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Canon POWERSHOT A3100IS User Manual

Canon POWERSHOT A3100IS
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CaHOH
-PowerShotA3100 IS
7_ow_,-ShotA3000 IS
Camera User Guide
Photo of PowerShot A3100 IS
, Make sure you read this guide before using the camera.
Store this guide safely so that you can use it in the future.

Table of Contents

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Canon POWERSHOT A3100IS Specifications

General IconGeneral
Sensor1/2.3-inch CCD
Image ProcessorDIGIC III
Optical Zoom4x
Digital Zoom4x
Image StabilizationOptical
LCD Screen Resolution230, 000 dots
Shutter Speed15 - 1/1600 sec
Aperture Rangef/2.7 - f/5.6
Display2.7-inch LCD
ISO SensitivityISO 80-1600
Video Recording640x480 at 30fps
Battery TypeNB-8L Lithium-ion battery
Dimensions97.2 x 58.2 x 28.1 mm
WeightApprox. 155g (including battery and memory card)
Focus Range3cm (Macro)
Storage MediaSD/SDHC/SDXC

Summary

Checking the Package Contents

Using the PDF Manuals

Explains how to access and use the digital manuals included on the CD-ROM for detailed camera information.

Read This First

Test Shots and Disclaimer

Instructions for initial test shots and a disclaimer regarding camera malfunction and consequential damages.

Important Notices

Covers copyright infringement warnings, warranty limitations, LCD monitor characteristics, and camera body temperature.

What Do You Want to Do?

Shooting Functions

Guides on various shooting modes and conditions, including auto, easy, and special scenes.

Viewing and Managing Images

Instructions for viewing, searching, erasing, and saving images taken with the camera.

Movie Functions

Covers shooting and viewing movies, including related settings and playback options.

Printing and Transferring

Details on printing images and transferring them to a computer for viewing.

Other Operations

Covers miscellaneous functions like turning off sounds and using the camera abroad.

Conventions Used in This Guide

Safety Precautions

Camera Safety

Essential safety guidelines for operating the camera, including flash usage and handling.

Battery and Charger Safety

Battery and Charger Precautions

Safety guidelines for handling batteries and chargers to prevent explosions, leaks, and damage.

General Warnings

Additional warnings regarding CD-ROM usage, impacts, lens care, and storage conditions.

Getting Started

Attaching Strap and Holding Camera

Instructions on how to attach the camera strap and proper grip techniques to avoid dropping the device.

Charging the Battery

Battery Management

Shot Count and Charge Indicator

Information on approximate shots per charge and how to interpret battery charge indicator icons.

Effective Battery Usage Tips

Advice on charging, storing, and using the battery and charger effectively for longevity.

Memory Card Handling

Compatible Memory Cards

Lists supported memory card types, including SD, SDHC, and SDXC, with compatibility notes.

Inserting Battery and Memory Card

Step-by-step guide on how to correctly insert the battery and memory card into the camera.

Removing Battery and Memory Card

Memory Card Capacity and Shots

Approximate Shots per Memory Card

Tables showing the estimated number of shots possible with different memory card sizes.

Checking Remaining Shots

Guidance on how to check the number of shots remaining on the memory card in shooting mode.

Setting Date and Time

Changing Date and Time Settings

Setting Display Language

Formatting Memory Cards

Using the Shutter Button

Taking Pictures (Smart Auto)

Smart Auto Scene Icons

Smart Auto Troubleshooting

What If...

Addresses common issues encountered in Smart Auto mode, such as frame appearances and flash behavior.

Viewing Images

Erasing Images

Shooting in Easy Mode

Turning Off the Flash

Instructions on how to disable the camera's flash, indicated by an icon on screen.

Easy Mode: Viewing and Erasing

Viewing Single Images

How to navigate and view individual images in Easy Mode using the camera buttons.

Viewing Slideshows

Steps to start and stop an automatic slideshow of captured images in Easy Mode.

Erasing Images in Easy Mode

Process for selecting and erasing unwanted images directly within Easy Mode.

Shooting Movies

Movie Shooting Details

Magnifying Subject During Movies

Guidance on how to zoom in on the subject while recording movies, noting potential sound interference.

Estimated Shooting Times

Tables showing estimated movie recording times based on memory card capacity and image quality.

Viewing Movies

Transferring Images to Computer

System Requirements

Lists the minimum operating system, CPU, RAM, and disk space needed for image transfer software.

Installing Transfer Software

Connecting Camera and Opening Software

Connecting Camera to Computer

Procedures for physically connecting the camera to a computer using the interface cable.

Opening CameraWindow Software

Steps to launch the CameraWindow application after connecting the camera to the computer.

Transferring and Viewing Images

Camera Accessories

Supplied Accessories

Lists accessories included with the camera, such as straps, cables, and the software disk.

Separately Sold Accessories

Power Supplies

Details on optional power adapters and battery chargers available for separate purchase.

Flash Accessories

Information on optional external flash units that can enhance lighting capabilities.

Printer Accessories

Learning More: Camera Overview

Components Guide

Camera Components Identification

Identifies and describes the main parts of the camera, referencing their page numbers.

Mode Dial Functions

Explains the different shooting modes selectable via the camera's mode dial.

Indicator Lights

Indicator Status and Operation

Details the meaning of different indicator light colors and blinking patterns during camera operation.

Screen Display Options

Switching Display Modes

Explains how to change the information displayed on the LCD screen using the DISP. button.

Dark Shooting Display Mode

Describes the camera's function to brighten the screen in low light for better composition viewing.

Overexposure Warning Display

How the screen indicates overexposed areas in an image during detailed playback display.

Power Saving Function (Auto Power Down)

Power Saving During Shooting

Details how the camera automatically powers down after periods of inactivity during shooting.

Power Saving During Playback

Explains the automatic power-down feature when the camera is idle during playback mode.

FUNC. Menu Operations

MENU Operations

Changing Sound Settings

Muting Camera Sounds

Instructions on how to silence or enable various camera operation sounds like startup and shutter.

Adjusting Volume Levels

Guide on how to change the volume for sounds such as startup, operation, and self-timer.

Changing Screen Brightness

Using the Menu for Brightness

Steps to adjust LCD screen brightness using the camera's menu system.

Using the DISP. Button for Brightness

How to adjust screen brightness quickly using the DISP. button.

Resetting Camera Settings

Non-Resettable Functions

Lists camera settings that cannot be reset to their default values.

Low Level Memory Card Formatting

Clock Functions

Shooting in Special Conditions

Shooting in Various Conditions

Portrait Shooting

Guidance for capturing portraits, focusing on soft effects for people.

Landscape Shooting

Advice on shooting majestic landscapes with a focus on depth.

Night Snapshot

Tips for taking clear snapshots of cityscapes or people against night backgrounds.

Kids & Pets Shooting

Techniques for capturing moving subjects like children and pets without missing photo opportunities.

Shooting in Special Scenes

Special Scene Modes

Low Light Conditions

How to shoot effectively in low light, using higher ISO and faster shutter speeds.

Beach Shooting

Guidance for shooting brightly lit subjects on sandy beaches with strong sunlight.

Foliage Shooting

Tips for capturing trees and leaves in vivid colors, such as new growth or autumn foliage.

Snow Shooting

How to capture bright, natural-colored shots of people against snowy backgrounds.

Fireworks Shooting

Techniques for capturing vivid shots of fireworks.

Adding Effects and Scenes

Vivid Colors (Super Vivid)

Instructions for shooting images with vivid, intense colors using the Super Vivid effect.

Posterized Shots (Poster Effect)

How to apply the Poster Effect to create images resembling old posters or illustrations.

Other Scene Modes

Mentions availability of additional scene modes like Face Self-Timer and Long Shutter.

Turning the Flash Off

Digital Zoom Usage

Digital Tele-Converter

Inserting Date and Time Stamp

Using the Self-Timer

Using the Face Self-Timer

Changing Number of Shots

Guide on how to adjust the number of shots taken when using the Face Self-Timer.

Choosing Settings Yourself

Shooting in Program AE

Adjusting Brightness (Exposure Compensation)

Turning the Flash On

Shooting Close-ups (Macro)

Shooting Far Away Subjects (Infinity)

Changing Recording Pixel Size

Changing Compression Ratio (Image Quality)

Image Quality and Paper Size

Approximate Values for Paper Size

Provides a chart relating image sizes (pixels) to recommended paper sizes for printing.

Changing ISO Speed

Adjusting White Balance

Custom White Balance Settings

Instructions on how to manually set the white balance based on the ambient light source.

Changing Image Tone (My Colors)

Custom Color Adjustments

How to adjust contrast, sharpness, and color saturation for custom image tones.

Continuous Shooting

Two Second Self-Timer Shooting

Customizing the Self-Timer

Shooting with TV Monitor

Focus Lock Composition

Getting More Out of Your Camera

Changing AF Frame Mode

Face AiAF Detection

Explains how the camera detects and focuses on faces automatically for improved portraits.

Center Focus Mode

How to lock focus on a specific point in the center of the frame.

Magnifying Focal Point

Choosing Person to Focus (Face Select)

Confirming Detected Faces

How to check the number of faces detected by the camera and select a specific face for focus.

Shooting with AF Lock

Changing Metering Mode

Shooting with AE Lock

Shooting with FE Lock

Shooting with Slow Synchro

Red-Eye Correction

Shooting Long Exposures

Using Movie Functions

Changing Image Quality for Movies

Image Quality Table

Details the different image quality settings (resolution, frame rate) available for movie recording.

Estimated Shooting Time for Movies

Provides estimates of movie recording duration based on memory card size and chosen quality.

AE Lock/Exposure Shift

Other Shooting Functions

Playback Functions

Movie Control Panel Summary

Summary of controls available for movie playback, including play, pause, and navigation.

Editing Movies

Saving Edited Movies

Playback and Editing Functions

Searching Images Quickly

Index Display Search

Method for displaying multiple images at once for quick selection and viewing.

Scrolling Image Search

How to quickly search through images by scrolling or by shooting date.

Searching with Jump Display

Choosing Jump Method

Options for searching images by specific methods like jump to date or category.

Switching Images

Procedures for navigating between images using selected search methods.

Viewing Slideshows

Checking Image Focus

Magnifying Images

Changing Image Transitions

Viewing Images on TV

Protecting Images

Choosing Images Individually

Steps to select and protect individual images from accidental erasure.

Protecting Image Ranges

Choosing Image Ranges

How to protect a range of images by selecting a start and end image.

Protecting Image Sets

Choosing All Images

Method to protect all images on the memory card at once.

Erasing All Images

Erasing Images Individually

Choosing Images Individually

Process for selecting and erasing specific images one by one.

Choosing Image Ranges for Erasure

How to select a range of images for deletion.

Tagging Images as Favorites

Organizing Images by Category

Choosing Images by Category

How to assign images to categories for better organization and filtering.

Categorizing Image Ranges

Choosing Image Ranges for Categories

Method for selecting a range of images to assign to a specific category.

Rotating Images

Resizing Images

Trimming Images

Correcting Red-Eye Effect

8 Printing

Printing Images

Print Settings and Process

Choosing Images for Printing (DPOF)

Print Settings Configuration

How to set print type, date, and file number for DPOF printing.

Setting Print Quantities (DPOF)

Choosing Number of Copies

Steps to select the quantity of prints for each image and set DPOF.

Selecting Print Ranges

How to choose a range of images for printing based on their order.

DPOF Printing Options

Setting All Images for Printing

Method to select all images on the memory card for printing at once.

Clearing Print Selections

How to cancel all previously made print selections and settings.

9 Customizing Camera Settings

Changing General Camera Settings

Turning Off Hints & Tips

How to disable the descriptive text (hints and tips) that appears when selecting menu items.

Changing Camera Sounds

Guide to customizing operational sounds, including preset sounds and software-based changes.

Customizing Startup Screen

Changing Startup Image

How to change the image displayed when the camera powers on.

Registering Startup Image

Steps to register a custom image or sound to appear during startup.

Startup Image and File Numbering

Turning Off Startup Image

Instructions to disable the startup image display when turning on the camera.

File Number Assignment Options

Explains options for how file numbers are assigned to images (Continuous vs. Auto Reset).

Folder Creation and Lens Settings

Creating Folders by Shooting Date

How to automatically create folders based on the shooting date of images.

Changing Lens Retract Time

Adjusts how quickly the camera lens retracts after operation, from 1 minute to 0 seconds.

Power Saving Function Control

How to turn the power saving function on or off to conserve battery life.

Screen Shut-Off and World Clock Settings

Setting Screen Shut-Off Time

Adjusts the delay before the LCD screen automatically turns off to save power.

Using the World Clock

How to set and use different time zones for recording images with local dates and times abroad.

Changing Shooting Function Settings

Turning Off AF Assist Beam

How to disable the AF assist beam lamp used for focusing in low light.

Shooting Function Adjustments

Red-Eye Reduction Function Control

Steps to disable the red-eye reduction lamp that activates with the flash.

Image Display Time After Shooting

How to adjust how long the image preview remains on the screen after taking a photo.

Image Display Method After Shooting

Options for how image information is displayed immediately after shooting (e.g., detailed, focus check).

Display Overlays and IS-Mode

Displaying Overlays (Grid Lines, 3:2 Guide)

How to display gridlines or a 3:2 guide on screen for composition and printing assistance.

Changing IS-Mode Settings

Explains how to adjust the image stabilization mode for different shooting scenarios.

Changing Playback Function Settings

Choosing First Displayed Image

How to set whether playback starts from the last viewed image or the most recent shot.

10 Useful Information

Using Household Power

Troubleshooting Camera Issues

Power Problems

Solutions for issues like the camera not turning on or rapid battery drain.

Lens Issues

Troubleshooting steps for when the camera lens fails to retract or operate correctly.

TV Output Issues

Guidance for problems related to displaying images on a television.

Shooting Problems

Solutions for common shooting errors like inability to shoot or screen display issues.

Troubleshooting Image Quality

Blurred Images

Tips to resolve issues with blurry photos, including focus and focusing distance.

Focusing Issues

Solutions for when the camera fails to acquire focus or the AF frame does not appear.

Exposure Issues (Dark/Bright)

How to correct photos that are too dark or too bright due to exposure settings.

Flash Issues

Troubleshooting for problems related to the flash firing or image brightness with flash.

Image Graininess

Advice on reducing image graininess by adjusting ISO speed and shooting modes.

Red Eyes and Slow Card Performance

Solutions for red-eye effects and slow memory card performance or continuous shooting speed.

Troubleshooting: Settings, Movies, and Playback

Setting and Button Operation Issues

Resolving problems with making settings, operating buttons, or using FUNC. menu.

Movie Recording Problems

Solutions for issues with movie recording time display, internal memory, or zoom operation.

Playback Issues

How to resolve problems playing back images or movies, including file name changes or slow cards.

Computer Transfer Issues

Troubleshooting steps for transferring images to a computer, including connection and speed issues.

Screen Error Messages

Memory Card Errors

Explanations and solutions for messages related to memory card installation, locking, or errors.

Space and Battery Errors

Guidance for error messages indicating insufficient space or battery issues.

Image Display Errors

Solutions for messages like "No Image" or incompatible image formats preventing display.

Image Manipulation Errors

Explanations for errors when trying to magnify, rotate, edit, or tag images.

More Screen Error Messages

Selection and Limit Errors

Error messages related to invalid selection ranges or exceeding limits for print settings.

Communication and Naming Errors

Solutions for communication errors during transfer and naming errors for files or folders.

Lens and Camera Errors

Troubleshooting for lens errors or general camera errors indicated by numbers.

Information Displayed During Shooting

Shooting Information Icons

Explains the meaning of various icons and data displayed on the screen during shooting.

Information Displayed During Playback

Function Availability by Shooting Mode

Menu Options: Shooting

Menu Options: Setup

Menu Options: Playback & Print

Playback Menu Functions

Lists functions available in the playback menu, such as erase, protect, and rotate.

Print Menu Functions

Details the options available in the print menu for selecting images and print settings.

Camera Specifications

Camera Specifications (Part 1)

Technical details including pixels, sensor, lens, zoom, LCD, AF modes, and shutter speed.

Camera Specifications (Continued)

Camera Specifications (Part 2)

Further technical details on file formats, movie specs, compression, and shooting modes.

Accessory Specifications

Battery Pack NB-8L

Technical specifications for the rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.

Battery Charger CB-2LA/2LAE

Technical specifications for the battery charger, including input, output, and charge time.

Handling Precautions

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