Pentax Digital Camera Optiio550 User Manual

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 cam-  
era’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 trade-  
marks 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.  
These symbols indicate that it is possible that the  
user may experience serious difficulties  
if the warnings are not heeded.  
Warning  
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.  
Caution  
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 swal-  
lowed.  
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.  
1
 
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 cam-  
era 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 high-  
performance.  
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 dur-  
ing 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 pic-  
tures) 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) regard-  
ing 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.  
2
 
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.  
3
 
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  
4
 
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  
5
 
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  
6
 
Contents of the Operating Manual  
This Operating manual contains the following chapters.  
b 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.  
b 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.  
b 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.  
b Taking Pictures  
This chapter explains the various ways of capturing images and  
how to set the relevant functions.  
b Playback/Erasing  
This chapter explains how to play back images on the camera or  
on a TV and how to delete images.  
b Editing/Settings  
This chapter explains how to edit images and set the camera-related func-  
tions.  
b 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.  
indicates the reference page number for an  
memo  
explanation of the related operation.  
indicates information that is useful to know.  
indicates precautions to be taken when  
operating the camera.  
Caution  
The icons above the title show the Capture  
modes, that can activate the function.  
Contents of the Package  
7
 
Checking the Contents of the Package  
Battery charger  
(D-BC7) ()  
Camera  
Optio 550  
Lithium-ion battery  
D-LI7  
(Rechargeable) ()  
AV cable  
I-AVC7 ()  
USB cable  
I-USB7 ()  
AC plug cord  
D-C02 ()  
Software (CD-ROM)  
S-SW7  
Strap  
O-ST5 ()  
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.  
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,  
8
Canada  
 
Name of Parts  
Front  
Remote control receiver  
Shutter release button  
Self-timer lamp  
Power switch  
Autofocus window  
Speaker  
Viewfinder  
Built-in flash  
Microphone  
Lens  
Back  
Viewfinder  
LCD monitor  
Strap lug  
Terminal cover  
USB/AV output  
terminal  
DC input terminal  
Battery lock lever  
Battery chamber/card cover  
Tripod socket  
9
 
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  
b 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 (  
)
̆
̆
Zoom /  
/
button (Only  
for digital zoom and magni-  
fied playback)  
Four-way controller (  
Four-way controller (  
Four-way controller (  
Menu/Fn button  
)
̄
)
̇
)
̈
DISPLAY button  
DPOF button  
̄
̇
̈
button  
button  
OK button  
Shutter release button  
 
10  
Getting Started  
Attaching the Strap  
Pass the narrow end of the strap through the strap lug and pass  
the other end through the loop.  
 
11  
Powering the Camera  
Battery  
Charging  
indicator  
To power outlet  
c
x
Battery charger  
z
AC plug cord  
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
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.  
v When charging is completed, remove the battery from the  
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).  
memo  
The charging time may vary depending on the ambient tempera-  
ture and charging conditions.  
When the battery reaches the end of its service life, the time  
that the camera can be operated becomes shorter even when  
the battery is fully charged. In this event, replace the battery.  
Caution  
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.  
12  
 
x
Battery chamber  
card cover  
z
Battery  
Battery  
lock lever  
x
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. (p.15)  
memo  
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.  
Caution  
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 ori-  
ented, it may cause malfunction.  
13  
 
G 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 perfor-  
mance once deteriorated due to low temperature will be  
recovered when the batteries are returned to room tempera-  
ture.  
G Battery Level Indicator  
You can check the battery level by the  
the LCD monitor.  
symbol displayed on  
(lit green)  
(lit green)  
(lit yellow)  
(lit red)  
: Adequate power remains.  
: Battery is running low.  
: Battery is running very low.  
: Battery is exhausted.  
[Battery depleted.] : After the message is displayed,  
the camera will turn off.  
14  
 
AC adapter  
To power outlet  
v
z
c
Terminal cover  
x
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 recom-  
mended.  
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.  
Make sure that the camera is turned off when connecting  
or disconnecting the AC adapter.  
Caution  
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.  
15  
 
Installing the SD Memory Card/  
MultiMediaCard  
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.  
z
x
Open the battery chamber/card cover.  
Rotate the card with the surface of the card having the  
bol 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.  
̆
sym-  
c
Close the battery chamber/card cover.  
To remove the card, eject the card by pressing it in the direc-  
tion indicated by the arrow, and pull it out.  
b Approximate Number of Recordable Images and  
Recorded pixels/Quality levels  
Quality levels  
Recorded pixels  
Best  
(ȢȢȢ)  
Better  
(ȢȢ)  
Good  
(Ȣ)  
Movie images  
(320 × 240) recording  
voice  
2592 × 1944  
2048 × 1536  
1600 × 1200  
1024 × 0768  
0640 × 0480  
Approx. 4 Approx. 8 Approx. 14  
Approx. 7 Approx. 12 Approx. 18  
Approx. 11 Approx. 20 Approx. 27  
Approx. 25 Approx. 45 Approx. 56  
Approx. 53 Approx. 82 Approx. 100  
Approx.  
40sec.  
Approx.  
30min.  
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.  
16  
 
b Precautions When Using a SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard  
Make sure that the camera is turned off before opening the battery cham-  
ber/card cover.  
Write-pro-  
tect switch  
The SD Memory Card is equipped with a write-protect switch.  
Setting the switch to [LOCK] protects the existing data by pro-  
hibiting recording of new data, deletion of existing data or for-  
matting 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 fol-  
lowing 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.  
17  
 
Turning the Camera On and Off  
Power switch  
z
z
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 auto-  
000  
matically performs a card check. If no SD  
Memory Card/MultiMediaCard has been  
inserted,  
tor.  
appears on the LCD moni-  
1/250  
F2.8  
02/20/2003  
11:19  
And if the write-protect switch is set to  
LOCK, will be displayed instead of  
, and the images or sound cannot be recorded.  
18  
 
Adjusting the Viewfinder  
z
Viewfinder  
If the subject through the viewfinder are hard to see, you can  
adjust the diopter in the range of 3 m1 to +1 m1 (per meter).  
z
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.  
19  
 
Initial Settings  
Power switch  
Four-way controller  
OK button  
Display button  
Menu button  
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 mes-  
sages, etc. are displayed from the following: English, French,  
German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese.  
Initial settings  
z
x
Turn the camera on.  
Language/  
English  
NYC  
Use the four-way controller (̇̈)  
to select the display language.  
The default setting is English.  
City  
DST  
c
MENU  
OK  
Ok  
Press the four-way controller (̄).  
The screen for setting the next item  
will be displayed.  
Exit  
You can change the setting after it has been made. Refer to  
Changing the Display Language(p.132).  
memo  
 
20  
Setting the Home Town  
You can choose the city (Home Town) in  
which you will use the camera.  
Initial settings  
Language/  
English  
NYC  
City  
DST  
z
x
Press the four-way controller (̇̈)  
to select the desired city (Home  
Town).  
MENU  
OK  
Ok  
Exit  
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.  
You can change the setting after it has been made. Refer to  
Setting the World Time(p.130).  
memo  
Setting the D.S.T. Mode  
You can choose whether or not to display the  
Saving Time) mode.  
(Daylight  
z
x
Use the four-way controller (̇̈)  
to select or  
The default setting is  
.
Initial settings  
Language/  
(Off).  
English  
NYC  
City  
DST  
Press the four-way controller (̄).  
The screen for setting the next item  
will be displayed.  
MENU  
OK  
Ok  
Exit  
You can change the setting after it has been made. Refer to  
Setting the World Time(p.130).  
memo  
21  
 
Setting the Date and Time  
Set the current date and time.  
z
Use the four-way controller (̆̄)  
to change the month.  
Date Adjust  
01 / 01 / 2003  
0 : 00  
MENU  
DISP  
OK  
Exit  
12/24  
Ok  
Ok  
Ok  
x
Press the four-way controller (̈).  
̆ and ̄ will be displayed above  
and below the day.  
Date Adjust  
02 / 01 / 2003  
0 : 00  
MENU  
DISP  
OK  
Exit  
12/24  
c
v
Use the four-way controller (̆̄)  
to change the day and press the  
four-way controller (̈).  
Date Adjust  
02 / 20 / 2003  
0 : 00  
and ̄ will be displayed above  
̆
and below the year.  
MENU  
DISP  
OK  
Exit  
12/24  
c
Repeat Step  
to change the  
Date Adjust  
[year] [hour] and [minutes].  
02 / 20 / 2003  
0 : 00  
MENU  
DISP  
OK  
Ok  
Exit  
12/24  
b
Use the Display button to select  
the 12-hour or 24-hour display  
format.  
Date Adjust  
02 / 20 / 2003  
11 : 19 PM  
MENU  
DISP  
OK  
Exit  
12/24  
Ok  
22  
 
n
When you have finished the settings, press the OK but-  
ton 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 set-  
tings, 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 press-  
ing 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).  
memo  
23  
 
Quick Start  
Taking Still Pictures  
Shutter  
release button  
Mode dial  
Power switch  
Viewfinder  
Zoom /  
/
button  
LCD monitor  
For the simplest procedure to take still pictures:  
The flash fires automatically depending on the light conditions.  
z
Press the power switch.  
The camera will turn on.  
200  
x
c
Set the mode dial to  
.
Confirm the subject and shoot-  
ing 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 sub-  
ject by pressing the Zoom but-  
ton.  
1/250  
F2.8  
02/20/2003  
11:19  
Focus Area  
: 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.  
memo  
24  
 
v
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.  
b 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.  
b 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.  
Setting the Instant Review Time  
p.50  
 25  
Quick Start  
Playing Back Still Pictures  
LCD monitor  
Playback button  
Four-way controller  
Playing Back Images  
You can display the still picture.  
z
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.  
z
Press the Playback button after taking a picture.  
An image will be displayed on the LCD monitor.  
x
Press the four-way controller (̇̈).  
displays the previous image.  
displays the next image.  
26  
 
Erasing the image displayed on the LCD monitor  
File No.  
While the image is displayed, you  
can erase it by pressing the  
but-  
100-0020  
ton (The Delete screen will be dis-  
played.), 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.  
Delete  
Cancel  
MENU  
OK  
Exit  
Ok  
When you turn the camera on while pressing the Playback  
memo  
button, the camera turns on in Playback Only mode. As  
the lens does not extend in Playback Only mode, this fea-  
ture is useful when you want to pass the camera to some-  
one 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 dis-  
played.  
If there are no images stored, the [No image] message  
will be displayed.  
Zoom Display  
Adding a Voice Memo  
p.89  
p.90  
27  
 
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, trans-  
fer them to your PC and print them  
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.  
Playing Back Images and Sound p.89~p.95  
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, con-  
nect the camera to the TV with the AV cable.  
Viewing Images on a TV p.100  
28  
 
Viewing images on a PC  
You can view recorded images and edit them on the PC just  
by connecting the camera to the PC with the USB cable and  
downloading the images (you need to install the USB driver if  
you are using Windows 98). Or you can remove the SD  
Memory Card/MultiMediaCard from the camera and transfer  
the data to your PC using a card reader. If you use a laptop  
computer, you can transfer the image data by fitting the SD  
Memory Card/MultiMediaCard into the card adapter and  
inserting the card adapter into the card slot.  
Viewing Images with your PC p.104  
Viewing Images with your Macintosh p.118  
Printing images by a printing service  
Prints of images recorded on the SD Memory  
Card/MultiMediaCard can be ordered in the same way as  
with conventional photographs by taking the SD Memory  
Card/MultiMediaCard to a store that performs printing.  
The number of prints can be specified and dates can be includ-  
ed in the prints if DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) is set before  
taking the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard to a store that per-  
forms DPOF printing.  
Setting the Printing Service p.101  
29  
 
Common Operations  
Changing the Mode  
Capture mode is for taking pictures and voice recording.  
Playback mode is for playing back or erasing images and  
sound.  
Switching Between Capture Mode and Playback Mode  
To change from Capture mode to Playback mode, press the  
Playback button.  
To change from Playback mode to Capture mode, press the  
Playback button or the shutter release button halfway.  
Selecting the Capture Mode  
z
Turn the mode dial so that the mark is on  
or  
.
Manual exposure  
Shutter priority  
Aperture priority  
Program  
You can set the shutter speed and  
aperture manually.  
p.57  
p.56  
p.55  
p.54  
p.59  
p.61  
p.63  
p.65  
p.70  
p.72  
p.73  
You can set the shutter speed manually,  
and the aperture is set automatically.  
You can set the aperture manually, and  
the shutter speed is set automatically.  
The shutter speed and aperture are set  
automatically when taking still pictures.  
You can select a shooting mode from 9  
modes according to the scene you are taking.  
Picture  
This mode is for taking moving  
images. (Sound can also be recorded.)  
Movie picture  
Panorama  
This mode is for taking panorama  
pictures.  
This mode is for taking 3D pic-  
tures.  
3D  
This mode is for taking pictures using a vari-  
ety of filters such as red, blue and green.  
Digital filter  
User mode  
Voice recording  
The functions are set in advance and the settings  
are enabled whenever the camera is turned on.  
This mode is for recording sound.  
30  
 
Using the Button Functions  
ቨቩ  
Capture Mode  
Diopter adjustment lever  
Adjusts the viewfinder for optimum clarity. (  
button  
p.19)  
Changes the flash mode. (  
p.42)  
button  
Changes the shooting mode as follows.  
Using the self-timer ( p.77)  
Using the remote control unit (  
p.78)  
Continuous shooting (  
Multiple exposure shooting (  
p.79)  
p.82)  
Interval shooting (  
p.80)  
*When the Capture mode is set to  
, continuous  
shooting, multiple exposure shooting and Interval shooting  
mode will be skipped.  
button  
Changes the focus mode. (  
Zoom button  
p.40)  
Changes the size of the subject. (  
p.74)  
31  
 
Playback button  
Switches to Playback mode. (  
Four-way controller (̇̈)  
p.30)  
Changes the EV compensation in modes other than  
. ( p.76)  
and  
Changes the shutter speed in  
mode. (  
p.57)  
Four-way controller (̆̄)  
Adjusts the focus in  
mode. (  
p.41)  
mode. (  
Sets the aperture value in  
Sets the shutter speed in  
Selects the type of filter in  
Selects Picture mode in  
OK button  
p.57, 55)  
and  
mode. (  
mode. (  
p.56)  
p.70)  
p.59)  
mode. (  
Sets the selected menu item. (  
p.34)  
When pressed in  
mode, the function on the four-way  
controller (̆̄) reverts to the function set by the mode dial.  
Display button  
Changes the information displayed on the LCD monitor.  
(
p.38)  
Menu/Fn button  
Displays the active menus in Capture mode and retrieves the  
functions registered on the four-way controller. (  
p.34, 137)  
32  
 
Playback Mode  
button  
Protects the image from erasure. (  
DPOF button  
Sets the DPOF data for printing pictures. (  
button  
Deletes the image. (  
p.99)  
p.101)  
p.96)  
button  
Zoom /  
/
displays nine images at once. (  
p.94)  
Press –  
in normal mode to change the size of the Zoom  
Display image, displayed on the LCD monitor. (  
p.89)  
Playback button (  
p.30)  
Switches to Capture mode.  
Four-way controller (̇̈)  
Displays images one by one. (  
OK button  
p.26)  
Saves the function selected by the menu item. (  
When pressed in Normal Playback mode, the voice memo  
starts, and when pressed again, the voice memo stops.  
p.34)  
(
p.90)  
When pressed in Zoom Display or Nine-image Display mode,  
changes to Normal Playback mode. (  
Display button  
Changes the information displayed on the LCD monitor. (  
p.89, 94)  
p.93)  
Menu/Fn button  
Displays the active menus in Playback mode. (  
p.34)  
33  
 
Using the Menus  
When you press the Menu/Fn button, the menus are displayed on the  
LCD monitor.You can set functions, save the settings, and change the  
camera settings on these menus.  
How to Set the Menus  
When you are making settings from a menu, a guide to opera-  
tion is displayed on the LCD monitor.  
z
Press the Menu/Fn button.  
The menu screen will be displayed. The selected area will  
be underlined in green.  
x
c
Press the four-way controller (̇̈).  
Use the four-way controller (̇̈) to select the menu screen.  
Use the four-way controller (̆̄) to select an item.  
Use the four-way controller (̆̄) to move the frame up or  
down.  
v
v
Use the four-way controller (̇̈) to change the setting.  
If there is a select screen, use the four-way controller (̈)  
to move to the select screen.  
b
Press the OK button.  
The settings will be saved and the screen will return to cap-  
ture or playback status.  
If the menu screen is not exited, press the OK button again.  
• If you press any buttons except the OK button before  
press the OK button and leave the menu screen, any  
changes to setting will not be saved.  
Caution  
• Even if you press the OK button and leave the menu  
screen, if you remove the battery before turning off the  
camera or do not otherwise turn off the camera correctly,  
any changes to setting will not be saved.  
34  
 
Example of menu operation  
z Menu/Fn button  
x
[
Rec.Mode] menu  
Rec. Mode  
[
Playback] menu  
Playback  
[
Set-up] menu  
Set-up  
Recorded Pixels 2592 1944  
Quality Level  
Resize  
Trimming  
Alarm  
Format  
Sound  
Date Style  
Date Adjust  
World Time  
Language/  
White Balance  
Focusing Area  
AE Metering  
Sensitivity  
AWB  
Wide  
Off  
3sec  
mm/dd/yy  
1/ 1/2003  
Off  
Slideshow  
Auto  
English  
MENU  
OK  
Ok  
MENU  
OK  
Exit  
MENU  
OK  
1/3  
Exit  
Ok  
1/3  
Exit  
Ok  
c
c
c
Rec. Mode  
Recorded Pixels  
Quality Level  
White Balance  
Focusing Area  
AE Metering  
Sensitivity  
2592 1944  
AWB  
Wide  
Auto  
OK  
Ok  
MENU  
1/3  
Exit  
v
v
Rec. Mode  
Rec. Mode  
Recorded Pixels 2592 1944  
Quality Level  
White Balance  
Focusing Area  
AE Metering  
Sensitivity  
Recorded Pixels 2592 1944  
Quality Level  
White Balance  
Focusing Area  
AE Metering  
Sensitivity  
AWB  
Wide  
AWB  
Wide  
Auto  
Auto  
MENU  
OK  
Ok  
MENU  
OK  
Ok  
1/3  
Exit  
1/3  
Exit  
Select screen  
Interval Shoot  
Rec. Mode  
Auto Bracket  
Digital Zoom  
Instant Review  
Interval Shoot  
Fast Fwd Movie  
3D Mode  
Interval  
On  
2sec  
1min 10sec  
02  
Number of Shot  
Start Time  
Off  
Parallel  
0hr 0min  
OK  
Ok  
MENU  
MENU  
OK  
Ok  
Exit  
2/3  
Exit  
c
To the next screen  
If you press the shutter release button halfway and move the camera to  
Capture mode, any changes to the setting will not be saved.  
memo  
When you display the menu from Capture mode, the [  
will be displayed, and when you display the menu from Playback mode, the  
Playback] menu will be displayed.  
Rec. Mode] menu  
[
35  
 
Menu List  
b [  
Rec.Mode] Menu  
Item  
Description  
Reference  
p.43  
Recorded Pixels  
For selecting the size of recorded pixels.  
For selecting the image compression rate.  
p.44  
p.45  
p.47  
p.48  
Quality Level  
White Balance  
For adjusting the color balance according to lighting.  
For changing the Area of the autofocus.  
Focusing Area  
For setting the metering method to determine the exposure.  
AE Metering  
Sensitivity  
For setting the sensitivity.  
p.49  
For setting the shooting conditions such as exposure, saturation and  
sharpness.  
p.84  
p.75  
Auto Bracket  
Digital Zoom  
Instant Review  
Interval Shoot  
For taking digital zoom pictures.  
For setting the instant review time.  
p.50  
p.80  
p.86  
For taking pictures specified interval of time.  
For delaying the frame rate when taking movie pictures (so that the  
movie appears speeded up when played back)  
Fast Fwd Movie  
3D Mode  
Memory  
For taking 3D pictures.  
p.65  
p.87  
p.51  
For saving the shooting function settings when the camera is turned  
off.  
Sharpness  
Saturation  
Contrast  
For setting the sharpness.  
For setting the saturation.  
p.52  
p.53  
p.88  
For setting the contrast.  
USER  
For setting the functions registered in User mode.  
Please refer to pages 142 to 144 for List of Menu Default settings and the adjustable  
[Rec. mode] menu items by shooting mode.  
36  
 
b [  
Playback] Menu  
Item  
Description  
Reference  
p.123  
Resize  
Trimming  
Alarm  
For changing the size of images  
p.125  
p.139  
p.95  
For trimming images  
For setting the alarm to ring at specified time  
Recorded images are played successively.  
Slideshow  
b [ Set-up] Menu  
Item  
Description  
Reference  
p.126  
Format  
For formatting the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard  
For adjusting the beep sound when a button is pressed  
For setting the button operation, start-up, shutter sounds and volume.  
p.127  
p.129  
Sound  
Date Style  
Date Adjust  
World Time  
For setting the date style  
For adjusting the date and time  
For setting the world time  
p.130  
p.130  
p.132  
p.133  
p.132  
p.134  
p.134  
For changing the language in which menus and messages are dis-  
played  
Language/  
Start-up screen  
Video Out  
For setting the Start-up screen when the camera is turned on  
For setting the video output format  
Sleep Timeout  
Auto Power Off  
For setting the power saving function  
For turning off the power automatically.  
When this option is turned on, the Delete screen is displayed with  
[Delete] or [All Images] selected.  
p.135  
p.135  
p.136  
p.138  
p.138  
Quick Delete  
Quick Zoom  
Fn Setting  
Focus Limiter  
Reset  
For playing back images at the maximum zoom size with the Zoom  
button pressed only once.  
For registering a function on the four-way controller.  
For switching between limiting and not limiting lens movement dur-  
ing normal shooting and macro shooting.  
For returning the camera settings to defaults  
37  
 
Taking Pictures  
Displaying Shooting Information (Capture Mode)  
You can display information on the LCD monitor when shooting.  
The display mode can be changed by pressing the Display but-  
ton.  
123 4 5  
6
Display On  
198  
Shooting information is displayed.  
q Flash mode w Drive mode  
e Focus mode r Capture mode  
t AF area  
y Number of images can be taken  
u Data & time i Battery indicator  
02/20/2003  
11:19  
8
7
Histogram Display  
The brightness distribution of the image is dis-  
played.  
23  
1
The x-axis shows the brightness (dark-  
est at the left end and brightest at the  
right end) and the y-axis shows the  
pixel numbers.  
q Recorded pixels w Quality level  
e White balance r AE metering  
t Sensitivity y Histogram  
035  
2592  
AWB  
AUTO  
6
54  
When the focus mode is set to  
Autofocus mode, the AF area  
frame is displayed.  
Grid Display  
The grid is displayed. This is useful for  
composing detailed pictures.  
• When the focus mode is set to  
Autofocus mode, the AF area  
frame is displayed.  
Go to next page  
38  
 

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