Mastering the Nikon D7100

Mastering the Nikon D7100

by Darrell Young
Released September 2013
Publisher(s): Rocky Nook
ISBN: 9781492000181

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Book description

Mastering the Nikon D7100 by Darrell Young provides a wealth of experience-based information and insights for owners of the new D7100 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 D7100 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 Body Reference
    1. Front of Camera on Right Side (facing camera)
    2. Front of Camera on Left Side (facing camera)
    3. Back of Camera
    4. Bottom of Camera and Lens Mount (F-Mount)
    5. Under the Camera’s Side Covers
  8. Colors and Wording Legend
  9. Basic Camera Setup
    1. Learning about the Nikon D7100
    2. What Is the Purpose of This Book?
    3. Things to Know When Reading This Book
    4. Downloadable Resources Website
    5. Five Steps for First-Time Camera Configuration
      1. Setting the Language – Step 1
      2. Setting the Time Zone – Step 2
      3. Setting the Date Format – Step 3
      4. Setting Daylight Saving Time – Step 4
      5. Setting the Date and Time – Step 5
    6. Accessing the Camera Menus
    7. Camera Functions for Initial Configuration
      1. Setup Menu
      2. Shooting Menu
      3. Playback Menu
      4. Custom Setting Menu
    8. Settings Recommendations
    9. Author’s Conclusions
  10. Playback Menu
    1. Delete
      1. Selected
      2. Select Date
      3. All
      4. Protecting Images from Deletion
    2. Playback Folder
      1. D7100
      2. All
      3. Current
    3. Hide Image
      1. Select/Set
      2. Select Date
      3. Deselect All
    4. Playback Display Options
      1. Focus Point
      2. None (Image Only)
      3. Highlights
      4. RGB Histogram
      5. Shooting Data
      6. Overview
      7. Additional GPS Screen
    5. Copy Image(s)
    6. Image Review
    7. After Delete
    8. Rotate Tall
    9. Slide Show
      1. Starting a Slide Show
      2. Selecting an Image Type for a Slide Show
      3. Changing a Slide Show’s Frame Interval
    10. DPOF Print Order
      1. DPOF Printing
      2. PictBridge Printing
    11. Author’s Conclusions
  11. Shooting Menu
    1. User Settings U1 and U2
    2. Configuring the Shooting Menu
    3. Reset Shooting Menu
    4. Storage Folder
      1. Manually Creating a New Storage Folder
      2. Selecting an Existing Storage Folder
    5. File Naming
      1. File Number Sequence Used with File Naming
    6. Role Played by Card in Slot 2
    7. Image Quality
      1. NEF (RAW) Image Quality Format
      2. NEF (RAW) Conversion Software
      3. Viewing RAW Files as Thumbnails on Your Computer
      4. Nikon Software Included with Your Camera
      5. A RAW File Is Not an Image, Yet!
        1. NEF (RAW) positives
        2. NEF (RAW) negatives
      6. JPEG Image Quality Format
        1. JPEG positives
        2. JPEG negatives
      7. Combined NEF + JPEG Shooting (Two Images at Once)
      8. Image Format Recommendations
      9. Image Format Notes
    8. Image Size
    9. Image Area
      1. Using the Viewfinder in DX and 1.3x Modes
    10. JPEG Compression
    11. NEF (RAW) Recording
      1. Type
      2. NEF (RAW) Bit Depth
      3. RGB-Channel and Bit-Depth Tutorial
    12. White Balance
    13. Set Picture Control
      1. Modifying an Existing Picture Control
      2. Examining Picture Controls
      3. MC Picture Control Filter Effects and Toning
      4. Filter Effects
      5. Toning
      6. Picture Control Grid Screen
      7. Resetting a Nikon Picture Control
      8. Photoshop and Black-and-White Images
    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. Copy to Camera – Renaming a Custom Picture Control
      7. Delete from Card
      8. Copy to Card
    15. Color Space
      1. Which Color Space Should I Choose?
    16. Active D-Lighting
    17. HDR (High Dynamic Range)
      1. How Does HDR Work in the D7100?
    18. Auto Distortion Control
    19. Long Exposure NR
    20. High ISO NR
    21. ISO Sensitivity Settings
      1. Configuring the ISO Sensitivity Settings
      2. ISO Sensitivity’s Auto Setting
      3. Auto ISO Sensitivity Control
      4. Maximum Sensitivity
      5. Minimum Shutter Speed
      6. Auto Minimum Shutter Speed
      7. Auto ISO Sensitivity Control from the Camera’s Perspective
      8. Enabling Auto ISO Sensitivity with External Controls
      9. When and Why Should You Use Auto ISO Sensitivity Control?
      10. Are There Any Drawbacks to Using Auto ISO Sensitivity Control?
      11. Auto ISO Sensitivity and Exposure Modes
    22. Remote Control Mode (ML-L3)
    23. Multiple Exposure
      1. Understanding Auto Gain
    24. Interval Timer Shooting
    25. Movie Settings
    26. Author’s Conclusions
  12. Custom Setting Menu
    1. Using the Camera’s Help System
    2. The User Settings and the Custom Setting Menu
    3. Using the Custom Setting Menu
      1. Reset Custom Settings
    4. a Autofocus
      1. Custom Settings a1–a7
      2. a1 AF-C Priority Selection
      3. a2 AF-S Priority Selection
      4. Using Custom Settings a1 and a2
      5. a3 Focus Tracking with Lock-On
      6. Does Lock-On Cause Autofocus to Slow Down?
      7. a4 AF Point Illumination
      8. a5 Focus Point Wrap-Around
      9. a6 Number of Focus Points
      10. a7 Built-in AF-Assist Illuminator
    5. b Metering/Exposure
      1. Custom Settings b1–b5
      2. b1 ISO Sensitivity Step Value
      3. b2 EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl
        1. 1/3 step EV
        2. 1/2 step EV
      4. b3 Easy Exposure Compensation
      5. b4 Center-Weighted Area
      6. b5 Fine-Tune Optimal Exposure
    6. c Timers/AE Lock
      1. Custom Settings c1–c5
      2. c1 Shutter-Release Button AE-L
      3. c2 Standby Timer
      4. c3 Self-Timer
      5. c4 Monitor Off Delay
      6. c5 Remote on Duration (ML-L3)
    7. d Shooting/Display
      1. Custom Settings d1–d13
      2. d1 Beep
      3. d2 Viewfinder Grid Display
      4. d3 ISO Display and Adjustment
      5. d4 Screen Tips
      6. d5 CL Mode Shooting Speed
      7. d6 Max. Continuous Release
      8. d7 File Number Sequence
      9. d8 Information Display
      10. d9 LCD Illumination
      11. d10 Exposure Delay Mode
      12. d11 Flash Warning
      13. d12 MB-D15 Battery Type
      14. d13 Battery Order
    8. e Bracketing/Flash
      1. Custom Settings e1–e7
      2. e1 Flash Sync Speed
      3. Auto FP High-Speed Sync Review
      4. Special Shutter Speed Setting X + Flash Sync Speed
      5. e2 Flash Shutter Speed
      6. e3 Flash Cntrl for Built-in Flash
        1. TTL – TTL
      7. M – Manual
      8. RPT – Repeating Flash
      9. CMD – Commander Mode
      10. Commander Mode Notes
      11. e4 Exposure Comp. for Flash
      12. e5 Modeling Flash
      13. e6 Auto Bracketing Set
      14. Steps to Use AE and Flash Bracketing
      15. Steps to Use WB Bracketing
      16. Steps to Use ADL Bracketing
      17. e7 Bracketing Order
    9. f Controls
      1. Custom Settings f1–f9
      2. f1 OK Button
      3. Shooting Mode
      4. Playback Mode
      5. Live View
      6. f2 Assign Fn Button, f3 Assign Preview Button, f4 Assign AE-L/AF-L Button
      7. Assignable Function List
      8. Selected button press
      9. Selected button + command dials
      10. Using the Information Display Edit Screen to Assign Buttons
      11. f5 Customize Command Dials
      12. Reverse Rotation
      13. Change Main/Sub
      14. Aperture Setting
      15. Menus and Playback
      16. f6 Release Button to Use Dial
      17. f7 Slot Empty Release Lock
      18. f8 Reverse Indicators
      19. f9 Assign MB-D15 AE-L/AF-L Button
    10. g Movie
      1. Custom Settings g1–g4
      2. g1 Assign Fn Button, g2 Assign Preview Button, g3 Assign AE-L/AF-L Button
      3. g4 Assign Shutter Button
    11. Modified Custom Setting Notice
    12. Author’s Conclusions
  13. Setup Menu
    1. Format Memory Card
      1. Camera Button Format Method
    2. Save User Settings
      1. Items that can be saved
    3. Reset User Settings
    4. Monitor Brightness
    5. Clean Image Sensor
      1. Clean Now
      2. Clean at Startup/Shutdown
    6. Lock Mirror Up for Cleaning
    7. Image Dust Off Ref Photo
      1. Finding a Subject for the Dust Off Reference Photo
      2. Where to Store the Reference Photo
    8. Flicker Reduction
    9. Time Zone and Date
      1. Time Zone
      2. Date and Time
      3. Date Format
      4. Daylight Saving Time
    10. Language
    11. Auto Image Rotation
    12. Battery Info
      1. Battery Info with an MB-D15 Battery Pack
    13. Image Comment
    14. Copyright Information
    15. Save/Load Settings
    16. Virtual Horizon
    17. Non-CPU Lens Data
      1. Configuring a Non-CPU Lens
      2. Selecting a Non-CPU Lens with the Non-CPU Lens Data Menu
      3. Selecting a Non-CPU Lens with External Camera Controls
    18. AF Fine-Tune
      1. AF Fine-Tune (On/Off)
      2. Saved Value
      3. Default
      4. List Saved Values
    19. HDMI
      1. Output Resolution
      2. Device Control
    20. GPS
      1. Using a GPS Unit with Your D7100
      2. Preparing the Camera for GPS Use
      3. Standby Timer
      4. Position
      5. Use GPS to Set Camera Clock
      6. Using the GPS Unit
    21. Wireless Mobile Adapter
    22. Network
    23. Eye-Fi Upload
      1. Enabling Eye-Fi Uploads on the D7100
    24. Firmware Version
      1. Upgrading Your Camera’s Firmware
    25. Author’s Conclusions
  14. Retouch Menu
    1. Retouched File Numbering
    2. Accessing the Retouch Functions – Two Methods
    3. Playback Retouching
    4. Using Retouch Menu Items Directly
    5. D-Lighting
    6. Red-Eye Correction
    7. Trim
    8. Monochrome
    9. Filter Effects
      1. Color Filter Effect
      2. Cross Screen Filter Effect
      3. Soft Filter Effect
    10. Color Balance
    11. Image Overlay
      1. Image Overlay Ideas
    12. NEF (RAW) Processing
    13. Resize
    14. Quick Retouch
    15. Straighten
    16. Distortion Control
      1. Auto Distortion Control
      2. Manual Distortion Control
    17. Fisheye
    18. Color Outline
    19. Color Sketch
    20. Perspective Control
    21. Miniature Effect
    22. Selective Color
    23. Edit Movie
      1. Choose Start Point and Choose End Point
      2. Save Selected Frame
    24. Side-by-Side Comparison
    25. Author’s Conclusions
  15. 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
  16. Metering, Exposure Modes, and Histogram
    1. Section 1 – Metering
      1. 3D Color Matrix Metering II
      2. Center-Weighted Metering
        1. Where’s the Circle?
        2. Using the Average Meter
      3. Spot Metering
    2. Section 2 – Exposure Modes
      1. Programmed Auto (P) Mode
        1. Unexpected Group Shot!
        2. Beware the Extra Clicks
      2. Shutter-Priority Auto (S) Mode
        1. Watch Out for Camera Shake!
      3. Aperture-Priority Auto (A) Mode
        1. Suggested Reading for Depth of Field, Aperture, and Shutter Speed Basics
      4. Manual (M) Mode
      5. Settings Recommendation for Exposure Mode Selection
      6. Auto Exposure (AUTO) Mode
      7. SCENE and EFFECTS Modes
        1. SCENE Modes
        2. Night Portrait SCENE Mode
        3. Night Landscape SCENE Mode
        4. Party/Indoor SCENE Mode
        5. Beach/Snow SCENE Mode
        6. Sunset SCENE Mode
        7. Dusk/Dawn SCENE Mode
        8. Pet Portrait SCENE Mode
        9. Candlelight SCENE Mode
        10. Blossom SCENE Mode
        11. Autumn Colors SCENE Mode
        12. Food SCENE Mode
        13. Portrait SCENE Mode
        14. Landscape SCENE Mode
        15. Child SCENE Mode
        16. Sports SCENE Mode
        17. Close Up SCENE Mode
        18. EFFECTS Modes
        19. Night Vision EFFECTS Mode
        20. Color Sketch EFFECTS Mode
        21. Miniature Effect EFFECTS Mode
        22. Selective Color EFFECTS Mode
        23. Silhouette EFFECTS Mode
        24. High Key EFFECTS Mode
        25. Low Key EFFECTS Mode
        26. Using the Help System in SCENE or EFFECTS Modes
      8. U1 and U2 User Settings
      9. No Flash Mode
    3. Section 3 – Histogram
      1. Understanding the Histogram
        1. Light Range
        2. Histogram Shape
        3. Luminance Histogram Differences
        4. The Histogram Represents a JPEG Image
        5. How Does the Eye React to Light Values?
        6. Computer Adjustment of Images
    4. Author’s Conclusions
  17. White Balance
    1. How Does White Balance Work?
    2. Color Temperature
    3. Manual White Balance Using the WB Button
    4. Manual White Balance Using the Shooting Menu
      1. Additional Screen for Auto and Fluorescent WB
    5. Manual Color Temperature (K) with the WB Button
    6. Manual Color Temperature (K) with the Shooting Menu
    7. Measuring Ambient Light 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 White Balance Comment Field
    10. Using the White Balance from a Previously Captured Image
    11. Protecting a White Balance Preset Manual Value
    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
  18. Autofocus, AF-Area, and Release Modes
    1. Section 1 – Autofocus in Viewfinder Photography
      1. What Is the Multi-CAM 3500 DX Autofocus Module?
      2. Three Mode Groups
      3. Using Autofocus and AF-Area Modes for Viewfinder Photography
      4. Cross-Type AF Sensors at Various Apertures
      5. Autofocus Modes in Detail
      6. Auto-Servo AF (AF-A) Mode
      7. Single-Servo AF (AF-S) Mode
      8. Continuous-Servo AF (AF-C) Mode
      9. Shutter Lag
      10. Predictive Focus Tracking
      11. Effect of Lens Movement
      12. AF-Area Modes in Detail
      13. Single-Point AF
      14. Single-Point AF Example
      15. Dynamic-Area AF
      16. Viewing Autofocus Patterns
      17. 3D-Tracking AF
      18. Auto-Area AF
    2. Section 2 – Autofocus in Live View Photography
      1. Using Autofocus and AF-Area Modes for Live View Photography
      2. Autofocus in Live View Mode
      3. Live View Mode Compared to Earlier Nikon Cameras
      4. Autofocus Modes
      5. Single-Servo AF
      6. Full-Time-Servo AF
      7. AF-Area Modes
      8. Face-Priority AF
      9. Wide-Area AF
      10. Normal-Area AF
      11. Subject-Tracking AF
    3. Section 3 – Release Modes
      1. Examining the Release Modes
      2. Single Frame (S) Release Mode
      3. Continuous Low Speed (CL) Release Mode
      4. Continuous High Speed (CH) Release Mode
      5. Internal Memory Buffer
      6. Quiet Shutter-Release (Q) Release Mode
      7. Viewfinder Mode
      8. Live View Mode
      9. Self-Timer Release Mode
      10. Mirror-Up (MUP) Release Mode
      11. Don’t Touch That Shutter Release!
    4. Custom Settings for Autofocus (a1–a7)
    5. Author’s Conclusions
  19. Live View Photography
    1. Using Live View Photography Mode
      1. Screen Blackout during Exposure
      2. Extreme Focusing Accuracy
      3. Taking Pictures in 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
    3. Using the i Button in Live View Photography Mode
      1. Image Area
      2. Image Quality
      3. Image Size
        1. DX (24×16) Image area mode
        2. 1.3x (18×12) Image area mode
      4. Set Picture Control
      5. Fine-Tuning a Picture Control in Live View Photography Mode
      6. Active D-Lighting
      7. Remote Control Mode (ML-L3)
      8. Monitor Brightness
    4. Closing Notes on Live View Photography Mode
      1. Additional Method to Set the White Balance
      2. Movie Live View Still Images
      3. Using Autofocus in Live View
    5. Live View Camera Protection System
    6. Author’s Conclusions
  20. Movie Live View
    1. Understanding D7100 Video Standards
    2. Containers and Their Formats
    3. Basic HD Video Information
      1. Progressive versus Interlaced
      2. Limitations in Movie Mode Video Capture
      3. Avoiding the Jellywobble Effect
    4. Selecting Movie Live View Mode
    5. Movie Live View Still Images
    6. Movie Live View Screens
      1. Movie Live View – Screen 1
      2. Screen Overlay and Controls Change When Recording a Movie
      3. Movie Live View – Screen 2
      4. Movie Live View – Screen 3
      5. Movie Live View – Screen 4
    7. Preparing to Make Movies
      1. Camera Setup for Making Movies
    8. Using the i Button in Movie Live View Mode
      1. Image Area
      2. Set Picture Control
      3. Fine-Tuning a Picture Control in Live View Photography Mode
      4. Monitor Brightness
      5. Frame Size/Frame Rate
      6. Video File Format
      7. Movie Quality
      8. Microphone
      9. Sound Output from Camera
      10. Destination
      11. Headphone Volume
    9. Final Settings Before Recording Video
      1. Choosing a White Balance
      2. Doing a PRE Reading for White Balance in Live View
      3. Selecting an Autofocus Mode
      4. Choosing an AF-Area Mode
    10. Selecting an Exposure Mode
    11. Recording a Video with Your D7100
      1. Recording Video from the HDMI Port
      2. Remove the Memory Cards
      3. Configuring the HDMI Port
      4. The Atomos Ninja-2 External Video Recorder
    12. Creating Commercial Video
    13. Displaying Movies
      1. Displaying a Movie on the Camera Monitor
      2. Displaying a Movie on an HDTV
    14. Author’s Conclusions
  21. Speedlight Flash
    1. Light Is a Photographer’s Friend!
    2. What Is a Guide Number?
    3. Flash Modes
      1. Auto FP High-Speed Sync
      2. Auto
      3. Fill Flash (Front-Curtain Sync)
      4. Red-Eye Reduction
      5. Slow Sync
      6. Rear-Curtain Sync
      7. List of Flash Modes by Shooting Mode
        1. SCENE modes – Portrait, Child, Close up, Party/indoor, Pet portrait, and AUTO
        2. SCENE mode – Night portrait
        3. SCENE mode – Food
        4. Shooting mode – Programmed auto (P) and Aperture-priority auto (A)
        5. Shooting mode – Shutter-priority auto (S) and Manual (M)
      8. No Flash Mode
    4. Flash Compensation
    5. Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)
      1. How Does the D7100 Fit into the CLS Scheme?
      2. What Is Commander Mode and How Does It Work?
      3. Using Commander Mode
      4. Commander Mode Settings
      5. Setting the Channel (CH) for Communication
      6. Downloadable Resource on Flash Units
    6. Author’s Conclusions
      1. Thank You!
  22. Credits for Nikonians’ Chapter Opening Images
  23. Index

Product information

  • Title: Mastering the Nikon D7100
  • Author(s): Darrell Young
  • Release date: September 2013
  • Publisher(s): Rocky Nook
  • ISBN: 9781492000181