Canon POWERSHOT A640 User Manual

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

8z Do not use substances containing alcohol, benzine, thinners or other flammable substances to clean or maintain the equipment.z Do not cut, damage,

98Troubleshooting CameraCamera will not operate.Power is not turned on. z Press the power button (Basic Guide p. 9).Memory card slot/battery cover is

99TroubleshootingWhen 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

100 appears.A slow shutter speed has likely been selected because of insufficient lighting.z Raise the ISO speed (p. 69) or set the flash to any setti

101TroubleshootingMemory card is not formatted correctly.z Format the memory card (p. 26).z If reformatting does not work, the memory card logic circu

102Subject is out of focal range.z Shoot with the subject at the correct shooting distance (p. 126).The subject is hard to focus on.z Use the focus lo

103TroubleshootingImage contains noise.ISO speed is too high. z Higher ISO speeds or may increase image noise. For higher image quality, use as low

104Continuous shooting slows down.The memory card’s performance has dropped.z To enhance the continuous shooting performance, you are recommended to l

105Troubleshooting“!” displays on the LCD monitor in red and shooting automatically stopped.There is insufficient free space in the camera’s builtin m

106Movies do not play back correctly.Movies recorded with high recording pixels and frame rates may momentarily stop playing if played on slow reading

107TroubleshootingTV monitor outputIncorrect video system setting.Incorrect video system setting.z Set the video system to the appropriate setting, NT

9z When recharging the Canon AA-size NiMH batteries, use only a specified battery charger.z The compact power adapter is designed for exclusive use wi

108List of MessagesThe following messages may appear on the LCD monitor during shooting or playback.Please refer to the Direct Print User Guide for th

109List of MessagesNaming error! The image could not be created because there is an image with the same name as the folder that the camera is attempti

110Cannot rotateYou attempted to rotate an image recorded in a different camera or data type, an image edited with a computer.Incompatible WAVE format

111List of MessagesLens error, restart cameraAn error was detected while the lens was in motion, and the power has been automatically turned off. This

112AppendixBattery HandlingBattery ChargeThe following icon and message will display.Battery Handling Precautionsz This camera uses AA-size alkaline b

113Appendixz Before installing the batteries, wipe the battery terminals well with a dry cloth.If the battery terminals are soiled with oil from one’s

114Handling the Memory CardSD Memory Card or SDHC Memory Card Write Protect TabCautions When Handlingz Memory cards are high-precision electronic devi

115AppendixFormattingz Please note that formatting (initializing) an memory card erases all data, including protected images.z You are recommended to

116Using Rechargeable Batteries(Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300) This kit includes a battery charger and four rechargeable AA-size NiMH (nickel metal

117Appendixz 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 char

10CautionsEquipmentz Be careful not to bang the camera or subject it to strong impacts or shocks that could lead to injury or damage the equipment whe

118z If you store batteries for a long period of time (about 1 year), it is recommended that you fully deplete the batteries in the camera and to then

119AppendixUsing the AC Adapter Kit ACK600It is best to power the camera with AC Adapter Kit ACK600 (sold separately) when you are using it for long p

120The camera supports use of the separately sold Wide Converter WC-DC58N and Tele-converter TC-DC58N. In order to attach these lenses, you also need

121AppendixConversion Lens Adapter LA-DC58FThis is a lens adapter required for attaching the wide converter and tele-converter (58 mm thread diameter

1224Align the z mark on the conversion lens adapter with the { mark on the camera, and turn the adapter in the direction of the arrows as far as the

123AppendixHigh-Power Flash HF-DC1This flash is used to supplement the camera’s built-in flash when the subject is too far away for proper illuminatio

124Batteriesz Charge becomes Severely LimitedIf the battery usage time has considerably diminished, wipe the battery terminals well with a dry cloth.

125AppendixCamera BodyGently wipe dirt off the camera body with a soft cloth or eyeglass lens wiper.LensFirst use a lens blower brush to remove dust a

126All data is based on Canon’s standard testing methods. Subject to change without notice.PowerShot A640/A630 SpecificationsCamera Effective Pixels :

127AppendixMetering System : Evaluative, Center-weighted average or Spot (Center/AF Point)Exposure Compensation: ±2.0 stops in 1/3-stop increments, S

11Flashz Do not operate the flash with dirt, dust or other items stuck to the surface of the flash.z Be careful not to cover the flash with your finge

128Recording Media : SD memory card or SDHC memory card/MultiMediaCardFile Format: Design rule for camera file system and DPOF compliantData Type (Sti

129Appendix* Using super high-speed memory cards (SDC-512 MSH recommended).** Even if the clip size has not reached 1GB, recording will stop at the mo

130Battery Capacityz The actual figures will vary according to the shooting conditions and settings.z Movie data is excluded.z At low temperatures, th

131AppendixMemory Cards and Estimated CapacitiesPowerShot A640 : Card included with the camera• Capable of smooth continuous shooting (p. 33) (When

132PowerShot A630: Card included with the camera• Capable of smooth continuous shooting (p. 33) (When card has been formatted with a low level forma

133AppendixMovie: Card included with the camera* Maximum clip length at : 3 min. The figures indicate the maximum continuous recording time.Image Dat

134MultiMediaCardSD Memory CardPowerShot A6402272 x 1704 pixels2002 KB 1116 KB 556 KBPowerShot A6302048 x 1536 pixels1602 KB 893 KB 445 KB1600 x 1200

135AppendixNiMH Battery NB-3AH(Supplied with the separately sold NiMH Battery NB4-300 set or the Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300)Battery Charger CB-5

136Wide Converter WC-DC58N (Sold Separately)Tele-converter TC-DC58N (Sold Separately)Conversion Lens Adapter LA-DC58F (Sold Separately)(W): Max. wide

137INDEXNumerics1st-curtain... 712nd-curtain... 713:2 Guide... 13, 21AAC

12Before Using the Camera - Basic OperationsNight DisplayWhen shooting in dark conditions, the camera automatically brightens the LCD monitor to suit

138GGrid Lines ... 13, 21HHF-DC1... 123High-Power Flash ... 123Histogram...

139Overexposure Warning... 16PPanoramic Image ... 41Play Menu... 21Playback ...

140VVideo System... 23Volume... 22WWhite Balance... 58Wide Angle ...

141Trademark Acknowledgments• Macintosh, Mac OS and QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc., registered in the United States and/or other coun

142Functions Available in Each Shooting ModeThe following chart shows the functions and settings available in each shooting mode.You can shoot with th

143* {: Setting available (z: Default settings.) U: Setting can only be selected for the first image. *(S: Default settings.) –: Setting selection i

144(1) The following are the recording pixels and frame rates for (Movie) (p. 40).(2) is the default setting in mode.(3) is the default setting

ENGLISHCEL-SF8X210© 2006 CANON INC.EC203_204_CUG(Adv)_Eng_CDI-E238.book Page 1 Thursday, June 22, 2006 12:56 PM

13Before Using the Camera - Basic OperationsShooting Information (Shooting Mode) *1 Appears even if the LCD monitor is set to Standard display.*2 Powe

14Playback Information (Playback Mode)StandardIf the indicator blinks orange and the camera shake warning icon displays, this indicates that a slow

15Before Using the Camera - Basic OperationsDetailed* Appears with images taken in the Color Accent or Color Swap shooting modes.The following inform

16The viewfinder can be used to conserve power by turning the LCD monitor off (p. 12) while shooting.z Information for images shot on other cameras ma

17Before Using the Camera - Basic OperationsThis camera is equipped with a power saving function. The power will shut off in the following circumstanc

Main FeaturesShootingz Automatically adjusts shooting settings to match particular conditionsz Automatically detects camera orientation with an Intell

18Menus 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

19Before Using the Camera - Basic OperationsRec., Play, Print, Set up and My Camera MenusConvenient settings for shooting, playback or printing can be

20FUNC. MenuThe icons shown below are the default settings.Rec. Menu ( )* Default setting Menu ListMenu ItemReference PageMenu ItemReference PageISO S

21Before Using the Camera - Basic OperationsPlay Menu ( )Red-Eye On*/OffBasic Guide p. 16Spot AE Point Center*/AF Point p. 55Safety Shift On/Off* p. 4

22Print Menu ( )Set up Menu ( )* Default settingMenu Item Reference PagePrintp. 91Select Image & Qty.Select All ImagesClear All SelectionsPrint Se

23Before Using the Camera - Basic OperationsPlayback Vol. Adjusts the volume of movie sounds and sound memos.Power Saving p. 17Auto Power Down On*/Off

24*1The connection method with the printer can be changed. Although it is normally not necessary to change the setting, select when borderless print

25Before Using the Camera - Basic OperationsResetting Settings to Their Default Values1 (Set up) Menu [Reset All].See Menus and Settings (p. 19).2Se

26You 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

27ShootingShootingChanging the Recording Pixels and Compression (Still Images)Shooting Mode1FUNC. Menu * (Compression)/ * (Recording Pixels).See Menu

1Conventions Used in this GuideIcons appearing next to, or below titles indicate the shooting modes in which the procedure can be used.: This mark den

28Approximate Values for Recording Pixels * Paper sizes vary according to region.Recording PixelsPurpose*PowerShotA640PowerShotA630(Large)3648 x 2736p

29ShootingApproximate Values for Recording PixelsCompression PurposeSuperfineHigh QualityNormalShoot higher quality imagesFine Shoot normal quality im

30You can combine digital zoom with optical zoom when shooting.The available shooting characteristics and focal lengths (35 mm film equivalent) are as

31Shooting1 (Rec.) Menu [Digital Zoom][Standard]*/[Off]/[1.4x]/[2.3x] (PowerShot A640).[Standard]*/[Off]/[1.6x]/[2.0x] (PowerShot A630).See Menus and

32Shooting With the Digital Tele-Converter2Adjust the angle of view with the zoom lever and shoot.z appears on the LCD monitor.z Depending on the num

33ShootingIn this mode, the camera shoots continuously while the shutter button is held down.If you use the recommended memory card*2, you can shoot c

34You can shoot images with the optimal settings for postcards by composing them inside the print area (width-to-height ratio of approximately 3:2) sh

35ShootingEmbedding the Date in the Image DataYou can embed the date in image data when (Postcard mode) is selected.1 (Rec.) Menu [Date Stamp] [Off]

36You 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

37ShootingThe following movie modes are available.For information on the recording pixels and frame rate in each mode, refer to Recording Pixels and F

2Table of ContentsItems marked with a  are lists or charts that summarize camera functions or procedures.Please Read. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

381Select a movie mode using the or button.z In , or mode, you can change the recording pixels and frame rate (p.40).z For and mode proce

39Shootingz You are recommended to use a memory card that has been formatted in your camera to shoot movies (p.26). The memory card supplied with the

40Recording Pixels and Frame RatesFrame rates indicate the number of frames recorded or played back each second. The higher the frame rate, the smooth

41ShootingStitch Assist can be used to shoot overlapping images that can later be merged (stitched) to create one panoramic image on a computer.Shooti

423Compose the second image so that it overlaps a portion of the first and shoot.z You can press the or button to return to the previously recorde

43ShootingThe camera automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture value to match the brightness of the subject.z When a correct exposure cannot b

44z The aperture value and shutter speed change according to the zoom state as follows.z The fastest shutter speed for flash synchronization is 1/500

45ShootingThe aperture adjusts the amount of light entering through the lens. When you set the aperture value, the camera automatically selects a shut

46You can manually set the shutter speed and aperture to shoot images.z When you press the shutter button halfway, the difference between the standard

47ShootingThe 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

3Shooting Hard-to-Focus Subjects (Focus Lock, AF Lock, Manual Focus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49Locking

48Selecting an AF Frame Manually(when [FlexiZone] is selected)1Turn on the LCD monitor.2Press the button several times until the AF frame turns gree

49ShootingIt may be difficult to focus on the following types of subjects. z Subjects with extremely low contrast to the surroundingsz Scenes with a m

50Shooting with the AF Lock* Cannot be operated in and modes.To Release the AF LockPress the button.1Turn on the LCD monitor.2Aim the camera so

51ShootingShooting in Manual Focus ModeThe focus can be manually set.*Cannot be operated in and modes.To Cancel the Manual FocusPress the button

52You can set the exposure and focus separately. This is effective when the contrast is too strong between the subject and background or when a subjec

53ShootingChanging the shutter speed and aperture value combinationThe automatically selected combinations of shutter speeds and aperture values can b

54You can lock the flash exposure so that the exposure settings are correctly set regardless of the composition of your subject.To Release the FE Lock

55ShootingMetering MethodsSwitching between Metering ModesShooting Mode1FUNC. Menu * (Evaluative).See Menus and Settings (p.18).* Default setting.z Us

56Lock the spot AE point to the center of the LCD monitor/Move the spot AE point to the same position as the selected AF frame1 (Rec.) Menu [Spot AE P

57ShootingAdjust the exposure compensation setting to avoid making the subject too dark when it is backlit or shot against a bright background or to a

4Camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98When the power is turned on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

58Normally, the (Auto) white balance setting selects an optimal white balance. When the (Auto) setting cannot produce natural looking colors, chan

59ShootingCustomFor recording with the optimal white balance data retained in the camera from a white-colored object, such as white paper or cloth.The

602Aim the camera at a piece of white paper or cloth and press .z If you are viewing it with the LCD monitor, ensure that the center frame is complet

61ShootingYou can change the look of an image when it is shot.My Colors Settings* If the image contains colors that are the same as human skin, those

621FUNC. Menu * (My Colors Off).See Menus and Settings (p.18).* Default setting.z Use the or button to select a My Colors mode.2Shoot.z ModeSee S

63ShootingSetting the Camera to a Custom Color Mode1 (Custom Color) .See Menus and Settings (p.18).2Use the or button to select [Contrast], [Sharp

64Allows 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

65ShootingShooting in the Color Accent Mode1Still image: or button .Movie: or button .See Selecting a Shooting Mode in Basic Guide (p. 11).2.z

66Shooting in the Color Swap Modez The default color accent is green.z You may not obtain the expected results if you use the flash.z The specified co

67Shooting2.z The camera will switch to color input mode and the display will alternate between the original image and the color swap image (using the

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

68Changing 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

69ShootingRaise 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

70Although the built-in flash will fire with automatic flash adjustments (except in the mode), it is also possible to set it so that it fires withou

71Shooting1FUNC. Menu (+/– (Flash))/ (Flash Output).See Menus and Settings (p.18).z Adjust the compensation/output using the or button and press

72You can save frequently used shooting modes and various shooting settings to the (Custom) mode. When necessary, you can then shoot images with pre

73ShootingYour camera is equipped with an Intelligent Orientation sensor that detects the orientation of an image shot with the camera held vertically

74You can create a new folder at any time and the recorded images will be automatically saved to that folder.Creating a Folder the Next Time You Shoot

75ShootingSetting the Day or Time for Automatic Folder Creation2Select a day for the [Auto Create] option and a time in the [Time] option .z displays

76The images you shoot are automatically assigned file numbers. You can select how the file number is assigned.File Number Reset FunctionResetting the

77ShootingFile and Folder Numbers Recorded images are assigned consecutive file numbers starting with 0001 and ranging up to 9999, while folders are a

6Video FormatPlease set the camera’s video signal format to the one used in your region before using it with a TV monitor (p. 97).Language SettingPlea

78Playback/ErasingPlease also see the Basic Camera User Guide (p. 20).To Cancel the Magnified DisplayPress the zoom lever toward . (You can also canc

79Playback/ErasingTo Return to Single Image PlaybackPress the zoom lever toward .Viewing Images in Sets of Nine (Index Playback)1Press the zoom lever

80When 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

81Playback/ErasingOperating the Movie Control PanelViewing MoviesMovies cannot be played in the index playback mode.1Display a movie and press .z Ima

82You can delete portions of recorded movies.Slow Motion Playback (You can use the button to slow down or the button to speed up playback.) Displa

83Playback/Erasing2Use the or button to select (Cut Beginning) or (Cut End) and the or button to specify the cut point ( ).z To check a te

84Images can be rotated clockwise 90° or 270° in the display.Rotating Images in the Display1 (Play) Menu .See Menus and Settings (p. 19).2Use the or

85Playback/ErasingYou can add effects to recorded images (stills only) using the My Colors function. The following selection of My Colors effects is a

863Use the or button to select the My Colors type, and press .z The displayed image will reflect the My Colors effect.z You can press the zoom le

87Playback/ErasingIn playback mode (including single image playback and index playback), you can attach sound memos (up to 1 min.) to an image. The so

7WarningsEquipmentz Do not look directly into the sun or at bright light sources through the camera’s viewfinder.Doing so can damage your eyesight.z S

88Sound Memo Panel3Select (Record) and press .z The elapsed time and the remaining time display.z Pressing the FUNC./SET button pauses the recordin

89Playback/ErasingUse this feature to automatically play back all of the images in the memory card. The LCD monitor displays each image for approximat

902Use the or button to select an image to protect and press .z Pressing the FUNC./SET button again cancels the setting.z You can also protect im

91Print Settings/Transfer SettingsPrint Settings/Transfer SettingsYou can select images on a memory card for printing and specify the number of print

922Use the or button to select images forprinting.z Selection methods differ for the Print Type settings (p. 93).- (Standard)/ (Both)Select an i

93Print Settings/Transfer SettingsAll the Images on a Memory CardSetting the Print StyleAfter setting the print style, select the images for printing.

94Date (On/Off*) Adds the date to the print.File No. (On/Off*) Adds the file number to the print.Clear DPOF data (On*/Off)Clears all print settings af

95Print Settings/Transfer SettingsYou can use the camera to specify settings for images before downloading to a computer. Refer to the Software Starte

96All the Images on a Memory Card3Use the or button to select an image to transfer and press .z Pressing the FUNC./SET button again deselects the

97Viewing Images on a TV SetViewing Images on a TV SetYou can use a video-compatible television as a monitor to shoot or play back images when it is c