E 9222-2727-11 PM-A303/ME-0303 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.
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.
• 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.
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.
About this manual The basic operation of this camera is covered between pages 10 and 25. 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 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.
Auto-recording mode .......................................................................................... 26 Flash modes ............................................................................................. 26 Flash range............................................................................................... 27 Display button - recording mode............................................................... 27 Exposure compensation ...........................................................
NAMES OF PARTS 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. 58). Shutter-release button The DC terminal (p. 13), videoout terminal (p. 37), and USB port (p. 47) are located behind the terminal cover. Flash (p. 26) Self-timer lamp (p. 32) Viewfinder window* Strap eyelet (p. 10) Microphone Lens* Battery/ Card chamber door (p.
Main switch White balance/ Delete button (p. 25, 30) Viewfinder* (p. 18, 24) Flash-mode/ Copy button (p. 26, 36) Indicator lamp (p. 22) Zoom lever (p. 20) Scroll-up button Scroll-down button Display/ Enter button (p. 25, 27) Mode dial Speaker LCD monitor* Mode dial This dial gives direct and easy access to the camera’s major modes. Movie-recording mode (p. 31) Program-recording mode (p. 32) Auto-recording mode (p. 18, 26) Playback mode (p. 24, 34) Setup mode (p. 38) Data-transfer mode (p.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING Attaching the hand strap Always keep the strap around your wrist in the event that the camera is accidentally dropped. 1 Pass the small loop of the hand strap through the strap eyelet on the camera body (1). Pass the other end of the strap through the small loop and tighten (2).
Installing batteries This digital camera uses two AA-size Ni-MH batteries or one CR-V3 lithium battery. When using NiMH batteries, fully recharge them with a battery charger suitable for complex electronic equipment. Although alkaline batteries can be used, their performance is very low and is not recommended for normal use. Do not use other types of AA batteries. When replacing the batteries, the camera should be turned off.
When replacing batteries, the date information will reset if there are no batteries in the camera for a few minutes. See page 14 if the date reset. Battery condition indicator This camera is equipped with an automatic batterycondition indicator. When the camera is on, the battery-condition indicator appears on the LCD monitor. If it does not appear, the battery may be exhausted or installed incorrectly. Full-battery indicator - the battery is fully charged. Low-battery indicator - battery power is low.
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. Lift the terminal cover from the top (1). The cover is attached to the body to prevent loss. Insert the mini plug of the AC adapter into the DC terminal (2).
Setting the language Depending on the region, the menu language may have to be set. Four languages are available: English, French, Spanish, and German. Turn the mode dial to the setup position (1). Turn the camera on (2). 2 3 6 5 4 1 SET UP M E M O RY T Y P E L A N G UAG E VIDEO OUT Use the scroll buttons (3) to select the language option. Press the display/enter button (4) to open language screen. SELECT OK L A N G UAG E Use the scroll buttons (3) to highlight the appropriate language.
Use the scroll buttons (3) to select the date/time option. Press the display/enter button (4) to open the date/time screen. SET UP DELETE ALL F O R M AT Q UA L I T Y BUZZER DPOF DAT E / T I M E OK SELECT SET UP Use the scroll buttons (3) to select the style option. Press the display/enter button (4) to continue. STYLE CLOCK SELECT OK Use the scroll buttons (3) to select the date format. Press the display/enter button (4) to select the format.
Image storage This camera has an 8MB internal memory where the image can be stored without the need for a separate a memory card. To switch between the internal memory and a memory card, see pages 38 and 45. The LCD monitor shows where the images will be stored. “IN” indicates the internal memory and “EX” indicates an external memory card. An SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard, sold separately, can be inserted in the camera for image storage.
3 4 To remove a memory card, hold the edge of the card and pull it out straight (3). Take care when removing the card as it becomes hot with use. Close the card-chamber door and slide it toward the body (4) to engage the safety catch. If the card-protect message appears, the inserted card in the camera is locked. The card’s write-protect switch must be in the unlock position to use the card.
BASIC RECORDING AND PLAYBACK 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. Auto-recording mode display When the mode dial is turned to the auto-recording mode position, the following display will appear in the LCD monitor. Indicators are displayed when camera settings are changed. White-balance indicator (p. 30) Digital-zoom display (p. 20) Memory-type indicator (p.
Viewfinder 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 0.4m (1.3ft) in the macro mode, the use of the LCD monitor is recommended because it does not suffer from parallax.
Using the zoom lens This camera is equipped with a 6.2 to 18.6mm 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. Zoom lever The zoom lens is operated by the zoom lever.
Basic recording operation Turn the camera on (1) and turn the mode dial to the auto-recording mode (2). 1 2 Place the subject within the focus frame. • Make sure the subject is within the focus range of the lens: 0.6m - ∞ (2.0ft - ∞). For subjects closer than 0.6m, use the macro function (p. 33). 3 4 Press the shutter-release button partway down (3) to lock onto the subject and fix the exposure. • The indicator lamp shows the status of focus and flash. See page 22 for the details.
Indicator lamp When the camera is on, the indicator lamp shows the camera status. When shutter-release button is not pressed While shutter-release button is pressed partway down Green and steady Camera is on. Focus is locked. Flash will not fire. The camera is ready to take the picture. Orange and steady – Focus is locked. Flash will fire. The camera is ready to take the picture. Green and blinks Image data is being transferred to the card. Cannot focus. Flash will not fire.
Place the subject within the monitor focus frame or center the subject in the viewfinder. Press and hold the shutter-release button partway down to lock the focus. • The indicator lamp glows steadily and the focus frame turns red when the focus is locked. Without lifting your finger from the shutter-release button, recompose the subject within the image area. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture.
Playback mode display Images can be viewed in the playback mode. To view images, turn the mode dial to the playback position. Magnification display (p. 35) Frame number Quality (p. 41) Folder number image-file number * Date/ time* (p. 14) Battery condition indicator (p. 12) * Folder number, image-file number, and date/time appear briefly when the mode is changed. Viewing images In the playback mode, use the scroll buttons to scroll through the images.
Display button - playback mode Pressing the display/enter button in the playback mode switches between the full display and the image-only display. Deleting images To delete the displayed image, press the white-balance/delete button (1). A confirmation screen will appear. DELETE 1 2 DELETE Press the display/enter button (2) to delete the image, or press any other button to cancel the delete operation.
AUTO-RECORDING MODE This section covers the operation in auto-recording mode. The sophisticated technology employed in this 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. Flash modes To set the flash mode, simply press the flash-mode/copy button on the back of the camera until the appropriate mode is indicated.
Flash range The camera will automatically control the flash output. For well-exposed images, the subject must be within the flash range. Flash range 0.6m ~ 2.5m (2.0 ft. ~ 8.2 ft.) 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, simple, and monitor off. Battery power can be conserved by turning the monitor off and using the viewfinder to take pictures.
Exposure compensation The camera exposure can be adjusted to make the final picture lighter or darker by as much as ±2Ev in 1/3 increments. This function is only available in the auto-recording mode. Exposure compensation must be set before the image is captured. When making adjustments to exposure, the amount of compensation is shown at the bottom of the LCD monitor. After the setting is made, the shutter-speed and aperture displays will indicate the actual exposure.
Sometimes the camera’s exposure meter is deceived by certain conditions. Exposure compensation can be used in these situations. For example, a very bright scene, such as a snowy landscape or a white sandy beach, can appear too dark in the captured image. Before taking the picture, adjusting the exposure by +1 or +2 EV will result in an image with normal tonal values. Calculated camera exposure –1.0Ev –2.
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. An indicator will be displayed on the monitor if a setting other than auto white-balance is chosen. White balance is set by pressing the white-balance/delete button.
MOVIE-RECORDING MODE This camera can record digital video with sound. Approximately 23 seconds can be recorded in the internal memory. On a memory card, a maximum of 60 seconds can be taken depending on the card capacity. Autofocus is not used in movie recording. Before recording, the maximum recording time in seconds that can be recorded on the next movie clip is shown. Recording time 2 Shooting digital video is simple. Set the mode dial to movie recording (1).
PROGRAM-RECORDING MODE In the program-recording mode, various subject programs are available including a self-timer and macro mode. Except for exposure compensation, the function in the auto-recording mode are available in the program-recording mode. Turn the camera on and turn the mode dial to the program-recording mode. Use the scroll-down button to cycle through the program modes as shown. The scroll-up button will change the modes in reverse order.
During the countdown, the self-timer lamp on the front of the camera (3) will start to blink and is accompanied by an audio signal if on. A few seconds before the exposure, the selftimer lamp will blink rapidly. Changing the position of the mode dial or pressing the shutter-release button will stop the countdown. 3 Macro Used for close-up photography between 8 - 60 cm (3.2 - 24 in.) at the wideangle zoom position and 40 - 60 cm (16 - 24 in.) at the telephoto zoom position, from the camera lens.
PLAYBACK MODE The basic functions in this mode are described on pages 24 and 25. This section covers the advanced functions of this mode. Index playback 4 1 3 2 In the playback mode, pressing the left side (W) of the zoom lever (1) will change the LCD monitor display from single-frame playback to a nine-frame index playback display. The monitor will return to single-frame playback if either side of the zoom lever is pressed again.
Enlarged playback In the playback mode, a still image can be enlarged up to 4X in 0.5 increments for closer examination. 1 2 3 With the image to be magnified displayed, press the right side (T) of the zoom lever (1) to activate the enlarged playback mode. The degree of magnification is displayed on the LCD monitor. Use the zoom lever (1) to increase or decrease the magnification. To scroll the enlarged image up and down, press scroll buttons (2).
Image copy Images are stored either in the 8MB internal memory or in a memory card. Stored images can be copied between the internal memory and a memory card. The copy function makes exact copies of still image or movie files. DPOF settings are not copied with image files. Files are copied from the selected memory. To switch between the internal memory and a memory card, see pages 38 and 45. To copy image files, press the flash-mode/copy button (1).
Viewing images on a television It is possible to view camera images on your television. The camera has a video-out terminal to make the connection using the supplied Video cable. The camera is compatible with the NTSC and PAL standards. The video-output setting can be checked and set in the setup mode (p. 38). 1.Turn off the television and the camera. 2.Insert the mini-plug end of the Video cable into the camera’s video-out terminal. 3.
SETUP MODE The setup mode is used to control the camera’s functions and operation. The navigating the setup menu section covers the operation of the menu. The section is followed by detailed descriptions of the settings. Navigating the setup menu To access the menu, simply turn the mode dial to the setup position. The scroll buttons are used to move the cursor in the menu. Pressing the display/enter button will select a highlighted option.
Once a setting has been selected, the cursor will return to the menu options. Setting can continue to be made.
Deleting all images Deleting permanently erases the file. Once deleted, a file cannot be recovered. Care should be taken when deleting images. All the images in either the internal memory or a memory card can be deleted at once. The internal memory or the memory card must be selected with the setup menu first. See navigating the setup menu section on page 38. When the delete-all option is selected, choosing “Yes” and pressing the display/enter button immediately deletes all the images.
Image quality Image quality is based on two factors: image size and compression rate. Image size is the pixel dimensions of the image such as 1600 x 1200 pixels. The greater the image size, the larger the file size. Choose image size based on the final use of the image - smaller images will be more suitable for web sites whereas larger sizes will produce higher quality prints. All images are compressed and saved as JPEG files. The compression rate is indicated by FINE, NORMAL, and SUPER.
Quality Approximate file sizes 2048x1536 SUPER 1600x1200 FINE 1600x1200 NORMAL 800x600 FINE 800x600 NORMAL 768KB 853KB 640KB 213KB 160KB Approximate number of images that can be stored 8MB SD 8MB internal memmemory card ory 7 6 14 25 55 7 7 16 27 60 Camera Notes The frame counter indicates the approximate number of images that can be stored in either the internal memory or the memory card at the camera’s image quality setting. If the settings are changed, the frame counter adjusts accordingly.
Creating a DPOF Print Order The print menu option is used to set an order for standard prints from still images on the memory card. Single, multiple, or all images can be printed. Date imprinting can also be set. See navigating the setup menu section on page 38. DPOF S E L E C T I M AG E S A L L I M AG E S SELECT OK PRINT ORDER COPIES 00 DAT E NO I M AG E S NEXT SET When the select-images option is chosen, the printorder screen appears. Use the scroll buttons to select the image to be printed.
Every time the copy button is pressed, the functions cycle among selecting images, the number of copies, and date imprinting. Continue until all the images to be printed are selected. Pressing the delete button will cancel the DPOF setting screen and any changes made. With all the images to be printed selected, press the display/enter button to enter the settings.
Setting the date and time See page 14 to set the date and time. Memory type This camera stores images in either the 8MB internal memory or a separate SD Memory Card or MultiMediaCard. Memory type affects all the camera operations. If “Internal” (internal memory) is selected, the images will be stored in the internal memory in the recording modes, and playback, format, and delete-all functions will be executed only for the images in the internal memory.
DATA-TRANSFER MODE Read this section carefully before connecting the camera to a computer. Instructions on using and installing the DiMAGE Viewer software are found in the supplied software manual. The DiMAGE manuals do not cover the basic operation of computers or their operating systems; please refer to the manual supplied with your computer.
Connecting the camera to a computer Confirm the battery has sufficient power before connecting the camera to a computer, the full-battery indicator should be displayed on the monitor. The auto power off function is disabled when the camera is connected to a computer. The use of the AC adapter (sold separately) is recommended over the use of the battery. For users with Windows 98 or 98SE, read the section on how to install the required USB driver before connecting the camera to a computer (p. 49). 1.
When the camera is properly connected to the computer, a drive icon, or volume, will appear. When using Windows XP or Mac OS X, a window will open requesting instructions on what to do with the image data; follow the directions in the window. If the computer does not recognize the camera, disconnect the camera and restart the computer. Repeat the connection procedure above. Windows XP Mac OS X Windows Mac OS X Mac OS The volume name varies between memory cards.
Connecting to Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition The USB driver is required for Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition. No special driver software is required for other Windows or Macintosh operating systems. During installation, if the operating system requests the Windows 98 CD-ROM, insert it into the CDROM drive and follow the accompanying instructions on the screen. To install the Windows 98 driver, follow the instructions in the connecting-the-camera-to-a-computer section on page 47.
Choose to search for the driver in the CD-ROM drive. Click “Next.” The add new hardware wizard will confirm the location of the driver. Click “Next” to install the driver in the system. • The letter designating the CD-ROM drive will vary between computers. The last window will confirm the driver has been installed. Click “Finish” to close the add new hardware wizard. Restart the computer.
When the my-computer window is opened, a new removable-disk icon will be displayed. Double click on the icon to access the camera’s internal memory or memory card; see page 48. QuickTime system requirements IBM PC / AT Compatible Pentium-based computer Windows 95, 98, 98SE, NT, Me, 2000 Professional, or XP. To install QuickTime, follow the instructions in the installer. Macintosh users can download the latest version of QuickTime free of charge from the Apple Computer web site: http://www.apple.
Memory card folder organization Once the camera is connected to the computer, image files can be accessed by double clicking on icons. Image folders are located in the DCIM folder. To copy images, simply drag and drop the file icon into a location in the computer. Files and folders in the internal memory or memory card can be deleted using the computer. Never format the internal memory nor memory card from the computer; always use the camera to format the memory.
Camera Notes Image files contain exif tag data. This data includes the time and date the image was recorded as well as the camera settings used. This data can be viewed with the camera or the DiMAGE Viewer software. If a camera image is opened in a photo-retouching application like Adobe Photoshop, and then the image is saved overwriting the original data, the exif tag information is erased.
Disconnecting the camera from the computer Follow the instruction below when disconnecting the camera from the computer. This procedure is also necessary before changing the memory type while the camera is connected to the computer. The appearance of screens may differ with the operating system. Never disconnect the camera when the indicator lamp is blinking - the data or memory card may permanently be damaged. Windows 98 / 98 Second Edition Confirm that the green indicator lamp is not blinking.
The hardware devices to be stopped will be displayed. Highlight the device by clicking on it then click “Stop.” A confirmation screen will appear to indicate the devices to be stopped. Clicking “OK” will stop the device. A third and final screen will appear to indicate the camera can be safely disconnected from the computer. Close the window, turn the camera off, and then disconnect the USB cable.
APPENDIX Troubleshooting The section covers minor problems with basic camera operation. For major problems or damage, or if a problem continues to reoccur frequently, contact a Minolta service facility listed on the back cover of this manual. Problem Cause Solution The battery is dead. Replace battery (p. 11). AA Ni-MH batteries are exhausted. Ni-MH batteries must be charged before use. The camera will not work.
Problem Cause Solution Monitor turns off and the orange indicator lamp blinks. Flash is charging. Wait until the monitor image is visible and the orange indicator lamp glows. While using flash, the pictures are too dark. The subject is beyond the flash range (p. 27). Move closer to the subject. Exposure-compensation display turns red. Scene is too bright or dark and outside the exposure range of the camera. Change the setting until the display is white. No-image message appears in playback mode.
Care and storage Read this section in its entirety to get the best results from your camera. With proper care, your camera will provide years of service. Camera care • Do not subject the camera to shock or impact. • Turn off the camera when transporting. • This camera is neither waterproof nor splashproof. Inserting or removing batteries or the memory card, or operating the camera with wet hands may damage the camera. • When at the beach or near water, take care not to expose the camera to water or sand.
Operating temperatures and conditions • This camera has been designed for use in temperatures from 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F). • Never leave the camera exposed to extreme high temperatures, such as in a car parked in the sun, or to extreme humidity. • When taking the camera from a cold to a warm environment, place it in a sealed plastic bag to prevent condensation from forming. Allow the camera to come to room temperature before removing it from the bag.
About Ni-MH batteries When using Ni-MH batteries, clean both battery terminals with dry cloth to wipe off any dirt or residue. Because of the sophisticated computer system, the camera critically monitor power levels. If the battery terminals are dirty, the camera may give a false low-battery warning. If battery performance is unusually low, wipe the battery terminals with a clean, dry cloth. Ni-MH battery performance will decrease if the batteries are often recharged before they have been fully discharged.
Technical specifications Number of effective pixels: CCD: Camera sensitivity: Aspect ratio: Lens construction: Focal length: Maximum aperture: Focusing range: Autofocus system: Shutter: Flash recycling time: Viewfinder type: Field of view: Eye-relief: A/D conversion: Recording media: File formats: Printing output control: LCD monitor: Menu languages: Movie recording: 2.0 million (approx.) 1/2.7-type interline primary-color CCD ISO 100 equivalent 4:3 9 elements in 6 groups 6.2 - 18.
Batteries: Two AA Ni-MH or alkaline batteries (use of Ni-MH batteries is recommended) Or one CR-V3 lithium battery External power source: 3V DC (with specified AC adapter) Battery performance (Recording): Approximately 150 frames: based on Minolta’s standard test method: 1850mAh Ni-MH battery, LCD monitor on, 1600x1200 Fine, flash used with 50% of the frames. Computer interface: USB 1.1 AV output: NTSC, PAL (selected on the camera) Dimensions: 106.0 (W) X 66.5 (H) X 34 (D) mm 4.2 (W) X 2.6 (H) X 1.
© 2003 Minolta Co., Ltd. under the Berne Convention and the Universal Copyright Convention.
