Nikon Coolpix S500 User manual

En
User's Manual
DIGITAL CAMERA

Trademark Information
• Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
• Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are registered trademarks of Apple Com-
puter, Inc.
• Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc.
• The SD logo is a trademark of the SD Card Association.
• PictBridge is a trademark.
• D-Lighting technology is provided by oApical Limited.
• 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
Introduction
First Steps
LBasic Photography and Playback: Auto
Mode
Kn
Shooting Suited for the Scene
- High-sensitivity Shooting Mode, Scene Mode
FAnti-shake Mode
AOne-Touch Portrait Mode
iMore on Playback
TMovies
OVoice Recordings
Connecting to Televisions, Computers, and Printers
mShooting, Playback, and Setup Menus
Technical Notes

ii
Introduction
Introduction
For Your Safety
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
equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the prod-
uct 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 cam-
era or AC adapter, unplug the AC
adapter and, remove the battery
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 internal parts of the
camera or AC adapter could result
in injury. Repairs should be per-
formed only by qualified techni-
cians. Should the camera or AC
adapter break open as the result of
a fall or other accident, take the
product to a Nikon-authorized ser-
vice representative for inspection
after unplugging the product and/or
removing the battery.
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 chil-
dren
Particular care should be taken to
prevent infants from putting the
battery or other small parts into
their mouths.
This icon marks warnings, information that should be read before using this
Nikon product to prevent possible injury.

iii
For Your Safety
Introduction
Observe caution when han-
dling the battery
The battery may leak or explode if
improperly handled. Observe the
following precautions when han-
dling the battery for use in this
product:
• Before replacing the battery, turn
the product off. If you are using
the AC adapter, be sure it is
unplugged.
•
Only use a Rechargeable Li-ion Bat-
tery EN-EL10 (supplied). Charge the
battery by inserting it in a Battery
Charger MH-63 (supplied).
• When inserting the battery, do
not attempt to insert it upside
down or backwards.
• Do not short or disassemble the
battery or attempt to remove or
break the battery insulation or
casing.
• Do not expose the battery to
flame or to excessive heat.
• Do not immerse in or expose to
water.
• Replace the terminal cover when
transporting the battery. Do not
transport or store with metal
objects such as necklaces or hair-
pins.
• The battery is prone to leakage
when fully discharged. To avoid
damage to the product, be sure
to remove the battery when no
charge remains.
• Discontinue use immediately
should you notice any change in
the battery, such as discoloration
or deformation.
• If liquid from the damaged bat-
tery comes in contact with cloth-
ing or skin, rinse immediately with
plenty of water.
Observe the following pre-
cautions when handling the
battery charger
• Keep dry. Failure to observe this
precaution 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 dur-
ing thunderstorms. Failure to
observe this precaution 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 damaged and
the wires become exposed, take it
to a Nikon-authorized service rep-
resentative for inspection. Failure
to observe these precautions
could result in fire or electric
shock.

iv
For Your Safety
Introduction
• 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 compli-
ance with product regulations.
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 using
the flash
Using the flash close to your sub-
ject’s eyes could cause temporary
visual impairment. Particular care
should be observed if photograph-
ing infants, when the flash should
be no less than one meter (39 in.)
from the subject.
Do not operate the flash
with the flash window
touching a person or object
Failure to observe this precaution
could result in burns or fire.
Avoid contact with liquid
crystal
Should the monitor break, care
should be taken to avoid injury
caused by broken glass and to pre-
vent liquid crystal from the monitor
touching the skin or entering the
eyes or mouth.

v
Introduction
Notices
Notice for Customers in the
U.S.A.
Federal Communications Com-
mission (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 lim-
its are designed to provide reason-
able protection against harmful
interference in a residential installa-
tion. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio fre-
quency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communica-
tions. However, there is no guaran-
tee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television
reception, which can be deter-
mined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following mea-
sures:
• 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 con-
nected.
• Consult the dealer or an experi-
enced radio/television technician
for help.
CAUTIONS
Modifications
The FCC requires the user to be
notified that any changes or modifi-
cations made to this device that are
not expressly approved by Nikon
Corporation may void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Interface Cables
Use the interface cables sold or pro-
vided by Nikon for your equipment.
Using other interface cables may
exceed the limits of Class B Part 15
of the FCC rules.
Notice for customers in the State
of California
WARNING: Handling the cord on
this product will expose you to lead,
a chemical 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
USA
Tel: [phone]
COOLPIX S500

vi
Notices
Introduction
Notice for customers in Canada
CAUTION
This Class B digital apparatus com-
plies with Canadian ICES-003.
ATTENTION
Cet appareil numérique de la classe
B est conforme à la norme NMB-003
du Canada.
Symbol for Separate Collec-
tion in European Countries
This symbol indicates that
this product is to be col-
lected separately.
The following apply only to
users in European coun-
tries:
• This product is designated for
separate collection at an appropri-
ate collection point. Do not dis-
pose of as household waste.
• For more information, contact the
retailer or the local authorities in
charge of waste management.

vii
Introduction
Table of Contents
Introduction .....................................................................................................ii
For Your Safety..................................................................................................ii
WARNINGS ................................................................................................... ii
Notices................................................................................................................ v
About This Manual............................................................................................1
Information and Precautions............................................................................2
Parts of the Camera...........................................................................................4
Attaching the Camera Strap ..........................................................................4
The Monitor.......................................................................................................6
Shooting .......................................................................................................6
Playback........................................................................................................7
Basic Operations................................................................................................8
The i(shooting/playback) Button ...............................................................8
The C(mode) Button ..............................................................................8
The Rotary Multi Selector ..............................................................................9
The mButton .........................................................................................10
Help Displays...............................................................................................11
First Steps........................................................................................................12
Charging the Battery.......................................................................................12
Inserting the Battery .......................................................................................14
Removing the Battery..................................................................................15
Turning On and Off the Camera..................................................................15
Setting Display Language, Date, and Time....................................................16
Inserting Memory Cards..................................................................................18
Removing Memory Cards ............................................................................19
LBasic Photography and Playback: Auto Mode.......................................20
Step 1 Turn the Camera On and Select L(Auto) Mode..............................20
Step 2 Frame a Picture ....................................................................................22
Step 3 Focus and Shoot ...................................................................................24
Step 4 Viewing and Deleting Pictures............................................................26
Using the Flash ................................................................................................28
Taking Pictures with the Self-Timer ...............................................................30
Macro Close-up Mode.....................................................................................31
Exposure Compensation .................................................................................32

viii
Table of Contents
Introduction
KnShooting Suited for the Scene - High-sensitivity Shooting Mode,
Scene Mode ...........................................................................................33
High-sensitivity Shooting Mode .....................................................................33
Scene Modes ....................................................................................................34
Features ......................................................................................................35
F Anti-shake Mode ...................................................................................42
Shooting in Anti-shake Mode.........................................................................42
AOne-Touch Portrait Mode.......................................................................43
Taking Pictures in the One-Touch Portrait Mode..........................................43
The One-Touch Portrait Menu........................................................................44
iMore on Playback.....................................................................................45
Viewing Multiple Pictures: Thumbnail Playback ...........................................45
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom............................................................46
Editing Pictures................................................................................................47
Enhancing Brightness and Contrast: D-Lighting ...........................................48
Creating a Cropped Copy: Crop..................................................................49
HResizing Pictures: Small Picture...............................................................50
Voice Memos: Recording and Playback .........................................................51
Viewing Pictures by Date................................................................................52
TMovies .......................................................................................................56
Recording Movies............................................................................................56
The Movie Menu .............................................................................................57
Selecting Movie Options..............................................................................58
Time-Lapse Movies ......................................................................................59
Stop-Motion Movies....................................................................................60
Auto-Focus Mode........................................................................................61
Movie Playback................................................................................................62
Deleting Movie Files ....................................................................................62
OVoice Recordings ........................................................................................63
Making Voice Recordings ...............................................................................63
Playing Voice Recordings ................................................................................65
Copying Voice Recordings ..............................................................................67

ix
Table of Contents
Introduction
Connecting to Televisions, Computers, and Printers ...................................68
Connecting to a TV..........................................................................................68
Connecting to a Computer .............................................................................69
Before Connecting the Camera ...................................................................69
Setting the USB Option ...............................................................................70
Transferring Pictures to a Computer ............................................................71
Connecting to a Printer...................................................................................73
Connecting the Camera and Printer ............................................................74
Printing Pictures One at a Time....................................................................75
Printing Multiple Pictures.............................................................................76
Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set ..........................................................79
mShooting, Playback, and Setup Menus.................................................81
Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu .........................................................81
Displaying the Shooting Menu and High-sensitivity Menu............................82
ZImage Mode ..........................................................................................82
dWhite Balance........................................................................................84
qContinuous............................................................................................86
ABest Shot Selector (BSS) .........................................................................88
WISO Sensitivity.........................................................................................89
dColor Options.........................................................................................89
kAF Area Mode........................................................................................90
Restrictions on Camera Settings ..................................................................91
Playback Options: The Playback Menu ..........................................................92
Displaying the Playback Menu .....................................................................92
wPrint Set .................................................................................................79
zSlide Show .............................................................................................94
ADelete ....................................................................................................95
DProtect .................................................................................................95
ETransfer Marking ..................................................................................96
HSmall Pic. ...............................................................................................50
LCopy......................................................................................................97
Basic Camera Setup: The Setup Menu............................................................98
Displaying the Setup Menu..........................................................................99
RMenus....................................................................................................99
HQuick Startup.......................................................................................100
VWelcome Screen ..................................................................................100
WDate.....................................................................................................101
ZMonitor Settings..................................................................................104
fDate Imprint.........................................................................................105
bVibration Reduction..............................................................................107

x
Table of Contents
Introduction
uAF Assist .............................................................................................108
hSound Settings.....................................................................................108
iAuto Off ..............................................................................................109
MFormat Memory/OFormat Card ..........................................................110
jLanguage .............................................................................................111
kInterface...............................................................................................111
nReset All...............................................................................................112
BFirmware Version .................................................................................113
Technical Notes ............................................................................................114
Optional Accessories .....................................................................................114
Approved Memory Cards ..........................................................................114
Image/Sound File and Folder Names............................................................115
Caring for the Camera ..................................................................................116
Cleaning ...................................................................................................118
Storage .....................................................................................................118
Error Messages...............................................................................................119
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................123
Specifications .................................................................................................128
Supported Standards.....................................................................................131
Index...............................................................................................................132

1
Introduction
About This Manual
Thank you for your purchase of a Nikon COOLPIX S500 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.
Symbols and Conventions
To make it easier to find the information you need, the following symbols
and conventions are used:
Notations
• A Secure Digital (SD) memory card is referred to as a “memory card.”
• The setting at the time of purchase is referred to as the “default setting.”
• Menu items, options, and messages displayed in the camera monitor are
shown in brackets ([ ]).
Screen Samples
In this manual, images are sometimes omitted from monitor display samples
so that monitor indicators can be more clearly shown.
Illustrations and Screen Display
Illustrations and text displays shown in this manual may differ from actual
display.
kMemory Cards
Pictures taken with this camera can be stored in the camera’s internal memory or on remov-
able memory cards. If a memory card is inserted, all new pictures will be stored on the mem-
ory 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 format-
ted 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 tips, additional
information that may be helpful
when using the camera.
This icon marks notes, informa-
tion that should be read before
using the camera.
This icon indicates that more
information is available else-
where in this manual or in the
Quick Start Guide.
c
lj
k

2
Introduction
Information and Precautions
Life-Long Learning
As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing product support and educa-
tion, continually updated information is available online 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 fre-
quently asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography.
Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the
URL below for contact information:
http://nikonimaging.com/
Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories
Nikon COOLPIX cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex elec-
tronic 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 authorized Nikon dealer.
Before Taking Important Pictures
Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking the cam-
era on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will
not be held liable for damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.
About the Manuals
• No part of the manuals included with this product may be reproduced, transmitted, tran-
scribed, 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 software
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 accu-
rate 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).
* Holographic seal: Identifies this
device as an authentic Nikon
product.
Rechargeable
Li-ion Battery
EN-EL10

3
Information and Precautions
Introduction
Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction
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 gov-
ernment 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 prohibited.
Unless the prior permission of the government has been obtained, the copying or repro-
duction of unused postage stamps or post cards issued by the government is prohibited.
The copying or reproduction of stamps issued by the government and of certified docu-
ments stipulated by law is prohibited.
•Cautions on certain copies and reproductions
The government has issued cautions on copies or reproductions of securities issued by pri-
vate companies (shares, bills, checks, gift certificates, etc.), commuter 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 reproduce passports issued by the government, licenses
issued by public agencies and private groups, ID cards, and tickets, such as passes and meal
coupons.
•Comply with copyright notices
The copying or reproduction of copyrighted 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 cop-
ies 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 commercially available soft-
ware, potentially 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 completely refill it
with images containing no private information (for example, pictures of empty sky). Be sure to
also replace any pictures selected for the welcome screen (c100). Care should be taken to
avoid injury or damage to property when physically destroying data storage devices.

4
Introduction
Parts of the Camera
Attaching the Camera Strap
Power-on lamp
(c20, 109)
Self-timer lamp (c30, 117)
AF-assist illuminator (c29, 35, 108, 117)
Built-in flash
(c28)
Eyelet for camera strap
Built-in microphone
(c51, 56, 63)
Shutter-release
button (c24)
Power switch (c20)
A(one-touch portrait) button (c43)/
(D-Lighting) button (c48)
Lens
(c116, 128)
Lens cover closed
Lens cover
F(anti-shake) button
(c42)
Speaker (c51, 62, 65)

5
Parts of the Camera
Introduction
Indicator lamp (c63)/
Flash lamp (c29)
Monitor (c6)
Connector cover
(c68, 71, 74)
Tripod socket
i(shooting/playback)
button (c8, 26)
T(delete) button
(c26, 27, 51, 62)
Battery-chamber/memory card slot cover (c14, 18)
Battery chamber
(c14)
Memory card slot
(c18)
C(mode) button (c8)
Battery latch (c14, 15)
J(flash mode): c28
d(apply selection) button: c9
g(transfer picture) button
: c69, 71
H(self-timer)
: c30
F(macro close-up
mode): c31
Rotary multi selector: c9
mbutton
(c10, 82, 92)
Zoom buttons (c22)
See also:
•t(wide): c22
•v(tele): c22
•j(thumbnail playback): c45
•k(playback zoom): c46
•l(help): c11
I(exposure compensation): c32
Cable connector
Opening the
connector cover
Power connector
cover (when the
optional AC
adapter is con-
nected) (c114)

6
Introduction
The Monitor
The following indicators may appear in the monitor during shooting and
playback (actual display varies with current camera settings).
Shooting
1Differs according to the current shooting mode. Refer to the sections on each mode
for details.
2When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway at the default [AF area mode]
setting of [Auto], the active focus area is displayed. The focus area can be selected
from 99 focus areas in the frame or locked at the center focus area.
9999
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ABCD
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141516
17
18
19
134
526
7
20 21
12
13
10
1Shooting mode1
.................... 20, 33, 34, 42, 43, 56
2Exposure lock............................. 41
3Macro close-up mode................. 31
4Zoom indicator..................... 22, 31
5Focus indicator........................... 24
6Flash mode ................................ 28
7Internal memory indicator .......... 21
8Battery level indicator................. 20
9ISO sensitivity ....................... 29, 89
10 Vibration reduction icon........... 107
11 Self-timer indicator..................... 30
12 “Date not set” indicator ........... 119
Time zone indicator .................. 101
13 Date imprint ............................. 105
14
Number of exposures
remaining (still pictures).............. 20
Movie length .............................. 56
15 Focus area2.......................... 24, 90
16 Exposure compensation value..... 32
17 Image mode ............................... 82
18 Color options ............................. 89
19 White balance mode ..................84
20 Best shot selector (BSS)...............88
21 Continuous shooting mode ........ 86

7
The Monitor
Introduction
Playback
15/05/2007 12:00
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16
17
18
12
10
1Date of recording....................... 16
2Time of recording....................... 16
3Internal memory indicator .......... 26
4Battery level indicator................. 20
5File number and type................ 115
6Volume indicator.................. 51, 62
7Voice memo recording guide...... 51
8Voice memo playback guide....... 51
9
Current frame number/total
number of frames ...................... 26
Movie length.............................. 62
10 Movie playback indicator ............ 62
11 D-Lighting icon........................... 48
12 Voice memo icon........................51
13 Image mode ............................... 82
14 Small picture .............................. 50
15 Protect icon ................................ 95
16 Print-order icon .......................... 79
17 Transfer icon ........................ 72, 96
18 Movie indicator .......................... 62

8
Introduction
Basic Operations
The i(shooting/playback) Button
The C(mode) Button
Press Cduring shooting to display the shooting-
mode selection menu, or during playback to display
the playback-mode selection menu. Use the rotary
multi selector (c9) to choose the desired mode.
• Press ito switch between the mode-selection
menus for shooting mode and playback mode.
Shooting-mode Selection Menu
Playback-mode Selection Menu
Press ionce in shooting mode to enter full-frame
playback; press again to switch back to shooting
mode. Pressing the shutter-release button halfway in
playback mode (c26) will also activate shooting
mode.
If the camera is turned off, hold down ito turn
the camera on in playback mode (c26).
Shooting
Auto mode (c20)
Voice recording mode (c63)
Scene mode (c34)
High-sensitivity shooting
mode (c33)
Movie mode (c56)
Setup mode (c98)
Play
Playback mode (c26)
Calendar mode (c52)
List by date mode (c53)Audio playback mode
(c65)
Setup mode (c98)