Minolta Dimage S304 Instruction Manual page 27

MULTI-FUNCTION RECORDING
EXPOSURE MODES
The three exposure modes allow extensive control over image making: program,
aperture priority, and manual exposure. Exposure modes are set in the basic section of
the multi-function recording mode menu (p. 50).
PROGRAM
The program exposure mode controls both the shutter speed and aperture 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
monitor. If shutter speed and aperture displays turn red, the scene is beyond the
exposure control range of the camera.
APERTURE PRIORITY - A
The photographer selects the aperture and the camera sets the appropriate shutter
speed to ensure correct exposure. When aperture priority is selected, the aperture
value on the monitor turns blue and a double arrow icon appears next to it. If the LCD
monitor is turned off, the aperture value is fixed at the last setting and cannot be
changed. The flash will not fire if set to an autoflash mode; to use the flash, set the
flash mode to fill-flash (p.30).
Use the left/right keys of the controller (1) to set the desired aperture value. Press the
shutter-release button to activate the exposure system; the corresponding shutter
speed will be displayed on the monitor.
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The aperture value can be changed in two
steps: f/3.0 and f/6.7 at the lens' wide-
angle position, f/3.6 and f/8.0 at the lens'
telephoto position. As the lens is zoomed,
the aperture will automatically shift. If the
aperture value is beyond the shutter-speed
range, the shutter-speed display will turn
red on the monitor. For more on the
aperture and image control, see page 62.
MANUAL EXPOSURE - M
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 can be changed in
half stop increments between 1/1000 and 4 seconds.
As changes are made to the exposure, the effect will be visible on the monitor. The
shutter-speed and aperture display will turn red on the monitor if the image is extremely
under or overexposed. If the monitor is black, increase the exposure until the image is
visible; decrease the exposure if the monitor is white. If the LCD monitor is turned off,
the exposure is fixed at the last setting and cannot be changed. When the shutter-
release button is pressed partway down, the brightness of the live image may change
while the camera is focusing.
In manual exposure mode, the auto camera-sensitivity setting will fix the ISO value at
100. The camera sensitivity can be changed in the basic section of the multi-function
recording menu (p. 50). The flash will not fire if set to an autoflash mode; to use the
flash, set the flash mode to fill-flash (p.30). Bulb exposures can be made, see page 61.
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To set the shutter speed:
• Use the left/right keys of the controller (1)
to set the desired shutter speed.
To set the aperture:
• Press the exposure-compensation button
(2). The aperture value will turn blue.
• Use the left/right keys of the controller (1)
to set the desired aperture.
The exposure-compensation button switches
between the shutter speed and aperture dis-
play. The value that can be set will be blue
with a double arrow icon to the left of it.
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