Initial Setup:

Setting Selection Manual

Highest Image Quality & CompressionSelect JPEG (Fine) or RAW Pg. 62
Largest Image Size Select Large (icon: L) Pg. 64
ISO (Outdoors/Bright Light) Select an ISO of 200 Pg. 74
ISO (Indoors/Low Light) Select Auto or manually set between 400 to 3200 Pg. 74
Select Direct Sunlight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash or Preset
White Balance Pg. 96
Manual

Cool Effects:

Effect Selection Manual

Shoot in Black and White i Button → Highlight Picture Control Tab → Select Monochrome (MC) Pg. 107
Increase Color Saturation i Button → Highlight Picture Control Tab → Select Vivid (VI) Pg. 107
Convert Color Photo to Black & WhiteMENU → Retouch Menu (Paint Brush Tab) → Monochrome Pg. 178
Process NEF (RAW) Files In-Camera MENU → Retouch Menu (Paint Brush Tab) → NEF (RAW) Processing Pg. 184
Add Digital Filters to Your Photos MENU → Retouch Menu (Paint Brush Tab) → Filter Effects Pg. 178
Create an Outline Copy for Painting MENU → Retouch Menu (Paint Brush Tab) → Color Outline Pg. 186
Perspective Correction MENU → Retouch Menu (Paint Brush Tab) → Perspective Control Pg. 186

Better Control & Performance:

Setting Selection Manual

Quick burst of shots i Button → Highlight Release Mode Tab → Continuous (icon: three boxes) Pg. 65
Imprint the Time & Date MENU → Custom Settings Tab (icon: pencil) → d6: Date Imprint Pg. 160
Include Yourself in the Photo i Button → Highlight Release Mode tab → Self-timer (icon: clock) Pg. 67