E INSTRUCTION MANUAL 9222-2779-11 HA-A205
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 May, 2002. To obtain compatibility information for products released after this date, contact a Minolta Service Facility listed on the back cover of this manual. Check the packing list before using this product.
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.
• 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.
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE 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.....................................................................................................................................12 Camera body ...........................................................................................................................12 Data panel ...............................................................................................................................15 EVF and LCD monitor display .....................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Recording mode – advanced operation ...............................................................................................40 Spot-AE lock button.................................................................................................................40 Pro-auto button ........................................................................................................................41 Digital-subject-program button........................................................
Autofocus areas and control....................................................................................................74 Flex Focus Point ......................................................................................................................75 Digital zoom .............................................................................................................................76 Macro mode.............................................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Playback mode – viewing and editing images ...................................................................................105 Single-frame playback and histogram display .......................................................................105 Viewing images .....................................................................................................................106 Playing back voice memos ....................................................................................
Data-transfer mode.............................................................................................................................136 QuickTime system requirements ...........................................................................................136 System requirements.............................................................................................................137 Connecting the camera to a computer ........................................................................
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. 156). Data panel (p. 15) Digital-subject-program button (p. 42) Built-in flash (p. 23) Focal-length index Zooming ring1 Pro-auto button (p. 41) Strap eyelet (p. 18) Control dial Lens* Shutter-release button Focusing ring (p. 94) Card-slot door (p.
Playback mode (p. 105) Movie mode (p. 102) Recording mode (p. 40) Setup mode (p. 123) Data-transfer mode (p. 136) Display mode switch Display information button (p. 34, 109) Dial release Accessory shoe Eyepiece sensors* (p. 34) Main switch/Mode dial Spot-AE lock button (p. 40) Electronic viewfinder* (EVF) (p. 73) Menu button Access lamp Controller LCD monitor* (p. 16) Magnification button Remote-control terminal cover (p. 53) Battery-chamber lock (p. 26) QV/ Delete button (p.
NAMES OF PARTS Exposure modes (p. 48) Metering modes (p. 47) Drive modes (p. 54) White balance (p. 62) Memory (p. 46) Camera sensitivity (p. 65) Function button Macro release (p. 77) Function dial (p. 44) Diopter-adjustment dial (p. 73) Focus-mode (AF/MF) button (p. 94) Tripod socket Digital-effects Controller (p.
DATA PANEL Located on the top of the camera body, the data panel shows the status of the camera. All icons have been shown for clarity. Digital-subject-program icons (p. 42) Frame counter (p. 82) Digital-subject-program indicators (p. 42) Battery-condition indicator (p. 27) Exposure-mode indicators (p. 48) White-balance indicators (p. 62) Camera-sensitivity indicator (p. 65) Flash-compensation indicator (p. 68) Red-eye reduction indicator (p. 86) Wireless/Remote flash indicator (p.
NAMES OF PARTS EVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAY 10. Exposure-compensation display (p. 68) 11. White-balance indicator (p. 62) 12. Exposure-mode/Digital-subject-program indicator (p. 48, 42) 1. Microphone indicator 2. Flash-mode indicator (p. 86) 3. Flash signal (p. 23) 4. Mode indicator 5. Flash-compensation display (p. 68) 6. Filter display (p. 71) 7. Color-saturation-compensation display (p. 71) 8. Contrast-compensation display (p. 70) 9. Sharpness display (p. 97) 13. Metering-mode indicator (p. 47) 14.
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 camerashake warning will appear on the monitors.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING ATTACHING THE CAMERA STRAP Attach the camera strap to the strap eyelets as shown. • Always keep the camera strap around your neck in case 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. To mount the lens hood, align the rectangular dimple on the rim of the hood with the focal-length index on the top of the lens barrel (1).
GETTING UP AND RUNNING INSERTING BATTERIES The AA nickel-metal hydride batteries supplied with the camera must be charged before their initial use. Refer to the charger manual for instructions on safe use and handling. 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.
HANDLING THE 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 the subject. The effect of the zoom is immediately displayed in the EVF and on the 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. In quick view, images can also be deleted. Care should be taken when deleting image; once deleted it is impossible to recover the picture. When selecting an image for deletion, a confirmation screen will appear before the operation is executed.
BASIC OPERATION This section covers the basic operation of the camera. Please thoroughly familiarize 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 nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. When using new Ni-MH batteries, fully charge them before their initial use. When replacing batteries, check that the mode dial is in the off position. 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.
BATTERY CONDITION INDICATOR 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 – 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 Adapter allows the camera to be powered from an electrical household outlet. The AC Adapter is recommended when the camera is interfaced with a computer or during periods of heavy use. AC Adapter model AC-1L is for use in North America, Japan, and Taiwan, 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 While holding in the dial release (1), turn the mode dial to stillimage recording. Press the pro-auto button (2) to reset the programmed and automatic functions. 2 All camera operations are now fully automatic. The autofocus, exposure, and imaging systems will work together to bring professional results effortlessly. 1 EVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAY Focus frame Mode indicator Image-size display (p. 82) 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-center subjects use the focus-lock function (p. 32). • 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. 77). Press the shutter-release button partway down (1) to lock the focus and exposure.
BASIC OPERATION FOCUS LOCK The focus-lock function is used when the subject is off-center and outside the focus frame. Focus lock may also be used when a special focusing situation prevents the camera from focusing on the subject. Place the subject within the focus frame. Press and hold the shutter-release button partway down. • The focus signals will indicate that the focus is locked. The shutter speed and aperture value will change from white to black indicating the exposure is locked.
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. 81. Focus icon: white Focus confirmed. Focus icon: red 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 display-information button control 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 center 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: standard display, focus frame, real-time histogram, and live image only. The number of screens and their formats can be changed in the custom 1 section of the setup menu (p. 124).
BASIC OPERATION QUICK VIEW Still 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 is displayed with various information: date and time of capture, frame number, printing and lock status, and voice-memo recording. A histogram of the image with shooting data can be displayed. Press the QV/delete button to play back the recorded images.
QUICK-VIEW DISPLAY Mode indicator Image size (p. 82) Image quality (p. 83) To view the histogram, press the up key. Aperture value Shutter speed Time of capture Date of capture Histogram Voice-memo indicator (p. 99) Lock indicator (p. 115) Print indicator (p. 118) Frame number/ total number of images White-balance setting (p. 62) Sensitivity setting (p. 65) Degree of exposure compensation (p. 68) Folder name (p.
BASIC OPERATION CHANGING THE QUICK VIEW DISPLAY In the center 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.
ENLARGED PLAYBACK In single-frame playback, a still image can be enlarged for closer examination. Images can be magnified between 1.2X and 4.0X in 0.2X increments. 640 X 480 size images can only be magnified between 1.2X and 2.0X. RAW and super fine images cannot be enlarged. 1 With the image to be enlarged displayed, press the magnification button (1). • The degree of magnification is displayed on the monitors. Use the up/down keys of the controller to adjust the magnification.
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 sections, setting the function dial (p.44), Digital Effects Control (p. 67), and the navigating the recording-mode menu (p. 78), cover setting most of the advanced features in this camera. Each of these sections is 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 in the still-image recording mode. 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 affect in the movie mode; changes made with the Digital Effects Control and the Movie menu are reset. Digital subject program (p.
RECORDING MODE DIGITAL-SUBJECT-PROGRAM BUTTON The subject-program button (1) optimizes the camera’s performance for various conditions and subjects. Exposure, white-balance, and image-processing systems work in unison for beautiful results. 1 42 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 optimized for each shooting condition, some changes can be made to camera settings with subject programs. The autofocus mode can be changed (p. 81). The sports action mode uses continuous AF, the other modes use single AF. The digital effects controller can be used to adjust image brightness, contrast, and color (p. 67). White balance can be changed in all modes except sunset and night portrait (p. 62). Sharpness can be changed in the sport action, sunset, and text modes (p. 97).
RECORDING MODE SETTING THE FUNCTION DIAL The memory function, metering mode, exposure mode, drive mode, 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). 1 While pressing the button in the center of the function dial, turn the control dial near the shutter-release button to change the mode (2).
Function Dial MEM PASM Display Menu P A S M DRIVE WB ISO 100, 200, 400, 800. Setting Memory registers or the setting function are selected with a special menu displayed on the monitors.
RECORDING MODE MEMORY – STORING CAMERA SETTINGS Three sets of camera settings can be saved. This saves time under frequently repeating conditions by eliminating the need to set the camera. Except for the spot AEL button, subject programs, data imprinting, voice memo, 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.
To recall a setting, press the function button and highlight the memory register using the control dial. Release the function button to apply the memory settings. Camera settings cannot be deleted from memory by turning the camera off, using the pro-auto button, or choosing the default function on the setup menu. METERING MODES The icons indicating the metering mode are displayed on the monitors only. Do not confuse these icons with the focus signals (p. 33).
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 optimise exposures in different situations, and manual exposure provides complete freedom in controlling the final image. See setting the function dial section on page 44. P Program – the camera controls both the shutter speeds 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 values of the exposure are displayed on the monitors and data panel. The shutter speed range in program exposure mode is 4 to 1/4000 second.
RECORDING MODE APERTURE PRIORITY – A 2 1 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 monitors turns blue. Turn the control dial (1) to set the desired aperture. Press the shutter-release button partway down 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 2 1 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 monitors turns blue. Turn the control dial (1) to set the desired shutter speed. Press the shutter-release button partway down 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 shutter speed range in manual exposure mode is 4 to 1/2000 second including bulb. The camera sensitivity is set to ISO 100, but can be changed with the function dial (p. 44).
BULB EXPOSURES Bulb photographs can be taken in the manual-exposure mode (M). 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 switch to exposure compensation (2) position.
RECORDING MODE 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 44. Single-frame advance – to take a single image each time the shutter-release button is pressed. Continuous advance – to take multiple images when the shutter-release button is pressed and held. Self-timer – to delay the release of the shutter. Used for self-portraits.
CONTINUOUS ADVANCE Continuous-advance mode allows a series of images to be captured while holding down the shutterrelease button. Continuous advance acts like a motor drive on a film camera. The number of images that can be captured at one time depends on the image-quality and image-size setting. The maximum rate of capture is 2 fps with full-size images with manual focus in manual-exposure mode. The continuous-advance mode is set with the function dial (p. 44).
RECORDING MODE UHS CONTINUOUS ADVANCE UHS continuous-advance mode allows a series of 1280 X 960 images to be captured at a rate of approximately 7 frames per second. The number of images that can be captured at one time depends on the image-quality setting: fine – 15 frames, standard – 31 frames, and economy – 39 frames. This mode cannot be used with super-fine or RAW image quality (p. 84), flash illumination, or Digital Subject Programs.
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. 44). With the camera on a tripod, compose the picture as described in the basic operation section (p. 31). Focus lock (p.32) or the Flex Focus Point (p. 75) can be used with off-center subjects . Press the shutter-release button partway down (1) 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, saturation, and filter brackets. Only one image characteristic can be bracketed at a time. The bracketing mode is set with the function dial (p. 44). 3 1 2 Turn the function dial to the drive-mode position (1).
Compose the picture as described in the basic-operation section (p. 31). Press the shutter-release button partway down (1) to lock the exposure and focus for the series; the camera will continue to focus during the series if set to continuous AF (p. 81). Press and hold the shutter-release button all the way down (2) to make the bracket series; three consecutive images will be captured.
RECORDING MODE INTERVAL The interval mode makes a series of still or moving 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. 98) is disabled. The parameters of the interval series are set up in the custom 1 section of the recording-mode menu. Refer to the navigation section on page 78 on how to use the menu.
Confirm the CompactFlash card has enough storage capacity for the series by comparing the number of frames in the interval series with the number of recordable images displayed on the frame counter. When taking still-images, image size and quality settings can be changed to increase the number of pictures that can be saved on the CompactFlash card (p. 78). Press the shutter-release button to begin the series. During the interval series, the monitors will be turned off to conserve power.
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 color 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 color 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 color 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 on the monitors.
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 color 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 44 to change the ISO setting. The auto setting automatically adjusts the camera sensitivity to the light conditions between ISO 100 and 400.
RECORDING MODE FLASH RANGE AND CAMERA SENSITIVITY For correct flash exposures, the subject must be within the flash range. The flash range can be extended by changing the camera sensitivity (p. 65). When the camera sensitivity is set to auto, the ISO is set between ISO 100 and 200. The flash range is measured from the CCD. Because of the optical system, the flash range is not the same at the lens’ wide-angle position as it is at the telephoto position.
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, color, and saturation. The effect of any change is instantly visible on the monitors before the image is captured. Since compensation is applied to the image before it is compressed and saved, image information can be optimised before leaving the scene. The digital effects controller can be used with movie recording.
RECORDING MODE EXPOSURE AND FLASH COMPENSATION The ambient light and flash 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. 151). The exposure and flash compensation will remain in effect until it has been reset. Adjustments to exposure must be set before the image is captured.
Shooting tips Sometimes the camera’s exposure meter is deceived by certain conditions. Changing the exposure value can compensate for these situations. For example, a very bright scene, such as a snowy landscape or a white sandy beach, can appear too dark in the captured image. Before taking the picture, adjusting the exposure by +1 or +2 EV will result in an image with normal tonal values. In this example, the dark scene appears bright and washed-out on the LCD monitor. By decreasing the exposure by –1.
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.
COLOR-SATURATION COMPENSATION The color saturation of a scene can be adjusted within seven levels (±3) with the digital effects controller. Colors can be accented or subdued. The color saturation must be set before the image is captured. When changing the color-saturation setting, an icon will appear in the live image. The monitors will indicate if an increase (+) or decrease (–) in saturation has been made.
RECORDING MODE Filter levels with color images Warm Filter settings with black and white images Blue Red Magenta Green Cool 72
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER The EVF displays 100% field of view. When using the camera outdoors or under strong lighting conditions, the viewfinder image is not affected by the ambient light and remains 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 diopter that can be adjusted between –5.0 to +0.5.
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 during fast-moving events.
FLEX 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-center subjects. The Flex Focus Point cannot be used with the digital zoom (p. 76). 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. Press the shutter-release button partway down to focus; the cross will turn red to confirm focus.
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.
MACRO MODE The macro mode is used for close-up photographs of small objects. 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. Align one of the arrows on the zoom ring with the arrow next to the macro switch. CCD plane • The lens must be zoomed to the wide-angle or telephoto position for the macro switch to engage.
RECORDING MODE NAVIGATING THE RECORDING-MODE MENU In recording mode, press the menu button (1) to activate the menu. The menu button also turns off the recording-mode menu after making settings. The four-way key of the controller (2) is used to move the cursor in the menu. Pressing the central button 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 Image size Quality Flash mode Wireless Ch. Flash control Custom 1 Single Continuous 2560 X 1920 1600 x 1200 1280 X 960 640 X 480 RAW Super fine Fine Standard Economy Fill-flash Red-eye Rear sync. Wireless 1–4 ADI flash Pre-flash TTL Full power 1/4 power 1/16 power Please refer to the following sections for descriptions of the menu options and their settings. Rec Spot AF/AEL Mag. button Interval 1 – 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60 min.
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 fourway keys of the controller to highlight the desired character and then press the central button of the controller to enter it. Entering the case key will switch between upper and lower case; the change is immediately displayed on the keyboard.
AUTOFOCUS MODES This digital camera has two autofocusing modes. The single and continuous AF are selected in the basic section of the recording-mode menu (p. 78). Single AF – for general purpose photography and static subjects. When the shutter-release button is pressed partway down, the autofocus system locks onto the subject in the focus area and will remain locked until the shutter button is released. Continuous AF – for moving subjects.
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 navigating the recording-mode menu on page 78. 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 and UHS continuousadvance drive modes cannot be used with these image-quality settings. With the bracketing drive mode, the continuous advance is canceled 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 quality Image size RAW Super fine Fine Standard Economy 2560 X 1920 1600 X 1200 1280 X 960 9.5MB 14.1MB 2.1MB 1.1MB 0.
RECORDING MODE FLASH MODES Data panel EVF & LCD monitor – – Fill-flash Used in low-light conditions and to reduce shadows under direct sunlight. Red-eye reduction To reduce the red-eye effect with flash photographs of people and animals Rear flash sync 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 WIRELESS / REMOTE FLASH On-camera flash. Wireless/Remote flash allows the camera to control an offcamera Minolta 5600HS(D) and 3600HS(D) flash unit without the need of a cable. Single or multiple flash units can be placed around the subject to create different lighting effects. The camera’s built-in flash fires to control the off-camera flash units rather than to illuminate the subject. See your local camera dealer about Minolta lighting accessories. Wireless/ Remote flash.
2 Press and hold the mounting-foot-release button (2) to disengage the safety catch to remove the flash unit from the camera. Position the camera and flash around the subject. See the following page for the camera-to-subject and flash-to-subject ranges. Make sure no objects come between the camera and flash unit. Raise the built-in flash on the camera. The wireless flash indicator (WL) will be displayed in the top left corner of the live image. The number next to it indicates the channel in use.
RECORDING MODE WIRELESS/REMOTE CAMERA AND FLASH RANGES Camera-to-subject distance Flash-to-subject distance The camera and flash must be within 5m or 16.4 ft of the subject. Minimum camera-to-subject distance Camera sensitivity setting Aperture ISO 100 ISO 200 / AUTO ISO 400 ISO 800 ƒ2.8 1.4 m / 4.6 ft 2.0 m / 6.6 ft 2.8 m / 9.2 ft 3.9 m / 12.8 ft ƒ4 1.0 m / 3.2 ft 1.4 m / 4.6 ft 2.0 m / 6.6 ft 2.8 m / 9.2 ft ƒ5.6 0.7 m / 2.3 ft 1.0 m / 3.2 ft 1.4 m / 4.6 ft 2.0 m / 6.6 ft ƒ8 0.5 m / 1.6 ft 0.7 m / 2.
NOTES ON WIRELESS/REMOTE FLASH Wireless/Remote flash performs best under subdued light or interior lighting. Under bright light sources, the flash may not be able to detect the control signals from the built-in flash. The wireless/remote system has four channels so that multiple lighting systems can be used in the same area without affecting each other. Once the camera and flash are separated, the wireless channel can be changed.
RECORDING MODE FLASH CONTROL ADI, pre-flash TTL, and manual flash controls are available. Flash control is changed in the basic section of the recording-mode menu (p. 78). ADI flash metering – Advanced Distance Integration. This 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.
SPOT AF/AEL When the spot-AE lock button is pressed and held, the exposure is locked (p. 40). How the spot button operates and what functions it controls can be changed in the custom-1 section of the recordingmode menu (p. 78). If one of the AF/AE settings is selected, the metering mode set with the function dial will be employed when the spot-AE lock button is used. Recording-mode menu setting AF/AE hold While pressing and holding the spot-AE lock button, the focus and exposure are set and locked.
RECORDING MODE MANUAL FOCUS CCD plane Manual control over focus is simple. The focus mode button (AF/MF) (1) switches between automatic and manual focus. The MF icon is displayed on the data panel and monitors when the camera is in the manual-focus mode. Use the focus ring (2) at the rear of the lens barrel to make a sharp image on monitors. The approximate distance from the CCD to the subject is displayed near the frame counter. Manual focus can be used with movie recording and in macro mode.
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. 78).
RECORDING MODE COLOR MODE The color mode controls whether a still image is color or black and white. This must be set before the image is recorded. The color mode is set in the custom 2 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 78). The live image on the monitors will reflect the selected color mode. The color mode has no effect on image file size. For more on RAW image quality and color mode, see page 84. Natural Color – reproduces the colors in the scene faithfully.
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. 78). 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. If any setting other than normal is selected, the sharpness icon will be displayed on the monitors with the degree of sharpness.
RECORDING MODE INSTANT PLAYBACK After an image is captured, it can be displayed on the monitors for two or ten seconds before being saved. When in continuous-advance or bracketing mode, an index display is used. With UHS continuous advance, only the last frame of the series is displayed. Instant-playback is activated and the length of the playback period is set in the custom 2 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 78).
VOICE MEMO Voice memo allows a five or fifteen second audio track to be recorded with a still image. The function is activated and the length of the recording time is set in the custom 2 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 78). When the function is active, the microphone icon is displayed on the data panel and LCD monitor. Voice memo must be set before taking a picture. It will remain in effect until reset.
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.
MOVIE MODE MOVIE MODE Up to sixty seconds of digital video with or without audio can be recorded. 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. Set the main dial to movie recording (1) position. Before recording, the data-panel and monitor frame counters will show the maximum time in seconds that can be recorded with the next movie clip.
Movie files are recorded at approximately 250KB per second. A 16MB Compactflash card can store about 49 seconds of digital video. The table on the right shows the approximate total recording time with various capacity CompactFlash cards. Actual time depends on the subject and the amount of image and audio data stored on the card. The table below 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.
MOVIE MODE NAVIGATING THE MOVIE MENU Movie Press the menu button to activate the menu. Basic Audio On Movie mode Auto select Use the up/down key to highlight the option whose setting needs to be changed. Press the right controller key to display the settings; the current setting is indicated by an arrow. • To return to the menu options, press the left key. Use the up/down keys to highlight the new setting. Press the controller to select the highlighted setting.
PLAYBACK MODE VIEWING AND EDITING IMAGES SINGLE-FRAME PLAYBACK AND HISTOGRAM DISPLAY Mode indicator Image size (p. 82) Image quality (p. 83) To view the histogram, press the up key. Aperture value Shutter speed Time of capture Date of capture Voice-memo indicator (p. 99) Lock indicator (p. 115) Print indicator (p. 118) Frame number/ total number of images Histogram White-balance setting (p. 62) Sensitivity setting (p. 65) Degree of exposure compensation (p. 68) Folder name (p.
PLAYBACK MODE VIEWING IMAGES Simply turn the mode dial to the playback-mode position to access images and audio tracks. Image and audio files can be deleted, locked, and copied in the playback mode. Use the left/right keys of the controller to scroll through the images on the memory card. PLAYING BACK VOICE MEMOS Voice memos (p. 99) are indicated by the voice-memo indicator displayed at the bottom of the monitor image. Press the central button of the controller to start the audio playback.
VIEWING MOVIES Standard, Night, Time-lapse, and UHS continuous-advance movies can be played back on the camera. Movie files are indicated by an icon at the bottom of the display. Standard and Night Movies are also indicated by a thumbnail of the first frame. : play Press the center of the controller to play back the file. : pause : stop 23s Press the controller to pause the movie; pressing the controller again will resume the playback. To cancel the playback, press the down key of the controller.
PLAYBACK MODE ENLARGED PLAYBACK In single-frame playback, a still image can be enlarged for closer examination. Images can be magnified between 1.2X and 4.0X in 0.2X increments. 640 X 480 size images can only be magnified between 1.2X and 2.0X. RAW and super fine images cannot be enlarged. 1 With the image to be enlarged displayed, press the magnification button (1). • The degree of magnification is displayed on the monitors. Use the up/down keys of the controller to adjust the magnification.
CHANGING THE PLAYBACK DISPLAY In the center 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 NAVIGATING THE PLAYBACK-MODE MENU In playback mode, press the menu button (1) to activate the menu. The menu button also turns off the playback-mode menu when the settings have been completed. The four-way key of the controller (2) is 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 Format Lock Index format This frame All frames Marked frames Enter This frame All frames Marked frames Unlock frames 9 frames 4 frames Yes No Choosing “Yes” will execute the operation, “No” will cancel it. For information on frame-selection screens, see page 112. Custom 1 Slide show Playback Duration Repeat Enter All frames Marked frames 1 – 60 sec. Yes / No Pressing the down key of the controller will cancel the slide show playback and return to the playback-mode menu.
PLAYBACK MODE FRAME-SELECTION SCREEN When a marked-frames setting is chosen on a menu, the frame selection screen will appear. This screen allows multiple files to be selected. The index format of the screen can be changed in the basic section of the playback-mode menu (p. 110). Play The left/right keys of the controller move the yellow border to select the image. The up key of the controller selects the frame; when selected, an icon will appear next to the thumbnail.
DELETING IMAGES Deleting permanently erases the image. Once deleted, an image cannot be recovered. Care should be taken when using the delete function. 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. To delete images in other folders, the folder must first be selected in the custom 1 section of the setup menu (p. 124).
PLAYBACK MODE FORMATTING COMPACTFLASH CARDS When a CompactFlash card is formatted, all data on the card is erased. The formatting function is used to erase all data on a CompactFlash card. Before formatting a card, copy the data to a computer or storage device. Locking files will not protect them from being deleted when the card is formatted. Always format the CompactFlash card using the camera; never use a computer to format a card.
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. 124). 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 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 central button of the controller to pause and restart the presentation. To cancel the presentation, press the down key of the controller.
Menu options Settings Slide show Enter To start the slide-show presentation. Pressing the central button 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 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. 144). DPOF print files cannot be made for RAW images.
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 15MB of data can be transferred. Every time the copy function is used, a new folder is automatically created for the image(s). This frame – To copy the image currently displayed. Marked frames – To copy single or multiple images. When selected, the frame-selection screen (p.
Wait until the copy-completed message is highlighted. A new screen will appear to indicate the name of the new folder containing the copied images; press the central button of the controller to return to the playback menu. <101MLTCP> OK The copy-unsuccessful message will appear when one or all of the files could not be copied. Check the second CompactFlash card to see which files were copied and then repeat the procedure for the files that could not be transferred.
PLAYBACK MODE 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 AV cable. The camera is compatible with the NTSC and PAL standards. The video-output setting can be checked and set in the custom 2 section of the setup menu (p. 124). 1. Turn off the television and the camera. 2. Insert the mini-plug end of the AV cable into the camera’s AV-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 folders. The navigating the setup menu section covers the operation of the setup menu. The section is followed by detailed descriptions of the settings.
SETUP MODE NAVIGATING THE SETUP MENU To access the menu, simply turn the main dial to the setup position. The four-way keys of the controller (1) 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 key of the controller 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 key to scroll through the menu options.
Basic LCD brightness EVF brightness Audio signals Shutter FX Volume Language Custom 2 1–5 1–5 Off 1 2 Off 1 2 3 (High) 2 1 (Low) English Deutsch Français Español Custom 1 File # memory Folder name Select folder New folder Display mode Use the right key to select the display modes (p. 130). Direct MF On / Off Std. form Date form (folder names) Enter Std.
SETUP MODE EVF AND LCD MONITOR BRIGHTNESS The brightness of the EVF and LCD monitor is set independently 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. When the LCD brightness or EVF brightness setting is selected, the corresponding monitor will activate automatically.
VOLUME The volume of the audio signals and sound effects can be increased or decreased in the basic section of the setup menu (p. 124). This affects the camera’s audio signals as well as the playback levels of an audio track. LANGUAGE The language used in the menus can be changed. 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.
SETUP MODE FOLDER NAME All recorded images are stored in folders on the memory card. Folder names come in two formats: standard and date. Standard folders have an eight character name. The initial folder is named 100MLT11. The first three digits are the folder’s serial number, which will increase by one each time a new folder is created. The next three letters refer to Minolta, and the last two numbers indicate the camera used; 11 indicates a DiMAGE 7i.
SELECT FOLDER This option allows the selection of existing folders. In quick view or playback mode, only the images in the selected folder can be viewed or edited. In recording mode, the folder-name option in the custom 1 section of the setup menu must be set to standard form in order to select the folder in which to place the subsequent recorded images.
SETUP MODE DISPLAY MODE Standard display Focus frame only Real-time histogram Grid Scale Live image only The recording mode displays activated by the display-information button (p. 35) can be selected in the custom 1 section of the setup menu. The display cycle is the same as the order shown on the menu. Setup Basic Custom1 Custom2 File # memory Std.
DIRECT MANUAL FOCUS Direct manual focus allows manual adjustments to be made after the AF system has locked onto the subjects. Direct manual focus is activated in the custom 1 section of the setup menu (p. 124). Direct manual focus is canceled when continuous AF (p. 81) or manual focus (p. 94) is in use. As described in the basic recording operation section (p.
SETUP MODE RESET DEFAULT Unlike the pro-auto button (p. 41), this function affects not only the recording mode, but also the movie, playback, and setup modes. When selected, a confirmation screen will appear; choosing “Yes” resets the following functions and settings, “No” cancels the operation.
Default Setting Page Spot AE lock button AE hold Magnification button 2X digital zoom EVF brightness 3 Audio signals Shutter FX Volume Folder name 1 1 2 Standard 93 94 97 96 95 98 104 104 115 116 116 119 126 126 126 126 127 128 Display mode Standard display, focus frame only, real-time histogram, image only 130 Direct manual focus Off Auto-power-save period 1 minute 131 135 127 134 Sharpness Normal Color mode Natural Color Off Off Auto select On Data imprinting Instant playback Movie
SETUP MODE EVF AUTO SWITCH – CONTROLLING THE AUTO-DISPLAY FUNCTION This option controls the auto-display function in the recording and movie mode (p. 102). The autoEVF/LCD setting allows the display to switch between the EVF and LCD monitor automatically. The EVF-auto-on setting turns off the LCD monitor and uses the eye sensors to activate only the EVF when in use. This setting will help conserve battery power. SETTING THE DATE AND TIME It is important to accurately set the clock.
SETTING THE DATE FORMAT The date format that is displayed or imprinted can be changed: YYYY/MM/DD (year, month, day), MM/DD/YYYY (month, day, year), DD/MM/YYYY (day, month, year). Simply select the format and enter it by pressing the central button of the controller; the new format will be displayed on the menu. This has no affect on the date folder name (p. 128). VIDEO OUTPUT Camera images can be displayed on a television (p. 122). The video output can be changed between NTSC and PAL.
DATA-TRANSFER MODE 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 Viewer software are found in the supplied software manual. The DiMAGE manuals do not cover the basic operation of computers or their operating systems; please refer to the manual supplied with your computer.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS For the camera to be connected directly to the computer and used as a mass-storage device, the computer must be equipped with a USB port as a standard interface. The computer and the operating system must be guaranteed by their manufacturers to support USB interface. The following operating systems are compatible with the camera: IBM PC / AT Compatible Macintosh Windows 98, 98SE, Me, 2000 Professional, and XP. Mac OS 8.6 ~ 9.2.2 and Mac OS X 10.1 – 10.1.
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 adapter (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. 140, OS 8.6 – p. 143). 1 Start up the computer. 2 Insert the CompactFlash card into the camera.
6 After using the four-way key of the controller to highlight the USB option in the USB section of the data-transfer menu, press the the right key of the controller. • “Enter” should appear on the right side of the screen. 7 Trans USB USB Enter Press the center 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.
DATA-TRANSFER MODE CONNECTING TO WINDOWS 98 / 98 SECOND EDITION 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-the-camera-to-acomputer section on page 138. 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 software must be installed first. This software is supplied by Apple Computer, Inc. free of charge. The latest version 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.
DATA-TRANSFER MODE COMPACTFLASH CARD FOLDER ORGANIZATION Drive Icon Dcim Once the camera is connected to the computer, image and audio files can be accessed by double clicking on icons. Image folders are located in the DCIM folder. To copy images and audio recordings, simply drag and drop the file icon into a location in the computer. Files and folders on the memory card can be deleted using the computer.
Image and audio file names begin with “PICT” followed by a four-digit file number and a tif, mrw, jpg, mov, or thm extension. Voice-memo files have a wav extension and the file name corresponds to its image file. The thumbnail images (thm) are used in camera and DiMAGE Viewer software operation. When a new folder is created, the first three digits in the folder name will be one greater than the largest folder number on the card.
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 permanently be damaged. WINDOWS 98 / 98 SECOND EDITION Confirm that the access lamp is not lit. Turn the mode dial to another position and then disconnect the USB cable. WINDOWS ME, 2000 PROFESSIONAL, AND XP To disconnect the camera, click once on the unplug-or-eject-hardware icon located on the task bar.
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 / 98 SECOND EDITION 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.
APPENDIX 149
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. PC Flash Adapter PCT-100 To allow standard flash units and lighting systems to be connected to the camera with a PC cord. The supplied update CD-ROM should not be used with the DiMAGE 7i.
Close-up Diffuser CD-1000 Used directly on the camera with the built-in flash to provide soft lighting for close-up photography. WHEN USING FILTERS Polarizing filters and close-up lenses may cause vignetting at the wide-angle range of the lens (below the 50mm mark on the zooming ring). With very powerful close-up lenses, such as a +3 or Minolta No. 2, vignetting may be noticeable below 100mm. Most step-up rings will cause vignetting. The Minolta Step-up Adapter 49mm to 62mm can be used.
TROUBLESHOOTING The section covers minor problems with basic camera operation. For major problems or damage to the camera or charger, or if a problem continues to reoccur frequently, contact a Minolta service facility listed on the back cover of this manual. Problem Symptom Cause The batteries are dead. Replace batteries (p. 26). The batteries are inserted incorrectly.
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.28). Subject is too close. Make sure the subject is within the autofocus range (0.5m – ∞ / 1.6 ft – ∞) or use the macro mode (p. 77). The camera is in macro mode. Cancel the macro mode setting (p. 77). A special situation is preventing the autofocus system from focusing (p.
TROUBLESHOOTING 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.
REMOVING THE DRIVER SOFTWARE – WINDOWS 1.Insert a memory card in the camera and connect it to the computer with the USB cable. Other devices must not be connected to the computer during this procedure. 2.Right click on the My-computer icon. Select “properties” from the drop-down menu. Windows XP: from the start menu go to the control panel. Click on the performance and maintenance category. Click “System” to open the system properties window. 3.
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 memory 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 affected less 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.
LCD MONITOR CARE • Although the LCD monitor is manufactured using high precision technology, there may occasionally be a lack of color or bright points on the LCD monitor. • Do not apply pressure to the surface of the LCD monitor; it may be permanently damaged. • In a cold environment, the LCD monitor may become temporarily dark. When the camera warms up, the display will function normally. • The LCD monitor may be slow to react in low temperatures or may turn dark in a hot environment.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Number of effective pixels: CCD: Camera sensitivity (ISO): Aspect ratio: Lens construction: Maximum aperture: Focal length: Focusing range (from the CCD): Filter diameter: Autofocusing system: Shutter: Built-in flash recycling time: Viewfinder LCD: Monitor LCD: Field of view: A/D conversion: Recording media: File formats: Printing output control: Menu languages: Video output: 160 4.95 million (2568 X 1928) 2/3-type interline primary-color CCD with a total of 5.24 million pixels.
Batteries: External power source: Dimensions: Weight: Operating temperature: Operating humidity: 4 AA Ni-MH or alkaline batteries (see page 158) AC adapter (AC-1L or AC-2L) High-power battery pack (EBP-100) 117.0 (W) X 90.5 (H) X 112.5 (D) mm 4.61 (W) X 3.56 (H) X 4.43 (D) in Approximately 525g (18.
The following marks may be found on the product: This mark certifies that this camera meets the requirements concerning interference causing equipment regulations in Japan. This mark on your camera certifies that this camera meets the requirements of the EU (European Union) concerning interference causing equipment regulations. CE stands for Conformité Européenne (European Conformity).
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