Nikon D810 User manual

En_01 SB4E01(11)
Printed in Thailand
6MB23811-01
No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in
part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews),
may be made without written authorization from NIKON
CORPORATION.
DIGITAL CAMERA
User's Manual
En
Nikon Manual Viewer 2
Use the Nikon Manual Viewer 2 app to view
manuals anytime, anywhere on your smartphone or
tablet.
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Q0920UM_NT(En)01_cover.fm Page 1 Thursday, May 15, 2014 3:26 PM

To get the most from your camera, please be sure to read all
instructions thoroughly and keep them where they will be read
by all those who use the product.
Symbols and Conventions
To make it easier to find the information you need, the following
symbols and conventions are used:
Menu items, options, and messages displayed in the camera monitor are
shown in bold.
Camera Settings
The explanations in this manual assume that default settings are used.
DThis icon marks cautions; information that should be read before
use to prevent damage to the camera.
AThis icon marks notes; information that should be read before
using the camera.
0This icon marks references to other pages in this manual.
Nikon Manual Viewer 2
Install the Nikon Manual Viewer 2 app on your smartphone or
tablet to view Nikon digital camera manuals, anytime,
anywhere.
Nikon Manual Viewer 2 can be downloaded free of
charge from the App Store and Google Play.
Download of the
app and any product manuals requires an Internet
connection, for which fees may be levied by your phone or
Internet service provider.
AFor Your Safety
Before using the camera for the first time, read the safety instructions in
“For Your Safety” (0xiii–xvi).

i
Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera.
Memory cards are sold separately. Cameras purchased in Japan display
menus and messages in English and Japanese only; other languages are
not supported.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Package Contents
BM-12 monitor cover (010)
BF-1B body cap (015, 436)
D810 digital camera
(01)
EN-EL15 rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cover
(013, 14)
MH-25a battery charger (comes with either an AC wall
adapter or power cable of a type and shape that varies
with the country or region of sale; 013)
USB cable clip (0258)
HDMI cable clip (0269)
UC-E22 USB cable (0257, 263)
AN-DC12 strap (012)
User’s Manual (this guide)
ViewNX 2 installer CD (0253)

ii
Package Contents........................................................................... i
For Your Safety............................................................................xiii
Notices.........................................................................................xvii
Introduction 1
Getting to Know the Camera.......................................................1
The Multi Selector .......................................................................11
First Steps 12
Camera Menus 24
Using Camera Menus..........................................................................25
Basic Photography and Playback 29
“Point-and-Shoot” Photography..............................................29
Basic Playback..............................................................................31
Deleting Unwanted Photographs..................................................33
Live View Photography 35
Focus.........................................................................................................39
Manual Focus.........................................................................................41
Using the bButton ..............................................................................42
The Live View Display: Live View Photography.........................45
The Information Display: Live View Photography....................46
Table of Contents

iii
Movie Live View 49
Indices...................................................................................................... 54
Using the bButton.............................................................................. 55
The Live View Display: Movie Live View ...................................... 57
The Information Display: Movie Live View ................................. 58
Image Area............................................................................................. 59
Taking Photos During Movie Live View....................................... 60
Movie Settings ...................................................................................... 62
Viewing Movies ...........................................................................65
Editing Movies ............................................................................. 67
Trimming Movies................................................................................. 67
Saving Selected Frames .................................................................... 72
Image Recording Options 74
Image Area ...................................................................................74
Image Quality............................................................................... 79
Image Size.....................................................................................83
Using Two Memory Cards..........................................................86
Focus 87
Autofocus ..................................................................................... 87
Autofocus Mode................................................................................... 87
AF-Area Mode ....................................................................................... 90
Focus Point Selection......................................................................... 94
Focus Lock.............................................................................................. 96
Manual Focus .............................................................................100

iv
Release Mode 102
Choosing a Release Mode....................................................... 102
Power Source and Frame Rate ..................................................... 104
Self-Timer Mode (E) ................................................................ 106
Mirror up Mode (V)............................................................... 108
ISO Sensitivity 109
Manual Adjustment ................................................................. 109
Auto ISO Sensitivity Control................................................... 111
Exposure 114
Metering..................................................................................... 114
Exposure Mode ......................................................................... 116
e: Programmed Auto ....................................................................... 118
f: Shutter-Priority Auto................................................................... 119
g: Aperture-Priority Auto................................................................ 120
h: Manual.............................................................................................. 121
Long Time-Exposures (hMode Only) ................................... 123
Shutter-Speed and Aperture Lock ........................................ 126
Autoexposure (AE) Lock.......................................................... 128
Exposure Compensation......................................................... 130
Bracketing.................................................................................. 133
White Balance 148
White Balance Options ............................................................ 148
Fine-Tuning White Balance .................................................... 151
Choosing a Color Temperature.............................................. 155
Preset Manual ........................................................................... 158
Viewfinder Photography ................................................................ 159
Live View (Spot White Balance).................................................... 163
Managing Presets.............................................................................. 167

v
Image Enhancement 170
Picture Controls.........................................................................170
Selecting a Picture Control.............................................................170
Modifying Picture Controls ............................................................173
Creating Custom Picture Controls...............................................177
Sharing Custom Picture Controls.................................................180
Preserving Detail in Highlights and Shadows .....................182
Active D-Lighting...............................................................................182
High Dynamic Range (HDR)...........................................................184
Flash Photography 189
Using the Built-in Flash ............................................................189
Flash Modes.........................................................................................191
Flash Compensation.................................................................196
FV Lock ........................................................................................198
Other Shooting Options 201
The RButton (Viewfinder Photography) ............................201
The bbutton ..............................................................................205
Two-Button Reset: Restoring Default Settings....................206
Multiple Exposure .....................................................................209
Interval Timer Photography....................................................216
Time-Lapse Photography ........................................................223
Non-CPU Lenses ........................................................................229
Location Data.............................................................................233
More About Playback 235
Viewing Images .........................................................................235
Full-Frame Playback..........................................................................235
Thumbnail Playback .........................................................................235

vi
Photo Information.................................................................... 238
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom.................................. 248
Protecting Photographs from Deletion ............................... 250
Deleting Photographs ............................................................. 251
Full-Frame and Thumbnail Playback.......................................... 251
The Playback Menu .......................................................................... 252
Connections 253
Installing ViewNX 2 .................................................................. 253
Using ViewNX 2......................................................................... 257
Copy Pictures to the Computer ................................................... 257
Ethernet and Wireless Networks.................................................. 261
Printing Photographs .............................................................. 263
Connecting the Printer.................................................................... 263
Printing Pictures One at a Time.................................................... 264
Printing Multiple Pictures............................................................... 266
Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set ...................................... 267
Viewing Photographs on TV................................................... 269
HDMI Options..................................................................................... 270
Menu Guide 272
Defaults ...................................................................................... 272
DThe Playback Menu: Managing Images.......................... 280
Playback Menu Options.................................................................. 280
Playback Folder .......................................................................... 281
Hide Image................................................................................... 281
Playback Display Options ....................................................... 282
Copy Image(s) ............................................................................. 283
Image Review.............................................................................. 287
After Delete.................................................................................. 287
Rotate Tall..................................................................................... 288
Slide Show.................................................................................... 288

vii
CThe Shooting Menu: Shooting Options...........................290
Shooting Menu Options..................................................................290
Shooting Menu Bank ................................................................291
Extended Menu Banks..............................................................292
Storage Folder.............................................................................293
File Naming ..................................................................................295
JPEG/TIFF Recording.................................................................295
NEF (RAW) Recording ...............................................................295
Color Space...................................................................................296
Vignette Control .........................................................................297
Auto Distortion Control ...........................................................298
Long Exposure NR
(Long Exposure Noise Reduction) ...................................299
High ISO NR ..................................................................................299
ACustom Settings: Fine-Tuning Camera Settings ............300
Custom Settings.................................................................................301
Custom Settings Bank ..............................................................304
a: Autofocus ....................................................................................306
a1: AF-C Priority Selection.......................................................306
a2: AF-S Priority Selection .......................................................307
a3: Focus Tracking with Lock-On..........................................308
a4: AF Activation.........................................................................308
a5: Focus Point Illumination...................................................309
a6: AF Point Illumination .........................................................310
a7: Focus Point Wrap-Around................................................310
a8: Number of Focus Points....................................................311
a9: Store by Orientation...........................................................312
a10: Built-in AF-assist Illuminator.........................................313
a11: Limit AF-Area Mode Selection......................................314
a12: Autofocus Mode Restrictions .......................................314

viii
b: Metering/Exposure ................................................................. 315
b1: ISO Sensitivity Step Value................................................ 315
b2: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl ............................................ 315
b3: Exp./Flash Comp. Step Value.......................................... 315
b4: Easy Exposure Compensation........................................ 316
b5: Matrix Metering................................................................... 317
b6: Center-Weighted Area...................................................... 317
b7: Fine-Tune Optimal Exposure.......................................... 318
c: Timers/AE Lock.......................................................................... 319
c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L........................................... 319
c2: Standby Timer ...................................................................... 319
c3: Self-Timer............................................................................... 319
c4: Monitor off Delay ................................................................ 320
d: Shooting/Display ..................................................................... 321
d1: Beep......................................................................................... 321
d2: CL Mode Shooting Speed................................................ 321
d3: Max. Continuous Release................................................. 322
d4: Exposure Delay Mode ....................................................... 322
d5: Electronic Front-Curtain Shutter................................... 323
d6: File Number Sequence ..................................................... 324
d7: Viewfinder Grid Display.................................................... 325
d8: ISO Display and Adjustment........................................... 325
d9: Screen Tips............................................................................ 325
d10: Information Display......................................................... 326
d11: LCD Illumination............................................................... 326
d12: MB-D12 Battery Type...................................................... 327
d13: Battery Order ..................................................................... 328

ix
e: Bracketing/Flash .......................................................................329
e1: Flash Sync Speed.................................................................329
e2: Flash Shutter Speed ...........................................................331
e3: Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash.............................................331
e4: Exposure Comp. for Flash.................................................338
e5: Modeling Flash.....................................................................338
e6: Auto Bracketing Set............................................................338
e7: Auto Bracketing (Mode M)...............................................339
e8: Bracketing Order .................................................................340
f: Controls.........................................................................................341
f1: DSwitch..................................................................................341
f2: Multi Selector Center Button ...........................................341
f3: Multi Selector.........................................................................343
f4: Assign Fn Button ..................................................................343
f5: Assign Preview Button .......................................................349
f6: Assign AE-L/AF-L button ...................................................349
f7: Shutter Spd & Aperture Lock ...........................................350
f8: Assign BKT Button................................................................350
f9: Customize Command Dials ..............................................351
f10: Release Button to Use Dial .............................................353
f11: Slot Empty Release Lock..................................................354
f12: Reverse Indicators .............................................................354
f13: Assign Movie Record Button .........................................355
f14: Live View Button Options ...............................................356
f15: Assign MB-D12 AF-ON .....................................................356
f16: Assign Remote (WR) Fn Button.....................................357
f17: Lens Focus Function Buttons ........................................359

x
g: Movie............................................................................................ 361
g1: Assign Fn Button................................................................. 361
g2: Assign Preview Button...................................................... 362
g3: Assign AE-L/AF-L Button.................................................. 363
g4: Assign Shutter Button....................................................... 364
BThe Setup Menu: Camera Setup......................................... 365
Setup Menu Options........................................................................ 365
Format Memory Card ............................................................... 366
Monitor Brightness.................................................................... 367
Monitor Color Balance ............................................................. 368
Image Dust Off Ref Photo ....................................................... 369
Flicker Reduction ....................................................................... 371
Time Zone and Date ................................................................. 372
Language...................................................................................... 372
Auto Image Rotation ................................................................ 373
Battery Info................................................................................... 374
Image Comment ........................................................................ 375
Copyright Information............................................................. 376
Save/Load Settings ................................................................... 377
Virtual Horizon............................................................................ 379
AF Fine-Tune ............................................................................... 380
Eye-Fi Upload .............................................................................. 382
Firmware Version....................................................................... 383

xi
NThe Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies ...........384
Retouch Menu Options ...................................................................384
D-Lighting.....................................................................................388
Red-Eye Correction....................................................................389
Trim .................................................................................................390
Monochrome...............................................................................392
Filter Effects..................................................................................393
Color Balance...............................................................................394
Image Overlay .............................................................................395
NEF (RAW) Processing ..............................................................399
Resize..............................................................................................401
Quick Retouch .............................................................................404
Straighten .....................................................................................404
Distortion Control ......................................................................405
Fisheye ...........................................................................................406
Color Outline................................................................................406
Color Sketch .................................................................................407
Perspective Control...................................................................408
Miniature Effect...........................................................................409
Selective Color.............................................................................410
Side-by-Side Comparison........................................................412
OMy Menu/mRecent Settings ..............................................414

xii
Technical Notes 419
Compatible Lenses................................................................... 419
Optional Flash Units (Speedlights) ....................................... 428
The Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)............................... 428
Other Accessories..................................................................... 436
Attaching a Power Connector and AC Adapter ..................... 442
Caring for the Camera ............................................................. 444
Storage.................................................................................................. 444
Cleaning................................................................................................ 444
Image Sensor Cleaning ................................................................... 445
Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions ..................... 452
Exposure Program.................................................................... 458
Troubleshooting....................................................................... 459
Battery/Display................................................................................... 459
Shooting............................................................................................... 460
Playback................................................................................................ 464
Miscellaneous..................................................................................... 465
Error Messages.......................................................................... 466
Specifications ............................................................................ 473
Approved Memory Cards........................................................ 487
Memory Card Capacity ............................................................ 489
Battery Life................................................................................. 492
Lenses That May Block the Built-in Flash and AF-Assist
Illuminator............................................................................ 494
Index ........................................................................................... 498

xiii
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
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
AKeep the sun out of the frame
Keep the sun well out of the frame
when shooting backlit subjects.
Sunlight focused into the camera
when the sun is in or close to the
frame could cause a fire.
ADo not look at the sun through the
viewfinder
Viewing the sun or other strong light
source through the viewfinder could
cause permanent visual impairment.
AUsing the viewfinder diopter adjustment
control
When operating the viewfinder
diopter adjustment control with your
eye to the viewfinder, care should be
taken not to put your finger in your
eye accidentally.
ATurn off immediately in the event of
malfunction
Should you notice smoke or an
unusual smell coming from the
equipment or AC adapter (available
separately), unplug the AC adapter
and remove the battery immediately,
taking care to avoid burns.
Continued operation could result in
injury. After removing the battery,
take the equipment to a Nikon-
authorized service center for
inspection.
ADo not use 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.
AKeep out of reach of children
Failure to observe this precaution
could result in injury. In addition,
note that small parts constitute a
choking hazard. Should a child
swallow any part of this equipment,
consult a physician immediately.
For Your Safety
AThis icon marks warnings.
To prevent possible injury, read all
warnings before using this Nikon product.

xiv
ADo not disassemble
Touching the product’s internal parts
could result in injury. In the event of
malfunction, the product should be
repaired only by a qualified
technician. Should the product break
open as the result of a fall or other
accident, remove the battery and/or
AC adapter and then take the product
to a Nikon-authorized service center
for inspection.
ADo not place the strap around the neck of
an infant or child
Placing the camera strap around the
neck of an infant or child could result
in strangulation.
ADo not remain in contact with the
camera, battery, or charger for extended
periods while the devices are on or in use
Parts of the device become hot.
Leaving the device in direct contact
with the skin for extended periods
may result in low-temperature burns.
ADo not leave the product where it will be
exposed to extremely high
temperatures, such as in an enclosed
automobile or in direct sunlight
Failure to observe this precaution
could cause damage or fire.
ADo not aim a flash at the operator of a
motor vehicle
Failure to observe this precaution
could result in accidents.
AObserve caution when using the flash
•Using the camera with the flash in
close contact with the skin or other
objects could cause burns.
•Using the flash close to the subject’s
eyes could cause temporary visual
impairment. The flash should be no
less than one meter (3 ft 4 in.) from
the subject. Particular care should
be observed when photographing
infants.
AAvoid contact with liquid crystal
Should the monitor break, care
should be taken to avoid injury due to
broken glass and toprevent the liquid
crystal from the monitor touching the
skin or entering the eyes or mouth.
ADo not carry tripods with a lens or camera
attached
You could trip or accidentally strike
others, resulting in injury.

xv
AObserve proper precautions when
handling batteries
Batteries may leak or explode if
improperly handled. Observe the
following precautions when handling
batteries for use in this product:
•Use only batteries approved for use
in this equipment.
•Do not short or disassemble the
battery.
•Be sure the product is off before
replacing the battery. If you are
using an AC adapter, be sure it is
unplugged.
•Do not attempt to insert the battery
upside down or backwards.
•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 the battery 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 battery when no charge
remains.
•When the battery is not in use,
attach the terminal cover and store
in a cool, dry place.
•The battery may be hot
immediately after use or when the
product has been used on battery
power for an extended period.
Before removing the battery turn
the camera off and allow the battery
to cool.
•Discontinue use immediately
should you notice any changes in
the battery, such as discoloration or
deformation.
AObserve proper precautions when
handling the charger
•Keep dry. Failure to observe this
precaution could result in injury or
product malfunction due to fire or
electric shock.
•Do not short the charger terminals.
Failure to observe this precaution
could result in overheating and
damage to the charger.
•Dust on or near the metal parts of
the plug should be removed with a
dry cloth. Continued use could
result in fire.

xvi
•Do not handle the power cable or
go near the charger during
thunderstorms. Failure to observe
this precaution could result in
electric shock.
•Do not damage, modify, or forcibly
tug or bend the power cable. Do
not place it under heavy objects or
expose it to heat or flame. Should
the insulation be damaged and the
wires become exposed, take the
power cable to a Nikon-authorized
service representative for
inspection. Failure to observe this
precaution could result in fire or
electric shock.
•Do not handle the plug or charger
with wet hands. Failure to observe
this precaution could result in injury
or product malfunction due to fire or
electric shock.
•Do not use with travel converters or
adapters designed to convert from
one voltage to another or with DC-
to-AC inverters. Failure to observe
this precaution could damage the
product or cause overheating or fire.
AUse 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 regulations.
ACD-ROMs
CD-ROMs containing software or
manuals 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.
AFollow the directions of airline and
hospital personnel
This camera transmits radio
frequencies that could interfere with
medical equipment or aircraft
navigation. Disable the wireless
network feature and remove all
wireless accessories from the camera
before boarding an aircraft, and turn
the camera off during take off and
landing. In medical facilities, follow
staff instructions regarding the use of
wireless devices.

xvii
•No part of the manuals included
with this product may be
reproduced, transmitted,
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 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 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 Canada
CAN ICES-3 B / NMB-3 B
Notices for Customers in Europe
This symbol indicates that
electrical and electronic
equipment is to be
collected separately.
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.
•Separate collection and recycling
helps conserve natural resources
and prevent negative consequences
for human health and the
environment that might result from
incorrect disposal.
•For more information, contact the
retailer or the local authorities in
charge of waste management.
This symbol on the battery
indicates that the battery
is to be collected
separately.
The following apply only to users in
European countries:
•All batteries, whether marked with
this symbol or not, are 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.
Notices
CAUTION: RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT
TYPE. DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.

xviii
Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.
Power Cable
At voltages over AC 125 V (U.S.A. only): The power cable must be rated for the
voltage in use, be at least AWG no. 18 gauge, and have SVG insulation or
better with a NEMA 6P-15 plug rated for AC 250 V 15 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
protection against harmful interference
in a residential 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 equipment 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 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 equipment.
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.
Notice for Customers in the State of California
WARNING: Handling the cord on this
product may 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, U.S.A.
Tel.: [phone]
D810