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.
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 listed on the back cover of this manual.
Check the packing list before using this product. If any items are missing, immediately
contact your camera dealer.
Minolta DiMAGE digital camera
AA alkaline batteries (set of four)
Neck strap for DiMAGE 7/5 NS-DG7
Lens shade for DiMAGE 7/5 DLS-7
16MB CompactFlash card
Video cable for DiMAGE 7/5 VC-100
USB cable for DiMAGE 7/5 USB-100
DiMAGE software CD-ROM
DiMAGE Image Viewer Utility version 1.1 instruction manual
Camera manual
Warranty card
Because the performance of alkaline batteries
with digital cameras is low, the use of
Ni-MH batteries is recommended.
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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.
• 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.
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FOR PROPER AND SAFE USE
• Keep batteries or small parts that could be swallowed away from infants. Contact a
doctor immediately if an object is swallowed.
• Store this product out of reach of children. Be careful when around children, not to harm
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 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.
• The camera temperature rises with extended periods of use. Care should be taken to
avoid burns.
• Burns may result if the CompactFlash 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.
• The rim of the lens hood can cause injury. Take care not to accidentally strike anyone
with the camera when the lens hood is attached.
• 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.
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5
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
Taking pictures.........................................................................................................................20
Using the built-in flash .............................................................................................................21
Flash range - automatic operation...........................................................................................21
Viewing and deleting pictures in quick view ............................................................................22
Basic operation ....................................................................................................................................23
Changing batteries ..................................................................................................................24
Battery condition indicators .....................................................................................................25
Auto power save......................................................................................................................25
External power supplies (sold separately)...............................................................................26
Changing the CompactFlash card...........................................................................................26
Setting the camera to record images automatically ................................................................28
EVF and LCD monitor display .................................................................................................28
Basic recording operation........................................................................................................29
Focus lock ...............................................................................................................................30
Focus signals...........................................................................................................................31
Special focusing situations ......................................................................................................31
Display controls - recording mode...........................................................................................32
Quick view ...............................................................................................................................34
Deleting images in quick view ....................................................................................35
Recording mode - advanced operation................................................................................................36
What is an Ev? What is a stop? ..............................................................................................36
Pro-auto button........................................................................................................................37
Digital-subject-program button ................................................................................................38
Setting the function dial ...........................................................................................................40
Image size ...............................................................................................................................42
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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
Exposure bracketing ........................................................................................54
Digital Enhanced Bracketing............................................................................55
Interval ........................................................................................................................56
White balance..........................................................................................................................58
Automatic white balance.............................................................................................59
Preset white balance ..................................................................................................59
Custom white balance ................................................................................................60
Camera sensitivity - ISO..........................................................................................................61
Digital Effects Controller ..........................................................................................................62
Exposure compensation .............................................................................................63
Contrast compensation...............................................................................................64
Color-saturation compensation...................................................................................65
Autofocus areas and control....................................................................................................66
Flex Focus Point......................................................................................................................67
Autofocus modes.....................................................................................................................68
Macro mode.............................................................................................................................69
Digital zoom.............................................................................................................................70
Manual focus ...........................................................................................................................71
Electronic magnification (DiMAGE 7 only) ..............................................................................71
Electronic viewfinder................................................................................................................72
Diopter adjustment......................................................................................................72
Automatic monitor amplification (DiMAGE 7 only) .....................................................72
AF/AEL button .........................................................................................................................73
Metering modes.......................................................................................................................74
Flash metering.........................................................................................................................75
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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
Sharpness................................................................................................................................86
Color mode ..............................................................................................................................86
Data imprinting ........................................................................................................................87
Electronic keyboard .................................................................................................................88
Instant playback.......................................................................................................................89
Movie recording .......................................................................................................................90
Bulb exposures........................................................................................................................92
Attaching a remote cord (sold separately) ..............................................................................92
Playback mode - viewing and editing images......................................................................................93
Viewing pictures ......................................................................................................................94
Viewing movies........................................................................................................................95
Deleting images.......................................................................................................................95
Single-frame playback display.................................................................................................96
Movie playback display............................................................................................................96
Histogram display ....................................................................................................................97
Display controls - playback mode............................................................................................98
Enlarged playback .................................................................................................................100
Navigating the playback-mode menu ....................................................................................102
Playback-mode menu - basic ................................................................................................104
Deleting images ........................................................................................................104
Locking images.........................................................................................................105
Changing the index playback format ........................................................................105
Playback-mode menu - custom 1 (Slide Show) ....................................................................106
Playback-mode menu - custom 2..........................................................................................108
About DPOF .............................................................................................................108
Creating a DPOF print order.....................................................................................108
Ordering an index print .............................................................................................109
Canceling a DPOF print order ..................................................................................109
Copying images ........................................................................................................110
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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
New folder .................................................................................................................119
Setup menu - Custom 2 ........................................................................................................120
Reset default.............................................................................................................120
EVF auto switch........................................................................................................121
Setting the date and time..........................................................................................122
Setting the date format .............................................................................................122
Video output..............................................................................................................122
Data-transfer mode ............................................................................................................................123
Connecting the camera to a computer ..................................................................................124
Connecting to Windows 98....................................................................................................126
Automatic installation................................................................................................126
Manual installation ....................................................................................................127
Connecting to Mac OS 8.6 ....................................................................................................129
QuickTime 4.1 system requirements .....................................................................................129
CompactFlash card folder organization.................................................................................130
Auto power save (Data-transfer mode) .................................................................................131
Disconnecting the camera from the computer ......................................................................132
Changing the CompactFlash card (data-transfer mode).......................................................134
..................................................................................................................................135
A short guide to photography ................................................................................................136
System accessories...............................................................................................................138
Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................................139
When using filters with the DiMAGE 7 .....................................................................141
Care and storage...................................................................................................................142
Technical specifications .........................................................................................................146
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Appendix
NAMES OF PARTS
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. 142).
Data panel (p. 13)
Digital-subject-program
button (p. 38)
Built-in flash (p. 21)
Pro-auto button (p. 37)
Strap eyelet (p. 16)
Control dial
Shutter-release button
Focal-length index
Zooming ring1
Lens*
Card-slot door (p. 26)
The USB port is located
behind the card-slot door.
Focusing ring (p. 71)
Self-timer lamp (p. 53)
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
equivalent of 35 - 250mm. For more on equivalent focal lengths, see page 135.
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Playback mode (p. 93)
Movie mode (p. 90)
Recording mode (p. 29)
Setup mode (p. 113)
Display mode switch
Display information button
(p. 32, 98)
Accessory shoe
CCD plane
Data-transfer mode
(p. 123)
Dial release
Eyepiece sensors*
(p. 32)
Main switch/Mode dial
Electronic viewfinder*
(EVF) (p. 72)
LCD monitor*
(p. 14)
AF/AE lock button
(p. 73)
Menu button
Access lamp
Controller
Magnification button
Remote-control
terminal cover (p. 92)
Battery-chamber lock (p. 24)
QV/ Delete button (p. 34)
DC/Video-out terminal cover (p. 26, 112)
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NAMES OF PARTS
Exposure modes (p. 46)
Drive modes (p. 51)
DATA PANEL
Image quality (p. 43)
White balance (p. 58)
Image size (p. 42)
Camera sensitivity (p. 61)
Macro release (p. 69)
Function dial (p. 40)
Function button
White-balance indicators (p. 58)
• Daylight, tungsten, fluorescent,
cloudy, and custom.
Camera-sensitivity indicator (p. 61)
Aperture/Exposure-compensation/
Flash-compensation display
Exposure-mode indicators (p. 46)
Battery-condition indicator (p. 25)
Digital-subject-program icons (p. 38)
Shutter-speed/
Camera-sensitivity display
Subject-program indicators (p. 38)
Diopter-adjustment dial (p. 72)
Focus-mode (AF/MF) button (p. 71)
Tripod socket
Digital Effects Controller (p. 62)
Digital-effects button
Digital-effects switch
Contrast compensation (p. 64)
Exposure compensation (p. 63)
Color-saturation compensation (p. 65)
Drive-mode indicators (p. 51)
• Bracketing
• Self-timer
• Single-frame advance
• Continuous advance
Red-eye reduction indicator (p. 76)
Manual-focus indicator (p. 71)
Image-size display (p. 42)
Image-quality display (p. 43)
Frame counter (p. 42)
Contrast indicator (p. 64)
Color-saturation indicator (p. 65)
Flash-compensation indicator (p. 78)
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NAMES OF PARTS
EVF AND LCD MONITOR DISPLAY
a. Flash-mode indicators (p. 76)
b. Flash signals (p. 21)
c. Mode indicator
d. Flash-compensation display (p. 78)
e. Sharpness display (p. 86)
f. Contrast-compensation display (p. 64)
g. Color-saturation-compensation
display (p. 65)
h. Exposure-compensation display (p. 63)
i. White-balance indicators (p. 58)
j. Exposure-mode/Digital-subject-program
indicators (p. 46/38)
k. Metering-mode indicators (p. 74)
l. Shutter-speed display
m. Aperture display
n. Camera-shake warning (p. 15)
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o. Camera-sensitivity (ISO) display (p. 61)
p. Manual-focus indicator (p. 71)
q. Focus signals (p. 31)
r. Frame counter (p. 42)
s. Drive-mode indicators (p. 51)
t. Macro-mode indicator (p. 69)
u. Battery-condition indicator (p. 25)
v. Image-quality indicator (p. 43)
w. Image-size indicator (p. 42)
x. Digital-zoom (Electronic-magnification)
indicator (p. 70)
1. Focus frame
2. Spot metering area (p. 74)
3. AF sensors (p. 29)
4. Flex Focus Point (p. 67)
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 on the monitors. Camera shake is slight blurring
caused by subtle hand motion and is more pronounced at the telephoto setting of the
lens than at the wide-angle setting. The warning appears at approximately the recipro-
cal of the focal length used; if the lens is set at 100mm, the camera shake warning will
appear at 1/100 second. Although the warning appears, the shutter can still be
released. If the warning appears, the following steps can be taken:
• Place the camera on a tripod.
• Use the built-in flash (p. 21).
• Increase the camera sensitivity (ISO) (p. 61).
• Zoom the lens towards the wide-angle position.
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