Konica Minolta S404 User Manual

9224-2781-11 H-A201

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

BEFORE 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.

This manual contains information regarding products introduced before February, 2002. To obtain compatibility information for products released after this date, contact a Minolta Service Facility listed on the back cover of this manual.

Check the packing list before using this product. If any items are missing, immediately contact your camera dealer.

Minolta DiMAGE S404 digital camera AA alkaline batteries (set of four) Neck strap NS-DG304 Lens cap LF-236 16MB CompactFlash card AV cable AVC-100 USB cable USB-600 DiMAGE software CD-ROM ArcSoft PhotoImpression CD-ROM DiMAGE Image Viewer Utility instruction manual (PDF) Camera manual (PDF) Quick Reference Guide Warranty card

Because the performance of alkaline batteries with digital cameras is low, the use of Ni-MH batteries is recommended. Although alkaline batteries are supplied with this product, its performance will be limited; only use alkaline batteries for test photographs or when Ni-MH batteries, the Minolta external battery pack, or the AC adapter are not available. Fully recharge the Ni-MH batteries just before using the camera.

FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE

Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product.

WARNING

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 alkaline 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.

• 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.

• 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.

FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE

• 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

CAUTION

• 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 camera temperature rises with extended periods of use. Care should be taken to avoid burns.

• Burns may result if the CompactFlash 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The basic operation of this camera is covered between pages 10 and 27. 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 auto-recording mode section covers all the basic functions of the camera in this mode and the multi-function recording mode. Take time to read this section before moving on to the multi-function recording mode section. The other sections, movie recording mode, playback mode, setup mode, and data transfer mode, 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. Throughout the text are shooting tips and camera notes. Shooting tips give advice and information on photography and how to use the camera to achieve the best results. Camera notes cover details on camera operation.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL

Names of parts

Camera body ...........................................................................................................................10

Viewfinder................................................................................................................................12

Mode dial .................................................................................................................................12

Data panel ...............................................................................................................................13

LCD monitor display ................................................................................................................14

Getting up and running.........................................................................................................................15

Attaching the neck strap and lens cap ....................................................................................15

Changing batteries ..................................................................................................................16

Battery condition indicator .......................................................................................................17

Auto power save ......................................................................................................................17

External power supplies (sold separately)...............................................................................18

Changing the CompactFlash card...........................................................................................18

Auto-recording mode - basic operation................................................................................................20

Handling the camera ...............................................................................................................20

Setting the camera to record images automatically ................................................................21

Zoom lens and digital zoom ....................................................................................................22

Basic recording operation........................................................................................................23

Focus lock................................................................................................................................24

Focus range.............................................................................................................................24

Focus signals...........................................................................................................................25

Special focusing situations ......................................................................................................25

Quick view ...............................................................................................................................26

Quick-view display..............................................................................................................27

Deleting images in quick view ............................................................................................27

Digital-subject-program button.................................................................................................28

Flash modes ............................................................................................................................30

Flash range - auto-recording mode.........................................................................................31

Flash signals............................................................................................................................31

Camera-shake warning ...........................................................................................................31

Drive modes ............................................................................................................................32

Self-timer ............................................................................................................................33

Remote control (sold separately) .......................................................................................34

Continuous advance...........................................................................................................35

Bracketing...........................................................................................................................36

Display button - recording mode .............................................................................................37

Navigating the auto-recording mode menu .............................................................................38

Image size ..........................................................................................................................40

Image quality ......................................................................................................................41

Image-file size and CompactFlash card capacity...............................................................42

Voice memo........................................................................................................................43

Date imprinting ...................................................................................................................44

Instant playback..................................................................................................................45

Exposure compensation ..........................................................................................................46

What is an Ev? What is a stop? ..............................................................................................47

Multi-function recording mode - advanced operation...........................................................................48

Autofocus areas and control....................................................................................................48

Navigating the multi-function recording mode menu...............................................................50

Exposure modes.................................................................................................................52

Program.........................................................................................................................52

Aperture priority - A .......................................................................................................52

Manual exposure - M.....................................................................................................53

White balance.....................................................................................................................54

Automatic white balance ...............................................................................................54

Preset white balance.....................................................................................................54

Custom white balance...................................................................................................55

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Focus modes......................................................................................................................56

Camera sensitivity - ISO.....................................................................................................57

Flash range and camera sensitivity....................................................................................57

Full-time AF ........................................................................................................................58

Metering modes..................................................................................................................58

Exposure bracketing...........................................................................................................59

Digital zoom and image size ..............................................................................................59

Image control - colour, sharpness, contrast, & saturation..................................................60

Bulb exposures........................................................................................................................61

A short guide to photography...............................................................................................................62

Movie recording....................................................................................................................................64

Recording movies with the RC-3 remote control (sold separately).........................................65

Playback mode - viewing and editing images......................................................................................66

Single-frame playback display .................................................................................................66

Histogram display ....................................................................................................................67

Movie playback display............................................................................................................67

Viewing pictures ......................................................................................................................68

Viewing movies........................................................................................................................69

Deleting images.......................................................................................................................69

Display button - playback mode ..............................................................................................70

Enlarged playback ...................................................................................................................71

Navigating the playback-mode menu ......................................................................................72

Playback-mode menu - basic ..................................................................................................74

Deleting images..................................................................................................................74

Locking images...................................................................................................................75

Changing the index playback format ..................................................................................75

Playback-mode menu - custom 1 (Slide Show) ......................................................................76

Playback-mode menu - custom 2............................................................................................78

About DPOF .......................................................................................................................78

Creating a DPOF print order ..............................................................................................78

Ordering an index print.......................................................................................................79

Canceling a DPOF print order............................................................................................79

Copying images..................................................................................................................80

Frame-selection screen ...........................................................................................................81

Viewing images on a television ...............................................................................................82

Setup mode - controlling the camera’s operation.................................................................................83

Navigating the setup menu......................................................................................................84

Setup menu – basic.................................................................................................................86

LCD monitor brightness......................................................................................................86

Formatting CompactFlash cards ........................................................................................86

Auto power save .................................................................................................................87

Audio signals ......................................................................................................................87

Volume................................................................................................................................87

Language............................................................................................................................87

Setup menu - custom 1 ...........................................................................................................88

File number memory ..........................................................................................................88

Select folder........................................................................................................................88

Setup menu - Custom 2 ..........................................................................................................89

Resetting the camera .........................................................................................................89

Setting the date and time ...................................................................................................90

Setting the date format.......................................................................................................91

Video output .......................................................................................................................91

Data-transfer mode - connecting to a computer ..................................................................................92

Arcsoft PhotoImpression system requirements.......................................................................93

QuickTime system requirements.............................................................................................93

Connecting the camera to a computer ....................................................................................94

Connecting to Windows 98 and 98SE.....................................................................................96

Automatic installation..........................................................................................................96

Manual installation..............................................................................................................97

Connecting to Mac OS 8.6 ......................................................................................................99

Auto power save (data-transfer mode) ....................................................................................99

CompactFlash card folder organization .............................................................................................100

Disconnecting the camera from the computer ......................................................................102

Windows 98 and 98SE.....................................................................................................102

Windows Me, 2000 Professional, and XP........................................................................102

Macintosh .........................................................................................................................103

Changing the CompactFlash card (data-transfer mode).......................................................104

Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................105

About Ni-MH batteries ...........................................................................................................107

Removing the driver software - Windows ..............................................................................108

Care and storage ...............................................................................................................................109

Technical specifications......................................................................................................................114

NAMES OF PARTS

CAMERA BODY

* 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).

Mode dial (main switch)

Shutter-release button

Digital-subject-program button (p. 28)

Data panel (p. 13)

Viewfinder window*

Microphone

Speaker

Flash (p. 30)

Strap eyelet (p. 15)

Remote-control

receiver

Remote-control lamp (p. 32)

Lens*Self-timer/

Battery-chamber door (p. 16)

Battery-chamber lock (p. 16)

Flash mode/Magnification button (p. 30, 71)

CCD plane

Viewfinder* (p. 12)

Drive-mode button (p. 32)

Exposure-compensation button (p. 46)

LCD monitor*

Controller

Menu button

QV/ Delete button (p. 26)

Display button (p. 37, 70)

(p. 14)

Access lamp

Tripod socket

Card-slot door release

DC terminal cover (p. 18)

Card-slot door (p. 18) The USB port and AV-out terminal are located behind the card-slot door.

NAMES OF PARTS

VIEWFINDER

Focus lamp (green)

Flash lamp (orange)

Focus frame

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 positions or 3m (9.8ft) at the telephoto lens position, use the LCD monitor to compose the image; because the lens creates the monitor image, it does not suffer from parallax.

MODE DIAL

This dial gives direct and easy access to the camera’s major modes. It also acts as the main switch

Auto-recording mode (p. 20)

Multi-function recording mode (p. 48)

Playback mode (p. 66)

Movie-recording mode (p. 64)

Setup mode (p. 83)

Data-transfer mode (p. 92)

DATA PANEL

Digital-subject-program indicators (p. 28)

White-balance indicator (p. 54)

Manual-focus indicator (p. 56)

Camera-sensitivity indicator (p. 57)

Spot-metering indicator (p. 58)

Flash-mode indicators (p. 30)

Image-size display (p. 40)

Image-quality display (p. 41)

Drive-mode indicators (p. 32)

Microphone indicator (p. 43)

Battery-condition indicator (p. 17)

Exposure-compensation indicator (p. 46)

Exposure-mode indicators (p. 52)

Digital-subject-program icons (p. 28)

Frame counter

(p. 42)

NAMES OF PARTS

LCD MONITOR DISPLAY

a. Mode indicator (p. 12) b. Flash-mode indicator (p. 30) c. Sharpness display (p. 60) d. Contrast-compensation display (p. 60)

e. Colour-saturation-compensation

display (p. 60)

f. Exposure-compensation display (p. 46) g. White-balance indicator (p. 54)

h. Exposure-mode (p. 52)/

Digital-subject-program indicators (p. 28)

i. Shutter-speed display j. Metering-mode indicator (p. 58)

k. Aperture display l. Camera-shake warning (p. 31) m. Camera-sensitivity (ISO) display (p. 57) n. Manual-focus indicator (p. 56) o. Focus signal (p. 25) p. Frame counter (p. 42) q. Drive-mode indicator (p. 32) r. Macro indicator (p. 28) s. Battery-condition indicator (p. 17) t. Image-quality indicator (p. 41) u. Image-size display (p. 40) v. Digital-zoom display (p. 22)

1. Focus frame (p. 48)

2. Spot metering area (p. 58)

3. AF sensors (p. 23)

GETTING UP AND RUNNING

ATTACHING THE NECK STRAP AND LENS CAP

Attach the small strap to the lens cap by passing one of the small loops through the eyelet on the cap (1) and then passing the other loop through the first loop (2) and tightening.

Attach the camera strap to the strap eyelets as shown.

• Make sure the neck strap passes through the loop of the lens-cap strap.

• Always keep the camera strap around your neck in the event that you drop the camera.

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.

GETTING UP AND RUNNING

CHANGING BATTERIES

This digital camera uses four AA-size alkaline or Ni-MH batteries. Ni-MH batteries are recommended because of longer life. When using Ni-MH batteries, fully recharge them with a battery charger suitable for complex electronic equipment. Please consult your vendor about an appropriate charger.

When replacing batteries, the mode dial should be in the off position.

• If the camera is not turned off when replacing exhausted batteries, the low-battery warning may not reset.

Open the battery-chamber door by moving the battery-chamber lock (1) to the open position . Slide the door forward (2) to release the safety

catch; the door should spring open (3).

Insert the batteries.

• Make sure the positive and negative battery terminals are orientated as illustrated on the diagram in the battery chamber.

Close the battery-chamber door and slide it back toward the body (4) to engage the safety catch. Move the lock lever (5) to the close position .

• After installing the batteries, 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. 84).

BATTERY CONDITION INDICATOR

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. The monitor icon will change from white to red when battery power is low. If the data panel and monitor are blank, the batteries may be dead or installed incorrectly.

Full-battery Icon - the batteries are 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.

Low-battery warning - battery power is very low. The batteries should be replaced as soon as possible. This warning automatically appears and remains on the monitor until the batteries are changed.

Blinking low-battery icon - when displayed on the data panel with no other icons, power is insufficient for camera operation. The shutter will not release. When replacing exhausted batteries, wait thirty seconds between removing the old batteries and inserting the new ones.

When installing batteries, make sure the battery terminals are clean. Residue or dirt on the terminals can sometimes cause a false low-battery warning. Always use a clean, dry cloth to clean batteries.

AUTO POWER SAVE

To conserve battery power, the camera will turn off displays and unnecessary functions if an operation is not made within a certain period. The LCD monitor will turn off after thirty seconds. The data panel turns off after one minute. To restore the displays, press any button or key, or turn the mode dial to another position. The length of the auto-power-save period for the data panel can be changed in the basic section of the setup menu (p. 84).

GETTING UP AND RUNNING

EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLIES (SOLD SEPARATELY)

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-2L is for use in all other areas.

The External High-power Battery Pack Kit EBP-100 is a portable source of power for the camera. The kit contains a high-power lithium-ion battery, holder, and charger. The battery and charger are also available separately. This battery pack will significantly extend the operating time of the camera.

Do not change the power supply while the camera is on.

Always turn off the camera before changing between power supplies.

Remove the DC terminal cover from the left.

• The cover is attached to the body to prevent loss.

Insert the mini plug of the AC adapter or battery pack into the DC terminal.

• Always remove exhausted batteries before connecting an external power supply. Always wait thirty seconds between removing the old batteries and plugging in the external power source.

Insert the AC adapter plug into an electrical outlet.

CHANGING THE COMPACTFLASH CARD

A type I CompactFlash card 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. For CompactFlash card care and storage, see page 109.

Always turn off the camera and confirm the access lamp is not lit before inserting or

removing a CompactFlash card, otherwise the card may be damaged, and data lost.

Slide the card-slot door release down to open the card-slot door (1).

To eject a CompactFlash card, press the card-eject lever (2). The card can now be pulled out.

• Take care when removing the card as it becomes hot with use.

Insert the CompactFlash card into the card slot until the card-eject lever pops out (3).

• Insert the card so the face is toward the front of the camera. Always push the card in straight, never at an angle. Never force the card. If the card does not fit, check that it is orientated correctly.

Close the card-slot door (4).

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 can be formatted in the basic section of the setup menu (p. 84). When a card is formatted, all the data on the card is permanently erased.

2 3 4

AUTO-RECORDING MODE

BASIC OPERATION

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 to be able to simply concentrate on the subject and composition. Although automated, the camera’s operation can be changed to meet various conditions as well as to suit personal shooting preferences.

To set the camera’s clock and calendar, see the navigating the setup menu section on page 84.The menu language can also be changed on the setup menu.

HANDLING THE CAMERA

While using the viewfinder or LCD monitor, grip the camera firmly with your right hand while supporting the body with your left hand. 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 bottom. Take care not to cover the lens with your fingers or the strap.

SETTING THE CAMERA TO RECORD IMAGES AUTOMATICALLY

Turn the mode dial to automatic recording (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. 28). The flash mode (p. 30) and drive mode (p. 32) can also be changed. Image size and quality can be set on the auto-recording mode menu (p. 38).

Exposure mode

Metering mode

Camera sensitivity (ISO)

Flash mode

Focus area

Focus control

Drive mode

Exposure compensation

Sharpness

Colour mode

White balance

* Changes to the flash or drive mode will reset when the mode dial is turned to another position.

Adjustments made with exposure compensation will be reset to 0.0 when the camera is turned off or changed to another mode.

Program

Multi-segment

Auto

Auto flash

Wide focus area

Autofocus

Single-frame advance

0.0

Normal

Colour

Auto

Fixed

Can be changed*

Fixed

Can be changed*

Can be adjusted*

Fixed

AUTO-RECORDING MODE

ZOOM LENS AND DIGITAL ZOOM

This camera is equipped with a 7.15 to 28.6mm optical zoom. This is equivalent to a 35 to 140mm 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.

Assisting the optical zoom is a 2.2X digital zoom. The effect of the digital zoom doubles the power of the telephoto position of the optical zoom giving the equivalent of a 308mm lens on a 35mm camera. The effect of the digital zoom is visible on the LCD monitor only. This digital-zoom function is canceled if the LCD monitor is turned off (p. 37). The digital zoom can be disabled in the autorecording menu (p. 38). In the multi-function recording mode, the zoom can be disabled in the custom 1 section of the multi-function recording mode menu (p. 50).

The zoom lens is operated by the controller. Pressing the up key (T) will zoom in to the telephoto position of the lens. Pressing the down key (W) will zoom out to

Controller

the wide-angle position.

At the maximum telephoto position, pressing the up key (T) will activate the digital zoom.

• X2.2 will be displayed in the top right corner of the monitor.

• To cancel the digital zoom, press the down key.

BASIC RECORDING OPERATION

With the mode dial set to auto recording, the camera will be on and the LCD monitor will activate.

Place the subject within the focus frame.

• The focus-lock function (p. 24) can be used with off-center subjects.

• Make sure the subject is within the focus range of the lens: 0.5m ∞ (wide-angle position), 0.9m - ∞ (telephoto position. For subjects closer than 0.6m, use the macro function (p. 28).

• If the subject is closer than 1m at the wide-angle lens position or 3m at the telephoto lens position, use the LCD monitor to frame the subject (p. 12).

Press the shutter-release button partway down (1) to lock the focus and exposure.

• The focus signals (p. 25) on the monitor will confirm the focus. If the focus signal is red, the camera was unable to focus on the subject. Repeat the previous steps until the signal is white.

• When the focus is set, an AF sensor will briefly appear on the live image to indicate the point of focus.

• The shutter speed and aperture value will change from white to black indicating the exposure is locked.

Press the shutter-release button all the way down (2) to take the picture.

• The access lamp will glow indicating image data is being written to the CompactFlash card. Never remove a CompactFlash card while data is being transferred.

AUTO-RECORDING MODE

FOCUS LOCK

The focus-lock function is used when the subject is off-center and outside the focus frame. Focus lock may also be used when a special focusing situation prevents the camera from focusing on the subject. This function is controlled with the shutter-release button.

Place the subject within the focus frame. Press and hold the shutter-release button partway down.

• The focus signals will indicate that the focus is locked. The shutter speed and aperture value will change from white to black indicating the exposure is locked.

• When the focus is set, an AF sensor will briefly appear on the live image to indicate the point of focus.

Without lifting your finger from the shutter-release button, recompose the subject within the image area. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture.

FOCUS RANGE

Wide-angle lens position

Telephoto lens position

Macro mode (p. 28)

All distances are measured from the CCD

0.5m - ∞ (1.6ft - ∞)

0.9m - ∞ (3ft - ∞)

0.16m - 0.6m (0.5ft - 2ft)

CCD plane

FOCUS SIGNALS

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.

Focus icon: white Focus lamp: steady

Focus icon: red Focus lamp: blinking

• The shutter can be released even if the camera cannot focus on the subject.

• When the AF system cannot focus, the focus is set to infinity. When the flash is in use, the focus is set between 3.0 and 3.8m. In this case, focus lock can be used with an object at the same distance as the main subject or the camera can be focused manually in the multi-function recording mode (p. 56).

Focus confirmed.

Cannot focus. The subject is too close or a special situation is preventing the AF system from focusing.

SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS

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 the focus-lock function can be used to focus on another object at the same distance as your main subject, and then the image can be recomposed to take the picture.

The subject is too dark. Two subjects at different

The subject in the focus frame is low in contrast.

distances overlap in the focus frame.

The subject is near a very bright object or area.

AUTO-RECORDING MODE

QUICK VIEW

Captured images can be viewed in auto-recording and multi-function recording mode. Simply press the QV/delete button to access the images. The date and time of capture, frame number, printing status, lock status, image size and image quality are displayed with the images. The histogram and shooting data of the image can also be displayed in Quick View.

Press the QV/delete button to play back the recorded images.

Use the left/right keys of the controller to scroll through the images.

• Pressing the display button switched between displaying the image with and without information.

Press the up key to see the histogram of the displayed image.

• When the histogram is displayed, the left/right keys cannot scroll to the next image. Press the down key to cancel the histogram display.

To return to the recording mode, press the menu button or shutterrelease button.

Controller

Menu button

QV/Delete button

Display button

Mode indicator

Image size (p. 40) Image quality (p. 41)

Aperture value

Shutter speed

Time of

capture

Date of capture

Voice-memo icon (p. 43)

Lock icon (p. 75)

Print icon (p. 78)

Frame number/total number of images

Folder number - image file number

Histogram (p. 67)

DELETING IMAGES IN QUICK VIEW

In quick view, the displayed image can be deleted. When selecting an image for deletion, a confirmation screen will appear before the operation is executed.

To delete a displayed image, press the QV/delete button.

• A confirmation screen will appear.

QUICK-VIEW DISPLAY

To view the histogram, press the up key.

White-balance

setting (p. 54)

Sensitivity

setting (p. 57)

Degree of exposure

compensation (p. 46)

Folder name (p. 100)

Once deleted, an

image cannot be

recovered.

Use the left/right keys to highlight “YES.”

• “NO” will cancel the operation.

Press the controller to delete the image.

Delete this frame?

NoYe s

AUTO-RECORDING MODE

DIGITAL-SUBJECT-PROGRAM BUTTON

The digital-subject-program button (1) optimizes the camera’s performance for various conditions and subjects. Exposure, white-balance, and imageprocessing systems work in unison for beautiful results.

Pressing the subject-program button cycles through the

CCD plane

(p. 30) can be changed and the exposure can be altered using the exposure-compensation function (p. 46). In extreme lighting conditions, changes in exposure compensation may not produce the intended results in the portrait, night portrait, or text modes. The camera-shake warning (p. 31) may appear in macro, landscape, night portrait, or text modes.

MACRO - used for close-up photography between 16 and 60 cm from the CCD. When the macro mode is selected, the lens will automatically zoom to the correct position. The zoom position cannot be changed. The LCD monitor should be used to compose the picture and will automatically activate if off. The viewfinder cannot be used because of parallax. The flash is set to flash cancel (p. 30). Fill-flash can be used, but can cause extreme overexposure and uneven illumination.

modes: macro, portrait, landscape, night portrait, text, macro & text, and the original exposure mode. A pointer will indicate the active subject program. The subject program will remain in effect until it is changed or the mode dial is turned to another position. Except for macro, digital subject programs cannot be used in the multi-function recording mode.

While camera performance is optimized for each shooting condition, some changes can be made to camera settings with subject programs. The flash mode

LANDSCAPE - optimized to produce sharp, colourful landscapes. The flash mode is set to flash cancel. Fill-flash can be used (p. 30).

TEXT - for the crisp reproduction of black text on white backgrounds. The flash mode is set to flash cancel (p.

30). Fill-flash can be used.

• Use a tripod to eliminate camera shake and ensure the

PORTRAIT - optimized to reproduce soft skin tones and a slight defocusing of the background. The flash mode can be changed (p.

30).

• 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.

NIGHT PORTRAIT - for deep, subtle night scenes. When used with fill-flash, the subject and background exposures are balanced.

• When taking pictures of a landscape at night, use a tripod to eliminate blurring from camera shake. To take portraits with night scenes, set the flash mode to fill-flash (p. 30). to move after the flash burst; the shutter will still be open for the background exposure.

sharpest images.

Ask your subject not

MACRO & TEXT - for close-up images of text between 16cm to 60cm from the CCD. Two pointers will indicate the combined modes on the data panel and both the macro and text icons will be displayed on the LCD monitor.

• Use a tripod to ensure the sharpest images.

AUTO-RECORDING MODE

FLASH MODES

To set the flash mode, simply press the flash mode button (1) on the back of the camera until the desired mode is displayed.

LCD

monitor

Data

panel

Autoflash

Fill-flash

Autoflash - the flash fires automatically in lowlight and backlit conditions.

Fill-flash - the flash fires with each exposure regardless of the amount of ambient light. Fillflash can be used to reduce harsh shadows caused by strong direct light or sunshine.

Flash cancel

Autoflash with red-eye reduction

Fill-flash with red-eye reduction

Red-eye reduction - the flash fires twice before the main flash burst to reduce red-eye; an effect caused by light reflected from the retina. Use in low-light conditions when taking photographs of people or animals. The pre-flashes contract the pupils of the subject’s eyes.

Flash cancel - the flash will not fire. Use flash cancel when flash photography is prohibited, natural light is desired to illuminate the subject, or the subject is beyond the flash range. The camera-shake warning may appear when flash cancel is selected (p. 31).

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