9224-2773-11 H-A106 E INSTRUCTION MANUAL
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Thank you for purchasing this Minolta digital camera. Please take the time to read through this instruction manual so you can enjoy all the features of your new camera. This manual contains information regarding products introduced before June, 2001. To obtain compatibility information for products released after this date, contact a Minolta Service Facility. Check the packing list before using this product. If any items are missing, immediately contact your local camera dealer.
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product. WARNING Using batteries improperly can cause them to leak harmful solutions, overheat, or explode which may damage property or cause personal injury. Do not ignore the following warnings. • Only use the batteries specified in this instruction manual. • Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/–) reversed. • Do not use batteries which show wear or damage.
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE • Keep batteries or small parts that could be swallowed away from infants. Contact a doctor immediately if an object is swallowed. • Store this product out of reach of children. Be careful when around children, not to harm them with the product or parts. • Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes. It may damage eyesight. • Do not fire the flash at vehicle operators. It may cause a distraction or temporary blindness which may lead to an accident.
CAUTION • Do not use or store the product in a hot or humid environment such as the glove compartment or trunk of a car. It may damage the product and batteries which may result in burns or injuries caused by heat, fire, explosion, or leaking battery fluid. • If batteries are leaking, discontinue use of the product. • The camera temperature rises with extended periods of use. Care should be taken to avoid burns.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Names of parts Camera body ...........................................................................................................................10 Data panel ...............................................................................................................................13 EVF and LCD monitor display .................................................................................................14 Getting up and running..................................................
Image quality ...........................................................................................................................43 About super-fine and RAW image quality...................................................................44 Image-file size and CompactFlash card capacity....................................................................45 Exposure modes......................................................................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Flash modes ............................................................................................................................76 Flash compensation ................................................................................................................78 Flash range..............................................................................................................................79 Attaching a Minolta accessory flash (sold separately) ...........................
Frame-selection screen .........................................................................................................111 Viewing images on a television .............................................................................................112 Setup mode - controlling the camera’s operation...............................................................................113 Navigating the setup menu.................................................................................................
NAMES OF PARTS CAMERA BODY * This camera is a sophisticated optical instrument. Care should be taken to keep these surfaces clean. Please read the care and storage instructions in the back of this manual (p. 142). Data panel (p. 13) Digital-subject-program button (p. 38) Built-in flash (p. 21) Focal-length index Zooming ring1 Pro-auto button (p. 37) Strap eyelet (p. 16) Control dial Lens* Shutter-release button Focusing ring (p. 71) Card-slot door (p.
Playback mode (p. 93) Movie mode (p. 90) Recording mode (p. 29) Setup mode (p. 113) Data-transfer mode (p. 123) Display mode switch Display information button (p. 32, 98) Dial release Accessory shoe Eyepiece sensors* (p. 32) CCD plane Main switch/Mode dial Electronic viewfinder* (EVF) (p. 72) AF/AE lock button (p. 73) Menu button Access lamp Controller LCD monitor* (p. 14) Magnification button Remote-control terminal cover (p. 92) Battery-chamber lock (p. 24) QV/ Delete button (p.
NAMES OF PARTS Exposure modes (p. 46) Image quality (p. 43) Image size (p. 42) Drive modes (p. 51) White balance (p. 58) Camera sensitivity (p. 61) Function button Macro release (p. 69) Function dial (p. 40) Diopter-adjustment dial (p. 72) Focus-mode (AF/MF) button (p. 71) Tripod socket Digital Effects Controller (p. 62) Digital-effects button Digital-effects switch 12 Contrast compensation (p. 64) Exposure compensation (p. 63) Color-saturation compensation (p.
DATA PANEL White-balance indicators (p. 58) • Daylight, tungsten, fluorescent, cloudy, and Custom. Exposure-mode indicators (p. 46) Battery-condition indicator (p. 25) Digital-subject-program icons (p. 38) Drive-mode indicators (p. 51) • Bracketing • Self-timer • Single-frame advance • Continuous advance Red-eye reduction indicator (p. 76) Manual-focus indicator (p. 71) Camera-sensitivity indicator (p.
NAMES OF PARTS EVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAY a. Flash-mode indicators (p. 76) b. Flash signals (p. 21) c. Mode indicator d. Flash-compensation display (p. 78) e. Sharpness display (p. 86) f. Contrast-compensation display (p. 64) g. Color-saturation-compensation display (p. 65) h. Exposure-compensation display (p. 63) i. White-balance indicators (p. 58) j. Exposure-mode/Digital-subject-program indicators (p. 46/38) k. Metering-mode indicators (p. 74) l. Shutter-speed display m. Aperture display n.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING This is a quick reference guide so that the camera can be used as soon as possible. However, it is recommended that the entire manual be read to properly operate the camera and to achieve the best results. CAMERA-SHAKE WARNING If the shutter speed falls below the point where the camera can be hand held safely, the camera-shake warning will appear in the EVF and LCD monitor.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING ATTACHING THE CAMERA STRAP Attach the camera strap to the strap eyelets as shown. 1 • Always keep the camera strap around your neck incase you drop the camera. 2 REMOVING THE LENS CAP Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the inside or outside tabs of the lens cap to remove. • When the camera is not in use, always replace the lens cap.
ATTACHING THE LENS HOOD The lens hood is used to control stray light from entering the lens and causing flare. When using the camera under bright light, the use of the lens hood is recommended. The lens hood should not be used with the built-in flash as it can cause a shadow.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING INSERTING BATTERIES Open the battery-chamber door by moving the battery-chamber lock to the open position . Insert the batteries. • Make sure the positive and negative battery terminals are orientated as illustrated on the diagram in the battery chamber. INSERTING THE COMPACTFLASH CARD Open the card-slot door (1). 2 1 Insert the CompactFlash card (2) and fold down the card-eject lever. • Insert the card so that the face is toward the front of the camera.
HANDLING CAMERA While using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD monitor, grip the camera firmly with your right hand while supporting the body with the palm of your left hand. Keep your elbows at your side and your feet shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steadily. The EVF can be tilted between 0° and 90°. This is useful for low-level camera positions. TURNING ON THE CAMERA AND DISPLAYS 2 While pushing in the dial release (1), turn the mode dial (2) to the still-image recording position.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING TAKING PICTURES With the mode dial set to still-image recording, the camera will be on and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD monitor will activate. The zooming ring can be used to frame your subject. The effect of the zoom is immediately displayed on the EVF and LCD monitor. Compose the image in the EVF or on LCD monitor taking care to place the subject within the focus frame. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture.
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH In low-light conditions or indoors, the flash is needed to illuminate the subject and reduce blurring through camera shake. The flash can also be used as a fill light in direct sunlight to soften harsh shadows. To use the flash, simply pull up the unit by the tabs on each side. Icons will appear in the upper left corner of the EVF and LCD monitor (see chart below). • The flash position must be set manually. • The flash will always fire regardless of the amount of ambient light.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING VIEWING AND DELETING PICTURES IN QUICK VIEW Captured images can be viewed in recording mode. Simply press the QV/delete button to access the images, and use the controller to scroll through the pictures on the CompactFlash card. 1 Press the QV/delete button to In quick view, images can also be deleted. Care playback the recorded images. should be taken when deleting image; once deleted it is impossible to recover the picture.
BASIC OPERATION This section covers the basic operation of the camera. Please thoroughly familiarise yourself with the operations in this section before moving on to other sections in the manual.
BASIC OPERATION CHANGING BATTERIES This digital camera uses four AA-size batteries. Ni-MH batteries can be used, and are recommended as they will offer longer life. When using Ni-MH batteries, fully recharge them with a battery charger suitable for Nickel Metal Hydride cells. Please consult your vendor about an appropriate charger. When replacing batteries, check that the mode dial is in the off position. Open the battery-chamber door by moving the batterychamber lock to the open position .
BATTERY-POWER INDICATORS This camera is equipped with an automatic battery-condition indicator. When the camera is on, the battery-condition indicator appears on the data panel and monitors. The monitor icon will change from white to red when battery power is low. If the data panel and monitors are blank, the batteries may be dead or installed incorrectly. Full-battery Icon - The batteries are fully charged. This icon is displayed for five seconds on the monitors when the camera is turned on.
BASIC OPERATION EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLIES (SOLD SEPARATELY) The AC Adaptor allows the camera to be powered from an electrical household outlet. During periods of heavy use, the AC Adaptor can conserve battery power. Its use is recommended when the camera is interfaced with a computer. AC Adaptor model AC1L is for use in North America, and AC-2L is for use in all other areas. The External High-power Battery Pack Kit EBP-100 is a portable source of power for the camera.
Always turn off the camera and confirm the access lamp is not lit before inserting or removing a CompactFlash card otherwise the card may be damaged, and data lost. 1 2 3 4 5 Open the card-slot door in the direction indicated (1). To eject a CompactFlash card, lift (2) then press (3) the card-eject lever. The card can now be pulled out. • Take care when removing the card as it becomes hot with use. Insert the CompactFlash card into the card slot until the card-eject lever pops out (4).
BASIC OPERATION SETTING THE CAMERA TO RECORD IMAGES AUTOMATICALLY 2 1 While holding in the dial release (1), turn the mode dial to still-image recording. Press the pro-auto button (2) to reset the programmed and automatic functions. All camera operations are now fully automatic. The autofocus, exposure, and imaging systems will work together to bring professional results effortlessly. EVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAY Focus frame Image-size indicator (p. 42) Mode indicator Image-quality indicator (p.
BASIC RECORDING OPERATION With the mode dial set to still-image recording, the camera will be on and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD monitor will activate. Place the subject within the focus frame. • For off centre subjects use the focus-lock function (p. 30). • Make sure the subject is within the focus range of the lens: 0.5m - ∞. For subjects closer than 0.5m, use the macro function (p. 69).
BASIC OPERATION FOCUS LOCK The focus-lock function is used when the subject is off-centre and outside the focus frame. Focus lock may also be used when a special focusing situation prevents the camera from focusing on the subject. Focus lock can be controlled one of two ways. The shutter-release button can be pressed and held partway down or the AF/AEL button at the back of the camera can be pressed and held. Place the subject within the focus frame.
FOCUS SIGNALS This digital camera has a quick, accurate autofocusing system. The focus signals in the lower right corner of the EVF and LCD monitor indicate the focus status. For more information on autofocus modes see p. 68. Focus icon: white Focus icon: red Focus confirmed. Cannot focus. The subject is too close or a special situation is preventing the AF system from focusing. • The shutter can be released even if the camera cannot focus on the subject.
BASIC OPERATION DISPLAY CONTROLS - RECORDING MODE Located on the back of the camera, the display-mode switch and the displayinformation button controls on which monitor the image is displayed and what information is included in the display. The three position switch allows the choice between automatic display and setting the display to the EVF or LCD monitor. Auto display - the camera will automatically change between displaying the live image in the EVF or on the LCD monitor.
In the centre of the display switch, the display-information button controls what information is displayed with the live image. Each time the button is pressed the display cycles to the next format: full display (shooting data, warnings, and focus frame), warnings and focus frame, live image only. Full display Warnings and focus frame Live image only • A warning will be displayed if battery power is low, autofocus cannot lock, or exposure is beyond the aperture and shutter-speed range.
BASIC OPERATION QUICK VIEW Captured images can be viewed in recording mode. Simply press the QV/delete button to access the images, and use the controller to scroll through the pictures on the CompactFlash card. Images can be displayed with various information: date, frame number, printing status, and lock status. A histogram of the image with shooting data can be displayed. For more information on the histogram display, see page 97. 1 Press the QV/delete button to play back the recorded images.
QUICK-VIEW DISPLAY Image size (p. 42) Image quality (p. 43) Mode indicator To view the histogram of the displayed image, press the up key of the controller (p. 97). Time of capture Date of capture Lock icon (p. 105) Frame number/ total number of images Print icon (p. 108) DELETING IMAGES IN QUICK VIEW In quick view, the displayed image can be deleted. When selecting an image for deletion, a confirmation screen will appear before the operation is executed. Once deleted, an image cannot be recovered.
RECORDING MODE ADVANCED OPERATION This section contains detailed information on the camera’s recording functions and operation. Read the sections pertaining to your interest and need. The ‘setting the function dial’ (p.40), Digital Effects Controller (p. 62), and the ‘navigating the recording-mode menu’ (p. 80) sections cover setting most of the advanced features in this camera. Each of these sections are followed by detailed descriptions of the settings.
PRO-AUTO BUTTON Simply pressing the pro-auto button (1) resets the camera to programmed and automatic functions. The camera’s systems work together to bring professional results leaving the operator free to concentrate on aesthetic decisions. 1 The pro-auto button only affects functions in the recording mode. The button has a limited effect in the movie mode; exposure, contrast, and colour-saturation compensation as well as the focus mode is reset. Digital subject program (p. 38) Exposure mode (p.
RECORDING MODE DIGITAL-SUBJECT-PROGRAM BUTTON 1 The subject-program button (1) optimises the camera’s performance for various conditions and subjects. Exposure, white-balance, and imageprocessing systems work in unison for beautiful results. Pressing the subject-program button cycles through the modes: portrait, sport action, sunset, night portrait, text, and the original exposure mode. A pointer will indicate the active subject program. The subject program will remain in effect until it is changed.
While camera performance is optimised for each shooting condition, some changes can be made to camera settings when using subject programs. The autofocus mode can be changed (p. 80). The sport action mode uses continuous AF, the other modes use single AF. The digital effects controller can be used to compensate exposure, contrast, and colour saturation (p. 62). White balance can be changed in all modes except sunset and night portrait (p. 58).
RECORDING MODE SETTING THE FUNCTION DIAL Image size, image quality, exposure modes, drive modes, white balance, and camera sensitivity are controlled by the function dial. Making changes with the function dial is simple. The function dial can only be used for still photography. Turn the function dial to the mode to be changed (1). While pressing the button in the centre of the function dial, turn the control dial near the shutter-release button to change the mode (2).
Function Dial Display SIZE QUAL P.A.S.M. P A S M DRIVE WB ISO 100, 200, 400, 800.
RECORDING MODE IMAGE SIZE Changing image size affects the number of pixels in each image. The greater the image size, the larger the file size. Choose image size based on the final use of the image - smaller images will be more suitable for web sites whereas larger sizes will produce higher quality prints. Image size must be set before the picture is taken. Changes made to image size are displayed on the data panel, EVF, and LCD monitor. Image size must be reset manually.
IMAGE QUALITY This camera has five image quality settings: raw, super fine, fine, standard, and economy. Always select the desired setting before taking the picture. See ‘setting the function dial’ section on page 40. Image quality controls the rate of compression, but has no effect on the number of pixels in the image. The higher the image quality, the lower the rate of compression and the larger the file sizes. The super-fine mode will produce the highest quality image and the largest image files.
RECORDING MODE ABOUT SUPER-FINE AND RAW IMAGE QUALITY Because super-fine and RAW data files are so large, the continuous-advance mode (p.52) cannot be used with these image-quality settings. If the continuous advance is used with either of these settings, only one image will be captured when the shutter-release button is pressed and held. With the bracketing drive mode, the continuous advance is cancelled and the shutter must be released manually for each frame of the bracket.
IMAGE-FILE SIZE AND COMPACTFLASH CARD CAPACITY The number of images that can be stored on a CompactFlash card is determined by the size of the card and the file size of the images. The actual file size is determined by the scene; some subjects can be compressed further than others. The tables below list approximate file sizes based on average file sizes. Approximate file sizes. Image 2560 X 1920 1600 X 1200 size (2048 X 1536)* Image quality RAW Super fine Fine Standard Economy 9.5MB (6.1MB) 14.1MB (9.
RECORDING MODE EXPOSURE MODES The four exposure modes allow extensive control over image making. Programmed AE gives carefree operation, aperture and shutter priority allow photographers to maximise exposures in different situations, and manual exposure provides complete freedom in controlling the final image. See setting the function dial section on page 40. P Program The camera controls both the shutter speed and aperture.
PROGRAM - P The programmed AE exposure control uses luminance and focal-length information to ensure perfect exposures. The sophisticated exposure system allows the photographer the freedom to shoot without having to worry about the technical details of exposure settings. The shutter speed and aperture value of the exposure are displayed on the monitors and data panel. The program line adjusts with the changes in focal length of the zoom lens.
RECORDING MODE APERTURE PRIORITY - A The photographer selects the aperture and the camera sets the appropriate shutter speed to ensure correct exposure. When A mode is selected, the aperture value on the monitor and EVF will turn blue. 2 1 Turn the control dial (1) to set the desired aperture value. Press the shutter-release button to activate the exposure system (2); the corresponding shutter speed will be displayed. The aperture values can be changed by half stop increments between f/2.
SHUTTER PRIORITY - S The photographer selects the shutter speed and the camera sets the appropriate aperture to ensure correct exposure. When S mode is selected, the shutter speed on the monitor and EVF will turn blue. 2 1 Turn the control dial (1) to set the desired shutter speed. Press the shutter-release button to activate the exposure system (2); the corresponding aperture will be displayed. The shutter speeds can be changed by half stop increments from 4 seconds to 1/2000.
RECORDING MODE MANUAL EXPOSURE - M Manual exposure mode allows individual selection of shutter speeds and apertures. This mode overrides the exposure system giving the photographer total control over the final exposure. The shutter speeds and aperture values can be changed in half stop increments. The value that is being set will turn blue on the monitors. As changes are made to the exposure, the effect will be visible on the monitors.
DRIVE MODES The drive modes control the rate and method images are captured. Icons indicating the selected drive mode appear on the data panel and LCD monitor and in the EVF. See ‘setting the function dial’ section on page 40. Single-frame advance To take a single image each time the shutter-release button is pressed. Continuous drive To take multiple images when the shutterrelease button is pressed and held. Self-timer To delay the release of the shutter. Used for self-portraits.
RECORDING MODE CONTINUOUS ADVANCE Continuous-advance mode allows a series of images to be captured while holding down the shutter-release button. Continuous-advance acts as a motor drive on a film camera. The number of images that can be captured at one time and the rate of capture depends on the image-quality and image-size setting. The maximum rate of capture is 1.1 fps (1.3 fps for DiMAGE 5) with full-size images with manual focus in manual-exposure mode.
SELF-TIMER Used for self-portraits, the self-timer will delay the release of the shutter for approximately ten seconds after the shutter is released. The self-timer is set with the function dial (p. 40). With the camera on a tripod, compose the picture as described in the basic operation section (p. 29). Focus lock (p.30) or the Flex Focus Point (p. 67) can be used with offcentre subjects . Press the shutter-release button partway down or press the AF/AEL button to lock the exposure and focus.
RECORDING MODE BRACKETING This mode makes a three image bracket of a scene. Bracketing is a method of taking a series of images of a static subject in which each image has a slight variation in exposure. The camera is not limited to exposure brackets, but can also make contrast and colour saturation brackets. Only one image characteristic can be bracketed at a time. The bracketing mode is set with the function dial (p. 40).
DIGITAL ENHANCED BRACKETING After setting the drive mode to bracketing, turn the digital effects switch to the contrast or colour-saturation setting. Set the contrast or colour saturation to the desired level; Contrast bracket the bracket series is from one unit under to one unit over the set level. Except for a RAW image, if the the contrast or colour saturation is set to the maximum or minimum level (±3), one bracket will be made at ± 4: +3, +2, +4.
RECORDING MODE INTERVAL The interval mode makes a series of still images over a period of time. Similar to timelapse photography, a series of images of a slow moving event can be taken: the blossoming of a flower, the construction of a building. The built-in flash can be used. Instant playback (p. 89) is disabled. Use the function dial to set the drive mode to interval (p. 40). The number of frames in the series will be displayed on the monitors next to the interval icon.
Press the shutter-release button to begin the series. During the interval series, the monitors will be turned off to conserve power. “Int” will be displayed on the data panel and the data-panel frame counter will countdown the remaining frames in the interval series. The access lamp will glow when an image is being recorded. To force the shutter to fire before the end of an interval, press the shutter-release button. The next interval will be timed from the new exposure.
RECORDING MODE WHITE BALANCE White Balance is the camera’s ability to make different types of lighting appear neutral. The effect is similar to selecting daylight or tungsten film, or using colour compensating filters in conventional photography. When setting the white balance, “Auto” (data panel) and “AWB” (monitors) will be displayed to indicate the auto white-balance setting. An icon will be displayed on the data panel and monitors if a setting other than auto white-balance was chosen.
AUTOMATIC WHITE BALANCE The automatic white balance compensates for the colour temperature of a scene. In most cases, the AUTO setting will balance the ambient light and create beautiful images, even under mixed-lighting conditions. When the built-in flash is used, the white balance is set for the colour temperature of the flash. PRESET WHITE BALANCE Preset white-balance settings must be set before the image is taken. Once set, the effect is immediately visible in the EVF and LCD monitor.
RECORDING MODE CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE Custom-white-balance function allows a photographer to calibrate the camera to a specific lighting condition. The setting can be used repeatedly until reset. Custom white balance is especially useful with mixed-lighting conditions or when critical control over colour is needed. To calibrate the camera, press the function button and turn the control dial until the Custom white-balance icon and “SET” appear on the data panel and red on the monitors.
CAMERA SENSITIVITY - ISO Five settings can be selected for camera sensitivity: Auto, 100, 200, 400, and 800; the numerical values are based on an ISO equivalent. ISO is the standard used to indicate film sensitivity: the higher the number, the more sensitive the film. See ‘setting the function dial’ section on page 40 to change the ISO setting. The auto setting automatically adjusts the camera sensitivity to the light conditions between ISO 100 and 400.
RECORDING MODE DIGITAL EFFECTS CONTROL The Digital Effects Controller is a powerful tool. As well as being able to make adjustments to exposure, the controller can also change image contrast and colour saturation. The effect of any change is instantly visible in the EVF or on the LCD monitor before the image is captured. Since compensation is applied to the image before it is compressed and saved, image information can be maximised before leaving the scene.
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION The exposure can be adjusted before the image is captured to make the final picture lighter or darker. Exposure can be adjusted by as much as ±2Ev in 1/3 increments (p. 36). The exposure compensation value will remain in effect until it has been reset. The exposure compensation must be set before the image is captured. When setting the exposure compensation, the change is shown on the data panel aperture display and next to the exposure-compensation icon on the monitors.
RECORDING MODE CONTRAST COMPENSATION The contrast of a scene can be adjusted within seven levels (±3) with the Digital Effects Controller. If a scene is too contrasty, information will be lost; if a scene is flat, the image information is not optimised for the recording ability of the camera. Control over the contrast gives photographers the ability to optimise the image information at the scene. The contrast must be set before the image is captured.
COLOUR-SATURATION COMPENSATION The colour saturation of a scene can be adjusted within seven levels (±3) with the Digital Effects Controller. Colours can be accented or subdued. The colour saturation must be set before the image is captured. When changing the colour-saturation setting, an icon will appear on the data panel and in the live image. The data panel and monitors will indicate if an increase (+) or decrease (–) in saturation has been made.
RECORDING MODE AUTOFOCUS AREAS AND CONTROL In still-image recording mode, the controller selects the focus area used and moves the spot-focus area within the image. The two focus areas, wide focus area and spot focus point, allow flexibility over a variety of situations. The wide focus area is an array of local focus areas that work together to control focus. This system is especially effective with moving subjects or quick shooting in fastmoving events.
FLEX FOCUS POINT - CONTROLLING THE SPOT FOCUS POINT Once displayed, the spot focus area can be moved to any point in the image area. This Flex Focus Point is a powerful tool for off-centre subjects. The Flex Focus Point cannot be used with continuous AF (p. 68) or the digital zoom (p. 70). 1 With the spot-focus-area cross displayed, use the controller’s four-way keys (1) to move the focus point anywhere within the live image.
RECORDING MODE AUTOFOCUS MODES This digital camera has two autofocusing modes. The single and continuous autofocus modes are selected in the basic section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80). Single AF - for general purpose photography and static subjects. When the shutterrelease button is pressed partway down the autofocus system locks onto the subject in the focus area and will remain in effect until the shutter button is released. Continuous AF - for moving subjects.
MACRO MODE The macro mode is used for close-up photographs of small objects. The minimum focusing distance is 25cm from the CCD or about 13cm from the front of the lens. The macro mode can be used with the digital zoom to increase the close-up effect. Subject programs and movie recording can be used with the macro setting. The built-in flash cannot be used with macro mode. CCD plane Turn the zoom ring to the telephoto setting. • Align the arrow on the zooming ring with the arrow near the macro switch.
RECORDING MODE DIGITAL ZOOM The digital zoom doubles the lens magnification. The digital zoom cannot be used with RAW image quality or in movie recording. Press the magnification button on the back of the camera. The effect is immediately displayed. • The live image is enlarged on the LCD monitor and is cropped with a shaded border in the EVF. • X2.0 is displayed in the monitors when the digital zoom is in effect. • Pressing the magnification button a second time cancels the digital zoom.
MANUAL FOCUS Manual control over focus is simple. The focus mode button (AF/MF) (1) toggles between automatic and manual focus. The MF icon is displayed on the data panel and monitors when the camera is in the manualfocus mode. Use the focus ring (2) at the rear of the lens barrel to make a sharp image in the EVF or on the LCD monitor. The approximate distance from the CCD to the subject is displayed on the monitors. Manual focus can be used with movie recording and in macro mode.
RECORDING MODE ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER The EVF displays 100% field of view. When using the camera outdoors or under bright lighting conditions, the viewfinder image is not affected by the ambient light and is bright and clear. The electronic viewfinder can be tilted between 0° to 90°. Simply grip the finder between your fingers and move it to the position desired. Always store the camera with finder down against the body. DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT The EVF has a built-in dioptre that can be adjusted between –5.
AF/AE LOCK BUTTON When the shutter-release button is pressed partway down, the focus and exposure is locked. The AF/AEL button performs the same operation when pressed and held; the focus signals and exposure displays will confirm if the settings are locked. The operation of this button can be changed in the Custom-1 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80). Changing these settings has no effect on the operation of the shutterrelease button. Focus lock is disabled when the camera is set to continuous AF.
RECORDING MODE METERING MODES Multi-segment An advanced metering system appropriate for almost all photographic situations. Centre weighted Averages luminance values from the entire image area with a bias toward the centre of the image. Spot For precise measurements of a small area displayed on the monitors. The icons indicating the metering mode are displayed on the monitors only. Do not confuse these icons with the focus signals (p. 68).
FLASH METERING Two flash-metering methods are available: ADI and pre-flash TTL. The flash meteringmode can be changed in the basic section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80). ADI flash metering - Advanced Distance Integration. This metering mode combines distance information from the autofocusing system with information from a pre-flash exposure. Unlike conventional TTL flash metering, ADI is not influenced by the reflectance of the subject or background, ensuring optimum flash exposures.
RECORDING MODE FLASH MODES Data panel EVF & LCD monitor – Fill-flash – Red-eye reduction Rear flash sync Used in low-light conditions and to reduce shadows under direct sunlight. To reduce the red-eye effect with flash photographs of people and animals Flash fires at the end of long exposures. The flash mode can be changed in the basic section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80). For the flash to fire, the unit must be manually lifted.
RED-EYE REDUCTION Red-eye reduction is used when taking photographs of people or animals in low-light conditions. The red-eye effect is caused by light reflected from the retina of the eye. The camera will fire a pre-flash before the main flash to contract the pupils of the subject’s eyes. REAR FLASH SYNC Rear flash sync is used with long exposures to make trailing lights or blurring appear to follow rather than precede the subject.
RECORDING MODE FLASH COMPENSATION The flash output can be controlled by ±2 Ev in 1/3 Ev increments. Flash compensation is set in the basic section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80). If the flash compensation is set to any value other than 0.0, the flashcompensation indicator will appear on the monitors and data panel.
FLASH RANGE For correct flash exposures, the subject must be within the flash range. The flash range can be extended by changing the camera sensitivity (p. 40). When the camera sensitivity is set to auto, the ISO is set at 200. The flash range is measured from the CCD. Because of the optical system, the flash range is not the same at the lens’ wideangle position as it is at the telephoto position. ISO setting AUTO 100 200 400 800 Flash range (wide angle) 0.5m 0.5m 0.5m 0.5m 0.5m ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 3.8m 2.7m 3.
RECORDING MODE NAVIGATING THE RECORDING-MODE MENU 1 In recording mode, press the menu button to activate the menu. The menu button also turns off the recording-mode menu after making settings. 2 The four-way keys are used to move the cursor in the menu. Pressing the centre of the controller will enter a setting. Activate the recording-mode menu with the menu button (1). The “Basic” tab at the top of the menu will be highlighted.
Basic AF mode Metering mode Flash mode Flash comp. Flash Metering Custom 1 AF single AF continuous Multi-segment Centre weighted Spot Fill-flash Red-eye Rear flash sync ±2 Ev ADI flash Pre-flash TTL Color mode Data imprint Instant playback Exposure bracket Hard (+) Normal Soft (–) Color B&W No YYYY/MM/DD MM/DD/hr:min Text Text + ID# No 2 sec 10 sec 1 2 3 Store memory 0.3 0.5 1.0 1~10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60 min.
RECORDING MODE RECORDING-MODE MENU - BASIC Menu option Settings AF-single AF mode (p. 68) AF-continuous Multi-segment Metering mode (p. 74) Centre weighted Spot Flash mode (p. 76) Flash compensation (p. 78) 82 Description Focus is calculated and set when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down. Camera continues to focus on a moving subject even when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down. Employs 300 segments (256 for the DiMAGE 5) over the image area to calculate exposure.
Flash metering (p. 75) ADI flash Uses distance and pre-flash information to calculate exposure. – Pre-flash TTL Uses only pre-flash information to calculate exposure. – RECORDING-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 1 Memory (p. 85) 1~3 Camera settings can be recalled from three memory channels. – Store memory To store camera settings in memory. When selected, the store-in-memory screen will appear. – Exposure bracket (p. 54) 0.3 Ev, 0.5 Ev, 1.0 Ev Interval (p. 56) 1 ~ 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60 min. Frames (p.
RECORDING MODE RECORDING-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 1 (CONT.) Menu option Magnification button (p. 71) (DiMAGE 7 only) Settings Description Digital zoom The 2X digital zoom is active. Electronic magnification The 4X electronic magnification is active. EVF and LCD monitor display RECORDING-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 2 Hard (+) Sharpness (p. 86) Sets the degree of sharpness to be applied before the image is captured. – B&W To record 24-bit colour or 8-bit monochrome images.
MEMORY - SAVING CAMERA SETTINGS Three sets of camera settings can be saved. This feature saves time under frequently repeating conditions by eliminating the need to set camera functions. Except for the AF/AEL button, subject programs, data imprinting, and instant playback settings, all recording-mode camera settings will be saved including the position of the Flex Focus Point, the Custom white balance setting and changes made with the function dial and digital effects control.
RECORDING MODE SHARPNESS The sharpness of the image can be altered. This must be set before the image is recorded. Sharpness is set in the Custom 2 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80). Recording-mode menu settings EVF and LCD monitor display Increases the sharpness of the image, accentuating details. Hard (+) Normal Soft (–) – No filter applied. Softens the details of the image.
DATA IMPRINTING Data can be printed directly on the image. The imprinting function must be activated before the image is taken. Once activated, data will continue to be imprinted until the function is reset; a yellow bar is displayed behind the distance indicator and frame counter on the monitors to indicate the imprinting function is active. Data imprinting is controlled in the Custom 2 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80). Recording-mode menu setting No Data imprinting function disabled.
RECORDING MODE ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD The electronic keyboard is used to enter text for imprinting data or for naming new folders. The keyboard automatically appears when text needs to be entered. To enter text, simply use the four-way keys of the controller to highlight the desired character and then press the centre of the controller to enter it. Entering the CapL key will change case; the change is immediately displayed on the letters of the keyboard.
INSTANT PLAYBACK After an image is captured, it will be displayed on the monitors before being saved. When in continuous drive or bracketing mode, an index display is used. The instant playback function is set in the Custom 2 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80). Recording-mode menu setting No 2 sec 10 sec Instant playback is disabled. The captured image will be displayed for two or ten seconds. While displayed, the image can be deleted before being saved.
RECORDING MODE MOVIE RECORDING 2 This camera can record up to sixty seconds of digital video. The motion JPEG image is 320 X 240 pixels (QVGA). The effective image area is 308 X 240 pixels; two thin lines will appear to the left and right of the image when played back. Shooting digital video is simple. Set the main dial to movie recording (1). Frame the picture as described in the basic recording operation (p. 29). Press the shutter-release button once to start recording (2).
The table below shows the approximate total recording time with various CompactFlash cards. Actual time depends on the subject and the number of still images captured. 8MB 16MB 64MB DiMAGE 7 44 sec. 90 sec. 363 sec. DiMAGE 5 36 sec. 70 sec. 290 sec. This table indicates which functions can be used, which are fixed, and which are disabled in movie mode. Manual focus can be used before or during movie recording. Exposure compensation (p. 63) Contrast compensation (p.
RECORDING MODE BULB EXPOSURES Bulb photographs can be taken in the manual-exposure mode (M) (p. 71). Exposures up to thirty seconds can be made by pressing and holding the shutter-release button. The use of a tripod and a remote cord is recommended for bulb exposures. Use the control dial (1) to decrease the shutter-speed value below four seconds until “bulb” is displayed. 1 To set the aperture value, turn the Digital Effects Controller to exposure compensation (2).
PLAYBACK MODE VIEWING AND EDITING IMAGES This section contains detailed information on the camera’s playback functions and operation. Read the sections pertaining to your interest and need. The sections on viewing pictures, viewing movies, deleting images (p. 94 - 95), navigating the playback-mode menu (p. 102), and frame-selection screen (p. 111) cover the use of most of the features for viewing and editing images.
PLAYBACK MODE VIEWING PICTURES Still images and movie clips can easily be viewed and edited in playback mode. To set the camera to view images, turn the mode dial to the playback position (1). Simply use the controller to scroll through the pictures on the CompactFlash card. Images are displayed with date, frame number, printing status, and lock status information. Still images can be displayed with a histogram and shooting data.
VIEWING MOVIES 1 Use the left/right keys of the controller to display the movie clip to be viewed. 2 Press the centre of the controller to play back the clip. 3 To cancel the playback of a movie, press the down key of the controller. • Pressing the controller during playback will pause the movie clip; pressing the controller again will resume the playback. • When the movie clip finishes, the first frame will be displayed.
PLAYBACK MODE SINGLE-FRAME PLAYBACK DISPLAY Image size (p. 42) Image quality (p. 43) Mode indicator Time of recording Date of recording Frame number/ total number of images in folder Printing icon (p. 108) Lock icon (p.
HISTOGRAM DISPLAY Mode indicator Thumbnail of image Image size (p. 42) Image quality (p. 43) Shutter speed Aperture value White balance setting (p. 58) Camera sensitivity (ISO) setting (p. 61) Degree of exposure compensation (p. 63) Folder name (p. 130) Folder number - image file number Date of recording The luminance distribution of the image The black area of the histogram shows the luminance distribution of the recorded image from black (left) to white (right).
PLAYBACK MODE DISPLAY CONTROLS - PLAYBACK MODE Located on the back of the camera, the display-mode switch and the displayinformation button controls on which monitor the image is displayed and the display format. The three position switch allows the choice between automatic display and setting the display to the EVF or LCD monitor. Auto display - the camera will automatically change between displaying the image in the EVF or on the LCD monitor.
In the centre of the display switch, the display-information button controls the display format. Each time the button is pressed the display cycles through to the next format: full display, image only, index playback. Full display Image only Index playback In index playback, the left/right keys of the controller will move the yellow border to the next or the previous image.
PLAYBACK MODE ENLARGED PLAYBACK In single-frame playback, a still image can be enlarged for closer examination. RAW and super fine images cannot be enlarged. 1 With the image to be enlarged displayed, press the magnification button. 2 When enlarged, the four-way keys of the controller can scroll the image. • The degree of magnification is displayed in the EVF and on the LCD monitor. • The image is magnified in a maximum of three steps.
The number of magnification steps in enlarged playback is dependent on the size of the recorded image. The smaller the image size, the fewer steps are available. 1024 X 768 digital zoom images recorded with the DiMAGE 5 are enlarged in three steps: 2X, 2.5X and 3.2X. DiMAGE 7 2560 X 1920 1600 X 1200 1280 X 960 640 X 480 1st step 2X 2X 2X 2X 2nd step 2.5X 2.5X 2.5X – 4X 4X 4X – 2048 X 1536 1600 X 1200 1280 X 960 640 X 480 2X 2X 2X 2X 2nd step 2.5X 2.5X 2.5X – 3rd step 3.
PLAYBACK MODE NAVIGATING THE PLAYBACK-MODE MENU 1 In playback mode, press the menu button to activate the menu. The menu button also turns off the playback-mode menu when the settings have been completed. 2 The four-way keys are used to move the cursor in the menu. Pressing the controller will enter a setting. Activate the playback-mode menu with the menu button (1). The “Basic” tab will be highlighted.
Basic Delete Lock Index format This frame All frames Marked frames This frame All frames Marked frames Unlock frames 9 frames 4 frames Custom 1 Slide show Playback Duration Repeat Yes No Choosing “Yes” will execute the operation, “No” will cancel the operation Please refer to the following sections for descriptions of the menu options and their settings. For information on frame-selection screens, see page 111. Start All frames Marked frames 1 ~ 60 sec.
PLAYBACK MODE PLAYBACK-MODE MENU - BASIC DELETING IMAGES Deleting permanently erases the image. Once deleted, an image cannot be recovered. Care should be taken when deleting images. Single, multiple, or all images in a folder can be deleted with the playback-mode menu. Before an image is deleted, a confirmation screen will appear; choosing “Yes” will execute the operation, “No” will cancel the operation.
LOCKING IMAGES Single, multiple, or all images in a folder can be locked. A locked image cannot be deleted by either the playback-mode menu functions or the QV/delete button. Important images should be locked. To lock images in other folders, the folder must first be selected in the Custom 1 section of the setup menu (p. 114). The lock option has four settings: This frame - The image displayed or highlighted in playback mode will be locked. All frames - All images in the folder will be locked.
PLAYBACK MODE PLAYBACK-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 1 (SLIDE SHOW) The Custom 1 section of the playback-mode menu controls the slide-show function. This function automatically displays all still images in a folder in order. Image countdown / total number of images in the presentation. Press the controller to pause and restart the presentation. To cancel the presentation, press the down key of the controller.
Menu options Slide show Settings Start To start the slide-show presentation. Pressing the centre of the controller will pause the presentation. During the slide show, press the down key of the controller to stop the presentation and return to the playback-mode menu. All frames To select all the images in the folder to be displayed in the slide-show presentation. Marked Frames To select specific images in the folder to be displayed in the slide-show presentation.
PLAYBACK MODE PLAYBACK-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 2 ABOUT DPOF This camera is supported by DPOF™ version 1.1. The DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) allows direct printing of still images from digital cameras. After the DPOF file is created, the CompactFlash card is simply taken to a photofinishing service or inserted into the CompactFlash-card slot of DPOF compatible printers. When a DPOF file is created, a misc. folder is automatically made on the CompactFlash card to store it (p. 130).
When the this-frame or all-frames setting is chosen, a screen will appear requesting the number of copies of each image; a maximum of nine copies can be ordered. Use the up/down keys of the controller to set the number of copies desired. If the all-frames setting was used to create a print order, any additional images saved afterwards in the folder will not be included in the order. Dpof files cannot be created for images captured with another camera.
PLAYBACK MODE COPYING IMAGES Image files can be copied from one CompactFlash card to another. Up to 10MB of data can be transferred. Every time the copy function is used a new folder is automatically be created for the images (p. 130). This frame - To copy the image currently displayed. Marked frames - To copy single or multiple images.
FRAME-SELECTION SCREEN When a marked-frames setting is chosen on a menu, the frame selection screen will appear. This screen allows multiple images to be chosen. The index format of the screen can be changed in the basic section of the playback-mode menu (p. 102). Play The left/right keys of the controller move the yellow border to select the image. Menu button Cancels the screen and any operation made. The up key of the controller selects the frame; when selected, an icon will appear next to the image.
VIEWING IMAGES ON A TELEVISION It is possible to view camera images on your television. The camera has a video-out terminal which can be used to connect the camera to a television using the supplied video cable. The camera is compatible with the NTSC and PAL standards. The videooutput setting can be checked and set in the Custom 2 section of the setup menu (p. 114). 1. Turn off the television and the camera. 2. Insert the mini-plug end of the video cable into the camera’s video-out terminal. 3.
SETUP MODE CONTROLLING THE CAMERA’S OPERATION This section contains detailed information on controlling the camera’s functions and operation as well as creating and selecting image folders. The ‘navigating the setup menu’ section (p. 114) covers the operation of the setup menu. The section is followed by detailed descriptions of the settings.
SETUP MODE NAVIGATING THE SETUP MENU The four-way keys of the controller are used to move the cursor in the menu. Pressing the controller will enter a setting. The “Basic” tab will be highlighted. Use the left/right keys of the controller (2) to highlight the appropriate menu tab; the menus will change as the tabs are highlighted. When the desired menu is displayed, use the up/down keys (2) to scroll through the menu options. Highlight the option whose setting needs to be changed.
Basic LCD brightness EVF brightness Format Power Save Beep Language 1 (low) ~ 5 (high) 1 (low) ~ 5 (high) Enter 1, 3, 5, or 10 min High tone Low tone Off English Deutsch Français Español Yes No Choosing “Yes” on the confirmation screens will execute the operation, “No” will cancel the operation Please refer to the following sections for descriptions of the menu options and their settings.
SETUP MODE SETUP MENU - BASIC The basic section of the setup menu allows changes to be made to the operation of the camera as well as the ability to format CompactFlash cards. EVF AND LCD MONITOR BRIGHTNESS The brightness settings of the EVF and LCD monitor is set independent of each other. Brightness is controlled in five levels from 1 (low) to 5 (high). As each setting is highlighted, the monitor will adjust accordingly; the controller must be pressed to set the highlighted level.
AUTO POWER SAVE The camera will turn off the EVF and data panel to conserve battery power if no operation is made within a certain period. The length of this period can be changed to 1, 3, 5, or 10 minutes. The auto-power-save option will not effect the display period of LCD monitor; it will shut down after 30 seconds. To restore the displays when they shut down, simply press the shutter-release button or the display information button.
SETUP MODE SETUP MENU - CUSTOM 1 The Custom 1 section of the setup menu controls file number sequencing and the creation of new folders. See page 130 about the organisation of the folders on the CompactFlash card FILE NUMBER (#) MEMORY When file number memory is selected, if a new folder is created, the first file stored in the folder will have a number one greater than the last file saved.
NEW FOLDER This allows the creation of new folders. When selected, the electronic keyboard (p. 88) automatically appears so that the folder name can be entered. Once the name is typed in and the enter button on the keyboard is highlighted and entered, the folder will be created and the name will be listed in the select-folder option. Every folder name begins with a three digit index number. When the electronic keyboard activates, three digits will be displayed in the register. This number cannot be changed.
SETUP MODE SETUP MENU - CUSTOM 2 RESET DEFAULT Unlike the pro-auto button (p. 37), this function affects not only the recording mode, but also the playback, and setup modes. When selected, a confirmation screen will appear; choosing “Yes” resets the following functions and settings, “No” cancels the operation.
Interval capture Total frame count AF/AEL button Sharpness Color mode Data imprinting Instant playback Index playback format Duration (Slide Show) Repeat (Slide Show) Index print LCD monitor brightness EVF brightness Auto-power-save period Beep File number memory EVF auto switch Magnification button Default Setting 1 minute 2 frames AF/AE hold Normal Color No (Disabled) No 9 frames 5 seconds No No (Cancelled) 3 3 1 minute High tone No (Disabled) Auto EVF/LCD 2X digital zoom (DiMAGE 7 only) Page 56 56 73
SETUP MODE SETTING THE DATE AND TIME It is important to accurately set the clock. When a still image or a movie clip is recorded, the date and time of the recording is saved with the image and is displayed during playback or can be read with the DiMAGE Image Viewer Utility software included on the CD-ROM. The camera’s clock is also used with data imprinting. When the Date/Time-set option is selected and entered, the date/time screen will be displayed.
DATA-TRANSFER MODE CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER Read this section carefully before connecting the camera to a computer. Details on using and installing the DiMAGE Image Viewer Utility software are found in the supplied software manual. These manuals do not cover the basic operation of computers or their operating systems; please refer to the manual supplied with your computer.
DATA-TRANSFER MODE CONNECTING THE CAMERA TO A COMPUTER A fresh set of batteries should be used when the camera is connected to a computer. The use of the AC adaptor (sold separately) is recommended over the use of batteries. For users with Windows 98 and Mac OS 8.6 read the respective sections on how to connect to the operating system before connecting the camera to a computer (Windows 98 - p. 126, OS 8.6 - p. 129). 1 Start up the computer. 2 Insert the CompactFlash card into the camera.
6 After using the four-way keys of the controller to highlight the USB option in the USB section of the datatransfer menu, press the the right key of the controller. • “Enter” should appear on the right side of the screen. 7 Press the centre of the controller to send a signal to the computer to initiate the USB connection. • A screen will appear to indicate the beginning of the connection process. • When the signal has been received by the computer, the camera’s monitors will turn off.
DATA-TRANSFER MODE CONNECTING TO WINDOWS 98 The driver needs only to be installed once. If the driver cannot be installed automatically, it can be installed manually with the operating system’s add-new-hardware wizard; see the instructions on the following page. During installation, if the operating system requests the Windows 98 CD-ROM, inset it into the CD-ROM drive and follow the accompanying instructions on the screen.
MANUAL INSTALLATION To install the Windows 98 driver manually, follow the instruction in the connecting-thecamera-to-a-computer section on page 124. When the camera is plugged into the computer, the operating system will detect the new device and the add-new-hardware-wizard window will open. Place the DiMAGE software CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive. Click “Next.” Choose the recommended search for a suitable driver. Click “Next.” Choose to specify the location of the driver.
DATA-TRANSFER MODE The add new hardware wizard will confirm the location of the driver. Click “Next” to install the driver in the system. • One of three drivers may be located: MNLVENUM.inf, USBPDR.inf, or USBSTRG.inf • The letter designating the CD-ROM drive will vary between computers. The last window will confirm the driver has been installed. Click “Finish” to close the add new hardware wizard. When the my-computer window is opened, a new removable-disk icon will be displayed.
CONNECTING TO MAC OS 8.6 To access this camera with a computer with Mac OS 8.6, the USB storage support 1.3.5.smi must be installed first. This software is supplied by Apple Computer, Inc. free of charge. It can be downloaded from the Apple Software Updates web site at http://www.apple.com/support. To download and install this software, follow the instruction on the Apple web site. Always read the attached terms and conditions before installing any new software. QUICKTIME 4.
DATA-TRANSFER MODE COMPACTFLASH CARD FOLDER ORGANISATION Drive Icon The misc. folder contains DPOF print files (p. 108). Misc Dcim The last two digits in the folder name indicate the camera that was used to capture the images; “03” indicates a DiMAGE 7 and “04” a DiMAGE 5. Super-fine image 100MLT03 130 PICT0001.TIF PICT0001.THM Fine, standard, or economy image 100MLT04 Images copied from one CompactFlash card to another (p. 110) are placed in a folder with a name ending in “CP.
Once the camera is connected to the computer, image files can be accessed by simply double clicking on icons. Copying images can be done by dragging and dropping the image-file icon into a location in the computer. Files and folders on the CompactFlash card can be deleted using the computer. Never format the CompactFlash card from the computer; always use the camera to format the card. The index number on the image file may not correspond to the frame number of the image.
DATA-TRANSFER MODE DISCONNECTING THE CAMERA FROM THE COMPUTER Never disconnect the camera when the access lamp is lit - the data or CompactFlash card may be permanently damaged. WINDOWS 98 Confirm that the access lamp is not lit. Turn the mode dial to another position and then disconnect the USB cable. WINDOWS ME AND WINDOWS 2000 To disconnect the camera, click once on the unplug-or-eject-hardware icon located on the task bar. A small window will open indicating the device to be stopped.
The hardware devices to be stopped will be displayed. Highlight the device by clicking on it then click “Stop.” A confirmation screen will appear to indicate the devices to be stopped. Clicking “OK” will stop the device. A third and final screen will appear to indicate the camera can be safely disconnected from the computer. Turn the mode dial to another position and then disconnect the USB cable.
DATA-TRANSFER MODE CHANGING THE COMPACTFLASH CARD (DATA-TRANSFER MODE) Care should be taken when changing CompactFlash cards while the camera is attached to the computer. Data could be lost or damaged if the camera is not properly disconnected. Always confirm the access lamp is out before removing the CompactFlash card. WINDOWS 98 1. Turn off the camera. 2. Change the CompactFlash card. 3. Turn on the camera. 4. Use the data-transfer menu to remake the USB connection. WINDOWS ME AND 2000 1.
APPENDIX FOCAL LENGTH EQUIVALENTS The Exif tag information of each image includes the actual focal-length setting of the camera’s 7.2 - 50.8mm zoom lens. The following chart can be used to estimate the equivalent focal length in 35mm photography. Actual focal length 7.2 9 13 21 27 34 38 50.
A SHORT GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHY Photography can be a rewarding pursuit. It is a broad and disciplined field that can take years to master. But the pleasure in making photographs and the joy of capturing a magical moment cannot be compared. The guide is an introduction to some basic photographic principles. The lens aperture controls not only exposure, but also depth of field; the area between the closest object in focus and the furthest object in focus.
The shutter controls not only exposure, but also the ability to stop motion. Fast shutter speeds are used in sport photography to stop action. Slow shutter speeds can be used to show the flow of motion such as water cascading over a waterfall. The use of a tripod is recommended with slow shutter speeds. The change in aperture and shutter speed is not apparent in the live image. Unlike film cameras, test photographs can be taken and immediately viewed.
SYSTEM ACCESSORIES A variety of Minolta accessories can be used with this camera to extend its performance. For more details on the items listed below and in other sections of this manual, contact your local Minolta dealer. External High-power Battery Pack Kit EBP-100 The kit contains a high-power lithium-ion battery, holder, and charger.
TROUBLESHOOTING The section covers minor problems with basic camera operation. For major problems or damage, or if a problem continues to re-occur frequently, contact a Minolta service facility listed on the back cover of this manual. Problem Symptom Cause The batteries are dead. Replace batteries (p. 24). The batteries are inserted incorrectly. Re-insert the batteries taking care that the negative and positive terminals are orientated as indicated on the inside of the battery chamber door (p.24).
TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Shutter will not release. Symptom Cause No-card warning appears on the monitors. No CompactFlash card in the camera. Insert a CompactFlash card (p.26). Subject is too close. Make sure the subject is within the autofocus range (0.5m - ∞) or use the macro mode (p. 69). The camera is in macro mode. Cancel the macro mode setting (p. 69). A special situation is preventing the autofocus system from focusing (p.
Problem Symptom Cause Solution A shadow appears on the bottom of the image. Lens hood mounted when using flash. The lens hood blocks the light from the built-in flash. Always remove the lens hood when using the built-in flash. Shooting data is displayed, but live image is entirely black or white. Camera set to manualexposure mode (M). Shutter speed and aperture combination is extremely under or overexposing the live image.
CARE AND STORAGE CAMERA CARE • Do not subject the camera to shock or impact. • Turn off the camera when transporting. • This camera is neither waterproof nor splashproof. Inserting or removing batteries or the CompactFlash card, or operating the camera with wet hands may damage the camera. • When at the beach or near water, take care not to expose the camera to water or sand. Water, sand, dust, or salt can damage the camera. • Do not leave the camera under direct sunlight.
OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND CONDITIONS • This camera has been designed for use in temperatures from 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F). • Never leave the camera exposed to extreme high temperatures, such as in a car parked in the sun, or to extreme humidity. • When taking the camera from a cold to a warm environment, place it in a sealed plastic bag to prevent condensation from forming. Allow the camera to come to room temperature before removing it from the bag.
CARE AND STORAGE BATTERIES • Battery performance decreases with temperature. In cold environments, we recommend keeping spare batteries in a warm place, such as the inside of a coat. Batteries can recover their power when they warm up. As the performance of Ni-MH batteries is less effected by temperature, their use is recommended when shooting in cold environments. • Remove the batteries when the camera is not in use for an extended period. Leaking battery fluid may damage the battery-chamber.
BEFORE IMPORTANT EVENTS OR JOURNEYS • Check the camera’s operation; take test pictures and purchase spare batteries. • Minolta has no responsibility for any damage or loss incurred by equipment malfunction. QUESTIONS AND SERVICE • If you have questions about your camera, contact your local camera dealer or write to the Minolta distributor in your area. • Before shipping your camera for repair, please contact a Minolta Service Facility.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS CCD: Number of effective pixels: Camera sensitivity (ISO): Aspect ratio: Lens construction: Maximum aperture: Focal length: Focusing range: Filter diameter: Autofocusing system: Shutter: Built-in flash recycling time: Viewfinder LCD: Monitor LCD: Field of view: A/D conversion: Recording media: File formats: Print Image Matching: Menu languages: 146 2/3-type interline primary-colour CCD with a total of 5.24 million pixels. (DiMAGE 7) 1/1.
Video output: NTSC and PAL Batteries: 4 AA alkaline or Ni-MH batteries Battery performance (recording): Approx. number of recorded images: 200 frames Based on Minolta’s standard test method: Ni-MH batteries, EVF on, LCD monitor off, flash used with 50% of the frames, no instant playback. Battery performance (playback): Approx. continuous playback time: 110 min. Based on Minolta’s standard test method: Ni-MH batteries, LCD monitor on, EVF off.
NOTE ABOUT BATTERIES NOTE ABOUT BATTERIES Ni-MH batteries are recommended for digital cameras. Recording performance with 1,600mAh Ni-MH batteries is approximately 200 frames: based on Minolta’s standard test method: EVF on, LCD monitor off, no instant playback, flash used with 50% of the frames.
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