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.
2
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.
3
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
4
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.
5
6
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
* 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
10
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.
11
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)
12
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)
13
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)
14
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.
2
3
1
4
15
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.
3
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
1
catch; the door should spring open (3).
2
Insert the batteries.
• Make sure the positive and negative
battery terminals are orientated as
illustrated on the diagram in the battery
chamber.
5
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.
4
• 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).
16
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).
17
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.
18
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.
1
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.
234
19
AUTO-RECORDING MODE
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.
20
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).
1
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
Fixed
Fixed
Can be changed*
Fixed
Fixed
Can be changed*
Can be adjusted*
Fixed
Fixed
Fixed
21
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.
22
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).
1
2
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.
23
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
24
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.
25
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
26
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
27
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
1
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
28
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.
29
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
1
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).
30
Loading...
+ 86 hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.