Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W560 Digital Camera Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and effective use of your Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W560 digital camera. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the camera and retain it for future reference. The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W560 is a 14.1-megapixel digital still camera featuring a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 4x wide-angle optical zoom lens and a 3.0-inch LCD display.

Figure 1: Front view of the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W560 digital camera, showcasing the lens and branding.

2. Setup

2.1. Unpacking and Contents

Verify that all items are present in the package:

• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560 Digital Camera
• Battery (NP-BN1)
• Battery Charger (BC-CSN)
• Multi Connector Cable
• Wrist Strap
• CD-ROM (containing software)
• Warranty Information

2.2. Battery Installation and Charging

1. Open the battery/memory card cover on the bottom of the camera.
2. Insert the supplied NP-BN1 battery into the battery compartment, ensuring correct orientation.
3. Close the battery/memory card cover securely.
4. To charge the battery, remove it from the camera. Insert the battery into the supplied BC-CSN battery charger. Connect the charger to a power outlet. The charging indicator will illuminate during charging and turn off when complete.

Note: The camera does not support in-camera charging via USB. The battery must be removed for charging.

2.3. Memory Card Insertion

The camera requires a memory card for storing images and videos. Compatible cards include Memory Stick Pro Duo, SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

1. Open the battery/memory card cover.
2. Insert a compatible memory card into the memory card slot with the correct orientation until it clicks into place.
3. Close the battery/memory card cover securely.

2.4. Initial Settings

Upon first use or after the battery has been removed for an extended period, you may need to set the date, time, and region. Follow the on-screen prompts to configure these settings.

3. Operating the Camera

3.1. Power On/Off

Press the ON/OFF button located on the top of the camera to power it on or off.

Figure 2: Top view of the camera, highlighting the power and shutter controls.

3.2. Basic Photography

1. Holding the Camera: Hold the camera steady with both hands.
2. Framing: Use the 3.0-inch LCD screen to compose your shot.
3. Focusing: Gently press the shutter button halfway down to focus. The camera will beep, and a green indicator will appear when focus is achieved.
4. Taking a Picture: Press the shutter button fully down to capture the image.

3.3. Zoom Function

The camera features a 4x optical zoom and digital zoom capabilities.

• To zoom in, push the zoom lever (W/T) towards T (Telephoto).
• To zoom out, push the zoom lever towards W (Wide-angle).

3.4. Shooting Modes

The DSC-W560 offers various shooting modes to optimize your photos for different scenes.

• Intelligent Auto (iAuto) Mode: Automatically detects scenes, lighting conditions, and faces, adjusting settings for clear images with natural skin tones and reduced blur.
• Program Auto Mode: Allows for more control over settings while the camera sets exposure automatically.
• Sweep Panorama Mode: Capture wide panoramic images by sweeping the camera horizontally or vertically. Press the shutter and sweep the camera; the camera stitches images together automatically.
• Soft Skin Mode: Recognizes skin tones and reduces the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles in portraits.
• Natural Flash Mode: Corrects colors for more lifelike images when using flash.
• Self-Portrait Timer: Uses Face Detection to trigger a 2-second timer when your face enters the frame, then takes a picture.
• Intelligent Scene Recognition (iSCN) Mode: Automatically detects eight different scene types (e.g., Backlight, Portrait, Landscape) and selects appropriate camera settings.
• High Sensitivity Mode (ISO 3200): Allows for faster shutter speeds in low light conditions without flash.
• Easy Shooting Mode: Simplifies camera operation for beginners by displaying basic instructions and switching to automatic settings.

3.5. Video Recording

The camera can record high-definition movies in 720p MP4 format.

1. Switch to movie mode using the mode dial or menu.
2. Press the movie button to start recording.
3. Press the movie button again to stop recording.

Note: Movie recording is limited to 29-minute segments for MP4 up to 12Mbps 1440x1080/30p.

3.6. Image Playback and Retouching

To view captured images and videos, press the playback button. The camera offers in-camera retouching tools.

• Trimming: Crop images directly on the camera.
• Red-Eye Correction: Reduce red-eye effect in flash photos.
• Unsharp Masking: Enhance image sharpness.
• PHOTOMUSIC: Combine images with music to create slideshows with visual effects.

Figure 3: Rear view of the camera, displaying the LCD and navigation controls for playback and menu access.

3.7. Connecting to a Computer

Use the supplied Multi Connector Cable to connect the camera to a computer for transferring photos and videos.

• Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Software: The included CD-ROM contains PMB software (ver. 5.5) for Windows, offering tools to transfer, sort, and view media.
• PMB Portable Software: Pre-installed PMB Portable software allows direct upload of pre-selected videos and images to compatible PCs and internet sharing sites without additional software installation.

4. Maintenance

4.1. Cleaning the Camera

• Camera Body: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a cloth lightly dampened with water or a mild detergent, then wipe dry.
• Lens: Use a lens brush to remove dust, then gently wipe with a lens cleaning cloth. Avoid touching the lens surface with your fingers.
• LCD Screen: Gently wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid pressing hard on the screen.

4.2. Battery Care

• Store batteries in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Avoid exposing batteries to extreme temperatures.
• Charge the battery fully before extended storage.

4.3. Memory Card Handling

• Always format new memory cards in the camera before first use.
• Avoid removing the memory card while the camera is writing data (e.g., after taking a picture or recording video).
• Keep memory cards away from strong magnetic fields.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1. Common Issues and Solutions

• Camera does not power on: Ensure the battery is correctly inserted and fully charged.
• Pictures are blurry:
  • Ensure the lens is clean.
  • Press the shutter button halfway to allow the camera to focus before fully pressing.
  • Check if Optical SteadyShot image stabilization is active in low light conditions.
  • Use a higher ISO setting or flash in dark environments.
• Battery drains quickly: Reduce LCD brightness, limit flash use, and turn off the camera when not in use.
• Date/Time settings reset: This may occur if the battery is removed for an extended period. Re-enter the date and time settings.
• Memory card error: Ensure the card is inserted correctly and is compatible. Try reformatting the card (this will erase all data).

5.2. In-Camera Guide

The camera includes an in-camera guide that provides step-by-step instructions for various functions. Access this guide through the camera's menu system for immediate assistance.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

7.1. Warranty Information

The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W560 digital camera comes with a 1-year limited warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included in your product package for detailed terms and conditions.

7.2. Software Support

For assistance with the Picture Motion Browser (PMB) software or PMB Portable, refer to the documentation provided on the included CD-ROM or visit the official Sony support website. Ensure your operating system meets the minimum requirements for software installation (e.g., Microsoft Windows XP SP3/Windows Vista SP2/Windows 7 for PMB).