Canon PowerShot A540 User manual

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_ower_hot A540
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DIGITAL CAMERA
Preparation
Shooting
Playback/Erasing
Menus and Settings
Printing
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.....Camera User Guide
Please Read This First
This guide explains how to prepare the camera and use its basic features,
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IFlowchart and Reference Guides
The following guides are available. Refer to them as necessary
according to the flowchart below.
_For information on included items
_, and itams sold separataly _System Map
V
Preparations
Installing_qebatteriesand memorycard
• Setting_qedate,timeand language
mBasic Camera User
Shooting _ _ Guide (This Guide)
Playback/Erasing • Read this first
T
Menus and Settings
T
_'Handling pracautions, references to _ _ [_
|the various shooting and playback _Advanced Camera
functions ,) User Guide
T
Printing
T
_o Installing the software
_o Downloading images to a
|computer
_o Using the software
I
Direct Print User Guide
Basic Camera User
Guide (This Guide)
Software Starter Guide
ZoomBrowser EX/
ImageBrowser
Sof_wara User Guide
• PDF manuals available
on the Canon website.
http://web.canon,jp/
Imaging/information-
e,html
In this guide, the Basic Camera UserGuide is called the Basic Guide,
and the Advanced Camera User Guide is called the Advanced Guide.
[ In,is guide, explana_ons are given using illustrations for PowerShot A540.]

'!. Installing the batteries,
1. Slide the memory card slot/battery cover lock in the
direction of the arrow and open the cover.
2. Insert the 2 supplied AA-size alkaline batteries, or
separately sold AA-size NiMH batteries.
- Negative end (-)
Positive end (+)-
[] SeetheAdvancedGuide:BatteryHandling(p.102)
2. Inserting the Memory Card,
1. Insert the memory card until it clicks into place.
_ Front
2. Close the memory card slot/battery cover.
[] SeetheAdvancedGuide:HandlingtheMemoryCard(p,104)
[]See theAdvsncedGuide:FormattingMemoryCards(p.30)
-0
o=
o)
l

• To Remove the Memory Card
Push the memory card with your finger until the memory card clicks
and then release it.
You can use SD* memory cards and MultiMediaCards with this camera.
These cards are collectively called memory cards in this guide.
* SDstandsfor Secure Digital, a copyright protection system,
2

First Time Settings
•Setting the Date/Time
m®
1. Press the power button (_).
2. Use the 4. or 4, button to select an item and the 4F or +
button to change its value (®).
3. Confirm that the correct time is displayed and press the
FUNC./SET button (®).
The date and time can also be set in the Set up menu (p. 13).
The date/time setting screen will appear when the
_] amera power is turned on for the first time, or when the
capacity of the lithium date/time battery is depleted.
EISeatheAdvancedGuide:RepacngthaDateBatIeryp.114)
•Setting the Display Language
1. Set the mode switch to _(playback).
2. Hold down the FUNC./SET button and press the MENU
button.
3. Use the ,IF, +, +or .> button to select a language and
press the FUNC./SET button.
The display language can also be set in the Set up menu (p. 13).
-O
o
cn
3

t. Press the power button. Power button
The start-up sound will play and the start-up
image will display in the LCD monitor.
• Pressing the power button again turns the
power off.
• Pressing the power button while pressing
and holding the DISP. button will turn on the mute setting which
will mute all sounds except for warning sounds.
[] SeetheAdvancedGuide:UsingtheLCDMonitor(p.15)
[]SeetheAdvancedGuide:PowerSavingFunction(p.21)
[]See theAdvancedGuide:SetupMenu(p.26)
[]See theAdvancedGuide:MyCameraMenu(p.28)
2. Set the mode switch to 0(shooting) (_). (_)
3. Set the shooting mode dial to EE)
(Auto)(_).
4. Aim the camera at the subject.
5. Focus and shoot. Indicators
1. Press the shutter button halfway to
focus.
When the camera focuses, the camera
beeps twice and the indicator lights green.
2. Press the shutter button fully to shoot.
The shutter sound will play and the image will
record. The indicator will blink green while the
image is recorded to the memory card.
4
[]See BasicShootingFunctions(p,5),
[]See theAdvancedGuide:thdicetors(p,20)
I ee theAdvancedGuidethrthevadousshootingmethods
available.

Reviewing an Image Right After Shooting
After a shot is taken, the image appears in the LCD monitor for
approximately 2 seconds.
You can continue to display images regardless of the review duration
setting with the following procedures.
• Keeping the shutter button pressed after a shot.
• Pressing the FUNG./SET or DISP. button while the image is
displayed in the LCD monitor.
To stop displaying the image, press the shutter button halfway.
EISee theAdvanced Guide: Review (p. 24)
E_le_(p.11)
Basic Shooting Functions
•Selecting a Shooting Mode
1. Set the shooting mode dial to the desired mode (_).
In the SeN and Dll modes, use the ÷ or "l, button (_) to select
a shooting mode.
Creative zone
Auto
Image zone
•[Av]and[Tv]modesonlyappty
to PowerShotA540.
•Shooting Modes
_AUTO _ The camera automatically selects settings.
[] Portrait [] Landscape
Blurs the background Optimized for
and makes a person shooting landscape
stand out. scenes which contain
both near and far
................................................. subjects.
5

[] Night scene
Allows you to capture human subjects against the backdrop of
an evening sky or night scene. The flash is directed at the
person and the shutter speed is slow. so both the person and
the background can be beautifully shot.
SCN (Special Scene)
YOU can shoot with the most appropriate settings for the scene.
[] Night Kids&Pets
Snapshot Allows you to
Allows you to take capture subjects
snapshots of that move around.
people against such as children
twilk3ht or night backgrounds by and pets. without missing photo
reducing the effects of camera shake opportunities.
even without using a tripod.
[] Indoor [] Foliage
Prevents camera Shoots trees and
shake and leaves - such as
maintains the new growth.
subject's true color autumn leaves or
when shooting under fluorescent or blossoms - in vivid colors.
tungsten lighting.
[] Snow _l/[] Beach
Shoots without a / / sheOts without
blee tinge and //making peopte
_l_ without making tappear dark near
peop e appear dark water or sand
against a snowy background. J I where reflected sun
mFireworks Underwater
Captures fireworks (PowsrShot A540 only)
in the sky sharply Appropriatefershooting
and at optimal imageswithWaterproof
exposure. CaseWP-DC2 (sold
_pa_),This mode
usesan optimalwhite
balancesetting to
reducebluish tonesand recordimageswith a
naturalhue, Thee_0osure is regulatedto use
theflashas littleas possible.
rm Color Accent [] Color Swap
Use this option to Use this option to
have only the color transform a color
specifiedin the LCD specified in the LCD
rnoniter remain and te monitor inthanother
transform all others to black and white.
EISea th_Advanced Guide(p. 60) EISea th_ Advanced Guide (p. 60)
6

Stitch Assist
Allows you to shoot overlapping images that can later be
merged (stitched) to create one panoramic image on a
computer.
[] See the Advanced Guide (p, 43)
Dsl_Shoots a movie when you press the shutter button.
Apart from [ [] Standard] mode, you can also select from [ [] Fast Frame Rate]
(PowerShot A540 only) which is suitable for shooting sports or fast motion,
[ [] Compact] which is convenient for email attachments, [ [] Color Accent]
which has only _e color specified in the LCD monitor remain and transforms all
others to black and wh_e, and [ [] Color Swap] which transforms a color
specified in the LCD monitor into another color.
[] Sea theAdvanced Guide (p, 39)
You can freely select camera settings such as the exposure and
iC;ative aperture value to suit your shooting purposes,
"[]Seath_AdvancedGuide(p,44-47)
7

• Using the Zoom
1. Press the zoom lever toward _or I-_3.
The zoom can be adjusted from 35 mm - 140 mm (focal length)
in 35mm film equivalent terms.
8
Wide Angle: Zooms
out from the subject.
Et)3Telephoto: Zooms in
on the subject.
•Using the Flash
1. Press the _button to cycle through flash settings.
Each time you press the _ button, the
flash settings will change.
With the red-eye reduction function on:
[]D nD- H
With the red-eye reduction function off:
Flash settings cannot be used in some shooting modes.
Auto with red-eye The flash fires automatically and fires the red-
[_IE]
r_ I_1 reduction eye reduction lamp each time,
[] Auto The flash fires automatically,
Flash on with red- The red-eye reduction lamp and flash always
[] [] eye reduction fire,
[] Flash on The flash always fires,
[] Flash off The flash will not fire,
Red-eye reduction: This feature reduces the effect of light reflecting back from
the eyes and making them appear red, You can set this feature on and off in
the Rec, menu,

[_] hen the LCD monitor is on and flash recharging
begins, the lamp blinks orange and the LCD monitor
turns off. When recharging ends, the orange lamp turns
off and the LCD monitor turns on. The time required for
flash recharging will change depending on usage
conditions and remaining battery power.
[]See theAdvancedGuide:Rec,Menu(p,24)
IeetheAdvancedGuide;FunctionsAvailableinEachShooting
Mode(p.136)
9

• Shooting Close-ups (Macro)
1. Press the _l_ button.
To cancel the macro mode, press the _1_button to turn off the
[] or [] display.
This setting cannot be set in some
shooting modes.
Use this mode to shoot close-ups of flowers or small items,
Image Area at Minimum Shooting Distance from End of Lens to Subject
PowerShot A540:
•Maximum wide angle setting: 60 x 45 mm (2,4 x 1,8 in,)
Minimum shooting distance: 5 cm (2,0 in,)
[] Macro • Maximum telephoto setting: 84 x 63 mm (3,3 x 2,5 in,)
Minimum shooting distance: 30 cm (12 in,)
PowerShot A530:
•Maximum wide angle setting: 60 x 45 mm (2,4 x 1,8 in,)
Minimum shooting distance: 5 cm (2,0 in,)
• Maximum telephoto setting: 94 x 71 mm (3,7 x 2,8 in,)
Minimum shooting distance: 33 cm (1,1 ft,)
Iee theAdvancedGuide!Functi°r_ Ava!lab!einEachShooting
Mode(p.136)

'l. Setthe mode switchto _(playback)(_).
The lastrecorded imagewillappear inthe
LCDmonitor. (_
2. Use the <- or 4, button to display the __
image you wish to view (_).
Use the 4. button to move tothe previous (_
image andthe "k button to move the next
image.
Holding the button down advancesthe images more rapidly, but
showsthem less clearly.
Ise theAdvancedGuideforthevariousplaybackmetheds
available.
'!. In the playback mode, use the
4, or 4, button to select an
image to erase (_) and press
the _> button (_).
2. Confirm that [Erase] is selected and
press the FUNC./SET button (_).
Toexit instead of erasing,select [Cancel].
[] See theAdvanced Guide: Erasing All Imag_ (p. 82)
ll

Settings for the shooting, playback or print modes or such camera
settings as the date/time and sounds are set using the FUNC., Rec.,
Play, Print, Set up or My Camera menu.
FUNC. Menu
This menu sets many of the common shooting functions.
(# ® ®
_Set the mode switch to O (shooting).
®Press the FUNC./SET button.
®Use the ,IF or ,Ik button to select a menu item.
•Some items may not be selectabIe in some shooting modes.
(_ Use the ÷ or ._ button to select an option for the menu item.
• You can select further options with the MENU button for some
options.
• After selecting an option, you can press the shutter button to
shoot immediately. After shooting, this menu will appear again,
allowing you to adjust the settings easily.
® Press the FUNC./SET button.
W_JSee the Advanced Guide: Menu List (p. 24)

Rec., Play, Print, Set up and My Camera
Menus
Convenient settings for shooting, playback or printing can be set with
these menus.
[] (Rec.) Menu -- (Set up) Menu
(My Camera) Menu
(#
©
MENU
_) You canswitch
betweenmenuswith
the 4, or ,1,button
whenthispart is
selected.
®
©
MENU
•This example shows the Rec, menu,
• In playback mode, the Play, Print, Set up and My Camera menus display,
_Press the MENU button.
_Use the ÷or .k button to switch between menus.
•You can also use the zoom lever to switch between menus.
_Use the 4" or ,Ik button to select a menu item.
• Some items may not be selectable in some shooting modes.
_Use the 4' or .k button to select an option.
• Menu items followed by an ellipsis (...) can only be set after
pressing the FUNC./SET button to display the next menu.
Press the FUNC./SET button again to confirm the setting.
_Press the MENU button.
[] Se_th_AdvancedGuide:MenuList(p.24)
03
13

Connect the camera to a direct print compatible printer .1 with a cable
and simply press the _3,,_ button on the camera.
'_. Connect the camera to a direct print compatible printer
and turn on the printer's power.
-- Canon Brand Printers --
Camera
÷_÷
interface CabIe SELPHY CP Series
Compact Photo
Printers _2
PIXMA Series/
SELPHY DS
Series Bubble Jet
Printers
.1 Since this camera uses a standard protocol (PictBridge), you can use it
with other PictBridge-compliant printers in addition to Canon-brand
printers.
*2 You can also use card photo printers such as the CP-10/CP-100/CP-200/
CP-300.

2. Turn on the power in playback mode and confirm that
[], [] or [] is displayed in the upper left of the LCD
monitor (_).
•The ,_,_., button will light blue.
• The displayed icon will vary according to the printer model.
3. Select an image to print using the ÷or ÷button (_)
and press the _3,_Mbutton (_).
The ,[_w, button will blinkblue andprinting will start.
Ie_ theAdvanced Guide: Setting the DPOF Print Settings
(p. 83)
[]See the Direct Print User Guide
[_See the user guide for Your Printer
2
15

The following methods can be used to download images recorded by
the camera to a computer. Some methods, depending on the OS
used, may not be available. Please read System Requirements (p. 17)
in advance.
• Camera to Computer Connection
os++++wiam+
_Edi_(SE) • •
+++++++++++++++n,j_20 ++++++++++++• •
++++++j+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ • •
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++_ ++++++++++++• •
++++++++++++++m,+++++++++;+++++++++++++++++• •
÷ ÷
Computer System [, Basic Guide (p, 17)
Requirements [, Software Starter Guide
& &
Connecting the Camera [, Basic Guide (p, 19)
to a Computer L+ +
Downloading Images to [* Basic Guide (p, 20, 21)
a Computer I" Software Starter Guide
e
e
Windows _XP
and Mac OS X
Users leaflet
•Using a Memory Card Reader
A memory card reader can be used with all the operating systems
listed above. See the Software Starter Guide for details.

System Requirements
Please install the software on a computer meeting the following
minimum requirements.
• Windows
Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)
Windows Me
Windows 2000 Service Pack 4
Windows XP (including Service Pack 1 and Service
Pack 2)
The above OS should be pre-installed on computers with
built-in USB ports,
Pentium 500 MHz or higher processor
Windows 98 SENVindows Me 128 MB or more
Windows 2000/Windows XP 256 MB or more
USB
•Canon Utilities
-ZoomBrowser EX 200 MB or more
- PhotoStitch 40 MB or more
• Canon Camera TWAIN Driver 25 MB or more
• Canon Camera WIA Driver 25 MB or more
• ArcSoft PhotoStudio 50 MB or more
1,024 x 768 pixels/High Color (16 bit) or better
• Macintosh
Mac OS X (v10,2 - v10,4)
The above OS should be pre-installed on computers with
built-in USB ports,
PowerPC G3/G4/G5
256 MB or more
USB
• Canon Utilities
- ImageBrowser 200 MB or more
- PhotoStitch 40 MB or more
• ArcSoft PhotoStudio 50 MB or more
;)ispi _ 1,024 x 768 pixels/32,000 Colors or better
"o

Preparing to Download Images
• Items to Prepare
•Camera and computer
•Canon Digital Camera Solution Disk supplied with the camera
• Interface cable supplied with the camera
1. Install the software.
1. Place the Canon Digital Camera Solution Disk in the
computer's CD-ROM drive.
2. Click [Easy Installation].
Proceed with the installation while
reviewing installation settings.
3. When the installation is complete,
click either the [Finish] or [Restart]
button that appears.
_ When the installation is
finished, click [Exit].
4. Remove the Canon Digital Camera Solution Disk from the
CD-ROM drive when your normal desktop screen appears.