Canon A540 User Manual

Before Using the CameraShootingPlayback/ErasingPrint/Transfer SettingsViewing Images on a TV setTroubleshootingList of MessagesAppendixAdvancedENGLISH

8Battery! Do not place the batteries near a heat source or expose it to direct flame or heat.! The batteries should not be immersed in water or sea wa

98Printing with a direct print compatible printerCannot printThe camera and printer are not properly connected.! Securely connect the camera and print

99List of MessagesList of MessagesThe following messages may appear on the LCD monitor during shooting or playback. Please refer to the Direct Print U

100No imageNo images recorded on memory card.Image too largeYou attempted to play back an image larger than 4992 x 3328 pixels or with a large data si

101List of MessagesProtected!You attempted to erase or edit a protected image, movie or sound memo.Too many marksToo many images have been marked with

102AppendixBattery HandlingBattery ChargeThe following icon and message will display.Battery Handling Precautions! This camera uses AA-size alkaline b

103Appendix! Before installing the batteries, wipe the battery terminals well with a dry cloth.If the battery terminals are soiled with oil from one’s

104Handling the Memory CardSD Memory Card Write Protect TabCautions When Handling! Memory cards are high-precision electronic devices. Do not bend the

105AppendixFormatting! Please note that formatting (initializing) an memory card erases all data, including protected images.! You are recommended to

106Using Rechargeable Batteries (Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300)This kit includes a battery charger and four rechargeable AA-size NiMH (nickel metal

107Appendix! Wipe the battery terminals well with a dry cloth in the following situations, as the terminals may be soiled with oil from one’s skin or

9Others! Do not trigger the flash in close proximity to human or animal eyes. Exposure to the intense light produced by the flash may damage eyesight.

108Using the AC Adapter Kit ACK800It is best to power the camera with AC Adapter Kit ACK800 (sold separately) when you are using it for long periods o

109AppendixThe camera supports use of the separately sold Wide Converter WC-DC52, Tele-converter TC-DC52A and Close-up lens 250D (52mm). In order to a

110.#Close-up lens 250D (52mm)This lens makes taking macro shots easy. In the macro mode, close-up shots can be taken when the distance from the front

111Appendix3When the $ mark on the camera and the mark on the ring are aligned, lift off the ring.4Align the ! mark on the conversion lens adapter w

112High-Power Flash HF-DC1This flash is used to supplement the camera’s built-in flash when the subject is too far away for proper illumination. Use t

113Appendix#Batteries! Charge becomes Severely LimitedIf the battery usage time has considerably diminished, wipe the battery terminals well with a dr

114If the Date/Time menu appears when the camera power is turned on, the date battery charge is low and the date and time settings have been lost. Ple

115Appendix5 Remove the battery by pulling it up in the direction indicated by the arrow.6 Insert a new battery with the (–) side facing up.7 Replace

116Camera BodyGently wipe dirt off the camera body with a soft cloth or eyeglass lens wiper.LensFirst use a lens blower brush to remove dust and dirt,

117AppendixAll data is based on Canon’s standard testing methods. Subject to change without notice.PowerShot A540/A530Specifications(W): Max. wide ang

10! When not using the camera for extended periods of time, remove the batteries from the camera or battery charger and store the equipment in a safe

118Shooting Distance (From the front of the lens): PowerShot A540Normal: 45 cm (1.5 ft.) – infinityMacro: 5 – 45 cm (W)/30 – 45 cm (T)(2.0 in. – 1.5 f

119AppendixFlash Exposure Compensation: ±2.0 stops in 1/3-stop incrementsShooting Modes : AutoCreative zone:Program, Shutter-speed priority (PowerShot

120: PowerShot A530:Large: 2592 x 1944 pixelsMedium 1: 2048 x 1536 pixelsMedium 2: 1600 x 1200 pixelsSmall: 640 x 480 pixelsPostcard Date Imprint:

121Appendix*1 This digital camera supports Exif 2.2 (also called “Exif Print”). Exif Print is a standard for enhancing the communication between digit

122Battery Capacity! The actual figures will vary according to the shooting conditions and settings.! Movie data is excluded.! At low temperatures, th

123AppendixMemory Cards and Estimated Capacities#PowerShot A540: Card included with the camera• Capable of smooth continuous shooting (p. 34) (* Only

124#PowerShot A530: Card included with the camera• Capable of smooth continuous shooting (p. 34) (*Only available when card has been formatted with a

125AppendixMovie#PowerShot A540: Card included with the camera* Maximum movie clip length at : 1 min., at : 3 min. The figures indicate the maximum

126Image Data Sizes (Estimated)#PowerShot A540Recording PixelsCompressionPowerShot A5402816 x 2112 pixels2720 KB 1620 KB 780 KBPowerShot A5302592 x 19

127Appendix#PowerShot A530MultiMediaCardSD Memory CardNiMH Battery NB-3AH(Supplied with the separately sold NiMH Battery NB4-300 set or the Battery an

11Preventing MalfunctionsAvoid Strong Magnetic Fields! Never place the camera in close proximity to electric motors or other equipment generating stro

128Battery Charger CB-5AH/CB-5AHE(Supplied with the separately sold Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300)*1When charging four NB-3AH batteries*2When charg

129AppendixWide Converter WC-DC52 (Sold Separately)Tele-converter TC-DC52A (Sold Separately)(W) : Max. wide angle (T) : Max. telephoto*1 When mounted

130Close-up Lens 250D 52 mm (Sold Separately)Conversion Lens Adapter LA-DC52F (Sold Separately)(W) : Max. wide angle (T) : Max. telephoto*1 When mount

131INDEXAAC Adapter Kit ACK800 ...108AF Frame ...16, 49AF Lock ...50AF-assist Beam ...

132LLandscape ...Basic 5Language ...27, Basic3LCD MonitorInformation Displayed ...16Night Display ...

133Shutter Speed ...45Smooth Continuous Shooting .34Sound Memo ...79Special Scene Mode ... Basic 6S

134Trademark Acknowledgments• Macintosh, Mac OS and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc., registered in the United States and/or other coun

135Functions Available in Each Shooting ModeThe following chart shows the functions and settings available in each shooting mode.Function(PowerShot A5

136! Default setting $ Setting available $ Setting can only be selected for the first image (#: Default setting).• (Shaded Area): Setting is retained

CEL-SF4Z210 © 2006 CANON INC.

12Before Using the Camera – The Components GuideFront ViewaMicrophone (p. 79)bAF-assist Beam (p. 24)cRed-Eye Reduction Lamp (Basic Guide p. 8)dSelf-Ti

13Before Using the Camera – The Components GuideBack ViewaLCD Monitor (p. 15)bViewfinder (p. 19)cSpeakerdWrist Strap MounteMemory Card Slot / Battery

14Operation PanelaIndicators (p. 20)bPower LampcPower Button (Basic Guide p. 4)dZoom Lever (p. 72, Basic Guide p. 8)Shooting: (Wide Angle)/ (Telep

15Before Using the Camera – Basic OperationsBefore Using the Camera – Basic OperationsNight DisplayWhen shooting in dark conditions, the camera automa

16Shooting Information (Shooting Mode)*1Appears even if the LCD monitor is set to Standard display.*2PowerShot A540 onlyInformation Displayed on the L

17Before Using the Camera – Basic OperationsPlayback Information (Playback Mode)"StandardIf the indicator blinks orange and the camera shake warn

0Main FeaturesShooting! Automatically adjusts shooting settings to match particular conditions! Avoid the effects of camera shake or blurry subjects w

18"DetailedThe following information may also be displayed with some images.A sound file in a format other than the WAVE format is attached or th

19Before Using the Camera – Basic OperationsThe viewfinder can be used to conserve power by turning the LCD monitor off (p. 15) while shooting.Histogr

20The camera indicators will light or blink under the following conditions.! Upper Indicator! Lower IndicatorIndicatorsNever do the following while th

21Before Using the Camera – Basic OperationsThis camera is equipped with a power saving function. The power will shut off in the following circumstanc

22Menus are used to set the shooting, playback and print settings as well as such camera settings as the date/time and electronic beep. The following

23Before Using the Camera – Basic OperationsRec., Play, Print, Set up and My Camera MenusConvenient settings for shooting, playback or printing can be

24FUNC. MenuThe icons shown below are the default settings.Rec. Menu*Default settingMenu ListMenu ItemReference PageMenu ItemReference PageISO Speed p

25Before Using the Camera – Basic OperationsPlay MenuPrint MenuGrid Lines On/Off* You can display grid lines (split into nine) to make it easier to ju

26Set up Menu*Default settingMenu Item Options Reference PageMute On/Off*Set to [On] to silence all operation sounds except for the warning sounds (Ba

27Before Using the Camera – Basic Operations*1The connection method with the printer can be changed. Although it is normally not necessary to change t

1Conventions Used in this GuideIcons appearing below titles indicate the shooting modes in which the procedure can be used.See Functions Available in

28My Camera MenuThe camera's start-up image and start-up sound, operation sounds, self-timer sounds, and shutter sounds are called “My Camera set

29Before Using the Camera – Basic OperationsResetting Settings to Their Default Values1 (Set up) Menu [Reset All].See Menus and Settings (p. 23).2Sele

30You should always format a new memory card or one from which you wish to erase all images and other data.Formatting Memory CardsPlease note that for

31ShootingShootingChanging the Recording Pixels and Compression (Still Images)PowerShot A540PowerShot A5301FUNC. Menu * (Recording Pixels) (Compress

32Approximate Values for Recording PixelsApproximate Values for Compression SettingsRecording PixelsPurpose (Large)PowerShot A540 PowerShot A5302816 x

33ShootingYou can shoot zoomed images using the combined digital and optical zooms.! Stills: zoom up to approximately 16 times! Movies (Standard): zoo

34In this mode, the camera shoots continuously while the shutter button is held down.If you use the recommended memory card*, you can shoot continuous

35ShootingYou can shoot images with the optimal settings for postcards by composing them inside the print area (width-to-height ratio of approximately

36Embedding the Date in the Image DataYou can embed the date in image data when (Postcard Date Imprint Mode) is selected.1 (Rec.) Menu [Date Stamp]

37ShootingYou can set a 10 sec. ( ) or 2 sec. ( ) delay, or a custom delay time and the number of shots ( Custom Timer), for shooting after the shutt

2Table of ContentsItems marked with a " are lists or charts that summarize camera functions or procedures.Handling Precautions . . . . . . . . .

38Changing the Delay Time and Number of Shots ()1.See Menus and Settings (p. 22).2Change [Delay]/[Shots]! The self-timer sound will behave as follows.

39ShootingThe following movie modes are available.For information on the recording pixels and frame rate in each mode, refer to "Recording Pixels

401Select a movie mode using the or button.! In , or mode, you can change the recording pixels and frame rate (p. 41).! For and mode proced

41ShootingQuickTime 3.0 or later is required to play back movies (Data type: AVI/Compression method: Motion JPEG) on a computer. QuickTime (for Window

42Recording Pixels and Frame RatesFrame rates indicate the number of frames recorded or played back each second. The higher the frame rate, the smooth

43ShootingStitch Assist can be used to shoot overlapping images that can later be merged (stitched) to create one panoramic image on a computer. Shoot

44The camera automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture value to match the brightness of the subject.!When a correct exposure cannot be obtaine

45ShootingWhen you set the shutter speed, the camera automatically selects an aperture value to match the brightness of the subject. Faster shutter sp

46The aperture adjusts the amount of light entering through the lens. When you set the aperture value, the camera automatically selects a shutter spee

47ShootingYou can manually set the shutter speed and aperture to shoot images.! When you press the shutter button halfway, the difference between the

3 Adjusting the Exposure Compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54Adjusting the Tone (White Balance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55Shooti

48PowerShot A540PowerShot A530Aperture ValueShutter Speed (seconds)Maximum Wide AngleF2.6 – 3.5 15 – 1/1250F4.0 – 8.0 15 – 1/2000Maximum TelephotoF5.5

49ShootingThe AF frame indicates the area of the composition on which the camera focuses. You can set the AF frame in the following ways.Selecting an

50It may be difficult to focus on the following types of subjects.! Subjects with extremely low contrast to the surroundings! Scenes with a mixture of

51ShootingTo Release the AF LockPress the button.Shooting in Manual Focus ModeThe focus can be manually set.3Press and hold the shutter button halfw

52To Cancel the Manual FocusPress the button.! Depending on the shooting mode, pressing the button will switch between the setting items as follow

53ShootingMetering MethodsSwitching between Metering ModesPowerShot A540PowerShot A5301FUNC. Menu * (Evaluative)See Menus and Settings (p. 22).* Defau

54Adjust the exposure compensation setting to avoid making the subject too dark when it is backlit or shot against a bright background or to avoid mak

55ShootingNormally, the (Auto) white balance setting selects an optimal white balance. When the (Auto) setting cannot produce natural looking colo

56* PowerShot A540 onlyCustomFor recording with the optimal white balance data memorized in the camera from a white-colored object, such as white pape

57Shooting2Aim the camera at a piece of white paper or cloth and press .! If you are viewing it with the LCD monitor, ensure that the center frame is

4List of Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

58You can change the impression of an image when it is shot.My Colors SettingsShooting in a My Colors ModePowerShot A540PowerShot A5301FUNC. Menu * (M

59Shooting* The skin colors of non-human subjects may also be altered.* You may not obtain the expected results depending on the skin color.Lighter Sk

60Allows you to easily transform the colors in an image when shooting. This feature can be used for both still shots and movies, and offers you the en

61ShootingShooting in the Color Accent Mode1Still image: or button Movie: or button See Selecting a Shooting Mode in Basic Guide (p. 5)2! The

62Shooting in the Color Swap Mode1Still image: or button Movie: or button See Selecting a Shooting Mode in Basic Guide (p. 5)2! The camera wil

63Shooting3Aim the camera so that the original color appears at the center of the LCD monitor and press the button.! Only one color can be specified

64Changing the Save Method for the Original ImageWhen you are shooting still images in the Color Accent or Color Swap mode, you can specify whether or

65ShootingRaise 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

66Compensating the FlashAdjustment / Flash OutputPowerShot A540PowerShot A530+/– (Flash) (Flash Exposure Compensation)! When the shooting mode is set

67ShootingYour camera is equipped with an Intelligent Orientation sensor that detects the orientation of an image shot with the camera held vertically

5Handling PrecautionsTest ShotsBefore you try to photograph important subjects, we highly recommend that you shoot several trial images to confirm tha

68You can create a new folder at any time and the recorded images will be automatically saved to that folder.! When the camera is held vertically to s

69ShootingCreating a Folder the Next Time You Shoot.Setting the Day or Time for Automatic Folder Creation.1 (Set up) Menu [Create Folder].See Menus an

70The images you shoot are automatically assigned file numbers. You can select how the file number is assigned.File Number Reset Function* When a blan

71ShootingFile and Folder NumbersRecorded images are assigned consecutive file numbers starting with 0001 and ranging up to 9999, while folders are as

72Playback/ErasingPlease also see the Basic Camera User Guide (p. 11).To Cancel the Magnified DisplayPress the zoom lever toward . (You can also canc

73Playback/ErasingTo Return to Single Image PlaybackPress the zoom lever toward . Viewing Images in Sets of Nine (Index Playback)1Press the zoom leve

74When 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

75Playback/ErasingOperating the Movie Control PanelViewing MoviesMovies cannot be played in the index playback mode.1Display a movie and press .! Imag

76You can delete portions of recorded movies.! Use the television’s controls to adjust the volume when playing a movie on a TV set (p. 88).! The sound

77Playback/Erasing4Select [New File] or [Overwrite] and press .! [New File] saves the edited movie under a new file name. The pre-edit data is left u

6Video FormatPlease set the camera’s video signal format to the one used in your region before using it with a TV monitor (p. 88).Language SettingPlea

78Images can be rotated clockwise 90° or 270° in the display.Rotating Images in the Display1 (Play) Menu .See Menus and Settings (p. 23).2Use the or

79Playback/ErasingIn playback mode (including single image playback and index playback), you can attach sound memos (up to 1 min.) to an image. The so

80Sound Memo PanelUse this feature to automatically play back all of the images in the memory card. The LCD monitor displays each image for approximat

81Playback/ErasingYou can protect important images and movies from accidental erasure.Protecting Images1 (Play) Menu .See Menus and Settings (p. 23).2

82Erasing All Images! Note that erased images cannot be recovered. Exercise adequate caution before erasing an image.! Protected images cannot be eras

83Print Settings/Transfer SettingsPrint Settings/Transfer SettingsYou can select images on a memory card for printing and specify the number of print

84All the Images on a Memory Card2Use the or button to select images for printing.! Selection methods differ for the Print Type settings (p. 85).-

85Print Settings/Transfer SettingsSetting the Print StyleAfter setting the print style, select the images for printing. The following settings can be

86You can use the camera to specify settings for images before downloading to a computer. Refer to the Software Starter Guide for instructions on how

87Print Settings/Transfer SettingsSingle ImagesAll the Images on a Memory Card2Select [Order] and press .! Selecting [Reset] cancels all transfer ord

7 WarningsEquipment! Do not look directly into the sun or at bright light sources through the camera's viewfinder.Doing so can damage your eyesig

88Viewing Images on a TV setYou can use a video-compatible television as a monitor to shoot or play back images when it is connected to the camera wit

89TroubleshootingTroubleshootingCameraCamera will not operate.Power is not turned on. ! Press the power button (Basic Guide p. 4).Memory card slot/bat

90The Date/Time menu appears.The lithium date/time battery charge is depleted.!Replace the lithium date/time battery (p. 114).LCD monitorThe display d

91TroubleshootingNoise displays./Subject’s movements are irregular.Camera automatically lightened the image displayed on the LCD monitor to make it ea

92Image is blurred or out of focus.AF-assist Beam is set to [Off].! In dark places where it is difficult for the camera to focus, the AF-assist Beam w

93TroubleshootingSubject in recorded image is too bright, or image flashes white.Subject is too close, making the flash too strong.! Shoot within corr

94Eyes appear red.Light is reflected back from the eyes when the flash is used in dark areas.! Use the (red-eye reduction) mode (Basic Guide p. 8).

95TroubleshootingShooting MoviesThe recording time may not display properly or filming may stop unexpectedly.The following types of memory cards are u

96PlaybackCannot play back.You attempted to play back images shot with another camera or images edited with a computer.! Computer images that cannot b

97TroubleshootingBatteryBatteries consumed quickly.Batteries are not the right type.! Use only unused AA-size alkaline batteries or Canon AA-size NiMH