Welcome to the Nikon D700 Operating Manual․ This guide provides essential information to master your camera, covering key features, setup, shooting modes, and safety precautions for optimal use․
1․1 Overview of the Nikon D700 Camera
The Nikon D700 is a professional-grade digital SLR camera featuring a 12․1-megapixel full-frame sensor, offering exceptional image quality․ Designed for both professionals and enthusiasts, it supports a wide range of Nikon lenses and accessories, including the MB-D10 battery grip․ The camera is ideal for nature, landscape, and portrait photography, with advanced features like weather-sealing, Live View, and video recording capabilities․ Its intuitive controls and customizable settings make it versatile for various shooting scenarios, ensuring precise control over still and video capture․
1․2 Importance of Reading the Manual
Reading the Nikon D700 operating manual is crucial to understanding its advanced features and ensuring optimal performance․ It provides detailed guidance on camera setup, shooting modes, and customization options, helping you maximize image quality and versatility․ The manual also highlights safety precautions, proper usage of accessories, and troubleshooting tips, enabling you to avoid common errors and maintain your camera’s longevity․ By familiarizing yourself with the manual, you can unlock the full potential of your Nikon D700 and enhance your photography experience․
1․3 Safety Precautions and Warranties
Always follow safety guidelines to avoid damage or injury․ Use only Nikon-approved accessories to ensure compatibility and prevent harm․ Misuse or unauthorized modifications can void your warranty․ Read the safety instructions carefully before first use to understand proper handling and precautions․ Ignoring these guidelines may result in injury or equipment damage․ The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under proper use conditions․ Familiarize yourself with these precautions to protect your camera and ensure optimal performance․
Camera Setup and Initial Configuration
This section guides you through unpacking, essential accessories, battery installation, memory card setup, and configuring initial camera settings for optimal performance․
2․1 Unpacking and Accessories
Unpack your Nikon D700 carefully, ensuring all included accessories like the camera body, battery, charger, and straps are present․ Use only Nikon-certified accessories to ensure compatibility and performance․ Check for memory cards, as they are sold separately․ Familiarize yourself with the MB-D10 battery grip for extended shooting․ Always refer to the manual for proper setup and usage of included or additional accessories to maintain warranty and optimal functionality․
2․2 Battery Installation and Charging
Insert the EN-EL3e battery into the camera, ensuring correct orientation․ Use the MH-18a charger for charging․ Avoid overcharging to maintain battery health․ For extended use, the MB-D10 grip allows additional batteries․ Always prioritize using the grip’s batteries first․ Check battery levels regularly and keep spares handy․ Use only Nikon-certified batteries and chargers for optimal performance and safety, ensuring compatibility and extending the lifespan of your Nikon D700․
2․3 Memory Card Selection and Installation
Use compatible CF I/II or UDMA cards for optimal performance․ Insert the card into the camera’s slot, ensuring it clicks securely․ Format the card in-camera to ensure compatibility and prevent data issues․ Always handle cards by the edges to avoid damage․ For best results, use high-speed cards, especially for continuous shooting modes․ Make sure the card is fully inserted and the write-protect tab is not engaged before use to ensure proper function and data safety․
2․4 Initial Camera Settings
Set the time and date first for proper file naming․ Choose a shooting mode, starting with Programmed Auto (P) for ease of use․ Set the release mode to ‘S’ for single shots․ Enable long exposure noise reduction and set flash sync speed to 1/320s․ Use MB-D10 batteries first if available․ Set the camera to Manual (M) mode for precise control․ Adjust ISO to 200 for low-light conditions․ Enable autofocus and set metering to Matrix for balanced exposure․ Set white balance to Auto for versatile shooting scenarios․
Understanding Camera Controls
Explore the mode dial, AF modes, metering modes, and custom settings to optimize your shooting experience․ Use the built-in flash and white balance for precise control over lighting conditions․
3․1 External Camera Controls Overview
The Nikon D700 features an intuitive and ergonomic design with external controls that provide quick access to essential functions․ The mode dial allows selection of shooting modes, while the AF mode button enables switching between autofocus options․ Additional controls include the metering mode button, ISO sensitivity button, and white balance button, all positioned for easy operation․ The command dials adjust aperture and shutter speed, and the LCD screen displays key settings for convenient review․ Mastering these controls enhances both creativity and technical precision in photography․
3․2 Mode Dial and Shooting Modes
The Nikon D700’s mode dial offers a range of shooting modes to suit various photography needs․ Programmed Auto (P) mode provides automatic settings, while Shutter Priority (S) and Aperture Priority (A) modes allow manual control over shutter speed or aperture․ Manual (M) mode offers full control for advanced users․ The mode dial also includes options for custom settings, enabling quick access to personalized configurations․ Understanding these modes enhances your ability to adapt to different shooting scenarios and achieve desired results efficiently․
3․3 Custom Settings and Personalization
The Nikon D700 allows extensive customization to tailor the camera to your preferences․ Customize buttons and menus to assign frequently used functions, streamlining your workflow․ Personalize shooting styles by saving specific combinations of settings like ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation․ These custom settings can be named and stored for quick access, ensuring efficiency in various photography scenarios․ Advanced customization options also enable fine-tuning of autofocus and other camera behaviors to suit your unique needs․
Exposure and Metering
Understand the fundamentals of exposure and metering with the Nikon D700․ Learn to balance aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for perfect shots․ Explore metering modes and white balance for accurate lighting control․
4․1 Understanding the Exposure Triangle
The Exposure Triangle is the foundation of photography, consisting of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO․ Aperture regulates light entry, shutter speed captures motion, and ISO adjusts sensitivity․ Balancing these elements ensures well-exposed images․ A smaller aperture (higher f-stop) increases depth of field, while a larger aperture (lower f-stop) blurs backgrounds․ Faster shutter speeds freeze action, slower speeds create motion blur․ Lower ISO settings minimize noise, ideal for bright conditions, while higher ISOs enhance sensitivity in low light․ Mastering the Exposure Triangle allows precise control over image aesthetics, ensuring optimal results in various lighting scenarios․
4․2 Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO Settings
Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are fundamental settings on the Nikon D700․ Aperture ranges from f/1․4 to f/32, controlling depth of field․ Shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 30s, capturing motion or creating blur․ ISO sensitivity spans 200-6400, adjustable for low-light conditions․ Each setting impacts image quality uniquely, allowing photographers to achieve desired effects․ Proper adjustment ensures balanced exposure and creative control, essential for professional results in diverse shooting environments․
4․3 Metering Modes and White Balance
The Nikon D700 offers four metering modes: Matrix, Center-Weighted, and Spot, ensuring precise exposure control․ Matrix metering analyzes the entire scene, while Center-Weighted prioritizes the central area․ Spot metering measures a specific point․ White balance options include Auto, Daylight, Fluorescent, and manual settings to match lighting conditions․ Accurate metering and white balance ensure optimal exposure and color accuracy, enhancing image quality in various shooting scenarios․
4․4 Using the Built-in Flash
The Nikon D700’s built-in flash provides convenient lighting for low-light situations․ Activate it using the flash button or menu settings․ The flash operates in TTL (Through-The-Lens) mode for accurate exposure․ Set the sync speed to 1/320s (Auto FP) for optimal results; Red-eye reduction can be enabled to minimize eye glare․ Use the flash diffuser for softer lighting․ Ensure the flash is raised and not obstructed for even coverage․ Avoid backlight to prevent overexposure and utilize the flash creatively for balanced illumination․
Focusing and Autofocus Settings
Explore the Nikon D700’s focusing system, featuring advanced autofocus modes (AF-C, AF-S, AF-A) and precise manual focus control with M/A mode for enhanced shooting precision and versatility․
5․1 Autofocus Modes and Area Selection
The Nikon D700 offers advanced autofocus modes: AF-C (continuous), AF-S (single), and AF-A (auto)․ AF-C is ideal for moving subjects, tracking focus dynamically, while AF-S locks focus on stationary subjects․ AF-A switches between modes automatically․ Use the multi-selector to choose from 51 focus points, enabling precise subject tracking․ Dynamic Area AF mode enhances accuracy by using surrounding points․ Customizable focus settings allow photographers to tailor autofocus behavior for specific shooting scenarios, ensuring sharp results consistently․
5․2 Manual Focus and Fine-Tuning
The Nikon D700 allows seamless switching to manual focus (MF) using the lens focus ring․ In M/A mode, autofocus is engaged, but manual adjustments can be made instantly by turning the focus ring․ This feature is ideal for fine-tuning focus in critical shooting situations․ Ensure the focus ring is set to the correct position for smooth operation․ Manual focus is particularly useful for precise control, especially when autofocus may not accurately capture the intended subject․
5․3 AF-C, AF-S, and AF-A Modes
The Nikon D700 offers three autofocus modes: AF-C (Continuous), AF-S (Single), and AF-A (Auto)․ AF-C is ideal for moving subjects, continuously adjusting focus․ AF-S locks focus on stationary subjects․ AF-A automatically switches between AF-S and AF-C based on subject movement․ These modes provide flexibility for various shooting scenarios, ensuring precise focus control․ Proper mode selection enhances image sharpness and overall photography efficiency․
Shooting Modes and Techniques
Explore the Nikon D700’s shooting modes and techniques, including Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Manual Mode, and Live View, to adapt to various photography scenarios effectively․
6․1 Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority, and Aperture Priority
Programmed Auto mode (P) offers automatic settings with user-adjustable options․ Shutter Priority (S) allows manual shutter speed control for motion effects․ Aperture Priority (A) enables manual aperture adjustments for depth of field control․ These modes provide flexibility while maintaining camera-assisted adjustments, ideal for photographers seeking creative control without manual mode complexity․
6․2 Manual Mode and Custom Shooting Styles
Manual Mode (M) offers full control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, allowing precise adjustments for specific creative results․ Custom Shooting Styles enable personalized configurations, such as preset white balance or autofocus settings, tailored to individual preferences or shooting conditions․ These features empower photographers to achieve unique styles and maintain consistency across projects, enhancing both efficiency and artistic expression in their work․
6․3 Live View and Video Recording
Live View mode allows precise composition using the LCD screen, enabling manual focus adjustments and previewing effects․ The Nikon D700 supports video recording in HD, offering frame rates of 24 or 30 fps․ Manual controls enable customization of exposure settings for video․ The MB-D10 battery grip extends recording time, while the built-in flash sync speed ensures compatibility with external lighting․ These features make the D700 versatile for both stills and video capture․
Advanced Camera Features
Explore advanced features like multiple exposures, interval shooting, and time-lapse photography․ Utilize the MB-D10 battery grip for extended shooting sessions and enhanced camera functionality․
7․1 Using the MB-D10 Battery Grip
The MB-D10 battery grip enhances shooting convenience by extending battery life and providing vertical shutter-release and command dials․ Install the grip by aligning it with the camera’s base and securing it firmly․ Use EN-EL4 or EN-EL4a batteries for optimal performance․ The grip supports up to eight AA batteries as an alternative power source․ It also offers a hand grip for improved ergonomics during vertical shooting․ Ensure proper installation to maintain camera functionality and balance․
7․2 Multiple Exposure and Bracketing
The Nikon D700 supports multiple exposure and bracketing for creative shooting․ Multiple exposure allows blending two to three shots in-camera․ Bracketing captures a series of images at varying exposures for HDR․ Use the menu to select options like exposure intervals and frame count․ This feature is ideal for capturing dynamic range or artistic effects․ Ensure proper setup for desired results, and review images to adjust settings as needed for optimal outcomes in different lighting conditions․
7․3 Interval Shooting and Time-Lapse
Interval shooting and time-lapse photography on the Nikon D700 allow you to capture sequences of images at set intervals․ Set the start time, interval, and number of shots via the Shooting menu․ Ideal for documenting events like sunsets or construction․ Use the MB-D10 grip for extended shooting or battery life․ This feature creates stunning time-lapse videos․ Ensure proper settings and tripod use for sharp, consistent results and review images to optimize your technique for professional-quality outputs․
Image Management and Transfer
Efficiently transfer, organize, and backup your images using Nikon Transfer and ViewNX software․ Manage file formats like NEF and JPG for optimal storage and editing․
8․1 File Formats and Compression
The Nikon D700 supports various file formats, including NEF (RAW), JPG, and TIFF․ NEF captures uncompressed raw data for maximum quality and post-processing flexibility․ JPG offers compressed files, reducing storage needs while maintaining excellent quality․ Compression levels can be adjusted to balance file size and image quality․ Use Nikon Transfer and ViewNX software for efficient file management, ensuring your images are organized and ready for editing or sharing․
8․2 Memory Card Management
Proper memory card management is crucial for efficient photography․ The Nikon D700 supports high-capacity memory cards, ensuring ample storage for your images․ Always use high-quality, compatible cards to prevent data loss․ Format cards in the camera before use to optimize performance․ Organize files by date or event, and avoid filling cards to maximum capacity․ Regularly transfer images to a computer using Nikon Transfer software to free up space and ensure your data is safely backed up․
8․3 Transferring Images to a Computer
To transfer images from your Nikon D700 to a computer, use Nikon Transfer software․ Install the software from the provided CD or download it from Nikon’s website․ Connect the camera directly using a USB cable or insert the memory card into a card reader․ Launch Nikon Transfer, select the images, and choose a destination folder․ Organize files by date or event for easy access․ Ensure the memory card is formatted in the camera before reuse to maintain optimal performance․
Customization and Firmware Updates
Customize camera buttons and menus to suit your preferences․ Regularly update firmware for improved functionality and new features․ Visit Nikon’s official website for the latest updates and instructions․
9․1 Customizing Camera Buttons and Menus
Customize camera buttons and menus to streamline your workflow․ Assign frequently used functions to buttons like the AE-L/AF-L button for quick access․ Use the MB-D10 battery grip to enhance control․ Personalize menu settings to prioritize your most-used options․ Refer to the Nikon D700 manual for detailed steps on tailoring your camera to your shooting style․ This ensures a more intuitive and efficient photography experience․
9․2 Updating Firmware and Software
Regularly update your Nikon D700’s firmware and software to ensure optimal performance․ Visit Nikon’s official website to check for the latest firmware versions․ Download the correct firmware for your camera model and transfer it to a formatted memory card․ Insert the card into your camera, navigate to the firmware update option in the menu, and follow the on-screen instructions․ Ensure the camera has sufficient battery life or use an AC adapter for a stable power supply during the update․ After completion, restart the camera to confirm the update․ Also, check for software updates for Nikon’s Transfer and ViewNX programs to maintain compatibility and functionality․
9․3 Resetting Camera Settings
To reset the Nikon D700’s camera settings to their default values, navigate to the Setup Menu and select the “Reset” option․ This will restore all custom settings to the factory defaults, ensuring a clean slate for your camera configuration․ Use this feature if you want to revert changes or prepare the camera for a new user․ The reset option does not affect images stored on the memory cards, only the camera settings․ Always confirm before resetting to avoid losing customized preferences․
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Common issues include error messages, shutter malfunctions, or memory card errors․ Regularly clean the camera sensor and check for firmware updates to prevent operational problems․
10․1 Common Issues and Solutions
Common issues with the Nikon D700 include error messages, such as “CARD NOT FORMATTED” or “UNABLE TO FOCUS․” Solutions often involve formatting memory cards, cleaning the camera’s sensor, or updating firmware․ For focus problems, ensure lenses are properly attached and calibrated․ If issues persist, resetting camera settings to default or consulting Nikon support is recommended for troubleshooting․ Always refer to the manual for specific guidance․
10․2 Camera Cleaning and Maintenance
Regularly clean the camera’s exterior with a soft cloth to prevent dirt buildup․ Use a blower to remove dust from the sensor and mirror․ For lenses, use a microfiber cloth and avoid harsh chemicals․ Store the camera in a dry environment to prevent moisture damage․ Check and update firmware periodically for optimal performance․ Avoid extreme temperatures and handle the camera with care to ensure longevity and maintain image quality․
10․3 Error Messages and Solutions
Understand common error messages and resolve issues efficiently․ If the camera displays a “Card Error,” format the memory card․ For lens communication issues, clean the contacts․ If the mirror locks up, restart the camera․ Regular firmware updates can prevent bugs․ Always use Nikon-certified accessories to avoid compatibility problems․ Refer to the manual for specific error codes and troubleshooting steps to ensure optimal performance and maintain your camera’s functionality․
Accessories and Compatibility
Enhance your Nikon D700 experience with compatible accessories like lenses, MB-D10 battery grips, and Nikon-certified memory cards․ Ensure optimal performance by using Nikon-recommended products designed specifically for your camera․
11․1 Recommended Lenses and Accessories
For optimal performance, use Nikon-certified lenses and accessories․ The MB-D10 battery grip enhances shooting capacity and comfort․ Compatible AF-S Nikkor lenses, such as the 24-70mm f/2․8, deliver exceptional image quality․ Ensure reliability by using EN-EL4a batteries and Nikon-approved memory cards․ Explore additional accessories like remote shutters and flash units for advanced functionality․ These recommendations ensure seamless compatibility and maximize your Nikon D700’s potential for professional-grade photography․
11․2 Using Nikon Transfer and ViewNX Software
Nikon Transfer and ViewNX software provide seamless tools for managing your images․ Transfer photos directly from your D700 to your computer using Nikon Transfer․ ViewNX allows you to edit, organize, and enhance your photos with intuitive controls․ These programs are designed to streamline your workflow, ensuring your images are processed and stored efficiently․ Regular updates ensure compatibility and optimal performance with your Nikon D700․
11․3 Third-Party Accessories and Compatibility
While Nikon-certified accessories are recommended, third-party options can enhance your D700 experience․ Popular brands like Sigma, Tamron, and SanDisk offer compatible lenses and memory cards․ These alternatives often provide cost-effective solutions without compromising performance․ However, ensure compatibility and check warranties, as third-party items may not be covered under Nikon’s warranty․ Always verify specifications to maintain optimal functionality and avoid potential issues with your camera․
Mastering the Nikon D700 requires practice and exploration․ Continuous learning and staying updated with new techniques will enhance your photography skills․ Happy shooting!
12․1 Mastering the Nikon D700
Mastering the Nikon D700 involves understanding its features and exploring its capabilities․ Start by familiarizing yourself with the camera’s controls and shooting modes․ Experiment with automatic and manual settings to achieve desired results․ Customize settings to suit your photography style․ Practice regularly to refine your skills and discover the camera’s full potential․ Review your photos to learn and improve; With time and dedication, you’ll unlock the D700’s capabilities and capture stunning images like a professional․
12․2 Continuous Learning and Practice
Continuous learning and practice are key to improving your photography skills with the Nikon D700․ Regularly review tutorials and workshops to stay updated on techniques․ Practice different shooting modes and experiment with manual settings to refine your craft․ Analyze your photos to identify strengths and areas for improvement․ Dedicate time to understanding advanced features like bracketing and interval shooting․ Consistent practice will help you master the camera and enhance your creative vision․
12․3 Staying Updated with New Features
To stay updated with new features for your Nikon D700, regularly check Nikon’s official website for firmware updates and software enhancements․ Subscribe to Nikon newsletters and follow photography communities for tips and resources․ Explore online forums and tutorials to learn about the latest techniques and accessories compatible with your camera․ Updating your firmware ensures optimal performance and access to cutting-edge functionalities․ Keep your skills sharp by engaging with Nikon’s official support and user-driven platforms․