HP PHOTOSMART 120 User Manual

hp

photosmart

120 series

digital

camera

user's manual

Trademark and copyright information

© Copyright 2002 Hewlett-Packard Company

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be
photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language
without the prior written consent of Hewlett-Packard Company.

The information contained in this document is subject to
change without notice. Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for
errors contained herein or for consequential damages in
connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this
material.

Microsoft® and Windows® are U.S. registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.

Apple, Macintosh, and Mac are registered trademarks of
Apple Computer, Inc.

Materials disposal

This HP product contains the following materials that might
require special handling at end-of-life:

z Alkaline manganese dioxide-zinc or lithium-iron disulfide

AA batteries.

z Lead in the solder and some component leads.

Disposal of this material can be regulated because of
environmental considerations. For disposal or recycling
information, please contact your local authorities or the
Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) (www.eiae.org).

Table of Contents

1-Getting Started

Camera Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Attaching the wrist strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Installing the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Installing a memory card (optional) . . . . . . . . . . 13

Turning on power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Choosing the language. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Setting the date and time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Installing the software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2-Taking Pictures

Taking a picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Using Instant Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Recording video clips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Using the self-timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Using Preview mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Using digital zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Using the flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Changing the image quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

3-Reviewing Your Images

Playback mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Playback menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Printing your images. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Deleting your images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Viewing thumbnail images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Magnifying your images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Using the Setup menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

4-Connecting and Printing

Connecting to a computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Printing your images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Printing with a CF memory card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

5

4-Troubleshooting and Support

Problems and Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Error Messages on the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Error Messages on the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Getting Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Finding help on the web. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Contacting HP Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Hardware Repair Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Obtaining support in the United States . . . . . . . .49

Obtaining support worldwide . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Appendix A: Accessories and Battery Management

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Managing Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Extending battery life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Rechargeable batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Power Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Appendix B: Reference

Camera Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

6

Getting Started

1

Congratulations on the purchase of your new
HP photosmart 120 series digital camera. This easy-to-use
digital camera takes high-quality photos, records video clips,
and makes it easy for you to share your photos with family and
friends.

You can select images that you want to print by using the
HP Photo Imaging software for Microsoft® Windows® and
Macintosh. The images are ready to print as soon as you
connect your camera to a computer. You can also print images
by inserting the optional CompactFlash (CF) memory card
directly into an HP photosmart or CF card-compatible printer.

1-Getting Started 7

Camera Parts

2

1

3

4

6

# Name Description
1 Video button Records a video clip; press once to start

and press again to stop
2 Shutter button Takes a picture
3 Video/Self-timer

light

8 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Solid red—indicates that the camera is

recording video

Blinking red—indicates that the

10 second self-timer is in use; blinks

with increasing frequency until picture

or video is taken

Off—indicates that the self-timer is not

in use and video is not being recorded

5

# Name Description
4 USB connector Allows you to connect the camera to a

computer by using a USB cable

5 Power adapter

connector

Allows you to connect an optional HP
AC power adapter to the camera to
operate the camera without batteries

6 Battery door Allows access to the batteries

1-Getting Started 9

89

7

10

11

12

13

19

1415161718

# Name Description
7 Optical viewfinder Allows you to frame the subject of

the picture

8 Quality button Increases image quality from

Good to Better to Best

9 2x/Self-timer button Zoom in on your subject or set the

10 second self-timer
10 Flash button Selects the Flash setting
11 ON/OFF button Turns the camera power on and

off
12 Memory card door Allows access to insert or remove

the memory card
13 Wrist strap mount Wrist strap attachment

10 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

# Name Description
14 Display button Switch from Preview mode to

Playback mode
15 Tripod mount Allows tripod mounting
16 Arrow buttons Move to menu options and

navigate through images
17 OK button Switch to Playback mode and

select menu options
18 Display Provides menu information to

operate the camera; you can also

preview the picture before taking it

and review it afterward
19 Viewfinder light Solid red—indicates that the

camera is recording video

Blinking red—indicates that the

camera is:

z initializing

z saving images to memory

z charging the flash

z connected to a computer by a

USB cable

z running low on battery power

z running low on memory

1-Getting Started 11

Setup

Attaching the wrist strap

Attach the wrist strap as shown in the illustration.

back of
camera

NOTE It is easiest to install the wrist strap by inserting it from

the back of the camera.

Installing the batteries

1 Open the Battery door on the bottom of the camera.
2 Insert the batteries (supplied) as indicated.

NOTE For more information about batteries, refer to

Appendix A: Accessories and Battery Management.

12 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Installing a memory card (optional)

Your digital camera comes with 4 megabytes (MB) of internal
memory so that you can store images and video in your
camera. However, you can use an optional CF memory card to
expand the camera’s memory so that you can store more
images and video. After you unload images to your computer,
you can reuse the card.

NOTE The CF memory card may need to be purchased

separately.

1 With the camera off, open the Memory card door.
2 Insert the memory card as shown in the illustration.
3 Close and latch the Memory card door.

Eject
button

To remove the card, make sure the camera is off. Press the Eject
button and remove the card.

1-Getting Started 13

Turning on power

Slide the ON/OFF button to turn on the camera.
When the camera is ready, the viewfinder light is off.

NOTE If the viewfinder light is blinking, the camera is not

ready to take a picture. If the light continues to blink,
another problem may exist. For troubleshooting
information, refer to Chapter 5.

Choosing the language

The first time you turn the camera on, the following screen
appears and prompts you to choose a language.

1 Scroll to the language that you want by using the

Arrow buttons.

2 Press OK to select the highlighted language.

14 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Setting the date and time

The camera has a real-time clock that records the date and
time at which you take each picture.

1 The screen appears with the date format setting highlighted

(M = Month, D = Day, and Y = Year). Press OK until you see
the date format that you want, and then press the right

Arrow button to highlight the date setting.

2 With the date setting highlighted, press OK. Use the

buttons to change the value of the first field, and then press

OK to move to the next field. After you press OK in the last

field, the entire date is highlighted. Press the button to
highlight the time format setting.

3 With the time format setting highlighted, press OK to toggle

between the 12-hour and 24-hour time formats. Highlight
the format that you want, and then press the button to
move to the time setting.

4 With the time setting highlighted, press OK, and then use

the buttons to set the time.

5 When you are finished, select Exit, and then press OK.

The clock stops each time you remove batteries from the
camera, so you might need to reset the date and time. For
more information, refer to Appendix A: Accessories and
Battery Management.

1-Getting Started 15

Installing the software

Your digital camera software allows you to unload images
from the camera, view or print them, or store them on your
computer so that you can send them by using e-mail.

Windows

1 Insert the HP Photo Imaging CD into the CD-ROM drive of

your computer. The installation window automatically
appears.

NOTE If the installation window does not appear, click Start,

X

and then click Run. Type X:\Setup.exe, where
letter of your CD-ROM drive.

2 Click Next, and then follow the on-screen instructions to

install the software.

If your camera shipped with bonus software, complete the
following instructions to install it.

To install bonus software:

1 Click Start, click Run, and then in the Open box, type

X:\Bonus\setup.exe, where

ROM drive.

2 Click OK, and then follow the on-screen instructions to

install the bonus software.

X

is the drive letter of your CD-

is the

16 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Macintosh

Before you can unload images from the camera to a Macintosh
computer, you must change the connection setting on the
camera.

1 Press the Display button to activate Playback mode.
2 Use the button to scroll to the Setup option, and then

press OK.

3 Select USB Configuration from the Setup menu.
4 Select Disk Drive, and then press OK.
5 Insert the HP Photo Imaging CD into the CD-ROM drive of

your computer.

6 Double-click the CD icon on the desktop.
7 Double-click the appropriate language folder, and then

double-click the installer icon.

8 Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

If your camera shipped with bonus software, complete the
following instructions to install it.

To install bonus software:

1 Double-click the Bonus folder icon.
2 Double-click the installer icon for the bonus software.
3 Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.

1-Getting Started 17

18 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Taking Pictures

2

Taking a picture

You can take a picture almost any time the camera is on, no
matter what is showing on the Display. To take a picture:

z Frame your subject in the viewfinder, and then press the

Shutter button. The camera adjusts exposure, and then takes

the picture.

If the viewfinder light is blinking, you must wait before taking a
picture. This means that the camera is initializing, the flash is
charging, or another situation may exist. For troubleshooting
information, refer to Chapter 5.

NOTE The camera has two modes of operation, Preview

mode and Playback mode. When you turn the
camera on, it is in Preview mode, which is the default
mode of the camera. Preview mode is discussed later
in this chapter, and Playback mode is discussed in
Chapter 3, Reviewing Your Images.

Using Instant Review

After you take a picture, the Display automatically shows the
image with the Quality icon visible. You can delete the

image by using the left Arrow button.

2-Taking Pictures 19

After a video clip is recorded, the Display shows the last frame
of the clip for several seconds.

NOTE To conserve battery power, the Display backlight

automatically turns off after 60 seconds if you do not
press a button. For more information, refer to
Appendix A: Accessories and Battery Management.

Recording video clips

You can record a video clip for up to 30 seconds by using
internal memory. To record a video clip:

1 Frame the subject that you want to record.
2 Press and release the Video button to start recording. You

will see REC on the Display.

3 To stop recording at any time, press the Video button again.

You can increase your video recording time by using a
CF memory card. For example, an 8 MB memory card can
record approximately 70 seconds of video, and a 16 MB
memory card can record approximately140 seconds. Video
files can be very large and use a lot of space on the memory
card.

NOTE Your camera supports a memory card up to 128 MB.

20 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

When recording a video clip, you can view the time remaining
for recording on the Display. The camera automatically stops
recording when the timer reaches zero. You can use the digital
zoom feature to zoom in on your subject, although you cannot
change the zoom setting while you are recording. You can also
delay recording video clips for 10 seconds by setting the
self-timer.

Using the self-timer

You can use the self-timer to take a picture of yourself or a
posed group. When you activate the self-timer, the camera
takes the picture automatically after10 seconds have elapsed.
To use the self-timer:

1 Secure the camera to a tripod or set it on a stable surface.
2 Turn the camera on, and then frame your subject in the

viewfinder.

3 Press the 2x/Self-timer button twice. The self-timer

icon appears on the Display.

NOTE Pressing the button once activates the digital

zoom.

4 Press the Shutter button, and then release it. The Video/Self-

timer light on the front of the camera blinks for 10 seconds
before the picture is taken.

Using Preview mode

Preview mode is the default setting for your camera. In addition
to taking pictures and recording video, you can zoom in on
your subject, adjust the flash setting, or increase the quality of
your image—all from within Preview mode.

2-Taking Pictures 21

You c an also use the Display to preview a picture. The Display
shows a more accurate view of what your picture will look like.
This is useful for close-up photos and for instances in which
framing your subject is important. To take a picture by using
the Display:

z Frame your subject in the Display screen, and then press the

Shutter button.

Using digital zoom

You can use digital zoom to make your subject appear closer.
When you are using digital zoom, always use the Display to
preview the zoom effect on your subject.

To use digital zoom:

1 Press the button once to turn on digital zoom. The

icon appears on the Display.

NOTE Pressing the button twice activates the self-

timer.

2 Use the Display to frame your subject, and then take the

picture. To cancel digital zoom, press the button
twice.

22 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Using the flash

When the camera is on, the flash is automatically set to

Auto Flash. If you change the flash setting, the camera will

remain in that setting until you change it again or turn off the
camera. By using the Flash button, you can move through
the flash settings in the following order.

Mode Description

Auto Flash The camera measures light and flashes if

necessary.

Flash On The camera always flashes. If the light is

behind your subject, you can use the flash to
increase the light on the front of your subject.
This is also called “fill-flash.”

Flash Off The camera will not flash. Use this setting

when you do not want a flash (such as with
bright conditions or distant objects).

Changing the image quality

The camera has three image quality settings: Good, Better, and

Best. You can view the quality setting on the Display.

This setting determines the quality of your images and how
many images can be stored in internal memory or on the
CF memory card. Higher quality images take up more space in
memory. The following table identifies the approximate number
of pictures that you can take at each setting based on internal
memory or an 8 MB CF memory card.

2-Taking Pictures 23

Mode Icon Description and capacity

Good This is the most memory-efficient setting, ideal

for taking pictures to send in e-mail or to post
to the Internet.

Internal memory—up to 54 images

8 MB CF memory card—up to 110 images

Better This setting produces high-quality images

and requires less memory than Best mode.
This is recommended for printing pictures
6by13cm (3 by 5 inches). This is the default
quality setting.

Internal memory—up to 19 images

8 MB CF memory card—up to 38 images

Best This setting produces the highest-quality

images and uses the most memory. This is
recommended if you plan to enlarge images,
or print images that are 10 by 15 cm
(4 by 6 inches).

Internal memory—up to 12 images

8 MB CF memory card—up to 25 images

To change the image quality:

z Press the button until the setting you want appears on

the Display. The settings change incrementally from Good to

Better, and then to Best.

24 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Reviewing Your

3

Images

Playback mode

After you have taken some pictures and they are stored in the
camera, you can view them in Playback mode. You can also
view your video clips, delete or magnify images, and more. To
review your images:

1 Press the button to activate Playback mode.
2 You can scroll through your images by using the

buttons.

The following items appear momentarily on the Display:

z The current image number followed by the total number of

images, located in the upper-left corner.

z The date the image was captured.
z A movie icon appears next to the image number if the

image is a video clip.

While you are reviewing images, you can view the following
icons on the Display:

z The Print icon (if the image has been marked for

printing).

3-Reviewing Your Images 25

z The CF icon (if the CF memory card is installed).

z The Battery icon that indicates the current state of the

battery.

NOTE To preserve battery life, you can connect to an

optional HP AC adapter while reviewing your
images. HP supports only HP AC adapters and other
accessories expressly approved by HP. For more
information about accessories for your camera, refer
to Appendix A: Accessories and Battery
Management.

If you do not have images stored in your camera or on the CF
memory card, the No images screen appears on the Display.

To return to Preview mode, press the button.

26 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Playback menu

You can use the Playback menu to print, delete, or magnify
images. You can also view thumbnails of your images, or use
the Setup option to change the settings on your camera. To
view the Playback menu, press the OK button. Scroll through
the menu options by using the buttons.

Icon Description

Visible if the current image is not selected for
printing; press OK to select the image for printing

OR

Visible if the current image is selected for printing;
press OK to cancel the print selection

Deletes the current image or all images, or formats
the memory card

Undelete restores the most recently deleted image
or all images

Displays images as thumbnails (9 per page)

Magnifies the displayed image

Allows you to adjust the camera settings

Exits the Playback menu

3-Reviewing Your Images 27

Printing your images

You can select images to be printed later by using the Print
option. To select the current image for printing, press OK. The
image is selected for printing when you connect the camera to
your computer. For more information about printing your
images, refer to Chapter 4, Connecting and Printing.

NOTE If you are viewing a video clip, the option is

inactive because you cannot print video clips.

28 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Deleting your images

You can delete the current image, or all images, by using the

Delete option.

You can scroll to the selection you want by using the
buttons. Highlight your selection, and then press OK. By using
the Delete menu, you can select:

z This Image - Deletes the current image.
z All Images or All Images on CF Card - Deletes all images

from internal memory or the CF memory card (if installed).

z Format Memory or Format CF Card - Deletes all images and

files from internal memory or the CF memory card (if
installed), and formats either internal memory or the CF
memory card.

z Undelete - Appears if you have deleted any images or video

clips. This option restores the most recently deleted images
or video. The Undelete option is available until another
picture or video is taken, another deletion occurs, or the
camera is turned off or connected to your computer.

z Exit - Exits the Delete menu.

3-Reviewing Your Images 29

Viewing thumbnail images

You can view up to 9 thumbnail images at a time on the

Display by using the Thumbnail option.

You can scroll through your thumbnail images by using the

buttons. To view an enlarged image, select it, and then
press OK. To move to the next page of images, use the
buttons.

30 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Magnifying your images

You can enlarge your images on the Display by using the

Magnify option.

Select an image that you want to magnify, and then press OK.
A progress bar is visible on the Display as the image is
magnified.

In the Magnify menu, you can scroll up or down, right or left,
magnify more, or exit by using the menu icons provided on the

Display.

3-Reviewing Your Images 31

Using the Setup menu

You c an use the Setup menu to configure preferences on the
camera. Move through the Setup menu by using the
buttons, and then press OK to make your selection.

Date & Time

For information about setting the date and time, refer to
Chapter 1, Getting Started. When replacing the batteries in the
camera, you may need to reset the date and time.

USB Configuration setting

This setting determines how the camera appears when
connected to a computer.

z Digital Camera - causes the computer to recognize the

camera as a digital camera (Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP)
standard). This is the default setting on the camera.

z Disk Drive - causes the computer to recognize the camera as

a disk drive (Mass Storage Device Class (MSDC) standard).

32 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

NOTE If you are connecting to a computer running

Windows, you can use either setting. If you are
connecting to a Macintosh computer, you must
change this setting to Disk Drive. For more
information, refer to Chapter 1, Getting Started.

Move to CF Card

This menu option allows you to move images from the camera’s
internal memory to a CF memory card. This option appears
only if you have a CF memory card installed, and internal
memory contains at least one image.

If you select this option and then select Yes to move images, a
progress bar is visible on the Display showing the progress of
the move. The images previously stored in internal memory are
deleted after they are moved to the CF memory card.

NOTE If you have images stored in internal memory and

you insert a CF memory card, you must move the
images to the CF memory card to view them.

3-Reviewing Your Images 33

If your CF memory card is running out of space, you can move
only the maximum number of images possible from the
camera’s internal memory.

Language menu

This menu option determines the language of the menus and
the text on the Display. For information about how to select a
language for your camera, refer to Chapter 1, Getting Started.

Exit

This menu option exits the Playback menu and returns to
Playback mode.

34 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Connecting and

4

Printing

You can share your pictures with family and friends by printing
them, or storing them on your computer to send by e-mail. To
transfer images to your computer, connect the camera to the
computer by using the USB cable provided.

Connecting to a computer

Turn the camera on, and then connect the camera directly to a
computer by using the USB cable as shown in the illustration.
When the camera is connected to your computer, only the

button operates. The other camera buttons do not

respond.

4-Connecting and Printing 35

When the camera is connected to your computer, the
viewfinder light will be blinking red, and the Display is blank.
The images in the camera are automatically unloaded to your
computer.

NOTE If you are using a Macintosh computer, you must

change the USB Configuration setting to Disk Drive.
For more information, refer to Chapter 1,
Getting Started.

To conserve battery power, use an optional HP AC adapter
when unloading images to your computer. The HP AC adapter
may be purchased separately.

Now that your images are stored on your computer, you can
print them, send them by e-mail, and organize them with ease.

Printing your images

As mentioned in Chapter 3, you can print images by using the

option from the Playback menu. When you select images
for printing, you create a print order, which then creates a
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) file. This file is stored with
your images in memory. By using a print order, you can select
one image, several images, or all of the images that you have
stored in the camera.

When you transfer images from the camera to your computer,
the print order is copied along with them. The
HP Photo Imaging software reads the print order and prints the
images that you selected. For more information, refer to the
software’s Help.

36 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

To create a print order

1 Press the button to activate Playback mode.
2 Press the button to begin reviewing your images.
3 Scroll to the image that you want to print.
4 Press OK to open the Playback menu. The option is

selected by default.

5 Press OK again to add the image to the print order.

Printing with a CF memory card

If your images are stored on a CF memory card, you can insert
the memory card directly into most HP photosmart printers.
When you insert the memory card into the printer, the printer
reads the print order and prints the specified images. For more
information, see the instructions available with your printer’s
documentation.

NOTE When you print images by inserting the memory

card into the printer, the images are not automatically
removed from the card. However, you can format the
memory card by using the option of the Playback
menu. If you want to save the images on the memory
card to your computer, do so before formatting the
memory card.

4-Connecting and Printing 37

38 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Troubleshooting and

5

Support

Problems and Solutions

Problem Possible cause Solution
The camera

does not turn
on.

The batteries
are not
functioning
correctly.

The HP AC
adapter is not
functioning
correctly.

The HP AC
adapter is
connected to
the camera,
but it is not
connected to a
power outlet.

Use only photo-quality AA
lithium, alkaline, Ni-Cd, or
Ni-MH batteries.

Ensure the batteries are
inserted correctly.

The charge in the batteries can
be low or completely drained.
Try installing new or
recharged batteries.

Ensure that the HP AC adapter
is not damaged or defective
and is plugged into an
electrical outlet with power.

If you want to use battery
power, disconnect the HP AC
adapter from the camera. If
you want to use AC power,
connect the HP AC adapter to
a working electrical outlet.

5-Troubleshooting and Support 39

Problem Possible cause Solution
The camera

does not
respond
when I press
a button.

The camera is
off.

The camera is
connected to a
computer.

Turn on the camera.

The camera buttons other than
the button do not
respond when the camera is
connected to a computer.

The batteries

Replace the batteries.

are drained.

The camera
does not take
a picture
when I press

The camera
has stopped
operating.

You did not
press the

Shutter button

hard enough.

Remove and reinsert the
batteries. Replace the batteries
if necessary.

Press the Shutter button all the
way down.

the Shutter
button.

40 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Problem Possible cause Solution
I replace the

camera
batteries
frequently.

Extended

Display use

and excessive
flash use
consume a lot
of battery
power.

Use an HP AC adapter to
power the camera when you
are using the Display for an
extended period of time and
when you are unloading
several images to your
computer.

Use the flash only when
needed.

Do not use ordinary alkaline
batteries. Purchase higher­grade batteries, such as
“ultra” or “premium” grade
alkaline or photo-lithium
batteries, or switch to
rechargeable Ni-MH batteries.
For more information about
conserving battery power,
refer to Appendix A:
Accessories and Battery
Management.

The Ni-MH
batteries you
are using were
recharged
incorrectly.

You must recha rge all N i-MH
batteries after fully draining
them four times for the
batteries to reach their
optimum capacity and
performance.

5-Troubleshooting and Support 41

Problem Possible cause Solution
The wrong

date and/or
time is
shown.

The batteries
are dead
or were
removed from

Replace the batteries and reset
the date and time by using the
camera menus.

the camera for
more than a
few minutes.

A long delay
occurs
between the
time I press
the Shutter
button and
the camera
takes a

The camera is
still saving the
last picture
you took.

The self-timer
is activated.

Wait a few seconds for the
cam era to finish processing th e
image, and then press the

Shutter button. Wait for the

viewfinder light to stop
blinking.

Turn the self-timer off.

picture.
My image is

blurry.

You r subjec t
was too close
to the camera

Do not try to get closer than
the camera’s minimum focus
range.

lens.
You move d the

camera while
you took the

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

picture.
The scene was

Turn on flash or use a tripod.
dark so the
exposure was
long.

42 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Problem Possible cause Solution
My image is

too dark.

There was not
enough light.

Wait for natural lighting
conditions to improve or add
indirect lighting.

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

A light shone
behind the
subject.

Make sure your subject is
within 3 meters (approximately
9 feet) of the camera when you
take the picture.

Use the Flash On setting to
brighten the subject when there
is a bright light such as the sun
or a window behind your
subject.

My image is
too bright.

You r finger
blocked the
flash.

The flash
provided too

Be sure to move your fingers
away from the flash when you
take a picture.

Change the flash setting to

Flash Off.

much light.
A natural or

artificial
source other
than the flash
provided too
much light.

Try taking the picture from a
different angle. Avoid pointing
the camera directly toward a
bright light or reflective surface
on a sunny day. If there is light
behind your subject, use the

Flash On setting.

You were too
close to the
subject to use

Move back from the subject or
set the flash to Flash Off and
take the picture again.

the flash.

5-Troubleshooting and Support 43

Problem Possible cause Solution
When I

connect the
camera to my
computer, the
software says
it cannot find
the camera.

The camera is
turned off.

The cable is
not connected
correctly.

The camera is
connected to

Turn on the camera.

Make sure that the cable is

firmly connected at both ends.

Connect the camera directly to

a USB port on the computer.
the computer
through a USB
hub and your
USB hub is not
compatible
with the
camera.

When I
connect the
camera to a
Macintosh
computer, I

The USB

Configuration

setting is not
set to Disk

Drive.

Change the USB Configuration

setting to Disk Drive.

do not get a

Disk Drive

icon on my
desktop.

44 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Error Messages

You may receive error messages on the camera’s Display, or
on your computer screen.

Error Messages on the Display

Message Possible c ause Solution
Unsupported

card

Battery low Battery power is

No images in
camera

Card full You are

Card is
unformatted

The card in the
memory slot is
not a memory
card or is not a
supported
memory card.

low and the
camera will shut
down soon.

There are no
images in the
camera and you
are trying to
review them.

attempting to
take pictures
when the card is
full.

Card is new
and needs to be
formatted.

Check and ensure that
the card is a
CompactFlash (CF)
memory card.

Either recharge or
replace the batteries.

Take some pictures.

Unload the pictures from
the camera, delete
unwanted pictures, or
replace the card with a
new one.

Format the memory card
by using the Delete menu.
The camera will delete all
data on the card.

5-Troubleshooting and Support 45

Message Possible c ause Solution
Card has wrong

format

The card is
formatted for a
different device,
such as an MP3

Replace the card with a
properly formatted card
or format the current
card.

player.

Unable to format The card is

Replace the card.

corrupted.

Cannot display
image

Poss i b ly comes
from copying
images to the
card from a
computer or a
corrupted image
caused by the

Use the HP Photo
Imaging software to edit
the images copied on the
card. Also, do not
remove batteries or the
memory card when the

camera is turned on.
camera not
shutting down
properly.

Unknown device The camera is

connected to a
USB device that

Make sure you are

connected to a supported

computer.
it does not
recognize.

46 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Error Messages on the Computer

Message Possible c ause Solution
Connection

between the
imaging device
and computer
failed

Photos are still
present on the
camera

The camera
might be
connected to a
computer
through a USB
hub.

You h ave not
chosen to have
the images
removed from
the camera
when you
unload them to
a computer.

Try connecting the
camera directly to the
computer, or disconnect
other devices attached to
the hub.

If you want to have the
images removed, choose
this option from the
HP Photo Imaging
software.

5-Troubleshooting and Support 47

Getting Assistance

Finding help on the web

HP product support

Visit www.hp.com/go/support to find information for your
camera model. You can choose information about setting up
and using your camera, unloading drivers, solving a problem,
ordering, and information about the warranty.

HP photosmart website

Visit www.hp.com/photosmart for tips on using your camera
more effectively and creatively as well as HP digital camera
driver updates and software.

HP accessibility website

Visit www.hp.com/hpinfo/community/accessibility/prodserv/
if you have a disability and need help.

Contacting HP Customer Support

In addition to the Web, you can contact HP by telephone or
mail for support and service for your camera. Prices,
availability, and hours of support are subject to change without
notice.

How HP can help

The HP support hotline can help resolve problems with setup,
installation, configuration, and operation. For help with non-HP
hardware or software, please contact the manufacturer.

48 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Before you call

Review troubleshooting tips.

Have the following information ready before you call:

z serial number (found on the bottom of your camera)
z product name
z date of purchase

Hardware Repair Services

If you think your camera needs repair, first call the Customer
Support Center, which can help determine if service is required
and direct you to a service site. Otherwise, contact the store
where you purchased the product. Or, visit

www.hp.com/cpso-support/guide/psd/repairhelp.html for

the nearest sales and service office.

Service is free of charge during the warranty period. Beyond
the warranty period, service will be charged.

Obtaining support in the United States

Free telephone support for 90 days

Within 90 days of your purchase, telephone support is
provided to you free of charge. If this is a long distance call for
you, long distance charges will apply.

Call (1) [phone].

Our support staff is available from 6 am to 10 pm Mountain
Time, Monday through Friday, or 9 am to 4 pm Saturday.

5-Troubleshooting and Support 49

After 90 days

Call (1) [phone].

A fee of $25.00 per call (U.S.) will be charged to your credit
card. Charges begin only when you connect with a support
technician.

Upgraded warranty options

You can select one of the following upgraded warranty options
(available in the U.S. only):

z Standard Next Day Exchange
z Accidental Damage Protection with Next Day Exchange

Upgrade your standard factory warranty to three years with
the HP SupportPack. Service coverage begins on product
purchase date and the pack must be purchased within the first
180 days of product purchase. HP will determine the hardware
service offering based upon the outcome of system self-test
programs run by the customer through the initial call to the HP
Customer Care Center. If during your technical support call it is
determined that your product needs replacement, HP will ship
you this replacement product next business day free of charge.
Optional Accidental Damage Protection is also available. This
warranty upgrade protects against accidental breakage such
as spills, drops, or falls. Both of these warranty upgrades offer
maximized uptime and productivity, the convenience of door­to-door pickup with delivery, packaging and freight prepaid
by HP.

For more information call 1-888-999-4747 or visit

www.homeandoffice.hp.com and select “warranty upgrades”

under “product support.”

50 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Obtaining support worldwide

Telephone support is free for 1 year in Asia and the South
Pacific and 30 days in the Middle East and Africa.

Please check for the details and conditions of phone support in
your country or region by consulting website
www.hp.com/cposupport/loc/regional.html. Alternatively,
you can ask your dealer or call HP at the phone number
indicated in this manual. For English support in Europe, contact
[phone].

[phone]

Algeria
Argentina 0-810-555-5520
Australia [phone] (or local [phone])
Austria [phone]
Belgium Dutch: [phone]

French: [phone]

Brazil (11) 4689-2012 (Grande São Paulo)

0800-157 751 (outside Grande São Paulo)

Canada 905-206-4663 (during the warranty period)

877-621-4722 (after the warranty period)

Chile 800 360 999 (Post-sales Home Computing)
China [phone]
Colombia 9 800 114 726
Czech Republic [phone]
Denmark [phone]
Egypt 02 532 5222
Finland [phone]
France [phone] (Euro 0.34/min)
Germany [phone] (DM .24/min, Euro .12/min)

5-Troubleshooting and Support 51

Greece [phone]
Guatemala 1 800 999 5305
Hong Kong [phone]
Hungary [phone]
India 1 600 112267 or [phone]
Indonesia [phone]
Ireland [phone]
Israel [phone]
Italy [phone]
Korea, Republic of [phone] (Seoul)

0-80-999-0700 (outside Seoul)

Malaysia 1-800-805-405
Mexico 52 58 9922 (Mexico City)

01-800 -472-6684 (outside Mexico City)

Middle East/Africa [phone]
Netherlands [phone]
New Zealand [phone]
Norway [phone]
Peru 0 800 10111
Philippines [phone]
Poland [phone]
Portugal [phone]
Puerto Rico 1 877 232 0589
Romania [phone] (or local 01 3154442)
Russian Federation [phone] (Moscow)

[phone] (St. Petersburg)

Saudi Arabia 800 897 14440
Singapore [phone]

52 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Slovakia [phone]
South Africa 086 000 1030 (RSA)

[phone] (outside RSA)

Spain [phone]
Sweden [phone]
Switzerland [phone]
Taiwan 0 800 01 0055
Thailand [phone]
Turkey [phone]
Ukraine [phone]
United Arab Emirates 971 4 883 8454
United Kingdom (UK) [phone]
Venezuela 0 800 4746 8368
Viet Nam [phone]

5-Troubleshooting and Support 53

54 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Appendix A: Accessories and Battery Management

Accessories

You can purchase additional accessories for your camera from
your local retailer or online at www.hpshopping.com. Some
accessories for your HP photosmart 120 series digital camera
include:

z HP AC power adapter (C8875A)
z Rechargeable batteries and battery charger
z CompactFlash (CF) memory card
z Camera bag
z Portable tripod

Managing Batteries

Each time you remove the batteries from the camera, the clock
stops. When the camera is turned on again, the clock will be
set to the last time and date at which it stopped. You may be
prompted to modify the date and time. For more information
about setting the date and time, refer to Chapter 1,
Getting Started.

6-Appendix A: Accessories and 55

The following battery levels are displayed during Preview and
Playback mode and when the camera is connected to a
computer.

Level Icon Description
Full Batteries have full life remaining

Partially
full

Batteries have approximately 1/2 life
remaining

Empty Batteries are empty and need to be

replaced

The camera uses four AA batteries. Acceptable batteries
include alkaline, photo-lithium, NiCd, and NiMH. For the best
results with your camera, use photo-lithium or NiMH batteries.

Extending battery life

z Use an optional HP AC adapter when unloading pictures to

your computer.

z Turn the camera off during a pause in picture taking.
z Use the Auto Flash setting rather than Flash On.

Rechargeable batteries

NiCd or NiMH batteries can be recharged by using a battery
charger (purchased separately).

56 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Power Conservation

To conserve battery power, the camera’s Display backlight
shuts off automatically when there is no button activity for 60
seconds. If the camera is in Preview mode, it switches to
Playback mode. To turn on the Display backlight and activate
the camera, press any button.

If no buttons are pressed for 5 minutes, the camera turns off
(unless it is connected to a computer).

You c an also turn off the Display backlight manually by
pressing and holding the button for at least 2 seconds. To
turn on the Display backlight again, press the button for at

least 2 seconds.

NOTE Power conservation only occurs when the camera is

running from battery power.

6-Appendix A: Accessories and 57

58 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Appendix B: Reference

Camera Specifications

Feature Description
Sensor 1.0 MP

1/2”
Color depth 24 bits (8 bits x 3 colors)
Resolution Good 0.25 MP (576 x 432)

Better 1.0 MP (1152 x 864)

Best 1.0 MP (1152 x 864)

Memory type 4 MB flash memory

CF memory card optional
Memory

capacity

Lens Fixed Focal Length: 9.9mm

Zoom 2x digital zoom
Capture modes Still photographs or video recording
Exposure control Auto exposure
Aperture 3.5mm

128 MB CF memory card (not included)

Quality Images Target File Size

Good 2000 64 KB

Better 650 195 KB

Best 425 300 KB

F-Number: 2.8

7-Appendix B: Reference 59

Feature Description
Shutter speed Flash Off: 1/1000 to 1/15 second

Auto Flash/Flash On: 1/1000 to
1/30 second

Video capture and

Video clip capture

playback
Audio Buzzer only
Flash settings Auto Flash, Flash On, Flash Off
Focus Fixed focus range: 1.2 meters to infinity
ISO (Sensitivity) 100
Metering Average
White Balance Automatic
Self-Timer 10 second delay
Viewfinder Virtual image viewfinder
Flash guide number Built-in flash with range up to 3 meters
LCD 1.4” STN
Compressed format JPEG

Motion JPEG AVI for video clip

Power 4 AA batteries (included) or optional HP

AC adapter (6V, 2A type 2 plug)

For power consumption data, please
see the regulatory supplement included
on the CD that came with your camera.
The file name is
regulatory_supplement.htm

Interfaces USB 2.0 Full-speed device

60 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Feature Description
Standards PTP

MSDC

JPEG

Motion JPEG AVI

DPOF

EXIF

DCF
Case Material Plastic
Tripod mount Yes
Dimensions External Body Dimensions:

111mm (L) x 44.5mm (W) x 69mm (H)
Weight 151 grams (without batteries)

7-Appendix B: Reference 61

62 hp photosmart 120 user’s manual

Index

Numerics
2x/self-timer button 10

A
AA batteries 56
AC power adapter

connector 9
not working correctly 39

purchase 55
accessibility assistance 48
accessories 55
accidental damage protection
50
alkaline batteries 41, 56
aperture 59
attach wrist strap 12
audio specifications 60
Auto flash 23

B
backlight on display 20, 57
bag for camera 55
batteries

conserve power 20, 36, 57

door 9

extend life 41, 56

install 12

low power indicator light 11

need replacement often 41

not working correctly 39

operate camera without 9

recharge 41, 56

types to use 41, 56

view levels of life 56

battery charger

batteries can be used with 56
purchase 55

Best quality setting

description 24
memory capacity 59
resolution 59

Better quality setting

description 24
memory capacity 59
resolution 59

blinking lights

self-timer 8, 21

viewfinder 11, 14, 19, 36
blurry images 42
bonus software

install for Macintosh systems

17

install for Windows systems

16
bright, images too 43
buttons

behavior when camera

connected to computer 35

location and description 8

C
CF memory card

cannot format 46
capacity per quality level 24
delete images 29
description 13
door 10

63Index

effect of installing on internally

stored images 33
format 29
full 45
image capacity per quality

level 59
insert and remove 10
install 13
memory supported 20
move images to from internal

memory to 33
not supported 45
print from 37
purchase 13, 55
remove 13
running out of room 34
saving images to computer 37
use to expand camera

memory 13
video recording time available

20
view video time recording

available 20
wrong format 46

charge indicator for flash 11
clock

effect when batteries removed

15, 55
set on camera 15

color depth 59
CompactFlash (CF) memory

See

card.
compression formats for files 60
computer

CF memory card

behavior of buttons when

connected to 35
connect to 35
transfer images to 36

configure

camera preferences 32

USB settings 32
connections failed 47
connectors

power adapter 9

USB 9
conserve

battery life 41, 56

battery power 20, 36
contact HP Customer Support 48
customer support 48

D
damage protection 50
dark images, troubleshoot 43
date

effect when batteries removed

15, 55
set 15
view formats 15
wrong one displayed 42

decrease quality levels for
images 10
delay

self-timer 60
shutter button 42
video clip recording 21

delete

images from CF memory card

29, 37
images from internal memory

19, 29
undelete images 29

See also

device unknown 46
Digital Print Order Format
(DPOF) files

remove

64 Index

create 36
description 36
print from 36
standards used 61

digital zoom

specifications 59
use 10, 22

view effect on subjects 22
dimensions of camera 61
disk drive

icon not present on Macintosh

computer 44

set camera to be recognized

as 32
display button 11
doors

battery 9

CF memory card 10
download printer drivers and
software 48
DPOF (Digital Print Order
Format) files

create 36

description 36

print from 36

standards used 61
driver updates 48

E
empty batteries 56
enlarge images 31
error messages

on computer 47

on display 45
exchange services 50
expand memory 13
exposure control 59
extend battery life 41, 56

F
factory warranty 50
fill-flash 23
flash

Auto, Flash On, and Flash Off

settings 23
guide number 60
indicator light for charging 11
memory 59
move through settings 23
prevent 23
provided too much light 43
range 43
settings 60
turn on and off 23
use 23

flash button

location and description 10
use to move through settings

23

focus range 60
format

cannot perform for CF

memory card 46
CF memory card 29
internal memory 29
wrong for CF memory card 46

frame

pictures in viewfinder 19
video clips 20

full

batteries 56
CF memory card 45

65Index

G
Good quality setting

description 24
memory capacity 59
resolution 59

H
hardware repair services 49
help for problems 48
hotline for support 48
HP Customer Support 48
HP support hotline 48
HP SupportPack 50

I
image quality

effect of settings on memory

24
increase 10
recommendations 24
view settings 23

images

blurry 42
cannot display 46
change quality level 23
delete from CF memory card

29, 37
delete from internal memory

19, 29
effect of connecting camera to

computer 36
effect of installing CF memory

card 33
magnify 31
move from internal memory to

CF memory card 33
navigate through on camera

11

none in camera 26, 45
print from CF memory card 37
print from print order files 36
quality levels 23
sa ve from CF memo ry card on

computer 37
select to be printed 28
still present on camera 47
store 13
too bright 43
too dark 43
transfer to computer 36
undelete 29
view 21
view thumbnails 30

See also

pictures

increase

light on front of subject 23
quality of images 24
video recording time on

memory card 20

indicator lights.
install

batteries 12
bonus software for Macintosh

systems 17
bonus software for Windows

systems 16
CF memory card 13
software for Macintosh

operating systems 17
software for Windows

operating systems 16

interface specifications 60
internal memory

amount supported 13
delete images 19
format 29

See

lights

66 Index

image capacity per quality

level 24
increase 20
move images to CF memory

card 33
move images to computer 36

ISO (sensitivity) 60

J
JPEG

compression format for files

60
standards used 61

L
language

choose 14
menu 34

LCD specifications 60

See

LEDs.
lens specifications 59
life of batteries

light on subject

lights

low power indicator light 11

lights

extend 41, 56
view 56

increase on front 23
too bright behind 43

blinking self-timer 21
blinking viewfinder 11, 14,

19, 36
flash charging indicator 11
location on camera 8
low power indicator 11
video clip recording 11
video/self-timer 8
viewfinder 11

M
Macintosh operating systems

do not get Disk Drive icon 44
install bonus software 17
install software 17
requirement for setting USB

connection to disk drive

33
magnify images 31
Mass Storage Device Class
(MSDC) setting for camera 32,
61
measurements of camera 61
memory

amount supported 20
capacities 59
effect of quality settings 24
expand 13
low indicator light 11
move images between types of

33

types 59

See also

CF memory card;

internal memory

See

memory card.
card
menus

language 34
navigate through 11
Playback 27
selection options 11
Setup 32

messages

on computer 47

on display 45
metering 60
Motion JPEG AVI for video clips
60, 61

CF memory

67Index

mount camera on tripod 11
MSDC (Mass Storage Device
Class) setting for camera 32, 61

N
navigate through menus 11
NiCd batteries

recharge 56
use 56

NiMH batteries

recharge 56
use 56

no images in memory 26

O
on/off button 10
optical viewfinder

blinking light 11, 14, 19, 36
frame pictures 19
location 10

overview of product 7

P
parts of the camera 8
phone support

U.S. 49

worldwide 51
photo-lithium batteries 56
Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP)
32, 61
pictures

preview 21

review 19

take 19

See also

Playback menu 27
Playback mode

images

description 19

switch to 11
switch to Preview mode 11

power

conserve 20, 36, 57
consumption 60
indicator icon 56
low indicator light 11
specifications 60
turn on and off 10, 14

power adapter

connector 9
not working correctly 39
purchase 55

preview

pictures 21
zoom effect on subjects 22

Preview mode

description 19
switch to Playback mode 11
use 21

print

from CF memory card 37
from print order files 36
select images for 28
video clips 28
view images marked for 25

print order files

create 36
description 36
print from 36

standards used 61
printer driver updates 48
problems

before you call 49

troubleshoot 39
PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol)
32, 61

68 Index

purchase

accessories 55
CF memory card 13, 55

Q
quality button 10
quality levels for images

change 23
description 23
image capacity for each 24
image capacity in CF memory

card for each 59
increase or decrease 10
recommendations 24
resolution 59
view settings 23

R
range

flash 43
focus 60

recharge batteries 41, 56
record video clips 8, 20
recycling information 3
remove

CF memory card 10, 13

See also

repair services 49
resolution for quality levels 59
review

S
s av e i ma ge s on C F m em or y c a rd
to computer 37
self-timer

delete

pictures taken 19
thumbnail images 30

blinking light 8, 21

button 10
delay 60
light 8
set 10
time before picture taken 21

use 21, 22
sensor for camera 59
serial number location 49
service support 49
Setup menu 32
shutter button

delay 42

location 8

no picture taken when pressed

40
shutter speed 60
software

cannot find camera 44
download 48
install bonus for Macintosh

systems 17

install bonus for Windows

systems 16

install for Macintosh systems

17

install for Windows systems

16

updates 48
specifications for camera 59
speed of shutter 60
store images and video clips 13
strap for wrist

attach 12

mount for attachment 10
support 48
SupportPack 50

69Index

T
take

pictures 19

video clips 20
technical support 48
telephone support

U.S. 49

worldwide 51
thumbnails of images 30
time

amount provided by self-timer

21

effect when batteries removed

15, 55

review remaining for video

clips 21
set 15
view formats 15
wrong one displayed 42

transfer images from internal
memory to computer 36
tripod

mount 11
purchase 55

troubleshoot

before you call 49
problems 39

turn on and off

automatically 57
backlight on display 20, 57
camera does not 39
camera power 10, 14
flash 23

software 48
upgrade warranties 50
USB

configure setting 32
connection 9, 35
interface specifications 60

V
video button 8
video clips

compression format 60
delay recording 21
increase recording time 20
indicator light 11
print 28
record 8, 20
store 13
undelete 29
view time remaining 21

view

battery life level 56
effect of zoom on subject 22
image quality settings 23
images marked for printing

25
pictures taken 19, 21
thumbnails of images 30
time remaining for video clip

21

viewfinder

blinking light 11, 14, 19, 36
frame pictures 19
location 10

U
undelete images 29
unknown device 46
updates for printer drivers and

70 Index

W
warranty options 50
websites

accessibility 48
disposal and recycling 3
HP photosmart 48
HP products 48
purchasing 55
sales and service offices 49

warranty upgrades 50
weight of camera 61
white balance 60
Windows operating systems

install bonus software 16

install software 16
worldwide support 51
wrist strap

attach 12

mount for attachment 10

Z
zoom

specifications 59

use 10, 22

view effect on subjects 22

71Index

72 Index

www.hp.com/photosmart

Printed in Singapore 2002

*Q2154−90010*

Q2154-90010