Minolta DiMage 7i User guide
INSTRUCTION MANUALE
Black & White - produces
monochrome images.
2
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 May, 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 digital camera
Ni-MH batteries (set of four)
Ni-MH battery charger set
Neck strap NS-DG7
Lens shade DLS-7i
16MB CompactFlash card
A V cable AVC-300
USB cable USB-100
DiMAGE software CD-ROM
DiMAGE Viewer instruction manual
Camera instruction manual
Warranty card
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.
Because the performance of alkaline batteries
with digital cameras is low, the use of
Ni-MH batteries is recommended.
3
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
COLOR MODE
The color mode controls whether a still image is color or black and white. The color
mode is set in the custom 2 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 78). The live
image on the monitors will reflect the selected color mode. For more on the color mode
see page 96.
Natural Color - reproduces the
colors in the scene faithfully.
Vivid Color - increases the
saturation of the colors in the scene.
Solarization - produces a partial
reversal of tones in the image.
5
Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product.
Using batteries improperly can cause them to leak harmful solutions, overheat, or
explode which may damage property or cause personal injury. Do not ignore the
following warnings.
• Only use the batteries specified in this instruction manual.
• Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/–) reversed.
• Do not use batteries which show wear or damage.
• Do not expose batteries to fire, high temperatures, water, or moisture.
• Do not attempt to short or disassemble batteries.
• Do not store batteries near or in metallic products.
• Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, ages, or charge levels.
• Do not charge 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.
WARNING
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE
4
• 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.
• 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
6 7
• 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.
• The rim of the lens hood can cause injury. Take care not to accidentally strike anyone
with the camera when the lens hood is attached.
• 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
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE
Names of parts ....................................................................................................................................12
Camera body...........................................................................................................................12
Data panel...............................................................................................................................15
EVF and LCD monitor display.................................................................................................16
Getting up and running.........................................................................................................................17
Camera-shake warning ...........................................................................................................17
Attaching the camera strap .....................................................................................................18
Removing the lens cap ............................................................................................................18
Attaching the lens hood ...........................................................................................................19
Inserting batteries....................................................................................................................20
Inserting the CompactFlash card ............................................................................................20
Handling the camera ...............................................................................................................21
Turning on the camera and displays.......................................................................................21
Taking pictures.........................................................................................................................22
Using the built-in flash.............................................................................................................23
Flash range - automatic operation...........................................................................................23
Viewing and deleting pictures in Quick View...........................................................................24
Basic operation ....................................................................................................................................25
Changing batteries ..................................................................................................................26
Battery condition indicator.......................................................................................................27
Auto power save......................................................................................................................27
External power supplies (sold separately)...............................................................................28
Changing the CompactFlash card ...........................................................................................28
Setting the camera to record images automatically................................................................30
EVF and LCD monitor display.................................................................................................30
Basic recording operation........................................................................................................31
Focus lock ...............................................................................................................................32
Focus signals...........................................................................................................................33
Special focusing situations......................................................................................................33
Display controls - recording mode...........................................................................................34
Quick View...............................................................................................................................36
Quick View display ..................................................................................................................37
Deleting images in Quick View................................................................................................37
Changing the Quick View display............................................................................................38
Enlarged playback...................................................................................................................39
Recording mode - advanced operation ................................................................................................40
Spot-AE lock button.................................................................................................................40
Pro-auto button ........................................................................................................................41
TABLE OF CONTENTS
8 9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Digital-subject-program button ................................................................................................42
Setting the function dial...........................................................................................................44
Memory - storing camera settings...........................................................................................46
Metering modes .......................................................................................................................47
Exposure modes......................................................................................................................48
Program - P ................................................................................................................49
Program shift ...................................................................................................49
Aperture priority - A.....................................................................................................50
Shutter priority - S.......................................................................................................51
Manual exposure - M ..................................................................................................52
Bulb exposures ........................................................................................................................53
Attaching a remote cord (sold separately) ..............................................................................53
Drive modes ............................................................................................................................54
Continuous advance...................................................................................................55
UHS continuous advance...........................................................................................56
UHS continuous-advance movies...............................................................................56
Self-timer.....................................................................................................................57
Bracketing...................................................................................................................58
Notes on bracketing.........................................................................................59
Interval........................................................................................................................60
White balance ..........................................................................................................................62
Automatic white balance.............................................................................................63
Preset white balance ..................................................................................................63
Custom white balance ................................................................................................64
Camera sensitivity - ISO..........................................................................................................65
Flash range and camera sensitivity.........................................................................................66
Attaching a Minolta accessory flash unit.................................................................................66
Digital Effects Control..............................................................................................................67
Exposure and flash compensation .............................................................................68
Contrast compensation ...............................................................................................70
Color-saturation compensation ...................................................................................71
Filter............................................................................................................................71
Electronic viewfinder................................................................................................................73
Diopter adjustment ..................................................................................................................73
Automatic monitor amplification...............................................................................................73
Autofocus areas and control....................................................................................................74
Flex Focus Point......................................................................................................................75
Digital zoom .............................................................................................................................76
Macro mode.............................................................................................................................77
Navigating the recording-mode menu.....................................................................................78
Electronic keyboard.................................................................................................................80
Autofocus modes .....................................................................................................................81
Image size...............................................................................................................................82
About the frame counter ..........................................................................................................82
Image quality...........................................................................................................................83
About super-fine and RAW image quality...............................................................................84
Image-file size and CompactFlash card capacity....................................................................85
Flash modes............................................................................................................................86
Wireless/Remote flash.............................................................................................................88
Wireless/Remote camera and flash ranges ............................................................................90
Notes on wireless/remote flash ..................................................................................91
Flash control............................................................................................................................92
Spot AF/AEL............................................................................................................................93
Manual focus...........................................................................................................................94
Magnification button and electronic magnification...................................................................94
Data imprinting ........................................................................................................................95
Color mode..............................................................................................................................96
Sharpness................................................................................................................................97
Instant playback.......................................................................................................................98
Voice memo.............................................................................................................................99
A short guide to photography.............................................................................................................100
Movie mode ..................................................................................................................................102
Navigating the movie menu ...................................................................................................104
Playback mode - viewing and editing images ....................................................................................105
Single-frame playback and histogram display.......................................................................105
Viewing images .....................................................................................................................106
Playing back voice memos ....................................................................................................106
Viewing movies......................................................................................................................107
Deleting single images ..........................................................................................................107
Enlarged playback.................................................................................................................108
Changing the playback display..............................................................................................109
Navigating the playback-mode menu ....................................................................................110
Frame selection screen .........................................................................................................112
Deleting images.....................................................................................................................113
Formatting CompactFlash cards............................................................................................114
Locking images ......................................................................................................................115
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Changing the index playback format.....................................................................................115
Slide Show .............................................................................................................................116
About DPOF ..........................................................................................................................118
Creating a DPOF print order..................................................................................................118
Ordering an index print..........................................................................................................119
Canceling a DPOF print order ...............................................................................................119
Copying images .....................................................................................................................120
Viewing images on a television.............................................................................................122
Setup mode - controlling the camera’s operation ..............................................................................123
Navigating the setup menu....................................................................................................124
EVF and LCD monitor brightness..........................................................................................126
Audio signals.........................................................................................................................126
Shutter FX .............................................................................................................................126
Volume ..................................................................................................................................127
Language...............................................................................................................................127
File number memory..............................................................................................................127
Folder name ..........................................................................................................................128
Select folder...........................................................................................................................129
New folder .............................................................................................................................129
Display mode .........................................................................................................................130
Direct manual focus...............................................................................................................131
Reset default .........................................................................................................................132
EVF auto switch.....................................................................................................................134
Setting the date and time ......................................................................................................134
Setting the date format..........................................................................................................135
Video output ..........................................................................................................................135
Auto power save....................................................................................................................135
Data-transfer mode ............................................................................................................................136
QuickTime system requirements...........................................................................................136
System requirements.............................................................................................................137
Connecting the camera to a computer..................................................................................138
Connecting to Windows 98 / 98 second edition....................................................................140
Automatic installation ................................................................................................140
Manual installation....................................................................................................141
Connecting to Mac OS 8.6....................................................................................................143
Auto power save (Data-transfer mode).................................................................................143
CompactFlash card folder organization.................................................................................144
Disconnecting the camera from the computer ......................................................................146
Windows 98 / 98 second edition..............................................................................146
Windows ME, 2000 Professional, and XP ................................................................146
Macintosh..................................................................................................................147
Changing the CompactFlash card (data-transfer mode) .......................................................148
Appendix ..................................................................................................................................149
System accessories...............................................................................................................150
When using filters..................................................................................................................151
What is an Ev? What is a stop?............................................................................................151
Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................................152
Removing the driver software - Windows..............................................................................155
Care and storage...................................................................................................................156
Camera care.............................................................................................................156
Cleaning....................................................................................................................156
Storage .....................................................................................................................156
Operating temperatures and conditions ...................................................................157
Recording media care and handling.........................................................................157
Batteries....................................................................................................................158
About Ni-MH batteries ..............................................................................................158
LCD monitor care......................................................................................................159
Copyright...................................................................................................................159
Before important events or journeys.........................................................................159
Questions and service..............................................................................................159
Technical specifications.........................................................................................................160
* 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. 156).
12 13
NAMES OF PARTS
CAMERA BODY
Data panel (p. 15)
Pro-auto button (p. 41)
Control dial
Shutter-release button
Focusing ring (p. 94)
Focal-length index
Zooming ring
1
Lens*
Card-slot door (p. 28)
The USB port is located
behind the card-slot door.
Self-timer lamp (p. 57)
Built-in flash (p. 23)
Digital-subject-program
button (p. 42)
Accessory shoe
Strap eyelet (p. 18)
Display mode switch
Display information button
(p. 34, 109)
Electronic viewfinder*
(EVF) (p. 73)
LCD monitor*
(p. 16)
Menu button
Controller
DC/AV-out terminal cover
Spot-AE lock
button (p. 40)
Battery-chamber lock (p. 26)
Eyepiece sensors*
(p. 34)
Magnification button
Remote-control
terminal cover (p. 53)
Access lamp
QV/ Delete button (p. 37)
Dial release
Main switch/Mode dial
1 The focal-length scale on the zooming ring is given in 35mm focal-length equivalents. The
DiMAGE Viewer software supplied with the camera can display the actual focal length used
to capture the recorded image as well as the equivalent focal length in 35mm photography.
Playback mode (p. 105)
Recording mode (p. 40)
Movie mode (p. 102)
Setup mode (p. 123)
Data-transfer mode
(p. 136)
Microphone
Speaker
14 15
DATA PANEL
Digital-subject-program indicators (p. 42)
Camera-sensitivity indicator (p. 65)
Exposure-mode indicators (p. 48)
Battery-condition indicator (p. 27)
White-balance indicators (p. 62)
Red-eye reduction indicator (p. 86)
Manual-focus indicator (p. 94)
Image-quality display (p. 83)
Image-size display (p. 82)
Flash-compensation indicator (p. 68)
Digital-subject-program icons (p. 42)
Drive-mode indicators (p. 54)
Function button
Macro release (p. 77)
Focus-mode (AF/MF) button (p. 94)
Digital-effects switch
Diopter-adjustment dial (p. 73)
Tripod socket
Memory (p. 46)
Metering modes (p. 47)
Exposure modes (p. 48) Drive modes (p. 54)
White balance (p. 62)
Camera sensitivity (p. 65)
Digital-effects button
Function dial (p. 44)
Digital-effects Controller (p. 67)
NAMES OF PARTS
Frame counter
(p. 82)
Located on the top of the camera body,
the data panel shows the status of the
camera. All icons have been shown for
clarity.
The frame counter cannot
exceed 999. When the number of recordable images
exceeds this, 999 will be displayed. The frame counter
will continue to count down
when the number of recordable images falls below one
thousand.
Wireless/Remote flash indicator (p. 88)
Shutter-speed and aperture display / exposure/flash compensation display
7. Color-saturation-compensation
display (p. 71)
If the shutter speed falls below the point where the camera can be hand held safely,
the camera-shake warning will appear on the monitors. Camera shake is slight blurring
caused by subtle hand motion and is more pronounced at the telephoto setting of the
lens than at the wide-angle setting. The warning appears at approximately the reciprocal of the focal length used; if the lens is set at 100mm, the camera shake warning will
appear at 1/100 second. Although the warning appears, the shutter can still be
released. If the warning appears, the following steps can be taken:
• Place the camera on a tripod.
• Use the built-in flash (p. 23).
• Increase the camera sensitivity (ISO) (p. 65).
• Zoom the lens towards the wide-angle position.
16 17
EVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAY
GETTING UP AND
RUNNING
This is a quick reference guide so that the camera can be used as soon as possible. However, it is recommended that the entire manual be read to properly
operate the camera and to achieve the best results.
2. Flash-mode indicator (p. 86)
5. Flash-compensation display (p. 68)
9. Sharpness display (p. 97)
8. Contrast-compensation display (p. 70)
10. Exposure-compensation display (p. 68)
11. White-balance indicator (p. 62)
17. Camera-sensitivity (ISO) display (p. 65)
12. Exposure-mode/Digital-subject-program
indicator (p. 48, 42)
13. Metering-mode indicator (p. 47)
14. Shutter-speed display
23. Manual-focus indicator (p. 94)
18. Macro-mode indicator (p. 77)
22. Drive-mode indicator (p. 54)
19. Focus signal (p. 33)
21. Frame counter (p. 82)
27. Digital-zoom display (p. 76)
26. Image-size display (p. 82)
25. Image-quality indicator (p. 83)
24. Battery-condition indicator (p. 27)
4. Mode indicator
CAMERA-SHAKE WARNING
3. Flash signal (p. 23)
A. Focus frame
B. Spot metering area (p. 47)
C. AF sensors
D. Flex Focus Point (p. 75)
NAMES OF PARTS
1. Microphone indicator
6. Filter display (p. 71)
16. Camera-shake warning (p. 17)
15. Aperture display
20. Data-imprinting indicator (p. 95)
28. Color-mode indicator (p. 96)
18 19
GETTING UP AND RUNNING
ATTACHING THE CAMERA STRAP ATTACHING THE LENS HOOD
REMOVING THE LENS CAP
Using your thumb and index
finger, pinch the inside or outside tabs of the lens cap to
remove.
• When the camera is not in use,
always replace the lens cap.
To mount the lens hood, align the rectangular
dimple on the rim of the hood with the focallength index on the top of the lens barrel (1).
Slide the hood onto the end of the lens and
turn it 90° clockwise until it clicks and the circular dimple is aligned with the focal-length
index (2).
• When mounted correctly, the large petals of the
lens hood should be to the top and bottom.
• Never force the lens hood. If it does not fit,
check its orientation.
• To detach the lens hood, turn it 90°
counterclockwise and remove.
The lens hood can be reverse mounted when the
camera is not is use.
With one of the large petals to the top, slide the hood
onto the end of the lens. Turn it 90° clockwise until it
stops.
• The lens hood can be attached or removed with the lens
cap on the camera.
• To detach the lens hood, turn it 90° counterclockwise
and remove.
The lens hood is used to control stray light from entering the lens and causing flare.
When using the camera under bright light, the use of the lens hood is recommended.
The lens hood should not be used with the built-in flash as it can cause a shadow.
Attach the camera strap to the strap eyelets as
shown.
• Always keep the camera strap around your neck in the
event that you drop the camera.
1
2
2
1
While using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD
monitor, grip the camera firmly with your right hand
while supporting the body with the palm of your left
hand. Keep your elbows at your side and your feet
shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steadily.
The EVF can be tilted between 0° and 90°. This is
useful for low-level camera positions.
20 21
HANDLING THE CAMERA
Open the battery-chamber door by moving the batterychamber lock to the open position .
INSERTING THE COMPACTFLASH CARD
INSERTING BATTERIES
Insert the CompactFlash card (2) and fold down the
card-eject lever.
• Insert the card so that 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 its orientation.
TURNING ON THE CAMERAAND DISPLAYS
While pushing in the dial release (1),
turn the mode dial (2) to the still-image
recording position.
Display switch
The display switch at the back of
the camera controls which
display will activate during
camera operation. Turn the
switch to the auto-display
position (A); the display will
alternate between the electronic
viewfinder (EVF) and LCD
monitor automatically.
Insert the batteries.
• Make sure the positive and negative battery terminals are
orientated as illustrated on the diagram in the battery
chamber.
Open the card-slot door (1).
1
2
1
2
GETTING UP AND RUNNING
The AAnickel-metal hydride batteries supplied with the camera must be charged before
their initial use. Refer to the charger manual for instructions on safe use and handling.
22 23
TAKING PICTURES
With the mode dial set to still-image recording, the
camera will be on and the electronic viewfinder
(EVF) and LCD monitor will activate.
The zooming ring can be used to frame the
subject. The effect of the zoom is immediately
displayed in the EVF and on the LCD monitor.
Compose the image in the EVF or on LCD monitor
taking care to place the subject within the focus
frame.
Press the shutter-release button all the way down
to take the picture.
• The access lamp will glow indicating the image data
is being written to the CompactFlash card. Never
remove the CompactFlash card while data is being
transferred.
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH
In low-light conditions or indoors, the flash is needed to illuminate the subject and
reduce blurring through camera shake. The flash can also be used as a fill light in
direct sunlight to soften harsh shadows.
FLASH RANGE - AUTOMATIC OPERATION
To use the flash, simply pull up the unit by the tabs on
each side. Icons will appear in the upper left corner of
the EVF and LCD monitor (see chart below).
• The flash position must be set manually.
• The flash will always fire regardless of the amount of
ambient light.
• Always remove the lens hood when using the built-in flash.
The hood may cast a shadow if mounted.
The camera will automatically control the flash output. For well-exposed images, the
subject must be within the flash range. 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.
Wide-angle position
Telephoto position
0.5m ~ 3.8m (1.6 ft. ~ 12.5 ft.)
0.5m ~ 3.0m (1.6 ft. ~ 9.8 ft.)
Flash warning. In backlit situations, the icon appears to recommend
the use of the flash.
When pressing the shutter-release button partway down, the white
flash icon indicates the flash is ready to fire.
When pressing the shutter-release button partway down, the red flash
icon indicates the flash is charging.
After taking a picture, a blue flash icon appears if the flash properly
exposed the subject.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING
To delete the displayed image, press
the QV/delete button.
• A confirmation screen
will appear.
VIEWING AND DELETING PICTURES IN QUICK VIEW
Captured images can be viewed in recording mode. Simply press the
QV/delete button to access the images, and use the controller to scroll through
the pictures on the CompactFlash card.
Press the QV/delete button to
playback the recorded images.
Use the left/right keys of the controller
to scroll through the images.
Pressing the controller will
delete the image.
24 25
BASIC OPERATION
Use the left/right keys to highlight
“YES.”
• Choosing “NO” will cancel the
operation.
Press the menu button
to return to the
recording mode.
This section covers the basic operation of the camera. Please thoroughly familiarize
yourself with the operations in this section before moving on to other sections in the
manual.
In quick view, images can also be
deleted. Care should be taken when
deleting image; once deleted it is
impossible to recover the picture.
When selecting an image for
deletion, a confirmation screen will
appear before the operation is
executed. For more information
about Quick View, see page 36.
Delete this frame?
NoYes
GETTING UP AND RUNNING
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