Epson PhotoPC 550 User Guide

A

User’s Guide

B

IMPORTANT NOTICE

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY

Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or
implied, by or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for
any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or
for any indirect, special, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the
exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not
apply to you.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

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 Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to
the use of information contained herein. Nor is any liability assumed for
damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Further,
this publication and features described herein are subject to change without
notice.

TRADEMARKS

EPSON and EPSON Stylus are registered trademarks of SEIKO EPSON
CORPORATION.

PhotoPC, ColorTrue, EPSON SoundAdvice, and EPSON FaxAdvice are
trademarks of Epson America, Inc.

Sierra Imaging is a registered trademark and Image Expert and Camio are
trademarks of Sierra Imaging, Inc. in the United States and other countries and
are used under license.

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.

A NOTE CONCERNING RESPONSIBLE USE OF

COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS

Digital cameras and scanners, like photocopiers and conventional cameras, can
be misused by improper copying of copyrighted material. While some countries’
laws permit limited copying of copyrighted material 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 and scanners.

C o p y r i g h t © 1 9 9 7 b y E p s o n A m e r i c a , I n c . C P D 4 3 7 0
Torrance, California, USA 10/97

ii

FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

FOR AMERICAN USERS

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio and television reception.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:

◗ Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
◗ Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
◗ Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected

◗ Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

WARNING

The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment
will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference
levels that exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the
responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable
with this device. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do
not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FOR CANADIAN USERS

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du
Reglement sur le materiel brouilleur du Canada.

A
B

Contents

Introduction

PhotoPC 550 Features 2

Optional Accessories 2
System Requirements 3
Where To Get Help 3

Software Support 4
Registration 4
Safety Instructions 4

1 Getting Started

Unpacking Your PhotoPC 550 1-1
Identifying Camera Parts 1-2
Using Batteries 1-3

Installing Batteries 1-3

Handling Batteries 1-4
Using the Optional AC Adapter 1-5
Attaching the Hand Strap 1-7

Installing Your PhotoPC 550 Software 1-7

Installing for Windows 95 or

Windows NT 4.0 1-8

Installing for Windows 3.1x or

Windows NT 3.51 1-8

Making Software Installation Diskettes 1-9

2 Taking Pictures

Turning the Camera On and Off 2-2

Saving Power With Auto Shut-off 2-2

Checking the Display Panel 2-2

Checking the Battery 2-3
Checking the Picture Counter 2-3

Setting Image Quality 2-4

Standard (S) 2-4
High (Hi) 2-4

Super High (S-Hi) 2-4
Taking a Picture 2-5
Recording Messages With the Microphone 2-6

A

B

iii

Using Macro Mode to Take Close-ups 2-7
Taking Pictures in Low Light Conditions 2-8
Taking Pictures With the Self Timer 2-9
Using a Tripod 2-9
Erasing Pictures 2-10

3 Getting Pictures Into Your Computer

Connecting the Camera 3-2
Getting Images and Sounds With the

Camio Viewer 3-3
Transferring Images Before Placing Them 3-5
Dragging and Dropping a Picture Into a

Document 3-5

Getting Images and Sound With Image Expert 3-6

What To Do if You See an Error Message 3-9

Getting Images Into TWAIN Applications 3-10

What To Do if the Camera

Is Not Responding 3-11

4 Getting Pictures Into Your Documents

Using Drag and Drop From an Album 4-2
Importing Images and Sound Into Documents 4-3
Getting Images With Copy and Paste 4-5
Converting File Formats 4-5

5 Working With Pictures and Sounds in

Albums

Using Albums 5-2
Organizing Pictures in Albums 5-2
Viewing Picture Information 5-3
Printing an Image 5-4
Printing an Album or Selected Images 5-5
Playing Back Sounds 5-6

Replaying a Section of an Audio Clip 5-7

Changing the Volume 5-7
Adding and Modifying Sounds in a

Downloaded Image 5-8

Cutting and Pasting Sounds 5-8

Recording New Sounds 5-9

Deleting Sounds 5-10
Displaying Albums as Slide Shows 5-11
Copying to Diskette 5-12

Viewing the Pictures on Diskette 5-13
Using an Album as a Screen Saver 5-14
Setting an Image as Wallpaper 5-14
Sending Pictures and Sound by E-mail 5-15

iv

6 Editing Images

Viewing and Selecting 6-2
Applying Quick Fix 6-2
Correcting 6-3
Cropping 6-4
Resizing and Changing Resolution 6-5
Rotating 6-6
Flipping 6-7
Applying Special Effects 6-7
Changing the Number of Colors 6-8

7 Managing the Camera From the Computer

Taking Pictures From Your Computer 7-1

Using the Self Timer 7-3
Setting the Shutter Speed 7-4

Adjusting Camera Settings From Your Computer 7-4

8 Using SmartMedia Cards

Installing a Storage Card 8-2
Removing a Storage Card 8-3
Transferring Images and Sound to Your Computer 8-3

Using a PCMCIA Adapter 8-4
Transferring Pictures 8-5

Formatting a Storage Card 8-5

9 Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Cleaning the Camera 9-1
Storing the Camera 9-1
Solving Camera Problems 9-2
Solving Picture Problems 9-5
Solving Sound Problems 9-7

A Specifications

Camera A-1

Physical Dimensions A-1

Safety Specifications A-1

Power A-1

Technical A-1

Environmental A-2

Photographic A-2

Microphone A-3
Optional AC Adapter A-3

Physical Dimensions A-3

Technical A-3

Index

A

B

v

Introduction

our new EPSON PhotoPC™ 550 is a high-quality,
easy-to-use digital camera. PhotoPC 550 captures

Y

brilliant pictures in 24-bit color at true VGA resolution

480 pixels). Your PhotoPC 550 comes complete with

(640

×

a cable, batteries, software, and utilities for downloading,
editing, organizing, and printing your pictures. You can even
expand the camera’s capacity with optional 3.3V SSFDC
(solid state floppy disc card) or SmartMedia storage cards.

Use PhotoPC 550 to add pictures to your documents, flyers,
and presentations to increase their visual impact. Create
personalized greeting cards. Share pictures with business
colleagues or friends over the Internet. Add pictures to your
web page.

PhotoPC 550 also has a built-in microphone so you can
annotate your pictures with sound or add a voice message,
allowing you to send multimedia e-mail.

A

B

Introduction

1

PhotoPC 550 Features

PhotoPC 550 comes with everything you need to capture
digital images and includes the following:

480 pixels

◗ Resolutions up to 640
◗ 24-bit color images in more than 16 million colors
◗ 1MB internal flash memory that holds 24 standard

resolution images

◗ Macro mode (close-up) picture taking

×

Your camera comes with the PhotoPC 550 software suite,
which includes the following applications:



◗ Sierra Imaging

Image Expert™ software for
transferring, organizing, editing, and printing your
pictures. You can also use it to play back your recorded
messages and record new messages for your pictures.

◗ TWAIN driver for downloading your pictures into

TWAIN compliant applications such as Adobe
Photoshop



or CorelDraw



◗ Highly light sensitive CCD (charge coupled device)

sensor (no need for flash)

◗ Automatic shut-off to save batteries
◗ Date and time information saved with each picture
◗ Serial cable for transferring pictures to your



Windows

PC

◗ Built-in microphone to record a message for each

picture

™

◗ EPSON’s exclusive ColorTrue

advanced in-camera

processing system for brilliant, vivid pictures

Introduction

2

Optional Accessories

EPSON offers several options for the PhotoPC 550.

◗ PhotoPC AC adapter (B867038) for use with any

110/120V electrical outlet

◗ PhotoPC NiMH power pack (B818051)
◗ PhotoPC NiMH battery pack (B818061)
◗ 3.3V SSFDC or SmartMedia storage cards for

expanding your camera’s memory

You can contact EPSON Accessories at [phone]
(U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call [phone] for
dealer referral. SmartMedia storage cards and adapters are



also available from Simple Technology

at (800) 4-SIMPLE.

System Requirements

Where To Get Help

To transfer pictures and sounds to your computer and edit
them, make sure your system meets these minimum
requirements:



◗ IBM
◗ Microsoft

-compatible PC with 486/66 or higher processor



Windows 95, Windows 3.1 or later,
Windows for Workgroups 3.11 or later, or
Windows NT



3.5 or later

◗ Serial port with standard RS-232C interface
◗ At least 16MB RAM (32MB for Windows NT)
◗ Double-speed CD-ROM drive
◗ Hard disk drive with at least 30MB free space
◗ VGA monitor with at least 256-color display

(for higher quality viewing, a 16 million-color display
is recommended)

◗ Mouse or other pointing device

If you want to play back or record new messages for your
pictures, your system must also have at least a 16-bit sound
card, speaker, and microphone.

EPSON provides customer support through the following
services:

Electronic support services

Service Access

World Wide Web From the Internet, you can reach EPSON’s

http://www.epson.com

anonymous

. Set your communications

ftp.epson.com

and your e-mail

GO EPSON

.

with

EPSON Internet FTP
Site

EPSON Download
Service

EPSON Forum on
CompuServe

®

Home Page at

If you have Internet FTP capability, use your
Web browser (or other software for FTP
downloading) to log onto
the user name
address as the password.

You can call the EPSON Download Service at

[phone]

software to 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity.
Modem speed can be up to 28.8 Kbps.

Members of CompuServe can type
at the menu prompt to reach the Epson
America Forum. For a free introductory
CompuServe membership, call [phone]
and ask for representative #529.

A

B

Introduction

3

Automated telephone services

Service Access

EPSON
SoundAdvice

EPSON FaxAdvice

EPSON Referral
Service



For pre-recorded answers to commonly asked
questions about EPSON products 24 hours a
day, seven days a week, call [phone].



Access EPSON’s technical information library
by calling [phone]. You must provide a
return fax number to use this service.

For the location of your nearest Authorized
EPSON Reseller call [phone].

EPSON also provides technical support and information on
the installation, configuration, and operation of

EPSON

products. Dial [phone], [phone] (U.S.), or
[phone] (Canada), 6 A.M. to 6 P.M., Pacific Time,
Monday through Friday.

Before you call, please have the following information ready:

◗ Product name

You can purchase manuals, accessories, and parts from

EPSON

Accessories at [phone] (U.S. sales only).

In Canada, please call [phone] for dealer referral.

Software Support

If you’ve tried Image Expert’s on-screen help and you still
have questions, contact Sierra Imaging on the Internet at
http://www.sierraimaging.com or call [phone] for
technical support (for Windows 95 and Windows NT users,
make sure you check the Quick Tour first).

Registration

Please take a minute to fill out the registration card for the
PhotoPC 550 digital camera and mail it back to us. This
enables you to receive special information on accessories,
new products, and software upgrades. You’ll get immediate
attention if you have a problem with your PhotoPC 550.

◗ Product serial number
◗ Computer configuration
◗ Description of the problem

Introduction

4

Safety Instructions

Read all of these instructions before using your camera. Also
follow all warnings and instructions marked on the camera
and batteries.

◗ To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the

camera’s cover or open any of the compartments except
as instructed in this User’s Guide.

environment to a warm one. Allow time for the camera
and its optional accessories to adjust to temperature
changes before using them.

◗ To prevent fire or electric shock, do not insert objects

into any openings in the camera.

◗ To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose the

camera to rain or moisture and do not use the camera
where inflammable or volatile gas is stored.

◗ Do not use the camera outdoors during adverse weather

conditions.

◗ If the camera shows unusual signs such as noise, odor, or

smoke, turn it off immediately. Remove the batteries
and/or disconnect the AC adapter, and unplug the AC
adapter from the electrical outlet.

◗ To avoid damage to the optics of the camera, do not

expose the lens to direct sunlight for extended periods of
time.

◗ Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause

moisture to condense on the camera. Keep the camera in
a case or bag if you need to move it from a cold

◗ Use only the types of power sources listed in this

User’s Guide.

◗ Do not use a frayed or damaged power cord with the

AC adapter.

◗ If you use an extension cord with the optional AC

adapter, make sure the total ampere rating of the devices
plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the
cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure the total ampere
rating of all devices plugged into the wall outlet does not
exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.

◗ Remove batteries and/or unplug the camera and the AC

adapter and refer servicing to qualified service personnel
under the following conditions: if the power cord or
plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the camera; if the
camera has been dropped or its exterior has been
damaged; if the camera or its optional accessories do not
operate normally or exhibit a distinct change in
performance.

A

B

Introduction

5

◗ Adjust only those controls that are covered by the

operating instructions.

◗ Do not attempt to service the camera yourself. Refer all

servicing to qualified service personnel.

◗ If the liquid crystal solution contained in the display

panel leaks out and gets on your hands, wash them
thoroughly with soap and water. If it gets in your eyes,
flush them immediately with water.

Introduction

6

1 Getting Started

his chapter helps you get ready to use your new
PhotoPC 550. It covers the following:

T

◗ Unpacking your PhotoPC 550

camera

hand strap

software

batteries

PhotoPC 550 cable

◗ Identifying camera parts
◗ Using batteries
◗ Using the optional AC adapter
◗ Attaching the hand strap
◗ Installing your PhotoPC 550 software

Unpacking Your PhotoPC 550

Your PhotoPC 550 includes all the parts shown to the left.

Getting Started

1-1

A

B

Identifying Camera Parts

m
d

EPSON AMERICA, INC.

Documentation Department
20770 Madrona Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503
[phone]

TITLE

DATE

DRAWN BY

BACK.e
REV> 3
Wendi

shutter button

lens cover

macro on/off switch

front view
(lens cover is open)

lens

viewfinder

EPSON AMERICA, INC.

Documentation Department
20770 Madrona Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503
[phone]

timer light

connector
cover

TITLE

ONOFF-2.eps

DATE

REV> 20 Septe

DRAWN BY

Wendi Swanlun

viewfinder

microphone

status
light

display panel

back view

storage card
slot cover

hand strap
holder

Getting Started

1-2

image quality
button

S-Hi/Hi/S

ERASE

erase
button

display
panel

top view

voice
recording
button

timer
button

shutter
button

VOICE
SELF TIMER

Using Batteries

The instructions in the following sections tell you how to
install and handle batteries.

Installing Batteries

Before you install the batteries, make sure the camera is
turned off (the lens cover is closed, see “Turning the Camera
On and Off” on page 2-2). Then follow these steps:

1

Turn the camera upside down with the back facing you.

2

Open the battery cover by sliding it in the direction of
the arrow, as shown below:

A

Getting Started

B

1-3

Insert all three batteries into the compartment,

3

positioning the + and - ends as shown below:

battery positions

Close the battery cover and slide it to the right until it

4

snaps into place.

Handling Batteries

When your PhotoPC 550 batteries wear out, you can replace
them with any of the following:



◗ Single-use AA alkaline batteries (Energizer

recommended)

◗ Single-use AA lithium batteries (longer life)
◗ Rechargeable AA NiCd batteries
◗ Rechargeable AA NiMH batteries

WARNING
To avoid the danger of fire or explosion, do not mix different
types of batteries. Do not allow the battery contacts to touch
metal objects such as coins or keys, which could short out the
battery’s circuits. Read all safety and handling instructions before
using batteries.

Note the following when handling batteries:

◗ Use the batteries that came with your camera only in

EPSON digital cameras.

brand

Getting Started

1-4

◗ Do not use manganese batteries.

◗ Replace all three batteries at the same time.
◗ If you use rechargeable NiCd batteries, replace them

with three fully charged batteries. If you find that your
batteries run out faster after you recharge them a
number of times, make sure you discharge them
completely before recharging.

◗ If the rechargeable batteries are charged in a hot

environment, or if they are charged repeatedly without
being fully discharged, they will wear out more quickly.

◗ Do not drop, puncture, disassemble, or mutilate

batteries. Do not get them wet or expose them to fire.

◗ When the camera is not used for long periods of time,

remove the batteries and store them at a low temperature
in a dry location. Store away from the reach of children.

◗ To avoid fire or electric shock, do not use batteries that

are leaking or damaged in any way.

◗ If battery acid gets in your eyes or on your skin,

immediately rinse the area with water and seek medical
treatment. If a battery is swallowed, seek medical
treatment immediately.

◗ 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.

◗ Battery life varies depending on the battery type and the

manufacturer.

Using the Optional AC Adapter

To save battery power, you can use the optional AC adapter.
This is especially useful when you are transferring pictures
and operating the camera from your computer (see
Chapter 3).

The AC adapter allows you to connect your PhotoPC 550 to
any standard 110/120V electrical outlet. The adapter powers
the camera but does not charge the batteries.

The AC adapter (product code B867038) should be available
where you bought your PhotoPC 550. You can also order it
from EPSON Accessories at [phone] (U.S. sales
only). In Canada, call [phone] for dealer referral.

A

B

Getting Started

1-5

WARNING
Use only the adapter designed for the PhotoPC 550. Using any
other adapter may cause fire, electrical shock, or injury.

Do not alter the plug on the power cable, and do not use the
adapter for any other purpose than powering your PhotoPC 550.

To avoid losing any images or settings, make sure the camera
has finished processing the images. Turn the camera off
before you connect or disconnect the AC adapter. Then
follow these steps:

Open the connector cover on the side of the camera.

1

Plug the adapter cable into the DC port on the camera.

2

Plug the AC adapter into an electrical outlet.

3

Getting Started

1-6

Attaching the Hand Strap

To attach the hand strap, loop the strap around the holder
on the bottom of the camera as shown below. You may need
to use the point of paper clip or similar object to push the
strap through the holder.

Installing Your PhotoPC 550 Software

PhotoPC 550 comes with everything you need to transfer
your pictures from the camera to your computer, organize
and enhance your images, and insert them into documents.
You can also record and play back messages for each picture.
The included CD-ROM has this software for your
Windows PC:

◗ Sierra Imaging Image Expert
◗ PhotoPC 550 TWAIN driver

All programs will be installed in the PhotoPC 550 folder or
directory.

NOTE
If you don’t have a CD-ROM drive, see page 1-9.

A

Getting Started

B

1-7

Installing for Windows 95 or

Installing for Windows 3.1x or

Windows NT 4.0

Follow these steps:

Insert the CD-ROM in your drive. The install program

1

starts automatically.

If it doesn’t start automatically, double-click

My Computer

icon.

Follow the instructions on the screen.

2

NOTE for Windows 95 users
To view the readme file, see C:\Program Files\Sierra Imaging\
PhotoPC 550\Image Expert\readme.wri. If you did a custom
installation, the readme files may be located in a different
directory.

To uninstall Image Expert, use the Add/Remove Programs option
in the Control Panel.

. Then double-click your CD-ROM

Windows NT 3.51

Follow these steps:

Insert the CD-ROM in your drive.

1

In the Program Manager, select

2

menu.

Type

3

D:\SETUP

. If your CD-ROM drive is not

drive D, substitute the correct letter.

Click OK and follow the instructions on the screen.

4

NOTE for Windows 95 and Windows NT users
After you install your software, you can run the Image Expert
Quick Tour to learn more about your camera. See page 3-6 for
instructions.

from the File

Run

Getting Started

1-8

Making Software Installation Diskettes

If you don’t have a CD-ROM drive on your computer, you
can create Image Expert installation diskettes from the
CD-ROM using another computer that has a CD-ROM
drive.

Before you start, make sure you have five blank, formatted
diskettes for Windows 3.1 or eight for Windows 95 and
Windows NT. Then follow these steps:

Use the Windows Explorer (or File Manager) to access

1

your CD-ROM drive. (You may have to exit the Setup
program first.)

Double-click

2

Depending on which version of Windows you’re using,

3

select

Windows 95/Windows NT

Then select your diskette drive and click
instructions on the screen to create the installation
diskettes.

Now you can install the PhotoPC 550 software on your
computer.

mkfloppy.exe

.

or

Windows 3.1

. Follow the

OK

.

A

B

Getting Started

1-9

Getting Started

1-10

2 Taking Pictures

aking pictures with PhotoPC 550 is similar to
using a traditional “point and shoot” camera. This

T

chapter tells you everything you need to know, including:

◗ Turning the camera on and off
◗ Checking the display panel
◗ Setting image quality
◗ Taking a picture
◗ Recording messages with the microphone
◗ Using macro mode to take close-ups

Greetings from Utah

◗ Taking pictures in low light conditions
◗ Taking pictures with the timer
◗ Using a tripod
◗ Erasing pictures

Taking Pictures

A

B

2-1

Turning the Camera On and Off

Before you can take pictures with PhotoPC 550, you need to
turn on the camera and check the display panel. It’s
important to be aware of the camera’s power-saving features
and the status of your batteries.

To turn the camera on, slide the lens cover open.

display panel

OPEN

ON

/

CLOSE

OFF

/

The display panel on the top of the camera lights up and the
status light on the back of the camera turns green, which
indicates the camera is ready to take pictures.

To turn off the camera, slide the lens cover shut. The display
panel turns off.

Saving Power With Auto Shut-off

If you wait more than 60 seconds before taking a picture, the
camera turns off automatically to save battery power. There
are two ways to turn the camera back on:

◗ Close the lens cover and then open it again.
◗ Press the shutter button halfway down.

You can change the auto shut-off time when the camera is
connected to your computer (see page 7-4).

Checking the Display Panel

The display panel shows the camera’s current settings,
number of pictures remaining, and status of your batteries.

.

image
quality

macro
mode

erase

battery status

voice
recording

pictures
remaining

self
timer

Taking Pictures

2-2

Checking the Battery

Before you take pictures, check the battery icon on the
control panel. The icon shows how much battery power you
have left, in the following stages.

Full battery power (or AC adapter in use)

to Battery power is decreasing

Battery power low (time to buy new batteries)

batteries you use. Low temperatures—especially below 50 °F
(10 °C)—drain your batteries faster. See page 1-3 for battery
use instructions.

Checking the Picture Counter

The large number in the center of the display panel shows
how many additional pictures you can take. This number
depends on your image quality settings. If you change this
setting, the number will change.

Battery power is almost out

Change batteries

The battery icon flashes when your battery power is
completely out. At this point, you can’t take pictures until
you replace the batteries or use the AC adapter.

NOTE
When the battery power is low, image processing is less reliable.

You should use the battery icon only as a guide to estimate
remaining power. Several factors can affect battery life,
including the surrounding temperature and the type of

When the camera’s memory is full, the number of pictures
remaining is 0. The status light on the back of the camera
turns red, and you can’t press the shutter button.

To free up some of the camera’s memory, you can erase the
pictures you don’t want to save. See page 2-10 for
information on erasing pictures using the
See Chapter 3 for instructions on erasing pictures in the
camera when it is connected to your computer.

ERASE

Taking Pictures

button.

2-3

A

B

Setting Image Quality

PhotoPC 550 has three image quality (resolution) settings:
Standard, High, and Super High.

Press the image quality button on top of the camera to cycle
from one setting to the other. The image quality icons
(shown below) appear on the display panel.

Standard (S)

Produces color images at 320 × 240 pixels, with
moderate compression. The image size is smaller and

includes less detail when enlarged. This is ideal for web pages
and wallet-size pictures (the picture size is approximately

1.7 × 2.2 inches [43.2 × 55.8 mm]). The camera holds at
least 24 pictures in this mode.

High (Hi)

Produces color images at 640 × 480 pixels with
standard compression. Your pictures include greater

detail and are snapshot size (approximately 3.3 × 4.4 inches
[83.8 × 111.8 mm]). The camera holds at least 12 pictures in
this mode.

Super High (S-Hi)

Produces color images at 640 × 480 pixels with low
compression. The camera holds at least 6 snapshot

size (approximately 3.3 × 4.4 inches [83.8 × 111.8 mm])
pictures in this mode. With less compression, Super High
images are better for pictures that will be enlarged.

NOTE
When you turn the camera off and back on or replace the
batteries, the image quality setting is the last setting used. When
you replace the batteries, the image quality setting defaults to
High.

High quality is sufficient for most purposes. Use Super High
quality if you plan to enlarge your pictures. High and Super
High resolution pictures take longer to process and will drain
batteries faster than standard images.

You can switch between the settings and mix pictures of
varying quality in the camera. The camera’s capacity for
storing images will vary accordingly. Depending on the
content of your pictures, your camera may hold more than
the numbers shown. As long as the display panel shows a
number other than zero, you can continue taking pictures.

Taking Pictures

2-4

Taking a Picture

Follow these steps to take a picture:

1

Make sure you are at least 23.6 inches (60 cm) away
from your subject.

2

Turn the camera on and wait until the status light turns
green.

status light

NOTE
Remember that the camera shuts off automatically after
60 seconds. To turn the camera back on, close the lens
cover and then open it or press the shutter button halfway
down.

3

Look straight through the viewfinder and center your
subject within the cross-hairs.

viewfinder

shutter
button

cross-hairs

4

Hold the shutter button halfway down to lock the focus.

macro crop marks
(see page 2-7)

The status light changes from green to orange.

NOTE
If you do not lock the focus, your pictures may be blurry.

Taking Pictures

A

B

2-5

Press the shutter button the rest of the way down to take

5

the picture.

Hold the camera still until it beeps and the status light
starts flashing red. The flashing red light indicates that
the camera has captured the image and is processing it.
Processing takes approximately eight seconds.

TIP
When you’re taking pictures outdoors, make sure the sun is at
your back. In very bright light (at the beach or in snow, for
example), your pictures may come out too light. You can use
Image Expert or other image editing software to correct most
over-exposure problems.

CAUTION
If you set the camera down while it is processing a picture, make
sure you handle it carefully. The camera may lose your image if
you set it down too hard.

When the light stops flashing and turns green , the image is
saved and you can take another picture. Saved images remain
in memory for at least a year, even when the camera is turned
off and the batteries are removed.

Taking Pictures

2-6

Recording Messages With the Microphone

You can use the built-in microphone to annotate a picture
with sound or record a voice message. After you take a
picture, follow these steps to add sound to it:

Press the

1

The voice icon appears on the display panel and the
status light flashes red.

VOICE

button until you hear the camera beep.

voice recording
icon

Hold the camera 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 cm) away

2

and speak into the microphone. You can record a
message up to six seconds long. When the recording
time is up, the camera beeps twice.

After you record your message, the picture counter decreases
by one. The message is “attached” to the last picture taken.
Each message uses the same amount of memory as a high­resolution picture and is stored as a .wav file.

If you don’t like the message you recorded, you can record a
new message by pressing the
550 automatically records over the last message.

NOTE
You cannot erase a message only; you can only record over it. If
you press the ERASE button, you erase both the image and the
attached message.

If your camera is connected to your computer, you must use the
computer’s microphone to record messages. See “Connecting
the Camera” on page 3-2 and “Recording New Sounds” on
page 5-9.

VOICE

button again. PhotoPC

Using Macro Mode to Take Close-ups

You can use the camera’s macro mode to take pictures as
close as 3.9 inches (10 cm). The macro range is from 3.9 to

21.7 inches (10 to 55 cm). Follow these steps:

1

Turn the camera on.

2

Slide the macro switch so it is above the macro icon.

macro switch

macro icon

A

B

Taking Pictures

2-7

The macro icon appears on the display panel.

3

To turn off macro mode, slide the macro switch to the

5

left. The macro icon disappears from the display panel.

macro icon

Center the image in the viewfinder and press the shutter

4

button to capture it.

macro crop
marks

actual image
area captured

TIP
When centering your image in macro mode, be sure to allow
space around the image to compensate for any parallax shift
(the difference between what you see in the viewfinder and
the actual image captured).

Taking Pictures in Low Light Conditions

You can use PhotoPC 550 in most indoor or low light
settings. There is no need for a flash because of the camera’s
highly light sensitive CCD sensor. A good rule of thumb is if
you can read a book in the available light, you can take a
picture with PhotoPC 550.

When taking pictures in low light conditions, be sure to hold
the camera still until you hear it beep. The shutter speed may
be as slow as 1/4 of a second in low light conditions. You also
can use a tripod to hold the camera steady. See “Using a
Tripod” on page 2-9.

TIP
If you take pictures under fluorescent lights, you may need to
adjust the color, contrast/brightness, or hue/saturation using
Image Expert. See Chapter 7 for instructions.

Taking Pictures

2-8