Canon PowerShot A300 Service Manual

Application

This manual has been issued by Canon Inc. for qualified persons to learn technical theory, and repair of the products.

Corrections

This manual could include typographical errors or technical inaccuracies due to improvements or changes in the products. When changes occur in applicable products or in the content of this manual, Canon will release service information as the need arises. In the event of major changes in the contents of this manual over a long or short period, Canon may issue new editions of this manual.

The following paragraph does not apply to any countries where such provisions are inconsistent with local law.

Trademarks

The product names and company names described in this manual are the registered trademarks of the individual companies.

This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, reproduced, published (including on the World Wide Web) or translated into another language, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Canon Inc..

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

The following precautions should be observed when servicing.

1. Since many parts in the unit have special safety-related characteristics, always use genuine CANON replacement parts.

Especially critical parts in the power circuit block should not be replaced with other makes. Critical parts are marked with ! in the schematic diagrams.

2. When servicing, observe the original lead dress. If a short circuit is found, replace all parts which have been overheated or damaged

by the short circuit.

3. After servicing, see to it that all the protective devices such as insulation barriers, insulation papers shields are properly installed.

4. After servicing, make the following leakage current checks to prevent the customer from being exposed to shock hazards.

4-1 Leakage Current Cold Check

1) Unplug the AC cord and connect a jumper between the two prongs on the plug.

2) Measure the resistance value, with an ohmmeter, between the jumpered AC plug and each exposed metallic cabinet part

on the equipment such as screwheads, connectors, control shafts, etc. When the exposed metallic part has a return path to

the chassis, the reading should be between 1MΩ and 5.2MΩ. When the exposed metal does not have a return path to the

chassis, the reading must be ∞.

4-2 Leakage Current Hot Check

1) Plug the AC cord directly into the AC outlet. Do not use an isolation transformer for this check.

2) Connect a 1.5KΩ 10 watt resistor, paralleled by 0.15µF capacitor, between each exposed metallic parts on the unit and a

good earth ground such as a water pipe, as shown in the figure below.

3) Use an AC voltmeter, with 1000Ω/volt or more sensitivity, to measure the potential across the resistor.

4) Check all exposed metallic parts of the cover (Cable connection, Handle bracket, metallic cabinet.

Screwheads, Metallic overlays, etc), and measure the voltage at each point.

5) Reverse the AC plug in the AC outlet and repeat each of the above measurements.

6) The potential at any point should not exceed 0.75V RMS.

A leakage current tester (FLUKE MODEL : 8000A equivalent) may be used to make the hot checks.

Leakage current must not exceed 0.5 milliamp.

In case a measurement is outside of the limits specified, there is a possibility of a shock hazard, and corrective action must

be taken before returning the instrument to the customer.

AC OUTLET

DEVICE UNDER TEST

AC VOLTMETER

Test all exposed metal parts

Figure. 1 Leakage Current Hot Check

1.5KΩ

0.15µF

Water pipe

(Earth Ground)

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

OF PRODUCT

CONTENTS

1 Development Background

1-1 Development Objectives --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-1

1-2 Product Concept ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-1

1-3 Design Concept ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-4

- The PowerShot A300 design concept: Slim, clean, simple, easy and high quality ------------------------------- 1-4

1-4 The PowerShot A300 and PowerShot A200 Specifications Comparison ------------------------------------------- 1-5

2 Features

2-1 High Image Quality --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-7

- Approx. 3.2M camera effective pixel CCD ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-7

- High resolution single-focus 5mm f/3.6 lens -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-7

- High definition and fast processing with the Digital Imaging Processor “DIGIC” ------------------------------ 1-7

- High speed AF and high definition AE/AWB based on iSAPS technology --------------------------------------- 1-8

- High-precision white balance -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-8

2-2 Full Features ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-9

- 5-point AiAF and 1-point AF selectable ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-9

- Digital zoom function with continuously changing angle of view ------------------------------------------------- 1-9

- Three types of metering function -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-10

- Total of 12 image quality modes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-10

- Settable display times for rec review --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-10

- Direct Print function compatible -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-10

- Sound memos of up to 60 seconds can be appended during replay ---------------------------------------------- 1-11

- My Camera function -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-11

- FAT12/FAT16 and FAT32 support ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-11

2-3 Fulfiled Movie Function ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-12

- Three types of recording pixels for movie mode -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-12

- Long movie recording with audio --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-12

- Unwanted scenes can be deleted in movie replay mode ----------------------------------------------------------- 1-13

- First frame, Last frame, Next frame, previous frame, Fast forward and Rewind

available during movie replay------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-13

2-4 Operation Ease--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-14

- 1.5-inch amorphous silicon TFT LCD monitor with low power consumption back light --------------------- 1-14

- Slide type lens cover suggests easy operation ------------------------------------------------------------------------1-14

- New UI --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-14

- Convenient operation with cross-buttons and tact switchs ---------------------------------------------------------1-15

- Computer connections with Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) support ------------------------------------------- 1-15

- Twelve languages international support UI ---------------------------------------------------------------------------1-15

2-5 High Grade Design -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-16

- Slide type lens cover creates high grade exterior --------------------------------------------------------------------1-16

2-6 System accessories -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-16

- CF card usable to long time movie recording ------------------------------------------------------------------------1-16

3 Exterior

3-1 Exterior Photos ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-17

3-2 6-dimentional diagram-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-18

3-3 Nomenclature ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-19

3-4 UI Information -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-20

- FUNC. MENU ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-20

- Rec.MENU ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-21

- My Camera MENU ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-21

- Play MENU --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-22

- Set up MENU ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-23

4 Specifications

4-1 Camera Specifications -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-24

4-2 Functions’ Availability and data’s memory in each Shooting Mode------------------------------------------------1-31

4-3 Replay compatibility ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-33

5 System

5-1 Accessories’ compatibility ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-34

5-2 System Diagram ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-36

1 Development Background

High Image

uali

y High Pe

orm

nce 3M-pixel

ompact

Enjoy ! Canon A Class

Higher ImImagag

Qual

Ful

vie

Canon origi

unctions

tto

1-1 Development Objectives

Canon began offering the PowerShot A100/PowerShot A200 to consumers who “want to enjoy a straightforward digital camera” in the spring of 2002.

With their excellent image quality, classy looks and advanced features that transcended their class, the 2-megapixel PowerShot A200 and the 1.2-megapixel PowerShot A100 offered consumers who wanted to enjoy a simple, easy-to-use digital camera complete satisfaction. Looking ahead to the 2003’s market, however, we find that we must keep moving toward higher resolutions and keep enhancing movie features to maintain our advantage over our competitors.

With this background in mind, we decided to introduce a new top-of-the-line model, the PowerShot A300, wit approx. 3.2-mega camera effective pixels. The PowerShot A300 offers even better image quality, enhanced movie features and improved operability while maintaining the same fundamental design concept o the 2-megapixel PowerShot A200 and the 1.2-megapixel PowerShot A100. The new camera’s goal is to have the “best image quality and most advanced features” of any camera in the entry-level class.

1-2 Product Concept

High Image

Higher

(3(3M CCD, DIGIGIC)

e Qual

Ful

l F Featutures s fofor r Movie

(Higigh ImImage

Long Time Recording with Audio)

Canon origi

(My Camera Functioion, Direcect Print)

Pleasant Operaration

(Articulate e Butto

Higher Image Quality, Move Convenient, More Fun and Easier to Use

Qualility VGA,

nal Functions

ns, Lens Cover)

Quali

ty High Pe

rform

ance 3M-pixel

Compact

Enjoy ! Canon A Class

ity

Face Lifted

The concept behind the PowerShot A300 was to develop a high image quality, high-performance 3-megapixel class compact equipped with picture quality and performance rivaling high-end models while staying

at rock-bottom prices. The PowerShot A300 is still aimed toward first-time digital camera buyers and users who want to enjoy a straightforward digital camera, but it is also appealing to camera enthusiasts and semi-

rofessionals who are expected to want to use the camera in a substitute or backup role.

In terms of operation as well, the PowerShot A300 includes more user-directed improvements on the PowerShot A200/100, such as modifying the lens cover construction and improving the feel of the control buttons, to make a digital camera that can be used securely by all, from youngsters to the elderly.

1-1

New features unique to the PowerShot A300 (Spring 2003 model)

Updated features from thePowethe PowerShor A200

Succeeded features from the PowerShor A200

High Image Quality

Approx. 3.2M camera effective pixel CCD (Total of Approx. 3.3M-pixels) High resolution single-focus 5mm, f/3.6 lens (35mm film equivalent : 33mm) High definition and fast processing with the Digital Imaging Processor "DIGIC" High speed AF and high definition AE/AWB based on iSAPS technology High-precision white balance (Auto + Five preset positions + Custom)

Fine color reproduction owing to primary color filters AF maintains at any distance Wide range of ISO-equivalent speed settings including the high image quality ISO 50

(AUTO / ISO 50/100/200/400 equivalent)

Noise reduction function reduces noise with slow shutter-speed Totally round aperture for better background blur Exif 2.2 (Exif Print) compliant

Full Features

Selectable of 5-point AiAF and 1-point A

Digital zoom function with continuously changing angle of view (Approx.5.1x

Three types of metering function (evaluative metering, center-weighted average metering and

spot metering)

Total of 12 image quality modes (recording pixels (4) x compression (3) ) Settable display times for rec review (Off, 3 to 10 seconds)

(Images can be erased during display)

Direct Print function compatible

(Card Photo Printers and Bubble Jet printers) Sound memos of up to 60 seconds can be appended during replay My Camera function (Customizeable of Start-up image, Start-up sound, Operation sound,

Self-timer sound and Shutter sound on-camera content can be also created)

FAT12/FAT16 and FAT32 support

5 Photo effect positions (Vivid, Neutral, Low sharpening, Sepia and Black & White) Macro function focuses close to 5 cm Inverted Galilean type optical viewfinder On/Off selection of AF-assist Beam available

From 1-second to 1/2000-second shutter speeds

Continuous shooting with approx. 2.2 shots per sec. (LCD monitor is off) Built-in flash with five flashing modes Self-Timer function for 2 or 10 seconds Magnified replay for convenient image confirmation (from approx. 2x to 10x zoom)

(Also available during rec-review)

Supports DPOF format image transfers Index replay (9-images)

)

Fulfilled Movie Function

Three types of recording pixels ( VGA/QVGA/QQVGA) for movie

(VGA is high image quality)

1-2

Long movie recording with audio (internal microphone and speaker, max. of 3 minutes) Unwanted scenes can be deleted in movie replay mode (image and audio) First Frame, Last Frame, Next frame, Previous Frame, Fast Forward and Rewind available

during movie replay

Ease of Operation

1.5-inch amorphous silicon TFT LCD monitor with low power consumption back light (Approx. 67-kiro pixels) Slide type lens cover suggests easy operation New UI (Function buttons improves operability ) Convenient operation with cross-buttons and tact switchs Computer connections with Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) support

Twelve languages international support UI

Reset of all settings by one-touch operation USB interface with multi-use connector (mini-B jack) High-speed image feed on replay

Use of widely available size AA batteries (2 sells) (Primary:alkaline, Secondary:NiMH)

High-grade design

Slide type lens cover creates high grade exterior

2:1 sideways layout and stylish capsul shape

System Accessory

CF card usable long time movie recording (256 MB)

Size AA NiMH rechargeable battery and charger AC adapter kit

Application Softwa

Full feature application software

ZoomBrowser EX (Win) / ImageBrowser (Mac) enables customized image control and

display

Photorecord (Win) for easy layout and printing of many pictures PhotoStitch (Win/Mac) for creating panoramic pictures with precision RemoteCapture (Win/Mac) or remote picture-taking through a PC

File Viewer Utility (Win/Mac) for developing RAW images

Twain driver / WIA driver (Win) USB Mounter (Mac) that allows the system to handle the camera as a card reader * Adobe Acrobat Reader (Win/Mac) for reading of manual Well-established third-party software

- Apple QuickTime (Win) (replay for movies)

- ArcSoft PhotoImpression (Win/Mac) (processing/editing for still images)

- ArcSoft VideoImpression (Win/Mac) (processing/editing for movies)

* Win:Windows Mac:Macintosh

*The USB Mounter cannot be used from the models supporting the full PTP (Products to be marketed from spring,

2003.)

1-3

1-3 Design Concept

-The PowerShot A300 design concept: Slim, clean, simple, easy and high quality

- Although the basic design is similar to that of the PowerShot A200/A100, the layout of the buttons, functional markings and operability of each component have been fine-tuned to make this an entry-class digital camera that anyone can use easily.

-The exterior has been given a more refined and distinguished look by changing to a sliding-style lens cover.

1-4

1-4 The PowerShot A300 and PowerShot A200 Specifications Comparison

O (

)

control

PowerShot A300 PowerShot A200

Image sensor (CCD)

Color filter

Focal length (35mm film equivalent) f/number Opt i cal zoom

Lens

Focus ing range

(from tip of the lens)

Normal 20 cm - infinity Macro 5 - 20 cm Type Inverted Garilean viewfinder

Optical viewfinder

Dioptric adjustment

LCD monitor

Focus ing fram e

Manual focus AF l ock

Focusing

On/Off selecti on of AF-assis t beam

Metering modes

Expos ure control systems AE l ock

xposure

Expos ure compensation Sensitivity (ISO film speed)

White balance

Shutter

Ap e rt u r e

Type Mechanical shutter + electronic shutter Speed 1 - 1/2000 sec. Type Round type f/number f/3.6 , 5.6

Operation modes

Flash range Flash exposure compensation Manual setting of flash output

Fla sh

FE lock Slow-s ync. Second curtain flash sync. Shooting modes Digi tal zoom

Photo effects

Image quality adjusting function

Noise reduction Focus bracketi

ng AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) Rec-review

Continuous shooting

Shooting specifications

Intervalometer

Self-timer

Wireless controler Shooting operation from PC

Camera effective pixels : Approx. 3.2 M, 1/2.7" type

(Total pixels: Approx. 3.3 M)

Primary color filter (Beyer)

33 mm

f/3.6

1.5 inch amorphous sillicon TFT color LCD

5-point AiAF / 1-point AF (Fixed to center )

Evaluation / Center-weighted averaging / Spot*

*Fixed to center

Program AE

+/- 2 EV in 1/3-step increments

AUTO / ISO 50/100/200/400 equivalent

AUTO + Pre-set (Daylight / Cloudy / Tungsten / Fluorescent /

Fluorescent H) + Custom

(Auto / Red-eye reduction On / Flash On / Flash Off /

Slow-syncro.)

20 cm - 2.0 m (ISO equivalent speed : AUTO)

Auto / Manual / Stitch As sist / Movie

Approx. 5.1 x

Vivid / Neutral / Low sharpening / Sepia /

Black & White

O (Possible to set from 3 to 10 sec.)

O (Approx. 2.2 shots/sec.)

Operates with approx. 2 or 10 sec. count-down.

1-5

Camera ef fective pixels :

Approx. 2.0 M, 1/2.7" type

(Total pixels: Approx. 2.1 M)

39 mm

f/2.8

.5 inc h low -temperature

polycr ystalline sillicon TFT

color LCD

3-point AiAF / 1-point AF

(Fixed to center )

Evaluation

AUTO + Pre-set (Daylight /

Clou dy / Tun gs te n /

Fluorescent / Fluorescent H)

f /2.8 , 5.6

Approx. 4.0 x

Appr ox. 2.0 shots/sec.

<Large / Fine,

LCD monitor off>

Operates w ith approx . 10 sec.

count- down.

(QVGA)

Storage media

File form at

St ill

Movie AVI

Recording format

Still JPEG (Exif 2.2 compliant) Movie Image: Motion JPEG Audio: WAVE(Monaural)

Stil l

Number of recording pixels

Recording specifications

Movie

Replay modes

Magnified replay Auto V/H detection His togram

Still

display Sound memos DPOF Print Order / Image transfer

Replay specifications

Direct print

Special

Movie

replay Editing Unnecessary scenes can be erased.

Languages

My C am er a se t t i ngs

Interfac

Primary batteries Secondary

Power sources

batteries AC Adapter Com p a c t Po we r Ad ap te r ( C A- PS8 00 ) Car Battery Ad ap t e r

Number of

Power supplies

Battery

shots

performance

Replay time Approx.90 min / Approx. 120 min. <by Alkaline battery / NB-1AH>

Dimensions (W x H x D) Weight (camera body only)

PowerShot A300 PowerShot A200

CompactFlash card (Type I )

Design rule for Camera File system,

DPOF(Ver. 1.1) compli ant

(L) 2048 x 1536 (M1) 1600 x 1200

(M2) 1024 x 768 (S) 640 x 480

(VGA) 640 x 480 Approx. 30 sec. at 15 fps

(QVGA) 320 x 240 Approx. 3 min. at 15 fps

(QQVGA) 160 x 120 Approx. 3 min. at 15 fps

Single / Index (9 thumbnail images) / Magnification / Movie

2 - 10x

The max. record/play time is approx. 60 sec

CP-100/10 BJ pri nters wi th di rect print support

(free trimming)

Next frame, Previous frame, Fast forward, Rewind,

First frame and Last frame

12 languages (English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese and Japanese)

Start-up image/ Start-up sound/ Shutter sound/ Operation

sound and Self-timer sound

(Creation of on-camera content)

USB

Size AA Alkaline battery x 2

Rechargeable size AA NiMH battery x 2

Approx. 75 shots / Approx. 200 shots (LCD monitor ON)

Approx. 210 shots / Approx. 450 shots (LCD monitor OFF)

110.0 x 58.0 x 36.6 mm

Approx. 175 g

(L) 1600 x 1200

(M) 1024 x 768

(S) 640 x 480

320 x 240

Appr ox. 9 sec . at 20 f ps

(QQVGA) 160 x 120

Approx. 26 sec. at 20 fps

CP-100/CP-10, BJ printer s w ith

direc t pr int s upport

11 languages (English,

German, French, Dutch,

Danish, Finnish, Italian,

Norw egian, Swedish, Spanish

and Japanese)

Approx. 90 shots/

Approx. 200 shots

( LCD mon itor ON) Approx. 300 shots Approx. 550 shots

( LCD mon itor OFF)

Approx. 90 min /

Appr ox. 120 min.

1-6

2 Features

2-1 High Image Quality

-Approx. 3.2M camera effective pixel CCD (Total of Approx. 3.3M-pixels)

The PowerShot A300 comes with a CCD sensor with approx.

3.2-mega effective pixels (Approx. 3.3 megapixels in total), which is similar to the IXY DIGITAL 320 sensor. The area of this CCD sensor chip has been reduced by a remarkable 39 percent from the previous 1/1.8-inch approx. 3.2-effective-megapixel CCD sensor (approx.

3.3 total megapixels) found on the PowerShot G1/S30.

Figure 2-1 Chip relative area comparison

However it achieves the equivalent performance to the previous sensor owing to improvement of the picture element’s structure and the electronic charge’s drive method.

-High resolution single-focus 5mm f/3.6 lens (35mm film equivalent : 33mm)

The PowerShot A300 is equipped with the 5 mm, f/2.8 single-focallength lens used on the PowerShot A200/A100. The lens consists of 5 elements in 5 groups including one aspherical (single-sided) lens. Focusing is accomplished by a full sprocket method in which all five lenses move. The 35 mm equivalent focal length of the lens has become

slightly wider — 33 mm compared with 39 mm for the PowerShot A200/A100 — due to the change in the screen size

of the CCD sensor. This allows the camera to get more out

Figure 2-2 Lens construction (Conceptual)

of composite photos and landscape shots. For the same reason as the change in focal length, the maximum aperture has changed from f/2.8 to f/

3.6.

- High definition and fast processing with the Digital Imaging Processor "DIGIC"

The PowerShot A300 comes equipped with the "DIGIC"a digital imaging processor. DIGIC achieves enhanced high picture quality by improving signal processing algorithms as the successor of prior processor. Furthermore it saves power. The following three elements are the principle contributions to the PowerShot A300.

–Improved picture quality –Improved AF accuracy

Figure 2-3 BlockDiagram

–Improved processing speed

*The PowerShot A300 has no video and audio output

1-7

-High speed AF and high definition AE/AWB

p p

based on iSAPS technology

Using “Photographic Space” information, the PowerShot A300 estimates the distance between the camera and the subject from the focal length (zoom

osition)* of the lens and the peripheral brightness

when taking a photo. Furthermore, by adding the

hoto paramenters obtained with the previous

hoto, the scene the user is about to shoot is preanalyzed and pre-calculated. This method achieves faster AF and more precise, AE and AWB than ever before.

* The PowerShot A300 has no optical zoom

Figure 2-4 Distribution of object position at specific

focal length

>iSAPS High-speed AF

Using iSAPS technology, the cameras achieve fasror focusing speeds by optimizing the control of the AF scan range through a pre-analysis process to match the scene the user is about to shoot.

>iSAPS Intelligent AE/AWB

Using iSAPS technology, the cameras achieve precise exposure and white balance through an algorithm optimized for the scene the user is about to shoot by analyzing the scene beforehand.

-High-precision white balance (Auto + Five preset positions + Custom)

The PowerShot A300 adds custom white balance to the white balance functions (auto and five-position preset) . The custom white balance allows the user to record a desired white reference (usually a white piece of

aper) beforehand under the shooting conditions (light sources) employing a camcorder or other device. This white reference data is stored in the camera and used. This function is useful when users cannot get the white balance they want in the auto mode or from one of the five presets when shooting under special light sources or when mixing two or more light sources. The custom white balance data is maintained even when the power is turned off and can be updated anytime by performing the sampling operation again.

1-8

2-2 Full Features

-5-point AiAF and 1-point AF selectable

The PowerShot A300 come with a

“5-point AiAF”, which increases the

number of AiAF measurement zones from the previous three (PowerShot A200/A100) to five. This improved AiAF system makes precise focusing possible regardless of the position of the subject or the shooting orientation (vertical or horizontal). When focusing, the positions of the focused measurement zones are displayed in green (when two or more positions are in focus, all focused measurement zones are displayed).

Figure 2-5: 5-Point AiAF

The cameras are also equipped with standard single center-point AF, enabling users to select the easiest AF function to suit the shooting conditions.

-Digital zoom function with continuously changing angle of view (Approx. 5.1x)

The digital zoom magnification of PowerShot A300 enlarges to approx. 5.1x owing to employment of 3M-pixe CCD. It can adjust the field of view from 33mm to 168mm (35 mm film equivalent) Furthermore, several dozen image input positions are calibrated for the monitor display to ensure a smooth digital zoom of the image on the monitor display. The actual zoom position can be stopped in seven positions in consideration of practicability.

Figure 2-6:Digital zoom (Couceptual)

1-9

- Three types of metering function (evaluative metering, center-weighted average metering and spot metering)

With the PowerShot A300, the metering modes of center-weighted average and spot are added to PowerShot A200/A100’s evaluative.

The center-weighted average metering measures light over the entire image and weights the sensitivity according to proximity to the center of the image; accordingly, this light metering emphasizes the center of the image. The spot metering, light is measured within a specific portion at the center of the image.

- Total of 12 image quality modes (recording pixels (4) x compression (3) )

Since the number of CCD pixels has been increased to approx.

3.2 million camera effective pixels with PowerShot A300, there are now 4 possible settings for the number of recording pixels: Large, Medium 1, Medium 2, and Small. Since there are also 3 compression rates (Superfine, Fine and Normal), a total of 12 differ-

Large 2,048x1,536 Medium 1,600x1,200 Medium 2 1,024x768 Smal 640x48

Table2-1 Recording pixels

Recording Pixels

ent combinations can be selected.

-Settable display times for rec review (Off, 3 to 10 seconds) (Images can be erased during display)

The PowerShot A300 is specified so that the image-display time* in rec review (confirmation of recorded image) can be set between 3 to 10 seconds in 1 second intervals. In this way, users can select a duration to suit their applications. Furthermore the shot image can be erased during display in rec review.

* “Off” can also be set

- Direct Print function compatible (Card Photo Printers and Bubble Jet printers)

The Direct Print function has been equipped to the PowerShot A300 so that high-picture-quality prints can be made easily by merely connecting the camera with the supplied cable to a Canon card photo printer (CP-100/10

Direct Print function. (Refer to “5-2 System

Furthermore, the PowerShot A300 adds a “trimming” not found on the PowerShot A200/A100, which allows the expand and print an area of the image. After selecting

) or Bubble Jet print

ers supporting the

diagram”)

capability

user to

Figure 2-7 Trimming screen

the trimming mode, the section denoted by the trimming frame superimposed over the image displayed on the LCD monitor can be printed. The size of the frame can be adjusted in either 8 steps (when placed horizontally) or 5 steps (when placed vertically) with the zoom lever and the position can be moved with the cross buttons. When making card size prints, prints on full-size label sheets or eight-label sheets are possible. When connected to Bubble Jet printers, five paper sizes (L, 2L, postcard, A4 and credit-card) can be selected. For each of these, border, borderless, multiple copies, indexing and trimming options are available. And since the BJ 895PD and BJ 535PD printers, and new BJ printers released in the spring of 2003, support the Exif 2.2 standard, printing from the PowerShot A300 is automatically optimized for image quality.

1-10

-Sound memos of up to 60 seconds can be appended during replay

When replaying images on the PowerShot A300, because a sound recording of up to 60 seconds can be appended to images, you can easily attach comments to images as desired after shooting. The recording format is WAVE (monaural).

Figure 2-8 Automatic level control

- My Camera function (Customizeable of Start-up image, Start-up sound, Operation sound, Sel

-timer sound and Shutter sound on-camera content can be also created)

The PowerShot A300 can customize “start-up image, start-up sound, operation sounds, self-timer sound and shutter sound” with the My Camera function from the Solution Disk included with the camera or from

the My Camera Contents in the “On-line photo service” on the Canon Image Gateway*

Web site

accessible via ZoomBrowser EX/ImageBrowser.

Also, images or sounds*

captured with the camera itself can be used as camera contents.

*1 Only for the Japanese market. *2 The start-up sound, operation sound, self-timer sound and shutter sound can be recorded separately with the microphone.

- FAT12/FAT16 and FAT32 support

In the near future, memoty cards with 2GB or more storage capacity will be released. The PowerShot A300

automatically uses FAT32

*1/2 to format such memory cards. In addition, the PowerShot A300 automatically

uses FAT12 or FAT16 to format memory cards under 2GB, depending on the storage capacity of the memory card.

*1 File Allocation Table *2 The memory card with 2GB or more storage capacity is not recognized by Canon digital cameras which were released before sprin

in 2002.

1-11

2-3 Fulfiled Movie Function

-Three types of recording pixels (VGA/QVGA/QQVGA) for movie mode (VGA is high image quality )

The PowerShot A300 can record movie clips with audio at a rate of 15 frames per second in one of three recording pixels, VGA, QVGA or QQVGA. Furthermore, the newly developed camera-effective 3.2M-pixel CCD can read one vertical line in three, or approx. 520 lines per frame, thanks to a refinement in the electrode structure (charge-reading method). This enables the camera to record high-quality VGA size movies that not only 3megapixel digital cameras, but also digital cameras equipped with conventional interline

Approx.1570 Approx.520 480

CCDís vertical pixels Recording pixels VGApixels

type CCDs can’t.

-Long movie recording with audio (internal microphone and speaker, max. of 3 minutes)

The PowerShot A300 can record moving images at 15 frames per second along with audio in 3 formats, VGA (640 x 480 pixels), QVGA (320 x 240 pixels) and QQVGA (160 x 120 pixels). Because a method is employed that consecutively writes images that are temporary stored in the buffer to the CF card while recording, long continuous filming times are also achieved.

In practice, if the write speed of the CF card is slower

than the speed to write an image to the buffer, the recording will stop when the buffer capacity is reached. Taking this circumstance into account, the specification limits the maximum recording time in VGA format to 30 sec.(When using FC-256MH) and both QVGA and QQVGA formats to three minutes. Even after 30 sec. or 3 minutes of elapsed filming, the PowerShot A300 allows the next recording to be resumed in less time than previous models. During filming, the values for the focus, exposure and white balance determined at the beginning are used continuously to the end of the recording. The storage time is also displayed on the LCD monitor during filming. The file is saved in AVI format, while the image is saved as Motion JPEG data and the audio data in WAVE format (monaural). Since the camera is equipped with an internal microphone and speaker, movie with sounds can be played on the camera without connecting to a computer.

*1 The write speed varies depending on the brand and capacity of the CF card. *2 If the free space on the CF card is less than the size of the recording, recording will stop just prior to the CF card reaching full capacity.

Figure 2-9 Blockdiagram for Audio recording and replay

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-Unwanted scenes can be deleted in movie replay mode (image and audio)

The PowerShot A300 allows unwanted sections to be deleted in the movie replay mode. However, the sections that can be deleted are either from the start of the movie recording to an arbitrary point or from an arbitrary point to the end of the movie recording.

Figure 2-10 Conceptual diagram of movie editing

- First frame, Last frame, Next frame, Previous frame, Fast forward and Rewind available during movie replay

During movie replay on the PowerShot A300, next frame, previous frame, fast forward and rewind operations that correspond to those of a VCR are provided. Instantaneous jumps to the start or end of a clip are also provided, which are impossible with tape media.

Figure 2-11 Conceptual diagram of frame navigation during movie replay

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2-4 Operation Ease

-1.5-inch amorphous silicon TFT LCD monitor with low power consumption back light

The PowerShot A300 uses the highly detailed, newly developed amorphous silicon TFT LCD monitor. Eve outdoors, the visibility of this LCD monitor is greatly improved due to the efficient absorption of external light as a result of a special optical film. Furthermore, this allows the use of a weaker backlight than conventional monitors, thereby reducing power consumption.

Figure 2-12 Cross-section of LCD monitor

-Slide type lens cover suggests easy operation

The PowerShot A300 has moved from the PowerShot A200/A100 lens cover, which operates with a one-click (rotational) method to open and close, to a sliding style of cover. The sliding cover makes it easy to see how to open and close the cover as well as making it possible to check if the cover is open or closed at a glance.

Photo 2-1 Comparison photos with Lens CoverPhoto 2-1 Comparison photos with Lens Cover

-New UI (Function buttons improves operability)

The PowerShot A300 include a Function button. Pressing the Function button displays frequently accessed settings* and likely values (shooting parameters) for each setting on the LCD monitor. Desired settings can then be easily accessed with the cross buttons. This results in a clearer understanding of the control procedures and reduces the number of control steps and makes multiple settings in succession possible.

* Exposure compensation, white balance, ISO speed, color effects,

recording pixels and compression

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Sooting Parameters

Setting Element

Figure 2-13 One example of new UI

* Detailed design such as icon might be

different in end-products.

-Convenient operation with cross-buttons and tact switchs

ISP.

FUNC.

SET

The PowerShot A300 operation is straightforward and comfortable due to the use of a cross button. Also, by changing from the rubber switch buttons on the PowerShot A200/A100 to tact switch type buttons*, a subdued yet classy feel is given to the camera.

* Button-shaped switches with a click feel.

- Computer connections with Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP) support

Because the PowerShot A300 supports PTP, a standard protocol, driver-less image communications with computers are possible when combined with recent operating systems (Windows XP or Mac OS X (version 10.1/10.2)). Specifically, selecting PTP from the Communication setting on the camera menu, the functions listed right can be controlled from the computer by simply connecting the camera.

– View images on the camera

– Transfer images from the camera to a PC – Delete images on the camera using the PC

– Remote Capture (Shooting from PC)

– Transfer images from the PC to

the camera date to the camera – My Camera function settings

– Format the CF card

-Twelve languages international support UI

The menu screens displayed on the LCD monitor of the PowerShot A300 are available in 12 languages, making these models suitable for use in the native or practical languages of most parts of the world. The supported languages are listed right.

English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified Chinese and Japane

Figure 2-14 Cross-buttons

and tact switchs

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2-5 High Grade Design

-Slide type lens cover creates high grade exterior

The clean-cut, distinguished exterior of the PowerShot A300 is set off with a sliding lens cover appropriate for the upper model from the PowerShot A200/A100. >> Refer to Design Concept on page 4.

2-6 System accessories

-CF card usable to long time movie recording (FC-256MH)

A high-capacity FC-256MH CF card with reduced write times has been configured to handle long time movie recording. The capacity of the card is 256 MB.

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3 Exterior

3-1 Exterior Photos

Photo 3-1 PowerShot A300 Front

Photo 3-2 PowerShot A300 Rear

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3-2 6-dimentional diagram

110.0 (4.37)

58.0 (2.28) 36.6 (1.44)

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Unit: mm (inch)

3-3 Nomenclature

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3-4 UI Information

FUNC.MENU

Exposure Compensation

∼∼

-2 0 +2 (EV)

White Balance

Auto Fluorsecent

Daylight Fluorsec entH

Cloudy Custom

Tungsten

ISO Speed

...

AUTO 50 100

200 400

Photo Effect

Off Vivid

Neutral Low Sharpening

Sepia

B/W

Compression

Superfine

Fine

Normal

Recording pixels (Still Image)

Large 2048x1536 pix els

Medium 1 1600x1200 pixels

Medium 2 1024x768 pix els

Small 640x480 pixels

(Movies) 640 X 480 pixels 320 X 240 pixels 160 X 120 pixels

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Rec.MENU My Camera MENU

AiAF

Off

Selftimer

10 sec onds

2 sec onds

AF-assist Beam

Off

Digital Zoom

Off

Theme Start-up Image Start-up Sound Operation Sound Self-Timer Sound Shutter Sound

Review

3 to 10seconds

(1-sec ond

increments)

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Pla y ME NU

Protect Transfer Order

Rotate

Sound Memo

Erase all

Auto Play

Print Orde

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Set up MENU

Beep Operation Vol.

Off

Auto Power Down Selftimer Vol.

Off

Date/Time File No. Reset

Format Language

off to 5

Off

Shutter Volume

off to 5

Playback Vol.

off to 5

Start-up Vol.

off to 5

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4 Specifications

)

4-1 Camera specifications

Image sensor (CCD)

Camera effective pixels

Total pixels

Trans fer met hod

Chip s i z e

Aspect ratio

Filt er t ype

Lens

Focal length

f/number

Lens construction

Optical zoom

Focusing range

(from tip of the lens)

Area of phot ograph

(at the minimum focal distance)

Magnifi cation of photography

Approx. 3. 2 M pixels

Approx. 3.3 M pixels

Interli ne

1/2.7 in.

4:3

Primary color filter (Beyer type)

5.0 mm (35mm film equivalent: 33 mm)

f/3.6

5 elements i n 5 groups (including 1 aspherical lenses

Single focus length

Normal : 20 cm (7.9 in.) - infinity

Macro : 5 - 20 cm (2.0. - 7.9 in.)

Manual : Not available

56 x 42 mm (2.2 x 1.7 in.)

0.62 x (35 mm film equivalent)

Optical viewfinder

Ty pe

Eyepoint

Diopter adjustment

LCD monitor

Ty pe

Effective pixels

Display size

Picture coverage

Brightness adjustment

Focusing

Control system

Manual focus

Focusing frame

Focusing rang

AF lock

AF-assi st beam On/Off

Inverted Galilean viewfinder

16 mm

Not available

Amorphous silicon TFT color LCD

Approx. 67 K pixels

38 mm diagonal (1.5 in.)

100 %

Not available

TTL A u t of oc us

Not available

5-point AiAF / 1-point AF* *Fixed to center

Normal / Macro / Landscape

Not available

Available

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Exposure control

Metering methods

Exposure control met hods

AE lock

Exposure compensation

Sensitivity (Equivalent film speed)

ND (Neutral Densi ty) Filter On/Off

White balance

Modes

Shutter and aperture

Shutter type

Aperture type

Shutter speed

f/number

Evaluation / Center-weighted averaging / Spot

*Metering frame with Spot mode: Center

Program AE

Not available

+/- 2 EV in 1/3-step i ncrements

AUTO / ISO 50/100/200/400 equivalent *Camera automatically sets optimum speed when "AUTO" is slected.

Not available

TTL auto / Pre-set (Daylight / Cloudy / Tungst en / Fluorescent / Fluorescent H ) / Cust om

Mechanical shutt er and electroni c shut ter

Round shaped aperture

1 - 1/2000 sec.

*1/6 sec. or more shutter speed is only available in Slow-syncro. mode or "Flash-off" in Manual mode.

f/3.6, 5. 6

Flash (Built-in)

Operati on modes

Flash range

Flash sync speed

Recycling t ime (Full flash)

Flash exposure compensation

Manual flash output set ting

FE lock

Slow-sync.

Second curtain sync.

Flash (External)

Flash contacts

Recommended flashes

Flash exposure compensation

FE lock

Slow-sync.

Second-curt ain sync.

Auto / Red-eye reduction auto / On / Off/ Slow-syncro.

20 cm - 2.0 m (0.67 - 6.7 ft.)

1/60 - 1/500 sec. (1 - 1/ 500 sec. when in Slow-syncro. mode)

10 sec. or less (battery voltage = 3.15 V)

Not available

Available

Not available

(When ISO speed is set to AUTO

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