep your GPS unit pointing in the same direction as the lens. Some aftermarket GPS units also contain a digital compass, unlike the Nikon GP-1. Point the GPS unit in the direction of the subject and give it enough time to stabilize before you take the picture; if you don’t, the Heading information will not be accurate. This does not apply to the Nikon GP-1 GPS unit, which has no digital compass. It records only Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, and UTC time, not the Heading.
The Nikon GP-1 GPS unit mounts either in the camera’s Accessory shoe or on the camera strap, with the included GP1-CL1 strap adapter.
Settings Recommendation: Get the Nikon GP-1 GPS unit! It’s easy to use, foolproof, and has all the cables you need for using it with your camera. The only other cable you might want to buy is the optional MC-DC2 shutter-release cable. I use the Nikon GP-1 GPS unit constantly when I’m shooting nature images so I can remember where to return in the future. After you start using a GPS unit, it will be hard to stop.
Eye-Fi Upload
(User’s Manual, Page 195)
Eye-Fi upload appears on the Setup Menu of your COOLPIX A only when you have an Eye-Fi card inserted. The Eye-Fi company currently makes two of these SD cards with built-in Wi-Fi transmitters. Figure 5.38 shows my Eye-Fi Pro X2 16 GB high-speed Class 10 SD card.
Figure 5.38: Eye-Fi Pro X2 16 GB Wi-Fi card inserted into the COOLPIX A
With an Eye-Fi card inserted and Eye-Fi software installed on a computer with a wireless network connection, you can take pictures and they are automatically transferred to your computer. You can also simultaneously transfer images to file-sharing websites like Flickr and Facebook (plus many more).
There are two types of Eye-Fi cards currently available: the Mobi and the Pro X2. Both card types can transfer files directly to your smartphone or tablet. The Pro X2 card adds the capability of doing direct (ad hoc) transfers to your computer.
You can visit the Eye-Fi company’s website to obtain more information on the Eye-Fi card types and pricing:
http://www.eye.fi/
I have come to prefer the Eye-Fi card over the Nikon WU-1a wireless mobile adapter. The Eye-Fi card is inside the camera and is available without carrying an easy-to-lose mobile adapter. Plus, I don’t have to insert an adapter into the camera’s WU-1a port and leave it hanging outside the camera body.
Instead, I simply go to the Setup Menu and enable Eye-Fi uploads, then I can easily transfer my images to my iPad, iPhone, or Android device. It’s easy to configure an Eye-Fi card with the included instructions.
Note: Do not use an Eye-Fi card and a Nikon WU-1a wireless mobile adapter at the same time.
Enabling Eye-Fi Uploads on the COOLPIX A
To enable your camera to use an Eye-Fi card to transfer files to your mobile device or computer, you need to enable the Eye-Fi upload function.
Figure 5.39: Enabling Eye-Fi upload (Wi-Fi)
Here are the steps to Enable or Disable Eye-Fi upload:
1. Choose Eye-Fi upload from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.39, image 1).
2. Select Enable or Disable from the Eye-Fi upload screen (figure 5.39, image2).
3. Press the OK button to lock in the setting.
The Live view monitor will display a Wi-Fi symbol when the Eye-Fi upload is enabled or disabled (figure 5.40).
Figure 5.40: Eye-Fi upload symbol, with Eye-Fi upload turned on (image 1) and off (image 2)
In figure 5.40, image 1, the Eye-Fi upload setting is enabled and the camera is ready to transmit images to your mobile device. In figure 5.40, image 2, the Eye-Fi upload setting is disabled. You will see a similar symbol on the Information display screen for both conditions. When the card is transmitting images, the Eye-Fi symbol will be animated and will remove and redraw the three curved lines above the dot in the symbol. This aptly imitates the radio waves of a Wi-Fi signal.
Note: Unless you are shooting images for transfer to a mobile device, I don’t recommend leaving the Eye-Fi upload feature enabled. Why waste battery life out in the woods where there are no wireless networks? To make it really convenient to access the Eye-Fi upload function for quick enabling—only when needed—I simply added it to My Menu in the COOLPIX A. We’ll examine how to do that in chapter 7, My Menu and Recent Settings.
Settings Recommendation: Admittedly, the Eye-Fi card can cost more than the Nikon WU-1a wireless mobile adapter. However, the convenience of having a built-in Wi-Fi transmitter in my COOLPIX A makes the extra dollars worthwhile.
Since even low-priced Eye-Fi cards have the ability to use an existing Wi-Fi connection to transfer images over the Internet to a home computer, you could do a photographic walkabout downtown, stop in at McDonald’s for a burger or Starbucks for a coffee, and use their wireless connection to transfer images to your home computer.
Or you can log in to your Eye-Fi card’s wireless access point with your smartphone or tablet, take pictures, and automatically transfer them to your mobile device or computer. I really like this little Eye-Fi card!
Firmware Version
(User’s Manual, Page 196)
Firmware version is a simple informational screen. It informs you which operating system (firmware) version your camera is running. My camera is currently running version C1.01.
Figure 5.41: Viewing the Firmware version
Here are the steps to see the Firmware version of your camera:
1. Choose Firmware version from the Setup Menu and scroll to the right (figure 5.41, image 1).
2. Examine the Firmware version(figure 5.41, image 2).
3. When you are Done, press the OK button.
Author’s Conclusions
Whew! The COOLPIX A may seem like a complicated little beast, but that’s what you get when you fold DSLR-level functionality into a compact body. For as complex as it is, I’m certainly delighted with it.
Next, we’ll consider how to use the Retouch Menu to adjust images without using a computer. If you are in the field shooting RAW files and you need a quick JPEG or black-and-white version of a file, the Retouch Menu has you covered. You can even do things like Red-eye correction, Color balance changes, filtration, cropping, and image resizing—all without touching a computer. Let’s see how!