Pentax Optio 550 Operating Manual
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Pentax Optio 550 Operating Manual

Pentax optio 550: operating manual
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Operating Manual
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Summary of Contents for Pentax Optio 550

  • 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 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 3: 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 4: 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 5 MEMO...

  • Page 6: Changing The Image Size

    Editing/Settings Editing Images 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 7 Press the OK button. Press the four-way controller ( pixels]. Press the four-way controller ( ). The frame will move to [Quality Level]. Press the four-way controller ( Level]. ⁄0 Press the OK button. ⁄1 Press the four-way controller ( or [Save as].

  • Page 8: 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 ( Press the four-way controller ( ). The image that can be trimmed.

  • Page 9: Formatting A Sd Memory Card/Multimediacard

    Camera Settings How to recall [ Formatting a SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard Formatting will delete all the data on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard. • Do not remove the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard Caution while the card is being formatted. The card may be dam- aged and become unusable.

  • Page 10: Changing The Volume

    Twice Format Sound Date Style Date Adjust World Time Language/ 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. Changing the volume Select [Sound] on the [ Press the four-way controller ( ).
  • Page 11 How to recall [ Changing the type of start-up, shutter or operation sound Select [Sound] on the [ Press the four-way controller ( ). The Volume screen will be displayed. Press the four-way controller ( Sound] and choose [1], [2], [3] or [off] with the four-way controller ( Change the [Shutter sound] and [Operation Sound] in the same way.

  • Page 12: Setting The Date Style

    Twice Format Sound Date Style Date Adjust World Time Language/ 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 [ Use the four-way controller ( style.

  • Page 13: Setting The World Time

    How to recall the [ Changing the Date/Time You can change the initial date and time settings. Select [Date Adjust] on the [ Press the four-way controller ( ). The date screen will be displayed. See “Setting the Date and Time” (p.22) for the setting proce- dure.
  • Page 14 Twice Format Sound Date Style Date Adjust World Time Language/ Switch (On) and troller ( : The time in the country selected in World Time will be : The time in the country selected in Home Time will be Press the four-way controller ( ). If New York is selected as the world time city, then the cross-shaped line is located in New York on the world map, and then...

  • Page 15: Changing The Video Output Format

    How to recall the [ Changing the Display Language You can change the language in which the menus, error mes- sages, etc. are displayed. Select [Language] on the [ Use the four-way controller ( The menus will be displayed in selected language. Press the OK button.

  • Page 16: Changing The Start-Up Screen

    Set-up Twice Format Sound Date Style Date Adjust World Time Language/ 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 [ Press the four-way controller ( ).

  • Page 17: Lcd Power Saving (Sleep Timeout)

    How to recall the [ LCD Power Saving (Sleep Timeout) You can set the LCD monitor to turn off automatically when no operation is performed for a fixed time. Select [Sleep Timeout] on the [ Use the four-way controller ( min], [2 min] or [Off].

  • Page 18: Setting The Quick Delete Function

    Set-up Format Twice Sound Date Style Date Adjust World Time Language/ 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 19: Registering A Function

    How to recall the [ Registering Functions You can register the functions you use most frequently on the four-way controller. The functions can then be set directly by pressing the four-way controller, without displaying the [Rec.Mode] menu. Registering a function Select [Fn Setting] on the [ Press the four-way controller ( ).
  • Page 20 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 ( which a function is registered at the same time.

  • Page 21: Resetting To Default Settings (Reset)

    How to recall the [ Adjusting the Focus Limit You can choose whether or not to limit the movement of the lens when shooting normally and in macro mode. Select [Focus Limiter] on the [ Press the four-way controller ( Press the OK button.

  • Page 22: Checking The Alarm

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

  • Page 23: Turning The Alarm Off

    Press the four-way controller ( ). The list of alarms will be displayed. Press the four-way controller ( Press the four-way controller ( ). The screen for setting the alarm mode and time will be displayed. Four-way controller ( Four-way controller ( Press the DPOF button.

  • Page 24: List Of City Names

    Appendix List of City Names Refer to following list of city and code names for setting the world time. Code City names Pagopago Honolulu Anchorage Vancouver San Francisco Los Angeles Calgary Denver Mexico City Chicago Miami Toronto New York San Diego Caracas Halifax Buenos Aires...

  • Page 25: List Of Menu Default Settings

    List of Menu Default Settings Rec.Mode] Menu Recorded Pixels Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Bracket Digital Zoom Instant Review Interval Shooting Fast Fwd Movie 3D Mode Memory Sharpness Saturation Contrast USER Playback] Menu Resize Trimming Alarm Slideshow Item...
  • Page 26 Set-up] Menu Item Format Sound Date Style Date Adjust World Time Language/ Start-up Screen Video Out Sleep Timeout Auto Power Off Quick Delete Quick Zoom Fn Setting Focus Limit Reset Default Setting — — mm/dd/yy 2003/01/01 English NTSC 1 min 3 min.

  • Page 27: 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 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Bracket Digital Zoom Instant Review Interval Shoot...
  • Page 28 Messages Messages such as the following may be displayed on the LCD monitor during camera operation. Memory card full No image & sound Camera can not display this image. No card in camera. Battery depleted. Memory card error. This card is not formatted. Image recording.
  • Page 29 Deleting Image folder could not be created. This card is not formatted. Compression error Data being recorded Image protected Alarm set The image is being deleted. The largest file number is assigned to an image and no more images can be saved. Insert a new SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard or format the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard.

  • Page 30: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Problem Battery is not installed Power will not come on Battery is installed incorrectly Battery power is low No image on the LCD monitor is set to LCD monitor Connected to PC by USB cable. Camera is connected to TV Image is displayed but is hard to see Flash is charging...
  • Page 31 Problem Subject is not in focus Picture is dark Cause Subjects difficult to focus on using Subject difficult to autofocus: objects with little con- focus on trast (blue sky, white walls, etc.), dark objects, finely patterned objects, fast-moving objects, scenery through window or net, etc.
  • Page 32 Problem Flash mode is set to Flash does not fire The Capture mode is set to macro, continuous shooting or infinity- landscape mode, or the Picture mode is set to Fireworks mode. Cause Set to Auto or Flash will not fire in these modes. , super Remedy .

  • Page 33: 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 34: 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 35: 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 Still Movie Sensitivity Auto, manual (equivalent to ISO 64, 100, 200, 400) File Format Still Movie Mov (Quick Time Motion), 15fps...
  • Page 36 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 37 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 38: 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 39 MEMO...
  • Page 41 PENTAX Europe GmbH (European Headquarters) PENTAX U.K. Limited PENTAX France S.A.S. PENTAX Benelux B.V. PENTAX (Schweiz) AG PENTAX Scandinavia AB P.O. Box 650, 75127 Uppsala, SWEDEN PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. PENTAX Canada Inc. http://www.digital.pentax.co.jp • Printed on recycled paper • Specifications and external dimensions are subject to change without notice.

  • Page 42: Continuous Shooting

    Continuous Shooting Pictures are taken continuously while the shutter release button is pressed. Press the mode to display monitor. The mode will change to Continuous Shooting mode. Press the shutter release button. Pictures will be taken continuously while the shutter release button is pressed.

  • Page 43: 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 on the LCD monitor. Press the shutter release button. Interval shooting will start with the following settings. • Interval •...
  • Page 44 Set the interval time. Press the four-way controller ( ). will be displayed above and below the minutes. Use the four-way controller ( utes, then press ( ). will be displayed above and below the seconds. Use the four-way controller ( onds, then press ( ).
  • Page 45 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 switch to Multiple Exposure mode. The screen for selecting the base image will be displayed.
  • Page 46 When there are no recorded images Press switch to Multiple Exposure mode. A message will appear on the LCD monitor informing you that the cam- era is ready to take the base image. Take the base image. When you have taken the base image, it will appear in transparent form on the LCD monitor.

  • Page 47: Automatically Changing The Shooting Conditions (Auto Bracket)

    Automatically Changing the Shooting Conditions (Auto bracket) You can take pictures automatically with three different expo- sure, white balance, sharpness, saturation and contrast settings. Press the Menu/Fn button in Capture mode. The [ Press the four-way controller ( ) to select [Auto Bracket]. Press the four-way controller ( ).
  • Page 48 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 49: 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 [ Press the four-way controller ( ) to select [Fast Fwd Movie].

  • Page 50: Saving The Menu Items (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 51: Registering Functions In User Mode

    Press the Menu/Fn button in Capture mode. Press the four-way controller ) to select [Memory]. Press the four-way controller ( ). [Memory] menu will be displayed. Use the four-way controller ( select the item. Use the four-way controller ( switch [On] and [Off]. Press the OK button twice.

  • Page 52: Playing Back Images And Sound

    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 53: Adding A Voice Memo

    Press the OK button. Zoom playback will end. If you set [Quick Zoom] in the [ memo the Zoom/ image will be magnified eight times. Caution Movie pictures cannot be magnified. Adding a Voice Memo You can add a voice memo to a recorded image. Enter the playback mode and choose the image to which you want to add a voice memo with the...

  • Page 54: Playing Back Movie Pictures

    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 55: Playing Back Sound

    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 ( Press the four-way controller ( ). Playback will start. The following operations can be performed during playback.

  • Page 56: 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. Folder No. File name Protect icon Four-way controller operation guide Date &...

  • Page 57: 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 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 been recorded, if you press the four-...
  • Page 58 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. The [ Playback] menu will be displayed.

  • Page 59: Erasing A Single Image Or Sound

    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 The Delete screen will be dis- played. Select [Delete] with the four-way controller ( ).
  • Page 60 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 The Delete screen will be displayed.

  • Page 61: 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 press the The Delete screen will be dis- played. Select [Delete All] with the four- way controller ( ).

  • Page 62: 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 The Protect screen will be dis- played. Press the four-way controller ( ). The frame will move to [Protect].

  • Page 63: 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 64: Printing Single Image

    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. Printing Single Image Set the following items for each image. Copies Set the number of prints up to a maximum of 99.
  • Page 65 Use the four-way controller ( select the number of prints, then press the four-way controller ( ). The frame will move to [Date]. Use the four-way controller ( select whether to insert the date or not. : The date will be printed : The date will not be printed Press the OK button.

  • Page 66: Printing All Images

    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 ( select the number of prints. You can print up to 99 copies. Press the four-way controller ( ). The frame will move to [Date].

  • Page 67: 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 68: Installing The Software

    Installing the software This section describes the procedures for installing the neces- sary software. Installing the USB driver Installing the image processing software (ACDSee™ and ACD photostitcher) 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 69 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 70 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 71 ⁄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 72 ⁄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 73 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 74 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 75 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 76: 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 77 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 by pressing the left mouse button and moving the images one by one to the desired position.
  • Page 78 Trim the picture. If you move the mouse pointer onto the dotted line around the picture, the pointer changes to a ture by pressing the left mouse button and moving the dot- ted line. When you have finished trimming, click the [TRIMMING] button.

  • Page 79: Disconnecting The Camera From Your Computer

    Make sure that [PENTAX USB DISK Device] is selected and click [OK]. A message will appear. Click [OK]. Unplug the USB cable from your computer and camera. (Hot Plug) PENTAX USB DISK Device at PENTAX OPTIO 550...
  • Page 80 Disconnecting your camera from your PC (Windows 98/98 SE) Windows 98 and 98 SE have no Hot Plug icon. To disconnect the camera, turn the camera off and unplug the USB cable. PENTAX USB DISK Device at PENTAX OPTIO 550...

  • Page 81: 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 82 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 83: Setting The Shooting Functions

    Setting the Shooting Functions Selecting the Focus Mode Focus Mode (No icon) Autofocus mode Macro mode Super macro mode Infinity-landscape mode Move focusing area Manual focus mode Press the The focus mode changes each time the button is pressed and the set focus mode is displayed on the LCD monitor. The camera is ready to take the picture in the set focus mode.
  • Page 84 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 ), the central portion of the picture is enlarged to full screen...

  • Page 85: Selecting The Flash Mode

    Selecting the Flash Mode (No icon) Auto flash Flash Off Flash On Auto flash + Red-eye Reduction Flash On + Red-eye Reduction • The [Auto flash] and [Auto flash + Red-eye Reduction] modes memo cannot be selected when the Capture mode is set to •...

  • Page 86: Selecting The Recorded Pixels

    Selecting the Recorded Pixels You can choose the number of recorded pixels from [2592 × 1944], [2048 × 1536], [1600 × 1200], [1024 × 768] and [640 × 480]. Select [Recorded Pixels] on the [ Use the four-way controller ( to change the size.

  • Page 87: Selecting The Quality Levels

    Selecting the Quality Levels You can choose the image compression rate. TIFF TIFF BEST BETTER GOOD Select [Quality Level] on the [ Use the four-way controller ( to change the image quality. Press the OK button. The camera is ready to take the picture.

  • Page 88: Saving The White Balance

    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 Daylight Shade Tungsten Light Fluorescent Light Manual *The color temperature (°K) is approximate and does not indicate the precise color.
  • Page 89 Selecting the Type of Fluorescent Light Select [ screen. Use the four-way controller ( choose “W”, “N” or “D”. Press the OK button twice. The camera is ready to take the picture. Manual Setting Select [ balance screen. Point your camera at a blank sheet of paper so that it fills the screen.

  • Page 90: Changing The Af Area (Focusing Area)

    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.Mode] menu. Use the four-way controller ( to change the setting. Press the OK button.
  • Page 91 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. Multi segment Center-weighted Spot Select [AE Metering] on the Rec.Mode] menu. Use the four-way controller ( to change the metering mode.

  • Page 92: Setting The Sensitivity

    Setting the Sensitivity You can select the Sensitivity to suit the brightness of the sur- roundings. Sensitivity Auto The camera sets the speed automatically. • As the lower Sensitivity produces sharp images with little or no noise, but the shutter speed will be slower in low light con- ditions.

  • Page 93: Setting The Instant Review Time (Instant Review)

    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 [ Use the four-way controller ( to change the display time. Press the OK button.

  • Page 94: Setting The Image Sharpness (Sharpness)

    Setting the Image Sharpness (Sharpness) You can choose whether you want the image to have sharp or soft outlines. Select [Sharpness] on the [ Use the four-way controller ( to change the setting from [Normal] to [Hard (+)] or [Soft (–)]. Press the OK button.

  • Page 95: Setting The Color Saturation (Saturation)

    Setting the Color Saturation (Saturation) You can set the color saturation. Select [Saturation] on the [ Use the four-way controller ( to change the setting from [Normal] to [Hard (+)] or [Soft (–)]. Press the OK button. The camera is ready to take the picture.

  • Page 96: Setting The Image Contrast (Contrast)

    Setting the Image Contrast (Contrast) You can set the image contrast. Select [Contrast] on the [ Use the four-way controller ( to change the setting from [Normal] to [Hard (+)] or [Soft (–)]. Press the OK button. The camera is ready to take the picture.

  • Page 97: 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 98: 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 ( change the aperture value. Makes the aperture larger. (Reduces the aperture value.) Makes the aperture smaller.

  • Page 99: 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 ( change the shutter speed. Increases the shutter speed. Reduces the shutter speed.

  • Page 100: 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. Reduces the shutter speed. Makes the aperture larger.
  • Page 101 Press the shutter release button. The picture will be taken at the set shutter speed and aper- ture value. Playing Back Still Pictures The shutter speed and aperture value will be saved when the memo camera is turned off. Caution •...

  • Page 102: 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 103 • 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 ( not be used to change the picture mode.

  • Page 104: 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 displayed on the LCD monitor.

  • Page 105: Continuous Shooting

    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 106: 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 107 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 108: 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 109 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. Hold the camera so that the subject is in the middle of the screen, and press the shutter release button.
  • Page 110 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 111 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 112 Example of a 3D picture...

  • Page 113: 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 114 Set the Mode dial to Use the four-way controller ( you want to use. Press the shutter release button. The picture will be taken. Playing back still pictures When the focus mode is set to manual, the four-way con- Caution troller ( ) becomes the manual focus button and cannot be used to change the filter.

  • Page 115: Using Preset Function Settings (User Mode)

    Using Preset Function Settings (User Mode) By setting the mode dial to functions are activated, enabling you to take pictures immediate- ly with your own camera settings. Set the mode dial to Press the shutter release button. The picture will be taken. Registering Functions in User Mode Playing back images , the preset shooting mode and...

  • Page 116: 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 the LCD monitor.

  • Page 117: 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 (Tele): When the digital zoom function is disabled, you can take pictures at up to 5×...
  • Page 118 Enabling the Digital Zoom Function Press the Menu button in Capture mode. The [ Rec.Mode] menu will be displayed. Press the four-way controller ( ) to select [Digital Zoom]. Use the four-way controller ( ) to select [On]. Press the OK button. The camera is ready to take a pic- ture.

  • Page 119: 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 Four-way controller ( ) increases the EV compensa- tion to a positive (+) level The set level is displayed on the LCD monitor.

  • Page 120: Using The Self-Timer

    Using the Self-Timer The picture will be taken 10 seconds after the shutter release button is pressed. Press the 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 121: Using The Remote Control Unit (Optional)

    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.) button in Capture on the LCD p.89...
  • Page 122 Regarding copyrights Images taken using the Optio 550 that are for anything other than personal enjoyment cannot be used without permission according to the rights as specified in the Copyright Act. Please take care, as there are even cases where limitations are placed on taking pictures even for personal enjoyment during demonstrations, industrial enterprise or as items for display.

  • Page 123: 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 124: 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 125 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 126: 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 127 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 128 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 129: 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 130: Checking The Contents Of The Package

    Checking the Contents of the Package Camera Optio 550 USB cable I-USB7 (∗) 3D Image Viewer O-3DV1 Digital Camera Operating Manual To ensure the best performance from your camera, please read the Operating Manual before using the camera. Operating Manual...

  • Page 131: Name Of Parts

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

  • Page 132: Names Of Operating Parts

    Names of Operating Parts Guide indications A guide to available button operation is displayed on the LCD monitor during operation. The buttons are indicated as shown below. Four-way controller ( ) Four-way controller ( ) Four-way controller ( ) Four-way controller ( ) Menu/Fn button Shutter release button Diopter adjustment lever...

  • Page 133: 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 134: Powering The Camera

    Powering the Camera Charging indicator Battery charger 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. Place the battery in the charger with the label facing up.

  • Page 135: Installing The Battery

    Battery chamber card cover 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 136 Number of recordable images : Approx. 400 (when 50% shooting Playback time * 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 137: Using The Ac Adapter (Optional)

    Terminal cover 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. Make sure that the camera is turned off and opening the terminal cover.

  • Page 138: Installing The Sd Memory Card/Multimediacard

    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. SD Memory Card/...
  • Page 139 • 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 140: Turning The Camera On And Off

    Turning the Camera On and Off 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 141: Adjusting The Viewfinder

    Adjusting the Viewfinder If the subject through the viewfinder are hard to see, you can adjust the diopter in the range of –3 m 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 142: Initial Settings

    Initial Settings 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. If the date and time that appear at the bottom right of the LCD monitor when you turn the camera on for the first time is not the current time, follow the instructions for “Changing the Date/Time”...

  • Page 143: Setting The Home Town

    Setting the Home Town You can choose the city (Home Town) in which you will use the camera. Press the four-way controller ( to select the desired city (Home Town). Press the four-way controller ( ). The screen for setting the next item will be displayed. •...

  • Page 144: Setting The Date And Time

    Setting the Date and Time Set the current date and time. Use the four-way controller ( to change the month. Press the four-way controller ( ). and below the day. Use the four-way controller ( to change the day and press the four-way controller ( ).
  • Page 145 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 146: Quick Start

    Viewfinder Viewfinder 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. Set the mode dial to Confirm the subject and shoot- ing information on the LCD monitor.
  • Page 147 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 148: Playing Back Still Pictures

    Playing Back Still Pictures LCD monitor LCD monitor 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 149 Erasing the image displayed on the LCD monitor While the image is displayed, you can erase it by pressing the ton (The Delete screen will be dis- played.), press the four-way controller ( ) to select [Delete], and then pressing the OK button. Press the Playback button or press the shutter release button halfway to return to shooting status.

  • Page 150: How To View The Recorded Images

    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 151: Setting The Printing Service (Dpof)

    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 152: Switching Between Capture Mode And Playback Mode

    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 153: 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 154 Playback button Switches to Playback mode. ( Four-way controller ( Changes the EV compensation in modes other than Changes the shutter speed in Four-way controller ( Adjusts the focus in Sets the aperture value in Sets the shutter speed in Selects the type of filter in Selects Picture mode in OK button...

  • Page 155: 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 156: 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 157: Example Of Menu Operation

    Example of menu operation Menu/Fn button Rec.Mode] menu Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Exit MENU Rec. Mode Recorded Pixels 2592 1944 Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area Wide AE Metering Sensitivity Auto...

  • Page 158: Menu List

    Menu List Rec.Mode] Menu Item Recorded Pixels Quality Level White Balance Focusing Area AE Metering Sensitivity Auto Bracket Digital Zoom Instant Review Interval Shoot Fast Fwd Movie 3D Mode Memory Sharpness Saturation Contrast USER Please refer to pages 142 to 144 for List of Menu Default settings and the adjustable [Rec.
  • Page 159 Playback] Menu Item Resize For changing the size of images Trimming For trimming images Alarm For setting the alarm to ring at specified time Slideshow Recorded images are played successively. Set-up] Menu Item Format For formatting the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard For adjusting the beep sound when a button is pressed Sound For setting the button operation, start-up, shutter sounds and volume.

  • Page 160: 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 y Number of images can be taken...

Table of Contents