Capturing the world through a Nikon lens
Guide

Unlock the Secrets of Your Nikon D700: How to Reset It Like a Pro

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • If you’re new to the D700 or want to explore all its features, a reset provides a blank canvas to customize your camera to your liking.
  • Use the multi-selector to navigate to the setting you want to reset.
  • After performing a reset, it’s a good practice to power off the camera and then turn it back on to ensure the changes take effect.

The Nikon D700, a powerhouse in the world of DSLRs, offers incredible versatility and control. But sometimes, you might find yourself needing a fresh start. Whether you’re selling your camera, experiencing glitches, or simply want to start with a clean slate, knowing how to reset your Nikon D700 is essential. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can confidently reset your camera and get back to capturing stunning images.

Why Reset Your Nikon D700?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand why you might want to reset your Nikon D700. There are several compelling reasons:

  • Selling or Trading: When selling or trading your camera, a reset ensures the buyer receives a clean slate, free from your personal settings and preferences.
  • Troubleshooting Issues: If your camera is acting up, a reset can sometimes resolve software glitches or unexpected behavior.
  • Starting Fresh: Maybe you’ve experimented with different settings and want to revert to the default configuration. A reset allows you to begin anew.
  • Customizing Settings: If you’re new to the D700 or want to explore all its features, a reset provides a blank canvas to customize your camera to your liking.

Understanding the Reset Options: Global vs. Custom

The Nikon D700 offers two distinct reset options:

  • Global Reset: This option completely restores all camera settings to their factory defaults. It’s like erasing the camera’s memory and starting from scratch.
  • Custom Reset: This option allows you to reset specific settings, such as Picture Control settings, without affecting the overall camera configuration.

Performing a Global Reset: Step-by-step Guide

A global reset is the most comprehensive option, wiping out all your personalized settings. Here’s how to do it:
1. Turn off the camera: Make sure the power switch is in the “Off” position.
2. Press and hold the Menu button: Locate the Menu button on the back of the camera and press it down.
3. Press the “OK” button: While holding down the Menu button, press the “OK” button.
4. Select “Reset All Settings”: A menu will appear. Use the multi-selector to navigate to the “Reset All Settings” option and press “OK.”
5. Confirm the reset: A confirmation message will appear. Select “Yes” to confirm the reset.
6. Wait for the reset to complete: The camera will take a few seconds to complete the reset. Once finished, it will automatically power off.

Performing a Custom Reset: Focus on Specific Settings

If you want to reset specific settings without affecting the entire camera configuration, use the Custom Reset option. Here’s how:
1. Access the Setup Menu: Turn on the camera and navigate to the “Setup Menu” (the wrench icon).
2. Select “Custom Setting Menu“: Within the Setup Menu, choose the “Custom Setting Menu” option.
3. Choose the desired setting: You’ll find a list of customizable settings. Use the multi-selector to navigate to the setting you want to reset.
4. Reset the setting: Select the “Reset” option for the chosen setting.
5. Confirm the reset: A confirmation message will appear. Select “Yes” to confirm the reset.

Navigating the Reset Process: Tips and Considerations

  • Backup Your Settings: Before performing a reset, especially a global reset, consider backing up your camera settings. This ensures you can easily restore them later if needed.
  • Understand the Impact: A global reset will erase all your personalized settings, including custom Picture Control settings, button assignments, and other preferences.
  • Resetting the Date and Time: After a reset, you’ll need to set the date and time again.
  • Restart the Camera: After performing a reset, it’s a good practice to power off the camera and then turn it back on to ensure the changes take effect.

Beyond the Reset: Customizing Your D700

Now that you’ve reset your Nikon D700, you can customize it to your preferences. Explore the various settings, including:

  • Picture Control: Adjust picture quality, sharpness, and color balance to match your shooting style.
  • Button Assignments: Assign frequently used functions to buttons for quick access.
  • Custom Settings: Explore the various custom settings to fine-tune your camera’s behavior.

Harnessing the Power of Your Nikon D700

Resetting your Nikon D700 is a powerful tool for troubleshooting, starting fresh, or preparing your camera for sale. By understanding the different reset options and following the steps outlined above, you can confidently reset your camera and unlock its full potential.

What You Need to Know

Q: Will resetting my Nikon D700 delete my photos?
A: No, resetting your camera will not delete your photos. It only resets the camera’s settings and configuration.
Q: How do I restore my camera’s settings after a reset?
A: If you backed up your settings before resetting, you can usually restore them by connecting the camera to your computer and using Nikon’s transfer software.
Q: Can I reset my camera without a memory card inserted?
A: Yes, you can reset your camera even without a memory card inserted. The reset process only affects the camera’s internal settings.
Q: What if I accidentally reset my camera and lost important settings?
A: If you didn’t back up your settings, you may need to manually reconfigure them. Refer to your camera’s manual for detailed instructions on customizing settings.
Q: Can I reset my camera while it’s connected to a computer?
A: It’s not recommended to reset your camera while it’s connected to a computer. Disconnect the camera before performing a reset.

Was this page helpful?

Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
Back to top button