Minolta dimage7 User Manual

E
INSTRUCTION MANUAL  
FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE  
• Keep batteries or small parts that could be swallowed away from infants. Contact a  
doctor immediately if an object is swallowed.  
CAUTION  
• Store this product out of reach of children. Be careful when around children, not to harm  
them with the product or parts.  
• Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes. It may damage eyesight.  
• Do not fire the flash at vehicle operators. It may cause a distraction or temporary  
blindness which may lead to an accident.  
• Do not use the monitor while operating a vehicle or walking. It may result in injury or an  
accident.  
• 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 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.  
• Burns may result if the CompactFlash card or batteries are removed immediately after  
extended periods of use. Turn the camera off and wait for it to cool.  
• Do not fire the flash while it is in contact with people or objects. The flash unit  
discharges a large amount of energy which may cause burns.  
• Do not apply pressure to the LCD monitor. A damaged monitor may cause injury, and  
the liquid from the monitor may cause inflammation. If liquid from the monitor makes  
contact with skin wash the area with fresh water. If liquid from the monitor comes in  
contact with the eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with plenty of water and contact a  
doctor.  
• 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. The use of inflammable cleaners and solvents may cause  
an explosion or fire.  
• When unplugging the AC adapter, do not pull on the power cord. Hold the adapter unit  
when removing it from an outlet.  
• The rim of the lens hood can cause injury. Take care not to accidentally strike anyone  
with the camera when the lens hood is attached.  
• Do not damage, twist, modify, heat, or place heavy objects on the AC adapter cord. A  
damaged cord may cause damage or injury through fire or electric shock.  
• If the product emits a strange odor, heat, or smoke, discontinue use. Immediately  
remove the batteries taking care not to burn yourself as the batteries become hot with  
use. The continued use of a damaged product or part may cause injuries or fire.  
Take the product to a Minolta Service Facility when repairs are required  
• When using the AC adapter, insert the plug securely into the electrical outlet.  
• Do not use if the AC adapter cord is damaged.  
• Do not cover the AC adapter. A fire may result.  
• Do not obstruct access to the AC adapter; this can hinder the unplugging of the unit in  
emergencies.  
• Unplug the AC adapter when cleaning or when the product is not in use.  
4
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Names of parts  
Image quality ...........................................................................................................................43  
About super-fine and RAW image quality...................................................................44  
Image-file size and CompactFlash card capacity....................................................................45  
Exposure modes......................................................................................................................46  
Program - P ................................................................................................................47  
Program shift ...................................................................................................47  
Aperture priority - A.....................................................................................................48  
Shutter priority - S.......................................................................................................49  
Manual exposure - M..................................................................................................50  
Drive modes ............................................................................................................................51  
Continuous advance...................................................................................................52  
Self-timer.....................................................................................................................53  
Bracketing...................................................................................................................54  
Exposure bracketing........................................................................................54  
Camera body...........................................................................................................................10  
Data panel ...............................................................................................................................13  
EVF and LCD monitor display.................................................................................................14  
Getting up and running.........................................................................................................................15  
Camera-shake warning ...........................................................................................................15  
Attaching the camera strap .....................................................................................................16  
Removing the lens cap............................................................................................................16  
Attaching the lens hood...........................................................................................................17  
Inserting batteries....................................................................................................................18  
Inserting the CompactFlash card ............................................................................................18  
Handling the camera ...............................................................................................................19  
Turning on the camera and displays .......................................................................................19  
Taking pictures.........................................................................................................................20  
Using the built-in flash.............................................................................................................21  
Flash range - automatic operation...........................................................................................21  
Viewing and deleting pictures in quick view............................................................................22  
Basic operation ....................................................................................................................................23  
Changing batteries ..................................................................................................................24  
Battery condition indicators .....................................................................................................25  
Auto power save......................................................................................................................25  
External power supplies (sold separately)...............................................................................26  
Changing the CompactFlash card...........................................................................................26  
Setting the camera to record images automatically ................................................................28  
EVF and LCD monitor display.................................................................................................28  
Basic recording operation........................................................................................................29  
Focus lock ...............................................................................................................................30  
Focus signals...........................................................................................................................31  
Special focusing situations ......................................................................................................31  
Display controls - recording mode...........................................................................................32  
Quick view ...............................................................................................................................34  
Deleting images in quick view ....................................................................................35  
Recording mode - advanced operation................................................................................................36  
What is an Ev? What is a stop?..............................................................................................36  
Pro-auto button........................................................................................................................37  
Digital-subject-program button ................................................................................................38  
Setting the function dial...........................................................................................................40  
Image size ...............................................................................................................................42  
Digital Enhanced Bracketing............................................................................55  
Interval ........................................................................................................................56  
White balance..........................................................................................................................58  
Automatic white balance.............................................................................................59  
Preset white balance ..................................................................................................59  
Custom white balance ................................................................................................60  
Camera sensitivity - ISO..........................................................................................................61  
Digital Effects Controller..........................................................................................................62  
Exposure compensation .............................................................................................63  
Contrast compensation...............................................................................................64  
Color-saturation compensation...................................................................................65  
Autofocus areas and control....................................................................................................66  
Flex Focus Point......................................................................................................................67  
Autofocus modes.....................................................................................................................68  
Macro mode.............................................................................................................................69  
Digital zoom.............................................................................................................................70  
Manual focus ...........................................................................................................................71  
Electronic magnification (DiMAGE 7 only) ..............................................................................71  
Electronic viewfinder................................................................................................................72  
Diopter adjustment......................................................................................................72  
Automatic monitor amplification (DiMAGE 7 only) .....................................................72  
AF/AEL button .........................................................................................................................73  
Metering modes.......................................................................................................................74  
Flash metering.........................................................................................................................75  
6
7
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Flash modes............................................................................................................................76  
Flash compensation ................................................................................................................78  
Flash range..............................................................................................................................79  
Attaching a Minolta accessory flash (sold separately) ............................................................79  
Navigating the recording-mode menu .....................................................................................80  
Recording-mode menu - Basic................................................................................................82  
Recording-mode menu - Custom 1 .........................................................................................83  
Recording-mode menu - Custom 2 .........................................................................................84  
Memory - storing camera settings...........................................................................................85  
Sharpness................................................................................................................................86  
Color mode..............................................................................................................................86  
Data imprinting ........................................................................................................................87  
Electronic keyboard.................................................................................................................88  
Instant playback.......................................................................................................................89  
Movie recording.......................................................................................................................90  
Bulb exposures........................................................................................................................92  
Attaching a remote cord (sold separately) ..............................................................................92  
Playback mode - viewing and editing images......................................................................................93  
Viewing pictures ......................................................................................................................94  
Viewing movies........................................................................................................................95  
Deleting images.......................................................................................................................95  
Single-frame playback display.................................................................................................96  
Movie playback display............................................................................................................96  
Histogram display....................................................................................................................97  
Display controls - playback mode............................................................................................98  
Enlarged playback.................................................................................................................100  
Navigating the playback-mode menu....................................................................................102  
Playback-mode menu - basic................................................................................................104  
Deleting images........................................................................................................104  
Locking images.........................................................................................................105  
Changing the index playback format ........................................................................105  
Playback-mode menu - custom 1 (Slide Show) ....................................................................106  
Playback-mode menu - custom 2..........................................................................................108  
About DPOF .............................................................................................................108  
Creating a DPOF print order.....................................................................................108  
Ordering an index print.............................................................................................109  
Canceling a DPOF print order ..................................................................................109  
Copying images ........................................................................................................110  
Frame-selection screen..........................................................................................................111  
Viewing images on a television .............................................................................................112  
Setup mode - controlling the camera’s operation...............................................................................113  
Navigating the setup menu....................................................................................................114  
Setup menu - basic................................................................................................................116  
EVF and LCD monitor brightness.............................................................................116  
Formatting CompactFlash cards...............................................................................116  
Auto power save .......................................................................................................117  
Beep..........................................................................................................................117  
Language ..................................................................................................................117  
Setup menu - custom 1 .........................................................................................................118  
File number memory.................................................................................................118  
Select folder ..............................................................................................................118  
New folder.................................................................................................................119  
Setup menu - Custom 2 ........................................................................................................120  
Reset default.............................................................................................................120  
EVF auto switch........................................................................................................121  
Setting the date and time..........................................................................................122  
Setting the date format .............................................................................................122  
Video output..............................................................................................................122  
Data-transfer mode ............................................................................................................................123  
Connecting the camera to a computer..................................................................................124  
Connecting to Windows 98....................................................................................................126  
Automatic installation................................................................................................126  
Manual installation....................................................................................................127  
Connecting to Mac OS 8.6 ....................................................................................................129  
QuickTime 4.1 system requirements.....................................................................................129  
CompactFlash card folder organization.................................................................................130  
Auto power save (Data-transfer mode) .................................................................................131  
Disconnecting the camera from the computer ......................................................................132  
Changing the CompactFlash card (data-transfer mode).......................................................134  
Appendix  
..................................................................................................................................135  
A short guide to photography ................................................................................................136  
System accessories...............................................................................................................138  
Troubleshooting.....................................................................................................................139  
When using filters with the DiMAGE 7 .....................................................................141  
Care and storage...................................................................................................................142  
Technical specifications.........................................................................................................146  
8
9
NAMES OF PARTS  
Playback mode (p. 93)  
Recording mode (p. 29)  
Movie mode (p. 90)  
Setup mode (p. 113)  
CAMERA BODY  
* This camera is a sophisticated optical instrument. Care should be taken to keep these  
surfaces clean. Please read the care and storage instructions in the back of this manual  
(p. 142).  
Data-transfer mode  
(p. 123)  
Data panel (p. 13)  
Display mode switch  
Display information button  
(p. 32, 98)  
Digital-subject-program  
Built-in flash (p. 21)  
button (p. 38)  
Dial release  
CCD plane  
Accessory shoe  
Eyepiece sensors*  
Focal-length index  
Main switch/Mode dial  
(p. 32)  
Pro-auto button (p. 37)  
Strap eyelet (p. 16)  
Zooming ring1  
Electronic viewfinder*  
(EVF) (p. 72)  
AF/AE lock button  
(p. 73)  
Control dial  
Menu button  
Access lamp  
Lens*  
Shutter-release button  
Controller  
LCD monitor*  
(p. 14)  
Focusing ring (p. 71)  
Self-timer lamp (p. 53)  
Magnification button  
Card-slot door (p. 26)  
The USB port is located  
behind the card-slot door.  
Remote-control  
terminal cover (p. 92)  
Battery-chamber lock (p. 24)  
QV/ Delete button (p. 34)  
1. The focal-length scale on the zooming ring is given in 35mm focal-length equivalents.  
Both cameras have a 7.2 - 50.8 mm Minolta GT lens, but because of the CCD size, the  
DiMAGE 7 has an equivalent zooming range of 28 - 200mm and the DiMAGE 5 has an  
equivalent of 35 - 250mm. For more on equivalent focal lengths, see page 135.  
DC/Video-out terminal cover (p. 26, 112)  
10  
11  
NAMES OF PARTS  
Exposure modes (p. 46)  
Image quality (p. 43)  
Image size (p. 42)  
Drive modes (p. 51)  
DATA PANEL  
White-balance indicators (p. 58)  
• Daylight, tungsten, fluorescent,  
cloudy, and custom.  
Camera-sensitivity indicator (p. 61)  
White balance (p. 58)  
Camera sensitivity (p. 61)  
Aperture/Exposure-compensation/  
Flash-compensation display  
Exposure-mode indicators (p. 46)  
Battery-condition indicator (p. 25)  
Digital-subject-program icons (p. 38)  
Shutter-speed/  
Camera-sensitivity display  
Function button  
Macro release (p. 69)  
Subject-program indicators (p. 38)  
Function dial (p. 40)  
Diopter-adjustment dial (p. 72)  
Focus-mode (AF/MF) button (p. 71)  
Drive-mode indicators (p. 51)  
• Bracketing  
• Self-timer  
• Single-frame advance  
• Continuous advance  
Red-eye reduction indicator (p. 76)  
Image-size display (p. 42)  
Image-quality display (p. 43)  
Frame counter (p. 42)  
Tripod socket  
Digital Effects Controller (p. 62)  
Digital-effects button  
Digital-effects switch  
Contrast indicator (p. 64)  
Contrast compensation (p. 64)  
Exposure compensation (p. 63)  
Color-saturation compensation (p. 65)  
Color-saturation indicator (p. 65)  
Flash-compensation indicator (p. 78)  
Manual-focus indicator (p. 71)  
12  
13  
NAMES OF PARTS  
EVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAY  
GETTING UP AND  
RUNNING  
This is a quick reference guide so that the camera can be used as soon as pos-  
sible. However, it is recommended that the entire manual be read to properly  
operate the camera and to achieve the best results.  
a. Flash-mode indicators (p. 76)  
b. Flash signals (p. 21)  
c. Mode indicator  
o. Camera-sensitivity (ISO) display (p. 61)  
p. Manual-focus indicator (p. 71)  
q. Focus signals (p. 31)  
d. Flash-compensation display (p. 78)  
e. Sharpness display (p. 86)  
f. Contrast-compensation display (p. 64)  
r. Frame counter (p. 42)  
CAMERA-SHAKE WARNING  
s. Drive-mode indicators (p. 51)  
t. Macro-mode indicator (p. 69)  
u. Battery-condition indicator (p. 25)  
v. Image-quality indicator (p. 43)  
If the shutter speed falls below the point where the camera can be hand held safely,  
the camera-shake warning will appear on the monitors. Camera shake is slight blurring  
caused by subtle hand motion and is more pronounced at the telephoto setting of the  
lens than at the wide-angle setting. The warning appears at approximately the recipro-  
cal of the focal length used; if the lens is set at 100mm, the camera shake warning will  
appear at 1/100 second. Although the warning appears, the shutter can still be  
released. If the warning appears, the following steps can be taken:  
• Place the camera on a tripod.  
g. Color-saturation-compensation  
display (p. 65)  
h. Exposure-compensation display (p. 63) w. Image-size indicator (p. 42)  
i. White-balance indicators (p. 58)  
x. Digital-zoom (Electronic-magnification)  
indicator (p. 70)  
j. Exposure-mode/Digital-subject-program  
indicators (p. 46/38)  
k. Metering-mode indicators (p. 74)  
l. Shutter-speed display  
m. Aperture display  
1. Focus frame  
• Use the built-in flash (p. 21).  
• Increase the camera sensitivity (ISO) (p. 61).  
• Zoom the lens towards the wide-angle position.  
2. Spot metering area (p. 74)  
3. AF sensors (p. 29)  
4. Flex Focus Point (p. 67)  
n. Camera-shake warning (p. 15)  
14  
15  
GETTING UP AND RUNNING  
ATTACHING THE CAMERA STRAP  
ATTACHING THE LENS HOOD  
The lens hood is used to control stray light from entering the lens and causing flare.  
When using the camera under bright light, the use of the lens hood is recommended.  
The lens hood should not be used with the built-in flash as it can cause a shadow.  
1
Attach the camera strap to the strap eyelets as  
shown.  
• Always keep the camera strap around your neck in the  
To mount the lens hood, align the rectangular  
dimple on the rim of the hood with the focal-  
length index on the top of the lens barrel  
event that you drop the camera.  
2
1
Slide the hood onto the end of the lens and  
turn it 90° clockwise until it clicks and the cir-  
cular dimple is aligned with the focal-length  
index.  
• When mounted correctly, the large petals of the  
lens hood should be to the top and bottom.  
• Never force the lens hood. If it does not fit,  
check its orientation.  
To detach the lens hood, turn it 90°  
counterclockwise and remove.  
2
REMOVING THE LENS CAP  
Using your thumb and index fin-  
ger, pinch the inside or outside  
tabs of the lens cap to remove.  
• When the camera is not in use,  
always replace the lens cap.  
The lens hood can be reverse mounted when the  
camera is not is use.  
With one of the large petals to the top, slide the hood  
onto the end of the lens. Turn it 90° clockwise until it  
clicks.  
• The lens hood can be attached or removed with the lens  
cap on the camera.  
To detach the lens hood, turn it 90° counterclockwise  
and remove.  
16  
17  
GETTING UP AND RUNNING  
INSERTING BATTERIES  
HANDLING THE CAMERA  
While using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD  
monitor, grip the camera firmly with your right hand  
while supporting the body with the palm of your left  
hand. Keep your elbows at your side and your feet  
shoulder-width apart to hold the camera steadily.  
Open the battery-chamber door by moving the  
battery-chamber lock to the open position  
.
The EVF can be tilted between 0° and 90°. This is  
useful for low-level camera positions.  
Insert the batteries.  
• Make sure the positive and negative battery terminals  
are orientated as illustrated on the diagram in the battery  
chamber.  
TURNING ON THE CAMERA AND DISPLAYS  
2
INSERTING THE COMPACTFLASH CARD  
While pushing in the dial release (1),  
turn the mode dial (2) to the still-image  
recording position.  
Open the card-slot door (1).  
The display switch at the back of  
the camera controls which  
display will activate during  
camera operation. Turn the  
switch to the auto-display  
position (A); the display will  
alternate between the electronic  
viewfinder (EVF) and LCD  
monitor automatically.  
2
Insert the CompactFlash card (2) and fold down the  
card-eject lever.  
• Insert the card so that the face is toward the front of the  
camera. Always push the card in straight, never at an  
angle. Never force the card. If the card does not fit,  
check its orientation.  
1
1
Display switch  
19  
18  
GETTING UP AND RUNNING  
TAKING PICTURES  
USING THE BUILT-IN FLASH  
In low-light conditions or indoors, the flash is needed to illuminate the subject and  
reduce blurring through camera shake. The flash can also be used as a fill light in  
direct sunlight to soften harsh shadows.  
With the mode dial set to still-image recording, the  
camera will be on and the electronic viewfinder  
(EVF) and LCD monitor will activate.  
To use the flash, simply pull up the unit by the tabs on  
each side. Icons will appear in the upper left corner of  
the EVF and LCD monitor (see chart below).  
• The flash position must be set manually.  
• The flash will always fire regardless of the amount of  
ambient light.  
• Always remove the lens hood when using the built-in flash.  
The hood may cast a shadow if mounted.  
The zooming ring can be used to frame the  
subject. The effect of the zoom is immediately  
displayed in the EVF and on the LCD monitor.  
Flash warning. In backlit situations, the icon will appear to recommend  
the use of the flash.  
When pressing the shutter-release button partway down, the red flash  
icon indicates the flash is charging.  
When pressing the shutter-release button partway down, the white  
flash icon indicates the flash is ready to fire.  
Compose the image in the EVF or on LCD monitor  
taking care to place the subject within the focus  
frame.  
After taking a picture, a blue flash icon will appear if the flash properly  
exposed the subject.  
FLASH RANGE - AUTOMATIC OPERATION  
The camera will automatically control the flash output. For well-exposed images, the  
subject must be within the flash range. Because of the optical system, the flash range  
is not the same at the lens’ wide-angle position as it is at the telephoto position.  
Press the shutter-release button all the way down  
to take the picture.  
• The access lamp will glow indicating the image data  
is being written to the CompactFlash card. Never  
remove the CompactFlash card while data is being  
transferred.  
Wide-angle position  
Telephoto position  
0.5m ~ 3.8m (1.6 ft. ~ 12.5 ft.)  
0.5m ~ 3.0m (1.6 ft. ~ 9.8 ft.)  
20  
21  
GETTING UP AND RUNNING  
VIEWING AND DELETING PICTURES IN QUICK VIEW  
Captured images can be viewed in recording mode. Simply press the QV/delete button  
to access the images, and use the controller to scroll through the pictures on the  
CompactFlash card.  
Press the QV/delete button to  
playback the recorded images.  
1
In quick view, images can also be deleted. Care  
should be taken when deleting image; once  
deleted it is impossible to recover the picture.  
When selecting an image for deletion, a  
confirmation screen will appear before the  
operation is executed. For more information  
about quick view, see page 34.  
Use the left/right keys of the  
controller to scroll  
through the images.  
2
3
BASIC OPERATION  
To delete the displayed image,  
press the QV/delete button.  
• A confirmation screen will  
This section covers the basic operation of the camera. Please thoroughly familiarize  
yourself with the operations in this section before moving on to other sections in the  
manual.  
appear.  
Delete this frame?  
Yes  
No  
Use the left/right keys to  
highlight “YES.”  
4
• Choosing “NO” will cancel the  
operation.  
Menu button  
Pressing the  
5
controller will  
delete the  
image.  
Press the menu button  
to return to the  
6
recording mode.  
Controller  
QV/delete button  
22  
23  
BASIC OPERATION  
CHANGING BATTERIES  
BATTERY CONDITION INDICATORS  
This digital camera uses four AA-size alkaline batteries. AA-size Ni-MH batteries can  
also be used, and 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.  
This camera is equipped with an automatic battery-condition indicator. When the  
camera is on, the battery-condition indicator appears on the data panel and monitors.  
The monitor icon will change from white to red when battery power is low. If the data  
panel and monitors are blank, the batteries may be dead or installed incorrectly.  
Full-battery Icon - The batteries are fully charged. This icon is  
displayed for five seconds on the monitors when the camera is  
turned on. The icon remains on the data panel.  
When replacing batteries, check that the mode dial is in the  
off position.  
Low battery warning - Battery power is very low, but all  
functions are operational. The batteries should be replaced as  
soon as possible. This warning automatically appears and  
remains on the display until the batteries are changed.  
Open the battery-chamber door by moving the battery-  
chamber lock to the open position  
.
Blinking low battery icon - When displayed on the data panel  
with no other icons, power is insufficient for camera operation.  
The shutter will not release. Replace the batteries immediately.  
Insert the batteries.  
• Make sure the positive and negative battery terminals are  
orientated as illustrated on the  
diagram in the battery chamber.  
AUTO POWER SAVE  
To conserve battery power, the camera will turn off displays and unnecessary functions  
if an operation is not made within a certain period. The LCD monitor will turn off after  
thirty seconds. The EVF and data panel turn off after one minute. To restore the  
displays, press the shutter-release button partway down or press the display-  
information button. The length of the auto-power-save period for the EVF and data  
panel can be changed in the basic section of the setup menu (p. 114).  
Close the battery-chamber door and slide the lock lever to  
the close position  
.
24  
25  
BASIC OPERATION  
EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLIES (SOLD SEPARATELY)  
Always turn off the camera and confirm the access lamp is not lit before inserting or  
removing a CompactFlash card, otherwise the card may be damaged, and data lost.  
The AC Adapter allows the camera to be powered from an electrical household outlet. ,  
The AC Adapter is recommended when the camera is interfaced with a computer or  
during periods of heavy use. AC Adapter model AC-1L is for use in North America, and  
AC-2L is for use in all other areas.  
1
2
3
4
5
The External High-power Battery Pack Kit EBP-100 is a portable source of power for  
the camera. This battery pack will significantly extend the operating time of the camera.  
Do not change the power supply while the camera is on.  
Always turn off the camera before changing between power supplies.  
Remove the DC terminal cover by using the notch  
on the right.  
• The cover is attached to the body to prevent loss.  
Open the card-slot door in the direction indicated (1).  
To eject a CompactFlash card, lift (2) then press (3) the card-eject lever. The card can  
now be pulled out.  
Take care when removing the card as it becomes hot with use.  
Insert the mini plug of the AC adapter or battery  
pack into the DC terminal.  
• Always remove exhausted batteries before  
connecting an external power supply.  
Insert the CompactFlash card into the card slot until the card-eject lever pops out (4).  
• Insert the card so the face is toward the front of the camera. Always push the card in straight,  
never at an angle. Never force the card. If the card does not fit, check that it is orientated  
correctly.  
Insert the AC adapter plug into an electrical outlet.  
Fold the card-eject lever down as shown (5) and close the card-slot door.  
CHANGING THE COMPACTFLASH CARD  
If the card-not-recognized message appears, the inserted card in the camera may need  
to be formatted. A CompactFlash card used in another camera may have to be format-  
ted before being used. If the unable-to-use-card message appears, the card is not  
compatible with the camera and should not be formatted. A card can be formatted in  
the basic section of the setup menu (p. 116). When a card is formatted, all the data on  
the card is permanently erased.  
A CompactFlash card must be inserted for the camera to operate. If a card has not  
been inserted, a no-card warning will automatically be displayed on the monitors. IBM  
Microdrives are compatible with this camera. For recording media care and storage,  
see page 143.  
26  
27  
BASIC OPERATION  
SETTING THE CAMERA TO RECORD IMAGES AUTOMATICALLY  
BASIC RECORDING OPERATION  
With the mode dial set to still-image recording, the camera will be  
on and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD monitor will  
activate.  
While holding in the dial release (1), turn the mode dial  
to still-image recording. Press the pro-auto button (2) to  
reset the programmed and automatic functions.  
2
Place the subject within the focus frame.  
• For off-center subjects use the focus-lock function (p. 30).  
• Make sure the subject is within the focus range of the  
lens: 0.5m - . For subjects closer than 0.5m, use the  
macro function (p. 69).  
All camera operations are now fully automatic. The  
autofocus, exposure, and imaging systems will work  
together to bring professional results effortlessly.  
1
Press the shutter-release button partway down (1) or press  
and hold the AF/AEL button (2) to lock the focus and  
exposure.  
• The focus signals (p. 31) in the monitors will confirm that the  
image is in focus. If the focus signal is red, the camera was  
unable to focus on the subject. Repeat the previous steps until  
the signal is white.  
EVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAY  
Focus frame  
Mode indicator  
Image-size indicator (p. 42)  
Image-quality indicator (p. 43)  
1
• When the focus is set, an AF sensor will briefly appear on the  
live image to indicate the point of focus.  
Metering-mode  
• The shutter speed and aperture value will change from  
white to black indicating the exposure is locked.  
indicators (p. 74)  
2
3
Exposure-mode/Digital-  
subject-program  
indicators (p. 46/38)  
Drive-mode indicators (p. 51)  
Frame counter (p. 45)  
Press the shutter-release button all the way down  
(3) to take the picture.  
Focus signals (p. 31)  
Aperture display  
Shutter-speed display  
• The access lamp will glow indicating the image data is  
being written to the CompactFlash card. Never  
remove a CompactFlash card while data is being  
transferred.  
28  
29  
BASIC OPERATION  
FOCUS LOCK  
FOCUS SIGNALS  
This digital camera has a quick, accurate autofocusing system. The focus signals in  
the lower right corner of the EVF and LCD monitor indicate the focus status. For more  
information on autofocus modes see p. 68.  
The focus-lock function is used when the subject is off-center and outside the focus  
frame. Focus lock may also be used when a special focusing situation prevents the  
camera from focusing on the subject.  
Focus icon: white  
Focus icon: red  
Focus confirmed.  
Focus lock can be controlled one of two ways. The shutter-release button can be  
pressed and held partway down or the AF/AEL button at the back of the camera can be  
pressed and held.  
Cannot focus. The subject is too close or a special  
situation is preventing the AF system from focusing.  
Place the subject within the focus frame. Press and  
hold the shutter-release button partway down or  
press the AF/AEL button.  
• The focus signals will indicate that the focus is locked.  
The shutter speed and aperture value will change from  
white to black indicating the exposure is locked.  
• When the focus is set, an AF sensor will briefly appear  
on the live image to indicate the point of focus.  
• The shutter can be released even if the camera cannot focus on the subject.  
• When the AF system cannot focus, the focus is set to infinity. When the flash is in use, the  
focus is set between 3.0 and 3.8m. In this case, focus lock can be used with an object at the  
same distance as the main subject or the camera can be focused manually (p. 71).  
SPECIAL FOCUSING SITUATIONS  
The camera may not be able to focus in certain situations. If the autofocus system  
cannot focus on a subject, the focus icon will turn red. In this situation the focus-lock  
function can be used to focus on another object at the same distance as your main  
subject, and then the image can be recomposed to take the picture.  
Without lifting your finger from the shutter-release  
button or the AF/AEL button, recompose the subject  
within the image area. Press the shutter-release  
button all the way down to take the picture.  
The subject is too dark. The subject in the  
focus frame is low in  
Two subjects at differ-  
ent distances overlap  
in the focus frame.  
The subject is near a  
very bright object or  
area.  
The function and operation of the AF/AEL button can be changed in the custom 1  
section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80). The Flex Focus Point can also be used for  
off-center subjects (p. 67).  
contrast.  
30  
31  
BASIC OPERATION  
DISPLAY CONTROLS - RECORDING MODE  
In the center of the display switch, the display-information button  
controls what information is displayed with the live image. Each time  
the button is pressed, the display cycles to the next format: full  
display (shooting data, warnings, and focus frame), warnings and  
focus frame, live image only.  
Located on the back of the camera, the display-mode switch and the display-  
information button control on which monitor the image is displayed and what  
information is included in the display. The three position switch allows the choice  
between automatic display and setting the display to the EVF or LCD monitor.  
Auto display - the camera will automatically change between  
displaying the live image in the EVF or on the LCD monitor. The  
EVF’s eye sensors monitor if the EVF is being used and switches  
the display location accordingly.  
EVF display - the live image will only be displayed in the electronic  
viewfinder. Under bright-light, the image is easier to see in the  
EVF than on the LCD monitor.  
Full display  
Warnings and  
focus frame  
• A warning will  
be displayed if  
battery power  
is low,  
LCD monitor display - the live image will only be displayed on the  
LCD monitor.  
autofocus  
cannot lock,  
or exposure is  
beyond the  
aperture and  
shutter-speed  
range.  
If battery power is a concern, have the eye sensor activate the EVF when in use, but  
not the LCD monitor. The auto-display function can be changed in the custom 2 section  
of the setup menu (p. 114).  
Live image only  
32  
33  
BASIC OPERATION  
QUICK VIEW  
QUICK-VIEW DISPLAY  
Captured images can be viewed in recording mode. Simply press the QV/delete button  
to access the images, and use the controller to scroll through the pictures on the  
CompactFlash card. Images can be displayed with various information: date, frame  
number, printing status, and lock status. A histogram of the image with shooting data  
can be displayed. For more information on the histogram display, see page 97.  
Image size (p. 42)  
Image quality (p. 43)  
Mode indicator  
To view the histogram of the dis-  
played image, press the up key of  
the controller (p. 97).  
Press the QV/delete button to play  
back the recorded images.  
1
Time of capture  
Date of capture  
Use the left/right keys of the controller  
to scroll through the images.  
2
Lock icon (p. 105)  
Frame number/ total number of images  
Print icon (p. 108)  
Press the up key to see the histogram  
DELETING IMAGES IN QUICK VIEW  
3
of the displayed image.  
• Pressing the down key  
returns to quick view.  
In quick view, the displayed image can be deleted. When selecting an image for  
deletion, a confirmation screen will appear before the operation is executed.  
Once deleted, an image cannot be recovered. Care should always be  
taken when deleting images.  
To return to the recording mode,  
press the menu button.  
4
To delete a displayed image, press the QV/delete button.  
• A confirmation screen will appear.  
1
Menu button  
Use the left/right keys to highlight “Yes.”  
• “No” will cancel the operation.  
2
Delete this frame?  
Yes  
No  
Controller  
Pressing the controller will execute the  
command on the confirmation screen.  
• The camera will return to quick view.  
3
QV/delete button  
Confirmation screen  
34  
35  
PRO-AUTO BUTTON  
Simply pressing the pro-auto button (1) resets the  
camera to programmed and automatic functions. The  
camera’s systems work together to bring professional  
results leaving the operator free to concentrate on  
aesthetic decisions.  
RECORDING MODE  
ADVANCED OPERATION  
The pro-auto button only affects functions in the recording  
mode. The button has a limited affect in the movie mode;  
exposure, contrast, and color-saturation compensation as  
well as the focus mode are reset.  
1
This section contains detailed information on the camera’s recording functions and  
operation. Read the sections pertaining to your interest and need. The setting the func-  
tion dial (p.40), Digital Effects Controller (p. 62), and the navigating the recording-mode  
menu (p. 80) sections cover setting most of the advanced features in this camera. Each  
of these sections is followed by detailed descriptions of the settings.  
Digital subject program (p. 38)  
Exposure mode (p. 46)  
Drive mode (p. 51)  
Focus mode (p. 68, 71)  
Autofocus area (p. 66)  
Canceled  
Program  
Single-frame advance  
Single AF  
Wide  
Auto white balance  
WHAT IS AN EV? WHAT IS A STOP?  
Ev stands for exposure value. Stop refers to click stops in mechanical cameras. A  
change of one Ev or one stop will adjust the exposure calculated by the camera by a  
factor of two. Adjustments to exposure in the A, S, and M exposure modes are made in  
1/2 stop increments or 0.5 Ev.  
White balance (p. 58)  
Metering mode (p. 74)  
Multi-segment metering  
0.0  
0
0
ADI metering  
0.0  
Fill or red-eye reduction*  
Normal  
Change in Ev  
Change in stops  
Adjustment to exposure  
Exposure compensation (p. 63)  
Contrast compensation (p. 64)  
Color-saturation compensation (p. 65)  
Flash metering (p. 75)  
Flash compensation (p. 78)  
Flash mode (p. 76)  
+2.0 Ev  
+1.0 Ev  
0.0 Ev  
+2 stops  
+1 stop  
4X as much light  
2X as much light  
Calculated exposure  
–1.0 Ev  
–2.0 Ev  
–1 stop  
1/2 as much light  
1/4 as much light  
Sharpness (p. 86)  
* The flash mode is reset to whichever of the two modes was set last.  
–2 stops  
36  
37  
RECORDING MODE  
While camera performance is optimized for each shooting condition, some changes  
can be made to camera settings with subject programs. The autofocus mode can be  
changed (p. 80). The sport action mode uses continuous AF, the other modes use  
single AF. The digital effects controller can be used to compensate exposure, contrast,  
and color saturation (p. 62). White balance can be changed in all modes except sunset  
and night portrait (p. 58). Sharpness can be changed in the sport action, sunset, and  
text modes (p. 80). The metering mode cannot be changed.  
DIGITAL-SUBJECT-PROGRAM BUTTON  
The subject-program button (1)  
optimizes the camera’s performance  
for various conditions and subjects.  
Exposure, white-balance, and image-  
processing systems work in unison for  
beautiful results.  
1
Pressing the subject-program button  
cycles through the modes: portrait,  
sport action, sunset, night portrait, text,  
and the original exposure mode. A  
pointer will indicate the active subject  
program. The subject program will  
remain in effect until it is changed.  
Shooting tips  
Portrait - Most portraits look best at a telephoto setting; the longer focal length does not exag-  
gerate facial features and the shallower depth of field softens the background. Use the built-in  
flash with strong direct sunlight or backlight to reduce harsh shadows.  
Optimized to reproduce warm, soft skin tones and  
a slight defocusing of the background.  
Portrait  
Sport action - When using a flash, make sure the subject is within the flash range: 0.5 - 3.0m  
(telephoto). The flash range can be extended by changing the camera sensitivity (p. 79). A  
monopod is more flexible and compact than a tripod when shooting events.  
Used to capture fast action by maximizing shutter  
speeds and tracking subjects with continuous AF.  
Sport action  
Sunset  
Sunset - When the sun is above the horizon, do not point the camera toward the sun for pro-  
longed periods of time. The intensity of the sun could damage the CCD. Between exposures,  
turn off the camera or cover the lens.  
Optimized to reproduce rich, warm sunsets.  
For deep, subtle night scenes. When used with  
flash, the subject and background are balanced.  
Night portrait - When taking pictures of a landscape at night, use a tripod to eliminate blurring  
from camera shake. The flash can only be used with close subjects such as with a portrait of a  
person. When using the flash, ask your subjects not to move after the burst; the shutter will still  
be open for the background exposure.  
Night portrait  
Text  
For the crisp reproduction of black text on white  
backgrounds.  
Text - When taking pictures of small text on a sheet of paper, the macro mode (p. 69) can be  
used. Use a tripod to eliminate camera shake and ensure the sharpest images.  
38  
39  
RECORDING MODE  
SETTING THE FUNCTION DIAL  
Image size, image quality, exposure modes, drive modes, white balance, and camera  
sensitivity are controlled by the function dial. Making changes with the function dial is  
simple. The function dial can only be used for still photography.  
EVF & Monitor Display  
Function Dial Display  
SIZE  
Setting  
2560 X 1920 (2048 X 1536)  
1600 X 1200  
1280 X 960  
640 X 480  
RAW  
Super fine  
Fine  
Standard  
Economy  
Page  
42  
42  
42  
42  
43  
43  
43  
43  
43  
47  
48  
49  
50  
51  
52  
53  
54  
56  
59  
59  
59  
59  
59  
60  
60  
61  
2560 (2048)  
1600  
1280  
640  
RAW  
S. FIN  
FINE  
STD  
Turn the function dial to the mode to be changed (1).  
While pressing the button in the center of the function dial, turn the  
control dial near the shutter-release button to change the mode (2).  
Release the function button to set the mode.  
1
QUAL  
• Changes are displayed on the monitors and data panel.  
ECON  
Program  
P
A
Numbers in  
Aperture priority  
Shutter priority  
Manual  
Single-frame advance  
Continuous advance  
Self-timer  
Bracketing  
Interval  
Automatic white balance  
Daylight  
Tungsten  
Fluorescent  
Cloudy  
Custom setting  
Custom calibration  
Automatic gain  
parentheses are  
for the DiMAGE  
5. Display for the  
data panel, EVF  
and LCD monitor  
are the same  
PASM  
S
2
M
unless indicated.  
DRIVE  
Image size  
Controls the pixel resolution (p. 42).  
Controls the rate of compression (p. 43).  
Changes exposure mode (p. 46).  
Changes drive mode (p. 51).  
SIZE  
QUAL  
PASM  
DRIVE  
WB  
(No display when set)  
Image quality  
Exposure modes  
Drive modes  
WB  
(No display when set)  
Changes between automatic, preset, and  
custom white balance (p. 58).  
White balance  
Camera sensitivity  
100, 200,  
400, 800.  
ISO  
Preset camera sensitivity in  
ISO equivalents.  
ISO value  
is displayed  
61  
Changes camera sensitivity (p. 61).  
ISO  
40  
41  
RECORDING MODE  
IMAGE SIZE  
IMAGE QUALITY  
Changing image size affects the number of pixels in each image.  
This camera has five image quality settings: raw, super fine, fine,  
standard, and economy. Always select the desired setting before  
taking the picture. See setting the function dial section on page 40.  
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.  
Image quality controls the rate of compression, but has no effect on  
the number of pixels in the image. The higher the image quality, the  
lower the rate of compression and the larger the file sizes. The super-fine mode will  
produce the highest quality image and the largest image files. If the economical use of  
the CompactFlash card is important, use the economy mode. Standard image quality is  
sufficient for normal usage.  
Image size must be set before the picture is taken. Changes made  
to image size are displayed on the data panel, EVF, and LCD monitor. Image size must  
be reset manually. See setting the function dial section on page 40.  
EVF and  
Number of pixels  
(hor. X vert.)  
Data panel  
Image size  
FULL  
LCD monitor  
File formats vary with the image quality setting. Super fine images are saved as a TIFF  
file. The fine, standard, and economy settings are formatted as a JPEG file. Super fine,  
fine, standard, and economy files are saved as 24-bit color or 8-bit monochrome  
images. RAW creates a file format that can only be read with the DiMAGE Image  
Viewer Utility software.  
2560 X 1920  
(2048 X1536)*  
2560 (2048)*  
1600  
1600 X 1200  
1280 X 960  
640 X 480  
UXGA  
SXGA  
VGA  
If the image quality is changed, the data panel will display the approximate number of  
images that can be recorded at that setting on the installed CompactFlash card. One  
CompactFlash card can contain images with differing qualities.  
1280  
640  
Data  
panel  
EVF and  
LCD monitor  
* The number in parentheses indicates the value for the DiMAGE 5.  
RAW - unprocessed image data.  
Super fine - the highest quality image.  
Fine - high quality image.  
RAW  
S. FIN  
FINE  
ABOUT THE FRAME COUNTER  
The frame counter indicates the approximate number of images that can be stored on  
the CompactFlash card at the camera’s image quality and size settings. If the settings  
are changed, the frame counter adjusts accordingly. Because the calculation is based  
on average file sizes, the actual image may not change the counter or may decrease it  
by more than one. The frame counter cannot exceed 999. When the number of record-  
able images exceeds this, 999 will be displayed. The frame counter will continue to  
count down when the number of recordable images falls below one thousand.  
Standard - the default setting.  
Economy - the smallest file sizes.  
STD  
ECON  
42  
43  
RECORDING MODE  
ABOUT SUPER-FINE AND RAW IMAGE QUALITY  
IMAGE-FILE SIZE AND COMPACTFLASH CARD CAPACITY  
The number of images that can be stored on a CompactFlash 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. The tables below list  
approximate file sizes based on average file sizes.  
Because super-fine and RAW data files are so large, the continuous-advance mode  
(p.52) cannot be used with these image-quality settings. If the continuous advance is  
used with either of these settings, only one image will be captured when the shutter-  
release button is pressed and held. With the bracketing drive mode, the continuous  
advance is canceled and the shutter must be released manually for each frame of the  
bracket. When capturing super fine and RAW images, a delay of between thirty to forty  
seconds can occur as the image is saved to the CompactFlash card; the monitors will  
be blank and the access lamp will glow during that period.  
Approximate file sizes.  
Image  
2560 X 1920  
Image  
1600 X 1200 1280 X 960 640 X 480  
size  
(2048 X 1536)*  
quality  
In the RAW image-quality mode, the image size is set at full and cannot be changed.  
The image size will not be displayed on the monitors. The digital zoom, enlarged  
playback, and data imprinting cannot be used.  
RAW  
Super fine  
Fine  
Standard  
Economy  
9.5MB (6.1MB)  
14.1MB (9.1MB)  
2.1MB (1.6MB)  
1.1MB (0.9MB)  
0.65MB (0.59MB)  
5.6MB  
1.0MB  
0.6MB  
0.38MB  
3.6MB  
0.66MB  
0.41MB  
0.29MB  
0.96MB  
0.27MB  
0.2MB  
0.15MB  
Unlike the other image-quality modes, RAW image data is unprocessed and requires  
image processing before it can be used. To view the RAW data, the DiMAGE Image  
Viewer Utility software is required. The utility software can reconstruct the image and  
apply the same image processing controls as the camera. RAW data is saved as a 12-  
bit file; the DiMAGE Viewer Utility software can convert this data into 48-bit TIFF files.  
Approximate number of images that can be stored on a 16MB CompactFlash card.  
Image  
size  
2560 X 1920  
(2048 X 1536)*  
Image  
quality  
1600 X 1200 1280 X 960 640 X 480  
When the camera is set to RAW image quality, the camera’s image processing controls  
alter the live image displayed in the EVF and on the LCD monitor in recording mode,  
but have no effect on the stored image. When the image is played back on the camera,  
image processing is not applied and the colors of the image can look unnatural. When  
viewed on a computer using the DiMAGE Image Viewer software, the natural colors will  
be restored.  
RAW  
Super fine  
Fine  
Standard  
Economy  
1 (2)  
1 (1)  
7 (9)  
15 (16)  
22 (27)  
2 (2)  
17 (15)  
33 (26)  
46 (41)  
4 (4)  
28 (23)  
50 (38)  
67 (54)  
16 (16)  
80 (57)  
115 (81)  
135 (104)  
A RAW image is stored with a file header that contains white-balance information,  
changes made to contrast and saturation with the digital effects controller, any image  
processing applied in a subject-program setting, and changes to sharpness. The color  
mode has no effect on the final image; a raw image taken in the black and white mode  
can be restored to a color picture. The changes in camera sensitivity are applied to the  
RAW data; ISO values can be manually set to control noise (p. 62).  
* The figures in parentheses apply to the DiMAGE 5 only.  
44  
45  
RECORDING MODE  
PROGRAM - P  
EXPOSURE MODES  
The programmed AE exposure control uses luminance and focal-length information to  
ensure perfect exposures. The sophisticated exposure system allows the photographer  
the freedom to shoot without having to worry about the technical details of exposure  
settings. The shutter speed and aperture values of the exposure are displayed on the  
monitors and data panel.  
The four exposure modes allow extensive control over image  
making. Programmed AE gives carefree operation, aperture and  
shutter priority allows photographers to maximize exposures in  
different situations, and manual exposure provides complete  
freedom in controlling the final image. See setting the function dial  
section on page 40.  
The program line adjusts with the changes in focal length of the zoom lens. The  
camera is programmed to maximize depth of field in the wide-angle range to provide  
sharp landscape pictures, and to maximize shutter speed in the telephoto range to  
minimize camera shake and blurred images. When the shutter speed falls below an  
acceptable limit for the camera to be hand held, the camera-shake warning appears in  
the lower left corner of the monitors (p. 15).  
The camera controls both the shutter speeds  
and aperture.  
Program  
P
A
S
The photographer selects the aperture and the  
camera sets the appropriate shutter speed.  
Aperture priority  
Shutter priority  
Manual exposure  
The photographer selects the shutter speed and  
the camera sets the appropriate aperture.  
PROGRAM SHIFT  
Although exposure calculations can be left to the camera, photographers can still have  
control over the final exposure with the program-shift function. As described in the  
basic recording operation (p. 29), press the shutter-release button partway down (1)  
until the shutter speed and aperture value are displayed. The control dial (2) can then  
be used to shift the shutter speed and aperture combination; each combination will give  
the optimum exposure.  
The photographer selects both the shutter  
speed and aperture.  
M
Data panel  
1
LCD monitor  
The built-in flash cannot be used with program shift.  
The camera gives priority to the flash exposure;  
2
once the flash is raised, any changes made with the  
program shift will be canceled. Pressing the function  
button will also reset the program shift.  
Exposure modes  
Shutter speed  
Aperture  
All exposure mode icons on the data  
panel have been shown for clarity.  
46  
47  
RECORDING MODE  
APERTURE PRIORITY - A  
SHUTTER PRIORITY - S  
The photographer selects the shutter speed and the  
camera sets the appropriate aperture to ensure  
correct exposure. When S mode is selected, the  
shutter speed on the monitors turns blue.  
The photographer selects the aperture and the  
camera sets the appropriate shutter speed to  
ensure correct exposure. When A mode is selected,  
the aperture value on the monitors turns blue.  
2
2
1
1
Turn the control dial (1) to set the desired shutter  
speed. Press the shutter-release button to activate  
the exposure system (2); the corresponding aperture  
will be displayed.  
Turn the control dial (1) to set the desired aperture  
value. Press the shutter-release button to activate  
the exposure system (2); the corresponding shutter  
speed will be displayed.  
The shutter speeds can be changed by half  
stop increments from 4 seconds to 1/2000. If  
the shutter speed is beyond the aperture  
range, the aperture display will blink on the  
data panel and turn red on the monitors.  
The aperture values can be changed by half stop  
increments between f/2.8 and f/8 at the lens’ wide-angle position and f/3.5 to f/9.5 at  
the lens’ telephoto position. If the aperture value is beyond the shutter-speed range, the  
shutter-speed display will blink on the data panel and turn red on the monitors.  
When the shutter speed falls below an acceptable limit for the camera to be hand held,  
a warning appears in the lower left corner of the EVF and LCD monitor. When the  
warning appears, decrease the aperture value until the warning disappears or place the  
camera on a tripod.  
Because the shutter speeds can be adjusted in  
fine steps, the same shutter speed maybe  
displayed when the aperture is changed. With  
the camera sensitivity (ISO) set to auto, the  
shutter speed may not change when the  
aperture is adjusted.  
Camera Notes  
For 35mm photographers, an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/8 does not seem impressive.  
However, because of the CCD size and the actual focal length of the lens, the apertures on this  
digital camera give significantly more depth of field at any given angle of view with any given  
aperture than a 35mm camera. So even with the minimum aperture of f/8, the depth of field will  
give the coverage needed to create beautiful, sharp images.  
48  
49  
RECORDING MODE  
MANUAL EXPOSURE - M  
DRIVE MODES  
Manual exposure mode allows individual selection of  
shutter speeds and apertures. This mode overrides  
the exposure system giving the photographer total  
control over the final exposure. The shutter speeds  
and aperture values can be changed in half stop  
increments. The value that is being set will turn blue  
on the monitors.  
The drive modes control the rate and method images are captured.  
Icons indicating the selected drive mode appear on the data panel  
and LCD monitor and in the EVF. See setting the function dial  
section on page 40.  
To take a single image each time the  
Single-frame advance  
Continuous drive  
shutter-release button is pressed.  
As changes are made to the exposure, the effect will  
be visible on the monitors. The shutter-speed and  
aperture display will blink on the data panel and turn  
red on the monitors, if the image is extremely under or overexposed. If the monitors are  
black, increase the exposure until the image is visible; decrease the exposure if the  
monitors are white.  
To take multiple images when the shutter-  
release button is pressed and held.  
To delay the release of the shutter. Used  
for self-portraits.  
Self-timer  
Bracketing  
Interval  
To take a series of images with differing  
exposure, contrast, and saturation.  
In manual mode, the auto camera sensitivity setting will be set to ISO 100. The camera  
sensitivity can be changed with the function dial (p. 40). Bulb exposures can be made  
in M mode, see page 92 for more information.  
To take a series of images over a period  
of time.  
To set the shutter speed:  
• Turn the control dial (1) to set the desired  
shutter speed.  
All icons have been  
1
shown for clarity. The  
single-frame advance  
and continuous advance  
indicators occupy the  
same area of the data  
panel. All the drive-mode  
icons appear in the lower  
right corner of the  
LCD monitor  
To set the aperture:  
• Set the digital effects switch (2) to the  
exposure-compensation position.  
• While pressing the digital effects button (3), turn  
the the control dial (1) to set the desired  
aperture value.  
Data panel  
monitors.  
2
3
50  
51  
RECORDING MODE  
CONTINUOUS ADVANCE  
SELF-TIMER  
Used for self-portraits, the self-timer will delay the release of the shutter for  
approximately ten seconds after the shutter is released. The self-timer is set with the  
function dial (p. 40).  
Continuous-advance mode allows a series of images to be captured while holding  
down the shutter-release button. Continuous advance acts like a motor drive on a film  
camera. The number of images that can be captured at one time and the rate of  
capture depends on the image-quality and image-size setting. The maximum rate of  
capture is 1.1 fps (1.3 fps for DiMAGE 5) with full-size images with manual focus in  
manual-exposure mode. The continuous-advance mode is set with the function dial (p.  
40).  
With the camera on a tripod, compose the picture as described in the basic operation  
section (p. 29). Focus lock (p.30) or the Flex Focus Point (p. 67) can be used with off-  
center subjects . Press the shutter-release button partway down or press the AF/AEL  
button to lock the exposure and focus. Press the shutter-release button all the way  
down to begin the countdown. Because focus and exposure are determined when the  
shutter-release button is pressed, do not stand in front of the camera when taking a  
self-timer image. Always confirm the focus with the focus signals before beginning the  
countdown (p. 68).  
When the shutter-release button is pressed and held, the camera will begin recording  
images until the maximum number has been taken or the shutter button is released.  
This mode cannot be used with super-fine or RAW image (p. 44). The built-in flash can  
be used, but the rate of capture is reduced because the flash must recharge between  
frames.  
During the countdown, the self-timer lamp on the  
front of the camera will start to blink and is  
accompanied by an audio signal. A few seconds  
before the exposure, the self-timer lamp will blink  
rapidly. The lamp will glow steadily just before  
the shutter fires. To stop the countdown, press  
the pro-auto button or change the position of the  
flash (lift it or push it down). The audio signal can  
be turned off in the basic section of the setup  
menu (p. 114).  
Compose the picture as described in the basic operation section (p. 29). Press the  
shutter-release button partway down to lock the exposure and focus for the series; if  
the autofocus mode is set to continuous AF, the lens will continually focus during the  
series (p. 68). Press and hold the shutter-release button all the way down to begin  
taking pictures.  
The following chart lists the maximum number of images that can be captured with  
different image-quality and image-size combinations. The numbers in parentheses refer  
to the DiMAGE 5.  
Image  
Size  
2560 X 1920  
(2048 X 1536)  
1600 X 1200 1280 X 960  
640 X 480  
Image  
Quality  
Shooting tips  
The self-timer can be used to minimize camera shake with long exposures. When using the  
camera on a tripod, photographs of static subjects (landscapes, still-lifes, or close-up pho-  
tographs) can be made with the self-timer. Because no contact is made with the camera during  
exposure, there is no risk of camera shake caused by the operator.  
Fine  
5 (8)  
7 (12)  
12 (19)  
8 (12)  
12 (18)  
18 (28)  
11 (17)  
17 (26)  
24 (36)  
25 (38)  
35 (53)  
44 (68)  
Standard  
Economy  
52  
53  
RECORDING MODE  
DIGITAL ENHANCED BRACKETING  
After setting the drive mode to bracketing, turn the digital  
BRACKETING  
This mode makes a three image bracket of a scene. Bracketing is a method of taking a  
series of images of a static subject in which each image has a slight variation in  
exposure. The camera is not limited to exposure brackets, but can also make contrast  
and color saturation brackets. Only one image characteristic can be bracketed at a  
time. The bracketing mode is set with the function dial (p. 40).  
effects switch to the contrast or color-saturation setting.  
Set the contrast or color saturation to the desired level; the  
bracket series is from one unit under to one unit over the  
set level. Except for a RAW image, if the the contrast or  
color saturation is set to the maximum or minimum level  
(±3), one bracket will be made at ± 4: +3, +2, +4. A RAW  
image cannot exceed the the maximum and minimum  
levels and will contain two identical brackets: +3, +2, +3.  
See the digital-effects-controller section on page 62 to set  
contrast and color saturation.  
Contrast bracket  
EXPOSURE BRACKETING  
After setting the drive mode to bracketing, turn the digital effects  
Exposure bracket  
switch to the exposure-compensation setting. The order of the  
bracket series is normal exposure (as indicated by the shutter  
speed and aperture displays), underexposure, overexposure. The  
exposure bracket is set to 1/3 stop increments, but can be  
adjusted to 1/2 or 1 stop increments in the custom 1 section of the  
recording-mode menu (p. 80).  
Color-saturation bracket  
Compose the picture as described in the basic-operation section (p. 29). Press the  
shutter-release button partway down (1) or press the AF/AEL button (2) to lock the  
exposure and focus for the series; the camera will continue to focus during the series if  
set to continuous AF (p. 68). Press and hold the shutter-release button all the way  
down (3) to make the bracket series; three consecutive images will be captured. The  
frames in the series are count down on the monitors next to the bracketing icon.  
Compose the picture as described in the basic-operation section (p. 29). Press the  
shutter-release button partway down (1) or press the AF/AEL button (2) to  
lock the exposure and focus for the series; the camera will continue to focus  
during the series if set to continuous AF (p. 68). Press and hold  
the shutter-release button all the way down (3) to make the  
bracket series; three consecutive images will be captured.  
1
Exposure bracket  
Normal  
Over  
Under  
NOTES ON BRACKETING  
2
If the CompactFlash card is filled or the shutter button is released before the series has  
completed, the camera will reset and the entire bracket must be made again.  
3
With super fine and RAW image qualities or when using flash, the bracket will not  
advance automatically; the shutter-release button must be pressed for each frame of  
the series. Once the series begins, the focus and exposure values are set and do not  
have to be made again. The remaining number of frames in the bracket series is  
displayed on the monitors next to the bracketing icon.  
Number of frames in  
bracketing series  
Frame counter  
54  
55  
RECORDING MODE  
Press the shutter-release button to begin the series. During the interval series, the  
monitors will be turned off to conserve power. “Int” will be displayed on the data panel  
and the data-panel frame counter will countdown the remaining frames in the interval  
series. The access lamp will glow when an image is being recorded.  
INTERVAL  
The interval mode makes a series of still images over a period of time. Similar to time-  
lapse photography, a series of images of a slow moving event can be taken: the  
blossoming of a flower, the construction of a building. The built-in flash can be used.  
Instant playback (p. 89) is disabled.  
To force the shutter to fire before the end of an interval, press the shutter-release  
button. The next interval will be timed from the new exposure. When the shutter is  
forced to fire, the EVF will activate for the duration of the auto-power-save period (p.  
117) and the LCD monitor will activate for thirty seconds.  
Use the function dial to set the drive mode to interval (p. 40). The number of frames in  
the series will be displayed on the monitors next to the interval icon. The number of  
frames can be set between two and ninety nine on the custom 1 section of the  
recording-mode menu (p. 80). The interval period is also set on the recording-mode  
menu; 1 - 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes.  
The camera will stop recording images and reset to the first frame when the number of  
frames set has been taken, or when the CompactFlash card is full. To cancel the  
interval series, turn off the camera.  
After mounting the camera on a tripod, compose the image so that the subject area  
falls within the focus frames; the camera sets the focus, exposure, and white balance,  
and charges the flash just before each exposure. Continuous AF can be used. Settings  
locked with the AF/AEL button are canceled after the first frame (p. 73). To override the  
automatic systems, use manual focus (p. 71), manual exposure (p. 50), and manual  
white balance (p. 58).  
Confirm the CompactFlash card has enough storage capacity for the series by compar-  
ing the number of frames in the interval series with the number of recordable images  
displayed on the frame counter. Image size and quality settings can be changed to  
increase the number of pictures that can  
The setting sun: 10 minute intervals  
be saved on the CompactFlash card (p.  
40).  
Shooting tips  
When creating a large series of images, the text and a serial number can be imprinted on the  
images. This aids editing the images and time calculations for specific images. For information  
on data imprinting, see page 87.  
Number of frames in the interval series.  
Frame counter.  
56  
57  
RECORDING MODE  
AUTOMATIC WHITE BALANCE  
WHITE BALANCE  
White Balance is the camera’s ability to make different types of  
The automatic white balance compensates for the color temperature of a scene. In  
most cases, the AUTO setting will balance the ambient light and create beautiful  
images, even under mixed-lighting conditions. When the built-in flash is used, the white  
balance is set for the color temperature of the flash.  
lighting appear neutral. The effect is similar to selecting daylight or  
tungsten film, or using color compensating filters in conventional  
photography.  
PRESET WHITE BALANCE  
When setting the white  
balance, “Auto” (data panel) and “AWB”  
Preset white-balance settings must be set before the image is taken. Once set, the  
effect is immediately visible on the monitors.  
(monitors) will be displayed to indicate the  
auto white-balance setting. An icon will be  
displayed on the data panel and monitors if a  
setting other than auto white-balance was  
chosen. See setting the function dial section  
on page 40.  
The built-in flash can be used with preset white-balance settings, but will create a  
pinkish or blueish cast with the fluorescent and tungsten settings. The flash is daylight  
balanced and will produce excellent results with the daylight and cloudy settings.  
Shooting tips  
No  
display  
The AUTO setting will detect the type of light  
and adjust the white balance accordingly.  
AUTO  
The daylight and cloudy settings are primarily for outdoor shooting conditions. Daylight is used  
for sunny weather when the light is relatively warm. The light during overcast conditions is  
much cooler and requires a different white balance: cloudy. Office lighting will produce a strong  
green cast in photographs; the fluorescent setting restores the natural color under these condi-  
tions. Traditional household light bulbs emit very yellow light, which can be corrected with the  
tungsten setting.  
Daylight  
For outdoor and sunlit subjects.  
For incandescent lighting: household filament  
light bulbs.  
Tungsten  
Auto and manual white balance will not change the color of neon signs. White balance cannot  
correct high-energy vapor lighting: sodium-vapor (yellow highway lights), or mercury vapor. For  
portraits under these lighting conditions, the flash can be used to overpower the ambient light.  
With landscapes containing these types of lights, set the white balance to the preset daylight  
setting.  
Fluorescent  
Cloudy  
For fluorescent lighting: office ceiling lights.  
For overcast outdoor scenes.  
Custom setting  
Custom calibration  
For using the custom white-balance setting.  
For manual white-balance calibration.  
58  
59  
RECORDING MODE  
CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE  
CAMERA SENSITIVITY - ISO  
Custom-white-balance function allows a photographer to calibrate the camera to a  
specific lighting condition. The setting can be used repeatedly until reset. Custom white  
balance is especially useful with mixed-lighting conditions or when critical control over  
color is needed.  
Five settings can be selected for camera sensitivity: Auto, 100, 200,  
400, and 800; 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. See setting the function dial  
section on page 40 to change the ISO setting.  
To calibrate the camera, press the function button and turn the  
control dial until the custom white-balance icon and “SET” appear  
on the data panel and red on the monitors. Select a white object  
and fill the image area with it; the object does not need to be in  
focus. Press the shutter-release button to calibrate the camera. If  
an error occurs during calibration, an error message will appear on  
The auto setting automatically adjusts the camera sensitivity to the light conditions  
between ISO 100 and 400. When the flash is activated and camera sensitivity is set to  
auto, the ISO value is set to ISO 200. When any other setting than auto is used, “ISO”  
will appear on the data panel, and “ISO” and the set value will be displayed on the  
monitors.  
Calibration display  
the monitors. Press the controller to cancel the message, then  
recalibrate using a suitable reference target and the shutter-release button. This  
sequence can be repeated as many times as necessary.  
Photographers can select a specific sensitivity setting. Like grain in silver-halide film  
that increases with speed, noise increases with sensitivity in digital imaging; an ISO  
setting of 100 will have the least noise and 800 will have the most noise. A change in  
ISO also affects the flash range (p. 79); the higher the ISO, the greater the range.  
The setting will remain until another calibration is made. If the custom white-balance  
setting needs to be used again, while pressing the function button, turn the control dial  
until the custom white-balance icon is displayed without the “SET” on the data panel  
and white on the monitors. The camera will use the last custom setting.  
As the ISO value doubles, the camera sensitivity doubles; changing the ISO between  
100 and 200, 200 and 400, or 400 and 800 changes the camera sensitivity by one stop  
or 1 Ev (p. 36). A change between 100 and 800 changes the camera sensitivity by a  
factor of 8 or three stops. High ISO settings (400, 800) will allow the photographer to  
hand hold the camera in low-light conditions without the need of a flash.  
The built-in flash can be used with the custom setting. However, since the flash is  
daylight balanced, it will give an unusual color cast to an image if the camera is  
calibrated to any other light source.  
Camera Notes  
Shooting tips  
When making bulb exposures (p. 92), noise can be more pronounced because of the unusual-  
ly long exposure times, especially at 400 and 800 ISO. When making long bulb exposures of 20  
to 30 seconds, a camera sensitivity setting of 100 or 200 will produce excellent results. At high-  
er ISO settings, using shorter exposure times (8 - 16 seconds) will reduce the effect of noise.  
With long exposures at high ISO settings, noise from interference may be noticeable.  
When making the calibration, the color of the object used is critical. The object should be  
white. A colored object will cause the calibration to compensate for the object color rather than  
the color temperature of the ambient light. A blank piece of white paper is an ideal surface and  
can easily be carried in a camera bag.  
60  
61  
RECORDING MODE  
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION  
The exposure can be adjusted before the image is captured to  
DIGITAL EFFECTS CONTROL  
The Digital Effects Controller is a powerful tool. As well as being able to make  
adjustments to exposure, the controller can also change image contrast and color  
saturation. The effect of any change is instantly visible in the EVF or on the LCD  
monitor before the image is captured. Since compensation is applied to the image  
before it is compressed and saved, image information can be maximized before leaving  
the scene. The digital effects controller can be used with movie recording.  
make the final picture lighter or darker. Exposure can be adjusted  
by as much as ±2Ev in 1/3 increments (p. 36). The exposure  
compensation value will remain in effect until it has been reset.  
The exposure compensation must be set before the image is  
captured. When setting the exposure compensation, the change is  
shown on the data panel aperture display and next to the exposure-compensation icon  
on the monitors. After the setting is made, the shutter-speed and aperture displays will  
indicate the actual exposure. Because the shutter speeds can be adjusted in fine steps,  
the same shutter speed or aperture value may be displayed after exposure  
compensation.  
Operating the controller is very simple:  
Turn the digital effects switch to the image characteristic to be changed.  
1
Press and hold the digital-effects button in the center of the switch and adjust the  
setting by turning the control dial next to the shutter-release button. Release the  
digital-effects button to set the adjustment.  
2
Data panel EVF & LCD monitor  
Display when adjusting exposure.  
1
Adjustments can be made repeatedly and in  
combination. Adjustments remain in effect until  
manually reset. When set to any value other than  
zero, an icon will be displayed on the data panel  
*
Exposure compensation warning after adjustment  
* The aperture value for the exposure.  
and monitors as a warning.  
Exposure compensation  
Shooting tips  
Sometimes the camera’s exposure meter is deceived by certain conditions.  
Changing the exposure value can compensate for these situations. For exam-  
ple, a very bright scene, such as a snowy landscape or a white  
sandy beach, can appear too dark in the captured image. Before  
taking the picture, adjusting the exposure by +1 or +2 EV will  
result in an image with normal tonal values.  
2
Contrast compensation  
In this example, the dark scene appears bright and washed-out on  
the LCD monitor. By decreasing the exposure by –1.5 EV, the rich-  
ness of the sunset is preserved.  
Color-saturation compensation  
62  
63  
RECORDING MODE  
CONTRAST COMPENSATION  
COLOR-SATURATION COMPENSATION  
The color saturation of a scene can be adjusted within seven  
The contrast of a scene can be adjusted within seven levels (±3)  
with the Digital Effects Controller. If a scene is too contrasty,  
information will be lost; if a scene is flat, the image information is  
not optimized for the recording ability of the camera. Control over  
the contrast gives photographers the ability to maximize the image  
information at the scene.  
levels (±3) with the Digital Effects Controller. Colors can be  
accented or subdued.  
The color saturation must be set before the image is captured.  
When changing the color-saturation setting, an icon will appear on  
the data panel and in the live image. The data panel and monitors  
will indicate if an increase (+) or decrease (–) in saturation has been made. If color  
saturation is set to any other value than zero, the icon will remain on the displays as a  
warning.  
The contrast must be set before the image is captured. When changing the contrast  
setting, an icon will appear on the data panel and in the live image. The data panel and  
monitors will indicate if an increase (+) or decrease (–) in contrast has been made. If  
contrast is set to any other value than zero, the icon will remain on the displays as a  
warning.  
Data panel EVF & LCD monitor  
Display when adjusting color saturation.  
Data panel EVF & LCD monitor  
Color-saturation compensation warning  
Display when adjusting contrast.  
Contrast compensation warning after adjustment.  
Shooting tips  
Unlike the display on a computer monitor, changes to contrast and color saturation can be diffi-  
cult to see in the EVF and LCD monitor. To ensure the optimum level of contrast or color satu-  
ration, make an automatic bracket (p. 55) or manual bracket of the scene.  
Flat scene  
High  
contrast  
scene  
After compensation  
After compensation  
64  
65  
RECORDING MODE  
FLEX FOCUS POINT - CONTROLLING THE SPOT FOCUS POINT  
AUTOFOCUS AREAS AND CONTROL  
In still-image recording mode, the controller selects the focus area used and moves the  
spot-focus area within the image. The two focus areas, wide focus area and spot focus  
point, allow flexibility over a variety of situations.  
Once displayed, the spot focus area can be moved to any point in the image area. This  
Flex Focus Point is a powerful tool for off-center subjects. The Flex Focus Point cannot  
be used with continuous AF (p. 68) or the digital zoom (p. 70).  
The wide focus area is an array of local focus areas that work together to control focus.  
This system is especially effective with moving subjects or quick shooting in fast-  
moving events. When the focus is locked in single AF mode, one of the AF sensors  
within the wide focus area will briefly indicate the point of focus. The spot focus point  
gives critical control over focus. It can be used to single out an individual subject from a  
group.  
1
With the spot-focus-area cross displayed, use the controller’s four-way  
keys (1) to move the focus point anywhere within the live image. Press  
the shutter-release button partway down or press the AF/AEL button to  
focus; the cross will turn red to confirm focus.  
Switching between the wide focus area to the spot focus point is simple. Press and  
hold the controller (1) until the wide-focus-area frame lines change to the spot-focus-  
point cross. Press and hold the controller again to return to the wide-focus-area frame  
lines.  
Pressing the center of the controller (2) returns the focus point to the  
center of the image area. To return to the wide-focus-area mode press  
and hold the controller until the frame lines appear.  
2
Wide focus area  
1
2
AF sensor  
Spot focus point  
1
Controller  
66  
67  
RECORDING MODE  
AUTOFOCUS MODES  
MACRO MODE  
This digital camera has two autofocusing modes. The single and continuous autofocus  
modes are selected in the basic section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80).  
The macro mode is used for close-up photographs of small objects. The minimum  
focusing distance is 25cm from the CCD or about 13cm from the front of the lens. The  
marco mode can be used with the digital zoom to increase the close-up effect. Subject  
programs and movie recording can be used with the macro setting. The built-in flash  
Single AF - for general purpose photography and static subjects. When the shutter-  
release button is pressed partway down, the autofocus system locks onto the subject in  
the focus area and will remain in effect until the shutter button is released.  
cannot be used with macro mode.  
CCD plane  
Turn the zoom ring to the telephoto setting.  
• Align the arrow on the zooming ring with the arrow near the  
macro switch.  
Continuous AF - for moving subjects. When the shutter-release button is pressed  
partway down, the autofocus system will activate and continue to focus until the  
exposure is made.  
Slide the macro switch on the lens barrel forward.  
• The camera is now in macro mode.  
• Make sure the subject is within the macro focusing range:  
0.25 - 0.6m from the CCD.  
To return to normal recording mode, slide the macro switch  
towards the rear of the lens.  
• The macro icon is displayed in the lower right corner of the  
monitors.  
• When the AF system is unable to focus because of a special focusing situation (p. 31), the  
focus is set to infinity. When using flash, the focus is set between 3 and 3.8m. In this case,  
focus lock (p. 30) can be used with an object at the same distance as the main subject or the  
camera can be focused manually (p. 71).  
• When using continuos AF with the wide focus area (p. 66), the AF sensors will not appear to  
indicate the point of focus.  
• The continuous AF mode may have difficulty focusing on extremely fast subjects. In this  
situation, use manual focus to focus on a point in the subject’s path and release the shutter  
just before the subject reaches that point; there is a slight delay between the time the  
shutter-release button is pressed and the shutter opens.  
Shooting tips  
Single AF icon  
Focus confirmed.  
Focus confirmed.  
Because of the high image magnification, hand holding cameras during  
close-up photography is very difficult. When possible, use a tripod.  
Use the Flex Focus Point (p. 67) to specify the area to be within focus.  
Because depth of field (the area in focus) is narrow in close-up photogra-  
phy, using focus lock with off-center subjects can cause minor errors  
which are exaggerated at high magnifications.  
Continuous AF icon  
Focus icon: red  
Cannot focus. The subject is too close or a special  
situation is preventing the AF system from focusing.  
The variable position EVF makes working in tight spaces and at low levels  
easy. The EVF can be tilted between 0° and 90°.  
• Do not confuse these icons with the metering-mode icons (p. 74).  
• The shutter can be released even if the camera cannot focus on the subject.  
68  
69  
RECORDING MODE  
DIGITAL ZOOM  
MANUAL FOCUS  
The digital zoom doubles the lens magnification. The digital zoom cannot be used with  
RAW image quality or in movie recording.  
CCD plane  
Manual control over focus is simple. The  
focus mode button (AF/MF) (1) toggles  
between automatic and manual focus. The  
MF icon is displayed on the data panel and  
monitors when the camera is in the manual-  
focus mode.  
Press the magnification button on the back of the  
camera. The effect is immediately displayed.  
• The live image is enlarged on the LCD monitor and is  
cropped with a shaded border in the EVF.  
• X2.0 is displayed in the monitors when the digital zoom is  
in effect.  
Use the focus ring (2) at the rear of the lens  
barrel to make a sharp image in the EVF or  
on the LCD monitor. The approximate  
distance from the CCD to the subject is  
displayed on the monitors. Manual focus can  
be used with movie recording and in macro  
mode.  
2
1
• Pressing the magnification button a second time cancels  
the digital zoom.  
• When using the wide focus area (p. 66), the AF sensor  
will not appear to indicate the point of focus.  
EVF  
When an image is taken with the digital zoom, the final  
image size depends on the image-size setting on the  
camera. The image is trimmed and then the total  
number of pixels are interpolated to produce an image  
with a pixel resolution shown in the chart.  
ELECTRONIC MAGNIFICATION (DIMAGE 7 ONLY)  
The magnification button can be used to enlarge the center of the image by X4 to aid  
manual focusing. This function has no effect on the final image size. This function is  
activated using the custom 1 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80); activating  
this function disables the digital zoom. Electronic magnification can only be used to  
check manual focus. The magnified display cannot be used to set the exposure.  
LCD monitor  
Image size setting  
Press the magnification button on the back of the camera.  
• The magnifier icon is displayed on the monitors when electronic  
magnification is in effect.  
• Pressing the magnification button a second time cancels the  
function.  
Full  
1600 X 1200  
1280 X 960  
1280 X 960  
1024 X 768  
640 X 480  
640 X 480  
640 X 480  
DiMAGE 7  
DiMAGE 5  
1280 X 960  
1024 X 768  
1280 X 960  
1024 X 768  
• When the shutter-release button is pressed partway down, the  
magnified display is canceled showing the entire image area.  
70  
71  
RECORDING MODE  
ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER  
AF/AE LOCK BUTTON  
The EVF displays 100% field of view. When using the camera outdoors or under bright  
lighting conditions, the viewfinder image is not affected by the ambient light and is  
bright and clear.  
When the shutter-release button is pressed partway down, the focus and exposure are  
locked. The AF/AEL button performs the same operation when press and held; the  
focus signals and exposure displays will confirm if the settings are locked. The  
operation of this button can be changed in the custom-1 section of the recording-mode  
menu (p. 80). Changing these settings has no effect on the operation of the shutter-  
release button. Focus lock is disabled when the camera is set to continuous AF.  
The electronic viewfinder can be tilted between 0°  
to 90°. Simply grip the finder between your fingers  
and move it to the position desired. Always store  
the camera with finder down against the body.  
Recording-mode  
menu setting  
The camera’s default setting. While pressing and holding the AF/AEL but-  
ton, the focus and exposure is set and locked. These settings will remain  
in effect until the AF/AEL button is released.  
AF/AE hold  
Pressing and releasing the AF/AEL button will set and lock the focus and  
exposure. The settings are canceled when the AF/AEL button is pressed  
again.  
DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT  
AF/AE toggle  
The EVF has a built-in diopter that can be adjusted  
between –5.0 to +0.5. While looking through the  
EVF, turn the diopter-adjustment dial until the  
viewfinder image is sharp.  
While pressing and holding the AF/AEL button, only the exposure is set  
and locked. This setting will remain in effect until the AF/AEL button is  
released or a picture is taken.  
AE hold  
Pressing and releasing the AF/AEL button will set and lock the exposure  
only. The setting is canceled when the AF/AEL button is pressed again.  
AE toggle  
• The autofocus and auto exposure settings will not reset after an image has been captured  
until the AF/AEL button has been released (hold setting) or pressed again (toggle setting).  
• When the AE hold or AE toggle are used with the flash, the slow-shutter-sync flash mode will  
be in effect (p. 76).  
AUTOMATIC MONITOR AMPLIFICATION (DIMAGE 7 ONLY)  
In extremely low-light conditions when the camera-sensitivity gain has reached its limit,  
the automatic monitor amplification function will intensify the EVF and LCD monitor  
image. The live image will be brighter, however the display will be black and white. This  
will have no effect on the final color image. When the automatic monitor amplification  
activates, the electronic-magnification function cannot be used.  
Shooting tips  
Using the spot-metering mode with the AF/AEL button as an exposure-only lock allows expo-  
sure measurements to be made from a different object than the subject. The shutter-release  
button will continue to control focus, but the exposure can be set from an object that is not at  
the same distance or at the same position as the subject. This is extremely useful when the  
color or tone of the subject is very light or dark.  
72  
73  
RECORDING MODE  
METERING MODES  
FLASH METERING  
Two flash-metering methods are available: ADI and pre-flash TTL. The flash metering-  
mode can be changed in the basic section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80).  
An advanced metering system appropriate for  
Multi-segment  
Center weighted  
Spot  
almost all photographic situations.  
ADI flash metering - Advanced Distance Integration. This metering mode combines  
distance information from the autofocusing system with information from a pre-flash  
exposure. Unlike conventional TTL flash metering, ADI is not influenced by the  
reflectance of the subject or background ensuring optimum flash exposures.  
Averages luminance values from the entire  
image area with a bias toward the center of  
the image.  
For precise measurements of a small area dis-  
played on the monitors.  
Pre-flash TTL - calculates flash exposure with a pre-flash only. This mode must be  
used when using close-up filters or filters that reduce the amount of light entering the  
camera such as neutral density filters. Pre-flash TTL must be used when a diffuser is  
attached to the built-in flash or an external flash unit.  
The icons indicating the metering mode are displayed on the monitors only. Do not  
confuse these icons with the focus signals (p. 68). The metering mode is changed in  
the basic section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80). When center-weighted or spot  
metering is selected, pressing the shutter-release button partway down will activate the  
exposure system, but will not lock the exposure; the AF/AEL button must be used.  
The camera will automatically switch from ADI metering to pre-flash TTL when a low-  
contrast subject is preventing the autofocus system from focusing. If the autofocus  
system cannot lock on the subject, press the AF/MF button and manually focus; the  
ADI metering will remain in effect.  
Multi-segment metering uses 300 segments (256 segments for the DiMAGE 5) to  
measure luminance and color. This data is combined with distance information to  
calculate the camera exposure. This advanced metering system will give accurate  
worry-free exposures in almost all situations.  
This camera does not have a preset flash sync speed. When calculating the exposure  
in program (P) or aperture-priority (A) exposure mode, the shutter speed will not fall  
below the camera-shake limit (p. 15). When using shutter-priority (S) or manual (M)  
exposure mode, any shutter speed can be used in the exposure.  
Center-weighted metering is a traditional metering method in silver-halide cameras.  
The system measures light values over the entire image area with emphasis given the  
the central region of the scene.  
For a list of compatible Minolta accessory flash units and for information on accessory  
flash operation, see page 138. Because both flash modes use a pre-flash, slave  
controlled flash units cannot be used.  
Spot metering uses a small area within the image to calculate  
the exposure. When this mode is selected, a small circle will  
appear in the middle of the live image indicating the measuring  
area. The spot allows precise exposure measurements of a  
particular object without being influenced by extremely bright or  
dark areas within the scene.  
Spot metering display  
74  
75  
RECORDING MODE  
RED-EYE REDUCTION  
FLASH MODES  
Red-eye reduction is used when taking photographs of people or animals in low-light  
conditions. The red-eye effect is caused by light reflected from the retina of the eye.  
The camera will fire a pre-flash before the main flash to contract the pupils of the  
subject’s eyes.  
Data  
EVF &  
panel LCD monitor  
Used in low-light conditions and to  
Fill-flash  
reduce shadows under direct sunlight.  
REAR FLASH SYNC  
Red-eye  
reduction  
Rear flash  
sync  
To reduce the red-eye effect with flash  
photographs of people and animals  
Rear flash sync is used with long exposures to make  
trailing lights or blurring appear to follow rather than  
proceed the subject. The effect is not apparent if the  
shutter speed is too fast and stops the subject’s  
motion.  
Flash fires at the end of long exposures.  
The flash mode can be changed in the basic section of the recording-mode menu (p.  
80). For the flash to fire, the unit must be manually lifted. The flash will fire in the  
selected mode regardless of the amount of ambient light. When the flash is used, the  
camera sensitivity is automatically set at ISO 200. This setting can be changed using  
the function dial (p. 40). The auto-white-balance setting will give priority to the flash’s  
color temperature. If manual white-balance settings are used, priority is given to the  
active setting’s color temperature (p. 59).  
When the shutter is released, a pre-flash will fire.  
This pre-flash does not exposure the subject, but is  
used in the calculation of the flash exposure. The  
flash will fire again just before the shutter closes.  
Camera Notes  
FILL FLASH  
Slow shutter sync can be set in P and A exposure modes (p. 46). In low-light conditions, this  
flash mode controls the shutter to increase the ambient or background exposure. When pho-  
tographing a subject outside at night, the camera and flash exposure will be balanced to bring  
out the details in the background. Because shutter speeds can be longer than usual, the use of  
a tripod is recommended.  
Fill-flash can be used as the main or  
supplementary light. In low-light  
conditions, the flash will act as the  
main source of illumination and  
overpower the ambient light. Under  
strong sunlight or in backlit situations,  
the fill-flash can reduce harsh  
shadows.  
1. Set the camera to the P or A exposure mode (p. 40).  
2. Set “AE hold” or “AE toggle” in the custom 1 section of the recording mode menu (p. 80).  
3. Frame the subject on the monitors.  
4. Press the AF/AEL button to lock the exposure.  
5. Press the shutter-release button to lock the focus. Compose the image on the monitors.  
6. Press the shutter-release button all the way down to take the picture.  
76  
77  
RECORDING MODE  
FLASH COMPENSATION  
FLASH RANGE  
The flash output can be controlled by ±2 Ev in  
1/3 Ev increments. Flash compensation is set  
in the basic section of the recording-mode  
menu (p. 80). If the flash compensation is set  
to any value other than 0.0, the flash-  
compensation indicator will appear on the  
monitors and data panel.  
For correct flash exposures, the subject must be within the flash range. The flash range  
can be extended by changing the camera sensitivity (p. 40). When the camera  
sensitivity is set to auto, the ISO is set at 200. The flash range is measured from the  
CCD. Because of the optical system, the flash range is not the same at the lens’ wide-  
angle position as it is at the telephoto position.  
ISO setting  
Flash range (wide angle)  
Flash range (telephoto)  
AUTO  
100  
0.5m ~ 3.8m (1.6 ft. ~ 12.5 ft.)  
0.5m ~ 2.7m (1.6 ft. ~ 8.8 ft.)  
0.5m ~ 3.8m (1.6 ft. ~ 12.5 ft.)  
0.5m ~ 5.4m (1.6 ft. ~ 17.6 ft.)  
0.5m ~ 7.6m (1.6 ft. ~ 25 ft.)  
0.5m ~ 3.0m (1.6 ft. ~ 9.8 ft.)  
0.5m ~ 2.1m (1.6 ft. ~ 6.9 ft.)  
0.5m ~ 3.0m (1.6 ft. ~ 9.8 ft.)  
0.5m ~ 4.2m (1.6 ft. ~ 13.8 ft.)  
0.5m ~ 6.0m (1.6 ft. ~ 19.6 ft.)  
Shooting tips  
When using the fill-flash to reduce harsh shadows on the subject’s face caused by bright illumi-  
nation or direct sunlight, flash compensation can be used to change the ratio between the high-  
lights and shadows. The fill-flash will affect the darkness of the shadows without affecting the  
area illuminated by the main light source. By decreasing the flash output with a negative Ev set-  
ting, the shadows will receive less light than with normal fill-flash and be harder, but will bring  
out subtle details in the shadows that would not appear without the flash. Increasing the flash  
output by using a positive Ev setting will soften and can even nearly eliminate shadows.  
200  
400  
800  
ATTACHING A MINOLTA ACCESSORY FLASH UNIT  
To extend the versatility of the camera, an accessory flash unit (sold separately) can be  
mounted on the camera. See page 138 for a list of compatible flash units.  
Slide the accessory-shoe cap off as shown.  
Mount the flash unit on the accessory shoe by  
sliding it forward until it stops.  
• Always remove the accessory flash when the  
camera is not in use. Replace the accessory-shoe  
cap to protect the contacts.  
Positive compensation  
No compensation  
Negative compensation  
78  
79  
RECORDING MODE  
NAVIGATING THE RECORDING-MODE MENU  
Basic  
Custom 1  
In recording mode, press the menu button to activate the menu. The menu button  
also turns off the recording-mode menu after making settings.  
AF mode  
AF single  
Memory  
1
2
3
1
AF continuous  
Multi-segment  
Center weighted  
Spot  
Fill-flash  
Red-eye  
Rear flash sync  
±2 Ev  
ADI flash  
Metering mode  
Flash mode  
The four-way keys are used to move the cursor in the menu. Pressing the center  
of the controller will enter a setting.  
2
Store memory  
Exposure bracket  
Interval  
0.3  
0.5  
1.0  
Activate the recording-mode menu with the menu button (1). The “Basic” tab at the  
top of the menu will be highlighted. Use the left/right keys of the controller (2) to  
highlight the appropriate menu tab; the menus will change as the tabs are  
highlighted.  
1~10, 15, 20, 30,  
45, 60 min.  
Flash comp.  
Flash Metering  
When the desired menu section is displayed, use the up/down keys (2) to scroll  
through the menu options. Highlight the option whose setting needs to be changed.  
Frames  
AF/AEL button  
2 ~ 99  
Pre-flash TTL  
AF/AE hold  
AF/AE toggle  
AE hold  
AE toggle  
Digital zoom  
Elec. mag.  
With the menu option to be changed highlighted, press the right controller key; the  
settings will be displayed with the current setting highlighted.  
To return to the menu options, press the left key.  
Magnification button  
Custom 2  
Sharpness  
Use the up/down keys to highlight the  
new setting.  
Hard (+)  
Normal  
Soft (–)  
Color  
B&W  
No  
YYYY/MM/DD  
MM/DD/hr:min  
Text  
Text + ID#  
No  
1
2
3
Store in  
Color mode  
Data imprint  
Press the controller to select the  
highlighted setting.  
Rec.  
Basic Custom1 Custom2  
For DiMAGE 7 only  
Once a setting has been  
selected, the cursor will return  
to the menu options and the  
new setting will be displayed.  
Changes can continue to be  
made. To return to the  
AF mode  
AF-single  
1
Metering mode MultiSegment  
Flash mode  
Flash comp.  
Fill-flash  
0
For more information about the  
electronic keyboard, see page 88.  
Flash metering ADI flash  
Instant playback  
Please refer to the following sections for  
descriptions of the menu options and their  
settings.  
2 sec  
10 sec  
recording mode, press the  
menu button.  
2
80  
81  
RECORDING MODE  
RECORDING-MODE MENU - BASIC  
Uses distance and pre-flash information  
to calculate exposure.  
ADI flash  
Data  
EVF and  
Flash metering  
(p. 75)  
Menu option  
Settings  
Description  
panel LCD monitor  
Uses only pre-flash information to calcu-  
late exposure.  
Pre-flash TTL  
display  
display  
Focus is calculated and set  
when the shutter-release button  
is pressed partway down.  
RECORDING-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 1  
AF-single  
Camera settings can be recalled from  
three memory channels.  
AF mode  
(p. 68)  
1 ~ 3  
Camera continues to focus on a  
moving subject even when the  
shutter-release button is  
Memory  
(p. 85)  
AF-continuous  
To store camera settings in memory.  
Store memory When selected, the store-in-memory  
screen will appear.  
pressed partway down.  
Employs 300 segments (256 for  
Multi-segment the DiMAGE 5) over the image  
area to calculate exposure.  
Exposure  
bracket  
(p. 54)  
Used with the bracketing drive mode to  
0.3 Ev, 0.5 Ev,  
specify the exposure increment for the  
1.0 Ev  
series.  
The exposure calculation is  
biased toward the the center  
region of the image area.  
Metering mode Center  
Used with the interval drive mode to spec-  
(p. 74)  
weighted  
1 ~ 10, 15, 20,  
Interval (p. 56)  
ify the duration of the interval between  
30, 45, 60 min.  
exposures.  
The exposure is based on a  
small area in the center of the  
image area.  
Spot  
Used with the interval drive mode to spec-  
ify the total number of frames for the  
series.  
Frames (p. 56) 2 ~ 99 frames  
AF/AE hold  
General purpose flash mode for  
low-light conditions and for  
reducing harsh shadows caused  
by direct sunlight.  
Fill-flash  
Red-eye  
Focus and exposure are locked while  
pressing and holding the AF/AEL button.  
Flash mode  
(p. 76)  
Same as the fill-flash, but also  
fires a pre-burst to reduce red-  
eye in portraits.  
The AF/AEL button toggles between the  
focus and exposure being locked and  
unlocked.  
AF/AE toggle  
AF/AE lock  
button  
(p. 73)  
Rear flash-  
sync  
Flash fires at the end of a long  
exposure.  
Only exposure is locked while pressing  
and holding the AF/AEL button.  
AE hold  
Flash  
compensation  
(p. 78)  
±2 Ev (1/3 Ev  
increments)  
To compensate flash exposure.  
The AF/AEL button toggles between  
exposure being locked and unlocked.  
AE toggle  
82  
83  
Continued on next page  
RECORDING MODE  
RECORDING-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 1 (CONT.)  
MEMORY - STORING CAMERA SETTINGS  
Three sets of camera settings can be saved. This feature saves time under frequently  
repeating conditions by eliminating the need to set camera functions. Except for the  
AF/AEL button, subject programs, data imprinting, and instant playback settings, all  
recording-mode camera settings will be saved including the position of the Flex Focus  
Point, the custom white balance setting and changes made with the function dial and  
digital effects control. Although the the bracketing drive mode setting can be saved, the  
type of bracket, exposure, contrast, or color saturation must be set again with the  
digital effects controller.  
EVF and  
LCD monitor  
display  
Menu option  
Settings  
Description  
Digital zoom  
The 2X digital zoom is active.  
Magnification  
button (p. 71)  
(DiMAGE 7 only)  
Electronic  
magnification  
The 4X electronic magnification is active.  
RECORDING-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 2  
Camera settings are saved with the memory function in the custom 1 section of the  
recording-mode menu (p. 80). Initially, each memory location contains the camera’s  
original settings.  
Hard (+)  
Sharpness  
(p. 86)  
Sets the degree of sharpness to be  
Normal  
Soft (–)  
Color  
applied before the image is captured.  
To save the current camera settings, select the store-  
Rec.  
To record 24-bit color or 8-bit mono-  
chrome images. These settings have no  
effect on RAW images.  
Color mode  
(p. 86)  
memory setting from the memory option in the custom  
Basic Custom1 Custom2  
B&W  
No  
1 section of the recording-mode menu. The store-in-  
memory screen will appear.  
Memory  
1
Disables the data imprinting function.  
Exp. bracket  
Interval  
2
3
YYYY/MM/DD Imprints date on image  
On the store-in-memory screen, choose the memory  
register in which the camera settings are to be saved.  
Pressing the controller will complete the operation; the  
previous settings will be erased and replaced by the  
new ones.  
T/F/C  
Store memory  
MM/DD/hr:min Imprints date and time on image  
AF/AEL button  
Mag. button  
Data imprint  
(p. 87)  
To imprint caption on image. Electronic  
keyboard appears when selected.  
Text  
To imprint caption and serial number on  
image. Electronic keyboard appears when  
selected.  
Text + ID#  
To recall a setting, simply choose and enter the appropriate memory register from the  
memory option of the custom 1 section of the recording-mode menu. The settings are  
instantly applied to the camera.  
No  
Disables the instant playback function.  
Images are played back for two seconds  
after they are captured.  
Instant  
playback  
(p. 89)  
2 sec.  
Camera settings cannot be deleted from memory by turning the camera off, using the  
pro-auto button (p. 37), or choosing the default function on the setup menu (p. 120).  
Images are played back for ten seconds  
after they are captured. During playback  
the image can be deleted.  
10 sec.  
84  
85  
RECORDING MODE  
SHARPNESS  
DATA IMPRINTING  
The sharpness of the image can be altered. This must be set before the image is  
recorded. Sharpness is set in the custom 2 section of the recording-mode menu (p.  
80).  
Data can be printed directly on the image. The imprinting function must be activated  
before the image is taken. Once activated, data will continue to be imprinted until the  
function is reset; a yellow bar is displayed behind the distance indicator and frame  
counter on the monitors to indicate the imprinting function is active. Data imprinting is  
controlled in the custom 2 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80).  
Recording-mode  
menu settings  
EVF and LCD  
monitor display  
Recording-mode  
menu setting  
Increases the sharpness of the image,  
accentuating details.  
Hard (+)  
Normal  
Soft (–)  
Data imprinting function disabled.  
No  
No filter applied.  
Prints the year, month, and day the image was taken.The date format can  
be changed in the custom 2 section of the setup menu (p. 114).  
YYYY/MM/DD  
Softens the details of the image.  
Prints the date and time the image was taken. The date and time can be  
set in the custom 2 section of the setup menu (p. 114).  
MM/DD/hr:min  
Text  
If any setting other than normal is selected, the sharpness icon will be displayed on the  
monitors with the degree of sharpness. Sharpness must be reset manually.  
Up to 16 characters can be printed on the image. When this setting is  
selected, the electronic keyboard will appear (p. 88).  
Up to eight characters and a serial number can be printed on the image.  
As each successive image is captured, the ID number will increase by  
one. When this setting is selected, the electronic keyboard will appear (p.  
88). The serial number is reset every time the setting is made.  
COLOR MODE  
Text + ID#  
The color mode controls whether the image is color or black and white. This must be  
set before the image is recorded. The color mode is set in the custom 2 section of the  
recording-mode menu (p. 80). The live image on the monitors will reflect the selected  
color mode. The color mode has no effect on image file size. The color mode must be  
reset manually.  
The data is imprinted in the lower right corner of the image when viewed horizontally.  
Only one imprinting format can be employed at one time. The data is printed directly on  
the photograph writing over the image information.  
RAW images are not affected by the color-mode setting. Although the monitors will  
display a black and white image, the utility software can recreate the original color.  
Camera Notes  
Every time a still image is recorded, it is stored with an Exif tag that contains the date and time  
of recording as well as shooting information. This information can be viewed with the camera in  
the playback or quick-view mode, or on a computer with the DiMAGE Image Viewer Utility soft-  
ware .  
86  
87  
RECORDING MODE  
ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD  
INSTANT PLAYBACK  
The electronic keyboard is used to enter text for imprinting data or for naming new  
folders. The keyboard automatically appears when text needs to be entered.  
After an image is captured, it will be displayed on the monitors before being saved.  
When in continuous-advance or bracketing mode, an index display is used. The instant  
playback function is set in the custom 2 section of the recording-mode menu (p. 80).  
Text block  
Delete key Caps lock  
To enter text,  
Recording-mode  
menu setting  
simply use the  
four-way keys  
of the controller  
Instant playback is disabled.  
No  
to highlight the  
2 sec  
10 sec  
The captured image will be displayed for two or ten seconds. While dis-  
played, the image can be deleted before being saved.  
desired character and  
then press the center  
of the controller to enter it.  
Entering the CapL key will  
change case; the change is  
immediately displayed on the  
letters of the keyboard. When  
complete, highlight the enter  
key and press the controller to  
enter the text and complete  
the operation. To cancel the  
operation, press the menu  
button.  
• If the center of the controller is pressed during the instant playback, the displayed image will  
immediately be saved and the playback canceled.  
To delete an image during the  
instant playback, press the  
QV/delete button.  
1
• A confirmation screen will appear.  
Use the left/right keys of the  
controller to highlight “YES.”  
2
• “NO” will cancel the operation.  
Rec.  
Press the controller to  
delete the image.  
3
Enter key  
• The live image will be  
displayed on the monitor.  
To delete text, move the cursor into the text block at the top of the screen. Use the  
cursor to highlight the character to be deleted. Press the down key; the delete key will  
be highlighted. Press the center of the controller to delete the character.  
• When a continuous or  
bracketed series of images is  
captured, the entire series will  
be erased.  
To replace a character, repeat the previous procedure, but when the delete key is  
highlighted, use the four-way keys to highlight the character to replace the one  
highlighted in the text box; press the controller to replace the character.  
: delete  
: store  
Controller  
QV/delete button  
88  
89  
RECORDING MODE  
MOVIE RECORDING  
The table below shows the approximate total recording time with various CompactFlash  
cards. Actual time depends on the subject and the number of still images captured.  
This camera can record up to sixty seconds of digital video. The  
2
motion JPEG image is 320 X 240 pixels (QVGA). The effective  
image area is 308 X 240 pixels; two thin lines will appear to the  
left and right of the image when played back.  
8MB  
16MB  
64MB  
DiMAGE 7  
DiMAGE 5  
44 sec.  
36 sec.  
90 sec.  
70 sec.  
363 sec.  
290 sec.  
Shooting digital video is simple. Set the main dial to movie  
recording (1). Frame the picture as described in the basic  
recording operation (p. 29). Press the shutter-release button  
once to start recording (2). The camera will continue to record  
until the recording time is used or the shutter-release button is  
pressed again. When recording, the data panel and monitor  
frame counters will countdown the remaining time.  
This table indicates which functions can be used, which are fixed, and which are  
disabled in movie mode. Manual focus can be used before or during movie recording.  
Exposure compensation (p. 63)  
Contrast compensation (p. 64)  
Color-saturation compensation (p. 65)  
Macro mode (p. 69)  
Available  
Available  
Available  
Available  
1
Focus mode (p. 68, 71)  
Autofocus area (p. 66)  
Exposure mode (p. 47)  
Metering mode (p. 74)  
Camera Sensitivity (ISO) (p. 61)  
White balance (p. 58)  
Continuous AF or Manual  
Wide (fixed)  
Program (fixed)  
Center-weighted (fixed)  
Auto (fixed)  
Auto white balance (fixed)  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Recording indicator  
Countdown in seconds  
When the camera is not recording, the data-panel  
and monitor frame counters will show the maximum  
time in seconds can be recorded with the next movie  
clip. A maximum of 60 seconds will be displayed until  
the amount of remaining time falls below one minute,  
then the remaining number of seconds that can be  
recorded will be displayed.  
Flash  
Digital zoom (Electronic magnification)  
Digital-subject-program button  
Function Dial  
AF/AEL button  
Recording-mode menu  
Total recording time for  
the next movie clip  
Disabled  
90  
91  
RECORDING MODE  
BULB EXPOSURES  
Bulb photographs can be taken in the manual-exposure mode (M) (p. 71). Exposures  
up to thirty seconds can be made by pressing and holding the shutter-release button.  
The use of a tripod and a remote cord is recommended for bulb exposures.  
Use the control dial (1) to decrease the shutter-speed  
value below four seconds until “bulb” is displayed.  
1
To set the aperture value, turn the Digital Effects  
Controller to exposure compensation (2). While  
pressing the digital effects button (3), turn the control  
dial (1) until the correct aperture is displayed.  
• The camera’s exposure system cannot be used to  
PLAYBACK MODE  
VIEWING AND EDITING IMAGES  
2
calculate bulb exposures. The use of a separate light  
meter is recommended.  
3
This section contains detailed information on the camera’s playback functions and  
operation. Read the sections pertaining to your interest and need. The viewing pictures,  
viewing movies, deleting images (p. 94 - 95), the navigating the playback-mode menu  
(p. 102), and frame-selection screen (p. 111) sections cover the use of most of the fea-  
tures for viewing and editing images. The navigating the playback-mode menu section  
is followed by detailed descriptions of the settings.  
To take the picture, press and hold the shutter-release  
button for the duration of the exposure.  
• Releasing the shutter button will end the exposure.  
• The monitors will be blank during the exposure.  
ATTACHING A REMOTE CORD (SOLD SEPARATELY)  
The optional remote cords (RC-1000S or RC-1000L)  
can be used to reduce vibrations from touching the  
camera during long exposures.  
Remove the remote-control terminal cover.  
• Use the notch on the left side of the cover.  
• The cover is attached to the body to prevent loss.  
Insert the plug of the cord into the terminal.  
92  
93  
PLAYBACK MODE  
VIEWING PICTURES  
VIEWING MOVIES  
Use the left/right keys of the controller to display the movie clip to be  
viewed.  
Still images and movie clips can easily be viewed and edited in playback mode. To set  
the camera to view images, turn the mode dial to the playback position (1).  
1
Simply use the controller to scroll through the pictures on the CompactFlash card.  
Images are displayed with date, frame number, printing status, and lock status  
information. Still images can be displayed with a histogram and shooting data. The first  
frame of each movie clip is shown; a movie clip is indicated by the movie icon  
displayed with a thumbnail of the first frame.  
Press the center of the controller to play back the clip.  
• Pressing the controller during playback will pause the movie clip; pressing the  
controller again will resume the playback.  
2
• When the movie clip finishes, the first frame will be displayed.  
To cancel the playback of a movie, press the down key of the controller.  
3
Use the left/right keys of the  
controller to scroll  
2
1
through the images.  
DELETING IMAGES  
Press the up key to display the  
image’s histogram.  
• Pressing the down key  
will return to the full-  
In playback mode, the displayed image or movie clip can be deleted. When selecting  
an image for deletion, a confirmation screen will appear before the operation is  
executed.  
3
Once deleted, an image cannot be recovered. Care should always be  
taken when deleting images.  
screen display .  
• The left/right keys are  
disabled when the histogram is  
displayed.  
To delete a displayed image, press the QV/delete button.  
• A confirmation screen will appear.  
1
Use the left/right keys to highlight “YES.”  
• “NO” will cancel the operation.  
2
Delete this frame?  
Yes  
No  
Press the controller to delete the image.  
3
Controller  
Confirmation screen  
QV/delete button  
94  
95  
PLAYBACK MODE  
SINGLE-FRAME PLAYBACK DISPLAY  
Mode indicator  
HISTOGRAM DISPLAY  
Mode indicator Thumbnail of image  
Image size (p. 42)  
Image quality (p. 43)  
Image size (p. 42)  
Image quality (p. 43)  
Shutter speed  
Aperture value  
White balance setting (p. 58)  
Time of recording  
Date of recording  
Frame number/ total number  
of images in folder  
Camera sensitivity (ISO) setting (p. 61)  
Degree of exposure compensation  
(p. 63)  
Folder name (p. 130)  
Lock icon (p. 105)  
Printing icon (p. 108)  
MOVIE PLAYBACK DISPLAY  
Mode indicator  
Folder number - image file number  
Playback time  
Date of recording The luminance distribution of the image  
Play  
Pause  
Stop  
23s  
The black area of the histogram shows the luminance distribution of the recorded  
image from black (left) to white (right). Each one of the 256 vertical lines indicates the  
relative proportion of that light value in the image. The histogram can be used to evalu-  
ate exposure and contrast, but displays no color information. A change in exposure  
would create an image whose histogram would be the same shape as a previous  
image, but would be shifted to the left (less exposure) or right (more exposure).  
Changing the contrast would contract (decrease in contrast) or expand (increase in  
contrast) the distribution of luminance values compared with a previous image of the  
scene.  
Date of recording  
Frame number/ total number of images in folder  
Time of recording Movie icon  
96  
97  
PLAYBACK MODE  
DISPLAY CONTROLS - PLAYBACK MODE  
Located on the back of the camera, the display-mode switch and the display-  
information button control on which monitor the image is displayed and the display  
format. The three position switch allows the choice between automatic display and  
setting the display to the EVF or LCD monitor.  
In the center of the display switch, the display-information button  
controls the display format. Each time the button is pressed, the  
display cycles through to the next format: full display, image only,  
index playback.  
Auto display - the camera will automatically change between  
displaying the image in the EVF and on the LCD monitor. The  
EVF’s eye sensors monitor if the EVF is being used and switches  
the display location accordingly.  
Full display  
Image only  
EVF display - the image will only be displayed in the electronic  
viewfinder. Under bright-light, the EVF is easier to see than the  
LCD monitor.  
LCD monitor display - the image will only be displayed on the LCD  
monitor.  
Index playback  
In index playback, the left/right keys of the controller will move the yellow border to the  
next or the previous image. When the image is highlighted with the border, the date of  
recording, the lock and printing status, and the frame number of the image are  
displayed at the bottom of the screen. The highlighted image can be deleted using the  
QV/delete button (p. 95). When the display information button is pressed again, the  
highlighted image will be displayed in the single-frame playback mode. A nine or four  
image index can be displayed. The index-playback format can be changed in the basic  
section of the playback-mode menu (p. 102).  
98  
99  
PLAYBACK MODE  
The number of magnification steps in enlarged playback is dependent on the size of  
the recorded image. The smaller the image size, the fewer steps are available. 1024 X  
768 digital zoom images recorded with the DiMAGE 5 are enlarged in three steps: 2X,  
2.5X, and 3.2X.  
ENLARGED PLAYBACK  
In single-frame playback, a still image can be enlarged for closer examination. RAW  
and super fine images cannot be enlarged.  
With the image to be enlarged displayed, press the magnification button.  
1
DiMAGE 7 2560 X 1920  
1600 X 1200  
1280 X 960  
640 X 480  
• The degree of magnification is displayed in the EVF and on the LCD monitor.  
• The image is magnified in a maximum of three steps. Each time the magnification button  
is pressed, the image is enlarged. After the final step, the image is displayed at the  
original size.  
st  
2X  
2.5X  
4X  
2X  
2.5X  
4X  
2X  
2.5X  
4X  
2X  
1 step  
nd  
2
3
step  
step  
rd  
When enlarged, the four-way keys of  
the controller can scroll the image.  
2
DiMAGE 5 2048 X 1536  
1600 X 1200  
2X  
1280 X 960  
2X  
640 X 480  
st  
2X  
2X  
1 step  
nd  
2.5X  
3.2X  
2.5X  
2.5X  
2
3
step  
step  
rd  
3.2X  
3.2X  
Minolta History  
Controller  
On February 20th, 1962, John Glenn became the first  
American to orbit the Earth. On board his Friendship 7  
spacecraft was a Minolta Hi-matic camera to record that  
historical event. The 4 hour, 55 minute, and 23 second  
flight orbited the Earth three times at an average speed of  
28,000 kph (17,500 mph).  
Mr. Glenn visited our Sakai camera factory in  
Japan on May 24th, 1963 to plant a palm tree in  
honor of the occasion. The palm tree is still in  
the courtyard of the factory and stands over  
eight meters tall (26ft).  
Magnification button  
100  
101  
PLAYBACK MODE  
NAVIGATING THE PLAYBACK-MODE MENU  
Basic  
In playback mode, press the menu button to activate the menu. The menu button  
also turns off the playback-mode menu when the settings have been completed.  
Delete  
This frame  
All frames  
1
Yes No  
Choosing “Yes” will execute  
the operation, “No” will cancel  
the operation  
Marked frames  
This frame  
All frames  
Marked frames  
Unlock frames  
9 frames  
The four-way keys are used to move the cursor in the menu. Pressing the  
controller will enter a setting.  
2
Lock  
Activate the playback-mode menu with the menu button (1). The “Basic” tab will be  
highlighted. Use the left/right keys of the controller (2) to highlight the appropriate  
menu tab; the menus will change as the tabs are highlighted.  
Please refer to the  
following sections  
for descriptions of  
the menu options  
and their settings.  
Index format  
4 frames  
For information  
on frame-selec-  
tion screens,  
When the desired menu is displayed, use the up/down keys (2) to scroll through the  
menu options. Highlight the option whose setting needs to be changed.  
see page 111.  
Custom 1  
Slide show  
Playback  
Start  
With the menu option to be changed highlighted, press the right controller key; the  
settings will be displayed with the current setting highlighted.  
To return to the menu options, press the left key.  
All frames  
Marked frames  
1 ~ 60 sec.  
No  
Pressing the down key of the  
controller will cancel the slide  
show playback and return to  
the playback-mode menu.  
Duration  
Repeat  
Use the up/down keys to highlight the  
new setting.  
Yes  
Custom 2  
Print  
Press the controller to select the  
highlighted setting.  
This frame  
All frames  
Marked frames  
No  
Number of  
copies  
Play  
Basic Custom1 Custom2  
Once a setting has been  
selected, the cursor will return  
to the menu options and the  
new setting will be displayed.  
Settings can continue to be  
made. To return to the  
Delete  
Lock  
Index format  
1
Index print  
Cancel print  
Copy  
New folder  
number  
9 frames  
Yes  
All frames - F  
All frames - C  
This frame  
Marked frames  
Yes No  
1
Copying to camera memory  
Please change CF card  
Copying to CF card  
2
3
4
playback mode, press the  
menu button.  
2
Copy completed  
102  
103  
PLAYBACK MODE  
LOCKING IMAGES  
PLAYBACK-MODE MENU - BASIC  
DELETING IMAGES  
Single, multiple, or all images in a folder can be locked. A locked image cannot be  
deleted by either the playback-mode menu functions or the QV/delete button. Important  
images should be locked. To lock images in other folders, the folder must first be  
selected in the custom 1 section of the setup menu (p. 114). The lock option has four  
settings:  
Deleting permanently erases the image. Once deleted, an image cannot  
be recovered. Care should be taken when deleting images.  
Single, multiple, or all images in a folder can be deleted with the playback-mode menu.  
Before an image is deleted, a confirmation screen will appear; choosing “Yes” will  
execute the operation, “No” will cancel the operation. To delete images in other folders,  
the folder must first be selected in the custom 1 section of the setup menu (p. 114).  
The delete option has three settings:  
This frame - The image displayed or highlighted in playback mode will be locked.  
All frames - All images in the folder will be locked.  
Marked frames - To lock or unlock multiple images. When this setting is chosen, the  
frame-selection screen will be displayed. Use the left/right keys of the controller to  
highlight the image to be locked. Pressing the up key will mark the image with the key  
icon. To unlock an image, highlight it with the yellow border and press the down key;  
the key icon will disappear. Continue until all the images to be locked are marked.  
Press the controller to lock the marked frames, or press the menu button to cancel the  
operation and return to the playback menu.  
This frame - The image displayed or highlighted in playback mode will be deleted.  
All frames - All unlocked images in the selected folder will be deleted.  
Marked frames - To delete multiple images. When this setting is chosen, the frame-  
selection screen will be displayed. Use the left/right keys of the controller to highlight  
the first image to be deleted. Pressing the up key will mark the image with the garbage-  
can icon. To deselect an image for deletion, highlight it with the yellow border and  
press the down key; the garbage-can icon will disappear. Continue until all the images  
to be deleted are marked. Press the controller to continue (the confirmation screen will  
appear), or press the menu button to cancel the operation and return to the playback  
menu. On the confirmation screen, highlighting and entering “Yes” will delete the  
marked images.  
Unlock frames - All images in the folder will be unlocked.  
Locking an image will protect it from a delete function. However, the formatting function  
will erase all images on a CompactFlash card whether locked or not.  
CHANGING THE INDEX PLAYBACK FORMAT  
The index format option  
allows the index playback to  
be displayed with four or  
nine images. This affects all  
index displays.  
The delete function will only erase unlocked images. If an image is locked, it must be  
unlocked before it can be deleted.  
104  
105  
PLAYBACK MODE  
PLAYBACK-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 1 (SLIDE SHOW)  
Menu options  
Settings  
The custom 1 section of the playback-mode menu controls the slide-show function.  
This function automatically displays all still images in a folder in order.  
To start the slide-show presentation. Pressing the center of  
the controller will pause the presentation. During the slide  
show, press the down key of the controller to stop the pre-  
sentation and return to the playback-mode menu.  
Slide  
show  
Start  
Image count-  
down / total  
number of  
images in the  
presentation.  
To select all the images in the folder to be displayed in the  
slide-show presentation.  
All frames  
To select specific images in the folder to be displayed in  
the slide-show presentation. When this setting is chosen,  
the frame-selection screen will be displayed. Use the  
left/right keys of the controller to highlight the image to be  
included in the presentation. Pressing the up key will mark  
the image with a check icon. To deselect a marked image,  
highlight it with the yellow border and press the down key;  
the check icon will disappear. Continue until all the images  
have been edited. Press the controller to set the marked  
frames, or press the menu button to cancel the operation  
and return to the playback menu.  
Playback  
Marked  
Frames  
Press the controller to pause and restart  
the presentation.  
To select the period each image will be displayed during  
the slide show.  
Duration  
Repeat  
1 - 60s.  
Selecting “Yes” will cause the slide show to repeat until it is  
canceled using the down key of the controller. “No” will end  
the slide show presentation and return to the playback-  
mode menu when all the images have been displayed  
once.  
To cancel the presentation, press the  
down key of the controller.  
Yes / No  
106  
107  
PLAYBACK MODE  
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 number of copies desired. If the all-frames  
setting was used to create a print order, any additional images saved afterwards in the  
folder will not be included in the order.  
PLAYBACK-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 2  
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 CompactFlash card is simply taken to a photofinishing service or inserted  
into the CompactFlash-card slot of DPOF compatible printers. When a DPOF file is  
created, a misc. folder is automatically made on the CompactFlash card to store it (p.  
130). DPOF print files cannot be made for RAW images.  
DPOF files cannot be created for images captured with another camera. DPOF data  
created on other cameras will not be recognized.  
ORDERING AN INDEX PRINT  
CREATING A DPOF PRINT ORDER  
To create an index print of all the images in the folder,  
select the “Yes.” To cancel an index print, simply change  
the setting to “No.” If an index-print order is created, any  
additional images saved afterwards in the folder will not be  
included in the index print. The number of images printed  
per sheet differs between printers. The information printed  
with the thumbnails can vary.  
The print menu option is used to set an order for standard prints from images in a  
specific folder. Single, multiple, or all images can be printed. If a CompactFlash card  
has multiple folders, a printing file must be created for each folder. Folders are selected  
in the custom 1 section of the setup menu (p. 114).  
This-frame - To create a DPOF file for the image displayed or highlighted in playback  
mode.  
All-frames - To create a DPOF file for all images in the folder specified in the custom 1  
section of the setup menu (p. 114).  
CANCELING A DPOF PRINT ORDER  
Marked frames - To chose a group of images to be printed or when the number of  
copies for each image varies. When selected, the frame selection screen will appear.  
Use the left/right keys of the controller to highlight an image to be printed. Pressing the  
up key will mark the image with the printer icon. The number next to the icon indicates  
the number of copies of that image will be printed. Pressing the up key will increase the  
number of copies, pressing the down key will decrease the number. A maximum of nine  
copies can be ordered. To deselect an image for printing, press the down key until the  
the number of copies reaches zero and the printer icon disappears. Continue until all  
the images to be printed are marked. Press the controller to create the DPOF file, or  
press the menu button to cancel the operation and return to the playback menu.  
The cancel-print option deletes the DPOF files. When the setting is selected, a  
confirmation screen will appear; choosing and entering “Yes” will execute the operation  
and cancel the print order. After the pictures have been printed, the DPOF file will still  
remain on the CompactFlash card and must be canceled manually.  
All frames C - To cancel all printing files on the CompactFlash card.  
All frames F - To cancel the printing file in the folder.  
108  
109  
PLAYBACK MODE  
COPYING IMAGES  
FRAME-SELECTION SCREEN  
When a marked-frames setting is chosen on a menu, the frame selection screen will  
appear. This screen allows multiple images to be chosen. The index format of the  
screen can be changed in the basic section of the playback-mode menu (p. 102).  
Image files can be copied from one CompactFlash card to another. Up to 10MB of data  
can be transferred. Every time the copy function is used, a new folder is automatically  
created for the images (p. 130).  
Play  
This frame - To copy the image currently displayed.  
Marked frames - To copy single or multiple images. When selected, the frame-  
selection screen will appear; highlight the image to be copied with the yellow border  
and then press the up key of the controller to mark it with the check icon. To deselect  
an image to be copied, highlight the selected image and press the down key; the check  
icon will disappear. Continue until all the images to be copied are marked. Press the  
controller to continue, or press the menu button to cancel the operation and return to  
the playback menu.  
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 icon  
will appear next to  
the image. The  
down key will  
deselect the image  
removing the icon.  
When the controller is pressed, a screen with four messages will be displayed; the  
messages are highlighted as the copying procedure is executed. When the change-CF-  
card message is highlighted, remove the camera’s CompactFlash card and insert the  
card to which the image should be copied. Press the center of the controller to  
continue. Wait until the copy-completed message is highlighted. A new screen will  
appear to indicate the name of the new folder containing the copied images; press the  
controller to return to the playback menu.  
Menu button  
Cancels the  
screen and any  
operation made.  
: select  
: confirm  
: enter  
The garbage-can icon indicates the image is selected for deletion.  
Play  
Copy  
If too many images have been selected, a warning will  
appear and the copy routine will be canceled. Divide the  
number of images into two or three batches. The copy-  
unsuccessful message will appear when one or all of the  
images could not be copied. Check the second  
CompactFlash card to see which files were copied and  
then repeat the procedure for the images that could not  
be transferred.  
Copying to camera memory  
Please change CF card  
Copying to CF card  
1
2
3
4
The key icon indicates the image is locked or selected to be  
locked.  
The check icon indicates the image is selected for the slide show  
or to be copied to another CompactFlash card.  
Copy completed  
Enter  
The printer icon indicates the image is selected for printing. The  
number next to the icon shows the number of copies requested.  
<101MLTCP>  
OK  
110  
111  
VIEWING IMAGES ON A TELEVISION  
It is possible to view camera images on your television. The camera has a video-out  
terminal which can be used to connect the camera to a television using the supplied  
video cable. The camera is compatible with the NTSC and PAL standards. The video-  
output setting can be checked and set in the custom 2 section of the setup menu (p.  
114).  
SETUP MODE  
1. Turn off the television and the camera.  
2. Insert the mini-plug end of the video cable into the  
camera’s video-out terminal.  
CONTROLLING THE  
3. Plug the other end of the video cable into the  
CAMERA’S OPERATION  
video-input terminal on the television.  
1
4. Turn the television on.  
This section contains detailed information on controlling the camera’s functions and  
operation as well as creating and selecting image folders. The navigating the setup  
menu section (p. 114) covers the operation of the setup menu. The section is followed  
by detailed descriptions of the settings.  
5. Change the television to the video channel.  
6. Turn the camera’s mode dial to the playback position.  
• The camera’s monitors will not activate when the camera is attached to a television. The  
playback-mode display will be visible on the television screen.  
7. View images as described in the playback section.  
112  
113  
SETUP MODE  
NAVIGATING THE SETUP MENU  
To access the menu, simply turn the main dial to the setup position. The four-way keys  
of the controller are used to move the cursor in the menu. Pressing the controller will  
enter a setting.  
Basic  
LCDbrightness  
EVFbrightness  
Format  
1 (low) ~ 5 (high)  
1 (low) ~ 5 (high)  
Enter  
Yes No  
Power Save  
Beep  
1, 3, 5, or 10 min  
High tone  
Low tone  
Off  
The “Basic” tab will be highlighted. Use the left/right keys of the controller (2) to  
highlight the appropriate menu tab; the menus will change as the tabs are  
highlighted.  
Choosing “Yes” on the confirmation  
screens will execute the operation, “No”  
will cancel the operation  
When the desired menu is displayed, use the up/down keys (2) to scroll through the  
menu options. Highlight the option whose setting needs to be changed.  
Please refer to the  
following sections  
for descriptions of  
the menu options  
and their settings.  
Language  
English  
Deutsch  
Français  
Español  
With the menu option to be changed highlighted, press the right controller key; the  
settings will be displayed with the current setting highlighted.  
To return to the menu options, press the left key.  
Custom 1  
File # memory  
For more information about the electronic  
keyboard, see page 88.  
Yes  
No  
Use the up/down keys to highlight  
the new setting.  
Select folder  
New folder  
(Folder names)  
Enter  
Press the controller to select the  
highlighted setting.  
Custom 2  
Reset default  
EVF autoSwtch  
Setup  
Enter  
Yes No  
Once a setting has been  
Basic Custom1 Custom2  
selected, the cursor will return  
Auto EVF/LCD  
EVF auto on  
Enter  
YYYY/MM/DD  
MM/DD/YYYY  
DD/MM/YYYY  
NTSC  
LCDbrightness  
EVFbrightness  
3
to the menu options and the  
new setting will be displayed.  
Setting can continue to be  
made.  
3
Date/Time set  
Date format  
Year • Month • Day Hour : Minute  
Format  
Power save  
Beep  
1 min  
High tone  
English  
Language  
Video output  
Controller  
PAL  
114  
115  
SETUP MODE  
AUTO POWER SAVE  
SETUP MENU - BASIC  
The basic section of the setup menu allows changes to be made to the operation of the  
camera as well as the ability to format CompactFlash cards.  
The camera will turn off the EVF and data panel to conserve battery power if no opera-  
tion is made within a certain period. The length of this period can be changed to 1, 3, 5,  
or 10 minutes. The auto-power-save option will not affect the display period of LCD  
monitor; it will shut down after 30 seconds. To restore the displays when they shut  
down, simply press the shutter-release button or the display information button.  
EVF AND LCD MONITOR BRIGHTNESS  
The brightness of the EVF and LCD monitor is set independently of each other.  
Brightness is controlled in five levels from 1 (low) to 5 (high). As each setting is high-  
lighted, the monitor will adjust accordingly; the controller must be pressed to set the  
highlighted level. When the LCD brightness or EVF brightness setting is selected, the  
corresponding monitor will activate automatically.  
When the camera is connected to the computer, the auto-power-save period is set to  
ten minutes. This period cannot be changed.  
BEEP  
FORMATTING COMPACTFLASH CARDS  
The audio signal can be turned off or on. The tone of the signal can be changed to high  
or low.  
When a CompactFlash card is formatted, all data on the card is erased.  
LANGUAGE  
The formatting function is used to erase all data on a CompactFlash card. Before for-  
matting a CompactFlash card, copy the data to a computer or storage device. Locking  
images will not protect them from being deleted when the card is formatted. Always for-  
mat the CompactFlash card using the camera; never use a computer to format a card.  
The language used in the menus can be changed.  
When the format option is selected and entered, a confirmation screen will appear.  
Choosing “Yes” will format the card, choosing “No” will cancel the formatting operation.  
A screen will appear to indicate the card has been formatted; press “OK” to return to  
the setup menu.  
If the card-not-recognized message appears, the inserted card in the camera may need  
to be formatted. A CompactFlash card used in another camera may need to be format-  
ted before being used. If the unable-to-use-card message appears, the card is not  
compatible with the camera and should not be formatted.  
116  
117  
SETUP MODE  
NEW FOLDER  
SETUP MENU - CUSTOM 1  
The custom 1 section of the setup menu controls file number sequencing and the cre-  
ation of new folders. See page 130 about the organization of the folders on the  
CompactFlash card  
This allows the creation of new folders. When selected, the electronic keyboard (p. 88)  
automatically appears so the the folder name can be entered. Once the name is typed  
in and the enter button on the keyboard is highlighted and entered, the folder will be  
created and the name will be listed in the select-folder option.  
FILE NUMBER (#) MEMORY  
When file number memory is selected, if a new folder is created, the first file stored in  
the folder will have a number one greater than the last file saved. This allows multiple  
folders to be created to store images by category, place, or date, but the image file  
numbers will be in the order in which they were shot. If the file number memory is dis-  
abled, the image file name will have a number one greater than the last image saved in  
the folder.  
Every folder name begins with a three digit index number. When the electronic key-  
board activates, three digits will be displayed in the register. This number cannot be  
changed. Every time a new folder is created, the folder number will increase automati-  
cally by one greater than the highest folder number on the CompactFlash card. A five-  
character folder name must be entered after the number; only capital letters, numbers,  
and the underbar can be used. To cancel the electronic-keyboard display without creat-  
ing a new folder, press the menu button.  
If file number memory is active and the CompactFlash card is changed, the first file  
saved to the new card will have a number one greater than the last file saved on the  
previous card if the new card does not contain an image with a greater file number. If it  
does, the file number of the new image will be one greater than the greatest on the  
card.  
SELECT FOLDER  
This option allows the selection of existing folders. After folder is selected, all images  
recorded will be placed in that folder. In quick view or playback mode, only the images  
in the selected folder can be viewed or edited.  
Except for the all-frames-C setting in the custom 2 section of the playback-mode menu,  
changes made with menus only affect the images in the selected folder. To make  
changes to all images in multiple folders, each folder must be selected and the menu  
operation repeated for each folder. Formatting a CompactFlash card in the basic sec-  
tion of the setup menu, erases all folders regardless if it is selected or not.  
118  
119  
SETUP MODE  
SETUP MENU - CUSTOM 2  
Default Setting  
1 minute  
Page  
56  
Interval capture  
Total frame count  
AF/AEL button  
RESET DEFAULT  
2 frames  
56  
Unlike the pro-auto button (p. 37), this function affects not only the recording mode, but  
also the playback, and setup modes. When selected, a confirmation screen will appear;  
choosing “Yes” resets the following functions and settings, “No” cancels the operation.  
AF/AE hold  
Normal  
73  
Sharpness  
86  
Color mode  
Color  
86  
Default Setting  
Page  
46  
68  
66  
70  
58  
63  
64  
65  
43  
42  
61  
51  
74  
76  
78  
75  
54  
Data imprinting  
No (Disabled)  
No  
87  
Exposure mode  
Focus mode  
Program  
Instant playback  
Index playback format  
Duration (Slide Show)  
Repeat (Slide Show)  
Index print  
89  
Single AF  
9 frames  
105  
106  
106  
109  
116  
116  
117  
117  
118  
121  
83  
Focus area  
Wide focus area  
5 seconds  
No  
Digital zoom  
Canceled  
White balance  
Auto white balance  
No (Canceled)  
3
Exposure compensation  
Contrast compensation  
Color-saturation compensation  
Image quality  
0.0  
LCD monitor brightness  
EVF brightness  
Auto-power-save period  
Beep  
0
3
0
1 minute  
Standard  
High tone  
No (Disabled)  
Auto EVF/LCD  
2X digital zoom (DiMAGE 7 only)  
Image size  
2560 X 1920 (2048 X 1536)*  
Auto  
File number memory  
EVF auto switch  
Magnification button  
Camera sensitivity (ISO)  
Drive mode  
Single-frame advance  
Multi-segment  
Fill flash  
Metering mode  
Flash mode  
EVF AUTO SWITCH - CONTROLLING THE AUTO-DISPLAY FUNCTION  
Flash compensation  
Flash metering  
0.0  
This option controls the auto-display function in recording mode (p. 32). The auto-  
EVF/LCD setting allows the display to switch between the EVF and LCD monitor auto-  
matically. The EVF-auto-on setting turns off the LCD monitor and uses the eye sensors  
to activate only the EVF when in use. This setting will help conserve battery power.  
ADI metering  
0.3 Ev  
Exposure bracket  
* for DiMAGE 5 only.  
120  
121  
SETUP MODE  
SETTING THE DATE AND TIME  
It is important to accurately set the clock. When a still image or a movie clip is record-  
ed, the date and time of the recording are saved with the image and are displayed dur-  
ing playback or can be read with the DiMAGE Image Viewer Utility software included  
on the CD-ROM. The camera’s clock is also used with data imprinting.  
DATA-TRANSFER  
MODE  
When the Date/Time-set option is selected and entered,  
the date/time screen will be displayed. The left/right  
keys of the controller are used to select the item to be  
changed and the up/down keys are used to change the  
value. From left to right, the screen shows the year,  
month, day, hour, and minute. When the date and time  
have been adjusted, set the clock by pressing the cen-  
ter of the controller.  
Setup  
Date/Time set  
CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER  
Read this section carefully before connecting the camera to a computer. Details on  
using and installing the DiMAGE Image Viewer Utility software are found in the sup-  
plied software manual. The DiMAGE manuals do not cover the basic operation of com-  
puters or their operating systems; please refer to the manual supplied with your com-  
puter.  
2001  
.
7
.
20  
16 : 33  
Enter  
For the camera to be connected directly to the computer and used as a mass storage  
device, the following requirements must be met:  
SETTING THE DATE FORMAT  
The date format that is displayed or imprinted can be changed: YYYY/MM/DD (year,  
month, day), MM/DD/YYYY (month, day, year), DD/MM/YYYY (day, month, year).  
Simply select the format and enter it by pressing the center of the controller; the new  
format will be displayed on the menu.  
IBM PC / AT Compatible  
Macintosh  
Preinstalled Windows Me, 2000, 98, or 98  
second edition operating systems  
Preinstalled Mac OS 8.6 ~ 9.1  
VIDEO OUTPUT  
Camera images can be displayed on a television (p. 112). The video output can be  
changed between NTSC and PAL. North America uses the NTSC standard and Europe  
uses the PAL standard. Check which standard is used in your region to play back  
images on your television set.  
USB port as standard interface  
Users with Windows 98 or 98 second edition will need to install the driver software on  
the included CD-ROM (p. 126). Users with Mac OS 8.6 will need to download and  
install a USB mass storage device from the Apple web site (p. 129). There have been  
no reports of compatibility problems with Apple G4 computers with Mac OS 10.0.3 or  
earlier.  
122  
123  
DATA-TRANSFER MODE  
After using the four-way keys of the controller to high-  
light the USB option in the USB section of the data-  
transfer menu, press the the right key of the controller.  
• “Enter” should appear on the right side of the screen.  
CONNECTING THE CAMERA TO A COMPUTER  
6
7
Trans  
USB  
A fresh set of batteries should be used when the camera is connected to a computer.  
The use of the AC adapter (sold separately) is recommended over the use of batteries.  
For users with Windows 98 and Mac OS 8.6, read the respective sections on how to  
connect to the operating system before connecting the camera to a computer  
(Windows 98 - p. 126, OS 8.6 - p. 129).  
USB  
Enter  
Press the center of the controller to send a signal to  
the computer to initiate the USB connection.  
• A screen will appear to indicate the beginning of the  
connection process.  
• When the signal has been received by the computer, the  
camera’s monitors will turn off.  
Initializing USB  
connection  
Start up the computer.  
• The computer must be turned on before connecting the camera.  
1
Insert the CompactFlash card into the camera.  
• Confirm that the correct card is in the camera. To change  
the CompactFlash while the camera is connected to a  
computer, see page 134.  
2
When the camera is properly connected to the computer, a drive icon will appear. If the  
computer does not recognize the camera, disconnect the camera and restart the com-  
puter. Repeat the connection procedure above.  
3
Set the mode dial to the data-transfer position.  
• The data-transfer menu will be displayed.  
3
Open the card-slot door. Attach the smaller plug of the USB  
cable to the camera.  
4
• Make sure the plug is firmly attached.  
Attach the other end of the USB cable to the computer’s USB  
port.  
5
• Make sure the plug is firmly attached.  
• The camera should be connected directly to the computer’s USB  
port. Attaching the camera to a USB hub may prevent the camera  
from operating properly.  
4
COMPUTER  
5
124  
125  
DATA-TRANSFER MODE  
MANUAL INSTALLATION  
CONNECTING TO WINDOWS 98  
The driver needs only to be installed once. If the driver cannot be installed automatical-  
ly, 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, inset it into the CD-ROM drive and follow the  
accompanying instructions on the screen.  
To install the Windows 98 driver manually, follow the instruction in the connecting-the-  
camera-to-a-computer section on page 124.  
When the camera is plugged into the com-  
puter, the operating system will detect the  
new device and the add-new-hardware-  
wizard window will open. Place the  
DiMAGE software CD-ROM in the CD-  
ROM drive. Click “Next.”  
AUTOMATIC INSTALLATION  
Before connecting the camera to the  
computer, place the DiMAGE soft-  
ware CD-ROM in the CD-ROM  
drive. The DiMAGE installer menu  
should automatically activate. To  
automatically install the Windows 98  
USB driver, click on the starting-up-  
the-USB-device-driver-installer but-  
ton. A window will appear to confirm  
that the driver should be installed;  
click “Yes” to continue.  
Choose the recommended search for a  
suitable driver. Click “Next.”  
When the driver has been success-  
fully installed, a  
window will  
appear. Click  
“OK.” The cam-  
era can now be  
attached to the  
Choose to specify the location of the dri-  
ver. The browse window can be used to  
indicate the driver location. When the  
location is shown in the window, click  
“Next.”  
computer (p. 124).  
• The driver should be located in the CD-  
ROM drive at :\Win98\USB.  
(Continued on the next page)  
126  
127  
DATA-TRANSFER MODE  
CONNECTING TO MAC OS 8.6  
To access this camera with a computer with Mac OS 8.6, the USB storage support  
1.3.5.smi must be installed first. This software is supplied by Apple Computer, Inc. free  
of charge. It can be downloaded from the Apple Software Updates web site at  
The add new hardware wizard will confirm  
the location of the driver. Click “Next” to  
install the driver in the system.  
• 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.  
To download and install this software, follow the instruction on the Apple web site.  
Always read the attached terms and conditions before installing any new software.  
QUICKTIME 4.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS  
The last window will confirm the driver has  
been installed. Click “Finish” to close the  
add new hardware wizard.  
IBM PC / AT Compatible  
Pentium-based computer  
Windows 95, 98, NT 4.0, 2000.  
16MB or more of RAM  
QuickTime is used for viewing movie clips. To install QuickTime, follow the instructions in  
the read-me folder and in the installer. Users with Windows Me can use the system’s  
media player to view movie clips. Macintosh users can download QuickTime 4.1 free of  
When the my-computer window is  
opened, a new removable-disk icon will  
be displayed. Double click on the icon to  
access the camera’s CompactFlash card,  
see page 130.  
Camera Notes  
To view images correctly on your computer, the monitor’s color space may need to be adjust-  
ed. Refer to your computer manual on how to calibrate the display to the following require-  
ments: sRGB, with a color temperature of 6500°K, and a gamma of 2.2.  
128  
129  
DATA-TRANSFER MODE  
Once the camera is connected to the computer, image files can be accessed by simply  
double clicking on icons. Copying images can be done by dragging and dropping the  
image-file icon into a location in the computer. Files and folders on the CompactFlash  
card can be deleted using the computer. Never format the CompactFlash card from the  
computer; always use the camera to format the card.  
COMPACTFLASH CARD FOLDER ORGANIZATION  
The misc. folder  
contains DPOF  
print files (p. 108).  
Image-file names begin with “pict,”  
Misc  
followed by a four-digit file number,  
and a tif, jpg, avi, mrw, or thm  
extension. The thumbnail images  
(thm) are used in camera opera-  
tion and cannot be opened.  
Drive Icon  
The index number on the image file may not correspond to the frame number of the  
image. As images are deleted on the camera, the frame counter will adjust itself to  
show the number of images in the folder and reassign the frame numbers accordingly.  
The index numbers on the image files will not change when an image is deleted. When  
a new image is recorded, it will be assigned a number one greater than the largest  
index number in the folder. File numbers can be controlled with the file-number-memory  
function in the custom 1 section of the setup menu (p. 118).  
Dcim  
Super-fine  
image  
The last two digits in  
the folder name indi-  
cate the camera that  
was used to capture  
the images; “03” indi-  
cates a DiMAGE 7 and  
“04” a DiMAGE 5.  
When the index number in the image file name exceeds 9,999, a new folder will be cre-  
ated with a number one greater than the greatest folder number on the CompactFlash  
card: e.g. from 100MLTXX to 101MLTXX. The last two digits in the folder name indi-  
cates the camera with which the images were recorded. New folders can be created in  
the custom 1 section of the setup menu (p. 119). When a DPOF file is created for a  
print order (p. 108), a misc. folder is automatically made for the file.  
100MLT03  
100MLT04  
101MLTCP  
PICT0001.TIF PICT0001.THM  
Fine, standard, or  
economy image  
PICT0002.JPG  
Images copied from  
one CompactFlash to  
another (p. 110) are  
placed in a folder with  
a name ending in “CP.”  
The first three digits in  
the folder name will be  
one greater than the  
largest folder number.  
AUTO POWER SAVE (DATA-TRANSFER MODE)  
Movie clip  
If the camera does not receive a read or write command within ten minutes, it will shut  
down to save power. When the camera shuts down, an unsafe-removal-of-device warn-  
ing may appear on the computer monitor. Click “OK.” Neither the camera or computer  
will be damaged in this operation.  
PICT0003.AVI PICT0003.THM  
RAW  
image  
Pressing the shutter-release button will reactivate the camera. Remake the USB con-  
nection with the data-transfer menu (steps 6 and 7 on page 125).  
PICT0004.MRW PICT0004.THM  
130  
131  
DATA-TRANSFER MODE  
DISCONNECTING THE CAMERA FROM THE COMPUTER  
Never disconnect the camera when the access lamp is lit - the data or  
CompactFlash card may permanently be damaged.  
WINDOWS 98  
The hardware devices to be  
stopped will be displayed.  
Highlight the device by click-  
ing on it then click “Stop.”  
Confirm that the access lamp is not lit. Turn the mode dial to another position and then  
disconnect the USB cable.  
WINDOWS ME AND WINDOWS 2000  
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.  
A confirmation screen will appear to indicate the  
devices to be stopped. Clicking “OK” will stop the  
device.  
Click on the small window  
to stop the device. The  
A third and final screen will appear to indicate the  
camera can be safely disconnected from the  
computer. Turn the mode dial to another position  
and then disconnect the USB cable.  
safe-to remove-hardware  
window will appear. Click  
“OK.” Turn the mode dial to  
another position and then  
disconnect the USB cable.  
MACINTOSH  
Confirm that the access lamp is not lit and then drag the mass-storage device icon and  
drop it into the trash.  
When more than one external device are connected to the computer, the  
unplug-or-eject-hardware window can be used. To disconnect the camera,  
double click on the unplug-or-eject-hardware icon located on the task bar  
to activate the window.  
Disconnect the USB cable.  
• If the USB cable is disconnected before performing the first step, an alert message will  
appear. Always complete the first step before disconnecting the USB cable.  
132  
133  
DATA-TRANSFER MODE  
CHANGING THE COMPACTFLASH CARD (DATA-TRANSFER MODE)  
Care should be taken when changing CompactFlash cards while the camera is  
attached to the computer. Data could be lost or damaged if the camera is not properly  
disconnected.  
Always confirm the access lamp is out  
before removing the CompactFlash card.  
WINDOWS 98  
1. Turn off the camera.  
2. Change the CompactFlash card.  
3. Turn on the camera.  
4. Use the data-transfer menu to remake the USB connection.  
APPENDIX  
WINDOWS ME AND 2000  
1. Stop the USB connection using the unplug-or-eject-hardware routine (p. 132).  
2. Turn off the camera.  
3. Change the CompactFlash card.  
4. Turn on the camera.  
5. Use the data-transfer menu to remake the USB connection.  
MACINTOSH  
FOCAL LENGTH EQUIVALENTS  
1. Stop the USB connection by dragging the drive icon into the trash (p. 133).  
2. Turn off the camera.  
3. Change the CompactFlash card.  
The Exif tag information of each image includes the actual focal-length setting of the  
camera’s 7.2 - 50.8mm zoom lens. The following chart can be used to estimate the  
equivalent focal length in 35mm photography.  
4. Turn on the camera.  
5. Use the data-transfer menu to remake the USB connection.  
Actual focal length  
7.2  
28  
35  
9
13  
51  
64  
21  
83  
27  
34  
38  
50.8  
200  
250  
35mm equivalent (DiMAGE 7)  
35mm equivalent (DiMAGE 5)  
35  
44  
106  
133  
134  
167  
149  
187  
103  
134  
135  
A SHORT GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHY  
Photography can be a rewarding pursuit. It is a broad and disciplined field that can take  
years to master. But the pleasure in making photographs and the joy of capturing a  
magical moment cannot be compared. The guide is an introduction to some basic pho-  
tographic principles.  
The shutter controls not only exposure,  
but also the ability to stop motion. Fast  
shutter speeds are used in sport pho-  
tography to stop action. Slow shutter  
speeds can be used to show the flow of  
motion such as water cascading over a  
waterfall. The use of a tripod is recom-  
mended with slow shutter speeds.  
The lens aperture controls not only exposure, but also depth of field; the area between  
the closest object in focus and the furthest object in focus. The larger the aperture  
value, the greater the depth of field and the longer the shutter speed needed to make  
the exposure. The smaller the aperture value, the shallower the depth of field and the  
faster the shutter speed needed to make the exposure. Usually landscape photographs  
use a large depth of field (large  
aperture value) to keep the fore-  
ground and background in focus,  
and portraits use a shallow depth  
of field (small aperture value) to  
separate the subject from the  
background.  
Depth of field also changes with focal  
length. The smaller the focal length,  
the greater the depth of field; the  
longer the focal length, the shallower  
the depth of field.  
The change in aperture and shutter speed is not apparent in the live image. Unlike film  
cameras, test photographs can be taken and immediately viewed. For critical work,  
take a test photograph at the set aperture or shutter speed and view the result in quick  
view (p.34). The image can be deleted if not acceptable and another test image can be  
taken at a different setting.  
136  
137  
SYSTEM ACCESSORIES  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
A variety of Minolta accessories can be used with this camera to extend its perfor-  
mance. For more details on the items listed below and in other sections of this manual,  
contact your local Minolta dealer.  
The section covers minor problems with basic camera operation. For major problems or  
damage, or if a problem continues to reoccur frequently, contact a Minolta service facili-  
ty listed on the back cover of this manual.  
External High-power Battery Pack Kit EBP-100  
The kit contains a high-power lithium-ion battery, holder, and charger. The battery and  
Problem Symptom  
Cause  
Solution  
The batteries are dead.  
Replace batteries (p. 24).  
charger are also available separately  
Close-up Diffuser CD-1000  
Used directly on the camera with the built-in flash to provide soft lighting for close-up  
photography.  
Reinsert the batteries taking  
care that the negative and pos-  
The batteries are inserted itive terminals are orientated  
Nothing dis-  
played on the  
data panel or  
the monitors.  
incorrectly.  
as indicated on the inside of  
the battery chamber door  
(p.24).  
Several high-quality Minolta flash units can be used with this camera:  
Program Flash 3600HS(D)  
Program Flash 5600HS(D)  
The camera  
will not work.  
Macro Ring Flash 1200 with Macro Flash Controller  
Macro Twin Flash 2400 with Macro Flash Controller  
Check that the adapter is con-  
nected to the camera and a  
live electrical outlet (p. 26).  
The AC adapter is not  
connected properly.  
Camera Notes  
Minolta Program Flash 3600HS(D), Program Flash 5600HS(D), Macro Ring Flash 1200, and  
Macro Twin Flash 2400 are compatible with this camera. ADI flash metering (p. 75) will work  
with both program flashes attached to the accessory shoe. The use of other flash units is not  
recommended.  
Turn off the camera and allow  
it to cool. If “Err” is still dis-  
played on the camera after it  
cools, remove and replace the  
batteries or power cord.  
“Err” displayed The camera is hot or it  
on the data  
panel  
has been left in a very  
hot environment.  
With the Program Flash units, the flash-metering mode will automatically switch to pre-flash  
TTL when the bounce-flash function is used, or the flashes are connected to the camera with  
an off-camera cable. Pre-flash TTL (p. 75) automatically activates when using the macro flash  
units.  
CompactFlash card is full Insert a new CompactFlash  
and unable to store an card (p. 26), delete some  
image at the image-quali- images (p. 102), or change the  
“000” is dis-  
played on the  
frame counter. ty or image-size setting  
on the camera.  
When using the Program Flashes, if the flash illumination is uneven at the camera’s wide-angle  
setting, attach the wide-angle adapter to the flash units. With the 3600 HS(D), also change the  
flash metering mode to pre-flash TTL. When the auto-zoom function is used with the Program  
Flashes, the flash’s zoom setting will be wider than the lens setting.  
Shutter will  
not release.  
image-quality or image-size  
setting (p.40).  
138  
139  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
Problem Symptom  
Cause  
Solution  
Problem Symptom  
Cause  
Solution  
A shadow  
Lens hood  
appears on  
No-card warn-  
Shutter will  
The lens hood blocks the  
No CompactFlash card in Insert a CompactFlash card  
Always remove the lens hood  
when using the built-in flash.  
ing appears on  
not release.  
mounted when light from the built-in  
the camera.  
(p.26).  
the bottom of  
the image.  
the monitors.  
using flash.  
flash.  
Make sure the subject is within  
the autofocus range (0.5m - )  
or use the macro mode (p. 69).  
Shooting data  
is displayed,  
Subject is too close.  
Camera set to Shutter speed and  
Change the shutter speed or  
aperture value until an image  
appears on the monitor (p. 50).  
but live image manual-  
aperture combination is  
extremely under or over-  
exposing the live image.  
is entirely  
black or  
white.  
exposure  
mode (M).  
The camera is in macro  
mode.  
Cancel the macro mode setting  
(p. 69).  
Focus signal is  
red.  
Pictures are  
not sharp.  
Live image  
turns black  
and white.  
Camera used  
Automatic monitor amplification activates under low-light  
A special situation is pre- Use the focus-lock function to  
under low-light conditions (p. 72). Although the live image is black and  
venting the autofocus  
system from focusing  
(p.31)  
focus on an object at the same  
distance as the subject (p. 30)  
or use manual focus (p. 71).  
conditions.  
white, the recorded image will be color.  
Pictures are  
taken indoors  
or in low-light  
situations with-  
out flash.  
If the camera does not function normally, turn it off, remove and reinsert the batteries,  
or unplug and reconnect the AC adapter. Always turn the camera off using the mode  
dial otherwise the CompactFlash card may be damaged and camera settings reset.  
Slow shutter speeds  
result in blurred images  
when the camera is  
hand-held.  
Use a tripod, change the cam-  
era sensitivity to a higher set-  
ting (p. 61), or use the flash (p.  
21).  
The camera temperature rises with extended periods of use. Care should be taken to  
avoid burns when handling the camera, batteries, or CompactFlash card.  
Continuous  
drive does  
not work.  
Push the flash down or change  
the image-quality setting (p.  
43).  
The built-in flash is up or image quality is  
set to super fine or RAW.  
WHEN USING FILTERS WITH THE DIMAGE 7  
Polarizing filters and close-up lenses may cause vignetting at the wide-angle range of  
the lens (below the 50mm mark on the zooming ring). With very powerful close-up lens-  
es, such as a +3 or Minolta No. 2, vignetting may be noticeable below 100mm. Using  
step-up rings will cause vignetting; use only 49mm filters.  
While using  
flash, the pic-  
tures are too  
dark.  
Move closer to the subject or  
change the camera sensitivity  
to a higher setting (p. 61).  
The subject is beyond  
the flash range (p. 79).  
140  
141  
CARE AND STORAGE  
CAMERA CARE  
OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND CONDITIONS  
• This camera has been designed for use in temperatures from 0°C to 40°C (32°F to  
104°F).  
• 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 CompactFlash 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. Water, sand, dust, or salt can damage the camera.  
• Do not leave the camera under direct sunlight. Do not point the lens directly at the  
sun; the CCD may be damaged.  
• 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.  
RECORDING MEDIA CARE AND HANDLING  
• Read and follow the instruction manual supplied with the CompactFlash card.  
• The following may cause data loss or damage.  
CLEANING  
• If the camera or the outside of the lens is dirty, gently wipe it 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.  
1 Improper use of the card.  
2 Static electrical discharge or electromagnetic fields near the card.  
3 Removing the card or interrupting the power supply while the camera or  
computer is accessing the card (reading, writing, formatting, etc.).  
4 The disuse of a card for an extended period.  
To clean the lens surface, first blow away any dust or sand, then, if necessary,  
moisten a lens tissue or soft cloth with lens cleaning fluid and gently wipe the lens.  
• Never use organic solvents to clean the camera.  
5 Using the card beyond its life  
• Never touch the lens surface with your fingers.  
Minolta has no responsibility for any loss or damage to data. It is recommend  
that a copy of the card data be made in another media such as a ZIP disc, hard disk,  
CD-ROM, etc.  
• When the card is formatted, all recorded data will be deleted. Be sure to make a  
backup of any important data.  
• The storage capability of the CompactFlash card will diminish with extended use. It  
may be necessary to purchase a new card periodically.  
• Keep away from static electricity and electromagnetic fields.  
• Do not bend, drop, or subject the card to impact.  
• Strong static electrical discharges or physical shock may prevent the card from being  
able to transfer data.  
STORAGE  
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from dust and chemicals. For long  
periods of disuse, store the camera in an airtight container with a silica-gel drying  
agent.  
• Remove the batteries and CompactFlash card from the camera when not in use for  
extended periods.  
• Do not store the camera in an area with naphthalene or mothballs.  
• During long periods of storage, operate the camera occasionally. When taking the  
camera out of storage, check that the camera is functioning properly before using.  
• Do not touch the electrical contacts of the card with your fingers or metal objects.  
• Keep away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.  
• Keep away from small children.  
• When using an IBM Microdrive, do not subject the camera to vibrations.  
142  
143  
CARE AND STORAGE  
BATTERIES  
BEFORE IMPORTANT EVENTS OR JOURNEYS  
• Check the camera’s operation; take test pictures and purchase spare batteries.  
• Minolta has no responsibility for any damage or loss incurred by equipment  
malfunction.  
• Battery performance decreases with temperature. In cold environments, we  
recommend keeping spare batteries in a warm place, such as the inside of a coat.  
Batteries can recover their power when they warm up. As the performance of Ni-MH  
batteries are less affected by temperature, their use is recommended when shooting  
in cold environments.  
QUESTIONS AND SERVICE  
Remove the batteries when the camera is not in use for an extended period. Leaking  
battery fluid may damage the battery-chamber.  
• If you have questions about your camera, contact your local camera dealer or write to  
the Minolta distributor in your area.  
• Occasionally, when using alkaline batteries, the battery-condition indicator will give a  
false low-battery-power warning, even though there is enough power capacity.  
Continue to use the camera; the low-battery indicator will disappear.  
• If batteries have been exhausted when used in the camera, do not reload them even  
if their charge seems to recover over time. These batteries will interfere with normal  
camera operation.  
• Before shipping your camera for repair, please contact a Minolta Service Facility.  
The following marks may be found on the product:  
This mark certifies that this camera meets the requirements concerning  
interference causing equipment regulations in Japan.  
LCD MONITOR CARE  
• Although the LCD monitor is manufactured using high precision technology, there  
may occasionally be a lack of color or bright points on the LCD monitor.  
• Do not apply pressure to the surface of the LCD monitor; it may be permanently  
damaged.  
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).  
• In a cold environment, the LCD monitor may become temporarily dark. When the  
camera warms up, the display will function normally.  
• The LCD monitor may be slow to react in low temperatures or may turn dark in a hot  
environment. When the camera reaches normal operating temperature, the display  
will function normally.  
• If fingerprints are on the LCD monitor surface, gently wipe with a soft, clean, dry  
cloth.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.  
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This  
Digital Camera:  
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this  
device must accept any interference received, including  
interference that may cause undesired operation.  
Tested To Comply  
With FCC Standards  
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE  
Tested by the Minolta Corporation  
101 Williams Drive, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446, U.S.A.  
COPYRIGHT  
• TV program, films, video tapes, photographs, and other materials may be  
copyrighted. Unauthorized recording or duplication of such material may be contrary  
to copyright laws. Taking pictures or images of performances, exhibitions, etc. is  
prohibited without approval and can infringe on copyright. Images protected by  
copyright can only be used under the provisions within the copyright laws.  
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.  
Do not remove the ferrite cores from the cables.  
144  
145  
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS  
CCD:  
2/3-type interline primary-color CCD with a total of  
Batteries:  
4 AA alkaline or Ni-MH batteries  
5.24 million pixels. (DiMAGE 7)  
1/1.8-type interline primary-color CCD with a total of  
3.34 million pixels. (DiMAGE 5)  
4.95 million (2568 X 1928) DiMAGE 7  
3.17 million (2056 X 1544) DiMAGE 5  
Auto and 100, 200, 400, and 800 ISO equivalents.  
4:3  
Battery performance (recording): Approx. number of recorded images: 200 frames  
Based on Minolta’s standard test method: Ni-MH bat-  
teries, EVF on, LCD monitor off, flash used with 50%  
of the frames, no instant playback.  
Battery performance (playback): Approx. continuous playback time: 110 min.  
Based on Minolta’s standard test method: Ni-MH bat-  
teries, LCD monitor on, EVF off.  
Number of effective pixels:  
Camera sensitivity (ISO):  
Aspect ratio:  
Lens construction:  
16 elements in 13 groups including two AD glass  
and two aspheric elements.  
External power source:  
AC adapter (AC-1L or AC-2L)  
High-power battery pack (EBP-100)  
116.5 (W) X 90.5 (H) X 112.5 (D) mm  
Approximately 505g  
(without batteries or CompactFlash card)  
0° - 40°C  
Maximum aperture:  
Focal length:  
f/2.8 (wide-angle position), f/3.5 (telephoto position)  
7.2 - 50.8 mm (35mm equivalent: 28 - 200mm  
(DiMAGE 7), 35 - 250mm (DiMAGE 5))  
0.5 m - infinity (from the CCD)  
0.25 - 0.6 m (from the CCD) macro mode  
49 mm  
Dimensions:  
Weight:  
Focusing range:  
Operating temperature:  
Operating humidity:  
5 - 85% (noncondensing)  
Filter diameter:  
Autofocusing system:  
Shutter:  
Built-in flash recycling time:  
Viewfinder LCD:  
Video AF  
CCD electronic shutter plus mechanical shutter  
7s (approx)  
Ferroelectric 4.8 mm reflective liquid crystal  
microdisplay.  
Specifications are based on the latest information available at the time of printing and  
are subject to change without notice.  
Monitor LCD:  
46 mm TFT color  
Field of view:  
Approximately 100%  
A/D conversion:  
Recording media:  
12 bits  
Type I and II CompactFlash cards, 170MB, 340MB,  
512MB, and 1GB IBM Microdrives as of June, 2001.  
Exif 2.1 (JPEG, TIFF), motion JPEG (avi), and RAW.  
DCF 1.0 and DPOF compliant.  
Yes  
Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Power Macintosh, Mac OS, and the Mac OS logo are registered  
trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the  
Microsoft Corporation. The official name of Windows® is Microsoft Windows Operating System.  
Pentium is a registered trademark of the Intel Corporation. Adobe and PhotoDeluxe are registered  
trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. Microdrive is a trademark of the International Business Machines  
Corporation. QuickTime is a trademark used under license. All other trademarks are the property of  
their respective owners.  
File formats:  
Print Image Matching:  
Menu languages:  
Video output:  
146  
English, German, French, and Spanish  
NTSC and PAL  
147  
Minolta Co., Ltd.  
3-13, 2-Chome, Azuchi-Machi, Chuo-Ku, Osaka 541-8556, Japan  
Minolta Corporation  
Head Office  
101 Williams Drive, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446, U.S.A.  
11150 Hope Street Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.  
Los Angeles Branch  
Minolta Canada Inc.  
Minolta Europe GmbH  
Reparatur/Repair  
369 Britannia Road East, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 2H5, Canada  
Minoltaring 11, D-30855 Langenhagen, Germany  
Senator-Helmken-Strasse 1, D-28197 Bremen, Germany  
365 Route de Saint-Germain, F-78420 Carrieres-Sur-Seine, France  
7 Tanners Drive, Blakelands, Milton Keynes, MK14 5BU, England  
Amalienstrasse 59-61, A-1131 Wien, Austria  
Minolta France S.A.  
Minolta (UK) Limited  
Minolta Austria Ges. m.b.H.  
Minolta Camera Benelux B.V. Zonnebaan 39, P.O. Box 6000, NL-3600 HA Maarssen, The Netherlands  
Belgian Branch  
Prins Boudewijnlaan 1, B-2550 Kontich, Belgium  
Riedstrasse 6, CH-8953 Dietikon, Switzerland  
Albygatan 114, S-171 54 Solna, Sweden  
Niittykatu 6 PL 37, SF-02201 Espoo, Finland  
Av. do Brasil 33-A, P-1700 Lisboa, Portugal  
Minolta (Schweiz) AG  
Minolta Svenska AB  
Finnish Branch  
Minolta Portugal Limitada  
Minolta Hong Kong Limited Room 208, 2/F, Eastern Center, 1065 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong  
Minolta Singapore (Pte) Ltd. 10, Teban Gardens Crescent, Singapore 608923  
© 2001 Minolta Co., Ltd. under the Berne Convention  
and the Universal Copyright Convention.  
Printed in Malaysia  
9222-2773-31 MM-A107  

RCA F32715 User Manual
Philips 190CW8 User Manual
Pelco Camcorder CC3700S 2X User Manual
Panasonic HHR200A User Manual
Panasonic Cordless Phone With Answering Machine KXTGA660B User Manual
Panasonic AJ SD965E User Manual
Metra Electronics AW 341GO User Manual
Marshall electronic M LCD7 HDMI B NEL3 User Manual
JVC KD S14 User Manual
JVC GZ MG30AA User Manual