VCLICK! Table of contents Basic Operations Using the shooting functions Using the viewing functions Customizing the settings Digital Still Camera Cyber-shot Handbook DSC-H50 Before operating the unit, please read this Handbook thoroughly together with the "Instruction Manual" and the "Cyber-shot Step-up Guide", and retain them for future reference. Viewing images on a TV Using your computer Printing still images Troubleshooting Others Index © 2008 Sony Corporation 3-295-460-12(1) GB Notes on using the camera Notes on the types of "Memory Stick" that you can use (not supplied) "Memory Stick Duo" You can use a "Memory Stick Duo" with the camera. Carl Zeiss lens The camera is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens which is capable of reproducing sharp images with excellent contrast. The lens for the camera has been produced under a quality assurance system certified by Carl Zeiss in accordance with the quality standards of Carl Zeiss in Germany. "Memory Stick" You cannot use a "Memory Stick" with the camera. Notes on the LCD screen, the LCD finder and lens · The LCD screen and the LCD finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, some tiny black and/or bright dots (white, red, blue or green) may appear on the LCD screen or the LCD finder. These dots are a normal result of the manufacturing process, and do not affect the recording. Other memory cards cannot be used. · For details on "Memory Stick Duo", see page 146. When using a "Memory Stick Duo" with "Memory Stick" compatible equipment You can use the "Memory Stick Duo" by inserting it into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor (not supplied). Memory Stick Duo Adaptor Black, white, red, blue or green dots · Do not hold the camera by taking hold of the LCD screen. Notes on the battery pack · Charge the battery pack (supplied) before using the camera for the first time. · You can charge the battery pack even if it is not completely discharged. In addition, 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 the camera, then store it in a cool, dry place. This is to maintain the battery pack functions. · For details on the usable battery pack, see page 148. · Exposing the LCD screen, the LCD finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. · Do not press against the LCD screen. The screen may be discolored and that may cause a malfunction. · Images may trail across on the LCD screen in a cold location. This is not a malfunction. 2 Notes on using the camera · Be careful not to bump the movable lens, and be careful not to apply force to it. The images used in this Handbook The images used as examples in this Handbook are reproduced images, and are not actual images shot using the camera. 3 Table of contents Notes on using the camera ....................................................................... 2 Basic techniques for better images........................................................... 8 Focus ­ Focusing on a subject successfully..................................................... 8 Exposure ­ Adjusting the light intensity........................................................... 10 Color ­ On the effects of lighting ..................................................................... 12 Quality ­ On "image quality" and "image size" ............................................... 12 Flash ­ On using the flash ............................................................................... 14 Identifying parts....................................................................................... 15 Using the accessories............................................................................. 18 Lens hood/Adaptor ring Attaching the lens hood Storing the lens hood Attaching a conversion lens (not supplied) Remote Control Indicators on the screen.......................................................................... 21 Changing the screen display................................................................... 26 Using the internal memory ...................................................................... 27 Basic Operations Using the mode dial ................................................................................ 28 Shooting images (Auto Adjustment mode) ............................................. 29 Shooting still images (Scene Selection).................................................. 33 Shooting in the dark (Night Shot)............................................................ 38 Using the wheel dial................................................................................ 39 Shooting with manual adjustment ........................................................... 40 Shooting with Program Shift Shooting with shutter speed priority mode Shooting with aperture priority mode Shooting with manual exposure mode ISO: Selecting a luminous sensitivity EV: Adjusting the light intensity Focus: Changing the focus method REC Mode: Setting the continuous shooting/bracket shooting Metering Mode: Selecting the metering mode Viewing images....................................................................................... 50 Viewing still images as a slideshow ........................................................ 52 Deleting images ...................................................................................... 56 Learning the various functions ­ HOME/Menu ....................................... 58 Menu items ............................................................................................. 61 4 Table of contents Using the shooting functions Shooting menu ........................................................................................63 Scene Selection: Selecting the Scene Selection Image Size: Selecting the image size Flash: Flash setting Face Detection: Detecting the face of subject Smile Detection: Setting the Smile Detection function Smile Detection Sensitivity: Setting the Smile Detection Sensitivity Bracket Set: Setting the bracket type Scene Recognition: Determining the scene to be shot and taking the shot White Balance: Adjusting the color tones Flash Level: Adjusting the amount of flash light Red Eye Reduction: Setting the Red Eye Reduction function DRO: Optimizing the brightness and contrast Noise Reduction: Adjusting the Noise Reduction Color Mode: Changing the vividness of the image or adding special effects Color Filter: Setting the Color Filter function Color Saturation: Adjusting the Color Saturation Contrast: Adjusting the Contrast Sharpness: Adjusting the Sharpness SteadyShot: Selecting the anti-blur mode (Shooting Settings): Selecting the Shooting Settings Using the viewing functions Selecting the View Mode.........................................................................77 (Date View): Display by date (Folder View): Display by folder (Favorites): Displaying images registered as Favorites Viewing menu..........................................................................................78 (Delete): Deleting images (View Mode): Switching the View Modes (Date List): Selecting the playback date when using Date View (Filter by Faces): Playing back images filtered to meet certain conditions (Add / Remove Favorites): Adding/Removing Favorites (Slideshow): Playing back a series of images (Retouch): Retouching still images (Multi-Purpose Resize): Changing the image size according to usage (Protect): Preventing accidental erasure : Adding a Print order mark (Print): Printing images using a printer 5 Table of contents (Rotate): Rotating a still image (Select Folder): Selecting the folder for viewing images Customizing the settings Customizing the Manage Memory feature and the Settings ................... 89 Manage Memory .............................................................................. 91 Memory Tool -- Memory Stick Tool ................................................. 91 Format Change REC.Folder Format Create REC.Folder Copy Memory Tool -- Internal Memory Tool ............................................. 93 Settings ............................................................................................ 94 Main Settings -- Main Settings 1 ..................................................... 94 Beep Initialize USB Connect Video Out AF Illuminator AF Mode Conversion Lens Flash Sync. Auto Review Function Guide Smile demo mode COMPONENT Wide Zoom Display Grid Line Digital Zoom Main Settings -- Main Settings 2 ..................................................... 96 Shooting Settings -- Shooting Settings 1......................................... 98 Shooting Settings -- Shooting Settings 2....................................... 101 Auto Orientation Expanded Focus Clock Settings................................................................................. 103 Language Setting ........................................................................... 104 Viewing images on a TV Viewing images on a TV ....................................................................... 105 Using your computer Enjoying your Windows computer......................................................... 108 Installing the software (supplied) .......................................................... 110 On the "Picture Motion Browser" (supplied).......................................... 112 6 Table of contents Copying images to your computer using the "Picture Motion Browser" ..............................................................................................................113 Copying images to a computer without "Picture Motion Browser".........117 Viewing image files stored on a computer with the camera copying to the "Memory Stick Duo"...............................................................................119 Using the "Music Transfer" (supplied) ...................................................120 Using your Macintosh computer............................................................121 Viewing "Cyber-shot Step-up Guide".....................................................123 Printing still images How to print still images ........................................................................124 Printing images directly using a PictBridge compliant printer................125 Printing at a shop ..................................................................................128 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting.....................................................................................130 Warning indicators and messages ........................................................141 Others Using the camera abroad -- Power sources.........................................145 On the "Memory Stick Duo"...................................................................146 On the battery pack ...............................................................................148 On the battery charger ..........................................................................149 Index Index......................................................................................................150 7 Basic techniques for better images Focus Exposure Color Quality Flash This section describes the basics so you can enjoy the camera. It tells you how to use various camera functions such as the mode dial (page 28), the wheel dial (page 39), the HOME screen (page 58) and the menus (page 60). Focus Focusing on a subject successfully When you press the shutter button halfway down, the camera adjusts the focus automatically (Auto Focus). Remember to press the shutter button only halfway down. Do not fully press the shutter button straight away. Press the shutter button AE/AF lock indicator halfway down. flashing , lit/beeps Then press the shutter button fully down. When focusing is difficult t [Focus] (page 45) If the image looks blurred even after focusing, it may be because of camera shake. t See "Hints for preventing blur" below. 8 Basic techniques for better images Hints for preventing blur The camera moved accidentally when you took the image. This is called "Camera shake". On the other hand, if the subject moved when you took the image, it is called "subject blur". Camera shake Cause Your hands or body shake while you hold the camera and press the shutter button, and the entire screen is blurred. What you can do to reduce the blurring · Use a tripod or place the camera on a flat surface to hold the camera steady. · Shoot with a 2-second delay self-timer and stabilize the camera by holding your arms firmly at your side after pressing the shutter button. Subject blur Cause Even though the camera ...