Fujifilm FINEPIX A204 User Manual

2.0

Getting Ready

Basic Photography

Advanced Features
Photography

Advanced Features
Playback

Settings

Software Installation

A204

Camera Connection

Using FinePixViewer

BL00202-200(1

7

8

)

Warning

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to
the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.

CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The graphical symbols are located on the bottom
of the case.

This symbol is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing)instructions
in the literature accompanying the
appliance.

For customers in the U.S.A.

FCC Statement

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions : (1)This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2)this device must
accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.

CAUTION

This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures :
—

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

—

Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.

—

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.

—

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.

Notes on the Grant:

To comply with Part 15 of the FCC rules, this
product must be used with a Fujifilm-specified
ferrite-core USB cable and DC supply cord.

For customers in Canada

CAUTION

This Class B digital apparatus complies with
Canadian ICES-003.

➡

P.119

)

Please read the Safety Notes

(

and make sure you understand them

before using the camera.

32

Contents

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Warning

...................................................................

Preface
Accessories and Attaching the Strap
Nomenclature

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1 Getting Ready

LOADING THE BATTERIES AND xD-Picture Card

Compatible batteries

xD-Picture Card (sold separately)
SWITCHING ON AND OFF
SETTING THE DATE AND TIME

Changing the date and time

To change the date display format
SELECTING THE LANGUAGE

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2 Basic Photography

BASIC OPERATION GUIDE

Q

MODE

TAKING PICTURES (

■ Viewfinder Lamp Display

Number of Available Frames
USING AF/AE LOCK
USING THE ZOOM
FRAMING GUIDELINE FUNCTION

w

MODE

VIEWING YOUR IMAGES (PLAYBACK)
MULTI-FRAME PLAYBACK
PLAYBACK ZOOM

4

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A AUTO MODE)

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.....

ERASING SINGLE FRAME

2
6
7
8

11
11
11
14
15
16
17
18

19

21
25
26
27
29
30

3 Advanced Features Photography

Q

MODE

SELECTING A AUTO OR S MANUAL
PHOTOGRAPHY MENU OPERATION
PHOTOGRAPHY AND MOVIE MENU OPTIONS

PHOTOGRAPHY MENU

y SETTING THE QUALITY

c FLASH

E MACRO (CLOSE-UP) PHOTOGRAPHY
= SELF-TIMER PHOTOGRAPHY

a WHITE BALANCE

d EV (EXPOSURE COMPENSATION)

T

T MOVIE (VIDEO)

...............................................................

AUTO

Auto Flash Mode

n Red-Eye Reduction

c Forced Flash

b Suppressed Flash

v Slow Synchro

(SELECTING THE LIGHT SOURCE)

MODE

■ xD-Picture Card standard shooting time
Quality settings for movies

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4 Advanced Features Playback

31

w

32
33

MODE

PLAYING BACK MOVIES

■ Playing Back Movies

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........

34

36
37

...

38

39
40
40
41
41
42
42
43
44

46
47

48
48
51

PLAYBACK MENU

p ERASING SINGLE

ALL FRAMES/FORMATTING

k PROTECTING IMAGES FRAME/ALL

i

HOW TO SPECIFY PRINT OPTIONS (DPOF)

i DPOF SET FRAME

•

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..........................

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5 Settings

g

ADJUSTING THE MONITOR BRIGHTNESS

g USING SET–UP

■ List of settings

■ SET–UP Menu Options

SET–UP

g POWER SAVE

..................................................

................................................

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....................................................

6 Software Installation

6.1 The Software Components

6.2 Installation on a Windows PC

6.2.1 Load the CD-ROM into your PC

6.2.2

6.3 Installation on a Mac OS 8.6 to 9.2

6.4 Installation on a Mac OS X

From FinePixViewer installation to restart

6.3.1 Check the system software settings

6.3.2 From FinePixViewer installation to restart..77

6.4.1 From FinePixViewer installation to restart..80

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7 Camera Connection

52
53

7.1 Using the optional AC Power adapter

7.2 Use at DSC mode

...............................................

................

7.3 Use at PC-CAM mode

7.4 Disconnecting the Camera

54
58
62
63

67
68
69
69

70

71
72
72
73
77
77

80

83
84

8 Using FinePixViewer

8.1

Saving Images on Your Computer and viewing images

8.2 Making a FinePix CD Album

8.3 Using the FinePix Internet Service

8.3.1 User FAQ

8.3.2 User Registration

8.4 Mastering FinePixViewer

8.5 Uninstalling the Software

System Expansion Options
Accessories Guide
Notes on Using Your Camera Correctly
Notes on the Power Supply

Applicable Batteries
Notes on the Batteries

AC Power Adapter
Notes on the xD-Picture Card
Warning Displays
Troubleshooting
Specifications
Explanation of Terms
Safety Notes
EC Declaration of Conformity
IMPORTANT

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..

101
102
104
105
105
105
107
108
110
113
116
118
119
123
124

87
90

92
93
94

1

94
94
98

2

99

3

4
5
6
7
8

5

Preface Accessories and Attaching the Strap

■

Test Shots Prior to Photography

For particularly important photographs (such as weddings and
overseas trips), always take a test photograph and view the
image to make sure that the camera is functioning normally.
h Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. cannot accept liability for any

incidental losses (such as the cost of photography or the
loss of income from photography) incurred as a result of
faults with this product.

■

Notes on Copyright

Images recorded using your digital camera system cannot be
used in ways that infringe copyright laws without the consent
of the owner, unless intended only for personal use. Note that
some restrictions apply to the photographing of stage
performances, entertainments and exhibits, even when
intended purely for personal use. Users are also asked to note
that the transfer of memory cards containing images or data
protected under copyright laws is only permissible within the
restrictions imposed by those copyright laws.

■

Liquid Crystal

If the LCD monitor or display panel is damaged, take particular
care with the liquid crystal in the monitor or panel. If any of the
following situations arise, take the urgent action indicated.
h If liquid crystal comes in contact with your skin

Wipe the area with a cloth and then wash thoroughly with
running water and soap.

h If liquid crystal gets into your eye

Flush the affected eye with clean water for at least
15 minutes and then seek medical assistance.

h If liquid crystal is swallowed

Flush your mouth thoroughly with water. Drink large
quantities of water and induce vomiting. Then seek
medical assistance.

6 7

■

Notes on Electrical Interference

If the camera is to be used in hospitals or aircrafts, please
note that this camera may cause interference to other
equipment in the hospital or aircraft. For details, please
check with the applicable regulations.

■

Handling Your Digital Camera

This camera contains precision electronic components. To
ensure that images are recorded correctly, do not subject the
camera to impact or shock while an image is being recorded.

■

Trademark Information

h IBM PC/AT is a registered trademark of International

Business Machines Corp. of the U.S.

h iMac and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple

Computer, Inc.

h QuickTime and the QuickTime logo are trademarks used

under license. The QuickTime logo is registered in the
U.S. and other countries.

h Adobe Acrobat

Systems Incorporated of the U.S.

h Microsoft , Windows, the Windows logo and DirectX are

either trademarks, or registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Windows is an abbreviated term referring to the Microsoft
Windows Operating System.

✽ The “Designed for Microsoft Windows XP” logo refers to

the camera and the driver only.

hxD-Picture Card and other company or product names are

trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective
companies.

■ Exif Print (Exif ver. 2.2)

Exif Print Format is a newly revised digital camera file format that
contains a variety of shooting information for optimal printing.

®

Reader™is a trademark of Adobe

Accessories

h16 MB, xD-Picture Card (1)

Supplied with:

• Anti-static case (1)

hLR6 AA-size alkaline Batteries (2)

hHand strap (1)

hUSB Interface Set (1

• CD-ROM: Software for FinePix SX (1)

• USB cable with Noise Suppression core (1)

hOwner’s Manual (this manual)(1

)

Attaching the Strap

01 02

Pass the loop of this cord on the end of the

1

strap through the strap mount.
Then pass the other end of the strap through

2

the loop of the thin cord and pull the strap
tight.

)

MENU/OK button(P.19)

DISP button(P.19,30,32)

BACK button (P.19)

Strap mount(P.7)

xD-Picture Card slot

(P.13)

Viewfinder lamp(P.14)

Viewfinder(P.23)

LCD monitor
(P.23)

Tr ipod mount

Battery cover
(P.12,13)

Battery compartment

  (a) (b)

/Zoom button

g button

Nomenclature

Flash(P.40)

Shutter button

Lens

Self-timer lamp

(P.45)

Viewfinder window

(USB) socket

(P.84,87)

DC IN 3V

(Power input)

socket

(P.83)

POWER switch(P.14)

Lens cover(P.14)

Mode Switch

Flash control sensor

Movie mode

(P.48)

 Still photography mode(P.21)

Select this mode for still photography.

Playback mode(P.31)

This mode provides playback zoom and multi-frame
playback as well as normal single-frame playback.
You can also use this mode to erase frames, format
xD-Picture Card and specify DPOF settings.

✽ Refer to the pages in parentheses for information on using the camera features.

98

Outer casing

Nomenclature (Sample display

 １／ １／２００２

１００ー０００１

 １／ １／２００２

)

1 Getting Ready

LOADING THE BATTERIES AND xD-Picture Card

Example of LCD Monitor Text Display: Still photography mode

Macro

Flash

Still photography mode

４９４９

１Ｍ１Ｍ

ＡＦＡＦ

Zoom bar

Date

 １／ １／２００２



Example of LCD Monitor Text Display: Playback mode

Playback mode

Protection

１００ー０００１



DPOF

Date

 １／ １／２００２



10

EV(Exposure compensation)

White balance

Number of remaining shots

Quality mode

Battery level warning

Camera shake warning

AF warning

AF frame

Playback frame number

Battery level warning

Compatible batteries

Use two AA-size alkaline batteries or two AA­size nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries.

Notes on Handling Batteries

◆

h It is recommended that you use the same brand of

alkaline batteries as those supplied with the camera.

h Never use a battery when the

outer casing is split or peeling as
this could result in a short-circuit
and cause major problems due
to battery fluid leakage or
overheating.

h Do not use different types of batteries or old and new

batteries together.

h You cannot use lithium, manganese or nickel-

cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries.

h The operating lives of alkaline batteries vary between

brands and the life of batteries you purchase may be
shorter than the alkaline batteries provided with the
camera. Note also that due to the nature of alkaline
batteries, the time for which they can be used is
shorter in cold locations (at temperatures of +10°C
(+50°F) or below). Consequently, Ni-MH batteries are
recommended.

h Soil (fingerprints, etc) on the terminals of batteries can

greatly reduce the time for which the batteries provide
power.

h You will need the optional charger (➡P.102) to

recharge Ni-MH batteries.

h See P.105 for notes on using batteries.

◆

xD-Picture Card (sold separately

DPC-16 (16MB)
DPC-64 (64MB)

Front Back

!

Operation of this camera is only guaranteed when it

●

is used with FUJIFILM xD-Picture Card.

!

Because xD-Picture Cards are small, they can be

●

accidentally swallowed by small children. Be sure to
store xD-Picture Cards out of the reach of small
children. If a child accidentally swallows an xD-Picture
Card, seek medical advice immediately.

!

See P.108-109 for more information on xD-Picture

●

Card.

DPC-32 (32MB)
DPC-128 (128MB)

)

1

11

Indicator

LOADING THE BATTERIES AND xD-Picture Card

Indicator

01

1Slide the battery cover out to open it.
2Load the batteries correctly as shown.

!

Do not apply excessive force to the battery cover.

●

Do not open the battery cover while the camera
is still switched on. This could damage the xD­Picture Card or corrupt the image files on the
xD-Picture Card .

12 13

02

When you want to replace

◆

Check that the camera is switched off, open the
battery cover and then remove the battery.

!

Take care not to drop the battery when opening

●

and closing the battery cover.

the battery

◆

3Push the xD-Picture Card firmly into the

xD-Picture Card slot as far as it will go.

4 Close the battery cover.

!

If you open the battery cover while the camera is still

●

switched on, the camera is automatically switched
off to protect the xD-Picture Card.

!

The xD-Picture Card will not slide fully into the slot if

●

it is inserted facing the wrong way. Be careful not to
apply undue force to the xD-Picture Card.

!

When storing xD-Picture Card, always use the anti-

●

static case provided.

03

Replacing an xD-Picture Card

◆

When you push the xD-Picture Card into the slot
and then slowly remove your finger, the lock is
released and the xD-Picture Card is pushed out.
You can then pull the xD-Picture Card the rest of
the way out.

!

Take care not to remove your finger too quickly

●

after the lock is released, as the card may

spring completely out of the slot.

04

◆

1

ＤＡＴＥ／ＴＩＭＥＤＡＴＥ／ＴＩＭＥ
 ＮＯＴ ＳＥＴ ＮＯＴ ＳＥＴ

ＯＫＯＫＯＫ

ＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫ

ＳＥＴＳＥＴＳＥＴ

ＮＯＮＯ

２００２２００２  １  １  １  １

ＤＡＴＥ／ＴＩＭＥＤＡＴＥ／ＴＩＭＥ

ＹＹＹＹ ＭＭ ＤＤＹＹＹＹ ＭＭ ＤＤ

１２：００１２：００ ＡＭＡＭ

ＯＫＯＫＯＫＯＫ

ＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫ

SWITCHING ON AND OFF

SETTING THE DATE AND TIME

1 2

01

1

2

02

When you slide the “POWER” switch sideways
to switch the camera on, the green viewfinder
lamp lights. To switch the camera off, slide the
“POWER” switch sideways again.

1Use the Mode switch to select the mode you

want to use.

2If you want to use the camera in Still

photography/Movie mode, open the lens cover.
If the “
appears on the LCD monitor, slide the lens
cover completely.

!

Open and close the lens cover by fitting your finger

●

into the indentation in the cover.

14 15

ç ” warning message

!

Take care not to press on the lens when it is

●

extending or while you are taking a shot as this could
cause a camera fault.

When you first switch the camera on, the date is
cleared. Press the “MENU/OK” button to set the
date and time.

!

To set the date and time later, press the “BACK”

●

button.

!

If you do not set the date and time, this confirmation

●

screen will appear each time you switch the camera on.

1 Use “d” or “c” to select Year, Month, Day,

Hour or Minute.

2 Press “a” or “b” to set the number.

!

If you hold down “a” or “b”, the numbers change

●

continuously.

!

When the time displayed passes “12:00”, the AM/PM

●

setting automatically switches.

01 02

1

 １／ １／２００２ １／ １／２００２

ＤＡＴＥ／ＴＩＭＥＤＡＴＥ／ＴＩＭＥ

ＭＭ／ＤＤ／ＹＹＹＹＭＭ／ＤＤ／ＹＹＹＹ

１２：００１２：００ ＡＭＡＭ

ＯＫＯＫＯＫＯＫ

ＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫ

２００２ １０ ２９２００２ １０ ２９

ＤＡＴＥ／ＴＩＭＥＤＡＴＥ／ＴＩＭＥ

ＹＹＹＹ ＭＭ ＤＤＹＹＹＹ ＭＭ ＤＤ

 ８  ８ ４０４０ ＡＭＡＭ

ＯＫＯＫＯＫＯＫ

ＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫ

ＰＯＷＥＲ ＳＡＶＥＰＯＷＥＲ ＳＡＶＥ

ＤＡＴＥ／ＴＩＭＥＤＡＴＥ／ＴＩＭＥ

ＵＳＢ ＭＯＤＥＵＳＢ ＭＯＤＥ

ＯＮＯＮ

ＰＯＳＴＶＩＥＷ

ＯＮＯＮ

ＳＥＴＳＥＴ

ＤＳＣＤＳＣ

ＳＥＴ−ＵＰＳＥＴ−ＵＰ

ＯＫＯＫ

ＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫ

SETTING THE DATE AND TIME

Checking the remaining battery charge

3

Changing the date and time

0103 0204

To change the date display format

01 02

Once you have set the date and time, press the
“MENU/OK” button. Pressing the “MENU/OK”
button switches the camera to still photography
or Playback mode.

!

You cannot set the seconds, but you can set the time

●

more accurately by pressing the “MENU/OK” button
when the time on your reference clock is at zero

!

●

16 17

seconds.
If the camera is left for 30 minutes or longer with the
batteries removed and the AC power adapter
disconnected, the date and time settings may revert to
the factory default settings. If this occurs, reset the date
and time.

To change the date and time:

1 Press the “MENU/OK” button.
2 Use “d” or “c” to select “g” OPTION and

then use “a” or “b” to select “SET–UP”.
3 Press the “MENU/OK” button.
4 Select “DATE/TIME” and press “c”.

See P.15 for information on setting the date and
time.

1 Press “d” or “c” to select the date format.
2 Press “a” or “b” to set the format. Refer to

the table below for details of the settings.

Setting

YYYY.MM.DD

MM/DD/YYYY

DD.MM.YYYY

Displays the date in the “year.month. day” format.

Displays the date in the “month/day/ year” format.

Displays the date in the “day.month. year” format.

Explanation

◆

Switch the camera on and check that no battery
level warning (
LCD monitor. If no icon indicating the remaining
battery charge is displayed, the battery has
ample charge.

i

Z Lit red:

Battery charge low. Replace or recharge the
battery as it will run out shortly.

i

X Blinking red:

The battery is exhausted. The display will shortly
go blank and the camera will stop working.
Replace or recharge the battery.

!

The above estimates are for the Still photography

●

modes. In Playback mode, the transition from “

X” may take less time.

to “

Power Save Function

◆

If the camera is not used for 2 minutes, this
function automatically switches it off.
When this function is enabled, the LCD monitor
switches off to conserve battery power if the
camera is not used in any way for 30 seconds
(See P.70 for details).

Z or X) is displayed on the

◆

◆

Z”

1

You can use this button to
select the LCD monitor display
mode.

When shooting : Switches
the LCD monitor on and off
or displays the framing guides.

During playback : Switches
text display on and off or selects
multi-frame playback.

Slide this switch to turn the
camera on and off.

0DISP button

Displays the menu screen
when you are shooting or
playing back images. You also
press this button to confirm a
menu selection.

0MENU/OK button

Press this button to stop a
procedure midway through.

0BACK button

0POWER switch

0Switching between still

photography,playback
and movies

0Main actions performed

by a, b, dand c



For recording still images.

Still photography

For playing back recorded
data.

Playback

For recording movies.

Movie

Change frame in playback.

gbutton ：

fbutton ：

Digital zoom, Playback
zoom.

SELECTING THE LANGUAGE

ＡＵＴＯＡＵＴＯ
ＭＡＮＵＡＬＭＡＮＵＡＬ

ＳＥＴ−ＵＰＳＥＴ−ＵＰ

ＬＣＤ ＢＲＩＧＨＴＮＥＳＳ

ＯＰＴＩＯＮＯＰＴＩＯＮ

ＲＥＳＥＴ ＡＬＬ

ＬＣＤＬＣＤ

ＯＮＯＮ

ＢＥＥＰ♪ＢＥＥＰ♪

ＬＯＷＬＯＷ

ＬＡＮＧＵＡＧＥＬＡＮＧＵＡＧＥ

ＥＮＧＬＩＳＨ

ＯＫＯＫ

ＳＥＴ−ＵＰＳＥＴ−ＵＰ

ＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫ

ＯＫＯＫ

Basic

2

Photography

BASIC OPERATION GUIDE

02

1Press the “MENU/OK” button to display the

menu screen.

2Use “a”, “b”, “d” or “c” to select “SET–UP”

from the “g” OPTION menu.

3Press the “MENU/OK” button.

18

0301

21

1The “SET–UP” screen appears. Use “a” or

“b” to select “LANGUAGE”.
2Use “c” to select “ENGLISH”, “FRANCAIS” or

“DEUTSCH”. You can cycle through the

language settings by pressing “c”.

!

The screens in this manual are shown in English.

●

!

See P.68 for more information on the “g” OPTION

●

menu.

01 02

2

19

BASIC OPERATION GUIDE

●Using the Menus

1Display the menu.

Press the “MENU/OK” button.

2Select a menu option.

Press the “d” or “c”.

Press this button to stop
a procedure midway
through.

Help messages are displayed at the bottom of
the screen to show you the next step to take.
Press the button indicated.

Press the “DISP” button
to use the zoom.

In the Owner's Manual,black triangles
are used to indicate up,down (a

,b )

and left, right (d

,c) respectively.

3

Select a setting.
Press the “a” or “b”.

◆ Displaying the On-screen Help ◆

4Confirm your selection.

Press the “MENU/OK” button.

ＺＯＯＭ

ＤＩＳＰ

ＺＯＯＭＺＯＯＭ

ＤＩＳＰ

１Ｍ１Ｍ１Ｍ１Ｍ

２５
  ３９

２ＭＦ
２ＭＮ

 １２２

０３Ｍ

  ４９

ＱＵＡＬＩＴＹ

１Ｍ１Ｍ１Ｍ１Ｍ

２５
  ３９

２ＭＦ
２ＭＮ

 １２２

０３Ｍ

  ４９

ＱＵＡＬＩＴＹ

Q MODE

TAKING PICTURES (A AUTO MODE

)

1 2

01

02

20 21

03

1Set the Mode switch to “Q”.
2Open the lens cover. If the “ç”

warning message appears on the LCD
monitor, slide the lens cover completely.

3Slide the “POWER” switch sideways to switch

the camera on.
To take pictures using the LCD monitor, press
the “DISP” button to switch the LCD monitor on.

h Focal range: Approx. 80 cm (2.6 ft.) to infinity

!

If the “Ω”, “∂”, “≈ ” or

●

“

˙” message appears, see P.110.

Loop the strap over your wrist, brace your
elbows firmly against your body and hold the
camera with both hands.

!

For subjects closer than 80 cm (2.6 ft.), use Macro

●

photography (➡P.43).

!

To minimize power consumption, you should use the

●

viewfinder (switch the LCD monitor off) to take pictures.

!

Use a tripod to avoid camera shake, particularly for

●

shots is dark situations when the flash is set to
Suppressed Flash mode (➡P.40).

2

１Ｍ１Ｍ

４９４９

１Ｍ１Ｍ

Zoom bar

Q MODE

TAKING PICTURES (A AUTO MODE

)

3 44

Ensure that your fingers or the camera strap do
not obscure the lens or flash control sensor.

!

There may be some unevenness in the brightness at

●

the lower edge of the LCD monitor. This is normal
and does not indicate a fault. This does not affect
the photographed image.

!

Check that the lens is clean. If it is dirty, clean the

●

lens as described on P.104.

!

If you use the flash in very dusty conditions or when

●

it is snowing, white dots may appear in the image
due to the flash reflecting off the dust particles or
snowflakes. Try taking the shot with the flash mode
set to Suppressed Flash.

22 23

To zoom in on the subject, press “a” (} TELE).
To zoom out, press “b” ({ WIDE). A “zoom
bar” appears on the LCD monitor when you
zoom in or out.

●

Optical zoom focal length (35mm camera
equivalent)

Approx. 38 mm-114 mm (1.5 in. to 4.5 in.)
Maximum zoom scale: 3×

!

Zooming stops briefly when the camera switches

●

between optical zoom and digital zoom (➡P.29).

5

AF frame

LCD monitor

AF frame

Viewfinder

Using the viewfinder or LCD monitor, frame your
shot so that the subject fills the entire AF (Auto
Focus) frame.

!

If your subject is not in the center of the picture, use

●

AF/AE lock to take the picture(➡P.27).

6

When you are using the viewfinder to take a
picture at a distance of 0.8 m to 1.5 m (2.6 ft. to

4.9 ft.), only the shaded area in the figure is
photographed.

!

To frame your shot precisely, you should take the

●

picture using the LCD monitor.

!

In some conditions it may be difficult to see your

●

subject clearly on the LCD monitor, such as in sunny
weather outdoors or when you are shooting dimly lit
scenes. In such situations, use the viewfinder to take
the shot.

!

The image shown on the LCD monitor before you

●

take the shot may differ in its brightness, color, etc.
from the image actually recorded. If necessary, play
back the recorded image to check it (➡P.31).

2

Q MODE

TAKING PICTURES (A AUTO MODE

)

7

7

Press the shutter button down halfway. The
camera is focused when the AF frame on the
LCD monitor shrinks and the green viewfinder
lamp stops flashing and stays lit.

!

If you press the shutter button down fully in one motion,

●

the shot is taken without the AF frame changing.

!

The viewfinder lamp flashes orange while the flash is

●

charging. If the LCD monitor is switched on, the
screen may go dark for a moment. This is normal
and does not indicate a fault.

!

The flash charging time may increase when the

●

24 25

battery charge decreases.

8

To take the picture, press the shutter button
down fully without lifting your finger off it. The
camera beeps and takes the picture, and the
data is then recorded.

!

When you press the shutter button, there is a very

●

short delay before the picture is actually taken.

!

Since the amount of image data recorded is not fixed

●

and varies depending on the subject (level of image
detail, etc.), the number of available shots may not
decrease after the image is recorded, or may
decrease by 2.

!

See P.110-112 for information on the warning

●

displays.

The viewfinder lamp glows orange while the
image is being recorded and no pictures can be
taken. Also, do not switch the camera off or
open the battery cover during image recording.
Opening the cover during image recording could
corrupt the image files.

Beep

■ Viewfinder Lamp Display ✽ When the LCD monitor is switched on, more detailed warning messages

are displayed (➡P.110-112).

Display Status

Lit green Ready to shoot

Blinking green

Blinking green and
orange alternately

Lit orange Recording to xD-Picture Card (Not ready).

Blinking orange Flash charging. PC communication in progress (Flash will not fire).

Blinking red

Subjects Not Suitable for Autofocus

◆

Though the FinePix A204 uses an accurate autofocus mechanism, it may have difficulty focusing or not be able to
focus at all for the types of subject and situation listed below. In such cases, the image may be out of focus.

h Very shiny subjects such as a mirror or car body.
h Subjects photographed through glass.
h Subjects that do not reflect well, such as hair or fur.
h Subjects with no substance, such as smoke or flames.
h When the subject is dark.
h When there is very little contrast between the subject

and the background (such as white walls or subjects
dressed in the same color as the background).

AF/AE in progress, camera shake warning or AF warning (Ready to shoot).

Recording to xD-Picture Card (Ready to shoot).

h xD-Picture Card Warnings

No card loaded, card not formatted, incorrect format, card full, xD-Picture Card error.

h Lens operation error.

.

◆

h Subjects moving at high speed.
h When something other than your subject is close to the

AF frame, has contrasting areas of light and dark and is
either closer or further away than your subject (as when
you photograph someone against a background with
strongly contrasting elements).

For subjects of this type, use AF/AE lock (➡P.27).

2

４９４９

１Ｍ１Ｍ

４９４９
１Ｍ１Ｍ

４９４９

１Ｍ１Ｍ１Ｍ１Ｍ

Q MODE

TAKING PICTURES (A AUTO MODE

)

Q MODE

USING AF/AE LOCK

Number of Available Frames

1

2

The number of available shots is displayed on
the LCD monitor.

!

See P.39 for information on changing the quality.

●

!

The default quality setting “y” set at shipment is

●

1M.

■ Standard number of shots per xD-Picture Card

Because the amount of data recorded varies depending on the subject, the number of available shots may not
decrease when recording ends, or may decrease by 2 frames. The discrepancy between the standard number of
available shots and the actual number of available shots increases in proportion to the capacity of the xD-Picture Card.

Quality mode

Number of recorded pixels

Image Data Size

DPC-16 (16 MB)

DPC-32 (32 MB)

DPC-64 (64 MB)

DPC-128 (128 MB)

✽ Number of available shots displayed on the camera for a new xD-Picture Card formatted in the camera.

•

F2M

2M

1600 × 1200 640 × 480

Approx. 620 KB Approx. 390 KB

25

50

101

204

159

319

•

N

39

79

1M 0.3M

1280 × 960

Approx. 320 KB Approx. 130 KB

49

99

198

398

122

247

497

997

In a shot with this type of composition, the
subjects (two people in this case) are not in the
AF frame. If the shot is taken at this point, the
subjects will not be in focus.

AF (Autofocus)/AE (Auto exposure) Lock

◆

On the FinePix A204, when you press the shutter button down half way, the focus and exposure settings
are fixed (AF/AE lock). If you want to focus on a subject that is off to one side of the image or if you want
to set the exposure before you compose the final shot, lock the AF and AE settings and then compose
and shoot your picture to get the best results.

Move the camera slightly so that one of the
subjects in the AF frame.

Continued over page...

◆

26 27

2

Macro

０３Ｍ

Q MODE

USING AF/AE LOCK

Q MODE

USING THE ZOOM

3

Without moving the camera, press the shutter
button down halfway (AF/AE lock). Check that
the AF frame on the LCD monitor has shrunk
and the green viewfinder lamp has stopped
flashing and is now lit.

28 29

4

Beep

Continue to hold the shutter button down
halfway. Move the camera back to the original
image and then fully press down on the shutter
button.

!

You can reapply the AF/AE lock as many times as

●

you like before releasing the shutter.

!

The AF/AE lock operates in all photography modes

●

and can be used to ensure excellent results.

Press “a” to zoom in and make your subject
larger. Press “b” when you want to zoom out
and shoot a wider area. If you use the LCD
monitor to take pictures, you can continue
zooming with the digital zoom after the optical
zoom finishes.

Max.

Mode

Still
photography

E

Macro

!

See P.39 for information on changing the quality

●

setting.

Digital zoom focal distance

Quality

Equivalent to approx. 114 mm-146 mm

1M

Equivalent to approx. 114 mm-285 mm

0.3M

Equivalent to approx. 38 mm- 48 mm

1M

Equivalent to approx. 38 mm- 95 mm

0.3M

Cannot be used2M

✽ 35 mm camera equivalent

✽

Zoom Scale

Max. 1.3×

Max. 2.5×

Max. 1.3×

Max. 2.5×

Digital zoom

Optical zoom

The position of the “■” on the zoom bar indicates
the current zoom setting.
hIf the “■” is above the dividing line, the digital

zoom is being used. If it is below the line, the
optical zoom is being used.

hPress “a” or “b” to move the “■” up and down.
hWhen you switch between digital zoom and

optical zoom, the “■” stops moving briefly.
Press the button for the same direction again
to start the “■” moving and switch the zoom
setting.

!

If the image goes out of focus when you use the

●

zoom, press the shutter button down halfway to
refocus.

!

The optical zoom is equivalent to approximately

●

38 mm-114 mm on a 35 mm camera.

Zoom bar display

１Ｍ１Ｍ

０３Ｍ

Macro



2

１００−０００９１００−０００９

１０／２９／２００２１０／２９／２００２

Q

１Ｍ１Ｍ

４９４９

MODE

FRAMING GUIDELINE FUNCTION

w

MODE

VIEWING YOUR IMAGES (PLAYBACK

)

Scene

Use this frame when you want to position your
main subject in the center of the frame or when
you want to align your shot with the horizon.
This feature provides a clear guide to the
subject size and the overall balance of the shot

LCD monitor ON

Framing guideline
displayed

LCD monitor OFF

You can select the framing guide function in “Q”
Still photography mode. The mode shown on the
LCD monitor switches each time you press the
“DISP” button. Press the “DISP” button to
display the framing guideline.

!

The framing guideline is not recorded on the image.

●

!

The lines in the scene frame roughly divide the

●

recorded pixels into three parts horizontally and
vertically. When the image is printed, the resulting
print may be shifted slightly from the scene frame.

30 31

so that you get exactly the shot you want.

Important

◆

Always use the AF/AE lock to compose your
picture.
Failing to use the AF/AE lock may result in the
image being out of focus.

◆

1Set the Mode switch to “w”.
2You can “d” or “c” to move forward and

backward respectively through your images.

!

When you set the Mode switch to “w”, the last

●

image shot is displayed.

Still images that can be viewed

◆

You can use this camera to view still images recorded on the FinePix A204 or still images (excluding
some uncompressed images) recorded on a FUJIFILM digital camera that supports xD-Picture Cards.

01 02

◆

Fast Forwarding Images

Playback frame
number

During playback, you can skip backwards or forwards through
the images (the frame number increases or decreases) by
holding down “d” or “c” for approximately 1 second.
The displayed image does not change, but a progress bar
indicates the approximate playback location on the xD-Picture
Card.

2

ＺＯＯＭＺＯＯＭ

ＤＩＳＰＤＩＳＰＤＩＳＰ

ＰＡＮＮＩＮＧＰＡＮＮＩＮＧ

ＤＩＳＰＤＩＳＰ

Zoom bar

w

１００−０００９１００−０００９

１０／２９／２００２１０／２９／２００２

MODE

MULTI-FRAME PLAYBACK

w

MODE

PLAYBACK ZOOM

1 2

In playback mode, the display shown on the
LCD monitor switches each time you press the
“DISP” button. Press the “DISP” button until the
multi-frame playback screen (9 frames) appears.
You cannot display text during multi-frame
playback.

!

You cannot use multi-frame playback while a menu

●

is displayed.

!

Playback zoom cannot be used with multi-frame

●

playback.

32 33

Text displayed

No text displayed

Multi-frame
playback

1 Select a frame by using “d”, “c”, “a” or “ b”

to move the cursor (the orange box) to the
desired frame. Press the “a” or “b” several
times to switch to the previous page or the
next page.

2 You can enlarge the selected image by

pressing the “DISP” button again.

01 02

1

Pressing “a ” or “b ” during single-frame
playback zooms in (enlarges) or out on a still
image. When you use this function, a zoom bar
is displayed.

hZoom scales:

2M 1600 ×1200 pixel images: Max 10×
1M 1280 × 960 pixel images: Max 8×

0.3M 640 × 480 pixel images: Max 4×

!

Pressing “d” or “c” during zooming cancels zooming

●

and moves to the next image.

!

Multi-frame playback cannot be used with Playback zoom.

●

2

After you have zoomed in on your image,

1Press the “DISP” button.
2Use “a”, “b”, “d” or “c” to zoom in on different

parts of the image.

3Press the “DISP” button again to revert to

zoomed display.

!

You may not be able to use playback zoom for some

●

images shot on other camera models.

!

Press the “BACK” button to return to normal unscaled

●

display.

This is useful for such things as checking the focus
after you take a shot.

020301

2

ＥＲＡＳＥ ＯＫ？ＥＲＡＳＥ ＯＫ？

ＦＲＡＭＥＦＲＡＭＥ

ＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫ

ＯＫＯＫＯＫＯＫ

Ｙ

Ｅ

Ｓ

ＹＥＳ

ＮＯＮＯ

１００−００４９１００−００４９

w

ＦＲＡＭＥＦＲＡＭＥＦＲＡＭＥ

ＦＯＲＭＡＴＦＯＲＭＡＴ

ＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫ

ＡＬＬ ＦＲＡＭＥＳＡＬＬ ＦＲＡＭＥＳ

ＥＲＡＳＥＥＲＡＳＥ

ＦＲＡＭＥＦＲＡＭＥＦＲＡＭＥＦＲＡＭＥ

ＦＯＲＭＡＴＦＯＲＭＡＴ

ＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫＢＡＣＫ

ＡＬＬ ＦＲＡＭＥＳＡＬＬ ＦＲＡＭＥＳ

ＥＲＡＳＥＥＲＡＳＥ

MODE

ERASING SINGLE FRAME

1

1 Set the Mode switch to “w”.
2 Press the “MENU/OK” button to display the

Menu screen on the LCD monitor.

34 35

Note that mistakenly erased images cannot be
recovered. You should copy important files that
you do not want to be erased to your computer
or other media.

01 02

2

Select “FRAME” in the “
press the “MENU/OK” button.
See P.54 for more information on “ALL FRAMES”
and “FORMAT”.

p” ERASE menu and

3

Press “d” or “c” to view the frame (individual
file) you want to erase.

!

Press the “BACK” button to cancel frame erasing.

●

4

Pressing the “MENU/OK” button erases the
frame (individual file) displayed. When erasing is
complete, the next image appears and the
“§” message is displayed.

To erase another frame, repeat steps and .

43

2

４９４９

１Ｍ１Ｍ

ＯＰＴＩＯＮＯＰＴＩＯＮ

ＬＣＤ ＢＲＩＧＨＴＮＥＳＳ

ＭＡＮＵＡＬＭＡＮＵＡＬＭＡＮＵＡＬ

ＳＥＴ−ＵＰＳＥＴ−ＵＰ

ＡＵＴＯＡＵＴＯ

Advanced Features

3

Photography

Q

MODE

SELECTING

A

AUTO OR

S

MANUAL

PHOTOGRAPHY MENU OPERATION

1

Set the Mode switch to “Q”.

!

See P.48 for information on shooting movies.

●

Q

AUTO

This is the easiest mode for taking pictures and
can be used in a wide range of conditions.

Q

MANUAL

This mode allows you to specify your own
brightness and white balance settings.

36 37

2

1Press the “MENU/OK” button to display the

menu.

2Use “d” or “c” to select “g” OPTION and

then use “a” or “b” to select “Q AUTO” or
“Q MANUAL”.

3Press the “MENU/OK” button to confirm the

selection.

0301 02

1

1Press the “MENU/OK” button to display the

menu.
2Use “d” or “c” to select the menu item and

“a” or “b” to change the setting.
3Press the “MENU/OK” button to confirm the

selection.

0301 02

2

When you validate the settings, the respective
icons appear at the top of the screen.

!

The settings available in the menu screen differ

●

depending on the still photography mode.

3

ＱＵＡＬＩＴＹＱＵＡＬＩＴＹ

ＱＵＡＬＩＴＹＱＵＡＬＩＴＹ

２５  ２５
  ３９  ３９

 １２２ １２２

  ４９  ４９

１Ｍ１Ｍ１Ｍ１Ｍ

２Ｍ・Ｆ２Ｍ・Ｆ
２Ｍ・Ｎ２Ｍ・Ｎ

０３Ｍ０３Ｍ

PHOTOGRAPHY AND MOVIE MENU OPTIONS

ＱＵＡＬＩＴＹＱＵＡＬＩＴＹ

２５  ２５
  ３９  ３９

 １２２ １２２

  ４９  ４９

１Ｍ１Ｍ１Ｍ１Ｍ

２Ｍ・Ｆ２Ｍ・Ｆ
２Ｍ・Ｎ２Ｍ・Ｎ

０３Ｍ０３Ｍ

ＥＶＥＶ

０ ３０ ３

０ ３０ ３
０ ６０ ６

＋

−

−

０

PHOTOGRAPHY MENU

y SETTING THE QUALITY

✽ Displaying the menus (➡P.37)

This section gives a quick overview of the various functions you can use when the mode switch is set
to “Q” or “T”.

Mode

A AUTO

S MANUAL

T MOVIE

38 39

Sample LCD monitor display Accessible menu settings

QUALITY

y

FLASH

c

MACRO

E

SELF-TIMER

=

OPTION

g

QUALITY

y

FLASH

c

MACRO

E

WHITE BALANCE

a

EV

d

OPTION

g

QUALITY

y

OPTION

g

Factory default

1M

AUTO

OFF

OFF

–

1M

AUTO

OFF

AUTO

0

–

320 × 240

–

Explanation

P.39

P.40

P.43

P.44

P.68

P.39

P.40

P.43

P.46

P.47

P.68

P.51

P.68

Number of rem-

Factory default

aining shots

This mode can be selected in the
“A”, “S” still photography
modes.

You can choose from 4 settings. Use the table on
the right as a guide for selecting the best setting
for the shot you want to take.

!

The numbers to the right of each setting show the

●

number of available shots.

!

When you change the quality, the number of

●

available shots also changes.

Use

Printing

Internet

<Examples>

hFor printing on A5 paper → 2M •F, 2M •N

✽ Select “2M •F” (FINE) for better image quality and

“2M •N” (NORMAL) to increase the number of
available shots.
In most cases, the “2M •N” setting provides more
than adequate image quality.

hFor printing on A6 (postcard) paper → 1M
hFor an image attached to E-mail or used on a

website → 0.3M

Quality

•

2M

F (1600 × 1200)

•

2M

N (1600 × 1200)

1M (1280 × 960)

0.3M ( 640 × 480)

3