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Canon POWERSHOT A550 User Manual

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Download this manual See also: Advanced User's Manual, User Manual
CDI-E281-010
C&IlOll
© 2007 CANON
INC,
PRINTED
IN MALAYSIA
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m
3
c
ffJ
Before Using the Camera
Shooting
Playback/Erasing
I Print/Transfer Settings
I List of Messages
Camera
User Guide
This guide explains
camera features
and procedures
in detail.
olc,c,,_'_i_ it
=i_,,_
PktBddge DIRE_T BUBBLE
JEt
PRINT DIRECt

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Summary of Contents for Canon POWERSHOT A550

  • Page 1 Before Using the Camera Shooting Playback/Erasing C&IlOll I Print/Transfer Settings I List of Messages < Camera User Guide This guide explains camera features and procedures in detail. olc,c,,_'_i_ it =i_,,_ CDI-E281-010 © 2007 CANON INC, PRINTED IN MALAYSIA PktBddge DIRE_T BUBBLE PRINT DIRECt...
  • Page 2 • Plays movies with sound • Plays back automatically using the Auto Play Editing • Records sound memos for still images Printing • Makes printing easy with the Print/Share button oAIso supports non- Canon brand PictBddge compliant printers...
  • Page 3 This product is designed to achieve excellent performance when used with genuine Canon accessories. Canon shall not be liable for any damage to this product and/or accidents such as fire, etc., caused by the malfunction of non-genuine Canon accessories (e.g., a leakage and/or explosion of a battery pack).
  • Page 4 Table of Contents Items marked with a -k are lists or charts that summarize camera functions or procedures. Please Read ........Safety Precautions ........Preventing Malfunctions ......Using the LCD Monitor ......Information Displayed on the LCD Monitor ....Using the Viewfinder .......
  • Page 5 Adjusting the Tone (White Balance) ....Shooting in a My Colors Mode ....... Adjusting the ISO Speed ......Setting the Auto Rotate Function ..... Creating an Image Destination (Folder) ....Resetting the File Number ......Q. Magnifying Images ......_m_ Viewing Images in Sets of Nine (Index Playback) ..Jumping to Images ......
  • Page 6 Battery Handling ........Handling the Memory Card ......Using the Power Kits (Sold Separately) ....Using anExternally Mounted Flash ( Sold Separately) ..99 Replacing the Date B attery ......Camera Care a nd Maintenance ...... Specifications ........
  • Page 7 Warning Against Copyright Infringement Please note that Canon digital cameras are intended for personal use and should never be used in a manner that infringes upon or contravenes international or domestic copyright laws and regulations.
  • Page 8 Video Format Please set the camera's video signal format to the one used in your region before using it with a TV monitor (p. 67). Language Setting Please see the Basic Guide (p. 8) to change the language setting. • Before using the camera, please ensure that you read the safety precautions described below and in the "Safety Precautions"...
  • Page 9 Continued use of the equipment may result in fire or electrical shock, immediately turn the camera power off and remove the camera batteries or unplug the battery charger or compact power adapter from the power outlet. Please consult your camera distributor or the closest Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
  • Page 10 • Do not use substances containing alcohol, benzine, thinners or other flammable substances to clean or maintain the equipment. • Do not cut, damage, alter or place heavy items on the power cord. • Use only recommended power accessories. • Remove the power cord on a regular periodic basis and wipe away the dust and dirt that collects on the plug, the exterior of the power outlet and the surrounding area.
  • Page 11 • When recharging the Canon AA-size NiMH batteries, use only a specified battery charger. • The compact power adapter is designed for exclusive with this equipment. Do not use it with other products. There is a risk of overheating and distortion which could result in fire or electrical shock.
  • Page 12 • Be careful not to bang the camera or subject it to strong impacts or shocks that could lead to injury or damage the equipment when wearing or holding it by the strap. • Do not store the equipment in humid or dusty areas. •...
  • Page 13 iiiillliiii Y I I i iiiii !!!!!!! • Do not operate the flash with dirt, dust or other items stuck to the surface of the flash. • Be careful not to cover the flash with your fingers or clothing when shooting. The flash may be damaged and emit smoke or noise.
  • Page 14 Before Using the Camera - Basic Operations i_i P_ss,,,_, _ ..........iiiii_i_ili_:_ •The dis_;i_y mode changes as,ollows with each press, Shooting Mode (a) Playback Mode (_) Standard FI_ No Information I (No(No Information) Detailed Sta dard _(Infor_ (Informai_,_n View) The shooting information displays for approximately 6 sec.
  • Page 15 Shooting Information (Shooting Mode) ] Spot AE Point Frame (p 44) Digital Tele-Converter (p. 28) ] [_ AF Frame (p. 39) Zoom Magnification (p, 28) Macro (Basic Guide p. 16) _SafetyZoom (p. 28) ___._ •..1_ *_ ISO Speed (p. 52) Low Battery (p.
  • Page 16 displays, it indicates there is insufficient illumination and a slow shutter speed will be selected. Shoot using the following methods. - Raise the ISO speed (p. 52). - Select a setting other than _ (flash off). - Attach the camera to a tripod or other device. Playback Information (Playback...
  • Page 17 • Detailed gram (p, 16) Shutter Speed (p. 104) _L'_..._ ISO Speed (p, 52) [][][][][][_ Aperture Value Recording Pixels/Frame Rate Shooting Mode []mD[][][_[]mD[] (Movies) (p, 38) Movie Length (Movies) (p, 38) (Basic Guide pp. 11 - 13) Macro (Basic Guide p, 16) Exposure Compensation (p.
  • Page 18 Histogram Function The histogram is a graph that allows you to judge the brightness of the image. The greater the bias toward the left in the graph, the darker the image. The greater the bias toward the dght, the brighter the image. If the image is too dark, adjust the exposure compensation to a positve value.
  • Page 19 This camera is equipped with a power saving function. The power will shut off in the following circumstances. Press the power button again to restore power. Shooting Mode Powers down approximately 3 minutes after the last control is accessed on the camera. The LCD monitor automatically...
  • Page 20 Menus are used to set the shooting, playback and print settings as well as such camera settings as the date/time and electronic beep. • FUNC. Menu • Rec., Play, Print and Set up Menus FUNC. Menu Sets many of the functions commonly used during shooting. ®...
  • Page 21 Rec., Play, Print and Set up Menus Convenient settings for shooting, playback or printing can be set with these menus. Rec. ® MENU MENU ®You can switch between menus with the ÷ or '_ button when this _&_ s _.)_,,m part is selected.
  • Page 22 Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode (p. 119). FUNC. Menu The icons shown below are the default settings. Menu Item Reference Page Special Scene Mode Basic Guide p. 12 Movie Mode p. 35 Exposure Compensation p. 44 Long Shutter Mode p.
  • Page 23 Rec. Menu ([]) *Default setting • Summary/ Menu Item Options Reference Page AiAF IOn*/Off Ip. 39 Digital zoom p. 28 iStandard*/Oft/15x/1 9x (St!!! !mage) (Movies) Standard*lOft (in standard movie mode) Slow Synchro On_Off* IBasic Guide p. 15 Red-Eye On_Off IBasiceuidep. Self-timer /[]/[] IBasic...
  • Page 24 Set up Menu (1_) *Default setting Menu Item Options SummarylReference Page -_Mute On/Off* Set to [On] to silence operation sounds except the warning sounds (Basic Guide p. 9). mVolume Off / 1 12"1 3 / 4 / 5 Adjusts the volume of the start-up sound,...
  • Page 25 Menu Item Options I Summary/Reference Page m_t_Start-up Image On*/Off Selects whether to display the startup screen when the I camera is turned on. Power Say!rig p. ! 7 Auto Power On*/Off Sets whether or not the Down camera automatically }owers down after a set _eriod of time elapses vithout the camera being operated.
  • Page 26 F_ (Widescreen) mode on wide size paper using Canon compact photo printer SELPHY CP730/CP720/CP710/ CP510, As this setting will be stored to memory even when the power is turned off, to print using an image size other than _],...
  • Page 27 I _r_l_tr_] I LvA _j [d_J You should always format a new memory card or one from which you wish to erase all images and other data. !iiiiiiiii Soo Men,s S o , gs ......• TO perform a low level format use the button to select [Low Level Format] and the 4' or '_ button to add a check mark.
  • Page 28 Shooting (Recording Pixels). Default setting. • Use the _. or €, button to select recording pixel/compression settings and press the FUNC./SET button. Approximate Values for Recording Pixels Recording Pixels Purpose* 3072 x 2304 High Printing to about A3 size (Approx. 297 x 420 mm (11.7 x 16.5 in.)) pixels Large...
  • Page 29 Postcard pixels or [] 1600 x 1200 When printing to postcards (p. 32) Printing wide size prints (Images are 3072 x 1728 recorded with 16:9 aspect ratios. Areas Widescreen pixels not recorded will display as black bars on the LCD mon tor.) * Paper sizes vary according to region, Approximate Values...
  • Page 30 * Can only be set in [] mode, However, [Digital Tele-converter] cannot be set, You can combine digital zoom with optical zoom when shooting. The available shooting characteristics and focal lengths (35mm film equivalent) are as follows. Selection Focal Length Shooting Characteristics Standard...
  • Page 31 [Standard] /[Off]/[1,5x]/[1,gx], See Menus and Settings (p. 19). Default setting. eWhen using [Standard] See Shooting With the Digital Zoom (see below). -When using 1.5x] or 1.9x] !h_ "O!e-Conve_er! 30!_ .... Shooting With the Digital Zoom e;ess thezoom 'eve;toward E_andshoot..... eThe combined digital and optical zoom setting will display in the LCD monitor.
  • Page 32 Shooting With the Digital Tele-Converter About the Digital Tele-Converter The digital tele-converter feature uses digital zoom to achieve effects of a tele-converter (a lens used for telephoto shooting).
  • Page 33 Super high-speedSDC-512MSH memory card (soldseparately) to which low-level f ormatting (p, 25) is conducted immediately before shooting, • This reflects standard shooting criteria established by Canon, Actual results may vary according to the subject and shooting conditions, • Even if continuous shooting suddenly stops, the memory card may not be...
  • Page 34 • The interval between shots lengthens when the built-in memory of the camera fills. • If the flash is used, the interval between shots lengthens because the flash must charge. You can shoot images with the optimal settings for postcards by composing them inside the print area (width-to-height ratio of approximately...
  • Page 35 Embedding the Date in the Image Data You can embed the date in image data when [] (Postcard mode) is selected.
  • Page 36 2_ _ scN'_*_ aM "1 Only [Grid Lines] can be set, YOU can display vertical and horizontal grid lines, a 3:2 print area guide, or both on the LCD monitor while shooting to help check position of your subject. Grid Lines Displays grid lines to divide the screen...
  • Page 37 ',_!i!!!!J_!iiiii!! ¸¸_¸¸¸ _'_!!_ii!!iii_!!i!_ ,¸¸ iii:i_iliiiiii_!iii!i!_ _ii_i_i!i!iiiiiii_ii!i i!ii!!_!!!ii_ _ii_i ¸¸¸¸¸ __"!_ ',_, _i!_%J_ The following movie modes are available. For information on the recording pixels and frame rate in each mode, refer to Recording Pixels and Frame Rates (p. 38). You can select the recording pixels and frame rate and record until the memory card is full (when...
  • Page 38 See Menus and Settings (p. 18). * Default setting, • Usethe _- or ,_ button to select a movie mode and press the FUNC./ SET button. • In [] mode, you can change the recording pixels and frame rate (p. 38). •...
  • Page 39 _iiiiiiiiii_iii_ _..iiii_... iiii_i_i ¸¸¸ IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII_IIII_I_II_W___ • Before recording, you can set the AE lock (p. 42) and exposure shift. 1. Press the ISO button. The exposure will lock (AE lock) and the exposure shift: bar will appear in the LCD monitor. 2.
  • Page 40 Changing Recording Pixels and Frame Rates (Movies) You can change the recording pixels and frame rate when the movie mode is set to [] (Standard). []*(Recording Pixels). Default setting. • Usethe _, or ,_ button to select a frame rate!recording pixels and press the FUNG./SET botton...
  • Page 41 • See Image Data Sizes (Estimated) (p. 110). • See Memory Cards and Estimated Capacities (p. 109). *Cannot be set in m mode. The AF frame indicates the area of the composition on which camera focuses. can set the AF frame in the following ways.
  • Page 42 *Cannot be used in W_ mode. It may be difficult to focus on the following types of subjects. • Subjects with extremely low contrast to the surroundings • Scenes with a mixture of near and far subjects • Subjects with extremely bright objects at the center of the...
  • Page 43 Shooting with the AF Lock *Can be operated in _M and _ modes on the mon;tor: camera so that an Object at the same focal distance as the main subject centered in the AF frame, Press andholdtheshutter b utton haiGay press button.
  • Page 44 To Release the AE Lock Press the ISO button. • In =_ mode, AE lock can also be set/canceled (p. 37). • You can use the FE lock when using the flash (p. 43).
  • Page 45 You can lock the flash exposure so that the exposure settings are correctly set regardless of the composition of your subject. o,t,. LC6 .o.ito;: t,e_ burro" ."dse'ect " ("as" o,): ont"epayor t"esubject on#"ic" yOU wish to lock flash exposure setting. and "oidt"es,utter b utton "...
  • Page 46 Metering Methods Appropriate for standard shooting conditions, including backlit scenes. The camera divides images into several zones for metering. It evaluates complex Evaluative lighting conditions, such as the position of the subject, the brightness, the direct light, and the backlighting, and adjusts the settings to the correct exposure for the main subject.
  • Page 47 To Cancel the Exposure Compensation Follow Step 2 to restore the compensation value to [0]. You can set the shutter speed to a slow setting to make dark subjects appear brighter. FUNC. Menu _[]* (Exposure Compensation) See Menus and Settings (p. 18). * Default setting.
  • Page 48 • Use the LCD monitor to confirm that the image was recorded at the desired brightness. • Please note that camera shake becomes a factor at low shutter speeds. Shoot with the camera attached to a tripod. • Use of the flash may result in an over-exposed image.
  • Page 49 Normally, the [] (Auto) white balance setting selects an optimal white balance. When the [] (Auto) setting cannot produce natural looking colors, change the white balance using a setting appropriate for the light source. See M e..s Se. . s Default setting.
  • Page 50 Using the Custom White Balance You can set a custom white balance to obtain the optimal setting for the shooting conditions by having the camera evaluate an object, such as a piece of white paper or cloth, or a photo-quality gray card that you wish to establish as the standard white color.
  • Page 51 oYou are recommended to set the shooting mode to aM and the exposure compensation setting to [+0] before setting a custom white balance. The correct white balance may not be obtained when the exposure setting is incorrect (image appears completely black or white). •...
  • Page 53 Setting the Camera to a Custom Color Mode...
  • Page 54 i_ii!:!i!iiii_ 'iii%_ _ !!i:i_:_ii_!!! iii!iiii!i!i!i!ii _iiii_!_ili ¸ _!?_%_ '"'!!ili_!!i!_ aM ii Raise the ISO speed to use a fast shutter speed when you wish to reduce the effects of camera shake or avoid blurry subjects, or to turn the flash off when shooting in a dark area. Press ISO button to cycle...
  • Page 55 Your camera is equipped with an Intelligent Orientation sensor that detects the orientation of an image shot with the camera held vertically and automatically rotates it to the correct orientation when viewing it in the LCD monitor....See Menus and Settings (p. 19). Default setting.
  • Page 56 You can create a new folder at any time and the recorded images will be automatically saved to that folder. Create New Creates a new folder the next time you shoot images. To Folder create an additional folder, insert the check mark again. You can also specify a date and time if you wish to create Auto Create a new folder using a shooting time after the specified date and time.
  • Page 57 Setting the Day or Time for Automatic Folder Creation Select a day for the [Auto Create] option a time in the [Time] option_ MENU • r_ displays when the specified time arrives. The symbol will cease to display after the new folder is created. Up to 2000 images can be saved into one folder.
  • Page 58 The images you shoot are automatically assigned file numbers. You can select how the file number is assigned. ;;i..i ....Menus and Settings (p. 19). * Default setting, File Number Reset Function A number one higher than the last one recorded assigned to the next image.
  • Page 59 File and Folder Numbers Recorded images are assigned consecutive file numbers starting with 0001 and ranging up to 9999, while folders are assigned numbers starting with 100 and ranging up to 999. Up to 2,000 images can be saved into a single folder. Memory Card Exchanged New Folder Created for Another...
  • Page 60 Playback/Erasing Please also see the Basic Camera User Guide (p. 19). • will display and a magnified ! ;;_,po_on of t he _ mage w,I d _sp_ay. • Images can be magnified up to a factor of a pproximate,y lOx. Approximate l_ocaUon of the Displayed Area 4_, 4,,...
  • Page 61 Press zoo m lever toward _., ..........• Up to nine images can be viewed at Selected Image once in index playback. _l-- • Use the 4F 4P ÷ or ,_ button to I li changethe image selection. Switching between Sets of Nine Images The jump bar will display if you press the...
  • Page 62 When you have many images recorded onto a memory card, it is handy to use the five search keys below to jump over images to find the object of your search. Jump 10 Images Jumps over 10 images at a time. Jump 100 Images Jumps over 100 images at a time.
  • Page 63 DisPlaY a movie press ............e@lmm_vgie; with a _ icon are button) eThe movie will pause if you press the FUNC./SET button during playback. It will resume when you press the button again, • When playback ends the movie stops at the last frame displayed.
  • Page 64 Operating the Movie Control Panel L_J Ends playback and returns to single image playback Prints (An icon will display when a printer is connected. See the Direct Print User Guide for details.) Play Slow Motion Playback (You can use the 4' button to slow I]_ down orthe '_ button to speed up playback,) Displays the first frame...
  • Page 65 Images can be rotated clockwise 90 ° or 270 ° in the display. Original 90 ° 270 ° ¢}...
  • Page 67 Sound Memo Panel Exit Record Pause Play Erase Select [Erase] in the confirmation screen and press the FUNC./ S ET button. Use this feature to automatically play back all of the images in the memory card. The LCD monitor displays each image for approximately 3 seconds.
  • Page 68 • During automated playback, the following functions are possible: - Pausing/resuming the Auto Play: Press the FUNC./SET button - Fast forwarding/rewinding: Press the _. or ._ button (hold down the button to switch between images more rapidly) ....You can protect important images and movies from accidental erasure.
  • Page 69 You can play back images on a television with the supplied AV cable. Turn off the camera Connect AV cable to the camera's • Slip your fingemaiI under the lower end of the camera's terminal cover, lift it open and plug the _/--'_ interface cable in all the way.
  • Page 70 • When the camera is set to shooting mode, you can take pictures while displaying images on the television. • The video output signal can be switched (NTSC or PAL) to accommodate different regional standards (p. 23). The default setting varies between regions. - NTSC: Japan, U.S.A., Canada, Taiwan and others - PAL: Europe, Asia (excluding Taiwan), Oceania and others...
  • Page 71 I Print Settings/Transfer Settings You can select images on a memory card for printing and specify the number of print copies in advance using the camera. The settings used on the camera comply with the Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) standards. This is extremely convenient for printing on a direct print compatible printer, or for sending the images to a photo developing service that supports DPOF.
  • Page 72 Usethe _ or_ but to"toseiectimagesfor printing. • Selection methods differ for the Number of Pr nt Cop es Print Type settings (p. 72). - Standard (_])/Both (_] [] Select an image, press the FUNC./ SET button and use the 4_ or button to select the number of print copies to 09)
  • Page 73 All the Images on a Memory Card • Images are printed in order according to the file number. • A maximum of 998 images can be selected. • When [Print Type] is set to [Both], the number of copies can be set.
  • Page 74 Setting the Print Style After setting the print style, select the images for printing. following settings can be selected. *Default setting Prints one image per page. Prints the selected images together at a reduced size in an index format. Print Type Index Standard* [][]...
  • Page 75 _N_I_jI_jI_I_I_I_H_jI_I__H_ ¸__H_ • The Date and File No. settings change according to the Print Type as follows. - Index [](Date) and [] (File No.) cannot be setto [On] atthe same time. - Standard or Both (Date) and [] (File No.) can be set to [On] at the same time, however, the printable information may vary between printers.
  • Page 76 ."J_l | | i h( _ai ,1 i [ _.la i_] ".ZO]_nlnII _ 1i I.-.__[_ dl,,,."]l_j | | i h[,_ !._ You can use the camera to specify settings for images before downloading to a computer. Refer to the Software Starter Guide for instructions on how to transfer images to your computer.
  • Page 77 Usethe_ b uttontoselectanimageto ..transfer press • Pressing the FUNC./SET button again Transfer Selection deselects the setting. • You can also select images in the index playback mode, All the Images on a Memory Card...
  • Page 78 (Basic Guide p. 5). Batteries are not the right • Use only unused AA-size alkaline type. batteries or Canon AA-size NiMH batteries (p. 91). Battery charge is low and • Replace the camera batteries with the camera will not two unused or fully charged operate.
  • Page 79 The SD memory card or • When recording to, erasing from or SDHC memory card's formatting the memory card, slide write protect tab is set to the write protect tab upward "Write protect". (p. 93). The lithium coin battery • Replace the lithium date battery charge is low.
  • Page 80 Sometimes appears when • This is a normal occurrence shooting a bright subject, devices containing CCDs and does such as the sun or other not constitute a malfunction. This light source, bar of light will not be recorded when shooting still images, but it will be recorded when shooting movies.
  • Page 81 • If reformatting does not work, the memory card logic circuits may be damaged. Consult the nearest Canon Customer Support Help Desk. SD memory card or • Slide the write protect tab upward SDHC memory card is (p. 93).
  • Page 82 The camera moves when OConfirm the procedures in the shutter button is "_ appears" (p. 78). pressed. AF-assist Beam is set to • In dark places where it is difficult [Off]. for the camera to focus, the AF- assist Beam will emit to assist focusing.
  • Page 83 The subject is • Set the exposure compensation overexposed because the a negative (-) setting (p. 44). surroundings are too • Use the AE lock or spot metering dark. function (pp. 42, 44). Too much light is shining • Change the shooting angle. directly into the camera, or is being reflected off the subject.
  • Page 84 • Shoot with _ (Red-Eye) set to Light is reflected back from the eyes when the [On] (Basic Guide p. 15). For this flash is used in dark mode to be effective, the subject areas. must be looking right at the red-eye reduction lamp.
  • Page 85 The following types of • Although the recording time may memory cards are used. not display properly during -Slow recording cards. shooting, the movie will be -Cards formatted on a recorded correctly on the memory different camera or a card. Recording time will display computer.
  • Page 86 You attempted to play • Computer images that cannot be back images shot with played back may play back if they another camera or are added to the camera using the images edited with a supplied software program ZoomBrowser EX or computer.
  • Page 87 (p. 25). device. Batteries are not the right • Use only unused AA-size alkaline type. batteries or Canon AA-size NiMH batteries (p. 9t). Battery capacity drops • If shooting in a cold location, warm due to low ambient...
  • Page 88 iLv__rl _"_! Incorrect video system • Set the video system to the setting, appropriate setting, NTSC or PAL, for your TV (p. 23). The camera and printer • Securely connect the camera and are not properly printer with the specified cable. connected.
  • Page 89 However, if this error message appears even when using the supplied memory card, contact your Canon Customer Support Help Desk as there may be a problem with the camera.
  • Page 90 Battery charge is insufficient to operate the camera. Replace both batteries immediately with unused AA-size alkaline batteries or fully charged Canon AA-size NiMH batteries. Also refer to Battery Handling (p. 91 ). No images recorded on memory card.
  • Page 91 You attempted to magnify an image recorded in a different camera or data type, an image edited with a computer, or a movie. You attempted to rotate an image recorded in a different camera or data type, an image edited with a computer or a movie. A sound memo cannot be added to this image since the data type of the existing sound memo is incorrect, orthe sound memo cannot be played back.
  • Page 92 Canon Customer Support Help Desk as there may be a problem with the tens. (xx: number) Camera detected an error. Turn the power off and then back on, then shoot or play back.
  • Page 93 • When using the camera under low temperature conditions or over long periods, you are recommend to use of Canon AA-size NiMH batteries (sold separately). Camera operating time may shorten at low temperatures when alkaline batteries are used.
  • Page 94 • Before installing the batteries, wipe the battery terminals well with a dry cloth. If the battery terminals are soiled with oil from one's skin or other dirt, the number of recordabie images may be considerably diminished, or the amount of time the camera can be used reduced.
  • Page 95 Write Protect Tab -- Slide the switch protect the • images and S et.ep down <yoa other data on the card)• Writing/Erasing Possible Writing/Erasing Impossible • Memory cards are high-precision electronic devices. Do not bend them, apply force to them, or subject them to shocks or vibration.
  • Page 96 • When the camera is malfunctioning, a corrupted memory card might be the cause. Reformatting the memory card may solve the problem. • When a non-Canon brand memory card is malfunctioning, reformatting it may solve the problem. • Memory cards formatted in other cameras, computers, peripheral devices may not operate correctly in this camera.
  • Page 97 Ill_ :i[_ u; i[_ :.,r.;,,,L_ m [Ti;LtI[-"_ r;I1"-'_,_1 _ _ _i Using Rechargeable Batteries (Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300) This kit includes a battery charger and four rechargeable AA-size NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries. Charge batteries as shown below. Recharging is also possible using two batteries. Charge -- 4 batteries Indicator...
  • Page 99 When two batteries are placed on each side of the charger, recharging will take approximately two hours (as determined by testing at Canon facilities). Charge batteries in an environment where the temperature is in the range of 0 to 35 °C (32 to 95 °F).
  • Page 100 Using AC Adapter Kit ACK800 It is best to power the camera with AC Adapter Kit ACK800 (sold separately) when you are using it for tong periods of time or connecting it to a computer. €onnect power cord ........compact power adapter first...
  • Page 101 High-Power Flash HF-DC1 This flash is used to supplement the camera's built-in flash when the subject is too far away for proper illumination. Use the following procedures to affix the camera and High-Power Flash to the supporting bracket. Please read the instructions accompanying the flash along with this explanation.
  • Page 102 • Before attaching the bracket to the flash, check that the lithium battery (CR123A or DL123) is installed. • To illuminate the subjects properly, install the flash so that it is up against the side of the camera and parallel with the camera's front panel.
  • Page 103 Ifthe LCD monitor displays the Date/Time menu when y ou turn on the camera, this means that t he date battery has run down a nd the clock has stopped running. Please purchase areplacement battery (lithium c oin battery CR1220) and install itasfollows.
  • Page 104 new batte_ _iththe (_) s ;de f ac;n" iiiii:i_lll thebatte_hoide; a "eclose the memory card slot/battery cover. when Date_ime menu aPpearsl ..date time (Basic Guide p. 8). After purchasing the camera and turning on the power for the first time, although the Date/Time menu will appear, you do not need to replace the date battery.
  • Page 105 Never use thinners, benzine, detergents or water to clean the camera. These substances may distort or damage the equipment. Camera Body Gently wipe dirt off the camera body with a soft cloth or eyeglass lens wiper. Lens First use a lens blower brush to remove dust and dirt, then remove any remaining dirt by wiping the tens lightly with a soft cloth.
  • Page 106 All data is based on Canon's standard testing methods. Subject change without notice. PowerShot A550 Camera Effective Pixels : Approx. 7.1 million Image Sensor : 1/2.5-inch type CCD (Total number of pixels: Approx. 7.4 million) Lens : 5.8 (W) - 23.2 (T) mm...
  • Page 107 Exposure : +2.0 stops in 1/3-stop increments Compensation ISO Speed : Auto*, High ISO Auto**, ISO 80/100/200/ 400/800 (Standard Output * Camera automatically sets the optimal speed Sensitivity, according to subject brightness. Recommended **Camera automatically sets the optimal speed Exposure Index) according to subject brightness.
  • Page 108 Data Type (Still images) : Exif 2.2 (JPEG)* Sound Memo: WAVE (monaural) * This digital camera supports Exif 2.2 (also called "Exif Print"). Exif Print is a standard for enhancing the communication between digital cameras and printers. By connecting to an Exif Print-compliant printer, the camera's image data at the time of shooting is used and optimized, yielding extremely high quality prints.
  • Page 109 Auto Play, Sound memos (up to 1 min.) or Movie (slow motion play back possible). Direct Print : PictBridge compliant, and Canon Direct Print and Bubble Jet Direct compatible Interface : USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mini-B) Audio/Video output (NTSC...
  • Page 110 Power is left off for a sufficient amount of time*, then the power is turned back on and the testing procedure is repeated. • A Canon-brand memory card is used. * Until the battery returns to normal temperature Playback: Normal temperature (23 °C +2 °C/73 °F +3.6 °F), normal...
  • Page 111 3072 x 1728 pixels • Capable of smooth continuous shooting (p. 31 ) (When card has been formatted with a low level format). • This reflects standard shooting criteria established by Canon, Actual results may vary according to the subject and shooting conditions,...
  • Page 112 Movie [--I: Card included with the camera SDC- Recording Frame 16MB SDC-128M Pixels Rate 512MSH 4 rain. 7 sec. 1 min. 4 sec. 9 sec. 640 x 480 2 min. 8 rain. )ixels 15 sec. 7 sec. 14 sec. Standard 3 rain.
  • Page 113 Frame Rate File size Recording Pixels 1920 KB/sec. 640 x 480 pixels 960 KB/sec. Standard 660 KB/sec. 320 x 240 pixels 330 KB/sec. Fast Frame 1320 KB/sec. 320 x 240 pixels Rate Compact 160 x 120 pixels 120 KB/sec. MultiMediaCard Interface Compatible with MultiMediaCard standards Dimensions...
  • Page 114 NiMH Battery NB-3AH (Supplied with the separately sold NiMH Battery NB4-300 set or the Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300) AA-size rechargeable nickel metal hydride Type battery Nominal Voltage 1.2 V DC Typical Capacity 2500 mAh (min.: 2300 mAh) Cycle Life Approx.
  • Page 115 I INDEX Numerics Default Values ....... 24 Detailed Display ..... 15 3:2 Guide ......13, 34 Digital Tele-Converter .... 28 DIGITAL Terminal ..Basic 27 Digital Zoom ......28 Direct Transfer ....Basic 30 AC Adapter Kit ACK800 ..98 AE Lock ........42 Display Overlays ....
  • Page 116 MANUAL Shooting Mode ..Basic 13 Grid Lines ......13, 34 Memory Card Estimated Capacities ..109 Formatting ......25 HF-DC1 ........99 Handling ......93 High-Power Flash ....99 Memory card Histogram ....... 16 Inserting ..... Basic 5 MENU ...... 19, Basic3 Menu FUNC.
  • Page 117 Portrait ......Basic 11 Special Scene mode ..Basic 12 Power Button ....Basic 3, 9 Spot AE Point ......44 Power Saving Function ... 17 Spot AE Point Frame ..... 13 Print Menu ......21 Standard Display ....14 Print/Share Button ..Basic 3, 22 Start-up Vol ......
  • Page 118 If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment. Canon U.S.A., Inc. One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A. Tel No. (516)328-5600 Canadian Radio Interference Regulations...
  • Page 119 Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. • The SDHC logo is a trademark. For CA, USA only Included lithium battery contains Perchlorate Material - special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov!hazardouswaste/perchIorate/for details. Copyright © 2007 Canon Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Page 120 I Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode The following chart shows the functions and settings available in each shooting mode. Foo_Joo_ _ _I '_ _ [] _ [] m D '_ aM Re* P _e _arge _4edium 1 _edium 2 :_ecording 3ixels _4edium 3...
  • Page 121 Fun_ions Single • p.31 Continuous )riveMode t0.sec.se_timer[] Basic Guide p. 17 Custom Timer[] p.33 )ate Stamp kIAF p. 39 kF Lock p. 41 kF-assist Beam p. 21 )igital Zoom p. 28 if!!!:! : ,i!!!'!!_ioi!3!!!!!!(!(i!q!!i(!!:!ii!io@i{ )igital Tele_converter p.44 Exposure Compensation so Speed __10_ _ _10___10_ i_!i{!!i!!:!::!!! !!:!_i_Oi!
  • Page 122 ( I ) The recording pixels and frame rates for the (Movie) mode (p. 38). (2) This cannot be set in Long Shutter mode. (3) Auto is the default setting in _, modes. Off is the default setbeg in _l,, [])and modes.