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Adjusting the exposure 
(EXPOSURE)

Adjust the exposure value while 
checking the brightness of the 
background. You can select values 
ranging from +2.0 EV to –2.0 EV 
in steps of 1/3 EV.

Note
The exposure may not be adjusted properly 
when the subject is extremely bright or dark, 
or when using the flash.

Adjusting the white balance 
(WHITE BALANCE) 

Normally the white balance is 
automatically adjusted.

n

Places where the lighting 
condition changes quickly

Under bright lighting such as 
photography studios

Under sodium or mercury lamps

Recording a sunrise/sunset, night 
scene, neon signs, or fireworks

Recording a single-colored subject 
or background

Adjusts the white balance 
automatically

To reactivate auto adjustment 

Select [AUTO] in step 

.

Note
Select [AUTO] when recording under 
fluorescent lighting.

B

Recording the date and time 
on the still image (DATE/
TIME)

The date, hour and minutes are 
imposed onto the image.

The year, month and day are 
imposed onto the image.

The date and time are not imposed 
onto the image.

The date and time are not 
displayed during recording.
The date and time are displayed 
when playing back images.

Enjoying picture effects 
(P.EFFECT)

The light contrast is clearer and the 
picture looks like an illustration.

The picture is monochrome (black 
and white). 

The picture is colored like an old 
picture.

The color and brightness of the 
picture are reversed. 

To cancel picture effect 

Select [OFF] in step 

.

B Various playback

Playing back six images at 
once (INDEX)

Six images are displayed at once 
(index screen).

The following marks are displayed 
on each image according to the 
image type and settings.

: Moving image file 
: Voice memo file 
: E-mail file 
: Print mark 

-

 : Protect mark 

TEXT: Text mark
TIFF: TIFF mark
(No mark): Normal recording (no 
settings)

To display the next (previous) index 
screen 

Select v/V at the lower left of the LCD 
screen. 

To return to normal playback (single 
image) 

Select the desired image with the 
control button. 

Select [3] (RETURN).

Note
You cannot display images recorded in 
TEXT mode on the INDEX screen.

B

Enlarging a part of the still 
image (Zoom and trimming) 

The zoom scaling indicator 
appears on the LCD screen.

v: The image moves downward 
V: The image moves upward 
b: The image moves rightward 
B: The image moves leftward

To return to the normal size 

Zoom in with the zoom button until the 
zoom scaling indicator (

×

1.1) 

disappears from the screen, or simply 
press z.

To record an enlarged image 
(trimming)

1

Enlarge the image.

2

Press the shutter button. The image 

is recorded at 640

×

480 size, then the 

display returns to the image display 
before enlargement.

You cannot trim images recorded in TEXT 
mode or uncompressed images.

The maximum zoom magnification is 5

×

 

the original image, regardless of the image 
size.

The picture quality of trimmed images 
may deteriorate.

The original picture remains even after 
trimming.

The trimmed image is recorded as the 
newest file.

Rotating a still image 
(ROTATE)

You may not be able to rotate protected 
images or images recorded with other 
equipment.

Also, when viewing images on a personal 
computer, the image rotation information 
may not be reflected depending on the 
application software.

You cannot rotate protected or 
uncompressed images, or images recorded 
in TEXT mode.

Playing back the images in 
order (SLIDE SHOW) 

This function is useful for checking the 
recorded images or for presentations, 
etc.

Set the following items.

1 MIN (one minute), 30 SEC 
(30 seconds), 10 SEC 
(10 seconds), 5 SEC (5 seconds),  
3 SEC (3 seconds) 

ON: Plays back images in a 

continuous loop until 
[RETURN] is selected.  

OFF: After all images have been 

played back, the slide show 
ends.

The slide show begins.

To cancel the slide show

Select [CANCEL] in step 

 or 

.

To skip to the next/previous image 
during slide show playback

Select 

b

/

B

 at the lower left of the LCD 

screen.

B

Note
The [INTERVAL] setting time is 
approximate, and may vary depending on 
the played back image size or other factors.

Viewing images on a TV 
screen 

Before connecting your camera, be 
sure to turn off the TV. After 
connecting A/V connecting cable 
(DSC-S50) or VIDEO connecting 
cable (DSC-S30), turn on the TV.

Connect the A/V connecting cable 
to the A/V OUT jack of your 
camera and to the audio/video 
input jacks of the TV.

If your TV has stereo type audio 
input jacks, connect the audio plug 
of the A/V connecting cable to the 
Lch jack.

Connect the video cable to the 
VIDEO OUT jack of your camera 
and to the video input jack of the 
TV.

The playback image appears on 
the TV screen.

Note
You cannot use a TV that has an antenna 
(aerial) connector only.

B Editing

Preventing accidental erasure 
(PROTECT) 

The - (protect) indicator appears on 
protected images.

The displayed image is protected 
and - appears.

To release protection 

Select [OFF] in step 

.

Select [ON]. 
All the images recorded in 
“Memory Stick” are protected.

Select all the images to protect 
with the control button, then select 
[ENTER]. 

The selected images are protected.

To release protection 

If you selected [ALL] in step 

, select 

[OFF]. If you selected [SELECT] in 
step 

, select the images to unprotect 

with the control button, then select 
[ENTER].

B

Deleting images (DELETE)

You cannot delete protected files. 

The image is deleted.

Select [ENTER]. 
All unprotected images are 
deleted.

Select all the images to delete with 
the control button, then select 
[ENTER]. 

The 

 (delete) indicator appears 

on the selected images and these 
images are deleted.

To cancel deleting 

Select [CANCEL] in step 

 or 

.

Note
If there are files on the “Memory Stick” with 
names having the same last 4 digits as the 
file name of the image to be deleted, these 
files are also deleted at the same time.

Changing the recorded still 
image size (RESIZE)

1600

×

1200, 1024

×

768, 640

×

480

1472

×

1104, 1280

×

960, 

1024

×

768, 640

×

480

The changed image is recorded, 
then the display returns to the 
image display before resizing.

To return to the original size

Select [CANCEL] in step 

.

You cannot change the size of images 
recorded in TEXT mode or uncompressed 
images.

When you change from a small size to a 
large size, the picture quality deteriorates.

The original image is retained even after 
resizing.

The resized image is recorded as the 
newest file.

Copying images (COPY)

You can copy images to another 
“Memory Stick.”

“FILE ACCESS” appears.

“INSERT MEMORY STICK” 
appears.

“RECORDING” appears. When 
copying is completed, 
“COMPLETE” appears.
If you exchange the “Memory 
Stick,” the same image is copied 
again.

After copying is finished

Select [EXIT].
If you do not select [EXIT], the same 
image is copied each time you 
exchange the “Memory Stick.” 

B

The 

 (select) indicator appears 

on the image.

“MEMORY STICK ACCESS” 
appears.

“INSERT MEMORY STICK” 
appears.

“RECORDING” appears. When 
copying is completed, 
“COMPLETE” appears.
If you exchange the “Memory 
Stick,” the same image is copied 
again.

After copying is finished

Select [EXIT].
If you do not select [EXIT], the same 
image is copied each time you 
exchange the “Memory Stick.” 

To cancel copying part-way 

Change the MODE selector setting or 
turn off the power.

You cannot copy uncompressed images.

You cannot copy images that are bigger 
than 1.4 MB at once. If “NOT ENOUGH 
MEMORY” appears or 

 flashes on the 

INDEX screen, cancel some images to 
copy and try again. 

Selecting still images to print 
(PRINT MARK) 

You can mark a print mark on still 
images recorded with your camera. 
This mark is convenient when you 
have images printed at a shop that 
conforms with the DPOF (Digital Print 
Order Format) standard.

The  

(print) 

mark 

is 

displayed 

on the image.

To unmark the print mark 

Select [OFF] in step 

.

 of the selected images change 

from green to white.

To unmark selected print marks 

Select the images to unmark in step 

 

with the control button, then select 
[ENTER].

To unmark all the print marks 

Select [FILE], [PRINT MARK], 
[ALL] and then [OFF] from the menu. 

 of all images are unmarked.

You cannot mark moving images or 
images recorded in TEXT mode.

If you mark an image recorded in TIFF 
mode with a print mark, only the 
uncompressed image is printed, and the 
JPEG image recorded at the same time is 
not printed.

B

Precautions

Wipe the screen surface with a cleaning 
cloth (not supplied) or a LCD cleaning kit 
(not supplied) to remove fingerprints, dust, 
etc. 

Clean the camera surface with a soft cloth 
slightly moistened with water, then wipe the 
surface dry. Do not use any type of solvent 
such as thinner, alcohol or benzene as this 
may damage the finish or the casing. 

Clean your camera carefully. Otherwise, the 
salty air may corrode the metal fittings or 
dust may enter the inside of your camera, 
causing a malfunction.

Your camera is designed for use between the 
temperatures of 32˚F and 104˚F (0˚C and 
40˚C). Recording in extremely cold or hot 
places that exceed this range is not 
recommended.

If the camera is brought directly from a cold 
to a warm location, or is placed in a very 
damp room, moisture may condense inside 
or outside the camera. Should this occur, the 
camera will not operate properly.

The camera is brought from a cold location 
such as a ski slope into a warmly heated 
room. 

The camera is taken from an air-
conditioned room or car interior to the hot 
outdoors, etc.

When bringing the camera from a cold place 
to a warm place, seal the camera in a plastic 
bag and allow it to adapt to conditions at the 
new location over a period of time (about an 
hour).

Turn off the camera and wait about an hour 
for the moisture to evaporate. Note that if 
you attempt to record with moisture 
remaining inside the lens, you will be 
unable to record clear images.

Unplug the unit from the wall outlet 
(mains) when you are not using the unit for 
a long time.

To disconnect the power cord (mains lead), 
pull it out by the plug. Never pull the 
power cord (mains lead) itself.

Do not operate the unit with a damaged 
cord or if the unit has been dropped or 
damaged.

Do not bend the power cord (mains lead) 
forcibly, or place a heavy object on it. This 
will damage the cord and may cause fire or 
electrical shock.

Prevent metallic objects from coming into 
contact with the metal parts of the 
connecting section. If this happens, a short 
may occur and the unit may be damaged.

Always keep metal contacts clean.

Do not disassemble the unit.

Do not apply mechanical shock or drop the 
unit.

While the unit is in use, particularly during 
charging, keep it away from AM receivers 
and video equipment. AM reception and 
video operation are disturbed.

The unit becomes warm during use. This is 
not a malfunction.

Do not place the unit in locations that are:
— Extremely hot or cold
— Dusty or dirty
— Very humid
— Vibrating 

Use only the specified charger with the 
charging function.

To prevent accident from a short circuit, do 
not allow metal objects to come into 
contact with the battery terminals.

Keep the battery pack away from fire.

Never expose the battery pack to 
temperatures above 140˚F (60˚C), such as 
in a car parked in the sun or under direct 
sunlight.

Keep the battery pack dry.

Do not expose the battery pack to any 
mechanical shock.

Do not disassemble nor modify the battery 
pack.

Install the battery pack to the camera 
securely.

Charging while some capacity remains 
does not affect the original battery 
capacity.

If any problem occurs, unplug your camera 
and contact your nearest Sony dealer.   

This camera has an internal rechargeable 
button battery for maintaining the date and 
time and other settings regardless of 
whether the power is on or off. This 
rechargeable button battery is constantly 
charged as long as you are using the camera. 
However, if you use the camera for only 
short periods it discharges gradually, and if 
you do not use the camera at all for about 
half a year it becomes completely 
discharged. In this case, be sure to charge 
this rechargeable button battery before using 
the camera.
However, even if this rechargeable button 
battery is not charged, you can still use the 
camera as long as you do not record the date 
and time.

Connect the camera to a wall outlet (mains) 
with the AC power adaptor, or install a 
charged battery pack, and leave the camera 
for 24 hours or more with the POWER 
switch set to OFF.

On “Memory Sticks”

“Memory Stick” is a new compact, portable 
and versatile IC recording medium with a 
data capacity that exceeds a floppy disk. 
“Memory Stick” is specially designed for 
exchanging and sharing digital data among 
“Memory Stick” compatible products. 
Because it is removable, “Memory Stick” 
can also be used for external data storage.

There are two types of “Memory Sticks”: 
general “Memory Sticks” and  “MagicGate 
Memory Sticks” that are equipped with the 
MagicGate* copyright protection 
technology.
You can use both types of “Memory Stick” 
with your camera. However, because your 
camera does not support the MagicGate 
standards, data recorded with your camera is 
not subject to MagicGate copyright 
protection.

∗

MagicGate is copyright protection 
technology that uses encryption 
technology.

Do not remove the “Memory Stick” while 
reading or writing data.

Data may be damaged if:
— you remove the “Memory Stick” or turn 

off your camera while reading or 
writing data. 

— you use the “Memory Stick” in a 

location subject to the effects of static 
electricity or noise.

Do not attach any other material than the 
supplied label on the labeling position.

Attach the label so that it does not stick out 
from the proper attachment location.

When you carry or store the “Memory 
Stick,” put it in its supplied case.

Do not touch the terminals of a “Memory 
Stick” with your hand or a metal object.

Do not strike, bend or drop the “Memory 
Stick.”

Do not disassemble or modify the 
“Memory Stick.”

Do not allow the “Memory Stick” to get 
wet.

“Memory Stick”, , 

“MagicGate 

Memory Stick” and 

 are trademarks of 

Sony Corporation.

“MagicGate” and 

 are 

trademarks of Sony Corporation.

Using your camera abroad

You can use your camera in any 
country or area with the supplied 
battery charger within 100 V to 240 V 
AC, 50/60 Hz. Use the supplied AC 
power adaptor 

, if necessary, 

depending on the design of the wall 
outlet (mains) 

.

If you want to view the playback 
picture on a TV, you need a TV having 
a video input jack and a video 
connecting cable.
The color system of the TV must be 
the same as that of your digital still 
camera. TV color systems differ from 
country to country. Check the 
following list:

Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, 
Central America, Chile, Columbia, 
Ecuador, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, 
Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the 
Philippines, the U.S.A., Venezuela, etc.

Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, 
Denmark, Finland, Germany, Great 
Britain, Holland, Hong Kong, Italy, 
Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, 
Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, 
Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, etc.

Brazil

Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay

Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, 
Guiana, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, 
Poland, Russia, Slovak Republic, 
Ukraine, etc.

Troubleshooting

If you experience trouble with your camera, first check the following items. Should 
your camera still not operate properly after you have made these checks, consult your 
Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. If code displays (C:ss:ss) 
appear on the LCD screen, the self-diagnosis display function is working (page 62).

Your camera does not 
work.

You are not using an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack.
t

Use an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (page 8). 

The battery level is low (the E indicator appears 
on the LCD screen).
t

Charge the battery pack (page 9).

The AC power adaptor is not connected securely.
t

Connect it firmly to the DC IN jack of your 
camera and a wall outlet (mains) (page 12).

The built-in microcomputer is not working 
properly.
t

Disconnect and then reconnect all power 
sources after one minute. Then turn the power 
on by sliding the POWER switch down and 
check that the camera works properly.

Your camera cannot 
record images.

The MODE selector is set to PLAY.
t

Set it to MOVIE or STILL (pages 16, 20).

No “Memory Stick” has been inserted into your 
camera.
t

Insert a “Memory Stick” (page 15).

The write-protect tab on the “Memory Stick” is set 
to LOCK.
t

Set it to the recording position.

The picture is out of focus.  

Your camera is not in macro recording mode when 
you shoot a subject that is about 1 3/16 to 
9 7/8 inches (3 to 25 cm) away from the lens.
t

Set the macro recording mode (page 41).

t

Press the zoom button to set to the W side.

The resizing function does 
not work.

You cannot resize moving images and text images.

You cannot display a print 
mark.

You cannot display print marks on moving images 
and text images.

The picture is noisy.  

Your camera is placed near a TV or other 
equipment that uses strong magnets.
t

Move your camera away from the TV, etc.

The picture is too dark.

You are shooting a subject with a light source 
behind the subject.
t

Adjust the exposure (page 43).

t

Adjust the brightness of the LCD screen (page 
35).

The flash does not work.  

The flash is set to 

.

t

Set the flash to auto (no indicator), 

 or 

 

(page 19).

PROGRAM AE is set to the Twilight, Twilight 
plus, or Panfocus mode.
t

Cancel the mode (page 42) or set the flash to 

.

The MODE selector is set to MOVIE (DSC-S50 
only).
t

Set it to STILL.

The date and time are 
recorded incorrectly.

The date and time are not set correctly.
t

Set the correct date and time (page 13).

Vertical streaks appear 
when you are shooting a 
very bright subject.

The smear phenomenon is happening.
t

This is not a malfunction.

The battery life is short.

You are recording/playing back images under 
extremely cold temperatures.

The battery pack is not charged enough.
t

Charge the battery pack fully.

The battery pack is dead.
t

Replace the battery pack with a new one.

The battery remaining 
indicator is incorrect.

You have used the camera for a long time in an 
extremely hot or an extremely cold location.

The battery pack is dead.
t

Replace the battery pack with a new one (page 
8).

The battery pack is discharged.
t

Install a charged battery pack (pages 8, 9).

Sufficient battery 
remaining indicator is 
displayed but the power 
runs out soon.

t

Fully charge the battery pack (page 9).

The zoom does not work.  

PROGRAM AE is set to the Panfocus mode.
t

Cancel the Panfocus mode (page 42).

Digital zoom does not 
function. 

You cannot use digital zoom to record moving 
pictures.