Minolta DiMAGE F300 Instruction Manual

E INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Before you begin

Thank you for purchasing this Minolta digital camera. Please take the time to read through this instruction manual so you can enjoy all the features of your new camera.

Check the packing list before using this product. If any items are missing, immediately contact your camera dealer.

Minolta DiMAGE F300 digital camera

CR-V3 battery

Hand strap HS-DG100

16MB SD Memory Card

AV cable AVC-200

USB cable USB-500

DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM

DiMAGE F300 instruction manual

DiMAGE Viewer instruction manual

Warranty card

Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Power Macintosh, Mac OS, and the Mac OS logo are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the

Microsoft Corporation. The official name of Windows is Microsoft Windows Operating System.

Pentium is a registered trademark of the Intel Corporation. Power PC is a trademark of the

International Business Machines Corporation. QuickTime is a trademark used under license. USB

DIRECT-PRINT is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

2 B EFORE YOU BEGIN

For proper and safe use

Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product.

WARNING

Using batteries improperly can cause them to leak harmful solutions, overheat, or explode which may damage property or cause personal injury. Do not ignore the following warnings.

• Only use the batteries specified in this instruction manual.

• Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/–) reversed.

• Do not use batteries which show wear or damage.

• Do not expose batteries to fire, high temperatures, water, or moisture.

• Do not attempt to short or disassemble batteries.

• Do not store batteries near or in metallic products.

• Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, ages, or charge levels.

• Do not charge lithium batteries.

• When recharging rechargeable batteries, only use the recommended charger.

• Do not use leaking batteries. If fluid from the batteries enters your eye, immediately rinse the eye with plenty of fresh water and contact a doctor. If fluid from the batteries makes contact with your skin or clothing, wash the area thoroughly with water.

• Tape over lithium battery contacts to avoid short-circuiting during disposal; always follow local regulations for battery disposal.

• Use only the specified AC adapter within the voltage range indicated on the adapter unit. An inappropriate adapter or current may cause damage or injury through fire or electric shock.

• Do not disassemble this product. Electric shock may cause injury if a high voltage circuit inside the product is touched.

• Immediately remove the batteries or unplug the AC adapter and discontinue use if the camera is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the interior, especially the flash unit, is exposed. The flash has a high voltage circuit which may cause an electric shock resulting in injury. The continued use of a damaged product or part may cause injuries or fire.

3

• Keep batteries or small parts that could be swallowed away from infants. Contact a doctor immediately if an object is swallowed.

• Store this product out of reach of children. Be careful when around children, not to harm them with the product or parts.

• Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes. It may damage eyesight.

• Do not fire the flash at vehicle operators. It may cause a distraction or temporary blindness which may lead to an accident.

• Do not use the monitor while operating a vehicle or walking. It may result in injury or an accident.

• Do not look directly at the sun or strong light sources through the viewfinder. It may damage your eyesight or cause blindness.

• Do not use this product in a humid environment, or operate this product with wet hands.

If liquid enters the product, immediately remove the batteries or unplug the AC adapter and discontinue use. The continued use of a product exposed to liquids may cause damage or injury through fire or electric shock.

• Do not use the product near inflammable gases or liquids such as gasoline, benzine, or paint thinner. Do not use inflammable products such as alcohol, benzine, or paint thinner to clean the product. The use of inflammable cleaners and solvents may cause an explosion or fire.

• When unplugging the AC adapter, do not pull on the power cord. Hold the adapter unit when removing it from an outlet.

• Do not damage, twist, modify, heat, or place heavy objects on the AC adapter cord. A damaged cord may cause damage or injury through fire or electric shock.

• If the product emits a strange odor, heat, or smoke, discontinue use. Immediately remove the batteries taking care not to burn yourself as the batteries become hot with use. The continued use of a damaged product or part may cause injuries or fire.

• Take the product to a Minolta Service Facility when repairs are required

CAUTION

• Do not use or store the product in a hot or humid environment such as the glove compartment or trunk of a car. It may damage the product and batteries which may result in burns or injuries caused by heat, fire, explosion, or leaking battery fluid.

• If batteries are leaking, discontinue use of the product.

• The lens retracts when the camera is turned off. Touching the lens barrel while it is retracting may cause injury.

• The camera temperature rises with extended periods of use. Care should be taken to avoid burns.

• Burns may result if the memory card or batteries are removed immediately after extended periods of use. Turn the camera off and wait for it to cool.

• Do not fire the flash while it is in contact with people or objects. The flash unit discharges a large amount of energy which may cause burns.

• Do not apply pressure to the LCD monitor. A damaged monitor may cause injury, and the liquid from the monitor may cause inflammation. If liquid from the monitor makes contact with skin, wash the area with fresh water. If liquid from the monitor comes in contact with the eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with plenty of water and contact a doctor.

• When using the AC adapter, insert the plug securely into the electrical outlet.

• Do not use if the AC adapter cord is damaged.

• Do not cover the AC adapter. A fire may result.

• Do not obstruct access to the AC adapter; this can hinder the unplugging of the unit in emergencies.

• Unplug the AC adapter when cleaning or when the product is not in use.

4 F OR PROPER AND SAFE USE 5

About this manual

The basic operation of this camera is covered between pages 14 and 37. This section of the manual covers the camera parts, preparation of the camera for use, and the basic camera operation for recording, viewing, and deleting images.

The basic and advanced auto-recording mode sections cover all the basic functions of the camera in this mode and in the multi-function recording mode. Take time to read these sections before moving on to the multi-function recording mode section. The basic playback section describes how to view images. The other sections can be read as needed.

Many of the features of this camera are controlled with menus. The menu navigation sections concisely describe how to change menu settings. Descriptions of the settings immediately follow the navigation sections.

Names of parts ....................................................................................................................................10

Camera body ...........................................................................................................................10

Viewfinder ................................................................................................................................12

Mode dial .................................................................................................................................12

Data panel ...............................................................................................................................13

Getting up and running.........................................................................................................................14

Changing the CR-3V battery ...................................................................................................14

Installing AA batteries ..............................................................................................................15

Attaching the hand strap .........................................................................................................15

Battery condition indicator .......................................................................................................16

Auto power save......................................................................................................................16

Connecting the AC adapter (sold separately) .........................................................................17

Changing the memory card .....................................................................................................18

About memory cards...................................................................................................19

Setting the date and time ........................................................................................................20

Auto-recording mode - basic operation ................................................................................................22

Handling the camera ...............................................................................................................22

Power / Access lamp ...............................................................................................................22

Setting the camera to record images automatically ................................................................23

Using the zoom lens................................................................................................................24

Focus range.............................................................................................................................24

About camera operation ..........................................................................................................25

Basic recording operation........................................................................................................26

6 T ABLE OF CONTENTS

Focus signals...........................................................................................................................27

Special focusing situations ......................................................................................................27

Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection..........................................................................28

Digital-subject-program button ................................................................................................29

Display button - recording mode .............................................................................................31

Flash modes ............................................................................................................................32

Flash range - auto-recording mode .........................................................................................33

Flash signals............................................................................................................................33

Camera-shake warning ...........................................................................................................33

Playback - basic operation ...................................................................................................................34

Single-frame playback and histogram display.........................................................................34

Viewing and deleting images...................................................................................................35

Display button - playback mode ..............................................................................................36

Display button - Quick View ....................................................................................................36

Enlarged playback ...................................................................................................................37

Auto-recording mode - advanced operation.........................................................................................38

Navigating the auto-recording mode menu .............................................................................38

Digital zoom.............................................................................................................................40

Drive modes ............................................................................................................................41

Self-timer .................................................................................................................................42

Remote control (sold separately) ............................................................................................43

Continuous advance................................................................................................................44

UHS continuous advance ........................................................................................................45

Bracketing................................................................................................................................46

Image size and image quality..................................................................................................48

Date imprinting ........................................................................................................................50

Exposure compensation ..........................................................................................................51

Focus area selection ...............................................................................................................52

Focus lock ...............................................................................................................................53

Multi-function recording mode - advanced operation...........................................................................54

Multi-function recording mode display.....................................................................................55

Navigating the multi-function recording mode menu...............................................................56

Exposure modes......................................................................................................................58

Programmed AE - P....................................................................................................58

Aperture priority - A.....................................................................................................58

Shutter priority - S.......................................................................................................59

Manual exposure - M ..................................................................................................60

Bulb exposures........................................................................................................................61

White balance..........................................................................................................................62

Automatic white balance.............................................................................................62

7

Preset white balance ..................................................................................................62

Custom white balance ................................................................................................63

Focus modes ...........................................................................................................................64

Single-shot AF ............................................................................................................64

Subject Tracking AF....................................................................................................64

Manual focus ..............................................................................................................65

Full-time AF .............................................................................................................................65

Flash compensation ................................................................................................................66

Metering modes.......................................................................................................................66

Camera sensitivity - ISO..........................................................................................................67

Flash range and camera sensitivity ............................................................................67

Digital Effects Control ..............................................................................................................68

Voice memo.............................................................................................................................70

Instant playback.......................................................................................................................71

A short guide to photography ...............................................................................................................72

Using exposure and flash compensation ................................................................................74

What is an Ev? What is a stop? ..............................................................................................75

Exposure latitude.....................................................................................................................75

Movie and audio recording...................................................................................................................76

Recording movies....................................................................................................................76

Recording audio ......................................................................................................................77

Navigating the movie menu.....................................................................................................78

Notes on movie recording .......................................................................................................79

Recording movies and audio with the RC-3 remote control (sold separately)........................79

Playback mode - advanced operation..................................................................................................80

Playing back voice memos and audio captions ......................................................................80

Playing back movies and audio recordings.............................................................................81

Navigating the playback-mode menu ......................................................................................82

Frame-selection screen ...........................................................................................................84

Deleting files ............................................................................................................................85

Locking files.............................................................................................................................86

Audio captioning ......................................................................................................................87

Slide Show...............................................................................................................................88

About DPOF ............................................................................................................................90

Creating a DPOF print order ...................................................................................................90

Ordering an index print............................................................................................................91

Copy and E-mail Copy ............................................................................................................92

Viewing images on a television ...............................................................................................94

Setup mode - controlling the camera’s operation ................................................................................95

Navigating the setup menu......................................................................................................96

8 T ABLE OF CONTENTS

LCD monitor brightness...........................................................................................................98

Formatting memory cards........................................................................................................98

Auto power save......................................................................................................................99

Language.................................................................................................................................99

File number (#) memory ..........................................................................................................99

Folder name ..........................................................................................................................100

Audio signals .........................................................................................................................100

Shutter FX .............................................................................................................................101

Volume ..................................................................................................................................102

Reset default .........................................................................................................................102

Noise reduction......................................................................................................................104

Setting the date and time ......................................................................................................104

Setting the date format ..........................................................................................................104

Video output ..........................................................................................................................104

Data-transfer mode - connecting to a computer ................................................................................105

System requirements.............................................................................................................105

Connecting the camera to a computer ..................................................................................106

Connecting to Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition ..............................................................108

Automatic installation ................................................................................................108

Manual installation ....................................................................................................109

Connecting to Mac OS 8.6.....................................................................................................111

QuickTime system requirements............................................................................................111

Auto power save (data-transfer mode) ..................................................................................111

Memory card folder organization ...........................................................................................112

Disconnecting the camera from the computer.......................................................................114

Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition.........................................................................114

Windows Me, 2000 Professional, and XP.................................................................114

Macintosh..................................................................................................................115

Changing the memory card (data-transfer mode) .................................................................116

Appendix ..................................................................................................................................117

Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................................117

About Ni-MH batteries ...........................................................................................................119

Uninstalling the driver software - Windows ...........................................................................120

Using USB DIRECT-PRINT...................................................................................................121

Care and storage...................................................................................................................122

Technical specifications .........................................................................................................126

9

Camera body

* This camera is a sophisticated optical instrument. Care should be taken to keep these surfaces clean. Please read the care and storage instructions in the back of this manual (p. 122).

Shutter-release button

Self-timer/

Remote-control lamp (p. 42)

Mode dial (main switch)

Data panel (p. 13)

Microphone

Speaker

Viewfinder* (p. 12)

Flash mode/Information button (p. 32, 34)

Exposure-compensation button (p. 51)

Remote-control receiver

Flash (p. 32)

Viewfinder window*

Lens*

The tripod socket is located on the bottom of the body.

10 N AMES OF PARTS

Strap eyelet (p. 15)

Controller

Power/Access lamp (p. 22)

LCD monitor*

Display button (p. 31, 36)

QV/ Delete button (p. 35)

Menu button

Digital-subject-program button (p. 29)

Battery-chamber door (p. 14)

Card-slot door (p. 18)

The USB port, AV-out terminal, and DC terminal are located behind the terminal cover.

11

Viewfinder

Focus lamp (green) Flash lamp (orange)

Because the optical viewfinder and the lens are slightly separated, the image seen through one is not exactly the same as the other; this is called parallax. Parallax can cause errors in framing at close distances and is more pronounced at longer focal lengths. When the subject is closer than 1m (3ft) at the wide-angle lens position or 3m

(9.8ft) at the telephoto position, use the LCD monitor to compose the image; because the lens creates the monitor image, it does not suffer from parallax.

Mode dial

This dial gives direct and easy access to the camera’s major modes. It also acts as the main switch.

Auto-recording mode (p. 22, 38)

Multi-function recording mode (p. 54)

Playback mode (p. 34, 80)

Movie-recording mode (p. 76)

Audio recording mode (p. 76)

Setup mode (p. 95)

12 N AMES OF PARTS

Data panel

Located on the top of the camera body, the data panel shows the status of the camera. All icons have been shown for clarity.

Frame counter (p. 49)

Manual-focus indicator (p. 65)

Camera-sensitivity indicator (p. 67)

Spot-metering indicator (p. 66)

White-balance indicator (p. 62)

Drive-mode indicators (p. 41)

Battery-condition indicator (p. 16)

Microphone indicator (p. 70, 77, 87)

Flash-mode indicators (p. 32)

The frame counter cannot exceed 999. When the number of recordable images exceeds this, 999 will be displayed. The frame counter will continue to count down when the number of recordable images falls below one thousand.

Image-quality display (p. 48)

Image-size display (p. 48)

Exposure-mode indicators (p. 58)

Exposure / Flash-compensation indicator (p. 51, 66)

13

GETTING UP AND RUNNING

Changing the CR-V3 battery

This digital camera uses one CR-V3 lithium battery. When replacing the batteries, the mode dial should be in the off position.

1

2

Open the battery-chamber door by sliding the door toward the bottom of the camera (1) to release the safety catch; the door can then be opened (2).

Insert the battery. The CR-V3 battery must be inserted with the battery terminals first. The flat side of the battery should face the front of the camera. If the battery does not fit, check its orientation. Never force the battery.

4

3

Close the battery-chamber door (3) and slide it toward the top of the body (4) to engage the safety catch.

After installing the battery, the set-time/date message may appear on the monitor. The clock and calendar are set in the custom 2 section of the setup menu (p. 20).

14 G ETTING UP AND RUNNING

Installing AA batteries

Although performance is better with a CR-V3 lithium battery, two AA-size Ni-MH batteries can also be used. Do not use other types of AA batteries. When using Ni-MH batteries, fully recharge them with a battery charger suitable for complex electronic equipment. Consult your vendor about an appropriate charger.

Install the AA batteries as shown in the diagram; make sure the positive and negative battery terminals are oriented correctly.

Attaching the hand strap

Always keep the strap around your wrist in the event that the camera is accidentally dropped. An optional metal chain neck strap, NS-DG100, and leather neck strap,

NS-DG200, are also available from your Minolta dealer. Availability varies with region.

1 Pass the small loop of the hand strap through the strap eyelet on the camera body (1).

2

Pass the other end of the strap through the small loop and tighten (2).

15

Battery condition indicator

This camera is equipped with an automatic battery-condition indicator. When the camera is on, the battery-condition indicator appears on the data panel and monitor. If the data panel and monitor are blank, the battery may be exhausted or installed incorrectly.

Full-battery indicator - the battery is fully charged. This icon is displayed for five seconds on the monitor when the camera is turned on. The icon remains on the data panel.

Low-battery indicator - battery power is low. The battery should be replaced as soon as possible. The monitor will turn off while the flash is charging to save power.

Low-battery warning - battery power is very low. The monitor icon is red. The battery should be replaced as soon as possible. This warning automatically appears and remains on the monitor until the battery is changed. The monitor will turn off while the flash is charging to save power. If power falls below this level, the battery-exhausted message will be displayed just before the camera shuts down.

Blinking low-battery warning - displayed on the data panel with no other icons; power is insufficient for camera operation. The shutter will not release.

Auto power save

To conserve battery power, the camera will turn off displays and unnecessary functions if an operation is not made within a minute. The LCD monitor turns off after thirty seconds. To restore power, press any button or key, or turn the mode dial to another position. Except for the thirty-second monitor period, the length of the auto-power-save period can be changed in the basic section of the setup menu (p. 96 ).

16 G ETTING UP AND RUNNING

Connecting the AC adapter (sold separately)

The AC Adapter AC-6 allows the camera to be powered from an electrical household outlet. The AC Adapter is recommended when the camera is interfaced with a computer or during periods of heavy use.

Always turn off the camera before changing between power supplies.

1

Lift the DC terminal cover from the bottom (1).

The cover is attached to the body to prevent loss.

Insert the mini plug of the AC adapter into the

DC terminal (2).

Insert the AC adapter plug into an electrical outlet.

2

17

Changing the memory card

An SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard must be inserted for the camera to operate. If a card has not been inserted, a no-card warning will automatically be displayed on the monitor and three dashes (– – –) will be displayed on the data-panel frame counter.

Always turn off the camera and confirm the power/access lamp is not red before removing a memory card; damage and data loss may result.

1 2 3

Open the card-slot door (1) from the fingernail notch at the bottom of the camera.

4

Insert the memory card all the way into the card slot and release (2). Insert the card so the face is toward the front of the camera. Always push the card in straight. Never force the card. If the card does not fit, check that it is oriented correctly. The card should catch in the slot.

To eject a memory card, press the card into the slot and release (3). The card can now be pulled out. Take care when removing the card as it becomes hot with use.

Close the card-slot door (4). The door should click into place.

18 G ETTING UP AND RUNNING

If the card-not-recognized message appears, the inserted card in the camera may need to be formatted. A card used in another camera may have to be formatted before being used. If the unable-to-use-card message appears, the card is not compatible with the camera and cannot be formatted. A card is formatted in the basic section of the setup menu (p. 96). The formatting operation permanently erases all the data on the card.

About memory cards

The response time during recording and playback is longer with MultiMediaCards compared with SD Memory Cards.

This is not a defect, but rather due to the specifications of the cards. When using large capacity cards, some operations like deletion may take longer.

Writeprotect switch

SD Memory Cards have a write-protect switch to prevent image data from being deleted. By sliding the switch to the bottom of the card, the data will be protected. However, when the card is protected, images cannot be recorded. If an attempt is made to record or delete an image with the camera, the card-locked message will appear on the monitor. For memory card care and store see page 123.

Lock position

Memory cards should not be used to permanently store image data. Always make a copy of camera files on an appropriate storage device or recording media. Making an additional backup copy of the data is recommended. Minolta has no responsibility for any loss or damage to data.

19

Setting the date and time

After initially inserting a memory card and battery, the camera’s clock and calendar must be set. When images are recorded, the image data is saved with the date and time of recording. Depending on the region, the menu language may also have to be set. To change the language, see the camera notes on the following page.

Turn the mode dial on the top of the camera to the setup position. The camera will turn on and the setup menu will be displayed.

Navigating the menu is simple. The up/down and left/right keys of the controller (1) move the cursor and change settings on the menu.

The central button of the controller selects menu options and sets adjustments.

1

Basic Custom1 Custom2

LCDbrightness –

Format

Power save

Language

–

1 min.

English

20 G ETTING UP AND RUNNING

Use the right key to highlight the custom 2 tab at the top of the menu.

Basic Custom1 Custom2

Reset default –

Noise reductn Off

Date/Time set –

Date format

Video output

YYYY/MM/DD

NTSC

Use the down key to highlight the date/time-set menu option.

Press the right key. “Enter” will appear on the right side of the menu.

Setup menu: custom 2 section Press the central button to display the date/time setting screen.

Use the left and right keys to select the item to be changed.

Use the up and down keys to adjust the item.

Date/Time set

Press the central button to set the clock and calendar. The setup menu will be displayed.

Enter

Date/Time setting screen

Camera notes

For customers in certain areas, the menu language must also be set. Highlight the language option in the basic section of the setup menu. Press the right key to display the language settings. Using the up/down keys, highlight the desired language. Press the central button to set the highlighted language; the setup menu will be displayed in the selected language.

21

AUTO-RECORDING MODE

BASIC OPERATION

This section covers the basic operation of this camera. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with the operations in this section before moving on to the other sections in the manual.

The sophisticated technology employed in the auto-recording mode frees the photographer from complicated camera settings. Although automated, the camera’s operation can be changed to meet various conditions as well as to suit personal shooting preferences.

Handling the camera

While using the viewfinder or LCD monitor, grip the camera firmly with your right hand while supporting the body with your left. Keep your elbows at your side and your feet shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steadily.

When taking vertical pictures, hold the camera so that the flash is above the lens with the grip to the top. Take care not to cover the lens with your fingers or the strap.

Power / Access lamp

The power / access lamp turns green and glows steadily when the camera is on. The lamp will turn red and blink when data is being transferred between the camera and memory card; never remove the card during this period.

If the lens is hindered while extending, the green lamp may blink for a three-minute period. Turn the camera off and on to initialize the lens.

22 A UTO RECORDING MODE - BASIC OPERATION

Setting the camera to record images automatically

1

Turn the mode dial to the auto-recording mode position

(1); all camera operations are now fully automatic. The autofocus, exposure, and imaging systems will work together to bring beautiful results effortlessly.

While many of the camera’s systems in this mode are automatic, the camera’s operation can be optimized to different subjects very simply with the digital subject program button (p. 29). The flash mode (p. 32) and drive mode (p. 41) can also be changed. Image size and quality can be set on the auto-recording mode menu (p. 38).

Exposure mode – Program (fixed)

Metering mode

Camera sensitivity (ISO)

–

–

Multi-segment (fixed)

Auto (fixed)

Flash mode

Focus area

Focus control

Drive mode

Exposure compensation

Sharpness

–

–

Autoflash (can be changed*)

Wide focus area (can be changed*)

Area AF & Subject Tracking AF (fixed) –

–

–

–

Single-frame advance (can be changed*)

0.0 (can be adjusted*)

Normal (fixed)

Contrast – Normal (fixed)

Saturation – Normal (fixed)

Color mode

White balance

–

–

Natural Color (fixed)

Auto (fixed)

* Changes to the flash mode, focus area, drive mode, or exposure compensation will be reset when the mode dial is turned to another position. The flash mode is reset to autoflash or autoflash with red eye reduction depending on which of the two modes was set last.

23

Using the zoom lens

This camera is equipped with a 7.8 to 23.4mm optical zoom. This is equivalent to a 38 to 114mm zoom lens on a 35mm camera. In 35mm photography, focal lengths below

50mm are referred to as wide-angle; the angle of view is larger than that of the human eye. Above 50mm is referred to as telephoto and makes distant objects appear closer.

The effect of the optical zoom is visible in both the viewfinder and LCD monitor.

1

The zoom lens is operated by the controller

(1). Pressing the up key

(T) will zoom in to the telephoto position of the lens. Pressing the down key (W) will zoom out to the wide-angle position.

Focus range

Normal focusing range

0.5m -

∞

(1.6ft -

∞

)

Macro mode (p. 29)

0.2m - 0.6m (0.7ft - 2ft)

All distances are measured from the CCD.

24 A UTO RECORDING MODE - BASIC OPERATION

CCD plane

About camera operation

The auto-recording mode uses advanced technology to make photography as effortless as possible. Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection optimizes exposure, color, and image-processing settings for each subject. The sophisticated AF system locates and tracks the subject automatically.

Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection - The icons at the top of the LCD monitor display indicate the Digital Subject Program in use. When taking pictures, the icon for the active subject program will remain. If no icons are displayed, programmed

AE is employed. For more on Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection, see page

28.

Automatic Digital Subject Program Display

Area AF focus frames

AF sensor

Area AF & Subject Tracking AF - Area AF locates the subject within the extra large focus frames. An AF sensor will be displayed when the camera locates and focuses on the subject.

Subject Tracking AF will continue to follow the subject in the focus frames whether the subject moves or the camera position is changed.

Subject Tracking AF

25

Basic recording operation

With the mode dial set to auto recording, the camera will be on and the

LCD monitor will activate. Auto recording mode uses two advanced AF systems, Area AF and Subject Tracking AF, to locate and track the subject in the the extra-wide focus frames.

Place the subject anywhere within the focus frame.

• Make sure the subject is within the focus range of the lens:

0.5m -

∞

(1.6ft -

∞

). For subjects closer than 0.5m, use the macro function (p. 29).

• If the subject is closer than 1m at the wide-angle lens position or 3m at the telephoto position, use the monitor to frame the subject.

1

2

Press the shutter-release button partway down (1) to lock onto the subject and fix the exposure.

• The focus signals on the monitor will confirm subject lock. If the focus signal is red, the camera was unable to locate the subject. Repeat the previous steps until the signal is white.

• When the subject lock engages, an AF sensor will appear on the live image to indicate the subject. If the subject moves within the focus frames, the AF sensor will change to track the subject.

• The shutter speed and aperture will appear indicating the exposure is locked.

• See page 28 for information on Automatic Digital Subject

Selection.

Press the shutter-release button all the way down (2) to take the picture.

• The access lamp will turn red and blink indicating image data is being written to the memory card. Never remove a memory card while data is being transferred.

26 A UTO RECORDING MODE - BASIC OPERATION

Focus signals

This digital camera has a quick, accurate autofocusing system. The focus icon in the lower right corner of the LCD monitor and the green focus lamp next to the viewfinder indicate the focus status. The shutter can be released even if the camera cannot focus on the subject.

Focus icon: white

Focus lamp: steady

Focus icon: red

Focus lamp: blinking

Subject locked. The camera will continue the track the subject within the focus frames.

Cannot focus. The subject is too close or a special situation is preventing the AF system from focusing.

If the subject lock is lost, the monitor icon will change from white to red, but the focus lamp will continue to glow steadily. For more about Subject Tracking AF, see page 64.

When the AF system cannot focus, focus lock with Focus Area Selection can be used

(p. 52, 53).

Special focusing situations

The camera may not be able to focus in certain situations. If the autofocus system cannot focus on a subject, the focus icon will turn red. In this situation, focus-lock with

Focus Area Selection can be used to focus on an object at the same distance as the main subject and then the image can be recomposed on the monitor (p. 52, 53).

The subject is too dark.

The subject in the focus frame is low in contrast.

Two subjects at different distances overlap in the focus frame.

The subject is near a very bright object or area.

27

Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection

Automatic Digital Program Selection chooses between programmed AE and one of five subject programs: portrait, sports action, landscape, sunset, and night portrait. The digital subject programs optimize the camera’s performance for various conditions and subjects. Exposure, white-balance, and image-processing systems work in unison for beautiful results. For information on individual subject programs, see page 30.

A row of gray indicators at the top on the monitor display will indicate Automatic Digital Subject Selection is active. Place the subject in the focus frames; the procedure is the same as the basic recording operation described on page 26.

Hold the camera steadily when the sunset or night-portrait subject program is selected as exposures can be long.

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Press the shutter-release button partway down; the AF system will locate the subject and the Automatic Digital

Subject Selection function will choose a subject program. If no icons are displayed, programmed AE is active. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture.

Programmed AE

Portrait

Sports action

Landscape

Sunset

Night portrait

A UTO RECORDING MODE - BASIC OPERATION

Digital-subject-program button

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Pressing the subject-program button

(1) cycles through the modes. The active subject program will be indicated at the top of the live image.

The subject program will remain in effect until it is changed or the mode dial is turned to another position.

Except for macro and night portrait, digital subject programs cannot be used in the multi-function recording mode. For information on individual subject programs, see page 30.

Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection

Macro

Portrait

Sports action

Landscape

Sunset

Night portrait

(No icons) Programmed AE

While camera performance is optimized for each shooting condition, some changes can be made to camera settings with subject programs. The flash mode (p. 32) can be changed and the exposure can be altered using exposure-compensation (p. 51). In extreme lighting conditions, adjustments using exposure compensation may not produce the intended results in the portrait, or night-portrait mode. The camera-shake warning (p. 33) may appear in macro, landscape, sunset, or night-portrait modes.

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MACRO - used for close-up photography between 20 and 60 cm (0.7 -

2.0ft) from the CCD. The lens will automatically zoom to the macro position and cannot be changed. Because of parallax, the LCD monitor should be used to compose the picture. Full-time AF (p. 65) is employed. Available in the multi-function recording mode.

PORTRAIT - optimized to reproduce soft skin tones and a slight defocusing of the background. Most portraits look best at a telephoto setting; longer focal lengths do not exaggerate facial features and the shallower depth of field softens the background.

SPORTS ACTION - optimized to stop action. Automatic Digital Subject

Program Selection activates this mode when shooting moving subjects at a distance with a telephoto lens setting. Full-time AF (p. 65) is employed.

LANDSCAPE - optimized to produce sharp, colorful landscapes. With bright outdoor scenery, Automatic Digital Subject Program Selection activates this mode with distant subjects a wide-angle lens setting. The flash will not fire in this mode. To use the flash, change the flash mode to fill flash.

SUNSET - optimized to produce rich, warm sunsets. Automatic Digital

Subject Program Selection recognizes the warmth of the setting sun in a landscape photograph and activates this mode.

NIGHT PORTRAIT - the flash and ambient exposures are balanced to reveal the subject and background in low light. Ask your subject not to move after the flash burst; the shutter may still be open for the background exposure. To take pictures of landscapes at night, set the flash mode to flash cancel (p. 32). Because the flash does not fire, exposures can be long. The use of a tripod is recommended. Available in the multi-function recording mode.

30 A UTO RECORDING MODE - BASIC OPERATION

Display button - recording mode

The display button controls the LCD monitor display. The display cycles to the next position each time the button is pressed: full display, live image only, and monitor off.

Battery power can be conserved by turning the monitor off and using the viewfinder to take pictures. When the menu or exposure-compensation button is pressed, or the macro mode is activated, the monitor will automatically turn on. Subject Tracking AF,

Full-time AF (p. 65), and the digital zoom are disabled when the monitor is off.

Full display

Monitor off

Display button

Live image only

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Flash modes

To set the flash mode, simply press the flash mode button (1) on the back of the camera until the appropriate mode is indicated.

Autoflash - the flash fires automatically in low-light and backlit conditions.

Red-eye reduction - multiple flashes are used before the main flash burst to reduce red-eye; an effect caused by light reflected from the retina. Use in low-light conditions when taking photographs of people or animals. The pre-flashes contract the pupils of the subject’s eyes.

Fill-flash - the flash fires with each exposure regardless of the amount of ambient light. Fill-flash can be used to reduce harsh shadows caused by strong direct light or sunshine.

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Autoflash

Autoflash with red-eye reduction

Fill-flash

Flash cancel

Flash cancel - the flash will not fire. Use flash cancel when flash photography is prohibited, natural light is desired to illuminate the subject, or the subject is beyond the flash range. The camera-shake warning may appear when flash cancel is selected.

32 A UTO RECORDING MODE - BASIC OPERATION

Flash range - auto-recording mode

The camera will automatically control the flash output. For well-exposed images, the subject must be within the flash range. Because of the optical system, the flash range is not the same at the lens’ wide-angle position as it is at the telephoto position.

Wide-angle position

Telephoto position

0.5m ~ 3.4m (1.6 ft. ~ 11.1 ft.)

0.5m ~ 2.0m (1.6 ft. ~ 6.6 ft.)

Flash signals

The orange flash lamp next to the viewfinder indicates the status of the flash. When the lamp blinks quickly, the flash is charging and the shutter will not release. The lamp glows steadily when the flash is charged and ready to fire.

Camera-shake warning

If the shutter speed falls below the point where the camera can be safely hand held, the camera-shake warning will appear on the LCD monitor and the orange flash lamp will blink slowly. Camera shake is slight blurring caused by subtle hand motion and is more pronounced at the telephoto position of the lens than at the wide-angle. Although the warning appears, the shutter can still be released. If the warning appears, the following steps can be taken:

• Place the camera on a tripod.

• Use the built-in flash.

• Zoom the lens towards the wide-angle position until the warning disappears.

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