Nikon CoolPix P500 User manual

DIGITAL CAMERA
COOLPI, XPSO0
User's Manual

P, S, A, M Modes
By rotating the mode dial, you can shoot pictures in the following four exposure
modes: P(Programmed auto), S (Shutter-priority auto), A(Aperture-priority auto),
and M (Manual).
Not only can you set the shutter speed and aperture value, you can also select a
variety of advanced settings, such as changing the ISO sensitivity and white balance
in the shooting menu (_81).
_':': Mode Descril_ _'?--_ _"_--'_--'_--'_sage
The camera sets the shutter
speed and aperture vaEue
programmed automaticalEy for optimal
auto exposure. Flexible program, Recommended for most
which changes the combination situations.
([_7!) of shutter speed and aperture
value with the same exposure,
can be used ([_)71).
................................................................................................................................................................................................................................_ _o_oo_?g_Tr_
Shutter- The user chooses the shutter subjects with afast shutter speed,
S priority auto speed; the camera selects the or use to emphasize the
(_72)
Apertu[e-
priority auto
([_]73)
MManua!
([_[_]74)
aperture value automatically, movements of a moving subject
with a slow shutter speed.
The user chooses the aperture Use to blur the background or
value; the camera selects the bring both the foreground and
shutter speed automatically, background into focus.
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................J_'_""_'o"'_'o'n"_';'oi""_"h"_""_'_'_'o'_"J;_
The user controls both the
shutter speed and aperture value, according to shooting
requirements.
Even when the mode dial is set to U(user setting mode), you can shoot in P
(Programmed auto), S(Shutter-priority auto), A(Aperture-priority auto) or 191
(Manual). The setting combinations (user settings) that are frequently used for
shooting can be saved in U (_108).
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[] Functions Available in P,S,A and MModes
• The flash mode (_36) can be changed, and the self timer (_39), focus mode (_40) and
exposure compensation (_43) settings can be adjusted.
• Press the MENUbutton to adjust the shooting menu (_81) settings. 69

[] Shutter Speed and Aperture Value
The same exposure can be achieved with different
combinations of shutter speed and aperture value, allowing
you to freeze or blur motion and control depth of field, The
following figures show how shutter speed and aperture value
affect exposure. When the ISO sensitivity setting (_92) is
changed, the range of shutter speeds and aperture values at
which the correct exposure can be obtained also changes,
Shutter Speed
Shutterspeed value
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Fast shutter speed
1/1000 s
Aperture Value
Large aperture
(Small f-number)
f/3,4
Slow shutter speed
1/30s
Small aperture
(Large f-number)
f/8
7O

P(Programmed Auto) Mode
The camera sets the shutter speed and aperture value automatically for optimal
exposure.
1 Rotate the mode dial to P,
2Framet,esubjectands,oot
• In the default setting, the camera automatically selects
one or more of the nine focus areas containing the o
subject closest to the camera. When the subject is in _.
focus, the focus area (active focus area) lights in green o°
(maximum of nine areas) (_95).
Flexible Program
In mode P(Programmed auto), different combinations of shutter
speed and aperture value can be selected without changing the
exposure by rotating the command dial ("flexible program"). While
flexible program is in effect, a flexible program mark (_K) appears
next to the mode indicator (P) in the upper left of the monitor.
•Rotate the command dial to the right for large apertures (small fl
numbers) when you want to blur background details, or for fast
shutter speeds to capture fast moving subjects.
• Rotate the command dial to the left for small apertures (large fl
nu tubers) when you want to increase depth of field, or for slow
shutter speeds to emphasize the motion of a subject.
• To cancel flexible program, rotate the command dial until the
flexible program mark (_K) is no longer displayed. Selecting
another shooting mode, or turning off the camera, also cancels
flexible program.
_1_ Note on P(Programmed Auto) Shooting
When the subject is too dark or too brig ht, it may not be possible to obtain the appropriate exposure.
In such cases, the shutter speed indicator and aperture value indicator blink when the shutter release
button is pressed halfway. It may be possible to obtain the appropriate exposure by changing settings
such as the ISO sensitivity (_92).
[] Shutter Speed
The cont_l range of the shutter speed differs depending on the ISO sensitivity setting. Additionally,
the range is restricted during continuous shooting (_107). 71

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S (Shutter-Priority Auto) Mode
The user chooses the shutter speed; the camera selects the aperture vahJe
automatically.
• The shutter speed can be set in a range from a maximum speed of ]/1500 to
two seconds.
1 Rotate the mode dial to S. _' ...._&_-- _z _£
2Rotate the command dial to choose
a shutter speed value.
3Focusandshoot.
• In the default setting, the camera automatically selects
one or more of the nine focus areas containing the
subject closest to the camera. When the subject is in
focus, the focus area (active focus area) lights in green
(maximum of nine areas) (_gs).
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_1_ Notes on S (Shutter-Priority Auto) Shooting
• When the subject is too dark or too bright, it may not be possible to obtain the appropriate
exposure with the set shutter speed, in such cases, the shutter speed indicator blinks when the
shutter release button is pressed halfway. Choose another shutter speed and try again.
• At shutter speeds of 1/4 second or slower, noise may appear in the image. In such situations, the
shutter speed indicator lights in red. Setting Long exposure NR (_102) to On is recommended.
[] Shutter Speed
The cont_l range of the shutter speed differs depending on the ISO sensitivity setting. Additionally,
the range is restricted during continuous shooting (_107).

A(Aperture-Priority Auto) Mode
The user c:hooses the aperture vahJe; the camera selects the shutter speed
automatically.
1 Rotate the mode dial to A.
2Rotate the command dial to choose
the aperture value (f/-number).
• The aperture value can be set in a range of
f/3.4 to 8 (wide-angle position) and
f/5.7 to 8 (telephoto position).
3Focus and shoot. _
• In thedefauEt setting, the camera automatically selects I _V I
one or more of the nine focus areas containing the
subject closest to the camera. When the subject is in
focus, the focus area (active focus area) lights in green
(maximum of nine areas) (_g5).
_1_ Note on A(Aperture-Priority Auto) Shooting
When the subject is too dark or too bright, it may not be possible to obtain the appropriate exposu re
with the set aperture value, in such cases, the aperture value indicator blinks when the shutter release
button is pressed halfway. Choose another aperture value and try again,
[] Shutter Speed
The control range of the shutter speed differs depending on the IS() sensitivity setting. Additionally,
the range is restricted during continuous shooting (_107).
[] Aperture and Zoom
The aperture value (_number) indicates the lens brightness. Large apertures (expressed by small f
hum hers) let more light into the camera, and small apertures (large hnumbers) let less Iig ht. When the
camera is zoomed in, the lens aperture can be changed within a range of f/3.4 to 5.7. The aperture
value increases (becomes darker) when zooming to the telephoto position, and decreases (becomes
brighter) when zooming to the wide angle position. 73

M (Manual) Mode
The user controls both the shutter speed and aperture value.
• The shutter speed can be set in a range from a maximum speed of 1/1500 to
eight seconds.
1 Rotatethe modedial to M. _ _'__1
2Press the multi selector i_ to activate the shutter speed setting.
°_ •The active setting switches between shutter speed and aperture each time the multi
o selector i_ is pressed.
_- •At shutter speeds of 1/4 second or slower, the shutter speed indicator lights in red
o° (_72).
3Rotate the command dial to choose
a shutter speed value.
•When adjusting the aperture value or
shutter speed, the degree of deviation
from the exposure value measured by the
camera is displayed in the exposure
indicator.
•The degree of deviation in the exposure
indicator is shown in EVs( 2 to +2 EVin
increments of 1/3 EV).
The display on the right shows that the
picture will be overexposed by 1EV(+1).
Exposure indicator
T Overexposed
+2
±0
Underexposed
4Pressthe multi selector i_ to activate the
aperture value setting.
74

5Rotate the command dial to choose
an aperture value.
• If necessary, repeat steps 2 to 5 to modify
shutter speed and aperture value settings
until the desired exposure is achieved.
6Focusand shoot. _
• In the default setting, the camera automatically selects I _V I
one or more of the nine focus areas containing the
subject closest to the camera. When the subject is in
focus, the focus area (active focus area) lights in green
(maximum of nine areas) (_95). o_
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_1_ Note on ISO Sensitivity
When ISO sensitivity (_92) is set to Auto (default setting), High ISO sensitivity auto or Fixed
range auto, IS© sensitivity is fixed at IS() ]60.
[] Shutter Speed
The cont_l range of the shutter speed differs depending on the ISO sensitivity setting. Additionally,
the range is restricted during continuous shooting (_107). 75

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Use this mode to capture the details of a moving subject by shooting a continuous
series of images.
• This function can be used when the shooting mode is P, S, A, M or U
[] single (default setting)
One picture is shot each time the shutter-release button is pressed.
continuous H
While the shutter-release button is pressed all the way, images are captured
continuously at a rate of about eight fps (when the Image Quality is Normal and
the image size is 1_ 4000x3000). Shooting ends when the shutter-release
button is released, or five pictures have been taken.
C°ntin uous I_
While the shutter-release button is pressed all the way, about 24 pictures are
captured continuously at a rate of up to about 1.8fps. (when the Image Quality is
Normal and the image size is 1_ 4000x3000).
I_ Pre-sho0ting cache
Pre-shooting cache makes it easy to capture perfect moments, by saving images
from before the shutter-release button was pressed all the way. Pre-shooting
cache shooting begins when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, and
continues when the shutter-release button is pressed all the way ([_179).
• Frame rate: up to 15 fps
• Number of frames: Up to 25 frames (including up to five frames captured in the
pre-shooting cache)
• Image size for recording isfixed at L_ (1600 x 1200 pixels).
• Shooting ends when the shutter-release button is released or when the
maximu m nu tuber of frames has been ta ken.
120 Continuous H: 120 fps
Each time the shutter-release button is pressed all the way, 50 pictures are
captured continuously at a speed of about 1/125 sor faster.
• Image size for recording isfixed at L_ (1280 x 960 pixels).
O0 C°ntinu°us H: 60 fps
Each time the shutter-release button is pressed all the way, 25 pictures are
captured continuously at a speed of about 1/60 sor faster.
• Image size for recording isfixed at L_ (1600 x 1200 pixels).
ItSS BSS (Best shot Selector)
BSSisrecommended for shooting when the lighting is dim without the flash, with
the camera zoomed in, or in other situations in which camera shake islikely to blur
pictures.
The camera continuously takes u pto ten pictures while the shutter-reEease button
is pressed all the way. The sharpest picture (image with the most details) in the
series is automatically selected and saved.

Multi-shot16
Each time the shutter-release button is pressed all the way,
the camera shoots 16 pictures at a rate of about 30 frames
per second and arranges them in a single picture.
•The image quality for recording is fixed at Normal and
the image size is fixed at _ (2560 x 1920 pixe]s).
• The digital zoom is not available.
Intvl timer sh0oting
The camera shoots still pictures automatically at the specified interval ([-i_.]79).
M.oo
1 Press the _ (continuous shootingmode)button. __,__ _o
• The continuous menu isdisplayed. o
2 Use the multi selector to set the continuous I_:l
menu and press the _) button.
I i
• The selected continuous shooting mode isdisplayed.
• When [] (single) is selected, []_] disappears within afew
seconds even if monitor indicators (_17) are turned
on.
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wNotes on Continuous
•Flash cannot be used during continuous shooting (except for interval timer shooting). The focus,
exposure, and white balance settings are fixed at the values for the first picture in each series.
• it may take some time to save the images after shooting. The amount of time it takes to finish
saving the ca ptu red images depends on the number ofimages, image quality, image size, the write
speed of the memory card, etc.
• When ISO sensitivity increases, noise may appear in captured images,
• The speed of continuous shooting may decrease depending on the image quality, image size, type
of memory card used, and shooting conditions.
• When continuous is set to Pre-shooting cache, Continuous H: 120 fps, Continuous H: 60 fps
or Multi-shot 16, banding or variance in brightness or hue may occur in images that were
captu red under lig hting that flickers at high speeds, such as fluorescent, mercury vapor, or sodium
vapor lighting.
• When continuous is set to Pre-shooting cache, Continuous H: 120 fps or Continuous H: 60
fps, accurate exposure may not be achieved (images may be overexposed) in images captured on
bright sunny days.
• Thisfeature cannot be used simultaneously with certainfunctions,See "Functions that Cannot be
Applied Simultaneously" (_I04) for more information.
_1_ Note on Best Shot Selector
BSS is suited for shooting stationary subjects. BSSmay not produce the desired results if the subject
moves or the composition changes.
[] Images Captured in Continuous
Each time images are capturect using Continuous H, Continuous L, Pre-shooting cache,
Continuous H: 120 fps or Continuous H: 60 fps, the captured images are saved as a "sequence"
(_113),
78

[] Pre-shooting Cache
When Pre-shooting cache is selected, shooting begins when the shutter release button is pressed
halfway for O.S seconds or longer, and images ca ptu red before it is pressed all the way are saved along
with images captu red after it is pressed all the way. Up to five images can be saved in the pre shooting
cache,
The pre shooting cache setting can be confirmed on the monitor when shooting (_8), When the
pre shooting cache is not set, no icon is displayed. The pre shooting cache icon lights in green while
the shutter release button is pressed halfway,
Press down halfway Press all the way
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Images saved by Images saved by
pressing halfway pressing all the way
• If the number of exposures remaining islessthan five,shooting with the pre shooting cache isnot
possible, Before shooting, check that there are five or more exposures remaining,
Interval Timer Shooting
Pictures are shot automatically at the specified intervals.
C]_oose from 30 s,1 min, 5 min, or 10 min.
IPress the _ (continuous shooting mode) ,_
I ,_1
button to display the continuous menu
([_[_76), use the multi selector to select I_1
Intvl timer shooting, and then press the _)
button.
L J
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2Choose the interval between each shot and ®
press the _) button.
• The camera returns to shooting screen.
• The maximum amount of frames that can be taken
during interval timer shooting differs according to the
interval taken between each shot.
- 30 s: 600 images
- 1 rain: 300 images
- 5 rain:60 images
- 10 min: 30 images
Press the shutter-release button all the way to Ii_ @ _l
shoot the first picture. I
• The monitor isturned off and the power-on lamp blinks I
between shots. I
I
• The monitor reactivates automatically immedlatdy @ _,_ I
before the next picture is shot. _ . @®:}J
i
4Press the shutter-release button all the way again to finish shooting.
• Shooting finishes automatically if the internal memory or memory card becomes full,
or when the number of shot frames reaches the upper limit.
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_1_ Notes on Interval Timer Shooting
• To prevent the camera from turning off unexpectedly during shooting, use a fully charged battery,
• To power the camera continuously for extended periods, use the AC Adapter EH 62A (available
separately). Do not, under any circumstances, use an AC Adapter other than the EH 62A. Failure to
observe this precaution could result in overheating or damage to the camera.
• Do not rotate the mode dial to a different setting while performing interval timer shooting.
[] More Information
See "File and Folder Names" (_215) for more information.

While shooting in P, S, A, IVl and U (_108), the shooting menu contains the
following options.
Image q uality [_[_83
Choose the image quality (compression ratio) of recorded pictures.This can also be set in the
menus of another shooting mode.
Image size [_[_84
Choose the image size of recorded pictures. This can also be set in the menus of another
shooting mode.
Optimize image [_[_87
Change the settings for optimizing images according to the shooting scene or your
preferences.
White balance [_[_g0
Match white baEance to the light source to produce images with naturaE-Eooking colors.
ISO sensitivity _92
Set the ISOsensitivity to suit the brightness of the subject.
Metering
Choose how the camera meters the brightness of the subject.
Exposure bracketing []_J94
Vary exposure sEightJyover a burst of pictures.
AFareamode _gs
Choose how the focus area is determined.
Autofocusmode _]0!
Choose how the camera focuses.
Flash exp. comp. _]] 01
Adjust the flash level.
Long exposure NR _]02
Reduce noise in pictures shot at slow shutter speeds.
Active a-Lig bring [_]03
Prevent loss of detail in highlights and shadows when shooting images.
Save user settings [_]og
Save the current edited settings into the mode did U.
Reset user settings Jl_J] i0
Reset the saved settings in U back to the default settings.
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Displaying the Shooting Menu
Choose P(Programmed auto), S(Shutter-priority auto), A(Aperture-priority
auto), M(Manual) or U(User settings) by rotating the mode dial.
Pressthe MENUbutton to display the shooting menu.
Pressthe multi selector to select items and set functions on menus (_12).
Pressthe MENUbutton to exit the shooting menu.
82
_1_ Functions that Cannot be Applied Simultaneously
Some functions cannot be enabled in conjunction with others (_104).
[] Navigating the Camera Menu
Tilecommand dial car/also be used in place of pressing • or • on the multi selector,

Image Quality
Set to P,S,A orM-) MENU(Shooting menu) -) Image quality
Choose the amount of compression applied to pictures.
Higher image quality results in pictures with more detailed depiction, but also
larger file sizes, limiting the number of pictures that can be recorded.
FINE Fine
Fine image quality (compression ratio of 1:4), suitable for enlargement or high _]!
quality prints.
NORM Norma! (default setting)
Normal image quality (compression ratio of 1:8), suitable for most applications.
BASIC Basic
Basic image quality (compression ratio of 1:16), suitable for pictures that will be °o
distributed by e-mail or used in web pages.
The icon for the current setting is displayed on the monitor in shooting and
playback modes (_8 to 10).
[] Image Quality Setting
• image quality can also be set in shooting modes other than P, S, Aor iby pressing the MENU
button,
• Tile setting is also applied to other shooting modes (except for shooting mode U).
• This feature cannot be used simultaneously wRh certain functions, See "Functions that Cannot be
Applied Simultaneously" (_104) for more information,
[] More Information
See "Number of Exposures Remaining" (_85) for more information, 83

Image Size
Set to P, S, AorM-_ MENU(Shooting menu) -') Image size
Choose the size of pictures in pixels for recording.
The larger the image, the larger the size at which it can be printed or displayed
without becoming noticeably "grainyj' limiting the number of pictures that can be
recorded.
Conversely, pictures shot at smaller sizes require less memory, making them suited
to distribution by e-mail or the web.
Image size
4OOOx3OO0
I]_ [de_ultsetting)
E_ 3264x2448
E_ 2S92x1944
2.
[_ 2048x1536
84
Description
Record pictures exhibiting greater detail than those shot at
L_ 3264x2448 or L_ 2592x1944.
3ood balance between file size and quality makes this the best
_nolce In most situations.
[__ 1600x1200 Smaller than 1_ 4000x3000, L_ 3264x2448 and [_ 2592xl 944
...................... for recording more pictures.
[_ 1280xg60
E_ 1024x768 Record pictures of a size suitable for display on devices such as a
_ombuter monitor.
Record pictures suitable for display on a television with a screen
VGA 640x480 aspect ratio of 4:3, or for e-mail attachment.
Record pictures with the same aspect ratio (3:2) asthose shot with
[._ 3984x2656 35 mm film cameras.
_9 3968x2232
9M Record pictures with the same aspect ratio (16:9) as wide-screen
2, 1920x1080 _mevisions.
I'1,I 2gg2x2gg2 Record perfectly square pictures.
The icon for the current setting is displayed on the monitor in shooting and
playback modes ([_8 to 10).
[] Image Size Setting
•Image sizecar/also be setin shooting modes other than P, S, A or Mby pressing the MENUbutton.
•The setting isalso applied to other shooting modes (except for shooting mode U).
• image size is fixed at[_ 1600xl 200 for Pre-shooting cache or Continuous H: 60 fps,
1M
[_ 1280x960 for Continuous H: 120 fps ([_ 76).
• This feature cannot be used simultaneously with certain features. See"Functions that Cannot be
Applied Simultaneously" ([_104) for more information.

[] Number of Exposures Remaining
The _llowing table lists the approximate number of pictures that can be stored in internal memory
and on a 4 GB memory card, at each combination of Image size (_84) and Image quality (_83)
settings. Note that the number of exposures that can be stored will differ depending on the
composition of the image (due to JPEG compression), In addition, this number may differ depending
on the make of memory card, even if the capacity for the memor, card is the same.
Internal Memory card !
Image Size Image quality memory
(102 MB) (4GB)
Fine 650
4000x3000
1_ (default setting) Normal 1,280 34 x 25/13 x10
Basic 68 2,510
Fine 26 970
[_ 3264x2448 Normal 52 1,910 28x21/11 x8
Basic 101 3,650
Fine 41 1,520
[_ 2592x1944 Normal 81 2,940 22 x 16/8,5 x 6.5
Basic 153 5,480
Fine 65 2,410
[_ 2048x1536 Normal 126 4,640 17x 13/7x5
Basic 235 8,620
Fine 104 3,770
[_ 1600x1200 Normal 199 7,100 14 x 10/5 x4
Basic 346 12,000
Fine 156 5,740
[_ 1280x960 Normal 286 10,000 11 xS/4x3
Basic 470 17,200
Fine 235 8,620
[_ 1024x768 Normal 411 15,000 9 x 7/3.5 x 2.5
Basic 658 24,100
Fine 470 17,200
640x480 Normal 731 24,100 5 x 4/2 x 1.5
Basic 940 30,100
Fine 20 730
3984x2656 Normal 39 1,450 34 x 22/13 x 8,5
Basic 77 2,800
Fine 24 880
ie9
eM 3968x2232 Normal 47 1,720 34 x 19/13 x 7,5
Basic 91 3,350
Fine 98 3,550
I_:_ 1920x1080 Normal 182 6,700 16 x 9/6.5 x 3.5
Basic 329 12,000
Fine 23 860
I"1:,1 2992x2992 Normal 46 1,700 25 × 25/10 × 10
Basic 91 3,350
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1 If the number of exposures remaining is 10,000 or more, the number of exposures remaining
display shows "9999J'
2 Print size at an output resolution of 300 dpi,
Print sizes are calculated by dividing the number of pixels by printer resolution (dpi) and
multiplying by 2.54 cm (1 in.). However, even with the same image size setting, images printed at
higher resolutions will print smaller than the size indicated, and those printed at lower resolutions
will print larger than the size indicated.
[] Note on Printing Images of Size 1:1
Change the printer setting to "Border" when printing images of size set to 1:1.
The images may not be printed in 1:1 ratio depending on the printer.
See the instruction manual of the printer or check with the authorized print dealer for further details.
86

Optimize Image
Set to P, S, A or M-_ MENU(Shooting menu) -') Optimize image
Change the settings for optimizing images according to the shooting scene or your
preferences. Contrast, saturation, sharpening, and other settings can be adjusted in
detail.
Normal (default setting)
Standard image optimization; recommended in most situations.
Softer
Softens outlines, producing natural results suitable for portraits or retouching on a
computer, o_
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C_ Vivid o
Enhances saturation and produces vibrant reds and greens. Images will become _-
sharp and slightly high in contrast, o°
G_ More vivid
Maximizes saturation, contrast, and sharpness to produce crisp images with sharp
outlines,
(_ Portrait
Lowers contrast while lending natural texture and rounded feel to skin of portrait
subjects.
_ : custom
Customize image optimization settings ([_88).
(_-_ Black-and-white
Shoot photos in black and white or sepia ([_Sg).
When optimize image is enabled, the current setting isdisplayed during shooting
(_8). When Normal is selected, an icon for the current setting is not displayed.
_1_ Notes on Optimize Image
•IftheopdmizeimagesettingissettoNormaI, Softer, Vivid, Morevivid, PortraitorStandard
of Black-and-white, results will vary with exposure and the position of the subiect in the flame
even if shooting conditions remain the same, For consistent results over a series of photographs,
select Custom and choose a setting other than Auto for contrast, sharpening, and saturation,
•This feature cannot be used simultaneously with certain features, See "Functions that Cannot be
Applied Simultaneously" (_104) for more information, 87