Sony DSC-W300 User Manual

© 2008 Sony Corporation 3-300-511-11(1)GBDigital Still CameraCyber-shot HandbookDSC-W300Before operating the unit, please read this Handbook thoroughl

10Basic techniques for better imagesAdjusting ISO Sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)ISO sensitivity is a speed rating for recording media that i

100Installing the software (supplied)You can install the software (supplied) using the following procedure.• Log on as Administrator.1 Turn on your co

101Using your computerInstalling the software (supplied)After you install the software, the short cut icons for “Picture Motion Browser”, “PMB Guide”,

102On the “Picture Motion Browser” (supplied)You can use still images and movies from the camera more than ever by taking advantage of the software.Th

103Using your computerCopying images to your computer using the “Picture Motion Browser”1 Insert a “Memory Stick Duo” with recorded images into the ca

104Copying images to your computer using the “Picture Motion Browser”1 Connects the camera to a computer as described in “Connecting the camera to you

105Using your computerCopying images to your computer using the “Picture Motion Browser”Perform the procedures from steps 1 to 4 below before:• Discon

106Copying images to your computer using the “Picture Motion Browser”• You cannot record any images to the “100MSDCF” folder. The images in this folde

107Using your computerCopying images to a computer without “Picture Motion Browser”You can copy images to your computer without “Picture Motion Browse

108Copying images to a computer without “Picture Motion Browser”3 Click [Open folder to view files] (For Windows XP: [Open folder to view files] t [OK

109Using your computerViewing image files stored on a computer with the camera copying to the “Memory Stick Duo”This section describes the process usi

11Basic techniques for better imagesA digital image is made up of a collection of small dots called pixels.If it contains a large number of pixels, th

110Using the “Music Transfer” (supplied)You can change the Music files that are preset at the factory to the desired Music files using “Music Transfer

111Using your computerUsing your Macintosh computerYou can copy images to your Macintosh computer.• “Picture Motion Browser” is not compatible with Ma

112Using your Macintosh computer4 View images on the computer.Double-click the hard disk icon t the desired image file in the folder containing the co

113Using your computerViewing “Cyber-shot Step-up Guide”When you install “Cyber-shot Handbook”, “Cyber-shot Step-up Guide” is also installed. “Cyber-s

114Printing still imagesHow to print still imagesWhen you print images shot in [16:9] mode, both edges may be cut off, so be sure to check before prin

115Printing still imagesPrinting images directly using a PictBridge compliant printerEven if you do not have a computer, you can print images shot usi

116Printing images directly using a PictBridge compliant printer1 Connect the camera to the printer.2 Turn on the printer. Press the (Playback) butt

117Printing still imagesPrinting images directly using a PictBridge compliant printer1 Select print settings with v/V/b/B.[Quantity]Selects the number

118Printing at a shopYou can take a “Memory Stick Duo” containing images shot with the camera to a photo printing service shop. As long as the shop su

119Printing still imagesPrinting at a shop1 Press the MENU button while displaying images in single-image mode or in index mode.2 Select [DPOF] with v

12Basic techniques for better imagesThe default settings are marked with .• The larger the image size, the higher the image quality.• The higher the

120TroubleshootingTroubleshootingIf you experience trouble with the camera, try the following solutions.Be aware that by sending the camera for repair

121TroubleshootingTroubleshootingCannot insert the battery pack.• Insert the battery pack correctly to push the battery eject lever.Cannot turn on the

122TroubleshootingCannot shoot in Smile Shutter mode.• Press the shutter button all the way down.• No image is shot unless a smile is detected (page 3

123TroubleshootingTroubleshootingThe flash does not work.• The flash is set to (Flash forced off) (page 26).• You cannot use the flash when:– [REC M

124TroubleshootingThe image is too bright.• Adjust the exposure (page 55).The image colors are not correct.• Set [Color Mode] to [Normal] (page 64).•

125TroubleshootingTroubleshootingCannot play back images.• Press the (Playback) button (page 36).• The folder/file name has been changed on your com

126TroubleshootingComputer OS compatibility with camera is unknown.• Check “Recommended computer environment” on page 99 for Windows, and page 111 for

127TroubleshootingTroubleshootingYou do not know how to use “Picture Motion Browser”.• Refer to “PMB Guide” (page 102).The image and sound are interru

128TroubleshootingSee “PictBridge compliant printer” together with the following items.Images are printed with both edges cut off.• Depending on your

129TroubleshootingTroubleshootingPrinting is canceled.• Confirm that you have disconnected the cable for multi-use terminal before the (PictBridge C

13Basic techniques for better imagesThe eyes of the subject may come out red, or fuzzy white circular spots may appear when using the flash. These phe

130TroubleshootingThe lens gets fogged.• Moisture condensation has occurred. Turn off the camera and leave it for about an hour before using it.The le

131TroubleshootingWarning indicators and messagesIf a code starting with a letter of the alphabet appears, the self-diagnosis function on the camera i

132Warning indicators and messagesCannot access Memory Stick Access denied• You are using the “Memory Stick Duo” with the access controlled.Error form

133TroubleshootingWarning indicators and messagesMacro is invalid• The macro is unavailable under the current settings (page 31).Flash settings cannot

134Warning indicators and messagesUnable to detect face for retouch• Retouching may not be possible depending on the image.Turn the power off and on a

135OthersOthersUsing the camera abroad — Power sourcesYou can use the camera, the battery charger (supplied), and the AC-LS5K AC Adaptor (not supplied

136On the “Memory Stick Duo”A “Memory Stick Duo” is a compact, portable IC recording medium. The types of “Memory Stick Duo” that can be used with the

137OthersOn the “Memory Stick Duo”Notes on using the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor (not supplied)• To use a “Memory Stick Duo” with a “Memory Stick” compli

138On the battery packOn charging the battery packWe recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86

139OthersOn the battery chargerOn the battery charger• Do not charge any battery pack other than the NP-BG type or NP-FG type battery packs in the bat

14Identifying partsSee the pages in parentheses for details of operation.A POWER buttonB Shutter button (24)C POWER lampD Flash (26)E MicrophoneF Lens

140On Cyber-shot StationOn Cyber-shot StationThe Cyber-shot Station CSS-HD2 (not supplied) is compliant to your camera.Using the Cyber-shot Station (n

141IndexIndexIndexAAdd / Remove Favorites ...70Adjusting EV ...21, 55AE/AF lock indicator...24, 59AF Illuminator ...

142IndexHolding the camera ...24HOME ...44IIdentifying parts ...14Image file storage destina

143IndexIndexSmile demo mode ...86Smile Detection ...52Smile DetectionSensitivity...52Smile Shutter

144Notes on the License“C Library”, “Expat” and “zlib”, software are provided in the camera. We provide this software based on license agreements with

Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.

15Identifying partsK Control buttonMenu on: v/V/b/B/z (46)Menu off: DISP/ / / (20, 26, 27)When the mode dial is set to : Shutter Speed/Aperture (34)

16Indicators on the screenEach time you press v (DISP) on the control button, the display changes (page 20).See the pages in parentheses for details o

17Indicators on the screenBCD Color mode (64) Color Filter (65) Contrast (66) Sharpness (66) Color Saturation (66)Display Indication Manual e

18Indicators on the screenWhen playing back still imagesWhen playing back moviesABDisplay IndicationBattery remainingLow battery warning (131)

19Indicators on the screenCHistogram (20)• appears when histogram display is disabled.Display IndicationPlayback folder (79)• This does not appear wh

2Notes on using the cameraNotes on the types of “Memory Stick” that you can use (not supplied)“Memory Stick Duo”You can use a “Memory Stick Duo” with

20Changing the screen displayEach time you press v (DISP) on the control button, the display changes as follows:• If you view images in bright outside

21Changing the screen displayz Adjusting EV (Exposure Value) by displaying a histogramA histogram is a graph showing the brightness of an image. Press

22Using the internal memoryThe camera has approximately 15 MB of internal memory. This memory is not removable. Even when there is no “Memory Stick Du

23Basic OperationsBasic OperationsUsing the mode dialSet the mode dial to the desired function.: Auto Adjustment modeAllows shooting with the settings

24Shooting images (Auto Adjustment mode)1 Select the desired function from the mode dial.When shooting still images (Auto Adjustment mode): Select .W

25Basic OperationsShooting images (Auto Adjustment mode)When shooting movies:Press the shutter button fully down.To stop recording, press the shutter

26Shooting images (Auto Adjustment mode)Flash (Selecting a flash mode for still images)Press B ( ) on the control button repeatedly until the desired

27Basic OperationsShooting images (Auto Adjustment mode)Using the self-timerPress V ( ) on the control button repeatedly until the desired mode is sel

28Shooting still images (Scene Selection)Select the mode ( / / / /SCN) in the mode dial1 Select the desired mode of Scene Selection ( / / / /SCN) with

29Basic OperationsShooting still images (Scene Selection)Scene Selection modesThe following modes are preset to match the scene conditions.Modes selec

3Table of contentsNotes on using the camera ...2Basic techniques for better images

30Shooting still images (Scene Selection)LandscapeFocuses only on a distant subject to shoot landscapes, etc.Twilight Portrait*Allows you to shoot sha

31Basic OperationsShooting still images (Scene Selection)UnderwaterAllows you to shoot underwater in natural colors when using a water proof housing.*

32Shooting still images (Scene Selection)Shooting in Smile Shutter modeWhen the camera detects a smile, the shutter is released automatically.1 Select

33Basic OperationsShooting still images (Scene Selection)z Hints for better capturing of smiles1 Do not cover the eyes with the bangs.2 Try to orient

34Shooting with the manual exposure1 Select M from the mode dial and press z on the control button.• [SET] changes to [RETURN] on the lower left of th

35Basic OperationsShooting with the manual exposure• When you set the shutter speed slower, using a tripod is recommended to prevent the effects of vi

36Viewing images1 Press the (Playback) button.• If you press the (Playback) button when the camera is powered off, the camera is turned on automat

37Basic OperationsViewing images To view an index screenPress (Index) to display the index screen while a still image is displayed.Select an image w

38Viewing still images as a slideshowStill images are played back sequentially with music and effects added.1 Press the (Slideshow) button.The setup

39Basic OperationsViewing still images as a slideshowTo change the setupOn the setup screen in step 1, select each item with v/V, then press z.The ite

4Table of contentsUnderwater White Balance: Adjusting color tones during Underwater modeFlash Level: Adjusting the amount of flash lightRed Eye Reduct

40Viewing still images as a slideshowEffectsSimpleA simple slideshow switching still images at a preset interval • The playback interval is adjustable

41Basic OperationsViewing still images as a slideshowz To add /change Music filesYou can transfer a desired music file from your CDs or MP3 files to t

42Deleting images1 Press the (Playback) button.2 Press the MENU button while displaying in single-image or index mode.3 Select [Delete] with v/V on

43Basic OperationsDeleting imagesWhen you select [This Image]You can delete the selected image.Select [OK] with v, then press z.When you select [Multi

44Learning the various functions – HOME/MenuThe HOME screen is the gateway screen for all the functions of the camera, and can be called up regardless

45Basic OperationsLearning the various functions – HOME/MenuPressing HOME displays the following items. Only the available items are displayed on the

46Learning the various functions – HOME/Menu1 Press the MENU button to display the menu.• The menu will be displayed only during shooting and playback

47Basic OperationsMenu itemsThe available menu items vary depending on the mode setting (shooting/viewing), and the mode dial position in the shooting

48Menu itemsViewing menu (page 69) (Delete) (View Mode) (Date List) (Filter by Faces) (Add / Remove Favorites) (Slideshow) (Retouch) (Multi-Purpos

49Using the shooting functionsUsing the shooting functionsShooting menuThe functions in shooting mode using MENU are described below. For details on h

5Table of contents Memory Tool — Internal Memory Tool ...84Format Settings...

50Shooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46For Easy Shooting modeSelects the still image size for Easy Shooting mode.For movieSelects the f

51Using the shooting functionsShooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Selects whether to use the Face Detection function or not, and also

52Shooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Selects the priority subject for the Smile Shutter function. For details on the Smile Shutter, s

53Using the shooting functionsShooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Selects whether the camera performs continuous shooting or not when

54Shooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46• The recording interval is the same as the Burst mode. The recording interval may be longer, de

55Using the shooting functionsShooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46• The flash is set to (Flash Auto) or (Flash forced off).• When

56Shooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Selects the ISO sensitivity.• For details on the ISO sensitivity, see page 9.• When (Extra Hig

57Using the shooting functionsShooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Selects the metering mode that sets which part of the subject to mea

58Shooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46You can change the focus method. Use the menu when it is difficult to get the proper focus in au

59Using the shooting functionsShooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46• AF stands for Auto Focus.• When you use Digital Zoom or AF illumin

6Table of contentsHow to print still images... 114Printing images directly using

60Shooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Adjusts color tones according to the surrounding light conditions. Use this function if image co

61Using the shooting functionsShooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46• For details on the white balance, see page 10.• Under fluorescent

62Shooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Adjusts the color tone during (Underwater) mode (page 31).• Depending on the color of the wate

63Using the shooting functionsShooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46The flash strobes two or more times before shooting to reduce the re

64Shooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Adjusts the clearness/noise balance of the recording images.You can change the brightness of the

65Using the shooting functionsShooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46• You can select only [Normal], [Sepia] or [B & W] when shooting

66Shooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Adjusts the brightness (Color Saturation) of the shooting images.Adjusts the contrast of the ima

67Using the shooting functionsShooting menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Selects the anti-blur mode.• In Auto Adjustment mode or Easy Shootin

68Using the viewing functionsSelecting the View ModeWhen using the camera with a “Memory Stick Duo”, you can select how images are played back (View M

69For details on the operation 1 page 46Using the viewing functionsViewing menuThis section explains the menu items available when you press the MENU

7Basic techniques for better imagesWhen you press the shutter button halfway down, the camera adjusts the focus automatically (Auto Focus). Remember t

70Viewing menu For details on the operation 1 page 46This feature filters images and displays them.• Images may not be displayed correctly even if the

71Using the viewing functionsViewing menu For details on the operation 1 page 46To select and add multiple images to a Favorites group1 Press the MENU

72Viewing menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Adds effects or makes corrections to a recorded image and records it as a new file. The original

73Using the viewing functionsViewing menu For details on the operation 1 page 46 (Unsharp masking)Sharpens the image within a chosen frame.1 Set the a

74Viewing menu For details on the operation 1 page 46 (Fisheye Lens)Applies a fisheye effect around a chosen point.1 Set the center point of the desir

75Using the viewing functionsViewing menu For details on the operation 1 page 46 (Retro)This softens the image by blurring the focus and lowering the

76Viewing menu For details on the operation 1 page 46You can change the aspect ratio and size of the shooting images, then record them as the new file

77Using the viewing functionsViewing menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Protects images against accidental erasure. The (Protect) indicator

78Viewing menu For details on the operation 1 page 46To cancel the protectionSelect the image for which you want to cancel protection, and unlock it b

79Using the viewing functionsViewing menu For details on the operation 1 page 46Selects the folder containing the image you want to play back.1 Select

8Basic techniques for better imagesHints for preventing blurThe camera moved accidentally when you took the image. This is called “Camera shake”. On t

80Customizing the settingsCustomizing the Manage Memory feature and the SettingsYou can change the default settings using (Manage Memory) or (Sett

81Customizing the settingsCustomizing the Manage Memory feature and the Settings5 Select a setting with v/V, then press z.To cancel the setting change

82For details on the operation 1 page 80 Manage Memory Memory Tool — Memory Stick ToolThis item appears only when a “Memory Stick Duo” is inserted in

83Customizing the settingsManage Memory For details on the operation 1 page 80Changes the folder currently used for recording images.1 Select [Change

84Manage Memory For details on the operation 1 page 80 Memory Tool — Internal Memory ToolThis item does not appear when a “Memory Stick Duo” is insert

85For details on the operation 1 page 80Customizing the settings Settings Main Settings — Main Settings 1The default settings are marked with .Select

86Settings For details on the operation 1 page 80You can view a demonstration of the Smile Shutter mode.1 Select (Smile Shutter) mode from the mode

87Customizing the settingsSettings For details on the operation 1 page 80 Main Settings — Main Settings 2The default settings are marked with .Select

88Settings For details on the operation 1 page 80Sets the video signal output according to the TV color system of the connected video equipment. The T

89Customizing the settingsSettings For details on the operation 1 page 80 Shooting Settings — Shooting Settings 1The default settings are marked with

9Basic techniques for better imagesYou can create various images by adjusting the exposure and the ISO sensitivity. Exposure is the amount of light th

90Settings For details on the operation 1 page 80Selects the auto focus operation mode.• AF mode setting is invalid when (Fireworks) mode is selecte

91Customizing the settingsSettings For details on the operation 1 page 80Image size and total zoom scale using Smart zoom (Including optical zoom 3×)•

92Settings For details on the operation 1 page 80 Shooting Settings — Shooting Settings 2The default settings are marked with .When the camera is rot

93Customizing the settingsSettings For details on the operation 1 page 80 Clock SettingsSets the date and time.1 Select [ Clock Settings] from (Set

94Settings For details on the operation 1 page 80 Language SettingSelects the language to be used in the menu items, warnings and messages.Language Se

95Viewing images on a TVViewing images on a TVViewing images on a TVYou can view images on a TV by connecting the camera to a TV.The connection varies

96Viewing images on a TVYou can view an image with high quality* recorded on the camera by connecting the camera to an HD (High Definition) TV with an

97Viewing images on a TVViewing images on a TV3 Press the (Playback) button to turn on the camera.Images shot with the camera appear on the TV.Press

98Using your computerEnjoying your Windows computerFor details on using a Macintosh computer, refer to “Using your Macintosh computer” (page 111).Illu

99Using your computerEnjoying your Windows computerThe following environment is recommended for a computer connected to the camera.Recommended environ