Learn How to Use Your Camera: Initial Setup (1)
This set of articles will show you how to run the initial setup on your camera and how to use your camera correctly. By following the correct steps in the beginning, you can avoid problems later.Keep in mind that every model of digital camera is a little different. This set of articles will not exactly follow every step you need to use with your particular brand and model of digital camera. The articles are designed more to provide general guidance in working with your new camera. For exact instructions, look toward your new digital camera"s user guide or quick start guide.
As you open the camera"s box, you"ll notice it is packed tightly with components, user guides, and even a few advertisements. Find a large flat surface and lay everything out carefully. The camera"s user guide or quick start guide should have a drawing or a list of all of the items in the box. Make sure you have everything before you begin charging the battery. Save all of the plastic bags and packing material for the camera.
Begin setting up your camera by finding the Quick Start Guide. With some models, it"s a printed card or poster that"s separate from the user guide. With other models, the Quick Start Guide may be printed inside the user guide.
The Quick Start Guide should provide easy-to-follow instructions for charging the battery, for inserting it correctly into the camera, and for inserting the memory card. Most Quick Start Guides include both illustrations and printed instructions.
Just be certain to follow the instructions in order. Don"t skip around.
The initial battery charging process can require anywhere from one to three hours, so don"t expect to use the camera immediately after taking it out of the box.
If your camera uses disposable AA/AAA batteries, you simply have to insert the batteries in the camera.
If, however, your camera requires a rechargeable battery, you"ll have to charge it before you can use the digital camera. Some cameras use a separate charger unit (as shown here), while other cameras charge the battery inside the camera.
Find the compartment for the rechargeable battery. Most of the time, the compartment is on the bottom panel or on a side panel of the camera. Use the Quick Start Guide to find the compartment door.
The memory card slot also might be hidden behind the battery compartment door.
With most battery compartment doors for cameras, you have to flip a small lever or toggle switch to open the door. The toggle switch unlocks the compartment door and allows it swing open.
The toggle switch can be embedded in the compartment door, or it can be next to the door. Again, the Quick Start Guide should give you the exact location, if you can"t find the door.
Resource: How to correctly use the Digital Camera Battery