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Minolta Dimage S404 Dimage technology and optics in a compact, stylish four megapixel design Select a topic Reference: Datasheet Dimage S404 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on Dimage S404 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Operation & User Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Image Storage & Interface>> Page 9:Camera Modes & Menus Review First Posted: 1/30/2002

Camera Modes and Menus

Auto: The first setting on the Mode dial (after the Off position), this mode allows the camera to capture still images. Exposure is controlled by the camera, as are white balance, color, metering, and ISO. The settings menu offers the following adjustment options:

• Image Size: Sets the image resolution size to 2,272 x 1,704, 1,600 x 1,200, 1,280 x 960, or 640 x 480 pixels.
• Quality: Assigns the image compression level to Superfine (uncompressed), Fine, Standard, or Economy.
• Voice Memo: Turns the voice captioning option on or off, and offers five or 15-second recording times.
• Date Imprint: Allows the user to imprint the date and time on the image.
• Digital Zoom: Turns the 2.2x digital zoom function on or off.
• Instant Playback: Activates the Instant Playback feature, which displays the most recently captured image for either two or 10 seconds after capture.
  

Manual: Enables still image capture, though now with increased exposure options. Pressing the Menu button pulls up three screens of options.

• Basic
  • Exposure Mode: Sets the exposure control to Program, Aperture Priority, or Manual modes.
  • Image Size: Sets the image size to 2,272 x 1,704, 1,600 x 1,200, 1,280 x 960, or 640 x 480 pixels.
  • Quality: Sets the image compression level to Superfine (TIFF), Fine, Standard, or Economy.
  • White Balance: Adjusts the overall color balance of the image. Choices are Cloudy, Daylight, Auto, Tungsten, Fluorescent, and Custom.
  • Focus Mode: Places the focus under Automatic or Manual control.
  • Sensitivity: Adjusts the camera's sensitivity to Auto or 64, 100, 200, or 400 ISO equivalents.
    
    
• Custom 1
  • Full-Time AF: Sets the camera to adjust focus continuously or only when the Shutter button is halfway pressed.
  • Metering Mode: Assigns the exposure metering mode to Multi-Segment or Spot.
  • Exposure Bracket: Determines the exposure variance between bracketed images. Choices are 0.3, 0.5, or 1.0 EV increments.
  • Digital Zoom: Enables or disables the 2.2x digital zoom.
  • Instant Playback: Activates the Instant Playback feature, which displays the most recently captured image for either two or 10 seconds after capture.
    
    
• Custom 2
  • Color Mode: Records images in Full Color or Black and White.
  • Sharpness: Adjusts the image sharpness setting to Normal, Hard, or Soft.
  • Contrast: Increases or decreases the image contrast setting. Options are Normal, High, or Low.
  • Saturation: Enhances the color saturation, with choices of Normal, High, or Low.
  • Voice Memo: Turns the voice captioning option on or off, and offers five or 15-second recording times.
  • Date Imprint: Allows the user to imprint the date and time on the image.
    

Playback Mode: Reviews all captured images and movies on the CompactFlash card. Users can view a histogram of each image, enlarge images as much as 3.5x, or view several images at a time in the nine-image index display mode. Pressing the Menu button offers the following options:

• Basic
  • Delete: Erases the current frame, all frames, or marked frames from the memory card.
  • Lock: Write-protects the current image, all images, or marked images on the memory card. Locked images cannot be manipulated or deleted, except through card formatting.
  • Index Format: Sets the index page to display nine or four frames. (Nine is the default.)
    
    
•  Custom 1
  • Slide Show: Activates an automated slide show of all captured images.
  • Playback: Specifies which frames to play back in the slide show.
  • Duration: Designates the interval between each frame in the slide show. Choices range from one to 60 seconds.
  • Repeat: Specifies whether the slide show repeats after the final image is shown.
    
    
• Custom 2
  • Print: Designates whether the current frame, all frames, or only marked frames will be printed.
  • Index Print: Orders an index print of all images on the card.
  • Cancel Print: Cancels the DPOF print order for all files on either the card or in a specified folder.
  • Copy: Copies selected files from one CompactFlash card to another.
    

Movie Mode: Indicated by the movie camera icon on the Mode dial, this mode sets the camera for capturing moving images with sound. Movies are captured at the 320 x 240 resolution size, for approximately 60 seconds per movie. There is no settings menu available in this mode.

Setup Mode: Automatically displays the following Setup menu:

• Basic
  • LCD Brightness: Adjusts the overall LCD brightness level, with settings from 1 through 5.
  • Format: Formats the CompactFlash card, erasing all images.
  • Power Save: Specifies the length of the period of inactivity before the camera goes to sleep. Choices are 1, 3, 5, or 10 minutes.
  • Audio Signals: Controls the camera's sound effects and audio.
  • Volume: Adjusts the camera's volume, with settings from 1 to 3.
  • Language: Sets the menu language to Japanese, English, German, French, or Spanish.
    
    
• Custom 1
  • File # Memory: Turns the file numbering memory on or off. If on, the camera continuously numbers files, regardless of what CompactFlash card is in use.
  • Select Folder: Selects the folder on the CompactFlash card to store images and movies to.
    
    
• Custom 2
  • Reset Default: Resets all camera settings to their defaults.
  • Date/Time Set: Sets the camera's internal clock and calendar.
  • Date Format: Offers a selection of date formats to choose from.
  • Video Output: Sets the video timing to NTSC or PAL.
    

PC Mode: The final option on the Mode dial (marked with a crooked arrow), this mode allows you to connect the camera to a computer and download images via the USB cable.