DIGITAL CAMERA Quick Start Guide Introduction Parts of the camera Getting started Basic operations of shooting and playback Other functions If there is a problem Technical notes ii 1 2 8 16 22 23 • Read this manual thoroughly before using the camera. • To ensure proper use of the camera, be sure to read “For your safety” (page vii). • Be sure to read “Do not point the lens at the sun” (page 26) in “Caring for the product.
Introduction Types of manuals Quick Start Guide (this manual) Explains preparation for shooting and basic operations. Online Manual (HTML) (English) For detailed explanations, see the English Online Manual. You can view it on a computer or smart device. The following descriptions are included in the manual.
To view images on a computer or smart device Use the software or app below. Software for computers You can download software from our Download Center. • ViewNX-i: This software enables you to transfer images and movies to your computer for viewing and editing. • Capture NX-D: This software enables you to adjust images transferred to your computer and process RAW images.
Confirming the package contents In the event that any items are missing, please contact the store where you purchased the camera. COOLPIX P950 Digital Camera Strap LC-67 Lens Cap EN-EL20a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EH-73P Charging AC Adapter* UC-E21 USB Cable HN-CP20 Lens Hood Quick Start Guide (this manual) Warranty (printed on the back cover of this manual) * A plug adapter is attached depending on the country or region of purchase.
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 websites: • For users in the U.S.A.: https://www.nikonusa.com/ • For users in Europe: https://www.europe-nikon.com/support/ • For users in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa: http://www.nikon-asia.
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. • Illustrations and screen content shown in this manual may differ from the actual product. • Nikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described in these manuals at any time and without prior notice.
For your safety To prevent damage to property or injury to yourself or to others, read “For your safety” in its entirety before using this product. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use this product will read them. DANGER Failure to observe the precautions marked with this icon carries a high risk of death or severe injury. WARNING Failure to observe the precautions marked with this icon could result in death or severe injury.
• Keep this product out of reach of children. Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product malfunction. In addition, note that small parts constitute a choking hazard. Should a child swallow any part of this product, seek immediate medical attention. • Do not entangle, wrap or twist the straps around your neck. Failure to observe this precaution could result in accidents.
• Do not touch moving parts of the lens or other moving parts. Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury. • Do not fire the flash in contact with or in close proximity to the skin or objects. Failure to observe this precaution could result in burns or fire. • Do not raise the built-in flash when using a flash unit mounted on the camera accessory shoe. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or product malfunction.
WARNING for batteries • Keep batteries out of reach of children. Should a child swallow a battery, seek immediate medical attention. • Keep batteries out of reach of household pets and other animals. The batteries could leak, overheat, rupture, or catch fire if bitten, chewed, or otherwise damaged by animals. • Do not immerse batteries in water or expose to rain. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or product malfunction.
Parts of the camera The camera body 1 2 3 4 7 6 5 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 1 Command dial 14 Eye sensor 2 Power switch/power-on lamp (charge lamp) 15 x (monitor) button 3 Mode dial 4 Built-in flash 5 w (function) button 18 s (display) button 6 Zoom control 19 k (apply selection) button 7 Shutter-release button 20 l (delete) button 8 p (snap-back zoom) button 21 d (menu) button 9 Side zoom control 22 Rotary multi selector (multi selector)* 16 o (AE-L/
Getting started Attaching the strap Attach the strap to the left and right side of the camera. Attaching/removing the lens cap and lens hood • When you are not shooting images, attach the lens cap to protect the lens. • When the lens hood is attached, it cuts out light which adversely affects the image, and also helps protect the camera. Remove the lens hood when shooting with a flash or when the AF-assist illuminator is necessary for shooting. • Turn off the camera before attaching/removing the lens hood.
Inserting the battery and memory card Battery latch Battery-chamber/ memory card slot cover Memory card slot • With the battery’s positive and negative terminals oriented correctly, move the orange battery latch (3), and fully insert the battery (4). • Slide the memory card in until it clicks into place (5). • Be careful not to insert the battery or memory card upside-down or backward, as this could cause a malfunction.
Charging the battery Charging AC Adapter* Electrical outlet Power-on lamp (charge lamp) USB cable (included) * A plug adapter is attached depending on the country or region of purchase. The shape of the plug adapter varies with the country or region of purchase. • Charging starts when the camera is connected to an electrical outlet while the battery is inserted, as shown in the illustration. The power-on lamp (charge lamp) flashes while the battery is charging.
B Notes about the USB cable • Do not use a USB cable other than the UC-E21. Using a USB cable other than the UC-E21 could result in overheating, fire, or electric shock. • Check the shape and direction of the plugs and do not insert or remove the plugs at an angle.
Camera setup When the camera is turned on for the first time, screens to set the display language and camera clock are displayed. Use the multi selector and k (apply selection) button to select and adjust settings. Multi selector Left k button (apply selection) 1 Press the power switch to turn on the camera. 2 Press HI on the multi selector to highlight a language and press the k button to select. Up Right Down Language • The displayed languages vary depending on the country or region.
4 Highlight your home time zone and press the k button. London, Casablanca • To turn daylight saving time on, press H; l will be displayed above the map. Press I to turn daylight saving time off. Back 5 6 Press HI to select a date format and press the k button. Set the date and time. • Press JK to highlight items and HI to change them. • Select the minute field and press the k button to confirm the setting.
Basic operations of shooting and playback Shooting still images A (auto) mode is used here as an example. A (auto) mode enables you to perform general shooting in a variety of shooting conditions. 1 Rotate the mode dial to A. 2 Check the battery level and number of exposures remaining on the shooting screen. Number of exposures remaining • Battery level b: The battery level is high. B: The battery level is low. • Press the s (display) button to switch the information displayed on the screen each time.
4 Frame the picture. • Move the zoom control or the side zoom control to change the zoom lens position. • If you lose sight of the subject while shooting with the lens in telephoto position, press the p (snap-back zoom) button to temporarily widen the visible area so that you can frame the subject more easily.
5 Press the shutter-release button halfway. • To press the shutter-release button “halfway” means to press and hold the button at the point where you feel a slight resistance. • When the subject is in focus, the focus area or focus indicator is displayed in green. • When you are using digital zoom, the camera focuses in the center of the frame and the focus area is not displayed. • If the focus area or focus indicator flashes, the camera is unable to focus.
Using the built-in flash In situations where a flash is needed, such as in dark locations or when the subject is backlit, press the m (flash pop-up) button to raise the built-in flash. • When not using the built-in flash, gently push to lower the built-in flash until it clicks shut. How to attach the BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover (available separately) Recording movies Display the shooting screen and press the b (e movierecord) button to start recording a movie. Press the b (e) button again to end recording.
Switching between the monitor and viewfinder It is recommended that you use the viewfinder when bright conditions make it difficult to see the monitor, such as when outdoors in sunlight. • When you bring your face close to the viewfinder, the eye sensor responds to it and the viewfinder turns on, and the monitor turns off (default setting). • You can also press the x (monitor) button to switch the display between the monitor and viewfinder.
Playing back images 1 Press the c (playback) button to enter full-frame playback mode. • If you press and hold down the c button while the camera is turned off, the camera turns on in playback mode. 2 Use the multi selector to select an image to display. • Press and hold down HIJK to scroll through the images quickly. • Images can also be selected by rotating the multi selector. • Press the s (display) button to switch the information displayed on the screen each time.
Deleting images 1 In playback mode, press the l (delete) button to delete the image currently displayed on the screen. 2 Use the multi selector HI to select the desired deletion method and press the k button. • If you selected [Current image] or [All images], proceed to step 6. • To exit without deleting, press the d button. 3 Use the multi selector JK or rotate it to select the image that you want to delete.
6 When the confirmation dialog is displayed, select [Yes] and press the k button. Erase 1 image? • Deleted images cannot be recovered. • The message in the confirmation dialog varies depending on the selected deletion method. B Yes No Notes about deleting images simultaneously saved in RAW and JPEG When using this camera to delete images captured using [RAW + Fine] or [RAW + Normal] in the [Image quality] setting, both of the simultaneously saved RAW and JPEG images are deleted.
Other functions Selecting a shooting mode (mode dial) You can rotate the mode dial to align the desired shooting mode with the indicator mark on the camera body. • A (Auto) mode Select this mode to perform general shooting in a variety of shooting conditions. • j, k, l, and m modes Select these modes for greater control over shutter speed and f-number. • M (User settings) mode The frequently used settings in j, k, l, and m modes can be saved. To shoot with the saved settings, rotate the mode dial to M.
Setting the flash mode, self-timer, focus mode, and exposure compensation When the shooting screen is displayed, you can press the multi selector H (m) K (o) I (p) J (n) to set the functions described below. 1 2 4 3 1 Flash mode The flash mode can be set according to shooting conditions. 2 Exposure compensation You can adjust overall image brightness. 3 Focus mode When the focus-mode selector is set to q (autofocus), you can specify the focus mode according to the distance to the subject.
Menu operations You can press the d (menu) button to display the menu screen and change the camera’s settings. • The displayed menu varies depending on the status of the camera (during shooting or playback). • Menu items are categorized by the icons on the left side of the screen.
2 Press the multi selector J to move to the menu category selection area. Shooting menu Image quality Image size Picture Control Custom Picture Control White balance Metering 3 Press HI or rotate the multi selector to change menu categories. Set up Time zone and date Slot empty release lock Monitor settings EVF auto toggle Date stamp Self-timer: after release 4 Press the k button to confirm the menu category. • Menu items corresponding to the selected menu category are displayed.
C To change the flash mode, self-timer, focus mode, and exposure compensation settings You can press the multi selector H (flash mode), J (self-timer), I (focus mode), or K (exposure compensation) to configure them on the shooting screen (A17). Using the w (function) button If you press the w button in j, k, l, m, or M mode, you can quickly configure the pre-saved menu options (default setting is [Continuous]). To set a different menu option, select U [Fn button] and select the desired menu option.
Connecting the camera and a smart device • Insert a memory card with sufficient free space into the camera. • Make sure that the remaining battery levels of the camera and smart device are sufficient. • Enable Bluetooth and the location data functions on the smart device. 1 2 Press the d button, select the [Network menu] M [Connect to smart device], and press the k button. When the dialog at the right is displayed, start the SnapBridge app.
If there is a problem Troubleshooting If the camera fails to function as expected, check the following before consulting your retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative. • Turning off the camera once may solve the issue. • If you cannot find a relevant entry, also check “If there is a problem” in the detailed “Online Manual” or “Reference Manual” (Aii) or the Nikon website for your region. Problem A Cause/Solution The camera is on but does not respond. • Wait for recording to end.
Technical notes Notices Notices for customers in Europe CAUTION: RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. This symbol indicates that electrical and electronic equipment 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.
Security Although one of the benefits of this product is that it allows others to freely connect for the wireless exchange of data anywhere within its range, the following may occur if security is not enabled: • Data theft: Malicious third-parties may intercept wireless transmissions to steal user IDs, passwords, and other personal information. • Unauthorized access: Unauthorized users may gain access to the network and alter data or perform other malicious actions.
Notice for customers in Europe Declaration of Conformity (Europe) Hereby, Nikon Corporation declares that the radio equipment type COOLPIX P950 is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: https://imaging.nikon.com/support/pdf/DoC_N1834.pdf. • Maximum output power: - Wi-Fi: 9.2 dBm (EIRP) - Bluetooth: 7.2 dBm (EIRP) - Bluetooth Low Energy: 7.
Do not point the lens at the sun Avoid pointing the lens at the sun or other strong light sources when shooting or when leaving the camera unattended without a lens cap. Strong light sources such as sunlight are concentrated through the lens, which may cause deformation of the internal parts of the lens or discoloration or burn-in on the image sensor. The camera may be damaged even when the lens is pointed toward the sun for a few seconds, particularly when the lens is in a telephoto position.
The battery Precautions for use • Note that the battery may become hot after use. • Do not use the battery at ambient temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 40°C (104°F) as this could cause damage or malfunction. • If you notice any abnormalities such as excessive heat, smoke, or an unusual smell coming from the battery, immediately discontinue use and consult your retailer or Nikonauthorized service representative.
Storing the battery • Always remove the battery from the camera or optional battery charger when it is not being used. Minute amounts of current are drawn from the battery while it is in the camera, even when not in use. This may result in excessive battery drain and complete loss of function. • Charging a used battery within six months is recommended.
Cleaning and storage Cleaning Do not use alcohol, thinner, or other volatile chemicals. Lens/ viewfinder Avoid touching glass parts with your fingers. Remove dust or lint with a blower (typically a small device with a rubber bulb attached to one end that is pumped to produce a stream of air out the other end).
Memory cards that can be used The camera supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. • The camera supports UHS-I. • Memory cards with an SD Speed Class rating of 6 (Video Speed Class V6) or faster are recommended for recording movies. When [Movie options] is set to [2160/ 30p] (4K UHD) or [2160/25p] (4K UHD), memory cards with a UHS Speed Class rating of 3 (Video Speed Class V30) or faster are recommended. Movie recording may stop unexpectedly when a memory card with a lower Speed Class rating is used.
• Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance. • All other trade names mentioned in this manual or the other documentation provided with your Nikon product are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Use of the Made for Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to connect specifically to the Apple products identified in the badge, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
Warranty Terms - Nikon Europe Service Warranty Dear Nikon Customer, We thank you for your purchasing this Nikon product. Should your Nikon product require warranty service, please contact the dealer from whom it was purchased or a member of our authorized service network within the sales territory of Nikon Europe B.V. (e.g. Europe/Russia/others). See details under: https://www.europe-nikon.
• any damage resulting from modifications or adjustments which may be made to the product, without the prior written consent of Nikon, in order to comply with local or national technical standards in force in any other country than the ones for which the product was originally designed and/or manufactured. 3.
No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION.
