Pentax 18173 - Optio 550 Digital Camera Operating Manual
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Pentax 18173 - Optio 550 Digital Camera Operating Manual

Pentax 18173 - Optio 550 Digital Camera Operating Manual

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Operating Manual
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Summary of Contents for Pentax 18173 - Optio 550 Digital Camera

  • Page 1: Digital Camera

    Digital Camera Operating Manual To ensure the best performance from your camera, please read the Operating Manual before using the camera.
  • Page 2 Thank you for buying the Pentax Optio 550 Digital Camera. Please read this manual before using the camera in order to get the most out of all the features and functions. Keep this manual safe, as it can be a valuable tool in helping you to understand all the cam- era’s capabilities.

  • Page 3: For Safe Use Of Your Camera

    • If the camera emits smoke or a strange smell, or in the event of any other irregularity, stop using the camera immediately, remove the battery or disconnect the AC adapter and contact your nearest Pentax service center. Continued use of the camera may result in fire or electric shock.

  • Page 4: Care To Be Taken During Handling

    (such as at a wedding or dur- ing travelling). Pentax is not responsible for consequential damages (costs incurred as a result of taking pictures, loss of benefits that were to be obtained through taking pic- tures) arising from failure of this product.
  • Page 5 To users of this camera • There is a possibility that recorded data may be erased or that the camera may not function correctly when used in surroundings such as installations generating strong electromagnetic radiation or magnetic fields. • The liquid crystal panel used in the LCD display is manufactured using extreme- ly high precision technology.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Contents FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA ·····················································1 Care to be Taken During Handling ···························································2 Contents ···································································································4 Contents of the Operating Manual ···························································7 Checking the Contents of the Package ····················································8 Name of Parts ··························································································9 Names of Operating Parts ····································································10 Getting Started ············································································11 Attaching the Strap ··························································································11 Powering the Camera ······················································································12 Charging the Battery ··············································································12...
  • Page 7 Setting the Sensitivity ·············································································49 Setting the Instant Review time (Instant Review) ··································50 Setting the Image Sharpness (Sharpness) ············································51 Setting the Color Saturation (Saturation) ···············································52 Setting the Image Contrast (Contrast) ···················································53 Taking Pictures ·································································································54 Letting the Camera Set the Exposure (Program Mode) ························54 Setting the Aperture Value (Aperture Priority Mode) ·····························55 Setting the Shutter Speed (Shutter Priority Mode) ································56 Setting the Exposure Manually (Manual Exposure Mode) ·····················57...
  • Page 8 Viewing Images with your PC ·······································································104 About the included software ·································································104 System environment ············································································104 Installing the software ··········································································105 Displaying and copying images using ACDSee™ ·······························112 Joining panorama images using ACD photostitcher ····························113 Disconnecting the camera from your computer ···································116 Viewing Images with your Macintosh ····························································118 About the included software ·································································118 System environment ············································································118 Installing the software ··········································································118...

  • Page 9: Contents Of The Operating Manual

    Contents of the Operating Manual This Operating manual contains the following chapters. Getting Started This chapter explains what you need to do after purchasing the camera before you start taking pictures. Be sure to read it and follow the instructions. Quick Start This chapter explains the simplest way to take pictures and play back images.

  • Page 10: Checking The Contents Of The Package

    Checking the Contents of the Package Battery charger Camera Lithium-ion battery (D-BC7) (∗) Optio 550 D-LI7 (Rechargeable) (∗) AV cable USB cable AC plug cord I-AVC7 (∗) I-USB7 (∗) D-C02 (∗) Software (CD-ROM) Strap 3D Image Viewer S-SW7 O-ST5 (∗) O-3DV1 Digital Camera Operating Manual...

  • Page 11: Name Of Parts

    Name of Parts Front Remote control receiver Shutter release button Self-timer lamp Power switch Autofocus window Speaker Viewfinder Built-in flash Microphone Lens Back Viewfinder LCD monitor Strap lug Terminal cover USB/AV output terminal DC input terminal Battery lock lever Battery chamber/card cover Tripod socket...

  • Page 12: Names Of Operating Parts

    Names of Operating Parts Diopter adjustment lever button DPOF button Power switch Shutter release button Mode dial Zoom / button button Playback button OK button Four-way controller Display button Status lamp (green) Flash lamp (red) Menu/Fn button Guide indications A guide to available button operation is displayed on the LCD monitor during operation.

  • Page 13: Getting Started

    Getting Started Attaching the Strap Pass the narrow end of the strap through the strap lug and pass the other end through the loop.

  • Page 14: Powering The Camera

    Powering the Camera Charging Battery indicator To power outlet Battery charger AC plug cord Charging the Battery When using the camera for the first time or when the [Battery depleted.] message is displayed, charge the battery. Connect the AC plug cord to the battery charger. Plug the AC plug cord into the power outlet.

  • Page 15: Installing The Battery

    Battery chamber card cover Battery Battery lock lever Installing the Battery Install the battery provided. When using the camera for the first time, charge the battery before installing. Slide the battery chamber/card cover in the direction indi- cated by the arrow to open the battery chamber/card cover.
  • Page 16 Number of recordable images : Approx. 400 (when 50% shooting uses flash, LCD monitor ON) Playback time : Approx. 210 min. * The description above is based on Pentax measuring conditions and may vary depending on capture mode and shooting conditions. Caution Generally, battery performance is temporarily deteriorate as temperature decreases.

  • Page 17: Using The Ac Adapter (Optional)

    AC adapter To power outlet Terminal cover AC plug cord Using the AC Adapter (optional) If you intend to use the LCD monitor for a long time or connect the camera to a PC, use of the AC adapter D-AC7 (optional) is recom- mended.

  • Page 18: Installing The Sd Memory Card

    Memory Card/MultiMedia card. To take pictures in TIFF format, use a card with a capacity of 32MB or more. • The above table is based on standard shooting conditions specified by PENTAX and may vary depending on the subject, shooting conditions, capture mode, SD Memory Card, etc.
  • Page 19 • The data on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard may be erased in the fol- lowing circumstances. Pentax does not accept any liability for data that is erased • when the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard is mishandled by the user.

  • Page 20: Turning The Camera On And Off

    Turning the Camera On and Off Power switch Press the power switch. The camera will turn on. When the camera is turned on the lens cover opens and the lens extends. Press the power switch again to turn the camera off. Card Check When the camera is turned on, it auto- matically performs a card check.

  • Page 21: Adjusting The Viewfinder

    Adjusting the Viewfinder Viewfinder If the subject through the viewfinder are hard to see, you can –1 –1 adjust the diopter in the range of –3 m to +1 m (per meter). Aim the camera at the bright subject. While looking through the viewfinder, move the diopter adjustment lever to the left or right until the subject appears in the sharpest focus.

  • Page 22: Initial Settings

    Initial Settings Power switch Four-way controller OK button Display button Menu button If the initial settings screen appears when you turn the camera on, follow the procedure below to set the display language, Home Town, DST, video output format and current date and time.

  • Page 23: Setting The Home Town

    Setting the Home Town You can choose the city (Home Town) in Initial settings which you will use the camera. Language/ English City Press the four-way controller ( to select the desired city (Home Town). Exit MENU Press the four-way controller ( ). The screen for setting the next item will be displayed.

  • Page 24: Setting The Date And Time

    Setting the Date and Time Set the current date and time. Use the four-way controller ( Date Adjust to change the month. 01 / 01 / 2003 0 : 00 12/24 Exit MENU DISP Press the four-way controller ( ). Date Adjust will be displayed above 02 / 01 / 2003...
  • Page 25 When you have finished the settings, press the OK but- ton when the clock reaches 00 seconds. The camera is ready to take a picture. When you set date and time except the initial settings, press the OK button again after pressing the OK button when the clock reaches 00 seconds to return to capture mode.

  • Page 26: Quick Start

    Quick Start Taking Still Pictures Shutter release button Mode dial Power switch Viewfinder Viewfinder Zoom / button LCD monitor For the simplest procedure to take still pictures: The flash fires automatically depending on the light conditions. Press the power switch. The camera will turn on.
  • Page 27 Press the shutter release button. The image will be displayed on the LCD monitor for 2 seconds (Instant Review) and recorded on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard. (The green and red lamps on the right of the viewfinder blink alternately while the image is being recorded on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard.) Using the Shutter Release Button The shutter release button works in a two-step action.

  • Page 28: Playing Back Still Pictures

    Quick Start Playing Back Still Pictures LCD monitor LCD monitor Playback button Four-way controller Playing Back Images You can display the still picture. Press the Playback button after taking a picture. The image taken will be displayed on the LCD monitor. Playing Back Previous or Next Images Still images can be played back one at a time, proceeding either forward or backward.
  • Page 29 Erasing the image displayed on the LCD monitor File No. While the image is displayed, you can erase it by pressing the but- 100-0020 100-0020 ton (The Delete screen will be dis- played.), press the four-way controller ( ) to select [Delete], and then Delete Cancel pressing the OK button.

  • Page 30: How To View The Recorded Images

    Quick Start How to View the Recorded Images Images taken with the Optio 550 camera are recorded on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard. You can view the images recorded on the card on the camera itself, trans- fer them to your PC and print them out.
  • Page 31 Viewing images on a PC You can view recorded images and edit them on the PC just by connecting the camera to the PC with the USB cable and downloading the images (you need to install the USB driver if you are using Windows 98).

  • Page 32: Common Operations

    Common Operations Changing the Mode Capture mode is for taking pictures and voice recording. Playback mode is for playing back or erasing images and sound. Switching Between Capture Mode and Playback Mode To change from Capture mode to Playback mode, press the •...

  • Page 33: Using The Button Functions

    Using the Button Functions Capture Mode Diopter adjustment lever Adjusts the viewfinder for optimum clarity. ( p.19) button Changes the flash mode. ( p.42) button Changes the shooting mode as follows. Using the self-timer ( p.77) Using the remote control unit ( p.78) Continuous shooting ( p.79)
  • Page 34 Playback button Switches to Playback mode. ( p.30) Four-way controller ( Changes the EV compensation in modes other than p.76) Changes the shutter speed in mode. ( p.57) Four-way controller ( Adjusts the focus in mode. ( p.41) Sets the aperture value in mode.

  • Page 35: Playback Mode

    Playback Mode button Protects the image from erasure. ( p.99) DPOF button Sets the DPOF data for printing pictures. ( p.101) button Deletes the image. ( p.96) Zoom / button displays nine images at once. ( p.94) Press – in normal mode to change the size of the Zoom Display image, displayed on the LCD monitor.

  • Page 36: Using The Menus

    Using the Menus When you press the Menu/Fn button, the menus are displayed on the LCD monitor. You can set functions, save the settings, and change the camera settings on these menus. How to Set the Menus When you are making settings from a menu, a guide to opera- tion is displayed on the LCD monitor.

  • Page 37: Example Of Menu Operation

    Example of menu operation Menu/Fn button Rec.Mode] menu Playback] menu Set-up] menu Playback Set-up Rec. Mode Resize Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Format Trimming Sound Quality Level White Balance Alarm Date Style mm/dd/yy Focusing Area Wide Slideshow 3sec Date Adjust 1/ 1/2003 AE Metering World Time Language/...

  • Page 38: Menu List

    Menu List Rec.Mode] Menu Item Description Reference Recorded Pixels For selecting the size of recorded pixels. p.43 Quality Level For selecting the image compression rate. p.44 White Balance For adjusting the color balance according to lighting. p.45 Focusing Area For changing the Area of the autofocus. p.47 For setting the metering method to determine the exposure.
  • Page 39 Playback] Menu Item Description Reference p.123 Resize For changing the size of images p.125 Trimming For trimming images p.139 Alarm For setting the alarm to ring at specified time p.95 Slideshow Recorded images are played successively. Set-up] Menu Item Description Reference p.126 Format...

  • Page 40: Taking Pictures

    Taking Pictures Displaying Shooting Information (Capture Mode) You can display information on the LCD monitor when shooting. The display mode can be changed by pressing the Display but- ton. Display On Shooting information is displayed. q Flash mode w Drive mode e Focus mode r Capture mode t AF area 02/20/2003...
  • Page 41 Display Off No shooting information is displayed. • The AF area in autofocus mode is displayed. • If any of the modes are changed such as Flash mode, the mode you have changed is displayed for a few seconds. LCD Monitor Off Turn off the LCD monitor.

  • Page 42: Setting The Shooting Functions

    Setting the Shooting Functions Selecting the Focus Mode Focus Mode (No icon) Autofocus mode The camera is focused on the subject in the autofo- cus area when the shutter release button is pressed halfway. Use this mode when the distance to the subject is more than 60 cm (1.97 ft).
  • Page 43 If you take a picture while looking through the viewfinder Caution when the focus mode is set on Macro or Super Macro, the range of the resulting picture will differ from what was seen in the viewfinder. Be sure to check the image on the LCD monitor. Manual Focus When the mode is set on and press the four-way controller...

  • Page 44: Selecting The Flash Mode

    Selecting the Flash Mode (No icon) Auto flash The flash discharges automatically depending on the light conditions. The flash will not discharge. Flash Off The flash discharges. Flash On This mode reduces the phenomenon of red eyes caused Auto flash + Red-eye by the light from the flash being reflected in the subject’s Reduction eyes.

  • Page 45: Selecting The Recorded Pixels

    Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Selecting the Recorded Pixels You can choose the number of recorded pixels from [2592 × 1944], [2048 × 1536], [1600 × 1200], [1024 × 768] and [640 × 480].

  • Page 46: Selecting The Quality Levels

    Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Selecting the Quality Levels You can choose the image compression rate. The image is recorded as uncompressed data. TIFF TIFF BEST The quality is better and there is a high volume of image data.

  • Page 47: Adjusting The Color Balance According To Lighting (White Balance)

    Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Adjusting the Color Balance according to Lighting (White Balance) You can take pictures in natural colors by adjusting the white balance according to the light conditions at the time of shooting. Automatic The camera adjusts the white balance automatically.
  • Page 48 Selecting the Type of Fluorescent Light Select [ ] on the White Balance White Balance screen. Use the four-way controller ( ) to choose “W”, “N” or “D”. Press the OK button twice. Exit MENU The camera is ready to take the picture.

  • Page 49: Changing The Af Area (Focusing Area)

    Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Changing the AF Area (Focusing Area) You can change the angle of the autofocus area. Wide Normal range The autofocus range becomes smaller. Spot Select [Focusing Area] on the Rec.

  • Page 50: Setting The Light Metering Range To Determine The Exposure

    Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Setting the Light Metering Range to Determine the Exposure (AE Metering) You can choose which part of the screen to use to measure the brightness and determine the exposure.

  • Page 51: Setting The Sensitivity

    Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Setting the Sensitivity You can select the Sensitivity to suit the brightness of the sur- roundings. Sensitivity Auto The camera sets the speed automatically. •...

  • Page 52: Setting The Instant Review Time (Instant Review)

    Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Setting the Instant Review time (Instant Review) You can choose the Instant Review time from 0.5sec., 1sec., 2sec., 3sec., 4sec., 5sec. or OFF (no display). Select [Instant Review] on the [ Rec.Mode] menu.

  • Page 53: Setting The Image Sharpness (Sharpness)

    Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Setting the Image Sharpness (Sharpness) You can choose whether you want the image to have sharp or soft outlines. Select [Sharpness] on the [ Rec.Mode] menu.

  • Page 54: Setting The Color Saturation (Saturation)

    Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Setting the Color Saturation (Saturation) You can set the color saturation. Select [Saturation] on the [ Rec.Mode] menu. Use the four-way controller ( Rec.

  • Page 55: Setting The Image Contrast (Contrast)

    Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Setting the Image Contrast (Contrast) You can set the image contrast. Select [Contrast] on the [ Rec.Mode] menu. Use the four-way controller ( Rec.

  • Page 56: Taking Pictures

    Taking Pictures Letting the Camera Set the Exposure (Program Mode) The camera automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture for taking still pictures. However, you can select other functions such as the flash mode or continuous shooting mode. Set the mode dial to Press the shutter release button.

  • Page 57: Setting The Aperture Value (Aperture Priority Mode)

    Setting the Aperture Value (Aperture Priority Mode) In this mode the aperture value is set manually and the camera automatically sets the shutter speed. Set the mode dial to Use the four-way controller ( ) to change the aperture value. Makes the aperture larger.

  • Page 58: Setting The Shutter Speed (Shutter Priority Mode)

    Setting the Shutter Speed (Shutter Priority Mode) In this mode the shutter speed is set manually and the camera automatically sets the aperture value. Set the mode dial to Use the four-way controller ( ) to change the shutter speed. Increases the shutter speed.

  • Page 59: Setting The Exposure Manually (Manual Exposure Mode)

    Setting the Exposure Manually (Manual Exposure Mode) You can set the shutter speed and aperture value manually. Set the mode dial to Use the four-way controller to change the shutter speed and aperture value. Increases the shutter speed. 1/250 1/250 02/20/2003 02/20/2003 F2.8...
  • Page 60 Press the shutter release button. The picture will be taken at the set shutter speed and aper- ture value. Playing Back Still Pictures p.26 The shutter speed and aperture value will be saved when the memo camera is turned off. Caution •...

  • Page 61: Selecting The Picture Mode According To The Shooting

    Selecting the Picture Mode According to the Shooting Scene (Picture mode) You can select the Picture mode according to the shooting scene. Picture mode There are nine available modes in Picture mode. Landscape Enables to take landscape photos with bright colors. Night-Scene Enables you to take dark scenes such as night views.
  • Page 62 • The picture mode will be saved when the camera is turned memo off. • The flash is disabled in Fireworks mode and the focus is fixed at infinity. • When the focus mode is set to manual, the four-way con- Caution troller ( ) becomes the manual focus button and can-...

  • Page 63: Taking Movie Pictures (Movie Picture Mode)

    Taking Movie Pictures (Movie Picture Mode) This mode enables you to take moving images. The maximum length of one motion picture is approximately 10 minutes. Sound can be recorded at the same time. Set the mode dial to The following information will be •12SEC •12SEC displayed on the LCD monitor.
  • Page 64 Keeping the shutter release button pressed If you keep the shutter release button pressed for more than one second, pictures will be taken for as long as you keep the button pressed. Shooting stops when you take a finger off from the shutter release button.

  • Page 65: Taking Panorama Pictures (Panorama Assist Mode)

    Taking Panorama Pictures (Panorama Assist Mode) The ACD photostitcher is only for the English version and the Japanese version. You can take a number of images and join them together to form a panorama picture. The panorama software (ACD photos- titcher) provided with the camera is necessary for joining the images.
  • Page 66 Press the OK button. The screen returns to Step z. To cancel Panorama assist mode, change to another mode. memo • The camera cannot join the images. Use the panorama Caution software (ACD photostitcher) provided with the camera. • Continuous shooting, Multiple Exposure mode and inter- val shooting are not possible in Panorama assist mode.

  • Page 67: Taking Stereo Pictures (3D Image Mode)

    Taking Stereo Pictures (3D Image Mode) You can take 3D pictures using the LCD monitor and view them by the parallel method or cross method (p.67). If you print out the 3D pictures and look at them through the 3D image viewer provided, the image will appear in three dimensions.
  • Page 68 Taking pictures Set the Mode dial to The screen for taking the first picture appears in the middle of the LCD monitor. Take the first picture. 14 14 Hold the camera so that the subject is in the middle of the screen, and press the shutter release button.
  • Page 69 Viewing 3D pictures by the parallel method and cross method As our eyes are positioned about 6 – 7 cm apart, there is a very slight deviation between what we see with our right eye and what we see with our left eye. The difference is processed by our brain to produce a three-dimensional image.
  • Page 70 How to view 3D pictures using the 3D image viewer Print out the pictures so that they are about 11cm or 12cm wide and place the divider of the 3D image viewer in the middle of the two. As the distance between the left and right eyes differs from per- memo son to person, some people may have difficulty obtaining a three-dimensional effect even when looking at prints that are the...
  • Page 71 Example of a 3D picture...

  • Page 72: Taking Pictures With Digital Filters (Digital Filter Mode)

    Taking Pictures with Digital Filters (Digital Filter Mode) You can take pictures using digital filters. The filters consist of color filters such as red, blue and green, a soft filter that pro- duces a fuzzy effect. G Color filters Eight colors, black-and-white, sepia, red, pink, violet, blue, green and yellow, are provided for the color filters.
  • Page 73 Set the Mode dial to Use the four-way controller ( ) to select a digital filter you want to use. Press the shutter release button. The picture will be taken. Playing back still pictures p.26 When the focus mode is set to manual, the four-way con- Caution troller ( ) becomes the manual focus button and cannot be...

  • Page 74: Using Preset Function Settings (User Mode)

    Using Preset Function Settings (User Mode) By setting the mode dial to , the preset shooting mode and functions are activated, enabling you to take pictures immediate- ly with your own camera settings. Set the mode dial to 02/20/2003 02/20/2003 1/250 1/250 11:19...

  • Page 75: Recording Sound (Voice Recording Mode)

    Recording Sound (Voice Recording Mode) You can record sound. The recordable time is displayed on the LCD monitor according to how much space is available on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard. Set the mode dial to The recordable time is displayed on 0 : 29 : 55 0 : 29 : 55 the LCD monitor.

  • Page 76: Using The Zoom

    Using the Zoom You can use the zoom to take pictures in tele or wide mode. Press the Zoom button in Capture mode. (Wide): makes the subject larger makes the subject smaller (Tele): When the digital zoom function is disabled, you can take pictures at up to 5×...
  • Page 77 Enabling the Digital Zoom Function Press the Menu button in Capture mode. The [ Rec.Mode] menu will be displayed. Press the four-way controller ( ) Rec. Mode to select [Digital Zoom]. Auto Bracket Digital Zoom Use the four-way controller ( ) to Instant Review 2sec Interval Shoot...

  • Page 78: Ev Compensation

    EV Compensation You can take pictures that are intentionally over exposed or under exposed. Press the four-way controller ( in Capture mode. Four-way controller ( ) decreases the EV compensa- tion to a negative (–) level 02/20/2003 02/20/2003 1/250 1/250 Four-way controller ( ) –1.0 –1.0...

  • Page 79: Using The Self-Timer

    Using the Self-Timer The picture will be taken 10 seconds after the shutter release button is pressed. Press the button in Capture mode to display on the LCD monitor. Press the shutter release button. The self-timer is engaged and the self-timer lamp lights. The picture is taken approximately three seconds after the self- timer lamp starts to blink.

  • Page 80: Using The Remote Control Unit (Optional)

    Life of the Battery for the Remote Control Unit A signal can be sent from the remote control unit to the camera approximately 30,000 times. If the battery needs changing, con- tact your nearest Pentax customer service center. (A charge is made for replacing the battery.)

  • Page 81: Continuous Shooting

    Continuous Shooting Pictures are taken continuously while the shutter release button is pressed. Press the button in Capture mode to display on the LCD monitor. The mode will change to Continuous Shooting mode. 02/20/2003 02/20/2003 1/250 1/250 11:19 11:19 F2.8 F2.8 Press the shutter release button.

  • Page 82: Taking Pictures At Fixed Intervals (Interval Shooting)

    Taking Pictures at Fixed Intervals (Interval Shooting) In this mode still pictures are taken automatically at a fixed inter- val. Press the button in Capture mode to display on the LCD monitor. Press the shutter release button. Interval shooting will start with the following settings. •...
  • Page 83 Set the interval time. Press the four-way controller ( ). will be displayed above and below the minutes. Use the four-way controller ( ) to change the min- utes, then press ( ). will be displayed above and below the seconds. Use the four-way controller ( ) to change the sec- onds, then press ( ).

  • Page 84: Superimposing One Picture On Top Of Another

    Superimposing One Picture on Top of Another (Multiple Exposure Mode) You can superimpose a new image on top of an image already recorded. When images have been recorded Press in Capture mode to 100-0038 100-0038 switch to Multiple Exposure mode. Choose Base Image The screen for selecting the base image will be displayed.
  • Page 85 When there are no recorded images Press in Capture mode to switch to Multiple Exposure Base Image Shooting Base Image Shooting mode. A message will appear on the LCD monitor informing you that the cam- era is ready to take the base image.

  • Page 86: Automatically Changing The Shooting Conditions (Auto Bracket)

    Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto x c v b n Exit MENU Automatically Changing the Shooting Conditions (Auto bracket) You can take pictures automatically with three different expo- sure, white balance, sharpness, saturation and contrast settings.
  • Page 87 Press the OK button. The Bracket mode is set. Press and hold down the shutter release button. Auto bracket shooting starts. When shooting is finished, a message will be displayed asking whether you want to continue shooting or not. To continue shooting in auto bracket mode, select [Continue] and press the OK button.

  • Page 88: Taking Fast Forward Movie Pictures (Fast Fwd Movie)

    Taking Fast Forward Movie Pictures (Fast Fwd Movie) This mode lets you take movie pictures at a delayed frame rate so that when you play the movie back, the action appears speeded up. Press the Menu/Fn button in Capture mode. The [ Rec.Mode] menu will be displayed.

  • Page 89: Saving The Settings (Memory)

    Saving the Settings (Memory) Saving the Menu Items (Memory) You can choose whether you want the set values to be saved when the camera is turned off. If you select [On], the settings will be saved in the status they were in immediately before the camera was turned off. If you select [Off], the settings will be reset to the defaults when the cam- era is turned off.

  • Page 90: Registering Functions In User Mode

    Press the Menu/Fn button in Rec. Mode Memory Capture mode. Sharpness Saturation Press the four-way controller Contrast ) to select [Memory]. USER Press the four-way controller ( ). Exit MENU [Memory] menu will be displayed. Use the four-way controller ( ) to Memory select the item.

  • Page 91: Playback/Erasing

    Playback/Erasing Playing Back Images and Sound Playing Back Still Pictures See “Playing Back Still Pictures” (p.26, 27). Zoom Display You can display images magnified up to 8 times. A guide to oper- ation is displayed on the LCD monitor during magnification. Enter the Playback mode and choose the image you want to magnify with the four-way controller ( Press...

  • Page 92: Adding A Voice Memo

    Press the OK button. Zoom playback will end. If you set [Quick Zoom] in the [ Set-up] menu to On, when memo ) is pressed in Step x, the the Zoom/ button ( image will be magnified eight times. Caution Movie pictures cannot be magnified.

  • Page 93: Playing Back Movie Pictures

    z x c Playing Back Movie Pictures You can play back Movie pictures. A guide to operation is dis- played on the LCD monitor during playback. The sound is played back at the same time. Enter the Playback mode and choose the movie picture you want to play back with the four-way controller ( Press the four-way controller ( ).

  • Page 94: Playing Back Sound

    z x c Playing Back Sound You can play back the recording you made in Voice Recording mode. Enter the Playback mode and choose the recording you want to play back with the four-way controller ( playback time Press the four-way controller ( ). Playback will start.

  • Page 95: Playing Back Shooting Information (Playback Mode)

    Playing back Shooting Information (Playback Mode) You can display shooting information on the LCD monitor. Use the Display button to change the information displayed. Display On Playback information is displayed. 100-0019 100-0019 100-0020 100-0020 Folder No. File name Protect icon Four-way controller operation guide Date &...

  • Page 96: Nine-Image Display

    Nine-image Display You can display nine images at the same time. Enter the Playback mode and choose an image with the four-way controller ( Press on the Zoom but- Nine images will be displayed with the selected image in the center. Choose an image with the four-way controller ( When ten or more images have...

  • Page 97: Slideshow

    z c v Slideshow You can play back all the images on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard continuously. Enter the Playback mode and choose the image with which to start the slideshow with the four-way controller Press the Menu/Fn button. Playback The [ Playback] menu will be Resize...

  • Page 98: Erasing Images

    Erasing Images Erasing a Single Image or Sound Enter the Playback mode and choose the image or sound you want to erase with the four-way controller Press the button. 100-0020 100-0020 The Delete screen will be dis- played. Select [Delete] with the four-way Delete Cancel controller ( ).
  • Page 99 Erasing a Voice Memo If an image has a voice memo, you can erase the voice memo without erasing the image. Enter the Playback mode and choose the image with the voice memo that you want to erase with the four-way controller ( Press the button.

  • Page 100: Erasing All Images

    Erasing All Images You can erase all the images/sound at once. • Once erased, images/sound cannot be restored. Caution • Protected images/sound cannot be erased. Enter the Playback mode and 100-0020 100-0020 press the button twice. Delete all images & sounds The Delete screen will be dis- on the memory card? played.

  • Page 101: Protecting Images From Deletion (Protect)

    Protecting Images from Deletion (Protect) You can protect images/sound from being accidentally erased. Enter the Playback mode and choose the image/sound you want to protect with the four-way controller ( Press the button. 100-0020 100-0020 The Protect screen will be dis- played.

  • Page 102: Viewing Images On A Tv

    Viewing Images on a TV By using the AV cable, you can capture and play back images on a TV or other equipment with a video IN jack. Make sure that both the TV and the camera are turned off before connecting the cable.

  • Page 103: Setting The Printing Service (Dpof)

    Setting the Printing Service (DPOF) You can print the images on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard using a DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compatible printer or at a printing service. z c v Printing Single Image Set the following items for each image. Copies Set the number of prints up to a maximum of 99.
  • Page 104 Use the four-way controller ( ) to 100-0020 100-0020 select the number of prints, then press the four-way controller ( ). The frame will move to [Date]. Copies Date Use the four-way controller ( ) to Exit Exit All Images All Images MENU DISP...

  • Page 105: Printing All Images

    x c v Printing All Images Enter the Playback mode and press the DPOF button twice. The [All Images] screen will be displayed. Use the four-way controller ( ) to 100-0020 100-0020 select the number of prints. DPOF settings You can print up to 99 copies. for all images Press the four-way controller ( ).

  • Page 106: Viewing Images With Your Pc

    Viewing Images with your PC By using the provided USB cable (I-USB7) or card reader and image-browser software, you can transfer images recorded with the camera to your PC and edit them or print them out. This section explains how to view images on your PC using the provided USB driver and software.

  • Page 107: Installing The Software

    Installing the software This section describes the procedures for installing the neces- sary software. Installing the USB driver p.105 Installing the image processing software (ACDSee™ and ACD photostitcher) p.110 Installing the USB driver on Windows 98/98 SE only If you are using Windows 2000, Windows Me or Windows XP, you do not need to install the USB driver.
  • Page 108 Click [Next]. Select [Search for the best driver for your device] and click [Next]. Select [Specify a location] in the box on the left and click [Browse]. If another item has been selected, click the box to deselect it. Click the CD-ROM drive icon and click [OK].
  • Page 109 Make sure that the specified drive is displayed and click [Next]. ⁄0 Make sure that [PENSSTOR.INF] is dis- played and click [Next]. Installation of the driver starts. ⁄1 Click [Finish]. When installation is finished, installation of the driver for the new hardware starts. ⁄2 Click [Next].
  • Page 110 ⁄4 Select [Specify a location] and click [Browse]. If another item has been selected, click the box to deselect it. ⁄5 Click the CD-ROM drive icon and click [OK]. The figure on the right is dis- played when the CD-ROM is set as the F drive.
  • Page 111 ⁄8 Click [Finish]. When installation is finished, the Wizard window is exited. ⁄9 Double-click [My Computer] on the desktop. A removable disk will be added.
  • Page 112 Insert the CD-ROM (S-SW7) into your CD-ROM drive. The PENTAX Software Installer screen will appear. If the PENTAX Software Installer screen is not displayed Follow the procedure below to display the screen. 1) Double click the [My Computer] icon on the desktop.
  • Page 113 Insert the CD-ROM (S-SW7) into your CD-ROM drive. The PENTAX Software Installer screen will appear. If the PENTAX Software Installer screen is not displayed Follow the procedure below to display the screen. 1) Double click the [My Computer] icon on the desktop.

  • Page 114: Displaying And Copying Images Using Acdsee

    Displaying and copying images using ACDSee™ Turn your computer on. Make sure the camera is turned off and connect it to your computer with the USB cable. Make sure that there is an SD Memory Card/MultiMedia Card in the camera. Turn your camera on.

  • Page 115: Joining Panorama Images Using Acd Photostitcher

    Select the image you want to view from the list. Double-click the selected image to enlarge it to full-screen display. Copy the image to your computer. Select an image from the list and copy it to the desired fold- er in your computer. Refer to the operating manual for your computer for copying instructions.
  • Page 116 Adjust the position of the images. ACD photostitcher starts up and the selected images are displayed in panorama format. If you move the mouse pointer onto an image, the pointer changes to a symbol. Adjust the position of the images by pressing the left mouse button and moving the images one by one to the desired position.
  • Page 117 Trim the picture. If you move the mouse pointer onto the dotted line around the picture, the pointer changes to a symbol. Trim the pic- ture by pressing the left mouse button and moving the dot- ted line. When you have finished trimming, click the [TRIMMING] button.

  • Page 118: Disconnecting The Camera From Your Computer

    Make sure that [PENTAX USB DISK Device] is selected and click [Stop]. The [Stop a Hardware device] screen will appear. PENTAX USB DISK Device at PENTAX OPTIO 550 Make sure that [PENTAX USB DISK Device] is selected and click [OK]. A message will appear.
  • Page 119 Double-click [Safely Remove Hardware] on the task bar. Click [PENTAX USB DISK Device] and click [Stop]. PENTAX USB DISK Device at PENTAX OPTIO 550 Click [PENTAX USB DISK Device] and click [OK]. A message permitting removal of the hardware will appear.

  • Page 120: Viewing Images With Your Macintosh

    Viewing Images with your Macintosh By using the provided USB cable (I-USB7) or card reader and image-browser software, you can transfer images recorded with the camera to your Macintosh and edit them or print them out. This section explains how to view images on your Macintosh using the provided USB driver and software.
  • Page 121 Double-click the CD-ROM (S-SW7) icon. Double-click the [Master Installer] icon. Double-click the [Master Installer] alias icon. The PENTAX Software Installer screen will appear. Click the applicable language. The screen for selecting the soft- ware you want to install will be displayed.

  • Page 122: Displaying And Copying Images Using Acdsee

    Displaying and copying images using ACDSee™ Turn your Macintosh on Make sure the camera is turned off and connect it to your Macintosh with the USB cable. Make sure that there is an SD Memory Card/MultiMedia Card in the camera. Turn your camera on.

  • Page 123: Disconnecting The Camera From Your Macintosh

    Copy the image to your Macintosh. Refer to the operating manual for your Macintosh for instructions on copying or moving files. Before editing an image, copy it to your Macintosh first. If there is a volume label on the SD Memory Card/MultiMedia memo Card, the name on the volume label will be displayed instead of [untitled].
  • Page 124 MEMO...

  • Page 125: Editing/Settings

    Editing/Settings Editing Images Four-way controller OK button Menu/Fn button Changing the Image Size By changing the size and quality of a selected image, you can make the file smaller than the original. After changing the size, the image can be saved as a new image or written over the original image.
  • Page 126 Press the OK button. 100-0020 100-0020 Select resolution and quality 640×480 Recorded Pixels Quality Level Exit Exit MENU Press the four-way controller ( ) to select [Recorded pixels]. Press the four-way controller ( ). The frame will move to [Quality Level]. Press the four-way controller ( ) to select [Quality Level].

  • Page 127: Trimming Images

    Trimming Images You can trim part of a picture and save it as a separate image. Press the Menu/Fn button. Press the four-way controller ( ). The [ Playback] menu will be displayed. Press the four-way controller ( ) to select [Trimming]. Press the four-way controller ( ).

  • Page 128: Camera Settings

    Camera Settings How to recall [ Set-up] menu Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Four-way controller OK button Menu button Formatting a SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard Formatting will delete all the data on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard.

  • Page 129: Changing The Sound Settings

    Set-up Twice Format Sound Date Style mm.dd.yy Date Adjust 1/ 1/2003 World Time Language/ English Exit MENU Changing the Sound Settings You can change the volume of the start-up sound, shutter sound and operation sounds. You can also change the type of each sound.
  • Page 130 How to recall [ Set-up] menu Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Four-way controller OK button Menu/Fn button Changing the type of start-up, shutter or operation sound Select [Sound] on the [ Set-up] menu.

  • Page 131: Setting The Date Style

    Set-up Twice Format Sound Date Style mm.dd.yy Date Adjust 1/ 1/2003 World Time Language/ English Exit MENU Setting the Date Style You can set the style in which the date is displayed on the cam- era. Choose [mm/dd/yy], [dd/mm/yy] or [yy/mm/dd]. Select [Date Style] on the [ Set-up] menu.

  • Page 132: Changing The Date/Time

    How to recall the [ Set-up] menu Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Four-way controller OK button Menu/Fn button Changing the Date/Time You can change the initial date and time settings. Select [Date Adjust] on the [ Set-up] menu.
  • Page 133 Set-up Twice Format Sound Date Style mm.dd.yy Date Adjust 1/ 1/2003 World Time Language/ English Exit MENU Switch (On) and (Off) with the four-way con- troller ( : The time in the country selected in World Time will be displayed. : The time in the country selected in Home Time will be dis-played.

  • Page 134: Changing The Display Language

    How to recall the [ Set-up] menu Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Four-way controller OK button Menu/Fn button Changing the Display Language You can change the language in which the menus, error mes- sages, etc.

  • Page 135: Changing The Start-Up Screen

    Set-up Twice Format Sound Date Style mm.dd.yy Date Adjust 1/ 1/2003 World Time Language/ English Exit MENU Changing the Start-up Screen You can display an image recorded with the camera as the welcome screen when the camera is turned on. Select [Start-up Screen] on the [ Set-up] menu.

  • Page 136: Lcd Power Saving (Sleep Timeout)

    How to recall the [ Set-up] menu Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Four-way controller OK button Menu/Fn button LCD Power Saving (Sleep Timeout) You can set the LCD monitor to turn off automatically when no operation is performed for a fixed time.

  • Page 137: Setting The Quick Delete Function

    Set-up Format Twice Sound Date Style mm.dd.yy Date Adjust 1/ 1/2003 World Time Language/ English Exit MENU Press the OK button. The camera is ready to capture or play back images. • The menu screen turns off 1 minute after the last operation. memo •...

  • Page 138: Registering Functions

    How to recall the [ Set-up] menu Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Four-way controller OK button Menu/Fn button Registering Functions You can register the functions you use most frequently on the four-way controller.
  • Page 139 Set-up Twice Format Sound Date Style mm.dd.yy Date Adjust 1/ 1/2003 World Time Language/ English Exit MENU Retrieving a function Enter the Capture mode and press the Menu/Fn button and the four- way controller key ( ) on White Balance which a function is registered at the same time.

  • Page 140: Adjusting The Focus Limit

    How to recall the [ Set-up] menu Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Four-way controller OK button Menu/Fn button Adjusting the Focus Limit You can choose whether or not to limit the movement of the lens when shooting normally and in macro mode.

  • Page 141: Setting The Alarm

    Setting the Alarm You can set the alarm to ring at a specified time and display a selected image. DPOF button Four-way controller OK button Menu/Fn button Checking the Alarm Press the Menu/Fn button. Press the four-way controller ( ). The [ Playback] menu will be displayed.

  • Page 142: Turning The Alarm Off

    Press the four-way controller ( ). Alarm The list of alarms will be displayed. Once 5:30AM Everyday 7:30AM 12:00PM Exit MENU Press the four-way controller ( ) to select alarm 1-3. Press the four-way controller ( ). Alarm The screen for setting the alarm 5:30AM Once mode and time will be displayed.

  • Page 143: Appendix

    Appendix List of City Names Refer to following list of city and code names for setting the world time. Code City names Code City names Pagopago Tehran Honolulu Dubai Anchorage Karachi Vancouver Kabul San Francisco Male Los Angeles Delhi Calgary Colombo Denver Kathmandu...

  • Page 144: List Of Menu Default Settings

    List of Menu Default Settings Rec.Mode] Menu Item Default Setting Recorded Pixels 2592×1944 ( : 320×240) Quality Level White Balance AWB (Auto) Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Auto Bracket — Digital Zoom Instant Review 2 sec Interval Shooting —...
  • Page 145 Set-up] Menu Item Default Setting Format — Sound — Date Style mm/dd/yy Date Adjust 2003/01/01 World Time Language/ English Start-up Screen Video Out NTSC Sleep Timeout 1 min Auto Power Off 3 min. Quick Delete Quick Zoom Fn Setting — Focus Limit Reset —...

  • Page 146: Adjustable [Rec.mode] Menu Items By Shooting Mode

    Adjustable [Rec.Mode] Menu Items by Shooting Mode : Changes are reflected in all camera operations : Only default setting is reflected in camera operations; changes are invalid Item Recorded Pixels 320×240 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Bracket Digital Zoom Instant Review...

  • Page 147: Messages

    Messages Messages such as the following may be displayed on the LCD monitor during camera operation. Memory card full The SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard memory is full and no more images and sound can be saved. Insert a new SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard or delete unwanted images.
  • Page 148 Deleting The image is being deleted. Image folder could not be The largest file number is assigned to an created. image and no more images can be saved. Insert a new SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard or format the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard. (p.126) This card is not formatted.

  • Page 149: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Problem Cause Remedy Battery is not installed Check battery is installed. Power will not If not, install battery. come on Battery is installed Check orientation of battery. incorrectly Reinsert battery with the label towards front of camera. (p.13) Battery power is low Insert a charged battery or use the AC adapter.
  • Page 150 Cause Problem Remedy Subjects difficult to focus on using Subject is not in Subject difficult to autofocus: objects with little con- focus focus on trast (blue sky, white walls, etc.), dark objects, finely patterned objects, fast-moving objects, scenery through window or net, etc.
  • Page 151 Cause Problem Remedy Flash mode is set to Flash does not Set to Auto or . (p.42) fire The Capture mode is Flash will not fire in these modes. set to , super macro, continuous shooting or infinity- landscape mode, or the Picture mode is set to Fireworks mode.

  • Page 152: Optional Accessories

    Optional Accessories A number of dedicated accessories are available for this camera. • Lithium-ion battery D-LI7 (Rechargeable) (included) • Battery charger D-BC7 (included) • AC adapter D-AC7 • AC Plug Cord (included) D-CO2A Australia D-CO2B United Kingdom D-CO2E Europe D-CO2H Hong Kong D-CO2J Japan D-CO2K Korea D-CO2U North America, Canada...

  • Page 153: Warranty Policy

    Shipping charges are to be borne by the owner. If your Pentax was purchased outside of the country where you wish to have it serviced during the warranty period, regular handling and servicing fees may be charged by the manufacturer's representatives in that country.

  • Page 154: Main Specifications

    Main Specifications Type Fully automatic compact-type digital still camera with built-in zoom lens Effective Pixels 5.0 megapixels Sensor 5.25 megapixels (total pixels) 1/1.8 inch interline transfer CCD with a primary color filter Recorded Pixels 2592 × 1944 pixels, 2048 × 1536 pixels, 1600 × 1200 pixels, Still 1024 ×...
  • Page 155 Single-frame, Self-timer, Remote Control after 3 Seconds, Remote Control, Continuous, Interval, Multiple Exposure Self-timer Electronic control type, delay time: approx. 10 sec. Remote Control Unit Pentax Remote Control Unit F (optional) Exposure 3 seconds after receipt of signal or instant exposure Time function...
  • Page 156 For customers in USA STATEMENT OF FCC COMPLIANCE This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is sub- ject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harm- ful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 157: Declaration Of Conformity

    The above named party is responsible for ensuring that the equipment complies with the standards of 47CFR §15.101 to §15.109. Product Name: PENTAX Digital Still Camera Model Number: Optio 550 Contact person: Customer Service Manager Date and Place: February, 2003, Colorado...
  • Page 158 MEMO...
  • Page 160 (for Belgium & Luxembourg) Weiveldlaan 3-5, 1930 Zaventem, BELGIUM (http://www.pentax.be) PENTAX (Schweiz) AG Widenholzstrasse 1 Postfach 367 8305 Dietlikon, SWITZERLAND (http://www.pentax.ch) PENTAX Scandinavia AB P.O. Box 650, 75127 Uppsala, SWEDEN (http://www.pentax.se) PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. 35 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, Colorado 80112, U.S.A. (http://www.pentax.com) PENTAX Canada Inc.

This manual is also suitable for:

Optio 550

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