Pentax Optio 550 User Guide

Digital Camera

Operating Manual

To ensure the best performance from your camera, please read the Operating Manual before using the camera.

Thank you for buying the Pentax Optio 550 Digital Camera. Please read this manual before using the camera in order to get the most out of all the features and functions. Keep this manual safe, as it can be a valuable tool in helping you to understand all the camera’s capabilities.

Regarding copyrights

Images taken using the Optio 550 that are for anything other than personal enjoyment cannot be used without permission according to the rights as specified in the Copyright Act. Please take care, as there are even cases where limitations are placed on taking pictures even for personal enjoyment during demonstrations, industrial enterprise or as items for display. Images taken with the purpose of obtaining copyrights also cannot be used outside the scope of use of the copyright as laid out in the Copyright Act, and care should be taken here also.

Regarding trademarks

• The SD logo is a trademark.

• PENTAX is a trademark of PENTAX Corporation.

• Optio is a trademark of PENTAX Corporation.

• All other brands or product names are trademarks of registered trademarks of their respective companies.

• This product supports PRINT Image Matching II.

When used in combination, PRINT Image Matching II enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved. PRINT Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA

Sufficient attention has been paid to the safety of this product but please pay particular attention to the warnings indicated by the following symbols during use.

Warning

These symbols indicate that it is possible that the user may experience serious difficulties if the warnings are not heeded.

Caution

These symbols indicate that it is possible that the user may experience minor or middling difficulties or physical difficulties if the warnings are not heeded.

Warning:

• Do not attempt to take the camera apart or remodel the camera. High voltages are present within the camera, and there is therefore a danger of electric shocks.

• If the inside of the camera should become exposed as a result of, for example, the camera being dropped, please do not under any circumstances touch such exposed portions, as there is a danger of receiving an electric shock.

• Wrapping the strap of the camera around your neck is also dangerous, please take care that small children do not hang the strap around their necks.

• To avoid the risk of it being swallowed by mistake, keep the SD Memory Card out of the reach of small children. Seek medical attention immediately if accidentally swallowed.

• Use an AC adapter that are of the power and voltage specified for exclusive use with this product. The use of an AC adapter other than that specified exclusively for use with this product may cause fire or electric shocks.

• If the camera emits smoke or a strange smell, or in the event of any other irregularity, stop using the camera immediately, remove the battery or disconnect the AC adapter and contact your nearest Pentax service center. Continued use of the camera may result in fire or electric shock.

• Discontinue use of the AC adapter during thunderstorms. This can cause a fire or electrical shock.

Caution:

• Never try to disassemble, short the battery. Also, do not dispose of the battery in fire, as it may explode.

• Remove the battery from the camera immediately if it becomes hot or begins to smoke. Be careful not to burn yourself during removal.

• Some portions of the camera heat up during use, so please take care, as there is a risk of low temperature burns if such portions are held for long periods of time.

• Do not place your finger on the flash when it is discharging as there is a risk of burns.

• If any of the battery leakage should come in contact with your eyes, do not rub them. Flush your eyes with clean water and get medical attention immediately.

• If any of the battery leakage should come in contact with skin or clothes, wash the affected areas thoroughly with water.

Care to be Taken During Handling

• Do not clean the product with organic solvents such as thinner or alcohol benzene.

• Places of high temperature and humidity should be avoided. Particular care should be taken regarding vehicles, which can become very hot inside.

• Storing the camera where pesticides and chemicals are handled should be avoided. Remove from case and store in a well-ventilated place to prevent the camera from becoming moldy during storage.

• Do not use the camera where it may come in contact with rain, water or any other liquid, because the camera is not weather, water, or liquid resistant. Should the camera get wet from rain, splashing water, or any other liquid, wipe it off immediately with a dry soft cloth.

• Ensure that the camera is not subjected to substantial vibrations, shocks or pressure. Place the camera on a cushion for protection when the camera is subjected to the vibrations of a motorbike, car, or ship, etc.

• The liquid crystal display will become black at temperatures of approximately 60°C (140°F) but will return to normal when normal temperatures are returned to.

• The response speed of the liquid crystal display becomes slow at low temperatures. This is due to the properties of the liquid crystal and is not a fault.

• Remove dust from the lens and viewfinder using a blower or clean off dust using a lens brush.

• Periodic checks are recommended every 1 to 2 years in order to maintain highperformance.

• When the camera has not been used for a long time, confirm that it is still working properly, particularly prior to taking important pictures (such as at a wedding or during travelling). Pentax is not responsible for consequential damages (costs incurred as a result of taking pictures, loss of benefits that were to be obtained through taking pictures) arising from failure of this product.

• If the camera is subjected to rapid temperature changes, condensation may form on the inside and outside of the camera. Therefore put the camera in a bag or plastic bag, and take the camera out when the difference in temperature has subsided.

• The temperature range in which the camera can be used is 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F).

• Avoid contact with garbage, dirt, sand, dust, water, toxic gases, salt, etc. as this may cause damage to the camera. If rain or drops of water get onto the camera, please wipe dry.

• Refer to “Precautions When Using an SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard” (p.17) regarding the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard.

• Be sure to use the rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI7 provided for this camera. If you use any other battery the camera may be damaged or malfunction.

To users of this camera

• There is a possibility that recorded data may be erased or that the camera may

not function correctly when used in surroundings such as installations generating strong electromagnetic radiation or magnetic fields.

• The liquid crystal panel used in the LCD display is manufactured using extreme-

ly high precision technology. Although the level of functioning pixels is 99.99% or better, you should be aware that 0.01% or fewer of the pixels may not illuminate or may illuminate when they should not. However, this has no effect on the recorded image.

• There is a possibility that the illustrations and the display screen of the LCD

monitor in this manual are different form the actual product.

Contents

FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA ·····················································1 Care to be Taken During Handling ···························································2 Contents ···································································································4 Contents of the Operating Manual ···························································7 Checking the Contents of the Package ····················································8 Name of Parts ··························································································9 Names of Operating Parts ····································································10

Getting Started ············································································11

Attaching the Strap ··························································································11 Powering the Camera ······················································································12

Charging the Battery ··············································································12 Installing the Battery ··············································································13

Using the AC Adapter (optional) ····························································15 Installing the SD Memory Card/ MultiMediaCard ·······························································································16 Turning the Camera On and Off ······································································18 Adjusting the Viewfinder ··················································································19 Initial Settings ··································································································20

Setting the Display Language ································································20

Setting the Home Town ··········································································21

Setting the D.S.T. Mode ··········································································21

Setting the Date and Time ·····································································22

Quick Start ····················································································24

Taking Still Pictures ·························································································24 Playing Back Still Pictures ···············································································26

Playing Back Images ··············································································26

Playing Back Previous or Next Images ··················································26 How to View the Recorded Images ·································································28

Common Operations ···································································30

Changing the Mode ··························································································30 Using the Button Functions ··············································································31

Capture Mode ························································································31

Playback Mode ·······················································································33 Using the Menus ·····························································································34

How to Set the Menus ············································································34

Menu List ································································································36

Taking Pictures ············································································38

Displaying Shooting Information (Capture Mode) ············································38 Setting the Shooting Functions ········································································40

Selecting the Focus Mode ·····································································40

Selecting the Flash Mode ······································································42

Selecting the Recorded Pixels ·······························································43

Selecting the Quality Levels ···································································44

Adjusting the Color Balance according to Lighting (White Balance) ·····45

Changing the AF Area (Focusing Area) ·················································47

Setting the Light Metering Range to Determine the Exposure

(AE Metering) ·························································································48

Setting the Sensitivity ·············································································49 Setting the Instant Review time (Instant Review) ··································50 Setting the Image Sharpness (Sharpness) ············································51 Setting the Color Saturation (Saturation) ···············································52 Setting the Image Contrast (Contrast) ···················································53

Taking Pictures·································································································54

Letting the Camera Set the Exposure (Program Mode) ························54 Setting the Aperture Value (Aperture Priority Mode) ·····························55 Setting the Shutter Speed (Shutter Priority Mode) ································56 Setting the Exposure Manually (Manual Exposure Mode) ·····················57 Selecting the Picture Mode According to the Shooting ························59 Scene (Picture mode) ············································································59 Taking Movie Pictures (Movie Picture Mode) ·········································61 Taking Panorama Pictures (Panorama Assist Mode) ·····························63 Taking Stereo Pictures (3D Image Mode) ··············································65 Taking Pictures with Digital Filters (Digital Filter Mode) ·························70 Using Preset Function Settings (User Mode) ········································72 Recording Sound (Voice Recording Mode) ············································73 Using the Zoom ······················································································74 EV Compensation ··················································································76 Using the Self-Timer ··············································································77 Using the Remote Control Unit (optional) ··············································78 Continuous Shooting ··············································································79 Taking Pictures at Fixed Intervals (Interval Shooting) ····························80 Superimposing One Picture on Top of Another (Multiple Exposure Mode) ······································································82 Automatically Changing the Shooting Conditions (Auto bracket) ··········84 Taking Fast Forward Movie Pictures (Fast Fwd Movie) ·························86

Saving the Settings (Memory) ··········································································87

Saving the Menu Items (Memory) ··························································87 Registering Functions in User Mode ······················································88

Playback/Erasing ·········································································89

Playing Back Images and Sound ····································································89

Playing Back Still Pictures ······································································89 Zoom Display ·························································································89 Adding a Voice Memo ············································································90 Playing Back Movie Pictures ··································································91 Playing Back Sound ···············································································92 Playing back Shooting Information (Playback Mode) ·····························93 Nine-image Display ················································································94 Slideshow ·······························································································95

Erasing Images ·······························································································96

Erasing a Single Image or Sound ··························································96 Erasing All Images ·················································································98

Protecting Images from Deletion (Protect) ·············································99 Viewing Images on a TV ················································································100 Setting the Printing Service (DPOF) ·····························································101

Printing Single Image ···········································································101

Printing All Images ···············································································103

Viewing Images with your PC ·······································································104

About the included software ·································································104 System environment ············································································104 Installing the software ··········································································105 Displaying and copying images using ACDSee™ ·······························112 Joining panorama images using ACD photostitcher ····························113 Disconnecting the camera from your computer ···································116

Viewing Images with your Macintosh ····························································118

About the included software ·································································118 System environment ············································································118 Installing the software ··········································································118 Displaying and copying images using ACDSee™ ·······························120 Disconnecting the camera from your Macintosh ··································121

Editing/Settings ·········································································123

Editing Images ·······························································································123

Changing the Image Size ·····································································123 Trimming Images ··················································································125

Camera Settings ····························································································126

Formatting a SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard ··································126 Changing the Sound Settings ······························································127 Setting the Date Style ··········································································129 Changing the Date/Time ······································································130 Setting the World Time ·········································································130 Changing the Display Language ··························································132 Changing the Video Output Format ·····················································132 Changing the Start-up Screen ·····························································133 LCD Power Saving (Sleep Timeout) ····················································134 Setting Auto Power Off ·········································································134 Setting the Quick Delete Function ·······················································135 Setting the Quick Zoom Function ·························································135 Registering Functions ··········································································136 Adjusting the Focus Limit ·····································································138 Resetting to Default Settings (Reset) ···················································138

Setting the Alarm ···························································································139

Checking the Alarm ··············································································139 Setting the Alarm ·················································································139 Turning the Alarm Off ···········································································140

Appendix ····················································································141

List of City Names ·························································································141 List of Menu Default Settings ········································································142 Adjustable [Rec.Mode] Menu Items by Shooting Mode ································144 Messages ······································································································145 Troubleshooting ·····························································································147 Optional Accessories ·····················································································150 WARRANTY POLICY ····················································································151 Main Specifications ·······················································································152

Contents of the Operating Manual

This Operating manual contains the following chapters.

 Getting Started

This chapter explains what you need to do after purchasing the camera before you start taking pictures. Be sure to read it and follow the instructions.

 Quick Start

This chapter explains the simplest way to take pictures and play back images. Use it if you want to start taking pictures straightaway. It also tells you how to use the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard.

 Common Operations

This chapter explains common operations such as the functions of the mode dial and buttons, and how to use the menus. For more details, refer to the respective [Taking Pictures], [Playback/Erasing] and [Editing/Settings] chapters.

 Taking Pictures

This chapter explains the various ways of capturing images and how to set the relevant functions.

 Playback/Erasing

This chapter explains how to play back images on the camera or on a TV and how to delete images.

 Editing/Settings

This chapter explains how to edit images and set the camera-related functions.

 Appendix

This tells you about the messages displayed on the LCD monitor and what to do in the event of trouble.

The meanings of the symbols used in this Operating manual are explained below.

☞

memo

Caution

indicates the reference page number for an explanation of the related operation.

indicates information that is useful to know.

indicates precautions to be taken when operating the camera.

The icons above the title show the Capture modes, that can activate the function.

Contents of the Package

Checking the Contents of the Package

Camera

Optio 550

Lithium-ion battery

D-LI7

Battery charger

(D-BC7) (∗)

(Rechargeable) (∗)

USB cable I-USB7 (∗)

3D Image Viewer

O-3DV1

Digital Camera

Operating Manual

To ensure the best performance from your camera, please read the Operating Manual before using the camera.

AV cable

I-AVC7 (∗)

Software (CD-ROM)

S-SW7

AC plug cord

D-C02 (∗)

Strap

O-ST5 (∗)

Operating Manual

this manual

About items marked with (

∗)

∗ Items marked with (∗) are also available as optional accessories. For other option-

al accessories, refer to the list on page 150.

✽ Type of AC plug cord

D-CO2A Australia / D-CO2B United Kingdom / D-CO2E Europe / D-CO2H Hong Kong / D-CO2J Japan / D-CO2K Korea / D-CO2U North America, Canada

Name of Parts

Front

Back

Remote control receiver

Shutter release button

Self-timer lamp

Power switch

Autofocus window

Speaker

Viewfinder

Built-in flash

Microphone

Lens

Viewfinder

LCD monitor

Strap lug Terminal cover

USB/AV output terminal DC input terminal

Battery lock lever

Battery chamber/card cover

Tripod socket

Names of Operating Parts

Diopter adjustment lever

/ button

DPOF button

Power switch

Shutter release button Mode dial

Zoom / / button

/ button

Playback button

OK button

Four-way controller

)

(

Display button

Status lamp (green)

Flash lamp (red)

Menu/Fn button

 Guide indications

A guide to available button operation is displayed on the LCD monitor during operation. The buttons are indicated as shown below.

Four-way controller ()

Four-way controller ()

Four-way controller ()

Four-way controller ()

Menu/Fn button

Shutter release button



Zoom / / button (Only for digital zoom and magnified playback)

DISPLAY button



DPOF button





button

OK button

Getting Started

Attaching the Strap

Pass the narrow end of the strap through the strap lug and pass the other end through the loop.

Getting Started

Powering the Camera

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Charging indicator

Getting Started

Charging the Battery

When using the camera for the first time or when the [Battery depleted.] message is displayed, charge the battery.

z Connect the AC plug cord to the battery charger. x Plug the AC plug cord into the power outlet. c

v When charging is completed, remove the battery from the

•

• The charging time may vary depending on the ambient tempera-

• When the battery reaches the end of its service life, the time

Caution

Battery

To power outlet

Battery charger

Place the battery in the charger with the label facing up.

The charging indicator lights red while the battery is charging and changes to green when charging is completed.

battery charger.

The time required for full charge is about 180 minutes maximum. The appropriate ambient temperature range for charging the battery is 0°C-40°C (32°F to 104°F).

ture and charging conditions.

that the camera can be operated becomes shorter even when the battery is fully charged. In this event, replace the battery.

• Always charge the battery after purchasing or when it has not been used for a long time.

• Use the Battery charge D-BC7 to charge the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery D-LI7 only as the charger may overheat or be damaged.

•

If the battery is inserted correctly but the charging indicator fails to light, the battery may be faulty. Replace with a new battery.

AC plug cord

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Battery chamber card cover

Installing the Battery

Install the battery provided. When using the camera for the first time, charge the battery before installing.

z Slide the battery chamber/card cover in the direction indi-

cated by the arrow to open the battery chamber/card cover.

x Insert the battery with the label facing towards the lens

while using the side of the battery to press the battery lock lever in the direction indicated by the arrow.

When you have inserted the battery, check that it is firmly secured by the battery lock lever.

c Close the battery chamber cover.

To remove the battery, release the battery by using your finger to press the battery lock lever in the same direction as when you inserted the battery, and pull the battery out.

If you intend to use the camera continuously for a long period, use of the AC adapter D-AC7 (optional) is recommended. (

Caution

• The rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI7 is exclusively for powering this camera. If you use any other battery the camera may be damaged or malfunction.

• Do not remove the battery when the camera is turned on.

• If you do not intend to use the camera for a long time,

remove the battery.

• If the camera is left without the battery for a long time, the date setting will be reset.

• Insert the battery correctly. If the battery is incorrectly oriented, it may cause malfunction.

Battery

Battery lock lever

p.15)

☞

Getting Started

● Approximate Operating Time (when the D-LI7 battery is fully charged)

Number of recordable images:Approx. 400 (when 50% shooting

uses flash, LCD monitor ON)

Playback time : Approx. 210 min.

* The description above is based on Pentax measuring conditions and

may vary depending on capture mode and shooting conditions.

Caution

Generally, battery performance is temporarily deteriorate as temperature decreases. When the camera is used in a cold environment, keep this product warm by holding it in some protection against cold or inside the clothes. Battery performance once deteriorated due to low temperature will be recovered when the batteries are returned to room temperature.

● Battery Level Indicator

You can check the battery level by the symbol displayed on the LCD monitor.

(lit green) : Adequate power remains.

↓

(lit green) : Battery is running low.

↓

(lit yellow) : Battery is running very low.

↓

(lit red) : Battery is exhausted.

↓

[Battery depleted.] : After the message is displayed,

the camera will turn off.

AC adapter

To power outlet

Terminal cover

AC plug cord

Using the AC Adapter (optional)

If you intend to use the LCD monitor for a long time or connect the camera to a PC, use of the AC adapter D-AC7 (optional) is recommended.

z Make sure that the camera is turned off and opening the

terminal cover.

x Connect the DC terminal on the AC adapter to the DC

input terminal on the camera.

c Connect the AC plug cord to the AC adapter. v Plug the AC plug cord into the power outlet.

Getting Started

Caution

• Make sure that the camera is turned off when connecting or disconnecting the AC adapter.

• Make sure that the AC plug cord and connecting cord are inserted securely. If the cord becomes disconnected while you are taking pictures, the data may be lost.

• When using the AC adapter D-AC7, be sure to read the operating manual accompanying the AC adapter.

Installing the SD Memory Card/ MultiMediaCard

Getting Started

SD Memory Card/ MultiMediaCard

Battery chamber/ card cover

MultiMediaCards and the SD Memory Card can be used with this camera. Captured images or recorded voice are recorded on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard. Make sure that the camera is turned off before inserting or removing the SD Memory Card/ MultiMediaCard.

Open the battery chamber/card cover.

Rotate the card with the surface of the card having the  symbol facing towards the lens and with the pin-connector edge of the card towards the slot and insert fully until it clicks.

If the card is not inserted correctly, images and voice memos may not be recorded properly.

Close the battery chamber/card cover.

To remove the card, eject the card by pressing it in the direction indicated by the arrow, and pull it out.

 Approximate Number of Recordable Images and

Recorded pixels/Quality levels

Quality levels

Recorded pixels

2592 × 1944 Approx. 4 Approx. 8 Approx. 14

2048 × 1536 Approx. 7 Approx. 12 Approx. 18

1600 × 1200 Approx. 11 Approx. 20 Approx. 27

1024 × 0768 Approx. 25 Approx. 45 Approx. 56

0640 × 0480 Approx. 53 Approx. 82

• The above table indicates the number of images when using a 16MB SD Memory Card.

• As TIFF data is uncompressed, it cannot be stored on a 16MB SD Memory Card/MultiMedia card. To take pictures in TIFF format, use a card with a capacity of 32MB or more.

• The above table is based on standard shooting conditions specified by PENTAX and may vary depending on the subject, shooting conditions, capture mode, SD Memory Card, etc.

Best Better Good

()()()

Approx. 100

Movie images

(320 × 240)

Approx. Approx.

40sec. 30min.

voice

recording

 Precautions When Using a SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard

• Make sure that the camera is turned off before opening the battery chamber/card cover.

• The SD Memory Card is equipped with a write-protect switch. Setting the switch to [LOCK] protects the existing data by prohibiting recording of new data, deletion of existing data or formatting of the card.

• The SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard formatted by the other equipment than this camera cannot be used for PC, etc. Formatting must be done by this camera.

• Care should be taken if you remove the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard immediately after using the camera, as the card may be hot.

• Do not remove the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard or turn the camera off while data is being recorded on the card or transferred to PC using USB cable as this may cause the data to be lost or the card to be damaged.

• Do not bend the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard or subject it to violent impact. Keep it away from water and store away from high temperature.

• Be sure to format unused SD Memory Card/multimedia cards or SD Memory Card/multimedia cards that have been used on another camera. Refer to “Formatting a SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard” (p.126) for instructions on formatting.

• Never remove the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard during formatting as this may cause the card to be damaged and become unusable.

• The data on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard may be erased in the following circumstances. Pentax does not accept any liability for data that is erased

• when the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard is mishandled by the user.

• when the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard is exposed to static electricity or

electrical interference.

• when the card has not been used for a long time.

• when the card is ejected, the AC adapter is disconnected or the battery is

removed while the data on the card is being accessed.

• The SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard has a limited service life. If it is not used for a long time, the data on the card may become unreadable. Be sure to make a backup of important data on a PC.

• Avoid using or storing the card where it may be exposed to static electricity or electrical interference.

• Avoid using or storing the card in direct sunlight or where it may be exposed to rapid changes in temperature or to condensation.

Write-protect switch

Getting Started

Turning the Camera On and Off

Power switch

Getting Started

Press the power switch.

The camera will turn on. When the camera is turned on the lens cover opens and the lens extends. Press the power switch again to turn the camera off.

Card Check

When the camera is turned on, it automatically performs a card check. If no SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard has been inserted, appears on the LCD monitor. And if the write-protect switch is set to LOCK, will be displayed instead of

, and the images or sound cannot be recorded.

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1/250 F2.8

F2.8

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Adjusting the Viewfinder

Viewfinder

If the subject through the viewfinder are hard to see, you can adjust the diopter in the range of –3 m–1to +1 m–1(per meter).

Aim the camera at the bright subject. While looking through the viewfinder, move the diopter adjustment lever to the left or right until the subject appears in the sharpest focus.

For easy adjustment, point the camera at a subject with clearly defined outlines.

Getting Started

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Initial Settings

Getting Started

If the initial settings screen appears when you turn the camera on, follow the procedure below to set the display language, Home Town, DST, video output format and current date and time. If the date and time that appear at the bottom right of the LCD monitor when you turn the camera on for the first time is not the current time, follow the instructions for “Changing the Date/Time” (p.130) to set the correct date and time.

Setting the Display Language

You can choose the language in which the menus, error messages, etc. are displayed from the following: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese.

Power switch

Four-way controller OK button Display button Menu button

Turn the camera on.

Use the four-way controller () to select the display language.

The default setting is English.

Press the four-way controller ().

Initial settings

Language/

Exit

City DST

English

NYC

The screen for setting the next item will be displayed.

• You can change the setting after it has been made. Refer to “Changing the Display Language” (p.132).

Setting the Home Town

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You can choose the city (Home Town) in which you will use the camera.

Press the four-way controller () to select the desired city (Home Town).

Press the four-way controller ().

The screen for setting the next item will be displayed.

• See p.141 for the list of cities and corresponding code names.

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• You can change the setting after it has been made. Refer to “Setting the World Time” (p.130).

Initial settings

Language/

Exit

Setting the D.S.T. Mode

You can choose whether or not to display the (Daylight Saving Time) mode.

Use the four-way controller () to select or .

The default setting is (Off).

Press the four-way controller ().

The screen for setting the next item will be displayed.

• You can change the setting after it has been made. Refer to “Setting the World Time” (p.130).

Initial settings

Language/

Exit

City DST

English

NYC

English

NYC

Getting Started

Setting the Date and Time

Set the current date and time.

Use the four-way controller () to change the month.

Getting Started

Date Adjust

01 / 01 / 2003

0 : 00

Press the four-way controller ().

 and  will be displayed above

and below the day.

Use the four-way controller () to change the day and press the four-way controller (

and  will be displayed above



).

and below the year.

Repeat Step cto change the [year] [hour] and [minutes].

Use the Display button to select the 12-hour or 24-hour display format.

Exit

Date Adjust

02 / 01 / 2003

Exit

Date Adjust

02 / 20 / 2003

Exit

Date Adjust

02 / 20 / 2003

Exit

Date Adjust

02 / 20 / 2003

Exit

DISP

0 : 00

DISP

0 : 00

DISP

0 : 00

DISP

11 : 19 PM

DISP

12/24

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When you have finished the settings, press the OK button when the clock reaches 00 seconds.

The camera is ready to take a picture. When you set date and time except the initial settings, press the OK button again after pressing the OK button when the clock reaches 00 seconds to return to capture mode.

• For an accurate time setting, when you have finished the settings, press the OK button when the clock reaches 00 seconds.

• When the initial settings screen is displayed, you can cancel the settings operation and switch to Capture mode by pressing the MENU/Fn button. If this is done, the initial settings screen will be displayed next time you turn the camera on.

• You can change the settings after they have been made. Refer to “Changing the Date/Time” (p.130).

Getting Started

Quick Start

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Taking Still Pictures

Shutter release button

Mode dial

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1/250 F2.8

F2.8

Focus Area

Power switch

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ViewfinderViewfinder

Quick Start

LCD monitor

Zoom / / button

For the simplest procedure to take still pictures: The flash fires automatically depending on the light conditions.

Press the power switch.

The camera will turn on.

Set the mode dial to .

Confirm the subject and shooting information on the LCD monitor.

The focus area in the middle of the LCD monitor indicates the zone of automatic focusing.You can change the size of the subject by pressing the Zoom button.

: makes the subject bigger.

: makes the subject smaller.

You can check the size of the subject by looking through the viewfinder.

As there is no focus area in the viewfinder, be sure to check the focusing area on the LCD monitor.

Press the shutter release button.

The image will be displayed on the LCD monitor for 2 seconds (Instant Review) and recorded on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard. (The green and red lamps on the right of the viewfinder blink alternately while the image is being recorded on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard.)

Using the Shutter Release Button

The shutter release button works in a two-step action.

 Press halfway

When the shutter release button is pressed lightly (halfway), the focus and exposure are locked. They remain locked while the button is pressed halfway, and the shutter speed and aperture are displayed on the LCD monitor. You can find the following information on the LCD monitor, the status lamp and the flash lamp.



Autofocus area

If the subject is in focus, the frame will light green. If the subject is out of focus, the frame will not appear.



Focus

status lamp & Flash status lamp

status Focus status lamp (green) Flash status lamp (red) lit Subject is in focus Flash is charged blink Subject is out of focus Flash is charging

You cannot take a picture while the flash is charging.

 Pressed down fully

The picture is taken.

Instant Review

The Instant Review default setting is 2 seconds. During this time you can delete the image by pressing the button (The [Delete] menu will be displayed.), and selecting [Delete], and then pressing the OK button. To start recording a voice memo, press the OK button during Instant Review. Press the OK button again to stop recording.

Quick Start

Setting the Instant Review Time

☞

p.50

Quick Start

Playing Back Still Pictures

LCD monitorLCD monitor

Quick Start

Playback button

Four-way controller

Playing Back Images

You can display the still picture.

Press the Playback button after taking a picture.

The image taken will be displayed on the LCD monitor.

Playing Back Previous or Next Images

Still images can be played back one at a time, proceeding either forward or backward.

Press the Playback button after taking a picture.

An image will be displayed on the LCD monitor.

Press the four-way controller ().

displays the previous image.

displays the next image.

Erasing the image displayed on the LCD monitor

While the image is displayed, you can erase it by pressing the button (The Delete screen will be displayed.), press the four-way controller () to select [Delete], and then pressing the OK button. Press the Playback button or press

the shutter release button halfway to return to shooting status.

• When you turn the camera on while pressing the Playback

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button, the camera turns on in Playback Only mode. As the lens does not extend in Playback Only mode, this feature is useful when you want to pass the camera to someone and show them the picture you have just taken. To switch to the Capture mode, turn the camera off and then turn it on again.

• You can enlarge the image displayed on the LCD monitor by pressing the Zoom/ / button.

• When the screen is changed to the playback screen, the image with the largest file number will be displayed first.

• In the case of movie pictures, the first frame will be displayed.

• If there are no images stored, the [No image] message will be displayed.

Delete Cancel

File No.

100-0020100-0020

OkExit OkExit

Quick Start

Zoom Display Adding a Voice Memo ☞p.90

☞

p.89

Quick Start

How to View the Recorded Images

Images taken with the Optio 550 camera are recorded on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard. You can view the images recorded on the card on the camera itself, transfer them to your PC and print them

Quick Start

out.

Viewing images on the camera

One of the advantages of a digital camera is that it enables you to view your pictures immediately after you have taken them.You can check the composition and focus and take the picture again if you are not satisfied.

p.100

☞

p.89~p.95

Playing Back Images and Sound

Viewing images on a TV

If you want to show your pictures to friends, you can display them on your TV monitor. To view images on your TV, connect the camera to the TV with the AV cable.

Viewing Images on a TV

☞

+ 130 hidden pages