Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W300 User manual

© 2008 Sony Corporation 3-300-511-11(1) GB
Digital Still Camera
Cyber-shot Handbook
DSC-W300
Before operating the unit, please read this
Handbook thoroughly together with the
“Instruction Manual” and the “Cyber-shot
Step-up Guide”, and retain them for future
reference.
VCLICK!
Table of contents
Basic Operations
Using the shooting
functions
Using the viewing
functions
Customizing the settings
Viewing images on a TV
Using your computer
Printing still images
Troubleshooting
Others
Index

2
Notes on using the camera
Notes on the types of “Memory Stick”
that you can use (not supplied)
“Memory Stick Duo”
You can use a “Memory
Stick Duo” with the
camera.
“Memory Stick”
You cannot use a
“Memory Stick”
with the camera.
Other memory cards cannot be used.
• For details on “Memory Stick Duo”, see
page 136.
When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with
“Memory Stick” compatible equipment
You can use the “Memory Stick Duo” by
inserting it into the Memory Stick Duo
Adaptor (not supplied).
Memory Stick Duo
Adaptor
Notes on the battery pack
• Charge the battery pack (supplied) before using
the camera for the first time.
• You can charge the battery pack even if it is not
completely discharged. In addition, even if the
battery pack is not fully charged, you can use
the partially charged capacity of the battery pack
as is.
• If you do not intend to use the battery pack for a
long time, use up the existing charge and
remove it from the camera, then store it in a
cool, dry place. This is to maintain the battery
pack functions.
• For details on the usable battery pack, see
page 138.
Carl Zeiss lens
The camera is equipped with a Carl Zeiss
lens which is capable of reproducing sharp
images with excellent contrast.
The lens for the camera has been produced
under a quality assurance system certified
by Carl Zeiss in accordance with the quality
standards of Carl Zeiss in Germany.
Notes on the LCD screen and lens
• The LCD screen is manufactured using
extremely high-precision technology so over
99.99% of the pixels are operational for
effective use. However, some tiny black and/or
bright dots (white, red, blue or green) may
appear on the LCD screen. These dots are a
normal result of the manufacturing process, and
do not affect the recording.
• Exposing the LCD screen or the lens to direct
sunlight for long periods may cause
malfunctions. Be careful when placing the
camera near a window or outdoors.
• Do not press against the LCD screen. The screen
may be discolored and that may cause a
malfunction.
• Images may trail across on the LCD screen in a
cold location. This is not a malfunction.
• Be careful not to bump the movable lens, and be
careful not to apply force to it.
The images used in this Handbook
The images used as examples in this Handbook
are reproduced images, and are not actual images
shot using the camera.
Black, white, red, blue
or green dots

3
Table of contents
Notes on using the camera .......................................................................2
Basic techniques for better images ...........................................................7
Focus – Focusing on a subject successfully..................................................... 7
Exposure – Adjusting the light intensity ............................................................ 9
Color – On the effects of lighting..................................................................... 10
Quality – On “image quality” and “image size” ............................................... 11
Flash – On using the flash ............................................................................... 13
Identifying parts .......................................................................................14
Indicators on the screen..........................................................................16
Changing the screen display ...................................................................20
Using the internal memory ......................................................................22
Using the mode dial.................................................................................23
Shooting images (Auto Adjustment mode)..............................................24
Shooting still images (Scene Selection)..................................................28
Shooting with the manual exposure ........................................................34
Viewing images .......................................................................................36
Viewing still images as a slideshow ........................................................38
Deleting images.......................................................................................42
Learning the various functions – HOME/Menu........................................44
Menu items..............................................................................................47
Shooting menu ........................................................................................49
Scene Selection: Selecting the Scene Selection
Image Size: Selecting the image size
Flash: Flash setting
Face Detection: Detecting the face of subject
Smile Detection: Setting the Smile Detection function
Smile Detection Sensitivity: Setting the Smile Detection Sensitivity
REC Mode: Selecting the continuous shooting method
Scene Recognition: Determining the scene to be shot and taking the shot
EV: Adjusting the light intensity
ISO: Selecting a luminous sensitivity
Metering Mode: Selecting the metering mode
Focus: Changing the focus method
White Balance: Adjusting the color tones
Basic Operations
Using the shooting functions

4
Table of contents
Underwater White Balance: Adjusting color tones during Underwater mode
Flash Level: Adjusting the amount of flash light
Red Eye Reduction: Setting the Red Eye Reduction function
DRO: Optimizing the brightness and contrast
Noise Reduction: Adjusting the Noise Reduction
Color Mode: Changing the vividness of the image or adding special effects
Color Filter: Setting the Color Filter function
Color Saturation: Adjusting the Color Saturation
Contrast: Adjusting the Contrast
Sharpness: Adjusting the Sharpness
SteadyShot: Selecting the anti-blur mode
(Shooting Settings): Selecting the Shooting Settings
Selecting the View Mode ........................................................................ 68
(Date View): Display by date
(Folder View): Display by folder
(Favorites): Displaying images registered as Favorites
Viewing menu ......................................................................................... 69
(Delete): Deleting images
(View Mode): Switching the View Modes
(Date List): Selecting the playback date when using Date View
(Filter by Faces): Playing back images filtered to meet certain conditions
(Add / Remove Favorites): Adding/Removing Favorites
(Slideshow): Playing back a series of images
(Retouch): Retouching still images
(Multi-Purpose Resize): Changing the image size according to usage
(Protect): Preventing accidental erasure
: Adding a Print order mark
(Print): Printing images using a printer
(Rotate): Rotating a still image
(Select Folder): Selecting the folder for viewing images
Customizing the Manage Memory feature and the Settings................... 80
Manage Memory .............................................................................. 82
Memory Tool — Memory Stick Tool ................................................. 82
Using the viewing functions
Customizing the settings
Format
Create REC.Folder
Change REC.Folder
Copy

5
Table of contents
Memory Tool — Internal Memory Tool .............................................84
Format
Settings.............................................................................................85
Main Settings — Main Settings 1......................................................85
Main Settings — Main Settings 2......................................................87
Shooting Settings — Shooting Settings 1.........................................89
Shooting Settings — Shooting Settings 2.........................................92
Clock Settings ...................................................................................93
Language Setting..............................................................................94
Viewing images on a TV..........................................................................95
Enjoying your Windows computer ...........................................................98
Installing the software (supplied)...........................................................100
On the “Picture Motion Browser” (supplied) ..........................................102
Copying images to your computer using the “Picture Motion Browser”
..............................................................................................................103
Copying images to a computer without “Picture Motion Browser”.........107
Viewing image files stored on a computer with the camera copying to the
“Memory Stick Duo”...............................................................................109
Using the “Music Transfer” (supplied) ...................................................110
Using your Macintosh computer............................................................111
Viewing “Cyber-shot Step-up Guide”.....................................................113
Viewing images on a TV
Using your computer
Beep
Function Guide
Initialize
Smile demo mode
USB Connect
COMPONENT
Video Out
Wide Zoom Display
AF Illuminator
Grid Line
AF Mode
Digital Zoom
Conversion Lens
Auto Orientation Auto Review

6
Table of contents
How to print still images........................................................................ 114
Printing images directly using a PictBridge compliant printer ............... 115
Printing at a shop.................................................................................. 118
Troubleshooting .................................................................................... 120
Warning indicators and messages........................................................ 131
Using the camera abroad — Power sources ........................................ 135
On the “Memory Stick Duo” ..................................................................136
On the battery pack...............................................................................138
On the battery charger .......................................................................... 139
On Cyber-shot Station .......................................................................... 140
Index ..................................................................................................... 141
Printing still images
Troubleshooting
Others
Index

7
Basic techniques for better images
When you press the shutter button halfway down, the camera adjusts the focus automatically
(Auto Focus). Remember to press the shutter button only halfway down.
When focusing is difficult t[Focus] (page 58)
If the image looks blurred even after focusing, it may be because of camera shake. tSee
“Hints for preventing blur” below.
Focus Focusing on a subject successfully
Do not fully press the
shutter button straight away.
Press the shutter button
halfway down.
AE/AF lock indicator
flashing , lit/beeps
Then press the shutter
button fully down.
Focus Exposure Color Quality
This section describes the basics so you can
enjoy the camera. It tells you how to use
various camera functions such as the mode
dial (page 23), the HOME screen (page 44)
and the menus (page 46).
Flash

8
Basic techniques for better images
Hints for preventing blur
The camera moved accidentally when you took the image. This is called “Camera shake”.
On the other hand, if the subject moved when you took the image, it is called “subject blur”.
Camera shake
Cause
Your hands or body shake while you hold the
camera and press the shutter button, and the entire
screen is blurred.
What you can do to reduce the blurring
• Use a tripod or place the camera on a flat surface
to hold the camera steady.
• Shoot with a 2-second delay self-timer and
stabilize the camera by holding your arms firmly
at your side after pressing the shutter button.
Subject blur
Cause
Even though the camera is steady, the subject
moves during the exposure so the subject looks
blurred when the shutter button is pressed.
What you can do to reduce the blurring
• Select (High Sensitivity) mode or (Extra
High Sensitivity) mode in Scene Selection.
• Select a higher ISO sensitivity to make the
shutter speed faster, and press the shutter button
before the subject moves.
Notes
• The anti-blur function is enabled in the factory default settings so that the camera shake is reduced
automatically. However, this is not effective for subject blur.
• Besides, camera shake and subject blur occur frequently under low-light or slow shutter speed
conditions, such as those encountered in (Twilight) mode or (Twilight Portrait) mode. In that
case, shoot with the above tips in mind.

9
Basic techniques for better images
You can create various images by adjusting the exposure and the ISO sensitivity. Exposure is
the amount of light that the camera will receive when you release the shutter.
Exposure Adjusting the light intensity
Overexposure
= too much light
Whitish image
The exposure is automatically set to the
proper value in the Auto Adjustment
mode. However, you can adjust it
manually using the functions below.
Manual exposure:
Allows you to adjust the shutter speed and
aperture value manually (page 34).
Adjusting EV:
Allows you to adjust the exposure
determined by the camera (page 55).
Metering Mode:
Allows you to change the part of the
subject to be measured to determine the
exposure (page 57).
Correct exposure
Underexposure
= too little light
Darker image
Shutter speed = Length of time the camera receives
light
Aperture = Size of the opening allowing light to pass
through
ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure
Index)
= Recording sensitivity
Exposure:

10
Basic techniques for better images
Adjusting ISO Sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)
ISO sensitivity is a speed rating for recording media that incorporates an image sensor that
receives light. Even when the exposure is the same, images differ depending on the ISO
sensitivity.
To adjust the ISO sensitivity, see page 56.
The apparent color of the subject is affected by the lighting conditions.
Example: The color of an image affected by light sources
The color tones are adjusted automatically in the Auto Adjustment mode.
However, you can adjust color tones manually with [White Balance] (page 60).
High ISO sensitivity
Records a bright image even in dark locations while increasing shutter
speed to reduce blur.
However, the image tends to become noisy.
Low ISO sensitivity
Records a smoother image.
However, when the exposure is insufficient, the image may become darker.
Color On the effects of lighting
Weather/lighting Daylight Cloudy Fluorescent Incandescent
Characteristics of
light
White (standard) Bluish Green-tinged Reddish

11
Basic techniques for better images
A digital image is made up of a collection of small dots called pixels.
If it contains a large number of pixels, the image becomes large, it takes up more memory, and
the image is displayed in fine detail. “Image size” is shown by the number of pixels. Although
you cannot see the differences on the screen of the camera, the fine detail and data processing
time differ when the image is printed or displayed on a computer screen.
Description of the pixels and the image size
Selecting the image size for use (page 12)
Quality On “image quality” and “image size”
1Image size: 13M
4224 pixels × 3168 pixels = 13,381,632 pixels
2Image size: VGA
640 pixels × 480 pixels = 307,200 pixels
Many pixels (Fine
image quality and
large file size)
Example: Printing in
up to A3+ size
Few pixels (Rough
image quality but
small file size)
Example: An attached
image to be sent by e-
mail
Pixels
Pixel

12
Basic techniques for better images
The default settings are marked with .
• The larger the image size, the higher the image quality.
• The higher the number of frames per second, the smoother the playback image.
Image size Usage guidelines No. of images Printing
13M
(4224×3168)
For prints up to A3+(13×19") Less
More
Fine
Rough
3:2 (12M)*1
(4224×2816)
Shoot in 3:2 aspect ratio
8M
(3264×2448)
For prints up to A3(11×17")
5M
(2592×1944)
For prints up to A4(8×10")
3M
(2048×1536)
For prints up to 10×15 cm
(4×6") or 13×18 cm (5×7")
VGA
(640×480)
Shoot at small image size
for e-mail attachments
16:9 (10M)*2
(4224×2376)
For viewing on HDTVs and
printing up to A3(11×17")
Less
More
Fine
Rough
16:9 (2M)*2
(1920×1080)
For viewing on HDTVs
*1) Images are recorded in 3:2 aspect ratio, same as photograph printing paper or postcards, etc.
*2) Both edges of the image may be cut off when printing (page 128).
Movie image size Frame/Second Usage guidelines
640(Fine) (640×480) Approx. 30 Shoot high quality movie for display on TV
640(Standard) (640×480) Approx. 17 Shoot standard quality movie for display on
TV
320 (320×240) Approx. 8 Shoot at small image size for e-mail
attachment

13
Basic techniques for better images
The eyes of the subject may come out red, or fuzzy white circular spots may appear when
using the flash. These phenomena can be reduced by taking the following steps.
The “Red-eye phenomenon”
Pupils become dilated in dark environments. Flash light is reflected off the blood vessels at the
back of the eye (retina), causing the “red-eye” phenomenon.
How can the “Red-eye phenomenon” be reduced?
• Set [Red Eye Reduction] to [On] (page 63).
• Select (High Sensitivity) mode*or (Extra High Sensitivity) mode*in Scene Selection (page 29).
(The flash is turned off automatically.)
• When the eyes of the subject turn out red, correct the image with [Retouch] on the viewing menu
(page 72) or with the supplied software “Picture Motion Browser”.
The “White circular spots”
This is caused by particles (dust, pollen, etc.) floating close to the lens. When they are
accentuated by the camera’s flash, they appear as white circular spots.
How can the “White circular spots” be reduced?
• Light the room and shoot the subject without a flash.
• Select (High Sensitivity) mode*or (Extra High Sensitivity) mode*in Scene Selection. (The flash
is turned off automatically.)
Flash On using the flash
*Even though you selected (High Sensitivity) mode or (Extra High Sensitivity) mode in Scene
Selection, the shutter speed might be slower under low-light conditions, or in a dark place. In that case,
use a tripod or hold your arms firmly at your side after pressing the shutter button.
Camera Eye
Retina
Camera
Subject
Particles (dust,
pollen, etc.) in
the air

14
Identifying parts
See the pages in parentheses for details of
operation.
APOWER button
BShutter button (24)
CPOWER lamp
DFlash (26)
EMicrophone
FLens
GSpeaker
HFinder window
ISelf-timer lamp (27)/
Smile Shutter lamp (32)/
AF illuminator (89)
AAE/AF lock lamp (green)
BFlash charge lamp/
Record lamp (orange)
CFinder
DLCD screen (20)
EMENU button (46)
F(Playback) button (36)
GFor shooting: W/T (Zoom) button (25)
For viewing: / (Playback zoom)
button (36)/ (Index) button (37)
HHook for wrist strap
IMode dial (23)
JHOME button (44)
Bottom

15
Identifying parts
KControl button
Menu on: v/V/b/B/z(46)
Menu off: DISP/ / / (20, 26, 27)
When the mode dial is set to :
Shutter Speed/Aperture (34)
L(Slideshow) button (38)
MTripod receptacle
• Use a tripod with a screw less than 5.5 mm
(7/32 inch) long. Otherwise, you cannot
firmly secure the camera, and damage to the
camera may occur.
NMulti connector
Used in the following situations:
• Making a USB connection between the
camera and the computer.
• Making a connection to audio/video input
jacks on a TV.
• Making a connection to a PictBridge
compliant printer.
OBattery/“Memory Stick Duo” cover
PBattery insertion slot
Q“Memory Stick Duo” slot
RAccess lamp
SBattery eject lever

16
Indicators on the screen
Each time you press v(DISP) on the
control button, the display changes
(page 20).
See the pages in parentheses for details of
operation.
When shooting still images
• The indicators are limited in Easy Shooting
mode.
When shooting movies
A
Display Indication
Battery remaining
Low battery warning (131)
Image size (49)
Mode dial/Menu (Scene
Selection) (28)
Mode dial (23)
White balance (60, 62)
Burst mode/Bracket mode
(53)
Metering mode (57)
Face Detection (51)/Smile
Detection (52)
SteadyShot (67)
• In the default setting, when
the shutter button is pressed
halfway down, one of these
indicators appears,
depending on the
SteadyShot setting.
DRO (63)
Noise Reduction (64)
Vibration warning
• Indicates vibration may
prevent you from shooting
clear images due to
insufficient lighting. Even if
the vibration warning
appears, you can still shoot
images. However, we
recommend that you turn on
the anti-blur function, using
the flash for better lighting
or using a tripod or other
means to stabilize the
camera (page 8).
Smile Detection Sensitivity
indicator/Number of
images (32)
Zoom scaling (25, 90)
Display Indication

17
Indicators on the screen
B
C
D
Color mode (64)
Color Filter (65)
Contrast (66)
Sharpness (66)
Color Saturation (66)
Display Indication
Manual exposure setting
mode (34)
zRETURN
zSET
Function guide for Manual
exposure (34)
zAE/AF lock (24)
REC
Standby
Recording a movie/Standby
a movie
ISO400 ISO number (56)
NR slow shutter
• When the shutter speed
becomes slower than a
certain speed in low light
conditions, the NR (Noise
Reduction) slow shutter
function is activated
automatically to reduce the
image noise.
125 Shutter speed
F3.5 Aperture value
+2.0EV Exposure Value (55)
0:12 Recording time
(minutes : seconds)
AF range finder frame
indicator (58)
1.0m Semi manual value (59)
Macro (26)
Display Indication
Display Indication
Recording folder (82)
• This does not appear when
using internal memory.
96 Number of recordable
images
Recording Media
(“Memory Stick Duo”,
Internal memory)
00:25:05 Recordable time
(hours : minutes : seconds)
Scene Recognition (54)
AF illuminator (89)
Red-eye reduction (63)
Flash mode (26)
Flash charging
Conversion lens (91)
Display Indication
Self-timer (27)
C:32:00 Self-diagnosis display
(131)
Database full (134)
Spot metering cross hair
(57)
AF range finder frame (58)
Histogram (20)

18
Indicators on the screen
When playing back still images
When playing back movies
A
B
Display Indication
Battery remaining
Low battery warning (131)
Image size (49)
PictBridge connecting
(116)
View Mode (68)
Filter by Faces (70)
Favorites (68)
Protect (77)
Print order (DPOF) mark
(118)
Zoom scaling (36)
VOL. Volume (36)
PictBridge connecting
(117)
• Do not disconnect the cable
for multi-use terminal while
the mark is displayed.
Display Indication
NPlayback (36)
Playback bar
0:00:12 Counter
101-0012 Folder-file number (79)
2008 1 1
9:30 AM
Recorded date/time of the
playback image
zSTOP
zPLAY
Function guide for playing
image
BACK/
NEXT
Selecting images
VVOLUME Adjusting volume

19
Indicators on the screen
C
Histogram (20)
• appears when histogram
display is disabled.
Display Indication
Playback folder (79)
• This does not appear when
using internal memory.
8/8 12/12 Image number/Number of
images recorded in selected
folder
Playback Media
(“Memory Stick Duo”,
Internal memory)
Changing folder
(79)
• This does not appear when
using internal memory.
Metering mode (57)
Flash
White balance (60)
ISO400 ISO number (56)
C:32:00 Self-diagnosis display
(131)
+2.0EV Exposure Value (55)
500 Shutter speed
F3.5 Aperture value
Display Indication

20
Changing the screen display
Each time you press v(DISP) on the
control button, the display changes as
follows:
• If you view images in bright outside light, adjust
the brightness of the LCD backlight up.
However, the battery power may decrease faster
under such condition.
• The histogram does not appear in the following
situations:
While shooting
– When the menu is displayed.
– When recording movies.
During playback
– When the menu is displayed.
– In index mode.
– When you are using playback zoom.
– When you are rotating still images.
– During playback of movies.
– When the Favorites List is displayed.
– When the Date List is displayed.
• During image playback, you cannot turn the
LCD screen off.
• A large difference in the histogram displayed
during shooting and playback may occur when:
– The flash strobes.
– The shutter speed is slow or fast.
• The histogram may not appear for images
recorded using other cameras.
• When you set the LCD screen to off, the digital
zoom does not function. When you select
(Flash mode)/ (Self-timer)/ (Macro), the
image is displayed for about two seconds.
• If you turn the power off and on again while the
LCD screen is off, the indicators will be on.
*The brightness of the LCD Backlight is set to
up.
v(DISP) (Screen
display) button
Indicators on
Indicators off*
Indicators on*
Histogram
display
Histogram on* During
playback, the
image
information is
displayed.
LCD screen off