Shooting still images

(auto) mode is used here as an example. (auto) mode enables you to perform general shooting in a variety of shooting conditions.

  1. Rotate the mode dial to .
  2. Check the battery level and number of exposures remaining on the shooting screen.
    • Battery level (1)
      : The battery level is high.
      : The battery level is low.
    • Number of exposures remaining (2)
    • Press the (display) button to switch the information displayed on the screen each time.
  3. Hold the camera steady.
    • Keep fingers and other objects away from the lens, flash, AF-assist illuminator, eye sensor, microphone, and speaker.
  4. Frame the picture.
    • Move the zoom control or the side zoom control to change the zoom lens position.
    • To zoom in, move toward (1).
    • To zoom out, move toward (2).
    • If you lose sight of the subject while shooting with the lens in telephoto position, press the (snap-back zoom) button (3) to temporarily widen the visible area so that you can frame the subject more easily.
    • See “Using a tripod” when using a tripod.
  5. Press the shutter-release button halfway.
    • To press the shutter-release button “halfway” means to press and hold the button at the point where you feel a slight resistance.
    • When the subject is in focus, the focus area or focus indicator is displayed in green.
    • When you are using digital zoom, the camera focuses in the center of the frame and the focus area is not displayed.
    • If the focus area or focus indicator flashes, the camera is unable to focus. Modify the composition and try pressing the shutter-release button halfway again.
  6. Without lifting your finger, press the shutter-release button all the way down.

Notes about saving images or movies

The indicator showing the number of exposures remaining or the indicator showing the remaining recording time flashes, or [Please wait for the camera to finish recording.] is displayed while images or movies are being saved. Do not open the battery-chamber/memory card slot cover or remove the battery or memory card while an indicator is flashing. Doing this could result in loss of data, or in damage to the camera or the memory card.

Using a tripod

  • We recommend using a tripod to stabilize the camera in the following situations:
    • When shooting in dim lighting and the flash is (off)
    • When the zoom is at a telephoto position
  • When using a tripod to stabilize the camera during shooting, select the setup menu [Vibration reduction] [Off] to prevent potential errors caused by this function.
  • After attaching the camera to a tripod, make sure that the camera does not fall over when zooming the lens in or out.
    Extend one leg of the tripod toward the subject and the other two legs toward you at an equal distance.
    • When zoom is at wide-angle position
    • When zoom is at telephoto position
  • The camera may move slightly when operated, even if it is attached to a tripod, which may interfere with the autofocus. Wait a few seconds after operating the camera, and then slowly press the shutter-release button.

The auto off function

  • When no operations are performed for about one minute, the screen turns off, the camera enters standby mode, and then the power-on lamp flashes. The camera turns off after remaining in standby mode for about three minutes.
  • To turn the screen back on while the camera is in standby mode, perform an operation such as pressing the power switch or shutter-release button.

Using the built-in flash

In situations where a flash is needed, such as in dark locations or when the subject is backlit, press the  (flash pop-up) button to raise the built-in flash.