DIGITAL CAMERA GC-A55 INSTRUCTIONS Thank you for purchasing this JVC product. Before beginning to operate this unit, please read the instruction manual carefully in order to make sure that the best possible performance is obtained. If you have any question, consult your JVC dealer.
[Back] [Next] " SOME DO’S AND DON’TS ON THE SAFE USE OF EQUIPMENT " This equipment has been designed and manufactured to meet international safety standards but, like any electrical equipment, care must be taken if you are to obtain the best results and safety is to be assured. Do read the operating instructions before you attempt to use the equipment.
DON'T allow electrical equipment to be exposed to rain or moisture. ABOVE ALL NEVER let anyone especially children push anything into holes, slots or any other opening in the case. This could result in a fatal electrical shock. NEVER guess or make changes with electrical equipment of any kind.
[Back] [Next] FCC INFORMATION This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Note : This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules.
[Back] [Next] WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
l l l l l remove the batteries while the power is on. look through the viewfinder directly at the sun or extremely bright light. point the lens directly into the sun. This can lead to malfunctioning of the internal circuitry. There is also a risk of fire or electric shock. subject it to shock or excessive vibration. connect any USB cable to this unit except the one provided. 2. Avoid using the unit in the following places : l Where the camera will be subject to dust, soot, steam, or excessive heat.
3. When discarding batteries, environmental problems must be considered and the local rules or laws governing the disposal of these batteries must be followed strictly. HOW TO HANDLE A CD-ROM l l l l Take care not to soil or scratch the mirror surface (opposite to the printed surface). Do not write anything or put a sticker on either the front or back surface. If the CD-ROM gets dirty, gently wipe it with a soft cloth outward from the center hole using a circular motion.
[Back] [Next] FUN THINGS YOU CAN DO This camera is an all-in-one compact size digital and USB PC-camera. With it, you can: l l l Take digital pictures/video clips in an instant. Easily capture digital images and download them to your computer. Videoconference on the Internet. Keep in touch with distant family and friends. See and talk with people on the Internet face-toface. Send captured images with your e-mail messages.
[Back] [Next] WHAT'S INCLUDED? Please check to see that the following items are included in the package. If any item is missing, please enquire at your nearest authorized dealer.
[Back] [Next] SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS (PC) l l l l l l l Microsoft® Windows® 98/98SE/Me/ 2000/XP (Pre-installed Model) Intel® Pentium® Processor 166 MHz or higher Free USB Port Minimum RAM: 32 MB (Windows XP: 128 MB) 250 MB of available hard disk space Color display: 800 x 600 or better CD-ROM drive Notes: l l Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
[Back] [Next] FEATURES Capturing high-quality digital images is fast and easy with this state-of-the-art smart camera. Equipped with a 1.3 Mega pixel CMOS, this camera is capable of capturing images with a resolution of up to 1280 X 1024 pixels. Other cool features provided by the camera include the following: LCD Monitor The 1.5" full-color LCD at the back of the camera makes it easy to frame your subject. It also displays a preview of the still images/ video clips you have recorded.
[Back] [Next] GETTING TO KNOW THE CAMERA Controls, Connectors and Indicators Built-in Flash Viewfinder window Lens Self timer indicator Video out Battery/Memory Card compartment door RESOLUTION & QUALITY button Terminal cover USB port Status LCD panel Strap holder FLASH MODE button Status indicator SHUTTER button POWER button MENU button Viewfinder LCD monitor SELF-TIMER button 2X ZOOM/DOWN button LCD /OK button MODE button Tripod socket / UP
[Back] [Next] Getting to Know the Camera Status LCD panel Built-in Flash Indicator Self-timer Indicator Battery Indicator Quality Indicator Resolution Indicator SD card Indicator Time/Number Indicator 1. Resolution Indicator Full resolution (SXGA 1280 X 1024 Pixels) Half resolution (VGA 640 X 480 Pixels) 2. Quality Indicator Fine quality Normal quality Basic quality 3. Battery Indicator Full battery power Low battery power Empty battery (blinking) 4.
[Back] [Next] GETTING STARTED Be sure to insert the (AA-size Alkaline) batteries before trying to capture images with your camera. Inserting the Batteries 1. Slide the Battery/Memory card compartment door (located on the right side of the camera) in the direction indicated by the arrow to open it. 2. Insert the AA-size batteries as indicated on the inner side of the door. 3. Close back the door and turn on the camera.
This camera can be used with either an SD card or a Multimedia card (MMC). When traveling and capturing a lot of images, it is convenient to make use of an SD or a Multimedia card. When a card is inserted into the camera, still images/video clips captured will be stored in the card’s memory. When the card is removed, the camera’s internal memory will be used as the storage media. Inserting the Memory Card 1. Turn off the camera's power by pressing the POWER button. 2.
[Back] [Next] OPERATIONS CAMERA MODE Shooting Basics Customized Shooting l Zooming l Using Flash l Using Self-Timer l Setting the Image Quality & Resolution PLAY /DELETE MODE VIDEO CLIP MODE Shooting Basics Play Basics Customized Shooting is not applicable to the Video Clip and Play/Delete Modes. Menu Settings l l l l SETUP MENU QUICKVIEW WHITE BALANCE EV COMPENSATION l l l SETUP MENU WHITE BALANCE EV COMPENSATION l l l l l Setting the various modes: 1. Press the POWER button. 2.
/ [Back] [Next] CAMERA MODE This mode is used for capturing still images. The pictures taken will be stored in the camera’s internal memory or the memory-card in JPEG file format. Shooting Basics When the card is inserted into the camera, your captured still images/video clips will be stored in the card’s memory. When the card is removed, the internal memory of the camera will be used as the storage media. Procedures: 1. Get the camera ready. (Refer to ‘Getting Started’) 2.
[Back] [Next] Customized Shooting (CAMERA MODE) (1) Zooming This mode allows you to zoom up on your subject, making it appear larger (maximum 2X) and closer. Note that the digital zoom function is only available when the LCD monitor is ON. The resolution is automatically set at VGA (640 x 480 pixels) upon activating the zoom function. Procedures: 1. Ensure that the camera is turned on. 2. Select the Camera mode with the MODE button. 3. Ensure that the LCD monitor is activated.
Procedure: 1. Ensure that the camera is turned on. 2. Select the Camera mode with the MODE button. 3. To activate the self timer, press the / button. A cursor will appear below the self timer icon on the Status LCD panel as shown on the right: 4. Frame your subject and press the shutter button. The Self-timer Indicator will start blinking for 10 seconds (slowly in the first 7 seconds and rapidly in the remaining 3). At the end of the 10 seconds, the shutter will be released. 5.
[Back] [Next] VIDEO CLIP MODE This mode is used for shooting video clips. The video clips will be stored in the camera’s internal memory or the memory card in AVI File Format. Total available recording time The total available recording time (approximate) is reflected on the LCD panel. For video clips, the Resolution is fixed at VGA:320*240 and the Image Quality is set at Normal. The following shows the approx.
/ [Back] [Next] PLAY / DELETE MODE This mode allows you to replay/ delete video clips stored in the camera’s internal or card memory on the LCD monitor. You can also connect the camera to the TV monitor or computer in this mode to replay the still images/video clips on the TV or computer monitors. Play Basics: 1. Turn on the camera. 2. Select the Play/Delete mode with the MODE button. 3.
[Back] [Next] MENU SETTINGS Pressing the MENU button in the various modes will display the respective MENU on the LCD monitor: Using the menus, you can perform various settings for your camera Procedures: 1. Use the / buttons to highlight the desired item. 2. Press the LCD/OK button to go into the setting screen. 3. Select the appropriate setting with the / buttons. 4. Confirm the setting by pressing the LCD/OK button. 5.
[Back] [Next] SETUP MENU ( , , ) LCD BRIGHTNESS Adjusts the brightness of the LCD monitor. Setting value: [-5] to [+5] (Interval = 1) DATE/TIME Sets the Date and Time information. When a shot is taken, the date and time of the shot will be recorded on the image file. To set the date and time: 1. Go into the “SETUP” menu and select the “DATE/TIME” item. 2. The screen shown below will appear on the LCD monitor. 3.
USB CONFIG Sets the USB Configuration type. DISK DRIVE : To transfer image data to the PC. (The camera will be shown as a ‘removable disk’ in the PC’s ‘My Computer’ folder.) PC CAMERA : To use the camera as a PC Camera (WebCam). AUTO POWER OFF This will automatically turn off the camera after the lapse of a certain time interval (set by the user) during which no operation is performed.
/ [Back] [Next] QUICKVIEW ( ) This feature allows you to view your images on the LCD monitor as soon as they have been taken. After the preview, this camera will return to the Camera mode. ON : Enable “QUICKVIEW” OFF : Disable “QUICKVIEW” The “QUICKVIEW” setting will be retained even after the camera is turned off.
/ [Back] [Next] WHITE BALANCE ( , ) As the intensity of the light changes, our eyes adapt such that white objects will remain white. Digital cameras can also see the white objects as being white by averaging out the light around the object.
[Back] [Next] EV COMPENSATION ( , ) When the object is too dark or too bright, the camera adjusts the brightness to make the object look brighter or darker. This is called EV compensation. The range of the exposure compensation that the user can set is from -2.0 EV to +2.0 EV at 0.5 EV steps.
[Back] [Next] SLIDE SHOW ( ) After selecting “SLIDE SHOW” and pressing the LCD/OK button, a screen where the user can set the delay time (with the / buttons) appears. Thereafter, pressing the LCD/OK button again will start the slide show. Images hitherto captured will be displayed in sequence, at intervals of the user-set delay time. [1, 3, 5, 7, 9 sec] The “delay time” setting will be retained even after the camera is turned off.
[Back] [Next] ERASE ( ) There are two ways to erase still images/video clips: 1. “ERASE ONE”: This will allow you to delete one image/video clip at a time. Use the / buttons to choose the desired still image/video clip to be erased. A confirmation message “ERASE CURRENT?” will appear on the LCD monitor. Pressing the LCD/ OK button will cause the selected still image/video clip to be erased from memory. To abort this action, press the MENU button. 2.
[Back] [Next] COPY TO CARD ( ) This function allows you to copy all captured still images/video clips from the internal memory to the external memory card.
[Back] [Next] DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) ( ) DPOF enables you to print the images directly from DPOF compatible printers by simply inserting the memory card into the printer and doing the necessary settings. PRINT QUANTITY : Set the print quantity [1~10]. PRINT SIZE : Select the image print size [standard, 3x5, 4x6, 5x7, 8x10] PRINT INDEX : If you select “ON” and confirm by pressing the LCD/OK button, you can print a photo with index and the return to the “DPOF” menu.
[Back] [Next] Viewing Images on a TV Monitor Television monitors can be used for image replay. Procedures: 1. Connect the TV to your digital camera. * Connect one end of the video cable (Sub-mini plug) to the VIDEO OUT terminal of the digital camera and the other end of the cable (PIN plug) to the VIDEO IN port of the television. 2. Turn on the camera and the TV. 3. Select the appropriate “VIDEO MODE” setting (NTSC/PAL) from the “SETUP MENU” according to the TV standard you are using. 4.
[Back] [Next] TRANSFERRING IMAGE DATA TO THE COMPUTER Before image data transfer, you need to connect the camera to your computer with the supplied USB cable and install the camera drivers included in the supplied CD-ROM. Batteries in the camera are necessary even though power is supplied through the USB cable. System Requirements Before installing the Camera Driver and Application software, make sure your system meets the following system requirements.
Note: When the connection is done, a “PC” indicator appears on the camera’s LCD panel. Downloading Pictures 1. Click on the ‘My Computer’ icon on your PC screen. You will then see a drive icon labeled ‘Removable disk’. 2. Double click on ‘Removable Disk’. A new window with a ‘DCIM folder’ icon opens. * If this icon is not displayed, your camera has not been properly connected to the computer. In this case, go to ‘Connecting the Camera to Your Computer’ and repeat the procedures. 3.
4. You can then copy the whole folder or specific files in the folder (double click on the icon to reveal the files) into your computer’s hard drive, or any other storage media available in your PC system. Just select the folder or files and use the usual cut and paste functions available in the ‘Edit menu’. Notes: l l While the camera is connected to your computer, the camera will not allow you to capture images. You will also not be able to view the images on the camera’s LCD monitor.
[Back] [Next] When the camera does not work: Possible cause Rectifications Power unintentionally cut off. Press the POWER button to turn the camera on. Power cut off due to camera's Automatic Power Off feature. Press the POWER button to turn the camera on. Battery direction is wrong. Rearrange the batteries in the correct position. The batteries are weak. Replace batteries. Battery performance deterioration due to low temperature.
Possible Cause Rectifications Camera movement during still image capture. Press the shutter button down steadily. The lens is dirty. Use a lens blower (sold in the market) to rid the lens of dust. Then wipe with lens cleaning paper. Photographer was standing in front of the camera when pressing the shutter button (self-timer shots). Do not stand in front of the camera. Press the shutter button while looking through the viewfinder. Flash is off even when the lighting condition is poor.
[Back] CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS Image Sensor 1.3 Megapixels CMOS Color 10-bit Color (RGB) Image Quality Fine/Normal/Basic Image Resolution Full: 1280 x 1024 pixels Memory Internal: 8MB External: SD or multimedia Card (Type 1 Slot) File Format JPEG (EXIF 2.1), DPOF, AVI (Motion-JPEG) Recording Medium SD or Multimedia card Lens Fixed focus (2X digital zoom) Focal length 9.0mm Focal Range Normal: 1.2 ~ infinity Shutter Speed 1/15 ~ 1/2000 seconds Exposure Control Auto Manual: 0.