Kodak DCS 300 Series User manual

DCS 300 SERIES DIGITAL CAMERAS; USER'S GUIDE-ENGLISH; FRONT COVER
TRIM SIZE: 7.5 (W) X 9.0 (H) INCHES
M. DE MEYER, CORPORATE DESIGN AND USABILITY CENTER, 03.16.99
FONTS USED INTHISARTWORK:
UNIVERS 55 REGULAR, UNIVERS 65 BOLD
COLORS USED INTHISARTWORK:
PROCESS, SPOT COLOR KODAK YELLOW
6B0935_A
USER'S GUIDE-FRONT COVER
7.5 (W) x 9.0 (H)"
User’sGuide
forDCS300SeriesDigitalCameras
DCS300SeriesDigitalCameras

Contents
Table of Contents
About Your Camera .....................................................1-1
Package Contents..................................................................................... 1-2
Camera Accessories................................................................................. 1-2
Features.................................................................................................... 1-3
Camera Nomenclature ............................................................................. 1-5
Camera Front ...................................................................................1-5
Camera Back ...................................................................................1-5
Camera Top .....................................................................................1-6
Camera Bottom ................................................................................1-6
Camera Sides ...................................................................................1-7
LCD Panels and LEDs............................................................................. 1-8
Image LCD Panel ............................................................................1-8
Camera Status LCD Panel ...............................................................1-9
Effects of Temperature on LCD Panels ........................................1-11
PC Card Busy/Record LED ...........................................................1-12
Viewfinder ............................................................................................. 1-13
Dials and Buttons................................................................................... 1-14
Main-Command Dial .....................................................................1-14
Sub-Command Dial .......................................................................1-14
Digital Function Buttons ...............................................................1-15
Non-Digital Function Buttons .......................................................1-17
Shutter Release Button ..................................................................1-18
The Imager............................................................................................. 1-18

Lenses .................................................................................................... 1-19
Mounting the Lens ........................................................................ 1-19
Setting the Lens to the Minimum Aperture ...................................1-21
Removing the Lens ....................................................................... 1-22
Non-CPU Lenses and Lens Adapters ............................................1-22
Antialiasing Filter .................................................................................. 1-23
Hot Mirrors (IR Filters) ......................................................................... 1-24
Accessory Shoe...................................................................................... 1-24
Flash Sync Terminal.............................................................................. 1-25
Serial Port Jack ...................................................................................... 1-25
Attaching the Hand Strap....................................................................... 1-26
Important Safeguards and Precautions .................................................. 1-27
Electromagnetic Emissions.................................................................... 1-30
VCCI Statement..................................................................................... 1-31
Powering Your Camera ...............................................2-1
Turning the Camera On and Off.............................................................. 2-2
Batteries ................................................................................................... 2-3
Handling and Disposing of Batteries .............................................. 2-3
Inserting Batteries ........................................................................... 2-4
Removing Batteries .........................................................................2-5
Checking Battery Status ..................................................................2-6
Battery Tips .....................................................................................2-7
Kodak-specified AC adapter.................................................................... 2-8
Connecting the Kodak-specified AC adapter .................................. 2-9
PowerSave Mode................................................................................... 2-10
Waking your Camera from PowerSave Mode .............................. 2-10

Contents
Configuring Your Camera ...........................................3-1
Setting the Date and Time........................................................................ 3-1
Camera Properties.................................................................................... 3-3
Setting Camera Properties ...............................................................3-3
Using a PC Card ...........................................................4-1
PC Cards .................................................................................................. 4-1
Inserting a PC Card .........................................................................4-2
Removing a PC Card .......................................................................4-3
Formatting a PC Card ......................................................................4-4
Managing Image Files.............................................................................. 4-6
Selecting Folders .............................................................................4-6
Selecting the File Type ....................................................................4-8
Setting Processing Options ............................................................4-11
Basic Operation ............................................................5-1
Preparing to Capture an Image ................................................................ 5-1
Capturing Images in BASIC Mode.......................................................... 5-3
General Functions ........................................................6-1
Advanced Mode and Basic Mode............................................................ 6-1
Vari-Program ........................................................................................... 6-3
Setting Vari-Program ......................................................................6-7
Operating in Vari-Program ..............................................................6-8
Exposure Mode...................................................................................... 6-10
Setting the Exposure Mode ...........................................................6-11
Auto-Multi Program (P) ................................................................6-12
Shutter-Priority Auto Exposure Mode (S) .....................................6-12

Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure Mode (A) .................................6-13
Manual Exposure Mode (M) ......................................................... 6-14
Operating in Auto-Multi Program ......................................................... 6-15
Operating in Flexible Program .............................................................. 6-17
Operating in Shutter-Priority Auto Exposure Mode.............................. 6-18
Operating in Aperture-Priority Auto Exposure Mode........................... 6-21
Operating in Manual Exposure Mode.................................................... 6-24
Metering System.................................................................................... 6-27
3D Matrix Metering ...................................................................... 6-27
Center-Weighted Metering ............................................................ 6-28
Spot Metering ................................................................................ 6-28
Selecting the Metering System ...................................................... 6-29
AF Mode and Focus Area...................................................................... 6-30
AF-S Single Servo AF .................................................................. 6-30
AF-C Continuous Servo AF .......................................................... 6-30
Wide Area AF .............................................................................. 6-31
Spot Area AF ................................................................................ 6-31
Setting AF Mode and Focus Area ................................................. 6-32
Single Servo AF Operation ........................................................... 6-34
Autofocus with the Main Subject Off-Center ............................... 6-36
Continuous Servo AF Operation ................................................... 6-38
Using Drive Mode ................................................................................. 6-39
Single-Frame Shooting .................................................................. 6-39
Continuous Shooting .....................................................................6-39
Setting the Drive Mode .................................................................6-40
Using Two-Button Reset ....................................................................... 6-41
Special Functions .........................................................7-1

Contents
Self-Timer Operation............................................................................... 7-1
Exposure Compensation .......................................................................... 7-3
Using the Auto Exposure Lock Function ........................................7-4
Obtaining a Meter Reading in Manual Exposure Mode ..................7-6
Exposure Compensation Operation .................................................7-7
Auto Exposure Bracketing ..............................................................7-9
Using the Quick Recall (QR) Function.................................................. 7-12
Saving Customized Settings for Quick Recall ..............................7-12
Recalling Customized Settings ......................................................7-14
Changing ISO Settings........................................................................... 7-15
Setting Auto ISO (ISO 200) ..........................................................7-15
Manually Setting ISO ....................................................................7-16
Using Manual Focus .............................................................................. 7-18
Special Focusing Situations................................................................... 7-18
Flash Photography .......................................................8-1
Situations Where Flash is Required......................................................... 8-2
Factors Affecting TTL Flash ................................................................... 8-2
Using TTL Auto Flash............................................................................. 8-3
Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash ..............................................................8-3
Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash ....................................8-3
Standard TTL Flash .........................................................................8-4
TTL Performance..................................................................................... 8-4
Flash Sync Mode...................................................................................... 8-4
Normal Sync ...................................................................................8-4
Red-Eye Reduction .........................................................................8-4
Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync ..............................................8-5

Slow Sync .......................................................................................8-5
Rear-Curtain Sync ..........................................................................8-5
Selecting Flash Sync Mode ............................................................. 8-6
Tips ..................................................................................................8-8
Using the Built-in Flash........................................................................... 8-9
Built-in Flash Specifications ...........................................................8-9
Tips ..................................................................................................8-9
Usable Lenses with Built-In Flash ................................................ 8-10
Flash Shooting Distance Range ....................................................8-11
Shutter Speed/Aperture in Flash Shooting .................................... 8-12
Operating the Built-in Flash .......................................................... 8-13
Using Flash Exposure Bracketing.......................................................... 8-16
Using Flash Output Level Compensation.............................................. 8-20
Using Accessory Nikon Speedlights...................................................... 8-23
What You Can Do With Nikon Speedlights ................................. 8-24
Notes on Flash Photography ......................................................... 8-25
Flash Sync Terminal.............................................................................. 8-26
Working with Images on the Camera ..........................9-1
Image Review Mode................................................................................ 9-1
Selecting a Review Mode ................................................................9-2
Reviewing Images ...........................................................................9-2
Adjusting the Display Contrast................................................................ 9-4
Viewing Overexposure Areas and Histogram Information..................... 9-5
Selecting an Image................................................................................... 9-7
Viewing Status Information..................................................................... 9-8
Tagging an Image .................................................................................... 9-9

Contents
Associating Sound Files With Images................................................... 9-10
Deleting Images ..................................................................................... 9-12
Deleting One Image .......................................................................9-12
Deleting More Than One Image ....................................................9-13
Connecting your Camera to a Computer ...................10-1
Advantages to Using an IEEE 1394 Connection................................... 10-1
Advantages to Using a Card Reader...................................................... 10-1
To Connect Your Camera to a Computer .............................................. 10-2
Disconnecting your Camera From the Computer.................................. 10-4
Using the Card Reader........................................................................... 10-4
Camera Care ...............................................................11-1
Handling................................................................................................. 11-1
Tips ................................................................................................11-1
Cleaning the Camera.............................................................................. 11-2
Antialiasing Filter (DCS 330 Only)....................................................... 11-3
Removing, Cleaning, and Re-installing the Antialiasing Filter ....11-3
Checking and Cleaning the Imager........................................................ 11-5
Capturing and Examining an Image ..............................................11-5
Visually Inspecting the Imager ......................................................11-6
Cleaning the Imager ......................................................................11-9
Reassembling the Camera .............................................................11-9
Storing the Camera .............................................................................. 11-10
Loading Camera Firmware .................................................................. 11-11
Warranty ....................................................................12-1

WARRANTY ........................................................................................ 12-1
KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS 300 Series Digital Camera ...... 12-1
Warranty Time Period ........................................................................... 12-1
Warranty Repair Coverage .................................................................... 12-1
Limitations............................................................................................. 12-2
Outside the United States....................................................................... 12-3
How to Obtain Service........................................................................... 12-3
Product Support Options........................................................................ 12-4
Software License Agreement................................................................. 12-6
LICENSE............................................................................................... 12-6
TERM .................................................................................................... 12-7
LIMITED WARRANTY....................................................................... 12-7
LIMITATIONS OF REMEDIES........................................................... 12-8
Appendix A - Specifications .......................................A-1
Appendix B - Troubleshooting ................................... B-1
Appendix C - Lens Compatibility .............................. C-1
Compatible Lenses................................................................................... C-1
Manual Single Focal Length Lenses ...............................................C-1
Manual Zoom Lenses ......................................................................C-5
Autofocus Single Focal Length Lenses ...........................................C-6
Autofocus Zoom Lenses .................................................................C-8
Incompatible Lenses .............................................................................. C-10
Appendix D - Glossary ...............................................D-1

Contents
Appendix E - Focal Length Conversion ..................... E-1
Appendix F - Problem Report ..................................... F-1

1
Your Camera
1-1
About Your Camera
1
Thank you for purchasing your new KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS 300 Series Digital
Camera. This portable camera system combines features of the Nikon Pronea 6i camera
with digital camera features developed by Eastman Kodak. Your camera retains many of
the features of the Pronea camera. This User’s Manual describes the digital aspects of your
camera as well as the Pronea camera features.
To effectively use your camera, you should read this manual as well as the KODAK
PROFESSIONAL DCS Host Software User’s Manual (on the DCS Host Software CD
included with your camera).
The TIFF Custom file format (page 4-8) is proprietary to Kodak. To use TIFF Custom
images, you will first need to acquire (import) them through a program such as Photoshop,
using the Kodak Software (also on the DCS Host Software CD). If you try to open these
files in Photoshop or other applications without first acquiring them, only the thumbnail
version will be available. Refer to the KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Host Software
User’s Manual for information on acquiring images.

1-2
Package Contents
Check that the items below and on the next page are included in your camera package.
✔DCS 315 or DCS 330 camera (with battery tray and handstrap)
✔Extra battery tray
✔52 mm Hot mirror (DCS 315 only)
✔AC adapter
✔U.S. power cord
✔Kodak DCS 300 Series User’s Manual (English)
✔Quick Start guide (English)
✔Service agreement information
✔U.S. Warranty card
✔International Warranty card
✔CD containing the following items related to the DCS 300 Series camera:
• The following items in French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, and
English:
DCS 300 Series User’s Manual
DCS 300 Series Quick Start card
• Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print the manuals
• ReadMe files
✔DCS Host Software CD containing the following items related to the Kodak
Software:
• Photoshop Acquire Module for Macintosh
• TWAIN Data Source for Windows
• Installer software
• KODAK PROFESSIONAL DCS Host Software User’s Manual in French,
Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, and English
• Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print the manual
• ReadMe files
Camera Accessories
Contact your camera dealer or the Kodak web page (http://www.kodak.com/) for camera
accessories.

1-3
1
Your Camera
Features
Your camera, which integrates Nikon SLR functionality with Kodak digital camera
technology, provides a rich set of features that allows you to capture images of the highest
quality. The following features are available in both the DCS 315 and 330 cameras:
Accessories/Computer Interface:
✔DCS 315: accepts removable Nikon IX-Nikkor AF and F-mount lenses.
DCS 330: accepts removable Nikon F-mount lenses.
Refer to “Lenses” on page 1-19.
✔Dual PC Card slots hold one Type III or two Type II or ATA PC cards. (The
forward PC Card slot is currently inactive. It can be used to store an extra Type II
PC Card)
✔High speed IEEE 1394 serial interface
✔Accepts six removable AA format batteries or the Kodak-specified AC Adapter
Image Quality:
✔Automatic scene balance which includes both color and exposure (+1 stop)
✔10 bit per channel color depth for a total of 30 bits pixel depth
✔DCS 315: focal length conversion of 2.6x with standard Nikkor lenses
DCS 330: focal length conversion of 1.9x with standard Nikkor lenses
Image Management:
✔DCS 315: Images saved as TIFF Custom and/or one of three levels of finished
JPEG files
DCS 330: Images saved as TIFF Custom
✔Image tag and delete capability
✔Records and associates sound files with images
✔Date/time stamp and thumbnail stored with each image
Image Information:
✔1.8 inch Image LCD panel provides review of images and other functionality
✔Image histogram and exposure information
Flash:
✔Built-in integrated flash; supports Nikon SB series flash attachments
Mechanical:
✔1/4 inch x 20 inch tripod mount
✔Height: 174 mm, width: 137 mm, depth: 76 mm, weight: 1.8 kg.

1-4
The table below lists the features that differ for the DCS 315 and DCS 330 cameras:
Feature DCS 315 DCS 330
Image Size 1.5 million pixels
(1008 x 1520)
2:3 aspect ratio
3 million pixels
(1504 x 2008)
3:4 aspect ratio
Approximate Finished
File Size TIFF - 1.7 MB JPEG Best - 650 KB
JPEG Better - 350 KB
JPEG Good - 200 KB
TIFF - 3.3 MB
ISO 100 - 400 125 - 400
Burst 2 frames/second burst for 3
images every 11 seconds with
Type III PC Card
1 frame/second burst for 8 images
Time from capture to
storage and thumbnail
display
2 seconds 7 seconds (Time depends on the
number of images in the burst)
Time to process and store
finished JPEG Best in the
camera
Under 25 seconds per image
Antialiasing Filter Not included Included

1-5
1
Your Camera
Camera Nomenclature
Camera Front
Camera Back
M
AF
Self-timer LED
Lens Release
button
Focus Mode
selector
Battery/PC Card
door
Main-Command dial
Sub-Command dial
Antialiasing filter
REC/TAG
RESET
BUSY
SET
( ) +/-
FNC
MDE
Ps
SELECTMENU
AE-L
Main-Command dial
AE Lock button
Image LCD panel
MENU button
SELECT button
REC/TAG button
Camera Status LCD panel
Metering button
Exposure Compensation
button
RESET button
Microphone
C
amera Status LCD Panel
I
lluminator button
V
ari-Program (Ps) button
E
xposure Mode (MDE)
b
utton
F
unction (FNC) button
F
unction Set (SET) button
P
C Card Busy/Record
L
ED
S
erial Port jack (DCS 330
o
nly)

1-6
Camera Top
Camera Bottom
OR-
OUT
OFF
ON
BASIC
ADVANCED
Flash Lock-release button
Self-timer button
Neck Strap eyelet
BASIC/ADVANCED
switch
Accessory shoe
Shutter Release button
QR-OUT button
Remote Shutter Release
terminal
Neck/Hand Strap eyelet
Main-command dial
Power switch
Product label
Serial number
Tripod mount rubber pad
Tripod mount

1-7
1
Your Camera
Camera Sides
* The yellow triangle with a black “!” near the flash sync terminal is intended to warn you of the following:
WARNING:
The Flash Sync terminal is for a flash sync cable system ONLY! DO NOT CONNECT
AC MAIN POWER TO THIS CONNECTOR! Doing so can create a hazardous
condition.
Hand/neck strap eyelet
IEEE 1394 Host Interface
Connection
AC Adapter Connection
Hand Strap eyelet
Flash Sync Terminal
(DCS 330 only) *

1-8
LCD Panels and LEDs
Image LCD Panel
Use the Image LCD panel for the following:
✔View status information (page 9-8).
✔Review images in Single, Four, or Nine Image Review mode (page 9-1).
✔Select folders to hold images (page 4-6).
✔Select camera functions using the Main Menu.
PC Card Inserted
Images Available
Folder Name (#images in folder)
Image thumbnail
Relative location of current
image in folder
File Type
Host computer Connected
Battery Level or AC Adapter
Connected
BackgroundImageProcessing
Status
Currently Recording
Current Image Number
File Type of Current Image