E INSTRUCTION MANUAL 9222-2729-11 SY-A308 ME-0307
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Thank you for purchasing this Minolta product. Please take the time to read through this instruction manual so you can enjoy all the features of your new digital 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 the following warnings and cautions for safe use of the digital camera and its accessories. 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.
• 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.
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 or the auto-power-off function is activated. Touching the lens barrel while it is retracting may cause injury.
TABLE OF CONTENTS The getting up and running section covers how to prepare the camera for use. It contains important information about power supplies and memory cards. Read the data-transfer mode section in its entirety before connecting the camera to a computer. 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.
Navigating the recording menu ............................................................................................................35 Single-frame advance recording menu ............................................................................36 Continuous advance recording menu ..............................................................................38 Movie recording menu .....................................................................................................39 Scene selection.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The following marks may be found on the product: This mark on your camera certifies that this camera meets the requirements of the EU (European Union) concerning interference causing equipment regulations. CE stands for Conformité Européenne (European Conformity). This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
NAMES OF PARTS * 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. 87). Shutter-release button Main switch Lens* Self-timer lamp (p. 44) Viewfinder window* Flash (p. 31) DC terminal (p. 14) USB-port / Video-out terminal (p.
Mode switch Recording mode (p. 22) Viewfinder recording mode (p. 22) Playback / Data transfer mode (p. 50, 69) Viewfinder* Indicator lamp (p. 85) Zoom lever (p. 24, 52) Strap eyelet (p. 13) LCD monitor* Menu button Flash-mode / DPOF button (p. 31, 61) Tripod socket Controller Battery / Card chamber door (p.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING INSTALLING BATTERIES This digital camera uses two AA-size alkaline or Ni-MH batteries or one CR-V3 lithium battery. Do not use other types of AA-size batteries. When using Ni-MH batteries, fully recharge them with a battery charger suitable for complex electronic equipment. Before using the batteries, read the safety warnings on page 3 of this manual. When replacing the batteries, the camera should be turned off.
ATTACHING THE HAND STRAP Always keep the strap around your wrist in case the camera is accidentally dropped. Pass the small loop of the hand strap through the strap eyelet on the camera body (1). 1 Pass the other end of the strap through the small loop and tighten (2). 2 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 monitors power levels.
AC ADAPTER (SOLD SEPARATELY) Always turn off the camera before changing between power supplies. The AC adapter AC-7 or AC-7E allows the camera to be powered from a 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-7 is for use in North America and Taiwan, and AC-7E is for use in all other areas. The batteries cannot be charged using the AC adapter. Insert the mini plug of the AC adapter into the DC terminal (1).
INSTALLING AND REMOVING A MEMORY CARD Always turn off the camera and confirm that the orange indicator lamp is not lit before changing the memory card, otherwise the card may be damaged, and data lost. Every memory card including the supplied card must be reformatted with this camera model before use (p. 20). An SD (Secure Digital) Memory card or MultiMediaCard must be inserted for the camera to operate. 1 Open the battery-chamber door (1).
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 erasing may take longer. The SD Memory Card has a write-protect switch to prevent image data from being erased. 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.
TURNING POWER ON Turn the camera on by pressing the main switch near the shutter-release button (1). Setting to the recording mode 1 3 To capture images, slide the mode switch to the recording position or viewfinder recording position (2). The lens cover opens and at first the red indicator lamp blinks, and then the green indicator lamp glows steadily (3). Set to the recording position when using the LCD monitor; an image appears on the monitor when you set to this position.
BATTERY-CONDITION INDICATOR This camera is equipped with an automatic battery-condition indicator displayed on the LCD monitor. Full-battery icon - the batteries are fully charged. This icon is displayed when the recording or playback menu is displayed. Half-full battery icon - the batteries are partially charged. This icon is displayed when the recording or playback menu is displayed. Low-battery warning glows steadily - battery power is very low. The batteries should be replaced as soon as possible.
SETTING THE LANGUAGE For customers in certain areas, the menu language must also be set. 1 Turn the camera on (1) and press the menu button to display the function menu (2). Use the up/down and left/right keys of the controller to highlight the setup mode at the top line of the menu options (3). 2 3 100 MODE SETUP The up/down and left/right keys of the controller move the cursor. The central button of the controller selects menu options and sets adjustments.
REFORMATTING A MEMORY CARD The memory card including the supplied card must be reformatted with this camera before use. When a memory card is reformatted, all data on the card will be erased. If the memory card is used in another device it should be formated by the camera before subsequent usen having first transfered valuable data to a computer. The reformatting function is used to erase all data on a memory card.
Using the up/down keys, highlight “YES”. Press the central button to reformat the memory card. REFORMAT YES To exit the setup mode, select another mode option on the top line of the menu and press the central button. NO SETTING THE CLOCK The camera’s clock and calendar must be set in the setup menu. When images are recorded, the image data is saved with the date and time of recording. Turn the camera on (1) and press the menu button to display the function menu (2).
RECORDING MODE To prepare the camera for use, read pages 12 through 21. SETTING THE CAMERA TO RECORD IMAGES Turn the camera on (1). 1 Slide the mode switch to the recording position or viewfinder recording position (2). The lens cover opens and at first the red indicator lamp blinks, and then the green indicator lamp glows steadily. Set to the recording position when using the LCD monitor; an image appears on the monitor when you set to this position.
Using the up/down and left/right keys of the controller (4), highlight the desired drive mode. The drive mode menu is on the top line of the menu. Drive modes 100 Single-frame advance (p. 26) MODE CONTINUOUS Continuous advance (p. 33) Movie recording (p. 34) 100 Press the central button of the controller to set the drive mode. To return to the normal display, press the menu button.
USING THE ZOOM LENS This camera is equipped with a 5.6 - 16.8mm zoom lens. This is equivalent to a 36 to 108mm lens on a 35mm camera. The lens is operated by the zoom lever at the back of the camera. The effect of the optical zoom is visible in both the viewfinder and LCD monitor. 100 The zoom lens is operated by the zoom lever. Pressing the right side (T) will zoom in to the telephoto position of the lens. Pressing the left side (W) will zoom out to the wide-angle position.
Shooting tips The zoom lens not only affects how large the subject is in the picture, but it also influences the depth of field and perspective. Depth of field is the area between the closest object in focus and the furthest object in focus. As the lens zooms in to the telephoto position, the depth of field becomes shallower, separating the subject from the background. Many portraits are taken with telephoto lenses.
SINGLE-FRAME ADVANCE RECORDING MODE See page 22 to set the single-frame advance mode. Place the subject within the LCD monitor or viewfinder. The focus range is 50cm (1.6ft) to infinity. Both the LCD monitor and viewfinder can be used to frame the subject. However, because of parallax, only the monitor’s live image will be accurate with subjects closer than 1m (3ft.) at the zoom lens’ wide-angle position or 3m (10ft) at the telephoto position. The focus-lock function can be used (p. 28).
LCD MONITOR DISPLAY 1 2 Focus frame (p. 26) 100 Frame counter (p. 42) 3 4 5 6 7 Battery-condition indicator (p.18) 1 Single-frame advance (p. 26) Continuous advance (p. 33) Movie recording (p. 34) Focus signal (p. 26) Camera-shake warning (p. 32) 2 Scene selection (p. 40) Full auto (no indicator) Sports Portrait Landscape Night view Cosmetic Slim 3 Flash modes (p. 31) A Autoflash Fill flash Flash cancel Red-eye reduction 4 Focus modes (p. 30) Autofocus (no indicator) Macro Landscape 5 Self-timer (p.
FOCUS LOCK Focus lock may also be used when a special focusing situation prevents the camera from focusing on the subject. This function is controlled with the shutter-release button. 100 100 Place the subject within the monitor. Press and hold the shutterrelease button partway down to lock the focus. • The focus signal and focus frame will appear on the monitor to show the image is in focus. Without lifting your finger from the shutter-release button, recompose the subject within the image area.
SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS The camera may not be able to focus in certain situations. In these situations the focus-lock function (p. 28) can be used to focus on another object at the same distance as your main subject, and then the image can be recomposed to take the picture. 100 100 The subject is too dark. The subject in the focus frame is low in contrast. 100 Two subjects at different distances overlap in the focus frame. 10 00 The subject is near a very bright object or area.
FOCUS MODES Focus mode enable you to override the autofocus for certain types of picture. The focus mode can be used in full auto in the scene selection in all the recording modes, and the slim mode in the singleframe advance mode (p. 40). 1 100 To set the focus mode, simply press the up key of the controller (1) until the desired mode is displayed. The focus mode setting will remain in the recording mode you set until it is changed. Macro - used for close-up photography between 11cm (4.3in.
FLASH MODES The flash can be used when taking images in the singleframe advance recording mode. To select the flash mode, press the flash-mode button (1) on the back of the camera until the desired mode is displayed. The active flash mode is displayed near the top right corner of the LCD monitor. The flash mode setting will remain until it is changed. While the flash is charging, the shutter cannot be released. 100 1 Autoflash - the flash fires automatically in low-light and backlit conditions.
FLASH RANGE The camera automatically controls 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 0.11m ~ 3.0m (0.4ft. ~ 9.8ft.) from the front of the lens 0.5m ~ 1.7m (1.6ft. ~ 5.6ft.
CONTINUOUS ADVANCE RECORDING MODE 100 See page 22 to set the continuous advance recording mode. The continuous-advance drive mode allows a series of images to be captured while holding down the shutter-release button. There are two continuous advance methods: standard and best select. See page 48 for details of the best select method. Set the standard continuous advance mode (p. 35). The “STD” indicator will display on the right side of the LCD monitor.
MOVIE RECORDING MODE See page 22 to set the movie recording mode. This camera can record digital video. Total recording time varies with the resolution and the memory card capacity. Audio recording is not available. 1 2 Compose the picture and press the shutter-release button partway down to lock the exposure and focus (1). The focus signal (2) appears in the top left corner of the LCD monitor when the focus is confirmed.
NAVIGATING THE RECORDING MENU Navigating the menu is simple. The menu button turns the menu on and off. The left/right and up/down keys of the controller control the cursor and change settings on the menu. Pressing the central button of the controller selects menu options and sets adjustments. The camera will remain in the recording mode you set until it is changed. Turn the camera on and slide the mode switch to the recording position (P. 22). Press the menu button to activate the recording menu.
SINGLE-FRAME ADVANCE RECORDING MENU 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 Mode Single-frame advance (p. 26)* Continuous advance (p. 33) Movie recording (p. 34) Setup (p. 64) 2 Scene selection (p.
3 Resolution (p. 42) 2880 x 2160 2048 x 1536* 1600 x 1200 640 x 480 4 Compression (p. 42) Fine* Normal 5 Self-timer (p. 44) Self-timer cancel* Self-timer (2 second delay) Self-timer (10 second delay) 6 White balance (p. 45) Auto white balance* Sunny Cloudy Fluorescent Incandescent 7 Exposure compensation (p. 46) 8 Frame counter (p. 42) 9 Help display (p. 66) 10 Battery-condition indicator (p.
CONTINUOUS ADVANCE RECORDING MENU 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 Mode Single-frame advance (p. 26) Continuous advance (p. 33) Movie recording (p. 34) Setup (p. 64) 2 Scene selection (p. 40) Full auto* Sports Portrait Cosmetic Slim 3 SCENE SELECT FULL AUTO Continuous advance recording method Best select (p. 48)* Standard (p. 33) * Default setting 38 100 RECORDING MODE 8 9 10 4 Resolution (p. 42) 2048 x 1536* 1600 x 1200 640 x 480 5 Compression (p. 42) Fine* Normal 6 White balance (p.
MOVIE RECORDING MENU 1 2 3 4 5 00:45 SCENE SELECT FULL AUTO 6 7 8 1 Mode Single-frame advance (p. 26) Continuous advance (p. 33) Movie recording (p. 34) Setup (p. 64) 2 Scene selection (p. 40) Full auto* Sports Portrait Cosmetic 3 Resolution (p. 42) 320 x 240* 160 x 120 4 5 White balance (p. 45) Auto white balance* Sunny Cloudy Fluorescent Incandescent Exposure compensation (p. 46) 6 Recording time (p. 42) 7 Help display (p. 66) 8 Battery-condition indicator (p.
SCENE SELECTION The active subject program will be indicated at the right of the recording mode indicator. Full auto indicator will not be displayed. The subject program will remain in effect until it is changed or the recording mode is changed to another. 100 SPORTS - optimized to stop action. PORTRAIT - a slight defocusing of the background separates the subject from the background.
COSMETIC - optimized to reproduce soft skin tones. The focus is set to around 2.5m (8.2ft.). SLIM - changes the vertical or horizontal proportions of the subject with the digital zoom. 2880 x 2160 resolution setting cannot be used. Select the slim mode from the scene selection, then press the central button of the controller. Again press the central button and then use the up/down and/or left/right keys to change the vertical or horizontal proportions of the subject.
RESOLUTION AND COMPRESSION RATE SETTINGS The resolution and compression rate must be set before the picture is taken. The resolution and compression must be reset manually. Changing the resolution affects the number of pixels in each image. The greater the resolution, the larger the file size. Choose the resolution based on the final use of the image - smaller resolution will be more suitable for web sites whereas larger resolution will produce higher quality prints.
The resolution and compression setting available for the recording modes 2880 X 2048 X 1600 X 640 X 480 320 X 240 160 X 120 2160 (6M) 1536 (3M) 1200 (2M) (0.
SELF-TIMER The self-timer will delay the release of the shutter for approximately two or ten seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed. This function can be used in the single-frame advance recording mode. When the mode is set, the indicator will be displayed at the right side on the LCD monitor (1). 100 With the camera on a tripod, compose the picture. Focus lock cannot be used. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to begin the countdown (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. One automatic and four preset white-balance settings are available in all recording modes. The automatic white balance compensates for the color temperature of a scene.
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION The camera exposure can be adjusted to make the final picture lighter or darker by as much as ±1.8Ev in 0.3 increments with all recording modes. The exposure-compensation value will remain in the recording mode you set until it has been reset. The exposure compensation must be set before the image is captured. To set the exposure compensation, the monitor must be on. When you highlight the exposure compensation option, the exposure compensation bar appears.
Shooting tips 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 Calculated camera exposure –1.0Ev –1.8Ev picture, adjusting the exposure by +1 or +1.8 EV will result in an image with normal tonal values.
CONTINUOUS ADVANCE RECORDING METHOD In this page, the function and operation of the best select method are described. See page 33 for the standard continuous advance recording. With the best select method, you can save the best image out of four sequential images. All four images can be saved if you want. Set the camera to the best select mode (p. 35). The “BEST” indicator displays on the right side of the LCD monitor.
INSTANT PLAYBACK In all the recording modes, the last image can be displayed for a while by simply pressing the central button of the controller. You can also erase the image in the instant playback. Using the left/right keys of the controller, you can scroll through the images on the memory card. The images can be enlarged with the zoom lever. To erase the image in the single-frame advance instant playback, press the up key of the controller. A confirmation screen will appear.
PLAYBACK MODE SETTING THE CAMERA TO PLAYBACK MODE Turn the camera on (1). Slide the mode switch to the playback position (2). Press the menu button to display the playback menu (3). 1 PROTECT 100-0001 100KB Change image protect setting 2 2003.12.14 10:30 3 4 Using the up/down and left/right keys of the controller (4), highlight the desired drive mode. The drive mode menu is on the top line of the menu.
BASIC PLAYBACK OPERATION In the single-frame advance mode, using the left/right keys of the controller, scroll through the images on the memory card. In the continuous advance mode, press the left/right keys to scroll through the continuous advance image folders. Press the central button to start the playback. Press the up key to pause the playback. To display the previous/next image, press the left/right key. Press the central button to restart. To exit the playback, press the down key.
INDEX PLAYBACK Press the left side of the zoom lever (1) to display the index playback. In the index playback, the left/right and up/down keys of the controller (2) move the orange border around the index thumbnails. In the single-frame advance mode, a thumbnail image can be displayed in the full screen by pressing the central button of the controller. In the continuous advance and movie mode, a series of images or a clip of movie can be played by pressing the central button.
ENLARGED PLAYBACK The images can be enlarged. For a series of continuous advance images and a movie clip, pause playback at the image you want to enlarge. 3 With the image to be magnified displayed, press the right side of the zoom lever (1) to enlarge. Pressing the right side of the zoom lever increases the image magnification. Pressing the left side of the zoom lever decreases the image magnification.
NAVIGATING THE PLAYBACK MENU Navigating the menu is simple. The menu button turns the menu on and off. The left/right and up/down keys of the controller control the cursor and change settings on the menu. Pressing the central button of the controller selects menu options and sets adjustments. Turn the camera on and slide the mode switch to the playback position (p. 50). Press the menu button to activate the playback menu. PROTECT 100-0001 100KB Change image protect setting 2003.12.
Single-frame advance 7 8 100-0001 123KB 1 2 3 4 5 6 PROTECT Change image protect setting 9 10 11 12 2003.12.14 10:30 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Protecting image files (p. 56) Erasing image files (p. 57) E-mail copy (p. 58) Rotating an image (p. 59) Creating a DPOF print order (p. 60) Slide show (p. 62) Actual file size Folder-number-file number (p. 77) Resolution display (p. 42) Compression display (p. 42) Protect indicator (p. 56) Help display (p. 66) Battery-condition indicator (p.
PROTECTING IMAGE FILES Important images should be protected. This function applies to single-frame advance images, an image in a continuous-advance series, and movie clips. A protected file cannot be erased in either the playback-mode menu functions or the instant playback. However, the reformatting function (p. 20) will erase all files on a memory card whether protected or not. With the image to be protected displayed, press the menu button to display the playback menu.
ERASING IMAGE FILES Erasing permanently deletes the file. Once erased, a file cannot be recovered. Care should be taken when erasing images. Single or all files on the memory card can be erased. With the image to be erased displayed, press the menu button to display the playback menu. Use the up/down keys of the controller to highlight the erase image files option. Press the central button of the controller. The “ERASE” screen appears.
E-MAIL COPY E-mail copy makes a standard 640 X 480 (VGA) or 160 X 120 (QVGA) JPEG copy of an original still image so that it may be easily transmitted by e-mail. If an economy image is selected for E-mail copy, the compression cannot change. Copies of protected images are unprotected. DPOF information is not copied. The amount of data that can be converted into E-mail copies depends on the free space remaining on the memory card and the image size of the copy.
ROTATING AN IMAGE The orientation of a single-frame image can be changed. With the image to be rotated displayed, press the menu button to display the playback menu. Use the up/down keys of the controller to highlight rotating image option. Press the central button of the controller. Rotating image setting screen appears. Use the up/down keys to select the desired setting and then press the central button. Each time the central button is pressed, the image will be rotated 90° clockwise/ counterclockwise.
ABOUT DPOF This camera is supported by DPOF™ version 1.1. DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) allows direct printing of still images from digital cameras. After the DPOF file is created, the memory card is simply taken to a photofinishing service or inserted into the memory-card slot of DPOF compatible printers. When a DPOF file is created, a misc. folder is automatically created on the memory card to store it (p. 77).
When the “Each-image” setting is chosen, display the desired image to print by using left/right keys. Highlight “SETTING” by using the up/down keys and press the central button to make an order. A screen will appear asking if date imprinting is required and the number of copies. Use the up/down and left/right keys of the controller to select the date imprinting and to adjust the required number of copies. Press the central button to set.
SLIDE SHOW This function automatically displays all images in order in the single-frame advance, continuous advance, or movie folder on the memory card. With the image to be presented first displayed, press the menu button to display the playback menu. Use the up/down keys of the controller to highlight slide show option. In the single advance or continuous advance mode, you can select the display time and effect sitting by using the up/down and left/right keys. Press the central button to set.
COPYING IMAGES This function makes a single-frame image copy from a series of continuous advance images or a clip of movie. The image is saved in the single-frame advance image folder. With the image to be copied displayed, press the menu button to display the playback menu. Use the up/down keys of the controller to highlight copying image option. Press the central button of the controller. A confirmation screen will appear; choosing “YES” will execute the operation, “EXIT” will cancel the operation.
SETUP MODE NAVIGATING THE SETUP MENU Navigating the menu is simple. The left/right and up/down keys of the controller control the cursor and change settings on the menu. Pressing the central button of the controller selects menu options and sets adjustments. Turn the camera on. Press the menu button to activate the recording or playback menu. 100 SCENE SELECT FULL AUTO Using the up/down and left/right keys of the controller, highlight the setup mode on the top line of the menu options.
CLOCK SET OPERATION BEEP HELP DISP LANGUAGE TV SYSTEM REFORMAT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Setting the clock (p. 21, 26) Operation beeps (p. 66) Help display (p. 66) Language (p. 19) TV system (p. 67) Reformatting a memory card (p. 20) Auto power save (p. 67)* File number reset (p. 68)* LCD brightness (p. 68)* Reset settings (p. 68)* * Indicators are displayed when you press the down key of the controller to scroll down the screen.
SETTING THE CLOCK It is important to accurately set the clock. When a recording is made, the date and time of the recording are saved with the file and are displayed in the playback mode or with the DiMAGE Viewer software included on the CD-ROM. See page 21 for how the set the date and time. The date format that is used in the monitor displays and date imprinting can be changed: Y/M/D (year, month, day), M/D/Y (month, day, year), D/M/Y (day, month, year) and DISP OFF (no display in the playback mode).
LANGUAGE The language used in the menus can be changed. See page 19 for how to select the language. TV SYSTEM Camera images can be displayed on a television (p. 69). The video output can be changed between NTSC and PAL. North America uses the NTSC standard and Europe uses the PAL standard. Check which standard is used in your region to play back images on your television set.
FILE NUMBER RESET If file number reset is selected, when a new memory card is installed, the first file stored in the card will be 0001. If the file number reset is disabled, and the card is changed, the first file saved to the new card will have a number one greater than the last file saved on the previous card if the new card does not contain an image with a greater file number. If it does, the file number of the new image will be one greater than the greatest on the card. FILE NO.
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 TV-system setting can be checked and set in the setup menu (p. 64). 1. Turn off the television and the camera. 2. Insert the small plug of the video cable into the camera. 3. Plug the other end of the video cable into the video input terminals on the television. 4.
DATA TRANSFER Read this section carefully before connecting the camera to a computer. Details 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 Fully charged batteries should be used when the camera is connected to a computer. The use of the AC adapter (sold separately) is recommended over the use of the batteries. For users with Windows 98 or 98SE, read the section on page 73 on how to install the necessary USB driver before connecting the camera to a computer. 1. Turn off the camera. 2. Start up the computer. The computer must be turned on before connecting the camera. 3. Insert the memory card into the camera.
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. When a computer is accessing the memory card, the orange indicator lamp will blink.
CONNECTING TO WINDOWS 98 AND 98SE The driver needs only to be installed once. If the driver cannot be installed automatically, it can be installed manually with the operating system’s add-new-hardware wizard; see the instructions on the following page. During installation, if the operating system requests the Windows 98 CD-ROM, insert it into the CD-ROM drive and follow the accompanying instructions on the screen. No special driver software is required for other Windows operating systems.
Manual installation To install the Windows 98 driver manually, follow the instructions in the connecting-the-camera-to-acomputer section on page 71. When the camera is plugged into the computer, the operating system will detect the new device and the addnew-hardware-wizard window will open. Place the DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive. Click “Next.” Choose the recommended search for a suitable driver. Click “Next.” Choose to specify the location of the driver.
The add new hardware wizard will confirm the location of the driver. One of three drivers may be located: MNLVENUM.inf, USBPDR.inf, or USBSTRG.inf. The letter designating the CDROM drive will vary between computers. Click “Next” to install the driver in the system. 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.
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.com. 32MB or more of RAM Sound Blaster or compatible sound card DirectX 3.
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. Drive Icon Dcim 100MLT33 PICT0001.JPG Misc The misc. folder contains DPOF print files (p. 66). 101MLT33 102MLT33 PICT0002.JPG SEQT0101.JPG Files and folders on the memory card can be deleted using the computer.
The single-frame advance image file names begin with “PICT” followed by a four-digit file number and a jpg extension. The continuous-advance image file names begin with “SEQT” followed by a four-digit file number and a jpg extension. Each series of the continuous advance image file is stored in the same folder. The folder names begin with “SEQ” followed by a four-digit number. The movie clip file names begin with “VCLP” followed by a four-digit file number and a mov extension.
DISCONNECTING THE CAMERA FROM A COMPUTER Never disconnect the camera when the indicator lamp is orange - the data or memory card may permanently be damaged. Windows 98 / 98 Second Edition Confirm that the orange indicator lamp is not lit. Turn the camera off, and then disconnect the USB cable. Windows Me, 2000 Professional, and XP To disconnect the camera, click once on the unplug-or-eject-hardware icon located on the task bar. A small window will open indicating the device to be stopped.
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.
CHANGING THE MEMORY CARD WHEN CONNCTED TO A COMPUTER Never remove the card when the indicator lamp is orange - the data or memory card may permanently be damaged. Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition 1. Turn off the camera. 2. Change the memory card. 3. Turn on the camera to remake the USB connection. Windows ME, 2000 Professional, and XP 1. Stop the USB connection using the unplug-or-eject-hardware routine (p. 79). 2. Turn off the camera. 3. Change the memory card. 4.
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 The camera will not work. Shutter will not release. 82 APPENDIX Symptom Cause Solution The batteries are dead. Replace batteries (p. 12). The auto-power-save function has turned the camera off.
Problem Symptom Shutter will not release. Card-locked warning appears on the monitor. Pictures are not sharp. The focus signal and/or focus frame did not appear when the shutterrelease button was pressed partway down. Pictures are taken indoors or in low-light situations without flash. Cause Solution Memory card is locked. Unlock the memory card using the write-protect switch (p. 16). Subject is too close. Make sure the subject is within the autofocus range (p. 26).
Problem Symptom Cause Part of the image area is hidden behind a dark object. Viewfinder was used to capture the image. The lens was partially covered with an object or finger. Solution When using the viewfinder, take care not to cover the lens. If the camera does not function normally, turn it off, remove and reinsert the batteries, or unplug and reconnect the AC adapter. Always turn the camera off using the main switch otherwise the memory card may be damaged and camera settings reset.
VIEWFINDER INDICATOR LAMPS The indicator lamp next to the viewfinder can be used to diagnose camera operations. The lamp colors change between green, red, and orange, and the lamp can glow steadily or blink. Color State Indication Camera ready to take an image. Steady Camera is connected to a computer. Green Blinking The exposure-compensation function is activated. The digital-zoom function is activated. Auto-power-save function is activated. The memory card is full (the shutter cannot be released).
REMOVING THE DRIVER SOFTWARE - WINDOWS 1. Insert a memory card in the camera and connect it to the computer with the USB cable. Other devices must not be connected to the computer during this procedure. 2. Right click on the My-computer icon. Select “properties” from the drop-down menu. Windows XP: from the start menu go to the control panel. Click on the performance and maintenance category. Click “System” to open the system properties window. 3.
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.
Memory cards SD Memory Cards and MultiMediaCards are manufactured with precision electronic components. The following may cause data loss or damage: • Improper use of the card. • Bending, dropping, or subjecting the card to impact. • Heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. • Static electrical discharge or electromagnetic fields near the card. • Removing the card or interrupting the power supply while the camera or a computer is accessing the card (reading, writing, reformatting, etc.).
LCD monitor care • Although the LCD monitor is manufactured using high precision technology, there may occasionally be a lack of color or bright points on the monitor. • Do not apply pressure to the surface of the LCD monitor; it may be permanently damaged. • In cold temperatures, the LCD monitor may become temporarily dark. When the camera warms up, the display will function normally. • The LCD monitor may be slow to react in low temperatures or may turn dark in a hot environment.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Number of effective pixels: CCD: Camera sensitivity (ISO): Aspect ratio: Lens construction: Maximum aperture: Focal length: Focusing range: Autofocusing system: Shutter: Shutter speeds: Built-in flash recycling time: Viewfinder: Monitor LCD: Monitor field of view: A/D conversion: Recording media: File formats: Print Image Matching: Menu languages: Video output: 90 APPENDIX 3.2 million 1/2.7-type interline primary-color CCD with a total of 3.3 million pixels.
Battery: Two AA alkaline or Ni-MH batteries Or one CR-V3 lithium battery Battery performance (recording): Approximately 80 frames: based on Minolta’s standard test method: alkaline batteries, LCD monitor on, 1600 X 1200 images, normal compression, no instant playback, flash used with 50% of the frames. Battery performance (playback): Approximate continuous playback time: 275 min. Based on Minolta’s standard test method: alkaline batteries.
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