E INSTRUCTION MANUAL
BEFORE YOU COLOR MODE The color mode controls whether a still image is color or black and white. The color mode is set in the custom 2 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 78). The live image on the monitors will reflect the selected color mode. For more on the color mode see page 96. 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.
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.
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE 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 camera temperature rises with extended periods of use. Care should be taken to avoid burns.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Digital-subject-program button ................................................................................................42 Setting the function dial ...........................................................................................................44 Memory - storing camera settings ...........................................................................................46 Metering modes.....................................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Changing the index playback format .....................................................................................115 Slide Show .............................................................................................................................116 About DPOF ..........................................................................................................................118 Creating a DPOF print order................................................................
NAMES OF PARTS CAMERA BODY Playback mode (p. 105) * 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. 156). Recording mode (p. 40) Data panel (p. 15) Digital-subject-program button (p. 42) Movie mode (p. 102) Setup mode (p. 123) Data-transfer mode (p. 136) Display mode switch Display information button (p. 34, 109) Built-in flash (p.
NAMES OF PARTS Exposure modes (p. 48) Metering modes (p. 47) Memory (p. 46) Drive modes (p. 54) White balance (p. 62) Camera sensitivity (p. 65) 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. Function button Macro release (p. 77) Function dial (p. 44) Digital-subject-program icons (p. 42) Frame counter (p. 82) Digital-subject-program indicators (p. 42) Diopter-adjustment dial (p.
NAMES OF PARTS EVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Exposure-compensation display (p. 68) 11. White-balance indicator (p. 62) 12. Exposure-mode/Digital-subject-program indicator (p. 48, 42) 13. Metering-mode indicator (p. 47) 14. Shutter-speed display 15. Aperture display 16. Camera-shake warning (p. 17) 17. Camera-sensitivity (ISO) display (p. 65) 18. Macro-mode indicator (p. 77) Microphone indicator 19. Focus signal (p. 33) Flash-mode indicator (p. 86) 20.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING ATTACHING THE CAMERA STRAP Attach the camera strap to the strap eyelets as shown. ATTACHING THE LENS HOOD 1 The lens hood is used to control stray light from entering the lens and causing flare. When using the camera under bright light, the use of the lens hood is recommended. The lens hood should not be used with the built-in flash as it can cause a shadow. • Always keep the camera strap around your neck in the event that you drop the camera.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING INSERTING BATTERIES HANDLING THE CAMERA The AA nickel-metal hydride batteries supplied with the camera must be charged before their initial use. Refer to the charger manual for instructions on safe use and handling. While using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD monitor, grip the camera firmly with your right hand while supporting the body with the palm of your left hand. Keep your elbows at your side and your feet shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steadily.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING TAKING PICTURES USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH With the mode dial set to still-image recording, the camera will be on and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD monitor will activate. The zooming ring can be used to frame the subject. The effect of the zoom is immediately displayed in the EVF and on the LCD monitor. Compose the image in the EVF or on LCD monitor taking care to place the subject within the focus frame.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING VIEWING AND DELETING PICTURES IN QUICK VIEW Captured images can be viewed in recording mode. Simply press the QV/delete button to access the images, and use the controller to scroll through the pictures on the CompactFlash card. In quick view, images can also be deleted. Care should be taken when deleting image; once deleted it is impossible to recover the picture. When selecting an image for deletion, a confirmation screen will appear before the operation is executed.
BASIC OPERATION CHANGING BATTERIES BATTERY CONDITION INDICATOR This digital camera uses four AA-size nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. When using new Ni-MH batteries, fully charge them before their initial use. 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 monitors. The monitor icon will change from white to red when battery power is low.
BASIC OPERATION EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLIES (SOLD SEPARATELY) The AC Adapter 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. AC Adapter model AC-1L is for use in North America, Japan, and Taiwan, and AC-2L is for use in all other areas.
BASIC OPERATION SETTING THE CAMERA TO RECORD IMAGES AUTOMATICALLY BASIC RECORDING OPERATION With the mode dial set to still-image recording, the camera will be on and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD monitor will activate. 2 While holding in the dial release (1), turn the mode dial to still-image recording. Press the pro-auto button (2) to reset the programmed and automatic functions. Place the subject within the focus frame. All camera operations are now fully automatic.
BASIC OPERATION FOCUS LOCK FOCUS SIGNALS The focus-lock function is used when the subject is off-center and outside the focus frame. Focus lock may also be used when a special focusing situation prevents the camera from focusing on the subject. This digital camera has a quick, accurate autofocusing system. The focus signals in the lower right corner of the EVF and LCD monitor indicate the focus status. For more information on autofocus modes see p. 81. Place the subject within the focus frame.
BASIC OPERATION DISPLAY CONTROLS - RECORDING MODE Located on the back of the camera, the display-mode switch and the displayinformation button control on which monitor the image is displayed and what information is included in the display. The three position switch allows the choice between automatic display and setting the display to the EVF or LCD monitor. In the center of the display switch, the display-information button controls what information is displayed with the live image.
BASIC OPERATION QUICK VIEW QUICK-VIEW DISPLAY Mode indicator Still images can be viewed in recording mode. Simply press the QV/delete button to access the images, and use the controller to scroll through the pictures on the CompactFlash card. Images is displayed with various information: date and time of capture, frame number, printing and lock status, and voice-memo recording. A histogram of the image with shooting data can be displayed. Press the QV/delete button to play back the recorded images.
BASIC OPERATION CHANGING THE QUICK VIEW DISPLAY ENLARGED PLAYBACK In the center of the display switch, the display-information button controls the display format. Each time the button is pressed, the display cycles through to the next format: full display, image only, index playback. Full display Image only In single-frame playback, a still image can be enlarged for closer examination. Images can be magnified between 1.2X and 4.0X in 0.2X increments.
PRO-AUTO BUTTON Simply pressing the pro-auto button (1) resets the camera to programmed and automatic functions in the still-image recording mode. The camera’s systems work together to bring professional results leaving the operator free to concentrate on aesthetic decisions. RECORDING MODE ADVANCED OPERATION This section contains detailed information on the camera’s recording functions and operation. Read the sections pertaining to your interest and need. The sections, setting the function dial (p.
RECORDING MODE DIGITAL-SUBJECT-PROGRAM BUTTON The subject-program button (1) optimizes the camera’s performance for various conditions and subjects. Exposure, white-balance, and imageprocessing systems work in unison for beautiful results. 1 While camera performance is optimized for each shooting condition, some changes can be made to camera settings with subject programs. The autofocus mode can be changed (p. 81). The sports action mode uses continuous AF, the other modes use single AF.
RECORDING MODE SETTING THE FUNCTION DIAL Function Dial The memory function, metering mode, exposure mode, drive mode, white balance, and camera sensitivity are controlled by the function dial. Making changes with the function dial is simple. The function dial can only be used for still photography. Turn the function dial to the mode to be changed (1). MEM Display Setting Page Menu Memory resisters or the setting function are selected with a special menu displayed on the monitors.
RECORDING MODE MEMORY - STORING CAMERA SETTINGS Three sets of camera settings can be saved. This saves time under frequently repeating conditions by eliminating the need to set the camera. Except for the spot AEL button, subject programs, data imprinting, voice memo, and instant playback settings, all recordingmode camera settings will be saved including the position of the Flex Focus Point, the custom white balance setting, and changes made with the function dial and digital effects control.
RECORDING MODE PROGRAM - P EXPOSURE MODES The four exposure modes allow extensive control over image making. Programmed AE gives carefree operation, aperture and shutter priority allow photographers to maximize exposures in different situations, and manual exposure provides complete freedom in controlling the final image. See setting the function dial section on page 44. P Program - the camera controls both the shutter speeds and aperture.
RECORDING MODE APERTURE PRIORITY - A 2 1 The photographer selects the aperture and the camera sets the appropriate shutter speed to ensure correct exposure. When A mode is selected, the aperture value on the monitors turns blue. Turn the control dial (1) to set the desired aperture. Press the shutter-release button partway down to activate the exposure system (2); the corresponding shutter speed will be displayed.
RECORDING MODE MANUAL EXPOSURE - M BULB EXPOSURES Manual exposure mode allows individual selection of shutter speeds and apertures. This mode overrides the exposure system giving the photographer total control over the final exposure. The shutter speeds and aperture values can be changed in half stop increments. The shutter speed range in manual exposure mode is 4 to 1/2000 second including bulb. The camera sensitivity is set to ISO 100, but can be changed with the function dial (p. 44).
RECORDING MODE DRIVE MODES CONTINUOUS ADVANCE The drive modes control the rate and method images are captured. Icons indicating the selected drive mode appear on the data panel and LCD monitor and in the EVF. See setting the function dial section on page 44. Single-frame advance - to take a single image each time the shutterrelease button is pressed. Continuous advance - to take multiple images when the shutterrelease button is pressed and held. Self-timer - to delay the release of the shutter.
RECORDING MODE UHS CONTINUOUS ADVANCE SELF-TIMER UHS continuous-advance mode allows a series of 1280 X 960 images to be captured at a rate of approximately 7 frames per second; image size is changed to 640 X 480 when the digital zoom is used. The number of images that can be captured at one time depends on the image-quality setting: fine - 15 frames, standard - 31 frames, and economy - 39 frames; the number of frames increases with the use of the digital zoom.
RECORDING MODE BRACKETING This mode makes a three image bracket of a scene. Bracketing is a method of taking a series of images of a static subject in which each image has a slight variation in exposure. The camera is not limited to exposure brackets, but can also make contrast, saturation, and filter brackets. Only one image characteristic can be bracketed at a time. The bracketing mode is set with the function dial (p. 44).
RECORDING MODE INTERVAL The interval mode makes a series of still or moving images over a period of time. Similar to time-lapse photography, a series of images of a slow moving event can be taken: the blossoming of a flower, the construction of a building. The built-in flash can be used. Instant playback (p. 98) is disabled. The parameters of the interval series is set up in the custom 1 section of the recordingmode menu. Refer to the navigation section on page 78 on how to use the menu.
RECORDING MODE AUTOMATIC WHITE BALANCE WHITE BALANCE White Balance is the camera’s ability to make different types of lighting appear neutral. The effect is similar to selecting daylight or tungsten film, or using color compensating filters in conventional photography. The automatic white balance compensates for the color temperature of a scene. In most cases, the AUTO setting will balance the ambient light and create beautiful images, even under mixed-lighting conditions.
RECORDING MODE CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE Custom-white-balance function allows a photographer to calibrate the camera to a specific lighting condition. The setting can be used repeatedly until reset. Custom white balance is especially useful with mixed-lighting conditions or when critical control over color is needed. To calibrate the camera, press the function button and turn the control dial until the custom white-balance icon and “SET” appear on the data panel and red on the monitors.
RECORDING MODE FLASH RANGE AND CAMERA SENSITIVITY DIGITAL EFFECTS CONTROL For correct flash exposures, the subject must be within the flash range. The flash range can be extended by changing the camera sensitivity (p. 65). When the camera sensitivity is set to auto, the ISO is set between ISO 100 and 200. The flash range is measured from the CCD. 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.
RECORDING MODE EXPOSURE AND FLASH COMPENSATION The ambient light and flash exposure can be adjusted before the image is captured to make the final picture lighter or darker. Exposure can be adjusted by as much as ±2Ev in 1/3 increments (p. 151). The exposure and flash compensation will remain in effect until it has been reset. Adjustments to exposure must be set before the image is captured.
RECORDING MODE CONTRAST COMPENSATION COLOR-SATURATION COMPENSATION The contrast of a scene can be adjusted within seven levels (±3) with the digital effects controller. If a scene is too contrasty, information will be lost; if a scene is flat, the image information is not optimized for the recording ability of the camera. Control over the contrast gives photographers the ability to maximize the image information at the scene. The contrast must be set before the image is captured.
RECORDING MODE Filter levels with color images ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER See color examples on page 163. The EVF displays 100% field of view. When using the camera outdoors or under strong lighting conditions, the viewfinder image is not affected by the ambient light and remains bright and clear. Warm Filter settings with black and white images Blue The electronic viewfinder can be tilted between 0° to 90°. Simply grip the finder between your fingers and move it to the position desired.
RECORDING MODE AUTOFOCUS AREAS AND CONTROL FLEX FOCUS POINT In still-image recording mode, the controller selects the focus area used and moves the spot-focus area within the image. The two focus areas, wide focus area and spot focus point, allow flexibility over a variety of situations. Once displayed, the spot focus area can be moved to any point in the image area. This Flex Focus Point is a powerful tool for off-center subjects. The Flex Focus Point cannot be used with the digital zoom (p. 76).
RECORDING MODE DIGITAL ZOOM MACRO MODE The digital zoom doubles the lens magnification. The digital zoom cannot be used with RAW image quality or in movie recording. The macro mode is used for close-up photographs of small objects. The marco mode can be used with the digital zoom to increase the close-up effect. Subject programs and movie recording can be used with the macro setting. The built-in flash cannot be used with macro mode.
RECORDING MODE Basic NAVIGATING THE RECORDING-MODE MENU In recording mode, press the menu button (1) to activate the menu. The menu button also turns off the recording-mode menu after making settings. The four-way key of the controller (2) are used to move the cursor in the menu. Pressing the central button of the controller will enter a setting. Activate the recording-mode menu with the menu button (1). The “Basic” tab at the top of the menu will be highlighted.
RECORDING MODE ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD AUTOFOCUS MODES The electronic keyboard is used to enter text for imprinting data or for naming new folders. The keyboard automatically appears when text needs to be entered. This digital camera has two autofocusing modes. The single and continuous AF are selected in the basic section of the recording-mode menu (p. 78).
