Panasonic DMCFX7K, DMC-FX7PP, DMCFX7 User Manual

Operating Instructions

Digital Camera

Model No.DMC-FX7PP

Before use, please read these instructions completely.

For USA assistance, please call: 1-800-272-7033 or send e-mail to : [e-mail] For Canadian assistance, please call: 1-800-561-5505 or visit us at www.panasonic.ca

VQT0M16

Before Use

Dear Customer,

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for purchasing this Panasonic Digital Camera. Please read these Operating Instructions carefully and keep them handy for future reference.

Information for Your Safety

WARNING

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING INTERFERENCE, USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES AND DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK); THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Notice:

This product has parts that contain a small amount of mercury. It also contains lead in some components. Disposal of these materials may be regulated in your community due to environmental considerations. For disposal or recycling information please contact your local authorities, or the Electronics Industries Alliance: <http://www.eiae.org.>

Carefully observe copyright laws. Recording of pre-recorded tapes or disks or other published or broadcast material for purposes other than your own private use may infringe copyright laws. Even for the purpose of private use, recording of certain material may be restricted.

•Please note that the actual controls and components, menu items, etc. of your Digital Camera may look somewhat different from those shown in the illustrations in these Operating Instructions.

•SD Logo is a trademark.

•Other names, company names, and product names printed in these instructions are trademarks or registered trademarks of the companies concerned.

THE SOCKET OUTLET SHALL BE INSTALLED NEAR THE EQUIPMENT AND SHALL BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE.

CAUTION

Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

R B R C

T M

L i - i o n

A lithium ion/polymer battery that is recyclable powers the product you have purchased. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on how to recycle this battery.

2

Before Use

FCC Note: (U.S. only)

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC Caution: To assure continued compliance, follow the attached installation instructions and use only shielded interface cables with ferrite core when connecting to computer or peripheral devices.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Trade Name:	Panasonic
Model No.:	DMC-FX7

Responsible party: Matsushita Electric Corporation of America

One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094

Support Contact: Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company 1-800-272-7033

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, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003

3

Before Use

∫ Care for the camera

•Do not shake or cause impact to the camera. The camera may not operate normally or recording of pictures may be disabled, or the lens may be damaged.

•Sand or dust may cause a malfunction of the camera. When you use the camera on a beach etc., take care so that sand or dust does not get into the camera.

•When you use the camera on a rainy day or on a beach, take care so that seawater does not get into the camera.

•If seawater splashes onto the camera, wet a soft cloth with tap water, wring it well, and use it to wipe the camera body carefully. Then, wipe it again with a dry cloth.

∫ About the LCD monitor

•Do not press the LCD monitor strongly. It may cause uneven colors on the LCD monitor or a malfunction of the LCD monitor.

•In a place with drastic temperature changes, condensation may form on the LCD monitor. Wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.

•If the camera is extremely cold when you turn the camera on, the image on the LCD monitor is slightly darker than usual at first. However, as the internal temperature increases, it goes back to the normal brightness.

Extremely high precision technology is employed to produce the LCD monitor screen. The result is more than 99.99% effective pixels with a mere 0.01% of the pixels inactive or always lit. However, this will not be recorded on the pictures in the card.

∫ About the Lens

•Do not direct the lens to the sun or strong light sources. It may cause not only a malfunction of the camera but irreversible damage to your eye.

•Do not press the lens strongly.

•Leaving the camera with the lens facing the sun may cause a malfunction. Be careful when you put the camera outside or near a window.

∫About Condensation

Condensation takes place when the ambient temperature or humidity is changed as follows:

Be careful of the condensation since it causes stains on the lens, fungus or malfunction. (P95)

• When the camera is brought inside from the cold to a warm room.

• When the camera is moved from outside of a car to an air-conditioned car.

• When cool wind from an air conditioner or other source is directly blown onto the camera.

• In humid places

∫If you will not be using the camera for

a long time

• Store the battery in a cool and dry place with a relatively stable temperature. (Recommended temperature: 59oF – 77oF (15oC – 25oC), Recommended humidity: 40% – 60%)

•Be sure to remove the battery and the card from the camera.

•When the battery is left inserted in the camera for a long time, discharge takes place even if the camera is turned off. If you leave the battery inserted for an extended period of time, it will be excessively discharged and it may become unusable even after it is charged.

•To store the battery for a long period of time, we recommend charging it once every year and storing it again after you completely use up the charged capacity.

•When you keep the camera in a closet or a cabinet, we recommend storing it with the desiccant (silica gel).

4

Before Use

About These Operating Instructions

Please note that the description on this page is a sample and all pages are not described in this manner.

Modes indicated here allow you to use the functions or settings described on this page. Set the Mode dial to any of the modes to use the functions or settings.

Using the Optical Zoom

You can make people and subjects appear closer with the 3 times optical zoom, and landscapes can be recorded in wide angle.

•The picture may have some distortion (typical example: vertical straight line bent outwards).

Convenient or helpful information for use of this camera is described.

∫ About pictures/illustrations in these operating instructions

Pictures in these operating instructions are composed from still photographs for explanation.

Please note that the appearance of the product, the illustration or the menu screen are a little different from those in actual use.

∫ About illustrations of the cursor button

In those operating instructions, the operations on the cursor button are described as illustrated below.

MENU

e.g.: When you press the 4 button

REV

5

Contents

Before Use

Recording pictures (advanced)

Information for Your Safety.......................	2
About These Operating Instructions .........	5
Preparation
Standard Accessories...............................	8
Names of the Components .......................	9
Quick Guide ............................................	11
Charging the Battery with the Charger ...	12
About the Battery ....................................	13
Inserting/Removing the Battery ..............	14
Inserting/Removing the Card ..................	15
About the Card........................................	16
Approximate number of recordable
pictures and the size ...........................	17
Setting Date/Time (Clock Set) ................	18
Setup Menu ............................................	20
About the LCD Monitor ...........................	24
Recording pictures (basic)
Taking Pictures .......................................	27
Taking Pictures in Simple Mode .............	32
Checking the Recorded Picture
(Review) .............................................	35
Using the Optical Zoom ..........................	36
Taking Pictures using the
Built-in Flash ......................................	37
Taking Pictures with the Self-timer .........	40
Compensating the Exposure ..................	41
Taking Pictures using Auto Bracket........	42
Optical Image Stabilizer
[STABILIZER].....................................	43
Taking Pictures using Burst Mode ..........	44
Playback (basic)
Playing Back Pictures .............................	45
9 Pictures Multi Playback........................	46
Using the Playback Zoom.......................	47
Deleting Pictures.....................................	48

Using the Mode Dial ...............................	50
• Macro mode......................................	50
• Motion image mode ..........................	51
• Scene mode......................................	53
– Portrait mode.................................	54
– Sports Mode ..................................	54
– Scenery mode ...............................	55
– Night scenery mode ......................	55
– Night portrait mode........................	56
– Fireworks mode.............................	56
– Party mode ....................................	57
– Snow mode ...................................	57
– Self portrait mode ..........................	58
Using the [REC] mode menu ..................	59
• White Balance [W.BALANCE] ..........	60
• ISO Sensitivity [SENSITIVITY] .........	62
• Picture Size [PICT.SIZE] ..................	62
• Quality [QUALITY] ............................	63
• Audio Recording [AUDIO REC.] .......	63
• AF Mode [AF MODE]........................	64
• AF Assist Lamp
[AF ASSIST LAMP] .........................	65
• Slow Shutter [SLOW SHUTTER]......	65
• Digital Zoom [D.ZOOM] ....................	66
• Color Effect [COL.EFFECT]..............	66
• Picture Adjustment [PICT.ADJ.]........	66
• Flip Animation [FLIP ANIM.] .............	67

6

Playback (advanced)		Others

Playing Back Pictures with Audio/Motion
Images ................................................	70
Using the [PLAY] mode menu ................	71
• Rotating the Picture [ROTATE].........	71
• Setting the Picture to be Printed and
the Number of Prints
[DPOF PRINT]..................................	72
• Preventing Accidental Erasure
of the Picture [PROTECT] ................	74
• Playing Back with Slide Show
[SLIDE SHOW] .................................	75
• Adding Audio to Recorded Pictures
[AUDIO DUB.] ..................................	77
• Resizing the Pictures [RESIZE] ........	78
• Trimming the Pictures
[TRIMMING] ....................................	79
• Initializing the Card [FORMAT] .........	80
Playing Back Pictures with
a TV Screen .......................................	82
Connecting to a PC or Printer
Before Connecting with USB Connection
Cable [USB MODE].............................	83
Connecting to a PC.................................	85
Connecting to a PictBridge-compliant
Printer..................................................	87

Screen Display........................................	91
Cautions for Use .....................................	94
Message Display ....................................	97
Troubleshooting ......................................	98
Specifications........................................	101
Digital Camera Accessory System........	103
Digital Camera Accessory Order Form
(For USA Customers)........................	104
Request for Service Notice
(For USA Only).................................	105
Limited Warranty (For USA Only) .........	106
Customer Services Directory
(For USA Only).................................	108
Index .....................................................	109
Spanish Quick Use Guide/Guía
española de uso rápido.....................	111

7

Preparation

Standard Accessories

Before using your camera, check the contents.

∫ SD Memory Card (16 MB)	∫ USB Connection Cable
RP-SD016B	K1HA08CD0001
(In the text, it is indicated as “Card”)

∫ CD-ROM

∫ Battery Pack

CGA-S004A

(In the text, it is indicated as “Battery”)

∫ Strap

VFC4082

∫ Battery Charger

DE-991B

(In the text, it is indicated as “Charger”)

∫ Battery Carrying Case

VYQ3211

∫ AV Cable

K1HA08CD0002

8

Preparation

Names of the Components

1	2	3	1	Flash (P37)
			2	Lens part
			3	Self-timer Indicator (P40)
				AF Assist Lamp (P65)

4

5	6 7 8		9

4Cursor buttons 2/Self-timer Button (P40) 4/[REV] Button (P35) 1/Flash Mode Button (P37)

3/Backlight Compensation in Simple Mode (P34)/Exposure Compensation (P41)/Auto Bracket (P42)/White Balance Fine Adjustment (P61) Button

5LCD Monitor Type 2.5 (P24, 91)

6Status Indicator (P22)

7[MENU] Button (P20)

8[DISPLAY/PWR LCD] Button (P24)

9Single/Burst Mode (P44)/Delete Button (P48)

9

	Preparation
1011 12 13 14	10	Speaker for Operational Sound
	11	Microphone (P51)
	12	Camera Switch (P20)
	13	Zoom Lever (P36, 66)
	14	Optical Image Stabilizer Button (P43)
	15	Shutter Button (P28, 51)
	16	Mode Dial (P27)

15 16

17

DIGITAL

18

AV OUT

19

DC IN

20

21 22

17Strap Eyelet

18[DIGITAL/AV OUT] Socket (P82, 85, 87)

19[DC IN] Socket (P85, 87)

•Please be sure to use genuine Panasonic AC adaptor (DMW-CAC2; optional).

20Terminal Cover

21Tripod Receptacle

22Card/Battery Door (P14, 15)

10

Preparation

Quick Guide

This is the overview of the procedure to record pictures with this camera. For each operation, be sure to refer to the corresponding pages.

1 Charge the battery. (P12)

•When the camera is shipped, the battery is not charged. Charge the battery before use.

2 Insert the battery and the card. (P14, 15)

3 Turn the camera on to take pictures.

• Set the clock. (P18)

OFF ON

1 Set the mode dial to [ ].

2Press the shutter button to take pictures. (P28)

4 Play back the pictures.

1 Set the mode dial to [ ].

2Select the picture you want to view. (P45)

11

Preparation

Charging the Battery with the Charger

When the camera is shipped, the battery is not charged. Charge the battery before use.

1 Attach the battery with attention to the direction of the battery.

•After charging is completed, be sure to disconnect the charger from the electrical outlet.

•The battery becomes warm after use/ charge or during charge. The camera also becomes warm during use. However, this is not a malfunction with the camera.

•Use the dedicated charger and battery.

•Charge the battery with the charger indoors.

•Do not disassemble or modify the charger.

2 Connect the charger to the electrical outlet.

•When the [CHARGE] indicator A lights in green, charging starts.

•When the [CHARGE] indicator A turns off (in about 120 minutes), charging is completed.

3 Detach the battery.

12

Preparation

About the Battery

∫ Battery indication

The remaining battery power appears on the screen. [It does not appear when you use the camera along with the AC adaptor (DMW-CAC2; optional).]

> > >

The indication turns red and blinks: Recharge or replace the battery.

When the LCD monitor is set to off by the economy mode, the status indicator blinks.

∫ The lifetime of the battery

The number of recordable pictures by CIPA standards

•CIPA is an abbreviation of [Camera & Imaging Products Association].

Number of	Approx. 120 pictures
recordable pictures	(CIPA)

(Recording conditions by CIPA standards)

•Temperature: 73.4°F (23°C)/ Humidity: 50% when LCD monitor is on.

•Using SD Memory Card (supplied: 16MB).

•Using the supplied battery.

•Recording starts 30 seconds after the camera is turned on.

•Record once every 30 seconds, with full flash every other recording.

•Rotating the zoom lever towards Tele to Wide and vice versa in every recording.

•Turn the camera off every 10 recordings. Note:When the Power LCD function (P25)

is used, the number of recordable pictures decreases.

Playback time

Playback time	Approx. 100 min.

The number of recordable pictures and playback time will vary depending on the operating conditions and storing condition of the battery.

∫ Charging

Charging time	Approx. 120 min.

Charging time and the number of recordable pictures with the optional battery pack (CGA-S004A) are the same as the above.

•When charging starts, the [CHARGE] indicator lights.

∫ Charging error

•If the [CHARGE] indicator is blinking, this is a charging error. In this case, disconnect the charger from the electrical outlet, detach the battery and then make sure both room and battery temperature are not too low or high. If the room temperature is between 50oF – 95oF (10oC – 35oC), recharge the battery. If the [CHARGE] indicator does not turn off properly and still starts blinking after you completed recharging the battery, consult the dealer.

•When the operating time of the camera becomes extremely short even if the battery is properly charged, the life of the battery may have expired. Buy a new battery.

∫ Charging conditions

•Charge the battery under temperature of 50oF – 95oF (10oC – 35oC). (Battery temperature should be the same also.)

•The performance of the battery may be temporarily deteriorated and the operating time may become shorter in low temperature conditions (e.g. skiing/ snowboarding).

13

Preparation

Inserting/Removing the Battery

•Check that the camera is turned off and that the lens is retracted.

1 Slide the card/battery door to open it.

3 1 Close the card/battery door.

2Slide the card/battery door to the end and then close it firmly.

•Please be sure to use genuine Panasonic batteries (CGA-S004A).

2Insert:

Insert the charged battery until it clicks paying attention to the direction of the battery.

Remove:

Slide the lock 1 to remove the battery.

•If you will not be using the camera for a long time, remove the battery. Store the removed battery in the battery carrying case (supplied). (P95)

•When fully charged battery has been inserted for more than 24 hours, the clock setting is stored (in the camera) for at least 3 months even if the battery is removed. (The storing may be shorter if the battery is not charged sufficiently.)

If more than 3 months has passed, the clock setting will be lost. In this case, set the clock again. (P18)

•Do not remove the card and the battery while the card is being accessed. The data on the card may be damaged.

•The supplied battery is designed only for use with this camera. Do not use it with any other equipment.

14

Preparation

Inserting/Removing the Card

•Check that the camera is turned off and that the lens is retracted.

1 Slide the card/battery door to open it.

•The card and the data may be damaged if it is inserted or removed while the camera is on.

•We recommend using Panasonic’s SD Memory Card. (Use only the genuine SD card with SD Logo.)

2Insert:

Insert the card with the label side facing the back of the camera until it clicks.

Remove:

Push the card until it clicks, then pull the card out upright.

•Check the direction of the card.

•Do not touch the connection terminals on the back side of the card.

•The card may be damaged if it is not fully inserted.

3 1 Close the card/battery door.

2Slide the card/battery door to the end and then close it firmly.

•If the card/battery door cannot be completely closed, remove the card and insert it again.

15

Preparation

About the Card

∫ Access to the card

While the card is being accessed (Recognizing/Recording/Reading/ Deleting), the card access indication 1 lights.

1600

19

When the card access indication 1 lights, do not:

•turn the camera off.

•remove the battery or the card.

•shake or impact the camera.

The card and the data may be damaged and the camera may not operate normally.

∫ About handling a card

Store precious data to your PC (P85). The data on the card may be damaged or lost due to electromagnetic wave, static electricity, breakdown of this camera or a defective card.

∫ SD Memory Card (supplied) and

MultiMediaCard (optional)

The SD Memory Card and MultiMediaCard are small, lightweight, removable external memory cards. The reading/writing speed of an SD Memory Card is fast. The SD Memory Card is equipped with a Write-Protect switch A that can inhibit writing and formatting a card. (When the switch is slid to the [LOCK] side, it is not possible to write or delete data on the card and format it. When the switch is unlocked, these functions become available.)

SD Memory Card

MultiMediaCard

•The reading/writing speed of a MultiMediaCard is slower than an SD Memory Card. When a MultiMediaCard is used, the performance of certain features may be slightly slower than advertised.

•After recording motion images using the MultiMediaCard, the card access indication may appear for a while, but this is not a malfunction.

•Keep the Memory Card out of reach of children to prevent swallowing.

16

Preparation

Approximate number of recordable pictures and the size

Picture size

2560k1920

2048k1536

1600k1200

Quality

16 MB	5	11	9	17	14	28
32 MB	12	24	19	37	31	59
64 MB	25	49	39	75	63	121
128 MB	51	100	79	153	128	244
256 MB	102	200	157	306	255	487
512 MB	205	403	317	616	515	982
1 GB	395	775	610	1185	991	1889

Picture size 1280k960 640k480

1920k1080 (HDTV)

Quality

	16 MB									22							41							69							113							13							25
	32 MB									47							86							145							236							28							54
	64 MB									96							176							298							484							58							110
	128 MB									195							356							602							979							118							223
	256 MB									390							709							1200							1950							236							445
	512 MB									785							1429							2418							3929							476							898
	1 GB									1511							2748							4650							7557							916							1727

•If you select a larger picture size, you can print pictures clearly. When you select a smaller picture size, you can store more pictures on a card though the picture quality is deteriorated.

•The numbers are approximations. (If you mix Fine and Standard quality, the number of recordable pictures changes.)

•The number of recordable pictures may vary depending on subjects.

•The remaining number of recordable pictures displayed on the screen is an approximation.

17

Preparation

Setting Date/Time (Clock Set)

∫ Initial setting

The clock is not set when the camera is shipped. When you turn the camera on, the following screen appears.

PLEASE SET THE CLOCK

CLOCK SET MENU

•Press the [MENU] button, the screen shown in step 2 appears.

•The screen disappears in about

5 seconds. To access clock set menu, start from step 1.

1 Select [CLOCK SET] from the [SETUP] menu. (P20)

				SETUP 2/3
		CLOCK SET
		NO.RESET
		RESET
		USB MODE			PC
		VIDEO OUT			NTSC
SELECT				EXIT
						MENU

MENU

2 Set date and time.

CLOCK SET

0: 00 JAN .11.2004

M/D/Y

SELECT SET EXIT MENU

•2/1: Select the desired item.

•3/4: Set date and time.

3 Select [M/D/Y], [D/M/Y] or [Y/M/D].

CLOCK SET

10:001DEC.11.2004

M/D/Y

SELECT SET EXIT MENU

•Close the menu by pressing the [MENU] button 2 times after finishing the setting.

•Check if the clock setting is correct, after turning the camera off and on.

18

Preparation

•When a fully charged battery has been inserted for more than 24 hours, the clock setting is stored (in the camera) for at least 3 months even if the battery is removed. (The storing time may be shorter if the battery is not charged sufficiently.)

If more than 3 months has passed, the clock setting will be lost. In this case, set the clock again.

•You can set the year from 2000 to 2099. The 24-hour system is used.

•If you do not set the date, the date cannot be printed when you go to a photo studio for digital printing.

•For the date print setting, refer to P73.

19

Preparation

Setup Menu

1 Turn the camera on.	3 Select the [SETUP] Menu.
OFF ON	REC	SETUP 1/3
	MONITOR	n0
	AUTO REVIEW	OFF
	POWER SAVE	2MIN.
	ECO ECONOMY	OFF
	BEEP
	SELECT	EXIT MENU

• When rotating the zoom lever A toward

					T, the page of the menu screen can be
					forwarded. (vice versa)
					4 Select the desired item.
	2 Press the [MENU] button.						SETUP	1/3
		REC	1/3	SETUP	MONITOR		n0
		W.BALANCE		AUTO	AUTO REVIEW		OFF
					POWER SAVE		1SEC.
	MENU	SENSITIVITY		AUTO
					ECO ECONOMY		3SEC.
		PICT.SIZE		1600
					BEEP		ZOOM
		QUALITY
					SELECT	SET	EXIT MENU
		AUDIO REC.		OFF

	SELECT	EXIT	MENU
					5 Set the desired value.

•The menu items depend on the mode selected with the mode dial. In this

page, the items in normal picture mode [] are indicated.

•The menu screen in simple mode [] is different from the above screen.

(P32)

		SETUP	1/3
MONITOR		n0
AUTO REVIEW		OFF
POWER SAVE		1SEC.
ECO ECONOMY		3SEC.
BEEP		ZOOM
SELECT	SET	EXIT MENU

Be sure to press 1 at the end to determine the setting.

•Close the menu by pressing the shutter button halfway or the [MENU] button after finishing the setting.

20

	Preparation
You can control the following items on [SETUP] Menu.
Menu		Functions
MONITOR	Adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor in 7 steps.
AUTO REVIEW	[OFF]: The recorded picture does not automatically appear.
	[1SEC.]: The recorded picture automatically appears on the
	screen for about 1 second.
	[3SEC.]: The recorded picture automatically appears on the
	screen for about 3 seconds.
	[ZOOM]: The recorded picture automatically appears on the
	screen for about 1 second. Then it is enlarged 4 times
	and appears for about 1 second. This mode is useful
	for confirming focus. Pictures in burst mode, auto
	bracket, pictures with audio are not enlarged even if
	[ZOOM] is selected.
	• In motion image mode [	], auto review function is not
	activated.
	• When pictures are recorded in burst mode or auto bracket, the
	time for the auto review function is fixed to 1 second regardless
	of the setting on the [SETUP] menu. (The picture is not
	enlarged.)
	• When using pictures with audio, the auto review function works
	while recording the audio or the data into the card regardless of
	the setting on the auto review function. (The picture is not
	enlarged.)
POWER SAVE	The battery life is saved by turning the camera off automatically
	while the camera is not being used.
	[1MIN.]/[2MIN.]/[5MIN.]/[10MIN.]:
	The camera is automatically turned off if it has not been
	used for a predetermined amount of time.
	(Press the shutter button or turn the camera off and on to
	recover from the power save mode.)
	• When connecting to a PC or a printer/recording motion images/
	playing back motion images/during Slide Show, the power save
	mode is not activated.
	• In the economy mode, the power save is set to [2MIN.].

21

		Preparation
Menu				Functions
ECO ECONOMY	The battery life is saved by turning the LCD monitor off
(works in modes	automatically.
except playback	(Press any button to recover from the economy mode.)
mode and simple	[OFF]:	Economy mode cannot be activated.
mode)	[LEVEL1]: The LCD monitor turns off and the status indicator
		turns on if you do not use the camera for about 15
		seconds.
	[LEVEL2]: The LCD monitor turns off and the status indicator
		turns on if you do not use the camera for about 15
		seconds or you leave it for about 5 seconds after
		taking pictures.
	• In the economy mode, the power save is set to [2MIN.].
	• In the economy mode, the LCD monitor is off while the flash is
	being charged.
	• The economy mode is not activated while the menu screen is
	displayed or the self-timer is set.
	• The economy mode is not activated while the AC adaptor/
	DMW-CAC2 (optional) is used or recording motion images.
BEEP	[BEEP LEVEL]:[		]: No operational sound
		[	]:	Soft operational sound
		[	]:	Loud operational sound
	[BEEP TONE]:		1	2 3
	[SHUTTER]: 1		2	3
CLOCK SET	Change date and time. (P18)
NO.RESET	Set this when you want to start the file number of the picture from
	0001 on the next recording. (The folder number is updated, and
	the file number starts from 0001.)

•The folder number can be assigned from 100 to 999.

When the folder number reaches 999, it cannot be reset. We recommend formatting the card after saving the data on a PC or elsewhere.

•When you insert a formatted card or a new card and select this item, the file number is reset and the confirmation screen for reset of folder number appears. If you select [YES] on the screen, the folder number is reset to 100.

22

					Preparation
			Menu			Functions
			RESET	The settings on the recording or the [SETUP] menu are reset to
				the initial settings. However, the folder number and the clock
				setting are not changed.
			USB MODE	Set the USB communication system. Set before connecting to a
				PC or a printer. (P83)
			VIDEO OUT	[NTSC]: Video output is set to NTSC system.
			(Playback mode	[PAL]: Video output is set to PAL system. (P82)
			only)
			SCENE MENU	[AUTO]: Scene menu appears automatically when setting the
					mode dial to scene mode. Select the desired scene
					mode.
				[OFF]: Scene menu does not appear when setting the mode
					dial to scene mode and the camera is operated in the
					scene mode currently selected. If you change the
					scene mode, press the [MENU] button to display the
					scene menu and then select the desired scene mode.
			LANGUAGE	Set to the language on the menu screen from the following
				7 languages.
				Set to the desired language with 3/4 and determine it with 1.
				[ENGLISH]: English		[DEUTSCH]: German
				[FRANÇAIS]: French		[ESPAÑOL]: Spanish
				[ITALIANO]: Italian		[	]: Chinese (Simplified)
				[	]: Japanese

•When you set to other language by mistake, select [ ] from the menu icons to set the desired language.

•The settings on [BEEP LEVEL], [BEEP TONE], [NO.RESET] and [LANGUAGE] are also reflected in simple mode [ ].

23

Preparation

About the LCD Monitor

∫ Selecting the screen to be used

In recording mode (P27)

1600

19

1600

19

DISPLAY/PWR LCD

A LCD monitor (LCD)

Press the [DISPLAY/PWR LCD] button to

switch to the screen to be used.

• When the menu screen appears, the

D Display

[DISPLAY/PWR LCD] button is not

E Display with histogram

activated. During 9 pictures multi playback

F Non-display (Recording guide line)

(P46) or playback zoom (P47), the

G Non-display

indications on the screen can be turned

¢Histogram

on and off.

In playback mode (P45)

In simple mode [ ] (P32)

1600

100_0001

1/19

8

10:00 DEC. 1.2004

BACKLIGHT

B Display

1600

C Non-display

	F2.8 1/25			ISO100 AUTO

H Display

I Display with recording information and histogram

J Non-display

24

Preparation

∫To view the LCD monitor outdoors on a bright sunny day (Power LCD function)

When you press and hold the [DISPLAY/ PWR LCD] button for 1 second, the power LCD function is activated, the LCD monitor becomes brighter than usual and easier to see outdoors.

1600

19

∫ Recording guide line

When you align the subject on the horizontal and vertical guide lines or the cross point of these lines, you can take pictures with well-designed composition by viewing the size, the slope and the balance of the subject.

1600

19

•This function does not affect recorded pictures.

•When you take pictures, the LCD monitor automatically reverts back to the normal brightness 30 seconds after the [DISPLAY/PWR LCD] button is pressed. If you press any button, the LCD monitor turns on brightly again.

•If you press and hold [DISPLAY/PWR LCD] button for 1 second again, the power LCD function is canceled and the LCD monitor reverts back to its usual brightness.

25

Preparation

∫ Histogram

•A histogram is a graph that displays brightness along the horizontal axis (black to white) and the number of pixels at each brightness level on the vertical axis.

•It allows the camera user to easily check the way a picture is being exposed.

•It is very useful if manual adjustments of the lens aperture and shutter speed are available, especially in those situations where automatic exposure may be difficult due to uneven lighting. Using the histogram feature will allow you to get the best performance from the camera.

•When the values are concentrated to the left A, the picture is under exposed.

•When the values in the histogram are distributed evenly B, the exposure is adequate and the brightness is well-balanced.

•When the values are concentrated to the right C, the picture is over exposed.

Example of histogram

1600

100_0001

1/19

	F2.8 1/200	ISO100		AUTO
	10:00 DEC. 1.2004
		1600
		100_0001
		1/19
	F2.8 1/100
		ISO100		AUTO
	10:00 DEC. 1.2004
		1600
		100_0001
		1/19
	F2.8 1/50
		ISO100
				AUTO
	10:00 DEC. 1.2004

•When you take pictures with the flash or in dark places, the histogram is displayed in orange because the recorded picture and the histogram do not match each other.

•The histogram does not appear when in

motion image mode [], during multi playback and playback zoom.

•The histogram in the recording mode is an approximation.

•The histogram in recording and playback may not match each other.

•The histogram in this camera does not match the one displayed on image editing software used with a PC, etc.

A Under Exposed B Properly Exposed C Over Exposed ¢Histogram

26

Recording pictures (basic)

Taking Pictures

∫ The Mode Dial

This camera has a mode dial to suit for recording of many kinds of scenes. Select the desired mode and enjoy the variety of recording.

Rotate the mode dial slowly and match icon with mode dial indicator 1.

: Normal picture mode (P28)

Use this mode for usual recording.

: Simple mode (P32)

This is the recommended mode for beginners.

: Macro mode (P50)

This mode allows you to take a picture extremely close to the subject.

: Scene mode (P53)

This mode allows you to take pictures depending on the recording scenes.

: Motion image mode (P51)

This mode allows you to record motion images.

: Playback mode (P45)

This mode allows you to play back recorded pictures and motion images.

27

Recording pictures (basic)

∫ Taking pictures

3 Take a picture.

The camera automatically sets the shutter speed and the aperture value according to the brightness of the subject.

•Insert the charged battery. (P14)

•Insert the card. (P15)

1 1 Turn the camera on.

2Set the mode dial to Normal picture mode [].

OFF ON

2 Aim the AF area 1 to the point you want to focus and then press the shutter button halfway A.

• B: Press the shutter button fully to take the picture.

	When the	When the
	subject is not	subject is
	focused	focused
Focus	Blink (green)	On (green)
indication
AF area	Turns from	Turns from
	white to red	white to green
Sound	Beeps 4 times	Beeps 2 times

F2.8 1/25

•The focus indication 2 is lit and then the aperture value 3 and the shutter speed 4 are displayed.

28

Recording pictures (basic)

∫AF/AE Lock (AF: Auto Focus/ AE: Auto Exposure)

1600

19

When recording a picture of people with a composition as the above picture, you cannot focus on the subject because it is out of AF area in usual operation.

In this case,

1Aim the AF area at the subject.

2Press the shutter button halfway to fix the focus and the exposure.

3When the subject is focused, the focus indication lights.

4Keeping the focus and the exposure fixed, move the camera as you compose the picture.

5Press the shutter button fully.

•You can retry the AF/AE lock repeatedly before pressing the shutter button fully.

F2.8 1/25

∫Correct posture for taking good pictures

To take pictures without blurring:

•Hold the camera gently with both hands, keep arms stationary at your side and stand with your feet slightly apart.

•Make sure that camera shake does not occur when pressing the shutter button halfway.

•After pressing the shutter button, keep the camera stationary until the picture appears on the screen.

•In the following cases, keep the camera stationary for a longer time.

–Slow sync./Red-eye reduction [] (P37)

–When the shutter speed is slowed in the setting on the slow shutter speed (P65)

–[NIGHT SCENERY] (P55), [NIGHT PORTRAIT] (P56), [FIREWORKS] (P56) and [PARTY] (P57) in scene mode (P53)

A: Photo flash

B: AF assist lamp

•Do not cover the photo flash or the AF assist lamp with your finger.

•Do not touch the lens part.

29

Recording pictures (basic)

∫ Focusing

•The focus range is 1.64 feet (50 cm) – ¶ (Wide), 1.64 feet (50 cm) – ¶ (Tele).

•If you press the shutter button fully without prefocusing, pictures may be blurry or unfocused.

•When the focus indication is blinking, the subject is not focused. Press the shutter button halfway and focus on the subject again.

•If the camera will not focus after a few tries, turn it off and on and try again.

•In the following cases, the camera cannot focus on subjects properly.

–When including both near and distant subjects in a scene.

–When there is dirt or dust on the glass between the lens and the subject.

–When there are illuminated or glittering objects around the subject.

–When taking a picture in a dark place.

–When the subject is moving fast.

–When the scene has low contrast.

–When jitter occurs.

–When recording a very bright subject. We recommend taking pictures using AF/ AE lock. In dark places, the AF assist lamp (P65) may turn on to focus on the subject.

Even if the focus indication appears and the subject is focused, it is canceled when you release the shutter button. Press the shutter button halfway again.

∫ Jitter (camera shake)

•Be careful of jittering when pressing the shutter button.

•When jitter could occur, the jitter alert 1 appears.

F2.8 1/8

•When the jitter alert appears, we recommend using a tripod. If you cannot use a tripod, be careful of how you hold the camera. (P29)

∫ Exposure

•If you press the shutter button halfway when the exposure is not adequate, the indication of the aperture value and the shutter speed turns red. (However, the aperture value and the shutter speed do not turn red when the flash is activated.)

•The brightness of the screen may differ from that of recorded pictures. In particular, when taking pictures in dark places with slow shutter speed, the subject looks dark on the screen, but the actual picture is bright.

•When most of the subjects in the screen are bright (e.g. blue sky on a clear day, snowy field, etc.), the recorded pictures may become dark. In this case, compensate the exposure value on the camera. (P41)

30