Canon Powershot A50 User guide

Below you will find brief information for PowerShot A50. This compact digital camera features auto and program shooting modes, a wide-angle zoom lens, and built-in functions like stitch assist for panoramas. It uses a CF card for storage, has an LCD panel for preview, and supports various image sizes/qualities. The guide covers setup, basic operations, and advanced features like white balance and exposure compensation.

PDF

Document

Read this guide first if you are new to this camera.

It describes the camera functions, setup and operating procedures.

Digital Camera Operating Steps and Reference Guides

Hardware Guide

(This Guide)

PowerShot A50 Software Starter Guide

Prepare the Camera for Use Install the Software

PowerShot A50 Solutions Disk(s)

Start Taking Pictures

Load Images onto a Computer

or

**"Using [ software name ] " On-screen**

Guide or PowerShot A50 Software

Stater Guide

On-screen "Help"

Read This First

Camera Setup

Quick Start

Basic Functions

Buttons

Mode Dial Functions

Stitch Assist Mode

Menu Features

Other Functions

Appendices

Customer Support

Processing Images with the Software

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Canon PowerShot A50, the easy-to-use digital camera with a wide-angle zoom lens and a large range of built-in functions incorporated into a compact, completely flat body.

Carefully read this guide and the accompanying PowerShot A50 Software Starter Guide to ensure you obtain maximum benefit from the digital imaging possibilities offered by the PowerShot A50.

Disclaimer

• While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this guide is accurate and complete, no liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions. Canon Inc. reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware and software described herein at any time without prior notice.

• No part of this guide may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form, by any means, without the prior written permission of Canon Inc.

• Canon Inc. makes no warranties for damages resulting from corrupted or lost data due to a mistaken operation or malfunction of the camera, the software, the CompactFlash™ cards (CF cards), personal computers, peripheral devices, or use of non-Canon CF cards.

Trademark Acknowledgments

Canon and PowerShot are trademarks of Canon Inc. CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Macintosh and Power Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc in the United States and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of

Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Other names and products not mentioned above may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Notice: Please ensure that you read and follow the handling and safety precautions on pages 9 to 14 of this guide before attempting to use the camera.

FCC Notice

Digital Camera, Model PS1026

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for 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 communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or 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 the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Use of shielded cable is required to comply with class B limits in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment unless otherwise specified in the manual. If such changes or modifications should be made, you could be required to stop operation of the equipment.

Canon U.S.A. Inc.

One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042, U.S.A.

Tel No. (516) 328-5600

THIS CLASS B DIGITAL APPARATUS MEETS ALL

REQUIREMENTS OF THE CANADIAN INTERFERENCE-

CAUSING EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS.

CET APPAREIL NUMERIQUE DE LA CLASSE B RESPECTE

TOUTES LES EXIGENCES DU REGLEMENT SUR LE

MATERIEL BROUILLEUR DU CANADA.

Read This First ..................................... 9

Handling and Safety Precautions .......... 9

Guide to Components .......................... 15

Camera Setup .................................... 18

Charging the Battery Pack ................... 18

Installing the Battery Pack ................... 20

Using the Camera with an AC Power

Source ........................ 23

Inserting a CF Card ............................... 24

Attaching the Wrist Strap .................... 27

Setting the Menu Language ............... 28

Setting the Date and Time .................. 29

Quick Start

Taking Pictures ................................... 32

Taking pictures in Auto Mode ............. 32

Replaying Images .............................. 34

Replaying Images in PLAY Mode ........ 34

Replaying Images in MULTI Mode ...... 34

Erasing Images .................................. 36

Erasing Images from a CF Card ........... 36

Detailed Guide to the Functions

Basic Functions .................................. 40

Image Size and Quality ...........................

Specifications ............ 40

Power On/Off Switch ............................ 41

Camera Modes ...................................... 42

Display Panel ......................................... 43

Viewfinder ............................................ 44

Indicators ............................................... 45

Upper Indicator ................................... 45

Lower Indicator ................................... 45

Buttons ............................................... 46

Shutter Button ...................................... 46

Pressing Halfway ................................. 46

Pressing Fully ...................................... 46

Rapid Shot Function ............................ 47

Focus Lock .......................................... 48

Zoom Buttons ....................................... 49

Continuous/Self-Timer/+ Button ......... 49

Flash/- Button ........................................ 51

MACRO/JUMP Button ........................... 52

LCD/VIDEO Button ................................ 54

MENU Button ........................................ 54

SET Button ............................................. 55

Mode Dial Functions ......................... 56

Lock ........................................................ 56

Auto Mode ............................................ 56

Program Mode ...................................... 57

Stitch Assist Mode ................................ 58

Play Mode ............................................. 59

Multi Mode ........................................... 59

PC Mode ................................................ 60

Stitch Assist Mode ............................ 61

Procedures for Shooting Horizontal/

Vertical Sequences ....... 63

Procedures for Shooting 2 x 2 (Matrix)

Sequences ................... 65

Menu Features ................................... 68

Basic Menu Operations ........................ 69

Record Menu ......................................... 70

Quality ................................................ 70

+/- (Exp.) ............................................. 72

White Balance ..................................... 73

Slow Shutter ....................................... 74

Play Menu ............................................. 75

Show/Hide Info. .................................. 75

Erase ................................................... 76

Protect ................................................ 77

Rotate ................................................. 77

Slide Show .......................................... 78

Print Order .......................................... 81

Setup ...................................................... 85

LCD ..................................................... 85

Beep ................................................... 85

Power Save ......................................... 85

Date/Time ........................................... 86

Review ................................................ 86

File No. Reset ...................................... 87

Format ................................................ 88

Language ............................................ 89

Other Functions ................................. 90

Connecting to a TV .............................. 90

Changing the Button Battery .............. 91

Changing the Recording Format ........ 94

Appendices ........................................ 95

Camera Maintenance ........................... 95

Troubleshooting ................................... 96

List of Message Codes ........................ 100

List of Messages .................................. 101

Specifications ...................................... 102

Index ................................................. 105

Customer Support ........................... 107

Read This First

Handling and Safety Precautions

Please read the handling and safety precautions that appear in the following pages of this guide and the PowerShot A50 Software Starter Guide. When you read through the remaining pages, we recommend that you have the camera at hand to try each function as you read about the correct handling procedures.

Please Read

Test Shots

Before you shoot images of subjects of importance to you, we highly recommend that you shoot several trial images to confirm that you are operating the camera correctly. Please note that

Canon Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates, and distributors of its digital cameras are not liable for any consequential damages arising from any malfunction of a PowerShot camera or

CompactFlash™ card (CF card) that results in the failure of an image to be recorded or to be recorded in a format that is machine sensible.

Warning Against Copyright Infringement

Please note that PowerShot digital cameras are intended for personal use and should never be used in a manner that infringes upon or contravenes international or domestic copyright laws and regulations. Please be advised that in certain cases the copying of images from performances, exhibitions, or commercial properties by means of a camera or other device may contravene copyright or other legal rights even if the image was shot for personal use.

Safety Precautions

• Before using the camera, please ensure that you have read and understood the safety precautions described below. Always ensure that the camera is operated correctly.

• The safety precautions noted on the following pages are intended to instruct you in the safe and correct operation of the camera and its accessories to prevent injuries or damage to yourself, other persons and equipment.

• In the next few pages, the term “equipment” refers primarily to the camera and its power supply accessories.

Warnings

• Do not aim the camera directly into the sun or at other intense light sources that could injure your eyesight.

• Do not trigger the optional flash in close proximity to human or animal eyes. Exposure to the intense light produced by the flash may injure eyesight. In particular, remain at least one meter (39 inches) away from infants when using the flash.

• Store this equipment out of the reach of children and infants. Accidental damage to the camera or batteries by a child could result in serious injury. In addition, placement of the strap around the child’s neck could result in suffocation.

• Be particularly careful to keep the button batteries (CR2016 lithium) used in the camera out of the reach of children. Seek medical assistance immediately if a child swallows a battery.

• Do not use substances containing alcohol, benzene or thinners or other flammable substances on the equipment. The use of these substances may lead to fire or electrical shock.

• Do not attempt to disassemble or alter any part of the equipment that is not expressly prescribed in this guide. Disassembly or alteration may result in high-voltage electrical shock. Internal inspections, alterations and repairs should be conducted by qualified service personnel authorized by your camera distributor or a Canon Customer Support Help Desk.

• Do not touch the interior of the flash if it is exposed. Touching it may result in electrical shock. Please consult your camera distributor or the closest Canon Customer Support Help Desk.

• Stop operating the equipment immediately if it should emit smoke or noxious fumes. Failure to do so may result in fire or electrical shock. Immediately power off the camera: turn the Mode Dial to the L (Lock) position and remove the camera battery or unplug the compact power adapter from the electrical outlet.

Confirm that smoke or fume emissions cease. Please consult your camera distributor or the closest Canon

Customer Support Help Desk.

• Stop operating the equipment if it is dropped or the casing is damaged. Failure to do so may result in fire or electrical shock. Immediately power off the camera: turn the Mode Dial to the L (Lock) position and remove the camera battery or unplug the compact power adapter from the electrical outlet. Please consult your camera distributor or the closest Canon Customer Support Help Desk.

• Prevent the equipment from contact with, or immersion in, water and other liquids. Do not allow liquids to enter the interior. The camera has not been waterproofed. If the exterior comes into contact with a liquid or salt air, wipe it dry with a soft, absorbent cloth. In the event that water or other foreign substances enter the interior, immediately power off the camera: turn the Mode Dial to the L (Lock) position and remove the camera battery or unplug the compact power adapter from the electrical outlet.

Continued use of the equipment may result in fire or electrical shock. Please consult your camera distributor or the closest Canon Customer Support Help Desk.

• Do not cut, damage, alter or place heavy items on the power adapter cord. Any of these actions may cause an electrical short circuit, which may lead to fire or electrical shock. Replace a broken or damaged power adapter cord.

• Do not handle the power adapter cord if your hands are wet. Handling it with wet hands may lead to electrical shock. When unplugging the cord, ensure that you hold the rigid portion of the plug. Pulling on the flexible portion of the cord may damage or expose the wire and insulation, creating the potential for fires or electrical shocks.

• Use of power sources not expressly recommended for this equipment may lead to overheating, distortion of the equipment, fire, electrical shock or other hazards. Use only the recommended compact power adapter and accessories.

• Power down the computer and unplug the power adapter cord before attempting to connect the interface cable to avoid the risk of electrical shock.

• Do not place the batteries near a heat source or expose it to direct flame or heat, or immerse them in water. Such exposure may damage the batteries and lead to the leakage of corrosive liquids, which may result in fire, electrical shock, explosion and serious injury.

• Do not attempt to disassemble, alter or apply heat to the batteries. There is serious risk of injury due to an explosion. Immediately flush with water any area of the body, including the eyes and mouth, or clothing that comes into contact with the inner contents of a battery. If the eyes or mouth contact these substances, immediately flush them with water and seek medical assistance.

• Avoid dropping or subjecting the batteries to severe impacts that could damage the casing. It could lead to leakage and injury.

• Do not short-circuit the battery terminals with metallic objects, such as key holders. It could lead to overheating, burns and other injuries. Use the supplied battery case when transporting or storing the batteries.

• Before you discard a battery, cover the terminals with tape or other insulators to prevent direct contact with other objects. Contact with the metallic components of other materials in waste containers may lead to fire or explosions. Discard the batteries in specialized waste facilities if available in your area.

• Use of batteries not expressly recommended for this equipment may cause explosions or leaks, resulting in fire, injury and damage to the surroundings. Use only recommended batteries and accessories.

• Use only Compact Power Adapter CA-PS100/100E to charge Battery Pack NB-5H. Use of other chargers may result in overheating, distortion, fire or electrical shock.

• Disconnect Compact Power Adapter CA-PS100/100E from both the camera and electrical outlet after recharging and when the camera is not in use. Leaving it connected for long periods of time may cause it to overheat, distort or catch fire.

• The camera terminal of the compact power adapter cord is designed for exclusive use with the

PowerShot A50. Do not use it with other products or batteries. There is risk of fire and other hazards.

Caution

• Avoid using, placing or storing the equipment in places subject to strong sunlight or high temperatures, such as the dashboard or trunk (boot) of a car. Exposure to intense sunlight and heat may cause the batteries to leak, overheat or explode, resulting in fire, burns or other injuries. High temperatures may also cause deformation of the casing. Ensure that there is good ventilation when using the compact power adapter to charge the battery pack or power the camera.

• Do not store the equipment in humid or dusty areas. Storage in these areas could lead to fire, electrical shock or other damage.

• Be careful not to bang the camera or subject it to strong impacts or shocks that could lead to injury or damage the equipment when wearing or holding it by the strap.

• Be careful not to cover the flash with your fingers when shooting. In addition, do not touch the surface of the flash after taking several pictures in rapid succession. Either action could result in burns.

Preventing Malfunctions

Avoid Strong Magnetic Fields

Never place the camera in close proximity to electric motors or other equipment generating strong electromagnetic fields. Exposure to strong magnetic fields may cause malfunctions or corrupt image data.

Avoid Condensation Related Problems

Moving the equipment rapidly between hot and cold temperatures may cause condensation (water droplets) to form on its external and internal surfaces. You can avoid this by placing the equipment in an airtight plastic bag and letting it adjust to temperature changes slowly before removing it from the bag.

If Condensation Forms Inside the Camera

Stop using the camera immediately if you detect condensation. Continued use may damage the equipment. Remove the CF card, battery and compact power adapter (if connected) from the camera and wait until the moisture evaporates completely before resuming use.

Extended Storage

When not using the camera for extended periods of time, remove the battery and store the equipment in a safe place. (Do not remove the button-sized CR2016 lithium battery.) Storing the camera for extended periods with the battery pack installed will run down the battery pack and may damage the camera.

Guide to Components

Front View

• Lens

• Viewfinder (p. 44)

• Autofocus (AF)

Auxiliary Light Emitter

• Flash (p. 51)

• Red-Eye Reduction Lamp (p. 51)

• VIDEO Terminal (p. 90)

• DIGITAL Terminal

(see Software Starter Guide)

Back View

• Viewfinder (p. 44)

• CF Card Slot Cover (p. 24)

• Lock for CF Card Slot Cover (p. 24)

• Strap Holder (p. 27)

• LCD Panel*

• DC Coupler Cable Cover (p. 23)

• Battery Cover (p. 20)

• Battery Cover Lock (p. 20)

• Tripod Socket

*The LCD panel is produced with extremely highprecision manufacturing techniques, with more than 99.99% of the pixels operating to specification. Less than 0.01% of the pixels may occasionally misfire or appear as black or red dots. This has no effect on the recorded image and does not constitute a malfunction.

Operation panel

Display Panel•

(p. 43)

Indicators •

(p. 45)

• Mode Dial (p. 56)

• Shutter Button (p. 46)

• Flash/- Button (p. 51)

• Continuous/Self-Timer/+

Button (p. 49)

SET Button •

(pp. 55, 69)

MENU Button •

(pp. 54, 69)

• LCD/VIDEO Button

(p. 54)

• MACRO/JUMP Button (p. 52)

• Zoom Buttons (p. 49)

Camera Setup

Battery Pack NB-5H, Compact Power Adapter

CA-PS100/100E, power cords, DC Coupler

DR-100A and 2CR5 lithium batteries are sold separately in some regions.

To confirm the package contents, see the back of the System Map packaged with your camera.

Charging the Battery Pack

Follow the instructions below to charge

Battery Pack NB-5H before installing it in the camera.

1. Attach the AC power cord to Compact

Power Adapter CA-PS100/100E and plug it into an electrical outlet.

To AC Electrical Outlet

AC power cord

Compact Power Adapter

CA-PS100/100E

2. Set the battery pack into the compact power adapter as shown below.

Battery Pack

NB-5H

CHARGING Indicator

• While charging, the CHARGING indicator on the charger will flash green.

• Once the battery pack has charged, the

CHARGING indicator will stop flashing and shine steadily.

• The battery pack requires approximately 90 minutes to charge fully from a completely discharged state (as charged with Compact Power Adapter

CA-PS100/100E according to standard

Canon testing conditions).

• Charging times will vary with the ambient temperature and charge state of the battery pack.

• To protect and prolong the battery pack life, do not charge it longer than 24 hours at a time.

• Do not charge the battery pack in poorly ventilated areas.

• Remove the power cord from the outlet when charging is complete or the compact power adapter is not in use.

• Do not charge batteries other than

Battery Pack NB-5H with the compact power adapter.

• The battery pack continues to discharge a minute amount while it is left in the camera, even if the camera is not used.

Since continual discharge will shorten the life of the battery pack, you should remove it from the camera when it is not in use and store it in the supplied case in a cool dry place. Remember to charge it fully before using it again.

• The battery pack capacity may diminish if it is repeatedly charged without first being fully discharged. It can be restored by fully charging and discharging it several times.

• The service life of a battery pack has expired if its capacity to hold a charge diminishes severely despite several cycles of full charging and discharging. Replace the battery pack with a new one.

Installing the Battery Pack

The following describes how to insert Battery Pack

NB-5H or 2CR5 lithium battery into the camera.

Fully charge Battery Pack NB-5H before using it for the first time.

1. Ensure that the Mode

Dial is turned to the L

(Lock) position (power off).

2. Slide the battery cover lock to the release position and open the battery cover.

3. Install the battery pack into the battery chamber with the terminals oriented in the direction shown.

2CR5

Battery Terminals

NB-5H

4. Close the battery cover and slide the lock into the locked position.

• When removing battery Pack NB-5H from the camera, it is helpful to slip your fingernail or fingertip into the indent on the bottom of the battery pack before you gently pull it out.

Indent

• Make sure that the battery cover lock is in the lock position. The camera will not operate unless the lock is secured.

• Remove the battery pack from the camera whenever you will not use it for an extended period. Do not remove the button battery because it is used as the reserve power source for the date and time settings.

2CR5 Lithium Batteries

• Please note that using 2CR5 lithium batteries at low temperatures will severely limit their performance. Even new batteries may only provide power for a few shots. You can obtain more shots if you warm the battery in your pocket immediately prior to use. When operating the camera at close to 32˚F

(0˚C) , keep the LCD panel off and compose images with the optical viewfinder.

• Even if the battery charge appears to be depleted while shooting at low temperature (“Lb” shows in the display panel), the battery may still retain a charge when used at room temperature.

• Do not use 2CR5 lithium batteries that have been used in another camera. The camera may not operate properly.

• You are advised to use a power kit (sold separately in some regions), a charged battery pack or an AC adapter if you will be using the camera frequently at low temperatures, loading images onto a computer or performing other tasks that require extended operation.

• Replace the supplied 2CR5 lithium battery with a new one of the same type.

Battery Performance

Battery Pack NB-5H 2CR5 Lithium Batteries

(Fully charged) (New, Sanyo Brand)

Shooting Capacity

LCD Panel On Approx. 70 shots

LCD Panel Off Approx. 280 shots

Replay Capacity Approx. 70 min.

Approx. 80 shots

Approx. 500 shots

Approx. 100 min.

• This data is generated according to our standard test conditions. Results will vary with shooting conditions and camera modes. (Shooting: room temperature,

Large/Fine, zoom used, flash fired once every four shots. Replay: room temperature, continuous replay of one image every 5 seconds.)

Using the Camera with an AC Power Source

To power the camera with an AC power source, connect DC Coupler DR-100A to

Compact Power Adapter CA-PS100/100E as shown below and replace Battery Pack NB-5H with the other end of the DC coupler.

• The DC output indicator on the compact power adapter will shine red while in use as a DC power source for the camera.

DC Coupler

DR-100A

Compact Power

Adapter

CA-PS100/100E

Cable Cover

Indicator

Terminal

• Please note that the compact power adapter will not charge a battery pack while in use as a DC power source for the camera.

• Unplug the compact power adapter cord from the electrical outlet after use.

• The compact power adapter can only be used as an AC power source for products specified for use with Battery

Pack NB-5H.

Inserting a CF Card

Follow the procedures below to insert a CF card into the camera.

• Please note that using CF cards in this camera that have been used in other manufacturers’ cameras or edited with other application software may cause malfunctions.

1. Slide the lock for the CF card slot cover to the open position and open the cover.

2. As shown below, orient the card with its label side facing up and insert it into the slot until it is firmly seated.

Arrow Mark

Label Side

The CF card eject button will pop up when a card is inserted. Use this button to eject a card.

3. Close the CF card slot cover.

CF Cards and Estimated Capacities

FC-4M

Small/N Small/F Large/N Large/F CCD RAW

52 30

FC-8M 106 61

FC-15M 200 116

FC-30M 446 251 179 96

FC-48M 670 378 269 144

• Small (640 x 480 pixels) and Large (1280 x 960 pixels) images use JPEG compression. CCD RAW

(1280 x 960 pixels) images are uncompressed.

• N refers to Normal quality, F to Fine quality.

• Image totals are based on our standardized shooting conditions. Actual totals may differ according to the shooting conditions,

• Do not remove the battery or remove a

CF card while the camera is writing to a

CF card, erasing images or reading from a CF card.

• A CF card is a high-precision electronic component. Do not bend, apply force to, or subject it to shocks or vibrations.

• Do not attempt to disassemble or alter a

CF card.

• Moving a CF card rapidly between temperature extremes will cause condensation to form on the card and may lead to a malfunction. To avoid condensation, place the CF card into a sealed plastic bag before moving it into a different temperature zone and allow it to adjust slowly to the new temperature.

If condensation forms on the CF card, put it aside until the water droplets have evaporated completely.

• Place the CF card in the supplied case for storage.

• Do not use or store CF cards in the following types of location.

- Locations subject to strong magnetic fields

- Locations subject to dust or sand

- Locations subject to high humidity and high temperatures

Precautions with CF Cards

Please note that the PC card icon may take a moment (about 1 minute) to appear on the

Taskbar of certain computers after insertion in a PC card slot. If this occurs, you should delete the Windows ® standard driver and install the

SanDisk ATA FlashDisk device driver. The procedures are described below. Please consult your computer manufacturer if you are uncertain about these procedures.

How to Remove the Windows Standard Driver

1. Insert the CF card (with adapter) into the

PC card slot. Right-click the [My computer] icon and select [Properties].

2. The System Properties dialog will appear.

Click the [Device Manager] tab and select

[View devices by connection] check box at the top.

3. Click the [Computer] option, select the device with the PC card icon and click the

[Remove] button.

4. When the Confirm Device Removal dialog appears, click the [OK] button.

5. Close the System Properties dialog.

6. Remove the CF card from the slot.

How to Install the SanDisk ATA FlashDisk

Device Driver

1. Insert the CF card into the PC card slot.

2. The New Hardware Found dialog will appear. Choose the [Select from a list of alternative drivers] option and click the

[OK] button.

3. Select the [Show all devices] option in the

Select Device dialog.

4. Select [SanDisk] in the Manufacturers category. SanDisk ATA FlashDisk will automatically be selected in the Models category. Finish by clicking the [OK] button.

Attaching the Wrist Strap

A wrist strap is supplied with this camera.

Follow the procedures below to attach it.

1. Insert the thin part of the wrist strap through the strap holder.

3. Pull the wrist strap through the loop of the thin part until the loop slips over the plastic part of the strap.

Strap holder

2. Insert the other end of the wrist strap through the loop of the thin part that you inserted through the strap holder in step 1.

Setting the Menu Language

You can change the language in which messages are displayed.

The Language menu may appear differently on cameras in some regions.

MACRO/JUMP

Button

SET Button

+/- Buttons

1. Turn the Mode Dial to the PLAY position.

2. Press and hold the SET button, then press the MACRO/JUMP button to display the Language menu.

3. Use the +/- buttons to move between language selections and the SET button to execute the selection.

LCD Panel

Mode Dial

Setting the Date and Time

Set the correct date and time with the following procedures.

SET Button

MENU Button

+/- Buttons

1. Turn the Mode Dial to the (Auto) position.

2. Press the MENU button to display the

Rec. menu.

LCD Panel

Mode Dial

3. Press the +/- buttons to select [Setup].

Then press the SET button to display the Setup menu.

5. Press the SET button to move between fields and the +/- buttons to advance values.

4. Select [Date/Time] with the +/- buttons and press the SET button. The Date/

Time menu will be displayed.

The factory default for the date display style may differ in some regions.

6. Once the settings are adjusted to your satisfaction, press the MENU button to save your selection and exit.

7. Turn the Mode Dial to the L (Lock) position to shut off the power.

Quick Start

Now that you have the camera set up, lets jump right into picture taking.

This section explains the most basic procedures for taking, reviewing and deleting images. Since any images you record can be readily deleted, try actually taking some shots as you read through this section.

Taking Pictures

Taking Pictures in Auto Mode

Viewfinder

Button

Mode Dial

Shutter Button

Zoom Buttons

LCD/VIDEO Button

LCD Panel

About Power Save

• The lens cover will close and the camera will automatically power down if left for 3 minutes. Turn the Mode Dial or press any button to restore power.

1. Turn the Mode Dial to the (Auto) position.

2. Look into the viewfinder and frame the subject.

3. Use the Zoom buttons to make the subject appear closer or farther away.

4. Press the shutter button halfway and wait until the beep sounds twice.

5. After the beeps, press the shutter button all the way.

A single beep will indicate that the image has been taken.

6. You can now take another picture.

Turn the Mode Dial to the L (Lock) position when you wish to stop taking pictures.

Two-Stage Shutter Button

The camera features a two-stage shutter button. Press the button lightly (depress to the halfway point) to activate the first stage, the focus and auto exposure lock. Pressing more firmly to the second stage will activate the shutter, recording an image.

Press Halfway Press Fully

Previewing an Image Before Shooting

Press the LCD/VIDEO button to turn on the

LCD panel. Press it again to turn off the LCD panel (p. 54).

Indicator Behavior After a Shot

The indicator beside the optical viewfinder flashes green after a shot is taken, indicating that the image is being recorded on the CF card. Do not open the battery cover or CF card slot cover while this indicator is flashing.

However, the next shot can usually be taken while the green light is flashing (p.47).

Other Shooting Features

Using the LCD Panel to Compose a Shot .. p. 54

Reviewing an Image on the LCD Panel ....... p. 86

Focusing on an Object at the Edge of a

Composition ........................................ p. 48

Shooting Close-Ups (Macro Mode) ......... p. 52

Shooting Telephoto Shots ....................... p. 49

Shooting at the Slow Shutter Speed ....... p. 74

Shooting Continuous Frames .................. p. 49

Shooting with the Self-Timer .................. p. 49

Shooting with the Flash On or Off .......... p. 51

Shooting in Backlit or Bright Conditions

(Exposure Compensation) .................... p. 72

Shooting in Natural or Artificial Lighting

(White Balance) .................................... p. 73

Changing the Image Quality and Size ..... p. 70

Shooting Images for Merging into Panoramas

(Stitch Assist Mode) ............................. p. 61

Replaying Images

Replaying Images in PLAY Mode

Replays images one at a time on the LCD panel.

Replaying Images in MULTI Mode

Replays sets of up to 9 images on the LCD panel.

Mode Dial

+/- Buttons

LCD Panel

1. Turn the Mode Dial to the PLAY position.

2. Press the + button to display the next image or the - button to display the previous image.

3. When you have finished viewing images, turn the Mode Dial to the L

(Lock) position.

Mode Dial

+/- Buttons

LCD Panel

1. Turn the Mode Dial to the MULTI position.

2. Select image (green frame) by pressing the +/- buttons.

• Display the selected image at full size by turning the Mode Dial to the PLAY position.

• Display the next or previous nine images by pressing the MACRO/JUMP button and +/- buttons. To select an image, press the MACRO/JUMP button again.

3. When you have finished viewing images, turn the Mode Dial to L (Lock) position.

Other Replay Features

Continuous Image Replay (Slide Shows) ..... p. 78

Displaying images on a TV ...................... p. 90

Rotating Images ...................................... p. 77

Displaying the date and time information for an image. ............................................. p. 75

Erasing Images

Erasing Images from a CF Card

Follow the procedures below to erase an image.

1. Turn the Mode Dial to the PLAY or

MULTI position.

SET Button

Menu Button

5. Press the +/- buttons to select [Single], then press the SET button.

+/- Buttons

Mode Dial

2. Press the +/- buttons to select the image to be erased.

3. Press the MENU button.

4. Press the +/- buttons to select [Erase], then press the SET button.

6. Check the image, then press the SET button.

7. Press the +/- buttons to select [OK] or

[Cancel] in the erase confirmation screen, then press the SET button.

• To delete all the images at once, select

[All] in Step 5.

• If you want to stop the erase procedure, select [Cancel].

• To display the previous menu, press the

MENU button.

Shortcut

In Play mode, you can erase the currently displayed image by pressing and holding the SET button and pressing the - button.

The erase confirmation screen will display.

Detailed Guide to the Functions

This section provides individual explanations of each camera function. Read it to find out more detail about each function or for instructions on using the advanced modes, such as the Stitch Assist mode and

Menu settings.

Basic Functions

Image Size and Quality Specifications

The PowerShot A50 can take pictures with the following screen sizes and qualities.

Size/Quality

Large/Fine (1280 x 960)

Large/Normal (1280 x 960)

Small/Fine (640 x 480)

Small/Normal (640 x 480)

CCD RAW (1280 x 960)

Compression Format

JPEG High Quality

JPEG Normal

JPEG High Quality

JPEG Normal

No Compression

File Size

320 KB

170 KB

120 KB

65 KB

1560 KB

• Large and Small sizes cover the exact same scope but reproduce the images with differing numbers of pixels. On computer monitors the Large format is displayed at 1280 x 960 pixels, while the

Small is displayed at 640 x 480 pixels.

• You can change the size and quality settings with the Menu feature in the

Auto, Program or Stitch Assist mode before shooting an image. (p. 70)

• In the Continuous mode, the default size and quality settings are Small/Fine or Small/Normal. (p. 49)

• Figures noted herein reflect standard shooting conditions established by

Canon. Actual file sizes will vary among photographic subjects.

Power On/Off Switch

The camera’s power is turned on and off with the

Mode Dial. The power is off when the dial is turned to the L (Lock) position and on when turned to any other position.

Power Save Function

Shooting Modes

The camera automatically closes the lens cover and powers down if you do not use a camera function for approximately three minutes.

Playback Modes

The camera automatically powers down if you do not use a camera function for approximately five minutes.

PC Mode

When connected to a computer, a message is displayed on the computer monitor if you do not use a camera function for approximately five minutes.

If you do not use a camera function for an additional minute, the camera automatically powers down.

• To reactivate the camera after it is powered down, turn the Mode Dial or press any button.

• You can deactivate the Power Save function. (p. 85)

Camera Modes

The PowerShot A50 features six operating modes that you select with the Mode Dial.

Shooting Modes

: Auto Mode

Auto mode is for taking standard pictures.

The focus, exposure and white balance settings as well as the flash are automatically selected or activated by the camera.

P : Program Mode

Program mode is also for taking pictures, but the Flash On/Off and Continuous settings can be selected manually. The focus and exposure are set automatically by the camera. (The exposure can be finetuned manually with the Exposure

Compensation function.)

: Stitch Assist Mode

Taking pictures in this mode is helpful if you intend to merge several images into a single high-quality panoramic image.

Merging images is easy if you use the

PhotoStitch software program.

Playback Modes

PLAY : Play Mode

Play mode is for viewing images recorded on the CF card. Images are displayed on the LCD panel one by one.

MULTI : Multi Mode

Multi mode is for viewing multiple images recorded on the CF card. Images are displayed on the LCD panel in groups of nine.

Data Transmission Mode

PC : PC Mode

PC mode is for viewing and processing images with a computer.

Display Panel

The Display panel on the camera top shows the status of camera settings, battery levels and the approximate number of images that can be stored in the CF card at the current size and quality settings.

• Changing size and quality settings will alter the number of images that can be stored in the CF card.

• Message codes on the Display panel will indicate errors or the camera status.

(p. 100)

Single Mode

Continuous Mode

Self-Timer Mode

Fine

Normal

CCD RAW

Large

Small

Flash On

Flash Off

Red-Eye Reduction

Macro Mode

Exposure Compensation

Beep On

Low Battery

Clock Not Set

Viewfinder

The camera is equipped with an optical viewfinder for image composition.

• The field of the viewfinder will change as the Zoom button is pressed.

• In Macro mode (subject 6.7 to 20in. (17 to 50cm) from the lens), the actual area shot by the lens is slightly lower than the area shown in the viewfinder. The closer the camera is to the subject, the larger the difference between these areas.

• When taking shots in Macro mode, be sure to confirm the image composition and focus in the LCD panel.

Viewfinder Frame Marks

The camera focuses on the area encompassed by the square brackets in the viewfinder’s center. When composing images, aim the camera so that the photographic subject is in the middle of the viewfinder.

• Pressing the shutter button halfway locks the focus until the button is released. This allows you to focus on a particular object while freely changing the image composition. A moment after depressing the shutter button halfway, two beeps will sound and a green or red indicator will light, indicating a focus lock. You are now free to reorient the camera knowing that your target subject is in focus.

Indicators

Two indicators appear to the left of the viewfinder. These lights shine or flash to confirm various actions and camera modes when you press the shutter button.

Lower Indicator

Upper Indicator

Green: Ready to take picture

(no flash)

Flashing Green: Recording to and reading from CF card. Transferring

Red: image data to PC

Flash On mode, ready to take picture

Flashing Red: Flash Off mode, insufficient light (image may blur)

Lower Indicator

Orange: Macro Mode On

• The indicator flashes green when data such as images or print information is being written to the CF card. Never open the battery cover or CF card slot cover while the indicator is flashing. Opening either cover could corrupt the data being written to the CF card.

• When the battery charge weakens, the

LCD panel will shut off and “Lb” will show in the display panel. You are advised to replace the battery when this shows. To warn you against attempting to remove a battery that becomes low in the midst of writing data to the CF card, a beep will sound continuously until the operation is complete. Do not open the battery cover or CF card slot cover until this beeping has stopped. Wait for the write operation and beeping to cease before removing the battery.

Buttons

Shutter Button

The camera features a two-stage shutter button.

Pressing Halfway

Press the shutter button halfway to automatically set the focus, exposure and white balance to the optimal setting. When the camera finishes metering, it will beep and lock the shutter.

• When the camera is ready to take a shot, the upper indicator will shine green (no flash) or red (flash) and two beeps will sound.

• When the LCD panel is turned on, the image will freeze for an instant.

• In low light conditions in the Flash Off mode, the upper indicator will flash red and the shaking hands icon ( ) will display in the bottom of the LCD panel.

This is a warning that hand tremors or camera movement may blur the image.

• In the Macro mode, the lower indicator will shine orange.

• In the Exposure Compensation mode, the subject will display in the LCD panel after the second beep if the LCD panel is turned on when the shutter button is pressed halfway.

Pressing Fully

Pressing the shutter button all the way down captures an image and stores the data on the

CF card.

• When an image is captured, a single beep will sound and the upper indicator will flash green while the data is stored on the CF card.

• If the LCD panel is turned on while an image is being stored, the window will momentarily blank.

• If the LCD panel is turned off and the

Review function is set to On, a preview of the photographic subject will briefly appear in the LCD panel while the shutter button is fully depressed.

• In low light conditions, the shaking hands icon ( ) may display in the middle of the LCD panel as you take a shot. Be particularly careful while this icon shows not to move the camera.

• You can conduct a shooting test even if a CF card is not installed by turning on the LCD panel with the LCD/VIDEO button. The image cannot, however, be recorded.

• If the CF card is missing or full, you won’t be able to shoot and the beep will sound continuously while the shutter button is pressed halfway.

Rapid Shot Function

When a picture is taken, the data is temporarily stored in the camera’s on-board memory until it can be written to the CF card.

As long as there is adequate free capacity in the on-board memory, a second shot can be taken immediately after the first. When the on-board memory is fills up, the camera will beep and temporarily cease activating the shutter. Meanwhile, the data in the memory will be written to the CF card. As soon as space for one image is free, you can take the next picture.

• If you wish to take many pictures at short intervals, use the Continuous mode. (p. 49)

• The rapid shot function is not available in CCD RAW mode. (p. 71)

• The indicators will flash green while image data is being written to the CF card. Never open the CF card slot cover

48 when these signals are on. Doing so could corrupt the image data.

Focus Lock

Pressing the shutter button halfway locks the focus until the button is released. This allows you to focus on a particular object while freely changing the image composition. A moment after depressing the shutter button halfway, two beeps will sound and a green or red indicator will light, indicating a focus lock.

You are now free to reorient the camera knowing that your target subject is in focus.

• If you release the shutter button only to the halfway point after taking a picture, you can take a second picture at the same focal setting simply by pressing the shutter button all the way down again.

Situations Not Suited to

Autofocus Photography

Some subjects are not suited to autofocus photography. For these subjects, aim the camera at another object at the same distance, press and hold the shutter button halfway to lock the focus, and re-aim the camera at the subject.

The following subjects are generally difficult to shoot with autofocus.

• extremely low-contrast objects

• compositions that mix close and far objects in the center of the viewfinder

• extremely bright objects in the center of the viewfinder

• moving objects such as automobiles

For objects behind glass, position the camera as close as possible to the glass to reduce unintended reflection.

Zoom Buttons

The zoom can be set from wide angle, 4.3

mm (35 mm film equivalent: 28 mm), to telephoto, 10.8 mm (35 mm film equivalent:

70 mm). Press the right side of the button to zoom in (telephoto) and the left side to zoom out (wide angle).

Telephoto

Wide Angle

• The zoom setting can not be changed while a menu is displayed or after the first shot has been taken in Stitch Assist mode.

Continuous/Self-Timer/+ Button

Auto Mode:

This button turns the Self-Timer mode on and off.

• The icon indicates the

Single (frame) mode. One frame is shot when the shutter button is pressed.

• The icon indicates the

Self-Timer mode. The shutter will activate 10 seconds after the shutter button is pressed.

Program Mode:

This button switches between the Single

(frame), Continuous (frame) and Self-Timer modes.

• The icon indicates the

Single mode. One frame is shot when the shutter button is pressed.

• The icon indicates the

Continuous mode. If the shutter button is pressed continuously, up to 15 frames will be shot continuously until the internal memory is full. The image size is automatically set to Small.

• The icon indicates the

Self-Timer mode. The shutter will automatically activate 10 seconds after the shutter button is pressed.

Play Mode:

This button displays the next stored image.

Multi Mode:

This button selects the next stored image.

Menu Button:

This button moves the selection to the next option.

Self-Timer Procedures

• With the Self-Timer mode activated, the shutter activates 10 seconds after the shutter button is pressed. You can tell when the Self-Timer has been activated by the beeping sounds and the flashing of the Red-Eye Reduction Lamp.

Flash/- Button

Program or Stitch Assist Mode:

This button switches between the Auto, Red-

Eye Reduction, Flash On and Flash Off functions.

• The absence of a flash icon indicates the Auto mode.

The flash will automatically respond to the light level detected by the camera.

• The icon indicates the

Red-Eye Reduction mode.

When the flash is required, the Red-Eye Reduction

Lamp will light when you press the shutter button.

• The icon indicates the

Flash On mode. The flash will fire with each shot.

• The icon indicates the

Flash Off mode. The flash will not fire.

• The Red-Eye Reduction mode counteracts the tendency for flash photography to produce the red-eye effect in prints of humans and animals, the result of light reflected back from the subjects’ retinas. The flash emitted before the actual shutter operation causes the subjects’ irises to narrow in advance, thereby reducing the potential for reflections back from the retinas.

• When shooting in the Red-Eye Reduction mode, press the shutter button halfway and wait a moment before pressing it fully. If the interval between pressing the shutter halfway and all the way is too short, the Red-Eye Reduction Lamp may not fire.

Play Mode:

This button displays the previous stored image.

Multi Mode:

This button selects the previously stored image.

Menu Button:

This button moves the selection to the previous option.

MACRO/JUMP Button

Auto, Program or Stitch Assist Mode:

This button turns the Macro mode on or off.

• Macro mode off.

• The icon indicates that the Macro mode is on.

• In Macro mode, the lower indicator will shine orange when you press the shutter button halfway.

• In Macro mode, the actual area shot by the lens is slightly lower than the area shown in the viewfinder. The closer the camera is to the photographic subject, the larger the difference between these areas.

• In Macro mode, the subject can be shot within a range of 6.7 to 20in. (17 to 50cm) and remain in focus.

• When shooting in Macro mode, check the LCD panel to confirm that the focus and scope of the image are correct.

Play Mode and Multi Mode:

This button turns the Jump mode on or off.

Jump Mode:

The following operations are possible.

• In Play mode, press the + button to jump 9 images ahead, the - button to jump 9 images back.

• In Play mode, you can also press and hold the SET button and press the + button to jump to the last image.

Substitute the - button to jump to the first image.

• In Multi mode, turning on the Jump mode enables you to display the next or previous set of nine images by pressing the +/- buttons.

• In Multi mode, you can also press and hold the SET button and press the + button to jump to the last set of nine images. Substitute the - button to jump to the first set.

LCD/VIDEO Button

Auto Mode and Program Mode:

This button turns the LCD panel on or off.

Play Mode and Multi Mode:

With the TV connected, this button turns the

Video Output function on or off.

• The LCD panel automatically turns on in

Program mode, except when the White

Balance function is set to any setting but

[Auto] or the Slow Shutter function is set to any setting but [Off]. The LCD/VIDEO button can be pressed to turn it off.

• In Stitch Assist mode, the LCD panel is automatically turned on.

• The Video Output does not function while shooting is in progress.

• If the LCD panel is left on for a long period, the camera may become warm.

This is normal and does not constitute a breakdown

MENU Button

Auto Mode, Program Mode and

Stitch Assist Mode:

This button displays the Record (Rec.) menu.

(p. 68)

Auto Mode

Program Mode

Stitch Assist Mode

Play Mode and Multi Mode:

This button displays the Play menu. (p.68)

SET Button

This button selects the current menu option shown on the LCD panel.

Image Quality and

Size Settings

• When a menu is already displayed on the LCD panel, pressing the MENU button restores the previous screen.

SET Button Pressed

MENU Button

SET Button

LCD Panel

Mode Dial Functions

The Mode Dial allows you to select between the various shooting and playback modes featured on the PowerShot A50.

Lock Auto Mode

The Mode Dial should be set to the L (Lock) position when the camera is not in use. In this mode the lens cover will close and the camera power will shut off.

• Ensure that you turn the Mode Dial to the L (Lock) position before you change a battery, eject a CF card or connect the camera to a computer or television.

In Auto mode, the camera selects whether or not to use the flash and automatically chooses focus, exposure and white balance settings.

The size is fixed at Large for this mode, but the quality setting can be changed. It is convenient to use this mode for normal picture taking.

Buttons Available in Auto Mode

• Macro Button

Use this button to shoot a photographic subject 6.7 to 20in. (17 to 50cm) from the lens. The icon displays in the Display

Panel when this mode is selected.

• Self-Timer Button

Use this button to activate the Self-Timer mode. The icon displays in the Display

Panel when this mode is selected.

The shutter will activate 10 seconds after the shutter button is pressed.

Program Mode

In Program mode, you can manually select the Single or Continuous mode as well as the image size and quality.

• Be sure to select this mode to use the

CCD RAW function (no compression) for shooting.

Buttons Available in Program Mode

Flash Button

The Flash On, Flash Off and Red-Eye

Reduction functions can be manually set with this button. The icon indicates that the Red-Eye Reduction mode is selected.

The icon indicates the Flash On mode is selected. The icon indicates the Flash

Off mode is selected.

Macro Button

Use this button when you want to shoot a subject 6.7 to 20in. (17 to 50cm) from the lens. The icon appears in the Display

Panel when this mode is selected.

Continuous/Self-Timer Button

Use this button to activate the Continuous and Self-Timer modes. The icon is shown in the Display Panel when the

Continuous mode is selected. The icon shows when the Self-Timer mode is selected.

Stitch Assist Mode

What is Stitch Assist?

The Stitch Assist mode is designed to make it easier to merge separate panoramic images into a single, seamless image using a software program on a computer. You can shoot a photographic subject that won’t fit into a single frame, such as a landscape, and stitch it together later with a program such as

PhotoStitch. This mode displays the previous images while you shoot the next in a horizontal, vertical or matrix sequence of images.

Horizontal Sequence

2x2 (Matrix) Sequence Vertical Sequence

• See Stitch Assist Mode for more detail on this subject. (p. 61)

Play Mode

In Play mode, you can display images from the CF card one at time on the

LCD panel.

Multi Mode

In Multi mode, you can display images from the CF card in groups of nine on the LCD panel.

• Press the + or - button to display the next or previous recorded image.

• You can jump 9 images ahead or behind by selecting the Jump mode with the

MACRO/JUMP button and then pressing the + button or - button. In addition, pressing the SET button in Jump mode followed by the + button or - button displays the last or first image, respectively.

• CCD RAW images are displayed as miniature thumbnails (not full screen).

• A green border indicates the selected image. Move the selection between images using the +/- buttons and display the selection at full size by turning the

Mode Dial to the PLAY position.

• You can display the next or previous set of nine images by selecting the Jump mode with the MACRO/JUMP button and then pressing the + button or button. In addition, pressing the SET

60 button in Jump mode followed by the + button or - button displays the last or first set of nine images, respectively.

PC Mode

In PC mode, you can connect the camera to a computer to load images into an image processing application program.

• The Display panel will display [PC] when the camera is ready to display or load images on the computer.

• The camera may cease to respond when the Mode Dial is turned from the PC position to another setting. Turn the

Mode Dial to the L (Lock) position and back again, or press any button to resume normal operation.

• Please refer to the PowerShot A50

Software Starter Guide for further details.

Stitch Assist Mode

Set the Mode Dial to the (Stitch Assist) position and follow the procedures below to merge several images into one large panoramic scene. In Stitch Assist mode, images can be shot in horizontal, vertical or 2x2 (matrix) sequences. The merged image cannot be viewed in the camera’s LCD panel.

Buttons Available in Stitch Assist Mode

FLASH Button

• The Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Flash On and Flash Off modes can be set with the Flash button.

MACRO Button

• The Macro mode for shooting photographic subjects 6.7 to 20in. (17 to

50cm) distant from the lens can be set with the Macro button.

Retaking a Picture

• In this mode, repeatedly pressing the

+ button enables you to scroll through the images to confirm the current merge sequence and to retake an image if required.

• To retake an image in a horizontal or vertical sequence, press the + button to return to the previous image and take the shot. Press the + button again to return to the original image.

• To retake an image in a 2x2 (matrix) sequence, press the + button to advance to any image that you wish to replace and take the shot.

When a Sequence is Complete

• When you have completed shooting a sequence, press the SET button to return to the Stitch Assist menu.

• To exit Stitch Assist mode, turn the

Mode Dial to another setting, such as the L (Lock) position.

• The Display Panel may display a lower number of recordable images in Stitch

Assist mode than in Auto or Program mode.

• The CD-ROM that accompanied the camera contains the PhotoStitch

Shooting Guide, an On-screen Guide introducing shooting hints and techniques for improved results with

PhotoStitch. Please read this guide before shooting.(In some regions, the

PhotoStitch Shooting Guide is included in print, in the PowerShot A50 Software

Starter Guide.)

Procedures for Shooting Horizontal/Vertical Sequences

Horizontal Sequence

1. Turn the Mode Dial to the (Stitch Assist) position.

...

Vertical Sequence

2. Select [Horizontal] or [Vertical] with the

+/- buttons and press the SET button.

Horizontal

Sequence

To change the direction, press the + button.

3. Shoot the first image.

After the indicator stops flashing green, the next image appears beside the previous image.

4. Orient the camera so that the second frame overlaps a small portion of the photographic subject of the first image and press the shutter button to take the next image.

After the indicator stops flashing green, the second recorded image will display beside a preview of the new photographic subject captured by the lens.

• To retake the previous image in the sequence, press the + button before shooting the next image. The previously recorded image will be replaced by a preview of the new photographic subject captured by the lens.

5. Follow the same steps to shoot subsequent images in the sequence.

• Do not worry about minor discrepancies in the overlapped areas because the computer software can compensate for them when the images are merged.

• You can check through a sequence by repeatedly pressing the + button.

Release the button to retake the previous image.

• A maximum of 26 frames may be shot in any horizontal or vertical sequence.

6. Finish the sequence by pressing the SET button after the last image has been recorded.

• The respective icons will display on the

LCD panel when the Exposure Compensation, White Balance and Slow Shutter settings are set to values other than their default settings.

Procedures for Shooting 2x2 (Matrix) Sequences

2. Select [2x2] with the +/- buttons and press the SET button.

1. Turn the Mode Dial to the (Stitch

Assist) position.

3. Shoot the first image.

After the indicator stops flashing green, the recorded image will display in the upper right, and a preview of the new photographic subject captured by the lens will appear in the lower right.

• By default, images are recorded in a clockwise direction starting from the upper right. To change the starting position, press the + button before taking the first shot.

4. Overlap a small portion of the photographic subject of the first image and shoot the next image in the sequence.

5. Orient the camera so that the third image will correctly overlap a portion of the second image and take the shot.

After the indicator stops flashing green, the third recorded image will display in the lower left, and a preview of the new photographic subject captured by the lens will appear in the upper left.

After the indicator stops flashing green, the second recorded image will display in the lower right, and a preview of the new photographic subject captured by the lens will appear in the lower left.

6. Orient the camera so that the fourth image will correctly overlap a portion of the third image and take the shot.

After the indicator stops flashing green, the fourth recorded image will display in the upper left, and a preview of a new photographic subject captured by the lens will appear in the position of the first image.

• Do not worry about minor discrepancies in the overlapped areas because the computer software can compensate for them when the images are merged.

• You can check through the sequence by pressing and holding the + button, which will cause the lens preview to disappear.

7. Finish the sequence by pressing the SET button after all the images have been recorded.

• To retake a shot, press the + button to advance to the image you want to replace, wait until the lens preview displays and then retake the shot.

• The respective icons will display on the

LCD panel when the Exposure Compensation, White Balance and Slow Shutter settings are set to values other than their default settings.

Menu Features

Menus can be used to select image size and quality settings (Record menu), to select the display options, such as information formats and the Slide Show option (Play menu), and to select date, time and other camera settings, such as the LCD panel brightness (Setup menu).

Record Menu

Program Mode

Stitch Assist Mode

Play Menu

Auto Mode

• Quality ....................................... p. 70

• +/- (Exp.) ...................................... p. 72

• White Balance ............................. p. 73

• Slow Shutter ................................ p. 74

• Setup ............................................ p. 85

LCD ............................................ p. 85

Beep .......................................... p. 85

Power Save ............................... p. 85

Date/Time ................................. p. 86

Review ...................................... p. 86

File No. Reset ........................... p. 87

• Show/Hide Info. .......................... p. 75

• Erase ............................................. p. 76

• Protect ......................................... p. 77

• Rotate .......................................... p. 77

• Setup ............................................ p. 85

LCD ............................................ p. 85

Beep .......................................... p. 85

Power Save ............................... p. 85

Date/Time ................................. p. 86

Format ..................................... p. 88

Language ................................. p. 89

• Slide Show ................................... p. 78

• Print Order .................................. p. 81

Basic Menu Operations

Menu functions are operated by the MENU,

+/- and SET buttons.

MENU Button

SET Button

+/- Buttons next option and press the - button to display the previous option.

The selected item is highlighted

- Button

+ Button

MENU Button

This button turns the menu display on or off.

This button also displays the previous menu when a submenu has been selected.

+/- Buttons

These buttons move the selection from one option to another within a menu. A highlight appears around an option to indicate its selection. Press the + button to display the

• Pressing and holding either button will cause the highlight to move continuously to the next option.

SET Button

This button confirms the selection of a menu option or a setting. When there is a submenu available, pressing this button advances the display to the next menu level. Once the SET button has been pressed, the selected setting takes effect.

Record Menu

Pressing the MENU button in the Auto,

Program or Stitch Assist mode displays the

Record menu on the LCD panel.

Program Mode

Stitch Assist Mode

Quality

The Quality option is used to set the format in which the image will be recorded. Image quality can be set to [Normal], [Fine] or [CCD

RAW], and the to [Large] or [Small].

Auto Mode

• In Auto mode, the Exposure

Compensation is set to [0], the White

Balance to [Auto] and the Slow Shutter to [Off]. No other settings are available for these functions in Auto mode.

Size/Quality Compression Format

Large/Fine (1280 x 960)

JPEG High Quality

Large/Normal (1280 x 960)

JPEG Normal

Small/Fine (640 x 480)

JPEG High Quality

Small/Normal (640 x 480)

JPEG Normal

CCD RAW (1280 x 960)

No Compression

File Size

320 KB

170 KB

120 KB

65 KB

1560 KB

• JPEG file sizes will vary between photographic subjects.

• The file sizes given here reflect standard shooting conditions established by Canon.

• The Small and CCD RAW sizes are not available in Auto mode. CCD RAW size is not available in Stitch Assist mode.

• A second CCD RAW picture can not be started until the first image has been completely written to the CF card

(green flashing indicator stops).

+/- (Exp.)

The Exposure Compensation function allows you to adjust exposure settings to a variety of situations in which a photographic subject is shadowed or a light source is too intense, such as backlight shots and artificially illuminated night shots.

• To use this function, aim the camera at the photographic subject and watch the effect on the image in the LCD panel as you adjust the exposure with the +/buttons. Press the SET button or MENU button to confirm the setting.

• Once a setting other than zero has been selected, the Display Panel will show a

+/- icon and the ( ) icon will display in the lower left of the LCD panel.

• After the setting is set, the image can be shot as shown in the LCD display simply by pressing the shutter button.

• The Exposure Compensation function cannot be activated in Auto Mode

Shortcut

In Program mode, you can display this menu directly by pressing and holding the SET button, and pressing the - button.

White Balance

The White Balance function can be set to suit the shooting conditions when the flash is not used and an image is taken only with natural or artificial ambient light. The [Auto], [Day Light],

[Cloudy], [Tungsten], and [Fluorescent] settings are available. Settings other than Auto will cause the respective icon to display in the lower left of the LCD panel.

Icons

Auto: Camera selects the setting automatically.

Day Light: For shooting outdoors in bright daylight.

Cloudy: For shooting in cloudy conditions or in twilight.

Tungsten: For shooting indoors in artificial lighting from tungsten light bulbs.

Fluorescent: For shooting in artificial lighting from fluorescent lights.

Slow Shutter

The Slow Shutter function can be used to shoot night scenes and subjects in dark rooms. The

[On], [Off] and [Night Scene] settings are available. The [On] and [Night Scene] settings will cause the respective icon to display in the lower left of the LCD panel.

Icons

On: For intentionally setting the shutter to a slow speed.

Off: Camera selects a setting automatically.

Night Scene: For night scene.

• In the [On] or [Night Scene] mode, hand tremors and camera movement may prevent a clear image from being shot.

Affix the camera to a tripod to shoot, or take a test shot and examine it before shooting for real.

• In the [On] or [Night Scene] mode, using flash photography in a dark place will cause the flash to fire twice. Since the picture is taken with the second flash, do not move the camera until the flash fires for the second time.

Play Menu

Pressing the MENU button in the Play or Multi mode displays the Play menu on the LCD panel.

Show/Hide Info.

This function displays information about an image, such as its shooting date and file number.

• Selecting this option causes the LCD panel to display the image data. The menu then shows the [Hide Info.] option.

• In Play mode, this function displays the image number, total number of images, file number, shooting date and time and protection setting icon.

• In Multi mode, this function displays the image number of the selected image and the total number of images. When the total number of images requires four or more digits, all image numbers are replaced by the number sign “#”.

Erase

This function can be used to erase image files from a CF card.

• When confirmation messages are displayed, select [OK] to erase, or

[Cancel] to cancel, this operation.

Shortcut

In Play mode, you can erase the currently displayed image by pressing and holding the

SET button and pressing the - button. The erase confirmation screen will display.

• Selecting the [Single] option allows you to scroll through images with the +/buttons and select single images for erasing.

• Selecting the [All] option erases all the images on a CF card with the exception of protected images.

Protect

The Protect function locks an image file to prevent accidental deletion from the CF card.

This function is also used to unlock image files.

Rotate

The Rotate function can be used to rotate a recorded image 90˚ clockwise or counterclockwise for playback. This allows you to play images with the correct orientation in slide shows.

Original

• Use the +/- buttons to scroll through images and the SET button to protect or unlock an image.

• A lock icon will appear next to an image that is protected.

-90˚ +90˚

• With each successive press of the SET button, the image is rotated 90˚ clockwise, 90˚ counterclockwise and back to its original orientation.

• The Rotate function has no effect upon the recorded image data.

Slide Show

This function automatically scrolls through the images on a CF card displaying each in turn as in a slide show. You can set the length of time that each is replayed and specify a subset of images to display with the Mark/Unmark option.

Start

Begin the slide show by selecting the Start option.

The All Images option displays the complete set of images on a CF card. Select Show 1, 2 or 3, then use the Mark function to select the images you wish to include in that show.

Images are displayed in order by file numbers.

• During a slide show, press the +/- buttons to pause or restart it.

• Press the MENU button to stop a slide show.

• In Show Info mode, the current frame number and the total number of marked frames will display while a slide show of marked images is being played.

Mark/Unmark

This function is used to mark or unmark images for replay in a slide show. You can save marked images in shows 1 to 3.

A checkmark appears beside slide shows in which marked images have already been registered.

• CCD RAW images can be maked and selected for Slide Show playback, but they will be displayed as miniature thumbnails (not full screen) on the LCD panel or a connected video monitor.

• Use the +/- buttons to scroll through images and the SET button to mark an image. If you select the marked image and press the SET button, the image is unmarked. A checkmark will be associated with marked images.

• A maximum of 100 images can be marked.

Clear Marks

This function clears all marked data contained in shows 1 to 3.

Play Time

The length of time an image is displayed on the LCD panel can be set to [+/- Manual] or to the [3 sec.], [5 sec.] or [10 sec.] settings.

• Selecting [OK] deletes the marks.

Selecting [Cancel] returns the LCD panel to the Slide Show menu.

• With the manual setting, the slide show can be advanced forward or backward with the +/- buttons.

• The actual play time for some images may differ slightly from the selected setting.

Repeat

Selecting this option enables you to automatically repeat the slide show once it reaches the last image.

Print Order

Images on a CF card can be marked for printing and the number of prints, the print type and the image data (date and file no.) settings can be specified. The print specifications for the PowerShot A50 conform to the

Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) standard, allowing your prints to be output at the specified parameters on compatible digital printers or at developing service outlets.

• When it is set to on, the power save function will not power down the camera while a slide show is playing.

Since playing slide shows for extended periods of time will use up the battery charge, it is advisable to use an AC power source.

• The MENU button will still end the slide show when pressed, even if the Repeat function is active.

• Some printers or developing services may not be able to output the images as specified.

• Print specifications created on a CF card used in another DPOF compliant camera may be overwritten by the PowerShot

A50 and lost when you mark images.

Please note that a warning [!] icon will appear in the upper right of the LCD panel if a card with this type of data is inserted into your camera.

Print Type

The print type can be specified.

each page. The [Index] setting prints an index of the images like a contact sheet. The [Both] setting prints both individual images and an index sheet.

Order Prints

You can specify the images to be printed and the number of copies. There are two ways to mark images: singly [select] or all at once [all images].

• The print order will be from the image with the oldest shooting date to the newest regardless of which marking option is selected.

The [Standard] setting prints one image to

• Select Images

Images can be selectively marked and the number of print copies specified.

Total Number of

Prints Marked

Print Mark

(Checkmark)

29 print copies (the double underline represents 20)

• Use the +/- buttons to scroll through images and the SET button to mark or unmark an image. A check mark appears beside the marked images.

• A maximum of 998 images can be marked at once.

• Hold the SET button down and press one of the +/- buttons to specify the number of print copies within the range

1 to 29. A single underline indicates numbers 10 to 19 and a double underline indicates numbers 20 to 29.

• A CCD RAW image cannot be marked.

• All Images

This setting adds print marks to all images on a CF card except for CCD RAW images.

The number of print copies is automatically set to 1.

Cancel Orders

This setting deletes the print mark data.

• Select [OK] to delete the print mark data. Select [Cancel] to return to the print mark menu.

Property

This setting determines whether or not image data, such as the shooting date and file number, are printed.

The options are [Off], which omits all data,

[Date], [File No.] and [Both], which prints both the date and file number.

• The date is printed in the format set with the [Date Style] function. (p. 86)

• The first three digits of the file number represent the folder name and the last four the individual frame number (e.g.

100-0001). However, the file numbers of images taken in the CIFF format will display as four-digit numbers (e.g.

1001). (p. 94)

Setup

Selecting the Setup option in either the Record or Play menu displays the Setup submenu.

Record

Settings

Play

Settings

LCD

The brightness of the LCD panel can be switched between the [Normal] and [Bright] settings.

Beep

The beep that signals the completion of the autofocus process, the closing of the shutter and the operation of a menu function can be turned on or off with this function.

Power Save

This option turns the Power Save function on or off. If turned on, the camera will automatically power down if left unused for several minutes in any mode.

• The [Review] and [File No. Reset] options do not appear in the Setup submenu accessed from the Play menu.

• The [Format] and [Language] options do not appear in the Setup submenu accessed from the Record menu.

Date/Time

Use this setting to adjust the camera’s date and time settings and display formats.

The factory default date style may differ between regions.

Review

The Review function displays the picture on the LCD panel if you continue to press the shutter after taking a shot. The Review function will still display the picture even when the LCD panel is turned off.

• Press the SET button to move between the Style, Day, Month, Year, Hour and

Minute fields.

• Press the +/- buttons to advance the numbers or options in a field.

• Press the MENU button to save the settings and close the Date/Time menu.

File No. Reset

The method by which the camera assigns file numbers can be selected.

The file no. reset [On] setting resets the starting file number to 1 (100-0001) each time a new

CF card is inserted. On cards with existing files, the next available number is assigned.

The [Off] setting starts the file number on a new CF card at a number one higher than the last number assigned to the previous CF card.

For example, if the file no. 100-0005 is the last shot recorded on a CF card, the first shot on the next CF card will be assigned the file no.

100-0006.

• Since the Off option avoids the duplication of file names, this setting is convenient for processing images on computers.

About File Numbers

Images can be assigned individual frame numbers ranging from 0001 to 9900. Each folder holds up to 100 images, and the folder numbers range from 100 to 998.

100 0001 0002 0099 0100

101 0101 0102 0199 0200

198 9801 9802 9899 9900

Folder numbers cannot contain 99 in the last two digits.

200 0001 0002 0099 0100

• Images shot in Continuous or Stitch

Assist mode are always saved into the same folder, creating the potential for more than 100 images to be contained in a single folder.

• Whenever the battery is removed from the camera, the last used folder is closed and subsequent images are saved into a new folder.

Format

This function enables you to format a CF card for use with the camera. If the camera ceases to operate correctly, a corrupted CF card may be the cause. Solve the problem by selecting

[Format] from the Setup menu to reformat the

CF card.

• Please note that formatting a CF card erases all data from the card, not just the images.

• After the CF card is reformatted, checking and fixing it with a computer utility such as scandisk.exe, is highly recommended.

• If you are having difficulty with a CF card made by a manufacturer other than Canon, reformatting it may solve the problem. If it doesn’t, consult the outlet from which you purchased the card.

Language

Use the Language option to change the language in which messages on the LCD panel are displayed.

The Language menu may appear differently on cameras in some regions.

• Use the +/- buttons to move between language selections and the SET button to execute the selection.

Shortcut

Hold the SET button down in PLAY mode and press the MACRO/JUMP button to display this menu directly.

Other Functions

Connecting to a TV

You can connect your camera to a television to display the images you have recorded by following the procedures below.

1. Turn the camera’s Mode Dial to the L

(Lock) position and ensure that the TV power switch is off.

2. Insert one end of the video cable shipped with the camera into the VIDEO

Terminal and the other end into the

TV’s Video In jack.

TV Video In VIDEO Terminal

3. Turn on the TV and set its TV/Video setting to Video.

4. Turn the camera’s Mode Dial to the

PLAY or MULTI position.

5 If the image displays on the camera’s

LCD panel, press the LCD/VIDEO button to turn it off.

The image will display on the TV screen.

Each time the LCD/VIDEO button is pressed, the display will switch between the camera and the TV.

LCD/VIDEO Button

Video Cable

(Supplied)

6. Play images using the normal procedures.

7. When you finish viewing, turn the camera Mode Dial to the L (Lock) position before disconnecting the cable from both devices.

• When you are using the +/- buttons to switch images, the display resolution will drop slightly until the next image appears.

Due to different video signals in other countries, the images may not display on the TV screen even when connected.

Changing the Button Battery

If the Clock Not Set icon ( ) flashes on the

Display Panel, it means that the button battery charge is low and the date/time setting has been lost. Purchase a generic CR2016 lithium battery and exchange it for the spent battery with the following procedures.

• The button battery is pre-installed at the factory and may therefore expire earlier than its rated lifespan after the camera has been purchased.

• The Clock Not Set icon will continue to flash on the Display Panel until you set the date/time, even if you have changed the button battery. Always set the date/ time after changing the button battery.

(p. 29)

1. Ensure that the Mode

Dial is set to the L

(Lock) position.

2. Slide the battery cover lock to the release position and slide the battery cover open.

3. Remove the battery pack.

2CR5

NB-5H

4. Take out the button battery holder and remove the spent battery.

To remove the button battery holder from the battery chamber, insert a fingernail beneath the indent and gently pry it back and upward.

Button Battery Holder

Indent

5. Place the new button battery into the holder with the plus side facing the plastic holder.

(+)

Open End

(-)

Tabs

6. Place the button battery holder (with the new button battery installed) back into place in the battery chamber.

Align the button battery holder with its slot and lightly press it forward into place with your fingertip.

7. Replace the battery pack.

8. Close the battery cover and slide the lock to the locked position.

• After closing the battery cover, check to make sure that the lock is in the locked position. The camera will not operate unless the lock is set.

2CR5

NB-5H

Changing the Recording Format

The PowerShot A50 records images in the

“Design rule for Camera File system” industry standard format. The recording format can be switched to the CIFF format to meet your file management needs if you so wish.

1. Turn the Mode Dial to the P (Program) position.

2. Press the MENU button.

3. Hold the LCD/VIDEO Button down and press the SET button.

4. Select a file format using one of the +/buttons and press the SET button. The

[Default] setting records in the “Design rule for Camera File system” format and the [CIFF] setting in the CIFF format.

5. Turn the Mode Dial back to the L (Lock) position.

• Changing to the CIFF format will change the recording file size and number of recordable images.

Appendices

Camera Maintenance

Follow the procedures below to clean the camera body, lens, viewfinder and LCD panel when they become dirty.

• Never use thinners, benzene, synthetic cleansers or water to clean the camera.

The use of these substances may distort or damage the equipment.

Camera Body

Gently wipe dirt off the camera body with a soft cloth or an eyeglass lens wiper.

Lens

Use a lens blower to remove dust and dirt from the lens.

• Never wipe anything directly on the lens, even a soft cloth or eyeglass lens wiper.

If the lens accumulates dirt that will not come off with a lens blower, contact your camera retailer or the closest Canon

Customer Support Help Desk.

Viewfinder

Use a lens blower to remove dust and dirt from the viewfinder. If necessary, gently wipe the viewfinder with a soft cloth or eyeglass lens wiper to remove stubborn dirt that has accumulated.

LCD panel

Use a lens blower to remove dust and dirt from the LCD panel. If necessary, gently wipe the LCD panel with a soft cloth or eyeglass lens wiper to remove stubborn dirt accumulations.

• Never rub or press strongly on the LCD panel. Rubbing or pressing firmly on the

LCD panel may damage it or lead to other problems.

Troubleshooting

Problem

Camera will not operate

Camera will not shoot

Cause(s)

Battery cover lock not in lock position

2CR5 lithium battery is inserted the wrong way

Insufficient battery power

(Display panel flashes [Lb])

Incorrect battery type

Poor contact between battery and camera terminals

Mode Dial is set to the L (Lock) position

Flash is charging

( icon flashes)

Solution(s)

• Slide the battery cover lock into the locked position.

• Install the 2CR5 lithium battery with the terminals oriented toward the back of the chamber.

• Use a fully charged battery pack.

• Replace the battery.

• Use an approved AC power source.

• Use the specified battery pack or lithium battery.

• Wipe the battery terminals with a clean, dry cloth.

• Turn the Mode Dial to any one of the

(Auto), P (Program) or (Stitch Assist) mode positions.

• Wait to press the shutter button until the flash charges, the icon changes from flashing to a steady light and the indicator shines red.

Problem

Camera will not shoot

Lens will not retract

Battery fails prematurely

Cause(s)

CF card slot cover is open

(Display Panel flashes “CF”)

CF card full (O is displayed in the

Display Panel and a continuous beep sounds when the shutter button is pressed)

CF card not formatted correctly

(Display Panel flashes “CF”)

CF card slot cover was accessed immediately after Mode Dial was turned to the L (Lock) position

Battery cover lock was opened immediately after Mode Dial was turned to the L (Lock) position

Low ambient temperature has diminished battery output

Solution(s)

• Firmly close and lock the CF card slot cover.

• Replace the CF card.

• Load the CF card data onto a computer and erase all or some of the card’s images to create space.

• Format the CF card.

• The logic circuits of the CF card may be faulty or damaged. Please consult the nearest Canon Customer Support Help

Desk.

• Close the CF card slot cover and reset the Mode Dial to the L (Lock) position.

• Lock the battery cover and reset the

Mode Dial to the L (Lock) position.

• Restrict use of the battery to places with ambient temperatures over 32

F (0

When taking shots in relatively cold conditions, keep the camera warm next to your body or in a pocket. (p.21)

C).

Problem

Battery fails prematurely

Battery pack will not charge

Image is out of focus, or expected results can’t be achieved

Cause(s)

Battery pack capacity has diminished after non-use for a year or more

Battery pack life has been exceeded

Poor connection between battery pack and compact power adapter

Camera is drawing power from the AC power source

Camera is moving

Photographic subject is out of focal range

Autofocus (AF) Auxiliary Light

Emitter is obscured, hampering autofocus function

Solution(s)

• The battery pack should recover if you fully charge and fully discharge it several times.

• This battery pack can no longer be used to operate the camera. Replace it with a new battery pack.

• Make sure the battery pack is seated firmly in the charger.

• Check the AC power cord connection between the wall socket and the charger.

• The battery pack won’t charge when the camera is drawing power from the compact power adapter. Turn the camera’s Mode Dial to the L (Lock) position to initiate charging.

• Be careful not to move the camera when pressing the shutter button.

• Move camera at least 20 in. (50 cm) from subject.

• Use the Macro function to shoot subjects between 6.7 and 20 in. (17 and 50 cm) from the lens.

• Be careful not to block the AF Auxiliary

Light Emitter with your finger, etc.

Problem

Image is blurred or out of focus

Images are too dark

Images are too bright

Flash will not work

Cause(s)

Incorrect Slow Shutter setting

Insufficient ambient light

Photographic subject is insufficiently illuminated in comparison with surroundings

Incorrect White Balance setting

Photographic subject is beyond the range of the flash

Photographic subject is too close

Photographic subject is brighter than surroundings

Light is shining directly on or reflected onto camera from the photographic subject

Camera is set to Flash On mode

Camera is set to Flash Off mode

Solution(s)

• Set Slow Shutter to Off.

• Ensure that the Flash mode is set to On.

• Adjust the Exposure Compensation mode to a positive “+” setting.

• Reset the White Balance.

• The effective range of the flash is 6.7 in.

to 11.5 ft. (17 cm to 3.5 m).

• The effective range of the flash is 6.7 in.

to 11.5 ft. (17 cm to 3.5 m).

• Adjust the Exposure Compensation function to a negative “-” setting.

• Change the shooting angle.

• Set the camera to the Auto or Flash Off mode.

• Set the camera to the Auto or Flash On mode.

100

List of Message Codes

The following codes may appear in the Display Panel. The significance of the message is explained alongside.

Pb:

CF:

Lb:

PC:

Exx:

Image data is being read for display.

No CF card installed, CF card slot cover is open or unlocked, or CF card error.

Insufficient battery charge to operate camera. Immediately recharge or replace battery.

Battery cover lock is unlocked. Lock it.

Camera connected to a PC in PC mode

(xx: number) Camera malfunction. Turn Mode Dial to L (Lock) position and retry shot or replay.

Problem exists if error code reappears. Note the number and contact Canon Customer Support

Help Desk. If error code displays directly after taking a picture, shot may not be recorded.

Check image with Play function.

2CR5 lithium battery or Battery Pack NB-5H charge low. Have some spare batteries at hand.

(This icon may flash with the insertion of a new 2CR5 lithium battery too, depending on the operating conditions).

Button battery charge low and date and/or the date and time settings lost. Replace battery and reset date and time.

List of Messages

The following messages may appear on the LCD Panel.

Busy:

CF card full!:

Cannot Record!:

No Image.:

Image too Large.:

CF card error:

Naming error!:

Incompatible JPEG format:

No CF card:

Corrupted Data:

Cannot rotate:

No thumbnail:

Unidentified Image:

Image is recording on CF card. Or image data is being read for display.

CF card is too full to accommodate more images.

You attempted to shoot an image without a CF card installed.

No images recorded on CF card.

You attempted to view an image larger than 1632 x 1232 pixels.

CF card has experienced an anomaly.

File name could not be created because there is a file with the same name as the directory that the camera is trying to create, or the maximum file number has been reached. Save all the images you wish to retain onto the computer, then format CF card. Please note that formatting erases all the images from the CF card.

You attempted to view an incompatible JPEG file.

You attempted to view or shoot an image without a CF card installed.

You attempted to view an image with corrupted data.

You attempted to play an image in an unsupported file format (recorded on a different camera, in a proprietary format or altered by a computer).

You attempted to play a CCD RAW image for which there is no thumbnail because the CF card was removed while the image was still being recorded.

You attempted to play an image in an unsupported file format (another manufacturer’s proprietary format).

101

102

Specifications

PowerShot A50

Image Sensor: 1,310,000-pixel (total), 1/2.7-inch charge coupled device (effective pixels 1,250,000)

Gradation Reproduction:8 bits x 3 colors (10-bit data processing)

Sensitivity: Equivalent to ISO 100 to 400 (ISO 400 for Small mode in low light only)

Image Data Storage: CompactFlash™ card

File Format: Design rule for Camera File System/CIFF (Camera Image File Format)

Image Compression: Images: JPEG and proprietary Canon format (CRW); Thumbnails: JPEG

Compression Modes: Fine, Normal and CCD RAW

Recorded Image Size: 1280 x 960 pixels (Large), 640 x 480 pixels (Small)

Image Properties: Shooting date and time, image serial number, etc.

Camera Modes: Auto, Program, Stitch Assist, Play, Multi and PC

Lens:

Viewfinder:

Shutter:

Shutter Speeds:

Focusing Method:

Focusing Range:

4.3 mm/F2.6 to 10.8 mm / F4.0 (35 mm film equivalent: 28 to 70 mm)

Real-image optical viewfinder

2-inch low-temperature poli-silicon thin-film transistor liquid crystal display

Mechanical + electronic

Slow Shutter Off: 1/6 to 1/750 sec. ; Slow Shutter On or Night Scene setting: 2 to 1/750 sec.

Through the lens autofocus (TTL AF)

Standard: 20 in. (50 cm) to infinity; Macro: 6.7 to 20 in. (17 to 50 cm)

Auto Exposure Method: Program

Metering Range: EV 2 - 16.5

Exposure compensation:

2 EV

Flash: Built-in (Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye Reduction)

Flash Range: 6.7 in. to 11.5 ft. (0.17 to 3.5 m) (wide angle), 6.7 in. to 8 ft. (0.17 to 2.5 m) (telephoto)

White Balance control: Through the lens (TTL) auto/manual

Self-Timer: 10-second delay

Interfaces:

Power Supply:

RS-232C, CF Slot, Video Out

2CR5 lithium battery

Nickel-hydride Battery Pack NB-5H

Compact Power Adapter CA-PS100/100E

CR2016 lithium battery for Date / Clock backup

Operating Temperatures: 32˚ to 104˚ F (0˚ to 40˚ C)

Operating Humidity:

Dimensions:

Weight:

10 to 90%

4.1 x 2.7 x 1.5 in. (103 x 68 x 37.3 mm)

Approximately 9.2 oz. (260 g) excluding batteries and CF cards

103

104

Compact Power Adaptor CA-PS100/100E (sold separately in some regions)

Input Voltage:

Rated Output:

Dimentions:

Weight:

AC 100 to 240 V (50/60 Hz)

Charging: 7.2 V, 0.65 A

Input Rating:

Camera power supply: 6.5 V, 1.5 A

Charging: 23 to 26 VA (100 to 240 V)

Camera power supply: 18 to 20 VA (100 to 240 V)

Operating Temperature: 32˚ to 104˚ F (0˚ to 40˚ C)

3.0 x 4.0 x 1.5 in. (75 x 102 x 39 mm)

Approximately 6.3 oz. (180 g)

Battery Pack NB-5H (sold separately in some regions)

Type:

Rated Voltage:

Rated Amperage:

Life-span:

Nickel-hydride cells

6 V

650 mAH

Approximately 300 charges cycles

Operating Temperatures: 32˚ to 104˚ F (0˚ to 40˚ C)

Dimentions: 1.3 x 0.9 x 1.9 in. (34 x 22 x 49 mm)

Weight: Approximately 2.5 oz. (70 g)

• All data is based on Canon’s standard testing methods. Subject to change without notice.

Index

Symbols

2x2 (Matrix) Sequence

(Stitch Assist Mode) 58, 65

+/- (Exp.) 72

+/- Buttons 69

All Images 83

Auto Exposure 32, 46, 72

Auto Flash mode 51

Auto Mode 32, 42

Auto Mode (Mode Dial) 56

Auto White Balance 73

Autofocus 48, 56

Autofocus (AF) Auxiliary Light

Emitter 15

Battery Cover 16, 20

Battery Cover lock 16, 20

Battery Installation 20, 91

Battery Pack NB-5H 18

Beep 85

Button Battery 91

Button Battery holder 92

Camera Modes 42

Cancel Order 84

CCD RAW 40, 70, 71

CF Card 24

CF Card Slot Cover 16, 24

CF Card Types 25

Clear Marks 79

Clock Not Set Icon 43, 91, 100

Compact Power Adapter

CA-PS100/100E 18, 23

Continuous Mode 49

Continuous/Self-Timer/+Button

17, 49

Date/Time 86

DC Coupler 23

DC Coupler Cable Cover 16

DIGITAL Terminal 15

Display Panel 17, 43

Erase 36

Exposure Compensation 72

Exposure Settings 72

File No. Reset 87

File Numbers 87

Flash 51

Flash/-Button 17, 51

Flash Off Mode 51

Flash On Mode 51

Focus Lock 48

Format 88

Horizontal Sequence

(Stitch Assist Mode) 58, 63

Image Size 40, 71

Indicators 17, 45

Jump Button 17, 52

Jump Mode 52

Language 28, 89

L (Lock) 56

LCD (Setup Menu) 85

LCD/VIDEO Button 17, 54, 90

LCD Button 54, 90

105

106

LCD Panel 16

Lens 15

Lock (Mode Dial) 56

Lock for CF Card Slot Cover 16, 24

Lower Indicator 45

Macro Button 17, 52

Macro Mode 52

MACRO/JUMP Button 17, 52

Maintenance 95

Mark 79

Menu 69

MENU Button 17, 54, 69

Mode Dial 17, 56

Multi Mode (Mode Dial) 59

Order Prints 82

PC Mode 60

Play Menu 75

Play Mode 59

Play Mode (Mode Dial) 42

Play Time 80

Playback Modes 42

Power Off 41

Power On 41

Power Save 85

Power Save Function 32

Pressing Fully 33, 46

Pressing Halfway 33, 46

Print Order 81

Print Type 82

Program Mode 57

Property 84

Protect 77

Quality 40, 70

Rapid Shot Function 47

Record Menu 70

Red-Eye Reduction Lamp 15, 51

Red-Eye Reduction Mode 51

Repeat 81

Review 86

Select Image 83

Self-Timer Button 17, 49

Self-Timer Mode 49

SET Button 17, 69

Setup Menu 85

Shooting Modes 42

Show/Hide Info. 75

Shutter Button 17, 46

Size 40, 71

Slide Show 78

Slow Shutter 64, 74

Stitch Assist Mode 58, 61

Strap Holder 16

Television 90

Tripod Socket 16

2CR5 Lithium Battery 21

Unmark 79

Upper Indicator 45

Vertical Sequence

(Stitch Assist Mode) 58, 63

Video Cable 90

VIDEO Terminal 15, 90

Viewfinder 16, 44

Viewfinder Frame Marks 44

White Balance 64, 73

Customer Support

Canon Customer Support

Canon Inc.

30-2 Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo

146-8501, Japan

NORTH AMERICA

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon Customer Care Center

Phone (US): 1-800-423-2366

(Automated Support: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week)

Canon Canada Inc.

Phone (Canada): 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666)

(24 hours/day, 7 days/week)

EUROPE

Canon (UK) Ltd.

Helpdesk

Tel No.: 0990 143 723 (Calls may be recorded.)

Fax No.: 0990 143 340 BBS No.: 0990 143 350

Canon France S.A.

Hotline: (1) 41 99 70 70

Tél: (1) 41 99 77 77 Télécopie: (1) 41 99 79 51

Canon S.A.V. Photo Video France

Hotline: (1) 49 04 01 00 Télécopie: (1) 49 04 01 01

Canon Deutschland GmbH

Canon-Hotline-Service

Customer-Support: 02151/349-555

Telefax: 02151/349-588

Info-Desk Tel: 02151/349-566

Info-Desk Fax : 02151/349-599

Mailbox : 02151/349-577

Canon Italia S.p.A.

Pronto Canon : 02 8249 2000 BBS : 02 8249 2099

107

108

OCEANIA

Canon Australia Pty. Ltd.

Info-Line: (02) 9805 2864

Canon New Zealand Ltd.

Info-Line: 0900-522666

ASIA

Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.

79 Anson Road, #09-01 / 06, Singapore 079906

Phone: (65) 532 4400 Fax: (65) 221 7577

Canon Hongkong Co., Ltd.

Phone: 852-2739-0802 Fax: 852-2369-7701

Canon Marketing Services

2 Alexandra Road, #04-01A, Delta House, Singapore 159919

Phone: (65) 273 5311 Fax: (65)273 6786

Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

13A Jalan 219, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor D.E., Malaysia

Phone: (60) 757 7210 Fax: (60) 757 7832

Canon Marketing (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

2nd Floor, Indosuez House, 152 Wireless Road, Bangkok

10330 Thailand

Phone: (662) 651 4000, Ext. 454 Fax: (662) 651 4095

Ulead Customer Support

INTERNATIONAL

Ulead Systems, Inc. (Taiwan)

Tel: +886-2-8787-6740 Fax: +886-2-8787-6741

Internet: [email protected]

NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA

Ulead Systems, Inc. (USA)

Tel: +1-310-523-9393 Fax: +1-310-523-9399

Internet: [email protected]

EUROPE

Germany Ulead Support Center

Tel: +49-2602-917-329 Fax: +49-2602-917-327

Internet: [email protected]

France Centre d’Assistance Ulead

Tel: +33-1-49-46-23-46 Fax: +33-1-49-46-23-49

Internet: [email protected]

BIT (UK) Limited

Tel: +44-1420-83811 Fax: +44-1420-80657

Internet: [email protected]

World Wide Web http://www.ulead.com

Art Direction:

Design:

Photography:

Writing:

Yoshisuke Kuramoto, CDS Inc., Tokyo, Japan

Sumio Koike, J-Cat Communications, Vancouver, Canada

Hideyuki Igarashi, Yoshisuke Kuramoto, CDS Inc., Tokyo, Japan

Yoshisuke Kuramoto, CDS Inc., Tokyo, Japan

English Writing: Christian Cowley, Concise Communications Corp., Vancouver, Canada

Key features

Compact flat body with wide-angle zoom lens
Stitch assist mode for merging panoramic images
LCD panel for live preview and playback
Multiple shooting modes (Auto, Program, Stitch Assist)
Support for CF cards and various image formats

Frequently asked questions

Attach the AC power cord to the compact power adapter (CA-PS100/100E) and plug it into an outlet. The CHARGING indicator flashes green while charging and stops when full (approx. 90 minutes).

Slide the CF card slot cover lock to open, insert the card with the label side up until seated, then close the cover.

Stitch assist mode helps take overlapping images for merging into high-quality panoramic photos.

In PLAY or MULTI mode, select the image, press MENU, choose Erase, then select Single or All. Confirm with SET.

Press the LCD/VIDEO button to toggle the LCD panel on/off.

Digital Camera Operating Steps and Reference Guides

Hardware Guide

(This Guide)

PowerShot A50 Software Starter Guide

or

"Using [ software name ] " On-screen

Guide or PowerShot A50 Software

Stater Guide

On-screen "Help"

Introduction

FCC Notice

Table of Contents

Read This First

Handling and Safety Precautions

Guide to Components

Front View

Back View

Operation panel

Camera Setup

Charging the Battery Pack

Installing the Battery Pack

Battery Performance

Using the Camera with an AC Power Source

Inserting a CF Card

CF Cards and Estimated Capacities

Precautions with CF Cards

Attaching the Wrist Strap

Setting the Menu Language

Setting the Date and Time

Quick Start

Taking Pictures

Taking Pictures in Auto Mode

Replaying Images

Replaying Images in PLAY Mode

Replaying Images in MULTI Mode

Erasing Images

Erasing Images from a CF Card

Detailed Guide to the Functions

Basic Functions

Image Size and Quality Specifications

Large/Fine (1280 x 960)

Large/Normal (1280 x 960)

Small/Fine (640 x 480)

Small/Normal (640 x 480)

CCD RAW (1280 x 960)

JPEG High Quality

JPEG Normal

JPEG High Quality

JPEG Normal

No Compression

320 KB

170 KB

120 KB

65 KB

1560 KB

Power On/Off Switch

Camera Modes

Shooting Modes

Playback Modes

Data Transmission Mode

Display Panel

Viewfinder

Viewfinder Frame Marks

Indicators

Upper Indicator

Lower Indicator

Buttons

Shutter Button

Pressing Halfway

Pressing Fully

Rapid Shot Function

Focus Lock

Zoom Buttons

Continuous/Self-Timer/+ Button

Flash/- Button

MACRO/JUMP Button

• Macro mode off.

• The icon indicates that the Macro mode is on.

LCD/VIDEO Button

MENU Button

**"Using [ software name ] " On-screen**