Nikon COOLPIX A300 Owner's manual

DIGITAL CAMERA

Reference Manual

• Read this manual thoroughly before using the camera.

• To ensure proper use of the camera, be sure to read “For

Your Safety” (page viii).

• After reading this manual, keep it in a readily accessible

place for future reference.

En

ii

Quick Topic Search

You can return to this page by tapping or clicking in the lower right of any page.

Main Topics

For Smart Device Users ....................................................................................................... iii

Introduction ............................................................................................................................. v

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................. xi

Parts of the Camera ...............................................................................................................1

Getting Started........................................................................................................................ 7

Basic Shooting and Playback Operations....................................................................18

Shooting Features................................................................................................................25

Playback Features.................................................................................................................59

Movies ......................................................................................................................................70

Connecting the Camera to a TV, Printer, or Computer...........................................75

Using the Menu.....................................................................................................................85

Technical Notes.................................................................................................................. 128

Common Topics

For Your Safety What SnapBridge

Can Do for You

Selecting a

Shooting Mode

Special Effects

Mode

Smart Portrait

Mode

Editing Images

(Still Images)

Troubleshooting Index

iii

For Smart Device Users

Your images. The world. Connected

Welcome to SnapBridge — Nikon’s new family of services to enrich

your image experience. SnapBridge eliminates the barrier between

your camera and compatible smart device, through a combination

of Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) technology and a dedicated app. The

stories you capture with your Nikon camera and lenses are

automatically transferred to the device as they are taken. They can

even be uploaded effortlessly to cloud storage services, inviting

access across all your devices. You can share your excitement, when

and where you want.

Download the SnapBridge app to get started!

Take advantage of the wide-ranging

convenience by downloading the

SnapBridge app onto your smart device

now. Through a few simple steps, this

app connects your Nikon cameras with a

compatible iPhone®, iPad® and/or iPod

touch® or smart devices running on the

Android

TM

operating system. The app is

available free from the website (http://

snapbridge.nikon.com), Apple App

Store® and Google Play

TM

.

For the latest information on SnapBridge, visit the Nikon website for

your area (Avi).

For Smart Device Users

iv

For Smart Device Users

The exciting image experience that SnapBridge offers…

A range of services that enriches your imaging life,

including:

• Camera remote control

• Imprinting up to two pieces of credit

information (e.g. copyright, comments,

text and logos) on pictures

• Automatic update of camera’s date and

time info and location info

• Receive camera’s firmware updates

Automatic picture transfer from camera to smart

device thanks to the constant connection between

the two devices — making online photo sharing

easier than ever

Upload of photos and thumbnail images to the

NIKON IMAGE SPACE cloud service

v

Introduction

Read This First

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon COOLPIX A300 digital camera.

Symbols and Conventions Used in This Manual

• Tap or click in the lower right of each page to display “Quick Topic Search”

(Aii).

• Symbols

• SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards are referred to as “memory cards” in this

manual.

• The setting at the time of purchase is referred to as the “default setting.”

• The names of menu items displayed on the camera screen, and the names of

buttons or messages displayed on a computer monitor appear in bold.

• In this manual, images are sometimes omitted from screen display samples so that

screen indicators can be more clearly shown.

Read This First

Symbol Description

B

This icon marks cautions and information that should be read before

using the camera.

C

This icon marks notes and information that should be read before using

the camera.

A This icon marks other pages containing relevant information.

vi

Introduction

Read This First

Information and Precautions

Life-Long Learning

As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing product support and

education, continually updated information is available online at the following websites:

• For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/

• For users in Europe: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support/

• For users in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa: http://www.nikon-asia.com/

Visit these websites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to

frequently asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography.

Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. Visit the

website below for contact information.

http://imaging.nikon.com/

Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories

Nikon COOLPIX cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex

electronic circuitry. Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery chargers,

batteries, AC adapters, and USB cables) 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.

The use of third-party rechargeable Li-ion batteries not bearing the Nikon holographic seal

could interfere with normal operation of the camera or result in the batteries overheating,

igniting, rupturing, or leaking.

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

camera 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.

Holographic seal: Identifies this

device as an authentic Nikon product.

vii

Introduction

Read This First

About the Manuals

• 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.

• Illustrations and screen content shown in this manual may differ from the actual product.

• 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 was 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).

Comply with Copyright Notices

Under copyright law, photographs or recordings of copyrighted works made with the

camera can not be used without the permission of the copyright holder. Exceptions apply

to personal use, but note that even personal use may be restricted in the case of

photographs or recordings of exhibits or live performances.

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

software, 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, be sure

to perform Reset all in the setup menu (A86) to reset camera settings. After that, erase all

data using commercial deletion software or perform Format card/Format memory in the

setup menu to format the device, then completely refill it with images containing no private

information (for example, images of empty sky).

Care should be taken to avoid injury or damage to property when physically destroying

memory cards.

Conformity Marking

Follow the procedure below to display some of the conformity markings that the camera

complies with.

Press the d button M z menu icon M Conformity marking M k button

viii

Introduction

For Your Safety

To prevent damage to property or injury to yourself or to others, read “For Your Safety”

in its entirety before using this product.

Keep these safety instructions where all those who use this product will read them.

For Your Safety

DANGER

Failure to observe the precautions marked

with this icon carries a high risk of death or

severe injury.

WARNING

Failure to observe the precautions marked

with this icon could result in death or

severe injury.

CAUTION

Failure to observe the precautions marked

with this icon could result in injury or

property damage.

WARNING

• Do not use while walking or operating a motor vehicle. Failure to observe this

precaution could result in accidents or injury.

• Do not disassemble or modify this product. Do not touch internal parts that

become exposed as the result of a fall or other accident. Failure to observe these

precautions could result in electric shock or other injury.

• Should you notice any abnormalities such as the product producing smoke, heat,

or unusual odors, immediately disconnect the battery or power source. Continued

operation could result in fire, burns or other injury.

• Keep dry. Do not handle with wet hands. Do not handle the plug with wet hands.

Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or electric shock.

• Do not let your skin remain in prolonged contact with this product while it is on or

plugged in. Failure to observe this precaution could result in low-temperature

burns.

• Do not use this product in the presence of flammable dust or gas such as propane,

gasoline or aerosols. Failure to observe this precaution could result in explosion or

fire.

• Do not aim the flash at the operator of a motor vehicle. Failure to observe this

precaution could result in accidents.

ix

Introduction

For Your Safety

• Keep this product out of reach of children. Failure to observe this precaution could

result in injury or product malfunction. In addition, note that small parts constitute

a choking hazard. Should a child swallow any part of this product, seek immediate

medical attention.

• Do not entangle, wrap or twist the straps around your neck. Failure to observe this

precaution could result in accidents.

• Do not use batteries, chargers, or AC adapters not specifically designated for use

with this product. When using batteries, chargers, and AC adapters designated for

use with this product, do not:

- Damage, modify, forcibly tug or bend the cords or cables, place them under

heavy objects, or expose them to heat or flame.

- Use travel converters or adapters designed to convert from one voltage to

another or with DC-to-AC inverters.

Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or electric shock.

• Do not handle the plug when charging the product or using the AC adapter

during thunderstorms. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric

shock.

• Do not handle with bare hands in locations exposed to extremely high or low

temperatures. Failure to observe this precaution could result in burns, or frostbite.

CAUTION

• Turn this product off when its use is prohibited. Disable wireless features when the

use of wireless equipment is prohibited. The radio-frequency emissions produced

by this product could interfere with equipment onboard aircraft or in hospitals or

other medical facilities.

• Remove the battery and disconnect the AC adapter if this product will not be used

for an extended period. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or

product malfunction.

• Do not touch moving parts of the lens or other moving parts. Failure to observe

this precaution could result in injury.

• Do not fire the flash in contact with or in close proximity to the skin or objects.

Failure to observe this precaution could result in burns or fire.

• Do not leave product where it will be exposed to extremely high temperatures, for

an extended period such as in an enclosed automobile or in direct sunlight. Failure

to observe this precaution could result in fire or product malfunction.

x

Introduction

For Your Safety

DANGER for Rechargeable Batteries

• Do not mishandle batteries. Failure to observe the following precautions could

result in the batteries leaking, overheating, rupturing, or catching fire:

- Use only rechargeable batteries approved for use in this product.

- Do not expose batteries to flame or excessive heat.

- Do not disassemble.

- Do not short circuit the terminals by touching them to necklaces, hairpins, or

other metal objects.

- Do not expose batteries or the products in which they are inserted to powerful

physical shocks.

• Do not attempt to recharge the EN-EL19 rechargeable batteries by using a camera

or charger that is not specifically designed to recharge the EN-EL19. Failure to

observe this precaution could result in the batteries leaking, overheating,

rupturing, or catching fire.

• If battery liquid comes into contact with the eyes, rinse with plenty of clean water

and seek immediate medical attention. Delaying action could result in eye injuries.

WARNING for Rechargeable Batteries

• Keep batteries out of reach of children. Should a child swallow a battery, seek

immediate medical attention.

• Do not immerse batteries in water or expose to rain. Failure to observe this

precaution could result in fire or product malfunction. Immediately dry the

product with a towel or similar object should it become wet.

• Discontinue use immediately should you notice any changes in the batteries, such

as discoloration or deformation. Cease charging EN-EL19 rechargeable batteries if

they do not charge in the specified period of time. Failure to observe this

precaution could result in the batteries leaking, overheating, rupturing, or

catching fire.

• Prior to disposal, insulate battery terminals with tape. Overheating, rupture, or fire

may result should metal objects come into contact with the terminals. Recycle or

dispose of batteries in accord with local regulations.

• If battery liquid comes into contact with a person’s skin or clothing, immediately

rinse the affected area with plenty of clean water. Failure to observe this

precaution could result in skin irritation.

xi

Table of Contents

Quick Topic Search ............................................................................................................... ii

Main Topics...................................................................................................................................................................... ii

Common Topics ........................................................................................................................................................... ii

For Smart Device Users ...................................................................................................... iii

Introduction ............................................................................................................................ v

Read This First .......................................................................................................................................... v

Symbols and Conventions Used in This Manual ...................................................................................... v

Information and Precautions ............................................................................................................................... vi

For Your Safety ..................................................................................................................................... viii

Parts of the Camera .............................................................................................................. 1

The Camera Body.................................................................................................................................... 2

The Monitor .............................................................................................................................................. 4

For Shooting.................................................................................................................................................................... 4

For Playback..................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Getting Started....................................................................................................................... 7

How to Attach the Camera Strap ...................................................................................................... 8

Inserting the Battery and Memory Card......................................................................................... 9

Removing the Battery or Memory Card ......................................................................................................... 9

Memory Cards and Internal Memory............................................................................................................... 9

Charging the Battery ........................................................................................................................... 10

Camera Setup......................................................................................................................................... 12

Setup from a Smartphone or Tablet ............................................................................................................. 12

Setup from the Camera Menus........................................................................................................................ 14

What SnapBridge Can Do for You................................................................................................................... 16

Basic Shooting and Playback Operations................................................................... 18

Shooting Images................................................................................................................................... 19

Recording Movies................................................................................................................................. 21

Playing Back Images ............................................................................................................................ 22

Deleting Images.................................................................................................................................... 23

The Image Selection Screen for Deletion .................................................................................................. 24

Shooting Features............................................................................................................... 25

Selecting a Shooting Mode............................................................................................................... 26

xii

Table of Contents

A (Auto) Mode .................................................................................................................................... 27

Using the Creative Slider ...................................................................................................................................... 27

x (Scene Auto Selector) Mode....................................................................................................... 29

Scene Mode (Shooting Suited to the Shooting Conditions) ................................................ 30

Tips and Notes About Scene Mode............................................................................................................... 31

Using Skin Softening............................................................................................................................................... 33

Shooting with Panorama Assist ....................................................................................................................... 34

Playback with Panorama Assist ........................................................................................................................ 36

Special Effects Mode (Applying Effects When Shooting)....................................................... 37

Smart Portrait Mode (Enhancing Human Faces When Shooting)....................................... 39

Using Smile Timer..................................................................................................................................................... 41

Using Self-Collage..................................................................................................................................................... 42

Setting Shooting Functions with the Multi Selector ............................................................... 44

Flash Mode.............................................................................................................................................. 45

Self-timer ................................................................................................................................................. 47

Macro Mode (Taking Close-up Pictures) ...................................................................................... 49

Exposure Compensation (Adjusting Brightness) ...................................................................... 50

Using the Zoom..................................................................................................................................... 51

Focusing................................................................................................................................................... 52

The Shutter-release Button................................................................................................................................. 52

Using Target Finding AF ....................................................................................................................................... 52

Using Face Detection ............................................................................................................................................. 53

Subjects Not Suitable for Autofocus ............................................................................................................. 54

Focus Lock ..................................................................................................................................................................... 55

Default Settings (Flash, Self-timer, Etc.)........................................................................................ 56

Functions That Cannot Be Used Simultaneously When Shooting...................................... 58

Playback Features................................................................................................................ 59

Playback Zoom ...................................................................................................................................... 60

Thumbnail Playback/Calendar Display......................................................................................... 61

List by Date Mode................................................................................................................................. 62

Editing Images (Still Images) ............................................................................................................ 63

Before Editing Images ............................................................................................................................................ 63

Quick Effects: Changing Hue or Mood ........................................................................................................ 63

Quick Retouch: Enhancing Contrast and Saturation .......................................................................... 64

D-Lighting: Enhancing Brightness and Contrast ................................................................................... 64

Red-eye Correction: Correcting Red-eye When Shooting with the Flash ............................. 65

Glamour Retouch: Enhancing Human Faces........................................................................................... 66

Small Picture: Reducing the Size of an Image......................................................................................... 68

Crop: Creating a Cropped Copy....................................................................................................................... 69

xiii

Table of Contents

Movies ..................................................................................................................................... 70

Basic Operations of Movie Recording and Movie Playback.................................................. 71

Operations During Movie Playback ............................................................................................... 74

Connecting the Camera to a TV, Printer, or Computer.......................................... 75

Utilizing Images..................................................................................................................................... 76

Viewing Images on a TV ..................................................................................................................... 77

Printing Images Without a Computer........................................................................................... 78

Connecting the Camera to a Printer ............................................................................................................. 78

Printing Images One at a Time ......................................................................................................................... 79

Printing Multiple Images ...................................................................................................................................... 80

Transferring Images to a Computer (ViewNX-i)......................................................................... 82

Installing ViewNX-i.................................................................................................................................................... 82

Transferring Images to a Computer .............................................................................................................. 82

Using the Menu.................................................................................................................... 85

Menu Operations.................................................................................................................................. 86

The Image Selection Screen............................................................................................................................... 88

Menu Lists ............................................................................................................................................... 89

The Shooting Menu................................................................................................................................................. 89

The Smart Portrait Menu....................................................................................................................................... 90

The Movie Menu........................................................................................................................................................ 90

The Playback Menu.................................................................................................................................................. 91

The Network Menu .................................................................................................................................................. 91

The Setup Menu ........................................................................................................................................................ 92

The Shooting Menu (The Common Shooting Options).......................................................... 93

Image Mode (Image Size and Quality)......................................................................................................... 93

The Shooting Menu (A (Auto) Mode)......................................................................................... 95

White Balance (Adjusting Hue)......................................................................................................................... 95

Continuous Shooting ............................................................................................................................................. 97

ISO Sensitivity .............................................................................................................................................................. 98

AF Area Mode.............................................................................................................................................................. 99

Autofocus Mode ..................................................................................................................................................... 102

The Smart Portrait Menu................................................................................................................. 103

Self-Collage................................................................................................................................................................ 103

Blink Proof ................................................................................................................................................................... 104

The Playback Menu........................................................................................................................... 105

Mark for Upload....................................................................................................................................................... 105

Slide Show.................................................................................................................................................................. 106

Protect........................................................................................................................................................................... 107

Rotate Image............................................................................................................................................................. 107

xiv

Table of Contents

Copy (Copy Between the Memory Card and Internal Memory)............................................... 108

The Movie Menu ................................................................................................................................ 109

Movie Options.......................................................................................................................................................... 109

Autofocus Mode ..................................................................................................................................................... 110

Movie VR ...................................................................................................................................................................... 111

Wind Noise Reduction ........................................................................................................................................ 111

The Network Menu ........................................................................................................................... 112

Operating the Text Input Keyboard............................................................................................................ 113

The Setup Menu................................................................................................................................. 114

Time Zone and Date ............................................................................................................................................ 114

Monitor Settings ..................................................................................................................................................... 116

Date Stamp ................................................................................................................................................................ 118

Photo VR ...................................................................................................................................................................... 119

AF Assist ....................................................................................................................................................................... 120

Digital Zoom ............................................................................................................................................................. 120

Sound Settings......................................................................................................................................................... 121

Auto Off........................................................................................................................................................................ 121

Format Card/Format Memory........................................................................................................................ 122

Language .................................................................................................................................................................... 123

Image Comment .................................................................................................................................................... 123

Copyright Information ........................................................................................................................................ 124

Location Data ........................................................................................................................................................... 125

Video Mode................................................................................................................................................................ 125

Charge by Computer ........................................................................................................................................... 126

Reset All........................................................................................................................................................................ 127

Conformity Marking.............................................................................................................................................. 127

Firmware Version.................................................................................................................................................... 127

Technical Notes................................................................................................................. 128

Notices................................................................................................................................................... 129

Notes About Wireless Communication Functions ................................................................ 131

Caring for the Product ..................................................................................................................... 133

The Camera................................................................................................................................................................ 133

The Battery ................................................................................................................................................................. 134

The Charging AC Adapter................................................................................................................................. 135

Memory Cards.......................................................................................................................................................... 136

Cleaning and Storage....................................................................................................................... 137

Cleaning....................................................................................................................................................................... 137

Storage.......................................................................................................................................................................... 137

Error Messages.................................................................................................................................... 138

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................ 142

File Names ............................................................................................................................................ 149

xv

Table of Contents

Optional Accessories ........................................................................................................................ 150

Specifications ...................................................................................................................................... 151

Memory Cards That Can Be Used................................................................................................................. 155

Index....................................................................................................................................................... 157

1

Parts of the Camera

The Camera Body ................................................................................................................... 2

The Monitor..............................................................................................................................4

2

Parts of the Camera

The Camera Body

2453

6

1

10

9

11

12

88

7

Lens cover closed

1

Shutter-release button............................ 20

2

Zoom control................................................ 51

f: Wide-angle ....................................... 51

g: Telephoto ............................................. 51

h: Thumbnail playback................... 61

i: Playback zoom.................................. 60

3

Power switch/power-on lamp ........... 12

4

Flash.................................................................... 45

5

Self-timer lamp ............................................ 48

AF-assist illuminator

6

Lens

7

Lens cover

8

Built-in microphone

9

Power connector cover (for

connection with optional AC adapter)

10

Eyelet for camera strap .............................. 8

11

Connector cover......................................... 76

12

USB/audio/video output connector

............................................................................... 76

3

Parts of the Camera

The Camera Body

1

8

9

4

2

5

3

6

7

11

10

12

13

1

Charge lamp.................................................. 10

Flash lamp....................................................... 45

2

b (e movie-record) button............. 21

3

A (shooting mode) button

................................................26, 27, 30, 37, 39

4

c (playback) button .............................. 22

5

Multi selector ................................................ 86

6

k (apply selection) button................. 86

7

l (delete) button ...................................... 23

8

d (menu) button.................................. 86

9

Battery-chamber/

memory card slot cover............................ 9

10

Tripod socket ..............................................153

11

Speaker

12

Monitor................................................................ 4

13

N-Mark (NFC antenna) ............................ 13

4

Parts of the Camera

The Monitor

The information that is displayed on the shooting or playback screen changes

depending on the camera’s settings and state of use.

By default, information is displayed when the camera is turned on and when you

operate the camera, and turns off after a few seconds (when Photo info is set to

Auto info in Monitor settings (A116)).

For Shooting

The Monitor

999

9999

AF

AE / A F -L

AE/AF-L

13

14

15

16

12

4

356

7

1

2

8

9

11

10

1718

999

29

m

0s

29

m

0s

10

F3.7

1/2 5 0

1/250

+ 1 . 0

+1.0

400

1

Shooting mode ............26, 27, 30, 37, 39

2

Flash mode..................................................... 45

3

Macro mode.................................................. 49

4

Zoom indicator.................................... 49, 51

5

Focus indicator............................................. 20

6

AE/AF-L indicator ....................................... 35

7

Movie options ........................................... 109

8

Image mode.................................................. 93

9

Panorama assist........................................... 34

10

Photo VR icon ............................................ 119

11

Movie VR icon.............................................111

12

Wind noise reduction............................111

13

Exposure compensation value

............................................................................... 50

14

Remaining movie recording time

........................................................................71, 72

15

Number of exposures remaining

(still images)................................................... 20

16

Internal memory indicator ................... 20

17

F-number ........................................................ 52

18

Shutter speed ............................................... 52

5

Parts of the Camera

The Monitor

2

10

PR E

PRE

5

24

26

27

19202122

31

28

33

38

39

40

41

42

44

43

29

36

37

32

34

35

25

30

23

999

29

m

0s

29

m

0s

10

F3.7

1/2 5 0

1/250

+ 1 . 0

+1.0

400

19

Focus area (target finding AF)

.....................................................................52, 100

20

Focus area (manual or center)

....................................................................... 55, 99

21

Focus area (face detection,

pet detection)........................33, 39, 53, 99

22

Focus area (subject tracking)

..................................................................100, 101

23

Location data ......................................14, 125

24

Travel destination icon......................... 114

25

ISO sensitivity................................................ 98

26

Battery level indicator.............................. 20

27

Date stamp.................................................. 118

28

“Date not set” indicator ....................... 143

29

Bluetooth communication indicator

............................................................................... 13

30

Airplane mode...........................................112

31

Wi-Fi communication indicator

............................................................................... 12

32

Soft...................................................................... 39

33

White balance .............................................. 95

34

Foundation makeup................................. 39

35

Hue...................................................................... 27

36

Skin softening............................................... 39

37

Vividness...................................................27, 39

38

Continuous shooting mode................ 97

39

Blink proof icon .........................................104

40

Hand-held/tripod....................................... 31

41

Self-timer indicator.................................... 47

42

Smile timer ..................................................... 41

43

Self-Collage.................................................... 42

44

Pet portrait auto release......................... 32

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Nikon COOLPIX A300 Owner's manual

Nikon COOLPIX A300 Owner's manual

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