CANON POWERSHOT A20 (01) PDF Document

Follow these steps to quickly start shooting with your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

Step 1. Install the batteries: Slide the battery cover lock, open the cover, and insert the four AA batteries.

Step 2. Install the CF card: Open the CF card slot cover and insert a CF card.

Step 3. Turn the camera on: Hold the main switch down until the indicator next to the viewfinder starts flashing green. If the Set Date/Time menu appears, set the date and time.

Step 4. Set the mode dial: Turn the mode dial to the Auto (camera icon) setting.

Step 5. Set the focus: Aim the camera at your subject and lightly press the shutter button halfway down. The camera will beep twice when the focus is set.

Step 6. Take the shot: Press the shutter button all the way down. The camera beeps once to indicate that it has taken the shot.

Step 7. View the recorded image: The image will appear on the LCD monitor for approximately 2 seconds.

To quickly erase an image immediately after taking it on your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

Step 1. While the image is displayed on the LCD monitor right after you’ve taken it, press the trash can / WB button.

Step 2. Press the right arrow button to select [OK].

Step 3. Press the SET button to confirm and erase the image.

Step 1. Make sure that the camera power is off.

Step 2. Slide the battery cover lock and push the battery cover slightly forward. Then open the cover.

Step 3. Insert the four AA batteries as shown by the diagram inside the battery compartment, ensuring the positive (+) and negative (-) ends are correctly aligned.

Step 4. Close the battery cover securely.

Please follow these guidelines for handling batteries for your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

• Use AA-size alkaline or Canon AA-size NiMH batteries only. Never use manganese or lithium batteries, as they may overheat.

• While AA-size nickel-cadmium batteries can be used, their performance is unreliable and not recommended.

• Never mix new and partially used batteries. Always load four fresh or fully recharged batteries at the same time.

• Never mix batteries of different types or from different manufacturers. All four batteries should be identical.

• Battery performance can deteriorate in low temperatures. If you’re in a cold area, you can warm the batteries in an inner pocket before use. Be careful not to short-circuit them with metallic objects like keys.

• If you do not plan to use the camera for a long time, remove the batteries and store them in a safe place.

• When purchasing replacement alkaline batteries, buy the same type that originally came with the camera.

• Never use damaged batteries or batteries with peeled-off seals. Check store-bought batteries for defective seals before loading them.

The LCD monitor on your CANON POWERSHOT A20 displays an icon to indicate the battery level:

• Flashing battery icon: This indicates that the batteries are beginning to run low. You should replace or recharge the batteries promptly. If the LCD monitor is off, this icon will appear when you press certain buttons.

• “Change the batteries” message: This means the batteries are fully depleted, and the camera can no longer operate. You must replace the batteries immediately.

To install a CompactFlash (CF) card:

Step 1. Ensure the camera is turned off.

Step 2. Slide the CF card slot cover in the direction of the arrow and open it.

Step 3. Insert the CF card into the slot in the direction shown in the illustration, with the card label facing the back of the camera.

Step 4. Push the CF card all the way into the slot until the CF card eject button pops all the way out.

Step 5. Close the CF card slot cover securely.

To remove the CF card:

Step 1. Ensure the camera is off and open the CF card slot cover.

Step 2. Press the CF card eject button to release the card.

Step 3. Pull the card out of the slot.

Important: The upper indicator flashes green whenever the camera is recording, reading, or deleting images from the CF card. Never turn the camera off or jolt it while the indicator is flashing, as this may cause loss or damage to the data on the card.

The number of recordable images on a CF card for your CANON POWERSHOT A20 varies by resolution and compression settings. The following table provides estimates. These figures reflect standard shooting conditions and may vary.

PowerShot A20 Estimated Capacities

Resolution Key:

• L (Large): 1600 x 1200 pixels

• M (Medium): 1024 x 768 pixels

• S (Small): 640 x 480 pixels

To attach the wrist strap to your CANON POWERSHOT A20, push the looped string under and around the metal strap eyelet on the side of the camera. Then, pass the main part of the strap through the loop and pull it tight to secure it.

If the Set Date/Time menu appears when you turn on the camera, it means the date battery needs to be replaced. After replacing it, follow these steps. This menu also appears the first time you turn on the camera.

Step 1. Press the main switch to turn on the camera.

Step 2. Turn the mode dial to Auto, Manual, or Stitch Assist mode.

Step 3. Press the MENU button to display the [Rec. Menu].

Step 4. Press the left or right arrow button to select the setup icon (wrench and hammer), and then press the SET button.

Step 5. Press the left or right arrow button to select the date/time icon (clock), and then press the SET button.

Step 6. Set the date and time. Use the left or right arrow button to change the value of the highlighted field (e.g., month, day, year). Press the SET button to confirm the value and move to the next field.

Step 7. The final item selects the date display format (e.g., mm/dd/yy). Use the left or right arrow button to select your preferred format, and then press the SET button.

Step 8. Press the MENU button to exit.

To change the language for the LCD monitor displays on your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Auto, Manual, or Stitch Assist mode.

Step 2. Press the MENU button to display the [Rec. Menu].

Step 3. Press the left or right arrow button to select the setup icon (wrench and hammer), and then press the SET button.

Step 4. Press the left or right arrow button to select the language icon (speech bubble), and press the SET button.

Step 5. Use the left or right arrow button to select the desired language from the list.

Step 6. Press the SET button to confirm your selection.

Step 7. Press the MENU button to exit.

The Auto Power Down feature on your CANON POWERSHOT A20 helps conserve battery life by automatically turning the camera off after a period of inactivity.

• Shooting Mode: The power will automatically shut off approximately 3 minutes after the last function is accessed.

• Replay Mode: The power will automatically shut off approximately 5 minutes after the last function is accessed.

• Connected to Printer CP-10: The power will shut off approximately 5 minutes after the last camera function is accessed or the printer finishes printing.

• Connected to a Computer: A warning message appears on the computer screen after about 5 minutes of inactivity. The camera will shut off about 1 minute later if no functions are accessed.

To restore power after an auto power down, press the main switch again. You can also disable this function in the camera’s settings menu.

The LCD monitor on your CANON POWERSHOT A20 can be used to compose images, adjust settings, and replay images.

In Shooting Modes (Auto, Manual):

• You can use the DISPLAY button to switch the LCD monitor display on and off. The camera will remember your last setting.

In Replay Mode:

• The LCD monitor always turns on when you switch to Replay mode.

• You can press the DISPLAY button to cycle through different information displays:

• Single Image Replay: Standard display → Detailed display → No display

• Index Replay (9 images): Standard display → No display

Note: The image on the LCD monitor may appear to darken when used in bright sunlight; this is not a malfunction.

The shutter button on your CANON POWERSHOT A20 has a two-step action:

• Pressing Halfway: Press the shutter button lightly, halfway down. The camera will automatically set the focus, exposure, and white balance. When these settings are locked, the camera will beep twice, and the upper indicator will light up green.

• Pressing Fully: Press the shutter button down completely. The camera beeps once and takes the shot. The indicator will flash green while the image data is being written to the CF card.

Your CANON POWERSHOT A20 provides a few ways to review an image right after you’ve taken it:

• Automatic Review: After you press the shutter button fully and release it, the image you just took will automatically display on the LCD monitor for approximately 2 seconds. You can change this review time in the camera settings.

• Keep the shutter button down: If you continue to press the shutter button fully after taking the shot, the image will remain on the display until you release the button.

• Press the SET button: If you press the SET button while keeping the shutter button fully pressed, the image will continue to display even after you release the shutter button. To cancel this review, press the shutter button halfway.

You can adjust the zoom on your CANON POWERSHOT A20 using the zoom button on the back of the camera.

• Telephoto (Zoom In): Press the side of the zoom button with the magnifying glass plus icon to zoom in for a telephoto shot.

• Wide Angle (Zoom Out): Press the side of the zoom button with the magnifying glass minus icon to zoom out for a wide-angle shot.

Digital Zoom:

When the LCD monitor is on, you can activate the digital zoom after reaching the maximum optical telephoto setting.

Step 1. Hold down the Telephoto button until the optical zoom stops.

Step 2. Press and hold the Telephoto button again. The camera will zoom in further using the digital zoom (up to 7.5 times combined zoom). A bar on the screen indicates the zoom level.

To zoom back out, press the Wide Angle button. Note that images will appear grainier the more they are digitally zoomed.

To select a shooting mode on your CANON POWERSHOT A20, turn the mode dial located on the top of the camera to one of the following settings:

• Auto (camera icon): The camera automatically makes most of the settings for you.

• M (Manual): You can manually set the exposure, white balance, and various other shooting parameters.

• Stitch Assist (overlapping frames icon): Use this mode to take a sequence of shots that you can later stitch into a panorama on a computer.

To adjust the image size (resolution) and quality (compression) on your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Auto, Manual, or Stitch Assist mode.

Step 2. Press the MENU button to display the [Rec. Menu].

Step 3. To change resolution, use the arrow buttons to select the ‘L M S’ icon. To change compression, select the icon with concentric circles. Press the SET button.

Step 4. Use the arrow buttons to select your desired setting:

• Resolution: L (Large – 1600×1200), M (Medium – 1024×768), S (Small – 640×480).

• Compression: Superfine, Fine, or Normal.

Step 5. Press the SET button to confirm your choice.

Step 6. Press the MENU button to exit.

To set the flash mode on your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Auto, Manual, or Stitch Assist mode.

Step 2. Press the flash button (lightning bolt icon) repeatedly to cycle through the available flash modes. The currently selected mode is shown on the LCD monitor.

The available modes are:

After selecting your desired mode, proceed to take the picture. The flash can be fired when the upper indicator on the camera glows a steady orange.

To switch between Macro and Infinity modes on your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Auto, Manual, or Stitch Assist mode.

Step 2. Press the Macro/Infinity button (flower/mountain icon) to cycle between the modes.

• Macro Mode (Flower icon): Use this mode to record subjects in the range of 16 to 76 cm (6.3 in. to 2.5 ft.) from the lens tip.

• Infinity Mode (Mountain icon): Use this mode to record landscapes and distant objects. It can also be used for compositions combining both near and distant objects.

When neither icon is displayed, the camera is in its normal focusing range.

The focus lock is useful when your main subject is not in the center of the frame or for subjects that are difficult to autofocus on. To use focus lock on your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

Step 1. Aim the camera so that an object at the same distance as your main subject is in the center of the viewfinder’s square brackets.

Step 2. Press the shutter button halfway down and hold it. The camera will beep twice to confirm that the focus is locked at that distance.

Step 3. While still holding the shutter button halfway, re-aim the camera to compose your shot as desired.

Step 4. Press the shutter button all the way down to take the picture.

To use the self-timer function on your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Auto, Manual, or Stitch Assist mode.

Step 2. Press the Continuous/Self-Timer button (clock icon) as necessary so that the self-timer icon appears on the LCD monitor.

Step 3. Compose your shot and press the shutter button all the way down.

The self-timer lamp on the front of the camera will flash for 10 seconds (flashing more quickly for the final 2 seconds), and then the camera will take the shot.

To shoot successive frames while the shutter button is pressed on your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to M (Manual).

Step 2. Press the Continuous/Self-Timer button (multiple frames icon) as necessary so that the continuous shooting icon appears on the LCD monitor.

Step 3. Press and hold the shutter button down all the way to start shooting. The camera will shoot continuously at approximately 2.5 images per second (when the LCD is OFF in Large/Fine mode).

To stop shooting, release the shutter button. The camera will stop shooting if the CF card becomes full.

Exposure compensation is useful for correcting the exposure when shooting against a bright background or in strong backlight. To adjust it on your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to M (Manual) or Stitch Assist mode.

Step 2. Press the Exposure/WB button (+/- icon) to display the exposure compensation bar on the LCD monitor.

Step 3. Press the left or right arrow button to adjust the compensation. You can adjust the value from -2 to +2 in 1/3-step increments. Move the indicator to the right (+) to make the image brighter, and to the left (-) to make it darker.

Step 4. Press the SET button to confirm the setting.

Step 5. Take the shot. The menu will reappear after the shot, allowing for further adjustment.

Setting the white balance helps the camera produce accurate colors under different lighting conditions. To set it on your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to M (Manual) or Stitch Assist mode.

Step 2. Press the Exposure/WB button twice to display the [White Balance] menu.

Step 3. Press the left or right arrow button to select the desired setting:

• AWB (Auto): The camera sets the white balance automatically.

• Daylight (Sun icon): For shooting outdoors in sunlight on a clear day.

• Cloudy (Cloud icon): For shooting outdoors under cloudy skies, in shade, or at dusk.

• Tungsten (Lightbulb icon): For shooting under tungsten (incandescent) lighting.

• Fluorescent (Fluorescent tube icon): For shooting under fluorescent lighting.

• B/W (Black and White): Select this to shoot in black and white.

Step 4. Press the SET button to confirm.

Step 5. Press the Exposure/WB button again or take a picture to exit the menu.

Stitch Assist mode helps you take a series of photos that can be merged into a single panoramic image using the PhotoStitch software on your computer. When shooting, try to overlap each frame by 30% to 50% and include a distinctive landmark in the overlapping areas.

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Stitch Assist (overlapping frames icon).

Step 2. Press the left or right arrow button to select the shooting sequence direction (left-to-right or right-to-left), and then press the SET button.

Step 3. Take the first shot. The image will be displayed on the LCD monitor with a portion of it shown on the edge to help you align the next shot.

Step 4. Compose the next shot, using the guide on the screen to overlap the previous image, then take the shot.

Step 5. Continue taking additional shots for the panorama in the same way (up to 26 images).

Step 6. After taking the final image, press the SET button to end the sequence.

The following chart shows the functions and settings available in each shooting mode for the CANON POWERSHOT A20. The camera stores settings separately for each mode.

Key:

• * : Default setting

• ○ : Available

• Δ : Available, but cannot be changed after taking the first shot

• – : Not available

• Shaded settings are retained even after the camera power is turned off.

To view your recorded images one at a time:

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Replay (playback icon).

Step 2. The last recorded image will be displayed. Use the left and right arrow buttons to navigate through your images.

To magnify an image:

Step 1. While viewing an image, press the zoom-in button (magnifying glass plus icon). The image will enlarge by approximately 2.5 times.

Step 2. To navigate around the magnified image:

• To move left or right, press the left or right arrow buttons.

• To move up or down, hold down the SET button and press the left (up) or right (down) arrow buttons.

Step 3. To return to the normal-size display, press the zoom-out button (magnifying glass minus icon).

To view nine images at a time in an index display:

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Replay (playback icon).

Step 2. Press the zoom-out button (magnifying glass minus icon). The LCD monitor will display an index of 9 images.

Step 3. Use the left and right arrow buttons to move the selection frame and select an image.

Step 4. To view the selected image in full screen (Single Image Replay), press the zoom-in button (magnifying glass plus icon).

To switch between different sets of nine images:

Step 1. While in index display mode, press the zoom-out button again. A scroll bar will appear at the bottom.

Step 2. Press the left arrow button to display the preceding nine images, or the right arrow button to display the next nine images.

You can rotate an image by 90° or 270° clockwise in the LCD monitor.

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Replay, and use the arrow buttons to display the image you want to rotate.

Step 2. Press the MENU button to display the replay menu.

Step 3. Use the arrow buttons to select the rotate icon, and then press the SET button.

Step 4. Press the SET button one or more times to rotate the image as desired (one press for 90°, two presses for 270°, three presses to return to original).

Step 5. Press the MENU button to close the rotation function and save the new orientation.

The Auto Play feature automatically replays all of the images on the CF card, displaying each for approximately 3 seconds.

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Replay.

Step 2. Press the MENU button to display the menu.

Step 3. Use the arrow buttons to select the Auto Play icon (looks like a film strip), and then press the SET button.

The camera will start the slideshow. To manage the slideshow:

• Pausing and Resuming: Press the SET button to pause Auto Play. Press the SET button again to resume.

• Stopping: To stop Auto Play, press the MENU button.

The protect feature prevents important images from being accidentally deleted.

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Replay.

Step 2. Press the MENU button to display the menu.

Step 3. Use the arrow buttons to select the Protect icon (key symbol), and then press the SET button.

Step 4. Use the arrow buttons to select an image you wish to protect.

Step 5. Press the SET button to protect it. A key icon will appear on the image.

Step 6. To protect another image, repeat steps 4 and 5.

Step 7. When finished, press the MENU button to close the feature.

To cancel protection, select a protected image in Step 4 and press the SET button to remove the key icon.

Note: Protected images will be erased when the CF card is formatted.

Remember that erased images cannot be recovered. This function will not erase protected images.

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Replay.

Step 2. Press the MENU button to display the menu.

Step 3. Use the arrow buttons to select the Erase icon (trash can), and then press the SET button.

Step 4. Use the arrow buttons to select the image you wish to erase.

Step 5. Press the SET button. A confirmation screen will appear.

Step 6. Use the arrow buttons to select [OK], and then press the SET button to erase the image.

Step 7. To erase additional images, repeat Steps 4-6. To exit, press the MENU button.

A faster way is to use the Quick Erase feature described earlier.

This function will permanently erase all unprotected images on the CF card. Be careful, as erased images cannot be recovered.

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Replay.

Step 2. Press the MENU button to display the menu.

Step 3. Use the arrow buttons to select the “Erase all” icon (multiple trash cans), and then press the SET button.

Step 4. A confirmation screen will appear asking “Erase all images?”.

Step 5. Use the arrow buttons to select [OK], and then press the SET button to erase all unprotected images.

Formatting a CF card will permanently erase all data, including protected images. Be sure to save any important images to a computer before formatting.

Step 1. Turn the mode dial to Auto, Manual, or Stitch Assist mode.

Step 2. Press the MENU button to display the [Rec. Menu].

Step 3. Use the arrow buttons to select the Format icon (CF card with a trash can), and then press the SET button.

Step 4. A confirmation screen will appear.

Step 5. Use the arrow buttons to select [OK], and then press the SET button to begin formatting.

Formatting may solve problems if the camera is not operating correctly or if you are using a card from another manufacturer that is not functioning correctly.

You can connect your CANON POWERSHOT A20 to a TV to use the TV screen as your monitor for shooting or replaying images.

Step 1. Turn both the camera and the TV set off.

Step 2. Connect the supplied video cable VC-100 to the camera’s VIDEO OUT terminal.

Step 3. Connect the other end of the video cable to the TV’s video input jack.

Step 4. Turn the TV set on and set it to display video input (often labeled AV, Video, or Input).

Step 5. Turn on the camera. The image display that normally appears on the LCD monitor will now appear on the TV monitor.

Note: The camera’s LCD monitor will not display images while connected to a TV. The video output signal can be switched between NTSC and PAL in the camera’s setup menu to match your region’s standard.

Before connecting for the first time, you must install the required software from the supplied CD onto your computer.

Step 1. Open the terminal cover on the side of the camera.

Step 2. Connect the smaller end of the supplied USB interface cable to the camera’s DIGITAL terminal until it clicks.

Step 3. Connect the larger end of the USB cable to a USB port on your computer.

Step 4. Turn the camera’s mode dial to Replay. The LCD monitor will briefly display in replay mode, then turn off as the green indicator next to the viewfinder comes on, indicating a successful connection.

To disconnect, hold the cable connector firmly at both sides and pull it straight out from the camera.

If the camera prompts you to set the date and time every time you power it on, the date battery is depleted. You will need a replacement CR2016 battery.

Step 1. Make sure the camera is turned off.

Step 2. Slide the CF card slot cover open.

Step 3. Pull out the date battery holder, which is located next to the CF card slot.

Step 4. Remove the old battery from the holder.

Step 5. Insert the new CR2016 battery into the holder with the negative terminal (–) facing up.

Step 6. Replace the date battery holder back into its original position.

Step 7. Close the CF card slot cover.

Step 8. When you next turn on the camera, the Set Date/Time menu will appear. Proceed to set the current date and time.

If your CANON POWERSHOT A20 does not turn on, check the following possible causes and solutions:

• Cause: The camera is turned off.
Solution: Press the main switch for a few moments.

• Cause: The battery cover or CF card slot cover is open.
Solution: Be sure these covers are closed securely.

• Cause: Batteries are loaded in the wrong direction.
Solution: Reload the batteries in the correct direction, matching the +/- indicators.

• Cause: Batteries are depleted.
Solution: Replace with new alkaline or fully recharged batteries (four AA-size batteries), or use a household power source with the AC adapter kit.

• Cause: Batteries are not the right type.
Solution: Use only new AA-size alkaline batteries or Canon AA-size NiMH batteries.

• Cause: Batteries are not making good electrical contact.
Solution: Wipe the battery terminals with a clean, dry cloth.

If your CANON POWERSHOT A20 is on but won’t shoot, check these possibilities:

• Cause: The mode dial is set to Replay.
Solution: Turn the mode dial to a shooting mode like Auto, Manual, or Stitch Assist.

• Cause: The flash is charging.
Solution: Wait until the flash charges. You can press the shutter button when the indicator next to the viewfinder glows a steady orange.

• Cause: The CF card is full.
Solution: Insert a new CF card, or download images to your computer and then erase them from the card to free up space.

• Cause: The CF card is not formatted correctly.
Solution: Format the card in the camera. If the problem persists, the card may be defective.

If you are experiencing battery issues with your CANON POWERSHOT A20, consider the following:

Batteries Consumed Quickly:

• Cause: Batteries are not the right type.
Solution: Use only AA-size alkaline batteries or Canon AA-size NiMH batteries.

• Cause: The batteries are cold.
Solution: Battery performance deteriorates at low temperatures. Keep the batteries warm (e.g., in an inner pocket) until ready to use.

• Cause: The batteries have not been used for over a year.
Solution: For rechargeable batteries, performance should return to normal after several charging cycles.

• Cause: The rechargeable batteries’ life has been exceeded.
Solution: Discard all 4 batteries and replace with new ones.

Rechargeable Batteries Do Not Charge:

• Cause: Batteries were placed in the charger in the wrong direction.
Solution: Put batteries back into the charger in the correct direction.

• Cause: Poor electrical contact.
Solution: Be sure to set batteries firmly into the charger and that the power cable is firmly connected.

• Cause: Batteries’ life has been exceeded.
Solution: Replace all 4 batteries with new ones.

If your photos are not as sharp as expected, check these common issues:

• Cause: The camera was moving when you took the shot.
Solution: Hold the camera steady when shooting. Press the shutter button gently, and consider using a tripod in low light.

• Cause: The subject was outside the camera’s focus range.
Solution:

• Ensure there is at least 76 cm (2.5 ft.) between the camera lens and the subject for normal shooting.

• Use Macro mode to shoot close-ups between 16 to 76 cm (6.3 in. to 2.5 ft.).

• When shooting distant subjects, set the camera to Infinity mode.

The following messages may appear on the LCD monitor of your CANON POWERSHOT A20:

• Busy…: The camera is writing image data to the CF card. Wait until it finishes.

• No CF card: You attempted to shoot or replay with no CF card installed. Install a CF card.

• Cannot record!: You attempted to shoot with no CF card installed. Install a CF card.

• CF card error!: There is an issue with the CF card. Try formatting it in the camera. If the problem persists, the card may be damaged.

• CF card full: The CF card has no more space. Insert a new card or delete images.

• Naming error!: The camera cannot create a file name, either because a folder with the same name already exists or the file number limit has been reached. Try reformatting the card after saving your images.

• Change the batteries: The batteries are dead. Replace them.

• No image: There are no images recorded on the CF card.

• Image too large: You attempted to replay an image with a resolution exceeding 3200 x 2400 pixels.

• Incompatible JPEG format: You attempted to replay an incompatible JPEG file.

• Corrupted data: You attempted to replay an image with corrupted data.

• Cannot magnify!/Cannot rotate!: The image was recorded by another camera or edited on a computer in a format that cannot be magnified or rotated.

• Protected!: You attempted to erase a protected image.

• Exx: A camera malfunction has occurred (where xx is a two-digit error code). Try turning the camera off and on. If the message persists, note the error code and seek service.