Canon PowerShot A520 User manual

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Camera User Guide
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e Please read the Read This First section (p. 4).
e Please also see the Software Starter Guide and the Direct Print User Guide.,

Trademark Acknowledgements
•Macintosh, Mac OS and QuickTime are
trademarks of Apple Computer Inc., registered in
the United States and/or other countries.
• Microsoft ® and Windows ® 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.
Use of genuine Canon accessories is
recommended.
This product is designed to achieve excellent
performance 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.

Ftowcha_ and Reference Guides
Direct Print User Guide
Printer User Guide
Using the Printer and Printing
Symbots Used
Icons under title bars show the available shooting
modes. As in the example below, the shooting
mode dial should be set to _:_, P, Tv, Av, M,
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L_ complement the basic operating procedures.
This camera can use SD* memory cards or
MultiMediaCards.
*SD=Secure Digital, a copyright protectionsystem.

Itemsmarkedwith-karelistsorchartsthat
summarizecamerafunctionsorprocedures.
PleaseRead......................................................4
SafetyPrecautions............................................6
PreventingMalfunctions..................................!1
installingtheBatteries.....................................15
installingtheMemoryCard.............................18
FormattingMemoryCards........................19
SettingtheDate/Time......................................22
SettingtheLanguage......................................23
-k Using the LCD Monitor .................................... 24
Turning the Power On/Off ............................... 30
Switching between Shooting and Playback .....32
Auto Mode ............................................... 33
Reviewing an Image Right after Shooting ....... 36
Using the Mode Dial (Image Zone) ................. 38
_'_ Portrait ................................................ 38
Landscape .......................................... 38
Night Scene ........................................ 38
_A, Fast Shutter ........................................ 38
Slow Shutter ....................................... 38
Changing the Resolution and Compression.... 40
%Using the Flash ......................................... 42
Macro Mode .............................................. 44
Self-timer ......................................................... 45
Digital Zoom .................................................... 47
Continuous Shooting ....................................... 48
E_ Shooting Panoramic images (Stitch Assist)... 49
sen Special Scene Mode ................................. 51
Postcard Print Mode ........................................ 54
%m Movie Mode .............................................. 56
DisplayingImagesIndividually(SingleImagePlayback)..58
O_ Magnifying images .................................... 59
_'-: ViewingImagesin Setsof Nine(Index Playback)..60
Jumping between images ............................... 61
Viewing/Editing Movies ................................... 61
/_ Erasing images individually ...................... 65
Erasing All images ......................................... 65
Selecting Menus and Settings ......................... 66
Menu Settings and Default Settings ................ 69
Resetting the Settings to Default ..................... 75
Using the Mode Dial (Creative Zone) .............. 76
P ProgramAE ....................................... 77

Table of Contents I
Tv Setting the Shutter Speed .................. 77
Av Setting the Aperture ........................... 79
M ManuallySettingtheShutterSpeedandAperture..80
Switching between Focusing Modes ............... 81
Switching between Metering Modes ................ 82
Adjusting the Exposure ................................... 83
Adjusting the Tone (White Balance) ................ 84
Changing the iSO Speed ................................ 87
Changing the Photo Effect .............................. 88
Adjusting the Flash Output .............................. 89
Shooting Hard-to-Focus Subjects ................... 90
Setting the Auto Rotate Function .................... 92
Rotating images in the Display ........................ 94
Attaching Sound Memos to image .................. 95
Auto Play ......................................................... 96
Protecting images ........................................... 97
About Printing .................................................. 98
DPOF Print Settings ...................................... 100
ImageTransmissionSettings(DPOFTransferOrder)... 104
Downloading images to a Computer ............. 106
Computer System Requirements ............ 107
Viewing images on a TV Set ......................... 1!4
Resetting the File Number ............................. 1!5
Customizing the Camera (My Camera Settings) ..117
Registering My Camera Settings ................... 118
Using the Power Kits (Sold Separately) ........ 129
Using the Lenses (Sold Separately) .............. 132
Usingan ExternallyMountedFlash(SoldSeparately)..136
Replacing the Date Battery ........................... 137
Camera Care and Maintenance .................... !39
Battery Performance .................................... 144
Memory Cards and Estimated Capacities
(Recordable Images) ................................... 145
* Functions Available in Each Shooting Mode_ !59

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 Inc. its
subsidiaries and affiliates, and its distributors are not liable for any consequential damages arising from
any malfunction of a camera or accessory, including memory cards, that results in the failure of an image
to be recorded or to be recorded in a way 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 wMle 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.

Read This First I
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.
The LCD monitor is produced with extremely high-precision manufacturing techniques. More than 99.99%
of the pixels operate to specification. Less than 0.0!% 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. 115).
Language Setting
Please see page 23 to change the language setting.

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Safety Precautions
® Before using the camera, please ensure that you read and understand the safety precautions described
below. Always ensure that the camera is operated correctly.
®The safety precautions noted on the followin 9 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 and its power supply
accessories (see the .System Map for power supply accessory details).
Z_ Storing memory cards
Store the memory card out of the reach of children and infants.
It may be swallowed accidentally. If this occurs, consult a doctor immediately.
o Do not aim the camera directly into the sun or at other intense light sources that could damage
your eyesight.
® Do not trigger the flash in dose 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.
® Store 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.
® Be particularly careful to keep the date battery used in the camera away from children. Seek
medical assistance immediately if a child swallows a battery.

Read This First I
® 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 a Canon 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 a risk of high-voltage electrical shock. Please take the first opportunity to
consult your camera distributor or a Canon 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 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.
® Do not altow the equipment to come into contact with, or become immersed in, water or other
liquids. Do not allow liquids to enter the interior. The equipment 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.
® Do not use substances containing alcohol, benzene, thinners or other flammable substances to
cJean or maintain the equipment. The use of these substances may lead to fire.

ReadThis First 1
® Remove 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. nndusty, 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 pJace heavy items on the power 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 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.
® Do not attempt to disassemble, alter or apply heat to the batteries. There is serious risk of injury
due to an explosion, nmmediately 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, nfthe eyes or mouth contact
these substances, immediately flush with water and seek medical assistance.
®Avoid dropping or subjecting the batteries to severe impacts that could damage the casings, nt
could lead to leakage and injury.
® Do not short-circuit the battery terminals with metallic objects, such as key holders, ntcould lead
to overheating, burns and other injuries.

Read This First 1
® 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.
® 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 a long period may cause a unit to overheat and distort, resulting in fire.
® The camera terminat of the compact power adapter 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.
® Exercise due caution when screwing on the separately sold wide converter, tele-converter,
close-up tens and conversion lens adapter. If they loosen, fall off and shatter, the glass shards may
cause an injury.
Caution about magnetic fields
Keep objects that are sensitive to magnetic fields (such as credit cards) away from the speaker of the
camera (p. !2). Such items may lose data or stop working.

ReadThis First 1
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 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=
® Do not store the equipment in humid or dusty areas. Storage in such areas could lead to fire,
electrical shock or other damage.
o 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, nnaddition, 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 or compact power adapter 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.
o Do not use the battery charger or compact power adapter if the cable or plug is damaged, or if
the plug is not fulty inserted into the power outlet.
eDo 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 a burning
sensation.
!0

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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=
Av_i_ C_e_sat_ _eiate_ Pro_le_s
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.
|f Cendensatien For_s Inside the Camera
Stop using the camera immediately if you detect condensation.
Continued use may damage the equipment. Remove the memory card, batteries, and compact power
adapter from the camera and store it at room temperature until the moisture evaporates completely before
resuming use.
_=xte_ded Sterage
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 may cause battery leakage and damage the camera. (Do not remove the date battery.)
!1

Shooting Mode Dial (p. 14)
Speaker -- Power Button (p. 30)
Terminal Cover
The following cables are used to connect the camera to a computer or printer.
Computer (p. 106)
interface Cable IFC-400PCU (supplied with the camera)
Direct Print Compatible Printers (aoJd separately)
• Compact Photo Printers (SELPHY CP series), Card Photo Printers: interface Cable IFC-400PCU (supplied with
the camera), or the Direct interface Cabb DIF-100 (supplbd with the printer).
• Bubble Jet Printers (PIXMA serbstSELPHY DS series)
-Bubble Jet Direct Compatibb Printers: Please refer to your Bubble Jet printer user guide.
-PictBrfdge Compliant Printers: interface Cabb IFC-400PCU (supplbd with the camera).
• PictBridge Compliant Non-Canon Printers: interface Cabb IFC-400PCU (supplbd with the camera).
Please refer to the System Map or the Direct Print User Guide suppHerf with the camera for rfirect print
compatible printer information.
!2

Components Guide I
SET Button --
Mode Switch (p. 32) --
Viewfinder (p. 35) _=j_._
indicators (p. 14)
4= Button __"_/ /?
_A,_(PdntiShare)Button _ v _ _ c
(p,98, 111)'@odu Socket
FUNC. (Function)i @(Singb image
Erase) Button (p. 65, 66)
(Flash)i ¢_ Button (p. 42)
Strap Mount Attaching the
wrist strap .1
-- €_ Button
-- _(Macro)t MF (Manual Focus)t
4_ Button (p. 44, 91)
y Cover (p. 15)
Battery Cover Lock (p. !5)
-- Memory Card Slot Cover (p. !8)
-- DSSP. (Display) Button (p. 24, 27)
The following operations are accessible through one easy press of the _A._ (Print/Share) button.
• Printing: See the Direct Print User Guide (separate from this guide)
• Downloading images (Windows only): See page 106 of this guide and the Software Starter Guide (separate
from this guide)
The indicator blinks or lights during a printer or computert connection.
Blue: Ready to print/Ready to transfer images
Blinking Blue: Printing/Transferring (p. 111)
•_ When carrying the camera by the strap, be careful not to swing the camera or catch it on other items.
•2 The LCD monitor is covered with a thin plastic sheet for protection against scratches during shipment. Remove it
before using the camera.
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Components Guide 1
Sheeting Merle DiaJ
Creative j.,,__/
Zon_
Auto_
Image Zone
Use the shooting mode
dial to switch between
the Shooting modes.
®_: Auto (p, 33)
The camera
automatically selects
settings.
o image Zone
The camera automatically selects settings
according to the image composition type.
_'_: Portrait (p. 38) _ : Landscape (p. 38)
: Night Scene (p. 38) _¢.: Fast Shutter (p. 38)
_" : Slow Shutter (p. 38)
seN: Special Scene (p. 38, 51)
E_: Stitch Assist (p. 38,49) _,_,: Movie (p. 56)
o Creative Zone
The user selects exposure, aperture or other
settings to achieve special effects.
p : Program AE (p. 77)
Tv : Shutter-speed priority AE (p. 77)
Av: Aperture-priority AE (p. 79)
M : Manual Exposure (p. 80)
|ndicators
The indicators light or blink when the Power button
or the shutter button is pressed.
Upper _ndieator
Green: Ready to shoot
Blinking Green: Recording to memory card/
Reading memory cardlErasing from memory
card/Transmitting data (during a computer
connection)
Orange: Ready to shoot (flash on)
Blinking Orange: Ready to shoot (camera shake
warning)tFlash is charging
Lower Indicator
Yellow: Macro modetManual Focus modetAF Lock
BHnking Yellow: Focusing difficulty (although you
can press the shutter button, you are
recommended to shoot using the focus lock
(p, 90))
Power Lamp
Green: Power is on
!4

Installing the Batteries
Insert two AA-size alkaline batteries (supplied with
the camera) or separately sold nickel metal hydride
(NiMH) batteries.
t Be sure that the camera power is
off.
,2 Slide the battery
cover lock in the
direction of the
arrow, and open
the cover.
3insert the batteries
as shown.
Positive end Negative end (-)
4 C_ose the battery cover.
Kit ACK800 iS recommended to power the
camera during long usage sessions
(p.131). o
o The separately sold battery charger kit lets 3
(D
you use rechargeabIe NiMH batteries to
power the camera (p. 129) ....
o See Battery Performance (p. 144).
o For information about the Batte D, and 0_
Charger Kit and AA-size rechargeabIe m
NiMH batteries, see the System Map
(separate from this guide), o
!5

Preparing the Camera 1
Proper 8artery Handling
® Use AA-size alkaline or Canon AA-size NiMH
batteries (sold separately) only. For information
on handling the AA-size rechargeable NiMH
batteries, see Using Rechargeable Batteries
(p. 129).
®Since the performance of atkaline batteries
may differ according to brand, the operating
time of the batteries you purchase may not be
as _ong as the batteries that came with the
camera.
® Camera 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 (a four-piece set)=
®While it is possible to use AA-size nickel-
cadmium batteries, performance is unreliable
and their use is not recommended.
o Never mix unused and partially used
batteries. Always load two fresh (or fully
recharged) batteries at the same time. The
partially used batteries may leak.
o Be careful to load the batteries with their
positive (+) and negative (-) ends in the right
direction.
o Never mix batteries of different types or from
different manufacturers. Both batteries
should be identical.
® Before inserting the batteries, wipe the battery
terminals well with a dry cloth. Oil from one's sMn
or other dirt may cause a considerable reduction
in the number of recordable images or reduced
usage time.
® 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.
® If 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.
!6

Preparing the Camera I
_WARNING
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 iadicat_eas
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 the batteries if
you wish to continue using the
_E_ camera. Ufthe LCD monitor is off, this
}conwill appear when you press any of
Lhefollowing buttons: D_SP.,_ or _t
MF button.
Batteries are fully depleted and the
Change the camera can no longer operate. You
batteries should replace the batteries
}mmediately.
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!7

Preparing the Camera 1
3_nsert the memory card.
® Push the memory card in until it clicks into
place.
® Do not touch or allow metal objects to contact
the terminals on the back of the memory card.
To remove the memory card
Push the memory card until it clicks and then
release it.
4C_ose the memory card s_ot cover
securely.
!8