Sony DSLR-A200 manual

DSLR-A200 3-277-950- 11 (1) Printed in Japan Printed on 70% o r more r ecycled paper using VOC (V olatile Organic Com pound)-free vegetable oil based ink. Addi tional informa tion on this prod uct and answers t o frequently ask ed questions can be found a t our Cust omer Su pport W ebsite. Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera Instruction Manual DSLR-A[...]

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-A200 Serial No. __________________________ To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.[...]

3 IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference. Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them. Power Source s This set should b[...]

4 – Never place the set in a confined space, such as a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided. – Do not place the set near or over a radiator or heat register, or where it is exposed to direct sunlight. Lightning For added protection for this set during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused fo[...]

5 Read this first Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result. Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the c[...]

6 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[...]

7 Disposal of waste batter ies (applicabl e in the Eu ropean Unio n and other Eu ropean coun tries with separate co llection sys tems) This symbol on the battery or on the packaging indicates that the battery provided with this product shall not be treated as household waste. By ensuring these batteries are disposed of correctly, you will help prev[...]

8 Notes on using your camera No compen sation for cont ents 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 [...]

9 Table of Contents IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ............... ...................... ... 3 Read this first ................ ....................... ....................... ....... 5 Notes on using your camera ..................... ...................... ... 8 Preparing the camera Checking the ac cessories su pplied ........... ...................... . 1[...]

10 Shooting an i mage the way you want it ( Exposure mod e) ...................... .................. ....................... ...................... 56 Shooting with program auto ................. ................. 57 Shooting b y controllin g the blur of the backgr ound (Aperture priority) .................. ....................... .... 59 Shootin[...]

11 Adjusting the colo r tones (White balance ) ........ .............. 83 Adjusting th e white balance to su it a specific l ight source (Auto/Preset white bala nce) ........... ................... 83 Setting the co lor tempera ture and a filte r effect (Color Temperature/Color filter) ........... ...................... . 84 Register ing the color [...]

12 Others Specifications ... ....................... ....................... ............... 139 Troubleshooting ......... ....................... ....................... ...... 1 43 Warning messages .............. ....................... .................... 152 Precautions ....... ....................... ....................... ............... 15[...]

13 Preparing the camera Preparing t he camera Checking the accessories supplied The number in p arentheses indicates th e number of pi eces. • BC-VM10 Battery charger (1)/ Power cord (m ains lead) (1) • Rechargeable battery pack NP- FM500H (1) • USB cable (1) • Video cable (1) • Shoulder strap ( 1) • Eyepiece cover ( 1) • Body cap (1)[...]

14 Preparing the battery pack When using the camera fo r the first t ime, be sure to charge the NP- FM500H “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (s upplied). The “InfoLITHIUM ” battery pack can be char ged even when it has not been fully depleted. It can also be used when it has not been f ully charged. About charging time • Time required to charge [...]

15 Preparing the camera • We recommend charging the ba ttery p ack in an ambient temperature of between 10 to 30°C (50 to 86°F). You may not be able to efficiently charge the battery pack outsid e of this temperature range. Notes • Connect the battery charger to an easily ac cessible wall outlet ( wall socket) close by. • Even if the CHARGE[...]

16 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 the directio n of the [...]

17 Preparing the camera To remove the battery cover To check the remain ing battery level Set the POWER switch to ON and check the leve l on the LCD monitor. The level is indicated with the percent fi gures, in addition to the following indicators. What is an “InfoLITHIUM ” battery pack? An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-ion batter[...]

18 Effective use of the battery pack • Battery perfo rmance decr eases in low temperatur e surroundings. So, the time that the battery pack ca n be us ed is shorter in cold places. We recommend the follo wing to ensure longer ba ttery pack use: put the battery pack in a pocket close to your body to warm it up, and inser t it in your camera immedi[...]

19 Preparing the camera Attaching a lens Notes • When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release but ton. • Do not use force whe n attaching a lens. Lens hood Using a lens hood is recommen ded to prevent unnecessary light from affecting your images. Fo r attaching, refer to the oper ating instructions supplied with the lens. 1 Remove the b[...]

20 To remove the lens Note on ch anging the lens When changing the lens, if dust o r de bris gets inside the camera and lands on the surface of th e image sensor (the part th at acts as the film), it may appear on the image, depending on the shooting environment. The camera is equipped with an anti- dust function to prevent dust from landing on the[...]

21 Preparing the camera Inserting a memory card You can use a CompactFlash card (C F card), Microdrive, or “Me mory Stick Duo” as a memory card. 1 Open the memory card cover. 2 Insert a memory card (not supplied) from the terminal side (the terminal side has a number of small holes) with its label side facing toward the LCD monitor. Face side w[...]

22 To remove the memory card • The memo ry card may be hot just af ter it has been used for a long time. Be careful when you handle it. • When the access lamp is lit, do not remove the me mory card or the battery pack, or turn off the po wer. The data may be corrupted . • Data may be damaged if you place the memory card near strongly- magneti[...]

23 Preparing the camera • The Microdrive is a compact hard disk dr iv e. Since the Microdrive is a rotating disk, the Microdrive is not s trong enough to re sist vibration and shock compared to a memory card. Be sure not to transm it vibration or s hock to the M icrodrive during playback or shooting. • Note that the use of the Microdrive under [...]

24 • Do not use or store the “Memory Stick Duo” under the following conditi ons: – High temperature locations s uch as the ho t interior of a car parked in direct sunlight. – Locations exp osed to direct sunlight. – Humid locations or locations with corrosi ve substances present.[...]

25 Preparing the camera Preparing the camera When you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup screen 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 controller. 3 Select each [...]

26 To cancel the date/ time setting operation Press the MENU button. When it is hard to ro tate the diopter-adj ustment dial 4 Repeat step 3 to set other items, then press the center of the controller. • When changing the seq uence of [YYYY/MM/DD], fi rst se lect [YYYY/ MM/DD] with b / B , then change it with v / V . 5 Verify that [OK] is selecte[...]

27 Preparing the camera Using the accessories supplied This section describes how to use the shoulder strap and the eyepiece cover. The other accessories are described in the following pages. • Rechargeable batte ry pack (page 14) • Battery charger, Power cord (main s lead) (page 14) • Eyecup (page 26) • USB cable (pages 120, 136) • Video[...]

28 Note • The eyepiece sensor s located below the vi ewfinder may be ac tivated depending on the situation, and the focus m ay be adjusted or the LCD monit or may continue to flash. In such cases, set [Eye-Start AF] (page 69) an d [Auto off w/ VF] (page 115) to [Off]. 1 Carefully slide the eyecup off by pushing on each side of the eyecup. 2 Slide[...]

29 Preparing the camera Checking the numbe r of recordable images Note • If “0” is flashing in yellow , the memory card is full. Rep lace the memory card with another one, or delete images in th e current mem ory card (pages 21, 102). The table shows the approximate nu mber of images that can be recorded on a memory card formatted with this c[...]

30 The approximate number of images that can be recorded is 750 when yo u use the camera with the battery pa ck (supplied) at full ca pacity. Note that the actual numbers may b e less than those indicated de pending on the conditions of use. • The number is calculated with a ba ttery pack at full capacity a nd in the following situation: – At a[...]

31 Preparing the camera Cleaning Wipe the screen surface with an LC D cl eaning kit (not supplied) to remove fingerprints, du st, etc. • When cleaning the lens surface, remove dust using a blower brush. In case of dust that sticks to the surface, wipe it off with a soft cloth or tissue paper slightly moistened with lens cleaning solution. Wipe in[...]

32 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 phot o image, de pending on the shooting environment. If there is dust on the image sensor, use a commercially available blower brush and clean the image sensor following the steps below. You can easily brush the dust away u[...]

33 Preparing the camera Note • The camera starts beeping if the battery pack become s low during cleaning. Stop the cleaning immediately and set the POWER switch to OFF. 5 Detach the lens (page 20). 6 Use the blower brush to clean the image sensor surface and the surrounding area. • Do not tou ch the imag e sensor with the tip of the b rush. Co[...]

34 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 Control dial (58, 112) C Self-timer lamp (90) D Lens contacts* E Mirror* F Lens mount G Built-in flash* (72) H Mode dial (48) I (Flash pop-up) button (7 2) J Lens release button (20) K Focus mode switch [...]

35 Before your operation A Accessory shoe (40) B Viewfinder (26) C Eyepiece sensors (69) D POWER switch (25) E MENU button (41) F DISP (Display) button/LC D brightness button (39, 93) G (Delete) button (102) H (Playback) button (93) I LCD monitor (37, 39) J Diopter-adjustment dial (26) K For shooting: (Exposure) button (78) For viewing: (Zoom out) [...]

36 A VIDEO OUT/USB termin al (104, 120) B Memory card cover C Memory card insertion slot (21) D Memory card eject lever (22) E Hooks for shoulder strap (27) F REMOTE terminal • Wh en connecti ng the RM- S1AM/RM-L1AM Remote Commander (n ot supplied) t o the camera , insert the p lug of the Remote Commander in the REMOTE term inal, aligni ng the gu[...]

37 Before your operation • The illustration above i s for the detailed di splay. The enlarged d isplay is displayed as the defaul t setting. A B C LCD monitor (Recording information display) Display Indication P A S M Mode dial (48) 1/125 Shutter speed (61) F5.6 Aperture (59) +2.0 Exposur e (63) AE lock (76) Display Indication Flash mode (74)/Red[...]

38 D Display Indication 90% Battery remaining (17) Image quality (106 ) Image s ize (106) 100 Remaining number of recordable images (29)[...]

39 Before your operation Switching the recordin g information display Note • You can display the screen used for adjusting th e brightness of the LC D monitor by pressing the DISP button a litt le longer (page 114). Press the DISP button to switch between the enlarged display and the detailed display. When you rotate the camera t o a vertical pos[...]

40 A B * When usin g the HVL-F56AM/HVL- F36AM Flash (not supplied), yo u can shoot with a High-speed sync feature at any shutter speed. For details, refer to the operating instruct ions supplied with the flash. Viewfinder Display Indication AF area (70) Spot AF area (70) Spot metering area (80) Shooting area for aspect ratio 16:9 (106) Display Indi[...]

41 Before your operation 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 Fn (Function) button, (Drive) button, or MENU button. In this instruction manual, the pro cess of selecting a function with the controller from the menu lis t is described as follows: Exam[...]

42 The operation guide list The operation guide also indicates operations oth er than the controller operation. The indications of icons are as follows. 2 Following the operation guide, select [White balance] with v / V / b / B on the controller, then press the center z to execute. Operation guide 3 Following the operation guide, select and execute[...]

43 Before your operation Flash mode (page 7 4) Autofocus mode (page 69) White balance (page 83) Metering m ode (page 80) AF area (page 70) D-RangeOptimizer (page 87) Single-shot adv. (pag e 89) Continuous adv. (page 89) Self-timer (page 90) Bracket: Co nt. (page 90) Bracket: Single (page 90) WB bracket (page 92) The functions selected by the Fn (Fu[...]

44 Playback menu 1 Delete (102) Format (109) Protect (101) DPOF setup (133) • Date imprint (134) • Index print (134) 2 PlaybackDisplay (93) Slide show (97) • Interval (97) Setup menu 1 LCD brightness (114) Info.disp.time (114) Power save (113) Video output (105) Language (113) Date/Time setup ( 113) 2 File number (108) Folder name (108) Selec[...]

45 Shooting images Shooting images Shooting an image wi thout camera shake “Camera shake” refers to an unwanted movement of the camera that occur s after the shutter button has been pr essed, resulting in a blurred image . To reduce camera shake, follo w the instructions below. Correct posture Stabilize your upper body and take a position that [...]

46 Camera shake warning indicator Note • The (Camera shake warni ng) indicator is displayed only in the modes that the shutter spe ed is automati cally set. This indicator is not displayed in M/S/P S modes. This Super Ste adyShot funct ion can re duce the ef fect of camera shake by the equivalent of approx imately 2.5 to 3.5 incremen ts of shutte[...]

47 Shooting images Note • The Super SteadyShot function may not wo rk o ptimally when the power has just been turned on, when the subject has just en tered the area, or when the shutter button has been pressed all the way down wi thout stopping halfway . Wait for the (Super SteadyShot sc ale) indicator scale t o go down, and then press the shu tt[...]

48 / Shooting with the automatic setting The “AUTO” mode allows you to easily sho ot any subject under any conditions. Select when shooting in a location wh ere the use of a flash is restricted. 1 Set the mode dial to or (Flash Off). 2 Hold the camera and look into the viewfinder. The subjec t inside th e focus area comes into focu s (Eye-Sta r[...]

49 Shooting images Note • If you turn the camera off or change the recording mode in AUTO or Scene Selection mode, the settings you set up wi th the Fn button, butt on, ISO button, or MENU butto n are rese t to the default settings. 5 Press the shutter button halfway down to focus. When the fo cus is conf irmed, the foc us indicato r z or (Focus [...]

50 Shooting with a suit able setting for the subject (Scene Selection) Selecting an appropriate mode for th e subject or the shooting conditions allows you to shoot the image with a more suitable setting for the subject than in “AUTO” mode. Set the mode dial to (Portrait). • To blur the background more, set th e lens to the telephoto position[...]

51 Shooting images Set the mode dial to (Landscape). • To accentuate the openness of the scen ery, set the lens to wide angle. Taking landscape photos This mode is suitable to z Shoot the entire range of scenery in sharp focus with vivid colors. Shooting technique[...]

52 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. • Set the built-in flash to (Flash O ff) when you shoot a subject within 1 m (3.3 feet ). • In macro mode shooting, the Super SteadyShot function will not be fully effective. Use a t[...]

53 Shooting images 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 ISO sensitivity higher wh en shooting in p oor light (page 82). Taking moving-subject ph otos This mode is suitable to z Shoo[...]

54 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. • You can adjust the depth of the colo r by exposure comp ensation. Shifting to the under side (–) deepens the colors , while shifting to the over side (+) atte[...]

55 Shooting images Set the mode dial to (N ight portrait/Night view). Set [Flash mode] to (Flash Off) when you shoot a night v iew without persons ( page 74). • 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 prop[...]

56 Shooting an image th e way you want it (Exposure mode) With a single lens reflex camera, yo u can 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 ephemera l shape of a wav[...]

57 Shooting images Shooting with program auto This mode is suitable to z Use the automatic exposure, while keeping the custom settings for ISO sensitivity, Creative Style, D-R ange optimizer, etc. z Keep the e xposur e compen sati on measured by the camera, but change the combination of shutter speed and aperture depending on the subject (Program s[...]

58 To use Program shift Notes • If you turn the camera off and on or a certain period of time is passed, Program shift “P S ” or “P A ” is canceled and returned to “P.” • When Program Shift “P S ” is selected, the (Camera shake warning) indicator is not displayed. 1 Press the shutter button halfway down to adjust the focus. The [...]

59 Shooting images Shooting by controlling the blur of the background (Aperture p riority) This mode is suitable to z Put the subject in sharp fo cus 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 Shoot the depth of the scenery. Narrowing down th[...]

60 • The shutter speed may become slower depending on the aper ture value. When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod. • The flash range differs according to the aper ture value. When you shoot with the flash, check the flash ra nge (page 73). • To blur the background more, use a tele photo lens o r a lens that is equipped with a smaller [...]

61 Shooting images Shooting a moving subject with various expressions (Shutter speed priority) This mode is suitable to z Shoot a moving subject at a moment in time. Use a faster s hutter speed to crisply shoot an instant of the movement. z Trace the movement to express the dynamism and flow. Use a sl ower shutter speed to shoot a trailing image of[...]

62 • 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 sp eed priority mode. • When using the flash, if you close the aperture (a larger F-number) by making the shutter speed slow er, the light of the f[...]

63 Shooting images Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually (Manual exposure) This mode is suitable to z Shoot with the desired exposure setting by adjusting both the shutter speed and aperture. z Use an exposure meter. 1 Set the mode dial to M. 2 Rotate the control dial to adjust the shutter speed, and while pressing the button, rotate the con[...]

64 Notes • The (Camera shake warning) ind icator is not indicated in manual exposure mode. • When the mode dial is set to M, the ISO setti ng [AUTO] is set to [100]. In M mode, the ISO setting [AUTO] is not available. Set the ISO sensiti vity as necessary. Manual shift You can change the shutter speed and aperture value co mbination without cha[...]

65 Shooting images Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB) This mode is suitable to z Shoot trails of light, such as fireworks. z Shoot 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). button[...]

66 • Use a tripod. • Set the focus to infinity in manual focus mode when shooting fireworks, etc. • If you use a Remote Commander that is eq uipped with a shutter button lock function (not supplied), you can leave the shutter open using the Remote Commander. Notes • The Super SteadyShot function is automatically turned off. • The longer t[...]

Using the shooting function 67 Using the shooting fun ction Selecting the focus method There are two methods for adjusting th e focus: autofocus and manual focus. • To select the area used f or focu sing, set up [AF area] (page 70). Using autofocus 1 Set the focus mode switch to AF. 2 Look into the viewfinder. The subject insi de the focus are a [...]

68 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 69) or manual focus (page 71). • A subject that is low in contrast, such as blue s ky or a white wall. • Two subjects at different distan ces overlapping in[...]

Using the shooting function 69 To deactivate the Eye-Start AF function MENU button t 1 t [Eye-Start AF] t [Off] • When attaching the FDA-M1AM Magnifier (not supplied) or th e FDA- A1AM Angle Finder (not supplied) to the camera, setting [Eye-Sta rt AF] to [Off] is recommended be cause th e eyepiece sensors located below the viewfinder may be activ[...]

70 • Use (Single-shot AF) when the subject is motionless. • Use (Continuous AF) wh en the subject is in motion. Fn button t [AF area] t Select the desired setting (Automatic AF) When you press and hold the shutt er button, if the subject is motionless , the focus is locked a nd if the subj ect is in motion, the camera continues to focus. (Conti[...]

Using the shooting function 71 Note • The AF area may not be illu minated during co ntinuous shooting or when the shutter button is pressed all the way d own without pause. When it is difficult to get the proper focus in autofocus mode, you can adjust the focus manually. Notes • In the case of a subje ct that can be focused in autofocus mod e, [...]

72 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. • The lens or lens hood may block the light of the flash and a shadow may appear on the image. Remove t[...]

Using the shooting function 73 The flash range The range within which the correct ex posur e is provided depen ds on the combination of the flash range and ISO sensitivity. Refer to the following table to determine the shooting distance. The AF illuminator • AF illuminator does not operate when [Autofocus mode] is set to (Continuous AF) or the su[...]

74 Note • The red-eye reduction is available on ly when the built-in fl ash is used. Fn button t [Flash mode] t Se lect the desired setting • When shooting indoors or using nightscape, you can use slow sync to shoot a bright image of people and the background . • You can use rear sync to shoo t a natural image of the trailing o f a moving sub[...]

Using the shooting function 75 Fn button t [Flash mod e] t (Wireless) • To do a pre-flash tes t, pull up the flash and press the AEL button on the camera. Notes • Turn off the wireless flash m ode after wireless flash shoot ing. If the built-in flash is used while the wi reless flash mode is still activ e, inaccurate flash exposures wil l resul[...]

76 Adjusting the bright ness of the image (Exposure, Flash compensation, Metering) When shooting into the sun or by a window, the expos ure may not be appropriate for the subjec t because of the big difference in lighting between the subject and th e background. In such cases, use the light meter where the subject is bright enough and lock the expo[...]

Using the shooting function 77 To check the exposure of the image 3 Press the AEL button to lock the exposure. (AE lock mar k) appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD m onitor. AEL button 4 While pressing the AEL button, focus on the subject, and shoot the subject. • If you continue to shoo t with the same exposure valu e, press and hold the AEL[...]

78 Except for recording mode M, the ex posure is automatically acquired. (Automatic exposure) Based on the exposure acqu ired by the automatic exposure, you can perform exposure compensatio n by shif ting the exposure to either the + side or the – side, depending on your preference. You can make the entire image brighter by shifti ng to the + sid[...]

Using the shooting function 79 • Adjust the compensation level by checking the recorded image. • Using bracket shooting, you can shoot multiple image s with the exposure shifted to the plus or minus sides (page 90). When shooting with the flash, you can adjust the amount of flash light alone, without changing the exposure compensation. You can [...]

80 ADI: Advanced Distance Integration TTL: Through the lens • When [ADI flash] is selected, using a lens that is provided with a distance encoder feature can perfo rm more accurate flash compensation by using more accurate distance information. Notes • When the distance between t he subject and the external flash (not supplied) cannot be determ[...]

Using the shooting function 81 • Use (Multi segment) metering for general shooting. • When shooting a s ubject with strong contrast in the focus area, measure the light of the subject you want to shoot with the prop er exposure using Spot metering, then perform AE lock shooting (page 76). Shooting techniques[...]

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 • When ISO is set to [AUTO], ISO is auto matically set as follows. • The [AUTO] setting is not provided i n recording mode M. If you chan ge the recording mode to M with the [AUTO] se tting,[...]

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 • Use the white balance br acket function if you cannot get the desired color in the selected option (page 92). • When you select [5500K] (ColorTemperat ure) or [00] (Color filter ), you can adjust the value to the desired value (below). • When you select (Custom), you can register your setting (page 85). Fn button t [White balance] t [550[...]

Using the shooting function 85 *1 The value is the color tempera ture value currently selected. *2 The value is the Color filter val ue currently selected. In a scene where the ambient light consists of multiple types of light source, use of custom white balanc e is recommende d in order to acc urately reproduce the whiteness. 5500K * 1 (ColorTempe[...]

86 Note • The message “Custom WB error” indi cate s that the value is beyond th e expected range. (When the flash is used on a sub ject in close proximity or a sub ject with a bright color is in the fram e.) If you register this value, t he indicator turns yellow on the recording inform ation display on th e LCD monitor. You can sh oot at thi[...]

Using the shooting function 87 Image processing Fn button t [D-RangeOptimizer] t Select the desired setting MENU button t 1 t [Creative Style] t Select the desired setting • When you want to adjust (Contrast) , (S aturation), or (Sharpness), select the desired item w ith b / B , then adjust the value with v / V . Correcting the brightness of the [...]

88 (Contrast), (Saturation), and (Sharpness) can be adjusted for each Creative Style item. About Adobe RGB color space Adobe RGB color space has a wide range of color reproduction, co mpared to sRGB that is the standard color space of the digital camera. If the main purpose is to print out the image, especially when a large par t of the subject is [...]

Using the shooting function 89 Selecting the drive mode This camera has five drive modes, such as single -shot advanced, continuous advanced. Use them for your purpose. This mode is for normal shooting. button t (Single-shot adv.) The camera records the im ages continuously at a maximum of 3 images per second*. * Our measur ement conditions: [Image[...]

90 The 10-second self-timer is convenient when the photograph er appears in a photo and the 2-second s elf-timer is convenient to reduce the camera shake. To cancel the self-timer To cancel the activated self -timer, press the button. Note • When you press the shutter butt on without looking into the vi ewfinder, use the eyepiece cover (page 27).[...]

Using the shooting function 91 * _ ._ EV beneath / is the step currently selected. Notes • When the mode dial is set to M, t he e xposure is shifted by adjusti ng the shutter speed. If you shift the ex posure by adjusting the ap erture value, press and hold th e AEL button. • When you adjust the exposure, the exposu re is shifted based on the c[...]

92 • When Single bracket is sele cted, if the shutter button is pressed halfway down and released, “br 1” appears fo r the ambient light bracket and “Fbr 1” appears for the flash bracket in the viewf inder. When bracket shooting starts, it indicates wha t number the ne xt frame is, for instance, “br 2,” “br 3.” * Ambient light: An[...]

93 Using the viewing function Using the viewing function Playing back images The last recorded image is displayed on the L CD monitor. To return to the shooting mode Press the button aga in. To switch the record ing data display Press the DISP button. Each time you press the DISP button, the screen changes as follows. Note • The DISP button switc[...]

94 Note • When you play back the i mage on a TV or a computer, t he image will be dis played in the portrai t position even if [Manual r otate] is selec ted. To return to the normal playb ack screen Press the button. Note • When you copy rotated images to a com puter, “Picture Moti on Browser” contained on the CD-ROM (suppli ed) can display[...]

95 Using the viewing function To cancel the enlarged playback Press the button so that the im age returns to the normal size. To enlarge the image center ing around the previously selected point You can select a portion of an imag e first, then enlarge the portion. 2 Zoom the image in or out with the or button. • You can select the po rtion you w[...]

96 Scaling range The scaling range is as follows. To return to the single-ima ge screen Press the button or the center of the controller when you select the desired image . 4 Scale up or down the red frame to specify the portion you want to enlarge with the or button. 5 Press the center of the controller. The porti on inside t he red fram e is enla[...]

97 Using the viewing function To select a folder MENU button t 2 t [Slide show] Plays back recorded im ages in order (Slide sh ow). The slide show automatically stops after all the images have been played back. • You can view the prev ious/next imag e with b / B on the controller. To pause the slide show Press the center of the controller. Pre ss[...]

98 Checking the inform ation of recorded images Each time you press the DISP button, the information display changes (page 93). Basic information display Display Indication 100-0003 Folder - file number (124) - Protect (101) DPOF3 DPOF set (133) Image quality (106 ) Image s ize (106) Battery rema ining warning (17) 1/125 Shutter speed (61) F3.5 Ape[...]

99 Using the viewing function A B Histogram display Display Indication 100-0003 Folder - file number (124) - Protect (101) DPOF3 DPOF set (133) Image quality (106 ) Image s ize (106) Battery re maining warning (17) Display Indication Histogram (100) P A S M Mode dial (48) 1/125 Shutter speed (61) F3.5 Aperture (59) ISO100 ISO sensitivity (82) –0.[...]

100 How to check th e histogram A histogram is the luminance distribution that shows how many pixels of a particular brightness exist in the picture. When the image has a high-key or low- key portion, that portio n is flashed on the histogram display (Luminance limit warning). The exposure compensation will change the histogram accord ingly. The ri[...]

101 Using the viewing function Protecting images (Protect) You can protect images ag ainst accidental erasure. MENU button t 1 t [Protect] t [All images] or [Cancel all] t [OK] Protecting selected images/can celing the protection of the selected images 1 MENU button t 1 t [Protect] t [Marked images] 2 Select the image you want to protect with b / B[...]

102 Deleting images (Delete) Once you have deleted an image, you cannot re store it. Check whether you delete the image or not beforehand. Note • Protected images cannot be deleted. Deleting the image that is currently displayed 1 Display the image you want to delete and press the button. button 2 Select [Delete] with v , then press the center of[...]

103 Using the viewing function MENU button t 1 t [Delete] t [All images] t [Delete] Note • It may take a long time to delet e a lot of images by s electing [All images]. It is recommended that you delete images on a computer or format the memory card using the camera. 5 Select [Delete] with v on the controller, then press the cen ter of the contr[...]

104 Viewing images on a TV screen 1 Turn off both your camera and the TV, and connect the camera to the TV. 2 Turn on the TV and switch the input. • See also t he operatin g instructi ons suppli ed with the TV. 3 Turn on the camera, and press the butto n. Images shot with the came ra appear on the TV scr een. Select t he desired image with b / B [...]

105 Using the viewing function To use your camera abroad It may be necessary to switch the vide o signal output to match that of your TV system. MENU button t 1 t [Video output] t Select the desired setting On TV color systems If you want to view images on a TV screen, you need a TV with a video input jack and the video cable. The colo r system of [...]

106 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 you select a RAW file with [Qualit y], the image size of the RA W file corresponds to L. This s ize is not displayed on the LC D monitor. MENU button t 1 t [Aspect ratio] [...]

107 Changing your setup Note • For details on the number of images t hat can be taken when the image qual ity is changed, see page 29. About RAW files You need the “Image Data Converter SR” software included on th e CD-ROM (supplied) in order to open a RAW file record ed on this camera. With t his software, a RAW file can be opened and conver[...]

108 Setting the method for recording on a memory card MENU button t 2 t [File numbe r] t Select the desired setting The recorded images are stored in th e automatically-crea ted folder in the DCIM folder on 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[...]

109 Changing your setup 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,[...]

110 Changing the noise reduction setting When you set the shutter speed to a sec ond or longer (Long expo sure shooting), the noise reduction is t u rned on for the same duration as the shutter was 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 anoth[...]

111 Changing your setup Changing the conditi ons under which the shutter can close To prioritize the shutter opportunity, select [Rel ease] so you can shoot without acquiring a sharp focus. To shoot with a sharp focus, select [AF]. MENU button t 2 t [Priority setup] t [Release] Prioritizing the shutter opportunity[...]

112 Changing the functions of the button and dial The function of the AEL button can be selected from the following two functions: – Holding the locked exposure value by pressing the AEL button while the button is held down ([AE L hold]). – Holding the locked exposure value by pressing the AEL button until the button is pres sed again ([AEL tog[...]

113 Changing your setup Changing other settings Selects the sound produ ced when the sh utter is locked, during self -timer countdown, etc. MENU button t 2 t [Audio signals] t Select the desired setting You can set the time to turn the camer a to the power saving mode (Power save). Pressing the sh utter button half way dow n returns the camera to t[...]

114 Setting the LCD monitor MENU button t 1 t [LCD brightness] t Select the desired setting • On the recording informatio n or pl ayback screen, you can adjust the brightness by pressing the DISP button a little longer. 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[...]

115 Changing your setup In the default setting, whi le looking into the viewfinder , the LCD monitor is turned off to prevent th e battery pack wearing down. If you want to turn on the LCD monito r while looking into the viewfinder, select [Off]. MENU button t 1 t [Auto off w/ VF] t [Off] Note • Regardless of t he setting in t his menu, the re co[...]

116 Resetting to the default You can reset the main functions of th e recording mode wh en the mode dial is set to P, A, S, or M. MENU button t 2 t [Rec mode reset] t [OK] The items to be reset are as follows. Resetting the functions used for shooting to the default setting Items Reset to Exposure compensation (78) ±0.0 Metering mode (80) Multi se[...]

117 Changing your setup 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. Resetting the main functions of the camera to the default setting Items Reset to Exposure compensation (78) ±0.0 Metering mode (80) Multi segment Autofocus mode (69) AF-A Recording information disp[...]

118 Custom me nu Playback menu Setup menu Items Reset to Eye-Start AF (69) On AEL button (112) AEL hold Ctrl dial setup (112) Shutter speed Red eye reduc. (73) Off Auto review (114) 2 sec Auto off w/ VF (115) On Items Reset to Date imprint ( 134) Off PlaybackDisplay (93) Auto rotate Slide show (97) 3 sec Items Reset to LCD brightness (114) ±0 Info[...]

119 Viewing images o n a computer 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[...]

120 Stage 1: Connecting the camera and your computer 1 Insert a memory card with recorded images into the camera. 2 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/charger (not supplied). • When you copy images to y our computer u sing insufficie nt battery pa [...]

121 Viewing images o n a computer For Window s This section describes an example of copy ing images to a “My Documents” (For Windows Vista: “Documents”) folder. Stage 2: Copying im ages to a computer 1 Click [Copy pictures to a folder on my computer using Microsoft Scanner and Camera Wizard] t [OK] as the wizard screen appears automatically[...]

122 For Macintosh 4 Double-click the [My Documents] (For Windows Vista: [Documents]) folder. Then, right- click on the “M y Documents” window to display the menu and click [Paste]. The imag e files are c opied to th e “My Documents” (For Windows Vi sta: “Document s”) folder. • When an image with the s ame file name exists in th e copy[...]

123 Viewing images o n a computer Viewing images on your computer This section describes the procedure fo r viewing co pied im ages in the “My Documents” (For Windows Vista: “Documents”) folder. Double-click the hard disk icon t the desired image file to open the image file. For Windows 1 Click [Start] t [My Documents ] (For Windows Vista: [...]

124 Perform the procedures listed below beforehand when: • Disconnecting the USB cable. • Removing the memory card. • Turning off the camera. x For Windows Double-click on the tasktray, then clic k (USB Mass Storage Device) t [Stop]. Confirm the device on the confirmation window, then click [OK] t [OK] (unnecessar y for Windows XP/Vi sta). Th[...]

125 Viewing images o n a computer Example: v iewing folders on Windows XP This section describes the process using a Windows computer as an example. A Folders containing i m age data recorded using this camera. (The firs t three digits show the folder number.) B You can create a folder by date f orm (page 108). • You cannot record/play back any i[...]

126 Notes • You may be unable to play back some images depending on the image size. • When an image 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, fi rst create a folder with your camera (page 109) an[...]

127 Viewing images o n a computer Using the software To utilize images recorded with the came ra, the following software is provided: “Picture Motion Browser,” “Image Data Conver ter SR,” “Image Data Lightbox SR” etc. Note • “Picture Motion Browser” i s not compatible with Ma cintosh computers. Recommended co mputer environment x [...]

128 Display: 1024 × 768 do ts or more, 32,000 colors or more You can install the software ( supplied) using the following procedure. x Windows • Log on as Ad ministrator. Installing the software 1 Turn on your computer, and insert the CD-ROM (supplied) into the CD-ROM drive. The insta llation menu screen appe ars. • If it does n ot appear, d o[...]

129 Viewing images o n a computer x Macintosh • Log on as Administrator for installation. Note • When the restarting confirmation messag e appears, restart the computer fol lowing the instruc tions on the scre en. 3 Remove the CD-ROM after the installati on is complete. The follo wing softwa re is instal led and sho rtcut icons appear on the de[...]

130 Note • “Picture Motion Browser” is not com patible with Macintos h computers. For details on “Picture Motion Browse r,” re fer to “Picture Motion Browser Guide.” To start “Picture Motion Br owser Guide,” click [Start] t [All Programs] (in Windows 2000, [Prog rams]) t [Sony Picture Utility] t [Help] t [Picture Motion Browser Gu[...]

131 Viewing images o n a computer Note • If you save an image as RAW data, the image is saved in th e ARW2.0 format. With “Image Dat a Converter SR Ver.2.0” you can : • Edit images recorded in RAW mode with various corrections, such as tone curve, and sharpness. • Adjust images with the white balanc e , exposure, and creative style , etc.[...]

132 With “Image Data Lightbox SR” you can: • Display and compare RAW/JPEG imag es recorded wit h this camera. • Rate the images on a scale of five. • Display an image in “Image Da ta C onverter SR” and make adjustments to it. • For details on “Image Data Lightb ox SR,” refer to the Guide. To start the Guide from th e Start menu,[...]

133 Printing images 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. Notes • You can[...]

134 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. MENU button t 1 t [DPOF setup] t [Date imprint] t [On] Note • This functio n may not provid ed, depending on the printer. You can create an index print of a ll the images in the memory card. MENU but[...]

135 Printing images Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge compliant printer Note • You cannot print RAW d ata files. Note • It is recommended to use the AC Adaptor/charger (not sup plied) to prevent the power from turning off partw ay through printing. Even if you do not have a comput er, you can print images sh ot using your[...]

136 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 se lecting i mages you wan t to print ap pears. Stage 3: Printing 1 Select the image to print with b / B on the controller, then press the center of the controller. • To cancel, press the c enter agai[...]

137 Printing images To cancel th e print During printing, pressing the center of the controller 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. Page 1 Print Prints the select ed images. For details, see “S tage 3: Printi ng.” Set print q’ty You can spec[...]

138 Layout Date imprint Page 2 Unmark all After the message appears, s elect [OK], then press the center of th e controller. The DPOF mark on each image is cleared. When you cancel your specification without printing images , select this item. Print a ll Prints al l the images in a memo ry card. Aft er the mess age appear s, select [O K], then pres[...]

139 Others Others Specifications Camera [System] Camera Type Digital Si ngle Lens R eflex Camera with b uilt-in fla sh and interchangeabl e lenses Lens All of α Lens [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 sc[...]

140 [Shutter] Type Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal- plane type 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 12 (in meters at ISO 100) Recycling time Approx. 4 seconds Flash coverage Covering 18 mm lens (focal length that the lens indicates) Flash com[...]

141 Others Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H Used battery Lithium-ion ba ttery Maximum voltage DC 8.4 V Nominal voltage DC 7.2 V Maximum charge current 2.0 A Maximum charge voltage DC 8.4 V Capacity 11.8 Wh (1 650 mAh) Maximum dimensions Approx. 38.2 × 20.5 × 55.6 mm (1 9/16 × 13/16 × 2 1 /4 inches) (W /H/D) Mass Approx. 78 g (2.8 oz) Design [...]

142 • Mi crodrive is a register ed trademark of Hitachi Gl obal Storage Tec hnologies in the United States an d/or other co untries. • Ad obe is a re gistered tra demark or a trademar k of Adobe Sy stems Incorpora ted in the Uni ted States and/or other countries. • D-Range Optimize r Advanced us es technology provided by Apical Limited. • I[...]

143 Others Troubleshooting If you experience trouble with your camera, try the following solutions. Check the items on pages 143 to 151. Consu lt your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. The battery pack ca nnot be installed. • As you inse rt the bat tery pack, u se the tip of the batt ery pack to push the lock lever ( page 16)[...]

144 The power turns off suddenly. • If you do no t operate th e camera for given period of time, the c amera turns to power saving mod e and nearly shuts d own. To cancel the p ower save, operate th e camera, suc h as pressin g the shutter button half way down (page 48). Nothing is displayed on the LCD mon itor when the pow er is turned on. • I[...]

145 Others • You are shoo ting in RAW mode (page 106). Since the R AW data file is large, the RAW mo de shooting m ay take time. The image is out of focus. • The subject is too clos e. Check the mi nimum focal distance of the lens. • You are shooting in manual focus m ode, set the foc us mode lever to AF (autofocus ) (page 67) . Eye-Start AF [...]

146 The image is whitish (Flare). Blurring of lig ht appears on the image (G hosting). • The picture was taken under a strong li ght source, and excessive li ght has entered th e lens. Attac h a lens hood. The corners of the picture are too dark. • If any filter or hood is used, t ake it off and t ry shooting aga in. Dependin g on the thickness[...]

147 Others The image does not appe ar on the TV screen. • Check [Video out put] to see i f the vide o output si gnal of yo ur camera i s set to the color sy stem of your TV (page 105). • Check whethe r the con nection is c orrect (pag e 104). Your camera cannot delete an image. • Cancel the protection (page 101). You have deleted an image by [...]

148 You cannot copy imag es. • Make the US B connection by properly connecting the camera with your computer (p age 120). • Follow the designa ted copy proc edure for yo ur OS (page 121 ). • When you sh oot images with a memory ca rd format ted by a comp uter, you may not be a ble to copy th e images to a computer. Sho ot using a memory card [...]

149 Others “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is not recognize d by a computer with a “Memory Stick” slot. • If “Memory St ick PRO Duo” is not suppor ted on your computer’s “Memory Sti ck” slot, conn ect the came ra to the c omputer (page 12 0). The computer re cognizes t he “Memory St ick PRO Duo.” Also see “PictBridge compliant prin[...]

150 For details, refer to the operating inst ructions supplied w ith the printer or consult with the manufacturer of the printe r. A connection cannot b e established. • The camera cannot be connected dir ectly to a print er that is not co mpliant with the Pic tBridge st andard. Cons ult the prin ter manufac turer as t o whether the prin ter is c[...]

151 Others The lens gets fo gged. • Moisture condensat ion has occur red. Turn off th e camera and le ave it for about an ho ur before us ing it (pa ge 154). The message “Set d ate and time?” app ears when you turn on the camera. • The camera has been left unused for sometime with a low b attery or no battery pac k. Charge th e battery pac [...]

152 Warning messages If the following m essages appear, follow the instructions. For “InfoLITHIUM ” battery only • An incompatible batt ery pack is being used. Set date and time? • Set the dat e and time. If the message app ears freque ntly, the internal backu p battery is used up. Replace the bat tery (pages 25, 154). Power insufficient ?[...]

153 Others No images • There is no image in th e memory card. Image protected • You tried to delete prot ected images. Unable to print. • You tried to mark RAW images with a DPOF mark. Initializing U SB connection... • A USB connection ha s been established . Do not disco nnect the USB cabl e. Check the connected device. • A PictBrid ge c[...]

154 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 c ar parked i n the sun, the c amera body ma y become def ormed and this may cause a malf unction. • Un der direct s unlight or ne ar a heater • T he camera bod y may become discolor ed or deform ed, and this m[...]

155 Others discharged . In this case , be sure to charge this rechargeable battery before usi ng the cam era. However, ev en if this r echargeable battery is not charge d, you can st ill use the came ra as long as you do not record the date and ti me. Charging meth od of the i nternal rechargeabl e battery Insert a ch arged batt ery pack in the cam[...]

156 Index Index Numerics 40-segment honeycomb pattern metering . ................ ................ .80 A Adobe RGB ...... ............... ........... 87 AE lock ................ ................ ....... 76 AEL button ... ................ ............ 112 AF area ......................... .............. 70 AF illuminator ........ ................ ..[...]

157 Index Exposure compe nsation ....... ...... 78 Exposure lock ... ............. ............ 76 Exposure mo de .............. ............ 56 Eyecup .... ................ ................ ... 27 Eyepiece cover ............... ............ 27 Eyepiece sensors ..... ................... 28 Eye-Start AF .. ................ ............ 69 F File num[...]

158 Noise reductio n ....... ................ ..110 Number of imag es ................29 , 30 P PictBridge ......... ............... .........13 5 Picture Motion Browser ........... 130 PlaybackDisplay .. ................ .......9 3 Portrait .......... ............. ................ .50 Power save . ............. ................ ..113 Preset white[...]