User manual UMAX ASTRAPIX 490

DIGITAL CAMERA AstraPix 490 Umax Technologies, Inc. 10460 Brockwood - Dallas, TX 75238 http://www.umax.com/index.jsp?worldwide=usa OPERATING MANUAL Introduction Thanks for purchasing this high-quality Digital Still Camera! This unit allows you to easily create an electronic album. Please read this manual carefully so as to enjoy all its features. Read thoroughly the Safety Precautions. They contain extremely important information regarding the safe use of this product. For information on installing and operating the included application software, please read the software instructions. Do not hesitate to contact our service facility for upgraded information for your future use. 1 Introduction Unpacking First check and identify the contents of your Digital Still Camera package, as below: Camera case Digital Camera Driver disc USB cable Earphone Optional fittings Battery CF card 2 Adapter Safety Precautions CAUTION: To prevent fire or risk of electrical shock, do not expose this unit to rain or excessive moisture. WARNING:To prevent electrical shock, do not attempt to modify this unit in any way. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel. When using the flash do not use this unit too close to your subject, as this can cause damage to the eyes. FCC NOTICE: 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 Rule. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: A. This device may not caus harmful interference. B. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. 3 Safety Precautions OPERATING CONDITIONS: . This camera is neither waterproof nor splash-proof. Do not use the camera if any water has entered the camera. Switch the camera off, and then disconnect the power source (batteries or AC Power Adapter). If you are using the AC Power Adapter,unplug the adapter from the AC Power wall socket after you have disconnected the camera. Then contact your dealer. Do not continue to use it, as this may cause a fire or electrical shock. . Do not leave the unit where it may be extremely hot or humid (direct sunlight). CARRYING YOUR CAMERA: . When carrying be sure to always attach and use the hand strap provided. Hold the camera firmly in your hand ,with the strap securely around your wrist. . Never point the lens at direct sunlight, CMOS damage may occur. 4 Table of Contents Introduction.................................................................................................1 Safety Precautions.....................................................................................3 Table of Contents.......................................................................................5 Quick Start Guide.......................................................................................6 Identification of Controls...........................................................................11 Image Quality...........................................................................................14 Flash.........................................................................................................15 Indicator Light...........................................................................................17 Getting Started.........................................................................................18 Taking Pictures.........................................................................................23 Basic Recording Operation......................................................................23 Self-Timer.................................................................................................25 Sequence Image Capture........................................................................27 Video Clip Capture...................................................................................29 Audio Memo.............................................................................................31 Digital Zoom.............................................................................................32 Record Mode Menu..................................................................................33 Record Menu Setup.................................................................................33 How to Display Record Menu..................................................................... 34 Selecting Capture Mode...........................................................................35 Digital Zoom.............................................................................................36 Flash Mode...............................................................................................37 Advanced Options....................................................................................38 Adjusting Screen Brightness....................................................................45 Playback Mode.........................................................................................44 Playback Mode Menu...............................................................................48 Display Format.........................................................................................49 Delete Images..........................................................................................50 Digital Zoom X 2 .....................................................................................52 DPOF Print...............................................................................................54 Screen Brightness....................................................................................55 Information................................................................................................56 TV Display..............................................................(Not supported in USA) MP3 Playback..........................................................................................58 System Requirements..............................................................................60 Software Installation.................................................................................61 Image Downloading.................................................................................66 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................69 Appendix..................................................................................................71 Support.........................................................................................................75 Quick Start Guide HOOKUP Connect to a printer or PC using USB cable Use DC adapter (optional) to power the unit Connect to a TV or an earphone 6 Quick Start Guide PREPARATION (refer to page 18-20) 1. Insert the batteries or use the DC adapter (optional) to power the camera. 2. Insert the Compact Flash card (optional). RECORDING (refer to page 23-45) 1. Turn the function dial to . .The camera will turn on and be set to record mode. 2. Open the lens cover. .The live view will appear on the LCD monitor. 3. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to turn on/off the LCD monitor. 7 Quick Start Guide 4. Frame your subject on the LCD monitor or viewfinder. .Compose the image and make sure it is clear. 5. Press the shutter-release button to take the pictures. . The red lamp flashes slowly while the image is being stored into the memory. IMAGE PLAYBACK (refer to page 46-56) 1.Turn the function dial to . 2. Use the LT/RT or UP/DN buttons to scroll through the images. 8 Quick Start Guide DELETING IMAGES (refer to page 52-53) 1.Turn the Function dial to . 2.Press LT/RT or UP/DN to highlight the image you want to delete. 3.Press MENU/STOP to access to the menu. 4.Highlight the delete icon and enter it. Select CURRENT to delete the current photo or ALL to delete all photoes including the memo. Select REFORMAT to delete all photos and MP3 files. DELETE CURRENT ALL REFORMAT Exit 9 Quick Start Guide 5. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button again. A confirmation screen will appear. DELETE? YES NO Exit 6. Press the UP/DN to select "YES", and enter it. The LCD monitor returns to the next image after deleting it. NOTICE: When opening the menu or pressing the direction buttons, a description of the icon highlighted will appear in the bottom left of TFT LCD. 10 Identification of Controls CAMERA BODY 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Function dial Shutter/Play/Pause NQ (Normal Quality) Flash Mode Status LCD 7. Flash lamp 8. Self-timer lamp (Red) 9. Viewfinder window 10. Lens 11. Lens cover slide 11 Identification of Controls CAMERA BODY 3 4 5 2 1 11 10 9 6 7 8 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Orange LED indicator Green LED indicator Viewfinder MENU/STOP DISP/ENTER/REP Strap eyelet 7. LT/RT 8. Up/DN 9. LCD monitor 10. USB interface 11. MIC 12 Identification of Controls CAMERA BODY 1. TV/Phones 2. DC in 6v 1 2 Indications of Function Dial & Status LCD 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Power Record Playback MP3 playback Software/Download TV output 1 2 3 6 5 4 2 3 4 5 6 1 47 AUTO NQ HQ SQ 9 8 7 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Snapshot Self-timer Sequence Video clip Audio memo Battery Power Level Image quality Flash lamp Recordable image no. 13 Image Quality IMAGE QUALITY When the camera is turned on, the default image quality settings will be used. This default settings can be changed manually. The number of images stored depends on the image quality level used: High Quality (HQ), Normal Quality (NQ) or Super Quality (SQ). MODE Super Quality High Quality Normal Quality COMPRESSION RATE 1:4 1:8 1:16 In the Capture mode, each time you press the NQ button, the quality mode changes, which is shown on the status LCD: NQ HQ SQ This function is not available in Audio Memo and Video Clip. 14 Flash BUILT-IN FLASH LAMP When the camera is turned on, the default setting of flash mode is 'No Flash'. The other flash modes can be set by using the Flash button. Press this button to toggle between the three flash modes. AUTO AUTOFLASH In autoflash ,the flash will fire automatically when the light level is low or your subject is backlit. Use flash cancel when photographing subjects that are beyond the flash range or when flash photography is prohibited. NO FLASH FORCEDFLASH The flash will fire every time a picture is taken, regardless of lighting. Use forced-flash to reduce harsh shadows on your subject's face. 15 Flash CHANGING THE FLASH MODE 1. In Record mode, press the Flash button. .The currently set flash mode appears on the status LCD. 2. Repeatedly press the button. .The flash mode on the status LCD changes in cycle. .Select the mode you desired. AUTO NOTICE: The default setting is No flash. Under the capture mode of the sequence or video clip, the flash cannot be set up. 16 Indicator Light There are three indicator lights on this unit: 1. Green light . When it flashes, this indicates the camera is being charged. . When it glows, this indicates the next operation can be done. 2. Orange light . When the system is busy, it will flash, it is suggested that the next operation should not be done. 3. Red light .When Self-timer is selected, it will flash. 3 1 2 17 Getting Started INSERTING THE BATTERIES 1. Open the battery cover. .Slide the cover in the direction of the arrow and fold it up to open it. 2. Insert the batteries .Match the batteries to the polarity indicated on the back of the cover. 3. Close the cassette cover. .While pulling up the cover slightly, fold it down and slide it back until it clicks. NOTICE: Make sure the unit is turned off before removing the batteries. 18 Getting Started INSERTING THE COMPACT FLASH CARD You may use a compact flash card for image storage before capturing images. 1. Open the battery cover. .Slide the cover in the direction of the arrow and fold it up to open it. 2. Insert the compact flash card into the card slot, pushing it until the card- release lever pops out. .Push the card in straight, not at an angle. .If the card stops mid-way, confirm the direction of the card, never apply force. 3. Fold the card-release lever down. 19 Getting Started 4. Close the battery cover. .While pulling up the cover slightly, fold it down and slide it back until it clicks. NOTICE: Make sure the unit is turned off before removing the compact flash card. 20 Getting Started REMOVING THE COMPACT FLASH CARD 1. Open the battery cover. .Slide the cover in the direction of the arrow and fold it up to open it. 2. Lift the card-release lever until it is straight out. 3. Press the card-release lever to eject the card. .When the card is ejected, pull it straight out. 4. Close the battery cover. .While pulling up the cover slightly, fold it down and slide it back until it clicks. 21 Getting Started TRIPOD MOUNTING 1. Align and tighten .Align the screw on the tripod with the camera's mounting socket, then tighten the screw. NOTICE: .When using a tripod ,be sure to open and extend its legs fully to stabilize the camera . 22 Taking Pictures BASIC RECORDING OPERATION (SNAPSHOT) 1. Turn the function dial to .Status LCD is lit up. .The default capture mode is shot). . (snap- 2. Move the lens cover slide to open the lens cover. .The live view will appear on the LCD monitor. 3. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to turn off the LCD monitor. . Press it again to switch on. . If connected to TV, both preview and capture can be operated by TV. . The LCD monitor will switch off automatically if no used for a period of 1 minute or more. NOTICE: .Before recording you may reset each parameter such as flash light (page 15,16), image quality (page 43), digital zoom (page 32) from the Record Mode Menu. 23 Taking Pictures BASIC RECORDING OPERATION (SNAPSHOT) 4. Center the subject in the LCD monitor or place the viewfinder's focus frame on the subject. .When holding the camera, make sure your fingers do not cover the lens. .Adjust the distance between camera and the subject. Make sure the image in TFT LCD is clear. 5. Press the shutter-release button to take the pictures. . In snapshot mode, no flash, auto exposure and auto white balance are default settings. . The number of remaining images to be taken decreases 1 automatically. If the lens cover isnt open, the buzzer will alarm 3 times or PLEASE UNCOVER LENS will appear on TFT LCD. 6. Move the lens cover slide to close the lens. 7. Turn the function dial to to turn off the camera. 24 Taking Pictures SELF-TIMER The self-timer will delay for capturing approximately 10 seconds after you press the shutter-release button. 1. Turn the function dial to .Capture mode is set. .Status LCD is lit up. 2. Move the lens cover slide to open the lens. .The live view will appear on the LCD monitor. 3. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to turn on the LCD monitor. .Press it again to switch off. 4. You can use a tripod to support the camera. 25 Taking Pictures 5. Press the Mode button till the timer icon is displayed on the status LCD. 6. Arrange the camera and subject position, and compose your picture. 7. Press the shutter-release button down to start timer. . The camera will take pictures automatically in about 10 seconds. 26 Taking Pictures SEQUENCE IMAGE CAPTURE This digital camera will continuously take 5 pictures while the shutter-release button is pressed once. There is no flash. 1. Turn the function dial to .Capture mode is set. .Status LCD is lit up. 2. Move the lens cover slide to open the lens. .The live view will appear on the LCD monitor. 3. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to turn on the LCD monitor. .Press it again to switch off. 4. Press the Mode button till the sequence icon is displayed on the status LCD. 27 Taking Pictures SEQUENCE IMAGE CAPTURE 5. Arrange the camera and subject position, and compose your picture. 6. Press the shutter-release button. .The unit starts sequence image capture with the orange light flashing. .When the flashing light is switched to the green light, TFT will return to the preview status, the capture is over. 28 Taking Pictures VIDEO CLIP CAPTURE 1. Turn the function dial to .Capture mode is set. .Status LCD is lit up. 2. Move the lens cover slide to open the lens. .The live view will appear on the LCD monitor. 3. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to turn on the LCD monitor. .Press it again to switch off. 4. Press the Mode button till the Video Clip icon is displayed on the status LCD. 29 Taking Pictures 5. Arrange the camera and subject position, and compose your picture. 6. Press the shutter-release button to take a continuous video clip and press it again to stop recording. .The length of the video clip is determined by the memory space. .This unit can record voice simultaneously. 30 Taking Pictures AUDIO MEMO The Audio Memo recorded is attached and referenced to the last image taken. It is possible to record a 7-second audio memo of the picture taken (except for video clip). 1. Turn the function dial to .Capture mode is set. .Status LCD is lit up. 2. Repeatedly press the Mode button till the audio memo icon appears on the LCD monitor. .The captured image displays on TFT LCD. The icon appears on the up-left corner of TFT LCD. 3. Press the shutter-release button to start recording. .The orange light blinks till the recording is over. ."Audio Recording ..." shows on TFT LCD till the recording is over. .When recording again, the last recording will be recovered. 31 Taking Pictures DIGITAL ZOOM The digital zoom will increase the magnification of the live image on the LCD monitor. In order to record a far object more vividly, use the digital zoom to preview before capturing image or recording a clip.The digital zoom has 12 levels. When you press the direction buttons, the live view will move glossily on the LCD monitor. Press the UP button, the zoom is in, and press the DN, the zoom is out. .The zoom magnification change is visible on the LCD but invisible in the viewfinder. You should use the LCD monitor to compose your picture. 32 Record Mode Menu RECORD MENU SETUP The Record Mode Menu allows you to change the default settings for image capturing such as digital zoom, white balance, sound and so on. (Capture Mode) (Digital Zoom) (Flash Lamp) (Advanced) (Screen Brightness) (ZoomX1) (ZoomX2) (Snapshot) (Video Clip) (Sequence) (Auto Flash) QUICK REVIEW EXPOSURE WHITE BALANCE SOUND IMAGE QUALITY EXIT (No Flash) (Forced Flash) (Normal) (Brightness) (Dark) 33 Record Mode Menu HOW TO DISPLAY RECORD MENU 1. Turn the function dial to .Capture mode is set. .Status LCD is lit up. 2. Move the lens cover slide to open the lens. .The live view will appear on the LCD monitor. 3. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to turn on the TFT LCD. .Press it again to switch off. .If TFT LCD is off, when connected to TV, it can be displayed by TV. 4. Press the MENU/STOP button. .Press it again to switch off. .The menu can be displayed on TV or TFT LCD. 34 Record Mode Menu SELECTING CAPTURE MODE On the menu, there are three capture modes available: snapshot, video clip and sequence. 1. In Record Mode, press the MENU/STOP button. . The menu will appear. . The default setting is Snapshot. 2. Press the UP/DN button to select the other modes. 3. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to confirm it and return to the live view. . The capture mode selected displays on TFT LCD and Status LCD. 35 Record Mode Menu DIGITAL ZOOM X 2 Zoomx2 selected makes the subject closer, and makes the number of recordable images increase. 1.In Record Mode, press the menu/Stop button. The menu will appear. 2. Press the LT/RT button to select \ . 3. Press the UP/DN button to display the submenu and select the item. 4. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to confirm it. The LCD monitor returns to the live view with digital zoom selected. 36 Record Mode Menu FLASH MODE You can select flash mode according to the environment and requirement, the default setting is Auto Flash. 1. In Record Mode, press the menu/Stop button. The menu will appear. 2. Press the LT/RT button to select . 3. Press the UP/DN button to display the submenu and select the item. 4. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to confirm. . The flash mode selected displays on Status LCD. 37 Record Mode Menu FLASH MODE This setup is recommended for photographers who have some professional knowledge. 1. In Record Mode, press the menu/Stop button. The menu will appear. 2. Press the LT/RT button to select 3. Press the UP/DN button for access to the submenu and also use it to make a selection. QUICK VIEW 1. In the advanced menu, select Quick Review. A sub-menu appears. ADVANCED QUICK REVIEW EXPOSURE WHITE BALANCE SOUND SHARPNESS IMAGE QUALITY EXIT 38 . QUICK VIEW ON OFF Exit Record Mode Menu 2. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to select the item desired. A sub-menu appears. On: It will ask you: Continue or delete? If Continue is selected, it will return to viewfinder mode with the captured image saved. If is selected, it will return to viewfinder mode with the captured image deleted. EXPOSURE Besides auto exposure, the level also can be adjusted manually by Exposure Compensation Function. 1. In the advanced menu, select Exposure. 2. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to display the sub-menu. 3. Press UP/DN to adjust the level. + 0 EXIT 39 EXPOSURE Record Mode Menu 4. Press DISP/ENTER/REP to confirm, and return to the upper menu. WHITE BALANCE White balance function is to make different types of lighting more neutral, that is like selecting daylight film or tungsten film. The default setting is automatic. 1. In the advanced menu, select White Balance. 2. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to display the sub-menu. 3. Press UP/DN to select the item desired. WHITE BALANCE AUTOMATIC DAYLIGHT CLOUDY FLUORESCENT TUNGSTEN EXIT 4. Press DISP/ENTER/REP to confirm, and return to the upper menu. 40 Record Mode Menu SOUND Audio indication allows you to see each step processing or ready to process. 1. In the advanced menu, select Sound. 2. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to display the sub-menu. 3. Press UP/DN to select the item desired. SOUND ON OFF Exit 4. Press DISP/ENTER/REP to confirm, and return to the upper menu. 41 Record Mode Menu IMAGE QUALITY 1. In the advanced menu, select Image Quality. 2. Press the DISP/ENTER/REP button to display the sub-menu. 3. Press UP/DN to select the item desired. IMAGE QUALITY SUPER HIGH HIGH NORMAL Exit 4. Press DISP/ENTER/REP to confirm it, and return to the upper menu. Status LCD displays the corresponding image quality, and recordable image no. under it. 42 Record Mode Menu ADJUSTING SCREEN BRIGHTNESS Reset the screen brightness before recording to moderate the too dark or too bright light. 1. Press MENU/STOP to access the menu. 2. Press LT/RT to select . 3. Press UP/DN to select the item desired. Normal Brightness Dark 4. Press DISP/ENTER/REP to confirm it, and return to the live view. 43 Playback Mode SINGLE-FRAME PLAYBACK Images shot with the camera are automatically numbered, then stored into the built-in memory or CF card. You can view the stored images one by one just as reading the album. capture mode series/total no. 0005/0012 1. Turn the Function dial to . The last image shows on TFT LCD. 2. Press LT/RT or UP/DN to scroll up or down the images stored. 44 Playback Mode PLAYBACK AN IMAGE WITH AUDIO MEMO When you view images by pressing the UP/DN button, if an image is attached with the icon on top left corner of the LCD monitor, that indicates it is an image with audio memo. 0005/0012 Press the Shutter/Play/Pause button to playback the audio memo, meanwhile, you may use earphone to listen to it. The words "THUMBNAIL DESPLAY..."shows on the LCD monitor till it is over. THUMBNAIL DISPLAY... 0005/0012 45 Playback Mode PLAYBACK A VIDEO CLIP When you view images by pressing the UP/DN button, if an image is attached with the icon on top left corner of the LCD monitor, that indicates it is a video clip. 1. Press the Shutter/Play/Pause button. The video clip starts to play, meanwhile, you may use earphone to listen to it. VIDEO 0005/0012 2. Press the Shuttle/Play/Pause button again. The clip will pause, and resume to continue by pressing it again. 3. During the video clip playback, use the direction buttons to switch to the previous or next photo, while the clip playback is stopped. 46 Playback Mode PLAYBACK A VIDEO CLIP 1. Turn the Function dial to . 2. Press MENU/STOP to access the display menu. 3. Use the UP/DN button to highlight the icon . 4. Press DISP/ENTER/REP to confirm your selection. 47 Playback Mode The Playback Mode Menu allows you to easily access to each setting menu such as display format, delete images, digital zoom, print and so on. PLAYBACK MODE SETUP Display format Delete images Digital zoom DPOF print Screen brightness Information (Normal) (Brightness) (Dark) Print Image Cancel Print Print All Cancel All Exit 48 Single Thumbnail On Off Current All Reformat Exit Zoom X 1 Zoom X 2 Playback Mode Menu DISPLAY FORMAT 1. In playback mode, press MENU/STOP to access to the menu. Press it again to exit. 2. Press UP/DN to access to the submenu, and select the item desired. The default setting is Single. To switch to other items, press UP/DN. 3. Press DISP/ENTER/REP to confirm your selection. 49