Sony DSC-N1 Operating instructions

2-652-806-12(1)© 2005 Sony Corporation
Digital Still Camera
User’s Guide/
Troubleshooting
Digital Still Camera
User’s Guide/
Troubleshooting
DSC-N1
“Read This First” (separate volume)
Explains the set-up and basic operations for
shooting/playback with your camera.
Operating Instructions
Before operating the unit, please read this manual and
“Read This First” (separate volume) thoroughly, and retain
it for future reference.
Owner’s Record
The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom.
Record the serial number in the space provided below.
Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony
dealer regarding this product.
Model No. DSC-N1
Serial No. ___________________________
Enjoying
the camera
Using the menu
Using the Setup
screen
Using your computer
Printing still images
Connecting your
camera to your TV
Troubleshooting
Others
Index

2
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do
not expose the unit to rain or
moisture.
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are
recyclable.
You can help preserve our
environment by returning your
used rechargeable batteries to
the collection and recycling
location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling of
rechargeable batteries, call toll free
1-800-822-8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/
Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking
Lithium-Ion batteries.
If you have any questions about this product, you
may call:
Sony Customer Information Services Center
1-800-222-SONY (7669)
The number below is for the FCC related matters
only.
Regulatory Information
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or
modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Note:
This 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:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the
equipment and receiver.
WARNING
For Customers in the U.S.A. and
Canada
For Customers in the U.S.A.
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the presence
of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product's
enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to
alert the user to the presence
of important operating and
maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
Declaration of Conformity
Trade Name: SONY
Model No.: DSC-N1
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc.
Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr,
San Diego, CA 92127U.S.A.
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230
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.

3
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV
technician for help.
The supplied interface cable must be used with the
equipment in order to comply with the limits for a
digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of
FCC Rules.
This product has been tested and found compliant
with the limits set out in the EMC Directive for
using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8
feet).
Attention
The electromagnetic fields at the specific
frequencies may influence the picture and sound
of this camera.
Notice
If static electricity or electromagnetism causes
data transfer to discontinue midway (fail), restart
the application or disconnect and connect the
communication cable (USB, etc.) again.
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic
Equipment (Applicable in the
European Union and other European
countries with separate collection
systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging
indicates that this product shall not be treated as
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over
to the applicable collection point for the recycling
of electrical and electronic equipment. By
ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you
will help prevent potential negative consequences
for the environment and human health, which
could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste
handling of this product. The recycling of
materials will help to conserve natural resources.
For more detailed information about recycling of
this product, please contact your local civic office,
your household waste disposal service or the shop
where you purchased the product.
A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 is fitted
to this equipment for your safety and convenience.
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be
replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied
one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS 1362,
(i.e., marked with an or mark) must be
used.
If the plug supplied with this equipment has a
detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach the fuse
cover after you change the fuse. Never use the
plug without the fuse cover. If you should lose the
fuse cover, please contact your nearest Sony
service station.
For Customers in Europe
Notice for customers in the
United Kingdom

4
Notes on using your camera
Types of “Memory Stick” that can be
used (not supplied)
The IC recording medium used by this
camera is a “Memory Stick Duo”. There are
two types of “Memory Stick”.
“Memory Stick Duo”: you can use a
“Memory Stick Duo” with your
camera.
“Memory Stick”: you cannot use a
“Memory Stick” with your camera.
Other memory cards cannot be used.
• For details on “Memory Stick Duo”, see
page 117.
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 supplied NP-BG1 battery pack
before using the camera for the first time.
(tstep 1 in “Read This First”)
• The battery pack can be charged even if it is not
completely discharged. Also, 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 your camera, then store it in a
cool, dry place. This is to maintain the battery
pack functions (page 119).
• For details on the usable battery pack, see
page 119.
Carl Zeiss lens
This camera is equipped with a Carl Zeiss
lens which is capable of reproducing sharp
images with excellent contrast.
The lens for this camera has been produced
under a quality assurance system certified
by Carl Zeiss in accordance with the quality
standards of Carl Zeiss in Germany.
No compensation for contents of the
recording
• The contents of the recording cannot be
compensated for if recording or playback is not
possible due to a malfunction of your camera or
recording media, etc.
Internal memory and “Memory Stick
Duo” back up
• Do not turn off the camera or remove the battery
pack or “Memory Stick Duo” while the access
lamp is lighted, as the internal memory data or
“Memory Stick Duo” data may be destroyed.
Always protect your data by making a back up
copy. See page 26 for the data back up method.
Notes on recording/playback
• This camera is neither dust-proof, nor splash-
proof, nor water-proof. Read “Precautions”
(page 122) before operating the camera.
• Before you record one-time events, make a trial
recording to make sure that the camera is
working correctly.
• Be careful not to get the camera wet. Water
entering the inside of the camera may cause
malfunctions which in some cases may not be
repairable.
• Do not aim the camera at the sun or other bright
light. It may cause the malfunction of your
camera.

5
• Do not use the camera near a location that
generates strong radio waves or emits radiation.
The camera may not be able to record or play
back properly.
• Using the camera in sandy or dusty locations
may cause malfunctions.
• If moisture condensation occurs, remove it
before using the camera (page 122).
• Do not shake or strike the camera. In addition to
malfunctions and an inability to record images,
this may render the recording medium unusable,
or cause image data breakdown, damage or loss.
• Clean the flash surface before use. The heat of
flash emission may cause dirt on the flash
surface to become discolored or to stick to the
flash surface, resulting in insufficient light
emission.
Notes on the LCD screen, LCD finder
(for models with an LCD finder) and
lens
• The LCD screen and the LCD finder are
manufactured using extremely high-precision
technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are
operational for effective use. However, there
may be some tiny black points and/or bright
points (white, red, blue or green in color) that
constantly appear on the LCD screen and the
LCD finder. These points are normal in the
manufacturing process and do not affect the
recording in any way.
• Exposing the LCD screen, the finder 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.
• This camera is equipped with a power zoom
lens. Be careful not to bump the lens, and be
careful not to apply force to it.
On image data compatibility
• This camera conforms with DCF (Design rule
for Camera File system) universal standard
established by JEITA (Japan Electronics and
Information Technology Industries
Association).
• Playback of images recorded with your camera
on other equipment and playback of images
recorded or edited with other equipment on your
camera are not guaranteed.
Warning on copyright
Television programs, films, videotapes, and other
materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized
recording of such materials may be contrary to the
provisions of the copyright laws.
The pictures used in this manual
The photographs used as examples of pictures in
this manual are reproduced images, and are not
actual images shot using this camera.
Black (white/red/
blue/green) points

6
For full use of the digital still camera
Prepare the camera and shoot images easily
“Read This First” (separate volume)
1Prepare the battery pack
2Turn the camera on/set the clock
3Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” (not supplied)
4Operate the touch panel
5Select the image size for use
6Shoot images easily (Auto adjustment mode)
7View/delete images
Get more friendly with your camera This manual
•Shoot with your favorite settings (Program auto shooting/
Manual shooting)
tpage 28
•Enjoy your images using the Album, Slide Show, and Paint
tpage 37, 40, 43
•Enjoy various shooting/playback using the menu tpage 45
•Change the default settings tpage 61
Connect your camera to a PC or a printer This manual
•Copy your images to a computer and enjoy editing them in
various ways tpage 75
•Print images by connecting your camera directly to a printer
(PictBridge compliant printers only) tpage 91

7
Table of contents
Notes on using your camera .....................................................................4
Basic techniques for better images .........................................................11
Focus – Focusing on a subject successfully................................................... 11
Exposure – Adjusting the light intensity .......................................................... 12
Color – On the effects of lighting..................................................................... 14
Quality – On “image quality” and “image size” ............................................... 14
Identifying parts.......................................................................................16
Indicators on the screen..........................................................................18
Changing the screen display ...................................................................22
Number of still images and recording time of movies..............................24
When you do not have a “Memory Stick Duo” (Recording with the internal
memory) ..................................................................................................25
Battery life and number of images that can be recorded/viewed ............27
Using the camera features ......................................................................28
Using the Album ......................................................................................37
Using the Slide Show ..............................................................................40
Painting the image...................................................................................43
Using menu items ..............................................................................45
Menu items ..........................................................................................46
Shooting menu ........................................................................................48
(Metering Mode)
WB (White Bal)
ISO
(P.Quality)
Mode (REC Mode)
BRK (Bracket Step)
(Interval)
(Flash Level)
PFX (P.Effect)
(Saturation)
(Contrast)
(Sharpness)
(Setup)
Enjoying the camera
Using the menu
M

8
Viewing menu ......................................................................................... 54
(Album)
(Exit Album)
(Slide Show)
(Paint)
(Delete)
(Volume)
(Folder)
-(Protect)
DPOF
(Print)
(Resize)
(Rotate)
(Divide)
(Setup)
(Trimming)
Using Setup items.............................................................................. 61
Camera 1........................................................................................... 62
AF Mode
Digital Zoom
Date/Time
Red Eye Reduction
Camera 2........................................................................................... 64
AF Illuminator
Auto Review
Internal Memory ................................................................................ 65
Format
Memory Stick .................................................................................... 66
Format
Create REC. Folder
Change REC. Folder
Copy
Album .............................................................................................. 69
Write in Album
Format
Check Album
Using the Setup screen
1
2

9
Setup 1 ...............................................................................................70
Download Music
Format Music
Setup 2 ...............................................................................................71
LCD Backlight
Beep
Language
Initialize
Setup 3 ...............................................................................................72
File Number
USB Connect
Video Out
Clock Set
Setup 4 ...............................................................................................74
Calibration
Housing
Enjoying your Windows computer ...........................................................75
Copying images to your computer...........................................................77
Viewing image files stored on a computer with your camera (using a
“Memory Stick Duo”) ...............................................................................84
Using the supplied software ....................................................................85
Using your Macintosh computer..............................................................87
How to print still images ..........................................................................90
Printing images directly using a PictBridge compliant printer .................91
Printing at a shop ....................................................................................95
Viewing images on a TV screen..............................................................97
Using your computer
Printing still images
Connecting your camera to your TV
1
2
3
4

10
Troubleshooting....................................................................................... 99
Warning indicators and messages........................................................113
On the “Memory Stick”.......................................................................... 117
On the battery pack .............................................................................. 119
On the battery charger.......................................................................... 120
Using the Cyber-shot Station................................................................ 121
Precautions ........................................................................................... 122
Specifications........................................................................................ 124
Troubleshooting
Others
Index.................................................................................................... 126

11
Enjoying the camera
Enjoying the camera
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.
To shoot a still image difficult to focus on t[Focus] (page 34)
If the image looks blurred even after focusing, it may be because of camera shake. tSee
“Hints for preventing blur” (as follows).
Focus Focusing on a subject successfully
Press the shutter
button fully down
straight away.
Press the shutter
button halfway
down.
AE/AF lock indicator
Flashing indicator,
Indicator lit/beeps
Then press the
shutter button
fully down.
Hints for preventing blur
Hold the camera steadily, keeping your arms at your side. Also, you can stabilize the
camera by leaning against a tree or a building beside you. Using a tripod, and using the
flash in dark places are also recommended.
Focus Exposure Color Quality
This section describes the basics so you can
enjoy your camera. It tells you how to use
various camera functions by touching the
buttons on the screen.

12
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.
tpage 31
EV:
Allows you to adjust the exposure that has
been determined by the camera.
tpage 32
Metering Mode:
Allows you to change the part of the
subject to be measured to determine the
exposure. tpage 48
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 = Recording sensitivity
Exposure:

13
Enjoying the camera
Adjusting the ISO sensitivity
ISO is unit of measurement (sensitivity), estimating how much light an image pickup device
(equivalent to photo films) receives. Even when the exposure is the same, images differ
depending on the ISO sensitivity.
To adjust the ISO sensitivity tpage 49
Characteristics of “shutter speed” Characteristics of “aperture”
(F value)
Faster
Moving objects
appear stopped.
Slower
Moving objects
appear to flow.
Open
In-focus range
narrows, both
backward and
forward.
Close
In-focus range
widens, both
backward and
forward.
High ISO sensitivity
Records a bright image even when shooting in a dark location.
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.

14
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 Bal] (page 48).
A digital image is made up of a collection of small dots called pixels.
If it contains a large number of pixels, the picture 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
Color On the effects of lighting
Weather/lighting Daylight Cloudy Fluorescent Incandescent
Characteristics of
light
White (standard) Bluish Blue-tinged Reddish
Quality On “image quality” and “image size”
1Image size: 8M
3264 pixels × 2448 pixels = 7,990,272 pixels
2Image size: VGA(E-Mail)
640 pixels × 480 pixels = 307,200 pixels
3264
2448
480
640
Pixels

15
Enjoying the camera
Selecting the image size for use (tstep 5 in “Read This First”)
The default settings are marked with .
* Images are recorded in the same 3:2 aspect ratio as photograph printing paper or postcards, etc.
** Both edges of the image may be cut off when printing (page 110).
***You can view images in higher quality if the TV has the “Memory Stick” slot or is connected via USB.
Selecting the image quality (compression ratio) in combination (page 49)
You can select the compression ratio when digital images are saved. When you select a high
compression ratio, the image lacks the fineness of detail, but has a smaller file size.
Pixel 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
Image size Usage guidelines
8M (3264×2448) Larger
Smaller
For saving valuable images or printing in A3 size or
high density images in A4 size
3:2* (3264×2176)
5M (2592×1944) For printing in A4 size or high density images in A5
size
3M (2048×1536)
1M (1280×960) For printing in postcard size
VGA(E-Mail)
(640×480)
For recording a large number of images
For attaching images to e-mail or creating web pages
16:9(HDTV)**
(1920×1080)
For viewing images on a wide TV or a TV compatible
with High-vision***

16
Identifying parts
See the pages in parentheses for details of
operation.
APOWER button/lamp (tstep 2 in
“Read This First”)
BShutter button (tstep 6 in “Read This
First”)
CFlash (tstep 6 in “Read This First”)
DSelf-timer lamp (tstep 6 in “Read This
First”)/AF illuminator (64)
EMicrophone
FSpeaker
GLens
AFor shooting: Zoom (W/T) button
(tstep 6 in “Read This First”)
For viewing: / (Playback zoom)
button/ (Index) button (tstep 7 in
“Read This First”)
BLCD screen (22)/touch panel (tstep 4
in “Read This First”)
CHook for wrist strap (t“Read This
First”)
DMode switch (28)
E(on-screen key) button (tstep 4 in
“Read This First”)
FBattery/“Memory Stick Duo” cover (t
step 1 and 3 in “Read This First”)
G(Screen display on/off) button (22)
HAccess lamp (tstep 4 in “Read This
First”)
I“Memory Stick Duo” slot
(tstep 3 in “Read This First”)
JBattery insertion slot
(tstep 1 in “Read This First”)
KBattery eject lever
(tstep 1 in “Read This First”)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
qs
qd
8
9
q;
qa

17
Enjoying the camera
LTripod receptacle (bottom)
• Use a tripod with a screw length of less than
5.5 mm (7/32 inch). You will be unable to
firmly secure the camera to tripods having
screws longer than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch), and
may damage the camera.
MMulti connector (bottom)
When using an AC-LS5K AC Adaptor
(not supplied)
To attach the stylus
Attach the stylus to the wrist strap as shown
below.
Do not carry the camera by holding the
stylus. The camera may fall down.
2To the multi connector
1To DC IN
jack
3To wall
outlet
vmark
Cable for multi-use
terminal (supplied)

18
Indicators on the screen
See the pages in parentheses for details of
operation.
When shooting still images
When shooting movies
A
ISO 400
125F3.5+2.0EV MAF
400
FINE
VGA
C:32:00
0.7
EV
1
2
3
4
5
+2.0EV
[
00:28:25
]
00:00:00STBY
C:32:00
STD
640
1
2
3
4
5
Display Indication
Battery remaining (tstep
1 in “Read This First”)
zAE/AF lock (tstep 6 in
“Read This First”)
BRK Recording mode (28, 50)
White balance (48)
STBY
REC
Standby/Recording a movie
(tstep 6 in “Read This
First”)
Camera mode (Scene
Selection) (29)
Camera mode (Program/
Manual) (28)
Flash mode (tstep 6 in
“Read This First”)
Flash charging
Zoom scaling (t62, step 6
in “Read This First”)
Red-eye reduction (63)
Sharpness (53)
Saturation (52)
Contrast (52)
AF illuminator (64)
Metering mode (48)
Picture effect (52)
Housing mode (74)
M
WB
SL
1.3
ON

19
Enjoying the camera
B
C
D
E
Display Indication
Histogram (22, 33)
NR slow shutter
• If the shutter speed is
slower than or equal to 1/6
second, the NR slow shutter
function activates
automatically to reduce the
picture noise.
125 Shutter speed (31)
F3.5 Aperture value (31)
+2.0EV Exposure Value (32)
Display Indication
Image size (tstep 5 in
“Read This First”)
FINE STD Image quality (49)
Recording folder (66)
• This does not appear when
using internal memory.
Remaining internal
memory capacity (25)
Remaining “Memory
Stick” capacity (24)
Album (37)
00:00:00
[00:28:05]
Recording time [maximum
recordable time] (24, 25)
1/30" Multi Burst interval (51)
400 Remaining number of
recordable images (24, 25)
Self-timer (tstep 6 in
“Read This First”)
C:32:00 Self-diagnosis display
(113)
Date/Time (63)
ISO number (49)
3:2 5M
8M
1M VGA3M
FINE
640 STD 640
16:9
160
101
±0.7EV Bracket Step value (51)
Display Indication
Vibration warning (11)
• 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 using the flash
for better lighting or using a
tripod or other means to
stabilize the camera.
ELow battery warning (27,
113)
+Spot metering cross hair
(48)
AF range finder frame (34)
Display Indication
Macro (tstep 6 in “Read
This First”)
AF mode (62)
AF range finder frame
indicator (34)
1.0m Focus preset distance (34)
Display Indication
S AF M A F

20
When playing back still images
When playing back movies
A
B
2005 1 1
12/12
C:32:00
9:30
AM
101-0012
M
VGA
1.3
+2.0EV ISO 400
F3.5500
1
2
3
4
8/8
C:32:00
2005 1 1
9:30
AM
101-0012
160
REV CUESTOP
VOL.
1
2
3
4
Display Indication
Battery remaining (tstep
1 in “Read This First”)
Recording mode (28, 50)
NPlayback (tstep 7 in
“Read This First”)
-Protect (55)
Print order (DPOF) mark
(95)
Change folder (54)
• This does not appear when
using internal memory.
Zoom scaling (tstep 7 in
“Read This First”)
Step
12/16
Frame by frame playback
(50)
Housing mode (74)
Display Indication
Histogram (22, 33)
• appears when histogram
display is disabled.
Playback bar (tstep 7 in
“Read This First”)
Control guide (22)
M
1.3
STOP
REV
CUE