Camera User Guide
The serial number of this product is 
given on the bottom face of the camera.
Basic Operations
If you are using the camera for the 
first time, read this section.
This section provides a basic overview of 
how to turn on the camera, take pictures 
and play back pictures.
Advanced Operations
Read this section when you want 
to learn more about the different 
camera functions.
This section provides more detailed 
information about the functions used to 
take pictures and play back pictures, as 
well as information on how to customize 
the camera settings, print pictures, and 
use the camera with a computer.
Note
Do not connect the USB cable yet!
If you connect the camera to a computer through the USB 
cable before installing the provided software on the 
computer, the software required for connection between 
camera and computer may not be installed correctly. Be 
sure to connect the camera to your computer after 
installing the provided software. (GP.128)
Preface
This manual provides information on how to use the shooting and playback 
functions of this product, as well as warnings on its use.
To make the best use of this product’s functions, read this manual thoroughly 
before use. Please keep this manual handy for ease of reference.
Ricoh Co., Ltd.
Safety Precautions
Test Shooting
Copyright
Exemption from Liability
Warranty
Radio Interference
For the safe use of your camera, be sure to read the safety precautions 
thoroughly.
Please be sure to do some test shooting to make sure it is recording 
properly before normal use.
Reproduction or alteration of copyrighted documents, magazines, music 
and other materials, other than for personal, home or similarly limited 
purposes, without the consent of the copyright holder is prohibited.
Ricoh Co., Ltd. assumes no liability for failure to record or play back images 
caused by malfunction of this product.
This product is manufactured to local specifications and the warranty is valid 
within the country of purchase. Should the product fail or malfunction while 
you are abroad, the manufacturer assumes no responsibility for servicing 
the product locally or bearing the expenditure incurred thereof.
Operating this product in the vicinity of other electronic equipment may 
adversely affect the performance of both devices. In particular, operating 
the camera close to a radio or television may lead to interference. If 
interference occurs, follow the procedures below.
• Move the camera as far away as possible from the TV, radio or other 
device.
• Reorient the TV or radio antenna.
• Plug the devices into separate electrical outlets.
This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of Ricoh.
© 2006 RICOH CO., LTD. All rights reserved.
The contents of this document may be changed in the future, without prior notice.
This booklet was created with thorough attention to its content. If, however, you have a question, spot an 
error, or find a description lacking, please refer to the end of this booklet for information on how to contact us.
Microsoft, MS, Windows and DirectX are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States 
of America and other countries.
Macintosh, Power Macintosh, and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. in the United 
States of America and other countries. 
Adobe and Adobe Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
All trademarked company and product names mentioned in this manual are the property of their respective 
owners.
Bluetooth® is a trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and licensed to Ricoh Co., Ltd.
Telephone Support Numbers in Europe
UK
(from within the UK)
(from outside of the UK)
02073 656 580
+44 2073 656 580
Deutschland
(innerhalb Deutschlands)
(außerhalb Deutschlands)
06331 268 438
+49 6331 268 438
France
Italia
España
(à partir de la France)
(en dehors de la France)
0800 91 4897
+49 6331 268 409
(dall’Italia)
(dall’estero)
02 696 33 451
+39 02 696 33 451
(desde España)
(desde fuera de España)
91 406 9148
+34 91 406 9148
http://www.service.ricohpmmc.com/
Using the Manuals
The following two manuals are included with your Caplio 500SE.
“Camera User Guide” (This booklet)
This guide explains the usage and functions of the camera. It 
also explains how to install the provided software on your 
computer.
* The “Camera User Guide” (English edition) is available from 
the provided CD-ROM as a PDF file.
“Software User Guide” (PDF file)
This guide explains how to download images from the camera 
to your computer and display and edit them on your computer.
* The “Software User Guide” is available in the following 
folders on the provided CD-ROM.
Each language has its own 
“Software User Guide” in 
the respective folder.
“Camera User Guide” 
(English edition) (PDF file)
To copy the Software User Guide onto your hard disk, copy 
the PDF file from the above folder directly to your hard disk.
The camera is provided with the ImageMixer software that allows you to 
display and edit images on your computer. For details on how to use 
ImageMixer, click the [?] button on the ImageMixer window and see the 
displayed manual.
For more information on ImageMixer, contact the Customer Support Center 
below.
North America (Los Angeles)
Europe (U.K.)
Asia (Philippines)
China
TEL: +1-213-341-0163
TEL: +44-1489-564-764
TEL: +63-2-438-0090
TEL: +86-21-5450-0391
Business hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
1
Key Features
Rugged camera body stands up to 
water, dust and shocks
The camera body is water resistant (JIS 
protection grade 7, IEC IP67), dust resistant 
(JIS protection grade 6, IEC IP67) and 
shock resistant when dropped from a height 
of up to 1 meter.
Wide-angle zoom lens can capture wide-
angle pictures
The camera comes with a wide-angle 
optical zoom (3.0×) lens for a wide shooting 
range of between 28 mm and 85 mm*. Add 
the optional wide conversion lens to extend 
the shooting range to 22 mm* for even 
wider angle shooting.
*Equivalent to that on a 35mm camera
Antiblur function minimizes blurring 
(P.63)
Turn on the antiblur function to raise the 
ISO setting and minimize blurring when 
shooting.
Built-in flash with a maximum range of 
10 m (P.39)
The built-in flash has a maximum range of 
10 m when used in wide-angle mode and 
6.5 m when used in telephoto mode. This 
enables you to take a wider variety of 
pictures. You can also attach an external 
flash.
Power your camera in one of three ways 
(P.20)
You can power the camera using the 
optional rechargeable battery, AA alkaline 
or nickel-hydrogen batteries, or the optional 
AC adapter for convenient shooting 
anytime, anywhere.
2
Large LCD monitor and optical 
viewfinder
Depending on the subject and shooting 
conditions, you can use either the 2.5-inch 
LCD monitor or the real optical viewfinder to 
compose your shots. Taken pictures can be 
viewed on the large, bright LCD monitor.
ADJ. (Adjust) button enables easier 
camera operations (P.56)
The ADJ. button simplifies the camera 
setting procedures. It allows you to make 
adjustments with minimum steps for 
settings, such as the exposure 
compensation and white balance. You can 
also assign a function as required.
Take close-up shots 1 cm (5 mm from 
the very front of the camera) away (P.38)
The unsurpassed macro shooting function 
allows you to capture details from a very 
close distance at only approximately 1 cm 
(5 mm from the very front of the camera).
Skew correction mode helps straighten 
skewed images (P.40)
In skew correction mode, a rectangular 
object shot at an angle can be straightened 
to look as if it were shot squarely. With the 
simple touch of a button, you can straighten 
skewed images of objects such as a 
message board, a display panel, or a name 
card.
High sensitivity mode for shooting in 
dimly lit places (P.40)
The high sensitivity mode enables shooting 
in dark places. The LCD monitor becomes 
brighter, making it easier to compose the 
shot.
3
Direct printing without the use of a 
computer (P.98)
A Direct Print-compatible printer can be 
connected to the camera with the USB 
cable to directly transfer images to the 
printer. This allows for easy printing without 
using a computer.
You can also print reports and camera memos.
Camera memos enable easy sorting, 
searching and management of images
Load memo items preset with a computer 
and add them to shot still images. There are 
two types of camera memos: text and voice 
memos.
For details about camera memos, refer to 
the “Software User Guide” (PDF file P.24).
Bluetooth® function for wireless 
connectivity (P.154)
The integrated Bluetooth® function allows 
you to wirelessly send still images to a 
Bluetooth®-enabled computer and 
wirelessly print still images on a Bluetooth®-
enabled printer.
Shoot with GPS information (P.180)
You can connect the camera to a 
Bluetooth®-enabled GPS receiver or 
external GPS module and shoot still 
images with latitude/longitude, position and 
distance information.
Shot images can be used with various GIS 
(Geographic Information System) 
applications.
Wireless LAN function (Only for Caplio 
500SE-W) (P.191)
You can send images to wireless LAN-
enabled computers. Send images as e-mail 
attachments or send them to the FTP 
server.
4
Access point
Contents
Using the Manuals......................................................................... 1
Key Features ................................................................................. 2
Contents ........................................................................................ 5
11
Basic Operations
If you are using the camera for the first time, read this section.
Packing List ................................................................................. 12
Names of Parts............................................................................ 14
How to Use the Mode Dial........................................................... 16
LCD Monitor Display ................................................................... 17
Getting Ready ............................................................................. 20
About the Battery ....................................................................................20
SD Memory Card (available in stores) ....................................................22
Charging the Rechargeable Battery (sold separately) ............................24
Loading the Battery and SD Memory Card .............................................25
Using the AC Adapter (sold separately)..................................................27
Turning the Power On/Off .......................................................................29
Setting the Language..............................................................................30
Setting the Date and Time ......................................................................31
Basic Shooting ............................................................................ 32
Holding the Camera ................................................................................32
Shooting..................................................................................................34
Using the Zoom Function........................................................................37
Shooting Close-Ups (Macro Shooting)....................................................38
Using the Flash .......................................................................................39
Shooting with Optimal Settings According to Shooting Conditions.........40
Shooting in CALS Mode..........................................................................44
t Using the Self-Timer ...........................................................................45
Playing Back Images................................................................... 46
Reviewing the Image You Just Took (Quick Review) .............................46
Viewing Your Images ..............................................................................47
Three-frame View/List View (Thumbnail Display) ...................................48
Magnifying Images..................................................................................50
Deleting Files............................................................................... 51
Deleting a File .........................................................................................51
Deleting All Files .....................................................................................51
Deleting Multiple Files at One Time ........................................................52
Changing the Display with the DISP. Button ............................... 54
Maximizing the LCD Monitor Brightness.................................................54
5