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“Memory Stick” 

“Memory Stick” operations on your camera cannot be assured if the “Memory Stick” has been 
formatted on your personal computer. 

Do not optimize the “Memory Stick” on a Windows machine. This will shorten the “Memory 
Stick” life. 

Do not compress the data on the “Memory Stick.” Compressed files cannot be played back on 
your camera.

Software

Depending on your application software, the file size may increase when you open a still image 
file. 

When you load an image modified using the supplied retouch software from your personal 
computer to the camera or when you directly modify the image on the camera, the image 
format will differ so the “FILE ERROR” message may appear and you may be unable to open 
the file.

Communications with your personal computer 

Communications between your camera and your personal computer may not recover after 
recovering from Suspend, Resume, or Sleep.

Windows and ActiveMovie, DirectShow are either registered trademarks or trademarks of 
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Macintosh and Mac OS, QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

All other product names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of 
their respective companies. Furthermore, “™” and “®” are not mentioned in each case in this 
manual.

6

For the detailed folder and file name, see “Image file storage destinations and 
image files” (page 28).

∗

Copying a file to the hard disk of your personal computer before viewing it is 
recommended. If you play back the file directly from the “Memory Stick”, the image 
and sound may break off.

Still image

“Dcim” folder

t

“100msdcf” folder t Image file

Moving image*

“Mssony” folder t “Moml0001” folder t Image file*

Audio*

“Mssony” folder t “Momlv100” folder t Audio file*

E-mail image
TIFF image 
(uncompressed)

“Mssony” folder  t “Imcif100” folder

t

Image file

B

Image files recorded with your camera are grouped in folders by recording mode.
The meanings of the file names are as follows. ssss stands for any number 
within the range from 0001 to 9999.

For Windows

98 users (The drive recognizing the camera is “D.”)

The numerical portions of the following files are the same.
— A small-size image file recorded in E-MAIL mode and its corresponding image file
— An uncompressed image file recorded in TIFF mode and its corresponding image file
— An audio file recorded in VOICE mode and its corresponding image file

100msdcf

DSC0ssss.JPG

Still image file recorded normally 

Still image file recorded in E-MAIL 
mode (page 38)

Still image file recorded in TIFF mode 
(page 40)

Still image file recorded in VOICE 
mode (page 39) 

TXT0ssss.GIF

Still image file recorded in TEXT mode 
(page 39)

Imcif100

DSC0ssss.JPG

Small-size image file recorded in E-
MAIL mode (page 38)

DSC0ssss.TIF

Uncompressed image file recorded in 
TIFF mode (page 40)

Moml0001

MOV0ssss.MPG

Moving image file recorded normally

Momlv100

DSC0ssss.MPG

Audio file recorded in VOICE mode 
(page 39)

This section describes the basic control methods that are frequently used for 
“Advanced operations”.

How to use the MODE selector

The MODE selector selects whether you can use your camera to record or to play 
back and edit images. Set the selector as follows before starting to operate your 
camera. 

How to use the control button 

The control button is used to select the indicators, images and menus appearing on 
the LCD screen of your camera. The operation methods that are frequently used for 
“Advanced operations” are described below.

  

PLAY

STILL

MOVIE

PLAY

STILL

PLAY

STILL

MOVIE

PLAY

STILL

Note
You cannot clear the menu bar during INDEX screen display (page 45).  

 

1

v

V

b

B

The color of the selected item or 
the border of the selected image 
changes from blue to yellow.

2

z

Repeat steps 1 and 2 to execute 
each function.

Press v to display the menu bar 
on the LCD screen.

Press V to clear the menu bar 
from the LCD screen.

How to change the menu settings

Some of the advanced operations for your camera are executed by selecting menu 
items displayed on the LCD screen with the control button.

     

Press V on the control button until the LCD screen returns to the menu bar display in 
step 1. To clear the menu bar, press V again.

1

v

The menu bar appears as follows according to the setting of the MODE 
selector.

2

v

V

b

B

z

The color of the selected item changes from blue to 
yellow, and when you press the center z, the modes 
that can be set for that item are displayed.

3

v

V

b

B

z

Menu settings

Menu items that can be modified differ depending on the setting of the MODE 
selector. The LCD screen shows only the items you can operate at the moment. Initial 
settings are indicated with x.

 (SELF TIMER) 

Records with the self-timer (page 18).

EFFECT

FILE

P.EFFECT

SOLARIZE
B&W
SEPIA
NEG.ART

x OFF

Sets the image special effects (page 44). MOVIE

STILL

DATE/
TIME

DAY&TIME
DATE

x OFF

Sets whether to insert the date and time 
into the image (page 44).

STILL

FORMAT

OK

Formats a “Memory Stick.”

MOVIE
STILL
PLAY

CANCEL

Cancels formatting of a “Memory 
Stick.”

POS. 
SENSOR

ON

Plays back images recorded with the 
camera on its side (vertical images) as 
horizontal images. This function does 
not work for images recorded in TEXT 
mode.

STILL

x OFF

When this camera may be subject to 
vibration such as when you record 
images from inside a moving car, set 
this to OFF to prevent improper 
horizontal/vertical judgement.

FILE 
NUMBER

SERIES

Assigns numbers to files in sequence 
even if the “Memory Stick” is changed.

MOVIE
STILL

x NORMAL Resets the file numbering each time the 

“Memory Stick” is changed.

IMAGE 
SIZE

x 1600

×

1200

1600 (3:2)
1024

×

768

640

×

480

Selects the image size when recording 
still images (DSC-S50 only).

STILL

1472

×

1104

x 1280

×

960

1280 (3:2)
1024

×

768

640

×

480

Selects the image size when recording 
still images (DSC-S30 only).

STILL

320

×

240

x 160

×

112

Selects the MPEG image size when 
recording moving images (DSC-S50 
only).

MOVIE

REC MODE

TIFF

Records a TIFF (uncompressed) file in 
addition to the JPEG file. 

STILL

TEXT

Records a GIF file in black-and-white.

VOICE

Records an audio file (with still image) 
in addition to the JPEG file (DSC-S50 
only).

E-MAIL

Records a small-size (320

×

240) JPEG 

file in addition to the selected image 
size.

x NORMAL Records a JPEG file in the selected 

image size.

REC TIME 
SET

15 SEC
10 SEC

x 5 SEC

Adjusts the recording time for moving 
images (DSC-S50 only).

MOVIE

ROTATE
(in single 
mode only)

—

Rotates the still image.

PLAY

SLIDE 
SHOW 
(in single 
mode only)

INTERVAL Sets the slide show interval.

x 3 SEC/5 SEC/10 SEC/30 SEC/1 MIN

PLAY

REPEAT

Repeats the slide show.
x ON/OFF

START

Starts the slide show.

CANCEL

Cancels the slide show settings and 
execution.

PRINT 
MARK

ON

Marks the still images to be printed 
(page 53). 

PLAY

x OFF

Unmarks the print mark of the still 
images.

CAMERA

TOOL

PROTECT

ON

Protects images against accidental 
erasure (page 49).

PLAY

x OFF

Releases protection of images against 
accidental erasure.

DIGITAL 
ZOOM

x ON

Uses digital zoom.

STILL

OFF

Does not use digital zoom.

SHARPNESS +2 to –2

Adjusts the sharpness of the image.

 appears on the LCD screen except 

when set to 0.

STILL

WHITE 
BALANCE

IN DOOR
OUT DOOR
HOLD

x AUTO

Sets the white balance (page 43). 

MOVIE
STILL

FLASH 
LEVEL

HIGH

Makes the flash level higher than 
normal.

STILL

x NORMAL Normal setting.

LOW

Makes the flash level lower than normal.

EXPOSURE +2.0 EV to 

–2.0 EV

Adjusts the exposure.

MOVIE
STILL

COPY

OK

Copies an image (page 51).

PLAY

CANCEL

Cancels copying of the image.

RESIZE 
(in single 
mode only)

1600

×

1200

1024

×

768

640

×

480

x CANCEL

Changes the recorded still image size 
(page 51) (DSC-S50 only).

PLAY

1472

×

1104

1280

×

960

1024

×

768

640

×

480

x CANCEL

Changes the recorded still image size 
(page 51) (DSC-S30 only).

PLAY

SETUP

INDEX*

Displays six images at a time (PLAY (INDEX) mode) (page 45).

DELETE

DEMO 

x ON/STBY

OFF

Displayed only when you use the AC 
power adaptor in MOVIE or STILL 
mode. When ON is selected, a 
demonstration will start if you do not 
operate your camera for about 
10 minutes. To stop the demonstration, 
turn off your camera. Select ON to make 
the demonstration appear again.

MOVIE
STILL

VIDEO 
OUT

x NTSC

Sets the video output signal to NTSC 
mode (North American countries, Japan, 
etc.). 

MOVIE
STILL
PLAY

PAL

Sets the video output signal to PAL 
mode (European countries, etc.).

/

LANGUAG
E

x ENGLISH

Displays the menu items in English.

MOVIE 
STILL 
PLAY

/JPN Displays the menu items in Japanese.

CLOCK 
SET

—

Sets the date and time (page 13).

MOVIE
STILL
PLAY

BEEP 

SHUTTER Turns off the beep only. (The shutter 

sound is heard when you press the 
shutter button.)

MOVIE
STILL
PLAY

x ON

Turns on the beep/shutter sound (when 
you press the control button/

shutter 

button).

OFF

Turns off the beep/shutter sound.

LCD 
BRIGHT

Adjusts the LCD screen brightness 
using the +/– buttons on the LCD 
screen. This has no effect on the 
recorded images.

MOVIE
STILL
PLAY

OK

Deletes the displayed image.

PLAY

CANCEL

Cancels deleting of the image.

3 (RETURN)**
Returns to PLAY (single) mode.

∗

Displayed only in PLAY (single) mode. 

∗∗

Displayed only in PLAY (INDEX) mode.

B Various recording

Rotating the LCD screen — 
Face-to-Face recording

You can record images with the lens 
facing you.  

Rotate the LCD screen by 180

°

 for 

Face-to-Face recording.

The image appears on the LCD 
screen as a mirror image, but the 
recorded image is the same as the 
actual subject.

Setting the image size 
(IMAGE SIZE)

(MOVIE is for DSC-S50 only) 

1600

×

1200, 1600 (3:2), 

1024

×

768, 640

×

480

320

×

240, 160

×

112

1472

×

1104, 1280

×

960, 1280 

(3:2), 1024

×

768, 640

×

480

B

∗

When [REC MODE] is set to 
[NORMAL].

∗∗

Numbers in parentheses indicate the 
maximum recording time during 
continuous recording.

When [1600 (3:2)], [1280 (3:2)] is 
selected

The image is recorded in 3:2 size to 
match the printing paper size ratio of 
3:2.

1600

× 

120

0

Approx. 4

1600 (3:2)

Approx. 4

1472

×

110

4

Approx. 5

1280

×

960

Approx. 6

1280 (3:2)

Approx. 6

1024

×

768

Approx. 10

640

×

480

Approx. 57

320

×

240

Approx. 42 (15**) sec.

160

×

112

Approx. 169 (60**) sec.

Recording still images for e-
mail (E-MAIL) 

E-MAIL mode records a small-size 
(320

×

240) image at the same time as a 

still image. Small-size images are 
convenient for e-mail transmission, 
etc.

To return to normal recording mode 

Select [NORMAL] in step 

.

1600

×

1200

Approx. 3

1600 (3:2)

Approx. 3

1472

×

1104

Approx. 4

1280

×

960

Approx. 5

1280 (3:2)

Approx. 5

1024

×

768

Approx. 9

640

×

480

Approx. 46

Adding audio files to still 
images (VOICE) (DSC-S50 
only) 

If you press and release the shutter 
button, sound is recorded for 
5 seconds. 

If you hold down the shutter 
button, sound is recorded until you 
release the shutter button for up to 
40 seconds.

To return to normal recording mode 

Select [NORMAL] in step 

.

The DSC-S30 does not have a VOICE 
function. When you edit (delete, protect, or 
copy files, etc.)  files recorded in VOICE 
mode on a different camera, the still image 
file is edited but the audio file is not.

1600

×

1200

Approx. 3

1600 (3:2)

Approx. 3

1024

×

768

Approx. 8

640

×

480

Approx. 28

Recording text documents 
(TEXT)

Text is recorded in black and white 
GIF format to provide a clearer image.

To return to normal recording mode 

Select [NORMAL] in step 

.

If the subject is not evenly illuminated, you 
may be unable to record a clear image.

Writing and reading data takes more time 
than in normal recording.

The flash does not strobe in TEXT mode 
regardless of the surrounding brightness.

1600

×

1200

Approx. 12 to 87

1600 (3:2)

Approx. 14 to 97

1472

×

1104

Approx. 14 to 97

1280

×

960

Approx. 20 to 114

1280 (3:2)

Approx. 22 to 137

1024

×

768

Approx. 30 to 160

640

×

480

Approx. 80 to 363

B

Recording uncompressed 
images (TIFF)

This mode simultaneously records still 
images in both TIFF format 
(uncompressed) and JPEG format 
(compressed).

To return to normal recording mode 

Select [NORMAL] in step 

.

1600

×

1200

Approx. 2

1600 (3:2)

Approx. 2

1280

×

960

Approx. 3

1280 (3:2)

Approx. 3

JPEG images are recorded in the image 
size selected by the [IMAGE SIZE] menu. 
TIFF images are recorded in [1600

×

1200] 

size in DSC-S50, and [1280

×

960] size in 

DSC-S30 other than when [1600 (3:2)] or 
[1280 (3:2)] is selected. 

Writing data takes more time than in 
normal recording.

The supplied “Memory Stick” (4 MB) 
does not have sufficient capacity to record 
uncompressed images.

Recording images in macro

 

You can record a subject as close 
as about 1 3/16 inches (3 cm) from 
the lens surface with the zoom set 
all the way to the W side. 

To return to normal recording mode 

Press FOCUS repeatedly until 

  

disappears from the LCD screen.

You cannot record images in macro with 
the following PROGRAM AE modes.
— Landscape mode 
— Panfocus mode

You cannot record images in macro when  

  appears on the LCD screen.

Setting the distance to the 
subject 

Normally the focus is automatically 
adjusted. This function is useful when 
the auto focus does not work well such 
as in dark places. 

The 9 (manual focus) indicator 
appears on the LCD screen. 
You can select from the following 
7 focus settings: auto (no 
indicator), 

 (auto macro), 

1 3/4 feet (0.5m), 3 1/4 feet 
(1.0m), 9 3/4 feet (3.0m), 23 feet 
(7.0m),  

∞

 (infinite)

To reactivate auto focusing 

Press FOCUS repeatedly until the 
indicator disappears in step 

.

Note
These setting distances are approximate, and 
should be used as a reference.

B

Using the PROGRAM AE 
function

Makes the subject stand out 
against an unclear background or 
makes both the subject and the 
background stand out clearly.
Press +/– repeatedly to select an 
aperture value in 9 steps from F2.8 
to F11.

Records a sharp picture of a fast-
moving subject or the flow of 
motion of a moving subject.
Press +/– repeatedly to select a 
shutter speed in 18 steps from 8” 
to 1/725 when recording a still 
image and in 12 steps from 1/8 to 
1/725 when recording a moving 
image.

Suppresses the washed-out color 
of a bright subject in a dark place 
so that you can record the subject 
without losing the dark 
atmosphere of the surroundings.

Increases the effectiveness of the 
twilight mode function.

Focuses only on a distant subject 
to record landscapes, etc.

Changes the focus quickly and 
simply from a close subject to a 
distant subject.

Select this mode when there is 
backlight or when there is strong 
contrast between the subject and 
the background, etc. Position the 
point you want to record on the 
spot light-metering cross hair.

To cancel PROGRAM AE 

Press PROGRAM AE repeatedly until 
the indicator on the LCD screen goes 
out.

You cannot select F2.8 in aperture priority 
mode when the zoom is set to the T side.

You can focus only on distant subjects in 
Landscape mode. 

In Panfocus mode, the zoom position and 
focus are fixed. 

When you record in the Twilight plus 
mode, we recommend that you use a tripod 
to prevent shaking. 

Set the forced flash 

 when you use the 

flash in the following modes: 

–

Twilight mode 

–

Twilight plus mode 

–

Landscape mode

You cannot use the PROGRAM AE 
function when [REC MODE] is set to 
[TEXT].

If the setting is not appropriate in aperture 
priority mode and shutter priority mode, 
the setting value indicator on the LCD 
screen flashes when you press the shutter 
button. In this case, reset the value.