E INSTRUCTION MANUAL 9222-2787-11 P-A306 ME-0306
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 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.
• 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.
• Do not use this product in a humid environment, or operate this product with wet hands. If liquid enters the product, immediately remove the batteries or unplug the AC adapter and discontinue use. The continued use of a product exposed to liquids may cause damage or injury through fire or electric shock. • Do not use the product near inflammable gases or liquids such as gasoline, benzine, or paint thinner. Do not use inflammable products such as alcohol, benzine, or paint thinner to clean the product.
CAUTION • Do not use or store the product in a hot or humid environment such as the glove compartment or trunk of a car. It may damage the product and batteries which may result in burns or injuries caused by heat, fire, explosion, or leaking battery fluid. • If batteries are leaking, discontinue use of the product. • The camera temperature rises with extended periods of use. Care should be taken to avoid burns.
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.
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. The basic operation of this camera is covered in the recording - basic operation section between pages 22 and 29, and the playback - basic operation section between pages 30 and 33. 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.
Playback - basic operation ...................................................................................................................30 Single-frame playback display .................................................................................................30 Viewing images .......................................................................................................................31 Deleting single images .............................................................................
Playback - advanced operation ............................................................................................................62 Playing back voice memos and audio captions.......................................................................62 Playing back movies ................................................................................................................63 Main menu navigation - playback-mode..................................................................................
Data-transfer mode...............................................................................................................................89 System requirements...............................................................................................................89 Connecting the camera to a computer ....................................................................................90 Connecting to Windows 98 and 98SE...........................................................................
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. 107). Shutter-release button Main switch Lens* Flash (p. 28) Self-portrait mirror (p. 41) AV-out-terminal/ USB-port Card slot DC terminal (p. 16) Microphone Indicator lamp Battery chamber door (p.
Recording-mode switch (p. 22) Controller Strap eyelets (p. 16) Menu button Playback button (p.
GETTING UP AND RUNNING INSERTING THE BATTERY This digital camera uses two AA-size alkaline batteries or NI-MH batteries, but rechargeable NI-MH batteries are recommended because of longer life. When using NI-MH batteries, fully recharge them with a battery charger suitable for complex electronic equipment. Please consult your vendor about an appropriate charger. Before using the battery, read the safety warnings on pages 3 and 6 of this manual. When replacing the battery, the camera should be turned off.
BATTERY-CONDITION INDICATOR This camera is equipped with an automatic battery-condition indicator displayed on the LCD monitor. The icon will change from white to red when battery power is low. Full-battery icon - the battery is fully charged. This icon is displayed when the camera is on. Half-full-battery icon - the battery is partially charged. This icon is displayed when the camera is turned on. The LCD monitor will turn off when the flash is charging. Low-battery warning - battery power is very low.
AC ADAPTER (SOLD SEPARATELY) Always turn off the camera before changing between power supplies. The AC-6L Adapter 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. 1 Insert the mini plug of the AC adapter into the DC terminal (1). Insert the AC adapter plug into an electrical outlet. ATTACHING THE STRAP Always keep the strap attached in case the camera is accidentally dropped.
Using strap A Turn the strap eyelet so that strap A can pass through it.(1) 2 1 Pass the small loop of strap A through the strap eyelet on the camera body (2). Pass the other end of the strap through the small loop and tighten (3). 3 Using both straps A and B 1 Pass the small loop of strap B through the other strap eyelet or the loop of strap A (1). 2 Pass the end of strap B through the link of the strap A (2). Pass the tip of strap B through the buckle and pull to tighten (3).
INSTALLING AND REMOVING A MEMORY CARD Always turn off the camera and confirm the flash/access lamp is not orange and blinking before changing the memory card, otherwise the card may be damaged, and data lost. An SD (Secure Digital) Memory card or MultiMediaCard must be inserted for the camera to operate. If a card has not been inserted, a no-card warning will appear on the LCD monitor; the shutter can still be released and a single image can be captured (p. 58).
ABOUT MEMORY CARDS The response time during recording and playback is longer with MultiMediaCards compared with SD Memory Cards. This is not a defect, but rather due to the specifications of the cards. When using large capacity cards, some operations like deletion may take longer. The SD Memory Card has a write-protect switch to prevent image data from being deleted. By sliding the switch to the bottom of the card, the data will be protected. However, when the card is protected, images cannot be recorded.
SETTING THE DATE AND TIME After initially inserting a memory card and charging the battery, the camera’s clock and calendar must be set on the setup menu. When images are recorded, the image data is saved with the date and time of recording. Depending on the region, the menu language may also have to be set. To change the language, see the camera notes on the following page. 1 Turn the camera on by pressing the main switch near the shutter-release button (1).
Navigating the setup menu is simple. The four-way keys of the controller move the cursor and change settings on the menu. Pressing the center of the controller selects menu options and sets adjustments. Use the right key to highlight section 3 at the top of the menu. Date/Time set Date format YYYY/MM/DD Video output NTSC Transfer mode Date storage Use the down key to highlight the date/timeset menu option. Press the right key. “Enter” will appear on the right side of the menu.
RECORDING MODE - BASIC OPERATION This section covers basic recording operation. To prepare the camera for use, read pages 14 through 21. HANDLING THE CAMERA While using LCD monitor, grip the camera firmly with your right hand while supporting the camera body with your left. Keep your elbows at your side and your feet shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steadily. When taking vertical pictures, hold the camera so that the flash is above the lens with the shutter-release button to the top.
USING THE ZOOM LENS This camera is equipped with a unique 4.8 - 14.4mm zoom lens. This is equivalent to a 37 to 111mm lens on a 35mm camera. The lens is operated by the controller at the back of the camera. The effect of the optical zoom is visible on the LCD monitor. To zoom in on the subject, push the up key (T) of the controller. To zoom out, push the down key (W) of the controller. The digital-zoom function can increase the power of the lens.
LCD MONITOR DISPLAY - BASIC LCD monitor Recording mode Flash modes (p. 36) Image size (p. 43) Image quality (p. 43) Battery-condition indicator (p. 15) Focus frame Camera-shake warning (p. 24) Drive mode (p. 38) Frame counter (p. 44) Focus signal (p. 27) CAMERA-SHAKE WARNING If the shutter speed falls below the point where the camera can be hand held safely, the camera-shake warning indicator will appear on the monitor.
BASIC RECORDING OPERATION Turn the camera on and slide the recording-mode switch to the recording position. Place the subject within the focus frame on the LCD monitor. • The focus-lock function (p. 26) can be used with off-center subjects. 1 2 Press the shutter-release button partway down (1) to lock the focus and exposure. • The focus signals (p. 27) on the monitor will confirm that the image is in focus. If the monitor focus signal is red, the camera was unable to focus on the subject.
FOCUS LOCK The focus-lock function is used when you want to compose the image with the subject off-center and outside the focus frame. Focus lock may also be used when a special focusing situation prevents the camera from focusing on the subject. This function is controlled with the shutter-release button. Place the subject within the monitor focus frame. Press and hold the shutter-release button partway down to lock the focus. • The focus signal on the monitor will indicate if the focus is locked.
FOCUS SIGNALS This digital camera has a quick, accurate autofocusing system. The focus signal in the lower right corner of the LCD monitor indicates the focus status. The shutter can be released regardless of whether the camera can focus on the subject or not. Focus confirmed - the LCD monitor focus signal is white. Focus is locked. Cannot focus - the LCD monitor focus signal is red. Focus signal SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS The camera may not be able to focus in certain situations.
FLASH SIGNALS The flash mode indicator of the LCD monitor indicates the flash status, when the shutterrelease button is pressed partway down. While the flash is charging, the shutter cannot be released. Flash charging - Flash mode indicator is red. Focus is locked. Flash ready - Flash mode indicator is white.
LCD MONITOR DISPLAY - RECORDING MODE Pressing and holding the central button of the controller switches the LCD monitor display between full display and live image only. Live image only central button of the controller Full display The battery-condition and date-imprinting indicators can appear on the live image only display. When auto reset is active, the LCD monitor will be reset to the full display when the camera is turned off.
PLAYBACK - BASIC OPERATION Images can be viewed in the playback mode. This section covers the basic operation in the playback mode. The playback mode has additional functions, see page 62. To view images from the playback mode, press the playback button. To return to the recording mode, press the playback button again or operate the recording mode switch. SINGLE-FRAME PLAYBACK DISPLAY Mode indicator Magnification display (p. 33) Image-size display (p. 43) Image-quality indicator (p.
VIEWING IMAGES In the playback mode, use the left/right keys of the controller to scroll through the images on the memory card. The images can be scrolled faster by holding the left/right keys. Controller DELETING SINGLE IMAGES To delete a displayed image, use the main menu of the recording-mode. Press the menu button to display the main menu on the LCD monitor, then use the controller to select the delete icon.
LCD MONITOR DISPLAY - PLAYBACK MODE Pressing and holding the central button of the controller switches LCD monitor display between full display and image only. central button of the controller image only Full display Index playback 32 PLAYBACK - BASIC OPERATION Index display can be shown by holding the down key until the display is changed. In index playback, the left/right of the controller move the yellow border around the index thumbnails.
ENLARGED PLAYBACK In single-frame playback, a still image can be enlarged by up to 6X in 0.2X increments. With the image to be magnified displayed, press the up key of the controller to activate the enlarged playback mode. The degree of magnification is displayed on the LCD monitor. Pressing the up key increases the image magnification. Pressing the down key decreases the image magnification. Holding the central button of the controller switches between showing the full display and image only.
RECORDING - ADVANCED OPERATION LCD MONITOR DISPLAY - ADVANCED Microphone indicator Portrait (p. 47) Toning (p. 46) Digital zoom (p. 55) Image size (p. 43) Image quality (p. 43) Focus frame (p. 48) Drive mode (p. 38) Frame counter (p. 44) Date-imprinting indicator (p. 54) Focus signal (p. 27) Exposure compensation Camera-sensitivity display (p. 51) White balance (p. 42) LCD monitor Flash modes (p.
To activate the main menu of the recording menu, press the menu button. Use the controller to highlight the desired menu options. Flash mode Press the central button to go into the selected options. Auto Press the up and down keys until the desired setting is selected. Pressing the menu button goes back to recording-mode. Redeye Fill flash Cancel Night Port. Press the central button of the controller to adjust the selected settings.
FLASH MODES Auto Redeye Fill flash Cancel Night Port. The flash can be used when taking still images. The flash mode is selected in the main menu of the recording mode (P.34). The active flash mode is displayed in the top left corner of the LCD monitor. When the camera is turned off and auto reset (p. 52) is active, the flash mode is reset to autoflash with red-eye reduction if this mode was last set, if not the mode will be reset to autoflash.
Fill-flash - the flash fires with each exposure regardless of the amount of ambient light. Fill-flash can be used to reduce harsh shadows caused by strong direct light or sunshine. Flash cancel - the flash will not fire. Use flash cancel when flash photography is prohibited, natural light is desired to illuminate the subject, or the subject is beyond the flash range. The camera-shake warning may appear when flash cancel is selected (p. 24). Night portrait - for flash portraits at night.
DRIVE MODES The drive modes control the rate and method of image capture. Indicators indicating the selected drive mode appear on the monitor. The drive mode is selected in the main menu of the recording-mode (p. 34). If auto reset (p. 52) is active, the drive mode is reset to single-frame advance when the camera is turned off. Single-frame advance - to take a single image each time the shutter-release button is pressed. This is the camera’s default setting.
Self-timer Used for self-portraits, the self-timer will delay the release of the shutter for approximately ten seconds after the shutter-release button is pressed. The self-timer drive mode is selected in the drive mode on the main menu of the recording-mode (p. 34). With the camera on a tripod, compose the picture as described in the basic recording operation section (p. 25). Focus lock (p. 26) can be used with offcenter subjects.
Continuous advance The continuous-advance drive mode allows a series of images to be captured while holding down the shutter-release button. The number of images that can be captured at one time and the rate of capture depend on the image-quality and image-size setting. With the image-size setting of 1600 X 1200, the maximum rate of capture is 1.5 fps. Continuous advance is selected in the drive mode on the main menu of the recordingmode (p. 34).
Multi frame In multi frame, pressing the shutter release button once captures a series of nine thumbnail images and creates one image. Multi frame can be selected in the drive mode section of the recording-mode main menu (p.34). During the exposure, the indicator lamp on the front of the camera glows. Flash is canceled automatically. It is recommended that multi-frame mode is used when there is enough light to get a wellexposed picture. Shutter FX is disabled (p.87).
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 setting are available with still image and movie recording. White balance is set on the main menu of the recording-mode (p. 34) or the main menu of the movie-recording menu (p. 60). When auto reset (p.
IMAGE SIZE AND IMAGE QUALITY Changing image size affects the number of pixels in each image. 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. FINE STD. ECON. LCD monitor 1600 1280 640 Number of pixels (hor. X vert.) 1600 X 1200 1280 X 960 640 X 480 Fine - high-quality image. (JPEG) Standard - the default setting.
The Frame Counter and Memory Card Capacity If image size or quality are changed, the frame counter will display the approximate number of images that can be recorded at that setting on the installed memory card. One memory card can contain images with differing sizes and qualities. The number of images that can be stored on a memory card is determined by the size of the card and the file size of the images. The actual file size is determined by the scene; some subjects can be compressed further than others.
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 with still image and movie recording. The exposurecompensation value will remain in effect until it has been reset. Exposure compensation can be set on the main menu of the recording-mode (p. 34). Exposure compensation can be controlled with left/right key with customizing key function (P.50). The exposure compensation must be set before the image is captured.
TONING Color and five tone settings are available with still image and movie recording. Toning controls whether an image is color or black and white as well as sepia color or red tone, blue tone, green tone. The toning can be set in the recording-mode main menu (p.34) or the in the movie recording main menu (p.60). The live image on the monitor will reflect the selected mode. This has no effect on the file size. When auto reset (P.
PORTRAIT In portrait, digital effects such as full soft-filter or partial over-expose can be used on the subject to get more natural skin tones. By adjusting the tone curve, the true luminousity of objects in the vicinity of the skin can be restored. Fill flash is automatically set to get the effect of the catchlight in the eye. Change the flash mode to flash cancel if it is not necessary. The indicator will be displayed on the LCD monitor to indicate the portrait mode is active.
NAVIGATING THE RECORDING-MODE MENU Selecting the menu icon on the main menu displays the recording-mode menu on the LCD monitor. See page 34 to navigate the main menu. Navigating the recording-mode menu is simple. The left/right and up/down keys of the controller move the cursor and change settings on the menu. Pressing the center button of the controller selects menu options and sets adjustments. MENU Key func.
Use the zoom lever to highlight the new setting. Press the center button of the controller to select the highlighted setting. Once a setting has been selected, the cursor will return to the menu options and the new setting will be displayed. You can continue to make further changes. To return to the recording mode, press the menu button. 1 Key func. Sensitivity 2 Flash mode Exp.
CUSTOMIZING KEY FUNCTIONS The left/right keys can be assigned for certain functions (flash mode, drive mode, white balance and exposure compensation) in the section 1 of the recording-mode menu. The default setting is off. All of these functions affect the movie-recording mode except for the drive mode and flash mode. Select the key func. option in section 1 of the recording mode menu. Use the up/down keys to select the function (1). Press the central controller button to set the function (2).
CAMERA SENSITIVITY - ISO Five camera sensitivity settings can be selected with a still image: Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400; the numerical values are based on an ISO equivalent. ISO is the standard used to indicate film sensitivity: the higher the number, the more sensitive the film. Sensitivity can be changed in section 1 of the recording-mode menu. The auto setting automatically adjusts the camera sensitivity to the light conditions between ISO 64 and ISO 200.
AUTO RESET When auto reset is active, the following functions return to their program setting when the camera is turned off. Auto reset is initially on. This function can be turned off in the section 1 of the recordingmode menu (p. 48). Flash mode Drive mode White balance Camera sensitivity Exposure compensation LCD monitor display Toning Portrait (p. 36) (p. 38) (p. 42) (p. 51) (p. 45) (p. 29) (p. 46) (p. 47) – – – – – – – – Auto Single-frame advance Auto Auto 0.
VOICE MEMO Voice memo allows an audio track up to fifteen seconds long to be recorded with a still image. The function is activated in the section 1 of the recording-mode menu (p. 48). When the function is active, the microphone indicator is displayed on the LCD monitor. The voice memo must be set before taking a picture. It will remain in effect until reset. After an image is captured, a screen will appear indicating the audio recording has started.
DATE IMPRINTING The date and time of recording can be printed directly on the image. The imprinting function must be activated before the image is taken. Once activated, the date will continue to be imprinted until the function is reset; a yellow bar is displayed behind the frame counter on the monitor to indicate the imprinting function is active. Date imprinting is activated with the section 1 of the recording-mode menu (p. 48). Date imprinting has two menu options. The YYYY/MM/DD option prints the date.
DIGITAL ZOOM The digital zoom is activated in section 2 of the recording-mode menu (p. 48). The digital zoom increases the magnification of the greatest telephoto setting of the optical zoom by up to 4X in 0.1X increments. Although the images recorded with the digital zoom are interpolated to the set image size, the quality of the images may not be equal to images taken without the digital zoom; the greater the power of the digital zoom the lower the image quality.
INSTANT PLAYBACK After a still image is captured, it can be displayed on the monitor for two seconds before being saved. Instant playback shows the last frame in the series when used with the continuous-advance drive mode (p. 40). Instant playback can be activated in section 2 of the recording-mode menu (p. 48). When used with voice memo, the audio recording will begin after the image is played back.
FILE NUMBER (#) MEMORY If file number memory is selected, when a new folder is created, the first file stored in the folder will have a number one greater than the last file saved. If the file number memory is disabled, the image file number will be 0001. File number memory is activated in section 2 of the recording-mode menu (p.48).
RECORDING WITHOUT A MEMORY CARD If no memory card is installed in the camera, a single still image can be recorded and saved in the camera’s buffer memory. Only the last image captured is stored; each time an image is captured, it replaces the image data saved in the buffer. If the camera is turned off, the image data is deleted from the buffer memory. Playback mode can be used to view the image. Voice memo cannot be used. Minolta history In the center of the Sakai plant in Japan is Okina bridge.
MOVIE RECORDING This camera can record digital video with sound. Total recording time varies with the image size and the memory card capacity, see the main menu navigation movie mode on page 60. In movie recording, some functions can be used, some are fixed, and some are disabled, see the notes section on page 61. Slide the recording mode switch to the movie recording position. 2 1 Place the subject in the focus frames and press the shutter-release button partway down to lock focus (1).
MAIN MENU NAVIGATION - MOVIE-MODE With movie-mode activated, the menu button shows the movie-mode main menu. The following four options are available. 1.image size (320X240 / 160X120) 2.exposure compensation 3.white balance 4.toning 4 1 3 SETUP Selecting the setup icon located in the center of the main menu leads to setup menu. 2 Image size has two settings, 320X240 and 160X120. Image size not only affects the resolution of the movie image, but also changes the maximum length of the movie clip.
To activate the movie-mode main menu, press the menu button. Use the controller to highlight the desired menu options. SETUP Press the center button to go into the selected options. 320 X 240 160 X 120 Press the up and down keys until the desired setting is selected. Press the central button of the controller to adjust the selected setting to the option. Selecting the SETUP icon while in the main menu leads to setup menu, see page 82.
PLAYBACK - ADVANCED OPERATION The basic functions in this mode are described in the basic playback section on pages 30 through 33. This section covers how to playback movie clips and audio tracks as well as the advanced functions on the playback menu. PLAYING BACK VOICE MEMOS AND AUDIO CAPTIONS Voice memos (p. 53) and audio captions (p. 71) can be played back in the playback mode.
PLAYING BACK MOVIES Movie clips are played back the same way. Use the left/right keys of the controller to display the movie. Press the center of the controller to play back a movie. : play Movie file Press the controller to pause the movie ; press the controller again to resume the playback. Pause REW FWD FWD Vol ~ RWD „ ˚ During playback, the up/down keys adjust the volume and the left/right keys rewind and fast forward the recording.
MAIN MENU NAVIGATION - PLAYBACK-MODE With playback-mode activated, pressing the menu button displays the playback-mode main menu, on which the menu options can be set for an image currently displayed on the LCD monitor or for starting operations. The following eight options are available. 7 4 2 1 6 MENU 3 5 8 1. delete - delete a displayed image (p.69) 2. lock - lock a displayed image (p.70) 3. audio caption - attach an audio caption to an image (p.71) 4.
NAVIGATING THE PLAYBACK-MODE MENU MENU Selecting the menu icon on the main menu leads to the playback-mode menu, on which menu options for multiple files and detailed settings are available. See next page for options in playback mode. 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 center button of the controller selects menu options and sets adjustments. Delete Lock Copt to Fav..
Menu Options in the Playback Mode 1 Delete Lock This frame All frames Marked frames Unlock all Copy favorites This frame Marked frames Rotate This frame Marked frames Image pasting Enter Slide show Playback Duration Repeat Enter All frames Marked frames 1 - 60 sec. Yes / No Dissolve On / Off PLAYBACK - ADVANCED OPERATION No Choosing “Yes” will execute the operation, “No” will cancel it.
3 DPOF set This frame All frames Marked frames Cancel all Yes / No This frame Marked frames 640 X 480 160 X 120 Index print E-mail Copy Image size Number of copies Yes No Folder name Refer to the following sections for details on the menu options and their settings. SETUP Pressing the central button with the setup section selected, leads to setup menu (p.82).
FRAME-SELECTION SCREEN When a marked-frames setting is chosen on the menu, the frame selection screen will appear. This screen allows multiple image and audio files to be chosen. The left/right keys of the controller move the yellow border to select the image. The up key of the controller selects the frame; when selected, an indicator will appear next to the image. The down key will deselect the image removing the indicator. When an image needs to be rotated, the up/down keys will control rotation.
DELETING IMAGE AND AUDIO FILES Deleting permanently erases the file. Once deleted, a file cannot be recovered. Care should be taken when deleting images. Delete In the main menu (p.64), selecting the delete icon and pressing the center button of the controller erases a single image currently displayed on the LCD monitor. Before a file is deleted, a confirmation screen will appear; choosing “Yes” will excecute the operation, No” will cancel the operation.
LOCKING IMAGE AND AUDIO FILES Lock On the main menu (p.64), selecting the lock icon and pressing the central button of the controller, lock a single image currently displayed on the LCD monitor. Locked file can be unlocked by the same operation. In the section 1 of the playback mode menu (p.65), multiple or all files as well as single frame can be locked. The lock option has four settings: This frame The file displayed or highlighted in playback mode will be locked.
AUDIO CAPTION A still image can have a fifteen-second audio caption attached to it. This function will also replace a voice-memo audio track recorded with an image. Audio captions cannot be attached to movie clips. Display the image to which the audio caption will be attached. If the image is locked, unlock it using the main menu (p.64) or the menu of the playback mode (p. 65). On the main menu, select the icon for audio caption. Press the central button of the controller (1) to go into audio caption.
COPY TO FAVORITE Copying to favorite saves a copy of a still image to the “FAVORITE” folder and is used to save favorite images or prevent images from being unintentionally played back on this camera. Regardless of the original image format, an economy 640 X 480 (VGA) JPEG copy is made. A folder named “FAVORITE” is created, separated from the original folder. Images with voice memos or audio captions are copied with their audio files. Movie clips cannot be copied. Copies of locked images are unlocked.
Viewing Favorites Copies Favorites copies cannot be viewed without activating the Favorites on the main menu. To activate the Favorites on the main menu, press and hold the playback button for a few seconds. Select the Favorite icon on the main menu with the controller and press the center button. The latest favorite copy is displayed on the LCD monitor with favorite mode indicator. A ‘no image’ message appears on the monitor when no images have been copied to the Favourite folder.
ROTATE Rotate display orients a vertical image so that it can be viewed without having to turn the camera sideways. This function affects the image currently displayed when selection is made on the main menu (p.64). This can affect multiple frames as well as single frame when changing settings in the section 1 of playback-mode menu (p.65). After executing this operation, use the up key to turn image(s) clockwise and down key to turn image(s) counter-clockwise.
sel. size move Image pasting Nine frame choices are shown on the LCD monitor. Select the frame with the controller. Press the center button to set the frame. After choosing the frame, select the size of frame from three possible levels using the up and down keys. Press the center button to set the size. After choosing the frame size, choose the pasted location by moving the frame with left/right or up/down keys. Press the center button to set the location.
SLIDE SHOW On the main menu (p.64), selecting the icon of the slide-show and pressing the central button of the controller, starts the slide show from an image currently displayed. This function automatically displays all images on the memory card in order. Section 2 of the playback-mode menu (p.65) controls the slide-show function in more detail. Except for the playback option, settings made in section 2 of the menu affect the slide show function in the main menu.
Menu options Settings Slide show Enter To start the slide-show presentation. Pressing the central button of the controller will pause the presentation. During the slide show, press the menu button to stop the presentation and return to the playback-mode menu. All frames To select all the images on the memory card to be displayed in the slide-show presentation. Marked Frames To select specific images to be displayed in the slide-show presentation.
ABOUT DPOF This camera is supported by DPOF™ version 1.1. The 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. 96).
When the this-frame or all-frames setting is chosen, a screen will appear requesting the number of copies of each image; a maximum of nine copies can be ordered. Use the up/down keys of the controller to set the required number of copies. If the all-frames setting was used to create a print order, any additional images recorded afterwards will not be included in the order. DPOF files created with another camera will be canceled.
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 image quality will not change. E-mail copies are saved to the original card. The copy function is selected in section 3 of the playback-mode menu (p. 65). When the copy function is used, a folder is created for the files (p. 96); copy folder name ends in EM.
Camera Notes The copy-unsuccessful message will appear when one or all of the images could not be copied. Check the memory card to see which files were copied and then repeat the procedure for the uncopied images. 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 AV cable. The camera is compatible with the NTSC and PAL standards.
SETUP MENU NAVIGATING THE SETUP MENU Delete Lock Copy Favorite Rotate Image Pasting SETUP enter Setup menu can be activated from all of the modes; recording mode, movie mode and playback mode. In recording mode and playback mode, go to the menu and select the setup icon located on the top-right corner and the setup menu will appear. In movie mode, selecting the setup icon on the main menu will display the setup menu. Navigating the menu is simple.
1 LCD brightness Format Reset default Language Enter Enter Enter Japanese English Deutsch Français Español 2 Audio signals Shutter FX Volume Power off 1 2 Off 1 2 Off 1 (Low) - 3 (High) 1, 3, 5, 10, 30 min. Yes No LCDbrightness Choosing “Yes” on the confirmation screens will execute the operation, “No” will cancel it. Use the left/right keys to adjust the monitor brightness. Press the central button to set the level.
LCD MONITOR BRIGHTNESS The brightness of the LCD monitor can be set in eleven levels. The brightness setting screen is opened from the section 1 of the setup menu (p. 82). Use the left/right keys of the controller (1) to adjust the brightness; the monitor image will change accordingly. Press the central button of the controller (2) to set the brightness level. 1 LCDbrightness High 2 adjust Low enter FORMATTING MEMORY CARDS When a memory card is formatted, all data on the card is erased.
RESET DEFAULT This function affects all modes. When selected, a confirmation screen will appear; choosing “Yes” resets the following functions and settings, “No” cancels the operation. Reset default can be set in the section 2 of the setup menu (p. 74) Digital zoom Drive mode Flash mode Image quality Image size (still) Image size (movie) Exposure compensation Camera sensitivity (ISO) Off Single-frame advance Autoflash Standard 1600 X 1200 320 X 240 0.
LANGUAGE The language used in the menus can be changed. The language is selected in section 1 of the setup menu (p. 82). AUDIO SIGNALS Every time a button is pressed, an audio signal will give a positive confirmation of the operation. The audio signals can be turn off in section 2 of the setup menu (p. 82). Two audio signals are available. The way the indicator lamp flashes also changes.
SHUTTER FX When the shutter is released, a shutter sound effect will give a positive confirmation of the operation. The sound effect can be turned off in section 2 of the setup menu (p. 82). Two shutter effects are available; signal 1 is mechanical, signal 2 is electrical. The mechanical shutter sound was taken from the legendary Minolta CLE, a compact rangefinder that represents the pinnacle of the development of the Leitz-Minolta CL.
DATE AND TIME It is important to set the clock accurately. When a recording is made, the date and time of the recording are saved with the file and are displayed in playback mode or with the DiMAGE Viewer software included on the CD-ROM. See page 20 for how to set the date and time. DATE FORMAT The date format that is used in monitor displays and for date imprinting can be changed: YYYY/MM/DD (year, month, day), MM/DD/YYYY (month, day, year), DD/MM/YYYY (day, month, year).
DATA-TRANSFER MODE 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 Confirm the battery has sufficient power before connecting the camera 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 page 93 on how to install the necessary USB driver before connecting the camera to a computer. 1. Start up the computer. The computer must be turned on before connecting the camera. 2. 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. Windows XP Mac OS X Windows Mac OS Mac OS X The volume name varies between memory cards.
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 90. When the camera is plugged into the computer, the operating system will detect the new device and the add-newhardware-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 CD-ROM 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. 32MB or more of RAM Sound Blaster or compatible sound card DirectX 3.0 or later recommended 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.
MEMORY CARD FOLDER ORGANIZATION Once the camera is connected to the computer, image and audio files can be accessed by double clicking on icons. Image folders are located in the DCIM folder. To copying images and audio recordings, simply drag and drop the file icon into a location in the computer. Files and folders on the memory card can be deleted using the computer. Never format the memory card from the computer; always use the camera to format the card.
Image and audio file names begin with “PICT” followed by a four-digit file number and a jpg, mov. Voice-memo and audio caption files have a wav extension and the file name corresponds to their image file. E-mail Copy images are placed in a folder ending in “EM.” Favorite Copy images are placed in a folder named “FAVORITE.” When a new folder is created, the first three digits in the folder name will be one greater than the largest folder number on the card.
DISCONNECTING THE CAMERA FROM A COMPUTER Never disconnect the camera when the access lamp is red - the data or memory card may be permanently damaged. Windows 98 / 98 Second Edition Confirm that the access 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 device 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 - DATA-TRANSFER MODE Never remove the card when the access lamp is red - 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. 98). 2. Turn off the camera. 3. Change the memory card. 4. Turn on the camera to remake the USB connection.
Connect the camera to the printer using the camera’s USB cable. The larger plug on the cable is connected to the printer. Slide open the USB-port cover and insert the smaller plug of the cable into the camera. Turn the camera on. The USB Direct Print screen will be displayed. Number of prints in the print run. Strike through indicates unprintable file type. Number of copies of the displayed image. Use the left/right keys of the controller to display the image to be printed.
NOTES ON PRINTING ERRORS If a minor problem occurs during printing, such as the paper runs out, follow the procedure recommended for the printer; no action is required for the camera. If a major printer error occurs, press the center of the controller to end the routine. Refer to the printer manual for the correct procedure for the printer problem. Check the printer settings before starting again and use the USB Direct Print screen to deselect the images that were printed.
PRINTING DPOF FILES The USB DIRECT PRINT menu DPOF-print option allows JPEG (fine, standard, and economy) images and an index print selected with the DPOF printing options in the playback menu to be printed from an Epson USB DIRECT-PRINT compatible printer. See page 78 on how to create a DPOF file. Before each print run, check the printer settings; refer to the printer manual. A fully charged battery should be used when the camera is connected to the printer.
REMOTE CAMERA SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS For the camera to be connected directly to the computer and used as a remote imaging device, the computer must be equipped with a USB port as a standard interface. The computer and the operating system must be guaranteed by their manufacturers to support USB interface. See chart for system requirements. The remote-camera driver software must be installed. Specific application software, such as Microsoft Net Meeting, is required to view the images.
The InstallSheild Wizard window is displayed. Click the next button to continue. The license agreement is displayed. if you accept the agreement, click the yes button to continue. Read the entire agreement carefully before continuing. If you do not agree to the terms, click the no button to exit the installation program. An installation confirmation screen appears. To install the remote camera driver, click “Yes.’ The no button will cancel the operation without installing the driver.
CONNECTING THE REMOTE CAMERA Before the camera can be connected to a computer, the remote camera driver must be installed, see page 104. A fully charged battery 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 battery. For users with Windows 98SE, the USB driver must be installed before connecting the camera to a computer (p. 92). 1. Select RemoteCamera from the transfer mode option in section 3 of the setup menu. 2.
NOTES ON REMOTE CAMERA OPERATION When using the remote camera, exposure, white balance, and camera sensitivity are set to auto. The optical and 4X digital zoom are active. There are no menu controls. The flash is disabled. There is no audio. The camera can be focused periodically by pressing the shutterrelease button partway down. The AF system does not continually focus when the button is pressed and held so the operation should be repeated as the subject distance changes.
APPENDIX TROUBLESHOOTING This 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. Symptom APPENDIX Solution The battery is dead. Replace battery (p. 14). The auto-power-off function has turned the camera off. Press the main switch to restore power.
Problem Shutter will not release. Symptom Cause Card-locked warning Memory card is locked. appears on the monitor. Solution Unlock the memory card using the write-protect switch (p. 19). Subject is too close. Make sure the subject is within the autofocus range (p. 26). A special situation is preventing the autofocus system from focusing (p. 27). Use the focus-lock function to focus on an object at the same distance as the subject (p. 26).
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, formatting, etc.).
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.
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: Monitor LCD: Monitor field of view: A/D conversion: Recording media: File formats: Print Image Matching: Menu languages: Video output: 114 APPENDIX 2.0 million 1/3.2-type interline primary-color CCD with a total of 2.1 million pixels.
Batteries: Two AA batteries: Ni-MH, alkaline Battery performance (recording): Approximately 110 frames: based on Minolta’s standard test method: alkaline batteries, full-size images (1600 X 1200), standard image quality, no instant playback, no voice memo, flash used with 50% of the frames.
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