Nikon Coolpix L4 User manual

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The Nikon Guide to Digital Photography
with the

Trademark Information
Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. The SD
logo is a trademark of the SD Card Association. Adobe and Acrobat are registered
trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. PictBridge is a trademark. D-Lighting technology is
provided by Apical Limited. Face-priority AF technology is provided by Identix®. All
other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided
with your Nikon product are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.

i
Basic Photography and
Playback
Viewing Pictures on the
Camera
Connecting to Televisions,
Computers, and Printers
Menus
Technical Notes
Scene and Movie Modes
Introduction
Basic Camera Setup:
The Setup Menu
Shooting Options:
The Shooting Menu
Playback Options:
The Playback Menu
Movies
Symbols and Conventions
To make it easier to find the information you
need, the following symbols and conven-
tions are used:
Memory Cards
Pictures taken with this camera can be stored in
the camera’s internal memory or on removable
memory cards. If a memory card is inserted, all
new pictures will be stored on the memory card
and delete, playback, and format operations will
apply only to the pictures on the memory card.
The memory card must be removed before the
internal memory can be formatted or used to
store, delete, or view pictures.
This icon marks cautions, infor-
mation that should be read
before use to prevent damage to
the camera.
This icon marks notes, informa-
tion that should be read before
using the camera.
This icon marks tips, additional
information that may be helpful
when using the camera.
This icon indicates that more
information is available elsewhere
in this manual or in the Quick
Start Guide.

ii
To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others,
read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equip-
ment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will
read them.
The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions
listed in this section are indicated by the following symbol:
WARNINGS
Turn off in the event of mal-
function
Should you notice smoke or an unusual
smell coming from the camera or AC
adapter, unplug the AC adapter and
remove the batteries immediately, taking
care to avoid burns. Continued operation
could result in injury. After removing or
disconnecting the power source, take the
equipment to a Nikon-authorized service
representative for inspection.
Do not disassemble
Touching the product’s internal parts
could result in injury. Repairs should be
performed only by qualified technicians.
Should the camera break open as the
result of a fall or other accident, take the
product to a Nikon-authorized service
representative for inspection after
unplugging the product and/or removing
the batteries.
Do not use the camera or AC
adapter in the presence of
flammable gas
Do not use electronic equipment in the
presence of flammable gas, as this could
result in explosion or fire.
Handle the camera strap with
care
Never place the strap around the neck of
an infant or child.
Keep out of reach of children
Particular care should be taken to prevent
infants from putting the batteries or
other small parts into their mouths.
Observe caution when han-
dling batteries
Batteries may leak or explode if improp-
erly handled. Observe the following pre-
cautions when handling batteries for use
in this product:
•Before replacing the batteries, turn the
product off. If you are using an AC
adapter, be sure it is unplugged.
For Your Safety
This icon marks warnings, information that should be read before using this
Nikon product to prevent possible injury.

iii
•Use only the batteries listed on this
manual ( 7). Do not use other types.
Do not mix old and new batteries or
batteries of different makes or types.
•Charge and use each pair of Nikon
rechargeable Nikon EN-MH1 NiMH bat-
teries together as a set. Do not mix bat-
teries from different pairs.
•Insert batteries in the correct orienta-
tion.
•Do not short or disassemble batteries or
attempt to remove or break the cover-
ing.
•Do not expose batteries to flame or to
excessive heat.
•Do not immerse in or expose to water.
•Do not transport or store with metal
objects such as necklaces or hairpins.
•Batteries are prone to leakage when
fully discharged. To avoid damage to
the product, be sure to remove the bat-
teries when no charge remains.
•Discontinue use immediately should
you notice any change in the batteries,
such as discoloration or deformation.
•If liquid from damaged batteries comes
in contact with clothing or skin, rinse
immediately with plenty of water.
Observe the following pre-
caution when handling the
battery charger
If an MH-71 battery charger is provided
with the camera, observe the following
precautions:
•Keep dry. Failure to observe this precau-
tion could result in fire or electric shock.
•Dust on or near the metal parts of the
plug should be removed with a dry
cloth. Continued use could result in fire.
•Do not handle the power cable or go
near the battery charger during thun-
derstorms. Failure to observe this pre-
caution could result in electric shock.
•Do not damage, modify, forcibly tug or
bend the power cable, place it under
heavy objects, or expose it to heat or
flame. Should the insulation be dam-
aged and the wires become exposed,
take it to a Nikon-authorized service
representative for inspection. Failure to
observe these precautions could result
in fire or electric shock.
•Do not handle the plug or battery
charger with wet hands. Failure to
observe this precaution could result in
electric shock.
Use appropriate cables
When connecting cables to the input and
output jacks, use only the cables provided
or sold by Nikon for the purpose, to
maintain compliance with product regu-
lations.

iv
Handle moving parts with
care
Be careful that your fingers or other
objects are not pinched by the lens cover
or other moving parts.
CD-ROMs
The CD-ROMs supplied with this device
should not be played back on audio CD
equipment. Playing CD-ROMs on an
audio CD player could cause hearing loss
or damage the equipment.
Observe caution when oper-
ating the flash
Using the flash close to your subject’s
eyes could cause temporary visual impair-
ment. Particular care should be taken if
photographing infants, when the flash
should be no less than one meter (39in.)
from the subject.
Do not fire the flash while it
is touching a person or object
Such use can result in the person being
burned, and/or their clothes igniting from
the heat of the flash.
Avoid contact with liquid
crystal
Should the monitor break, care should be
taken to avoid injury due to broken glass
and to prevent liquid crystal from the
monitor touching the skin or entering the
eyes or mouth.

v
•No part of the manuals included with
this product may be reproduced, trans-
mitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language
in any form, by any means, without
Nikon’s prior written permission.
•Nikon reserves the right to change the
specifications of the hardware and soft-
ware described in these manuals at any
time and without prior notice.
•Nikon will not be held liable for any
damages resulting from the use of this
product.
•While every effort has been made to
ensure that the information in these
manuals is accurate and complete, we
would appreciate it were you to bring
any errors or omissions to the attention
of the Nikon representative in your area
(address provided separately).
Notice for Customers in the
U.S.A.
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) Radio Frequency Interference
Statement
This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protec-
tion against harmful interference in a res-
idential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equip-
ment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try
to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.
•Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/ television technician for help.
CAUTIONS
Modifications
The FCC requires the user to be notified
that any changes or modifications made
to this device that are not expressly
approved by Nikon Corporation may void
the user’s authority to operate the equip-
ment.
Interface Cables
Use the interface cables sold or provided
by Nikon for your equipment. Using other
interface cables may exceed the limits of
Class B Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Notices
COOLPIX L4

vi
Notice for customers in the State of
California
WARNING: Handling the cord on this
product will expose you to lead, a chemi-
cal known to the State of California to
cause birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Nikon Inc.,
1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New
York
11747-3064, U.S.A. Tel.: [phone]
Notice for Customers in Can-
ada
CAUTION
This class B digital apparatus meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interfer-
ence Causing Equipment Regulations.
ATTENTION
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B
respecte toutes les exigences du Règle-
ment sur le matériel brouilleur du Can-
ada.
Symbol for Separate Collec-
tion in European Countries
This symbol indicates that this
product is to be collected sepa-
rately.
The following apply only to
users in European countries:
•This product is designated for separate
collection at an appropriate collection
point. Do not dispose of as household
waste.
•For more information, contact the
retailer or the local authorities in charge
of waste management.
Notice Concerning Prohibi-
tion of Copying or Reproduc-
tion
Note that simply being in possession
of material that has been digitally
copied or reproduced by means of a
scanner, digital camera or other
device may be punishable by law.
•Items prohibited by law from being
copied or reproduced
Do not copy or reproduce paper
money, coins, securities, government
bonds, or local government bonds,
even if such copies or reproductions are
stamped “Sample.”
The copying or reproduction of paper
money, coins, or securities which are
circulated in a foreign country is prohib-
ited.
Unless the prior permission of the gov-
ernment has been obtained, the copy-
ing or reproduction of unused postage
stamps or post cards issued by the gov-
ernment is prohibited.
The copying or reproduction of stamps
issued by the government and of certi-
fied documents stipulated by law is pro-
hibited.
•Cautions on certain copies and
reproductions
The government has issued cautions on
copies or reproductions of securities
issued by private companies (shares,
bills, checks, gift certificates, etc.), com-
muter passes, or coupon tickets, except
when a minimum of necessary copies
are to be provided for business use by a
company. Also, do not copy or repro-
duce passports issued by the govern-
ment, licenses issued by public agencies
and private groups, ID cards, and tick-
ets, such as passes and meal coupons.

vii
•Comply with copyright notices
The copying or reproduction of copy-
righted creative works such as books,
music, paintings, woodcut prints, maps,
drawings, movies, and photographs is
governed by national and international
copyright laws. Do not use this product
for the purpose of making illegal copies
or to infringe copyright laws.
Disposing of Data Storage
Devices
Please note that deleting images or
formatting data storage devices such
as memory cards or built-in camera
memory does not completely erase
the original image data. Deleted files
can sometimes be recovered from
discarded storage devices using com-
mercially available software, poten-
tially resulting in the malicious use of
personal image data. Ensuring the
privacy of such data is the user’s
responsibility.
Before discarding a data storage
device or transferring ownership to
another person, erase all data using
commercial deletion software, or
format the device and then com-
pletely refill it with images contain-
ing no private information (for
example, pictures of empty sky). Be
sure to also replace any pictures
selected for the welcome screen
( 57). Care should be taken to
avoid injury or damage to property
when physically destroying data stor-
age devices.

viii
For Your Safety ................................................................................................... ii
WARNINGS ...................................................................................................................... ii
Notices ............................................................................................................... v
Introduction .......................................................................................... 1
Parts of the Camera............................................................................................ 2
The Monitor ....................................................................................................... 4
Shooting .......................................................................................................................... 4
Playback ........................................................................................................................... 5
First Steps ........................................................................................................... 6
Inserting Batteries............................................................................................................. 6
Charge the batteries (EN-MH1 batteries only) ................................................................... 6
Insert the batteries ........................................................................................................... 7
Basic Setup....................................................................................................................... 9
Inserting Memory Cards ................................................................................................. 11
Basic Photography and Playback....................................................... 13
(Auto) Mode ............................................................................................... 13
Step1 Select (auto) mode ......................................................................................... 13
Step2 Turn the camera on .............................................................................................. 13
Step3 Frame a picture..................................................................................................... 14
Step4 Focus and shoot ................................................................................................... 15
Viewing Pictures ............................................................................................... 17
Deleting Unwanted Pictures............................................................................................ 17
Using the Flash ................................................................................................. 18
Taking Pictures with the Self-Timer ................................................................... 20
Macro Close-up Mode ...................................................................................... 22
Scene Mode......................................................................................... 23
Scene Mode ..................................................................................................... 23
Assist Modes .................................................................................................................. 24
Taking Pictures with Face-Priority AF............................................................................... 26
Other Scenes .................................................................................................................. 28
Movies ................................................................................................. 33
Movie Mode ..................................................................................................... 33
Movie Playback ................................................................................................. 34
Movie Options: The Movie Menu ...................................................................... 35
Movie Options............................................................................................................... 35
Auto-focus Mode .......................................................................................................... 36
Viewing Pictures on the Camera ....................................................... 37
Viewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail Playback ............................................................... 38
Deleting Pictures ............................................................................................................ 38
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom ............................................................................. 39
Creating a Cropped Copy............................................................................................... 39
Enhancing Contrast: D-Lighting ...................................................................................... 40
Connecting to Televisions, Computers, and Printers ....................... 41
Viewing Pictures on TV ..................................................................................... 41
Table of Contents

ix
Viewing Pictures on a Computer ....................................................................... 42
Printing Pictures................................................................................................ 46
Connecting the Printer ................................................................................................... 47
Printing Pictures One at a Time ....................................................................................... 48
Printing Multiple Pictures................................................................................................ 50
Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set ............................................................................ 52
Menus .................................................................................................. 53
Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu............................................................... 56
Menus........................................................................................................................... 57
Welcome Screen ........................................................................................................... 57
Date .............................................................................................................................. 57
Monitor Settings ........................................................................................................... 59
Date Imprint .................................................................................................................. 60
Sound Settings .............................................................................................................. 61
Blur Warning ................................................................................................................. 62
Auto Off ....................................................................................................................... 62
Format Memory/ Format Card ....................................................................................... 63
Language ...................................................................................................................... 63
Interface........................................................................................................................ 64
Reset All ........................................................................................................................ 64
Battery Type .................................................................................................................. 64
Firmware Version .......................................................................................................... 64
Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu ............................................................. 65
Image Mode.................................................................................................................. 65
White Balance ............................................................................................................... 66
Exposure Compensation ................................................................................................ 68
Continuous ................................................................................................................... 68
BSS ............................................................................................................................... 69
Color Options................................................................................................................ 70
Playback Options: The Playback Menu............................................................... 71
Print Set ........................................................................................................................ 71
Slide Show .................................................................................................................... 72
Delete ........................................................................................................................... 73
Protect .......................................................................................................................... 73
Transfer Marking........................................................................................................... 73
Small Pic........................................................................................................................ 74
Copy ............................................................................................................................. 75
Technical Notes ................................................................................... 76
Optional Accessories......................................................................................... 76
Caring for the Camera ...................................................................................... 78
Cleaning ........................................................................................................................ 79
Storage .......................................................................................................................... 80
Error Messages ................................................................................................. 81
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................... 84
Appendix.......................................................................................................... 88
Specifications.................................................................................................... 95
Index ................................................................................................................ 98

x
Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories
Nikon COOLPIX cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex
electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery chargers,
batteries, and AC adapters) certified by Nikon specifically for use with this Nikon digital
camera are engineered and proven to operate within the operational and safety
requirements of this electronic circuitry.
THE USE OF NON-NIKON ELECTRONIC ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE THE CAMERA
AND MAY VOID YOUR NIKON WARRANTY.
For more information about Nikon brand accessories, contact a local autho-
rized Nikon dealer.

1
Introduction
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon COOLPIX L4 digital camera. This
manual has been written to help you enjoy taking pictures with your Nikon
digital camera. Read this manual thoroughly before use, and keep it where all
those who use the product will read it.
The documentation for this product also includes the manuals listed below.
Please be sure to read all instructions thoroughly to get the most from the
camera.
•Quick Start Guide: The Quick Start Guide takes you through the process of
unpacking and setting up your Nikon digital camera, taking your first pho-
tographs, and transferring them to your computer.
•PictureProject Reference Manual (on CD): The PictureProject Reference
Manual contains information on using the PictureProject software provided
with your camera. For information on viewing the reference manual, see
the Quick Start Guide.
Illustrations and on-screen text in this manual and the Quick Start Guide may
differ from the actual display.
Before Taking Important Pictures
Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking
the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning nor-
mally. Nikon will not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result from
product malfunction.
Life-Long Learning
As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing product support and
education, continually-updated information is available on-line at the following sites:
•For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/
•For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support
•For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/
Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers
to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and pho-
tography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in
your area. See the URL below for contact information:
http://nikonimaging.com/

2
Introduction
Attaching the Camera Strap
Attach the strap as shown below.
Parts of the Camera
Power-on lamp ( 9)
Power switch ( 9)
Shutter-release button ( 16)
Eyelet for
camera strap
Battery-chamber cover ( 6)
Lens cover
closed
Self-timer lamp
( 20)
Lens cover
Lens ( 14, 78)
Built-in flash
( 18)
Battery chamber ( 6)
Power cord channel cover for
optional AC adapter ( 76)

3
Introduction
The Multi Selector
Press the multi selector up, down, left, or right to highlight pictures and
menu items, then press the center to select. The buttons on the multi selector
are also used to:
(auto) mode ( 13)
(scene) mode ( 23)
(movie)
mode ( 33)
Replacing the connector cover
Monitor ( 4, 13, 17)
Mode selector
( 13, 23, 33)
Flash lamp
( 18) Tripod socket
Multi selector ( 9)
(delete) button
( 17, 37, 38)
(playback) button
( 17, 37)
MENU button ( 53)
Zoom button ( 14).
See also:
•(thumbnail playback):
37
•(playback zoom): 39
•(help): 55
Memory card slot cover
( 11)
Connector cover
( 41, 42, 47)
: Display self-timer
menu ( 20)
: Display macro close-
up mode menu ( 22)
: Display flash mode menu
( 18)
: Perform D-lighting ( 40)
: Transfer picture ( 42)

4
Introduction
The following indicators may appear in the monitor during shooting and
playback (actual display varies with current camera settings):
Shooting
The Monitor
1Shooting mode ............13, 23, 33
2Exposure lock ........................... 31
3Macro close-up mode............... 22
4Zoom indicator...................14, 22
5Focus indicator ......................... 15
6Flash mode............................... 18
7Camera shake icon................... 16
8Internal memory/Memory card
indicator................................... 11
9Battery level indicator ...............13
10 Sensitivity ................................. 16
11 “Date not set”/Time zone indica-
tor...................................... 57, 81
12 Self-timer indicator .................. 20
13 Date imprint/Date counter ....... 60
14 Number of exposures
remaining .......................... 13, 91
Movie length ..................... 33, 91
15 Focus area ............................... 15
16 Image mode ............................ 65
17 Exposure compensation ........... 68
18 Color options........................... 70
19 White balance ......................... 66
20 Best Shot Selector (BSS)/Continu-
ous shooting mode............ 68, 69
+
1.0
9999
9999
10
AUTO
123 4
56
7
8
13
9
10
11
12
14
15
19
18
16
17
20

5
Introduction
Playback
1Current folder .......................... 92
2File number and type................ 92
3Internal memory/Memory card
indicator................................... 11
4Battery level indicator ...............13
5D-Lighting guide ...................... 40
6Current frame number/Total
number of frames/
Movie length...................... 34, 37
7D-Lighting icon ........................ 40
8Movie playback indicator ......... 34
9Image mode ............................ 65
10 Movie indicator........................ 34
11 Protect icon ............................. 73
12 Print-order icon........................ 50
13 Transfer icon...................... 43, 73
14 Time of recording ...................... 9
15 Date of recording ...................... 9
12:00
12:00
15.05.2006
15.05.2006
9999
9999
/
9999
9999
100NIKON
100NIKON
9999.JPG
9999.JPG
OK
:START
START
OK
15
14
13
10
12
97
8
11
1
2
4
5
6
3

6
Introduction
Inserting Batteries
The camera uses two AA batteries. Depending on the country or region of
purchase, the package will include either alkaline batteries or an MH-71 bat-
tery charger with rechargeable EN-MH1 batteries.
Charge the batteries (EN-MH1 batteries only)
If the camera came with a battery charger and rechargeable Nikon EN-MH1
NiMH batteries, charge the batteries as described below. If the camera came
with a pair of alkaline batteries, skip to “Insert the batteries” on the follow-
ing page.
1Plug the charger in
Connect the power cable to the
charger (1) and then plug it into a
power outlet (2). The CHARGE lamp
will light (3).
2Charge the batteries
Insert the batteries as indicated on
the charger. The CHARGE lamp will
start to blink. Charging is complete
when the CHARGE lamp stops
blinking.
A pair of new or fully exhausted
batteries will charge in about two
and a half hours.
First Steps
1
2
3

7
Introduction
Insert the batteries
1Open the battery chamber.
Hold the camera upside down to prevent the
batteries from falling out.
2Insert the batteries.
Insert the batteries as shown.
3Close the battery chamber.
Is the Camera Off?
Confirm that the power-on lamp is off before removing batteries.
Batteries
Read and follow the warnings and cautions on pages ii–iii and 79 of this man-
ual. The camera can be used with AA alkaline (LR6) batteries, Nikon rechargeable EN-
MH1 NiMH batteries, ZR6 oxyride batteries, and FR6/L91 lithium batteries. Do not mix
old and new batteries or batteries of different makes or types. Batteries with the fol-
lowing defects cannot be used:
The Battery Type Menu
After replacing the batteries, check that the option selected for Battery Type in the
setup menu matches the type of battery used ( 64).
1
3
2
1
2
Flat negative terminalInsulation does not reach
negative terminal
Peeling or damaged
insulation

8
Introduction
Power saving modes and auto power off
This camera features a three-stage power saving function, which works as follows if no
operation is attempted for the times shown while the power is on.
•Approx. five seconds: The monitor brightness will be reduced to about 50% nor-
mal brightness.
•Approx. one minute (default setting): The monitor turns off and the camera
enters standby mode. The power-on lamp blinks. The camera can be reactivated by
pressing the shutter-release button halfway. (The length of time before entering the
standby mode can be changed.)
•Approx. three minutes after the camera has entered standby mode: The cam-
era will turn off.
EN-MH1 Batteries
Charge EN-MH1 batteries before first use. Charge and use as a set: do not charge bat-
teries one at a time or mix batteries from different pairs. Note that the batteries may
tend to discharge more quickly when new or after a long period of disuse. The batter-
ies will retain a charge longer once they have been used and recharged several times.
“Memory” effects that result in reduced battery capacity can be avoided by periodi-
cally refreshing the batteries as described in the Appendix ( 94).