canon powershot sx620 hs user guide

Canon’s PowerShot SX620 HS is a user-friendly, compact camera boasting a 25x optical zoom, ideal for travel and everyday photography.

This guide will help you unlock its full potential, covering features like Wi-Fi, NFC, and the ZoomPlus technology for extended reach.

The SX620 HS delivers impressive image quality in a portable design, making it perfect for capturing memories with ease and convenience.

Explore detailed instructions, from initial setup to advanced shooting modes, ensuring you maximize your photographic experience.

Discover how to transfer photos seamlessly and maintain your camera for years of reliable performance, as detailed in this manual.

What’s in the Box

Upon opening your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS package, you should find several key components to get you started immediately. Firstly, the camera itself, the PowerShot SX620 HS, is securely packaged. You’ll also receive a battery (NB-11LH) to power your photographic adventures, and a battery charger (CB-2LVE) to keep it fully charged.

Essential for storing your captured images is a memory card; however, please note that a card is often not included and must be purchased separately. A wrist strap is provided for secure handling, preventing accidental drops. Furthermore, the box contains a comprehensive user manual, offering detailed guidance on all camera functions.

You’ll also find important documentation like warranty information and safety precautions. Finally, a USB cable (IFC-600PCU) is included for transferring photos to your computer and charging the camera.

Camera Overview: Buttons and Dials

The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS features an intuitive layout for easy operation. The power button initiates the camera, while the shutter button captures photos and starts video recording. A prominent zoom lever surrounds the shutter, controlling the 25x optical zoom. The mode dial allows quick selection of shooting modes like Auto, Scene, and Manual.

On the rear panel, the directional buttons navigate menus and select options. The FUNC button accesses frequently used settings. A MENU button opens the full menu system for detailed adjustments. The DISP button toggles display information on the LCD screen.

Finally, a Wi-Fi button simplifies wireless connectivity. Understanding these controls is key to mastering your camera’s capabilities.

First Steps: Inserting the Battery and Memory Card

Before first use, insert the battery into the compartment located on the bottom of the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS. Ensure the battery clicks securely into place. Next, locate the memory card slot, typically alongside the battery compartment. This camera supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.

Gently insert the memory card until it clicks. Do not force it! The memory card stores your photos and videos, so choose a card with sufficient capacity. Always power off the camera before inserting or removing either the battery or the memory card.

Proper insertion ensures reliable operation and prevents damage to the camera or storage media.

Basic Operations

Canon’s SX620 HS offers intuitive controls for effortless photography. Learn to power the camera on/off, navigate menus, utilize the zoom, and capture your first image.

Mastering these fundamentals unlocks the camera’s potential for stunning photos and videos.

Powering On and Off

To power on your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS, locate the power button, typically found on the top panel of the camera. Press it firmly; the LCD screen will illuminate, indicating the camera is starting up.

The startup process may take a few seconds as the camera initializes its systems. Once fully operational, the shooting screen will be displayed, ready for capturing images.

To power off the camera, press the same power button again. The LCD screen will display a shutdown animation, and the camera will turn off. Ensure the camera is completely powered down to conserve battery life.

Auto Power Off: The SX620 HS features an auto power off function. If left idle for a specified period, the camera will automatically shut down to save energy. This duration can be adjusted in the camera’s menu settings.

Navigating the Menu System

Accessing the Menu: Press the MENU button on the rear of your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS to display the main menu. This menu is organized into several tabs, each representing a different category of settings.

Menu Tabs: Use the directional buttons (up, down, left, right) to navigate between the menu tabs. These tabs typically include Shooting, Quality, Setup, Wi-Fi, and more.

Selecting Options: Within each tab, use the directional buttons to highlight the desired menu option. Press the FUNC button or the shutter button halfway to select the highlighted option.

Adjusting Settings: Once an option is selected, use the directional buttons or the control dial (if available) to adjust its settings. Press MENU again to return to the previous menu or exit entirely.

Using the Zoom Function

Zoom Control: The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS features a zoom lever that surrounds the shutter button. Pushing this lever towards the ‘W’ (wide-angle) direction decreases the zoom, capturing a broader scene. Conversely, pushing it towards the ‘T’ (telephoto) direction increases the zoom, bringing distant subjects closer.

Optical vs. Digital Zoom: The camera offers both 25x optical zoom and ZoomPlus technology for extended reach. Optical zoom maintains image quality, while ZoomPlus utilizes digital enlargement, potentially reducing clarity.

Zoom Speed: Adjust zoom speed by varying the pressure applied to the zoom lever. A gentle push results in slower, more controlled zooming, while a firmer push zooms more quickly.

Zoom Position Indicator: The LCD screen displays a zoom position indicator, showing the current zoom level (wide-angle to telephoto). Utilize this to precisely frame your shots.

Taking Your First Photo

Power On & Initial Setup: Ensure the battery and memory card are correctly installed. Press the power button to activate the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS. Follow the on-screen prompts for initial settings like date, time, and language.

Select Shooting Mode: Begin in ‘Auto’ mode for simplicity. This allows the camera to automatically adjust settings for optimal results. Access shooting modes via the mode dial on top of the camera.

Compose Your Shot: Look through the LCD screen and frame your subject. Use the zoom lever to adjust the composition as desired.

Focus & Capture: Half-press the shutter button to activate autofocus. Once focused, fully press the shutter button to capture the image. Review the photo on the LCD screen.

Shooting Modes Explained

Canon’s SX620 HS offers diverse shooting modes, from fully automatic simplicity to creative filters and complete manual control for personalized photography.

Explore ‘Auto’, ‘Scene’, ‘Creative Shot’, and ‘Manual’ modes to tailor settings to your subject and desired artistic expression.

Auto Mode: Point-and-Shoot Simplicity

Canon’s Auto mode on the PowerShot SX620 HS is designed for effortless photography, making it perfect for beginners or quick snapshots.

In this mode, the camera automatically handles all settings – focus, exposure, white balance, and ISO – allowing you to simply point and shoot.

The SX620 HS intelligently analyzes the scene and selects the optimal settings for the best possible image quality, minimizing the need for manual adjustments.

This is ideal for everyday situations, capturing spontaneous moments, or when you want a hassle-free shooting experience.

While offering convenience, Auto mode still delivers impressive results, leveraging the camera’s advanced processing capabilities.

It’s a great starting point for exploring the camera’s features before venturing into more complex shooting modes.

Simply frame your shot and press the shutter button – the SX620 HS takes care of the rest!

Scene Modes: Optimizing for Specific Situations

Canon’s PowerShot SX620 HS features a variety of Scene modes designed to optimize camera settings for specific shooting conditions.

These pre-set modes allow you to achieve better results in challenging environments without needing to manually adjust complex settings.

Common Scene modes include Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night, and Snow, each tailored to capture the best possible image in its respective scenario.

For example, Portrait mode softens backgrounds and enhances skin tones, while Landscape mode prioritizes sharpness and vibrant colors.

Selecting the appropriate Scene mode ensures the camera automatically adjusts settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for optimal performance.

Experimenting with these modes unlocks creative possibilities and helps you capture stunning photos in diverse situations.

Access Scene modes through the camera’s menu system for a simplified and effective shooting experience.

Creative Filters: Adding Artistic Effects

Canon’s PowerShot SX620 HS empowers your creativity with a selection of built-in Creative Filters, transforming ordinary photos into artistic masterpieces.

These filters apply unique effects to your images in real-time, allowing you to preview the results before capturing the shot.

Available filters include Fish-eye, Miniature, Toy Camera, Soft Focus, Monochrome, and more, each offering a distinct visual style.

The Fish-eye filter creates a distorted, wide-angle effect, while Miniature makes scenes appear like tiny models.

Toy Camera emulates the look of vintage plastic cameras, and Soft Focus adds a dreamy, ethereal quality to your images.

Experimenting with these filters is a fun and easy way to add personality and flair to your photography.

Access Creative Filters through the camera’s menu, enhancing your photos with a single touch.

Manual Mode: Full Control Over Settings

Canon’s PowerShot SX620 HS offers a Manual Mode (M) for photographers desiring complete control over their camera settings.

This mode allows you to independently adjust aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity, influencing exposure and creative effects.

Aperture controls the lens opening, affecting depth of field – the area in focus – while shutter speed determines exposure duration.

ISO sensitivity adjusts the camera’s light sensitivity, impacting image brightness and noise levels.

Manual Mode is ideal for challenging lighting conditions or when you want to achieve a specific artistic vision.

Understanding the interplay between these settings is crucial for mastering photography.

Experiment with different combinations to achieve desired results, unlocking your creative potential.

Refer to the camera’s menu for detailed explanations of each setting and their impact on your images.

Understanding Camera Settings

Canon’s SX620 HS offers diverse settings to customize your shooting experience, including image quality, ISO, white balance, and focusing modes.

Mastering these controls unlocks creative potential and ensures optimal image results in various conditions.

Image Quality Settings: Resolution and Compression

The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS allows you to adjust image quality through resolution and compression settings, directly impacting file size and detail.

Higher resolutions (like Fine or Superfine) capture more detail, resulting in larger file sizes suitable for printing or extensive editing.

Lower resolutions (like Normal) produce smaller files, ideal for sharing online or when memory card space is limited.

Compression levels affect the amount of data retained; higher compression reduces file size but may introduce some image artifacts.

Experiment with different combinations to find the balance between image quality and storage capacity that best suits your needs.

Access these settings within the camera’s menu, typically under the ‘Image Quality’ option, to tailor your photos accordingly.

Understanding these options empowers you to optimize your images for specific purposes and storage constraints.

ISO Sensitivity: Balancing Brightness and Noise

ISO sensitivity controls your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS’s sensor’s sensitivity to light, impacting image brightness and noise levels.

Lower ISO settings (like 100) are ideal for bright conditions, producing cleaner images with minimal noise, maximizing detail and clarity.

Higher ISO settings (like 800, 1600, or 3200) are useful in low-light situations, allowing for faster shutter speeds to prevent blur.

However, increasing ISO introduces digital noise, appearing as graininess or speckling in your photos.

The SX620 HS automatically adjusts ISO in Auto mode, but manual control offers creative flexibility.

Experiment to find the highest usable ISO setting before noise becomes unacceptable for your desired image quality.

Balancing brightness and noise is crucial for achieving optimal results in various shooting environments.

White Balance: Achieving Accurate Colors

White balance (WB) ensures colors are rendered accurately, neutralizing color casts caused by different lighting conditions on your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS.

Auto White Balance (AWB) generally performs well, but specific presets offer greater control for challenging situations.

Presets include Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Tungsten, and Flash, each optimized for a particular light source.

Custom WB allows you to manually set white balance using a white or gray card for precise color accuracy.

Incorrect white balance can result in images appearing too warm (yellowish) or too cool (bluish).

Experiment with different WB settings to achieve natural-looking colors in your photos.

Understanding white balance is key to capturing true-to-life images, especially in mixed or artificial lighting.

Focusing Modes: Autofocus and Manual Focus

The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS offers several focusing modes to suit various shooting scenarios, primarily Autofocus (AF) and Manual Focus (MF).

AF modes include Normal, Macro, and Super Macro, each optimized for different subject distances.

Face Detection AF prioritizes focusing on faces within the frame, ensuring sharp portraits.

Continuous AF tracks moving subjects, maintaining focus as they move across the scene.

Manual Focus allows precise control over focus, useful for static subjects or challenging lighting conditions.

Switching between AF and MF is done through the camera’s menu system.

Proper focus is crucial for sharp, clear images; understanding these modes enhances your photographic control.

Connectivity and Transferring Photos

Canon’s SX620 HS simplifies photo sharing with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities, enabling easy smartphone pairing and transfer.

Alternatively, connect via USB to your computer for direct image downloads and convenient file management.

These options ensure seamless integration with your digital workflow, allowing quick access to your captured memories.

Wi-Fi Connectivity: Pairing with Smartphones

Connecting your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS to your smartphone via Wi-Fi unlocks a world of sharing and control options. First, ensure your smartphone has a compatible Canon app installed, such as Canon Camera Connect. On the camera, access the Wi-Fi settings in the menu and select your network.

The camera will display a QR code. Open the Canon app on your smartphone and select the option to connect via QR code. Scan the code displayed on the camera’s screen; Follow the on-screen prompts on both devices to complete the pairing process.

Once connected, you can remotely control the camera, browse and download photos directly to your smartphone, and easily share them on social media platforms. The app also allows for live view monitoring and various shooting settings adjustments.

NFC Connectivity: One-Touch Transfer

Near Field Communication (NFC) offers a remarkably simple way to transfer photos from your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS to NFC-enabled smartphones. Ensure your smartphone has NFC functionality activated in its settings. Then, power on your camera and bring the NFC mark on the camera (usually located on the side) close to the NFC antenna on your smartphone.

A connection will automatically establish, and your smartphone will prompt you to complete the transfer. This typically involves confirming the action on your phone. The Canon Camera Connect app may be required for the transfer to initiate.

NFC provides a quick, one-touch solution for sharing photos without the need for complex pairing procedures or passwords, streamlining the image transfer process.

Transferring Photos to a Computer via USB

To transfer photos from your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS to a computer using a USB cable, first power off the camera. Connect the USB cable to the camera’s USB port and the other end to a USB port on your computer. Power on the camera; it should automatically appear as a removable drive on your computer.

You can then browse the camera’s storage (internal memory or SD card) and copy the desired photos and videos to your computer. Alternatively, use the Canon Image Transfer Utility software for a more organized transfer process.

Remember to safely eject the camera from your computer before disconnecting the USB cable to prevent data corruption.

Advanced Features

Canon’s SX620 HS offers ZoomPlus technology, extending zoom range, Digital IS for stable images, and Creative Shot mode for automatic variations.

These features enhance your photography, providing greater flexibility and creative control over your images and videos.

ZoomPlus Technology: Extending the Zoom Range

Canon’s innovative ZoomPlus technology significantly expands the optical zoom capabilities of the PowerShot SX620 HS. While the camera boasts a substantial 25x optical zoom, ZoomPlus effectively increases this range by approximately 50x, allowing you to get even closer to your subject without sacrificing image quality.

This feature utilizes digital image processing to intelligently extend the zoom, maintaining a reasonable level of detail. It’s particularly useful when photographing distant subjects like wildlife or architectural details. However, it’s important to note that using ZoomPlus does involve some digital enlargement, so image quality may slightly decrease compared to using the optical zoom alone.

To activate ZoomPlus, simply continue zooming in beyond the maximum optical zoom limit. The camera will indicate when ZoomPlus is engaged. Experiment with this feature to discover its benefits in various shooting scenarios.

Digital IS (Image Stabilization)

Digital Image Stabilization (Digital IS) is a valuable feature on the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS, designed to minimize blur caused by camera shake, especially when shooting handheld at longer zoom ranges. It works by analyzing the image and compensating for minor movements during exposure.

While not as effective as optical image stabilization, Digital IS provides a noticeable improvement in image sharpness, particularly in low-light conditions or when using the camera’s extended ZoomPlus functionality. To activate Digital IS, access the camera’s menu and enable the image stabilization setting.

Keep in mind that Digital IS may slightly reduce the field of view. For optimal results, combine Digital IS with a stable shooting posture and proper technique.

Creative Shot Mode: Automatic Image Variations

Creative Shot mode on the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS offers a fun and effortless way to add artistic flair to your photos. This intelligent mode automatically analyzes your scene and generates up to five unique image variations, applying different creative filters and effects.

Simply compose your shot, select Creative Shot, and let the camera do the rest! The variations include options like Soft Focus, Monochrome, Toy Camera, and Fisheye, providing diverse looks without manual adjustments.

You can then review the options and choose your favorite, or save them all. It’s a fantastic way to experiment with different styles and discover new creative possibilities, perfect for social media sharing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

This section addresses frequent problems with the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS, including power failures, memory card errors, blurry images, and Wi-Fi connectivity issues.

Find clear solutions and guidance to quickly resolve these challenges and get back to capturing stunning photos with your camera.

Camera Not Powering On

If your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS fails to power on, begin by verifying the battery is correctly inserted and fully charged. Remove and reinsert the battery, ensuring proper contact. Try a different, known-working battery if available to rule out a battery issue.

Next, check the battery compartment for any obstructions or corrosion that might prevent a secure connection. If the issue persists, attempt to charge the battery for an extended period, even if the charger indicates it’s full. A deeply discharged battery may require a longer charging time.

Also, ensure the power button is pressed firmly and held for a few seconds. In rare cases, a reset might be necessary; remove both the battery and memory card, then reinsert them and try powering on the camera again. If none of these steps resolve the problem, professional service may be required.

Memory Card Errors

Encountering memory card errors with your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS can be frustrating. First, ensure the card is compatible (SD, SDHC, SDXC) and properly inserted into the slot. Try removing and reinserting the card, confirming it clicks securely into place.

If the error persists, test the card in another device (computer or card reader) to determine if the card itself is faulty. A corrupted card may require formatting, but remember this will erase all data. Before formatting, attempt data recovery if possible.

Also, avoid removing the card during image transfer or camera operation. If the camera displays a “Card Full” error when it isn’t, the card may be nearing its end of life. Consider replacing it with a new, high-quality memory card.

Blurry Photos

Experiencing blurry photos with your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS? Several factors can contribute to this issue. First, ensure you’re holding the camera steady, especially at longer zoom levels. Utilize the Digital IS (Image Stabilization) feature to minimize camera shake, but remember it’s most effective for minor movements.

Check your focusing mode. Autofocus might struggle in low light or with fast-moving subjects. Try switching to manual focus and carefully adjusting the focus ring until the image appears sharp on the LCD screen. Also, confirm the lens is clean; smudges can cause softness.

Finally, consider the shooting mode. Auto mode may not always select the optimal settings. Experiment with Scene modes or Manual mode for greater control over aperture and shutter speed, leading to sharper images.

Wi-Fi Connection Problems

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi connectivity on your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS? First, ensure your smartphone and camera are within range of each other. Verify your Wi-Fi network is functioning correctly and that you’ve entered the correct password into the camera. Restart both your camera and smartphone – a simple reboot often resolves connection issues.

If using NFC, ensure NFC is enabled on your smartphone and bring the devices very close together. For direct Wi-Fi connection, select the camera’s Wi-Fi settings and follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your smartphone’s hotspot.

Check for firmware updates for your camera, as these often include connectivity improvements. If problems persist, consult Canon’s support website for further assistance.

Maintaining Your Camera

Proper care extends your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS’s lifespan. Regularly clean the lens with a soft cloth, store it safely, and manage battery health.

Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity, and always handle the camera with care to prevent damage.

Cleaning the Lens

Maintaining a clean lens is crucial for optimal image quality with your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS. Dust, fingerprints, and smudges can significantly impact your photos, leading to reduced clarity and unwanted flares.

To clean the lens effectively, begin by using a blower to gently remove any loose dust particles. Never use pressurized air cans, as they can damage the lens coating.

If smudges remain, lightly dampen a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth with lens cleaning solution – specifically designed for camera lenses. Avoid using household cleaners or abrasive materials.

Gently wipe the lens in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outwards; Avoid applying excessive pressure. For stubborn marks, repeat the process with a fresh, clean section of the cloth. Ensure the lens is completely dry before using the camera.

Regular cleaning will help preserve the clarity and performance of your SX620 HS’s lens for years to come.

Battery Care

Proper battery care is essential for maximizing the lifespan and performance of your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS’s battery. Always use the Canon-supplied battery charger (CB-2LDE) to avoid damaging the battery.

Avoid completely discharging the battery before recharging. Frequent full discharges can shorten its overall lifespan. It’s best to recharge when the battery indicator shows low power.

Store the battery in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Do not leave the battery fully charged for extended periods, as this can also degrade its performance.

Remove the battery if you plan to store the camera for a prolonged time. Avoid short-circuiting the terminals. Only use a soft, dry cloth to clean the battery contacts.

Following these guidelines will ensure your battery provides reliable power for your SX620 HS for many photos to come.

Storage and Handling

Protect your Canon PowerShot SX620 HS from damage by following these storage and handling guidelines; When not in use, store the camera in a clean, dry place, ideally within its protective case or a soft pouch.

Avoid exposing the camera to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight for extended periods. Do not drop or subject the camera to strong impacts, as this can damage internal components.

Keep the camera away from dust, sand, and water. If exposed to moisture, dry it immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid touching the lens with your fingers; use a lens cleaning cloth instead.

When carrying the camera, ensure the lens is protected. Secure the wrist strap to prevent accidental drops. Proper care will ensure your SX620 HS remains in excellent condition.