Sanyo VPC-AZ1, VPC-AZ1E User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Digital Camera

VPC-AZ1EX
VPC-AZ1E
VPC-AZ1

Important note

This manual explains how to safely operate the VPC-AZ1EX, VPC-AZ1E, and VPC-AZ1.
Any information regarding only one of these products will be labeled as such.

Please read these instructions carefully before using the digital camera. Make sure to read and
understand the section “USING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA SAFELY AND CORRECTLY” on pages 3
to 13. Keep this manual in a safe place for later reference.

TO PREVENT THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

FOR AMERICAN USERS

œ This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,

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

œ

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

œ

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

œ

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

œ

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

œ Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could

void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Tested To Comply With FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

Declaration of Conformity

Model Number : VPC-AZ1
Trade Name : SANYO
Responsible party : SANYO FISHER COMPANY
Address : 21605 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, California 91311
Telephone No. : [phone]

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:

(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause

undesired operation.

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English

FOR CANADIAN USERS

œ This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

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ii

BEFORE READING THE MANUAL

Microdrive and PowerPC are registered trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation.

Apple, Macintosh and QuickTime are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.
Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation and handed over to CFA (CompactFlash

Association).
All other company and product names are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective

owners.

Regarding the data storage media

œ This digital camera can use both CompactFlash and Microdrive cards for data storage. This

manual is written with the premise that CompactFlash cards are used. In this manual,
CompactFlash and Microdrive cards are both referred to as “card”.

Caution

œ It is forbidden to copy this manual, whole or in part, without prior written permission.
œ All images and illustrations given in this manual are for explanation purposes and may differ

slightly from that of the actual product. Also, actual specifications are subject to change without
prior notice and therefore may differ from the contents of this manual.

œ Sanyo Electric shall not be held responsible for any problems resulting from the use of this

digital camera.

œ Sanyo Electric declines all responsibility for damages due to improper use of the camera, failure

to adhere to the instructions given in this manual, or repairs or changes done by those other
than a technician authorized by the manufacturer.

œ Sanyo Electric shall not be held responsible for any damage caused by optional devices or

consumable items used with the digital camera other than those supplied with the digital
camera or those specified by Sanyo Electric.

œ Sanyo Electric shall not be held responsible for any losses or loss of revenue resulting from the

loss of data caused by the malfunction, or the repairing of a malfunction, of the digital camera.

œ The images captured with this camera will differ in quality from pictures taken with a standard

film camera.

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English

Symbols used in this manual

NOTE Points giving some extended instructions or special points to pay attention to.
HINT Points that may prove useful when using the digital camera.
HELP In case of a problem, this may help in certain situations.
[page xx] Refer to the page indicated in brackets for detailed information.

English

iv

CONTENTS

USING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA SAFELY AND CORRECTLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

CHECKING THE INCLUDED ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

PREPARATION

USING THE HAND-STRAP AND SOFT CASE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

QUICK START FOR CAPTURING IMAGES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

PARTS NAMES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

PREPARATION OF BATTERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

INSTALLING AND REMOVING THE CARDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

TURNING THE POWER ON/OFF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

DISPLAYING THE SETTING SCREEN AND OPTION SETTING SCREEN. . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

SHOOTING SETTING SCREENS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

PLAYBACK SETTING SCREEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

OPTION SETTING SCREEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

INFORMATION DISPLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

SETTING SCREEN BASIC OPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

SETTING THE DATE AND TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

REMAINING BATTERY CHARGE INDICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

CHECKING THE REMAINING NUMBER OF IMAGES, VIDEO RECORDING TIME, AND

AUDIO RECORDING TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

CONCERNING IMAGE AND AUDIO DATA STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

SHOOTING AND RECORDING

SETTING THE SHOOTING MODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

SETTING THE RESOLUTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

SETTING THE COMPRESSION RATIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

CAPTURING IMAGES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

SEQUENTIAL SHOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

VIDEO CLIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

USING THE AUTOFOCUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

USING THE VARIOUS SHOOTING FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

MONOCHROME PHOTOGRAPHY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

ADDING A VOICE MEMO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

PERFORMING AN AUDIO RECORDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

EXPOSURE CORRECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

SETTING THE EXPOSURE CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

SETTING QUICK SHOT (STILL IMAGE SHOOTING ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

SETTING THE ISO SENSITIVITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

SETTING THE WHITE BALANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

FLICKER REDUCTION SETTING (VIDEO CLIP SHOOTING ONLY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

SETTING THE ZOOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

SETTING THE NOISE REDUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

SETTING THE LIGHT MEASURING METHOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

SETTING THE FOCUS METHOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

SCENE SELECT FUNCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

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English

PLAYBACK DATA

SETTING THE PLAYBACK MODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

PLAYING BACK STILL IMAGES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

PLAYING BACK SEQUENTIAL SHOTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

PLAYING BACK VIDEO CLIPS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

ENLARGING (ZOOMING IN) THE IMAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

PLAYING BACK IMAGES ON A TV SET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

LISTENING TO AUDIO RECORDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

OTHER FUNCTIONS

ADDING A VOICE MEMO (ADD AUDIO FUNCTION) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

ENTERING TEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

RESIZING IMAGES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

IMAGE PROTECT MODE (PREVENTING ACCIDENTAL ERASURE). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

ERASING DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

COPYING IMAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

AUTO ROTATE PLAYBACK SETTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

REQUESTING PRINTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

REFORMATTING THE CARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

SETTING THE OPERATIONAL SOUNDS (BEEPS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

DISCHARGING THE BATTERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

CHANGING THE DISPLAY LANGUAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

SETTING THE TV SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

USING THE CAMERA WITH A COMPUTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

APPENDICES

TROUBLESHOOTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

SPECIFICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

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USING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA SAFELY AND
CORRECTLY

CONCERNING THE DIGITAL CAMERA
WARNING

■ If the digital camera makes a strange noise, emits a strange odor, or if
smoke comes out from it, immediately turn off the power and remove
the batteries

œ If the digital camera is used under these conditions, it may cause a fire

or electric shock. Immediately turn off the digital camera, remove the
batteries, and wait to make sure no more smoke comes from the digital
camera. Then take it to the dealer for service. Do not try to repair or
open the digital camera yourself.

■ Do not modify or open the cabinet

œ High voltage circuits are inside, and there is a high risk of fire or electric

shock if they are touched. Any internal check, setting, or repair should
be performed by the dealer.

■ Do not use while driving

œ Do not capture images, play back images, or watch the LCD monitor

while driving a vehicle. Doing so may cause an accident.

œ Be careful where you put down the digital camera inside an automobile.

During sudden stops or turns it may fall behind the brake pedal and
prevent braking.

œ When using the digital camera while walking, be very careful of your

surroundings and especially the traffic to avoid accidents.

■ Be aware of your surroundings when using the digital camera

œ Pay close attention to your surroundings when using the digital camera.

Failure to do so may lead to an accident or injury.

œ Do not use the digital camera inside an airplane or elsewhere where its

use may be restricted.

■ Do not get the digital camera wet

œ This digital camera is not water-resistant. Do not allow it to get wet for it

may cause a fire or electric shock.

œ Do not use the digital camera in a bathroom.
œ If the digital camera gets wet, immediately turn it off and remove the

batteries. Then take it to the dealer for repair. Using the digital camera
after it has been become wet may cause a fire, electric shock, or other
accident.

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WARNING

■ Do not use during a storm

œ To avoid the risk of being struck by lightning, do not use the digital

camera during a thunderstorm. In particular, if used in an open field,
you have an increased chance of being struck by lightning. Quickly
seek refuge in a place that will protect you from lightning.

■ Do not place on an unstable surface

œ The digital camera may fall, resulting in damage to the digital camera or

injury.

œ If the digital camera has fallen and its body is damaged, turn off the

digital camera, remove the batteries, and take it to the dealer for repair.
Using the digital camera after its body has been damaged may cause a
fire or electric shock.

■ Do not look through the digital camera into the sun

œ Do not look through the digital camera at the sun or any other strong

source of light. Doing so may seriously injure your eyes.

■ Do not use the flash close to a person’s face

œ To prevent possible eye injury, do not use the flash near a person’s

face (especially young children or babies). If the flash is used close to a
person’s opened eyes, there is a risk that it may damage that person’s
eyesight.

■ Do not use where there is risk of explosion

œ Do not use the digital camera in a location where there is explosive gas,

or any other flammable material in the air. Doing so may cause a fire or
an explosion.

■ Keep the digital camera out of the reach of children

œ The following may happen if children play with the digital camera:

œ

They may wrap the strap around their neck and suffocate.

œ

They may swallow the batteries or other small parts. In such a case,
consult a physician immediately.

œ

They may damage their eyesight if the flash goes off too close to their
eyes.

œ

They may get hurt by the digital camera.

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WARNING

■ Concerning the Batteries

Concerning the supplied nickel metal hydride batteries

œ Follow all the warnings indicated below to prevent the batteries from leaking, overheating,

exploding, catching fire, or becoming damaged.

œ

Use only the supplied battery charger for
recharging.

œ

Do not install with the polarities ((+) and
(–)) inverted.

œ

Do not heat the batteries or throw them in a
fire.

œ

Do not allow metal objects to touch the
terminals. Do not carry loose with
necklaces, hairpins, etc.

œ

Do not transform, open, or modify.

œ

Do not put in water or any liquid, or get the
terminals wet.

œ

Always stop the recharging after the
prescribed recharge time, even if the
batteries are not fully charged.

œ Operating and storage conditions

œ Temperature 0 to 40°C (charged)

0 to 50°C (discharged)
–20 to 30°C (storage)

œ

Do not remove or puncture the external
wrapping.

œ

Do not use if there is leaking, swelling,
elevated temperature, discoloration, or any
other abnormal condition.

œ

Keep out of the reach of children.

œ

Do not drop, hit, or submit the batteries to
strong shocks.

œ

Do not use recharged batteries together
with discharged batteries.

œ

Recharge and use two batteries at a time.

œ

Always recharge the batteries before using
them for the first time, or when using them
after they have been kept in storage for a
long time.

œ Humidity 45 to 85%

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English

General precautions

œ Use the nickel metal hydride batteries supplied with the digital camera. Manganese batteries

cannot be used, as they have a short battery life and may overheat, causing damage to the
digital camera.

œ Do not use a recharged battery together with a discharged battery. Do not use nickel metal

hydride batteries together with Ni-Cd batteries, or batteries of different types or different
brands at the same time.

œ Make sure not to invert the polarity ((+) and (–)) when installing the batteries. Install the

batteries as described by the indicated polarity.

œ Use of different types of batteries at the same time may generate heat or cause the batteries

to leak, resulting in fire, injury or burns, or damage to the digital camera and any other
nearby object.

œ Use only specified batteries. Use of batteries without protective casings or other inferior

products may cause a fire, injury, or burns.

œ The batteries may be warm immediately after the digital camera is used. If removing the

batteries, turn off the digital camera and allow the batteries to cool down before removing them.

œ If a battery is leaking and the electrolyte gets on your skin or clothing, immediately rinse with

clean water. If the electrolyte gets into your eyes, you risk losing your eyesight. Immediately
rinse your eyes with clean, running water, and seek medical attention right away.

œ Do not drop or hit the batteries, or submit them to strong shocks.
œ If the digital camera is not going to be used for a long period of time, remove

the batteries and store them in a cool place. (When the batteries are
removed for a long period, the time and date settings will be cleared.)

œ When disposing of the batteries, make sure to follow all applicable

regulations.

œ If used in temperatures below 10°C, the service life of the batteries will be

shorter than normal.

œ Always read the instruction manuals that may come with the batteries you

purchase before use.

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Concerning the digital camera
CAUTION

■ Cautions when carrying the digital camera

œ Do not walk around holding the digital camera by the hand-strap. It may hit

other objects and get damaged. When walking around, hold the digital camera
in your hand or place it in a pocket.

œ Be careful not to drop the digital camera or subject it to strong shocks.
œ Make sure direct sunlight does not hit the digital camera lens, as that may

damage the internal parts. When not using the digital camera, be sure to always
turn it off and keep the lens cover closed.

■ Cautions during use and storage

œ This digital camera is a precision instrument. When using or storing the digital

camera, make sure to avoid the following locations to avoid damage.

œ

Places in direct sunlight

œ

Places where humidity and temperature are high

œ

Places that may get wet

œ

Places close to an air conditioner or heater

œ

Inside a car

œ

Places where there is dust and dirt

œ

Places where there is a fire burning

œ

Places where volatile products are stored

œ

Places subject to vibrations

œ Temperature 0 to 40°C (operation) œ Humidity 30 to 90% (operation, no condensation)

–20 to 60°C (storage) 10 to 90% (storage, no condensation)

■ Cautions if the digital camera is not going to be used for a long period

œ For safety, remove the batteries. The batteries may generate heat or leak, and

that may start a fire, cause injuries or burns, and damage the digital camera
and any other objects placed nearby. (When the batteries are removed for a
long period, the time and date settings will be cleared.)

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English

Concerning the supplied battery charger
DANGER

Warning! Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
For indoor use only.

The appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without
supervision.
Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

■ Use with nickel metal hydride or Ni-Cd batteries

œ Do not use the supplied battery charger to recharge batteries other than the

rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries (HR-3USV, HR-3US or HR-4US,
supplied with the digital camera or sold separately) or Ni-Cd batteries (N-3US,
N-3U or N-4U, sold separately). Recharging a dry-cell battery or other type of
rechargeable battery may cause excess heat, combustion, or leakage, and
cause a fire, injuries, burns, or damage to nearby objects.

■ Do not invert the polarity ((+) and (–)) of the batteries

œ Place the batteries in the battery charger with the (+) and (–) terminals oriented

as indicated on the charger. If the batteries are placed with the wrong
orientation, they may leak, overheat, explode, or be damaged.

■ Use a 100 to 240 V AC power supply

œ If used with a power supply other than that specified, it may cause a fire or

electric shock.

■ Do not disassemble or modify the battery charger

œ It is dangerous to touch the inside of the battery charger. Doing so may cause a

fire or electric shock.

œ Do not use the battery charger as a direct current generator.

■ Do not get the battery charger wet

œ Make sure the battery charger does not get wet, for it may cause a fire or

electric shock.

œ Do not use the battery charger in a bathroom.
œ If the battery charger gets wet, immediately unplug it from the power outlet and

remove the batteries. Then contact the place of purchase. If used while wet, it
may cause a fire, electric shock, or an accident.

English

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WARNING

■ Cautions when plugging in the battery charger

œ Securely plug the power cord all the way in the power outlet when using the

battery charger. If the battery charger is used with the power cord not fully
plugged in, it may generate heat and cause a fire.

œ If the power cord is damaged, or cannot be correctly plugged into the power

outlet, do not use the battery charger. Using the battery charger in this condition
may cause a fire or electric shock.

œ Do not allow dust, etc., to build up on the power cord or power outlet. A build-up

of dust may cause a short circuit or generate heat and cause a fire.

■ Do not pull on the power cord to unplug it

œ When unplugging the power cord, be sure to hold the power plug and slowly

pull it out of the power outlet. Pulling the cord portion may damage the power
cord and cause a fire or electric shock.

■ Cautions concerning the power cord

œ Do not leave the power cord plugged into the power outlet while the other end

is not plugged into the battery charger. The loose end can cause electrocution if
touched with wet hands or if handled by children.

œ Only use the power cord supplied with the battery charger. If a different power

cord is used, it may be rated for a different current load, and that may cause a
fire.

œ The supplied power cord is for exclusive use with the supplied battery charger.

Do not use it with other devices for it may cause a fire or electric shock.

■ Keep the battery charger out of the reach of children

œ Children may place the batteries or other small components in their mouth or

perform some other such unforeseeable action. If swallowed, consult a
physician immediately.

■ If smoke or a strange odor is emitted, or if strange noises are heard,
immediately unplug the power cord from the power outlet

œ If the battery charger is used under these conditions, it may cause a fire or

electric shock.

œ If strange conditions such as these occur, immediately unplug the battery

charger, remove the batteries, and wait to make sure no more smoke is
emitted. Then contact the place of purchase. Do not try to repair or open the
battery charger yourself.

■ Do not handle with wet hands

œ Handling the battery charger with wet hands may cause an electric shock.

■ Do not use during a storm

œ Do not touch the battery charger or power cord while it is plugged into a power

outlet during a thunderstorm. Doing so may cause an electric shock.

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English

CAUTION

■ Unplug the power cord from the power outlet when finished

œ If the battery charger is left plugged into the power outlet for a long period of

time, there is a risk of fire.

■ Do not damage the power cord

œ Do not place heavy objects on the power cord. Do not place the power cord

near a heat source. Do not excessively bend the power cord, modify it, or
secure it with staples. Doing so may damage the power cord and cause a fire or
electric shock.

œ If the power cord is damaged, or if it does not plug properly into the battery

charger or wall outlet, contact the place of purchase.

■ Do not place on an unstable surface

œ It may fall down, causing injury or damage.
œ If the battery falls down and the charger body is damaged, remove the batteries

and contact the place of purchase. If used while damaged, it may cause a fire,
electric shock, or other damages.

■ Operating and storage conditions

œ Do not use close to a heat source (close to a stove or heater) or exposed to direct sunlight.

œ Temperature 0 to 40°C (charging)

–20 to 60°C (storage)

œ Humidity 45 to 85% (charging and

storage)

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10

Concerning the accessories
CAUTION

■ Cautions concerning the use of the AC adapter

œ Use only the separately sold AC adapter (model VAR-G4EX for the VPC-AZ1EX, model

VAR-G4E for the VPC-AZ1E and model VAR-G4U for the VPC-AZ1) with your digital camera.
Do not use an AC adapter other than the one indicated here, designed for specific use with
your digital camera.

œ If an AC adapter other than the specified one is used, it may damage the digital camera and

cause a fire or electric shock.

œ Normally when using an AC adapter, remove the batteries. Otherwise batteries may cause

excess heat, leakage, injuries or damage to nearby objects.

œ For complete information on how to use the AC adapter, refer to the instructions accompanying

the AC adapter.

■ Cautions concerning the CompactFlash and Microdrive

œ Immediately after use, the CompactFlash and Microdrive will be very hot. Before removing the

CompactFlash or Microdrive, turn off the digital camera and wait for the temperature to cool
down.

œ Keep out of the reach of children. Young children may put the media in their mouth and choke

or cause some other unexpected injury or accident.

For correct use of your digital camera

■ Cautions before capturing important images

œ Before capturing important images, make sure that the digital camera is operating properly

and in condition to capture the image properly.

œ Sanyo Electric shall not be held responsible for any losses that result from images that could

not be recorded, are erased, destroyed, or damaged in any way due to a problem with the
digital camera, any of its accessories, or its software.

■ Cautions concerning copyrights

œ The images you capture with your digital camera are for your own private use; any other use

may violate the rights of copyrights owners.

■ Cautions when cleaning the digital camera

œ Do not use benzene or thinner products to clean the digital camera. Doing so may cause

deformation, discoloration, or paint peeling. When using a chemically treated cloth, carefully
read its instructions and warnings.

œ Do not spray insecticides or volatile sprays on the digital camera. Do not leave rubber or vinyl

objects against the digital camera for a long period. They may cause deformation, discoloration,
or paint peeling.

Cleaning procedure

1 Turn off the digital camera and remove the batteries.
2 Remove the dirt with a soft cloth.
3 If the digital camera is extremely dirty, wipe with a soft cloth moistened with a mild

detergent diluted with water and wrung dry.

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■ Cautions concerning the nickel metal hydride batteries

œ Periodically clean with a dry cloth the terminals of the nickel metal hydride batteries ((+) and (–))

and the terminals located in the battery compartment of the digital camera.

œ Do not touch the battery terminals or the terminals in the battery compartment of the digital

camera with your bare hands. Doing so will allow contaminants from your hands to adhere to
the terminals and oxidize, increasing the contact resistance. If the contact resistance increases,
the usable life of the batteries will diminish.

■ Cautions when cleaning the lens

œ If the lens gets dirty, use a commercially available air blower or a cleaning cloth for

photographic equipment to clean it.

■ When not using the digital camera for a long period

œ Remove the batteries. However, when the batteries are removed for a long time, the digital

camera functions may begin to not work properly. Periodically reinstall the batteries and check
the digital camera functions.

œ If the batteries are left in the digital camera, a small amount of power is still used even if the

digital camera is turned off. If the nickel metal hydride batteries are left in the digital camera for
a long period, they may become completely discharged and lose their ability to be recharged
again.

■ Cautions concerning condensation

œ Using the digital camera with condensation inside it may damage the digital camera.

Be careful of condensation under the following conditions

œ When moving the digital camera suddenly from a cold place to a warm place.
œ When the ambient temperature changes drastically, such as when a heater is turned on to

quickly heat the room.

œ When the digital camera is placed in the path of cool air from an air conditioner.
œ When the digital camera is placed in a location of high humidity.

If condensation seems likely to form

œ Place the digital camera in a plastic bag and seal it, and then wait until the digital camera has

reached the ambient temperature.

■ Cautions concerning undesired interference

œ The digital camera may create undesired interference if used close to a television or radio. To

avoid this type of interference, make sure the cores on the supplied AV cable and USB
interface cable are not removed.

Core Core

Dedicated AV cable Dedicated USB interface cable

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12

■ Cautions concerning magnetism

œ Do not place credit cards, bank cards, floppy disks, or other items that may be damaged by

magnetic fields near the speaker. Data may be lost or the magnetic strips on cards may be
damaged.

Speaker

■ Cautions concerning data storage

œ It is recommended that any important data be copied onto a separate media (such as a hard

disk, MO disk, or CD-R disk).

œ Stored data may be lost (or corrupted) in cases such as those listed below. Sanyo Electric will

not be held responsible for any damage or lost profits arising from the loss of data.

œ

If the CompactFlash or Microdrive card is used incorrectly.

œ

If the CompactFlash or Microdrive card is not inserted correctly into the digital camera.

œ

If the CompactFlash or Microdrive card is subjected to electrical or mechanical shocks or other
forces.

œ

If the CompactFlash or Microdrive card is removed from the digital camera or if the digital
camera is turned off during reading or writing operations.

œ

If the CompactFlash or Microdrive card has reached the end of its usable life.

■ Cautions when handling the CompactFlash or Microdrive

œ The CompactFlash and Microdrive cards are precision devices. Do not bend, drop, or subject

them to strong forces or shocks. Be especially careful with the Microdrive for it is easily
damaged by vibrations.

œ Avoid using or storing the CompactFlash and Microdrive cards in places with extremely high or

low temperatures, subject to direct sunlight, in a completely closed vehicle, near air conditioners
or heaters, or in humid or dusty locations.

œ Avoid using or storing the CompactFlash and Microdrive cards in locations where strong static

electrical charges or electrical noise can be easily generated.

œ Do not allow the edges of the CompactFlash and Microdrive cards to become contaminated

with foreign materials. Gently wipe away any contamination with a soft, dry cloth.

œ When not using the CompactFlash and Microdrive cards, put them back into their protective

covers to protect them from damage due to static electricity.

œ Do not carry the CompactFlash and Microdrive cards inside trouser pockets, as the cards may

become damaged when you sit down or make other movements that may apply forces.

œ Before using an unused card, be sure to format it using the digital camera (see page 124).
œ When buying separately sold or commercially available products, carefully read the instructions

and warnings that come with them.

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CHECKING THE INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

Open the box and check that all the accessories listed below are included. The page numbers
listed next to the part names are the page numbers where that part is explained in detail.

œ Hand-strap [page 15] œ CompactFlash

(16MB) and
protective case

œ Soft case [page 15] œ 4 AA nickel metal

hydride
rechargeable
batteries [page 23]

œ Nickel metal

hydride battery
charger and power
cord [page 23]

œ Dedicated AV cable:

1

[page 106]

œ Dedicated USB

interface cable: 1

[page 129]

œ Software: 1 CD-ROM

[page 129]

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14

USING THE HAND-STRAP AND SOFT CASE

Attach the supplied hand-strap to the digital camera to aid in carrying. Also, when you are not
using the digital camera, put it in the soft case for protection.

Attaching the hand-strap

Bend the looped extremity of the strap and slip it through the strap holder on the digital camera.

Using the soft case

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Media cards that can be used with this digital
camera

This digital camera stores the captured images and recorded voice memos on the storage media
card inserted inside the digital camera. The number of images and amount of recording time that
can be stored on one card depends on the capacity of the card used and the recording conditions.

The types of card that can be inserted into and used with this digital camera are given below.

œ CompactFlash
œ Microdrive

There are special precautions that must be followed when using Microdrive cards. Before
using Microdrive cards, carefully read “Cautions when using the Microdrive” (see page 137).

The use of “card” in this manual

œ In this manual, CompactFlash and Microdrive cards that can be used in this digital camera are

referred to as “card”.

œ The cards in the illustrations in this manual are CompactFlash cards, but all installation,

removal, and formatting procedures are the same for both the CompactFlash and Microdrive
cards.

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16

QUICK START FOR CAPTURING IMAGES

Now that you have purchased a new digital camera, it is time to try and capture some images and
then view them with the LCD monitor. Although your digital camera is packed with many useful
and convenient functions, here is a simple explanation of how to capture and view images.
Afterward, carefully read the rest of this manual to get the most out of your digital camera.

Recharging the batteries (see page 23)

Recharge the supplied batteries before use.

Insert the two supplied batteries in the outside sockets

1

and recharge them.

œ Make sure the batteries are inserted with the polarity

((+), (–)) as indicated on the battery charger.

œ During recharge, the recharge indicator on the battery

charger will light.

œ When the batteries are recharged, the indicator will go

off.

œ The recharge time for the supplied two nickel metal

hydride AA batteries (HR-3USV) is approx. 115 minutes.

Caution!

First recharge the supplied batteries. Do not recharge other
batteries with the supplied battery charger. To ensure safety,
read “Concerning the batteries” on page 5 and “Concerning
the supplied battery charger” on page 8.

Recharge
indicator

To power outlet

Supplied
power cord

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Remove the batteries from the battery charger.

2

œ When finished (the recharge indicator turns off), unplug

the power cord from the power outlet and remove the
batteries.

Recharge
indicator

Installing the batteries and card (see pages 26, 27)

Insert the batteries.

3

œ Use the batteries recharged in step 1 above.
œ Make sure the polarity ((+) and (–)) of the batteries is as

indicated in the battery compartment.

1 Open battery compartment cover on the digital camera

bottom.

2 Insert the batteries.
3 Close the battery compartment cover.
4 Push the cover in the direction shown by the arrow until it

clicks.

Insert the card.

4

œ Make sure not to insert the card with it facing the wrong

direction.

1 Open the card slot cover.
2 Insert the card all the way.
3 Fold down the eject button.
4 Close the card slot cover.

œ After installing the card, be sure to first format it with the

digital camera (see page 124).

Card
slot
cover

Eject
button

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18

Capturing images (see page 60)

Now that preparation is completed, your digital camera is ready to capture images. Here we will
capture still images, but your digital camera can take sequential shots and even video clips.

MONITOR OFF

Set the main switch to Õ.

5

Turn the selector dial to v.

6

Press the power button.

7

œ The power turns on.
œ The lens extends.
œ When the stand-by indicator lights green, the camera is

ready to capture an image.

Main switch

Lens

Selector dial

Power
button

Point the camera lens at the subject.

8

œ Compose the desired image by looking at the LCD monitor.

Press the shutter release button halfway (focus-lock).

9

œ The autofocus locks on the subject and the image in the

LCD monitor appears clearly.

10

Continue to gently press the shutter release button all
the way.

œ The image is captured.
œ In the still image shooting mode, you can view the image captured on the LCD monitor by

holding the shutter release button down.

œ The stand-by indicator will flash red while the image is being written to the memory.

Another image can only be captured when the stand-by indicator lights green again.

œ In the still image shooting mode, the camera is ready for capturing the next image after

about 1 second.

HELP
What if the digital camera turns off by itself

œ The power save function activated (see page 30). To turn the power on, press the MODE

button once or press the shutter release button once.

Stand-by
indicator

LCD

MODE

monitor

button

Push halfway

Push completely

Shutter
release
button

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Viewing the image (see pages 96, 98)

Now let’s take a look at the images you’ve captured.

11

Set the main switch to Ô.

œ The image you captured shows up in the LCD monitor.
œ Press d or c on the arrow button to display the images

stored before and after the current image.

12

When finished, press the power button to turn it off.

œ Your digital camera turns off.

How was it? Did everything turn out fine?

Of course what you have performed here is just a fraction of the many functions your digital
camera is loaded with. But before you continue using your digital camera any further, be sure to
read this instruction manual carefully.

Arrow button

MONITOR OFF

Main switch

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PARTS NAMES

The page numbers listed next to the part names are the page numbers where that part is
explained in detail.

Front

Shutter
release button

[pages 30, 60, 61]

Battery
compartment
cover [page 26]

Power button [pages 26 to 30]

Self-timer indicator [page 75]

Main switch

Flash [page 73]

Viewfinder [page 60]

Microphone [pages 78, 110]

Tripod stand hole

[page 75]

Speaker

œ For listening

to sound
recordings

Lens [pages 29, 30]

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Terminal cover [pages 106, 129]

DC IN (external DC power input)
terminal

DIGITAL/AV terminal [pages 106, 129]

Used as both the USB connector and
AV output terminal.

Rear

Stand-by indicator

[pages 29, 61, 74]

Viewfinder

[page 61]

Arrow button [page 45]

Accessing indicator [page 28]

Flash button

[page 73]

Jog dial

[pages 45, 98, 105]

MACRO [£/¿] button [page 72]

MODE button [page 32]

SET button

Zoom switch

[pages 72, 76, 101 to 103, 105]

Selector dial [page 31]

LCD monitor

[pages 33, 61, 98]

Hand-strap holder

[page 15]

Card slot cover

[pages 27, 28]

During use, the area around the LCD monitor may become warm. This is

*

normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

When viewing the LCD monitor, you may see some missing pixels (seen as

*

black and white dots). This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Indications in the viewfinder

Autofocus mark [page 60]

Stand-by indicator (red/green) [pages 29, 60, 74]
Red flashing: When capturing an image,

Red steady: When the memory is full (image

Green flashing: When using the exposure

Green steady: Image and sound can be

recording sound, charging the
flash, storing an image or sound
recording (image or sound
cannot be recorded), or
recording using the self-timer

or sound cannot be recorded)
[page 130]

correction or digital zoom
functions (image and sound can
be recorded) [pages 76, 81]

recorded, or when connected to
a PC

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22

PREPARATION OF BATTERIES

Use the supplied (or sold separately) AA nickel metal hydride batteries to power the digital
camera. You can also use AA Ni-Cd batteries, but they will not last as long as the AA nickel metal
hydride rechargeable batteries. However, if you do not have access to these batteries, you may
use alkaline batteries and capture images. Also note that the duration of operation provided by the
alkaline batteries will be very short.

CAUTION

œ Manganese batteries cannot be used, as they have an extremely short battery life and may

overheat and damage the digital camera.

œ For your safety, read “Concerning the batteries” on page 5 and “Concerning the supplied

battery charger” on page 8 before handling the batteries.

Recharging nickel metal hydride batteries

Make sure to completely recharge the supplied nickel metal hydride batteries before use. Use only
the supplied battery charger to recharge the batteries. This battery charger can be used for both
nickel metal hydride batteries (AA HR-3USV [supplied with the camera] or HR-3US, AAA
HR-4US) and Ni-Cd batteries (AA N-3US or N-3U, AAA N-4U). Before using the batteries for the
first time or when the batteries remaining charge is low (see “REMAINING BATTERY CHARGE
INDICATION” on page 48), follow the steps below to recharge them.

Insert two batteries in the outside sockets of the battery charger.

1

œ Make sure the polarity ((+), (–)) of the batteries is as indicated on the charger.

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English

Insert the power cord into the socket on the battery

2

charger.

Recharge
indicator

To power outlet

Supplied
power cord

Plug the power cord into a power outlet (AC 100 to 240 V).

3

œ Recharge will start automatically.
œ During recharge, the recharge indicator on the battery charger will light.
œ When discharged batteries are inserted, the indicator may flash. When it changes to a

continuously lit indicator, battery recharge is proceeding normally.

œ When the batteries are fully recharged, the recharge indicator goes out.

Recharge time of the supplied nickel metal hydride batteries:

approx. 115 minutes for one or two batteries, and approx. 210 minutes for three or four
batteries.

When finished (the recharge indicator turns off),

4

unplug the power cord from the power outlet.

Remove the batteries from the battery charger.

5

Recharge
indicator

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24

PREPARATION OF BATTERIES

Using the nickel metal hydride batteries
properly

œ Periodically clean with a dry cloth the terminals of the nickel metal hydride batteries ((+)

and (–)) and the terminals located in the battery compartment of the digital camera.

Do not touch the battery terminals or the terminals in the battery compartment of the digital
camera with your bare hands. Doing so will allow contaminants from your hands to adhere to
the terminals and oxidize and increase the contact resistance. If the contact resistance
increases, the usable life of the batteries will diminish.

œ If you repeatedly remove the nickel metal hydride batteries before they run out and recharge

them, or place them into the digital camera before they are fully recharged, then a “memory
effect”* may occur.

œ Your digital camera is designed to handle the effects from voltage fluctuations caused by the

“memory effect” of nickel metal hydride batteries. Nevertheless, there are times when the

remaining charge indicator may show èç or êç earlier than usual.

œ If any symptoms such as these occur, first discharge the batteries completely (see page 126)

and then recharge them until they are fully charged again.

* Memory effect

Memory effect is a phenomenon where the battery performance temporarily lowers. In general,
the battery voltage during use drops below its normal voltage until it is fully discharged and
recharged again.

NOTE

œ New batteries must be recharged before they are first used.
œ Even if recharged batteries are stored and not used, they will slowly lose their charge. They

must be recharged before they are used again.

œ If the batteries are used for the first time or if they have not been used for a long time, they may

not be recharged completely even when the recharge indicator goes off. The batteries will
return to normal after they have been used and recharged two or three times.

œ The batteries may have reached the end of their service life if the recharge indicator keeps on

flashing even if the batteries have been inserted correctly, or if they overheat while being
recharged. However, if the same conditions appear with new batteries, or if the recharge
indicator does not go off after the normal time required, it may indicate a problem of the battery
charger. In such a case, stop using it immediately and take it to the dealer for service.

œ Recharge two batteries at the same time.
œ During recharging, the battery charger and batteries will be warm. This is normal and does not

indicate a malfunction.

œ During recharging, the battery charger may create interference with a radio or TV. In such a

case, make sure to plug the battery charger into a power outlet on a circuit different from the
one of the radio or TV.

œ It is recommended that the ambient temperature during battery recharging be within the range

of 10 to 40°C. At temperatures below 10°C, due to the characteristics of the batteries, they may
not become adequately charged.

œ The two inner slots of the battery charger accept both AA and AAA batteries. A maximum of

four AA batteries, or two AA and 2 AAA batteries can be recharged at the same time. (You can
also recharge two AAA batteries only.)

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