User manual SONY DSC-H7

VCLICK! Table of contents Basic Operations Using functions for shooting Using functions for viewing Customizing the settings Digital Still Camera Cyber-shot Handbook DSC-H7/H9 Before operating the unit, please read this Handbook thoroughly together with the "Instruction Manual" and the "Cyber-shot Step-up Guide", and retain them for future reference. Viewing images on a TV Using your computer Printing still images Troubleshooting Others Index © 2007 Sony Corporation 3-196-620-12(1) GB Notes on using your camera Types of "Memory Stick" that can be used (not supplied) The IC recording medium used by this camera is a "Memory Stick Duo". There are two types of "Memory Stick". · For details on the usable battery pack, see page 131. Carl Zeiss lens This camera is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens which is capable of reproducing sharp images with excellent contrast. The lens for this camera has been produced under a quality assurance system certified by Carl Zeiss in accordance with the quality standards of Carl Zeiss in Germany. "Memory Stick Duo": you can use a "Memory Stick Duo" with your camera. "Memory Stick": you cannot use a "Memory Stick" with your camera. Notes on the LCD screen, the LCD finder and the lens · The LCD screen and the LCD finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black points and/or bright points (white, red, blue or green in color) that constantly appear on the LCD screen or the LCD finder. These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way. Other memory cards cannot be used. · For details on "Memory Stick Duo", see page 129. When using a "Memory Stick Duo" with "Memory Stick" compatible equipment You can use the "Memory Stick Duo" by inserting it into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor (not supplied). Black, white, red, blue or green points · Do not hold the camera by taking hold of the LCD screen. Memory Stick Duo Adaptor Notes on the battery pack · Charge the battery pack (supplied) before using the camera for the first time. · The battery pack can be charged even if it is not completely discharged. Also, even if the battery pack is not fully charged, you can use the partially charged capacity of the battery pack as is. · If you do not intend to use the battery pack for a long time, use up the existing charge and remove it from your camera, then store it in a cool, dry place. This is to maintain the battery pack functions. · Exposing the LCD screen, the LCD finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. · Do not press against the LCD screen. The screen may be discolored and that may cause a malfunction. 2 Notes on using your camera · Images may trail across on the LCD screen in a cold location. This is not a malfunction. · Be careful not to bump the movable lens, and be careful not to apply force to it. The pictures used in this Handbook The photographs used as examples of pictures in this Handbook are reproduced images, and are not actual images shot using this camera. On illustrations Illustrations used in this Handbook are those of the DSC-H7 unless noted otherwise. 3 Table of contents Notes on using your camera ..................................................................... 2 ControlBasic techniques for better images ............................................... 8 Focus ­ Focusing on a subject successfully..................................................... 8 Exposure ­ Adjusting the light intensity........................................................... 10 Color ­ On the effects of lighting ..................................................................... 12 Quality ­ On "image quality" and "image size" ............................................... 12 Flash ­ On using the flash ............................................................................... 14 Identifying parts ...................................................................................... 15 Indicators on the screen.......................................................................... 20 Changing the screen display................................................................... 24 Using the internal memory...................................................................... 25 Basic Operations Using the mode dial ................................................................................ 26 Shooting images easily (Auto Adjustment mode) ................................... 27 Shooting still images (Scene Selection).................................................. 31 Shooting in the dark (Night Shot) (DSC-H9 only) ................................... 34 Using the wheel dial................................................................................ 35 Shooting with manual adjustment ........................................................... 36 Shooting with Program Shift Shooting with shutter speed priority mode Shooting with aperture priority mode Shooting with manual exposure mode ISO: Selecting a luminous sensitivity EV: Adjusting the light intensity Focus: Changing the focus method Viewing images ....................................................................................... 43 Deleting images ...................................................................................... 45 Learning the various functions ­ HOME/Menu ....................................... 47 Menu items ............................................................................................. 50 4 Table of contents Using functions for shooting Shooting menu ........................................................................................51 Scene Selection: Selecting the Scene Selection mode Image Size: Selecting the image size Face Detection: Detecting the face of subject REC Mode: Selecting the continuous shooting method Color Mode: Changing the vividness of the image or adding special effects Metering Mode: Selecting the metering mode White Bal: Adjusting the color tones Flash Level: Adjusting the amount of flash light Red Eye Reduction: Reducing the red-eye phenomenon Contrast: Adjusting the contrast Sharpness: Adjusting the sharpness SteadyShot: Selecting the anti-blur mode SETUP: Selecting the shooting settings Using functions for viewing Playing back images from the HOME screen .............................62 (Single Image): Playing back a single image (Index Display): Playing back a list of images (Slide Show): Playing back a series of images Viewing menu......................................................................................65 (Delete): Deleting images (Slide Show): Playing back a series of images (Retouch): Retouching still images after shooting (Protect): Preventing accidental erasure : Adding a Print order mark (Print): Printing images using a printer (Rotate): Rotating a still image (Select Folder): Selecting the folder for viewing images Customizing the settings Customizing the Manage Memory feature and the Settings ........70 Manage Memory..........................................................................72 Memory Tool -- Memory Stick Tool ..................................................72 Format Create REC. Folder Change REC. Folder Copy 5 Table of contents Memory Tool -- Internal Memory Tool ............................................. 74 Format Settings .......................................................................................... 75 Main settings -- Main Settings 1 ...................................................... 75 Beep Function Guide USB Connect COMPONENT AF Illuminator Grid Line AF Mode Initialize Main settings -- Main Settings 2 ...................................................... 76 Video Out Shooting Settings -- Shooting Settings 1......................................... 78 Digital Zoom Conversion Lens Shooting Settings -- Shooting Settings 2......................................... 81 Flash Sync. Auto Orientation Auto Review Expanded Focus Clock Settings................................................................................... 83 Language Setting ............................................................................. 84 Viewing images on a TV Viewing images on a TV ......................................................................... 85 Viewing images by connecting your camera to a TV with the supplied cable for multiuse terminal Viewing an image by connecting your camera to a HD TV Using your computer Enjoying your Windows computer........................................................... 88 Installing the software (supplied) ............................................................ 90 Copying images to your computer .......................................................... 91 Viewing image files stored on a computer with your camera (using a "Memory Stick Duo") ............................................................................... 97 Using the "Picture Motion Browser" (supplied) ....................................... 98 Using the "Music Transfer" (supplied) ................................................... 104 Using your Macintosh computer ........................................................... 105 6 Table of contents Printing still images How to print still images ........................................................................107 Printing images directly using a PictBridge compliant printer ...............108 Printing at a shop ..................................................................................111 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting .....................................................................................113 Warning indicators and messages ........................................................125 Others To use your camera abroad -- Power sources......................................128 On the "Memory Stick" ..........................................................................129 On the battery pack ...............................................................................131 On the battery charger ..........................................................................132 Index Index......................................................................................................133 7 ControlBasic techniques for better images Focus Exposure Color Quality Flash This section describes the basics so you can enjoy your camera. It tells you how to use various camera functions such as the mode dial (page 26), the wheel dial (page 35), the HOME screen (page 47), the menus (page 49), and so on. Focus Focusing on a subject successfully When you press the shutter button halfway down, the camera adjusts the focus automatically (Auto Focus). Remember to press the shutter button only halfway down. Press the shutter button fully down suddenly. Press the shutter AE/AF lock button halfway indicator down. flashing , lit/beeps Then press the shutter button fully down. To shoot a still image difficult to focus on t [Focus] (page 40) If the image looks blurred even after focusing, it may be because of camera shake. t See "Hints for preventing blur" (as follows). 8 ControlBasic techniques for better images Hints for preventing blur The camera moved accidentally when you took the picture. This is called "Camera shake". On the other hand, if the subject moved when you took the picture, it is called "subject blur". Camera shake Cause Your hands or body shake while you hold the camera and press the shutter button, and the entire screen is blurred. What you can do to reduce the blurring · Use a tripod or place the camera on a flat, stable surface to hold the camera steady. · Shoot with a 2-second delay self-timer and stabilize your camera by holding your shooting arm firmly at your side after pressing the shutter button. Subject blur Cause Even though the camera is steady, the subject moves during the exposure so the subject looks blurred when the shutter button is pressed. What you can do to reduce the blurring · Select (High Sensitivity mode) in Scene Selection. · Select a higher ISO sensitivity to make the shutter speed faster, and press the shutter button before the subject moves. Notes · The anti-blur function is enabled in the factory default settings so that the camera shake is reduced automatically. However, this is not effective for subject blur. · Besides, camera shake and subject blur occur frequently under low-light or slow shutter speed conditions, such as those encountered in Twilight or Twilight Portrait mode. In that case, shoot with the above tips in mind. 9 ControlBasic techniques for better images Exposure Adjusting the light intensity You can create various images by adjusting the exposure and the ISO sensitivity. Exposure is the amount of light that the camera will receive when you release the shutter. Exposure: Shutter speed = Length of time the camera receives light Aperture = Size of the opening allowing light to pass through ISO (Recommended Exposure Index) = Recording sensitivity Overexposure = too much light Whitish image Correct exposure The exposure is automatically set to the proper value in the auto adjustment mode. However, you can adjust it manually using the functions below. Manual exposure: Allows you to adjust the shutter speed and aperture value manually (page 38). Adjusting EV: Allows you to adjust the exposure determined by the camera (pages 24, 40). Metering Mode: Allows you to change the part of the subject to be measured to determine the exposure (page 56). Underexposure = too little light Darker image 10 ControlBasic techniques for better images Hints for the exposure value (EV) When shooting a whitish overall image such as a backlit subject or a snowy scenes, the camera judges that the subject is bright and may set a darker exposure for the image. In such cases, adjustment of the exposure in the + (plus) direction is effective. Adjust in the + direction When shooting a darker overall image, the camera judges that the subject is dark and may set a brighter exposure for the image. In such cases, adjustment of the exposure in the ­ (minus) direction is effective. Adjust in the ­ direction You can check the exposure referring to the histogram chart. Be careful not to overexpose or underexpose your subject (giving a whitish or darkish image). Adjusting ISO Sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index) ISO sensitivity is a speed rating for recording media that incorporates an image sensor that receives light. Even when the exposure is the same, images differ depending on the ISO sensitivity. To adjust the ISO sensitivity, see page 39. High ISO sensitivity Records a bright image even when shooting in a dark location. However, the image tends to become noisy. Low ISO sensitivity Records a smoother image. However, when the exposure is insufficient, the image may become darker. 11 ControlBasic techniques for better images Color On the effects of lighting The apparent color of the subject is affected by the lighting conditions. Example: The color of an image affected by light sources Weather/lighting Characteristics of light Daylight White (standard) Cloudy Bluish Fluorescent Green-tinged Incandescent Reddish The color tones are adjusted automatically in the auto adjustment mode. However, you can adjust color tones manually with [White Bal] (page 57). Quality On "image quality" and "image size" A digital image is made up of a collection of small dots called pixels. If it contains a large number of pixels, the picture becomes large, it takes up more memory, and the image is displayed in fine detail. "Image size" is shown by the number of pixels. Although you cannot see the differences on the screen of the camera, the fine detail and data processing time differ when the image is printed or displayed on a computer screen. Description of the pixels and the image size 1 Image size: 8M 3264 pixels × 2448 pixels = 7,990,272 pixels 2 Image size: VGA 640 pixels × 480 pixels = 307,200 pixels Pixels Selecting the image size for use (page 13) Pixel Many pixels (Fine image quality and large file size) Few pixels (Rough image quality but small file size) Example: Printing in up to A3 size Example: An attached image to be sent by email 12 ControlBasic techniques for better images The default settings are marked with Image size 8M (3264×2448) 3:21) (3264×2176) 5M (2592×1944) 3M (2048×1536) VGA (640×480) Guidelines . No. of images Less Printing Fine For prints up to A3 (11×17") Shoot in 3:2 aspect ratio For prints up to A4 (8.5×11") For prints up to 10×15 cm (4×6") or 13×18 cm (5×7") Shoot at a small image size for e-mail attachment More 16:92) (1920×1080) Shoot in HDTV aspect ratio Rough 1) Images are recorded in 3:2 aspect ratio, same as photograph printing paper or postcards, etc. 2) Both edges of the image may be cut off when printing (page 122). Movie image size Frame/Second Usage guidelines 640(Fine) (640×480) 640(Standard) (640×480) 320 (320×240) Approx. 30 Approx. 17 Approx. 8 Shoot high quality movie for display on TV Shoot standard quality movie for display on TV Shoot at a small size for email attachment · The larger the image size, the higher the image quality. · The more frames per second you played back, the smoother playback can be. 13 ControlBasic techniques for better images Flash On using the flash The eyes of the subject may come out red, or fuzzy white circular spots may appear when using the flash. These phenomena can be reduced by taking the following steps. The "Red-eye phenomenon" This is caused by the reflection of flash light off the blood vessels of the retina of the subjects eyes because the pupils of the subjects eyes are wide open in a dark place. Camera Eye Retina How can the "Red-eye phenomenon" be reduced? · Set [Red Eye Reduction] to [On] (page 59). · Select (High Sensitivity mode)* in Scene Selection (page 32). (The flash is turned off automatically.) · When the eyes of the subject turns out red, correct the image with [Retouch] on the viewing menu (page 65) or with the supplied software "Picture Motion Browser". "White circular spots" This is caused by particles (dust, pollen, etc.) in the air, which when they are close to the lens, can be accentuated by the camera's flash. Camera Subject Particles (dust, pollen, etc.) in the air How can "White circular spots" be reduced? · Light the room and shoot the subject without a flash. · Select (High Sensitivity mode)* in Scene Selection. (The flash is turned off automatically.) * Even though you selected (High Sensitivity mode) in Scene Selection, the shutter speed might be slower under low-light conditions, or in a dark place. In that case, use a tripod or hold your shooting arm firmly at your side after pressing the shutter button. 14 Identifying parts See the pages in parentheses for details of operation. A POWER button/POWER lamp B Mode dial (26) C Shutter button (27) D Remote sensor E AF illuminator (78)/Self-timer lamp (29) F Lens G Flash (29) H Finder adjustment dial · When you select with the FINDER/LCD button to shoot by using the finder, adjust the finder adjustment dial to match your eyesight so the image appears clearly within the finder. I Hook for shoulder strap J Multi connector Used in the following situations: DSC-H9 only · Making a USB connection between the camera and the computer. · Making a connection to audio/video input jacks on a TV. · Making a connection to a PictBridge compliant printer. DSC-H9 only K /BRK button (53) L (Metering mode) button (56) M NIGHTSHOT switch 15 Identifying parts G HOME button (47) H Microphone I For shooting: Zoom (W/T) button (28) For viewing: / (Playback zoom) button/ (Index) button (43, 44) J DC IN jack/DC IN jack cover When using an AC-LS5K AC Adaptor (not supplied) 1 To DC IN jack v mark 2 To wall outlet A Finder B (Playback) button (43) C FINDER/LCD button D LCD screen (24) DSC-H9 only · You cannot charge the battery pack by connecting your camera to the AC-LS5K AC Adaptor. Use the battery charger to charge the battery pack. K Hook for shoulder strap L Speaker M Battery/"Memory Stick Duo" cover N Tripod receptacle (bottom) · Use a tripod with a screw length of less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch). You will be unable to firmly secure the camera to tripods having screws longer than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch), and may damage the camera. · You can adjust the angle of the LCD panel to meet various shooting situation. E MENU button (49) F Control button (inside)/Wheel dial (outside) (35) Menu on: v/V/b/B/z (49) Menu off: DISP/ / / (24, 29) O Battery insertion slot P Battery eject lever Q "Memory Stick Duo" slot R Access lamp 16 Identifying parts Remote Control Notes · Remove the insulation sheet before using the Remote Control. Insulation sheet · Point the Remote Control towards the remote sensor to operate your camera (page 15). To change the battery of the Remote Control 1 While pressing on the tab, inset your fingernail into the slit to pull out the battery case. A Transmitter B HOME button (47) C SLIDE SHOW button (62) · You can enjoy the slide show by pressing this button. 2 Place a new battery with the + side facing up. 3 Insert the battery case back into the Remote Control until it clicks. D MENU button (49) E SHUTTER button (27) · Cannot press halfway down. Tab · The Remote Control has a button type lithium battery (CR2025) built in. Do not use batteries other than CR2025. F For shooting: Zoom (W/T) button (28) For viewing: / (Playback zoom) button/ (Index) button (43, 44) · You cannot zoom in fast even if you press the zoom button of the Remote Control fully. G Control button Menu on: v/V/b/B/z (49) Menu off: DISP/ / / (24, 29) 17 Identifying parts Lens hood/Adaptor ring 3 Turn the lens hood and position the indicator to the indicator of the position ring until it clicks. While doing this, hold and fix the indicator of the adaptor ring to not turn. A Lens hood B Adaptor ring Attaching the lens hood When you shoot in bright lighting conditions, such as outdoors, we recommend that you use the lens hood to reduce the image quality deterioration caused by unnecessary light. 1 Attach the adaptor ring while the power is off. · You can attach the lens cap with the lens hood attached. · When using the lens hood, be careful that the following: ­ The AF illuminator light may be blocked. ­ The infrared light of Night Shot may be blocked. (DSC-H9 only) ­ The flash light may be blocked, causing the shadow to appear when using the built-in flash. ­ The Remote sensor may be blocked, and the Remote Control may not operate correctly. 2 Turn the position ring and position the indicator of the adaptor ring to the indicator of this camera, as illustrated below. Indicators Position ring 18 Identifying parts Storing the lens hood The lens hood can be attached in the reverse direction to store it with the camera when it is not in use. Position the lens hood as shown below and turn the lens hood clockwise until it clicks. Attaching a conversion lens (not supplied) When you want to do enhanced wide-angle shots or zoom-in shots on distant objects, attach a conversion lens. 1 Attach the adaptor ring. 2 Attach a conversion lens. · When shooting with the conversion lens, go through the settings of [Conversion Lens] (page 80). · For details, see the operating instructions supplied with your conversion lens. 19 Indicators on the screen Each time you press v (DISP) button, the display changes (page 24). See the pages in parentheses for details of operation. Display Indication White balance (57) When shooting still images BRK ±1.0 Recording mode (53) Metering mode (56) Face Detection (52) SteadyShot (60) Vibration warning · Indicates vibration may prevent you from shooting clear images due to insufficient lighting. Even if the vibration warning appears, you can still shoot images. However, we recommend that you turn on the anti-blur function, using the flash for better lighting or using a tripod or other means to stabilize the camera (page 9). When shooting movies Self-timer (29) Zoom scaling (28, 79) A Display Indication Color mode (55) Battery remaining Contrast (60) Sharpness (60) E Low battery warning (125) Image size (51) Mode dial/Menu (Scene Selection) (31) PSAM Mode dial (26) Night Shot (34) (DSC-H9 only) 20