Canon Power Shot A400 User manual

Camera User Guide
zPlease read the Read This First section (p. 5).
zPlease also see the Software Starter Guide and the Direct Print User Guide.
CDI-E140-010 © 2004 CANON INC. PRINTED IN CHINA
DIGITAL CAMERA Camera User Guide
ENGLISH

l
Flowchart and Reference Guides
This Guide
Shooting with the Camera
Software Starter Guide
Installing the Software
This Guide
This Guide
Connecting the Camera to a Computer
Software Starter Guide
Direct Print User Guide
Printer User Guide
Using the Printer and Printing
Downloading Images to a Computer
Use of genuine Canon accessories is
recommended.
This product is designed to perform optimally
when used with genuine Canon accessories.
Canon shall not be liable for any damage to this
product and/or accidents such as fire, etc.,
caused by the malfunction of non-genuine Canon
accessories (e.g., a leakage and/or explosion of
a battery pack). Please note that this warranty
does not apply to repairs arising out of the
malfunction of non-genuine Canon accessories,
although you may request such repairs on a
chargeable basis.

1
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.
About the LCD Monitor
The LCD monitor is produced with extremely high-
precision manufacturing techniques. More than
99.99% of the pixels operate to specification. Less
than 0.01% of the pixels may occasionally misfire
or appear as red or black dots.
This has no effect on the recorded image and does
not constitute a malfunction.
Video Format
Please set the camera’s video signal format to the
one used in your region before using it with a TV
monitor (p. 104).
Language Setting
Please see page 22 to change the language
setting.
Disclaimer
zWhile 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. Canon
reserves the right to change the specifications
of the hardware and software described
herein at any time without prior notice.
zNo part of this guide may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval
system, or translated into any language in any
form, by any means, without the prior written
permission of Canon.
zCanon makes no warranties for damages
resulting from corrupted or lost data due to a
mistaken operation or malfunction of the
camera, the software, the SD memory cards
(SD cards), personal computers, peripheral
devices, or use of non-Canon SD cards.

2
Trademark Acknowledgments
• Canon and PowerShot are trademarks of Canon,
Inc.
• Macintosh, PowerBook, Power Macintosh and
QuickTime are trademarks of Apple Computer,
Inc, registered in the United States and other
countries.
• Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries.
• SD is a trademark.
• Other names and products not mentioned above
may be registered trademarks or trademarks of
their respective companies.
Copyright © 2004 Canon Inc. All rights reserved.
Symbols Used
Icons under title bars show the operations mode.
As in the example below, the shooting mode
should be set to , , or .
Adjusting the Tone (White Balance)
This mark denotes issues that may affect
the camera's operation.
This mark denotes additional topics that
complement the basic operating
procedures.
In this guide SD memory card (Secure Digital, a
copyright protection system) is referred to as SD
card.
Shooting Mode

3
Table of Contents
Items marked with are lists or charts that
summarize camera functions or procedures.
Read This First 5
Please Read ...........................................................5
Safety Precautions .................................................6
Preventing Malfunctions .......................................11
Components Guide 12
Preparing the Camera 15
Installing the Battery and SD Card .......................15
Formatting an SD Card.........................................19
Setting the Date/Time...........................................21
Setting the Language ...........................................22
Basic Functions 23
Turning the Power On/Off.....................................23
Mode Switch .........................................................25
Using the LCD Monitor .........................................26
Shooting – The Basics 31
Auto Mode.......................................................31
Reviewing an Image Right After Shooting............34
Selecting a Shooting Mode...................................35
Changing the Resolution and Compression .........37
Quick Shots ..........................................................38
Using the Flash .................................................39
Macro/ Infinity Modes ................................... 42
Self-timer ......................................................... 43
Digital Zoom ......................................................... 44
Continuous Shooting........................................ 45
Shooting Panoramic Images (Stitch Assist) ......... 46
Special Scene Mode..................................... 48
Postcard Print Mode ...................................... 51
Movie Mode ................................................... 53
Playback – The Basics 55
Displaying Images Individually
(Single Image Playback) ...................................... 55
Magnifying Images ........................................... 55
Viewing Images in Sets of Nine (Index Playback) ... 56
Jumping between Images .................................... 57
Viewing/Editing Movies ........................................ 57
Erasing 61
Erasing Single Images..................................... 61
Erasing All Images ............................................... 61
Shooting – Advanced Functions 62
Selecting Menus and Settings.............................. 62
Menu Settings and Default Settings..................... 65
Resetting the Settings to Default.......................... 72
Shooting Problem Subjects for the Autofocus...... 73
Switching between Focus Settings....................... 74

4
Table of Contents
Switching between Light Metering Modes .......75
Adjusting the Exposure.........................................76
Adjusting the Tone (White Balance) .....................77
Changing the ISO Speed......................................79
Changing the Photo Effect....................................80
Setting the Auto Rotate Function..........................81
Playback – Advanced Functions 83
Rotating Images in the Display.............................83
Attaching Sound Memos to Images......................84
Auto Play ..............................................................85
Protecting Images.................................................86
Various Functions 88
About Printing .......................................................88
DPOF Print Settings .............................................90
Image Transmission Settings
(DPOF Transfer Order).........................................94
Downloading Images to a Computer ....................95
Computer System Requirements .................... 96
Downloading Directly from a SD card.................103
Viewing Images on a TV Set ..............................103
Resetting the File Number.................................. 105
Customizing the Camera
(My Camera Settings).........................................106
Registering My Camera Settings........................108
List of Messages 112
Troubleshooting 114
Appendix 120
Replacing the Date Battery ................................ 120
Using the Power Kits (Sold Separately) ............. 121
Camera Care and Maintenance ......................... 125
Specifications 126
Battery Performance .......................................... 129
SD Cards and Estimated Capacities (Recordable
Images) .............................................................. 129
Photo Tips and Information 132
Index 134
Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode...... 138

5
Read This First
Please Read
Test Shots
Before you try to photograph important subjects, we highly recommend that you shoot several trial images
to confirm that the camera is operating and being operated correctly. Please note that Canon, its
subsidiaries and affiliates, and its distributors are not liable for any consequential damages arising from
any malfunction of a camera or accessory, including SD cards, that results in the failure of an image to be
recorded or to be recorded in a format that is machine readable.
Warning Against Copyright Infringement
Please note that Canon digital cameras are intended for personal use and should never be used in a
manner that infringes upon or contravenes international or domestic copyright laws and regulations.
Please be advised that in certain cases the copying of images from performances, exhibitions, or
commercial properties by means of a camera or other device may contravene copyright or other legal
rights even if the image was shot for personal use.
Warranty Limitations
This camera's warranty is only effective in the country of sale. If a problem arises while the camera is in
use abroad, please convey it back to the country of sale before proceeding with a warranty claim to a
Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
For Canon Customer Support contacts, please see the Canon Limited Warranty supplied with your
camera.

6
Read This First
Safety Precautions
zBefore using the camera, please ensure that you have read and understood the safety precautions
described below. Always ensure that the camera is operated correctly.
zThe safety precautions noted on the following pages are intended to instruct you in the safe and correct
operation of the camera and its accessories to prevent injuries or damage to yourself, other persons and
equipment.
zIn the next few pages, the term "equipment" refers primarily to the camera, batteries, and separately sold
battery and charger kit and compact power adapter.
Storing SD cards
WARNINGS
Store the SD memory card out of the reach of children and infants.
It may be swallowed accidentally. If this occurs, consult a doctor immediately.
zDo not aim the camera directly into the sun or at other intense light sources which could damage
your eyesight.
zDo not trigger the flash in close proximity to human or animal eyes. Exposure to the intense light
produced by the flash may damage eyesight. In particular, remain at least one meter (39 inches) away
from infants when using the flash.

7
Read This First
zStore this equipment out of the reach of children and infants. Accidental damage to the camera or
batteries by a child could result in serious injury. In addition, placement of the strap around a child's neck
could result in asphyxiation.
zBe particularly careful to keep the date battery used in the camera away from children. Seek
medical assistance immediately if a child swallows a battery.
zDo not attempt to disassemble or alter any part of the equipment that is not expressly described
in this guide. Disassembly or alteration may result in high-voltage electrical shock. Internal inspections,
alterations and repairs should be conducted by qualified service personnel authorized by your camera
distributor or a Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
zTo avoid the risk of high-voltage electrical shock, do not touch the flash portion of the camera if it
has been damaged. Similarly, never touch internal portions of the equipment that become exposed as a
result of damage. There is a risk of high-voltage electrical shock. Please take the first opportunity to
consult your camera distributor or a Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
z
Stop operating the equipment immediately if it emits smoke or noxious fumes. Failure to do so may
result in fire or electrical shock. Immediately turn the camera's power off, remove the camera batteries or
unplug the power cord from the power outlet. Confirm that smoke or fume emissions have ceased.
Please consult your camera distributor or the closest Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
zStop operating the equipment if it is dropped or the casing is damaged. Failure to do so may result
in fire or electrical shock. Immediately turn the camera's power off, remove the camera batteries or
unplug the power cord from the power outlet. Please consult your camera distributor or the closest
Canon Customer Support Help Desk.

8
Read This First
zDo not allow the equipment to come into contact with, or become immersed in, water or other
liquids. Do not allow liquids to enter the interior. The camera has not been waterproofed. If the exterior
comes into contact with liquids or salt air, wipe it dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. In the event that water
or other foreign substances enter the interior, immediately turn the camera's power off and remove the
camera batteries or unplug the power cord from the power outlet. Continued use of the equipment may
result in fire or electrical shock. Please consult your camera distributor or the closest Canon Customer
Support Help Desk.
zDo not use substances containing alcohol, benzene, thinners or other flammable substances to
clean or maintain the equipment. The use of these substances may lead to fire.
zRemove the power cord on a regular periodic basis and wipe away the dust and dirt that collects
on the plug, the exterior of the power outlet and the surrounding area. In dusty, humid or greasy
environments, the dust that collects around the plug over long periods of time may become saturated
with humidity and short-circuit, leading to fire.
zDo not cut, damage, alter or place heavy items on the power adapter cord. Any of these actions
may cause an electrical short circuit, which may lead to fire or electrical shock.
zDo not handle the power cord if your hands are wet. Handling it with wet hands may lead to electrical
shock. When unplugging the cord, ensure that you hold the solid portion of the plug. Pulling on the
flexible portion of the cord may damage or expose the wire and insulation, creating the potential for fires
or electrical shocks.
z
Use only the recommended power accessories. Use of power sources not expressly recommended for
this equipment may lead to overheating, distortion of the equipment, fire, electrical shock or other hazards.
zDo not place the batteries near a heat source or expose them to direct flame or heat. Neither
should you immerse them in water. Such exposure may damage the batteries and lead to the leakage
of corrosive liquids, fire, electrical shock, explosion or serious injury.

9
Read This First
zDo not attempt to disassemble, alter or apply heat to the batteries. There is serious risk of injury due
to an explosion. Immediately flush with water any area of the body, including the eyes and mouth, skin,
or clothing that comes into contact with the inner contents of a battery.
zAvoid dropping or subjecting the batteries to severe impacts that could damage the casings. It
could lead to leakage and injury.
zDo not short-circuit the battery terminals with metallic objects, such as key holders. It could lead
to overheating, burns and other injuries.
z
Before you discard a battery, cover the terminals with tape or other insulators to prevent direct
contact with other objects.
Contact with the metallic components of other materials in waste containers
may lead to fire or explosions. Discard the batteries in specialized waste facilities if available in your area.
zUse only recommended batteries and accessories. Use of batteries not expressly recommended for
this equipment may cause explosions or leaks, resulting in fire, injury and damage to the surroundings.
zIf using AA-size NiMH batteries, use only Canon AA-size NiMH batteries and the charger
recommended for use with these batteries. Use of another charger may cause batteries to overheat
or deform, posing risk of fire or electric shock.
zDisconnect the battery charger or compact power adapter from both the camera and power outlet
after recharging and when the camera is not in use to avoid fires and other hazards. Continuous
use over a long period may cause a unit to overheat and distort, resulting in fire.
zThe camera terminal of the battery charger cord and the compact power cord is designed for
exclusive use with your camera. Do not use it with other products or batteries. There is a risk of fire
and other hazards.
Caution about magnetic fields
Keep objects that are sensitive to magnetic fields (such as credit cards) away from the speaker of the
camera (p. 12). Such items may lose data or stop working.

10
Read This First
CAUTIONS
zAvoid using, placing or storing the equipment in places subject to strong sunlight or high
temperatures, such as the dashboard or trunk (boot) of a car. Exposure to intense sunlight and heat
may cause the batteries to leak, overheat or explode, resulting in fire, burns or other injuries. High
temperatures may also cause deformation of the casing. Ensure that there is good ventilation when
using the battery charger to charge the batteries or power the camera.
zDo not store the equipment in humid or dusty areas. Storage in such areas could lead to fire,
electrical shock or other damage.
zBe careful not to bang the camera or subject it to strong impacts or shocks that could lead to
injury or damage the equipment when wearing or holding it by the strap.
zBe careful not to cover the flash with your fingers or clothing when shooting. The flash may be
damaged and emit smoke or noise. In addition, do not touch the surface of the flash after taking several
pictures in rapid succession. Either action could result in burns.
zDo not operate the flash with dirt, dust or other items stuck to its lens. The resulting heat build-up
could damage the flash.
zEnsure that the battery charger is plugged into a power outlet of the specified rating, not over the
specified rating. The plug of the battery charger varies according to region.
zDo not use the battery charger or compact power adapter if the cable or plug is damaged, or if the
plug is not fully inserted into the power outlet.
zDo not allow metal objects (such as pins or keys) or dirt to contact the charger terminals or plug.
zIf your camera is used for prolonged periods, the camera body may become warm. Please take
care when operating the camera for an extended period as your hands may experience a burning
sensation.

11
Read This First
Preventing Malfunctions
Avoid Strong Magnetic Fields
Never place the camera in close proximity to electric motors or other equipment generating strong
electromagnetic fields. Exposure to strong magnetic fields may cause malfunctions or corrupt image data.
Avoid Condensation Related Problems
Moving the equipment rapidly between hot and cold temperatures may cause condensation (water
droplets) to form on its external and internal surfaces. You can avoid this by placing the equipment in an
airtight, resealable plastic bag and letting it adjust to temperature changes slowly before removing it from
the bag.
If Condensation Forms Inside the Camera
Stop using the camera immediately if you detect condensation.
Continued use may damage the equipment. Remove the SD card and battery or power cord (if connected)
from the camera and wait until the moisture evaporates completely before resuming use.
Extended Storage
When not using the camera for extended periods of time, remove the batteries from the camera or battery
charger and store the equipment in a safe place. Storing the camera for extended periods with batteries
installed will run down the battery and may damage the camera.

12
Components Guide
* Be careful not to wave the camera about or catch it on other items when dangling it from the wrist strap.
ON/OFF Button (p. 23)
Strap Mount*
Shutter Button (p. 31)
Microphone (p. 84)
Viewfinder Window
Speaker
Flash (p. 39)
AF-assist Beam (p. 34)
Red-eye Reduction Lamp (p. 41)
Self-timer Lamp (p. 43)
Lens/Lens Cover

13
Components Guide
* To connect the camera to a computer or printer, use one of the following cables.
•Computer: Interface Cable IFC-400PCU (supplied with the camera)
•Direct Print Compatible Printers (Sold Separately)
• CP Printers: Interface Cable IFC-400PCU (supplied with the camera) or the Direct Interface Cable
DIF-100 (supplied with the CP-100/CP-10)
• Bubble Jet Printers:
-Bubble Jet Direct Compatible Printers: Please refer to your Bubble Jet printer user guide.
-PictBridge Compliant Printers: Interface Cable IFC-400PCU (supplied with the camera)
•PictBridge Compliant Non-Canon Printers: Interface Cable IFC-400PCU (supplied with the camera)
Please refer to the System Map or the Direct Print User Guide supplied with the camera for direct
print compatible printer information.
Date Battery Holder (p. 120)
Viewfinder (p. 33)
A/V (Audio/Video) Out Terminal
Tripod Socket
SD Card Slot/Battery Cover (p. 15)
Terminal Cover
DIGITAL Terminal* (p. 98)
DC IN Terminal (p. 124)
LCD Monitor (p. 26)
Battery Cover Lock

14
Components Guide
(Print/Share) Button
The following operations are accessible through one
easy press of the button.
- Printing: See the Direct Print User Guide (separate
from this guide).
- Downloading images (Windows only): See page 95
of this guide and the Software Starter Guide
(separate from this guide).
The indicator blinks or lights during a printer or
computer connection.
Blue: Ready to Print/Ready to transfer images
Blinking Blue: Printing/Transferring
Button
Button (p. 63)
(Function) Button (p. 62)/
(Single Image Erase) Button (p. 61)
(Display) Button (p. 26)
Mode Switch (p. 25)
Omni Selector (p. 39, 42, 43, 45, 75)
(Light Metering)/ , (Flash)/
(Continuous) (Self-timer)/
(Macro)/ (Infinity)/
The indicators light or blink when you open the lens cover or whenever you press the shutter button.
Blinking Orange: Ready to shoot (camera shake warning)
or charging the flash (with LCD monitor On).
Lower Indicator
Yellow: Macro mode or Infinity mode
Blinking Yellow: Focusing difficulty (although you can press
the shutter button, try using focus lock (p. 73))
Upper Indicator
Green: Ready to shoot or ready to communicate with
your computer.
Blinking Green: Starting-up, recording to the SD card,
reading the SD card, erasing data on the SD
card, or transmitting data to your computer.
Orange: Ready to shoot (using the flash).
Zoom Button (p. 31)
Shooting: (Wide Angle)/ (Telephoto) (p. 31)
Playback: (Index)/ (Magnify) (p. 55)

15
Preparing the Camera
Installing the Battery and SD Card
Write Protect Tab
The SD card has a write protect tab. Sliding the tab
downward prevents recording of data and protects
existing data (e.g. images). When recording to,
erasing from or formatting the SD card, slide the
tab upward.
Write Protect
Tab
Writing/Erasing possible Writing/Erasing impossible
Insert two (2) AA-size alkaline batteries
(included with the camera) or two (2) AA-size
NiMH batteries (sold separately) and insert
the SD card.
1 Check that the camera power is off.
2 Press the battery cover lock towards
the arrow to open the cover.
3Insert the batteries as shown.
c
d
(+) Positive end
(-) Negative end

16
Preparing the Camera
4 Insert the SD card as shown and
close the SD card slot/battery cover.
zInsert the SD card as shown on the inside of
the battery cover until you hear it click into
place.
zDo not touch or allow metal objects to contact
the terminals on the back of the SD card.
To remove the SD card
Push in the SD card until you hear it click, then
release it.
Back
Terminals
c
d
zSince the camera is writing, reading,
erasing or transmitting data to or from the
SD card when the indicator blinks green,
never perform the following actions during
this time. It could corrupt the image data.
• Subject the camera body to vibration
or shocks.
• Turn the camera’s power off or open
the SD card slot/battery cover.
zPlease note that SD cards formatted
with other manufacturers’ cameras or a
computer, or formatted or edited with
application programs, may slow down
writing to the SD card or may not
operate correctly in the camera.
z
You are recommended to use SD cards
that have been formatted in your camera
(p. 19
) . The card supplied with the camera
may be used without further formatting
.
zWe recommend that you use the
separately sold AC Adapter Kit ACK800 to
power the camera during long usage
sessions (p. 124).
zThe separately sold battery charger kit
lets you use rechargeable NiMH
batteries to power the camera (p. 121).

17
Preparing the Camera
zSee Battery Performance (p. 129).
zFor information about the Battery and
Charger Kit and AA-size rechargeable
NiMH batteries, see the System Map
(separate from this guide).
zSee SD Cards and Estimated Capacities
(Recordable Images) (p. 129).
Proper Battery Handling
zUse AA-size alkaline or Canon AA-size NiMH
batteries (sold separately) only. For information
on handling the AA-size rechargeable NiMH
batteries, see Using the Power Kits (Sold
Separately) (p. 121).
zSince the performance of alkaline batteries
may differ according to brand, the operating
time of the batteries you purchase may not be
as long as the batteries that came with the
camera.
zCamera operating time may shorten at low
temperatures when alkaline batteries are used.
Also due to their specifications, alkaline batteries
may expire faster than NiMH batteries. If you are
using the camera in cold areas or for a long time,
we recommend using Canon AA-size NiMH
Battery Kit NB4-200 (a four-battery Kit).
zWhile it is possible to use AA-size nickel-
cadmium batteries, performance is unreliable
and their use is not recommended.
zNever mix unused and partially used
batteries. Always load two fresh (or fully
recharged) batteries at the same time. The
partially used batteries may leak.
z
Be careful to load the batteries with their positive
(+) and negative (-) ends in the right direction
.
zNever mix batteries of different types or from
different manufacturers. Both batteries
should be identical.
zBefore inserting the batteries, wipe the battery
terminals well with a dry cloth. Oil from one's skin
or other dirt may cause a considerable reduction
in the number of recordable images or reduced
usage time.
z
Battery performance deteriorates at low
temperatures (especially with alkaline batteries).
If you are using the camera in cold areas and
batteries are running down faster than they
should, you may be able to restore performance
by placing batteries in an inner pocket to warm
them up prior to use. But be careful that you don't
put the batteries into a pocket together with a
metal key chain or other metallic objects, as these
objects may cause batteries to short-circuit.

18
Preparing the Camera
zIf you do not plan to use the camera for a long
time, remove the batteries from the camera and
store them in a safe place. Batteries may leak
and damage the camera if left installed during
prolonged periods of non-use.
WARNINGS
Never use damaged batteries or batteries
whose outer seal is completely or partially
missing or peeled off, as there is risk that
such batteries may leak, overheat, or burst.
Always check the seals on store-bought
batteries before loading them, as some
batteries may come with defective seals. Do
not use batteries with defective seals.
Never use batteries that look like this.
Batteries with all or part of the
seal (electrical insulation sheath)
peeled off.
The positive electrode (plus
terminal) is flat.
The negative terminal is correctly
formed (protruding from the
metal base), but the seal does
not extend up over the edge of
the metal base.
Battery Status Indications
The LCD monitor displays an icon or message to
let you know when batteries are low or depleted.
Batteries are beginning to run low.
Replace (or recharge) batteries
promptly. If the LCD monitor is off,
this icon will appear when you press
any of the following buttons: the
omni selector,
DISP. button and
FUNC. button.
Change the
batteries
Batteries are fully depleted and the
camera can no longer operate.
Replace the batteries immediately.