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For Nikon Coolpix S9 Digital Camera OPERATORS … · Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture all ... 4 1: One Touch Portrait ... direct access to three unique in-camera

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Page 1: For Nikon Coolpix S9 Digital Camera OPERATORS … · Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture all ... 4 1: One Touch Portrait ... direct access to three unique in-camera

For Nikon Coolpix S9Digital Camera

FS-9FS-9

OPERATORS MANUAL

Page 2: For Nikon Coolpix S9 Digital Camera OPERATORS … · Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture all ... 4 1: One Touch Portrait ... direct access to three unique in-camera

pg.13

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TABLE OF CONTENTSManual for the FS-9

Care & Maintenance: ............................ pg.15

Using the flash: ..................................... pg.12Accessory slave flashs: ................................................Lens accessories: ........................................................Fantasea coolpix accessory systems and sets: ...............

pg.12pg.13

Battery life: ............................................ pg.11

Using the fantasea FS-9 housing..................... pg.8Opening the Housing: ..................................................Inserting Camera: ............................................................Checking the gasket: ...................................................Closing the housing: ....................................................

pg.8pg.8pg.9pg.10

General information: .............................. pg.2The Fantasea FS-9 housing: ........................................Fantasea FS-9 Uses: ....................................................General Camera description: ........................................Nikon Coolpix S9 feature highlights: .............................

pg.2pg.2pg.7pg.7

Table of contents.....................................pg.1

Exposure Modes: (Pre-set before camera insertion)......Zoom control: ..............................................................Macro focus: ...............................................................Quick review: ..............................................................Camera standby mode: ..............................................

pg.14pg.14pg.14pg.14pg.14

Shooting Techniques: ............................ pg.14

Viewing the subject: ............................... pg.10Taking the picture: .......................................................Choosing image files: ..................................................

pg.11pg.11

Flood insurance: ................................... pg.17

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General Information:

Fantasea FS-9 Uses:The Fantasea FS-9 housings is designed as an underwater/outdoorcamera housing. It has a working depth of 130 feet/40 meters.Underwater photographers can dive or snorkel and capture allthe excitement of this fascinating world, while outdoorphotographers also have the option of capturing the action ofsuch activities as white water and paddle sports, sailing andboating, surfing, fishing and hunting, backpacking and camping,and for family activities around the swimming pool or at thebeach. The Fantasea FS-9 will protect those Coolpix camerasfrom water, sand, dust, and other damaging elements.

The Fantasea FS-9 housing:Fantasea has designed a special housing for the Nikon CoolpixS9 digital camera. The housings, dedicated to Nikon S9, insuresthe most compact design for easy handling and accurate accessto camera functions through the critical placement of push-buttoncontrols.The FS-9 housings provide a built in Flash Diffuser and an anti-glare hood over the LCD screen.Control Features include:

This housing is ideal for outdoor and underwater photographerswho enjoy the camera's automatic exposure features for capturingfast action pictures easily and creatively.

ZoomMacroExposure

Video/StillDeleteReviewMenuMode

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Top and front buttons

6

2

5

13

Back Side of Housing Buttons

7

10

98

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1: One Touch Portrait/ D-Lighting:For portrait shots when this button is pressed in shooting modethe following features are available:

2: Power Switch:

When this button is pressed during full-frame or thumbnailplayback a copy of current picture is created with enhancedbrightness and contrast.

Enhanced Contrast: D-Lighting:

To turn the camera on, press the power switch. The power-onlamp will light and the monitor will turn on.To turn the camera off, press the power switch and wait forthe power-on lamp to turn off.

3: Shutter Release button:This is a two stage shutter-release button. First lightly pressthe shutter-release button halfway, stopping when you feelminimal resistance. Once the camera has focused, press theshutter-release button the rest of the way down to release theshutter and take the picture.

Portrait background details are softened; the subject standsout more clearly.Face-priority AF camera detects and focuses on facesautomatically.Advanced red eye reduction reduces red eye caused bythe flash.

4: Zoom Control/playback zoom and thumbnail playback [swivel button]

The zoom control is used to frame subjects in the monitor.Select W to zoom out, increasing the area visible in the frame.Select T to zoom up to 3x so that the subject fills a largerarea of the frame. Pressing T for about 2 seconds at 3x zoomwill trigger the digital zoom, allowing subject to be magnifiedup to 4x more. Note that unlike the optical zoom, the digitalzoom will not increase the amount of detail visible in thepicture they are simply enlarged producing a slightly grainyimage.

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7: Mode/Shooting/Playback button:

9: Menu/Delete button:

Pressing the W button in full-frame playback displays picturesin contact sheets whereas pressing the T button can be usedto zoom in on pictures during full-frame playback.

Swivels between Shooting/Playback and Mode function.Pressing this button during shooting or playback displays amode selection menu either Shooting Mode or PlaybackMode menus appear.To view pictures full-frame in monitor [full-frame playback],press this button [if camera is off, pressing the button for abouta second will turn the camera on in playback mode].

Swivel function button for the following dual functions:DeleteTo delete the current displayed picture in the monitor, pressthe Delete button. Two options appear: No or Yes. Highlightwanted option and press the OK center button [#10].Additionally, pressing the Delete button in full-frame orthumbnail playback displays the same dialog requestingconfirmation for deletion. Follow the directions as stated aboveto delete.

68: Rotary Multi Selector:

The rotary multi selector is used to navigate the camera menus.Rotate in any direction to highlight items and press the centerOK [#10] button to confirm selection. To cancel and returnto the previous menu, press the rotary multi selector to theleft. Highlighted options are found when pressing this rotarydial left, right or up and down.

5: Buckle to secure housing:Refer to the section "Using the Fantasea FS-9 Housing" onhow to open and close the camera housing.

6: Lens Port:Refer to the section "Inserting Camera" for useful information.

MenuTo display the Shooting menu, select the shooting mode [button#7] and press the Menu button. For Playback menu, theplayback mode must be selected and press the Menu button.To display the Set Up menu, select setup from the shooting,playback, scene, movie etc menus

Note!Before making a selection from the Rotary Selectorbutton, be sure the flange of the OK button is movedaway from the Multi Selector field.Once you have made your selection on the RotarySelector, swing the flange around of the OK buttondirectly over the 'confirm' area in the center of theRotary Selector and press down on the OK button tovalidate your selection.

10: Center OK button:This button authorizes the selections made when the Delete,Menu and Rotary Multi selector buttons are used. Must beswiveled into place when pressing OK and see that it doesnot interfere with the action of the Rotary Multi Selectorbutton.

Note!It is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourselfwith all the controls topside before using these controlswhile diving.

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Nikon COOLPIX S9 Feature HighlightsIngenious "right-angled" design that allows it to operatethroughout its entire focal range without ever protruding fromthe camera's slim body

The Coolpix S9 is a small, slim and stylish with Nikon's distinctive"wave-surface" design and an all-metal body. that contains a 6.1megapixel sensor.

At the heart of the COOLPIX S9 is a large 2.5-inch CCD screenwith 170 degree viewing angle. It also features a 3x Zoom-NikkorED lens with a 38-114mm range (35mm equivalent) and anaperture range of f/3.5 to f/4.3 which gives users broadcompositional freedom to shoot anything from broad scenery toconfined portraits.

The COOLPIX S9 insures great-looking results in challengingconditions with a handy One-touch portrait button that providesdirect access to three unique in-camera Nikon image innovations:Face Priority AF*, which automatically detects and achievessharp focus on people's faces wherever they are in the frame; In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, which automatically overcomes the red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash; and Nikon's D-Lighting,which rescues underexposed images or shots with too much backlight.

General Camera Description:

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Using the Fantasea FS-9 housing:

Opening The Housing:

Inserting Camera:Since the Fantasea's FS-9 was specifically designed for theCoolpix S9 digital camera, insertion is a simple matter of placingthe camera in the housing.

Make sure the camera lens is centered in the rounded port areaand that the lens does not distort the round black rubber seat.The housing is designed to have the camera fit in place perfectly,but if you are not careful, it is possible to put it in at an improperangle and hence it will be impossible to get a good seal or easyclosure of the housing.

1.

Pulling the latch toward the rear of the housing will unclip thelatching buckle and allow it to swing free--for opening.

3.

Pinch the Latch Buckle Release Tab with one hand. Whilepinching the tab, pull the latch open. The latch is hinged onthe front half of the clamshell.

2.

2.After camera insertion, be sure that the extended camera lensdoes not catch or bend the black rubber seat on the inside of thelens port. It is vital that the lens does not disturb this rubber seat.

Observe that the locking mechanism has a single spring tab.1.

Notes:

It is recommended to make some camera settingsprior to inserting into the housing. Please refer tothe Coolpix owner's manual for menu options andpersonal preferences to choose from.

1.

Take a few test shots: it is recommended to turnthe camera "on" and program to "Flash Always"mode before inserting into housing and then taketest shots to make sure all systems are working.

2.

Auto mode [4 modes] with Scene Assist for better picturecomposition with 15 Scene modes that can produce great-looking shots in a wide range of common conditionsDate Counter which visually counts down the days to a specialoccasion, as well as a Time zone function for setting hometown and new city time zones so images can be sorted easilyafter travelingIn common with all members of the COOLPIX family, theS9 comes complete with Nikon’s unique PictureProjectsoftware

Stop-motion movie function which makes it easy for users tocreate their very own stop-motion animated films by takinga shot of the models they wish to animate, move the models,then shoot again

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Checking the Gasket:

Info:Gasket

Underwater photographers will probably want to set the flashmode to the flash always setting to insure they always have aflash with every exposure. It is also wise to set the focus modeto allow the lens to focus in the macro range for capturing greatimages of the tiny and exotic subjects that you can find underwater.

Prior to each closure of the housing the gasket seal should be visuallyinspected. If there is any debris present, including dirt, sand, dust,hair, grease or other matter, it must be cleaned to insure a properwatertight seal.Cleaning the gasket is a simple matter of wiping it with a damp, softcloth to remove the foreign matter. Be careful the cloth you use doesnot leave any of its own material behind as this can also affect theeffectiveness of the gasket. It is not necessary to remove the gasketfor cleaning unless visual inspection determines that there is foreignmatter underneath the gasket as well. If this occurs, be sure thesurface of the housing is also clean and wiped free of any debris.

Since the gasket on the Fantasea FS-9 are face-to-face/compression sealed, and is not subject to frictionas it is closed, there is no need to lubricate it. Greaseor any other form of lubrication does not help sealthe housing. It only reduces friction, which iscommonly present if the housing has an O-ring seal.Lubricating the gasket before use could cause it toslip out of its groove, and not form a proper seal:therefore no silicon or other lubricants should be used.The gasket should also be checked visually for anycracks or perforations. If any part of the gasket showssigns of wear or damage, it is imperative that it bechanged before going into the water.If the gasket is removed from the channel groove itsits in, be sure to get it completely back into place soit is properly seated. Starting at one corner, press thegasket with your finger and feel it seat into its channelgroove. Then continue this procedure continuouslyin one direction, round its perimeter, until the entiregasket has been pressed flat into place. Go over it asecond time to be sure it is properly in place. Thenyou are ready to clean it, give it a final visualinspection, and close the housing.

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Closing the Housing:

2. Never force the housing closed; if it does not close easily,please check to make sure that the camera is well seated andthat the lens is sitting properly in the port area and not distortingthe rubber seat.It is most important to check to make sure the rectangular rubbergasket [blue or black] is seated correctly in its niche [not raisedat any point and sitting in its groove] and that there is no sand, dirtor any other foreign object on its surface. Do not use any lubricantwhatsoever on this gasket especially silicon grease which willdistort it. Make sure that the black wrist lanyard is not jammedinto the housing during the closing procedure.

3.

Bring the two halves of the housing together with one hand[squeezing your thumb on one side and your other fingers on theother until the two halves touch and hold securely in that position.With the other hand, attach the flange to the body of the cameraand gently lower the rounded latch until it snaps into place.

1.

The S9 camera does not have the standard eyepiece but underwaterphotographers and outdoor photographers will appreciate thelarge LCD viewing monitor for composing photographs. TheLCD monitor will allow you to see your subject in sharp focusand framed properly. Hold the camera housing in your outstretchedarm at a position that is both comfortable and also allows you toeasily see the LCD monitor, for best compositional options.

Viewing the Subject:

4. Always take the first dive without your camera in the housingjust to make sure there is no leakage from damage to thehousing. During the dive especially at the beginning ofdescent take special care to look at the housing to make sureno bubbles are escaping from it and that no water is entering.Generally, if there is a problem with the seal, you will discoverit in the first seconds of the dive.

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Choosing Image Files:There are several image file options to choose from that offerdifferent resolution and file sizes. This determination must bemade prior to camera insertion from Menu options. Please referto the Coolpix instruction manual for details on setting thesepreferences.

Taking the Picture:Once you have composed your scene or subject in the LCDmonitor, depress the shutter release button to take the picture. Ahalf depress will activate the live viewing ability of the LCD andallow the camera to focus, once in focus and ready to shoot agreen light will appear on the LCD monitor and the camera isready to take the picture. Press down the shutter all the way tocomplete image capture. You may notice a pre-flash and slightdelay in the shutter release. This is to allow the camera to makeits final focus and exposure calculations before taking the picture.With a little practice, you will become used to this and takingpictures of moving subjects will become easier and natural.

Battery life:The Lithium-ion battery that comes with the Coolpix is veryefficient and lasts for more than enough time for a typical photodive. However, there are certain things that users can control tohelp with battery life. The most important is to set the camera toturn the LCD off after a short time, during periods of non-use.It can then be automatically turned back on if you depress theshutter release control half way. Please refer to the Coolpixinstruction manual for details on how to make this adjustmentsetting. It is always wise to have backup batteries in case you dorun out of power. The supplied battery can be recharged manytimes and offer an economical and environmentally friendlypower source.

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Using The Flash:

Accessory Slave flash:If you should use the Coolpix built-in flash as the master, youcan trigger a second slave flash to provide more artificial lightwhen needed. To do this, you must use an accessory flash thathas a slave feature built in. The flash from the Coolpix must beaimed or bounced toward the accessory flash's slave sensor, orother fiber optic sensor. This will trigger the slave to fire in syncwith the master flash.

The Coolpix has a built-in flash, which will illuminate nearbyunderwater subjects. For subjects that are farther away, an accessoryslave flash is recommended. (see below). A built-in flash diffuseris supplied which will help achieve a wider and softer light sourcethereby providing more coverage and less likelihood of backscatter(the unattractive snowstorm affect of the flash reflecting off thesuspended particles in the water). Further reduction of backscattercan be achieved by using an accessory off-camera slave flash.This will be discussed in more detail.The need for artificial light to maximize color reproduction isnecessary in nearly all pictures. Therefore it is stronglyrecommended that you set the flash mode to Flash Always. Thiswill insure the flash fires on every exposure regardless of theambient light conditions. (Please refer to the camera's instructionmanual for more details).Outdoor photographers do not have this same concern. There isno backscatter to be concerned with, and due to the ability of theflash to travel farther and more effectively in air as compared toin water, there is normally not a need for an accessory flash toprovide proper illumination for most subjects.

When using an accessory slave flash with fiber optic cable, it isrecommended to black out the internal camera flash. The internalflash is located near the camera lens and can contribute tobackscatter by illuminating floating particles close to the lens port.If the sensor of the fiber optic cable is attached to the outside ofthe housing directly above the internal flash and taped over withblack tape–it will block out the light from the internal flash buttransmit the light pulse to the external slave flash.

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Coolpix Nano Flash

Coolpix Housing

LED 44 focus light Fiber Optic Cable

Double Slot Tray

Coolpix Accessory System

2 Flex Arms

Lens Accessories:The Fantasea FS-9 is designed to work with some of the wide-angle and macro adapters that are currently on the market. FantaseaLine offers a macro/wide angle converter lens adapter for thispurpose. The converter lens can be used with one of its twoelements for super macro images, or with both of its elementsfor great wide angle images. Red Filters which go over the lensport or on the converter lens itself are also available. For moreinformation on these items, see your local photo dealer or visitour website at www.fantasea.comFantasea Coolpix Accessory Systems and Sets:Fantasea Offers a variety of Coolpix (and other housings) setsmade up of quality accessory products which serve to enhanceand improve your underwater images. Products like external flashsystems, flexible arms, trays, filters, wide angle and macro lenses,fiber optic cables and more. Below you can see one samplesystem. For more information please refer to our website or tothe Fantasea Dealer where you purchased your housing.

Be sure to use a slave flash that has the ability toignore the built-in pre-flash in digital cameras,and synchronizes with the shutter release.

Note!

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Shooting Techniques:

There are several exposure modes for photographers to choosefrom, depending on the situation. Underwater it is recommendedthat you shoot in the Auto mode on the camera in which ambientlight and artificial light will be automatically controlled by thecamera according to the lighting conditions. You can also selectdifferent light meters to use, based on the situation and yourpersonal preferences. Additionally, you can choose the Auto WhiteBalance setting for color temperature control, or experiment withsome of the other modes to see which will work best underwater.These settings do not have to be made ahead of any dive, as theycan be accessed through the housing controls while underwater.Please reference the Coolpix instruction manual for details onhow to set these camera options, and under what conditions thedifferent choices would be used.

Exposure Modes: (Pre-set before camera insertion)

Zoom in for telephoto photos and larger subject size. Zoom outfor wide-angle scenes. It is generally not recommended to usethe zoom underwater as it is preferable to get physically closerto your subject. The digital zoom has no value at all.

Zoom Control:

For capturing the tiny and exotic subjects that require close focus.Macro focus is possible when the lens is in the wide-angle position.

Macro Focus:

Immediate review of most recent image is available that willconfirm that you captured the shot you want. However, if youwant to scroll through your images, or delete images from thememory card, this should be done when you are topside and thecamera is out of the housing.

Quick Review:

Camera Standby Mode:You can access the camera's menu to choose how long a periodof inactivity before the camera goes into standby mode. Optionsare 30 seconds, one minute, five minutes, and 30 minutes. This

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The Fantasea FS-9 housing requires only a minimum amount ofcare for reliable performance. The following are tips that willenable you to get the best results.

Always rinse your housing with a strong stream of fresh waterand if possible soak your housing in fresh water tub or rinsetank for about 20 minutes after every dive in order to dissolvethe salt water crystals from around the controls and openingsof the housing. Manipulate each of the movable controls toassist the removal of salt particles from these tight areas.

1.

Care & Maintenance:

Allow the housing to dry thoroughly before packing away forthe day or for the trip home. You may use a soft towel or clothto dry the housing. Be sure there is no grease or other debrison the towel.

2.

Visually check the condition of the gasket before every dive.If it is dirty, clean it with fresh water and dry it with a softcloth as described above. If it is damaged in any way, suchas cut or perforated, replace it immediately.

3.

15 16

Do not use grease or any other type of lubricant on the gasketwhen closing the housing. It does not increase the ability ofthe gasket to make a proper seal.

4.

Be careful not to get greasy fingerprints or dirt on the lensport. This will affect the image quality. Wipe any dirt or greaseoff with fresh water and a soft cloth.

5.

Travel with the housing protected in a padded case. It is bestto remove the camera from inside the housing when travelingand provide it with its own protective case, or compartment.

7.

Never dive with the Fantasea FS-9 housing to a depth greaterthan 130 ft/40 meters.

8.

It is recommended that you select the shortest time option onthe menu, for placing the camera into standby during periodsof inactivity. This will conserve battery power and reduce theheat given off by the LCD screen, which can contribute tocondensation inside the housing and fogging.

10.

It is strongly recommended to take the first dive without thecamera inside the housing. You should check that the watertight seal has not been affected during transport and longperiods of storage.

11.

9. It is recommended to have annual maintenance of all Fantaseahousings. This includes visual inspection and possible changingof all seals / gaskets / o-rings. It is recommended to use anauthorized Fantasea Service Center for this purpose. Pleasecontact Fantasea Line by email: [email protected] orvisit the Fantasea Customer Service section at the end of thismanual or on the Fantasea web site www.fantasea.com.

It is likewise recommended to visually monitor the housingduring every descent, especially for the first 10 meters/33 ft.If water is observed entering the housing or bubbles escapingfrom it, the housing should be rotated to a port down positionand held that way as you return to the surface immediatelyand get out of the water.

12.

6. Do not drop the housing on hard surfaces. It is not a shockabsorber, and could crack, affecting its watertight integrity.It could also cause damage to the camera inside.When you want to resume shooting, pressing any button will re-

activate the camera. However, if after the camera goes into standby,a further period of three minutes goes by without any activity,the camera will turn off [deep sleep mode]. You can turn it backon by pressing and holding the triangular icon button--Review/Restore [Playback] for about five seconds. The Welcometo Nikon Coolpix screen will appear then it will display last imagetaken. One additional press of the Review button will then returnthe camera to active shooting mode.

feature allows you to conserve battery power by placing the LCDmonitor on standby [sleep mode]. It is recommended that thisoption is set for 30 seconds for the following reasons: to conservebattery power and longer periods of time will cause a warmingof the LCD screen. This will cause heating of housing and thiscan produce condensation and fogging of the lens port. If thisoccurs and the condensation appears on the lens port then it willhave a negative impact on the quality of the images taken.

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Flood Insurance:Every Fantasea housing includes a one-year flood insurance policy.Supplied by the Divers Equipment Protection Program (DEPP),this insurance policy acts as additional protection to the warrantyand is good for one year. If your Fantasea housing experienceswater leakage in this period of time you will be compensated forthe loss of the camera. Only a small shipping charge will apply. Allinsurance policies should be activated at the time of purchase. Allowners must complete the on-line product registration form bygoing to www.fantasea.com and go to the Customer Support taband choose Product Registration; you will be taken to this page--http://www.fantasea.com/product_registration.asp where you cancomplete the form and register your housing purchase. Failure toregister the product within 30 days of purchase will result in ashorter period of insurance coverage for your housing and may inthe end cancel the flood insurance coverage all together. Also, youmust keep the original sales receipt of your purchase, which mustbe submitted in the event of a claim: include it in the box . To makea claim go to the same page and click the banner link:For DEPP flood insurance claims please submityour claim to http://www.fantasea.com/claims.asp