Digital Camera
Operating Manual
To ensure the best performance from
your camera, please read the Operating
Manual before using the camera.
Thank you for buying the Pentax Optio 550 Digital Camera. Please
read this manual before using the camera in order to get the most
out of all the features and functions. Keep this manual safe, as it
can be a valuable tool in helping you to understand all the cam-
era’s capabilities.
Regarding copyrights
Images taken using the Optio 550 that are for anything other than personal
enjoyment cannot be used without permission according to the rights as
specified in the Copyright Act. Please take care, as there are even cases
where limitations are placed on taking pictures even for personal enjoyment
during demonstrations, industrial enterprise or as items for display. Images
taken with the purpose of obtaining copyrights also cannot be used outside
the scope of use of the copyright as laid out in the Copyright Act, and care
should be taken here also.
Regarding trademarks
• The SD logo
is a trademark.
• PENTAX is a trademark of PENTAX Corporation.
• Optio is a trademark of PENTAX Corporation.
• All other brands or product names are trademarks of registered trade-
marks of their respective companies.
•
This product supports PRINT Image Matching II.
When used in combination, PRINT Image Matching II enabled digital still
cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images
more faithful to their intentions.
Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
PRINT Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA
Sufficient attention has been paid to the safety of this product but please
pay particular attention to the warnings indicated by the following symbols
during use.
These symbols indicate that it is possible that the
user may experience serious difficulties
if the warnings are not heeded.
Warning
These symbols indicate that it is possible that the
user may experience minor or middling difficulties or
physical difficulties if the warnings are not heeded.
Caution
Warning:
•
•
Do not attempt to take the camera apart or remodel the camera. High voltages are
present within the camera, and there is therefore a danger of electric shocks.
If the inside of the camera should become exposed as a result of, for example, the
camera being dropped, please do not under any circumstances touch such exposed
portions, as there is a danger of receiving an electric shock.
•
•
Wrapping the strap of the camera around your neck is also dangerous, please take
care that small children do not hang the strap around their necks.
To avoid the risk of it being swallowed by mistake, keep the SD Memory Card out of
the reach of small children. Seek medical attention immediately if accidentally swal-
lowed.
•
•
Use an AC adapter that are of the power and voltage specified for exclusive use with
this product. The use of an AC adapter other than that specified exclusively for use
with this product may cause fire or electric shocks.
If the camera emits smoke or a strange smell, or in the event of any other irregularity,
stop using the camera immediately, remove the battery or disconnect the AC adapter
and contact your nearest Pentax service center. Continued use of the camera may
result in fire or electric shock.
•
Discontinue use of the AC adapter during thunderstorms. This can cause a fire or
electrical shock.
Caution:
•
•
•
Never try to disassemble, short the battery. Also, do not dispose of the battery in fire,
as it may explode.
Remove the battery from the camera immediately if it becomes hot or begins to smoke.
Be careful not to burn yourself during removal.
Some portions of the camera heat up during use, so please take care, as there is a risk
of low temperature burns if such portions are held for long periods of time.
Do not place your finger on the flash when it is discharging as there is a risk of burns.
If any of the battery leakage should come in contact with your eyes, do not rub them.
Flush your eyes with clean water and get medical attention immediately.
If any of the battery leakage should come in contact with skin or clothes, wash the
affected areas thoroughly with water.
•
•
•
1
Care to be Taken During Handling
•
•
Do not clean the product with organic solvents such as thinner or alcohol benzene.
Places of high temperature and humidity should be avoided. Particular care should be
taken regarding vehicles, which can become very hot inside.
•
•
Storing the camera where pesticides and chemicals are handled should be avoided.
Remove from case and store in a well-ventilated place to prevent the camera from
becoming moldy during storage.
Do not use the camera where it may come in contact with rain, water or any other
liquid, because the camera is not weather, water, or liquid resistant. Should the cam-
era get wet from rain, splashing water, or any other liquid, wipe it off immediately with
a dry soft cloth.
•
Ensure that the camera is not subjected to substantial vibrations, shocks or pressure.
Place the camera on a cushion for protection when the camera is subjected to the
vibrations of a motorbike, car, or ship, etc.
•
•
•
•
•
The liquid crystal display will become black at temperatures of approximately 60°C
(140°F) but will return to normal when normal temperatures are returned to.
The response speed of the liquid crystal display becomes slow at low temperatures.
This is due to the properties of the liquid crystal and is not a fault.
Remove dust from the lens and viewfinder using a blower or clean off dust using a
lens brush.
Periodic checks are recommended every 1 to 2 years in order to maintain high-
performance.
When the camera has not been used for a long time, confirm that it is still working
properly, particularly prior to taking important pictures (such as at a wedding or dur-
ing travelling). Pentax is not responsible for consequential damages (costs incurred as
a result of taking pictures, loss of benefits that were to be obtained through taking pic-
tures) arising from failure of this product.
•
If the camera is subjected to rapid temperature changes, condensation may form on
the inside and outside of the camera. Therefore put the camera in a bag or plastic
bag, and take the camera out when the difference in temperature has subsided.
The temperature range in which the camera can be used is 0°C to 40°C (32°F to
104°F).
Avoid contact with garbage, dirt, sand, dust, water, toxic gases, salt, etc. as this may
cause damage to the camera. If rain or drops of water get onto the camera, please
wipe dry.
•
•
•
•
Refer to “Precautions When Using an SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard” (p.17) regard-
ing the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard.
Be sure to use the rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI7 provided for this camera. If
you use any other battery the camera may be damaged or malfunction.
2
To users of this camera
•
There is a possibility that recorded data may be erased or that the camera may
not function correctly when used in surroundings such as installations generating
strong electromagnetic radiation or magnetic fields.
•
The liquid crystal panel used in the LCD display is manufactured using extreme-
ly high precision technology. Although the level of functioning pixels is 99.99% or
better, you should be aware that 0.01% or fewer of the pixels may not illuminate
or may illuminate when they should not. However, this has no effect on the
recorded image.
•
There is a possibility that the illustrations and the display screen of the LCD
monitor in this manual are different form the actual product.
3
Contents
FOR SAFE USE OF YOUR CAMERA ·····················································1
Care to be Taken During Handling ···························································2
Contents ···································································································4
Contents of the Operating Manual ···························································7
Checking the Contents of the Package ····················································8
Name of Parts ··························································································9
Names of Operating Parts ····································································10
Getting Started ············································································11
Attaching the Strap ··························································································11
Powering the Camera ······················································································12
Charging the Battery ··············································································12
Installing the Battery ··············································································13
Using the AC Adapter (optional) ····························································15
Installing the SD Memory Card/
MultiMediaCard ·······························································································16
Turning the Camera On and Off ······································································18
Adjusting the Viewfinder ··················································································19
Initial Settings ··································································································20
Setting the Display Language ································································20
Setting the Home Town ··········································································21
Setting the D.S.T. Mode ··········································································21
Setting the Date and Time ·····································································22
Quick Start····················································································24
Taking Still Pictures ·························································································24
Playing Back Still Pictures ···············································································26
Playing Back Images ··············································································26
Playing Back Previous or Next Images ··················································26
How to View the Recorded Images ·································································28
Common Operations ···································································30
Changing the Mode··························································································30
Using the Button Functions ··············································································31
Capture Mode ························································································31
Playback Mode ·······················································································33
Using the Menus ·····························································································34
How to Set the Menus ············································································34
Menu List ································································································36
Taking Pictures ············································································38
Displaying Shooting Information (Capture Mode) ············································38
Setting the Shooting Functions ········································································40
Selecting the Focus Mode ·····································································40
Selecting the Flash Mode ······································································42
Selecting the Recorded Pixels ·······························································43
Selecting the Quality Levels ···································································44
Adjusting the Color Balance according to Lighting (White Balance) ·····45
Changing the AF Area (Focusing Area) ·················································47
Setting the Light Metering Range to Determine the Exposure
(AE Metering) ·························································································48
4
Setting the Sensitivity ·············································································49
Setting the Instant Review time (Instant Review) ··································50
Setting the Image Sharpness (Sharpness) ············································51
Setting the Color Saturation (Saturation) ···············································52
Setting the Image Contrast (Contrast) ···················································53
Taking Pictures ·································································································54
Letting the Camera Set the Exposure (Program Mode) ························54
Setting the Aperture Value (Aperture Priority Mode) ·····························55
Setting the Shutter Speed (Shutter Priority Mode) ································56
Setting the Exposure Manually (Manual Exposure Mode) ·····················57
Selecting the Picture Mode According to the Shooting ························59
Scene (Picture mode) ············································································59
Taking Movie Pictures (Movie Picture Mode) ·········································61
Taking Panorama Pictures (Panorama Assist Mode) ·····························63
Taking Stereo Pictures (3D Image Mode) ··············································65
Taking Pictures with Digital Filters (Digital Filter Mode) ·························70
Using Preset Function Settings (User Mode) ········································72
Recording Sound (Voice Recording Mode) ············································73
Using the Zoom ······················································································74
EV Compensation ··················································································76
Using the Self-Timer ··············································································77
Using the Remote Control Unit (optional) ··············································78
Continuous Shooting ··············································································79
Taking Pictures at Fixed Intervals (Interval Shooting) ····························80
Superimposing One Picture on Top of Another
(Multiple Exposure Mode) ······································································82
Automatically Changing the Shooting Conditions (Auto bracket) ··········84
Taking Fast Forward Movie Pictures (Fast Fwd Movie) ·························86
Saving the Settings (Memory)··········································································87
Saving the Menu Items (Memory) ··························································87
Registering Functions in User Mode ······················································88
Playback/Erasing ·········································································89
Playing Back Images and Sound ····································································89
Playing Back Still Pictures ······································································89
Zoom Display ·························································································89
Adding a Voice Memo ············································································90
Playing Back Movie Pictures ··································································91
Playing Back Sound ···············································································92
Playing back Shooting Information (Playback Mode) ·····························93
Nine-image Display ················································································94
Slideshow ·······························································································95
Erasing Images ·······························································································96
Erasing a Single Image or Sound ··························································96
Erasing All Images ·················································································98
Protecting Images from Deletion (Protect) ·············································99
Viewing Images on a TV ················································································100
Setting the Printing Service (DPOF) ·····························································101
Printing Single Image ···········································································101
Printing All Images ···············································································103
5
Viewing Images with your PC ·······································································104
About the included software ·································································104
System environment ············································································104
Installing the software ··········································································105
Displaying and copying images using ACDSee™ ·······························112
Joining panorama images using ACD photostitcher ····························113
Disconnecting the camera from your computer ···································116
Viewing Images with your Macintosh ····························································118
About the included software ·································································118
System environment ············································································118
Installing the software ··········································································118
Displaying and copying images using ACDSee™ ·······························120
Disconnecting the camera from your Macintosh ··································121
Editing/Settings ·········································································123
Editing Images ·······························································································123
Changing the Image Size ·····································································123
Trimming Images ··················································································125
Camera Settings ····························································································126
Formatting a SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard ··································126
Changing the Sound Settings ······························································127
Setting the Date Style ··········································································129
Changing the Date/Time ······································································130
Setting the World Time ·········································································130
Changing the Display Language ··························································132
Changing the Video Output Format ·····················································132
Changing the Start-up Screen ·····························································133
LCD Power Saving (Sleep Timeout) ····················································134
Setting Auto Power Off ·········································································134
Setting the Quick Delete Function ·······················································135
Setting the Quick Zoom Function ·························································135
Registering Functions ··········································································136
Adjusting the Focus Limit ·····································································138
Resetting to Default Settings (Reset) ···················································138
Setting the Alarm ···························································································139
Checking the Alarm ··············································································139
Setting the Alarm ·················································································139
Turning the Alarm Off ···········································································140
Appendix ····················································································141
List of City Names ·························································································141
List of Menu Default Settings ········································································142
Adjustable [Rec.Mode] Menu Items by Shooting Mode ································144
Messages ······································································································145
Troubleshooting ·····························································································147
Optional Accessories ·····················································································150
WARRANTY POLICY ····················································································151
Main Specifications ·······················································································152
6
Contents of the Operating Manual
This Operating manual contains the following chapters.
b Getting Started
This chapter explains what you need to do after purchasing the camera
before you start taking pictures. Be sure to read it and follow the instructions.
b Quick Start
This chapter explains the simplest way to take pictures and play back images.
Use it if you want to start taking pictures straightaway. It also tells you how to
use the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard.
b Common Operations
This chapter explains common operations such as the functions of the mode
dial and buttons, and how to use the menus. For more details, refer to the
respective [Taking Pictures], [Playback/Erasing] and [Editing/Settings] chapters.
b Taking Pictures
This chapter explains the various ways of capturing images and
how to set the relevant functions.
b Playback/Erasing
This chapter explains how to play back images on the camera or
on a TV and how to delete images.
b Editing/Settings
This chapter explains how to edit images and set the camera-related func-
tions.
b Appendix
This tells you about the messages displayed on the LCD monitor and what
to do in the event of trouble.
The meanings of the symbols used in this Operating manual are
explained below.
indicates the reference page number for an
ꢀ
memo
explanation of the related operation.
indicates information that is useful to know.
indicates precautions to be taken when
operating the camera.
Caution
The icons above the title show the Capture
modes, that can activate the function.
Contents of the Package
7
Checking the Contents of the Package
Battery charger
(D-BC7) (∗)
Camera
Optio 550
Lithium-ion battery
D-LI7
(Rechargeable) (∗)
AV cable
I-AVC7 (∗)
USB cable
I-USB7 (∗)
AC plug cord
D-C02 (∗)
Software (CD-ROM)
S-SW7
Strap
O-ST5 (∗)
3D Image Viewer
O-3DV1
Digital Camera
Operating Manual
To
ensure the best performance from
your camera, please read the Operating
Manual before using the camera.
Operating Manual
this manual
About items marked with (∗)
∗ Items marked with (∗) are also available as optional accessories. For other option-
al accessories, refer to the list on page 150.
✽ Type of AC plug cord
D-CO2A Australia / D-CO2B United Kingdom / D-CO2E Europe / D-CO2H
Hong Kong / D-CO2J Japan / D-CO2K Korea / D-CO2U North America,
8
Canada
Name of Parts
Front
Remote control receiver
Shutter release button
Self-timer lamp
Power switch
Autofocus window
Speaker
Viewfinder
Built-in flash
Microphone
Lens
Back
Viewfinder
LCD monitor
Strap lug
Terminal cover
USB/AV output
terminal
DC input terminal
Battery lock lever
Battery chamber/card cover
Tripod socket
9
Names of Operating Parts
Diopter adjustment lever
/
button
/DPOF button
Power switch
Shutter release button
Mode dial
Zoom /
/
button
button
/
Playback button
OK button
Four-way controller
(̆̄̇̈)
Display button
Status lamp (green)
Flash lamp (red)
Menu/Fn button
b Guide indications
A guide to available button operation is displayed on the LCD monitor during
operation. The buttons are indicated as shown below.
Four-way controller (
)
̆
̆
Zoom /
/
button (Only
for digital zoom and magni-
fied playback)
Four-way controller (
Four-way controller (
Four-way controller (
Menu/Fn button
)
̄
)
̇
)
̈
DISPLAY button
DPOF button
̄
̇
̈
button
button
OK button
Shutter release button
10
Getting Started
Attaching the Strap
Pass the narrow end of the strap through the strap lug and pass
the other end through the loop.
11
Powering the Camera
Battery
Charging
indicator
To power outlet
c
x
Battery charger
z
AC plug cord
Charging the Battery
When using the camera for the first time or when the [Battery
depleted.] message is displayed, charge the battery.
z Connect the AC plug cord to the battery charger.
x Plug the AC plug cord into the power outlet.
c
Place the battery in the charger with the label facing up.
The charging indicator lights red while the battery is charging
and changes to green when charging is completed.
v When charging is completed, remove the battery from the
battery charger.
•
The time required for full charge is about 180 minutes maximum.
The appropriate ambient temperature range for charging the
battery is 0°C-40°C (32°F to 104°F).
memo
•
•
The charging time may vary depending on the ambient tempera-
ture and charging conditions.
When the battery reaches the end of its service life, the time
that the camera can be operated becomes shorter even when
the battery is fully charged. In this event, replace the battery.
Caution
• Always charge the battery after purchasing or when it has
not been used for a long time.
• Use the Battery charge D-BC7 to charge the rechargeable
Lithium-ion battery D-LI7 only as the charger may overheat
or be damaged.
•
If the battery is inserted correctly but the charging indicator fails
to light, the battery may be faulty. Replace with a new battery.
12
x
Battery chamber
card cover
z
Battery
Battery
lock lever
x
Installing the Battery
Install the battery provided. When using the camera for the first
time, charge the battery before installing.
z Slide the battery chamber/card cover in the direction indi-
cated by the arrow to open the battery chamber/card
cover.
x Insert the battery with the label facing towards the lens
while using the side of the battery to press the battery
lock lever in the direction indicated by the arrow.
When you have inserted the battery, check that it is firmly
secured by the battery lock lever.
c Close the battery chamber cover.
To remove the battery, release the battery by using your finger
to press the battery lock lever in the same direction as when
you inserted the battery, and pull the battery out.
If you intend to use the camera continuously for a long period, use
of the AC adapter D-AC7 (optional) is recommended. (ꢀ p.15)
memo
• The rechargeable lithium-ion battery D-LI7 is exclusively for
powering this camera. If you use any other battery the
camera may be damaged or malfunction.
Caution
• Do not remove the battery when the camera is turned on.
• If you do not intend to use the camera for a long time,
remove the battery.
• If the camera is left without the battery for a long time, the
date setting will be reset.
• Insert the battery correctly. If the battery is incorrectly ori-
ented, it may cause malfunction.
13
G Approximate Operating Time (when the D-LI7 battery is fully
charged)
Number of recordable images:Approx. 400 (when 50% shooting
uses flash, LCD monitor ON)
Playback time
:Approx. 210 min.
* The description above is based on Pentax measuring conditions and
may vary depending on capture mode and shooting conditions.
Caution
Generally, battery performance is temporarily deteriorate as
temperature decreases. When the camera is used in a cold
environment, keep this product warm by holding it in some
protection against cold or inside the clothes. Battery perfor-
mance once deteriorated due to low temperature will be
recovered when the batteries are returned to room tempera-
ture.
G Battery Level Indicator
You can check the battery level by the
the LCD monitor.
symbol displayed on
(lit green)
(lit green)
(lit yellow)
(lit red)
: Adequate power remains.
: Battery is running low.
↓
↓
↓
↓
: Battery is running very low.
: Battery is exhausted.
[Battery depleted.] : After the message is displayed,
the camera will turn off.
14
AC adapter
To power outlet
v
z
c
Terminal cover
x
AC plug cord
Using the AC Adapter (optional)
If you intend to use the LCD monitor for a long time or connect the
camera to a PC, use of the AC adapter D-AC7 (optional) is recom-
mended.
z Make sure that the camera is turned off and opening the
terminal cover.
x Connect the DC terminal on the AC adapter to the DC
input terminal on the camera.
c Connect the AC plug cord to the AC adapter.
v Plug the AC plug cord into the power outlet.
• Make sure that the camera is turned off when connecting
or disconnecting the AC adapter.
Caution
• Make sure that the AC plug cord and connecting cord are
inserted securely. If the cord becomes disconnected while
you are taking pictures, the data may be lost.
• When using the AC adapter D-AC7, be sure to read the
operating manual accompanying the AC adapter.
15
Installing the SD Memory Card/
MultiMediaCard
SD Memory Card/
MultiMediaCard
Battery chamber/
card cover
MultiMediaCards and the SD Memory Card can be used with this
camera. Captured images or recorded voice are recorded on the
SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard. Make sure that the camera is
turned off before inserting or removing the SD Memory Card/
MultiMediaCard.
z
x
Open the battery chamber/card cover.
Rotate the card with the surface of the card having the
bol facing towards the lens and with the pin-connector edge of
the card towards the slot and insert fully until it clicks.
If the card is not inserted correctly, images and voice memos
may not be recorded properly.
̆
sym-
c
Close the battery chamber/card cover.
To remove the card, eject the card by pressing it in the direc-
tion indicated by the arrow, and pull it out.
b Approximate Number of Recordable Images and
Recorded pixels/Quality levels
Quality levels
Recorded pixels
Best
(ȢȢȢ)
Better
(ȢȢ)
Good
(Ȣ)
Movie images
(320 × 240) recording
voice
2592 × 1944
2048 × 1536
1600 × 1200
1024 × 0768
0640 × 0480
Approx. 4 Approx. 8 Approx. 14
Approx. 7 Approx. 12 Approx. 18
Approx. 11 Approx. 20 Approx. 27
Approx. 25 Approx. 45 Approx. 56
Approx. 53 Approx. 82 Approx. 100
Approx.
40sec.
Approx.
30min.
•
•
The above table indicates the number of images when using a 16MB
SD Memory Card.
As TIFF data is uncompressed, it cannot be stored on a 16MB SD
Memory Card/MultiMedia card. To take pictures in TIFF format, use a
card with a capacity of 32MB or more.
The above table is based on standard shooting conditions specified by
PENTAX and may vary depending on the subject, shooting conditions,
capture mode, SD Memory Card, etc.
•
16
b Precautions When Using a SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard
• Make sure that the camera is turned off before opening the battery cham-
ber/card cover.
Write-pro-
tect switch
• The SD Memory Card is equipped with a write-protect switch.
Setting the switch to [LOCK] protects the existing data by pro-
hibiting recording of new data, deletion of existing data or for-
matting of the card.
• The SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard formatted by the other equipment than
this camera cannot be used for PC, etc. Formatting must be done by this
camera.
• Care should be taken if you remove the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard
immediately after using the camera, as the card may be hot.
• Do not remove the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard or turn the camera off
while data is being recorded on the card or transferred to PC using USB
cable as this may cause the data to be lost or the card to be damaged.
• Do not bend the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard or subject it to violent
impact. Keep it away from water and store away from high temperature.
• Be sure to format unused SD Memory Card/multimedia cards or SD Memory
Card/multimedia cards that have been used on another camera. Refer to
“Formatting a SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard” (p.126) for instructions on
formatting.
• Never remove the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard during formatting as this
may cause the card to be damaged and become unusable.
• The data on the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard may be erased in the fol-
lowing circumstances. Pentax does not accept any liability for data that is
erased
• when the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard is mishandled by the user.
• when the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard is exposed to static electricity or
electrical interference.
• when the card has not been used for a long time.
• when the card is ejected, the AC adapter is disconnected or the battery is
removed while the data on the card is being accessed.
• The SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard has a limited service life. If it is not
used for a long time, the data on the card may become unreadable. Be sure
to make a backup of important data on a PC.
• Avoid using or storing the card where it may be exposed to static electricity or
electrical interference.
• Avoid using or storing the card in direct sunlight or where it may be exposed
to rapid changes in temperature or to condensation.
17
Turning the Camera On and Off
Power switch
z
z
Press the power switch.
The camera will turn on.
When the camera is turned on the lens cover opens and
the lens extends.
Press the power switch again to turn the camera off.
Card Check
When the camera is turned on, it auto-
000
matically performs a card check. If no SD
Memory Card/MultiMediaCard has been
inserted,
tor.
appears on the LCD moni-
1/250
F2.8
02/20/2003
11:19
And if the write-protect switch is set to
LOCK, will be displayed instead of
, and the images or sound cannot be recorded.
18
Adjusting the Viewfinder
z
Viewfinder
If the subject through the viewfinder are hard to see, you can
adjust the diopter in the range of –3 m–1 to +1 m–1 (per meter).
z
Aim the camera at the bright subject. While looking
through the viewfinder, move the diopter adjustment
lever to the left or right until the subject appears in the
sharpest focus.
For easy adjustment, point the camera at a subject with
clearly defined outlines.
19
Initial Settings
Power switch
Four-way controller
OK button
Display button
Menu button
If the initial settings screen appears when you turn the camera
on, follow the procedure below to set the display language,
Home Town, DST, video output format and current date and
time. If the date and time that appear at the bottom right of the
LCD monitor when you turn the camera on for the first time is
not the current time, follow the instructions for “Changing the
Date/Time” (p.130) to set the correct date and time.
Setting the Display Language
You can choose the language in which the menus, error mes-
sages, etc. are displayed from the following: English, French,
German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese.
Initial settings
z
x
Turn the camera on.
Language/
English
NYC
Use the four-way controller (̇̈)
to select the display language.
The default setting is English.
City
DST
c
MENU
OK
Ok
Press the four-way controller (̄).
The screen for setting the next item
will be displayed.
Exit
•
You can change the setting after it has been made. Refer to
“Changing the Display Language” (p.132).
memo
20
Setting the Home Town
You can choose the city (Home Town) in
which you will use the camera.
Initial settings
Language/
English
NYC
City
DST
z
x
Press the four-way controller (̇̈)
to select the desired city (Home
Town).
MENU
OK
Ok
Exit
Press the four-way controller (̄).
The screen for setting the next item will be displayed.
•
•
See p.141 for the list of cities and corresponding code names.
You can change the setting after it has been made. Refer to
“Setting the World Time” (p.130).
memo
Setting the D.S.T. Mode
You can choose whether or not to display the
Saving Time) mode.
(Daylight
z
x
Use the four-way controller (̇̈)
to select or
The default setting is
.
Initial settings
Language/
(Off).
English
NYC
City
DST
Press the four-way controller (̄).
The screen for setting the next item
will be displayed.
MENU
OK
Ok
Exit
•
You can change the setting after it has been made. Refer to
“Setting the World Time” (p.130).
memo
21
Setting the Date and Time
Set the current date and time.
z
Use the four-way controller (̆̄)
to change the month.
Date Adjust
01 / 01 / 2003
0 : 00
MENU
DISP
OK
Exit
12/24
Ok
Ok
Ok
x
Press the four-way controller (̈).
̆ and ̄ will be displayed above
and below the day.
Date Adjust
02 / 01 / 2003
0 : 00
MENU
DISP
OK
Exit
12/24
c
v
Use the four-way controller (̆̄)
to change the day and press the
four-way controller (̈).
Date Adjust
02 / 20 / 2003
0 : 00
and ̄ will be displayed above
̆
and below the year.
MENU
DISP
OK
Exit
12/24
c
Repeat Step
to change the
Date Adjust
[year] [hour] and [minutes].
02 / 20 / 2003
0 : 00
MENU
DISP
OK
Ok
Exit
12/24
b
Use the Display button to select
the 12-hour or 24-hour display
format.
Date Adjust
02 / 20 / 2003
11 : 19 PM
MENU
DISP
OK
Exit
12/24
Ok
22
n
When you have finished the settings, press the OK but-
ton when the clock reaches 00 seconds.
The camera is ready to take a picture.
When you set date and time except the initial settings,
press the OK button again after pressing the OK button
when the clock reaches 00 seconds to return to capture
mode.
•
•
For an accurate time setting, when you have finished the set-
tings, press the OK button when the clock reaches 00 seconds.
When the initial settings screen is displayed, you can cancel
the settings operation and switch to Capture mode by press-
ing the MENU/Fn button. If this is done, the initial settings
screen will be displayed next time you turn the camera on.
You can change the settings after they have been made.
Refer to “Changing the Date/Time” (p.130).
memo
•
23
Quick Start
Taking Still Pictures
Shutter
release button
Mode dial
Power switch
Viewfinder
Zoom /
/
button
LCD monitor
For the simplest procedure to take still pictures:
The flash fires automatically depending on the light conditions.
z
Press the power switch.
The camera will turn on.
200
x
c
Set the mode dial to
.
Confirm the subject and shoot-
ing information on the LCD
monitor.
The focus area in the middle of
the LCD monitor indicates the
zone of automatic focusing.You
can change the size of the sub-
ject by pressing the Zoom but-
ton.
1/250
F2.8
02/20/2003
11:19
Focus Area
: makes the subject bigger.
: makes the subject smaller.
You can check the size of the subject by looking through
the viewfinder.
As there is no focus area in the viewfinder, be sure to
check the focusing area on the LCD monitor.
memo
24
v
Press the shutter release button.
The image will be displayed on the LCD monitor for 2
seconds (Instant Review) and recorded on the SD
Memory Card/MultiMediaCard. (The green and red
lamps on the right of the viewfinder blink alternately
while the image is being recorded on the SD Memory
Card/MultiMediaCard.)
Using the Shutter Release Button
The shutter release button works in a two-step action.
b Press halfway
When the shutter release button is pressed lightly
(halfway), the focus and exposure are locked.
They remain locked while the button is pressed halfway,
and the shutter speed and aperture are displayed on the
LCD monitor.
You can find the following information on the LCD monitor,
the status lamp and the flash lamp.
ቢ
ባ
Autofocus area
If the subject is in focus, the frame will light green. If the
subject is out of focus, the frame will not appear.
Focus status lamp & Flash status lamp
status
Focus status lamp (green)
Flash status lamp (red)
lit
Subject is in focus
Flash is charged
blink
Subject is out of focus
Flash is charging
You cannot take a picture while the flash is charging.
b Pressed down fully
The picture is taken.
Instant Review
The Instant Review default setting is 2 seconds. During this
time you can delete the image by pressing the
button
(The [Delete] menu will be displayed.), and selecting
[Delete], and then pressing the OK button. To start recording
a voice memo, press the OK button during Instant Review.
Press the OK button again to stop recording.
Setting the Instant Review Time
p.50
ꢀ
25
Quick Start
Playing Back Still Pictures
LCD monitor
Playback button
Four-way controller
Playing Back Images
You can display the still picture.
z
Press the Playback button after taking a picture.
The image taken will be displayed on the LCD monitor.
Playing Back Previous or Next Images
Still images can be played back one at a time, proceeding
either forward or backward.
z
Press the Playback button after taking a picture.
An image will be displayed on the LCD monitor.
x
Press the four-way controller (̇̈).
displays the previous image.
displays the next image.
26
Erasing the image displayed on the LCD monitor
File No.
While the image is displayed, you
can erase it by pressing the
but-
100-0020
ton (The Delete screen will be dis-
played.), press the four-way controller
(̆) to select [Delete], and then
pressing the OK button.
Press the Playback button or press
the shutter release button halfway to
return to shooting status.
Delete
Cancel
MENU
OK
Exit
Ok
•
When you turn the camera on while pressing the Playback
memo
button, the camera turns on in Playback Only mode. As
the lens does not extend in Playback Only mode, this fea-
ture is useful when you want to pass the camera to some-
one and show them the picture you have just taken. To
switch to the Capture mode, turn the camera off and then
turn it on again.
•
•
•
•
You can enlarge the image displayed on the LCD monitor
by pressing the Zoom/
/
button.
When the screen is changed to the playback screen, the
image with the largest file number will be displayed first.
In the case of movie pictures, the first frame will be dis-
played.
If there are no images stored, the [No image] message
will be displayed.
Zoom Display
Adding a Voice Memo
p.89
ꢀ
p.90
ꢀ
27
Quick Start
How to View the Recorded Images
Images taken with the Optio 550
camera are recorded on the SD
Memory Card/MultiMediaCard.You
can view the images recorded on
the card on the camera itself, trans-
fer them to your PC and print them
out.
Viewing images on the camera
One of the advantages of a digital
camera is that it enables you to view
your pictures immediately after you
have taken them.You can check the
composition and focus and take the
picture again if you are not satisfied.
Playing Back Images and Sound ꢀ p.89~p.95
Viewing images on a TV
If you want to show your pictures to friends, you can display
them on your TV monitor. To view images on your TV, con-
nect the camera to the TV with the AV cable.
Viewing Images on a TV ꢀ p.100
28
Viewing images on a PC
You can view recorded images and edit them on the PC just
by connecting the camera to the PC with the USB cable and
downloading the images (you need to install the USB driver if
you are using Windows 98). Or you can remove the SD
Memory Card/MultiMediaCard from the camera and transfer
the data to your PC using a card reader. If you use a laptop
computer, you can transfer the image data by fitting the SD
Memory Card/MultiMediaCard into the card adapter and
inserting the card adapter into the card slot.
Viewing Images with your PC ꢀ p.104
Viewing Images with your Macintosh ꢀ p.118
Printing images by a printing service
Prints of images recorded on the SD Memory
Card/MultiMediaCard can be ordered in the same way as
with conventional photographs by taking the SD Memory
Card/MultiMediaCard to a store that performs printing.
The number of prints can be specified and dates can be includ-
ed in the prints if DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) is set before
taking the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard to a store that per-
forms DPOF printing.
Setting the Printing Service ꢀ p.101
29
Common Operations
Changing the Mode
Capture mode is for taking pictures and voice recording.
Playback mode is for playing back or erasing images and
sound.
Switching Between Capture Mode and Playback Mode
• To change from Capture mode to Playback mode, press the
Playback button.
• To change from Playback mode to Capture mode, press the
Playback button or the shutter release button halfway.
Selecting the Capture Mode
z
Turn the mode dial so that the mark is on
or
.
Manual exposure
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Program
You can set the shutter speed and
aperture manually.
p.57
p.56
p.55
p.54
p.59
p.61
p.63
p.65
p.70
p.72
p.73
You can set the shutter speed manually,
and the aperture is set automatically.
You can set the aperture manually, and
the shutter speed is set automatically.
The shutter speed and aperture are set
automatically when taking still pictures.
You can select a shooting mode from 9
modes according to the scene you are taking.
Picture
This mode is for taking moving
images. (Sound can also be recorded.)
Movie picture
Panorama
This mode is for taking panorama
pictures.
This mode is for taking 3D pic-
tures.
3D
This mode is for taking pictures using a vari-
ety of filters such as red, blue and green.
Digital filter
User mode
Voice recording
The functions are set in advance and the settings
are enabled whenever the camera is turned on.
This mode is for recording sound.
30
Using the Button Functions
ቢ
ባ
ቤ
ብ
ቦ
ቧ
ቨቩ
ቪ
ቫ
ቭ
Capture Mode
ቢ
ባ
ቤ
Diopter adjustment lever
Adjusts the viewfinder for optimum clarity. (
button
p.19)
ꢀ
Changes the flash mode. (
p.42)
ꢀ
button
Changes the shooting mode as follows.
Using the self-timer ( p.77)
ꢀ
Using the remote control unit (
p.78)
ꢀ
Continuous shooting (
Multiple exposure shooting (
p.79)
ꢀ
p.82)
ꢀ
Interval shooting (
p.80)
ꢀ
*When the Capture mode is set to
, continuous
shooting, multiple exposure shooting and Interval shooting
mode will be skipped.
ብ
ቦ
button
Changes the focus mode. (
Zoom button
p.40)
ꢀ
Changes the size of the subject. (
p.74)
ꢀ
31
ቧ
ቨ
Playback button
Switches to Playback mode. (
Four-way controller (̇̈)
p.30)
ꢀ
Changes the EV compensation in modes other than
. ( p.76)
and
ꢀ
Changes the shutter speed in
mode. (
p.57)
ꢀ
ቩ
ቪ
Four-way controller (̆̄)
Adjusts the focus in
mode. (
p.41)
mode. (
ꢀ
Sets the aperture value in
Sets the shutter speed in
Selects the type of filter in
Selects Picture mode in
OK button
p.57, 55)
and
mode. (
mode. (
ꢀ
p.56)
p.70)
p.59)
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
mode. (
Sets the selected menu item. (
p.34)
ꢀ
When pressed in
mode, the function on the four-way
controller (̆̄) reverts to the function set by the mode dial.
Display button
Changes the information displayed on the LCD monitor.
ቫ
ቭ
(
p.38)
ꢀ
Menu/Fn button
Displays the active menus in Capture mode and retrieves the
functions registered on the four-way controller. (
p.34, 137)
ꢀ
32
ቢ
ባ
ቤ
ብ
ቦ
ቧ
ቨ
ቩ
ቪ
Playback Mode
ቢ
ባ
ቤ
ብ
button
Protects the image from erasure. (
DPOF button
Sets the DPOF data for printing pictures. (
button
Deletes the image. (
p.99)
ꢀ
p.101)
ꢀ
p.96)
ꢀ
button
Zoom /
/
displays nine images at once. (
p.94)
ꢀ
Press –
in normal mode to change the size of the Zoom
Display image, displayed on the LCD monitor. (
p.89)
ꢀ
ቦ
ቧ
ቨ
Playback button (
p.30)
ꢀ
Switches to Capture mode.
Four-way controller (̇̈)
Displays images one by one. (
OK button
p.26)
ꢀ
Saves the function selected by the menu item. (
When pressed in Normal Playback mode, the voice memo
starts, and when pressed again, the voice memo stops.
p.34)
ꢀ
(
p.90)
ꢀ
When pressed in Zoom Display or Nine-image Display mode,
changes to Normal Playback mode. (
Display button
Changes the information displayed on the LCD monitor. (
p.89, 94)
ꢀ
ቩ
ቪ
p.93)
ꢀ
Menu/Fn button
Displays the active menus in Playback mode. (
p.34)
ꢀ
33
Using the Menus
When you press the Menu/Fn button, the menus are displayed on the
LCD monitor.You can set functions, save the settings, and change the
camera settings on these menus.
How to Set the Menus
When you are making settings from a menu, a guide to opera-
tion is displayed on the LCD monitor.
z
Press the Menu/Fn button.
The menu screen will be displayed. The selected area will
be underlined in green.
x
c
Press the four-way controller (̇̈).
Use the four-way controller (̇̈) to select the menu screen.
Use the four-way controller (̆̄) to select an item.
Use the four-way controller (̆̄) to move the frame up or
down.
v
v
Use the four-way controller (̇̈) to change the setting.
’
If there is a select screen, use the four-way controller (̈)
to move to the select screen.
b
Press the OK button.
The settings will be saved and the screen will return to cap-
ture or playback status.
If the menu screen is not exited, press the OK button again.
• If you press any buttons except the OK button before
press the OK button and leave the menu screen, any
changes to setting will not be saved.
Caution
• Even if you press the OK button and leave the menu
screen, if you remove the battery before turning off the
camera or do not otherwise turn off the camera correctly,
any changes to setting will not be saved.
34
Example of menu operation
z Menu/Fn button
x
[
Rec.Mode] menu
Rec. Mode
[
Playback] menu
Playback
[
Set-up] menu
Set-up
Recorded Pixels 2592 1944
Quality Level
Resize
Trimming
Alarm
Format
Sound
Date Style
Date Adjust
World Time
Language/
White Balance
Focusing Area
AE Metering
Sensitivity
AWB
Wide
Off
3sec
mm/dd/yy
1/ 1/2003
Off
Slideshow
Auto
English
MENU
OK
Ok
MENU
OK
Exit
MENU
OK
1/3
Exit
Ok
1/3
Exit
Ok
c
c
c
Rec. Mode
Recorded Pixels
Quality Level
White Balance
Focusing Area
AE Metering
Sensitivity
2592 1944
AWB
Wide
Auto
OK
Ok
MENU
1/3
Exit
v
v
Rec. Mode
Rec. Mode
Recorded Pixels 2592 1944
Quality Level
White Balance
Focusing Area
AE Metering
Sensitivity
Recorded Pixels 2592 1944
Quality Level
White Balance
Focusing Area
AE Metering
Sensitivity
AWB
Wide
AWB
Wide
Auto
Auto
MENU
OK
Ok
MENU
OK
Ok
1/3
Exit
1/3
Exit
’
Select screen
Interval Shoot
Rec. Mode
Auto Bracket
Digital Zoom
Instant Review
Interval Shoot
Fast Fwd Movie
3D Mode
Interval
On
2sec
1min 10sec
02
Number of Shot
Start Time
Off
Parallel
0hr 0min
OK
Ok
MENU
MENU
OK
Ok
Exit
2/3
Exit
c
To the next screen
•
•
If you press the shutter release button halfway and move the camera to
Capture mode, any changes to the setting will not be saved.
memo
When you display the menu from Capture mode, the [
will be displayed, and when you display the menu from Playback mode, the
Playback] menu will be displayed.
Rec. Mode] menu
[
35
Menu List
b [
Rec.Mode] Menu
Item
Description
Reference
p.43
Recorded Pixels
For selecting the size of recorded pixels.
For selecting the image compression rate.
p.44
p.45
p.47
p.48
Quality Level
White Balance
For adjusting the color balance according to lighting.
For changing the Area of the autofocus.
Focusing Area
For setting the metering method to determine the exposure.
AE Metering
Sensitivity
For setting the sensitivity.
p.49
For setting the shooting conditions such as exposure, saturation and
sharpness.
p.84
p.75
Auto Bracket
Digital Zoom
Instant Review
Interval Shoot
For taking digital zoom pictures.
For setting the instant review time.
p.50
p.80
p.86
For taking pictures specified interval of time.
For delaying the frame rate when taking movie pictures (so that the
movie appears speeded up when played back)
Fast Fwd Movie
3D Mode
Memory
For taking 3D pictures.
p.65
p.87
p.51
For saving the shooting function settings when the camera is turned
off.
Sharpness
Saturation
Contrast
For setting the sharpness.
For setting the saturation.
p.52
p.53
p.88
For setting the contrast.
USER
For setting the functions registered in User mode.
Please refer to pages 142 to 144 for List of Menu Default settings and the adjustable
[Rec. mode] menu items by shooting mode.
36
b [
Playback] Menu
Item
Description
Reference
p.123
Resize
Trimming
Alarm
For changing the size of images
p.125
p.139
p.95
For trimming images
For setting the alarm to ring at specified time
Recorded images are played successively.
Slideshow
b [ Set-up] Menu
Item
Description
Reference
p.126
Format
For formatting the SD Memory Card/MultiMediaCard
For adjusting the beep sound when a button is pressed
For setting the button operation, start-up, shutter sounds and volume.
p.127
p.129
Sound
Date Style
Date Adjust
World Time
For setting the date style
For adjusting the date and time
For setting the world time
p.130
p.130
p.132
p.133
p.132
p.134
p.134
For changing the language in which menus and messages are dis-
played
Language/
Start-up screen
Video Out
For setting the Start-up screen when the camera is turned on
For setting the video output format
Sleep Timeout
Auto Power Off
For setting the power saving function
For turning off the power automatically.
When this option is turned on, the Delete screen is displayed with
[Delete] or [All Images] selected.
p.135
p.135
p.136
p.138
p.138
Quick Delete
Quick Zoom
Fn Setting
Focus Limiter
Reset
For playing back images at the maximum zoom size with the Zoom
button pressed only once.
For registering a function on the four-way controller.
For switching between limiting and not limiting lens movement dur-
ing normal shooting and macro shooting.
For returning the camera settings to defaults
37
Taking Pictures
Displaying Shooting Information (Capture Mode)
You can display information on the LCD monitor when shooting.
The display mode can be changed by pressing the Display but-
ton.
123 4 5
6
Display On
198
Shooting information is displayed.
q Flash mode w Drive mode
e Focus mode r Capture mode
t AF area
y Number of images can be taken
u Data & time i Battery indicator
02/20/2003
11:19
8
7
Histogram Display
The brightness distribution of the image is dis-
played.
23
1
The x-axis shows the brightness (dark-
est at the left end and brightest at the
right end) and the y-axis shows the
pixel numbers.
q Recorded pixels w Quality level
e White balance r AE metering
t Sensitivity y Histogram
035
2592
AWB
AUTO
6
54
•
When the focus mode is set to
Autofocus mode, the AF area
frame is displayed.
Grid Display
The grid is displayed. This is useful for
composing detailed pictures.
• When the focus mode is set to
Autofocus mode, the AF area
frame is displayed.
Go to next page
38
|