User manual MINOLTA DIMAGE G400

Getting Started Please be sure to read this manual before use. · Test shooting Be sure to take some test shots before taking important pictures (such as business or weddings) to make sure that the camera is working properly. · Results are not guaranteed In the unlikely event that a problem arises in shooting or reproducing pictures due to the camera or memory card used, please understand that no compensation can be made. · Be aware of Copyright Any pictures that you take of existing images may be used for personal use only. Copyright law prohibits the use of pictures without the permission of the rightful owner. Also, please note that some occasions of the performing arts, demonstrations and exhibitions may restrict photography even for the purpose of personal enjoyment. Caution for Extended Camera Use: The camera body may become hot when used for a long period of time, but it doesn't mean that the camera is broken. However, if the camera keeps touching the skin for a long time, this may cause a cryogenic burn. Please be careful with it. About trademarks · Windows 98, Windows 98SE, Windows XP, Windows 2000 Professional and Windows Me are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. · Apple, Macintosh, Mac OS, QuickTime and Power PC are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Computer in the U.S. and other countries. · Other company names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. 2 Getting Started (Cont'd) * The illustrations in this guide are for the purpose of explanation and may differ from the actual design of your camera. * You can also order a digital print at a photo lab (except for some labs) such as a traditional photofinishing service. For detailed information, please contact your photo lab. 3 Contents Getting Started ........................................................................ 2 Important Safety Precautions ................................................ 8 Preparation Necessary Accessories ......................................................... 13 Names of Parts ...................................................................... 16 Camera Body ....................................................................... 16 Operation Buttons ............................................................... 18 Attaching the Strap ............................................................... 19 Preparing the Power Supply ................................................ 20 Charging the (supplied) Battery Pack ................................. 20 Installing the (supplied) Battery Pack ................................. 21 Connecting the AC Adapter (sold separately) .................... 24 Inserting/Removing Cards ................................................... 26 Turning the Power ON/OFF ................................................. 28 Setting the Menu Language/Date and Time ..................... 29 Basic Operation Taking Pictures ...................................................................... 31 Holding Your Camera .......................................................... 31 Viewfinder LED .................................................................... 31 Selecting the Shooting Mode .............................................. 32 Taking Pictures using the LCD Monitor .............................. 34 Taking Pictures using the Viewfinder .................................. 40 Shooting with Focus Lock ................................................... 41 Shooting Movies .................................................................. 42 Selecting the Flash/Macro Mode ........................................ 44 AUTO (Auto Flash) .............................................................. 45 Fill-In ............................................................................. 45 Off (Flash Override) ...................................................... 46 Macro-photo Mode ....................................................... 46 Playback .................................................................................. 47 Playing Back Pre-recorded Images .................................... 47 Playing Back Movies ........................................................... 50 Erasing the Playback Image ................................................. 51 Erasing Unwanted Images .................................................. 51 4 Contents (Cont'd) Advanced Operations and Shooting Using the Shooting Menu .................................................... 54 Using the Auto Mode Menu ................................................. 54 Changing the color effects .................................................. 56 Continuous Shooting ........................................................... 57 Selecting the Image Size .................................................... 58 Setting Memory Priority ...................................................... 60 Using the Self-Timer ........................................................... 61 Using the Scene Select Mode Menu ................................... 62 Selecting the right mode for your shot ................................ 64 Using the Movie/Voice Mode Menu ................................... 66 Using After Recording ......................................................... 68 Making Voice Memos .......................................................... 70 Adjusting Exposure Compensation ..................................... 71 Adjusting White Balance ..................................................... 72 Using the Manual Mode Menu ............................................ 74 Taking Pictures in Program Mode ....................................... 76 Taking Pictures in Aperture Mode ....................................... 78 Taking photographs in manual exposure mode .................. 79 Using the Auto Bracket Function ........................................ 81 Changing the Sensitivity (ISO) ............................................ 82 Taking photographs by fixing focus ..................................... 82 Setting the Custom Function ............................................... 83 Adjusting the Flash Brightness ........................................... 84 Adjusting the Saturation ...................................................... 85 Adjusting the Contrast ......................................................... 85 Adjusting the Sharpness ..................................................... 86 Adjusting the Color .............................................................. 87 Changing slow shutter speed .............................................. 88 Advanced Playback Playback .................................................................................. 89 Viewing Multiple Pages at Once (Index Playback) ............. 89 Playing Back Enlarged Images (Digital Zoom) ................... 90 Using the Quick-view Function ........................................... 90 Playing back the sound of After Recording image ............. 91 5 Contents (Cont'd) Playing Back Voice Memos ................................................. 91 Using the PLAY Menu ........................................................... 92 Copying and Moving Images ............................................... 94 Selecting/Deselecting Images to Print (DPOF) .................. 97 Setting/Canceling Protection for Your Important Images ... 101 Reducing Image Size (Resizing) ...................................... 104 Playing a Slide Show ......................................................... 105 Camera Settings Using the Set-up Menu ...................................................... 106 Formatting a Memory Card ............................................... 108 Specifying the LCD Monitor Settings ................................ 110 Setting QUICK VIEW ..................................................... 111 Hiding the image information ........................................ 111 Changing the LCD monitor operation mode ................. 111 Preventing the blue LED from switching on .................. 111 Adjusting the Brightness and color of the LCD Monitor ... 112 Specifying the Shooting mode settings ............................ 113 Taking pictures using red-eye reduction ....................... 114 Using the Digital Zoom .................................................. 114 Resetting the file number .............................................. 115 Changing Auto-Exposure (AE) Modes .......................... 115 Changing the focus metering (AF) Mode ..................... 116 Changing the sound settings ............................................ 117 Specifying the basic camera set up .................................. 118 Adjusting the Date and Time ......................................... 119 Changing Languages .................................................... 119 Setting the Auto Power-OFF Time ................................ 119 Specifying custom settings ........................................... 120 Restoring the defaults ................................................... 120 Connecting to your PC Connecting to your PC ........................................................ 121 Operating Environments ................................................... 121 Connecting with a USB cable ........................................... 122 6 Contents (Cont'd) Installing software and downloading images ................. 123 Installing USB Driver Software ......................................... 123 Downloading (transferring) Images ................................... 125 How to Install and Use QuickTime (Windows only) .......... 127 Using Windows .................................................................. 128 Using Macintosh ................................................................ 130 Others When Carrying the Camera Overseas ............................... 131 Care and Storage ................................................................. 132 Troubleshooting .................................................................. 134 Main Specifications ............................................................. 136 7 Important Safety Precautions This product has been designed with safety in mind; however, please read the following display marks, warnings and cautions for its correct usage. The following warning and caution symbols are to prevent damage to the user, other persons and property. ! Definitions of the symbols The following categories explain the degree of danger or damage that may occur if the displayed content is not followed or the product is misused. Warning This symbol indicates that misuse may result in serious injury and even death. Caution This symbol indicates that misuse may result in bodily injury or physical damage. The following categories explain the contents to be followed using symbols. This symbol indicates that the content requires caution when performed. This symbol indicates that the content is prohibited. This symbol indicates that the content must always be followed. 8 Important Safety Precautions (Cont'd) Warning Should any of the following occur, stop using the product immediately. Remove the batteries from the unit and disconnect the AC adapter. If using the AC adapter, disconnect the power plug from the wall outlet. Consult the dealer from whom you bought the product for further assistance. Continued use of the product may result in fire or electrical shock. · If you notice any abnormality such as smoke or an abnormal smell, or if the camera becomes extremely hot. · If liquid gets inside the camera. · If any foreign object gets inside the camera. Do not dismantle, modify or repair the camera yourself. Fire and/or electrical shock may occur as a result. For repair or internal inspection, consult the dealer from whom you bought the product. Do not allow the camera to get wet. Fire, electrical shock and/or malfunction of the unit may occur if internal parts are exposed to water or other liquids. Do not drop or insert metal objects or combustible items inside the camera. Fire, electrical shock and/or malfunction of the unit may occur as a result of metal objects, etc. getting inside the camera. Do not use the camera while driving. May cause traffic accidents. When using the camera while walking, pay attention to the road surface, surroundings, etc. Do not use the camera on unstable ground. Serious injury and even death may occur as a result especially when falling from high places. 9 Important Safety Precautions (Cont'd) Warning Do not directly look at the sun through the viewfinder. Loss of or impaired eyesight may result. Do not touch the metal parts on the camera during thunder and lighting. Death may occur if lighting strikes the camera. Do not use AC adapters other than those specified. Fire may occur as a result of AC adapters other than those specified being used. Do not dismantle, short-circuit, coat (solder, etc.), apply heat, apply pressure (with nail, etc.) to the battery, or throw into a fire. Furthermore, do not allow metals (wires, necklaces, etc.) to come into contact with batteries. Fluid leakage, heat, fire and damage may occur as a result. Caution Do not point the lens directly at the sun or at a strong light source. Malfunction of internal parts may occur from concentrated rays of light. Using the camera in such conditions may cause short circuits and breakdown of insulation, resulting in overheating and/or fire. Take care not to get fingers caught in the battery/card cover. Personal injury may occur as a result. When using the camera inside an airplane, follow the directions of the airline company. Electric waves emitted from the camera may affect airplane cockpit instruments. Do not use the flash near eyes. Eye injury may occur as a result. 10 Important Safety Precautions (Cont'd) Caution When taking a picture, wipe off the flash surface and be careful not to cover the flash. If the flash surface is dirty or you take a shot with the flash covered, it is possible for the flash surface quality or color to change, due to the high temperature of the flash. Check that the polarity is correct when inserting batteries. The battery may heat, damage or leak if the polarity is not correct, possibly causing skin burns and/or personal injury as a result. Do not use batteries which have become soiled with oil or sweat. If soiled, wipe the contacts with a dry cloth before use. When cleaning or carrying out non-photographic operations on the camera, disconnect the AC adapter for safety. Do not leave the camera in locations such as: · A location exposed to direct sunlight or inside a car, etc. where the temperature may become extremely high. Fire and/or damage to the unit may occur. · Within the reach of children. The strap may wrap around the neck causing strangulation, or accessories such as batteries, Memory Card, etc. may be swallowed. · Unstable surfaces such as on an unstable table or an angled surface. Camera dropping on the head or other body parts may not only cause personal injury but malfunction of the unit as well. · A location exposed to lampblack, steam, high humidity, dust or vibration. If dust or liquid enters the camera or if the internal parts are damaged by strong vibration, overheating, fire or electrical shock may occur as a result. 11 Important Safety Precautions (Cont'd) Caution Remove the batteries when the camera will not be used for an extended period. Do not use force when operating the camera. The camera may become damaged, causing personal injury as a result. Do not rotate the camera when mounting on a tripod. About battery fluid leakage · Should battery fluid leaks ever come into contact with hands or clothing, wash immediately with water. · Loss of eyesight may occur if battery fluid enters the eye. In such case, do not rub the eye. Immediately flush the eye with water and seek medical attention. About the LCD monitor · Due to the characteristics of liquid crystals, the brightness of the LCD monitor may appear uneven with changes in temperature, etc. · The LCD monitor has been developed using high-precision engineering and is superior in sharpness and picture quality. Due to the nature of liquid crystals, however, there may be missing or constantly lit pixels on the monitor. This is not a malfunction of the unit. · If the LCD monitor becomes damaged for some reason, take care to prevent personal injury from broken glass, etc. Furthermore, take care that liquid crystals do not touch the skin or enter the eyes or mouth. WARNING: Handling the cord on this product may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. 12 Preparation Necessary Accessories Checking the Packing Contents The following accessories should be packed with your new camera; please make sure all are enclosed after opening the packaging. In the unlikely event that something is missing, please contact the sales outlet. Japan 1) Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery NP-600 2) Battery Charger BC-600 3) USB cable USB-810 4) DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM 5) INSTRUCTION MANUAL CD-ROM 6) Neckstrap NS-DG130 7) INSTRUCTION MANUAL 8) Quick Guide 9) Warranty 10) SD Memory Card k k k k ­ k k ­ k k Others countries k k k k k k ­ k k k This product can be used with the following power supplies: 1) Lithium-ion battery (the packaged item or purchased separately) · Read the user's guide on the battery and the charger thoroughly, and use them accordingly. · You cannot charge the battery in the camera. · When disposing of rechargeable batteries, please suppor t recycling by participating in the recovering system of the store from which you bought the batteries. · The number of pictures you can take varies with the conditions of use and the performance of the rechargeable batteries. * Please refer to page 22 for information on battery life. 2) Plugging in at home · Connect the designated AC adapter AC-9 (sold separately). Items Sold Separately · AC Adapter AC-9 · Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery NP-600 · Camera Case CS-DG700 13 Necessary Accessories (Cont'd) Compatible Recording Media In addition to the SD Memory Card bundled with the camera, the following commercially available memory cards can also be used. · SD Memory Card · MultiMedia Card · Memory Stick About the SD Memory Card/Multi-Media Card/Memory Stick Caution SD Memory Cards, Multi-Media Cards and Memory Stick are manufactured using precision electronic components. Do not perform the following as malfunction or damage may occur as a result. · Do not touch the terminals with hands or metal objects. Damage to the components may occur as a result of static electricity. Before handling an SD Memory Card, Multi-Media Card or Memory Stick, discharge any static build-up from your body by touching grounded metal, etc. · Do not bend, drop or apply excessive force. · Avoid heat, liquid and direct sunlight when using and for storage. · Do not open the battery/card cover or remove the SD Memory Card/ Multi-Media Card/Memory Stick while data is being read or written. · Do not dismantle or modify. * The SD logo is a trademark.* "Memory Stick" and are trademarks of Sony Corporation. 14 Necessary Accessories (Cont'd) Important · In the event of malfunction or damage, it is possible that data may be lost. Konica Minolta can not accept responsibility in any way for such data loss. · Always back-up important data. · When using SD Memory Cards/Multi-Media Cards/Memory Stick on a PC, do not change the attributes(read-only, etc.) of the files (image data) on the card. Doing so may prevent the camera from working properly when deleting images, etc. · Do not change the file names or the directory name of image data saved on an SD Memory Card/Multi-Media Card/Memory Stick using a PC or save files other than image data taken by this camera. Images that have been changed or added will not only play back on the camera but may cause the camera to malfunction as well. · Always format SD Memory Cards/Multi-Media Cards/Memory Stick using this camera. A card formatted in a PC may not operate properly. · The SD Memory Card and Memory Stick includes a write-protect switch. Sliding this switch downward prevents data from being written to the card and images, etc. saved on the card are protected. Please note that pictures cannot be taken or deleted when the writeprotect switch is on. · When using a large-capacity card, card check and deletion may take some time. · When using Multi-Media Cards, the operation response time may be longer during shooting and playback when compared with SD Memory Cards. However, this is due to the specification of the MultiMedia Card and is not a malfunction. 15 Names of Parts Camera Body Auto-focus Sensor Windows Blue LED Shutter Button Speaker Flash Viewfinder Lens Cover (Main Switch) Strap Holder USB Terminal Cover Battery Sub-cap Lens Microphone Self-timer LED 16 Names of Parts (Cont'd) Delete Button ( P.18) Play Button( P.18) Green LED Viewfinder Eyepiece LCD Monitor 4-way Button ( P.18) Zoom Buttons( P.18) MODE Button ( P.18) MENU Button ( P.19) Tripod Socket Battery/Card Cover SET/DISP. Button 17 Names of Parts (Cont'd) Operation Buttons qw e r t LCD Monitor y u q Play Button ( ) Use this button for playing back images, or setting up the play menu. This button can be used whether the camera's power is ON or OFF (p.28). w Delete Button ( ) For deleting unwanted photos. e 4-way Button ( ) Use the different buttons , , , and , to select menu items, images, etc. This button is used for the following: · Selecting shooting mode · Selecting menus · Selecting pictures · Scrolling a picture in an enlarged display · Shutter speed and aperture settings r Zoom Butttons Use this button to operate the optical and digital zoom and for index playback. t MODE button Use this button to select the shooting mode or setup mode. 18 Names of Parts (Cont'd) y MENU Buttton Displays the menu screen. You can also use this button to cancel menu settings. u SET/DISP. button Confirms (sets) the selected menu option. You can also use this button to switch the LCD monitor on and off and to show/hide image information. Attaching the Strap 1 1. Push the loop on the small end of the strap through the strap holder. 2 2. Pass the other end of the strap through the loop that is sticking out from the strap holder. Warning: When using the camera with the strap attached, take care so that it does not wrap around the neck. On no account hang the camera round the neck of small children and infants. Strangulation may occur as a result if the strap wraps around the neck. · When carrying the camera hanging from the strap, take care so that it is not accidentally hit nearby objects. · Place the camera on a stable surface before installing the strap, to avoid the possibility of it being dropped and damaged. 19 Preparing the Power Supply Charging the (supplied) Battery Pack - Charge the battery pack before you use it for the first time and when the LCD monitor indicates, "NO MORE POWER". Charging display LED e w q to an outlet 1. Connect the power cord to the charger. 2. Plug the cord into an outlet. 3. Put the battery pack in the charger. · While the battery pack is being charged, the charging display LED will be red; when the battery pack is fully charged, the light will turn green. 4. After charging, remove the battery pack from the charger and then the power cord from the outlet and the charger. · Please charge your battery pack in an area with a temperature between 0°C (32°F) and 40°C (104°F). · Charging time will vary with the surrounding temperature and the condition of the battery pack. · Before using new battery packs or battery packs that have not been used for some time, be absolutely sure to charge them. · When a battery pack reaches the end of its useful life, it can be used only for a short time, even when fully charged. When that happens, replace with a new battery pack (sold separately, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery NP-600). · During charging both the charger and the battery pack get hot; this is normal. · If dirt gets on the battery contact points, the battery pack will not be fully charged or charging time will get longer. Please wipe them off with a soft, dry cloth. 20 Preparing the Power Supply (Cont'd) Installing the (supplied) Battery Pack - Before installing or changing battery packs, make sure the power is OFF (p.28), check that the LCD monitor is not lit and turn OFF all switches. 1 1. Open the battery/card cover by sliding it in the direction of the arrow. Do not change the battery with wet hands, as there is a danger of electric shock. 2 2. Install the battery with the terminals facing inside the camera. After making sure the battery pack is properly installed, close the battery/card cover securely. Make sure that the battery pack is facing the right way. If the battery pack is installed incorrectly, there is a danger of injury or contamination, or the camera may be damaged due to leakage and/or heat. Battery level indicator As the battery runs out of power, the battery level indicator displays the power remaining as follows: (Remaining power is shown on the LCD monitor in two levels) 1. Fully charged 2. Power is running out; change (charge) the battery. 21 Preparing the Power Supply (Cont'd) Battery life guide (reference) Number of Pictures With LCD Monitor On With LCD Monitor Off About 185 About 330 Continuous Playback Time About 200 Minutes * Our test conditions: Normal humidity and temperature, flash intensity 50%, shot every 30 sec. Zoomed one direction, once, 2272 × 1704 pixels. * The Battery life will vary depending on the environment, shooting mode, and shooting conditions. * The above values are for reference only and are not guaranteed. * Power is consumed by the following operations even when not recording and these will reduce the number of images that can be recorded. · Repeated focus operations by pressing the shutter button halfway. · Repeated zoom operations. · Extensive use of the LCD monitor in the Playback mode. · Communication with a PC. Caution · When you continue using the camera for a long time, the batteries become hot. Contact with the batteries can lead to burns. · Never open the battery/card cover while the camera is accessing the card or processing images (p.36). · To recharge the battery (NP-600), do not use any charger other than the supplied charger (BC-600). Also, do not use the supplied charger (BC-600) to recharge batteries other than our special battery (NP-600) · Do not leave the battery anywhere where the temperature may reach 60Cº (140°F), such as inside a car, in the sun, near a heater, etc. · Do not get the battery wet, drop it or subject it to violent shocks. 22 Preparing the Power Supply (Cont'd) Please co-operate in recycling the lithium battery. · This product uses a lithium battery. · This battery is recyclable and a valuable resource. · For recycling exhausted batteries or batteries removed from a used product, as a precaution against a short circuit, that could result in smoke or fire, please tape the terminals to insulate them or put them in a plastic bag and take them to a retailer participating in a recycling program, where you can deposit them in a recycling box for rechargeable batteries. Warnings about recycling Do not short circuit the battery. This may cause a fire or electrical shock. Do not peel off the outer cover (insulation cover, tube, etc.) This may cause the battery to leak, get hot, catch fire, or explode. Do not dismantle the battery. This may cause it to leak, get hot, catch fire, or explode. FCC Compliance Statement: 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) Tested To Comply With FCC Standards this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE or modifications not approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. 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 the receiver. · Connect the equipment to 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. Tested by the Minolta Corporation 101 Williams Drive, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446, U.S.A. Do not remove the ferrite cores from the cables. Digital Camera: Industry Canada's Compliance Statement: This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. 23 Preparing the Power Supply (Cont'd) Connecting the AC Adapter (sold separately) - If you do not want to worry about battery consumption, we recommend using the specified AC adapter AC-9 (sold separately) when shooting pictures, during playback, or when transferring data (USB connection). - Only use the AC adapter (sold separately) specified for your camera as use of any other device may result in a breakdown, fire or electrical shock. - Make sure the camera is OFF, check that the LCD monitor is not lit and turn OFF all power. - After reading the "Important Safety Precautions" (pp.8-12) in this manual and the warnings supplied with the AC adapter, connect the adapter as instructed. 1 1. Connect the AC adapter to the power supply cord, and plug in the power supply plug. 2 2. Inser t the connecting plug of the battery type adapter to the AC adapter plug. 24 Preparing the Power Supply (Cont'd) 3 3. After opening the battery/card cover, remove the battery sub-cap. Insert the batter y adapter in the batter y compartment, and close the battery/ card cover. · When finished using the camera, turn OFF the power supply to the camera, and then disconnect the connecting plug of the battery-type plug from the AC adapter. Never handle the adapter with wet hands. It may result in electric shock. 25 Inserting/Removing Cards - Use the bundled SD Memory Card or a commercially available memory card. If you wish to use an aftermarket card, any of the following are appropriate: SD Memory Card, Multi-Media Card, Memory Stick. (All three will be called "card" hereafter.) - First, turn OFF the main switch (lens cover closed), make sure the LCD monitor is OFF and turn OFF all power. If power is ON, damage may occur to the card or to the camera itself. Inserting a Card 1 1. Open the battery/card cover. 2 Memory Stick slot SD Memory Card/MultiMedia Card slot 2. With the camera and the label of the card facing up, insert the card with the knocked out part first into the slot and push in until a click is heard. · Take care that the card is inserted facing the right way. If the card is forcefully inserted facing the wrong way, it will damage the connector. · There are two card slots. When a SD Memory card or MultiMedia Card are used, insert them in the slot at the back of the camera, and if a Memory Stick is used, insert it in the slot toward the front. 3. Close the battery/card cover. 26 Inserting/Removing Cards (Cont'd) Card Removal 1. Open the battery/card cover. 2. If you gently push in on the card, the lock will release and the card will come out a little. Then carefully draw the card out. 3. Again, close the battery/card cover. Warning! Insert or remove cards only after making sure that absolutely all power is OFF as indicated by the viewfinder LED being off. While the card is being accessed, or an image is being processed, the LCD monitor will show "Now COPY...", etc., and the green LED will come on. If you open the battery/card cover while the green LED is lit, image processing may be interrupted or hindered. While the green LED is still lit, make sure that you DO NOT open the battery/card cover. · Also, it is possible to insert and use two cards simultaneously, such as an SD memory card (or multi-media card) and a Memory Stick. When 2 cards are inserted at the same time, recording priority is given to the card that was used first. This priority can be changed in the menu settings (p.60). 27 Turning the Power ON/OFF 1 1. Gently slide the lens cover (main switch) in the direction indicated by the arrow until it stops. 2 2. Once the lens extends to the shooting position (wide-angle side), the power will come on. · With the power ON it is possible to shoot pictures. Also, the LCD display will be lit. 3 3. When you wish to turn the power OFF, slide the lens cover just a little in the direction indicated by the arrow. The power will turn OFF and the lens will retract. After you are sure the lens has fully retracted, you can close the lens cover to its fully closed position. 28 Setting the Menu Language/Date and Time - The first time that you use your camera, a screen will automatically appear and prompt you to set the time, date and language. To make those settings, please follow the steps below. - Check that the camera has a fully charged battery or that the AC adapter (sold separately) is connected. 1 1. Turn the power on by either opening the lens cover or pressing the PLAY button. The language selection screen will automatically appear on the LCD monitor. By pressing or , select the desired language and push the SET/ DISP. button. 2 2. You will be prompted to confirm your language selection; confir m the selected "YES" by pressing the SET/ DISP. button. · If you select "NO" with and press the SET/DISP. button, the current setting is invalidated and you will return to the first screen. * Once you have finished language selection, the next screen "DATE SET" will appear. 3 3. With "YEAR" selected, use or adjust to the appropriate year. to The date may be adjusted up to Dec. 31, 2050. 29 Setting the Menu Language/Date and Time (Cont'd) 4 4. (1) Once the "YEAR" has been adjusted, press to move to the "MONTH" setting mode. (2) Use or to adjust the month in the same way as Step 3 on page 29. · By repeating procedures (1) and (2) above, adjust the date-and-time setting, and set the date format. · The date format can be selected from among three patterns: yy/mm/dd, dd/mm/yy, and mm/dd/yy. · By using , you can return to the previous screen and make corrections. 5 5. Once you have finished making all of the settings, press the SET/DISP. button. 6. After finishing the settings... · If you turned the power ON with the main switch (by opening the lens cover), you can take pictures once the lens has reached its extended position. · If you made the settings after pressing the PLAY button, the LCD monitor will display playback images. * The internal clock is maintained by a back-up battery. Without a battery in the camera, the information will be maintained for about 24 hours. If the battery is removed for some time, you may have to reset the information (p.119). * Do not remove the battery from the camera for at least three hours after making new date-and-time settings. They will be lost if the back-up battery is not fully charged. 30 Basic Operation Holding Your Camera Taking Pictures - Hold the camera securely with both hands and your elbows against your body for a stable position. - To take a vertical picture, hold the camera so that the flash is at the top. Please be careful that your fingers, hair, or the strap do not cover the lens, flash, or the autofocus sensor windows. Viewfinder LED Viewfinder LED Green LED Viewfinder LED Indicators When the LED Indicators light, they mean the following: · Green LED: (On) Camera ready to shoot, Flash charging, Formatting the card, USB cable is being connected, Card being accessed (Flashing) Warning that the camera cannot auto-focus (AF), hand shake warning (flash OFF mode), System error; Card has insufficient memory, is faulty, not formatted; Insufficient battery warning · In the macro-photo mode (p.46), we recommend that you use the LCD monitor for composing your pictures (p.34). If you use the viewfinder, what you can see and what the camera records may be different. 31 Taking Pictures (Cont'd) Selecting the Shooting Mode - A range of shooting modes are provided and you can select the shooting mode that best suits your subject and the shooting conditions. 1 1. Open the lens cover and turn the power on so that your subject appears on the LCD monitor. Then press the MODE button. 2 2. Use the or button to bring up the shooting mode icons and select the mode you want to use. 3. Once you have selected a mode, press the SET/DISP. button to complete the setting. The camera then goes back to being ready to shoot. Available modes AUTO This is the normal mode for most shots. When you take pictures in this mode, the camera adjusts automatically itself to the suitable setting for you. (p.34) SCENE SELECT You simply select a mode suited to the shot you are taking. Then the camera enables you take pictures in this mode. (p.62) MOVIE/VOICE You can shoot movies with sound. (p.42) MANUAL In Manual mode, you can make fine adjustments to the camera settings to achieve just the effect you want. (p.74) The default setting is "Program Mode". (p.76) SETUP By selecting different options in the SETUP menu, you can customize the camera settings to make it even easier for you to use. (p.106) - · Select the camera settings that best suit the shooting conditions before taking pictures. See p.33 for information on the functions that are available in each mode. 32 Taking Pictures (Cont'd) Available Functions by Mode (menu-based) 1. AUTO (p.54) - Color - Continuous - Image Size - Memory Priority - Self Timer 2. SCENE SELECT (p.62) - Scene - Continuous - Image Size - Memory Priority - Self Timer 3. MOVIE/VOICE (p.66) - Postrecording - Recorded Message - Exposure Compensation - White Balance - Memory Priority - Self Timer (p.56) (p.57) (p.58) (p.60) (p.61) 4. MANUAL (p.74) - Program - Aperture - Manual - Continuous & Bracket - Image Size - Memory Priority - Self Timer - Color - Exposure Compensation - White Balance - ISO - Fixed Focus - Custom 5. SETUP (p.106) - Format - Monitor - Photography Settings - Sound - Basic Set Up (p.76) (p.78) (p.79) (p.81) (p.58) (p.60) (p.61) (p.56) (p.71) (p.72) (p.82) (p.82) (p.83) (p.64) (p.57) (p.58) (p.60) (p.61) (p.68) (p.70) (p.71) (p.72) (p.60) (p.61) (p.108) (p.110) (p.113) (p.117) (p.118) · Refer to the page given in parentheses for information on selecting menu options and detailed information on the menu options. 33 Taking Pictures (Cont'd) Taking Pictures using the LCD Monitor - This section explains the basic procedure for shooting still images using AUTO mode. - We recommend that you prepare a fully charged spare battery (sold separately, rechargeable lithium-ion battery NP-600) or use the AC adapter AC-9 (sold separately). 1 1. Opening the lens cover turns ON the power. · If the surface of the lens is dirty, gently wipe it clean with a soft, dry cloth. 2 2. The LCD monitor lights up and the live image (the image seen through the camera lens) is displayed. · The date and time display disappears after about 5 seconds. 3 3. Set the shooting mode to "AUTO". (p.32) · Check that the shooting mode icon (í) is in the position. 34 Taking Pictures (Cont'd) 4 4. Compose the shot on the LCD monitor and use the zoom buttons to set the size of the subject. Take care also to position the auto-focus mark on the subject you want to focus on. · If you press the TELE (Telephoto) Zoom button, the camera zooms in, while if you press the WIDE (Wide-angle) button, it zooms out. · If the subject you wish to focus on is not in the screen center, use "Shooting with Focus Lock" (p.41). 5 5. Press the shutter button half way and a green LED lights in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor, indicating that the focus and exposure are locked. · The icon also appears. · If it is difficult to focus, the green LED will flash. See page 37. 6 6. Take a picture by pressing the shutter button further. When it makes a sound, the shot has been taken, and the image will be recorded on the card. · If you set the shutter sound to "OFF" in the Sound settings (p.117), the camera makes no sound when you press the shutter button. 35 Taking Pictures (Cont'd) 7 7. The green viewfinder LED lights while the data is being written to the card. Recording is finished when the green LED goes off. · Once all the data has been written to the card, the live image reappears. · While the card is processing image data, you cannot operate the camera. Do not open the battery/card cover while the green LED is lit. 8. When you are finished taking pictures, close the lens cover and turn OFF the power supply. Daytime (normal) shooting distances Focal Length Wide-angle* Telephoto** Shooting Distance 0.5m (1.6ft) to 0.8m (2.6ft) to * Equivalent to 34mm in 35mm camera conversion **Equivalent to 102mm in 35mm camera conversion · If you wish to take a picture of a subject closer than the above ranges, use the macrophoto mode (pp.44, 46). 36 Taking Pictures (Cont'd) When you press the shutter halfway and the green LED flashes... This may suggest that the focusing on the subject is difficult, and/or the subject is too dark. Should this be the case, please take the following steps. · Check that you are not too close to the subject and then position the autofocus mark over the subject. (See p.36 for information on shooting distances.) · If the subject is too dark (such as a person in the shade), use the flash (pp.44-46). · Use a similar subject, at the same distance and with the same brightness, to adjust the auto focus and exposure. After the focus lock is set, aim at your original subject and shoot your picture (p.41). About Auto Power Off Function If you do not operate for a certain period of time with the camera power on and the lens cover open, the auto power off function (pause status) will be activated and power will be turned off (the lens retracts). · When finished shooting, or if you are not going to take a picture for a long time, close the lens cover. · The default auto power off time is set at three minutes. This can be changed in the set-up menu (p.119). · When using an AC adapter, the auto power off function will be activated. · Connecting the USB cable (p.122) disables the Auto Power Off function. 37 Taking Pictures (Cont'd) Image Display Shooting with the LCD monitor displays the picture and the following other information: · You can set the camera so information is not displayed (p.111). q Manual mode w ISO e White Balance r Flash mode t Macro mode y AF display u Flash firing icon i Digital Zoom Magnification o Battery Remaining Display !0 Counter !1 Custom set !2 Scene mode !3 Exposure Compensation !4 Aperture setting !5 Shutter speed !6 Shooting mode selection mark !7 Self-timer icon !8 Recording Media Display !9 Picture Size @0 Continuous shooting mode icon · The marks beside the items below indicate either the mode in which that item can be set or that the item is displayed when that mode is selected. : Auto, : Scene Select, : Movie, : Manual q Manual mode When the camera is set to Manual mode, the selected shooting mode is displayed. See pages 74-79 for information on setting the shooting mode. r Flash mode , , Shows the selected flash mode. See p.44-46 and p.114 for information on setting the flash mode. w ISO Displayed when the ISO sensitivity setting is locked. See p.82 for information on setting the sensitivity. t Macro mode , , , e White Balance , White balance icon will be displayed. For details of how to select the white balance, see page 72. 1) Displayed when Macro mode (p.46) is set. When Macro mode is not set, the icon appears when the shutter button is pressed half way and the shot is focused. 2) Fixed focus When Fixed focus mode (p.82) is set, the selected shooting distance is displayed. 38 Taking Pictures (Cont'd) y AF display , , , !4 Aperture setting 1) When Program mode (p.76) is set, the aperture setting is displayed when you press the shutter button half way. When Aper ture (p.78) or Manual (p.79) mode is set, the aper ture setting is displayed all the time. , , 2) Date and time display The shooting date and time are displayed for roughly 5 seconds when the camera is switched on. 1) Appears when the shutter button is pressed half way and the shot is focused. This icon flashes when the image is not in focus. 2) AF lock The icon appears when the AF Lock function (p.77) is used. u Flash firing icon , , 1) Appears when the flash is used. 2) AE Lock The icon appears when the AE Lock function (p.77) is used. !5 Shutter speed When Program mode (p.76) is set, the shutter speed is displayed when you press the shutter button half way. When Manual mode (p.79) is set, the shutter speed is displayed all the time. i Digital Zoom Magnification , , This will be displayed when the digital zoom function is used (p.114). o Battery Remaining Display , , , !6 Shooting mode selection mark , , , The selected shooting mode is displayed beside the mark on the LCD monitor panel. !7 Self-timer icon , , , Displayed when Self-timer mode (p.61) is set. If the battery is being used, the remaining battery power will be displayed in two levels (p.21). !0 Counter , , 1) The remaining number of pictures you can take will be displayed. 2) Card storage level indicator Shows the amount of space left on the card during movie shooting. !8 Recording Media Display , , , !1 Custom set Displayed when Custom function (p.83) is set. This shows the media type. · SD Memory Card or MultiMedia Card : SD* · Memory Stick : MS * Even when a MultiMedia Card is used, the type will be displayed as SD. !2 Scene mode , / Color display !9 Picture Size , , 1) Displays the shooting mode when Scene mode (p.64) is selected. 2) Displays the selected color icon when Color mode (p.56) is set. 1) The picture size of the photo being taken will be displayed. is displayed. 2) When shooting a movie, @0 Continuous shooting mode icon , , Displayed when continuous shooting or bracket shooting is set. See p.57 and p.81 for information on setting continuous or bracket shooting. (Bracket shooting is only available in mode.) 39 !3 Exposure Compensation , The compensation value will be displayed. For details of how to adjust the exposure, see pages 71 and 77. Taking Pictures (Cont'd) Taking Pictures using the Viewfinder - This section describes how to use the camera's viewfinder to take pictures. Using the viewfinder uses less battery charge than taking pictures using the LCD monitor. 1 1. Open the lens cover and turn the power on. 2 2. Press the SET/DISP. button to switch the LCD monitor off. 3. Looking through the viewfinder, compose the shot so that the subject you want to photograph is in the center of the image. Then take the picture. · No auto-focus mark is displayed when you take pictures using the viewfinder. Position the subject in the center of the image. · The procedure for taking the picture is the same as that described in "Taking Pictures Using the LCD Monitor". (p.34-36) · The process of recording the data to the card is finished when the green viewfinder LED goes off. 40 Taking Pictures (Cont'd) Shooting with Focus Lock - If the subject you wish to focus on is not in the center of the screen, use the focus lock photography. 1 1. Align the auto focus mark on the subject, and push the shutter button half-way. The green LED light will come on, locking the focus position. · When you take pictures using the viewfinder, no auto-focus mark is displayed. Position the subject in the center of the image. · The exposure is fixed at the same time the focus is locked. · If you release your finger from the halfpushed shutter button, the focus lock will be released and you can repeat the procedure. 2 2. With the shutter button pressed halfway, re-compose your photo and press the shutter button all the way to take the picture. · When re-composing the photo, do not change the shooting distance. If the distance has changed, repeat the procedure. The following subjects may be difficult to bring into focus: · Subjects with no contrast (variance in brightness, e.g., the sky, a white wall, the hood of a car) · Subjects with only horizontal lines and no surface texture · Quickly moving subjects · Poorly lit subjects (in a dark place) · Subjects with a strong light or reflected light behind them · Subjects in a flickering light, such as a fluorescent light In the above circumstances, take your picture after the focus lock is set to 41 the same distance and brightness as the subject. Taking Pictures (Cont'd) Shooting Movies - You can take a movie with sound. Your camera records an image with a 320 × 240 pixel count. - While you are shooting a movie, the LCD monitor stays on. Even if you press the SET/DISP. button, the LCD monitor will not turn off. Please view the LCD monitor while shooting your movies. 1 1. Open the lens cover and turn the power on, so that the live image appears, then press the MODE button. 2 2. Press the or button to select "MOVIE/VOICE" mode and then press the SET/DISP. button. 3 3. The movie screen appears and you are ready to start shooting. · Press the MODE button to disable the setting and return to the screen in step 2. 42 Taking Pictures (Cont'd) 4 4. When you press the shutter button, your movie will start recording. · You need not hold the shutter button down. · When the remaining time runs out, the camera stops recording automatically. If you wish to stop while the camera is recording, simply press the shutter button again. · The elapsed time is displayed on the upper right of the screen. · See p.50 for information on how to play back movies. NOTE: 1) While recording a movie, the sound is also being recorded, so take care not to cover the microphone on the front of the camera with your fingers, etc. 2) Once you have pushed the shutter button, and started taking a movie, you cannot use the optical zoom. 3) The digital zoom is also inoperable. 4) While shooting a movie, the sound is always recorded with built-in microphone. Therefore, you cannot take the movie without sound. 43 Selecting the Flash/Macro Mode - You can set the flash mode and macro that best suits the subject. - Once a mode is set, you can shoot continuously. It is recommended that the mode should be returned t o AUTO mode (no display) after shooting. - Also, when you turn the camera OFF, the macro-mode you set is canceled and the camera automatically returns to AUTO-mode shooting operation (no display). But the flash-mode setting remains in effect even if you switch the power OFF and back ON. 1. Turn the power on so that the LCD monitor is lit. 2. By pressing or , bring up the desired mode icon on the LCD monitor. Pressing enables the selection of the following modes. 1) AUTO (Automatic Flash) (p.45) 2) Fill-In (p.45) 3) Off (Flash Override) (p.46) · Every time the list. is pressed, the mode symbol will be displayed one by one, through Pressing enables the selection of the following modes. 1) AUTO mode (no display) (p.45) 2) Macro-photo mode (p.46) · Every time the list. is pressed, the mode symbol will be displayed one by one, through 44 Selecting the Flash/Macro Mode (Cont'd) Switching the Flash Mode AUTO (Auto Flash) - This is the normal mode. When the camera is turned ON, it is set to Auto (Auto Flash). No icon will be displayed on the LCD monitor. - The flash will operate automatically when it is dark. When the flash will be used for a shot, the icon appears on the LCD monitor and the red lamp lights when you press the shutter button half way. · The green viewfinder LED that lights after you use the flash shows that the flash is recharging. The shutter will not operate until charging ends. · The shutter speed is slower than 1/60 second at wide angle and 1/100 second at telephoto. Keep in mind that the picture will be blurry due to camera shake. · It is best to use the red-eye reduction when using a flash with people. (p.114) Flash Shooting Distances (ISO : AUTO) Focus Distance Wide-Angle * Telephoto ** Shooting Distance 0.5m (1.6ft) to 2.3m (7.5ft) 0.8m (2.6ft) to 1.3m (4.3ft) * Equivalent to 34mm in 35mm camera conversion **Equivalent to 102mm in 35mm camera conversion · If the shooting range is not in the above range, the picture may appear too bright when it is too close, and the picture may appear dark without enough lighting when it is too far. It is recommended you check the photo with the LCD monitor after shooting. · The shooting range above does not include the Macro Mode. Fill-In - Use this mode when a shadow falls on the subject's face due to shade or artificial lighting, or when taking a picture against the light. - Regardless of the brightness of the surroundings, the flash will always comes on. 45 Selecting the Flash/Macro Mode (Cont'd) Off (Flash Override) - Use this mode for places (such as museum) where flash is prohibited, or when taking a picture of a night view, or taking a picture using indoor lighting. - The flash will not come on even when it is dark. · Use a tripod to prevent shaking as shutter speeds are slower in the dark. · If the green LED flashes when the shutter button pressed half-way, this is a warning that the lighting is not sufficient and the resulting picture will be dark. Shooting Close Up Range Macro-photo Mode - Use this mode when you want to be close to the subject. - If the distance between the camera and the subject is close, there will be a difference between the image in the viewfinder and the picture that is actually taken. It is recommended that the LCD monitor be used. - If you use the TELE zoom button to zoom in fully on the image and then press the button, the camera switches to Super Macro mode, allowing you to zoom in even further on the subject. · Use a tripod to prevent shaking as shutter speeds are slower when taking close-ups. · If you use the TELE flash when shooting very close to the subject, the image may come out too bright. For information about the flash shooting distance, see page 45. Macro-photo Mode Shooting Distances Focus Distance Shooting Distance Wide-Angle 5cm (2.in.) to Telephoto 0.5m (1.6ft) to Telephoto 0.2m (7.9ft) to 0.4m (15.7ft) Macro Mode (normal) Super Macro Mode 46 Playback Playing Back Pre-recorded Images - You can play back pre-recorded images on the LCD monitor. - When you play back images, it doesn't matter whether the camera's power is OFF or ON. - Just in case battery power runs low, have a spare charged battery pack (sold separately, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery NP-600) on hand. Alternatively, using the AC adapter AC-9 (sold separately) is recommended. 1 1. Press the PLAY button and the last recorded photo will be played back on the LCD monitor. · If there isn't any image data recorded, the message "NO DISPLAY DATA" will be displayed. 2. Every time you press back. or , the previous or next photo will be played · If you press the W side on the zoom button, Index Playback will start. For operation after play back please refer to page 89, Items 2 and 3. · Pressing the T side of the zoom buttons zooms in on (enlarges) the subject. See p.90 for details. · Half depress shutter button when power is ON and when playing back in normal image size. It will turn to through image and photographing will become available again. · When you have finished playing back photos, turn off the LCD monitor by pressing the PLAY button again to prevent battery consumption. Also, if you will not be taking any photos, close the lens cover, turning OFF the power. 47 Playback (Cont'd) The Playback Image Display In addition to the images you've taken, the following information is displayed. · You can set the camera so information is not displayed (p.111). q w t y u e r i o q File Number 1) The file and director y numbers recorded in the card are displayed. 2) Shows the zoom ratio when you are playing the image back enlarged (digital zoom). r Image No. (Playback Frame No./ Total Frame No.) Your camera is capable of playing back up to 999 frames. If there are more than 999 frames on a card, it is not possible to use playback. w Protected Display If an image is protected, the Protected symbol is displayed. t Date & Time Recorded Shows the date and time of shooting. y Sound recording time Shows the recording time when you play back a movie or image with sound. This also shows the playback time during sound playback. e Remaining Battery Power Display When the batter y is in use, the remaining power is displayed in two levels (p.21). 48 Playback (Cont'd) u After Recording is displayed in still images with sound. o Recording Media Display The type of media in use is displayed. · The SD Memory Card or Multimedia Card* :SD · Memory Stick :MS * Even if a Multi-media Card is used, "SD" will be displayed. i Image Size 1) Image size is displayed. 2) is displayed in movie images. 3) For images with voice memos, the icon is displayed. 49 Playback (Cont'd) Playing Back Movies - Use the procedure below to play back movies you have shot (p.42). 1 1. After pressing the PLAY button, use or to select the movie you wish to see. · is displayed on the movie image. 2 2. If you press the shutter button, the movie images will be played back. When playback is finished, the display returns to screen 1. · Symbols displayed when a movie is played back is elapsed playback time only. · If you want to stop during playback, press the shutter button again. 50