Sanyo Xacti VPC-S3 User manual

VPC-S3
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Digital Camera
Please read these instructions carefully before using the digital camera. Make
sure to read and understand the section "USING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA
SAFELY AND CORRECTLY" on pages 5 to 16. Keep this manual in a safe place
for later reference.
Important note
This manual explains how to safely operate the VPC-S3.

iEnglish
Warning
TO PREVENT THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
iThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
hReorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
hIncrease the separation between the equipment and receiver.
hConnect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
hConsult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
iChanges or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FOR AMERICAN USERS
Model number: VPC-S3
Trade Name: SANYO
Responsible party: SANYO FISHER COMPANY
Address: 21605 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, California 91311
Telephone No.: [phone]
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Declaration of Conformity

English ii
iThis Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
FOR CANADIAN USERS

1English
OUTLINE OF OPERATION
To help you get started enjoying using your digital camera right away, given
below is an outline of the fundamental operation, from setup to shooting to
playback.
SETUP
1Install the batteries (see page 21).
<When using a card>
hYour camera has a 16MB internal memory
that lets you store images even when no SD
Memory Card is installed. In addition, images
stored in the camera's internal memory can
be copied to a card, and vice versa (see
page 70).
2Install the SD Memory Card*1 (see page 22).
3Format the SD Memory Card (see page 89).
NOTE
iBe sure to format the SD Memory Card with this
digital camera before using it. A card that is not
formatted using the digital camera may interfere
with the operation of your camera.
SHOOTING
1Capture an image.
hShoot a still image (see pages 29 and 30).
hShoot a sequential shots series (see pages
30 and 32).
hShoot a video clip*2(see pages 29 and 33).
PLAYBACK (see page 55)

English 2
* 1: About the SD Memory Card
This digital camera can use either an SD Memory Card or a Multi Media
Card for data storage. This manual is written with the premise that SD
Memory Cards are used. In this manual, SD Memory Card and Multi Media
Card are both referred to as “card”.
* 2: About video clips
This digital camera does not have audio record or playback functions.
Therefore, your recorded video clips will not have sound. Moreover, even if
you play back video clips that do have recorded sound with this camera, no
sound will be generated.
Symbols used in this manual
HINT Points that may prove useful when using the digital camera.
NOTE Points giving some extended instructions or special points to
pay attention to.
CAUTION Points that require special attention.
(see page xx) Refer to the page indicated for detailed information.
You may find the answers to questions or problems concerning camera
operation in the sections “COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS” (see page
111) and “TROUBLESHOOTING” (see page 120).

3English
CONTENTS
OUTLINE OF OPERATION ................................................................... 1
CONTENTS ........................................................................................... 3
USING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA SAFELY AND CORRECTLY .......... 5
CHECKING THE INCLUDED ACCESSORIES .................................... 17
CAUTIONS CONCERNING THE CARD .............................................. 18
PREPARATION
PARTS NAMES ................................................................................... 19
INSTALL THE BATTERIES AND CARD .............................................. 21
TURNING THE POWER ON/OFF ....................................................... 23
SHOOTING
BEFORE TAKING PICTURES (for best results) .................................. 25
CAPTURING IMAGES ......................................................................... 29
OTHER SHOOTING FUNCTIONS ...................................................... 34
CHANGING THE SHOOTING SETTINGS .......................................... 40
PLAYBACK
VIEWING IMAGES .............................................................................. 55
DISPLAYING THE PLAYBACK SETTING SCREEN ........................... 60
CHANGING IMAGE SIZE (RESIZE) .................................................... 62
ROTATING AN IMAGE ........................................................................ 64
SLIDESHOW PLAYBACK ................................................................... 65
OTHER PLAYBACK FUNCTIONS ....................................................... 66

English 4
CAMERA SETTINGS
CHANGING THE CAMERA SETTINGS ...............................................80
LCD MONITOR SETTING ....................................................................82
DATE AND TIME SETTING .................................................................84
HELP DISPLAY ....................................................................................87
LANGUAGE ..........................................................................................88
INITIALIZING THE CARD MEMORY AND INTERNAL MEMORY .......89
POWER SAVE SETTING .....................................................................91
FILE NO. RESET FUNCTION ..............................................................93
RESETTING THE CAMERA SETTINGS ..............................................95
CHECKING THE REMAINING CARD MEMORY
AND INTERNAL MEMORY ..............................................................96
CHECKING THE REMAINING BATTERY CHARGE ...........................97
OTHER FUNCTIONS AND CONNECTIONS
CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER .......................................................99
DIRECT-PRINT ..................................................................................102
APPENDICES
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ...................................................111
TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................120
SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................127

5English
USING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA SAFELY AND CORRECTLY
CONCERNING THE DIGITAL CAMERA
kIf the digital camera makes a strange noise, emits a strange odor, or if
smoke comes out from it, immediately turn off the power and remove
the batteries.
iIf the digital camera is used under these conditions, it
may cause a fire or electric shock. Immediately turn off
the digital camera, remove the batteries, and wait to
make sure no more smoke comes from the digital
camera. Then take it to the dealer for service. Do not try
to repair or open the digital camera yourself.
kDo not modify or open the cabinet
iHigh voltage circuits are inside, and there is a high risk
of fire or electric shock if they are touched. Any internal
check, setting, or repair should be performed by the
dealer.
kDo not use while driving
iDo not capture images, play back images, or watch the
LCD monitor while driving a vehicle. Doing so may
cause an accident.
iBe careful where you put down the digital camera inside
an automobile. During sudden stops or turns it may fall
behind the brake pedal and prevent braking.
kBe aware of your surroundings when using the
digital camera
iPay close attention to your surroundings when using the
digital camera. Failure to do so may lead to an accident
or injury.
iWhen using the digital camera while walking, be very
careful of your surroundings and especially the traffic to
avoid accidents.
iDo not use the digital camera inside an airplane or
elsewhere where its use may be restricted.
WARNING

English 6
kDo not get the digital camera wet
iThis digital camera is not water-resistant. Do not allow it
to get wet, as doing so may cause a fire or electric
shock.
iDo not use the digital camera in a bathroom.
iIf the digital camera gets wet, immediately turn it off and
remove the batteries. Then take it to a dealer for repair.
Using the digital camera after it has been become wet
may cause a fire, electric shock, or other accident.
kDo not use during a storm
iTo avoid the risk of being struck by lightning, do not
use the digital camera during a thunderstorm. In
particular, if used in an open field, you have an
increased chance of being struck by lightning. Quickly
seek refuge in a place that will protect you from
lightning.
kDo not place on an unstable surface
iThe digital camera may fall, resulting in damage to the
digital camera or injury.
iIf the digital camera has fallen and its body is
damaged, turn it off, remove the batteries, and take it
to the dealer for repair. Using the digital camera after
its body has been damaged may cause a fire or
electric shock.
kDo not look through the digital camera into the
sun
iDo not look through the digital camera at the sun or
any other strong source of light. Doing so may
seriously injure your eyes.
kDo not use the flash close to a person's face
iTo prevent possible eye injury, do not use the flash
near a person's face (especially young children or
babies). If the flash is used close to a person's opened
eyes, there is a risk that it may damage that person's
eyesight.

7English
USING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA SAFELY AND CORRECTLY
(CONCERNING THE DIGITAL CAMERA)
kDo not use where there is risk of explosion
iDo not use the digital camera in a location where
there is explosive gas, or any other flammable
material in the air. Doing so may cause a fire or an
explosion.
kKeep the digital camera out of the reach of children
iThe following may happen if children play with the
digital camera:
hThey may wrap the strap around their neck and
suffocate.
hThey may swallow the batteries or other small
parts. In such a case, consult a physician
immediately.
hThey may damage their eyesight if the flash goes
off too close to their eyes.
hThey may get hurt by the digital camera.
kCautions when carrying the digital camera
iDo not walk around holding the digital camera by the
handstrap. It may hit other objects and get damaged.
When walking around, hold the digital camera in your
hand or place it in a pocket.
iBe careful not to drop the digital camera or subject it
to strong shocks.
iMake sure direct sunlight does not hit the digital
camera lens, as that may damage the internal parts.
When not using the digital camera, be sure to always
turn it off and retract the lens.
kIf the digital camera is not going to be used for a
long period of time
iFor safety's sake, remove the batteries from the
camera. This will prevent any possible excess heat or
leakage of battery fluid that may result in injuries or
damage to nearby objects. (Note that when the
batteries is removed for a long period, the time and
date settings will be cleared.)
WARNING
CAUTION

English 8
kCautions during use and storage
iThis digital camera is a precision instrument. When using or storing the
digital camera, make sure to avoid the following locations.
hPlaces in direct sunlight
hPlaces where humidity and temperature are high
hPlaces that may get wet
hPlaces close to an air conditioner or heater
hInside a car
hPlaces where there is dust and dirt
hPlaces where there is a fire burning
hPlaces where volatile products are stored
hPlaces subject to vibration
Operating environment
iTemperature 0 to 40°C (operation)
–20 to 60°C (storage)
iHumidity 30 to 90% (operation, no condensation)
10 to 90% (storage, no condensation)

9English
USING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA SAFELY AND CORRECTLY
Cautions concerning the alkaline batteries
iFollow all the warnings indicated below to prevent the batteries from
leaking, overheating, exploding, catching fire, or becoming damaged.
hDo not install with the polarities ((+) and (–)) inverted.
hDo not recharge the batteries.
hDo not heat the batteries or throw them in a fire.
hDo not allow metal objects to touch the terminals. Do not carry loose
with necklaces, hairpins, etc.
hDo not transform, take apart, or modify the batteries.
hDo not solder the batteries.
hDo not allow the batteries to come into contact with fresh or salt water,
or allow the terminals to become wet.
hDo not attempt to remove or puncture the outer casing.
hImmediately discontinue use if there is leaking, swelling, temperature
rising, discoloration, or any other abnormal condition.
hKeep out of the reach of children.
In the event that a battery is swallowed, seek medical attention right
away.
hDo not drop, hit, or submit the batteries to strong shocks.
WARNING

English 10
General precautions concerning the batteries
iUse only alkaline batteries or other specified batteries in this
camera. Manganese batteries cannot be used, as they have a
short battery life and may overheat, causing damage to the digital
camera.
iNever use an alkaline battery together with a Ni-Cd battery, or batteries
of different types or different brands at the same time.
iDo not use a new battery together with an old battery, or combine
consumed batteries.
iMake sure not to invert the polarity ((+) and (–)) when installing the
batteries.
iUse of batteries of different types, new and old batteries, or consumed
batteries together may generate heat or cause the batteries to leak,
resulting in fire, injury or burns, or damage to the digital camera and
any other nearby object.
iWhen purchasing batteries, be sure to purchase only the specified
batteries. Use of batteries without protective casings or other inferior
products may cause a fire, injury, or burns.

11 English
USING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA SAFELY AND CORRECTLY
iThe batteries may be warm immediately after the
digital camera is used. If removing the batteries, turn
off the digital camera and allow the batteries to cool
down before removing them.
iIf a battery is leaking and the electrolyte gets on your
skin or clothing, immediately rinse with clean water. If
the electrolyte gets into your eyes, you risk losing
your eyesight. Do not rub your eyes, but immediately
rinse your eyes with clean, running water, and seek
medical attention right away.
iDo not drop or hit the batteries, or submit them to
strong shocks.
iIf the digital camera is not going to be used for a long period of time,
remove the batteries and store them in a cool place. (When the batteries
are removed for a long period, the time and date settings will be cleared.)
iWhen disposing of the batteries, be sure to follow all applicable
regulations.
iExcept for the lithium battery (CR-V3), if used in temperatures below 10°C,
the service life of the batteries will be shorter than normal.
iIf using rechargeable batteries, use after fully recharging with the exclusive
battery charger. Always read the instruction manuals that may come with
the batteries you purchase before use.
WARNING

English 12
Concerning the accessories
kCautions concerning the use of the AC adapter
iUse only the separately sold AC adapter (model VAR-G4AEX for Europe,
U.K. and others, and model VAR-G4AU for North America and others) with
your digital camera. Do not use an AC adapter other than the one indicted
here, designed for specific use with your digital camera.
iIf an AC adapter other than the specified one is used, it may damage the
digital camera and cause a fire or electric shock.
iNormally when using an AC adapter, remove the batteries. Otherwise the
batteries may cause excess heat, leakage, injury or damage to nearby
objects.
iFor complete information on how to use the AC adapter, refer to the
instructions accompanying it.
kCautions concerning the card
iImmediately after use, the card will be very hot. Before removing the card,
turn off the digital camera and wait for the temperature to cool down.
iKeep out of the reach of children. Young children may put the media in
their mouth and choke or cause some other unexpected injury or accident.
CAUTION

13 English
USING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA SAFELY AND CORRECTLY
FOR CORRECT USE OF YOUR CAMERA
kCautions when cleaning the digital camera
Cleaning procedure
1 Turn off the digital camera and remove the batteries.
2 Remove the dirt with a soft cloth.
3 If the digital camera is extremely dirty, wipe with a soft cloth
moistened with a mild detergent diluted with water and wrung dry.
Caution
iDo not use benzene or thinner products to clean the digital camera. Doing
so may cause deformation, discoloration, or paint peeling. When using a
chemically treated cloth, carefully read its instructions and warnings.
iDo not spray insecticides or volatile sprays on the digital camera. Do not let
rubber or vinyl objects contact the digital camera for a long period. They
may cause deformation, discoloration, or paint peeling.
kCautions before capturing important images
iBefore capturing important images, make sure that the digital camera
is operating properly and in condition to capture the image properly.
iSanyo Electric shall not be held responsible for any losses that result
from images that could not be recorded, are erased, destroyed, or
damaged in any way due to a problem with the digital camera, any of
its accessories, or its software.
kCaution concerning copyrights
iThe images you capture with your digital camera are for your own
private use; any other use may violate the rights of copyrights owners.
iPlease note that photography may be restricted at stage
performances, shows or exhibitions, even in presentations whose
purpose is entertaining or amusing individuals.
iAlso note that images that are intended to be copyrighted cannot be
used outside those limits defined by the regulations of the relevant
copyright laws.

English 14
kCaution concerning the batteries and terminals
iPeriodically clean the battery terminals ((+) and (–)) as well as the
terminals in the camera's battery compartment cover with a dry cloth.
Do not touch the terminals of either the batteries or the battery
compartment with your bare hands. Doing so will allow contaminants from
your hands to adhere to the terminals and oxidize, increasing the contact
resistance. If the contact resistance increases, the usable life of the
batteries will diminish.
kCaution when cleaning the lens
iIf the lens gets dirty, use a commercially available air blower or a cleaning
cloth for photographic equipment to clean it.
kWhen not using the digital camera for a long period
iRemove the batteries. However, when the batteries are removed for a long
time, the digital camera functions may begin to not work properly.
Periodically reinstall the batteries and check the digital camera functions.
iIf the batteries is left in the digital camera, a small amount of power is still
used even if the digital camera is turned off. If the batteries are left in the
digital camera for a long period, they may become completely discharged
and cannot be used.
kCautions concerning condensation
iUsing the digital camera with condensation inside it may damage the
digital camera.
If condensation seems likely to form
iPlace the digital camera in a plastic bag and seal it, and then wait until the
digital camera has reached the ambient temperature.
Be careful of condensation under the following conditions
iWhen moving the digital camera suddenly from a cold place to a warm
place.
iWhen the ambient temperature changes drastically, such as when a heater
is turned on to quickly heat the room.
iWhen the digital camera is placed in the path of cool air from an air
conditioner.
iWhen the digital camera is placed in a location of high humidity.

15 English
USING YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA SAFELY AND CORRECTLY
FOR CORRECT USE OF YOUR CAMERA (Continued)
kCaution concerning undesired interference
iThe digital camera may create undesired interference if used close to a
television or radio. To avoid this type of interference, make sure the cores
on the supplied video cable and USB interface cable are not removed.
kCautions concerning data storage
iIt is recommended that any important data be copied onto a separate
media (such as a hard disk, MO disk, or CD-R disk).
iStored data may be lost (or corrupted) in cases such as those listed below.
Sanyo Electric will not be held responsible for any damage or lost profits
arising from the loss of data.
hIf the card is used incorrectly.
hIf the card is not inserted correctly into the digital camera.
hIf the card is subjected to electrical or mechanical shocks or other
forces.
hIf the camera is turned off or a card is inserted/removed while the
internal memory or card is being accessed.
hIf the card has reached the end of its usable life.
Core
Dedicated USB interface cable (supplied)

English 16
kCautions when handling the cards
iThe cards are precision devices. Do not bend, drop, or subject them to
strong forces or shocks.
iAvoid using or storing the cards in places with extremely high or low
temperatures, subject to direct sunlight, in a completely closed vehicle,
near air conditioners or heaters, or in humid or dusty locations.
iAvoid using or storing the cards in locations where strong static electrical
charges or electrical noise can be easily generated.
iDo not allow the edges of the cards to become contaminated with foreign
materials. Gently wipe away any contamination with a soft, dry cloth.
iDo not carry the cards in trouser pockets, as the cards may become
damaged when you sit down or make other movements that may apply
forces.
iBefore using a new card or a card that was used in other equipment, be
sure to format it using the digital camera (see “INITIALIZING THE CARD
MEMORY AND INTERNAL MEMORY” on page 89).
iWhen buying commercially available products, carefully read the
instructions and warnings that come with the card.
CAUTION

17 English
CHECKING THE INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
Using the included accessories
ATTACHING THE HANDSTRAP
iHandstrap iSoftware: 1 CD-ROM
iAA alkaline batteries: 2
(batteries specially made to
be used as included
accessories)
iDedicated USB interface
cable: 1