Still images

1	Set Picture Control (Set Picture Control)
2	White balance (White balance)
3	Image quality (Image quality)
4	Image size (Image size)
5	Flash mode (Flash mode)
6	Metering (Metering)

7	Wi-Fi connection (Wi-Fi connection)
8	Active D-Lighting (Active D-Lighting)
9	Release mode (Release mode)
10	Vibration reduction (Vibration reduction)
11	AF-area mode (AF-area mode)
12	Focus mode (Focus mode)

Set Picture Control

Choose image processing (“Picture Control”) options for new photos according to the scene or your creative intent.

Option		Description
n	[Auto]	The camera automatically adjusts hues and tones based on the [Standard] Picture Control. The complexions of portrait subjects will appear softer than in pictures taken with the [Standard] Picture Control. In outdoor shots, elements such as the foliage and sky will appear more vivid than in pictures taken with the [Standard] Picture Control.
Q	[Standard]	Standard processing for balanced results. Recommended for most situations.
R	[Neutral]	Minimal processing for natural results. Choose for photographs that will later be processed or retouched.
S	[Vivid]	Pictures are enhanced for a vivid, photoprint effect. Choose for photographs that emphasize primary colors.
T	[Monochrome]	Take monochrome photographs.
o	[Portrait]	Smooth complexions for natural-looking portraits.
p	[Landscape]	Shoot vibrant landscapes and cityscapes.
q	[Flat]	Details are preserved over a wide tone range, from highlights to shadows. Choose for photographs that will later be extensively processed or retouched.
k01–k20	[Creative Picture Control] (Creative Picture Control)	Creative Picture Controls offer unique combinations of hue, tone, saturation, and other settings tuned for particular effects. Choose the type from [Dream], [Morning], [Pop], [Sunday], [Somber], [Dramatic], [Silence], [Bleached], [Melancholic], [Pure], [Denim], [Toy], [Sepia], [Blue], [Red], [Pink], [Charcoal], [Graphite], [Binary], or [Carbon].

To view Picture Control settings, highlight a Picture Control and press 3. Any changes to fine-tuning options can be previewed in the display (Modifying Picture Controls).
The option currently selected is shown in the display during shooting.

Modifying Picture Controls

Highlighting [Set Picture Control] in the i menu and pressing J displays a Picture Control list. Highlight a Picture Control and press 3 to preview the effect in the display.

Press 1 or 3 to highlight settings. Press 4 or 2 to choose a value in increments of 1, or rotate the sub-command dial to choose a value in increments of 0.25.
The options available vary with the Picture Control selected.
To abandon any changes and start over from default settings, press the O button.
Press J to save changes and return to the i menu.
Picture Controls that have been modified from default settings are indicated by an asterisk (“U”).

The j indicator

The j indicator under the value display in the Picture Control setting menu indicates the previous value for the setting.

[A] (auto)

Selecting the A (auto) option available for some settings lets the camera adjust the setting automatically.
Results vary with exposure and the position of the subject in the frame.

The “n Auto” Picture Control

Settings can be adjusted in the range [A−2] to [A+2].

Picture Control settings

Option		Description
[Effect level]		Mute or heighten the effect of Creative Picture Controls.
[Quick sharp]		Quickly adjust levels for balanced [Sharpening], [Mid-range sharpening], and [Clarity]. These parameters can also be adjusted individually.
	[Sharpening]	Control the sharpness of details and outlines.
	[Mid-range sharpening]	Adjust the sharpness of patterns and lines in the range between [Sharpening] and [Clarity].
	[Clarity]	Adjust overall sharpness and the sharpness of thicker outlines without affecting brightness or dynamic range.
[Contrast]		Adjust contrast.
[Brightness]		Raise or lower brightness without loss of detail in highlights or shadows.
[Saturation]		Control the vividness of colors.
[Hue]		Adjust hue.
[Filter effects]		Simulate the effect of color filters on monochrome pictures.
[Toning]		Choose the tint used in monochrome pictures. Pressing 3 when an option other than [B&W] (black-and-white) is selected displays saturation options.
[Toning] (Creative Picture Control)		Choose the shade of color used for Creative Picture Controls.

[Filter effects]

Choose from the following [Filter effects]:

Option	Description
[Y] (yellow)*	These options enhance contrast and can be used to tone down the brightness of the sky in landscape photographs. Orange [O] produces more contrast than yellow [Y], red [R] more contrast than orange.
[O] (orange)*
[R] (red)*
[G] (green)*	Green softens skin tones. Use for portraits and the like.

The term in parentheses is the name of the corresponding third-party color filter for black-and-white photography.

White balance

Adjust white balance. For more information, see “White balance” in “Basic settings” (White balance).

Option
4 [Auto]
	i [Keep white (reduce warm colors)]
	j [Keep overall atmosphere]
	k [Keep warm lighting colors]
D [Natural light auto]
H [Direct sunlight]
G [Cloudy]
M [Shade]
J [Incandescent]
I [Fluorescent]
	[Cool-white fluorescent]
	[Day white fluorescent]
	[Daylight fluorescent]
5 [Flash]
K [Choose color temperature]
L [Preset manual]

Pressing 3 when 4 [Auto] or I [Fluorescent] is highlighted displays sub-options for the highlighted item.
The option currently selected is shown in the display during shooting.

Fine-tuning white balance

Pressing J when [White balance] is highlighted in the i menu displays a list of white balance options. If an option other than K [Choose color temperature] is highlighted, fine-tuning options can be displayed by pressing 3. Any changes to fine-tuning options can be previewed in the display.

G	Increase green
B	Increase blue
A	Increase amber
M	Increase magenta

Tap the arrows in the display or use the multi selector to fine-tune white balance.
Press J to save changes and return to the i menu.
If white balance has been fine-tuned, an asterisk (“U”) will be displayed in the white balance icon.

Choosing a color temperature

Pressing J when [White balance] is highlighted in the i menu displays a list of white balance options. When K [Choose color temperature] is highlighted, color temperature options can be viewed by pressing 3.

Value for Amber–Blue axis

Value for Green–Magenta axis

Press 4 or 2 to highlight digits on the A–B (amber–blue) axis. You can also highlight the G–M (green–magenta) axis.
Press 1 or 3 to edit the selected item.
Press J to save changes and return to the i menu.
If a value other than 0 is selected for the green (G)–magenta (M) axis, an asterisk (“U”) will appear in the white balance icon.

Color-temperature selection

Do not use color-temperature selection with fluorescent light sources; instead, use the I [Fluorescent] option.
When using color-temperature selection with other light sources, take a test shot to determine if the selected value is appropriate.

Preset manual

White balance settings such as 4 [Auto], J [Incandescent], and K [Choose color temperature] may fail to produce the desired results under mixed lighting or lighting with a strong color cast. Should this occur, white balance can be set to a value measured under the light source used in the final photograph. The camera can store up to six values for preset manual white balance.

Select [White balance] in the i menu, then highlight L [Preset manual] and press 3.
Select a preset.
- Select from presets [d-1] through [d-6].
- Press J to save changes and return to the i menus.
Highlight [White balance] in the i menu and hold the J button to initiate direct measurement mode.
- A L indicator will flash in the shooting display.
- The white balance target (r) appears in the center of the frame.
Position the white balance target (r) over a white or gray object and measure a value for preset manual white balance.
- Position the target (r) using the multi selector.
- To measure white balance, press the shutter-release button all the way down or press J.
- You can also position the target and measure white balance by tapping the display.
- You cannot move r if an optional flash unit is attached. Frame the shot so that the white or gray reference object is in the center of the display.
- If the camera is unable to measure white balance, a message will be displayed and the camera will return to direct measurement mode. Try measuring white balance again, for example with the target (r) positioned over a different area of the subject.
Press the i button to exit direct measurement mode.

The preset manual white balance menu

The preset manual white balance menu can be accessed by selecting [White balance] > L [Preset manual] in the photo shooting menu. The preset manual white balance menu offers options for copying values for preset manual white balance from an existing photograph or adding comments to or protecting white balance presets.

Protected presets

White balance presets indicated by g icons are protected and cannot be changed.

Preset manual: Selecting a preset

At shipment, presets d-1 through d-6 are set to 5200 K, equivalent to the H [Direct sunlight] white balance option.
White balance presets can be viewed by selecting [White balance] > L [Preset manual] in the photo shooting menu. To recall a stored value, highlight a preset using the multi selector and press J.

Direct measurement mode

Direct measurement mode will end if no operations are performed in the time selected for Custom Setting c3 [Power off delay] > [Standby timer].

Measuring white balance

Preset manual white balance cannot be measured during multiple exposures.

Image quality

Choose a file format for photographs.

Option	Description
[RAW + JPEG fine]	Record two copies of each photo: a RAW image and a JPEG copy. Only the JPEG copy is displayed during playback. The RAW copies can only be viewed using a computer. Deleting the JPEG copies on the camera also deletes the RAW images.
[RAW + JPEG normal]
[RAW + JPEG basic]
[RAW]	RAW images have the highest quality, and the quality decreases from “fine”, to “normal”, and to “basic”.
[JPEG fine]
[JPEG normal]
[JPEG basic]

The option currently selected is shown in the display during shooting.

RAW

RAW files have the extension “*.nef”.
The process of converting RAW files to JPEG and other widely-supported formats is referred to as “RAW processing”. A variety of settings can be adjusted during this process, including exposure compensation, white balance, and Picture Controls.
RAW processing has no effect on the original RAW data, meaning that it can be repeated as often and using as many different combinations of settings as desired while maintaining image quality.
RAW processing can be performed in-camera using the [RAW processing] item in the retouch menu or on a computer using Nikon’s NX Studio software. NX Studio is available free-of-charge from the Nikon Download Center.

“RAW + JPEG”

The camera displays only the JPEG copies of photos recorded at image quality settings of “RAW + JPEG”. The RAW copies can only be viewed using a computer.
Deleting the JPEG copies on the camera also deletes the RAW images.

Image size

Choose the size at which photographs are recorded. The option currently selected is shown in the display during shooting.

Image size versus number of pixels

The physical dimensions of the photos in pixels vary with the option selected for [Choose image area] in the photo shooting menu.

Image area	Image size
Image area	Large	Medium	Small
[DX (24×16)]	5568×3712	4176×2784	2784×1856
[1:1 (16×16)]	3712×3712	2784×2784	1856×1856
[16:9 (24×14)]	5568×3128	4176×2344	2784×1560

Flash mode

Choose a flash mode for optional flash units. The options available vary with the shooting mode.

Option		Available in
I	[Fill flash]	b, P, S, A, M
J	[Red-eye reduction]	b, P, S, A, M
L	[Slow sync]	P, A
K	[Slow sync + red-eye]	P, A
M	[Rear-curtain sync]	P, S, A, M
s	[Flash off]	b, P, S, A, M

The option currently selected is shown in the display during shooting.

Metering

Metering determines how the camera sets exposure.

Option		Description
L	[Matrix metering]	The camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets exposure according to tone distribution, color, composition, and distance for results close to those seen by the naked eye.
M	[Center-weighted metering]	The camera assigns the greatest weight to the center of the frame. It can be used with subjects that dominate the composition, for example. Center-weighted metering is also recommended when using filters with an exposure factor (filter factor) over 1×. The size of the area assigned the greatest weight can be selected using Custom Setting b2 [Center-weighted area].
N	[Spot metering]	The camera meters a circle with a diameter of 3.5 mm/0.14 in. (equivalent to approximately 2.5% of the frame). This ensures that the subject will be correctly exposed even when the background is much brighter or darker. The metered area is centered on the current focus point. If AF-area mode (AF-area mode) is set to [Auto-area AF], [Auto-area AF (people)], or [Auto-area AF (animals)], the camera will instead meter the center focus point.
t	[Highlight-weighted metering]	The camera assigns the greatest weight to highlights. Use this option to reduce loss of detail in highlights, for example when photographing spotlit performers on stage.

The option currently selected is shown in the display during shooting.

Wi-Fi connection

Enable or disable Wi-Fi.

Enable Wi-Fi to establish wireless connections to computers or between the camera and smartphones or tablets (smart devices) running the SnapBridge app (Connecting via Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi mode)).
The camera displays a Wi-Fi icon when Wi-Fi is enabled.
To turn Wi-Fi off, highlight [Wi-Fi connection] in the i menu and press J; if Wi-Fi is currently enabled, a [Close Wi-Fi connection] prompt will be displayed. Press J to end the connection.

Active D-Lighting

Preserve details in highlights and shadows, creating pictures with natural contrast. Use for high-contrast scenes, for example when photographing brightly-lit outdoor scenery through a door or window or taking pictures of shaded subjects on a sunny day. Active D-Lighting is most effective when used with matrix metering.

[Off]

[Y Auto]

Option		Description
Y	[Auto]	The camera automatically adjusts Active D-Lighting in response to shooting conditions.
Z	[Extra high]	Choose the amount of Active D-Lighting performed from [Extra high], [High], [Normal], and [Low].
P	[High]
Q	[Normal]
R	[Low]
c	[Off]	Active D-Lighting off.

The option currently selected is shown in the display during shooting.

Active D-Lighting

“Noise” in the form of randomly-spaced bright pixels, fog, or lines may appear in photos taken with Active D-Lighting.
In mode M, [Y Auto] is equivalent to [Q Normal].
Uneven shading may be visible with some subjects.
This function does not apply at high ISO sensitivities (Hi 1, Hi 2), including high sensitivities selected via auto ISO sensitivity control.

Release mode

Choose the operation performed when the shutter is released.

Option		Description
U	[Single frame]	The camera takes one photograph each time the shutter-release button is pressed.
V	[Continuous L]	The camera takes photographs at a selected rate while the shutter-release button is pressed. The frame advance rate can be chosen by rotating the sub-command dial when continuous L is selected in the release-mode menu. Choose from rates of from 1 to 4 fps.
W	[Continuous H]	The camera takes photos at up to 5 fps while the shutter-release button is pressed.
X	[Continuous H (extended)]	The camera takes photos at up to 11 fps while the shutter-release button is pressed. Optional flash units will not fire. Flicker reduction does not take effect.
E	[Self-timer]	Take pictures with the self-timer (The self-timer).

Pressing 3 when [Continuous L] is highlighted displays frame advance rate options.
The option currently selected is shown in the display during shooting.

The shooting display

In continuous low-speed and continuous high-speed modes, the display is updated in real time even while shooting is in progress.

Frame advance rate

Frame advance rate varies with camera settings.

Release mode	Image quality	RAW bit depth	Silent photography
Release mode	Image quality	RAW bit depth	Off	On
[Continuous L]	JPEG	—	User-selected frame advance rate
	RAW	12 bit
	RAW	14 bit
[Continuous H]	JPEG	—	Approx. 5 fps	Approx. 4.5 fps
	RAW	12 bit		Approx. 4.5 fps
	RAW	14 bit		Approx. 4 fps
[Continuous H (extended)]	JPEG	—	Approx. 11 fps*	Approx. 11 fps
	RAW	12 bit	Approx. 11 fps*	Approx. 11 fps
	RAW	14 bit	Approx. 9 fps	Approx. 8.5 fps

Approx. 10 fps if [Electronic front-curtain shutter] is selected for Custom Setting d4 [Shutter type].

Burst photography

Depending on shooting conditions and memory card performance, the memory card access lamp may light for anywhere from a few tens of seconds to around a minute. Do not remove the memory card while the memory card access lamp is lit. Not only could any unrecorded images be lost, but the camera or memory card could be damaged.
If the camera is switched off while the memory card access lamp is lit, it will not power off until all images in the buffer have been recorded.
If the battery is exhausted while images remain in the buffer, the shutter release will be disabled and the images transferred to the memory card.

Continuous H (extended)

Depending on the camera settings, continuous photography may result in apparent variations in exposure. If you notice changes in exposure, perform exposure lock (Exposure lock) to lock the exposure during burst photography.

The memory buffer

While the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, the frame-count display will show the number of pictures that can be stored in the memory buffer.
When the buffer is full, the display will show r00 and the frame rate will drop.
The number shown is approximate. The actual number of photos that can be stored in the memory buffer varies with camera settings and shooting conditions.

The self-timer

In self-timer mode, pressing the shutter-release button starts a timer, and a photo is taken when the timer expires.

In [Release mode] in the i menu, highlight [Self-timer] and press 3.
Choose the desired shutter-release delay and number of shots.

Press J to select the highlighted option.
Frame the photograph and focus.

The timer will not start if the shutter cannot be released, as may be the case, for example, if the camera is unable to focus when AF-S is selected for focus mode.
Start the timer.
- A E icon appears in the shooting display when the self-timer is enabled.
- Press the shutter-release button all the way down to start the timer; the self-timer lamp will begin to flash. The lamp stops flashing two seconds before the timer expires.

Taking multiple shots

The number of shots taken and the interval between shots can be selected using Custom Setting c2 [Self-timer].

Vibration reduction

Choose whether to enable vibration reduction. The options available vary with the lens.

Option		Description
C	[On]	Choose for enhanced vibration reduction when photographing static subjects.
C	[Normal]
D	[Sport]	Choose when photographing athletes and other subjects that are moving rapidly and unpredictably.
E	[Off]	Vibration reduction is disabled.

An icon appears in the display when a setting other than [Off] is selected.

Using vibration reduction: Notes

Vibration reduction may be unavailable with some lenses.
We recommend that you wait for the image in the display to stabilize before shooting.
Depending on the lens, when vibration reduction is active, the image in the viewfinder may jiggle after the shutter is released, but this does not indicate a malfunction.
[Normal] or [Sport] is recommended for panning shots. In [Normal] or [Sport] mode, vibration reduction applies only to motion that is not part of the pan. If the camera is panned horizontally, for example, vibration reduction will be applied only to vertical shake.
If you will use a tripod or monopod with a VR lens camera, the settings may differ depending on the lens. Consult the lens documentation before use for more information.

AF-area mode

AF-area mode controls how the camera selects the focus-point for autofocus. For more information, see “AF-area mode” in the “Focus” section of “Basic settings” (AF-area mode).

Option
3	[Pinpoint AF]
d	[Single-point AF]
e	[Dynamic-area AF]
f	[Wide-area AF (S)]
g	[Wide-area AF (L)]
1	[Wide-area AF (L-people)]
2	[Wide-area AF (L-animals)]
h	[Auto-area AF]
5	[Auto-area AF (people)]
6	[Auto-area AF (animals)]

The option currently selected is shown in the display during shooting.

Focus mode

Focus mode controls how the camera focuses. For more information, see “Focus mode” in the “Focus” section of “Basic settings” (Focus mode).

Option
AF-A	[AF mode auto-switch]
AF-S	[Single AF]
AF-C	[Continuous AF]
MF	[Manual focus]

The option currently selected is shown in the display during shooting.