Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective use of your Nikon D90 12.3MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR Camera. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the camera to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

What's in the Box

Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

• Nikon D90 SLR Digital Camera Body
• Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Autofocus Lens
• Front & Rear Lens Caps
• Lens Hood
• Lens Pouch
• EN-EL3e Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery
• MH-18a Quick Charger
• UC-E4 USB Cable
• EG-D2 Audio/Video Cable
• AN-DC1 Neck Strap
• BM-10 LCD Monitor Cover
• BF-1A Body Cap
• DK-5 Eyepiece Cap
• DK-21 Rubber Eyecup
• BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cap
• Nikon Software Suite CD-ROM
• User Guides

Setup

1. Charge the Battery: Insert the EN-EL3e rechargeable Lithium-ion battery into the MH-18a Quick Charger and connect it to a power outlet. Charge until the indicator light shows a full charge.
2. Insert Battery: Open the battery chamber cover on the bottom of the camera and insert the charged battery, ensuring it clicks into place.
3. Attach Lens: Align the mounting mark on the 18-105mm Nikkor lens with the mounting mark on the camera body. Rotate the lens clockwise until it locks into place.
4. Insert Memory Card: Open the memory card slot cover and insert a compatible SD/SDHC memory card (not included) until it clicks. Ensure the card is facing the correct direction.
5. Attach Neck Strap: Securely attach the AN-DC1 Neck Strap to the camera's strap lugs.
6. Initial Settings: Turn the camera on using the power switch. Follow the on-screen prompts to set the date, time, and language.

Operating the Camera

Basic Photography

The Nikon D90 offers various shooting modes, from fully automatic to manual control, allowing for flexibility based on your photography needs.

1. Power On: Rotate the power switch located around the shutter-release button to the 'ON' position.
2. Select Shooting Mode: Use the mode dial on the top-left of the camera to select your desired shooting mode (e.g., Auto, Programmed auto, Shutter-priority auto, Aperture-priority auto, Manual, or Scene modes like Portrait, Landscape, etc.).
3. Compose Your Shot: Look through the viewfinder or use Live View mode (press the Live View button) to compose your image.
4. Focus: Press the shutter-release button halfway down to activate autofocus. The camera will confirm focus.
5. Capture Image: Press the shutter-release button fully down to take the picture.

Key Controls and Features

Front View: This image displays the Nikon D90 camera from the front, showcasing the attached 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens. The lens features a zoom ring and focus ring, allowing for precise control over your shots. The camera body itself is black with the distinctive red Nikon accent on the grip.

Rear View: The rear view of the Nikon D90 highlights the large 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, which provides clear image review and Live View composition. To the right of the screen are various control buttons for menu navigation, playback, and quick access to settings like ISO, White Balance, and Quality. The viewfinder is visible at the top center.

18-105mm Nikkor Lens: This image focuses on the included 5.8x AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. It features Nikon's VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization technology, which helps reduce blur caused by camera shake. The focal length markings (18, 24, 35, 50, 70, 105mm) are clearly visible on the barrel.

D-Movie Mode

The D90 features a D-Movie mode, allowing you to record cinematic-quality HD video at 24 frames-per-second. You can shoot in three motion JPEG formats: 320 x 216, 640 x 424, and 1280 x 720 pixels. The large image sensor provides higher image quality and exceptional low-light performance compared to typical camcorders.

Advanced Features

• EXPEED Image Processing: Enhances image quality, color, detail, and high-speed processing.
• Scene Recognition System: Contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance and finer white balance detection.
• Continuous Shooting: Capture fast action at up to 4.5 frames-per-second for up to 100 shots.
• Low Noise ISO Sensitivity: ISO range from 200 to 3200, expandable to Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) and Hi 1 (ISO 6400 equivalent).
• 11-point AF system with Face Priority: Provides fast and precise autofocus coverage.
• One-button Live View: Easily switch to Live View for composition without the viewfinder.
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II: Ensures accurate exposure by evaluating scenes against a database of over 30,000 photographic scenes.
• Advanced Scene Modes: Optimize exposure, image processing, Active D-Lighting, and Picture Control for specific subjects (Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait).
• Auto Active D-Lighting: Restores details in shadows and highlights, offering four levels including Extra High.
• Built-in, Pop-up Flash: Features Nikon's i-TTL flash control and can act as a wireless commander for remote Speedlights.
• In-camera Image Editing: Creative freedom with features like Fisheye effect, Straighten, Distortion Control, D-Lighting, Red-eye Reduction, and Image Overlay.
• HDMI Compatible: View still images and movies via HDMI (HDMI Mini connector).
• GPS Geo-tagging: Optional GP-1 GPS unit for automatic real-time geo-tagging.

Maintenance

• Cleaning the Camera Body: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the camera body. For stubborn dirt, lightly dampen the cloth with water. Avoid using organic solvents.
• Cleaning the Lens: Use a lens brush to remove dust, then gently wipe with a lens cleaning cloth. For smudges, use a small amount of lens cleaning fluid on the cloth.
• Sensor Cleaning: The D90 features an effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning system to remove dust from the optical low-pass filter. Activate this function periodically or as needed.
• Storage: When not in use for extended periods, remove the battery and store the camera in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty & Support

This product is covered by a 90-day parts and labor warranty. For detailed warranty information and support, please refer to the official Nikon website or contact Nikon customer service.

You can also visit the Official Nikon Store for additional product information and accessories.

Legal Disclaimer: BODY SERIAL #3351955, LENS SERIAL #36271603 USA VERSION WITH ALL MANUALS AND CD. FULL 14 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE AND 90 DAY PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY.