Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z1 User Manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
E
9222-2724-11 SY-A308 ME-0307
2
B
EFORE YOU BEGIN
Thank you for purchasing this 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.
DiMAGE Z1 digital camera
Neck strap NS-DG5000
Lens cap LF-242
Shoe cap SC-1000
SD Memory Card
AV cable AVC-200
USB cable USB-500
4 AA alkaline batteries
DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM
ArcSoft VideoImpression CD-ROM
DiMAGE Instruction Manuals CD-ROM
Quick Reference Guide
Minolta International Warranty Certificate
This product is designed to work with accessories manufactured and distributed by Minolta. Using
accessories or equipment not endorsed by Minolta may result in unsatisfactory performance or damage to the product and its accessories.
Before you begin
Minolta, The essentials of imaging, and DiMAGE are trademarks or registered trademarks of Minolta
Co., Ltd. Apple, Macintosh, and Mac OS 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. ArcSoft
and VideoImpression are trademarks or registered trademarks of ArcSoft, Inc. All other brand and
product names are trademarks or registered trademarks 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 recharge, 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.
• 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 battery contacts to avoid short-circuiting during disposal; always follow local regulations
for battery disposal.
• Use only the specified AC adapter 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 camera is
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.
For proper and safe use
WARNING
4
F
OR PROPER AND SAFE USE
•Keep batteries or small parts that could be swallowed away from infants. Contact a doctor immediately if an object is swallowed.
• Store this product out of reach of children. Be careful when around children not to harm them with
the product or parts.
• Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes. It may damage eyesight.
• Do not fire the flash at vehicle operators. It may cause a distraction or temporary blindness which
may lead to an accident.
• Do not use the monitor while operating a vehicle or walking. It may result in injury or an accident.
• 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 odor, 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
6
T
ABLE OF CONTENTS
The basic operation of this camera is covered between pages 12 and 33. 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.
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
Getting up and running.........................................................................................................................12
Attaching the strap and lens cap.............................................................................................12
Inserting batteries ....................................................................................................................13
Battery condition indicator .......................................................................................................14
Auto power save ......................................................................................................................14
Connecting the optional AC adapter .......................................................................................15
Changing the memory card .....................................................................................................16
Tu r ning on the camera and displays .......................................................................................17
Setting the date and time ........................................................................................................18
Basic recording.....................................................................................................................................20
Handling the camera ...............................................................................................................20
Using the zoom lens................................................................................................................20
Recording images automatically..............................................................................................21
Basic recording operation........................................................................................................22
`Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection..........................................................................23
Focus lock................................................................................................................................24
Focus range.............................................................................................................................24
Focus signals...........................................................................................................................25
Special focusing situations ......................................................................................................25
Flash modes ............................................................................................................................26
Flash range - auto-recording mode.........................................................................................27
Camera-shake warning ...........................................................................................................27
i+button....................................................................................................................................28
Adjusting monitor brightness ...................................................................................................28
Digital subject programs..........................................................................................................29
Basic playback......................................................................................................................................30
Single-frame playback and histogram display .........................................................................30
Viewing and rotating images ...................................................................................................31
Deleting single images ............................................................................................................31
i+ button...................................................................................................................................32
Enlarged playback ...................................................................................................................33
7
Advanced recording .............................................................................................................................34
Recording mode display..........................................................................................................34
Super Macro ............................................................................................................................35
Program (P) exposure mode ...................................................................................................36
Aperture priority (A) exposure mode .......................................................................................36
Shutter priority (S) exposure mode .........................................................................................37
Manual (M) exposure mode.....................................................................................................38
Time exposures .......................................................................................................................39
Movie recording .......................................................................................................................40
Exposure compensation ..........................................................................................................41
Focus area selection ...............................................................................................................42
Attaching a Minolta accessory flash........................................................................................43
Navigating the recording menus..............................................................................................44
Drive modes ............................................................................................................................46
Self-timer .................................................................................................................................47
Using the continuous-advance modes ....................................................................................48
Continuous-advance notes......................................................................................................49
Using the progressive-capture modes.....................................................................................50
Progressive-capture notes.......................................................................................................51
Bracketing................................................................................................................................52
What is an Ev? ........................................................................................................................53
Image size and image quality..................................................................................................54
Auto DSP.................................................................................................................................56
Digital zoom.............................................................................................................................56
Focus modes ...........................................................................................................................57
White balance..........................................................................................................................58
Automatic white balance..................................................................................................58
Preset white balance .......................................................................................................58
Custom white balance .....................................................................................................59
Full-time AF .............................................................................................................................60
Flash mode..............................................................................................................................60
Flash compensation ................................................................................................................60
Metering modes.......................................................................................................................61
Camera sensitivity - ISO..........................................................................................................62
Flash range and camera sensitivity.........................................................................................62
Color mode ..............................................................................................................................63
Contrast ...................................................................................................................................63
Sharpness ...............................................................................................................................64
Custom key function................................................................................................................65
Image size (Movie) ..................................................................................................................66
Frame rate ...............................................................................................................................66
Movie file sizes ........................................................................................................................66
Audio........................................................................................................................................67
Movie mode .............................................................................................................................67
8
T
ABLE OF CONTENTS
Advanced playback ..............................................................................................................................68
Playing back movies................................................................................................................68
Capturing a movie frame .........................................................................................................69
Navigating the playback-mode menu ......................................................................................70
Frame-selection screen ...........................................................................................................72
Delete ......................................................................................................................................73
Format .....................................................................................................................................74
Lock .........................................................................................................................................75
Slide Show...............................................................................................................................76
About DPOF ............................................................................................................................78
DPOF setup.............................................................................................................................78
Index print................................................................................................................................79
Copy and E-mail Copy.............................................................................................................80
Viewing images on a television ...............................................................................................82
Setup menu .........................................................................................................................................83
Opening the setup menu .........................................................................................................83
Navigating the setup menu......................................................................................................84
LCD monitor brightness...........................................................................................................86
Auto power save ......................................................................................................................86
Instant playback.......................................................................................................................86
Lens accessory........................................................................................................................87
Language.................................................................................................................................87
File number (#) memory ..........................................................................................................87
Folder name.............................................................................................................................88
Audio signals ...........................................................................................................................88
Shutter FX ...............................................................................................................................89
Volume.....................................................................................................................................89
Reset default............................................................................................................................89
Noise reduction........................................................................................................................91
Date and time setup ................................................................................................................91
Video output ............................................................................................................................91
Date imprinting ........................................................................................................................92
9
Data-transfer mode...............................................................................................................................93
System requirements...............................................................................................................93
Connecting the camera to a computer ....................................................................................94
Connecting to Windows 98 and 98SE.....................................................................................95
Automatic installation .......................................................................................................95
Manual installation ...........................................................................................................96
Memory card folder organization.............................................................................................98
Auto power save - data-transfer mode ....................................................................................99
Disconnecting the camera ....................................................................................................100
Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition..............................................................................100
Windows Me, 2000 Professional, and XP......................................................................100
Macintosh.......................................................................................................................101
Changing the memory card ..................................................................................................102
Using USB DIRECT-PRINT ...................................................................................................102
Notes on printing errors.........................................................................................................104
Navigating the USB DIRECT-PRINT menu ...........................................................................104
Printing DPOF files................................................................................................................105
Appendix .......................................................................................................................................106
Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................................106
Uninstalling the driver software - Windows............................................................................108
QuickTime system requirements...........................................................................................109
VideoImpression system requirements .................................................................................109
Care and storage...................................................................................................................109
Camera care ..................................................................................................................109
Storage ..........................................................................................................................110
Cleaning.........................................................................................................................110
LCD monitor care...........................................................................................................110
Memory cards ................................................................................................................111
Before important events and journeys...........................................................................111
Batteries.........................................................................................................................112
Operating temperatures and conditions.........................................................................112
Copyright........................................................................................................................112
Questions and service ...................................................................................................112
Technical specifications .........................................................................................................114
10
N
AMES OF PARTS
* 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. 109).
Names of parts
Shutter-release button
Lens*
Self-timer lamp (p. 47)
Flash (p. 26)
Strap eyelet (p. 12)
The USB port and AV-out terminal are located behind the card-slot door. The battery-chamber door
(p. 13) and tripod socket are located on the bottom of the body.
Speaker
Microphone
Card-slot door (p.
16)
Diopter-adjustment
dial (p. 17)
AF window*
11
Viewfinder* (p. 17)
LCD monitor*
Access lamp
Exposure-mode dial
(p. 21, 29, 36 - 40)
Accessory shoe (p. 43)
Controller
Zoom lever
(p. 20)
Menu button
Quick View/Delete button (p. 30, 31)
Information button (p. 28, 32)
Mode switch
Main switch
DC terminal
Flash-mode button (p. 26)
Macro button (p. 35)
12
G
ETTING UP AND RUNNING
GETTING UP AND RUNNING
Always keep the strap around your wrist in the event that the camera is accidentally dropped. An
optional leather neck strap, NS-DG1000, is also available from your Minolta dealer. Availability varies
with region.
Attaching the strap and lens cap
Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the outside tabs
of the lens cap to remove or attach. When the camera is
not in use, always replace the lens cap.
Pass one of the small loops of the lens-cap strap through the eyelet on the
lens cap (1). Pass the other loop through the first loop and tighten (2).
Pass the end of the neck strap through the lens-cap strap and strap eyelet on
the camera body (3).
Thread the strap through the inside of the
buckle as shown (4).
1
2
3
4
13
Inserting batteries
Insert the batteries as indicated on the diagram on the inside of the battery-chamber door. Confirm the positive and negative battery terminals are
oriented correctly.
To open the battery-chamber door, slide the lock to the open position (1).
Slide the door the the side of the camera (2) to release the safety catch.
Lift the door to open (3).
This digital camera uses four AA-size alkaline or Ni-MH batteries. Do not use other types of AA batteries. The camera should be off when replacing batteries.
Close the battery-chamber door and slide it toward the body (4) to engage
the safety catch. Slide the battery-chamber lock to the close position (5).
After installing the batteries, the set-time/date message may appear on the
monitor. The clock and calendar are set in section 3 of the setup menu (p.
18).
1
2
3
4
5
14
G
ETTING UP AND RUNNING
Battery condition indicator
Full-battery indicator - the battery is fully charged. This indicator is dis-
played for three seconds on the monitor when the camera is turned on.
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; the access lamp blinks slowly during this period.
This camera is equipped with an automatic battery-condition indicator. When the camera is on, the
battery-condition indicator appears on the monitor. If the monitor is blank, the batteries may be
exhausted or installed incorrectly.
Auto power save
To conserve battery power, the camera turns off displays and unnecessary functions if an operation
is not made within a minute. To restore power, press any button or key, or turn the exposure-mode
dial to another position. The length of the auto-power-save period can be changed in section 1 of the
setup menu (p. 83).
Low-battery warning - battery power is very low. The monitor indicator is
red. The battery 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; the access
lamp blinks slowly during this period. If power falls below this level, the battery-exhausted message will be displayed just before the camera shuts
down. If the low-battery warning is displayed, UHS continuous advance, both
Progressive Capture drive modes, and movie recording cannot be used.
15
Connecting the optional AC adapter
The AC Adapter allows the camera to be powered from
an electrical household outlet. The AC Adapter is recommended when the camera is interfaced with a computer or
during periods of heavy use. AC Adapter model AC-1L is
for use in North America, Japan, and Taiwan, and AC-11
is for use in all other areas.
Insert the mini plug of the AC adapter into the DC terminal (1).
Insert the AC adapter plug into an electrical outlet.
Always turn off the camera before changing between power supplies.
The External High-power Battery Pack Kit EBP-100 is a portable power source and significantly
extends the operating time of the camera. The kit contains a high-power lithium-ion battery,
holder, and charger. The battery, holder, and charger are also available separately. Contact your
local Minolta dealer for information on the AC Adapter and the External High-power Battery
Pack EBP-100.
System accessories
1
16
G
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 is displayed on the monitor. For more about memory cards see
page 111.
Always turn off the camera and confirm the access lamp is not lit
before removing a memory card; damage and data loss may result.
1. Open the card-slot door by sliding the door toward the front of the camera.
2. Insert the memory card all the way into the card slot and release; the card should catch in the slot.
Insert 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.
3. To eject a memory card, press the card into the slot and release. The card can then be pulled out.
Ta ke care when removing the card as it becomes hot with use.
4. Slide the battery-chamber door toward the back of the camera to close it.
A memory card used in another camera may have to be formatted before being used. If the unableto-use-card message appears, the card should be formatted with the camera. A memory card can be
formatted in section 1 of the playback menu (p. 70). When a card is formatted, all the data on the
card is permanently erased. If the card-error message appears, press the central button of the controller to close the window; check the Minolta web site for the latest compatibility information:
North America: http://www.minoltausa.com
Europe: http://www.minoltasupport.com
1 2 3 4
17
Turning on the camera and displays
Press the main switch to turn the camera on. Pressing the switch again turns
the camera off.
Around the main switch is the mode switch. This switch is used to change
between the recording and playback modes as well as the selecting the between
the monitor and viewfinder display.
Recording mode (Monitor display) - the camera can record images and the
monitor is viewed directly.
Playback mode (Monitor display) - images can be played back and edited.
The monitor is viewed directly.
To use the viewfinder in the playback mode, press and hold
the flash mode button (1) and then press and hold the information (i+) button (2) until the monitor switches to the
viewfinder position.
Camera notes
Recording mode (Viewfinder display) - the camera can record
images and the monitor is viewed through the viewfinder. The
viewfinder has a built-in diopter. While looking through the
viewfinder, turn the diopter-adjustment dial until the monitor
image is sharp
1
2
LCDbrightness
Power save
Inst.Playback
Lens acc.
Language
18
G
ETTING UP AND RUNNING
Setting the date and time
After initially inserting a memory card and batteries, 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.
Press the main switch (1) to turn the camera on. Press the
menu button (2) to open the menu; the appearance of the
menu will depend on the position of the camera’s controls.
Navigating the menu is simple. The up/down and left/right
keys of the controller (3) move the cursor and change settings on the menu. The central button of the controller
selects menu options and sets adjustments.
Digital
Use the right key of the controller to highlight “setup”
at the top of the menu.
Image
Quality
Auto D
Drive mode
Image size
Quality
Auto DSP
Digital zoom
Drive m
Off
On
Standard
Setup menu
2048x1536
Single
–
1 min.
Off
None
English
Press the central button of the controller to open the
setup menu.
1 2
3
19
Use the right key to highlight the third 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.
Use the up and down keys to adjust the item.
Press the central button to set the clock and calendar. The setup menu is displayed; press the menu
button to close the menu.
Press the right key. “Enter” will appear on the right
side of the menu.
Date/Time setup screen
For customers in certain areas, the menu language must also be set. Highlight the language
option in section 1 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 is displayed in the selected language.
Camera notes
Reset default
Noise reductn
Date/Time set
Date imprint
–
On
–
Off
Reset default
Noise reductn
Data imprint
Date/Time set Enter
MM / DD / YYYY
00 : 00
Date/Time set
:enter
2003 . 01 . 01
20
B
ASIC RECORDING
BASIC RECORDING
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. 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.
Using the zoom lens
The zoom lever controls the lens (1).
Sliding the lever to the right (T) will zoom
in to the telephoto position of the lens.
Sliding the lever to the left (W) will zoom
out to the wide-angle position.
Tu rn on the camera. Set the mode switch to a recording position.
1
21
Recording images automatically
Tu rn the exposure-mode dial to the auto-recording 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 flash
mode (p. 26) and drive mode (p. 46) can also be changed. Image size and
quality can be set on the auto-recording menu (p. 44).
Metering mode
* Changes to the flash mode, focus area, or drive mode are reset when the exposure-mode dial is
turned to another position.
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*)
Color mode
White balance
Natural Color (fixed)
Auto (fixed)
Autofocus (fixed)
Wide focus area (can be changed*)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1
22
B
ASIC RECORDING
Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture.
The example uses auto recording. Except for movie recording, the operation for
other exposure modes is the same. Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection is
only active in the auto recording mode.
Place the subject anywhere within the focus frame. Make sure the subject is within the focus range of the lens (p. 24). For very close subjects, use the macro function (p. 35).
Basic recording operation
Press the shutter-release button partway down to lock the focus and
exposure. An AF sensor (a) is displayed to indicate the subject.
Automatic Digital Subject Selection will choose the appropriate exposure mode, see the facing page
The focus signal (b) on the monitor will confirm focus lock. If the
focus signal is red, the camera was unable to locate the subject.
Repeat the previous steps until the signal is white. The shutter speed
(c) and aperture (d) appears and turns black to indicate the exposure
is locked.
a b
c d
The recorded image can be previewed by continuing to hold
down the shutter-release button after the image is captured.
The instant-playback function can also be used (p. 86).
Camera notes
The access lamp lights indicating image data is
being written to the memory card. Never remove a
memory card while data is being transferred.
23
Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection
Automatic Digital Program Selection chooses between program AE and one of five digital subject
programs. The digital subject programs optimize camera setting for various conditions and subjects.
Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection is only available in auto recording and can be disabled
in the auto-recording menu. For information on individual subject programs, see page 29.
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 22.
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 indicators are displayed, programmed AE is active. Press the shutter-release button all the way
down to take the picture. Hold the camera steadily when the sunset
subject program is selected as exposures can be long.
Program autoexposure (the Digital Subject Program indicators disappear)
Por trait
Sports action
Landscape
Sunset
BASIC RECORDING
24
Focus lock prevents the AF system from focusing. This can be used with off-center subjects or when
a special focusing situation prevents the camera from focusing (p. 25).
Without lifting your finger from the shutter-release button, recompose the subject within the image area. Press the shutterrelease button all the way down to take the picture.
Focus lock
Place the subject within the focus frame. Press and hold the
shutter-release button partway down.
• The focus signal indicates the focus is locked. The shutter
speed and aperture value change from white to black
indicating the exposure is locked.
•When the focus is set, an AF sensor is displayed on the live
image to indicate the point of focus.
Focus range
0.57m - ∞ (1.9ft - ∞)
All distances are measured from the CCD. See page 35
for the marco focus range.
Approximate location of CCD plane
Wide-angle position
2.07m - ∞ (6.8ft - ∞)
Telephoto position
25
The focus signal in the lower right corner of the LCD monitor indicates the focus status. The shutter
can be released even if the camera cannot focus on the subject.
The camera may not be able to focus in certain situations. If the autofocus system cannot focus on a
subject, the focus signal will turn red. In this situation, focus-lock on an object at the same distance
as the main subject and then recompose the image on the monitor to take the picture.
The subject in the
focus frame is low in
contrast.
The subject is too
dark.
Tw o subjects at different distances overlap
in the focus frame.
The subject is near a
very bright object or
area.
Focus signals
Special focusing situations
When using the sports action digital subject program, the camera continually focuses when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down; the focus frames turn red. Keep the subject within the
red focus frames. Focus lock cannot be used.
If the AF system cannot focus, focus lock can be used with object at the same distance as the main
subject or the camera can be focused manually in the Digital Subject Program or program (P) exposure modes (p. 57).
Focus locked.
Cannot focus. The subject is too close or a special situation is preventing
the AF system from focusing.
Focus confirmed (sports action digital subject program only). AF continuously adjusts as the subject moves.
26
B
ASIC RECORDING
Autoflash
Fill-flash
Slow sync.
Autoflash with
red-eye reduction
To use the built-in flash, simply raise it (1). Lower the
flash unit to prevent it from firing.
To change the flash mode, simply press the flash
mode button (2) until the appropriate mode is indicated.
Autoflash - the flash fires automatically in low-light
and backlit conditions.
Red-eye reduction - multiple flashes are used before
the main flash burst to reduce red-eye; an effect
caused by light reflected from the retina. Use in lowlight conditions when taking photographs of people or
animals. The pre-flashes contract the pupils of the subject’s eyes.
Fill-flash - the flash fires with each exposure regardless of the amount of ambient light. Fill-flash can be
used to reduce harsh shadows caused by strong direct
light or sunshine.
Slow sync. - flash and ambient light exposures are
balanced. Use slow sync. when in dark locations to
reveal background details. Ask your subject not to
move after the flash burst; the shutter may still be open
for the background exposure. Because exposures can
be long, the use of a tripod is recommended.
Flash cancel - the flash is down and cannot fire.
Flash modes
Fill-flash
Flash cancel
1
2
27
If the shutter speed falls below the point where the camera can be safely hand held, the camerashake warning appears on the LCD monitor. Camera shake is slight blurring caused by subtle hand
motion and is more pronounced at the telephoto position of the lens than at the wide-angle. Although
the warning appears, the shutter can still be released. If the warning appears, the following steps can
be taken:
Camera-shake warning
Flash range - auto-recording mode
The camera controls the flash output automatically. For
well-exposed images, the subject must be within the flash
range. Distance is given from the CCD plane. Because of
the optical system, the flash range is not the same at the
lens’ wide-angle position as it is at the telephoto position.
0.23 - 6.1m (0.75 - 20ft.)
Approximate location of CCD plane
Wide-angle position
1.2 - 4.8m (3.9 - 15.7ft.)
Telephoto position
• Place the camera on a tripod.
• Use the built-in flash.
• Zoom the lens towards the wide-angle position until the warning
disappears.
Camera-shake warning
If the flash output was sufficient to illuminate the subject, the OK indicator briefly replaces the flashmode indicator after the exposure. The access lamp blinks slowly while the flash is charging.
28
B
ASIC RECORDING
The information (i+) button controls the monitor display. The display changes between full display and
live image only.
Full display Live image only
Information button
i+button
Adjusting monitor brightness
Set LCD brightness
:select
:enter
Low High
The monitor image can be made lighter or darker. The
brightness level can be set individually for viewfinder
and direct viewing. Turn the mode switch to the appropriate position. Press and hold the information (i+) button to open the LCD brightness screen.
Use the left/right keys of the controller to adjust the
brightness; the monitor image changes accordingly.
Press the center of the controller to set the brightness
level or press the menu button to close the screen
without applying any changes.
29
Digital subject programs
Sports action - used to capture action by maximizing shutter speeds. The AF system con-
tinuously focuses; see page 25. When using flash, the subject must be within the flash range
(p. 27). A monopod is more flexible and compact than a tripod when shooting events.
Sunset - optimized to reproduce rich, warm sunsets. When the sun is above the horizon, do
not point the camera toward the sun for prolonged periods of time. The intensity of the sun
could damage the CCD. Between exposures, turn off the camera or cover the lens.
Night portrait - for deep, subtle night scenes. The use of a tripod is recommended. When
used with flash, the subject and background exposures are balanced. The flash can only be
used with close subjects such as with a portrait of a person. When using the flash, ask your
subjects not to move after the burst; the shutter will still be open for the background exposure.
Landscape - optimized to produce sharp, colorful landscapes. Used with bright outdoor
scenery.
Digital subject programs optimize the camera’s exposure, white-balance, and imageprocessing systems for specific conditions
and subjects. Simply turn the exposure
mode dial to select the appropriate subject
program; the active subject program is displayed in the bottom left corner of the monitor
Portrait - optimized to reproduce warm, soft skin tones and a slight defocusing of the background. Most portraits look best at a telephoto setting; the longer focal length does not exaggerate facial features and the shallower depth of field softens the background. Use the builtin flash with strong direct sunlight or backlight to reduce harsh shadows.
Exposure-mode indicator
Images can be viewed in the Quick View or playback
modes. This section covers the basic operations in both
modes. The playback mode has additional functions, see
page 68.
To view images from the playback mode, turn the mode
switch to the playback position (1).
To view images from the recording mode, press the Quick
View / delete button (2).
30
BASIC PLAYBACK
BASIC PLAYBACK
Single-frame playback and histogram display
Date of capture
Frame number/ total number of images
Lock indicator (p. 75)
DPOF indicator (p. 78)
Image size (p. 54)
Image quality (p. 54)
Time of
capture
Shutter speed
Aperture value
White-balance
setting (p. 58)
Sensitivity
setting (p. 62)
Degree of exposure
compensation (p. 41)
Folder name
Folder number - image file number
Histogram
Mode
indicator
To switch between the single-frame playback and histogram display, press the up key of
the controller.
1
2
Loading...