Canon PowerShot G12 User manual

Camera User Guide
Make sure, guide, including the "Safety
Precautions" section, before using the camera.
Store this guide use it in the future.

Checkifthefo1!owingitemsareincludedinyourcamerapackage.
Bfanythingismissing,contacttheretailerfromwhichyoupurchasedthe
camera.
Camera Battery Pack NBo7L
(with Terminal Cover) Battery Charger
CB-2LZ/CB-2LZE
interface Cable Stereo AV Cable Neck Strap
IFC-400PCU AVC-DC400ST NB-BC9
Getting Started DtGtTALCA_,_ERA Warranty "Canon Customer
Solat{on Disk Card Support" Leaflet
Also refer to the PDF manuals on the CD-ROM. After installation, shortcut icons
appear on the desktop. If the software installation fails, you can find the manuals in
the Readme folder on the CD-ROM.
Camera User Guide (This Guide)
Once you have mastered the basics, use the camera s many
features to shoot more challenging photos.
Perso.a, Print,.g G.,de
Read when you want to connect the camera to a printer (sold

Test Shots and D{sclaimer
Take some initial test shots and play them back to make sure the images
were recorded 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
The images recorded with this camera are intended for personal use. Do not
record images that infringe upon copyright laws without the prior permission
of the copyright holder. 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 persona! use=
Warranty Limitations
This camera's warranty is only effective in the country of sale. If there is a
problem with the camera while abroad, please return it to the country of sa_e
before proceeding with a warranty claim to a Canon Customer Support Help
Desk. For Canon Customer Support contacts, please see the customer
support list supplied with your camera.
LCD Monitor (Screen)
The LCD monitor is produced with extremely high=precision manufacturing
techniques. More than 99=99% of the pixels operate to specification, but
occasionally non=performing pixels may appear as bright or dark dots. This
is not a malfunction and has no effect on the recorded image=
The LCD monitor may be covered with a thin plastic fitm for protection
against scratches during shipment. If so, remove the film before using the
camera.
Camera Body Temperature
Please take care when operating the camera for an extended period as the
camera body may become warm= This is not a malfunction=

Shoot vadous other scenes
(p.62) (_. 63) (p. 63)
C_ Light
(p. 64) (p. 64) (p. 6!)
Shoot with special effects
With fad_:d cotors
(p. 64) (p. 65) (p. 73)
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_,i_i!!i_i_i__ii_!i!!_ii_ii_ii!i i_i_,ii_,i,i_iai_ii_i:_
Fish:_e Effect _inla_ure Effect
(p. 73) (p. 74)
Focus on faces ................................................ 24, 62, 68, 70, 92, 97
Shoot in places where I cannot use the flash
(turn off the flash) .........................................................................56
Take pictureswithme inthem too(self-timer)...................56,69,70
Insertthedate and timeintomy shots.........................................60
4

What Do You Want to Do?
Look at my pictures ................................................... ........27
Automatically play back pictures (slideshow) ............ _29
Look at my pictures on a TV .............................................. 133,134
Look at my pictures on a computer .............................................. 32
Quickly search pictures ...................................................... 126, 127
Erase pictures ...................................................................... 28, 140
Shoot movies .................................................................. :...28 117
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View movies ......................................................................... 30, 117
..................}}i}i}i::i::iiii_i_i,i
Eas,yprintp_ctures...................................................52
Save images to a computer ...................................... _92
Use the front dial to change settings .......................................... 171
Understand what is displayed on the screen ............................. 196
5

Chapters 1 - 3 explain the basic operations and frequently used functions of
this camera. Chapters 4 onward explain the advanced functions, letting you
learn more as you read each chapter.
Checking the Package Contents ....... 2 MENU - Basic Operations .............. 48
Read This First .................................. 3 Changing the Sound Settings ......... 49
What Do You Want to Do? ................ 4 Changing the Screen Brightness .... 50
Table of Contents .............................. 6 Returning the Camera to Default
Safety Precautions ............................. 9 Settings ........................................... 51
Conventions Used in This Guide ,,,,,12 Low Level Memory Card
Formatting ....................................... 52
_'°°:'_:°":':_:°_:_?° Power Saving Function
Charging the Battery ........................ !4
Compatible Memory Cards
(Sold Separately) ............................. 15
Inserting the Battery and Memory
Card ................................................. 16
Adjusting the Screen Position .......... !8
Setting the Date and Time ............... !9
Setting the Display Language .......... 2!
Formatting Memory Cards ............... 22
Pressing the Shutter Button ............. 23
Taking Pictures (Smart Auto) ........... 24
Viewing Images ............................... 27
Erasing Images ................................ 28
Shooting Movies .............................. 28
Viewing Movies ................................ 30
Transferring Images to a Computer
for Viewing ....................................... 32
Accessories ..................................... 36
Separately Sold Accessories ........... 37
Components Guide .......................... 42
Screen Display ................................. 44
Indicators ......................................... 46
FUNC, Menu - Basic Operations ,...46
(Auto Power Down) ......................... 53
Clock Functions ............................... 54
Turning the Flash Off ...................... 56
Using the Self-Timer ....................... 56
Zooming in More Closely on
Subjects (Digital Zoom) ................... 58
Inserting the Date and Time ............ 60
Shooting in Low Light Conditions
(Low Light) ...................................... 61
Shooting in Various Conditions ....... 62
Shooting in _ Mode
(Quick Shot Mode) .......................... 66
Detecting a Smile and Shooting ...... 68
Using the Wink Self-Timer .............. 69
Using the Face Self-Timer .............. 70
Shooting High Contrast Scenes
(High Dynamic Range) .................... 71
Shooting with Faded Colors
(Nostalgic) ....................................... 73
Shoot with the Effects of a Fish-Eye
Lens (Fish-eye Effect) ..................... 73
Take Shots That Look Like a
Miniature Model (Miniature Effect) ..74

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Shooting in Program AE ................. 76
Adiusting the Brightness
(Exposure Compensation) .............. 76
Turning the Flash On ...................... 77
Shooting Close-ups (Macro) ........... 77
Changing the Aspect Ratio ............. 78
Changing the Recording Pixel
Setting (Image Size) ....................... 78
Changing the Compression Ratio
(Image Quality) ............................... 79
Shooting RAW Images .................... 80
Changing the ISO Speed ................ 82
Adiusting the White Balance ........... 84
Continuous Shooting ....................... 86
Changing the Tone of an Image
(My Colors) ..................................... 87
Shooting Using the Viewfinder ........ 89
Changing the Composition with the
Focus Lock ...................................... 90
Shooting Using a TV Monitor .......... 90
TabJe of Contents
Focus Bracketing
(Focus-BKT Mode) .......................... 99
Changing the Metering Method ..... 100
Shooting with the AE Lock ............ 101
Shooting with the FE Lock ............. !02
Auto Exposure Bracketing
(AEB Mode) ................................... 102
Shooting with Slow Synchro .......... 103
Using the ND Filter ........................ 104
Setting the Shutter Speed ............. 104
Setting the Aperture Value ............ 105
Setting the Shutter Speed and
Aperture Value .............................. !06
Correcting the Brightness and
Shooting (i-Contrast) ..................... 107
Using the Electronic Level ............. !08
Red-Eye Correction ....................... 109
Adjusting the Flash Exposure
Compensation ............................... 110
Adjusting the Flash Output ............ ! 11
Checking for Shut Eyes ................. 111
Registering Shooting Settings ....... ! 12
Changing the Color and Shooting, 113
Shooting Stitch Assist Images ....... 116
Changing the AF Frame Mode ........ 92
Changing the AF Frame Position
and Size .......................................... 93
Shooting with Servo AF .................. 94
Choosing the Subject to Focus On
(Tracking AF) .................................. 95
Magnifying the Focal Point .............. 96
Shooting with the AF Lock .............. 97
Choosing the Person to Focus On
(Face Select) ................................... 97
Shooting in Manual Focus Mode .,_ 98
Changing the Movie Mode ............ 118
Shoot Movies That Look Like a
Miniature Model (Miniature Effect) 118
Changing the Image Quality .......... 120
AE Lock/Exposure Shift ................. 121
Using the Wind Filter ..................... !21
Other Shooting Functions .............. 122
Playback Functions ....................... ! 22
Editing ........................................... ! 23
7

Quickly Searching Images ............. !26
Viewing Images in Filtered
P_ayback ........................................ 127
Viewing Slideshows ....................... ! 29
Checking the Focus ....................... !30
Magnifying Images ......................... 131
Displaying Various images
(Smart Shuffle) ............................... !31
Changing Image Transitions .......... !32
Viewing Images on a TV ................ 133
Viewing Images on a High-Definition
TV .................................................. ! 34
Protecting images .......................... ! 36
Erasing All Images ......................... !40
Tagging images as Favorites ........ !42
Organizing Images by Category
(My Category) ................................ !43
Rotating images ............................. !45
Resizing images ............................ !46
Trimming ........................................ 147
Adding Effects with the My Colors
Function ......................................... 148
Correcting the Brightness
(i-Contrast) ..................................... 149
Correcting the Red-Eye Effect ....... 150
Printing Images .............................. !52
Printing from the Print List
(DPOF) .......................................... 154
Choosing Images for Printing
(DPOF) .......................................... 155
Print Added Images ....................... 158
Changing Camera Settings ........... 160
Changing Shooting Function
Settings ......................................... ! 67
Registering Commonly Used
Shooting Menus (My Menu) .......... !73
Changing Playback Function
Settings ......................................... 174
Using Household Power ................ 176
Using Lenses (Sold Separately)..,. 177
Changing the Ring Color
(Sold Separately) .......................... ! 79
Using the Remote Switch
(Sold Separately) .......................... 179
Using an Externally Mounted Flash
(Sold Separately) .......................... ! 80
Using an Eye-Fi Card .................... 188
Troubleshooting ............................ 190
List of Messages That Appear on the
Screen ........................................... 193
Information Displayed on the
Screen ........................................... ! 96
Functions Available in Each Shooting
Mode ............................................. 200
Menus ........................................... 202
Handling Precautions .................... 206
Specifications ................................ 207
Index ............................................. 211

Before using the product, please ensure that you read the safety precautions
described below. Always ensure that the product is used correctly.
The safety precautions noted on the following pages are intended to prevent injuries
to yourself and other persons, or damage to the equipment.
Be sure to atso check the guides included with any separately sold accessories you
use.
Do not trigger the flash in c_ose proximity to human eyes.
Exposure to the intense light produced by the flash could damage eyesight. In
particular, remain at least one meter (39 inches) away from infants when using the
flash.
sio;ethis_quipmen_o_tofihereachofchiid;en_ndin_anis:.......................
Strap: Putting the strap around a child's neck could result in asphyxiation.
Use only recommended power sources.
Do not attempt to disassemble, alter or apply heat to the product.
Avoid dropping or subjecting the product to severe impacts.
To avoid the risk of injury, do not touch the interior of the product if it has been
dropped or otherwise damaged.
Stop using the product immediately if it emits smoke, a strange smell, or
otherwise behaves abnormally.
Do not use organic so_vents such as a_coho_, benzine, or thinner to c_ean the
equipment.
Do not _etthe product come into contact with water (e.g. sea water) or other
Hquids,
Do not allowHquids orforeignobjectstoenterthecamera,
This could result in electrical shock or fire.
If liquids or foreign objects come into contact with the camera interior, immediately
turn the camera power off and remove the battery.
If the battery charger becomes wet, unplug it from the outlet and consult your
camera distributor or the ciosest Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
as the sun on a clear day).
This could damage your eyesight.
CD-ROMs.
Playing the CD-ROM(s) in an audio CD player (music player) could damage the
speakers. It is also possible to suffer hearing loss from listening with headphones
to the loud sounds of a CD-ROM played on a music CD player.
9

safetyPrecautions
Use only the recommended battery.
Do not place the battery near or in direct flame.
Unptug the power cord periodically and wipe away any dust and dirt that has
collected on the plug, the exterior of the power outlet, and the surrounding area.
Do not handte the power cord with wet hands.
Do not use the equipment in a manner that exceeds the rated capacity of the
electrical outlet or wiring accessories. Do not use if the power cord or pJug are
damaged, or not fully plugged into the outlet.
Do not affow dirt or metaJ objects (such as pins or keys) to contact the terminals
or plug.
The battery may explode or leak, resulting in electrical shock or fire. This could
cause injury and damage the surroundings. In the event that a battery leaks and
the battery acid contacts eyes, mouth, skin or clothing, immediately flush with
water.
Be carefut not to bang the camera or subject it to strong impacts or shocks when
hanging it by the strap.
Be careful not to bump or push strongty on the lens.
This could lead to injury or damage the camera.
This could result in burns or damage to the flash.
° Places subject to strong sunlight.
° Places subject to temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F).
= Humid or dusty areas.
These could cause leakage, overheating or an explosion of the battery, resulting in
electrical shock, fire, burns or other injuries.
High temperatures may cause deformation of the camera or battery charger
casing.
prolonged periods.
If the lens becomes loose and falls off, it may crack, and the shards of glass may
lead to cuts.
10

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iiiiiiiii_
SafotyPrecaot,ons
Do not aim the camera at bright tight sources (the sun, etc.}.
Doing so may damage the image sensor.
w_ _ b ;_i; _;_ _ i_w....
dust or sand to enter the camera.
This may cause the product to malfunction.
This is due to the high intensity of the flash burning dust and foreign materials stuck
to the front of the unit. Please use a cotton swab to remove dirt, dust or other
foreign matter from the flash to prevent heat build-up and damage to the unit.
If the battery is left inside the camera, damage caused by leakage may occur.
Contacting other metal materials may lead to fire or explosions.
when you are not using it.
Do not place anything, such as cloth on top of the battery charger whi_e it is
charging.
Leaving the unit plugged in for aiong period of time may cause it to overheat and
distort, resulting in fire.
Pets biting the battery could cause ieakage, overheating or explosion, resuiting in
fire or damage.
that hard objects to not come into contact with the screen.
Do not attach accessories to the strap.
Doing so may cause malfunctions or damage the screen.
11

[cons are used in the text to represent the camera buttons and control dial.
Language that displays on the screen appears inside [ ] (square brackets).
The directional buttons, control dial, FUNC./SET button and front dial are
represented by the following icons.
Up button
Left button
Control dial
,_ ___ FUNC./SET button
_ Right button
-_-- Down button
Front dial --
(_ : Things you should be careful about
: Troubleshooting tips
: Hints for getting more out of your camera
: Supplemental information
(p. xx): Reference pages ("xx" stands for a page number)
This guide assumes all functions are at their default settings.
The various types of memory cards that can be used in this camera are
collectively referred to as memory cards in this guide.
12

Getting Started
This chapter explains preparations before shooting, how' to shoot in
mode, and then howto view and erase the images you take. The
latter part of tMs chapter explains how to shoot and view movies and
transfer images to a computer.
Attaching the Strap/Hold{rig the Camera
Attach the included strap and place it around your neck to avoid dropping
the camera during use.
Keep your arms tight against your body wMle holding the camera firmly by
the sides. Be sure that your fingers do not block the flash.
13

Use the included charger to charge the battery. Be sure to charge the battery
as Jt is not charged at the time of purchase.
CB-2LZE
Remove the cover.
insert the battery.
AJign the ,_ marks on the battery and
charger, then insert the battery by sliding it
in (C1_)and down ((_)).
.... Charge the battery.
For CBo2LZ: Flip out the plug (_) and
plug the charger into a power outlet ((2_).
For CBo2LZE: Plug the power cord into
the charger, then plug the other end into a
power outJet.
: The charge lamp lights orange and charging starts.
The charge lamp wiJl light green when
charging has finished. Charging takes
approx. 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Remove the battery.
Unpbug the battery charger from the power
outlet, then remove the battery by s_iding it
in (_) and up (_-_).
Approximate Number of Shots That Can Be Taken
370
1000
The number of shots that can be taken is based on the Camera & Imaging Products
Association (CIPA) measurement standard.
Under some shooting conditions, the number of shots that can be taken may be tess
than mentioned above.
14

Compatible Memory Cards tSo_d SeparateJy)
Battery Charge Indicator
An icon or message will appear on the screen indicating the battery's charge state. @
Sufficient charge.
........ Siightly depietedl but sufficient
(Biinking red) Neady depietedl Charge the battery
_;Changethe battery pack" Depicted Recharge the battery
Charge the battery on the day, or the day before, it wil! be used.
Charged batteries continue to discharge naturally even if they are not used.
__ .....,_ ..............................................Attach the cover to a charged battery so that
_/'_//_ the ,_ mark is visible.
How to store the battery for long periods:
Deplete and remove the battery from the camera. Attach the terminal cover and
store the battery. Storing a battery for long periods of time (about a year) without
depleting it may shorten its life span or affect its performance.
The battery charger can also be used when abroad.
The charger can be used in regions that have 100 - 240 V (50/60 Hz) AC power.
If the plug does not fit the outlet, use a commercially available plug adapter. Do
not use electrical transformers for foreign travel as they will cause damage.
The battery may develop a bulge.
This is a normal characteristic of the battery and does not indicate a problem.
However, if the battery bulges to the point where it will no longer fit into the
camera, please contact a Canon Customer Support Help Desk.
If the battery is quickly depleted even after charging, it has reached the end of
its life span.
Purchase a new battery.
SD memory cards (2 GB and less)*
SDHC memory cards (more than 2 GB, up to and including 32 GB)*
SDXC memory cards (more than 32 GB)* ,_,,_'
MultiMediaCards MMCplus memory cards
HC MMCplus memory cards EyeoFi Cards
15

inserting the Battery and Memory Card
*This memory card complies with the SD standards. Some cards may not operate
property depending on the brand of card used.
Abou_ EyeuF_ C_s iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
This product is not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions (including
wireless transfer). In case of an issue with an Eye-Fi card, please check with
the card manufacturer.
Also note that an approval is required to use EyeoFi cards in many countries
or regions. Without approval use of the card is not permitted, if it is unclear
whether the card has been approved for use in the area, please check with
the card manufacturer.
hsert the included battery and a memory card (sold separately).
Check the card's write-protect tab.
If the memory card has a write-protect tab,
you will not be able to record images if the
tab is in the locked position. Slide the tab
up until you hear a click.
Open the cover.
............. Slide the cover ((1_) and open it (@-_).
16
Terminals
nse,ttheb.tte,y.
Insert the battery as shown until it locks
into place with a click.
Be sure to insert the battery in the correct
direction or it will not properly lock into
place.

iii_ .... *_,_i_,_,
Label
inserting the Battery and Memory Card
insert the memory card.
Insert the memory card as shown until it
locks into place with a click.
Be sure the memory card is oriented
correctly, hserting the memory card in the
wrong direction could damage the camera.
Close the cover.
Close the cover (_), and press downward
as you sBide it until it clicks into place (_)=
SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards, and Eye-Fi cards have a write-protect tab.
If this tab is in the locked position, [Memory card locked] will appear on the screen
and you will not be able to take or erase images.
Removing the Batte_ and Memory Card
Remove the battery.
Open the cover and press the battery lock
in the direction of the arrow.
The battery will pop up.
Remove the memory card.
Push the memory card in until you hear a
click, then slowly release it.
The memory card wil! pop up.
Approximate Number of Shots per Memory Card
1471 6026
Vatues are based on the default settings.
The number of shots that can be taken witt vary' depending on camera settings, the
subject and the memory' card used.
17

Adjusting the Screen Position
You can check the number of shots that can be taken when the camera is in a
Shooting mode (p, 24),
Number of shots
that can be taken
Open the screen.
Open the screen (_), and rotate itforward
180°(@).
Close the screen ((_-})=
ii
iii _i;i_ ii_ 'iii
You can freeJy adiust the angle and orientation of
the screen as you like for the shooting
conditions,
To protect the screen, always keep it closed
when the camera is not in use.
18

The Date/Time settings screen will appear the first time the camera is turned
on. Since the dates and times recorded into your images are based on these
settings, be sure to set them.
_i_¸ i_i:iiiiii!iii!!__¸¸
Tu[n on the cstmcrs.
Press the power button.
The Date/Time screen will appear.
setthedateandtime.
Press the 4 _ buttons to choose an option.
Press the ,_v buttons or turn the _ dial
to set a value.
®:Complete the setting.
Press the @ button.
Once the date and time have been set, the
Date/Time screen will close.
Pressing the power button will turn off the
camera.
Set the correct date and time. If you have not set the date and time, the Date/Time
screen wilI appear each time you turn on the camera.
If you choose _*_ in Step 2 and press the ,_'_ buttons or turn the _ dial and
choose ::+_,you will set the time to daylight saving (1 hour ahead).
19

settingtheDateandTime
Changing the gate and Time
You can change the current date and time settings.
Displaythe _en.s.
Press the MENUbutton,
Choose [Date/Time] in the _t1'tab.
............. Press the _ _ buttons to choose the _1' tab.
Press the _.'_" buttons or turn the _ dial
to choose [Date/Time], then press the
button.
Ch .ge thedate t me.
Follow Steps 2 and 3 on p. 19 to adjust the
setting.
Pressing the MENU button will close the
........................................................................................................menu.
The camera has a built-in date/time battery (backup battery) that allows the
date/time settings to be retained for about three weeks after the battery pack
has been removed.
By inserting a charged battery or connecting an AC adapter kit (sold separately,
p. 37) the date/time battery can be charged in about 4 hours even if the camera
is not turned on.
If the date/time battery is depleted, the [Date/Time] menu will appear when you
turn the camera on. Follow the steps on p. 19 to set the date and time.
2O