book

Mastering the Nikon COOLPIX A

by Darrell Young

November 2013

Beginner to intermediate

375 pages

9h 55m

English

Rocky Nook

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Who was the COOLPIX A designed for?First Use of the CameraBattery and Memory CardFive Steps to Basic Camera ConfigurationStep 1: Setting the LanguageStep 2: Setting the Time ZoneStep 3: Setting the Date FormatStep 4: Setting Daylight Saving TimeStep 5: Setting the Date and TimeSidebar: 12- to 24-Hour Time Conversion ChartAccessing the Information Display and MenusInformation Display (Quick Menu)Camera MenusCamera Settings Recommendations
Introduction to the Live View DisplayAdjusting the Exposure Controls in the Live View MonitorShutter SpeedApertureISO SensitivityIntroduction to the Information Display and Quick MenuInformation DisplayShutter SpeedApertureQuick MenuExposure Mode (Mode Dial Setting)Image QualityImage SizeWhite BalanceISO SensitivityRelease ModesAutofocus ModesAF-Area ModesMeteringActive D-LightingAuto BracketingSet Picture ControlPicture Control ListExposure CompensationFlash CompensationFlash ModeList of Flash Modes by Shooting ModeScene modes: Portrait, Child, Close up, Party/indoor, Pet portrait, and AutoScene mode: Night portraitScene mode: FoodShooting mode: Programmed auto (P) and Aperture-priority auto (A)Shooting mode: Shutter-priority auto (S) and Manual (M)Selecting a Flash ModeAuthor’s Conclusions
Playback Menu Function ListSidebar: Technical LCD Monitor InformationDelete FunctionSelectedSelect DateAllSidebar: Recovering Deleted ImagesPlayback FolderCurrentAllPlayback Display OptionsNone (Image Only)HighlightsRGB HistogramShooting DataFigure 3.12, image 2Figure 3.12, image 3Figure 3.12, image 4OverviewBasic Display ScreenImage ReviewSidebar: Are You a Chimper Too?Rotate TallSidebar: Rotate Tall versus Auto Image RotationSlide ShowExiting a Slide ShowDPOF Print OrderSidebar: In-Camera Printing: Not for RAW ImagesDPOF PrintingSidebar: Single DPOF Print Order OnlyPictBridge PrintingAuthor’s Conclusions
Shooting Menu Function ListUser Settings U1 and U2Configuring the Shooting MenuReset Shooting MenuStorage FolderSelecting an Existing Storage FolderManually Creating a New Storage FolderRenaming an Existing Storage FolderDeleting an Existing Storage FolderImage QualityNEF (RAW) Image Quality FormatNEF (RAW) Conversion SoftwareViewing RAW Files as Thumbnails on Your ComputerNikon Software Included with Your CameraA RAW File Is Not an Image, Yet!NEF (RAW) PositivesNEF (RAW) NegativesJPEG Image Quality FormatJPEG PositivesJPEG NegativesCombined NEF + JPEG Shooting (Two Images at Once)Image Format RecommendationsImage SizeWhite BalanceSet Picture ControlModifying an Existing Picture ControlExamining Picture ControlsMC Picture Control Filter Effects and ToningFilter EffectsToningPicture Control Grid ScreenResetting a Nikon Picture ControlManage Picture ControlSave/Edit a Custom Picture ControlRename a Custom Picture ControlDelete a Custom Picture ControlLoad/Save a Custom Picture ControlCopy to CameraDelete from CardCopy to CardSidebar: Memory Cards and Custom ControlsColor SpaceWhich Color Space Should I Choose?Sidebar: Which Color Space is Best, Technically?Active D-LightingLong Exposure NRHigh ISO NRSidebar: What is Noise?ISO Sensitivity SettingsConfiguring the ISO Sensitivity SettingsISO Sensitivity Auto SettingAuto ISO Sensitivity ControlMaximum SensitivityMinimum Shutter SpeedAuto ISO Sensitivity Control from the Camera’s PerspectiveWhen and Why Should I Use Auto ISO Sensitivity Control?Are There Any Drawbacks to Using Auto ISO Sensitivity Control?Sidebar: What is ISO?Release ModeBuilt-in AF-Assist IlluminatorExposure Comp. for FlashFlash Cntrl for Built-in Flash (and Optional Flash)Auto Bracketing SetSteps to Use AE BracketingSteps to Use WB BracketingWhat Is Mired?Steps to Use ADL BracketingCanceling a Bracketing SessionInterval Timer ShootingMovie SettingsSidebar: Video Compression Type and AudioAuthor’s Conclusions
Setup Menu Function ListFormat Memory CardSave User SettingsItems that can be savedItems that cannot be savedReset User SettingsMonitor BrightnessPhoto InfoHDMIOutput ResolutionDevice ControlFlicker ReductionTime Zone and DateTime ZoneDate and TimeDate FormatDaylight Saving TimeLanguageImage CommentAuto Image RotationSelf-TimerAuto Off TimerImage Review TimeSidebar: What is Chimping?Remote On Duration (ML-L3)BeepShutter SoundFile Number SequenceMF Distance Indicator UnitsReverse IndicatorsAssign Fn1 ButtonAssignable function listAssign ISO/Fn2 ButtonAssignable function listReverse Dial RotationSlot Empty Release LockGPSUsing a GPS Unit with Your COOLPIX APreparing the Camera for GPS UsageAuto OffPositionUse GPS to Set Camera ClockUsing the GPS UnitEye-Fi UploadEnabling Eye-Fi Uploads on the COOLPIX AFirmware VersionAuthor’s Conclusions

Retouch Functions ListRetouched File NumberingAccessing the Retouch Functions: Two MethodsPlayback RetouchingSidebar: Limitations on Previously Retouched ImagesUsing Retouch Menu Items DirectlyD-LightingRed-Eye CorrectionTrimMonochromeFilter EffectsSkylight Filter EffectWarm Filter EffectRed Intensifier Filter EffectGreen Intensifier Filter EffectBlue Intensifier Filter EffectCross Screen Filter EffectSoft Filter EffectColor BalanceImage OverlayNEF (RAW) ProcessingResizeQuick RetouchStraightenFisheyeColor OutlineColor SketchPerspective ControlMiniature EffectSelective ColorEdit MovieChoose Start Point and Choose End PointSave Selected FrameSide-by-Side ComparisonAuthor’s Conclusions
What’s the Difference between My Menu and Recent Settings?My MenuAdd ItemsRemove ItemsRank ItemsChoose TabRecent SettingsAuthor’s Conclusions
Examining the ModesAutofocus modesAF-area modesRelease modesSection 1: Autofocus ModesSingle-Servo AF (AF-S)Full-Time-Servo AF (AF-F)Section 2: AF-Area ModesFace-Priority AFWide-Area AFNormal-Area AFSubject-Tracking AFSection 3: Release ModesSingle Frame (S) Release ModeContinuous Release ModeSelf-Timer Release ModeDelayed Remote (ML-L3) Release ModeQuick-Response (ML-L3) Release ModeMovie Recording Release ModeAuthor’s Conclusions
Section 1: MeteringMatrix MeteringCenter-Weighted MeteringWhere’s the Circle?Spot MeteringSection 2: Exposure ModesProgrammed Auto (P) ModeGet Down, Grandpa!Beware the Extra ClicksShutter-Priority Auto (S) ModeWatch Out for Camera Shake!Aperture-Priority Auto (A) ModeManual (M) ModeAuto Exposure ModeScene ModesPortrait Scene ModeLandscape Scene ModeChild Scene ModeSports Scene ModeClose Up Scene ModeNight Portrait Scene ModeNight Landscape Scene ModeParty/Indoor Scene ModeBeach/Snow Scene ModeSunset Scene ModeDusk/Dawn Scene ModePet Portrait Scene ModeCandlelight Scene ModeBlossom Scene ModeAutumn Colors Scene ModeFood Scene ModeSilhouette Scene ModeHigh Key Scene ModeLow Key Scene ModeUsing the Help System in Scene ModesU1 and U2 User SettingsItems that can be savedItems that cannot be savedSection 3: HistogramUnderstanding the HistogramLight RangeHistogram ShapeLuminance Histogram DifferencesThe Histogram Represents a JPEG ImageHow Does the Eye React to Light Values?Computer Adjustment of Images (Postprocessing)Author’s Conclusions
How Does White Balance Work?Sidebar: White Balance FundamentalsColor TemperatureSidebar: Understanding MiredManual White Balance Using the Shooting MenuSelecting a White Balance from the Quick MenuAuto White BalanceUsing Auto WB (Auto1 and Auto2)Measuring Ambient Light Using PREUsing the WB from a Previously Captured ImageFine-Tuning White BalanceShould I Worry about White Balance if I Shoot in RAW Mode?White Balance Tips and TricksAuthor’s Conclusions
Understanding COOLPIX A Video StandardContainers and Their FormatsBasic HD Video InformationProgressive versus InterlacedLimitations of Capturing Videos in Movie ModeAvoiding the Jellywobble EffectMovie Live View ScreensUnderstanding the Movie Recording ControlsPreparing to Make MoviesCamera Setup for Making MoviesQuick Menu SettingsShooting Menu SettingsSetup Menu SettingsExternal Camera Control SettingsSpecial Considerations for Movie RecordingChoosing a White BalanceDoing a PRE Reading for White Balance in Live ViewChoosing an ISO SensitivitySelecting Movie Recording ModeSelecting an Autofocus ModeChoosing an AF-Area ModeSet Picture ControlExposure CompensationFrame Size/Frame Rate and QualityVideo File FormatWhy Different Frame Rates?Movie QualityRecording a Video with Your COOLPIX ADisplaying MoviesDisplaying a Movie on the Camera MonitorDisplaying a Movie on an HDTVAuthor’s ConclusionsThank you!
Front of camera (figure A.1)Rear of camera (figure A.2)Top of camera (figure A.3)Bottom of camera (figure A.4)Connector covers and contents (figure A.5)

Overview

Mastering the Nikon COOLPIX A by Darrell Young provides experience-based information for owners of the new COOLPIX A camera. In this ebook, Darrell helps the user navigate past the confusion that often comes with learning to use complex camera equipment.

This ebook explores the features and capabilities of the camera in a way that far surpasses the user’s manual. It includes an in-depth look at the camera’s controls and functions. It guides readers through the camera features with step-by-step setting adjustments; color illustrations; and detailed explanations for each option. Every button, dial, 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. In this new COOLPIX A manual, Darrell provides information on the camera’s functions, as well as basic photography techniques, as part of the complete learning experience.