20 Most Recent Nikon Coolpix S3000 Digital Camera - Page 5 Questions & Answers

SD and SDHC cards have a slide switch along one edge. The position farthest from the metal contacts locks the card, protecting it from writes. The position nearest the contacts unlocks the card.You should be able to read the card whether its protected or not. In fact I always protect the card before putting it into my computer so as to prevent the computer from doing anything to the card.

No. Digic is Canon's name for their processing systems. Nikon calls theirs EXPEED.

Use the USB cord to charge the camera. Just make sure you're connected directly to a powered USB port, not going through a hub.The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use any photo cataloging program.

Try NOT connecting your camera to your computer.The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer.Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use any photo cataloging program.

You can email pictures the same way you email any other file. Your email program should have some method for attaching files. Use this method to attach picture(s) to your email.

You may download the current versions of all (free) Nikon software here.The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use any photo cataloging program such as Nikon Transfer or Picasa.

To use the self-timer, press cursor-left (marked with a one-handed clock). Use cursor-up/down to select the desired self-timer mode. Press the shutter button halfway to focus, then press it the rest of the way to start the self-timer.Full details are in the "Taking Pictures with the Self-timer" section on page 32 of the manual.

You may download a copy of the manual here. The battery charging instructions begin on page 14. If it's not charging from your computer's USB port, make sure you're not going through a hub but are connected directly.

One of the biggest disadvantages of compact cameras is that they take longer to acquire focus, meter and evaluate the light, and set appropriately. Larger, more sophisticated (and more expensive) cameras have faster processors that effectively eliminate this lag time.There are things you can do to reduce, but not completely eliminate, the lag time of your camera. The most important is to anticipate the action. Follow the action with the camera and press the shutter release button halfway. This forces the camera to focus, meter, and do most of the other things that need to be done before taking the picture. Then press the shutter release button the rest of the way at the critical moment to take the picture.

You may order the replacement part here.

The camera's built-in flash is only for still photos. If you need additional light for videos then you will need a separate video light (and power supply).

Yes, as long as the computer's USB port puts out sufficient current. Not all USB ports do so. Make sure you're connected directly, not through a hub.

There's a cover on the bottom of the camera marked with the USB symbol and the words "A/V OUT". Flip this cover open and connect to a powered USB port.

Consider NOT connecting your camera to your computer.The best way to download pictures from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy pictures from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use any photo cataloging program such as Picasa.

The proper settings depend on what you're taking a picture of. You don't want the same settings for a landscape as for a portrait, for example. Even for a portrait, you may not want the same settings for a picture of a grandfather as for a picture of his granddaughter. That's why the camera gives you the different settings to choose from. The camera is a tool --- YOU are the photographer.Visit your local library. They should have books on introductory photography describing what effect the different settings will have on your photos.

You can download the current versions of all (free) Nikon software here.

The battery in this camera has to be removed and connect to an AC adapter to be charged.

• Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL10
• Charging AC Adapter EH-68P

The camera won't show a battery status until the level drops below some threshold. See the "Step 1: Turn the Camera On and Select Auto Mode" section of the manual (page 22 in my copy) for what the indicators look like.

When viewing the video in playback mode, press the OK button to start playing.