Sony DSC-P41, DSC-P43 Operating Instruction

3-091-349-12(1)

Getting started_______________________

Shooting still images_________________

Digital Still Came ra

Operating Instructions

Before operating the uni t, ple ase 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 thes e numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this pro duc t.

Model No. DSC-P41/P43 Serial No.

DSC-P41/P43

Viewing still images__________________

Deleting still images _________________

Before advanced oper at ions ____________

Advanced still image shooting __________

Advanced still image viewing ___________

Still image editing _____________________

Still image printing ____________________ (PictBridge printer)

Enjoying movies ______________________

Enjoying images on your co mputer______

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” withi n the p r o duct’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.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DSC-P41, DSC-P43 Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr,

San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.

Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 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 interfe rence, a nd (2) this device mus t acce pt an y in t erference 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 des igne d to provide reasonable protection aga ins t harmful interference in a re sidential installat ion. This equipment generates, uses, and can r ad iate 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 corre ct the int erferen ce by one or more of the following measures:

—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. —Increase the separation betw een the

equipment and receiver.

—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from tha t to wh ich the receiver is connected.

—Consult the dealer or an experienced

radio/TV technician for help. The supplied interface cable mus t be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pur sua n t to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

For the Customers in the U .S.A. and Canada (DSC-P43 only)

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.

Notice for the customers in the United Kingdom

A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety a nd convenience. Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS 1362, (i.e., marked with or mark) must be used.

If the plug supplied with this equipm e nt ha s 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 Europe

This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits sets out in the EM C Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).

Attention

The electromagnetic fields at the specif ic frequencies may influen ce the pic tur e an d sound of this digital camera.

Notice

If static electr icity or ele ctromag netism causes data transfer to discont inue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the USB cable again.

Certain countries or regions may regulate disposal of the battery used to power this product. Please consult with your local authority.

“Memory Stick”

N50

For the Cu stomers 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 THA T MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.

Read this first

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.

Back up recommendation

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

Notes on image data compatibility

• This camera conforms with the Design rule

for Camera File system universal standard established by the JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association).

• Playback of images recorded with your

camera on other equipment and playbac k 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 a nd ina bility to record images, this may ren d er th e “M emory Stick” unusable or image data bre ak down, damage or loss may occur.

LCD screen, LCD finder (onl y models with an 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 (whit e , 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 p l acing the cam er a 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 press the LCD screen hardly. The

screen may be uneven and that may cause a malfunction.

• Images may be tr ai led on the LCD screen in

a cold location. This is not a malfunction.

Remove dirt from the surface of the flash

If the dirt changes color or sticks to th e surface of the flas h due to the h eat of the flash, sufficient light may not be emitted.

Do not get the camera wet

When taking pictures outdoor s in the rain or under similar conditions, be care f ul not to get the camera wet. If wate r ge ts inside of the camera, it may cause the camera to malfunction, sometimes beyond repair. If moisture condensation occurs, see page 111 and follow the instructions on how to remove it before using the camera.

Do not expose the camera to sand or dust

Using the camera in sandy or dusty locations may cause a malfunction .

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

This may cause irrecoverable damage to your eyes or the malfunction of your camera.

Note on locations where you can use the camera

Do not use the camera near a location that generates strong radio waves or emits radiation. The camera may not be able to record or play back properly.

The pictures used in this manual

The photographs used as examp les of pict ures in this manual are rep r od u ced images, and are not actual images shot using this camera.

The illustrations and screen status used in manual

The illustrations an d s creen status used in th is manual are of the DSC-P43 unless noted otherwise.

Trademarks

• is a trademark of Sony

Corporation.

• “Memory Stick,” , “Memory Stick

PRO,” , “Memory Stick Duo,” , “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” , “MagicGate,” are trademarks of Sony Corporation.

• Picture Package is a trademark of Sony

Corporation.

• Microsoft, Windows, Windows Media, and

DirectX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corpor a tion in the United States and/or other countries.

• Macintosh, Mac OS, QuickTime, iMac,

iBook, PowerBook, Power Mac and eMac, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

• Macromedia and Flash are trademarks or

registered tradem arks of Macromedi a, Inc. in the United States and/or other countrie s.

• Intel, MMX, and Pentium are trademarks or

registered trademarks of Intel Corpora ti on.

• In addition, system and product names used

in this manual are, in general, trad e mar ks or registered trademarks of their respective developers or manufacturers. However, the

™

or ® marks are not used in all cases in this

manual.

Table of contents

Read this first............................................4

Identifying the parts..................................8

Getting started

Preparing batteries.................................. 10

On handling of batteries............... ...........10

Charging the batteries

(DSC-P43 only)..............................11

Inserting the batteries..............................12

Using the AC Adaptor............................15

Using your camera abroad......................16

Turning your camera on/off....................16

How to use the control button.................17

Setting the date and time.........................17

Shooting still images

Inserting and removing a

“Memory Stick...............................20

Setting the still image size......................21

Image size and quality ............................22

Basic still image shooting

– Using auto mode..........................24

Checking the last image shot

– Quick Review..............................26

Using the zoom feature.......................27

Using the self-timer............................ 28

Selecting a flash mode........................29

Shooting images with the finder.........31

Inserting the date and time on a still

image.............................................. 32

Shooting according to scene conditions

........................................................ 34

Viewing still images

Viewing images on the L CD screen of

your camera.................................... 37

Viewing images on a TV screen

(DSC-P43 only) .......... ...................39

Deleting still images

Deleting images.............................. ........ 41

Formatting a “Memory Stick”................43

Before advanced operations

How to setup and operat e your camera .. 45

Changing menu settings..................... 45

Changing items on the Setup scre en .. 46

Deciding the still image quality.............. 46

Creating or selecting a folder................. 47

Creating a new folder.........................47

Selecting the recording folder............ 48

Advanced still image shooting

Choosing an auto focus method..............49

Choosing a focus range finder frame

– AF range finder............................49

Choosing a focus operation

– AF Mode......................................50

Setting the distance to the subject

– Focus preset .................................51

Adjusting the exposure

– EV adjustment.............................52

Selecting the metering mode...................54

Adjusting color tones – White Ba lance...55 Adjusting the flash level – Flash Level...56

Shooting images in succession................56

Shooting in Multi Burst mode

– Multi Burst...................................57

Shooting with special effects

– Picture Effect...............................58

Advanced still image viewing

Selecting the folder and playing back

images – Folder .... ..........................59

Enlarging a p o rtion of a still image

– Playback zoom.............................60

Playing back successive images

– Slide show ...................................61

Rotating still images – Rotate.................62

Playing back images shot in Multi Burst

mode ...............................................62

Playing back continuously..................63

Playing back frame by frame..............63

Still image editing

Protecting images – Protect.....................64

Changing image size – Resize.................65

Choosing im ages to print

– Print (DPOF) mark......................66

Still image printing (PictBridge printer)

Connecting to a P ictBridge compliant

printer..............................................68

Printing images........................................69

Printing index-images.............................71

Enjoying movies

Shooting movies......................................74

Viewing movies on the LCD screen .......75

Deleting movies .................... ..................76

Cutting movies........................................77

Enjoying images on your computer

Copying images to your computer

– For Windows users......................79

Installing the USB driver....................80

Connecting the camera to your

computer.........................................81

Copying images.............................. ....82

Viewing the images on your

computer.........................................84

Image file storage destinations and file

names..............................................84

Viewing an image previously copied to a

computer.........................................86

Installing “Picture Package”...............86

Copying ima ges usi ng “Pict ure Pac kage”

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

Using “Picture Package”.................... 89

Copying images to your computer

– For Macintosh users ....................90

Using “ImageMixer VCD2”............... 91

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting......................................93

Warnings and messages........................102

Self-diagnosis display – If a code star ting

with an alphabet lette r appears..... 104

Additional information

The number of images that can be saved/

shooting time.................................105

Menu items............................................106

Setup items............................................109

Precautions............................................111

The “Memory Stick”.............................112

The batteries................... .......................113

The battery charger (DSC-P43 only) ....114

Specifications........................................114

The LCD screen ............................ ........116

Index

Index......................................................120

Identifying th e parts

See the pages in parentheses for details of operation.

A POWER lamp (16) B POWER button (16) C Shutter button (24) D F l ash (2 9) E Speaker (bottom surface) F Finder window G Self-timer lamp (28)/

AF illumina tor (31, 109)

H Lens I M icrophone

J Tripod receptacle (bottom

surface)

• Use a tripod with a screw length of less than

5.5 mm (

/32 inch). You will be unable to firmly secure the camera to tripods having longer screws, and may damage the camera.

A Mode swi tch

: To view or edit images : To shoot still images : To shoot movies

B Control button

Menu on: v/V/b/B/z (17) Menu off: //7/ (29/28 /26 /

54)

C Finder (31)

Self-timer/recording lamp (red) (28/25)

AE/AF lock lamp (green) (25)

(Flash charge) lamp

(orange) (29)

D L CD screen

For details on the items on the LCD screen, see pages 116 to 119.

E (LCD status/LCD on/off)

button (31)

F M ENU button (45, 106) G RESET button (93) H DC IN jack (15) I

(USB) jack (81)

J A/V OUT (MONO) jack (DSC-P43

only) (39)

K (Image Size/Delete)

button (21, 41)

L D-Zoom (W/T) buttons (27)/

(Index) button (38)/

/ (Playback zoom) buttons

(60)

M Access lamp (20) N OPEN button (12) O Bat tery/ “M emo ry St ick” cover

(12)

P Bat tery i nsertion slot (12) Q

“Memory Stick” insertion slot

R Jack cover (15) S Hook for wrist strap (bottom

surface)

Attachin g th e wrist stra p.

(20)

Getti

Preparing batteries

Use the following batterie s in th is ca mera.

Acceptable batteries

HR 15/51:HR6 (size AA) Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries (2)

– NH-AA-DA (2) (supplied with the DSC-

P43)

– NH-AA-2DA twin-pack, etc. (not

supplied)

R6 (size AA) alkaline batteries (2)

– AM3-P2AE (supplied with the DSC-P41)

Batteries that cannot be used

Manganese batteries Lithium bat teries Ni-cad batteries

If you use the batteries described above, we cannot guarantee full performance of the camera by property of the batteries, such as brownout of the batteries.

On handling of batt eries

Notes on the Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries

• At the time of purchase, or when the Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries have not 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.

• If the poles of the Nickel-Metal Hydride

batteries are dirty, the batteries may not be charged properly. Occasionally clean the poles of the batteries and the terminals of the charger by wiping them with a dry cloth.

• When transporting the Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries, be sure to use the battery case (supplied with the DSC-P43). If the +/- metal terminals are shorted, there is a possibility of danger from excessive heat or fire.

• Even when Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries are not being used they lose 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.

ng starte

• To use up the batteries completely, put the

camera in the slide show mode (page 61) and leave it that way until the batteries are used up.

• 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. These may cause leakage, explosion, or heat-up of the battery, and personal scald or injury may be caused. These may cause a malfunction of the battery charger.

Charging the batteries (DSC-P43 only)

Notes on alkaline batteries

• The battery remaining indicator may not

display the correct information and the power may shut off even if the battery remaining indicator shows sufficient battery life remaining.

• Do not mix new and old batteries.

• 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).

• Alkaline batteries may have a shorter life

compared to Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries.

• There is a big difference between available

shooting time and available playback time. Due to the characteristics of alkaline batteries, the camera may shut off if you change the position of the mode switch. In this case, replace the batteries with new ones or fully charged Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries.

It is recommend that you use Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries (supplied with the DSCP43 only) or that you use the nickel-metal hydride batteries supplied with the STAMINA “Quick charge” kit (not supplied).

, Insert Nickel-Metal Hydride

batteries into the battery charger (supplied) with the correct polarity +/–.

• You cannot charge alkaline batteries using the battery charger.

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

• Connect the battery charger to an easily

accessible wall outlet (wall socket) close by.

• Even if the CHARGE lamp is not lit, the set is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet (wall socket). If some trouble occurs while using the battery charger, immediately shut off the power by disconnecting the plug from the wall outlet (wall socket).

CHARGE lamp

to a wall outlet (wall socket)

Power cord (Mains lead)

, Connect the battery charger to

a wall outlet (wall socket) using the power cord (mains lead).

Charging starts, and the CH A RGE lamp lights. When the CHARGE lamp goes out, charging is finished. For details on the battery charger, see page

114.

To remove the batteries

Press the - end of the battery down in order to raise the + end, then remove the battery.

• When charging is finished, disconnect the

power cord (mains lead) from the wall outlet (wall socket), and remove the Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries from the battery charger.

Getting started

Charging time

Nickel-Metal Hydride battery

NH-AA-DA × 2

(supplied)

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

• Charging is complete in approximately six

hours. The CHARGE lamp may remain lit longer than six hours, but this is not a malfunction.

• If you use the battery charger supplied with the

STAMINA “Quick charge” kit (not supplied), the batteries will charge faster. Charging time When charging two Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes When charging four Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries: Approximately 5 hours

Charging time

Approx. 6 hours

Inserting the batteries

, Open the battery/“M emory

Stick” cover.

Turn up the battery/“Memory Stick” cover, and slide the cover in the direction of the arrow.

, Insert the batteries.

Match the +/- poles of the batt erie s to the +/

- marks inside the battery case.

• Occasionally clean the poles of the batteries

and the terminals of the battery/“Memory Stick” 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.

, Close the batt er y/ “Me m ory

Stick” cover.

Close the battery/“ M e mory Stick” cover while holding the batte r ies in. The cover is closed when it clicks.

To remove the batteries

Turn up the battery/“Memory Stick” cover, open the battery/“Memo ry Stic k” cover, then remove the batterie s.

• Make sure you do not drop the batteries when

opening or closing the battery/“Memory Stick” cover.

Battery remaining indicator

As the battery po wer decreases with use, the battery remaining indicator displ a ys the amount of power remaining using the following symbols.

Battery remaining indicator

Battery remaining guidelines (A full charge is 100% )

Sufficient power remaining Battery half full Battery low, recording/

playback will stop soon. Change the batteries for fully

charged nickel-metal hydride batteries or new alkaline batteries, or charge these nickel-metal hydrid e batteries. (The warning indicator flashes.)

• If the LCD screen is off, press 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 using alkaline batteries, the correct

battery remaining time may not be indicated. There is a big difference in the performance of batteries of different types and of batteries made by different manufacturers, the power may shut off even if the battery remaining indicator shows sufficient battery life remaining. In this case, replace the batteries with new ones or fully charged Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries.

• When the AC Adaptor (not supplied) is being

used, the remaining battery information is not displayed.

Getting started

Number of images and battery life that can be recorded/ viewed

The tables show the approximate number of images and the battery life that can be recorded/ viewed when you shoot images in normal mode with fully charged nickel-metal hydride batteries or new alkaline batteries at a temperature of 25°C (77°F). The numbers of images that can be recorded or viewed take into account changing the “Memory Stick” as necessary. Note that the actual numbers may be less than indicated depending on the conditions of use.

• The capacity of nickel-metal hydride batteries

decreases little by little as you use it more and more, and as time passes (page 113).

Shooting still images Under the average conditions

NH-AA-DA (2) (supplied with the DSC-P43)

Image

LCD screen

On Off On Off

No. of images

Approx. 400 Approx. 200 Approx. 760 Approx. 380 Approx. 400 Approx. 200 Approx. 760 Approx. 380

size

4M VGA

(E-Mail)

Battery life (min.)

AM3-P2AE (2) (supplied with the DSC-P41)

Image

LCD

size

screen

images

Off On

VGA (E-Mail)

Off

Shooting in the following situations:

– The image quality is set to [Fine] – [AF Mode] is set to [Single] – Shooting one time every 30 seconds – The flash strobes once every two times – The power turns on and off once every ten

times The measurement method is based on CIP A standard. (CIPA: Camera & Imaging Products Association)

Approx. 80 Approx. 40

Approx. 160 Approx. 80

Approx. 80 Approx. 40

Approx. 160 Approx. 80

Viewing still images

No. of

Battery life (min.)

NH-AA-DA (2) (supplied with the DSC-P43)

Image size

4M VGA (E-Mail)

No. of images

Approx. 9400 Approx. 9400

Battery life (min.)

Approx. 470 Approx. 470

AM3-P2AE (2) (supplied with the DSC-P41)

Image size

4M VGA (E-Mail)

Viewing single images in order at about three second intervals

images

Approx. 7200 Approx. 7200

Shooting movies

No. of

Battery life (min.)

Approx. Approx.

NH-AA-DA (2) (supplied with the DSC-P43)

LCD screen OnLCD screen

Off

Approx.

170

Approx.

220

AM3-P2AE (2) (supplied with the DSC-P41)

LCD screen OnLCD screen

Off

Approx.

100

Approx.

160

Shooting continuously at [160] image size

360 360

Using the AC Adap tor

• The number of images and the battery life that

can be recorded/viewed are decreased under the following conditions:

– The surrounding temperature is low – The flash is used – The camera has been turned on and off many

times

– [LCD Backlight] is set to [Bright] on the

Setup screen

– [AF Mode] is set to [Monitor] – The battery power is low.

AC Adaptor (not supplied)

DC plug

Jack cover

, Open the jack cover , then

connect the AC-LS5 AC Adaptor (not supplied) to the DC IN jack of the camer a.

Connect the plug wi th the v mark facing up.

• Be sure to use the AC-LS5 AC Adaptor. Other AC adaptors cannot be used with this camera.

• Connect the AC Adaptor to an easily accessible

wall outlet (wall socket) close by. If some trouble occurs while using the adaptor, immediately shut off the power by disconnecting the plug from the wall outlet (wall socket).

2 To a wall outlet (wall socket)

Power cord (mains lead)

, Connect the power cord (mains

lead) to the AC Adaptor and to a wall outlet (wall socket).

• When you have finished using the AC Adaptor,

disconnect it from the DC IN jack of the camera and the wall outlet (wall socket).

• The set is not disconnected from the AC power

source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet (wall socket), even if the unit itself has been turned off.

Getting started

Using your camera abroad

Power sources

You can use your camera in any country or region with the battery charger (supplied with the DSC-P43 only) or the AC-LS5 AC Adaptor (not supplied) within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially available AC pl ug adapt or [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the w al l ou tl et (wall socket) [b].

BC-CS2A/CS2B

• Do not use an electrical transformer (travel

converter), as this may cause a malfunction.

Turning your camera on/off

POWER

, Press POWER to turn on the

power.

The POWER lamp lights in green and the power is on. When you tu rn on t h e c am era for the first time, the Clock Set screen appears (page 17).

To turn off the power

Press POWER again, the POWER lamp goes out, and the camer a turns off.

POWER lamp

POWER

The Auto Power Off function

If no tasks are performed for about three minutes when shooting, viewing images, or setting up the camera whi le using the batteries, power is automatically shut off to preserve battery power. However, in the following ci rc umstances, even if the b atteri es are being us ed to po wer the camera, the Auto Power Off fun ction will not work.

• Movies are being played back

• A slide show is being shown

• A cabl e is connected to the (USB) jack or the A/V OUT (MONO) jack (DSC-P43 only)

How to use the control button

Program

Auto

Camera

ISOWB

FINE

Fine

Standard

P. Quality

ISOWB

Setting the date and time

Mode switch

Getting started

Clock Set

POWER

2004 11// 0012 :

Y/M/D M/D/Y D/M/Y

Cancel

To change the current settings of the camera, bring up the menu or the Setup screen (pages 45, 46), an d use the control button to make the changes. For each item, press v/V/b/B to select the desired value, then press z or v/V/b/B to make the setting.

, Set the mode switch to .

• To set the time and the date again, select [Clock Set] in (Setup 2) on the Setup screen (pages 46, 110), then proceed from Step 3.

• You can carry out this operation even when the

mode switch is set to

or .

, Press POWER to turn on the

power.

The POWER lamp lights in gree n and the Clock Set screen appears on t he L CD screen.

Clock Set

2004 11// 0012 :

Y/M/D M/D/Y D/M/Y

Cancel

Clock Set

2004 11// 00

12 :

Y/M/D M/D/Y D/M/Y

Cancel

Clock Set

2005 11// 00

10 :

Y/M/D M/D/Y D/M/Y

Cancel

, Select the desired dat e for m at

with v/V on the control button, then press z.

You can select from [Y/M/ D ] (ye ar/month/ day), [M/D/Y], and [D/M/Y].

• If the rechargeable button battery, which

provides the power for saving the time data, is ever fully discharged (page 112), the Clock Set screen will appear again. When this happens, reset the date and time by starting from Step 3 above.

, Select the year, mont h, day,

hour, or minute item you want to set with b/B on the control button.

v is shown above and V is shown below the selected item.

, Set the desired numeri cal

value with v/V on the control button, then press z.

After setting the current numerical value, set the next item. Repeat Steps 4 an d 5 until all of the items have been set.

• If you select [D/M/Y] in Step 3, set the time

on a 24-hour cycle.

• 12:00 AM stands for midnight and 12:00 PM

stands for noon.

Getting started

Clock Set

2005 11// 30

10 :

Y/M/D M/D/Y D/M/Y

Cancel

, Select [OK] with B on the

control button, then press z.

The date and time are set and th e clock wi ll start to kee p time.

• To cancel the setting process, select [Cancel],

then press z.

Inserting and removing a “Memory Stick”

Shooti

till i

ng s

mage

1 2

, Open the battery/“M emory

Stick” cover.

Turn up the battery/“Memory Stick” cover, and slide the cover in the dir ection of the arrow.

• Be careful not to drop the batteries when

opening or closing the battery/“Memory Stick” cover.

• For details on “Memory Stick,” see page 112.

Terminal side

Label side

, Insert the “Memory Stick.”

Insert the “M emory Stick” all the way in until it clic ks as shown in th e illustratio n .

• Whenever you insert a “Memory Stick,” push it

as far as it can go. If you do not insert it correctly, a proper recording or playback may not be carried out.

Access lamp

, Close the battery/“Memory

Stick” cove r.

To remove the “Memory Stick”

Open the battery/“Mem ory 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 open the battery/“Memory Stick” cover or turn off the power at this time. The data may be corrupted.

Setting the still image size

Mode switch

, Set the mode switch to and

turn on the power.

(

E-Mail

)

3:2 3M 1M VGA

Image Size

, Press (Image Size).

The Image Size setup item appears.

• For more information about the image size, see

page 22.

4M 3:2 3M 1M

VGA

Image Size

(

)

E-Mail

VGA

, Select the desired image si ze

with v/V on the control button.

The image size is set. After the setting is completed, press

(Image Size). The Image Size setup item disappears from the LCD screen.

• This setting is maintained even when the power

is turned off.

Shooting still imag e s

Image size and quality

You can choose image size (num be r of pixels) and image quality (comp ressi on ratio) based on the kind of images you want to shoot. The image size is shown by the number of pixels (dots) (hor iz ontal × vertical), which compose an image. For example, a 4M (2304×1728) size image indicates that there are 2304 pixels horizontally 1728 vertically. The larger the number of pixels, the larger th e image size. You can select an image quality level from Fine (high quality) or Standard. Each has a different com pre ssion ratio. When you select Fine and make the image size larger, you get better quality. However, the amount of data needed to preserve your image is larger and the number of images recordable in the “ Memo ry St ick” is fe wer. Choose an image size and qu al it y le ve l appropriate to the kind of images you want to shoot by checking the table bel ow .

The default setting is [4M]. This size can give the highest image quality using each camera.

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

Short description of the image size

The following illustration shows a brief image using the maximum image size and the minimum one.

640

2304

480

1728

Display size: 4M Image size: 4M 2304 pixels × 1728 pixels = 3981312 pixels

Display size: VGA (E-Mail) Image size: VGA 640 pixels × 480 pixels = 307200 pixels

Examples based on the image size and image quality

Image size Examples

4M 1) (2304×1728) 3:2 2) (2304×1536) 3M (2048×1536) 1M (1280×960) VGA (E-Mail)

(640×480)

Image quality (Compression ratio)

Fine

Standard

Larger

Smaller

Low compression (looks better)

High compression (normal)

• For printing A4 size or fine A5 size images.

• For printing postcard size images.

• For shooting a lot of images, attaching im a ges to e-mail, or posting images to your home page.

Examples

• To shoot or print with better quality.

• To shoot more images.

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

The number of images that can be saved in Fine (Standard)4) mode are shown below. (Units: number of images)

Capacity

Image

16MB 32MB 64MB 128MB MSX-256 MSX-512 MSX-1G

size

4M 8 (14) 16 (30) 32 (60) 65 (121) 119 (216) 242 (440) 494 (898) 3:2 8 (14) 16 (30) 32 (60) 65 (121) 119 (216) 242 (440) 494 (898) 3M 10 (18) 20 (37) 41 (74) 82 (149) 148 (264) 302 (537) 617 (1097) 1M 24 (46) 50 (93) 101 (187) 202 (376) 357 (649) 726 (1320) 1482 (2694) VGA (E-

Mail)

When [Mode] (REC Mode) is set to [Normal] For the number of images that can be saved in other modes, see page 105.

For more information about the image quality (compression ra tio) s etup, see page 46.

• When the images recorded using other Sony devices are played back, the image size indication may be

different from the actual image size.

• 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.

• When the remaining number of images recordable is more than 9999, “>9999” is indicated.

• You can resize the images later (Resize function, see page 65).

97 (243) 196 (491) 394 (985) 790 (1975) 1428 (3571) 2904 (7261)

5928

(14821)

Shooting still imag e s

Basic still image shooting – Using auto mode

Holding the camera correctly

Mode switch

When shooting pict ures wi th the camera, b e careful so that your fingers do not block the lens portion, finder window, flash e mi tte r, or AF illuminator (page 8).

, Set the mode switch to , and

turn on the camera.

• The lens cover opens when the power is turned

on.

• You can create a new folder in the “Memory

Stick” and select the folder for storing images (page 47).

, Hold the camera stea di ly wit h

both hands and position a subject in the center of the focus frame.

• The camera is equipped with the auto macro

AF function. The minimum focal distance to a subject is 10 cm (4 inches).

• The frame indicated on the LCD screen shows

the focus adjustment range. (AF range finder, see page 49.)

101

FINE

VGA

101

VGA

Mode switch

When you set the mode switch to , the functions th at can be use d change as fo llows

Shooting still imag e s

according to (Camera) in the menu.

SAF

F2.0250

AE/AF lock indicator Flashes in green

Remains on

, Press and hold the shutter

button halfway down.

When the focus is achiev ed, the camera beeps. When the AE/AF lo ck indicator stops flashing and remains on, the camera is ready for shooting. (The LC D scre en may be frozen for a split second dep en ding on the subject.)

• If you release your finger from the shutter

button, shooting will be canceled.

• When the camera does not beep, the AF

adjustment is not complete. You can continue to shoot, but the focus is not set properly.

SAF

, Press the shutter butto n full y

down.

The shutter clicks, the shooting is completed, and the still image is saved in the “Memory Stick.” When the recording lamp (page 9) goes out, y ou ca n shoot the next image.

• When you are shooting with the batteries, if no

tasks are performed for a while with the camer a turned on, power is automatically shut off to preserve battery power (page 16).

Program

Auto

Camera

Mode

Still image auto shooting [Auto]

The focus, exposure and w hite balance are automatically ad ju s ted as needed to allow easy shooting. In addition, the image quality is set to [Fine], th e AF range finde r frame is set to [Multi AF], and the meter ing mode is set to Multi-pattern meterin g (pages 49 and 54). Only (Ca m era), [Mode] (REC Mode) and (Setup) appear in the menu.

Still image program shooting [Program]

The necessary adjustments are made automatically l ike still ima ge auto shootin g, but you can also change the focus and other adjustments as desired. In addition, you can also set the desired shooting functions using menus (pages 45 and 106).

Checking the last image

shot – Quick Review

(Twilight mode) (page 34)

(Twilight portrait mode) (page 34) (Landscape mode) (page 34)

(Soft snap mode) (page 34)

(Beach mode) (page 34)

(Candle mode) (page 35)

To switch the shooting metho d 1 Set the m o d e switch to .

2 Press MENU. 3 Select (Camera) with b on the

control button.

4 Select the desired shooting mode with

v/V on the control button.

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 an d the A E l oc k beep does not sound. The Auto Focu s functi on may be difficul t to use with in the following subjects. In such cases, release the shutter button, then try to recompose the shot and fo cus again.

• The subj ec t is di stant from the camera and dark

• The con tra st be tween the subject and its background is poor

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

• A fast-mov ing subject

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

• A flashing subject

• A backlit subje ct.

There are two Auto Focus functions: “AF range finder frame” which set s the focus position according to the su bject position and size, and “AF mode” which sets when the camera starts and stops focusin g on. See page 49 for details.

VGA

8/8

Review

RETURN

101

10:30

2005 1 1101-0008

, Press b (7) on the control

button.

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

To delete the image displayed on the LCD screen

1 Press (Delete). 2 Select [Delete] with v on the control

button, then press z. The image is deleted.

• The image may appear rough right after

playback starts due to the image processing.

Using the zoom feature

W (wide-angle)

x1.1 x2.8PP

T (telephoto)

101

VGA VGA

101

, Press D-Zoom to ch oose the

desired zoom position, and shoot your image.

The minimum focal distance to the subject

Approx 10 cm (4 inches) from the lens surface

• You cannot use the zoom when you shoot a

movie (page 74).

Zoom

Your camera is equipped with the following two types of digital zoom, smart zoom and precision digital z oom . These zoom functions can be selected on the Setu p screen. The default set ti ng i s prec is i on digital zoom.

The enlargement method and the zoom scale differ a cco rd ing to t he i mag e s ize a nd the zoom type, so select the zoom to match the shooting purpose.

When you press D-Zoom, the zoom scaling indicator appears on the LCD screen as follows.

Zoom scaling indicator

• The zoom scaling indicator differs according to

the zoom type. Precision digital zoom: Smart zoom:

• The AF range finder frame does not appear.

The or indicator flashes, and AF operates with priority on subjects located near the center.

Precision digital zoom

Shooting still imag e s

Precision digital zoom

All image sizes are enlarged up to a maximum 3×. This function c uts out and enlarges a certain portion of the image, so the image quality deteri orates. To set precision digital zoom, set [Di gi ta l Zoom] in (Camera) to [Precision] on the Setup screen (page 109). The default sett ing is precision digital zoom.

Using the self-timer

Smart zoom

The image is enlarged with almost no distortion. This lets you use smart zoom with the same feeling as optical zoom. To set smart zoom, set [Digital Zoom] in (Camera) to [Smart] on the Setup screen (page 109). The maximum zoom scal e de pe nds on the selected image size as follows.

Image size Maximum zoom scale

3M 1.1× 1M 1.8×

VGA (E-Mail) 3.6×

Smart zoom cannot be used when the image size is set to [4M] or [3:2]. The default setti ng of t he ima ge size is [4M].

• When using the smart zoom, the image on the

LCD screen may look rough. However, this has no effect on the recorded image.

• You cannot use the smart zoom in the Multi

Burst mode.

101

VGA

SAF

, Set the mode switch to , and

press V ( ) on the control button.

The (self-timer) indicator appears on the LCD screen.

• If the menu is currently displayed, press MENU

first to ma ke the men u disappear.

• You can carry out this operation even when the

mode switch is set to .

Selecting a flash mode

101

FINE

VGA

F2.0

250

SAF

, Center the subject in the frame.

Press and hold the shutter button halfway down to focus on, then pres s t he shutter button fully down.

The self-timer lamp (page 8) will flash, and you will hear a beeping sound. The image will be shot after approximately 10 seconds.

To cancel the self-timer during the operation

Press V ( ) on the control button again. The indicator disappears from the LCD screen.

• If you stand in front of the camera and press the

shutter button, the focus and the exposure may not be correctly set.

101

VGA

SAF

, Set the mode switch to , and

press v ( ) on the control button repeatedly to select a flash mode.

The flash mode has the follow in g features.

No indicator (Auto): The camera decides to use the flash based on lighting conditions. The flash will be used when there is not enough light or when shooting a subject against a light source.

(Forced flash): The flash will be used

regardless of the amount of ambient light.

(Slow synchro):

The flash will be us ed regardless of the amount of ambient light. In this mode, the shutter speed is slower under dark conditions, so you can clearly shoot a background that is out of the flash-lit area.

(No flash): The flash will not be use d.

• If the menu is currently displayed, press MENU

first to make the menu disappear.

• The recommended distance using the flash is as

follows (when [ISO] is set to [Auto]): Approx.

0.2 m (7

/8inches) to 3.5 m (11feet

/8inches)

• The flash fires twice. First pre-emission is to

adjust the amount of flash light, and second emission is to shoot the image.

• Y ou can change the brightness of the flash

using [ ] (Flash Level) in the menu settings (page 56). (When (Camera) is set to [Auto] in the menu, you cannot change the brightness of the flash.)

• Because the shutter speed is slower under dark

conditions when (Slow synchro) or (No flash) is selected, it is recommended that you use a tripod.

• While the flash is being charged, the (flash

charge) lamp flashes. After charging is completed, the lamp goes out.

• This setting is maintained even when the power

is turned off.

Shooting still imag e s

When shooting against a light source

In Auto mode, shooting against a light source automatically flas hes even when there is enough light ar ound the subject. (Daylight synchro)

Before flashed

When flashed

• The best performance may not be given

depending on shooting conditions.

• When you do not want to use the flash, set the

flash mode to (No flash).

To reduce “red-eye” when shooting live subjects

The flash pre-strobes before shooting to reduce the red-eye phenomenon. Set [Red Eye Reduction] in (Camera) to [On] on the Setup screen (p age 109). appears on the LCD screen.

• The amount of red-eye reduction possible

varies according to the individual. In addition, the distance to the subject, and whether or not the subject has seen pre-strobe light begin to strobe may also reduce the effectiveness of the red-eye reduction process.

• When [Red Eye Reduction] is set to [On], the

flash fires twice or more.

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