Canon A5 User Manual

ENGLISH
We recommend that first-time users of the Canon PowerShot A5 start
by consulting the Quick Start Guide. Read this guide for additional details about
the use and functions of the Canon PowerShot A5. This guide presents
individual explanations of each camera function.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Canon PowerShot A5, the easy-to-use, compact digital camera with a large range of functions incorporated into a card-sized body.
Please read this guide and the Quick Start Guide to gain maximum benefit of the high­quality digital imaging made possible with the PowerShot A5.
Please read the Handling and Safety Precautions section of this guide before attempting to use the camera.
About the LCD panel
The LCD panel incorporates extremely high­precision technology. When the panel is in use, minute black, red or green spots may appear and linger. The pixels are operating at
99.99% effectiveness, and this does not constitute a malfanction. Moreover, these spots have no effect on the image you record.
Copyright © 1998 Canon Inc. All rights reserved.
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Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this manual is accurate and complete, no liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions. Canon Inc. reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described herein at any time without prior notice.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form, by any means without prior written permission of Canon Inc.
Canon Inc. makes no warranties for damages resulting from corrupted or lost data due to a mistaken operation or malfunction of the camera, the CompactFlash (CF cards), personal computers, peripheral devices or use of non-Canon CF cards.
Trademark Acknowledgement
Canon and PowerShot are trademarks of Canon Inc. Adobe and Adobe Photoshop are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. Apple, Macintosh and Power Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Ulead Systems, Inc. and PhotoImpact are trademarks of Ulead Systems, Inc. Other names and products not mentioned above may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
TM
cards
Table of Contents
Quick Guide to Page Numbers by Category ........... 5
Handling and Safety Precautions ............................ 9
Guide to Components ........................................... 16
Basic Functions of the PowerShot A5 ................... 18
Image Size and Quality Specifications ............. 18
Power On/Off Switch ........................................ 19
Power Save Function ..................................... 19
Camera Modes .................................................. 20
Display Panel ..................................................... 21
Viewfinder ........................................................ 22
Viewfinder Frame Marks ............................... 22
Indicators .......................................................... 23
Shutter Button .................................................. 24
Pressing Halfway ............................................ 24
Pressing Fully .................................................. 25
Continuous/Self-Timer (+) Button .................... 25
Flash (-) Button ................................................. 26
Macro/Jump Button .......................................... 28
LCD Button ........................................................ 29
MENU Button .................................................... 29
SET Button ........................................................ 30
Mode Dial Functions ............................................. 31
Lock ................................................................... 31
Auto Mode ........................................................ 31
Buttons Available in Auto Mode ................... 31
Program Mode .................................................. 32
Buttons Available in Program Mode ............. 32
Stitch Assist Mode ............................................. 33
What is Stitch Assist? ..................................... 33
Play Mode ......................................................... 34
Multi Mode ....................................................... 34
PC Mode ............................................................ 35
Taking Pictures in Stitch Assist Mode ................... 36
Buttons Available in Stitch Assist Mode ........ 36
Retaking a Picture .......................................... 36
When a Sequence is Complete ...................... 36
Shooting Hints .................................................. 37
Procedures for Shooting Horizontal/Vertical
Sequences ......................................................... 38
2x2 Shot Procedures ......................................... 39
Menu Features ...................................................... 42
Record Menu .................................................. 42
Play Menu ...................................................... 42
Basic Menu Operations ..................................... 43
MENU Button ................................................. 43
+/- Buttons ...................................................... 43
SET Button ...................................................... 43
Record Menu..................................................... 44
Quality ............................................................ 44
Review ............................................................ 45
+/- (Exp.) ......................................................... 45
Reset File No. ................................................. 46
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Table of Contents continued... 2/2
About File Numbers ....................................... 46
Play Menu ......................................................... 47
Show Info. ...................................................... 47
Slide Show ...................................................... 47
Protect ............................................................ 50
Erase ............................................................... 51
Print Mark ...................................................... 51
Setup ................................................................. 52
LCD ................................................................. 52
Beep ............................................................... 53
Power Save ..................................................... 53
Reset ............................................................... 53
Date/Time ....................................................... 53
Format ............................................................ 54
Language ....................................................... 54
Connecting to a TV ............................................... 55
Connecting to a Computer ................................... 56
Connecting to a Windows Computer .............. 56
Connecting to a Macintosh Computer ............. 56
Changing the Button Battery and Setting
the Date/Time ........................................................ 58
Changing the Button Battery ........................... 58
Setting the Date/Time....................................... 60
Camera Maintenance ............................................ 61
Optional Accessories ............................................. 62
Soft Case ........................................................... 62
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CF Cards ............................................................. 62
CF Cards and Capacities ................................. 62
PCMCIA Card Adapter ...................................... 63
CF Card Reader ................................................. 63
Digital Printer CD-200 ....................................... 63
Troubleshooting .................................................... 64
List of Message Codes ........................................... 69
List of Messages .................................................... 70
Specifications ......................................................... 71
Appendix A: Canon Battery Pack NB-5H .............. 73
Appendix B: Canon Compact Power Adapter ...... 77
Appendix C: CompactFlash™ Card ....................... 81
Index ...................................................................... 85
Canon Customer Support ..................................... 87
Ulead Customer Support ...................................... 90

Quick Guide to Page Numbers by Category

Shooting
Flash photography with humans or animals as subjects .................................................................................................................. 26
How to aim the camera at your subject to improve the focus ......................................................................................................... 22
How to adjust the exposure setting (Exposure Compensation) ....................................................................................................... 45
How to compensate for a backlight subject ................................................................................................................................... 45
How to compensate for a subject in shadow ................................................................................................................................. 45
How to force the flash to go off .................................................................................................................................................... 26
How to press the Shutter button ................................................................................................................................................... 24
How to shoot continuous frames ............................................................................................................................................ 25, 32
How to shoot extreme close-ups with the Macro mode ................................................................................................................. 28
How to shoot moving objects (Continuous mode) ................................................................................................................... 25, 32
How to shoot multiple frames by pressing the shutter once ..................................................................................................... 26, 32
How to shoot pictures in a horizontal sequence for merging later ............................................................................................ 33, 38
How to shoot pictures in a vertical sequence for merging later ................................................................................................. 33, 38
How to shoot pictures without the red-eye effect .......................................................................................................................... 26
How to take a panorama shot ................................................................................................................................................. 33, 36
How to take a picture ................................................................................................................................................................... 31
How to stop the flash from going off ............................................................................................................................................ 26
How to use the frame marks inside the viewfinder ......................................................................................................................... 22
How to use the Self-Timer function ............................................................................................................................................... 25
How to use the viewfinder ............................................................................................................................................................ 22
Taking shots of panoramic scenes bigger than one frame .................................................................................................. 33, 37, 39
What mode should I use for everyday shots? ........................................................................................................................... 24, 31
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Quick Guide to Page Numbers by Category continued....2/4
What to do if the image is too bright ............................................................................................................................................ 45
What to do if the image is too dark ............................................................................................................................................... 45
Replaying Images
Connecting the camera to a computer .................................................................................................................................... 35, 56
Connecting the camera to a television ........................................................................................................................................... 55
How to change the play time of images in a slide show ................................................................................................................. 50
How to check an image immediately after shooting ....................................................................................................................... 45
How to continuously replay recorded images ................................................................................................................................. 47
How to delete marks from images in a slide show ......................................................................................................................... 49
How to load camera images onto a computer ......................................................................................................................... 35, 56
How to make a slide show with only the images you select ........................................................................................................... 48
How to play images one at a time on the LCD panel ...................................................................................................................... 34
How to scroll through images displayed on the LCD panel ............................................................................................................. 28
How to scroll to the next set of images in Multi mode ................................................................................................................... 28
How to set a slide show to continuous display ............................................................................................................................... 50
How to use the Review function .................................................................................................................................................... 45
How to view camera images on a television ................................................................................................................................... 55
How to view images on the camera LCD panel .............................................................................................................................. 34
How to view images on the camera LCD panel while shooting ....................................................................................................... 29
How to view images on a television screen .................................................................................................................................... 55
How to view images with the slide show function ......................................................................................................................... 47
How to view the date/time information for an image ..................................................................................................................... 47
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Quick Guide to Page Numbers by Category continued....3/4
Saving, Printing and Deleting Image Files
About image file names ................................................................................................................................................................ 46
How to change a file number ........................................................................................................................................................ 46
How to delete an unwanted image ............................................................................................................................................... 51
How to mark a file for printing ...................................................................................................................................................... 51
How to protect a file from accidental deletion ............................................................................................................................... 50
Saving an image file onto a computer ..................................................................................................................................... 35, 56
Settings
About each function ..................................................................................................................................................................... 18
About the symbols on the Mode Dial ............................................................................................................................................ 20
Changing date and time settings ............................................................................................................................................. 53, 60
How to change the date/time display format ........................................................................................................................... 53, 60
How to change error messages to another language ..................................................................................................................... 54
How to change the image quality setting and take a shot ........................................................................................................ 32, 44
How to change the image size setting and take a shot ............................................................................................................ 32, 44
How to change the LCD panel brightness ...................................................................................................................................... 52
How to reset default LCD panel, beep and Power Save settings ..................................................................................................... 53
How to select Menu options ..................................................................................................... .................................................... 43
How to turn the Power Save function on and off ........................................................................................................................... 53
How to turn the Review function on and off ................................................................................................................................. 45
How to turn off the beep .............................................................................................................................................................. 53
How to turn the power on and off .......................................................................................................................................... 19, 31
How to use the +/- buttons ........................................................................................................................................................... 43
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Quick Guide to Page Numbers by Category continued....4/4
Other Topics
About part names ......................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Accessories ................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
Camera components list ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
How to use the Menu button ........................................................................................................................................................ 43
How to use the Menu features .......................................................................................................................................... 29, 42, 43
How to use the Mode Dial ....................................................................................................... ..................................................... 31
How to use the Set button ............................................................................................................................................................ 43
How to view date/time data in Play mode ...................................................................................................................................... 47
I would like to use the CompactFlash
What are the available image formats?.......................................................................................................................................... 18
What are the available image sizes? .............................................................................................................................................. 18
What can be done in Auto mode? ................................................................................................................................................ 31
What can be done in Program mode? ........................................................................................................................................... 32
What do the indicator lights mean? .............................................................................................................................................. 23
What do the LCD panel messages mean? ...................................................................................................................................... 70
What do the symbols and codes displayed in the LCD mean? .................................................................................................. 21, 69
What does the orange indicator light mean? ........................................................................................................................... 23, 28
What is the meaning of the beep when the shutter button is pressed? .................................................................................... 24, 25
What is the meaning of the indicator lights beside the viewfinder? ................................................................................................ 23
What to do if you detect a problem (troubleshooting).................................................................................................................... 64
Why the power shuts off a few minutes the camera is set down .................................................................................................... 19
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TM
(CF) card from another camera .......................................................................................... 54

Handling and Safety Precautions

Please ensure that you have read and understood these handling and safety precautions before you operate your PowerShot A5 Digital Camera. Once you have read the instructions on the next few pages, we recommend that you keep the camera with you and try each function as you read about it in the remaining pages.
Exclusion of Liability and Warning Against Copyright Infringement (Please Read)
Exclusion of Liability
Before you shoot images of subjects of importance to you, we highly recommend that you shoot several trial images to confirm that you are operating the camera correctly. Please note that Canon Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates, and distributors of its digital cameras are not liable for any conse­quential damages arising from any malfunction in a PowerShot camera or CompactFlash that results in the failure of an image to be recorded or to be recorded in a format that is machine sensible.
Warning Against Copyright Infringement
Please note that PowerShot digital cameras are intended for personal use and should never be used in a manner that infringes upon or contravenes international or 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 shot for personal use.
TM
CF card
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Handling and Safety Precautions continued....2/7
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 and its power supply accessories.
Warnings
• Stop operating the equipment immediately if it should emit smoke or noxious fumes. Failure to do so may result in fire or electrical shock. Immediately shut off the camera’s power switch, remove the camera battery and unplug the power adapter cord from the power socket. Confirm that smoke or fume emissions cease. 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 shut off the camera’s power switch, remove the camera battery and unplug the power adapter cord from the power socket. Please consult your camera distributor or the closest Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
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Handling and Safety Precautions continued....3/7
• Prevent the equipment from contact with, or immersion in, water and other liquids. Do not allow liquids to enter the interior. The camera has not been waterproofed. If the exterior comes into contact with liquid or salt air, wipe it dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. In the event that water or other foreign substances enter the interior, immediately shut off the camera’s power switch, remove the camera battery and unplug the power adapter cord from the power socket. 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.
• To avoid the risk of high-voltage electrical shock, do not touch the flash portion of the camera if it has been damaged. In addition, 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 the closest Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or alter any part of the equipment that is not expressly pre­scribed 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 the closest Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
• Do not use substances containing alcohol, benzene or thinners or other flammable substances on the equipment. The use of these substances may lead to fire or electrical shock.
• 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. Replace a broken or damaged power adapter cord.
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Handling and Safety Precautions continued....4/7
• Do not handle the power adapter cord if your hands are wet or moist. Handling the power adapter cord with wet hands may lead to electrical shock. When unplugging the cord, ensure that you hold the rigid 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.
• Store this equipment out of the reach of children and infants. Accidental damage to the equipment by a child could result in serious injury.
• 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 compact power adapter and accessories.
• Power down the computer and unplug the power adapter cord before attempting to connect the interface cable to avoid the risk of electrical shock.
• Be particularly careful to keep the button-sized (CR2016 lithium) batteries used in the camera out of the reach of children. Seek medical assistance immediately if a child swallows a battery.
• 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 and 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 or clothing that comes into contact with the inner contents of a battery.
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Handling and Safety Precautions continued....5/7
• Avoid dropping or subjecting the battery to severe impacts that could damage the casing. It could lead to leakage and injury.
• Do not short-circuit the battery terminals with metallic objects, such as key holders. It could lead to overheating, burns and other injuries. Use the supplied battery case when transporting or storing batteries.
• 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 they are available in your area.
• Use of batteries not expressly recommended for this equipment may cause them to explode or leak, resulting in fire, injury and damage to the surroundings. Use only recommended batteries and accessories.
• Use only the recommended compact power adapter to recharge the rechargeable batteries. Use of chargers not expressly recommended may result in overheating, distortion, fire or electrical shock.
• Disconnect the compact power adapter from both the camera and power socket after recharg­ing and when the camera is not in use to avoid fires and other hazards.
• The camera terminal of the compact power adapter cord is designed for exclusive use with PowerShot cameras. Do not use the compact power adapter with other products or batteries There is a risk of fire and other hazards.
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Handling and Safety Precautions continued....6/7
• Do not trigger the flash in close proximity to human or animal eyes. Exposure to the intense light produced by the flash may injure eyesight. In particular, remain at least one meter (39 inches) away from infants when using the flash.
• Do not aim the camera directly into the sun or at other intense light sources that could injure your eyesight.
Caution
• 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.
• Be sure to use the compact power adapter in a well ventilated area when recharging batteries or performing other recommended procedures.
• Do not store the equipment in humid or dusty areas. Storage in these areas could lead to fire, electrical shock or other damage.
• Be careful when wearing or holding the camera by the strap not to bang or subject it to strong impacts or shocks that could lead to injury or damage the equipment.
• 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.
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Handling and Safety Precautions continued....7/7
Preventing Malfunctions
Avoid Strong Magnetic Fields
Never place the camera in close proximity to electric motors or other equipment generating strong electric 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 a plastic bag and letting the contents 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, batteries and power adapter cord 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 batteries (except the button­sized CR2016 lithium battery) and store the equipment in a safe place. Storing the camera for extended periods with the batteries installed will run down the battery and may damage the camera.
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Guide to Components

• Shutter Button
p. 24
• Strap Holder
Quick Start Guide p. 9
• Lens
• Viewfinder
p. 22
• Indicators
p. 23
• LCD panel
16
• Viewfinder p. 22
• Autofocus (AF) Auxiliary Light Emitter
• Display Panel p. 21
• Flash p. 26
• Red-Eye Reduction
lamp p. 26
• Mode Dial p. 31
• Continuous/Self-Timer (+) Button p. 25
• Flash (-) Button p. 26
• LCD Button p. 29
Guide to Components continued....2/2
• Macro/Jump Button p. 28
• MENU Button p. 29, 43
• SET Button p. 30, 43
• VIDEO Terminal p. 55
• DIGITAL Terminal p. 56
• CF Card Slot CoverQuick Start Guide p. 8
• Lock for CF Card Slot Cover
• DC Coupler Cable Cover
• Battery Cover Quick Start Guide p. 5
• Battery Cover Lock
• Tripod Socket
Quick Start Guide p. 8
Quick Start Guide p. 7
Quick Start Guide p. 5
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Basic Functions of the PowerShot A5

Image Size and Quality Specifications
The PowerShot A5 can take pictures with the following screen sizes and qualities.
Size/Quality
Large/Fine (1024 x 768) JPEG High Quality 180 KB Large/Normal (1024 x 768) JPEG Normal 85 KB Small/Fine (512 x 384) JPEG High Quality 60 KB Small/Normal (512 x 384) JPEG Normal 30 KB CCD RAW No Compression 940 KB
Compression Format
• Large and small image sizes cover the exact same scope of the photographic subject but reproduce the images with differing numbers of dots. On computer monitors the large format images are displayed at 1024 x 768 pixels, while the small images are displayed at 512 x 384 pixels.
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File Size
• The size and quality settings can be changed before an image is shot with the Menu feature in the Auto, Program or Stitch Assist modes. (p. 44)
• In the Continuous mode, the default size and quality settings are Small/Fine or Small/Normal.
• Figures noted herein reflect standard shooting conditions established by Canon. Actual file sizes will vary be­tween photographic subjects.
Basic Functions of the PowerShot A5 continued... 2/13

Power On/Off Switch

The camera’s power is turned on and off with the Mode Dial. The power is off when the dial is set to the L (Lock) position and on when set in any other position.

Power Save Function

Shooting Modes
The camera automatically closes the lens cover and powers down if you do not use a camera function for approximately three minutes.
Playback Modes
The camera automatically powers down if you do not use a camera function for approximately five minutes.
PC Mode
When connected to a computer, a message is displayed on the computer monitor if you do not use a camera function for approximately five minutes. If you do not use a camera function for an additional minute, the camera automatically powers down.
• To reactivate the camera after powerdown, turn the Mode Dial or press any button.
• You can deactivate the Power Save function with the Menu feature. (p. 53)
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Basic Functions of the PowerShot A5 continued... 3/13

Camera Modes

: Stitch Assist Mode
Taking pictures in this mode is helpful if you
The PowerShot A5 features six operating modes that can be selected with the Mode Dial.
intend to merge several images into a single high-quality panoramic image. Merging images is easy if you use the PhotoStitch utility software. In this mode,
: Auto Mode
Auto mode is for taking standard pictures. The focus, exposure and white balance settings as well as the flash are automati­cally selected or activated by the camera.
P : Program Mode
Program mode is also for taking pictures, but the Flash On/Off and Continuous settings can be selected manually. The focus, exposure and white balance settings are automatically selected by the camera. However, the exposure setting may also be adjusted manually with the Exposure Compensation function. (p. 45)
the focus, exposure and white balance settings are automatically selected by the camera.
PLAY : Play Mode
Play mode is for viewing images recorded on the CF card. Images are displayed on the LCD panel one by one.
MULTI : Multi Mode
Multi mode is for viewing multiple images recorded on the CF card. Images are displayed on the LCD panel in groups of nine.
PC : PC Mode
PC mode is for viewing and processing images with a computer.
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Basic Functions of the PowerShot A5 continued....4/13

Display Panel

The Display Panel on the camera top shows the status of camera settings, battery levels and the approximate number of images that can be stored in the CF card at the current size and quality settings. Changing size and quality settings will alter this number.
• Message codes on the Display Panel will
indicate errors or camera status. (p. 69)
Single Mode
Continuous Mode Self-Timer Mode Fine Normal CCD RAW Large Small Flash On Flash Off Red-Eye Reduction Macro Mode Exposure Compensation Beep On Low Battery Clock Not Set
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Basic Functions of the PowerShot A5 continued....5/13

Viewfinder

The camera is equipped with an optical viewfinder for image composition.
• In Macro mode (photographic subject 9­50 cm from the lens), the actual area shot by the lens is slightly lower than the area shown in the viewfinder. The closer the camera is to the photographic subject, the larger the difference between these areas.
• When taking shots in Macro mode, be sure to confirm the image compo­sition and focus in the LCD panel.
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Viewfinder Frame Marks

The camera focuses on the area encompassed by the square brackets in the viewfinder’s center. When composing images, aim the camera so that the photographic subject is in the middle of the viewfinder.
• Pressing the shutter button halfway locks the focus until the button is released. This allows you to focus on a particular object while freely changing the image composition. A moment after depressing the shutter button halfway, two beeps will sound and a green or red indicator will light, indicating a focus lock. You are now free to reorient the camera know­ing that your target subject is in focus.
Basic Functions of the PowerShot A5 continued....6/13

Indicators

Upper Indicator
Green: Ready to take picture
Two indicators appear to the left of the viewfinder. These lights shine or flash when the shutter button is pressed to confirm
Flashing Green: Storing to CF card Red: Flash On mode, ready to
various actions and camera modes.
Flashing Red: Flash Off mode, insufficient
Upper Indicator
Lower Indicator
Orange: Macro Mode On
Lower Indicator
(no flash)
take picture
light (image may blur)
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Basic Functions of the PowerShot A5 continued....7/13

Shutter Button

The camera features a two-stage shutter button.

Pressing Halfway

Press the shutter button halfway to automati­cally set the focus, exposure and white balance to the optimal setting. When the camera finishes metering, it will beep and lock the shutter.
Shutter Button
24
• When the camera is ready to take a shot, the upper indicator lamp will shine green (no flash) or red (flash) and two beeps will sound.
• When the LCD panel is turned on, the image will freeze for an instant.
• In the Flash Off mode, the upper indicator will flash red when there is insufficient light for the exposure setting. This is a warning that hand tremors or camera movement will blur the image.
• In the Macro mode, the lower indicator will shine orange.
• In the Exposure Compensation mode, the image of the photographic subject will appear in the LCD panel after the second beep.
Basic Functions of the PowerShot A5 continued....8/13

Pressing Fully

Pressing the shutter button all the way down captures an image and stores the data on the CF card.
• When an image is captured, a single beep will sound and the upper indicator will flash green while the data is stored on the CF card.
• If the LCD panel is turned on while an image is being stored, the window will momentarily blank and display a Busy message.
• If the LCD panel is turned off and the Review function is set to On with the Menu feature, a preview of the photo­graphic subject will briefly appear in the LCD panel while the shutter button is fully depressed.

Continuous/Self-Timer (+) Button

In Auto mode, this button turns the Self-Timer mode on and off.
In Program mode, this button switches between the Single (frame), Continuous (frame) and Self-Timer functions.
• mark indicates the Single mode. A single frame will be stored each time you press the shutter button.
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Basic Functions of the PowerShot A5 continued....9/13
mark indicates the Continuous mode. The camera will record up to 15 frames in rapid succession as long as the shutter button is depressed and sufficient memory is free. The images are stored at the small size.
mark indicates the Self-Timer mode. The shutter will automatically activate 10 seconds after the shutter button is pressed.
In Play mode, this button displays the next stored image.
In Multi mode, this button selects the next stored image.
In the Menu feature, this button moves the selection to the next option.
26

Flash (-) Button

In Program or Stitch Assist mode, this button switches between the Auto, Red-Eye Reduc­tion, Flash On and Flash Off functions.
mark indicates the Red-Eye Reduc­tion lamp will light when you press the shutter button. The Red-Eye Reduction mode counteracts the tendency for flash photography to produce the red-eye effect in prints of humans and animals, the result of light reflected back from the subjects’ retinas. The flash emitted before the actual shutter operation causes the subjects’ irises to narrow in advance, thereby
Basic Functions of the PowerShot A5 continued....10/13
reducing the potential for reflections back from the retinas.
When shooting in the Red-Eye Reduc­tion mode, press the shutter button halfway and wait a moment before pressing it fully. If the interval between pressing the shutter halfway and all
In Play mode, this button displays the previous stored image.
In Multi mode, this button selects the previ­ously stored image.
In the Menu feature, this button moves the selection to the previous option.
the way is too short, the Red-Eye Reduction lamp may not fire.
mark indicates the Flash On mode. The flash will fire when you press the shutter button.
mark indicates the Flash Off mode. The flash will not fire when you press the shutter button.
• When none of these symbols appear, the camera is set to Auto Flash mode and the light level detected by the camera will automatically fire the flash.
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Basic Functions of the PowerShot A5 continued....11/13

Macro/Jump Button

In Auto, Program or Stitch Assist mode, this button turns the Macro mode on or off.
• mark indicates that the Macro mode is on.
• In Macro mode, the lower indicator will shine orange when the Shutter Button is depressed halfway.
• In Macro mode, the actual area shot by the lens is slightly lower than the area shown in the viewfinder. The closer the camera is to the photographic subject, the larger the difference between these areas.
28
• In Macro mode, the photographic subject can be shot within a range of 9 to 50 cm and remain in focus.
• When shooting in Macro mode, check the LCD panel to confirm that the focus and scope of the image are correct.
In Play and Multi mode, this button turns the Jump mode on or off.
• In Play mode, turning the Jump mode on enables you to skip to the first or last image by pressing the +/- Buttons.
• In Multi mode, turning the Jump mode on enables you to display the next or previous set of nine images by pressing the +/- Buttons.
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