Canon A550 manual

DIGITAL CAMERA Advanced Camera User Guide Before Using the Camera Shooting Playback/Erasing Print/Transfer Settings Troubleshooting List of Messag es Appendix Advanced ENGLISH CDI-E281-010 © 2007 CANON INC. PRINTED IN MALAYSIA Camera User Guide This guide ex plains camera fe atures and proce dures in detail.[...]

Main Features Shooting z Avoid the effects of camera shake or blurry subjects when shooting by using a high ISO speed z Automatically adjusts shooting settings to match particular conditions z Automatically detects camera orientation with an Intellig ent Orientation sensor Playback z Plays movies with sound z Plays back automatically using the Auto[...]

1 Conventions Used in this Guide Icons appearing next to, or below titles indicate the shooting modes in which the procedure can be used. : This mark denotes issues tha t may affect the camera’s operation. : This mark denotes additional topics that complement the basic operating procedures. You can use SD memory cards, SDHC memo ry cards and Mult[...]

2 Table of Contents Items marked with a  are lists or charts that summarize camera functions or procedures. Please Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Preventing Malfunctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [...]

3 Adjusting the Tone (White Balance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Shooting in a My Colors Mod e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Adjusting the ISO Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Setting the Auto Rotate Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Creating an Image Destination (Fo lder) [...]

4 Battery Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Handling the Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Using the Power Kits (Sold Separately) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Using an Externally Mounted Flash (Sold Separately) . . . . . . 99 Replacing the Date Battery . . . . [...]

5 Handling Precautions Test Shots Before you try to photograph important subjects, we highly recommend that you shoot several trial images to confirm that the camera is operating and being operated correctly. Please note that Canon Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates, and its distributors are not liable for any consequential damages arising from [...]

6 Video Format Please set the camera’s video signal format to the o ne used in your region before using it with a TV monitor (p. 67). Language Setting Please see the Basic Guide (p. 8) to change the language setting. z Before using the camera, please ensure that you read the safety precautions described below and in the “Safety Precautions” s[...]

7 Warnings Equipment z Do not point the camera d irectly at the sun or bright light sources. Doing so could damage the camera’s CCD or your eyesight. z Store this equipme nt out of the reach of chi ldren and infants. • Wrist strap: Placement of the strap around the child’s n eck could result in asphyxiation. • Memory card: It may be swallow[...]

8 z Do not use substances cont aining alcohol, benzine, thinners or other flammable su bstances to clean or maintain the equipme nt. z Do not cut, damage, alter or plac e heavy items on the power cord. z Use only recommended po wer accessories. z Remove the power cord on a regular p eriodic basis and wipe away the dust and dirt th at collects on th[...]

9 z When recharging the Cano n AA-size NiMH batteries, use only a specified battery charger. z The compact powe r adapter is designed for exclusive use with this equipment. Do not u se it with other products. There is a risk of overheating and distor tion which could result in fire or electrical shock. z Before you discard a batte ry, cover the ter[...]

10 Cautions Equipment z Be careful not to bang the c amera or subject it to s trong impacts or shocks that co uld lead to injury or damage th e equipment when wearing or holdin g it by the strap. z Do not store the equipmen t in humid or dusty areas. z Do not allow metal objects (such as p ins or keys) or dirt to contact the charger terminals or p [...]

11 Flash z Do not operate the flash with d irt, dust or other items stuck to the surface of the flash. z Be careful not to cover the flas h with your fingers or clothing when shooting. The flash may be damaged and emit smoke or noise. The resu lting heat build-up could damage the flash. z Do not touch the surface of the flash after taking several p[...]

12 Before Using the Camera – Basic Oper ations Night Display When shooting in dark conditions, the camera automatically brightens the LCD monitor to su it the brightness of the subject*, making it easier to frame the subject. * Although noi se may appear a nd the movement of t he subject shown on the LCD monitor may appear somewhat jagg ed, there[...]

13 Before Using the Camera – Basic Operat ions Shooting Information (Shooting Mode) Information Displayed on the LCD Monitor White Balance (p. 47) Compression (Still image) (p. 27) Recording Pixels (pp. 26, 38) Metering Mode (p. 43) Drive Mode (p. 31, Basic Guide p. 17) (Red)* 2 Camera Sha ke (p. 14) My Colors (p. 49) ··· * 1 ISO Speed (p. 52)[...]

14 Playback Information (Playback Mode)  Standard If the indicator blinks orange and the camera shake icon displays, it indicates there is insufficient illumination and a slow shutter speed will b e selected. Shoot using the following methods. - Raise the ISO speed (p. 52). - Select a setting other th an (flash off). - Attach the camera to a tri[...]

15 Before Using the Camera – Basic Operat ions  Detailed The following information may a lso be displayed with some images. A sound file in a format other than the WAVE format is attached or the file form at is not rec ognized. JPEG image not c onforming to Design rule fo r Camera File System Stan dards (p. 105) RAW image Unrecognize d data ty[...]

16 The viewfinder ( Basic Guide p. 2) can be used to conserve power by turning the LCD monitor off (p. 12) while sho oting. Histogram Function The histogram is a graph that allows you to ju dge the brightness of the image. The greater the bias toward the left in the graph, the darker the image. The greater the bias towar d the right, the brighter t[...]

17 Before Using the Camera – Basic Operat ions This camera is equipped with a power saving function. The power will shut off in the following circumstances. Press the power button again to restore power. * This time can be changed. Power Saving Function Shooting Mode Powers down approximat ely 3 minutes aft er the last contro l is accessed on the[...]

18 Menus are used to set the shooting, playback and print settings as well as such camera settings as the date/time and electronic beep. z FUNC. Menu z Rec., Play, Print and Set up Menus FUNC. Menu Sets many of the functions commonly used during shooting. a Set the shooting mode d ial to the shooting mo de you want to use. b Press the FUNC./SET but[...]

19 Before Using the Camera – Basic Operat ions Rec., Play, Print and Set up Menus Convenient settings for shooting, playback or printing can be set with these menus. a Press the MENU button. b Use the or button to switch b etween menus. • You can also use the zoom lever to switch between menus. c Use the or button to select a m enu item. • So[...]

20 See Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode (p. 119 ). FUNC. Menu The icons shown below are the default settings. Menu List Menu Item Reference Page Special Sc ene Mode Basic Guide p. 12 Movie Mode p. 35 Exposure Comp ensation p. 44 Long Shutte r Mode p. 45 White Balance p. 47 My Colors p. 49 Metering Mode p. 43 Compression (Still Image) p. 26[...]

21 Before Using the Camera – Basic Operat ions Rec. Menu ( ) *Default setting *1 Default setting is 3 shots. Play Menu ( ) Print Menu ( ) Menu Item Options Summary/ Reference Pag e AiAF On*/Off p. 39 Digital Zo om p. 28 (S till Image) Standard*/O ff/1.5x/1.9x (Movies) Standard*/Of f (in standa rd movie mode) Slow Synchro On/Off* Basic Guide p. 15[...]

22 Set up Menu ( ) *Default setting Menu Item Options Summary/Refer ence Page Mute On/Off * Set to [On] to si lence all operation s ounds except for the warning so unds ( Basic Guide p. 9). Volume Off / 1 /2*/ 3 / 4 / 5 Adjusts the volume of the start-up s ound, oper ation sound, sel ftimer soun d, shutter so und and play back sound. The vo lume ca[...]

23 Before Using the Camera – Basic Operat ions Start-up Image On*/Off Selects wh ether to di splay the startup sc reen when the camera is tu rned on. Power Saving p. 17 Auto Power Down On* /Off Sets whether or not th e camera automatic ally powers down a fter a set period of time elapse s without the camera being operated. Display Off 10 sec./20 [...]

24 *1 The connection method with the print er can be changed. Although it is normally not necessary t o change the setting, select when borderless printing an image shot in (Widescreen) mode on wi de size paper using Canon compact photo printer SELPHY CP730/CP720/ CP710/ CP510. As this setting will be st ored to memory even when the power is turned[...]

25 Before Using the Camera – Basic Operat ions You should always format a new memory card or one fr om which you wish to erase all images and other d ata. Formatting Memory Cards Please note that formatting (initializing) a memory card erases all data, including protected images and other file types. 1 (Set up) Menu (Format). See Menus and Set ti[...]

26 Shooting Approximate Values for Recording Pixels Changing the Recording Pixels and Compression (Still Images) Shooting Mode 1 FUNC. Menu *(Compression)/ *(Recording Pixels). See Menus and Setting s (p. 18). * Default sett ing. z Use the or button to select recording pixel/compression settings and press the FUNC./SET button. Recording Pixels Purp[...]

27 Shooting * Paper sizes vary according to region. Approximate Values for Compression Settings or Postcard 1600 × 1200 pixels When printing to postcards (p. 32) Widescreen 3072 × 1728 pixels Printing wide size prints (Images are recorded wi th 16:9 asp ect ratios. Areas not record ed will di splay as bl ack bars on the LCD monitor.) Compressio n[...]

28 You can combine digital zoom with optical zoom when shooting. The available shooting characteristics and focal lengths (35mm film equivalent) are as follows. Using the Digital Zoom/ Digital Tele-Converter Shooting Mode * Can only be set in mode. However, [Digital Tele-convert er] cannot be set. Selection Focal Length Shooting Characteristics Sta[...]

29 Shooting Shooting With the Digital Zoom 1 (Rec.) Menu (Digital Zoom) [Standard]*/[Off]/[1.5x]/[1.9x]. See Menus and Set tings (p. 19). * Default setting. z When using [Standard] See Shooting With the Digital Zoom (see below). z When using [1.5x] or [1.9x] See Shooting With the Digital Tele-Converter (p. 30). 2 Press the zoom lever toward and sho[...]

30 Shooting With the Digital Tele-Converter 2 Adjust the angle of view with the zoom lever and shoot. z appears on the LCD monitor. z Depending on the number of recording pixels set, image quality may deteriorate ( and the zoom factor appear in blue). About the Digital Tele-Converter The digita l tele-conver ter feature use s digital zoom t o achie[...]

31 Shooting In this mode, the camera shoots continuou sly while the shutter button is held down. If you use the recommended memory car d*, you can shoot continuously (smooth continuous shooting) at a set shooting interval until the memory card is full (pp. 109, 110). * Recommended Memory Card: Super high-speed S DC-512MSH memory card (sol d separat[...]

32 You can shoot images with the optimal settings for postcards by composing them inside the print area ( width-to-height ratio of approximately 3:2) shown in the LCD monitor. z The interval between shots lengt hens when the built-in memory of the camera fills. z If the flash is used, the interval between shots lengthens because the flash must char[...]

33 Shooting Embedding the Date in the Image Data You can embed the date in im age data when (Postcard mode) is selected. 1 (Rec.) Menu (Date Stamp) [Off]*/[Date]/[Date & Ti me]. See Menus and Settings (p. 19 ). * Default se tting. z LCD monitor display : [Off] : [Date]/[Date & Time] z Ensure that the camera’s date/time is se t beforehand [...]

34 You can display vertical and horizontal grid lines, a 3:2 print area guide, or both on the LCD monitor while shooting to help check the position of your subject. *2 Images are still recorded at the standard aspect ratio of 4: 3. Setting the Display Overlays Shooting Mode *1 Only [Grid Lines] ca n be set. Grid Lines Di splays grid lines to divide[...]

35 Shooting The following movie modes are available. For information on the recor ding pixels and frame rate in each mode, refer to Recording Pixels and Frame Rates (p. 38). z The recording time will differ according to the memory card used (p. 110). * Even if the size of the movie dat a has not reached 1 GB, recording will st op when a shooting ti[...]

36 1 FUNC. Menu * (Standard ). See Menus and Setting s (p. 18). * Default sett ing. z Us e t he o r button to select a movie mode and press the FUNC./ SET button. z In mode, you can change the recording pixels and frame rate (p. 38). 2 Shoot. z Pressing the shutter button halfway automatically sets the exposure, focus and white balance settings. z [...]

37 Shooting z You are recommended to use a memory card that has been formatted in your camera to shoot movies (p. 25) . The memory card supplied with the camera may be used without further formatting. z Be careful of the following while recordin g. - Do not touch the microphone ( Basic Guide p. 1). - Do not press any buttons other than the shutter [...]

38 Recording Pixels and Frame Rates Frame rates indicate the number of frames recorded or played back each second. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the appearance of motion. *1 Default setting. *2 The recording pixels and frame rate are fixed. Changing Recording Pixels and Frame Rates (Movies) You can change t he recording pixels and frame r[...]

39 Shooting The AF frame indicates the area of the composition on which the camera focuses. You can set the AF frame in the following ways. z See Image Data Sizes (Estimated) (p. 110). z See Memory Cards and Estimated Capacities (p. 109). Selecting an AF Frame Shooting Mode *Cannot be set in mode. On The camera automatic ally sele cts between 9 AF [...]

40 It may be difficult to focus on the following types of subjects. z Subjects with extremely low con trast to the surroundings z Scenes with a mixture of near and far subjects z Subjects with extremely brigh t objects at the center of the composition z Subjects that are moving q uickly z Subjects through gla ss: Try to shoot as close to the gl ass[...]

41 Shooting Shooting with the AF Lock *Can be opera ted in and modes. To Release the AF Lock Press the button. 1 Turn on the LCD monitor. 2 Aim the camera so that an object at the same focal distance as the main subject is centered in the AF frame. 3 Press and hold the shutter button halfway and press the button. z The icon will appear on the LCD m[...]

42 You can set the exposure and focus separately. This is effective when the contrast is too strong between the subject and background or when a subject is backlit. To Release the AE Lock Press the ISO button. Locking the Exposure Setting (AE Lock) Shooting Mode You must set the flash to . The AE lock cannot be set if the flash fires. 1 Turn on the[...]

43 Shooting You can lock the flash exposure so that the exposure setting s are correctly set regardless of the composition of your subject. To Release the FE Lock Press the ISO button. Locking the Flash Exposure Setting (FE Lock) Shooting Mode 1 Turn on the LCD monitor. 2 Press the button and select (flash on). 3 Focus on the part of the subject on[...]

44 Metering Methods Adjust exposure to the + side to avoid making the subject too dark when shooting in a backlit situation or against a brig ht background, and adjust exposure to the – side to avoid making the subject too light when shooting at night or with a dark background. Evaluativ e Appropri ate for stan dard shoot ing condit ions, includi[...]

45 Shooting To Cancel the Exposure Com pensation Follow Step 2 to restore the compensation value to [0 ]. You can set the shutter speed to a slow setting to make dark subjects appear brighter. In mode, t he exposure shift can be set/canceled (p. 37) . Shooting in Long Shutter Mode Shooting Mode 1 FUNC. Menu * (Exposure Compensation) . See Menus and[...]

46 z This setting is reset once the camer a is turned off. z The nature of CCDs is such that noise in the re corded image increases at long shutter speeds. This camera, however, applies special processing to images shot at shutter speeds slower than 1.3 seconds to eliminate the noise, thereby producing high -quality images. A certain amount of proc[...]

47 Shooting Normally, the (Auto) white balance setting selects an optimal white balance. When the (Auto) settin g cannot produce natural looking colors, change the white balance using a setting appropriate for the light source. White Balance Settings Adjusting the Tone (White Balance) Shooting Mode 1 FUNC. Menu * (Auto). See Menus and Settings (p. [...]

48 Using the Custom White Balance You can set a custom white balance to obtain the optimal setting for the shooting conditions by ha ving the camera evaluate an object, such as a piece of white paper or cloth, or a photo-quality gray card that you wish to establish as the standard white color. In particular, take a (Custom) white balance r eading f[...]

49 Shooting You can change the look of an image when it is shot. My Colors Settings Shooting in a My Colors Mode Shooting Mode My Colors Off Records norma lly. Vivid Emph asizes the contrast and color saturation to record bol d colors. Neutral Tones down th e contrast and color saturatio n to record neu tral hues. Sepia Records in se pia tones. B/W[...]

50 1 FUNC. Menu *(My Colors Off). See Menus and Setting s (p. 18). * Default sett ing. z Use the or button to select a My Colors mode. z Mode See Setting the Camera to a Custom Color Mode (p. 51). z Modes other than Press the FUNC./SET button. The display will return to the shooting screen and you can shoot. 2 Shoot.[...]

51 Shooting Setting the Camera to a Custom Color Mode 1 (Custom Color) . See Menus and Settings (p. 18). 2 Use the or button to select [Contrast], [Sharpness] or [Saturation] and the or butto n to adjust it. z The altered color will display. 3 . z This completes the setting. If you press the MENU button at this point, you will retur n to the screen[...]

52 Raise the ISO speed to use a fast shutter speed when you wish to reduce the effects of camera shake or avoid blurry subjects, or to turn the flash off when shooting in a dark area. Adjusting the ISO Speed Shooting Mode 1 Press the I I SO button to cycle through ISO settings. z You can advance to the next optio n each time you press the button: *[...]

53 Shooting Your camera is equipped with an Intelligent Orientation sensor that detects the orientation of an image shot with the camera held vertically and automatically rotates it to the correct orientation when viewing it in the LCD monitor. Setting the Auto Rotate Function Shooting Mode 1 (Set up) Menu (Auto Rotate) [On]*/ [Off]. See Menus and [...]

54 You can create a new folder at any time and the recorded images will be automatically saved to that folder. Creating a Folder the Ne xt Time You Shoot Creating an Image Destination (Folder) Shooting Mode Create New Folder Creates a ne w folder the n ext time you sh oot images . To create an a dditional fo lder, insert the che ck mark again. Auto[...]

55 Shooting Setting the Day or Time for Automatic Folder Creation 2 Select a day for the [Auto Create] option and a time in the [Tim e] option . z displays when the specified time arrives. The symbol will cease to display after the new folder is created. Up to 2000 images can be saved into one folder. A new folder will automatically be created when[...]

56 The images you shoot are automatically assigned file numbers. You can select how the file number is assigned. File Number Reset Function Resetting the File Number Shooting Mode 1 (Set up) Menu (File Numbering) [Continuous]*/[Auto Reset]. See Menus and Settings (p. 19). * Default sett ing. Continuo us A number on e higher th an the last one recor[...]

57 Shooting File and Folder Numbers Recorded images are assigned consecutive file numbers starting with 0001 and ranging up to 9999 , while folders are assigned numbers starting with 100 and ranging up to 999. Up to 2,000 images can be saved into a single folder. z Images may be saved to a new folder when there is insufficient free space even if th[...]

58 Playback/Erasing Please also see the Basic Camera User Guide (p. 19). To Cancel the Magnified Disp lay Press the zoom lever toward . (You can also cancel it immediately by pressing the MENU button.) Magnifying Images 1 Press the zoom lever toward . z will display and a magnified portion of the image will display. z Images can be magnified up to [...]

59 Playback/Erasing To Return to Single Imag e Playback Press the zoom lever toward . Viewing Images in Sets of Nine ( Index Playback) 1 Press the zoom lever towa rd . z Up to nine images can be viewed at once in index playback. z Use the , , or button to change the image selection. Switching between Sets of Nine Images The jump bar will display if[...]

60 When you have many images recorded onto a memory card, it is handy to use the five search keys below to jump over images to find the object of your search. To Return to Single Image Pla yback Press the MENU button. Jumping to Images Jump 10 I mages Jumps o ver 10 imag es at a ti me. Jump 100 Images Jump s over 100 images at a time. Shot Date Jum[...]

61 Playback/Erasing Viewing Movies Movies cannot be played in the index playback mode. 1 Display a movie and press . z Images with a icon are movies. 2 Select (Play) and press . z The movie will pause if you press the FUNC ./SET button during playback. It will resume when you press the button again. z When playback ends, the movie stops at the last[...]

62 Operating the Movie Control Panel Ends playbac k and returns t o single image pl ayback Prints (An i con will displa y when a printer i s connected. See the Direct Print User Guide for details.) Play Slow Motion Playback (You can use the button to slow down or the button to speed up playback.) Displays the first fram e Previous Fra me (Rewinds i[...]

63 Playback/Erasing Images can be rotated clockwise 90° or 270° in the display. Rotating Images in the Display 1 (Play) Menu . See Menus and Set tings (p. 19). 2 Use the or button to select an image to rotate and press to rotate it. z Cycle through the 90°/270°/original orientations with each press of the FUNC./SET button. z This also can be se[...]

64 In playback mode (including single image playback and index playback), you can attach sound memos (up to 1 min.) to an image. The sound data is saved in the WAVE format. Attaching Sound Memos to Images 1 (Play) Menu . See Menus and Settings (p. 19). 2 Use the or button to select an image to which to attach a sound memo and press . z The sound me[...]

65 Playback/Erasing Sound Memo Panel Use this feature to automatically play back all of the images in the memory card. The LCD monitor displays each image for approximately 3 seconds. Exit Record Pause Play Erase Select [Er ase] in the confi rmation scree n and press the FU NC./ SET button. z You cannot attach sound memos to movies. z Sound memos f[...]

66 You can protect important images and movies from accidental erasure. 2 Press . z During automated playback, the following functions are possib le: - Pausing/resuming the Auto Play: Press the FUNC./SET button - F ast forwarding/re winding: Press the or bu tt o n (h ol d down the button to switch between images more rapidly) - Stopping the Auto Pl[...]

67 Playback/Erasing You can play back images on a television with the supplied AV cable. Viewing Images on a TV Set 1 Turn off the camera and the TV. 2 Connect the AV cable to the camera’s A/V OUT terminal. z Slip your fingernail under the lower end of the camera’s terminal cover, lift it open and plug the interface cable in all the way. 3 Plug[...]

68 z When the camera is set to shooting mode, you can take pictures while displaying images on the television. z The video output signal can be switched (NT SC or PAL) to accommodate different regional standards (p. 23). Th e default setting varies between re gions. - NTSC: Japan, U.S.A., Canada, Taiwan and o thers - PAL: Europe, Asia (excluding Ta[...]

69 Print Settings/Transfer Settings Print Settings/Transfer Settings You can select images on a memory card for printin g and specify the number of print copies in advance using the camera. The settings used on the camera comply with the Digita l Print Order Format (DPOF) standards. This is extremely convenient for printing on a direct print compat[...]

70 2 Use the or button to select images for printing. z Selection methods differ for the Print Type settings (p . 72). - Standard ( )/Both ( ) Select an image, press the FUNC./ SET button and use the or button to select the number of print copies (up to 99). - Index ( ) Select an image and press the FUNC./SET button to select or deselect it. z You [...]

71 Print Settings/Transfer Settings All the Images on a Memory Card 1 (Print) Menu [Select All Images] . See Menus and Set tings (p. 19). z One copy of every image will be set to print. z Selecting [Clear All Selections] cance ls all pr int setti ngs. z When the camera is connected to a printer, the button will light in blue. At this time, press th[...]

72 Setting the Print Style After setting the print style, select the images for printing . The following settings can be selected. *Default setting Print Type Standard* Prints o ne image pe r page. Index Prints the selec ted images together at a reduced size in an index forma t. Both Prints the im ages in bo th the standard an d index format s. Dat[...]

73 Print Settings/Transfer Settings z The Date and File No. settings change according to the Print Type as follows. - Index (Date) and ( File No.) cannot be set to [On] at the same time. - Standard or Both (Date) and (F ile No.) can be set to [On] at the same time, however, the printable information may vary between printers. z Images dated using ([...]

74 You can use the camera to specify settings for images before downloading to a computer. Refer to the Software Starter Guide for instructions on how to transfer ima ges to your computer. The settings used on the camera comply with the Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) standards. Single Images Setting the DPOF Transfer Settings The icon may displa[...]

75 Print Settings/Transfer Settings All the Images on a Memory Card 3 Use the or button to select an image to transfer and press . z Pressing the FUNC./SET button a gain deselects the setting. z You can also select images in the index playback mode. 2 Select [Mark all] and press . z Selecting [Reset] cancels all transfer order settings. 3 Select [O[...]

76 Troubleshooting Camera Camera will not operate. Power is not turned on. z Press the power button ( Basic Guide p. 9). Memory card slot/battery cover is open. z Confirm that the memory card slot/ battery cover is securely closed ( Basic Guide p. 5). Batteries are loaded in the wrong direction. z Reload the batteries in the correct direction ( Bas[...]

77 Troubleshooting When the power is turned on “Card locked!” message appears. The SD memory card or SDHC memory card’s write protect tab is set to “Write protect”. z When recording to, erasing from or formatting the memory card, slide the write protect tab upward (p. 93). The Date/Time menu appears. The lithium coin battery charge is low[...]

78 A bar of light (red, purple) appears on the LCD Sometimes appears when shooting a bright subject, such as the sun or other light source. z This is a normal occurrence in devices containing CCDs and does not constitute a malfunction. This bar of light will not be recorded when shooting still images, but it will be recorded when shooting movies. a[...]

79 Troubleshooting Shooting Shooting Mode is set to (playback). z Press the shutter button halfway, or press / button to switch to the shooting mode ( Basic G uide p. 7). Flash is charging. z When the flash is charged, the indicator will light orange. Shoo ting is now possible ( Basic Guide p. 4). Memory card is full. z Insert a new memory card ( B[...]

80 Image is blurred or out of focus. The camera moves when the shutter button is pressed. z Confirm the procedures in “ appea rs” (p. 78). AF-assist Beam is set to [Off]. z In dark places where it is difficult for the camera to focus, the AF- assist Beam will emit to assist focusing. As the AF-assist Beam will not function when turned off, set [...]

81 Troubleshooting The subject is overexposed because the surroundings are too dark. z Set the exposure compensation to a negative (–) setting (p. 44). z Use the AE lock or spot metering function (pp. 42, 44). Too much light is shining directly into the camera, or is being reflected off the subject. z Change the shooting angle. Flash is set to on[...]

82 Eyes appear red. Light is reflected back from the eyes when the flash is used in dark areas. z Shoot with (Red-Eye) set to [On] ( Basic Guide p. 15). For this mode to be effective, the subject must be looking right at the red-eye reduction lamp. Try asking them to look directly at the lamp. z Even better results can be obtained by increasing the[...]

83 Troubleshooting Shooting Movies The recording time may not display properly or shooting may stop unexpectedly. The following types of memory cards are used. - Slow recording cards. - Cards formatted on a different camera or a computer. - Cards wh ich have ha d images recorded and erased re peatedly. z Although the recording time may not display [...]

84 Playback Cannot play back. You attempted to play back images shot with another camera or images edited with a computer. z Computer images that cannot be played back may play back if they are added to the camera using the supplied software program ZoomBrowser EX or ImageBrowser. See ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser Software User Guide (PDF). File name[...]

85 Troubleshooting Reading images from memory card is slow. Memory card was formatted in another device. z Use a memory card formatted in your camera (p. 25). Battery Batteries consumed quickly. Batteries are not the right type. z Use only unused AA-size alkaline batteries or Canon AA-size NiMH batteries (p. 91). Battery capacity drops due to low a[...]

86 TV monitor output Image is distorted or not showing on TV monitor. Incorrect video system setting. z Set the video system to the appropriate setting, NTSC or PAL, for your TV (p. 23). Printin g with a direct print com patible printer Cannot print. The camera and printer are not properly connected. z Securely connect the camera and printer with t[...]

87 List of Messages List of Messages The following messages may appear on the LCD monit or during shooting or playback. Please refer to the Direct Prin t User Gui de for the messages that display during a printer connection. Busy... Image is being recorded to the memory card, or the playback mode is starting up. No memory card You turned on the cam[...]

88 Naming error! The file name could not be created because there is an image with the same name as the folder that the camera is attemp ting to create, or the highest possible file number has already been reached. In the Set up menu, se t (File Numbering) to [Auto Reset]; alternatively, save all the images you wish to retain onto a computer, then [...]

89 List of Messages Cannot magnify! You attempted to magnify an image recorded in a different camera or data type, an image edit ed with a computer, or a movie. Cannot rotate You attempted to rotate an image recorded in a different camera or data type, an image edited with a computer or a movie. Incompatible WAVE A sound memo cannot be added to thi[...]

90 Lens error, restart camera An error was detected while the lens was in motion, and the power has been automatically turned off. Th is error can occur if you hold the lens while it is in motion or you operate it in a location with excessive dust or sand in the air . Try turning the power back on, and resume shooting or pla yback. If this message [...]

91 Appendix Appendix Battery Handling Battery Charge The following icon and message will display . Battery Handling Precautions z This camera uses AA-size alkal ine batteries or Canon AAsize NiMH batteries (sold separately). While it is possible to use AA-size nickel-cadmium batteries, performance is unreliable and their use is not recommended. z S[...]

92 z Before installing the batteries, wipe the battery terminals well with a dry cloth. If the battery terminals are soiled with oil from one’s skin or other dirt, the number of recordable images may be conside rably diminished, or the amount of time the camera can be used reduced. z At low temperatures, battery p erformance may be reduced and th[...]

93 Appendix Handling the Memory Card SD Memory Card or SD HC Memory Card Write Protect Tab Cautions When Handling z Memory cards are high-precision electronic devices. Do not bend them, apply force t o them, or subject them to shocks or vibration. z Do not attempt to disasse mble or alter the memory card. z Do not allow dirt, water or foreign objec[...]

94 Formatting z Please note that forma tting (initializing) an m emory card erases all data, including p rotected images. z You are recommended to use me mory cards that have been formatted in your camera. • The card supplied with the camera may be used with out further formatting. • When t he camera is malf unctioni ng, a corrup ted memory car[...]

95 Appendix Using Rechargeable Batteries (Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300) This kit includes a battery charger and four rechargeable AA-size NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batter ies. Charge batteries as shown below. Recharging is also possible using two batteries. • After inserting the batteries, plug the charger (CB-5AH) into an outlet, or attach[...]

96 z The CB-5AH/CB-5AHE battery charger can only be used to charge Canon AA-size NiMH Battery NB-3AH and NB- 2AH. Please do not attempt to charge any other type of battery. z Do not mix batteries with different pur chase dates or different charge states. When recharging batteries, always recharge both of them at the same time. z Do not attempt to r[...]

97 Appendix z If you store batteries for a long period of time (a bout 1 year), it is recommended that you deplete the batteries in the camera and to then store them at room temperature (0 to 30 °C/32 to 90 °F) in low humidity. Storing the m in a fully charged condition can shorten their lifespan or degrade their performance. Again, if you do not[...]

98 Using the AC Adapter Kit ACK800 It is best to power the camera with AC Adapter Kit ACK800 (sold separately) when you are using it for long periods of time or connecting it to a computer. Turn the camera power off before connecting o r disconnecting the AC adapter. 1 Connect the power cord to the compact power adapter first and then plug the othe[...]

99 Appendix High-Power Flash HF-DC1 This flash is used to supplement the camera’s built-in flash when the subject is too far away for pr oper illumination. Use the following procedures to affix the camera and High-Power Flash to the supporting bracket. Please read the instructions accompanying the flash along with this explanation. Using an Exter[...]

100  Batteries z Charge becomes Severely Limited If the battery usage time has considerably diminished, wipe the battery terminals well with a dry cloth. The terminals may be dirty from fingerprints. z Usage in Cold Temperatures Get a spare generic lithium battery (CR123A or DL123). You are recommended to place the spare battery in your pocket t[...]

101 Appendix If the LCD monitor displays the Date/Time menu when you turn on the camera, this means that the date battery has run d own and the clock has stopped running. Please purchase a replacement battery (lithium coin battery CR1220) and install it as follows. Replacing the Date Battery The date batter y is preinstalled at th e factory and may[...]

102 5 Insert a new battery with the (– ) side facing up. 6 Replace the battery holder and close the memory card slot/battery cover. 7 When the Date/Time menu appears, set the date and time ( Basic Guide p. 8). After purchasing the camera and turnin g on the power for the first time, although the Date/Time menu will appear, you do not need to repl[...]

103 Appendix Camera Body Gently wipe dirt off the camera body with a so ft cloth or eyeglass lens wiper. Lens First use a lens blower brush to re move dust and dirt, then remove any remaining dirt by wiping the lens lightly with a soft cloth. Viewfinder and LCD Monitor Use a lens blower brush to remove d ust and dirt. If necessary, gently wipe with[...]

104 All data is based on Canon’s standard testing methods. Subject to change without notice. PowerShot A550 Specifications Camera Effective Pixels : Approx. 7.1 millio n Image Sensor : 1/2.5- inch type CCD (Total number of pixe ls: Approx. 7.4 mill ion) Lens : 5.8 (W) – 23 .2 (T) mm (35mm film equi valent: 35 (W) – 14 0 (T) mm) f/2.6 (W) – [...]

105 Appendix Exposure Compensation : ±2.0 stop s in 1/3-stop increments ISO Speed (Standard Ou tput Sensitivity, Recommended Exposure I ndex) : Auto*, High ISO A uto**, ISO 80/100/200 / 400/800 * Camera automatically sets the optimal speed according to subject brightness. ** Camera automatically sets the optimal speed according to subject brightne[...]

106 Data Type (S till images) : Exif 2.2 (JPEG)* Sound Memo: WAVE ( monaural) * This digital camera supports Exif 2.2 (also called “Exif Print”). Exif Print is a standard for enhancing the communication between digital cameras and printers. By connecting to an Exif Print-compliant printer , the camera’s image data at the time of shooting is u[...]

107 Appendix Playback Mode s : Single (histogram dis playable), In dex (9 thumbnail images), Ma gnified (ap prox. 10x (max.) in LCD monit or, advance or reverse through magni fied images po ssible), Ju mp (it is possib le to jump to every t enth or hundredth im age, to the fi rst image of ea ch shooting dat e, to the firs t image in eac h folder, o[...]

108 Battery Capacity z The actual figures will vary according to the shooting conditions and settings. z Movie data is excluded. z At low temperatures, the battery performance may diminish and the low battery icon may appear very rapidly. I n these circumstances, the performance can be improved by warming the battery in a pocket before use. Test Co[...]

109 Appendix Memory Cards and Estimated Capacities : Card included with the camera • Capable of smooth contin uous shooting (p. 31) (When ca rd has been formatted with a low level format). • This reflects standard shooting criteria established by Canon. Actual results may vary according to the subject and shooting conditions. Recording Pi xels [...]

110 Movie : Card included with the camera * Maximum clip length at : 1 min and : 3 min. The figures indicate the maximum continuous recording time. Image Data Sizes (Estimated) Recording Pixels Frame Rate 16MB SDC-128M SDC- 512MSH Standard 640 × 480 pixels 7 sec. 1 min. 4 sec. 4 min. 9 sec. 15 sec. 2 min. 7 sec. 8 min. 14 sec. 320 × 240 pixels 22[...]

111 Appendix MultiMediaCard SD Memory Card Recording Pi xels Frame Rate Fil e size Standard 640 × 480 pixels 1920 KB/ sec. 960 KB/sec. 320 × 240 pixels 660 KB/sec. 330 KB/sec. Fast Frame Rate 320 × 240 pixels 1320 KB/sec. Compact 160 × 120 pixels 120 KB/sec. Interface Compatible with Mul tiMediaCard standards Dimensions 32.0 × 24.0 × 1 .4 mm [...]

112 NiMH Battery NB-3AH (Supplied with the separately sold NiMH Battery NB4-300 set or the Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300) Battery Charger CB-5AH/CB- 5AHE (Supplied with the separately sold Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300) *1 When charging four NB-3AH batteries *2 When charging two NB-3AH batteries loaded one on each side of the batte ry charger[...]

113 INDEX Numerics 3:2 Guide .................. ........13, 34 A AC Adapter Ki t ACK800 .........98 AE Lock ............. .................. ... 42 AF Frame ........... .............. .13, 39 AF Lock ................. .................41 AF-assist Beam ................21, 80 AiAF ............ ............................39 Auto Play ...............[...]

114 G Grid Lines . .............. ......... 13, 34 H HF-DC1 ........ .............. ............ 99 High-Power Flas h .................. 99 Histogram ..... .................. ........ 16 I Image Data Size s (Estimated) ............... ............................... 1 10 Image zone .................. Basic 11 Index Playba ck .............. ........[...]

115 Portrait ............... ........... Basic 11 Power Bu tton .............. Basic 3, 9 Power Saving Func tion ...........17 Print Menu ....................... .......21 Print/Share Button .... Basic 3, 22 Printing ....... ............ 69, Basic 22 Protect ..... .............. .................66 R Rec. Menu ....................... .......21 Rech[...]

116 MEMO[...]

117 Canadian Radio Interference Re gulations This Class B di gital appara tus complies wit h Canadian ICES -003. Réglementat ion canadienne sur les inter férences radio Cet apparei l numérique de la classe B est con forme à la norme NMB - 003 du Canada . FCC Notice (Digital Came ra, Model PC1230) This devic e complies with Par t 15 of the FCC R[...]

118 Trademark Acknowledgments • Windows, Windows Vista and the Windows Vista logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation, registered in the U.S. and other countries. • Macintosh, Mac logo and QuickTime are tr ademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. • The SDHC logo is a trademark. Copyright © 2007 Canon [...]

119 Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode The following chart shows the function s and settings available in each shooting mode. Functions Ref. Page Recording Pixels (S till Image) Large z z z – z p. 26 Medium 1 c c c – c Medium 2 c c c – c Medium 3 c c c – c Small c c { – c Postcard c c c – c Widescreen c c { – c Compression (Mov[...]

120 * { : Setting available ( z : Default settings.) — : Set ting selection is no t possible. • (Shaded Area): Setting i s retained even when the camera power is shut off. • Wi th the exception of the [D ate/Time], [Language] and [Video System] settin gs, all the other m enu settings and changes made with the camera bu ttons can be reset to t[...]

121 (1) T he recording pixels and frame rates for the (Movie) mo de (p. 38). (2) T his cannot be set in Long S hutter mode. (3) Au to is the default set ting in , , , , an d ( ) modes. Off is the default setting in , ( ) and modes . • You cannot use flash in mode. (4) T his cannot be set in mode. (5) Sl ow Synchro will be fixed to [On] in the or [...]