Sony DSLR-A100, DSLR-A100H, DSLR-A100K Instruction Manual

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Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
User’s Guide/ Troubleshooting
2-681-187-11 (1)
Before your operation
Using the shooting functions
Using the viewing functions
Using the menu
Additional information on this product and
answers to frequently asked questions can be
found at our Customer Support Website.
Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetableoil based ink.
Printed in Malaysia
100
DSLR-A100
“Read This First” (separate volume)
Explains the set-up and basic operations for shooting/ playback with your camera.
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual and “Read This First” (separate volume) 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. DSLR-A100 Serial No. ___________________________
© 2006 Sony Corporation
Printing images
Troubleshooting
Others
Index
Page 2
WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
For 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.
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IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them.
Use
Power Sources
This set should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of electrical power supplied to your home, consult your dealer or local power company. For those sets designed to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.
Polarization
This set may be equipped with a polarized ac power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other).
This plug will fit into the p ower outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug by forcing it in.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or convenience receptacles beyond their capacity, since this can result in fire or electric shock.
Object and Liquid Entry
Never push objects of any kind into the set through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the set.
Attachments
Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.
Cleaning
Unplug the set from the wall outlet before cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened with water for cleaning the exterior of the set.
Installation
Water and Moisture
Do not use power-line operated sets near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.
Power-Cord Protection
Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord exits from the appliance.
Accessories
Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer.
Ventilation
The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the set, and to protect it from overheating, these slots and openings must never be blocked or covered.
– Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth
or other materials.
– Never block the slots and openings by placing
the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.
– Never place the set in a confined space, such as
a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided.
– Do not place the set near or over a radiator or
heat register, or where it is exposed to direct sunlight.
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Lightning
For added protection for this set during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the set due to lightning and power-line surges.
Service
Damage Requiring Service Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
– When the power cord or plug is damaged or
frayed.
– If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the set. – If the set has been exposed to rain or water. – If the set has been subject to excessive shock by
being dropped, or the cabinet has been
damaged. – If the set does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are specified in the
operating instructions. Improper adjustment of
other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the set to normal operation. – When the set exhibits a distinct change in
performance – this indicates a need for service.
Servicing
Do not attempt to service the set yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs to the set, ask the service technician to perform routine safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer) to determine that the set is in safe operating condition.
Replacement parts
When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer that have the same characteristics as the original parts.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
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Read this first
CAUTION
Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.
For Customers in the U.S.A. and Canada
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion 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 Lithium-Ion batteries.
For Customers in the U.S.A.
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.: DSLR-A100 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address: 16530 Via Esprillo,
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 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.
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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.
Memory Stick Duo Adaptor for CF slot
For the Customers in the U.S.A. and Canada
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS:
(1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.
THIS CLASS B DIGITAL APPARATUS COMPLIES WITH CANADIAN ICES-003.
For Customers in Europe
This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).
Attention
The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this unit.
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.
Notice for 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 fuse of the same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS 1362, (i.e., marked with an 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.
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Notes on using your camera

Types of “Memory Stick” that can be used (not supplied)
There are two types of “Memory Stick”.
“Memory Stick”: you cannot use a “Memory Stick” with your camera.
“Memory Stick Duo”: Inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” into a Memory Stick Duo Adaptor for CF slot (supplied).
• When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with the write-protect switch, set the switch to the recording position.
• For details on “Memory Stick”, see page 139.
Notes on the battery pack
• Charge the NP-FM55H (supplied) battery pack before using the camera for the first time.
t step 1 in “Read This First”)
(
• The battery pack can be charged even if it is not completely discharged. Also, even if the battery pack is not fully charged, you can use the partially charged capacity of the battery pack as is.
• If you do not intend to use the battery pack for a long time, use up the existing charge and remove it from your camera, then store it in a cool, dry place. This is to maintain the battery pack functions (page 142).
• For details on the battery pack, see page 142.
Back up recommendation
To avoid the potential risk of data loss, always copy (back up) data to other medium.
Notes on recording/playback
• This camera is neither dust-proof, nor splash­proof, nor water-proof. Read “Precautions” (page 147) before operating the camera.
• Before you record one-time events, make a trial recording to make sure that the camera is working correctly.
• Be careful not to get the camera wet. Water entering the inside of the camera may cause malfunctions which in some cases may not be repairable.
• Do not look at the sun or a strong light through a removed lens or the viewfinder. This may cause irrecoverable damage to your eyes. Or it may cause a malfunction of your 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.
• Using the camera in sandy or dusty locations may cause malfunctions.
• If moisture condensation occurs, remove it before using the camera (page 147).
• Do not shake or strike the camera. In addition to malfunctions and an inability to record images, this may render the recording medium unusable, or cause image data breakdown, damage or loss.
• Clean the flash surface before use. The heat of flash emission may cause dirt on the flash surface to become discolored or to stick to the flash surface, resulting in insufficient light emission.
• Keep the camera, supplied accessories, etc., out of the reach of children. The battery pack, the shoe cap, etc., may be swallowed. If such a problem occurs, consult a doctor immediately.
No compensation for contents of the recording
The contents of the recording cannot be compensated for if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of your camera or recording media, etc.
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Notes on the LCD monitor and lens
• The LCD monitor is manufactured using extremely high-precision 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 monitor. These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the images in any way.
Black, white, red, blue and green points
On image data compatibility
• This camera conforms with DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) universal standard established by 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.
Warning on copyright
Television programs, films, videotapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provisions of the copyright laws.
• Do not expose the camera to direct sunlight. If sunlight is focused on a nearby object, it may cause a fire. When you must place the camera under direct sunlight, attach the lens cap.
• Images may trail across on the LCD monitor in a cold location. This is not a malfunction. When turning on the camera in a cold location, the LCD monitor may become temporarily dark. When the camera warms up, the monitor will function normally.
• Do not press against the LCD monitor. The monitor may be discolored and that may cause a malfunction.
On focal length
The picture angle of this camera is narrower than that of a 35 mm-format film camera. You can find the approximate equivalent of the focal length of a 35 mm-format film camera, and shoot with the same picture angle, by increasing the focal length of your lens by half.
For example, by using a 50 mm lens, you can get the approximate equivalent of a 75 mm lens of a 35 mm-format film camera.
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.
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Table of contents

Notes on using your camera .....................................................................7
Basic techniques for better images .........................................................13
Focus – Focusing on a subject successfully................................................... 13
Exposure – Adjusting the light intensity .......................................................... 16
Color – On the effects of lighting..................................................................... 17
Quality – On “image quality” and “image size” ............................................... 17
Before your operation
Identifying parts.......................................................................................19
Indicators on the monitor.........................................................................22
Switching the recording information display ............................................26
Number of images ...................................................................................27
The number of images that can be recorded when using the battery pack
................................................................................................................29
Operation workflow..................................................................................30
Using the shooting functions
Using the mode dial.................................................................................31
Scene Selection............................................................................................... 32
Shooting with Program auto ............................................................................ 33
Shooting with aperture priority mode .............................................................. 34
Shooting with shutter speed priority mode ...................................................... 36
Shooting with manual exposure mode ............................................................ 37
Using the function dial.............................................................................42
How to use the function dial ............................................................................ 43
Setting ISO/Zone Matching ............................................................................. 44
Adjusting the white balance ............................................................................ 46
D-Range Optimizer.......................................................................................... 49
Selecting the color/DEC mode ........................................................................ 49
Focus mode..................................................................................................... 51
Flash ................................................................................................................ 54
Metering mode ................................................................................................ 58
Using the (Drive) button ...............................................................60
How to use the (Drive) button ............................................................. 60
Shooting continuously ..................................................................................... 61
Using the self-timer ......................................................................................... 62
Shooting three images with the exposure shifted – Exposure Bracket ........... 62
White balance bracket shooting...................................................................... 64
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Adjusting the exposure......................................................................65
Locking the exposure (AE lock)......................................................... 67
Slow Sync (Shooting the dark background with flash).......................69
Depth-of-field preview ............................................................................. 70
Focusing manually ..................................................................................71
Using the viewing functions
Switching the playback screen................................................................72
Displaying the histogram......................................................................... 74
Rotating an image...................................................................................76
Enlarging images ....................................................................................77
Viewing images on a TV screen ............................................................. 78
Using the menu
Using menu items ................................................................................... 80
Menu list..................................................................................................82
Recording menu 1 ............................................................................. 83
Image size Quality Inst.Playback Noise reductn Eye-Start AF
Recording menu 2 ............................................................................. 86
Red eye Flash control Flash default Bracket order
Reset
Playback menu 1 ............................................................................... 88
Delete Format
Protect
Index format
Playback menu 2 ............................................................................... 91
Slide show
DPOF set
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Custom menu 1..................................................................................93
Priority setup FocusHoldButt. AEL button Ctrl dial set Exp. comp. set AF illuminator
Custom menu 2..................................................................................96
Shutter lock Shutter lock AF area setup Monitor Disp. Rec. display Play. display
Setup menu 1 .....................................................................................98
LCDbrightness Transfer mode Video output Audio signals
Language
Date/Time set
Setup menu 2 ...................................................................................100
File # memory Folder name Select folder
Setup menu 3 ...................................................................................102
LCD backlight Power save MenuSec.Memory Delete conf. Clean CCD Reset default
Using your computer
Enjoying your Windows computer .........................................................105
Copying images to your computer.........................................................107
Viewing image files stored on a computer with your camera ................113
Installing the software (supplied)...........................................................114
Using the software (supplied)................................................................115
Using your Macintosh computer ............................................................120
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Printing images
How to print images ..............................................................................122
Printing images directly using a PictBridge compliant printer ............... 123
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting.....................................................................................127
Warning messages ............................................................................... 137
Others
On the “Memory Stick” ..........................................................................139
On the CF card/Microdrive.................................................................... 141
On the battery pack .............................................................................. 142
On the battery charger.......................................................................... 143
Optional accessories ............................................................................ 144
Precautions...........................................................................................147
Specifications........................................................................................ 149
Reset default......................................................................................... 151
Index 155
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Basic techniques for better images

Focus Exposure Color Quality
This section describes the basics so you can enjoy your camera. It tells you how to use various camera functions such as the mode dial (page 31), the function dial (page 42), the menus (page 80), and so on.

Focus

Focusing on a subject successfully
When you look into the viewfinder, or you press the shutter button halfway down, the camera adjusts the focus automatically (Auto Focus). Make it a habit to press the shutter button only halfway down to confirm that the subject is visually in focus.
Press the shutter button fully down straight away.
If the image looks blurred even after focusing, it may be because of camera shake.
Press the shutter button halfway down.
AE/AF lock
, z
Then press the shutter button fully down.
t See
“Hints for preventing blur” (as follows).
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Hints for preventing blur
Hold the camera steady, keeping your arms at your side and support the lens with the palm of your left hand. Step out with one foot to stabilize your upper body, leaning against a wall or putting your elbow on a table will also provide support. Using a tripod, or using the Super SteadyShot function is also recommended.
In a dark location, using the flash allows you to take a bright picture even of a subject in dim light and it also helps to prevent camera shake. If you want to make the most of the ambient light, or if the subject is out of flash range, you can increase the shutter speed to reduce the camera shake without firing the flash by increasing the ISO. (However, this tends to make the image grainy or subject to noise.)
When the subject is outside the focus frame (Focus-lock)
Normally, in auto focus mode, place the subject within the focus frame and take the picture. If the subject is off-center and outside the focus frame, the background within the focus frame will be in focus and the subject will be out of focus. To prevent this, use the focus-lock function by following the steps below.
• The focus-lock function is also effective when shooting subjects with which autofocus is less effective (page 15).
1 Place the subject within the focus frame and press the shutter button halfway down.
• The z indicator lights up in the viewfinder. A local focus frame is illuminated briefly to indicate the
point of focus.
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2 Keep the shutter button halfway down, and put the subject back in the original position to re-
compose the shot.
3 Press the shutter button fully down to take the picture.
• The focus-lock function will lock the exposure as well (when multi segment metering is selected (page 58)).
• Releasing the shutter button after shooting will disengage the focus-lock. If you keep the shutter button halfway down after shooting, you can continue shooting with the same focal point.
• If the z indicator does not light up in the viewfinder (the subject is in motion), you cannot use the focus­lock function by pressing the shutter button halfway down. (See pages 53 and 71.)
Subjects that may require special focusing:
Using the auto focus, it is hard to focus on the following subjects. In such cases, use the focus lock shooting feature or manual focus (page 71).
– A subject that is low in contrast, such as blue sky or a white wall. – Two subjects at different distances overlapping in the focus frame. – A subject that is composed of repeating patterns, such as the facade of a building. – A subject that is very bright or glittering, such as the sun, the body of an automobile, or the surface of
water.
To measure the exact distance to the subject
The horizontal line in the illustration shows the location of the CCD* plane. When you measure the exact distance between the camera and the subject, refer to the position of the horizontal line.
* The CCD is the part of the camera that acts as the film.
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Exposure

You can create various images by adjusting the shutter speed and aperture. Exposure is the amount of light that the camera will receive when you release the shutter.
Adjusting the light intensity
Shutter speed = Length of time the camera
Exposure:
Aperture = Size of the opening allowing light to pass
receives light
through
Overexposure
= too much light Whitish image
Correct exposure
Underexposure
= too little light Darker image
Image sensor =
The exposure is automatically set to the proper value in the auto adjustment mode. However, you can adjust it manually using the functions below.
Manual exposure: Allows you to adjust the shutter speed and aperture value manually. t page 37
Metering Mode:
Allows you to change the part of the subject to be measured to determine the exposure. t page 58
Exposure compensation:
Allows you to adjust the exposure that has been determined by the camera. t page 65
Part that records the image
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Color

The apparent color of the subject is affected by the lighting conditions.
On the effects of lighting
Example: The color of an image affected by light sources
Weather/lighting
Characteristics of light
The color tones are adjusted automatically in the auto white balance mode. However, you can adjust color tones manually with the white balance mode (page 46).

Quality

A digital image is made up of a collection of small dots called pixels. If it contains a large number of pixels, the picture becomes large, it takes up more memory, and the image is displayed in fine detail. “Image size” is shown by the number of pixels. Although you cannot see the differences on the screen of the camera, the fine detail and data processing time differ when the image is printed or displayed on a computer screen.
Description of the pixels and the image size
On “image quality” and “image size”
Pixels
Daylight Cloudy Fluorescent Incandescent
White (standard) Bluish Blue-tinged Reddish
1 Image size: L:10M
3,872 pixels × 2,592 pixels = 10,036,224 pixels
2 Image size: S:2.5M
1,920 pixels × 1,280 pixels = 2,457,600 pixels
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Selecting the image size for use
Pixel
Many pixels (Fine image quality and large file size)
Example: Printing in up to A3/A3+** size
Few pixels (Rough image quality but small file size)
Example: For creating web pages
The default settings are marked with .
Image size* Usage guidelines No. of
L:10M Larger
M:5.6M For printing in A4 size or high density
S:2.5M For recording a large number of images
Smaller
* The images recorded using the camera are the same 3:2 ratio as used photograph printing paper or
postcards, etc.
** This is a size larger than A3 size. You can print images with a margin around the A3 size image.
For storing important images or printing A3/ A3+** size or fine A4 size images.
images in A5 size
For creating web pages
images
Less
More
Printing
Fine
Rough
Selecting the image quality (compression ratio) in combination (page 83)
You can select the compression ratio when digital images are saved. When you select a high compression ratio, the image lacks the fineness of detail, but has a smaller file size.
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Before your operation

Identifying parts

* Do not directly touch these parts.
See the pages in parentheses for details of operation.
Before your operation
A Mode dial (31) B (Drive) button (60) C Shutter button (
t step 5 in “Read This
First”)
D Control dial (33, 94) E Self-timer lamp (62) F Lens contacts* G Mirror* H Lens mount I Depth-of-field preview button (70) J Built-in flash* (
t step 5 in “Read This
First”)
K Fn (Function) button (43) L Function dial (42) M Hook for shoulder strap (21) N Lens release button (
t step 2 in “Read
This First”)
O Focus mode switch (71) P DC-IN terminal (144)
A Viewf in der (
t step 5 in “Read This
First”)
B Eyepiece sensors (97) C POWER switch (
t step 3 in “Read This
First”)
D MENU button (80) E (Display) button (26, 72) F (Delete) button (
t step 6 in “Read
This First”)
G (Playback) button (
t step 6 in
“Read This First”)
H LCD monitor (22, 26) I Controller (v/V/b/B) (
t step 3 in
“Read This First”)
For viewing: v: (Histogram) button
(74) V: (Rotate) button (76)
J Center button (
t step 3 in “Read This
First”)/Spot-AF button (51)
K REMOTE (Remote-control) jack (144) L Accessory shoe (145) M Diopter-adjustment dial (
t step 5 in
“Read This First”)
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N For shooting: +/– (Exposure) button (37,
65) For viewing: (Reduce) button (72,
77)
O For shooting: AEL (AE lock) button
(39, 67) For viewing: (Enlarge) button (77)
P Access lamp (
t step 4 in “Read This
First ”)
Q (Super SteadyShot) switch (
t
step 5 in “Read This First”)
R CF card cover (
t step 4 in “Read This
First ”)
S VIDEO/USB jack (78, 108) T CF card insertion slot (
t step 4 in
“Read This First”)
U CF card eject lever (
t step 4 in “Read
This First”)
A Tripod receptacle
• Use a tripod with a screw length of less than
5.5 mm (7/32 inch). You will be unable to firmly secure the camera to tripods having screws longer than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch), and may damage the camera.
B Battery cover open lever (t step 1 in
“Read This First”)
C Lock lever (
t step 1 in “Read This
First”)
D Battery insertion slot (
t step 1 in
“Read This First”)
E Battery cover (
t step 1 in “Read This
First”)
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Attaching the shoulder strap
This camera has two hooks to attach the shoulder strap. Attach the end of the strap with the remote commander clip on the grip side of the camera. Attach the other end of the strap on the other side of the camera.
Remote commander clip
Holder Ring
When threading the strap through the holder ring, hold the tip of the strap with your finger, as shown below, and slide the holder ring rather than the tip of the strap into position to secure the strap.
If the holder ring comes off the strap, put it back on the strap from the notched side.
Before your operation
Notched side
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Indicators on the monitor

See the pages in parentheses for details of operation.
Viewfinder
A
Display Indication
Wide focus frames (51)
Local focus frames (51)
Spot AF frames (51)
Spot-metering area (51)
B
Display Indication
Flash-compensation (57)
Flashing: The flash is being charged Lit: The flash has been
t step 5 in “Read
charged ( This First”)
WL Wireless flash (54)
High-speed sync (145)
AEL AE lock (67)
z Focus (
125 Shutter speed (36)
5.6 Aperture (34)
9 Frames-remaining counter
t step 5 in “Read
This First”)
Ev scale (38, 63, 68)
(61)
Camera-shake warning ( step 5 in “Read This First”)
Super SteadyShot scale ( step 5 in “Read This First”)
22
t
t
LCD monitor (Recording information display)
• The illustration above is for the full display in the horizontal position (page 26).
A
Display Indication
P A S M
125 Shutter speed (36)
F5.6 Aperture (34)
B
Display Indication
Exposure-compensation
ISO AUTO ZONE
Mode dial (31)
Flash mode (54)
(65)/Metered Manual (38)
Flash-compensation (57)
Ev scale (38, 63, 68)
ISO sensitivity (44)/Zone Matching (45)
Page 23
C
Display Indication
+1 Contrast (50)
+1 Saturation (50)
+1 Sharpness (50)
D-range optimizer (49)
Metering (58)
AF area (51)
AF mode (53)
RP Release priority (93)
Image size (83)
FINE STD RAW RAW+
Color mode (49)
Drive mode (60)
Image quality (83)
D
Display Indication
AE lock (67)
Battery remaining ( 1 in “Read This First”)
AWB +1
5500K M1
0039 Remaining number of
White balance (Auto, Preset, Color temperature, CC filter, Custom) (46)
recordable images (27)
t step
Operation guide
The next operation may be indicated on the lower portion of the LCD monitor.
Display Indication
Controller bB
Controller vV
Controller vVbB
z Center of the controller
Control dial
Returns with MENU
Returns with (77)
Switches folder frame and image frame in file browser (72)
Before your operation
23
Page 24
LCD monitor (single-image playback) LCD monitor (Histogram display)
Display Indication
L:10M
Image size (83)
M:5.6M S:2.5M
FINE STD
Image quality (83)
RAW RAW+
Battery remaining ( 1 in “Read This First”)
10:30
Date of recording
2006.01.01
Protect (89)
3 DPOF set (91)
100-0003 Folder - file number (112)
[0003/0007] Frame number/total numbe r
of images
24
t step
Display Indication
Playback image (74)
Histogram (74)
L:10M
Image size (83)
M:5.6M S:2.5M
D-range optimizer (49)
FINE STD
Image quality (83)
RAW RAW+
35mm Focal length (8)
1/125 Shutter speed (36)
–0.3 Ev scale (65)
F3.5 Aperture (34)
Flash-compensation (57)
P A S M
Mode dial (31)
Metering mode (58)
AWB +1 5500K M1
White balance (Auto, Preset, Color temperature, CC filter, Custom) (46)
ISO100 ISO sensitivity (ISO) (44)
Super SteadyShot (
t step
5 in “Read This First”)
100MSDCF-
Folder - file number (112)
0002
Battery remaining (
t step
1 in “Read This First”)
2006.01.01 Date of recording
Protect (89)
Page 25
Display Indication
3 DPOF set (91)
[0002/0009] File number/total number
of images
Before your operation
25
Page 26

Switching the recording information display

When recording, the LCD monitor on the back of the camera displays various recording information. Press the (Display) button to switch between the detailed display and the enlarged display that has less information in larger letters. You can choose to turn off the display to minimize battery consumption. When you rotate the camera to a vertical position, the display automatically rotates to adjust to the camera position.
Horizontal position
Detailed display
(Display) button
Enlarged display
No display
Vertical position
Detailed display
(Display) button
• The instructions in this operating instructions are based on the detailed display in the horizontal position. (The upper-left illustration.)
• You can choose to keep the display from rotating in the vertical position (page 97).
• For the screen displayed in playback mode, see page 72.
Enlarged display
No display
26
Page 27

Number of images

The tables show the approximate number of images that can be recorded on a recording medium formatted with this camera. The values may vary depending on the shooting conditions.
The number of images
“Memory Stick Duo” Image size: L:10M (Units: Images)
Capacity
Size
Standard 22 46 85 174 358 735
Fine 14 29 54 112 229 471
RAW & JPEG 2 5 10 23 48 100
RAW
Image size: M:5.6M (Units: Images)
Capacity
Size
Standard 39 80 145 296 606 1245
Fine 25 52 95 194 397 815
Image size: S:2.5M (Units: Images)
Capacity
Size
Standard 78 158 287 586 1196 2454
Fine 53 108 197 402 822 1687
64MB 128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB 2GB
3 7 14 30 62 128
64MB 128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB 2GB
64MB 128MB 256MB 512MB 1GB 2GB
Before your operation
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CF card Image size: L:10M
Capacity
Size
Standard 93 188 377 755 1508
Fine 59 120 242 485 968
RAW & JPEG 12 25 51 103 207
RAW
256MB 512MB 1GB 2GB 4GB
15 32 65 132 265
(Units: Images)
Image size: M:5.6M (Units: Images)
Capacity
Size
Standard 159 319 640 1279 2553
Fine 104 208 419 838 1673
256MB 512MB 1GB 2GB 4GB
Image size: S:2.5M (Units: Images)
Capacity
Size
Standard 315 630 1262 2523 5034
Fine 216 433 867 1734 3460
256MB 512MB 1GB 2GB 4GB
28
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The number of images that can be recorded when using the battery pack

The table shows the approximate number of images that can be recorded when you use the camera with the battery pack (supplied) at full capacity and at an ambient temperature of 25°C (77°F). The numbers of images that can be recorded take into account changing the recording medium as necessary. Note that the actual numbers may be less than those indicated depending on the conditions of use.
Recording medium No. of images
“Memory Stick Duo” Approx. 750
CF card Approx. 750
• Shooting in the following situations: – [Quality] is set to [Fine]. – [AF mode] is set to [Automatic AF]. – Shooting once 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 the CIPA standard.
(CIPA: Camera & Imaging Products Association)
• The number of shooting images does not change, regardless of image size.
• The battery capacity decreases as the number of uses increases and also over time (page 142).
• The number of images that can be recorded is decreased under the following conditions:
– The surrounding temperature is low. – The flash is used frequently. – The camera has been turned on and off many
times. – [AF mode] is set to [Continuous AF]. – The battery power is low.
• When using a Microdrive, the number of images recordable may differ.
Before your operation
29
Page 30

Operation workflow

The chart below shows the workflow for the following operations - preparation, shooting, and playback. Perform the following confirmation and setup process, if necessary.
Preparation
Prepare the battery pack (t step 1 in “Read This First”)
Attaching a lens (t step 2 in “Read This First”)
Set the clock (t step 3 in “Read This First”, page 99)
Insert a recording medium (t step 4 in “Read This First”)
Confirmation before shooting
Check the recording mode (page 31)
Adjusting the diopter (t step 5 in “Read This First”)
Switching the recording information display (page 26)
Selecting the image size (page 83)
Using the flash (t step 5 in “Read This First”)
Setup for shooting
Using the function dial (page 42)
(ISO/Zone Matching, White Balance, D-Range Optimizer, Color Mode, Metering mode, Focus mode, Flash)
Using the (Drive) button (page 60)
(Single frame advance, continuous advance, self-timer, bracket, white balance bracket)
Adjusting the exposure (page 65)
Locking the exposure (page 67)
Focusing manually (page 71)
Shooting
Holding the camera (t step 5 in “Read This First”, page 14)
Look into the viewfinder (t step 5 in “Read This First”)
When using a zoom lens, turn the zoom ring (t step 5 in “Read This First”)
Check the focus (t step 5 in “Read This First”)
Check the approximate sharpness of the subject image (page 70)
Check that the flash has been charged before you use it (t step 5 in “Read This
First”)
Press the shutter button to take a picture (t step 5 in “Read This First”)
Confirmation of image shot
Viewing images (t step 6 in “Read This First”)
Deleting images (t step 6 in “Read This First”)
Switching the playback screen (page 72)
Displaying the histogram (page 74)
Rotating an image (page 76)
Enlarging images (page 77)
Viewing images on a TV screen (page 78)
30
Page 31

Using the shooting functions

Using the mode dial

Set the mode dial to the desired function.
Recording modes
:
Auto adjustment mode
Allows easy shooting with the settings adjusted automatically, depending entirely on the camera.
: Scene Selection mode
Allows you to shoot with preset settings according to the scene (page 32).
P: Program auto mode
Allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically (both the shutter speed and the aperture value). The other settings can be adjusted, and your setting values can be saved (page 33).
t step 5 in “Read This First”
Mode dial
Using the shooting functions
A: Aperture priority mode
Allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value manually (page 34).
S: Shutter speed priority mode
Allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed manually (page 36).
M: Manual exposure mode
Allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure manually (both the shutter speed and the aperture value) (page 37).
In this Operating Instructions, the available mode dial setting is shown as follows.
Unavailable Available
31
Page 32

Scene Selection

P A S M
You can shoot with the following preset settings according to the scene.
• You can change any of the settings except [Color/DEC] (page 49).
Portrait
Shoots with backgrounds blur away, and the subject is sharpened.
• To blur the background more, using the telephoto position of the lens is more effective.
• It is recommended that you use the flash when the subject is backlit. Also, when you do not use the flash, it is recommended that you use the lens hood to prevent unnecessary light from seeping into the lens.
Landscape
Shoots scenery with vivid and sharp colors.
• It is recommended that you push down the flash not to fire the flash.
• The shutter speed becomes slower when the subject is dark. If appears in the viewfinder, be careful about camera shake or use a tripod. The Super SteadyShot function is also effective.
Macro
Shoots close subjects such as flowers, insects. You can achieve clear and sharp focus.
• When shooting with the built-in flash within the range of 1 m (39 3/8 inches), shadows may appear on the lower part of the image. Do not use with the built-in flash.
Sports action
Shoots moving subjects outdoors or in bright places.
• The AF mode is set to (Continuous AF) (page 53). The camera continues to focus while the shutter button is pressed and held halfway down.
• The drive mode is set to Continuous (page 61). The camera shoots the image continuously while the shutter button is pressed.
• Do not use the flash if the subject is out of the flash range (Push the built-in flash back down). Flash range
t step 5 in “Read This First”
Sunset
Shoots the red of the sunset beautifully.
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Night view/portrait
• The shutter speed is slower, so using a tripod is recommended. The Super SteadyShot function is also effective. (
t step 5 in “Read This First”)
Night portrait
Shoots portraits in dark places. Pull up the flash to use it.
• The shutter speed is up to 2 seconds.
• Take care that the subject does not move to prevent the image from blurring.
Night view
Shoots night scenes at a distance without losing the dark atmosphere of the surroundings. Do not use the flash (Push the flash back down).
• The picture may not be taken properly when shooting a wholly dark night scene.
Using the shooting functions

Shooting with Program auto

P A S M
In program auto mode, the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed and the aperture according to the brightness of the subject just as in the auto adjustment mode (mode dial: AUT O).
Program Shift
You can temporarily change the aperture value and shutter speed combination that was adjusted by the camera.
There are two methods for the program shift function.
shift: You can choose the desired shutter speed. The aperture value is adjusted
P
S
automatically. This setting is the default setting.
shift: You can choose the desired aperture value. The shutter speed is adjusted
P
A
automatically.
• You can switch the PS shift and the PA shift with [Ctrl dial set] in the Custom menu (page 94).
Mode dial
Shutter button
Control dial
1 Set the mode dial to P. 2 Look into the viewfinder or press the shutter button halfway down until the shutter speed and
aperture value are displayed on the LCD monitor.
33
Page 34
3 Select the aperture value or the shutter speed using the control dial when the shutter speed and
the aperture value are displayed.
PS shift (The default setting) PA shift
• When the shutter speed and the aperture value are displayed, you no longer have to keep pressing the shutter button.
• When the shutter speed and the aperture value disappear seconds later, the adjusted values also disappear.
• When the flash is pulled up, you cannot select the program shift (even if you turn the control dial, the program shift is not turned on). When the program shift is turned on, pulling up the flash cancels the program shift.

Shooting with aperture priority mode

P A S M
You can adjust the amount of light that passes through the lens. If you open the aperture (a smaller F-number), the amount of light allowed into the lens increases and the in-focus range becomes narrower. Only the main subject is then in focus. When the aperture is closed (a larger F-number), the amount of light decreases and the in-focus range becomes wider. The whole image is sharpened. The shutter speed is automatically adjusted to obtain correct exposure according to the brightness of the subject.
Open the aperture
Mode dial
Control dial
Close the aperture
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1 Set the mode dial to A. 2 Select an aperture value using the control dial.
• The aperture range depends on the lens.
• The aperture value is adjusted in 1/3 Ev increments.
• Before shooting, you can do a quick check on the image blur with the depth-of-field preview function (page 70).
• If the proper exposure is not obtained after making the settings, the shutter speed on the LCD monitor and in the viewfinder flashes when the shutter button is pressed halfway down. You can shoot at this point, but adjusting again is recommended.
• When the flash is pulled up, the flash fires regardless of the amount of ambient light (page 54).
• When using the flash, if you close the aperture (a larger F-number), the flash light does not reach a distant subject. Opening the aperture (a smaller F-number) is recommended.
• If you close the aperture (a larger F-number), the amount of light passing through the lens is decreased and the shutter speed becomes slower. Using a tripod is recommended.
z Shooting techniques
The depth of field is the in-focus range. Opening the aperture makes the depth of field shallower (the in­focus range becomes narrower) and closing the aperture makes the depth of field wider (the in-focus range becomes wider).
Open the aperture
The subject is sharpened with its background blurred.
Close the aperture
Over a wide range, both nearby and faraway subjects are brought into focus.
Adjust the aperture to suit your purpose, either to sharpen the specific area of image, or to focus on the entire image.
Using the shooting functions
35
Page 36
Shooting with shutter speed priority
P A S M
mode
You can adjust the shutter speed manually. If you shoot a moving subject at a higher shutter speed, it appears as if frozen on the image. At a lower shutter speed, the subject appears as if it flowing. Aperture value is automatically adjusted to attain correct exposure according to the brightness of the subject.
High shutter speed
1 Set the mode dial to S. 2 Select a shutter speed using the control dial.
• You can adjust the shutter speed between 30 and 1/4000 second. You can adjust it between 30 and 1/ 125 second (with the Super SteadyShot function activated) or 30 and 1/160 second (with the Super SteadyShot function deactivated) when using the flash.
• The shutter speed is adjusted in 1/3 Ev increments.
• If the proper exposure is not obtained after making the settings, the aperture value on the LCD monitor and in the viewfinder flashes when the shutter button is pressed halfway down. You can shoot at this point, but adjusting again is recommended.
• When the flash is pulled up, the flash fires regardless of the amount of ambient light (page 54).
• When using the flash, if you close the aperture (a larger F-number) by making the shutter speed slower, the flash light does not reach a distant subject. If you want to use the slower shutter speed, the Slow Sync shooting is recommended (page 69).
• When the shutter speed is one second or more, the noise reduction will be done after shooting (page 85).
• The (Camera-shake warning) indicator does not appear in the shutter speed priority mode.
Slow shutter speed
Mode dial
Control dial
36
Page 37
z Shooting techniques
When shooting a moving person, car, or spindrift, etc., using the high shutter speed, you can express moment that is beyond what the human eye can see.
When shooting a subject such as the flow of a river at a slower shutter speed, you can create an image that captures the subject’s flowing movement. In such cases, use of a tripod is recommended to prevent camera shake.

Shooting with manual exposure mode

P A S M
Manual exposure
You can manually adjust the shutter speed and aperture values. This mode is useful when you maintain the setting of the shutter speed and the aperture value or when you use an exposure meter.
Mode dial
Control dial
+/– (Exposure) button
1 Set the mode dial to M. 2 Select a shutter speed using the control dial.
Using the shooting functions
• “BULB” (Bulb shooting) is indicated next to “30” (page 40).
3 Press and hold the +/– (Exposure) button and turn the control dial to select the aperture.
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• In the manual exposure mode, even when [ISO] (page 44) is set to [AUTO], it is fixed to ISO 100.
• You can assign the function of the control dial with [Ctrl dial set] in the Custom menu (page 94).
• The (Camera-shake warning) indicator does not appear in the manual exposure mode.
• When the flash is pulled up, the flash fires regardless of the amount of ambient light (page 54).
z Ev scale
The Ev scale on the LCD monitor and in the viewfinder indicates the difference between the standard exposure (0.0Ev) determined by the camera meter and the set exposure determined by the shutter speed, and the aperture specified by the photographer. (Metered Manual)
Standard exposure 1.0Ev over exposure 2.0Ev or more over
exposure
The set exposure specified by the photographer is the same as the exposure determined by the meter.
: stands for Metered Manual.
38
The set exposure specified by the photographer is 1.0Ev more (+) than the standard exposure determined by the meter.
The b B arrow appears at the end of the scale if the set exposure is over 2.0Ev more (+) or less (-) than the standard exposure. The arrow starts flashing if the difference becomes greater.
Page 39
z How to use the AEL button in manual mode
While you press and hold the AEL (AE Lock) button, the exposure determined by the meter is locked as the standard exposure (0.0Ev). Changing the composition on the LCD monitor and in the viewfinder while holding the AEL button causes the exposure within the spot metering circle to continually shift to match the movements and the display indicates the difference between the standard exposure determined by the meter and the exposure within the spot metering circle.
The following illustrations show a case where the set exposure specified by the photographer is 1.0Ev more than the locked standard exposure determined by the meter. When the composition is changed in the viewfinder, the exposure within the spot metering circle is 0.7Ev more than the set exposure, thereby making it 1.7Ev more than the standard exposure determined by the meter.
The exposure specified by the photographer
The exposure within the spot metering circle when you recompose your shot.
Spot metering circle
Manual shift
You can change the shutter speed and aperture value combination without changing the exposure in manual mode.
Mode dial
Control dial
AEL (AE lock) button
Using the shooting functions
1 Set the mode dial to M. 2 Select a shutter speed and aperture value (page 37). 3 Press and hold the AEL (AE lock) button and turn the control dial to select the desired shutter
speed and aperture value combination.
39
Page 40
BULB (long exposure) shooting
As long as the shutter button is pressed, the shutter remains open. You can shoot trails of light, such as fireworks. Attach a tripod to the camera when using the bulb shooting function.
Mode dial
Control dial
Shutter button
+/– (Exposure) button
1 Set the mode dial to M. 2 Turn the control dial to the left until [BULB] is indicated.
3 Press and hold the +/– (Exposure) button and turn the control dial to select the aperture. 4 Attach the eyepiece cover (page 41). 5 Press and hold the shutter button for the duration of the shooting.
• You can shoot in bulb exposure mode up to about four hours using a fully charged battery pack.
• After shooting, the noise reduction will be done for the same amount of time that the shutter was open. When the message “Processing...” appears, you cannot do any further shooting. To cancel this function, see page 85.
• The Super SteadyShot function is automatically turned off.
• The higher the ISO sensitivity, or the longer the exposure time, the more outstanding the noise on the monitor.
• To reduce camera-shake, connecting the Remote Commander (not supplied) is recommended (page 144).
40
Page 41
To attach the eyepiece cover
When the shutter is released without the use of the viewfinder, as in bulb exposure or shooting with the self-timer, attach the eyepiece cover to prevent light from entering through the viewfinder and affecting the exposure.
1 Carefully slide the eyecup off by pushing on each side of the eyecup.
2 Slide the eyepiece cover over the viewfinder. The cover is normally attached to the shoulder
strap.
• When attaching the eyepiece cover, the eyepiece sensors located below the viewfinder may be activated depending on the situation, and the focus may be adjusted or the LCD monitor may continue to flash. Setting [Eye-Start AF] to [Off] prevents this problem (page 85).
Using the shooting functions
41
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Using the function dial

Set the function dial to the desired function. You can set the focus frame, AF mode, metering mode, flash compensation, color mode, etc.
Function dial
ISO: Setting ISO/Zone Matching (page 44)
WB: Adjusting the white balance (page 46)
D-R: D-Range Optimizer (page 49)
DEC: Selecting the color/DEC mode (page 49)
: Focus mode (page 51)
: Flash (page 54)
: Metering mode (page 58)
42
Page 43

How to use the function dial

Fn button
Function dial
Controller
Center button/Spot AF button
1 Set the function dial to the desired position.
2 Press the Fn button so that the function screen appears.
3 Select the desired setting or value with v/V/b/B on the controller.
• You can substitute the control dial for b/B of the controller.
• For details on the setting method, see the corresponding explanation.
4 Press the center button of the controller to complete the operation.
The settings you select are set.
Using the shooting functions
43
Page 44

Setting ISO/Zone Matching

ISO WB D-R DEC
You can adjust the ISO sensitivity and switch the Zone Matching setup.
ISO
ISO is a unit of measurement of sensitivity to light. The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity.
1 Display the ISO/Zone Matching screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43).
2 Select the desired value with v/V/b/B on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
• [Hi200] and [Lo80] options are used for Zone Matching (page 45).
( : The default setting)
AUTO
100
200
Automatically adjusts the ISO sensitivity.
Select a large number when shooting in dark locations or shooting a subject moving at high speed, or select a small number to obtain high image quality.
400
800
1600
• When [ISO] is set to [AUTO], the ISO sensitivity is automatically adjusted between ISO 100 and ISO 800, however, if the mode dial is set to M, it is fixed at ISO 100.
• The built-in flash range (the range within which the correct exposure is provided) depends on the aperture value and ISO sensitivity. Refer to the following table to determine the shooting distance.
Aperture
F2.8 1 – 4.3 m
F4.0 1 – 3 m
F5.6 1 – 2.1 m
100 200 400 / AUTO 800 1600
(39 3/8 – 169
3/8 inches)
(39 3/8 – 118
1/8 inches)
(39 3/8 – 82
3/4 inches)
1 – 6 m
(39 3/8 – 236
1/4 inches)
1 – 4.3 m
(39 3/8 – 169
3/8 inches)
1 – 3 m
(39 3/8 – 118
1/8 inches)
ISO setting
1.4 – 8.6 m (55 1/8 – 338
5/8 inches)
1 – 6 m
(39 3/8 – 236
1/4 inches)
1 – 4.3 m
(39 3/8 – 169
3/8 inches)
2 – 12 m
(78 3/4 – 472
1/2 inches)
1.4 – 8.6 m
(55 1/8 – 338
5/8 inches)
1 – 6 m
(39 3/8 – 236
1/4 inches)
2.8 – 17 m
3/8 inches)
(78 3/4 – 472
1/2 inches)
1.4 – 8.6 m
(55 1/8 – 338
5/8 inches)
44
(110
1/4 – 669
2 – 12 m
Page 45
Zone Matching
You can keep the image from becoming overexposed or underexposed when shooting a high­keyed or low-keyed subject. This function is also available for a RAW file.
1 Display the ISO/Zone Matching screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43).
2 Select [Lo80] or [Hi200] with v/V/b/B on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
• [AUTO], [100], [200], [400], [800] and [1600] options are used for ISO sensitivity (page 44).
Lo80
Hi200
• The ISO sensitivity is set to the equivalent of ISO 80 in [Lo80], and of ISO 200 in [Hi200].
• When zone matching is used, the contrast setting in the color mode is deactivated.
• Refer to the following table to determine the flash range.
Aperture
F2.8 1 – 3.8 m (39 3/8 – 149 5/8 inches) 1 – 6 m (39 3/8 – 236 1/4 inches)
F4.0 1 – 2.7 m (39 3/8 – 106 3/8 inches) 1 – 4.3 m (39 3/8 – 169 3/8 inches)
F5.6 1 – 1.9 m (39 3/8 – 74 7/8 inches) 1 – 3 m (39 3/8 – 118 1/8 inches)
This keeps the image from becoming underexposed. Use in low-key (predominantly dark) scenes is recommended, as the image tends to become whitish.
This keeps the image from becoming overexposed. Use in high-key (predominantly light) scenes is recommended, as the image tends to have heightened noise level.
Zone Matching
Lo80 Hi200
Using the shooting functions
45
Page 46

Adjusting the white balance

ISO WB D-R DEC
Normally, the camera automatically adjusts the color tones. However, you can also adjust them according to the lighting conditions.
1 Display the White-balance mode screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43).
2 Select the desired white balance mode with v/V on the controller. 3 To select [AWB], press the center of the controller.
To select anything other than [AWB], go to each procedure.
AWB (Auto white balance)
(Preset white balance)
K* (Color temperature)
(Custom white balance)
*
K: stands for “Kelvin” (unit of color temperature)
Adjusts the white balance automatically.
Adjusts the white balance to a specific light source (see below).
Adjusts color temperature. The CC (Color Compensating) filter is also adjusted (page 47).
Memorizes the basic white color (page 48).
Preset white balance
Select an option to suit a specific light source. Use this function if you cannot get your desired color in [AWB].
1 Display the White-balance mode screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43). 2 Display the Preset white balance screen with v/V on the controller, then press B.
3 Select the desired light source with b/B on the controller or the control dial, then make fine
adjustments with v/V on the controller, if necessary.
• You can adjust the white balance between +3 and -3 (in Fluorescent, between +4 and -2).
• Adjusting toward + increases the color temperature and the image turns reddish. Adjusting toward ­decreases the color temperature and the image turns paler.
• 1 step is equivalent to approximately 10 mired*.
* Mired: a unit to indicate the color conversion quality in color temperature filters.
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4 Press the center of the controller.
( : The default setting)
(Daylight)
(Shade)
(Cloudy)
(Tungsten)
(Fluorescent)
(Flash)
• For details on the white balance t page 17
• If the ambient light consists of sodium-vapor lamps or mercury-vapor lamps alone, an accurate white balance cannot be acquired due to the properties of the light source. Use of the flash is recommended to overpower the ambient light.
Adjusts for outdoors, sunlit subjects.
Adjusts for shady conditions on a clear day.
Adjusts for a cloudy sky.
Adjusts for places where the lighting conditions change quickly, such as at a party hall, or under bright lighting, such as at photography studios.
Adjusts for fluorescent lighting.
Adjusts for flash condition.
Color temperature
You can set the white balance using a color temperature. Based on using the set color temperature as the standard, the color can be compensated from G (Green) to M (Magenta) just like using a CC (Color Compensation) filter for photography.
• When setting the color temperature measured by the color meter, test shooting is recommended before the actual photo is taken.
1 Display the White-balance mode screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43). 2 Display the Color temperature screen with V on the controller, then press B.
Using the shooting functions
3 Set the color temperature with v/V/b/B on the controller.
• Select the digit (thousand’s or hundred’s place) of the color temperature with b/B, then set the value of the selected digit with v/V.
• The color temperature can be selected between 2500K and 9900K.
4 Select the setup area of the CC filter with B, then set the CC filter with v/V, if necessary.
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• Pressing v compensates toward M (Magenta), and pressing V toward G (Green). This compensation
can adjust among nine steps in each direction.
• The increment on the scale is equivalent to approximately 5CC.
5 Press the center of the controller.
• If you change the color temperature after adjusting the CC filter, the actual CC filter value reflects the new color temperature.
Custom white balance
In a scene where the ambient light consists of multiple types of light source, use of custom white balance is recommended in order to accurately reproduce the whiteness.
1 Display the White-balance mode screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43). 2 Display the Custom white balance screen with v/V on the controller, then press B.
3 Select [ SET] with B on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
The message “Use spot metering area. Press shutter to calibrate.” appears on the LCD monitor.
4 Hold the camera so that the white area fully covers the spot-metering circle and press the shutter
button down. The shutter clicks and the calibrated values (Color temperature and CC) are displayed.
• The focus does not have to be confirmed.
5 Press the center of the controller.
The monitor returns to the recording information screen with the memorized custom white balance setting retained.
To call the custom white balance setting
In step 2 above, select [ ] with b/B, then press the center of the controller.
• The custom white balance setting registered in this operation is effective until a new setting is registered. (The setting is retained after the power is turned off.)
• If the flash is used when the shutter button is pressed, a custom white balance is registered with the flash light taken into account. Take pictures with the flash in later shootings.
• The message “Custom WB error.” indicates that the value is beyond the expected range. (When the flash is used on a subject in close proximity or a subject with a bright color is in the frame.) The value is registered and the indicator turns yellow on the recording information display on the LCD monitor. You can shoot at this point, but it is recommended that you set the white balance again to get a more correct white balance value.
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D-Range Optimizer

ISO WB D-R DEC
The camera analyzes the shooting conditions and automatically corrects the image to improve the image quality.
1 Display the D-Range Optimizer screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43).
2 Select the desired mode with b/B on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
( : The default setting)
OFF (Off)
(Standard)
(Advanced)
• There is no effect in the following cases. – Center weighted metering – Spot metering – The mode dial is set to M. – [Quality] is set to [RAW] or [RAW & JPEG].
• When using AE lock, the camera automatically corrects the locked image.
• When in Continuous advance mode, the correction is fixed onto the first image, the same correction is used for the second or later images.
Does not correct brightness or contrast.
Adjusts the brightness and contrast of the whole screen.
Optimizes the contrast and the color reproduction of the recorded image by area.
Using the shooting functions

Selecting the color/DEC mode

ISO WB D-R DEC
The color mode has combinations of color tone, white balance, contrast, saturation, and sharpness that are best for various shooting conditions and purposes. This function is useful if you want to use the effects of scene selection when the mode dial is set to P, A, S, or M. Within the color mode, the contrast, saturation, and sharpness can be further calibrated to your liking.
1 Display the Color/DEC screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43).
2 Select the desired color mode with b/B on the controller.
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3 When adjusting the contrast, saturation, or sharpness, move to the screen used for adjustments
with V, select the desired item with v/V, then adjust the value with b/B.
4 Press the center of the controller.
( : The default setting)
(Standard)*
(Vivid)*
(Portrait)*
(Landscape)*
(Sunset)*
(Night view)*
(B&W)
(Adobe RGB)
* Uses the sRGB color space (see below).
Reproduces various scenes with rich gradation and beautiful color.
Reproduces memorable scenery such as blue sky, sunsets, spring greenery, and autumn leaves with deep and vivid colors.
Accentuates the subject and softly reproduces skin tones.
Reproduces the scenery with vivid and sharp colors.
Beautifully reproduces the red of the sunset.
Reproduces the light area vividly and the dark area crisply.
For monochrome images.
Uses the Adobe RGB color space. An ICC profile will not be embedded in the image.
(Contrast)
(Saturation)
(Sharpness)
• Selecting auto white balance (page 46) produces a more effective color tone. Use auto white balance especially in Sunset mode.
z About sRGB color space and Adobe RGB color space
sRGB color space
This is the standard color space of the digital camera and suitable for almost all normal conditions. As it is the color space that accommodates the properties of the average monitor, sRGB is also suited for handling images for use in web pages.
Adjusts the contrast in five steps, from -2 to +2. The higher the value, the stronger the contrast, resulting in a well-modulated, clear image. The lower the value, the weaker the contrast, resulting in fewer instances of white out or black out.
• When setting the zone matching, only the contrast setting is temporarily reset to 0 and cannot be changed.
Adjusts the color saturation in five steps, from -2 to +2. The higher the value, the stronger the saturation, resulting in a vivid, clear image. A lower value results in an understated image.
• If the color mode is set to (B&W), the saturation cannot be adjusted.
Adjusts the sharpness of the image in five steps, from -2 to +2. The higher the value, the sharper the outline, resulting in a vivid, clear image. The lower the value, the softer the outline.
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Adobe RGB color space
Adobe RGB color space has a wide range of color reproduction, compared to sRGB. If the main purpose is to print out the image, especially when a large part of the subject is vivid green or red, Adobe RGB is more effective than other sRGB color modes.
• The file name of the image starts with “_DSC” (page 112).
z About color matching in Adobe RGB
To display or print the image, use software that supports color management, such as “Picture Motion Browser” (supplied).
To display, edit, modify, or print an image captured in Adobe RGB mode, use an application such as “Picture Motion Browser”, that supports color management and DCF2.0 option color space. Software without color management functions, may not display or print Adobe RGB images with faithful colors. To print the image with faithful colors, the printer needs to be DCF2.0 option color space compliant.
Using the shooting functions

Focus mode

ISO WB D-R DEC
You can set the AF area and the AF mode.
• When shooting in auto focus mode, be sure to set the focus mode switch to AF.
AF area
You can change the focus method. Change the method when it is difficult to get the proper focus.
1 Display the focus mode screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43). 2 Display the AF area screen with v on the controller.
3 Select the desired mode with b/B on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
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(Wide AF area)
(Spot AF area)
(Focus area selection)
( : The default setting)
The camera determines which of the nine local focus frames is used in focusing within the wide focus frame.
Wide focus frame
• When you press the shutter button halfway down, the frame used in focusing is illuminated briefly.
• You can switch to spot focus frame if the desired frame is not used in focusing. Press the spot AF button at the center of the controller to focus the center of the screen, and press the shutter button all the way down without releasing the spot AF button on the controller to take a picture.
The camera uses the spot focus frame exclusively.
Spot focus frame
• When you look into the viewfinder, the spot focus frame is illuminated briefly.
Choose a local focus frame from the nine frames. Press the corresponding one of the controller, and the local focus frame in the specified direction is used in focusing. (Eight directions are available.) Press the spot AF button at the center to use the spot focus frame in focusing.
52
Local focus frame
Spot focus frame
• When you look into the viewfinder, the selected focus frame is illuminated briefly.
• After shooting, frame selection is still available. Be sure not to press the controller unless it is necessary.
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• While the controller or the spot AF button is held down, the focus stays locked. If the controller or the Spot AF button is kept down after shooting, you can continue shooting with the same focus.
• When multi-segment metering is used, the exposure is locked at the same time as the focus is locked.
• In wide AF area mode, you can press the controller to focus. To shoot with that focus, press the shutter button without releasing the controller. The direction of the controller you press does not affect the frame used in focusing.
• In spot AF area mode, you can focus by pressing either the controller or the spot AF button. If you press any direction key of the controller, the spot focus frame is always activated. To shoot with that focus, press the shutter button without releasing the controller or the spot AF button.
• The local focus frame may not be illuminated when continuous shooting is performed or when the shutter button is pressed all the way down without pause.
AF mode
Selects the auto focus operation mode.
1 Display the focus mode screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43). 2 Display the AF mode screen with V on the controller.
3 Select the desired mode with b/B on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
( : The default setting)
(Single-shot AF)
(Direct Manual Focus)
(Automatic AF)
In this AF mode, the focus is locked when you press the shutter button halfway down. This mode is used when shooting a motionless subject.
In this AF mode, you can manually fine-tune the focus after using the autofocus function. This mode is used when an unwanted subject comes into focus in macro recording, etc.
This AF mode automatically switches between single-shot AF and continuous AF, depending on the subject’s motion. If the subject is in motion, the camera continues to focus while the shutter button is pressed and held halfway down. If the subject is motionless, the focus is locked when the shutter button is pressed and held halfway down. This is a general purpose AF mode suitable for portraits, group pictures, snapshots, landscapes, etc.
Using the shooting functions
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(Continuous AF)
To make a fine adjustment in (Direct Manual Focus)
1 Select (Direct Manual Focus) in AF mode. 2 Press the shutter button halfway down to lock the focus. 3 Turn the focusing ring to fine-tune the focus while pressing the shutter button halfway down.
Shutter button
Focusing ring
4 Press the shutter button fully down.
• Once you release your finger from the shutter button, the focus lock operation starts again from the beginning when you press the shutter button halfway down.
In this AF mode, the camera continues to focus while the shutter button is pressed and held halfway down. This mode is used when the subject is in motion.
• If the wide AF area is selected, the focus frame switches to match the position of the subject. The frame in focus turns red and starts flashing.
• The buzzer will not sound when the subject is in focus.

Flash

ISO WB D-R DEC
Sets up the flash mode and the flash compensation.
Flash mode
If the built-in flash is pulled up, the flash automatically fires when the surroundings are dark (the default setting). You can intentionally change the flash mode.
1 Display the flash mode screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43).
2 Display the Flash mode screen with v on the controller. 3 Select the desired mode with b/B on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
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• The flash indicator is displayed only when the flash is pulled up.
(Autoflash)
(Fill-flash)
(Rear sync.)
Fires if it is dark or against light.
• This is not selectable when the mode dial is set to A, S, or M.
Fires whenever the built-in flash is pulled up.
Ordinarily, the flash is fired right after the shutter has been released, then objects illuminated by other light sources are captured. This causes certain subjects, such as trailing light, to appear unnatural when the slower shutter speed is used. In rear sync mode, the objects illuminated by other light sources are captured first, then the flash is fired. You can capture a flowing light or the trail of a moving subject in a more realistic way when shooting a moving subject using a slower shutter speed with the flash.
( : The default setting)
Using the shooting functions
(Wireless)
Using the built-in flash or an external flash (not supplied) mounted on the camera may make certain pictures appear too flat. In such a case, an off-camera flash in a proper position can create more contrast, resulting in a more three­dimensional picture. Generally, this type of shooting requires the camera and an off-camera flash to be connected with a cable. This camera can do this without a cable because it uses the flash light instead of the cable to transmit the signal. This is called wireless flash shooting. The exposure is automatically adjusted to the optimal exposure.
• Wireless flash shooting requires the flash HVL-F56AM or HVL-F36AM (not supplied).
To perform wireless flash shooting
1 Attach the external flash to the camera (page 145) and turn on the camera and the external flash. 2 Select (Wireless). 3 Remove the external flash from the camera and pull up the built-in flash on the camera.
“WL” appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor.
4 Determine the position of the camera and the external flash. 5 Make sure the built-in flash and the external flash are fully charged.
• The built-in flash is fully charged when appears in the viewfinder.
• The external flash is fully charged when appears on the back of the external flash and the red lamp flashes on the front of the flash.
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6 Press the AEL (AE Lock) button on the camera to test fire the flash.
• If the flash does not fire, change the camera, external flash, or subject position.
7 Check both flashes again to make sure they are fully charged. Press the shutter button to take a
picture.
• Turn off the wireless flash mode after wireless flash shooting. (You can either deactivate the camera and the external flash separately, or you can attach the external flash to the camera and select a different flash mode, as shown on page 54). If the built-in flash is used while the wireless flash mode is still active, inaccurate flash exposures will result.
• You can select the wireless setting on the camera and the external flash separately. See page 54 to set the camera. To set the external flash, refer to the operating instructions supplied with it.
If the operation and the function of the AEL (AE Lock) button has been changed
When using the wireless flash, it is recommended that you set [AEL button] (page 93) to [AE hold] or [ AE hold] in the Custom menu.
If you select a setting that is retained after the button has been released ([AE toggle]/[ AE toggle]) the camera is in slow sync recording mode while “AEL” appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor. Every test fire will cause the slow sync recording mode to switch on and off.
About the position of the camera and the flash
This camera uses the flash light of its built-in flash to send a signal to the off-camera flash to fire. Take note of the following points to ensure proper transmission of the signal.
• Wireless flash shooting should be performed in a dark environment such as indoors, etc.
• Place the external flash in the grey area as illustrated below.
A
A: The distance between the camera and the subject B: The distance between the external flash and the subject
Do not place the external flash directly behind the subject.
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B
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Specifications with wireless flashes at ISO 100
Camera-to-
subject
distance
Shutter Speed
Aperture
F2.8
All shutter
speeds
1.4 – 5 m (55 1/8 –
196 7/8 inches)
F4.0
1 – 5 m
(39 3/8 –
196 7/8 inches)
F5.6
1 – 5 m
(39 3/8 –
196 7/8 inches)
• The camera’s flash sync speed is 1/125 second with the Super SteadyShot function on and 1/160 second with the Super SteadyShot function off.
• Double the maximum distance when using the camera sensitivity at ISO 400. The maximum distance is 5 m (16.4 ft.).
z About the wireless flash channels
As soon as the wireless flash is selected, the channel information of the external flash is transferred to the camera. Change the channel of the external flash when another photographer is using a wireless flash nearby and his/her built-in flash light triggers firing of your flash.
To change the channel of the external flash, refer to the operating instructions supplied with it.
Flash-to-subject distance B
A
Up to sync
speed
1 – 5 m
(39 3/8 –
196 7/8 inches)
1 – 5 m
(39 3/8 –
196 7/8 inches)
1 – 5 m
(39 3/8 –
196 7/8 inches)
HVL-F56AM
1/250 1/1000
1 – 5 m
(39 3/8 –
196 7/8 inches)
1 – 3.5 m (39 3/8 –
137 7/8 inches)
1 – 2.5 m (39 3/8 –
98 1/2 inches)
1 – 2.5 m (39 3/8 –
98 1/2 inches)
1 – 1.7 m (39 3/8 –
67 inches)
1 – 1.2 m (39 3/8 –
47 1/4 inches)
Flash-to-subject distance B
HVL-F36AM
Up to sync
speed
1 – 5 m
(39 3/8 –
196 7/8 inches)
1 – 5 m
(39 3/8 –
196 7/8 inches)
1 – 5 m
(39 3/8 –
196 7/8 inches)
1/250 1/1000
1 – 4 m
(39 3/8 –
157 1/2 inches)
1 – 3 m
(39 3/8 –
118 1/8 inches)
1 – 2 m
(39 3/8 –
78 3/4 inches)
1 – 2 m
(39 3/8 –
78 3/4 inches)
1 – 1.5 m (39 3/8 –
59 1/8 inches)
Flash compensation
When shooting with the flash, you can adjust the amount of flash light alone, without changing the exposure compensation. You can change the exposure of a subject which is within the flash range, while leaving the exposure of the background, which is out of the flash range, as it is.
1 Display the Flash mode screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43). 2 Select the Flash compensation with V.
Using the shooting functions
3 Select the desired value with b/B on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
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( : The default setting)
to +2.0 EV
0 EV
to –2.0 EV
• You can set the degree of compensation in 1/3 increments.
• When the built-in flash is pulled up, the set flash compensation value is displayed below the Ev scale on the LCD monitor.
• When you press the shutter button halfway down, appears in the viewfinder.
• When performing flash compensation with the built-in flash, the positive effect may not be visible due to the limited amount of flash light, if the subject is at or around the maximum distance for the flash. If the subject is very close, the negative effect may not be visible.
z Exposure compensation and Flash compensation
Exposure compensation changes the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity (when [AUTO] is selected) to perform the compensation. If the flash is used, the amount of flash light is also changed.
On the other hand, Flash compensation only changes the amount of flash light, thereby controlling the relative effect of the flash light on the whole picture. For instance, if you want to reduce the flash light, you can set the flash compensation on the slightly negative side and at the same time set the exposure compensation on the positive side to adjust the brightness of the entire picture.
• You can keep the amount of flash light from changing with the exposure compensation (page 95).
Toward +: Makes the flash level higher.
The amount of flash light that the camera adjusts automatically.
Toward –: Makes the flash level lower.

Metering mode

ISO WB D-R DEC
You can select a metering mode (a method whereby the camera measures the brightness of a subject) from the following three methods.
1 Display the Metering mode screen with the function dial and the Fn button (page 43).
2 Select the desired mode with b/B on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
( : The default setting)
(MultiSegment)
(Center weighted)
This divides the whole screen into 40 segments to measure light (40-segment honeycomb pattern metering).
While emphasizing the central area of the screen, this mode measures the average brightness of the entire screen. If you shoot directly into the sun light or the subject is not in the center of the image, you must use exposure compensation (page 65).
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(Spot)
This mode measures light only in the spot metering circle in the center of the frame. This is suitable for shooting a subject with strong contrast or measuring the light of a specific area of the screen. If the area to be measured is not in the center of the screen, use AE lock to take the picture (page 67).
Spot metering area
Position of the subject.
z Multi-segment metering (40-segment honeycomb pattern metering)
This camera divides the screen into 40 segments to measure light; 39 honeycomb shaped metering elements and one metering element that covers the surrounding area. These elements work in sync with autofocus, allowing the camera to accurately measure the position and brightness of the subject no matter where it is on the screen in order to determine the exposure. This metering method enables the camera to measure light in a way most similar to that of the human eye, which is ideal for general shooting, including shooting into direct sunlight.
• In multi-segment metering (40-segment honeycomb pattern metering), if the focus is locked by pressing and holding the shutter button halfway down, the exposure (the shutter speed and the aperture) is locked simultaneously (only when autofocus is used and the AF mode is set to either (Single­shot AF) or (Automatic AF)).
Using the shooting functions
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Using the (Drive) button

How to use the (Drive) button

You can use continuous shooting, self-timer, bracket, white balance bracket with the (Drive) button.
(Drive) button
Controller
Center button
1 Press the (Drive) button.
2 Select the desired mode with b/B on the
controller.
• You can substitute the control dial for b/B of the controller.
3 Select the desired mode with v/V on the
controller.
• This setup is not required in single-frame or continuous advance.
4 Press the center button of the controller to complete the operation.
• If you press the button or press the shutter button halfway down, the setting is completed.
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For details on the operation 1 page 60
( : The default setting)
Single-frame advance
• Also used as the cancel button for other drive modes.
Continuous advance (see below)
Self-timer (page 62)
Continuous bracket (page 62)
Single bracket (page 63)
White balance bracket (page 64)

Shooting continuously

When you press and hold the shutter button, the camera records the images continuously at a maximum of three images per second.
• The number of frames that can be shot continuously is indicated in the viewfinder, and when shooting continuously, this number decreases. After the images have been recorded on the recording medium, the number returns to the original number, depending on the camera memory buffer.
Using the shooting functions
• When the built-in flash is fired, images are shot after the flash has been charged.
• When [AF mode] is set to (Continuous AF) or (Automatic AF), the focus is set separately on each image. When set to (Single-shot AF), the focus is fixed on the first image.
• The last image is displayed in instant playback.
• The number of continuous shooting images obtainable has an upper limit.
The maximum number of continuous shots
Fine/Standard No limit* (Until the
RAW & JPEG 3 images
RAW 6 images
* When [Image size] is set to [M:5.6M] or [S:2.5M], the shooting speed is slightly slower when shooting
the fourth and following images.
• These numbers depend on the writing speed of a recording medium, the condition of the subject, etc. So,
use the table only as a guide.
recording medium is full)
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For details on the operation 1 page 60

Using the self-timer

After you press the shutter button, the shutter will be released either about ten seconds or two seconds later. The 10-second self-timer is convenient when the photographer appears in a photo and the 2-second self-timer is convenient to reduce the camera-shake because the mirror is pulled up beforehand.
Check that the focus is confirmed on the subject, then press the shutter button.
( : The default setting)
(10s self-timer)
(2s self-timer)
• When using the 10-second self-timer, the self-timer lamp located on the front side flashes and lights up right before the shutter is released. The self-timer indicator located on the LCD monitor is highlighted. The countdown sound also starts.
• To cancel the activated 10-second self-timer, press the (Drive) button. The self-timer is canceled when the power is turned off. You can also cancel it when the shooting is completed. You cannot cancel the 2-second self-timer in the middle.
• When there is bright lighting, a reflector or something similar behind the camera, and you press the shutter button without looking into the viewfinder, use the eyepiece cover attached on the shoulder strap to prevent unnecessary lighting from seeping through the viewfinder and affecting the exposure (page 41).
After you press the shutter button, the shutter will be released about 10 seconds later.
After you press the shutter button, the shutter will be released about 2 seconds later.

Shooting three images with the exposure shifted – Exposure Bracket

An accurate exposure setting is required for some shooting. In such cases, a photographer continuously shoots some images with the exposure shifted, aside from the correct exposure image. The camera shoots images with the exposure shifted automatically.
Correct
Continuous bracket
62
– direction + direction
(Bracket:0.3Ev cont.)
(Bracket:0.7Ev cont.)
( : The default setting)
Shoots images continuously with the exposure value shifted by plus or minus 0.3 step. Press and hold the shutter button until the recording stops.
Shoots images continuously with the exposure value shifted by plus or minus 0.7 step. Press and hold the shutter button until the recording stops.
Page 63
For details on the operation 1 page 60
Single bracket
( : The default setting)
(Bracket:0.3Ev single)
Shoots images frame by frame with the exposure value shifted by plus or minus 0.3 step. Press the shutter button frame by frame.
(Bracket:0.7Ev single)
Shoots images frame by frame with the exposure value shifted by plus or minus 0.7 step. Press the shutter button frame by frame.
• When using the flash, press the shutter button frame by frame regardless of the setting.
• The image is shot in the order of 0 (correct), - (under), and + (over). The order can be changed in [Bracket order] in the Recording menu (page 87).
• The base exposure is set at the first frame in the bracket. The base exposure moves if exposure compensation is used.
• Normally, the focal point changes in every shooting. The focal point is fixed only in continuous bracket shooting when AF mode is set to [Single-shot AF] or [Automatic AF] with an still subject.
• When the flash is not used, ambient bracket shooting is performed and the shutter speed and aperture are changed to accommodate bracket shooting. When the flash is used, flash bracket shooting is performed and the flash light is changed.
• In ambient bracket shooting, the shutter speed and aperture change in program auto mode, the shutter speed changes in aperture priority mode, and aperture changes in shutter speed priority mode. Normally, the shutter speed changes in manual mode. You can change the aperture by pressing and holding the AEL (AE Lock) button while taking a picture.
Ambient light: Any light other than the flash light that shines on the scene for an extended period of time, such as natural light, a light bulb, or a fluorescent light.
The Ev scale in bracket shooting
When bracket shooting is selected, the Ev scale is changed
LCD monitor
Ambient bracket
0.3 steps Exposure compensation 0
Ambient bracket
0.3 steps Exposure compensation
1.0
Flash bracket
0.7 steps Flash compensation -1.0
Using the shooting functions
Shown in the top row. Shown in the top row. Shown in the bottom row.
Viewfin der
• In ambient bracket shooting, the Ev scale appears in the viewfinder, too, but it does not appear in flash bracket shooting.
• When the bracket shooting starts, the indexes that indicate already recorded images start to disappear one by one.
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For details on the operation 1 page 60
• When Single bracket is selected, if the shutter button is pressed halfway down and released, “br 1” appears for the ambient light bracket and “Fbr 1” appears for the flash bracket in the viewfinder. When bracket shooting starts, it indicates what number the next frame is, for instance, “br 2”, “br 3”.

White balance bracket shooting

Based on the selected white balance, and color temperature/CC filter, three pictures are taken while automatically shifting the color temperature. One shot records three frames of an image in the order of “an image with normal white balance”, “- side (an image with paler colors)”, and “+ side (an image with reddish colors.)”
( : The default setting)
(Bracket: WB (L))
(Bracket: WB (H))
* Mired: a unit to indicate the color conversion quality in color temperature filters.
• Only the image recorded last is displayed in instant playback (page 84).
Shifts the white balance by 10 mired* when taking a picture.
Shifts the white balance by 20 mired* when taking a picture.
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Adjusting the exposure

You can manually shift the exposure value determined by the camera. Use this mode when you do not get the proper exposure, for instance, the subject and its background have high contrast (light and dark).
Control dial
+/– (Exposure) button
Press the +/– (Exposure) button and turn the control dial to adjust the exposure.
Toward +: Brightens an image. 0:The exposure is determined automatically by the camera. Toward –: Darkens an image.
Towar d – Towa rd + The compensation level is displayed in the Ev scale on the LCD monitor and in the viewfinder.
• For details on the exposure t page 16
• The exposure is compensated by 1/3 of a step between ±2.0EV.
• You can check the result of the exposure compensation using the histogram display (page 74).
Using the shooting functions
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z Shooting techniques
While shooting images, the camera automatically determines the exposure. When shooting a whitish overall image such as a backlit subject or a snowy scene, the camera judges that the subject is bright and may set a darker exposure for the image. In such cases, adjustment of the exposure in the + plus direction is effective.
Adjust in the + direction
When shooting a darker overall image, the camera judges that the subject is dark and may set a brighter exposure for the image. In such cases, adjustment of the exposure in the – minus direction is effective.
Adjust in the – direction
You can try to adjust the exposure to suit your taste.
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Locking the exposure (AE lock)

You can fix the exposure before deciding on the composition when taking a picture. This is effective when the metering object and focusing object are different, or when you want to shoot continuously while keeping the same exposure value.
Shutter button
AEL (AE lock) button
1 Target the subject for which you want to meter the exposure.
• Adjust the focus (you do not need to lock the focus.)
2 Press the AEL (AE lock) button.
• “AEL”* lights up in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor to indicate that the exposure is locked. * AEL: Stands for Auto Exposure Lock
3 While pressing the AEL (AE lock) button, recompose the image, if necessary, and press the
shutter button to take the picture.
• If the AEL (AE lock) button is kept down after a shot, you can continue to shoot with the same exposure value. The setting is canceled when the button is released.
• When the flash is fired in a mode other than shutter speed priority mode or manual mode, slow sync control is activated and AE Lock is performed (page 69).
• You can set the camera to keep the exposure value after releasing the AEL (AE lock) button (page 93).
• Regardless of the type of metering mode selected, you can set the camera to temporarily fix the exposure using the spot metering (Spot AEL) by pressing the AEL (AE lock) button (page 93).
About the Ev scale when the AEL (AE lock) button is pressed
When you lock the exposure by pressing the AEL (AE lock) button, the locked exposure value is set as the standard (0). After recomposing, the Ev scale displays the metered light level within the spot metering circle. This tells you the difference in brightness among the segments of the screen.
• If the light level within the spot metering circle exceeds 2.0Ev more/less than the standard value, gG appears at the end of the Ev scale. The gG starts flashing if the difference becomes any greater.
Using the shooting functions
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Example: When the composition is determined in the scene below and the AEL (AE lock) button is pressed
2 Bright area
Spot metering circle
1 Slightly darker area
The indicator displays are as follows when the AEL (AE lock) button is pressed.
AEL (AE lock) button is pressed
Multi-segment/Center metering
The locked exposure
The light level within the spot metering circle is 0.3Ev less than the locked exposure (varies according to the recomposition of the shot)
Spot metering
The locked exposure is equal to the light level within the spot metering circle
Recompose on 1 while holding the AEL (AE lock) button down
Turn the camera on 1 and the light level of 1 is displayed. The locked exposure (0) stays the same.
The light level of 1 is 1.3Ev less than the locked exposure (varies according to the recomposition of the shot)
Turn the camera on 1 and the light level of 1 is displayed. The locked exposure (0) stays the same.
Recompose on 2 while holding the AEL (AE lock) button down
Turn the camera on 2 and the light level of 2 is displayed. The arrow indicates 2 will white out.
68
The light level of 1 is 1.0Ev less than the locked exposure (varies according to the recomposition of the shot)
Page 69
Slow Sync (Shooting the dark background
with flash)
When you shoot a portrait outdoors at night with a dark background, a normal use of flash will capture a clear image of the subject, but the background is out of flash range and will be too dark. In such a case, slow sync shooting (shooting with the flash and a slow shutter speed) allows you to capture a clear image of both the subject and the background.
Flash
AEL (AE lock) button
1 Pull up the built-in flash. 2 Shoot with the AEL (AE lock) button pressed.
“AEL” in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor lights up to indicate the exposure is locked.
• Use of a tripod is recommended because of the slower shutter speed.
• When the flash is not used, you can fix the exposure by pressing the AEL (AE lock) button (page 67).
• In shutter speed priority mode or manual mode, slow sync shooting is not available using the AEL (AE lock) button.
• You can set the camera to keep the slow sync mode after the AEL (AE lock) button is released (page 93).
Using the shooting functions
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Depth-of-field preview

The viewfinder shows an image captured with the widest aperture. The change in aperture affects the sharpness of the subject image, creating a discrepancy between the sharpness seen in the viewfinder and in the actual picture. The preview function enables you to see the image with the aperture used in the actual shooting, allowing you to check the approximate sharpness of the subject image before the actual shooting.
Depth-of-field preview
Press the depth-of-field preview button after the subject is in focus. While the button is held down, the aperture is narrowed to match the aperture value displayed in the viewfinder.
• About aperture and blurred images, t aperture priority mode (page 34)
• The image in the viewfinder will be darker because the aperture is narrowed (aperture value is greater.)
• The aperture value can be changed during preview.
• When the focus is not fixed and the preview button is pressed, you cannot take a picture. To take a picture,
press the depth-of-field preview button with z lit in the viewfinder.
• With a lens equipped with a focus hold button, you can set the camera to perform the preview function using the focus hold button (page 93).
button
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Focusing manually

When it is difficult to get the proper focus in auto focus mode, you can adjust the focus manually.
Focusing ring
Focus mode switch
1 Set the focus mode switch to MF*.
* MF: stands for Manual Focus.
2 Turn the focusing ring of the lens to achieve a sharp focus.
• In the case of a subject that can be focused in auto focus mode, the z indicator lights up in the viewfinder
when the focus is confirmed. When the wide focus frame is used, the center frame is used, and when the local focus frame is used, the frame that is selected with the controller is used.
• To obtain steady exposure in manual focus mode, the camera uses the distance information to determine the exposure. To improve the precision of the distance information, the camera resets the focal length to
(infinity) when the POWER switch is set to ON.
Using the shooting functions
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Using the viewing functions

Switching the playback screen

During playback, each time you press the (Display) button, the screen changes between the index screen and the single-image screen.
(Reduce) button
(Display) button
(Playback) button
Controller
Single-image screen (with recording data)
Single-image screen (without recording data)
Index screen
In index mode (File browser)
The folder containing the images now displayed
First three digits of the folder name (Folder number)
In each folder, six frames of image are displayed on the LCD monitor (File browser index). You can move frames around with v/V/b/B on the controller. This is useful when you want to scan the images to find the one you want.
• You can display all the images other than by the folder. The images can be displayed four images at a time, nine images at a time, or 16 images at a time (page 90).
To select the folder
1 Press (Reduce) to highlight the folder name. 2 Select the desired folder with b/B on the controller. 3 Press (Reduce) to move to the images area and select the desired image with v/V/b/B on the
controller.
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To delete all the images in the folder
You can delete all the images in the folder when the file browser index screen is displayed.
1 Select the folder you want to delete with b/B on the controller. 2 Press the (Delete) button.
The message “Delete folder and its contents?” appears.
3 Select “Yes” with b, then press the center of the controller.
The selected folder is deleted.
• You can continue to delete folders.
• You can set the confirmation screen to [Yes], as previously selected in the Setup menu (page 103).
• When you want to delete selected images, see page 88.
• It may take a long time to delete a lot of images. It is recommended that you delete images on a computer or format the recording medium using the camera.
• Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it.
• Protected images cannot be deleted.
• If you delete the recording folder currently selected with [Select folder], select a recording folder again with [Select folder] in the Setup menu (page 101).
Using the viewing functions
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Displaying the histogram

The histogram and recording data of the displayed image can be displayed.
(Enlarge) button
Controller
Press v on the controller to display the histogram in single-image playback. Press v on the controller again to return to single-image playback.
• You can select images with b/B.
• You can enlarge images with the (Enlarge) button.
When the image has a high-key or low-key portion, that portion is illuminated on the histogram display (Luminance limit warning).
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z About Histogram
Dark Light
Number of pixels
A histogram is the luminance distribution that shows how many pixels of a particular brightness exist in the picture. The histogram display of this camera shows the brightness on the horizontal axis (left side is black, right side is white) and the number of pixels on the vertical axis. The exposure compensation will change the histogram accordingly. Below is an example.
For details on pixels t page 17.
Use the exposure compensation on the positive side.
Shooting with the exposure compensation on the positive side brightens the whole picture, making the entire histogram shift to the bright side (right side). If the exposure compensation is used on the negative side, the histogram will shift to the other side.
Both ends of the histogram consist only of data of 100% black or white*. Therefore, when the data is transferred to a PC later in order to compensate it, it is impossible to restore the area that has been blacked/whitened out. Checking the histogram allows you to know the status of the image beforehand.
* To be exact, a color image is expressed with RGB. Thus, the white is equal to R255, G255, B255, and
the black is equal to R0, G0, B0.
Using the viewing functions
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Rotating an image

You can rotate a playback image.
Controller
1 Display the image you want to rotate in single-image playback. 2 Each time you press V on the controller, the image is rotated as illustrated above.
• Once you rotate the image, the image rotation information is retained, even if you display other images or turn off the power. The image is played back in the rotated position next time.
• When you copy rotated images to a computer, “Picture Motion Browser” (supplied) can display the rotated images correctly. However, the images may not be rotated depending on the software.
• You can rotate an image when using a write-protected recording medium, however, the image will not be rotated on the next playback.
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Enlarging images

An image can be enlarged for closer examination.
(Reduce) button
(Enlarge) button
(Display) button
(Playback) button
1 Press the (Enlarge) button in single-image (or index) playback mode.
The center of the image is enlarged.
• You can scale up or down with the (Enlarge) button or the (Reduce) button.
2 Select the portion you want to enlarge with v/V/b/B on the controller.
• You can select the image with the control dial.
• Each time you press the center of the controller, the screen changes between the enlarged screen and
the whole screen.
Controller
Using the viewing functions
The portion to be enlarged if the center button is pressed
The map of the enlarged portion
3 Press the (Playback) button so that enlarged playback is canceled and the screen returns to
single-image (or index) playback mode.
The scaling range is as follows. (The scale is not displayed)
Image size Scaling range
L:10M Approx. ×1.1 – ×12
M:5.6M Approx. ×1.1 – ×9
S:2.5M Approx. ×1.1 – ×6
• Pressing the (Display) button clears the indications on the screen during enlarged playback.
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Viewing images on a TV screen

You can view images on a TV screen by connecting the camera to a TV.
Turn off both your camera and the TV before connecting the camera and the TV.
1 Connect the camera to the TV.
3 Turn on the camera, and press
(Playback).
1 To video input jack
Video cable
2 To the VIDEO
jack
2 Turn on the TV and set the TV/
video input switch to “video.”
• For details, see the operating instructions supplied with the TV.
button
Controller
Images shot with the camera appear on the TV screen.
Press b/B on the controller to select the desired image.
• When using your camera abroad, it may be necessary to switch the video signal output to match that of your TV system (page 98).
• When you display the images recorded in Adobe RGB mode on the camera or sRGB devices, such as on TVs/LCD monitors that are not compatible with Adobe RGB (DCF2.0/ Exif2.21), the images are displayed by lower intensity level.
• The LCD monitor on the rear of the camera does not turned on.
• The image quality displayed on a TV screen is a little deteriorated comparing to images displayed on a PC monitor.
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On TV color systems
If you want to view images on a TV screen, you need a TV with a video input jack and the video cable. The color system of the TV must match that of your digital still camera. Check the following lists for the TV color system of the country or region where the camera is used.
NTSC system
Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela, etc.
PAL system
Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, etc.
PAL-M system
Brazil
PAL-N system
Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay
SECAM system
Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.
Using the viewing functions
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Using the menu

Using menu items

MENU button
1 Turn on the power.
2 Press MENU to display the menu.
3 Select the desired menu with b/B on the
controller, then press the center of the controller.
Recording menu Custom menu Playback menu Setup menu
• When the desired menu is already displayed (the menu icon is displayed on the extreme left), skip this step.
4 Select the page with b/B on the controller.
Controller
Center of the controller
Menu now selected
Menus not selected
5 Select the desired item with v/V on the
controller.
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6 Display the options with B on the controller.
• To return to the menu options, press b.
7 Select the desired option v/V on the controller,
then press the center of the controller.
8 Press MENU to turn off the menu.
• The menu is also turned off if you press the shutter button halfway down.
• When setting the menu, you can substitute the control dial for b/B on the controller.
• During operation, if you press MENU, the setup is canceled and the camera returns to the recording (or playback) mode.
• When you display a menu, you can display the previously selected menu first (page 102).
Using the menu
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Menu list

Recording menu (pages 83 to 87)
12
Image size Quality Inst.Playback Noise reductn Eye-Start AF
Playback menu (pages 88 to 92)
12
Delete Forma t
Protect
Index format
Custom menu (pages 93 to 97)
12
Priority setup FocusHoldButt. AEL button Ctrl dial set Exp. comp. set AF illuminator
For details on the operation 1 page 80
Red eye Flash control Flash default Bracket order
Reset
Slide show
DPOF set
Date imprint
Index print
Cancel print
Shutter lock Shutter lock AF area setup Monitor Disp. Rec. display Play. display
Setup menu (pages 98 to 104)
123
LCDbrightness Transfer mode Video output Audio signals
Language
Date/Time set
82
File # memory
Reset
Folder name Select folder
New folder
LCD backlight Power save MenuSec.Memory Delete conf. Clean CCD Reset default
Page 83

Recording menu 1

Recording menu
For details on the operation 1 page 80
The default settings are marked with .
Image size
For details, see page17.
L:10M
M:5.6M
S:2.5M
• For details on the number of images that can be taken when the image size is changed, see page 27.
• When [Quality] is set to [RAW] or [RAW & JPEG], image size is fixed to [L:10M].
3872 × 2592 pixels
2896 × 1936 pixels
1920 × 1280 pixels
Quality
The image compression rate determines the image quality. As the file size (page 17) of the uncompressed image will be larger, it is common for a digital camera to compress the recorded image.
RAW (RAW)
RAW & JPEG (RAW+)
Fine (FINE)
Standard (STD)
File format: RAW (raw data) A RAW file is the raw material to be processed on the computer for professional purposes. The file can be opened with the “Image Data Converter SR” provided on the CD­ROM (supplied) (page 119).
• The image size is fixed to [L:10M]. The image size is not displayed on the LCD monitor.
File format: RAW (raw data) + JPEG When the shutter button is pressed, a RAW image and a JPEG image are created at the same time. This is suitable when you need two image files, a JPEG for viewing, and a RAW for editing. The size of the JPEG image is fixed to [L:10M] and the image quality is fixed to [Fine].
File format: JPEG The image is compressed in the JPEG format when recorded. The higher the compression rate, the smaller the file size. This will allow more files to be recorded in one recording medium, but the image quality will be lower. Once the image quality is lowered, it cannot be restored on a computer afterwards. If you plan to process or edit the image file later, consider the image quality carefully when selecting the setting.
Recording menu
• For details on the image quality t page 17
• For details on the number of images that can be taken when the image quality is changed, see page 27.
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For details on the operation 1 page 80
z About RAW files
The digital camera receives the image of the subject captured by the CCD (Charge-Coupled Device), which acts as the film for a normal camera. The RAW format file is the raw data recorded on the CCD yet to go through any kind of digital processing. A RAW file is different from a more common file format such as JPEG in that it is the raw material to be processed for professional purposes. You need the “Image Data Converter SR” software included on the CD-ROM (supplied) in order to open a RAW file recorded on this camera. With this software, a RAW file can be opened and converted to a common format, such as JPEG or TIFF, and its white balance, color saturation, contrast, etc., can be readjusted.
• Recording a RAW format image entails the following limitations. – The image size is fixed to the largest size (L:10M) – The RAW file cannot be printed using a DPOF (print) designated printer or a PictBridge compliant
printer.
– Unlike a JPEG image, a RAW image does not go through any basic image processing, so its colors
cannot be accurately reproduced in playback mode or on an instant playback screen. If the data is correctly recorded, accurate colors can be reproduced on a computer.
Inst.Playback
After an image is recorded, you can display it on the LCD monitor for two, five, or 10 seconds. You can also delete it during instant playback.
10 sec.
5 sec.
2 sec.
Off
To delete the image during instant playback
Press (Delete), then select [Yes] on the confirmation screen with b on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
• During instant playback, you can switch the recording information on and off (page 72), choose to display the histogram (page 74), or enlarge the image (page 77). If a local focus frame is selected when an image is enlarged, the image is enlarged centering around the selected frame.
• Instant playback of continuous shooting, continuous bracket, and white balance bracket shows only the image recorded last. If you delete the image following the process above, only the displayed image is deleted.
• In instant playback, the image will not be displayed in the vertical position even if you set [Play. display] to [Auto rotate] (page 97).
Displays the image on the LCD monitor for 10 seconds.
Displays the image on the LCD monitor for five seconds.
Displays the image on the LCD monitor for two seconds.
Does not display the image.
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For details on the operation 1 page 80
Noise reductn
Long exposure makes noise conspicuous. When the shutter speed is one second or slower, noise reduction is activated to reduce the grainy noise that is common in long exposures.
On
Off
• Noise reduction is not performed on continuous shooting or continuous bracketing regardless of this setting.
When a long exposure of one second or longer takes place, the noise reduction process is performed for the duration that the shutter was open. While the noise reduction is being performed, the message “Processing...” appears on the LCD monitor. You cannot take the next picture until the process is over.
This mode does not perform noise reduction. This is suitable when timing of shooting takes precedence. However, this makes the noise more conspicuous. It is recommended that you activate the noise reduction if you use long exposure.
Eye-Start AF
The focus is confirmed when you look into the viewfinder, and the shutter speed and aperture are adjusted automatically.
On
Off
Automatically adjusts the focus.
• This mode uses up the battery charge faster than [Off].
Does not adjust the focus.
Recording menu
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Recording menu 2

For details on the operation 1 page 80
The default settings are marked with .
Red eye
Reduces the red-eye phenomenon by providing low-flash light a few times before shooting when using the flash.
On
Off
• Red-Eye reduction is available only with the built-in flash. (When using an external flash (not supplied), the red-eye phenomenon rarely occurs.)
Reduces the red-eye phenomenon.
Does not use Red-Eye Reduction.
Flash control
You can select the flash control mode to set the amount of flash light.
ADI flash
Pre-flash TTL
ADI: stands for “Advanced Distance Integration” P-TTL: stands for “Pre-flash, Through the lens”
• When the distance between the subject and the external flash (not supplied) cannot be determined, (wireless flash shooting using an external flash (not supplied), shooting with an off-camera flash using a cable, shooting with a macro twin flash or ring light, etc.) the camera automatically selects Pre-flash TTL mode.
• Select [Pre-flash TTL] in the following cases, as the camera cannot obtain accurate distance information with ADI flash.
– A wide panel is attached to the HVL-F36AM flash. – A diffuser is attached to the surface of the flash. – A filter with an exposure factor, such as an ND filter, is used. – A close-up lens is used.
• ADI flash is only available in combination with the lens that is provided with a distance encoder. To determine the lens is equipped with a distance encoder, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the lens.
A pre-flash is fired right before shooting, and the camera sets the amount of flash light by measuring the amount of reflected light from the pre-flash and the associated distance information.
A pre-flash is fired right before shooting, and the camera sets the amount of flash light by measuring only the amount of reflected light from the pre-flash. The distance information is not used in the calculation.
Flash default
When the mode dial is set to AUTO, P, or Scene Selection, the flash mode is set to autoflash (default setting) automatically. When the flash is pulled up, if you want to make sure the flash fires without fail, you can set it to Fill-flash. In either case, you can change the flash mode with the function dial and the Fn button.
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For details on the operation 1 page 80
Autoflash
Fill-flash
When the mode dial is set to AUTO, P, or Scene Selection, and the flash is pulled up, the flash fires automatically only when the flash is necessary.
When the mode dial is set to AUTO, P, or Scene Selection, and the flash is pulled up, the flash fires every time.
Bracket order
The order in bracket shooting (page 62) can be selected. The order is common to both ambient light bracket and flash light bracket.
• This does not apply to white balance bracket.
0 tt +
t 0 t +
Use 0Ev in shooting the first picture which presents the best shooting opportunity.
Example: 0Ev t
Ordered from low to high exposure. Example:
0.3Ev t +0.3Ev
0.7Ev t 0Ev t +0.7Ev
Reset
You can reset the main functions of the recording mode.
1 Select [Enter] in [ Reset].
The message “Reset recording mode?” appears on the LCD monitor.
2 Select [Yes] with b on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
The main functions of the recording mode are reset.
• For details on the items to be reset, see “Reset default” (page 151).
Recording menu
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Playback menu 1

Playback menu
For details on the operation 1 page 80
The default settings are marked with .
Delete
You can delete unnecessary images.
MarkedImages
All images
• Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it.
• Protected images cannot be deleted.
• Use the (Delete) button to quickly delete images frame by frame (
• You can delete all the images in the folder collectively (page 73).
Deletes only the selected images. Follow the procedure below.
Deletes all the images on the recording medium. Follow the procedure below.
t step 6 in “Read This First”).
To delete selected images
1 Select [MarkedImages] in [Delete]. 2 Select the image you want to delete with b/B on the controller, then press v.
A mark appears on the selected image.
• To cancel a selection, press V.
3 To delete other images, repeat step 2. 4 Press the center of the controller.
The message “Delete marked images?” appears.
5 Select [Yes] with b on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
The selected images are deleted, and the screen returns to the menu screen.
To delete all images
1 Select [All images] in [Delete].
The message “Delete all images on card?” appears.
2 Select [Yes] with b on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
All the images are deleted, and the screen returns to the menu screen.
• It may take a long time to delete a lot of images by selecting [All images]. It is recommended that you delete images on a computer or format the recording medium using the camera.
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For details on the operation 1 page 80
Format
Formats the recording medium.
• Note that formatting irrevocably erases all data on a recording medium, including protected images.
1 Select [Enter] in [Format].
The message “All data will be deleted. Format?” appears.
2 Select [Yes] with b on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
The format is completed.
• During the format, the access lamp lights up. Do not eject the recording medium while the lamp is lit.
• Formatting may take several minutes depending on the recording medium.
• Format the recording medium using the camera. If you format it on a computer, the recording medium may not be usable with the camera, depending on the format type used.
Protect
Protects images against accidental erasure.
MarkedImages
All images
Cancel all
Protects only the selected images. Follow the procedure below.
Protects all the images on the recording medium.
Cancels the protection of all the images on the recording medium.
To protect selected images
1 Select [MarkedImages] in [ Protect]. 2 Select the image you want to protect with b/B on the controller, then press v.
A mark appears on the selected image.
Playback menu
• To cancel a selection, press V.
3 To protect other images, repeat step 2. 4 Press the center of the controller.
The image is protected, and the screen returns to the menu screen.
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For details on the operation 1 page 80
Index format
You can select the index screen format from the following settings.
16 image
9 image
4 image
File browser
Displays 16 images on the screen.
Displays nine images on the screen.
Displays four images on the screen.
Displays six images on the screen from folder to folder.
16 images
9 images 4 images
File browser
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Playback menu 2

For details on the operation 1 page 80
The default settings are marked with .
Slide show
Plays back recorded images in order with a 5-second interval (Slide show).
Select [Enter] in [Slide show]. The slide show starts.
To end the slide show, press V on the controller or MENU.
• During a slide show, you can display the previous/next image with b/B.
• You can pause/play back the slide show with the center of the controller.
• You can switch the recording data on/off with the (Display) button.
DPOF set
Using the camera, you can specify the images and the number of images to print before you print images at a shop or with your printer.
MarkedImages
All on card
• You cannot mark RAW data files.
• To print an image recorded in Adobe RGB with faithful color, the printer needs to be DCF2.0 option color space compliant.
• You can specify any number up to 9.
Prints only the selected images. Follow the procedure below.
Prints all the images in the recording medium. Follow the procedure below.
Playback menu
To mark selected images
1 Select [MarkedImages] in [ DPOF set]. 2 Select the image you want to mark with b/B on the controller, then select the number of sheets
with v/V (increases with v and decreases with V). A (DPOF set) mark appears on the selected image, and the number of sheets is selected.
• To cancel a selection, press V repeatedly to remove the (DPOF set) mark.
3 To mark other images, repeat step 2. 4 Press the center of the controller.
A (DPOF set) mark appears on the selected image, and the screen returns to the menu screen.
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To mark all the images
1 Select [All on card] in [ DPOF set]. 2 Select the number of sheets with v/V on the controller (increases with v and decreases with V).
You cannot separately set the number of images.
3 Press the center of the controller.
A (DPOF set) mark appears on all the images, and the screen returns to the menu screen.
• When a DPOF-marked image is played back, and its number are inserted onto the image.
• If you insert a recording medium that contains DPOF-marked images specified with other cameras into this camera, then specify images to which to attach a DPOF-mark, the DPOF specifications made with other cameras are canceled.
Date imprint
You can impose the date onto images when printing images. The position of the date (inside or outside the image, character size, etc.) depends on your printer.
On
Off
• Normally, only the date is inserted, however, imposed items may be different depending on the printer. This function may not be provided, depending on the printer.
Imposes the date.
Does not impose the date.
Index print
You can create an index print of all the images in the folder (Index print). This camera can specify an index print, as well as frame by frame printing.
On
Off
Specifies an index print.
Does not specify an index print.
• The number of images to print on a sheet and the format depend on the printer. RAW images do not print in index print.
• The images you shot after setting the index print are not included in the index print. It is recommended that you create the index print just before printing it.
Cancel print
You can clear the (DPOF) marks. When you do so, the index print is also canceled. Since the (DPOF) marks are left on after printing, it is recommended that you just clear the marks.
1 Select [Enter] in [Cancel print].
The message “Cancel all?” appears.
2 Select [Yes] with b on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
The (DPOF) marks of all the images are cleared.
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Custom menu 1

Custom menu
For details on the operation 1 page 80
The default settings are marked with .
Priority setup
Select a setting for shutter release.
AF
Release (RP*)
* RP: Stands for Release Priority.
• When [Release] is selected, “RP” appears on the recording information display. It is recommended that you shoot after confirming the focus in the viewfinder.
The shutter cannot be released when the focus is not confirmed.
The shutter can be released even when the focus is not confirmed. Select this setting if the shooting opportunity takes precedence.
FocusHoldButt.
If you use a lens equipped with a focus hold button, you can change the function of the button to preview a shot.
Focus hold
D.O.F.preview
Use the button as the focus hold button.
Use the focus hold button as the depth-of-field preview button.
AEL button
Custom menu
The function and the mode of operation of the AEL (AE Lock) button can be changed. The AEL (AE Lock) button has two functions; an “AEL” function that locks the exposure value (shutter speed and aperture) in any metering mode, and a “ (Spot) AEL” function that temporarily performs spot metering and locks the acquired exposure value. The AEL button has two modes of operation; “hold” that functions only when the button is held down, and “toggle” that switches between activation and deactivation each time the button is pressed. Of these, the following combinations are available.
AE hold
AE toggle
While the button is held down, the exposure value in the selected metering mode is locked. Press the shutter button to take a picture while keeping the AEL (AE Lock) button pressed down. This is suitable when the exposure needs to be maintained at the same level.
Press the button once and release it, and the exposure value in the selected metering mode stays locked. Press the button again, and the lock is released. There is no need to hold the AEL (AE Lock) button down when the shutter button is pressed. This is suitable when the exposure needs to be maintained at the same level.
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AE hold
AE toggle
• While the exposure value is locked, “AEL” appears on the LCD monitor and in the viewfinder. Be sure to remember to release the lock when “AE toggle” is selected.
• Except for the shutter speed priority mode and the manual mode, slow sync is selected and AE lock is performed when the flash is used (page 69).
• The “hold” and “toggle” settings affect the manual shift (page 39) in the manual mode.
While the button is held down, the camera temporarily performs spot metering regardless of the metering mode previously selected and locks the acquired exposure value. Press the shutter button to take a picture while keeping the AEL (AE Lock) button pressed down. This is suitable if you normally use multi-segment or center weighted metering but need to temporarily use spot metering because of the type of subject.
Press the button once and release it, and the camera temporarily performs spot metering regardless of the metering mode previously selected and locks the acquired exposure value. Press the button again, and the lock is released. There is no need to hold the AEL (AE Lock) button down when the shutter button is pressed. This is suitable if you normally use multi-segment or center weighted metering but need to temporarily use spot metering because of the type of subject.
Ctrl dial set
You can change the function of the control dial in manual and program shift mode.
Shutter speed
Aperture
Manual Mode Control dial: Shutter speed
+/– (Exposure) button + Control dial: Aperture
Program Shift P
Manual Mode Control dial: Aperture
Program Shift P
shift (The control dial changes the shutter
S
speed.)
+/– (Exposure) button + Control dial: Shutter speed
shift (The control dial changes the aperture.)
A
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Exp. comp. set
In the default setting, if exposure compensation is selected when the flash is used, shutter speed, aperture, ISO sensitivity (only in AUTO mode), and amount of flash light all change in order to perform exposure compensation (page 65). By fixing the amount of flash light, you can limit the effect of exposure compensation to the background that is illuminated only by ambient light (light other than the flash.)
Ambient&flash
Ambient only
• With the flash compensation, you can limit the compensation to flash light range by fixing the exposure of ambient light range that the flash light does not reach (page 57). Values that change: amount of flash light Values that do not change: shutter speed, aperture, ISO
Exposure compensation is performed on both the ambient light range (the background that the flash light does not reach) and the flash light range.
• Values that change: shutter speed, aperture, ISO (only in AUTO mode), amount of flash light
• Values that do not change: none
The exposure compensation is limited to the ambient light range (the background), while the exposure of the flash light range is fixed.
• Values that change: shutter speed, aperture, ISO (only in AUTO mode)
• Values that do not change: amount of flash light
AF illuminator
Custom menu
When you press the shutter button halfway down using the flash under dark lighting, the flash light may be fired. This is AF fill light to help easily focus a subject in auto focus mode. You can set the AF illuminator to on or off.
On
Off
• When AF illuminator is set to [Off], the AF illuminator of an external flash (not supplied) is not triggered.
Fills the AF illuminator.
Does not fill the AF illuminator.
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Custom menu 2

The default settings are marked with .
For details on the operation 1 page 80
Shutter lock
You can set the shutter lock to keep the shutter from releasing when no recording medium is inserted in the camera.
On: no card
Off: no card
The shutter cannot be released when no recording medium is inserted in the camera.
The shutter can be released when no recording medium is inserted in the camera.
Shutter lock
You can set the shutter lock to keep the shutter from releasing when no lens is mounted on the camera. When attaching the camera to an astronomical telescope, for example, select [Off: no lens] so the shutter can be released.
On: no lens
Off: no lens
The shutter cannot be released when no lens is mounted on the camera.
The shutter can be released when no lens is mounted on the camera.
AF area setup
When the shutter button is pressed halfway down, the local focus frame in focus is briefly illuminated in red. You can change the duration of illumination or turn off the illumination.
0.6s. display
0.3s. display
Display off
The local focus frame is illuminated for 0.6 seconds.
The local focus frame is illuminated for 0.3 seconds.
No illumination.
• When [Display off] is selected, the local focus frame is illuminated only when the controller or the spot AF button is pressed.
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Monitor Disp.
The eyepiece sensors located right below the viewfinder determines whether the photographer is looking into the viewfinder or not. The LCD monitor can be set to turn off automatically when you are looking into the viewfinder.
Automatic
Manual
• Regardless of the setting in this menu, the recording information display automatically turns off after a set duration (five seconds in the default setting (page 102)).
The LCD monitor turns off automatically when you look into the viewfinder.
The LCD monitor stays on when you look into the viewfinder.
Rec. display
You can set the recording information display to rotate automatically when the camera is in a vertical position.
Auto rotate
Horizontal
The display rotates automatically to a vertical position when the camera is in a vertical position.
The display does not rotate when the camera is in a vertical position.
Play. display
The image orientation can be recorded with the image which allows images recorded in a vertical position to be automatically displayed in the vertical position.
Auto rotate
Man. rotate
The image orientation is recorded with the image.
The image orientation is not recorded with the image.
Custom menu
• When [Auto rotate] is selected, an image loaded on a computer will be displayed in the vertical position with “Picture Motion Browser”/“Image Data Converter SR” (supplied). The image may not be displayed in a vertical position, depending on the software employed.
• To rotate the displayed image manually, see page 76.
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Setup menu 1

Setup menu
The default settings are marked with .
For details on the operation 1 page 80
LCDbrightness
You can adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor.
1 Select [Enter] in [LCDbrightness]. 2 Adjust the brightness with b/B on the controller or with the control dial, then press the center of
the controller.
Transfer mode
Selects the USB mode to be used when connecting the camera to a computer, etc., using a USB cable.
Mass Storage
PTP
Used for copying images to the computer. The camera is recognized as a USB mass storage device.
Prints the images with a PictBridge compliant printer or copies images to PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) compliant devices.
• For details on printing with a PictBridge compliant printer, see page 123.
Video output
Sets the video signal output according to the TV color system of the connected video equipment. Different countries and regions use different TV color systems. If you want to view images on a TV screen, check page 79 for the TV color system of the country or region where the camera is used.
NTSC
PAL
Sets the video output signal to NTSC mode (e.g., for the USA, Japan).
Sets the video output signal to PAL mode (e.g., for Europe).
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Audio signals
Selects the sound produced when the shutter is locked, during self-timer countdown, etc.
On
Off
Turns on the sound.
Turns off the sound.
Language
Select the language to be used to display the menu items, warning, and messages.
1 Select [ Language], then press B on the controller. 2 Select the desired language with v/V on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
Date/Time set
Sets the date and time. Select [Enter] in [Date/Time set]. Then, perform the procedure explained in “Set the clock”
t step 3 in “Read This First”).
(
Setup menu
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Setup menu 2

The default settings are marked with .
For details on the operation 1 page 80
File # memory
Selects the method used to assign file numbers to images.
On
Off
Assigns numbers to files in sequence even if the recording folder or the recording medium is changed, or all of the images are deleted.
Starts from 0001 each time the folder is changed or each time a recording date changes when using a date form folder. When the recording folder contains a file, a number one higher than the largest number is assigned.
Reset
Resets the file number. The number returns to “0001”. When the recording folder contains a file, a number one higher than the largest number is assigned.
Select [Enter] in [Reset].
Folder name
The default standard form folder (100MSDCF, etc.) can be changed to a date form folder to classify the folders by date for storage and playback.
Std. form
Date form
Selects the standard form folder.
Selects the date form folder. A new folder will be created automatically every time a recording date changes.
• The folders and images saved in the standard form folder will retain their names.
• If the [Date form] is selected, the folder name will be displayed as follows.
Example:
AB
A: Folder number B: Y (the last digit) / MM / DD
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