Please note that these suggestions are a guide. Many custom function settings will be to the photographer's individual preferences, but leaving these few set as below will assure that anyone who picks up the camera will start off right. Nikon Capture 4.3.1 is the correct version for this camera.
Playback menu:
| You should be familiar with these functions. Generally, you can set them as you desire, with one exception: don't delete files. Files are like uncut negatives, and should always be either all downloaded to the office or the entire disk sent in. |
Shooting menu:
| Image Quality |
NEF (Raw)+JPEG Normal |
| Image Size |
Large |
| JPEG compression |
Size Priority |
| Raw compression |
ON |
| White Balance |
If unsure, use AUTO. |
| Image Sharpening |
Medium Low. |
| ISO |
Try to stay as low as possible. Do NOT use HI-1 or HI-2. |
| Tone Compensation |
Less Contrast |
| Color Space |
Adobe rgb. |
| Color Mode |
II |
| Hue Adjustment |
0. |
Custom Settings Menu:
| A1 |
AF-C mode Priority |
FPS |
| A2 |
AF-S mode Priority |
Focus |
| A3 |
Group Dynamic AF |
Center Area |
| A4 |
Lock on |
ON |
| A5 |
AF Activation |
ON |
| A7 |
Focus Area |
ON |
| B1 |
ISO auto |
Off |
| D1 |
Shooting Speed |
7 |
| D2 |
Maximum shots |
35 |
| E1 |
Flash sync Speed |
1/250 (Auto FP) |
| F4 |
Function Button |
Hi Speed Crop |
| F7 |
No CF Card? |
ON |
Custom Settings Menu: Notes
| A3 |
Group Dynamic AF |
Having this set to the closest subject setting is the cause of a lot of focus problems |
| E1 |
Flash sync Speed |
1/250 (Auto FP)(allows hi speed sync with SB-800) |
| F7 |
No CF Card? |
ON Camera won't fire without a CF card in the camera. |
Set up Menu:
| Voice memo | manual only |
| Voice memo overwrite | on |
| Voice memo button | press and hold |
| Image Comment | Your Name |
Set-Up Menu: Notes
| Make sure you set the correct DATE and time. You can also use IMAGE COMMENT to attach your name and/or copyright info in the EXIF data. |
Helpful notes:
- Always format card in the camera (rather than with your computer).
- Clean the CCD regularly. Dust is an issue with picture quality. Use a clean nasal aspirator to BLOW dust off CCD. Never brush the CCD, and never use compressed air to clean it.
- A gray card is the surest way to correct color balance; correct color balance is the best way to assure you'll expose digital film properly.
