Minolta Dimage S304 Instruction Manual page 13

AUTO-RECORDING MODE
FOCUS LOCK
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. This function is controlled with the shutter-release
button.
Place the subject within the focus frame. Press and
hold the shutter-release button partway down.
• 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.
Without lifting your finger from the shutter-release
button, recompose the subject within the image area.
Press the shutter-release button all the way down to
take the picture.
FOCUS RANGE
0.5m - ∞ (1.6ft - ∞)
Wide-angle lens position
0.9m - ∞ (3ft - ∞)
Telephoto lens position
Macro mode (p. 28) 0.16m - 0.6 (0.5ft - 2ft)
All distances are measured from the CCD
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FOCUS SIGNALS
This digital camera has a quick, accurate autofocusing system. The focus icon in the
lower right corner of the LCD monitor and the green focus lamp next to the viewfinder
indicate the focus status.
• 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
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.
CCD plane
The subject is too dark.
Focus icon: white
Focus confirmed.
Focus lamp: steady
Focus icon: red
Cannot focus. The subject is too close or a special
Focus lamp: blinking
situation is preventing the AF system from focusing.
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 in the multi-
function recording mode (p. 56).
The subject in the
focus frame is low in
contrast.
Two subjects at differ- The subject is near a
ent distances overlap very bright object or
in the focus frame. area.
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