Olympus C5500, C55 User Manual

DIGITAL CAMERA

C-5500 ZOOM C-55 ZOOM

Advanced Manual

Thank you for purchasing an Olympus digital camera. Before you start to use your

new camera, please read these instructions carefully to enjoy optimum performance and a longer service life. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.

We recommend that you take test shots to get accustomed to your camera before

taking important photographs.

In the interest of continually improving products, Olympus reserves the right to update

or modify information contained in this manual.

Detailed explanations of all the functions for getting the most out of your camera.

Basic Operation

Basic Shooting

Advanced Shooting

Playing Back

Printing

Online Pictures

Camera Settings

Navigation

How to use the camera

Using a computer...

Using the OLYMPUS Master software on your computer lets you enjoy editing, viewing, and printing the pictures downloaded from your camera.

Using a card...

Pictures taken with this camera are stored on an xD-Picture Card. By storing the relevant print reservation data with the images on the card, you can print pictures at a print shop or on a PictBridge-compatible printer.

Using a printer...

With a PictBridge-compatible printer, you can print pictures directly from your camera.

Using a TV...

You can use a TV to view pictures or playback movies from your camera.

AE/AF

AF:

AE:ESP

ESP

iESP

CAM

TIMELAPSE

MULTI METERING

PICTURES

PICTURE

SELECT GO

SHARPNESS

CARD

INTERVAL

SATURATION

SET

SELECT

SPOT AREA

SPOT

Using the mode dial...

Use the mode dial to select a shooting or playback mode. f lets you select the optimum settings for the shooting conditions from 10 different situations.

Using the arrow pad and N button...

The arrow pad and N button are for selecting and setting menu options as well as viewing pictures frame by frame.

Using the direct buttons...

Direct buttons let you perform functions such as erasing or protecting pictures or setting the flash mode, making camera operation easy.

OK 01

± 0

Using the menus...

Shooting and playback-related functions are set from the menus

GOOKSET

displayed on the monitor.

How to use this manual

(Indications used in this manual

A sample page is shown below to explain how to read the instructions in this manual. Look at it carefully before taking or viewing pictures. See the reference pages for further details on how to use the buttons or menus.

Set the mode dial to one of these symbols. g “Mode dial” (P.12)

Select the menus in the order indicated by. g“Menus” (P.16)

Available languages vary depending on the area where you purchased this camera. g“Selecting a language” (P.108)

This sample page is only for your reference. It may differ from the actual page in this manual.

Note

Important information on factors which may lead to a malfunction or operational problems. Also warns of operations that should be absolutely avoided.

TIPS

Useful information and hints that will help you get the most out of your camera.

Reference pages describing details or associated information.

(Basic and Advanced Manuals

The instruction manual accompanying this camera is divided into two parts: the Basic Manual and the Advanced Manual (this document).

Basic Manual

Advanced Manual

This manual helps you get used to the camera. It gives you easy-tofollow explanations on how to take pictures and view them.

This manual introduces you to the camera’s many functions after you have mastered the basics. It will help you to use the camera’s capabilities to take much more creative pictures, with more fun!

Composition of the manual

A quick guide to the camera’s capabilities.

Read this part before using the camera.

Explanation of techniques from basics to advanced, giving you an understanding of all the functions related to taking pictures.

To view, edit and sort the pictures you have taken.

Settings to make your camera easier to use.

To print the pictures you have taken.

How to use the camera

Table of Contents

Basic operation

Tips before you start taking pictures

Basic shooting functions

Advanced shooting functions

More useful functions

Playback

Settings

Printing pictures

P.2

P.6

P.11

P.21

P.31

P.45

P.71

P.83

P.105

P.123

To enjoy the pictures you have taken on a computer. To use OLYMPUS Master.

Troubleshooting For when you want to know the names of parts, see a list of menus, or find what you are looking for.

Connecting the camera to a computer

Appendix

Miscellaneous

P.141

P.157

P.179

The title page of each chapter gives a short description of the contents. Be sure to check it out.

Table of Contents

How to use this manual....................................................................... 4

Composition of the manual ................................................................. 5

1 Basic operation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -11

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

Direct buttons .................................................................................... 13

Using the direct buttons in shooting mode .................................. 13

Using the direct buttons in playback mode ................................. 15

Menus ............................................................................................... 16

About the menus ......................................................................... 16

How to use the menus ................................................................ 19

2 Tips before you start taking pictures - - - - - -21

Holding the camera ........................................................................... 22

Turning the monitor on/off ................................................................. 23

If correct focus cannot be obtained................................................... 24

How to focus (focus lock) ............................................................ 24

Subjects that are difficult to focus on .......................................... 25

Record mode K ............................................................................. 26

Still picture record modes............................................................ 26

Movie record modes.................................................................... 27

Card capacity in number of pictures/remaining recording time... 28

To change the record mode........................................................ 30

3 Basic shooting functions- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31

Selecting a shooting mode according to the situation....................... 32

Zooming in on a distant subject ........................................................ 35

Using the optical zoom................................................................ 35

Using the digital zoom................................................................. 36

Taking close-up pictures (macro/super macro mode) &% ............ 37

Flash shooting # ............................................................................. 39

Flash intensity control w .......................................................... 43

Slow synchronization L ................................................... 44

4 Advanced shooting functions - - - - - - - - - - - 45

Aperture priority shooting A ............................................................ 46

Shutter priority shooting S ............................................................... 47

Manual shooting M .......................................................................... 48

My Mode r .................................................................................... 49

Table of Contents

Focusing applications........................................................................ 49

AF mode...................................................................................... 49

Fulltime AF .................................................................................. 50

AF area ....................................................................................... 50

AF illuminator .............................................................................. 51

Manual focus

Metering ............................................................................................ 54

ESP/Spot metering

Multi-metering ............................................................................. 54

AE lock B ..................................................................................... 56

ISO sensitivity ................................................................................... 58

Exposure compensation F .............................................................. 59

White balance WB ........................................................................... 60

Auto white balance ...................................................................... 60

Preset white balance ................................................................... 61

One-touch white balance V ..................................................... 62

White balance compensation > ............................................ 63

Sharpness N ................................................................................... 64

Contrast J ....................................................................................... 65

Saturation 6 ................................................................................... 65

Noise reduction O ......................................................................... 66

Histogram u ................................................................................... 67

Displaying shooting information INFO .............................................. 69

Frame assist...................................................................................... 70

M ....................................................................... 52

Kn ...................................................... 54

5 More useful functions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -71

Recording movies n ....................................................................... 72

Camera movement compensation h ...................................... 73

Sequential shooting j 7 .......................................................... 74

Sequential shooting j ............................................................. 74

Auto bracketing 7 ................................................................. 75

Time lapse shooting L .................................................................... 76

Self-timer shooting Y ...................................................................... 77

Function shooting (black & white/sepia)............................................ 78

Panorama shooting ........................................................................... 79

Recording sound with still pictures R ............................................... 81

Recording sound with movies R ...................................................... 82

6 Playback - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -83

Single-frame playback q ................................................................ 84

Table of Contents

Close-up playback U ...................................................................... 84

Index display G .............................................................................. 85

Selecting the number of pictures G ......................................... 86

Calendar display G ........................................................................ 86

Slideshow m .................................................................................. 88

Slideshow setup m .................................................................. 88

Picture rotation y ............................................................................ 89

Playing back movies q .................................................................. 90

Editing still pictures ........................................................................... 91

Resizing Q .............................................................................. 91

Trimming P .............................................................................. 92

Red-eye correction...................................................................... 93

Recording sound R .......................................................................... 94

Editing movies................................................................................... 95

Creating an index........................................................................ 95

Editing a movie............................................................................ 96

Playback on a TV .............................................................................. 98

Video output selection................................................................. 99

Information display INFO ............................................................... 100

Histogram u ................................................................................. 101

Protecting pictures 0 .................................................................. 102

Erasing pictures SR ................................................................... 102

Single-frame erase S .............................................................. 103

All-frame erase R .................................................................. 103

Formatting I ................................................................................. 104

7 Settings- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 105

All reset ........................................................................................... 106

Selecting a language W ........................................................... 108

Power on/Power off setup ............................................................... 108

Rec view.......................................................................................... 109

Screen setup................................................................................... 110

Playback volume ............................................................................. 111

Beep 8 ......................................................................................... 111

Button operation beep ..................................................................... 112

Shutter sound.................................................................................. 112

My Mode setup r ........................................................................ 113

File name ........................................................................................ 116

Pixel mapping.................................................................................. 117

Monitor brightness adjustment s ................................................ 117

Table of Contents

Setting the date and time X ........................................................ 118

Measurement units (m/ft) m/ft ........................................................ 119

Shortcut........................................................................................... 120

Setting the shortcut menus ....................................................... 121

Using the shortcut menus ......................................................... 121

8 Printing pictures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 123

Direct printing (PictBridge) .............................................................. 124

Using the direct printing function............................................... 124

Connecting the camera to a printer........................................... 125

Printing pictures ........................................................................ 126

Easy printing ............................................................................. 126

Printing by selecting a print mode ............................................. 128

Trimming P ............................................................................ 131

Exiting direct printing ................................................................. 132

If an error code is displayed ...................................................... 133

Print settings (DPOF) < ................................................................ 134

How to make print reservations................................................. 134

All-frame reservation/Single-frame reservation U < ............. 135

Trimming P ............................................................................ 138

Resetting print reservation data < .......................................... 139

9 Connecting the camera to a computer - - - - 141

Flow................................................................................................. 142

Using OLYMPUS Master ................................................................ 143

What is OLYMPUS Master?...................................................... 143

Installing OLYMPUS Master ..................................................... 144

Connecting the camera to a computer............................................ 147

Starting up OLYMPUS Master ........................................................ 149

Displaying camera images on a computer ...................................... 151

Downloading and saving images .............................................. 151

Viewing still pictures and movies .................................................... 153

Printing pictures .............................................................................. 154

To download and save images to a computer without using

OLYMPUS Master..................................................................... 156

10 Appendix - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 157

Troubleshooting .............................................................................. 158

Error codes................................................................................ 158

Troubleshooting ........................................................................ 159

Table of Contents

Camera care ................................................................................... 166

AC adapter (optional)...................................................................... 167

Safety Precautions .......................................................................... 168

Handling the Camera ................................................................ 168

Battery handling precautions..................................................... 171

Card handling precautions ........................................................ 174

LCD Monitor .............................................................................. 175

Glossary of terms ............................................................................ 176

11 Miscellaneous - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 179

Menu list.......................................................................................... 180

List of factory default settings.......................................................... 186

Modes and shooting functions ........................................................ 189

Names of parts................................................................................ 191

Camera ..................................................................................... 191

Monitor indications .................................................................... 193

Index ............................................................................................... 196

1 Basic operation

BLUE

RED

SELECTGOGO

CANCEL

Basic operation



Don’t you sometimes feel that advanced shooting and editing functions are only for professional photographers? With their experience and skill, they can make all kinds of fine adjustments to achieve a variety of effects. Now you too can achieve such effects simply by pressing the buttons on your digital camera. You can use the advanced functions available on your camera by setting the menu items to adjust the amount of light passing through aperture or alter the focusing range. Just display a menu on the monitor and use the buttons to choose a setting. Familiarize yourself with the buttons and menus before reading the explanations of the various functions.

BLUE

MODE MENU

MONITOR OFF

000:0:36360 0:36

Movies

SELECT

CANCEL

CANCEL SELECT

Sequential shooting

RED

Mode dial

This camera features a mode dial for selecting the camera’s mode. The modes are divided into shooting and playback modes, with shooting mode divided into 8 modes. Select the mode you want, then press the POWER switch to turn the camera on.

Shooting modes

Set the mode dial to one of these positions to take pictures or movies.

Basic operation

Playback mode

Set the mode dial to this position to view pictures or movies.

(About the mode dial

There is no need to use special functions or change any settings.

The camera automatically adjusts all settings including focus and exposure for you.

The camera automatically sets the aperture value and shutter

speed.

This function allows you to set the aperture manually. The camera

sets the shutter speed automatically. gP.46

This function allows you to set the shutter speed manually. The

camera sets the aperture automatically. gP.47

This function allows you to set the aperture and shutter speed

Shooting modes

Playback

mode

TIPS

•

The direct button functions and menu contents vary depending on the position of the mode dial. g “Direct buttons” (P.13), “Menus” (P.16), “Menu list” (P.180)

• You can change the mode before and after turning the camera on.

manually. gP.48

This function allows you to set your own shooting parameters and

This function allows you to select from 10 situation-related modes

set to the shooting conditions. gP.32

This function allows you to record movies with sound. gP.72

This function allows you to view still pictures and movies, as well

as playback sound. gP.84, 90

Direct buttons

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

2592 1944

The direct buttons have different functions in shooting mode and in playback mode.

Using the direct buttons in shooting mode

Basic operation

e f

QUICK VIEW button

Pressing the QUICK VIEW button displays the last picture taken on the monitor. All the functions in normal playback mode are available. g“6 Playback” (P.83) To return to shooting mode for taking the next picture, press the QUICK VIEW button or press the shutter button halfway.

[ (AE lock) button

The exposure (AE) lock function is alternately activated and canceled each time you press the button. g“AE lock” (P.56)

F2.8

1/1000

2592 1944

AE lock screen

0.0

303030

Direct buttons

1/1000

F2.8

0.0

2592 1944

1/1000

F2.8

0.0

2592 1944

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

2.5m

1.2m

0.6m

# (flash mode) button

Press the # (flash mode) button repeatedly to change the setting. The setting changes in the following order with each press of the button. g“Flash shooting” (P.39)

1/1000

F2.8

0.0

AUTO (Auto-flash)

AUTO

$ (Flash off)

! (red-eye

reduction flash)

#SLOW (Slow

Basic operation

2592 1944

& (Macro) button

303030

synchronization)

# (fill-in flash)

Press the & (macro) button repeatedly to change the macro settings. The setting changes in the following order with each press of the button. g“Taking close-up pictures (macro/super macro mode)” (P.37)

1/1000

F2.8

N button

2592 1944

0.0

303030

OFF

(Macro)

(Super macro)

The focus mode is alternately selected. Holding down N for more than 1 second displays the following screen. Press bd to alternately select AF (Auto focus) and MF (Manual focus). g“Manual focus” (P.52)

F2.8

2.5m

1.2m

0.6m

1/1000

0.0

Currently, AF (Auto focus) is set. Press b to switch to MF (Manual focus).

303030

Using the direct buttons in playback mode

16 15

30 30

100

0030

16 15

30 30

100

0030

16 15

30 30

100

0030

SELECT

c d e

y (Rotation) button

Pressing the y (Rotation) button after selecting a still picture rotates it. Each pressing rotates the image in the following sequence: 90° clockwise, 90° counterclockwise, and back to the original. g“Picture rotation” (P.89)

100

’0505.

0202.

0030

16 15

100

’0505.

0 (Protect) button

0202.

0030

16 15

30 30

Pressing the 0 (Protect) button after selecting a picture sets the protect function. g“Protecting pictures” (P.102)

30 30

100

’0505.

Direct buttons

0030

0202.

16 15

30 30

Basic operation1Basic operation

S (Erase) button Pressing the S (Erase) button after selecting a picture displays the

screen below. Follow the operation guide at the bottom of the screen to erase the picture. g“Erasing pictures” (P.102)

ERASE

YES

SELECT

SELECT GO

Operation guide

Menus

Menus are used to set functions. Press N to display the menu on the monitor.

About the menus

The menu items that can be used differ depending on the mode.

Menus are divided into shortcut menus and mode menus.

Top menu

Basic operation

Shortcut menus

You can select menu items that are normally accessed from the mode menu. There are shortcut menus that allow you to select on/off.

Top menus

(

Shooting modes

h mode

gP.77

SETUP

MONITOR OFF

r mode

r1/2/3/4

MODE MENU

MONITOR OFF

gP.23 gP.26

gP.49

gP.23 gP.26

MODE MENU

MONITOR OFF

Mode menus

The settings are categorized into tabs by function. The mode menu is not displayed in h mode.

P A S M mode (Factory default setting)

MODE MENU

MONITOR OFF

f mode

MODE MENU

MONITOR OFF

∗

gP.23 gP.26

gP.32

gP.23 gP.26

n mode

gP.73

MODE MENU

MONITOR OFF

gP.23 gP.26

(Playback mode (q mode)

Menus

Basic operation1Basic operation

MovieStill picture

gP.90

gP.100

INFO

MODE MENU

gP.88

gP.101 gP.100

MOVIE PLAY

INFO

MODE MENU

∗ You can change the shortcut menus in P/A/S/M modes. The functions

assigned to the shortcut menus can also be set from the mode menu. g“Shortcut” (P.120)

Setup

Shooting modes (h)

(

In h mode, the SETUP screen allows you to format the memory card and perform basic settings for ease of use.

SETUP

FORMAT

ALL RESET

SELECT

ENGLISH

SETUP

Menus

Mode menus

Shooting modes (P A S M r f)

(

CAMERA tab

PICTURE tab

CARD tab

SETUP tab

Basic operation

CAMERA tab

PICTURE tab

CARD tab

SETUP tab

For setting shooting-related functions.

For setting picture-related functions, such as white balance.

For formatting the memory card.

For setting basic camera functions and functions for easy use of the camera.

(Playback mode (q mode)

PLAY tab

EDIT tab

CARD tab

SETUP tab

PLAY tab

EDIT tab

CARD tab

SETUP tab

TIPS

•In n mode, the mode menu differs in shooting mode and in playback mode.

For details, see “Menu list” (P.180).

• For details of mode menu items in setup and mode menu, see “Menu list” (P.180).

For recording sound and reserving for printing.

For editing saved pictures.

For formatting cards and erasing all image data.

For setting basic camera functions and functions for easy use of the camera.

AE/AF DRIVE

CAMERA

ISO

PIC CARD SET

PLAY

EDIT CARD SET

AUTO OFF

0.0

Menus

How to use the menus

Use the arrow pad and N to select and set the menu items. Follow the operation guide on the screen and use the arrow pad to set the items. How to use the menus is shown below.

Ex: Setting [

7] (Auto bracketing)

Mode dial

acbd buttons N button

1 Set the mode dial to either P, A, S, M, r or f. 2 Press N.

• The top menu is displayed.

Top menu

3 Press d to select [MODE MENU].

Basic operation1Basic operation

This refers to the arrow pad (acbd).

4 Press ac to select the

[CAMERA] tab, then press d.

• Refer to the arrows on the screen to select a setting with the arrow pad.

This refers to the arrow pad (cd).

AE/AF DRIVE

CAMERA

ISO

PIC CARD SET

MODE MENU

MONITOR OFF

AUTO OFF

0.0

Menus

5 Press ac to select [DRIVE],

then press d.

Basic operation

• Refer to the arrows on the screen to select a setting with the arrow pad.

• Unavailable settings cannot be selected.

6 Press ac to select [BKT], then

press d.

• Refer to the arrows on the screen to select a setting with the arrow pad.

The selected item appears indented.

AE/AF DRIVE

CAMERA

ISO

PIC CARD SET

AE/AF

DRIVE

CAMERA

ISO

PIC CARD SET

AUTO OFF

0.0

BKT

7 Press ac and select the

exposure differential from [±0.3], [±0.7] and [±1.0], then press d. Press ac and select the number of shots from [×3] and [×5], then press N.

• Follow the operation guide at the bottom of the screen and use the arrow pad to select and set a setting.

Operation guide

Press b to cancel.

Press ac to select a setting.

Press d to move settings.

Press N to make your selection.

CANCEL

BKT

± 0.3 ± 0.7 ± 1.0

SELECT

TIPS

In this manual, Steps 2 to 6 of how to use the menus are expressed as follows:

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [DRIVE] [BKT]

2 Tips before you start taking pictures

SHQ

SQ2

Tips before you start taking pictures



Your pictures are almost guaranteed to come out well just by setting the mode dial to h and pressing the shutter button. But occasionally, you can’t focus on your subject, or the subject is too dark, or the picture doesn’t come out the way you want… Just knowing which button to press or which setting to change can help you solve these problems. And did you know that by selecting an image size according to how you plan to use the pictures afterwards, you can store more pictures on the memory card? These are just some of the hints provided in this chapter.

Online applications

SQ2

Ideas

SQ2

Printing applications

SHQ

Holding the camera

Sometimes when you look at a picture you have taken, the contours of the subject are blurred. This is often caused by movement of the camera at the precise moment that the shutter button is pressed.

Picture where subject is not clearly defined

To prevent the camera from moving, hold the camera firmly with both hands while keeping your elbows at your sides. When taking pictures with the camera in the vertical position, hold the camera so that the flash is positioned higher than the lens. Keep your fingers and the strap away from the lens and flash.

Horizontal grip Vertical grip

Tips before you start taking pictures

Top view

Do not hold this part of the lens.

Turning the monitor on/off

You can take pictures with or without using the monitor.

MONITOR ON For taking pictures using the monitor (factory default setting) MONITOR OFF For taking pictures using the viewfinder

Mode dial

Top menu [MONITOR OFF] / [MONITOR ON] g“Menus” (P.16)

(Features of the monitor and viewfinder

Monitor Viewfinder

You can check the picture area

Advantages

Disadvantages

Tips

Viewfinder

that the camera actually records.

Camera movement occurs easily and subjects may be difficult to see in bright/dark places. The monitor uses more battery power than the viewfinder.

Use the monitor when you need to know the exact area the camera records, or to take a close-up of a person or flower (macro shooting).

• The camera records a wider area than the image in the viewfinder.

• As you get closer to the subject, the actual image recorded (the shaded area in the illustration on the left) differs slightly from the image in the viewfinder.

TIPS

The monitor turns off automatically.

→ If the camera is not used for over 3 minutes, the monitor turns off automatically.

Press the shutter button or zoom lever to turn the monitor on.

To adjust the brightness of the monitor.

→ Adjust the brightness with the [s] settings. g“Monitor brightness

adjustment” (P.117)

The monitor is hard to see.

→

Bright light, such as direct sunlight, may cause vertical lines (smears) to appear on the image in the monitor. This does not affect recorded pictures.

Camera movement does not occur easily and subjects can be seen clearly even in bright places. Little battery power is used.

When close to a subject, the image in the viewfinder differs slightly from the picture that the camera actually records.

Use the viewfinder for general snapshots, landscape pictures and other casual shots.

Tips before you start taking pictures

If correct focus cannot be obtained

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

2592 1944

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

2592 1944

The camera automatically detects the focus target in the frame. The level of contrast is one of the criteria it uses to detect the subject. The camera may fail to determine subjects with lower contrast than the surroundings or with an area of extremely strong contrast in the frame. If this happens, the simplest solution is to use the focus lock.

How to focus (focus lock)

Mode dial

1 Position the AF target mark on

the subject you want to focus on.

• When shooting a hard-to-focus subject or a fast-moving subject, point the camera at an object about the same distance away as the subject.

2 Press the shutter button halfway

Tips before you start taking pictures

until the green lamp lights.

• When the focus and exposure are locked, the green lamp lights.

• The AF target mark moves to the focus position.

• When the green lamp blinks, the focus and exposure are not locked. Release your finger from the shutter button, re-position the AF target mark on the subject and press the shutter button halfway again.

3 Keeping the shutter button

pressed halfway, recompose your shot.

1/1000

2592 1944

AF target mark

Shutter button

Green lamp

1/1000

2592 1944

F2.8

0.0

303030

0.0

303030

If correct focus cannot be obtained

4 Press the shutter button fully.

Shutter button

TIPS

The frame in which you focus on a subject is different from the frame in which you lock the exposure.

g“AE lock” (P.56)

Focus on the subject in the center of the frame.

g“AF mode” (P.49)

Subjects that are difficult to focus on

Under certain types of conditions, the auto focus may not work properly.

The green lamp blinks. The subject cannot be brought into focus.

Tips before you start taking pictures2Tips before you start taking pictures

Subject with low contrast

The green lamp lights, but the subject cannot be brought into focus.

Subjects at different distances

If this happens, focus on an object with high contrast at the same distance as the intended subject (focus lock), recompose your shot and then take the picture. If the subject has no vertical lines, hold the camera vertically and focus the camera using the focus lock function by pressing the shutter button halfway, then return the camera to the horizontal position while keeping the button pressed halfway and take the picture. If the subject still cannot be focused on, use the manual focus. g“Manual focus” (P.52)

Subject with an extremely bright area in the center of the frame

Fast-moving subject

Subject without vertical lines

The subject to be focused on is not in the center of the frame

Record mode

You can select a record mode in which to take pictures or shoot movies. Select the best record mode for your purpose (printing, editing on a computer, website editing, etc.). For information on the image sizes for each record mode and the memory capacity of the card, see the table on P.28.

Still picture record modes

Record mode depicts the image size and compression rate of pictures you wish to

record. Pictures are made from thousands of dots (pixels). If a picture with relatively few pixels is enlarged, it looks like a mosaic. A picture with many pixels is denser and clearer, but requires a larger file size (data size), decreasing the number of pictures that can be saved on a card. Increasing the compression rate reduces the file size, but makes the pictures appear grainy.

Picture with high number of pixel

Picture with low number of pixel

Tips before you start taking pictures

(Normal image modes

Image becomes clearer

Application

Select according to

print size

For small-sized

prints and websites

Image size becomes larger

Compression

Image size

2592 × 1944 SHQ HQ

2288 × 1712

2048 × 1536

1600 × 1200

1280 × 960

1024 × 768

640 × 480

Low com-

pression

SQ1

HIGH

SQ2

HIGH

High com-

pression

SQ1

NORMAL

SQ2

NORMAL

Record mode

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

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Image size

The number of pixels (horizontal × vertical) used when saving an image. If the image will be printed, higher resolutions (larger numbers) are recommended so that the image will be clearer.

Compression

In record modes other than TIFF, image data are compressed. The higher the compression, the less clear the image will be.

(Special record modes

Record mode Features Image size

3:2

(SHQ, HQ)

This is useful for ordering prints from a photo lab.

2592 × 1728

3:2

The image aspect ratio is normally 4:3. If the aspect ratio is changed to 3:2, the image can be printed at a photo lab without losing the image borders.

Monitor display when

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3:2 is set

F2.8

Movie record modes

(HQ, SQ

Movies are recorded in Motion-JPEG format.

Tips before you start taking pictures2Tips before you start taking pictures

0.0

303030

Record mode

Card capacity in number of pictures/remaining recording time

Still pictures

in number of pictures

Using a 16 MB card

With sound

12 12

Remaining recording time

Using a 16 MB card

With sound

23 sec. 24 sec.

46 sec. 48 sec.

Tips before you start taking pictures

Record

mode

SHQ

SQ1

SQ2

Movies

Record

mode

SQ2

Image size

3:2

2288 × 1712

2048 × 1536

1600 × 1200

1280 × 960

1024 × 768

640 × 480

Com-

pression

2592 × 1944

2592 × 1728 4 4

2592 × 1944

2592 × 1728 13 14

HIGH

NORMAL 15 16

HIGH 6 6

NORMAL 19 20

HIGH 11 11

NORMAL 30 32

HIGH 16 17

NORMAL 45 49

HIGH 25 26

NORMAL 66 76

HIGH 58 66

NORMAL 124 165

pression

File

format

Low

com-

High com-

JPEG

*HIGH = low compression / NORMAL = high compression

Image size File format

320 × 240 (30 frames/sec.)

320 × 240 (15 frames/sec.)

Motion-JPEG

Card capacity

Without sound

(sec.)

Without sound

Record mode

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

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0.0

TIPS

• When a picture is transferred to a computer, the size of the picture on the computer screen varies depending on the computer’s monitor setting. For instance, a picture taken with an image size of 1,024 × 768 fills as the screen if you set the picture to 1× when the monitor setting is 1,024 × 768. However, if the monitor setting is over 1,024 × 768 (such as 1,280 × 1,024), the picture only takes up part of the screen.

• The number of storable still pictures/recording time is displayed on the monitor when a card is inserted in the camera.

Tips before you start taking pictures2Tips before you start taking pictures

1/1000

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Number of storable still pictures

F2.8

0.0

303030

Remaining recording time

0.0

00:0:36

0 0:3 6

Note

• The number of storable still pictures and movie recording times listed in the table are approximate.

• The number of storable still pictures may change according to the subject or factors like whether print reservations have been made or not. In certain instances, the number of remaining pictures does not change even when you take pictures or stored images are erased.

Record mode

To change the record mode

Mode dial

Top menu [K] g “Menus” (P.16)

1 Select a record mode from

[SHQ], [HQ], [SQ1] and [SQ2].

SELECT

For movies, select a record mode from [HQ], [SQ]. g Go to St ep 3

SHQ

HQ SQ1 SQ2

SET

For still pictures

SQ1 320 240

30fps

Tips before you start taking pictures

2 If you selected [SHQ], [HQ],

[SQ1] or [SQ2], choose an image size.

If you selected [SQ1] or [SQ2], press d after choosing the image size, then select [HIGH] or [NORMAL].

3 Press N.

SQ2 320 240

SELECT GO

For movies

SHQ

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3:2

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CANCEL

SELECT

15fps

3 Basic shooting functions

Basic shooting functions



A professional photographer adjusts the exposure to the optimal setting, chooses the best focusing method and even selects the type of film according to the subject. With a digital camera, you don’t need to learn how to make them. Your camera will adjust the settings for you! All you have to do is choose a scene mode according to whether you are taking a landscape, a night scene, a portrait-style image or whatever, and the camera will set the best exposure and white balance. There’s nothing to it – just press the shutter button!

SPORT

PORTRAIT

SELECT

ELE

LANDSCAPE+PORTRAIT

SELECT

NIGHT SCENE

SELECT

LANDSCAP

SELECT

Selecting a shooting mode according to the situation

When you select a scene mode according to the situation or shooting conditions, the camera automatically selects the optimal settings.

(f mode

k LANDSCAPE+PORTRAIT

Suitable for taking pictures of both your subject and the landscape. The picture is taken with the background as well as the subject in the foreground in focus. You can take pictures of your subject against a beautiful sky or landscape.

i PORTRAIT

Suitable for taking a portrait-style shot of a person. This mode features an in-focus subject against a blurred background.

Basic shooting functions

Q LANDSCAPE

Suitable for taking pictures of landscapes and other outdoor scenes. Both the foreground and the background are in focus. Since blues and greens are vividly reproduced in this mode, it is excellent for shooting natural scenery.

LANDSCAPE+PORTRAIT

SELECT

PORTRAIT

SELECT

LANDSCAPE

SELECT

R NIGHT SCENE

Selecting a shooting mode according to the situation

Suitable for shooting pictures in the evening or at night. The camera sets a slower shutter speed than is used in normal shooting. For example, if you take a picture of a street at night in P mode, the lack of brightness will result in a dark picture with only dots of light. In the Night Scene shooting mode, the true appearance of the street is captured. Since the shutter speed is slow, make sure that you stabilize the camera by using a tripod.

j SPORT

Suitable for capturing fast-moving action (such as sports) without blur. Even fast-moving subjects appear to be stationary.

BEACH & SNOW

Suitable for taking pictures on a sunny day at the beach or in the snow. Sky, greenery and people are recorded bright and sharp.

FIREWORKS

NIGHT SCENE

SELECT

SPORT

BEACH & SNOW

Basic shooting functions3Basic shooting functions

Suitable for taking pictures of fireworks in a night sky. The camera sets a slower shutter speed than is used in normal shooting, and priority is placed on image quality, allowing you to capture the beauty of fireworks. Because of the slow shutter speed, we recommend that you stabilize your camera by using a tripod.

FIREWORKS

SELECT

Selecting a shooting mode according to the situation

SUNSET

Suitable for taking pictures of sunsets. The pictures will be taken a little darker than usual, with stronger emphasis on reds and yellows, allowing you to record beautiful sunsets.

CANDLE

Suitable for taking pictures of people lit by candlelight. The picture will be taken a little brighter than usual with emphasis on the warm glow from the candlelight.

AVAILABLE LIGHT PORTRAIT

Basic shooting functions

Suitable for taking photos when there is little light, but you do not want to use a flash. The picture is recorded with as little blurring as possible, and a peaceful atmosphere can be captured.

Mode dial

SUNSET

SELECT

CANDLECANDLE

SELECT

AVAILABLE LIGHT PORTRAIT

SELECT

Top menu [SCENE] [k (LANDSCAPE+ PORTRAIT)] [i (PORTRAIT)] [j (SPORT)] [ (SUNSET)]

[Q (LANDSCAPE)]

[ (BEACH & SNOW)]

[ (CANDLE)]

[R (NIGHT SCENE)]

[ (FIREWORKS)]

[ (AVAILABLE LIGHT PORTRAIT)]

g“Menus” (P.16)

• When you choose a scene type, a sample scene appears on the right of the screen.

Zooming in on a distant subject

You can zoom in on your subject using the optical zoom and digital zoom. With the optical zoom, the image is enlarged by the CCD when the lens magnification is changed, and the image is formed by all the CCD pixels. With the digital zoom, the area at the center of the image captured by the CCD is cropped and enlarged back to size. When you zoom in on a subject, you are essentially taking a small area of the picture and making it bigger. Therefore, the greater the magnification with the digital zoom, the grainier the resulting picture will be. The following zoom magnifications are available on this camera.

Optical zoom 5× (equivalent to 38 mm to 190 mm on a

35mm film camera)

Digital zoom 4× Optical zoom + digital zoom Max. 20×

Note that camera movement is likely to occur at higher magnifications.

Using the optical zoom

Mode dial

Basic shooting functions

1 Push or pull the zoom lever.

Zoom out: Push the zoom lever toward W.

Zoom lever

Zoom in: Pull the zoom lever toward T.

Zooming in on a distant subject

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

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Note

• You can use the optical zoom in n mode by setting [R] to [OFF]. g“Recording sound with movies” (P.82)

•In n mode, the maximum magnification possible for digital zoom is 3×.

Using the digital zoom

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [DIGITAL ZOOM] [ON] / [OFF]

“Menus” (P.16)

1 Pull the zoom lever toward T.

Basic shooting functions

• The white area of the zoom indicator indicates the optical zoom. If the [DIGITAL ZOOM] is set to [ON], a red area appears on the zoom indicator. When you reach the limit of the optical zoom, the digital zoom is enabled.

• The [DIGITAL ZOOM] does not function when the monitor is turned off.

Zoom lever

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The cursor moves up and down on the zoom indicator according to the zoom magnification. The cursor turns orange when inside the digital zoom area.

F2.8

0.0

303030

Taking close-up pictures (macro/super macro mode)

1/1000

F2.8

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Focusing is usually slow when you get close to a subject (W: 8 cm/3.2" to 60 cm/23.6", T: 60 cm/23.6" to 120 cm/47.2"). However, in macro mode focusing is performed quickly.

& When the optical zoom lever is at the maximum wide position and you are as

close as 8 cm/3.2" to your subject, you can fill the entire frame with a 9.0 × 6.6 cm (3.5" × 2.6") subject.

% This mode lets you shoot from as close as 2 cm/0.8" to your subject. Subjects

measuring approximately 3.4 × 2.5 cm (1.3" × 1.0") can be captured on the monitor. In the % mode, normal shooting is also possible, but the position of the zoom is fixed automatically and cannot be changed.

Basic shooting functions

(Macro)

Mode dial

1 Press the & button repeatedly to

change the macro setting to [&] or [%].

g“Direct buttons” (P.13)

• If no operation is performed for about 3 seconds, the macro mode is set and the mode selection screen is automatically exited.

(Super macro)

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& button

F2.8

0030

0.0

303030

Taking close-up pictures (macro/super macro mode)

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

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2 Press the shutter button halfway.

• When the focus and exposure are locked, the green lamp lights.

3 Press the shutter button fully to take the picture.

Green lamp

TIPS

The subject appears in shadow when the super macro mode is used.

→ The auto focus may not be able to maintain the correct focus. If this

happens, use the manual focus. g“Manual focus” (P.52)

→ If the center of the frame (within the AF target mark) is metered when you

are close to the subject and you shoot with the optimal exposure, the picture will come out well. g“ESP/Spot metering” (P.54)

Basic shooting functions

Note

• In some cases, using the flash during macro shooting may result in dark shadows or underexposure.

• During super macro shooting, the zoom and flash are not available.

F2.8

1/1000

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0.0

303030

Flash shooting

Select the flash mode best suited to the light conditions and the effect you want to achieve. You can also adjust the amount of light emitted using the flash intensity control.

Flash working range

W (max.): Approx. 15 cm to 3.8 m (0.5 ft. to 12.5 ft.) T (max.): Approx. 60 cm to 2.2 m (2.0 ft. to 7.2 ft.)

Auto-flash (No indication)

The flash fires automatically in low light or backlight conditions.

Red-eye reduction flash (!)

The light from the flash may make the subject’s eyes appear red in the picture. The red-eye reduction flash mode reduces this phenomenon by emitting pre-flashes before firing the regular flash.

Basic shooting functions

Note

The subject’s eyes appear red.

• After the pre-flashes, it takes about 1 second before the shutter is released. Hold the camera firmly to avoid camera movement.

•

Effectiveness may be limited if the subject is not looking directly at the pre-flashes, or if the shooting range is too far. Individual physical characteristics may also limit effectiveness.

Fill-in flash (#)

The flash fires regardless of the available light. This mode is useful for eliminating shadows on the subject’s face (such as shadows from tree leaves), in a backlight situation, or for correcting the color shift produced by artificial lighting (especially fluorescent light).

Note

• The fill-in flash may not have the desired effect under excessively bright light.

Flash off ($)

The flash does not fire even in low light conditions. Use this mode in situations where flash photography is not desired or is prohibited. You can also use this mode when you want to shoot a natural-looking twilight or night scene. The flash does not fire when the flash is closed as well as when the flash mode is set to off.

Note

•

Since a slow shutter speed is automatically selected in low light situations when in the flash off mode, the use of a tripod is recommended to prevent your pictures from being blurred by camera movement.

Flash shooting

Slow synchronization (#SLOW1/#SLOW2/HSLOW)

The slow synchronization flash is designed for slow shutter speeds. Normally, when shooting with a flash, shutter speeds cannot go below a certain level to prevent camera movement. But when shooting a night scene background, fast shutter speeds can make the background too dark. Slow synchronization flash allows both a slow shutter speed for the background and a flash for the subject. Since the shutter speed is slow, make sure you stabilize the camera by using a tripod, otherwise, camera movement may cause the picture to be blurred. The factory default setting is [#SLOW1]. You can change the setting. g“Slow synchronization” (P.44)

1st curtain (front curtain) #SLOW1

Usually, regardless of the shutter speed, the flash fires right after the shutter fully opens. This is called 1st curtain. Unless you change it, this is how the flash always fires.

2nd curtain (rear curtain) #SLOW2

Basic shooting functions

With 2nd curtain, the flash fires just before the shutter closes. Changing the flash timing can create interesting effects in your picture, such as expressing the movement of a car by showing the tail-lights streaming backwards. The slower the shutter speed, the better the effects turn out. The slowest possible shutter speed depends on the shooting mode, ISO and noise reduction setting.

When the shutter speed is set to 4 sec.

rear curtain

4 sec.

2nd curtain flash fires

Shutter closes

4 sec.

1st curtain flash fires

Shutter button fully pressed

front curtain

Flash shooting

1/1000

F2.8

0.0

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1/1000

F2.8

0.0

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1st curtain with red-eye reduction HSLOW

This mode is for when you want to use slow synchronization, yet also reduce the redeye phenomenon, for instance, when shooting a person against a brightly lit night background. A normal flash might make the person’s eyes red, but 1st curtain with red-eye reduction lets you capture the background correctly and reduce the red-eye phenomenon at the same time. 2nd curtain with red-eye reduction is not available.

Mode dial

1 Press the flash button.

• The flash pops up.

2 Select a flash mode by

repeatedly pressing the button.

g“Direct buttons” (P.13)

• If no operation is performed for about 3 seconds, the flash mode is set and the mode selection screen is automatically exited.

3 Press the shutter button halfway.

• In conditions where the flash will fire, # lights (flash stand-by).

4 Press the shutter button fully to

take the picture.

#(flash mode) button

Flash button

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# mark

1/1000

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F2.8

SLOW

F2.8

0030

0.0

Basic shooting functions3Basic shooting functions

0.0

303030

Flash shooting

TIPS

The # (flash charge) indication blinks.

→ The flash is charging. Wait until # and the orange lamp beside the

viewfinder turn off.

Shutter speed when using the flash (auto-flash, red-eye reduction, fill-in flash).

• When # (camera movement warning) lights, the shutter speed locks at its

current level. This helps prevent camera shake problems (shutter speeds that are too slow can cause blur). However, if the zoom magnification is

Basic shooting functions

increased, the camera will increase the locked shutter speed accordingly.

Zoom position

W (max.) 1/30 sec.

T (max.) 1/160 sec.

Function restrictions according to mode

• Fill-in flash and slow synchronization is not available in h mode.

• [AUTO], [!], [#], and [HSLOW] are not available in S and M modes.

• The factory default setting for S and M modes is [#SLOW1]. For all other

modes the default setting is [AUTO].

Shutter speed

Note

• The flash does not fire in the following situations:

During [ (SUNSET)], [ (CANDLE)], [ (AVAILABLE LIGHT PORTRAIT)] in scene mode, and during sequential shooting ([j], [7]), super macro shooting and panorama shooting.

• The flash may not give you the optimum result in macro mode with the zoom set to wide-angle (W). Check the resulting picture on the monitor.

Flash shooting

Flash intensity control

You can adjust the amount of light emitted by the flash. In some situations, you may get better results by adjusting the light emission. Examples include small subjects, distant backgrounds, or situations when increased contrast is desired. You can adjust the exposure in the range of ±2.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [w] g“Menus” (P.16)

1 Adjust the light emission and

press N.

a : Light emission is increased by 1/3

EV each time you press the button. (EV : Exposure Value)

c : Light emission is decreased by 1/3

EV each time you press the button.

Note

• The flash adjustment effect may not be sufficient if the shutter speed is too fast.

AE/AF DRIVE

CAMERA

ISO

PIC CARD SET

0.0

Basic shooting functions3Basic shooting functions

Flash shooting

Slow synchronization

There are 3 settings to choose from when you select [#SLOW] with the # (flash mode) button.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [#SLOW] g“Menus” (P.16)

Select [#SLOW1], [ or [

SLOW2] and press

Basic shooting functions

SLOW]

NOISE REDUCTION

CAMERA

DIZITAL ZOOM

PIC

FULLTIME AF

CARD

PANORAMA

SET

4 Advanced shooting functions

SELECTGOGO

CANCEL

Advanced shooting functions



Letting the camera select the optimal settings is simple and easy, but if you want, you can be a lot more creative. Now that you have mastered basic operation, you can start enjoying your camera’s more advanced functions. You can adjust the shooting conditions manually and try out different effects. For example, when taking pictures of flowers, by reducing the aperture value and focusing on the branch of the tree nearest to you, you can make the flowers stand out against a blurred background. If it is evening, you can add a touch of color to the night sky. By setting the white balance to 1 (tungsten light), you can give the dark sky a blue tone. Adjusting a single function can produce unexpected effects. Try various settings and discover all sorts of new possibilities.

AE/AF

AF:iESP

AE:

MULTI METERING

SELECT

ESP

iESP

SPOT AREA

CANCEL

PRESET WB

SELECT

Aperture priority shooting

1600

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F2.8

0.0

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F8.0

This function allows you to set the aperture manually. The camera sets the shutter speed automatically. By decreasing the aperture value (Fnumber), the camera will focus within a smaller range, producing a picture with a blurred background. Increasing the value forces the camera to focus over a wider range, resulting in increased “depth of field”, in which both the subject and the background are in focus.

Aperture (F-number) is increased.Aperture (F-number) is decreased.

Mode dial

1 Select the aperture value.

a : Increases the aperture value. c : Decreases the aperture value.

Aperture range:

W: f2.8 to f8.0 T: f4.8 to f8.0

If the aperture value is displayed in red, the setting is unsuitable for the conditions. Take the following steps. (When the aperture value is displayed in green, the setting will provide optimum exposure.)

Advanced shooting functions

F2.8

1/1/1600

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appears: The image is overexposed.

Press a to increase the aperture value.

Note

• When the flash is set to the auto-flash mode, the slowest shutter speed is fixed at the level at which # lights. (gP.42)

0.0

303030

F No.

F8.0

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appears: The image is underexposed.

Press c to decrease the aperture value.

0.0

303030

Shutter priority shooting

F8.0

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1/50

0.0

F2.8

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1/800

0.0

This function allows you to set the shutter speed manually. The camera sets the aperture automatically. Set the shutter speed according to the subject and the type of effect you want.

Setting the shutter speed higher lets you capture fast-moving action without blur. The subject will be clear and sharp, as if it is not moving.

Setting the shutter speed lower blurs a moving subject, giving the impression of movement.

Mode dial

1 Select the shutter speed.

a : Sets a faster shutter speed. c : Sets a slower shutter speed.

Setting range: 4" to 1/2000

If the shutter speed is displayed in red, the setting is unsuitable for the conditions. Take the following steps. (When the shutter speed is displayed in green, the setting will provide optimum exposure.)

Shutter speed

F8.0

1/50

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appears: The image is overexposed.

Press a to set a faster shutter speed.

0.0

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appears: The image is underexposed.

Press c to set a slower shutter speed.

Note

• The shutter speeds that can be set vary depending on the flash setting and aperture value.

F2.8

1/800

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0.0

303030

Advanced shooting functions

Manual shooting

1000

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F8.0

+3.0

F2.8

1/1000

This mode gives you more creative control, allowing you to set the aperture and shutter speed manually. To check the exposure, refer to the exposure differential.

Mode dial

1 Set the aperture and shutter

speed.

b : The aperture value increases. d : The aperture value decreases. a : The shutter speed increases. c : The shutter speed decreases.

Advanced shooting functions

Aperture range:

Aperture value: f2.8 to f8.0 (W)

f4.8 to f8.0 (T)

Shutter speed : 15" to 1/2000

• When the shutter button is halfway pressed, the difference (ranging from

-3.0 to +3.0 EV) between the exposure determined by the currently selected aperture and shutter speed compared to the exposure level considered optimal by the camera is displayed.

• If the exposure differential appears in red, it indicates that the exposure differential is less than -3.0 EV or more than +3.0 EV.

TIPS

• Pressing the [ button will show the

exposure compensation bar, as seen in the diagram on the right.

ac buttons

[ button

Exposure differential

F8.0

1/1/1000

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F2.8

1/1000

+3.0

303030

Note

• To avoid camera movement, It is recommended that you use a tripod when taking pictures requiring a slow shutter speed.

• The shutter speeds that can be set vary depending on the aperture value.

My Mode

This function lets you shoot with the settings in [s MY MODE 1] to [d MY MODE 4]. Only the settings in [s MY MODE 1] have already been saved. You cannot select [E MY MODE 2] to [d MY MODE 4] if no settings have been saved in them. g“My Mode setup” (P.113)

Mode dial

Top menu [r 1/2/3/4] [s MY MODE 1] [c MY MODE 3] / [d MY MODE 4]

Note

• The settings you are currently using can also be saved for retrieving by this mode, but the saved zoom position may deviate slightly from that currently used. g“My Mode setup” (P.113)

/ [E

MY MODE 2]

“Menus” (P.16)

Focusing applications

AF mode

This function allows you to choose a method of focusing on your subjects.

iESP Focus selection is based on the entire picture on the screen. Even when

SPOT Focus selection is based on the subject within the AF target mark.

the subject is not in the center of the screen, focusing is possible.

Advanced shooting functions

Subject suitable for [iESP] focus mode

Subject suitable for [SPOT] focus mode

Focusing applications

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [AE/AF] [AF] [iESP] / [SPOT] g“Menus” (P.16)

Fulltime AF

ON Fulltime AF keeps the subject in front of the lens in focus at all times, without

having to press the shutter button halfway. The focusing time is reduced, letting you take successive snapshots. The subject is also automatically kept in focus during movie recording.

OFF Press the shutter button halfway to focus.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [FULLTIME AF] [ON] / [OFF]

g“Menus” (P.16)

Note

• Battery consumption increases when Fulltime AF is used.

• Fulltime AF cannot be used when [R] is set to [ON] in n mode.

AF area

Advanced shooting functions

You can select the area you want to focus on by changing the position of the AF target mark.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [AE/AF] [AREA]

g“Menus” (P.16)

Focusing applications

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

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1 Use the arrow pad to move the AF

target mark to the area you want to

1/1000

F2.8

focus on.

2 Take the picture.

• Selecting either [iESP] or [SPOT] AF modes will exit AF target mark selection mode.

Note

• AF area is not available when the [DIGITAL ZOOM] is set to [ON].

• The location of the AF target mark cannot be saved.

TIPS

To change the aperture value, shutter speed or exposure after moving the AF target mark

→ Pressing the N button confirms the AF target area’s position. After that you

are able to change the aperture value, shutter speed and exposure using the arrow pad. Pressing the N button again displays the top menu and the AF target mark returns to the center of the screen.

AF illuminator

This function enables you to focus on dark subjects with the auto focus.

ON When you press the shutter button halfway,

the AF illuminator lights automatically to illuminate the subject.

OFF The AF illuminator does not light.

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AF target mark

AF illuminator

0.0

Advanced shooting functions

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [SETUP] [AF ILLUMINATOR] [ON] / [OFF] g“Menus” (P.16)

Note

• When taking close-ups at less than 80 cm (2.6 ft.), the AF illuminator lights but the subject may not be in focus.

Focusing applications

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

2.5m

1.2m

0.6m

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

2.5m

1.2m

0.6m

Manual focus

If auto focus is unable to focus on a subject, use manual focus.

Mode dial

1 Hold down N for more than 1

second.

• The distance indicator is displayed on the monitor.

2.5m

1.2m

1/1000

2 Press b to select [MF].

0.6m

3 Press ac to set the focus

distance.

• During operation, the area you are focusing on is enlarged. This lets you check whether the focus is in the right position.

• The distance indicator on the left of the monitor is for reference only.

• When the indicator is moved to less than

0.6 m (2.0 ft.), the display automatically switches to the 8 cm (0.3 ft.) to 60 cm (2.0 ft.) display.

4 Hold down N for more than 1 second to save the setting.

Advanced shooting functions

• [MF] is displayed in red on the monitor.

2.5m

1.2m

0.6m

1/1000

5 Take the picture.

• The focus is locked at the distance you have set.

F2.8

0.0

303030

0.0

303030

Focusing applications

TIPS

To cancel manual focus

→ 1 Hold down N for more than 1 second to display the distance indicator.

2 Press d to select [AF], then press N.

How to shoot while keeping the same focus distance at all times

→ Lock the focus distance at the focus lock position.

1 Position the AF target mark on a subject at the desired distance and

press the shutter button halfway.

2 Keeping the shutter button half-pressed, press N.

• The distance indicator is displayed.

• [MF] is selected and the focus distance is locked at the focus lock position.

Even if you move the cursor to the top of the distance indicator, focusing is not possible at ).

→ Using the monitor, adjust the cursor position by pressing ac.

Note

• If the zoom lever is pressed after performing manual focus, the saved focus distance may be compromised. Perform setting again.

Advanced shooting functions

Metering

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

There are three ways of measuring the brightness of a subject.

ESP Meters the center of the subject and the surrounding area

n Exposure is determined by metering within the AF target area.

MULTI METERING Meters the brightness of the subject at up to 8 different points

separately.

In this mode, a subject can be shot with optimal exposure regardless of the background light.

to set the optimal exposure based on the average brightness. This method is useful with a high contrast subject.

ESP/Spot metering

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [AE/AF] [AE] [ESP] / [n]

g“Menus” (P.16)

Multi-metering

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [AE/AF] [AE] [MULTI METERING] g“Menus” (P.16)

Advanced shooting functions

1 Position the AF target mark on

the area you want to meter and

press the [ button.

• The multi-metering bar appears.

• The brightness is metered at up to 8 different points. Brightness meter readings are ignored after the 9th reading.

• To perform metering again, hold down the [ button for more than 1 second to display C. Press the [ button again to cancel the metering values.

Multi-metering bar

1/1000

F2.8

0.0

Metering

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

Ex: When metering 2 points (pressing the [ button twice)

The aperture and shutter speed as calculated from the average values obtained by metering at 2 points. These values are recalculated every time another metering point is added.

1/1000

The average for the 2 metering points. The average is always shown at the center of the bar.

The reading when the [ button was pressed. The number of you have pressed the button. The distance from the center of the bar indicates the difference between the metered and average readings.

indicates the number of times

F2.8

0.0

Indicates how much the present exposure you are metering differs from the average exposure value. The present exposure can be locked by pressing the shutter button halfway. (The present exposure is not added to the average value unless you press the

[ button.)

When Z moves more than ±3 from the center of the bar (the average reading), red XY are displayed.

TIPS

To save the locked multi-metering exposure after shooting (AE memory)

→ After metering in Step 3, hold down the [ button for more than 1 second.

appears. While C is displayed, the exposure is saved. Press the

[ button again to cancel the AE memory.

The multi-metering exposure is canceled.

→ If you operate any of the buttons or the mode dial after metering in Step 1,

the multi-metering exposure is canceled.

→ The multi-metering exposure is canceled when the monitor is turned off.

Advanced shooting functions

AE lock

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

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F2.8

1/1000

0.0

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This function is suitable for situations when optimal exposure is difficult to achieve, such as when there is excessive contrast between the subject and the surroundings.

Example:

The subject appears dark because the sky is bright.

Mode dial

1 Compose the picture where you

want to lock the metered value (exposure), then press the [ button.

g“Direct buttons” (P.13)

• The exposure is memorized.

•

To reset AE lock, press the [ button

Advanced shooting functions

again to cancel AE lock. Each time you press the [ button, AE lock is alternately engaged and canceled.

2 Position the AF target mark on

the subject you want to focus on and press the shutter button halfway.

• The green lamp lights.

• AE lock cannot be canceled while the shutter button is pressed halfway.

3 Press the shutter button fully.

• AE lock is automatically canceled after one shot.

Recompose your shot so there is not much sky in the frame and lock the exposure. Compose your shot again with the sky in the frame and take the picture.

F2.8

1/1000

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During AE lock, [ is displayed.

1/1000

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F2.8

0.0

303030

0.0

303030

AE lock

TIPS

To save the locked metered value (exposure) after shooting (AE memory)

→ After Step 1 or 2, hold down the [ button for more than 1 second. C

appears. While C is displayed, the exposure is saved. Press the [ button again to cancel AE memory.

AE lock was canceled.

→ Do not operate any of the buttons or the mode dial after performing AE lock.

Doing so will cancel AE lock.

→ The camera was reactivated from sleep mode or the monitor turned off when

power was turned off.

Note

• AE lock is not available when multi-metering is enabled. Select [ESP] or [5].

g“Metering” (P.54)

Advanced shooting functions

ISO sensitivity

The higher the ISO value, the greater the camera’s light sensitivity and the better its ability to shoot in low light conditions. However, higher values also introduce electrical noise into the resulting image, which may give it a grainy appearance.

AUTO Sensitivity is automatically adjusted according to the light

80/100/200/400 With a lower ISO setting, you can shoot clear, sharp images

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [ISO] [AUTO] / [80] / [100] / [200] / [400] g“Menus” (P.16)

conditions and the subject brightness.

in daylight. With a higher ISO setting, you can use faster shutter speeds with the same amount of light.

Note

• [AUTO] is not available in A, S or M mode.

•

ISO settings are based on the sensitivity of normal camera film. The scale is approximate.

•

When [ISO] is set to flash, the shutter speed is reduced. In this case, the sensitivity is automatically increased to avoid the risk of camera movement.

• If the subject is too far away for the flash illumination to reach when to [AUTO], the sensitivity is automatically increased.

Advanced shooting functions

[AUTO]

and you are shooting in dark conditions without a

[ISO]

is set

Exposure compensation

This function allows you to make fine changes to the exposure setting. You can adjust the exposure in the range of ±2.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps. When the setting is changed, you can check the result on the monitor.

Mode dial

1 Press bd to select a setting.

• Adjust toward +: Press d to adjust up to

• Adjust toward –: Press b to adjust up to

TIPS

• Often bright subjects (such as snow) will turn out darker than their natural colors. Adjusting toward + makes these subjects closer to their real shades. For the same reason, adjust toward – when shooting dark subjects.

• In some situations, you may get better results when the exposure that the camera sets is compensated (adjusted) manually.

Note

• If the flash is used, the image brightness (exposure) may differ from the intended brightness.

• Exposure compensation cannot correct the image if the surroundings of the subject are extremely bright or dark.

+2.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps.

-2.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps.

bd buttons

Advanced shooting functions

White balance

Color reproduction differs depending on the light conditions. For instance, when daylight, the setting sun or tungsten lighting are reflected on white paper, the shade of white produced will be slightly different for each. By setting the WB (white balance), you can achieve more natural-looking colors.

AUTO Automatically adjusts the white balance for any light source. PRESET Selects a preset white balance setting according to the type of light.

V This function is useful when you need a more precise white balance

Auto white balance

Mode dial

5: For shooting on a sunny day. 3: For shooting on a cloudy day. 1: For shooting under a tungsten light. w: For shooting under a daylight fluorescent lamp. This type of

lamp is used mainly in homes.

x: For shooting under a neutral white fluorescent lamp.This type

of lamp is generally used in desk lamps, etc.

y: For shooting under a cool white fluorescent lamp.

This type of lamp is generally used in offices, etc.

than preset white balance can provide. To set the optimum white balance for the shooting conditions, point the camera at a white object under the light source you want to use and adjust the white balance.

Top menu [MODE MENU] [PICTURE] [WB] [AUTO]

Advanced shooting functions

g“Menus” (P.16)

Preset white balance

SELECTGOGO

CANCEL

Mode dial

White balance

Top menu [MODE MENU] [PICTURE] [WB] [PRESET]

1 Select a white balance setting

and press N.

g“Menus” (P.16)

PRESET WB

CANCEL

SELECT

TIPS

• You can also preview different color tones by trying the different [PRESET WB] settings under the actual light source and checking the result on the monitor.

Advanced shooting functions

White balance

CANCEL

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

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One-touch white balance

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [PICTURE] [WB] [V]

g“Menus” (P.16)

Display the [ONE TOUCH WB] screen and point the camera at a

ONE TOUCH WB

sheet of white paper.

• Position the paper so that it fills the screen, making sure there are no

shadows.

CANCEL

2 Press N.

• The white balance is set and the screen returns to the mode menu.

1/1000

Advanced shooting functions

Note

• When setting the white balance by pointing the camera at a sheet of white paper, the correct setting may not be obtained if the light reflected by the paper is too bright or too dark.

• White balance may not be effective under some special light sources.

• After setting a white balance other than [AUTO], play back the picture and check the colors on the monitor.

• When the flash is fired with a white balance setting other than [AUTO], colors may appear different in the resulting picture from the colors you see on the monitor.

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One-touch white balance

F2.8

OKOKOK

0.0

303030

White balance

BLUE

RED

SELECTGOGO

CANCEL

White balance compensation

This function lets you make fine changes to the current white balance setting.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [PICTURE] [>] g“Menus” (P.16)

1 Press ac to adjust the

white balance, and when you have selected the desired level, press N.

• The color becomes bluer each time

you press a, and redder each time you press c, depending on the original white balance conditions.

• The white balance can be adjusted in 7 increments in both the [RED] and [BLUE] directions.

CANCEL

CANCEL SELECT

SELECT

WB adjustment indicator

BLUE

RED

Advanced shooting functions

Sharpness

This function adjusts the sharpness of the image.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [PICTURE] [SHARPNESS]

g“Menus” (P.16)

1 Press ac to adjust the

sharpness between [+5] and [-5].

• To increase the sharpness (+) :

• To reduce the sharpness (–) :

Press a. The image contours are emphasized, making the image appear sharper and more vivid. Use this setting when you want to print pictures.

Press c. The image contours are softened. Use this setting when you want to edit images on a computer.

Note

• If you adjust the sharpness too far toward +, noise may become noticeable in the picture.

Advanced shooting functions

CAM

SHARPNESS

PICTURE

CONTRAST

CARD

SATURATION

SET

± 0

Contrast

This function adjusts the contrast of images. For example, you can make images with marked differences in light and shadow softer, and those with less differences more vivid.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [PICTURE] [CONTRAST]

g“Menus” (P.16)

1 Press ac to adjust the

contrast between [+5] and [-5].

• To increase the contrast (+) :

Press a. The light and dark areas are defined more clearly, making the image look crisper.

• To reduce the contrast (–) :

Press c. The light and dark areas become less defined, giving the image a softer impression. Use this setting when you want to edit images on a computer.

Saturation

This function adjusts the color depth.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [PICTURE] [SATURATION]

CAM

SHARPNESS

PICTURE

CONTRAST

CARD

SATURATION

SET

g“Menus” (P.16)

1 Press ac to adjust the

saturation between [+5] and [-5].

• To increase the saturation (+) :

Press a. Colors become darker and more intense.

• To reduce the saturation (–) :

Press c. Colors become lighter.

CAM

SHARPNESS

PICTURE

CONTRAST

CARD

SATURATION

SET

± 0

Advanced shooting functions

± 0

Noise reduction

When shooting in dark places, shutter speeds become slower as there is less light focused on the CCD. During long exposures, signals are generated by parts of the CCD where no light is focused and are recorded on the image as noise. When [NOISE REDUCTION] is set to [ON], the camera automatically reduces the noise to produce clearer images.

ON Noise is reduced. Shooting time is twice as

long as usual. Noise reduction can only be used when using slow shutter speeds.

OFF Noise is not reduced. Noise may be

Advanced shooting functions

conspicuous with slow shutter speeds.

The purpose of these pictures is to illustrate the effects of noise reduction. They are not actual pictures.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [NOISE REDUCTION] [ON] / [OFF] g“Menus” (P.16)

Note

• [NOISE REDUCTION] is always set to [ON] when the f mode is set to [R (NIGHT SCENE)] [ (FIREWORKS)] [ (SUNSET)] [ (CANDLE)] [

(AVAILABLE LIGHT PORTRAIT)].

• If [NOISE REDUCTION] is set as [ON], the range which can be photoed will become narrow a little.

• When [NOISE REDUCTION] is set to [ON], sequential shooting ([j], [7]) is not possible.

• This function may not work effectively with some shooting conditions or subjects.

Histogram

0.0

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

F2.8

1/1000

When shooting still pictures, you can display a histogram showing the brightness and contrast of your subject in the monitor. You can also display the black and white areas directly on the picture. Displaying the brightness and contrast of your subject enables fine adjustment of the exposure.

OFF Hides the histogram. ON Displays the histogram for every picture. DIRECT Displays the black and white areas directly on the picture.

Ex.1) When [ON] is selected in P mode

Bright picture

0.0

F2.8

1/1000

AF target mark

Advanced shooting functions

Dark picture

1/1000

The part indicated in green in the histogram shows the luminance distribution within the AF target mark.

303030

If the peak fills too much of the red frame, the image will appear mostly white.

0.0

F2.8

AF target mark

303030

If the peak fills too much of the blue frame, the image will appear mostly black.

Histogram

Ex.2) When [DIRECT] is selected in P mode

Red boxes: Mainly white area Blue boxes: Mainly black area

When there are black and white parts in the same area, they are displayed as Red boxes.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [u] [OFF] / [ON] / [DIRECT]

g“Menus” (P.16)

•In M mode, when [u] is not set to [OFF], the subject is displayed on the monitor

at the appropriate brightness for the selected exposure.

Note

• The histogram is not displayed in the following situations even if [ON] or [DIRECT] is selected.

During panorama shooting or multi-metering

• The histogram displayed during shooting may differ from the histogram displayed during playback.

Advanced shooting functions

Displaying shooting information

ISO100

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F2.8

1/1000

0.0

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

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This function lets you display detailed shooting information on the monitor in the playback mode. For details of the information displayed, see “Monitor indications” (P.193).

Example:

1/1000

F2.8

0.0

ISO100

1/1000

F2.8

0.0

303030

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303030

When [INFO] is [ON] When [INFO] is [OFF]

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The information is displayed for 3 seconds after changing the settings.

303030

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [INFO] [OFF] / [ON]

g“Menus” (P.16)

Note

•If [u] is set, the histogram is displayed regardless of whether [INFO] is set to [ON] or [OFF].

Advanced shooting functions

Frame assist

F2.8

1/1000

0.0

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A frame is displayed on the monitor to help you compose your pictures.

F2.8

1/1000

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Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [FRAME ASSIST] [OFF] / [ON] g“Menus” (P.16)

Note

• The frame is not displayed during panorama shooting.

Advanced shooting functions

0.0

303030

5 More useful functions

More useful functions



At a sporting event…

Use movie mode to capture the atmosphere by recording the cheers and applause along with the action. Or use sequential shooting mode to take a succession of shots of a goal and pick out the best ones later.

In the country or at a tourist spot…

Use panorama mode to capture a beautiful mountain range or impressive building.

At a party or family gathering…

Use the self-timer function to take group photos at school reunions or birthday parties.

When you want to add a special effect…

Add a sepia effect to produce an oldfashioned touch, or a black & white effect to produce a clear, sharp image while checking the picture on the monitor.

Recording movies

0.0

This function allows you to record movies.

Mode dial

1 Decide the composition of the

picture.

• The remaining recording time on the card that you are using is displayed on the monitor.

• You can use the zoom lever to enlarge your subject.

2 Press the shutter button fully to

start recording.

• The orange lamp beside the viewfinder

lights.

• During movie recording, N lights red.

3 Press the shutter button again to

stop recording.

• When the remaining recording time has been used up, recording stops automatically.

• When there is space in the card memory, the remaining recording time (gP.28) is displayed, and the camera is ready to shoot.

TIPS

More useful functions

To keep the subject in focus all the time during movie recording

→ Set [R] to [OFF] and [FULLTIME AF] to [ON]. g“Fulltime AF” (P.50),

“Recording sound with movies” (P.82)

To use the zoom during movie recording

→ Set [DIGITAL ZOOM] to [ON]. g“Using the digital zoom” (P.36) → If you set [R] to [OFF], you can use the optical zoom during movie recording.

g“Recording sound with movies” (P.82)

Remaining recording time

0.0

00:0:36

0 0:3 6

00:0:36

0 0:3 6

Recording movies

0.0

Note

• Depending on the card, the remaining recording time may drop rapidly during recording. Try using the card again after formatting it with your camera. g “Formatting” (P.104)

•In n mode, the flash and manual focus (MF) cannot be used.

Notes for recording long movies

• When you are recording movies, as long as you do not press the shutter button to stop the filming, the camera will continue to record until you run out of space on your memory card.

• A long recorded movie cannot be edited. (P.95)

• If a single movie recording uses up all of the card’s memory, create space on the card by erasing the movie or downloading it to a computer.

Camera movement compensation

This function reduces the blur incurred by camera movement when taking movies. The camera moves the image-capture area of the CCD according to the movement of the subject, reducing blur when recording. The images are recorded slightly larger when [h] is set to [ON].

Mode dial

Top menu [h] [OFF] / [ON] g“Menus” (P.16)

More useful functions

1 Take the picture.

Note

• Depending on the actual amount of shake, there may be situations where the anti-shake system is not able to remove all the shaking from the movie.

• On the other hand, if your camera is mounted firmly, like on a tripod, turn off the anti-shake system. The display may move unexpectedly when the camera tries to compensate for any movement by the subject you are recording.

Displayed during camera movement compensation.

0.0

0000:30

00:30

Sequential shooting

There are two sequential shooting modes: sequential shooting and auto bracketing. To set a sequential shooting mode, go to [DRIVE] on the mode menu.

o Shoots 1 frame at a time when the shutter button is pressed. (Normal,

j The focus, exposure and white balance are locked at the first frame.

7 Under some conditions, you may obtain better results shooting with

Ex: When [7] is set to [±1.0] [×3]

single-frame shooting mode)

Approx. 4 frames at 1.2 frames/sec. (in HQ mode)

exposure compensation than by using the exposure setting considered optimal by the camera. When [7] is set, the exposure is changed automatically for each frame when you start shooting. The exposure differential and number of frames can be selected in the menus. The focus and white balance are locked at the first frame.

-1.0 0.0 +1.0

Sequential shooting

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [DRIVE] [j]

More useful functions

1 Take the picture.

• Press the shutter button fully and keep it pressed. The camera will take pictures in sequence until you release the button.

Note

• The number of frames that can be taken during sequential mode differs according to the record mode settings.

g“Menus” (P.16)

Auto bracketing

Mode dial

Sequential shooting

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [DRIVE] [7]

1 Select the exposure differential

and number of shots and press N.

g“Menus” (P.16)

BKT

± 0.3 ± 0.7 ± 1.0

CANCEL

SELECT

2 Take the picture.

• Press the shutter button fully and keep it pressed to shoot the preset number of pictures. You can stop shooting at any time by releasing the shutter button.

Note

• Sequential shooting ([j], [7]) is not available in the following situations:

When [R (NIGHT SCENE)] [ (FIREWORKS)] [ (SUNSET)] [ (CANDLE)] [ (AVAILABLE LIGHT PORTRAIT)] is selected for the f mode, when [NOISE REDUCTION] is set to [ON], or when the record mode is set to SHQ.

• The flash does not fire during sequential shooting ([j], [7]).

• Because the shutter speed is restricted, darker subjects may not be exposed adequately.

• When taking pictures in auto bracket mode, various compensation may not apply, depending on the situation.

• Auto bracketing may not be available depending on the record mode settings.

• If the battery power is low and the battery check blinks during sequential shooting, shooting stops and the camera starts saving the pictures you have taken. Whether or not all of the shots are saved depends on how much battery power remains.

• If there is not enough space available on the card for the number of frames you have set during auto bracketing, you cannot continue shooting.

More useful functions

Time lapse shooting

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F2.8

1/1000

0.0

This function lets you take a sequence of pictures automatically under preset conditions. It is useful, for example, for taking pictures at specific intervals of a flower opening. You are recommended to use an AC adapter (optional) when shooting over prolonged periods. If you are using batteries, make sure that they are fully charged.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [TIMELAPSE] [ON] / [OFF]

1 Set the [PICTURES] and

[INTERVAL].

• ac : Selects the item or sets the

• bd : Selects the column.

Setting range Number of pictures: 2 to 99

number.

Interval: 1 min. to 60 min. in 1 min. increments

g“Menus” (P.16)

TIMELAPSE

PICTURES

INTERVAL

SELECT

SET

2 Press N. 3 Press the shutter button.

• The first picture is taken and the second and subsequent pictures are taken automatically at the preset interval.

• L lights during time lapse shooting.

• The camera automatically enters the

More useful functions

sleep mode after the first picture has been taken and stored on the card. The camera is automatically reactivated 4 seconds before taking the next picture.

• The camera turns off automatically when the preset number of pictures has been taken.

1/1000

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F2.8

MIN

0.0

303030

Self-timer shooting

Note

• Self-timer and sequential shooting is not available in Time lapse shooting.

• Operation of the buttons, mode dial and zoom lever is invalidated from 4 seconds before shooting until after the picture has been taken.

• If the battery power or card memory runs out while the camera is in the sleep mode, a warning appears, time lapse shooting is terminated and the camera turns off automatically.

Self-timer shooting

This function lets you take pictures using the self-timer. Fix the camera securely on a tripod for self-timer shooting. This function is useful for taking pictures when you want to be included in the photograph.

Mode dial

Top menu [Y] [OFF] / [ON]

Mode dial

More useful functions

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [Y][ON] / [OFF]

g“Menus” (P.16)

Function shooting (black & white/sepia)

1 Press the shutter button fully to take

the picture.

• Pressing the shutter button halfway locks the focus and exposure.

• The self-timer lamp lights for approximately 10 seconds, then starts blinking. After blinking for approximately 2 seconds, the picture is taken.

• To cancel the self-timer, press the N button.

• The self-timer mode is automatically canceled after one shot.

Note

• If sequential shooting is attempted in self-timer mode, the camera shoots 5 frames at most regardless of the setting.

Function shooting (black & white/sepia)

This feature lets you add a special black & white or sepia effect to your pictures.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [FUNCTION] [BLACK & WHITE] / [SEPIA] / [OFF] g“Menus” (P.16)

More useful functions

Self-timer lamp

Note

• White balance, white balance compensation and saturation cannot be used during function shooting.

Panorama shooting

You can take advantage of panorama shooting with Olympus cards (xDPicture Card). Panorama shooting lets you connect pictures with overlapping edges into a single panoramic picture, using the OLYMPUS Master software.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [PANORAMA]

1 Use the arrow pad to choose at

which edge you want to connect the pictures.

d : The next picture is connected at the

right edge.

b : The next picture is connected at the

left edge.

a : The next picture is connected at the

top.

c : The next picture is connected at the

bottom.

Connects pictures from

g“Menus” (P.16)

left to right

bottom to top

More useful functions

Panorama shooting

2 Make sure that the edges of the pictures overlap, then take

the pictures.

• The focus, exposure and white balance are set by the first picture. Do not select an extremely bright subject (such as the sun) for the first picture.

• You cannot adjust the zoom after the first picture.

• Panorama shooting is possible for up to 10 pictures.

• When you have taken 10 pictures, a warning mark appears.

The part of the previous picture where it will be joined to the next picture does not remain in the frame on the edge of the screen. You have to remember what the part in the frame looked like and take the next picture so it overlaps. Compose your shots so that the right edge of the previous picture overlaps with the left edge of the next picture if you are connecting pictures from left to right (or vice versa if you are connecting pictures from right to left).

3 Press N to exit panorama shooting.

More useful functions

Note

• The panorama mode is only available with Olympus cards.

• During panorama shooting, the flash and sequential shooting modes are not available.

• If the mode dial is turned during panorama shooting, the camera cancels the panorama mode and changes to the mode selected in the mode dial.

• The camera itself cannot connect panorama pictures. The OLYMPUS Master software is necessary to connect the pictures.

Recording sound with still pictures

Sound can be recorded when taking still pictures. Recording starts about

0.5 seconds after the shutter is released and lasts about 4 seconds. When this function is enabled, sound is recorded automatically every time you take a picture.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [R][ON] / [OFF]

1 When recording starts, aim the

g“Menus” (P.16)

Microphone

camera microphone at the source of the sound you want to record.

TIPS

• H appears when still pictures and movies with sound are played back.

During playback, sound is output from the speaker. The volume can be adjusted. g“Playback volume” (P.111)

• Sound can be added later to still pictures. Recorded sound can also be re-

recorded. g“Recording sound” (P.94)

Note

• If the microphone is farther than 1 m (3.3 ft.) from the subject, sound may not be recorded properly.

• Pictures cannot be taken during sound recording.

• Sound recording is not possible in the following cases:

Sequential shooting ([j], [7]), panorama shooting and time lapse shooting.

• Sound recording may also pick up camera noises, such as button operations, shutter movement, etc.

• Sound recording may not be possible if there is insufficient space in the card memory.

More useful functions

Recording sound with movies

Sound can be recorded while shooting a movie.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [CAMERA] [R][ON] / [OFF]

Note

• When [R] is set to [ON], the optical zoom is locked during movie recording. If you wish to use the zoom during movie recording, set [DIGITAL ZOOM] to [ON]. If [R] is set to [OFF], you can use both the optical zoom and digital zoom during movie recording.

• If the camera is more than 1 m (3.3 ft.) away from the source of the sound, sound may not be recorded clearly by the built-in microphone.

g“Menus” (P.16)

More useful functions

6Playback

Playback



With film cameras, you cannot see the pictures you have taken until the film has been developed. And aren’t you sometimes disappointed with the results when you do eventually see them? Pictures of blurred scenery or someone with their eyes shut. Or maybe you took several pictures of the same scene because you weren’t sure whether they would come out or not. That’s no way to record important memories! With a digital camera, you can review your pictures immediately. Just play the picture back as soon as you’ve taken it. If you don’t like what you see, erase and take it again. So don’t be afraid of pictures not coming out well – just keep on pressing that shutter button!

YES!NO!

Single-frame playback

Mode dial

• The monitor turns on and displays the last picture taken.

1 Use the arrow pad to play back other pictures.

d : Displays the next picture. b : Displays the previous picture. a : Jumps to the picture 10 frames back. c : Jumps to the picture 10 frames ahead.

TIPS

• You can use this function in shooting mode by pressing the QUICK VIEW button.

Note

• If the camera is not used for over 3 minutes, the camera enters the sleep mode and the monitor turns off.

Close-up playback

Pictures displayed on the monitor can be enlarged 2, 3, 4 or 5 times.

Playback

Mode dial

1 Displays the still picture you want to enlarge. 2 Pull the zoom lever toward T (U).

• Each time you pull the zoom lever, the picture is enlarged gradually.

• By using the arrow pad while the enlarged picture is displayed, you can shift the picture in the desired direction, enabling you to view a different portion.

• To return the picture to the original size (1×), push the zoom lever toward W.

Zoom lever

Index display

Left side of picture is displayed.

Note

• You cannot enlarge pictures with n.

• Pictures cannot be stored in an enlarged state.

Index display

This function lets you show several pictures at the same time on the monitor. The number of pictures shown can be 4, 9 or 16. g“Selecting the number of pictures” (P.86)

Mode dial

Playback

1 Push the zoom lever toward W

(G).

• The index display screen is displayed.

• The image that was displayed in singleframe playback is selected.

• Pushing the zoom lever once toward T during index display switches to singleframe playback. g“Single-frame playback” (P.84)

Zoom lever

Calendar display

• Use the arrow pad to select a picture.

b : Moves to the previous frame. d : Moves to the next frame. a : Moves to the frame above/

previous index.

• If a frame on the top row of the index

was selected, displays the previous index.

c : Moves to frame below/next index.

• If a frame on the bottom row of the index was selected, displays the next

index.

Selecting the number of pictures

This function lets you select the number of pictures in an index display from 4, 9 and

16.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [SETUP] [G] [4] / [9] / [16]

g“Menus” (P.16)

Calendar display

Playback

This function lets you display images stored on the card by specifying the date on a calendar format. If several pictures were taken on the same date, the first picture taken on that date is displayed.

Mode dial

1 Push the zoom lever toward W

(G) twice.

• While viewing the index display screen, push the zoom lever toward W (G) once.

• The calendar display screen is displayed.

Zoom lever

Calendar display

1110101212

19 26

1110101212

19 26

14151516161717

2 Use the arrow pad to select a

date.

b : Moves to the previous day. d : Moves to the next day. a : Moves to the same day of the

previous week.

c : Moves to the same day of the

20052Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

31 1 2 3 4

6 7 8 9 11 13131414151516161717181819 20202121222223232424252526 272728

67819

following week.

Ex.: When Febrary 25 is selected

20052Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

31 1 2 3 4

6 7 8 9 11 13131414151516161717181819 20202121222223232424252526 272728

67819

• Press b. Moves to Febrary 24.

• Press d. Moves to

• Press a. Moves to

• Press c. Moves to March 4.

234

10 11 12

20053Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Febrary 26.

Febrary 18.

27 28 1 2 3 4

6 7 8 9

2121222223

272728282929303031

5436

111112 181819 252526

12 89

• Pushing the zoom lever once toward T during calendar display switches to single-frame playback. However, if no picture was selected in calendar display, you cannot switch from calendar display to single-frame playback.

• Pressing N during calendar display switches to single-frame playback. g“Single-frame playback” (P.84), “Index display” (P.85)

234

10 11 12

Playback

Note

• Months in which no pictures were taken are not displayed.

• Pictures may not be displayed on the correct date in the following cases: If the date and time are not set on the camera, or if the date of pictures were changed in OLYMPUS Master software.

• The following operations cannot be performed during calendar display:

Protect, picture rotation, and Single-frame erase.

Slideshow

This function displays still pictures stored in the card one after another. Only the first frame of movies is displayed. Select a still picture and display the top menu.

Mode dial

Top menu [m] g“Menus” (P.16)

• The slideshow starts.

•Press N to stop the slideshow. The slideshow will not stop until you cancel it by pressing N.

Note

• You are recommended to use the optional AC adapter when running a slideshow for a long period of time. If the battery is used, the camera will enter sleep mode after about 30 minutes and stop the slideshow automatically.

Slideshow setup

You can choose how the pictures go from one to the next during the slideshow.

NORMAL Displays the pictures stored on the card one at a time.

Playback

SLIDE Displays the pictures by sliding the next picture over the previous picture

FADER Displays the pictures by gradually fading out the previous picture and

from right to left.

fading in the next picture.

Picture rotation

ZOOM Displays the pictures by gradually enlarging the next picture from the

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [SETUP] [m SETUP] [NORMAL] / [SLIDE] / [FADER] / [ZOOM] g“Menus” (P.16)

center of the screen.

Picture rotation

Pictures taken with the camera held vertically are displayed horizontally. This function lets you turn such pictures 90° clockwise or counterclockwise so that they are displayed vertically.

Mode dial

Press the y button in the single-frame playback mode or index display mode.

g“Direct buttons” (P.13)

• Each pressing rotates the image in the following sequence: 90° clockwise, 90° counterclockwise, and back to the original.

Note

• The following pictures cannot be rotated. Movies, protected pictures, pictures that have been edited on a computer

and pictures taken with another camera.

• New picture orientations are saved even when the power is turned off.

Playback

Playing back movies

SELECT

00:30/00:36

00:00/00:36

This function lets you play back movies. You can fast forward the movie or play it back one frame at a time. Select an image with n and display the top menu.

Mode dial

Top menu [MOVIE PLAY] g“Menus” (P.16)

• The movie is played back. When playback ends, the camera automatically returns to the beginning of the movie and displays the [MOVIE PLAY] menu.

• To play the movie again, select [RESTART]. To return to playback mode, select [EXIT].

(

Operations during movie playback

H appears on movies that have sound recorded. Pressing ac lets you adjust the sound volume during playback.

a : Increases the volume. c : Reduces the volume. d : Each time you press the button, the

playback speed changes in the following order: 2×; 20×; and back to 1×.

b : Plays the movie in reverse. Each time you

press the button, the playback speed changes in the following order: 2×; 20×; and back to 1×.

N : Pauses the movie and lets you play it back

frame by frame.

Playback

(Frame by frame playback

a : Jumps to the frame 10 frames back. If the

movie is less than 10 frames long, displays the first frame.

c : Jumps to the frame 10 frames ahead. If the

movie is less than 10 frames long, displays the last frame.

d :

Displays the next frame. The movie can be played continuously by holding the button down.

b : Displays the previous frame. The movie

can be played continuously in reverse by holding the button down.

N : Displays the [MOVIE PLAY] menu.

MOVIE PLAY

RESTART

EXIT

SELECT

SELECT GO

00:30/00:36

Playing time/ total recording time

00:00/00:36

nHnH

Note

•

The orange lamp beside the viewfinder blinks while the camera is reading the movie from the card. Reading of movies may take some time. Do not open the card cover while orange lamp is blinking. Doing so may damage the data on the card and render the card unusable.

Editing still pictures

SELECTGOGO

CANCEL

This function lets you edit still pictures and store them as new pictures. The following editing operations are possible.

Q Changes the image size to 640 × 480 or 320 × 240 and saves

P Crops part of a picture and saves it as a new file. gP.92

RED EYE FIX Corrects the red-eye phenomenon caused by the light from the

the picture as a new file. gP.91

flash making the subject’s eyes appear red in the picture and saves the picture as a new file. gP.93

Select the still picture that you want to edit and display the top menu.

Resizing

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [EDIT] [Q] g“Menus” (P.16)

1 Select an image size and press

• The [BUSY] bar appears and after the image is saved, the camera returns to the playback mode.

• The resized picture is stored as a separate picture from the original.

• To cancel resizing, select [CANCEL] and press N.

• Resizing is not possible in the following cases.

Movies, pictures that have been edited on a computer, when there is insufficient memory space on the card, or pictures taken with another camera.

• If the image size of the selected picture is 640 × 480, you cannot select [640 × 480].

CANCEL

640 480

320 240

CANCEL

SELECT

Playback

Editing still pictures

SELECTGOGO

CANCEL

SELECT

Trimming

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [EDIT] [P] g“Menus” (P.16)

1 Select [P] and press N.

CANCEL

SELECT

CANCEL

SELECT

2 Use the arrow pad and zoom

lever to decide the trimming position and size.

•Press acbd to move the trimming frame.

• Move the zoom lever toward W or T to

Playback

select the trimming size from small horizontal frame, large horizontal frame, small vertical frame, and large vertical frame.

3 Press N.

GOGOGO

OKOK

4 Select [OK] and press N.

• The [BUSY] bar appears and after the image is saved, the camera returns to the playback mode.

• The trimmed picture is stored as a separate picture from the original.

• If you want to trim the picture again, select [RESET] and press N. Repeat the procedure from Step 2.

• To quit the trimming function, select [CANCEL] and press N.

GOGOGO

RESET

CANCEL

SELECT

SELECT GO

OKOK

Editing still pictures

Note

• Trimming is not possible in the following cases. Movies, or when there is insufficient memory space on the card.

• If a trimmed picture is printed out, it may appear grainy.

Red-eye correction

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [EDIT] [REDEYE FIX] g“Menus” (P.16)

1 When [START] appears, press

• After the [BUSY] bar, a screen asking whether or not you want to save the corrected image is displayed. To save the image, press N.

• The corrected picture is stored as a separate picture from the original.

Note

• Red-eye correction may not work on all pictures or may correct parts other than the eyes.

PLAY

EDIT

REDEYE FIX

CARD SET

START

Playback

Recording sound

Sound can be added to a still picture that you have already taken. (This is known as “after-recording”.) You can also re-record over the sound that has already been recorded. Total recording time per picture is approximately 4 seconds. Select the still picture to which you want to add sound.

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [PLAY] [R] g“Menus” (P.16)

1 Press d to display [START].

PLAY

EDIT CARD SET

2 Aim the camera microphone

toward the sound you want to record and press N to start

Playback

recording.

• The [BUSY] bar is displayed during recording.

Note

• If the microphone is farther than 1 m (3.3 ft.) from the subject, sound may not be recorded properly.

• If you re-record the sound, the original sound is erased.

• You may not be able to record sound when there is insufficient card memory (the “CARD FULL” message is displayed).

• Sound recording may pick up camera noises, such as button operation or shutter movement.

• Once sound is added to a picture, it is not possible to erase only the sound. In this case, make a re-recording with silence.

START

Microphone

Editing movies

00:00

00:36

This function lets you create indexes and edit movies.

INDEX 9 frames extracted from a movie are displayed as an index and stored

EDIT This function lets you erase parts of the movie that you do not want.

on the card as a still picture.

g“Creating an index” (P.95)

g“Editing a movie” (P.96)

Select a picture with n and display the top menu.

Creating an index

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [EDIT] [INDEX] g“Menus” (P.16)

1 Select the first frame of the index

00:00

/00:36

and press N.

a : Jumps to the first frame of the

movie.

c : Jumps to the last frame of the

movie.

d : Displays the next frame. The movie

can be played continuously by holding the button down.

b : Displays the previou s frame. The movie

can be played continuously in reverse by holding the button down.

00:00/00:36

2 As in Step 1, select the last frame

of the index and press N.

Playback

00:36

/00:36

00:36/00:36

Editing movies

SELECT

3 Select [OK] and press N.

• The [BUSY] bar appears and after the 9 frames extracted from the movie appear as an index display, the camera returns to the playback mode. The index is stored as a new picture.

• To select different frames, select [RESET] and press N. Repeat the procedure from Step 1.

• To quit the editing function, select [CANCEL] and press N.

TIPS

• The index is stored as a still picture in a different record mode from the original movie.

Record mode when the movie was shot

Record mode when stored as an index

SQ2 (1,024 × 768 pixels: HIGH)

Note

• The interval between the frames that are automatically extracted varies

depending on the length of the movie.

• An index consists of 9 frames.

• You cannot create an index if there is insufficient memory space on the card.

Playback

Editing a movie

Mode dial

SELECT

SELECT GO

INDEX

RESET

CANCEL

Top menu [MODE MENU] [EDIT] [EDIT] g“Menus” (P.16)

Editing movies

00:00

00:36

SELECT

SELECTGOGO

CANCEL

1 Select the first frame of the part

00:00

you want to keep and press N.

a :

Jumps to the first frame of the movie.

c :

Jumps to the last frame of the movie.

d : Displays the next frame. The movie

can be played continuously by holding the button down.

b : Displays the previous frame. The movie can be played continuously in

reverse by holding the button down.

00:00/00:36

2 As in Step 1, select the last frame

of the part you want to keep and press N.

00:36

/00:36

00:36/00:36

3 Select [OK] and press N.

• To select different frames, select

[RESET] and press N. Repeat the procedure from Step 1.

• To quit the editing function, select

[CANCEL] and press N.

SELECT

SELECT GO

4 Select [NEW FILE] or

[OVERWRITE] and press N.

NEW FILE Stores the edited movie as

OVERWRITE Stores the edited movie with

• The [BUSY] bar appears and after the edited movie is stored as a new movie or the original movie is overwritten, the camera returns to the playback mode.

a new movie.

the same name as the original. The original movie is not stored.

CANCEL

EDIT

RESET

CANCEL

EDIT

NEW FILE

OVERWRITE

SELECT

/00:36

Playback

Note

• You cannot select [NEW FILE] if there is insufficient memory space on the card.

• The editing process of long movies is more time-consuming.

Playback on a TV

Use the AV cable provided with the camera to play back recorded images on your TV. You can play back both still pictures and movies on your TV.

Mode dial

Make sure that the TV and camera are turned off. Connect the multi-connector on the camera to the video input terminal on the TV using the AV cable provided with the camera.

Multi-connector

Connector cover

Connect to the TV’s video input (yellow) and audio input (white) terminals.

AV cable (provided)

2 Turn the TV on and set it to the video input mode.

• For details of switching to video input, refer to your TV’s instruction manual.

3 Press the POWER switch to turn the camera on.

• The last picture taken is displayed on the TV. Use the arrow pad to select the picture you want to display.

Playback

TIPS

• It is recommended that you use the optional AC adapter when playing back pictures on a TV.

• The close-up playback, index display and slideshow functions can also be used on a TV screen.

Note

• Make sure that the camera’s video output signal type is the same as the TV’s

video signal type. g“Video output selection” (P.99)

• The camera’s monitor turns off automatically when the AV cable is connected to the camera.

• Be sure to use the AV cable provided to connect the camera to the TV.

• The picture may appear off-center on the TV screen.

Playback on a TV

Video output selection

You can select [NTSC] or [PAL] according to your TV’s video signal type. When playing back pictures while connected to a TV in a foreign country, be sure to set the [VIDEO OUT] setting accordingly. Select the video signal type before connecting the AV cable. If you select the wrong video signal type, you will not be able to play back the recorded pictures properly on the TV.

Mode dial

Top menu [SETUP] [VIDEO OUT] [NTSC] / [PAL]

Mode dial

Top menu [MODE MENU] [SETUP] [VIDEO OUT] [NTSC] / [PAL]

g“Menus” (P.16)

TIPS

TV video signal types & main regions

Check the video signal type before connecting the camera to the TV. NTSC North America, Japan, Taiwan, Korea PAL European countries, China

Playback

Information display

16 15

100

0030

1/100

2.8

+2.0

ISO

400

2592

1944

SIZE : :

16 15

30 3030

100

0030

This function lets you display detailed shooting information on the monitor for approx. 3 seconds in the playback mode. For details of the information displayed, see “Monitor indications” (P.193). The information display can be set separately for shooting mode and playback mode. g“Displaying shooting information” (P.69)

Mode dial

Top menu [INFO] g“Menus” (P.16)

• Each time you select [INFO] from the top menu, the information display is alternately turned on and off.

0030

2.8

2592

1/100

1010

ISO

16 15

1944

+2.0

400

30 30

100

’0505.

0202.

100

SIZE

’0505. . 0202.

When [INFO] is on When [INFO] is off

Note

•

In some cases, setting [INFO] to on in q mode may not be able to display all the shooting information if the picture was taken with a different camera.

• If [u] is set, the histogram is displayed regardless of whether

to on or off.

Playback

0030

16 15

1010

[INFO]

is set

100

Olympus C5500, C55 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

How to use the camera

How to use this manual

Composition of the manual

1 Basic operation

Mode dial

Direct buttons

Using the direct buttons in shooting mode

Using the direct buttons in playback mode

Menus

About the menus

How to use the menus

2 Tips before you start taking pictures

Holding the camera

Turning the monitor on/off

If correct focus cannot be obtained

How to focus (focus lock)

Subjects that are difficult to focus on

Record mode

Still picture record modes

Movie record modes

Card capacity in number of pictures/remaining recording time

To change the record mode

3 Basic shooting functions

Selecting a shooting mode according to the situation

Zooming in on a distant subject

Using the optical zoom

Using the digital zoom

Taking close-up pictures (macro/super macro mode)

Flash shooting

Flash intensity control

Slow synchronization

4 Advanced shooting functions

Aperture priority shooting

Shutter priority shooting

Manual shooting

My Mode

Focusing applications

AF mode

Fulltime AF

AF area

AF illuminator

Manual focus

Metering

ESP/Spot metering

Multi-metering

AE lock

ISO sensitivity

Exposure compensation

White balance

Auto white balance

Preset white balance

One-touch white balance

White balance compensation

Sharpness

Contrast

Saturation

Noise reduction

Histogram

Displaying shooting information

Frame assist

5 More useful functions

Recording movies

Camera movement compensation

Sequential shooting

Sequential shooting

Auto bracketing

Time lapse shooting

Self-timer shooting

Function shooting (black & white/sepia)

Panorama shooting

Recording sound with still pictures

Recording sound with movies

6Playback

Single-frame playback

Close-up playback

Index display