A] CAMERA CONTROLS
1 Mode dial
Set the appropriate shooting mode for the subject. For more control over your pictures, use the P, S, A, M modes: programmed auto (P), shutter-priority (S), aperturepriority (A) and manual (M).
6 Control DIA l
Advanced Nikon camera bodies have two dials, one just under the shutter release button and one situated above the thumb rest on the back of the camera. More affordable D-SLRs just have the rear one.
2 Power switch
When you switch the camera on or off it will clean the sensor in order to dislodge any dust or particles. This can be disabled in the Setup Menu if you prefer. Always switch off the camera before you change lenses.
7 Live View switch/button
Depending on the camera, you’ll find this on the top or on its rear. Flicking it activates Live View mode, turning the rear screen into a live feed from the camera sensor. You won’t be able to use the viewfinder in Live View mode.
3 Release mode
There are various ways to release the shutter, including single frame, where the camera takes a single picture each time the shutter release is pressed, and continuous, where the camera takes a series of shots.
8 Exposure compensation
Press this and rotate the command dial to make any subsequent pictures you take appear brighter or darker. Remember to reset this to 0 before moving on shoot another subject, though!
4 Multi-selector
This enables you to navigate menus, highlight camera settings on the display and select an AF point. In certain focus mode and AF-area mode configurations, tap ‘OK’ to reset the AF point to the centre.
9 AE-L/AF-L
Use this button to lock the exposure and/or autofocus. This is a useful function when you need to base the exposure on a small area of the frame using the camera’s spot metering or focus using a single AF point.
5 Playback zoom
Use this to check details are sharp in an image during playback or Live View. Once you’ve blown up a detail during playback, you can use the control wheel to compare images at this magnification.
10 Viewfinder
All Nikon D-SLRs have an optical viewfinder which provides a sharp, clear image. If the image and digital readout looks soft, use the small diopter wheel near the eyepiece to adjust the focus to your eyesight.