book

Mastering the Nikon D800

Name: Mastering the Nikon D800
Author: Darrell Young
ISBN: 9781457168451

by Darrell Young

August 2012

Beginner to intermediate

576 pages

16h 11m

English

Rocky Nook

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Cover Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
Foreword
Camera Setup and Control Reference
Medium-Format Resolution SensorHow to Use This BookNikon User’s Manual Page ReferencesWhat’s in the Box?Initial Hardware Considerations for New UsersInitial Camera SetupSetting the Camera’s Language – Step 1Setting the Camera’s Time Zone – Step 2Setting the Camera’s Date and Time – Step 3Setting the Camera’s Date Format – Step 4Setting the Camera’s Daylight Saving Time – Step 5Control Location ReferenceBack of Camera (figure 1.4A)Top of Camera (figure 1.4B)Front of Camera (figure 1.4C)External Connectors (figure 1.4D; rubber Connector cover removed)Bottom of Camera (figure 1.4E)Control Function ReferenceBack of Camera (figure 1.4A)Top of Camera (figure 1.4B)Front of Camera (figure 1.4C)External Connectors (figure 1.4D)Bottom of Camera (figure 1.4E)Using the Nikon D800 Menu SystemAuthor’s Conclusions
Playback Menu
Which Memory Card and Folder?DeleteSelectedAllPlayback FolderHide ImageSelect/setDeselect all?Playback Display OptionsFocus pointNone (image only)HighlightsRGB histogramShooting dataOverviewFile informationGPS screenCopy Image(s)Image ReviewAfter DeleteRotate TallSlide ShowChanging the Slide Show Image FlowExiting the Slide ShowDPOF Print OrderAuthor’s Conclusions
Shooting Menu
Shooting Menu BankAlternate Shooting Menu Bank AccessWorking with Shooting Menu SettingsExtended Menu BanksStorage FolderFile NamingPrimary Slot SelectionSecondary Slot FunctionImage QualityCombined NEF and JPEG Shooting (Two Images at Once)Image SizeTaking Still Images in Movie Live ViewImage AreaJPEG CompressionNEF (RAW) RecordingTypeNEF (RAW) Bit DepthChannel and Bit Depth DiscussionWhite BalanceSet Picture ControlExamining Picture ControlsMC Picture Control Filter Effects and ToningPicture 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 CardColor SpaceWhich Color Space Is Best Technically?Active D-LightingHDR (High Dynamic Range)Vignette ControlAuto Distortion ControlLong Exposure NRHigh ISO NRISO Sensitivity SettingsISO SensitivityAuto ISO Sensitivity Control (ISO-AUTO)Maximum SensitivityMinimum Shutter SpeedAuto Minimum Shutter SpeedEnabling ISO-AUTO with External ControlsWhen, Why, and How Should I Use ISO-AUTO?Are There Any Drawbacks to Using ISO-AUTO?Tightly Control How ISO-AUTO WorksMultiple ExposureUnderstanding Auto GainInterval Timer ShootingTime-Lapse PhotographyMovie SettingsAuthor’s Conclusions
Custom Setting Menu
Section One – a AutofocusCustom Settings a1 to a8Custom Setting a1 – AF-C Priority SelectionCustom Setting a2 – AF-S Priority SelectionUsing Custom Settings a1 and a2Custom Setting a3 – Focus Tracking with Lock-OnCustom Setting a4 – AF ActivationCustom Setting a5 – AF Point IlluminationCustom Setting a6 – Focus Point Wrap-AroundCustom Setting a7 – Number of Focus PointsBuilt-In AF-Assist IlluminatorSection Two – b Metering/ExposureCustom Settings b1 to b6Custom Setting b1 – ISO Sensitivity Step ValueCustom Setting b2 – EV Steps for Exposure CntrlCustom Setting b3 – Exp./Flash Comp. Step ValueCustom Setting b4 – Easy Exposure CompensationCustom Setting b5 – Center-Weighted AreaFine-Tune Optimal ExposureSection Three – c Timers/AE LockCustom Settings c1 to c4Custom Setting c1 – Shutter-Release Button AE-LCustom Setting c2 – Auto Meter-Off DelayCustom Setting c3 – Self-TimerCustom Setting c4 – Monitor Off DelaySection Four – d Shooting/DisplayCustom Settings d1 to d12Custom Setting d1 – BeepCustom Setting d2 – CL Mode Shooting SpeedCustom Setting d3 – Max. Continuous ReleaseCustom Setting d4 – Exposure Delay ModeCustom Setting d5 – File Number SequenceCustom Setting d6 – Viewfinder Grid DisplayCustom Setting d6 – ISO Display and AdjustmentCustom Setting d8 – Screen TipsCustom Setting d9 – Information DisplayCustom Setting d10 – LCD IlluminationCustom Setting d11 – MB-D12 Battery TypeCustom Setting d12 – Battery OrderSection Five – e Bracketing/FlashCustom Settings e1 to e7Custom Setting e1 – Flash Sync SpeedCustom Setting e2 – Flash Shutter SpeedCustom Setting e3 – Flash Cntrl for Built-in FlashCustom Setting e4 – Modeling FlashCustom Setting e5 – Auto Bracketing SetCustom Setting e6 – Auto Bracketing (Mode M)Custom Setting e7 – Bracketing Order

Section Six – f Controls
Custom Settings f1 to f13Switch (Backlight)Multi Selector Center ButtonCustom Setting f3 – Multi SelectorCustom Setting f7 – Shutter Spd & Aperture LockCustom Setting f8 – Assign BKT buttonCustom Setting f9 – Customize Command DialsCustom Setting f10 – Release Button to Use DialCustom Setting f11 – Slot Empty Release LockCustom Setting f12 – Reverse IndicatorsCustom Setting f13 – Assign MB-D12 AF-ONSection Seven – g MovieCustom Settings g1 to g4Custom Setting g1 – Assign Fn ButtonCustom Setting g2 – Assign Preview ButtonCustom Setting g3 – Assign AE-L/AF-L ButtonCustom Setting g4 – Assign Shutter ButtonAuthor’s ConclusionsUsing the Shooting Banks and Custom Banks Together
Setup Menu
Format Memory CardCamera Button Format MethodMonitor BrightnessAuto Monitor Brightness Level AdjustmentManual Monitor Brightness Level AdjustmentClean Image SensorClean NowClean at Startup/ShutdownLock Mirror Up for CleaningImage Dust Off Ref PhotoFinding a Subject for the Dust-Off Reference PhotoWhere to Store the Reference PhotoHDMIOutput ResolutionHDMI and the Live View ModesAdvancedFlicker ReductionTime Zone and DateTime ZoneDate and TimeDate FormatDaylight Saving TimeLanguageAuto Image RotationBattery InfoWireless TransmitterImage CommentCopyright InformationSave/Load SettingsGPSUsing a GPS Unit with Your D800Preparing the Camera for GPS UsageUsing the GPSVirtual HorizonViewfinder Virtual HorizonNon-CPU Lens DataSelecting a Lens by Using the Non-CPU Lens MenuSelecting a Non-CPU Lens with External Camera ControlsAF Fine-TuneAF Fine-Tune (On/Off)Saved ValueDefaultList Saved ValuesEye-Fi UploadEnabling Eye-Fi Uploads on the D800Firmware VersionUpgrading Your Camera’s FirmwareAuthor’s Conclusions
Retouch Menu
Retouched Image File NumberingAccessing the Retouch Functions – Two MethodsPlayback RetouchingLimitations on Previously Retouched ImagesUsing Retouch Menu Items DirectlyD-LightingRed-Eye CorrectionTrimMonochromeFilter EffectsColor BalanceImage OverlayNEF (RAW) ProcessingResizeQuick RetouchStraightenDistortion ControlFisheyeColor OutlineColor SketchPerspective ControlMiniature EffectSelective ColorEdit MovieSide-by-Side ComparisonAuthor’s Conclusions
My Menu and Recent Settings
My MenuAdd ItemsRemove ItemsRank ItemsChoose TabRecent SettingsAuthor’s Conclusions
Metering, Exposure Modes, and Histogram
Section 1 – Metering3D Color Matrix III MeteringCenter-Weighted MeteringSpot MeteringSection 2 – Exposure ModesProgrammed Auto Mode (P)Shutter-Priority Auto Mode (S)Aperture-Priority Auto Mode (A)Manual Mode (M)Section 3 – HistogramUnderstanding the HistogramAuthor’s Conclusions
White Balance
How Does White Balance (WB) Work?Color TemperatureManual White Balance Using the WB ButtonManual White Balance Using the Shooting MenuManual Color Temperature with the WB ButtonManual Color Temperature with the Shooting MenuMeasuring Ambient Light by Using PREFine-Tuning White BalanceFine-Tuning with External ControlsFine-Tuning with the Shooting MenuFine-Tuning a PRE Measured White BalanceEditing the PRE WB Comment FieldUsing the White Balance from a Previously Captured ImageProtecting a White Balance PresetAuto White BalanceUsing Auto WB (AUTO1 and AUTO2)Should I Worry about White Balance If I Shoot in RAW mode?White Balance Tips and TricksAuthor’s Conclusions
Autofocus, AF-Area, and Release Modes
Section 1 – Autofocus in Viewfinder PhotographyWhat Is the Multi-CAM 3500 FX Autofocus Module?Using Autofocus and AF-Area Modes for Viewfinder PhotographyAutofocus Modes in DetailAF-Area Modes in DetailSection 2 – Autofocus in Live View PhotographyUsing Autofocus and AF-Area Modes for Live View PhotographySection 3 – Release ModesCustom Settings for Autofocus (a1–a8)Author’s Conclusions
Live View Photography
Live View ModeOpening Notes on Using Live View Photography ModeLive View Photography Mode ScreensLive View Photography – Screen 1Live View Photography – Screen 2Live View Photography – Screen 3Live View Photography – Screen 4Live View Photography – Screen 5Selecting a Picture Control in Live ViewChanging the Monitor’s Brightness and HueClosing Notes on Live View Photography ModeAuthor’s Conclusions
Movie Live View
No Tripod and Hand-held ModesSelecting Movie Live View ModeMovie Live View Still ImagesMovie Live View ScreensMovie Live View – Screen 1Preparing to Make MoviesBasic HD Video InformationCamera Setup for Making MoviesAdjusting the Microphone SensitivityAdjusting the Headphone VolumeChanging the Monitor BrightnessChoosing a Destination for Video RecordingsSelecting an Autofocus ModeChoosing an AF-Area ModeSelecting an Exposure ModeRecording a Video with Your D800Recording Video from the HDMI PortDisplaying MoviesLimitations in Movie Live View Video CaptureAuthor’s Conclusions
Speedlight Flash
What Is a Guide Number?Flash ModesFront-Curtain SyncRed-Eye ReductionRed-Eye Reduction with Slow SyncSlow SyncRear-Curtain SyncFlash CompensationNikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)How Does the D800 Fit into the CLS Scheme?What Is Commander Mode and How Does It Work?Author’s ConclusionsAfterwordThank You!
Index
Credits for Chapter Opening Images
Get in the Picture!

Content preview from Mastering the Nikon D800

Speedlight Flash

I See Mommy! – Courtesy of Daniel Diggelmann (Aerobat)

Light is the photographer’s friend! Controlling light is the primary thing that separates excellent from not-so-excellent photographers. On beautiful, balmy summer evenings, the light wraps around the land and gives us that so-called golden hour that we crave. However, some days are rainy, and some are dark and gloomy.

As photographers, we want to take pictures. We don’t want to stop just because the sun won’t cooperate. We need light that we can take with us, and we want it to be available quickly. We need a Speedlight!

Fortunately, your D800 has a built-in Speedlight (

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Nikon D800: From Snapshots to Great Shots

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Mastering the Nikon D800

by Darrell Young

Speedlight Flash

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.