Question about lithium battery

[TN Dreamer]

My DS has purchased his GF a Canon SD550 as a Christmas gift. He would love for her to be able to start taking pictures as soon as she opens her gift. He did not want to open the instruction manual and we do not know how long to charge the battery for the first time. How long does it typically take for the initial charge? My cameras use AA batteries and I have no experience with lithuim batteries (except cell). Thanks for your help.

[ukcatfan]

You should be able to download a copy of the manual from Canon's support website.

Kevin

[Anewman]

Without having that EXACT model, all Digi cams we do own charge in less than an hour.

I would open it and charge it in advance.

[LordAthens]

It's a pretty universal "rule" to charge a Lithium Ion battery for ~8 ours the first time around be it a PDA, camera, phone or otherwise.

Plug it in and let it go overnight, you can't overcharge a properly functioning lithuim ion pack.