Canon A30 User Guide

ENGLISH
Camera User Guide
• Please read the “Read this First” section (p. 5).
• Please refer to the Quick Start section for a simple explanation of shooting, replaying and erasing (p. 12).
• Please refer to the Software Starter Guide for information on installing the software and downloading images.
• Please also read the Printer User Guide included with your Canon printer.
Flowchart and Reference Guides
This Guide
Shooting with the Camera
Software Starter Guide
Installing the Software
This Guide
Connecting the Camera to a Computer
Software Starter Guide
Downloading Images to a Computer
Printer User Guide
Using the Printer and Printing
Precautions
This digital camera is designed to perform optimally when used with genuine Canon brand digital camera accessories (“Canon Brand Accessories”). You may use non Canon Brand Accessories with this Digital Camera. However, Canon Makes no warranties concerning, and is not responsible for damages resulting from, use of non Canon Brand Accessories.
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. More than 99.99% of the pixels operate to specification. Less than
0.01% of the pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as red or black dots.
This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction.
Video Format
Please set the camera’s video signal format to the one used in your region before using it with a TV monitor ( p. 134).
Please read through the “Read This First” section (p. 5) before using your camera.
Disclaimer
¡ 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 any time without prior notice.
¡ No part of this guide may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed,
stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form, by any means, without the prior written permission of Canon.
¡ Canon makes no warranties for damages resulting from corrupted or lost
data due to a mistaken operation or malfunction of the camera, the software, the CompactFlash™ cards (CF cards), personal computers, peripheral devices, or use of non-Canon CF cards.
¡ Canon and PowerShot are trademarks of Canon, Inc. ¡ CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. ¡ iBook and iMac are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. ¡ Macintosh, PowerBook, Power Macintosh and QuickTime are trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc, registered in the United States and other countries.
¡ Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
¡ Other names and products not mentioned above may be registered
trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright © 2002 Canon Inc. All rights reserved.
i
About this Camera User Guide
Symbols Used
Icons on the right end of title bars show the operations mode. As in the example below, the mode dial should be set to
Using the Flash
: This mark denotes issues that may affect the camera’s
operation.
: This mark denotes additional topics that complement
the basic operating procedures.
Question? Look here first.
3 How do I navigate the menus?
Selecting Menus and Settings (p. 41)
3 What settings are available under each function?
and Will my settings remain in effect even after Ive turned the camera off?
Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode (p. 82)
3 How do I go about printing?
About Printing (p. 100)
3 What functions are available through the menus?
Rec. Menu (p. 130) Replay Menu (p. 135)
The above sections are shaded on the right edges to make them easy to find.
ii
, , or .
About the Thumb Index
A quick introduction intended for new users who want to shoot first and learn more later. Tells you how to get the camera running and how to begin shooting and playing back images.
Introduces you to all of the camera components, and explains how to load batteries and use the shutter button, among other basic functions.
Describes shooting with the camera, from the five different shooting modes to using the camera’s various shooting features.
Explains how to review recorded images one at a time or in index form, how to protect them or erase them, and more.
Explains how to print and make print settings, and how to select images for transferring to e-mail.
Explains how to transfer recorded images to a computer. Also explains how you can connect the camera to a TV set for shooting and reviewing images.
Shows the Rec. and Replay menus at a glance and error messages. Also explains how to replace the date battery and how to use various separately sold accessories, such as the Battery and Charger Kit and lenses.
Quick Start
Preparing the Camera, Basic Functions
Shooting
Replaying, Erasing
Printing, Transferring
Connecting
Appendix
1

Table of Contents

: Functions and operations tables. These pages are
shaded on the right edges to make them easy to find.
Read this First 5
Quick Start 12
Components Guide 14
Preparing the Camera 18
Installing the Battery Pack ..................................................... 18
Installing a CF Card ............................................................... 22
Setting the Date/Time ............................................................ 25
Setting the Language ............................................................ 27
Attaching the Strap ................................................................29
Basic Functions 30
Turning the Power On ............................................................30
Using the LCD Monitor .......................................................... 32
Using the Viewfinder to Shoot ...............................................37
Pressing the Shutter Button .................................................. 38
Using the Zoom (Focal Length) ............................................. 40
Selecting Menus and Settings ............................................... 41
Shooting-Letting the Camera Select Settings 46
Auto Mode ..................................................................... 46
Reviewing an Image Right After Shooting ............................ 48
Changing the Resolution and Compression ......................... 50
Using the Flash ..................................................................52
/ / Using the Macro/Snapshot/Infinity Modes .............55
Digital Zoom ........................................................................... 57
Continuous Mode .............................................................. 59
Self-Timer .......................................................................... 60
Stitch Assist Mode .................................................................62
Movie Mode ........................................................................... 65
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Shooting-Selecting Particular Effects 67
Program AE ........................................................................... 67
Manually Setting the Shutter Speed and Aperture ............... 69
Using the Focus Lock ............................................................71
Switching Between Autofocus Modes ...................................73
Switching Between Light Metering Modes ............................74
Adjusting the Exposure ..................................................... 75
Setting the White Balance............................................... 76
Switching Between Photo Effect Modes ............................... 78
Changing the ISO Speed ...................................................... 79
Resetting the File Number ..................................................... 80
Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode.........................82
Replaying 86
Displaying Images Individually .............................................. 86
Magnifying Images ...........................................................87
Viewing Images in Sets of Nine (Index View) .................. 88
Viewing Movies ......................................................................90
Rotating Images in the Display ............................................. 92
Auto Play ................................................................................ 93
Protecting Images .................................................................. 94
Erasing 96
Erasing Images Individually ................................................... 96
Erasing All Images ................................................................. 97
Formatting a CF Card ............................................................98
Printing 100
About Printing ...................................................................... 100
Selecting from the Print Order Menu ..................................102
Connecting the Camera to a Printer ...................................104
Printing ................................................................................. 107
Print Settings (Direct Print Function) .................................. 109
3
DPOF Print Settings ............................................................ 114
Printing with DPOF Print Settings .......................................119
Image Transfer Settings (DPOF Transfer Order)
Selecting Images for Transferring........................................122
122
Viewing Images on a TV Set 124
Downloading Images to a Computer 126
Downloading Directly from a CF Card ................................ 126
Connecting the Camera to a Computer
Via the USB Cable ............................................................ 128
List of Menu Options and Messages 130
Rec. Menu ............................................................................ 130
Replay Menu ........................................................................ 135
Resetting the Settings to Default.........................................137
List of Messages .................................................................. 138
Appendices 142
Replacing the Date Battery ................................................. 142
Using the Optional Battery Kits ........................................... 144
Using the Optional Lenses and Lens Adapter .................... 148
Camera Care and Maintenance ..........................................154
Troubleshooting ...................................................................155
Specifications 161
Index 170
Canon Customer Support 174
4

Read this First

Please Read
Test Shots
Before you shoot images of subjects of importance to you, we strongly recommend that you shoot several trial images to confirm that you are operating the camera correctly. Please note that Canon, its subsidiaries and affiliates, and distributors of its digital cameras are not liable for any consequential damages arising from any malfunction of the Canon digital camera or CompactFlash™ card (CF card) resulting in the failure of an image to be recorded or to be recorded in a format that is machine readable.
Warning Against Copyright Infringement
Please note that Canon digital cameras are intended for personal use and must be used in a manner that respects international and domestic copyright laws and regulations. Please be advised that in certain cases the copying of images from performances, exhibitions, or commercial properties by means of a camera or other device may contravene copyright or other legal rights even if the image was recorded for personal use.
Warranty Limitations
This camera’s warranty is only effective in the country of sale. If a problem arises while the camera is in use abroad, please convey it back to the country of sale before proceeding with a warranty claim to a Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
5
Safety Precautions
¡Before using the camera, please ensure that you have read
and understood the safety precautions described below. Always ensure that the camera is operated correctly.
¡The safety precautions noted on the following pages are
intended to instruct you in the safe and correct operation of the camera and its accessories to prevent injuries or damage to yourself, other persons and equipment.
¡In the next few pages, the term “equipment refers primarily to
the camera, battery, battery charger and optional compact power adapter.
WARNINGS
¡Do not aim the camera directly into the sun or at other intense
light sources which could damage your eyesight.
¡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. In particular, remain at least one meter (39 inches) away from infants when using the flash.
¡Store this equipment out of the reach of children and infants.
Accidental damage to the camera or batteries by a child could result in serious injury. In addition, placement of the strap around a childs neck could result in asphyxiation.
¡Be particularly careful to keep the date battery used in the
camera away from children. Seek medical assistance immediately if a child swallows a battery.
¡Do not attempt to disassemble or alter any part of the
equipment that is not expressly described in this guide. Disassembly or alteration may result in high-voltage electrical shock. Internal inspections, alterations and repairs should be conducted by qualified service personnel authorized by your camera distributor or a Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
6
¡To avoid the risk of high-voltage electrical shock, do not touch
the flash portion of the camera if it has been damaged. Similarly, never touch internal portions of the equipment that become exposed as a result of damage. There is a risk of high-voltage electrical shock. Please take the first opportunity to consult your camera distributor or a Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
¡Stop operating the equipment immediately if it emits smoke or
noxious fumes. Failure to do so may result in fire or electrical shock. Immediately turn the camera’s power off, remove the camera batteries and unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Confirm that smoke or fume emissions have ceased. Please consult your camera distributor or the closest Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
¡Stop operating the equipment if it is dropped or the casing is
damaged. Failure to do so may result in fire or electrical shock. Immediately turn the cameras power off, remove the camera batteries and unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Please consult your camera distributor or the closest Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
¡Do not allow the equipment to come into contact with, or
become immersed in, water or other liquids. Do not allow liquids to enter the interior. The camera has not been waterproofed. If the exterior comes into contact with liquids or salt air, wipe it dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. In the event that water or other foreign substances enter the interior, immediately turn the cameras power off and remove the camera batteries or unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Continued use of the equipment may result in fire or electrical shock. Please consult your camera distributor or the closest Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
¡Do not use substances containing alcohol, benzene, thinners
or other flammable substances to clean or maintain the equipment. The use of these substances may lead to fire.
7
¡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 electrical outlet and the surrounding area. In dusty, humid or greasy environments, the dust that collects around the plug over long periods of time may become saturated with humidity and short-circuit, leading to fire.
¡Do not cut, damage, alter or place heavy items on the power
adapter cord. Any of these actions may cause an electrical short circuit, which may lead to fire or electrical shock.
¡Do not handle the power cord if your hands are wet. Handling
it with wet hands may lead to electrical shock. When unplugging the cord, ensure that you hold the solid portion of the plug. Pulling on the flexible portion of the cord may damage or expose the wire and insulation, creating the potential for fires or electrical shocks.
¡Use of power sources not expressly recommended for this
equipment may lead to overheating, distortion of the equipment, fire, electrical shock or other hazards. Use only the recommended power accessories.
¡Do not place the batteries near a heat source or expose them
to direct flame or heat. Neither should you immerse them in water. Such exposure may damage the batteries and lead to the leakage of corrosive liquids, fire, electrical shock, explosion or serious injury.
¡Do not attempt to disassemble, alter or apply heat to the
batteries. There is serious risk of injury due to an explosion. Immediately flush with water any area of the body, including the eyes and mouth, or clothing, that comes into contact with the inner contents of a battery. If the eyes or mouth contact these substances, immediately flush with water and seek medical assistance.
¡Avoid dropping or subjecting the batteries to severe impacts that
could damage the casings. It could lead to leakage and injury.
8
¡Do not short-circuit the battery terminals with metallic objects,
such as key holders. It could lead to overheating, burns and other injuries.
¡Before you discard a battery, cover the terminals with tape or
other insulators to prevent direct contact with other objects. Contact with the metallic components of other materials in waste containers may lead to fire or explosions. Discard the batteries in specialized waste facilities if available in your area.
¡Use of batteries not expressly recommended for this
equipment may cause explosions or leaks, resulting in fire, injury and damage to the surroundings. Use only recommended batteries and accessories.
¡If using AA-size NiMH batteries, use only Canon AA-size
NiMH batteries and charger recommended for use with these batteries. Use of another charger may cause batteries to overheat or deform, posing risk of fire or electric shock.
¡Disconnect the battery charger or the compact power adapter
from both the camera and electrical outlet after recharging and when the camera is not in use to avoid fires and other hazards.
¡The camera terminal of the battery charger cord and the
compact power cord is designed for exclusive use with your camera. Do not use it with other products or batteries. There is a risk of fire and other hazards.
¡Exercise due caution when screwing on the separately sold
wide converter, tele-converter, close-up lens and conversion lens adapter. If they loosen, fall off and shatter, the glass shards may cause an injury. Never aim the lenses at the sun or strong light sources. There is a risk of damage to eyesight.
9
CAUTIONS
¡Avoid using, placing or storing the equipment in places subject
to strong sunlight or high temperatures, such as the dashboard or trunk (boot) of a car. Exposure to intense sunlight and heat may cause the batteries to leak, overheat or explode, resulting in fire, burns or other injuries. High temperatures may also cause deformation of the casing. Ensure that there is good ventilation when using the compact power adapter to charge the battery pack or power the camera.
¡Do not store the equipment in humid or dusty areas. Storage
in such areas could lead to fire, electrical shock or other damage.
¡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.
¡Be careful not to cover the flash with your fingers when
shooting. In addition, do not touch the surface of the flash after taking several pictures in rapid succession. Either action could result in burns.
¡If your camera is used for prolonged periods, the camera body
may become warm. Please take care when operating the camera for an extended period as your hands may experience a burning sensation.
10
Preventing Malfunctions
Avoid Strong Magnetic Fields
Never place the camera in close proximity to electric motors or other equipment generating strong electromagnetic fields. Exposure to strong magnetic fields may cause malfunctions or corrupt image data.
Avoid Condensation Related Problems
Moving the equipment rapidly between hot and cold temperatures may cause condensation (water droplets) to form on its external and internal surfaces. You can avoid this by placing the equipment in an airtight, resealable plastic bag and letting it adjust to temperature changes slowly before removing it from the bag.
If Condensation Forms Inside the Camera
Stop using the camera immediately if you detect condensation. Continued use may damage the equipment. Remove the CF card and battery or power cord (if connected) from the camera and wait until the moisture evaporates completely before resuming use.
Extended Storage
When not using the camera for extended periods of time, remove the battery from the camera or battery charger and store the equipment in a safe place. Storing the camera for extended periods with batteries installed will run down the battery and may damage the camera.
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Quick Start

Install the batteries
1
(p. 18).
Slide the battery cover lock, then open the cover and insert the batteries.
¡For important information about batteries, see “Proper
Battery Handling (p. 19).
Install the CF card (p. 22).
2
Open the CF card slot cover and insert a CF card.
Press the ON/OFF button to turn the
3
camera on (p. 30).
Hold the ON/OFF button down until the indicator next to the viewfinder starts flashing green.
¡If the LCD monitor displays
the Set Date/Time menu, set the date and time (p. 25).
¡For information about how to
change the language, see Setting the Language (p. 27).
Indicator
Turn the mode dial to
4
12
(Auto) (p. 46).
34
Set the focus (p. 38).
5
Aim the camera at the subject, and lightly press and hold the shutter button halfway down. The camera beeps twice when the focus is set.
Shoot the image
6
5, 6
(p. 38).
Press the shutter button all the way down. The camera beeps once to indicate that it has taken the shot.
View the recorded image.
7
The recorded image displays on the LCD monitor for approximately 2 seconds (p. 48). For information about how to view other images that you have already taken, see “Replaying” (p. 86).
○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○
To Immediately Erase the Displayed Image
1 Press the button while the image
is displayed.
2 Confirm that [Erase] is selected and
press the SET button.
○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○
Quick Start
13

Components Guide

Shutter Button (p. 38)
Optical Viewfinder Window (p. 37)
Microphone (PowerShot A40 only)
AF-assist Beam (p. 39)
Red-Eye Reduction Lamp (p. 52)
Self-Timer Lamp (p. 60)
Flash (p. 52)
Terminal Cover
Lens
Ring Release Button
DIGITAL Terminal*
A/V OUT (Audio/Video Out) Terminal (PowerShot A40) VIDEO OUT Terminal (PowerShot A30) (p. 124)
DC IN Terminal (p. 146)
* If connecting to your computer, use the dedicated USB cable included
with the camera (pp. 104, 128). If connecting to a printer, use the direct interface cable DIF-100 included with the printer. (For a list of printers that work with this camera, please refer to the System Map.)
14
LCD Monitor* (p. 32)
Viewfinder (p. 37)
ON/OFF Button (p. 30)
Tripod Socket
MENU (Menu) Button (p. 41)
(Macro)/ (Snapshot)/ (Infinity)/ (Right)/
AF Lock Button (p. 55)
(Continuous)/ (Self-Timer)/ (Left)Button
(pp. 59, 60)
(Flash)/SET (Set) Button (p. 52)
CF Card Slot Cover (p. 22)
Strap Eyelet (p. 29)
Date Battery Holder (p. 142)
Battery Cover (p. 18)
Battery Cover Lock (p. 18)
Preparing the Camera, Basic Functions
* The LCD monitor is covered with a thin plastic sheet for protection
against scratches during shipment. Remove it before using the camera.
15
(Exposure)/ (White Balance)/
(Photo Effects)/ (Single Image Erase)
Button (pp. 75, 76, 78, 96)
DISPLAY (Display) Button (p. 32)
Zoom Button (pp. 40, 57, 87, 88)
Mode Dial (p. 17)
Indicators
The upper indicator comes on when you turn on the power and whenever you press the shutter button.
Upper Indicator
Green: Ready to shoot, or ready to communicate with your
computer.
Flashing Green: Camera is busy processing (starting up;
accessing the CF card, or transmitting data to your
computer). Orange: Ready to shoot, using the flash. Flashing Orange: Ready to shoot, but shutter speed is slow (This
warns you that the picture may come out blurred.).
Lower Indicator
Yellow: Macro/Snapshot/Infinity modes Flashing Yellow: Focusing difficulty (Although you can press the
shutter button, it is recommended to use the focus lock to shoot (p. 71))
16
Mode Dial
You use the mode dial to select the camera’s operating mode.
(Auto)
The camera automatically makes most of the settings for you (p. 46).
(Program AE)
You can manually adjust the exposure, white balance, and other settings before shooting (p. 67).
(Manual)
You can manually set the shutter speed and aperture to achieve a particular effect (p. 69).
(Stitch Assist)
Use this mode when taking shots that you want to stitch into a panorama (p. 62).
(Movie)
Use this mode to shoot movies (p. 65).
(Replay)
¡ Replay or delete images from the CF card (pp. 86, 96). ¡ Download and display images at your computer (p. 126). ¡ Print images directly to a connected printer (p. 104).
Preparing the Camera, Basic Functions
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