Minolta DIMAGE E203 User Manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
E
9224-2774-11 H-A107
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.
Check the packing list before using this product. If any items are missing, immediately contact your
camera dealer.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Minolta DiMAGE E203 digital camera
CR-V3 lithium battery
Hand strap for DiMAGE E203
HS-DG203
USB cable for DiMAGE E203
USB-400
DiMAGE E203 software CD-ROM
ArcSoft PhotoImpression CD-ROM
(packaged in one case)
Camera manual
Warranty card
8MB SD Memory Card
MINOLTA
Warranty
3
Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product.
Using batteries improperly can cause them to leak harmful solutions, overheat, or explode which may
damage property or cause personal injury. Do not ignore the following warnings.
• Only use the batteries specified in this instruction manual.
• Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/–) reversed.
• Do not use batteries which show wear or damage.
• Do not expose batteries to fire, high temperatures, water, or moisture.
• Do not attempt to short or disassemble batteries.
• Do not store batteries near or in metallic products.
• Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, ages, or charge levels.
• Do not charge alkaline or lithium batteries.
• When recharging rechargeable batteries, only use the recommended charger.
• Do not use leaking batteries. If fluid from the batteries enters your eye, immediately rinse the eye
with plenty of fresh water and contact a doctor. If fluid from the batteries makes contact with your
skin or clothing, wash the area thoroughly with water.
WARNING
• 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 plug 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
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE
4
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE
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 memory card or batteries are removed immediately after extended periods
of use. Turn the camera off and wait for it to cool.
• Do not fire the flash while it is in contact with people or objects. The flash unit discharges a large
amount of energy which may cause burns.
• Do not apply pressure to the LCD monitor. A damaged monitor may cause injury, and the liquid
from the monitor may cause inflammation. If liquid from the monitor makes contact with skin wash
the area with fresh water. If liquid from the monitor comes in contact with the eyes, immediately
rinse the eyes with plenty of water and contact a doctor.
• When using the AC adapter, insert the plug securely into the electrical outlet.
• Do not use if the AC adapter cord is damaged.
• Do not cover the AC adapter. A fire may result.
• Do not obstruct access to the AC adapter; this can hinder the unplugging of the unit in
emergencies.
• Unplug the AC adapter when cleaning or when the product is not in use.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About SD Memory Cards and MultiMediaCards ...................................................7
Names of parts ......................................................................................................8
Camera body ...............................................................................................8
Data panel ...................................................................................................9
Viewfinder ....................................................................................................9
Mode dial .....................................................................................................9
Getting up and running ........................................................................................10
Installing a CR-V3 lithium battery ..............................................................10
Installing AA batteries................................................................................10
Battery-condition indicator .........................................................................11
Auto power off............................................................................................11
AC adapter (sold separately) .....................................................................11
Installing and removing a memory card ....................................................12
Attaching the hand strap............................................................................12
Setting up the camera ...............................................................................13
Basic recording operation..........................................................................14
Using the zoom lens ..................................................................................14
Focus lock..................................................................................................15
Special focusing situations ........................................................................15
Handling the camera..................................................................................15
Viewing pictures.........................................................................................16
Enlarged playback .................................................................................16
Camera controls – auto-recording and multi-function recording modes..............17
Tu r ning on the LCD monitor – the display button ......................................17
Mode button...............................................................................................18
Flash modes ..............................................................................................19
Flash range................................................................................................19
Flash signals..............................................................................................19
Subject-programs.......................................................................................20
Camera-shake warning..............................................................................20
Self-timer ...................................................................................................21
Image-size button ......................................................................................22
About the frame counter ............................................................................22
Auto-recording menu............................................................................................23
Setting the LCD monitor brightness ..........................................................23
Multi-function recording menu..............................................................................24
Navigating the multi-function recording menu ...........................................24
Reset menu ...........................................................................................26
Movie recording .....................................................................................26
Digital zoom...........................................................................................27
Exposure compensation ........................................................................27
White balance........................................................................................28
Automatic white balance ..................................................................28
Preset white balance........................................................................28
Spot metering ........................................................................................29
Slow shutter...........................................................................................29
LCD monitor brightness.........................................................................29
Colour mode ..........................................................................................29
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Playback mode – viewing and editing images .....................................................30
Viewing pictures.........................................................................................30
Enlarged playback .....................................................................................31
Viewing movies..........................................................................................31
Navigating the playback menu...................................................................32
Deleting images.....................................................................................34
Index playback .......................................................................................34
Slide show .............................................................................................35
Locking and unlocking images ..............................................................35
Displaying the file number .....................................................................36
LCD monitor brightness.........................................................................36
About DPOF ..........................................................................................36
Creating a DPOF print order .................................................................36
Setup mode – adjusting camera operation..........................................................38
Navigating the setup menu........................................................................38
Formatting memory cards......................................................................40
Self-timer period ....................................................................................40
Auto-power-off period ............................................................................40
File number memory..............................................................................40
Beep ......................................................................................................41
Instant playback.....................................................................................41
Setting the date and time ......................................................................41
Setting the language..............................................................................41
PC mode – connecting to a computer .................................................................42
Arcsoft PhotoImpression 3.0 system requirements...................................42
QuickTime 5.0 system requirements .........................................................42
Connecting the camera to a computer ......................................................43
Connecting to Windows 98 and 98SE.......................................................44
Memory card folder organization ...............................................................45
Auto power off (PC mode).........................................................................46
Disconnecting the camera from the computer...........................................46
Macintosh ..............................................................................................46
Windows 98 and 98SE ..........................................................................46
Windows Me and Windows 2000 Professional......................................47
Changing the memory card (PC mode) ....................................................48
Appendix ...........................................................................................................49
Troubleshooting..........................................................................................50
Care and storage.......................................................................................52
Technical specifications .............................................................................54
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7
• The following may cause data loss or damage.
1. Improper use of the card.
2. Static electrical discharge or electromagnetic fields near the card.
3. Removing the card or interrupting the power supply while the camera or a computer is
accessing the card (reading, writing, formatting, etc.).
4. The disuse of a card for an extended period.
5. Using the card beyond its life.
Minolta has no responsibility for any loss or damage to data.
It is recommended that a copy of the card data be made in another media such as a ZIP disc, hard
disk, CD-ROM, etc.
• When the card is formatted, all recorded data will be deleted. Be sure to make a backup of any
important data.
• The storage capability of the memory card will diminish with extended use. It may be necessary to
purchase a new card periodically.
• Keep away from static electricity and electromagnetic fields.
• Do not bend, drop, or subject the card to impact.
• Static electrical discharges or physical shock may prevent the card from being able to transfer data.
• Do not touch the electrical contacts of the card with your fingers or metal objects.
• Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Keep away from small children.
ABOUT SD MEMORY CARDS AND MULTI MEDIA CARDS
SD Memory Cards and MultiMediaCards are manufactured
with precision electronic components. Please read the following cautions:
The SD Memory Card has a write-protect switch to prevent
image data from being deleted. By sliding the switch to the
bottom of the card, the data will be protected. However,
when the card is protected, images can not be recorded. If
an attempt is made to record or delete an image with the
camera, the LED lamps near the viewfinder and the frame
counter on the data panel will blink and will be accompanied by an audio signal.
Write-protect
switch
Lock
position
The response time during recording and playback is longer with MultiMediaCards compared with SD
Memory Cards. This is not a defect, but rather due to the specifications of the cards. When using
large capacity cards, some operations like deletion may take longer.
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NAMES OF PARTS
* This camera is a sophisticated optical instrument. Care should be taken to keep these surfaces
clean. Please read the care and storage instructions in the back of this manual (p. 52).
CAMERA BODY
Data panel
Shutter-release button
Lens*
Self-timer lamp (p. 21)
Flash (p. 19)
Strap eyelet (p. 12)
Mode dial (main switch)
Viewfinder window*
Battery/card-chamber door (p. 10, 12)
Viewfinder*
LCD monitor*
(p. 17)
Menu button
DC terminal (p. 11)
Access lamp
Display button (p. 17)
Mode button (p. 18)
Controller
USB port (p. 43)
Flash sensor
Image-size button (p. 22)
A tripod socket is located under the body near
the lens.
9
DATA PANEL
MODE DIAL
Auto-recording mode
Multi-function recording mode
Playback mode (p. 30)
Setup mode (p. 38)
This dial gives direct and
easy access to the camera’s major modes. It
also acts as the main
switch.
VIEWFINDER
Focus frame
Focus lamp (green)(p. 14)
Flash lamp (red)(p. 19)
The focus and flash
lamps also indicate when
an image is being written
to the memory card (p.
51).
Autoflash (p. 19)
Red-eye reduction (p. 19)
Fill-flash (p. 19)
Night portrait (p. 20)
Flash cancel (p. 19)
Landscape/Night view (p. 20)
Macro (p. 20)
Self-timer (p. 21)
Mode indicators
Movie indicator (p. 26)
Black & white indicator (p. 29)
Image-size indicators (p. 22)
Battery-condition indicator
(p. 11)
Frame counter
(p. 22)
10
GETTING UP AND RUNNING
INSTALLING A CR-V3 LITHIUM BATTERY
Insert the lithium battery (3).
• Make sure the positive and negative battery terminals are
orientated as illustrated.
This digital camera uses one CR-V3 lithium battery. When replacing the
battery, the mode dial should always be in the off position.
Close the battery-chamber door and slide it up (4) to engage the safety catch.
• If the battery-chamber door is open or the battery is removed for more than fifteen
minutes, the date and time may reset. When the camera is turned on, the monitor
will automatically activate and prompt you to set the calendar and clock (p. 41).
Open the battery-chamber door by sliding the door down (1) to release the
safety catch; the door should spring open (2).
BATTERY
CARD
BA
TTERY
CARD
1
2
4
INSTALLING AA BATTERIES
Although camera performance is better with lithium batteries, two AA-size
alkaline or Ni-MH batteries can be used in this camera. The use of Ni-MH
batteries are recommended over alkaline because of longer life.
Install the batteries as shown in the diagram; make sure the positive and
negative battery terminals are orientated correctly.
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.
3
GETTING UP
AND RUNNING
This section covers the basic operation of the camera. Please read the entire section before moving
on to other sections in the manual. When the camera is initially turned on, the date, time, and menu
language must be set, see page 13.)
11
BATTERY-CONDITION INDICATOR
Full-battery Icon – the battery is fully charged.
Exhausted battery warning – battery power is insufficient for camera operation. The shutter will not release. Replace the battery immediately.
Low battery warning – battery power is very low, but all functions are operational. The
battery should be replaced as soon as possible.
This camera is equipped with an automatic battery-condition indicator. When the camera is on, the
battery-condition indicator appears on the data panel. If the data panel is blank, the batteries may be
dead or installed incorrectly.
AC ADAPTER (SOLD SEPARATELY)
The AC adapter AC-3 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.
Do not change the power supply while the camera is on.
Always turn off the camera before changing between power supplies.
AUTO POWER OFF
To conserve battery power, the camera will turn off displays and unnecessary functions if an operation is not made within three minutes. To restore power to the camera, press the shutter-release button partway down or press the display button. The length of the auto-power-off period can be
changed on the setup menu (p. 38).
In a recording mode, the LCD monitor will turn off after one minute. This period cannot be changed.
To reactive the LCD monitor, press the display button (p. 17).
Insert the mini plug of the AC adapter into the DC terminal.
Insert the AC adapter plug into an electrical outlet.
12
GETTING UP AND RUNNING
INSTALLING AND REMOVING A MEMORY CARD
Insert the memory card all the way into the card slot and
then release(2). The card should catch in the slot.
• Insert the card so the face is toward the front of the
camera. Always push the card in straight, never at an
angle. Never force the card. If the card does not fit,
check that it is orientated correctly.
• If a MultiMediaCard is inserted incorrectly, it will lock,
but the card chamber door will not close.
To eject a memory card, press the card into the slot and
release (3). The card can now be pulled out.
Always turn off the camera and confirm the access lamp is
not lit before inserting or removing a memory card,
otherwise the card may be damaged, and data lost.
BATTERY
CARD
BATTERY
CARD
1
2
3
4
Close the battery-chamber door and slide it up (4) to engage the safety
catch.
Open the battery-chamber door by sliding the door down
(1) to release the safety catch; the door should spring
open.
ATTACHING THE HAND STRAP
Pass the small loop through the strap eyelet on the
body (1).
Pass the other end of the strap through the small
loop and tighten (2).
Always keep the strap around your wrist in the event
that the camera is accidentally dropped.
1
2
Access lamp
An SD (Secure Digital) Memory card or MultiMediaCard must be inserted for the camera to operate.
If a card has not been inserted, three zeros (000) will blink on the data-panel frame counter. For
more about memory cards, see page 7.
13
SETTING UP THE CAMERA
When the camera is initially turned on, the
LCD monitor will activate and prompt you to
set the menu language and the date and
time. Turn the camera on by setting the mode
dial to the setup position.The
controller is used to make settings on the
LCD monitor.
JAPANESE
FRANCAIS
DEUTSCH
ENGLISH
Would you like to select
ENGLISH ?
YES
NO
Date/Time set
00:00
1
1
2001
Year
Month
Day
Use the up/down key of the controller to
highlight the desired language.
To select the language, press the center of
the controller. A confirmation screen will
appear.
On the confirmation screen, use the left/right
key to select “YES.”
• Choosing “NO” will cancel the operation
and return to the language selection
screen.
Press the center of the controller to execute
the command.
After the language is set, the date/time screen will appear automatically. Please take time to accurately set the clock and calendar; when an image is taken, the date and time of capture is recorded
with it.
Use the up/down key to highlight in red the
setting to be changed.
• When the hour is highlighted, pressing the
down key will highlight the minutes.
Use the left/right key to change the highlighted setting.
When the date and time have been set,
press the center of the controller.
• A confirmation screen will appear. Use the left/right key to select “YES”; choosing “NO” will cancel
the operation and return to the date/time screen. Press the center of the controller to to execute the
command on the confirmation screen. If an error was made setting the language or date, they can
be reset on the setup menu (p. 38).
Controller
1
14
GETTING UP AND RUNNING
This camera is equipped with a zoom lens. The effect of
the zoom is visible in the viewfinder and on the LCD
monitor. To activate the LCD monitor, simply press and
hold the display button.
The controller is used to zoom the lens.
Pressing the up key of the controller zooms the
lens toward the telephoto position (T). The
down key zooms towards the wide-angle position (W).
USING THE ZOOM LENS
Controller
Display button
Center the subject within the viewfinder focus frame.
• For off-center subjects, use the focus-lock function (p. 15).
• Make sure the subject is within the focus range of the lens:
0.8m – '. For subjects closer than 0.8m, use the macro
function (p. 20).
• The actual autofocus sensor is located in a
small area within the focus frame as
illustrated on the right by the shaded box.
Press the shutter-release button partway down (1) to lock the focus and exposure.
• The green focus lamp next to the viewfinder will glow to confirm that the image
is in focus. If the focus lamp blinks, the camera was unable to focus on the
subject. Repeat the previous steps until the lamp is
steady.
Press the shutter-release button all the way down (2) to take the picture.
• Both the focus and flash lamps will glow indicating the image data
is being written to the memory card. Never
remove a memory card while data is being
transferred.
• After an image in recorded, it can be
played back for three seconds by activating
the instant-playback function on the setup menu (p. 38, 41)
With the mode dial set to auto recording, the camera will turn on and the lens
will automatically extend. If the lens is hindered when extending, an error message (Err) will appear on the data panel; turn the camera off and wait for the
lens to retract.
1
2
BASIC RECORDING OPERATION
15
SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS
The camera may not be able to focus in certain situations. If the autofocus system cannot focus on a
subject, the green focus lamp will blink. 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 in the
focus frame is low in
contrast.
The subject is too dark. Two subjects at differ-
ent distances overlap
in the focus frame.
The subject is near a
very bright object or
area.
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.
Center the subject within the focus
frame. Press and hold the shutterrelease button partway down.
• The green focus lamp will glow to
indicate that the focus is locked.
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.
12
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 top. Take care not to cover the lens with your fingers or the
strap.
HANDLING THE CAMERA
16
GETTING UP AND RUNNING
VIEWING PICTURES
Still images can easily be viewed in playback mode. To view images, turn the
mode dial to the playback position (1).
Simply use the controller to scroll through the pictures on the memory card.
Images are displayed with date, frame number, and image size information.
The date is temporarily displayed with each new image.
Use the left/right key of the controller to
scroll through the images.
In playback mode, a still image can be enlarged by 2X for closer examination.
1
Controller
With the image to be enlarged displayed, press the center of
the controller.
• The degree of magnification is displayed on
the LCD monitor.
Date of recording
Frame number (p. 22)Image size (p. 22)
ENLARGED PLAYBACK
When enlarged, the
image can be scrolled
using the four-way key of
the controller.
• To exit the enlarged
playback, press the
controller again.
• Enlarged images are framed with a
blue border.
17
CAMERA CONTROLS
AUTO-RECORDING AND
MULTI-FUNCTION RECORDING MODE
Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the getting up and running section before moving on to this section. The previous section covers the basic operation of the camera.
In this section, button controlled recording functions are described. Unless noted, the functions in this
section are the same for the auto-recording and multi-function recording mode.
TURNING ON THE LCD MONITOR – THE DISPLAY BUTTON
Display button
To turn on the LCD monitor, simply press the display button until the monitor activates. The button is also used to
turn the monitor off.
To conserve power, the monitor automatically turns off
after one minute if an operation is not made. The monitor
can be reactivated using the display button. The display
button also reactivates the camera when it is shut down
with the auto-power-save function (p. 11).
The use of the monitor will reduce battery life. To conserve power, use the viewfinder.
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