SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-P31, CYBER-SHOT DSC-P51, CYBER-SHOT DSC-P71 User Manual

Digital Still Camera

Operating Instructions

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. DSC-P71/P51/P31

Serial No.

DSC-P71/P51/P31

3-074-351-15(1)

Getting started _______________________

Shooting still images _________________

Viewing still images __________________

Deleting still images __________________

Copying still images to your computer ________

Before advanced operations ____________

Advanced still image shooting___________

Advanced still image viewing____________

Still image editting ___________________

Enjoying movies_______________________

Troubleshooting _______________________

Additional information __________________

Index

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

For the Customers in the U.S.A.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

If you have any questions about this product, you may call:

Sony Customer Information Services Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669)

The number below is for the FCC related matters only.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name:	SONY
Model No.:	DSC-P71
Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc.
Address:	680 Kinderkamack
	Road, Oradell, NJ
	07649 USA
Telephone No.:	201-930-6972

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.

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name:	SONY
Model No.:	DSC-P51, DSC-P31
Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc.
Address:	680 Kinderkamack
	Road, Oradell, NJ
	07649 USA
Telephone No.:	201-930-6972

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.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Note:

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

—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. —Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.

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

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

The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

For the Customers in the U.S.A.

and Canada

RECYCLING NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE BATTERIES

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries are recyclable.

You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the

collection and recycling location nearest you.

For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-8837, or

visit http://www.rbrc.org/

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Nickel Metal Hydride batteries.

CAUTION

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THIS POLARIZED AC PLUG WITH AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE OR OTHER OUTLET UNLESS THE BLADES CAN BE FULLY INSERTED TO PREVENT BLADE EXPOSURE.

NOTICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety and convenience.

Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a 5 AMP fuse approved by ASTA or BSI to BS 1362, (i.e. marked with or mark) must be used.

If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station.

For the Customers in Germany

Directive:EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, 92/31/EEC

This equipment complies with the EMC regulations when used under the following circumstances:

•Residential area

•Business district

•Light-industry district

(This equipment complies with the EMC standard regulations EN55022 Class B.)

Attention for the Customers in Europe

This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits sets out on the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters.

Attention

The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this camera.

“Memory Stick”

N50

For the Customers in the U.S.A.

and Canada

THIS CLASS B DIGITAL DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES AND THE CANADIAN ICES-003 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.

Notice

If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the USB cable again.

Trademarks

•“Memory Stick,” , “MagicGate Memory

Stick,” and , are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

•“MagicGate” and are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

•Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the U.S. Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

•Macintosh, Mac OS, and QuickTime, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

•In addition, system and product names used in this manual are, in general, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective developers or manufacturers. However, the ™ or ® marks are not used in all cases in this manual.

Before using your camera

Trial recording

Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camera is working correctly.

No compensation for contents of the recording

Contents of the recording cannot be compensated for if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of your camera or recording medium, etc.

Notes on image data compatibility

•This camera conforms with the Design Rules for Camera File Systems universal standard established by the JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association).

•Playback of images recorded with your camera on other equipment and playback of images recorded or edited with other equipment on your camera are not guaranteed.

Precaution on copyright

Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the copyright laws.

Do not shake or strike the camera

In addition to malfunctions and inability to record images, this may render the “Memory Stick” unusable or image data breakdown, damage or loss may occur.

LCD screen, LCD finder (only models with a LCD finder) and lens

•The LCD screen and the LCD finder are manufactured using extremely highprecision technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen and the LCD finder. These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way.

•Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause malfunctions.

Do not get the camera wet

When taking pictures outdoors in the rain or under similar conditions, be careful not to get the camera wet. If moisture condensation occurs, see page 99 and follow the instructions on how to remove it before using the camera.

The auto zoom lens (for the DSC-P71 only)

This camera is equipped with an auto zoom lens. Be careful not to bump the lens, and be careful not to apply force to it.

On illustrations

Illustrations used in this manual are of the DSCP71 unless noted otherwise.

The pictures used in this manual

The photographs used as examples of pictures in this manual are reproduced images, and are not actual images shot using this camera.

Do not aim the camera at the sun or other bright light

This may cause irrecoverable damage to your eyes.

Back up recommendation

To avoid the potential risk of data loss, always copy (back up) data to a disk.

Table of contents

Before using your camera .........................	5
Identifying the parts ..................................	8
Getting started
Preparing batteries ..................................	14
Charging the batteries .............................	14
Inserting the batteries..............................	17
Using an external power source..............	19
Using your camera abroad ......................	19
Turning on/off your camera ....................	20
How to use the control button.................	20
Setting the date and time.........................	21

Shooting with the date and time
inserted ...........................................	32
Shooting according to scene conditions
(SCENE SELECTION) .................	34
Viewing still images
Viewing images on the LCD screen of your
camera ............................................	36
Viewing single images .......................	36
Viewing Index
(nineor triple-image display) .......	37
Viewing images on a TV screen.............	38

Shooting still images		Deleting still images
Inserting and removing a		Deleting images ......................................	39
“Memory Stick” .............................	23	Deleting on the Index (nine-image)
Deciding the still image size and		screen .............................................	40
quality.............................................	24	Deleting on the Index (triple-image)
Basic still image shooting (using auto		screen .............................................	41
adjustment mode) ...........................	26	Formatting a “Memory Stick” ................	43
Checking the last shot image (Quick
Review) ..........................................	27
Using the zoom feature.......................	28
Shooting close-ups (Macro)
(DSC-P71 only)..............................	28
Using the self-timer ............................	29
Selecting a flash mode........................	30
Shooting with the finder .....................	32

Copying still images to your computer

Copying still images to your computer ...	44
1Installing the USB driver ..................	45
2Preparing your camera ......................	46
3Connecting your camera to your
computer ........................................	47
4Copying images ................................	48
When a removable disk icon is not
shown..............................................	49
Copying images
(for Windows XP users) ................	49
Image file storage destinations and file
names ..............................................	51
5Viewing the images on your
computer .........................................	53
For Macintosh users ................................	54

Before advanced operations

How to setup and operate your camera ...	55
Changing menu settings......................	55
Changing items in the SET UP
screen ..............................................	55
Advanced still image
shooting
Adjusting the exposure (EV adjustment) 56
Adjusting color tones
(WHITE BALANCE).....................	57
Choosing a focus method
(MULTI AF/CENTER AF) ............	58
Setting the distance to the subject
(Focus preset) .................................	60
Adding special effects (P. EFFECT).......	60
Spot light-metering..................................	61
Shooting multiple frames
(CLIP MOTION)............................	62
Shooting in Multi Burst mode
(MULTI BURST) ...........................	64
Shooting still images for e-mail
(E-MAIL)........................................	65

Advanced still image viewing

Enlarging a portion of a still image ........	66
Enlarging an image – Playback zoom 66
Recording an enlarged image –
Trimming........................................	67
Playing back successive images
(SLIDE SHOW) .............................	67
Rotating still images (ROTATE)............	68
Still image editting
Protecting images (PROTECT) ..............	69
For single images................................	69
For Index (nine-image) screen............	69
For Index (triple-image) screen ..........	70
Changing image size (RESIZE)..............	71
Choosing images to print (PRINT).........	72
For single images................................	72
For index (nine-image) screen............	72
For index (triple-image) screen ..........	73
Enjoying movies
Shooting movies .....................................	74
Viewing movies on the LCD screen.......	75
Deleting movies ......................................	76
Deleting on the single screen..............	76
Deleting on the Index (nine-image)
screen..............................................	76

Deleting on the Index (triple-image)
screen ..............................................	77
Editing movies.........................................	78
Cutting movies ....................................	78
Deleting unnecessary portions of a
movie ..............................................	79
Copying movies to your computer ..........	80
For Windows 98, 98SE, 2000, Me
users ................................................	80
For Windows XP users .......................	80
For Macintosh users ............................	81
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting ......................................	82
Warnings and messages ..........................	89
Self-Diagnostics Display.........................	90
Additional information
The number of images that can be saved/
shooting time...................................	91
Menu items ..............................................	92
SET UP items ..........................................	97
Precautions ..............................................	99
The “Memory Stick” .............................	100
The nickel hydride batteries ..................	100
Specifications ........................................	101
The LCD screen ....................................	103
Index......................................................	106

Identifying the parts (DSC-P71)

Attaching the strap

A POWER ON/OFF lamp (20) B POWER button (20)

C Shutter button (26) D Flash (30)

ESelf-timer lamp (29)/ AF illuminator (31, 97)

F Finder window

G Lens

HTripod receptacle (bottom surface)

1
2
3	6

•Use a tripod with a screw length of less than 5.5mm (7/32 inch). You will be unable to firmly secure the camera to tripods having longer screws, and may damage the camera.

4 5 6

A Finder

Self-timer/recording lamp (red)

AE/AF lock lamp

(green)

Flash charge lamp (orange) (30)

BDISPLAY/LCD ON/OFF button

(32)

C MENU button (24)

D VIDEO OUT jack (38)

E Jack cover

F USB jack (47)

qs qd qf

GControl button

(Menu on) (v/V/b/B/z) (20)/

(Menu off) ( /7/) (27, 29, 30)

HRESET button (bottom surface)

(82)

I LCD screen

J DC IN jack cover (19)

K DC IN jack (19)

LMode dial (21)

: To shoot still images

: To view or edit images

: To shoot movies /Clip Motion images/Multi Burst mode images SET UP: To set the SET UP items SCN: To shoot in the SCENE SELECTION mode

M Zoom button (for shooting) (28)/ Index button (for viewing) (37)

N Wrist strap hook O Open lever

P Battery cover

Q “Memory Stick” cover R Access lamp (23)

Identifying the parts (continued) (DSC-P51)

Attaching the strap

A POWER ON/OFF lamp (20) B POWER button (20)

C Shutter button (26) D Flash (30)

ESelf-timer lamp (29)/ AF illuminator (31, 97)

F Finder window

G Lens

HTripod receptacle (bottom surface)

1
2
3	6

•Use a tripod with a screw length of less than 5.5mm (7/32 inch). You will be unable to firmly secure the camera to tripods having longer screws, and may damage the camera.

A POWER SAVE switch

BDISPLAY/LCD ON/OFF button

(32)

C Finder

Self-timer/recording lamp (red)

AE/AF lock lamp

(green)

Flash charge lamp (orange) (30)

D MENU button (24)

E VIDEO OUT jack (38)

F Jack cover

G USB jack (47)

qs qd qf

qk ql

HControl button

(Menu on) (v/V/b/B/z) (20)/ (Menu off) ( 7/ ) (27, 29, 30, 61)

I RESET button (buttom surface)

(82)

J LCD screen

K DC IN jack cover (19)

L Mode dial (21)

: To shoot still images

: To view or edit images

: To shoot movies /Clip Motion images/Multi Burst mode images SET UP: To set the SET UP items SCN: To shoot in the SCENE SELECTION mode

M Zoom button (for shooting) (28)/ Index button (for viewing) (37)

N Wrist strap hook O Open lever

P Battery cover

Q “Memory Stick” cover R Access lamp (23)

S DC IN jack (19)

Identifying the parts (continued) (DSC-P31)

Attaching the strap

A POWER ON/OFF lamp (20) B POWER button (20)

C Shutter button (26) D Flash (30)

ESelf-timer lamp (29)/ AF illuminator (31, 97)

F Finder window

G Lens

HTripod receptacle (bottom surface)

1
2
3	5
	6

•Use a tripod with a screw length of less than 5.5mm (7/32 inch). You will be unable to firmly secure the camera to tripods having longer screws, and may damage the camera.

A POWER SAVE switch

BDISPLAY/LCD ON/OFF button

(32)

C Finder

Self-timer/recording lamp (red)

AE/AF lock lamp

(green)

Flash charge lamp (orange) (30)

D MENU button (24)

E Jack cover

F USB jack (47)

G VIDEO OUT jack (38)

qs qd qf

qk ql

HControl button

(Menu on) (v/V/b/B/z) (20)/ (Menu off) ( 7/ ) (27, 29, 30, 61)

I RESET button (buttom surface)

(82)

J LCD screen

K DC IN jack cover (19)

L Mode dial (21)

: To shoot still images

: To view or edit images

: To shoot movies /Clip Motion images/Multi Burst mode images SET UP: To set the SET UP items SCN: To shoot in the SCENE SELECTION mode

M Zoom button (for shooting) (28)/ Index button (for viewing) (37)

N Wrist strap hook O Open lever

P Battery cover

Q “Memory Stick” cover R Access lamp (23)

S DC IN jack (19)

Preparing batteries

Use the following batteries in this camera.

Acceptable batteries

R6 (size AA) Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries (2)

–NH-AA-DI (2) (supplied)

–NH-AA-2DI twin-pack (not supplied)

Batteries that cannot be used

Manganese batteries, lithium batteries, nicad batteries, alkaline batteries*

*Alkaline batteries cannot be used with the DSC-P71.

*Alkaline batteries can be used with the DSCP31. When alkaline batteries are used, take note of the following information.

•There is a big difference in the performance of batteries of different types and of batteries made by different manufacturers. This is especially true in low temperatures, where some batteries are noticeably weaker.

You may not be able to shoot in temperatures below +5°C (41°F).

•The battery remaining indicator may not display the correct information.

Getting started

Charging the batteries

BC-CS1 (supplied)

Insert with the cor-

1 rect polarity +/−

,Insert Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries into the charger (supplied).

•Be sure to charge the Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries supplied with your camera before using them.

•Be sure to charge the batteries in an environment where the ambient temperature is 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F). If the batteries are charged in an environment where the temperature is outside that range, the batteries may not charge efficiently.

•Connect the battery charger to an easily accessible wall outlet (mains) close by. If something goes wrong while you are using the charger, immediately shut off the power by pulling the plug out of the wall outlet.

	To the wall outlet	Power cord
	(mains)
		(mains lead)

Charge lamp

,Connect the charger to a wall outlet (mains) using the power cord (mains lead).

Charging starts, and the charge lamp lights. When the charge lamp goes out, charging is finished.

•When charging is finished, disconnect the power cord (mains lead) from the wall outlet (mains), and remove the Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries from the charger.

•When transporting the Nickel-Metal Hydride

batteries, be sure to use the battery case (supplied). If the +/−metal terminals are

shorted, there is a possibility of danger from excessive heat or fire.

Charging the Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries

•If the poles of the Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries are dirty, the batteries may not charge properly. Occasionally clean the poles of the batteries and the terminals of the charger by wiping them with a dry cloth.

•At the time of purchase, or when the NickelMetal Hydride batteries haven’t been used for a long time, they may not fully charge. This is typical of this type of battery, and is not a malfunction. If this happens, repeatedly using up the battery fully, and then recharging it, should correct the problem.

•Even when Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries are not being used they loose their charge naturally over time. It is recommended that you recharge the batteries just before using them.

•If you recharge Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries before fully using up the existing charge, the so-called memory effect* can occur, and the low battery warning will be triggered sooner than expected. Charging the battery after fully depleting the existing charge should correct the problem.

*The “memory effect” – the situation in which a battery temporarily accepts a less than full charge.

•To use up the batteries completely, put the camera in the slide show mode and leave it that way until the batteries are used up (page 67).

Precautions to be observed when charging the batteries

•Do not charge any other batteries except Sony Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries in the charger supplied with your camera. If you try to charge any other type of battery (e.g., manganese batteries, alkaline dry cells, or one-time lithium batteries) than the batteries specified, those batteries may leak, overheat, or explode, causing the danger of burns or other injuries.

•Be sure to charge both Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries at the same time.

•When the batteries are charged, use them only in an environment where the temperature range is 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F). Otherwise, there is a danger of leaks, explosions, excessive heat, fire, or electric shock.

•Do not charge fully charged Nickel Metal Hydride batteries again. Otherwise, there is a danger of leaks, explosions, excessive heat, fire, or electric shock.

•Do not peel off the external seals or damage the batteries. Never use batteries from which the seals have been partially or completely removed, or batteries that have been split in any way.

•If you charge high-capacity batteries other than the supplied Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries, using the supplied BC-CS1 charger, they might not be charged to the extent the display indicators.

Charging time

Nickel-Metal	Charging time
Hydride battery

NH-AA-DI × 2	Approx. 13
(supplied)	hours

This represents the time required to charge fully depleted Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries using the supplied BC-CS1 charger in an environment where the ambient temperature is 25°C (77°F).

•Charging is complete in approximately 13 hours. The charge lamp may remain lit longer than 13 hours, but this is not a malfunction.

•Do not disconnect the battery charger’s power cord (mains lead) or remove the batteries from the charger before the batteries are fully charged. If the charging process is interrupted before the batteries are fully charged, and then the same batteries are charged for the full 13 hours, this may cause the “memory effect” to occur, or may cause deterioration in the performance of the batteries.

•If you use the ACC-CSNQ STAMINA “Super Quick charge” kit (not supplied), the batteries will charge faster.

started Getting

Charging the Nickel-Metal hydride batteries (continued)

Battery remaining indicator

As the battery power decreases with use, the Battery remaining indicator displays the amount of power remaining using the following symbols.

Battery					Battery remaining
remaining					guidelines
indicator					(A full charge is 100%)

					Sufficient power
					Sufficient power
					remaining

					Battery half full

					Battery low, recording/
					playback will stop soon.

					Change the batteries for
					Change the batteries for
					fully charged ones, or
					charge these batteries.
					charge these batteries.

Flashing

•If the LCD screen is off, press the DISPLAY/ LCD ON/OFF button to turn it on.

•Based on the conditions under which the camera is being used and the state of the charge, or on the environment, this information may not be correctly indicated.

•When the AC adaptor is being used, the Remaining battery information is not displayed.

The POWER SAVE function

When the POWER SAVE function is set to ON, you can shoot for a longer period of time.

DSC-P71

Turn the Mode dial to SET UP, and set [POWER SAVE] in SETUP 2 to [ON]. The factory setting of the camera is set to [ON] (page 98).

DSC-P51/P31

Set the POWER SAVE switch to ON. When the camera is shipped from the factory, this switch is set to ON.

When the POWER SAVE function is ON

•The LCD screen will be darker than it is when POWER SAVE is set to OFF. You cannot change the settings for [LCD BACKLIGHT] at this time (page 98). To make the available shooting time even longer, it is recommended that you turn off the LCD screen and use the Finder to do your shooting (page 32).

•In Flash mode, the (No flash) is displayed. If you want to shoot using the flash, press v ( ) on the control button, and select (forced flash) or Auto (page 30).

•When the power turns on, the Flash mode is normally set to (No flash).

•When the flash is charging ( the Flash charge lamp blinks), the LCD screen turns

off.

•In shooting still images, the focus only focuses when the shutter is pushed down halfway.

Inserting the batteries






1			2
, Open the Battery cover.			, Insert the batteries.
Slide it in the direction of the arrow, and it			Match the +/− poles of the batteries to the +/
opens out.			− marks inside the battery case.
			• Occasionally clean the poles of the batteries
			and the terminals of the Battery cover by
			wiping them with a dry cloth. If the poles of the
			batteries or the terminals become covered with
			a film of dirt or oil from the skin, the operating
			time of the camera can be greatly reduced.

started Getting

, Close the Battery cover.

Close the Battery cover while holding the batteries in. The cover is closed when it clicks.

To remove the batteries

Stand the camera on end, open the Battery cover upward, then remove the batteries.

•Make sure you don’t drop the batteries when opening or closing the Battery cover.

Inserting the batteries (continued)

Battery life and the number of images that can be recorded/ played back

The tables show approximate guidelines for the length of time the camera can be used when you shoot in Normal mode in an environment where the ambient temperature is 25°C (77°F), and the batteries are fully charged. The guidelines for the number of images that can be recorded or played back allow for changing the supplied “Memory Stick” as necessary. Actual results may differ slightly from these, depending on the conditions of use.

Shooting still images

Under the average conditions*1)

	NH-AA-DI (2) (supplied)
Image size	No. of	Battery life
	images	(min.)
DSC-P71	Approx. 230	Approx. 115
2048×1536	Approx. 230	Approx. 115
2048×1536
DSC-P51	Approx. 280	Approx. 140
1600×1200	Approx. 280	Approx. 140
1600×1200
DSC-P31	Approx. 280	Approx. 140
1600×1200	Approx. 280	Approx. 140
1600×1200

*1) Shooting under the following conditions:

–The image quality is set to [FINE].

–The LCD screen is set to ON.

–Shooting one image every 30 seconds.

–Alternatively pressing the zoom W and T buttons fully for each shot.

–Using the flash once in every two shots.

–Turning on and off once in every ten shots.

Shooting*2) continuously

Image	NH-AA-DI (2) (supplied)
size	LCD	No. of	Battery
	screen	images	life (min.)

DSC-P71	ON	Approx.	Approx.
		2000	100
2048×1536
		Approx.	Approx.
640×480	OFF
		2400	120


DSC-P51	ON	Approx.	Approx.
		3000	150
1600×1200
		Approx.	Approx.
640×480	OFF
		3600	180

DSC-P31	ON	Approx.	Approx.
		2400	120
1600×1200
		Approx.	Approx.
640×480	OFF
		3000	150

*2) Shooting under the following conditions:

–The image quality is set to [STANDARD].

–Flash mode is set to (No flash).

–Shooting continuously every three seconds.

Playing back*3) still images

	NH-AA-DI (2) (supplied)
Image size	No. of	Battery life
	images	(min.)
DSC-P71
2048×1536	Approx. 4600	Approx. 230
640×480

DSC-P51
1600×1200	Approx. 5600	Approx. 280
640×480
DSC-P31
1600×1200	Approx. 5600	Approx. 280
640×480

*3) Showing single images in order, one approximately every three seconds

Shooting*4) movies

	NH-AA-DI (2) (supplied)
	LCD screen	LCD screen
	ON	OFF
DSC-P71	Approx. 120	Approx. 170
DSC-P51	Approx. 150	Approx. 200
DSC-P31	Approx. 150	Approx. 200

*4) Continuous shooting with a picture size of 160×112

•The battery life and the number of images recordable decrease under the following conditions:

–At low temperatures.

–Using the flash.

–Turning on and off frequently.

–Using the zoom frequently.

–When [POWER SAVE] is set to [OFF].

–When [LCD BACKLIGHT] is set to [BRIGHT].

–After using the batteries repeatedly over a long period of time or after often allowing it to self-discharge after charging (page 101).

Using an external power source

DC IN jack cover

DC plug

1	AC power adaptor
	(not supplied)

,Open the DC IN jack cover, then connect the AC-LS1 AC power adaptor (not supplied) to the DC IN jack of the camera.

Connect the cable with the v mark facing up.

Recommended AC power adaptor: AC-LS1 power adaptor (not supplied)

•Connect the AC power adaptor to an easily accessible wall outlet (mains) close by. If something goes wrong while you are using the adaptor, immediately shut off the power by pulling the plug out of the wall outlet.

2 To the wall outlet (mains)

Power cord (mains lead)

,Connect the power cord (mains lead) to the AC power adaptor and to the wall outlet (mains).

•When you have finished using the AC power adaptor, disconnect it from the DC IN jack of the camera.

•To use power from an automobile, use a DC adaptor/Charger (not supplied).

•If you insert or remove the DC plug while you are using the batteries, the power may shut off.

Using your camera abroad

Power sources

You can use your camera in any country or area with the supplied battery charger or the AC-LS1 AC power adaptor (not supplied) within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet (wall socket) [b].

BC-CS1

•Do not use an electronic transformer. Using this may cause a malfunction.

started Getting

Turning on/off your camera

POWER ON/

OFF lamp

POWER button

, Press the POWER button.

The POWER ON/OFF lamp lights in green, the power is on. When you turn on your camera for the first time, the CLOCK SET screen appears (see the next page).

To turn off the power

If you press the POWER button again, the POWER ON/OFF lamp goes out, and the camera turns off.

•When the mode dial is set to , , SCN and you turn the power on, the lens begins to

move (DSC-P71 only). Please be careful not to touch the lens.

The Auto Power Off function

If no tasks are performed for a while* when shooting, viewing, or performing SET UP while using the batteries, power is automatically shut off to preserve battery power.

However, in the following circumstances, even if the battery is being used to power the camera, the Auto Power Off feature will not work.

•Movies are being played back

•A slide show is being shown

•There is a plug in the USB terminal or the VIDEO OUT jack

*When POWER SAVE is set to ON: approximately 90 seconds

When POWER SAVE is set to OFF: approximately 3 minutes

How to use the control button

		0EV
0EV
EV	WB	ISO
	AUTO
	WHITE BAL	ISO

To change the current settings of the camera, bring up the menu or SET UP on the LCD screen (page 55), and use the control button to make the changes.

For each item, press v/V/b/B to select the desired value, then press the center z or b/B to make the setting.

• (SPOT METER) is not displayed on the

menu of the DSC-P51/P31 (page 61).

Setting the date and time

Mode dial

,Set the mode dial to .

•To change values for the time and the date that have been previously set, change the mode dial

to SET UP, choose [CLOCK SET] in SETUP 1 (page 97), then proceed from Step 3.

•You can also carry out this operation when the mode dial is set to SCN, , or .

CLOCK SET	Y/M/D
	M/D/Y
	D/M/Y

2002 / 1 / 1 12 : 00 OK AM

CANCEL

POWER button

, Press the POWER button.

The POWER lamp lights in green and the CLOCK SET screen appears.

CLOCK SET	Y/M/D
	M/D/Y
	D/M/Y

2002 / 1 / 1 12 : 00 OK AM

CANCEL

,Choose the desired order for the date, the month and the year using v/V on the control button, then push the center z.

You can choose from [Y/M/D] (year/ month/day), [M/D/Y], and [D/M/Y].

•If the rechargeable button battery, which provides the power for saving the time data, ever loses its charge (page 99), the CLOCK SET screen automatically reappears. If this

happens, reset the date and time by following the above procedure, starting from Step 3.

started Getting

Setting the date and time (continued)

CLOCK SET	Y/M/D	CLOCK SET	Y/M/D
	M/D/Y		M/D/Y
	D/M/Y		D/M/Y

2002 /

1 /

12 : 00

2002 /

7 /

12 : 00

AM	AM
CANCEL	CANCEL
OK	OK

4 5

,Choose the year, month, day, hour, and minute items using b/B.

A v will be shown above, and a V will be shown below the item currently selected to be set.

,Set the desired numerical value using v/V on the control button, then press the center z.

After setting the current numerical value, move to the next item. Repeat the above process until all of the items have been set.

•If you choose [D/M/Y] in Step 3, use the 24 hour clock display.

CLOCK SET	Y/M/D
	M/D/Y
	D/M/Y

2002 / 7 / 4 10 : 30 OK PM

CANCEL

,Choose [OK] using the B on the control button, and then press the center z.

After the date and time are set, the clock will start to keep time.

•To cancel the setting process, choose [CANCEL], and press the center z.

Inserting and removing a “Memory Stick”

Bottom

,Open the “Memory Stick” cover.

Slide the cover in the direction of the arrow to open it.

Label side

Connector side

,Insert the “Memory Stick.”

Insert the “Memory Stick” all the way in until it clicks, as shown in the illustration.

•Whenever you insert a “Memory Stick,” push it all the way in until it clicks. If you do not insert it correctly, a message such as “MEMORY STICK ERROR” appears on the LCD screen.

Access lamp

,Close the ”Memory Stick” cover.

To remove the “Memory Stick”

Open the “Memory Stick” cover, then push the “Memory Stick” to pop it out.

•Whenever the Access lamp is lit, the camera is recording or reading out an image. Never remove the “Memory Stick” or remove the batteries at this time.

images still Shooting

Deciding the still image size and quality

AUTO
WHITE BAL	ISO


2048x1536
2048 (3 : 2)		1600x1200
1600x1200		1600 (3 : 2)
1280 x 960		1280 x 960
640 x 480		640 x 480

IMAGESIZE	SO	IMAGE SIZE

Menu button

,Set the mode dial to , turn on the power, and then push the MENU button.

The menu appears.

•You can also carry out this operation when the mode dial is set to SCN.

• (SPOT METER) is not displayed on the menu of the DSC-P51/P31 (page 61).

2	DSC-P71 DSC-P51/
	P31

,Select (Image size) using b/ B on the control button. Use v/ V to select the desired image size.

The image size is set.

	FINE
FINE
STANDARD
P.QUALITY MODE	PFX

,Select (Image quality) using b/B on the control button. Use v/V to select the desired image quality.

The image quality is set.

When the setting is completed, press the MENU button. The menu disappears from the screen.

•For image quality, you can choose either [FINE] or [STANDARD].

•The image size and quality values chosen here will be preserved even when the camera is turned off.

Image size and quality

You can choose image size (number of pixels) and image quality (compression ratio) based on the kind of images you want to shoot. The larger you make the image size and the higher you make the image quality, the better your image, but also the larger the amount of data needed to preserve your image. This means you can save fewer images in your “Memory Stick.”

Choose an image size and quality level appropriate for the kind of images you want to shoot.

You can resize the images later (Resize function, see page 71).

You can choose image size from the following tables.

Image size	Examples

2048×1536 (DSC-P71)	Very fine prints

2048(3:2) (DSC-P71)	3:2 prints*

1600×1200	Printing A4 size
	images

1600 (3:2) (DSC-P51/P31)	3:2 prints*

1280×960	Printing postcard
	size images

640×480	For images to be
	attached to e-mail

The number of images* that can be saved in a “Memory Stick”

The number of images that can be saved in FINE (STANDARD) mode are shown below. (Units: number of images)

Capacity	8MB	16MB	32MB		64MB		128MB
Image size	8MB	16MB	32MB		64MB		128MB
Image size

2048×1536	5 (9)	10 (18)	20	(36)	40	(72)	80 (144)
(DSC-P71)	5 (9)	10 (18)	20	(36)	40	(72)	80 (144)
(DSC-P71)

2048(3:2)	5 (9)	10 (18)	20	(36)	40	(72)	80 (144)
(DSC-P71)	5 (9)	10 (18)	20	(36)	40	(72)	80 (144)
(DSC-P71)

1600×1200	8 (15)	16 (30)	32	(60)	64 (120)		128 (240)

1600 (3:2)	8 (15)	16 (30)	32	(60)	64 (120)		128 (240)
(DSC-P51/P31)	8 (15)	16 (30)	32	(60)	64 (120)		128 (240)
(DSC-P51/P31)

1280×960	12 (22)	24 (44)	50	(93)	100	(186)	200 (372)

640×480	48 (118)	96 (240)	195	(488)	393	(983)	786 (1966)

*When the shooting mode is normal

For the number of images that can be saved in other modes, see page 91.

•The image size is the screen size used when viewing the images on a personal computer. When the images are viewed on the LCD screen of the camera, they all look the same size.

•Number of shooting images can differ from these values according to shooting conditions.

*This option records images in a horizontal to vertical proportion of 3:2 to match the size of the print paper used.

•The image size value (e.g., 2048×1536) is the number of pixels displayed.

For information how to shoot images to be used as attachments to e-mail messages, see page 65.

images still Shooting

Basic still image shooting (using auto adjustment mode)

Mode dial

,Set the mode dial to , and turn on your camera.

•The lens cover opens when the power is turned on.

•When the camera is turned on or when using the zoom, and the lens is moving, don’t touch the lens assembly (DSC-P71 only) (page 28).

•When the mode dial is set to , the exposure and focus are adjusted automatically.

,Hold your camera with your both hands and position a subject in the center of the frame to focus on.

Do not cover the lens or flash with your fingers.

•You can choose either Multi-point AF mode or Center AF as the AF mode (page 58).

2048

F 5 . 6 5 0 0

Flashes in

3 green t remains on

,Press and hold the shutter halfway down.

The camera beeps. When the AE/AF lock indicator stops flashing and remains on, the camera is ready for shooting.

•If you remove your finger from the shutter, shooting will be canceled.

•The minimum focal distance to a subject is

50cm (19 11/16 inches) for the DSC-P71; 8cm (3 1/4 inches) for the DSC-P51 with the Zoom button set to the W (wide angle) side, and 50cm

(19 3/4 inches) with the Zoom button set to the T (telephoto) side; and 10cm (3 15/16 inches) or more for the DSC-P31.To shoot subjects at

distances closer than this, use Macro mode (DSC-P71 only).

•The frame appearing on the LCD screen shows the limits of the area where the focus will be adjusted. (For more details on the AF range finder, see page 58.)

2048

,Press the shutter fully down.

A beeping sound is heard, the shooting is completed, and the still image is saved in the “Memory Stick.” When the Recording lamp (pages 9, 11, 13) goes out, you can shoot the next image.

•When you are shooting with the battery, if no tasks are performed for a while* with the camera turned on, power is automatically shut off to preserve battery power (page 20).

*When POWER SAVE is set to ON: approximately 90 seconds

When POWER SAVE is set to OFF: approximately 3 minutes

About Auto Focus

When you try to shoot a subject that is hard to focus on, the AE/AF lock indicator will change to flashing slowly.

The Auto Focus function may be difficult to use with in the following subjects. In such cases, release the shutter, then try to recompose the shot and focus again.

•The subject is distant from the camera and dark

•The contrast of the subject and its background is poor

•The subject is seen through glass, such as a window

•A fast-moving subject

•The subject has a reflection, such as that from a mirror, or there is a luminous body and a lustrous subject

•A flashing subject

Checking the last shot image (Quick Review)

	2048
	8/8
REVIEW
100-0029	2002 7 4 10:30PM

,Press b (7) on the control button.

To return to shooting mode, press the shutter lightly or press b (7) on the control button again.

To delete the image displayed on the LCD screen

1Press MENU button to display the menu.

2Press B on the control button to select [DELETE], then press the center z.

3Press v on the control button to select [OK], then press the center z.

The image will be deleted.

images still Shooting

Using the zoom feature

W (wide-angle) T (telephoto)

	2048					2048
W		T	4	W	T	4

,Press the W (wide angle) or the T (telephoto) side of the Zoom button to choose the desired image size, and shoot your image.

The minimum distance needed to focus on a subject

(From the end of the lens when the zoom button is set all the way to either the W or T side)

DSC-P71

50 cm (19 11/16 inches) for both W and T

DSC-P51

8cm (3 1/4 inches) for W, and 50cm (19 3/4 inches) for T

DSC-P31

10cm (3 15/16 inches)

•The lens moves when the zoom feature is being used (DSC-P71 only). Be very careful not to touch the lens.

•The zoom feature cannot be used when shooting

28	movies (page 74) (DSC-P71/P31 only).

Digital zoom

DSC-P71/P51

When the Zoom exceeds 3x for the DSC-P71 and 2x for the DSC-P51, the digital zoom feature enlarges the image up to a maximum of 6x using digital processing. Because picture quality deteriorates when digital zoom is used, set [DIGITAL ZOOM] in SET UP to [OFF] when this feature is not needed (page 97).

The T side of this line shows the extent of digital zoom


W							T

DSC-P31

The DSC-P31 does not have an optical zoom. It has only a 3x digital zoom. There is no Digital zoom item in SET UP.

•When you are using digital zoom, you cannot confirm the image using the finder.

•When you are using the digital zoom feature, the Auto focus frame is not displayed.

Shooting close-ups (Macro) (DSC-P71 only)

For close-ups of small subjects like flowers or insects, shoot using the Macro feature. You can use this feature for close-ups of subjects up to the distances specified below.

When the zoom is set all the way to the W side: 10 cm (3 15/16 inches) from the end of the lens

When the zoom is set all the way to the T side: 50 cm (19 11/16 inches) from the end of the lens

SONY CYBER-SHOT DSC-P31, CYBER-SHOT DSC-P51, CYBER-SHOT DSC-P71 User Manual

2048

,Set the mode dial to , and press B () on the control button.

(Macro) appears on the LCD screen.

•If the menu is currently displayed, press the MENU button first and the menu disappears.

•You can perform this operation even when the

mode dial is set to SCN (other than Landscape mode) (page 34), or .

2048

,Center the subject in the frame, and shoot the image.

To return to normal shooting

Press B () on the control button one more time. disappears from the LCD screen.

•Use the LCD screen to shoot when using the Macro feature. If you use the finder, the limits of what you see and what you actually shoot may be different.

Using the self-timer

2048

,Set the mode dial to, and press V on the control button.

(Self-timer) appears on the LCD screen.

•If the menu is currently displayed, press the MENU button first and the menu disappears.

•You can perform this operation even when the mode dial is set to SCN, or .

images still Shooting

2048

F 5 . 6 5 0 0

,Center the subject in the frame, and press the shutter all the way down.

The Self-timer lamp (page 8 for the DSCP71, page 10 for the DSC-P51, page 12 for the DSC-P31) will blink in orange, and you will hear a beeping sound. The image will be shot within approximately 10 seconds.

To cancel the self-timer during the operation

Press V on the control button one more time.

•If you stand in front of the camera and press the shutter, the focus and the exposure may not be correctly set.

Selecting a flash mode

2048

,Set the mode dial to select , and press v () on the control button repeatedly to select a

flash mode.

Flash mode has the following features.

No indicator (Auto): Based on the lighting conditions, the camera will decide if there is enough light, and will use the flash accordingly.

(forced flash): The flash will be used regardless of the amount of ambient light.

(no flash): The flash will not be used.

•If the menu is currently displayed, press the MENU button first and the menu will disappear.

•You can change the brightness of the flash using [FLASH LEVEL] in the settings menu (page 93).

•When Flash mode is set to Auto or(forced flash), and you look at the LCD screen in a dark

place, you may notice some “noise” in the image, but this will have no effect on the image you shoot.

•While the flash is being charged, the Flash charging lamp blinks. When charging is

completed, the lamp goes out.

•When you press the shutter button halfway down while the flash is flashing, the Flash charge lamp turns on.

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