Samsung PL20 - Manual

5 Indications used in this manual Shooting mode Indication Smart Auto Program DIS P hoto Help G uide Scene Movie Shooting mode icons These icons indicate that a function is available in the corresponding modes. The mode may not support functions for all scenes. e.g.) Available in the Program, DIS, a...

6 Pressing the shutter • Half-press [ Shutter ]: Press the shutter halfway down • Press [ Shutter ]: Press the shutter all the way down Half-press [ Shutter ] Press [ Shutter ] Subject, background, and composition • Subject : The main object of a scene, such as a person, animal, or still life. • Bac...

7 Basic troubleshooting You can get answers to common questions. Solve problems easily by setting shooting options. The subject's eyes appear red. This is caused by a reflection from the camera flash. • Set the flash option to Red-eye or Red-eye Fix . (p. 40) • If the photo has already been taken, s...

8 Quick reference Taking photos of people • mode > Beauty Shot  30 • mode > Portrait  30 • Red-eye, Red-eye Fix (to prevent or correct red-eye)  40 • Face Detection  43 Taking photos at night or in the dark • mode > Night  30 • mode > Sunset, Dawn  30 • Flash options  39 • ISO spe...

9 Contents PL20/PL21 Health and safety informationBasic troubleshootingQuick referenceContents Shooting options ............................................................ 35 Selecting a resolution and quality ............................... 36 Selecting a resolution ..................................

Basic functions 12 Unpacking Check your product box for the following items. Camera Rechargeable battery AC adapter / USB cable Strap Quick Start Manual Software CD-ROM (User manual included) Optional accessories Camera case Memory cards Battery charger A/V cable The illustrations may differ from yo...

Basic functions 13 Camera layout Before you start, familiarize yourself with your camera's parts and their functions. Shutter button POWER button AF-assist light/timer lamp Flash Speaker Lens Microphone Battery chamber cover Insert a memory card and battery Tripod mount

Basic functions 15 Inserting the battery and memory card Learn to insert the battery and an optional memory card into the camera. Removing the battery and memory card Push the card gently until the card disengages from the camera, and then pull it out of the slot. Battery lock Push the lock down to ...

Basic functions 16 Charging the battery and turning your camera on Turning on your camera Press [ POWER ] to turn your camera on or off. • The initial setup screen appears when you turn on the camera for the first time. (p. 17) Turning on your camera in Playback mode Press [ ]. The camera turns on a...

Basic functions 17 Performing the initial setup When the initial setup screen appears, follow the steps below to configure the camera’s basic settings. 1 Press [ POWER ]. • The initial setup screen appears when you turn on the camera for the first time. 2 Press [ ] or [ ] to select Language and pres...

Basic functions 18 C. Icons on the left Icon Description Aperture and shutter speed Exposure value White balance Face tone Face retouch ISO speed Smart filter Image adjustment (contrast, sharpness, saturation) Voice muted Burst type Learning icons The icons displayed will change according to the mod...

Basic functions 19 Selecting options You can select options by pressing [ ], and then using the navigation buttons ([ ], [ ], [ ], [ ]). You can also access shooting options by pressing [ ], but some options are not available. Going back to the previous menu Press [ ] again to go back to the previou...

Basic functions 20 Selecting options 6 Press [ ] or [ ] to scroll to White Balance, and then press [ ] or [ ]. Photo SizeQualityEVISOWhite BalanceSmart FilterFace Detection Exit Back 7 Press [ ] or [ ] to scroll to a White Balance option. Daylight Back Move 8 Press [ ]. Example: Selecting a White Ba...

Basic functions 21 Setting the display and sound Learn how to change the basic display and sound settings. Setting the sound Set whether your camera emits a specified sound when you operate your camera. 1 In Shooting or Playback mode, press [ ]. 2 Select Sound → Beep Sound → an option. Options Descr...

Basic functions 22 Taking photos Learn how to take photos easily and quickly in the Smart Auto mode. 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. 2 Press [ ] or [ ] to scroll to Mode, and then press [ ] or [ ]. 3 Press [ ] or [ ] to scroll to Smart Auto , and then press [ ]. Smart AutoProgramDISPhoto Help GuideSc...

Basic functions 23 Taking photos Digital zoom If the zoom indicator is in the digital range, your camera is using the digital zoom. The picture quality may deteriorate when you use the digital zoom. By using both the optical zoom and digital zoom, you can zoom in up to 15 times. Digital range Optica...

Basic functions 24 Taking photos Intelli zoom If the zoom indicator is in the Intelli range, your camera is using the Intelli zoom. Photo resolution varies according to the zoom rate if you use the Intelli zoom. By using both the optical zoom and Intelli zoom, you can zoom in up to 10 times. Intelli...

Basic functions 25 Tips for getting a clearer photo Holding your camera correctly Make sure nothing is blocking the lens. Half-pressing the shutter button Half-press [ Shutter ] and adjust the focus. The camera adjusts the focus and exposure automatically. The camera sets the aperture value and shut...

Basic functions 26 Preventing your subject from being out of focus It may be difficult to get your subject in focus when: - there is little contrast between the subject and background (When your subject is wearing clothing that is similar in color to the background) - the light source behind the sub...

Shooting modes …………………………… 28 Using the Smart Auto mode ………………… 28Using the Photo Help Guide mode ………… 29Using the Scene mode ……………………… 30Using the Beauty Shot mode ………………… 30Using the DIS mode ………………………… 31Using the Program mode …………………… 32Recording a video …………………………… 32 Recording voice memos …………...

Extended functions 28 Shooting modes Take photos or record videos by selecting the best shooting mode for the conditions. Icon Description Appears when taking photos of landscapes. Appears when taking photos with bright white backgrounds.Appears when taking photos of landscapes at night. This is ava...

Extended functions 29 Shooting modes Using the Photo Help Guide mode Helps the user learn the correct picture taking method and includes solutions for potential problems that may occur. This also enables the user to practice the best way to take the pictures. 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. 2 Select ...

Extended functions 30 Shooting modes Using the Beauty Shot mode Take a photo of a person with options to hide facial imperfections. 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. 2 Select Mode → Scene → Beauty Shot . 3 To make the subject's skin tone appear lighter (face only), press [ ], and then go to Step 4. To ...

Extended functions 31 Shooting modes Using the DIS mode Reduce camera shake and prevent blurred photos with Digital Image Stabilization functions. Before correction After correction 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. 2 Select Mode → DIS . 3 Align your subject in the frame, and then half-press [ Shutter ...

Extended functions 32 Shooting modes Recording a video You can record videos of up to 4 GB or 2 hours each.The recorded video is saved as an MJPEG file. • Some memory cards may not support high definition recording. If this occurs, set a lower resolution. (p. 36) 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. 2 Sel...

Extended functions 33 Shooting modes To pause recording The camera allows you to pause a video temporarily while recording. With this function, you can record several scenes as a single video.Press [ ] to pause while recording. Press it again to resume. Stop Pause 5 Press [ ]. 6 Select Movie → Voice...

Extended functions 34 Recording voice memos Learn how to record a voice memo that you can play back at any time. You can add a voice memo to a photo as a short reminder of shooting conditions. You will get the best sound quality when recording 16 inches (40 cm.) away from the camera. Adding a voice ...

Shooting options 36 Selecting a resolution and quality Learn how to change the image resolution and quality settings. When recording a video: 1 In the mode, press [ ]. 2 Select Movie → Movie Size → an option. Option Description 1280 X 720 : For play back on an HDTV. 640 X 480 : For play back on a st...

Shooting options 37 Using the timer Learn how to set the timer to delay shooting. 3 Press [ Shutter ] to start the timer. • The AF-assist light/timer lamp blinks. The camera automatically takes a photo at the specified time. • Press [ ] to cancel the timer. • Depending on the face detection option y...

Shooting options 38 Using the timer 6 Pose for your photo while the AF-assist light/timer lamp is blinking. • The AF-assist light/timer lamp stops blinking just before the camera automatically takes a photo. The motion timer may not work when: • you are more than 10 ft. (3 m) away from the camera • ...

Shooting options 39 Shooting in the dark Learn how to take photos at night or in low light conditions. Using the flash Use the flash when taking photos in the dark or when you need more light in your photos. 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. Auto 2 Select an option. Option Description Off : • The flash...

Shooting options 40 Shooting in the dark • Flash options are not available if you set burst options or select Blink Detection . • Make sure that your subjects are within the recommended distance from the flash. (p. 93) • If light from the flash is relected or there is a large amount of dust in the a...

Shooting options 41 Changing the camera’s focus Learn how to adjust the camera's focus. Using auto focus To take sharp photos, select the appropriate focus according to your distance from the subject. 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. Normal (AF) 2 Select an option. Option Description Normal (AF) : Foc...

Shooting options 42 Changing the camera’s focus Adjusting the focus area You can get clearer photos by selecting an appropriate focus area according to your subject’s location in the scene. 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. 2 Select Shooting → Focus Area → an option. Option Description Center AF : Focu...

Shooting options 43 Using face detection If you use face detection options, your camera can automatically detect a human face. When you focus on a human face, the camera adjusts the exposure automatically. Take photos quickly and easily by using Blink Detection to detect closed eyes or Smile Shot to...

Shooting options 44 Using face detection Taking a smile shot The camera automatically releases the shutter when it detects a smiling face. 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. 2 Select Shooting → Face Detection → Smile Shot . • When your subject smiles broadly, your camera can detect the smile more easily...

Shooting options 45 Using face detection Detecting eye blinking If your camera detects closed eyes, it automatically takes two photos in succession. 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. 2 Select Shooting → Face Detection → Blink Detection . • Hold your camera still while “ Capturing ” is displayed on the ...

Shooting options 46 Adjusting brightness and color Learn how to adjust the brightness and color for better image quality. Compensating for backlighting (ACB) When the light source is behind your subject or there is high contrast between your subject and the background, your subject is likely to appe...

Shooting options 47 Adjusting brightness and color Selecting a light source (White balance) The color of your photo depends on the type and quality of the light source. If you want the color of your photo to be realistic, select a white balance setting that matches the lighting conditions, such as D...

Shooting options 48 Adjusting brightness and color Defining your own white balance 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. 2 Select Shooting → White Balance → Measure: Shutter . 3 Aim the lens at a piece of white paper. 4 Press [ Shutter ]. 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. 2 Select Shooting → White Balance → a...

Shooting options 49 Using burst modes It can be difficult to take photos of fast-moving subjects or capture natural facial expressions and gestures of your subjects in photos. In these cases, select one of the burst modes to take multiple pictures rapidly. • You can use the flash, timer, and ACB onl...

Shooting options 50 Improving your photos Learn how to improve your photos by applying smart filter effects, or by making some adjustments. Defining your own RGB tone 1 In Shooting mode, press [ ]. 2 Select Shooting → Smart Filter → Custom RGB . 3 Select a color (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue). Back Mov...

Shooting options 51 Improving your photos Saturation option Description - Decrease the saturation. + Increase the saturation. • Select 0 if you do not want to apply any effects (suitable for printing). • If you set an Image Adjust option, Smart Filter function is not available. Adjusting your photos...

Playback/Editing 53 Playing back Learn to play back photos, videos, or voice memos, and manage files. Display in Playback mode Information Icon Description Photo includes a voice memo Video file Print order has been set (DPOF) Protected file Folder name – File name • If you want to view the file inf...

Playback/Editing 54 Playing back 4 Press [ ] or [ ] to scroll through files. • Press and hold to scroll through files quickly. 5 Press [ ] to return to the normal view. Viewing files by category in Smart Album View and manage files by categories, such as date, file type, or week. 1 In Playback mode,...

Playback/Editing 55 Playing back Protecting files Protect your files from accidental deletion. 1 In Playback mode, press [ ]. 2 Select File Options → Protect → Select . 3 To protect all files, select All → Lock . 4 To protect a single file, select the file you want to protect, and then press [ ]. • ...

Playback/Editing 56 Playing back Deleting files Delete single files or all files at once. You cannot delete protected files. To delete a single file, 1 In Playback mode, select a file, and then press [ ]. 2 Select Yes to delete the file. To delete multiple files, 1 In Playback mode, press [ ]. 2 Sel...

Playback/Editing 57 Playing back Starting a slide show You can apply effects and add audio to your slide show. 1 In Playback mode, press [ ]. 2 Select Multi Slide Show . 3 Select a slide show effect option. • Skip to step 5 to start a slide show with no effects. Option Description Images Select the ...

Playback/Editing 58 Playing back Playing a video You can play a video or capture an image from a video. 1 In Playback mode, select a video, and then press [ ]. Pause Playback time 2 Use the following buttons to control playback. Press To [ ] Scan backward. [ ] Pause or resume playback. [ ] Scan forw...

Playback/Editing 59 Playing back Adding a voice memo to a photo 1 In Playback mode, select a photo, and then press [ ]. 2 Select File Options → Voice memo → On . 3 Press [ Shutter ] to record a short voice memo (10 seconds maximum). • Press [ Shutter ] to stop recording a voice memo. You cannot add ...

Playback/Editing 60 Editing a photo Perform photo editing tasks, such as resizing, rotating, eliminating red-eyes, and adjusting brightness, contrast, or saturation. The camera saves edited photos as new files. Rotating a photo 1 In Playback mode, select a photo, and then press [ ]. 2 Select Edit → ...

Playback/Editing 61 Editing a photo Back Miniature Move Defining your own RGB tone 1 In Playback mode, select a photo, and then press [ ]. 2 Select Edit → Smart Filter → Custom RGB . 3 Select a color (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue). Back Move 4 Adjust the amount of the selected color. (-: less or +: mor...

Playback/Editing 62 Editing a photo Correcting exposure problems Adjust ACB (Auto Contrast Balance), brightness, contrast, or saturation; remove red-eye; hide facial imperfections; or add noise to the photo. Adjusting ACB (Auto Contrast Balance) 1 In Playback mode, select a photo, and then press [ ]...

Playback/Editing 63 Editing a photo 4 Press [ ]. 5 Select File Options → DPOF → Size → an option. Option Description Select Specify the print size for the selected photo. All Specify the print size for all photos. Reset Reset to the default settings. 6 If you select Select , scroll to a photo, and t...

Playback/Editing 64 Viewing files on a TV Play back photos or videos by connecting your camera to a TV using the A/V cable. 8 View photos or play videos using the buttons on your camera. • On some TVs, digital noise may occur or part of an image may not appear. • Images may not appear centered on th...

Playback/Editing 65 Transferring files to your Windows computer Transfer files by connecting your camera to your Windows PC. • Intelli-studio may not perform correctly on some computers, even when the computer meets the requirements. • If your computer does not meet the requirements, videos may not ...

Playback/Editing 66 Transferring files to your Windows computer Installing Intelli-studio 1 Insert the installation CD in a compatible CD-ROM drive. 2 When the setup screen appears, click Samsung Digital Camera Installer to start installation. 3 Select the programs to install, and then follow the on...

Playback/Editing 67 Transferring files to your Windows computer Transferring files using Intelli-studio You can easily transfer files on your camera to your computer by using Intelli-studio. The battery will be charged while the camera is connected to a computer with the USB cable. 1 Connect the cam...

Playback/Editing 68 Transferring files to your Windows computer Using Intelli-studio The Intelli-studio allows you to play back and edit files. You can also upload files to websites, such as Flickr or YouTube. For details, select Help → Help in the program. • You cannot edit files directly on the ca...

Playback/Editing 69 Transferring files to your Windows computer Transferring files by connecting the camera as a removable disk You can connect the camera to your computer as a removable disk. 1 Connect the camera to your computer with the USB cable. You must plug the end of the cable with the indic...

Playback/Editing 70 Transferring files to your Windows computer 2 Turn on the camera. • The computer recognizes the camera automatically. If the camera fails to connect, a pop-up window will appear. Select Computer . 3 On your computer, select My Computer → Removable Disk → DCIM → 100PHOTO . 4 Selec...

Playback/Editing 71 Transferring files to your Mac computer When you connect the camera to a Macintosh computer, the computer recognizes the camera automatically. You can transfer files directly from the camera to the computer without installing any programs. Mac OS 10.4 or later is supported. 2 Tur...

Playback/Editing 72 Printing photos with a PictBridge photo printer Print photos with a PictBridge-compatible printer by connecting your camera directly to the printer. Configuring print settings ImagesSizeLayoutTypeQuality Exit Print : One Photo: Auto: Auto: Auto: Auto Option Description Images : S...

Camera settings menu …………………… 74 Accessing the settings menu ………………… 74Sound ………………………………………… 75Display ……………………………………… 75Settings ……………………………………… 76 Settings Refer to options to configure your camera’s settings.

Settings 74 Camera settings menu Learn about various options to configure your camera's settings. 3 Select an option and save your settings. VolumeStart SoundShutter SoundBeep SoundAF Sound Back Set OffLowMediumHigh 4 Press [ ] to return to the previous screen. Accessing the settings menu 1 In Shoot...

Appendixes 80 Error messages When the following error messages appear, try these remedies. Error message Suggested remedies Card Error • Turn off your camera, and then turn it on again. • Remove your memory card, and insert it again. • Format your memory card. (p. 76) Card Locked Unlock the memory c...

Appendixes 81 Camera maintenance Camera body Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. • Never use benzene, thinners, or alcohol to clean the device. These solutions can damage the camera or cause it to malfunction. • Do not press on the lens cover or use a blower brush on the lens cover. Cleaning your ca...

Appendixes 82 Camera maintenance Using on beaches or shores • Protect your camera from sand and dirt when you use it on beaches or in other similar areas. • Your camera is not waterproof. Do not handle the battery, adapter, or memory card with wet hands. Operating the camera with wet hands may cause...

Appendixes 83 Camera maintenance • Paint or metal on the outside of the camera may cause allergies, itchy skin, eczema, or swelling for people with sensitive skin. If you have experience any of these symptoms, stop using the camera immediately and consult a doctor. • Do not insert foreign objects in...

Appendixes 84 Camera maintenance Memory card capacity The memory capacity may differ depending on the scenes you shoot or the shooting conditions. These capacities are based on a 1 GB SD card: Size Super Fine Fine Normal 30 FPS 24 FPS 15 FPS P h o t o s 129 240 292 - - - 152 249 312 - - - 147 284 40...

Appendixes 85 Camera maintenance Cautions when using memory cards • Insert a memory card in the correct direction. Inserting a memory card in the wrong direction may damage your camera and memory card. • Do not use memory cards that have been formatted by other cameras or by a computer. Reformat the...

Appendixes 86 Camera maintenance About the battery Be sure to use rechargeable battery for reuse. Available batteries for this camera are listed below. Battery specifications Specification Description Model BP70A Type Lithium-ion battery Cell capacity 740 mAh (Minimum: 700 mAh) Voltage 3.7V Charging...

Appendixes 87 Camera maintenance Low battery message When the battery charge has fully discharged, the battery icon will turn red and the ‘ Low Battery ’ message will appear. Notes about using the battery • Avoid exposing batteries or memory cards to very cold or very hot temperatures (below 0º C/32...

Appendixes 88 Camera maintenance • Using the flash or recording videos depletes the battery quickly. Charge the battery until the indicator light turns green. • If the indicator light blinks in orange or does not illuminate, reconnect the cable, or remove the battery and insert it again. • If you ch...

Appendixes 90 Before contacting a service center If you are having trouble with your camera, try these troubleshooting procedures before contacting a service center. If you have attempted the troubleshooting solution and are still having problems with your device, contact your local dealer or servic...

Appendixes 93 Camera specifications Shutter speed • Smart Auto: 8 - 1/2,000 sec. • Program: 1 - 1/2,000 sec. • Night: 8 - 1/2,000 sec. Exposure Control Program AE Metering Multi, Spot, Center-weighted Compensation ±2EV (1/3EV steps) ISO equivalent Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 Flash Mode Off, A...

Appendixes 96 ACB (Auto Contrast Balance) This feature automatically improves the contrast of your images when the subject is backlit or when there is a high contrast between your subject and the background. AEB (Auto Exposure Bracket) This feature automatically captures several images at different ...

Appendixes 100 Correct Disposal of This Product (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems) This marking on the product, accessories or literature indicates that the product and its electronic accessor...

Appendixes 101 FCC notice • 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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipme...

Appendixes 102 Flash Auto 40Fill in 40Off 39Red-eye 40Red-eye Fix 40Slow Sync 40 Focus area Center AF 42Multi AF 42 Focus distance Macro 41Normal (AF) 41 Format 76 Frame rate 32 Function button 14 Function description 75 H Half-pressing 6 Disconnecting the device 70 DIS mode 31 Display brightness 75...