The flashing hand indicator on the Nikon Coolpix 5200 means a lack of light.
The Nikon 5200 Coolpix digital camera features on-screen indicators meant to alert you to problems with your settings. Many are intended to notify you of times when the camera settings won't provide for the best quality image in the surrounding area. A flashing hand means there isn't enough light for a quality image to be produced while holding the camera in hand. The aperture is forced to open more to allow more light, while shutter speed is slowed to also allow more light, and the slightest shake of your hand will cause a blurred image. More light must be provided for an in-hand shot, or a tripod is needed to stabilize the camera if the light cannot be improved.
Instructions
1. Increase the amount of light in the area where the photograph is to be taken by opening curtains or turning on more lights. If this provides enough light to take your photo while holding the camera in your hands, the "shaky hand" icon will disappear. If not, please proceed to the following steps.
2. Turn on the camera's built-in flash unit so that the camera will recalibrate itself to compensate for the fact that you will be using flash. The camera "knows" how much light its flash is capable of producing and, if the built-in computer is satisfied there will be enough light for you to take the shot while holding the camera in your hands, the icon will disappear. If you cannot possibly get enough light, even with the flash, the camera will need to be mounted on something stable to prevent a blurred image while the shot is taken.
3. Set up and use a camera tripod which will permit you to take the photo without streaks or blurriness because of hand movement. In this case the "shaky hands" icon may be ignored to a certain degree, as it will still appear because the camera doesn't "know" you are now using a tripod. Keep in mind that your image may still appear somewhat under-exposed, but the tripod will allow the image to be free of streaks or blurs due to hand motion.
Tags: enough light, holding camera, while holding, while holding camera, 5200 Coolpix, allow more, allow more light
