Owner’s Record The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. DSC-U30 Serial No.
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Services Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669) The number below is for the FCC related matters only. Regulatory Information Declaration of Conformity...
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Never use the plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony service station. Attention for the Customers in...
Before using your camera Trial recording Before you record one-time events, you may want to make a trial recording to make sure that the camera is working correctly. No compensation for contents of the recording Contents of the recording cannot be compensated for if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of your camera or recording media, etc.
Trademarks • “Memory Stick,” and “MagicGate Memory Stick” are trademarks of Sony Corporation. • “Memory Stick Duo” and are trademarks of Sony Corporation. • “Memory Stick PRO” and are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
Table of contents Before using your camera ... 4 How to hold the camera ... 5 Identifying the parts ... 8 Getting started Preparing batteries ... 10 Charging the batteries ... 10 Inserting the batteries... 12 Using your camera abroad ... 14 Turning on/off your camera ...
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Additional information Menu items...69 Precautions ...72 On “Memory Stick” ...74 On Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries...75 On the battery charger...76 Specifications ...77 LCD screen displays ...78 Index Index...80...
Identifying the parts See the pages in parentheses for details of operation. A Shutter button (20) B POWER button (14) C POWER lamp (14) D Lens cover (14) E Mode switch : To view images (34) : To shoot still images (20) To shoot five images continuously (31) : To shoot movies (41)
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Attaching the neck strap A LCD screen (Flash charge) lamp (orange) (24) C MENU button (15) D Control button Menu on: v/V (15) Menu off: /SCENE (23, 28) E EXEC/ button (15, 38) F Hook for neck strap G Battery/“Memory Stick” cover H OPEN button (12) I Access lamp (17) (USB) jack (51)
Nickel-Metal Hydride battery. Also, operations are not guaranteed when using a Nickel-Metal Hydride battery from a manufacturer other than Sony. • Be sure to charge the Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries supplied with your camera before using them for the first time.
Charging time Nickel-Metal Hydride Charging time battery NH-AAA-DA × 2 (supplied) Approx. 6 hours This represents the time required to charge fully depleted Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries using the supplied battery charger in an environment where the ambient temperature is 25°C (77°F). •...
Inserting the batteries , Open the battery/“Memory Stick” cover. Slide the cover in the direction of the arrow 1 while pressing OPEN. The battery/ “Memory Stick” cover opens in the direction of the arrow 2. , Insert the batteries. Match the +/– poles of the batteries to the +/–...
Battery remaining indicator (When using Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries) As the battery power decreases with use, the battery remaining indicator displays the amount of power remaining using the following symbols. Battery Battery remaining remaining guidelines indicator Sufficient power remaining Battery half full Battery low, recording/ playback will stop soon.
Using your camera abroad Power sources You can use your camera in any country or region with the supplied battery charger within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet (wall socket) [b].
How to use the buttons Control button EXEC MENU To change the current settings of the camera, bring up the menu, and use the control button to make the changes. For each item, press MENU to display the menu and press v/V on the control button to select the desired value, then press EXEC to make the setting.
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DATE&TIME SET Y / M / D 2003 12:00 EXEC , Set the numeric value with v/V on the control button, then press EXEC. The item to be set is indicated with v/V. After entering the number, v/V moves to the next item.
Inserting and removing a “Memory Stick” , Open the battery/“Memory Stick” cover. Slide the cover in the direction of the arrow 1 while pressing OPEN. The battery/ “Memory Stick” cover opens in the direction of the arrow 2. • For details on the “Memory Stick,” see page 74. Terminal side Label side , Insert the “Memory Stick.”...
Setting the still image size RETURN SIZE BURST • FOCUS AUTO SELFTIMER P.EFFECT MENU , Set the mode switch to turn on the power, then press MENU. The menu appears on the LCD screen. • Open the lens cover when closed. RETURN SIZE BURST •...
Capacity 8MB 16MB 32MB 64MB 128MB MSX-256 MSX-512 MSX-1G Image size 2.0M • When the images recorded using earlier Sony models are played back, the image size indication may be different from the actual image size. • Images viewed on the LCD screen of the camera all appear the same size.
Basic still image shooting — Using auto adjustment mode , Set the mode switch to slide the lens cover to turn on the power. The name of the folder where the image will be recorded appears on the LCD screen for approximately five seconds.
2.0M 2.0M 2.0M , Press the shutter button fully down. A beep sounds. When “RECORDING” disappears from the LCD screen, recording is complete. The image will be recorded in the “Memory Stick,” and you can shoot the next image. • If you do not operate the camera for about three minutes during recording or playback, the camera turns off automatically to prevent wearing down the batteries (page 14).
LCD screen display during shooting You can use [DISPLAY] under [ MENU and v/V on the control button to turn the display on and off. This is useful when recording under conditions where it is difficult to check the image on the LCD screen.
SELFTIMER 2.0M 2.0M 2.0M O F F EXEC , Select [ON] with v on the control button, then press EXEC. When you press MENU, the menu disappears and the (self-timer) indicator appears on the LCD screen. 2.0M 2.0M 2.0M Self-timer lamp , Center the subject in the LCD screen and press the shutter...
• You cannot use the flash in the Burst mode. • If the menu is currently displayed, press MENU first so that the menu disappears. • The recommended shooting distance using the flash is approximately 0.5 m to 1.8 m (1 foot 7 3/4 inches to 5 feet 10 3/4 inches).
Creating a new folder RETURN SIZE BURST • 2.0M 2.0M 2.0M FOCUS AUTO SELFTIMER P.EFFECT MENU , Set the mode switch to then press MENU. The menu appears on the LCD screen. • You can also carry out this operation when the mode switch is set to RETURN FORMAT...
Selecting the recording folder RETURN SIZE BURST • FOCUS SELFTIMER P.EFFECT MENU , Set the mode switch to then press MENU. The menu appears on the LCD screen. • You can also carry out this operation when the mode switch is set to RETURN FORMAT 2.0M...
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CHANGE REC. FOLDER : 102MSDCF C A N C E L EXEC , Select [OK] with v on the control button, then press EXEC. When you press MENU, the menu disappears and the selected folder is displayed. To cancel changing the recording folder Select [CANCEL] in step 4.
Shooting according to scene conditions — Scene Selection When shooting portraits, landscapes, twilight scenes, twilight portraits, or moving subjects, use the modes below to improve the quality of your images. Soft snap mode This mode lets you shoot skin colors in brighter and warmer tones for more beautiful pictures.
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Active outdoor mode This mode lets you stop the movement of your subject and get lively shots of those moving objects in bright outdoor conditions. • When setting the focus to [AUTO], the focus is adjusted to approximately 1 m to (infinite).
Setting the distance to the subject — Focus preset 0.5 m 0.2 m When shooting an image using a previously set distance to the subject, or when shooting a subject through a net or window glass, it is difficult to achieve a proper focus using the auto focus function.
FOCUS AUTO 0.2m 0.5m 1.0m EXEC , Select the desired focus setting with v/V on the control button, then press EXEC. You can select from the following distance settings: AUTO (No indicator), 0.2 m, 0.5 m, 1.0 m, and (infinity) When you press MENU, the menu disappears and the indicator is displayed on the LCD screen.
SIZE • BURST 2.0M 2.0M 2.0M 2.0M BURST EXEC , Select [BURST] with V on the control button, then press EXEC. Press MENU so that the menu disappears from the LCD screen. 2.0M , Press the shutter button halfway down, then hold the shutter button fully down.
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RETURN SIZE BURST • 2.0M 2.0M 2.0M FOCUS AUTO SELFTIMER P.EFFECT MENU , Set the mode switch to , and press MENU. The menu appears on the LCD screen. • You can also carry out this operation when the mode switch is set to RETURN SIZE BURST •...
Viewing still images on the LCD screen Single (single- Index (four-image) image) screen screen 2.0M 2.0M 101-0007 2003 7 4 12:00 You can view images shot with your camera almost immediately on the LCD screen. You can select the following two methods for viewing images.
Viewing an index screen (four-image) RETURN DELETE DELETE IN FOLDER INDEX DPOF MENU , Set the mode switch to , and press MENU. The menu appears on the LCD screen. RETURN DELETE DELETE IN FOLDER INDEX DPOF EXEC , Select [ ] with v on the control button, then press EXEC.
Selecting the folder and playing back images — Folder RETURN DELETE DELETE IN FOLDER INDEX DPOF MENU , Set the mode switch to then press MENU. The menu appears on the LCD screen. RETURN FORMAT CHANGE FOLDER , Select [ ] with V on the control button, then press EXEC.
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CHANGE FOLDER : 102MSDCF C A N C E L EXEC , Select [OK] with v on the control button, then press EXEC. When you press MENU, the menu disappears and the selected folder is displayed. To cancel the selection Select [CANCEL] in step 4.
Enlarging an image — Enlarged playback You can zoom in on an image shot with your camera to enlarge it to 2.5 or 5 times the original size. 1× (normal) 2.5× 5× 2.0M 2.0M 2.0M 101-0007 2003 7 4 1:30 , Set the mode switch to , and select the image you want to...
Choosing images to print — Print (DPOF) mark You can mark still images shot with your camera that you want to have printed. This function is convenient when you have images printed at a shop or using a printer that conforms with the DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) standard.
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RETURN DELETE DELETE IN FOLDER INDEX DPOF EXEC , Select [DPOF] with V on the control button, then press EXEC. DPOF , Select [ON] with v on the control button, then press EXEC. When you press MENU, the menu disappears and the mark is marked on the displayed image.
Shooting movies STBY 5:10 , Set the mode switch to , and open the lens cover to turn on the power. • Sound cannot be recorded in movies. 0/15s , Press the shutter button fully down. “REC” appears on the LCD screen and the camera starts recording the image.
Shooting time The shooting time is different, depending on the capacity of the “Memory Stick.” Refer to the following chart when you choose a “Memory Stick.” • The maximum shooting time is 15 seconds per recording. • The shooting time may vary, depending on the shooting conditions.
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0:05 101 – 0016 EXEC , Press EXEC. The movie is played back. To stop playback Press EXEC. Indicators while viewing movies Indicators on the LCD screen are not recorded. You can use [DISPLAY] under ] with MENU and v/V on the control button to turn the display on and off (page 22).
Deleting images 2.0M 2.0M 2.0M 101-0007 2003 7 4 12:00 , Set the mode switch to turn on the power. Press v/V on the control button to select the image you want to delete. Deleting images RETURN DELETE DELETE IN FOLDER INDEX DPOF , Press MENU and select [...
DELETE C A N C E L EXEC , Select [OK] with v on the control button, then press EXEC. When the message “MEMORY STICK ACCESS” disappears, the image has been deleted. To cancel deleting Select [CANCEL] in step 4. Formatting a “Memory Stick”...
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RETURN FORMAT CHANGE FOLDER EXEC , Select [ ] with V on the control button, then press EXEC. Select [FORMAT] with v/V on the control button, then press EXEC. FORMAT FORMATTING C A N C E L , Select [OK] with v on the control button, then press EXEC.
When neither a USB connector nor a “Memory Stick” slot is provided, you can copy images using an additional device. See the Sony Website for details. http://www.sony.net/ Contents of the CD-ROM x USB Driver This driver is needed in order to connect the camera to a computer.
Installing the USB driver When using Windows XP, you need not install the USB driver. Once the USB driver is installed, you need not install the USB driver again. a Start up your computer, and insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive. Do not connect your camera to your computer at this time.
Installing “Image Transfer” You can use the “Image Transfer” software to copy images to your computer automatically when you connect the camera to your computer with the supplied USB cable. a Click [Cyber-shot] on the model selection screen. The installing menu screen appears. b Click [Image Transfer] on the installing menu screen.
Follow the instructions that appear on the screen. Installing “ImageMixer” You can use the “ImageMixer Ver.1.5 for Sony” software to copy, view and edit images. For details, see the software’s help files. a Click [ImageMixer] on the installing menu screen.
Connecting the camera to your computer a Insert the “Memory Stick” with the images you want to copy into the camera. • The camera can receive power supply from most of the computers that are recommended for use through the USB connection (USB Bus Powered), so in this case there is no need to insert batteries into the camera.
For Windows 2000, Me, or XP users 1 Double-click on the tasktray. 2 Click (Sony DSC), then click [Stop]. 3 Confirm the device on the confirmation screen, then click [OK]. 4 Click [OK]. Step 4 is unnecessary for Windows XP users.
2 Confirm if other devices are already installed. 1 Click [Device Manager]. 2 Confirm if there is a “ Sony DSC” with a mark. 3 If you find either of the devices above, follow the steps below to delete them.
“My Documents” folder. • When using Windows XP, click [Start] t [My Documents] in that order. • You can use the “ImageMixer Ver.1.5 for Sony” software to view and edit images on your computer. For details, see the software’s help files.
Image file storage destinations and file names Image files recorded with your camera are grouped as folders in the “Memory Stick”. Example: For Windows Me users Folder containing image data recorded using a camera without the folder creation function Folder containing image data recorded with this camera When no new folders have been created, this is only “101MSDCF”...
When neither a USB connector nor a “Memory Stick” slot is provided, you can copy images using an additional device. See the Sony Website for details. http://www.sony.net/ Steps required by your OS Follow the steps below, according to your...
• Close down all applications running on the computer before installing the USB driver and application. • You can use the “ImageMixer Ver.1.5 for Sony” software to copy images to your computer and to view images on your computer. See the...
Creating a Video CD using “ImageMixer” You can create a Video CD using “ImageMixer Ver.1.5 for Sony.” You can play back created Video CDs on a Video CD-compatible DVD player, or on a computer using Video CD application software. a Start “ImageMixer.”...
Install the batteries correctly (page 12). p Replace them with charged batteries (page 10). p Replace the batteries with new ones. 3 Should your camera still not work properly, consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
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Symptom Cause The power turns off • If you do not operate the camera for about three suddenly. minutes when using batteries, the camera turns off automatically to prevent wearing down the batteries (page 14). • The batteries are discharged. Shooting still images/movies Symptom Cause...
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Symptom Cause Your camera cannot record • No “Memory Stick” is inserted. images. • The capacity of the “Memory Stick” is insufficient. • The write-protect switch on the “Memory Stick” is set to the LOCK position. • You cannot shoot while the flash is charging. •...
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Symptom Cause Your camera cannot • Enlarged playback is not available for files perform enlarged playback. created or processed using other devices. You cannot display a print • You cannot display print (DPOF) marks on (DPOF) mark. movies. Deleting images Symptom Cause Your camera cannot delete...
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Follow the designated copy procedure for your OS (pages 52, 53 and 57). p If you are using the “Image Transfer” software, see page 52. p If you are using the “ImageMixer Ver.1.5 for Sony” application software, click on HELP. p Select [Launch Image Transfer automatically when the camera, etc., is connected.] at [Basic] setting (page 53).
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Copy the movie to the hard disk of your computer and then play back the movie from the hard disk (pages 52, 53 and 57). p Check the printer settings. p Click on HELP for the “ImageMixer Ver.1.5 for Sony” application software. p Set the computer display as follows: Windows: 800 ×...
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Others Symptom Cause Your camera does not work. • The battery level is low. (The E indicator appears.) • The USB cable is connected. The power is on, but the • The built-in microcomputer is not working camera does not work. properly.
Warnings and messages The following messages appear on the LCD screen. Message Meaning/Corrective Action NO MEMORY STICK • Insert a “Memory Stick” (page 17). SYSTEM ERROR • Turn the power off and on again (page 14). MEMORY STICK ERROR • The inserted “Memory Stick” cannot be used in your camera (page 74). •...
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Message Meaning/Corrective Action ENLARGED PLAYBACK ERROR • You are attempting to perform enlarged playback for a file created using other devices. • Enlarged playback is not available for images processed using a computer. • An error occurred while your camera was performing enlarged playback.
If you are unable to solve the problem even after trying the corrective actions a few times, repairs may be necessary. Contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility and inform them of the 5- digit code. Example: E:61:10 Countermeasure •...
Menu items Menu items that can be modified differ depending on the position of the mode switch. The LCD screen shows only the items you can operate at the moment. Factory settings are indicated with x. When the mode switch is set to Item Setting SIZE·BURST...
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When the mode switch is set to Item Setting FORMAT OK / CANCEL CREATE FOLDER OK / CANCEL CHANGE FOLDER OK / CANCEL When the mode switch is set to Item Setting DELETE OK / CANCEL DELETE IN OK / CANCEL FOLDER INDEX / SINGLE —...
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The following menus are available no matter what position the mode switch is in. When [ ] is selected in the menu settings Item Setting LCD LIGHT xON / OFF DISPLAY When [ ] is selected in the menu settings Item Setting CLOCK SET...
Precautions Do not leave the camera in the following places • In extremely hot place, such as in a car parked in the sun. The camera body may become deformed or this may cause a malfunction. • Under direct sunlight or near a heater. The camera body may become deformed or this may cause a malfunction.
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How to prevent moisture condensation When bringing the camera from a cold place to a warm place, seal the camera in a plastic bag and allow it to adapt to conditions at the new location over a period of time (about an hour). If moisture condensation occurs Turn off the camera and wait about an hour for the moisture to evaporate.
On “Memory Stick” “Memory Stick” is a new compact, portable and versatile IC recording medium with a data capacity that exceeds the capacity of a floppy disk. In addition to exchanging data between “Memory Stick” compatible equipment, you can also use a “Memory Stick” to store data as a type of detachable external recording media.
Notes on using “Memory Stick Duo” (not supplied) • When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with your camera, be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into a Memory Stick Duo adaptor. • When inserting a “Memory Stick Duo” into a Memory Stick Duo adaptor, make sure the “Memory Stick Duo”...
On the battery charger • Do not charge any other batteries except Sony Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries in the battery charger supplied with your camera. If you try to charge any other type of battery (e.g., manganese batteries, alkaline dry cells, primary lithium...
Specifications xCamera [System] Image device 6.72 mm (1/2.7 type) color CCD Primary color filter Total pixels number of camera Approx. 2 112 000 pixels Effective pixels number of camera Approx. 2 020 000 pixels Lens Single focal lens f = 5.0 mm (7/32 inches) (35 mm camera conversion: 33 mm (1 5/16 inches)) F2.8...
LCD screen displays When shooting still images 2.0M 2.0M 2.0M C:32:ss SLRZ A Image size indicator (18, 31) B Battery remaining indicator (13) C Flash mode indicator (23)/ Red-eye reduction indicator (23) D Focus preset indicator (30) E Picture effect indicator (32) F Scene Selection indicator (28) G AE/AF lock indicator (20) H Recording folder indicator (26)
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When playing back still images 2.0M 2.0M 2.0M 101 - 0012 2003 9:30 A Image size indicator (18, 31) B Print (DPOF) mark indicator (39) C Enlarged playback/enlargement level indicator (38) D Folder-file name (55) E Playback folder indicator (36) F Image number/Number of images recorded in selected folder...
Index Index Access lamp ... 17 AE/AF lock indicator ... 20 Auto Focus ... 21 Auto power-off function ... 14 Battery charging time ... 11 preparing batteries ... 10 remaining indicator ... 13 Battery life ... 13 Beep/shutter sound ... 71 Burst ...
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Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries ...10, 75 Picture Effect ...32 POWER ...14 Power batteries ...10 inserting the batteries ...12 ON/OFF ...14 Precautions ...72 Print (DPOF) mark ...39 Red-eye reduction ...23, 24, 28 RESET button ...59, 68 SCENE ...29 Scene Selection (SCENE) ...28 Self-diagnosis display ...68 Self-timer ...22 Setting...
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Printed on 100% recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Sony Corporation Printed in Japan Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.