Canon Powershot A3100 IS User's Guide

ENGLISH• Make sure you read this guide before using the camera.• Store this guide safely so that you can use it in the future.Camera User GuidePhoto o

Safety Precautions10Battery and Battery ChargerOther Warnings• Use only recommended batteries.• Do not place the battery near or in direct flame.• Do

Protecting Images1003Choose the ending image.● Press the r button, choose [Last image] and press the m button.● Press the qr buttons to choose an ima

101Erasing All ImagesYou can erase all images at once. Since erased images cannot be recovered, exercise adequate caution before erasing. Protected im

Erasing All Images1022Erase all images.● Press the qr buttons to choose [OK], then press the m button.X All images will be erased.● Pressing the n bu

103Tagging Images as Favorites When you tag images as favorites, you can easily categorize just those images. You can also filter out and display just

104Organizing Images by Category (My Category) You can organize images in categories. You can register images to categories and filter them for viewin

Rotating Images 1053Make the setting.● If you press the n button, a confirmation screen will appear.● Press the qr buttons to choose [OK] and press th

106Resizing ImagesYou can resize images to a lower pixel setting and save the resized image as a separate file.1Choose [Resize].● Press the n button a

107Trimming You can cut out a portion of a recorded image and save it as a new image file.1Choose [Trimming].● Press the n button, choose the 1 tab an

108Correcting the Red-Eye EffectYou can automatically correct red eyes in images and save them as new files.1Choose [Red-Eye Correction].● Press the n

1098PrintingThis chapter explains how to choose images for printing, and print using a PictBridge compliant printer (sold separately, p. 40). Please a

11Safety Precautions • When using the flash, be careful not to cover it with your fingers or clothing.This could result in burns or damage to the flas

110Printing ImagesYou can easily print the pictures you take by connecting the camera to a PictBridge compliant printer using the supplied interface c

Printing Images 1116Print images.● Press the op buttons to choose [Print] and press the m button.X Printing will start.● If you want to print addition

112Choosing Images for Printing (DPOF)You can choose up to 998 images on a memory card for printing and specify settings such as the number of copies

Choosing Images for Printing (DPOF) 113● Choosing the Number of Copies1Choose [Select Images & Qty.].● Press the n button and choose the 2 tab, th

Printing Images with DPOF Settings114● Set All Images to Print Once1Choose [Select All Images].● In Step 1 on p. 113, choose [Select All Images] and

1159Customizing Camera SettingsYou can customize various settings to suit your shooting preferences. The first part of this chapter explains convenien

116Changing Camera SettingsYou can customize convenient and commonly used functions from the 3 tab (p. 47).● Turning off Hints & Tips When you cho

Changing Camera Settings 117● Changing the Start-up Screen You can change the start-up image that appears on the screen when you turn on the camera.●

Changing Camera Settings118● Turning Off the Start-up Image You can turn off the start-up image that displays when you turn on the camera.● Choose [S

Changing Camera Settings 119● Creating Folders by Shooting DateImages are saved into folders created each month, however, you can also create folders

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Changing Camera Settings120● Setting the Screen Shut-Off TimeYou can adjust the time the screen takes to shut off automatically (p. 45). This also wo

Changing Shooting Function Settings 1213Choose the world time zone.● Press the op buttons to choose [ World], then press the n button.● will appear

Changing Shooting Function Settings122● Turning Off the Red-Eye Reduction FunctionThe red-eye reduction lamp lights in order to reduce the red-eye ef

Changing Shooting Function Settings 123● Displaying the OverlayYou can display gridlines for vertical and horizontal guidance, or a 3:2 guide to confi

124Changing Playback Function SettingsYou can adjust the settings in the 1 tab by pressing the 1 button (p. 47).● Choosing the Image that First Displa

12510Useful InformationThis chapter introduces how to use the AC adapter kit (sold separately), troubleshooting tips, and contains lists of functions

126Using Household PowerIf you use AC Adapter Kit ACK-DC60 (sold separately), you can use the camera without worrying about how much charge is left in

127TroubleshootingIf you think there is a problem with the camera, first check the following. If the items below do not solve your problem, contact a

Troubleshooting128Image is blurred.• Press the shutter button halfway to focus on the subject, then press fully to shoot (p. 23).• Shoot the subject

Troubleshooting 129When you can’t make settings for shooting functions or FUNC. menu.• The items in which settings can be made differ depending on the

131Getting StartedThis chapter explains preparations before shooting, how to shoot in A mode, and then how to view and erase the images you take. The

130List of Messages That Appear on the ScreenIf error messages appear on the screen, try one of the following solutions.No memory card• The memory car

List of Messages That Appear on the Screen 131Cannot magnify!/Cannot rotate/Cannot modify image/Unselectable image. • Incompatible images cannot be ma

132Information Displayed on the Screen● Shooting (Information Display)* : Standard, : Held verticallyWhen shooting, the camera detects if it is held

Information Displayed on the Screen 133● Playback (Detailed Information Display)My Category (p. 104) Shooting ModeISO Speed (p. 71)Exposure Compensati

134Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode*1 Slow Synchro when the flash fires.*2 Possible settings: 0 – 30 seconds in [Delay], and 1 – 10 shots in

Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode 135{ Selectable, or set automatically. — Not selectableIJFCHKE"wOPt≈{{{{{{{{— {{{{— {—————————————{{{

136Menus● 4 Shooting Menu*1 AiAF*2 Fixed to [On].*3 Fixed to [Off].*4 Fixed to 2 sec.*5 Fixed to [Off].Shooting modesGA9FunctionAF Frame (p. 78)Face A

Menus 137{ Selectable, or set automatically. — Not selectableIJFCHKE"wOPt≈{{{{{{{{{{{{— { *1{{{{{——{{{{{{{————————————————{{{{{{*3 {{{{{{{{{{{{

Menus138● 3 Set up MenuItem Options/Summary Ref. PageMute On/Off* p. 48Volume Set all operation sounds (5 levels). p. 48Sound OptionsSet the sounds f

Menus 139● 1 Playback Menu● 2 Print MenuItem Options/Summary Ref. PageSlideshow Plays back images automatically. p. 94Erase Erases images. p. 101Eras

14Charging the BatteryUse the included charger to charge the battery. Be sure to charge the battery as it is not charged at the time of purchase.1Remo

140SpecificationsCamera Effective Pixels. . . . . . . . . . . . . Approx. 12.1 million, Approx. 10.0 millionImage Sensor. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Specifications 141File Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Design rule for Camera File system and DPOF compliant (version 1.1)Data Typ

Specifications142Battery Pack NB-8LType. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rechargeable lithium-ion batteryVoltage. . . . . . . .

143Handling Precautions• This camera is a high-precision electronic device. Do not drop it or subject it to strong impacts.• Never place the camera cl

144IndexNumerics3:2 Guide ...123AAC Adapter Kit ...39, 126Accessories ...

145Index AF Lock...81AF-Point Zoom ...79Face Selection ...

146 IndexPrinters ...40, 110Printing...110Program AE...

Disclaimer• Reprinting, transmitting, or storing in a retrieval system any part of this guide without the permission of Canon is prohibited.• Canon re

15Charging the Battery Approximate Number of Shots That Can Be Taken• The number of shots that can be taken is based on the Camera & Imaging Produ

16Compatible Memory Cards (Sold Separately)• SD memory cards (2 GB and less)*• SDHC memory cards (More than 2 GB, up to and including 32 GB)*• SDXC me

17Inserting the Battery and Memory Card 4Insert the memory card.● Insert the memory card as shown until it locks into place with a click.● Be sure the

Inserting the Battery and Memory Card18Approximate Number of Shots per Memory Card• Values are based on the default settings.• The number of shots th

19Setting the Date and TimeThe Date/Time settings screen will appear the first time the camera is turned on. Since the dates and times recorded into y

2Checking the Package ContentsCheck if the following items are included in your camera package. If anything is missing, contact the retailer from whic

Setting the Date and Time20● Changing the Date and TimeYou can change the current date and time settings.1Display the menus.● Press the n button.2Cho

21Setting the Display LanguageYou can change the language that displays on the screen.1Enter Playback mode.● Press the 1 button.2Display the settings

22Formatting Memory CardsBefore you use a new memory card or one that has been formatted in other devices, you should format the card with this camera

23Pressing the Shutter Button X When formatting ends, [Memory card formatting complete] will appear on the screen.● Press the m button.Pressing the Sh

24Taking Pictures (Smart Auto)Since the camera can determine the subject and shooting conditions, you can let it automatically select the best setting

25Taking Pictures (Smart Auto) X When the camera focuses, it will beep twice and AF frames will appear where the camera focuses.Several AF frames will

Taking Pictures (Smart Auto)26Under certain conditions, the icon that appears may not match the actual scene. Especially when there is an orange or b

27Viewing ImagesYou can view the images you have taken on the screen.1Enter Playback mode.● Press the 1 button.X The last image you took will appear.2

28Erasing ImagesYou can choose and erase images one at a time. Please note that erased images cannot be recovered. Exercise adequate caution before er

29Shooting in Easy ModeIn Easy mode, operational instructions are displayed on the screen, and the camera is set so that only the buttons explained on

3Read This FirstTest Shots and DisclaimerTake some initial test shots and play them back to make sure the images were recorded correctly. Please note

30Viewing or Erasing in Easy ModeIn Easy mode, operational instructions are displayed on the screen, and the camera is set so that only the buttons ex

31Shooting MoviesThe camera can automatically select all settings so that you can shoot movies just by pressing the shutter button.1Enter E mode.● Set

Shooting Movies32X Recording will start, and [ Rec] and the elapsed time will appear on the screen.● Once shooting begins, take your finger off the s

33Viewing MoviesYou can view the movies you have shot on the screen.1Enter Playback mode.● Press the 1 button.X The last image you took will appear.X

34Transferring Images to a Computer for ViewingYou can use the included software to transfer images you have shot with the camera to a computer for vi

35Transferring Images to a Computer for Viewing ● PreparationsWindows Vista and Mac OS X (v10.5) are used for these explanations.1Install the Software

Transferring Images to a Computer for Viewing362Connect the camera to the computer.● Turn off the camera.● Open the cover, and insert the small end o

37Transferring Images to a Computer for Viewing ● Transfer and View Images● Click [Import Images from Camera], and then click [Import Untransferred Im

38AccessoriesSupplied with CameraWrist Strap WS-800 Battery Pack NB-8L (with Terminal Cover)*DIGITAL CAMERA Solution DiskInterface Cable IFC-400PCU*AV

39Separately Sold AccessoriesThe following camera accessories are sold separately. Some accessories are not sold in some regions, or may no longer be

4What Do You Want to Do?ShootShoot, leaving it to the camera to make settings . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Just take pictures (Easy mode) . . . . . . .

Separately Sold Accessories40PrintersCanon-Brand PictBridge Compliant PrintersBy connecting your camera to a Canon-brand PictBridge compliant printer

412Learning MoreThis chapter explains the parts of the camera and what appears on the screen, as well as the basic operating instructions.

42Components GuideMode DialUse the mode dial to change the Shooting mode.Lamp (pp. 26, 62, 63, 121)Microphone (p. 32)LensMode DialShutter Button (p. 2

43Indicator IndicatorThe indicator on the back of the camera (p. 43) will light or blink depending on the camera’s status.Screen (LCD Monitor) (pp. 44

44Screen Display● Switching the DisplayYou can change the screen display pressing the l button. Refer to p. 132 for details on information that appear

45Power Saving Function (Auto Power Down) Histogram during PlaybackThe graph that appears in “Detailed Information Display” (p. 44) is called the hist

46FUNC. Menu – Basic OperationsCommonly used shooting functions can be set with the FUNC. menu. The menu items and options differ depending on the mod

47MENU – Basic OperationsVarious functions can be set from the menus. The menu items are organized under tabs, such as for shooting (4) and playback (

48Changing the Sound SettingsYou can silence or adjust the volume of camera sounds.● Muting Sounds1Display the menu.● Press the n button.2Choose [Mute

49Changing the Screen BrightnessThe screen brightness can be changed in two ways.● Using the Menu1Display the menu.● Press the n button.2Choose [LCD B

5What Do You Want to Do? ViewLook at my pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Automatically play back pictur

50Returning the Camera to Default SettingsWhen you have mistakenly changed a setting, you can reset the camera to the default settings.1Display the me

51Low Level Memory Card FormattingPerform low level formatting when you think that the recording/reading speed of a memory card has dropped.Performing

Clock Functions52Clock Functions You can check the current time.● Press and hold the m button.X The current time appears.● If you hold the camera ver

533Shooting in Special Conditions and Commonly Used FunctionsThis chapter explains how to shoot in different conditions, as well as how to use common

54Shooting in Various ConditionsThe camera will select the necessary settings for the conditions in which you wish to shoot when you choose the matchi

Shooting in Special Scenes 55H Take indoor shots (Indoor)● Lets you shoot indoors with natural colors.Shooting in Special ScenesThe camera will select

Shooting in Special Scenes56Take shots in low light conditions (Low Light)● Depending on the scene, the ISO speed will be set higher and the shutter

Shooting in Special Scenes 57● Adding Effects and ShootingShoot images with vivid colors (Super Vivid)● Lets you take shots with vivid, intense colors

58Turning the Flash OffYou can shoot with the flash turned off.1Press the r button.2Choose !.● Press the qr buttons to choose !, then press the m butt

59Zooming in Closely on Subjects (Digital Zoom)You can use the digital zoom to zoom up to a maximum equivalent of 16x and capture subjects that are to

6Table of ContentsChapters 1 – 3 explain the basic operations and frequently used functions of this camera. Chapters 4 onward explain the advanced fun

Zooming in Closely on Subjects (Digital Zoom)60● Digital Tele-ConverterThe focal length of the lens can be increased by an equivalent of 1.5x or 2.

61Inserting the Date and TimeYou can insert the shooting date and time in the lower right corner of an image. Once inserted, however, they cannot be d

62Using the Self-TimerThe self-timer can be used to shoot a group photo that includes the photographer. The camera will activate approximately 10 seco

63Using the Face Self-TimerTo take a photo that includes the photographer, such a group photo, compose the shot, and press the shutter button. The cam

64

654Choosing Settings YourselfIn this chapter you will learn how to use the various functions in G mode to progressively advance your shooting skills.•

66Shooting in Program AEYou can choose the settings for various functions to suit your preferences.AE stands for Auto Exposure.1Set the mode dial to G

67Turning the Flash OnYou can make the flash fire every time you shoot. The flash range is approximately 30 cm – 4.0 m (12 in. – 13.1 ft.) from the en

68Shooting Far Away Subjects (Infinity)When it is difficult to focus because your shot contains subjects that are both near and far, you can change th

69Changing the Compression Ratio (Image Quality)You can choose from the following two levels of compression ratio (image quality): (Fine), (Normal).

7Table of Contents Changing the Tone of an Image (My Colors) ... 73Continuous Shooting ... 74Shoo

Changing the Compression Ratio (Image Quality)70• The values in the table are measured according to Canon standards and may change depending on the s

71Changing the ISO Speed1Choose the ISO speed.● After pressing the m button, press the op buttons to choose .2Choose an option.● Press the qr buttons

72Adjusting the White BalanceThe white balance (WB) function sets the optimal white balance for natural looking colors to match the shooting condition

73Changing the Tone of an Image (My Colors)You can change the tone of an image to sepia or black and white when shooting.1Choose My Colors.● After pre

74Continuous ShootingYou can shoot continuously at a maximum speed of approximately 0.8 images/second while the shutter button is pressed fully and he

75Customizing the Self-TimerYou can set the time delay (0 – 30 seconds) and the number of shots (1 – 10 shots).1Choose $.● After pressing the p button

76Shooting Using a TV MonitorYou can use a TV to display the camera screen content while shooting.• Connect the camera to a TV as described in “Viewin

775Getting More Out of Your CameraThis chapter serves as the advanced version of Chapter 4 and explains how to take pictures using various functions.•

78Changing the AF Frame ModeYou can change the AF (Auto Focus) frame mode to match the conditions you want to shoot.Choose [AF Frame].● Press the n bu

Magnifying the Focal Point 79Magnifying the Focal PointIf you press the shutter button halfway, the AF frame will magnify and you can check the focus.

8Conventions Used in This Guide• Icons are used in the text to represent the camera buttons and the mode dial.• Language that displays on the screen a

80Choosing the Person to Focus On (Face Select)You can choose a specific person’s face to focus on and then shoot.1Enter Face Select mode.● Point the

81Shooting with the AF LockThe focus can be locked. After locking the focus, the focal distance will not change even when you release your finger from

82Shooting with the AE LockYou can lock the exposure and shoot, or set the focus and exposure separately to shoot.AE stands for “Auto Exposure”.1Lock

83Shooting with Slow SynchroYou can make the main subject, such as people, appear bright by having the camera provide the appropriate illumination wit

Shooting Long Exposures84Shooting Long ExposuresYou can set the shutter speed to a range between 1 and 15 seconds to shoot long exposures. However, y

856Using Various Functions for Shooting MoviesThis chapter provides more advanced information than the “Shooting Movies” and “Viewing Movies” sections

86Changing the Image QualityYou can choose between three image quality settings.1Choose the image quality setting.● After pressing the m button, press

87AE Lock/Exposure ShiftYou can lock the exposure or change it in 1/3 steps within a range of ±2 before shooting.1Focus.● Press the shutter button hal

88Playback FunctionsThe following functions can be used in the same way as for still images.• Erasing Images (p. 28)• Quickly Searching Images (p. 92)

89Editing You can trim the beginnings and ends of recorded movies in one-second increments.1Choose *.● Follow Steps 1 – 3 on p. 33, choose * and press

9Safety Precautions• Before using the camera, please ensure that you read the safety precautions described below. Always ensure that the camera is ope

Editing904Save the edited movie.● Press the op buttons to choose , then press the m button.● Press the qr buttons to choose [New File], then press t

917Using Various Playback and Editing FunctionsThis chapter explains various ways to play back and edit images.• Press the 1 button to enter Playback

92Quickly Searching Images● Searching Images Using Index Display Displaying multiple images at a time lets you quickly find the image you want.1Press

Searching for Images Using the Jump Display 93Searching for Images Using the Jump DisplayWhen there are many images on the memory card, you can search

Viewing Slideshows94Viewing SlideshowsYou can automatically play back images recorded to a memory card.1Choose [Slideshow].● Press the n button, choo

95Checking the FocusYou can magnify the area of a recorded image that was inside the AF Frame, or the area of a face that was detected, to check the f

96Magnifying ImagesPress the zoom button toward k.● The display will zoom in on the image and will appear on the screen. If you continue to hold the

97Viewing Images on a TVUsing the supplied AV Cable (p. 2), you can connect the camera to a TV to view images you have shot.1Turn off the camera and T

98Protecting ImagesYou can protect important images so that they cannot be accidentally erased with the camera (pp. 28, 101).● Choosing Images Individ

Protecting Images 994Protect images.● If you press the n button, a confirmation screen will appear.● Press the qr buttons to choose [OK], then press t