DIGITAL CAMERA
User’s Manual
En
For Your Safety
To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or to others, read
the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment.
Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them.
The consequences that could result from failure to observe the precautions listed
in this section are indicated by the following symbol:
This icon marks warnings, information that should be read before using this Nikon
product, to prevent possible injury.
WARNINGS
Turn off in the event of
malfunction
Do not use the camera or AC
adapter in the presence of
flammable gas
Should you notice smoke or an unusual
smell coming from the camera or AC
adapter, unplug the AC adapter and
remove the battery immediately, taking
care to avoid burns. Continued
operation could result in injury. After
removing or disconnecting the power
source, take the equipment to a Nikon-
authorized service representative for
inspection.
Do not use electronic equipment in the
presence of flammable gas, as this
could result in explosion or fire.
Handle the camera strap with
care
Never place the strap around the neck
of an infant or child.
Keep out of reach of children
Particular care should be taken to
prevent infants from putting the
battery or other small parts into their
mouths.
Do not disassemble
Touching the internal parts of the
camera or AC adapter could result in
injury. Repairs should be performed
only by qualified technicians. Should
the camera or AC adapter break open
as the result of a fall or other accident,
take the product to a Nikon-authorized
service representative for inspection,
after unplugging the product and/or
removing the battery.
ii
For Your Safety
Observe caution when
handling the battery
The battery may leak or explode if
improperly handled. Observe the
following precautions when handling
the battery for use in this product:
• Discontinue use immediately should
you notice any change in the battery,
such as discoloration or deformation.
•
If liquid from the damaged battery
comes in contact with clothing or skin,
rinse immediately with plenty of water.
• Before replacing the battery, turn the
product off. If you are using the AC
adapter, be sure it is unplugged.
• Use only the batteries approved for
combine old and new batteries or
batteries of different makes or types.
• When charging Nikon EN-MH2
rechargeable Ni-MH batteries, use
only the specified charger and
charge the batteries four at a time.
When replacing the batteries with
EN-MH2-B2 batteries (available
separately), purchase two sets (total
of four batteries).
• The EN-MH2 rechargeable batteries
are for use with Nikon digital cameras
only, and are compatible with
COOLPIX L120.
• Insert batteries in the correct
orientation.
Observe the following
precautions when handling the
Battery Chargers (available
separately)
• Keep Dry. Failure to observe this
precaution could result in fire or
electric shock.
• Dust on or near the metal parts of the
plug should be removed with a dry
cloth. Continued use could result in
fire.
• Do not handle the power cable or go
near the battery charger during
lightning storms. Failure to observe
this precaution could result in
electric shock.
• Do not damage, modify, forcibly tug or
bend the power cable, place it under
heavy objects, or expose it to heat or
flame. Should the insulation be
damaged and the wires become
exposed, take it to a Nikon-authorized
service representative for inspection.
Failure to observe these precautions
could result in fire or electric shock.
• Do not handle the plug or battery
charger with wet hands. Failure to
observe this precaution could result
in electric shock.
Do not use with travel converters or
adapters designed to convert from one
voltage to another or with DC-to-AC
inverters. Failure to observe this
precaution could damage the product
or result in overheating or fire.
• Do not short or disassemble the
battery or attempt to remove or
break the battery insulation or casing.
• Do not expose the battery to flame
or to excessive heat.
• Do not immerse in or expose to
water.
• Do not transport or store with metal
objects such as necklaces or hairpins.
• Batteries are prone to leakage when
fully discharged. To avoid damage to
the product, be sure to remove the
battery when no charge remains.
•
iii
For Your Safety
Use appropriate cables
When connecting cables to the input
and output jacks, use only the cables
provided or sold by Nikon for the
purpose, to maintain compliance with
product regulations.
Avoid contact with liquid
crystal
Should the monitor break, care should
be taken to avoid injury caused by
broken glass and to prevent liquid
crystal from the monitor touching the
skin or entering the eyes or mouth.
Handle moving parts with care
Be careful that your fingers or other
objects are not pinched by the lens
cover or other moving parts.
Turn the power off when using
inside an airplane or the
hospital
Turn the power off while inside the
airplane during take off or landing.
Follow the instructions of the hospital
when using while in a hospital. The
electromagnetic waves given out by
this camera may disrupt the electronic
systems of the airplane or the
CD-ROMs
The CD-ROMs supplied with this device
should not be played back on audio CD
equipment. Playing CD-ROMs on an
audio CD player could cause hearing
loss or damage the equipment.
instruments of the hospital.
Observe caution when using
the flash
Using the flash close to your subject’s
eyes could cause temporary visual
impairment. Particular care should be
observed if photographing infants,
when the flash should be no less than 1
m (3 ft. 4 in.) from the subject.
Do not operate the flash with
the flash window touching a
person or object
Failure to observe this precaution could
result in burns or fire.
iv
Notices
Notice for Customers in the U.S.A.
Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency
Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable
CAUTIONS
Modifications
The FCC requires the user to be notified
protection against harmful interference that any changes or modifications
in a residential installation. This
made to this device that are not
expressly approved by Nikon
Corporation may void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna.
• Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an
outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/television technician for help.
Interface Cables
Use the interface cables sold or
provided by Nikon for your equipment.
Using other interface cables may
exceed the limits of Class B Part 15 of
the FCC rules.
Notice for customers in the State of
California
WARNING
Handling the cord on this product will
expose you to lead, a chemical known
to the State of California to cause birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.
Nikon Inc.,
1300 Walt Whitman Road
Melville, New York 11747-3064
USA
Tel: 631-547-4200
v
Notices
Notice for customers in Canada
CAUTION
This Class B digital apparatus complies
with Canadian ICES-003.
ATTENTION
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B
est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.
Symbol for Separate Collection in
European Countries
This symbol indicates that this
product is to be collected
separately.
The following apply only to
users in European countries:
• This product is designated for
separate collection at an appropriate
collection point. Do not dispose of as
household waste.
• For more information, contact the
retailer or the local authorities in
charge of waste management.
This symbol on the battery
indicates that the battery is to
be collected separately.
The following apply only to
users in European countries:
• All batteries, whether marked with
this symbol or not, are designated for
separate collection at an appropriate
collection point. Do not dispose of as
household waste.
• For more information, contact the
retailer or the local authorities in
charge of waste management.
vi
Table of Contents
WARNINGS..................................................................................................................................................................ii
A (Shooting mode) Button........................................................................................................................10
c (Playback) Button........................................................................................................................................10
b (e Movie-record) Button.....................................................................................................................10
First Steps............................................................................................................................................. 14
Inserting the Batteries........................................................................................................................14
vii
Table of Contents
Basic Photography and Playback: G Easy Auto Mode ....................................................... 20
Step 1 Turn the Camera On and Select G (Easy Auto) Mode .............................................20
Indicators Displayed in G (Easy auto) Mode.....................................................................................21
Step 3 Focus and Shoot.....................................................................................................................24
Selecting a Flash Mode....................................................................................................................................28
Changing A (Auto) Mode Settings (Shooting Menu) ................................................................52
White Balance (Adjusting Hue)...................................................................................................................55
Continuous..............................................................................................................................................................57
Color Options.........................................................................................................................................................59
Camera Settings that Cannot Be Set at the Same Time..............................................................60
viii
Table of Contents
Taking a Closer Look: Playback Zoom..........................................................................................64
a Print Order.......................................................................................................................................................67
b Slide Show.......................................................................................................................................................70
d Protect................................................................................................................................................................71
f Rotate Image..................................................................................................................................................73
I D-Lighting: Enhancing Brightness and Contrast.....................................................................76
g Small Picture: Decreasing Image Size.............................................................................................77
Movie Recording and Playback.................................................................................................... 79
Movie Options.......................................................................................................................................................84
Movie Playback.....................................................................................................................................87
Connecting to Televisions, Computers and Printers............................................................ 90
Connecting to a TV..............................................................................................................................90
Printing Multiple Images..............................................................................................................................100
ix
Table of Contents
Welcome Screen...............................................................................................................................................105
Time Zone and Date.......................................................................................................................................106
Monitor Settings................................................................................................................................................110
Print Date...............................................................................................................................................................112
Vibration Reduction ........................................................................................................................................113
Motion Detection.............................................................................................................................................114
AF Assist..................................................................................................................................................................115
Sound Settings ..................................................................................................................................................115
Auto Off ..................................................................................................................................................................116
Format Memory/Format Card ..................................................................................................................117
Language...............................................................................................................................................................118
TV Settings ............................................................................................................................................................119
Blink Warning .....................................................................................................................................................119
Reset All ..................................................................................................................................................................121
Battery Type ........................................................................................................................................................123
Firmware Version..............................................................................................................................................124
Cleaning .................................................................................................................................................................127
Storage....................................................................................................................................................................128
Approved Memory Cards............................................................................................................................130
Error Messages................................................................................................................................... 132
Supported Standards.....................................................................................................................................144
Index...................................................................................................................................................... 145
x
Introduction
About This Manual
Thank you for purchasing a Nikon COOLPIX L120 digital camera. This manual was
written to help you enjoy taking pictures with your Nikon digital camera. Read this
manual thoroughly before use, and keep it where all those who use the product
will read it.
Symbols and Conventions
To make it easier to find the information you need, the following symbols and
conventions are used:
This icon marks cautions,
This icon marks tips, additional
information that should be read
information that may be helpful
B
C
D
before use, to prevent damage to
the camera.
when using the camera.
This icon indicates that more
information is available elsewhere
in this manual or in the Quick Start
Guide.
This icon marks notes, information
that should be read before using
the camera.
A
Notations
• Secure Digital (SD) memory card, SDHC memory card, and SDXC memory card
are referred to as “memory card.”
• The setting at the time of purchase is referred to as the “default setting.”
• The names of menu items displayed in the camera monitor, and the names of
buttons or messages displayed in the computer monitor appear in bold.
Screen Samples
In this manual, images are sometimes omitted from monitor display samples so
that monitor indicators can be more clearly shown.
Illustrations and Screen Display
Illustrations and text displays shown in this manual may differ from actual display.
C Memory Cards
Pictures taken with this camera can be stored in the camera’s internal memory or on removable
memory cards. If a memory card is inserted, all new pictures will be stored on the memory card and
delete, playback and format operations will apply only to the pictures on the memory card. The
memory card must be removed before the internal memory can be formatted or used to store,
delete or view pictures.
1
Information and Precautions
Life-Long Learning
As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning” commitment to ongoing product support and education,
continually updated information is available online at the following sites:
• For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/
• For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support/
• For users in Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/
Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequently
asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional
information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the URL below for
contact information:
http://imaging.nikon.com/
Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories
Nikon COOLPIX cameras are designed to the highest standards and include complex electronic
circuitry. Only Nikon brand electronic accessories (including battery chargers, batteries and AC
adapters) certified by Nikon specifically for use with this Nikon digital camera are engineered and
proven to operate within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic circuitry.
THE USE OF NON-NIKON ELECTRONIC ACCESSORIES COULD DAMAGE THE CAMERA AND MAY
VOID YOUR NIKON WARRANTY.
For more information about Nikon brand accessories, contact a local authorized Nikon dealer.
Before Taking Important Pictures
Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings or before taking the camera on
a trip), take a test shot to ensure that the camera is functioning correctly. Nikon will not be held liable
for damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.
About the Manuals
• No part of the manuals included with this product may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed,
stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form, by any means, without
Nikon’s prior written permission.
• Nikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in
these manuals at any time and without prior notice.
• Nikon will not be held liable for any damages resulting from the use of this product.
• While every effort was made to ensure that the information in these manuals is accurate and
complete, we would appreciate it were you to bring any errors or omissions to the attention of the
Nikon representative in your area (address provided separately).
2
Information and Precautions
Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction
Note that simply being in possession of material that was digitally copied or reproduced by means
of a scanner, digital camera or other device may be punishable by law.
• Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced
Do not copy or reproduce paper money, coins, securities, government bonds or local government
bonds, even if such copies or reproductions are stamped “Sample”. The copying or reproduction
of paper money, coins, or securities that are circulated in a foreign country is prohibited. Unless the
prior permission of the government was obtained, the copying or reproduction of unused
postage stamps or post cards issued by the government is prohibited. The copying or
reproduction of stamps issued by the government and of certified documents stipulated by law is
prohibited.
• Cautions on certain copies and reproductions
The government has issued cautions on copies or reproductions of securities issued by private
companies (shares, bills, checks, gift certificates, etc.), commuter passes or coupon tickets, except
when a minimum of necessary copies are to be provided for business use by a company. Also, do
not copy or reproduce passports issued by the government, licenses issued by public agencies
and private groups, ID cards and tickets, such as passes and meal coupons.
• Comply with copyright notices
The copying or reproduction of copyrighted creative works such as books, music, paintings,
woodcut prints, maps, drawings, movies and photographs is governed by national and
international copyright laws. Do not use this product for the purpose of making illegal copies or to
infringe copyright laws.
Disposing of Data Storage Devices
Please note that deleting images or formatting data storage devices such as memory cards or built-
in camera memory does not completely erase the original image data. Deleted files can sometimes
be recovered from discarded storage devices using commercially available software, potentially
resulting in the malicious use of personal image data. Ensuring the privacy of such data is the user’s
responsibility.
Before discarding a data storage device or transferring ownership to another person, erase all data
using commercial deletion software, or format the device and then completely refill it with images
containing no private information (for example, pictures of empty sky). Be sure to also replace any
to property when physically destroying data storage devices.
3
Parts of the Camera
The Camera Body
1
2 3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
15
14 13
7
8
Eyelet for camera strap ...............................6
f
g
h
i
1
DC input connector (for AC adapter
9
j
USB connector and audio/video
10
2
3
Power switch/Power-on lamp
...................................................................... 20, 116
4
5
6
4
Parts of the Camera
Attaching the Camera Strap and Lens Cap
Attach the lens cap to the camera strap, and then attach the strap to the camera.
Attach them at two places.
B Lens Cap
• Remove the lens cap before you take a picture.
• At times when you will not be taking pictures such as when the power is off or while you are
carrying the camera, attach the lens cap to the camera to protect the lens.
6
Parts of the Camera
The Monitor
The following indicators may be displayed in the monitor during shooting and
playback (actual display varies with current camera settings).
The indicators and photo info displayed during shooting and playback will turn off
Shooting
6
4
5
29
28
27
7
8
1
2
3
9
10
11
12 13
26
25
14
15
+11..00
24
3200
1/125 F3.1
999
16
23
22
18
19
17
a
9 9 9
9 9 9 9
b
1 m 0 0 s
1 m 0 0 s
21
20
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
AE/AF-L indicator ........................................ 45
Focus indicator ............................................. 24
Flash mode ..................................................... 28
Battery level indicator .............................. 20
a
Number of exposures remaining
(still images) ............................................. 20
17
Focus area (Face Detection,
21
Vibration reduction icon (still images)
Electronic VR (movies) ............................. 85
8
9
Self-timer indicator/Pet portrait auto
29
* The icon displayed varies with the shooting mode.
8
Parts of the Camera
Playback
1
2
3
4
1 5 / 0 5 / 2 0 1 1 1 2 : 0 0
9 9 9 9 . J P G
14
13
12
10
11
5
6
999/ 999
7
8
9
a
999// 999999
9999/9999
b
1mm0000ss
1m00s
1
2
3
4
5
6
Time of recording ....................................... 16
Battery level indicator .............................. 20
8
9
Internal memory indicator .................... 26
*
*
a
Current frame number/
total number of frames ..................... 26
7
* The icon displayed varies with the setting that was set at the time of shooting.
9
Basic Operations
A (Shooting mode) Button
• Press the A button in playback mode to enter
shooting mode.
• Press the A button in shooting mode to display
the shooting-mode selection menu and change
c (Playback) Button
• During shooting mode, the camera enters the
playback mode when the c button is pressed.
• If the camera is turned off, hold down the c
button to turn the camera on in playback mode.
b (e Movie-record) Button
• Press the b (e movie-record) button in
shooting mode to start recording a movie. Press
the b (e movie-record) button again to stop
recording.
• Press the b (e movie-record) button in
playback mode to enter shooting mode.
10
Basic Operations
The Multi Selector
Operate the multi selector by pressing it up (H), down (I), left (J), right (K), or
by pressing the k button.
For Shooting
Display n (self-
timer) menu
Displayo (exposure
compensation)
Flash mode
Apply selection.
For Playback
15/05/2011 15:30
0004.JPG
Display the
previous image.
Display the next
image.
4
4
For the Menu Screen
Select the item
above.
Apply selection (Go
to the next screen).
Shooting menu
Image mode
White balance
Continuous
ISO sensitivity
Color options
Select the item
on the left/
return to the
previous screen.
Select the item on
the right/
go to the next screen
(apply selection).
Select the item
below.
11
Basic Operations
Using Camera Menus
Tab for the menus available in
the current shooting mode/
tab for playback menu
K is displayed when previous
menu items are available.
Shooting menu
Image mode
White balance
Continuous
Tab for movie menu (during
shooting mode)/setup menu
(during playback mode)
ISO sensitivity
Color options
Tab for displaying the setup
menu (during shooting mode)
L is displayed when there are one
or more menu items to follow.
1
2
3
4
Press the d button.
Shooting menu
Image mode
White balance
Continuous
ISO sensitivity
Color options
Press the multi selector H or I
to choose an item, and then
press K or the k button.
Shooting menu
Image mode
White balance
Continuous
ISO sensitivity
Color options
Multi selector
Press H or I to choose an item and press the
k button.
The setting is applied.
Continuous
Single
Continuous
BSS
Multi-shot 16
When setting is finished, press the d button.
The camera exits the menu display.
12
Basic Operations
Switching Between Tabs of Menu Screen
Shooting menu
Shooting menu
Movie
Movie options
Autofocus mode
Image mode
White balance
Continuous
Image mode
White balance
Continuous
Electronic VR
ISO sensitivity
Color options
ISO sensitivity
Color options
Wind noise reduction
Enhanced resolution
Press the multi selector
J to highlight the tab.
Press the multi selector
H or I to select a tab
and press the k button
or K.
The selected menu will
be displayed.
To display the tabs, press the multi selector J while the menu is displayed in the
following modes.
• Easy auto mode, scene mode and smart portrait mode
About the Shutter-release Button
The camera features a two-stage shutter-release button. To set focus and
exposure, press the shutter-release button halfway, stopping when you feel
resistance. When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, focus and
exposure (shutter speed and aperture value) are set. Focus and exposure remain
locked while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway.
While the shutter-release button is held in this position, release the shutter and
take a picture by pressing the shutter-release button the rest of the way down. Do
not use force when pressing the shutter-release button, as this may result in
camera shake and blurred images.
Press the shutter-
release button
Press the shutter-
release button the
halfway to set focus rest of the way down
and exposure. to take a picture.
13
First Steps
Inserting the Batteries
1
Open the battery-chamber/memory card slot
cover.
3
Before opening the battery-chamber/memory card slot cover,
hold the camera upside down to prevent the batteries from
falling out.
The camera, batteries or memory card may be hot
immediately after using the camera. Observe caution when
removing the batteries or memory card.
1
2
2
Insert the Batteries
Confirm that the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals are
oriented correctly as described on the label at the entrance of
the battery chamber, and insert the batteries.
3
Close the battery-chamber/memory card slot
cover.
1
Slide the cover while securely holding down the area marked
2.
2
3
Applicable Batteries
• Four LR6/L40 (AA-size) alkaline batteries (batteries supplied)
• Four FR6/L91 (AA-size) lithium batteries
• Four EN-MH2 rechargeable Ni-MH (nickel metal hydride) batteries
* EN-MH1 rechargeable Ni-MH batteries cannot be used.
Turning On and Off the Camera
Remove the lens cap, and then press the power switch
to turn on the camera. The power-on lamp (green) will
light, and then the monitor will turn on (the power-on
lamp turns off when the monitor turns on).
Press the power switch again to turn the camera off.
When the camera turns off, both the power-on lamp
and monitor turn off.
If the camera is turned off, hold down the c button
14
Inserting the Batteries
B
If Turn the camera off, remove the lens cap, and turn the camera on. is displayed
Make sure that the lens cap has been removed, and turn the camera off and then on again.
B Removing the Batteries
Turn the camera off and be sure that the power-on lamp and the monitor have turned off before
opening the battery-chamber/memory card slot cover.
B Additional Precautions Regarding Batteries
• Be sure to read and follow the warnings for the battery on page iii and the section, “The Battery”
• Do not combine old and new batteries or batteries of different makes or types.
• Batteries with the following defects cannot be used:
Batteries with peeling
Batteries with insulation that
does not cover the area
around the negative terminal
Batteries with a flat
negative terminal
B Note on the EN-MH2 rechargeable Ni-MH batteries
When using EN-MH2 batteries with the COOLPIX L120, charge the batteries four at a time using
B Battery Type
to match the type of batteries inserted into the camera.
The default setting is the type of battery supplied with purchase. When any other type of battery is
used, turn the camera on and change the setting.
C Alkaline Batteries
Performance of alkaline batteries may vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. Choose a
reliable brand.
C Alternative Power Sources
To power the camera continuously for extended periods, use an AC Adapter EH-67 (available
Failure to observe this precaution could result in overheating or in damage to the camera.
C Power Saving Function (Auto Off)
If no operations are performed for a while, the monitor will turn off, the camera will enter standby
mode, and the power-on lamp will blink. If no operations are performed for another three minutes,
the camera will turn off automatically.
When the power-on lamp is blinking, pressing any of the following buttons will turn the monitor back on.
➝ Power switch, shutter-release button, A button, c button, or b (e movie-record) button
In shooting or playback mode, the camera will enter standby mode in about 30 seconds (default setting).
• The time allowed to elapse before the camera enters standby mode can be changed from the
15
Setting Display Language, Date and Time
When the first time the camera is turned on, the language- selection screen and
the date and time setting screen for the camera clock are displayed.
1
Press the power switch to turn on the
camera.
The power-on lamp (green) will light, and then the
monitor will turn on (the power-on lamp turns off when
the monitor turns on).
2
3
4
Press the multi selector H or I
to choose the desired language
and press the k button.
L a n g u a g e
Cancel
Multi selector
Press H or I to choose Yes and press the k
button.
To cancel the time zone and date settings, select No.
Time zone and date
Choose time zone and
set date and time?
Yes
No
Cancel
Press J or K to choose your home time zone
L o n d o n
C a s a b l a n c a
Back
D Daylight Saving Time
If daylight saving time is in effect, press H to enable the daylight
saving time function while setting the region in step 4.
L o n d o n
When the daylight saving time function is enabled, W is displayed
at the top of the monitor. Press I to disable the daylight saving
time function.
C a s a b l a n c a
Back
16
Setting Display Language, Date and Time
5
6
Press H or I to choose the date format, and
press the k button or K.
Date format
Y/M/D Year/Month/Day
M/D/Y
D/M/Y
Month/Day/Year
Day/Month/Year
Press H |