How to Change the Photo Naming Convention for a Nikon D3100

Copy image files to your computer and format memory cards often.

Photographs are special as they reflect memories and works of art. As such, losing images is not an option for even the newest photographer. Because of a default setting on the Nikon D3100, the photo naming convention automatically resets each time a new or formatted SD or other memory card is used. This causes duplicate file names that can result in your photograph files being overwritten when copied to your computer. Prevent losing your memories by changing the default setting on your Nikon D3100.

Instructions

Change the Setting

1. Turn your camera on via the "Off/On" switch found on the top of your camera and click the "Menu" button. This is found on the left-hand side of the viewing screen underneath the "Playback Menu" button.

2. Press the down arrow button on the right-hand side of the viewing screen until the wrench symbol indicating the "Setup Menu" is highlighted. Click the "OK" button to select and enter this menu.

3. Press the right arrow button to enter the list of options within the menu. Press the down arrow button and click "OK" to open the "File Number Sequence" sub-menu. The file number sequence will currently be set to "Off."

4. Press the down arrow button to select the "On" option and click "OK."

5. Press the"Menu" button to return to the main menu.

Test the Setting

1. Insert your SD or other memory card into the slot on the right-hand side of the camera body. Be sure all images on the card have been copied to your computer, if applicable.

2. Press the down arrow button and select the "Setup Menu."

3. Press the right arrow button to enter the list of options within the menu. Press the down arrow button to highlight the "Format Memory Card" option and click "OK."

4. Press the down arrow button to select "Yes" when you see the warning message "All pictures on memory card will be deleted. OK?"

5. Take a few test images and note the last image file number; for example, DSC_0003.

6. Repeat Step 2 through Step 4 to format the memory card again.

7. Take another image. The image file name should now be one number higher than the last image taken.

Tips & Warnings

• The highest number file name available is 9999. File names for images taken after DSC_9999 will begin again with DSC_0001, even if the "File Number Sequence" is set to "On."

References

• Kenrockwell.com: Nikon D3100 User's Guide
• Nikon: D3100 Reference Manual