E
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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.
Check the packing list before using this product. If any items are missing, immediately
contact your camera dealer.
Minolta DiMAGE S414 digital camera
AA alkaline batteries (set of four)
Neck strap NS-DG304
Lens cap LF-236
CompactFlash card
AV cable AVC-100
USB cable USB-600
DiMAGE Viewer CD-ROM
DiMAGE Viewer instruction manual
Camera manual
Warranty card
Camera Notes
Because the performance of alkaline batteries with digital cameras is low, the
use of Ni-MH batteries is recommended. Although alkaline batteries are sup-
plied with this product, its performance will be limited; only use alkaline bat-
teries for test photographs or when Ni-MH batteries, the Minolta external bat-
tery pack, or the AC adapter are not available. Fully recharge the Ni-MH bat-
teries just before using the camera. 
Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, Power Macintosh, Mac OS, and the Mac OS logo are registered
trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of the
Microsoft Corporation. The official name of Windows is Microsoft Windows Operating System.
Pentium is a registered trademark of the Intel Corporation. Power PC is a trademark of the
International Business Machines Corporation. QuickTime is a trademark used under license. All other
trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
2
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
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.
• Only use the batteries specified in this instruction manual.
• Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/–) reversed.
• Do not use batteries which show wear or damage.
• Do not expose batteries to fire, high temperatures, water, or moisture.
• Do not attempt to short or disassemble batteries.
• Do not store batteries near or in metallic products.
• Do not mix batteries of different types, brands, ages, or charge levels.
• Do not charge alkaline batteries.
• When recharging rechargeable batteries, only use the recommended charger.
• Do not use leaking batteries. If fluid from the batteries enters your eye, immediately rinse
the eye with plenty of fresh water and contact a doctor. If fluid from the batteries makes
contact with your skin or clothing, wash the area thoroughly with water.
• Tape over battery contacts to avoid short-circuiting during disposal; always follow local
regulations for battery disposal.
• Use only the specified AC adapter within the voltage range indicated on the adapter unit.
An inappropriate adapter or current may cause damage or injury through fire or electric
shock.
• Do not disassemble this product. Electric shock may cause injury if a high voltage circuit
inside the product is touched. 
• Immediately  remove  the  batteries  or  unplug  the AC  adapter  and  discontinue  use  if  the
camera is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the interior, especially the flash unit,
is  exposed.  The  flash  has  a  high  voltage  circuit  which  may  cause  an  electric  shock
resulting in injury. The continued use of a damaged product or part may cause injuries or
fire.
• Keep batteries or small parts that could be swallowed away from infants. Contact a doctor
3
immediately if an object is swallowed.
• The  camera  temperature  rises  with  extended  periods  of  use.  Care  should  be  taken  to
• Store this product out of reach of children. Be careful when around children not to harm
avoid burns.
them with the product or parts.
• Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes. It may damage eyesight.
• Do  not  fire  the  flash  at  vehicle  operators.  It  may  cause  a  distraction  or  temporary
blindness which may lead to an accident.
• Do not use the monitor while operating a vehicle or walking. It may result in injury or an
accident.
• Do  not  look  directly  at  the  sun  or  strong  light  sources  through  the  viewfinder.  It  may
damage your eyesight or cause blindness.
• Do not use this product in a humid environment, or operate this product with wet hands.
If liquid enters the product, immediately remove the batteries or unplug the AC adapter
and  discontinue  use.  The  continued  use  of  a  product  exposed  to  liquids  may  cause
damage or injury through fire or electric shock.
• Do not use the product near inflammable gases or liquids such as gasoline, benzine, or
paint thinner. Do not use inflammable products such as alcohol, benzine, or paint thinner
to  clean  the  product.  The  use  of  inflammable  cleaners  and  solvents  may  cause  an
explosion or fire.
• When unplugging the AC adapter, do not pull on the power cord. Hold the adapter unit
when removing it from an outlet.
• Do  not  damage,  twist,  modify,  heat,  or  place  heavy  objects  on  the AC  adapter  cord. A
damaged cord may cause damage or injury through fire or electric shock.
• If the product emits a strange odor, heat, or smoke, discontinue use. Immediately remove
the batteries taking care not to burn yourself as the batteries become hot with use. 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
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.
• If batteries are leaking, discontinue use of the product.
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FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE
• Burns may result if the memory card or batteries are removed immediately after extended
periods of use. Turn the camera off and wait for it to cool. 
• Do not fire the flash while it is in contact with people or objects. The flash unit discharges
a large amount of energy which may cause burns.
• Do not apply pressure to the LCD monitor. A damaged monitor may cause injury, and the
liquid from the monitor may cause inflammation. If liquid from the monitor makes contact
with skin, wash the area with fresh water. If liquid from the monitor comes in contact with
the eyes, immediately rinse the eyes with plenty of water and contact a doctor.
• When using the AC adapter, insert the plug securely into the electrical outlet.
• Do not use if the AC adapter cord is damaged.
• Do not cover the AC adapter. A fire may result.
• Do not obstruct access to the AC adapter; this can hinder the unplugging of the unit in
emergencies.
• Unplug the AC adapter when cleaning or when the product is not in use.
The following marks may be found on the product:
This mark on your camera certifies that this camera meets the requirements of
the  EU  (European  Union)  concerning  interference  causing  equipment
regulations. CE stands for Conformité Européenne (European Conformity).
Digital Camera:
Tested To Comply
With FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
This  device  complies  with  Part  15  of  the  FCC  Rules.  Operation  is
subject  to  the  following  two  conditions:  (1)  This  device  may  not
cause  harmful  interference,  and  (2)  this  device  must  accept  any
interference  received,  including  interference  that  may  cause
undesired operation.
Do not remove the ferrite cores from the cables.
Tested by the Minolta Corporation
101 Williams Drive, Ramsey, New Jersey 07446, U.S.A.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The basic operation of this camera is covered between pages 15 and 42. This section of
the manual covers the camera parts, preparation of the camera for use, and the basic
camera operation for recording, viewing, and deleting images.
The basic and advanced auto-recording mode sections cover all the basic functions of
the  camera  in  this  mode  and  in  the  multi-function  recording  mode.  Take  time  to  read
these sections before moving on to the multi-function recording mode section. The basic
playback  section  describes  how  to  view  images.  The  other  sections  can  be  read  as
needed.
Many  of  the  features  of  this  camera  are  controlled  with  menus.  The  menu  navigation
sections concisely describe how to change menu settings. Descriptions of the settings
immediately follow the navigation sections.
Throughout the text are shooting tips and camera notes. Shooting tips give advice and
information  on  photography  and  how  to  use  the  camera  to  achieve  the  best  results.
Camera notes cover details on camera operation.
Names of parts ....................................................................................................................................10
Camera body ...........................................................................................................................10
Viewfinder ................................................................................................................................12
Mode dial .................................................................................................................................12
Data panel ...............................................................................................................................13
LCD monitor display ................................................................................................................14
Getting up and running.........................................................................................................................15
Attaching the neck strap and lens cap ....................................................................................15
Changing batteries ..................................................................................................................16
Battery condition indicator .......................................................................................................17
Auto power save......................................................................................................................17
External power supplies (sold separately)...............................................................................18
Changing the CompactFlash card...........................................................................................18
Setting the date and time ........................................................................................................20
Auto-recording mode - basic operation................................................................................................22
Setting the camera to record images automatically ................................................................23
Handling the camera ...............................................................................................................24
Using the zoom lens................................................................................................................24
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Basic recording operation........................................................................................................25
Focus lock ...............................................................................................................................26
Focus range.............................................................................................................................26
Focus signals...........................................................................................................................27
Special focusing situations ......................................................................................................27
Digital-subject-program button ................................................................................................28
Flash modes ............................................................................................................................30
Flash range - auto-recording mode .........................................................................................31
Flash signals............................................................................................................................31
Camera-shake warning ...........................................................................................................31
Drive modes ............................................................................................................................32
Self-timer .................................................................................................................................33
Remote control (sold separately) ............................................................................................34
Continuous advance................................................................................................................35
Bracketing................................................................................................................................36
Display button - recording mode .............................................................................................37
Playback - basic operation ...................................................................................................................38
Single-frame playback and histogram display.........................................................................38
Viewing and deleting images...................................................................................................39
Display button - playback ........................................................................................................40
Enlarged playback ...................................................................................................................41
Auto-recording mode - advanced operation.........................................................................................42
Navigating the auto-recording mode menu .............................................................................42
Image size and image quality..................................................................................................44
Voice memo.............................................................................................................................46
Date imprinting ........................................................................................................................47
Digital zoom.............................................................................................................................48
Instant playback.......................................................................................................................49
Exposure compensation ..........................................................................................................50
What is an Ev? What is a stop? ..............................................................................................51
Multi-function recording mode..............................................................................................................52
Autofocus areas and control....................................................................................................52
Navigating the multi-function recording mode menu...............................................................54
Exposure modes......................................................................................................................56
Program ......................................................................................................................56
Aperture priority - A.....................................................................................................56
Manual exposure - M..................................................................................................57
Bulb exposures........................................................................................................................58
Focus modes ...........................................................................................................................59
White balance..........................................................................................................................60
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Automatic white balance.............................................................................................60
Preset white balance ..................................................................................................60
Custom white balance ................................................................................................61
Camera sensitivity - ISO..........................................................................................................62
Flash range and camera sensitivity.........................................................................................62
Full-time AF .............................................................................................................................63
Metering modes.......................................................................................................................63
Exposure bracketing increment...............................................................................................64
Color mode ..............................................................................................................................64
Image control - sharpness, contrast, & filter............................................................................65
A short guide to photography ...............................................................................................................66
Movie recording....................................................................................................................................68
Notes on movie recording .......................................................................................................69
Recording movies with the IR Remote Control RC-3 (sold separately)..................................69
Playback mode - advanced operation..................................................................................................70
Playing back voice memos......................................................................................................70
Viewing movies........................................................................................................................71
Navigating the playback-mode menu ......................................................................................72
Frame-selection screen ...........................................................................................................74
Viewing images on a television ...............................................................................................75
Deleting files ............................................................................................................................76
Locking files.............................................................................................................................77
Changing the index playback format.......................................................................................77
Slide Show...............................................................................................................................78
About DPOF ............................................................................................................................80
Creating a DPOF print order ...................................................................................................80
Ordering an index print............................................................................................................81
Canceling a DPOF print order .................................................................................................81
Copying images.......................................................................................................................82
....................................................................................................................................84
Navigating the setup menu......................................................................................................84
LCD monitor brightness...........................................................................................................86
Formatting CompactFlash cards .............................................................................................86
Auto power save......................................................................................................................86
Language.................................................................................................................................87
Display mode...........................................................................................................................87
File number (#) memory ..........................................................................................................88
Folder name ............................................................................................................................88
Select folder.............................................................................................................................89
Audio signals ...........................................................................................................................89
Setup mode
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Shutter FX ...............................................................................................................................89
Volume ....................................................................................................................................89
Resetting the camera ..............................................................................................................90
Date and time setting ..............................................................................................................91
Date format..............................................................................................................................91
Video output ............................................................................................................................91
Data-transfer mode ..............................................................................................................................92
System requirements...............................................................................................................92
Connecting the camera to a computer ....................................................................................93
Connecting to Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition ................................................................95
Automatic installation..................................................................................................95
Manual installation ......................................................................................................96
CompactFlash card folder organization...................................................................................98
Disconnecting the camera from the computer ......................................................................100
Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition.........................................................................100
Windows Me, 2000 Professional, and XP ................................................................100
Macintosh..................................................................................................................101
Changing the CompactFlash card - data-transfer mode .......................................................102
Auto power save - data-transfer mode..................................................................................102
QuickTime system requirements ...........................................................................................103
..................................................................................................................................103
Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................................103
About Ni-MH batteries ...........................................................................................................105
Removing the driver software - Windows..............................................................................106
Care and storage...................................................................................................................107
Technical specifications .........................................................................................................110
Appendix
9
CAMERA BODY
* This camera is a sophisticated optical instrument. Care should be taken to keep these
surfaces clean. Please read the care and storage instructions in the back of this manual
(p. 107).
Shutter-release button
Mode dial (main switch)
Digital-subject-program button (p. 28)
Data panel (p. 13)
Viewfinder window*
Microphone
Speaker
Flash (p. 30)
Strap eyelet (p. 15)
Remote-control 
receiver
Self-timer/
Remote-control 
lamp (p. 33)
Lens*
Battery-chamber door (p. 16)
Battery-chamber lock (p. 16)
Flash mode/Magnification button (p. 30, 41)
Drive-mode button (p. 32)
Exposure-compensation button (p. 50)
Viewfinder* (p. 12)
LCD monitor* 
(p. 14)
Controller 
Menu button 
QV/ Delete button (p. 38)
Display button (p. 37, 40)
Access lamp
DC terminal cover (p. 18)
Card-slot door release
Tripod socket
Card-slot door (p. 18)
The USB port and AV-out
terminal are located behind
the card-slot door.
10
NAMES OF PARTS
11
VIEWFINDER
DATA PANEL
Focus lamp
(green) 
Flash lamp
(orange) 
Focus frame
Because  the  optical  viewfinder  and  the  lens  are  slightly  separated,  the  image  seen
through  one  is  not  exactly  the  same  as  the  other;  this  is  called  parallax.  Parallax  can
cause  errors  in  framing  at  close  distances  and  is  more  pronounced  at  longer  focal
lengths. When the subject is closer than 1m (3ft) at the wide-angle lens position or 3m
(10ft) at the telephoto lens position, use the LCD monitor to compose the image; because
the lens creates the monitor image, it does not suffer from parallax.
MODE DIAL
This  dial  gives  direct
and  easy  access  to
the  camera’s  major
modes. It also acts as
the main switch.
Auto-recording mode (p. 22, 42)
Multi-function recording mode (p. 52)
Playback mode (p. 38, 70)
Movie-recording mode (p. 68)
Setup mode (p. 84)
Data-transfer mode (p. 92)
Digital-subject-program indicators (p. 28)
White-balance indicator (p. 60)
Manual-focus indicator (p. 59)
Camera-sensitivity indicator (p. 62)
Spot-metering indicator (p. 63)
Flash-mode indicators (p. 30)
Image-size display (p. 44)
Image-quality display (p. 44)
Drive-mode indicators (p. 32)
Microphone indicator (p. 46)
Battery-condition indicator (p. 17)
Exposure-compensation indicator (p. 50)
Exposure-mode indicators (p. 56)
Digital-subject-program icons (p. 28)
Frame counter (p. 45)
The frame counter cannot exceed
999.  When 
the  number  of
recordable  images  exceeds  this,
999  will  be  displayed.  The  frame
counter  will  continue  to  count
down  when 
the  number  of
recordable images falls below one
thousand.
12
NAMES OF PARTS
13
LCD MONITOR DISPLAY
a. Voice memo indicator (p. 46)
b. Mode indicator (p. 12)
c. Flash-mode indicator (p. 30)
d. Sharpness display (p. 65)
e. Contrast-compensation display (p. 65)
f. Filter display (p. 65)
g. Exposure-compensation display (p. 50)
h. White-balance indicator (p. 60)
i. Exposure-mode (p. 56)/ 
Digital-subject-program indicators (p. 28)
o. Manual-focus indicator (p. 59)
p. Focus signal (p. 27)
q. Frame counter (p. 13)
r. Drive-mode indicator (p. 32)
s. Macro indicator (p. 28)
t. Battery-condition indicator (p. 17)
u.
v.
w. Color mode indicator (p. 48)
x. Digital-zoom display (p. 48)
Image-quality indicator (p. 44)
Image-size display (p. 44)
j. Shutter-speed display
k. Metering-mode indicator (p. 63)
l. Aperture display
m. Camera-shake warning (p. 31)
n. Camera-sensitivity (ISO) display (p. 62)
1. Focus frame (p. 25)
2. Spot metering area (p. 63)
3. AF sensors (p. 25)
Indicators and displays from both the auto-recording and multi-function recording modes
have been displayed for clarity.
14
NAMES OF PARTS
GETTING UP AND RUNNING
ATTACHING THE NECK STRAP AND LENS CAP
Attach the small strap to the lens cap by passing one of the
small  loops  through  the  eyelet  on  the  cap  (1)  and  then
passing  the  other  loop  through  the  first  loop  (2)  and
tightening.
2
1
Attach  the  camera  strap  to  the  strap
eyelets  as  shown.  Make  sure  the  neck
strap passes through the loop of the lens-
cap  strap. Always  keep  the  camera  strap
around  your  neck  in  the  event  that  you
drop the camera.
3
4
Using  your  thumb  and  index
finger,  pinch  the  outside  tabs  of
the lens cap to remove or attach.
Always  replace  the  lens  cap
when the camera is not in use.
15