2-186-445-13 (1) Getting started ______________________ Digital Still Camera Operating Instructions Owner's Record Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference. The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. DSC-L1 Serial No. ___________________ Shooting still images ________________ Viewing still images _________________ Deleting still images _________________ Before advanced operations ____________ Advanced still image shooting ___________ Advanced still image viewing____________ Still image printing ____________________ Enjoying movies _____________________ Enjoying images on your computer _______ Troubleshooting ______________________ Additional information _________________ Index ______________________________ DSC-L1 © 2004 Sony Corporation WARNING To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Services Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669) The number below is for the FCC related matters only. CAUTION You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. For the Customers in the U.S.A. Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: Model No.: Responsible Party: Address: SONY DSC-L1 Sony Electronics Inc. 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. 858-942-2230 Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: -- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. -- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. -- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. -- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help. The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules. Telephone No.: This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. 2 For the Customers in the U.S.A. and Canada RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you. For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/ Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries. Attention for the Customers in Europe This product has been tested and found compliant with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet). "Memory Stick" Attention The electromagnetic fields at the specific frequencies may influence the picture and sound of this camera. For the Customers in the U.S.A. and Canada THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION. THIS CLASS B DIGITAL APPARATUS COMPLIES WITH CANADIAN ICES-003. Notice If static electricity or electromagnetism causes data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart the application or disconnect and connect the USB cable again. For the customers in the United Kingdom A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety and convenience. Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS 1362, (i.e., marked with or mark) must be used. If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse cover after you change the fuse. Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station. Notice Certain countries and regions may regulate disposal of the battery used to power this product. Please consult with your local authority. 3 Read this first Trial recording Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camera is working correctly. Do not shake or strike the camera In addition to malfunctions and inability to record images, this may render the "Memory Stick Duo" unusable or image data breakdown, damage or loss may occur. Lens cover The lens cover of this camera opens and closes automatically when the camera is turned on and off. Be careful not to pinch your finger when the lens cover opens and closes. Also, do not attempt to forcibly open the lens cover, as this may cause malfunction. No compensation for contents of the recording Contents of the recording cannot be compensated for if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of your camera or recording media, etc. LCD screen, LCD finder (only models with an LCD finder) and lens · The LCD screen and the LCD finder are manufactured using extremely high-precision technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, 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 and the LCD finder. These points are normal in the manufacturing process and do not affect the recording in any way. · Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors. Exposing the LCD screen, the finder or the lens to direct sunlight for long periods may cause malfunctions. · Do not press the LCD screen hardly. The screen may be uneven and that may cause a malfunction. · Images may be trailed on the LCD screen in a cold location. This is not a malfunction. Clean the flash surface before use The heat of flash emission may cause dirt on the flash surface to become discolored or to stick to the flash surface, resulting in insufficient light emission. Back up recommendation To avoid the potential risk of data loss, always copy (back up) data to a disk. Do not get the camera wet When taking pictures outdoors in the rain or under similar conditions, be careful not to get the camera wet. Water entering the inside of the camera may cause malfunctions which in some cases may not be repairable. If moisture condensation occurs, see page 116 and follow the instructions on how to remove it before using the camera. Notes on image data compatibility · This camera conforms with the Design rule for Camera File system universal standard established by the JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association). · Playback of images recorded with your camera on other equipment and playback of images recorded or edited with other equipment on your camera are not guaranteed. Do not expose the camera to sand or dust Using the camera in sandy or dusty locations may cause malfunction. Precaution on copyright Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the provision of the copyright laws. The power zoom lens This camera is equipped with a power zoom lens. Be careful not to bump the lens, and be careful not to apply force to it. 4 Do not aim the camera at the sun or other bright light This may cause irrecoverable damage to your eyes. Or it may cause the malfunction of your camera. Notes on the camera locations Do not use the camera near a location that generates strong radio waves or emits radiation, or a location with a strong magnetic field. The camera may not be able to record or play back properly. 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. The pictures used in this manual The photographs used as examples of pictures in this manual are reproduced images, and are not actual images shot using this camera. 5 Before using your camera "Memory Stick" compatible with this camera The IC recording medium used with this camera is the "Memory Stick Duo". There are two sizes of "Memory Stick". Choose the "Memory Stick" size that matches your camera. "Memory Stick Duo" (Size used with this camera) When using a "Memory Stick Duo" with "Memory Stick" compatible equipment Be sure to insert the "Memory Stick Duo" into the supplied Memory Stick Duo Adaptor. Memory Stick Duo Adaptor On "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack When using the battery pack for the first time Be sure to charge the supplied NP-FT1 battery pack (page 13). Recharging The battery pack can be charged even when it has not been completely discharged. In addition, the battery pack can be used even if it has only been charged partway. Extending the battery pack life When not using the camera for a long time, turn off the camera, remove the battery pack and store it in a dry, cool place to maintain the battery pack functions (page 118). · For details on "InfoLITHIUM" battery pack, see page 118. "Memory Stick" · For details on the "Memory Stick Duo", see page 116. · "Memory Stick PRO" and "Memory Stick PRO Duo" can be used only with "Memory Stick PRO" compatible equipment. · For the number of images that can be saved using this camera, see page 25 or 108. 6 Trademarks · is a trademark of Sony , "Memory Stick PRO", , "Memory Stick Duo", , "Memory Stick PRO Duo", , "MagicGate" and are trademarks of Sony Corporation. · "Memory Stick", Corporation. · "InfoLITHIUM" is a trademark of Sony Corporation. · Picture Package is a trademark of Sony Corporation. · Microsoft, Windows, Windows Media, and DirectX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. · Macintosh, Mac OS, QuickTime, iMac, iBook, PowerBook, Power Mac and eMac are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. · Macromedia and Flash are trademarks or registered trademarks of Macromedia, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. · Intel, MMX, and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. · In addition, system and product names used in this manual are, in general, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective developers or manufacturers. However, the TM or ® marks are not used in all cases in this manual. 7 Table of contents Read this first ............................................ 4 Before using your camera ......................... 6 Identifying the parts ................................ 10 Attaching a tripod ............................... 12 Inserting the date and time on a still image .............................................. 34 Shooting according to scene conditions -- Scene Selection.......................... 36 Advanced still image shooting Choosing an auto focus method .............. 50 Choosing a focus range finder frame -- AF range finder .......................... 50 Choosing a focus operation -- AF Mode .................................... 51 Adjusting the exposure -- EV adjustment ........................... 52 Displaying a histogram ....................... 53 Selecting the metering method................ 55 Adjusting color tones -- White Balance ........................... 56 Adjusting the flash level -- Flash Level ............. ...