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Nikon COOLPIX A User Manual

Nikon COOLPIX A
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DIGITAL CAMERA
En
Reference Manual

Table of Contents

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Nikon COOLPIX A Specifications

General IconGeneral
SensorCMOS
Effective Pixels16.2 million
Image SensorCMOS
LensNIKKOR lens
Maximum Aperturef/2.8
Video Resolution1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
Storage MediaSD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards
BatteryEN-EL20 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
Sensor Size23.6 x 15.6 mm
Focal Length18.5 mm (angle of view equivalent to that of 28 mm lens in 35mm [135] format)
ISO SensitivityISO 100-6400 (expandable to 25600)
Monitor Size3.0-inch
Monitor TypeTFT LCD with anti-reflection coating
LCD Screen3-in. TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating
Video RecordingFull HD 1920 x 1080, 30p
File FormatsJPEG, RAW (NEF), MOV
Weight299 g (10.6 oz)
Weight with Battery and Memory Card299 g (10.6 oz) with battery and memory card
Shutter Speed1/2000 to 30 s
Continuous Shooting4 fps
Dimensions111 x 64.3 x 40.3 mm
Display3-in. TFT LCD with anti-reflection coating

Summary

Introduction

Symbols and Conventions

Explains the symbols and conventions used in the manual for easier information retrieval.

Quick Start Guide

Charge the battery

Instructions for charging the camera's battery before first use.

Insert the battery and a memory card

Steps for inserting the battery and memory card into the camera.

Turn the camera on

Procedure for powering on the camera for the first time.

Focus and shoot

Guidance on focusing and capturing a photograph with the camera.

For Your Safety

WARNINGS

Critical warnings to prevent injury or damage when using the camera.

Store out of direct sunlight

Caution regarding storing the camera away from direct sunlight to prevent fire.

Observe caution when handling the battery

Precautions for safe handling of the camera's battery.

Observe the following precautions when handling the battery charger

Safety guidelines for using the battery charger to prevent hazards.

Basic Photography

Battery Level and Card Capacity

How to check the battery level and remaining card capacity on the monitor.

“Point-and-Shoot” Photography (i Mode)

Guide to using the camera's automatic shooting mode for simple photography.

Creative Photography (Scene Modes)

Explanation of various scene modes for specific shooting situations.

P, S, A, and M Modes

Shutter Speed and Aperture

Details on controlling shutter speed and aperture in different exposure modes.

User Settings: U1 and U2 Modes

Saving User Settings

Instructions on how to save custom camera settings to U1/U2 modes.

Release Mode

Single-Frame, Continuous, Self-timer, Remote, and Movie Modes

Description of various shooting drive modes available on the camera.

Image Quality and Size

Image Quality

Explanation of file formats and compression ratios for image quality.

Image Size

Details on choosing different resolutions for image files.

Focus

Autofocus

Overview of the camera's autofocus system and its modes.

Exposure

Metering

Explanation of different metering methods for exposure calculation.

Exposure Compensation

How to adjust exposure levels to make pictures brighter or darker.

White Balance

White Balance Options

Selection of white balance presets to match light source conditions.

Image Enhancement

Picture Controls

Using Picture Controls to adjust image processing settings like sharpening and contrast.

Flash Photography

Using the Built-in Flash

Instructions for raising and using the camera's built-in flash unit.

Other Shooting Options

Restoring Default Settings

Procedure to reset camera settings to their factory default values.

P, S, A, and M Modes

Shutter Speed and Aperture

Details on controlling shutter speed and aperture in different exposure modes.

User Settings: U1 and U2 Modes

Saving User Settings

Instructions on how to save custom camera settings to U1/U2 modes.

Release Mode

Single-Frame, Continuous, Self-timer, Remote, and Movie Modes

Description of various shooting drive modes available on the camera.

Image Quality and Size

Image Quality

Explanation of file formats and compression ratios for image quality.

Image Size

Details on choosing different resolutions for image files.

Focus

Autofocus

Overview of the camera's autofocus system and its modes.

Autofocus Mode

Selection of specific autofocus modes like AF-S and AF-F.

AF-Area Mode

Choosing how the focus area for autofocus is selected.

Focus Lock

Technique to lock focus on a subject for recomposition.

Manual Focus

Instructions for manually adjusting focus using the focus ring.

ISO Sensitivity

Auto ISO Sensitivity Control

Setting the camera to automatically adjust ISO sensitivity.

Exposure

Metering

Explanation of different metering methods for exposure calculation.

Exposure Compensation

How to adjust exposure levels to make pictures brighter or darker.

White Balance

White Balance Options

Selection of white balance presets to match light source conditions.

Image Enhancement

Picture Controls

Using Picture Controls to adjust image processing settings like sharpening and contrast.

Flash Photography

Using the Built-in Flash

Instructions for raising and using the camera's built-in flash unit.

Other Shooting Options

Restoring Default Settings

Procedure to reset camera settings to their factory default values.

The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies

Creating Retouched Copies

Overview of the in-camera retouching features.

Caring for the Camera

Guidelines for cleaning and maintaining the camera body, lens, and monitor.

Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions

Important precautions for handling the camera and battery safely.

Troubleshooting

Battery/Display

Solutions for problems related to the battery and camera display.

Shooting (All Modes)

Troubleshooting common issues encountered during shooting.

Error Messages

List of camera indicators and error messages with their solutions.

Getting to Know the Camera

The Camera Body

Identification of the main physical components of the camera body.

The Monitor

Explanation of the information displayed on the camera's monitor screen.

The Information Display

Details on the on-screen information display and how to adjust it.

The Mode Dial

Auto Mode

Guide to using the automatic mode for simple point-and-shoot photography.

P, S, A, and M Modes

Explanation of manual and semi-automatic exposure modes.

U1 and U2 Modes

Instructions for saving and recalling custom shooting settings.

Scene Modes

Description of various scene modes for specific photographic situations.

The Command Dial

Camera Menus: An Overview

Tabs

Overview of the different menu tabs available: Playback, Shooting, Setup, Retouch.

Using Camera Menus

Menu Options

PLAYBACK MENU

List of options available in the Playback menu for managing images.

SHOOTING MENU

List of options available in the Shooting menu for camera settings.

First Steps

Charge the Battery

Instructions for charging the camera's battery before first use.

Insert the Battery

Steps for correctly inserting the battery into the camera.

Insert a Memory Card

Procedure for inserting a memory card into the camera correctly.

Basic Setup

Turn the camera on

Procedure for powering on the camera and initiating setup.

Choose a language and set the camera clock

Steps for selecting the menu language and setting the camera's time and date.

“Point-and-Shoot” Photography (i Mode)

1 Select i.

Instruction to select the automatic shooting mode on the mode dial.

2 Ready the camera.

Guidance on holding the camera for stable shooting.

3 Frame the photograph.

Instructions on composing the shot before taking the picture.

4 Press the shutter-release button halfway.

Procedure for half-pressing the shutter to focus the camera.

5 Shoot.

Instructions on fully pressing the shutter to take the photograph.

Basic Playback

1 Press the K button.

Action to initiate photo playback mode on the camera.

2 View additional pictures.

How to navigate through photos during playback.

Deleting Unwanted Photographs

1 Display the photograph.

Instruction to display the photo intended for deletion.

2 Delete the photograph.

Procedure for deleting the currently displayed photograph.

Creative Photography (Scene Modes)

SCENE Mode

Instructions for selecting and using various scene modes.

Portrait

Description of the Portrait scene mode settings and usage.

Landscape

Description of the Landscape scene mode settings and usage.

Child

Description of the Child scene mode settings and usage.

Recording and Viewing Movies

Recording Movies

Step-by-step guide on how to record movies with sound on the camera.

Editing Movies

Trimming Movies

Instructions on how to trim movie clips to create edited copies.

Saving Selected Frames

1 View the movie and choose a frame.

Steps to select a specific frame from a movie for saving.

3 Choose Save selected frame.

Action to select the option for saving a frame as a still image.

P, S, A, and M Modes

Shutter Speed and Aperture

Details on controlling shutter speed and aperture in different exposure modes.

User Settings: U1 and U2 Modes

Saving User Settings

Instructions on how to save custom camera settings to U1/U2 modes.

Recalling User Settings

Resetting User Settings

Release Mode

Single-Frame, Continuous, Self-timer, Remote, and Movie Modes

Description of various shooting drive modes available on the camera.

Self-Timer and Remote Control Modes

1 Mount the camera on a tripod.

Guidance on setting up the camera on a tripod for remote operation.

2 Select a release mode.

Steps to select self-timer or remote control modes.

Image Quality and Size

Image Quality

Explanation of file formats and compression ratios for image quality.

Fine-Tuning White Balance

1 Select a white balance option in the shooting menu.

Accessing white balance options within the shooting menu.

2 Fine tune white balance.

Procedure for adjusting white balance using the multi selector.

Preset Manual

Measuring a Value for Preset White Balance

Steps to measure and set a custom white balance value.

4 Measure white balance.

Action to perform the white balance measurement.

Image Enhancement

Selecting a Picture Control

Guide to choosing from the camera's preset Picture Control profiles.

Modifying Picture Controls

1 Display the Picture Control menu.

Accessing the menu to modify existing Picture Controls.

2 Select a Picture Control.

Choosing a specific Picture Control to modify.

Preserving Detail in Highlights and Shadows (Active D-Lighting)

“Active D-Lighting” Versus “D-Lighting”

Comparison between Active D-Lighting (pre-shooting) and D-Lighting (post-shooting).

Flash Photography

Using the Built-in Flash

Instructions for raising and using the camera's built-in flash unit.

Flash Compensation

1 Press the P button.

Action to display shooting information and access settings.

2 Display flash compensation options.

Accessing the flash compensation settings on the monitor.

3 Choose a value.

Setting the desired flash compensation level using the command dial.

FV Lock

To use FV lock:

Step-by-step instructions for utilizing the FV Lock feature.

Other Shooting Options

Restoring Default Settings

Procedure to reset camera settings to their factory default values.

Bracketing

1 Choose a bracketing option.

Selecting the type of bracketing: AE, WB, or ADL.

4 Select a bracketing increment.

Choosing the step value for exposure or white balance bracketing.

5 Frame a photograph, focus, and shoot.

Executing the bracketing sequence for the chosen method.

Interval Timer Photography

1 Select Interval timer shooting.

Accessing the interval timer shooting function in the menu.

2 Choose a starting time.

Setting the time for the interval shooting to begin.

Using a GPS Unit

Setup Menu Options

Configuration options for the GPS unit within the setup menu.

More on Playback

Full-Frame Playback

Viewing individual photographs in full-screen playback.

Rotate Tall

Setting to automatically rotate portrait-oriented images.

Photo Information

File Information

Displaying basic file details like name, quality, and size.

Highlights

Viewing highlight data for image exposure analysis.

RGB Histogram

Displaying RGB channel histograms for image tonal analysis.

Shooting Data

Displaying detailed shooting parameters like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Thumbnail Playback

Calendar Playback

Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom

Protecting Photographs from Deletion

1 Select an image.

Steps to select a photograph for protection.

2 Press the E (N/L) button.

Action to apply or remove protection from a selected photograph.

Removing Protection from All Images

Procedure to remove protection from all images in the current folder.

Deleting Photographs

Full-Frame, Thumbnail, and Calendar Playback

Methods for deleting photos in different playback views.

The Playback Menu: Managing Images

Selected: Deleting Selected Photographs

Instructions for deleting specific photographs selected during playback.

Select Date: Deleting Photographs Taken on a Selected Date

Procedure for deleting all photos taken on a specific date.

Connections

Using ViewNX 2

Overview of Nikon's imaging software for viewing, retouching, and sharing photos.

Installing ViewNX 2

Step-by-step guide for installing the ViewNX 2 software.

Copy Pictures to the Computer

1 Choose how pictures will be copied to a computer.

Options for transferring images: direct USB or memory card.

View Pictures

For More Information

Reference to online help for further details on using ViewNX 2.

Printing Photographs

Connecting the Printer

Procedure for connecting the camera to a PictBridge printer.

Printing Pictures One at a Time

1 Select a picture.

Steps to select a single photograph for printing.

2 Display printing options.

Accessing the print settings menu for a selected photo.

3 Adjust printing options.

Setting parameters like page size, number of copies, and border.

Printing Multiple Pictures

1 Display the PictBridge menu.

Accessing the PictBridge menu for batch printing options.

2 Choose an option.

Selecting print methods like Print select, Select date, or Index print.

Creating a DPOF Print Order: Print Set

1 Choose Select/set for the DPOF print order item in the playback menu.

Accessing the DPOF print order function in the playback menu.

2 Select pictures.

Choosing photos and specifying the number of prints for a DPOF order.

Viewing Photographs on TV

1 Turn the camera off.

Step to turn off the camera before connecting HDMI.

2 Connect the HDMI cable as shown.

Procedure for connecting the camera to a TV via HDMI cable.

4 Turn the camera on and press the K button.

Action to start playback on the TV after connection.

Camera Menus: The Playback Menu: Managing Images

Playback Folder

Setting the folder for image playback.

Playback Display Options

Customizing the information displayed during playback.

Image Review

Setting whether images are displayed automatically after shooting.

Camera Menus: The Shooting Menu: Shooting Options

Reset shooting menu

Procedure to reset all shooting menu options to default values.

Storage folder

Selecting the folder for saving subsequent photographs.

Image quality

Setting the file format and compression ratio for images.

Image size

Choosing the resolution for image files.

White balance

Adjusting the color balance to match the light source.

Set Picture Control

Selecting preset image processing profiles.

Manage Picture Control

Creating, saving, and managing custom Picture Controls.

Color space

Setting the color gamut for image reproduction.

Active D-Lighting

Enhancing detail in highlights and shadows for better contrast.

Long exposure NR

Reducing noise in images taken at slow shutter speeds.

High ISO NR

Reducing noise in images taken at high ISO sensitivities.

ISO sensitivity settings

Adjusting the camera's sensitivity to light.

Release mode

Selecting the shooting drive mode (e.g., single, continuous).

Built-in AF-assist illuminator

Enabling the AF-assist illuminator for low-light focusing.

Exposure comp. for flash

Adjusting exposure compensation specifically for flash.

Flash cntrl for built-in flash

Controlling the built-in flash mode (e.g., TTL, Manual).

Auto bracketing set

Configuring settings for automatic bracketing (exposure, WB, ADL).

Interval timer shooting

Setting up the camera for automatic shooting at preset intervals.

Movie settings

Adjusting parameters for movie recording like frame size and quality.

Built-in AF-assist Illuminator

Exposure Comp. for Flash

Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash

Auto Bracketing Set

The Setup Menu: Camera Setup

Format Memory Card

Instructions for formatting the memory card before use.

Photo Info

Flicker Reduction

Reducing flicker and banding in images shot under fluorescent lighting.

Time Zone and Date

Language

Image Comment

Auto Image Rotation

Rotate Tall

Setting to automatically rotate portrait-oriented images in playback.

Self-Timer

Auto off Timer

Image Review Time

Remote on Duration (ML-L3)

Beep

Shutter Sound

File Number Sequence

MF Distance Indicator Units

Reverse Indicators

Assign Fn1 Button

Assign ISO/Fn2 Button

Reverse Dial Rotation

Slot Empty Release Lock

Eye-Fi Upload

Firmware Version

The Retouch Menu: Creating Retouched Copies

1 Display retouch options.

Accessing the retouch menu to select editing functions.

2 Select a picture.

Choosing the photograph to be retouched.

3 Select retouch options.

Selecting the specific retouching effect to apply.

4 Create a retouched copy.

Finalizing the retouching process to create a new copy.

D-Lighting

Red-Eye Correction

Trim

Trim: Image Quality and Size

Information on the image quality and size of cropped copies.

Monochrome

Filter Effects

Filter Effects

Descriptions of various filter effects like Skylight and Warm filter.

Color Balance

Image Overlay

1 Select Image overlay.

Accessing the image overlay function from the retouch menu.

NEF (RAW) Processing

1 Select NEF (RAW) processing.

Accessing the function to convert NEF (RAW) files to JPEG.

2 Select a photograph.

Choosing the NEF (RAW) image to process.

Resize

1 Select Resize.

Accessing the image resizing function.

2 Choose a size.

Selecting the desired dimensions for the resized image.

Quick Retouch

Straighten

Fisheye

Color Outline

Color Sketch

Perspective Control

Miniature Effect

Selective Color

Side-by-Side Comparison

Technical Notes

Optional Flash Units (Speedlights)

Information on attaching and using external flash units.

Caring for the Camera

Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning the camera body, lens, and monitor.

Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions

Caring for the Camera

General precautions for handling the camera to prevent damage.

Available Settings

Troubleshooting

Battery/Display

Solutions for problems related to the battery and camera display.

Shooting (All Modes)

Troubleshooting common issues encountered during shooting.

Shooting (P, S, A, M)

Troubleshooting specific issues in P, S, A, and M shooting modes.

Playback

Troubleshooting common problems encountered during photo playback.

Miscellaneous

Solutions for various other camera operational issues.

Error Messages

Specifications

Nikon COOLPIX A Digital Camera

Technical specifications of the camera, including sensor, lens, and monitor.

Supported Standards

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