TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 BEFORE YOU BEGIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 INTRODUCTION NAMES OF PARTS . Camera Body . . . Left side of Body Bottom of Body . Data Panel . . . . . . Viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TABLE OF CONTENTS RECORDING BASIC OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taking Pictures in Automatic Mode . . . . . . . . . Selecting the Record Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quick View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Image Quality Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TABLE OF CONTENTS ADDITIONAL FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . White Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Custom White Balance – Creating a Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Continuous Drive Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self-timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TABLE OF CONTENTS PLAY VIEWING IMAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Viewing Full Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Viewing AN IMAGE Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 CHANGING THE INDEX DISPLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 DELETING A SINGLE IMAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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INTRODUCTION 9
NAMES OF PARTS CAMERA BODY Drive-mode button Counter button White-balance button Shutter-release button Dial Exposure-mode button Lens mount* Quality-select button Remote-control receiver Connector cover Self-timer lamp Strap eyelet Mirror* White balance sensor* Lens release *Do not touch.
NAMES OF PARTS Accessory shoe SPOT button Data panel* Viewfinder* Control dial BUSY lamp Program-reset button Strap eyelet LCD Monitor* Quick View button button Control dial lock SET button DC terminal* MENU button button 11
NAMES OF PARTS LEFT SIDE OF BODY With connector cover open Diopter-adjustment dial Card-chamber door Clock battery cover PC terminal Manual fill-flash button Exposure-compensation button Video-out terminal SCSI connector BOTTOM OF BODY Battery-chamber cover Strap eyelet 12 Tripod socket
NAMES OF PARTS DATA PANEL The following diagram shows all items displayed to aid the explanation.
NAMES OF PARTS VIEWFINDER The following diagram shows all items displayed to aid the explanation.
NAMES OF PARTS Please wait mark LIT WAIT. SHUTTER LOCKED. EXTINGUISHED READY TO SHOOT. Focus signals LIT IN FOCUS. LIT IN FOCUS. FOCUS CHANGES WITH MOVEMENT OF SUBJECT. LIT FOCUSING. SHUTTER LOCKED. BLINKING NOT FOCUSED. SHUTTER LOCKED. Flash-on indicator , Flash signals LIT AND READY FOR FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY. LIT BLINKING (AFTER TAKING PHOTO) FLASH CHARGED. FLASH OUTPUT WAS SUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE CORRECT EXPOSURE.
GETTING STARTED RIGHT AWAY PREPARATION 1 Insert the batteries or connect the AC adapter (see pages 22, 25). 2 Attach the lens (see page 26). 3 Insert the compact flash card (see page 32).
GETTING STARTED RIGHT AWAY RECORDING 1 Turn the Control dial to REC or . 2 Press the Program-reset button. • This puts the camera in full-auto mode. 3 Frame the image in the viewfinder. • Place the focus frame on your subject. 4 Press the shutter-release button partway down. • Autofocus will activate and will glow in the viewfinder if focus is confirmed and locked. 5 Press the shutter release button all-the-way down to take the picture.
GETTING STARTED RIGHT AWAY PLAY 1 Turn the Control dial to PLAY. 3 Press the or button to scroll through the images. DELETING IMAGES 1 Turn the Control dial to PLAY. 2 Select the desired image. • Press the or button until the image appears in the LCD monitor. 3 Press the MENU button.
GETTING STARTED RIGHT AWAY 4 Press the button until DELETE is highlighted. 5 Press the SET button. 6 Press the button until DELETE is highlighted. 7 Press the SET button. • A confirmation screen will appear. 8 Press the button until YES is highlighted. 9 Press the SET button. • The LCD monitor will return to the PLAY screen after the image is deleted.
PREPARATION HOLDING STRAP Use the Holding Strap HC-RD1 for a more secure grip on the camera. ATTACHING THE HOLDING STRAP 1 Pass the short tip of the holding strap through the camera’s upper strap eyelet, then through the strap eyelet on the holding strap. 2 Pass the long tip of the holding strap through the camera’s bottom eyelet, then through the buckle on the holding strap.
PREPARATION • The holding strap may be fitted to three locations on this camera. Use the strap eyelet at the left side of the back of the camera when attaching the camera neck strap or wide strap (available separately) designed for Minolta single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras.
PREPARATION INSERTING BATTERIES Fully charge all four of the supplied NiMH batteries before use. 1 Using a coin or similar object, turn the battery-chamber lock counter-clockwise. 2 Open the battery chamber. 3 Insert the batteries as indicated by the + and – marks. 4 Close the cover, then turn the battery-chamber cover to CLOSE to lock it. • To prevent damage to the cover, do not set the camera down on a surface with the cover open.
PREPARATION LOW BATTERY WARNING Your camera is equipped with an automatic battery-condition indicator. Full-Battery symbol – Each time the camera is turned on, the battery-condition indicator will briefly appear in the data panel. indicates the battery power is full. Blinking low battery – Power is low, but all functions are operational. The battery will have to be replaced very soon. Blinking low-battery alone and shutter locks – Power is insufficient for camera operation.
PREPARATION AUTO POWER OFF Control Dial set to PLAY To save power, the LCD monitor will shut down after approximately 10 minutes if the camera is not used (unless the camera is connected to the PC). Press the Quick View button to switch on the monitor again. Control Dial set to REC or The Auto Power Off function does not work with this setting.
PREPARATION USING THE AC ADAPTER (AC-2) Use the AC Adapter AC-2 allows the camera to receive power from an electrical outlet. Use of the AC adapter is recommended to conserve batteries during periods of heavy use. It is also recommended when interfacing the camera with the computer. Always turn the Control Dial to OFF, and switch the digital camera power supply off, before changing from batteries to AC adapter or vice versa. Do not change the power supply while the camera is ON.
PREPARATION ATTACHING AND REMOVING THE LENS ATTACHING THE LENS 80 56 1 Remove the camera body cap and rear lens cap as shown. AF/M 2 Align the red mounting dot on the lens with the red dot on the mount. 3 Turn the lens clokwise until it clicks. • Do not insert the lens at an angle. • Do not press the lens release when attaching the lens.
PREPARATION REMOVING THE LENS 1 Press the lens release and turn the lens counter-clockwise until it stops. 2 Gently remove the lens from the mount and replace the caps. • Do not force the lens if it does not turn smoothly. • Do not touch the inside of the camera, especially the lens contact and mirror. • Remove dust, dirt, and moisture from the lens mount area before attaching or removing a lens.
PREPARATION SETTING THE DATE/TIME This camera records the date and time an image was captured. For your reference, set the date and time for accuracy. 1 With the Control dial lock button pushed in the direction, turn the Control dial to the right to the PLAY position. 2 Press the MENU button on the back of the camera. • The top menu will appear. 3 Press the or button a number of times to highlight DATE, and press the SET button. • The DATE menu will appear.
PREPARATION 5 Press the SET button as many times as required to highlight the value to be changed. • Press the SET button repeatedly to move the highlight to year month day hour minute. 6 Press the or the setting. button to adjust 7 Once the Minute value has been changed, press the SET button. • The internal clock begins operation, and the system returns to the DATE menu. 8 Press the or button to highlight DATE FORMAT on the DATE menu, and press the SET button. • The DATE FORMAT menu will appear.
PREPARATION 9 Press the or button to highlight the desired date format. 10 Press the SET button. • The LCD monitor returns to [1]. 11 Press the or button to highlight END on the DATE menu, and press the SET button. • The LCD monitor returns to [1]. The clock backup battery is low if the item at left appears on the data panel. Read the section on page 108, and then replace the battery.
PREPARATION DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT If you are near or far sighted, you can use this control to adjust the eyepiece for your eyesight. The diopter adjustment range is from -4 to +2 dioptres. ADJUSTING THE DIOPTER 1 Remove the lens (see page 27), and direct the camera body towards the light. 2 Look through the viewfinder and turn the viewfinder dial until the focus frame is clearly visible.
PREPARATION COMPACT FLASH CARD Your camera requires a compact flash card to be inserted before capturing images. • Always ensure that the BUSY lamp is extinguished or not blinking before inserting or removing the compact flash card from the camera. • The data in the card will be lost, or the card itself may be damaged, if the compact flash card is removed while the BUSY lamp is lit. INSERTING THE COMPACT FLASH CARD 1 Open the card-chamber door.
PREPARATION REMOVING THE COMPACT FLASH CARD 1 Open the card-chamber door. 2 Press the card-release button to eject the card. 3 Pull the memory card straight out. 4 Close the card-chamber door after removing the card.
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RECORDING 35
BASIC OPERATION TAKING PICTURES IN AUTOMATIC MODE Full Auto mode is the camera’s standard operating mode and is suited for use in almost any situation. When the Program-reset button is pressed, the camera is returned to fully-automatic operation. See page 72. 1 With the Control dial lock button pushed in the direction, turn the Control dial to REC or . 2 Press the Program-reset button to set the camera to Full Auto mode.
BASIC OPERATION 5 Press the shutter-release button all-the-way down to take the picture. • The images taken are saved to the compact flash card when photography is complete. While the images are being saved to the compact flash card the BUSY lamp is lit, and the frame counter on the data panel blinks. To prevent loss of image data, do not remove the AC adapter plug from the socket, or remove the compact flash card from the camera, until all the images have been saved.
BASIC OPERATION SELECTING THE RECORD SETTING This camera has two settings for recording. REC Images are saved in the compact flash card as they are taken, without being displayed on the LCD monitor. Use this mode to take large numbers of images when the light source and the photography conditions are relatively stable. Press the QUICK VIEW button to display the previous picture taken on the LCD monitor for approximately 8 seconds.
BASIC OPERATION QUICK VIEW The quick view button allows you see a preview of the captured image after it has been recorded. 1 In REC, take the picture. 2 Wait until the image has been written to the compact flash card. • The busy lamp and the counter display in the data panel will stop blinking. 3 Press the QUICK VIEW button. • The recorded image will appear in the LCD monitor for approximately 8 seconds.
BASIC OPERATION IMAGE QUALITY SELECTION This digital camera supports four image quality modes – super-fine (SUPER FINE), fine (FINE), standard (STD.), and economy (ECON.). Image quality is related to the rate of compression of the image. The rate of compression increases, and image quality decreases, in the order super-fine fine standard economy. The lower the rate of compression of the image, the higher its quality. If image quality is important, use the super-fine or fine mode.
BASIC OPERATION 1 In REC or , press and hold the QUALITY button. • The image quality options will appear in the data panel. 2 Turn the front dial until the desired quality setting blinks. • Both SUPER and FINE blink when the super-fine mode is selected. 3 Release the QUALITY button to set the change. • Image quality may be changed while the capacity of CF card remains. One compact flash card may contain images of various image qualities.
FOCUS DETAILS FOCUS SIGNALS When the camera is set to autofocus (AF) mode, pressing the shutter-release button partway down will activate the autofocus system and one of the signals below will appear at the base of the viewfinder. In autofocus mode, the shutter will not release until the focus is confirmed. Focus signals Focus signals LIT In focus. LIT In focus. Focus changes with movement of subject. LIT Focusing. Shutter locked. BLINKING Not focused. Shutter locked.
FOCUS DETAILS SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS In situations like those described below it may be difficult or impossible for the camera to focus accurately; you may need to use focus hold, direct-manual focus, or manual focus. If two subjects at different distances overlap in the focus frame [ ]. If a subject composed of alternating light and dark lines completely fills the focus frame [ ]. If the subject within the focus frame [ ] is very bright, or low in contrast.
FOCUS DETAILS FOCUS HOLD Focus hold should be used when you want to take a picture with your subject outside the focus frame [ ] or when autofocus is difficult to confirm. 1 Center your subject in the focus frame [ ] and press the shutterrelease button partway down. 2 Continue to hold the shutterrelease button partway down while you recompose your picture. 3 Press the shutter-release button all-the-way down to take the picture. • Focus hold can only be used when appears in the viewfinder.
FOCUS DETAILS DIRECT MANUAL FOCUS (DMF) DMF lets you adjust the focus manually without taking the camera out of autofocus mode. 1 With the camera in the autofocus mode, press the shutter-release button partway down to activate autofocus. 2 Without releasing the shutterrelease button adjust the focus manually using the focusing ring on the lens. 3 Press the shutter-release button all-the-way down to take the picture.
FOCUS DETAILS MANUAL FOCUS When autofocus is not suitable and focus hold is not possible, focus the lens manually. The autofocus system will monitor focus and indicate when a subject in the focus frame [ ] is in focus. 1 Press the focus-mode button, will appear in the data panel. 2 Turn the lens focusing ring until your subject appears sharp and focused. • will appear in the viewfinder to indicate when the subject in the focus frame is in focus. • The Minolta V lenses 28-56 mm f/4-5.
EXPOSURE EXPOSURE COMPENSATION This function lets you compensate exposure up to +/- 3 EV in 1/2 EV increments in situations where the camera’s metering system may not be able to accurately determine exposure. More exposure is recommended for very bright scenes, such as snow or beach scenes. Less exposure is recommended when the scene is composed of mostly darker tones.
EXPOSURE 1 Press and hold the exposurecompensation button, then turn the front dial until the compensation value you want appears in the data panel. 2 Release the exposure-compensation button to enter the setting. • will remain in the data panel and viewfinder as a reminder that exposure compensation is set. • To cancel exposure compensation, perform the above procedure and select 0.0, or press the program-reset button.
EXPOSURE SPOT METERING The standard metering mode for this camera uses a fourteen segment honeycomb pattern metering system to determine the correct exposure. When the exposure needs to be set according to a very small part of the scene, spot metering lets you use a single metering segment to determine correct exposure. When selected, only the center segment of the honeycomb pattern is used to read the brightness of the subject in the spot circle in the center of the viewfinder.
EXPOSURE • Press and hold the SPOT button to take pictures continuously with the same exposure. • When the flash is used ( lit in the viewfinder), pressing and holding the SPOT button will result in the slow-shutter sync facility being set (see page 82). • When the icon blinks the subject is either too bright or too dark for the metering range, and the correct exposure will not be possible.
EXPOSURE EXPOSURE MODES This camera has four different exposure modes: Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority, Manual, and Program. The exposure modes allow you to tailor the degree of camera control needed to capture the desired image.
EXPOSURE A MODE – APERTURE PRIORITY In A mode, you select the aperture and the camera automatically sets the shutter speed required for proper exposure. A mode should be used when you want to control the range of sharpness (depth-of-field) in an image. 1 In REC or , press and hold the MODE button. • PAMS will appear in the data panel. • The currently set exposure mode blinks on the data panel. 2 Turn the front dial until A blinks in the data panel, then remove your finger from the MODE button.
EXPOSURE 3 Turn the front dial to select the aperture. • In the viewfinder, only the plane on which the camera is focused will appear sharp. The photographed image will have a depth-of-field corresponding to the aperture used. • While the aperture range differs with the lens selected, the maximum aperture is F6.7, and the minimum aperture is F22. • If 2000 or 2˝ (2 seconds) blinks, the required setting is beyond the camera’s shutter speed range, and the image will be either under or overexposed.
EXPOSURE S MODE – SHUTTER PRIORITY In S mode, you select the shutter speed and the camera automatically sets the aperture required for proper exposure. This mode is useful when you want to control subject blur. 1 In REC or , press and hold the MODE button. • PAMS will appear in the data panel. • The currently set exposure mode blinks on the data panel. 2 Turn the front dial until S blinks in the data panel, then remove your finger from the MODE button.
EXPOSURE 3 Turn the front dial to select the shutter speed. • The shutter speed range is 1/2000~2 seconds. • If the aperture display in the data panel blinks, the required setting is outside the aperture range of the lens. Turn the control dial until the blinking stops. • If the aperture value blinks the required setting is beyond the camera’s shutter speed range, and the image will be either under or overexposed. Change the shutter speed until the aperture value stops blinking.
EXPOSURE M MODE – MANUAL OPERATION In M mode, you have full control of the exposure. You select both the shutter speed and the aperture. The viewfinder data panel will tell you if the exposure you have selected is over, under, or the same as the metered exposure. 1 In REC or , press and hold the MODE button. • PAMS will appear in the data panel. • The currently set exposure mode blinks on the data panel. 2 Turn the front dial until M blinks in the data panel, then remove your finger from the MODE button.
EXPOSURE 4 While pressing the manual fillflash button, turn the front dial to select the aperture. • While the aperture range differs with the lens selected, the maximum aperture is F6.7, and minimum aperture is F22. Metering in Manual Mode In the manual mode, the meter index will show you how the exposure you have set compares with the camera’s meter reading. The + indicator tells you when your exposure is over, the – indicator tells you when your exposure is under.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES WHITE BALANCE White Balance is the camera’s ability to make different types of lighting appear neutral. The camera’s Auto White Balance setting is appropriate for most situations. White Balance sensor However, manual white balance is necessary when the light source illuminating the white balance sensor is different than the light source illuminating the subject.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES 1 In REC or mode, press and hold the WB (White-Balance) button. 2 Turn the front dial until the icon for desired setting blinks, then remove your finger from the WB button. • The white-balance mode icon will appear in the data panel. • The white-balance selection remains until another white-balance mode is selected or the program button is pressed. Turning the camera off does not reset the white balance selection.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE – CREATING A SETTING Create a custom white balance setting that can be selected again and again or changed at any time. 1 In REC or mode, press and hold the WB button. 2 Turn the front dial until and blink in the data panel, then remove your finger from the WB button. 3 Focus on a white piece of paper large enough to fill the viewfinder frame.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES 4 Press the shutter-release button all-the-way down. • The shutter will release, but the camera does not record an image. will appear briefly in the data panel and viewfinder. will appear on the data panel, and in the viewfinder, if the white balance custom setting is satisfactory, and then return to the normal photography display.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES CONTINUOUS DRIVE MODE In this mode, the camera continuously takes pictures as fast as 1.5 frames per second. Up to five frames can be captured with one press of the shutter-release button. 1 Press and hold the DRIVE (drive-mode) button. • The drive-mode icons will appear in the data panel. 2 Turn the front dial until blinks. 3 Release the DRIVE button. 4 Press and hold the shutterrelease button. • Up to five pictures may be taken while holding down the shutter-release button.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES The camera has a 5-frame internal image memory in which images are temporarily saved until being transferred to the compact flash card in the order in which they were taken. The icon is lit in the viewfinder when this image memory is full to indicate that no more pictures may be taken. When images in the image memory are transferred to the compact flash card and space becomes available, the icon is extinguished and more pictures may then be taken.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES For example, if four successive frames are taken beginning from the status shown at left, the display will change as shown below. The 21st frame is being saved… The 22nd frame is being saved… The 23rd frame is being saved… The 24th frame is being saved… When the COUNTER button is pressed the number of frames yet to be saved to the compact flash card from the image memory is shown in the shutter speed section of the data panel. The 24th frame is saved.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES • Pictures cannot be taken continuously while appears on the data panel. • Either select the frame photography icon with [1] to [3] on page 66, or press the Program-reset button, to clear continuous photography. • When using the flash, pictures may be taken without waiting for the flash to finish charging.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES SELF-TIMER The self-timer will delay the release of the shutter for approximately 10 seconds after you press the shutter-release button. 1 Place the camera on a tripod, then press and hold the DRIVE (drive-mode) button. • The drive-mode icons will appear in the data panel. 2 Turn the front dial until blinks. 3 Release the DRIVE button. 4 Arrange the camera and subject positions, and compose your picture.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES 5 Press the shutter-release button all-the-way down to start the timer. The self-timer lamp on the front of the camera will blink, then glow just before the shutter releases. • The self-timer mode will automatically cancel after the exposure is made. • Do not press the shutter-release button while standing in front of the camera. • If you want to take a picture with your subject outside of the focus frame, use focus hold. See page 44.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES REMOTE CONTROL (SOLD SEPARATELY) The IR Remote Control RC-3 allows remote camera operation up to 5m away. • The remote control may not operate with backlit subjects or under fluorescent light. • Remote control is not cleared after a photograph is taken, and photography can therefore be continued. • To save power, remote-control mode is canceled if the remote control is not operated for more than 8 minutes.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES 4 Arrange the camera and subject positions, and compose your picture. Remote emitter 2s Button 5 Point the remote emitter toward the front of the camera and press the • or 2s button. Button • If the • button is pressed, the lamp on the front of the camera will blink once and take the picture. • If the 2s button is pressed, the lamp on the front of the camera will blink for two seconds before the picture is taken.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOCUS HOLD IN REMOTE CONTROL MODE When your subject is not centered in the focus frame, use manual focus or focus hold. 1 Set the camera to the remotecontrol mode. 2 Center your subject in the focus frame, then press the shutter-release button partway down. 3 Release the shutter button when the focus signal in the viewfinder is lit (i.e. focus has been adjusted). • The focus icon is extinguished when the shutter button is released, however the focus remains set.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES CHANGING THE REMOTE CONTROL BATTERY The remote control uses a 3V lithium battery (CR2032). When pressing the remotecontrol buttons does not release the shutter, the battery must be replaced. A new battery should be sufficient for around ten years of operation. 1 Pull out the battery chamber and remove the old battery. 2 Insert a new battery into the battery chamber with its plus side up. 3 Slide the battery chamber back into the remote control.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES PROGRAM-RESET BUTTON Pressing the Program-reset button is a quick way to return the camera to fully automatic operation. FUNCTION P MODE SETTING PAGE Exposure Mode P (Programmed Autoexposure) 51 Focus Mode Auto Focus Mode 42 White Balance AWB (Auto White Balance) 58 Drive-mode Single-frame Advance Self-timer Cleared (both before and during) 66 Exposure Compensation 0.0 47 Flash Compensation 0.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES COUNTER BUTTON This display allows the user to determine the space remaining in the compact flash card as a guide to the number of frames which may be saved. 1 Press and hold the COUNTER button. • The following is displayed on the data panel. • Release the COUNTER button to return to normal display. When not saving to the compact flash card. Space remaining in the compact flash card (approximately 7MB in the example at left). When saving to the compact flash card.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES CHANGING ISO SENSITIVITY The CCD used in this camera has a sensitivity of ISO200 when shipped from the factory. It may be set to ISO800 if required. This will improve camera performance by letting you use it in dark, indoor locations with high shutter speeds, thus eliminating camera shake, and in the A mode (aperture priority) with smaller apertures, thus ensuring a wider depth of field. 1 Press and hold the exposure compensation button, then press the SPOT button.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES 3 Release both the exposure compensation and SPOT buttons. • The ISO sensitivity selected in [2] is now set. • To return to the ISO200 value, display 200 in the frame counter in [2] and release both buttons. • Changing to ISO800 sensitivity does not change the CCD, but rather amplifies the video signal electronically. As is the case with a gain up in a video camera, the noise component of the signal is also amplified.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES FORMATTING A COMPACT FLASH CARD Formatting a Compact Flash card removes all protected and unprotected images from the card. The standard accessory cards are pre-formatted. Compact Flash cards purchased separately may need formatting. This deletes all write-protected images. Take extreme care when formatting. 1 Turn the Control dial to PLAY. 2 Press the MENU button. 3 Press the button until DELETE is highlighted, then press the SET button.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES 4 Press the button until FORMAT is highlighted, then press the SET button. • A confirmation screen will appear. 5 Press the button until YES is highlighted, then press the SET button. • The LCD monitor will return to the PLAY screen after the card is formatted.
FLASH USING FLASH Your camera has a Minolta standard accessory shoe for attaching dedicated flash units (Accessory Information p.114). Flash units can also be attached to the camera using a sync cord via the PC terminal. The accessory flash’s AF illuminator will be activated when necessary. Accessory Flash Notes • To use a 1000 series AF flash unit, the Flash Shoe Adapter FS-1100 must be attached to the camera. When the flash is on, the flash will fire each time the shutter is released.
FLASH FLASH SIGNALS When the shutter-release button is pressed partway down, the necessary flash signals will appear. Flash-on indicator LIT AND , Flash signals FLASH CHARGING. LIT BLINKING (AFTER TAKING PHOTO) FLASH CHARGED. FLASH OUTPUT WAS SUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE CORRECT EXPOSURE.
FLASH PC TERMINAL This camera is equipped with a PC connector which enables you to connect PC-capable flash units with a flash sync cord. Set the exposure mode to M, then set the shutter to 1/125 or slower. Manually set white balance to the flash mode (see page 58). • Turn the flash unit off before connecting the sync cord to the PC terminal or the flash unit may fire unexpectedly while connecting. • Your camera’s PC terminal is compatible with both center-positive and centernegative flash units.
FLASH USING FLASH IN P, A, S, AND M MODES P Mode Flash When a programmable flash is attached and power is ON it will fire automatically when flash becomes necessary. Shutter speed and aperture value are determined automatically The Flash-on indicator is lit in the viewfinder when the flash is fired. The flash will not fire when the Flash-on indicator is extinguished, or when the flash power supply is OFF.
FLASH SLOW-SHUTTER SYNC In P and A modes, slow-shutter sync sets a slower shutter speed to increase the background or ambient lighting exposure in a flash picture. Flash output will automatically be decreased to maintain a correct exposure of your subject. With Slow-Shutter Sync Without Slow-Shutter Sync 1 Frame your subject. 2 While pressing the SPOT button, press the shutter-release button all-the-way down to take the picture.
FLASH • If the background is bright or a small aperture is a set (in A mode), the shutter speed may not be reduced. • Use a tripod if the shutter speed becomes too slow to allow sharp, hand-held pictures after you press the SPOT button.
FLASH FLASH COMPENSATION This function enables you to bias the output of an accessory flash as much as + or – 3 EVs in 0.5 EV increments. 1 Press and hold the Exposurecompensation button and the manual fill-flash button. 2 Turn the Front dial until the desired compensation factor appears in the data panel and viewfinder, then release the buttons. 3 • will remain in the data panel. • will remain in the viewfinder. • Flash compensation does not operate with flash units connected to the PC terminal.
FLASH WIRELESS/REMOTE OFF-CAMERA FRASH The separately available 5400HS or 5400xi programm flash units are necessary for Wireless/Remote off-camera flash photography. Photo 1 Normal Flash A flat, lifeless photograph may result when the flash is attached to the camera. In such cases, remove the flash from the camera and reposition it to provide shadows to provide a three-dimensional feel to the photograph (see Photo 2).
FLASH Wireless/Remote off-camera flash is used as follows: 1 Wireless/Remote off-camera flash photography with a program flash unit attached to the camera, and the camera supplying the flash signal. The 5400HS or 5400xi programm flash units must be attached to the camera for Wireless/Remote off-camera flash photography (ie two program flash units are required). See the 5400HS or 5400xi manual for details. This illustration shows a singlelens reflex camera.
PLAY 87
VIEWING IMAGES The captured images are displayed in the LCD monitor in Play mode. It is possible to view the images full-screen or view them in index form. VIEWING FULL SCREEN View one full-frame image at a time. 1 With the Control dial lock button pushed in the direction, turn the Control dial to the right to the PLAY position. • After a short wait the last image recorded is displayed on the LCD monitor. 2 Press the and buttons to scroll through the images.
VIEWING IMAGES VIEWING AN IMAGE INDEX This function displays four or nine frames on the LCD monitor simultaneously, and is therefore a convenient way to find the desired image. 1 With the Control dial lock button pushed in the direction, turn the Control dial to the right to the PLAY position. • After a short wait the last image recorded is displayed on the LCD monitor. 2 Press the SET button on the back of the camera. • The LCD monitor changes from single-frame play to index play.
VIEWING IMAGES 3 Use the or button on the back of the camera to move the border to the image to be viewed. • Pressing the button moves the border to the previous image. Pressing the button moves the border to the next image. • The image will appear coarse immediately after it is selected, however it will gradually become clear as it is read from the memory. • When the border is on the image at bottom-right, pressing the button displays the next four or nine frames.
VIEWING IMAGES 4 Press the SET button on the back of the camera. • The LCD monitor changes from index play to single-frame play. • The image enclosed in the red border appears on the LCD monitor. • The diagrams below, and on the next page, include frame numbers for the purposes of clarity in explaining index play. These numbers do not appear during index play.
VIEWING IMAGES Index play displays pages of four or nine frames. If, as shown in the example below, the nine-frame index play is selected when the seventh frame is displayed, the nine-frame page containing the seventh frame is displayed. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 The LCD monitor is blank if there is no image data. If, for example, only 25 frames have been saved in the compact flash card, the 26th and later frames will be displayed as black on the LCD monitor.
CHANGING THE INDEX DISPLAY Set the index display to a 4-image index or 9-image index. 1 Press the MENU button on the back of the camera. • The top menu will appear. 2 Press the or button as required to move the highlight to INDEX, and then press the SET button. • The INDEX menu will appear. 3 Press the or button as required to move the highlight to INDEX 4 (four-image index) or INDEX 9 (nine-image index), and then press the SET button. • Index play uses the selected setting.
DELETING A SINGLE IMAGE Delete a single, unprotected image from the compact flash card in the camera. As a deleted image cannot be recovered, care is required when deleting images. Important images can be write-protected to prevent accidental deletion (see page 98). 1 Turn the Control dial to PLAY. 2 Select the desired image. • Press the or button until the image appears in the LCD monitor. In Index display, press the or button until a border appears around the desired image. 3 Press the MENU button.
DELETING A SINGLE IMAGE 4 Press the button until DELETE is highlighted, then press the SET button. 5 Press the button until DELETE is highlighted, then press the SET button. • A confirmation screen will appear. 6 Press the button until YES is highlighted, then press the SET button. • The LCD monitor will return to the PLAY screen after the image is deleted. 7 Repeat [2] to [6] if you have other images to be deleted.
CLEARING UNPROTECTED IMAGES Clearing removes all unprotected images from the compact flash card in the camera. AS A DELETED IMAGE CANNOT BE RECOVERED, CARE IS REQUIRED WHEN DELETING IMAGES. 1 Turn the Control dial to PLAY. 2 Press the MENU button. 3 Press the button until DELETE is highlighted, then press the SET button.
CLEARING UNPROTECTED IMAGES 4 Press the button until ALL CLEAR is highlighted, then press the SET button. • A confirmation screen will appear. 5 Press the button until YES is highlighted, then press the SET button. • The LCD monitor will return to the PLAY screen after the image is deleted. • Protected images will remain on the compact flash card after clearing.
PROTECTING IMAGES PROTECTING IMAGES Important images can be write-protected to guard them from accidental deletion. Protected images cannot be removed from the CF card in the camera by Using the Delete or Clear All functions. PROTECTED IMAGES WILL BE REMOVED WHEN THE FORMAT FUNCTION IS USED. 1 Turn the Control dial to PLAY. 2 Select the desired image. • Press the or button until the image appears in the LCD monitor. In Index display, press the and buttons until a border appears around the desired image.
PROTECTING IMAGES 4 Press the button until PROTECT is highlighted, then press the SET button. • The PROTECT menu will appear. 5 Press the button until ON is highlighted, then press the SET button. • The camera will return to the Play screen and will appear in the information bar when the image is selected. 6 Repeat steps [2] to [5] for any other images to be write-protected.
PROTECTING IMAGES UNPROTECTING IMAGES 1 Display the images for which write-protect is to be cleared with steps [1] to [2] on page 98. 2 Select the Protect menu with steps [3] to [4] (see pages 98, 99), highlight OFF with step [5] , and press the SET button. • This clears write-protect for the displayed image. • The write-protect icon at the bottom left of the LCD monitor disappears. 3 Repeat [1] to [2] for any other images for which write-protect is to be cleared.
PROTECTING IMAGES When an attempt is made to delete a write-protected image, PROTECT appears on the LCD monitor as shown below to indicate that the image cannot be deleted.
ADJUSTING THE LCD MONITOR BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST The camera’s LCD monitor brightness and contrast can be adjusted to compensate for varying lighting conditions and viewing angles. • Changing the LCD brightness/contrast does not affect the brightness/contrast of recorded images. 1 With the Control dial lock button pushed in the direction, turn the Control dial to the right to the PLAY position. 2 Press the MENU button on the back of the camera. • The top menu will appear.
ADJUSTING THE LCD MONITOR BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST 4 Press the or button to highlight BRIGHTNESS on the LCD monitor BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST menu, and press the SET button. • The BRIGHTNESS menu will appear. • Skip this adjustment if brightness is satisfactory, and go directly to [7]. 5 Press the or button to adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor. • Pressing the button increases the brightness of the LCD monitor. Pressing it once increases by one the number of symbols in the right of the bar.
ADJUSTING THE LCD MONITOR BRIGHTNESS/CONTRAST 7 Press the or button a number of times to highlight CONTRAST, and press the SET button. • The LCD monitor CONTRAST menu will appear. • Skip this adjustment if contrast is satisfactory, and go directly to [10]. 8 Press the or button to adjust the contrast of the LCD monitor. • Pressing the button increases the contrast of the LCD monitor. Pressing it once increases by one the number of symbols in the right of the bar.
CHECKING FLASH CARD STATUS A CF card information screen is available to give information about the amount of card memory used, the amount available, and estimates on the number of images that can fit in the remaining space. 1 Turn the Control dial to PLAY. 2 Press the MENU button. 3 Press the button until CARD INFO is highlighted, then press the SET button. • The Card Info menu will appear.
CHECKING FLASH CARD STATUS Total card memory Memory remaining Number of recorded images on the card Estimated number of images for each quality setting that can fit in the remaining space • The displayed value for the remaining number of frames which may be displayed is only a guide. Depending on the scenes photographed, it may not be possible to display this number of frames in practice. 4 Press the SET button on the back of the camera, or press the MENU button.
VIDEO OUT It is possible to view images in the camera on your television. This camera has a video-out terminal which allows you to connect the camera to your television using the Video Cable VC-EX1. 1 Turn off the television and the camera. 2 Open the terminal cover on the camera. 3 Insert the mini plug end of the Video Cable VC-EX1 into the camera’s video out terminal. 4 Plug the other end of the video cable into the video input terminal on the television. 5 Turn the television and the camera on.
REPLACING THE CLOCK BACKUP BATTERY The clock in this camera uses a 3V lithium battery (CR2025). If this battery is exhausted the clock settings in the camera will be lost when the main camera batteries are removed. If this battery is exhausted the display at left appears on the data panel when camera power is switched on, or when the shutter button is lightly pressed. In this case, replace the clock backup battery as described below.
REPLACING THE CLOCK BACKUP BATTERY 3 Insert the new battery. • Press the battery into the recess until a click is heard (diagram at bottom left), ensuring that the + sign is on the left (diagram at top left). 4 Close the clock battery cover. • The date and time will need to be reset (see page 28).
CLEANING THE LENS IN THE RELAY OPTICAL SYSTEM If dirt appears on the image on the screen, clean the lens in the relay optical system with the following procedure. • The function of this camera is used to clean the lens in the relay optical system. It is not to be used for extra-long exposures. • Use of the function requires considerable power from the battery, and it is therefore recommended that the AC adaptor be used with the camera when cleaning the lens in the relay optical system. 1 Remove the lens.
CLEANING THE LENS IN THE RELAY OPTICAL SYSTEM 4 Select the M (Manual) mode (see page 56), turn the dial to display in the shutter speed section of the data panel. 5 Gently press the shutter-release button and release it. • The mirror remains raised, and the shutter curtain remains open, revealing the lens in the relay optical system. 6 Gently clean the lens with a blower or a cotton bud. • Rub the lens gently. • Do not use a blower powered with a gas bottle.
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APPENDIX 113
ACCESSORY INFORMATION This camera is designed to work specifically with lenses, flash units, and other accessories manufactured and distributed by Minolta. Using incompatible accessories with this camera may result in unsatisfactory performance or damage to the camera and accessories. Lenses * 35mm equivalents listed in parenthesis. V Lens 22-80 f/4 - 5.6 (33-120mm) V Lens 80-240 f/4.5 - 5.6 APO (120-360mm) V Lens 28-56 f/4 - 5.6 (42-84mm) V Lens 50mm f/3.5 Macro (75mm) V Lens 25-150 f/4.5-6.
ACCESSORY INFORMATION Not Compatible Close-up Diffuser CD-1000 Eyepiece Connector 1000 Wireless Controller IR-1N 115
FILE SIZE/CARD CAPACITY The file size of the image is determined by the selected image Quality (see page 40). There are four image Quality (compression ratio) options; Super Fine, Fine, Standard, and Economy.
CAMERA WARNINGS MODE P DISPLAY Shutter speed and aperture blink CAUSE Light level is beyond the range of available shutter speeds and apertures. ACTION In bright light, attach a neutral density (ND) filter, use film with lower film speed, or reduce the overall brightness of your surroundings.
CAMERA WARNINGS MODE ALL DISPLAY CArd and the frame counter appears. CAUSE The compact flash card is full. ACTION Use one of the following options to reclaim space: PAGE 76 94 96 • Delete unwanted images. • Transfer images to a PC hard drive, then Clear or Format the card. • Clear or Format the card. • Use a new compact flash card. • Select a lower compression ratio. ALL CArd appears and -blinks in the frame counter. The compact flash card is not formatted for this camera.
CAMERA WARNINGS MODE DISPLAY CAUSE ACTION PAGE ALL CUSt Er appears There was an error creating the custom White Balance setting. Try again. 60 ALL dAtE - - briefly appears The clock battery power is low. Change the clock battery.
TROUBLESHOOTING Refer to these pages to determine the cause of a problem you are experiencing with your camera. If the information does not cover the problem which you are experiencing or the condition continues, contact your nearest Minolta Service Facility. PROBLEM NO DISPLAY APPEARS WHEN THE CAMERA IS SWITCHED ON CAUSE SOLUTION Batteries are loaded incorrectly Remove and reinsert the batteries. Batteries are exhausted If the camera battery is exhausted, install a new battery.
TROUBLESHOOTING CLEARING THE RELEASE LOCK This camera is designed so that, when the compact flash card is inserted in the camera, the shutter does not operate until the lens is attached. When a lens other than those noted on P114, for example the astronomical telescope, is fitted this function must be cleared. 1 With the DRIVE button and the SPOT button pressed, turn the dial to REC or . 2 Release the two buttons if appears on the data panel.
CARE AND STORAGE Cleaning • If the camera or lens barrel is dirty, wipe it gently with a soft, clean, dry cloth. If the camera or lens comes in contact with sand, gently blow away loose particles – wiping may scratch the surface. • To clean the lens surface, first brush away any dust or sand then, if necessary, moisten a lens tissue with lens cleaning fluid and gently wipe the lens in a circular motion, starting from the center. • Never place lens fluid directly on the lens.
CARE AND STORAGE Before Important Events • Always check camera operation carefully, or take test photographs. • Minolta is not responsible for damages incurred by equipment malfunction. Questions and Service • If you have questions about your camera, contact your local camera dealer or write to the Minolta distributor in your area. • Before shipping your camera for repair, please contact an authorized Minolta Service Facility for details.
TECHNICAL DETAILS TYPE SLR type digital camera with interchangeable lenses. CCDs Two 1/2 inch 1.5 million pixel, progressive CCDs Final Resolution: approx. 2.7 million Filter: Primary colour, low-pass filter Bit Depth: 24 bit colour IMAGE SIZE 1984 x 1360 pixels, Aspect Ratio: 1: 1.
TECHNICAL DETAILS VIEWFINDER Type: Field of view: Magnification: Diopter: Eye relief: SLR type, TTL replay-optical finder with acute matte approx. 94% x 95% 0.8x –4 to +2 diopters high eyepoint, 25 mm from the eyepiece lens DRIVE MODE Single-frame advance, continuous advance (approximately 1.5 frames/second, up to 5 frames), Self-timer (approx.10 second delayed release), Remote -control (Ir, RC-3 sold separately) LCD MONITOR Type: Pixels: 2 inch, low temperature, poly-silicon, colour TFT LCD module.
MEMO 126
MEMO 127
Minolta Co., Ltd. 3-13, 2-Chome, Azuchi-Machi, Chuo-Ku, Osaka 541-8556, Japan Minolta Corporation Head Office Los Angeles Branch Minolta Canada Inc. Head Office 369 Britannia Road East, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 2H5, Canada Minolta GmbH Minolta France S.A. Minolta (UK) Limited Minolta Austria Ges. m.b.H. Minolta Camera Benelux B.V. Belgium Branch Minolta (Schweiz) AG Minolta Svenska AB Finland Branch Minolta Portugal Limitada Minolta Hong Kong Limited Minolta Singapore (Pte) Ltd.
DIGITAL CAMERA E CAMERA INSTRUCTION MANUAL
