Pentax K-500 Operating Manual

SLR Digital Camera

Operating Manual

K-500

To ensure the best performance from your camera, please read the Operating Manual before using the camera.

Thank you for purchasing this PENTAX K-500 Digital Camera. Please read this manual before using the camera in order to get the most out of all the features and functions. Keep this manual safe, as it can be a valuable tool in helping you to understand all the camera's capabilities.

Lenses you can use In general, lenses that can be used with this camera are DA, DA L, D FA and FA J lenses and lenses that have an s position on the aperture ring. To use any other lens or accessory, see p.56 and p.272.

Regarding copyrights

Images taken with the K-500 that are for anything other than personal enjoyment cannot be used without permission according to the rights as specified in the Copyright Act. Please take care, as there are cases where limitations are placed on taking pictures even for personal enjoyment during demonstrations, performances or of items on display. Images taken with the purpose of obtaining copyrights also cannot be used outside the scope of use of the copyright as laid out in the Copyright Act, and care should be taken here also.

Regarding trademarks

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Windows Vista is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Intel, Intel Core, and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. SDXC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC. Eye-Fi, the Eye-Fi logo and Eye-Fi This product includes DNG technology under license by Adobe Systems Incorporated. The DNG logo is either a registered trademark or trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant. Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved. PRINT Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

This product is licensed under the AVC Patent Portfolio License for the personal use of a consumer or other uses in which it does not receive remuneration to (i) encode video in compliance with the AVC standard (“AVC video”) and/or (ii) decode AVC video that was encoded by a consumer engaged in a personal activity and/or was obtained from a video provider licensed to provide AVC video. No license is granted or shall be implied for any other use. Additional information may be obtained from MPEG LA, L.L.C. See http://www.mpegla.com.

connected

are trademarks of Eye-Fi, Inc.

To users of this camera

• Do not use or store this camera in the vicinity of equipment that generates strong electromagnetic radiation or magnetic fields. Strong static charges or the magnetic fields produced by equipment such as radio transmitters could interfere with the monitor, damage the stored data, or affect the camera’s internal circuitry and cause camera misoperation.

• The liquid crystal panel used for the monitor is manufactured using extremely high precision technology. Although the level of functioning pixels is 99.99% or better, you should be aware that 0.01% or fewer of the pixels may not illuminate or may illuminate when they should not. However, this has no effect on the recorded image.

• There is a possibility that the illustrations and the display screen of the monitor in this manual are different from the actual ones.

• In this manual, SD Memory Cards, SDHC Memory Cards, SDXC Memory Cards and Eye-Fi Cards are referred to as “SD Memory Cards”.

• In this manual, the generic term “computer(s)” refers to either a Windows PC or a Macintosh.

• This camera can be powered with the rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI109, the AA battery holder D-BH109 with four AA batteries, or an optional AC adapter. The power supply provided with this camera varies depending on the country or region where the camera was purchased. This manual is mainly written assuming that the camera is used with the rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI109.

• In this manual, both D-LI109 and D-BH109 are referred to as the “battery” unless otherwise stated. Except this, the generic term “battery(ies)” refers to any type of batteries used for this camera and its accessories.

For Using Your Camera Safely

We have paid close attention to the safety of this camera. When using this camera, we request your special attention regarding items marked with the following symbols.

Warning

Caution

This symbol indicates that ignoring this item could cause serious personal injuries.

This symbol indicates that ignoring this item could cause minor or medium personal injuries, or loss of property.

About the Camera

Warning

• Do not disassemble or modify the camera. High voltage areas are present inside the camera, with the risk of electric shock.

• If the camera interior is exposed due to dropping or otherwise damaging the camera, never touch the exposed portion. There is a risk of electric shock.

• Do not aim the camera at the sun or other strong light sources when taking pictures or leave the camera sitting in direct sunlight with the lens cap off. Doing so may cause the camera to malfunction or cause a fire.

• Do not look at the sun or other strong light sources through the lens. Doing so may lead to a loss of eyesight or cause vision to be impaired.

• If any irregularities occur during use, such as smoke or a strange odor, stop use immediately, remove the battery or the AC adapter, and contact your nearest PENTAX Service Center. Continued use can cause a fire or electrical shock.

Caution

• Do not place your finger over the flash when discharging the flash. You may burn yourself.

• Do not cover the flash with clothing when discharging the flash. Discoloration may occur.

• Some portions of the camera heat up during use. There is a risk of low temperature burns when holding such portions for long periods.

• Should the monitor be damaged, be careful of glass fragments. Also, be careful not to allow the liquid crystal to get on your skin or in your eyes or mouth.

• Depending on your individual factors or physical condition, the use of the camera may cause itching, rashes or blisters. In case of any abnormality, stop using the camera and get medical attention immediately.

About the Battery Charger and AC Adapter

Warning

• Always use the battery charger and AC adapter exclusively developed for this camera, with the specified power and voltage. Using a battery charger or AC adapter not exclusive to this camera, or using the exclusive battery charger or AC adapter with an unspecified power or voltage can cause a fire, electric shock, or camera breakdown. The specified voltage is 100 - 240V AC.

• Do not disassemble or modify the product. This can cause a fire or electrical shock.

• If the generation of smoke or strange odor from the product or other abnormality occurs, immediately discontinue using and consult a PENTAX Service Center. Continued use can cause a fire or electrical shock.

• If water should happen to get inside the product, consult a PENTAX Service Center. Continued use can cause a fire or electrical shock.

• If you see a lightning flash or hear thunder during use of the battery charger or AC adapter, unplug the power plug and discontinue use. Continued use can cause damage to the product, fire or electrical shock.

• Wipe off the power plug if it should become covered with dust. Accumulated dust may cause a fire.

• To reduce the risk of hazards, use only CSA/UL certified power supply cord set, cord is Type SPT-2 or heavier, minimum NO.18 AWG copper, one end with a molded-on male attachment plug cap (with a specified NEMA configuration), and the other is provided with a molded-on female connector body (with a specified IEC nonindustrial type configuration) or the equivalent.

Caution

• Do not place or drop heavy objects on or forcefully bend the AC plug cord. Doing so may damage the cord. Should the AC plug cord be damaged, consult a PENTAX Service Center.

• Do not touch or short-circuit the terminal area of the AC plug cord while the cord is plugged in.

• Do not handle the power plug with wet hands. This can cause an electric shock.

• Do not drop the product, or subject it to violent impact. This can cause the product breakdown.

• Do not use the battery charger D-BC109 to charge batteries other than the rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI109. Attempting to charge other types of batteries may cause an explosion or heating, or may damage the battery charger.

About the Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery

Warning

• If any leakage from the battery should come in contact with your eyes, do not rub them. Flush your eyes with clean water and get medical attention immediately.

Caution

• Only use the specified battery with this camera. Use of other batteries may cause an explosion or fire.

• Do not disassemble the battery. Disassembling the battery may cause an explosion or leakage.

• Remove the battery from the camera immediately if it becomes hot or begins to smoke. Be careful not to burn yourself during removal.

• Keep wires, hairpins, and other metal objects away from the + and - contacts of the battery.

• Do not short the battery or dispose of the battery in fire. This can cause an explosion or fire.

• If any leakage from the battery should come in contact with skin or clothing, it may cause irritation to the skin. Wash the affected areas thoroughly with water.

• Precautions for D-LI109 Battery Usage: USE SPECIFIED CHARGER ONLY.

- DO NOT INCINERATE.

- DO NOT DISASSEMBLE.

- DO NOT SHORT CIRCUIT.

- DO NOT EXPOSE TO HIGH TEMP. (140°F/60°C)

About the Usage of AA Batteries

Warning

• If any leakage from the battery should come in contact with your eyes, do not rub them. Flush your eyes with clean water and get medical attention immediately.

Caution

• When using the AA battery holder D-BH109, four AA alkaline, AA lit hiu m or AA Ni -MH batteries can be used. Do not use batteries other than those specified here. Using other types of batteries may cause the camera to function poorly, or the batteries may explode or cause a fire.

• The batteries should be inserted correctly, observing (+) and (-) marks on the batteries. Inserting the batteries incorrectly may cause an explosion or fire.

• When replacing the batteries, do not combine different brands, types or capacities. Also, do not combine old batteries with new ones. Inserting the batteries incorrectly may cause an explosion or fire.

• Do not short the batteries or dispose of the batteries in fire. Do not disassemble the batteries. The batteries could explode or catch fire.

• Do not charge any batteries other than rechargeable Ni-MH batteries. The batteries could explode or catch fire. AA batteries for use with this camera other than Ni-MH batteries cannot be charged.

• Do not open the battery cover or remove the batteries while the power is on.

• Remove the batteries when you do not plan to use the camera for a long time. The batteries may leak.

• If any leakage from the battery should come in contact with skin or clothes, it may cause irritation to the skin. Wash the affected areas thoroughly with water.

• Remove the batteries from the camera immediately if they become hot or begin to smoke. Be careful not to burn yourself during removal.

Keep the Camera and its Accessories out of the Reach of Small Children

Warning

• Do not place the camera and its accessories within the reach of small children.

1. If the product falls or is operated accidentally, it may cause serious personal

injuries.

2. Wrapping the strap around a neck may cause suffocation.

3. To avoid the risk of a small accessory such as the battery or SD Memory Cards

from being swallowed by mistake, keep them out of the reach of small children. Seek medical attention immediately if an accessory is accidentally swallowed.

Care to be Taken During Handling

Before Using Your Camera

• When traveling, take the Worldwide Service Network listing that is included in the package. This will be useful if you experience problems abroad.

• When the camera has not been used for a long time, confirm that it is still working properly, particularly prior to taking important pictures (such as at a wedding or when traveling). Contents of the recording cannot be guaranteed if recording, playback or transferring your data to a computer, etc. is not possible due to a malfunction of your camera or recording media (SD Memory Card), etc.

About the Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery and Battery Charger

• To keep the battery in optimum condition, avoid storing it in a fully charged state or in high temperatures.

• If the battery is left inserted and the camera is not used for a long time, the battery will over-discharge and shorten the battery’s life.

• Charging the battery a day before use or on the day of use is recommended.

• The AC plug cord provided with this camera or included with the battery charger kit K-BC109 is developed exclusively for the battery charger D-BC109. Do not use it with other devices.

Precautions on Carrying and Using Your Camera

• Do not subject the camera to high temperatures or high humidity. Do not leave the camera in a vehicle, as the temperature can get very high.

• Do not subject the camera to strong vibrations, shocks, or pressure. Use a cushion to protect the camera from vibrations of motorcycles, automobiles, or ships.

• The temperature range for camera use is -10°C to 40°C (14°F to 104°F).

• The monitor may appear black at high temperatures, but will return to normal at normal temperatures.

• The monitor may respond more slowly at low temperatures. This is due to liquid crystal properties, and is not a malfunction.

• Sudden temperature changes will cause condensation on the inside and outside of the camera. Place the camera in your bag or a plastic bag, and remove it after temperature of the camera and surroundings are equalized.

• Avoid contact with garbage, mud, sand, dust, water, toxic gases, or salt. These could cause the camera to breakdown. Wipe the camera to dry off any rain or water drops.

• Do not press the monitor with excessive force. This could cause it to break or malfunction.

• Be careful not to overtighten the screw in the tripod socket when using a tripod.

Cleaning Your Camera

• Do not clean the camera with organic solvents such as thinner, alcohol, or benzine.

• Use a lens brush to remove dust accumulated on the lens or viewfinder. Never use a spray blower for cleaning as it may damage the lens.

• Please contact a PENTAX Service Center for professional cleaning of the CMOS sensor. (This will involve a fee.)

• Periodic inspections are recommended every one to two years to maintain high performance.

Storing Your Camera

• Do not store the camera with preservatives or chemicals. Storage in high temperatures and high humidity can cause mold to grow on the camera. Remove the camera from its case and store it in a dry and well-ventilated place.

• Avoid using or storing the camera where it may be exposed to static electricity or electrical interference.

• Avoid using or storing the camera in direct sunlight or in locations where it may be exposed to rapid changes in temperature or to condensation.

About SD Memory Cards

• The SD Memory Card is equipped with a write-protect switch. Setting the switch to LOCK prevents new data from being recorded on the card, the stored data from being deleted, and the card from being formatted by the camera or computer.

• The SD Memory Card may be hot when removing the card immediately after using the camera.

• Do not remove the SD Memory Card or turn off the power while the card is being accessed. This may cause the data to be lost or the card to be damaged.

• Do not bend the SD Memory Card or subject it to violent impact. Keep it away from water and store away from high temperatures.

• Do not remove the SD Memory Card while formatting. The card may be damaged and become unusable.

• Data on the SD Memory Card may be deleted in the following circumstances. We do not accept any liability for data that is deleted if

1. the SD Memory Card is mishandled by the user.

2. the SD Memory Card is exposed to static electricity or electrical interference.

3. the SD Memory Card has not been used for a long time.

4. the SD Memory Card or the battery is removed while the card is being accessed.

• If the SD Memory Card is not used for a long time, the data on the card may become unreadable. Be sure to regularly make a backup of important data on a computer.

• Format new SD Memory Cards. Also format SD Memory Cards previously used with other cameras or devices.

Write-protect

switch

• Please note that deleting data stored on an SD Memory Card, or formatting an SD Memory Card does not completely erase the original data. Deleted data can sometimes be recovered using commercially available software. If you are going to discard, give away or sell your SD Memory Card, you should ensure that the data on the card is completely deleted or the card itself is destroyed if it contains any personal or sensitive information.

• The data on your SD Memory Card should be managed at your own risk.

About Eye-Fi Cards

• An SD Memory Card with a built-in wireless LAN ("Eye-Fi card") can be used with this camera.

• Use of an access point and an Internet connection are required for transferring images via wireless LAN. For details, refer to the Eye-Fi website. (http://www.eye.fi).

• Use Eye-Fi cards which have been updated to the newest firmware.

• Set [Eye-Fi] to [Off], or do not use an Eye-Fi card in a location where the use of wireless LAN devices is restricted or prohibited, such as airplanes.

• Eye-Fi cards can be used only in the country in which the card was purchased. Please observe all local laws governing Eye-Fi card usage.

• This camera features a function to enable/disable the communication function of the Eye-Fi card, however, we do not guarantee the operability of all Eye-Fi card functions.

• Refer to the Eye-Fi card manual for details on how to use the card.

• Please contact the Eye-Fi card manufacturer regarding any malfunctions or problems concerning Eye-Fi cards.

Regarding User Registration

In order to better serve you, we request that you complete the user registration, which can be found on the CD-ROM supplied with the camera or on the PENTAX website. Refer to p.247 for details. Thank you for your cooperation.

Memo

Contents

For Using Your Camera Safely ............................................................ 1

Care to be Taken During Handling ...................................................... 5

Contents............................................................................................... 9

Composition of the Operating Manual ............................................... 15

Before Using Your Camera 17

Checking the Contents of the Package ......................................... 18

Names and Functions of the Working Parts .................................. 19

Capture Mode .................................................................................... 20

Playback Mode .................................................................................. 23

Monitor Display .................................................................................. 25

Viewfinder .......................................................................................... 37

How to Change Function Settings ................................................. 39

Using the Direct Keys ........................................................................ 39

Using the Control Panel ..................................................................... 40

Using the Menus ................................................................................ 41

Getting Started 45

Attaching the Strap ........................................................................ 46

Inserting the Battery ...................................................................... 47

Using the Lithium-ion Battery............................................................. 47

Using the AA Batteries....................................................................... 50

Using the AC Adapter ........................................................................ 52

Inserting/Removing an SD Memory Card ...................................... 54

Attaching a Lens............................................................................ 56

Adjusting the Viewfinder Diopter.................................................... 58

Turning the Camera On and Off .................................................... 59

Initial Settings ............................................... ................................. 60

Setting the Display Language ............................................................ 60

Setting the Date and Time ................................................................. 62

Basic Operations 65

Basic Shooting Operation .............................................................. 66

Letting the Camera Choose the Optimal Settings.............................. 66

Using the Built-in Flash.................................................................. 70

Setting the Flash Mode...................................................................... 70

Using the Built-in Flash ...................................................................... 73

Reviewing Images ......................................................................... 74

Playing Back Images ......................................................................... 74

Deleting a Single Image..................................................................... 75

Shooting Functions 77

How to Operate the Shooting Functions........................................ 78

Direct Keys Setting Items................................................................... 78

Rec. Mode Menu Items...................................................................... 79

Movie Menu Items.............................................................................. 82

Custom Setting Menu Items............................................................... 83

Selecting the Appropriate Capture Mode....................................... 86

Auto Picture Modes............................................................................ 87

Scene Modes ..................................................................................... 88

Exposure Modes ................................................................................ 90

Setting the Exposure .....................................................................91

Setting the Sensitivity......................................................................... 91

Changing the Exposure Mode ........................................................... 93

Adjusting the Exposure ...................................................................... 96

Locking the Exposure Before Shooting (AE Lock) ........................... 100

Selecting the Metering Method ........................................................ 101

Reducing the Image Noise (Noise Reduction) ................................. 102

Focusing ...................................................................................... 105

Setting the Focus Mode ................................................................... 105

Selecting the Focusing Point (AF Point) .......................................... 108

Setting the Contrast AF during Live View ........................................ 110

Checking the Focus ......................................................................... 113

Adjusting the Focus Manually (Manual Focus) ................................ 114

AF Fine Adjustment ......................................................................... 116

Checking the Depth of Field (Preview) ........................................ 118

Displaying the Optical Preview ........................................................ 118

Displaying the Digital Preview.......................................................... 119

Using the Shake Reduction Function to Prevent

Camera Shake............................................................................. 120

Taking Pictures Using the Shake Reduction Function ..................... 120

Shooting with the Self-timer ............................................................. 122

Shooting with a Remote Control Unit (Optional).............................. 124

Taking Pictures Continuously ...................................................... 126

Continuous Shooting........................................................................ 126

Interval Shooting .............................................................................. 128

Multi-exposure ................................................................................. 131

Recording Movies........................................................................ 133

Changing the Settings for Movie Recording .................................... 133

Recording Movies ............................................................................ 136

Interval Movie................................................................................... 138

Playing Back Movies........................................................................ 140

Editing Movies.................................................................................. 142

Shooting Settings 145

Setting a File Format ................................................................... 146

File Format....................................................................................... 147

JPEG Recorded Pixels .................................................................... 148

JPEG Quality ................................................................................... 148

Color Space ..................................................................................... 148

Setting the White Balance ........................................................... 149

Adjusting the White Balance Manually............................................. 152

Adjusting the White Balance with Color Temperature ..................... 154

Correcting Images ....................................................................... 155

Brightness Adjustment ..................................................................... 155

High Dynamic Range Image Capture .............................................. 156

Lens Correction................................................................................ 158

Composition Adjustment .................................................................. 160

Setting the Image Finishing Tone ................................................ 161

Custom Image.................................................................................. 161

Digital Filter ...................................................................................... 165

Customizing the Button/E-dial Functions..................................... 168

Setting the E-dials Operation ........................................................... 168

Setting the V/Y Button Operation ............................................. 171

Setting the =/L Button Operation .......................................... 174

Saving Frequently Used Settings ................................................ 175

Saving the Settings .......................................................................... 175

Checking the Saved USER Settings ................................................ 178

Using Saved USER Settings............................................................ 178

Resetting to Default Settings ........................................................... 179

Playback Functions and Image Editing 181

How to Operate the Playback/ Edit Functions ............................. 182

Playback Mode Palette Items .......................................................... 182

Playback Menu Items....................................................................... 184

Setting the Playback Display Method .......................................... 185

Selecting the Playback Functions................................................ 186

Magnifying Images........................................................................... 186

Displaying Multiple Images .............................................................. 187

Playing Back Images Continuously.................................................. 190

Rotating Images............................................................................... 192

Deleting Multiple Images ............................................................. 193

Deleting Selected Images ................................................................ 193

Deleting a Folder.............................................................................. 194

Deleting All Images .......................................................................... 195

Processing Images ...................................................................... 196

Changing the Number of Recorded Pixels (Resize) ........................ 196

Cutting Out Part of the Image (Cropping) ........................................ 197

Processing Images with Digital Filters ............................................. 198

Joining Multiple Images (Index) ....................................................... 203

Developing RAW Images............................................................. 205

Developing One RAW Image........................................................... 205

Developing Multiple RAW Images ................................................... 207

Connecting the Camera to an AV Device .................................... 209

Connecting the Camera to a Video Input Terminal .......................... 209

Setting the Video Output Format ..................................................... 210

Changing Additional Settings 211

How to Operate the Set-up Menu................................................ 212

Set-up Menu Items........................................................................... 212

Camera Settings .......................................................................... 214

Setting the Sound Effects, Date and Time, and Display Language ...... 214

Setting the Monitor and the Menu Displays ..................................... 218

Battery Settings................................................................................ 222

Selecting Settings to Save in the Camera (Memory) ....................... 224

Resetting the Camera Settings ........................................................ 226

Checking the Camera Version Information ...................................... 227

File Management Settings...........................................................228

Formatting an SD Memory Card ...................................................... 228

Protecting Images from Deletion (Protect)....................................... 229

Setting the Naming System of the Folder ........................................ 230

Creating New Folders ...................................................................... 232

Setting the File Name ...................................................................... 233

Setting the Photographer Information .............................................. 234

Using an Eye-Fi Card....................................................................... 236

Setting the DPOF Settings............................................................... 239

Connecting to a Computer 241

Manipulating Captured Images on a Computer........................... 242

Saving Images on a Computer .................................................... 243

Setting the USB Connection Mode .................................................. 243

Connecting the Camera and a Computer ........................................ 244

Using the Provided Software ....................................................... 245

Installing the Software...................................................................... 245

Using the Flash 249

Using the Built-in Flash................................................................ 250

Flash Characteristics in Each Exposure Mode ................................ 250

Using the Slow-speed Sync Flash ................................................... 250

Distance and Aperture when Using the Built-in Flash ...................... 252

Using an External Flash (Optional).............................................. 254

Using the P-TTL Auto Flash............................................................. 255

Using the High-speed Sync Flash.................................................... 256

Using Flash in Wireless Mode ......................................................... 257

Connecting an External Flash with an Extension Cord .................... 260

Using the Contrast Control Sync Flash............................................ 261

Appendix 263

Default Settings ............................................... ............................ 264

Functions Available with Various Lens Combinations ................. 272

Setting the Focal Length .................................................................. 275

Using the Aperture Ring................................................................... 276

Cleaning the CMOS Sensor ........................................................ 277

Removing Dust by Shaking the CMOS Sensor (Dust Removal) ..... 277

Removing Dust with a Blower .......................................................... 278

Using the GPS Unit ..................................................................... 280

Shooting Celestial Bodies (ASTROTRACER) ................................. 281

Error Messages ........................................................................... 282

Troubleshooting........................................................................... 285

Main Specifications...................................................................... 288

Index............................................................................................ 297

WARRANTY POLICY .................................................................. 305

Composition of the Operating Manual

This Operating Manual contains the following chapters.

1 Before Using Your Camera

Explains the provided accessories and the names and functions of the working parts.

2 Getting Started

Explains your first steps from purchasing the camera to taking pictures. Be sure to read this chapter and follow the instructions.

3 Basic Operations

Explains basic operations for taking and playing back pictures.

4 Shooting Functions

Explains shooting-related functions.

5 Shooting Settings

Explains procedures for changing the shooting settings, such as the file format.

6 Playback Functions and Image Editing

Explains various operations for playing back and editing images.

7 Changing Additional Settings

Explains general camera settings and file management settings such as the monitor display settings and the image folder naming system.

8 Connecting to a Computer

Explains how to connect the camera to a computer, and includes installation instructions and a general overview of the provided software.

9 Using the Flash

Explains how to use the built-in flash and external flashes.

10Appendix

Explains troubleshooting and provides various resources.

The symbols used in this Operating Manual are explained below.

In this manual, the arrow keys of the four-way controller are referred to in the following way.

Indicates reference page numbers explaining a related operation.

Indicates useful information.

Indicates precautions to take when operating the camera.

1 Before Using Your Camera

Check the package contents and the names and functions of the working parts before use.

Checking the Contents of the Package ..................18

Names and Functions of the Working Parts ...........19

How to Change Function Settings ..........................39

Checking the Contents of the Package

The following accessories are packaged with the camera. Check that all accessories are included.

Before Using Your Camera

Hot shoe cover FK

(installed on camera)

Strap

O-ST132

AC plug cord USB cable

Operating Manual

(this manual)

Eyecup F

(installed on camera)

Rechargeable lithium-ion

battery D-LI109

I-USB7

Body mount cover

(installed on camera)

Battery charger

D-BC109

Software (CD-ROM)

S-SW133

* The power supply set provided with this camera varies depending on the country or region

where the camera was purchased. The camera may come with the AA battery holder D-BH109 and four AA lithium batteries, instead of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI109 and battery charger D-BC109.

Names and Functions of the Working Parts

Microphone

AF assist light

Lens mount index

(red dot)

Self-timer lamp/

Remote control

receiver

Hot shoe

Diopter adjustment

lever

Viewfinder

Monitor

Card access lamp

Image plane indicator

Strap lug

Mirror

AF coupler

Lens information contacts

Built-in flash

Speaker

Strap lug

SD Memory Card slot

Card cover

Terminal cover

Cable release terminal

Before Using Your Camera

Connection cable

VIDEO/PC output

terminal

Terminal cover

Tripod socket

cover Battery cover unlock switch

Battery cover

* In the second illustration, the camera is shown with the Hot shoe cover FK

and the Eyecup F

If the terminal covers and the connection cable cover are not closed correctly, the dust-proof and water-resistant qualities of the camera will not be effective.

R removed.

Capture Mode

Here, you can learn which parts are used and how they function when in capture mode.

Before Using Your Camera

The factory default setting of each part is explained here, but some parts have multiple functions and work differently depending on the selected setting.

1 2

3 4

8 9

c d

e f

1 m (EV Compensation)

button

Press to set the EV compensation value. (p.96)

Turn the rear e-dial (S) after or while pressing the m button to change the setting.

2 d (Green) button

Press to reset the values being adjusted.

3 Shutter release button

Press to capture images. (p.68)

4 Main switch

Move to turn the camera on and off. (p.59)

5 Front e-dial (R)

Changes the set value. You can change the menu

when a menu screen is displayed. (p.42)

6 Lens unlock button

Press to detach a lens. (p.57)

7 Mode dial

Changes the capture mode. (p.86)

8 E (Flash pop-up) button

Press to pop up the built-in flash. (p.73)

9 V/Y button

You can assign a function to this button. (p.171)

0 Focus mode switch

Changes the focus mode. (p.105)

a U/i (Live View) button

Displays the Live View image. (p.27)

Deletes the image during Instant Review. (p.68)

b M button

Displays the control panel. (p.29) Press again to change the type of information displayed in standby mode. (p.30)

c Rear e-dial (S)

Sets the shutter speed, aperture and EV compensation values. (p.94)

You can change the settings when the control panel is displayed. (p.41)

You can change the menu when a menu screen is displayed. (p.42)

d =/L button

You can select the function of this button either to focus on the target or to lock the exposure value. (p.100, p.174)

e Q (Playback) button

Switches to playback mode. (p.74)

Before Using Your Camera

f 4 button

When the control panel or a menu screen is displayed, press this button to confirm the selected item.

Before Using Your Camera

When both [AF Active Area] and [Contrast AF] are set to [Select], press this button to enable or disable changing the autofocusing (AF) point or area. (p.109, p.112)

When the camera is in \ mode or when the focus is locked during Live View, press this button to magnify the image on the monitor. (p.113)

g Four-way controller

(2345)

Displays the Sensitivity/White Balance/Flash Mode/Drive Mode setup menu. (p.78)

When the control panel or a menu screen is displayed, use this to move the cursor or change the item to set.

h 3 button

Displays the [A Rec. Mode 1] menu (p.79). Press this button when a menu screen is displayed to return to the previous screen. (p.41)

Playback Mode

Here, you can learn which parts are used and how they function when in playback mode.

1 2

3 4

8 9

Before Using Your Camera

1 m (EV Compensation)

button

When the file format of the last captured image is JPEG, and its data still remains in the buffer memory, press this button to save the image in RAW format. (p.74)

2 Shutter release button

Press halfway to switch to capture mode.

0 a

3 Main switch

Move to turn the camera on and off. (p.59)

4 Front e-dial (R)

Use this to display the next or previous image. (p.74)

5 U/i (Delete) button

Press to delete images. (p.75)

6 M button

Changes the type of information displayed in playback mode. (p.31)

7 Rear e-dial (S)

Before Using Your Camera

Use this to magnify an image or display multiple images at the same time (p.186, p.187).

8 Q (Playback) button

Switches to capture mode.

9 4 button

Confirms the setting you selected in the menu or playback screen.

0 Four-way controller

(2345)

Use this to move the cursor or change the item to set in the menu or playback screen. Press the four-way controller (3) in the single image display to display the playback mode palette. (p.182)

a 3 button

Displays the [Q Playback 1] menu (p.184).

Monitor Display

128

Cancel

Status Screen

Custom Image Bright

Various information appears on the monitor depending on the status of the camera.

The brightness level and the color of the monitor can be adjusted. (p.219)

Capture Mode

With this camera, you can take pictures while looking through the viewfinder or while viewing the image on the monitor. When using the viewfinder, check the status screen displayed on the monitor and the viewfinder indicators while shooting. When not using the viewfinder, display the Live View image on the monitor while shooting. The camera is in “standby mode” when the status screen or the Live View image is displayed. Press the M button in standby mode to display the “control panel” and change settings. (p.29) If you press the M button while the control panel is displayed, you can select the type of information displayed in standby mode. (p.30)

Before Using Your Camera

90 4.0

200

Standby mode (status screen)

128

Custom Image Bright

128

Control panel Shooting Info Display

Status Screen

Cancel

selection screen

+1.0

G1A1

123/999

Status screen

The settings for shooting with the viewfinder are displayed. (All items are displayed here for explanatory purposes. The actual display may differ.)

Before Using Your Camera

2000 1600

+1.0

1 Capture mode (p.86) 2 AE Lock (p.100) 3 GPS positioning status 4 Custom Image (p.161) 5 HDR Capture (p.156)/

Digital Filter (p.165) 6 Focus mode (p.105) 7 AE Metering (p.101) 8 Shake Reduction (p.120) 9 Battery level (p.51) 10 Front/rear e-dial guide 11 Shutter speed 12 Aperture value 13 Sensitivity (p.91) 14 EV Compensation (p.96)/

Exposure Bracketing (p.97) 15 EV bar scale

G1A1

5.6F

123/999

123

10 14

21 22 24

2625

456789

16 18 20

2827

16 Sensitivity (p.91) 17 Flash Mode (p.70) 18 AF point (p.108) 19 Drive Mode (p.78) 20 White Balance (p.149) 21 Flash Exposure

Compensation (p.72) 22 White Balance fine-tuning (p.150) 23 Eye-Fi communication

status (p.236) 24 Number of shots during Interval

Shooting or Multi-exposure 25 File Format (p.147) 26 JPEG Recorded Pixels (p.148) 27 JPEG Quality (p.148) 28 Number of recordable still pictures/

| button guide

* Indicator 3 appears only when the optional GPS unit is attached to the camera

and is operating. (p.280)

* Indicator 23 appears only when the Eye-Fi card is in use. M indicates that

Eye-Fi communication is in standby mode, L indicates that Eye-Fi is not connected, and the icon is animated during Eye-Fi communication.

The status screen will disappear if no operations are made within 30 seconds, and will also disappear after 2 seconds, immediately after shooting. Press the M button to display it again.

Live View

001/999

2000

F2.8

1600

[

9999

]

+1.7

2000

F2.8

1600

[

9999

]

±0

Live View is displayed when the U/i button is pressed. You can capture images while checking the composition on the monitor. (All items are displayed here for explanatory purposes. The actual display may differ.)

123 456789

12 13

F2.8

+1.7

1600

2000

19 20 21 23 2522

1 Capture mode (p.86) 2 Flash Mode (p.70)/Recording

Sound Level (p.134) 3 Drive Mode (p.78) 4 White Balance (p.149) 5 Custom Image (p.161) 6 HDR Capture (p.156)/

Digital Filter (p.165) 7 Focus mode (p.105) 8 AE Metering (p.101) 9 Shake Reduction (p.120)/

Movie SR (p.134) 10 Battery level (p.51) 11 GPS positioning status 12 Eye-Fi communication

status (p.236)

001/999

±0

[

9999

16 17

]

2000

F2.8

1600

13 Temperature warning 14 Histogram (p.35) 15 Number of shots during Interval

Shooting or Multi-exposure

16 Interval Shooting (p.128)/

Multi-exposure (p.131)

17 AF frame 18 | button guide 19 AE Lock (p.100) 20 Shutter speed 21 Aperture value 22 EV bar scale 23 Sensitivity (p.91) 24 Number of recordable still

pictures/movie recordable time

25 Face detection frame

[

9999

Before Using Your Camera

]

* Indicator 11 appears only when the optional GPS unit is attached to the camera

and is operating. (p.280)

* Indicator 12 appears only when the Eye-Fi card is in use. M indicates that

Eye-Fi communication is in standby mode, L indicates that Eye-Fi is not connected, and the icon is animated during Eye-Fi communication.

* Indicator 17 is displayed in white. It turns green when the subject is in focus

and turns red when the subject is not in fo cus. I t is not displayed when the focus mode switch is set to \. (p.69)

* For indicator 25, multiple face detection frames are displayed when [Contrast

AF] is set to [Face Detection]. A main face detection frame is displayed in yellow and other frames in white. (p.110)

• The Live View image may differ from the actual image captured if the brightness of the subject is low or high.

• If any changes occur in the shooting light source during Live View, the image on the monitor may flicker. You can cut down on flicker by setting the power frequency in [Flicker Reduction] of the [R Set-up 2] menu to that used in your

Before Using Your Camera

region.

• If the camera position is changed rapidly during Live View, the image may not be displayed with the appropriate brightness. Wait for the display to become stable before shooting.

• Noise may appear on the Live View image when used in dark locations.

• The higher the sensitivity, the more noise and color unevenness may occur in the monitor image and/or captured image.

• If you continue shooting for a prolonged period, the internal temperature of the camera may increase, resulting in lower quality images. It is recommended that you turn off the camera when not shooting. To prevent the image quality from degrading, allow enough time for the camera to cool down while shooting with long exposures or recording movies.

• If the internal temperature of the camera becomes high, l (temperature warning) is displayed and Live View may not be available. If this happens, stop shooting or use the viewfinder.

You can change the Live View display settings in [Live View] of the [A Rec. Mode 4] menu. (p.111)

Control panel

128

Custom Image Bright

1:15'30"

128

Exposure Setting Program AE

Custom Image Bright

Press the M button in standby mode to display the control panel and change settings. (p.40)

Still picture capture mode

1 Function name 2 Setting 3 Custom Image (p.161)/

H mode (p.88)

4 Digital Filter (p.165) 5 HDR Capture (p.156) 6 AF Active Area (p.108) 7 AF.A (p.107) 8 Distortion Correction (p.158) 9 Lateral Chromatic Aberration

Adjustment (p.158) 10 Highlight Correction (p.155) 11 Shadow Correction (p.155) 12 AE Metering (p.101) 13 File Format (p.147)

Custom Image Bright

128

1 2

34567 8 9 10 11 12

13 14

15 16 17

20 21

C mode

Exposure Setting Program AE

1:15'30"

• If no operations are made within 1 minute in the control panel, the camera returns to standby mode.

• You can change the display color of the status screen and control panel. Set in [LCD Display] of the [R Set-up 1] menu. (p.218)

1 2

22 3 4 12 17 10 11 14 23 15 24 16

201821

14 JPEG Recorded Pixels (p.148)/

Movie Recorded Pixels (p.134)

15 JPEG Quality (p.148)/

Movie Quality Level (p.134)

16 Shake Reduction (p.120)/

Movie SR (p.134) 17 Contrast AF (p.110) 18 Destination setting (p.215) 19 Current date and time (p.62) 20 SD Memory Card status 21 Number of recordable still

pictures/movie recordable time 22 Exposure Setting (p.133) 23 Framerate (p.134) 24 Recording Sound Level (p.134)

Before Using Your Camera

Shooting Info Display

If you press the M button while the control panel is displayed, you can select the type of information displayed in standby mode for when shooting with the viewfinder. Use the four-way controller (2345) to select a display type and press the 4 button.

Before Using Your Camera

Screen

Display

Status

Displays the settings for shooting with the viewfinder. (p.26)

Displayed Information

Screen

Display Off Nothing is displayed on the monitor.

The current latitude, longitude, altitude, direction, and Coordinated

Universal Time (UTC) are displayed. Press the shutter release Electronic Compass

button halfway or turn the camera off and on again to return to

the status screen.

Available only when the optional GPS unit is attached to the camera

and is operating. (p.280)

The Shooting Info Display selection screen is not displayed when the mode dial is set to C.

• If [Display Off] is selected, the display setting returns to the status screen when the camera is turned off and on again. If you select the check box for [Shooting Info Display] in [Memory] of the [A Rec. Mode 4] menu, the selected screen display appears the next time the camera is turned on. (p.216)

• The Live View image and the indicators which provide shooting information are displayed during Live View shooting. If you do not want to display the indicators, you can change the setting in [Live View] of the [A Rec. Mode 4] menu. (p.111)

Playback Mode

100-0001

2000

F2.8

200

Cancel

Standard Information Display

The captured image and shooting information are displayed in the single image display of playback mode.

1Playing Back Images (p.74)

Press the M button to call up the playback information display selection screen. Use the four-way controller (2345) to select the type of screen display that appears in the single image display and press the 4 button.

Before Using Your Camera

100-0001

Standard Information Display

2000

F2.8

200

Single image display

(Standard Information Display)

Screen Display Displayed Information

Standard Information Display

Detailed Information Display

The captured image, file format and operation guide indicators are displayed.

Detailed information on how and when the image was taken is displayed in two pages. (p.32)

The captured image and brightness histogram

Histogram Display

are displayed. (p.34) Not available during movie playback.

The captured image and RGB histogram are

RGB Histogram Display

displayed. (p.34) Not available during movie playback.

No Information Display Only the captured image is displayed.

Cancel

Playback Info Display

selection screen

The screen display selected here is displayed the next time the camera is switched to playback mode.

• If you clear the check box for [Playback Info Display] in [Memory] of the [A Rec. Mode 4] menu, the Standard Information Display always appears first when the camera is turned on. (p.224)

• If [Bright/Dark Area] (p.185) of the [Q Playback 1] menu is enabled by selecting the check box, bright (overexposed) portions blink red, while dark (underexposed) portions blink yellow. This information is not displayed in Detailed Information Display or RGB Histogram Display.

+1.0

2000

F2.8

G1A1

50mm

1600

100-0001

+1.5

10:30

10'10"

0.0

125

F8.0

G1A1

50mm

125

100-0001

10:30

N 36°45.410' W140°02.000'

0m 123°

100-0001

10:00:00

05/05/2013

Detailed Information Display

Use the four-way controller (23) to switch between pages. (All items are displayed here for explanatory purposes. The actual display may differ.)

Before Using Your Camera

Page 1

Still picture

2000

F2.8

Movie

125

F8.0

Page 2

50mm

+1.5

1600

05/05/2013

10'10"

50mm

0.0

125

05/05/2013

N 36°45.410' W140°02.000'

05/05/2013

100-0001

+1.0 G1A1

10:30AMAM

100-0001

G1A1

10:30AMAM

100-0001

0m 123°

10:00:00

10 11 12

14 15 16 17

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

14 15 34

3456 7

11 8 9 12

35 24 25 26

41 43

201918 21

2120418

636 7

1 Rotation information (p.192) 2 Captured image 3 Capture mode (p.86) 4 Digital Filter (p.165) 5 DPOF setting (p.239) 6 Protect setting (p.229) 7 Folder number-File number 8 Drive Mode (p.78) 9 AE Metering (p.101) 10 Shutter speed 11 Lens focal length 12 Shake Reduction (p.120)/

Movie SR (p.134)

13 Focus mode (p.105)/AF point

(p.108)/Contrast AF (p.110) 14 Aperture value 15 EV Compensation (p.96) 16 Flash Mode (p.70) 17 Flash Exposure

Compensation (p.72) 18 Sensitivity (p.91) 19 HDR Capture (p.156)/

Multi-exposure (p.131) 20 White Balance (p.149) 21 White Balance fine-tuning (p.150) 22 File Format (p.147)

23 JPEG Recorded Pixels (p.148)/

Movie Recorded Pixels (p.134)

24 JPEG Quality (p.148)/Movie

Quality Level (p.134) 25 Highlight Correction (p.155) 26 Shadow Correction (p.155) 27 Distortion Correction (p.158) 28 Lateral Chromatic Aberration

Adjustment (p.158) 29 Custom Image (p.161) 30 Custom Image parameters (p.162) 31 Color Space (p.148) 32 Shooting date and time 33 Recording time 34 Recording Sound Level (p.134) 35 Framerate (p.134) 36 Transferred via Eye-Fi (p.236) 37 Lens direction 38 Photographer (p.234) 39 Information tampering warning 40 Copyright Holder (p.235) 41 Latitude 42 Altitude 43 Longitude 44 Universal Coordinated Time

Before Using Your Camera

* Indicator 36 appears only for images that have been transferred using the Eye-Fi

card.

* Indicators 37 and 41 to 44 appear only for images in which GPS

stored.

information

2000

F2.8

200

100-0001

2000

F2.8

200

100-0001

Histogram Display/RGB Histogram Display

Use the four-way controller (23) to switch between the Histogram Display and RGB Histogram Display.

1 2 3 4 2 3

Before Using Your Camera

2000

F2.8

100-0001

200

2000

F2.8

100-0001

200

5 6 7 8 5 6 7 8

Histogram Display RGB Histogram Display

1 Histogram (Brightness) 7 Aperture value

2 Protect setting 8 Sensitivity

3 Folder number-File number 9 Histogram (R)

4 Save RAW Data 10 Histogram (G)

5 File Format 11 Histogram (B)

6 Shutter speed

* Indicator 4 appears only when the file format of the last captured image is JPEG,

and the image can also be saved in RAW format. (p.74)

9 10

111

Using the Histogram

A histogram shows the brightness distribution of an image. The horizontal axis represents brightness (dark at the left and bright at the right) and the vertical axis represents the number of pixels. The shape and the distribution of the histogram before and after shooting tell you whether the exposure level and contrast are correct or not, and let you decide if you need to adjust the exposure and take a picture again.

1Adjusting the Exposure (p.96) 1Brightness Adjustment (p.155)

When the image is underexposed, the part to the left is cut off (underexposed portions with no detail) and when the image is overexposed, the part to the right is cut off (overexposed portions with no detail). You can set whether to display the bright/dark area warning during capture or playback mode.

Number of pixels →

(Dark) ←Brightness→ (Bright)

Dark portions Bright portions

Before Using Your Camera

1Setting the Playback Display Method (p.185) 1Setting the Display for Instant Review (p.220)

Distribution of color intensity is displayed for each color in RGB Histogram Display. If a color is partially cut off on one side, it indicates that the color is under- or overexposed, that the light is very weak or strong in that color, or that the white balance is incorrect.

1Setting the White Balance (p.149)

Guide Indicators

The following indicators appear on the monitor to indicate the keys, buttons and e-dials that can be operated at that time.

Example:

Before Using Your Camera

Four-way controller (2) d button

Four-way controller (3) M button

Four-way controller (4) m button

Four-way controller (5) U/i button

3 button =/L button

4 button |/Y button

Front e-dial Shutter release button

Rear e-dial

Viewfinder

When shooting with the viewfinder, the following information appears in the viewfinder.

Before Using Your Camera

4 6 7 8

5910

171615141312

1 AF frame 2 Spot metering frame (p.101) 3 Flash indicator (p.73)

Lit: when the flash is available. Blinks: when the flash is necessary or is being charged.

4 Focus mode (p.105)

Appears when set to \.

5 Shutter speed

Underlined when it can be adjusted.

6 Aperture value

Underlined when it can be adjusted.

7 Focus indicator (p.67)

Lit: when the subject is in focus. Blinks: when the subject is not in focus.

8 EV bar scale

Displays the EV compensation values or difference between the appropriate and current exposure values in a mode. (p.94, p.96)

9 ISO/ISO AUTO (p.91)

Appears when the sensitivity is displayed.

10 Sensitivity/Remaining image storage capacity

Underlined when it can be adjusted. Displays the number of recordable still pictures (up to “9999”) immediately after shooting. Displays the compensation value while adjusting the EV compensation.

11 AE Lock (p.100)

Before Using Your Camera

Appears while the AE Lock function is activated.

12 Changing AF point (p.109)

Appears when the AF point can be changed.

13 Multi-exposure (p.131)

Appears when Multi-exposure is set.

14 AE Metering (p.101)

Appears when Center-weighted metering or Spot metering is selected.

15 Shake Reduction (p.120)

Appears when the Shake Reduction function is activated.

16 Flash Exposure Compensation (p.72)

Appears when the flash exposure compensation value is being adjusted.

17 EV Compensation (p.96)/Exposure Bracketing (p.97)

Appears when adjusting the EV compensation or when Exposure Bracketing is set.

18 File Format (p.147)

Appears when the file format is RAW or RAW+.

The information is displayed in the viewfinder when the shutter release button is pressed halfway, or during the meter operating time (default setting: 10 sec.). (p.101)

How to Change Function Settings

Cancel

Auto Flash Discharge

0.0

Function settings can be changed using the direct keys, control panel or menus. This section explains the basic ways to change function settings.

Using the Direct Keys

In standby mode, you can set Sensitivity, White Balance, Flash Mode and Drive Mode by pressing the four-way controller (2345). (p.78) Below, how to set [Flash Mode] is explained as an example.

Press the four-way controller (4) in standby mode.

The Flash Mode setting screen appears.

Before Using Your Camera

Use the four-way controller (45) to select a flash mode.

Press the 4 button.

The camera is ready to take a picture.

Auto Flash Discharge

0.0

Cancel

Custom Image Bright

128

JPEG Quality

128

JPEG Quality

128

Cancel

Using the Control Panel

In standby mode, you can switch to the control panel and change settings. Below, how to set [JPEG Quality] is explained as an example.

Before Using Your Camera

Press the M button in standby mode.

The control panel appears.

Use the four-way controller (2345) to select the item you want to change the setting for.

You cannot select items that cannot be changed as a result of current camera settings.

Custom Image Bright

128

Press the 4 button.

The setup screen of the selected item appears.

Use the four-way controller (45) or rear e-dial (S) to select a setting value.

Items not available with the current camera settings cannot be selected.

JPEG Quality

Cancel

128

Press the 4 button.

The camera returns to the control panel. Next, set other items.

Press the 3 button or the shutter release button halfway.

The camera is ready to take a picture.

You can also change the setting by turning the rear e-dial (S) after selecting the item you want to change in Step 2 ([Recording Sound Level] for C mode can only be set using this operation). Detailed settings such as for Custom Image and Digital Filter can be changed after pressing the 4 button.

Using the Menus

This section explains how to use the following menus: [A Rec. Mode], [C Movie], [Q Playback], [R Set-up] and [A Custom Setting]. Below, how to set [Slow Shutter Speed NR] in the [A Rec. Mode 3] menu is explained as an example.

Press the 3 button in standby mode.

The [A Rec. Mode 1] menu appears on the monitor.

The menus listed below are displayed in the following situations.

When the mode dial is set to C [C Movie 1] menu

Before Using Your Camera

In playback mode [Q Playback 1] menu

Custom Image Digital Filter

Image Capture Settings AE Metering

HDR Capture

Exit

High-ISO NR Slow Shutter Speed NR

Shake Reduction Input Focal Length

Exit

Composition Adjust.

High-ISO NR Slow Shutter Speed NR

Shake Reduction Input Focal Length

Exit

Composition Adjust.

High-ISO NR Slow Shutter Speed NR

Shake Reduction Input Focal Length

Composition Adjust.

Cancel

Press the four-way controller (5)twice.

Each time the four-way controller (5)

Before Using Your Camera

is pressed, the menu will change in the following sequence: [A Rec. Mode 2], [A Rec. Mode 3], [A Rec. Mode 4], [C Movie 1] ... [A Rec. Mode 1].

You can also change the menu by turning the rear e-dial (S).

When the front e-dial (R) is turned to the right, the menu will change in the following sequence: [A Rec. Mode 1], [C Movie 1], [Q Playback 1], [R Set-up 1], [A Custom Setting 1].

Use the four-way controller (23) to select an item.

1 234

Custom Image Digital Filter HDR Capture Image Capture Settings AE Metering

Exit

123 4

High-ISO NR Slow Shutter Speed NR Composition Adjust. Shake Reduction Input Focal Length

Exit

Press the four-way controller (5).

Available settings are displayed in the pop-up menu or submenu.

Use the four-way controller (23) to select a setting.

Press the 3 button to cancel the pop-up menu, or return to the previous screen.

123 4

High-ISO NR Slow Shutter Speed NR Composition Adjust. Shake Reduction Input Focal Length

Exit

123 4

High-ISO NR Slow Shutter Speed NR Composition Adjust. Shake Reduction Input Focal Length

Cancel

Press the 4 button.

The setting is saved. Press the 3 button

if a submenu is displayed. Next, set other items.

Press the 3 button.

The screen that was displayed before selecting the menu item appears again.

Your settings may not be saved if the camera is turned off improperly (such as by removing the battery while the camera is on).

• You can select either to display the menu tab selected the last time first,

or to always display the [A Rec. Mode 1] menu first. (p.221)

• Refer to the following pages for details on each menu.

• [A Rec. Mode] menu 1p.79

• [C Movie] menu 1p.82

• [Q Playback] menu 1p.184

• [R Set-up] menu 1p.212

• [A Custom Setting] menu 1p.83

Before Using Your Camera

Memo

Before Using Your Camera

2 Getting Started

This chapter explains your first steps from purchasing the camera to taking pictures. Be sure to read this and follow the instructions.

Attaching the Strap .................................................46

Inserting the Battery ...............................................47

Inserting/Removing an SD Memory Card ...............54

Attaching a Lens ....................................................56

Adjusting the Viewfinder Diopter ............................58

Turning the Camera On and Off .............................59

Initial Settings .........................................................60

Getting Started

Attaching the Strap

Pass the end of the strap through the strap lug, then secure it on the inside of the clasp.

Attach the other end of the strap in the same manner as described above.

Inserting the Battery

The following power supplies can be used with the camera.

• Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI109

• AA Battery Holder D-BH109 with four AA batteries

• AC Adapter Kit K-AC128 (optional)

* Either one of these is provided with the camera. The provided power supply varies

depending on the country or region where the camera was purchased. The item not provided with the camera is optionally available.

Using the Lithium-ion Battery

Use the battery charger D-BC109 and the rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI109 to power the camera.

Charging the Battery

When using the battery for the first time or when the battery capacity becomes low, recharge the battery. Note: AC plug cord “Listed, Type SPT-2 or NISPT-2, 18/2 flexible cord, rated 125 V, 7A, minimum 6ft (1.8m)”

Connect the AC plug cord to the battery charger.

Getting Started

Plug the AC plug cord into the power outlet.

Battery charger

Indicator lamp

AC plug cord

Getting Started

Face the 2 mark on the battery up, and insert the battery into the battery charger.

First, insert the battery at an angle, as shown in the illustration, and then push down on the battery until it clicks.

The indicator lamp lights up when charging and turns off when the battery is fully charged.

When the battery is fully charged, remove the battery from the battery charger.

• Do not use the Battery Charger D-BC109 to charge batteries other than

D-LI109. Charging other batteries may cause damage or heating.

• Replace the battery with a new one in the following cases:

• If the indicator lamp blinks or does not light after the battery is inserted

correctly

• If the battery starts to run down more quickly even after being charged

(the battery may have reached the end of its service life)

The maximum charging time is approximately 240 minutes (depends on temperature and remaining battery power). Charge in a location where the temperature is between 0°C and 40°C.

Inserting/Removing the Battery

• Do not open the battery cover or remove the battery while the power is on.

• Insert the battery correctly. If the battery is inserted incorrectly, it may not

be removed. Wipe the electrodes of the battery with a soft dry cloth before inserting.

• Be careful as the camera or battery may become hot when the camera

is used continuously for a long period of time.

• Remove the battery when you will not use the camera for a long while.

The battery may leak and damage the camera if left installed during prolonged periods of non-use. If the removed battery will not be used for six months or longer, charge the battery for about 30 minutes before storing it. Be sure to recharge the battery every six to twelve months.

• Store the battery in a location where the temperature will remain below

room temperature. Avoid locations with high temperatures.

• The date and time may be reset if you leave the battery out of the camera

for a long period of time. If this occurs, follow the procedure described in “Setting the Date and Time” (p.62) to set the current date and time.

Slide the battery cover unlock switch in the direction of the arrow (1), and open the battery cover (2).

Getting Started

With the 2 mark facing towards outside of the camera, push the battery in until it locks into place.

To remove the battery, push the battery lock switch in the direction of the arrow (3).

Close the battery cover.

The battery cover is locked.

Using the AA Batteries

When using AA batteries, be sure to use the AA battery holder D-BH109. Use four AA lithium batteries, AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, or AA alkaline batteries.

Getting Started

Available Batteries Characteristics

AA lithium batteries Recommended when using the camera in cold climates.

AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries

AA alkaline batteries

• For precautions when using the batteries, refer to “About the Usage

of AA Batteries” (p.4).

• If AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries with a capacity of approximately

1000 mAh are used, the batteries may not last for very long. Use Ni-MH rechargeable batteries with a large capacity.

Insert the AA batteries according

These are rechargeable and reusable. A battery charger that is compatible with the batteries is required.

These are easily obtainable when the batteries you are using run out but they may not support all the camera functions under certain conditions. Use them in emergencies or when checking the camera functionality.

to the +/- indicators on the battery holder.

Open the battery cover.

Refer to Step 1 on p.49.

Insert the battery holder into the battery chamber until it locks into place, and close the battery cover.

• To use the AA batteries, set the AA battery type in [AA Battery Type]

of the [R Set-up 3] menu before use. (p.222)

• Check the orientation of the batteries if the camera does not operate properly.

Battery Level Indicator

You can confirm remaining battery level by checking the

w displayed

in the status screen or Live View screen.

Display Battery Level

w (green) Battery is full.

x (green) Battery is close to full. (D-LI109 only)

f (orange) Battery is running low. (D-BH109 only)

y (yellow) Battery is running low. (D-LI109 only)

F (red) Battery is almost empty.

[Battery depleted] The camera turns off after displaying the message.

• f, y or F (red) may appear even when the battery level is

sufficient if the camera is used at low temperatures or when performing continuous shooting for a long period of time.

• Battery performance temporarily decreases as the temperature decreases.

When using the camera in cold climates, have extra batteries at hand and keep them warm in your pocket. The battery performance will return to normal at room temperature.

• Have extra batteries ready when traveling abroad, or taking a lot of pictures.

Getting Started

Using the AC Adapter

We recommend the use of the optional AC adapter kit K-AC128 when using the monitor for a long time or when connecting the camera to a computer or AV device.

Getting Started

The AC Adapter Kit K-AC128 includes AC Adapter D-AC120, DC Coupler D-DC128, and AC plug cord.

Make sure that the camera is turned off.

Open the battery cover.

Refer to Step 1 on p.49. Remove the battery if it is inserted in the camera.

Pull out the connection cable cover (1) on the right of the battery cover, and insert the DC coupler into the battery chamber until it locks into place.

Close the battery cover.

The connection cable is pulled out from the connection cable cover section.

Connect the DC coupler and the AC adapter.

Connect the AC adapter to the AC plug cord.

Plug the AC plug cord into the power outlet.

• Make sure the camera is turned off before connecting or disconnecting

the AC adapter.

• Make sure connections are secure between the terminals. SD Memory Card

or data may be corrupted if the connection to the power supply is lost while the card is being accessed.

• The connection cable will protrude from the connection cable cover

on the camera while the AC adapter is in use.

• After removing the DC coupler, return the connection cable cover

to its original position.

Getting Started

• When the AC adapter is connected to the camera, W is displayed

for the battery level indicator.

• Be sure to read the manual of the AC adapter kit before using the AC adapter.

Inserting/Removing an SD Memory Card

This camera uses a commercially available SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, or SDXC Memory Card. Make sure the camera is turned off before inserting or removing the SD Memory Card.

Getting Started

• Do not remove the SD Memory Card while the card access lamp is lit.

• Do not open the card cover while the camera is in use.

• Use this camera to format (initialize) an SD Memory Card that is unused

or has been used on other devices. Refer to “Formatting an SD Memory Card” (p.228) for details on formatting.

• Use a high-speed memory card when recording movies. If the writing speed

cannot keep up with the recording speed, writing may stop during recording.

Make sure that the camera is turned off.

Slide the card cover in the direction of the arrow, and then lift it to open (1→2).

Insert the card all the way with the SD Memory Card label facing toward the monitor.

Push the SD Memory Card in once to remove.

Close the card cover (3), and then slide it in the direction of the arrow (4).

Be sure to fully close the card cover. The camera will not turn on if the card cover is open.

For details on the approximate number of still pictures and amount of time of movies that can be recorded on an SD Memory Card, refer to “Approximate Image Storage Capacity by Size” (p.295).

Getting Started

Attaching a Lens

Attach a proper lens to the camera body. When you use one of the following lenses with this camera, all the camera’s capture modes are available.

(a) DA, DA L, D FA, FA J lenses

Getting Started

(b) Lenses with an s (Auto) position; when used in the s position

• When attaching or removing a lens, choose an environment that is relatively

free of dirt and dust.

• Keep the body mount cover on the camera when a lens is not attached.

• Be sure to attach the lens mount cover and lens cap to the lens after

removing the lens from the camera.

• Do not insert any fingers into the camera mount or touch the mirror.

• The camera body and lens mount incorporate lens information contacts.

Dirt, dust, or corrosion on the contacts may damage the electrical system. Please contact a PENTAX Service Center for professional cleaning.

• Some functions will be restricted when one of lenses described in (b) is used

with the aperture ring set to the position other than s, or when a lens other than listed above and/or other accessories are used. Refer to “Functions Available with Various Lens Combinations” (p.272) for details.

• If a lens for which the focal length information cannot be automatically

obtained is used, the [Input Focal Length] screen appears when the camera is turned on. Refer to “Setting the Focal Length” (p.275) for details.

• We assume no responsibility nor liability for accidents, damages and

malfunctions resulting from the use of lenses made by other manufacturers.

Make sure that the camera is turned off.

Remove the body mount cover (1) and lens mount cover (2).

Be sure to put the lens down with the lens mount side facing upward to protect the lens mount from damage when there is no lens mount cover on the lens.

Align the lens mount index (red dots: 3) on the camera and the lens, and secure by turning the lens clockwise until it clicks.

After attaching, turn the lens counterclockwise to make sure that the lens is locked in place.

Remove the front lens cap by pushing the indicated portions inward.

To remove the lens Attach the lens cap first, and then turn

the lens counterclockwise while holding down the lens unlock button (4).

Getting Started

The body mount cover (1) is for preventing scratches and blocking dust when shipped. Body Mount Cap K that has a lock on the body is sold separately.

Getting Started

Adjusting the Viewfinder Diopter

You can adjust the viewfinder diopter to suit your eyesight. The Eyecup F leaves the factory. The diopter can be adjusted with the eyecup attached. However, adjustment is easier with the eyecup removed.

Remove the eyecup by pulling it out in the direction of the arrow.

Look through the viewfinder, and slide the diopter adjustment lever left or right.

Adjust the lever until the AF frame in the viewfinder is focused.

Point the camera at a white wall or other bright and consistent surface.

R is attached to the viewfinder portion when the camera

AF frame

Align the eyecup with the groove on the viewfinder eyepiece and push it into the position.

You can also use the optional Magnifier Eyecup O-ME53 for more precise focusing.

Turning the Camera On and Off

Turn the main switch to [ON].

The camera turns on. Set the main switch to the position

[OFF] to turn off the camera.

• Always turn the camera off when not in use.

• The power will automatically turn off when you do not perform any operations

within a set period of time (Auto Power Off). To reactivate the camera, turn it on again or perform any of the following operations.

• Press the shutter release button halfway.

• Press the 3 button or M button.

• [Auto Power Off] is set to [1min.] by default. You can change the setting

in [Auto Power Off] of the [R Set-up 3] menu. (p.222)

• To turn the camera on in playback mode, turn the main switch to [ON]

while holding down the Q button.

Getting Started

Cancel

Date Adjustment Date Format Date Time

mm/dd/yy

24h 01/01/2013 00:00

Settings complete

Cancel

Initial Setting

Settings complete

English

New York

Text Size

Standard

Initial Settings

The first time the camera is turned on, the [Language/u] screen appears on the monitor. Follow the procedure below to set the language displayed on the monitor and the current date and time.

If the [Date Adjustment] screen appears,

proceed to “Setting the Date and Time”

Getting Started

(p.62).

Date Adjustment Date Format Date Time

Settings complete

Cancel

Setting the Display Language

You can set the language in which the menus, error messages, etc. are displayed.

Use the four-way controller (2345) to select the desired language, and press the 4 button.

The [Initial Setting] screen appears in the selected language.

Proceed to Step 6 if W (Hometown) does not have to be changed.

Initial Setting

New York

Text Size

Settings complete

Cancel

mm/dd/yy 01/01/2013 00:00

24h

English

Standard

Press the four-way controller (3) to move the frame to W, and press the four-way controller (5).

The [W Hometown] screen appears.

Hometown

DST

New York

Cancel

Settings complete

Cancel

Initial Setting

English

New York

Text Size

Standard Large

Cancel

Initial Setting

Settings complete

English

New York

Text Size

Standard

Use the four-way controller (45)

Hometown

to select a city.

Turn the rear e-dial (S) to change the region.

Refer to “List of World Time Cities” (p.217) for cities that can be selected as a hometown.

Press the four-way controller (3) to select [DST], and use

New York

DST

Cancel

the four-way controller (45) to select O (On) or P (Off).

Press the 4 button.

The [Initial Setting] screen reappears.

Press the four-way controller (3) to select [Text Size], and press the four-way controller (5).

Use the four-way controller (23)

Initial Setting

to select [Standard] or [Large], and press the 4 button.

Selecting [Large] increases the text size of the selected menu items.

New York

Text Size

Settings complete

Cancel

English

Standard Large

Getting Started

Press the four-way controller (3) to select [Settings complete], and press the 4 button.

The [Date Adjustment] screen appears.

Initial Setting

New York

Text Size

Settings complete

Cancel

English

Standard

Cancel

Date Adjustment Date Format Date Time

mm/dd/yy

24h 01/01/2013 00:00

Settings complete

24h

00:00

Cancel

Date Adjustment Date Format Date Time

mm/dd/yy 01/01/2013

Settings complete

• If the hometown and the date and time are not set, the [Initial Setting] screen

or [Date Adjustment] screen will be displayed again the next time the camera is turned on.

• You can change the text size from the [R Set-up 1] menu later. In this

manual, the menu screens hereafter are described with [Text Size] set to [Standard].

Getting Started

Setting the Date and Time

Set the current date and time and the display style.

Press the four-way controller (5), and use the four-way controller (23) to select the date format.

Choose [mm/dd/yy], [dd/mm/yy] or [yy/mm/dd].

Press the four-way controller (5), and use the four-way controller (23) to select [24h] or [12h].

Press the 4 button.

The frame returns to [Date Format].

Press the four-way controller (3), and press the four-way controller (5).

The frame moves to the month if the date format is set to [mm/dd/yy].

Date Adjustment Date Format Date Time

Settings complete

Cancel

mm/dd/yy 01/01/2013 00:00

24h

Use the four-way controller (23) to set the month.

Set the day and year in the same manner. Next, set the time. If you select [12h] in Step 2, the camera

switches between am and pm depending on the time.

Date Adjustment Date Format Date Time

Settings complete

Cancel

mm/dd/yy 01/01/2013 00:00

24h

Cancel

Date Adjustment Date Format Date Time

mm/dd/yy

24h 05/05/2013 10:00

Settings complete

Press the four-way controller (3) to select [Settings complete], and press the 4 button.

The camera is ready to take a picture. If you set the date and time from the

menu, the [R Set-up 1] menu reappears. In this case, press the 3 button.

• When you press the 4 button in Step 6, the seconds value is set to 0.

To set the exact time, press the 4 button when the time signal (on the TV, radio, etc.) reaches 0 seconds.

• Pressing the 3 button while setting the date and time cancels the

settings made up to that point and switches the camera to capture mode.

• You can change the language and date and time settings from

the [R Set-up 1] menu later.

Date Adjustment Date Format Date Time

Settings complete

Cancel

mm/dd/yy 05/05/2013 10:00

24h

Getting Started

Memo

3 Basic Operations

This chapter explains basic operations for shooting by setting the mode dial to n (Auto Picture) to have the camera select the optimum settings based on the subject.

For information about advanced functions and settings for taking pictures, refer to chapter 4 and onward.

Basic Shooting Operation ......................................66

Using the Built-in Flash ..........................................70

Reviewing Images ..................................................74

Basic Shooting Operation

Letting the Camera Choose the Optimal Settings

This camera features various capture modes, focus modes, and drive modes. This section explains how to take pictures by simply pressing the shutter release button. You can take pictures while looking through the viewfinder or while viewing the image on the monitor.

Basic Operations

Taking Pictures Using the Viewfinder

Set the mode dial to n.

The capture mode is set to n mode.

1Selecting the Appropriate Capture

Mode (p.86)

Set the focus mode switch to l.

In n mode, the focus mode changes to f (Autofocus/Auto) mode.

1Setting the Focus Mode (p.105)

Look through the viewfinder to view the subject.

When using a zoom lens, turn the zoom ring to the right or left to change the angle of view.

Position the subject inside the AF frame, and press the shutter release button halfway.

Basic Operations

The autofocus system operates. The focus indicator ] appears and you

will hear a beep when the subject comes into focus (focus lock).

When set to n mode, the optimal capture mode is automatically selected from U (Standard), c (Portrait), s (Landscape), b (Macro), \ (Moving Object), . (Night Scene Portrait), K (Sunset), d (Blue Sky) or x (Forest). (p.87)

The AF assist light turns on in a dark or backlit location. If the flash is necessary, the flash status E blinks in the viewfinder. Press the E button to pop up the flash.

Flash

status

Focus indicator

Basic Operations

Press the shutter release button fully.

The picture is taken. This action is referred to as “releasing the shutter” or “release”.

Review the captured image on the monitor.

The image appears for 1 second on the monitor shortly after it is captured (Instant Review).

The following operations can be performed during Instant Review.

Available operations

U/i button Deletes the image. (p.75)

Rear e-dial (S) Magnifies the image. (p.186)

m button Saves the RAW image (only when the data

is available). (p.74)

1Setting the Display for Instant Review (p.220)

• The beep that sounds when the image is focused can be turned off. (p.214)

• You can set the camera so that it automatically focuses when the =/L

button is pressed. (p.174)

• You can preview the image on the monitor and check the depth of field before

shooting. (p.118)

Power zoom functions (Image Size Tracking, Zoom Clip and Auto Zoom Effect) are not available with this camera. Use manual zoom.

Taking Pictures Using Live View

2000

F2.8

1600

[

]

Press the U/i button in Step 3 on p.67.

The Live View image is displayed on the monitor.

Position the subject inside the AF frame on the monitor, and press the shutter release button halfway.

The autofocus system operates. The AF frame turns green when focused.

Subsequent steps are the same as shooting with the viewfinder.

Press the U/i button to end the Live View shooting.

• You can magnify the central area in focus by pressing the 4 button while

the focus is locked (except when [Contrast AF] is set to [Tracking]). (p.113)

• In this manual, the explanations and examples are mainly for shooting with

the viewfinder.

2000

F2.8

AF frame

1600

[

Basic Operations

]

Using the Built-in Flash

Use a flash to take pictures in low light or backlit conditions. The built-in flash is optimum for a subject at a distance from approx. 0.7 m to 5 m. Vignetting (darkening of the corners of the image due to a lack of light) may occur when used at a distance closer than 0.7 m (this distance varies slightly depending on the lens being used and the sensitivity setting (p.252)).

Basic Operations

• When using the built-in flash, remove the lens hood before shooting.

Vignetting may occur depending on the lens being used and the shooting conditions. Refer to “Lens and Built-in Flash” (p.273) for details.

• The built-in flash always fully discharges when using a lens without an s

(Auto) position.

For details on the built-in flash and instructions on how to take pictures with an external flash, refer to “Using the Flash” (p.249).

Setting the Flash Mode

Flash Mode Function

Auto Flash

Discharge

Auto Flash+

Red-eye Reduction

Flash On Discharges the flash for each picture.

Flash On+

Red-eye Reduction

Slow-speed Sync

Slow-speed

Sync+Red-eye

Automatically measures the ambient light and determines whether to use the flash.

Discharges a pre-flash for red-eye reduction before the automatic flash.

Discharges a pre-flash for red-eye reduction before the main flash.

Sets to a slow shutter speed depending on the brightness. When using this to shoot a portrait with the sunset in the background, both the person and the background are captured beautifully. (p.250)

Discharges a pre-flash for red-eye reduction before the main flash is discharged with Slow-speed Sync.

Flash Mode Function

Cancel

Auto Flash Discharge

0.0

Trailing Curtain

Sync

Wireless Mode

Discharges the flash immediately before closing the shutter. Captures moving objects as if they are leaving a light trail behind them.

You can synchronize an optional external flash without using a sync cord. (p.257)

The flash modes that can be selected differ depending on the capture mode.

Capture Mode Selectable Flash Mode

n/H

e/K/c

b/L/a/p

The flash does not discharge in the following capture modes:

• C mode

• K (Sunset) or d (Blue Sky) of n mode

• K (Sunset), d (Blue Sky), A (Night Scene), Z (Night Scene HDR),

y (Backlight Silhouette), U (Candlelight), n (Stage Lighting) or

E (Museum) of H mode

Press the four-way controller (4) in standby mode.

C/i/E/F/r

E/F/G/H/I/r

E/F/k/r

The Flash Mode setting screen appears.

Use the four-way controller (45)

Auto Flash Discharge

to select a flash mode, and press the 4 button.

The camera is ready to take a picture.

Basic Operations

0.0

Slow-speed Sync and Trailing Curtain Sync slow down the shutter speed. To avoid camera shake, either turn on the Shake Reduction function, or use a tripod.

Cancel

Auto Flash Discharge

+0.7

Compensating Flash Output

You can adjust the flash output in a range of -2.0 to +1.0. The following flash compensation values can be set according to the step interval set in [1. EV Steps] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu.

EV Steps Selectable Flash Compensation Value

-2.0, -1.7, -1.3, -1.0, -0.7, -0.3, 0.0, +0.3, +0.7, +1.0

-2.0, -1.5, -1.0, -0.5, 0.0, +0.5, +1.0

Auto Flash Discharge

Basic Operations

1/3 EV

1/2 EV

Press the four-way controller (3) in Step 2 on p.71.

Turn the rear e-dial (S).

The flash compensation value is set. Press the d button to reset the value

to 0.0.

+0.7

• When the flash output exceeds its maximum amount, the compensation will

not be effective even if the compensation value is set to the plus (+) side.

• Compensating to the minus (-) side may have no effect if the subject is too

close, the aperture is set to a large opening, or the set sensitivity is high.

• The flash output compensation is also effective for external flash units which

support the P-TTL auto flash mode.

Cancel

Using the Built-in Flash

Press the E button.

The built-in flash pops up and begins charging. While the flash is charging, E blinks in the viewfinder or Live View screen.

When the flash is fully charged, E stops blinking and stays lit continuously.

When you do not want the flash to discharge, keep the built-in flash retracted.

Take a picture.

The flash discharges. When the flash mode is set to C or i, the flash is not discharged if the

lighting conditions do not require flash for correction even when the flash is popped up.

Push down on the top of the flash to retract the built-in flash.

Basic Operations

By default, you cannot take pictures while the built-in flash is being charged. If you want to take pictures while charging the built-in flash, set [15. Release While Charging] to [On] in the [A Custom Setting 3] menu.

Reviewing Images

Playing Back Images

You can play back captured images with the camera.

Press the Q button.

The camera switches to the single image

Basic Operations

display of playback mode and the most recently captured image (for movies, only the first frame) is displayed on the monitor.

Review the captured image on the monitor.

Available operations

Four-way controller (4)/ front e-dial (R) to the left

Four-way controller (5)/ front e-dial (R) to the right

m button Saves the RAW image (only when

• When the file format of the last captured image is JPEG, and its RAW data

still remains in the buffer memory, you can save the RAW image during Instant Review or playback (if [Save RAW Data] is enabled in [Instant Review] of the [A Rec. Mode 4] menu (p.220)).

If the image was captured using any of the following settings, the corresponding image listed below is saved.

• Exposure Bracketing RAW image of the third image

• Multi-exposure RAW image with Multi-exposure

• Interval Shooting RAW image for the last captured image

• HDR Capture RAW image with standard exposure

• Digital Filter RAW image without a filter effect

Images captured with Z (Night Scene HDR) of H mode or Continuous Shooting cannot be saved in RAW format.

• Refer to “Playback Functions and Image Editing” (p.181) for details on

the playback functions.

Displays the previous image.

Displays the next image.

the data is available).

Deleting a Single Image

Delete

100-0001

Cancel

You can delete images one by one.

• Deleted images cannot be restored.

• Protected images cannot be deleted. (p.229)

Press the Q button, and display an image to delete.

Press the U/i button.

The delete confirmation screen appears.

Press the four-way controller (2) to select [Delete], and press the 4 button.

The image is deleted.

• You can delete multiple images at once. Refer to “Deleting Multiple Images”

(p.193) for details.

• For the images captured with [File Format] (p.147) set to [RAW+], you can

select the file format to delete in Step 3.

Delete

Cancel

100-0001

Basic Operations

Memo

4 Shooting Functions

This chapter describes the various basic and advanced shooting functions available with this camera.

How to Operate the Shooting Functions ................78

Selecting the Appropriate Capture Mode ...............86

Setting the Exposure ..............................................91

Focusing ...............................................................105

Checking the Depth of Field (Preview) .................118

Using the Shake Reduction Function

to Prevent Camera Shake ....................................120

Taking Pictures Continuously ...............................126

Recording Movies ................................................133

How to Operate the Shooting Functions

You can change capture-related settings using the direct keys, control panel, [A Rec. Mode] menu, [C Movie] menu or [A Custom Setting] menu.

For details on how to use the direct keys and menus, refer to “How to Change Function Settings” (p.39).

Direct Keys Setting Items

Press the four-way controller (2345) in

Shooting Functions

standby mode to set the following items.

Key Item Function Page

Sensitivity Sets the ISO sensitivity. p.91

White Balance

Flash Mode Sets the method of flash discharge. p.70

Drive Mode

Adjusts the color balance to match the type of the light source illuminating the subject.

Selects Single Frame, Continuous Shooting, Self-timer, Remote Control or Exposure Bracketing.

p.149

p.126 p.122 p.124 p.97

Rec. Mode Menu Items

The following items are available in the [A Rec. Mode 1-4] menus. Press the 3 button in standby mode to display the [A Rec. Mode 1] menu.

Menu Item Function Page

Exposure Mode

Custom Image

Digital Filter

HDR Capture

AE Metering

Sets the capture mode when the mode dial is set to B or C.

*2 *3

Sets the image finishing tone such as color and contrast before shooting an image.

Applies a digital filter effect when taking pictures.

Enables capturing images with high dynamic range.

File Format

JPEG Recorded Pixels

JPEG Quality

Color Space Sets the color space to use.

Image Capture Settings

Sets the file format.

Sets the recording size of images saved in JPEG format.

Sets the quality of images saved in JPEG format.

Selects the part of the sensor to use for measuring brightness and determining exposure.

p.178

p.161

p.165

p.156

p.146

p.101

Shooting Functions

Menu Item Function Page

Shooting Functions

Sets the action for l/k when shooting with the

p.107

AF.A

viewfinder.

Sets whether to continue to focus on your subject based on information from the focus points surrounding the selected

Expanded Area AF

focus point if your subject

p.109 briefly moves out from the selected focus point when

AF Settings

AF Active Area

the focus point selection mode is set to [Select].

Selects the part of the viewfinder to focus on.

p.108

Sets whether to use the AF

AF Assist Light

assist light when autofocusing in dark locations.

p.107

Reduces distortions and lateral

Lens Correction

chromatic aberrations occurring due to lens

p.158

properties.

Creates a picture by taking

Multi-exposure

multiple exposures and merging them into a single

p.131

image.

Interval Shooting

D-Range Settings

Takes pictures at a set interval from a set time.

Expands the dynamic range and prevents bright and dark

p.128

p.155 areas from occurring.

Menu Item Function Page

Sets the Noise Reduction

High-ISO NR

setting when shooting with

p.102 a high ISO sensitivity.

Sets the Noise Reduction

Slow Shutter Speed NR

setting when shooting with

p.104 a slow shutter speed.

Allows you to adjust the

Composition Adjust.

composition of your image using the Shake Reduction

p.160

mechanism.

Shake Reduction

Activates the Shake Reduction function.

Sets the focal length when

Input Focal Length

using a lens for which focal length information cannot be obtained.

Live View

Instant Review

Sets the Live View display and focus method settings.

Sets the Instant Review display settings.

For each exposure mode,

E-Dial Programming

you can set what the front and rear dials control.

Sets the function of the

Button Customization

V/Y button and =/L button.

Determines which settings

Memory

to save when the power is turned off.

Sets the functions for when

GPS

the optional GPS unit is attached to the camera.

Saves the current camera

Save USER Mode

settings as A mode so you can use them by setting the mode dial to B or C.

*1 Appears only when the mode dial is set to B or C. *2 Can also be set through the control panel. *3 When the mode dial is set to H, [Scene Mode] appears instead.

p.120

Shooting Functions

p.275

p.111

p.220

p.168

p.171

p.224

p.280

p.175

Movie Menu Items

The following items are available in the [C Movie 1] menu. Press the 3 button when the mode dial is set to C to display the [C Movie 1] menu.

Menu Item Function Page

Exposure Setting

Recorded Pixels

Shooting Functions

*1 Can also be set through the control panel.

Framerate

Quality Level

Movie Capture Settings

Recording Sound Level

Movie SR

Interval Movie

Selects the movie exposure mode from e, c, or a mode.

Sets the number of recorded pixels and size of the movie.

Sets the number of frames shot per second.

Sets the quality level of the movie.

Sets the microphone sensitivity.

Activates the Movie Shake Reduction function.

Takes still pictures at a set interval from a set time and saves it as a single movie file.

p.133

p.138

Custom Setting Menu Items

The following items of the [A Custom Setting 1-3] menus enable you to make the best use of the camera.

Menu Item Function Page

1. EV Steps

2. Sensitivity Steps

3. Meter Operating Time Sets the meter operating time. p.101

4. AE-L with AF Locked

5. Link AE and AF Point

6. Bracketing Order

7. One-Push Bracketing

Sets the adjustment steps for exposure.

Sets the adjustment steps for ISO sensitivity.

Sets whether to lock the exposure value when the focus is locked.

Sets whether to link the exposure and AF point in the focusing area when [AE Metering] is set to [Multi-segment].

Sets the order for Exposure Bracketing shooting.

Sets whether to shoot three frames with one release when using Exposure Bracketing.

p.96

p.92

p.100

p.101

p.97

p.99

Shooting Functions

Menu Item Function Page

Sets the operation when

8. Bulb (B) Mode Options

pressing the shutter release button in p mode.

p.95

Shooting Functions

9. WB When Using Flash

10. AWB in Tungsten Light

11. Color Temperature Steps

12. AF.S Setting

13. AF.C Setting

14. AF with Remote Control

Sets the white balance setting when using the flash.

Sets whether to adjust the tungsten light color tone when the white balance is set to F (Auto White Balance).

Sets the adjustment steps for color temperature.

Sets the action priority for when the focus mode is set to l and the shutter release button is fully pressed.

Sets the action priority for Continuous Shooting when the focus mode is set to k.

Sets whether to use autofocus when shooting with a remote control unit.

p.151

—

p.154

p.106

p.107

p.125

Menu Item Function Page

Sets whether to release

15. Release While Charging

the shutter while charging the built-in flash.

p.73

16. Flash in Wireless Mode

17. Save Menu Location

18. Catch-in Focus

19. AF Fine Adjustment

20. Using Aperture Ring

Reset Custom Functions

Sets the built-in flash discharge method in wireless mode.

Sets whether to save the last menu tab displayed on the monitor and to display it again the next time the 3 button is pressed.

Enables Catch-in Focus shooting when a manual focus lens is attached, and the shutter is released automatically when the subject comes into focus.

Allows you to precisely fine tune your lenses with the camera’s autofocus system.

Sets whether to enable shutter release when the lens aperture ring is set to a position other than s.

Resets all the settings in the [A Custom Setting 1-3] menus to the defaults.

p.258

p.221

p.117

p.116

p.276

p.226

Shooting Functions

Selecting the Appropriate Capture Mode

This camera features various capture modes, enabling you to take pictures with settings suited for your photographic vision. In this manual, the capture modes are referred to as follows.

Capture Mode Characteristics Page

n (Auto Picture) mode

H (Scene) mode

Exposure modes

Shooting Functions

(e/K/b/c/L/a/p)

C (Movie) mode Records a movie. p.136

A modes (B/C)

Turn the mode dial to set the

Automatically selects the optimal capture mode for the subject.

Lets you choose the capture mode from various scene styles.

Changes the shutter speed and aperture value, and takes pictures.

Lets you capture images with the saved camera settings. Up to two settings can be saved.

desired capture mode to the dial indicator.

Dial indicator

p.87

p.88

p.90

p.175

The selected capture mode is displayed

Program

Automatic Exposure

for 3 seconds on the monitor (guide display).

Program

Automatic Exposure

You can set the camera to not display the guides in [LCD Display] of the [R Set-up 1] menu. (p.218)

Auto Picture Modes

When set to n (Auto Picture) mode, the camera automatically selects the optimal mode from the following capture modes for the subject.

Mode Characteristics

Standard This mode is selected when none of the following modes apply.

c Portrait

s Landscape

b Macro

Moving

Object

Night Scene

Portrait

Sunset For capturing sunrises or sunsets in beautiful, vivid color.

Blue Sky

x Forest

For capturing portraits. Reproduces a healthy and bright skin tone.

For capturing landscape views. Increases color saturation and produces a vivid color image.

For capturing tiny objects at close focus range like flowers, coins, jewelry, and more.

For capturing images of fast moving subjects, such as at sporting events.

For capturing images of people in low light conditions, such as dusk or at night. Even though the flash is used, the camera will use slow shutter speeds so the background areas beyond the flash reach will also appear correctly exposed in the picture (Slow-speed Sync (p.250)). To prevent camera shake, either turn on the Shake Reduction function, or mount the camera on a tripod.

For capturing images of blue sky. Produces a more impressive deep blue.

Enhances colors of trees and sunbeams through foliage and produces a vivid color image.

Shooting Functions

The autofocus mode is fixed to f when shooting with the viewfinder. (p.107) If the camera determines that \ is the optimal mode, the autofocus mode is fixed to k, while l is used for all other modes.

Scene Modes

When set to H (Scene) mode, you can choose from the following shooting scenes.

Mode Characteristics

Shooting Functions

c Portrait

s Landscape

b Macro

Moving

Object

Night

Scene Portrait

Sunset For capturing sunrises or sunsets in beautiful, vivid color.

Blue Sky

x Forest

Night

Scene

Night

Scene HDR

l Night Snap For taking snapshots in poorly lit place.

K Food

Z Pet

R Kids

Surf &

Snow

For capturing portraits. Reproduces a healthy and bright skin tone.

For capturing landscape views. Increases color saturation and produces a vivid color image.

For capturing tiny objects at close focus range like flowers, coins, jewelry, and more.

For capturing images of fast moving subjects, such as at sporting events. The drive mode is fixed to [Continuous Shooting (Hi)].

For capturing images of blue sky. Produces a more impressive deep blue.

Enhances colors of trees and sunbeams through foliage and produces a vivid color image.

Used for shooting at night. Use a tripod or flat surface to prevent camera shake blur.

Generates a single HDR image with less noise from 3 images (-3 EV, Standard, and +3 EV) captured in dim lighting. The file format is fixed to [JPEG].

For capturing images of food. Saturation will be rather high to make it look appetizing.

For capturing moving pets. The drive mode is fixed to [Continuous Shooting (Hi)].

For capturing moving kids. Reproduces healthy and bright skin tone. The drive mode is fixed to [Continuous Shooting (Hi)].

For capturing images of dazzling backgrounds, such as snowy mountains.

Mode Characteristics

128

Scene Mode Portrait

128

Backlight

Silhouette

U Candlelight For capturing scenes in candlelight.

Stage

Lighting

Museum For capturing images in places where a flash is prohibited.

The flash is deactivated in K, d, A, Z, y, U, n, and E modes. To prevent camera shake, either turn on the Shake Reduction function, or mount the camera on a tripod.

Produces a silhouette image of subject in backlight condition.

For capturing moving subjects in poorly lit place.

When shooting with the viewfinder, the autofocus mode is automatically set according to the selected shooting scene. (p.107)

Selecting a Scene Mode

Set the mode dial to H.

The camera switches to the H mode status screen.

125 200

Press the M button.

The icon for the currently selected capture mode appears in the control panel.

Use the four-way controller (2345) to select [Scene Mode], and press the 4 button.

The Scene Mode selection screen appears.

Scene Mode Portrait

Shooting Functions

4.0

128

Cancel

Portrait

For capturing portraits. Reproduces a healthy and bright skin tone

Scene Mode Digital Filter HDR Capture

AE Metering

Image Capture Settings

Exit

Use the four-way controller (2345) or rear e-dial (S) to choose a scene mode, and press the 4 button.

The camera returns to the control panel and is ready to take a picture.

Portrait

For capturing portraits. Reproduces a healthy and bright skin tone

Cancel

When the 3 button is pressed while the mode dial is set to H, the item [Scene Mode] appears on the [A Rec. Mode 1] menu. Press the four-way controller (5) to display the Scene Mode selection screen

Shooting Functions

and you can select a scene mode in the same way as described in Step 4.

Exposure Modes

Use the following exposure modes to change the shutter speed and aperture value.

Program Automatic

Exposure

Sensitivity Priority

Automatic Exposure

Shutter Priority

Automatic Exposure

Aperture Priority

Automatic Exposure

Shutter & Aperture

Priority Automatic Exposure

Manual Exposure

Bulb Exposure

1 234

Scene Mode Digital Filter HDR Capture Image Capture Settings AE Metering

Exit

Mode Characteristics Page

Automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture value to obtain a proper exposure according to the program line.

Lets you set the desired sensitivity to suit the brightness of the surroundings.

Lets you set the desired shutter speed for expressing subject movement.

Lets you set the desired aperture value

p.93

for controlling the depth of field.

Automatically sets the sensitivity to obtain a proper exposure with the set shutter speed and aperture value.

Lets you set the sensitivity, shutter speed, and aperture value to match your photographic vision.

Lets you capture images that require slow shutter speeds such as fireworks and night

p.95

scenes.

Setting the Exposure

Cancel

100

3200

6400

Setting the Sensitivity

You can set the sensitivity to suit the brightness of the surroundings. The sensitivity can be set to [ISO AUTO] or within a sensitivity range equivalent to ISO 100 to 51200. The default setting is [ISO AUTO].

Press the four-way controller (2) in standby mode.

The Sensitivity setting screen appears.

Use the four-way controller (23) to select [ISO AUTO] or [ISO].

ISO AUTO

ISO Sets a fixed value.

Sets the range to be adjusted automatically.

100

Cancel

3200

6400

Shooting Functions

Turn the rear e-dial (S) to change the sensitivity value.

For [ISO AUTO], turn the front e-dial (R) to set the minimum sensitivity.

Press the 4 button.

The camera is ready to take a picture.

Shooting Functions

•In L mode, or Z (N igh t Sc ene HDR) /l (Night Snap)/n (Stage Lighting)

of H mode, the sensitivity is fixed to [ISO AUTO] (up to ISO 6400 for H mode).

•In K or p mode, [ISO AUTO] is not displayed. If the mode dial is set to p,

the sensitivity is set to the last fixed value. If the mode dial is set to a when the sensitivity is set to [ISO AUTO], the camera operates in L mode.

• More noise may appear in captured images if a higher sensitivity is set. You can reduce image noise by using Noise Reduction. Set in [High-ISO NR] of the [A Rec. Mode 3] menu. (p.102)

• You can select whether to set the sensitivity in increments of 1 EV or in accordance with the EV step setting for exposure (p.96). This can be set in [2. Sensitivity Steps] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu.

Changing the Exposure Mode

128

This camera features the following exposure modes. The settings available for each exposure mode are as follows. z: Available #: Restricted ×: Not available

Exposure Mode

Program Automatic

Exposure

Sensitivity Priority

Automatic Exposure

Shutter Priority

Automatic Exposure

Aperture Priority

Automatic Exposure

Shutter & Aperture

Priority Automatic Exposure

Manual Exposure

Bulb Exposure

*1 In [E-Dial Programming] of the [A Rec. Mode 4] menu, you can make the setting so that the

shutter speed and/or aperture value can be changed by turning the front/rear e-dial. (p.168)

*2 [ISO AUTO] is not available. *3 If the mode dial is set to a when the sensitivity is set to [ISO AUTO], the camera operates

in L mode.

Change

Shutter Speed

× × z

Change

Aperture Value

zzz

Change

Sensitivity

Compensation

Shooting Functions

Set the mode dial to e, K, b, c, L, a or p.

R or S appears on the status screen for the value that can be changed.

2000 1600

2.8

128

2000

F2.8

1600

[

128

]

128

The value that can be changed is underlined in the viewfinder.

During Live View, 5 appears for the value that can be changed.

Shooting Functions

Turn the rear e-dial (S).

2000

F2.8

1600

[

128

]

The aperture value can be changed

in c, L, a, or p mode. The sensitivity can be changed

in K mode.

Turn the front e-dial (R).

The shutter speed can be changed in b, L, or a mode.

In a mode, the difference from the proper exposure is displayed in a bar scale while the shutter speed or aperture value is adjusted. The exposure value blinks red

125 200

5.6

when the difference from the proper exposure is ±3.0 or larger.

128

• The proper exposure may not be obtained with the selected shutter speed and aperture value when the sensitivity is set to a fixed value (p.91).

• For each exposure mode, you can set the functions for when the front/rear e-dial is turned or the d button is pressed. Set in [E-Dial Programming] of the [A Rec. Mode 4] menu. (p.168)

Bulb Shooting

This is useful when capturing images of night scenes and fireworks which require long exposures.

Set the mode dial to p (Bulb).

Press the shutter release button.

The shutter remains open as long as the shutter release button is kept pressed.

Take your finger off the shutter release button.

Exposure ends.

In p mode, the following functions are not available.

- Continuous Shooting - Exposure Bracketing

- EV Compensation - AE Lock

- Interval Shooting - HDR Capture

- Shake Reduction

• You can set the operation of the shutter release button in p mode in [8. Bulb (B) Mode Options] of the [A Custom Setting 2] menu.

Mode1 Exposure continues while the shutter release button

Mode2 Exposure starts with the first press of the shutter release

• More noise may appear in captured images if a slower shutter speed is set. You can reduce image noise by using Noise Reduction. Set in [Slow Shutter Speed NR] of the [A Rec. Mode 3] menu. (p.104)

• Use a tripod and the optional cable switch or an optional remote control unit to prevent camera shake during Bulb shooting.

• We recommend using the optional AC adapter kit as the battery drain is high during Bulb shooting.

• When the optional GPS unit is attached and [Action in B Mode] is set to [ASTROTRACER] in [GPS] of the [A Rec. Mode 4] menu, the ASTROTRACER function is activated in p mode. (p.281)

is pressed. (default setting)

button and ends with the second press of the shutter release button.

Shooting Functions

2000

F2.8

1600

128

±0

+1.7

Adjusting the Exposure

This allows you to deliberately overexpose (brighten) or underexpose (darken) your picture. The compensation value can be set between -5 and +5 EV (-2 and +2 EV in C mode). The value that can be set varies according to the step interval set in [1. EV Steps] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu.

EV Steps Exposure Compensation Value

Shooting Functions

1/3 EV

1/2 EV

Press the m button (1), and then

±0.3, ±0.7, ±1.0, ±1.3, ±1.7, ±2.0, ±2.3, ±2.7, ±3.0, ±3.3, ±3.7, ±4.0, ±4.3, ±4.7, ±5.0

±0.5, ±1.0, ±1.5, ±2.0, ±2.5, ±3.0, ±3.5, ±4.0, ±4.5, ±5.0

turn the rear e-dial (S) (2).

The exposure is adjusted.

m and the compensation value are displayed in the status screen, viewfinder, and Live View screen during adjustment.

90 4.0

200

+1.7

±0

2000

F2.8

1600

128

Available operations

m button Starts/ends selecting the compensation value.

d button Resets the compensation value to the default

setting.

• EV Compensation is not available in p mode.

• The set compensation value is not canceled by turning the camera off or by switching to another capture mode.

Changing the Exposure Automatically when Shooting (Exposure Bracketing)

You can take three consecutive pictures at three different exposure levels.

Standard exposure Underexposure Overexposure

Shooting Functions

Set the bracketing order in [6. Bracketing Order] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu.

0 – +

– 0 +

+ 0 –

0 + –

Standard ´ Underexposed ´ Overexposed (default setting)

Underexposed ´ Standard ´ Overexposed

Overexposed ´ Standard ´ Underexposed

Standard ´ Overexposed ´ Underexposed

Exposure Bracketing is not available in the following situations.

• when p mode, or \ (Moving Object)/Z (Night Scene HDR)/Z (Pet)/ R (Kids) of H mode is set

• when Interval Shooting, Multi-exposure or HDR Capture is set

Cancel

Exposure Bracketing

±0.7

Shooting Functions

Press the four-way controller (5) in standby mode.

The Drive Mode setting screen appears.

Use the four-way controller (45) to select l.

Press the four-way controller (3),

Exposure Bracketing

and set the bracket value.

The value that can be set varies according to the step interval set in [1. EV Steps] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu. (p.96)

Available operations

Rear e-dial (S) to the right (y) Increases the bracket value.

Rear e-dial (S) to the left (f) Reduces the bracket value.

m button ´ Rear e-dial (S)

d button Resets the compensation value

Adjusts the EV compensation value (when taking pictures in either underor overexposed direction only).

to the default setting.

Cancel

±0.7

Press the 4 button.

The camera is ready to take a series of pictures.

Press the shutter release button halfway.

The EV compensation value is displayed in the status screen, viewfinder, and Live View screen when the subject comes into focus.

Press the shutter release button fully.

Press and hold the shutter release button until three pictures are taken. The pictures will be taken according to the order set in [6. Bracketing

Order] of the [A Custom Setting 1] menu.

Pentax K-500 Operating Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual