Nikon Coolpix 5400 Troubleshooting

The camera can’t detect the memory card.

Make sure a memory card is present in the port by opening the memory slot cover and checking for the memory card.

Turn off the camera and make sure the memory card is correctly inserted into the port.  Open the memory card slot cover and press the eject button twice to remove the memory card. Check that the eject button is all the way down and re-insert the memory card terminals first with the label facing the back of the camera. Make sure the card is fully inserted into the port. Close the memory card slot cover.

Insert the memory card into your computer using a memory card port, and search for files without a .jpg file-type. Delete the excess files (e.g., .sfk file-type) by clicking on the file and hitting the delete button.  After this is done, put the card back in the camera.  If it still does not detect the memory card, try a different card.  If nothing else works, replace the card reader.

The memory card will not format properly.

Insert memory card into camera, turn camera on, press multi-selector down to highlight the format, and press right to format card.  If this does not work, turn camera off and replace the memory card.

A notification for a lens error shows up on the display.

Make sure the housing is free of debris like sand or dirt. Particles may build up inside the lens housing and prevent the lens from moving.  To remove any debris, use a lens cloth to clean the lens from the center in an outward circular motion. Run the cloth around the perimeter of the lens housing. Canned air can be used to blow out the housing. Carefully spray the air around the lens to blow out any debris.

Make sure the battery is in the camera and fully charged. A green battery symbol appears on the display screen when charged. To charge, use the included battery charger and plug into outlet. Allow two hours for a full charge. To remove the battery, turn the camera off, slide the battery-chamber latch to the open position, and flip the battery-chamber cover open. Remove the battery. Re-insert the battery as shown on the label inside the chamber. Close the battery-chamber cover and slide the latch to the closed position. If this does not work, replace the battery.

The display monitor is not showing any information.

Check that the camera is on by rotating the power switch to the on position.   Check that the battery is correctly inserted and charged. A green battery symbol appears on the display screen when charged. To charge, use the included battery charger and plug into outlet. Allow two hours for a full charge. To remove the battery, turn the camera off, slide the battery-chamber latch to the open position, and flip the battery-chamber cover open. Remove the battery. Re-insert the battery as shown on the label inside the chamber. Close the battery-chamber cover and slide the latch to the closed position.  The AC adapter make not be connected correctly; make sure it is correctly plugged into both the camera and an outlet.

Make sure the camera is not in standby mode. Press the shutter-release button halfway down to remove standby mode.

Turn the monitor on by pressing the monitor power button found to the bottom-right of the monitor.

Disconnect any USB cables by removing the cable from the USB port to restore the monitor.  If nothing else works, replace the monitor.

The display monitor is too difficult to read.

Check if the monitor is dirty. Clean the monitor with compressed air to remove dirt and dust. Clean the monitor with a soft cloth to remove any smudges.

Use the display options to adjust the brightness of the monitor screen. Turn the mode dial to select Set Up. Use the multi-selector buttons to scroll down to Brightness. Select this option by pressing the center button. Press the multi-selector up and down buttons to adjust the brightness of the display. Press the center button to save the new brightness level.

Move to a darker location to read the screen.  If the screen is still difficult to read, close the monitor and use the viewfinder instead.  If nothing else works, replace the monitor.

Pictures taken are too bright or dark to clearly identify the contents.

Turn the flash on by pushing the flash button, marked by a zigzag downward pointing arrow. Select the anytime flash by selecting the icon of the zigzag downward pointing arrow. Make sure the flash is not blocked and the object photographed is within range (1’8”-14’9”).

Move to a different location.

Make sure the shutter speed is correct.  Fast shutter speeds cause brightness and slow speeds cause dark photos. For instructions on manually changing shutter speed, refer to manual pages 50-53, available here.