Casio QV-3500EX User's Guide
BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
This section describes the basic procedure for recording an
image.
Recording a Simple Snapshot
The camera’s Program AE Mode (P Mode) is for simple
snapshots. In this mode, the camera automatically sets the
shutter speed and aperture for you in accordance with subject brightness.
1.
Before turning on the camera, remove its lens
cap.
2.
Align the POWER/
Function Switch with
REC.
REC :Turns on power and
enters the REC mode.
PLAY :Turns on power and
enters the PLAY mode.
OFF :Turns off power.
REC
PLAY
OFF
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3.
Compose the image on the monitor screen so
the point on which you want to focus is inside
the Focus frame.
Focus
frame
• If you are using the viewfinder to compose the image,
align the viewfinder’s auto focus frame with the subject you want to focus.
• If you are using the viewfinder to compose the subject,
press SET/DISP twice to turn off the monitor screen.
4.
Press the shutter
release button about
half way and hold it
there to perform auto
focus.
Shutter release button
BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
• The monitor screen momentarily goes blank when
you press the shutter release button half way.
• The camera’s Auto Focus feature automatically
focuses the image.
• You can find out the
status of the Auto Focus
operation by checking the
color of the focus frame
MENU
and the status of the
operation lamp.
If you see this
Green focus frame and green
operation lamp
Red focus frame and green
operation lamp
The image is in focus.
The image is not in focus.
Operation lamp
It means this
• Take care that you do not
block the lens or the
sensors with your fingers
as you hold the camera.
• See “Using the Macro Mode” on page E-60 for information about shooting close-ups.
5.
After confirming that
the image is in focus,
press the shutter
release button all the
way down to record the
image.
• Recorded images are temporarily stored in a buffer
from which they are stored to the memory card. You
can continue to shoot consecutive images as long as
there is space available in the buffer.
• The number of images you can store in the camera
depends on the storage medium and the image quality
setting (page E-64) you are using.
• To avoid hand movement, press the shutter release
button gently.
• Use of a tripod is recommended for slow shutter
speeds and telephoto shots to avoid blurring of the
image due to camera movement.
■ Camera Shake Indicator
The (camera shake indicator) appears on the monitor
screen when the zoom slider is set to T (telephoto) or when a
slow shutter speed is being used.
• If the camera shake indicator appears, use a tripod to
avoid camera movement.
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BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
About the REC Mode Monitor Screen
• The image shown on the monitor screen in the REC mode
is a simplified image for composing purposes. The actual
image is recorded in accordance with the image quality
setting currently selected on your camera. The image recorded on the memory card has much better resolution and
detail than the REC mode monitor screen image.
• Certain levels of subject brightness can cause the response of the REC mode monitor screen to slow down,
which causes some static noise in the monitor screen image.
About Auto Focus
Auto Focus tends not to work well with the following types of
subjects. If you experience problems with obtaining good
results with Auto Focus, try using manual focus (page E-61).
• Solid color walls or objects with little contrast
• Strongly backlit objects
• Polished metal or other brightly reflective objects
• Venetian blinds or other horizontally repeating patterns
• Multiple images that are varying distances from the camera
• Subjects in poorly lit areas
• Auto Focus also may not work properly when the camera is
unsteady or shaking.
■ Fixed Focusing Distances
• The following are the fixed focusing distances when Auto
Focus is unable to focus properly.
Well-lit Location:1.5 meters minimum
With Flash :Approximately 2 meters
• Depending on actual conditions, a green operation indicator and focus frame do not necessarily guarantee that the
image is in focus.
Recording Precautions
• Never open the battery compartment cover, disconnect the
AC adaptor from the camera, or unplug the AC adaptor
from the wall socket while the operation lamp and the card
access lamp are flashing green. Doing so will not only
make storage of the current image impossible, it can also
corrupt other image data already stored on the camera’s
memory card.
• Never remove batteries, unplug the AC adapter, or remove
the memory card while the camera is saving images.
• Fluorescent lighting actually flickers at a frequency that
cannot be detected by the human eye. When using the
camera indoors under such lighting, you may experience
some brightness or color problems with recorded images.
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BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
Image Recording when the Battery is Low
To protect against unexpected loss of image data, each image is recorded directly to the memory card (without going
into the buffer) whenever battery level is indicated as or
lower. The message “Press to cancel save.” appears
on the monitor screen during the save operation under this
condition. As long as you do not press , the save operation continues and takes a few seconds to complete. Be
sure to replace all four batteries as soon as possible after
this message starts to appear.
Pressing while the “Press to cancel save.” is on
the monitor screen cancels the image save operation.
• If you have a microdrive loaded in the camera, the above
message appears whenever the battery level is indicated
as or lower.
• The message “Press to cancel save.” also appears
momentarily during save operations in the Panorama
Mode and Movie Mode. In this case, this message does not
indicate that battery power is low.
• The message described above does not appear while the
monitor screen is turned off.
Camera Orientation Detection
The camera automatically
detects whether it is
oriented vertically or
horizontally when you
record an image, and
stores the orientation
along with the image data.
Then when you play back images using the bundled Photo
Loader application, they are all automatically oriented
correctly on the display.
IMPORTANT!
• Note the following precautions to ensure that the sensor
built into the camera can correctly detect the orientation of
the camera.
— Make sure you are holding the camera still when re-
cording images. Camera movement can cause sensor
errors.
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BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
— When recording portrait orientation images, position
the camera to it is standing up as straight as possible,
as shown in the illustration below. Holding the camera
at an angle can cause sensor errors. As a general
rule, do not allow the camera to be more than about 20
degrees off of vertical.
— Tilting the camera too far upwards or downwards can
also cause sensor errors. As a general rule, do not
allow the camera to point more than about 60 degrees
up or down.
CARD
— The camera orientation sensor does not work with
movie images.
Previewing the Last Image Recorded
Use the following procedure to preview the last image recorded, without leaving the REC mode.
1.
Press the PREVIEW button to display the last
image recorded.
• You can use the PREVIEW button in the Movie Mode,
too.
• The PREVIEW button does not perform any operation
if you press it immediately after turning on camera
power or immediately after entering to the REC mode
from the PLAY mode.
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BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
Deleting the an Image in the REC Mode
You can use following procedure to delete the last image you
recorded without leaving the REC mode.
IMPORTANT!
• Note that the image delete operation cannot be undone. Make sure you really do not need an image before you delete it.
1.
In the REC mode, press the PREVIEW button to
display the last image you recorded.
2.
Press .
3.
In response to the confirmation message that
appears, select “Yes”.
• Select “No” to cancel the delete operation without deleting anything.
4.
Press SET/DISP.
• This deletes the image and returns to the REC mode.
Using the Viewfinder for Recording
The illustrations below show what you see when you look
through the viewfinder to compose an image for recording.
Auto Focus Frame
Focus Range
Frame
Short distance to subject
Note that the focus range frame is valid for subjects that are
about three meters away. A different focus range is used for
subjects that are closer or farther away. Because of this, you
should use / /MF RESIZE to change to the Macro
Mode( ) or Manual Mode (MF) whenever the distance between the camera and the subject is 30cm or less.
• The monitor screen turns on automatically whenever the
camera is in the Macro Mode. Use the monitor screen to
compose images in the Macro Mode.
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BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
• You can use the Diopter Dial to adjust the image in
viewfinder screen to your eyesight.
• Rotate the diopter dial to adjust the image in the viewfinder
to match your eyesight.
*
Focusing of the viewfinder image is disabled while the camera is
turned off or in the PLAY mode.
Diopter Dial
Using Zoom
Your camera is equipped with both optical zoom and digital
zoom capabilities.
Using Optical Zoom
Optical zoom enlarges the image by changing the focal distance of the lens. You can zoom an image by a zoom factor
ranging from 1 (normal size) to 3 (three times normal size).
1.
Align the POWER/Function Switch with REC.
2.
Move the zoom slider towards T (telephoto) to zoom
in on the subject, or W (wideangle) to zoom out.
T (TELE): Telephoto
W (WIDE): Wide-angle
W (WIDE) T (TELE)
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Zoom slider
T
W
BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
NOTES
• Changing the optical zoom factor also affects the lens
aperture value.
• The lens aperture value indicated on the camera is the
aperture when optical zoom is 1X. Using a higher optical zoom setting results in a higher aperture value
(smaller aperture).
• Use of a tripod is recommended for telephoto shots to
avoid blurring of the image due to camera movement.
Using Digital Zoom
With digital zoom, you can enlarge the image on the monitor
screen by zoom factors of 2X or 4X before recording it.
1.
Align the POWER/Function Switch with REC.
2.
Press MENU.
3.
Select “FUNCTION” “Digital Zoom”, and
then press SET/DISP.
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4.
Select the setting you want, and then press
SET/DISP to apply it.
To do this
Turn off digital zoom
Toggle between 2X and 4X digital zoom
whenever the zoom slider is slid to the
maximum T (telephoto) setting.
Always use 2X digital zoom
Always use 4X digital zoom
• A frame appears on the monitor screen whenever 4X
digital zoom is in use. Only the area of the image
within the frame is recorded, with the resulting image
measuring 1024 x 768 pixels.
• 4X digital zoom is not available in the Movie Mode and
Panorama Mode.
• 2X and 4X digital zoom are disabled while the composition outline is displayed in the Best Shot Mode.
Select this
Auto
Off
X2
X4
BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
Using the Flash
The following describes various flash settings you can make
to suit the type of image you are trying to record.
1.
Align the POWER/Function Switch with REC.
2.
Press to cycle
through the available
flash modes until the
indicator for the one
you want is on the
monitor screen.
Flash
mode
RESIZE
BEST SHOT
MF//
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• Each press of cycles through the available flash
modes described below.
To do this
Have the flash fire automatically
when required (Auto Flash)
Turn off the flash (Flash Off)
Always fire the flash (Flash On)
Fire a pre-flash followed by image
recording with flash, reducing the
chance of red-eye in the image (Redeye Reduction)
Select this setting
No display
BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
Flash Status Indicators
You can check the current flash unit status by checking the
monitor screen indicator and flash lamp while the shutter release button is pressed about half way down.
Flash lamp
MENU
■ Flash lamp
When you press the shutter release button half way, the
flash icon appears on the monitor screen and the Flash lamp
light (amber) to indicate that the flash will fire when the shutter release button is pressed the rest of the way down.
■ Monitor screen
When you have Auto Flash or Red-Eye Reduction selected
as the flash mode, the indicator appears on the display
when you press the shutter release button about half way
down to indicate that available light is insufficient and the
flash will be fired.
Adjusting the Flash Intensity
Use the following procedure to adjust the intensity of the
flash when it fires.
1.
Align the POWER/Function Switch with REC.
2.
Press MENU.
3.
Select “FUNCTION” “Flash Intensity”, and
then press SET/DISP.
4.
Select the setting you want, and then press
SET/DISP to apply it.
To do this
Fire the flash with strong intensity
Fire the flash with normal intensity
Fire the flash with weak intensity
Select this setting
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Strong
Normal
Weak
BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
Precautions when Using Flash
• Make sure that you do not touch or block the flash or the
exposure sensor with your fingers. Doing so can soil these
components and interfere with correct flash operation.
Flash
Exposure sensor
• Flash is best be used for distances within the range of
about 0.5 meters to 4 meters (fully open aperture). Flash
does not work well outside this ranges.
• Depending on operating conditions (type of batteries being
used, temperature, etc. ), it may take up to 40 seconds for
the flash unit to charge.
• The flash is disabled during movie recording, which is indicated by the (Flash Off) icon on the monitor screen.
• The flash unit does not charge when battery power is too
low to charge the flash. The (Flash Off) indicator appears in order to warn you that the flash will not fire correctly, which may affect exposure of the image. Replace
batteries as soon as possible when this happens.
• Red-eye reduction may not work well when the camera
is not pointed directly at the subject or when the subject is
far from the camera.
• In the Red-eye Reduction Mode , the flash is fired automatically in accordance with exposure. Because of this,
the flash does not fire if the subject is well-lit.
• White balance is fixed while the flash is being used, so sunlight, fluorescent lighting, or other sources of illumination in
the immediate area may affect the coloring of the recorded
image.
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BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
Selecting the Focus Mode
You can use the following procedure to select from among
four different focus modes: Auto Focus, Macro, Infinity, and
Manual Focus.
1.
Align the POWER/Function Switch with REC.
2.
Press / /MF RESIZE
to cycle through the
available focus mode
RESIZE
settings.
/ /MF RESIZE
Focus
Mode
Each press of / /MF RESIZE cycles through the
focus modes in the following sequence.
Auto Focus (no indicator) Macro ( ) Infinity
( ) Manual Focus ( )
BEST SHOT
MF//
Using the Auto Focus Mode
As its name suggests, the Auto Focus Mode adjusts focus
automatically whenever you press the shutter release button
about half way down. The following shows the relationship
between the optical zoom factor and the focusing distance
for Auto Focus.
Optical Zoom Factor
1X
3X
1.
Press / /MF RESIZE to cycle through the fo-
Focusing Distance
30cm to ∞
32cm to ∞
cus mode settings until there is no focus mode
indicator on the display. This indicates the
Auto Focus Mode.
2.
Compose the image to the object you want
within the focus frame, and then press and
hold the shutter release button about half way
down.
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BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
Using the Macro Mode
The Macro Mode automatically sets the focus for close-up
shooting. Focus adjustment starts automatically whenever
Focus
frame
you press the shutter release button about half way down.
The following shows the relationship between the optical
zoom factor and the focusing distance for the Macro Mode.
• You can find out the status of the Auto Focus operation by checking the color of the focus frame and the
status of the operation lamp.
If you see this
Green focus frame and green
operation lamp
Red focus frame and green
operation lamp
3.
Press the shutter release button the rest of the
It means this
The image is in focus.
Auto Focus is not possible
for some reason.
way down to record the image.
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Optical Zoom Factor
1X
2X
1.
Press / /MF RESIZE to cycle through the focus
Focusing Distance
6cm to 30cm
9cm to 30cm
mode settings until the indicator appears
on the display. This indicates the Macro Mode.
2.
Compose the image and record it.
• See “Using the Auto Focus Mode” on page E-59 for
information about how the camera focuses an image
automatically.
• You can check the current status by looking at the operation lamp and focus frame. See “Using the Auto
Focus Mode” on page E-59 for more information.
IMPORTANT!
• The focusing range is the distance from the lens surface to the subject.
• Note that you can use 1X and 2X zoom only with
Macro Mode recording.
BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
Using the Infinity Mode
The Infinity Mode sets the focus near infinity. It is a good
choice for scenery and other far-off subjects. Focus adjustment starts automatically whenever you press the shutter
release button about half way down.
1.
Press / /MF RESIZE to cycle through the focus mode settings until the indicator appears on the display. This indicates the Infinity
Mode.
2.
Compose the image and record it.
• See “Using the Auto Focus Mode” on page E-59 for
information about how the camera focuses an image
automatically.
• You can check the current status by looking at the operation lamp and focus frame. See “Using the Auto
Focus Mode” on page E-59 for more information.
Using the Manual Focus Mode
With Manual Focus, you make the required focus settings by
hand. The following shows the relationship between the optical zoom factor and the focusing distance for the Manual
Focus Mode.
Optical Zoom Factor
1X
3X
1.
Press / /MF RESIZE to cycle through the fo-
Focusing Distance
6cm to ∞
18cm to ∞
cus mode settings until the indicator appears flashing on the display. This indicates
the Manual Focus Mode.
2.
While the indicator is flashing, use [왔] and
[왖] to focus the image.
• If you do not perform any focus operation for about
three seconds, the indicator stops flashing.
• You can press / /MF RESIZE while the indicator is on the monitor screen to change to another focus
mode, if you want.
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BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
3.
Press SET/DISP to stop the indicator flashing and fix the image focus at its current level.
• After stops flashing, you can use [왗] and [왘] to
adjust exposure compensation (EV).
• If stops flashing before you have a chance to focus, press / /MF RESIZE to make it flash again.
4.
Press the shutter release button to record the
image.
• The focus frame does not appear when you press the
shutter release button half way down while in the
Manual Focus Mode.
Using Focus Lock
Normally, Auto Focus automatically focuses on the object
that is inside the focus frame. Focus lock is a technique you
can use in the Auto Focus, Macro( ), and Infinity ( )
modes that lets you lock the focus on a subject and then
move the camera so the focus frame is pointed at another
subject when you record. This keeps the original subject in
focus, even though a different object is within the focus
frame.
NOTE
• Instead of using focus lock, you could also use the
procedure under “Specifying the Focus Frame Location” on page E-63 to move the focus frame to a different location.
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1.
Align the POWER/Function Switch with REC.
2.
Align the focus frame with the subject you
want to lock on and press the shutter release
button half way down.
• The focus frame turns green when the image is in focus.
Focus frame
3.
While keeping the shutter release button depressed half way, move the camera and compose the image as you want.
BASIC IMAGE RECORDING
4.
Press the shutter release button the rest of the
way down to record the image.
NOTE
• Locking the focus also locks the exposure setting.
Specifying the Focus Frame Location
Normally, the Auto Focus frame is located in the center of
the screen. Use the following procedure when you need to
change the location of the focus frame.
NOTE
• Instead of moving the focus frame, you could also use
the procedure under “Using Focus Lock” on page E62 to lock the focus on one subject and then move the
camera so the focus frame is pointed at another subject.
1.
Align the POWER/Function Switch with REC.
2.
Compose the image you want to record.
3.
Holding down SHIFT to display all of the available Auto Focus frame positions, use [왘], [왗],
[왔], and [왖] to move the [+] mark to the focus
frame location you want to use.
• The currently selected Auto Focus frame is the one
where the [+] mark is located.
4.
After selecting the focus frame you want to
use, release SHIFT and then press the shutter
release button about half way to perform auto
focus.
• This causes the focus frame you selected to change
green when proper focus is achieved (or red if there is
a problem with the focus).
5.
Press the shutter release button the rest of the
way to record the image.
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