Canon POWERSHOT S51S User Manual

ENGLISH

DIGITAL CAMERA Advanced Camera User Guide

Before Using the Camera

Shooting

Using the Mode Dial

Advanced Shooting Functions

Playback/Erasing

Print Settings/Transfer Settings

Customizing the Camera

Troubleshooting

List of Messages

CDI-E275-010 © 2007 CANON INC. PRINTED IN JAPAN

xxxxxxx

Advanced

Appendix

Camera User Guide

This guide explains camera features and procedures in detail.

Main Features

Shooting

z 12x optical zoom with shift-method image stabilizer
z Controlling camera shake or blurry subjects while shooting

using a high ISO speed set with the dedicated Auto ISO Shift

z Shoot movies in any mode by pressing the movie button

(with stereo sound)

z Face priority AF that detects faces in a scene
z Use the separately sold wide converter, tele-converter, close-

up lens, or an externally mounted flash for EOS cameras
when shooting

Playback

z Plays movies with stereo sound
z Organizes images by category
z Auto plays slideshows
z Records sound only

(sound recorder)

Editing

z Red-Eye Correction
z Adds effects to still images with

My Colors

z Edits movies
z Records sound memos for still

images

Printing

z Makes printing easy with the Print/Share button
z Also supports non-Canon brand PictBridge compliant

printers

Uses of Recorded Images

z Effortlessly transfer them to a computer with the Print/Share

button

z Freely customize the start-up image or start-up sound using

the My Camera settings

Conventions Used in this Guide

Icons appearing next to, or below titles indicate the modes in
which the procedure can be used.

Mode: Shooting ( )/Playback ( )

Continuous Shooting

Shooting Mode

• Unavailable shooting modes are shown grayed out.

See Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode (p. 199).

z In this guide, the Basic Camera User Guide is referred to as the

Basic Guide, and the Advanced Camera User Guide is referred

to as the Advanced Guide.

: This mark denotes issues that may affect the camera’s

operation.

: This mark denotes additional topics that complement the

basic operating procedures.

You can use SD memory cards, SDHC memory cards and
MultiMediaCards with this camera. These cards are
collectively called memory cards in this guide.

Use of genuine Canon accessories is recommended.

This product is designed to achieve excellent performance when
used with genuine Canon accessories. Canon shall not be liable
for any damage to this product and/or accidents such as fire, etc.,
caused by the malfunction of non-genuine Canon accessories
(e.g., a leakage and/or explosion of a battery pack). Please note
that this warranty does not apply to repairs arising out of the
malfunction of non-genuine Canon accessories, although you
may request such repairs on a chargeable basis.

*

1

Table of Contents

Items marked with a  are lists or charts that summarize camera
functions or procedures.

Conventions Used in this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Handling Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Please Read. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Safety Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Preventing Malfunctions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations. . . . . . . . 13

Using the LCD Monitor and the Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Customizing Display Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Information Displayed on the LCD Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Power Saving Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Setting the World Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Menus and Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26




Menu List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Resetting Settings to Their Default Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Formatting Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Changing the Recording Pixels and Compression

(Still Images) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Using the Digital Zoom/ Digital Tele-Converter . . . . . . . . . . .40

Setting the Red-Eye Reduction Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Setting the Slow Synchro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Setting the Image Stabilizer Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Continuous Shooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Checking for Focus Right After Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Using the Mode Dial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Movie Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Setting the Recording Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Shooting Panoramic Images (Stitch Assist) . . . . . . . . . . .57

Changing the Colors and Shooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

2

Shooting in the Creative Zone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Program AE
Setting the Shutter Speed
Setting the Aperture
Manually Setting the Shutter Speed and Aperture

Advanced Shooting Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Selecting an AF Frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Switching between Focus Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Shooting Hard-to-Focus Subjects

(Focus Lock, AF Lock, Manual Focus). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Focus Bracketing (Focus-BKT Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Switching between Metering Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Adjusting the ISO Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Adjusting the ISO Speed Quickly (Auto ISO Shift) . . . . . . . . 81

Adjusting the Exposure Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Locking the Exposure Setting (AE Lock). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Shooting with FE Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Adjusting the Tone (White Balance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Shooting in a My Colors Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Switching between Flash Adjustment Settings Shooting . . . 93

Compensating the Flash Adjustment/Flash Output. . . . . . . . 94

Switching the Timing at which the Flash Fires . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Saving Custom Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Registering Settings to the Shortcut Button. . . . . . . . . . . 97

Setting the Auto Rotate Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Creating an Image Destination (Folder) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Resetting the File Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Playback/Erasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Viewing Magnified Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Viewing Images in Sets of Nine (Index Playback) . . . . . 105

Organizing Images by Category (My Category) . . . . . . . . . 106

Jumping to Images. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Viewing Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Editing Movies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

3

Rotating Images in the Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113

Playback with Transition Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Red-Eye Correction Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Adding My Colors Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Attaching Sound Memos to Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Sound-Only Recording (Sound Recorder) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121

Automated Playback (Slide Shows) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

Protecting Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128

Viewing Images on a TV Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130

Erasing Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Print Settings/Transfer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Setting the DPOF Print Setting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134

Setting the DPOF Transfer Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

Customizing the Camera (My Camera Settings) . . . . .141

Changing My Camera Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

Registering My Camera Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

Camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144

When the power is turned on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

LCD monitor/Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .145

Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147

Shooting Movies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151

Playback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

TV monitor output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154

Printing with a direct print compatible printer . . . . . . . . . . . .154

List of Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .155

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Battery Handling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159

Handling the Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

Using the Power Kits (Sold Separately) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Using Conversion Lenses (Sold Separately) . . . . . . . . . . . .167

Using an Externally Mounted Flash (Sold Separately) . . . . .172

4

Replacing the Date Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Camera Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192



Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode . . . . . 199

5

Handling Precautions

Please Read

Test Shots

Before you try to photograph important subjects, we highly
recommend that you shoot several trial images to confirm that the
camera is operating and being operated correctly.
Please note that Canon Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates, and its
distributors are not liable for any consequential damages arising
from any malfunction of a camera or accessory, including memory
cards, that results in the failure of an image to be recorded or to be
recorded in a way that is machine readable.

Warning Against Copyright Infringement

Please note that Canon digital cameras are intended for personal
use and should never be used in a manner that infringes upon or
contravenes international or domestic copyright laws and
regulations. Please be advised that in certain cases the copying of
images from performances, exhibitions, or commercial properties
by means of a camera or other device may contravene copyright or
other legal rights even if the image was shot for personal use.

Warranty Limitations

This camera’s warranty is only effective in the country of sale. If a
problem arises while the camera is in use abroad, please convey it
back to the country of sale before proceeding with a warranty claim
to a Canon Customer Support Help Desk.

For Canon Customer Support contacts, please see the
customer support list supplied with your camera.

6

Camera Body Temperature

If your camera is used for prolonged periods, the camera body
may become warm. Please be aware of this and take care when
operating the camera for an extended period.

About the LCD Monitor

The LCD monitor is produced with extremely high-precision
manufacturing techniques. More than 99.99% of the pixels
operate to specification. Less than 0.01% of the pixels may
occasionally misfire or appear as red or black dots. This has no
effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a
malfunction.

Video Format

Please set the camera’s video signal format to the one used in your
region before using it with a TV monitor (p. 131).

Language Setting

Please see the Basic Guide (p. 8) to change the language setting.

Safety Precautions

z Before using the camera, please ensure that you read the safety

precautions described below and in the “Safety Precautions”
section of the Basic Camera User Guide. Always ensure that the
camera is operated correctly.

z The safety precautions noted on the following pages are intended

to instruct you in the safe and correct operation of the camera and
its accessories to prevent injuries or damage to yourself, other
persons and equipment.

z Equipment refers to the camera, battery, battery charger (sold

separately) and compact power adapter (sold separately).

7

Warnings

Equipment

z Do not point the camera directly at the sun or bright light

sources.

Doing so could damage the camera’s CCD or your eyesight.

z Store this equipment out of the reach of children and

infants.

• Neck strap: Placement of the strap around the child’s neck could
result in asphyxiation.

• Memory card: It may be swallowed accidentally. If this occurs,
contact a doctor immediately.

z Do not attempt to disassemble or alter any part of the

equipment that is not expressly described in this guide.

z To avoid the risk of high-voltage electrical shock, do not

touch the flash portion of the camera if it has been
damaged.

z Stop operating the equipment immediately if it emits smoke

or noxious fumes.

z Do not allow the equipment to come into contact with, or

become immersed in, water or other liquids. If the exterior
comes into contact with liquids or salt air, wipe it dry with a
soft, absorbent cloth.

Continued use of the equipment may result in fire or electrical
shock. Immediately turn the camera power off and remove the
camera batteries or unplug the battery charger or compact power
adapter from the power outlet.
Please consult your camera distributor or the closest Canon
Customer Support Help Desk.

8

z Do not use substances containing alcohol, benzine,

thinners or other flammable substances to clean or
maintain the equipment.

z Do not cut, damage, alter or place heavy items on the power

cord.

z Use only recommended power accessories.
z Remove the power cord on a regular periodic basis and

wipe away the dust and dirt that collects on the plug, the
exterior of the power outlet and the surrounding area.

z Do not handle the power cord if your hands are wet.

Continued use of the equipment may result in fire or electrical
shock.

Battery

z Do not place the batteries near a heat source or expose

them to direct flame or heat.

z The batteries should not be immersed in water or sea water.
z Do not attempt to disassemble, alter or apply heat to the

batteries.

z Avoid dropping or subjecting the batteries to severe

impacts that could damage the casing.

z Use only recommended batteries and accessories.

Failure to follow these precautions may cause explosions or leaks,
resulting in fire, injury and damage to the surroundings. In the
event that a battery leaks and the eyes, mouth, skin or clothing
contact these substances, immediately flush with water and seek
medical assistance.

z Disconnect the battery charger and compact power adapter

from both the camera and the power outlet after recharging
or when not in use to avoid fire and other hazards.

z Do not place anything, such as tablecloths, carpets,

bedding or cushions, on top of the battery charger while it
is charging.

Leaving the units plugged in for a long period of time may cause
them to overheat and distort, resulting in fire.

9

z When recharging the Canon AA-size NiMH batteries, use

only a specified battery charger.

z The compact power adapter is designed for exclusive use

with this equipment. Do not use it with other products.

There is a risk of overheating and distortion which could result in
fire or electrical shock.

z Before you discard a battery, cover the terminals with tape

or other insulators to prevent direct contact with other
objects.

Contact with the metallic components of other materials in waste
containers may lead to fire or explosions.

Others

z Do not trigger the flash in close proximity to human or

animal eyes. Exposure to the intense light produced by the
flash may damage eyesight.

In particular, remain at least one meter (39 inches) away from
infants when using the flash.

z Keep objects that are sensitive to magnetic fields (such as

credit cards) away from the speaker of the camera.

Such items may lose data or stop working.

z When using the optional Canon Wide Converter, Tele

Converter, Close-up Lens, or Conversion Lens Adapter, be
sure to attach them firmly.

If the lens becomes loose and falls off, it may crack, and the shards
of glass may lead to cuts.

10

Cautions

Equipment

z Do not get the camera caught on other objects or subject it

to strong impacts or shocks when wearing or holding it by
the strap.

z Be careful not to bump or strongly push the end of the lens.

The above-mentioned could lead to injury or damage the
equipment.

z Do not store the equipment in humid or dusty areas.
z Do not allow metal objects (such as pins or keys) or dirt to

contact the charger terminals or plug.

Such conditions could lead to fire, electrical shock or other
damage.

z Avoid using, placing or storing the equipment in places

subject to strong sunlight or high temperatures, such as the
dashboard or trunk (boot) of a car.

z Do not use the camera in such a way that would cause it to

exceed the rating of the power outlet or wiring. Do not use if
the power cord or plug are damaged, or if not fully plugged
into the outlet.

z Do not use in locations with poor ventilation.

The above-mentioned can cause leakage, overheating or
explosion, resulting in fire, burns or other injuries. High
temperatures may also cause deformation of the casing.

z When not using the camera for extended periods of time,

remove the battery from the camera or battery charger and
store the equipment in a safe place.

If the batteries are left inside the camera, damage caused by
leakage may occur.

11

Flash

z Do not operate the flash with dirt, dust or other items stuck

to the surface of the flash.

z Be careful not to cover the flash with your fingers or

clothing when shooting.

The flash may be damaged and emit smoke or noise. The resulting
heat build-up could damage the flash.

z Do not touch the surface of the flash after taking several

pictures in rapid succession.

Doing so could result in burns.

Preventing Malfunctions

Avoid Strong Magnetic Fields

z Never place the camera in close proximity to electric motors

or other equipment generating strong electromagnetic
fields.

Exposure to strong magnetic fields may cause malfunctions or
corrupt image data.

Avoid Condensation Related Problems

z When moving the equipment rapidly between hot and cold

temperatures, you can avoid condensation by placing the
equipment in an airtight, resealable plastic bag and letting it
adjust to temperature changes slowly before removing it
from the bag.

Moving the equipment rapidly between hot and cold temperatures
may cause condensation (water droplets) to form on its external
and internal surfaces.

If Condensation Forms Inside the Camera

z Stop using the camera immediately.

Continued use may damage the equipment. Remove the memory
card and battery or compact power adapter from the camera and
wait until the moisture evaporates completely before resuming use.

12

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

Using the LCD Monitor and the Viewfinder

Pressing the DISP. button switches the display mode.
The screens that are displayed are based on the [Custom Display]
settings (p. 15).
Also, closing the LCD monitor causes the viewfinder to display.

Press the DISP. button.

1

z The display mode changes as follows.

Shooting Mode ( )

: When the LCD monitor is opened.
: When the LCD monitor is closed.

LCD Monitor (Display Location )

(No Information)

*

Playback Mode ( )

No Information

Standard Display

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

LCD Monitor (Display Location )

(Information View)

Viewfinder (Display Location )

(No Information)

Viewfinder (Display Location )

(Information View)

* Default setting. Displayed information can be changed (p. 15).

(Shooting information, grid lines, and a histogram ( , , or

only) are displayed with the default settings.)

*

*

*

Detailed Display

z The shooting information displays for approximately 6 sec.

when a setting is changed, regardless of the selected
display mode.

z You can adjust the brightness for the LCD monitor and

viewfinder (p. 33).

13

z The LCD monitor on or off setting is retained even after the

camera power is turned off.

z The LCD monitor will not switch to the detailed display in

magnified display (p. 104), or index playback mode (p. 105).

z If the surroundings are too bright (for example, when you

are shooting outdoors) and images on the LCD monitor are
not clear, use the viewfinder for shooting. Adjust the
viewfinder focus with the diopter adjustment dial (Basic
Guide p. 3) so the displayed information appears clearly.

Using the Clock

You can display the current date and time for
a 5-second
methods.

* Default setting.

a Hold the / button down while turning on the power.
b In a shooting/playback mode, hold the / button down for

• If you hold the camera horizontally, it displays the time. If you

• You can change the display color by pressing the W or X

• The clock display will cease when the display interval is over

• The clock’s display interval can be changed in the [ Set up]

• The clock cannot be displayed in the magnified display

*

interval using the following two

more than one second.

hold it vertically, the time and date display.

button.

or when a button is operated.

menu (p. 27).

(p. 104).

14

Customizing Display Information

1

2

*

Shooting Mode

*1 Only [Shooting Info] can be displayed.
*2 [3:2 Guide] cannot be displayed.

You can set 2 display modes to select whether or not to display the
following information on the LCD monitor and viewfinder, and
switch between displays by pressing the DISP. button

LCD/Viewfinder You can select whether or not to display the

Shooting Info Displays shooting information (p. 18).

Grid Lines Displays grid lines to divide the screen into 9

3:2 Guide Helps confirm the print area for a 3:2 print.

Histogram Displays histogram ( , , and modes

(Rec.) MENU [Custom Display]

1

following information on the LCD monitor ( / )
and viewfinder ( / ). The display modes can
be switched in sequence by pressing the DISP.
button (p. 13).

parts. Helps confirm the vertical and horizontal
positioning of the subject (p. 18).

Areas outside the printable area are grayed out
(p. 18).

* Images are still recorded at the standard aspect

ratio of 4:3.

only) (p. 17).

SET button.

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

*

(p. 13).

*

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

15

[LCD/Viewfinder] ///.

2

z Sets LCD monitor or viewfinder

display mode after the DISP. button is
pressed.

z If you do not wish to change the

display mode when the DISP. button
is pressed, use the S, T, W or X
button and press the SET button to
display (/// ).

z You cannot add to the current

active LCD/Viewfinder icon.

[Shooting Info]/[Grid Lines]/[3:2 Guide]/

3

LCD monitor

Current active display

[Histogram].

z Using the S, T, W or X buttons, select the items you wish

to display on the LCD monitor and press the SET button to
place a 3 mark.

z Even though items that are grayed out can be set, they will

not display in the current active shooting mode.

z Display locations with no 3 marks will not have any

information displayed.

z Default setting: , : No Information

, : Displays shooting information,

grid lines, and a histogram

If you press the shutter button halfway and return to the
shooting screen from the custom display settings screen, the
settings will not be saved.

Viewfinder

16

Histogram Function

The histogram is a graph that allows you to check the brightness
of an image. You can also display the histogram in the , ,

and modes to check the brightness while shooting. The
greater the bias toward the left in the graph, the darker the image.
The greater the bias toward the right, the brighter the image. If the
image is too dark, adjust the exposure compensation to a positive
value. Similarly, adjust the exposure compensation to a negative
value if the image is too bright (p. 83).

Sample Histograms

Dark Image Balanced Image Bright Image

You can change the shutter speed, aperture value and ISO
speed to adjust the brightness of an image in the mode.

Night Display

When shooting in dark conditions, the camera automatically
brightens the LCD monitor or viewfinder to suit the brightness of
the subject

* Although noise may appear and the movement of the subject shown on

the LCD monitor or viewfinder may appear somewhat jagged, there is no
effect on the recorded image. The brightness of the image displayed in
the monitor, and the brightness of the actual image recorded will be
different.

*

, making it easier to frame the subject.

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

17

Information Displayed on the LCD Monitor

Shooting Information (Shooting Mode)

Histogram (p. 17)

Zoom Bar

Focus range
(rough guide)

Time Zone (p. 23)

Digital Tele-Converter (p. 40)

Zoom Magnification (p. 40)

Safety Zoom (p. 41)

3:2 Guide (p. 15)

Grid Lines (p. 15)

···

Exposure Compensation

White Balance (p. 88)

My Colors (p. 91)

Bracket (pp. 77, 87)

Flash Exposure Compensation

(p. 94)/

Flash Output (p. 94)

Metering Mode (p. 78)

Frame Rate (Movies) (p. 53)

(Still image) (p. 39)

Recording Pixels (p. 53)

Recording Pixels/

Compression

(Red) Camera Shake*1 (p. 19)

18

Buffer Warning

*1

(

p. 83

)

*2

Wind Filter (p. 56)

Shooting disabled (p. 55)

Standard Exposure Index/
Exposure Level Mark (p. 68)

Create Folder (p. 100)

MF Indicator (p. 74)

• Stills: Recordable Shots*

• Movies: Remaining Time*3/
Elapsed Time

AE Lock/FE Lock (pp. 84, 86)

Exposure Shift Bar

(Movie) (p. 52)

Shutter Speed (p. 181)

Aperture Value

Image Stabilizer (p. 44)

AF Lock (p. 74)

Manual Focus (p. 75)

3

Shooting Mode

(Basic Guide p. 11-13) (p. 57) (p. 50)

Save Settings (p. 96)

Macro/Super Macro (Basic Guide p. 16)

ISO Speed (p. 80)

Low Battery (p. 159)

Flash (

Basic Guide

(Red) Flash Warning (p. 19)

Auto Rotate (p. 99)

zRec Movie Recording (p. 50)

Spot AE Point Frame (p. 78)

AF Frame (p. 69)

*1 Displays when the shutter button is pressed halfway.
*2 This is not normally displayed. It appears when remaining available

internal memory (buffer) is half or less during movie recording (when the
buffer warning indicates full, shooting or recording may be stopped).

*3 “0” appears in red when no more recording space is available for either

still images at the current number of recordable images, or movies.
When both recording capacities are full, the “Memory card full” message
appears.

p. 14)

Drive Mode (p. 46, Basic Guide p. 18)

The “Raise the flash” message, (camera shake warning),
or (flash warning) icon blinks red on the LCD monitor (or
viewfinder) in low light conditions while the camera is
preparing to shoot. Use one of the following shooting
methods.

- Set the IS mode to any setting other than [Off] (p. 30)

- Raise the ISO speed (p. 80)

- Set the Auto ISO Shift to [On] (p. 81)

- Raise the flash to enable automatic or normal firing

- Fix the camera to a tripod

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

19

Playback Information (Playback Mode)

Standard

Defined Playback (p. 106)

WAVE Format Sound (p. 119)

Folder Number - File Number

Shooting Date/Time

Protection Status (p. 128)

Compression

(Still Images) (p. 39)

Total number of images

Displayed image number

Pixels (Still Images) (p. 39)

Movie (p. 109)

Recording

20

Detailed

My Category (p. 106)

Histogram (p. 17)

Shooting Mode

(Basic Guide pp. 11-13)

Still image shot while shooting a

movie (p. 54)

ISO Speed (p. 80)

Shutter Speed (p. 181)

Aperture Value

Recording Pixels/
Frame Rate (Movies)(p. 53)

···

Exposure Compensation (p. 83)

Metering Mode (p. 78)

White Balance (p. 88)

* Appears when shooting in the color accent or color swap mode.

···

Flash Exposure Compensation (p. 94)

Flash Output (p. 94)

* *

My Colors (p. 117)

My Colors (Playback) (p. 117)

Red-Eye Reduction Function

Red-Eye Correction Function (p. 115)/

Image with a My Colors effect (p. 117)

Manual Focus (p. 75)

Macro/Super Macro

(Basic Guide p. 16)

File size

Recording Pixels (Still Image) (p. 38)

Movie Length (Movies) (p. 187)

The following information may also be displayed with some images.

A sound file in a format other than the WAVE format is
attached or the file format is not recognized.

JPEG image not conforming to Design rule for Camera File
System Standards (p. 182).

RAW image

Unrecognized data type

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

21

z Information for images shot on other cameras may not

display correctly.

z Overexposure Warning

In the following cases, overexposed portions of the image
blink.

- When reviewing an image right after shooting in the LCD
monitor (information view) or in the viewfinder (information
view)

- When using the detailed display mode of the Playback
mode

Power Saving Function

This camera is equipped with a power saving function. The power
will shut off in the following circumstances. Turn the camera on
again to restore power.

Shooting Mode

Playback Mode
Connected to a
Printer

* Default setting. This time can be changed.

z Please note that when the power is turned off with the

power saving function, small amounts of power are still
consumed.

z The power saving function will not activate during a slide

show or while the camera is connected to a computer.

z The power saving function settings can be changed (p. 33).

Powers down approximately 3 minutes after the
last control is accessed on the camera. The LCD
monitor or viewfinder automatically turns off

*

after the last control is accessed even if

1 minute
[Auto Power Down] is set to [Off] (Press any button
other than the OFF button or change the camera
orientation to turn the LCD monitor or viewfinder
back on).

Powers down approximately 5 minutes after the
last control is accessed on the camera.

22

Setting the World Clock

When traveling abroad, you can record images with local dates and
times simply by switching the time zone setting if you pre-register
the destination time zones. You can enjoy the convenience of not
having to switch the Date/Time settings.

Setting the Home/World Time Zones

(Set up) Menu [Time Zone]

1

SET button.

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

(Home) SET button.

2

Use the W or X button to select a home time

3

zone SET button.

z To set the daylight saving option, use

the S or T button to display. The
time will advance by 1 hour.

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

23

(World) SET button.

4

Use the W or X button to select a destination

5

time zone SET button.

z As in Step 3, you can set daylight

saving time.

Use the S button to select [Home/World],

6

and the W or X button to select MENU
button.

Time difference from

home time zone

24

Switching to the Destination Time Zone

(Set up) Menu [Time Zone]

1

SET button.

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

Use the W or X button to select

2

MENU button.

z To change the destination time zone,

press the SET button.

z When you switch to the destination

time zone, will display on the LCD
monitor.

If you do not select a home time zone beforehand, you
cannot configure the destination time.

If you change the date and time when the destination time
zone is selected, the home time zone date and time will also
change automatically.

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

25

Menus and Settings

Menus are used to set the shooting, playback and print settings as
well as such camera settings as the date/time and electronic beep.
The following menus are available.

z FUNC. Menu
z Rec., Play, Print, Set up, and My Camera Menus

FUNC. Menu

Sets many of the functions commonly used during shooting.

a b

cd

• This example shows the FUNC. menu in .

a Set the shooting mode dial to the shooting mode you want

to use.

b Press the FUNC. button.
c Use the S or T button to select a menu item.

• Some items may not be selectable in some shooting modes.

d Use the W or X button to select an option for the menu item.

• You can select further options with the SET button for some
options.

• After selecting an option, you can press the shutter button to
shoot immediately. After shooting, this menu will appear again,
allowing you to adjust the settings easily.

e Press the FUNC. button.

26

e

Rec., Play, Print, Set up and My Camera
Menus

Convenient settings for shooting, playback or printing can be set
with these menus.

(Rec.) Menu

(Set up) Menu

(My Camera) Menu

ae

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

You can switch

b

between menus
with the W or X
button when this
part is selected.

• This example shows the Rec. menu when in mode.

• In playback mode, the Play, Print, Set up and My Camera menus
display.

a Press the MENU button.
b Use theW or X button to switch between menus.

• You can also use the zoom lever to switch between menus.

c Use the S or T button to select a menu item.

• Some items may not be selectable in some shooting modes.

d Use the W or X button to select an option.

• Menu items followed by an ellipsis (...) can only be set after

pressing the SET button to display the next menu. Press the
SET button again to confirm the setting.

e Press the MENU button.

c

d

27

Menu List

See Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode (p. 199).

FUNC. Menu

The icons shown below are the default settings.

Menu Item

White Balance p. 88

My Colors p. 91

Bracket pp. 77, 87

Flash Exposure Compensation/Flash Output p. 94

Metering Mode p. 78

Recording Pixels/Frame Rate (Movie) p. 53

Compression/Recording Pixels (Still Image) p. 38

Reference

Page

28

Rec. Menu ( )

Menu Item Options

FlexiZone On

Digital Zoom

(Movies) Standard

Flash Sync 1st-curtain

Slow Synchro On/Off

Flash Adjust On

Red-Eye On

Safety FE On

Self-timer

Spot AE Point Center

Safety Shift On/Off

Auto ISO Shift On/Off

MF-Point Zoom On

Safety MF On

AF Mode Continuous

AF-assist Beam On

Tally Lamp On

Review Off/2 sec.

Save Original On/Off

Reverse Disp. On

*

/Off p. 71

*

*

/Off p. 94

*

/Off p. 42

*

/Off p. 67

Delay: 0 - 10*, 15, 20, 30 sec.
Shots: 1 - 10
(

Default setting is 3 shots.)

*

/AF Point p. 78

*

*

*

/Off p. 75

*

/Off p. 76

*

/Off –

*

/Off p. 51

*

*

/Off Basic Guide p. 6

*Default setting

Summary/

Reference Page

*

/Off/1.6x/2.0x

*

/Off

*

/2nd-curtain p. 95

p. 40(Still Image) Standard

p. 43

*

Basic Guide p. 18

p. 67

p. 81

*

/Single p. 72

*

to 10 sec./Hold Basic Guide p. 10

p. 62

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

29

Auto Category On*/Off Sets whether or not

images are
automatically
classified into
categories during
shooting.*

1

IS Mode

(Still Image) Continuous

Panning/Off

(Movies) On

Converter Off

TC-DC58B/500D

*

/Shoot Only/

*

/Off

*

/WC-DC58A/

pp. 18, 44

p. 171

Custom Display
Settings

LCD/Viewfinder / / /

2

3

Shooting info. Off*

Grid Lines

/On*

Off*2/On*

3

p. 15

3:2 Guide Off*2*3/On

2

*

/On*

3

p. 97

Histogram Off*

Set Shortcut
button

Save Settings – p. 96

*1 They are classified according to the following categories.

(People): , or images with faces detected when [Face Detect]

has been selected.

(Scenery): , ,

(Events): , , , , ,
*2 Default setting for LCD monitor 1 and viewfinder display 1.
*3 Default setting for LCD monitor 2 and viewfinder display 2.

30

Play Menu ( ) Print Menu ( )

Menu Item

Slide Show p. 123

My Category p. 106

Erase p. 132

Protect p. 128

Red-Eye

Correction

My Colors p. 117

Sound Recorder p. 121

Rotate p. 113

Transfer Order p. 139

Transition p. 114

Reference

Page

p. 115

Menu Item

Print

Select Image & Qty.

Select by Date

Select by Category

Select by Folder

Select All Images

Clear All Selections

Print Settings

Reference

Page

p. 134

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

31

Set up Menu ( )

*Default setting

Menu Item Options

Mute On/Off

Volume Off / 1 / 2

Start-up Vol. Adjusts the volume of the

Operation Vol. Adjusts the volume of the

Selftimer Vol. Adjusts the volume of the

Shutter Volume

Playback Vol. Adjusts the volume of

*

*

/ 3 / 4 / 5 Adjusts the volume of the

Summary/

Reference Page

Set to [On] to silence all
operation sounds except for
the warning sounds (Basic
Guide p. 9).

start-up sound, operation
sound, self-timer sound,
shutter sound and playback
sound. The volume cannot
be adjusted if [Mute] is set
to [On].

start-up sound when the
camera is turned on.

operation sound that beeps
when any button other than
the shutter button is
pressed.

self-timer sound played 2
sec. before the shutter is
released.

Adjusts the volume of the
sound played when the
shutter releases. The
shutter sound does not play
when a movie is recording.

movie sounds, sound
memos or sound recorder.

32

Menu Item Options

Summary/

Reference Page

Audio p. 56

Mic level Auto

*

/Manual Sets method of adjustment

for the sound recording
level.

Level -40 to 0 dB Sets the sound recording

level.

Wind Filter On/Off

*

LCD Brightness (Normal)

(Bright)

Reduces wind noise.

*

/

Adjusts the brightness for
the LCD monitor and
viewfinder separately.
(Display the location you
wish to adjust the
brightness for, and then
configure the settings.)

Power Saving p. 22

*

Auto Power Down On

/Off Sets whether or not the

camera automatically
powers down after a set
period of time elapses
without the camera being
operated.

Display Off 10 sec./20 sec./

30 sec./1 min.
2 min./3 min.

Sets the length of time

*

/

before the LCD monitor (or
viewfinder) turns off when
no camera operation is
performed.

*

Time Zone Home

/World p. 23

Date/Time Basic Guide p. 8

Clock Display

0 - 5* - 10 sec./
20 sec./30 sec./

p. 14

1 min./2 min./3 min.

Format You can also select a low

level format (p. 37).

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

33

Menu Item Options

File Numbering Continuous*/

Auto Reset

Summary/

Reference Page

p. 102

Create Folder p. 100

Create New
Folder

Auto Create Off

Auto Rotate On

Distance Units m/cm

Check mark (On)/
No check mark
(Off)

*

/Daily/
Monday-Sunday/
Monthly

*

/Off p. 99

*

or ft/in Sets the unit of

Creates a folder during the
next shooting session.

You can also set an auto
creation time.

measurement of the
distance displayed for the
MF indicator and the focus
range (p. 75).

Language Basic Guide p. 8

Video System NTSC/ PAL p. 131

Print Method Auto

*

/ See below

*1

Reset All p. 36

*1 The connection method with the printer can be changed. Although it is

normally not necessary to change the setting, select when borderless
printing an image shot in (Wide) mode on wide size paper using
Canon compact photo printer SELPHY CP730/CP720/CP710/CP510.
As this setting will be stored to memory even when the power is turned
off, to print using an image size other than , return the mode to [Auto]
(however, the connection method cannot be changed while connected to
a printer).

34

My Camera Menu ( )

Menu Item Summary

Theme

Start-up Image

Start-up Sound

Operation Sound

Selftimer Sound

Shutter Sound

My Camera Menu
Contents

Selects a common theme for each
My Camera settings item.

Sets the image displayed when the
camera power is turned on.

Sets the sound played when the
camera power is turned on.

Sets the sound played when any
button other than the shutter button is
pressed.

Sets the sound played 2 seconds
before the shutter releases in
self-timer mode.

Sets the sound played when the
shutter button is pressed. There is no
shutter sound for movies.

(Off) /

*

//

*Default setting

Reference

Page

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

p. 141

35

Resetting Settings to Their Default
Values

(Set up) Menu [Reset All].

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

Select [OK] and press the SET button.

2

z Settings cannot be reset when the camera is connected to a

computer or to a printer.

z The following cannot be reset.

- Shooting mode

- The [Time Zone], [Date/Time], [Language] and [Video
System] options in the [ (Set up)] menu (p. 33)

- White balance data recorded with the custom white
balance function (p. 88)

- Colors specified in the [Color Accent] (p. 59) or [Color
Swap] (p. 60) modes in the mode

- Newly registered My Camera settings (p. 142)

z When the camera is in shooting mode and the mode dial is

set to , only the settings saved for mode will return to
default settings. This is the only way to return mode
settings (p. 96) to defaults.

36

Formatting Memory Cards

You should always format a new memory card or one from which
you wish to erase all images and other data.

z

Please note that formatting (initializing) a memory card erases
all data, including protected images and other file types.

z

When the icon is displayed, sound data recorded with the
sound recorder exists. Exercise adequate caution before
formatting the memory card.

(Set up) Menu [Format].

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

Select [OK] and press the SET button.

2

z To perform a low level format, use the

S button to select [Low Level Format]
and the W or X button to add a check
mark.

z You can stop formatting a card when

[Low Level Format] is selected by
pressing the SET button. You can still
use a card without problem when
formatting is halted, but its data will be
erased.

Displays when sound
recorder data is
present (p. 121).

Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations

z This operation is not available in mode.
z Low Level Format

We recommend you select [Low Level Format] when you
think that the recording/reading speed of a memory card
has dropped. A low level format may require 2 to 3 minutes
with some memory cards.

37

Shooting

Changing the Recording Pixels and
Compression (Still Images)

Shooting Mode

FUNC. Menu

1

Pixels)

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

* Default setting.

z Use the W or X button to select

recording pixel.

z settings cannot be made in

mode.

SET button

2

* Default setting.

z Use the W or X button to select

compression.

*

*

(Compression/Recording

(Recording Pixels).

*

(Compression).

Number of shots

remaining

38

Approximate Values for Recording Pixels

Recording Pixels Purpose

Large

Medium 1

Medium 2

Medium 3

Small

*

Wide

* Cannot be used in mode.

• Paper sizes vary according to region.

3264 × 2448

pixels

2592 × 1944

pixels

2048 × 1536

pixels

1600 × 1200

pixels

640 × 480

pixels

3264 × 1832

pixels

High Printing to about A3 size (Approx.

297 × 420 mm (11.7 × 16.5 in.))

Printing to about A4 size (Approx.
210 × 297 mm (8.3 × 11.7 in.))
Printing to about Letter size prints
216 × 279 mm (8.5 × 11 in.)

Printing to about A5 size (Approx.
149 × 210 mm (5.9 × 8.3 in.))

Printing postcard-size prints
148 × 100 mm (6 × 4 in.)
Printing L-size prints 119 × 89 mm
(4.7 × 3.5 in.)

Sending images as e-mail

Low

attachments or shooting more
images

Printing wide size prints (Images are
recorded with 16:9 aspect ratios. Areas
not recorded will display as black bars on
the LCD monitor.)

Approximate Values for Compression
Settings

Recording Pixels Purpose

High

Superfine

Fine Shoot normal quality images

Normal Shoot more images

Shoot higher quality images

Quality

Normal

Shooting

z See Image Data Sizes (Estimated) (p. 188).
z

See Memory Cards and Estimated Capacities (pp. 188, 186).

39

Using the Digital Zoom/
Digital Tele-Converter

1

Shooting Mode

*

*1 Cannot be set in and modes.
*2 [Digital Tele-converter] cannot be set.

You can combine digital zoom with optical zoom when shooting.
The available shooting characteristics and focal lengths (35mm film
equivalent) are as follows.

Selection Focal Length Shooting Characteristics

Standard 36 – 1728 mm Enables shooting at zoom factors of

Off 36 – 432 mm

1.6x 57.6 – 691.2 mm Digital zoom is fixed at the selected

2.0x 72 – 864 mm

up to 48x with digital and optical
zoom combined.

Enables shooting without digital zoom.

zoom factor, and the focal length
shifts to maximum telephoto.
This enables a faster shutter speed
and less chance of camera shake
than a shot taken at the same angle
of view with [Standard] or [Off].

The digital zoom cannot be used in (Wide) mode.

2

*

40

1

(Rec.) Menu [Digital Zoom]

[Standard]

* Default setting.

z When using [Standard]

See Shooting With the Digital Zoom
(p. 41).

z When using [1.6x] or [2.0x]

See Shooting With the Digital Tele-Converter (p. 42).

*

/[Off]/[1.6x]/[2.0x].

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

Shooting With the Digital Zoom

Press the zoom lever toward and shoot.

2

z The combined digital and optical zoom setting will display in

the LCD monitor.

z Based on the number of recording pixels set, the Safety

Zoom feature calculates the maximum zoom factor beyond
which image quality will begin to deteriorate. The digital
zoom pauses at this zoom factor for a moment, and
appears on the LCD monitor.
If you press the zoom lever toward again, you can zoom
in even closer.
In this case, the color of the zoom bar means as follows:

- White: optical zoom

- Yellow: digital zoom (non-deteriorative)

- Blue: digital zoom (deteriorative)

z Press the zoom lever toward to zoom out.

Optical zoom (White)

Digital zoom (Blue)

Combined optical and
digital zoom

Shooting

Approximately

2 seconds later

41

Shooting With the Digital Tele-Converter

Adjust the angle of view with the zoom lever

2

and shoot.

z appears on the LCD monitor.
z Depending on the number of

recording pixels set, image quality
may deteriorate ( and the zoom
factor appear in blue).

About the Digital Tele-Converter

The digital tele-converter feature uses digital zoom to achieve the
effects of a tele-converter (a lens used for telephoto shooting).

Setting the Red-Eye Reduction
Function

Shooting Mode

You can set whether or not the red-eye reduction* lamp
automatically fires with the flash.

* This feature reduces the effect of light reflecting back from the eyes and

making them appear red.

(Rec.) Menu [Red-Eye] [On]*/[Off].

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

* Default setting.

*

*Cannot be set in mode.

42

Setting the Slow Synchro

Shooting Mode

The flash timing is adjusted to slow shutter speeds. This reduces
the chance that only the background will appear dark when a night
scene or an interior shot is taken.

1

(Rec.) Menu [Slow Synchro] [On]/

*

.

[Off]

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

* Default setting.

When [Slow Synchro] set to [On], camera shake may become
a factor even if [IS Mode] is set to [Continuous]. Use of a
tripod is recommended.

Shooting

43

Setting the Image Stabilizer Function

Shooting Mode

The lens-shift type image stabilizer function allows you to minimize
the camera shake effect (blurred images) when you shoot distant
subjects that have been magnified or when you shoot in dark
conditions without a flash.

You can check the effect of the IS mode on image blur

Continuous

Shoot Only

Panning

* This option is not available in the mode.

on the LCD monitor (or viewfinder) since the IS mode
runs continually. This makes it easier to compose
images and focus on subjects.

Shoot Only IS mode is only activated when the shutter
button is pressed. When set to [Continuous], some
blurring may occur depending on the subjects. In Shoot

*

Only mode, subjects can be taken without concern for
any unnatural movement that may appear on the LCD
monitor (or viewfinder).

This option only stabilizes the effect of up and down

*

camera motions on the image. This option is
recommended for shooting objects moving horizontally.

44

1

(Rec.) Menu [IS Mode]

[Continuous]

* Default setting.

*

/[Shoot Only]/[Planning]/[Off].

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

The following icons appear on the LCD monitor.

[Continuous]

[Shoot

Only]

[Panning]

[Converter] setting

in Rec. menu

None –

WC-DC58A

TC-DC58B

500D

z If you change the mode dial to in the still image

shooting mode after setting [IS Mode] to [Shooting] or
[Panning] in the still image shooting mode, the setting will
change to [Continuous].

z Camera shake may not be fully corrected when shooting

with slow shutter speeds, such as with evening shots. Use
of a tripod is recommended.

z If camera shake is too strong, it may not be fully corrected.
z Hold the camera horizontally while [Panning] (stabilization

does not work when the camera is held vertically).

Reference

Page

p. 190

Shooting

45

Continuous Shooting

Shooting Mode

In this mode, the camera shoots continuously while the shutter
button is held down.
If you use the recommended memory card
continuously (smooth continuous shooting) at a set shooting
interval until the memory card is full (pp. 186, 188).

* Recommended Memory Card:

Super high-speed SDC-512MSH memory card (sold separately) to which
low-level formatting (p. 37) is conducted immediately before shooting.

*

*Cannot be set in and mode.

*

, you can shoot

Shooting

speed

(Image/sec.)

Continuous

You can shoot
continuously at a short
shooting interval.

Continuous Shooting AF

You can shoot
continuously with auto
focus.

Continuous Shooting LV
(Live View)

You can shoot
continuously with a
manually set focus position
while confirming the
subject.

• (Large/Fine) mode.

• This reflects standard shooting criteria established by Canon. Actual
results may vary according to the subject and shooting conditions.

• Even if continuous shooting suddenly stops, the memory card may not
be full.

Approx. 1.5 Fixed

Approx. 0.9 Auto focus

Approx. 0.9 Fixed

* The focus position of first image is fixed.

Focus

while

shooting

*

*

46

Display on

the LCD

monitor

Recorded

image

Subject

right

before

shooting

Subject

right after

shooting

Press the / button to display , or .

1

z Each time you press the / button, the continuous

shooting settings will change.

1

*

*1 Default setting.
*2 is displayed in and manual focus modes.

Shoot.

2

z The camera will continue to record successive images while

the shutter button is held down.
Recording will cease when the shutter button is released.

To Cancel Continuous Shooting:

Follow Step 1 to select .

z When in , will be the default setting. cannot be

set.

z is not displayed in mode ( is displayed instead).
z Cannot be set while in the focus bracketing shooting mode

or AEB shooting mode.

z AF frame will be set to [Center] in mode.

z The interval between shots lengthens when the built-in

memory of the camera fills.

z If the flash is used, the interval between shots lengthens

because the flash must charge.

2

*

Shooting

47

Checking for Focus Right After Shooting

Shooting Mode

You can check whether the image is in focus right after it is
recorded.

Shoot.

1

z The recorded image displays for about 2 seconds (or the

interval set with the [Review] feature (p. 29)).

Press the DISP. button (or the SET button)

2

while the image is displayed.

z The number of times the DISP. button

is pressed depends upon the display
settings for the LCD monitor (p. 15).
Press the DISP. button repeatedly
until the screen at the right appears.

z Displays as follows.

- Camera is focused: AF frame for the
image that has been shot displays in
white, and an orange frame appears
within the focused frame.

- Camera is not focused: An orange frame displays at the
center of the image that has been shot.

- Contents within the orange frame can be confirmed at the
bottom right. Zoom magnification can be changed using
the zoom lever (p. 104).

- You can change the display position within the orange
frame using the MENU button or the S, T, W or X button.

Recorded image

Orange frame contents

To Cancel Checking the Focus:

Press the shutter button halfway.

48

z You can delete an image by pressing the button while

the image is displayed (See Basic Guide p. 20).

z Pressing the DISP. button will change the display on the

LCD monitor as follows.
Focus Confirmation→Detailed Display→No Information

Switching between AF Frames/
Changing the Display Position

Press the MENU button.

1

z For images displaying multiple

AF frames that are in focus, the
display within the orange frame
changes with each press of the
MENU button.

Use the S, T, W or X button to change

2

the display position.

z When you press the MENU button, the orange frame

returns to its original position. When there are multiple
AF frames displayed, the MENU button switches
between the different positions of the orange frames.

Shooting

49

Using the Mode Dial

Movie Shooting

Shooting Mode

No matter what position the mode dial is in, you can shoot movies*1
with just a push of the Movie button.
You can select the movie recording pixels and frame rate (p. 53)
and shoot with color effects such as Color Accent, Color Swap, and
My Colors. Sound is recorded in stereo.
In modes other than mode, some of the settings previously set
in menus such as the FUNC. and Rec. menus may be changed to
those of the movie recording mode.
z Max. Clip Size: 4 GB*

*1 You can record until the memory card is full (when a super high-speed

memory card is used, such as the recommended SDC-512MSH).

*2 Even if the clip size has not reached 4 GB, recording will stop at the

moment the clip length reaches 1 hour.
Depending on memory card capacity and data write speed, recording
may stop before the file size reaches 4 GB or the recording time reaches
1 hour.

2

50

Press the Movie button to

1

shoot.

z Shooting starts when the Movie button

is pressed. Recording will include
sound.

z During shooting, the recording time

and [z Rec] appear on the LCD monitor (or viewfinder).

z When a face is detected while shooting, the camera will

focus on that face.

z The tally lamp blinks red during movie recording and turns

off when the recording session is over. When [Tally Lamp] is
set to [Off] in the Rec. menu, the lamp does not blink (p. 29).

z Pressing the Movie button again stops recording.

Recording will stop automatically under the following
circumstances.

- When the maximum recording time elapses

- When the internal memory and the memory card becomes
full

z When shooting with the Color Accent or the Color Swap, be

sure to specify them beforehand (p. 59).

Using the Mode Dial

51

z You are recommended to use a memory card that has

been formatted in your camera to shoot movies (p. 37).
The card supplied with the camera may be used without
further formatting.

z Be careful of the following while recording.

- Try not to touch the microphone (Basic Guide p. 1).

- If you press any buttons other than the Movie button, the

sound that the buttons make when pressed will be
recorded in the movie.

- The camera will automatically adjust the exposure and

white balance to suit the shooting conditions during a
recording. Please note, however, that the sounds made
by the camera while automatically adjusting the exposure
may also be recorded.

z Images of recorded with this camera may not play back

properly on other cameras.

z Even if you shoot movies with the recording pixels for still

images set to , the aspect ratio of the recorded movie
will be the usual 4:3 screen.

z Do not point the camera at the sun when shooting.

z When you press the MF button, AF lock is set at the current

focus condition. displays on the LCD monitor (or
viewfinder).

z You can set the AE lock (p. 84) and exposure shift while

shooting movies (you can also set them before shooting
when the mode dial is set to ).

1. Press the ISO button.

The exposure will lock (AE lock) and the exposure shift
bar will appear in the LCD monitor (or viewfinder).

2. Use the W or X button to adjust the exposure.

Press the ISO button again to release the setting. Also,
the setting will be canceled if you press the MENU button
or change the white balance, My Colors, or shooting
mode settings.

52

z When movie recording is stopped in any mode dial position

except , the still image settings return to the settings
before movie shooting began. AE lock (p. 84) and exposure
shift, however, are disabled.

z QuickTime is required to play back movies (Data type: AVI/

Compression method: Motion JPEG) on a computer
(Windows 2000 only).

Changing Movie Recording Pixels and
Frame Rates

You can change the movie recording pixels and frame rate in
any shooting mode.

FUNC. button

1

Pixels/Frame Rate).

See Menus and Settings (p. 26).

* Default setting.

z Use the W or X button to select

the recording pixels/frame rate
and press the FUNC. button.

Movie Recording Pixels/Frame Rates

Frame rates indicate the number of frames recorded or
played back each second. The higher the frame rate, the
smoother the appearance of motion.

Recording Pixels Frame Rates

640 × 480 pixels 30 frames/sec.

640 × 480 pixels 30 frames/sec., LP (Long Play)

320 × 240 pixels 60 frames/sec.

320 × 240 pixels 30 frames/sec.

*

/// (Recording

Remaining Time

Using the Mode Dial

53

z When priority is on movie length rather than image

quality, select . You can shoot for twice as long in
this mode compared to a file of the same size shot in
the other modes.

z See Image Data Sizes (Estimated) (p. 188).
z See Memory Cards and Estimated Capacities (p. 186).

Shooting Still Images while Shooting a
Movie

Shooting Mode

You can shoot a high quality still image* while shooting a
movie.

* The recording pixels and compression are the same as those set for

still images (excluding ).

While shooting a movie, press the

1

shutter button halfway to focus.

z Press the shutter halfway so the camera can focus and

set exposure for the still image. The electronic sound
does not play. During this process, movie shooting
continues.

Press the shutter button all the way to

2

shoot the image.

z When a still image is shot, the display on the LCD

monitor will disappear momentarily and then return to
the movie display. Because the shutter sound of the
still image being taken is also recorded, the audio of
that moment in the movie will sound cut off.

54

z The flash will not fire.
z The ISO speed will be fixed to Auto.
z The recording pixels of still images taken while

shooting movies are fixed at (Large) regardless of
being set to

z Continuous shooting of still images is not available.
z Movie shooting may stop when shooting a still image

if there is insufficient internal memory available.

z The following icons appear if the recording speed of

the storage media is too slow or if there is insufficient
internal memory available, in which case a still image
cannot be shot.

: While this is blinking, writing is in progress.

Shooting is again possible when it stops blinking
and stays lit.

: Internal memory is full, so shooting is disabled.

.

Using the Mode Dial

55

Setting the Recording Function

Shooting Mode

The microphone level (sound recording level) of the movie and sound
memos (p. 119) and wind filter setting (p. 121) can be changed.

(Set up) menu [Audio].

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

[Mic Level] [Auto]*/[Manual].

2

* Default setting.

z When in [Manual] mode, press the T

button, then set the sound recording
level (recording volume) with the W or
X button.

[Wind Filter] [On]/[Off]*.

3

* Default setting.

z Recommended to set to [On] when

the wind is strong.

z When set to [On], displays in the

LCD monitor or viewfinder in movie
mode only.

56

z When in [Auto] mode, if the recording volume becomes too

loud, it automatically prevents distortion of sound.

z Wind filter suppresses noise when the wind is strong.

However, unnatural sound will result when used to record in
locations with no wind.

Shooting Panoramic Images

(Stitch Assist)

Shooting Mode

Stitch Assist can be used to shoot overlapping images that can later
be merged (stitched) to create one panoramic image on a
computer.

The overlapping seams of
several adjacent images
can be joined into a single
panoramic image.

Use the W or X button to select the shooting

1

sequence.

z You can select from the following 5

shooting directions.

- Left to right horizontally

- Right to left horizontally

- Bottom to top vertically

- Top to bottom vertically

- Clockwise starting at the top left shooting 4 images

Shoot the first frame of the sequence.

2

z The exposure and white balance are set and locked with the

first image.

Using the Mode Dial

57

Compose the second image so that it

3

overlaps a portion of the first and shoot.

z Use the W, X, S or T button to return

the previous image or retake the
recorded images. (When shooting
clockwise, you can retake all of the
images.)

z Minor discrepancies in the

overlapping portions will be corrected when the images are
stitched together.

Repeat the procedure for additional images.

4

z A sequence may contain up to 26 images (excluding

clockwise shooting).

z Press the SET button after the last shot.

z You cannot display the images on a TV while shooting in

Stitch Assist mode.

z The settings for the first image are applied to the second

image onward.

Use PhotoStitch, a supplied software program, to merge the
images on a computer.

58

Changing the Colors and Shooting

Shooting Mode

You can easily change the colors in an image when it is shot for
both stills and movies, allowing you to enjoy producing various
effects. Depending on the shooting conditions, however, the
images may appear rough, or you may not get the expected color.
Before photographing important subjects, we recommend taking
trial shots and checking the results. By setting the [Save Original]
function (p. 62) to [On] when shooting stills, you can also record
both the altered image and the original, unaltered image.

Color Accent

Color Swap

Depending on the scene being shot, the ISO speed may
increase, increasing the amount of noise in the image.

Shooting with Color Accent Mode

Use the W or X button to select (Color

1

Accent) ISO button.

z The camera will switch to color input

mode, and the display will alternate
between the original image and the
Color Accent image (using the
previously set color).

Use this option to have only the color specified in
the LCD monitor remain and to transform all
others to black and white.

Use this option to transform a color specified in
the LCD monitor into another. The specified color
can only be swapped into one other color, and
multiple colors cannot be chosen.

Using the Mode Dial

59

Aim the camera so that the color you wish to

2

retain appears at the center of the LCD
monitor (or viewfinder) and press the W button.

z Only one color can be specified.
z You can use the S or T button to specify the range of the

colors that are retained.

-5: Only takes the color that you want to retain.
+5: Also takes colors close to the one that you want to retain.

Complete the setting with the ISO button,

3

and shoot.

z When you press the Movie button, you can shoot movies in

Color Accent mode.

z The default Color Accent is green.
z You may not obtain the expected results after color input

mode if you use the flash.

z The specified Color Accent is retained even if the camera’s

power is turned off.

Shooting with Color Swap Mode

Original Color

(Before Swapping)

60

Desired Color

(After Swapping)

Use the W or X button to select (Color

1

Swap) ISO button.

z The camera will switch to color input

mode, and the display will alternate
between the original image and the
color swap image (using the
previously set color).

Aim the camera so that the color you wish to

2

change appears at the center of the LCD
monitor (or viewfinder) and press the W
button.

z Only one color can be specified.
z

You can use the S or T button to specify the range of the

colors that are retained.

-5: Only takes the color that you want to change.
+5: Also takes colors close to the one that you want to change.

Aim the camera so that the desired color

3

appears at the center of the LCD monitor (or
viewfinder) and press the X button.

z Only one color can be specified.

Complete the setting with the ISO button,

4

and shoot.

z When you press the Movie button, you can shoot movies in

Color Swap mode.

Using the Mode Dial

z

The default setting for Color Swap changes green into white.

z You may not obtain the expected results after color input

mode if you use the flash.

z The colors specified in the Color Swap mode are retained

even if the camera’s power is turned off.

61

Saving Original Images

Not only can you save images with altered colors when
shooting still images with the Color Accent or Color Swap
modes, but you can also choose to save the original images
(before the color change).

1

(Rec.) Menu [Save Original]

[On]/[Off]

* Default setting.

z If [On] is selected, the images

will be saved as consecutive file
numbers. The original image will
be the lower file number, while
the image shot in Color Accent or Color Swap mode
will be the higher file number.

If [Save Original] is set to [On]

z Only the image set with Color Accent or Color Swap is

displayed on the LCD monitor (or viewfinder) during
shooting.

z The image displayed on the LCD monitor (or

viewfinder) immediately after shooting is the one shot
with Color Accent or Color Swap. As erasing the image
at this time will cause the original image to be erased at
the same time, be careful.

z As two images are saved with each shot, the number

of recordable shots displayed on the LCD monitor (or
viewfinder) will be half the number that is displayed
when [Save Original] is set to [Off].

You cannot save the originals of still images taken while
shooting a movie in Color Accent or Color Swap mode.

*

.

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

62

Shooting in the Creative Zone

Shooting Mode

You can freely select camera settings such as the shutter speed
and aperture value to suit your shooting purposes. After settings
are made, shooting procedures are the same as for “
Shooting (Auto Mode)” (Basic Guide p. 11).

z For information on the relation between the aperture value

and shutter speed see p. 65.

z Please note that camera shake becomes a factor at low

shutter speeds and with larger aperture values. If
(camera shake warning) appears in the LCD monitor (or
viewfinder), try the following steps to resolve the problem.

- Use the (image stabilizer) function.

- Raise the ISO speed.

- Set the Auto ISO Shift to [On] (p. 81).

- Raise the flash to fire.

- Use a tripod.

Program AE

Shooting Mode

Use the program AE mode to have the camera automatically set the
shutter speed and aperture value to match the brightness of the
scene.
z When a correct exposure cannot be obtained, the shutter speed

and aperture values are shown in red on the LCD monitor when
the button is pressed halfway. Use the following shooting
methods to obtain the correct exposure and make them show in
white.

- Use the flash (raise the flash).

- Adjust the ISO Speed.

- Set the Auto ISO Shift to [On] (p. 81).

Using the Mode Dial

63

You can change the combinations of shutter speeds and
aperture values without altering the exposure (p. 85).

Setting the Shutter Speed

Shooting Mode

When you set the shutter speed, the camera automatically selects
an aperture value to match the brightness.
Faster shutter speeds allow you to catch an instantaneous image of
a moving subject, while slower speeds create a flowing effect and
allow you to shoot without a flash in dark areas.

Use the W or X button to select the shutter

1

speed, then shoot.

z If the aperture value is shown in red, the image is

underexposed (insufficient light) or overexposed (too much
light). Use the W or X button to adjust the shutter speed
until the aperture value shows in white.

z The nature of CCD image sensors is such that noise in the

recorded image increases at slow shutter speeds. This
camera, however, applies special processing to images
shot at shutter speeds slower than 1.3 seconds to
eliminate the noise, thereby producing high-quality images
(Nevertheless, a certain amount of processing time may be
required before the next image can be shot).

64

z The aperture value and shutter speed change according to

the zoom state as follows.

Aperture Value

f/2.7 – 3.5 to 1/1600

Maximum
Wide Angle*

Maximum
Telephoto*

*1 Maximum wide angle setting
*2 Maximum telephoto setting

z

The fastest shutter speed for built-in flash synchronization is
1/500 second

f/4.0 – 5.0 to 1/2000

1

f/5.6 – 7.1 to 1/2500

f/8.0 to 1/3200

f/3.5 – 4.5 to 1/1600

f/5.0 – 6.3 to 1/2000

2

f/7.1 – 8.0 to 1/2500

*

. The camera automatically resets the shutter

Shutter Speed

(seconds)

speed to 1/500 second or slower, if a faster speed is selected.

* For details on using an externally mounted flash, see p. 172.

Shutter Speed Display

z The numbers in the table below indicate the shutter speed in

seconds. 1/160 indicates 1/160 second. Also, quote marks
indicate the decimal place, so that 0"3 indicates 0.3 second and
2" indicates 2 seconds.

15" 13" 10" 8" 6" 5" 4" 3"2 2"5
2" 1"6 1"3 1" 0"8 0"6 0"5 0"4 0"3
1/4 1/5 1/6 1/8 1/10 1/13 1/15
1/20 1/25 1/30 1/40 1/50 1/60 1/80
1/100 1/125 1/160 1/200 1/250 1/320
1/400 1/500 1/640 1/800 1/1000 1/1250
1/1600 1/2000 1/2500 1/3200

Using the Mode Dial

z You can change the combinations of shutter speeds and aperture

values without altering the exposure (p. 85).

65

Setting the Aperture

Shooting Mode

The aperture adjusts the amount of light entering through the lens.
When you set the aperture, the camera automatically selects a
shutter speed to match the brightness.
Selecting a lower aperture value (opening the aperture) allows you
to blur the background and create a beautiful portrait.
A higher aperture value (closing it) brings the entire range from
foreground to background into focus. The larger the aperture value,
the greater the range of the image brought into clear focus.

Use the W or X button to select the aperture

1

value, then shoot.

z If the shutter speed is shown in red, the image is

underexposed (insufficient light) or overexposed (too much
light). Adjust the aperture value using the W or X button
until the shutter speed display turns to white.

z Some aperture values cannot be selected depending on

the zoom position.

66

In this mode, the maximum shutter speed with synchronized
flash is 1/500 second
therefore be changed automatically to match the
synchronized flash speed even if its value was set previously.

* For details on using an externally mounted flash, see p. 172.

*

. The aperture value setting may

Aperture Setting Display

z The larger the aperture value the smaller the lens opening,

allowing less light to enter the camera.

F2.7 F3.2 F3.5 F4.0 F4.5 F5.0 F5.6 F6.3 F7.1 F8.0

z You can change the combinations of shutter speeds and aperture

values without altering the exposure (p. 85).

About Safety Shift/Safety FE

Safety Shift

If you set [Safety Shift] to [On] (p. 29) in the Rec. menu when the
shooting mode is or and press the shutter button halfway, the
camera automatically changes the shutter speed or aperture value to
obtain the correct exposure if necessary. The safety shift function
does not work when the flash is on.

Safety FE

If you set [Safety FE] to [On] (p. 29) in the Rec. menu when shooting
with the flash in the , or shooting mode, the camera
automatically changes the shutter speed or aperture value when the
flash fires to avoid overexposing and blowing out the highlights in the
scene.

Using the Mode Dial

67

Manually Setting the Shutter Speed and

r

Aperture

Shooting Mode

You can manually set the shutter speed and aperture to shoot
images.

Use the W or X button to select the

1

shutter speed, and use the S or T button
to select the aperture value, then shoot.

z When you press the shutter button

halfway, the difference between the
standard exposure* and the
selected exposure appears on the
LCD monitor (or viewfinder). If the
difference is more than 2 stops, “-2”
or “+2” appears on the LCD monitor
(or viewfinder) in red.

* The standard exposure is calculated by

measuring the brightness according to
the selected metering method.

z If the zoom is adjusted after these values are set, the

aperture value or the shutter speed may change in
accordance with the zoom position.

z The brightness of the LCD monitor (or viewfinder) matches

the selected shutter speed and aperture value. When you
select a fast shutter speed or shoot a subject in a dark
place, raise the flash and then set it to (Flash on) or
attach an externally mounted flash (p. 172), the image will
always be bright.

Exposure Level

Indicato

Standard exposure

68

Advanced Shooting Functions

Selecting an AF Frame

Shooting Mode

The AF frame indicates the area of the composition on which the
camera focuses.
You can set the AF frame in the following ways.

You can have the camera automatically
detect the position of a face and use this
data to set the focus and exposure

Face

Detect

Center

shooting. In addition, the camera will
meter the subject so that the face is
correctly illuminated when the flash fires
If a face is not detected, images will be
shot using the [Center] option.

* Exposure and flash are set only in evaluative

metering mode (p. 78).

The camera focuses using the center AF
frame. This is convenient for ensuring
that your intended subject is in focus and
for composing images. AF frame position
can be moved (p. 71).

*

*Cannot be set in mode.

*

while

*

.

Advanced Shooting Functions

69

Selecting Face Detect or Center

Press the button.

1

z Each time you press the button,

the AF frame settings will switch to the
[Face Detect] or [Center] option.

When [FlexiZone] is set to [On] (p. 71), [Face Detect] cannot
be selected by pressing the button (the default setting is
[On] in the , , or mode).

z The AF frame appears as follows when the shutter button is

pressed halfway.

• Green: Shooting preparations complete

• Yellow: Focusing difficulty

* Displays only when the AF frame is set to [Center].

z The following occurs when [Face Detect] is selected.

- Up to three AF frames display. At this point, the frame the
camera judges to be the main subject appears in white
while the others appear in gray. Pressing the shutter
button halfway displays up to 9 green AF frames.

- If no white frame displays and all the frames appear in
gray, images will be shot using the [Center] option rather
than [Face Detect].

- The camera may mistakenly identify non-human subjects
as a face. If this occurs, switch to the [Center] option.

- In certain cases, faces may not be detected.
Examples:

• Faces near the screen edges or faces that appear
extremely small, large, dark or bright in relation to the
overall image.

• Faces turned to the side or at a diagonal, or faces with
a portion hidden.

*

70

Moving the AF Frame

When the shooting mode is , , or , the AF frame can
be moved manually to the desired area (Active Frame Control).

(Rec.) Menu [FlexiZone] [On]*/[Off].

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

* Default setting.

Press the button.

2

z The AF frame appears in green.

When moving the AF frame to

3

the face of the subject, press
the MENU button.

Move the AF frame to the position you wish

4

to set using the S, T, W or X button, then
press the button.

z The AF frame will move back to its original position (center),

if you hold down the button.

z When the Spot AE Point is selected as the metering mode,

you can use the selected Spot AE Point as the AF frame
(p. 78).

z Selection cannot be made while in the manual focus mode

(p. 75).

z The position of the AF frame returns to the center once the

power is turned off or the lens is retracted in playback mode
(Basic Guide p. 7).

Advanced Shooting Functions

71

Switching between Focus Settings

Shooting Mode

You can set the AF mode.

The camera is continually focusing on whatever it is

Continuous

Single

1

[Continuous]

* Default setting.

aimed even when the shutter button is not pressed,
allowing you to shoot without missing opportunities.
This is the default setting.

The camera only focuses when the shutter button is
pressed halfway, conserving battery power.

(Rec.) Menu [AF Mode]

*

/[Single].

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

*

*In mode only [Single] is available.

72

Shooting Hard-to-Focus Subjects

(Focus Lock, AF Lock, Manual Focus)

Shooting Mode

It may be difficult to focus on the following types of subjects.

z Subjects with extremely low contrast to the surroundings
z Scenes with a mixture of near and far subjects
z Subjects with extremely bright objects at the center of the

composition

z Subjects that are moving quickly
z Subjects through glass: Try to shoot as close to the glass as

possible to reduce the chances of light reflecting back off
the glass.

Shooting with the Focus Lock

Aim the camera so that an object at the

1

same focal distance as the main subject is
centered in the viewfinder or in the AF frame
displayed on the LCD monitor (or
viewfinder).

Press the shutter button halfway to lock the

2

focus.

Keep the shutter button pressed while you

3

recompose the image and press the shutter
button all the way to shoot the image.

*

*Cannot be used in mode.

Advanced Shooting Functions

73

Shooting with the AF Lock

*Cannot be used in or mode.

Aim the camera so that an object at the

1

same focal distance as the main subject is
centered in the AF frame.

Press the shutter button halfway and press

2

the MF button.

z and the MF indicator will appear on the LCD monitor (or

viewfinder).

Re-aim the camera to compose the shot as

3

desired and shoot.

To Release the AF Lock:

Press the MF button.

z The AF lock is convenient because you can let go of the

shutter button to compose the image. Moreover, the AF lock
is still effective after the picture is taken, allowing you to
capture a second image with the same focus.

z When shooting with the focus lock or AF lock using the LCD

monitor, setting the AF frame to [Center] (p. 69) makes
shooting easier since the camera focuses using the center
AF frame only.

z Because and do not display the AF frame, aim the

camera to focus on the subject.

74

Shooting in Manual Focus Mode

The focus can be manually set.

Use the S or T button to adjust the focus

1

while holding down the MF button.

z and the MF indicator are

displayed.

z When the (Rec.) menu’s [MF-

Point Zoom] is set to [On], the portion
of the image in the AF frame will
appear magnified

* When using , , digital zoom or

while displaying the image on a TV, the display magnification is not
available.

* Can also be set so that the image displayed is not magnified

(p. 29).

z The MF indicator shows approximate figures. Use them as a

shooting guideline only.

To Cancel the Manual Focus:

Press the MF button.

You can change distance units displayed on the MF indicator
(p. 34).

*Cannot be used in or mode.

*

.

MF Indicator

Advanced Shooting Functions

75

Using the Manual Focus in Combination
with the Auto Focus

*Cannot be used in or mode.

First, manual focus is used to roughly focus, then from that focus
position the camera automatically focuses more accurately. You
can use two methods.

Using the SET Button

This allows you to confirm the automatic focusing position before
shooting.

Focus the camera with the manual focus,

1

then press the SET button.

z The camera focuses automatically to a more accurate

focusing point.

Using the Safety MF

This is useful when you want to adjust a manual focus position to
the correct focus position before shooting.

(Rec.) Menu [Safety MF] [On]*/[Off].

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

* Default setting.

Focus the camera with the manual focus,

2

then press the shutter button halfway.

z The camera focuses automatically to a more accurate

focusing point.

Press the shutter button fully to shoot.

3

76

You cannot change the AF frame setting while focusing
manually. Cancel the manual focus mode, then change the
AF frame setting.

Focus Bracketing (Focus-BKT Mode)

Shooting Mode

The camera automatically takes three shots: one at the manual
focus position, and one each with focus positions preset farther and
nearer. The three shots are taken at the same interval as
continuous shooting (p. 46).
The farther and nearer focus positions can be set in three steps:
large, medium and small.

The Focus-BKT mode is not available when shooting with
the flash on. Only one image at the manual focus position
will be taken.

Advanced Shooting Functions

FUNC.

1

2

Menu

SET

button.

See Menus and Settings (p. 26).

* Default setting.

Set the amount of focus position offset with

*

(BKT-OFF) (Focus-BKT)

the W or X button.

z Press the X button to broaden or the

W button to narrow the focusing

distance from the center.

77

Press the FUNC. button and shoot the image

3

with manual focus (p. 75).

To Cancel the Focus-BKT Mode:

Select (BKT-Off) in Step 1.

Switching between Metering Modes

Shooting Mode

The camera divides images into several zones for
light metering. The camera evaluates complex

Evaluative

Center-
Weighted
Average

Spot AE
Point

Center

AF Point Moves the spot AE point to the AF frame.

lighting conditions, such as the position of the
subject, the brightness, the background, the direct
light, and the backlighting, and adjusts the settings
to the correct exposure for the main subject.

Averages the light metered from the entire frame,
but gives greater weight to the subject matter at the
center.

Meters the area within the spot AE point frame.
Use this setting when you want to set the exposure
on the subject in the center of the monitor.

Locks the spot metering frame to the center of the
LCD monitor (or viewfinder).

78

FUNC. Menu

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 26).

* Default setting.

z Use the W or X button to adjust the

exposure compensation and press
the FUNC. button.

*

(Evaluative).

Moving the Spot AE Point to the AF Frame/
Centering the Spot AE Point

1

2

3

(Rec.) Menu [FlexiZone] [On].

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

Return to the shooting screen and press
the button to select [Center].

(Rec.) Menu [Spot AE Point]

*

[Center]

* Default setting.

z When [Spot AE Point] is set to

[Center], the spot AE point frame
( ) appears at the center of
the LCD monitor (or viewfinder).
The AF frame can be repositioned.

z When [Spot AE Point] is set to [AF Point], it appears

inside the moved AF frame.

/[AF Point].

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

Advanced Shooting Functions

79

Adjusting the ISO Speed

Shooting Mode

Raise the ISO speed when you wish to reduce the effects of
shaking hands and shoot with the flash off in a dark area or when
you wish to reduce the effects of a moving subject and raise the
shutter speed.

Press the ISO button and use

1

the W or X button to switch
settings.

z When in shooting mode, only

or can be selected.

z When (Auto) is selected, the

optimal speed is selected based on the brightness of the
environment at the time of shooting. The speed is
automatically increased in dark places, increasing the
shutter speed and reducing shaking effects.

z Selecting (High ISO Auto)

higher value than the setting. This sets the shutter speed
faster, reducing the potential for camera shake or blurry
subjects compared with the setting.

* Noise in the recorded image may be higher than for the setting.

Shooting

Mode

ISO Speed

AUTO {

HI {{ –––

80 – {{{{

100 – {{{{

200 – {{{{

400 – {{{{

800 – {{{{

*

{

*

sets the sensitivity to a

*

*

{

*

{

–

*

80

1600 – {{{{

{ : Available

* : Default setting.

z When the shooting modes cannot be set the ISO speed, the

ISO speed will be fixed to Auto.

z When the camera is set to or and you press the

shutter button halfway, the camera will set and display the
ISO speed. This ISO speed will also appear in the playback
information.

z The camera automatically applies noise reduction

processing when you shoot at a high ISO speed.

Adjusting the ISO Speed Quickly

(Auto ISO Shift)

Shooting Mode

By simply pressing the button when (camera shake
warning) appears while shooting, you can raise the ISO speed and
shoot at a shutter speed that minimizes camera shake.

(Rec.) Menu [Auto ISO Shift] [On]/

1

*

[Off]

.

* Default setting.

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

Advanced Shooting Functions

81

Press the shutter button halfway.

2

z The appears and the button

will blink blue (however, when the
viewfinder display, the button
will not blink).

Press the button while still pressing the

3

shutter button halfway. When the
button lights, press the shutter button all
the way.

z When you press the button again while the shutter

button is still pressed halfway, the ISO speed returns to its
original setting.

z If you set AE lock (p. 84) after the ISO speed is raised, the

camera remains in the mode for changing ISO speed even
when the shutter button is released (the button remains lit
blue until AE lock is released).

z You cannot enable this setting in , or mode, or

when using the flash.

z Depending on the shooting conditions, the (camera

shake warning) icon may not disappear even after the ISO
speed is raised.

82

Adjusting the Exposure Compensation

Shooting Mode

Adjust the exposure compensation to a positive value to avoid
making the subject too dark when it is backlit or shot against a
bright background. Adjust the exposure compensation to a negative
value to avoid making the subject too bright in night shots or when
shot against a dark background.

Press the button.

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 26).

z Use the W or X buttons to adjust the

exposure compensation and press
the button.

z The compensation value in AEB

mode (p. 87) will be displayed in gray.

To Cancel the Exposure Compensation:

Restore the compensation value to [0].

In mode, the exposure shift can be set/canceled (p. 52).

*

*Cannot be set in and mode.

Advanced Shooting Functions

83

Locking the Exposure Setting
(AE Lock)

Shooting Mode

You can set the exposure and focus separately. This is effective
when the contrast is too strong between the subject and
background or when a subject is backlit.

You must set the flash to . The AE lock cannot be set if
the flash fires.

Focus on the part of the subject on which

1

you wish to lock the exposure setting.

Press and hold the shutter button halfway

2

and press the ISO button.

z The exposure is fixed.
z The appears on the LCD monitor (or viewfinder).

Re-aim the camera to compose the shot as

3

desired and press the shutter button fully.

To Release the AE Lock:

Press any button other than the ISO button.

z You can set the exposure shift after the AE lock in the

mode (p. 52).

z You can use the FE lock when using the flash (p. 86).

84

Changing Shutter Speed and Aperture
Value Combinations

Automatically selected combinations of shutter speeds and
aperture values can be freely changed without altering the
exposure (Program Shift).

Focus on the subject on which you wish

1

to lock the exposure.

Press the ISO button while pressing the

2

shutter button halfway.

z The exposure setting locks and

appears on the LCD monitor

(or viewfinder).

Press the W or X button until the desired

3

shutter speed or aperture value is
reached.

Recompose the image and shoot.

4

z The setting will cancel after the shot is taken.

Cannot be used in mode.

Advanced Shooting Functions

85

Shooting with FE Lock

Shooting Mode

You can obtain the correct exposure regardless of the location of
your subject in the composition.

Raise the flash.

1

Press the button and set it to (flash on).

2

z When an external flash is attached, refer to the manual for

your flash.

Focus on the part of the subject on which

3

you wish to lock the flash exposure setting.

Press the shutter button halfway and press

4

the ISO button.

z The flash will pre-fire and the exposure setting will be

locked.

z appears on the LCD monitor (or viewfinder).

Re-aim the camera to compose the shot as

5

desired and press the shutter button fully.

To Release the FE Lock:

Press anything except the T, W or X button.

You cannot use the FE lock when [Flash Adjust] is set to
[Manual] (p. 93).

86

Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB Mode)

Shooting Mode

In this mode, the camera automatically changes the exposure
within a set range to take three shots as the same interval as
continuous shooting (p. 46). The images are shot in the following
order: Standard exposure, underexposure and overexposure.

FUNC. Menu

1

SET button.

See Menus and Settings (p. 26).

* Default setting.

Adjust the compensation range with the W or

2

X button.

z The compensation range can be

adjusted in 1/3 increments from -2 to
+2 with the exposure at the time of
shooting at the center. If exposure
adjustment (p. 83) is already done,
setting can be done with the adjusted
value as the center point.

To Cancel the AEB Mode:

Select the (BKT-Off) in Step 1.

*

(BKT-Off) (AEB)

Compensation value

in AEB mode

Advanced Shooting Functions

The AEB mode cannot be used for flash photography.
Only one standard exposure image gets recorded.

87

Adjusting the Tone (White Balance)

Shooting Mode

Normally, the (Auto) white balance setting selects an optimal
white balance. When the (Auto) setting cannot produce natural
looking colors, change the white balance using a setting
appropriate for the light source.

FUNC. Menu

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 26).

* Default setting.

z Use the W or X button to select a

white balance setting and press the
FUNC. button.

White Balance Settings

Auto Settings are automatically set by the camera.

Day Light For recording outdoors on a bright day.

Cloudy

Tungsten

Fluorescent

Fluorescent H

Flash When using the flash (cannot be set in mode).

Custom

For recording under overcast, shady or twilight
skies.

For recording under tungsten and bulb-type
3-wavelength fluorescent lighting.

For recording under warm-white, cool-white or
warm-white (3-wavelength) fluorescent lighting.

For recording under daylight fluorescent, or
daylight fluorescent-type 3-wavelength fluorescent
lighting.

For recording with the optimal white balance data
retained in the camera from a white-colored
object, such as white paper or cloth.

*

(Auto).

88

The white balance setting cannot be adjusted when or

is selected for My Colors.

Using the Custom White Balance

You can set a custom white balance to obtain the optimal
setting for the shooting conditions by having the camera
evaluate an object, such as a piece of white paper or cloth, or
a photo-quality gray card that you wish to establish as the
standard white color.
In particular, take a (Custom) white balance reading for
the following situations that are difficult for the (Auto)
setting to detect correctly.

• Shooting close-ups (Macro)

• Shooting subjects of monotone color (such as sky, sea or
forest)

• Shooting with a particular source of light (such as a
mercury-vapor lamp)

Advanced Shooting Functions

FUNC. Menu

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 26).

* Default setting.

Aim the camera at a piece of white

2

*

(Auto) (Custom).

paper or cloth and press the SET button.

z If you are viewing it with the LCD monitor, ensure that

the center frame is completely filled with the white
image. However, the center frame will not appear
when the digital zoom is being used.

89

z You are recommended to set the shooting mode to

and the exposure compensation setting to zero (±0)
before setting a custom white balance. The correct
white balance may not be obtained when the exposure
setting is incorrect (image appears completely black or
white).

z Shoot with the same settings as when reading the

white balance data. If the settings differ, the optimal
white balance may not be set. In particular, the
following should not be changed.

- ISO speed

- Flash: Setting the flash to on or off is recommended.
If the flash fires when reading the white balance data
with the flash set to [Auto], make sure that you also
use the flash when you shoot.

z Since the white balance data cannot be read in

mode, preset the white balance in another shooting
mode beforehand.

90

Shooting in a My Colors Mode

Shooting Mode

You can change the look of an image when it is shot.

My Colors Settings

My Colors Off Records normally.

Vivid

Neutral

Sepia Records in sepia tones.

B/W Records in black and white.

Positive Film

Lighter Skin

Darker Skin

Vivid Blue

Vivid Green

Vivid Red

Custom

* If the image contains colors that are the same as human skin, those colors

will also be changed. You may not obtain the expected results depending
on the skin color.

Emphasizes the contrast and color saturation to
record bold colors.

Tones down the contrast and color saturation to
record neutral hues.

Use this option to make red, green or blue colors
more intense like the Vivid Red, Vivid Green or
Vivid Blue effects. It can produce intense
natural-appearing colors like those obtained with
positive film.

*

Use this option to make skin tones lighter.

*

Use this option to make skin tones darker.

Emphasize blue tints. Use to make blue
subjects, such as the sky or ocean, more vivid.

Emphasize green tints. Use to make green
subjects, such as mountains, new growth, flowers
and lawns, more vivid.

Emphasize red tints. Use to make red subjects,
such as flowers or cars, more vivid.

Use this option to adjust the balance between
contrast, sharpness, saturation, reds, greens,
blues and skin tones*. It can be used to make
subtle adjustments, such as making blue colors
more vivid or face colors brighter.

Advanced Shooting Functions

91

FUNC. Menu

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 26).

* Default setting.

z Use the W or Xbutton to select a My

Colors mode.

z Mode

See Setting the Camera to a Custom
Color Mode (p. 92).

z Modes other than

Press the FUNC. button. The display will return to the
shooting screen and you can shoot.

Shoot.

2

*

(My Colors Off).

Setting the Camera to a Custom Color
Mode

92

(Custom Color)

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 26).

SET

button.

Use the S or T button to select

2

[Contrast], [Sharpness], [Saturation],
[Red], [Green], [Blue] or [Skin Tone] and
the W or X button to adjust it.

z The altered color will display.

Adjust

Select an item

Press the SET button.

3

z This completes the setting.

Switching between Flash Adjustment
Settings Shooting

Shooting Mode

Although the built-in flash and an externally mounted flash* will fire
with automatic flash adjustments (except in the mode), it is also
possible to set them so that it fires without any adjustments.

* Speedlite 220EX/430EX/580EX II

(Rec.) Menu [Flash Adjust] [Auto]*/

1

[Manual].

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

* Default setting.

z When [Flash Adjust] is set to [Manual],

the flash output can be controlled
(p. 94).

Advanced Shooting Functions

93

Compensating the Flash Adjustment/
Flash Output

Shooting Mode

• When the shooting mode is set to , or
when [Flash Adjust] is set to [Auto] (p. 93) in

Flash Exposure

Compensation

Flash Output

FUNC.

1

Output).

* Default setting.

z Adjust the compensation/output

using the W or X button and press
the FUNC. button.

or mode, settings can be adjusted in 1/3-
stop increments in the range of -2 to +2 stops.

• You can combine the flash exposure
compensation with the camera’s exposure
compensation function to achieve creative effects
which compensate for background exposure.

• When Shooting mode is set to or when [Flash
Adjust] is set to [Manual] in or mode
(p. 93), the flash output can be controlled in three
steps, starting from FULL, when shooting. When
an externally mounted flash is attached, its flash
output can be controlled (From 1/1 (full power) to
1/64 in 1/3 steps).

Menu (+/- (Flash))/ (Flash

See Menus and Settings (p. 26).

e.g. [Flash Adjust]
set to [Auto]

94

e.g. [Flash Adjust]
set to [Manual]

Switching the Timing at which the
Flash Fires

Shooting Mode

1st-curtain

2nd-curtain

1

The flash fires right after the shutter opens, regardless of
the shutter speed. Usually, the 1st-curtain is used when
shooting.

The flash fires right before the shutter closes. Compared
with the 1st-curtain, the flash fires later and allows you to
shoot images in which, for example, a car’s taillights
seem to trail off behind.

(Rec.) Menu [Flash Sync]

[1st-curtain]

Image shot with the

1st-curtain setting

* Default setting.

*

/[2nd-curtain].

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

Advanced Shooting Functions

Image shot with the

2nd-curtain setting

95

Saving Custom Settings

Shooting Mode

You can save frequently used shooting modes and various shooting
settings to the (Custom) mode. When necessary, you can then
shoot images with previously saved settings by simply turning the
mode dial to . Settings that are not memorized when the shooting
mode is changed or when the power is turned off (such as
continuous shooting or self-timer) are also remembered.

Switch to the shooting mode you wish to

1

save and set the settings.

z Functions which can be saved in

- Shooting mode ( , , , )

- Items which can be set in , , and modes
(p. 199)

- Rec. menu settings

- Zoom location

- Manual focus location

z To change some of the settings saved in (other than

shooting mode), select .

2

(Rec.) Menu

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

[Save Settings].

96

[OK] SET button.

3

z The setting contents do not influence other shooting modes.
z Saved settings can be reset (p. 36).

Registering Settings to the Shortcut
Button

Shooting Mode

One frequently used function can be registered to the (Shortcut) button.
You can register the following functions.

Menu Item Page Menu Item Page

Not Assigned

Light Metering p. 78 AE Lock p. 84

White Balance p. 88 AF Lock p. 74

Custom White

Balance

* Default setting.

*

–

p. 89

Registering a Function

(Rec.) Menu [Set Shortcut button].

1

See Menus and Settings (p. 27).

Use the S, T, W or X button to select the

2

function you wish to register SET button.

z If appears on the lower right of the

icon, you can still register this function
but pressing the shortcut button will
not activate the function in the current
shooting mode.

Digital

Tele-converter

Display Off p. 33

p. 40

Advanced Shooting Functions

Mode dial set to

97

To Cancel the shortcut button:

Select in Step 2.

Using the Shortcut Button

Press the button.

1

z Each press of the button cycles

between setting values of the
registered function.

- For and , the setting screen
appears.

- For , a white balance reading is
taken when you press the button. A frame will not be
displayed, so center the piece of white paper or cloth in the
LCD monitor before pressing the button.

- For , pressing the button sets AE lock
shooting movies
(exposure compensation is disabled).

- For , pressing the button sets AF lock
shooting movies, AF is set again and then locked.

- For , pressing the button turns off the LCD monitor
(or viewfinder). The display turns on again with any button
operation.

* Lock is released after one image is shot.
** Does not function when the exposure compensation bar is

displayed.

z Functions that are not available in the current shooting

mode will not appear even if you press the button.

**

, AE is set again and then locked

*

. When

*

. When

98