Nikon D700 User manual

DIGITAL CAMERA
)C)
User's Manual

Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows,
creating photographs with natural contrast. Use for high contrast
scenes, for example when photographing brightly lit outdoor
scenery through a door or window or taking pictures of shaded
subjects on a sunny day.
Active D-Lighting off
Active D-Lighting off
Active D-Lighting:
Auto
Active D-Lighting:
High
179

To use active D-Lighting:
1Select Active D-Lighting.
In the shooting menu (pg. 268),
highlight Active D-lighting
and press I_.
2Choosean option.
Highlight Auto, Off, Low,
Normal, or High and press _).
Choose Auto to let the camera
adjust D-Lighting
automatically according to
shooting conditions.
_[I_ Active D-Lighting
When Active D-Lighting is on, additional time will be required to record
images and the capacity of the memory buffer will drop (pg. 424). Use
matrix metering (pg. 112). Noise (grains, banding, mottling) may appear
in photographs taken with Active D-Lighting at high ISO sensitivities.
Active D-Lighting can not be used at ISO sensitivities of Hi 0.3 or above.
The Brightness and Contrast Picture Control settings (pg. 165) can not be
adjusted while active D-Lighting is in effect. In exposure mode !I, an
Active D-Lighting setting of Auto is equivalent to Normal.
[I_ "Active D-Lighting"versus "D-Lighting"
The Active D-Lighting option in the shooting menu adjusts exposure
before shooting to optimize the dynamic range, while the D-Lighting
option in the retouch menu optimizes dynamic range in images after
shooting.
[] The Shooting Information Display
Active D-Lighting can also be adjusted from the shooting information
display (pg. 15).
180

Thecolorspacedeterminesthegamutofcolorsavailableforcolor
reproduction.Chooseacolorspaceaccordingtohow
photographswillbeprocessedonleavingthecamera.
Option Description
Choose for photographs that will be printed or
sRGBsRGB (default) used "as is:' with no further modification.
This color space is capable of expressing a wider
AdobeAdobe RGB gamut of colors than sRGB, making it the preferred
choice for images that will be extensively
processed or retouched.
1Select Color space.
2
Highlight Color space in the
shooting menu (pg. 268) and
press I_.
Select a color space.
Highlight the desired option
and press 0.
[] The Shooting Information Display
The color space can also be selected in the shooting information display
(pg. 15). 181

[] Color Space
Color spaces define the correspondence between colors and the numeric
values that represent them in a digital image file. The sRGB color space is
widely used, while the Adobe RGB color space is typically used in
publishing and commercial printing, sRGB is recommended when taking
photographs that will be printed without modification or viewed in
applications that do not support color management, or when taking
photographs that will be printed with ExifPrint, the direct printing option
on some household printers, or kiosk printing or other commercial print
services. Adobe RGB photographs can also be printed using these
options, but colors will not be as vivid.
JPEG photographs taken in the Adobe RGB color space are Exif 2.21 and
DCF 2.0 compliant; applications and printers that support Exif 2.21 and
DCF 2.0 will select the correct color space automatically. If the application
or device does not support Exif 2.21 and DCF 2.0, select the appropriate
color space manually. An ICC color profile is embedded in TIFF
photographs taken in the Adobe RGB color space, allowing applications
that support color management to automatically select the correct color
space. For more information, see the documentation provided with the
application or device.
[] Nikon Software
ViewNX (supplied) and Capture NX 2 (available separately) automatically
select the correct color space when opening photographs created with
the D700.
182

Flash Photography
- Using the Built-in Flash
This chapter describes how to use the built-in flash.
The Built-in Flash........................................................... pg. 184
Using the Built-in Flash ................................................ pg. 185
Flash Modes .................................................................... pg. 188
Flash Corn pensation ..................................................... pg. 190
FV Lock ........................................................................... pg. 192
183

The built-in flash has a Guide Number (GN) 17/56 (m/ft, ISO 200,
20 °C/68 °F) and can cover the field of view of a 24mm lens, or a
16mm lens in DX format. It supports i-TTL balanced fill-flash for
digital SLR,which uses monitor pre-flashes to adjust flash output
for balanced lighting not only when natural lighting is inadequate
but when filling in shadows and backlit subjects or adding a catch
light to the subject's eyes. The following types of i-TTL flash
control are supported:
i-TTLbalancedfill-flashfordigitalSLR:Speedlight emits series of nearly
invisible preflashes (monitor preflashes) immediately before main flash.
Preflashes reflected from objects in all areas of frame are picked up by
1,00S-segment RGB sensor and are analyzed in combination with range
information from matrix metering system to adjust flash output for
natural balance between main subject and ambient background
lighting. If type G or D lens is used, distance information is included
when calculating flash output. Precision of calculation can be increased
for non-CPU lenses by providing lens data (focal length and maximum
aperture; see pg. 210). Not available when spot metering is used.
Standardi-TTLflashfordigital SLR:Flash output adjusted to bring lighting in
frame to standard level; brightness of background isnot taken into
account. Recommended for shots in which main subject is emphasized
at expense of background details, or when exposure compensation is
used. Standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR isactivated automatically when
spot metering is selected.
ISO Sensitivity
i-TTL flash control can be used at ISO sensitivities between 200 and 6400.
At values over 6400 or under 200, the desired results may not be achieved
at some ranges or aperture settings.
184

Follow these steps when using the built-in flash.
1 Choosea metering method
(pg. 112).
Select matrix or center-weighted
metering to activate i-TTL balanced fill-
flash for digital SLR. Standard i-TTL flash
for digital SLRis activated automatically
when spot metering is selected.
Metering selector
2Press the flash pop-up button.
3
The built-in flash will pop up and begin
charging. When the flash isfully
charged, the flash-ready indicator (2)
will light. Flashpop-u_ button
Choose a flash mode.
Press the _ button and rotate
the main command dial until
the desired flash mode icon is
displayed in the control panel
(pg. 188). button Main command
dial
U.U
©
Control panel
185

4Check exposure (shutter speed and aperture).
Press the shutter-release button halfway and check shutter
speed and aperture. The settings available when the built-in
flash is raised are listed below.
_=Mode'='_°:::_--S°h_uiter=s_l_cl-_':'_' Aperture s_°eepa=g_e='°
p Setautomatically by camera 116
(1/250 S-1/60 S) 1, 2 Set automatically
,5 Value selected by user by camera 118
(1/2s0s-30 s)2
R Setautomatically by camera 119
(1/250 S-1/60 S)1, 2 Value selected
!I Value selected by user by user3 121
(1/2s0s-30 s)2
1 Shutter speed may be set as slow as 30s in slow sync, slow rear-curtain
sync, and slow sync with red-eye reduction flash modes.
2 The built-in flash supports speeds of up to 1/320 S when 1/320 s {Auto
FP) is selected for Custom Setting el (Flash sync speed, pp. 305-306).
Optional SB-900, SB-800 and SB-600 flash units support speeds of up
to 1/8.000sat settingsof 11320s(Auto FP)or 11250s (Auto FP).
3 Flashrangevaries with aperture and ISOsensitivity. Consulttable of
flash ranges(pg. 427) when setting aperture in Aand/I, modes.
At default settings, the effects of the flash can be previewed by
pressing the depth-of-field preview button to emit a modeling
preflash (pg. 315).
S Takethe picture.
Compose the photograph, focus, and shoot. If the flash-ready
indicator ($) blinks for about three seconds after the
photograph is taken, the flash has fired at full output and the
photograph may be underexposed. Check the results in the
monitor. If the photograph is underexposed, adjust settings
and try again.
[] See Also
See page 306 for information on 11320 s (Auto FP).
186

Lowering the Built-in Flash
To save power when the flash is not in use,
press it gently downward until the latch
clicks into place.
[I_ The Built-in Flash
Use with lenses with focal lengths of 24-300 mm in FXformat (pg. 374).
Remove lens hoods to prevent shadows. The flash has a minimum range
of 60 cm (2 ft.) and can not be used in the macro range of macro zoom
lenses.
If the flash fires in continuous release mode (pg. 86), only one picture will
be taken each time the shutter-release button is pressed.
The shutter release may be briefly disabled to protect the flash after it has
been used for several consecutive shots. The flash can be used again after
a short pause.
[] See Also
See page 192 for information on locking flash value (FV) for a metered
subject before recomposing a photograph.
For information on choosing a flash sync speed, see Custom Setting el
(Flash sync speed, pg. 305). For information on choosing the slowest
shutter speed available when using the flash, see Custom Setting e2
(Flash shutter speed, pg. 308). For information on using the built-in flash
in commander mode, see Custom Setting e3 (Flash cntrl for built-in
flash, pg. 309).
See page 377 for information on using optional flash units. For
information on the range of the built-in flash, see page 427. 187

Flash Modes
The camera supports the following flash modes:
_-_ash-'mode '"T_ Description
This mode is recommended for most situations. In
Front-curtain
sync
Red-eye
reduction
Red-eye
reduction with
slow sync
Slow sync
programmed auto and aperture-priority auto modes,
shutter speed will automatically be set to values
between 1/2s0and 1/60s (1/8,000to 1/60 s when an
optional flash unit is used with Auto FP High-Speed
Sync) (pg. 377).
Red-eye reduction lamp lights for approximately one
second before main flash. Pupils in subject's eyes to
contract, reducing "red-eye" effect sometimes caused
by flash. Owing to one-second shutter-release delay,
this mode is not recommended with moving subjects
or in other situations in which quick shutter response
is required. Avoid moving camera while red-eye
reduction lamp is lit.
Combines red-eye reduction with slow sync. Use for
)ortraits taken against a backdrop of night scenery.
Available only in programmed auto and aperture-
priority auto exposure modes. Use of a tripod is
recommended to prevent blurring caused by camera
shake.
Flash is combined with shutter speeds as slow as 30 s
to capture both subject and background at night or
under dim light. This mode is only available in
programmed auto and aperture-priority auto
exposure modes. Use of tripod is recommended to
)revent blurring caused by camera shake.
188

U
Rear-curtain sync
Slow rear-curtain
sync
In shutter-priority auto or manual exposure mode,
flash fires just before the shutter closes. Use to create
effect of a stream of light behind moving objects. In
programmed auto and aperture-priority auto, slow
rear-curtain sync is used to capture both subject and
background. Use of tripod is recommended to
_revent blurring caused by camera shake.
[] Flash Control Mode
The shooting information display shows the flash control mode for the
built-in flash (Built-in) and for optional flash units attached to the camera
accessory shoe (Optional) as follows:
1 Available with SB-900 and SB-800 only.
2 Flash control mode for built-in flash can be selected using Custom Setting e3
(Flash cntrl for built-in flash, pg. 309).
[] See Also
See Custom Setting el (Flash sync speed, pg. 305) for information on
flash sync speeds as fast as 1/32os.
189

Flash compensation is used to alter flash output by from -3 EVto
+1 EV in increments of 1/3 EV, changing the brightness of the main
subject relative to the background. Flash output can be increased
to make the main subject appear brighter, or reduced to prevent
unwanted highlights or reflections.
Press the _ button and rotate
the sub-command dial until the
desired value is displayed in the
control panel. In general, choose
positive values to make the main
subject brighter, negative values
to make it darker. button Sub-command
dial
At values other than _+0,a _ icon will be
displayed in the control panel and
viewfinder after you release the _ button.
The current value for flash compensation
can be confirmed by pressing the
button.
Normal flash output can be restored by
setting flash compensation to _+0.0. Flash
compensation is not reset when the camera
isturned off.
+0 EV(1_1_button
pressed)
-0.3 EV
+1.0 EV
190

[] Optional Flash Units
Flash compensation isalso available with optional SB-900, SB-800, SB-600,
SB-400, and SB-R200 flash units.
[] See Also
For information on choosing the size of the increments available when
setting flash compensation, see Custom Setting b3 (Exp comp/fine tune,
pg. 292).
191

This feature is used to lock flash output, allowing photographs to
be recomposed without changing the flash level and ensuring that
flash output is appropriate to the subject even when the subject is
not positioned in the center of the frame. Flash output is adjusted
automatically for any changes in ISO sensitivity and aperture.
To use FV lock:
1Assign FV lock to the Fnbutton.
Select FV lock for Custom Setting f5
(Assign FUNC. button >FUNC. button
press, pg. 320).
2Press the flash pop-up button.
The built-in flash will pop up and begin
charging.
Flash pop-up
button
3Focus.
Position the subject in the
center of the frame and press
the shutter-release button
halfway to focus.
192

4Lock flash level.
After confirming that the flash ready
indicator (_) is displayed in the
viewfinder, press the Fnbutton. The
flash will emit a monitor preflash to
determine the appropriate flash level.
Flash output will be locked at this level
and FV lock icon (_) will appear in the
viewfinder.
Fnbutton
S Recompose the photograph.
6 Takethe photograph.
7
Press the shutter-release button the rest of the way down to
shoot. If desired, additional pictures can be taken without
releasing FV lock.
Release FV lock.
Press the Fnbutton to release FV lock. Confirm that the FV lock
icon (_) is no longer displayed in the viewfinder.
193

[I_ Using FV Lock with the Built-in Flash
FV lock is only available with the built-in flash when TTL (the default
option) is selected for Custom Setting e3 (Flash cntrl for built-in flash,
pg. 309).
[] Using FV Lock with Optional Flash Units
FV lock is also available with SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, and SB-R200
flash units (available separately). Set the optional flash to TTL mode (the
SB-900 and SB-800 can also be used in AA mode; see the flash manual for
details). While FV lock is in effect, flash output will automatically be
adjusted for changes in flash zoom head position.
When Commander mode is selected for Custom Setting e3 (Flash cntrl
for built-in flash, pg. 309), FV lock can be used with remote SB-900,
SB-800, SB-600, or SB-R200 flash units if (a) any of the built-in flash, flash
group A, or flash group Bis in TTL mode, or (b) a flash group is composed
entirely of SB-900 and SB-800 flash units in TTL or AA mode.
[] Metering
The metering areas for FV lock when using optional speedlight are as
follows:
Speedlight Flash mode
i-TTL
Stand-alone flash unit
Used with other flash
units (Advanced
Wireless Lighting)
AA
i-TTL
AA
A (master flash
5-mm circle in center of frame
Area metered by flash exposure
meter
Entire frame
Area metered by flash exposure
meter
[] See Also
For information on using the depth-of-field preview or AE-I./AF-Lbutton for
FV lock, see Custom Setting f6 (Assign preview button, pg. 324) or
Custom Setting f7 (Assign AE-LIAF-L button, pg. 325).
194

OtherShootingOptions
This chapter covers restoring default settings, making multiple
exposures, interval timer photography, and using GPS units and
non-CPU lenses.
Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings ........ pg. 196
Multiple Exposure ......................................................... pg. 198
Interval Timer Photography ........................................ pg. 203
Non-CPU Lenses ............................................................ pg. 210
Using a GPS Unit ............................................................ pg. 213
195

The camera settings listed below
can be restored to default values
by holding the QUA/and []
buttons down together for more
than two seconds (these
buttons are marked by a green
dot). The control panel turns off
briefly while settings are reset. QUALbutton
[] button
Option
Focuspoint
Exposure mode
Flexible program
Exposure
compensation
AEhold
Default Option Default
Bracketing Off 2
Center
Programmed
auto
Off
Off
Off 1
Front-curtain
Flash mode sync
Flash Off
compensation
FV lock Off
Multiple exposure Off
1 Custom Setting f7 (Assign AE-L/AF-L button, pg. 325) is unaffected.
2 Number of shots is reset to zero. Bracketing increment is reset to 1EV
(exposure/flash bracketing) or 1 (white balance bracketing).
196

The following shooting-menu options will also be reset. Only
settings in the bank currently selected using the Shooting menu
bank option will be reset (pg. 269). Settings in the remaining
banks are unaffected.
* Fine-tuning off.
If the current Picture Control has been modified, existing settings
for the Picture Control will also be restored.
[] See Also
Seepage 418 for a list of default settings.
197