User manual MINOLTA DIMAGE 7I

E INSTRUCTION MANUAL 9222-2779-11 HA-A205 2 BEFORE YOU BEGIN Thank you for purchasing this Minolta digital camera. Please take the time to read through this instruction manual so you can enjoy all the features of your new camera. This manual contains information regarding products introduced before May, 2002. To obtain compatibility information for products released after this date, contact a Minolta Service Facility listed on the back cover of this manual. Check the packing list before using this product. If any items are missing, immediately contact your camera dealer. Minolta DiMAGE digital camera Ni-MH batteries (set of four) Ni-MH battery charger set Neck strap NS-DG7 Lens shade DLS-7i 16MB CompactFlash card AV cable AVC-300 USB cable USB-100 Software and Documentation on CD-ROM: DiMAGE Software CD-ROM DiMAGE Image Viewer Utility Version 2 Instruction manual (PDF) Camera manual (PDF) Quick Reference Guide Warranty card Documentation (Printed): This product is designed to work with accessories manufactured and distributed by Minolta. Using accessories or equipment not endorsed by Minolta may result in unsatisfactory performance or damage to the product and its accessories. Because the performance of alkaline batteries with digital cameras is low, the use of Ni-MH batteries is recommended. 3 FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product. WARNING Using batteries improperly can cause them to leak harmful solutions, overheat, or explode which may damage property or cause personal injury. Do not ignore the following warnings. · · · · · · · · · · Only use the batteries specified in this instruction manual. Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/­) reversed. Do not use batteries which show wear or damage. Do not expose batteries to fire, high temperatures, water, or moisture. Do not attempt to short or disassemble batteries. Do not store batteries near or in metallic products. Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, ages, or charge levels. Do not charge alkaline batteries. When recharging rechargeable batteries, only use the recommended charger. Do not use leaking batteries. If fluid from the batteries enters your eye, immediately rinse the eye with plenty of fresh water and contact a doctor. If fluid from the batteries makes contact with your skin or clothing, wash the area thoroughly with water. · Use only the specified AC adapter within the voltage range indicated on the adapter unit. An inappropriate adapter or current may cause damage or injury through fire or electric shock. · Do not disassemble this product. Electric shock may cause injury if a high voltage circuit inside the product is touched. · Immediately remove the batteries or unplug the AC adapter and discontinue use if the camera is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the interior, especially the flash unit, is exposed. The flash has a high voltage circuit which may cause an electric shock resulting in injury. The continued use of a damaged product or part may cause injuries or fire. 4 · Keep batteries or small parts that could be swallowed away from infants. Contact a doctor immediately if an object is swallowed. · Store this product out of reach of children. Be careful when around children, not to harm them with the product or parts. · Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes. It may damage eyesight. · Do not fire the flash at vehicle operators. It may cause a distraction or temporary blindness which may lead to an accident. · Do not use the monitor while operating a vehicle or walking. It may result in injury or an accident. · Do not use this product in a humid environment, or operate this product with wet hands. If liquid enters the product, immediately remove the batteries or unplug the AC adapter and discontinue use. The continued use of a product exposed to liquids may cause damage or injury through fire or electric shock. · Do not use the product near inflammable gases or liquids such as gasoline, benzine, or paint thinner. Do not use inflammable products such as alcohol, benzine, or paint thinner to clean the product. The use of inflammable cleaners and solvents may cause an explosion or fire. · When unplugging the AC adapter, do not pull on the power cord. Hold the adapter unit when removing it from an outlet. · Do not damage, twist, modify, heat, or place heavy objects on the AC adapter cord. A damaged cord may cause damage or injury through fire or electric shock. · If the product emits a strange odor, heat, or smoke, discontinue use. Immediately remove the batteries taking care not to burn yourself as the batteries become hot with use. The continued use of a damaged product or part may cause injuries or fire. · Take the product to a Minolta Service Facility when repairs are required 5 FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE CAUTION · Do not use or store the product in a hot or humid environment such as the glove compartment or trunk of a car. It may damage the product and batteries which may result in burns or injuries caused by heat, fire, explosion, or leaking battery fluid. · If batteries are leaking, discontinue use of the product. · The camera temperature rises with extended periods of use. Care should be taken to avoid burns. · Burns may result if the CompactFlash card or batteries are removed immediately after extended periods of use. Turn the camera off and wait for it to cool. · Do not fire the flash while it is in contact with people or objects. The flash unit discharges a large amount of energy which may cause burns. · Do not apply pressure to the LCD monitor. A damaged monitor may cause injury, and the liquid from the monitor may cause inflammation. If liquid from the monitor makes contact with skin wash the area with fresh water. If liquid from the monitor comes in contact with the eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with plenty of water and contact a doctor. · The rim of the lens hood can cause injury. Take care not to accidentally strike anyone with the camera when the lens hood is attached. · When using the AC adapter, insert the plug securely into the electrical outlet. · Do not use if the AC adapter cord is damaged. · Do not cover the AC adapter. A fire may result. · Do not obstruct access to the AC adapter; this can hinder the unplugging of the unit in emergencies. · Unplug the AC adapter when cleaning or when the product is not in use. 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS Names of parts.....................................................................................................................................12 Camera body ...........................................................................................................................12 Data panel ...............................................................................................................................15 EVF and LCD monitor display .................................................................................................16 Getting up and running.........................................................................................................................17 Camera-shake warning ...........................................................................................................17 Attaching the camera strap .....................................................................................................18 Removing the lens cap ............................................................................................................18 Attaching the lens hood...........................................................................................................19 Inserting batteries....................................................................................................................20 Inserting the CompactFlash card ............................................................................................20 Handling the camera ...............................................................................................................21 Turning on the camera and displays .......................................................................................21 Taking pictures.........................................................................................................................22 Using the built-in flash .............................................................................................................23 Flash range ­ automatic operation..........................................................................................23 Viewing and deleting pictures in Quick View ...........................................................................24 Basic operation.....................................................................................................................................25 Changing batteries ..................................................................................................................26 Battery condition indicator .......................................................................................................27 Auto power save ......................................................................................................................27 External power supplies (sold separately)...............................................................................28 Changing the CompactFlash card...........................................................................................28 Setting the camera to record images automatically ................................................................30 EVF and LCD monitor display .................................................................................................30 Basic recording operation........................................................................................................31 Focus lock................................................................................................................................32 Focus signals...........................................................................................................................33 Special focusing situations ......................................................................................................33 Display controls ­ recording mode ..........................................................................................34 Quick View ...............................................................................................................................36 Quick View display...................................................................................................................37 Deleting images in Quick View ................................................................................................37 Changing the Quick View display ............................................................................................38 Enlarged playback ...................................................................................................................39 7 TABLE OF CONTENTS Recording mode ­ advanced operation ...............................................................................................40 Spot-AE lock button.................................................................................................................40 Pro-auto button ........................................................................................................................41 Digital-subject-program button.................................................................................................42 Setting the function dial ...........................................................................................................44 Memory ­ storing camera settings ..........................................................................................46 Metering modes.......................................................................................................................47 Exposure modes......................................................................................................................48 Program ­ P .......................................................................................................................49 Program shift .................................................................................................................49 Aperture priority ­ A ...........................................................................................................50 Shutter priority ­ S .............................................................................................................51 Manual exposure ­ M.........................................................................................................52 Bulb exposures ........................................................................................................................53 Attaching a remote cord (sold separately) ..............................................................................53 Drive modes ............................................................................................................................54 Continuous advance...........................................................................................................55 UHS continuous advance ...................................................................................................56 UHS continuous-advance movies ......................................................................................56 Self-timer ............................................................................................................................57 Bracketing...........................................................................................................................58 Notes on bracketing ......................................................................................................59 Interval................................................................................................................................60 White balance..........................................................................................................................62 Automatic white balance.....................................................................................................63 Preset white balance ..........................................................................................................63 Custom white balance ........................................................................................................64 Camera sensitivity ­ ISO.........................................................................................................65 Flash range and camera sensitivity.........................................................................................66 Attaching a Minolta accessory flash unit .................................................................................66 Digital Effects Control ..............................................................................................................67 Exposure and flash compensation .....................................................................................68 Contrast compensation.......................................................................................................70 Color-saturation compensation...........................................................................................71 Filter....................................................................................................................................71 Electronic viewfinder................................................................................................................73 Diopter adjustment ..................................................................................................................73 Automatic monitor amplification...............................................................................................73 8 Autofocus areas and control....................................................................................................74 Flex Focus Point ......................................................................................................................75 Digital zoom .............................................................................................................................76 Macro mode.............................................................................................................................77 Navigating the recording-mode menu .....................................................................................78 Electronic keyboard .................................................................................................................80 Autofocus modes .....................................................................................................................81 Image size ...............................................................................................................................82 About the frame counter..........................................................................................................82 Image quality ...........................................................................................................................83 About super-fine and RAW image quality ...............................................................................84 Image-file size and CompactFlash card capacity....................................................................85 Flash modes ............................................................................................................................86 Wireless/Remote flash.............................................................................................................88 Wireless/Remote camera and flash ranges ............................................................................90 Notes on wireless/remote flash ..........................................................................................91 Flash control ............................................................................................................................92 Spot AF/AEL............................................................................................................................93 Manual focus ...........................................................................................................................94 Magnification button and electronic magnification...................................................................94 Data imprinting ........................................................................................................................95 Color mode ..............................................................................................................................96 Sharpness ...............................................................................................................................97 Instant playback.......................................................................................................................98 Voice memo .............................................................................................................................99 A short guide to photography .............................................................................................................100 Movie mode .....................................................................................................................................102 Navigating the movie menu ...................................................................................................104 9 TABLE OF CONTENTS Playback mode ­ viewing and editing images ...................................................................................105 Single-frame playback and histogram display .......................................................................105 Viewing images .....................................................................................................................106 Playing back voice memos ....................................................................................................106 Viewing movies......................................................................................................................107 Deleting single images ..........................................................................................................107 Enlarged playback .................................................................................................................108 Changing the playback display ..............................................................................................109 Navigating the playback-mode menu ....................................................................................110 Frame selection screen .........................................................................................................112 Deleting images.....................................................................................................................113 Formatting CompactFlash cards ...........................................................................................114 Locking images......................................................................................................................115 Changing the index playback format .....................................................................................115 Slide Show.............................................................................................................................116 About DPOF ..........................................................................................................................118 Creating a DPOF print order .................................................................................................118 Ordering an index print..........................................................................................................119 Canceling a DPOF print order ...............................................................................................119 Copying images .....................................................................................................................120 Viewing images on a television .............................................................................................122 Setup mode ­ controlling the camera's operation..............................................................................123 Navigating the setup menu....................................................................................................124 EVF and LCD monitor brightness .........................................................................................126 Audio signals .........................................................................................................................126 Shutter FX .............................................................................................................................126 Volume...................................................................................................................................127 Language...............................................................................................................................127 File number memory .............................................................................................................127 Folder name...........................................................................................................................128 Select folder...........................................................................................................................129 New folder..............................................................................................................................129 Display mode .........................................................................................................................130 Direct manual focus...............................................................................................................131 Reset default..........................................................................................................................132 EVF auto switch.....................................................................................................................134 Setting the date and time ......................................................................................................134 Setting the date format ..........................................................................................................135 Video output ..........................................................................................................................135 Auto power save ....................................................................................................................135 10 Data-transfer mode.............................................................................................................................136 QuickTime system requirements ...........................................................................................136 System requirements.............................................................................................................137 Connecting the camera to a computer ..................................................................................138 Connecting to Windows 98 / 98 second edition ....................................................................140 Automatic installation........................................................................................................140 Manual installation............................................................................................................141 Connecting to Mac OS 8.6 ....................................................................................................143 Auto power save (Data-transfer mode)..................................................................................143 CompactFlash card folder organization.................................................................................144 Disconnecting the camera from the computer ......................................................................146 Windows 98 / 98 second edition ......................................................................................146 Windows ME, 2000 Professional, and XP........................................................................146 Macintosh .........................................................................................................................147 Changing the CompactFlash card (data-transfer mode) .......................................................148 Appendix .....................................................................................................................................149 System accessories...............................................................................................................150 When using filters ..................................................................................................................151 What is an Ev? What is a stop? ............................................................................................151 Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................................152 Removing the driver software ­ Windows .............................................................................155 Care and storage...................................................................................................................156 Camera care.....................................................................................................................156 Cleaning ...........................................................................................................................156 Storage .............................................................................................................................156 Operating temperatures and conditions ...........................................................................157 Recording media care and handling ................................................................................157 Batteries ...........................................................................................................................158 About Ni-MH batteries ......................................................................................................158 LCD monitor care .............................................................................................................159 Copyright ..........................................................................................................................159 Before important events or journeys ................................................................................159 Questions and service......................................................................................................159 Technical specifications .........................................................................................................160 11 NAMES OF PARTS CAMERA BODY * This camera is a sophisticated optical instrument. Care should be taken to keep these surfaces clean. Please read the care and storage instructions in the back of this manual (p. 156). Data panel (p. 15) Digital-subject-program button (p. 42) Built-in flash (p. 23) Focal-length index Pro-auto button (p. 41) Strap eyelet (p. 18) Zooming ring1 Control dial Shutter-release button Lens* Focusing ring (p. 94) Card-slot door (p. 28) The USB port is located behind the card-slot door. Microphone Self-timer lamp (p. 57) 1 The focal-length scale on the zooming ring is given in 35mm focal-length equivalents. The DiMAGE Viewer software supplied with the camera can display the actual focal length used to capture the recorded image as well as the equivalent focal length in 35mm photography. 12 Playback mode (p. 105) Recording mode (p. 40) Movie mode (p. 102) Setup mode (p. 123) Data-transfer mode (p. 136) Display mode switch Display information button (p. 34, 109) Accessory shoe Eyepiece sensors* (p. 34) Main switch/Mode dial Dial release Electronic viewfinder* (EVF) (p. 73) Spot-AE lock button (p. 40) Menu button Access lamp LCD monitor* (p. 16) Controller Magnification button Remote-control terminal cover (p. 53) Battery-chamber lock (p. 26) QV/ Delete button (p. 37) DC/AV-out terminal cover Speaker 13 NAMES OF PARTS Exposure modes (p. 48) Metering modes (p. 47) Memory (p. 46) Drive modes (p. 54) White balance (p. 62) Camera sensitivity (p. 65) Function button Macro release (p. 77) Function dial (p. 44) Diopter-adjustment dial (p. 73) Focus-mode (AF/MF) button (p. 94) Tripod socket Digital-effects Controller (p. 67) Digital-effects button Digital-effects switch 14 DATA PANEL Located on the top of the camera body, the data panel shows the status of the camera. All icons have been shown for clarity. Digital-subject-program icons (p. 42) Digital-subject-program indicators (p. 42) Battery-condition indicator (p. 27) Exposure-mode indicators (p. 48) White-balance indicators (p. 62) Camera-sensitivity indicator (p. 65) Flash-compensation indicator (p. 68) Red-eye reduction indicator (p. 86) Wireless/Remote flash indicator (p. 88) Manual-focus indicator (p. 94) Drive-mode indicators (p. 54) Image-quality display (p. 83) Image-size display (p. 82) Frame counter (p. 82) The frame counter cannot exceed 999. When the number of recordable images exceeds this, 999 will be displayed. The frame counter will continue to count down when the number of recordable images falls below one thousand. Shutter-speed and aperture display / exposure/flash compensation display 15 NAMES OF PARTS EVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAY 10. Exposure-compensation display (p. 68) 11. White-balance indicator (p. 62) 12. Exposure-mode/Digital-subject-program indicator (p. 48, 42) 13. Metering-mode indicator (p. 47) 14. Shutter-speed display 15. Aperture display 16. Camera-shake warning (p. 17) 17. Camera-sensitivity (ISO) display (p. 65) 18. Macro-mode indicator (p. 77) 19. Focus signal (p. 33) 20. Data-imprinting indicator (p. 95) 21. Frame counter (p. 82) 22. Drive-mode indicator (p. 54) 23. Manual-focus indicator (p. 94) 24. Battery-condition indicator (p. 27) 25. Image-quality indicator (p. 83) 26. Image-size display (p. 82) 27. Digital-zoom display (p. 76) 28. Color-mode indicator (p. 96) 1. Microphone indicator 2. Flash-mode indicator (p. 86) 3. Flash signal (p. 23) 4. Mode indicator 5. Flash-compensation display (p. 68) 6. Filter display (p. 71) 7. Color-saturation-compensation display (p. 71) 8. Contrast-compensation display (p. 70) 9. Sharpness display (p. 97) A. Focus frame B. Spot metering area (p. 47) C. AF sensors D. Flex Focus Point (p. 75) 16 GETTING UP AND RUNNING This is a quick reference guide so that the camera can be used as soon as possible. However, it is recommended that the entire manual be read to properly operate the camera and to achieve the best results. CAMERA-SHAKE WARNING If the shutter speed falls below the point where the camera can be hand held safely, the camerashake warning will appear on the monitors. Camera shake is slight blurring caused by subtle hand motion and is more pronounced at the telephoto setting of the lens than at the wide-angle setting. The warning appears at approximately the reciprocal of the focal length used; if the lens is set at 100mm, the camera shake warning will appear at 1/100 second. Although the warning appears, the shutter can still be released. If the warning appears, the following steps can be taken: · · · · Place the camera on a tripod. Use the built-in flash (p. 23). Increase the camera sensitivity (ISO) (p. 65). Zoom the lens towards the wide-angle position. 17 GETTING UP AND RUNNING ATTACHING THE CAMERA STRAP Attach the camera strap to the strap eyelets as shown. · Always keep the camera strap around your neck in case you drop the camera. 1 2 REMOVING THE LENS CAP Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the inside or outside tabs of the lens cap to remove. · When the camera is not in use, always replace the lens cap. 18 ATTACHING THE LENS HOOD The lens hood is used to control stray light from entering the lens and causing flare. When using the camera under bright light, the use of the lens hood is recommended. The lens hood should not be used with the built-in flash as it can cause a shadow. To mount the lens hood, align the rectangular dimple on the rim of the hood with the focal-length index on the top of the lens barrel (1). 1 Slide the hood onto the end of the lens and turn it 90° clockwise until it clicks and the circular dimple is aligned with the focal-length index (2). · When mounted correctly, the large petals of the lens hood should be to the top and bottom. · Never force the lens hood. If it does not fit, check its orientation. · To detach the lens hood, turn it 90° counterclockwise and remove. 2 The lens hood can be reverse mounted when the camera is not is use. With one of the large petals to the top, slide the hood onto the end of the lens. Turn it 90° clockwise until it stops. · The lens hood can be attached or removed with the lens cap on the camera. · To detach the lens hood, turn it 90° counterclockwise and remove. 19 GETTING UP AND RUNNING INSERTING BATTERIES The AA nickel-metal hydride batteries supplied with the camera must be charged before their initial use. Refer to the charger manual for instructions on safe use and handling. Open the battery-chamber door by moving the battery-chamber lock to the open position . Insert the batteries. · Make sure the positive and negative battery terminals are orientated as illustrated on the diagram in the battery chamber. INSERTING THE COMPACTFLASH CARD Open the card-slot door (1). Insert the CompactFlash card (2) and fold down the cardeject lever. 2 1 · Insert the card so that the face is toward the front of the camera. Always push the card in straight, never at an angle. Never force the card. If the card does not fit, check its orientation. 20 HANDLING THE CAMERA While using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD monitor, grip the camera firmly with your right hand while supporting the body with the palm of your left hand. Keep your elbows at your side and your feet shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steadily. The EVF can be tilted between 0° and 90°. This is useful for low-level camera positions. TURNING ON THE CAMERA AND DISPLAYS 2 While pushing in the dial release (1), turn the mode dial (2) to the still-image recording position. The display switch at the back of the camera controls which display will activate during camera operation. Turn the switch to the auto-display position (A); the display will alternate between the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD monitor automatically. 1 Display switch 21 GETTING UP AND RUNNING TAKING PICTURES With the mode dial set to still-image recording, the camera will be on and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD monitor will activate. The zooming ring can be used to frame the subject. The effect of the zoom is immediately displayed in the EVF and on the LCD monitor. Compose the image in the EVF or on LCD monitor taking care to place the subject within the focus frame. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture. · The access lamp will glow indicating the image data is being written to the CompactFlash card. Never remove the CompactFlash card while data is being transferred. 22 USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH In low-light conditions or indoors, the flash is needed to illuminate the subject and reduce blurring through camera shake. The flash can also be used as a fill light in direct sunlight to soften harsh shadows. To use the flash, simply pull up the unit by the tabs on each side. Icons will appear in the upper left corner of the EVF and LCD monitor (see chart below). · The flash position must be set manually. · The flash will always fire regardless of the amount of ambient light. · Always remove the lens hood when using the built-in flash. The hood may cast a shadow if mounted. When pressing the shutter-release button partway down, the red flash icon indicates the flash is charging. When pressing the shutter-release button partway down, the white flash icon indicates the flash is ready to fire. After taking a picture, a blue flash icon appears if the flash properly exposed the subject. Flash warning. In backlit situations, the icon appears to recommend the use of the flash. FLASH RANGE ­ AUTOMATIC OPERATION The camera will automatically control the flash output. For well-exposed images, the subject must be within the flash range. Because of the optical system, the flash range is not the same at the lens' wide-angle position as it is at the telephoto position. Wide-angle position Telephoto position 0.5m ~ 3.8m (1.6 ft. ~ 12.5 ft.) 0.5m ~ 3.0m (1.6 ft. ~ 9.8 ft.) 23 GETTING UP AND RUNNING VIEWING AND DELETING PICTURES IN QUICK VIEW Captured images can be viewed in recording mode. Simply press the QV/delete button to access the images, and use the controller to scroll through the pictures on the CompactFlash card. In quick view, images can also be deleted. Care should be taken when deleting image; once deleted it is impossible to recover the picture. When selecting an image for deletion, a confirmation screen will appear before the operation is executed. For more information about Quick View, see page 36. Press the QV/delete button to playback the recorded images. Use the left/right keys of the controller to scroll through the images. To delete the displayed image, press the QV/delete button. · A confirmation screen will appear. Delete this frame? Yes No Use the left/right keys to highlight "YES." · Choosing "NO" will cancel the operation. Pressing the controller will delete the image. Press the menu button to return to the recording mode. 24 BASIC OPERATION This section covers the basic operation of the camera. Please thoroughly familiarize yourself with the operations in this section before moving on to other sections in the manual. 25 BASIC OPERATION CHANGING BATTERIES This digital camera uses four AA-size nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. When using new Ni-MH batteries, fully charge them before their initial use. When replacing batteries, check that the mode dial is in the off position. Open the battery-chamber door by moving the battery-chamber lock to the open position. Insert the batteries. · Make sure the positive and negative battery terminals are orientated as illustrated on the diagram in the battery chamber. Close the battery-chamber door and slide the lock lever to the close position. Although alkaline batteries can be used with this product, their performance will be limited. Only use alkaline batteries for test photographs or when Ni-MH batteries, the Minolta External High-power Battery Pack, or AC adapter are not available. 26 BATTERY CONDITION INDICATOR This camera is equipped with an automatic battery-condition indicator. When the camera is on, the battery-condition indicator appears on the data panel and monitors. The monitor icon will change from white to red when battery power is low. If the data panel and monitors are blank, the batteries may be dead or installed incorrectly. Full-battery ­ the batteries are fully charged. This icon is displayed for five seconds on the monitors when the camera is turned on. The icon remains on the data panel. Low battery warning ­ battery power is very low, but all functions are operational. The batteries should be replaced as soon as possible. This warning automatically appears and remains on the display until the batteries are changed. Blinking low battery warning ­ displayed on the data panel with no other icons. Power is insufficient for camera operation. The shutter will not release. Replace or recharge the batteries immediately. AUTO POWER SAVE To conserve battery power, the camera will turn off displays and unnecessary functions if an operation is not made within a certain period. The LCD monitor will turn off after thirty seconds. The EVF and data panel turn off after one minute. To restore the displays, press the shutter-release button partway down or press the display-information button. The length of the auto-power-save period for the EVF and data panel can be changed in the custom 2 section of the setup menu (p. 124). 27 BASIC OPERATION EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLIES (SOLD SEPARATELY) The AC Adapter allows the camera to be powered from an electrical household outlet. The AC Adapter is recommended when the camera is interfaced with a computer or during periods of heavy use. AC Adapter model AC-1L is for use in North America, Japan, and Taiwan, and AC-2L is for use in all other areas. The External High-power Battery Pack Kit EBP-100 is a portable source of power for the camera. The kit contains a high-power lithium-ion battery, holder, and charger. The battery, holder, and charger are also available separately. This battery pack will significantly extend the operating time of the camera. Always turn off the camera before changing between power supplies. Remove the DC terminal cover from the left. · The cover is attached to the body to prevent loss. Insert the mini plug of the AC adapter or battery pack into the DC terminal. Insert the AC adapter plug into an electrical outlet. CHANGING THE COMPACTFLASH CARD A CompactFlash card must be inserted for the camera to operate. If a card has not been inserted, a no-card warning will automatically be displayed on the monitors. IBM Microdrives are compatible with this camera. For recording media care and storage, see page 157. 28 Always turn off the camera and confirm the access lamp is not lit before inserting or removing a CompactFlash card, otherwise the card may be damaged, and data lost. 1 2 3 4 5 Open the card-slot door in the direction indicated (1). To eject a CompactFlash card, lift (2) then press (3) the card-eject lever. The card can now be pulled out. · Take care when removing the card as it becomes hot with use. Insert the CompactFlash card into the card slot until the card-eject lever pops out (4). · Insert the card so the face is toward the front of the camera. Always push the card in straight. Never force the card. If the card does not fit, check that it is orientated correctly. Fold the card-eject lever down as shown (5) and close the card-slot door. If the card-not-recognized message appears, the inserted card in the camera may need to be formatted. A CompactFlash card used in another camera may have to be formatted before being used. If the unable-to-use-card message appears, the card is not compatible with the camera and should not be formatted. A card can be formatted in the basic section of the playback menu (p. 110). When a card is formatted, all the data on the card is permanently erased. If the card-error message appears, press the central button of the controller to close the window; check the Minolta web site for the latest compatibility information: North America: http://www.minoltausa.com, Europe: http://www.minoltaeurope.com/pe/digital/languages_stage.html. 29 BASIC OPERATION SETTING THE CAMERA TO RECORD IMAGES AUTOMATICALLY While holding in the dial release (1), turn the mode dial to stillimage recording. Press the pro-auto button (2) to reset the programmed and automatic functions. 2 All camera operations are now fully automatic. The autofocus, exposure, and imaging systems will work together to bring professional results effortlessly. 1 EVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAY Focus frame Mode indicator Image-size display (p. 82) Image-quality indicator (p. 83) Metering-mode indicator (p. 47) Exposure-mode/Digital-subject-program indicator (p. 48, 42) Shutter-speed display Drive-mode indicator (p. 54) Frame counter (p. 15, 82) Focus signal (p. 33) Aperture display 30 BASIC RECORDING OPERATION With the mode dial set to still-image recording, the camera will be on and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD monitor will activate. Place the subject within the focus frame. · For off-center subjects use the focus-lock function (p. 32). · Make sure the subject is within the focus range of the lens: 0.5m ­ . For subjects closer than 0.5m, use the macro function (p. 77). 1 Press the shutter-release button partway down (1) to lock the focus and exposure. · The focus signals (p. 33) in the monitors will confirm that the image is in focus. If the focus signal is red, the camera was unable to focus on the subject. Repeat the previous steps until the signal is white. · When the focus is set, an AF sensor will briefly appear on the live image to indicate the point of focus. · The shutter speed and aperture value will change from white to black indicating the exposure is locked. 2 Press the shutter-release button all the way down (2) to take the picture. · The access lamp will glow indicating the image data is being written to the CompactFlash card. Never remove a CompactFlash card while data is being transferred. 31 BASIC OPERATION FOCUS LOCK The focus-lock function is used when the subject is off-center and outside the focus frame. Focus lock may also be used when a special focusing situation prevents the camera from focusing on the subject. Place the subject within the focus frame. Press and hold the shutter-release button partway down. · The focus signals will indicate that the focus is locked. The shutter speed and aperture value will change from white to black indicating the exposure is locked. · When the focus is set, an AF sensor will briefly appear on the live image to indicate the point of focus. Without lifting your finger from the shutter-release button, recompose the subject within the image area. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture. 32 FOCUS SIGNALS This digital camera has a quick, accurate autofocusing system. The focus signals in the lower right corner of the EVF and LCD monitor indicate the focus status. For more information on autofocus modes see p. 81. Focus icon: white Focus confirmed. Cannot focus. The subject is too close or a special situation is preventing the AF system from focusing. Focus icon: red · The shutter can be released even if the camera cannot focus on the subject. · When the AF system cannot focus, the focus is set between 5 m and infinity (16.4 ft and ). When the flash is in use, the focus is set between 3.0 m and 3.8 m (9.8 ft and 12.5 ft). In this case, focus lock can be used with an object at the same distance as the main subject or the camera can be focused manually (p. 94). SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS The camera may not be able to focus in certain situations. If the autofocus system cannot focus on a subject, the focus icon will turn red. In this situation the focus-lock function can be used to focus on another object at the same distance as your main subject, and then the image can be recomposed to take the picture. The subject is too dark. The subject in the focus frame is low in contrast. Two subjects at different distances overlap in the focus frame. The subject is near a very bright object or area. 33 BASIC OPERATION DISPLAY CONTROLS ­ RECORDING MODE Located on the back of the camera, the display-mode switch and the display-information button control on which monitor the image is displayed and what information is included in the display. The three position switch allows the choice between automatic display and setting the display to the EVF or LCD monitor. Auto display ­ the camera will automatically change between displaying the live image in the EVF or on the LCD monitor. The EVF's eye sensors monitor if the EVF is being used and switches the display location accordingly. EVF display ­ the live image will only be displayed in the electronic viewfinder. Under bright light, the image is easier to see in the EVF than on the LCD monitor. LCD monitor display ­ the live image will only be displayed on the LCD monitor. If battery power is a concern, have the eye sensor activate the EVF when in use, but not the LCD monitor. The auto-display function can be changed in the custom 2 section of the setup menu (p. 124). 34 In the center of the display switch, the display-information button controls what information is displayed with the live image. Each time the button is pressed, the display cycles to the next format: standard display, focus frame, real-time histogram, and live image only. The number of screens and their formats can be changed in the custom 1 section of the setup menu (p. 124). Standard display Focus frame Live image only Real-time histogram The real-time histogram shows the approximate luminance distribution of the live image. This histogram will not be accurate when the monitor image is amplified (p. 52, 73), or the built-in or a compatible Minolta flash unit is used. The histogram of a recorded image may not have the same distribution as the real-time histogram. 35 BASIC OPERATION QUICK VIEW Still images can be viewed in recording mode. Simply press the QV/delete button to access the images, and use the controller to scroll through the pictures on the CompactFlash card. Images is displayed with various information: date and time of capture, frame number, printing and lock status, and voice-memo recording. A histogram of the image with shooting data can be displayed. Press the QV/delete button to play back the recorded images. Use the left/right keys of the controller to scroll through the images. Press the up key to see the histogram of the displayed image. · Pressing the down key returns to Quick View. If an audio track is attached to a still image, pressing the central button of the controller will play it back (p. 99). To return to the recording mode, press the menu button. Controller QV/Delete button 36 Mode indicator Image size (p. 82) Image quality (p. 83) QUICK-VIEW DISPLAY To view the histogram, press the up key. Aperture value Shutter speed Time of capture Date of capture Voice-memo indicator (p. 99) Lock indicator (p. 115) Print indicator (p. 118) Frame number/ total number of images Histogram White-balance setting (p. 62) Sensitivity setting (p. 65) Degree of exposure compensation (p. 68) Folder name (p. 128) Folder number ­ image file number DELETING IMAGES IN QUICK VIEW In quick view, the displayed image can be deleted. When selecting an image for deletion, a confirmation screen will appear before the operation is executed. To delete a displayed image, press the QV/delete button. · A confirmation screen will appear. Delete this frame? Once deleted, an image cannot be recovered. Use the left/right keys to highlight "Yes." · "No" will cancel the operation. Yes No Pressing the controller will execute the command on the confirmation screen. Confirmation screen · The camera will return to quick view. 37 BASIC OPERATION CHANGING THE QUICK VIEW DISPLAY In the center of the display switch, the display-information button controls the display format. Each time the button is pressed, the display cycles through to the next format: full display, image only, index playback. Full display Image only Index playback In index playback, the left/right keys of the controller will move the yellow border to the next or the previous image. When the image is highlighted with the border, the date of recording, voice-memo icon, the lock and printing status, and the frame number of the image are displayed at the bottom of the screen. The highlighted image can be deleted using the QV/delete button (p. 37) or an accompanying audio track can be played by pressing the central button of the controller. When the display information button is pressed again, the highlighted image will be displayed in the single-frame playback mode. A nine or four image index can be displayed. The index-playback format can be changed in the basic section of the playback-mode menu (p. 110). 38 ENLARGED PLAYBACK In single-frame playback, a still image can be enlarged for closer examination. Images can be magnified between 1.2X and 4.0X in 0.2X increments. 640 X 480 size images can only be magnified between 1.2X and 2.0X. RAW and super fine images cannot be enlarged. 1 With the image to be enlarged displayed, press the magnification button (1). · The degree of magnification is displayed on the monitors. Use the up/down keys of the controller to adjust the magnification. Press the central button of the controller to switch between the magnification and scroll functions. · The scroll arrows or magnification display will turn blue to indicate the active function. When the scroll arrows are blue, use the four-way key to scroll the image. · Press the magnification button to exit the enlarged playback mode. · Press and hold the four-way key to scroll continuously. 39 RECORDING MODE ADVANCED OPERATION This section contains detailed information on the camera's recording functions and operation. Read the sections pertaining to your interest and need. The sections, setting the function dial (p.44), Digital Effects Control (p. 67), and the navigating the recording-mode menu (p. 78), cover setting most of the advanced features in this camera. Each of these sections is followed by detailed descriptions of the settings. SPOT-AE LOCK BUTTON The spot-AE lock button below the main dial on the back of the body locks the automatic exposure system. This function allows the exposure to be set by a specific element within the scene or a gray card outside the scene. When pressed, the spot metering circle is displayed indicating the area used for the exposure calculation; the shutter speed and aperture of the exposure will be displayed in black on the monitor. The setting will remain in effect until the button is released. Focus is locked by pressing the shutter-release button partway down. The operation of the spot button can be customized in the custom 1 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 78, 93). Spot metering display 40 PRO-AUTO BUTTON Simply pressing the pro-auto button (1) resets the camera to programmed and automatic functions in the still-image recording mode. The camera's systems work together to bring professional results leaving the operator free to concentrate on aesthetic decisions. The pro-auto button only affects functions in the recording mode. The button has a limited affect in the movie mode; changes made with the Digital Effects Control and the Movie menu are reset. 1 Digital subject program (p. 42) Exposure mode (p. 48) Drive mode (p. 54) Focus mode (p. 81, 94) Autofocus area (p. 74) White balance (p. 62) Metering mode (p. 47) Exposure compensation (p. 68) Contrast compensation (p. 70) Color-saturation compensation (p. 71) Filter (p. 71) Flash control (p. 92) Flash compensation (p. 68) Flash mode (p. 86) Sharpness (p. 97) Canceled Program Single-frame advance Single AF Wide Auto white balance Multi-segment metering 0.0 0 0 Normal ADI metering 0.0 Fill or red-eye reduction* Normal * The flash mode is reset to whichever of the two modes was set last. 41 RECORDING MODE DIGITAL-SUBJECT-PROGRAM BUTTON The subject-program button (1) optimizes the camera's performance for various conditions and subjects. Exposure, white-balance, and image-processing systems work in unison for beautiful results. Pressing the subject-program button cycles through the modes: portrait, sport action, sunset, night portrait, text, and the original exposure mode. A pointer will indicate the active subject program. The subject program will remain in effect until it is changed. 1 Portrait Optimized to reproduce warm, soft skin tones and a slight defocusing of the background. Used to capture fast action by maximizing shutter speeds and tracking subjects with continuous AF. Optimized to reproduce rich, warm sunsets. For deep, subtle night scenes. When used with flash, the subject and background are balanced. For the crisp reproduction of black text on white backgrounds. Sports action Sunset Night portrait Text 42 While camera performance is optimized for each shooting condition, some changes can be made to camera settings with subject programs. The autofocus mode can be changed (p. 81). The sports action mode uses continuous AF, the other modes use single AF. The digital effects controller can be used to adjust image brightness, contrast, and color (p. 67). White balance can be changed in all modes except sunset and night portrait (p. 62). Sharpness can be changed in the sport action, sunset, and text modes (p. 97). The metering mode cannot be changed. Shooting tips Portrait ­ Most portraits look best at a telephoto setting; the longer focal length does not exaggerate facial features and the shallower depth of field softens the background. Use the built-in flash with strong direct sunlight or backlight to reduce harsh shadows. Sports action ­ When using a flash, make sure the subject is within the flash range (p. 66). The flash range can be extended by changing the camera sensitivity (p. 65). A monopod is more flexible and compact than a tripod when shooting events. Sunset ­ When the sun is above the horizon, do not point the camera toward the sun for prolonged periods of time. The intensity of the sun could damage the CCD. Between exposures, turn off the camera or cover the lens. Night portrait ­ When taking pictures of a landscape at night, use a tripod to eliminate blurring from camera shake. The flash can only be used with close subjects such as with a portrait of a person. When using the flash, ask your subjects not to move after the burst; the shutter will still be open for the background exposure. Text ­ When taking pictures of small text on a sheet of paper, the macro mode (p. 77) can be used. Use a tripod to eliminate camera shake and ensure the sharpest images. 43 RECORDING MODE SETTING THE FUNCTION DIAL The memory function, metering mode, exposure mode, drive mode, white balance, and camera sensitivity are controlled by the function dial. Making changes with the function dial is simple. The function dial can only be used for still photography. 1 Turn the function dial to the mode to be changed (1). 2 While pressing the button in the center of the function dial, turn the control dial near the shutter-release button to change the mode (2). Release the function button to set the mode. · Changes are displayed on the monitors and data panel. MEM Memory Metering modes To store and recall camera settings (p. 46). Changes the metering mode (p. 47). Changes exposure mode (p. 48). Changes drive mode (p. 54). Changes between automatic, preset, and custom white balance (p. 62). Changes camera sensitivity (p. 65). PASM DRIVE WB ISO Exposure modes Drive modes White balance Camera sensitivity 44 Function Dial Display Setting Memory registers or the setting function are selected with a special menu displayed on the monitors. Multi-segment Center weighted Spot Program Aperture priority Shutter priority Manual Single-frame advance Continuous advance Self-timer Bracketing Interval UHS continuous advance Automatic white balance Daylight Tungsten Fluorescent Cloudy Custom setting Custom calibration Automatic gain Preset camera sensitivity in ISO equivalents. Page EVF & Monitor Display MEM Menu 46 47 49 50 51 52 31 55 57 58 60 56 63 63 No data panel display. PASM P A S M Display for the data panel, EVF and LCD monitor are the same unless indicated. DRIVE (No display when set) WB 64 (No display when set) 65 ISO value is displayed ISO 100, 200, 400, 800. 45 RECORDING MODE MEMORY ­ STORING CAMERA SETTINGS Three sets of camera settings can be saved. This saves time under frequently repeating conditions by eliminating the need to set the camera. Except for the spot AEL button, subject programs, data imprinting, voice memo, and instant playback settings, all recording-mode camera settings will be saved including the position of the Flex Focus Point, the custom white balance setting, and changes made with the function dial and digital effects control. Although the bracketing drive mode setting can be saved, the type of bracket, exposure, contrast, color saturation, or filter must be reset. Memory 1 Memory 2 Memory 3 Store memory Camera settings are saved with the function dial (p. 44). Initially, each memory location contains the camera's original settings. 2 1 To save the current camera settings, turn the function dial to the memory position, and press the function button (1) to display the memory settings on the monitor. Turn the control dial to highlight the store-memory option. Release the function button to open the store-memory screen. Rec. Store memory 1 2 3 1 Store in 3 On the store-in-memory screen, use the up/down keys of the controller (3) to select the memory register in which the camera settings are to be saved. Press the central button of the controller (4) to save the settings; the previous settings will be erased and replaced by the new ones. A confirmation screen will open; press the central button of the controller to close. select enter 4 46 To recall a setting, press the function button and highlight the memory register using the control dial. Release the function button to apply the memory settings. Camera settings cannot be deleted from memory by turning the camera off, using the pro-auto button, or choosing the default function on the setup menu. METERING MODES The icons indicating the metering mode are displayed on the monitors only. Do not confuse these icons with the focus signals (p. 33). The metering mode is changed with the function dial (p. 44). When center-weighted or spot metering is selected, pressing the shutter-release button partway down will activate the exposure system, but will not lock the exposure; the spot AE lock button (p. 40) can be used to lock the exposure, but uses the spot metering area only. Multi-segment ­ uses 300 segments to measure luminance and color. This data is combined with distance information to calculate the camera exposure. This advanced metering system will give accurate worry-free exposures in almost all situations. Center weighted ­ a traditional metering method in silver-halide cameras. The system measures light values over the entire image area with emphasis given to the central region. Spot ­ uses a small area within the image to calculate the exposure. When this mode is selected, a small circle will appear in the middle of the live image indicating the measuring area. The spot allows precise exposure measurements of a particular object without being influenced by extremely bright or dark areas within the scene. Spot metering display 47 RECORDING MODE EXPOSURE MODES The four exposure modes allow extensive control over image making. Programmed AE gives carefree operation, aperture and shutter priority allow photographers to optimise exposures in different situations, and manual exposure provides complete freedom in controlling the final image. See setting the function dial section on page 44. P A S M Program ­ the camera controls both the shutter speeds and aperture. Aperture priority ­ the photographer selects the aperture and the camera sets the appropriate shutter speed. Shutter priority ­ the photographer selects the shutter speed and the camera sets the appropriate aperture. Manual exposure ­ the photographer selects both the shutter speed and aperture. Data panel LCD monitor Exposure modes Shutter speed Aperture All exposure mode icons on the data panel have been shown for clarity. 48 PROGRAM ­ P The programmed AE exposure control uses luminance and focal-length information to ensure perfect exposures. The sophisticated exposure system allows the photographer the freedom to shoot without having to worry about the technical details of exposure settings. The shutter speed and aperture values of the exposure are displayed on the monitors and data panel. The shutter speed range in program exposure mode is 4 to 1/4000 second. If the brightness level of the scene is outside the exposure control range of the camera, the shutter-speed and aperture displays will turn red. The program line adjusts with the changes in focal length of the zoom lens. The camera is programmed to maximize depth of field in the wide-angle range to provide sharp landscape pictures, and to maximize shutter speed in the telephoto range to minimize camera shake and blurred images. When the shutter speed falls below an acceptable limit for the camera to be hand held, the camerashake warning appears in the lower left corner of the monitors (p. 17). PROGRAM SHIFT Although exposure calculations can be left to the camera, photographers can still have control over the final exposure with the program-shift function. As described in the basic recording operation (p. 31), press the shutter-release button partway down (1) until the shutter speed and aperture value are displayed. The control dial (2) can then be used to shift the shutter speed and aperture combination; each combination 1 will give the optimum exposure. 2 The built-in flash cannot be used with program shift. The camera gives priority to the flash exposure; once the flash is raised, any changes made with the program shift will be canceled. 49 RECORDING MODE APERTURE PRIORITY ­ A 2 1 The photographer selects the aperture and the camera sets the appropriate shutter speed to ensure correct exposure. When A mode is selected, the aperture value on the monitors turns blue. Turn the control dial (1) to set the desired aperture. Press the shutter-release button partway down to activate the exposure system (2); the corresponding shutter speed will be displayed. The aperture values can be changed by half stop increments between f/2.8 and f/8 at the lens' wide-angle position and f/3.5 to f/9.5 at the lens' telephoto position. If the aperture value is beyond the shutter-speed range, the shutter-speed display will blink on the data panel and turn red on the monitors. The shutter speed range in aperture-priority exposure mode is 4 to 1/4000 second. When the shutter speed falls below an acceptable limit for the camera to be hand held, the camerashake warning (p. 17) appears in the lower left corner of the EVF and LCD monitor. When the warning appears, decrease the aperture value until the warning disappears or place the camera on a tripod. Because the shutter speeds can be adjusted in fine steps, the same shutter speed may be displayed when the aperture is changed. With the camera sensitivity (ISO) set to auto, the shutter speed may not change when the aperture is adjusted. 50