Canon PowerShot A400 User manual

280CPA400S
This item is a kit that contains the following
individual items:
280PSA400, 280CP400, 280KP36IP.

ENGLISH
Canon
7?,werShot A 400
DIGITAL CAMERA
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CDI-E140
Camera User Guide
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PictBridge DPOF DIREa BUBBLE JET
PRINT DIREU
•Please read the Read This First section (p. 5).
•Please also see the Software Starter Guide and the Direct Print UserGuide.

Flowchart and Reference Guides
This Guide
Shooting with the Camera Use
of genuine Canon accessories is
recommended.
Installing the Software
Downloading Images to a Computer
ThiSGU~
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., aleakage and/or explosion
of
abattery 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.
'V'
Software Starter Guide
'V'
,. Direct Print User Guide
Printer User Guide
Using the Printer and Printing

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 amalfunction.
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
•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.·Canon
reserves the right to change the specifications
ofthe hardware and software described
herein at any time without
prior notice.
eNo part of this guide may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in aretrieval
system,
or translated into any language in any
form, by any means, without the priorwritten
permission
of Canon.
•
Canon makes no warranties for damages
resulting
from corrupted or lost data due to a
mistaken operation.
or malfunction· of the
camera, the software, the SO
memory cards
(SD cards), personal
computers,petipheral
devices, or use of non-Canon SD cards.

Trademark Acknowledgments
•Canon and PowerShotare trademarks of Canon
Inc, t
•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.
•
SO is atrademark.
•Other names and products not mentioned above
may be registered trademarks or trademarks
of
their respective companies.
Copyright ©2004 Canon Inc. All rights reserved.
2
Symbols Used
Icons undertitle bars show the operations mode.
As
in the example below, the shooting mode
should
be set to m, ~, r:g or iJ.
Adjusting the Tone (White Balance)
,,-Mill [jI ~ ~ Ib) I
•• This mark denotes issues that may affect
... the camera's operation.
~ This mark denotes additional topics that
L..IJ complement the basic operating
procedures.
In this guide SO memory card (Secure Digital, a
copyright protection system)
is referred to as SO
card.

Table of Contents
Items marked with "tf. are lists or chartsJhat
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
Installingthe Batteryand SO Card 15
Formatting an SO Card ~ 19
Setting the OateITime 21
Setting theLanguage :22
Basic Functions 23
Turning the Power On/Off 23
Mode Switch 25
i:l Using the LCD Monitor 26
Shooting -The Basics 31
* GAuto Mode : .. 31
Reviewing an Image Right After Shooting 34
Selecting aShooting Mode 35
Changing the Resolution and Compression 37
Quick Shots 38
~ Using the Flash 39
-IMacro/ lnfinity Modes 42 .
·~Self-timer 43
Digital Zoom 44
~Continuous Shooting ,45
Shooting Panoramic Images(StitchAssist) 46
SCNSpecial 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
f6{ Erasing Single Images , 61
Erasing All Images 61
Shooting -Advanced Functions 62
i:l 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
3

Replacing the· bate Bahery:' ; : 120
Using the Power Kits(Sold Separately) ;
121
Camera Care and Maintenance 125
Battery Performance :129
SD Cards and Estimated Capacities (Recordable
Images) 129.
List of Messages 112
Photo Tips and Information 132
Appendix 120
Troubleshooting 114
Specifications 126
Index 134
"C!·Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode 138
Rotating Images in the Display 83
Attaching Sound Memos
tolmages 84
Auto Play 85
Protecting Images 86
About Printing :88
DPOFPrintSettings .. ; - : 90
.Image Transmission Settings
(DPOF
Transfer Order) ; : 94
Downloading Images to aComputer 95
Computer
System RE':lquirements 96
Downloading Directly from
aSD card 103
Viewing Images on a
TV Set.. , , 103
Resetting
the File Number 105
Customizing the Camera
(My Camer.a Settings) 106
Registering
My Camera Settings 108
Playback - Advanced Functions 83
Various Functions 88
I_T_a_b_,e_o_fc.;:..· ••• ~_n_te_n_t~~. _-'-----:..._....,....."'-'----'- """-_---'-~.,...__-----'-_....,.....-'-------'-----------II
oSwitching 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
4

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 acamera or accessory, including SD cards, that results in the failure of an image to be
recorded or
to be recorded in aformat 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 acamera
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 aproblem arises while the camera is in
use abroad, please convey it back to the country of sale before proceeding with awarranty claim to a
Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
For Canon Customer Support contacts, please see the Canon Limited Warranty supplied with your
camera.
5

IRead This First
Safety Precautions
•Before using the camera, please ensure that you have read and understood the safety precautions
described below. Always ensure that the camera
is operated correctly.
•The 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.
•
In 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
A\ Store the SO memory card out of the reach of children and infants.
ill It may be swallowed accidentally. Ifthis occurs, consult adoctor immediately.
~WARNINGS
•Do not aim the camera directly into the sun or at other intense light sources which could damage
your eyesight.
•Do 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.
6

Read This First I
•Store this equipment out of the reach of children and infants. Accidental damage to the camera or
batteries by achild could result in serious injury. In addition, placement of the strap around achild's neck
could result in asphyxiation.
•Be particularly careful to keep the date battery used in the camera away from children. Seek
medical assistance immediately
if achild swallows abattery.
•Do 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 aCanon Customer Support Help Desk.
• To 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 arisk of high-voltage electrical shock. Please take the first opportunity to
consult your camera distributor
or aCanon Customer Support Help Desk.
• 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.
•Stop operating the equipment ifit 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.
7

IRead This First
•Do 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 asoft, 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.
•Do 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.
•Remove the power cord on aregular 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.
• Do 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.
•Do 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.
•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.
•Do not place the batteries near aheat 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.
8

Read This First I
•Do 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 abattery.
•Avoid dropping or subjecting the batteries to severe impacts that could damage the casings. It
could lead to leakage and injury.
•Do not short-circuit the battery terminals with metallic objects, such as key holders. It could lead
to overheating, burns and
other injuries.
•Before you discard abattery, 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.
•Use 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.
•If 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.
•Disconnect 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 along period may cause aunit to overheat and distort, resulting in fire.
•The 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 arisk 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.
9

IRead This First
& CAUTIONS
•Avoid using, placing or storing the equipment in places subject to strong sunlight or high
temperatures, such as the dashboard
or trunk (boot) of acar. 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.
•Do not store the equipment
in humid or dusty areas. Storage in such areas could lead to fire.
electrical shock or other damage.
•
Be 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.
•Be 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.
•
Do not operate the flash with dirt, dust or other items stuck to its lens. The resulting heat build-up
could damage the flash.
•Ensure that the battery charger is plugged into apower outlet of the specified rating, not over the
specified rating. The plug
of the battery charger varies according to region.
•Do 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.
•Do not allow metal objects (such as pins or keys) or dirt to contact the charger terminals or plug.
•If 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 aburning
sensation.
10

Read This First I
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
SO 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 asafe place. Storing the camera for extended periods with batteries
installed will run down the battery and may damage the camera.
11

*Be careful not to wave the camera about or catch it on other items when dangling it from the wrist strap.
12

Components Guide I
,__------------- LCD Monitor (p. 26)
....------------- Viewfinder (p. 33)
~---- Terminal Cover
DIGITAL Terminal*
(p. 98)
~ DC~T:minrl
A/V (Audio/Video) Out Terminal
-----i[1 SO Card SloUBattery Cover (p. 15)
Date Battery Holder
(p. 120)
~'-<._--- Battery Cover Lock
'------------ Tripod Socket
*
To connect the camera to acomputer or printer, use one ofthe 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-1 00/CP-1 0)
•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.
13

FUNC. (Function) Button (p. 62)/
I~ (Single Image Erase) Button (p. 61)
DISP. (Display) Button (p. 26)
IComponents Guide
----------- SET Button
__ ------ Omni Selector (p. 39, 42, 43, 45, 75)
[
0 (Light Metering)/ • , ~ (Flash)/ ~ ]
~ (Continuous) ~ (Self-timer)/ ~
~ (Macro)/ ~ (Infinity)/ ~
'----='------'~~- Zoom Button (p. 31)
[
Shooting: [ill] (Wide Angle)/ [.J (Telephoto) (p. 31)J
Playback: ~ (Index)/ Q. (Magnify) (p. 55)
,..:,-------'-....,:-;-~- ~¢'VI (Print/Share) Button
The following operations are accessible through one
easy press
of the ~¢'VI 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 aprinter or
computer connection.
Blue: Ready to Print/Ready to transfer images
Blinking Blue: Printing/Transferring
The indicators light or blink when you open the lens cover or whenever you press the shutter button.
Upper Indicator Blinking Orange: Ready to shoot (camera shake warning)
Green: Ready to shoot or ready to communicate with or charging the flash (with LCD monitor On).
your computer.
Blinking Green: Starting-up, recording to the SO card, Lower Indicator
reading the SO card, erasing data on the SO Yellow: Macro mode or Infinity mode
card, or transmitting data to your computer.
Blinking Yellow: Focusing difficulty (although you can press
Orange: Ready to shoot (using the flash). the shutter button, try using focus lock
(p. 73))
14

Installing the Battery and SD Card
Write Protect Tab
The SO card has awrite 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
SO card, slide the
tab upward.
t t~~, Write Protect
1~". 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
SO card.
1Check that the camera power is off.
2Press the battery cover lock towards
the arrow to open the cover.
3Insert the batteries as shown.
15