The DiMAGE X31 is an automatic "point-n-shoot" type camera, the exposure is handled by a Programmed AE system. The white brackets in the center indicate where the autofocus zone is located. Other icons indicate flash mode, image size and quality, ISO setting, drive mode and the approx. number of pictures remaining.

Pressing the MENU button brings up this 3 x 3 graphical menu system. Using simple icon buttons you can select and change Image size and quality, Flash mode, Drive mode, White balance, Exposure compensation, Color toning or enable the Portrait exposure mode.

To access other camera options (see next frame), press the MENU icon.

Record mode menu options:

Key Func. - Allows you to pick a function for quick access on the 4-way selector: Flash mode, Exp. comp., Drive mode or White balance.
Sensitivity - Auto (64-200), 64, 100, 200, 400
Auto reset - Reset all parameters at power off; On / Off
Voice memo - On / Off (Record annotation after image capture)
Date Imprint - On / Off (imprints date/time on image)
Digital zoom - On / Off
Inst.Playback - On / Off (review image after capture)
File # memory - Maintain sequentially numbered pictures
Folder name - Numerical or Date oriented

The DiMAGE X31 has a very respectable macro (close-up) focusing capability. There is no dedicated macro mode but the focusing range is from 3.9 inches to infinity in all focal lengths.

The Multi frame capture mode lets you record 9 successive images at 3fps. These images are then saved as one 1600x1200 size image.

In Movie mode you can record full motion video in 320 x 240 or 160 x 120 resolution at 15fps without audio. The length of these movies are limited only by the amount of memory on the card being used.

Movie Record mode menu:

Image Size - 320x240 and 160x120
White Balance - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent
Toning - Color, B&, Sepia, Red, Green or Blue
Exposure Compensation - Override metering +/ 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments

SETUP menu options

LCD brightness - Adjust color LCD back light
Format - Format SD Card
Reset default - Resets camera functions to factory defaults
Language - Set camera menu Language
Audio signals - Camera sounds: On or Off, Sound FX: On or Off
Shutter FX - Off, Shutter sound effect
Volume - 1 (Low), 2, 3 (High)
Power off - Auto power off: 1, 3, 5, 10 or 30 minutes
Date/Time set - Set time and date in internal clock
Date format - YYYY/MM/DD, MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY
Video output - NTSC or PAL
Transfer mode - Data storage or RemoteCamera