Sony DSC S730 - Cyber-shot Digital Camera User manual

© 2007 Sony Corporation 3-281-190-11(1)
Digital Still Camera
Cyber-shot Handbook
DSC-S730
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.
Table of contents
Basic Operations
Using the menu
Using the Setup screen
Viewing images on a TV
Using your computer
Printing still images
Troubleshooting
Others
Index
VCLICK!
GB

2
Notes on using your 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 95.
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 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.
• 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.
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 points

3
Table of contents
Notes on using your camera .....................................................................2
Basic techniques for better images ...........................................................6
Focus – Focusing on a subject successfully..................................................... 6
Exposure – Adjusting the light intensity ............................................................ 8
Color – On the effects of lighting....................................................................... 9
Quality – On “image quality” and “image size” ............................................... 10
Flash – On using the flash ............................................................................... 11
Identifying parts.......................................................................................12
Indicators on the screen..........................................................................14
Changing the screen display ...................................................................18
Using the internal memory ......................................................................19
Using the mode dial.................................................................................20
Shooting images easily (Auto adjustment mode) ....................................21
Shooting still images (Scene selection)...................................................25
Viewing/deleting images..........................................................................28
Using menu items ..............................................................................30
Menu items ..........................................................................................31
Shooting menu ........................................................................................32
COLOR (Color Mode): Changing the vividness of the image or adding special effects
(EV): Adjusting the light intensity
9(Focus): Changing the focus method
(Metering Mode): Selecting the metering mode
WB (White Bal): Adjusting the color tones
ISO: Selecting a luminous sensitivity
Mode (REC Mode): Selecting the continuous shooting method
(Flash Level): Adjusting the amount of flash light
(Sharpness): Adjusting the sharpness of the image
(Setup): Changing Setup items
Basic Operations
Using the menu

4
Table of contents
Viewing menu ......................................................................................... 41
(Folder): Selecting the folder for viewing images
-(Protect): Preventing accidental erasure
DPOF: Adding a Print order mark
(Print): Printing images using a printer
(Slide): Playing back a series of images
(Resize): Changing the image size of a recorded image
(Rotate): Rotating a still image
(Setup): Changing Setup items
Trimming: Recording an enlarged image
Using Setup items.............................................................................. 48
Camera.............................................................................................. 49
Internal Memory Tool......................................................................... 51
Format
Memory Stick Tool............................................................................. 52
Setup1................................................................................................ 55
Setup2................................................................................................ 56
Viewing images on a TV ......................................................................... 58
Using the Setup screen
Viewing images on a TV
Digital Zoom
Function Guide
Red Eye Reduction
Auto Review
Format
Create REC. Folder
Change REC. Folder
Copy
1
Beep
Language
Initialize
2
USB Connect
Video Out
Clock Set

5
Table of contents
Enjoying your Windows computer ...........................................................60
Installing the software (supplied).............................................................62
On the “Picture Motion Browser” (supplied) ............................................64
Copying images to your computer using the “Picture Motion Browser”...65
Copying images to a computer without “Picture Motion Browser”...........69
Viewing image files stored on a computer with the camera copying to the
“Memory Stick Duo” ................................................................................71
Using your Macintosh computer..............................................................72
Viewing “Cyber-shot Step-up Guide”.......................................................74
How to print still images ..........................................................................75
Printing images directly using a PictBridge compliant printer .................76
Printing at a shop ....................................................................................80
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................82
Warning messages..................................................................................92
Using the camera abroad — Power sources...........................................94
On the “Memory Stick Duo”.....................................................................95
On the batteries.......................................................................................97
Index........................................................................................................98
Using your computer
Printing still images
Troubleshooting
Others
Index

6
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 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
Do not fully press
the shutter button
straight away.
Focus Exposure Color Quality
This section describes the basics so you can
enjoy your camera. It tells you how to use
various camera functions such as the mode
dial (page 20), and the menus (page 30).
Flash
Press the shutter
button halfway
down.
AE/AF lock indicator
flashing , lit/beeps
Then press the
shutter button fully
down.

7
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) in Scene
Selection.
• Select a higher ISO sensitivity to make the
shutter speed faster, and press the shutter
button before the subject moves.
Notes
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.

8
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.
Adjusting the 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 38.
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.
Adjusting EV:
Allows you to adjust the exposure
determined by the camera (page 33).
Metering Mode:
Allows you to change the part of the
subject to be measured to determine the
exposure (page 36).
Correct exposure
Underexposure
= too little light
Darker image
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.
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:

9
Basic techniques for better images
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 37).
Color On the effects of lighting
Weather/lighting Daylight Cloudy Fluorescent Incandescent
Characteristics of
light
White (standard) Bluish Green-tinged Reddish

10
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 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
Selecting the image size for use (page 24)
Quality On “image quality” and “image size”
1Image size: 7M
3072 pixels × 2304 pixels = 7,077,888 pixels
2Image size: VGA(E-Mail)
640 pixels × 480 pixels = 307,200 pixels
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
3072
2304
480
640
Pixels

11
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 50).
• Select (High Sensitivity mode)* in Scene Selection (page 26). (The flash is turned off automatically.)
• When the eyes of the subject turn out red, correct the image with the supplied software “Picture Motion
Browser”.
“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)* in Scene Selection. (The flash is turned off automatically.)
* Even though you selected (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.
Flash On using the flash
Camera Eye
Retina
Camera
Subject
Particles (dust, pollen,
etc.) in the air

12
Identifying parts
See the pages in parentheses for details of
operation.
AShutter button (21)
BSelf-timer lamp (23)
CMicrophone
DLens
EPOWER button
FPOWER lamp
GFlash (22)
HBuzzer
I(USB) · A/V OUT terminal (side) AFor shooting: Zoom (W/T) button
(22)
For viewing: / (Playback zoom)
button/ (Index) button (28, 29)
BLCD screen (18)
C(Playback) button (28)
DHook for strap
EMode dial (20)
FMENU button (30)
• Press MENU longer to display the
(Setup) screen.
GControl button
Menu on: v/V/b/B/z(30)
Menu off: DISP/ / / (18, 22-23)
HFor shooting: (Image Size) button
(24)
For viewing: (Delete) button (28)
1
6
27
3
4
5
9
8
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
qa
qs
qf
qd
Bottom

13
Identifying parts
IAC adaptor cord cover
When using an AC-LS5K AC Adaptor
(not supplied)
• Do not pinch the cord when you close the
cover.
• You cannot charge the Nickel-Metal
Hydride batteries by the AC-LS5K AC
Adaptor. Use the battery charger to charge
the Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries.
JAccess lamp
KTripod 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.
LBattery/“Memory Stick Duo” cover
M“Memory Stick Duo” slot
NBatteries insertion slot
1
2
3
4
5

14
Indicators on the screen
Each time you press v(DISP) on the
control button, the display changes
(page 18).
See the pages in parentheses for details of
operation.
When shooting still images
When shooting movies
A
B
Display Indication
Battery remaining
zAE/AF lock (21)
Recording mode (21, 39)
White balance (37)
STBY
REC
Standby/Recording a movie
Mode dial (Scene
Selection) (25)
Mode dial (Program Auto)
(20)
Camera mode
Flash mode (22)
Flash charging
Zoom scaling (22, 49)
Red-eye reduction (50)
Sharpness (40)
Metering mode (36)
RICH
NATURAL
SEPIA B&W
Color mode (32)
Display Indication
Macro (23)
AF range finder frame
indicator (34)
1.0 m Focus preset distance (34)
WB
SL
1.6

15
Indicators on the screen
C
D
E
Display Indication
Image size (24)
Recording folder (52)
• This does not appear when
using internal memory.
Remaining internal
memory capacity
Remaining “Memory
Stick” capacity
0:12
[00:00:40]
Recording time [maximum
recordable time]
12 Remaining number of
recordable images
Self-timer (23)
ISO number (38)
Display Indication
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 use the
flash for better lighting or
using a tripod or other
means to stabilize the
camera (page 7).
ELow battery warning (92)
+Spot metering cross hairs
(36)
AF range finder frame (34)
3:2
7M 5M
3M VGA 16:9
101
Display Indication
Histogram (18)
125 Shutter speed
F2.8 Aperture value
+2.0EV Exposure Value (33)
(not displayed
on the screen
on the previous
page)
Menu (30)

16
Indicators on the screen
When playing back still images
When playing back movies
A
B
Display Indication
Battery remaining
Recording mode (21)
Image size (24)
Playback mode
-Protect (42)
Print order (DPOF) mark
(80)
Changing folder (41)
• This does not appear when
using internal memory.
Zoom scaling (28)
NPlayback (28)
Display Indication
101-0012 Folder-file number (41)
Playback bar
3:2
7M 5M
3M VGA 16:9
1.3

17
Indicators on the screen
C
D
E
Display Indication
PictBridge connecting (77)
Recording folder (52)
• This does not appear when
using internal memory.
Playback folder (41)
• This does not appear when
using internal memory.
Remaining internal
memory capacity
Remaining “Memory
Stick” capacity
8/8 12/12 Image number/Number of
images recorded in selected
folder
00:00:12 Counter
Display Indication
PictBridge connecting (78)
• Do not disconnect the
dedicated USB cable while
the icon is displayed.
+2.0EV Exposure Value (33)
ISO number (38)
Metering mode (36)
Flash
White balance (37)
500 Shutter speed
F2.8 Aperture value
101
101
WB
Display Indication
Histogram (18)
• appears when
histogram display is
disabled.
2008 1 1
9:30 AM
Recorded date/time of the
playback image
Menu (30)
BACK/
NEXT
Selecting images
DPOF

18
Changing the screen display
Each time you press v(DISP) on the
control button, the display changes as
follows:
*The brightness of the LCD Backlight up
• 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.
• 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.
zAdjusting EV (Exposure Value) by
displaying a histogram
A histogram is a graph showing the
brightness of an image. Press v(DISP) on
the control button repeatedly to display the
histogram on the screen. The graph display
indicates a bright image when skewed to the
right side, and a dark image when skewed
to the left side.
ANumber of pixels
BBrightness
• The histogram also appears when playing back a
single image, but you cannot adjust the
exposure.
vDISP (Screen
display) button
Indicators on*
Histogram on*
Indicators on
Histogram display
(page 18)
During playback,
the image
information is
displayed.
Indicators off*
BrightDark
A
B

19
Using the internal memory
The camera has approximately 22 MB of internal memory. This memory is not removable.
Even when there is no “Memory Stick Duo” inserted in the camera, you can record images
using this internal memory.
We recommend that you copy (back up) data without error using one of the following
methods.
To copy (back up) data on a “Memory Stick Duo”
Prepare a “Memory Stick Duo” with sufficient free capacity, then perform the procedure
explained in [Copy] (page 54).
To copy (back up) data on a hard disk of your computer
Perform the procedure on pages 65, 66 or 69, 70 without a “Memory Stick Duo” inserted in
the camera.
• You cannot copy image data on a “Memory Stick Duo” to the internal memory.
• By connecting the camera and a computer with a dedicated USB cable, you can copy data stored in the
internal memory to a computer. However you cannot copy data on a computer to the internal memory.
When a “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted
[Recording]: Images are recorded on the “Memory Stick
Duo”.
[Playback]: Images on the “Memory Stick Duo” are
played back.
[Menu, Setup, etc.]: Various functions can be performed
on images on the “Memory Stick Duo”.
When there is no “Memory Stick Duo” inserted
[Recording]: Images are recorded using the internal
memory.
[Playback]: Images stored in the internal memory are
played back.
[Menu, Setup, etc.]: Various functions can be performed
on images in the internal memory.
On image data stored in the internal memory
Internal
memory
B
B

20
Basic Operations
Using the mode dial
Set the mode dial to the desired function.
On Function Guide
When [Function Guide] is set to [On], the descriptions of functions are displayed as you
operate the camera.
The default setting is [On]. Select [Off] if you do not want the function guide to appear
(page 50).
Mode dial
Still image shooting modes
: Auto Adjustment mode
Allows easy shooting with the settings adjusted automatically. tpage 21
: Program Auto mode
Allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically (both the shutter
speed and the aperture value). Also you can select various settings using the
menu.
(For details on the functions available tpage 31)
: Movie recording mode
Allows you to record movies. tpage 21
: Scene Selection mode
Allows you to shoot with preset settings according to the scene. tpage 25