Olympus E420 - Evolt 10MP Digital SLR Camera User manual

zWe recommend that you take test shots to get accustomed to your camera before taking
important photographs.
zThe screen and camera illustrations shown in this manual were produced during the
development stages and may differ from the actual product.
zThe contents in this manual are based on firmware version 1.0 for this camera. If there are
addition and/or modification of functions due to firmware update for the camera, the contents will
differ. For the latest information, please visit the Olympus website.
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
Basic guide
Mastering the E-510
Improving your shooting skills kShooting
guides
Shooting functions
Playback functions
Customizing the settings/functions of your
camera
Printing
Using the OLYMPUS Master software
Getting to know your camera better
Information
Interchangeable lenses
Others
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Structure of this manual
This section explains the preparations and settings for the camera, and basic camera
operation from easy techniques for shooting to playback and erase functions.
Read chapter 1 to master the basic camera operation before proceeding to use the various
functions available on this camera.
Operating the camera g“Mastering the E-510” (P. 18)
Learn how to use the functions in the shooting guides g“Improving your shooting
skills kShooting guides” (P. 25)
Proceed to the pages on the various functions.
Locating the information you need
g“Shooting tips and information” (P. 97), “Menu directory” (P. 109), “Names of
parts” (P. 115), “Index” (P. 136)
Indications used in this manual
Basic camera operation Basic guide
Attaching the strap ........................................... 3 Adjusting the viewfinder’s diopter .....................7
Preparing the battery........................................ 3 Setting the date/time.........................................8
Attaching a lens to the camera......................... 5 Shooting .........................................................10
Loading the card .............................................. 6 Playback/Erasing ............................................12
Power on.......................................................... 7
Mastering the E-510 P. 18
Important information on factors which may lead to a malfunction or
operational problems. Also warns of operations that should be
absolutely avoided.
 TIPS Useful information and hints that will help you get the most out of your
camera.
gReference pages describing details or related information.
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Basic guide
Basic guide
Thread the strap as indicated by the arrows (1, 2).
Lastly, pull the strap tight making sure that it is fastened securely (3).
Attach the other end of the strap to the other eyelet in the same way.
1Charging the battery
Attaching the strap
Preparing the battery
2
1
3
Lithium ion battery
(BLM-1)
AC wall outlet
Lithium ion charger
(BCM-2)
Charging indicator
Red light: Charging in progress
Green light: Charging completed
(Charging time: Approx. 5 hours)
AC cable
Remove the protection
cap from the battery.
Align the battery with
the arrow
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Basic guide
2Loading the battery
3Close the battery compartment cover and slide the battery
compartment lock in the direction of E
Unloading the battery
Press the battery lock to unlock and remove the battery.
• It is recommended to set aside a backup battery for prolonged shooting in case the battery in use
drains.
Direction indicating mark
Battery
compartment
cover
2
3
1
Battery compartment
lock
Battery lock
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Basic guide
1Remove the body cap from the camera and the rear cap from the lens
2Attaching a lens to the camera
• Align the lens attachment mark (red) on the camera
with the alignment mark (red) on the lens, then
insert the lens into the camera’s body (1). Rotate
the lens in the direction indicated by the arrow until
you hear it click (2).
• Do not press the lens release button.
3Remove the lens cap (3, 4)
Removing the lens from the camera
While pressing the lens release button (1), rotate the lens in
the direction of the arrow (2).
Attaching a lens to the camera
Rear cap
Body cap
1
2
2
1
1
2
3
4
3
Lens cap
Alignment mark (Red)
Lens attachment mark (Red)
Lens release button
2
1
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Basic guide
Open the card cover and insert the card.
Removing the card
• Never open the card cover while the card access lamp is blinking.
Loading the card
CompactFlash/Microdrive xD-Picture Card
Insert the card until it is locked into place.Insert the card’s contact area into the slot as far as
it can go.
xD-Picture Card slot
Card cover
CF card slot
Card access
lamp
Wmark
CompactFlash/Microdrive xD-Picture Card
• Press the inserted card lightly and it will be
ejected.
• Pull out the card.
• Press the eject button all the way in and let it
pop out, then press it all the way in again to
eject the card.
• Pull out the card.
Eject button
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Basic guide
Dust reduction function operation
The dust reduction function is automatically activated when the camera is turned on.
Ultrasonic vibrations are used to remove dust and dirt from the image pickup device’s filter
surface. The SSWF (Super Sonic Wave Filter) indicator blinks while dust reduction is
working.
Adjust the viewfinder’s diopter in accordance with your vision.
While looking through the viewfinder, rotate the diopter
adjustment dial little by little.
When you can see the AF frame clearly, adjustment is
complete.
Power on
Adjusting the viewfinder’s diopter
2007.08.16
Set the camera’s power switch to ON.
To turn off the power, set the power switch to OFF.
SSWF indicator
Set the mode dial
to AUTO.
INFO button
LCD monitor
When the camera is turned on, the
control panel screen is displayed
on the monitor.
If the control panel screen does
not appear, press the INFO
button.
Control panel screen
Viewfinder
Diopter adjustment dial
AF frame
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Basic guide
Date and time information is recorded on the card together with the images. The file name is
also included with the date and time information. Be sure to set the correct date and time
before using the camera.
1Press the MENU button
2Use ac to select [Z], then press d
3Use ac to select [X], then press d
4Use ac to select the year [Y], then press d
5Repeat this procedure until the date and time are completely set
• The time is displayed in the 24-hour format.
Setting the date/time
CUSTOM RESET
SETTING
MENU
button
a
d
c
EDIT FILENAME
Y/M/D
a
d
c
a
d
c
Y/M/D
Y/M/D
a
d
c
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EN 9
Basic guide
6Use ac to select the date format
7Press the ibutton
8Press the MENU button to exit
a
c
Y/M/D
i
EDIT FILENAME
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Basic guide
1Holding the camera
Keep your fingers and the strap away from the lens and the flash.
2Place the AF frame on the subject while viewing through the viewfinder
3Adjust the focus
Press the shutter button gently (halfway).
• The focus is locked when a beep tone is output. The AF confirmation mark and the AF
focusing frame light up in the viewfinder.
• The shutter speed and aperture value that have been set automatically by the camera are
displayed.
• The control panel screen is not displayed when the shutter button is pressed.
4Release the shutter
Press the shutter button all the way (fully).
• The shutter sounds and the picture is taken.
• The card access lamp blinks and the camera starts
recording the picture.
• Never remove the battery or card while the card access lamp mark is blinking. Doing so could
destroy stored pictures and prevent storage of pictures you have just taken.
Shooting
Horizontal grip Vertical grip
Shutter button
Card access lamp
Halfway down
2007.08.16
AF confirmation mark
Aperture value
Shutter speed
All the way down
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Basic guide
Taking a picture while viewing the monitor
It is possible to use the LCD monitor as a viewfinder and check the subject’s composition, or
shoot while viewing an enlarged display on the LCD monitor.
g“Live view” (P. 23)
1Press the u(live view) button
• The subject is displayed on the LCD monitor.
2Press the shutter button all the way down
• The picture is taken with the focus adjusted.
When the camera stops operating
If no operations are performed for approximately 8 seconds while the camera is on, the
monitor backlight turns off to save battery power. If no operations are performed for
approximately one minute thereafter, the camera enters the sleep mode (stand-by) and stops
operating. The camera activates again when you touch any button (the shutter button, arrow
pad, etc.). g“Backlight timer” (P. 83), “Sleep timer” (P. 82)
ubutton
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Basic guide
Playing back images
Pressing the q(playback) button displays the last picture taken.
Close-up playback
Each time you rotate the control dial towards U, the image is enlarged in steps of 2× - 14×.
Erasing images
Playback the image you want to erase and press the S(erase) button.
Use ac to select [YES] and press the ibutton to erase.
Playback/Erasing
Displays the
previous frame
Displays the
next frame
Arrow pad
qbutton
Displays the frame
that is stored 10
frames ahead
Displays the frame
that is stored 10
frames back
Control dial
Sbutton
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How to use the mode dial ......................................................................................................18
Easy shooting modes...........................................................................................18
Advanced shooting modes...................................................................................18
How to set the functions ........................................................................................................19
How to make function settings .............................................................................19
Setting functions using the control panel screen..................................................19
Setting functions using direct buttons ..................................................................20
Setting on the menu.............................................................................................21
Descriptions in this manual ..................................................................................22
Live view................................................................................................................................23
Switching the information display.........................................................................23
Enlarged display operation...................................................................................24
Ruled lines display ...............................................................................................24
Basic function guides.............................................................................................................25
Focus: Operating the shutter button.....................................................................25
Brightness: Exposure compensation....................................................................25
Color: White balance............................................................................................26
A guide to functions for different subjects..............................................................................26
Taking landscape pictures ...................................................................................26
Taking flower pictures ..........................................................................................27
Taking night scene pictures .................................................................................29
Selecting the appropriate mode for shooting conditions
Scene mode ..........................................................................................................................30
P: Program shooting .............................................................................................................31
A: Aperture priority shooting .................................................................................................32
S: Shutter priority shooting....................................................................................................33
M: Manual shooting...............................................................................................................34
Preview function ....................................................................................................................35
Various shooting functions
Shooting with the image stabilizer function ...........................................................................36
Checking the image stabilizer effect on the monitor ............................................36
If correct focus cannot be obtained (Focus lock)...................................................................37
AE bracketing ........................................................................................................................37
Flash shooting .......................................................................................................................39
Flash mode ..........................................................................................................39
Manual flash.........................................................................................................40
Setting the flash mode .........................................................................................41
Using the built-in flash..........................................................................................42
Flash intensity control ..........................................................................................42
Table of Contents
1 Mastering the E-510 ................................................................................18
Describes the camera’s functions and how to operate them.
2 Improving your shooting skills kShooting guides..................................25
Describes the shooting methods suitable for individual situation.
3 Shooting functions ...................................................................................30
Categorizes and describes the shooting functions according to the shooting modes; shooting
functions; focusing; exposure, color and image.
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Flash bracketing................................................................................................... 43
External electronic flashes (optional) ...................................................................43
Using the external electronic flash .......................................................................43
Super FP flash .....................................................................................................44
Using commercially available flashes .................................................................. 44
Non-specified commercial flashes .......................................................................45
Sequential shooting/Self-timer/Remote control .....................................................................45
Setting the functions ............................................................................................ 45
Sequential shooting ............................................................................................. 45
Using the self-timer ..............................................................................................46
Using the remote control......................................................................................46
Panorama shooting ...............................................................................................................48
Focusing functions
AF frame selection ................................................................................................................ 49
Focus mode...........................................................................................................................49
Simultaneous use of S-AF mode and MF mode (S-AF+MF) ...............................51
Simultaneous use of C-AF mode and MF mode (C-AF+MF)...............................51
AF illuminator ........................................................................................................................ 51
Shutter release priority .......................................................................................................... 51
Exposure, image and color
Selecting the record mode .................................................................................................... 52
Types of record modes ........................................................................................52
RAW data.............................................................................................................52
How to select the record mode ............................................................................ 53
Setting the number of pixels and compression rate............................................. 53
Metering mode kChanging the metering system................................................................54
Exposure compensation kVarying the image brightness ................................................... 55
AE lock kLocking the exposure .......................................................................................... 56
ISO kSetting the desired sensitivity to light ........................................................................ 56
White balance kAdjusting the color tone ............................................................................57
Setting the auto/preset/custom white balance ..................................................... 58
WB compensation................................................................................................59
Setting the one-touch white balance.................................................................... 60
WB bracketing......................................................................................................60
Picture mode ......................................................................................................................... 61
Gradation...............................................................................................................................62
Shading compensation..........................................................................................................62
Noise reduction .....................................................................................................................62
Noise filter ............................................................................................................................. 63
Color space ...........................................................................................................................63
Anti-shock..............................................................................................................................63
Single-frame/Close-up playback ........................................................................................... 64
Light box display.................................................................................................................... 65
Index display/Calendar display.............................................................................................. 66
Information display ................................................................................................................ 67
Slideshow ..............................................................................................................................68
Rotating images .................................................................................................................... 68
Playback on TV ..................................................................................................................... 69
Editing still images.................................................................................................................69
4 Playback functions...................................................................................64
Describes the functions used when playing back images that have been taken.
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Copying images.....................................................................................................................71
Single-frame copy ................................................................................................71
Copying selected frames......................................................................................71
Copying all the frames .........................................................................................71
Protecting images kPreventing accidental erasure ............................................................72
Single-frame protect.............................................................................................72
Protecting selected frames...................................................................................72
Canceling all protections ......................................................................................72
Erasing images......................................................................................................................73
Single-frame erase...............................................................................................73
Erasing selected frames.......................................................................................74
All-frame erase.....................................................................................................74
Custom reset setting..............................................................................................................75
AEL/AFL mode ......................................................................................................................77
Other function settings...........................................................................................................78
AEL/AFL memo....................................................................................................78
AEL metering .......................................................................................................78
EV step ................................................................................................................78
ISO limit ...............................................................................................................78
Compensating all WB...........................................................................................78
Speed synchronization.........................................................................................78
Auto pop up..........................................................................................................79
;FUNCTION ...................................................................................................79
Live view boost ....................................................................................................79
Customizing the control dial’s function.................................................................79
My Mode setting...................................................................................................80
Reset lens ............................................................................................................80
Focus ring ............................................................................................................80
Priority setting ......................................................................................................80
Quick erase..........................................................................................................81
Erasing RAW and JPEG files...............................................................................81
File name .............................................................................................................81
Rename file..........................................................................................................82
Rec view kChecking the picture immediately after shooting.............................82
Setting the beep sound ........................................................................................82
Monitor brightness adjustment .............................................................................82
Sleep timer...........................................................................................................82
Backlight timer......................................................................................................83
USB mode............................................................................................................83
Changing the display language............................................................................83
Video output.........................................................................................................83
Button timer..........................................................................................................84
Auto power off......................................................................................................84
n(arrow pad) lock............................................................................................84
A.................................................................................................................84
Firmware ..............................................................................................................84
5 Customizing the settings/functions of your camera .................................75
Describes the other different types of functions. The settings or functions can be changed to suit
the environment in which the camera is used.
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Print reservation (DPOF).......................................................................................................85
Print reservation................................................................................................... 85
Single-frame reservation......................................................................................85
All-frame reservation............................................................................................ 86
Resetting the print reservation data .....................................................................86
Direct printing (PictBridge) ....................................................................................................87
Connecting the camera to a printer...................................................................... 88
Easy printing ........................................................................................................ 88
Custom printing.................................................................................................... 89
Flowchart...............................................................................................................................91
Using the provided OLYMPUS Master software ...................................................................91
What is OLYMPUS Master? ................................................................................91
Connecting the camera to a computer ..................................................................................92
Start up the OLYMPUS Master software...............................................................................93
Displaying camera images on a computer ............................................................................93
Downloading and saving images .........................................................................93
Disconnecting the camera from your computer ...................................................94
Viewing still images ...............................................................................................................95
To increase the number of languages................................................................................... 95
Transferring images to your computer without using OLYMPUS Master.............................. 96
Shooting tips and information................................................................................................97
Tips before you start taking pictures ....................................................................97
Shooting tips ........................................................................................................ 97
Additional shooting tips and information ............................................................100
Playback tips...................................................................................................... 102
Viewing pictures on a computer.........................................................................102
When error messages are displayed...................................................................................103
Camera maintenance ..........................................................................................................105
Cleaning and storing the camera .......................................................................105
Cleaning mode kRemoving dust.....................................................................106
Pixel mapping kChecking the image processing functions............................. 106
Card basics .........................................................................................................................107
Usable cards ......................................................................................................107
Formatting the card............................................................................................107
Battery and charger.............................................................................................................108
Using your charger abroad ................................................................................108
Menu directory.....................................................................................................................109
Functions that can be set by shooting mode.......................................................................112
6 Printing ....................................................................................................85
Describes how to print images that have been taken.
7 Using the OLYMPUS Master software ....................................................91
Describes how to transfer and store the camera’s images to your computer.
8 Getting to know your camera better ........................................................97
Reference for help or when you wish to know more about the camera.
9 Information.............................................................................................107
Describes how to handle the cards and rechargeable battery, and contains a directory of the camera’s
functions and displays.
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List of record modes ............................................................................................................114
Names of parts ....................................................................................................................115
Camera ..............................................................................................................115
Viewfinder indications ........................................................................................117
Control panel screen ..........................................................................................118
LCD monitor indications (during live view).........................................................120
LCD monitor indications (during playback) ........................................................121
Glossary ..............................................................................................................................122
Specifications ......................................................................................................................125
Lens.....................................................................................................................................128
ZUIKO DIGITAL interchangeable lens ................................................................................128
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS....................................................................................................130
Index....................................................................................................................................136
10 Interchangeable lenses .........................................................................128
Describes how to handle interchangeable lenses.
11 Others....................................................................................................130
Describes precautions regarding the use of the camera and accessories.
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Mastering the E-510
1
1 Mastering the E-510
The mode dial allows you to change the
camera settings easily according to the
subject.
Easy shooting modes
• Select according to the shooting scene. The camera sets the appropriate shooting conditions
automatically.
• When rotating the mode dial or turning off the power in the easy shooting modes, functions with
changes made to their settings are restored to the factory default settings.
Advanced shooting modes
• For more advanced shooting and greater creative control, you can set the aperture value and
shutter speed.
• The settings made in the advanced shooting modes are retained even if the camera is turned off.
How to use the mode dial
AUTO AUTO
Allows you to shoot using an optimum aperture and shutter speed that
the camera sets. The built-in flash pops up automatically in low-light
conditions.
iPORTRAIT Suitable for shooting a portrait-style image of a person.
lLANDSCAPE Suitable for shooting landscapes and other outdoor scenes.
&MACRO Suitable for taking close-up pictures (macro shooting).
jSPORT Suitable for capturing fast-moving action without blurring.
/
NIGHT+PORTRAIT Suitable for shooting both the main subject and background at night.
gScene mode 18 different scene modes are available to suit a wide range of shooting
situations. (gP. 30)
PProgram shooting Allows you to shoot using an aperture and shutter speed that
the camera sets. (gP. 31)
AAperture priority shooting Allows you to set the aperture manually. The camera sets the
shutter speed automatically. (gP. 32)
SShutter priority shooting Allows you to set the shutter speed manually. The camera sets
the aperture automatically. (gP. 33)
MManual shooting Allows you to set the aperture and shutter speed manually.
(gP. 34)
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Mastering the E-510
1
How to make function settings
There are three basic ways to make function settings with this camera.
• Setting while looking at the control panel screen (See below)
• Setting using direct buttons (gP. 20)
• Setting on the menu (gP. 21)
Setting functions using the control panel screen
Select an item on the control panel screen and
change the setting.
1When the power switch is set to ON,
the control panel screen (shooting
information and setting screen) is
displayed on the LCD monitor.
• The display changes each time the INFO
button is pressed.
• You can also display the control panel screen
by pressing the ibutton and change the
setting when using live view.
2Press the ibutton.
• The cursor (function being selected) on the control panel screen lights (1).
3Use pto move the cursor to the function you want to set (2).
4Turn the control dial to change the setting.
• Pressing the ibutton while the item is being selected displays the direct menu for that
function. You can also use the direct menu to change the setting (3). After changing the
setting, press the ibutton to confirm your setting. Or if you do not operate the control dial
within a few seconds, your setting will be confirmed and the control panel screen will be
restored. g“Button timer” (P. 84)
How to set the functions
Power switch
Control dial
ibutton pArrow padINFO button
2007.08.16 2007.08.16
Control panel screen
Basic Display off Detailed
Cursor Direct menu
e.g.) When setting Sequential/Self-timer/Remote control shooting
123
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Mastering the E-510
1
Functions on the control panel screen
The functions that can be set on the basic display and detailed display vary.
3: Can be set k: Cannot be set
Setting functions using direct buttons
This camera is equipped with direct buttons where functions have been assigned and can be
set quickly.
1Press the button for the function you want to set.
• The direct menu is displayed.
No. Items Basic Detailed Ref. page
1ISO 33 P. 56
2WB 33 P. 58
White balance compensation k3P. 59
3 Metering mode 33 P. 54
4Card 33 P. 107
5 Record mode 33 P. 52
6AFframe 33 P. 49
7 Focus mode 33 P. 49
8Sequential shooting/Self-timer/
Remote control 33 P. 45
9Flash mode 33 P. 41
Flash intensity control k3P. 42
10 Picture mode 33 P. 61
11
Color space
Sharpness
Contrast
Saturation
Gradation
k3
P. 63
P. 61
P. 61
P. 61
P. 62
Basic Detailed
2007.08.16
10
11
54
1
2
9
3,6,7,8
2007.08.16
10
9
8
765
3
4
2
1
Direct menu
Control dial
e.g.) Setting Sequential/Self-timer/
Remote control shooting 2
1
6
3
7
8
45
10
9
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