Sony Alpha 230 manual

DSLR-A230 4-147-790- 11 (1) Printed using V OC (V olatile Organic Compound)-free vegetab le oil based in k. Addi tional information on this p roduct and answers t o f requently a sked questions can be found a t our Customer S upport W ebsi te. Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera Instruction Manual DSLR-A230 Preparing the camera Before your operation [...]

2 Owner’s Reco rd The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. DSLR-A230 Serial No. __________________________ To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.[...]

3 • Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small children. • Keep the battery pack dry. • Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by Sony. • Dispose of used battery pack promptly described the instructions. Battery char ger Even if the CHARGE lamp is not lit, the battery charger is not disconnected from the AC power sou[...]

4 Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not insta[...]

5 Disposal of O ld Electri cal & Electroni c Equipment (A pplicabl e in the Europea n Union an d other European cou ntries w ith separa te collecti on systems) This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for[...]

6 A moulded plug complying with BS 1363 is fitted to this equipment for your safety and convenience. Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the supplied one and approved by ASTA or BSI to BS 1362, (i.e., marked with an or mark) must be used. If the plug supplied with this equipment has a detachable fu[...]

7 Notes on using your camera No compen sation for contents of the recordin g The contents of the recording cannot be compensated for if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of your camera or a memory card, etc. Back up recommenda tion To avoid the potential risk of data loss, always copy (back up) data to other medium. Notes o[...]

8 Table of Contents Notes on using your camera ................. ................... .......... 7 Preparing the camera Checking the ac cessories su pplied ....... ................... ........ 11 Preparing the battery pack .................................. ............. 12 Attaching a lens .................. .................. ................... .[...]

9 Shooting an i mage the way you want i t (Exposur e mode) .................... ................... .................. .................. .......... 58 Shooting with program auto ........................ .......... 60 Shooting b y controll ing the blu r of the ba ckground (Aperture priority) ...................... ...................... . 61 Shooti[...]

10 Image processing ....... .................. ....................... ............. 86 Correcti ng the brig htness o f the image (D-Range Optimizer) ............ .................. ....................... .... 86 Selectin g your desi red image pr ocessing (C reative Style) ...................... .................. ................... .............[...]

Preparing the camera 11 Preparing t he camera Checking the accessories supplied The number in p arentheses indicates the number of pieces. • BC-VH1 Battery charger (1) • Power cord ( mains lead) (1) (not supplied in the U.S.A. and Canada) • Rechargeable battery pack NP- FH50 (1) • USB cable (1) • Shoulder strap ( 1) • Eyepiece cover (1)[...]

12 Preparing the battery pack When using the camera for the first t ime, be sure to charge the NP-FH50 “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (s upplied). The “InfoLITHIUM ” battery pack can be charged even when it has not been fully depleted. It can also be used when it has not b een fully char ged. Charging the battery pack 1 Insert the battery pack [...]

Preparing the camera 13 About charging time • Time required to charge a fully depl eted battery pack ( supplied) at a temperature of 25°C (77°F) is as fo llows. • The charging time dif fers depend ing on the remaining capacity of the battery back or charging conditions. When the CHARGE lamp flashes • The CHARGE lamp of the supplied ba tter [...]

14 • When the CHARGE lamp flashes fast , remove the battery pack being charged, and then insert the same ba ttery pack into th e battery charger securely again. When the CHARGE la mp flashes fast again, this may indicate a battery error or that a battery pack other than the specified type has been inserted. Check th at the battery pack is the spe[...]

Preparing the camera 15 To remove the battery pa ck Inserting the charged battery pack 1 While sliding the battery cover open lever, open the ba ttery cover. 2 Firmly insert the battery pack all the way while pressing the lock lever with the ti p of the battery. Lock lever 3 Close the battery cover. Turn off the camera and slide the lock lever in t[...]

16 To check the remain ing battery level Set the power switch to ON and ch e ck the level on the LCD monitor. What is an “InfoLITHIUM ” battery pack? An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that ha s functions for exchanging information re lated to op erating conditions with your camera. Notes • The displayed level may[...]

Preparing the camera 17 How to store the battery pack If the battery pack is not to be used f o r a long time, fully charge it and then fully use it up once a year on your cam era before storing the batt ery pack in a dry, cool place to prolong the battery life.[...]

18 Attaching a lens Notes • A rear lens cap is not supplied with th e DT 18 -55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM Lens Kit. When you store the lens without attaching it to the cam era, purchase the R ear Lens Cap ALC-R55. • When attaching a lens, do not press t he lens release button. • Do not use force whe n attaching a lens. 1 Remove the body cap from the cam[...]

Preparing the camera 19 To remove the lens Note on ch anging the lens When changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camera and lands on the surface of the image sensor (the part that act s as the film), it ma y appear on the image, depending on the shooting environment. The camera is equipped with an anti- dust function to prevent dust [...]

20 Inserting a memory card Only “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media, SD me mory cards and SDHC me mory cards can be used with this camera. A MultiMediaCard cannot be used with this camera. The “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media and “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media are referr ed to as the “Memory Stick PRO Duo”[...]

Preparing the camera 21 To remove the memory card • Do not strike, bend or drop the memo ry card. • Do not use or store the memory ca rd under the following conditions: – High temperature locations suc h as th e hot interior of a car parked in direct sunlight. – Locations exposed to direct sunlight. – Humid locations or locations w ith co[...]

22 • The “Memory Stick PRO Du o” media w ith a capacity up to 16 GB or the SD memory card s with a capacity up to 32 GB have been confirmed to operate properly with this camera. • The memory cards formatted with a computer are not guaranteed to operate with this camera. • Data read/write speeds differ de pendi ng on the combination of the[...]

Preparing the camera 23 Preparing the camera When you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup scree n appears. Setting up the date 1 Set the power switch to ON to turn the camera on. • To turn the camera off, set it to OFF. 2 Verify that [OK] is selected on the LCD monitor, then press the center of the control button. 3 Select [...]

24 To cancel the date/ time setting operation Press the MENU button. To set up the date/time again MENU button t 2 t [Date/Time setup] When it is hard to ro tate the diopter-adjustment dial 5 Verify that [OK] is selected, then press the center of the control button. Adjusting the focus of the fi nder (diopter adjustment) Adjust the diopter-a djustm[...]

Preparing the camera 25 Using the accessories supplied This section describes how to use th e shoulder strap, the eyepiece cover, and eyecup. The other ac cessories ar e described in the following pages. • Rechargeable batte ry pack (page 12) • Battery charger (page 12) • Power cord (mains lead) (not supplied in the U.S. A. and Canada) (page [...]

26 You can prevent light from entering th rough the viewfinder and aff ecting the exposure. When the shutt er is released without the use of the viewfinder, as in shooting with the self-timer, attach the eyepiece cover. Note • The eyepiece sensor s located below the vi ewfinder may be ac tivated depending on the situation, and the focus m ay be a[...]

Preparing the camera 27 Checking the numbe r of recordable images Notes • When “0” (the number of recordable imag es) fl ashes in yellow, the memory card is full. Replace the memory card with another one, or delete i mages in the current memory card (page 102). • When “NO CARD” (the number of recordable images) flashes i n yellow, it me[...]

28 SD memory card (Units: Images) * When [Aspect ratio] is set to [16:9], you can record m ore images than the numbers shown in the table above. H owever, if it is set to [RAW], the number is the same as that of the [ 3:2] aspect r atio. The approximate number of images that can be recorded is 510 when you use the camera with the battery pa ck (sup[...]

Preparing the camera 29 Cleaning Wipe the screen surface w ith a commercially availa ble LCD cleaning kit to remove finger prints, dust, etc. • When cleaning the lens surface, re move dust using a commercially available blower. In case of dust that sticks to the surface, wipe it off with a soft cloth or tissue paper slightly moistened with lens c[...]

30 If dust or debris enters the camera an d lands on the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it may a ppear on the photo image, depending on the shooting environment. If there is dust on the image sensor, use a commercially available blower and cl ean the image sens or following t he steps below. You can easily clean the image sensor usi[...]

Preparing the camera 31 Note • The camera starts beeping if the batter y pack becomes low d uring cleaning. St op cleaning immediately and turn the camer a off. 5 Detach the lens (page 19). 6 Use the blower to clean the image sensor surface and the surrounding area. • Do no t touch t he image s ensor with the tip of the bl ower. Complete the cl[...]

32 Before your operatio n Identifying parts a nd screen indicators See the pages in parenthese s for details of operation. A Shutter button (48) B Power switch (23) C Control dial (62, 113) D Self-timer lamp (90) E Lens contacts* F Remote sensor G Mirror* H Mount I Built-in flash* (75) J Image sensor position mark (71) K Mode dial (48 – 68) L Len[...]

Before your operation 33 A Accessory shoe (78) B Viewfinder* (24) C MENU button (43) D Eyepiece sensors (71, 117) E LCD monitor (36, 94 , 98) F Diopter-adjustment dial (24) G For shooting: (Exposure) button (79) For viewing: (Zoom in) button (95) H Fn (Function) button (43) I Control button (Enter) (41) / Spot AF button (73) J Control button When t[...]

34 A HDMI terminal (1 04) B Memory card switch C Memory card cover D “Memory Stick PR O Duo” media insertion slot (20) E SD memory card insertion slot (20) F (USB) terminal (122, 138) G Access lamp (21) H Hooks for shoulder strap (25) I DC IN term inal • Wh en connecti ng the AC- PW10AM AC Adap tor (sold separately) to the camera, turn the ca[...]

Before your operation 35 Switching the recording in formation display (DISP) Press DISP on the control button to switch between the Graphic Display and the Standard Display. When you rotate the camera t o a vertical position, the display automatically rotates to adjust to the camera position. Standard Display No display Graphic Display (Default set[...]

36 The Graphic Disp lay graphically show s the shutter speed and aperture value and clearly ill ustrates how the exposure w orks. In AUTO or Scene Selection mode, only the items that can be set are displaye d. See the pa ges in parentheses for details of operation. A B * The pointer indicates the curren t value. C LCD monitor (Graphic Display) Disp[...]

Before your operation 37 D Display Indication Remaining battery (16) Image quality (109 ) Image size (108)/Aspec t ratio (108) Memory card (20) 100 Remaining number of recordable images (27)[...]

38 See pages in parentheses for details of operation. A B LCD monitor (Standard Display) In AUTO or Scene Selection mode In P/A/S/M mode Display Indication P A S M Mode dial (48 – 68) 1/125 Shutter speed (63) F5.6 Aperture (61) +2.0 Exposur e (79) SteadyShot (46) Display Indication Flash mode (75)/Red-eye reduction (77) Exposure compensation (79)[...]

Before your operation 39 C Display Indication Remaining battery (16) Image quality (109 ) Image size (108)/Aspec t ratio (108) Memory card (20) 100 Remaining number of recordable images (27)[...]

40 A B * When using the HV L-F58AM/HVL- F42AM Flash (sold separately), you can shoot with the High-speed s ync feature at any shutt er speed. For details, refer to the operating instructions suppli ed with the fl ash. Viewfinder Display Indication AF area (73) Shooting area for aspect ratio 16:9 (108) Display Indication Flash comp ensation ( 80) Fl[...]

Before your operation 41 Selecting a function/setting You can select a function for shoo ting or playback from the menu list. To display the menu list, press the contro l button, Fn (Func tion) button, or MENU button. In this Instruction Manua l, the proce ss of selecting a function with the control button from the menu li st is described as follow[...]

42 The operation guide list The operation guide also indicates opera tions other than the control button operation. The indications of icons are as follows. Functions that will be used frequently in various shooting situations are assigned to the control button. You can set up these shooting functions directly and also switch the displa y status wi[...]

Before your operation 43 • Continuous adv. (p age 89) • Self-timer (page 90) • Self-timer(Cont.) (page 9 0) • Bracket: Cont. (page 91) • Remote Commander (page 93) This button calls up the screens that are used for setting up or executing functions used fr equently in shooting or viewing. You can set up the basic settings fo r the camera [...]

44 Playback menu 1 Delete (102) Format (111) Slide show (97) Protect (101) Specify Printing (135) PlaybackDisplay (94) Setup menu 1 LCD brightness (116) Power save (114) CTRL FOR HDMI (106) Display Color (114) Help Guide disp. (114) 2 Date/Time setup (115) Language (115) File number (110) Folder name (110) Select folder (111) • New folde r (111) [...]

Shooting images 45 Shooting images Shooting an image wi thout camera shake “Camera shake” refers to unwanted m ovement of the cam era that occurs after the shutter button has been pr essed, resulting in a blurred image . To reduce camera shake, follo w the instructions below. Stabilize your upper body and take a position that keeps the camera f[...]

46 Camera shake warning indicator Note • The (Camera shake warni ng) indicator is displayed onl y in the modes that automatically set the shutt er speed. This indicator is no t displayed in M/S m odes. This SteadyShot function can reduce th e effect of camera shake by the equivalent of approxim ately 2.5 to 3.5 increments of shutter speed. The St[...]

Shooting images 47 In the following cases, we recommend that you mount the camera on a tripod. • Shooting without a flas h under dark conditions. • Shooting with slow shutter speeds, wh ich are typically us ed in night-time shooting. • Shooting a close s ubject, such as in macro shootin g. • Shooting with a telescopic lens. Note • When us[...]

48 / Shooting with the automatic setting The “AUTO” mode allows you to easily sho ot any subject under any conditions because the camera makes a ppropriate judgments on the situation to adjust the settings. Select when shooting in a location wh ere the use of a flash is restricted. When you turn the mode dial, the ex planation of the selected m[...]

Shooting images 49 4 When using a zoom lens, turn the zoom ring, then decide on your shot. 5 Press the shutter button halfway down to focus. When the fo cus is conf irmed, z or (Focus indi cator) lights up (pag e 70). Focus indicator 6 Press the shutter button fully down to shoot. • Pressing the shu tter button after the (SteadySho t scale) i ndi[...]

50 Note • Since the came ra turns on the automati c setting fun ction, many fe atures will be unavailable, such as exposure co mpensation, ISO setting. If you want to adjust various settings, set the m ode dial to P, then shoot yo ur subject.[...]

Shooting images 51 Shooting with a suit able setting for the subject (Scene Selection) Selecting an appropriate mode for the subject or the shooting co nditions allows you to shoot the image with a suitable setting for the subject. When you turn the mode dial, the ex planation of the selected mode and methods of s hooting are di splayed on the scre[...]

52 Set the mode dial to (Portrait). • To blur the background more, set th e lens to the telephoto position. • You can shoot a vivid image by focusi ng on the eye that is closer to the lens. • Use the lens hood (sold sepa rately) to shoot backlit subjects. • Use the red-eye reduction fu nction if the eyes of your subject turn red from the fl[...]

Shooting images 53 Set the mode dial to (Landscape). • To accentuate the openness of the scen ery, set the lens to wide angle. • Set the flash mode to (Fill-flas h) when you shoot with the flash (page 75). Taking landscape photos This mode is suitable for z Shooting the entire range of scenery in sharp focu s with vivid co lors. Shooting techni[...]

54 Set the mode dial to (Macro). • Get close to the subject and shoot at the minimum distance of the lens. • You can shoot a closer subject using a macro lens (sold separ ately). • Set the flash mode to (Flash Off) when you shoot a subject within 1 m (3.3 feet). • When shooting in macro mode, the SteadyShot function will not be fully effect[...]

Shooting images 55 Set the mode dial to (Sports Action). • The camera shoots images continuously while the shutter butt on is pressed. • Press and hold the shutter button ha lfway down until the right moment. • Set the flash mode to (Fill-flas h) when you shoot with the flash (page 75). Taking moving-subject ph otos This mode is suitable for [...]

56 Set the mode dial to (Sunset). • Used to shoot an image accentuating t he red color compared with other modes. This is also suitable for shoo ting the beautiful red of the sunrise. • Set the flash mode to (Fill-flas h) when you shoot with the fla sh (page 75). Taking sunset photos This mode is suitable for z Shooting the red of the sunset be[...]

Shooting images 57 Set the mode dial to (Night Port./View). Set the flash mode to (Flash Off) when you shoot a ni ght view without persons ( page 75). • Take care that the subject does not move to prevent the image from blurring. • The shutter speed is slower, so using a tripod is recommended. Note • The picture may not be ta ken properly whe[...]

58 Shooting an image th e way you want it (Exposure mode) With a single lens reflex camera, yo u c an adjust the shutter speed (how long the shutter is open) and aperture (t he range that is in focus: depth of field) to enjoy a variety of photogr aphic expressions. For example, you can use a fast shutte r speed to shoot the ephemeral shape of a wav[...]

Shooting images 59 When you turn the mode dial, the ex planation of the selected mode and methods of s hooting are di splayed on the screen (H elp Guide disp.) . You can clear the Help Guide (page 114).[...]

60 Shooting with program auto This mode is suitable for z Using the a utomatic exposure, w hile keeping the custom settings for ISO sensitivity, Creative Style, D-R ange optimizer, etc. 1 Set the mode dial to P. 2 Set the shooting functions to your desired settings (pages 69 to 93). • Set the flash mode to (Fill-f lash) when y ou shoot with the f[...]

Shooting images 61 Shooting by controlling the blur of the background (Aperture p riority) This mode is suitable for z Putting the subject in sharp focus and blur everything in front of and beyond the subject. Opening the aperture narrows the range that is in focus. (Depth of field becomes shallower.) z Shooting the depth of the scenery. Narrowing [...]

62 • The shutter speed may become slower depending on the aper ture value. When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod. • To blur the backgrou nd more, use a telephoto l ens or a le ns that is equipped with a smaller diaphragm (bright lens). • Set the flash mode to (Fill-flas h) when you shoot with the fla sh (page 75). However, the flash [...]

Shooting images 63 Shooting a moving subject with various expressions (Shutter speed priority) This mode is suitable for z Shooting a moving subject at a moment in time. Use a faster shutter speed to crisply shoot an instant of the move ment. z Tracing the movement to express the dynamism and flow. Use a sl ower shutter speed to shoot a trailing im[...]

64 • When the shutter spe ed is slower, use a tripod. • When shooting an indo or sport, select a higher ISO sensitivity. Notes • The (Camera shake warning) indicator is not in dicated in shutter speed priority mode. • The higher the ISO sensitivity, the m ore conspicuous the noise. • When the shutter speed is one second or m ore, noise re[...]

Shooting images 65 Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually (Manual exposure) This mode is suitable for z Shooting with the desired exposure setting by adjusting both the shutter speed and aperture. 1 Set the mode dial to M. 2 Rotate the control dial to adjust the shutter speed, and while pressing the butto n, rotate the control dial to adjust [...]

66 Notes • The (Camera shake warning) ind icator is not indicated in manual exposure mode. • When the mode dial is set to M, the ISO setting [AUTO] is set to [100]. In M mode, the ISO setting [AUTO] is not available. Set the ISO sens itivity as necessary (page 82). • Set the flash mode to (Fill-flash) when you shoot with the flas h (page 75).[...]

Shooting images 67 Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB) This mode is suitable for z Shooting trails of light, such as fireworks. z Shooting trails of stars. 1 Set the mode dial to M. 2 Rotate the control dial to the left until [BULB] is indicated. BULB 3 While pressing the button, rotate the control dial to adjust the aperture (F-number). butt[...]

68 • Use a tripod. • Set the focus to infinity in manual focus mode when shooting fireworks, etc. • Use the wireless Remote Command er (sold separately) (page 93). Pressing the SHUTTER button on th e Remote Commander triggers BULB shooting and pressing it again stops BULB sho oting. You do not need to press and hold the SHUTTER button on the [...]

Using the shooting function 69 Using the shooting fun ction Selecting the focus method There are two methods for adjusting th e focus: autofocus and manual focus. Depending on the lens, th e method for switching between the auto focus and manual focus is different. The type of lens The switch to be used To switch to a uto focus To switch to m anual[...]

70 • To select the area used for focu sing, set up [AF area] (page 73). Focus indicator Subjects that may require special focusing Using the autofocus, it is hard to focus on the follo wing subjects. In such cases, use the focus lock shooting fe ature (page 71) or manual focus (page 74). • A subject that is low in contrast, such as blue s ky or[...]

Using the shooting function 71 To measure the exact distance to the subj ect Notes • If the su bject is closer than the minimum shooti ng distance of the attach ed lens, the focus cannot be confirmed. Make sure you put enough distance b etween the subject and the camera. • W hen the focus mode switch o n the camera is set to MF, the correct foc[...]

72 Fn button t [Autofocus mode] t Select th e desired setting • Use (Single-shot AF) when the subject is motionless. • Use (Continuou s AF) when the subject is in motion. 2 Keep the shutter button halfway down, and put the subject back in the original position to re- compose the shot. 3 Press the shutter button fully down to take the picture. S[...]

Using the shooting function 73 Note • (Automatic AF) is selected when the expo sure mode is set to AUTO or on e of the follo wing Scene Selection modes: (Portrait), (Land scape), (Sunset), or (Night Port./View). (Single-shot AF) is selected when the exposure mode is set to (Macro) in Scene Selection. (Continuous AF) is sel ected when th e exposur[...]

74 When it is difficult to get the proper focus in autofo cus mode, you can adjust the focus manually. Notes • In the case of a subject that can be focused in autofocus mode, the z indi cator lights up in the viewfinder when the focus is co nfirmed. When the Wi de AF area is used, the center area is used, and when the Local AF area is used, the a[...]

Using the shooting function 75 Using the flash In a dark location, using the flash allo ws you to shoot th e subjec t brightly, and it also helps to preven t camera shake. When shoo ting into the sun, you can use the flash to shoot a brig ht image of th e backlit subject. When the mode dial is set to AUTO, th e flash pops up automatically if it is [...]

76 • The lens hood ( sold separately) may block th e light of the flash. Remove the lens hood when using the flash. • When using the flash, shoot the subject at a distan ce of 1 m (3.3 feet) or greater. • When shootin g indoors or shoo ting nightscapes , you can use slow sy nc to shoot a brighter image of people and backgrounds. • You can u[...]

Using the shooting function 77 The flash range The range of the built-in flash depends on the ISO sensitivity and aperture value. Refer to the following table. The AF illuminator • AF illuminator does not operate when [Autofocus mode] is set to (Continuous AF) or the subject is moving in (Automatic AF). (The or indicator lights.) • The AF illum[...]

78 With an external wireless flash (sold separately), you can shoot w ith the flash without a cord when the external fla sh is not attached to the camera. By changing the position of the flash, you can shoot an image with a three dimensional feel by highlighting the contrast of light and shadow on the subject. For the actual steps of sh ooting, ref[...]

Using the shooting function 79 Adjusting the bright ness of the image (Exposure, Flash compensation, Metering) Except for recor ding mode M , the ex posure is automatically selected (Automatic exposure). Based on the exposure acqu ired by the automatic exposure, you can perform exposure compensatio n by shif ting the exposur e to either the + side [...]

80 • Adjust the compensation level by checking the r ecorded image. • Using bracket shooting, you can shoo t multiple images with the exposure shifted to the plus or minus sides (page 91). Note • Thi s item cannot be set when the exposur e mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection. When shooting with the flash, you can adjust the amount of flash[...]

Using the shooting function 81 Fn button t [Metering mode] t Select the desired mode • Use (Multi segment) metering for general shooting. Note • W hen the exposure mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection, [M etering mode] is fixed to (Multi segm ent) a nd you cannot select other mo des. Selecting the method for measu ring the brightness of a sub[...]

82 Setting ISO Sensitivity to light is expressed by the ISO number (recomm ended exposure index). The larger the nu mber, the higher the sensitivity. Notes • W hen the exposure mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection, ISO is fixed to AUTO and you cannot select other ISO numbers. • W hen the exposure mode is set to P/A/ S and ISO is set to [AUTO][...]

Using the shooting function 83 Adjusting the color tones (White balance) The color tone of the subject changes depending on the characteristics of the light source. The table below show s how the color tone changes based on various light sources, compared with a subject that appears white under the sunlight. White balance is a feature that adjust s[...]

84 • When you select (Custom) , you can register your setting ( below). In a scene where the ambient light consists of multiple types of light source, use of custom white balanc e is recommen ded in or der to accurately reproduce the whiteness. AWB (Auto WB) The camera automatically detec ts a light source and adjusts the color tones. (Daylight) [...]

Using the shooting function 85 Note • The m essage “Custom WB error” indi cate s that the value is beyon d the expected range. (When the flash is used on a sub ject in close proxim ity or a subject with a bright color is in the frame .) If you register this val ue, the indicator turns yellow on the recording inform ation display on th e LCD m[...]

86 Image processing Fn button t [D-RangeOptimizer] t Select the desired setting Notes • (Advanced) is selected when the exposure mode is s et to AUTO or one of the following Scene Selection modes: (Por trait), (Landscape) or (Macro). (Standa rd) is selected wh en the exposure mode is se t to (Sports Action) in Scene Selection. (Off) is selected w[...]

Using the shooting function 87 (Contrast), (Saturation), and (Sharpness) can be adjusted for each Creative Style item. Notes • W hen the exposure mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection, [Creative Style] i s fixed to (Standard) and you cannot select other settings. • When (B/W) is selected, y ou cannot adjust the saturation. (Standard) For shoot[...]

88 The way colors are represented with co mbinations of numbers or the range of color reproduction is called “c olor space.” You can change the color space, depending on your pu rpose. MENU button t 2 t [Color Space] t Select the desired setting Notes • Ado be RGB is for applications or pri n ters that support co lor management and DCF2.0 opt[...]

Using the shooting function 89 Selecting the drive mode This camera has five drive modes, such as single-shot advanced, and continuous advanced. Use th em to suit your purpose. This mode is for normal shooting. Note • When the exposure mode is set t o (S ports Action) in Scene Selecti on, you cannot shoot single shot. The camera records the im ag[...]

90 The maximum n umber of continuous shots The number of continuous shooting im ages obtainable has an upper limit. Notes • You cannot shoot images cont inuously when “0” flashes in the vi ewfinder. Wait until the indicator disapp ears. • W hen the exposure mode is set to a Scene Selection mode other than (Spo rts Action), you cannot shoo t[...]

Using the shooting function 91 Note • W hen you press the shutter butt on without looking into the viewfinder, use the eyepiece cover (page 26). Bracket shooting allows you to shoot several images, each with different degrees of exposure. This ca mera is equipped with an auto bracket function. Specify the value of deviatio n (steps) from the base[...]

92 Notes • W hen the mode dial is set to M, the e xposure is shifted by adju sting the shutter speed. • W hen you adjust the exposure, the exposu re is shifted based on the compensated value. • The b racket cannot be used when the r ecordin g mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection. The EV scale in bracket shooting * Ambient light: Any light o[...]

Using the shooting function 93 You can shoot using the SHUTTER and 2SEC (the shutter is released after 2 seconds) butto ns on the RMT-DSLR1 Wireless Remote Com mander (sold separately). Also, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the Wireless Remote Commander. Note • Use t he eyepiece cover (page 26). Shooting with the Remote Comma nd[...]

94 Using the viewing function Playing back images The last recorded image is displayed on the LCD monitor. To return to the shooting mode Press the button aga in. To switch the record ing data display Press DISP on the control button. Each time you press DISP on the cont rol button, the sc reen changes as follows. To select the orientation when pla[...]

Using the viewing function 95 To return to the normal playb ack screen Press the button. Note • When y ou copy rotated images to a computer, “PMB” contained on the CD-ROM (supplied) can display the rotated im ages correctly. However, the images m ay not be rotated depending on the software. An image can be enlarged for closer examination. T h[...]

96 To cancel the enlarged playback Press the button so that the im age returns to the normal size. Scaling range The scaling range is as follows. Fn button t [Image Index] t Select the desired number of images to be displayed The screen changes to the image index screen. To return to the single-ima ge screen Press the center of the contr ol button [...]

Using the viewing function 97 The slide show can be operated eith er using the Fn button or the MENU button. Here operation using the Fn button is descr ibed. Fn button t [Slide show] t [OK] Plays back recorded im ages in order (Slide sh ow). The slide show automatically stops after all the images have been played back. • Y ou can view the previo[...]

98 Checking the inform ation of recorded images Each time you press DISP on the cont rol button, the in formation display changes (page 94). Basic information display Display Indication Memory card (20) 100-0003 Folder - file number (127) - Protect (101) DPOF3 DPOF set (135) Image quality (109 ) Image size (108)/Aspec t ratio (108) Remaining batte [...]

Using the viewing function 99 A B Histogram display Display Indication Memory card (20) 100-0003 Folder - file number (127) - Protect (101) DPOF3 DPOF set (135) Image quality (109 ) Image size (108)/Aspec t ratio (108) Remaining batte ry warning (16) Display Indication Histogram (100) P A S M Mode dial (48 – 68) 1/125 Shutter speed (63) F3.5 Aper[...]

100 How to check th e histogra m The histogram displays the luminance distribution that shows how many pixels of a particular brightness exist in the picture. To dis play the hist ogram, press DISP on the control button (page 94) . When the image has a high-key or low- key portion, that portio n is flashed on the histogram display (Luminance limit [...]

Using the viewing function 101 Protecting images (Protect) You can protect images ag ainst accidental erasure. The protect function can be operated either using the Fn bu tton or the MENU button. Here operation usin g the Fn button is described. Fn button t [Protect] t [All images] or [Cancel all] t [OK] Protecting selected images/can celing the pr[...]

102 Deleting images (Delete) Once you have deleted an image, you canno t restore it. Check whether to delete the image or not beforehand. The delete function can be operated e ither from the Fn bu tton or from the MENU button. Here operation usin g the Fn button is described. Note • Protected im ages cannot be deleted. Deleting the image that is [...]

Using the viewing function 103 Fn button t [Delete] t [All images] t [Delete] Note • It m ay take a long time to del ete a lot of images by selecting [All images]. It is recommended that you delete images on a computer or format the memory card using the camera. 4 Press the Fn button. 5 Select [Delete] with v on the control button, then press the[...]

104 Viewing images on a TV screen To view images recorded on the camera on a TV se t, an HDMI cable (sold separately) and an HD TV equipped with an HDMI connecto r are required. Notes • Use an HD MI cable with the HDMI l ogo. • Use an HD MI mini connector on one end (for the camera), and a connector suitable for connection to your TV on the oth[...]

Using the viewing function 105 • B y connecting your camera t o Sony’s VIDEO-A compatible TV using an HDMI cable, the T V automati cally selects the appropri ate image quality for vi ewing still pictures. Please refer to the operating in structions of Sony’s VID EO-A compatible TV for more details. • S ome devices may not work properly. •[...]

106 PAL-N system Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay SECAM system Bulgaria, Fr ance, Guiana , Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Uk raine, etc. By connecting the camera to a TV that supports “BRAVIA” Sync u sing an HDMI cable, you can operate the camera w ith the TV Remote Control. The items for Link Menu Notes • The operations available are restricted wh [...]

Using the viewing function 107 • If the camera performs unnecessary opera tions in response t o the TV Remot e Control when the camera is connected to another ma nufacturer’s TV using an HDMI connection, set [CTRL FOR HDMI] in the Setup menu to [Off].[...]

108 Changing your setu p Setting image size and image quality MENU button t 1 t [Image size] t Select the desired size [Aspect ratio]: [3:2] [Aspect ratio]: [16:9 ] Note • When y ou select a RAW image with [Qua lity], the image size of the RAW image corresponds to L. This s ize is not displayed on the LCD monitor. MENU button t 1 t [Aspect ratio][...]

Changing your setup 109 MENU button t 1 t [Quality] t Select the desired setting Note • For detail s on the number of images t hat can be taken when the image q uality is changed, see page 27. About RAW images You need the “Image Data Converter SR” software included on th e CD-ROM (supplied) in order to open a RAW image reco rd ed on this c a[...]

110 Setting the method for recording on a memory card MENU button t 2 t [File number] t Select the desired setting The recorded images are stored in automatically-create d folders in the DCIM folder of the memory card. MENU button t 2 t [Folder name] t Select the desired setting Selecting the method for assigni ng file numbers to images Series The [...]

Changing your setup 111 You can create a folder in a me mory card for recording images. A new folder is created with a numb er incremented one higher than the largest number currently used, a nd the folder becomes the current recording folder. MENU button t 2 t [New folder] When a standard form folder is select ed and there are two or more folders,[...]

112 Changing the noise reduction setting When you set the shutter speed to a sec ond or long er (Long ex posure shooting), noise r eduction is turned on for the same duration tha t the shutter is open. This is to reduce the gr ainy noise typical in a long exposure. When noise reduction is in progress, a message ap pears and you can not take another[...]

Changing your setup 113 Changing the function s of the control dial When the recording m ode is M (Manua l exposure), you can set the camera so that the adjustable item (the shut te r speed or the apertu re value) can be selected using only the control dial. It is convenient if you select the mo st commonly-used ite m when adjusting the exposure. M[...]

114 Changing other settings Selects the sound produ ced when the sh utter is locked, during self-timer countdown, etc. MENU button t 3 t [Audio signals] t Select the desired setting You can select the background color of the LCD monitor from [ Black], [White], [Brown], or [Pink]. MENU button t 1 t [Display Color] t Select the desired setting You ca[...]

Changing your setup 115 Resets the date. See page 23 for details. MENU button t 2 t [Date/Time setup] t Set up the date and time MENU button t 2 t [ Language] t Select the language Setting the date Selecting the language[...]

116 Setting the LCD monitor MENU button t 1 t [LCD brightness] t Select the desired setting You can check the record ed image on the LCD mo nitor right after the shooting. You can change the displayed time. MENU button t 1 t [Auto review] t Se lect the desired setting Note • I n auto review, the im age will not be di splayed i n the vertical pos [...]

Changing your setup 117 In the default setting, whi le looking into the viewfinder , the LCD monitor is turned off to pr event the batte ry pack from wearin g down. If you want to turn on the LCD monito r w hile looking into the viewfinder, select [Off]. MENU button t 1 t [Auto off w/ VF] t [Off] Keeping the LCD monitor tuned on while lookin g into[...]

118 Confirming the vers ion of the camera Displays the version of your camera. Confirm the version when a firmware update is released. MENU button t 3 t [Version] Note • An u pdate can be performed only when th e battery leve l is (three rema ining battery icons) or more. We recomm end that you use a suffici ent battery or the AC- PW10AM AC Adapt[...]

Changing your setup 119 Resetting to the default You can reset the main functions of the camera. MENU button t 3 t [Reset default] t [OK] The items to be reset are as follow s. Recording me nu Items Reset to Exposure compensation (79) ±0.0 Recording information display (35) Graphic Displ ay Playback display (94) Single-image screen (with recording[...]

120 Custom me nu Playback menu Setup menu Items Reset to Eye-Start AF (71) On Ctrl dial setup (113) Shutter speed Red eye reduc. (77) Off Auto review (116) 2 sec Auto off w/ VF (117) On Items Reset to Specify Printing – Date imprint (139 ) O ff Slide show – Interval (97) 3 sec Slide show – Repeat (97) Off PlaybackDisplay (94) Auto rotate Item[...]

Viewing images o n a computer 121 Viewing images on a computer Copying images to your computer This section describes how to copy imag es in a memory card to a computer connected using a USB cable. The following environment is recommend ed for a computer connec ted to the camera to import images. x Windows OS (pre-installed): Microsoft Windows 2000[...]

122 Stage 1: Connecting the camera and your computer 1 Insert a memory card with recorded images into the camera. 2 Select the type of memory card you want to copy images fro m using the memory card sw itch. 3 Insert the sufficient ly charged battery pack in the camera, or connect the camera to a wall outle t (wall socket) with the AC Adaptor (sold[...]

Viewing images o n a computer 123 For Window s This section describes an example of copying images to a “Documents” (For Windows XP: “My Documents”) folder. When you use the supplied “PMB” so f tware, you can copy images easily (page 129). Stage 2: Copying im ages to a computer 1 Click [Open folder to view files] (For Windows XP: [Open [...]

124 For Macintosh 4 Double-click t he [Documents] folder. Then, right-click on the “Documents” window to display the menu and click [Paste]. The imag e files ar e copied t o the “Documents ” folder. • When an image wit h the same file name exists in th e copy destin ation folder, the overwrite confirmati on message app ears. When you over[...]

Viewing images o n a computer 125 Viewing images on your computer This section describes the procedure for viewing copied images in the “Documents” (For Windows XP : “My Documents”) folder. To view RAW images, the supplied “I mage Data Converter SR” software is required (page 132 ). Double-click the hard disk icon t the desired image fi[...]

126 x For Windows Double-click on the ta sktray, then click (USB Mass Storage Device) t [Stop]. Confirm the device on the confirmation window, then click [OK]. The device is disconnected. x For Macintosh Drag and drop the drive icon or the icon of the memory card to the “Trash” icon. The camera is disconnected from the computer .[...]

Viewing images o n a computer 127 The image files recorded with your ca mera are grouped as folders on the memory ca rd. Example: vi ewing folders on Windows Vista This section describes the process using a Windows computer as an example. Step 1 is not necessary if the file name has not been changed. When you use the supplied “PMB” so f tware, [...]

128 Notes • You may be unable to play back some imag es depending on the image si ze. • When an i mage file has been processed by a computer or when the image file was recorded using a model other than t hat of your camera, playback on your camera is not guaranteed. • When there is no folder, first create a folder with your ca mera (page 111)[...]

Viewing images o n a computer 129 Using the software To utilize images recorded with the came ra, the following softw are is provided: • Sony Image Data Suite “Image Data Converter SR” “Image Data Lightbox SR” • Sony Picture Utility “PMB” (Picture Motion Browser) Note • “ PMB” is not com patible with Macinto sh computers. Reco[...]

130 x Macintosh Recommended environment fo r using “Image Data Converter SR Ver.3”/ “Image Data Lightbox SR” OS (pre-installed): Mac OS X (v10. 4/v10.5) CPU: Power PC G4/G5 series (1.0 GH z or faster is recommended)/Intel Core Solo/Core Duo/Core 2 Duo or faste r Memory: 1 GB or more is recommended. Display: 1024 × 768 dots or mo re x Windo[...]

Viewing images o n a computer 131 x Macintosh • Log on as Ad ministrator . Note • W hen the restart confirmation messag e appe ars, rest art the computer following the instructions on the screen. 3 Remove the CD-ROM after the installati on is complete. The follo wing soft ware is ins talled an d shortcut icons ap pear on the desktop. • Sony I[...]

132 Note • If you save an image as RAW data, the image is saved i n the ARW2.1 format. With “Image Data Converter SR” you can: • Edit images recorded in RAW format with various corrections, such as tone curve, and sharpness. • Adjust images with white balance, exposure, and creative style, etc. • Save the images displayed and edited on [...]

Viewing images o n a computer 133 To start Help from the Start menu, click [Start] t [All Programs] t [Sony Image Data Suite] t [Help] t [Image Data Lightbox SR]. To start up/exit “Ima ge Data Lightbox SR” x Windows Double-click [Image Data Li ghtbox SR] on the desktop. When starting up from the Start menu, cl ick [Start] t [ All Programs] t [S[...]

134 To start up/exit “PMB” Double-click the (PMB) icon on the desktop. Or, from the Start menu: Click [Start] t [All Program s] t [Sony Picture Utility] t [PMB]. To exit the “PMB,” click button on the upper-right corner of the screen. Note • The confi rmation message of the In forma tion tool appears on the screen when starting “P MB”[...]

Printing images 135 Printing images Specifying DPOF Using the camera, you can specify the im ages and the number of images to print before you print images at a shop or with your printer. Follow the procedure be low. DPOF specifications are left with imag es after printing. It is recommended that you unspecify them after printing. DPOF specificatio[...]

136 • You can select a value for the number of images to be printed after you have selected [All images] . The same value will be used for all images. You can date images when printing them. The positi on of the date (inside or outside the image, character si ze, etc.) depends on you r printer. Fn button t [Specify Printing] t [Date imprint] t [O[...]

Printing images 137 Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge compliant printer Note • You cannot print RAW i mages. Note • It i s recommended to use the AC Adapto r (sold separately ) to prevent the power from turning off partway through prin ting. Even if you do not have a comput er, you can print images sh ot using your camera[...]

138 Stage 2: Connecting the camera to the printer 1 Connect the camera to the printer . 2 Turn on your camera and the printer. The scre en used for selecting images yo u want to pr int appe ars. Stage 3: Printing 1 Select the image to print with b / B on the control button, th en press the center of the control button. • To cancel, pres s the cen[...]

Printing images 139 To cancel th e print During printing, pressing the center of the control button cancels the print. Remove the USB cable or turn off th e camera. When you want to print again, follow the procedure (Stages 1 to 3) above. Print Prints the selected images. For de tails, see “ Stage 3: Printing.” Set print q’ty You can specify [...]

140 Others Specifications Camera [System] Camera Type Digital Si ngle Lens R eflex Camera with built-in fl ash and interchangeabl e lenses Lens All of α Lenses [Image sensor] Total pixel number of camera Approx. 10 800 000 pixels Effective pixel number of camera Approx. 10 200 000 pixels Image format 23.6×15.8 mm (APS-C format) Interlace scan Pri[...]

Others 141 Speed range 1/ 4000 second to 30 seconds, bulb, (1/3 EV step) Flash sync speed 1/160 second [Built-In- Flash] Flash G.No. GN 10 (in meters at ISO 100) Recycling time Approx. 4 seconds Flash coverage Covering 18 mm lens (focal length that the lens indicates) Flash compensation ±2.0 EV (1/3 EV step ) [Recordin g media] “Memory Stick PRO[...]

142 Rechargeable battery pack NP-FH50 Used battery Lithium-ion ba ttery Maximum voltage DC 8.4 V Nominal voltage DC 6.8 V Maximum charge current 1.75 A Maximum charge voltage DC 8.4 V Capacity Typical 6.1 Wh (900 mAh) Minimum 5.9 Wh (870 mAh) Maximum dimensions Approx. 31.8 × 18.5 × 45.0 mm (1 5/16 × 3/4 × 1 13/16 inches) (W /H/D) Mass Approx. [...]

Others 143 Trademarks • is a tr ademark of S ony Corporation . • “ Memory Stick,” , “Memory Stick PRO, ” , “Memory Stic k Duo,” , “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” , “Memory Stic k PRO-HG Duo,” , “Memory Stick Micro,” “MagicGate,” and are trademark s of Sony Corpor ation. • “ InfoLITHIUM” i s a tradema rk of Sony Corpor [...]

144 Troubleshooting If you experience trouble with your camera, try the following solutions. Check the items on pages 144 to 152. Consult yo ur Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. The battery pack cannot be installed. • As yo u insert t he batte ry pack, use the tip of the batt ery pack to push th e lock lever ( page 15). • C[...]

Others 145 The power turns off suddenly. • If y ou do not op erate the c amera for gi ven period of time, th e camera tur ns to power saving mod e and nearly shuts down . To cancel the powe r save, operate th e camera, suc h as pres sing the s hutter butto n halfway down (page 114). The CHARGE lamp flash es when charging the battery pa ck. • Re[...]

146 • The s ubject may require spe cial focusi ng (page 7 0). Use the f ocus-lock or manual focu s function (pages 71 , 74). Recording takes a long time. • The noise reduct ion function is turned on (page 112). This is n ot a malfuncti on. • You a re shootin g in RAW mode (p age 109). Since the R AW data file is large, the RAW m ode shootin g[...]

Others 147 • In the following c ases, the image may be dark. Remove these a ccessories, then shoot. – An ND filter or a PL f ilter. – A diffuser . – A wide pane l for th e HVL-F36AM fl ash. The date and time are recor ded incorrectly. • Set the correct date and t ime (page s 23, 115). The aperture value and/or shu tter speed flashes when [...]

148 The EV scale b B is flashing in the viewfinder. • The s ubject is t oo bright o r too dark f or the mete ring range of the ca mera. Your camera cannot play back images. • The f older/fi le name has b een change d on your computer (p age 127). • When an image f ile has been processe d by a computer or wh en the image file was recorde d usi[...]

Others 149 • Use the USB cabl e (supplied) (page 12 2). • Disconnect the U SB cable, and connec t it again firmly. • Set [USB connec tion] to [Mass Storag e] (page 122). • Disc onnect all equipmen t other tha n the came ra, the k eyboard an d the mouse from the USB jacks of your computer . • Conn ect the came ra directl y to your computer[...]

150 “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media are not r ecognized by a computer with a “Memory Stick” media slot. • If “ Memory Stick PRO Duo” med ia are no t suppor ted on you r compute r’s “Memory Sti ck” media slot , connect t he camera to the computer (page 122). The computer will reco gnize the “Me mory Stick PRO Duo” media. Also se[...]

Others 151 For details, refer to the operating inst ructions supplied with the printer or consult with the manufacturer of the printe r. A connection cannot b e established. • The c amera cann ot be connec ted direct ly to a pri nter th at is not c ompliant with the Pic tBridge st andard. Co nsult the printer manufacture r as to whether the prin [...]

152 The lens gets fo gged. • Moisture con densation has occur red. Turn off the came ra and leave it for about an ho ur before using it ( page 156). The message “Set d ate and time?” appears when you turn on the camera. • The camera has b een left unused for so metime with a low battery or no battery pa ck. Charge t he batte ry pack and set[...]

Others 153 Warning messages If the following m essages appear, follow the instru ctions below. Incompatible battery. Use correct model. • An incompatibl e battery pack is being used (pag e 16). Set date and time? • Set the date an d time. If you have not us ed the ca mera for a long time, char ge the intern al rechargeab le battery (pages 23, 1[...]

154 Unable to display. • Images re corded with oth er cameras or ima ges modifie d with a computer may not be able to be displayed. No lens attached. Shutter is locked. • The lens is not atta ched properly, or the len s is not at tached. • When a ttachin g the came ra to an astronomic al telesc ope or something similar, set the recording mode[...]

Others 155 Unable to mark. • You attempted to mark RAW images on t he PictBridg e screen. Printer error • Check the printe r. • Check if the im age you want to print is cor rupted. Printer busy • Check the printe r.[...]

156 Precautions Do not use/store the camera in the following places • In an extremely ho t, dry or humid place In places such as in a car parked in the sun, the c amera body may become def ormed and this may cause a malf unction. • Un der direct sunlight or near a heater The camera b ody may bec ome discolor ed or deform ed, and t his may cause[...]

Others 157 This rechar geable bat tery is continuall y charge d as long as you are using the camera. Howev er, if you use the camera for only sh ort perio ds, it dischar ges gradual ly, and i f you do not use the camera at a ll for ab out 3 months it becomes completely discharged . In this ca se, be sure to charge this rechargeable battery before u[...]

158 Index Index Numerics 40-segment honeycomb pattern metering ................. ............. ..140 A Adobe RGB ......... ............ ........... 88 AF area ...................... ............. .... 73 AF illuminator ........... ................ .7 7 Ambient light ................ ............. .92 Amount of exp osure ............ ....... 58 Anti[...]

Index 159 Eyecup .............. ............. ............ 26 Eyepiece cover ............... ............ 26 Eyepiece sensors ..... ................ . 117 Eye-Start AF ........ ............. ......... 71 F File number ............. ................ . 110 Fill-flash ......... ................ ............ 75 Flash bracket .................. ........[...]

160 P PictBridge ......... ............... ......... 137 PlaybackDisplay .. ............ ........... 94 PMB .. ................ ............ ............ 133 Portrait .......... ............. ............. ....52 Power Save ... ................ ............ 114 Preset white balance ............ ....... 83 Pressing halfway down . ............. .49 P[...]

Index 161[...]

162[...]