Minolta Dimage S304Minolta packs Dimage technology & optics into a compact 3.3 megapixel prosumer camera!<<Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests :(Previous) | (Next): Camera Modes & Menus>> Page 8:Operation & User InterfaceReview First Posted: 9/13/2001 |
Operation & User Interface
The majority of the Dimage S304's user controls are accessed via the camera's external buttons and Mode dial, which are clearly marked and relatively easy to learn. The on-screen menus are more extensive than the Dimage 5 and 7 models, taking some of their external adjustments and incorporating them into the menu system. There are also quite a few "hidden" controls, especially in Manual mode, where one button may perform a variety of functions. Overall, we were pleased with the operation and user interface once we learned its many nuances.
Control Enumeration
Shutter Button
Located on the top right side of the camera, this button sets exposure and focus when half-pressed, and trips the shutter when fully depressed. When fully depressed in Self-Timer mode, the Shutter button triggers the 10-second countdown before exposure.
Mode Dial / Main Switch
In the right rear corner of the top panel, this knob turns the camera on or off and selects the main operating modes. Options include: Auto-Recording, Multi-Function Recording, Playback, Movie-Recording, Setup, and Data Transfer modes.
Data / Status Panel
Not a control per se, this data readout panel is located in the center of the top panel and displays icons and numbers indicating the status of a wide range of camera settings.
Subject Program Button
Just to the right of the status panel, this button cycles the camera through its five "Digital Subject Programs," including Macro, Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, and Text Modes.
Flash Mode / Magnification Button
The first control (left to right) in a set of three buttons located below the Data / Status panel, pressing this button in Auto or Multi modes scrolls through the available Flash settings. Options include: Autoflash, Fill Flash, Autoflash w / Red-Eye Reduction, Fill Flash w / Red-Eye Reduction, and Flash Cancel. In Playback mode, pressing this button magnifies the image displayed on screen up to 3.2x, and then returns it to normal magnification.
Drive Mode Button
The second control in a set of three buttons located below the Data / Status panel, the Drive mode button controls the rate and method images are recorded. Options include Single-Frame Advance (default), Self-Timer / Remote Control, Continuous Advance, and Auto Bracketing.
Exposure Compensation Button
The third control in a set of three buttons located below the Data / Status panel, the Exposure Compensation button is used in Auto or Program exposure modes to adjust the lightness and darkness of the final image. Pressing the button once activates Exposure Compensation. Pressing the Left and Right Arrow buttons adjusts the amount of compensation from +2 to -2 exposure values (EV) in one-third-step increments. Pressing the button once more, after choosing the desired exposure, sets the EV. In Manual mode, pressing this button highlights the shutter speed or aperture setting. The highlighted setting is then adjustable with the Left and Right Arrow buttons of the Five-Way Controller (below).
Five-Way Controller
Located at the top of the back panel, this rocker control is used to step through selections within the LCD menu system and to interact with various status messages or requests for confirmation that appear on the LCD screen. You navigate the menus by pressing one of the four arrows around the control's periphery, and confirm selections by pressing the center of the controller.
When Autofocus is engaged, the Up and Down Arrows are used to control the zoom of the lens (Up zooms toward Telephoto, Down zooms toward Wide-Angle). When Manual Focus is selected, the Up and Down Arrows are used to control Focus or Zoom. Pressing the Controller's center button switches between the two functions, highlighting the active setting in blue.
When Manual Exposure mode is engaged, the Left and Right Arrows are used to select Shutter Speed or Aperture, along with the Exposure Compensation button (above). When Aperture-Priority mode is engaged, the Left and Right Arrows are used to select the aperture setting only.
In Multi-Function capture mode, pressing and holding the five-way controller switches between spot focusing and wide area focusing. When switching to spot focusing, the four arrow keys select from among five standard spot-focus locations.
In Playback mode, pressing the Left and Right Arrow buttons scrolls through saved images, while pressing the Up Arrow calls up an information display with detailed information about the on-screen image. (Pressing the Down Arrow brings back the normal display.)
Menu Button
Located directly below the Five-Way Controller, this button calls up the on-screen menu system and turns it off again.
QV / Delete Button
Below the Menu button, the Quick View / Delete button lets you quickly switch from Record to Playback mode to view the most recently captured image. When viewing an image in Playback, pressing this button prompts the camera to ask if you want to delete it.
Display Button
At the bottom of the back panel, this button controls the amount of information displayed on the LCD screen while in Record and Playback modes, and it activates the Index display in Playback mode.
Card Slot Door Release
This sliding button is located in the upper right corner of the back panel. Pressing down on it springs the memory compartment door, uncovering the memory card slot, USB port, and AV-Out terminal.
Battery Compartment Latch
Located on top of the battery compartment door, this latch locks and unlocks the battery compartment cover.
Follow Imaging Resource: