Canon Powershot A550 Advanced User's Manual

Canon Powershot A550 Advanced User's Manual

Canon powershot a550: user guide
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Table of Contents

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CDI-E281-010
© 2007 CANON INC.
PRINTED IN MALAYSIA
ENGLISH
Advanced
Camera User Guide
This guide explains camera features and procedures in detail.
Before Using the Camera
Shooting
Playback/Erasing
Print/Transfer Settings
Troubleshooting
List of Messages
Appendix

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for Canon Powershot A550

  • Page 1 CDI-E281-010 © 2007 CANON INC. ENGLISH Advanced Camera User Guide This guide explains camera features and procedures in detail. PRINTED IN MALAYSIA Before Using the Camera Shooting Playback/Erasing Print/Transfer Settings Troubleshooting List of Messages Appendix...
  • Page 2 Effortlessly transfer them to a computer with the Print/Share button Playback 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 Also supports non- Canon brand PictBridge compliant printers...
  • Page 3: Conventions Used In This Guide

    Use of genuine Canon accessories is recommended. 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

    Table of Contents Items marked with a functions or procedures. Conventions Used in this Guide ....1 Handling Precautions ......5 Please Read.
  • Page 5 Adjusting the Tone (White Balance) ....47 Shooting in a My Colors Mode ..... . . 49 Adjusting the ISO Speed .
  • Page 6 Appendix ........91 Battery Handling.
  • Page 7: Handling Precautions

    Please note that Canon Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates, and its distributors are not liable for any consequential damages arising from any malfunction of a camera or accessory, including memory cards, that results in the failure of an image to be recorded or to be recorded in a way that is machine readable.
  • Page 8: Safety Precautions

    Camera Body Temperature If your camera is used for prolonged periods, the camera body may become warm. Please be aware of this and take care when operating the camera for an extended period. About the LCD Monitor The LCD monitor is produced with extremely high-precision manufacturing techniques.
  • Page 9 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. Warnings Equipment...
  • 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 use 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. Do not allow metal objects (such as pins or keys) or dirt to contact the charger terminals or plug.
  • Page 13: Preventing Malfunctions

    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. The resulting heat build-up could damage the flash.
  • Page 14: Before Using The Camera - Basic Operations

    Before Using the Camera – Basic Operations Using the LCD Monitor Press The display mode changes as follows with each press. Shooting Mode ( Standard (No Information) Detailed (Information View) The shooting information displays for approximately 6 sec. when a setting is changed, regardless of the selected display mode.
  • Page 15: Information Displayed On The Lcd Monitor

    Information Displayed on the LCD Monitor Shooting Information (Shooting Mode) Digital Tele-Converter (p. 28) Zoom Magnification (p. 28) Safety Zoom (p. 28) 3:2 Guide (p. 34) Grid Lines (p. 34) Shooting Mode (Basic Guide pp. 11 – 13) (p. 35) ···...
  • Page 16 If the indicator blinks orange and the camera shake icon 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 - Attach the camera to a tripod or other device.
  • Page 17 Detailed Shutter Speed (p. 104) Aperture Value Shooting Mode (Basic Guide pp. 11 – 13) ··· Exposure Compensation (p. 44) White Balance (p. 47) My Colors (p. 49) The following information may also be displayed with some images. A sound file in a format other than the WAVE format is attached or the file format is not recognized.
  • Page 18: Using The Viewfinder

    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 right, the brighter the image. If the image is too dark, adjust the exposure compensation to a positive value.
  • Page 19: Power Saving Function

    Power Saving Function 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 turns off 1 minute* after the last control is accessed even if [Auto Power Down] is set to [Off].
  • Page 20: Menus And Settings

    Menus and Settings 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 You can switch between menus with the button when this part is selected. • This example shows the Rec. menu in •...
  • Page 22: Menu List

    Menu List See Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode (p. 119). FUNC. Menu The icons shown below are the default settings. Menu Item Special Scene Mode Movie Mode Exposure Compensation Long Shutter Mode White Balance My Colors Metering Mode Compression (Still Image) Frame Rate (Movie) Recording Pixels (Still Image) Recording Pixels (Movie)
  • Page 23: Play Menu

    Rec. Menu ( Menu Item AiAF On*/Off Digital Zoom (Still Image) Standard*/Off/1.5x/1.9x (Movies) Standard*/Off (in standard movie mode) Slow Synchro On/Off* Red-Eye On*/Off Self-timer (Custom) Delay: 0 – 10*, 15, 20, 30 sec. Shots: 1 – 10* AF-assist Beam On*/Off Review Off/2*–...
  • Page 24: Set Up Menu

    Set up Menu ( Menu Item Mute Volume Start-up Vol. Operation Vol. Selftimer Vol. Shutter Volume Playback Vol. Options Summary/Reference Page On/Off Set to [On] to silence all operation sounds except for the warning sounds (Basic Guide p. 9). Off / 1 /2*/ 3 / 4 / 5 Adjusts the volume of the start-up sound, operation sound, selftimer sound, shutter sound and playback...
  • Page 25 Menu Item Start-up Image On*/Off Power Saving Auto Power On*/Off Down Display Off 10 sec./20 sec./ 30 sec./1 min.* / 2 min./3 min. Date/Time Format File Numbering Continuous*/Auto Reset Create Folder Create New Check mark (On)/ Folder No check mark (Off) Auto Create Off*/Daily/Monday-...
  • Page 26: Resetting Settings To Their Default Values

    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 [Auto] (however, the connection method cannot be changed while connected to a printer).
  • Page 27: Formatting Memory Cards

    Formatting Memory Cards You should always format a new memory card or one from which you wish to erase all images and other data. Please note that formatting (initializing) a memory card erases all data, including protected images and other file types.
  • Page 28: Shooting

    Shooting Changing the Recording Pixels and Compression (Still Images) Shooting Mode FUNC. Menu *(Recording Pixels). See Menus and Settings (p. 18). * Default setting. Use the recording pixel/compression settings and press the FUNC./SET button. Approximate Values for Recording Pixels Recording Pixels 3072 ×...
  • Page 29 1600 × 1200 pixels Postcard 3072 × 1728 Widescreen pixels * Paper sizes vary according to region. Approximate Values for Compression Settings Compression Superfine Fine Normal See Image Data Sizes (Estimated) (p. 110). See Memory Cards and Estimated Capacities (pp. 109, 110). When printing to postcards (p.
  • Page 30: Using The Digital Zoom/Digital Tele-Converter

    Using the Digital Zoom/ Digital Tele-Converter Shooting Mode * Can only be set in 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 Standard 35 –...
  • Page 31: Shooting With The Digital Zoom

    (Rec.) Menu [Standard]*/[Off]/[1.5x]/[1.9x]. See Menus and Settings (p. 19). * Default setting. When using [Standard] See Shooting With the Digital Zoom (see below). When using [1.5x] or [1.9x] See Shooting With the Digital Tele-Converter (p. 30). Shooting With the Digital Zoom Press the zoom lever toward The combined digital and optical zoom setting will display in the LCD...
  • Page 32 Shooting With the Digital Tele-Converter Adjust the angle of view with the zoom lever and shoot. appears on the LCD monitor. Depending on the number of recording pixels set, image quality may deteriorate ( factor appear in blue). About the Digital Tele-Converter The digital tele-converter feature uses digital zoom to achieve the effects of a tele-converter (a lens used for telephoto shooting).
  • Page 33: Continuous Shooting

    Super high-speed SDC-512MSH memory card (sold separately) to which low-level formatting (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 full.
  • Page 34: Postcard Mode

    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. Postcard Mode Shooting Mode You can shoot images with the optimal settings for postcards by composing them inside the print area (width-to-height ratio of approximately 3:2) shown in the LCD monitor.
  • Page 35: Embedding The Date In The Image Data

    Embedding the Date in the Image Data You can embed the date in image data when mode) is selected. (Rec.) Menu Stamp) [Off]*/[Date]/[Date & Time]. See Menus and Settings (p. 19). * Default setting. LCD monitor display : [Off] : [Date]/[Date & Time] Ensure that the camera’s date/time is set beforehand (p.
  • Page 36: Setting The Display Overlays

    Setting the Display Overlays Shooting Mode You can display vertical and horizontal grid lines, a 3:2 print area guide, or both on the LCD monitor while shooting to help check the position of your subject. Grid Lines 3:2 Guide Both *2 Images are still recorded at the standard aspect ratio of 4:3.
  • Page 37: Movie Shooting

    Movie Shooting Shooting Mode 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). Standard You can select the recording pixels and frame rate and record until the memory card is full (when a super high-speed memory card is used, such as the recommended SDC-512MSH).
  • Page 38 FUNC. Menu * Default setting. Use the movie mode and press the FUNC./ SET button. mode, you can change the recording pixels and frame rate (p. 38). Shoot. Pressing the shutter button halfway automatically sets the exposure, focus and white balance settings. Pressing the shutter button fully starts recording video and sound simultaneously.
  • Page 39 You are recommended to use a memory card that has been formatted in your camera to shoot movies (p. 25). The memory card supplied with the camera may be used without further formatting. Be careful of the following while recording. - Do not touch the microphone (Basic Guide p.
  • Page 40: Frame Rate

    Changing Recording Pixels and Frame Rates (Movies) You can change the recording pixels and frame rate when the movie mode is set to FUNC. Menu *(Recording Pixels). See Menus and Settings (p. 18). * Default setting. Use the a frame rate/recording pixels and press the FUNC./SET button.
  • Page 41: Selecting An Af Frame

    See Image Data Sizes (Estimated) (p. 110). See Memory Cards and Estimated Capacities (p. 109). Selecting an AF Frame Shooting Mode The AF frame indicates the area of the composition on which the camera focuses. You can set the AF frame in the following ways. (Rec.) Menu See Menus and Settings (p.
  • Page 42: Shooting Hard-To-Focus Subjects (Focus Lock, Af Lock)

    Shooting Hard-to-Focus Subjects (Focus Lock, AF Lock) Shooting 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 composition Subjects that are moving quickly Subjects through glass: Try to shoot as close to the glass as...
  • Page 43: Shooting With The Af Lock

    Shooting with the AF Lock Turn on the LCD monitor. Aim the camera so that an object at the same focal distance as the main subject is centered in the AF frame. Press and hold the shutter button halfway and press icon will appear on the LCD monitor.
  • Page 44: Locking The Exposure Setting (Ae Lock)

    Locking the Exposure Setting (AE Lock) Shooting Mode You can set the exposure and focus separately. This is effective when the contrast is too strong between the subject and background or when a subject is backlit. You must set the flash to the flash fires.
  • Page 45: Locking The Flash Exposure Setting (Fe Lock)

    Locking the Flash Exposure Setting (FE Lock) Shooting Mode You can lock the flash exposure so that the exposure settings are correctly set regardless of the composition of your subject. Turn on the LCD monitor. Press the Focus on the part of the subject on which you wish to lock the flash exposure setting.
  • Page 46: Adjusting The Exposure Compensation

    Metering Methods Evaluative Center Weighted Average Spot Adjusting the Exposure Compensation Shooting Mode Adjust exposure to the + side to avoid making the subject too dark when shooting in a backlit situation or against a bright background, and adjust exposure to the – side to avoid making the subject too light when shooting at night or with a dark background.
  • Page 47: Shooting In Long Shutter Mode

    To Cancel the Exposure Compensation Follow Step 2 to restore the compensation value to [0]. mode, the exposure shift can be set/canceled (p. 37). Shooting in Long Shutter Mode Shooting Mode You can set the shutter speed to a slow setting to make dark subjects appear brighter.
  • Page 48 This setting is reset once the camera is turned off. The nature of CCDs is such that noise in the recorded image increases at long shutter speeds. This camera, however, applies special processing to images shot at shutter speeds slower than 1.3 seconds to eliminate the noise, thereby producing high-quality images.
  • Page 49: Adjusting The Tone (White Balance)

    Adjusting the Tone (White Balance) Shooting Mode Normally, the (Auto) white balance setting selects an optimal white balance. When the looking colors, change the white balance using a setting appropriate for the light source. FUNC. Menu See Menus and Settings (p. 18). * Default setting.
  • Page 50: Using The Custom White Balance

    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: Shooting In A My Colors Mode

    You are recommended to set the shooting mode to 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). Shoot with the same settings as when reading the white balance data.
  • Page 52 FUNC. Menu * Default setting. Use the My Colors mode. Mode See Setting the Camera to a Custom Color Mode (p. 51). Modes other than Press the FUNC./SET button. The display will return to the shooting screen and you can shoot. Shoot.
  • Page 53: Setting The Camera To A Custom Color Mode

    Setting the Camera to a Custom Color Mode (Custom Color) See Menus and Settings (p. 18). Use the [Contrast], [Sharpness] or [Saturation] and the The altered color will display. This completes the setting. If you press the MENU button at this point, you will return to the screen where you can select a My Colors mode.
  • Page 54: Adjusting The Iso Speed

    Adjusting the ISO Speed Shooting Mode 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 the I I SO button to cycle through ISO settings.
  • Page 55: Setting The Auto Rotate Function

    Setting the Auto Rotate Function Shooting Mode 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. (Set up) Menu [Off].
  • Page 56: Creating An Image Destination (Folder)

    Creating an Image Destination (Folder) Shooting Mode 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.
  • Page 57 Setting the Day or Time for Automatic Folder Creation Select a day for the [Auto Create] option and a time in the [Time] option 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: Resetting The File Number

    Resetting the File Number Shooting Mode The images you shoot are automatically assigned file numbers. You can select how the file number is assigned. (Set up) Menu [Continuous]*/[Auto Reset]. * Default setting. File Number Reset Function A number one higher than the last one recorded is 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. New Folder Created Memory Card 1 Continuous...
  • Page 60: Playback/Erasing

    Playback/Erasing Please also see the Basic Camera User Guide (p. 19). Magnifying Images Press the zoom lever toward will display and a magnified portion of the image will display. Images can be magnified up to a factor of approximately 10x. Use the around the image.
  • Page 61: Viewing Images In Sets Of Nine (Index Playback)

    Viewing Images in Sets of Nine Playback) Press the zoom lever toward Up to nine images can be viewed at once in index playback. Use the change the image selection. Switching between Sets of Nine Images The jump bar will display if you press the zoom lever toward playback and you can switch the display between sets of nine images.
  • Page 62: Jumping To Images

    Jumping to Images 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 Jump 100 Images Shot Date Movie Folder...
  • Page 63: Viewing Movies

    Viewing Movies Movies cannot be played in the index playback mode. Display a movie and press Images with a movies. Select (Play) and press The movie will pause if you press the FUNC./SET button during playback. It will resume when you press the button again.
  • Page 64: Operating The Movie Control Panel

    Operating the Movie Control Panel 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 down or the Displays the first frame Previous Frame (Rewinds if the down.)
  • Page 65: Rotating Images In The Display

    Rotating Images in the Display Images can be rotated clockwise 90° or 270° in the display. Original (Play) Menu See Menus and Settings (p. 19). Use the rotate and press Cycle through the 90°/270°/original orientations with each press of the FUNC./SET button. This also can be set in the index playback mode.
  • Page 66: Attaching Sound Memos To Images

    Attaching Sound Memos to Images In playback mode (including single image playback and index playback), you can attach sound memos (up to 1 min.) to an image. The sound data is saved in the WAVE format. (Play) Menu Use the which to attach a sound memo and press The sound memo control panel will display.
  • Page 67: Automated Playback (Auto Play)

    Sound Memo Panel Exit Record Pause Play Erase Select [Erase] in the confirmation screen and press the button. You cannot attach sound memos to movies. Sound memos for protected images cannot be erased. Automated Playback (Auto Play) Use this feature to automatically play back all of the images in the memory card.
  • Page 68: Protecting Images

    Press During automated playback, the following functions are possible: - Pausing/resuming the Auto Play: Press the FUNC./SET button - Fast forwarding/rewinding: Press the down the button to switch between images more rapidly) - Stopping the Auto Play: Press the MENU button Protecting Images You can protect important images and movies from accidental erasure.
  • Page 69: Viewing Images On A Tv Set

    Viewing Images on a TV Set You can play back images on a television with the supplied AV cable. Turn off the camera and the TV. Connect the AV cable to the camera’s A/V OUT terminal. Slip your fingernail under the lower end of the camera’s terminal cover, lift it open and plug the interface cable in all the way.
  • Page 70: Erasing All Images

    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: Print Settings/Transfer Settings

    Print Settings/Transfer Settings Setting the DPOF Print 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.
  • Page 72 Use the printing. Selection methods differ for the Print Type settings (p. 72). - Standard ( Select an image, press the FUNC./ SET button and use the button to select the number of print copies (up to 99). - Index ( Select an image and press the FUNC./SET button to select or deselect it.
  • Page 73 All the Images on a Memory Card (Print) Menu See Menus and Settings (p. 19). One copy of every image will be set to print. Selecting [Clear All Selections] cancels all print settings. When the camera is connected to a printer, the button, confirm that [Print] is selected, and when the FUNC./SET button is pressed, printing will begin.
  • Page 74: Setting The Print Style

    Setting the Print Style After setting the print style, select the images for printing. The following settings can be selected. Standard* Index Print Type Both Date (On/Off*) File No. (On/Off*) Clear DPOF data (On*/Off) (Print) Menu Use the Type), data) and then use the the settings.
  • Page 75 The Date and File No. settings change according to the Print Type as follows. - Index (Date) and (File No.) cannot be set to [On] at the same time. - Standard or Both (Date) and (File No.) can be set to [On] at the same time, however, the printable information may vary between printers.
  • Page 76: Setting The Dpof Transfer Settings

    Setting the DPOF Transfer Settings 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. The settings used on the camera comply with the Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) standards.
  • Page 77 Use the transfer and press Pressing the FUNC./SET button again deselects the setting. You can also select images in the index playback mode. All the Images on a Memory Card Select [Mark all] and press Selecting [Reset] cancels all transfer order settings.
  • Page 78: Troubleshooting

    (Basic Guide p. 5). Reload the batteries in the correct direction (Basic Guide p. 5). Use only unused AA-size alkaline batteries or Canon AA-size NiMH batteries (p. 91). Replace the camera batteries with two unused or fully charged batteries (Basic Guide p. 5).
  • Page 79: When The Power Is Turned On

    When the power is turned on “Card locked!” message appears. The SD memory card or SDHC memory card’s write protect tab is set to “Write protect”. The Date/Time menu appears. The lithium coin battery charge is low. LCD monitor Nothing displays. The LCD monitor is set not to display.
  • Page 80 A bar of light (red, purple) appears on the LCD Sometimes appears when shooting a bright subject, such as the sun or other light source. appears. A slow shutter speed has likely been selected because of insufficient lighting. appears. This displays when using a memory card that has print settings or transfer settings set by other...
  • Page 81: Shooting

    Format the memory card (p. 25). If reformatting does not work, the memory card logic circuits may be damaged. Consult the nearest Canon Customer Support Help Desk. Slide the write protect tab upward (p. 93). Confirm the actual image size with the LCD monitor.
  • Page 82 Image is blurred or out of focus. The camera moves when the shutter button is pressed. AF-assist Beam is set to [Off]. Subject is out of focal range. The subject is hard to focus on. Subject in recorded image is too dark. Insufficient light for shooting.
  • Page 83 The subject is overexposed because the surroundings are too dark. Too much light is shining directly into the camera, or is being reflected off the subject. Flash is set to on. Image contains noise. ISO speed is too high. White dots appear on the image. Light from the flash has reflected off dust particles or insects in the air.
  • Page 84 Eyes appear red. Light is reflected back from the eyes when the flash is used in dark areas. Continuous shooting slows down. The memory card’s performance has dropped. Recording images to memory card takes a long time. Memory card was formatted in another device.
  • Page 85: Shooting Movies

    Shooting Movies The recording time may not display properly or shooting may stop unexpectedly. The following types of memory cards are used. - Slow recording cards. - Cards formatted on a different camera or a computer. - Cards which have had images recorded and erased repeatedly.
  • Page 86: Playback

    Playback Cannot play back. You attempted to play back images shot with another camera or images edited with a computer. File name was changed with a computer or file location was changed. Movies do not play back correctly. Movies recorded with high recording pixels and frame rates may momentarily stop playing if played on slow reading memory cards.
  • Page 87: Battery

    Battery capacity drops due to low ambient temperatures. Battery terminals are dirty. If using Canon AA-size NiMH batteries As the batteries have not been used for over a year, their recharging capacity has decreased. Battery life has been exceeded.
  • Page 88: Tv Monitor Output

    TV monitor output Image is distorted or not showing on TV monitor. Incorrect video system setting. Printing with a direct print compatible printer Cannot print. The camera and printer are not properly connected. The printer power is not turned on. The print connection method is not correct.
  • Page 89: List Of Messages

    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 Change the batteries 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 image No images recorded on memory card.
  • Page 91 Cannot magnify! You attempted to magnify an image recorded in a different camera or data type, an image edited with a computer, or a movie. Cannot rotate You attempted to rotate an image recorded in a different camera or data type, an image edited with a computer or a movie. Incompatible WAVE A sound memo cannot be added to this image since the data type of the existing sound memo is incorrect, or the sound memo...
  • Page 92 (xx: number) Camera detected an error. Turn the power off and then back on, then shoot or play back. A problem exists if the error code reappears. Note the number and contact your Canon Customer Support Help Desk. If an error code displays directly after taking a picture, the shot may not have been recorded.
  • Page 93: Appendix

    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 recordable images may be considerably diminished, or the amount of time the camera can be used reduced.
  • Page 95: Handling The Memory Card

    Handling the Memory Card SD Memory Card or SDHC Memory Card Write Write Protect Tab Slide the switch up. Writing/Erasing Possible Cautions When Handling 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, or peripheral devices may not operate correctly in this camera.
  • Page 97: Using The Power Kits (Sold Separately)

    Using the Power Kits (Sold Separately) 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. 4 batteries •...
  • Page 98 The CB-5AH/CB-5AHE battery charger can only be used to charge Canon AA-size NiMH Battery NB-3AH and NB- 2AH. Please do not attempt to charge any other type of battery. Do not mix batteries with different purchase dates or different charge states. When recharging batteries, always recharge both of them at the same time.
  • Page 99 Replace them with new batteries. If you are purchasing new batteries, look for Canon AA-size NiMH batteries. Leaving batteries in the camera or charger may result in damage from battery leakage. When not in use, remove the batteries from the camera or charger and store them in a cool, dry location.
  • Page 100 Using the AC Adapter Kit ACK800 It is best to power the camera with AC Adapter Kit ACK800 (sold separately) when you are using it for long periods of time or connecting it to a computer. Turn the camera power off before connecting or disconnecting the AC adapter.
  • Page 101: Using An Externally Mounted Flash (Sold Separately)

    Using an Externally Mounted Flash (Sold Separately) 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.
  • Page 102 The flash charge time will lengthen as the battery charge gets weaker. Always set the power/mode switch to [OFF] when you finish using the flash. Be careful not to touch the flash window or sensor windows with your fingers while the flash is in use. The flash may fire if another flash is being used in close proximity.
  • Page 103: Replacing The Date Battery

    Replacing the Date Battery If the LCD monitor displays the Date/Time menu when you turn on the camera, this means that the date battery has run down and the clock has stopped running. Please purchase a replacement battery (lithium coin battery CR1220) and install it as follows. The date battery is preinstalled at the factory and may therefore expire earlier than its rated lifespan after the camera has been purchased.
  • Page 104 Insert a new battery with the (–) side facing Replace the battery holder and close the memory card slot/battery cover. When the Date/Time menu appears, set the date and 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: Camera Care And Maintenance

    Never use organic solvents on the camera body or lens. If dirt remains, contact the closest Canon Customer Support Help Desk as listed on the separate customer support list supplied with your camera.
  • Page 106: Specifications

    Specifications All data is based on Canon’s standard testing methods. Subject to change without notice. PowerShot A550 Camera Effective Pixels : Approx. 7.1 million Image Sensor Lens Digital Zoom Optical Viewfinder LCD Monitor AF System Focusing Range Shutter Shutter Speeds Metering System : 1/2.5-inch type CCD (Total number of pixels:...
  • Page 107 Exposure Compensation ISO Speed (Standard Output Sensitivity, Recommended Exposure Index) White Balance Built-in Flash Flash Range Shooting (Still images) : Auto, Manual*, Portrait, Landscape, Night Modes (Movies) : Standard, Fast Frame Rate and Compact Continuous Shooting Self-timer Recording Media File Format : ±2.0 stops in 1/3-stop increments : Auto*, High ISO Auto**, ISO 80/100/200/ 400/800...
  • Page 108 Recording Pixels (Movies) : Standard 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...
  • Page 109 9 images at once.), Auto Play, Sound memos (up to 1 min.) or Movie (slow motion play back possible). : PictBridge compliant, and Canon Direct Print and Bubble Jet Direct compatible : USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mini-B) Audio/Video output (NTSC or PAL...
  • Page 110: Battery Capacity

    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 relative humidity (50% ±20%), continuous playback at 3...
  • Page 111 • 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. : Card included with the camera...
  • Page 112 Movie Recording 640 × 480 pixels Standard 320 × 240 pixels Fast Frame 320 × 240 Rate pixels 160 × 120 Compact pixels * Maximum clip length at maximum continuous recording time. Image Data Sizes (Estimated) Recording Pixels 3072 × 2304 pixels 2592 ×...
  • Page 113 Recording Pixels Standard Fast Frame Rate Compact MultiMediaCard Interface Compatible with MultiMediaCard standards Dimensions 32.0 × 24.0 × 1.4 mm (1.3 × 0.9 × 0.06 in.) Weight Approx. 1.5 g (0.05 oz.) SD Memory Card Interface Compatible with SD memory card standards Dimensions 32.0 ×...
  • Page 114 NiMH Battery NB-3AH (Supplied with the separately sold NiMH Battery NB4-300 set or the Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300) Type Nominal Voltage Typical Capacity Cycle Life Operating Temperatures 0 – 35 °C (32 – 95 °F) Diameter × Length Weight Battery Charger CB-5AH/CB-5AHE (Supplied with the separately sold Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300) Rated Input...
  • Page 115: Index

    INDEX Numerics 3:2 Guide ...13, 34 AC Adapter Kit ACK800 ...98 AE Lock ...42 AF Frame ...13, 39 AF Lock ...41 AF-assist Beam ...21, 80 AiAF ...39 Auto Play ...65 Auto Power Down ...23 Auto Rotate ...53 Battery Battery Capacity ...108 Capacity ...91 Charging ...91 Handling ...91...
  • Page 116 Grid Lines ... 13, 34 HF-DC1 ... 99 High-Power Flash ... 99 Histogram ... 16 Image Data Sizes (Estimated) ... 110 Image zone ... Basic 11 Index Playback ... 59 Indicators ... Basic 3, 4 Indoor ... Basic 12 Interface Cable ... Basic 22, 27 ISO Speed ...
  • Page 117 Portrait ...Basic 11 Power Button ...Basic 3, 9 Power Saving Function ...17 Print Menu ...21 Print/Share Button ...Basic 3, 22 Printing ...69, Basic 22 Protect ...66 Rec. Menu ...21 Rechargeable Batteries ...95 Rechargeable Battery ...112 Recording Pixels ...13, 26, 38 Red-Eye Reduction ...Basic 15 Reset All ...24 Review ...21, Basic 10...
  • Page 118 MEMO...
  • Page 119 • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. The cable with the ferrite core provided with the digital camera must be used with this equipment in order to comply with Class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of the FCC rules.
  • Page 120: Trademark Acknowledgments

    • While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this guide is accurate and complete, no liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions. • Canon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described herein at anytime without prior notice.
  • Page 121: Functions Available In Each Shooting Mode

    Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode The following chart shows the functions and settings available in each shooting mode. Functions Large Medium 1 Medium 2 Recording Pixels Medium 3 (Still Image) Small Postcard Widescreen Compression (Movie) Super Fine Compression Fine Normal Frame Rate (Movie) Auto...
  • Page 122 Functions Single Continuous Drive Mode 10-sec. self-timer 2-sec. self-timer Custom Timer Date Stamp AiAF AF Lock AF-assist Beam Digital Zoom Digital Tele-Converter Exposure Compensation ISO Speed (12) White Balance Long Shutter Evaluative Metering Center Method Weighted Avg. Spot AE Lock FE Lock My Colors Disp.
  • Page 123 (1) The recording pixels and frame rates for the (2) This cannot be set in Long Shutter mode. (3) Auto is the default setting in default setting in • You cannot use flash in (4) This cannot be set in mode.

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