Minolta DIMAGE 5 Instruction Manual
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Minolta DIMAGE 5 Instruction Manual

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL
9224-2773-11 H-A106

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  • Page 1 INSTRUCTION MANUAL 9224-2773-11 H-A106...
  • Page 2 BEFORE YOU BEGIN Thank you for purchasing this Minolta digital camera. Please take the time to read through this instruction manual so you can enjoy all the features of your new camera. This manual contains information regarding products introduced before June, 2001. To obtain compatibility information for products released after this date, contact a Minolta Service Facility.
  • Page 3 FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE Read and understand all warnings and cautions before using this product. WARNING Using batteries improperly can cause them to leak harmful solutions, overheat, or explode which may damage property or cause personal injury. Do not ignore the following warnings.
  • Page 4 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...
  • Page 5 CAUTION • Do not use or store the product in a hot or humid environment such as the glove compartment or trunk of a car. It may damage the product and batteries which may result in burns or injuries caused by heat, fire, explosion, or leaking battery fluid. •...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS Names of parts 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...
  • Page 7 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...
  • Page 8 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...
  • Page 9 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...

  • Page 10: Names Of Parts

    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...
  • Page 11 Playback mode (p. 93) Movie mode (p. 90) Recording mode (p. 29) Setup mode (p. 113) Data-transfer mode (p. 123) Display mode switch Display information button (p. 32, 98) Dial release CCD plane Accessory shoe Eyepiece sensors* Main switch/Mode dial (p.
  • Page 12 NAMES OF PARTS Exposure modes (p. 46) Drive modes (p. 51) Image quality (p. 43) White balance (p. 58) Image size (p. 42) Camera sensitivity (p. 61) Function button Macro release (p. 69) Function dial (p. 40) Diopter-adjustment dial (p. 72) Focus-mode (AF/MF) button (p.

  • Page 13: Data Panel

    DATA PANEL White-balance indicators (p. 58) Camera-sensitivity indicator (p. 61) • Daylight, tungsten, fluorescent, Aperture/Exposure-compensation/ cloudy, and Custom. Flash-compensation display Exposure-mode indicators (p. 46) Shutter-speed/ Camera-sensitivity display Battery-condition indicator (p. 25) Digital-subject-program icons (p. 38) Subject-program indicators (p. 38) Drive-mode indicators (p. 51) Image-size display (p.

  • Page 14: Evf And Lcd Monitor Display

    NAMES OF PARTS EVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAY a. Flash-mode indicators (p. 76) o. Camera-sensitivity (ISO) display (p. 61) b. Flash signals (p. 21) p. Manual-focus indicator (p. 71) c. Mode indicator q. Focus signals (p. 31) d. Flash-compensation display (p. 78) r.

  • Page 15: Getting Up And Running

    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. CAMERA-SHAKE WARNING If the shutter speed falls below the point where the camera can be hand held safely, the camera-shake warning will appear in the EVF and LCD monitor.

  • Page 16: Attaching The Camera Strap

    GETTING UP AND RUNNING ATTACHING THE CAMERA STRAP Attach the camera strap to the strap eyelets as shown. • Always keep the camera strap around your neck incase you drop the camera. REMOVING THE LENS CAP Using your thumb and index fin- ger, pinch the inside or outside tabs of the lens cap to remove.

  • Page 17: Attaching The Lens Hood

    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. To mount the lens hood, align the rectangular raised line on the rim of the hood with the focal-length index on the top of the lens barrel...

  • Page 18: Inserting Batteries

    GETTING UP AND RUNNING INSERTING BATTERIES Open the battery-chamber door by moving the battery-chamber lock to the open position Insert the batteries. • Make sure the positive and negative battery terminals are orientated as illustrated on the diagram in the battery chamber.

  • Page 19: Handling The Camera

    HANDLING 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. The EVF can be tilted between 0°...

  • Page 20: Taking Pictures

    GETTING UP AND RUNNING TAKING PICTURES With the mode dial set to still-image recording, the camera will be on and the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD monitor will activate. The zooming ring can be used to frame your subject. The effect of the zoom is immediately displayed on the EVF and LCD monitor.

  • Page 21: Using The Built-In Flash

    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. To use the flash, simply pull up the unit by the tabs on each side.

  • Page 22: Viewing And Deleting Pictures In Quick View

    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 In quick view, images can also be deleted.

  • Page 23: Basic Operation

    BASIC OPERATION This section covers the basic operation of the camera. Please thoroughly familiarise yourself with the operations in this section before moving on to other sections in the manual.

  • Page 24: Changing Batteries

    BASIC OPERATION CHANGING BATTERIES This digital camera uses four AA-size batteries. Ni-MH batteries can be used, and are recommended as they will offer longer life. When using Ni-MH batteries, fully recharge them with a battery charger suitable for Nickel Metal Hydride cells. Please consult your vendor about an appropriate charger.

  • Page 25: Battery Condition Indicators

    BATTERY-POWER INDICATORS 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.

  • Page 26: External Power Supplies (Sold Separately)

    BASIC OPERATION EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLIES (SOLD SEPARATELY) The AC Adaptor allows the camera to be powered from an electrical household outlet. During periods of heavy use, the AC Adaptor can conserve battery power. Its use is recommended when the camera is interfaced with a computer. AC Adaptor model AC- 1L is for use in North America, and AC-2L is for use in all other areas.
  • Page 27 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. 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.

  • Page 28: Setting The Camera To Record Images Automatically

    BASIC OPERATION SETTING THE CAMERA TO RECORD IMAGES AUTOMATICALLY 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. All camera operations are now fully automatic. The autofocus, exposure, and imaging systems will work together to bring professional results effortlessly.

  • Page 29: Basic Recording Operation

    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. Place the subject within the focus frame. • For off centre subjects use the focus-lock function (p. 30). •...

  • Page 30: Focus Lock

    BASIC OPERATION FOCUS LOCK The focus-lock function is used when the subject is off-centre 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 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.

  • Page 31: Focus Signals

    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 infor- mation on autofocus modes see p. 68. Focus icon: white Focus confirmed.

  • Page 32: Display Controls - Recording Mode

    BASIC OPERATION DISPLAY CONTROLS - RECORDING MODE Located on the back of the camera, the display-mode switch and the display- information button controls 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.
  • Page 33 In the centre 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.

  • Page 34: Quick View

    BASIC OPERATION 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. Images can be displayed with various information: date, frame number, printing status, and lock status.

  • Page 35: Deleting Images In Quick View

    QUICK-VIEW DISPLAY Image size (p. 42) Mode indicator Image quality (p. 43) To view the histogram of the dis- played image, press the up key of the controller (p. 97). Time of capture Date of capture Lock icon (p. 105) Frame number/ total number of images Print icon (p.

  • Page 36: Recording Mode - Advanced Operation

    RECORDING MODE ADVANCED OPERATION 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’...

  • Page 37: Pro-Auto Button

    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. The pro-auto button only affects functions in the recording mode.

  • Page 38: Digital-Subject-Program Button

    RECORDING MODE DIGITAL-SUBJECT-PROGRAM BUTTON The subject-program button (1) optimises the camera’s performance for various conditions and subjects. Exposure, white-balance, and image- processing systems work in unison for beautiful results. Pressing the subject-program button cycles through the modes: portrait, sport action, sunset, night portrait, text, and the original exposure mode.

  • Page 39: Shooting Tips

    While camera performance is optimised for each shooting condition, some changes can be made to camera settings when using subject programs. The autofocus mode can be changed (p. 80). The sport action mode uses continuous AF, the other modes use single AF.

  • Page 40: Setting The Function Dial

    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. Turn the function dial to the mode to be changed (1).
  • Page 41 QUAL Fine FINE Standard Economy ECON Program Numbers in Aperture priority brackets are for P.A.S.M. the DiMAGE 5. Shutter priority Display for the Manual data panel, EVF Single-frame advance and LCD monitor are the same Continuous advance unless indicated. DRIVE...

  • Page 42: Image Size

    1280 X 960 SXGA 640 X 480 * The number in brackets indicates the value for the DiMAGE 5. 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.

  • Page 43: Image Quality

    IMAGE QUALITY 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. Image quality controls the rate of compression, but has no effect on the number of pixels in the image.

  • Page 44: About Super-Fine And Raw Image Quality

    RECORDING MODE ABOUT SUPER-FINE AND RAW IMAGE QUALITY 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 cancelled and the shutter must be released manually for each frame of the bracket.

  • Page 45: Image-File Size And Compactflash Card Capacity

    16 (16) Fine 7 (9) 17 (15) 28 (23) 80 (57) Standard 15 (16) 33 (26) 50 (38) 115 (81) Economy 22 (27) 46 (41) 67 (54) 135 (104) * The figures in parentheses apply to the DiMAGE 5 only.

  • Page 46: Exposure Modes

    RECORDING MODE EXPOSURE MODES The four exposure modes allow extensive control over image making. Programmed AE gives carefree operation, aperture and shutter priority allow photographers to maximise exposures in different situations, and manual exposure provides complete freedom in controlling the final image. See setting the function dial section on page 40.

  • Page 47: Program - P

    PROGRAM - P 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 value of the exposure are displayed on the monitors and data panel.

  • Page 48: Aperture Priority - A

    RECORDING MODE APERTURE PRIORITY - A 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 monitor and EVF will turn blue. Turn the control dial (1) to set the desired aperture value.

  • Page 49: Shutter Priority - S

    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 monitor and EVF will turn blue. Turn the control dial (1) to set the desired shutter speed.

  • Page 50: Manual Exposure - M

    RECORDING MODE 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 and aperture values can be changed in half stop increments.

  • Page 51: Drive Modes

    DRIVE MODES 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 shutter-release button is pressed.

  • Page 52: Continuous Advance

    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.

  • Page 53: Self-Timer

    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). With the camera on a tripod, compose the picture as described in the basic operation section (p.

  • Page 54: Bracketing

    RECORDING MODE 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 colour saturation brackets.

  • Page 55: Digital Enhanced Bracketing

    DIGITAL ENHANCED BRACKETING After setting the drive mode to bracketing, turn the digital effects switch to the contrast or colour-saturation setting. Set the contrast or colour saturation to the desired level; Contrast bracket the bracket series is from one unit under to one unit over the set level.

  • Page 56: Interval

    RECORDING MODE 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.
  • Page 57 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.

  • Page 58: White Balance

    RECORDING MODE WHITE BALANCE White Balance is the camera’s ability to make different types of lighting appear neutral. The effect is similar to selecting daylight or tungsten film, or using colour compensating filters in conventional photography. When setting the white balance, “Auto”...

  • Page 59: Automatic White Balance

    AUTOMATIC WHITE BALANCE The automatic white balance compensates for the colour 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 colour temperature of the flash.

  • Page 60: Custom White Balance

    RECORDING MODE CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE 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 colour is needed.

  • Page 61: Camera Sensitivity - Iso

    CAMERA SENSITIVITY - ISO 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.

  • Page 62: Digital Effects Control

    RECORDING MODE 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 colour saturation. The effect of any change is instantly visible in the EVF or on the LCD monitor before the image is captured.

  • Page 63: Exposure Compensation

    EXPOSURE COMPENSATION The exposure can be adjusted before the image is captured to 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.

  • Page 64: Contrast Compensation

    RECORDING MODE CONTRAST COMPENSATION 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 optimised for the recording ability of the camera.

  • Page 65: Color-Saturation Compensation

    COLOUR-SATURATION COMPENSATION The colour saturation of a scene can be adjusted within seven levels (±3) with the Digital Effects Controller. Colours can be accented or subdued. The colour saturation must be set before the image is captured. When changing the colour-saturation setting, an icon will appear on the data panel and in the live image.

  • Page 66: Autofocus Areas And Control

    RECORDING MODE 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. The wide focus area is an array of local focus areas that work together to control focus.

  • Page 67: Flex Focus Point

    FLEX FOCUS POINT - CONTROLLING THE SPOT FOCUS POINT 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-centre subjects. The Flex Focus Point cannot be used with continuous AF (p.

  • Page 68: Autofocus Modes

    RECORDING MODE AUTOFOCUS MODES 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). 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.

  • Page 69: Macro Mode

    MACRO MODE 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 macro 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.

  • Page 70: Digital Zoom

    Image size setting Full 1600 X 1200 1280 X 960 640 X 480 DiMAGE 7 1280 X 960 1280 X 960 1280 X 960 640 X 480 DiMAGE 5 1024 X 768 1024 X 768 1024 X 768 640 X 480...

  • Page 71: Manual Focus

    MANUAL FOCUS Manual control over focus is simple. The CCD plane 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.

  • Page 72: Electronic Viewfinder

    RECORDING MODE ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER 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. The electronic viewfinder can be tilted between 0° to 90°.

  • Page 73: Af/Ael Button

    AF/AE LOCK BUTTON When the shutter-release button is pressed partway down, the focus and exposure is locked. The AF/AEL button performs the same operation when pressed 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.

  • Page 74: Metering Modes

    AF/AEL button must be used. Multi-segment metering uses 300 segments (256 segments for the DiMAGE 5) to measure luminance and colour. This data is combined with distance information to calculate the camera exposure.

  • Page 75: Flash Metering

    (p. 15). When using shutter-priority (S) or manual (M) exposure mode, any shutter speed can be used in the exposure. 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...

  • Page 76: Flash Modes

    RECORDING MODE FLASH MODES Data EVF & panel LCD monitor Used in low-light conditions and to – Fill-flash reduce shadows under direct sunlight. Red-eye To reduce the red-eye effect with flash reduction photographs of people and animals Rear flash – Flash fires at the end of long exposures.

  • Page 77: Exposure Modes (P

    RED-EYE REDUCTION 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.

  • Page 78: Flash Compensation

    RECORDING MODE FLASH COMPENSATION 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.

  • Page 79: Flash Range

    0.5m ~ 7.6m (1.6 ft. ~ 25 ft.) 0.5m ~ 6.0m (1.6 ft. ~ 19.6 ft.) 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.

  • Page 80: Navigating The Recording-Mode Menu

    RECORDING MODE NAVIGATING THE RECORDING-MODE MENU In recording mode, press the menu button to activate the menu. The menu button also turns off the recording-mode menu after making settings. The four-way keys are used to move the cursor in the menu. Pressing the centre of the controller will enter a setting.
  • Page 81 Basic Custom 1 AF mode AF single Memory AF continuous Metering mode Multi-segment Centre weighted Store memory Spot Exposure bracket Flash mode Fill-flash Red-eye Rear flash sync 1~10, 15, 20, 30, Interval 45, 60 min. Flash comp. ±2 Ev Flash Metering ADI flash Frames 2 ~ 99...

  • Page 82: Recording-Mode Menu - Basic

    – AF-continuous shutter-release button is pressed partway down. Employs 300 segments (256 for – Multi-segment the DiMAGE 5) over the image area to calculate exposure. The exposure calculation is Metering mode Centre – biased toward the the centre weighted region of the image area.

  • Page 83: Recording-Mode Menu - Custom 1

    Uses distance and pre-flash information – ADI flash to calculate exposure. Flash metering (p. 75) Uses only pre-flash information to calcu- – Pre-flash TTL late exposure. RECORDING-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 1 Camera settings can be recalled from – 1 ~ 3 three memory channels.

  • Page 84: Recording-Mode Menu - Custom 2

    RECORDING MODE RECORDING-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 1 (CONT.) EVF and Menu option Settings Description LCD monitor display Digital zoom The 2X digital zoom is active. Magnification button (p. 71) Electronic The 4X electronic magnification is active. (DiMAGE 7 only) magnification RECORDING-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 2 Hard (+) Sharpness...

  • Page 85: Memory - Storing Camera Settings

    MEMORY - SAVING 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.

  • Page 86: Sharpness

    RECORDING MODE SHARPNESS 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). Recording-mode EVF and LCD menu settings monitor display Increases the sharpness of the image, Hard (+)

  • Page 87: Data Imprinting

    DATA IMPRINTING 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.

  • Page 88: Electronic Keyboard

    RECORDING MODE ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD 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. Text block Delete key Caps lock To enter text, simply use the four-way keys of the controller to highlight the...

  • Page 89: Instant Playback

    INSTANT PLAYBACK After an image is captured, it will be displayed on the monitors before being saved. When in continuous drive 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). Recording-mode menu setting Instant playback is disabled.

  • Page 90: Movie Recording

    RECORDING MODE MOVIE RECORDING This camera can record up to sixty seconds of digital video. The 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.
  • Page 91 64MB DiMAGE 7 44 sec. 90 sec. 363 sec. DiMAGE 5 36 sec. 70 sec. 290 sec. 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.

  • Page 92: Bulb Exposures

    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”...

  • Page 93: Playback Mode - Viewing And Editing Images

    PLAYBACK MODE VIEWING AND EDITING IMAGES This section contains detailed information on the camera’s playback functions and oper- ation. Read the sections pertaining to your interest and need. The sections on viewing pictures, viewing movies, deleting images (p. 94 - 95), navigating the playback-mode menu (p.

  • Page 94: Viewing Pictures

    PLAYBACK MODE VIEWING PICTURES 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). 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.

  • Page 95: Viewing Movies

    VIEWING MOVIES Use the left/right keys of the controller to display the movie clip to be viewed. Press the centre 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.

  • Page 96: Single-Frame Playback Display

    PLAYBACK MODE SINGLE-FRAME PLAYBACK DISPLAY Mode indicator Image size (p. 42) Image quality (p. 43) Time of recording Frame number/ total number Date of recording of images in folder Lock icon (p. 105) Printing icon (p. 108) MOVIE PLAYBACK DISPLAY Playback time Mode indicator Play...

  • Page 97: Histogram Display

    HISTOGRAM DISPLAY Mode indicator Thumbnail of image Image size (p. 42) Image quality (p. 43) Shutter speed Aperture value White balance setting (p. 58) Camera sensitivity (ISO) setting (p. 61) Degree of exposure compensation (p. 63) Folder name (p. 130) Folder number - image file number Date of recording The luminance distribution of the image...

  • Page 98: Display Controls - Playback Mode

    PLAYBACK MODE DISPLAY CONTROLS - PLAYBACK MODE Located on the back of the camera, the display-mode switch and the display- information button controls 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.
  • Page 99 In the centre 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. Full display Image only Index playback In index playback, the left/right keys of the controller will move the yellow border to the next or the previous image.

  • Page 100: Enlarged Playback

    PLAYBACK MODE 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. • The degree of magnification is displayed in the EVF and on the LCD monitor. •...
  • Page 101 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.

  • Page 102: Navigating The Playback-Mode Menu

    PLAYBACK MODE NAVIGATING THE PLAYBACK-MODE MENU 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. The four-way keys are used to move the cursor in the menu. Pressing the controller will enter a setting.
  • Page 103 Basic Delete This frame All frames Choosing “Yes” will execute Marked frames the operation, “No” will cancel Lock This frame the operation All frames Please refer to the Marked frames following sections Unlock frames for descriptions of Index format 9 frames the menu options 4 frames For information...

  • Page 104: Playback-Mode Menu - Basic

    PLAYBACK MODE PLAYBACK-MODE MENU - BASIC DELETING IMAGES 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;...

  • Page 105: Locking Images

    LOCKING 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.

  • Page 106: Playback-Mode Menu - Custom 1 (Slide Show)

    PLAYBACK MODE PLAYBACK-MODE MENU - CUSTOM 1 (SLIDE SHOW) 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. Image count- down / total number of images in the presentation.
  • Page 107 Menu options Settings To start the slide-show presentation. Pressing the centre of Slide the controller will pause the presentation. During the slide Start show show, press the down key of the controller to stop the pre- sentation and return to the playback-mode menu. To select all the images in the folder to be displayed in the All frames slide-show presentation.

  • Page 108: Playback-Mode Menu - Custom 2

    PLAYBACK MODE 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.

  • Page 109: Ordering An Index Print

    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.

  • Page 110: Copying Images

    PLAYBACK MODE COPYING IMAGES 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 be created for the images (p. 130). This frame - To copy the image currently displayed.

  • Page 111: Frame-Selection Screen

    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). Play The left/right keys The up key of the...

  • Page 112: Viewing Images On A Television

    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.

  • Page 113: Setup Mode - Controlling The Camera's Operation

    SETUP MODE CONTROLLING THE CAMERA’S OPERATION 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.

  • Page 114: Navigating The Setup Menu

    SETUP MODE NAVIGATING THE SETUP MENU The four-way keys of the controller are used to move the cursor in the menu. Pressing the controller will enter a setting. The “Basic” tab will be highlighted. Use the left/right keys of the controller (2) to highlight the appropriate menu tab;...
  • Page 115 Basic LCD brightness 1 (low) ~ 5 (high) EVF brightness 1 (low) ~ 5 (high) Format Enter Power Save 1, 3, 5, or 10 min Choosing “Yes” on the confirmation Beep High tone screens will execute the operation, “No” will cancel the operation Low tone Please refer to the...

  • Page 116: Setup Menu - Basic

    SETUP MODE 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. EVF AND LCD MONITOR BRIGHTNESS The brightness settings of the EVF and LCD monitor is set independent of each other. Brightness is controlled in five levels from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

  • Page 117: Auto Power Save

    AUTO POWER SAVE 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 effect the display period of LCD monitor;...

  • Page 118: Setup Menu - Custom 1

    SETUP MODE 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 organisation of the folders on the CompactFlash card 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.

  • Page 119: New Folder

    NEW FOLDER This allows the creation of new folders. When selected, the electronic keyboard (p. 88) automatically appears so that 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.

  • Page 120: Setup Menu - Custom 2

    Image quality Standard Image size 2560 X 1920 (2048 X 1536)* Camera sensitivity (ISO) Auto Drive mode Single-frame advance Metering mode Multi-segment Flash mode Fill flash Flash compensation Flash metering ADI metering Exposure bracket 0.3 Ev * for DiMAGE 5 only.

  • Page 121: Evf Auto Switch

    Default Setting Page Interval capture 1 minute Total frame count 2 frames AF/AEL button AF/AE hold Sharpness Normal Color mode Color Data imprinting No (Disabled) Instant playback Index playback format 9 frames Duration (Slide Show) 5 seconds Repeat (Slide Show) Index print No (Cancelled) LCD monitor brightness...

  • Page 122: Setting The Date And Time

    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 is saved with the image and is displayed during playback or can be read with the DiMAGE Image Viewer Utility software included on the CD-ROM.

  • Page 123: Data-Transfer Mode

    DATA-TRANSFER MODE 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 supplied software manual. These manuals do not cover the basic operation of computers or their operating systems;...

  • Page 124: Connecting The Camera To A Computer

    DATA-TRANSFER MODE CONNECTING THE CAMERA TO A COMPUTER A fresh set of batteries should be used when the camera is connected to a computer. The use of the AC adaptor (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.
  • Page 125 After using the four-way keys of the controller to high- Trans light the USB option in the USB section of the data- transfer menu, press the the right key of the controller. Enter • “Enter” should appear on the right side of the screen. Press the centre of the controller to send a signal to the computer to initiate the USB connection.

  • Page 126: Connecting To Windows 98

    DATA-TRANSFER MODE 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.

  • Page 127: Manual Installation

    MANUAL INSTALLATION 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-wiz- ard window will open.
  • Page 128 DATA-TRANSFER MODE 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.

  • Page 129: Connecting To Mac Os 8.6

    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 http://www.apple.com/support.

  • Page 130: Compactflash Card Folder Organisation

    PICT0001.TIF PICT0001.THM was used to capture the images; “03” indi- Fine, standard, or cates a DiMAGE 7 and economy image “04” a DiMAGE 5. PICT0002.JPG 100MLT04 Images copied from one CompactFlash Movie clip card to another (p. 110) are placed in a PICT0003.AVI...

  • Page 131: Auto Power Save (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.

  • Page 132: Disconnecting The Camera From The Computer

    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 be permanently damaged. WINDOWS 98 Confirm that the access lamp is not lit. Turn the mode dial to another position and then disconnect the USB cable.
  • Page 133 The hardware devices to be stopped will be displayed. Highlight the device by click- ing on it then click “Stop.” A confirmation screen will appear to indicate the devices to be stopped. Clicking “OK” will stop the device. A third and final screen will appear to indicate the camera can be safely disconnected from the computer.

  • Page 134: Changing The Compactflash Card (Data-Transfer Mode)

    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.

  • Page 135: Appendix

    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. Actual focal length 50.8 35mm equivalent (DiMAGE 7) 35mm equivalent (DiMAGE 5)

  • Page 136: A Short Guide To Photography

    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.
  • Page 137 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.

  • Page 138: System Accessories

    SYSTEM ACCESSORIES 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. External High-power Battery Pack Kit EBP-100 The kit contains a high-power lithium-ion battery, holder, and charger.

  • Page 139: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING The section covers minor problems with basic camera operation. For major problems or damage, or if a problem continues to re-occur frequently, contact a Minolta service facil- ity listed on the back cover of this manual. Problem Symptom Cause Solution The batteries are dead.
  • Page 140 TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Symptom Cause Solution No-card warn- Shutter will No CompactFlash card in Insert a CompactFlash card ing appears on not release. the camera. (p.26). the monitors. Make sure the subject is within the autofocus range (0.5m - ∞) Subject is too close. or use the macro mode (p.

  • Page 141: When Using Filters With The Dimage 7

    (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.

  • Page 142: Care And Storage

    CARE AND STORAGE CAMERA CARE • Do not subject the camera to shock or impact. • Turn off the camera when transporting. • This camera is neither waterproof nor splashproof. Inserting or removing batteries or the CompactFlash card, or operating the camera with wet hands may damage the camera.

  • Page 143: Operating Temperatures And Conditions

    5 Using the card beyond its life 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 disc, CD-ROM, etc.

  • Page 144: Lcd Monitor Care

    CARE AND STORAGE BATTERIES • 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 is less effected by temperature, their use is recommended when shooting in cold environments.

  • Page 145: Before Important Events Or Journeys

    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. QUESTIONS AND SERVICE • If you have questions about your camera, contact your local camera dealer or write to the Minolta distributor in your area.

  • Page 146: Technical Specifications/Note About Batteries

    1/1.8-type interline primary-colour CCD with a total of 3.34 million pixels. (DiMAGE 5) Number of effective pixels: 4.95 million (2568 X 1928) DiMAGE 7 3.17 million (2056 X 1544) DiMAGE 5 Camera sensitivity (ISO): Auto and 100, 200, 400, and 800 ISO equivalents. Aspect ratio:...
  • Page 147 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. External power source: AC adaptor (AC-1L or AC-2L)
  • Page 148 Although alkaline batteries are supplied with this product, its performance will be limited; only use alkaline batteries for test photographs or when Ni-MH batteries, the Minolta external battery pack or AC adapter are not available. Fully recharge the Ni-MH batteries just before using the camera.
  • Page 150 Printed in Germany 9224-2773-11 H-A106 © 2001 Minolta Co., Ltd. under the Berne Convention and the Universal Copyright Convention.

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