Pentax 555 - Optio 555 5MP Digital Camera User manual

Digital Camera
Operating Manual
To ensure the best performance from your
camera, please read the Operating Manual
before using the camera.

Thank you for buying the Pentax Optio 555 Digital Camera. Please read this
manual before using the camera in order to get the most out of all the features
and functions. Keep this manual safe, as it can be a valuable tool in helping you
to understand all the camera’s capabilities.
Regarding copyrights
Images taken using the Optio 555 that are for anything other than personal enjoyment
cannot be used without permission according to the rights as specified in the
Copyright Act. Please take care, as there are even cases where limitations are placed
on taking pictures even for personal enjoyment during demonstrations, industrial
enterprise or as items for display. Images taken with the purpose of obtaining
copyrights also cannot be used outside the scope of use of the copyright as laid out in
the Copyright Act, and care should be taken here also.
Regarding trademarks
• The SD logo is a trademark.
• PENTAX is a trademark of PENTAX Corporation.
• Optio is a trademark of PENTAX Corporation.
• All other brands or product names are trademarks of registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
• This product supports PRINT Image Matching II.When used in combination, PRINT
Image Matching II enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help
photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions.
Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
PRINT Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
• “PictBridge” allows the user to connect the printer and digital camera directly, using
the unified standard for the direct printout of images. You can print images directly
from the camera through a few simple operations.
• Illustrations and screenshots depicted in the Operating Manual may differ from the
actual product and screens.
This is a Class B product that complies with the standards of the Voluntary Control
Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment (VCCI). In a domestic
environment, this product may cause radio and television interference when used
near radio and television receiving units, in which case the user may be required to
take corrective actions. Read the Operating Manual and handle properly.

1
Sufficient attention has been paid to the safety of this product but please pay
particular attention to the warnings indicated by the following symbols during
use.
Warning
• Do not attempt to take the camera apart or remodel the camera. High voltages are
present within the camera, and there is therefore a danger of electric shocks.
• If the inside of the camera should become exposed as a result of, for example, the
camera being dropped, please do not under any circumstances touch such exposed
portions, as there is a danger of receiving an electric shock.
• Wrapping the strap of the camera around your neck is also dangerous, please take
care that small children do not hang the strap around their necks.
• To avoid the risk of it being swallowed by mistake, keep the SD Memory Card out of
the reach of small children. Seek medical attention immediately if accidentally
swallowed.
• Use an AC adapter that are ofthe power and voltage specified for exclusive use with
this product. The use of an AC adapter other than that specified exclusively for use
with this product may cause fire or electric shocks.
• Ifthe camera emitssmoke orastrange smell, orinthe event of any other irregularity,
stopusingthecameraimmediately,removethebatteryordisconnecttheAC adapter
and contact your nearest Pentax service center. Continued use of the camera may
result in fire or electric shock.
• Discontinue use of the AC adapter during thunderstorms. This can cause a fire or
electrical shock.
Caution
• Never try to disassemble, short the battery. Also, do not dispose of the battery in fire,
as it may explode.
• Remove the battery from the camera immediately if it becomes hot or begins to
smoke. Be careful not to burn yourself during removal.
• Some portions of the camera heat up during use, so please take care, as there is a
risk of low temperature burns if such portions are held for long periods of time.
• Do not place yourfinger on the flash when it is discharging as there is a risk of burns.
FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA
Warning This symbol indicates that it is possible that the user may
experience serious difficulties if the warnings are not
heeded.
Caution This symbol indicates that it is possible that the user may
experience minor or middling difficulties or physical
difficulties if the warnings are not heeded.

2
• If any of the battery leakage should come in contact with your eyes, do not rub them.
Flush your eyes with clean water and get medical attention immediately.
• If any of the battery leakage should come in contact with skin or clothes, wash the
affected areas thoroughly with water.
• Do not clean the product with organic solvents such as thinner or alcohol benzene.
• Places of high temperature and humidity should be avoided. Particular care should
be taken regarding vehicles, which can become very hot inside.
• Storing the camera where pesticides and chemicals are handled should be avoided.
Remove from case and store in a well-ventilated place to prevent the camera from
becoming moldy during storage.
• Do not use the camera where it may come in contact with rain, water or any other
liquid, because the camera is not weather, water, or liquid resistant. Should the
camera get wet fromrain, splashing water, orany other liquid, wipeit off immediately
with a dry soft cloth.
• Ensurethatthecameraisnotsubjectedtosubstantialvibrations,shocksorpressure.
Place the camera on a cushion for protection when the camera is subjected to the
vibrations of a motorbike, car, or ship, etc.
• The liquid crystal display will become black at temperatures of approximately 60°C
(140°F) but will return to normal when normal temperatures are returned to.
• The response speed of the liquid crystal display becomes slow at low temperatures.
This is due to the properties of the liquid crystal and is not a fault.
• Remove dust from the lens and viewfinder using a blower or clean off dust using a
lens brush.
• Periodic checks are recommended every 1 to 2 years in order to maintain high-
performance.
• When the camera has not been used for a long time, confirm that it is still working
properly,particularlypriortotakingimportantpictures(suchasataweddingorduring
travelling). Pentax is not responsible for consequential damages (costs incurred as
a result of taking pictures, loss of benefits that were to be obtained through taking
pictures) arising from failure of this product.
• If the camera is subjected to rapid temperature changes, condensation may form on
the inside and outside of the camera. Therefore put the camera in a bag or plastic
bag, and take the camera out when the difference in temperature has subsided.
• The temperature range in which the camera can be used is 0°C to 40°C (32°F to
104°F).
• Avoid contact with garbage, dirt, sand, dust, water, toxic gases, salt, etc. as this may
cause damage to the camera. If rain or drops of water get onto the camera, please
wipe dry.
• Refer to “Precautions When Using a SD Memory Card” (p.17) regarding the SD
Memory Card.
Care to be Taken During Handling

3
• Be sure to use the rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI7 provided for this camera. If
you use any other battery the camera may be damaged or malfunction.
To users of this camera
• There is a possibility that recorded data may be erased or that the camera may not
function correctly whenused in surroundings such as installations generating strong
electromagnetic radiation or magnetic fields.
• The liquid crystal panel used in the LCD display is manufactured using extremely
high precision technology. Although the level of functioning pixels is 99.99% or
better, you should be aware that 0.01% or fewer of the pixels may not illuminate or
may illuminate when they should not. However, this has no effect on the recorded
image.
• There is a possibility that the illustrations and the display screen of the LCD monitor
in this manual are different form the actual product.

4
FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA .................................................... 1
Care to be Taken During Handling..........................................................2
Contents..................................................................................................4
Contents of the operating manual ........................................................... 7
Checking the Contents of the Package...................................................8
Names of Parts........................................................................................ 9
Names of Operating Parts..................................................................... 10
Getting Started 11
Attaching the Strap.............................................................................11
Powering the Camera.........................................................................12
Charging the Battery ............................................................................. 12
Installing the Battery.............................................................................. 13
Using the AC Adapter (optional)............................................................ 15
Installing the SD Memory Card..........................................................16
Turning the Camera On and Off ........................................................18
Play back Only Mode ............................................................................18
Adjusting the Viewfinder....................................................................19
Initial Settings .....................................................................................20
Setting the Display Language ...............................................................20
Setting the Home Town.........................................................................21
Setting the D.S.T. Mode........................................................................ 21
Setting the Date and Time.....................................................................22
Quick Start 24
Playing Back Images............................................................................. 26
Playing Back Previous or Next Images ................................................. 27
Common Operations 30
Changing the Mode.............................................................................30
Using the Button Functions...............................................................31
Capture Mode........................................................................................31
Playback Mode......................................................................................33
Using the Menus.................................................................................34
How to Set the Menus...........................................................................34
Menu List............................................................................................... 36
Taking Pictures 38
Displaying Shooting Information (Capture Mode)...........................38
Setting the Shooting Functions.........................................................40
Selecting the Focus Mode..................................................................... 40
Selecting the Flash Mode...................................................................... 42
Selecting the Recorded Pixels ..............................................................43
Selecting the Quality Levels.................................................................. 44
Adjusting the Color Balance according to Lighting (White Balance) ........... 45
Changing the AF Area (Focusing Area)................................................47
Setting the Light Metering Range to Determine the Exposure
(AE Metering) ........................................................................................ 48
Setting the Sensitivity............................................................................49
Contents

5
Setting the Instant Review time (Instant Review)..................................50
Setting the Image Sharpness (Sharpness) ...........................................50
Setting the Sensitivity............................................................................50
Setting the Color Saturation (Saturation) .............................................. 51
Setting the Image Contrast (Contrast)...................................................51
Adjusting the Flash Output....................................................................52
Taking Pictures...................................................................................53
Letting the Camera Set the Exposure (Program Mode)........................53
Setting the Aperture Value (Aperture-Priority Mode).............................54
Setting the Shutter Speed (Shutter-Priority Mode)................................55
Setting the Exposure Manually (Manual Exposure Mode)....................56
Using Preset Function Settings (User Mode)........................................ 58
Registering Functions in User Mode ..................................................... 59
Selecting the Picture Mode According to the Shooting Scene (Picture
mode) .................................................................................................... 60
Taking Panorama Pictures (Panorama Assist Mode)............................62
Taking Stereo Pictures (3D Image Mode).............................................64
Recording Sound (Voice Recording Mode)........................................... 69
Taking Pictures with Digital Filters (Digital Filter Mode)........................ 70
Taking Movie Pictures (Movie Picture Mode)........................................72
Using the Zoom..................................................................................... 74
EV Compensation ................................................................................. 76
Using the Self-timer...............................................................................77
Using the Remote Control Unit (optional).............................................. 78
Continuous Shooting............................................................................. 79
Taking Pictures at Fixed Intervals (Interval Shooting)........................... 80
Superimposing One Picture on Top of Another
(Multiple Exposure Mode) ..................................................................... 82
Automatically Changing the Shooting Conditions (Auto bracket).......... 84
Taking Fast Forward Movie Pictures (Fast Fwd Movie)........................ 86
Saving the Settings (Memory) ...........................................................87
Saving the Menu Items (Memory) .........................................................87
Playback / Erasing 89
Playing Back Images and Sound.......................................................89
Playing Back Still Pictures..................................................................... 89
Zoom Display ........................................................................................89
Adding a Voice Memo ........................................................................... 90
Playing Back Movie Pictures.................................................................91
Playing Back Sound .............................................................................. 92
Playing back Shooting Information (Playback Mode)............................93
Nine-image Display ...............................................................................94
Slideshow.............................................................................................. 95
Erasing Images ...................................................................................96
Erasing a Single Image or Sound.......................................................... 96
Erasing All Images ................................................................................98
Protecting Images from Deletion (Protect) ............................................ 99
Viewing Images on a TV...................................................................100
Setting the Printing Service (DPOF)................................................101
Printing Single Image .......................................................................... 101
Printing All Images .............................................................................. 103
Printing Directly from the Camera Connected to a Printer...........104
Connecting the camera to the printer..................................................104
Printing one image at a time................................................................ 105

6
Printing using the printing service settings.......................................... 105
Disconnecting the camera from the printer..........................................106
Editing / Settings 107
Editing Images ..................................................................................107
Changing the Image Size.................................................................... 107
Trimming Images................................................................................. 109
Using Digital Filters to Edit Images...................................................... 110
Camera Settings................................................................................112
Formatting a SD Memory Card............................................................ 112
Changing the Sound Settings..............................................................113
Setting the Date Style.......................................................................... 115
Changing the Date / Time ...................................................................116
Setting the World Time........................................................................ 116
Changing the Start-up Screen.............................................................118
Changing the Display Language.........................................................119
Changing the Video Output Format..................................................... 119
LCD Power Saving (Sleep Timeout)....................................................120
Setting Auto Power Off........................................................................ 120
Setting the Quick Delete Function....................................................... 121
Setting the Quick Zoom Function........................................................ 121
Registering Functions.......................................................................... 122
Adjusting the Focus Limit .................................................................... 124
Resetting to Default Settings (Reset).................................................. 125
Setting the Alarm..............................................................................126
Checking the Alarm............................................................................. 126
Setting the Alarm................................................................................. 126
Turning the Alarm Off.......................................................................... 127
Appendix 128
List of City Names.............................................................................128
List of Menu Default Settings ..........................................................129
Adjustable [Rec.Mode] Menu Items by Capture Mode ..................131
Messages...........................................................................................132
Troubleshooting................................................................................134
Main Specifications ..........................................................................136
Optional Accessories.......................................................................138
WARRANTY POLICY.........................................................................139

7
This Operating manual contains the following chapters.
1 Getting Started –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
This chapter explains what you need to do after purchasing the camera before you
start taking pictures. Be sure to read it and follow the instructions
.
2 Quick Start–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
This chapter explains the simplest way to take pictures and play back images.
Use it if you want to start taking pictures straightaway. It also tells you how to use
the SD Memory Card.
3 Common Operations ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
This chapter explains common operations such as the functions of the mode dial and
buttons, and how to use the menus. For more details, refer to the respective [Taking
Pictures], [Playback/Erasing] and [Editing/Settings] chapters
.
4 Taking Pictures–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
This chapter explains the various ways of capturing images and how to set the
relevant functions.
5 Playback / Erasing ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
This chapter explains how to play back images on the camera or on a TV and
how to delete images.
6 Editing / Settings –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
This chapter explains how to edit images and set the camera-related functions.
7 Appendix ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
This tells you about the messages displayed on the LCD monitor and what to do
in the event of trouble.
The meanings of the symbols used in this Operating manual are explained below.
Contents of the operating manual
1indicates the reference page number for an explanation of the related
operation.
indicates information that is useful to know.
indicates precautions to be taken when operating the camera.
Eabc
AdFG
DCOThe icons above the title show the Capture modes, that can activate the
function.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

8
∗About items marked with (∗)
∗items marked with (∗) are also available as optional accessories. For other optional
accessories, refer to the list on page 138.
∗Type of AC plug cord
D-CO2A Australia / D-CO2B United Kingdom / D-CO2E Europe / D-CO2H Hong Kong
/ D-CO2J Japan / D-CO2K Korea / D-CO2U North America, Canada
Checking the Contents of the Package
Camera
Optio 555 Lithium-ion battery D-LI7 Rechargeable (∗)Battery charger D-BC7 (∗)
USB cable
I-USB7 (∗)AV cable I-AVC7 (∗)AC plug cord D-CO2 (∗)
3D Image Viewer
O-3DV1 Software (CD-ROM) S-SW13 OStrap O-ST5 (∗)
Operating Manual
(this Manual) Operating Manual (PC Connection Manual)
Digital Camera
Operating Manual
To ensure the best performance from
your camera, please read the Operating
Manual before using the camera.
Viewing Your Digital
Camera Images
On Your PC
(PC Connection Manual)

9
Front
Back
Names of Parts
Shutter release button
Power switch
Self-timer lamp
Shutter release button
Autofocus window
Speaker
Viewfinder
Built-in flash
Microphone
Lens
Tripod socket
Viewfinder
Strap lug
Terminal cover
DC input terminal
Battery / card cover
LCD monitor
USB / AV output terminal
Battery lock lever

10
Guide indications
A guide to available button operation is displayed on the LCD monitor during
operation. The buttons are indicated as shown below.
Names of Operating Parts
Four-way controller (2)2Zoom/f/ybutton
(Only for digital zoom and magnified
playback)
Four-way controller (3)3DISPLAY button
Four-way controller (4)4DPOF button
Four-way controller (5)5ibutton
Menu/Fn button Zbutton
Shutter release button OK button
b/Zbutton
)/ibutton
Shutter release button
Zoom/f/ybutton
OK button
Four-way controller (2345)
Menu/Fn button
Playback button
Focus status lamp (green)
Diopter adjustment lever
(/DPOF button
Power switch
Mode dial
Display button
Flash status lamp (red)

11
1
Getting Started
Getting Started
Attaching the Strap
Pass the narrow end of the strap through the strap lug and pass the other end
through the loop.

12
1
Getting Started
Powering the Camera
When using the camera for the first time or when the [Battery depleted.] message
is displayed, charge the battery.
1Connect the AC plug cord to the battery charger.
2Plug the AC plug cord into the power outlet.
3 Place the battery in the charger with the label facing up.
The charging indicator lights red while the battery is charging and changes
to green when charging is completed.
4When charging is completed, remove the battery from the
battery charger.
Charging the Battery
• The time required for full charge is about 180 minutes maximum.
The appropriate ambient temperature range for charging the battery is
0°C-40°C (32°F to 104°F).
• The charging time may vary depending on the ambient temperature and
charging conditions.
• When the battery reaches the end of its service life, the time that the
camera can be operated becomes shorter even when the battery is fully
charged. In this event, replace the battery.
• Always charge the battery after purchasing or when it has not been used
for a long time.
• Use the Battery charger D-BC7 to charge the rechargeable Lithium-ion
battery D-LI7 only as the charger may overheat or be damaged.
• If the battery is inserted correctly but the charging indicator fails to light,
the battery may be faulty. Replace with a new battery.
Charging
indicator
Battery charger
Battery
To power outlet
2
AC plug cord
3
1

13
Getting Started
1
Install the battery provided. When using the camera for the first time, charge the
battery before installing.
1Slide the battery / card cover in the direction indicated by the
arrow to open the battery / card cover.
2Insert the battery with the label facing towards the lens while
using the side of the battery to press the battery lock lever in
the direction indicated by the arrow.
Check that it is firmly secured by the battery lock lever when you have
inserted the battery.
3Close the battery cover.
To remove the battery, release the battery by using your finger to press
the battery lock lever in the same direction as when you inserted the
battery, and pull the battery out.
Installing the Battery
Use of the AC adapter D-AC7 (optional) is recommended when you intend to
use the camera continuously for a long period. (1p.15)
• The rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI7 is exclusively for powering this
camera. If you use any other battery the camera may be damaged or
malfunction.
• Do not remove the battery when the camera is turned on.
• If you do not intend to use the camera for a long time, remove the battery.
• If the camera is left without the battery for a long time, the date setting will
be reset.
• Insert the battery correctly. If the battery is incorrectly oriented, it may
cause malfunction.
Battery / card cover Battery
Battery lock
lever
2
1
2

14
Getting Started
1
!Approximate Operating Time (when the D-LI7 battery is fully
charged)
Number of recordable images : Approx. 400 (when 50% shooting uses flash,
LCD monitor ON)
Playback time : Approx. 210 min.
!Battery Level Indicator
You can check the battery level by the symbol displayed on the LCD monitor.
The description above is based on Pentax measuring conditions and may
vary depending on capture mode and shooting conditions.
• Generally, battery performance is temporarily deteriorated as temperature
decreases. When the camera is used in a cold environment, keep this
product warm by holding it in some protection against cold or inside the
clothes.
• Battery performance once deteriorated due to low temperature will be
recovered when the batteries are returned to room temperature.
(lit green) : Adequate power remains.
↓
(lit green) : Battery is running low.
↓
(lit yellow) : Battery is running very low.
↓
(lit red) : Battery is exhausted.
↓
[Battery depleted.] : After the message is displayed, the camera will turn off.

15
Getting Started
1
Use of the AC adapter D-AC7 (optional) is recommended if you intend to use the
LCD monitor for a long time or connect the camera to a PC or printer.
1Make sure that the camera is turned off and opening the
terminal cover.
2Connect the DC terminal on the AC adapter to the DC input
terminal on the camera.
3Connect the AC plug cord to the AC adapter.
4Plug the AC plug cord into the power outlet.
Using the AC Adapter (optional)
• Make sure that the camera is turned off when connecting or disconnecting
the AC adapter.
• Make sure that the AC plug cord and connecting cord are inserted
securely. If the cord becomes disconnected while you are taking pictures,
the data may be lost.
• Be sure to read the operating manual accompanying the AC adapterwhen
using the AC adapter D-AC7.
Terminal cover
AC adapter To power outlet
AC plug cord
4
1
2
3

16
1
Getting Started
Installing the SD Memory Card
SD Memory Card can be used with this camera. Captured images or recorded
voice are recorded on the SD Memory Card. Make sure that the camera is turned
off before inserting or removing the SD Memory Card.
1Open the battery / card cover.
Follow the steps described on p.15 to open the cover.
2Rotate the card with the surface of the card having the 2
symbol facing towards the lens and with the pin-connector
edge of the card towards the slot and insert fully until it
clicks.
If the card is not inserted correctly, images and voice memos may not be
recorded properly.
3Close the battery / card cover.
To remove the card, eject the card by pressing it in the direction indicated
by the arrow, and pull it out.
!Approximate Number of Recordable Images and Recorded pixels /
Quality levels
• The table indicates the number of images when using a 16MB SD Memory Card.
• The table is based on standard shooting conditions specified by PENTAX and may vary
depending on the subject, shooting conditions, Capture mode, SD Memory Card, etc.
• As TIFF data is uncompressed, it cannot be stored on a 16MB SD Memory Card.
Use a Card with a capacity of 32MB or more.
Quality levels
Recorded pixels
TIFF Best
(C)Better (D)Good (E)Movie images (320 × 240) voice recording
2592 × 1944 0 Approx. 4 Approx. 8 Approx. 14
Approx.
40sec. Approx. 30min.
2048 × 1536 – Approx. 7 Approx. 12 Approx. 18
1600 × 1200 – Approx. 11 Approx. 20 Approx. 27
1024 × 768 – Approx. 25 Approx. 45 Approx. 56
640 × 480 – Approx. 53 Approx. 82 Approx. 100
SD Memory Card Battery / card cover

17
Getting Started
1
!Precautions When Using a SD Memory Card
• Make sure that the camera is turned off before opening the battery / card cover.
• The SD Memory Card is equipped with a write-protect
switch. Setting the switch to [LOCK] protects the existing
data by prohibiting recording of new data, deletion of
existing data or formatting of the card.
• The SD Memory Card formatted by the other equipment
than this camera cannot be used for PC, etc.
Formatting must be done by this camera.
• Care should be taken if you remove the SD Memory Card
immediately after using the camera, as the card may be hot.
• Do not remove the SD Memory Card or turn the camera off
while data is being recorded on the card or transferred to PC
using USB cable as this may cause the data to be lost or the
card to be damaged.
• Do not bend the SD Memory Card or subject it to violent impact.
• Keep it away from water and store away from high temperature.
• Be sure to format unused SD Memory Card or SD Memory Card that have been
used on another camera. Refer to “Formatting a SD Memory Card” (p.112) for
instructions on formatting.
• Never remove the SD Memory Card during formatting as this may cause the card
to be damaged and become unusable.
• The data on the SD Memory Card may be erased in the following circumstances.
Pentax does not accept any liability for data that is erased.
• when the SD Memory Card is mishandled by the user.
• when the SD Memory Card is exposed to static electricity or electrical
interference.
• when the card has not been used for a long time.
• when the card is ejected, the AC adapter is disconnected or the battery is
removed while the data on the card is being accessed.
• The SD Memory Card has a limited service life. If it is not used for a long time, the
data on the card may become unreadable. Be sure to make a backup of important
data on a PC.
• Avoid using or storing the card where it may be exposed to static electricity or
electrical interference.
• Avoid using or storing the card in direct sunlight or where it may be exposed to
rapid changes in temperature or to condensation.
Write-protect switch

18
1
Getting Started
Turning the Camera On and Off
1Press the power switch.
The camera will turn on.
When the camera is turned on, the lens cover opens and the lens extends.
Press the power switch again to turn the camera off.
Itautomatically performs acardcheck whenthecamera
is turned on. happears on the LCD monitor if no SD
Memory Card has been inserted.
And when the write-protect switch is set to LOCK, Ywill
be displayed instead of h, and the images or sound
cannot be recorded.
Press the power switch while pressing the playback button, the playback only
mode will be activated.
• If the camera is turned on by the playback only mode, the lens cannot
be popped up.
• Turn off the camera and then turn it again to change from the
playback only mode to shooting mode.
Card Check
Play back Only Mode
Playing Back Still Pictures 1p.26.
Power switch
Playback button
000
000
000
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