Konica-minolta Dimage A1 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL9222-2782-11 SY-A306 ME-0306E

10TABLE OF CONTENTSRecording menu...

RECORDING MENUINSTANT PLAYBACKIf the central button of the controller is pressed duringthe instant playback period, the displayed image(s) aresaved im

Voice memo allows up to fifteen seconds of audio to be recordedwith a still image. The function is activated in section 2 of therecording menu (p. 80)

102RECORDING MENUCOLOR MODEThe color mode controls whether a still image is color or black andwhite. This must be set before the image is recorded. Th

103Adobe RGB has a larger color gamut than the more common sRGB. The size of the gamut limits thecolors that can be reproduced; the larger the gamut,

The monitor amplification options control the display of the liveimage. Monitor amplification has two settings:Auto - in low-light conditions when the

Initially, the 2X magnification area is displayed. This canbe moved in the live image with the four-way keys of thecontroller (1). Pressing the center

106RECORDING MENUDIGITAL SUBJECT PROGRAM (DSP) SETUPDSP set DSPTracking AF OnAE lock OnSpot AE area Center spotDirect MF OffThe memory registers used

SPOT AE AREAWhen using spot metering (p. 69)with the Flex Focus Point (p. 48),the position of the spot meteringarea can be specified at the centerof t

Photography can be a rewarding pursuit. It is a broad and disciplined field that can take years tomaster. But the pleasure in making photographs and t

109The shutter controls not only exposure, but also theability to stop motion. Fast shutter speeds are usedin sport photography to stop action. Slow s

11Advanced playback ...115Pla

110A SHORT GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHY–2.0Ev–1.0EvCalculated camera exposureSometimes the camera’s exposure meter is deceived by certain conditions. Exposure

111+2.0 Ev+1.0 Ev0.0 Ev–1.0 Ev–2.0 Ev4X as much light2X as much light1/2 as much light1/4 as much lightCalculated exposureWHAT IS AN EV? Ev stands for

112MOVIE MENUIn movie mode, press the menu button to activate the menu. The menu button also closes the menuafter making settings. The four-way key of

113MOVIE MODEMOVIE RESETThe movie mode option selects the type of movie recorded. Three options are available on the moviemenu:Standard movie - to rec

114MOVIE MENUTo make custom white-balance calibrations can only be made in the recording mode. Once made,the setting are available for movie recordin

115PLAYING BACK VOICE MEMOS Press the central button of the controller to start theaudio playback.Voice memos are indicated by the voice-memo indica-t

116ADVANCED PLAYBACKUse the left/right keys of the controller to highlight the appropri-ate menu tab; the menus will change as the tabs are highlighte

DPOF set –Index print OffCancel print –Slide show–Playback All framesDuration 5 sec.Repeat NoDelete–Format–View folderLock–Copy–Index format 9 frames1

118ADVANCED PLAYBACKFRAME-SELECTION SCREENWhen a marked-frames setting is chosen on a menu, the frame selection screen will appear. Thisscreen allows

119DELETEDeleting permanently erases the image. Once deleted, an image cannot be recovered. Careshould be taken when using the delete function.This fr

12TABLE OF CONTENTSData-transfer mode...

120ADVANCED PLAYBACKFORMATThe formatting function is used to erase all data on a memory card. Before formatting a card, copythe data to a computer or

121Single, multiple, or all images in a folder can be locked. A locked image cannot be deleted by eitherthe playback-mode menu functions or the QV/del

122ADVANCED PLAYBACKCOPYImage files can be copied from one memory card to another. Up to 15MB of data can be transferred.Every time the copy function

123Wait until the copy-completed message is highlighted. A newscreen will appear to indicate the name of the new folder con-taining the copied images;

Section 2 of the playback menu controls the slide-show function.This function automatically displays all still images in a folder inorder.124ADVANCED

To select all the images in the folder to be displayed in theslide-show presentation.125Slide showMenu optionsPlaybackDurationSettingsEnterRepeatAll

126ADVANCED PLAYBACKThe print menu option is used to set an order for standard printsfrom images in a specific folder. Single, multiple, or all images

127When the this-frame or all-frames setting is chosen, a screen will appear requesting the number ofcopies of each image; a maximum of nine copies ca

128ADVANCED PLAYBACKVIEWING IMAGES ON A TELEVISIONIt is possible to view camera images on your television. The camera has a video-out terminal whichca

129SETUP MENUThe setup menu controls camera operations. The menu navigationsection covers basic menu operation. It is followed by detaileddescriptions

13This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subjectto the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmfulinterf

130SETUP MENUUse the left/right keys of the controller to highlight the appropri-ate menu tab; the menus will change as the tabs are highlighted.See p

Anti-shakeDisplay + ExpFull-time AF OnGrip sensor OnCtrl dial setManual exp.Delete conf. “No”SS F/no.SSF/no.Reset default–Audio signals 1Focus signal

132SETUP MENULCD BRIGHTNESSThe brightness of the EVF and LCD monitor is set independently ofeach other. Select the display to adjust using section 1 o

133ScaleGridTo display a grid or scale over the displayformats, press and hold the function button(1) and press the display-information but-ton (2) t

134SETUP MENUHold down the function button (1) and press the menubutton (2) to open the setup menu.LCDbrightness –Shortcut help–Transfer mode Data sto

135EVF AUTO SWITCHThis option controls the auto-display function in the recording andmovie mode (p. 39). Two setting are available:Auto EVF/LCD - the

136SETUP MENUCUSTOM SETUPThe one frequently used function can be allocated to the customposition on the function dial. The function is selected in sec

FOLDER NAMEAll recorded images are stored in folders on the memory card. Folder names comein two formats: standard and date.Standard folders have an e

138SETUP MENUNEW FOLDERThis allows the creation of new folders. The folder-name option onin section 2 of the setup menu must be set to standard form i

139RESET DEFAULTThis option resets all camera modes: recording, movie, playback, and setup. To reset the recording ormovie modes, see pages 95 and 113

* This camera is a sophisticated optical instrument. Care should be taken to keep these surfacesclean. Please read the care and storage instructions i

140SETUP MENUData imprinting OffImprint to Image + Exif p. 98Instant playback Off p. 100Voice memo Off p. 101Color mode Natural (sRGB) p. 102Sharpness

141Focus signal 1 p. 142Shutter FX 1 p. 142Volume 2 p. 142Auto power save 3 minutes p. 142Anti-shake Display + exposure p. 143Full-time AF On p. 143Gr

142SETUP MENUAUTO POWER SAVEThe camera will turn off the monitors to conserve battery power if no operation is made within a cer-tain period. The leng

143ANTI-SHAKEWhen the Anti-shake system activates can be changed in section 4of the setup menu. Two options are available:Display + Exp.- when the shu

144SETUP MENUCONTROL DIAL SETUPThe control dial setup option in section 4 of the setup menuchanges the front and rear control dial operation in the P,

145Each time a delete command is used a confirmation screenappears confirming the action to erase the image data. When thisscreen opens, the no button

146DATA-TRANSFER MODEDATA-TRANSFER MODERead this section carefully before connecting the camera to a computer. Details on using andinstalling the DiMA

147CONNECTING THE CAMERA TO A COMPUTER1.Start up the computer. The computer must be on before connecting the camera.2.Open the AV out / USB port cover

148DATA-TRANSFER MODECONNECTING TO WINDOWS 98 / 98 SECOND EDITIONThe driver needs only to be installed once. If the driver cannot be installed automat

149Choose the recommended search for a suitabledriver. Click “Next.”Choose to specify the location of the driver. Thebrowse window can be used to indi

/15Display mode switch (p. 39)Menu button ControllerAE lock button (p. 50)Eyepiece sensors*Magnification buttonDC/Remote-control terminal cover (p. 25

150DATA-TRANSFER MODEThe add new hardware wizard will confirm thelocation of the driver. One of three drivers may belocated: MNLVENUM.inf, USBPDR.inf,

151AUTO POWER SAVE (DATA-TRANSFER MODE)If the camera does not receive a read or write command within ten minutes, it will shut down to savepower. When

152DATA-TRANSFER MODEMEMORY CARD FOLDER ORGANIZATIONOnce the camera is connected to the computer, image and audio files canbe accessed by double click

153Image and audio file names begin with “PICT” followed by a four-digit file number and a tif, mrw, jpg,jpe, mov, or thm extension. Voice-memo files

DISCONNECTING THE CAMERA FROM THE COMPUTER154DATA-TRANSFER MODEWINDOWS ME, 2000 PROFESSIONAL, AND XPConfirm that the access lamp is not lit. Turn off

155The hardware devices to be stopped will be dis-played. Highlight the device by clicking on it then click“Stop.”Confirm that the access lamp is not

156DATA-TRANSFER MODECHANGING THE MEMORY CARD (DATA-TRANSFER MODE)Care should be taken when changing memory cards while the camera is attached tothe c

1571.Insert a memory card in the camera and connect it to the computer with the USB cable. Other devicesmust not be connected to the computer during t

158TROUBLESHOOTINGProblemSymptom Cause SolutionThe camera willnot work.Nothing displayedon the data panelor the monitors.The battery are dead.The AC a

159Pictures are notsharp.Focus signal is red.Subject is too close.Make sure the subject is within the aut-ofocus range (0.5m - ∞ / 1.6 ft - ∞) oruse

16NAMES OF PARTSFunction button Macro release (p. 49)Focus-mode switch (p. 46)Diopter-adjustment dial (p. 29)Tr ipod socketMemory set (p. 72)Metering

160TROUBLESHOOTINGIf the camera does not function normally, turn it off, remove and reinsert the battery, or unplug andreconnect the AC adapter. Alway

161ATTACHING THE FERRITE CORE FRC-100ABOUT THE LITHIUM-ION BATTERY CHARGER CORDThe included AC cord is designed for the current of the sales region. O

162CARE AND STORAGECLEANING• If the camera or the outside of the lens is dirty, gently wipe it with a soft, clean, dry cloth. If the camera orlens com

163OPERATING TEMPERATURES AND CONDITIONS• This camera has been designed for use in temperatures from 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F).•Never leave the came

164CARE AND STORAGELCD MONITOR CARE• Although the LCD monitor is manufactured using high precision technology, there may occasionally be alack of colo

165BEFORE IMPORTANT EVENTS OR JOURNEYS• Check the camera’s operation; take test pictures and purchase spare batteries.• Minolta has no responsibility

166INDEXINDEXAC adapter, 25, 67, 147Adobe RGB, 2, 102, 103, 152Auto focusContinuous, 46Flex Focus Point (FFP) 48, 49, 107Full-time, 143Single-shot, 46

167FlashAttaching, 75, 76, 88Compatible flash units, 75, 93Compensation, 59, 110Metering, 92-93Range, 36, 75Signals, 36Ter minal, 76Flash modesFill-fl

168TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSNumber of effective pixels: 5.0 million CCD: 2/3-type progressive primary-color CCD with a totalof 5.3 million pixelsCamera

169Specifications are based on the latest information available at the time of printing and are subject tochange without notice.Battery: One NP-400 li

17DATA PANELCamera-sensitivity indicator (p. 74)Battery-condition indicator (p. 24)White-balance indicator (p. 70)Image-quality display (p. 82)Image-s

170The Battery Pack BP-400 is a portable power source for the camera.This accessory uses two NP-400 lithium-ion batteries or six Ni-MH oralkaline batt

171

We offer support for our digital products 24 hours per day onwww.minoltasupport.com.Camera know-how, image composition, digital image editing: dis-cov

7. Sharpness display (p. 97)18NAMES OF PARTSMONITOR DISPLAY - RECORDING MODE2. Flash-mode indicator (p. 61)5. Flash-compensation display (p. 77)8. Col

19MONITOR DISPLAY - QUICK VIEW & PLAYBACK MODE7. Frame number/ total number of images5. Lock indicator (p. 121)6. Print indicator (p. 126)11. Imag

2

20GETTING UP AND RUNNINGGETTING UP AND RUNNINGThis section covers the preparation of the camera. This includes the changing of batteries and mem-ory c

21ATTACHING THE LENS HOODSlide the hood onto the end of the lens and turn it90° clockwise until it clicks and the circular dimple isaligned with the f

22GETTING UP AND RUNNINGCHARGING THE BATTERYBefore the camera can be used, the lithium-ion battery must be charged. Before charging the battery,read t

INSTALLING AND CHANGING THE BATTERYOpen the battery-chamber door by sliding the battery-chamberlock to the open position.Insert the battery with the b

24GETTING UP AND RUNNINGBATTERY CONDITION INDICATORFull-battery indicator - the batteries are fully charged. This icon is dis-played for five seconds

25EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLIES (SOLD SEPARATELY)The AC Adapter allows the camera to be powered from an electrical household outlet. The ACAdapter is recomm

26GETTING UP AND RUNNINGINSERTING AND CHANGING A MEMORY CARDA memory card must be inserted for the camera to operate. If a card has notbeen inserted,

27To eject a card, open the card-slot door (1), and press and release the card-eject lever to extend it(2).Press (3) the card-eject lever to eject th

28GETTING UP AND RUNNINGWhile using the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD monitor, grip thecamera firmly with your right hand while supporting the bo

29The EVF has a built-in diopter that can be adjusted between–5.0 to +2.0. While looking through the EVF, turn the diopter-adjustment dial until the v

Thank you for purchasing this Minolta digital camera. Please take the time to read through thisinstruction manual so you can enjoy all the features of

30GETTING UP AND RUNNINGSETTING THE DATE AND TIMEAfter initially inserting a memory card and battery, the camera’s clock and calendar must be set.When

31Use the right controller key to highlight the 2nd tab atthe top of the menu.Use the down key to highlight the date/time-set menuoption.Press the cen

32BASIC RECORDINGSETTING THE CAMERA TO RECORD IMAGES AUTOMATICALLYEVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAYSet the exposure dial to the program (P) position (1). Co

33BASIC RECORDING OPERATIONPlace the subject within the focus frame. For off-center sub-jects, use the focus-lock function (p. 34).The subject must be

34BASIC RECORDINGFOCUS LOCKThe focus-lock function is used when the subject is off-center and outside the focus frame. Focuslock may also be used when

This digital camera has a quick, accurate autofocusing system. The focus signals in the lower rightcorner of the EVF and LCD monitor indicate the focu

36BASIC RECORDINGUSING THE BUILT-IN FLASHFLASH RANGE - AUTOMATIC OPERATIONTo use the flash, simply pull up the unit by the tabs on each side.The flas

/ANTI-SHAKE SYSTEM37When Anti-shake is off, the white indicator appears to warn the shutter speed is toolong for the camera to be safely handheld.The

Movie files are recorded at approximately 522KB per second. A16MB Compactflash card can store about 19 seconds of digitalvideo with audio. Actual time

/39DISPLAY MODE SWITCHAuto display - the camera will automatically change between displaying thelive image in the EVF or on the LCD monitor. The EVF’

FOR PROPER AND SAFE USEFOR PROPER AND SAFE USE4NP-400 LITHIUM-ION BATTERIESThis camera operates on a powerful lithium-ion battery. Misuse or abuse of

To view images from the playback mode, turn the modeswitch to the playback position.To view images from the recording or movie recordingmodes, press

41To return to a recording mode from Quick View, press the menubutton.VIEWING IMAGES AND HISTOGRAMTo delete a displayed image, press the QV/deletebu

42BASIC PLAYBACKThe display-information button controls the display format. Each time the button is pressed, the dis-play cycles through to the next f

43ENLARGED PLAYBACKIn single-frame playback, a still image can be enlarged for clos-er examination from 1.2X. The degree of maximum magnifica-tion dep

44ADVANCED RECORDINGMovies can be played back on the camera. Movie files are indicated by an indicator at the bottom ofthe display.Press the center of

45The display-information button controls what information is displayed withthe live image. Each time the button is pressed, the display cycles to the

46ADVANCED RECORDINGFOCUS-MODE SWITCHSingle-shot AF (Autofocus), continuous AF, and manualfocus is set with the focus-mode switch. Slide the switchto

DIGITAL ZOOMThe digital zoom doubles the lens magnification. The digital zoomcannot be used with RAW image quality or in movie recording.Press the mag

48ADVANCED RECORDINGFLEX FOCUS POINT The Flex Focus Point (FFP) is a powerful tool for off-center subjects. It canbe moved to any point in the image a

49The macro mode is used for close-up photographs of smallobjects. The built-in flash cannot be used with macro mode. Theuse of a tripod is recommende

5GENERAL PRODUCT WARNINGS AND CAUTIONSWARNING• Only use the battery specified in this manual.• Only use the specified charger or AC adapter within the

50ADVANCED RECORDINGEXPOSURE LOCKEXPOSURE-MODE DIALThe exposure-mode dial is used to select traditional exposure mode as wellas subject programs that

51PROGRAM - PProgram exposure is set with the exposure-mode dial (p. 50). The program AE uses luminance andfocal-length information to calculate expos

52ADVANCED RECORDINGAUTO RECORDINGAuto recording is set with the exposure-mode dial. Auto recording is the same as the program expo-sure mode (p. 51),

53Instant playback Off p. 100Voice memo Off p. 101Color mode Natural color (sRGB) p. 102Sharpness Normal p. 97Noise reduction On p. 103Monitor amplifi

54ADVANCED RECORDINGAperture priority is set with theexposure-mode dial (p. 50). Thephotographer selects the apertureand the camera sets the appropri-

55Shutter priority is set with the exposure-mode dial (p. 50). The photographerselects the shutter speed and the camera sets the appropriate aperture

56ADVANCED RECORDINGManual exposure mode allows individual selection of shutter speeds and apertures. This mode over-rides the exposure system giving

57Use the front control dial to decrease the shutter-speed until “bulb” isdisplayed.Use the rear control dial to set the appropriate aperture required

58ADVANCED RECORDINGDIGITAL-SUBJECT-PROGRAMSDigital subject programs optimize the camera’s exposure, white-balance, andimage-processing systems for sp

59EXPOSURE AND FLASH COMPENSATIONThe ambient light and flash exposure can be adjusted before the image is captured to make the finalpicture lighter or

6FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE

60ADVANCED RECORDINGUSING THE FUNCTION DIALThe memory function, metering mode, drive mode, white balance, and camera sensitivity are con-trolled by th

61The drive modes control the rate and method images are captured. Indicatorsindicating the selected drive mode appear on the data panel and monitors.

62ADVANCED RECORDINGBRACKETINGThis drive mode makes a three image bracket of a scene. Bracketing is a method of taking a seriesof images of a static s

63To make a flash bracket, set the continuous-advance or single-frame advance bracketing drive modeand raise the camera flash. The bracket will not a

64ADVANCED RECORDINGContinuous-advance mode allows a series of images to be captured while holding down the shutter-release button. Continuous advance

65Compose the picture as described in the basic recordingsection (p. 33). Press and hold the shutter-release button allthe way down (1) to begin takin

66ADVANCED RECORDINGINTERVALThe interval mode makes a series of still or moving images over a period of time. Similar to time-lapse photography, a ser

67The camera will stop recording images and reset to the first frame when the number of frames sethas been taken, or when the memory card is full. The

68ADVANCED RECORDINGUsed for self-portraits, the self-timer will delay the release of the shutter after the shutter button ispressed. A ten second and

69METERING MODESMetering mode indicators are displayed on the monitorsonly. To lock the exposure while pressing the shutter-release button partway dow

7CAUTION• Do not use or store these products in a hot or humid environment such as the glove compartment ortrunk of a car. It may damage the camera, c

70ADVANCED RECORDINGWHITE BALANCE3White balance is the camera’s ability to make differenttypes of lighting appear natural. Any changes are imme-diatel

71Custom-white-balance function allows the camera to be calibrated to a specific lighting condition.Three setting can be stored in the camera and used

72ADVANCED RECORDINGMEMORY - STORING CAMERA SETTINGSTo save the current camera settings, turn the function dial to the MSET position and press the fu

73MEMORY RECALLCamera settings saved with the function dial are recalled with the expo-sure-mode dial. Simply turn the exposure mode dial to the memor

74ADVANCED RECORDINGCAMERA SENSITIVITY - ISOThe auto setting automatically adjusts the camera sensitivity to the light conditions between ISO 100and 2

75FLASH RANGE AND CAMERA SENSITIVITYFlash range (wide angle)ISO settingAUTO1002004008000.5m ~ 3.8m / 1.6 ft. ~ 12.5 ft.Flash range (telephoto)0.5m ~ 3

The flash sync terminal allows a studio or location flash system to be connected to the camera with astandard PC cord. The terminal is compatible with

Turn the Digital Effect switch (1) to the image character-istic to be adjusted.Adjustments can be made repeatedly and in combination. Adjustments rema

78ADVANCED RECORDINGFILTERThe contrast of a scene can be adjusted within eleven levels (±5) with theDigital Effects Controller (p. 77). The contrast m

79Filter levelswith color imagesFilter settings with black and whiteimages.FILTER EXAMPLES+2+1 +3 +4 +5–1 –2 –3 –4 –5±0On February 20th, 1962, John Gl

8TABLE OF CONTENTSNames of parts ...

Use the left/right keys of the controller to highlight the appropri-ate menu tab; the menus will change as the tabs are highlighted.80RECORDING MENUIn

81Image size 2560x1920Quality FineFlash mode Fill-flashFlash control ADI flashAEL button AE holdReset –DSP set DSPTracking AF OnAE lock OnSpot AE area

82RECORDING MENUImage size and quality must be set before the picture is taken. Changes are displayed on the LCDmonitor and data panel. Image size and

83TIFFExtra fineFineStandard112152473558144710 14 23 63Approximate number of images that can be stored on a 16MB memory card.QualitySize2560 X 1920 20

84A SHORT GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHYIn the RAW image-quality mode, the image size is set at full and cannot be changed. The image sizewill not be displayed

85NOTES ON IMAGE SIZE AND RESOLUTION640 X 480 (Full image area)1600 X 1200 (Cropped)2080 X 1560 (Cropped)2560 X 1920 (Cropped)Image size changes the n

86FLASH MODESThe flash mode can be changed in section 1 of the recording menu (p. 80). For the flash to fire, thebuilt-in unit must be manually lifted

87Rear flash sync is used with long exposures to make trailinglights or blurring appear to follow rather than proceed thesubject. The effect is not ap

88RECORDING MENUWIRELESS / REMOTE FLASHWireless/Remote flash allows the camera to control an off-camera Minolta 5600HS(D) and 3600HS(D) flash unit wit

89Press and hold the mounting-foot-release button (1) to dis-engage the safety catch to remove the flash unit from thecamera.Position the camera and f

9Advanced recording ...45Dis

90RECORDING MENUWIRELESS/REMOTE CAMERA AND FLASH RANGESFlash-to-subjectdistanceCamera-to-subjectdistanceThe camera and flash must bewithin 5m or 16.4

91NOTES ON WIRELESS/REMOTE FLASHWireless/Remote flash performs best under subdued light or interior lighting. Under bright lightsources, the flash may

92RECORDING MENUFLASH CONTROLSelect the manual option from flash control in section 1 ofthe recording menu. With the built-in flash raised, press thee

8 / 2611 / 36 16 / 52 22 / 7293The chart lists approximate guide numbers for manual flash calculations. The following equations areuseful in determini

94RECORDING MENUWhen the AEL button is pressed and held, the exposure is locked. Theexposure remains locked after an image has been captured until the

95RECORDING MODE RESETThe recording mode functions can be reset in section 1 of the recording menu (p. 80). When select-ed, a confirmation screen will

96RECORDING MENUINTERVAL SETUPThe parameters for the interval drive mode (p. 66) are set in section 2 of the recording menu (p. 80).Int. setBracket se

Soft Normal Hard97SHARPNESSThe sharpness of the image can be altered. This must be set before the image is recorded.Sharpness is set in section 3 of t

Int. set –Bracket set 0.3EvData imprint TextImprint to Image + ExifInst.playback OffVoice memo Off98RECORDING MENUDATA IMPRINTINGData can be printed

99ELECTRONIC KEYBOARDThe electronic keyboard is used to enter text for imprinting data or for naming new folders. The key-board automatically appears