Olympus E-20N Reference Manual

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Reference Manual

■ Thank you for purchasing this digital Olympus camera.

■ Before you use this camera, read this manual carefully.

■ We recommend that you spend some time taking test shots and experimenting with all of the features before you take important pictures.

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For Customers in Europe

“CE” mark indicates that this product complies with the European requirements for safety, health, environment and customer protection. “CE” mark cameras are intended for sales in Europe.

For Customers in North and South America

For Customers in USA

Declaration of Conformity

Model Number : E-20 Trade Name : OLYMPUS Responsible party : Olympus America Inc. Address : 2 Corporate Center Drive, Melville, New York

11747-3157 U.S.A. Telephone number : 631-844-5000 Tested to comply with FCC standards FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference. (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that

may cause undesired operation.

For Customers in Canada

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Trademarks

• IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

• Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.

• Macintosh is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

• All other company and product names are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of their respective owners.

• The standards for camera file systems referred to in this manual are the “Design Rule for Camera File System/DCF” standards stipulated by the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA).

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Read This First!

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Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up the camera and take some pictures. You can start taking pictures right away, even if you are a beginner, using zoom, macro mode for close-ups, flash shooting, etc.

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Read based on the types of pictures that you want to take.

Caring for Your Camera, Important Parts and Names

Features, How to Use This Manual

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Getting Started

Taking Pictures

(Shooting and Viewing Basics)

Shooting Techniques:

General Introduction

Distance and Focus

Read for more details about adjusting

Taking Pictures

camera settings manually if the results with the automatic features are not satisfactory, or to create special artistic effects in your pictures.

Brightness (Exposure)

Using a Flash

Color and Quality

Special Features

Playing back pictures for viewing on the camera monitor or processing pictures with the camera features.

Playing Back Images for Viewing

Managing Stored Pictures

Preparing pictures for printing, transferring pictures from memory card to a computer.

Selecting Pictures for Printing

Transferring Pictures to a Computer

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Having a problem?

Basics for Everyone Advanced Features

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Appendices*, Glossary, Index

Monitor Menus

* Specifications/Troubleshooting/

Camera Error Messages

Page 4

CAMEDIA E-20 Features

Here is a quick summary of this camera’s most exciting features for professional photographers, publishers, advertisers, or anyone experienced with an SLR camera who wants to make the transition to a digital camera.

High Quality Images

• High Quality CCD with approximately 4,950,000 pixels (effective pixels).

• 9 - 36 mm, f/2.0 - f/2.4, fully multi-coated, 4x aspherical and “ED” glass zoom lens for reliable reproduction of beautiful, natural color.

• Highly acclaimed balance achieved with digital ESP metering, spot metering, and center weighted averaging metering, and a dual autofocusing system to cover low light and low contrast situations.

• Noise Reduction mode allows to reduce noises on a picture with low light shooting.

Functionality

• Approximately 60 ms. shutter release timing*1; sequence shooting at 2.2 frames/sec. (up to 4 frames in IS mode and 7 frames in PS mode).

• Even in the macro close-up mode, you can zoom on an area up to 20 cm (8 inches) from the lens of the camera.

• Dual Scan Mode: Interlaced scan IS mode for highest pixel resolution, and Progressive scan PS mode for faster shutter speeds to 1/5000 second.

• A wide choice of 5 different battery types.

• Durable, aluminum die-cast body.

• Compatible with SmartMedia, CompactFlash (Compatible with Type I and Type II), and Microdrive*

*1Shutter release time after focus lock and full-press on the shutter button. *2The optional B-32LPS or B-30LPS lithium polymer battery set is needed to use a Microdrive for this camera due

to power requirements. See also “Precautions When Using the Microdirve” (➞ 26).

Operability

• Easy to use button layout allows quick settings and adjustments.

• Viewfinder with a focusing screen which allows you to confirm focusing in real time.

• Manual focusing for fine adjustment with a focusing ring.

• Shutter speed, aperture value, other image information displayed in viewfinder.

• Monitor allows waist-level or overhead viewing for composing pictures.

Expandability

• Complete (28 mm - 420 mm equivalent) conversion lens system.

• Optional B-32LPS/B-30LPS lithium polymer battery set enables extended uninterrupted use.

• Remote cable with 2-step release, 1st half-press and then 2nd full-press.

• Flash synchro socket for a generic external flash unit, hot shoe for the dedicated external flash unit FL-40 and generic external flash unit.

• Plug and play USB interface for easy connectivity with most computers.

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How to Use This Manual

The sample page below shows you how to use this manual.

Setting Tables

Initial settings (defaults) are indicated in bold.

Indicates the corresponding step number of the procedure on the right.

Using the Menus

To open the next page of a menu in the direction indicated by the arrows , press the appropriate pointer on the arrow pad to move the highlighted green frame in order to perform settings.

Arrow pad

Press the black pointer. If more than one pointer is marked in black, press either pointer.

Procedures

Follow the numbered procedures. The numbers in the illustrations on the left correspond to the step numbers on the right.

Previous shot is not displayed.

Previous shot is displayed for as long as it takes for the image to be stored on the memory card.

Previous shot is displayed for 5 seconds.

Selecting Sharpness

Three settings are available for adjusting sharpness: HARD, NORMAL, and SOFT. SHARP sharpens the contrast at color borders to maximize the clarity of the image. NORMAL Enabled when you purchase the camera. Defines borders to achieve best focus fo printing the image. HARD Greatly enhances and sharpens borders. SOFT Softens borders slightly and is ideal for images that you intend to process with a computer graphics software application.

OFF

AUTO

5sec

Press the menu button .

The menu opens in the monitor.

On the arrow pad, press or to move

the green highlight to the sharp option mark .

On the arrow pad, press to move the

green highlight to HARD, NORMAL, or SOFT.

The mark is displayed in the control panel when a setting other than NORMAL is selected.

Press the button to select the setting.

The green highlight returns to the sharp option mark . Press button again to close the menu.

Note

• Selecting HARD could cause the image to appear rough.

Cautions and Notes provided at bottom of the page describe precautions and tips about using the camera.

Mode Dial Setting

Tells you the possible mode dial settings required to follow the procedure.

P (Program mode)

Camera automatically selects the best aperture value and shutter speed for the shot.

A (Aperture priority mode)

Allows you to set the aperture value (camera selects the shutter speed).

S (Shutter priority mode)

Allows you to set the shutter speed (camera selects the aperture value).

M (Manual mode)

Allows you to set both the shutter speed and aperture value.

(Playback mode)

Allows you to display on the

137

monitor images of pictures you have taken.

When shooting mode is set for P, A, S, or M, rapidly press (Monitor button) twice to enter the playback mode.

(Print reserve mode)

Allows you to select images for printing on a DPOF printer or by a DPOF printing service.

(Setup/connection mode)

Select this setting when you connect the camera to a computer. Also displays the camera setup features after you press the menu button .

Move the mode dial to align the mark with .

OFF

This is only a sample, not a real page. Please do not attempt to execute the procedure described on this page.

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Caring for Your Camera

Lens

• Purchase a standard camera lens blow brush and use it to keep the lens clean.

• For dust and foreign matter difficult to remove with a blow brush, use a cleaning

cloth, or lens tissue, intended only for use with camera lenses to prevent scratching the lens.

• When the camera is not in use, cover the lens with the lens cap to protect it from scratches or other accidental damage.

Monitor

• Use a cleaning cloth or tissue intended only for LCDs to clean the monitor.

General care tips

* Always protect the surface of the camera from water. * If you do not use the camera for an extended period of time, remove the batteries. * Never store the camera with mothballs. * Store the camera in a clean, dry, cool location that is not subject to wide variation in temperature

or humidity.

* If you store the camera for more than one month with the batteries removed, the date and time

settings will return to its factory default. This means that you will need to reset the date and time the next time you use the camera.

* After prolonged storage check the camera to make sure that it is operating correctly. (The growth

of mold, excessive dust, etc. could interfere with operation of the camera.)

* To prevent sand or dirt from interfering with the movements of the manual focusing ring and other

moving parts, keep the camera stored in a case or bag when it is not in use. Avoid using the camera in areas exposed to sand and dust.

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CAMEDIA E-20 Features ................................................................................................... 2

How to Use This Manual .................................................................................................... 3

Caring for Your Camera ...................................................................................................... 4

Important Parts and Names ............................................................................................... 9

Getting Started ................................................................................................. 13

Box Contents: Make Sure You Have Everything ......................................................... 14

Attaching the Camera Strap ....................................................................................... 15

Inserting Batteries and Attaching the Optional AC Adapter ....................................... 16

Taking Pictures (Shooting and Viewing Basics) ........................................... 23

Inserting a Memory Card ............................................................................................ 24

Setting the Shooting Mode and Switching the Camera On ........................................ 28

Checking the Battery .................................................................................................. 29

Checking the Number of Storable Pictures ................................................................ 30

When the Number of Storable Pictures Is Not Displayed ........................................... 32

Attaching the Lens Hood ............................................................................................ 33

Holding the Camera ................................................................................................... 34

Pushing the Shutter Button ........................................................................................ 36

If You Cannot Take a Picture ....................................................................................... 38

Using the Zoom and Macro Functions ....................................................................... 40

Using the Built-in Flash .............................................................................................. 42

Viewing Pictures (Playback) ....................................................................................... 44

Protecting Pictures

Deleting Single Pictures

Switching the Camera Off .......................................................................................... 50

............................................................................................ 48

...................................................................................... 49

Shooting Techniques: General Introduction .................................................. 51

Shooting Portraits (Focused Subject, Blurred Background) ....................................... 52

Shooting Portraits (Shooting Backlit Subjects) ........................................................... 53

Shooting a Subject in Daylight Shadow (Daylight Synchro) ....................................... 54

Shooting the Subject and Background Both in Focus ................................................ 55

Shooting Moving Subjects .......................................................................................... 56

Shooting Close-up ...................................................................................................... 57

Shooting Night Scenes ............................................................................................... 58

Shooting a Night Scene (Noise Reduction) ................................................................ 59

Shooting a Subject Against a Night Scene Background (Slow Synchronization) ....... 60

Shooting Sunsets and Fireworks ................................................................................ 61

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Contents (continued)

Taking Pictures: Distance and Focus............................................................. 63

Using Autofocus (AF) ................................................................................................. 64

Using Manual Focus (MF) .......................................................................................... 68

Taking Pictures: Brightness (Exposure) (Aperture and Shutter Speed) .......... 69

Setting the Shooting Mode ......................................................................................... 70

Setting the Aperture Value and Shutter Speed Automatically (P Mode) .................... 71

Setting the Aperture Value (A Mode) ......................................................................... 72

Setting the Shutter Speed (S Mode) ........................................................................... 74

Setting the Aperture Value and Shutter Speed Manually (M Mode) .......................... 76

Using the IS (Interlace Scan) Mode

Using the PS (Progressive Scan) Mode ............................................................... 80

Selecting the Brightness Adjustment Method (Monitor Preview Mode)

(Only for M Mode) ...................................................................................................... 82

Selecting the Metering Method ............................................................ 83

Using Exposure Compensation

AE Lock ............................................................................................................ 85

Bracketing a Shot with Three Automatic Exposures ............................................. 86

Changing the ISO Setting

..................................................................................... 88

..................................................................... 78

............................................................................. 84

Taking Pictures: Using a Flash ....................................................................... 89

Selecting a Flash Mode ......................................................................................... 90

Using Flash Control Compensation ...................................................................... 94

Using the Optional Dedicated External Flash FL-40 .................................................. 96

Using Other Flash Units with the Camera .................................................................. 98

Taking Pictures: Color and Quality............................................................... 101

Achieving Natural Color (White Balance) .......................................................... 102

Using White Balance .......................................................................................... 104

Using Quick Reference (One Touch) White Balance

Using Preset White Balance .............................................................................. 107

Selecting Image Quality (Record Mode) ............................................................ 108

Customizing the Record Mode ................................................................................. 111

Selecting Sharpness

Selecting the Contrast ........................................................................................ 114

Using the Noise Reduct (Noise Reduction Mode)

Displaying the Histogram .................................................................................... 117

.......................................................................................... 113

......................................... 105

.............................................. 115

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Taking Pictures: Special Features ................................................................ 119

Taking Sequential Exposures (Burst Mode) ....................................................... 120

Using the Self-Timer ........................................................................................... 121

Using the Camera Remote Unit RM-1 ................................................................... 122

Using the Remote Cable RM-CB1 (Optional) ........................................................... 124

Using Time-Lapse Photography

Selecting a Card for Storing Pictures .......................................................... 129

Selecting the Shutter Sound Type and Volume

Setting the Warning Sound ................................................................................. 132

Setting the Rec View Time ................................................................................. 133

Setting the Date and Time

Setting the Idle Time for the Sleep Mode ........................................................... 136

Restoring All Default Settings + ..................................................................... 138

Using an Optional Conversion Lens

Pixel Mapping ..................................................................................................... 142

......................................................................... 126

.................................................. 130

.................................................................................. 134

.............................................................. 139

Playing Back Images for Viewing .................................................................145

Displaying Image Information ............................................................................ 146

Automatic Playback (Slide Show)

Displaying Images on a TV Screen .......................................................................... 149

Adjusting Monitor Brightness .............................................................................. 150

....................................................................... 148

Managing Stored Pictures ............................................................................. 151

Copying Images to Another Card ....................................................................... 152

Deleting All Images ............................................................................................ 156

Formatting a Memory Card ................................................................................ 158

Naming Image Files

........................................................................................... 160

Selecting Pictures for Printing...................................................................... 163

Selecting Pictures and Number of Copies for Printing ......................................... 164

Selecting All Pictures on a Card for Printing ...................................................... 166

Setting Up Index Printing .................................................................................... 168

Selecting Pictures for Date or Time Stamping

Printing with Olympus Printers ................................................................................. 172

.................................................... 170

Transferring Pictures to a Computer ............................................................ 173

Transferring Images between the Camera and Computer via a

Direct Connection ..................................................................................................... 174

Optional Devices for Card Reading .......................................................................... 184

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Contents (continued)

Monitor Menus................................................................................................ 185

Monitor Menus .................................................................................................... 186

Appendices ..................................................................................................... 189

Appendix 1: Specifications ....................................................................................... 190

Appendix 2: Troubleshooting .................................................................................... 192

Appendix 3: Camera Error Messages ...................................................................... 199

Glossary of Selected Terms ..........................................................................201

Index ............................................................................................................... 206

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Important Parts and Names

Metering mode button* ➝ 83

Drive button* ➝ 120, 121, 122

Remote cable jack➝ 124

Built-in flash ➝ 42, 89

Flash button ➝ 42, 93

Manual focus ring ➝ 68

Zoom ring ➝ 40

Exposure compensation button* ➝ 84

Macro button* ➝ 40

Flash synchro socket

(External flash connector) ➝ 99

Focus mode switch➝ 64, 68

Strap eyelet ➝ 15

DC IN jack cap

DC IN jack ➝ 21

Flash mode button* ➝ 90

Record mode button* ➝ 108

Control panel 11

Hot shoe ➝ 97, 99

Monitor 10, 12

Sub dial ➝

Main dial ➝

Viewfinder 12

Diopter adjustment ring ➝ 34

Eyepiece shutter lever ➝ 35

See “Main dial and Sub dial” below.

White balance mode button* ➝ 102

Mode dial ➝ 70

Power switch ➝ 28

AE lock button ➝ 85

Light button ➝ 28 Card access lamp

➝ 17, 37 SM/CF memory

card button* ➝ 129

Card cover lock Card cover

See “Main dial and Sub dial” below.

➝ 25

Connector cover

Video OUT jack ➝ 149 USB connector ➝ 176

* Press and hold, then turn

the main dial or sub dial to operate.

Main dial and sub dial

For your convenience, the main dial and sub dial can be used in the same way in most cases to select the camera settings. However, when the mode dial is set to M (manual mode), the main dial is used to set the aperture value and the sub dial is used to select the shutter speed.

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Important Parts and Names (continued)

Monitor lock/release button ➝ 35

Allows you to raise monitor and change angle of view.

Protect button ➝ 48

INFO button* ➝ 12, 68, 146

Use to change information on the monitor while shooting or playing back.

Erase button ➝ 49

Monitor button ➝ 35

Press to switch monitor off/on. In P, A, S, or M mode press twice rapidly to enter playback mode, press again to leave playback mode.

Menu button ➝ 186

Press to open menu in the monitor.

OK button ➝ 186

Arrow pad ➝ 186

When using the menus, press the pointers on the arrow pad to move the green highlight to select options, and then press the button.

Monitor ➝ 12

If you press the monitor button with the mode dial set to P, A, S, or M, you can use the monitor like the viewfinder, with the mode dial set to playback you can view images of pictures that you have taken. If you press the menu button you can open and use the menus.

Shutter button ➝ 36

Remote control receiver/ self-timer lamp ➝ 121, 123

Strap eyelet ➝ 15

Battery compartment ➝ 17

AF port ➝ 64

Speaker

Quick reference (one touch) white balance button ➝ 105

Note

• To prevent damage or the loss of

Tripod socket

Lens

valuable data, never place a credit card, cash card, pre-paid card with magnetic codes, a floppy disk, and other type of storage media affected by a strong magnetic field near the speaker of the unit.

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Control panel

Flash control ➝ 42, 89

The (flash suppression) mark displays when the built-in flash is closed. Nothing displays for Auto flash mode.

Slow synchro

Fill-in flash

Red-eye reduction

2nd-curtain

Shutter speed ➝ 74

Aperture value ➝ 72

Macro ➝ 40

Self-timer ➝ 121

Conversion lens ➝ 139

Sequential shooting ➝ 120

Number of storable pictures ➝ 30

At power on, also displays a percentage for the battery check for the lithium polymer battery.

Note

• If you half-press the shutter button, the viewfinder display will light on. The viewfinder display goes off eight seconds after you release the button.

• After the camera is switched on, you will see “- - ” displayed for the aperture, shutter speed, and exposure level settings until you half-press the shutter button. When you release the shutter-button from half-pressing, you will see “- -” displayed again after 8 seconds.

Flash intensity control

Remote control ➝ 122

Record mode

➝ 108

TIFF*, SHQ, HQ, or SQ * Indicates RAW when blinking

Battery check ➝ 29

Selected memory card SmartMedia CompactFlash /Microdrive ➝ 129

Indicates the number of pictures in the buffer. The bars disappear as the pictures move from the buffer to the card.

• displays

When the PS mode is set (➝ 80) or sharpness/contrast setting is not set to NORMAL (➝ 113, 114).

• blinks

When the noise reduction mode is set (➝ 115)

ISO (Displays setting other than AUTO) ➝ 88

Card error ➝ 199

Memory gauge ➝ 38

Indicates shots are stored in temporary memory (a buffer). Goes off after pictures are stored on a card. When the memory gauge is blinking, the buffer is full and you cannot take a picture.

When the bars are blinking, you cannot take a picture. The number of blinking bars varies depending on the following settings:

• IS/PS/Noise reduction mode setting (➝ 78, 80, 115)

• Record mode setting (➝ 108)

White balance (Displays setting other than AUTO) ➝ 104, 105, 107

Manual focus ➝ 68

Auto bracket ➝ 86

Exposure compensation/ Exposure level

In the P, A, S modes displays exposure compensation value. (➝ 84) In the M mode displays the exposure level (the difference between the selected and ideal exposure levels). (➝ 77)

Metering mode ➝ 83

Digital ESP metering Center weighted averaging metering Spot metering

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Important Parts and Names (continued)

Viewfinder

Spot metering area ➝ 83

Indicates the area employed for spot metering when camera is in spot metering mode .

AF correct mark ➝ 64

After half-pressing shutter button, blinks until subject is in focus, and then lights when subject is in focus. Does not blink or light when camera is in manual focus mode.

Flash warning ➝ 37

Blinks to warn you that flash is required for the shot when builtin flash is closed (pressing the flash button raises the built-in flash), blinks while the flash is charging, and lights when flash is fully charged.

Shutter speed ➝ 74

Macro ➝ 40

AF target mark ➝ 34

Position this mark on the subject that you want to focus.

Aperture value ➝ 72

Metering mode ➝ 83

Center weighted

averaging metering

Spot metering Nothing displayed for digital ESP metering.

Exposure compensation/ Exposure level

In the P, A, and S modes displays exposure compensation value. (➝ 84) In the M mode, displays the exposure level (the difference between the selected and ideal exposure levels). (➝ 77)

AE (Automatic Exposure) Lock ➝ 85

White balance ➞ 104, 105, 107

Displays when the white balance is not set to auto.

Monitor Display (During Shooting)

Pressing the button repeatedly switches the information displayed at the bottom of the monitor in this order: Information Display ➞ Shooting Distance Display ➞ Display Off.

Shooting distance ➞ 68 Displaying Image Information ➞ 146

Metering mode

Exposure compensation/ Exposure level

AE Lock

AF correct mark

Macro

Flash warning

Aperture value

Shutter speed

White balance

Page 15

Getting Started

After you remove the camera from the box, first make sure that you have everything, then attach the camera strap and install the batteries provided with the camera.

In this chapter, you will also learn how to install optional batteries not provided with the camera and how to connect and use the optional AC adapter which allows you to power the camera with house current.

How to use this manual

The following notations are used to alert you to important information to help you avoid personal injury, to prevent damage to the camera or the loss of valuable images, and to provide valuable hints and tips about using the camera.

Warning Ignoring a warning could lead to serious injury or death. Caution Ignoring a caution could cause minor personal injury,

damage to the equipment, or the loss of valuable data.

Note Notes provide tips or hints about using the product more

efficiently and remind you of operational limitations.

If you experience a minor problem or if you see a term in text that you do not understand, refer to the Troubleshooting or Glossary sections provided at the end of this manual.

(➞ 12) This notation tells you the number of the page where you

can find more information about the procedure or feature described in the previous sentence or paragraph.

BEFORE YOU USE THIS CAMERA, PLEASE READ ALL THE IMPORTANT NOTICES DESCRIBED ON A SEPARATE VOLUME.

Page 16

Box Contents: Make Sure You Have Everything

As you remove each item from the box, check it against the items described below to make sure that you have everything. If any item is missing or damaged, contact the dealer where you purchased the camera.

Camera

RM-1 remote control

Lithium battery packs (CR-V3)

• SmartMedia card (1)

• SmartMedia Static-free case (1)

• SmartMedia labels (2)

• SmartMedia protect seals (4)

Lens cap

Lens hood

• Customer registration card

USB cable

• Reference Manual (Included in the software CD in some regions)

• Basic Manual (Not provided in some regions)

• Quick Start Guide

• Remote control instructions

• SmartMedia instructions

• Software Installation Guide (Included in the Software CD pack in some regions)

•

Olympus RAW File Import Plug-in Installation Guide

(Not provided in some regions)

• Warranty card

Strap

Video cable

• Software CD

The following are included: – CAMEDIA Master Software – Windows 98/98SE USB driver – Olympus RAW File Import Plug-in – Reference Manual (Not provided in some regions)

Page 17

Attaching the Camera Strap

Attach the carrying strap to both sides of the camera.

Slide the end of the strap through

the strap eyelet on the camera.

As shown in the illustration, slide

the end of the strap through the sleeve and frame on the strap.

Slide the sleeve up to the eyelet.

Frame

Pull the strap tight around the

frame and make sure that it does not slip.

Repeat this procedure to attach the

other end of the strap to the other side of the camera.

Caution

• Please make sure that the strap is connected securely to the camera. Not attaching the strap, or

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attaching it incorrectly, could cause you to drop and damage the camera. Olympus can assume absolutely no responsibility for damages resulting from incorrectly attaching or not attaching the strap to the camera.

Page 18

Inserting Batteries and Attaching the Optional AC Adapter

The following five types of batteries can be used with this camera, or you can use the optional AC adapter to connect the camera to a household power outlet.

Battery Type Battery Set Rechargeable Lithium battery pack CR-V3 (provided with camera) 2 NO AA (R6) Ni-MH batteries (sold separately) 4 YES AA (R6) Ni-Cd batteries 4 YES

Lithium polymer batteries (sold separately) (battery holder required) AA (R6) Alkaline batteries

Caution

• To avoid damaging the camera from overheated batteries, never use AA (R6) zinc-carbon

• The lithium battery pack CR-V3 cannot be recharged.

• Performance of AA (R6) alkaline batteries varies considerably according to brand, battery age, and

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(manganese) or AA (R6) lithium batteries with this camera. Always use the identical batteries as a set, and never mix battery types.

temperature. (Performance is particularly erratic at low temperatures.) In some cases these batteries may run down very quickly. We therefore recommend the use of Ni-MH batteries, lithium battery packs, or the lithium polymer battery in preference to AA (R6) alkaline batteries.

Battery service life

The service life of batteries is affected by many factors: battery type, manufacturer, how and where the camera is used, and so on.

Note

The following conditions listed below could cause the batteries to discharge quickly, even without taking pictures:

• Repeatedly half-pressing the shutter button or turning the manual focus ring

• Repeatedly zooming on a subject

• Leaving the monitor on

• Leaving the camera connected to a computer

1 YES 4NO

Page 19

Inserting the lithium battery pack (CR-V3)

OFF

Two lithium battery packs are required.

Caution

• The lithium battery pack CR-V3 cannot be recharged.

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Power switch

OFF

White line

Power is OFF. Power is ON.

Battery compartment knob

OFF

Card access lamp

Make sure the white line on the

power switch is at the OFF position.

If the power switch is set to ON, move it to the OFF position.

Make sure that the card access

lamp is off.

If the card access lamp is blinking, wait for it to go off.

Raise the battery compartment

knob and turn it to the open position in the direction of the arrow as shown in the illustration.

Caution

• If you remove the battery holder with the

camera power on, the current mode and time may be reset. The picture just taken may not be stored on the card, and images already stored on the card could be damaged. Please make sure that the power switch is set to OFF.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Power switch

Page 20

Inserting Batteries and Attaching the Optional AC Adapter (continued)

Remove the battery holder.

If insulation seal is attached, peel it off.

Battery holder

Do not remove the seal.

Insert a battery into the battery

holder as shown in the illustration.

Gently press down on the battery

in the direction of the arrow until you hear it lock in place.

If you accidentally insert the battery reversed, you will not be able to fully insert it. In this case, remove it and insert it correctly.

Using the same procedure, insert

another battery in the other side of the battery holder.

Insert the battery holder (with the

batteries inserted) into the camera.

Gently push in the holder while

turning the battery compartment knob to the closed position.

Finally, fold down the battery compartment knob.

If you want to start taking pictures now, go on to the next chapter. (➞ 23)

Caution

• Do not inser t the battery holder into the

camera with a battery loaded in only one side. The battery holder may not be removed.

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

Page 21

Inserting commercially available AA (R6) Ni-MH, Ni-Cd, or Alkaline batteries

Be sure to use four batteries of the same type. Before inserting Ni-MH or Ni-Cd batteries, make sure that they are fully charged.

Insert the batteries as described in

the previous section for lithium

You may notice a gap after loading the AA (R6) batteries into the holder, but this is normal. The batteries will make proper contact when the holder has been inserted into the camera.

battery packs (CR-V3). (➞ 17)

Insert the batteries into the battery holder with the polarity of each battery aligned correctly as shown in the illustration.

Battery holder

Before loading batteries ...

Warning

Batteries with any part of the outer seal (magnetic insulation sheath) peeled off, or any battery split along the seam, can leak, generate heat, or explode. Never use damaged batteries in the camera. Store-bought batteries occasionally may be defective, with all or part of the magnetic insulation sheath peeled off. Never use batteries in this condition.

These batteries cannot be used:

All of the seal (electrical insulation sheath) is peeled off (bare batteries). Batteries with all or part of the electrical insulation sheath peeled off.

Part of the negative electrode is protruding although not covered by the seal.

The negative electrode (minus terminal) is flat and only partially covered by the seal (electrical insulation sheath). The negative electrode (the minus surface) is flat and not covered by the seal.

Page 22

Inserting Batteries and Attaching the Optional AC Adapter (continued)

Inserting the optional lithium polymer battery (B-12LPB/B-10LPB)

The rechargeable lithium polymer battery (sold separately) can power the camera for long periods. The lithium polymer battery is inserted into a power battery holder (B-HLD10) (sold separately) attached to the camera. For more details about installing and using the lithium polymer battery, refer to the lithium polymer battery and power battery holder instructions.

Power battery holder

Lithium polymer battery

Optional lithium polymer battery sets

• B-32LPS (latest model)

The following are included:

– B-12LPB (one lithium polymer battery) – B-20LPC (one lithium polymer battery charger) – B-HLD10 (one power battery holder)

• B-30LPS

The following are included:

– B-10LPB (one lithium polymer battery) – B-20LPC (one lithium polymer battery charger) – B-HLD10 (one power battery holder)

Note Connecting the AC adapter with the battery installed

• The voltage of the dedicated AC adapter is higher than that of the batteries, so when you connect the AC adapter to the camera, power is supplied from the AC adapter and the battery power is not consumed.

• The voltage of the lithium polymer battery is higher than that of the dedicated AC adapter, so even when the AC adapter is connected to the camera, power is supplied from the lithium polymer battery. If the lithium polymer battery is installed and you want to connect the AC adapter, first remove the lithium polymer battery.

Page 23

Using the AC adapter (sold separately)

An optional Olympus CAMEDIA-brand AC adapter allows you to power your digital camera from a common AC wall outlet. Be sure to use the specified AC adapter. Use an AC adapter designed to operate on the AC voltage in the area the camere is being used. Consult your nearest Olympus dealer or Service Center for details.

Make sure the white line on the

power switch is at the OFF position.

If the power switch is set to ON, move it to the OFF position.

Make sure that the card access

lamp is off.

Plug the AC adapter power cord

into a power outlet.

On the lower left side of the

camera, locate the cover with the

mark and open it. Plug the other end of the AC adapter power cord into the DC IN jack.

Note

• The AC adapter may become slightly warm during prolonged use. This is normal and does not indicate a problem.

Power outlet

OFF

AC adapter power cord plug

AC adapter

DC IN jack

Warning Follow these simple guidelines to ensure safe operation of the camera.

• Use the correct AC adapter

To avoid damaging the camera, personal injury, or other unexpected problems, connect and use only the AC adapter recommended for use with this camera. Olympus can accept no responsibility for damage or injury caused by using an AC adapter that is not rated and approved for use with this camera.

• Use the correct power source

Use only the optional AC adapter intended for use with this camera. Use the AC adapter with this camera only in the country where you purchased it. The AC adapter is not rated for use with different power sources, which could vary widely in different countries. Before travelling abroad, purchase extra batteries. If you have any questions, contact an Olympus authorized service center.

Page 24

Inserting Batteries and Attaching the Optional AC Adapter (continued)

• If a malfunction occurs

If you notice that the AC adapter body or power cord is extremely hot, or if you notice any unusual odors or smoke around the AC adapter, unplug the AC adapter power cord from the power source immediately. Contact your dealer or an Olympus service center for assistance. Frequently inspect the AC adapter power cord. If you notice that the cable covering or plug is damaged in any way, immediately contact your dealer or an Olympus service center.

• Connecting and disconnecting the AC adapter

Always make sure that the camera is switched off before you connect/disconnect the AC adapter to/from the camera. Never handle the AC adapter power cord with wet hands. When connecting the AC adapter, (1) first plug the AC adapter power cord into the power outlet, (2) connect the other end of the power cord to the DC IN jack on the camera, and then (3) switch the camera on. Make sure that the power cord is securely plugged into the power outlet. To disconnect the AC adapter, switch the camera off, disconnect the power cord from the camera, and then unplug the power cord from the power supply. Grip the AC adapter, not the cord, when you unplug it. Never twist, bend, or pull on the power cord. Always unplug the AC adapter from the power outlet when the camera is not in use.

2222

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Taking Pictures

(Shooting and Viewing Basics)

In this chapter you will learn how to insert a memory card, take a picture, and view the picture. This chapter describes only the basic procedures for taking and viewing pictures. For more details about camera operation, refer to the later chapters.

Page 26

Inserting a Memory Card

The SmartMedia, CompactFlash, and Microdrive card store pictures that you take with the camera. Throughout these instructions, the SmartMedia, CompactFlash, and Microdrive cards are simply referred to as “cards. ” The CompactFlash or Microdrive card is inserted into the same slot. Both cards cannot be used at the same time. The SmartMedia and CompactFlash/Microdrive cards can be installed together, or either card one at a time. However, at least one card must be inserted in order to operate the camera.

Caution

• A memory card is a delicate, precision device. Handle it carefully. Never touch the electrical

• A commercially obtained card must be formatted using the camera (➞ 158).

SmartMedia (SM) provided

You can use Olympus or any other brand 3V (3.3V) SmartMedia memory card (5V cards cannot be used).

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

contacts on the SmartMedia card (shown below), and never subject a card to strong shocks or vibrations.

Electrical contacts

Protect area

CompactFlash (CF) (sold separately)

Can be used same as SmartMedia to store images.

Microdrive (sold separately)

A hard disk, based on the CF Type II standard, that can be used with this camera. It is compact with high storage capacity. Due to power requirements, an optional B-32LPS or B-30LPS lithium polymer battery set is needed to use a Microdrive with this camera.

Card access lamp

Make sure that the card access

lamp is off.

If the card access lamp is blinking, wait for it to go off. If you accidentally open the card cover while the card access lamp is blinking, you could lose the image being stored on the card or possibly damage the card itself.

Page 27

Lift up the card cover lock while

pressing the round release button under it.

The card cover opens.

Card cover lock

While pressing here, slide up.

Notched corner

SmartMedia

When the SmartMedia is inserted correctly

Card cover

Insert the card.

• SmartMedia card

Taking care not to touch the electrical contacts, hold the SmartMedia card with the notched corner down, and then insert it into the slot closest to you. Push the card completely into the slot. (Insert the SmartMedia card until you can see about 2 mm (3/32") of the card above the edge of the slot.) To avoid damaging the electrical contacts, make sure that you do not insert the SmartMedia card into the CompactFlash/ Microdrive card slot. To remove the SmartMedia card, see the instructions below.

• CompactFlash/Microdrive card

Hold the card so that the arrow on the card can be seen and points into the slot, then insert it straight into the wider slot. Gently push in the card until it stops. To avoid damaging the card, never force it into the slot if it cannot be inserted smoothly. To remove the card, see the instructions on the next page.

CompactFlash (Microdrive)

Page 28

Inserting a Memory Card (continued)

To close the card cover, press it

gently until you hear it click and lock.

Removing a SmartMedia card

Gently push in on the installed SmartMedia card to release it, and then pull it out of the camera.

Removing a CompactFlash/Microdrive card

Gently press the eject button to release the card. To prevent the card from jumping out of the camera, press the eject button with only light pressure.

Eject button

With both cards set in the camera

With both a SmartMedia and a CompactFlash/Microdrive card installed in the camera, you can select either card for storing pictures. (➞ 129)

Precautions When Using the Microdrive

Please pay attention to the following restrictions regarding use of the Microdrive. For important shooting, the SmartMedia or CompactFlash card is recommended. (Also, carefully read the Microdrive manual.)

Where to Use the Microdrive

The Microdrive is a compact, lightweight hard disk drive. Because it is a rotating data storage media, as contrasted with stationary recording media such as CompactFlash and SmartMedia cards, a Microdrive cannot withstand strong shock or vibration. When using a Microdrive, always handle the camera carefully to protect the Microdrive and camera from vibration and shock, especially while the Microdrive is writing data to or reading data from the disk.

General Precautions

• Never throw the camera onto a hard surface like a desk while the Microdrive is writing data to the disk.

• Never allow the camera to strike a hard object while the camera is hanging from your shoulder by its shoulder strap.

• Avoid using the camera in an area, such as a construction site, where there is a large amount of vibration.

• Avoid using the camera in a moving vehicle such as a jeep to reduce vibrations.

Page 29

Caring for the Microdrive

• Do not write on the label.

• Do not peel off the label.

• Do not paste anything over the label.

• Always transport or store the Microdrive in its specially designed protective case.

• The Microdrive could become warm during prolonged use, so handle it carefully.

• Keep the Microdrive away from office equipment or other electrical appliances that generate strong

electromagnetic fields.

• Do not press down hard on the Microdrive cover.

Operating the Camera

Using the Microdrive unit will rapidly increase the consumption of battery power. To reduce the amount of battery power consumption, pay attention to the following points:

• Avoid using the monitor to frame shots.

• If it is not required, do not use the SmartMedia card at the same time. Remove the SmartMedia

card from the camera.

• Use a large capacity battery such as the CR-V3 lithium battery pack or an optional B-12LPB or B-10LPB lithium polymer battery.

• If no camera control operates, remove the batteries and replace them.

• If the battery is low, the camera may not power up when the Microdrive is inserted.

If a card error occurs (➞ 199)

• If you cannot record or retrieve images from the card, use your computer to check the card with ScanDisk.

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Setting the Shooting Mode and Switching the Camera On

Switch the camera on.

If the lens cap is attached, remove

it.

Press the latches inward and pull the cap off.

Turn the mode dial to align P

OFF

Control panel

(Program mode) with the

Move the power switch and make

sure the white line on the power switch is at the ON position.

When the camera is switched on, the battery check and number of storable pictures are displayed in the control panel.

Set the focus mode switch to AF

(autofocus).

The first time that you use the

camera, you should set the date and time. (➞ 134)

mark.

Battery check

Number of storable pictures

Control panel difficult to see?

Press . The control panel backlight lights for about 8 seconds.

(Lights the control panel)

LIGHT button

Page 31

Checking the Battery

Control panel

Battery check

Battery Check Display Meaning

In this section we provide a general explanation of how to read and understand the battery check display. When the battery check shows that the batteries are low, replace the batteries with fresh batteries, or recharge the Ni-MH, Ni-Cd batteries or the lithium polymer battery. Before taking a trip, or before an important shooting session, always check the battery capacity.

Lights for a short time after

camera is switched on and then

goes off automatically.

blinks. (Other marks on the

control panel light.)

blinks. (Other marks on the

control panel go off.) After lighting

the specified time, the control

panel extinguishes completely.

Batteries are fully charged. Camera is

ready for shooting.

Batteries are low. Replace batteries with

fresh batteries. You can continue to

shoot, but the images may not be stored

on the card.

Batteries are dead. Replace batteries

with fresh batteries. Shooting is not

possible.

Camera is switched on, but the control panel is not visible?

If the camera is not used for a specified time it will switch off the control panel automatically to conserve battery power. (➞ 136) To restore the camera to full operation, half-press the shutter button. If the control panel remains off for one hour, the camera will power itself off automatically. To restore the camera to full operation, you must use the power switch to switch the camera off and switch it on again.

Lithium polymer battery

If you are using the optional lithium polymer battery, the amount of power remaining is also displayed as a percentage.

Note

• If you turn the zoom ring or focus ring while the card access lamp is blinking, the battery capacity display may blink. Switching the power switch off and on restores the normal display.

• Low temperatures could shorten the service life of some batteries, depending on their characteristics.

Battery check Battery capacity (%)

displayed for only 3 sec. after camera is switched on.

Page 32

Checking the Number of Storable Pictures

When you switch the camera on, the number of storable pictures is displayed in the control panel. If you see the number 12, for example, this means 12 more pictures can be taken and stored on the memory card.

Control panel

Number of storable picturesSelected card

Memory card storage capacity

Record Resolution (pixels) Compression File Size

mode (Default settings) (Default settings) (Reference value) RAW 2560 x 1920 (FULL) 1:1 TIFF 2560 x 1920 (FULL) 1:1 SHQ 2560 x 1920 (FULL) 1:2.7 3.9 MB 4 shots 8 shots HQ 2560 x 1920 (FULL) 1:8 1.5 MB 10 shots 21 shots

IS mode

SQ 1280 x 960 (SXGA) 1:8 320 KB 49 shots 99 shots SHQ 2560 x 1920 (FULL) 1:2.7 3.9 MB 4 shots 8 shots HQ 2560 x 1920 (FULL) 1:8 1.5 MB 10 shots 21 shots SQ 1280 x 960 (SXGA) 1:8 320 KB 49 shots 99 shots

PS mode

Note

• When you see “TIFF” blinking in the control panel, the camera is in the RAW data mode. (➞ 108)

• IS (Interlace Scan) mode is the normal shooting mode. PS (Progressive Scan) mode is the special

shooting mode for fast shutter speeds. (➞ 78, 80)

(not compressed)

10 MB 1 shot 3 shots 15 MB 1 shot 2 shots

Images per Card (Reference value)

16 MB 32 MB

Page 33

Storage capacities of other MB cards

The storage capacity of a memory card is roughly calculated based on the file sizes of the images. However, please understand that due to variables in data handling by the camera, file compression, memory management, and so on, the estimation of the number of storable picture may not always be precise.

Note

• When the number of total shots is 999 or over, the number 999 is displayed in the control panel.

• The number of storable pictures displayed in the control panel changes after you select another

record mode or select files for printing.

• The amount of data required to compose a picture depends on the subject, so you may be able to store more or fewer images on a card. Because of this difference in size, you may not be able to store another picture, even after you delete one image from the card with single-frame delete.

• Because of the difference in memory partitions on the SmartMedia, CompactFlash, and Microdrive cards, the number of images stored may vary due to the differences between the card formats. When using a CompactFlash card, the actual capacity of the card will be slightly more or less than the capacity indicated.

Selecting Image Quality (Record Mode) (➞ 108)

Page 34

When the Number of Storable Pictures Is Not Displayed

0 and blinking in the control panel?

The card is full and can no longer store pictures, do one of the following:

•

If a SmartMedia and CompactFlash/Microdrive card are both inserted, select the other card. (➞ 129)

• Delete unneeded images from the full card. (➞ 49)

• Select a record mode that produces a smaller file size.

• Remove the full card and insert a new card or a card with more space.

Record mode

Control panel Monitor

-F- and blinking in the control panel?

The card has not been formatted or the card is damaged, do one of the following:

• Format the card. Formatting a card erases all images stored on the card. To format the card, on the arrow pad press and then press the button. After NO PICTURE is displayed, you can continue taking pictures.

• Replace the card. (➞ 24)

•

If a SmartMedia and CompactFlash/Microdrive card are both inserted, select the other card. (➞ 129)

Control panel Monitor

Viewfinder

blinking in other situation (not described above)?

Appendix 3: Camera Error Messages (➞ 199)

Page 35

Attaching the Lens Hood

Attach a lens hood to the camera to prevent the occurrence of the flare or ghost effect in your pictures.

Attaching the Lens Hood When Camera is Not Used

Flash button

Metering mode button

White dot

White arrow mark

Lens hood

White arrow mark

Align the white arrow on the lens hood with the white dot on the camera and then turn clockwise in the direction of the arrow until it stops and you hear a click.

White dot

The lens hood can be reversed and attached to the camera when the camera is not in use. Align the arrow on the lens hood with the white dot on the camera and then turn clockwise in the direction of the arrow until it stops and you hear a click.

Page 36

Holding the Camera

In this section you will learn how to hold the camera when shooting pictures.

Framing a picture with the viewfinder

Diopter adjustment ring AF target mark

Viewfinder

Holding the Camera

Horizontal grip

Adjust the viewfinder display for

your own eyesight.

Look at the AF target mark in the viewfinder. If the AF target mark is blurry or otherwise difficult to see, turn the diopter adjustment ring as shown in the illustration until the AF target mark is sharp and clear.

Grip the camera.

Grip the camera with both hands with your arms and elbows down at your sides. Make sure that your fingers or the strap do not block the lens, built-in flash, or AF port.

Compose the picture in the

viewfinder.

The picture that you take will be 5% larger around the edges than what you see through the viewfinder. (The viewfinder displays 95% of the composed picture.)

Incorrect!

Finger blocking AF port

Vertical grip

Finger blocking flash

Finger blocking the lens

Cannot see through the viewfinder?

• Make sure that the lens cover has been removed.

• Check the eyepiece shutter lever on the left side of the viewfinder. If it is down, raise it. (➞ 9)

When the subject in the viewfinder is dark

• Check the power switch. If the power switch is at the OFF position, move it to ON. If the power is off with the power switch in the ON position, the camera may have powered itself off. Move to OFF then move to ON again.

Note

• Do not subject the lens to physical shocks.

Page 37

Framing a picture with the monitor

Eyepiece shutter lever

Press the monitor button .

O P

E N

PEN

You can see the same view in the monitor and the viewfinder. (However, framing pictures through the monitor consumes more battery power than when using the viewfinder.)

To prevent light from behind the

camera entering the viewfinder,

lower the eyepiece shutter lever.

Move the monitor lock/release

button to the left (see illustration).

The upper part of the monitor projects about 1cm (0.3 in.) from the camera.

If you need to raise the monitor,

pull the bottom out.

Hold the camera as steady as

possible.

Hold the camera carefully without blocking the lens, flash, or AF port with the camera strap, your fingers, etc.

Compose the picture in the

monitor.

The picture that you take will be a little larger than the picture composed in the monitor. (The monitor displays 95% of the composed picture.) You can also take a picture at Step 3 for a high-angle shot.

Cannot see through the monitor?

• Make sure that you pressed the monitor button to activate the monitor display.

• Make sure that the lens cap has been removed.

• After the camera is left idle for a specified length of time, it will enter the sleep mode. Press the

shutter button lightly to restore the camera to full operation.

• Make sure that the mode dial is set to P, A, S, or M.

Note

• When framing a picture with the monitor, lower the eyepiece shutter lever. Light entering the viewfinder from behind the camera could wash out the picture with white light.

Page 38

Pushing the Shutter Button

Grasp the grip on the camera firmly and use the flat of your finger (not your fingertip) to press the shutter button gently. Applying too much pressure could cause camera shake and spoil your shot by blurring the image. The shutter is released in two steps, first with a half-press and second with a full-press.

Half-press (gently pressing the button down half-way)

A half-press does not release the shutter. When you half-press the shutter button, automatic focusing and exposure adjustment begins. The AF correct mark in the lower left corner of the viewfinder lights when the subject is in focus. As long as you keep the shutter button depressed half way, the subject will remain in focus and the exposure will not change. This is called AF/AE lock.

Full-press (after half-pressing, gently press down all the way.)

Releases the shutter to take the picture.

Shutter button

Time from full-press to shutter release

When the monitor is used to compose and shoot a picture, shutter release will be slightly delayed. Also, please remember that when you use the flash, shutter release will be further delayed approximately 200ms. for firing the pre-flash.

The camera can be set to emit a sound at shutter release. (➞ 130)

Page 39

Half-press

Viewfinder

Lights and emits a small beep when the subject is in focus. Blinks when the subject is not in focus. Neither lights nor blinks when camera is in the manual focusing mode.

Fully-press

AF target mark

Low light warning. When this mark blinks, flash is required.

Gently press the shutter button

half way.

The camera emits a small beep and the AF correct mark in the lower left corner of the viewfinder lights green when the subject is completely in focus. Keep the button pressed halfway and go to Step 2. If the AF correct mark in the lower left corner of the viewfinder blinks, the subject is not completely focused. Release the shutter button, compose the picture again by centering on another part of the subject, and then repeat from Step 1. If you see the mark blinking, this is the low light warning, telling you that you must use the built-in flash. Press the flash button to open the built-in flash unit.

Gently fully-press the shutter

button.

The picture is taken and the image starts to be stored on the memory card. The card access lamp blinks while the picture is being stored on the card.

To take another picture, repeat from Step

1. You can take a picture continuously except for the case that the memory gauge is blinking. (➞ 11, 38)

Card access lamp

Flash button

Taking pictures without half-pressing

Taking a picture takes precedence over focusing. The subject may not be completely focused since focusing is interrupted.

Low battery warning lights steadily immediately after taking a shot?

If you take a picture while the low battery warning is blinking, the low battery warning may stop blinking immediately after the shooting. In that case, the picture may not be taken properly. Replace the batteries with new ones, then play back and check the pictures. (➞ 44)

Page 40

If You Cannot Take a Picture

Message displayed in the viewfinder?

If you see Card 0 blinking in the viewfinder

The memory card is full and you cannot continue taking pictures with the card. In order to continue shooting with the card, you will have to remove some pictures from the card.

• Deleting Single Pictures (➞ 49)

• Transferring Pictures to a Computer (➞ 173)

• Deleting All Images (➞ 156)

If you see Card blinking in the viewfinder, refer to the error message summary.

Appendix 3: Camera Error Messages (➞ 199)

Viewfinder

Control panel

Memory gauge blinking?

The camera is storing the pictures from the buffer onto a card. Wait until the memory gauge stops blinking. The amount of time required for storing pictures varies depending on the condition of the card and the record mode.

Control panel

Memory gauge

Page 41

The AF correct mark ● in the viewfinder/monitor is blinking, or the picture is out of focus

Set the focus mode switch to AF (➞ 28). In most cases, the camera focuses on the subject automatically by half-pressing the shutter button. However, if the subject is difficult for the camera to focus on, the ● mark blinks in the viewfinder and monitor. In that case, try the following methods:

• Point the camera slightly away from the subject to shift the AF target mark in the viewfinder and half-press the shutter button again, or

• Use manual focusing.

When fully-pressing the shutter button with one stroke, taking the picture takes precedence over focusing even if the subject may not be completely focused. To completely focus the shot, half-press the shutter button to confirm the AF correct mark and then fully-press the shutter button.

Taking Pictures: Distance and Focus (➞ 63) Using Manual Focus (MF) (➞ 68)

Page 42

Using the Zoom and Macro Functions

Magnifying the subject (Zoom)

By moving the zoom ring you can enlarge or reduce the size of the subject in the viewfinder. Twist the zoom ring to the left to enlarge the size of the subject (T: telephoto), or turn it to the right to reduce the size of the subject (W: wide-angle).

Zoom ring

Zoom up (TELE)

Zoom down (WIDE)

Shooting close-ups of the subject (Macro)

You can take close-up shots between 20 cm and 60 cm (approximately 8 in. and 23.5 in.) from the camera. While pressing the macro button , turn the main dial or sub dial until you see the macro mark in the control panel or the viewfinder.

Control panel

not displayed

displayed

Macro button

Main dial

Autofocus can focus a subject in the range ∞ - 60 cm (approx. ∞ - 23.5 in.) from the camera.

Autofocus can focus a subject in the range approx. 60 cm - 20 cm (approx. 23.5 in. - 8 in.) from the lens.

Page 43

Shooting distance and range

With the widest angle setting, you can approach up to 20 cm (approx. 8 in.) and shoot a subject about the size of a business card (approx. 76 x 57 mm) (3 x 2.3 in.)

Zoom

WIDE Limit

TELE Limit

Note

• If you use the Macro Extension Lens Pro (MCON-35), you can approach up to 12 cm (approx. 4.8 in.). At this distance, when the camera is set for the TELE limit, you can shoot a picture 49 (W) x 37 (H) mm (approx. 2 (W) x 1.5 (H) in.).

• If you turn the zoom ring or focus ring while the card access lamp is blinking, the battery capacity display may blink. Switching the power switch off and on restores the normal display.

Shooting Range

60 cm (23.5 in.)

20 cm (8 in.)

60 cm (23.5 in.)

20 cm (8 in.)

Shooting Area Width x Height (Reference Values)

629 x 465 mm (25 x 18.6 in.)

234 x 172 mm (9.4 x 6.9 in.)

176 x 132 mm (7 x 5.3 in.)

76 x 57 mm (3 x 2.3 in.)

Shooting distance and perceived distortion

The image may appear slightly distorted with some lenses. With the camera set for wide angle, distortion could increase as you bring the camera closer to the subject.

Page 44

Using the Built-in Flash

If the incident light on the subject is too low, when you half-press the shutter button you will see the low light warning viewfinder. If this occurs, press the flash button flash will fire when you take the picture. You can also use the flash to illuminate a dark subject positioned in front of strong backlighting.

Note

• The low-light warning blinks while the flash is recharging and then lights up when charging is completed. You cannot take a picture when the low-light warning is blinking while the flash recharges. Wait for the low-light warning to stop blinking and then light up before you take the next picture.

blinking intermittently in the lower left part of the

to raise the built-in flash. Now the

2 3

Viewfinder

Press the flash button .

The built-in flash pops up.

Half-press the shutter button.

The flash indicator appears in the viewfinder. If the flash indicator is blinking, the flash is recharging. When the flash indicator lights and stops blinking the flash is charged and ready to fire.

Fully-press the shutter button.

The flash fires with an intensity adjusted for the best exposure and the picture is taken.

Flash will not fire?

If the subject is exposed to brighter light after the built-in flash is raised, the flash will not fire. However, you can set the camera in the fill-in flash mode so that the flash will fire even with brightly lighted subjects. (➞ 54, 90)

Caution

• Rapid, continuous firing could cause the flash unit to overheat. To prevent damaging the flash unit,

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

do not fire the flash more than 30 times in succession. After prolonged firing of the flash, wait at least 10 minutes for the flash unit to cool before you resume shooting. Check the flash frequently and make sure that it is clean. If it is dirty, wipe it clean with a soft dry cloth. Firing the flash with its face dirty could cause the performance of the flash unit to deteriorate.

Page 45

Flash working range

ISO Max. WIDE (WIDE Limit) Max. TELE (TELE Limit)

AUTO 0.6 (2 ft.) - 8.9 m (29.4 ft.) 0.5 (1.7 ft.) - 7.4 m (24.4 ft.)

80 0.6 (2 ft.) - 6.3 m (20.8 ft.) 0.5 (1.7 ft.) - 5.2 m (17.2 ft.) 160 0.9*1 (3 ft.) - 8.9 m (29.4 ft.) 0.7*2 (2.3 ft.) - 7.4 m (24.4 ft.) 320 1.3*1 (4.3 ft.) - 12.5 m (41.3 ft.) 1.0*2 (3.3 ft.) - 10.4 m (34.3 ft.)

*1Range starts at 0.6 m (2 ft.) if you set the camera to the A (Aperture Priority) mode and stop the

aperture size down to 6.3 or higher.

*2Range starts at 0.5 m (1.7 ft.) if you set the camera to the A (Aperture Priority) mode and stop

the aperture size down to 6.3 or higher.

If you attempt to use the flash closer than the ranges described above, the entire picture may be too bright, or shadows may appear in parts of the picture. If you attempt to use the flash farther than the ranges described above, the light from the flash will not reach the subject and the subject will appear dark. You may be able to take a picture farther than these ranges by increasing the ISO value, but raising the ISO value could cause the picture to appear grainy. With ISO set for AUTO, the ISO value will be adjusted automatically within the range of 80 - 160. (➞ 88)

Adjusting Speed for a Flash

The flash synchronizes at any shutter speed. However, the effect of the flash diminishes depending on the shutter speed.

• The built-in pop-up flash and the optional dedicated FL-40 external flash are designed for optimum

use with a shutter speed of 1/640 seconds or slower. (In the PS mode, 1/250 second is recommended.)

• For other external flashes with a longer flash time, a shutter speed slower than 1/640 sec. must be

set.

Caution

• Do not use extension lenses when shooting with the internal flash. These attachments will block

some of the flashed light resulting in loss or darkening of the corner areas of the image (known as vignetting), or casting a shadow on the subject. The ranges in the table above assume that no such attachments are on the camera.

For more details about how to use the flash. (➞ 89)

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Viewing Pictures (Playback)

In this section, you will learn how to view the pictures that you have taken. You can view the pictures that you have taken one by one. You can enlarge the singleimage display, or even display several images at once with the index display.

Set the mode dial to playback .

OFF

Previous frame

10th previous frame

Next frame

10th succeeding frame

The last picture taken is displayed on the monitor. If you leave the mode dial set to P, A, S, or M, you can also rapidly press the monitor button twice.

Use the pointers on the arrow pad

to view other images.

Displays previous frame. Displays next frame. Displays 10th previous frame. Displays 10th succeeding frame.

Images can also be displayed automatically, one by one, by setting up a slide show. (➞ 148)

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With the mode dial set to playback , use the main dial or sub dial to enlarge the image, or switch to the index display and display several images at one time in the monitor.

Index Display Enlarged Display

This feature is convenient when you want to browse the pictures stored on the selected card when you need to find a particular picture.

16 frames 9 frames 4 frames 1 frame 2x 3x 4x

1 Frame

Display

This feature is convenient when you want to confirm that a picture is correctly in focus.

To return to the shooting mode

• When mode dial is set to playback .

You cannot press the shutter button to take a picture in the playback mode. In order to resume shooting, set the mode dial to P, A, S, or M.

• When mode dial is set to P, A, S, or M.

You can just press the shutter button to take a picture. Press the monitor button and wait for the monitor display to go off.

Cannot enter playback mode?

If the card access lamp is blinking, you cannot enter the playback mode, even after setting the mode dial to playback . When the card access lamp goes off, the camera returns to the playback mode.

Monitor blank?

The camera will automatically power itself off if it remains idle for a specified length of time. (➞ 136) The camera will switch on automatically after you start to use the camera again.

Limit of the number of playable shot images

The maximum number of playable images is 2,000 even if more than 2,000 images are recorded on the card.

Caution

• To avoid damaging the monitor or interfering with the quality of its display, never touch or strike the

surface of the monitor.

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Viewing Pictures (Playback) (continued)

Enlarged display

Set the mode dial to playback , and turn the main dial to the magnifying glass mark

(or turn the sub dial clockwise) to enlarge the image in the monitor.

Move the main dial to the

Left Right

Down

magnifying glass mark the sub dial clockwise).

The image is magnified in the monitor. If you continue to turn either dial in the same direction, you can enlarge the image further.

With an enlarged image displayed, use the pointers on the arrow pad to scroll and view other parts of the image that you cannot see.

Scrolls up. Scrolls down. Scrolls left. Scrolls right.

(or move

To display another image, the

enlarged image must be reduced to

the original size. Turn the main dial to the index mark sub dial counterclockwise). Then select the desired image using the pointers on the arrow pad.

(or turn the

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Index display

Set the mode dial to playback , and then turn the main dial to the index mark (or turn the sub dial counterclockwise) to display several images at one time in the monitor.

Turn the main dial to the index

Moves highlight to previous frame

Displays next index

Displays previous index

Moves highlight to next frame

mark counterclockwise).

The monitor is divided into sections and displays 4 images. The position of the green highlight shows the currently selected image. If you continue to turn either dial in the same direction, you can display 9 and then 16 frames.

Use the pointers on the arrow pad

to select another image.

To display the selected image at

normal size, move the main dial to the magnifying glass mark move the sub dial clockwise) to return to the single image display.

The selected image is displayed at normal size.

(or turn the sub dial

Displays previous index. Displays next index. Moves highlight to previous frame. Moves highlight to next frame.

(or

The main dial and sub dial

To perform many settings you can use either the main dial or sub dial, so use whichever is more convenient for you. However, please remember that when the mode is set to M, use the main dial to set the aperture and use the sub dial to set the shutter speed.

Using the RM-1 remote control

You can use the RM-1 remote control unit to take pictures and view images in the index or enlarged displays. For details, refer to the instructions for the RM-1 remote control unit.

Sub dial

Main dial

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Protecting Pictures

After you protect a picture, it is protected from accidental erasure from the memory card. After protected images are copied to a computer, they are stored as read-only files but are not protected from accidental erasure.

Enter the playback mode and

display the picture that you want to protect. (➞ 44)

If you are using the index display, press

the pointers to move the green highlight to the image that you want to protect.

Press the protect button .

Pictures that have been protected are annotated with the protect mark .

on the arrow pad

Monitor

Protected image

To remove protection

Display the protected image on the monitor and press the protect button to remove protection.

To protect all images on a card

Attach a protect seal to a SmartMedia card in order to protect all images stored on the card from accidental erasure. For details, refer to the SmartMedia instructions. Do not reuse protect seals.

Caution

• Formatting erases everything on the memory

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card, even images which have been protected. The erased images cannot be recovered.

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Deleting Single Pictures

You can delete one by one pictures that you do not want to keep. Deleting unneeded pictures creates more space on the selected card and increases the number of pictures that you can store on the card.

Enter the playback mode and

display the picture that you want to delete. (➞ 44)

If you are using the index display, press the pointers move the green highlight to the image that you want to delete.

Press the erase button .

YES and NO is displayed in the monitor.

On the arrow pad, press to

move the green highlight to YES.

If you change your mind and you do not want to delete the image, with NO selected just press the button or press the erase button .

Press the button.

The card access lamp blinks and the selected image is deleted from the card.

on the arrow pad to

Pictures which cannot be deleted

Protected pictures cannot be deleted from the memory card. Protected pictures can be deleted later, but only after releasing the protection before executing frame delete. (➞ 48) Protected thumbnail files and a SmartMedia card with a protect seal attached cannot be deleted.

Reusing memory cards

After storing all the images on a card to a hard disk on a computer, you can delete all the images from the card and then re-use the card for taking and storing more pictures. (➞ 156) Always copy important pictures to hard disk before you delete images from a card.

Caution

• The deleted images cannot be recovered.

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Switching the Camera Off

Always switch the camera off immediately after every shooting session. If you leave the camera on while it is not being used, it will automatically enter the sleep mode and then automatically switch itself off after one hour. (➞ 136) Always switch the camera off before changing batteries or before storing the camera in a case or bag.

Move the power switch to OFF.

OFF

The camera switches off. If an image is being saved on a card (the card access lamp will be blinking), the camera will not power off until the image has been saved on the card.

Attach the lens cap.

Press inward on the cap’s latches, fit the cap over the lens, and then release the latches. (To remove the cap: Press on the latches and pull the cap off.)

Caution

• While the card access lamp is blinking, never open the card cover or unplug the AC adapter. If the

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power supply to the camera is interrupted while the camera is saving a picture on a card, this could cause the camera to reset all operation mode settings (date, time, etc.), could damage images already stored on the card, or could prevent other pictures from being saved on the card.

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Shooting Techniques: General Introduction

This chapter briefly introduces some basic techniques you can apply to different situations and shoot beautiful professional looking pictures to achieve the effects that you want, even if you have little experience using a camera.

Portraits. You can vary the aperture setting to blur portrait background, adjust flash, and select a different metering mode to create artistic effects in portraits.

Portraits (Backlit subjects). By lighting a subject from behind with backlighting, you can soften shadows on the face and add highlight to the outlines of the subject’s hair.

Subject in daylight shadow. Even with sufficient light on the subject, you can set the flash to fire and reduce daylight shadows on the subject and get beautiful results.

Subject and background both in focus. There will be occasions when you want to change the aperture value to ensure accurate focusing of background scenery, or to make sure that all subjects in a large group picture are in focus.

Moving subjects. You can set a fast shutter speed to capture fast moving subjects sharply frozen in time, or set a slow shutter speed and show them in blurred motion.

Close-up. After setting the camera in the macro mode, you can shoot subjects as close as 20 cm from the lens for detailed nature shots.

Night scenes. You can use slow shutter speeds in combination with lower ISO settings to experiment with shooting night scenes or other dark subjects.

Night scenes (Noise Reduction). When you need to increase the exposure time, set the camera in the noise reduction mode to reduce noise and achieve a more attractive image.

Subject against a night scene background. When you shoot a subject with a flash against a night background, you can use slow shutter speeds to achieve a variety of artistic effects.

Sunsets and fireworks. By adjusting white balance and using manual focusing, you can extend the range of creativity in your color pictures.

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Shooting Portraits (Focused Subject, Blurred Background)

When you shoot a portrait, you can create the effect of the subject floating against a blurred background. In order to achieve the effect of a floating subject, set the aperture to a small value such as f2.4 (large aperture opening) and use the zoom at telephoto to take the picture.

The smaller the aperture value, such as f2.0, (the larger the aperture opening), the shallower the depth of field, which causes the background to blur. You can easily confirm the current aperture value by reading it in the viewfinder before you take a picture.

• If you want to adjust the aperture value, set the

mode dial to A (Aperture priority mode) and adjust the aperture value by turning the main dial or sub dial.

• The aperture value can be adjusted within the

following ranges: Max. TELE f2.4 - f11 Max. WIDE f2.0 - f11

Setting the Aperture Value (➞ 72)

• You can achieve more blurring in the background

Viewfinder

Aperture value

with the TELE setting than the WIDE setting.

• Try to put as much distance as possible between

the subject and the background.

• When using the camera outdoors on a clear day, or under other extremely bright ambient light, you may not be able to select a large aperture value (small aperture opening). In that case, take the shot using an ND filter. (Filter diameter: 62 mm)

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Shooting Portraits (Shooting Backlit Subjects)

By lighting the subject from behind, you can add highlight to the hair. With this method you can take a picture of a sharply outlined subject in sparkling light. If the face of the subject appears dark, use exposure compensation and the flash to take the picture.

Position the spot meter mark on the center of the subject’s face

Viewfinder

The camera can be set to adjust automatically for a backlit subject in order to attain the ideal exposure for the shot. For a dark subject, you can use exposure compensation or set the camera in the spot metering mode so you can meter light on the subject’s face. You can also adjust the flash control mode.

Using Exposure Compensation (➞ 84) Selecting the Metering Method (➞ 83) Shooting a Subject in Daylight Shadow (Daylight Synchro) (➞ 54)

Note

• We recommend attaching a lens hood to the camera to prevent the occurrence of the flare or ghost effect in your pictures.

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Shooting a Subject in Daylight Shadow (Daylight Synchro)

Even with sufficient light on the subject (when the flash warning is not blinking in the viewfinder), you can set the flash to fire and reduce unwanted shadows on the subject and take a beautiful picture.

When you see shadows on your subject in strong daylight, use the fill-in flash mode to reduce the shadows. You can also use the fill-in flash on a subject which could appear too dark against a strong backlight. In such situations, if you use the fill-in flash at high noon to brighten the subject you can capture both the subject and the background clearly. In either case, you can achieve a catch light effect by the

When the background is brighter than the subject, the subject could become dark or the background could wash out.

reflection of the light in the subject’s eyes to enliven the appearance of your subject.

Selecting a Flash Mode (➞ 90)

If you use the flash, both the subject and the background can be shot with the correct exposure.

Flash button

Flash mode button

Main dial

Press the flash button to raise the flash unit. Hold down the flash mode button

and then turn the main dial or sub dial. When you see the mark displayed in the control panel, the camera is in the fill-in flash mode.

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Shooting the Subject and Background Both in Focus

Select a large aperture value such as f8 to have both your subject and the background scenery in focus.

Set the mode dial to A (Aperture priority mode) and then select a large aperture value by turning the main dial.

Note

• The number for the aperture value is inversely proportional to the aperture diameter. Selecting a large number (11 for example) decreases the diameter of the aperture, lengthens the depth of field, and brings the background into focus.

Setting the Aperture Value (➞ 72)

However, selecting a large aperture value in low light will slow down the shutter speed, causing the picture to blur as a result of camera shake. Under these conditions, try to steady the camera as much as possible by leaning against the side of a building, a

Viewfinder

Aperture value

tree or a lamp post, or mount the camera on a tripod.

Subject not centered in the viewfinder (➞ 65)

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Shooting Moving Subjects

When you shoot a moving subject like a runner or a moving vehicle, you can vary the shutter speed to achieve the desired effect.

With a fast shutter speed, you can capture a momentary facial expression or freeze a subject in motion. Similarly, with a slow shutter speed you can achieve the effect a blurred motion. You can shoot a moving subject like a waterfall or river with a fast shutter speed to freeze the action, shoot it with a slow shutter speed to create the artistic effect of

Action shot at fast shutter speed (1/500) Freeze action

Action shot at slow shutter speed (1/15) Conveys flow of movement

flowing water in motion. To adjust the shutter speed manually, set the mode dial to S (Shutter priority mode), and then turn the sub dial or main dial to select the desired shutter speed.

Setting the Shutter Speed (➞ 74)

You can also use the burst mode to shoot exposures to capture the subject in several sequential positions.

Taking Sequential Exposures (Burst Mode) (➞ 120)

If you want to use a fast shutter speed, set the PS (Progressive Scan) mode. In PS mode, you can select a shutter speed as follows:

• In the S (Shutter priority) mode 2 - 1/4000 or 1/18000 sec.

• In the M (Manual) mode 60 - 1/4000 or 1/18000 sec.

• In the P (Program) or A (Aperture priority) mode 2 - 1/4000 sec.

Selecting a PS mode (Progressive Scan Mode) (➞ 80)

Viewfinder

Shutter speed 250 = 1/250, 2" = 2 seconds

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Shooting Close-up

For close-up shots, use the macro mode which allows you to bring the camera as close as 20 cm (8 in.) from the subject. For example, you could accurately capture the details of a flower’s petals, pistils, and stamens.

To set the camera in the macro mode, press and hold

Shot in macro wide-angle mode

Shot in macro TELE mode

down the macro button dial until you see the macro mark panel, and then take the picture.

Note

• With the camera set for TELE, you can bring the camera as close as 20 cm (8 in.) from the subject to photograph an area about the size of a business card, or approximately 76 x 57 mm ( 3 x 2.3 in.). (➞ 41)

• There is a greater possibility of camera shake spoiling a picture, so try to steady the camera as much as possible, or use a tripod.

• Use as fast a shutter speed as possible to prevent the wind or other movement from causing the subject to blur.

• If you use the flash in some situations, the lens barrel could cause a shadow in the picture.

• For close up shots, you may find it convenient to pull out the monitor and compose the picture in the monitor. (➞ 35)

• For best results in close-up shots, you may want to use the optional Macro Extension Lens Pro (MCON-35). (➞ 139)

, turn the main dial or sub

in the control

Focusing while shooting close-up

You can use manual focus (MF) or autofocus (AF) to focus on a close-up subject. However, use manual focus (MF) if focusing is difficult (➞ 68).

Capturing stages of a flower blooming

You can use time-lapse photography to set up shooting multiple exposures at pre-set intervals to capture the stages of a flower blooming, or other slow changes over a long period.

Using Time-Lapse Photography (➞ 126)

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Shooting Night Scenes

When shooting night scenes or other dark subjects, mount the camera on a tripod and select a slow shutter speed (1/2 sec. or more).

If you select any mode where the exposure is set automatically (P or A) and raise the built-in flash, the shutter speed cannot be set slower than 1/30 and you cannot achieve the correct exposure of a night scene. If you want to shoot a night scene, take the picture with the flash closed. With the flash closed, the shutter speed is set for up to 2 seconds.

Night scene shot with automatic exposure

For an extremely dark scene, use the manual mode (M) so you can select a shutter speed of up to 60 seconds, or you can select the bulb mode so you can keep the shutter open up to 8 min, as long as you keep the shutter button depressed.

Note

• We recommend using a tripod to avoid camera shake.

Selecting Aperture and Shutter Speed Manually (➞ 76)

Night scene shot with slow shutter speed

For the metering method, select digital ESP or Center weighted averaging metering, as Spot metering will measure only the light in a very small area in the center of the picture.

Selecting the Metering Method (➞ 83)

You can select a higher ISO setting to brighten your pictures, but this can also cause your pictures to appear grainy. We recommend that you test a variety of settings to achieve the effect that you want.

Changing the ISO setting (➞ 88)

If you have difficulty in focusing the subject, use manual focusing.

Using Manual Focus (MF) (➞ 68)

Color not what you expect?

Set white balance (color temperature) for 5500K.

Using Preset White Balance (➞ 107)

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Shooting a Night Scene (Noise Reduction)

Shooting a night scene at a slow shutter speed to increase exposure time could cause noise in the photo image. When you need to increase the exposure time, set the camera in the noise reduction mode to reduce noise and achieve a more attractive image.

The noise reduction function operates only when you are shooting with the shutter speed set slower than 1/2 sec. or in the bulb shooting mode (➞ 76).

Noise Reduct (Noise Reduction Mode) (➞ 115)

Increasing exposure time could cause noise.

Noise reduction mode can reduce noise.

(Actual pictures may look different from the above samples.)

Note

• In the noise reduction mode, the burst mode cannot be used.

• In the noise reduction mode, you cannot take a picture while the memory gauge is displayed in the control panel.

• The noise reduction function may not work effectively depending on the shooting condition or subject.

• Close the eyepiece shutter (➞ 35) to prevent light from entering through the viewfinder when shooting with a long exposure time.

• It takes about one minute to remove the noise from the shot image after the shutter is closed.

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Shooting a Subject Against a Night Scene Background (Slow Synchronization)

When you shoot a subject with a flash against a night background, you can use slow shutter speeds to achieve a variety of artistic effects. This technique is called slow synchronization.

Set the mode dial to P or A.

and

With the flash mode set to Auto, the background of a night scene may not be exposed correctly.

Press and hold down the flash mode button then turn the main dial or sub dial until you see the

in the control panel. In the slow synchronization mode, the shutter speed can be set for up to 2 seconds.

Note

• We recommend using a tripod to avoid camera shake.

• The shutter remains open even after the flash fires. Ask

the subject not to move immediately after the flash has fired, and then take the picture.

• Do not touch or move the camera again until the shutter

closes and the subject can be seen through the viewfinder or the card access lamp starts blinking.

Selecting a flash mode (➞ 90)

With the flash mode set for Slow Synchro, you can achieve correct exposure of both the subject and the background of a night scene.

Flash mode button

Flash button

Main dial

Control panel

Page 63

Shooting Sunsets and Fireworks

By switching the white balance setting from Auto to a preset setting manually, you can enhance the beauty of colors in a sunset or a fireworks display.

In the Auto white balance mode, white is used as the base color for reference in reproducing the colors of sunsets and fireworks, so the colors in a sunset may not appear red and the colors in fireworks may not appear as beautiful. To improve the accuracy of color reproduction in these cases, press and hold down the white

, turn the main dial or sub

Sunset does not appear red when shot with the Auto white balance mode.

Sunset appears in more natural red when shot with preset white balance (5500).

balance mode button dial until you see the number 5500 (clear daylight) appear in the control panel, and then take the picture.

To increase the amount of red in the pictures, select 6500 (overcast daylight), or to reduce the amount of red, select 3700 (incandescent bulb).

You can manually select one of the seven available white balance settings to experiment and achieve the artistic color effects that you desire in your pictures.

Using Preset White Balance (➞ 107)

Fireworks are difficult to focus on. Move the focus mode switch to MF (manual focus), then use the focus ring to focus on the shots. For the best results, use a tripod and RM-CB1 remote cable. Set a very slow shutter speed, then release the shutter. The exposure can be done in A, S, and M modes. Since fireworks are often against a dark sky, the light from the explosions creates the exposure for each fire work. With the long exposure you can capture many fireworks in one shot.

Using Manual Focus (MF) (➞ 68)

Colors of fireworks can also be adjusted with white balance.

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Page 65

Taking Pictures: Distance and Focus

In this section you will learn how to use both focusing methods: autofocusing and manual focusing.

Page 66

Using Autofocus (AF)

When autofocusing operates, the camera focuses the subject automatically. When the subject is in focus, the AF correct mark in the viewfinder lights.

Set the focus mode switch to AF

(autofocus), as shown by the arrow in the illustration on the left.

Look through the viewfinder and

AF target mark

Focusing is conducted on the subject covered by this mark.

point the camera to cover the subject with the AF target mark in the center of the viewfinder.

If you are using the monitor to compose the picture, make sure that the subject is centered in the monitor.

Half-press the shutter button.

When the subject is in focus, the camera beeps and the AF correct mark in the lower left corner of the viewfinder lights. When the AF correct mark blinks. (➞ 66)

Fully-press the shutter button to

take the picture.

When the subject is in focus, the camera beeps and the AF correct mark lights.

How autofocus operates

Infrared light emitted from AF port is used to estimate the approximate distance from the camera to the subject. This information is used to roughly focus the image of the subject by moving the lens, and then more precise focusing is conducted by the part of the CCD that receives the light from the lens. When the subject is in focus, the AF correct mark in the viewfinder lights. However, with some subjects, dark subjects or subjects of low contrast, the CCD may not operate accurately, so focusing is conducted only with the infrared light emitted from the AF port. With the macro mode mark or conversion lens mark displayed in the control panel, focusing is performed only with the CCD.

AF port

The infrared light emitted here meters the distance to the subject (1st stage focusing).

Move the lens to a position for focus based on

the light passing through the lens (at 2nd stage, the AF correct mark in the viewfinder lights).

CCD

Page 67

Focusing subjects not in the center of the viewfinder

The camera focuses on the subject covered by the AF target mark in the viewfinder. When you need to focus on a subject that is not under the AF target mark in the center of the picture, point the camera and cover the subject with the AF target mark in the viewfinder, half-press the shutter button, and then while holding down the shutter button, compose the picture again. Half-pressing and holding down the shutter button locks the focus.

AF target mark

Half-press

Fully-press

Cover the subject with the AF

target mark in the viewfinder.

For a quickly moving subject, use the focus lock method. (➞ 67)

Half-press the shutter button.

When the subject is in focus, the camera beeps and the AF correct mark in the lower left corner of the viewfinder lights.

With the shutter button still half-

pressed, move the camera and compose the picture in the viewfinder.

Fully-press the shutter button to

take the picture.

Note

• To prevent interfering with the accuracy and time required for focusing, never block this port with your finger.

AF port

Page 68

Using Autofocus (AF) (continued)

Difficult to focus subjects

The autofocus feature of this camera is effective for most subjects. However, subjects like the ones described below could be difficult to focus with the autofocus feature. If focusing with the CCD is not successful, after you half-press the shutter button, the AF correct mark in the lower left corner of the viewfinder blinks. You can still take a picture under this condition by fully-pressing the shutter button.

Subject of low contrast

A subject without distinct patterns could be difficult to focus.

Subject with center glare

A subject with center glare could be difficult to focus.

Two objects at different distances from the camera

The camera cannot autofocus on a single subject with two objects at different distances from the camera in the viewfinder.

Subject in light from street lights and windows

A subject at night in light from street lights or from building windows could be difficult to focus.

For these situations, position the AF target mark in the viewfinder on an object that is at the same distance from the camera as the subject, and then half-press the shutter button to lock the focus. While keeping your finger half-pressed on the shutter button, frame the picture that you want to shoot, and then fullypress the shutter button. (➞ 65) You can also set the focus mode switch to the MF mark to select manual focusing, and then adjust the focus manually with the manual focus ring. (➞ 68)

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Subject without vertical lines

The camera cannot focus on a subject with only horizontal lines. Hold the camera vertically, half-press the shutter button, and then hold it down to lock the focus. Re-position the camera horizontally, compose the picture, and then fully-press the shutter button to shoot the picture.

Moving subject

It is impossible to hold a fast moving object in the center of the viewfinder long enough for automatic focusing, so lock the focus on an object that is at the same distance from the camera as the subject you want to shoot, wait for the subject to appear, and then shoot the picture.

Shooting through glass or glaring surface

A picture taken through a window, or shooting a glaring surface like shiny metal, could be difficult to focus. If this problem occurs, set the focus mode switch to MF (manual focus) and focus the subject manually.

Backlit subjects

Strongly backlit subjects could be difficult to focus. Set the focus mode switch to MF (manual focus) and focus the subject manually.

Close-up Subjects

When shooting a subject closer than 1 m (3.3 ft.) the location where you see the AF target mark and the actual metered AF distance could be different. Try to point the camera at a large area of the subject to focus, or take the picture in the conversion lens mode (with a conversion lens).

Page 70

Using Manual Focus (MF)

By setting the camera in the manual focus mode, you can focus the subject manually within the range 20 cm to ∞ (8 in. to ∞) by turning the manual focus ring.

Control panel

MF (manual focus) mark

Manual focus ring

Set the focus mode switch to MF

(manual focus), as shown by the arrow in the illustration on the left.

The manual focus mark MF appears in the upper right part of the control panel.

Turn the manual focus ring until

you see the subject focused in the viewfinder or the monitor.

Monitor display [camerato-subject distance less than 1 meter (3.3 ft.)]

Camera-to-subject distance (distance for current focus) Repeatedly pressing the button switches the display on and off.

Monitor display [camerato-subject distance more than 1 meter (3.3 ft.)]

Using the focus ring design

The manual focus mechanism of this camera reads the direction and distance the manual focus ring is moved and drives the focusing lens with a small motor. Even when the camera-to-subject distance displayed in the monitor is 20 cm (8 in.) or ∞ , the focus ring can be turned farther, but stops at 20 cm (8 in.) or ∞.

Note

• In the manual focus mode, you can focus the lens through the entire range from 20 cm (8 in.) to ∞.

Page 71

Taking Pictures: Brightness (Exposure)

(Aperture and Shutter Speed)

In this section we will show you how to adjust aperture and shutter speed to achieve the best exposure in your pictures for normal or special effects.

The camera uses the aperture value and shutter speed to determine the brightness (exposure) of an image. The shutter speed determines the length of time that the shutter remains open. With a large aperture the image becomes brighter (a greater area of the lens is used to increase the amount of light), but the depth of field becomes shorter, causing objects closer and farther away from the camera to be out of focus. Slower shutter speeds create brighter images but increase the possibility of blurring the image as result of subject movement or camera shake.

Page 72

Setting the Shooting Mode

Select and set one of the four available shooting modes for the prevailing conditions or the effect that you want to create in your pictures.

P (Program mode)

The camera automatically selects the best aperture value and shutter speed according to the brightness of the subject. You can get great results by just pressing the shutter button.

A (Aperture priority mode)

You can set the aperture while the camera automatically selects the correct shutter speed according to the brightness of the subject. You can blur the background of a shot by decreasing the aperture value (e.g. f4.0). On the other hand, you can increase the aperture value (e.g. f8.0) to ensure that subjects in both the foreground and background are focused.

S (Shutter priority mode)

You can set the shutter speed while the camera automatically selects the correct aperture value according to the brightness of the subject. For a fast moving subject select a fast shutter speed (e.g. 1/500 sec.) to freeze the subject for a sharp picture, or select a slow shutter speed (e.g. 1/30 sec.) to create the effect of blurred movement.

M (Manual mode)

You can set the aperture and shutter speed manually to vary the appearance of the picture as you desire to achieve special effects in your pictures. The exposure indicator display in the viewfinder allows you to view and confirm the current exposure setting. In the M mode you can also set the camera in the bulb mode for long exposures.

OFF

Set the mode dial to the

appropriate mark to select the

shooting mode.

Page 73

Setting the Aperture Value and Shutter Speed Automatically (P Mode)

When the mode dial is set to P (Program mode) the camera automatically selects the aperture value and shutter speed according to the brightness of the subject so you can take the picture without adjusting the exposure.

Set the mode dial to P (Program

mode).

OFF

Take the picture.

P (Program mode) aperture values and shutter speeds

With the camera set in the Program mode, a program automatically adjusts the aperture value and shutter speed according to the brightness of the subject.

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 2 0

4 3 2

1 0

-1

-2

8s 4s 2s 1s 1/2 1/4 1/8

TELE

WIDE

1/15 1/30 1/60

1/125 1/250 1/500

1/1000 1/2000 1/4000

IS mode

PS mode

Shutter speed

Aperture

f11 f8 f5.6 f4 f2.8 f2 f1.4 f1

Adjusting the exposure

With the mode dial set to P (Program mode) the camera automatically selects the optimum exposure, but if you want to make the picture brighter or darker, press exposure compensation button to use the exposure compensation feature.

Using Exposure Compensation (➞ 84)

Page 74

Setting the Aperture Value (A Mode)

With the mode dial set to A (Aperture priority mode), you can select the aperture value for your shots. Because adjusting the physical size of the aperture determines the amount of light allowed to enter the camera through the lens, the aperture setting expresses the actual size of the aperture. It is important to remember, however, that the smaller the value of the aperture setting, the larger the diameter of the aperture, and conversely, the larger the value of the aperture setting, the smaller the diameter of the aperture.

Opening the aperture not only allows more light into the lens to compensate for low light conditions but shortens the depth of field as well. Use a large aperture to focus only the subject and blur the background when you want to shoot a portrait. On the other hand, use a small aperture to focus both the subject and the background.

Large Aperture (f2.4) Small Aperture (f11)

To focus the subject and blur the background, select a small aperture value for a large aperture.

To focus the subject and the background, select a large aperture value for a small aperture.

Fine adjustment of aperture and shutter speed

If the brightness is adjusted with fine adjustment of the aperture value, in some cases it may appear that the shutter speed drive is not adjusting shutter speed. The displayed aperture value is the value of the optical aperture, and the shutter speed is calculated based on the CCD’s sensitivity to the brightness of the light to determine the optimum exposure. In order to achieve this, the aperture value and shutter speed may occasionally appear not to be adjusting in fine increments and does not indicate a malfunction of the camera.

Bright spots in the picture?

If you see extremely bright spots in your images caused by sunlight or reflected sunlight, this is a phenomenon called “smear” which occasionally occurs with digital cameras that employ CCDs. To avoid this problem, compose the picture again and try to eliminate the bright light, use a smaller aperture, or use a Neutral Density filter.

Page 75

Large aperture

Small aperture

OFF

Set the mode dial to A (Aperture

priority mode).

Turn the main dial or sub dial as

shown in the illustration to change the aperture value.

Turn the dial to adjust the aperture value in 1/3 steps. The aperture value you select is displayed in the viewfinder and the control panel. The range of aperture values available of selection is determined by the current zoom setting.

Viewfinder

Control panel

Small aperture

Large aperture

Aperture value

As the aperture is opened, the aperture value decreases. As the aperture is closed, the aperture value increases.

Aperture Range

Max.WIDE 2.0 − 11

Max.TELE 2.4 − 11

The shutter-speed indication blinks if the camera cannot set the correct shutter speed.

Shutter speed indication is blinking, and the indicated speed is fast?

The scene is too bright—the camera cannot set the shutter speed fast enough to expose the shot correctly. Correct the problem by reducing the aperture size (increasing the aperture value). If the indication continues to blink, reduce the ISO setting or use a Neutral Density filter.

Shutter speed indication is blinking, and the indicated speed is slow?

The scene is too dark—the camera cannot set the shutter speed slow enough to expose the shot. Correct the problem by widening the aperture (reducing the aperture value). If the indication continues to blink, raise the ISO setting or use the flash.

Take the picture.

Note

• If you set the aperture value manually, that setting will remain in effect even after you switch to another shooting or switch the camera off and on. If you set the camera in the shooting mode again, the camera will return to the same aperture value. However, the camera does not retain automatically selected aperture settings.

Page 76

Setting the Shutter Speed (S Mode)

With the mode dial set to S (Shutter priority mode), you can set the shutter speed for the movement of the subject and take a picture. For example, if you take a picture of an athlete in motion you can freeze the subject for a sharp picture or show the subject moving through an arc of blurred movement for artistic effect. With a slow shutter speed you can also point the camera at a moving subject and move the camera to achieve the effect of blurred motion. PS mode (Progressive Scan) allows setting a faster shutter speed. (➞ 80)

Slow shutter speed (1/15 sec.)Fast shutter speed (1/250 sec.)

A fast shutter speed can stop and freeze the action of a moving subject.

A slow shutter speed can show the flow of the action of a moving subject.

To prevent camera shake

Use a monopod or tripod to prevent camera shake. The possibility of camera shake spoiling a picture increases greatly when you zoom in on a subject.

Caution

• The flash may not be effective with shutter speeds of 1/250 or faster.

• The shutter speed that you select manually remains set, even after you change to another

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

shooting mode or switch the camera off and on again. Even after changing the shooting mode and switching back to the S mode, the previously selected shutter speed remains set. However, the camera does not remember shutter speeds selected automatically.

Page 77

Slow Fast

OFF

Set the mode dial to S (Shutter

priority mode).

Turn the main dial or sub dial as

shown in the illustration to select a shutter speed.

For every movement of the dial, the shutter speed is changed. Setting range: 1/640 - 2 sec.

(PS mode: 1/4000 - 2 sec. or

1/18000 sec.) The selected shutter speed is displayed in the viewfinder and control panel.

Slow

Viewfinder

Control panel

Shutter speed

Shutter speeds of less than 1 second are displayed only with the denominator of the speed setting. For example, the 1/200 sec. selection is displayed as 200. Shutter speeds of more than 1 second are displayed with a doublequote mark ". For example, the 2 sec. selection is displayed as 2".

Fast

The aperture value blinks if the camera cannot set the required aperture size.

Aperture value is blinking, and the value is at the maximum?

The scene is too bright—the camera cannot make the aperture small enough to expose the shot. Correct the problem by setting a faster shutter speed. If the indication continues to blink, reduce the ISO setting or use a neutral density filter.

Aperture value is blinking, and the value is at the minimum?

The scene is too dark—the camera cannot open the aperture wide enough to expose the shot. Correct the problem by selecting a slower shutter speed. If the indication continues to blink, raise the ISO setting or use the flash.

Take the picture.

Page 78

Setting the Aperture Value and Shutter Speed Manually (M Mode)

With the mode dial set to M (Manual mode), you can manually select both the aperture and the shutter speed. In this shooting mode, you can also set the camera in the bulb mode for long exposures. However, please remember that bulb shutter release is limited to 8 min. Exposure will end and the shutter will release after 8 min if you hold down the shutter button longer than 8 min.

Set the mode dial to M (Manual

Small aperture

mode).

Turn the main dial to select the

aperture value, and turn the sub dial to select the shutter speed.

Every movement of the dial changes the aperture value and shutter speed in 1/3 steps.

You can select the shutter speed as follows:

• IS mode: 1/640 - 60 sec.

• PS mode: 1/4000 - 60 sec. or 1/18000

sec.

•“bulb” If you select “bulb” then the shutter will remain open for as long as you keep the shutter button pressed down (to a maximum of 8 min). This is called the bulb shooting mode.

Slow

Shutter speed

Fast

OFF

Aperture value

Large aperture

Note

• If you set the aperture value and shutter speed manually, that setting will remain in effect even after you switch to another shooting mode or switch the camera off and on. If you set the camera in the shooting mode again, the camera will return to the same aperture value and shutter speed.

• A prolonged shooting (with a slow shutter speed) consumes more battery power and the shooting may not be completed depending on the type or condition of the batteries. In that case, use an optional B-12LPB/B-10LPB lithium polymer battery or CAMEDIA-brand AC adapter.

• If you repeat a prolonged shooting, the number of pictures which can be taken may be severely reduced.

Page 79

Shutter speed

Viewfinder

Aperture value

Control panel

Exposure level

Difference between the selected and ideal exposure levels.

Exposure level

Turning the main dial to the right increases the size of the aperture and moving it to the left decreases the size of the aperture. The selected exposure is displayed in the exposure indicator in the viewfinder and the control panel. A plus mark (+) means the picture is overexposed, a minus mark (−) means the picture is underexposed, and ±0 means the picture is correctly exposed. When the picture is overexposed by more than 3 steps, + blinks, or when the picture is underexposed by more than 3 steps, − blinks.

Take the picture.

Page 80

Using the IS (Interlace Scan) Mode

This is the normal shooting mode in which the camera operates and uses the mechanical shutter. With a mechanical shutter, the shutter speed can be adjusted up to 1/640 sec. An ND filter may be required with the aperture wide open in bright light. In the IS mode the maximum resolution (4.95 effective megapixels) of the CCD is possible.

Press the menu button .

The menu is displayed on the monitor.

On the arrow pad, press or

to move the green highlight to (or / ).

(To jump to the above icon, press first.)

On the arrow pad, press to

move the green highlight to IS mode.

Page 81

Press the button.

The IS mode is selected, and the green highlight moves to . (To cancel the setting, press the menu

button instead of the button.) Press the button again to close the menu.

Check the record mode indicator in

the control panel.

The record mode may have been changed.

Control panel

Note

• The maximum number of sequential shots which can be taken using the burst mode varies

depending on the record mode. In the IS mode, when the record mode is set to: – SHQ, HQ, SQ, or TIFF, up to four pictures can be taken, – RAW, up to three pictures can be taken.

• In the IS mode, when the record mode is;

– SHQ, HQ, SQ, or TIFF, up to four memory gauge bars are lit, and – RAW, up to three memory gauge bars are lit. (One memory gauge bar indicates one shot image in the buffer.) If the memory gauge is blinking, you cannot continue shooting.

Page 82

Using the PS (Progressive Scan) Mode

In the PS (Progressive Scan) mode, the camera operates with the electronic shutter. The electronic shutter speed can be adjusted as follows:

• P and A modes: up to 1/4000 sec.

• S and M modes: up to 1/4000 sec. and 1/18000 sec.

This mode can be used when a very fast shutter speed is required without an ND filter with the aperture wide open. However, compared to the normal shooting mode [IS mode (Interlace Scan mode)], vertical resolution is reduced to half (maximum 2.5 megapixels). Therefore, jaggies and noise may appear when printing larger sizes. The following are suitable use of the images shot in the PS mode:

• Newspaper

• On-line

• Smaller size photograph

When an especially high shutter speed is not required, select the IS (Interlace Scan) mode.

Press the menu button .

The menu is displayed on the monitor.

Page 83

On the arrow pad, press or

to move the green highlight to (or / ).

(To jump to the above icon, press first.)

On the arrow pad, press to

move the green highlight to PS mode.

Control panel

Press the button.

The PS mode is selected, and the green highlight moves to . (To cancel the setting, press the menu button instead of the button.) Press the button again to close the menu.

Check that the record mode indicator is blinking and the icon is displayed in the control panel.

The record mode may have been changed.

PS mode and Quality Settings

• The SHQ, HQ, and SQ settings can be used. (The RAW and TIFF setting cannot be used.)

Note

• The maximum number of sequential shots which can be taken using the burst mode increases to

seven in the PS mode.

• In the PS mode, up to six memory gauge bars are lit. (One memory gauge bar indicates one shot

image in the buffer.) After taking a seventh shot, the memory gauge starts blinking. If the memory gauge is blinking, you cannot continue shooting.

• Smear can occur when you are taking a picture in a bright place, for example, under a bright sky.

• Colors may be blurred, or jaggies may appear, along angled lines in the shot image.

Page 84

Selecting the Brightness Adjustment Method (Monitor Preview Mode) (Only for M Mode)

The brightness of the monitor can be changed according to the shutter speed and aperture setting, or adjusted according to the incident light falling on the subject, when you are shooting in the M (manual) mode.

MANUAL

The brightness of the monitor changes according to the shutter speed and aperture, therefore, you can check the image to be shot with the monitor prior to shooting. This is the factory setting.

AUTO

When you take a picture in a dark place, the subject displayed in the monitor may be too dark if the monitor preview mode is set to MANUAL. In that case, set the monitor mode to AUTO to gain the best monitor image.

Set the mode dial to (Setup/

OFF

connection mode).

Press the menu button .

The menu is displayed on the monitor.

On the arrow pad, press or to

move the green highlight to

On the arrow pad, press to

move the green highlight to MANUAL or AUTO.

Press the button.

Note

• In the P, A, and S (except for M) modes, the monitor is always adjusted according to the incident light falling on the subject regardless of the monitor preview mode.

Page 85

Selecting the Metering Method

Select the method to meter the brightness of the subject. Three metering methods are available: digital ESP metering, center weighted averaging metering, and spot metering. The camera is set for digital ESP metering when you purchased the camera.

Center weighted averaging metering area

Spot metering

Spot metering area mark

Digital ESP metering

Center weighted averaging metering

Meters the entire picture and reads not only the light but the brightness patterns as well to determine the correct exposure value.

Meters the entire picture, yet concentrates on metering light in the center of the picture in area three times the size of the Spot metering area mark (approximately 11% of the viewfinder) to determine the correct exposure value.

While holding down the metering

mode button

Concentrates on metering the light on the area covered by the spot meter in the center of the viewfinder (1.2% of the viewfinder) to determine the correct exposure value.

on the top, left side of the camera, turn the main dial or sub dial until you see the desired metering setting displayed in the viewfinder or monitor.

Viewfinder display Control panel

Digital ESP metering

Center weighted averaging metering

Spot metering

Take the picture.

Brightness of center and surrounding area different?

When there is a great difference in the level of brightness between the center of the picture and the surrounding area, or when there is an object in the background brightly lit, digital ESP metering may not be able to meter the scene correctly. In such a situation, switch to center weighted averaging metering or spot metering, cover the subject with the metering mark and adjust the exposure compensation and other settings to determine the correct exposure. For a dark subject in strong backlighting, you can also use the flash.

Page 86

Using Exposure Compensation

With the mode dial set to P (Program mode), A (Aperture priority mode), or S (Shutter priority mode), you can press the exposure compensation or decrease the exposure automatically selected by the camera in order to create a darker or brighter image. For example, if you want to shoot a white subject and make it bright, you can also use exposure compensation to capture the image just as it appears. Exposure compensation can be adjusted in the range of ±3EV in 1/3EV steps.

OFF

Set the mode dial to P, A, or S.

While pressing down the exposure

Plus

Minus

ViewfinderControl panel

compensation main dial or sub dial as shown in the illustration.

The exposure compensation value is displayed in the viewfinder and the control panel. When you are framing a shot with the monitor (➞ 35), you can confirm changes in brightness in the range ±2EV on the monitor.

button to manually increase

Plus exposure compensation

Minus exposure compensation

button, turn the

Take the picture.

Exposure compensation value

Note

• The exposure compensation setting remains selected even after the camera is switched off and on again. After you adjust exposure compensation for a shooting session, you must remember to set exposure compensation to 0 again when you are finished.

Adjusting the flash intensity

The flash intensity cannot be adjusted automatically, but it can be adjusted manually. (➞ 94)

Page 87

AE Lock

Normally the camera automatically meters the focus and the exposure when you halfpress the shutter button and locks the AF (automatic focus) and AE (automatic exposure) at the same time. However, you can lock the exposure by pressing the before pressing the shutter button. If you press the shutter button with the button depressed, only AF is performed and the exposure does not change. Conversely, if you press the button with the shutter button half-pressed, the focus is fixed and you can adjust the exposure. The exposure is held only as long as the soon as the button is released.

button is depressed and released as

Point the camera at the subject for

which you want to set the exposure.

button

Viewfinder

Locked exposure

2 3

AEL displayed

Press the button.

Keep the button pressed down. While the button depressed, the exposure setting will not change. When the exposure is locked, the AEL mark appears in the viewfinder. If you half-press the shutter button while holding down the button, automatic focus also operates.

With the button still pressed

down, take the picture.

You can continue to take other pictures at the same exposure, as long as you keep the button pressed down.

When the shutter button is half-pressed

When you press the button, the exposure setting selected by half-pressing the shutter button is canceled and the exposure selected with the button press is used. On the other hand, if the

button is released, then exposure changes as metered automatically with a half-press on the

shutter button.

Page 88

Bracketing a Shot with Three Automatic Exposures

With the mode dial set to P (Program mode), A (Aperture priority mode), or S (Shutter priority mode), if you switch on autobracketing in the menu you can take three rapid multiple exposures of the same picture with different (bracketed) exposure settings. One shot will be taken at normal exposure, one shot at a lower exposure setting for a darker picture, and one shot at a higher setting for a brighter picture.

Normal exposure picture Lower exposure setting for a

You can set up bracketing shots in 1/3EV, 2/3EV or 1EV full exposure step.

darker picture

Press the menu button .

The menu is displayed on the monitor.

On the arrow pad, press or

to move the green highlight to the

On the arrow pad, press to

move the green highlight to FRAME.

On the arrow pad, press and

select 3 to replace OFF.

Selecting the number of shots enables autobracketing, and selecting OFF disables autobracketing.

On the arrow pad, press to

move the green highlight to the mark.

On the arrow pad, press or

repeatedly to select the step setting for adjusting the three autobracketing exposures.

Exposure can be adjusted in three steps: 1/3EV, 2/3EV, 1EV.

Higher setting for a brighter picture

mark.

Page 89

Press the button.

This completes setting the camera for autobracketing. In the control panel, you

Control panel

Autobracket setting mark

Sequential mode

Sequential mode selected automatically when autobracketing is selected.

Note

• After the camera is set for auto bracketing, one of the following actions will release the camera from auto bracketing and set it to the burst mode:

- When the mode dial is set to M (Manual mode).

- When the flash button is pressed and the built-in flash is raised.

- When the dedicated external flash FL-40 is mounted.

• The mode dial setting determines which features are changed during autobracketing.

P Program mode. Shutter speed and aperture value adjusted. A Aperture priority mode. Shutter speed adjusted. S Shutter prior ity mode. Apeture adjusted.

• The shutter speed and aper ture value display the adjusted exposure.

• If autobracketing (➞ 86) and exposure compensation (➞ 84) are selected together, then values are calculated for both during shooting with autobracketing.

• If the camera is switched off suddenly during autobracket shooting, the camera will finish the autobracketing shooting sequence after the camera is switched on again.

• Autobracketing will halt as soon as you release your finger from the shutter button and resume shooting the remaining pictures after you press the shutter button again.

• With the camera set in autobracketing, you cannot select the self-timer mark , or the remote control mark . To select these marks, release the camera from autobracketing with the menu.

• If you select autobracketing while the self-timer mode or the remote control mode is set, both modes will be automatically released.

will see BKT and the sequential mode mark displayed. This confirms that the camera is set for both autobracketing and shooting multiple exposures. (When shooting in the single-frame mode, hold down the drive button and turn the main dial or sub dial until you do not see the sequential mode mark displayed in the control panel.) Press the button again to close the menu.

Take the picture.

When the camera is set in the sequential mode, press the shutter button once to shoot three rapid pictures with the exposure setting varied automatically for each shot.

When the camera is set in the singleframe shooting mode, you must press the button once to take each picture with the exposure setting varied automatically for each shot.

Page 90

Changing the ISO Setting

The sensitivity can be adjusted with the ISO setting. This ISO setting is the equivalent of the ISO settings performed with traditional SLR cameras which employ film. Three ISO settings are available with this camera: 80, 160, and 320. Although you can increase the sensitivity by raising the ISO setting to take pictures of dark subjects, this could cause the pictures to appear grainy. To prevent poor exposure, we recommend leaving the ISO setting set for AUTO or 80. With AUTO selected the camera can adjust the ISO setting automatically only when the intensity of the flash is insufficient. (For most situations, AUTO selects 80 for the ISO.)

Press the menu button .

The menu is displayed on the monitor.

Displayed when setting other than AUTO is selected

On the arrow pad, press or

to move the green highlight to the

mark.

On the arrow pad, press to

move the green highlight to AUTO, 80, 160, or 320.

Press the button to select the

setting.

The green highlight returns to the ISO mark .

Press button again to close the menu. ISO is displayed in the control panel only when any setting other than AUTO is selected.

Control panel

Page 91

Taking Pictures: Using a Flash

In this section you will learn how to use the built-in flash and external dedicated flash FL-40. The built-in and external flash can be used separately or together. We also describe the limitations on using other external flash units not designed exclusively for this camera. Use the built-in flash to take pictures of subjects in low incident light or dark subjects in strong backlight. To use the flash, you must first press the flash button to raise the built-in flash unit.

When you see the flash mark blinking in the viewfinder, the flash is charging. Wait for the mark to stop blinking before firing the flash again. To prevent the deterioration of the flash unit from overheating, do not fire the flash more than 30 times in succession, and allow the flash to cool for 10 minutes or more after a long session. Keep the flash unit clean. Continuously firing the flash with the flash unit unclean, could cause the flash unit to deteriorate.

Page 92

Selecting a Flash Mode

The flash mode selection determines how the flash is fired to achieve various effects.

Flash mode selections and features

Auto Flash

The camera automatically fires the flash at the appropriate intensity when shooting in dark conditions or against strong backlighting. In dark environments, the camera fires the flash as necessary to keep the shutter speed to 1/30 sec. or less (since exposures longer than 1/30 sec. are likely to be spoiled by camera shake). When shooting against a backlight, the camera fires the flash as necessary to adjust the brightness of the subject.

Slow Synchronization

When shooting a subject against an illuminated night scene with the flash, you may only capture the subject and the background may turn out black. To capture the background as well in this situation, you can select slow synchro for the flash control setting and adjust the shutter speed up to 2 seconds (for ISO 80) for the darkness of the background. However, if you use a slower shutter speed we recommend that you mount the camera on a tripod and ask the subject to remain still until the picture is taken. (At slow shutter speeds the picture could easily blur as a result of camera shake or if the subject moves while the shutter is still open.) The camera is in the 1st-curtain mode when is not displayed, and the flash fires at the beginning of a slow shutter release. The camera is in the 2nd-curtain mode when is displayed, and the flash fires at the end of a slow shutter release. In the slow synchronization mode with 1st-curtain selected, for example, if you were to photograph a moving car at night, the flash would fire at the beginning of the slow shutter release and capture the image of the car. In the picture you would see the headlights of the car appearing to flow ahead of the car in the direction of travel as only the headlights were captured for the remainder of the shutter release. If you were to select 2nd-curtain for the same picture, the flash would fire at the end of the slow shutter release and you would see the tail lights trailing behind the car because the vehicle was captured by the flash at the end of the slow shutter release. In order to use slow shutter release effectively, first set the mode dial to S (Shutter priority mode) and select a slow shutter speed.

Moving vehicle photographed in 2nd-Curtain mode, showing lights trailing behind

Page 93

Fill-in Flash

Use fill-in flash when you want the flash always to fire, regardless of the light conditions. For example, if the subject’s face appears dark in front of strong backlighting, if a tree or other large object is casting a shadow on the subject’s face, or when shooting under fluorescent or other artificial lighting to achieve the best color reproduction, you should use the fill-in flash mode. However, the flash could lose its effect when shooting a subject in extremely bright light. Use exposure compensation or use spot metering to meter the light only on the part of the subject that you want to shoot. (➞ 83)

Red-eye Reduction

To prevent the occurrence of the red-eye phenomenon in the eyes of photographed subjects, the camera fires 10 short burst flashes to contract the pupils of the eyes before the main flash fires. When you use this flash mode, there is a 1 second delay before the flash fires after full-pressing the shutter button, so make sure that the camera is steady. Red-eye reduction may not always be completely effective for the following reasons:

• The subject was not looking directly at the camera when the flash fired.

• The subject was not looking at the camera when the preliminary flashes fired.

• The subject was too far from the camera.

• Differences among subjects in their physical reactions to the preliminary flashes.

Flash Suppression

Example of the red-eye

When the built-in flash is not raised, the flash suppression mark displays in the control panel. With the flash set for "Auto Flash", the flash unit fires automatically depending on the incident light. When the automatic flash is not required, close the flash unit.

Page 94

Selecting a Flash Mode (continued)

To select the flash mode, press and hold down the flash mode button and turn the main dial or sub dial. Turn the main dial or sub dial to the right to display the available settings in the order indicated by the arrow in the table below. (Turning either dial to the left displays the settings opposite the direction of the arrow in the table.)

Flash control modes for the P (Program), A (Aperture priority) modes

Control Panel Display

(None)

Flash mode Flash Timimg

Auto flash

(Red-eye Reduction)

Slow synchro

(Red-eye Reduction)

Slow synchro

Red-eye Reduction

YES

1st-curtain YES

1st-curtain

Fires automatically in dark light, backlighted subject

YES

Always fires

Slow synchro

(2nd Curtain)

Fill-in flash

2nd-curtain

1st-curtain

Flash control modes for the S (Shutter priority), M (Manual) modes

Control Panel Display

Flash mode

Fill-in flash

(Red-eye Reduction)

Fill-in flash

(2nd Curtain)

Fill-in flash

Note

• If the flash mode is set in the P or A shooting mode and then the mode dial is reset to S or M, the flash mode settings change as shown below.

Original Setting Changes To:

AUTO Fill-in

Slow Synchro Fill-in

Slow Synchro (2nd Curtain) Fill-in (2nd Curtain)

AUTO (Red-eye Reduction) Fill-in (Red-eye Reduction)

Slow Synchro (Red-eye Reduction) Fill-in (Red-eye Reduction)

Fill-in Fill-in

Red-eye Reduction

YES

Flash Timimg

1st-curtain

2nd-curtain

1st-curtain

• If the flash mode is set in the S or M shooting mode and then the mode dial is reset to P or A, the flash mode settings change as shown below.

Original Setting Changes To:

Fill-in Fill-in

Fill-in (2nd Curtain) Slow Synchro (2nd Curtain)

Fill-in (Red-eye Reduction) AUTO (Red-eye Reduction)

Fires automatically in dark light, backlighted subject

YES

NONO

YES

Always fires

YES

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Press the flash button .

The built-in flash opens. If the built-in flash is not raised, the flash mode remains set at OFF and cannot be changed.

Press and hold down the flash

mode button main dial or the sub dial. Continue to turn the dial until you see the desired combination of flash control setting marks, and then stop turning the dial.

Take the picture.

, and then turn the

Flash working range

ISO Max. WIDE (WIDE Limit) Max. TELE (TELE Limit)

AUTO 0.6 (2 ft.) - 8.9 m (29.4 ft.) 0.5 (1.7 ft.) - 7.4 m (24.4 ft.)

*1Range starts at 0.6 m (2 ft.) if you set the camera to the A (Aperture Priority) mode and stop the

aperture size down to 6.3 or higher.

*2Range starts at 0.5 m (1.7 ft.) if you set the camera to the A (Aperture Priority) mode and stop

the aperture size down to 6.3 or higher.

When the flash is not required

When you do not want to use the flash, for example when photographing subjects as a sunset or night scene, shooting a subject that the flash will not reach, or shooting a subject in a location where flash photography is not allowed (such as in a museum), just press down the built-in flash to close it. If an external flash unit is connected to the camera, switch it off or remove it. (Some external flash units may require removal and others may not; you can just switch them off.)

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Using Flash Control Compensation

The camera can automatically adjust the flash intensity according to the brightness of the subject, light reflected from the subject, and the camera-to-subject distance, and because of this the image of a subject could appear too bright or too dark. In such cases you can use flash control compensation to capture images that are not too bright or too dark. Flash control may not have enough effect when using a high shutter speed.

Press the menu button .

The menu is displayed on the monitor.

On the arrow pad, press or

to move the green highlight to the

mark.

On the arrow pad, press to

move the green highlight to the scale to the right of the flash control mark

To increase or decrease the flash

intensity, press

Every time you press or , the flash compensation value changes in 1/3EV steps through a range of −2EV to +2EV.

or .

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Displayed only when an exposure value other than 0 is selected.

Control panel

Press the button.

The green highlight returns to the flash control mark and the setting is stored. When any value other than zero (0) is selected, the flash control mark is displayed in the control panel. Please remember that this setting is retained even after the camera is switched off and switched on again.

To release this setting, reset the value for zero.

Press the button again to close the menu.

Take the picture.

To use the dedicated external flash and built-in flash together

When the dedicated external flash is mounted on the camera, the camera automatically sets the flash for TTL-AUTO. With this setting, the camera can adjust the intensity of the flash fired from the dedicated flash, just as it automatically adjusts the flash intensity for the built-in flash. If you set the dedicated flash for MANUAL, this disables automatic adjustment of the flash intensity only for the dedicated external flash; the intensity of the built-in flash will continue to be controlled by the camera.

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Using the Optional Dedicated External Flash FL-40

The dedicated external flash FL-40 increases the amount of light and can illuminate subjects which are beyond the range of the built-in flash. You can also use the dedicated external flash to bounce light onto the subject from another direction, allowing more variety in the use of lighting. The dedicated external flash can be mounted on the hot shoe on top of the camera, the optional flash bracket attachment, or your tripod as shown below. With the dedicated external flash, you can use flash control compensation and select the flash mode, just like you can with the built-in flash. (➞ 94)

To use only the dedicated external flash

If you want to use only the dedicated external flash, just push down the built-in flash.

To use the dedicated external flash and built-in flash together

With the built-in flash you can also use the dedicated external flash to bounce light onto the subject to create a catch-light effect to light the eyes of the subject more naturally. When the built-in flash and external flash are used together, the built-in flash provides about half of the light emitted from the dedicated external flash. When you use the external flash to bounce light onto a subject, in some cases the intensity of the external flash could be insufficient, even with the range for flash shooting, please remember that you may not be able to achieve the correct exposure.

To set the flash mode for the FL-40

When the dedicated external flash is mounted on the camera, the camera automatically sets the flash for TTL-AUTO, and the intensity of the dedicated external flash can be controlled from the camera. With the mode dial set to M (Manual mode), you can select MANUAL on the dedicated external flash. This allows you to set the guide number on the dedicated external flash, and select the aperture on the camera for taking a picture.

Various uses of the external flash

All the accessaries in the illustration below are sold separately.

Clip-on connection Flash bracket use

FL-CB02

(Bracket connection cable)

Shooting Mode

FL-CB05

(Connection cable)

Dedicated External Flash Mode

P A TTL-AUTO only S

TTL-AUTO, MANUAL

Off camera use

FL-BK01 (Flash bracket)

Tripod socket

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OFF

Hot shoe cover

Remove the hot shoe cover from

the camera and attach the FL-40 external flash unit.

Slide the hot shoe cover toward the back of the camera. Attach the dedicated external flash unit to the hot shoe. For details about attachment, refer to the dedicated external flash FL-40 and each accessary’s instructions. Store the hot shoe cover in a safe location where you will not lose it, so you can re-attach it later after removing the external flash unit.

Warning

• The dedicated external flash unit could fire accidentally when it is connected with the camera or dedicated external flash unit switched on.

Switch on the dedicated external

flash unit.

If you intend to use the external dedicated flash with the built-in flash, press the flash button to raise the built-in flash. When you do not want to use the built-in flash, just press it down to close it.

Back of FL-40 dedicated external flash unit

∼

Mode button

Select the flash mode. (➞ 90)

Take the picture.

Using the flash with close-up photography

Shooting a subject 1.5 meters (approx. 4.9 ft.) from the camera or closer, could cause the pictures to be too bright or cause dark shadows. If you experience these problems with the external flash, adjust flash intensity on the external flash unit, or use only the built-in flash.

Preventing the dedicated external flash from firing

To prevent the dedicated external flash from firing, just switch it off.

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Using Other Flash Units with the Camera

An external flash unit not designed for this camera can be connected to either the hot shoe or the synchro socket on the left side of the camera and used, provided that it meets the conditions described below. However, please remember that a generic external flash unit, unlike the dedicated FL-40 flash unit, cannot be used to control the intensity of the flash.

Requirements for other flash units used with this camera

1. Use a flash unit with an angle of illumination wider than the range of the camera.

The focal length of this camera is 35 mm - 140 mm (1.3 in. - 5.6 in.), calculated based on 35 mm film, and requires that the angle of illumination be wider than the focal length used. In order to use the full focal length area, over 35 mm is required. In order to bring into use the remaining portion of the illumination area, use an external flash with a wide adapter.

2. When using full flash, set the flash timing shorter than 5ms.

With a ring flash, or other flash unit with long flash duration, the shutter may close during the flash and part of the light might not be used in the exposure.

3. Do not attempt to use any flash unit (other than the FL-40) which employs electronic flash control between the flash unit and the camera.

Setting a non-dedicated flash unit

1. Using auto flash (controlled by the external flash)

The intensity of the flash must be adjusted with the controls on the flash unit. The f/stop and ISO settings on the flash unit must match these settings on the camera. Depending on the shooting conditions, you may not be able to achieve satisfactory exposure. In this case, you will have to adjust the aperture values and ISO settings on both the camera and the external flash unit. Flash control settings performed on the camera are ignored by the flash unit.

2. If you want to set the guide number on the external flash, calculate the aperture value from the guide number, camera-to-subject distance, and the ISO setting.

Cautions about using external flash units other than the FL-40

Even when is displayed, a generic external flash fires for every shot. If you do not want the flash to fire, switch if off. If the flash continues to fire after the flash is switched off, disconnect the flash from the camera. Further, the intensity of such a flash must be controlled by adjustments on the external flash unit. The results in your pictures could differ, depending on the shooting conditions, type of external flash unit used, and the camera settings. Please understand that we cannot guarantee the performance of the camera and picture quality when a flash unit not designed for this camera is used.

Olympus E-20N Reference Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Reference Manual

CAMEDIA E-20 Features

How to Use This Manual

Caring for Your Camera

Contents

Important Parts and Names

Getting Started

Box Contents: Make Sure You Have Everything

Attaching the Camera Strap

Inserting Batteries and Attaching the Optional AC Adapter

Inserting a Memory Card

Setting the Shooting Mode and Switching the Camera On

Checking the Battery

Checking the Number of Storable Pictures

When the Number of Storable Pictures Is Not Displayed

Attaching the Lens Hood

Holding the Camera

Pushing the Shutter Button

If You Cannot Take a Picture

Using the Zoom and Macro Functions

Using the Built-in Flash

Viewing Pictures (Playback)

Protecting Pictures

Deleting Single Pictures

Switching the Camera Off

Shooting Techniques: General Introduction

Shooting Portraits (Focused Subject, Blurred Background)

Shooting Portraits (Shooting Backlit Subjects)

Shooting a Subject in Daylight Shadow (Daylight Synchro)

Shooting the Subject and Background Both in Focus

Shooting Moving Subjects

Shooting Close-up

Shooting Night Scenes

Shooting a Night Scene (Noise Reduction)

Shooting a Subject Against a Night Scene Background (Slow Synchronization)

Shooting Sunsets and Fireworks

Taking Pictures: Distance and Focus

Using Autofocus (AF)

Using Manual Focus (MF)

Setting the Shooting Mode

Setting the Aperture Value and Shutter Speed Automatically (P Mode)

Setting the Aperture Value (A Mode)

Setting the Shutter Speed (S Mode)

Setting the Aperture Value and Shutter Speed Manually (M Mode)

Using the IS (Interlace Scan) Mode

Using the PS (Progressive Scan) Mode

Selecting the Brightness Adjustment Method (Monitor Preview Mode) (Only for M Mode)

Selecting the Metering Method

Using Exposure Compensation

AE Lock

Bracketing a Shot with Three Automatic Exposures

Changing the ISO Setting

Taking Pictures: Using a Flash

Selecting a Flash Mode

Using Flash Control Compensation

Using the Optional Dedicated External Flash FL-40

Using Other Flash Units with the Camera