Nikon D90 - Digital Camera SLR User manual

Nikon
D90

This page intentionally left blank

Nikon
D90
Corey Hilz
AMSTERDAM • BOSTON • HEIDELBERG • LONDON
NEW YORK • OXFORD • PARIS • SAN DIEGO
SAN FRANCISCO • SINGAPORE • SYDNEY • TOKYO
Focal Press is an imprint of Elsevier
Focal Digital Camera Guides

Focal Press is an imprint of Elsevier
30 Corporate Drive, Suite 400, Burlington, MA 01803, USA
Linacre House, Jordan Hill, Oxford OX2 8DP, UK
© 2009 Corey Hilz. Published by Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Permissions may be sought directly from Elsevier’s Science & Technology Rights
Department in Oxford, UK: phone: (44) 1865 843830, fax: (44) 1865 853333,
E-mail: [e-mail]. You may also complete your request online
via the Elsevier homepage (http://elsevier.com), by selecting “Support & Contact”
then “Copyright and Permission” and then “Obtaining Permissions.”
Recognizing the importance of preserving what has been written, Elsevier prints
its books on acid-free paper whenever possible.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Hilz, Corey.
Nikon D90 / Corey Hilz.
p.cm. – (Focal digital camera guides)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-240-81189-5 (pbk.: alk. paper) 1. Nikon digital cameras–Handbooks,
manuals, etc. 2. Single-lens reflex cameras–Handbooks, etc. 3. Photography–Digital
techniques–Handbooks, manuals, etc. L. Title.
TR263.N5H5253 2009
771.31–dc22
2008052626
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN: 978-0-240-81189-5
For information on all Focal Press publications
visit our website at www.books.elsevier.com
09 10 11 12 13 5 4 3 2 1
Printed in Canada

v
Introduction vii
What’s in the Box? ix
Visual Tour xi
Quick Start xix
How to Get Good Photos Out of the Camera
in 5 Minutes xxiii
Part 1: The Camera 1
Making Pictures 3
Viewing/Reviewing Images 63
Menus 81
Batteries, Memory Cards and Maintenance 147
Part 2: The Software 151
Building an Image Library 153
Nikon Transfer 155
Nikon ViewNX 163
Capture NX 178
Part 3: The Light 187
Using Natural Light 189
Direction of Light 192
Inclement Weather 196
Lighting Comparison 197
Part 4: The Lenses 201
Zoom Lenses 206
Fixed Focal Length Lenses 206
Table of Contents

vi Table of Contents
Maximum Aperture 207
Focusing 207
Wide-angle Lenses 209
Standard Lenses 210
Telephoto Lenses 211
Super Telephoto Lenses 212
Zoom Lens Choices 213
Macro Lenses 218
Part 5: Composition & The Subjects 221
Composition Techniques 223
Portraits & People 227
Travel 229
Pets and Animals 231
Action 232
Products 234
Part 6: Accessories 235
Flash Units 237
Remote Control 237
Filters 238
Viewfinder Accessories 240
HDMI Cable 241
Power Sources 241
Links 243
Index 245

vii
The Nikon D90 is a compact single-lens reflex (SLR) camera that’s easy to carry
around and meets a variety of photographic needs. It offers a full set of features for
different shooting situations. The D90 can capture your fast action shots and perform
well in low light situations that require higher ISOs. Combine it with a wide angle and
telephoto lens and you’ll be covered in most situations. We’ll explore all the camera’s
functions that allow you to capture such a range of subjects in this book.
Digital camera technology is always improving and the D90 takes advantage of the
latest advances. It broke ground as the first digital SLR to have high definition video.
You’ll definitely want to check it out. It’s closely tied to live view, another new feature to
this level of Nikon camera. There’s even a new display mode that shows the shooting
information on the back LCD. A great alternative to trying to identify those tiny symbols
on the small LCD on top. The D90 also includes a feature called D-Lighting which
helps you capture photos with more detail in the brightest and darkest areas of your
photos. But it doesn’t stop with taking the picture. Want to adjust your photos before
you get them on your computer? With the D90 it’s easy to do. Changing colors, crop-
ping, resizing, and converting to black and white are all adjustments you can do right
from the camera. And let’s not forget about the self-cleaning sensor. Can you tell we’ve
got a lot to cover in the pages ahead? Whether you plan to photograph people, archi-
tecture, nature, action or landscapes, at home or abroad you’ll find features in the D90
that’ll help you capture your best shot. Let’s get started!
Introduction

This page intentionally left blank

ix
To get started, let’s take a quick look at what came in the box with your D90.
●Nikon camera strap. This is a sturdy nylon strap, but if you’d prefer a dif-
ferent style or one with more padding take a look at manufacturers that
specialize in camera straps, such as OP/TECH USA.
●USB cable. Used for connecting the camera to your computer or a
printer.
What’s in the Box?

xWhat’s in the Box?
●Audio/Video cable. Used to connect the camera to a television.
●EN-EL3e rechargeable battery
●Battery charger
●Viewfinder cover. Used when doing long exposures to avoid light coming in the
viewfinder.
●LCD monitor cover. Protects LCD from getting dirty or scratched. Comes already
attached to the camera.
●Manual, Quick Guide, Software Installation Guide and Warranty Card
●Software CD for installing Nikon Transfer and Nikon ViewNX

xi
In this section we’ll look at all the buttons, dials, and other features on the D90. This
overview will help you become familiar with the layout of the camera. I’ve also included
a brief description of each feature. As you read the rest of the guide use these pages
as a reference to find a button or as a reminder as to what it does.
FRONT OF THE CAMERA:
Visual Tour
Sub-CommandDial
AutofocusAssistLight
Microphone
Infrared
Receiver
LensRelease
Button
FunctionButton PreviewButton
Depth-of-Field

xii Visual Tour
Sub-Command Dial: This dial is used to change various settings found on
the LCD panel on top of the camera.
Autofocus Assist Light: Even though the name refers to autofocusing, this
light is actually used for a few functions: (1) lighting up subjects to help the
lens focus, (2) indicating the self-timer is active, and (3) lighting up before the
flash fires to reduce red-eye.
Microphone: The microphone is used to record sound while recording a
video.
Infrared Receiver: This dot is what receives the signal from a wireless
remote.
Lens Release Button: Use this button when you want to remove or change
the lens. Press the button and hold the camera in one hand. With your free
hand turn the lens to the left to detach it.
Depth-of-Field Preview Button: Look through the viewfinder while you
press and hold this button and you’ll see a preview as to how much of your
subject/scene will be in focus.
Function Button: Used as a shortcut button to access a selected feature.
INSIDE THE CAMERA
If you take off the body cap on the front of the camera, you’ll see a mirror inside. The mirror
bounces the light up into the viewfinder, which is what lets you see what the lens sees. The sen-
sor that records your photograph is located behind the mirror.

Visual Tour xiii
LEFT SIDE OF THE CAMERA
Flash Button: Press this button to release the pop-up flash (in P, S, A or M
exposure modes). You can also use it to change the flash mode as well as
increase or decrease the power of the flash.
Bracketing Button: Press this button to access the bracketing settings.
Autofocus/Manual Focus Switch: Use this switch to choose between auto-
focus and manual focus.
Connector Covers: Open these covers to access the following connection ports.
&RQQHFWRU &RYHUV
6ZLWFK
0DQXDO)RFXV
$XWRIRFXV
%XWWRQ
%UDFNHWLQJ
)ODVK%XWWRQ
$&$GDSWHU
&RQQHFWRUIRU
86%&RQQHFWRU
+'0, &RQQHFWRU
9LGHR&RQQHFWRU
$FFHVVRU\
&RQQHFWRU

xiv Visual Tour
●AC Adapter: Plug in an AC Adapter to power the camera for extended periods of time.
●Video: Connect your camera to a television using the Audio/Video cable that came
with the D90.
●Accessory: You can connect a remote cable release or GPS unit using this
connector.
●USB: Use the USB cable that came with the camera to connect it to a computer or
printer.
●HDMI: Use an HDMI cable to connect the D90 to a high-definition device (not
provided).
RIGHT SIDE OF THE CAMERA
●Memory Card Slot: The D90 uses SD memory cards.
●Speaker: Used for audio playback of video recorded with the D90.
TOP OF THE CAMERA
MemoryCardSlot& Cover Speaker
EyeletforCameraStrap MeteringButton On/OffSwitch,
ShutterRelease
Exposure
Compensation
Button
ExposureModeDial
Shoe
Accessory LCDControlPanel Button
Autofocus Mode
Release
Mode
Button

Visual Tour xv
You’ll be using the buttons and dials on the top of the camera frequently.
On the left and right sides are two eyelets for attaching a camera strap.
The LCD Control Panel shows you the settings for various functions, many of which can be
changed using the buttons and dials on the camera body.
The On/Off switch surrounds the shutter-release button.
The Metering button lets you select the metering mode.
The “/” button is the Exposure Compensation button. This is used to increase or
decrease the exposure (making an image brighter or darker).
The Release Mode button is for choosing if you want to take photos one at a time, con-
tinuously, use a remote or use the self-timer.
The Autofocus Mode button lets you choose between modes for still or moving subjects.
In the middle is the Accessory Shoe where an external flash unit can be attached. The D90
comes with a protective cover over the shoe. To remove it, slide the cover toward the back
of the camera.
The dial on the top of the camera is used to select the exposure mode.
CONTROL PANEL INFORMATION
BatteryPower
Metering
Mode ShinierSpeed
Exposure
Compensation Aperture
ReleaseMode
Indicator
Bracketing
Camerabeeps
whenitfocuses
NumberofPhotos
Remaining
Flash
Compensation
WhiteBalance
Quality
Image
FlashMode
ImageSize
&FocusPoints
AutofocusAreaMode
AutofocusMode

xvi Visual Tour
BACK OF THE CAMERA
Viewfinder: Allows you to see your subject exactly as the lens is seeing it.
LCD Monitor: Used to view your photos as well as access the menus and adjust your shooting
settings.
Command Dial: Used for changing settings for the exposure modes and other options.
Memory Card Access Lamp: Lights up whenever the camera is reading from or writing to the
memory card.
Diopter: The diopter adjustment is an important feature used to make sure that when the
lens brings your subject into focus, the subject also appears sharp to your eyes.
Delete button for deleting images during playback.
Playback button for reviewing images on your memory card.
Menu button for accessing the menu options.
While in the menus the Help/Protect button accesses Help information about various cam-
era settings and functions. During playback it’s used to protect photos from being deleted.
When photographing it’s used to change the white balance.
Thumbnail button for viewing images as thumbnails and making images smaller during
playback. When photographing it is used to change the ISO.
|Zoom button for making images larger during playback. When photographing it is used to
change image quality and size settings.
Info Display button for accessing the setting screen for shooting functions.
Focus Selector Lock prevents the focusing point from being changed while photographing.
Viewfinder
Diopter Button
LiveViewButton
AE-L/AF-L
CommandDial
DeleteButton
Button
Playback
Button
Menu
Button
Help/Protect
Thumbnail
Button
Button
ZoomIn
LCDMonitor MultiSelector
FocusSelectorLock Button
InfoDisplay MemoryCard
AccessLamp

Visual Tour xvii
Multi selector is used to navigate the menus and move between images during playback.
Live View button for activating live view mode.
AE-L/AF-L button is used to lock the autofocus and/or auto exposure readings.
SHOOTING INFORMATION DISPLAY
Press the button to display this info.
CONVENIENT FEATURES
In-camera help
When you’re changing a setting in a menu or accessing the settings at the bottom of the shooting
information display there is often a question mark in the bottom left of the LCD screen. If you see
the question mark it means you can press and hold the button to display a description of
the setting/option you currently have selected. This can be particularly helpful if you need a quick
reminder of what a setting does.
ImageQuality
ImageSize
&FocusPoints
AutofocusAreaMode
FlashMode
WhiteBalance AutofocusMode
Remaining
NumberofPhotos
ShinierSpeed
Flash
Compensation Compensation
Exposure Aperture
ReleaseMode
Bracketing
Indicator
AnalogExposure
Display
ISOSensitivity
whenitfocuses
Camerabeeps
ExposureMode
BatteryPower
MeteringMode
LongExposure
NoiseReduction ActiveD-LiahtingFunctionButtonSetting
HighISO
NoiseReduction PictureControl Setting AE-L/AF-LFunction

xviii Visual Tour
Here is the Long Exposure Noise Reduction setting and what the in-camera help tells you
about it.
Shooting information display
You can bring up the shooting information display by pressing the button while in any mode.
The monitor displays the same info as the control panel on top of the camera, plus more. You
can use this display just as you would the control panel. As you change aperture, shutter speed,
etc. the information displayed will change. This display is useful for a few reasons. Everything is
larger compared to the control panel, therefore easier to see. Also, if you can’t see the control
panel due to the position of the camera, you can use this display instead. Finally, if you press the
button a second time you’ll be able to change the settings across the bottom of the moni-
tor. There’s a lot packed into this display!

xix
No doubt you’re eager to start taking pictures with your new D90. Don’t want to read
the whole book just to start taking pictures? Then this is the section for you! You’ll learn
the basics of your camera and how to start taking good pictures. It covers everything
from charging the battery and inserting the memory card to composing and reviewing
images.
If you’re already familiar with SLR cameras and would like to starting learning in detail
about the various options and controls of the D90, you may prefer to skip this intro-
ductory section and start with Part I.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GET STARTED?
●D90
●Charged battery
●Lens
●Memory card
CHARGING THE BATTERY
To use the charger attach the charger cord to the
charger and plug in the cord. The battery fits into the
recessed area on top of the charger. Orient the bat-
tery so that the end with the triangle (next to the word
“Nikon”) points toward the “Nikon QUICK CHARGER”
label on the charger. Set the battery in the recessed
area near the top then give it a good push to slide it
into the connectors. The battery will click into place
and begin charging. An orange light on the top of
the charger will start blinking continuously. When the
charge is complete the light will stay solid orange. It’ll
take a bit over two hours to fully charge the battery.