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The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is known for being genuinely easy to use. But if you’re having trouble getting started, it helps to know what this little camera can actually do.
It packs an 8x optical zoom lens and a 20-megapixel CCD sensor, which means it takes impressive photos even when the lighting isn’t ideal. You also get smooth 720p HD video recording along with Smart Auto mode, Eco mode, and various scene modes that help stretch your battery life.
If you’re still running into issues with operation or handling, the steps below should clear things up.
Initial Preparations
First, attach the wrist strap. Thread the end of the strap through the strap mount, then gently pull it through. Wrap the strap around your wrist to keep the camera secure while shooting. Keep your arms close to your body for steadier shots.
Charging
Make sure the battery pack is charged before you start. Insert the battery, then charge it using the included charger. Once fully charged, disconnect the charger and remove the battery pack.
Using the Camera
Shooting
- Press the power button to turn on the camera and bring up the startup screen.
- Switch into auto mode.
- Point the camera at your subject. You’ll hear a clicking sound from the camera.
- The screen icon appears on the main menu.
- Compose your shot. To zoom in, push the zoom lever toward the telephoto symbol. To zoom out, push it toward the wide-angle symbol.
- Press the shutter button halfway to lock focus. You’ll hear a beep when focus is set.
- Press the shutter button all the way down to take the photo. Hold still until the shutter sound stops. After the image previews on screen, the camera returns to the shooting screen.
Recording Movies
Press the movie button to start recording. You’ll hear a beep confirming that recording has begun.
The recording symbol and a timer will show on screen. You might notice black bars at the top and bottom of the frame. Frames around detected faces show where the camera is focusing.
Press the movie button again to stop recording. Two beeps signal that the recording has ended.
Viewing Images
To review your photos, press the Playback button to switch to playback mode. Use the previous/next controls or other navigation buttons to browse through your images.
Controlling Other Features
Adjusting shooting and playback modes is straightforward on this camera. Take advantage of the power saver options to conserve battery when you’re not actively shooting.
To focus with the shutter button, press it halfway first, then press fully from that halfway position. To check whether shutter sounds are enabled, go to the function menu and look under function settings.
Bottom Line on How to Use Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras you can buy for everyday photography. Once you spend a little time with it, the features become second nature. If anything trips you up along the way, come back to the steps above.
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