Sony DSLR-A500 manual

DSLR-A500/A550 4-149-235- 11 (1) 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-A500/A550 Pre[...]

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-A500/A550 Serial No. __________________________ To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or mois[...]

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 Regulatory Informa tion CAUTION You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. 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 pro[...]

5 Notice for the cus tomers in the countries applying EU Di rectives The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters please refer[...]

6 Disposal of waste batte ries (applicabl e in the Eu ropean Unio n and other E uropean coun tries wit h 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. On certain batteries this symbol might be used in combination with a che[...]

7 Notes on using your camera Shooting pr ocedure • This camera has two modes for shooting: the Live View mode using the LCD monitor, and the viewfinder mode using the viewfinder (OVF). • There may be differences between an image recorded in Live View mode and an image recorded in viewfinder mode, such as exposure, white balance, or D- range opt[...]

8 Table of Contents Notes on using your camera ................. ....................... ...... 7 Preparing the camera Checking the ac cessories su pplied ............ ...................... 12 Preparing the battery pack .............................. ................. 13 Attaching a lens ............. ....................... ......................[...]

9 Shooting an i mage the way you want it ( Exposure mod e) .................... ................... ....................... ...................... . 61 Shooting with program auto ........................ .......... 62 Shooting b y controllin g the blur of the backgro und (Aperture priority) ...................... ...................... . 63 Shootin[...]

10 Adjustin g the amount o f flash light (Flash comp ensation) ...................... .................. ....................... ............. 95 Selectin g the flash c ontrol mode t o set the am ount of flash light (Flash control) ............ ...................... 96 Selectin g the method f or measurin g the bright ness of a subject (Metering mo[...]

11 Using the viewing function Playing back images .......... ....................... ..................... 115 Checking the information of recorded images .............. 120 Protecting images (Pro tect) ........ .................. ................. 122 Deleting images (Delete) ................ ....................... ........ 123 Viewing images on [...]

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

Preparing the camera 13 Preparing the battery pack When using the camera fo r the f irst time, be sure to c harge 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 fully charge d. About charging time • Ti[...]

14 • We recommend charging the ba ttery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 to 30°C (50 to 86°F). You may no t be able to efficiently charge the battery pack outsid e of this temperature range. Notes • Connect the battery charger to the neares t wall outlet (wall socket). • When charging is finished, disconnect the power cord (main[...]

Preparing the camera 15 Representa tive plug of powe r supply co rd of countries/regio ns around the world. The representative s upply voltage and plug type are described in th is chart. Depend on an area, Different ty pe of plug and supply voltage are u sed. Attention: Power cord meeting dem ands from each country shall be used. -For only the Unit[...]

16 Oceania North America Central America South America Middle East Africa Singapore 230 50 BF Taiwan 110 60 A Thailand 220 50 C/BF Vietnam 220 50 A/C Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Australia 240 50 O New Zealand 230/240 50 O Countries/regions Voltage Frequency (Hz) Plug type Canada 120 60 A USA 120 60 A Countries/regions Voltage[...]

Preparing the camera 17 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[...]

18 To remove the battery cover To check the remain ing battery level Check the level with the following indi cators and percent figures displayed 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 condit[...]

Preparing the camera 19 Effective use of the battery pack • Battery pe rformance decr eases in low temperatur e surroundings. So, the time that the battery pack can be used is shorter in cold plac es and the speed of continuous shooting slows down. We recommend that you put the battery pack in a pocket close to your body to warm it up, and insert[...]

20 Attaching a lens Notes • 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 camera and the packaging lid from the rear of the lens. • Whe n changing t he lens, qu ickly change the lens away from dusty locations s o as to keep dust or deb ris from gettin g [...]

Preparing the camera 21 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 may appear on the image, depending on the shooting environment. The camera is equipped with an anti- dust function to prevent dust f[...]

22 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 23 To remove the memory card • Do not strike, bend or drop the memory card. • Do not use or store the memory ca rd under the following conditions: – High temper ature locations such as th e hot interior of a car parked in direct sunlight. – Locations exposed to direct sunlight. – Humid locations or locations w ith cor[...]

24 • The memory cards formatted with a computer are not guaranteed to operate with this camera. Be sure to format the memory cards using the camera. • Data read/write speeds differ de pendi ng on the combination of the memory cards and the equipment used. • Do not press down hard when you write do wn on the memo area. • Do not attach a labe[...]

Preparing the camera 25 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. To set up the date/time again MENU button t 1 t [Date/Time setup] 5 Verify that [OK] is selected, then press the center of the controller.[...]

Preparing the camera 27 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 13) • Battery charg er, Power cord (m ains lead) (page 1 3) • USB cable (pages 141, 154) •C D - R O M [...]

28 You can prevent light from entering th rough the viewfinder and aff ecting the exposure. When the shutter is rele ased without the use of the viewfinder in viewfinder mod e, as in shooting w ith 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, an[...]

Preparing the camera 29 Checking the numbe r of recordable images Notes • When “0” (the number of recordable imag es) fl ashes in yellow, the me mory card is full. Replace the memory card with another one, or delete i mages in the current memory card (page 123). • When “NO CARD” (the number of recordable images) flashes in yell ow, it m[...]

30 DSLR-A500 (Units: Images) SD memory card DSLR-A550 (Units: Images) DSLR-A500 (Units: Images) * When [Aspect ratio] is set to [16:9], you can record more im ages than the numbers shown in the table above. H owever, if it is set to [RAW], t he number is the same as that of the [ 3:2] aspect ra tio. Capacity Size 1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB Standard 242 5[...]

Preparing the camera 31 The approximate number of images that can be recorded is as follows when you use the camera with the battery pack (supplied) at full capacity. Note that the actual numbers may b e less than those indicated d epending on the conditions of use. • The number is calculated with a ba ttery pack at full capacity and in the follo[...]

32 Cleaning • Do not touch the inside of the camera, such as lens contac ts, or the mirror. Since dust on the mirror or around the mirror may affect the autofocus system, blow away dust using a commercially availabl e blower*. For details on cleaning the image sensor, see the ne xt page. * Do not use a spray blower. Usin g one may cause a malfun [...]

Preparing the camera 33 If dust or debris enters the camera an d lands on the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it may appear on the photo image, depen ding 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[...]

34 Note • The camera starts beeping if the batter y pack becomes low d uring cleaning. Stop cleaning immediately and t urn the camera off. 6 Use the blower to clean the image sensor surface and the surrounding area. • Do no t touch t he image sen sor with the tip of the bl ower. Compl ete the cleaning quickly. • Hold the camera’s face do wn[...]

Before your operation 35 Before your operatio n Identifying parts a nd screen indicators See the pages in parentheses for details of operatio n. A Shutter button (50) B Power switch (2 5) C Control dial (64) D Self-timer lamp (109) E Remote sensor F Lens contacts* G Mirror* H Mount I Built-in flash* (88) J Mode dial (50 – 70) K (Flash pop-up) but[...]

36 A Diopter-adjustment dial (72) B Viewfinder* (71) C Eyepiece sensors (71, 136) D MENU button (45) E DISP (Display) button (40, 73, 115) F LCD monitor (41, 11 5, 120) • You can adjust the an gle of the LCD monitor to meet various shooting s ituations. G Light sensor (13 5) H (Playback) button (115) I (Delete) button (123) J (Smart teleconverter[...]

Before your operation 37 O Controller ( v / V / b / B ) (43) P Controller (Ente r) (43)/AF button (83) * Do not directly touch these parts.[...]

38 A Accessory shoe (91) B LIVE VIEW/OVF switch ( 71, 87) C MF CHECK LV (Manual fo cus check Live View) button (85) D Image sensor position mark (81) E ISO button (103) F (Drive) button (108 ) G D-RANGE (Dynamic range) button (98) Top[...]

Before your operation 39 A HDMI terminal (1 25) B (USB) terminal (141, 154) C REMOTE terminal • W hen connecting the RM- S1AM/RM-L1AM Remote Commander (s old separatel y) to the camera, insert th e plug of the Remote Commander in the REMOTE term inal, alig ning the guide of the plug on the guide of the REMOT E terminal. D Hooks for shoulder strap[...]

40 Switching the recording in formation display (DISP) Each time you press the DISP button, the screen changes as follows in Live View mode. For the indicators in viewfinder mode, see page 74. DISP button Histogram on Recording information off Recording information on Histogram (page 94) Graphic Di splay[...]

Before your operation 41 The Graphic Display graphically show s the shutter speed and aperture value and clearly illustrate s how the exposure works. AB C LCD monitor Graphic Display Recording information display Display Indication P A S M Mode dial (50 – 70) Image quality (129 ) Overheating warning (170) Image size (128)/Aspec t ratio (128) Memo[...]

42 D E Display Indication Drive m ode (10 8) • i s only for the DSLR-A550. Flash mode (88)/Red-eye reduction (90) Focus mode (82) AF area (83) Face Detection (52) Smile Shutter (113) Smile Detection Sensitivity indicator (113) Display Indication ISO sensitivity (103) Metering (97) +2.0 Flash comp ensation (95) AWB 7500K G9 White balance (Auto, Pr[...]

Before your operation 43 Selecting a function/setting You can select a function for shooting or playback with the one of bu ttons, such as the Fn (Function) bu tton, or the MENU button. In this Instruction Manua l, the proce ss of selecting a function with the controller from the list displayed on th e screen is described as follows (we explain the[...]

44 This button is used for setting up or executing functions used frequently in shooting. To set up the camera directly from the recording in formation screen Selecting a function with the Fn (Function) button 1 Press the Fn button. 2 Select the desired item with v / V / b / B on the controller, then press the center z to execute. The setup screen [...]

Before your operation 45 Drive mode (108) Flash mode (88) Autofocus mo de (82) AF area (83) Face Detection (52) Smile Shutter (113) ISO sensitivity (103) Metering m ode (97) Flash compens. (95) White balance (104) DRO/Auto HDR (98) Creative Style (101) You can set up the basic settings fo r the camera as a whole or execute functions such as shootin[...]

46 Playback menu 1 Delete (123) Format (131) Slide show (118) Protect (122) Specify Printing (152) PlaybackDisplay (115) Setup menu 1 LCD brightness (135) Date/Time setup ( 25) Power Save (LV) (134) Power Save (OVF) (134) CTRL FOR HDMI (127) Language (134) Help Guide disp. (134) 2 File number (130) Folder name (130) Select folder (131) New folder ([...]

Shooting images 47 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[...]

48 Point 3 Lightly tuck your elbows again st your body. When shooting in a knee ling position, steady your upper body by placing your elbow on your knee. Camera shake warning indicator Note • The (Camera shake warni ng) indicator is displayed only in the modes that automatically set the shutt er speed. This indicator is no t displayed in M/S mode[...]

Shooting images 49 Note • The SteadyShot function may not work opti mally when the power has just been turned on or w hen the shutter button h as been pressed all the way down w ithout stopping halfway . In the following cases, we recommend that you mount the camera on a tripod. • Shooting without a flash und er dark conditions. • Shooting wi[...]

50 / 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 51 Note • Since the came ra turns on the automatic s etting function, many features w ill be unavailable, such as exposure compensati on , ISO setting. If you want to adjust various settings, set the m ode dial to P, then shoot your subj ect. 5 Press the shutter button halfway down to focus. When the fo cus is confir med, z or (Fo[...]

52 The camera detects faces, adjusts the focus, exposu re, performs image processing, and adjusts flash settings. The Face Detec tion function is set to [On] in the default setting. The Face Detection frame To deactivate the Face De tection function Fn button t (Face Detection) t [Off] • Compose to overlay the Face Detection frame and the AF area[...]

Shooting images 53 • The camera may not detect a ny faces, or may detect so me other object, depending on the shootin g conditions.[...]

54 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 suitable setting for the subject. When you turn the mode dial, the ex planation of the selected mode and methods of s hooting are dis played on the s creen (Help Gu ide[...]

Shooting images 55 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 focusing 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 [...]

56 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 for z Shooting the entire range of scenery in sharp focu s with vivid colors . Shooting technique[...]

Shooting images 57 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) whe n you shoot a s ubject within 1 m (3.3 feet). • When shooting in macr o mode, the SteadyShot function will [...]

58 Set the mode dial to (Sports Action). • The camera shoots images continuously while th e shutter button is pressed. • Press and hold the shutter button ha lfway down until the right moment. Taking moving-subject ph otos This mode is suitable for z Shooting moving subjects outdoors or in bright places. Shooting techniques[...]

Shooting images 59 Set the mode dial to (Sunset). • Used to shoot an image accentuating the red color compa red with other modes. This is also suitable for shoo ting the beautiful red of the sunrise. Taking sunset photos This mode is suitable for z Shooting the red of the sunset beautifully. Shooting technique[...]

60 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 88). • 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 when shooting a who[...]

Shooting images 61 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. Adjusting the shutter spee d and aperture not only creates the photog[...]

62 Shooting with program auto This mode is suitable for z Using the a utomatic ex posure, wh ile 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 79 to 112). • To fi re the flas h, press the button. 3 Adjust the focus an[...]

Shooting images 63 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 [...]

64 • The shutter speed may become slower depending on the apertur e value. When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod. • To blur the background more, use a tele photo lens or a lens that is equipped with a smaller ap erture value ( bright lens). Note • Press the button when y ou shoot with the fl ash. However, the flash range differs acco[...]

Shooting images 65 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[...]

66 • 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. • The higher the ISO sensitivity, the m ore conspicuous the noise. • When the shutter speed is one second or m ore, noise r[...]

Shooting images 67 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 button, rotate the control dial to adjust t[...]

68 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 [200]. In M mode, the ISO setting [AUTO] is not available. Set the ISO sensiti vity as necessary (page 103). • Press the button when y ou shoot with the fl ash. However, the flash range[...]

Shooting images 69 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[...]

70 • Use a tripod. • Set the focus to infinity in manual focus mode when shooting fireworks, etc. • Use the Wireless Re mote Commander (sold separately) (page 112). Pressing the SHUTTER button on the Wireless Remote Comma nder triggers BULB shooting and pressing it again stops BULB shooting. You do not need to press and hold th e SHUTTER butt[...]

Shooting images 71 Shooting with the viewfinder (OVF) You can select either the LCD mon itor (Live View) or the viewfinder (OVF) to shoot images. When you look into the viewf inder, the subject located in the AF area comes into focus automa tically (Eye -Start AF). To deactivate the Eye-Start AF function MENU button t 1 t [Eye-Start AF] t [Off] •[...]

72 When it is hard to ro tate the diopter-adj ustment dial Adjusting the focus of the fi nder (diopter adjustment) Adjust the diopter-a djustment dial to your eyesight until the display appears clearly in the viewfinder. • Training the camera on a light allows you to adjust the diopter easily. • When the indicators do not appear clearly, even i[...]

Shooting images 73 Switching the recording in formation display (DISP) Press the DISP button to switch between the Grap hic Displ ay and the S tandard Display. When you rotate the camera t o a vertical position, the display automatically rotates to adjust to the camera position. DISP button Standar d Display No display Graphic Display (Default sett[...]

74 The Graphic Disp lay graphically show s the shutter speed and aperture value and clearly ill ustrates how the exposure wor ks. In AUTO or Scene Selection mode, only the items that can be set are displaye d. See the pages in parentheses for details of operation. A B C LCD monitor (Graphic Display) Display Indication P A S M Mode dial (50 – 70) [...]

Shooting images 75 D Display Indication 1/250 Shutter speed (65) F4 Aperture (63) +1.0 Exposure compensation (93) AE lock (92) SteadyShot (48)[...]

76 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 (50 – 70) Image quality (129 ) Image size (128)/Aspec t ratio (128) Memory card (22) 100 Remaining number of recordable images (29) 100% Remaining battery (18) Display Indica[...]

Shooting images 77 C Display Indication 1/125 Shutter speed (65) F2.8 Aperture (63) +1.0 Exposur e (93) AE lock (92) SteadyShot (48)[...]

78 A B * When using th e HVL-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 flas h. Viewfinder Display Indication AF area (83) Spot metering area (97) Shooting area for aspect ratio 16:9 (128) Display Indication Flas[...]

Using the shooting function 79 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[...]

80 • To select the AF ar ea used for fo cusing, set up [ AF area] (page 83). 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 81) or manual focus (page 84). • A subject that is low in contrast, such as blue sk[...]

Using the shooting function 81 To measure the exact distance to the subj ect Note • If the subject is closer than the minimum shooting di stance of the attached lens, the focus cannot be confirmed. Make sure you put enough distance bet ween the subject and the camera. The mark located on the top of the camera shows the location of the image senso[...]

82 Fn button t (Autofocus mode) t Select the desired setting • Use (Sin gle-shot AF) when the subject is motionless. • Use (Continuous AF) when the subject is in motion. Notes • (Autom atic AF) is selected whe n the e xposure mode is set to AUTO or on e of the follo wing Scene S election mo des: (Portrait), (Landsc ape), (Sunset), o r (Night [...]

Using the shooting function 83 Fn button t (AF area) t Select the desired setting Notes • When the exposure mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection, or the Smile Shut ter is activated, [AF area] is fixed to (Wide) and you cannot select the other settings . • The AF area may not be illu minated during co ntinuous shooting or when the shutter butt[...]

84 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 indicator lights up when the focus is confirmed. When the Wide AF ar ea is used, the center area is used, and when the Local AF area is used, the area that is selected[...]

Using the shooting function 85 You can check the focus by enlarging the image be f ore shooting using the image sensor used for recording. Checking the focus by enlarg ing the image (Manual focus check) 1 Press the MF CHECK LV button. The mirror slides up an d the image is displaye d on the LCD monitor in the 100 - percent field of view. • The in[...]

86 • If you press th e MF CHECK LV b utto n when the camera is in AE lock mode, you can check a version of the image that reflects the compensated exposure. When you start shooting from this point, the camera starts exposure at the AE lock state. • You can remove a grid line (page 136). Notes • The camera does not focus on a subject when you [...]

Using the shooting function 87 Zooming in in one step You can zoom in to the cen ter of an im age us ing the smart teleconverter (Digital zoom) and record the image. The image size is automatically set to the following regardless of the selected image size. Notes • The smart teleconverter is unavailable wh en the manual focus ch eck function is a[...]

88 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. 1 Fn button t (Flash mode) t Select the desired setting 2 Press the button. The flash p ops up. • In AU[...]

Using the shooting function 89 • The lens hood (so ld separately) may block the light of the flash. Remove the lens hood when using the flash. • When using the flash, shoo t the subject at a distance of 1 m (3 .3 feet) or greater. • When shoo ting indoors or shoo ting nightscapes, y ou can use slow sync to shoot a brighter image of people and[...]

90 The flash range The range of the built-in flash depend s on the ISO sensitivity and aperture value. Refer to the following table. The AF illuminator • AF illuminator does not oper ate when [Autofocus mode] is set t o (Continuous AF) or the subject is moving in (Automatic AF). (The or indicator lights.) • The AF illuminator may not operate wi[...]

Using the shooting function 91 With a flash that has a wireless shootin g function (sold separately), you can shoot with the flash withou t a cord, even when the fl ash is not attached to the camera. By changing the position of the flash, you can shoot an image with a three dimensional feel by hi ghlighting the contrast of light and shadow on the s[...]

92 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 93 Except for exposure mode M, the exposur e 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 exposure to either the + side or the – side, depending on your preference. You can make the entire image brighte[...]

94 • Adjust the compensation level by checki ng the recorded image. • Using bracket shooting, you can shoo t multiple images with the exposure shifted to the plus or minus sides (page 110). Note • This item cannot be set when the exposur e mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection. To shoot while checking the screen using the histogra m 1 Press [...]

Using the shooting function 95 Notes • The histogram displayed in Live Vi ew mode does no t indicate the final record ed image. It indicates the condition of t he image just monitored on t he LCD monitor. The histogram will differ based on aperture set ting, etc. • The histogram differs between shoo ting and playback in the following s ituation[...]

96 • If you have adjusted th e flash level, ap pears in th e viewfinder when the built-in flash is pulled up. Wh en you adjust it, be careful not to forget to reset the value. • The higher flash effect may not be visible due to the lim ited amount of flash light, if the subject is outside th e maximum range of the flash. If the subject is very [...]

Using the shooting function 97 – A filter with an exposure factor, such as an ND filter, is used . – A close-up lens is used. • ADI flash is only avai lable in combination with a lens that is provided with a distance encoder. To determine if the le ns is equipped with a distance encoder, refer to the operating inst ructions supplie d with the[...]

98 Compensating for the brightness and contrast automati cally (D-Range) * Lv_ displayed with is the step currently selected. D-RANGE button t Select the desired setting D-RANGE button (Off) Does not use the DRO/Auto HDR fun ctions. (DRO) By dividing the image into small areas, t he camera analyses the contrast of light and sha dow between t he sub[...]

Using the shooting function 99 Notes • The setting is fixed to (Off) when (Sunset) or (Night Port./View) is selected in Scene Selection. The setting i s fixed to (Auto) when other modes are selected in Scene Select ion. • When shooting with the D-Ra nge optimizer, the image may be noisy. Select the proper level by checking the recorded im age, [...]

100 • You cannot select [Auto HDR] during Smile Sh utter. If you turn on the Smile Shutter function wit h [Auto HDR] selected, the camera will temporari ly use with the DRO setting. • You may not obtain a desired effect dep ending on the luminance difference of a subject and the shooting con ditions. • When the flash is used, this fun ction h[...]

Using the shooting function 101 Image processing (Contrast), (Saturation), and (Sharpness) can be adjusted for each Creative Style item. Selecting your desired imag e processing (Creative Style) 1 Fn button t (Creative Style) t Sele ct the desired setting 2 When you want to adjust (Contrast), (Saturation), or (Sharpness), select t he desired item w[...]

102 Notes • When the exposure mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection, [Creative S tyle] is fixed to (Standard) and you cannot select other setting s. • When (B/W) is selected, you cannot adjust the satu ration. The way colors are represented with co mbinations of numbers or th e range of color reproduction is called “c olor space.” You can [...]

Using the shooting function 103 Setting ISO Sensitivity to light is expresse d by the ISO number (recommended exposure index). The larger the nu mber, the higher the sensitivity. Notes • When the exposure mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection, ISO is fixed to AUTO and you cannot select other ISO numbers. • When the exposure mode is set to P/ A[...]

104 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 lig ht sources, compar ed with a subject that appears white under the sunlight. White balance is a featur e that adjust s the color tone to appro[...]

Using the shooting function 105 • Use the white balance br acket function if you cannot get the desired color in the selected option (page 111). • When you select [5500K] (ColorTemper ature) or [0] (Color filter) , you can adjust the value to the desired value (below ). • When you select (Custom) , you can register your setting ( page 106). F[...]

106 *1 The value is the color temperature val ue currently selected. *2 The value is the color filter value current ly 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 (ColorTemperature) Sets the w hite bal[...]

Using the shooting function 107 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 proximit y or a subject with a bright color is in the frame .) If you register this value, t he in dicator turns yellow on the recording inform ation display on th e LCD [...]

108 Selecting the drive mode This camera has seven drive modes, such as single-shot advanced, and continuous advanced. Use them to suit your purpose. This mode is for normal shooting. button t (Single-shot adv.) Note • When the exposure mode is set to (Sp o rts Action) in Scene Selection, you cannot shoot single shot. The camera records the image[...]

Using the shooting function 109 The maximum n umber of continuous shots The number of continuous sho oting images obtainable has an upper limit. To shoot continuously at high er speeds (DSLR-A550 on ly) The camera shoots co ntinuously at a maximum of seven images per second. The exposure and focus are set at the first shot. button t (Spd.Prty.Cont.[...]

110 Note • When you shoot images using the viewfinder, use the eyepiece cover (page 28). Bracket shooting allows you to shoot several images, each with different degrees of e xposure. Specify the value of devia tion (steps) fr om the base exposure, and the camera shoots thre e images while auto matically shifting the exposure. Press and hold the [...]

Using the shooting function 111 The EV scale in bracket shooting * Ambient light: Any light other than the flash light that shines on the scene for an extended period of time, such as natural light, a light bulb, or a fluorescent light. • In brack et shooting, the same numb er of indices as the number of recordable images is displayed on the EV s[...]

112 You can shoot using the SHUT TER and 2S EC (the shutter is released after 2 seconds) buttons on the RMT-DSLR1 Wi reless Remote Commander (sold separately). Also, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the Wireless Remote Commander. Note • When you shoot images using the viewfinder, use the eyepiece cover (page 28). Shooting with th[...]

Using the shooting function 113 Capturing smiling f aces (Smile Shutter) When the camera detects a smile, the shutter is releas ed automatically. Smile Detection Sensitivity You can set the sensitivity of the Sm ile Shutter function for detecting smiles to one of the following th ree options: (Slight Smile), (Normal Smile), and (Big Smile). • To [...]

114 • Try to orient the face in front of the camera and keep it as level as possible. • Hold a clear smile with an open mouth. The smile is easier to detect when the teeth are showing. • If you press the shutter button wh ile the Smile Shutter function is activated, the camera shoots the image, and then re turns to Smile Shutter. Notes • Th[...]

Using the viewing function 115 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. To select the orientation whe[...]

116 To return to the normal playb ack screen Press the button. Note • When you copy rotated images to a computer, “PMB” contained on the CD-ROM (supplied) can display the rotated im ages correctly. However, the images may not be rotated depending on the software. An image can be enlarged for closer examination. This is convenient to check the[...]

Using the viewing function 117 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. 2 Zoom the image in or out with the button or button. • Rotating the con trol dial switc hes the image at the same di splay magnifica tion. When you sh oot multiple images wi[...]

118 To return to the single-ima ge screen Press the button or the center of the controller w hen you select the desired image . To select a folder MENU button t 1 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. • You can view the prev ious/nex[...]

Using the viewing function 119 To play back repeatedly MENU button t 1 t [Slide show] t [Repeat] t [On][...]

120 Checking the inform ation of recorded images Each time you press the DISP button, the information display changes (page 115). Basic information display Display Indication Memory card (22) 100-0003 Folder - file number (145) - Protect (122) DPOF3 DPOF set (152) Image quality (129 ) Image size (128)/Aspec t ratio (128) Remaining batte ry warning [...]

Using the viewing function 121 A B * When the image has a hig h-key or low-key portion, that porti on is flashed on the histogram displ ay (Luminance limit warning). Histogram display Display Indication Memory card (22) 100-0003 Folder - file number (145) - Protect (122) DPOF3 DPOF set (152) Image quality (129 ) Image size (128)/Aspec t ratio (128)[...]

122 Protecting images (Protect) You can protect images ag ainst accidental erasure. 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 on the controller, then pr ess the center of the controller. A - mark appears on the select [...]

Using the viewing function 123 Deleting images (Delete) Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. Check whether to 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 ,[...]

124 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. Deleting all the images in the folder 1 Press the button. 2 Select the folder bar with b on the controller[...]

Using the viewing function 125 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 w ith an HDMI conn ector are required. Notes • Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI l ogo. • Use an HDMI mini connector on one end (for the camera), and a connector suitable for connec[...]

126 • By connecting your camera t o Sony’s VIDEO-A compatible TV using an HDM I cable, the TV automatical ly selects the appropriate i mage quality for viewing still pictures. Please refer to the operating inst ructions of Sony’s VIDEO-A compatibl e TV for more details. • Some devices may not work prop erly. • Do not connect the output co[...]

Using the viewing function 127 PAL-N system Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay SECAM system Bulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran, Ir aq, M onaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc. By connecting the camera to a TV that supports “BRAVIA” Sync u sing an HDMI cable, you can operate the camera with the TV Remote Control. The items for Link Menu Notes • The operations ava[...]

128 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] DSLR-A550 DSLR-A500 [Aspect ratio]: [16:9 ] DSLR-A550 DSLR-A500 Note • When you 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 LC D m[...]

Changing your setup 129 MENU button t 1 t [Quality] t Select the desired setting 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 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 cam [...]

130 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 131 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,[...]

132 Changing the noise reduction setting When you set the shutter speed to a sec ond or longer (Long expo sure shooting), noise r eduction is turned on for the same duration that 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 p[...]

Changing your setup 133 Changing the function of the AEL button The function of the AEL bu tton 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 expo sure value by pressing the AEL button until the button is pressed [...]

134 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 turn off the Help Guide that is displaye d whe n you operate the camera. This is convenient when you want to per form the next operation quickly. MENU button t [...]

Changing your setup 135 Setting the LCD monitor The brightness of the LCD monitor is automatically ad justed to the surroundin g lighting conditions using the ligh t sensor (page 36). You can set the brightness of the LCD monitor manually. MENU button t 1 t [LCD brightness] t [Manual] t Select the desired setting Notes • When it is set to [Auto],[...]

136 When the LIVE VIEW/OVF switch is set to “OVF, ” looking into the viewfinder turns off the LCD monitor. In the default setting, wh ile 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 while looking into the viewfinder, select [Off]. MENU butto[...]

Changing your setup 137 Confirming the vers ion of the camera Displays the version of your camera. Confir m the version when a firmware update is released. MENU button t 3 t [Version] Note • An update can be performed only when the b attery level is (t hree remain ing battery icons) or more. We recomm end that you use a sufficient batt ery or the[...]

138 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 follows. Recording me nu Items Reset to Exposure compensation (93) ±0.0 Recording information display (73) Graphic Displ ay Playback display (115) Single-image screen (with recording inform ation) Drive[...]

Changing your setup 139 Custom me nu Playback menu Setup menu SteadyShot (48) On Color Space (102) sRGB Long exp.NR (132) On High ISO NR (132) Normal Items Reset to Eye-Start AF (71) On AEL button (133) AEL hold Red eye reduc. (90) Off Auto review (135) 2 sec Auto off w/ VF (136) On Grid Line (136) On Items Reset to Specify Printing – Date imprin[...]

140 Viewing images on a computer Using your computer This section describes how to copy images in a memo ry 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 XP* 1 SP3/Windows Vista* 2 SP2 • Operation i[...]

Viewing images o n a computer 141 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 from using the memory card switch. 3 Insert the sufficiently charged battery pack in the camera, or connect the camera to a wall outle t (wall socket[...]

142 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” sof tware, you can copy images easily (page 147). Stage 2: Copying im ages to a computer 1 Click [Open folder to view files] (For Windows XP: [Open folder to view files] t [OK]) [...]

Viewing images o n a computer 143 For Macintosh For Window s 1 Click [Start] t [Documents] (For Windows XP: [My Documents]). • To view RAW images, the suppl ied “Image Data Converter SR” software is required (page 150). 2 Double-click the desired image file. The image is displayed. 4 Double-click t he [Documents] folder. Then, right-click on [...]

144 For Macintosh Double-click the hard disk icon t the desired image file to open the image file. Perform each procedure for Windows or M acintosh listed below beforehand w hen: • Disconnecting the USB cable. • Removing the memory card. • Turning off the camera. x For Windows Double-click on the ta sktray, then click (USB Mass Storage Device[...]

Viewing images o n a computer 145 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, [...]

146 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 131) an[...]

Viewing images o n a computer 147 Using the software To utilize images recorded with the came ra, the following software 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 compati ble with Macinto sh computers. Recomm[...]

148 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/Mac OS X v10.5 CPU: Power PC G4/G5 series (1.0 GH z or faster is recommended)/Intel Core Solo/Core Duo/Core 2 Du o or faster Memory: 1 GB or more is recommended. Display: 1024 × 768 dots or more x [...]

Viewing images o n a computer 149 x Macintosh • Log on as Administrator. Note • When the restart confirmation messag e appe ars, restart the computer following the instructions on the screen. 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 desktop. • Sony Image [...]

150 Note • If you save an image as RAW data, the image is saved in th e ARW2.1 format. With “Image Data Converter SR” you can: • Edit images recorded in RAW f ormat 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 151 Note • “PMB” is not compati ble with Macinto sh computers. • Print or save still images with the date. • Create a data disc using a CD burner drive or DVD burner drive. • For details on “PMB,” refer to “PMB Guide.” To start “PMB Guide,” double-click th e s hortcut of (PMB Guide) on the deskt[...]

152 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 s hop or with your printer. Follow the procedure below. DPOF specifications are left with imag es after printing. It is recommended that you unspecify them after printing. Notes • You cannot specify DPOF[...]

Printing images 153 You can date images when printing them. The position of the date (inside or outside the image, character si ze, etc.) depends on you r printer. MENU button t 1 t [Specify Printing] t [Date imprint] t [On] Note • This function may not be pro vided, depending on the printer. Dating images[...]

154 Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge compliant printer Note • You cannot print RAW images. Note • It is recommended to use the AC Adapto r (sold se parately) to p revent the p ower 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 by connecting t[...]

Printing images 155 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 and 2) above. 4 Turn on your camera and the printer. The scre en used for se lecting i mages you wan t to print ap pears. Stage [...]

156 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] Image format DSLR-A550 23.4×15.6 mm (APS-C format) CMOS image sensor DSLR-A500 23.5×15.6 mm (APS-C format) CMOS image sensor Total pixel number of image sensor DSLR-A550 Ap[...]

Others 157 Eye Relief Approximately 19 mm from the eyepiece, 15 mm from the eyepiece frame at –1 m –1 Dioptor Adjustment –2.5 to +1.0 m –1 [Exposure c ontrol] Metering Cell SPC Metering method 40-segment honeycomb- pattern, the exclusiv e image sensor for Live View in Live View mode Metering Range 2 to 20 EV (4 to 20 EV with Spot metering),[...]

158 Dimensions Approx. 137 × 104 × 84 mm (5 1/2 × 4 1/8 × 3 3/8 inches) (W/H/D, excluding protrusions) Mass DSLR-A550 Approx. 599 g (1 lb 5.1 oz) (without batteries, memory card and body accessories) DSLR-A500 Approx. 597 g (1 lb 5.1 oz) (without batteries, memory card and body accessories) Operating temp erature 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F) File [...]

Others 159 On image data compatibil ity • Th is camera conforms with DCF (Design rule for Came ra File system) unive rsal standard establis hed by JEITA (Japan Electronic s and Informat ion Technology Industrie s Associatio n). • Playback of images recorded wi th your camera on other equi pment and playback of images recor ded or edited with ot[...]

160 Troubleshooting If you experience trouble with your camera, try the following solutions. Check the items on pages 160 to 168. Consult yo ur Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. The battery pack cannot be installed. • As yo u insert t he battery pack, use th e tip of t he battery pack to pus h the lock lever ( page 17). • C[...]

Others 161 The power turns off suddenly. • If y ou do not op erate the came ra for given period of t ime, the camera turns to power saving mod e and nearly shuts down. To cancel the power sav e, operate th e camera, suc h as pressin g the shutter button half way down (page 134). The CHARGE lamp flash es when charging th e battery pack. • Remove[...]

162 • The s hutter can not be rele ased when the subjec t is out of f ocus. • The lens is not atta ched proper ly. Attach th e lens proper ly (page 20). • Whe n an astronomi cal telesco pe, etc., is attached to t he camera, set the exposure mo de to M and do your shoot ing. • The s ubject may require speci al focusing (page 80). Use the foc[...]

Others 163 The date and time are recor ded incorrectly. • Set the correct date and ti me (page 25). The aperture value and/or shu tter speed flashes when you press the shutter button halfway dow n. • Sin ce the subje ct is too bri ght or too da rk, it is beyo nd the ava ilable range of the camera. Adjust the s etting again. The image is whitish[...]

164 The EV scale b B is flashing on the LCD mo nitor or in the viewfinder. • The s ubject is t oo bright or t oo dark for the metering range of the camera. The color of an image record ed in Live View mode is strange. • In Li ve View mode, carefully ch eck the imag e displaye d on the LCD monitor befo re shooting. The camera may not be abl e to[...]

Others 165 Your computer does not recognize your camera. • Chec k that the camera is tu rned on. • When the battery le vel is low, inst all the charg ed battery pack (page 13), or use the A C Adaptor (s old separat ely). • Use the USB cabl e (supplied) (pa ge 141). • Disconnect the US B cable, and co nnect it again firmly. • Set [USB conn[...]

166 You have formatted a memory car d by mistake. • All the data on the memory c ard is delet ed by format ting. You ca nnot restore it . “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media are not recognized b y a computer with a “Memory Stick” media slot. • If “ Memory Stick PRO Duo” med ia are not supported o n your compu ter’s “Memory Sti ck” me[...]

Others 167 • Whe n you print imag es at a shop, i mages can be pr inted with th e date if you ask them to do so. 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 cannot be connect ed directly t o a printe r that is no [...]

168 The message “Set d ate and time?” app ears when you turn on the camera. • The camera has bee n left unused for sometime w ith a low battery or no battery pa ck. Charge the battery pack and set t he date agai n (pages 25, 172). If the date s etting is lost ev ery time the b attery pack is charged, consu lt your Sony dealer or local a uthor[...]

Others 169 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 18). Set date and time? • Set the date an d time. If y ou have not us ed the camer a for a long time, char ge the internal rechargeab le battery ( pages 25, [...]

170 No “Memory Stick” insert ed. Shutter is locked. No SD memory card inserted. Shutter is locked. • No memory card is insert ed. Insert a memory card. Processing... • When Long expo sure noise reduction w ill be done fo r the same amount of time tha t the shutter was ope n. You cannot do any furthe r shooting during this reduction . Unable[...]

Others 171 Unable to magnify. Unable to ro tate image. • Images recorded with other cameras may not be enlarged or rotated . No images changed • Yo u attempted to pr otect images or specified DPOF without specifying images. Cannot create more folde rs. • The folder with a name beginning with “999” exists on the memory card. You cannot cre[...]

172 Precautions Do not use/store the camera in the following places • In an extremely hot, 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 The camera b ody may become discolor ed or deform ed, and this may cau[...]

Others 173 This rechar geable bat tery is continuall y charged a s long as yo u are using the camera. Howev er, if you use the camera for only shor t periods, it dischar ges gradual ly, and if yo u do not use the camera at a ll for about 3 months it becomes com pletely discharged . In this case , be sure to charge this rechargeable battery before u[...]

174 Index Index Numerics 40-segment honeycomb pattern metering . ................ ............... 157 A Adobe RGB ...... ............... ......... 102 AE Lock ............... ................ ....... 92 AEL button ... ............. ............... 133 AF area ...................... ................ .83 AF illuminator ........ ................ ....9[...]

Index 175 EV scale ......... .............. 68 , 93, 111 Exposure ........ ................ ............ 61 Exposure compe nsation .... ......... 93 Exposure mo de .......... ............. ... 6 1 Eyecup .............. ................ ......... 28 Eyepiece cover ............... ............ 28 Eyepiece sensors ..... ........... 71, 136 Eye-Start A[...]

176 Multi segment ............... .............. 97 N New folder .............. ................ ..131 Night Port./View ........... .............. 60 Noise reductio n .... ................ .....132 Number of recordable images ............... ................ ........... 29, 31 O OVF .............. ................ .............. 71 P PictBridge ...[...]

Index 177 Viewing image ........ ................ . 115 Viewing images on a TV screen ................ ............... ............. . 125 W White balance ......... ............. .... 104 White balance bracket .......... .... 111 Wireless flash ............. ................ 91 Wireless Remote Commander ................ ............... ............[...]

178[...]