CANON POWERSHOT A550 User Manual
g the Camera  
rasing  
fer Settings  
oting  
sages  
de  
n detail.  
CDI-E281-010  
Main Features  
Shooting  
button  
Conventions Used in this Guide  
Icons appearing next to, or below titles indicate the shooting  
modes in which the procedure can be used.  
may request such repairs on a chargeable basis.  
1
Table of Contents  
Items marked with a  are lists or charts that summarize camera  
functions or procedures.  
Adjusting the Exposure Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44  
Shooting in Long Shutter Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45  
2
Adjusting the Tone (White Balance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47  
Shooting in a My Colors Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49  
Adjusting the ISO Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52  
Setting the Auto Rotate Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53  
Creating an Image Destination (Folder) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54  
3
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91  
Battery Handling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91  
Handling the Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93  
Using the Power Kits (Sold Separately) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95  
Using an Externally Mounted Flash (Sold Separately). . . . . .99  
4
Handling Precautions  
Please Read  
Test Shots  
5
Camera Body Temperature  
If your camera is used for prolonged periods, the camera body  
may become warm. Please be aware of this and take care when  
operating the camera for an extended period.  
6
Warnings  
Equipment  
z Do not point the camera directly at the sun or bright light  
7
z Do not use substances containing alcohol, benzine,  
thinners or other flammable substances to clean or  
maintain the equipment.  
z Do not cut, damage, alter or place heavy items on the power  
cord.  
is charging.  
Leaving the units plugged in for a long period of time may cause  
them to overheat and distort, resulting in fire.  
8
z When recharging the Canon AA-size NiMH batteries, use  
only a specified battery charger.  
z The compact power adapter is designed for exclusive use  
with this equipment. Do not use it with other products.  
There is a risk of overheating and distortion which could result in  
9
Cautions  
Equipment  
z Be careful not to bang the camera or subject it to strong  
10  
Flash  
z Do not operate the flash with dirt, dust or other items stuck  
to the surface of the flash.  
z Be careful not to cover the flash with your fingers or  
t
wait until the moisture evaporates completely before resuming use.  
11  
Before Using the Camera – Basic Operations  
Using the LCD Monitor  
the brightness of the actual image recorded will be different.  
12  
Information Displayed on the LCD Monitor  
Shooting Information (Shooting Mode)  
Spot AE Point Frame (p. 44)  
Digital Tele-Converter (p. 28)  
settings when using the flash, settings  
displayed in shooting information may  
differ from the actual settings.  
Recording Pixels (pp. 26, 38)  
2
(Red)* Camera Shake (p. 14)  
*2 Displays when then shutter button is  
pressed halfway.  
13  
If the indicator blinks orange and the camera shake icon  
displays, it indicates there is insufficient illumination and a  
slow shutter speed will be selected. Shoot using the following  
methods.  
14  
„Detailed  
Histogram (p. 16)  
15  
Histogram Function  
The histogram is a graph that allows you to judge the brightness  
of the image. The greater the bias toward the left in the graph, the  
darker the image. The greater the bias toward the right, the  
r i
16  
Power Saving Function  
This camera is equipped with a power saving function. The power  
will shut off in the following circumstances. Press the power button  
again to restore power.  
17  
Menus and Settings  
Menus are used to set the shooting, playback and print settings as  
well as such camera settings as the date/time and electronic beep.  
zFUNC. Menu  
shoot immediately.  
ePress the FUNC./SET button.  
18  
Rec., Play, Print and Set up Menus  
Convenient settings for shooting, playback or printing can be set  
with these menus.  
Rec. Menu  
Set up Menu  
19  
Menu List  
See Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode (p. 119).  
FUNC. Menu  
20  
Rec. Menu (  
)
*Default setting  
Summary/  
Reference Page  
Menu Item  
Options  
AiAF  
On*/Off  
p. 39  
p. 68  
Selections  
Erase all  
Print Settings  
Transfer Order p. 74  
21  
Set up Menu (  
)
*Default setting  
Menu Item  
Options  
Summary/Reference Page  
*
Mute  
On/Off  
Set to [On] to silence all  
22  
Menu Item  
Options  
On*/Off  
Summary/Reference Page  
Start-up Image  
Selects whether to display  
the startup screen when the  
camera is turned on.  
Power Saving  
p. 17  
Video System  
Print Method  
NTSC/ PAL  
Auto*/  
p. 68  
1
p. 24*  
23  
Menu Item  
Options  
Summary/Reference Page  
Reset All  
p. 24  
*1 The connection method with the printer can be changed. Although it is  
normally not necessary to change the setting, select when borderless  
printing an image shot in (Widescreen) mode on wde size paper  
24  
Formatting Memory Cards  
You should always format a new memory card or one from which  
you wish to erase all images and other data.  
25  
Shooting  
Changing the Recording Pixels and  
Compression (Still Images)  
640 × 480  
pixels  
attachments or shooting more  
Small  
Low images  
26  
1600 × 1200  
pixels  
or  
When printing to postcards (p. 32)  
Printing wide size prints (Images are  
Postcard  
3072 × 1728 recorded with 16:9 aspect ratios. Areas  
Widescreen  
pixels  
not recorded will display as black bars on  
27  
Using the Digital Zoom/  
Digital Tele-Converter  
Shooting Mode  
*
28  
(Rec.) Menu  
(Digital Zoom)  
1
[Standard]*/[Off]/[1.5x]/[1.9x].  
See Menus and Settings (p. 19).  
* Default setting.  
29  
Shooting With the Digital Tele-Converter  
Adjust the angle of view with the zoom lever  
and shoot.  
2
z
appears on the LCD monitor.  
30  
Continuous Shooting  
Shooting Mode  
In this mode, the camera shoots continuously while the shutter  
button is held down.  
31  
zThe interval between shots lengthens when the built-in  
memory of the camera fills.  
zIf the flash is used, the interval between shots lengthens  
because the flash must charge.  
32  
Embedding the Date in the Image Data  
You can embed the date in image data when  
mode) is selected.  
(Postcard  
(Rec.) Menu  
(Date  
1
33  
Setting the Display Overlays  
Shooting Mode  
1
*
*1 Only [Grid Lines] can be set.  
34  
Movie Shooting  
Shooting Mode  
The following movie modes are available.  
For information on the recording pixels and frame rate in each  
35  
FUNC. Menu  
* (Standard).  
1
See Menus and Settings (p. 18).  
* Default setting.  
zUse the  
or  
button to select a  
36  
zYou are recommended to use a memory card that has  
been formatted in your camera to shoot movies (p. 25).  
The memory card supplied with the camera may be used  
without further formatting.  
zBe careful of the following while recording.  
37  
Changing Recording Pixels and Frame  
Rates (Movies)  
You can change the recording pixels and frame rate when the  
movie mode is set to  
(Standard).  
38  
zSee Image Data Sizes (Estimated) (p. 110).  
zSee Memory Cards and Estimated Capacities (p. 109).  
Selecting an AF Frame  
39  
Shooting Hard-to-Focus Subjects  
(Focus Lock, AF Lock)  
Shooting Mode  
*
40  
Shooting with the AF Lock  
*Can be operated in  
and  
modes.  
Turn on the LCD monitor.  
1
41  
Locking the Exposure Setting  
(AE Lock)  
Shooting Mode  
42  
Locking the Flash Exposure Setting  
(FE Lock)  
Shooting Mode  
metering mode and press the FUNC./  
SET button.  
43  
Metering Methods  
Appropriate for standard shooting conditions,  
including backlit scenes. The camera divides images  
into several zones for metering. It evaluates complex  
Evaluative lighting conditions, such as the position of the subject,  
44  
To Cancel the Exposure Compensation  
Follow Step 2 to restore the compensation value to [0].  
In  
mode, the exposure shift can be set/canceled (p. 37).  
45  
zThis setting is reset once the camera is turned off.  
zThe nature of CCDs is such that noise in the recorded  
image increases at long shutter speeds. This camera,  
however, applies special processing to images shot at  
shutter speeds slower than 1.3 seconds to eliminate the  
46  
Adjusting the Tone (White Balance)  
Shooting Mode  
Normally, the  
(Auto) white balance setting selects an optimal  
(Auto) setting cannot produce natural  
white balance. When the  
is selected for My Colors.  
47  
Using the Custom White Balance  
You can set a custom white balance to obtain the optimal  
setting for the shooting conditions by having the camera  
evaluate an object, such as a piece of white paper or cloth, or  
48  
zYou are recommended to set the shooting mode to  
and the exposure compensation setting to [ 0] before  
setting a custom white balance. The correct white  
balance may not be obtained when the exposure setting  
49  
FUNC. Menu  
*(My Colors Off).  
1
See Menus and Settings (p. 18).  
* Default setting.  
zUse the  
or  
button to select a  
50  
Setting the Camera to a Custom Color  
Mode  
(Custom Color)  
.
1
51  
Adjusting the ISO Speed  
Shooting Mode  
Raise the ISO speed to use a fast shutter speed when you wish to  
reduce the effects of camera shake or avoid blurry subjects, or to  
52  
Setting the Auto Rotate Function  
Shooting Mode  
Your camera is equipped with an Intelligent Orientation sensor that  
detects the orientation of an image shot with the camera held  
53  
Creating an Image Destination (Folder)  
Shooting Mode  
54  
Setting the Day or Time for Automatic  
Folder Creation  
Select a day for the [Auto Create] option and  
2
a time in the [Time] option  
.
55  
Resetting the File Number  
Shooting Mode  
The images you shoot are automatically assigned file numbers. You  
can select how the file number is assigned.  
56  
File and Folder Numbers  
Recorded images are assigned consecutive file numbers starting  
with 0001 and ranging up to 9999, while folders are assigned  
numbers starting with 100 and ranging up to 999. Up to 2,000  
images can be saved into a single folder.  
57  
Playback/Erasing  
Please also see the Basic Camera User Guide (p. 19).  
Magnifying Images  
58  
Viewing Images in Sets of Nine (Index  
Playback)  
Press the zoom lever toward  
.
1
59  
Jumping to Images  
When you have many images recorded onto a memory card, it is  
handy to use the five search keys below to jump over images to find  
the object of your search.  
60  
Viewing Movies  
Movies cannot be played in the index playback mode.  
61  
Operating the Movie Control Panel  
Ends playback and returns to single image playback  
Prints (An icon will display when a printer is connected. See the  
Direct Print User Guide for details.)  
62  
Rotating Images in the Display  
Images can be rotated clockwise 90° or 270° in the display.  
63  
Attaching Sound Memos to Images  
In playback mode (including single image playback and index  
playback), you can attach sound memos (up to 1 min.) to an image.  
The sound data is saved in the WAVE format.  
64  
Sound Memo Panel  
Exit  
Record  
Pause  
65  
Press  
.
2
zDuring automated playback, the following functions are  
possible:  
- Pausing/resuming the Auto Play: Press the FUNC./SET  
66  
Viewing Images on a TV Set  
You can play back images on a television with the supplied AV  
cable.  
67  
zWhen the camera is set to shooting mode, you can take  
pictures while displaying images on the television.  
zThe video output signal can be switched (NTSC or PAL) to  
accommodate different regional standards (p. 23). The  
default setting varies between regions.  
68  
Print Settings/Transfer Settings  
Setting the DPOF Print Settings  
You can select images on a memory card for printing and specify  
69  
Use the  
printing.  
or  
button to select images for  
2
zSelection methods differ for the  
Number of Print Copies  
Print Type settings (p. 72).  
70  
All the Images on a Memory Card  
(Print) Menu [Select All Images]  
.
1
See Menus and Settings (p. 19).  
71  
Setting the Print Style  
After setting the print style, select the images for printing. The  
following settings can be selected.  
*Default setting  
Standard*  
Prints one image per page.  
72  
zThe Date and File No. settings change according to the  
Print Type as follows.  
- Index  
(Date) and  
i
(File No.) cannot be set to [On] at the  
73  
Setting the DPOF Transfer Settings  
You can use the camera to specify settings for images before  
downloading to a computer. Refer to the Software Starter Guide for  
instructions on how to transfer images to your computer. The  
74  
Use the  
or  
button to select an image to  
3
transfer and press  
.
zPressing the FUNC./SET button again  
deselects the setting.  
Transfer Selection  
75  
Troubleshooting  
Camera  
76  
When the power is turned on  
“Card locked!” message appears.  
77  
A bar of light (red, purple) appears on the LCD  
Sometimes appears when zThis is a normal occurrence in  
shooting a bright subject,  
such as the sun or other  
devices containing CCDs and does  
not constitute a malfunction. This  
78  
Shooting  
Shooting  
79  
Image is blurred or out of focus.  
The camera moves when zConfirm the procedures in  
the shutter button is  
pressed.  
“
appears” (p. 78).  
strong.  
flash (p. 105).  
80  
The subject is  
zSet the exposure compensation to  
a negative (–) setting (p. 44).  
zUse the AE lock or spot metering  
function (pp. 42, 44).  
overexposed because the  
surroundings are too  
dark.  
81  
Eyes appear red.  
Light is reflected back  
from the eyes when the  
flash is used in dark  
zShoot with  
(Red-Eye) set to  
[On] (Basic Guide p. 15). For this  
mode to be effective, the subject  
82  
Shooting Movies  
The recording time may not display properly or  
shooting may stop unexpectedly.  
83  
Playback  
Cannot play back.  
84  
Reading images from memory card is slow.  
Memory card was  
formatted in another  
device.  
zUse a memory card formatted in  
your camera (p. 25).  
85  
TV monitor output  
Image is distorted or not showing on TV  
monitor.  
86  
List of Messages  
The following messages may appear on the LCD monitor during  
shooting or playback.  
Please refer to the Direct Print User Guide for the messages that  
87  
Naming error!  
The file name could not be created because there is an image  
with the same name as the folder that the camera is attempting  
to create, or the highest possible file number has already been  
reached. In the Set up menu, set  
(File Numbering) to [Auto  
88  
Cannot magnify!  
You attempted to magnify an image recorded in a different  
camera or data type, an image edited with a computer, or a  
movie.  
large amount of images (approx. 1000) stored on the memory  
card.  
89  
Lens error, restart camera  
An error was detected while the lens was in motion, and the  
power has been automatically turned off. This error can occur if  
you hold the lens while it is in motion or you operate it in a  
location with excessive dust or sand in the air. Try turning the  
90  
Appendix  
Battery Handling  
manufacturers.  
91  
z Before installing the batteries, wipe the battery terminals  
well with a dry cloth.  
If the battery terminals are soiled with oil from one’s skin or other  
dirt, the number of recordable images may be considerably  
diminished, or the amount of time the camera can be used  
from the metal base), but the seal does not extend up  
over the edge of the metal base.  
92  
Handling the Memory Card  
SD Memory Card or SDHC Memory Card Write  
Protect Tab  
copy of important data is recommended.  
93  
Formatting  
z Please note that formatting (initializing) an memory card  
erases all data, including protected images.  
z You are recommended to use memory cards that have been  
94  
Using the Power Kits (Sold Separately)  
Using Rechargeable Batteries  
(Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300)  
95  
zThe CB-5AH/CB-5AHE battery charger can only be used  
to charge Canon AA-size NiMH Battery NB-3AH and NB-  
2AH. Please do not attempt to charge any other type of  
battery.  
zDo not mix batteries with different purchase dates or  
96  
zIf you store batteries for a long period of time (about 1  
year), it is recommended that you deplete the batteries in  
the camera and to then store them at room temperature (0  
to 30 °C/32 to 90 °F) in low humidity. Storing them in a fully  
charged condition can shorten their lifespan or degrade  
97  
Using the AC Adapter Kit ACK800  
It is best to power the camera with AC Adapter Kit ACK800 (sold  
separately) when you are using it for long periods of time or  
connecting it to a computer.  
98  
Using an Externally Mounted Flash  
(Sold Separately)  
High-Power Flash HF-DC1  
99  
zThe flash charge time will lengthen as the battery charge  
gets weaker. Always set the power/mode switch to [OFF]  
when you finish using the flash.  
zBe careful not to touch the flash window or sensor  
windows with your fingers while the flash is in use.  
Leaving batteries in the High-Power Flash could allow the battery  
fluid to leak, damaging the product. Remove the batteries from the  
High-Power Flash and store them in a cool, dry place.  
100  
Replacing the Date Battery  
If the LCD monitor displays the Date/Time menu when you turn on  
the camera, this means that the date battery has run down and the  
clock has stopped running. Please purchase a replacement battery  
direction indicated by  
the arrow.  
(–) Side  
101  
Insert a new battery with the (–) side facing  
up.  
5
6
Replace the battery holder and close the  
memory card slot/battery cover.  
102  
Camera Care and Maintenance  
Never use thinners, benzine, detergents or water to clean the  
camera. These substances may distort or damage the  
103  
Specifications  
All data is based on Canon’s standard testing methods. Subject to  
change without notice.  
(*Fixed to center)  
(W): Max. wide angle (T): Max. telephoto  
104  
Exposure  
Compensation  
:
2.0 stops in 1/3-stop increments  
ISO Speed  
: Auto*, High ISO Auto**, ISO 80/100/200/  
(Standard Output  
Sensitivity,  
400/800  
* Camera automatically sets the optimal speed  
105  
Data Type (Still images) : Exif 2.2 (JPEG)*  
Sound Memo: WAVE (monaural)  
* This digital camera supports Exif 2.2 (also called  
“Exif Print”). Exif Print is a standard for enhancing  
the communication between digital cameras and  
printers. By connecting to an Exif Print-compliant  
106  
Playback Modes  
: Single (histogram displayable), Index (9  
thumbnail images), Magnified (approx. 10x  
(max.) in LCD monitor, advance or reverse  
through magnified images possible), Jump (it  
is possible to jump to every tenth or  
107  
Battery Capacity  
Number of Images Shot  
LCD Monitor  
Playback  
Time  
On (Based LCD Monitor  
See Battery Handling Precautions (p. 91).  
108  
Memory Cards and Estimated Capacities  
: Card included with the camera  
Recording Pixels Compression  
16MB  
SDC-128M SDC-512MSH  
4
40  
156  
conditions.  
109  
Movie  
: Card included with the camera  
SDC-  
Recording Frame  
16MB  
SDC-128M  
Pixels  
Rate  
512MSH  
1 min.  
4 min.  
—
558 KB  
1420 KB  
—
1600 × 1200 pixels  
3072 × 1728 pixels  
2304 KB  
678 KB  
110  
Recording Pixels  
640 × 480 pixels  
Frame Rate  
File size  
1920 KB/sec.  
960 KB/sec.  
Standard  
111  
NiMH Battery NB-3AH  
(Supplied with the separately sold NiMH Battery NB4-300 set or the  
Battery and Charger Kit CBK4-300)  
AA-size rechargeable nickel metal hydride  
battery  
Type  
Dimensions  
Weight  
42.6 × 104.0 × 31.4 mm (1.68 × 4.09 × 1.24 in.)  
Approx. 180 g (6.35 oz.) (excluding power cord)  
112  
INDEX  
Default Values ....................... 24  
Detailed Display ..................... 15  
Digital Tele-Converter ............ 28  
Numerics  
3:2 Guide ..........................13, 34  
Date Stamp .......................21, 33  
DCF ................................15, 105  
113  
MANUAL  
G
Shooting Mode ......... Basic 13  
Grid Lines ........................ 13, 34  
Memory Card  
Estimated Capacities ....... 109  
Formatting .......................... 25  
Handling ............................. 93  
H
HF-DC1 .................................. 99  
Paback Information ............. 14  
Playback Mode ............ Basic 19  
Playback Vol. ......................... 22  
Macro ........................... Basic 16  
Magnifying ............................. 58  
114  
Portrait ..........................Basic 11  
Power Button ..............Basic 3, 9  
Power Saving Function ...........17  
Print Menu ..............................21  
Print/Share Button ....Basic 3, 22  
Printing ...................69, Basic 22  
Special Scene mode .....Basic 12  
Spot AE Point ........................ 44  
Spot AE Point Frame ............. 13  
Standard Display ................... 14  
Start-up Vol. ........................... 22  
System Requirements ..Basic 25  
Snow .............................Basic 12  
Sound Memo ..........................64  
115  
MEMO  
116  
FCC Notice  
(Digital Camera, Model PC1230)  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is  
Réglementation canadienne sur les interférences radio  
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-  
003 du Canada.  
117  
Disclaimer  
• While every effort has been made to ensure that the information  
contained in this guide is accurate and complete, no liability can  
be accepted for any errors or omissions.  
Copyright © 2007 Canon Inc. All rights reserved.  
118  
Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode  
The following chart shows the functions and settings available in  
each shooting mode.  
Basic  
Guide  
p. 16  
c
Macro Mode  
c
c(7)  
c(4)  
c
119  
Functions  
Ref. Page  
Single  
–
z
z
z
z
z
settings and changes made with the camera buttons can be reset to the default values in a single  
operation (p. 24).  
120  
(1) The recording pixels and frame rates for the  
(2) This cannot be set in Long Shutter mode.  
(Movie) mode (p. 38).  
(3) Auto is the default setting in  
default setting in  
You cannot use flash in  
(4) This cannot be set in  
,
,
,
,
and  
modes.  
(
) modes. Off is the  
,
(
) and  
•
mode.  
mode.  
] t
121  

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