The camera automatically shoots a series of NEF (RAW) photos, changing the position of the image sensor with each one. The photos can be merged using Nikon’s NX Studio software to create a single high-resolution image.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| [Pixel shift shooting mode] |
|
| [Number of shots] | Choose the number of photos taken each time the shutter-release/REC button is pressed. Long series require more time to record but produce better-quality results when merged into a single image. |
| [Delay] | Choose the delay between the shutter-release/REC button being pressed all the way down and the start of pixel shift photography. |
| [Interval until next shot] | Choose the interval between shots, in seconds. |
Taking photos using pixel shift
Before shooting
- Pixel shift is intended for pictures of landscapes, buildings, and other static subjects shot with the camera on a tripod. The desired results may consequently not be achieved with moving subjects or shots taken without a tripod.
- To improve the quality of merged pixel shift images, we recommend using [Pixel mapping] in the setup menu before shooting.
- Take a test shot at current settings.
- We recommend using one of the following power sources to prevent loss of power while shooting is in progress:
- A fully-charged battery
- An optional EH-8P AC adapter connected using the supplied USB cable (featuring Type C connectors at both ends)
- Portable chargers (power banks)
NX Studio
Be sure to download and install the latest version from the Nikon Download Center. Earlier versions may not support pixel shift merge.
- Keep the camera steady, for example by using a tripod.
- Highlight [Pixel shift shooting] in the photo shooting menu and press the multi selector right.
- Select a [Pixel shift shooting mode].
- Highlight [Pixel shift shooting mode] and press the multi selector right.
- Highlight [On (series)] or [On (single photo)] by pressing the multi selector up or down, and then press the center of the multi selector.
- Image quality is fixed at [RAW].
- A I icon will appear in the shooting display.
- Highlight [Pixel shift shooting mode] and press the multi selector right.
- Choose the [Number of shots].
- Highlight [Number of shots] and press the multi selector right.
- Set the number of shots by pressing the multi selector up or down, and then press the center of the multi selector.
- Highlight [Number of shots] and press the multi selector right.
- Choose a value for [Delay].
- Highlight [Delay] and press the multi selector right. Choose the delay between the shutter-release/REC button being pressed all the way down and the start of pixel shift photography.
- Choose a delay (in seconds) by pressing the multi selector up or down, and then press the center of the multi selector.
- Highlight [Delay] and press the multi selector right. Choose the delay between the shutter-release/REC button being pressed all the way down and the start of pixel shift photography.
- Choose a value for [Interval until next shot].
- Highlight [Interval until next shot] and press the multi selector right. Choose the interval between shots, in seconds.
- Choose a delay (in seconds) by pressing the multi selector up or down, and then press the center of the multi selector.
- Highlight [Interval until next shot] and press the multi selector right. Choose the interval between shots, in seconds.
- Frame the photograph, focus, and shoot.
- Press the shutter-release/REC button all the way down; the camera will begin taking the set number of NEF (RAW) photos after the time selected for [Delay] has elapsed.
- Shooting may continue for some time depending on the value selected for [Number of shots].
- If [On (series)] is selected for [Pixel shift shooting mode], you can continue to take photographs using pixel shift until [Off] is selected.
- If [On (single photo)] is selected for [Pixel shift shooting mode], pixel shift will end automatically after a single series.
- Merge the NEF (RAW) photos using NX Studio.
- See NX Studio’s online help for detailed instructions.
- The desired results may not be achieved if the subject moved or lighting changed during shooting.
Ending pixel shift
To end pixel-shift photography before all the photos in the current series have been taken, either press the shutter-release/REC button halfway or press the center of the multi selector between shots.
Cautions: Pixel shift
- In continuous release modes, only one photograph will be taken each time the shutter-release/REC button is pressed all the way down.
- Changing camera settings while pixel shift is in progress may cause shooting to end.
- When [Interval until next shot] is set to [00], the flash will not fire regardless of the setting chosen for [Flash mode] in the photo shooting menu.
- Shutter speeds of “Bulb” and “Time” are not available.
- When the focus mode for autofocus is AF-C, it will switch to AF-S. If the option currently selected for AF-area mode is available only with AF-C, the AF-area mode will switch to single-point AF.
- Custom Setting d6 [Extended shutter speeds (M)] is fixed at [OFF].
Pixel shift: Restrictions
Pixel shift cannot be combined with some camera features, including:
- video recording,
- the self-timer,
- high-speed frame capture +,
- vibration reduction,
- bracketing,
- multiple exposures,
- HDR overlay,
- dehaze,
- interval-timer photography,
- time-lapse video recording,
- focus shift,
- exposure delay mode, and
- energy saving (photo mode).