HP 315 User Manual

hp photosmart 315 digital camera

user’s guide

English

www.hp.com/photosmart 1

Contents

Chapter 1: Getting Started............................................................................. 7

Introduction ..............................................................................................................7

Camera parts ...........................................................................................................8

Quick setup ..............................................................................................................9

Turning the camera on and off .................................................................................13

Using the 5-way controller .......................................................................................14

Chapter 2: Taking Photos ............................................................................17

Taking a photo .......................................................................................................17

Auto Focus and Auto Exposure .................................................................................19

Previewing your photos ...........................................................................................20

Using Instant Review ...............................................................................................22

Tips for taking the best photos ..................................................................................23

2 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Chapter 3: Reviewing Your Photos............................................................... 25

Viewing your photos ...............................................................................................26

Viewing small versions (thumbnails) of your photos .....................................................28

Magnifying your photos ...........................................................................................30

Erasing your photos ................................................................................................31

Locking your photos ................................................................................................33

Rotating your photos ...............................................................................................35

Creating a Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) file ........................................................36

Chapter 4: Adjusting the Camera Settings .................................................... 39

Using the flash ........................................................................................................39

Changing the photo quality ......................................................................................41

Using the digital zoom ............................................................................................44

Using the self-timer ..................................................................................................47

Setting Instant Review ..............................................................................................48

Setting the image LCD brightness ..............................................................................50

Setting the date and time .........................................................................................51

Changing the camera language ...............................................................................53

Setting the beep .....................................................................................................54

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Chapter 5: Sharing and Printing Photos ....................................................... 55

Connecting the camera to your Windows PC .............................................................55

System requirements for a Windows PC ..............................................................56

Installing the software on a Windows PC ............................................................57

Connecting the camera to a Windows PC ...........................................................58

Downloading photos to a Windows PC ..............................................................59

Connecting the camera to your Macintosh .................................................................61

System requirements for a Macintosh ..................................................................61

Connecting the camera to a Macintosh ...............................................................62

Downloading photos to a Macintosh ..................................................................63

Using a card reader ................................................................................................64

Printing photos without a computer ............................................................................64

JetSending your photos ............................................................................................65

Chapter 6: CompactFlash Memory ............................................................... 67

Installing a memory card .........................................................................................68

Checking the memory card status ..............................................................................70

Formatting a memory card .......................................................................................71

4 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Chapter 7: Powering Your Camera .............................................................. 73

Determining if the batteries need to be changed .........................................................73

Replacing batteries .................................................................................................75

Using an AC power adapter ....................................................................................77

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting .........................................................................79

Problems and solutions ............................................................................................79

Getting assistance ..................................................................................................88

Help us help you better .....................................................................................88

Using HP Customer Care online resources ...........................................................89

Contacting HP Customer Care by phone .............................................................90

ArcSoft support ................................................................................................91

Chapter 9: Care and Safety ......................................................................... 93

Caring for your camera and accessories ....................................................................93

Safety precautions ..................................................................................................95

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Appendix A: Reference................................................................................ 97

Icons .....................................................................................................................97

Camera indicator lights ...........................................................................................99

Error messages .....................................................................................................100

Camera specifications ...........................................................................................101

Appendix B: Regulatory and Warranty Information.................................... 103

Regulatory notices .................................................................................................103

U.S.A. ..........................................................................................................103

Canada ........................................................................................................103

Japan ...........................................................................................................104

Korea ...........................................................................................................104

Hewlett-Packard limited warranty statement ..............................................................105

Hewlett-Packard year 2000 warranty for consumer products distributed through

authorized resellers ........................................................................................108

Index........................................................................................................ 109

6 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Introduction

Your simple-to-use HP PhotoSmart 315 digital camera takes high-quality photos you can
share with family and friends on the Internet or via email. It comes with HP software for
manipulating, storing, and printing your photos. Your camera includes the following features:

• 2.1 MP resolution

• Point and shoot interface

• Automatic exposure

• Automatic focus

• Integrated flash with red-eye reduction

• USB computer connection

• 2.5x digital zoom

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• JetSend via infrared to any JetSend receiver,
such as a printer

• Color LCD for previewing and reviewing
photos

• Economical “digital film” (reusable
CompactFlash memory card)

• Self-timer

Camera parts

d

n

The following illustrations show the front, back, and sides of the HP PhotoSmart 315 digital
camera.

status LCD

shutter
button

infrared
sensor

lens

8 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

flash button

photo quality button

lens cover

self-timer
light

flash sensor

flash

USB
computer
connection

AC power
adapter
connection

viewfinder

image LCD

tripod
mount

viewfinder
indicator light

battery
compartment
cover

image LCD
on/off
button

memory car
access light

wrist strap
attachment

5-way
controller

menu butto

memory
card door

Quick setup

Setting up the HP PhotoSmart 315 digital camera is quick and easy—follow these
steps and you’ll be ready to take photos.

Step 1: Attach the wrist strap

1. Open the memory card door.

2. Using the wrist strap included in the box with your
camera, thread the short loop through the wrist
strap attachment. You might need to use a pointed
object, such as a paper clip, to pull the end of the
loop through.

3. Pull the strap through the loop, then pull the knot tight.

4. Close the memory card door.

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Quick Setup

Step 2: Install the batteries

Insert four AA batteries (supplied), making sure that the +/– electrodes are facing
the proper direction (see the diagram on the inside of the camera’s battery
compartment). For details, see “Replacing batteries” on page 75.

Note:

For replacement, use alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable Ni-Cd or Ni-MH
batteries.

Step 3: Choose the camera language

The first time you turn on the HP PhotoSmart 315 digital camera, you are prompted
to choose the language you want to use for the camera menus.

Note:

You will need to use the camera’s 5-way controller to choose the camera
language. For instructions on how to operate the 5-way controller, see
“Using the 5-way controller” on page 14.

Quick Setup

10 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

1. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on. The image LCD turns on and displays your

language choices.

Note:

2. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the language you want to use.

3. Press

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The camera only turns the image LCD
on automatically the first time you turn
on the camera. Thereafter, you need
to press the
when you want to use the image LCD.

to select the language.

OK

image LCD on/off

button

Quick Setup

Step 4: Set the camera date and time

After you select the camera language, the camera immediately prompts you to enter
the current date and time. Once you have set the camera’s real-time clock, it can
record the date and time at which you take each photo.

1. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to select the date and time
format you want to use, then press

dd/mm/yy,

2. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to select the day (date) of the
month, then press the down side of the 5-way controller to move to the next
item in the list.

3. Select the month, year, hour, minutes, and AM or PM in the same manner, then
press

4. To confirm the date and time, press

Your camera is now ready to take photos.

and 12- or 24-hour time format.

.

OK

. You can choose

OK

.

OK

mm/dd/yy

or

Quick Setup

12 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Turning the camera on and off

• To turn the camera on, slide the lens cover open. The status LCD turns on and displays
the camera status.

photo quality
setting

battery
level

: The icons that

Note

appear on the status LCD
are discussed throughout
this guide. You can see a

photos
remaining

self-timer

flash setting

list of all the icons in
“Appendix A: Reference”
on page 97.

• To turn the camera off, slide the lens cover closed. The status LCD goes blank.

Auto Power Off

To conserve battery power, the camera automatically turns itself off if 3 minutes elapse and you don’t press
a button. If the camera is connected to a computer, the camera turns itself off if 30 minutes elapse and
there is no interaction between the camera and the computer.

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Using the 5-way controller

Use the 5-way controller to:

• Make selections from the camera menus,
which allow you to adjust the camera’s

image LCD

on/off button

menu
button

settings.

• Scroll through photos you have taken.

• Use the digital zoom.

Press the up, down, left, or right side of the 5-way

menus display
on the image
LCD

5-way
controller

controller to move in the corresponding direction.
When a procedure in this guide says to press

OK

,
press the center of the 5-way controller straight in.
For example, to select menu options:

1. Press the

image LCD on/off

button to turn the

image LCD on.

2. Press the

14 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

menu

button.

3. Press the right or left side of the 5-way controller until the

desired menu is selected on the image LCD. Each menu
is represented by an icon. A selected icon is enlarged
and animated.

4. Press

to open the menu. To press OK, push the

OK

selected
icon

center of the 5-way controller straight in, without tilting
the button.

5. Press the up or down side of the 5-way controller to

highlight your choice. The highlight bar indicates the
selected option.

6. Press

to confirm your selection.

OK

highlight
bar

You also use the 5-way controller to scroll through your
photos or activate the digital zoom. For details, see “Viewing
your photos” on page 26 and “Using the digital zoom” on
page 44. Specific instructions on using the camera menus appear throughout this guide.

Note:

www.hp.com/photosmart 15

To exit the camera menus without making a selection, press the

menu

button.

16 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Chapter 2: Taking Photos

This chapter describes the basic process of taking photos with your HP PhotoSmart 315
digital camera and gives you tips for taking the best photos. Once you are familiar with this
process, see Chapter 4 for instructions on adjusting the camera settings to fit your needs.

Taking a photo

1. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

The camera is in Capture mode. Be sure to move your fingers away from the camera
lens and the flash when you are ready to take a photo.

2. Frame your subject in the viewfinder.

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3. Press and hold the

button 1/2 way down to allow the camera to adjust the focus

shutter

and exposure.

4. When you see the steady green light to the right of the viewfinder, press the

shutter

button all the way down to take the photo. Wait for the beeps, indicating your photo has
been taken, then release the

shutter

button.

A red light appears next to the viewfinder to indicate the photo is being processed. You
can take another photo when the red light turns off.

Tip:

When you are taking a photo, be careful to keep your fingers away from the lens
and the flash. The following illustrations give you examples of how to hold the
camera.

18 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Auto Focus and Auto Exposure

The camera automatically focuses and adjusts the exposure for the current lighting conditions
when you press the

button 1/2 way down, especially when you are photographing an active subject.

shutter

When the steady green light appears next to the viewfinder, the camera has achieved focus
and adjusted the exposure. You can then press the
exact moment you wish to capture the image.

The camera will adjust the focus and exposure automatically even if you press the
button all the way down without pausing. But, you are more likely to catch the perfect shot if
you set the camera’s focus and exposure early by pressing the
down, and then pressing the
to capture the image.

If the camera cannot find a focus or there is not enough light to illuminate the subject, a
blinking green light appears to the right of the viewfinder. You can still take the photo, but
the results may not be optimal. For better results, try the suggestions found under “Tips for
taking the best photos” on page 23.

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button. Prepare early by framing your photo and pressing the

shutter

button all the way down at the

shutter

button 1/2 way

shutter

button all the way down at the exact moment you wish

shutter

shutter

Previewing your photos

Instead of looking through the viewfinder to preview a photo, you can use the image LCD to
preview a photo. The image LCD shows exactly what your photo will look like, whereas the
viewfinder shows slightly less than what the camera will actually capture. Preview your photo
on the image LCD when precise framing is important, such as when you are taking a close-up
shot.

Notes:

To preview a photo:

1. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

2. Press the

3. Frame your photo in the image LCD by pointing the camera lens at your subject.

20 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

If you are using the digital zoom, you must preview the photo on the image LCD to
see the effect of the zoom. See “Using the digital zoom” on page 44.

To conserve battery power, the camera automatically turns off the image LCD if you
do not take a photo within 60 seconds.

image LCD on/off

button to turn the image LCD on.

4. Press and hold the

button 1/2 way down to allow the camera to adjust the focus

shutter

and exposure.

Note:

If you move the camera and frame a different subject while keeping the

shutter

button pressed 1/2 way down, the camera does not re-adjust the focus and
exposure. If you decide to take a different photo, release the

shutter

button
and start over so that the camera can adjust focus and exposure for the new
subject.

5. When you see the steady green light to the right of the viewfinder, press the

shutter

button all the way down to take the photo. Wait for the beeps, indicating your photo has
been taken, then release the

shutter

button.

When you are finished using the image LCD to frame your photos, you can close the
lens cover to turn the camera off, or press the

image LCD on/off

button to turn only the

image LCD off.

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Using Instant Review

You can review each photo on the image LCD immediately after taking it. While reviewing a
photo, you can choose to save or delete it. To immediately review your photos, you must turn
Instant Review on using the

Instant Review

Review on, see “Setting Instant Review” on page 48.

Note:

You can also review photos stored on the camera’s memory card using Review
mode. For more information, see “Chapter 3: Reviewing Your Photos.”

To use Instant Review:

1. Take your photo. The camera displays the photo you just took on the image LCD.

2. To save the photo, press

or do nothing. The image LCD turns off.

OK

OR
To delete the photo, use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to select

the menu, then press
If you don’t choose

. The image LCD turns off.

OK

or

Save

Delete

photo and turns off the image LCD after 4 seconds.

22 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

menu. For instructions on how to turn Instant

on

Delete

from the menu, the camera automatically saves the

Tips for taking the best photos

• Try to fill the entire frame with your subject and exclude unwanted detail.

• Keep the sun behind you or at your side, not directly overhead or in front of you.

• If the light is behind your subject, use the
front of your subject. See “Using the flash” on page 39 for details.

• When the ambient light is low, use the flash. If you use the flash

tripod to avoid camera movement during exposure.

• If you are using the flash, keep the subject within the flash range (3m, or about 9.8 ft.).

3 meters

www.hp.com/photosmart 23

flash setting to increase the light on the

On

or

On

setting, use a

Off

• The camera takes about a second to focus and adjust the exposure when you press the

shutter

the viewfinder, then press the

button 1/2 way down. Wait until you see the steady green light to the right of

button all the way down to take the photo. If you

shutter

are not used to using a digital camera, you may want to practice to get used to the
timing.

• If a blinking green light appears when you press the

button, the camera cannot

shutter

find a focus or there is not enough light to illuminate your subject (or both). Try the
following:

• Make sure you are not too close to your subject and frame your photos with the

desired subject in the center. The camera’s Auto Focus has a range of 30cm
(11.8 in.) to infinity and focuses on the object in the center of the frame.

• If the light on your subject is low, wait for better natural light or use the flash. For

details, see “Using the flash” on page 39.

• Set the camera’s Auto Focus and Auto Exposure using a different subject. First,

frame a subject that is the same distance from the lens and has the same lighting
conditions as your desired subject, then press the
Next, keeping the
subject and then press the

24 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

button pressed 1/2 way down, frame your desired

shutter

button all the way down.

shutter

button 1/2 way down.

shutter

Chapter 3: Reviewing Your Photos

After you have taken some photos and they are stored on the CompactFlash memory card,
you can view them using the image LCD. While viewing your photos, you can magnify,
erase, lock, and rotate photos, or create a DPOF file to print a set of photos. Your camera is
automatically in Review mode if you turn on the image LCD while the lens cover is closed.

Tip:

www.hp.com/photosmart 25

To preserve battery life, connect an AC power adapter (optional) while using the

image LCD to review your photos. See “Using an AC power adapter” on page 77.

image LCD on/off button

5-way controller

image LCD

Viewing your photos

1. Make sure the lens cover is closed (the camera is off).

2. Press the
The last photo you took appears on the image LCD.

3. Use the 5-way controller to sequence through your photos.

Each time you display a new photo on the LCD, a status overlay bar appears for a few
seconds.

26 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

image LCD on/off

button to turn the image LCD on.

status overlay bar

photo number

The status overlay bar gives you the following information about the current photo:

• date/time photo was taken

• photo quality setting used to take the photo ( )

or

,

• DPOF status (DPOF icon appears only if photo is marked for DPOF)

• lock status (Lock icon appears only if photo is locked)

• directory and file information from the memory card

The number that appears in the lower right corner of each photo indicates the sequence in
which you took the photos. For details on photo quality, locking, and DPOF, see “Changing
the photo quality” on page 41, “Locking your photos” on page 27, and “Creating a Digital
Print Order Format (DPOF) file” on page 36.

When you are finished reviewing photos, be sure to turn off the image LCD to conserve
battery power.

www.hp.com/photosmart 27

Viewing small versions (thumbnails) of your photos

You can view up to nine of your photos at the same time on the image LCD.

To look at thumbnails of your photos:

1. Make sure the lens cover is closed (the camera is off).

2. Press the

3. Press the

4. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the
menu, then press

image LCD on/off

menu

button.

OK

.

button to turn the image LCD on.

Thumbnails

The image LCD displays up to nine of your photos at once, depending on how
many photos you have stored on the memory card. A yellow border frames
one photo in the set; this is the currently selected photo.

currently
selected
photo

28 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

5. To advance to the next set of thumbnails, use the 5-way controller to move the yellow
border to the last photo in the set, and then press the down side of the 5-way controller.

Note:

To scroll to the previous set of thumbnails, move the yellow border to the first
photo in the set and then press the up side of the 5-way controller.

6. When you want to see one photo in normal view, use the 5-way controller to move the
yellow border to the photo, and then press

www.hp.com/photosmart 29

OK

.

Magnifying your photos

While reviewing a photo, you can magnify an area of the photo.

To magnify a photo:

1. Make sure the lens cover is closed (the camera is off).

2. Press the

3. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the photo you want to magnify.

4. Press the

5. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the

6. Press
The camera magnifies the center of the photo. A blue border frames the photo

to indicate that the photo is magnified.

7. Use the 5-way controller to pan left and right, or up and down.

8. Press

30 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

image LCD on/off

menu

button.

OK

to magnify the photo.

OK

to return to normal view.

button to turn the image LCD on.

Magnify

menu.

Erasing your photos

You can erase a single photo or all photos from the memory card. Once a photo has been
erased, it cannot be recovered.

Note:

To erase photos:

1. Make sure the lens cover is closed (the camera is off).

2. Press the

3. If you are erasing a single photo, use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll

4. Press the

www.hp.com/photosmart 31

Locked photos must be unlocked before they can be erased. See “Locking your
photos” on page 33 for details.

image LCD on/off

to the photo you want to erase.

Note:

If you are erasing all photos from the memory card, it doesn’t matter which
photo is displayed on the image LCD.

button.

menu

button to turn the image LCD on.

5. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the
press

6. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to select
erase the current photo only or

OK

.

OK

Yes

if you want to erase all photos, then press

All

.

menu, then

Erase

if you want to

7. If you chose to erase all photos, you are asked to confirm. To confirm, use the right or
left side of the 5-way controller to select

, then press OK.

Yes

8. If you want to erase another photo, use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to
scroll to the next photo you want to erase, select

, and then press OK.

Yes

Repeat this step until you are finished erasing photos.

9. When you are finished erasing photos, use the up or down side of the 5-way controller
to select

32 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

, then press OK.

Exit

Locking your photos

lock
icon

Locking photos prevents them from being accidentally erased
from the memory card. You can lock all photos on the memory
card at the same time or you can choose individual photos to
lock. You can also unlock photos that have been locked.

When you are reviewing photos on the image LCD, a lock icon
displays on the status overlay bar for photos that are locked.

Warning:

To lock or unlock photos:

1. Make sure the lens cover is closed (the camera is off).

2. Press the

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Locking a photo does not prevent it from being
erased if you format the memory card. For more information, see “Formatting a
memory card” on page 71.

image LCD on/off

button to turn the image LCD on.

3. If you are locking or unlocking a single photo, use the right or left side of the 5-way
controller to scroll to the photo you want to lock or unlock.

Note:

If you are locking or unlocking all the photos on the memory card, it doesn’t
matter which photo is displayed on the image LCD.

4. Press the

5. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the
press

OK

6. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to select
lock or unlock the current photo only or
photos, then press

menu

.

button.

OK

menu, then

Lock

if you want to

Yes

if you want to lock or unlock all

All

.

7. If you chose to lock or unlock all photos, you are asked to confirm. To confirm, use the
right or left side of the 5-way controller to select

, then press

Yes

OK.

8. If you want to lock or unlock another photo, use the right or left side of the 5-way
controller to scroll to the photo, select

, and then press OK.

Yes

Repeat this step until you are finished locking and unlocking photos.

9. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to select

34 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

, then press OK.

Exit

Rotating your photos

You can rotate a photo displayed on the image LCD in 90° increments.

To rotate a photo:

1. Make sure the lens cover is closed (the camera is off).

2. Press the

3. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the photo you would like to
rotate.

4. Press the

5. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the
then press

6. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to select the direction you want
to rotate the photo, then press

Select to rotate the photo clockwise. Select to rotate the photo
counter-clockwise.

7. P r e s s
happy with the photo’s position.

www.hp.com/photosmart 35

image LCD on/off

menu

button.

OK

.

OK

repeatedly to continue to rotate the photo in the same direction until you are

button to turn the image LCD on.

OK

.

Rotate

menu,

8. If you want to rotate another photo, use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to
scroll to the photo, select the direction you want to rotate in, and then press
repeatedly until you are happy with the photo’s position.

Repeat this step until you are finished rotating photos.

9. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to select

, then press OK.

Exit

OK

Creating a Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) file

If you intend to print photos directly from the memory card on a printer that has a built-in card
reader, you can streamline the printing process by creating a DPOF file. To create a DPOF
file, you use the DPOF camera menu to select which photos you want to print. Then, when
you insert the memory card into your DPOF-compatible printer, the printer reads the DPOF
file and prints the specified photos. See “Printing photos without a computer” on page 64 for
instructions on printing photos directly from the memory card.

DPOF technology gives you the convenience of using your camera to select the photos you
want to print. For example, when you gather with family and friends to view your photos, you
can create a DPOF file to keep track of the photos they want copies of.

36 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

You can select the photos you want to include in a DPOF file one at a time, or you can

DPOF
icon

choose to add all of the photos on the memory card at the same time. Selecting a photo to
add to a DPOF file is called “marking” the photo. Once you have marked a photo, you can
unmark it to remove it from the DPOF file.

Note:

When you are reviewing photos on the image LCD, a
DPOF icon displays on the status overlay bar for photos
that are marked.

To create or edit a DPOF file:

1. Make sure the lens cover is closed (the camera is off).

2. Press the

image LCD on/off

button to turn the image LCD on.

3. If you are marking or unmarking a single photo, use the 5-way
controller to scroll to the photo you want to add to or remove from the DPOF file.

Note:

If you are marking or unmarking all photos on the memory card, it doesn’t
matter which photo is displayed on the image LCD.

4. Press the

www.hp.com/photosmart 37

menu

button.

5. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the
then press

6. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to select
marking or unmarking a single photo. Select

OK

.

Yes

Mark All

or

Clear All

menu,

DPOF

if you are

if you are

marking or unmarking all the photos on the memory card.

7. P r e s s OK.

8. If you chose to mark or unmark all photos, you are asked to confirm. To confirm, use the
right or left side of the 5-way controller to select

Note:

A DPOF file can contain up to 100 photos. If you choose to mark all photos

, then press OK.

Yes

and there are more than 100 photos stored on the memory card, only the first
100 photos will be stored in the DPOF file.

9. If you want to mark or unmark another photo, use the right or left side of the 5-way
controller to scroll to the photo, select

, and then press OK.

Yes

Repeat this step until you are finished marking and unmarking photos.

10. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to select

38 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

, then press OK.

Exit

Chapter 4: Adjusting the Camera Settings

You can modify the HP PhotoSmart 315 digital camera’s settings to fit the current photo-
taking conditions and your preferences. For example, you can adjust the flash settings to fit
current lighting conditions, and you can select the camera language you prefer to use. This
chapter contains the information you need to take the best photos and get the most out of
your digital camera.

Using the flash

The camera offers four flash settings. The current flash setting is indicated by an icon on the
status LCD.

Auto

On

www.hp.com/photosmart 39

The camera determines the need for a flash based on lighting conditions.
The flash setting reverts to

The flash will be used in all lighting conditions. The amount of light provided
by the flash will be adjusted according to the current lighting conditions. Use
this setting when the lighting for the entire photo is sufficient, but the lighting
for the subject is not, as in a backlighting situation. This is commonly called
“fill flash.”

each time you turn the camera on.

Auto

Off

Auto with

red-eye

reduction

The flash will not be used, regardless of the lighting conditions. Use this
setting in places where flash photography is not permitted.

The flash will be used if needed. Red-eye reduction minimizes the
occurrence of red-eye in photos of people or animals by flashing twice—
once to condition the subject’s eyes to the flash, and a second time to take
the photo. If you are photographing people, tell them to wait for the second
flash before moving.

To change the flash setting:

1. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

2. Press the

flash

button repeatedly until the flash setting you want
displays on the status LCD. The flash button cycles through the
four available flash settings.

Note:

The flash setting remains until you change it, or until
you turn the camera off and on, reverting it to the Auto
setting.

photo
quality
button

flash
button

3. Take your photo.

40 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Note:

The flash recharges between photos. This is indicated by a red light next to the
viewfinder and a blinking flash icon on the status LCD. When the red light turns off
and the flash icon stops blinking, you can take another flash photo.

Changing the photo quality

The camera has three photo quality settings: Basic, Fine, and Super-fine. The current photo
quality setting is indicated by a 1-, 2-, or 3-diamond icon on the status LCD.

photo quality
icon

The photo quality setting you choose determines the quality of your photos and how many
photos can be stored on the CompactFlash memory card. Photos taken with higher photo
quality take up more space on the memory card; photos taken with lower photo quality take
up less space.

www.hp.com/photosmart 41

Photo quality Description Resolution

Basic

The most memory-efficient photo quality setting. Use this

640x480
setting for taking photos that you plan to send via e-mail
or place on the Internet.

Fine

Produces high-quality photos and requires less memory

1200x1600
than Super-fine mode. Use this setting for taking photos
that you plan to store on your disk or in a database, or
print at up to 8x10 inches. This is the default setting.

Super-

fine

Produces the highest-quality photos and uses the most
memory. Use this setting for taking photos that you plan

1200x1600

to crop and enlarge using photo editing software, or
print larger than 8x10 inches.

42 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Here are some important notes about the photo quality setting:

photo quality
button

flash button

• You can use different photo quality settings for different photos on the same memory
card.

• The camera retains the current photo quality setting until you change it, even if you turn
the camera off.

• Because photo quality affects the number of photos that can be stored on a memory
card, the number of available photos (displayed on the status LCD) changes as you
change the photo quality.

To change the photo quality:

1. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

2. Press the

photo quality

button repeatedly until the quality

level you want is displayed on the status LCD.

www.hp.com/photosmart 43

Using the digital zoom

You can use the camera’s digital zoom to make a subject appear to be closer.
You must use the image LCD to preview your photo to see the effect of the zoom. The image

LCD shows the image you will capture, as shown in the example below.

Note:

subject as it
appears in the
viewfinder

Digital zoom affects photo quality. The more you zoom in, the more photo quality is

subject as it appears
on the image LCD
when digital zoom is
active

reduced.

There are two ways to zoom: using Quick Zoom or using the Digital Zoom camera menu.

44 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

To use Quick Zoom:

1. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

2. Press the

image LCD on/off

button to turn the image LCD on.

3. Use the down side of the 5-way controller to zoom in on your subject. When the digital zoom is active, a red border frames the photo on the image LCD. Each time you press down on the 5-way controller, the zoom factor increases. You can

zoom in the following steps: 1.5x, 2x, or 2.5x.

Note:

To zoom out, use the up side of the 5-way controller. To cancel the digital
zoom and return to normal view, press

OK

.

4. Take your photo.

www.hp.com/photosmart 45

To use the Digital Zoom menu:

1. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

2. Press the

3. Press the

4. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the

image LCD on/off

menu

button.

button to turn the image LCD on.

Digital Zoom

menu.

5. Press

OK

to zoom in on your subject.

When the digital zoom is active, a red border frames the photo on the image
LCD.

6. If you want to zoom in closer, use the down side of the 5-way controller. Each time you
press down on the 5-way controller, the zoom factor increases. You can zoom in the
following steps: 1.5x, 2x, or 2.5x.

Note:

To zoom out, use the up side of the 5-way controller. To cancel the digital
zoom and return to normal view, press

OK

.

7. Ta k e y o u r p h o t o .

46 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Using the self-timer

Use the self-timer to take a photo of yourself or a posed group photo. After you turn the self­timer on and press the

shutter

To use the self-timer:

1. Attach the camera to a tripod, or place it on a firm surface at an appropriate distance
and height from the subject.

2. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

3. Frame your subject in the viewfinder. When you are ready to take the photo, press the

photo quality

button and the

The self-timer icon appears in the camera’s status LCD.

button, the camera waits 10 seconds before taking the photo.

button simultaneously to turn on the self-timer.

flash

flash button

photo quality
button

Note:

www.hp.com/photosmart 47

To cancel the self-timer, press the two buttons again.

self-timer

4. Press the
The red self-timer indicator light on the front of the camera blinks for 10 seconds with an

increasing frequency.
After 10 seconds, the camera takes the photo and the self-timer turns off automatically.

button all the way down, then release it.

shutter

Setting Instant Review

Turn Instant Review on if you want your photos to automatically display on the image LCD
immediately after you take them. While a photo is displayed on the image LCD, you can
choose to save or delete it.

Note:

48 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Instant Review is off by default. If you turn it on but decide that you do not want to
review every photo immediately after you take it, turn Instant Review off to conserve
battery power.

To turn Instant Review on or off:

1. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

2. Press the

3. Press the

image LCD on/off

menu

button.

button to turn the image LCD on.

4. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to select
the camera menu, then press

OK

.

Review Off

Review On

or

from

Note:

instant
review is
currently on

The Instant Review menu icon changes its appearance depending on the current

instant
review is
currently off

setting. For example, If Instant Review is currently off, the icon displays a blank LCD
and asks if you want to turn Instant Review on.

www.hp.com/photosmart 49

Setting the image LCD brightness

You can adjust the brightness of the image LCD for different lighting conditions. For example,
if you are using the camera in bright sunlight, you may want to increase the image LCD
brightness to improve the visibility of the display.

To set the image LCD brightness:

1. Press the

2. Press the

3. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to
scroll to the

4. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to
scroll to

5. Use the right side of the 5-way controller to increase
the LCD brightness or use the left side of the 5-way
controller to decrease brightness. The diamond icon in
the camera’s image LCD indicates the current level of brightness.

6. Press

50 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

image LCD on/off

menu

button.

Setup

menu, then press OK.

LCD Brightness

OK

.

button to turn the image LCD on.

, then press OK.

current level
indicator

Setting the date and time

The camera has a real-time clock that can record the date and time at which you take each
photo.

The camera prompts you to enter the date and time under the following circumstances:

• When you turn on the camera for the first time.

• The camera was without battery power (empty or removed batteries) for an extended

period of time.

Note:

If the camera prompts you to set the date and time, follow the instructions in the Quick Setup
section. See “Step 4: Set the camera date and time” on page 12.

You may want to change the camera’s clock settings at other times—for example, if you
travel across time zones. You can change the camera’s date and time, or choose a different
format for either, using the

www.hp.com/photosmart 51

To avoid losing date and time information, replace empty batteries within 15
minutes.

menu.

Setup

To change the date and time:

1. Press the

2. Press the

3. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the
then press

Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to scroll to
press

image LCD on/off

menu

button.

OK

.

OK

.

button to turn the image LCD on.

Date & Time

Setup

menu,

, then

4. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to select the date and time format you
want to use, then press

OK

. You can choose

mm/dd/yy

dd/mm/yy,

or

and 12- or 24-

hour time format.

5. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to select the day (date) of the month, then
press the down side of the 5-way controller to move to the next item in the list.

6. Select the month, year, hour, minutes, and AM or PM in the same manner, then press

OK

.

7. To confirm the date and time, press

52 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

OK

.

Changing the camera language

You can change the language used for the camera menus.

To change the camera language:

1. Press the

2. Press the

3. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the

OK

4. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to scroll to

5. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the language you want to use,
then press

www.hp.com/photosmart 53

image LCD on/off

menu

.

OK

.

button.

button to turn the image LCD on.

Language

Setup

menu, then press

, then press OK.

Setting the beep

The camera beeps to let you know that it is has finished capturing an image, or to warn you
that the batteries are empty or the memory card is full or inoperable. The beep is on by
default but you can turn it off if you are in a location where silence is required (for example,
a museum or a school play).

To turn the beep on or off:

1. Press the

2. Press the
The menu appears on the image LCD with the

3. Press

4. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to scroll to

5. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to select

54 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

image LCD on/off

menu

button.

OK

to open the

button to turn the image LCD on.

Setup

menu.

Setup

icon highlighted.

On

Beep

or

.

Off

, then press OK.

Chapter 5: Sharing and Printing Photos

Once you have taken some photos with your HP PhotoSmart 315 digital camera, you can
use them in many fun and creative ways. You can transfer them to your Windows PC or
Macintosh for use in creative projects, or for sharing with family and friends via the Internet.
If you have an HP JetSend-capable printer or another JetSend-receiving device, you can
transfer photos from your camera to your printer or other device using wireless infrared
technology. If you have a printer with a slot for a CompactFlash memory card, you can print
your photos directly from your memory card.

Check out HP’s PhotoSmart Web site at
on how to use your photos to create fun projects.

www.hp.com/photosmart

Connecting the camera to your Windows PC

You can connect your HP PhotoSmart 315 digital camera to a Windows PC using the USB
cable that comes in the camera package. Before you can use your camera with your
computer, you need to install the HP Photo Imaging software.

Note:

www.hp.com/photosmart 55

If you have a Macintosh computer, see “Connecting the camera to a Macintosh” on
page 62 for more information.

for great ideas and tips

System requirements for a Windows PC

To work with your camera, your computer must meet or exceed the following requirements:

Processor
Memory (RAM)

Free hard disk space
Video display
CD-ROM
Operating system
Interface

* If you are using Windows NT 4.0 or later, you will need a CompactFlash card reader (purchased separately) and

64 MB of RAM to use the camera with your computer.

56 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

166 MHz Pentium or equivalent
For Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000: 32 MB
For Windows NT 4.0*: 64 MB
150 MB
800x600, 16-bit color
any speed
Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows NT 4.0*
For Windows 98, Windows Me, and Windows 2000: USB port
For Windows NT 4.0*: CompactFlash card reader (purchased

separately)

Installing the software on a Windows PC

1. Insert the HP PhotoSmart 315 CD into your computer’s CD-ROM drive. The installation
window automatically appears.

Note:

2. Click

www.hp.com/photosmart 57

If the installation window doesn’t appear, use Windows Explorer or My
Computer to locate your CD-ROM drive, and then double-click the file

setup.exe

, then follow the instructions on the screen to install the software.

Next

.

Connecting the camera to a Windows PC

Before connecting the camera to your computer, make sure you have installed the software.
See “Installing the software on a Windows PC” above for details.

Note:

To connect the camera to a Windows PC:

1. Plug the smaller end of the USB cable (supplied) into the camera.

2. Plug the other end of the cable into any USB port on your computer.

3. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

When the camera is connected to a computer, it automatically switches
to PC mode and the letters
ready to download photos.

Note:

58 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

The camera uses a USB connection, so you do not need to turn
the computer off when connecting or disconnecting the camera.

appear on the status LCD. You are now

PC

When the camera is connected to your computer, the camera
buttons do not respond.

Downloading photos to a Windows PC

Downloading is the process of transferring photos from the camera’s memory card to your
computer.

Tip:

To download photos to a Windows PC:

1. Connect the camera to your computer using the USB cable. See “Connecting the camera

2. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

To conserve battery power, use an AC adapter (optional) when you are
downloading photos to your computer. For more information, see “Using an AC
power adapter” on page 77.

to a Windows PC” on page 58.

The status LCD displays

to indicate the camera is connected to a computer. After a

PC

few seconds, the HP Photo Imaging Software window appears on your computer screen.

3. Click

www.hp.com/photosmart 59

Unload Camera

.

4. If desired, click the

browse (...)

button to select the
folder where the photos will be saved. If you do not
select a folder, the photos will be saved to the folder
shown in the

Save my images to

section.

5. If you want to create a sub-folder based on the date
and time, select

In new sub-folder

will be created within the folder shown in the

my images to

6. Click

7. C l i c k

Start

Yes

section.

.

to confirm that the photos are being saved

. A new folder

Save

in the correct folder and to download the photos.

Note:

If you prefer, you can use Windows Explorer or
My Computer to download photos. When you
connect the camera to your computer, a drive
icon representing the camera appears in the
Windows Explorer and My Computer windows.
Double-click the drive icon to access your photos. Then, use the Windows
Clipboard and the

Copy

and

commands to transfer selected photos to your

Paste

hard drive.

60 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

When you are finished downloading you can:

• View your photos

• Print your photos

• Share your photos with family and friends on the Internet

See the HP Photo Imaging software’s online help for more information.

Connecting the camera to your Macintosh

System requirements for a Macintosh

To work with your camera, your Macintosh must meet or exceed the following requirements:

Processor
Memory (RAM)
Free hard disk space
Video display
CD-ROM
Operating system
Interface

www.hp.com/photosmart 61

Power PC, 233 MHz
64 MB
150 MB
800x600, 16-bit color
any speed
MAC OS 8.6 or later
USB port

Connecting the camera to a Macintosh

Note:

To connect the camera to a Macintosh:

1. Plug the smaller end of the USB cable (supplied) into the camera.

2. Plug the other end of the cable into any USB port on your computer.

3. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

When the camera is connected to a computer, it automatically switches
to PC mode and the letters
“computer” regardless of whether you are using a Macintosh or a
Windows PC. You are now ready to download photos.

Note:

62 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

The camera uses a USB connection, so you do not need to turn the computer off
when connecting or disconnecting the camera.

appear on the status LCD. PC indicates

PC

When the camera is connected to your computer, the camera
buttons do not respond.

Downloading photos to a Macintosh

Tip:

To download photos to a Macintosh:

1. Connect the camera to your computer using the USB cable. See “Connecting the camera

2. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

3. Double-click the

4. Select the photo or photos you want to transfer to your hard drive.

5. In the

6. Open the hard drive window and open the folder you want to store the photos in.

7. In the hard drive window, select

www.hp.com/photosmart 63

To conserve battery power, use an AC power adapter (optional) when you are
downloading photos to your computer. For more information, see “Using an AC
power adapter” on page 77.

to a Macintosh” on page 62.

The status LCD displays

Untitled

Note:

To select more than one photo, hold down the

to indicate the camera is connected to a computer.

PC

drive icon on your desktop.

key and

Ctrl

click each photo.

Untitled

drive window, select

Paste

from the

Copy

from the

Edit

menu.

Edit

menu.

When you are finished downloading, you can work with your photos using the ArcSoft
PhotoImpression software that came with your camera. See the software’s online help for
more information.

Using a card reader

You can use a CompactFlash memory card reader, such as the SanDisk ImageMate or a
PCMCIA adapter, to simplify the process of viewing and saving photo files on your
computer. If you have a card reader installed on your computer, connect the card reader to
your computer and insert the memory card into the card reader. Then, access your photos on
the memory card just as you would access files on a floppy disk. See your card reader’s
documentation for details.

Card readers can be purchased from
only), or from your local digital camera or electronics store.

www.hpshopping.com

(selected countries/regions

Printing photos without a computer

If your printer has a slot for a CompactFlash memory card, like the HP PhotoSmart 1000 and
1200 Series printers do, you can print your photos directly from the memory card. Consult
your printer’s documentation for details.

64 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

JetSending your photos

HP JetSend allows for convenient, wireless transfer. You can transfer photos from your
camera to any JetSend-receiving printer, such as the HP PhotoSmart 1000 and 1200 Series
printers. To determine if a printer can receive JetSend transmissions, see the printer’s
documentation.

Note:

To JetSend a photo:

1. Make sure the lens cover is closed (the camera is off).

2. Press the

3. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the photo you would like to

4. Turn the printer on.

www.hp.com/photosmart 65

The camera can send, but not receive, photos via JetSend. You can JetSend only
one photo at a time.

image LCD on/off

JetSend.

button to turn the image LCD on.

5. Place the camera and the printer 15 centimeters (about 6 inches) apart and aim the
camera’s infrared sensor at the printer’s infrared sensor.

infrared sensor

6. Press the

shutter

While the connection is being established, the camera’s image LCD displays

JetSend device

button all the way down to send the currently displayed photo.

Looking for

. Check the printer for notification that communication has been established.

During the transfer, a progress bar displays on the image LCD. You can cancel the transfer at
any time by pressing any button on the camera except the

66 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

shutter

button.

Chapter 6: CompactFlash Memory

The “film” used in the HP PhotoSmart 315 digital camera is a reusable CompactFlash
memory card. The card is more economical than conventional film because you can erase
unwanted photos from the card, making space available for new photos. The camera comes
with a card already installed. This chapter describes how to check the card status and how to
install a new card when you need more storage space.

Use only CompactFlash Association (CFA) certified type 1 memory cards
with the HP PhotoSmart 315 digital camera. These cards are
manufactured by several vendors and are available in a variety of
capacities. You can purchase additional memory cards from

www.hpshopping.com

your local digital camera or electronics store.

www.hp.com/photosmart 67

(selected countries/regions only), or from

Installing a memory card

1. If you are replacing an existing card with a new one, make sure the memory card
access light is off before opening the memory card door.

memory card
access light

memory card
door

Caution:

Opening the memory card door while the access light is on could damage
the existing card or result in lost photos.

2. Open the memory card door by inserting your thumb in the notch and lifting the door.

68 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

3. If you are removing an existing card, rotate the blue card ejection lever up, then push
the lever in to eject the card from the slot.

4. Insert the new memory card so that the front of the card faces
the front of the camera and the edge with pinholes is placed
into the camera first.

5. Gently push the memory card all the way into the camera until
it stops. The card ejection lever “pops up” when the card is
seated correctly in the slot.

6. Fold the card ejection lever down against the card.

7. Close the memory card door.

Tip:

If you cannot close the memory card door, you may not have inserted the
memory card correctly. Remove the memory card and try again.

www.hp.com/photosmart 69

Checking the memory card status

If the memory card is full, damaged, or missing, the numbers “000” blink on the status LCD to
indicate you cannot take any more photos. A red light appears to the right of the viewfinder
if you press the

To resume taking photos, try the following:

• Make sure there is a memory card installed in the camera. See “Installing a memory
card” on page 68 for instructions on opening the memory card door.

• If you receive the card error indications immediately after installing a new, blank
memory card, the card may need to be formatted. See “Formatting a memory card” on
page 71.

• If the numbers “000” appear on the status LCD after you have successfully taken and
stored numerous photos on the memory card, the memory card is full. Choose a lower
photo quality setting so another photo will fit on the card, download photos to your
computer and delete them from the card, or replace the card with a new one. See
“Changing the photo quality” on page 41, “Downloading photos to a Windows PC” on
page 59, “Downloading photos to a Macintosh” on page 63, or “Installing a memory
card” on page 68.

70 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

shutter

button.

• If you receive the card error indications and the card is formatted and is not full, the
card may be damaged. Try re-formatting the card, or try a different card. For instructions
on formatting a card, see below.

Formatting a memory card

Most CompactFlash memory cards are already formatted when you buy them. However, if
you buy a memory card that has not been formatted, you need to format it before you can
use it in the camera. If you insert a new, formatted card in the camera and it doesn’t work,
try re-formatting it—it may have been formatted improperly. Also re-format cards that you
previously used in a different camera, to optimize them for use with the HP PhotoSmart 315
digital camera.

Note:

To format a memory card:

Caution:

www.hp.com/photosmart 71

You can reuse a memory card that is full by formatting it. This erases all photos from
the card. You can also use the
memory card. See “Erasing your photos” on page 31 for details.

Formatting erases everything stored on the memory card, including locked
photos and files from other devices such as pocket PCs. Make sure you are
formatting the right card! If you’re not sure, check the contents of the card
before formatting.

menu to delete one or all photos from a

Erase

1. Insert the memory card into the camera (see“Installing a memory card” on page 68).

2. Press the

3. Press the

image LCD on/off

button.

menu

button to turn the image LCD on.

4. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to scroll to the
then press

5. Use the up or down side of the 5-way controller to scroll to

6. Use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to select
then press

OK

OK

.

Format CF

,

Yes

.

Setup

menu,

.

7. To confirm, use the right or left side of the 5-way controller to
select

, then press OK.

Yes

A progress bar appears on the image LCD to indicate that the
camera is formatting the memory card. To avoid damaging the
card, do not open the memory card door while the card is being

progress bar

formatted.

72 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Chapter 7: Powering Your Camera

The HP PhotoSmart 315 digital camera can be powered by batteries or an HP-approved AC
power adapter. For convenience, use the batteries when you are taking photos. To preserve
battery power, use an AC adapter (purchase separately) when you are reviewing photos on
the image LCD for an extended period of time, or when you are transferring photos from the
camera to your computer.

Determining if the batteries need to be changed

The battery icon on the status LCD indicates the charge level of the batteries. There are three

,

levels of battery charge: full

If the battery icon shows that the batteries are empty, it is time to replace the batteries.

www.hp.com/photosmart 73

partially-charged, and empty.

Full Partially-charged Empty

Note:

When the Empty battery icon on the status LCD begins flashing and the camera
beeps repeatedly, the power is about to shut off. You need to replace the batteries
before you can take another photo.

The life of the batteries depends on several factors. These include:

• How often and how long you use the image LCD.

• How often you use the flash.

• The number of photos you take.

• Temperature conditions (operating the camera at colder temperatures results in shorter

battery life).

To extend battery life:

• When using the camera with a computer or when using the image LCD for extended
periods of time, use an AC power adapter that HP has approved for use with the HP
PhotoSmart 315 digital camera. For more information, see “Using an AC power
adapter” on page 77.

• Limit your use of the image LCD, except when using an AC power adapter.

• Turn off Instant Review. Since Instant Review turns on the image LCD automatically each

time you take a photo, it uses a significant amount of battery power. For instructions on
turning it off, see “Setting Instant Review” on page 48.

74 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

• Try “ultra-” or “premium-” grade alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable Ni-Cd or Ni-MH
batteries, available from various battery manufacturers.

• If you are using rechargeable batteries, be sure you fully drain and recharge the
batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replacing batteries

The camera uses four AA batteries. You can use lithium or alkaline AA batteries, or
rechargeable Ni-Cd or Ni-MH AA batteries. You can purchase additional batteries from your
local camera or electronics store.

Note:

www.hp.com/photosmart 75

If you choose to use rechargeable batteries, you will need to recharge them in a
separate device, outside the camera. The batteries do not recharge in the camera
when you connect an AC adapter.

To insert new batteries:

1. Make sure the lens cover is closed (the camera is off).

2. To open the battery compartment, slide the battery compartment cover in the direction of
the arrow, and then lift it.

3. Insert four new batteries, making sure the + / − electrodes are
facing the proper direction (see the diagram inside the battery
compartment).

Caution:

Replace all the batteries at the same time. Do not
replace the batteries individually or use batteries of
different types. Always follow instructions on the
battery package when handling or disposing of
batteries.

4. Close the battery compartment cover by sliding it into place and then clicking it shut.

76 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Using an AC power adapter

To extend the life of your batteries, use an AC power adapter as your power source when
connecting your camera to a computer or when using the image LCD for an extended period.

Only use an AC power adapter that HP has approved for use with the HP PhotoSmart 315
digital camera. Use of any other adapter will void your warranty and may damage your
camera.

AC power adapters are available at
only). For AC adapter specifications, see HP’s PhotoSmart Web site at

www.hp.com/photosmart and click

Note:

www.hp.com/photosmart 77

An AC power adapter provides power to the camera. It does not recharge the
batteries.

www.hpshopping.com

technical support

(selected countries/regions

.

To connect an AC power adapter:

1. Plug the adapter into a power source (such as a wall outlet or power strip).

2. Connect the round end of the adapter cable to the camera.

Note:

If you want to use battery power, remove the AC adapter
from the power source and the camera. If the AC adapter
is connected to the camera, even if it is not connected to
a power source, the camera will not use battery power.

78 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Chapter 8: Troubleshooting

Problems and solutions

If you have a problem using your HP PhotoSmart 315 digital camera, review this section first.
If you cannot find the solution to your problem here, see “Getting assistance” on page 88 for
information on contacting HP Customer Care.

Problem Possible cause Solution

The image LCD
display is too
bright or too
dim.

The wrong
date and/or
time is
displayed.

www.hp.com/photosmart 79

The LCD brightness
setting is too low or high
for the ambient light.

The batteries were dead
or were removed from the
camera for more than 15
minutes.

Adjust the LCD brightness setting (see “Setting the image
LCD brightness” on page 50).

Replace the batteries (see “Replacing batteries” on
page 75) and then reset the date and time using the
camera menus (see “Setting the date and time” on
page 51). To avoid losing date and time information,
replace low batteries promptly.

Problem Possible cause Solution

The camera
does not
respond when

The camera is off. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on (if you

want to take a photo) or turn on the image LCD (if you
want to review your photos).

I press a
button.

The camera is connected
to a computer.

If the status LCD displays the letters PC, the camera
buttons do not respond.

The batteries are empty. Replace the batteries (see “Replacing batteries” on

page 75).

When you have an AC adapter connected to the
camera, the camera will not use battery power even if
the adapter is not connected to a power source. If you
want to use battery power, disconnect the AC adapter. If
you want to use AC power, connect the AC adapter to a
working electrical outlet.

—Continued
(next page)—

You have an AC power
adapter connected to the
camera, but not
connected to a power
source.

80 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Problem Possible cause Solution

The camera needs to be
reset.

Turn the camera off and then on again (slide the lens
cover closed and then open).

Remove the batteries and reinstall them. If you are using
an AC power adapter, unplug the adapter from the
camera, remove and reinstall the batteries, and then plug
the adapter in.

I can’t erase a
photo.

When I

The photo is locked. Unlock the photo (see “Locking your photos” on

page 33).

The camera is turned off. Slide the lens cover open to turn the camera on.

connect the
camera to my
computer, the
software says
it can’t find
the camera.

The USB cable is not
connected correctly.

The camera is connected
to the computer via a
USB hub and your USB

Check to make sure that the USB cable is firmly
connected at both ends.

Connect the camera directly to a USB port on the
computer.

hub is not compatible
with the camera.

www.hp.com/photosmart 81

Problem Possible cause Solution

I have to
replace the
camera
batteries
frequently.

Extended use of the
image LCD consumes
battery power.
Downloading photos to
your computer can also
consume a lot of battery
power.

To extend the life of your batteries:

• Always use an AC adapter to power the camera
when you are using the image LCD for an
extended period of time and when you are
downloading photos to your computer (see “Using
an AC power adapter” on page 77).

• Limit your use of the image LCD.

• Turn off Instant Review (see “Setting Instant Review”

on page 48).

• Purchase higher-grade batteries, such as “ultra-” or
“premium-” grade alkaline or lithium batteries. Or,

switch to rechargeable Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries.
These batteries are available from various battery
manufacturers.

The camera turns on and

Always carry the camera securely in a case.
consumes battery power
while you carry it loose in
a purse or backpack.

82 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Problem Possible cause Solution

When I press
the shutter
button 1/2
way down, a
blinking green

The camera cannot find a
focus because you are
too close to the subject.

The camera’s Auto Focus range is 30 cm (11.8 in.) to

infinity and focuses on the object in the center of the

frame. Make sure you are not too close to the subject

and that you have placed the subject in the middle of the

frame.

light appears
next to the
viewfinder.

—Continued
(next page)—

The camera cannot find a
focus because the subject
does not provide enough
contrast for the Auto
Focus system.

Try a different angle or change the lighting on your

subject. You can also try setting the camera’s Auto Focus

using a different subject. First, frame a subject that is the

same distance from the lens as your desired subject and

has the same lighting conditions, then press the

button 1/2 way down. Next, keeping the

shutter

shutter

button pressed 1/2 way down, frame your desired

subject and then press the

button all the way

shutter

down.

www.hp.com/photosmart 83

Problem Possible cause Solution

There is not enough light
to illuminate your subject.

Wait for lighting conditions to improve or turn on the

lights in the room. Or, set the camera’s Auto Exposure

using a different subject that is illuminated more clearly

and is the same distance away. Follow the same

procedure detailed above for setting the camera’s Auto

Focus using a different subject.

When I press
the shutter
button, a red
light appears

The camera is still saving
the last photo you took.

Wait a few seconds for the camera to finish processing

the photo, then press the

button 1/2 way down.

shutter

When a steady green light appears next to the

viewfinder, the camera is ready to take another photo.

next to the
viewfinder.

—Continued
(next page)—

The memory card has
insufficient space for the
picture. (The status LCD
shows “000” photos
remaining.)

Install a new memory card, make room on the current

card by deleting or downloading photos, or select a

lower photo quality setting. See “Installing a memory

card” on page 68, “Erasing your photos” on page 31,

“Downloading photos to a Windows PC” on page 59,

“Downloading photos to a Macintosh” on page 63, or

“Changing the photo quality” on page 41.

84 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Problem Possible cause Solution

The memory card is
damaged or is not

Format the memory card or replace it with a new,

formatted card.
formatted.

The flash is recharging. Wait until the flash icon on the status LCD stops blinking

before taking another flash photo.

The camera is connected
to a computer. (The letters
“PC” appear on the

If the camera is connected to a computer, the camera

buttons do not respond. To take a photo, disconnect the

camera from the computer.
status LCD.)

www.hp.com/photosmart 85

Problem Possible cause Solution

My photo is
blurry.

Your subject was too
close to the camera lens.

The camera’s Auto Focus range is 30cm (11.8 in.) from

the front of the lens to infinity. For a clear, sharp image,

make sure your subject is within this range.

The subject wasn’t
centered in the frame, or
the subject did not
provide enough contrast
for the camera to focus
properly.

If you do not want your subject in the middle of the

photo, or if the subject lacks contrast, set the camera’s

Auto Focus using a different subject. To set the Auto

Focus using a different subject, follow these steps:

1. Frame a subject that is the same distance from the
lens as your subject and press the

shutter

button

1/2 way down.

2. Keeping the
frame your subject and then press the

button pressed 1/2 way down,

shutter

shutter

button all the way down.

The subject moved while

For sharp focus, ask the subject to stay still.

you took the photo.

You moved the camera
while you took the photo.

Hold the camera steady as you press the
or use a tripod.

shutter

button,

86 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Problem Possible cause Solution

My photo is
too dark.

There was not enough
light.

Wait for natural lighting conditions to improve or use the
flash to illuminate your subject (see “Using the flash” on
page 39).

The flash was on, but the
subject was too far away.

The flash can only illuminate objects that are within 3m
(about 9

1/2 ft.) of the camera. Make sure your subject

is within range of the flash when you take the photo.

My photo is
too bright.

Your finger blocked the
flash.

The flash provided too
much light.

There was too much light
provided by a natural or
artificial source other
than the flash.

You were too close to the
subject to use the flash.

Be sure to move your fingers away from the flash when
you are ready to take a photo.

Change the flash setting to

Auto

or

Off

(see “Using the

flash” on page 39).

Try taking the photo from a different angle. Avoid
pointing the camera directly toward a bright light or
reflective surface on a sunny day. Use the On flash
setting if there is light behind your subject.

Move back from the subject or set the flash to

Off

and

take the photo again.

www.hp.com/photosmart 87

Getting assistance

To help ensure trouble-free performance, your HP PhotoSmart 315
digital camera comes with award-winning HP Customer Care. Whether
you have a question or a request for repair, HP Customer Care makes it
fast and easy to get the assistance you need.

Help us help you better

If you encounter a problem or question, we’d like to ask you to do a few things before you
call. Please take a minute to walk through the steps below before you contact HP. It will help
us make your support experience the best it can be!

1. Record your HP product model number, serial number, and purchase date below. Your
HP Customer Care service technician will need this information.

Model No.: 315
Serial No.: _____________________ (on the bottom of the camera)
Purchase Date:__________________

2. Consult the Problems and Solutions section of this guide. There, we outline corrective
steps that solve most problems you might have while operating your camera.

88 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

3. If possible, visit one of our HP Customer Care Web sites. Most of the answers you need
are as close as your computer screen! See “Using HP Customer Care online resources”
below for specific information on how to connect.

4. Organize your questions and note error messages, if any, that are displayed on the
status LCD. The more complete a picture you can provide, the faster we can help.

Using HP Customer Care online resources

Click your way to a great solution! The HP PhotoSmart Web site,

www.hp.com/photosmart

products. You’ll get instant access to helpful tips and tricks, downloadable drivers, and the
latest product and software updates—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All at no charge to
you.

You can also visit the HP Customer Care Community Forums and support site at

www.hp.com/go/support

HP service technicians and fellow users offer. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for,
post your own question, then check back later for ideas and suggestions.

www.hp.com/photosmart 89

, is a great place to start for answers to questions about your HP

. Here you can share in the great ideas and smart suggestions

Contacting HP Customer Care by phone

Like most HP customers, you’ll probably never need to call us. But if you do, you’ll be
connected to a service technician who specializes in your product and can help you find the
answers you need.

See the list below for the

Australia + 61 3 8877 8000 Hungary [phone]
Austria + 43 (0)7114 201080 Ireland + 353 (0)1 662 5525
Belgium (Dutch) + 32 (0)2 626 8806 Italy + 39 02 264 10350
Belgium (French) + 32 (0)2 626 8807 Japan 03 3335 8333
Canada 905-206-4663 Korea (Seoul) [phone]
Czech Republic + 42 (0)2 61 30 73 10 Korea (outside Seoul) 080-999-0700
Denmark + 45 39 29 4099 Malaysia [phone]
Finland + 358 (0)203 47 288 Malaysia (Penang) 1 300 88 00 28
France + 33 (0)1 43 62 34 34 Netherlands + 31 (0)20 606 8751
Germany + 49 (0)1 8052 58 143

Greece + 30 (0)1 619 64 11 Norway + 47 22 11 6299
Hong Kong 800 96 7729 Portugal + 351 21 3176333

90 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

HP Customer Care Center

New Zealand [phone]

(DM 0.24/minute)

phone number in your country/region.

Russia (Moscow) + 7 095 797 3520 Sweden + 46 (0)8 619 2170
Russia

(St. Petersburg)
Singapore [phone]
Spain + 34 902 321 123

[phone] Switzerland

Taiwan
United Kingdom
U.S.

+ 41 (0)848 80 11 11
[phone]
+ 44 (0)207 512 52 02
208-376-3686

For support numbers in other countries/regions, contact your local HP office.

ArcSoft support

For help with your ArcSoft PhotoImpression Software, visit the ArcSoft Web site at

www.arcsoft.com

commonly asked questions, troubleshooting tips, and ideas. You can also email a technician
for assistance at
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, Pacific time).

www.hp.com/photosmart 91

. The Web site offers an online manual for the software, answers to

[e-mail]

or call 510-440-9901 (Monday through Friday,

92 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Chapter 9: Care and Safety

Caring for your camera and accessories

Camera

• Keeping the lens clean will help you to take sharp, clear photos with the best possible
focus. Use a dry, soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the lens and status and image LCDs to
clean off any fingerprints and dust.

• Wipe the outside surfaces of the camera with a clean, dry cloth. Never use a rough
cloth or abrasive cleaners, which can scratch the camera.

• Do not leave the camera in the sun or in a very warm location (glove compartment,
trunk, etc.) for long periods.

• If you move the camera from a cold to a warm location or vice versa, always allow the
camera several minutes to adjust to the current ambient temperature before you use it.

www.hp.com/photosmart 93

AC power adapter

• Use only an AC power adapter that HP has approved for use with the HP PhotoSmart
315 digital camera. Use of any other adapter will void your warranty and may damage
your camera.

Batteries

• Replace all the batteries at the same time. Do not replace the batteries individually.

• Only use batteries that are in good condition. Batteries that show signs of leakage,

corrosion or swelling should not be installed in the camera.

Memory cards

• To avoid erasing data from a memory card or damaging it, do not expose memory
cards to heat, moisture, or static electricity.

94 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Safety precautions

• To avoid the risk of electric shock, do not open the camera case or attempt to repair the
camera yourself. Contact an authorized HP Service Center for repairs. See “Getting
assistance” on page 88.

• Keep the camera dry. Exposing the camera to excessive moisture may cause
malfunction.

• If moisture gets inside the camera, stop using the camera immediately. Allow the camera
to air dry completely before operating it again.

• When disposing of batteries, follow the battery manufacturer’s disposal instructions or
the guidelines recommended for your area. Do not incinerate or puncture batteries.

www.hp.com/photosmart 95

96 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Appendix A: Reference

Icons

Icon Meaning

Batteries full

Batteries partially-charged

Batteries empty

Automatic flash on

Flash off

Flash on

www.hp.com/photosmart 97

Icon Meaning

Automatic flash with red-eye reduction on

Basic photo quality

Fine photo quality

Super-fine photo quality

Photo included in DPOF file

Photo locked (cannot be erased unless memory card is re-formatted)

Self-timer on

98 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

Camera indicator lights

memory

viewfinder
indicator
light

Indicator light State Meaning

Viewfinder Green – steady The camera has achieved the best focus and exposure and is

Green – blinking The camera cannot find a focus or there is not enough light

Red – steady The camera cannot take a photo for one of the following

www.hp.com/photosmart 99

card access
light

ready to take a photo.

to take the photo.

reasons:

• the flash is re-charging

• the last photo is still being processed

• the memory card is full, damaged, unformatted, or

missing

self­timer
light

Indicator light State Meaning

Memory card
access

Self-timer Red – blinking The self-timer is counting down 10 seconds and will then

On The camera is accessing the memory card—do not open the

memory card door.

Off You can open the memory card door.

take the photo.

Error messages

If an error message displays on the status LCD, consult the list below for corrective actions to
take.

Message Indicates What you should do

Err A camera operating error Reset the camera. (See page 81.)

If the error still occurs, contact HP Customer Care.
See “Getting assistance” on page 88.

000 A memory card error or

the memory card is full

100 hp photosmart 315 digital camera user’s guide

See “Checking the memory card status” on
page 70 for troubleshooting assistance.