Canon uses the name "PowerShot" to refer to its entire line of consumer, point-and-shoot cameras. PowerShot cameras are divided into groups preceded by the letters A, S, G, SD, D and E, primarily, each with slightly different features and specifications. But all Canon's point-and-shoot cameras operate around a few central principles, and the instructions to operate the simplest models need only be elaborated on slightly to apply to more advanced PowerShot cameras.
Instructions
1. Insert batteries into your PowerShot camera. Different models have different types of batteries. Some take standard AA; others need special Canon-specific lithium ion batteries. Once you've loaded AA batteries, you are ready to go. With lithium ion, it's best to let the camera charge fully before taking shots for the first time; connect the PowerShot to its docking station or external power cord and let the battery charge until the flashing light turns solid green. Use the external battery charger, if your PowerShot was packaged with it.
2. Insert an SD memory card. The memory card and battery slot are next to one another on PowerShot cameras, under the same protective cover. Pop open the cover and insert the memory with the stickered side facing the front of the camera; it will click once it's inserted fully.
3. Press the "On/Off" button to turn the camera on. The first time you turn a PowerShot camera on, it prompts you to enter the time and date. Use the control pad on the back of the camera to adjust the values, then press the "Func/Set" button to confirm. The PowerShot camera then enters shooting mode and an image is displayed on the LCD screen.
4. Move the camera around to frame your shot, then rotate or slide the zoom lever left to zoom in or right to zoom out. Tap the shutter button lightly to engage the PowerShot's autofocus. Green frames will appear on the LCD screen to show the areas that are in focus. Press the shutter button all the way down to take the shot. When taking pictures of people, the face detection function will automatically highlight and focus on faces.
5. Rotate the mode selection dial to change shooting modes. The features vary between different PowerShot models, but most have sports, night portrait, landscape, portrait and video modes. Press the "Play" button on the back of the camera to enter review mode, then press left and right on the control pad to cycle through your shots. Tap the shutter button again or turn the mode dial to go back to shooting mode.
Tags: PowerShot cameras, shutter button, back camera, first time, memory card, point-and-shoot cameras
