Epson PhotoPC 550 User manual

A
B
User’s Guide
frontmat.fm Page i Monday, October 6, 1997 11:47 AM

ii
IMPORTANT NOTICE
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
Epson America makes no representations or warranties, either express or
implied, by or with respect to anything in this manual, and shall not be liable for
any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or
for any indirect, special, or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the
exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not
apply to you.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of Epson America, Inc. No patent liability is assumed with respect to
the use of information contained herein. Nor is any liability assumed for
damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. Further,
this publication and features described herein are subject to change without
notice.
TRADEMARKS
EPSON and EPSON Stylus are registered trademarks of SEIKO EPSON
CORPORATION.
PhotoPC, ColorTrue, EPSON SoundAdvice, and EPSON FaxAdvice are
trademarks of Epson America, Inc.
Sierra Imaging is a registered trademark and Image Expert and Camio are
trademarks of Sierra Imaging, Inc. in the United States and other countries and
are used under license.
General notice: Other product names used herein are for identification purposes
only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. EPSON disclaims any
and all rights in those marks.
C o p y r i g h t © 1 9 9 7 b y E p s o n A m e r i c a , I n c . C P D 4 3 7 0
Torrance, California, USA 10/97
A NOTE CONCERNING RESPONSIBLE USE OF
COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS
Digital cameras and scanners, like photocopiers and conventional cameras, can
be misused by improper copying of copyrighted material. While some countries’
laws permit limited copying of copyrighted material in certain circumstances,
those circumstances may not be as broad as some people assume. EPSON
encourages each user to be responsible and respectful of the copyright laws when
using digital cameras and scanners.
frontmat.fm Page ii Monday, October 6, 1997 11:47 AM

A
B
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
FOR AMERICAN USERS
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio and television reception.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio and television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
◗Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
◗Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
◗Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected
◗Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING
The connection of a non-shielded equipment interface cable to this equipment
will invalidate the FCC Certification of this device and may cause interference
levels that exceed the limits established by the FCC for this equipment. It is the
responsibility of the user to obtain and use a shielded equipment interface cable
with this device. If this equipment has more than one interface connector, do
not leave cables connected to unused interfaces.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FOR CANADIAN USERS
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe B respecte toutes les exigences du
Reglement sur le materiel brouilleur du Canada.
FCC.fm Page 1 Monday, October 6, 1997 8:46 AM

iii
A
B
Contents
Introduction
PhotoPC 550 Features 2
Optional Accessories 2
System Requirements 3
Where To Get Help 3
Software Support 4
Registration 4
Safety Instructions 4
1 Getting Started
Unpacking Your PhotoPC 550 1-1
Identifying Camera Parts 1-2
Using Batteries 1-3
Installing Batteries 1-3
Handling Batteries 1-4
Using the Optional AC Adapter 1-5
Attaching the Hand Strap 1-7
Installing Your PhotoPC 550 Software 1-7
Installing for Windows 95 or
Windows NT 4.0 1-8
Installing for Windows 3.1x or
Windows NT 3.51 1-8
Making Software Installation Diskettes 1-9
2 Taking Pictures
Turning the Camera On and Off 2-2
Saving Power With Auto Shut-off 2-2
Checking the Display Panel 2-2
Checking the Battery 2-3
Checking the Picture Counter 2-3
Setting Image Quality 2-4
Standard (S) 2-4
High (Hi) 2-4
Super High (S-Hi) 2-4
Taking a Picture 2-5
Recording Messages With the Microphone 2-6
pointTOC.fm Page iii Monday, October 6, 1997 12:06 PM

iv
Using Macro Mode to Take Close-ups 2-7
Taking Pictures in Low Light Conditions 2-8
Taking Pictures With the Self Timer 2-9
Using a Tripod 2-9
Erasing Pictures 2-10
3 Getting Pictures Into Your Computer
Connecting the Camera 3-2
Getting Images and Sounds With the
Camio Viewer 3-3
Transferring Images Before Placing Them 3-5
Dragging and Dropping a Picture Into a
Document 3-5
Getting Images and Sound With Image Expert 3-6
What To Do if You See an Error Message 3-9
Getting Images Into TWAIN Applications 3-10
What To Do if the Camera
Is Not Responding 3-11
4 Getting Pictures Into Your Documents
Using Drag and Drop From an Album 4-2
Importing Images and Sound Into Documents 4-3
Getting Images With Copy and Paste 4-5
Converting File Formats 4-5
5 Working With Pictures and Sounds in
Albums
Using Albums 5-2
Organizing Pictures in Albums 5-2
Viewing Picture Information 5-3
Printing an Image 5-4
Printing an Album or Selected Images 5-5
Playing Back Sounds 5-6
Replaying a Section of an Audio Clip 5-7
Changing the Volume 5-7
Adding and Modifying Sounds in a
Downloaded Image 5-8
Cutting and Pasting Sounds 5-8
Recording New Sounds 5-9
Deleting Sounds 5-10
Displaying Albums as Slide Shows 5-11
Copying to Diskette 5-12
Viewing the Pictures on Diskette 5-13
Using an Album as a Screen Saver 5-14
Setting an Image as Wallpaper 5-14
Sending Pictures and Sound by E-mail 5-15
pointTOC.fm Page iv Monday, October 6, 1997 12:06 PM

v
A
B
6 Editing Images
Viewing and Selecting 6-2
Applying Quick Fix 6-2
Correcting 6-3
Cropping 6-4
Resizing and Changing Resolution 6-5
Rotating 6-6
Flipping 6-7
Applying Special Effects 6-7
Changing the Number of Colors 6-8
7 Managing the Camera From the Computer
Taking Pictures From Your Computer 7-1
Using the Self Timer 7-3
Setting the Shutter Speed 7-4
Adjusting Camera Settings From Your Computer 7-4
8 Using SmartMedia Cards
Installing a Storage Card 8-2
Removing a Storage Card 8-3
Transferring Images and Sound to Your Computer 8-3
Using a PCMCIA Adapter 8-4
Transferring Pictures 8-5
Formatting a Storage Card 8-5
9 Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Cleaning the Camera 9-1
Storing the Camera 9-1
Solving Camera Problems 9-2
Solving Picture Problems 9-5
Solving Sound Problems 9-7
A Specifications
Camera A-1
Physical Dimensions A-1
Safety Specifications A-1
Power A-1
Technical A-1
Environmental A-2
Photographic A-2
Microphone A-3
Optional AC Adapter A-3
Physical Dimensions A-3
Technical A-3
Index
pointTOC.fm Page v Monday, October 6, 1997 12:06 PM

Introduction 1
A
B
Introduction
our new EPSONPhotoPC™550 is a high-quality,
Yeasy-to-use digital camera. PhotoPC 550 captures
brilliant pictures in 24-bit color at true VGA resolution
(640 ×480 pixels). Your PhotoPC 550 comes complete with
a cable, batteries, software, and utilities for downloading,
editing, organizing, and printing your pictures. You can even
expand the camera’s capacity with optional 3.3V SSFDC
(solid state floppy disc card) or SmartMedia storage cards.
Use PhotoPC 550 to add pictures to your documents, flyers,
and presentations to increase their visual impact. Create
personalized greeting cards. Share pictures with business
colleagues or friends over the Internet. Add pictures to your
web page.
PhotoPC 550 also has a built-in microphone so you can
annotate your pictures with sound or add a voice message,
allowing you to send multimedia e-mail.
Intro.fm Page 1 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:48 AM

2Introduction
PhotoPC 550 Features
PhotoPC 550 comes with everything you need to capture
digital images and includes the following:
◗Resolutions up to 640 ×480 pixels
◗24-bit color images in more than 16 million colors
◗1MB internal flash memory that holds 24 standard
resolution images
◗Macro mode (close-up) picture taking
◗Highly light sensitive CCD (charge coupled device)
sensor (no need for flash)
◗Automatic shut-off to save batteries
◗Date and time information saved with each picture
◗Serial cable for transferring pictures to your
WindowsPC
◗Built-in microphone to record a message for each
picture
◗EPSON’s exclusive ColorTrue™advanced in-camera
processing system for brilliant, vivid pictures
Your camera comes with the PhotoPC 550 software suite,
which includes the following applications:
◗Sierra ImagingImage Expert™software for
transferring, organizing, editing, and printing your
pictures. You can also use it to play back your recorded
messages and record new messages for your pictures.
◗TWAIN driver for downloading your pictures into
TWAIN compliant applications such as Adobe
Photoshopor CorelDraw
Optional Accessories
EPSON offers several options for the PhotoPC 550.
◗PhotoPC AC adapter (B867038) for use with any
110/120V electrical outlet
◗PhotoPC NiMH power pack (B818051)
◗PhotoPC NiMH battery pack (B818061)
◗3.3V SSFDC or SmartMedia storage cards for
expanding your camera’s memory
You can contact EPSON Accessories at [phone]
(U.S. sales only). In Canada, please call [phone] for
dealer referral. SmartMedia storage cards and adapters are
also available from Simple Technologyat (800) 4-SIMPLE.
Intro.fm Page 2 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:48 AM

Introduction 3
A
B
System Requirements
To transfer pictures and sounds to your computer and edit
them, make sure your system meets these minimum
requirements:
◗IBM-compatible PC with 486/66 or higher processor
◗MicrosoftWindows 95, Windows 3.1 or later,
Windows for Workgroups 3.11 or later, or
Windows NT3.5 or later
◗Serial port with standard RS-232C interface
◗At least 16MB RAM (32MB for Windows NT)
◗Double-speed CD-ROM drive
◗Hard disk drive with at least 30MB free space
◗VGA monitor with at least 256-color display
(for higher quality viewing, a 16 million-color display
is recommended)
◗Mouse or other pointing device
If you want to play back or record new messages for your
pictures, your system must also have at least a 16-bit sound
card, speaker, and microphone.
Where To Get Help
EPSON provides customer support through the following
services:
Electronic support services
Service Access
World Wide Web From the Internet, you can reach EPSON’s
Home Page at http://www.epson.com.
EPSON Internet FTP
Site
If you have Internet FTP capability, use your
Web browser (or other software for FTP
downloading) to log onto ftp.epson.com with
the user name anonymous and your e-mail
address as the password.
EPSON Download
Service
You can call the EPSON Download Service at
[phone]. Set your communications
software to 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity.
Modem speed can be up to 28.8 Kbps.
EPSON Forum on
CompuServe®
Members of CompuServe can type GO EPSON
at the menu prompt to reach the Epson
America Forum. For a free introductory
CompuServe membership, call [phone]
and ask for representative #529.
Intro.fm Page 3 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:48 AM

4Introduction
EPSON also provides technical support and information on
the installation, configuration, and operation of EPSON
products. Dial [phone], [phone] (U.S.), or
[phone] (Canada), 6 A.M. to 6 P.M., Pacific Time,
Monday through Friday.
Before you call, please have the following information ready:
◗Product name
◗Product serial number
◗Computer configuration
◗Description of the problem
You can purchase manuals, accessories, and parts from
EPSON Accessories at [phone] (U.S. sales only).
In Canada, please call [phone] for dealer referral.
Software Support
If you’ve tried Image Expert’s on-screen help and you still
have questions, contact Sierra Imaging on the Internet at
http://www.sierraimaging.com or call [phone] for
technical support (for Windows 95 and Windows NT users,
make sure you check the Quick Tour first).
Registration
Please take a minute to fill out the registration card for the
PhotoPC 550 digital camera and mail it back to us. This
enables you to receive special information on accessories,
new products, and software upgrades. You’ll get immediate
attention if you have a problem with your PhotoPC 550.
Safety Instructions
Read all of these instructions before using your camera. Also
follow all warnings and instructions marked on the camera
and batteries.
Automated telephone services
Service Access
EPSON
SoundAdviceFor pre-recorded answers to commonly asked
questions about EPSON products 24 hours a
day, seven days a week, call [phone].
EPSON FaxAdviceAccess EPSON’s technical information library
by calling [phone]. You must provide a
return fax number to use this service.
EPSON Referral
Service
For the location of your nearest Authorized
EPSON Reseller call [phone].
Intro.fm Page 4 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:48 AM

Introduction 5
A
B
◗To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the
camera’s cover or open any of the compartments except
as instructed in this User’s Guide.
◗To prevent fire or electric shock, do not insert objects
into any openings in the camera.
◗To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose the
camera to rain or moisture and do not use the camera
where inflammable or volatile gas is stored.
◗Do not use the camera outdoors during adverse weather
conditions.
◗If the camera shows unusual signs such as noise, odor, or
smoke, turn it off immediately. Remove the batteries
and/or disconnect the AC adapter, and unplug the AC
adapter from the electrical outlet.
◗To avoid damage to the optics of the camera, do not
expose the lens to direct sunlight for extended periods of
time.
◗Avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause
moisture to condense on the camera. Keep the camera in
a case or bag if you need to move it from a cold
environment to a warm one. Allow time for the camera
and its optional accessories to adjust to temperature
changes before using them.
◗Use only the types of power sources listed in this
User’s Guide.
◗Do not use a frayed or damaged power cord with the
AC adapter.
◗If you use an extension cord with the optional AC
adapter, make sure the total ampere rating of the devices
plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the
cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure the total ampere
rating of all devices plugged into the wall outlet does not
exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
◗Remove batteries and/or unplug the camera and the AC
adapter and refer servicing to qualified service personnel
under the following conditions: if the power cord or
plug is damaged; if liquid has entered the camera; if the
camera has been dropped or its exterior has been
damaged; if the camera or its optional accessories do not
operate normally or exhibit a distinct change in
performance.
Intro.fm Page 5 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:48 AM

6Introduction
◗Adjust only those controls that are covered by the
operating instructions.
◗Do not attempt to service the camera yourself. Refer all
servicing to qualified service personnel.
◗If the liquid crystal solution contained in the display
panel leaks out and gets on your hands, wash them
thoroughly with soap and water. If it gets in your eyes,
flush them immediately with water.
Intro.fm Page 6 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:48 AM

Getting Started 1-1
A
B
1 Getting Started
his chapter helps you get ready to use your new
TPhotoPC 550. It covers the following:
◗Unpacking your PhotoPC 550
◗Identifying camera parts
◗Using batteries
◗Using the optional AC adapter
◗Attaching the hand strap
◗Installing your PhotoPC 550 software
Unpacking Your PhotoPC 550
Your PhotoPC 550 includes all the parts shown to the left.
PhotoPC 550 cable
software
batteries
hand strap
camera
start.fm Page 1 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:50 AM

1-2 Getting Started
Identifying Camera Parts
EPSON AMERICA, INC.
Documentation Department
20770 Madrona Avenue,Torrance, CA 90503
[phone]
TITLE
DATE
DRAWN BY
ONOFF-2.eps
REV> 20 Septe
m
Wendi Swanlun
d
viewfinder
timer light
front view
(lens cover is open)
shutter button
lens
lens cover connector
cover
macro on/off switch
EPSON AMERICA, INC.
Documentation Department
20770 Madrona Avenue,Torrance, CA 90503
[phone]
TITLE
DATE
DRAWN BY
BACK.e
REV> 3
Wendi
hand strap
holder
display panel
viewfinder
back view
storage card
slot cover
status
light
microphone
start.fm Page 2 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:50 AM

Getting Started 1-3
A
B
Using Batteries
The instructions in the following sections tell you how to
install and handle batteries.
Installing Batteries
Before you install the batteries, make sure the camera is
turned off (the lens cover is closed, see “Turning the Camera
On and Off” on page 2-2). Then follow these steps:
1Turn the camera upside down with the back facing you.
2Open the battery cover by sliding it in the direction of
the arrow, as shown below:
S-Hi/Hi/S
ERASE SELF TIMER
VOICE
top view
shutter
button
image quality
button
display
panel
erase
button timer
button
voice
recording
button
start.fm Page 3 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:50 AM

1-4 Getting Started
3Insert all three batteries into the compartment,
positioning the + and - ends as shown below:
4Close the battery cover and slide it to the right until it
snaps into place.
Handling Batteries
When your PhotoPC 550 batteries wear out, you can replace
them with any of the following:
◗Single-use AA alkaline batteries (Energizerbrand
recommended)
◗Single-use AA lithium batteries (longer life)
◗Rechargeable AA NiCd batteries
◗Rechargeable AA NiMH batteries
WARNING
To avoid the danger of fire or explosion, do not mix different
types of batteries. Do not allow the battery contacts to touch
metal objects such as coins or keys, which could short out the
battery’s circuits. Read all safety and handling instructions before
using batteries.
Note the following when handling batteries:
◗Use the batteries that came with your camera only in
EPSON digital cameras.
◗Do not use manganese batteries.
battery positions
start.fm Page 4 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:50 AM

Getting Started 1-5
A
B
◗Replace all three batteries at the same time.
◗If you use rechargeable NiCd batteries, replace them
with three fully charged batteries. If you find that your
batteries run out faster after you recharge them a
number of times, make sure you discharge them
completely before recharging.
◗If the rechargeable batteries are charged in a hot
environment, or if they are charged repeatedly without
being fully discharged, they will wear out more quickly.
◗Do not drop, puncture, disassemble, or mutilate
batteries. Do not get them wet or expose them to fire.
◗When the camera is not used for long periods of time,
remove the batteries and store them at a low temperature
in a dry location. Store away from the reach of children.
◗To avoid fire or electric shock, do not use batteries that
are leaking or damaged in any way.
◗If battery acid gets in your eyes or on your skin,
immediately rinse the area with water and seek medical
treatment. If a battery is swallowed, seek medical
treatment immediately.
◗Dispose of used batteries according to the
manufacturer’s instructions and in compliance with all
applicable laws. Contact your local government agency
for information about battery recycling and disposal.
◗Battery life varies depending on the battery type and the
manufacturer.
Using the Optional AC Adapter
To save battery power, you can use the optional AC adapter.
This is especially useful when you are transferring pictures
and operating the camera from your computer (see
Chapter 3).
The AC adapter allows you to connect your PhotoPC 550 to
any standard 110/120V electrical outlet. The adapter powers
the camera but does not charge the batteries.
The AC adapter (product code B867038) should be available
where you bought your PhotoPC 550. You can also order it
from EPSON Accessories at [phone] (U.S. sales
only). In Canada, call [phone] for dealer referral.
start.fm Page 5 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:50 AM

1-6 Getting Started
WARNING
Use only the adapter designed for the PhotoPC 550. Using any
other adapter may cause fire, electrical shock, or injury.
Do not alter the plug on the power cable, and do not use the
adapter for any other purpose than powering your PhotoPC 550.
To avoid losing any images or settings, make sure the camera
has finished processing the images. Turn the camera off
before you connect or disconnect the AC adapter. Then
follow these steps:
1Open the connector cover on the side of the camera.
2Plug the adapter cable into the DC port on the camera.
3Plug the AC adapter into an electrical outlet.
start.fm Page 6 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:50 AM

Getting Started 1-7
A
B
Attaching the Hand Strap
To attach the hand strap, loop the strap around the holder
on the bottom of the camera as shown below. You may need
to use the point of paper clip or similar object to push the
strap through the holder.
Installing Your PhotoPC 550
Software
PhotoPC 550 comes with everything you need to transfer
your pictures from the camera to your computer, organize
and enhance your images, and insert them into documents.
You can also record and play back messages for each picture.
The included CD-ROM has this software for your
Windows PC:
◗Sierra Imaging Image Expert
◗PhotoPC 550 TWAIN driver
All programs will be installed in the PhotoPC 550 folder or
directory.
NOTE
If you don’t have a CD-ROM drive, see page 1-9.
start.fm Page 7 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:50 AM

1-8 Getting Started
Installing for Windows 95 or
Windows NT 4.0
Follow these steps:
1Insert the CD-ROM in your drive. The install program
starts automatically.
If it doesn’t start automatically, double-click
My Computer. Then double-click your CD-ROM
icon.
2Follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTE for Windows 95 users
To view the readme file, see C:\Program Files\Sierra Imaging\
PhotoPC 550\Image Expert\readme.wri. If you did a custom
installation, the readme files may be located in a different
directory.
To uninstall Image Expert, use the Add/Remove Programs option
in the Control Panel.
Installing for Windows 3.1x or
Windows NT 3.51
Follow these steps:
1Insert the CD-ROM in your drive.
2In the Program Manager, select Run from the File
menu.
3Type D:\SETUP. If your CD-ROM drive is not
drive D, substitute the correct letter.
4Click OK and follow the instructions on the screen.
NOTE for Windows 95 and Windows NT users
After you install your software, you can run the Image Expert
Quick Tour to learn more about your camera. See page 3-6 for
instructions.
start.fm Page 8 Monday, October 6, 1997 11:50 AM