Mastering the Nikon D800

Book description

Mastering the Nikon D800 by Darrell Young provides a wealth of experience-based information and insights for owners of the new D800 camera. Darrell is determined to help the user navigate past the confusion that often comes with complex and powerful professional camera equipment.

This book explores the features and capabilities of the camera in a way that far surpasses the user's manual. It guides readers through the camera features with step-by-step setting adjustments; color illustrations; and detailed how, when, and why explanations for each option. Every button, dial, switch, and menu configuration setting is explored in a user-friendly manner, with suggestions for setup according to various shooting styles.

Darrell's friendly and informative writing style allows readers to easily follow directions, while feeling as if a friend dropped in to share his knowledge. The learning experience for new D800 users goes beyond just the camera itself and covers basic photography technique.

Table of contents

  1. Cover Page
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright Page
  4. Dedication
  5. Table of Contents
  6. Foreword
  7. Camera Setup and Control Reference
    1. Medium-Format Resolution Sensor
    2. How to Use This Book
    3. Nikon User’s Manual Page References
    4. What’s in the Box?
    5. Initial Hardware Considerations for New Users
    6. Initial Camera Setup
      1. Setting the Camera’s Language – Step 1
      2. Setting the Camera’s Time Zone – Step 2
      3. Setting the Camera’s Date and Time – Step 3
      4. Setting the Camera’s Date Format – Step 4
      5. Setting the Camera’s Daylight Saving Time – Step 5
    7. Control Location Reference
      1. Back of Camera (figure 1.4A)
      2. Top of Camera (figure 1.4B)
      3. Front of Camera (figure 1.4C)
      4. External Connectors (figure 1.4D; rubber Connector cover removed)
      5. Bottom of Camera (figure 1.4E)
    8. Control Function Reference
      1. Back of Camera (figure 1.4A)
      2. Top of Camera (figure 1.4B)
      3. Front of Camera (figure 1.4C)
      4. External Connectors (figure 1.4D)
      5. Bottom of Camera (figure 1.4E)
    9. Using the Nikon D800 Menu System
    10. Author’s Conclusions
  8. Playback Menu
    1. Which Memory Card and Folder?
    2. Delete
      1. Selected
      2. All
    3. Playback Folder
    4. Hide Image
      1. Select/set
      2. Deselect all?
    5. Playback Display Options
      1. Focus point
      2. None (image only)
      3. Highlights
      4. RGB histogram
      5. Shooting data
      6. Overview
      7. File information
      8. GPS screen
    6. Copy Image(s)
    7. Image Review
    8. After Delete
    9. Rotate Tall
    10. Slide Show
      1. Changing the Slide Show Image Flow
      2. Exiting the Slide Show
    11. DPOF Print Order
    12. Author’s Conclusions
  9. Shooting Menu
    1. Shooting Menu Bank
      1. Alternate Shooting Menu Bank Access
      2. Working with Shooting Menu Settings
    2. Extended Menu Banks
    3. Storage Folder
    4. File Naming
    5. Primary Slot Selection
    6. Secondary Slot Function
    7. Image Quality
      1. Combined NEF and JPEG Shooting (Two Images at Once)
    8. Image Size
      1. Taking Still Images in Movie Live View
    9. Image Area
    10. JPEG Compression
    11. NEF (RAW) Recording
      1. Type
      2. NEF (RAW) Bit Depth
      3. Channel and Bit Depth Discussion
    12. White Balance
    13. Set Picture Control
      1. Examining Picture Controls
      2. MC Picture Control Filter Effects and Toning
      3. Picture Control Grid Screen
      4. Resetting a Nikon Picture Control
    14. Manage Picture Control
      1. Save/Edit a Custom Picture Control
      2. Rename a Custom Picture Control
      3. Delete a Custom Picture Control
      4. Load/Save a Custom Picture Control
      5. Copy to Camera
      6. Delete from Card
      7. Copy to Card
    15. Color Space
      1. Which Color Space Is Best Technically?
    16. Active D-Lighting
    17. HDR (High Dynamic Range)
    18. Vignette Control
    19. Auto Distortion Control
    20. Long Exposure NR
    21. High ISO NR
    22. ISO Sensitivity Settings
      1. ISO Sensitivity
      2. Auto ISO Sensitivity Control (ISO-AUTO)
      3. Maximum Sensitivity
      4. Minimum Shutter Speed
      5. Auto Minimum Shutter Speed
      6. Enabling ISO-AUTO with External Controls
      7. When, Why, and How Should I Use ISO-AUTO?
      8. Are There Any Drawbacks to Using ISO-AUTO?
      9. Tightly Control How ISO-AUTO Works
    23. Multiple Exposure
      1. Understanding Auto Gain
    24. Interval Timer Shooting
    25. Time-Lapse Photography
    26. Movie Settings
    27. Author’s Conclusions
  10. Custom Setting Menu
    1. Section One – a Autofocus
      1. Custom Settings a1 to a8
      2. Custom Setting a1 – AF-C Priority Selection
      3. Custom Setting a2 – AF-S Priority Selection
      4. Using Custom Settings a1 and a2
      5. Custom Setting a3 – Focus Tracking with Lock-On
      6. Custom Setting a4 – AF Activation
      7. Custom Setting a5 – AF Point Illumination
      8. Custom Setting a6 – Focus Point Wrap-Around
      9. Custom Setting a7 – Number of Focus Points
      10. Built-In AF-Assist Illuminator
    2. Section Two – b Metering/Exposure
      1. Custom Settings b1 to b6
      2. Custom Setting b1 – ISO Sensitivity Step Value
      3. Custom Setting b2 – EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl
      4. Custom Setting b3 – Exp./Flash Comp. Step Value
      5. Custom Setting b4 – Easy Exposure Compensation
      6. Custom Setting b5 – Center-Weighted Area
      7. Fine-Tune Optimal Exposure
    3. Section Three – c Timers/AE Lock
      1. Custom Settings c1 to c4
      2. Custom Setting c1 – Shutter-Release Button AE-L
      3. Custom Setting c2 – Auto Meter-Off Delay
      4. Custom Setting c3 – Self-Timer
      5. Custom Setting c4 – Monitor Off Delay
    4. Section Four – d Shooting/Display
      1. Custom Settings d1 to d12
      2. Custom Setting d1 – Beep
      3. Custom Setting d2 – CL Mode Shooting Speed
      4. Custom Setting d3 – Max. Continuous Release
      5. Custom Setting d4 – Exposure Delay Mode
      6. Custom Setting d5 – File Number Sequence
      7. Custom Setting d6 – Viewfinder Grid Display
      8. Custom Setting d6 – ISO Display and Adjustment
      9. Custom Setting d8 – Screen Tips
      10. Custom Setting d9 – Information Display
      11. Custom Setting d10 – LCD Illumination
      12. Custom Setting d11 – MB-D12 Battery Type
      13. Custom Setting d12 – Battery Order
    5. Section Five – e Bracketing/Flash
      1. Custom Settings e1 to e7
      2. Custom Setting e1 – Flash Sync Speed
      3. Custom Setting e2 – Flash Shutter Speed
      4. Custom Setting e3 – Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash
      5. Custom Setting e4 – Modeling Flash
      6. Custom Setting e5 – Auto Bracketing Set
      7. Custom Setting e6 – Auto Bracketing (Mode M)
      8. Custom Setting e7 – Bracketing Order
    6. Section Six – f Controls
      1. Custom Settings f1 to f13
      2. Switch (Backlight)
      3. Multi Selector Center Button
      4. Custom Setting f3 – Multi Selector
      5. Custom Setting f7 – Shutter Spd & Aperture Lock
      6. Custom Setting f8 – Assign BKT button
      7. Custom Setting f9 – Customize Command Dials
      8. Custom Setting f10 – Release Button to Use Dial
      9. Custom Setting f11 – Slot Empty Release Lock
      10. Custom Setting f12 – Reverse Indicators
      11. Custom Setting f13 – Assign MB-D12 AF-ON
    7. Section Seven – g Movie
      1. Custom Settings g1 to g4
      2. Custom Setting g1 – Assign Fn Button
      3. Custom Setting g2 – Assign Preview Button
      4. Custom Setting g3 – Assign AE-L/AF-L Button
      5. Custom Setting g4 – Assign Shutter Button
    8. Author’s Conclusions
      1. Using the Shooting Banks and Custom Banks Together
  11. Setup Menu
    1. Format Memory Card
      1. Camera Button Format Method
    2. Monitor Brightness
      1. Auto Monitor Brightness Level Adjustment
      2. Manual Monitor Brightness Level Adjustment
    3. Clean Image Sensor
      1. Clean Now
      2. Clean at Startup/Shutdown
    4. Lock Mirror Up for Cleaning
    5. Image Dust Off Ref Photo
      1. Finding a Subject for the Dust-Off Reference Photo
      2. Where to Store the Reference Photo
    6. HDMI
      1. Output Resolution
      2. HDMI and the Live View Modes
      3. Advanced
    7. Flicker Reduction
    8. Time Zone and Date
      1. Time Zone
      2. Date and Time
      3. Date Format
      4. Daylight Saving Time
    9. Language
    10. Auto Image Rotation
    11. Battery Info
    12. Wireless Transmitter
    13. Image Comment
    14. Copyright Information
    15. Save/Load Settings
    16. GPS
      1. Using a GPS Unit with Your D800
      2. Preparing the Camera for GPS Usage
      3. Using the GPS
    17. Virtual Horizon
      1. Viewfinder Virtual Horizon
    18. Non-CPU Lens Data
      1. Selecting a Lens by Using the Non-CPU Lens Menu
      2. Selecting a Non-CPU Lens with External Camera Controls
    19. AF Fine-Tune
      1. AF Fine-Tune (On/Off)
      2. Saved Value
      3. Default
      4. List Saved Values
    20. Eye-Fi Upload
      1. Enabling Eye-Fi Uploads on the D800
    21. Firmware Version
      1. Upgrading Your Camera’s Firmware
    22. Author’s Conclusions
  12. Retouch Menu
    1. Retouched Image File Numbering
    2. Accessing the Retouch Functions – Two Methods
    3. Playback Retouching
    4. Limitations on Previously Retouched Images
    5. Using Retouch Menu Items Directly
      1. D-Lighting
      2. Red-Eye Correction
      3. Trim
      4. Monochrome
      5. Filter Effects
      6. Color Balance
      7. Image Overlay
      8. NEF (RAW) Processing
      9. Resize
      10. Quick Retouch
      11. Straighten
      12. Distortion Control
      13. Fisheye
      14. Color Outline
      15. Color Sketch
      16. Perspective Control
      17. Miniature Effect
      18. Selective Color
      19. Edit Movie
      20. Side-by-Side Comparison
    6. Author’s Conclusions
  13. My Menu and Recent Settings
    1. My Menu
      1. Add Items
      2. Remove Items
      3. Rank Items
      4. Choose Tab
    2. Recent Settings
    3. Author’s Conclusions
  14. Metering, Exposure Modes, and Histogram
    1. Section 1 – Metering
      1. 3D Color Matrix III Metering
      2. Center-Weighted Metering
      3. Spot Metering
    2. Section 2 – Exposure Modes
      1. Programmed Auto Mode (P)
      2. Shutter-Priority Auto Mode (S)
      3. Aperture-Priority Auto Mode (A)
      4. Manual Mode (M)
    3. Section 3 – Histogram
      1. Understanding the Histogram
    4. Author’s Conclusions
  15. White Balance
    1. How Does White Balance (WB) Work?
    2. Color Temperature
    3. Manual White Balance Using the WB Button
    4. Manual White Balance Using the Shooting Menu
    5. Manual Color Temperature with the WB Button
    6. Manual Color Temperature with the Shooting Menu
    7. Measuring Ambient Light by Using PRE
    8. Fine-Tuning White Balance
      1. Fine-Tuning with External Controls
      2. Fine-Tuning with the Shooting Menu
      3. Fine-Tuning a PRE Measured White Balance
    9. Editing the PRE WB Comment Field
    10. Using the White Balance from a Previously Captured Image
    11. Protecting a White Balance Preset
    12. Auto White Balance
      1. Using Auto WB (AUTO1 and AUTO2)
    13. Should I Worry about White Balance If I Shoot in RAW mode?
    14. White Balance Tips and Tricks
    15. Author’s Conclusions
  16. Autofocus, AF-Area, and Release Modes
    1. Section 1 – Autofocus in Viewfinder Photography
      1. What Is the Multi-CAM 3500 FX Autofocus Module?
      2. Using Autofocus and AF-Area Modes for Viewfinder Photography
      3. Autofocus Modes in Detail
      4. AF-Area Modes in Detail
    2. Section 2 – Autofocus in Live View Photography
      1. Using Autofocus and AF-Area Modes for Live View Photography
    3. Section 3 – Release Modes
    4. Custom Settings for Autofocus (a1–a8)
    5. Author’s Conclusions
  17. Live View Photography
    1. Live View Mode
      1. Opening Notes on Using Live View Photography Mode
    2. Live View Photography Mode Screens
      1. Live View Photography – Screen 1
      2. Live View Photography – Screen 2
      3. Live View Photography – Screen 3
      4. Live View Photography – Screen 4
      5. Live View Photography – Screen 5
      6. Selecting a Picture Control in Live View
      7. Changing the Monitor’s Brightness and Hue
      8. Closing Notes on Live View Photography Mode
    3. Author’s Conclusions
  18. Movie Live View
    1. No Tripod and Hand-held Modes
    2. Selecting Movie Live View Mode
    3. Movie Live View Still Images
    4. Movie Live View Screens
      1. Movie Live View – Screen 1
    5. Preparing to Make Movies
      1. Basic HD Video Information
      2. Camera Setup for Making Movies
      3. Adjusting the Microphone Sensitivity
      4. Adjusting the Headphone Volume
      5. Changing the Monitor Brightness
      6. Choosing a Destination for Video Recordings
      7. Selecting an Autofocus Mode
      8. Choosing an AF-Area Mode
      9. Selecting an Exposure Mode
      10. Recording a Video with Your D800
      11. Recording Video from the HDMI Port
      12. Displaying Movies
      13. Limitations in Movie Live View Video Capture
    6. Author’s Conclusions
  19. Speedlight Flash
    1. What Is a Guide Number?
    2. Flash Modes
      1. Front-Curtain Sync
      2. Red-Eye Reduction
      3. Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync
      4. Slow Sync
      5. Rear-Curtain Sync
    3. Flash Compensation
    4. Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)
      1. How Does the D800 Fit into the CLS Scheme?
      2. What Is Commander Mode and How Does It Work?
    5. Author’s Conclusions
      1. Afterword
      2. Thank You!
  20. Index
  21. Credits for Chapter Opening Images
  22. Get in the Picture!

Product information

  • Title: Mastering the Nikon D800
  • Author(s): Darrell Young
  • Release date: August 2012
  • Publisher(s): Rocky Nook
  • ISBN: 9781457168451