Epson L-500V Reference Guide

Reference Guide

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. The information contained herein is designed only for use with
this Epson product. Epson is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other equipment.

Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties
for damages, losses, costs, or expenses incurred by the purchaser or third parties as a result of accident, misuse,
or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to this product, or (excluding the
U.S.) failure to strictly comply with Seiko Epson Corporation’s operating and maintenance instructions.

Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable for any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or
any consumable products other than those designated as Original Epson Products or Epson Approved Products
by Seiko Epson Corporation.

Epson, Epson Stylus, PRINT Image Matching, and Epson PRINT Image Framer are registered trademarks and
Photo Fine, PictureMate, and P.I.F. are trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation. Epson Store and SoundAdvice
are service marks of Epson America, Inc.

General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks
of their respective owners. Epson disclaims any and all rights in those marks.

Responsible Use Of Copyrighted Materials

Digital cameras, like photocopiers and conventional cameras, can be misused by improper copying of
copyrighted material. While some countries’ laws permit limited copying in certain circumstances, those
circumstances may not be as broad as some people assume. Epson encourages each user to be responsible and
respectful of the copyright laws when using digital cameras.

© 2004 Epson America, Inc. 9/04

Copyright Notice

Trademarks

2

Contents

Introduction

Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes . . . . . . . . . 7

Using the Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Using the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Storing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Chapter 1 Getting Started

Camera Parts and Their Functions . . . . . . . . 14

Camera buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Camera lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Charging the Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Replacing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Chapter 2 Taking Photos and Videos

Taking Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Zooming In and Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Disposing of the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Using the Battery Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Using the LCD Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Storing, Maintaining, or Transporting

the Camera. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Installing and Removing Memory Cards . . . 20

Installing a Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Removing a Memory Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Turning Your Camera On and Off . . . . . . . .23

Changing the Language, Date, and

Time Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Using the Optional AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . 25

Controlling the Flash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Flash range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

3

Taking Close-ups With Macro Mode. . . . . . 30

Taking Pictures With the Self-Timer . . . . . . 31

Selecting the Scene Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Selecting the Resolution and

Quality Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Reading the LCD Screen Icons . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Settings and Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Turning Off the Information Display. . . . 38

Continuous Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Setting the White Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Setting the Light Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Setting the Exposure Compensation. . . . . . .42

Recording Videos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Maximum Available Video

Shooting Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Enabling the Quick View and Sound

Memo Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Recording a sound memo. . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Adjusting Camera Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

SETUP Mode Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Chapter 3 Viewing and Managing Your Photos

Viewing Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Viewing a Slide Show of Your Photos . . . 50

Playing Videos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Viewing Photo Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Selecting Photos for Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Deleting Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Copying Photos to Your Computer. . . . . . . .55

Resetting the File Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Chapter 4 Using PRINT Image Framer (P.I.F.)

Taking Photos With Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Adding, Changing, or Removing Frames . . 59

Deleting and Copying Frames . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Deleting photos individually . . . . . . . . . . .53

Deleting all photos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Deleting a group of continuous photos . . 54

4

Chapter 5 Using Direct Print

Connecting the Camera to Your Printer . . . 62

Printing Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Printing the Photo Displayed on

the Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Printing All Your Saved Photos. . . . . . . . .64

Printing Selected Photos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Printing Several Photos on One Sheet . . .66

Making Print Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67

Chapter 6 Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Cleaning your camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Storing your camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Camera problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Image problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Printing problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

List of Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77

Where To Get Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

Appendix A Specifications

Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Battery Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Optional AC adapter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Index

5

Introduction

Your new Epson® L-500V is a compact digital camera that lets you capture all the special moments
in your life and print high-quality photos without a computer. Its features include:

❏ 5.0 megapixel resolution, for clear, beautiful photos
❏ 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom

™

❏ 2.5-inch LCD screen using Epson’s exclusive Photo Fine

previews and playback

™

❏ 16MB Secure Digital (SD
❏ Rechargeable lithium ion battery and charger
❏ Continuous shooting mode that lets you take up to three photos per second
❏ Direct printing to supported Epson Stylus
❏ Epson PRINT Image Framer

computer

❏ PRINT Image Matching

) memory card

®

Photo and PictureMate™ printers

®

(P.I.F.™) for adding fun frames to your photos—without a

®

II technology, so you can get the best possible prints

technology for crystal-clear

Introduction 6

Safety Instructions

Read all of these instructions before using the camera, and keep this guide handy for later
reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the camera and the options.

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes

Warnings must be followed carefully to avoid bodily injury.
Cautions must be observed to avoid damage to your equipment.
Notes contain important information and useful tips on the operation of your product.

Using the Camera

❏ Do not expose the camera to severe impact. Doing so may cause malfunctions, especially while

the camera is operating.

❏ Follow all warnings and instructions marked on this product.
❏ Do not insert objects into the slots or openings on this product.
❏ Do not touch the components inside this product unless instructed to do so in the user

documentation. Never force this product’s components into place. Although this product is
designed to be sturdy, rough handling can damage it.

❏ Never spill liquid onto this product.

Introduction 7

❏ If this product emits unusual noises, odors, or smoke, cancel the current operation and turn

it off immediately. Remove the batteries and disconnect the AC adapter from the product,
then unplug the AC adapter from the power outlet.

❏ To prevent fire or electric shock, do not cover this product with a blanket or other covering

that may give off a static electric shock.

❏ To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this product or its options to rain or moisture.
❏ To prevent fire or explosion, do not use this product where flammable or volatile gas is stored.
❏ Do not use this product outdoors during a thunderstorm.
❏ Do not use this product after moving it between extreme temperatures, which may cause

condensation to form on electronic parts.

❏ Use only the recommended AC adapter (B867062) for this product.
❏ Use only the specified battery (B32B818242) for this product.
❏ When connecting the camera to a computer or other device with a cable, ensure the correct

orientation of the connectors. Inserting a cable in the wrong orientation may damage both
devices connected by the cable.

Using the Battery

❏ If battery acid gets into your eyes or on your skin, immediately rinse the affected area

thoroughly with water and seek medical treatment.

❏ Do not modify, disassemble, or solder the battery.

Introduction 8

❏ Do not use the battery that comes with the L-500V camera for other devices.
❏ Do not expose the battery to heat, fire, or water.
❏ Do not drop, puncture, or impact the battery.
❏ Keep the battery out of the reach of children.
❏ Prevent the battery from coming into contact with metal objects that could short-circuit it, such

as coins or keys.

❏ Do not place the battery in a high-pressure container or microwave.
❏ If overheating, discoloration, distortion, a strange smell, or other abnormal situation occurs,

remove the battery from the camera or charger and do not use it.

❏ Do not insert the battery into power outlets or other power sources such as a car cigarette

lighter adapter.

❏ Do not charge the battery on a device other than the included battery charger.
❏ If charging hasn’t finished after the normal charging time, stop charging.

Storing the Battery

❏ When not using the camera or charger for a long period, remove the battery and store it in the

battery case.

❏ Do not store the battery where the temperature or humidity is very high.
❏ Store the battery out of the reach of children.

Introduction 9

Disposing of the Battery

WARNING:

Be sure to completely cover the ends of the battery with tape to prevent combustion or explosion when
disposing of it.

❏ Before disposing of the battery, discharge it completely.
❏ Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions and in compliance with

all applicable laws. Contact your local government agency for information about battery
recycling and disposal.

Using the Battery Charger

WARNING:

Read all relevant safety and operating instructions before using the battery charger, as misuse could result
in personal injury from fire, explosion, leakage, overheating, or electric shock.

❏ Use only Epson battery charger model 2090821-00 provided to charge Epson Lithium ion

battery model B32B818242. Never attempt to charge other types of batteries in this charger as
they may explode, leak, overheat, or cause personal injury.

❏ Beware of electrical shock hazards.
❏ Do not use the battery charger near water or handle it with wet hands.
❏ Keep the charger away from heat sources. Do not use the charger outside the temperature

range of 32 °F to 104 °F (0 °C to 40 °C).

Introduction 10

❏ Do not insert objects into any openings on the charger as they may touch dangerous voltage

points or short out parts.

❏ Never disassemble or modify the charger.
❏ Use the charger indoors only, in a dry location. Do not expose the charger to water or excess

humidity.

❏ Use only the type of power source indicated on the label and always supply power directly

from a standard domestic electrical outlet. Do not place multiple loads on the electrical outlet.

❏ Be sure your AC power cord meets the relevant local safety standards.
❏ Never insert or disconnect the power plug with wet hands.
❏ Power supply cords should be protected from abrasion, cuts, crimping and kinking. Be sure

to place the cord to avoid any damage. Do not place objects on top of the power cord or allow
the power cord to be stepped on or run over. You should take special care to try to keep the
power cord straight at the ends and at the points where it enters and leaves the transformer.

❏ Do not allow the AC power cord to become damaged or frayed.
❏ Unplug your equipment from the electrical outlet and refer servicing to qualified personnel

under the following conditions:
If the power cord or plug is damaged; if liquid has en tered your equipment; if your equipment
has been exposed to rain or water; if your equipment has been dropped or damaged; if your
equipment is operating abnormally or exhibits a distinct change in performance. Adjust only
those controls described in your product documentation.

❏ Never attempt to repair this product yourself.

Introduction 11

❏ Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning.
❏ Clean only with a clean, soft dry cloth.
❏ Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
❏ Keep the charger out of reach of children.
❏ This product is designed for use with Epson products only. Do not attempt to use it with other

electronic devices.

Using the Memory Card

❏ Use only memory cards designed for the product’s specifications.
❏ Methods for using memory cards vary according to card type. Refer to the memory card

documentation for details.

❏ Turn off the camera before installing/removing the memory card.

Using the LCD Screen

❏ The LCD screen on this product may contain a few small bright or dark spots. These are normal

and do not mean that your LCD screen is damaged in any way.

❏ If the LCD screen is damaged, consult your dealer.
❏ If the liquid crystal solution contained in the LCD screen on this product leaks out and gets

onto your hands, wash them thoroughly with soap and water. If it gets into your eyes, flush
them immediately with water. If discomfort or vision problems remain after a thorough
flushing, see a doctor immediately.

Introduction 12

❏ Only use a soft, dry cloth to clean the display. Do not use liquid or chemical cleaners.

Storing, Maintaining, or Transporting the Camera

❏ Do not store this product outdoors, near water, or in a location subject to high temperature or

humidity, rapid changes in temperature or humidity, direct sunlight, or strong light sources.

❏ Unplug this product from the power outlet before cleaning it. Use a damp cloth and do not

use liquid or aerosol cleaners.

❏ Remove the battery, unplug this product, and refer servicing to qualified service personnel

under the following conditions: The power cord or plug is damaged; liquid has entered this
product or its options; this product or its options have been dropped or the case is damaged;
this product or its options do not operate nor mally or exhibit a distinct change in perf ormance.

WARNING:

Handling the cord on this product or cords associated with accessories sold with this product, will expose
you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Wash hands after handling.

Introduction 13

Chapter 1

Getting Started

This chapter describes the parts of the camera, and tells you how to charge and replace the battery,
remove the memory card, turn the camera on and off, change the language, date, and time settings,
and use the optional AC adapter.

Camera Parts and Their Functions

Manual
mode

Automatic
mode

Continuous
shooting mode

Playback
mode

Setup
mode

Video
mode

Shutter
button

Strap
holder

Battery/
memory
card cover

Mode dial

POWER button

Speaker

Flash

Microphone

Lens barrier

Front light

Getting Started 14

Connector
cover

USB
connector

Tripod
mount

AC adapter

connector

LCD
screen

Print
button

Memory access light

P.I.F.
button

Zoom
buttons

Macro /l

MENU
button

Outdoor/u

Joystick/OK
button

Flash /r

Delete/Self-timer/ d

Getting Started 15

Camera buttons

Name Function

Mode dial Switch camera modes by turning this dial.

Shutter button Take a photo.

Print button Print photos using the direct print feature.

P.I.F. button Select P.I.F. frames for printing with photos.

POWER button Turn the camera on or off.

Zoom buttons Press the

zoom in (telephoto).

MENU button Display or cancel the menus (not available in automatic mode).

Move joystick here to select menu items or turn on Outdoor mode

u

r

Move joystick here to select menu items or set the flash when taking

l

M ov e j o ys ti c k h e re to s el e ct me n u i t em s o r se l ec t m a cr o m o de w he n

d

Mo ve jo ys ti ck he re t o s el ec t m en u i te ms, de le te a p ho to in pla yb ac k

Joystick/

OK button Move in direction of arrows/icons to perform actions described

to more easily view the LCD screen in bright light.

pictures.

taking pictures.

mode, or set the self-timer when taking pictures.

above. Press to confirm the currently selected setting or menu item.

W button to zoom out (wide angle). Press the T button to

Getting Started 16

Camera lights

Name Function

Self-timer/USB light Flashes blue when the camera is connected to a computer or printer

Memory access light Turns orange when accessing a memory card.

or when taking a photo with the self-timer.

Charging the Battery

Be sure to charge the battery before you use it the first time or if you haven’t used it for a long
time. Charging takes about two hours.

As the battery loses power, the icon that appears when you turn on the camera changes from

to . W hen is flash ing, b attery p owe r is lo w and y ou can no lon ger ta ke pho tos. W hen

the red light flashes and the camera automatically shuts off, you need to replace the battery.

1. Connect the small end of the battery charger power
cable to the charger, then plug the power cable into
an electrical outlet.

Getting Started 17

2. Place the battery into the charger. The charge light comes on red.
If it doesn’t come on, reinstall the battery in the charger.

3. When the charge light turns green, the battery is fully charged.
Remove the battery and unplug the charger from the outlet.

Replacing the Battery

If you need to replace the camera’s battery, use only an Epson lithium ion battery, part number
B32B818242. Be sure to charge the new battery as described above before installing it.

1. Turn the camera on its left side.

2. Slide the battery cover until it pops up as shown:

Getting Started 18

3. Release the white battery catch to remove the old battery. Then insert the new battery into the
compartment, positioning it as sho wn, with the arrow fac ing down. Press it dow n until it clicks
into place.

Catch

4. Press down on the battery cover and slide it back into place.

Warning:

Do not carry the battery in your pocket. If the contacts on the battery touch any metal objects, the battery
may heat up and possibly injure you.

Getting Started 19

Installing and Removing Memory Cards

Your camera comes with a 16MB SD™ (Secure Digital) memory card. You can use either of the
following types of cards:

❏ SD card (Secure Digital) up to 1GB

®

❏ MM card (Multimedia,

Note:

Your camera won’t store photos and some of its buttons won’t operate without a memory card correctly
installed.

Caution:

❏ Don’t use or store memory cards in direct sunlight, or in places that are extremely hot, humid, or dusty.
❏ Turn off your camera before installing or removing the memory card.
❏ Make sure you insert the card in the correct orientation, or you may damage the camera and card.

Installing a Memory Card

1. Make sure the camera is turned off.

2. Slide the battery cover until it pops up.

MMC V 2.1 or later) up to 1GB

Getting Started 20

3. Position the card as shown and slide it all the way into the slot:

Notch

4. Press down on the battery cover and slide it back into place.

Removing a Memory Card

1. Make sure the camera is turned off.

2. Slide the battery cover until it pops up.

Getting Started 21

3. Push in the memory card to release it. The card pops out.

4. Pull out the memory card.

5. Press down on the battery cover and slide it back into place.

Note:

You can protect the data in the memory card by sliding the lock lever on the side of the card. This prevents
you from deleting or storing additional photos on the card.

Getting Started 22

Turning Your Camera On and Off

To turn on the camera, press the POWER button on the top. The LCD screen turns on. If the camera
is set to a shooting mode, the lens cover opens and the lens pops out.

To turn off the camera, press the POWER button. The lens retracts, the lens cover closes, and the
LCD screen turns off as necessary.

The LCD screen may turn off to save battery power. Press any button to turn the screen back on.
If the camera is idle for more than three minutes, the power shuts off. Press the POWER button to
turn it back on.

You can change the power save timing if you want. See “Adjusting Camera Settings” on page 46
for more information.

Getting Started 23

Changing the Language, Date, and Time Settings

1. Turn on the camera.

2. Turn the Mode dial to SETUP.

3. Move the joystick to r to select Setup Menu 2.

4. Move the joystick to d to select Date/Time, then move it to r.

5. Move the joystick to l or r to select the date format, date, or time
setting you want to change.

6. Move the joystick to u or d to change the setting.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to select and set any other settings.

8. Press the OK button.

9. Move the joystick to d to select Language, then move it to r.

10. Move the joystick to u, d, l, or r to select a language, then press the OK button.

Note:

You can change these and other settings later from the Setup Menu. For details, see “Adjusting Camera
Settings” on page 46.

Getting Started 24

Using the Optional AC Adapter

Note:

Read any instructions provided with the AC adapter before using it.

1. Connect the adapter’s AC power cable connector firmly
into the adapter’s AC inlet.

2. Open the connector cover on the left side of the
camera and plug the adapter cable into the DC IN
port.

3. Plug the AC adapter into an electrical outlet.

Caution:

Do not use the adapter for any device other than your Epson
L-500V camera.

Getting Started 25

Chapter 2

Taking Photos and Videos

Your camera has several modes for taking pictures. Turn the dial on top of the camera to choose
the mode you want to use.

❏ Automatic mode

Camera settings are automatically adjusted to give you the best shot. All you have to do is
press the shutter button.

❏ Manual mode

You can adjust a variety of camera settings, including resolution, exposure compensation,
sensitivity, white balance, and more.

❏ Continuous shooting mode

You can capture a series of shots, up to 3 photos per second. (For details, see “Continuous
Shooting” on page 39.)

❏ Video mode

You can record videos with sound. (For details, see “Recording Videos” on page 43).

You can also take photos with fun frames for holidays and special occasions. See “Taking Photos
With Frames” on page 57 for instructions.

When you’re ready to view your photos or videos on the LCD screen, see “Viewing and Managing
Your Photos” on page 49.

Taking Photos and Videos 26

Taking Photos

You can take photos while viewing the subject on the LCD screen in either automatic or manual
modes.

1. Turn the Mode dial to automatic or manual mode.

2. Center your subject in the middle of the square focus frame on the LCD screen.

3. Press and hold the shutter button halfway down. The focus frame turns green and the focus
is se t. If y ou want to refra me you r pict ure, m ove th e came ra unt il the pho to you wa nt a ppear s
on the screen.

4. Press the shutter button all the way down. The camera beeps as it captures the image.
If yo u wa nt to tur n off o r chan ge the beep sou nd, se e “Adj ustin g Came ra Set tings ” on page 46.

Note:

The LCD screen may turn off to save battery power after you take a picture. Press any button or turn the
Mode dial to turn the screen back on.

Zooming In and Out

For most photos you must stand at least 20 inches (50 cm) away from your subject. (For close-up
shooting, you can use the macro setting; see “Taking Close-ups With Macro Mode” on page 30.)
You can use both optical and digital zoom to capture a closer view of your subject.

Taking Photos and Videos 27

Optical zoom

❏ To zoom in on your subject, press the T (telephoto) button.
❏ To zoom out, press the W (wide-angle) button.

Digital zoom

The digital zoom feature lets you move in even closer to your subject. First, you need to enable
digital zoom on Setup Menu 1. For instructions, see “Adjusting Camera Settings” on page 46.

Note:

Photos taken using digital zoom have reduced resolution and are best used for e-mailing or posting on the
web. For best results, turn on the flash when taking photos zoomed to the maximum digital zoom setting.

1. To use digital zoom, press and hold the T button to maximize the optical zoom.

2. Release the button, then press it again. The digital zoom indicator appears on the right side of
the zoom bar at the bottom of the screen.

3. Press the T or W button as necessary to zoom in or out.

Taking Photos and Videos 28