Konica Minolta DiMAGE F300 User Manual
INSTRUCTION MANUALE
9222-2785-11 P-A211
2
B
EFORE YOU BEGIN
Thank you for purchasing this Minolta digital camera.Please take the time to read through this
instruction manual so you can enjoy all the features of your new camera.
Check the packing list before using this product.If any items are missing, immediately contact your
camera dealer.
Minolta DiMAGE F300 digital camera
CR-V3 battery
Hand strap HS-DG100
16MB SD Memory Card
AV cable AVC-200
USB cable USB-500
DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM
DiMAGE Instruction Manuals CD-ROM
Quick Reference Guide (printed)
Minolta International Warranty Certificate
Before you begin
Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Power Macintosh, Mac OS, and the Mac OS logo are registered
trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the
Microsoft Corporation. The official name of Windows is Microsoft Windows Operating System.
Pentium is a registered trademark of the Intel Corporation. Power PC is a trademark of the
International Business Machines Corporation. QuickTime is a trademark used under license. USB
DIRECT-PRINT is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.All other trademarks are the property of
their respective owners.
3
Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product.
Using batteries improperly can cause them to leak harmful solutions, overheat, or explode
which may damage property or cause personal injury.Do not ignore the following warnings.
• Only use the batteries specified in this instruction manual.
• Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/–) reversed.
• Do not use batteries which show wear or damage.
• Do not expose batteries to fire, high temperatures, water, or moisture.
• Do not attempt to short or disassemble batteries.
• Do not store batteries near or in metallic products.
• Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, ages, or charge levels.
• Do not charge
lithium batteries.
•When recharging rechargeable batteries, only use the recommended charger.
• Do not use leaking batteries. If fluid from the batteries enters your eye, immediately
rinse the eye with plenty of fresh water and contact a doctor.If fluid from the batteries
makes contact with your skin or clothing, wash the area thoroughly with water.
•Tape over lithium battery contacts to avoid short-circuiting during disposal; always follow
local regulations for battery disposal.
WARNING
For proper and safe use
4
F
OR PROPER AND SAFE USE
•Use only the specified ACadapter within the voltage range indicated on the adapter unit.An
inappropriate adapter or current may cause damage or injury through fire or electric shock.
• Do not disassemble this product. Electric shock may cause injury if a high voltage circuit inside the
product is touched.
•Immediately remove the batteries or unplug the AC adapter and discontinue use if the s dropped or
subjected to an impact in which the interior, especially the flash unit, is exposed.The flash has a
high voltage circuit which may cause an electric shock resulting in injury.The continued use of a
damaged product or part may cause injuries or fire.
•Keep batteries or small par ts that could be swallowed away from infants. Contact a doctor
immediately if an object is swallowed.
•Store this product out of reach of children.Be careful when around children, not to har m them with
the product or parts.
• Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes. It may damage eyesight.
• Do not fire the flash at vehicle operators. It may cause a distraction or temporary blindness which
may lead to an accident.
• Do not use the monitor while operating a vehicle or walking. It may result in injury or an accident.
• Do not look directly at the sun or strong light sources through the viewfinder. It may damage your
eyesight or cause blindness.
• Do not use this product in a humid environment, or operate this product with wet hands. If liquid
enters the product, immediately remove the batteries or unplug the AC adapter and discontinue
use.The continued use of a product exposed to liquids may cause damage or injury through fire or
electric shock.
• Do not use the product near inflammable gases or liquids such as gasoline, benzine, or paint
thinner.Do not use inflammable products such as alcohol, benzine, or paint thinner to clean the
product.The use of inflammable cleaners and solvents may cause an explosion or fire.
•When unplugging the AC adapter, do not pull on the power cord.Hold the adapter unit when
removing it from an outlet.
• Do not damage, twist, modify, heat, or place heavy objects on the AC adapter cord. A damaged
cord may cause damage or injury through fire or electric shock.
• If the product emits a strange odour, heat, or smoke, discontinue use.Immediately remove the
batteries taking care not to burn yourself as the batteries become hot with use.The continued use
of a damaged product or part may cause injuries or fire.
•Take the product to a Minolta Service Facility when repairs are required
5
• Do not use or store the product in a hot or humid environment such as the glove
compartment or trunk of a car. It may damage the product and batteries which may
result in burns or injuries caused by heat, fire, explosion, or leaking battery fluid.
• If batteries are leaking, discontinue use of the product.
• The lens retracts when the camera is turned off.Touching the lens barrel while it is
retracting may cause injury.
•The camera temperature rises with extended periods of use.Care should be taken to
avoid burns.
• Burns may result if the memory card or batteries are removed immediately after
extended periods of use. Turn the camera off and wait for it to cool.
• Do not fire the flash while it is in contact with people or objects.The flash unit
discharges a large amount of energy which may cause burns.
• Do not apply pressure to the LCD monitor.A damaged monitor may cause injury, and
the liquid from the monitor may cause inflammation. If liquid from the monitor makes
contact with skin, wash the area with fresh water. If liquid from the monitor comes in
contact with the eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with plenty of water and contact a
doctor.
•When using the AC adapter, insert the plug securely into the electrical outlet.
• Do not use if the AC adapter cord is damaged.
• Do not cover the AC adapter.A fire may result.
• Do not obstruct access to the AC adapter; this can hinder the unplugging of the unit in
emergencies.
• Unplug the AC adapter when cleaning or when the product is not in use.
CAUTION
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T
ABLE OF CONTENTS
The basic operation of this camera is covered between pages 14 and 37.This section of the manual
covers the camera parts, preparation of the camera for use, and the basic camera operation for
recording, viewing, and deleting images.
The basic and advanced auto-recording mode sections cover all the basic functions of the camera in
this mode and in the multi-function recording mode.Take time to read these sections before moving
on to the multi-function recording mode section.The basic playback section describes how to view
images.The other sections can be read as needed.
Many of the features of this camera are controlled with menus.The menu navigation sections concisely describe how to change menu settings. Descriptions of the settings immediately follow the navigation sections.
About this manual
Names of parts .....................................................................................................................................10
Camera body...........................................................................................................................10
Viewfinder................................................................................................................................12
Mode dial.................................................................................................................................12
Data panel...............................................................................................................................13
Getting up and running.........................................................................................................................14
Changing the CR-3V battery...................................................................................................14
Installing AA batteries..............................................................................................................15
Attaching the hand strap .........................................................................................................15
Battery condition indicator.......................................................................................................16
Auto power save......................................................................................................................16
Connecting the AC adapter (sold separately).........................................................................17
Changing the memory card.....................................................................................................18
About memory cards........................................................................................................19
Setting the date and time ........................................................................................................20
Auto-recording mode - basic operation................................................................................................22
Handling the camera ...............................................................................................................22
Power / Access lamp ...............................................................................................................22
Setting the camera to record images automatically................................................................23
Using the zoom lens ................................................................................................................24
Focus range.............................................................................................................................24
About camera operation..........................................................................................................25
Basic recording operation........................................................................................................26
7
Focus signals...........................................................................................................................27
Special focusing situations......................................................................................................27
Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection..........................................................................28
Digital-subject-program button.................................................................................................29
Display button - recording mode .............................................................................................31
Flash modes............................................................................................................................32
Flash range - auto-recording mode.........................................................................................33
Flash signals............................................................................................................................33
Camera-shake warning ...........................................................................................................33
Playback - basic operation...................................................................................................................34
Single-frame playback and histogram display.........................................................................34
Viewing and deleting images...................................................................................................35
Display button - playback mode ..............................................................................................36
Display button - Quick View.....................................................................................................36
Enlarged playback...................................................................................................................37
Auto-recording mode - advanced operation .........................................................................................38
Navigating the auto-recording mode menu.............................................................................38
Digital zoom .............................................................................................................................40
Drive modes ............................................................................................................................41
Self-timer .................................................................................................................................42
Remote control (sold separately) ............................................................................................43
Continuous advance ................................................................................................................44
UHS continuous advance........................................................................................................45
Bracketing................................................................................................................................46
Image size and image quality..................................................................................................48
Date imprinting ........................................................................................................................50
Exposure compensation..........................................................................................................51
Focus area selection ...............................................................................................................52
Focus lock................................................................................................................................53
Multi-function recording mode - advanced operation...........................................................................54
Multi-function recording mode display .....................................................................................55
Navigating the multi-function recording mode menu ...............................................................56
Exposure modes......................................................................................................................58
Programmed AE - P.........................................................................................................58
Aperture priority - A .........................................................................................................5 8
Shutter priority - S............................................................................................................59
Manual exposure - M.......................................................................................................60
Bulb exposures ........................................................................................................................61
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ABLE OF CONTENTS
White balance ..........................................................................................................................62
Automatic white balance..................................................................................................62
Preset white balance .......................................................................................................62
Custom white balance .....................................................................................................63
Focus modes...........................................................................................................................64
Single-shot AF .................................................................................................................64
Subject Tracking AF.........................................................................................................64
Manual focus....................................................................................................................65
Full-time AF.............................................................................................................................65
Flash compensation ................................................................................................................66
Metering modes .......................................................................................................................66
Camera sensitivity - ISO..........................................................................................................67
Flash range and camera sensitivity.................................................................................67
Digital Effects Control..............................................................................................................68
Voice memo.............................................................................................................................70
Instant playback.......................................................................................................................71
A short guide to photography ...............................................................................................................72
Using exposure and flash compensation ................................................................................74
What is an Ev? What is a stop?..............................................................................................75
Exposure latitude .....................................................................................................................75
Movie and audio recording...................................................................................................................76
Recording movies ....................................................................................................................76
Recording audio ......................................................................................................................77
Navigating the movie menu .....................................................................................................78
Notes on movie recording .......................................................................................................79
Recording movies and audio with the RC-3 remote control (sold separately)........................79
Playback mode - advanced operation..................................................................................................80
Playing back voice memos and audio captions.......................................................................80
Playing back movies and audio recordings .............................................................................81
Navigating the playback-mode menu......................................................................................82
Frame-selection screen ...........................................................................................................84
Deleting files............................................................................................................................85
Locking files .............................................................................................................................86
Audio captioning......................................................................................................................87
Slide Show...............................................................................................................................88
About DPOF............................................................................................................................90
Creating a DPOF print order ...................................................................................................90
Ordering an index print ............................................................................................................91
Copy and E-mail Copy.............................................................................................................92
Viewing images on a television...............................................................................................94
9
Setup mode - controlling the camera’s operation.................................................................................95
Navigating the setup menu......................................................................................................96
LCD monitor brightness...........................................................................................................98
Formatting memory cards .......................................................................................................98
Auto power save......................................................................................................................99
Language.................................................................................................................................99
File number (#) memory..........................................................................................................99
Folder name...........................................................................................................................100
Audio signals.........................................................................................................................100
Shutter FX .............................................................................................................................101
Volume...................................................................................................................................102
Reset default..........................................................................................................................102
Noise reduction......................................................................................................................104
Setting the date and time ......................................................................................................104
Setting the date format..........................................................................................................104
Video output ..........................................................................................................................104
Data-transfer mode - connecting to a computer ................................................................................10 5
System requirements.............................................................................................................105
Connecting the camera to a computer..................................................................................106
Connecting to Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition..............................................................108
Automatic installation.....................................................................................................108
Manual installation.........................................................................................................109
Connecting to Mac OS 8.6....................................................................................................111
QuickTime system requirements...........................................................................................111
Auto power save (data-transfer mode)..................................................................................111
Memory card folder organisation ...........................................................................................112
Disconnecting the camera from the computer ......................................................................114
Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition..............................................................................114
Windows Me, 2000 Professional, and XP......................................................................114
Macintosh.......................................................................................................................115
Changing the memory card (data-transfer mode).................................................................116
Appendix .......................................................................................................................................117
Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................................117
About Ni-MH batteries...........................................................................................................119
Uninstalling the driver software - Windows............................................................................120
Using USB DIRECT-PRINT ...................................................................................................121
Care and storage...................................................................................................................122
Technical specifications.........................................................................................................126
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N
AMES OFPARTS
* This camera is a sophisticated optical instrument. Care should be taken to keep these surfaces
clean. Please read the care and storage instructions in the back of this manual (p. 122).
Camera body
Data panel (p.13)
Shutter-release button
Lens*
Self-timer/
Remote-control
lamp (p.42)
Flash (p.32)
The tripod socket is located on
the bottom of the body.
Speaker
Microphone
Remote-control
receiver
Mode dial (main switch)
Viewfinder window*
11
The USB port, AV-out terminal, and DC terminal are located behind the terminal cover.
Digital-subject-program button
(p.29)
Strap eyelet (p. 15)
Viewfinder* (p.12)
LCD monitor*
Menu button
Flash mode/Information button (p.32, 34)
Power/Access
lamp (p.22)
QV/ Delete button (p.35)
Battery-chamber door (p. 14)
Exposure-compensation button (p.51)
Controller
Card-slot door (p.18)
Display button (p. 31, 36)
12
N
AMES OFPARTS
Mode dial
Auto-recording mode (p. 22, 38)
Multi-function recording mode (p.54)
Playback mode (p. 34, 80)
Movie-recording mode (p.76)
Setup mode (p.95)
Audio recording mode (p.76)
Viewfinder
Focus lamp (green) Flash lamp (orange)
This dial gives direct
and easy access to
the camera’s major
modes. It also acts
as the main switch.
Because the optical viewfinder and the lens are slightly separated, the image seen through one is not
exactly the same as the other; this is called parallax. Parallax can cause errors in framing at close
distances and is more pronounced at longer focal lengths.When the subject is closer than 1m (3ft) at
the wide-angle lens position or 3m (9.8ft) at the telephoto position, use the LCD monitor to compose
the image; because the lens creates the monitor image, it does not suffer from parallax.
13
Data panel
Frame counter (p. 49)
Exposure / Flash-compensation indicator (p.51, 66)
Camera-sensitivity indicator (p.67)
Spot-metering indicator (p. 66)
Battery-condition indicator (p. 16)
White-balance indicator (p.62)
Flash-mode indicators (p.32)
Manual-focus indicator (p. 65)
Image-size display (p. 48)
Image-quality display (p.48)
Drive-mode indicators (p.41)
Microphone indicator (p.70, 77, 87)
Exposure-mode indicators (p.58)
Located on the top of the camera body,
the data panel shows the status of the
camera. All icons have been shown for
clarity.
The frame counter cannot exceed
999.When the number of recordable images exceeds this, 999 will
be displayed.The frame counter
will continue to count down when
the number of recordable images
falls below one thousand.
Close the battery-chamber door (3) and slide it toward the top of
the body (4) to engage the safety catch.
After installing the battery, the set-time/date message may
appear on the monitor.The clock and calendar are set in the
custom 2 section of the setup menu (p.20).
3
4
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ETTING UP AND RUNNING
GETTING UP AND RUNNING
Changing the CR-V3 battery
Insert the battery.The CR-V3 battery must be inser ted with the
battery terminals first. The flat side of the battery should face the
front of the camera. If the battery does not fit, check its orientation. Never force the battery.
1
2
This digital camera uses one CR-V3 lithium battery.When replacing the batteries, the
mode dial should be in the off position.N.B.Whilst this batter y is available in some digital camera stores we recommend that Ni-MH AA batteries be used. See next section.
Open the battery-chamber door by sliding the door toward the bottom of the camera (1) to release the safety catch; the door can then be opened (2).
15
When the supplied CR-V3 battery is exhausted please use two AA-size Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) batteries.We do not reccomend the use of Alkaline or Lithium AA batteries. Ni-MH batter ies offer improved
performance partiucally when charged with an ‘intellegent’charger. Intellegent chargers recharge each battery with the amount power it requires.1800mAh or higher capacity batteries are reccomended.
Installing AA batteries
Install the AA batteries as shown in the diagram; make
sure the positive and negative battery terminals are oriented correctly.
Always keep the strap around your wrist in case the camera is accidentally
dropped. An optional metal chain neck strap, NS-DG100, and leather neck
strap, NS-DG200, are also available from your Minolta dealer. Availability
varies with region.
Attaching the hand strap
Pass the other end of the strap through the small loop
and tighten (2).
2
1
Pass the small loop of the hand strap through the strap
eyelet on the camera body (1).
16
G
ETTING UP AND RUNNING
Battery condition indicator
Full-battery indicator - the battery is fully charged. This icon is displayed for five seconds on the monitor when the camera is turned on.
The icon remains on the data panel.
Blinking low-battery warning - displayed on the data panel with no
other icons; power is insufficient for camera operation.The shutter
will not release.
Low-battery indicator - battery power is low.The battery should be
replaced as soon as possible.The monitor will turn off while the flash
is charging to save power.
This camera is equipped with an automatic battery-condition indicator.When the camera is on, the
battery-condition indicator appears on the data panel and monitor. If the data panel and monitor are
blank, the battery may be exhausted or installed incorrectly.
Aut o p ower save
To conserve battery power, the camera will turn off displays and unnecessary functions if an operation is not made within a minute.The LCD monitor turns off after thirty seconds. To restore power,
press any button or key, or tur n the mode dial to another position. Except for the thirty-second monitor period, the length of the auto-power-save period can be changed in the basic section of the setup
menu (p.96).
Low-battery warning - battery power is very low.The monitor icon is
red.The batter y should be replaced as soon as possible. This warning automatically appears and remains on the monitor until the battery is changed. The monitor will turn off while the flash is charging to
save power. If power falls below this level, the battery-exhausted
message will be displayed just before the camera shuts down.
17
The AC Adapter AC-6 allows the camera to be powered from an electrical household outlet.The AC
Adapter is recommended when the camera is interfaced with a computer or during periods of heavy
use.
Always turn off the camera before
changing between power supplies.
Connecting the AC adapter (sold separately)
1
Lift the DC terminal cover from the bottom (1).The
cover is attached to the body to prevent loss.
Insert the mini plug of the AC adapter into the DC terminal (2).
Insert the AC adapter plug into an electrical outlet.
2
18
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ETTING UP AND RUNNING
Changing the memory card
An SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard must be inserted for the camera to operate. If a card has
not been inserted, a no-card warning will automatically be displayed on the monitor and three
dashes (– – –) will be displayed on the data-panel frame counter.
Open the card-slot door (1) from the fingernail notch at the bottom of the camera.
Insert the memory card all the way into the card slot and release (2). Inser t the card so the face is
toward the front of the camera.Always push the card in straight. Never force the card.If the card
does not fit, check that it is oriented correctly.The card should catch in the slot.
To eject a memory card, press the card into the slot and release (3). The card can now be pulled out.
Take care when removing the card as it becomes hot with use.
Close the card-slot door (4).The door should click into place.
1 234
Always turn off the camera and confirm the power/access lamp is not
red before removing or inserting a memory card; damage and data
loss may result.
The response time during recording and playback is longer with
MultiMediaCards compared with SD Memory Cards.This is not a
defect, but rather due to the specifications of the cards.When using
large capacity cards, some operations like deletion may take longer.
SD Memory Cards have a write-protect switch to prevent image data
from being deleted. By sliding the switch to the bottom of the card,
the data will be protected. However, when the card is protected,
images cannot be recorded. If an attempt is made to record or
delete an image with the camera, the card-locked message will
appear on the monitor.For memory card care and storage see page
123.
Memory cards should not be used to permanently store image data.
Always make a copy of camera files on an appropriate storage device or recording media.Making an
additional backup copy of the data is recommended.Minolta has no responsibility for any loss or
damage to data.
19
If the card-not-recognized message appears, the inserted card in the camera may need to be formatted. A card used in another camera may have to be formatted before being used. If the unable-touse-card message appears, the card is not compatible with the camera and cannot be formatted.A
card is formatted in the basic section of the setup menu (p.96). The formatting operation permanently erases all the data on the card.
Writeprotect
switch
Lock
position
About memory cards
Basic Custom1 Custom2
LCDbrightness
Format
Power save
Language English
1 min.
–
–
1
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G
ETTING UP AND RUNNING
Setting the date and time
After initially inserting a memory card and batter y, the camera’s clock and calendar must be set.
When images are recorded, the image data is saved with the date and time of recording.Depending
on the region, the menu language may also have to be set.To change the language, see the camera
notes on the following page.
Turn the mode dial on the top of the camera to the setup position.The camera will
turn on and the setup menu will be displayed.
The central button of the controller selects menu options and sets adjustments.
Navigating the menu is simple.The up/down and left/right keys of the controller (1)
move the cursor and change settings on the menu.
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Custom1
Basic
Reset default
Date/Time set
Date format
Video output
–
–
YYYY/MM/DD
NTSC
Custom2
Use the right key to highlight the custom 2
tab at the top of the menu.
Use the down key to highlight the
date/time-set menu option.
Press the central button to display the
date/time setting screen.
Use the left and right keys to select the item to be
changed.
Press the central button to set the clock and calendar.The setup menu will be displayed.
Enter
Date/Time set
Press the right key.“Enter” will appear on
the right side of the menu.
Setup menu: custom 2 section
Date/Time setting screen
Use the up and down keys to adjust the item.
For customers in certain areas, the menu language must also be set. Highlight the language
option in the basic section of the setup menu. Press the right key to display the language settings. Using the up/down keys, highlight the desired language.Press the central button to set
the highlighted language; the setup menu will be displayed in the selected language.
Camera notes
Noise reduction Off
Power / Access lamp
22
A
UTO-RECORDING MODE - BASIC OPERATION
AUTO-RECORDING MODE –
BASIC OPERATION
While using the viewfinder or LCD monitor, grip the camera firmly with your
right hand while supporting the body with your left. Keep your elbows at your
side and your feet shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steadily.
When taking vertical pictures, hold the camera so that the flash is above the
lens with the grip to the top.Take care not to cover the lens with your fingers
or the strap.
Handling the camera
This section covers the basic operation of this camera.Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the operations in this section before moving on to the other sections in the manual.
The sophisticated technology employed in the auto-recording mode frees the photographer from
complicated camera settings. Although automated, the camera’s operation can be changed to meet
various conditions as well as to suit personal shooting preferences.
The power / access lamp turns green and glows steadily when the
camera is on.The lamp will turn red and blink when data is being
transferred between the camera and memory card; never remove the
card during this period.
If the lens is hindered while extending, the green lamp may blink for a
three-minute period.Turn the camera off and on to initialize the lens.
23
Setting the camera to record images automatically
Turn the mode dial to the auto-recording mode position (1); all
camera operations are now fully automatic.The autofocus, exposure, and imaging systems will work together to bring beautiful
results effortlessly.
While many of the camera’s systems in this mode are automatic,
the camera’s operation can be optimized to different subjects
very simply with the digital subject program button (p.29). The
flash mode (p.32) and dr ive mode (p. 41) can also be changed.
Image size and quality can be set on the auto-recording mode
menu (p.38).
Exposure mode Program (fixed)
Metering mode
* Changes to the flash mode
, focus area, drive mode, or exposure compensation will be reset
when the mode dial is turned to another position. The flash mode is reset to autoflash or
autoflash with red eye reduction depending on which of the two modes was set last.
1
Multi-segment (fixed)
Camera sensitivity (ISO)
Flash mode
Focus area
Focus control
Drive mode
Auto (fixed)
Autoflash (can be changed*)
Single-frame advance (can be changed*)
Exposure compensation
Sharpness
0.0 (can be adjusted*)
Normal (fixed)
Contrast Normal (fixed)
Saturation Normal (fixed)
Color mode
White balance
Natural Color (fixed)
Auto (fixed)
Area AF & Subject Tracking AF (fixed)
Wide focus area (can be changed*)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
24
A
UTO-RECORDING MODE - BASIC OPERATION
This camera is equipped with a 7.8 to 23.4mm optical zoom.This is equivalent to a 38 to 114mm
zoom lens on a 35mm camera. In 35mm photography, focal lengths below 50mm are referred to as
wide-angle; the angle of view is larger than that of the human eye.Above 50mm is referred to as telephoto and makes distant objects appear closer.The effect of the optical zoom is visible in both the
viewfinder and LCD monitor.
Using the zoom lens
The zoom lens is operated by
the controller (1). Pressing the
up key (T) will zoom in to the
telephoto position of the lens.
Pressing the down key (W)
will zoom out to the wideangle position.
Focus range
Normal focusing range
Macro mode (p.29)
0.5m - ∞ (1.6ft - ∞)
0.2m - 0.6m (0.7ft - 2ft)
All distances are measured from the CCD.
CCD plane
1
25
About camera operation
The auto-recording mode uses advanced technology to make photography as effortless as possible.
Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection optimizes exposure, color, and image-processing settings for each subject.The sophisticated AF system locates and tracks the subject automatically.
Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection - The icons at the top of the LCD monitor display
indicate the Digital Subject Program in use.When taking pictures, the icon for the active subject program will remain. If no icons are displayed, programmed AE is employed. For more on Automatic
Digital Subject Program Selection, see page 28.
Area AF & Subject Tracking AF - Area AF locates the subject within the
extra large focus frames.An AF sensor will be displayed when the camera
locates and focuses on the subject. Subject Tracking AF will continue to follow the subject in the focus frames whether the subject moves or the camera position is changed.
Automatic Digital Subject Program Display
Area AF focus frames
Subject Tracking AF
AF sensor
Basic recording operation
With the mode dial set to auto recording, the camera will be on and the LCD monitor
will activate.Auto recording mode uses two advanced AF systems, Area AF and
Subject Tracking AF, to locate and track the subject in the the extra-wide focus
frames.
Place the subject anywhere within the focus frame.
• Make sure the subject is within the focus range of the lens:
• If the subject is closer than 1m at the wide-angle lens position
Press the shutter-release button partway down (1) to lock onto the
subject and fix the exposure.
• The focus signals on the monitor will confirm subject lock. If the
•When the subject lock engages, an AF sensor will appear on
1
2
• The shutter speed and aper ture will appear indicating the
• See page 28 for information on Automatic Digital Subject
Press the shutter-release button all the way down (2) to take the
picture.
• The access lamp will turn red and blink indicating image data is
0.5m - ∞ (1.6ft - ∞). For subjects closer than 0.5m, use the
macro function (p.29).
or 3m at the telephoto position, use the monitor to frame the
subject.
focus signal is red, the camera was unable to locate the subject.
Repeat the previous steps until the signal is white.
the live image to indicate the subject. If the subject moves within
the focus frames, the AF sensor will change to track the subject.
exposure is locked.
Selection.
being written to the memory card. Never remove a memory card
while data is being transferred.
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UTO-RECORDING MODE - BASIC OPERATION
A
27
This digital camera has a quick, accurate autofocusing system.The focus icon in the lower right corner of the LCD monitor and the green focus lamp next to the viewfinder indicate the focus status.The
shutter can be released even if the camera cannot focus on the subject.
Subject locked.The camera will continue to track the
subject within the focus frames.
Focus icon: white
Focus lamp: steady
Focus icon: red
Focus lamp: blinking
The camera may not be able to focus in certain situations. If the autofocus system cannot focus on a
subject, the focus icon will turn red. In this situation, focus-lock with Focus Area Selection can be
used to focus on an object at the same distance as the main subject and then the image can be
recomposed on the monitor (p.52, 53).
The subject in the
focus frame is low in
contrast.
The subject is too dark. Two subjects at differ-
ent distances overlap
in the focus frame.
The subject is near a
very b right object or
area.
Cannot focus.The subject is too close or a special
situation is preventing the AF system from focusing.
If the subject lock is lost, the monitor icon will change from white to red, but the focus lamp will continue to glow steadily. For more about Subject Tracking AF, see page 64.
When the AF system cannot focus, focus lock with Focus Area Selection can be used (p.52, 53).
Focus signals
Special focusing situations
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UTO-RECORDING MODE - BASIC OPERATION
Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection
Automatic Digital Program Selection chooses between programmed AE and one of five subject programs: portrait, spor ts action, landscape, sunset, and night por trait. The digital subject programs optimize the camera‘s performance for various conditions and subjects. Exposure, white-balance, and
image-processing systems work in unison for beautiful results.For information on individual subject
programs, see page 30.
A row of gray indicators at the top on the monitor display will indicate
Automatic Digital Subject Selection is active.Place the subject in the
focus frames; the procedure is the same as the basic recording operation described on page 26.
Press the shutter-release button partway down; the AF system will
locate the subject and the Automatic Digital Subject Selection function
will choose a subject program. If no icons are displayed, programmed
AE is active.Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take
the picture.
Programmed AE
Portrait
Sports action
Landscape
Sunset
Night portrait
Hold the camera steadily when the sunset or
night-portrait subject program is selected as
exposures can be long.
29
Pressing the subject-program button (1)
cycles through the modes.The active subject program will be indicated at the top of
the live image.The subject program will
remain in effect until it is changed or the
mode dial is turned to another position.
Except for macro and night portrait, digital
subject programs cannot be used in the
multi-function recording mode. For information on individual subject programs, see
page 30.
Digital-subject-program button
1
Sports action
Landscape
Sunset
Night portrait
Programmed AE
Portrait
Macro
Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection
While camera performance is optimized for each shooting condition, some changes can be made to
camera settings with subject programs.The flash mode (p. 32) can be changed and the exposure
can be altered using exposure-compensation (p.51). In extreme lighting conditions, adjustments
using exposure compensation may not produce the intended results in the portrait, or night-portrait
mode.The camera-shake warning (p. 33) may appear in macro, landscape, sunset, or night-portrait
modes.
(No icons)
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A
UTO-RECORDING MODE - BASIC OPERATION
MACRO - used for close-up photography between 20 and 60 cm (0.7 - 2.0ft) from
the CCD.The lens will automatically zoom to the macro position and cannot be
changed. Because of parallax, the LCD monitor should be used to compose the
picture. Full-time AF (p. 65) is employed.Available in the multi-function recording
mode.
NIGHT PORTRAIT - the flash and ambient exposures are balanced to reveal the
subject and background in low light.Ask your subject not to move after the flash
burst; the shutter may still be open for the background exposure.To take pictures
of landscapes at night, set the flash mode to flash cancel (p.32). Because the
exposures can be long the use of a tripod is reccomended.
PORTRAIT - optimized to reproduce soft skin tones and a slight defocusing of the
background. Most portraits look best at a telephoto setting; longer focal lengths do
not exaggerate facial features and the shallower depth of field softens the background.
LANDSCAPE - optimized to produce sharp, colorful landscapes.With bright outdoor scenery, Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection activates this mode
with distant subjects at a wide-angle lens setting.The flash will not fire in this
mode.To use the flash, change the flash mode to fill flash.
SPORTS ACTION - optimized to stop action. Automatic Digital Subject Program
Selection activates this mode when shooting moving subjects at a distance with a
telephoto lens setting. Full-time AF (p. 65) is employed.
SUNSET - optimized to produce rich, warm sunsets. Automatic Digital Subject
Program Selection recognizes the warmth of the setting sun in a landscape photograph and activates this mode.
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