Co
ntents1
Product Documentation
First Steps
Basic Photography
Advanced Photography
Playback
Camera Setup
Connections
The Guide to Digital Photography
with the
COOLPIX 990DIGITAL CAMERA
Electronic Edition
Technical Notes
Clickto go
Product DocumentationThank you for your purchase of a COOLPIX 990 digital cam-era. The documentation for this product includes the manualslisted below. Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughlyto get the most from your camera.
Fast Track Guide/For Your SafetyIn addition to taking first time users step-by-step throughthe process of setting up and using the camera, the printedFast Track Guide gives a quick overview of camera settings.For Your Safety, printed on the reverse of the Fast Track Guide,lists warnings and cautions that should be observed whenusing and storing your camera, together with legal informa-tion. Please keep this document where all those who usethe camera will read it.
Menu GuideThis printed guide provides an overview of the camera’smenus.
Guide to Digital PhotographyThe Guide to Digital Photography (this manual, available in bothelectronic and printed formats) provides detailed informa-tion about your camera. The electronic edition featuresclickable links not available in the printed guide; otherwisethe contents of the two manuals are identical. Both aredivided into the following chapters:
First StepsGuides you step-by-step through the process of setting upyour camera and taking your first photograph
Basic PhotographyIntroduces the shooting options available in A-REC mode, a“point-and-shoot” mode that gives you control over flash,focus, and image quality settings, while the camera auto-matically adjusts other settings for the best results
Advanced PhotographyDetails the shooting options available in M-REC mode, anadvanced shooting mode that gives you complete controlover camera settings
PlaybackExplains how to view and delete the photographs stored inthe camera’s memory
Camera SetupDetails the options available in the SET-UP menus
ConnectionsDescribes how to connect your camera to a television orcomputer
Technical NotesProvides information on caring for your camera, cameraaccessories, specifications, and troubleshooting
Pro
duct Do
cumentatio
n2
To make it easier to find the information you need, the follow-ing symbols and conventions are used:
A table of contents appears on the first page of theelectronic Guide to Digital Photography. In addition,each chapter begins with an outline of the topicscovered. Click on the heading to open the guideto the indicated chapter or section.
Click the icon at the bottom right corner ofeach page for an explanation of the symbols andconventions used in this manual.
Click the icon at the bottom of each page foran explanation of how to use the camera menus.
Click the icon at the bottom of each page fora quick overview of camera menus.
Click the icon at the bottom of each page toview an illustration identifying camera parts.
Blue text indicates a link to another part of theGuide to Digital Photography. To follow the link, clickthe blue text.
This icon marks cautions, information that youshould read before use to prevent damage to yourcamera.
This icon marks notes, information that you shouldread before using your camera.
This icon marks tips, additional information you mayfind helpful when using your camera.
This icon marks references to other documenta-tion or to another part of this manual.
This icon is used throughout these manuals to markcross references to the Fast Track Guide.
This icon is used throughout these manuals to markcross references to For Your Safety.
This icon is used throughout these manuals to markcross references to the Guide to Digital Photography.
While this guide is also available in printed format, you may find it conve-nient to print portions of the electronic edition for ease of reference. Thedesired pages can be printed using the Print… command in the AdobeAcrobat Reader File menu.
Printing this manual
Pro
duct Do
cumentatio
n
About
As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to providing ongoingproduct support and education, a continuing set of new and updated infor-mation is always available on-line at www.nikon-euro.com. Please visit thissite to keep up-to-date with the latest in product information, tips, FAQs,and general advice on the subjects of Digital Imaging and Photography.
Life-Long Learning
3
First StepsThis chapter:• Introduces you to the parts of the COOLPIX 990 and the
camera menus• Takes you step-by-step through the process of setting up
your camera• Outlines the steps involved in taking photographs and play-
ing them back
Getting to Know the COOLPIX 990
Putting Batteries in the Camera
Inserting the Memory Card
Choosing a Language
Setting the Time and Date
Taking a Photograph
Playback and Deletion
First S
teps4
Clickto go
Clickfor more information
Shutter-releasebutton
Mode dial
Exposure compensation(FUNC 2) button
Commanddial
Getting to Know the COOLPIX 990
Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with camera con-trols, displays, and menus.
MODE (FUNC 1)button
MENU button
MONITORbutton
Zoom-out (Wide)button
Zoom-in (Tele)button
Multiselector
Image-quality/Size button
Flash/Sensitivity(Thumbnail)button
Focus mode(Delete)
button
Flash-readylamp
Autofocuslamp
Viewfindereyepiece
LCDMonitor
First S
teps: Getting to
Know
the CO
OL
PIX
9905
The lens section is attached to the camera body by a hinge that permitsthe lens to be rotated through 270°. For more information, see:
“First Steps: Taking a Picture”
Control panel
Lens
Viewfinder
DC-INconnector
USB/serialconnector
Diopter-adjust-ment dial
Photocell
Connectorfor external
flash
Battery-chamber latch
Eyelet forcamera strap
Battery-chambercover
Memory-cardslot
Tripodsocket
Built-inflash
VIDEOOUT
Red-eyereductionlamp
Control Panel Through the ViewfinderF
irst Steps: G
etting to K
now the C
OO
LP
IX 990
6
Focus target (A-REC)/Center focus area for manual or
automatic AF area selection (M-REC)
Use this area to framephotographs at ranges of
less than 90 cm (1 yd)
Use the diopter-adjustment dial to adjust viewfinder focus.
Manual focusindicator
Sensitivity (ISO equivalency)indicator
Shutter-speed/aperturedisplay (press to
switch between shutter-speed and aperture)
Focus mode
Continuous
Flash mode
Exposurecompensationindicator
Exposure count display(shows number of
exposures remaining)Image quality
Image size
Exposuremode
Memory-cardindicator
Batteryindicator
Meteringmode
White-balanceindicator
(FUNC. 1/FUNC. 2)
Clickfor more information
Camera MenusChanges to some settings can be made with the help of menusthat appear in the LCD monitor. Separate menus are availablefor each operating mode:
LCD Monitor
27
30
28WB-LAE-L
P 1/60 F2.7FINEFINEVGAGA
NONOV
[ 10]
BSS
X2.0
ISOISO
+0.7
22
24
20
15
11
9
1 2 3 54
67
8
10
12
1314161718
19
21
23
25
26
29
1 Zoom indicator2 Digital zoom3 Focus mode/manual focus dis-
tance4 External flash indicator5 Flash mode (built-in flash)6 Battery indicator7 Image sharpening8 White-balance program9 Sensitivity (ISO equivalency)
10 Image adjustment11 Image size12 Image quality13 Number of exposures remain-
ing at current settings14 Exposure compensation15 Aperture (f number)
16 Shutter speed17 Exposure mode18 Metering mode19 Continuous (multi-shot) mode20 Exposure bracketing indicator21 Auto-exposure lock22 White-balance lock23 Best-shot selection24 Lens converter indicator25 Current folder26 User set number27 Self-timer indicator28 Auto-exposure target (spot
metering)29 Focus areas30 Exposure display (manual expo-
sure mode)
First S
teps: Getting to
Know
the CO
OL
PIX
9907
Controls
Playback options
Advanced shooting options (e.g.,white balance, metering)
Basic camera setup (e.g., formattingmemory cards, setting time anddate). SET-UP menus for M-RECand PLAY accessible from SHOOT-ING and PLAY BACK menusrespectively. Options availabledepend on operating mode.
Menu
PLAY BACK
SHOOTING
SET-UP
Mode
PLAY
M-REC
A-REC,M-REC,PLAY
Menu operations are performed with the multi selector, theMENU button, and the command dial, as described on the pagesthat follow.
Highlightoption
Displayoptions
Making a selectionUse the multi selector to make a selection.
31
2
S
MENU O F F
METERING
MatrixSpotCenter-WeightedSpot AF Area
A
SELECT SET
AA
21
2
S
MENU O F F
METERING
MatrixSpotCenter-WeightedSpot AF Area
A
SELECT SET
AA
41
2
S
A
SELECT SET
METERING
AA
MENU PA G E 2
• To go back one step, press the multi selector to the left.• The selection for some menu options is made from a sub-menu. Repeat steps 3
and 4 to select the desired setting from the sub-menu.• Changes to settings apply as soon as the selection is made.• In M-REC mode, the view through the lens is visible behind the main menu. Photo-
graphs can be taken while the menu is displayed by pressing the shutter-releasebutton.
• In A-REC mode, the view through the lens can be restored by half-pressing theshutter-release button. You can take a picture at any time by pressing the shutter-release button all the way down. The A-REC menu will be restored when youremove your finger from the shutter-release button.
1
MENU PA G E 2
1
2
S
A
SELECT SET
METERING
AAHighlight
menu item
First S
teps: Getting to
Know
the CO
OL
PIX
9908
Make selection
1
2
S
MENU PA G E 2
WHITE BALANCEA
SELECT SET
AA
Viewing the menusPress the MENU button to display the menu for the current mode.
• The menu can be hidden by pressing the MENU button when is dis-played in the lower left corner of the LCD monitor (to clear the M-REC menufrom the monitor when MENU PA G E 2 is displayed as shown at left, press the MENUbutton twice: once to display the second page of the M-REC menu, the secondtime to clear the menu from the screen).
Multi-page menusUse the multi selector to move between pages in the M-REC menu, or to access the SET-UP menu from the M-REC andplayback menus.
4
MENU O F F
1
2
S
USER SETTING
SELECT SETS
• You can also go from Page 1 to Page 2 of the M-REC menu by pressing the MENUbutton once.
• The SET-UP menu for playback mode can also be accessed from the main playbackmenu. The SET-UP menu for M-REC can be accessed from the second page of theM-REC menu.
First S
teps: Getting to
Know
the CO
OL
PIX
9909
Displayselected page
11
2
S
MENU PA G E 2
WHITE BALANCEA
SELECT SET
AA
Positioncursor in main
menu
Highlight pagetab
21
2
S
MENU PA G E 2
SHOOTING MENU 1A
SELECT SET
AA
3
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SHOOTING MENU 2
SELECT SETSHighlight page
number (S forSET-UP menu)
Using the command dial to make a selectionA icon next to a menu item indicates that the command dial can be used instead of the multi selector to make a selection.
1
2
S
MENU PA G E 2
WHITE BALANCE
SELECT SET
AA
2 Stop whendesired option
is displayed
1
2
S
MENU PA G E 2
WHITE BALANCEA
SELECT SET
AA
1
Rotatecommand dial
• Changes to settings apply as soon asthe selection is made. You can thenmake further changes to other settingsas described above, or use the MENUbutton to clear the menu from the dis-play.
MENU O F F
S
SET-UPFoldersMonitor OptionsShutter SoundAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card FormatDate
SELECT SET
DATE
2 0 0 0 . 0 1 . 0 1
0 0 : 0 0
Y M D
First S
teps: Getting to
Know
the CO
OL
PIX
99010The A-REC Menu
CF CARD FORMAT
NoFormat
WARNING!All images willbe deleted!
3 0 S1 M5 M3 0 M
BrightnessHue
ONOFFReset
OptionsN I K O N
ONOFF
OPTIONSNew
Delete
Rename
BRIGHTNESS
HUE
NEWLM
N I K O N
OP
RENAMEN O VS H O W
DELETE
S H O WN O V
RENAMEQR
S H O W
TU
DELETE
YesNo
S H O Wdeleting folder?
Clickfor more information
MENU O F F
1
2
S
USER SETTING
SELECT SETS
1
2
S
MENU PA G E 2
WHITE BALANCEA
SELECT SET
AA
First S
teps: Getting to
Know
the CO
OL
PIX
99011
USER SETTING
RESET ALL
NoReset
Reset all settingsto default values?
FOCUS OPTIONSAF Area ModeAuto Focus ModeFocus ConfirmationDistance Units
ZOOM OPTIONSDigital TeleStartup PositionFixed Aperture
SPEEDLIGHT OPT.Variable PowerSpeedlight Cntrl
The M-REC Menu, Page 1 The M-REC Menu, Page 2
IMAGE SHARPENING
HighNormalLow
Auto
Off
A IMAGE ADJUSTMENT
NormalAuto
More ContrastLess ContrastLighten ImageDarken Image
0
Black&White
A
LENSNormalWide AdapterTelephoto 1Telephoto 2Fisheye 1Fisheye 2
METERINGMatrixSpotCenter-WeightedSpot AF Area
BSSOFFON
CONTINUOUSSingleContinuousMulti-shot 16VGA SequenceUltra HSMovie
WHITE BALANCEAutoWhi tehi te Bal PresetetFineIncandescentIncandescentFluorescentFluorescentCloudyloudySpeedlight
A
EXPOSURE OPTIONSAE LockAuto BracketingExp +/–
WHITE BALANCE PRESET
CancelMeasure
MFONOFF
mft
AutoManualOff
Continuous AFSingle AF
OFFON
Last PositionWideTele
ONOFF
+ 0.3
– 0.3
0
ble PowerInt & Ext ActiveInt Flash Off
OFFONReset
OFFON
+ 0.3
– 0.3
0
Clickfor more information
SET-UPFoldersMonitor OptionsControlsAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card Format
Shutter SoundShot Confirm LampDateVideo ModeLanguage
First S
teps: Getting to
Know
the CO
OL
PIX
99012The M-REC Set-up Menu
DATE
2 0 0 0 . 0 1 . 0 1
0 0 : 0 0
Y M D
CF CARD FORMAT
NoFormat
WARNING!All images willbe deleted!
3 0 S1 M5 M3 0 M
Display ModeBrightnessHue
ONOFFResetON
OFF
NTSCPAL
DEFJ
MemorizeFunc.1Func.2
OptionsN I K O N
ONOFF
BRIGHTNESS DISPLAY MODEONReview OnlyPreview OnlyMonitor Off
HUE
MEMORIZEMode
Done
FUNC. 1Mode
Metering
White Balance
FUNC. 2Mode
Metering
White Balance
OPTIONSNew
Delete
Rename
NEWLM
N I K O N
OP
RENAMEN O VS H O W
DELETE
S H O WN O V
RENAMEQR
S H O W
TU
DELETE
YesNo
S H O Wdeleting folder?
Clickfor more information
MENU O F F
1
S
SET-UPMonitor OptionsShutter SoundAuto Off
DateVideo Mode
CF Card Format
LanguageSELECT SET
MENU O F F
1
S
PLAY BACK MENUDeleteFoldersSlide ShowProtectHide ImagePrint SetSet-up
SELECT SETS
First S
teps: Getting to
Know
the CO
OL
PIX
99013The Playback Menu The Playback Set-up Menu
DATE
2 0 0 0 . 0 1 . 0 1
0 0 : 0 0
Y M D
CF CARD FORMAT
NoFormat
WARNING!All images willbe deleted!
3 0 S1 M5 M3 0 M
BrightnessHue
ONOFF
NTSCPAL
DEFJ
DELETE
Print Set
Selected Images
FolderAll Images
SLIDE SHOW
(Pause ➞ )
StartFrame Intvl
HIDE IMAGE
FOLDERS
N O V
Options
N I K O NAll Folders
PROTECTPRINT
DELETE
DELETE
S H O WN O V
ERASE ALL IMAGES
YesNo
Erasing all images( excluded)
OPTIONSNew
Delete
Rename
PRINT SET
InfoDate
Done
BRIGHTNESS
HUE
Clickfor more information
First S
teps: Putting B
atteries in the Cam
era14
For more information on:
The batteries can be removed without affecting photographs stored onthe camera’s memory card. All M-REC settings except date and languagewill, however, be reset.
The camera’s clock-calendar is powered by a separate rechargeable bat-tery. When you put batteries in your camera for the first time or after along period of storage, wait a few hours for the clock battery to rechargebefore removing the main batteries.
Putting Batteries in the Camera
1 Turn the camera offTurn the mode dial to the off position.If the camera is on a tripod, removethe tripod before proceeding to thenext step.
2 Open the battery-chamber coverFirmly pressing the button in the cen-ter of the latch, slide the latch to theopen position ( ), then open the bat-tery-chamber cover as shown at right.
3 Insert the batteriesInsert four LR6 (AA) batteries with the+ and – poles oriented as shown inthe label inside of the battery-cham-ber cover.
4 Close and latch the battery-chamber coverClose the battery-chamber cover and, keeping the coverheld firmly closed by pressing it where labeled “▼Push,”return the latch to the locked position ( ). To prevent thebatteries from falling out of the camera during operation,confirm that the cover is latched.
5 Check the battery levelTurn the mode dial to A-REC and check the battery level inthe control panel.
Batteries fully charged
Low batteryReplace the batteries as soon as possible.
Batteries exhaustedNo photographs can be taken until the batterieshave been replaced.
Battery types approved for use in your camera
Safe storage and handling of batteries
While alkaline batteries are suitable for use in the COOLPIX 990, batterylife can be extended by using high-capacity lithium or nickel-metal hydride(Ni-MH) batteries.
The following techniques can be used to extend battery life:• Turn the LCD monitor off whenever possible (see right). Turning the
monitor off eliminates the single biggest draw on battery power.• If the batteries become exhausted, try turning the camera off and warming
the batteries gently, for example in an inside pocket. The batteries mayrecover sufficient charge for a few extra shots with the monitor turnedoff.
• Use the AC adapter (available separately) when the camera is connectedto a computer, when playing images back, or when using the slide-showoption.
In M-REC mode, power consumption is also affected by the options in theFOCUS OPTIONS > Autofocus Mode and the SET-UP > MonitorOptions > Display Mode sub-menus (see table below).
Extending battery lifeF
irst Steps: P
utting Batteries in the C
amera
15
Powerconsumption
Autofocus modeDisplay mode
High
Low
Review Only N.A.*
Monitor Off N.A.*
On/Preview OnlySingle AF
Continuous AF
* Single autofocus is used while Review Only or Monitor Off are ineffect.
For more information on:
Connecting to a computer
Playback
Autofocus mode
Focus options
Display mode
The MONITOR button
The MONITOR button controls the LCD monitor. Press the button tocycle through monitor settings as shown below.
Monitor on,settings displayed
Monitor on,settings hidden
Monitor off
Press
Press
Press
First S
teps: Inserting the Mem
ory C
ard16
For more information on:
Inserting the Memory Card
1 Turn the camera offTurn the mode dial to the off position.
2 Insert the memory cardOpen the card-slot cover (1) and in-sert the card (2) oriented as shown inthe ▲ INSERT label on the undersideof the cover, sliding it in until it is firmlyin place at the back of the slot and theeject button pops up (3).
3 Close the card-slot coverFold the eject button back into posi-tion (4) and close the card-slot cover(5). If the button is not folded overwhen the cover is closed, closing thecover may partially eject the card, caus-ing errors in recording photographs orduring playback.
Safe handling of memory cards
Approved memory cards
Reading memory cards with a computer
Formatting memory cards
Memory cards must be formatted for use in the COOLPIX 990 beforethey can be used. To format the memory card:
Select A-REC
1
Press MENU O F F
S
SET-UPFoldersMonitor OptionsShutter SoundAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card FormatDate
SELECT SET
2 A-REC setupmenu displayed
Removing memory cards
Memory cards can be removed without loss of datawhen the camera is off. To remove memory cards,turn the camera off and open the card-slot cover.Stand the eject button up (6) and press it down (7)to eject the card.
Highlight CFCard Format
MENU O F F
S
SET-UPFoldersMonitor OptionsShutter SoundAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card FormatDate
SELECT SET
3
Press
4
Confirmation dialog displayed. Press multiselector down to highlight Format, then pressto right to format card. Do not turn camera offor remove card until “FORMATTING” messagehas disappeared from display. All data on cardwill be permanently deleted.
MENU O F F
S
CF CARD FORMAT
SELECT SET
NoFormat
WARNING!All images willbe deleted!
5
MENU O F F
1
S
PLAY BACK MENUDeleteFoldersSlide ShowProtectHide ImagePrint SetSet-up
SELECT SETSHighlight
Set-up
First S
teps: Cho
osing a L
anguage17
Choosing a Language
The language in which menus and messages are displayed canbe set using the Language sub-menu.
1 Turn the mode dial to PLAY
2 Press the MENU buttonThe playback menu will be displayed (the appearance of themenu will vary depending on the language currently selected).
3 Display the SET-UP menu
4 Choose a language from the Language sub-menu
MENU O F F
1
S
PLAY BACK MENUDeleteFoldersSlide ShowProtectHide ImagePrint SetSet-up
SELECT SETS
A
B
MENU O F F
1
S
SET-UPMonitor OptionsShutter SoundAuto Off
DateVideo Mode
CF Card Format
LanguageSELECT SETPress
MENU O F F
1
S
SET-UPMonitor OptionsShutter SoundAuto Off
DateVideo Mode
CF Card Format
LanguageSELECT SETHighlight
Language
A
B
MENU O F F
1
S
LANGUAGE
SELECT SET
Monitor OptionsShutter SoundAuto Off
DateVideo Mode
CF Card Format
Language
DEFJ
The languages available in the Language sub-menu are:D German (Deutsch)E EnglishF French (Français)J Japanese
Press
PressMENU O F F
1
S
LANGUAGE
SELECT SET
Monitor OptionsShutter SoundAuto Off
DateVideo Mode
CF Card Format
Language
DEFJHighlight
option
C D
First S
teps: Setting the T
ime and D
ate18
Setting the Time and Date
1 Turn the mode dial to PLAY
2 Press the MENU buttonThe playback menu will be displayed.
3 Display the SET-UP menu
4 Display the DATE menu
MENU O F F
1
S
PLAY BACK MENUDeleteFoldersSlide ShowProtectHide ImagePrint SetSet-up
SELECT SETS
Any photographs taken before the time and date have been set will have atime stamp of “2000/01/01 0:00”. Until you have set the time and date, aflashing clock icon will be displayed in the top right corner of the LCDmonitor when the camera is set to A-REC or M-REC.
The clock-calendar is powered by a separate, rechargeable battery, whichis charged as necessary when the main batteries are installed. If the cam-era has been stored with the main batteries removed for a long period oftime, the clock may need to be reset. Once the main batteries have beenreinserted, the clock battery will recharge in several hours, during whichtime the batteries should be left in the camera.
MENU O F F
1
S
PLAY BACK MENUDeleteFoldersSlide ShowProtectHide ImagePrint SetSet-up
SELECT SETSHighlight
Set-up
A
B
MENU O F F
1
S
SET-UPMonitor OptionsShutter SoundAuto Off
DateVideo Mode
CF Card Format
LanguageSELECT SETPress
MENU O F F
1
S
SET-UPMonitor OptionsShutter SoundAuto Off
DateVideo Mode
CF Card Format
LanguageSELECT SETHighlight
Date
A
B
MENU O F F
1
S
DATE
2 0 0 0 . 0 1 . 0 1
0 0 : 0 0
Y M D
SELECT SETPress
First S
teps: Setting the T
ime and D
ate19
B
MENU O F F
1
S
DATE
2 0 0 0 . 0 2 . 0 1
0 0 : 0 0
Y M D
SELECT SETEdit selecteditem
A
MENU O F F
1
S
DATE
2 0 0 0 . 0 1 . 0 1
0 0 : 0 0
Y M D
SELECT SETHighlightdesired item
MENU O F F
1
S
DATE
2 0 0 0 . 0 4 . 2 4
2 0 : 1 6
Y M D
SETSELECT
5 Set the time and date using the multi selector 6 Exit the DATE menuTo set the time and date to the values displayed, highlightY M D and press the multi selector to the right.
To exit without changing the timeand date, press the MENU button.
• To change the or-der in which theyear, month, and dayare displayed, high-light Y M D andpress the multi se-lector up or downto cycle throughsettings in the fol-lowing order:
Y M D
M D Y
D M Y
First S
teps: Taking a Pho
tograph20
Taking a Photograph
The COOLPIX 990 offers two shooting modes, A-REC andM-REC. In A-REC, the majority of camera settings are con-trolled by the camera in response to lighting conditions andfocus distance, producing the best possible results. M-RECallows you greater control over such settings as shutter speed,aperture, and white balance.
In
A-REC
you can control
• Optical and digitalzoom
• Flash settings• Focus mode
(autofocus, macro-close-up, infinity, self-timer)
• Image size and quality• Exposure compensa-
tion
the camera controls
• Shutter speed• Aperture• Focus distance (in
autofocus and macro-close-up modes)
• Exposure metering• White balance• Contrast• Sharpness
M-REC
All settings listed above,as well as:• Focus area• Focus distance
(manual focus)• Sensitivity (ISO
equivalency)• Advance rate (single
frame, continuous,video)
• Best-shot selection forsharper, clearer photo-graphs
• Other settings
Depending on theexposure mode se-lected, the camera cancontrol any or all ofshutter speed, aperture,and focus distance inresponse to othersettings made by theuser
P 1/601/60 F2.72.7NORMALNORMAL
[ 1010]
This section outlines the basic steps involved in taking a pho-tograph in A-REC mode.
1 Remove the lens capRemove the lens cap as shown below.
2 Turn the mode dial to A-RECAfter a short pause, a beep will soundand current settings will be displayed inthe LCD monitor and the control panel.
3 Check the number of exposures remainingThe control panel and LCD monitor show the number ofexposures remaining at current settings for image qualityand size.
First S
teps: Taking a Pho
tograph21
The MONITOR button
The monitor button controls the LCD monitor. Press the button to cyclethrough monitor settings as shown below.
Monitor on,settings displayed
Monitor on,settings hidden
Monitor off
P 1/601/60 F2.72.7NORMALNORMAL
[ 1010]
When this number reaches zero, you will need to insert anew memory card or delete some pictures before you willbe able to take more photographs. It may be possible torecord more photographs at a different image quality orsize.
Press
Press
Press
Number of exposures remaining
Lift latch andremove cap
For more information on:
Deleting photographs
Image quality and size
Focus mode
4 Adjust camera settingsWhen the mode dial is turned to A-REC, the following set-tings will return to their default values:
For more information on:
Using the flash
Focus mode
Image quality and size
Exposure compensation
First S
teps: Taking a Pho
tograph22Before taking a photograph, you can make changes to these
settings using the camera buttons and command dial.
OperationButton Controls
Press
Press
Press
Image size
Full ⇔ XGA ⇔VGA ⇔ 3 : 2
Press while turn-ing command dial
Exposurecompensation
(–2.0 EV to +2.0 EV inincrements of 0.3 EV)
Press while turn-ing command dial
The icons shown above are displayed in the control panel.
Image quality
FINE
BASICNORMAL
Flash mode
Autofocus
* These settings apply the first time you turn the camera on.Image quality and size are not restored to default settings thenext time the mode dial is turned to A-REC (an image-qualitysetting of HI becomes FINE in A-REC).
Setting
Flash mode
Focus mode
Image quality
Image size
Exposurecompensation
Description
Flash fires automaticallywhen lighting is poor
Camera focuses automati-cally at distances over30 cm (1 ft)
Photographs compressedfor best balance betweenfile size and image quality
Photographs are 2048 ×1536 pixels in size
No exposure compensa-tion performed
Default
Auto
Autofocus
Normal*
Full*
±0 EV
5 Ready the cameraTo reduce blurring caused by camera shake, hold the cam-era firmly in both hands. Photographs can be framed in theLCD monitor (A) or the viewfinder (B).
First S
teps: Taking a Pho
tograph23
Keep your fingers and other objects away from the lens and flash windowwhen taking photographs.
When framing photographs in the viewfinder at ranges of 90 cm(1 yd) or less, use the smaller of the two frames in the viewfinderdisplay (the area shaded in purple in the illustration at right).
Frame photographs in the monitor when:• you are using macro close-up• you are using digital zoom• you are using a lens converter• image size is set to 3 : 2• you want direct confirmation of camera settings or the
view through the lens
Frame photographs in the viewfinder when:• you want to save power by turning the monitor off• bright ambient lighting conditions make it difficult to see
the display in the monitor
A B
First S
teps: Taking a Pho
tograph24
Button Operation Function
6 Select your subjectFrame the photograph using the zoom buttons.
For more information on:
Macro close-up
Optical and digital zoom
Lens converters
Image size
When framing photographs in the LCD monitor, you cantake advantage of the rotating lens section to hold the cam-era at almost any angle. You can even rotate the lens topoint at yourself and frame self-portraits in the monitor, asshown below (in this case, all indicators are hidden and themonitor shows a mirror image of what will appear in thefinal photograph).
Press
Zoom camera out(zoom position shown in LCD
monitor)
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Press
Zoom camera in
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[ 10]
Hold for2 sec. at
maximumopticalzoom
position
Enter digital zoom mode
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X2.0
1/60 F2.7NORMALNORMAL
[ 10]
Digital zoom ratio can beadjusted using and buttons. Press button atminimum digital zoom ratio toreturn to optical zoom.
First S
teps: Taking a Pho
tograph25
For more information on:
Autofocus
Focus lock
Focus area
Using the flash
8 Take the photographTo take a photograph, press the shutter-release button all the way down. A beepwill sound to let you know that a pho-tograph has been taken, and the greenAF lamp will blink slowly while the im-age is saved to the memory card.
7 FocusIn A-REC, the camera focuses on thecenter of the frame, shown by the fo-cus target in the viewfinder. Before tak-ing a photograph, press the shutter-re-lease button halfway to initiateautofocus, and check the status of theautofocus lamp (green) and the flashlamp (red) next to the viewfinder.
MeaningLamp
Camera unable to focus usingautofocus. Use focus lock tofocus on another subject at samedistance, then recompose photo-graph.
Subject in focus
AF
lam
p
Flashes rapidly
Glows steadily
Fla
sh la
mp
Glows steadily Flash will fire when photograph istaken
Flash charging. Remove fingerbriefly from shutter-releasebutton, then try again.
Blinks
Flash not required or flash set to“off”
Off
▼ ▼
First S
teps: Taking a Pho
tograph269 Check the results
After a photograph has been taken, the autofocus lamp willblink and an hourglass icon ( ) will be displayed in the LCDmonitor while the photograph is recorded. Before the pho-tograph is transferred to the memory card, it will be dis-played briefly in the LCD monitor.
10 Turn the camera offWhen you have finished using the cam-era, be sure to turn the mode dial toOFF. To avoid wasting batteries, checkthat the camera is off before putting itaway.
11 Replace the lens capReplace the lens cap as shown below.
Press to deletephotograph
Press to pause display for 20 sec.Press again to record photograph,or press ( ) to delete as
shown at left. Photograph re-corded automatically after 20 sec.
MENU O F F
DELETE
SELECT
YesNo
SET
erase images?
Delete dialog displayed. Press multiselector up or down to highlight option,press to right to select.• Select Yes to delete photograph• Select No to save photograph and
return to shooting mode
While photographs are being recorded to the memory card, the autofocuslamp will blink. Do not eject the memory card, remove the batteries, orunplug the AC adapter (available separately) until the lamp has stoppedblinking. Removing the card or cutting power while recording is in progresscould result in loss of data.
Lift latch andreplace cap
First S
teps: Playback and D
eletion
27Playback and Deletion
Photographs stored on the memory card can be played backfor review or deletion.
1 Turn the mode dial to PLAYThe most recent photograph in memory will be displayedin the LCD monitor.
2000.04.252000.04.2514:20
NORMAL 5/5][
100NIKON0005.JPG
Single-image playback
The MONITOR button
The monitor button controls the LCD monitor. Press the button to cyclethrough monitor settings as shown below.
Monitor on,photo info displayed
Monitor on,photo info hidden
Monitor off
Press
Press
Press
OperationButton Function
Press
Zoom in on currentphotograph (use multiselector to view other
areas of image)( )
Cancel zoomPress
Select current photofor deletionPress( )
Start or stop movieplaybackPress
Press up or left toview earlier images,down or right toview later images
View other photo-graphs in memory oneat a time (hold downto scroll rapidly to
desired frame number)
Rotate
View additional infor-mation on current
photo
First S
teps: Playback and D
eletion
28
OperationButton Function
Thumbnail playback Deleting photographsSingle-image
playbackThumbnailplayback
2000.04.252000.04.2514:2014:20
NORMALNORMAL 5/5][
100NIK100NIKONON0005.JPG
( ) Press
Press once to displaymenu of nine thumbnailimages, twice to displayfour thumbnail images,a third time to returnto single-image play-
back
Press ( )
button
MENU O F F
DELETE
SELECT
YesNo
SET
erase images?
Delete dialog displayed. Press multiselector up or down to highlightoption, press to right to select.• Select Yes to delete photograph• Select No to save photograph and
return to shooting mode
Highlight thumbnail.Use ( ) button
to view highlightedthumbnail at full size.
Press up, left,down, or right
Select highlightedthumbnail for deletionPress( )
Rotate
Scroll through thumb-nails page by page
Basic P
hotography
29
Optical and Digital Zoom
Using the Flash
Focus
Using the Self-Timer
Image Quality and Size
Exposure Compensation
Reviewing Photographs
Basic PhotographyThis chapter covers operations that can be performed usingthe camera’s dials and buttons in A-REC mode. A-REC modeis a simple, “point-and-shoot” mode in which the majority ofsettings are made automatically by the camera to produce thebest results. The user controls the following settings directlyby means of the camera’s buttons and dials:
• optical and digital zoom• flash settings• focus-mode settings• image quality and size• exposure compensation
In addition, you can also perform the following operations inA-REC mode:
• focus lock• delay shutter release using the self-timer• review and delete photographs as they are taken
These topics are covered in the sections that follow.
Clickto go
Basic P
hotography: O
ptical and Digital Z
oo
m30
Optical and Digital Zoom
The COOLPIX 990 is equipped with motor-driven, ×3 opticalzoom linked to the viewfinder. By changing the area visible inthe viewfinder (the “field of view”), zoom helps you establishthe right balance between subject and background. A widefield of view is suitable for group portraits or landscapes, anarrow field of view for close-ups or long-range photography.Digital zoom can be used to further enlarge photographs elec-tronically by up to ×4.0. Note that zooming in on a subjecttends to decrease the amount of light entering the camera,resulting in slower shutter speeds, while simultaneously de-creasing the apparent distance between the subject and thebackground. Zooming out has the opposite effect.
Optical ZoomPhotos can be framed in the viewfinder or LCD monitor usingthe zoom buttons.
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Indicator in LCDmonitor displays amountof zoom while eitherbutton is pressedZoom inZoom out
Digital ZoomAt the maximum optical zoom position, holding the but-ton down for two seconds triggers digital zoom.
While digital zoom is in effect, the zoom factor increases eachtime the button is pressed, to a maximum of ×4.0. Press-ing the button decreases the zoom factor. To restore op-tical zoom, press the button until the digital zoom indica-tor disappears.
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[ 10]
AF lamp blinks slowlyto show that photoscan not be accuratelyframed in viewfinder
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X2.0X2.0
1/60 F2.7NORMALNORMAL
[ 10]
Maximum opticalzoom position
Zoom factor displayedin LCD monitor
Hold for twoseconds
Basic P
hotography: U
sing the Flash
31
For more information on:
Initial zoom position
Digital zoom settings
Zoom aperture
Metering
Focus area selection
Image adjustment
Digital zoom
In digital zoom, image data from the CCD are processed digitally, enlargingthe center portion of the image to fill the frame. Unlike optical zoom,digital zoom does not increase the amount of detail visible in the photo-graph. Instead, details visible at maximum zoom are enlarged, producing aslightly “grainy” image. Because only the center portion of the image ap-pears in the final photograph, center-weighted metering is used, and thecenter focus area is automatically selected.
Digital zoom can not be used when Black & White is chosen in theM-REC IMAGE ADJUSTMENT sub-menu.
The effects of digital zoom are not visible in the viewfinder. Digital zoomis only available when the LCD monitor is on or the camera is connectedto a television set.
Using the Flash
The flash settings can be changed in A-REC and M-REC modesusing the button.
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Confirm flash setting incontrol panel or LCDmonitor (setting notdisplayed in monitorwhen flash set to “auto”)
Press
Flash fires whenlighting is poorAuto Best for general use
Flash will not fireeven when lighting
is poor
Use where flash is prohib-ited or to capture naturallighting under dim light(use of tripod advisedwhen lighting is poor)
FlashCancel (off)
How it worksSetting When to use it
The following flash settings are available:
Basic P
hotography: U
sing the Flash
32How it worksSetting When to use it
For more information on:
Safe flash use
Focus mode
Multi-shot settings
Best-shot selection
Lens converter settings
Exposure options
Flash exposure level
Using an external flash
When lighting is poor and the flash is set to “Off” ( ) or “Slow Sync”( ), shutter speed slows and photos may be blurred. If possible, use atripod when lighting is poor. At speeds of below 1/4 sec., the shutter speedindicator in the LCD monitor turns yellow. Noise may appear in photo-graphs taken at speeds slower than this value.
The built-in flash will automatically be set to “Off” ( ) when:• you use autofocus with a setting of “Infinity” ( )• you choose a multi-shot setting of Continuous, Multi-shot 16, VGA
Sequence, or Ultra HS (an external flash can still be used with thesesettings)
• you choose a multi-shot setting of Movie• you use best-shot selection (BSS)• you use lens converter (LENS) settings• the AE Lock option in the EXPOSURE OPTIONS sub-menu is on
When using the flash, be sure the flash window is unobstructed.
Pre-flash lamp firesbefore main flashto minimize “red-eye” caused byflash reflecting
from retina
Auto withred-eye
reduction
Use for portraits (worksbest when subjects are
well within range of flashand are looking directly at
camera)
Flash fires when-ever photo is
taken
AnytimeFlash (fill
flash)
Use to “fill-in” (illuminate)back-lit subjects
A short pause is required between exposures for the flash system to charge.While the flash is charging, the red flash lamp next to the viewfinder willblink when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway. Try again afterbriefly removing your finger from the shutter-release button.
Auto flash com-bined with lowshutter speed
Slowsynchro-
nized
Use to capture bothsubject and background atnight or under low light
conditions
Basic P
hotography: Fo
cus33
Focus
A-REC offers a choice of three autofocus settings, plus a self-timer mode. Focus mode can be set in A-REC or M-REC usingthe button.
How it worksSetting When to use it
Camera automati-cally adjusts focus
according todistance to subject
NO ICONAutofocus
Use with subject 30 cm(1 ft) or more from lens
Focus is fixed atinfinity. Flash is
disabled.
Use for photographingdistant scenes in daylight(a manual focus setting of“Inf” is available for whenyou want to use the flash)
Infinity
Focus adjustedautomatically for
subjects 2 cm(0.8 in) or more
from lens
MacroClose-up
Use for close-up photog-raphy
Shutter releasedelayed 10 sec.after shutter-
release button ispressed (releasedelayed 3 sec. ifpressed twice)
Self-timer
Use for self-portraits orto reduce camera shake.Focus mode set to
(macro close-up), allowingphotographs to be taken
at ranges of 2 cm toinfinity.
When the camera is zoomed to the middle optical zoom position, macroclose-up can be used with subjects as little as 2 cm (0.8 in) from the lens.At zoom positions suited to macro close-up, the macro close-up icon( ) in the LCD monitor will turn yellow.
It is recommended that you frame photographs in the LCD monitor whenusing macro close-up.
While the flash can be used in macro close-up mode, it may sometimes beunable to light the entire subject. Take a test picture and verify the resultsin the LCD monitor.
Macro close-up
For more information on:
Manual focus
Using the self-timer
Focus mode will cycle through the following settings:
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Confirm focus-modesetting in control panelor LCD monitorPress
Basic P
hotography: Fo
cus34
Autofocus ModeAt settings of “autofocus” or “macro close-up”, the cameraautomatically focuses on the subject in the selected focus areawhen the shutter-release button is pressed halfway (in A-RECmode, the camera automatically focuses on the subject in thecenter focus area). The autofocus system operates in one oftwo modes:
In A-REC, autofocus mode is determined by whether the LCDmonitor is on or off: continuous AF is used when the monitoris on, single AF when it is off. M-REC offers additional settingsthat give greater control over autofocus mode.
How it worksAF Mode Pros and cons
Camera focuseswhen shutter-release buttonpressed halfway
PROPhotographs can only betaken when camera is infocus; saves batteries
CONSlight delay beforecamera focuses
Single
Camera adjustsfocus continuously
Continuous
PROMinimizes time requiredto focus
CONPhotos can be takeneven when camera isnot focused—check AFlamp before shooting
Getting good results with autofocus
Autofocus performs best when:• There is contrast between the subject and the background. For ex-
ample, autofocus may not perform well on subjects that are the samecolor as the background.
• The subject is evenly lit.
Autofocus does not perform well when:• The focus area contains objects at different distances from the camera.
For example, autofocus may not perform well when photographing anobject inside a cage, as the bars of the cage will be closer to the camerathan the main subject.
• The subject is very dark (the subject should not, however, be too muchbrighter than the background).
• The subject is moving rapidly.
If the camera is unable to focus using autofocus, use focus lock to focus onanother subject at the same distance, or measure the distance to yoursubject and use manual focus. For more information, see:
“Focus lock” (following)
“Advanced Photography: Manual Focus”
For more information on:
Autofocus mode (M-REC)
Focus area
Basic P
hotography: Fo
cus35
Focus LockIn A-REC mode, the camera automatically focuses on the sub-ject at the center of the frame. If your subject is not located atthe center of the frame when the shutter-release button ispressed halfway, the camera will focus on the background. Fo-cus lock allows you to first focus on your subject, then adjustthe composition before taking the photograph.
1 Focus the cameraPosition the subject in the center focus area (shown by thefocus target in the viewfinder) and press the shutter-re-lease button halfway.
2 Check the AF lampWith the shutter-release button held halfway down, checkthat the green AF lamp next to the viewfinder glows steadily.
3 Recompose the photograph and shootFocus will remain locked as long as the shutter-release but-ton is held halfway. Keeping the shutter-release button heldhalfway down, recompose your photograph. Press the shut-ter-release button the rest of the way down to shoot.
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Do not change the distance between the camera and the sub-ject while focus lock is in effect. If your subject moves, removeyour finger from the shutter-release button and focus again atthe new distance.
In M-REC mode, you can also use focus area selection to focus on an off-center subject. See:
“Advanced Photography: Focus Area Selection”
Basic P
hotography: U
sing the Self-T
imer
36Using the Self-Timer
The COOLPIX 990 is equipped with an automatic timer withtwo settings: three seconds, useful for reducing camera shake,and ten seconds, ideal for self-portraits. To use the self-timer,follow these steps:
1 Mount the camera on a tripod (recommended) or rest iton a flat, stable surface.
2 Press the button until the icon appears in thecontrol panel or LCD monitor.
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[ 1010]
3
3 Compose the photograph.
4 Fully depress the shutter-release but-ton to activate the timer. Press theshutter-release button once for a ten-second delay. For a three-second de-lay, press the shutter-release buttontwice.
The red-eye reduction lamp next to the flash window willstart to blink when the shutter-release button is pressed,and continue to blink until one second before the shutter isreleased. The red-eye reduction lamp will stay lit during thefinal second to warn that the shutter is about to be re-leased.
To stop the automatic timer before a photograph is taken, turn the modedial to a different setting. The timer will stop and the indicator will disap-pear from the control panel and LCD monitor.
Count-down timer in LCDmonitor shows number ofseconds remaining toshutter release after shutter-release button fully pressed
Image Quality and Size
Image quality and size together determine the file size of pho-tographs taken with the camera. This in turn determines howmany photographs can be stored on a single memory card.The number of images that can be stored at different combina-tions of image quality and size is illustrated in the followingtables:
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Basic P
hotography: Im
age Quality and S
ize37
Setting File format How it works
Image QualityTo reduce memory requirements, images are compressed us-ing JPEG compression, which can result in changes in imagequality. Image quality is set using the button.
Quality
Size
Full XGA VGA 3 : 2
HI 10 — — 11
FINE 61 239 588 69
NORMAL 121 466 1101 137
BASIC 239 885 1952 269
Number of images that can be stored on 96 MB memory card
Press
Confirm image qualitysetting in control panelor LCD monitor
HI(M-REC
only)TIFF No compression, maximum
quality
FINE JPEG File size reduced to roughly 1/4of original
NORMAL JPEG File size reduced to roughly 1/8of original
BASIC JPEG File size reduced to roughly 1/16of original
Image quality will cycle through the following settings:
Quality
HI
FINE
NORMAL
BASIC
SizeXGA VGA 3 : 2
8MB 16MB 8MB 16MB 8MB 16MB 8MB 16MB
Number of images that can be stored on 8 MB and 16 MB memory cards
—
19
38
73
—
48
91
161
0
5
11
22
1
10
20
40
—
40
79
151
—
100
187
333
1
11
23
46
Full
0
5
10
19
Basic P
hotography: Im
age Quality and S
ize38JPEG compression analyzes images in blocks 8 × 8 pixels in
size, and selectively reduces detail within each block. At highercompression ratios, the block pattern becomes more visibleand there may be noticeable loss of detail. The actual effectdepends on the size of the image when output on a monitoror printer and on the type of subject. While a setting of NOR-MAL represents the best trade-off between memory and im-age quality in most cases, a setting of BASIC can be used tosave memory. Settings of HI (M-REC only) or FINE are suit-able for photographs that will be enlarged or printed at highresolution.
Image SizeImage size can be set by holding down the button whileturning the command dial.
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[ 38]
VGAGA
Confirmsize settingin controlpanel orLCDmonitor
Setting Size (pixels) Notes
Full 2048 × 1536 —
VGA 640 × 480 Not available at HI imagequality
XGA 1024 × 768 Not available at HI imagequality
The following options are available:
Same aspect ratio as 35 mmfilm. AF lamp blinks slowly to
indicate that viewfinder can notbe used to frame photo accu-
rately. Use LCD monitor.
3 : 2 2048 × 1360
Image size determines the size at which an image can be reproduced on aprinter or monitor. If the output size is too large, the individual pixels willbe visible to the naked eye, giving the image a rough, uneven appearance. Atypical target resolution for an ink-jet printer is about 200 pixels per inch.At this resolution, a VGA picture will be output at a size of 3.2 × 2.4 inches(8.1 × 6.1 cm), a full-size image at a size of about 10.2 × 7.7 inches(26.0 × 19.5 cm). Computer monitors typically have a resolution of about100 pixels per inch.
JPEG compression (image quality) reduces file size, but has no effect onthe number of pixels in the image or on the size of the image when outputon a printer or monitor.
Basic P
hotography: E
xposure C
om
pensation
39Exposure Compensation
To obtain the desired result with certain subject compositions,particularly those containing complex patterns of light and shadeor areas of high contrast, it may be necessary to use exposurecompensation to modify the exposure value suggested by thecamera. Exposure compensation is available in both A-RECand M-REC.
Exposure compensation can be set to values between +2.0 EV(overexposure) and –2.0 EV (underexposure) in increments of1/
3EV.
To cancel exposure compensation, set the compensation valueto ±0.0 EV.
By default, exposure compensation returns to ±0.0 when the camera isturned off. In M-REC mode, the camera can be set to “remember” thecompensation value in effect when the mode dial is turned off, restoringthe value when the mode dial is next set to M-REC. For more informa-tion, see:
“Camera Setup: Customizing Camera Controls”
Exposure compensation can also be set using the EXPOSURE OPTIONS >Exp. +/– item in the M-REC menu. See:
“Advanced Photography: Camera Control”
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Confirm exposurevalue in controlpanel or LCDmonitor. Results ofexposure compen-sation visible inmonitor; adjustcompensation untildesired resultachieved.
Press while turningcommand dial
icon displayed incontrol panel whileexposure compensationis in effect
▼ ▼
Basic P
hotography: R
eviewing P
hotographs
40Reviewing Photographs
In A-REC mode, photographs are displayed in the LCD moni-tor after shooting (in M-REC, you can choose whether or notto display photographs after shooting using the Monitor Op-tions > Display Mode item in the SET-UP menu). The reviewfeature is not available when the monitor is off.
While the display is paused, a REC icon appears in the LCDmonitor. Press the button again to record the photo-graph and return to shooting mode, or press the ( )button to delete the photograph as described above. The pho-tograph will automatically be recorded if neither button ispressed before twenty seconds have passed.
M-REC review settings
For more information on:
Press to deletephotograph
Press to pausedisplay for 20 sec.before recording
MENU O F F
DELETE
SELECT
YesNo
SET
erase images?
Delete dialog displayed• Select Yes to delete photograph• Select No to save photograph and
return to shooting mode
Photographdisplayed in
monitor aftershooting
Advanced P
hotography
41
Continuous Photography
Best-Shot Selection
Contrast, Brightness, and Image Type
Image Sharpening
Camera Control
Settings for Optional Lens Converters
Advanced PhotographyThis chapter covers settings available only when shooting inM-REC mode. In addition to the settings discussed in the pre-vious chapter, in M-REC the user can use camera buttons anddials to control:
• focus area• exposure mode• focus distance (manual focus)• sensitivity (ISO equivalency)
In addition, menu options give the user control over:
White Balance
Metering
These topics are covered in the sections that follow.
• white balance• metering method• frame advance rate• best-shot selection• contrast, brightness,
and image type (coloror black-and-white)
• image sharpening
• camera settings, in-cluding user settingsand settings for expo-sure, autofocus, zoom,and flash
• settings for optionallens converters
Focus Area Selection
Exposure Mode
Manual Focus
Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency)
Clickto go
Advanced P
hotography: Fo
cus Area S
election
42Focus Area Selection
In M-REC, you can choose the focus target for autofocus op-erations from one of five focus areas. Focus area selection isuseful when the subject is not positioned in the center of theframe. There are five focus areas: center, top, bottom, right,left.
To use focus area selection, the LCD monitor must be on andManual selected in the Focus Options > AF Area Modesub-menu of the M-REC shooting menu. The focus area canthen be selected using the multi selector.
When Auto (the default setting) is selected in the Focus Options > AFArea Mode sub-menu for M-REC mode, the camera automatically se-lects the focus area containing the subject closest to the camera when theshutter-release button is pressed halfway. No focus area indicators appearin the LCD monitor until the shutter-release button is half-pressed, whenthe active focus area is shown in red. Focus area selection can also bedeactivated by selecting Off in the Focus Options > AF Area Modesub-menu, in which case the center focus area is used. For more informa-tion, see:
“Advanced Photography: Camera Control”
Focus options
AF-area spot metering
Focus lock
Digital zoom
For more information on:
Focus area selection can be used in combination with AF-areaspot metering to match spot metering to the selected focusarea. It can also be used in combination with focus lock if thesubject would not fall in any of the focus areas in the finalcomposition.
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[ 10]
Center focus areaselected
Use multi selector toselect new focus area
Manual focus selection is not available when the monitor is off or whendigital zoom is in effect. In these cases, the center focus area (shown bythe focus target in the viewfinder) is used for autofocus operations.
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[ 10]
Advanced P
hotography: E
xposure M
ode
43Exposure Mode
In M-REC, you can choose from four exposure modes thatmake it possible to manually adjust shutter speed and/or aper-ture and still achieve optimal exposures. To set the exposuremode:
Mode
Mode How it works When to use it
Programmedauto
Camera sets shutterspeed and aperturefor best exposure.
Flexible program canbe used to select
further combinationsof shutter speed andaperture that yield
equivalent exposure.
Best for general useand for snapshots
Confirm modesetting in controlpanel or LCDmonitor
Press while turningcommand dial
How it works When to use it
Aperture-priority auto
User choosesaperture;
camera setsshutter speedfor best expo-
sure
Large apertures (small fnumbers) blur backgrounddetails and increase rangeof flash; small apertures
(large f numbers) increasedepth of field, bringing both
main subject and back-ground into focus
Shutter-priority
auto
User choosesshutter speed;camera setsaperture for
best exposure
High shutter speeds freezemotion; low shutter speeds
suggest movement byblurring moving objects
Manual
User choosesshutter speedand aperture
Use when you want com-plete control over expo-
sureThe following modes are available:
The term “exposure” refers to the amount of light allowed to enter thecamera when a photograph is taken. The exposure depends on the aper-ture (the size of the opening through which light enters the camera) andshutter speed (the length of time that light enters the camera). The sameexposure can be achieved using many different combinations of apertureand shutter speed. You can use flexible program to choose from one ofseveral combinations, or set either aperture or shutter speed to suit yourcreative designs, while the camera takes care of the other to ensure cor-rect exposure. Manual exposure mode gives you the freedom to modifyexposure from the value suggested by the camera.
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[ 10]
Advanced P
hotography: E
xposure M
ode
44
* appears in controlpanel and LCD monitorto indicate that flexibleprogram is in effect.When monitor is on,values for shutter speedand aperture aredisplayed in controlpanel and LCD monitor(values are not displayedin control panel whenmonitor is off).
Rotate
Exposure compensation
Exposure bracketing
For more information on:
Programmed AutoIn programmed auto, the camera automatically adjusts shutterspeed and aperture to produce the best exposure. Adjust-ments to the exposure value selected by the camera can bemade using exposure compensation or exposure bracketing.
Flexible ProgramWhen programmed auto is in effect, different combinations ofshutter speed and aperture can be selected using the com-mand dial. Each combination of shutter speed and aperturewill produce the same exposure.
Aperture-Priority AutoIn aperture-priority auto, aperture can be chosen by rotatingthe command dial. Aperture can be set to values betweenmaximum and minimum aperture in increments of 1/3 of a step.
Aperture displayed inLCD monitor andcontrol panel
Rotate
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If the selected aperture value would result in the photographbeing over- or under-exposed, the aperture value displayed inthe control panel and LCD monitor will flash when the shut-ter-release button is pressed halfway. Choose another aper-ture setting and try again.
Flexible program is reset to the default aperture and shutter speed whenany of the following actions are performed:• The camera is turned off• The mode dial is turned to another setting• Another exposure mode is chosen
Advanced P
hotography: E
xposure M
ode
45 Shutter-Priority Auto
When the camera is set to shutter-priority auto, shutter speedcan be chosen by rotating the command dial. Options rangefrom 8 sec. to 1/1000 sec. in increments of one step.
ManualIn manual exposure mode, you can choose an aperture be-tween maximum and minimum aperture (in increments of 1/
3
of a step), and a shutter speed of “bulb” or values between8 sec. and 1/
1000sec. (in increments of one step). Follow the
steps below to set shutter-speed and aperture in manual ex-posure mode:
1 After setting the exposure mode to manual, release the button.
2 Press the button again to select ei-ther shutter speed or aperture in the con-trol panel shutter-speed/aperture display, orin the LCD monitor, where the selected item is shown ingreen. The item selected changes each time the button ispressed.
When the shutter-speed is set to bulb (manual exposure mode only), theshutter will remain open while the shutter-release button is pressed (maxi-mum exposure 60 sec.). Use of the remote shutter-release cord MC-EU1(available separately) and a tripod is recommended.
Note that if the shutter is open for longer than 1/4 sec. at any setting, noisemay appear in the final photograph.
Long time exposure
Shutter speed displayedin LCD monitor andcontrol panel (shutterspeeds of 1/4 sec. ormore are shown in theLCD monitor in yellowto indicate that noisemay appear in the finalphotograph)
Rotate
If the selected shutter speed would result in the photographbeing over- or under-exposed, the shutter speed displayed inthe control panel and LCD monitor will flash when the shut-ter-release button is pressed halfway. Choose another settingand try again.
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At a CONTINUOUS setting of Ultra HS, the lowest available shutterspeed is 1/30 sec. At a setting of Movie, shutter speed can not be set to avalue slower than 1/15 sec. A setting of bulb (manual exposure mode only)is only available at a CONTINUOUS setting of Single. For more infor-mation on CONTINUOUS settings, see:
“Advanced Photography: Continuous Photography”
Shutter speed limitations
Advanced P
hotography: E
xposure M
ode
463 Rotate the command dial to set the selecteditem (aperture or shutter speed) to the de-sired value. The amount the photographwill be over- or under-exposed at the se-lected setting is displayed in the control panel and LCDmonitor.
If sensitivity is set to AUTO when shutter-priority auto or manual expo-sure is used, sensitivity will be fixed at ISO 100 equivalent and will not varywith lighting conditions. This ensures that the desired exposure will beachieved. For more information on sensitivity settings, see:
“Advanced Photography: Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency)”
Control panel display isin EVs, rounded tonearest EV (display lastsfor eight seconds aftercommand dial isreleased, then is re-
placed by exposure count display). If photograph would be over- orunder-exposed by more than 9 EV, display shows flashing +9 (overex-posure) or –9 (underexposure).
LCD monitor display shows values between –2 and +2 EV inincrements of 1/3 EV.
–2 +2±0
–1 +1
Underexposed ↔ Overexposed
(Values in EVs)
4 Press the button to select the re-maining item (aperture or shutter speed).
5 Rotate the command dial to choose a valuethat will produce the desired exposure, asshown in the control panel and LCD moni-tor (see Step 3, at left).
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[ 10]
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INFINF
[ 10]
Focus distance isdisplayed in LCDmonitor, and incontrol panel whilecommand dial isrotated. Aftercommand dial isreleased, M-FOCUSicon in control panelindicates that manual
focus is in effect. Distances of 30 cm (12 in)or less are shown in red in monitor toindicate that camera may not be able to focusat some zoom settings.
Advanced P
hotography: M
anual Focus
47Manual Focus
In M-REC, focus distance can be selected from fifty preset dis-tances ranging from 0.02 m (0.8 in) to infinity. Manual focuscan be used when you know the distance to your subject inadvance, or when the camera is unable to focus using autofocus.
To choose a distance for manual focus:
Press while turningcommand dial
The value displayed for manual focus is the approximate dis-tance from the front of the lens. The actual focus distance maydiffer slightly from the value shown; check focus in the LCDmonitor before shooting.
Manual focus can be cancelled by pressing the button.
The flash can be used while manual focus is in effect. This makes it possibleto combine the flash with a manual focus setting of infinity.
The focus distances available depend on the zoom setting. The cameracan focus at a distance of 2 cm at the middle optical zoom position only.
The units used for manual focus distance can be chosen from the FOCUSOPTIONS > Distance Units sub-menu in the M-REC menu. See:
“Advanced Photography: Camera Control”
Advanced P
hotography: S
ensitivity (ISO
Equivalency)
48Sensitivity (ISO Equivalency)
In A-REC mode, automatic gain control is used to producesensitivity equivalent to ISO 100 film. In M-REC mode, you canchoose increased values for sensitivity, or allow the camera toset sensitivity in response to lighting conditions. Increasingsensitivity reduces the time needed to make an exposure, al-lowing increased shutter speed. This can be used to reduceblurring caused by camera motion when lighting is poor, or to“freeze” moving objects. Sensitivity is adjusted as shown be-low:
Press while turningcommand dial to cycle
through sensitivitysettings as follows:
100 ⇔ 200 ⇔ 400 ⇔AUTO
Sensitivity setting isdisplayed in LCDmonitor, and incontrol panel whilecommand dial isrotated. Aftercommand dial isreleased, ISO icon incontrol panelindicates thatsensitivity adjustmentis in effect.
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AUTUTO
NORMALNORMAL[ 1010]
The following settings are available:
Setting Description
100 Approximately equivalent to ISO 100 (default)
200
400 Approximately equivalent to ISO 400
A slight amount of noise may appear in photographs taken at settingsother than 100.
In a film camera, sensitivity is a characteristic of the film, not the camera.Sensitivity determines the amount of light needed to produce a given de-gree of exposure. The more sensitive the film, the less light needed tomake an exposure, allowing higher shutter speeds. Higher sensitivity isachieved by altering the chemical composition of the film, causing a ran-dom pattern, called “grain,” to appear in the final photograph. In a digitalcamera, sensitivity has a similar effect: higher sensitivities allow higher shut-ter speeds, at the expense of “noise” (the digital equivalent of film “grain”)appearing in the final image.
Changes to sensitivity have no effect in A-REC mode. Turningthe mode dial to A-REC returns sensitivity to the default value;the M-REC setting is restored when the mode dial is set toM-REC once again.
Approximately equivalent to ISO 200
AUTO
Equivalent to 100 under normal conditions;when lighting is poor, however, camera will
automatically raise sensitivity to compensate.ISO icon appears in control panel and LCD
monitor only when sensitivity is raised above 100.
Advanced P
hotography: W
hite Balance
49White Balance
The perceived color of an object is af-fected by the color of the lighting underwhich it is viewed. The human brain isable to detect and compensate for suchchanges in perceived color. As a result, awhite object will look white to humans whether viewed insunlight or under overcast skies, or indoors under incandes-cent or fluorescent lighting. A digital camera must emulate thehuman brain and adjust colors according to lighting so thatcolors that appear white when viewed directly also appear whitein the final photograph. This adjustment is called “white bal-ance,” and can be made using the WHITE BALANCE sub-menuin the M-REC menu.
1
2
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MENU O F F
WHITE BALANCEAutoWhi tehi te Bal PresetetFineIncandescentFluorescentCloudySpeedlight
A A
SETSELECT
AA
Setting
AAuto
White BalPreset
Fine
Incandescent
Fluorescent
Cloudy
Speedlight
Description
White balance automatically adjusted to suitlighting conditions. Best setting in mostsituations.
White object used as reference point to setwhite balance to suit unusual lighting condi-tions
White balance set for direct sunlight
Use when taking photographs indoors underincandescent light
Use when taking photographs indoors underfluorescent light
Use when taking photographs under over-cast skies
White balance set to match light producedby flash
At settings other than A (auto) and (preset),white balance can be “fine-tuned” by highlightingthe desired setting in the white-balance menu androtating the command dial. Adjustments can bemade in the range of +3 to –3 or, in the case of
(fluorescent), by selecting the type of bulbfrom the following sub-menu:
FL1: W (default) FL2: N FL3: DRaising white balance gives images a blue, “cold” cast; lowering white bal-ance makes photos appear “warmer”—that is, slightly yellow or red. Afterselecting the desired white-balance adjustment, press the multi selectorto the right to put your choice into effect.
Fine-tuning white balance settings
1
2
S
MENU O F F
WHITE BALANCEAutoutoWhi tehi te Bal PresFineIncandescentFluorescentCloudySpeedlight
A
SELECT SET
+1
–1
0
AA
At settings other than A (auto), the current white-balance setting is indicated by an icon in the LCDmonitor.
P 1/60 F2.7NORMALNORMAL
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The following white-balance settings are available:
CancelRecalls most recent value for preset whitebalance from memory and sets white bal-ance to this value
Advanced P
hotography: M
etering50
Preset White BalanceWhen (preset) is selected, the cam-era will zoom in and the preset white-balance menu will appear in the LCDmonitor.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
WHITE BALANCE PRESET
SELECT SET
CancelMeasure
Option Description
Measure
Camera measures white balance, usingobject displayed in center of LCD monitoras reference point. To use this option, firstplace white or light grey object underlighting that will be used in final photograph,then aim camera at object and press multiselector to right (beep will sound andcamera will zoom out, but no photographwill be taken).
Metering
The COOLPIX 990 offers a choice of fourmetering methods. Choose a meteringmethod according to your compositionand lighting conditions.
1
2
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MENU O F F
METERING
MatrixSpotCenter-WeightedSpot AF Area
A
SELECT SET
AA
Method When to use it
Spot
Ensures that subject inmetering target will becorrectly exposedeven when back-ground is very light orvery dark. Can beused in combinationwith AE hold (seeoverleaf).
How it works
Camera measureslight in area in centerof frame occupyingroughly 1/32 of total,shown by square incenter of LCD moni-tor
Matrix Best for general use
Exposure calculatedby comparing mea-surements from 256segments of framewith library of typicalcompositions, produc-ing best possiblesetting for entireframe
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The metering method isshown by icons in the controlpanel and LCD monitor (whenSpot AF Area is chosen, aspot-metering icon ( ) ap-pears in the control panel).
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[ 10]
Advanced P
hotography: M
etering51Method Auto-Exposure Hold
Pressing the shutter-release button halfway not only locks fo-cus, but also exposure. This can be used together with spot orcenter-weighted metering to set exposure for a subject not atthe center of the final composition.
1 Set metering to (spot) or (center-weighted).
2 Position the subjectin the center of theframe and press theshutter-release but-ton halfway.
3 Keeping the shutter-release button heldhalfway down, re-compose your pho-tograph. Press theshutter-release button the rest of the way down to shoot.
Digital zoom
Focus options
Focus area
Focus lock
For more information on:
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How it works When to use it
Center-Weighted
Camera mea-sures lighting inentire frame, butassigns weight of80% to area incenter of frameoccupying roughly1/4 of total
Classic meter for portraits;preserves backgrounddetails while letting lightingconditions at center offrame determine exposure.Selected automaticallywhen digital zoom is used.Can be used in combinationwith AE hold (see right).
Spot AFArea
Camera measureslight in currentfocus area only
When Auto or Manual ischosen in FOCUS OP-TIONS > AF Area Modesub-menu, this option canbe used to link spot meter-ing to currently selectedfocus area. When OFF ischosen, this option isequivalent to “Matrix.”When manual focus is ineffect, this option is equiva-lent to “Spot.”
Advanced P
hotography: C
ontinuo
us Pho
tography52
Continuous Photography
Using the CONTINUOUS menu, you canset the camera to take photographs oneat a time, shoot multiple photographs insequence, or even record short movies.
1
2
S
MENU O F F
CONTINUOUS
SingleContinuousMulti-shot 16VGA SequenceUltra HS
A
SELECT SETMovie
AA
Option Description
SingleCamera records one photograph each timeshutter-release button is fully pressed
Continuous
Camera records photographs in continuoussequence while shutter-release button is helddown. Not available at HI image quality.
VGASequence
Camera takes series of consecutive photo-graphs 640 × 480 pixels in size. Image quality isset to NORMAL, allowing photos to be takenat approximately two frames per second.
Ultra HS
Camera takes series of photographs 320 × 240pixels in size (QVGA). Image quality is set toNORMAL, allowing photos to be taken atapproximately thirty frames per second. Eachsequence of photographs is saved in separatefolder automatically created by camera. Foldername begins with “N_” followed by three-digitnumber assigned in ascending order by camera.
Option Description
The built-in flash will not fire at settings of Continuous, Multi-shot 16,and VGA Sequence. Unless you are using an external flash, it is recom-mended that you set the flash to (“flash cancel”) at these settings toensure that photographs are not underexposed. At settings other thanSingle and Movie, the focus, exposure, and auto white-balance settingsused for the first image are applied to all other images in the same series.
Settings of Movie and Ultra HS only take effect when the LCD monitoris on. If the monitor is turned off, the camera will revert to a setting ofSingle until the monitor is turned on. While Movie or Ultra HS is ineffect, both built-in and external flashes will be automatically turned off. Ifthe lens is rotated to point in the same direction as the LCD monitor at asetting of Movie, the display in the LCD monitor will be inverted andmovies will be recorded upside down.
Image quality and size
Flash settings
For more information on:
Multi-shot16
Camera takes up to sixteen consecutive“thumbnail” images and combines them intocollage. This option is only available whenimage size is set to “full.”
Movie
Camera begins recording movie when shutter-release button is fully pressed. Movie endsafter forty seconds, or next time shutter-release button is fully pressed. Movie is storedin QuickTime format (DOS file extension“.MOV”). Each frame has image quality ofNORMAL and is 320 × 240 pixels in size(QVGA).
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[ 1010]
Continuous
The CONTINUOUS setting isshown by icons in the controlpanel and LCD monitor.
Advanced P
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ontinuo
us Pho
tography53
The camera is equipped with a memory buffer for temporary storage ofphotos during shooting. This allows you to take several photographs insuccession, as you would with a traditional film camera, without waitingfor the images to be transferred to the memory card. The number ofimages that can be stored in the buffer depends on the quality and size ofthe images. When the buffer becomes full, there will be a short pausewhile the camera transfers images to the card for permanent storage. Thetime required depends on the number of images in the buffer and thespeed of the CompactFlash memory card.
Do not remove the memory card from the camera while images are being trans-ferred from the buffer to the card. Doing so could result in loss of data or indamage to the camera or the card. Be sure the camera is off beforeremoving the memory card.
The following table shows the number of photographs (nor-mal quality) that can be recorded in a single sequence at eachsetting, together with the approximate frame advance rate.
ModeApprox. no. of
frames per sec.Max. no. of
frames
VGA Sequence 2 44*
Continuous(full size image) 1.5 5
* When battery power is low, the maximum number of frames that canbe taken in a single sequence is ten.
Single VGA sequenceMulti-shot 16
Ultra HS Movie
Ultra HS 30 80*
Movie 15 40 sec.
When the camera is connected to a video device at a video-mode settingof PAL and a continuous setting of Ultra HS or Movie, video output willbe suspended while recording is in progress. Normal output will be re-stored when recording ends.
Advanced P
hotography: B
est-Sho
t Selectio
n54
Best-Shot Selection
“Best-shot selection” (BSS) compensatesfor camera movement. It is most effec-tive in situations in which inadvertentcamera movement may affect the out-come of the photograph, for examplewhen:
• the camera is zoomed in or you are using a teleconverterlens attachment
• you are using macro close-up• shutter speed is low
BSS may not produce the desired results with a moving sub-ject or if you change the composition during shooting.
1
2
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MENU O F F
BSS
OFFON
A
SELECT SET
AA
Option Description
OFFBSS off; one photo taken each time shutter-release button is fully pressed
ON
Camera shoots photos as long as shutter-release button is held down, to maximum often. These images are then compared andsharpest photo (photo with highest level ofdetail) saved to memory card.
The options available in the BSS sub-menu are:
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BSSBSS
Zoom
Optional lens converters
Macro close-up
Flash settings
Continuous settings
Image quality
For more information on:When photographs are taken with BSS on, the focus, exposure, and autowhite-balance settings used for the first photo when the shutter-releasebutton is pressed apply to all images in the series.
The flash is set to (“flash cancel”) when BSS is on.
BSS is not available at:• CONTINUOUS settings of Continuous, Multi-shot 16, VGA Se-
quence, Ultra HS, or Movie• an image quality of HISelecting any of the above options automatically cancels BSS. BSS can notbe selected while the above options are in effect.
When BSS is on, a BSS icon is displayed in theLCD monitor.
Advanced P
hotography: C
ontrast, B
rightness, and Image Type
55Contrast, Brightness,
and Image Type
When a photograph is taken, theCOOLPIX 990 automatically performsimage compensation to produce optimalbrightness and contrast before the imageis recorded to the memory card. The im-age adjustment sub-menu gives you control over the imagecompensation performed by the camera, making it possiblenot only to control brightness and contrast, but also to pro-duce monochrome images. The following options are avail-able:
1
2
S
MENU O F F
IMAGE ADJUSTMENT
NormalAuto
More ContrastLess ContrastLighten ImageDarken Image
A0
SELECT SETBlack&White
AA
A LightenImage
Increases brightness of mid-tones in image.This setting can be used on images that will beoutput on computer monitor or printer ifdevice tends to produce images that are toodark. Unlike exposure compensation, thisadjustment does not result in loss of detail inhighlights or shadows.
Option Description
DarkenImage
Decreases brightness of mid-tones in image.This setting can be used on images that will beoutput on computer monitor or printer ifdevice tends to produce images that are toobright. Unlike exposure compensation, thisadjustment does not result in loss of detail inhighlights or shadows.
Black &White
Image converted to black-and-white. Black-and-white images require same amount ofmemory as color images, but show a higherlevel of detail. When this option is in effect,view through lens displayed in LCD monitor isin black-and-white. White-balance settings anddigital zoom can not be used while this optionis in effect.
Option Description
Auto
Camera adjusts brightness and contrast foroptimal results; adjustment performed differsfrom image to image
0Normal
Camera performs same standard brightnessand contrast adjustment on all images
Only one image adjustment setting can be used at a time. Selecting a newimage adjustment option cancels the previous setting.
The effects of adjustments to brightness and contrast are not visible in theLCD monitor.
MoreContrast
Image processed to increase difference be-tween light and dark areas
LessContrast
Image processed to reduce difference betweenlight and dark areas
Advanced P
hotography: Im
age Sharpening
56
Exposure compensation (changing the aperture or shutter speed from thevalue suggested by the camera to increase or decrease exposure) tends toincrease or decrease both contrast and brightness simultaneously. Imageadjustment allows you to apply contrast and brightness separately for morecreative flexibility.
At settings other than Normal, an image adjust-ment icon appears in the LCD monitor.
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[ 10]
White balance
For more information on:
Image Sharpening
When a photograph is taken, theCOOLPIX 990 automatically sharpensedges in the image before saving it to thememory card. The image sharpening sub-menu gives you control over the amountof sharpening performed. The following options are available:
1
2
S
MENU O F F
IMAGE SHARPENING
HighNormalLow
A
SELECT SET
Auto
OffAA
A
LowAmount of sharpening reduced below normallevel
Off No sharpening performed
NormalCamera performs same standard sharpeningon all images
HighImage processed to increase sharpness, makingedges more distinct
Auto
Camera adjusts edge sharpness for optimalresults; adjustment performed differs fromimage to image
Option Description
The effects of sharpening are not visible in the LCD monitor.
Advanced P
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amera C
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At settings other than Normal, an image adjust-ment icon appears in the LCD monitor.
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[ 10]
Camera Control
The M-REC menu contains options that give the user greatercontrol over camera settings, including:
• a menu of three separate custom combinations of set-tings that can be edited and recalled as desired (customsettings)
• separate sub-menus for controlling auto exposure, auto-focus, zoom, and flash settings
• a reset option that allows you to return settings to theirdefault values
Advanced P
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amera C
ontro
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User SettingsIn M-REC mode, the camera can “memorize” up to three com-binations of settings, including white balance, metering, advancerate, best-shot selection, lens converter option, image adjust-ment, and sharpening. These settings can be recalled as de-sired, allowing you to create separate combinations of settingsfor different shooting conditions and recall them at a touch.
By default, any changes made to settings in M-REC mode areautomatically saved as Settings Number 1. These settings arerestored whenever the mode dial is set to M-REC. To view thecontents of the current user set or select a new user settingsnumber:
1 Highlight the current user settings number in the secondpage of the M-REC menu and press the multi selector tothe right.
2 A menu of user settings numbers (1, 2,and 3) will be displayed. The currentset will be highlighted, with the con-tents of the set listed to the right ofthe menu. Settings that have not beenchanged from defaults are shown in white, settings that dif-fer from the defaults in yellow.
3 To choose another set, highlight the desired number andpress the multi selector to the right. You can also choose aset directly from the main menu by highlighting the usersettings option and rotating the command dial.
Any changes to settings made in M-RECmode will be saved under the current set-tings number. When User Set 2 or 3 isselected, the user settings number appearsin the LCD monitor.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
USER SETTING
SELECT SETS
AA
MENU O F F
1
2
S
USER SETTING
SELECT SETS
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[ 10]
Default settings
For more information on:
Advanced P
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amera C
ontro
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Exposure OptionsThe exposure options sub-menu providescontrol over the camera’s auto-exposurefunction.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
EXPOSURE OPTIONS
AE LockAuto BracketingExp +/–
SELECT SETS
MENU O F F
1
2
S
AE LOCK
SELECT SET
AE LockAuto BracketingExp +/–
OFFONReset
S
AE lockUse this option when you want to usethe same aperture, shutter-speed, sensi-tivity, and white-balance settings for allphotographs in a series (for example,when taking photographs that will laterbe joined to form a panorama).
Option Description
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WB-LWB-LAE-LAE-L
[ 10]
OFFRestores normal exposure, sensitivity, andwhite balance.
While AE lock is in effect, AE-L and WB-Licons will appear in the LCD monitor.
ON
First photograph taken after ON is selectedfrom AE-lock sub-menu sets exposure for allsubsequent photographs. If white balance isset to A (auto), white balance for first photo-graph will also apply to other photographs inseries. While AE lock is in effect, flash will beset to (“flash cancel”).
Reset
Clear existing exposure and white-balancesettings. First photograph taken after thisoption selected sets exposure and auto whitebalance for all subsequent photographs.
Auto bracketingAuto bracketing is used to vary exposureby fixed amounts over a series of photo-graphs. This can be used to take multipleshots of the same subject at different ex-posure settings without stopping to ad-just exposure compensation manually.
1
2
S
MENU O F F
AUTO BRACKETING
SELECT SET
AE LockAuto BracketingExp +/–
OFFON
S
Option Description
ON
Exposure changes in order +2/3EV, +1/
3EV,
±0 EV, –1/3 EV, –2/3 EV with each photographtaken after ON is selected (photographs with“+” value will be overexposed, those with “–”value underexposed; values are added toexposure-compensation setting made with
button)
OFF Restores normal auto exposure
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[ 1010]
+0.7+0.7
While bracketing is in effect,the exposure modification ap-pears with a BKT icon in theLCD monitor, and the iconin the control panel flashes.
Advanced P
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Exp. +/– (exposure compensation)This option works in the same way asordinary exposure compensation. Expo-sure compensation can be set to valuesbetween +2.0 EV (overexposure) and–2.0 EV (underexposure) in incrementsof 1/
3EV. This item has the same effect as the button;
changing exposure compensation in the Exp. +/– sub-menuchanges the value selected with the button, while chang-ing exposure compensation with the button changes thevalue displayed in the Exp. +/– sub-menu.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
EXP +/–
SELECT SET
AE LockAuto BracketingExp +/–
+ 0.3
– 0.3
0
S
Multi-shot (continuous) settings
Flash settings
Sensitivity
Variable power (speedlight options)
Best-shot selection
AE lock (exposure options)
Exposure compensation
For more information on:
In programmed auto, aperture-priority auto, and manual exposure modes,bracketing is achieved by varying shutter speed. In shutter-priority auto,bracketing is achieved by varying aperture.
At settings of Continuous and VGA Sequence, shooting will pause af-ter each series of five photographs has been taken.
When the flash is set to “Auto,” the flash setting for the first photographin each sequence of five photographs will apply to the remaining four. Ifthe flash is used for the first photograph, it will be used for the next fourphotographs; if the flash is not used for the first photograph, it will not beused in the next four photographs.
If sensitivity is set to AUTO, the sensitivity used for the first photographin each sequence of five photographs will apply to the remaining four.
Auto bracketing starts over from +2/3 EV when changes are made to anyof the following:• the flash setting• sensitivity• exposure compensation• the Variable Power setting in the SPEEDLIGHT OPT sub-menu
Auto bracketing can not be used in combination with:• CONTINUOUS settings of Multi-shot 16, Ultra HS, or Movie• best-shot selection• the AE-Lock option in the EXPOSURE OPTIONS sub-menuChoosing any of the above options cancels auto bracketing.
Auto bracketing can also be cancelled by:• selecting OFF from the Auto Bracketing sub-menu• turning the camera off
Advanced P
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amera C
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Focus OptionsThe focus options sub-menu providescontrol over focus settings.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
FOCUS OPTIONS
AF Area ModeAuto Focus ModeFocus ConfirmationDistance Units
SELECT SETS
Focus Confirmation
MENU O F F
1
2
S
AF AREA MODE
SELECT SET
AF Area ModeAuto Focus Mode
AutoManualOff
Distance UnitsS
AF area modeThis setting determines which of the fivefocus areas will be used for autofocus inM-REC mode. The following options areavailable when the LCD monitor is on(when the monitor is off, AF-area modeis automatically set to Off):
Autofocus modeIn M-REC, you can choose the autofocusmode used when the LCD monitor is on(when the LCD monitor is off, singleautofocus is used, regardless of the set-ting in the autofocus mode sub-menu). MENU O F F
1
2
S
Focus Confirmation
AUTO FOCUS MODE
SELECT SET
AF Area ModeAuto Focus Mode
Continuous AFSingle AFDistance
S
Option Description
ContinuousAF
Camera adjusts focus continuously; focus islocked when shutter-release button ispressed halfway
Single AFCamera focuses when shutter-release buttonis pressed halfway; focus is locked as long asshutter-release button is held in this position
Focus area selection
Autofocus
For more information on:
Option Description
Auto
Camera automatically selects focus areacontaining subject closest to camera. Activefocus area displayed in red when shutter-release button pressed halfway. This setting isuseful when you have little time to composephotographs.
Manual
User selects focus area manually as describedunder “Advanced Photography: Focus AreaSelection.” This setting is useful when subjectis not at center of final composition.
Off
Center focus area (shown by focus target inviewfinder) is used. No focus area indicatorsappear in LCD monitor. This setting can beused with focus lock.
Option Description
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MENU O F F
1
2
S
FOCUS CONFIRMATION
SELECT SET
AF Area ModeAuto Focus ModeFocus Confirmation MF
ONOFF
DistanceS
Focus confirmationFocus confirmation makes it possible todetermine in advance exactly what areasof the frame will be in focus in the finalphotograph.
Option Description
Distance unitsIn this sub-menu, you can choose the unitsused to display the manual focus distance.The options available are meters (m) andfeet (ft).
ON Objects that are in focus will be sharply out-lined in LCD monitor in all focus modes*
MENU O F F
1
2
S
DISTANCE UNITS
SELECT SET
AF Area ModeAuto Focus ModeFocus Confirmation
mft
Distance UnitsS
Focus mode
Manual focus
For more information on:
MF(Manualfocus)
When manual focus is used, objects that are infocus will be sharply outlined in LCD monitor*
OFF No indication of focus is given
Zoom OptionsThe zoom options sub-menu controlssettings for optical and digital zoom.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
ZOOM OPTIONS
Digital TeleStartup PositionFixed Aperture
SELECT SETS
MENU O F F
1
2
S
DIGITAL TELE
SELECT SET
Digital TeleStartup Position
ONOFF
Fixed ApertureS
Digital zoomThis sub-menu can be used to turn digi-tal zoom off and on.
Option Description
ON
Camera automatically enters digital zoommode when button is held down for morethan two seconds at maximum optical zoomposition
OFF Only optical zoom available; digital zoom cannot be used
Digital and optical zoom
For more information on:
* No indication of focus appears in the final photograph.
Advanced P
hotography: C
amera C
ontro
l63
MENU O F F
1
2
S
STARTUP POSITION
SELECT SET
Digital Startup PositionFixed Aperture
Last PositionWideTele
S
Start-up positionThe options in this sub-menu determinethe position of the zoom lens when themode dial is turned from OFF to A-RECor M-REC.
Option Description
LastPosition
When turned on, camera zooms to samezoom position camera was in when turned off
WideWhen turned on, camera zooms out to widestangle
MENU O F F
1
2
S
FIXED APERTURE
SELECT SET
Digital TeleStartup PositionFixed Aperture OFF
ONS
Fixed apertureNormally, aperture changes with zoomposition. In studio flash situations, thisrequires that flash power be adjusted witheach change in zoom. Fixing aperturemakes this adjustment unnecessary (notavailable at a setting of Movie).
Option Description
OFFLens f-number changes as camera is zoomed inor out
ON
Camera maintains aperture at value within1/3 EV of f number in effect before zoomoperation started, if possible. Value changes if fnumber would not fall in range of valuespossible at given zoom setting. This settingonly takes effect at exposure-mode settings ofaperture-priority auto or manual, when usersets aperture manually.
TeleWhen turned on, camera zooms in to positionjust before maximum optical zoom position.Use this setting to minimize start-up time.
Exposure mode
For more information on:
A flash bracket (the SK-E900 Multi-Flash Bracket Unit) is available sepa-rately for connecting external flash units to the COOLPIX 990. When thebracket is connected to the camera’s synchro-flash terminal, external flashunits mounted on the bracket are synchronized with the camera’s built-inflash, increasing the size of the area illuminated and allowing use of sophis-ticated flash techniques such as bounce-flash photography. You can useflash settings such as “Auto,” “Slow Sync,” and “Anytime Flash” with boththe external and built-in (internal) flash units, or you can turn the built-inflash off and use the external flash only (see left). When the flash is fired,the brightness of the external and built-in flash units is controlled by thecamera.
Instructions for attaching the optional SK-E900 flash bracket and connect-ing external flash units may be found in the SK-E900 instruction manual.When the SK-E900 is in place, the following Nikon flash units (availableseparately) can be used: SB-28DX, SB-28, SB-26, SB-25, SB-24, SB-22S, andSB-22. The use of non-Nikon flash units is not recommended.
When the built-in flash is off, flash settings are shown in the control paneland LCD monitor flash-mode displays as follows (the icon indicatesthat the built-in flash is off):
Control PanelMode Display Mode DisplayAuto Anytime FlashFlash Cancel Slow SyncRed-Eye Reduction
LCD MonitorMode Display Mode DisplayAuto A Anytime FlashFlash Cancel Slow Sync SLRed-Eye Reduction
Using an external flash
Variable Power
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SPEEDLIGHT CNTRL
SELECT SET
Speedlight Cntrl
Int & Ext ActiveInt Flash Off
S
Option Description
Int andext active
Built-in flash fires at same time as externalSpeedlight
Speedlight (Flash) OptionsThis sub-menu controls settings for thecamera’s built-in flash and for externalSpeedlights.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SPEEDLIGHT OPT.
Variable PowerSpeedlight Cntrl
SELECT SETS
MENU O F F
1
2
S
VARIABLE POWER
SELECT SET
Variable PowerSpeedlight Cntrl
+ 0.3
– 0.3
0
S
Variable powerThis sub-menu is used to perform expo-sure compensation by varying the inten-sity of the flash. Exposure can be adjustedby from +2.0 EV to –2.0 EV in incrementsof 1/
3EV.
Speedlight controlThis sub-menu allows you to turn thecamera’s built-in flash off while using anexternal Speedlight.
Advanced P
hotography: C
amera C
ontro
l64
Int flashoff
Built-in flash set to (“flash cancel”); externalSpeedlight can still be used
ShutterSound
Default
On Advanced P
hotography: C
amera C
ontro
l65
Restoring Default SettingsSelecting C (reset all) from the M-RECmenu displays the message shown at right.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
RESET ALL
SELECT SET
NoReset
Reset all settingsto default values?
S
Option Description
No Return to shooting mode leaving settingsunchanged
Reset Restore the settings listed below to defaultvalues
Selecting Reset restores the following settings to their defaultvalues:
Setting
Digital Tele
StartupPosition
FixedAperture
VariablePower
SpeedlightCntrl
Folder
Default
On
Last Position
Off
±0
Int & ExtActive
NIKON
AE Lock
AutoBracketing
Default
Off
OffMatrix
Auto
Single
Off
Normal
Default
Metering
WhiteBalance
Continuous
BSS
Lens
Setting
Settings in the User Set currently selected in the M-REC USERSETTINGS sub-menu will be restored to the above defaults.All other settings are unaffected.
AutoImageAdjustment
AutoImageSharpening
Shot ConfirmLamp Off
Exp. +/– ±0
Setting
AF AreaMode
Auto-FocusMode
FocusConfirmation
Auto
ContinuousAF
MF
MemorizeAll options
off
Auto Off 30 s
Setting
Frame Intvl(Slide Show) 3 s
Display Mode On
Brightness 3
Hue 6
User settings
For more information on:
Advanced P
hotography: S
ettings for O
ptional L
ens Co
nverters66
Settings for Optional Lens
Converters
Lens converters for wide-angle, telephoto,and fisheye photography are availableseparately for the COOLPIX 990. Eachof these converters is adapted to a par-ticular combination of settings, includingfocus mode, zoom position, and metering method. Using thelens sub-menu, you can select combinations of settings suitedto particular lens converters. The following options are avail-able:
LENS
NormalWide AdapterTelephoto 1Telephoto 2Fisheye 1
A
SELECT SETFisheye 2
1
2
S AA
MENU O F F
Option Description
Telefoto2(for TC-E3ED×3 telephotoconverter)
• Camera zoomed in to maximum opticalzoom position
• Optical zoom adjustable between maxi-mum position (24 mm) and second step inLCD monitor zoom display (18 mm)
• Built-in flash and any external flash attach-ments disabled
Fisheye1(for FC-E8
fisheyeconverter)
• Zoom fixed at widest angle• Focus mode fixed at infinity• Metering method fixed at center-weighted• Built-in flash and any external flash attach-
ments disabled• Four corners of frame blacked out to
create circular frame
Fisheye2(for FC-E8
fisheyeconverter)
• Zoom fixed at widest angle• Focus mode fixed at infinity• Built-in flash and any external flash attach-
ments disabled• Image fills entire frame
Option Description
Normal
No modifications are made to settings. Usethis option when no lens converter isattached.
For details of use and handling, refer to the documentation provided withyour lens converter.
Telefoto1(for TC-E2
×2 telephotoconverter)
• Camera zoomed in to maximum opticalzoom position
• Optical zoom adjustable between maxi-mum position (24 mm) and third step inLCD monitor zoom display (14 mm)
• Built-in flash and any external flash attach-ments disabled
WideAdapter
(for WC-E24and WC-E63wide-angleconverters)
• Camera zoomed out to widest angle• Built-in flash and any external flash attach-
ments disabled
Advanced P
hotography: S
ettings for O
ptional L
ens Co
nverters67
P 1/60 F2.7NORMALNORMAL
[ 10]
At settings other than Normal, a lens adaptericon is displayed in the LCD monitor.
Zoom
Flash settings
Focus mode
Metering
For more information on:
Playback
68
Deleting Multiple Photographs
Selecting a Folder for Playback
Slide Show
Protecting Photographs from Deletion
Hiding Photographs During Playback
Preparing Photographs for Printing
PlaybackThis chapter covers the operations that can be performed whenthe mode dial is set to PLAY. These include:
• playback of photographs stored on the memory card,either singly or in “contact sheets” of nine or four thumb-nail images
• display of detailed photo information for individual pho-tographs
• zooming in on images to view fine details• movie playback• deleting individual photographs
The above operations can be performed using the ,, and zoom buttons, the multi selector, and the
command dial. In addition, the following operations can beperformed from the playback menu:
• deleting multiple photographs• “slide shows,” or automated sequential display of the pho-
tographs stored in memory• protecting photographs from deletion• hiding photographs• preparing photographs for printing using the Digital Print-
Order Format (DPOF)
These topics are covered in the sections that follow.
Basic Playback
Clickto go
Only photographs in the current folder are displayed in playback mode. Ifthere are no photographs in the current folder, the message “CARD CON-TAINS NO IMAGE DATA” will be displayed. To select another folder forplayback, or to view photographs in all folders, use the “Folders” item inthe playback menu. For more information, see:
“Playback: Selecting a Folder for Playback”
In single-image playback, photographs are displayed briefly at low resolu-tion while being read from memory. This makes it possible to scroll rap-idly through the photographs in memory without waiting for each imageto be displayed at full resolution.
Basic Playback
When the mode dial is turned to PLAY, the camera entersplayback mode with the most recent photograph displayed inthe LCD monitor.
This section covers the operations that can be performed inplayback mode using camera buttons and dials.
Playback: B
asic Playback
69
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100NIK100NIKONON0005.JPG
Operation Function
Press up or left
View photograph recorded beforecurrent photograph
Press down or right
View photograph recorded aftercurrent photograph
Single-Image Playback
Selecting a photographUse the multi selector to page through the photographs inmemory one at a time.
To scroll quickly to a particular frame number without viewing interveningphotos, press and hold the multi selector in one of the four directions.The photograph displayed will not change, but the frame number at thebottom right corner of the LCD monitor will increase or decrease rapidly.Release the selector when the desired frame number is reached.
The first and last photographs in memory are linked. Pressing the multiselector up or to the left while the first photo in memory is displayedtakes you to the last photo. Pressing the multi selector down or to theright while the last photo in memory is selected takes you to the firstphoto.
Playback: B
asic Playback
70
The monitor button controls the LCD monitor. Press the button to cyclethrough monitor settings as shown below.
Monitor on,photo info displayed
Monitor on,photo info hidden
Monitor off
Viewing photo informationPhoto information is shown superimposed on photographs dis-played in single-image playback. There are five pages of photoinformation in total. Rotate the command dial to cycle throughphoto information as follows: Page 1 ⇔ Page 2 ⇔ Page 3 ⇔Page 4 ⇔ Page 5 ⇔ Page 1.
CAMERACAMERA : E990E990FIRM FIRM VERVER : E990E990 V1.0V1.0METERINGMETERING : MAMATRIXTRIXMODEMODE : PSHUTTERSHUTTER : 1/601/60APERAPERTURETURE : F2.7F2.7EXP +/EXP +/– : 0.00.0FOCAL LENGTHFOCAL LENGTH : 8.2mm8.2mmFOCUSFOCUS : AFAF
Page 2Cameratype,firmwareversion,meteringmethod,exposure mode, shutter speed,aperture, exposure compensation,focal length, focus mode/distance
SPEED LIGHTSPEED LIGHT : OFFOFFIMGIMG ADJUSTADJUST : AUTUTOSENSITIVITYSENSITIVITY : 100WHITEBALWHITEBAL : AUTUTOSHARPNESSSHARPNESS : AUTUTODIGITDIGITAL TELE : X1.0X1.0CONVERCONVERTER : OFFOFFFILE SIZE : 673KB
Page 3Flash on/off, imageadjust-ment,sensitivity,whitebalance, sharpening, digital zoom,lens converter on/off, file size(kilobytes)
0005.JPG8.2mm8.2mm1/60F2.7AF
Focus confirmation(portions of image infocus sharply outlined;active focus area shownin yellow)
Page 5 (focus confirmation)File no. and type
Focal lengthAperture
Shutter speedFocus mode/focus
distance
• • 1/60• F2.7• 0.0• 100
0005.JPGFile no. and typeMetering methodShutter speedApertureExposure compensationSensitivity (ISO equiva-lency)
Histogram*
Page 4 (histogram)Thumbnail preview
(flashing border marksimage highlights)
* Histogram shows distribution of tones inimage. Horizontal axis gives pixel brightness(dark → bright), vertical axis gives numberof pixels.
VGA
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100NIK100NIKONON0005.JPG
NORMAL 5/55/5][
Print-order iconProtect iconFrame no./Total no. offrames visible
FolderFile no. and type
Image sizeImage quality
Page 1Date of recordingTime of recording
Press
Press
Press
The MONITOR button
Playback: B
asic Playback
71Zoom ( )Use the ( ) button to zoom in onphotographs displayed in single-imageplayback.
Operation Function
Press
Zoom photograph in. Zoom increases eachtime button is pressed, to maximum of × 4.0.When image zoomed in, indicator appearsand zoom factor is shown in LCD monitor.
× 2.0
SCROLL ZOOM
Movie playbackIn single-image playback, movies are indi-cated by a icon. Movie playback iscontrolled by the button.
Operation Function
Press
Start movie. While movie is in progress,press to pause movie; press again to resume
Press rightor down
While movie is in progress, end playback anddisplay next picture. While movie is paused,go forward one frame
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100NIK100NIKONON0002.JPG
To use the multi selector to view other photographs memory, first cancelzoom by pressing the button.
PressCancel zoom
Press up,down, left, or
right
Scroll to another area of image
Press up orleft
While movie is in progress, end playback anddisplay previous picture. While movie ispaused, go back one frame
Playback: B
asic Playback
72Thumbnail Playback ( )The thumbnail menu can be used to se-lect photographs or movies for viewing.
Deleting Individual Photographs ( )To delete the image or movie currently on display in single-image playback, or to delete the currently selected thumbnail,press the ( ) button.
Operation Function
Single-imageplayback
Thumbnailplayback
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NORMALNORMAL 5/5][
100NIK100NIKONON0005.JPG
Press ( ) button
MENU O F F
DELETE
SELECT
YesNo
SET
erase images?
Delete dialog displayed• Select Yes to delete photograph• Select No to return to playback
mode without deleting photograph
Press
Press once to display menu of nine thumb-nail images, or twice to display four thumb-nail images. Press again to view highlightedthumbnail full size.
Press
Select highlighted thumbnail for deletion
Press up, leftdown, or
right
Highlight thumbnail (press up/left when firstthumbnail highlighted to view last page of
thumbnails, down/right when last thumbnailhighlighted to display first page of thumbnails).
Rotate
Scroll through thumbnails page by page (firstand last page of thumbnails linked)
Playback: D
eleting Multiple P
hotographs
73Deleting Multiple Photographs
Using the Delete option in the playbackmenu, you can:
• delete selected photographs• delete all photographs in the cur-
rent folder• delete folders• delete print-order files created with the Print Set op-
tion (see “Preparing Photographs for Printing,” below)Note that once deleted, photographs can not be recovered.Be sure to back up any photographs you want to keep.
Deleting Selected PhotographsTo delete selected photographs, highlight Selected Image inthe Delete sub-menu and press the multi selector to the right.A menu of thumbnail images will be displayed.
MENU O F F
1
S
DELETE
Print Set
Selected Images
FolderAll Images
SELECT SET
MENU O F F
1
S
DELETE
Print Set
Selected Images
FolderAll Images
SELECT SET
DELETE
DONEQUALSELECT SETPress right
Photos hidden with the Hide Image option are not displayed in the thumb-nail menu and can not be deleted.
Thumbnails marked with a icon are protected and can not be selectedfor deletion.
To select images for deletion:
Press multi selector left orright to highlight desiredthumbnail. To view morethumbnails, rotate commanddial.
1 DELETE
DONEQUALSELECT SETHighlightthumbnail
Press multi selector up ordown to select image fordeletion (selected imagesmarked by icon). Repeatsteps 1 and 2 to select moreimages. To deselect thumbnail,highlight and press multiselector up or down.
2
DONEQUAL
DELETE
SELECT SETPress up ordown
3
MENU O F F
DELETE
SELECT
YesNo
SET
erase images?
Press
Confirmation dialog displayed.• Select Yes to delete all
selected images• Select No to return to
playback menu withoutdeleting images
Playback: D
eleting Multiple P
hotographs
74Deleting All PhotographsTo delete all photographs in the currently selected folder orfolders:
Deleting FoldersTo delete a folder and all images it contains:
1
MENU O F F
1
S
DELETE
Print Set
Selected Images
FolderAll Images
SELECT SETHighlightFolder
Photos taken at a setting of Ultra HS are stored in folders with names ofthe form “N_” followed by a three-digit number assigned automatically bythe camera. As each series of photographs is stored in a separate folder,the Delete > Folder item can be used to delete all photographs in aseries at once.
If the selected folder contains hidden or protected images, the folder willnot be deleted. Any images it contains that are neither hidden nor pro-tected will, however, be deleted.
1
MENU O F F
1
S
DELETE
Print Set
Selected Images
FolderAll Images
SELECT SETHighlight AllImages
Confirmation dialog displayed• Select Yes to delete all
images in current folder(s)(images that are hidden orprotected will not bedeleted)
• Select No to return toplayback menu withoutdeleting images
2
MENU O F F
ERASE ALL IMAGES
SELECT
YesNo
SET
Erasing all images( excluded)
Press right
List of folders displayed (folderNIKON is not available fordeletion)
2
MENU O F F
DELETE
S H O WN O V
SELECT SETPress right
3
MENU O F F
DELETE
S H O WN O V
SELECT SETHighlightfolder name
Confirmation dialog displayed• Select Yes to delete selected
folder• Select No to return to
playback menu withoutdeleting folder
4
MENU O F F
DELETE
SELECT
YesNo
SET
S H O Wdeleting folder?
Press right
Playback: S
lide Show
75Slide Show
The slide-show option in the playbackmenu allows unattended sequential play-back. All images in the current folder thathave not been hidden using Hide Imagewill be played back one after the other,with a pause between each image.
Starting a Slide Show
MENU O F F
1
S
SLIDE SHOW
(Pause ➞ )
StartFrame Intvl
SELECT SET
Selecting a Folder for Playback
The Folders item in the playback menucan be used to select for playback imagesin all folders, or images in a specific folder.
MENU O F F
1
S
FOLDERS
N O V
Options
N I K O NAll Folders
SELECT SET
1
MENU O F F
1
S
FOLDERS
N O V
Options
N I K O NAll Folders
SELECT SET
Highlight folder name. To viewimages in all folders, select AllFolders
Most recent photograph inselected folder displayed.
2 2000.04.252000.04.2514:2014:20
NOV0005.JPG
NORMALNORMAL 5/5][Press right
Photos taken at a setting of Ultra HS are stored in folders with names ofthe form “N_” followed by a three-digit number assigned automatically bythe camera. Photographs taken at this setting can be viewed by selectingthe appropriate folder from the Folders menu.
For more information on:
Folder options
Photographs displayed one byone in order recorded,starting from oldest photo.Photos hidden using HideImage option will not bedisplayed.
2
Press right
1
MENU O F F
1
S
SLIDE SHOW
(Pause ➞ )
StartFrame Intvl
SELECT SETHighlightStart
Any movies in the slide show will be played back as still images showingthe movie’s first frame.
Playback: S
lide Show
76
FunctionOperation
The following operations can be performed while a slide showis in progress:
Restarting a Slide ShowAfter the slide show comes to an end, orwhile the slide show is paused, the dialogshown at right will be displayed. SelectRestart to restart, or Frame Intvl tochange the length of time each image isdisplayed. Press the MENU button to end the slide show andreturn to single-image playback.
MENU O F F
PAUSE
SELECT SET
RestartFrame Intvl
Changing the Display IntervalWhen Frame Intvl is selected from theslide-show sub-menu or from the pausescreen, the menu of interval settingsshown at right is displayed. To change thelength of time each image is displayed,highlight the desired setting and press the selector to the right.
MENU O F F
FRAME INTVL
SELECT
3 s5 s
1 0 s
2 s
SET
Owing to differences in the speed at which images can be read from thememory card, depending on the file size of the images in the slide show,the actual interval may differ from the value chosen in the interval menu.
The LCD monitor will turn off automatically if no operations are per-formed for thirty minutes while a slide show is in progress.
End slide show and return to single-imageplayback
Press
Pause slide show
Press
Playback: P
rotecting P
hotographs fro
m D
eletion
77Protecting Photographs from
Deletion
The Protect option in the playback menu can be used to pro-tect images from deletion. Protected files can not be deletedin single-image playback or from the Delete sub-menu, andhave “read-only” status when viewed from a computer. Notethat protected files will be deleted when the memory card isformatted.
To change the protect status of photographs in the currentfolder, highlight Protect in the playback menu and press themulti selector to the right to display a menu of thumbnail im-ages.
MENU O F F
1
S
PLAY BACK MENUDeleteFoldersSlide ShowProtectHide ImagePrint SetSet-up
SELECT SETS
PROTECT
DONEQUALSELECT SETPress right
Select the desired images from the thumbnail menu.
Press multi selector left orright to highlight desiredthumbnail. To view morethumbnails, rotate commanddial.
1 PROTECT
DONEQUALSELECT SETHighlightthumbnail
Press up ordown
Press multi selector up ordown to select image forprotection (protected imagesmarked by icon). Repeatsteps 1 and 2 to select moreimages. To deselect thumbnail,highlight and press multiselector up or down.
2 PROTECT
DONEQUALSELECT SET
To complete operation, press button
3
Press
Playback: H
iding Pho
tographs During P
layback78
Hiding Photographs During
Playback
When creating a slide show or playing back photographs foran audience, you may want to use the Hide Image option tohide some of the photographs in the current folder. Oncehidden, images are only visible in the Hide Image menu. Theycan not be deleted in single image playback or from the De-lete sub-menu, and are treated as hidden files when the con-tents of the memory card are viewed from a computer.
To change the hidden status of photographs in the currentfolder, highlight Hide Image in the playback menu and pressthe multi selector to the right to display a menu of thumbnailimages.
MENU O F F
1
S
PLAY BACK MENUDeleteFoldersSlide ShowProtectHide ImagePrint SetSet-up
SELECT SETS
HIDE IMAGE
DONEQUALSELECT SETPress right
Select the desired images from the thumbnail menu.
Press multi selector left orright to highlight desiredthumbnail. To view morethumbnails, rotate commanddial.
1 HIDE IMAGE
DONEQUALSELECT SETHighlightthumbnail
Press multi selector up ordown to select image to behidden (hidden images markedby icon). Repeat steps 1and 2 to select more images.To deselect thumbnail, high-light and press multi selectorup or down.
2 HIDE IMAGE
DONEQUALSELECT SETPress
To complete operation, press button
3
Press
Playback: P
reparing Pho
tographs for P
rinting79
Preparing Photographs for
Printing
The Print Set option in the playback menu can be used tocreate digital “print orders” that specify the photographs to beprinted, the number of prints, and the information includedwith each print. This information is stored on the memorycard in Digital Print Order Format (DPOF). The card can thenbe removed from the camera and inserted in a DPOF-compat-ible device—whether your personal photo printer or aphotofinisher’s print system—and the selected images printeddirectly from the card.
To select images for printing, highlight Print Set in the play-back menu and press the multi selector to the right to displaya menu of thumbnail images.
MENU O F F
1
S
PLAY BACK MENUDeleteFoldersSlide ShowProtectHide ImagePrint SetSet-up
SELECT SETS
DONEQUALSELECT SETPress right
Select the desired images from the thumbnail menu.
To delete print-order files when they are no longer needed, select PrintSet from the Delete sub-menu.
4
Press
3 PRINT
DONEQUALSELECT SETPress up ordown
Use multi selector to changenumber of prints. Press up toincrease (max. 9), down todecrease (to deselect, pressdown when number of printsis 1). Repeat steps 1–3 toselect more images.
Images selected for printingare marked by icon
2 PRINT
DONEQUALSELECT SETPress up
Press multi selector left orright to highlight desiredthumbnail. To view morethumbnails, rotate commanddial.
1 PRINT
DONEQUALSELECT SETHighlightthumbnail
Menu of print set optionsdisplayed. To turn option onor off, highlight and press multiselector to right. Check Dateto print date of recording onphoto, Info to print shutter
speed and aperture. Highlight Done and press multiselector to right to return to playback.
MENU O F F
PRINT SET
SELECT
InfoDate
Done
SET
Cam
era Setup
80Camera SetupThis chapter details the options available in the setup menusfor A-REC, M-REC, and PLAY. The setup menus are where youmake changes to basic camera settings, and perform such tasksas formatting memory cards. For an overview of the optionsavailable in the setup menus, see “Accessing Setup Options,”below.
File Numbering
Formatting Memory Cards
Confirming Shutter Release
Video Mode
Language
Auto Off
Date and Time
Accessing Setup Options
Using Folders
Monitor Options
Sound Settings
Customizing Camera Controls
Clickto go
Cam
era Setup: A
ccessing Setup O
ptions
81Accessing Setup Options
Accessing the Setup Menus
A-REC
M-REC, PLAY
1
MENU O F F
S
SET-UPFoldersMonitor OptionsShutter SoundAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card FormatDate
SELECT SETPress
Press
4
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SET-UP 1
SELECT SET
FoldersMonitor OptionsControlsAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card Format
Highlight S
3
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SET-UP 1
SELECT SET
FoldersMonitor OptionsControlsAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card Format
Press
21
2
S
MENU PA G E 2
SHOOTING MENU 1A
SELECT SET
AA
Press
11
2
S
MENU PA G E 2
WHITE BALANCEA
SELECT SET
AA
Cam
era Setup: A
ccessing Setup O
ptions
82Setup Menu OptionsThe options available in the setup menu depend on the operating mode.
Description
Select folder used to store images; create, rename, and delete folders
Option
Folders ✔ ✔ —*
* “Folders” option for playback mode accessible from main playback menu
Mode
A-REC M-REC PLAY
Determine whether red-eye reduction lamp fires to confirm shutterrelease
Shot ConfirmLamp — ✔ —
Choose between NTSC and PAL standards for video outputVideo Mode — ✔ ✔
Choose language for menus and messagesLanguage — ✔ ✔
Set date and timeDate ✔ ✔ ✔
Turn preview and review functions on or off; adjust monitor brightnessand hue
Monitor Options ✔ ✔ ✔
Control “beep” sound made by cameraShutter Sound ✔ ✔ ✔
Choose function assigned to and buttons in M-REC mode;control what M-REC settings are memorized when camera is turned offControls — ✔ —
Set length of time before monitor turns off automaticallyAuto Off ✔ ✔ ✔
File-naming options for A-REC and M-RECSeq. Numbers ✔ ✔ —
Format memory cards for use in COOLPIX 990CF Card Format ✔ ✔ ✔
Cam
era Setup: U
sing Folders
83Using Folders
By default, photographs taken with theCOOLPIX 990 are stored on thememory card in a folder labeled NIKON.To make it easier to locate photographsduring playback, you can create additionalfolders and organize photographs by theme. The Folders op-tion can be used to select the folder in which subsequent pho-tographs will be stored, or to choose the folder from whichphotographs are played back. It also contains options for cre-ating, renaming, and deleting folders.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
Folders OptionsN I K O NMonitor Options
ControlsAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card Format
FOLDERS
SELECT SET
The camera file system conforms to the Design Rule for Camera FileSystems (DCF). Under this system, folder names consist of a three-digitfolder number followed by the folder name (for example, “100NIKON”).Each folder can hold a maximum of 999 images (it may hold less, depend-ing on the size of the memory card and other factors). Should a folder fillup, another folder will automatically be created with the same name but adifferent folder number (e.g., “101NIKON”). For most purposes, the foldernumber can be ignored—when viewed from the camera, folders with thesame name but different folder numbers are the same folder. For example,the folders “100NIKON” and “101NIKON” are shown as a single folder(“NIKON”) with no folder number. Such folders will however appear asseparate folders when the memory card is viewed on a computer (see theNikon View 3 Reference Manual for details). If you have trouble locating aphoto on a computer, you can play it back on the camera, where the fullfolder number and name are displayed in the photo information.
Selecting a FolderTo select the folder that will be used for playback or to storesubsequent photographs in A-REC and M-REC:
2
P 1/601/60 F2.72.7NORMALNORMAL
NONOV
[ 1010]Press
Folder name displayed in LCDmonitor (folder “NIKON” notdisplayed)
1
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SELECT SET
Folders OptionsN I K O NN O V
Monitor OptionsControlsAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card Format
FOLDERS
Highlightfolder name
Note: “NOV” is user-createdfolder included for illustrativepurposes. For information oncreating folders, see:“Folder Options” (following)
Folder OptionsThe folder options menu can be used tocreate, rename, or delete folders.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
OPTIONS
New
Delete
Rename
SELECT SET MENU O F F
1
2
S
NEWLM
N I K O N
OP
SELECT SETPress
Cam
era Setup: U
sing Folders
84
Name and register the new folder.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
OPTIONS
New
Delete
Rename
SELECT SET MENU O F F
1
2
S
RENAME
N O VS H O W
SELECT SETPress
MENU O F F
1
2
S
RENAME
N O VS H O W
SELECT SET MENU O F F
1
2
S
RENAMEQR
S H O W
TU
SELECT SETPress
3
MENU O F F
1
2
S
NEWYZ
01
N O V
SELECT SET Press
Highlight last letter and pressmulti selector to right toregister new folder and exitmenu. Press MENU buttonto exit without creating newfolder.
Until another folder is selected from the FOLDERS menu, allsubsequent photographs will be stored in the new folder.
Renaming foldersTo rename an existing folder, highlight Rename in the folderoptions menu and press the multi selector to the right. A listof user-created folders will appear.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
OPTIONS
New
Delete
Rename
SELECT SETCreating new foldersTo create a new folder, highlight New in the folder optionsmenu and press the multi selector to the right.
Highlight the folder you want to rename and press the multiselector to the right.
Rename the folder as described in steps 1–3 of “Creating newfolders,” above.
2
MENU O F F
1
2
S
NEWHI
J K O N
KL
N
SELECT SETEdit letter
Folder name can includeuppercase letters (“A”–“Z”),numbers, and spaces. Repeatsteps 1 and 2 to create newfive-letter folder name.
1
MENU O F F
1
2
S
NEWGH
I K O N
JK
N
SELECT SETHighlightletter
Cam
era Setup: U
sing Folders
85Deleting foldersTo delete an existing folder, highlight Delete in the folder op-tions menu and press the multi selector to the right. A list ofuser-created folders will appear.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
OPTIONS
New
Delete
Rename
SELECT SET MENU O F F
DELETE
S H O WN O V
SELECT SETPress
Select a folder for deletion.
Photos taken at a setting of Ultra HS are stored in folders with names ofthe form “N_” followed by a three-digit number assigned automatically bythe camera. As each series of photographs is stored in a separate folder,the Folder Options > Delete item can be used to delete all photo-graphs in a series at once.
If the selected folder contains hidden or protected images, the folder willnot be deleted. Any images it contains that are neither hidden nor pro-tected will, however, be deleted.
2
MENU O F F
DELETE
SELECT
YesNo
SET
S H O Wdeleting folder?
Press
Confirmation dialog appears• Select Yes to delete folder• Select No to return to
previous menu withoutdeleting folder
1
MENU O F F
DELETE
S H O WN O V
SELECT SETHighlightfolder name
Display mode and battery life
For more information on:
Cam
era Setup: M
onito
r Optio
ns86
Monitor Options
The Monitor Options item in the setupmenu controls the review function andmonitor brightness and hue (tone).
MENU O F F
1
2
S
MONITOR OPTIONS
SELECT SET
Folders
Display ModeBrightnessHue
Monitor OptionsControlsAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card Format
MENU O F F
1
2
S
DISPLAY MODE
SELECT SET
ONReview OnlyPreview OnlyMonitor Off
Display Mode (M-REC Only)This option controls the review functionand determines when the LCD monitorcomes on automatically in M-REC mode.
Option Description
ONLCD monitor comes on when camera isturned on; photographs are displayed in LCDmonitor after shooting
ReviewOnly
LCD monitor only comes on to display photo-graphs immediately after shooting
PreviewOnly
LCD monitor comes on when camera isturned on, but photographs are not displayedin LCD monitor after shooting
MonitorOff
LCD monitor remains off when camera isturned on; photographs are not displayed inmonitor after shooting
MENU O F F
1
2
S
BRIGHTNESS
SELECT SET
BrightnessThis option controls the brightness of theLCD monitor. Use the multi selector toincrease or decrease brightness by mov-ing the arrow at the right side of the dis-play up or down. When you have adjustedbrightness to your satisfaction, press the multi selector to theright to put the change into effect. Changes made in one oper-ating mode (A-REC, M-REC, or PLAY) apply simultaneously tothe other two.
HueThis option controls the hue (tone) ofthe LCD monitor. Use the multi selectorto change monitor hue by moving the ar-row at the right side of the display up ordown. When you have adjusted settingsto your satisfaction, press the multi selector to the right to putthe change into effect. Changes made in one operating mode(A-REC, M-REC, or PLAY) apply simultaneously to the othertwo.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
HUE
SELECT SET
Increasing LCD brightness also increases the brightness of images outputon a television set when the camera is connected to a television or VCR.Under normal viewing conditions, this may make the image on the televi-sion appear slightly too bright, or “washed out.”
Cam
era Setup: C
ustom
izing Cam
era Co
ntrols
87
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SELECT SET
Shutter SoundShot Confirm LampDateVideo ModeLanguage
ONOFF
SHUTTER SOUND
Sound Settings
The Shutter Sound sub-menu controlsthe “beep” made by the camera’s speaker.
Option Description
OFF Camera speaker off
ON
Camera beeps once to confirm that:• mode dial has been turned to A-REC or M-
REC from OFF or PLAY• picture has been taken• memory card has been inserted in camera• lens converter or manual focus modes have
been selected• delete, hide, or protect operations have been
completed• ON has been chosen from Shutter Sound
sub-menu
Camera beeps twice to warn that:• camera not in focus when shutter-release
button pressed halfway (single AF only)• memory card full or not inserted• battery exhausted
Customizing Camera Controls
The options in the Controls sub-menudetermine what M-REC settings arecleared when the camera is turned off,and what functions are assigned to the
(FUNC. 1) and (FUNC. 2) but-tons in M-REC mode.
MemorizeThe Memorize menu determines whatM-REC settings remain in effect when thecamera is turned off. If an item is checkedin this menu, the setting in effect at thetime the camera is turned off is restoredthe next time the mode dial is turned to M-REC.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
Folders
MemorizeFunc.1Func.2
Monitor OptionsControlsAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card Format
CONTROLS
SELECT SET
MENU O F F
1
2
S
MEMORIZE
SELECT SETBK
Mode
Done
Option Setting memorized
Mode Exposure mode
Focus mode
Flash setting
Exposure compensation value
To check an item, or to remove a check mark from an item,highlight the item and press the multi selector to the right.Highlight Done and press the multi selector to the right toput the changes into effect.
Cam
era Setup: C
ustom
izing Cam
era Co
ntrols
88Function ButtonsBy default, the (FUNC.1 ) controlsexposure mode, the (FUNC. 2) but-ton exposure compensation. Using theFUNC 1 and FUNC 2 menus, you canassign different functions to these buttonsin M-REC mode. For example, assigning white balance or me-tering to either button makes it possible to adjust these set-tings without using the menus. Alternatively, you can assign thefunctions of the or buttons to the FUNC. 1 orFUNC. 2 buttons, putting these functions where they can beeasily adjusted.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
FUNC. 1
SELECT SET
Mode
Metering
White Balance
Exposure mode
Focus
Flash settings
Sensitivity
White balance
Exposure compensation
Metering
Exposure options
For more information on:
The following functions can be assigned to either button:
Option Function Assigned
Mode Exposure mode
Focus mode/manual focus (functions insame way as button)
Flash setting/sensitivity (functions in sameway as button)
Exposure mode can not be used unless Mode is assigned to one of thetwo buttons. If neither button is assigned the exposure compensationfunction, exposure compensation can only be adjusted using the Exp. +/–item in the M-REC EXPOSURE OPTIONS sub-menu.
WhiteBalance
White balance (press while turning com-mand dial to select white-balance program;while button is pressed, W-BAL indicatorand white-balance program are displayed incontrol panel shutter-speed/aperturedisplay as follows: Pre = Preset [restoreslast recorded preset white value],Sun = Fine, Inc = Incandescent,Flu = Fluorescent, Clo = Cloudy,Fla = Flash, no display = Auto)
Exposure compensation
MeteringMetering method (press while turningcommand dial to select metering method)
Cam
era Setup: F
ile Num
bering89
Auto Off
When operated on battery power, thecamera enters sleep mode if no opera-tions are performed for thirty seconds(three minutes when menus are dis-played). The time limit for sleep modecan be chosen from the Auto Off menu.
The time limit for playback is independent of the time limit forA-REC and M-REC, and is set by choosing Auto Off from theplayback setup menu. The time limit for A-REC and M-RECcan be set by choosing Auto Off from either of the A-REC orM-REC setup menus.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SELECT SET
Folders
3 0 S1 M5 M3 0 M
Monitor OptionsControlsAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card Format
AUTO OFF
In sleep mode, all camera functions are deactivated and the camera itself iseffectively off, consuming almost no power. The camera can be reactivatedby pressing the MONITOR button or by pressing the shutter-release but-ton halfway.
While the camera is being powered by the AC adapter (available sepa-rately), the camera will remain on for thirty minutes if no operations areperformed, regardless of the setting in the Auto Off menu. If the camerais connected to a television set, the television display will remain on indefi-nitely after the LCD monitor has turned off.
File Numbering
Photographs taken with the COOLPIX990 are stored as image files. Each file isassigned a name consisting of “DSCN”plus a four-digit number assigned auto-matically by the camera. Although no twophotographs in a single folder will have the same file name,photographs in different folders may share the same name, caus-ing confusion when the files are copied to a computer. Thiscan be prevented using the options in the Seq. Numbers sub-menu.
2
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SELECT SET
Folders
ONOFFReset
Monitor OptionsControlsAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card Format
SEQ. NUMBERS
Option
OFF
ON
Reset
Description
When new folder is created, numbering willbegin from 0001. Files in different folders mayhave same name.
When new folder is created, numbering willcontinue from last number used. All files willhave unique names.
Resets sequential numbering to lowest numberavailable on card
Cam
era Setup: C
onfirm
ing Shutter R
elease90
Formatting Memory Cards
Memory cards can be formatted using the CF Card Formatoption in the setup menu for each mode. To format a memorycard:
1
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SET-UP 1
SELECT SET
FoldersMonitor OptionsControlsAuto OffSeq. NumbersCF Card Format
Highlight CFCard Format
2
MENU O F F
1
S
2
CF CARD FORMAT
SELECT SET
NoFormat
WARNING!All images willbe deleted!
Press
Confirmation dialog displayed.Select Format or No (notethat selecting Format beginsformatting immediately,permanently deleting all dataon card)
Format No
Formatting in progress. Do not removecard from camera until formatting iscomplete. All data on card will bepermanently deleted.
Return to setup menu withoutformatting card
Confirming Shutter Release
The red-eye reduction lamp next to theviewfinder can be set to provide visualconfirmation of shutter release using theShot Confirm Lamp item in theM-REC setup menu.
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SELECT SET
Shutter SoundShot Confirm LampDateVideo ModeLanguage
ONOFF
SHOT CONFIRM LAMP
Option Description
ON Red-eye reduction lamp fires when shutter isreleased in A-REC or M-REC mode
OFF Red-eye reduction lamp does not fire whenshutter is released (default)
Cam
era Setup: L
anguage91
Date and Time
The Date option can be used to set thecamera’s clock-calendar. For more infor-mation on setting the date and time, see“First Steps: Setting the Time and Date.”
Video Mode
The Video Mode sub-menu is used toselect the video standard used when thecamera is connected to a television setor video recorder.
For more information on:
Setting the time and date
Connecting the camera to a TV or VCR
MENU O F F
1
S
2
DATE
2 0 0 0 . 0 1 . 0 1
0 0 : 0 0
Y M D
SELECT SET
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SELECT SET
Shutter SoundShot Confirm LampDateVideo ModeLanguage
NTSCPAL
VIDEO MODE
Option Description
Language
The Language option in the M-REC andplayback setup menus is used to choosethe language for menus and messages dis-played by the camera. For more infor-mation on choosing a language, see “FirstSteps: Choosing a Language.”
MENU O F F
1
2
S
SELECT SET
Shutter SoundShot Confirm LampDateVideo ModeLanguage
DEFJ
LANGUAGE
For more information on:
Choosing a language
NTSC Use when connecting to NTSC devices
PAL
Use when connecting to PAL devices. Notethat when this standard is selected, LCDmonitor will turn off when video cable isconnected.
Connecting to a Television or VCR
Connecting to a Computer
Co
nnections
92ConnectionsThis chapter provides information on connecting your camerato a computer and to a television or videocassette recorder(VCR).
Clickto go
Connecting to a Television or VCR
Using the EG-900 video cable provided with your camera, youcan connect your camera to a television or VCR to view pho-tos on the television screen.
1 Insert the black plug on the EG-900into the camera’s video-out connec-tor.
2 Connect the yellow plug to the video-in jack on the television or VCR.
Connect the AC adapter (available separately) if you want the televisionto continue displaying images after the camera has entered sleep modeand the LCD monitor has turned off. Camera settings and photo info willnot be displayed on the television screen when the LCD monitor is off.
The Video Mode items in the M-REC and playback setup menus offer achoice of NTSC or PAL standards for video output. Select a standard thatmatches that used in your television set. Note that when the PAL videostandard is selected, the LCD monitor will turn off when the camera isconnected to a video device (while recording is taking place at CON-TINUOUS settings of Ultra HS or Movie, however, the LCD monitorwill be used for display and video output will be suspended).
3 Tune the television to the video channel.
4 Turn the mode dial to A-REC, M-REC, or PLAY. The televi-sion will mirror the image displayed in the camera’s LCDmonitor.
Co
nnections: C
onnecting to
a Television o
r VC
R93
For more information on:
Video mode
Continuous settings
Movies can not be played back on a television set. If you choose to play amovie back while the camera is connected to a TV or VCR, the movie willbe displayed on the camera’s LCD monitor.
Co
nnections: C
onnecting to
a Co
mputer
94Connecting to a Computer
Photographs taken with the COOLPIX 990 can be viewed onyour computer monitor or copied to disk for long-term stor-age or editing. You can connect your camera directly to yourcomputer via the UC-E1 Universal Serial Bus (USB) or theoptional SC-EW3/SC-EM3 serial cables and browse the con-tents of the memory card using the Nikon View software pro-vided with your camera, or insert the memory card in thecomputer’s card slot or card drive, where it will function as adisk.
Using Nikon View
Before you startBefore using Nikon View, read the documentation provided.The manuals for Nikon View are divided into two parts, bothon the reference CD provided with your camera:
Quick Start Guide (HTML)This guide, which can be viewed with Internet Explorer ver-sion 3.0 or later, or with Netscape Navigator version 3.0 orlater, covers installation. To view:• insert the reference CD into the CD-ROM drive• double-click the QKSTART.html icon in the root di-
rectory of the CD
Reference Manual (PDF)The reference CD includes separate reference manuals forMacintosh and Windows versions of Nikon View. Thesemanuals provide complete operating instructions. Beforethey can be viewed, you will need to install Adobe AcrobatReader version 4.0 or later. Installers for six language ver-sions may be found on the reference CD; to install, openthe folder for the language of your choice and double-clickthe installer icon. Once installation is complete, you canview the on-line documentation by clicking the INDEX.pdficon in the root directory of the reference CD.
After reading the documentation, install Nikon View as in-structed in the Quick Start Guide. You are now ready to con-nect the camera to your computer.
If you are unable to view the Quick Start Guide, refer to the README.txttext file in the root directory of the reference CD. This file providessystem requirements and basic installation instructions.
USB Serial (Macintosh)Serial (PC)
Connect UC-E1USBcable to camera USB/
serial connector
1 1
Connect cable tocomputer USB
connector
2
Connect cable tocomputer serial port
2
1
Connect cable tocomputer modem or
printer port
2
Connecting your camera to a computerThe COOLPIX 990 is equipped with USB and serial ports.Follow the steps below to connect your camera to an IBM-compatible (PC) or Macintosh computer.
3 Turn the camera on. The borders of the shut-ter-speed/aperture display in the control panelwill light up ( ).
While data are being transferred between the camera and your computer, theborders of the shutter-speed/aperture display in the control panel will flash onand off in sequence to form a “marching ants” marquee ( ). Do notunplug the serial or USB cables while data transfer is in progress.
Do not use Nikon View with the camera while battery power is low or thebatteries are exhausted. If the battery indicator changes to low or starts toflash while the camera and computer are connected, wait for the borders ofthe number display to stop flashing, then disconnect the camera and replacethe batteries or connect the EH-31 AC adapter (sold separately).
Co
nnections: C
onnecting to
a Co
mputer
95
Connect SC-EW3serial cable to cameraUSB/serial connector
Connect SC-EM3serial cable to cameraUSB/serial connector
The LCD monitor, and all indicators apart from the batteryindicator, will be off, and all camera functions will be dis-abled. Normal functioning will be restored when the cableis unplugged.
For information on the operations that can be performed whilethe camera is connected to your computer, see the Nikon ViewReference Manual for your platform.
Co
nnections: C
onnecting to
a Co
mputer
96
Both the camera and the computer can be on when the cables are con-nected or disconnected, but do not disconnect the cable while data trans-fer is in progress.
To users of IBM-compatible computers:The SC-EW3 serial cable (available separately) is for connection to a male9-pin serial connector, standard on many IBM compatibles. Your PC mayhowever use a different type of serial connector, in which case you willneed to buy an adapter before you will be able to connect the cable.
Reading Photographs from Memory CardsTo read photographs directly from the camera’s memory card,you will need:
• a PC or Macintosh computer, and• either a CF card reader or, if your computer is equipped
with a PCMCIA Type II or Type III card slot, an EC-AD1PC-card adapter (available separately from Nikon).
Using a CF card readerThe steps involved in connecting a CF card reader and insert-ing memory cards are covered in the documentation providedwith your card reader. Once the card has been inserted, it willfunction as a disk, as described in Step 3 of “Using a PCMCIAcard slot,” below.
Using a PCMCIA card slot
1 Insert the memory card in the PCcard adapter.
The COOLPIX 990 can play back only images that conform to the formatused by the COOLPIX 950, 900s, 900, 800, and 700 digital cameras. It maynot be able to display files created on a computer or by another make ofcamera. It may also not be able to display files that have been renamed ormoved to a different folder on the memory card using a computer.
2 Insert the adapter into your computer’s PC card slot asinstructed in the documentation provided with your com-puter or PC card drive.
3 The card will now function as a disk. Photographs may befound in the folder DCIM in the card’s root directory, storedin the folder shown in the playback mode information dis-play. Photos (files with the extensions “.JPG” or “.TIF”) canbe viewed in any application that supports JPEG and TIFFformats. Movies (“.MOV”) can be played back in any appli-cation that supports the QuickTime format.
Co
nnections: C
onnecting to
a Co
mputer
97“info.txt”
Each camera-created folder on the memory card contains a text file(“info.txt”) that provides photo information for each image in memory.This file can be viewed using a text browser such as SimpleText or Notepad.The file lists the images in the order recorded and gives the followinginformation for each image:• Image file name and type• Camera type• Firmware version• Metering method• Exposure mode• Shutter speed• Aperture• Exposure compensation• Focal length• Focus mode or manual focus distance• Flash status• Image adjustment setting• Sensitivity (ISO equivalency)• White balance• Sharpening• Digital zoom• Lens converter option• File size (in kilobytes)
The information for each image is followed by a blank line.
You may need to install an ATA RAM-card driver before you will be able toread memory cards on a computer running Windows 3.1.
Nikon View can be used to browse photographs on a memory card. Seethe Nikon View Reference Manual for details.
The “info.txt” file can not be viewed using Nikon View.
Technical No
tes: Caring fo
r Your C
amera
98Technical NotesThis chapter covers:
• camera care and storage• the accessories provided with your camera or available
for separate purchase• troubleshooting hints and tips• product specifications
Troubleshooting
Specifications
Caring for Your Camera
Accessories
Caring for Your Camera
Cleaning
StorageIf you are not going to use the camera for a long period oftime, remove the batteries before putting the camera away.Store with the lens rotated to a positionadjacent to the control panel, as shownat right. Do not store your camera in lo-cations that:
• are poorly ventilated or damp• are next to equipment that produces strong magnetic
fields, such as televisions or radios• are hotter than 50°C (122°F) or colder than –10°C (14°F)• have a humidity of over 60 %.
Lens/view-finder
Use blower to remove dirt or dust. Wipecarefully with soft cloth to remove fingerprintsor other stains. Do not touch with fingers.
LCDmonitor
Clean with soft, dry cloth
Body Clean with damp cloth; dry immediately
Do not use alcohol, thinner, or other volatile cleaners.
Clickto go
Technical No
tes: Accesso
ries99
Optional AccessoriesAt the time this manual was written, the following optionalaccessories were available for the COOLPIX 990. Contactyour local Nikon representative or retailer for details.
Accessories
What’s in the BoxPurchasers of the COOLPIX 990 should find that the packagecontains the items listed below. Should you notice that anyitem is missing or damaged, contact your retailer as soon aspossible.
COOLPIX 990 digitalcamera (1)
Lens cap (1)
Compact flash-memory card (1)
AA (LR6) alkaline bat-teries (4)
UC-E1 USB cable (1)
EG-900 video cable(1)
Software CD-ROM(1) containing NikonView browser soft-ware
Reference CD-ROM(1) containing Guide toDigital Photography(electronic edition), NikonView Reference Manual, QuickStart Guide, and Adobe Acro-bat Reader 4.0 software
Guide to Digital Photog-raphy (print edition)
Fast Track Guide/ForYour Safety
Menu Guide
AN-E990 camerastrap (1)
Lens-cap string (1)
FAST TRACK GUIDE
In addition to the CompactFlash memory cards listed above, the followingcards have been tested and approved for use in the COOLPIX 990:• SanDisk SDCFB series 48, 64, and 96• Lexar Media 8× USB series CF008, CF016, CF032, CF048, and CF064Operation is not guaranteed with other cards. For more details on theabove cards, please contact the respective company.
Guide to DigitalPhotography
Lens converters• FC-E8 fisheye lens con-
verter• WC-E24/WC-E63 wide-
angle lens converters• TC-E2 ×2 telephoto lens
converter• TC-E3ED ×3 telephoto
lens converterSlide-copying adapter• ES-E28 Slide Copy
AdapterRemote release cable• MC-EU1 Remote CordAC adapter• EH-31 AC adapterCarrying case• CS-E990 Soft Case
Flash accessories• SK-E900 Multi-Flash
Bracket Unit• TTL Multi-Flash Adapter
AS-10• Multi-Flash Sync Cord
SC-18/ SC-19CompactFlash memorycards and adapters• 64 MB and 96 MB Nikon
CF memory cards• EC-AD1 PC-card adapterSerial cables• SC-EW3 serial cable for
PC/AT computers• SC-EM3 serial cable for
Macintosh computers
Standard accessories may differ in each country or area. Some of theoptional accessories listed above at right may not be immediately avail-able.
Technical No
tes: Tro
ubleshoo
ting100
Troubleshooting
Check the list below before consulting your retailer or Nikonrepresentative. Click the page numbers in the rightmost col-umn for more information on how to solve the problems listed.
Problem Possible cause
Problem Possible cause
Control paneldisplay is blank
2114
14
• Camera is off• Batteries are not correctly in-
serted or battery-chamber coveris not fully closed
• Batteries are dead• AC adapter (available separately) is
not properly connected
No phototaken whenshutter-releasebutton fullypressed
21
1434
2521
102
16
• Mode dial is not set to A-REC orM-REC
• Batteries are exhausted• AF lamp flickers: camera unable to
focus• Flash lamp flickers: flash is charging• Number of exposures remaining in
control panel shows zero: notenough memory remaining
• Message “CARD IS NOT FOR-MATTED” appears in LCD moni-tor: card not correctly formatted
• Message “NO CARD PRESENT”appears in LCD monitor: nomemory card inserted in camera
Photos areover- or under-exposed
43
43
39
• Shutter-speed indicator in LCDmonitor blinks: shutter speed toolow or too high
• Aperture indicator in LCD moni-tor blinks: aperture too wide ortoo small
• Subject outside of flash range• Exposure compensation too high
or too low
LCD monitoris blank
15
86
• Monitor is off. Press MONITORbutton.
• Monitor Off selected in DisplayMode sub-menu of M-REC setupmenu
No indicatorsappear in LCDmonitor
15
75
• Indicators are hidden. PressMONITOR button until indicatorsare displayed.
• Slide show is in progress
LCD monitoris hard to read
8698
• Display options require adjustment• Monitor is dirty
Technical No
tes: Tro
ubleshoo
ting101Problem Possible cause
Photos not infocus
3534
47
• Subject not in focus area• AF lamp flickers: camera unable to
focus• Manual focus distance does not
match distance to subject
Problem Possible cause
Computer cannot read fileson memorycard
96• Card not correctly inserted incard reader or adapter, or adapternot correctly inserted in computer
• ATA RAM-drivers not installed oncomputer running Windows 3.1
• Application does not supportJPEG, TIFF, or QuickTime formats
Nikon Viewdisplays com-municationerror
95• Camera not correctly connectedto computer
Television doesnot mirrorimage in LCDmonitor
9393
91
• Camera not properly connected• Television not tuned to video
channel• Video Mode setting does not
match television video standard
Photos can notbe played back
96• Photos have been overwritten orrenamed by computer
Flash does notfire
3164
143352
5466
59
• Flash is set to (“flash cancel”)• Internal flash set to “off” in M-REC
SPEEDLIGHT OPT > SpeedlightCntrl sub-menu
• Battery level is low• Focus mode is set to (infinity)• Camera is set to Continuous,
Multi-shot 16, VGA Sequence,Ultra HS, or Movie
• Best-shot selection (BSS) is on• Setting other than Normal is
selected in LENS sub-menu• EXPOSURE OPTIONS >
AE-Lock option is on
Technical No
tes: Caring fo
r Your C
amera
102Error MessagesWhen a problem occurs with the memory card or with the camera’s internal programming or circuitry, an error message willbe displayed superimposed on the image in the LCD monitor.
Problem SolutionControl PanelMessage
Error accessing memory card Use approved memory card 99THIS CARDCANNOT BE USED
Camera can not detect memory cardTurn camera off and confirm thatmemory card is correctly inserted 16NO CARD
PRESENT
Insufficient memory to record furtherphotographs at current settings
• Reduce image quality or image size• Delete photographs from card• Insert new card
377316
OUT OF MEMORYCARD IS FULL
Error encountered while saving photoor camera has run out of folder orfile numbers
• Create new folder• Set Seq. Numbers in A-REC or
M-REC setup menu to OFF• Reformat memory card
8489
90
IMAGE CANNOTBE SAVED
Card has not been formatted for usein COOLPIX 990
Using multi selector, highlight FOR-MAT and press multi selector toright to format memory card, or turncamera off and replace card
16
CARD IS NOTFORMATTED
FORMATNO
Technical No
tes: Tro
ubleshoo
ting103Problem SolutionControl PanelMessage
Folder selected in playback modecontains no images
To play photos back, select foldercontaining images from playbackFolders menu
75CARD CONTAINSNO IMAGES
All images in current folder arehidden
To play photos back, select anotherfolder or use Hide Image to changehidden status of images in currentfolder
78ALL IMAGESARE HIDDEN
File created on computer or bydifferent make of camera
• Delete file• Reformat memory card
7290
FILE CONTAINSNO IMAGE DATA
Folder contains hidden or protectedphotos
Folder can only be deleted if allimages it contains are neither pro-tected nor hidden
74THE FOLDERCANNOT BEDELETED
Error has occurred in camera’sinternal circuitry
Turn camera off, unplug optional ACadapter (if using), open and closebattery-chamber cover, and turncamera on. If message persists, con-tact retailer or Nikon representative.
14SYSTEM ERROR
Technical No
tes: Specificatio
ns104
Specifications
The LCD monitor may contain a few pixels that are always lit or that donot light. This is common to all LCD displays and does not indicate amalfunction. The monitor is lit by a fluorescent backlight. Should thedisplay begin to dim or flicker, contact your Nikon service representative.
Type Digital camera
CCD • 1/1.8˝ high-density CCD• Total number of pixels: 3.34 million
Image size Selectable from:• 2,048 × 1,536 pixels• XGA (1,024 × 768 pixels)• VGA (640 × 480 pixels)• 3 : 2 (2,048 × 1,360 pixels)
Lens • 3× Zoom-Nikkor• f = 8 – 24 mm [35 mm (135) format equivalent
to 38 – 115 mm]/F 2.5 – 4 with macro• Nine elements in eight groups, all elements
made of environmentally-friendly glass• Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) applied• Glass-molded aspherical lens element included
Autofocus • Contrast-detect TTL autofocus with 4,896-step autofocus control including macro range
• Five-area multi AF or spot AF available
• Continuous autofocus (when using LCD moni-tor)
• Single autofocus (LCD monitor off and/orsingle autofocus selected in M-REC mode)
• Manual (fifty steps from 2 cm/0.8˝ – ∞ withFocus Confirmation indication)
Focus modes
Shooting distance • 30 cm (11.8˝) – ∞• Macro mode: 2 cm (0.8˝) – ∞
Optical viewfinder
Frame coverage ~85 %
Magnification 0.4 – 1.1×
Real-image zoom viewfinder with LED indica-tion
Diopteradjustment
–2 – +1 DP
LCD monitor 1.8˝, 110,000-dot, low-temperature polysiliconTFT LCD with brightness and hue adjustment
Frame coverage ~97 % (through/freeze image)
Auto-off mode 30 sec.; can also be set manually (1/5/30 min.)
StorageDigitally stored (uncompressed TIFF or com-pressed JPEG)
System
CompactFlash (CF) cardMedia
• Fully-automatic ([A]-REC) mode• Custom ([M]-REC) mode (three combinations
of mode settings can be memorized)
Shooting modes
Technical No
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ns105
Capture modes • Single• Continuous• Multi-shot 16 (sixteen frames 1/16 in size)• VGA Sequence• Ultra High-speed Continuous (up to eighty
QVGA-size images at ~30 fps)• Movie (up to 40 sec. of QVGA-size frames at
15 fps
• White balance• Exposure metering• Continuous• Best-Shot Selector (BSS)• Converters• Image adjustment (Auto, Normal, More Con-
trast, Less Contrast, Lighten, Darken, Mono-chrome)
• Image Sharpening• Digital zoom (up to 4×)
Shooting menu
Aperture Seven-blade iris diaphragm
Range 3 EV in 1/3-EV steps
Exposure
Control
• Exposure modes:■ Programmed Auto with Flexible Program■ Shutter-Priority Auto■ Aperture-Priority Auto■ Manual
• Exposure Compensation (±2.0 EV in 1/3–EVsteps)
• Auto Exposure Bracketing (five steps within±2/3 EV
Range (ISO 100equivalent)
• EV –2 – +15.5 (W)• EV –0.8 – +16.7 (T)
Exposure metering Four-mode TTL metering
• 256-segment Matrix• Center-Weighted• Spot• AF-spot
Modes
Self-timer 10 sec. or 3 sec. duration
Sensitivity ISO equivalent 100, 200, 400, Auto; can be con-trolled in any exposure mode
White balance • Matrix Auto White Balance with TTL control• Five-mode Manual with fine tuning (Fine, In-
candescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Speedlight)• Preset
Built-in Speedlight9/30 (at ISO 100, m/ft)Guide number
Sensor flash systemFlash control
Flash modes
• Auto Flash• Flash Cancel (off)• Anytime Flash (fill-flash)• Slow Sync• Red-Eye Reduction
Mechanical and charge-coupled electronic shutterShutter
Speed 8 – 1/1000 sec., Bulb
Technical No
tes: Specificatio
ns106External
SpeedlightMulti-flash sync terminal connects to externalNikon Speedlight SB-28/28DX/26/25/24/22sthrough the Multi-Flash Bracket Unit SK-E900;built-in Speedlight can be canceled when usingexternal Speedlight(s)
I/O terminals • Power input• Video output• Digital output terminal (USB/Serial)• Sync terminal for external Speedlight
Powerrequirements
• Four 1.5 V LR6 (alkaline “AA” [LR40]) batter-ies; 1.5 V FR6 lithium, 1.2 V Ni-MH or 1.2 VNiCd “AA”-size batteries can also be used
• AC adapter (optional)
Battery life Approx. 1.5 hrs. when using LCD monitor andfour 1.5 V LR6 [alkaline “AA” (L40)] batteries atnormal temperature (20°C/68°F)
Dimensions(W × H × D)
Approx. 149 × 79 × 38 mm (5.9˝ × 3.1˝ × 1.5˝)
Weight 390 g (13.8 oz) without batteries
Operatingenvironment
• Temperature: 0 – 40°C (32 – 104°F)• Humidity: under 85% (no condensation)
Video output NTSC or PAL (selectable)
Interface USB or serial interface (Windows: 115kbps,Macintosh: 230kbps)
USB
Platform
OSWindows 98/98SE,Windows 2000 or laterpre-installed modelCPUMMX Pentium or later
WindowsOSMac OS 8.1 or later(8.5 or later recom-mended)Only built-in USB portsare supportedModelsiMac, iBook, PowerMacintosh G3 (Blue/White) or Power MacG4 or later (In case ofiMac with Mac OS 8.1,Mac OS ROM must beupdated by iMac update)
Macintosh
Interface
Serial
PlatformWindows
OSWindows 95/98/98SE,NT4.0, Windows 2000or later (optionalSC-EW3 serial cablerequired)
MacintoshOSMac OS 8.1 or later(optional SC-EM3 serialcable required)Only built-in serialports are supported
Playback
Playback menu
• Single frame• Thumbnail (four or nine segments)• Slide show• Zoom playback (up to 4×)
Delete function Deletes all or selected frames
Hide and protect attributes can be set for eachimage
Attributes
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