Troubleshooting

If the camera fails to function as expected, check the following before consulting your retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative.

• Turning off the camera once may solve the issue.
• If you cannot find a relevant entry, also check “Error messages” or the Nikon website for your region.

Power, display, settings
Shooting
Playback, editing
TVs, computers, printers
Smart devices, SnapBridge app, ML-L7 Remote Control

Power, display, settings

The camera is on but does not respond.
The camera cannot be turned on.
The camera turns off without warning.
The monitor or viewfinder is blank.
The camera becomes hot.
The battery inserted in the camera cannot be charged.
The monitor is hard to see.
The viewfinder is hard to see.
flashes on the screen.
Date and time of recording are not correct.
No information displayed on the screen.
[Date stamp] not available.
Date not stamped on images even when [Date stamp] is enabled.
Screen for setting time zone and date is displayed when the camera is turned on.
The camera settings reset.
[Reset file numbering] cannot be done.
The camera makes sound.
The EN-EL20 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery cannot be used.

The camera is on but does not respond.

• Wait for recording to end.
• If the problem persists, turn the camera off.
  If the camera does not turn off, remove and reinsert the battery or batteries or, if you are using an AC adapter, disconnect and reconnect the AC adapter. Note that although any data currently being recorded will be lost, data that have already been recorded will not be affected by removing or disconnecting the power source.
  

The camera cannot be turned on.

The battery is exhausted.
Charging the battery, The battery

The camera turns off without warning.

• The camera automatically turns off to save power (auto off function).
  The auto off function
• The camera and battery may not work properly at low temperatures.
  The battery
• The inside of the camera has become hot. Leave the camera off until the inside of the camera has cooled, and then try turning it on again.

The monitor or viewfinder is blank.

• The camera is off.
  Camera setup
• The battery is exhausted.
  Charging the battery, The battery
• The camera automatically turns off to save power (auto off function).
  The auto off function
• You cannot turn on both the monitor and viewfinder at the same time. It may take a while to switch between the monitor and viewfinder.
• The camera is connected to a TV or computer.
• Interval timer shooting, [Multiple exp. Lighten] scene mode (when [Star trails] is set) shooting, or time-lapse movie shooting is in progress, or the camera is capturing images with a long time-exposure using the Bulb setting or Time setting.

The camera becomes hot.

The camera may become hot when used for an extended period of time such as to shoot movies, or when used in a hot environment; this is not a malfunction.

The battery inserted in the camera cannot be charged.

• Confirm all connections.
  Charging the battery
• The camera may not charge when connected to a computer for any of the reasons described below.
  • The setup menu [Charge by computer] is set to [Off].
  • If the camera is turned off, charging stops.
  • Battery charging is not possible if the camera’s display language and date and time have not been set, or the date and time were reset after the camera’s clock battery was exhausted. Use the Charging AC Adapter to charge the battery.
  • Battery charging may stop when the computer enters sleep mode.
  • Depending on the computer specifications, settings, and status, battery charging may not be possible.

The monitor is hard to see.

• Adjust the screen brightness.
  Monitor options
• The surrounding area is too bright.
  • Move to a darker place.
  • Use the viewfinder.
    Switching between the monitor and viewfinder

The viewfinder is hard to see.

• Adjust the diopter of the viewfinder.
  Diopter adjustment of the viewfinder
• Adjust the viewfinder brightness.
  EVF options

flashes on the screen.

• The camera clock has not been set. Set the date and time in the setup menu [Time zone and date].
• If the camera clock has not been set, images and movies saved before the clock is set are dated “00/00/0000 00:00” and “01/01/2020 00:00” respectively.

Date and time of recording are not correct.

Set the date and time in the setup menu [Time zone and date]. The camera clock is not as accurate as ordinary watches or clocks. Periodically compare the time of the camera clock with that of a more accurate timepiece and reset as required.

No information displayed on the screen.

Shooting and photo information may be hidden. Press the button until information is displayed.
Switching the information displayed on the screen ( button)

[Date stamp] not available.

The camera clock has not been set. Set the date and time in the setup menu [Time zone and date].

Date not stamped on images even when [Date stamp] is enabled.

• The current shooting mode does not support [Date stamp].
  Notes about [Date stamp]
• A function that restricts the [Date stamp] function is enabled.
  Functions that cannot be used simultaneously when shooting
• The date cannot be stamped on movies.

Screen for setting time zone and date is displayed when the camera is turned on.
The camera settings reset.

The clock battery is exhausted; all settings were restored to their default values. Configure the camera settings again.
The internal clock battery is used to power the camera clock and to retain certain settings. Charging time of the clock battery takes about 10 hours when you insert the battery into the camera or connect the AC adapter (available separately) to the camera, and the clock battery operates for several days even after the camera battery is removed.

[Reset file numbering] cannot be done.

• Although a new folder is created on the memory card by resetting file numbering, etc., if the sequential number of a folder name (which is not displayed on the camera) reaches the upper limit (“999”), reset is not possible. Change the memory card, or use the setup menu [Format card] to format the memory card.
• The write-protect switch is locked. Slide the write-protect switch to the “write” position.
  Inserting the battery and memory card, Memory cards

The camera makes sound.

When [Autofocus mode] is set to [Full-time AF] or while in some shooting modes, the camera may produce an audible focusing sound.
Autofocus mode (still images), Autofocus mode (movies)

The EN-EL20 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery cannot be used.

You cannot use the EN-EL20 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery. Use EN-EL20a.

Shooting

Cannot switch to shooting mode.
Cannot take pictures or record movies.
The camera cannot focus.
Colored stripes appear on the screen when shooting.
Images are blurred.
Bright specks appear in images captured with flash.
Flash does not fire.
Digital zoom cannot be used.
[Image size] not available.
No sound when the shutter is released.
AF-assist illuminator does not light.
Images appear smeared.
Colors are unnatural.
Randomly spaced bright pixels (“noise”) appear in image.
Bright spots appear in image.
Images are too dark (underexposed).
Images are too bright (overexposed).
Skin tones are not softened.
Saving images takes time.
A ring-shaped belt or rainbow-colored stripe appears on the screen or images.
Menu items cannot be selected (displayed in gray).
Set features do not work.

Cannot switch to shooting mode.

Disconnect the USB cable.

Cannot take pictures or record movies.

• When the camera is in playback mode, press the  button, shutter-release button, or () button.
  The camera body
• When menus are displayed, press the button.
  The camera body
• When shooting in [Night portrait] or [Backlighting] (with [HDR] set to [Off]) scene mode, raise the built-in flash.
  Using the built-in flash
• The built-in flash is charging while is flashing. Wait until charging is complete.
  The flash-ready indicator
• Insert a memory card with sufficient free space into the camera.
• The battery is exhausted.
  Charging the battery, The battery

The camera cannot focus.

• The subject is too close. Try shooting using the following.
  • [Close-up] scene mode
  • [Macro close-up] focus mode
    Selecting the focus mode
• Incorrect focus mode setting. Check or change the setting.
  Selecting the focus mode
• The subject is hard to focus on.
  Subjects not suitable for autofocus
• Select the setup menu [AF assist] [Auto].
• Subject is not in focus area when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
• The focus-mode selector is set to (manual focus).
  • To shoot using autofocus, set the focus-mode selector to (autofocus).
  • To shoot using manual focus, focus manually.
  Using manual focus
• Turn the camera off and then on again.
• The camera may move slightly when operated, even if it is attached to a tripod, which may interfere with the autofocus.

Colored stripes appear on the screen when shooting.

Colored stripes may appear when shooting subjects with repeating patterns (such as window blinds); this is not a malfunction.
The colored stripes will not appear in captured images or recorded movies. However, when using [Continuous H: 120 fps] or [HS 480/4×], the colored stripes may be seen in the captured images and recorded movies.

Images are blurred.

• Use the flash.
  Flash mode
• Use the vibration reduction feature. You can also use [Electronic VR] when recording movies.
  Electronic VR, Vibration reduction
• Use a tripod to stabilize the camera (using the self-timer setting of [10s] (10 seconds) at the same time is more effective).
  Using a tripod, Self-timer

Bright specks appear in images captured with flash.

The flash is reflecting off particles in the air. Lower the built-in flash.
Using the built-in flash

Flash does not fire.

• The built-in flash is lowered.
  Using the built-in flash
• A shooting mode where the flash cannot fire is selected.
  Default settings (flash, self-timer, and focus mode), Functions that cannot be used simultaneously when shooting
• A function that restricts the flash is enabled.
  Functions that cannot be used simultaneously when shooting

Digital zoom cannot be used.

• The setup menu [Digital zoom] [Off] is selected.
• Digital zoom cannot be used with certain shooting modes or when using certain settings in other functions.
  Functions that cannot be used simultaneously when shooting, Digital zoom

[Image size] not available.

• A function that restricts the [Image size] option is enabled.
  Functions that cannot be used simultaneously when shooting
• When the scene mode is set to [Easy panorama], the image size is fixed.

No sound when the shutter is released.

• The setup menu [Sound settings] [Shutter sound] [Off] is selected. No sound is produced with some shooting modes or settings, even when [On] is selected.
  Functions that cannot be used simultaneously when shooting

AF-assist illuminator does not light.

The setup menu [AF assist] [Off] is selected. AF-assist illuminator may not light depending on the position of the focus area or the current scene mode, even when [Auto] is selected.

Images appear smeared.

The lens is dirty. Clean the lens.
Cleaning and storage

Colors are unnatural.

White balance or hue is not adjusted properly.
Food, White balance

Randomly spaced bright pixels (“noise”) appear in image.

The subject is dark and the shutter speed is too slow, or ISO sensitivity is too high. Noise can be reduced by:

• Using the flash
  Flash mode
• Specifying a lower ISO sensitivity setting
  ISO sensitivity

Bright spots appear in image.

When shooting at a slow shutter speed in multiple exposure mode, noise (bright spots) may appear in saved images.

Images are too dark (underexposed).

• The flash window is blocked.
  The camera body
• The subject is beyond the range of the flash. Check the range of the flash.
  Specifications
• Adjust exposure compensation.
  Exposure compensation
• Increase ISO sensitivity.
  ISO sensitivity
• The subject is backlit.
  • Use the flash.
    Flash mode
  • Try the [Backlighting] scene mode.

Images are too bright (overexposed).

Adjust exposure compensation.
Exposure compensation

Skin tones are not softened.

• In some shooting conditions, facial skin tones may not be softened.
• For images containing four or more faces, try using the playback menu [Skin softening] after shooting.

Saving images takes time.

It may take more time to save images in the following situations:

• When the noise reduction function is in operation
• When capturing images in the following scene modes:
  • [Noise reduction burst] in [Landscape] or [Close-up]
  • [Hand-held] in [Night landscape]
  • [HDR] is set to [On] in [Backlighting]
  • [Easy panorama]
• When using the Bulb setting or Time setting to capture images with a long time-exposure
• When the shooting menu [Continuous] is set to [Continuous H], [Pre-shooting cache], [Continuous H: 120 fps], or [Continuous H: 60 fps]
• When using [Smile timer] while shooting
• When using Active D-Lighting while shooting
• When using multiple exposure while shooting
• When [Image quality] is set to [RAW], [RAW + Fine], or [RAW + Normal]
• When capturing still images while recording a movie with [Movie options] set to [2160/30p] or [2160/25p]

A ring-shaped belt or rainbow-colored stripe appears on the screen or images.

When shooting with backlighting or when a very strong light source (such as sunlight) is in the frame, a ring-shaped belt or rainbow-colored stripe (ghosting) may occur. Change the position of the light source, or frame the picture so that the light source does not enter the frame, and try again.

Menu items cannot be selected (displayed in gray).
Set features do not work.

• Some menus are not available while a wireless connection is established. Stop the wireless connection.
• Some functions cannot be used with other menu settings.
  Functions that cannot be used simultaneously when shooting

Playback, editing

File cannot be played back.
Cannot zoom in on image.
Cannot edit images.
Cannot rotate image.

File cannot be played back.

• This camera may not be able to play back images saved with another make or model of digital camera.
• This camera cannot play back RAW images or movies saved with another make or model of digital camera.
• This camera may not be able to play back data edited on a computer.
• Files cannot be played back during interval timer shooting.
• The memory card contains no images.

Cannot zoom in on image.

• Playback zoom cannot be used with movies.
• This camera may not be able to zoom in on images captured with another make or model of digital camera.
• When zooming in on a small-sized image, the magnification rate shown on the screen may differ from the actual magnification rate of the image.

Cannot edit images.

• Some images cannot be edited. Images that have already been edited may not be edited again.
  Before editing images
• There is not enough free space on the memory card.
• This camera is unable to edit images captured with other cameras.
• Editing functions used for images are not available for movies.

Cannot rotate image.

This camera cannot rotate images captured with another make or model of digital camera.

TVs, computers, printers

Images are not displayed on the TV.
Nikon Transfer 2 does not start when the camera is connected to a computer.
Images saved in the camera are not displayed on a connected smart device or computer.
Cannot connect to a printer.

Images are not displayed on the TV.

• A computer is connected to the camera.
• The memory card contains no images.

Nikon Transfer 2 does not start when the camera is connected to a computer.

• The camera is off.
• The battery is exhausted.
  Charge by computer
• The USB cable is not correctly connected.
  Copying pictures to a computer using NX Studio
• The camera is not recognized by the computer.
• The computer is not set to start Nikon Transfer 2 automatically. For more information about Nikon Transfer 2, refer to Nikon Transfer 2’s online help.

Images saved in the camera are not displayed on a connected smart device or computer.

If the number of images saved on a memory card in the camera exceeds 10,000, images captured thereafter may not be displayed in a connected device.

• Reduce the number of images saved on the memory card. Copy the necessary images to a computer, etc.

Cannot connect to a printer.

This camera does not support printer connections.
Printing still images

Smart devices, SnapBridge app, ML-L7 Remote Control

• For more information about the SnapBridge app, see also the online help for the SnapBridge app (https://nikonimglib.com/snbr/onlinehelp/en/index.html).
• For more information about the ML-L7 Remote Control (available separately), see the User’s Manual provided with the remote control.

Cannot select [Connect to smart device].
Cannot pair with a smart device using [Connect to smart device].
Paired smart devices are not connected through Bluetooth automatically.
Cannot upload images to a smart device that is connected with the SnapBridge app.
Cannot download the original files of still images on the smart device that is connected with the SnapBridge app.
Cannot perform remote photography from a smart device that is connected with the SnapBridge app.
Communication quality is poor or image upload speed is extremely slow when using a Wi-Fi connection with the SnapBridge app.
Images saved in the camera are not displayed on a connected smart device or computer.
Cannot select [Connection to remote].
Cannot use [Connection to remote] to pair with the ML-L7 Remote Control.
The camera does not respond when operating the ML-L7 Remote Control.

Cannot select [Connect to smart device].
Cannot pair with a smart device using [Connect to smart device].

• When establishing a wireless connection for the first time, refer to the online help for the SnapBridge app (https://nikonimglib.com/snbr/onlinehelp/en/index.html).
• Use a sufficiently charged battery.
• Insert a memory card with sufficient free space into the camera.
• Disconnect the HDMI cable or USB cable.
• Set the following in the [Network menu] in the camera.
  [Airplane mode]: [Off]
  [Choose connection]: [Smart device]
  [Bluetooth] [Connection]: [Enable]
• Enable Bluetooth and the location data functions on the smart device.

Paired smart devices are not connected through Bluetooth automatically.

• Set the following in the [Network menu] in the camera.
  [Airplane mode]: [Off]
  [Choose connection]: [Smart device]
  [Bluetooth] [Connection]: [Enable]
• If the camera is paired with multiple smart devices, select the smart device you want to connect in the [Network menu] [Bluetooth] [Paired devices] in the camera.
• After performing the setup menu [Reset all] or [Network menu] [Restore default settings] in the camera, unpair in SnapBridge and then pair again.
• If multiple cameras are registered in the SnapBridge app, switch to the camera you want to connect using the SnapBridge app.

Cannot upload images to a smart device that is connected with the SnapBridge app.

• You can upload automatically through the auto link feature only when connected through Bluetooth. To upload automatically, set the following.
  In the camera, [Network menu] [Send while shooting] [Still images]: [Yes]
  SnapBridge app tab [Auto link] [Auto download]: Enable
  If the [Network menu] [Bluetooth] [Send while off] [Off] is selected in the camera, change the setting to [On] or turn on the camera.
• When there is a large number of images to upload during Bluetooth communication, communication may be disconnected while uploading. Image upload resumes after a while if the camera’s [Network menu] [Bluetooth] [Send while off] is set to [On]. To resume quickly, turn the camera off and then on again.
• Insert a memory card into the camera.
• You may not be able to upload images or uploading may be canceled while the camera is being operated.

Cannot download the original files of still images on the smart device that is connected with the SnapBridge app.

For [Send while shooting] and [Mark for upload] in the camera, still images are uploaded at an image size of up to 2 megapixels. To upload original files, use [Download pictures] in the SnapBridge app.

Cannot perform remote photography from a smart device that is connected with the SnapBridge app.

• You cannot perform remote photography without a memory card inserted into the camera. Insert the memory card.
• You may not be able to perform remote photography while the camera is being operated.

Communication quality is poor or image upload speed is extremely slow when using a Wi-Fi connection with the SnapBridge app.

On the camera, try changing the channel in the [Network menu] [Wi-Fi] [Network settings].

Images saved in the camera are not displayed on a connected smart device or computer.

If the number of images saved on a memory card in the camera exceeds 10,000, images captured thereafter may not be displayed in a connected device.

• Reduce the number of images saved on the memory card. Copy the necessary images to a computer, etc.

Cannot select [Connection to remote].
Cannot use [Connection to remote] to pair with the ML-L7 Remote Control.

• Use a sufficiently charged battery.
• Set the following in the [Network menu] in the camera.
  [Choose connection]: [Remote control]
  [Airplane mode]: [Off]
  [Bluetooth] [Connection]: [Enable]

The camera does not respond when operating the ML-L7 Remote Control.

• The camera is not connected to the ML-L7 Remote Control (available separately). Press the power button on the remote control to establish the connection. If is not displayed on the shooting screen, perform pairing again.
  Pairing the camera and remote control
• The remote control can be used only for shooting operations or button operations.
  ML-L7 Remote Control
• The remote control cannot be used when the camera and an HDMI-compatible device are connected. Disconnect the connection with the HDMI-compatible device.