Minolta Z3 Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

9222-2733-11 MS-A406/0406/109678

2 Before you begin

Thank you for purchasing this digital camera. Please take the time to read through this instruction manual so you can enjoy all the features of your new camera. Check the packing list before using this product. If any items are missing, immediately contact your camera dealer.

DiMAGE Z3 digital camera Neck strap NS-DG7000 Lens cap LF-243 Shoe cap SC-1000 SD Memory Card AV cable AVC-700 USB cable USB-2 4 AA alkaline batteries DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM ArcSoft VideoImpression 2 CD-ROM DiMAGE Instruction Manuals CD-ROM Quick Reference Guide International Warranty Certificate

This product is designed to work with accessories manufactured and distributed by Konica Minolta. Using accessories or equipment not endorsed by Konica Minolta may result in unsatisfactory performance or damage to the product and its accessories.

Before you begin

Konica Minolta is a trademark of Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. DiMAGE is a trademark of Konica Minolta Photo Imaging, Inc. Apple, Macintosh, and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. The official name of Windows is Microsoft Windows Operating System. Pentium is a registered trademark of the Intel Corporation. Power PC is a trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation. QuickTime is a trademark used under license. ArcSoft and VideoImpression are trademarks or registered trademarks of ArcSoft, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

While reasonable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy of this information, Konica Minolta assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions of this instruction manual.

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

Using batteries improperly can cause them to leak harmful solutions, overheat, or explode which may damage property or cause personal injury. Do not ignore the following warnings.

• Only use the batteries specified in this instruction manual.

• Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/–) reversed.

• Do not use batteries which show wear or damage.

• Do not expose batteries to fire, high temperatures, water, or moisture.

• Do not attempt to recharge, short, or disassemble batteries.

• Do not store batteries near or in metallic products.

• Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, ages, or charge levels.

• When recharging rechargeable batteries, only use the recommended charger.

• Do not use leaking batteries. If fluid from the batteries enters your eye, immediately rinse the eye with plenty of fresh water and contact a doctor. If fluid from the batteries makes contact with your skin or clothing, wash the area thoroughly with water.

• Tape over battery contacts to avoid short-circuiting during disposal; always follow local regulations for battery disposal.

For proper and safe use

WARNING

4 For proper and safe use

• 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 Konica Minolta Service Facility when repairs are required.

• Handling the cord on this product may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.

• Do not point the lens directly at the sun, a fire may result. Replace the lens cap when the camera is not in use.

• Do not use or store the product in a hot or humid environment such as the glove compartment or trunk of a car. It may damage the product and batteries which may result in burns or injuries caused by heat, fire, explosion, or leaking battery fluid.

• If batteries are leaking, discontinue use of the product.

• The lens retracts when the camera is turned off. Touching the lens barrel while it is retracting may cause injury.

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

• Burns may result if the memory card or batteries are removed immediately after extended periods of use. Turn the camera off and wait for it to cool.

• Do not fire the flash while it is in contact with people or objects. The flash unit discharges a large amount of energy which may cause burns.

• Do not apply pressure to the LCD monitor. A damaged monitor may cause injury, and the liquid from the monitor may cause inflammation. If liquid from the monitor makes contact with skin, wash the area with fresh water. If liquid from the monitor comes in contact with the eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with plenty of water and contact a doctor.

• When using the AC adapter, insert the plug securely into the electrical outlet.

• Do not use if the AC adapter cord is damaged.

• Do not cover the AC adapter. A fire may result.

• Do not obstruct access to the AC adapter; this can hinder the unplugging of the unit in emergencies.

• Unplug the AC adapter when cleaning or when the product is not in use.

CAUTION

6 Table of contents

The basic operation of this camera is covered between pages 12 and 33. This section of the manual covers the camera parts, preparation of the camera for use, and the basic camera operation for recording, viewing, and deleting images.

Many of the features of this camera are controlled with menus. The menu navigation sections concisely describe how to change menu settings. Descriptions of the settings immediately follow the navigation sections.

About this manual

Names of parts ....................................................................................................................................10

Getting up and running ........................................................................................................................12

Attaching the strap and lens cap ............................................................................................12

Inserting batteries....................................................................................................................13

Battery condition indicator ......................................................................................................14

Auto power save .....................................................................................................................14

Connecting the optional AC adapter ......................................................................................15

Changing the memory card.....................................................................................................16

Turning on the camera and displays .......................................................................................17

Setting the date and time........................................................................................................18

Setting the menu language .....................................................................................................19

Basic recording ....................................................................................................................................20

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

Using the zoom lens................................................................................................................20

Recording images automatically .............................................................................................21

Basic recording operation .......................................................................................................22

` Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection.........................................................................23

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

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

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

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

Flash modes ............................................................................................................................26

Flash range - auto-recording mode ........................................................................................27

Camera-shake warning ...........................................................................................................27

i+ button ..................................................................................................................................28

Adjusting monitor brightness ..................................................................................................28

Digital subject programs .........................................................................................................29

Basic playback.....................................................................................................................................30

Single-frame playback and histogram display........................................................................30

Viewing and rotating images ...................................................................................................31

Deleting single images ............................................................................................................31

i+ button ..................................................................................................................................32

Enlarged playback...................................................................................................................33

Advanced recording.............................................................................................................................34

Recording mode display .........................................................................................................34

Macro ......................................................................................................................................35

Program (P) exposure mode ...................................................................................................36

Aperture priority (A) exposure mode .......................................................................................36

Shutter priority (S) exposure mode .........................................................................................37

Manual (M) exposure mode ....................................................................................................38

Time exposures .......................................................................................................................39

Movie recording.......................................................................................................................40

Exposure compensation..........................................................................................................41

Focus area selection ...............................................................................................................42

Attaching an accessory flash ..................................................................................................43

Navigating the recording menus .............................................................................................44

Drive modes ............................................................................................................................46

Self-timer .................................................................................................................................47

Using the continuous-advance modes ...................................................................................48

Continuous-advance notes .....................................................................................................49

Using the progressive-capture modes....................................................................................50

Progressive-capture notes ......................................................................................................51

Bracketing ...............................................................................................................................52

What is an Ev? ........................................................................................................................53

Image size and image quality..................................................................................................54

Auto DSP.................................................................................................................................56

Digital zoom.............................................................................................................................56

Focus modes...........................................................................................................................57

White balance..........................................................................................................................58

Automatic white balance .................................................................................................58

Preset white balance .......................................................................................................58

Custom white balance .....................................................................................................59

Full-time AF .............................................................................................................................60

Flash mode..............................................................................................................................60

Flash compensation ................................................................................................................60

Metering modes ......................................................................................................................61

Camera sensitivity - ISO .........................................................................................................62

Flash range and camera sensitivity .................................................................................62

Color mode..............................................................................................................................63

Contrast...................................................................................................................................63

Sharpness ...............................................................................................................................64

Custom key function ...............................................................................................................65

Quality (Movie).........................................................................................................................66

Frame rate ...............................................................................................................................66

Movie file sizes ........................................................................................................................66

Movie mode.............................................................................................................................67

8 Table of contents

A short guide to photography..............................................................................................................68

Advanced playback..............................................................................................................................70

Playing back movies ...............................................................................................................70

Capturing a movie frame.........................................................................................................70

Navigating the playback menu................................................................................................72

Frame-selection screen...........................................................................................................74

Delete ......................................................................................................................................75

Format .....................................................................................................................................76

Lock.........................................................................................................................................77

Copy and E-mail Copy............................................................................................................78

Copy ................................................................................................................................79

E-mail Copy .....................................................................................................................79

Slide Show ..............................................................................................................................80

About DPOF ............................................................................................................................82

DPOF setup .............................................................................................................................82

Date print.................................................................................................................................83

Index print ...............................................................................................................................83

Viewing images on a television ...............................................................................................84

Setup menu .........................................................................................................................................85

Opening the setup menu.........................................................................................................85

Navigating the setup menu .....................................................................................................86

LCD monitor brightness ..........................................................................................................88

Auto power save .....................................................................................................................88

Instant playback ......................................................................................................................88

Lens accessory .......................................................................................................................89

Language.................................................................................................................................89

File number (#) memory ..........................................................................................................89

Folder name ............................................................................................................................90

Noise reduction .......................................................................................................................90

Date and time setup................................................................................................................91

Date imprinting ........................................................................................................................91

Reset default ...........................................................................................................................92

Audio signals ...........................................................................................................................93

Focus signal ............................................................................................................................94

Shutter FX................................................................................................................................94

Volume.....................................................................................................................................94

Video output ............................................................................................................................94

Transfer mode .........................................................................................................................95

Self-timer .................................................................................................................................95

Anti-shake system...................................................................................................................95

Data-transfer mode ..............................................................................................................................97

System requirements ..............................................................................................................97

Connecting the camera to a computer ...................................................................................98

Connecting to Windows 98 and 98SE ....................................................................................99

Automatic installation ......................................................................................................99

Manual installation .........................................................................................................100

Memory card folder organization ..........................................................................................102

Auto power save - data-transfer mode.................................................................................103

Disconnecting the camera ...................................................................................................104

Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition .............................................................................104

Windows Me, 2000 Professional, and XP .....................................................................104

Macintosh ......................................................................................................................105

Changing the memory card .................................................................................................106

Uninstalling the driver software - Windows ..........................................................................107

PictBridge..............................................................................................................................108

Notes on printing errors ........................................................................................................109

Navigating the PictBridge menu ...........................................................................................110

Appendix .......................................................................................................................................114

Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................................114

Care and storage...................................................................................................................116

Camera care ..................................................................................................................116

Storage ..........................................................................................................................116

Cleaning.........................................................................................................................116

LCD monitor care ..........................................................................................................117

Batteries.........................................................................................................................117

Operating temperatures and conditions........................................................................117

Memory cards................................................................................................................118

Before important events and journeys ..........................................................................119

Copyright .......................................................................................................................119

Questions and service ...................................................................................................119

QuickTime system requirements...........................................................................................120

VideoImpression 2 system requirements ..............................................................................120

Technical specifications ........................................................................................................122

10 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. 116).

Names of parts

Shutter-release button

Lens*

Self-timer lamp (p. 47)

Flash (p. 26)

Strap eyelet (p. 12)

The battery-chamber door (p. 13) and tripod socket are located on the bottom of the body.

Microphone

USB / AV / DC terminal cover

Speaker

Viewfinder* (p. 17)

LCD monitor*

Access lamp

Exposure-mode dial (p. 21, 29, 36 - 40)

Accessory shoe (p. 43)

Controller

Zoom lever (p. 20)

Menu button

Quick View / Delete button (p. 30, 31)

Information button (p. 28, 32)

Mode switch

Main switch

Flash-mode button (p. 26)

Macro button (p. 35)

Diopter-adjustment

dial (p. 17)

12 Getting up and running

GETTING UP AND RUNNING

Always keep the strap around your neck in the event that the camera is accidentally dropped. An optional leather neck strap, NS-DG1000, is also available from your Konica Minolta dealer. Availability varies with region.

Attaching the strap and lens cap

Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the outside tabs of the lens cap to remove or attach. When the camera is not in use, always replace the lens cap.

Pass one of the small loops of the lens-cap strap through the eyelet on the lens cap (1). Pass the other loop through the first loop and tighten (2).

Pass the end of the neck strap through the lens-cap strap and strap eyelet on the camera body (3).

Thread the strap through the inside of the buckle as shown (4). Repeat with the other end of the strap.

Inserting batteries

Insert the batteries as indicated on the diagram on the inside of the battery-chamber door. Confirm the positive and negative battery terminals are oriented correctly.

To open the battery-chamber door, slide the door toward the side of the camera (1) to release the safety catch. Lift the door to open (2).

This digital camera uses four AA-size alkaline or Ni-MH batteries. Do not use other types of AA batteries. The camera should be off when replacing batteries.

Close the battery-chamber door and slide it toward the body (3) to engage the safety catch.

After installing the batteries, the set-time/date message may appear on the monitor. The clock and calendar are set in section 2 of the setup menu (p. 18).

14 Getting up and running

Battery condition indicator

Full-battery indicator - the battery is fully charged. This indicator is displayed for three seconds on the monitor when the camera is turned on.

Low-battery indicator - battery power is low. The battery should be replaced as soon as possible.

This camera is equipped with an automatic battery-condition indicator. When the camera is on, the battery-condition indicator appears on the monitor. If the monitor is blank, the batteries may be exhausted or installed incorrectly.

Auto power save

To conserve battery power, the camera turns off displays and unnecessary functions if an operation is not made within a minute. To restore power, press any button or key, or turn the exposure-mode dial to another position. The length of the auto-power-save period can be changed in section 1 of the setup menu (p. 86).

Low-battery warning - battery power is very low. The monitor indicator is red. The battery should be replaced as soon as possible. This warning automatically appears and remains on the monitor until the battery is changed. If power falls below this level, the battery-exhausted message will be displayed just before the camera shuts down. If the low-battery warning is displayed, UHS continuous advance, both Progressive Capture drive modes, and movie recording cannot be used.

Connecting the optional AC adapter

The AC Adapter allows the camera to be powered from an electrical household outlet. The AC Adapter is recommended when the camera is interfaced with a computer or during periods of heavy use. AC Adapter model AC-1L is for use in North America and Japan, and AC-11 is for use in all other areas.

Insert the mini plug of the AC adapter into the DC terminal (1).

Insert the AC adapter plug into an electrical outlet.

Always turn off the camera before changing between power supplies.

16 Getting up and running

Changing the memory card

An SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard must be inserted for the camera to operate. If a card has not been inserted, a no-card warning is displayed on the monitor. For more about memory cards see page 118.

Always turn off the camera and confirm the access lamp is not lit before removing a memory card; damage and data loss may result.

1. Open the card-slot door on the bottom of the camera.

2. Insert the memory card all the way into the card slot and release; the card should catch in the slot. Insert the card so the face is toward the back of the camera. Always push the card in straight. Never force the card. If the card does not fit, check that it is oriented correctly.

3. To eject a memory card, press the card into the slot and release. The card can then be pulled out. Take care when removing the card as it becomes hot with use.

4. Close the battery-chamber door.

A memory card used in another camera may have to be formatted before being used. If the unableto-use-card message appears, the card should be formatted with the camera. A memory card can be formatted in section 1 of the playback menu (p. 72). When a card is formatted, all the data on the card is permanently erased. If the card-error message appears, press the central button of the controller to close the window; check the Konica Minolta web site for the latest compatibility information:

North America: http://www.konicaminolta.us/ Europe: http://www.konicaminoltasupport.com

2 31 4

Turning on the camera and displays

Press the main switch to turn the camera on. Pressing the switch again turns the camera off.

When the camera is turned on, the Anti-shake indicator appears on the LCD monitor.

Around the main switch is the mode switch. This switch is used to change between the recording and playback modes as well as the selecting the between the monitor and viewfinder display.

Recording mode (Monitor display) - the camera can record images and the monitor is viewed directly.

Playback mode (Monitor display) - images can be played back and edited. The monitor is viewed directly.

To use the viewfinder in the playback mode, press and hold the flash mode button (1) and then press and hold the information (i+) button (2) until the monitor switches to the viewfinder position.

Camera notes

Recording mode (Viewfinder display) - the camera can record images and the monitor is viewed through the viewfinder. The viewfinder has a built-in diopter. While looking through the viewfinder, turn the diopter-adjustment dial until the monitor image is sharp.

18 Getting up and running

Use the left and right keys to select the item to be changed.

Use the up and down keys to adjust the item.

Press the central button to set the clock and calendar.

Setting the date and time

After initially inserting a memory card and batteries, the camera’s clock and calendar must be set. When images are recorded, the image data is saved with the date and time of recording.

If the clock and calendar have not been set, a message is displayed for a few seconds each time the camera is turned on. This message is also displayed if the clock and calendar reset when the camera is stored without batteries for a long period.

Date/Time setup screen

MM / DD / YYYY

00 : 00

Date/Time set

:enter

2004 . 01 . 01

Set date/time?

Yes

Use the left and right keys of the controller (1) to select “Yes.” “No” cancels the operation.

Press the center of the controller to open the date/time setup screen.

The date/time setup screen can be opened in section 2 of the setup menu.

:sel.:move

Use the down key to highlight the language menu option.

Press the central button to complete the operation.

Press the right key to highlight the current language. Press the central button to open the language screen.

Setting the Menu language

For customers in certain areas, the menu language may have to be set. Press the menu button (1) to open the menu; the appearance of the menu will depend on the position of the camera’s controls.

Navigating the menu is simple. The up/down and left/right keys of the controller (2) move the cursor and change settings on the menu. The central button of the controller selects menu options and sets adjustments.

Digital

Use the right key of the controller to highlight “setup” at the top of the menu.

Image Quality Auto D

Drive mode Image size Quality Auto DSP Digital zoom

Drive m

Off

Standard

2272x1704

Single

Press the central button of the controller to open the setup menu.

LCDbrightness Power save Inst.Playback Lens acc. Language

None English

Off

1 min.

–

Use the controller to select the language.

Language

:enter:sel.

Français Español

Deutsch

English

/JPN

/CHN

20 Basic recording

BASIC RECORDING

While using the viewfinder or LCD monitor, grip the camera firmly with your right hand while supporting the body with your left. Keep your elbows at your side and your feet shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steadily. Take care not to cover the lens with your fingers or the strap.

Handling the camera

This section covers the basic operation of this camera. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the operations in this section before moving on to the other sections in the manual.

Using the zoom lens

The zoom lever controls the lens (1). Sliding the lever to the right (T) will zoom in to the telephoto position of the lens. Sliding the lever to the left (W) will zoom out to the wide-angle position.

After zooming, the zoom scale is displayed briefly. If the digital zoom is active, the yellow section of the scale indicates the digital-zoom range.

Turn on the camera. Set the mode switch to a recording position.

Zoom scale

Recording images automatically

Turn the exposure-mode dial to the auto-recording position (1); all camera operations are now fully automatic. The autofocus, exposure, and imaging systems will work together to bring beautiful results effortlessly.

While many of the camera’s systems in this mode are automatic, some of the functions can be changed. The following list shows changes that can be made in auto-recording.

Functions which can be changed with buttons:

• Flash mode

• Macro mode

Functions which can be changed with the auto-recording menu:

• Drive mode

• Image size

• Quality

• Automatic digital subject program selection

• Digital zoom

22 Basic recording

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

The example uses auto recording. Except for movie recording, the operation for other exposure modes is the same. Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection is only available in the auto recording mode.

Place the subject anywhere within the focus frame. Make sure the subject is within the focus range of the lens (p. 24). For very close subjects, use the macro function (p. 35).

Basic recording operation

Press the shutter-release button partway down to lock the focus and exposure. An AF sensor (a) is displayed to indicate the subject. Automatic Digital Subject Selection will choose the appropriate exposure mode, see the facing page.

The focus signal (b) on the monitor will confirm focus lock. If the focus signal is red, the camera was unable to locate the subject. Repeat the previous steps until the signal is white. The shutter speed (c) and aperture (d) appears and turns black to indicate the exposure is locked.

a b

c d

The recorded image can be previewed by continuing to hold down the shutter-release button after the image is captured. The instant-playback function can also be used (p. 88).

Camera notes

The access lamp lights indicating image data is being written to the memory card. Never remove a memory card while data is being transferred.

Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection

Automatic Digital Program Selection chooses between program autoexposure and one of four digital subject programs. The digital subject programs optimize camera setting for various conditions and subjects. Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection is only available in auto recording and can be disabled in the auto-recording menu. For information on individual subject programs, see page 29.

A row of gray indicators at the top on the monitor display will indicate Automatic Digital Subject Selection is active. Place the subject in the focus frames; the procedure is the same as the basic recording operation described on page 22.

Press the shutter-release button partway down; the AF system will locate the subject and the Automatic Digital Subject Selection function will choose a subject program. If no indicators are displayed, program autoexposure is active. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture. Hold the camera steadily when the sunset subject program is selected as exposures can be long.

Program autoexposure (the Digital Subject Program indicators disappear)

Portrait

Sports action

Landscape

Sunset

Basic recording24

Focus lock prevents the AF system from focusing. This can be used with off-center subjects or when a special focusing situation prevents the camera from focusing (p. 25).

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

Focus lock

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

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

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

Focus range

0.6 - ∞ (2.0 ft - ∞)

All distances are measured from the front of the lens. See page 35 for the marco focus range.

Wide-angle position

2.0 - ∞ (6.6 ft.- ∞ )

Telephoto position

The focus signal in the lower right corner of the LCD monitor indicates the focus status. The shutter can be released even if the camera cannot focus on the subject.

The camera may not be able to focus in certain situations. If the autofocus system cannot focus on a subject, the focus signal will turn red. In this situation, focus-lock on an object at the same distance as the main subject and then recompose the image on the monitor to take the picture.

The subject in the focus frame is low in contrast.

The subject is too dark.

Two subjects at different distances overlap in the focus frame.

The subject is near a very bright object or area.

When using the sports action digital subject program, the camera continually focuses when the shutter-release button is pressed partway down; the focus frames turn red. Keep the subject within the red focus frames. Focus lock cannot be used.

If the AF system cannot focus, focus lock can be used with object at the same distance as the main subject or the camera can be focused manually in the Digital Subject Program or program (P) exposure modes (p. 57).

Focus signals

Special focusing situations

Focus locked.

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

Focus confirmed (P, A, S, and M continuous AF focus mode and sports action digital subject program). Exposure continuously adjusts.

To use the built-in flash, simply raise it (1). Lower the flash unit to prevent it from firing. Flash-mode indicator turns red while the flash is charging; wait until it becomes white before taking pictures.

To change the flash mode, simply press the flash mode button (2) until the appropriate mode is indicated.

Autoflash - the flash fires automatically in low-light and backlit conditions.

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

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

Slow sync. - flash and ambient light exposures are balanced; red-eye reduction is used. Use slow sync. when in dark locations to reveal background details. Ask your subject not to move after the flash burst; the shutter may still be open for the background exposure. Because exposures can be long, the use of a tripod is recommended.

Flash cancel - the flash is down and cannot fire.

26 Basic recording

Autoflash

Fill-flash

Slow sync. with red-eye reduction

Autoflash with red-eye reduction

Flash modes

Fill-flash

Flash cancel

If the shutter speed falls below the point where the camera can be safely hand held, regardless if Anti-shake is active or not (p. 95), the camera-shake warning appears on the LCD monitor. Camera shake is slight blurring caused by subtle hand motion and is more pronounced at the telephoto position of the lens than at the wide-angle. Although the warning appears, the shutter can still be released. If the warning appears, place the camera on a tripod, use the built-in flash, or zoom the lens towards the wide-angle position until the warning disappears.

Camera-shake warning

Flash range - auto-recording mode

The camera controls the flash output automatically. For well-exposed images, the subject must be within the flash range. Distance is given from the front of the lens. Because of the optical system, the flash range is not the same at the lens’ wide-angle position as it is at the telephoto position.

0.2 - 4.0m (0.7 - 13.1 ft.)

Wide-angle position

1.2 - 2.5m (3.9 - 8.2 ft.)

Telephoto position

Camera-shake warning

If the flash output was sufficient to illuminate the subject, the flash-output indicator briefly replaces the flash-mode indicator after the exposure. The indicator does not appear when instant playback (p. 88) is active.

flash-output indicator

The monitor image can be made lighter or darker. The brightness level can be set individually for viewfinder and direct viewing. Turn the mode switch to the appropriate position. Press and hold the information (i+) button to open the LCD brightness screen.

Use the left/right keys of the controller to adjust the brightness; the monitor image changes accordingly. Press the center of the controller to set the brightness level or press the menu button to close the screen without applying any changes.

28 Basic recording

Pressing the information (i+) button changes the monitor display. The display cycles among the standard display, real-time histogram, and live image only.

Standard display Live image only

Information button

button

Adjusting monitor brightness

Set LCD brightness

:adjust

:enter

Low High

The real-time histogram shows the approximate luminance distribution of the live image. This histogram cannot show the affect of flash illumination. The histogram of a recorded image may not show the same distribution as the real-time histogram.

Real-time histogram

Digital subject programs

Sports action - used to capture action by maximizing shutter speeds. The AF system continuously focuses; see page 25. When using flash, the subject must be within the flash range (p. 27). A monopod is more flexible and compact than a tripod when shooting events.

Sunset - optimized to reproduce rich, warm sunsets. When the sun is above the horizon, do not point the camera toward the sun for prolonged periods of time. The intensity of the sun could damage the CCD. Between exposures, turn off the camera or cover the lens.

Night portrait - for deep, subtle night scenes. The use of a tripod is recommended. When used with flash, the subject and background exposures are balanced. The flash can only be used with close subjects such as with a portrait of a person. When using the flash, ask your subjects not to move after the burst; the shutter will still be open for the background exposure.

Landscape - optimized to produce sharp, colorful landscapes. Used with bright outdoor scenery.

Digital subject programs optimize the camera’s exposure, white-balance, and imageprocessing systems for specific conditions and subjects. Simply turn the exposure mode dial to select the appropriate subject program; the active subject program is displayed in the bottom left corner of the monitor.

Portrait - optimized to reproduce warm, soft skin tones and a slight defocusing of the background. Most portraits look best at a telephoto setting; the longer focal length does not exaggerate facial features and the shallower depth of field softens the background. Use the built-in flash with strong direct sunlight or backlight to reduce harsh shadows.

Exposure-mode indicator

Images can be viewed in the Quick View or playback modes. This section covers the basic operations in both modes. The playback mode has additional functions, see page 70.

To view images from the playback mode, turn the mode switch to the playback position (1).

To view images from the recording mode, press the Quick View / delete button (2).

30 Basic playback

BASIC PLAYBACK

Single-frame playback and histogram display

Date of capture

Frame number/ total number of images

Lock indicator (p. 77)

DPOF indicator (p. 82)

Image size (p. 54) Image quality (p. 54)

Time of capture

Shutter speed

Aperture value

White-balance setting (p. 58)

Sensitivity setting (p. 62)

Degree of exposure compensation (p. 41)

Folder name

Folder number - image file number

Histogram

Mode indicator

To display the histogram display, press the up key of the controller. Press the down key to return to single-frame playback.

Movie indicator (p. 70)

E-mail copy indicator (p. 78)

Magnification (p. 33)

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