Sony alpha DSLR-A500 Manuale Utente

DSLR-A500/A550 4-149-235-11 (1)Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.Additional inf

10Adjusting the amount of flash light (Flash compensation)... 95Selecting the

100• You cannot select [Auto HDR] during Smile Shutter. If you turn on the Smile Shutter function with [Auto HDR] selected, the camera will temporaril

Using the shooting function101Image processing (Contrast), (Saturation), and (Sharpness) can be adjusted for each Creative Style item.Selecting yo

102Notes• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection, [Creative Style] is fixed to (Standard) and you cannot select other settings.• W

Using the shooting function103Setting ISOSensitivity to light is expressed by the ISO number (recommended exposure index). The larger the number, the

104Adjusting the color tones (White balance)The color tone of the subject changes depending on the characteristics of the light source. The table belo

Using the shooting function105• Use the white balance bracket function if you cannot get the desired color in the selected option (page 111).• When yo

106*1 The value is the color temperature value currently selected.*2 The value is the color filter value currently selected.In a scene where the ambie

Using the shooting function107Note• The message “Custom WB error” indicates that the value is beyond the expected range. (When the flash is used on a

108 Selecting the drive modeThis camera has seven drive modes, such as single-shot advanced, and continuous advanced. Use them to suit your purpose.Th

Using the shooting function109The maximum number of continuous shotsThe number of continuous shooting images obtainable has an upper limit.To shoot co

11Using the viewing functionPlaying back images ... 115Checking the information of recorded images

110Note• When you shoot images using the viewfinder, use the eyepiece cover (page 28).Bracket shooting allows you to shoot several images, each with d

Using the shooting function111The EV scale in bracket shooting* Ambient light: Any light other than the flash light that shines on the scene for an ex

112You can shoot using the SHUTTER and 2SEC (the shutter is released after 2 seconds) buttons on the RMT-DSLR1 Wireless Remote Commander (sold separat

Using the shooting function113Capturing smiling faces (Smile Shutter)When the camera detects a smile, the shutter is released automatically.Smile Dete

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 de

Using the viewing function115Using the viewing functionPlaying back imagesThe last recorded image is displayed on the LCD monitor.To return to the sho

116To return to the normal playback screenPress the button.Note• When you copy rotated images to a computer, “PMB” contained on the CD-ROM (supplied

Using the viewing function117To cancel the enlarged playbackPress the button so that the image returns to the normal size.Scaling rangeThe scaling r

118To return to the single-image screenPress the button or the center of the controller when you select the desired image.To select a folderMENU but

Using the viewing function119To play back repeatedlyMENU button t 1 t [Slide show] t [Repeat] t [On]

12Preparing the cameraChecking the accessories suppliedThe number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.• BC-VM10 Battery charger (1)/Power co

120Checking the information of recorded imagesEach time you press the DISP button, the information display changes (page 115).Basic information displa

Using the viewing function121AB* When the image has a high-key or low-key portion, that portion is flashed on the histogram display (Luminance limit w

122Protecting images (Protect)You can protect images against accidental erasure.Protecting selected images/canceling the protection of the selected im

Using the viewing function123Deleting images (Delete)Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. Check whether to delete the image or not b

124MENU button t 1 t [Delete] t [All images] t [Delete]Note• It may take a long time to delete a lot of images by selecting [All images]. It is recom

Using the viewing function125Viewing images on a TV screenTo view images recorded on the camera on a TV set, an HDMI cable (sold separately) and an HD

126• By connecting your camera to Sony’s VIDEO-A compatible TV using an HDMI cable, the TV automatically selects the appropriate image quality for vie

Using the viewing function127PAL-N systemArgentina, Paraguay, UruguaySECAM systemBulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.By

128Changing your setupSetting image size and image qualityMENU button t 1 t [Image size] t Select the desired size[Aspect ratio]: [3:2]DSLR-A550DSLR-

Changing your setup129MENU button t 1 t [Quality] t Select the desired settingNote• For details on the number of images that can be taken when the im

Preparing the camera13Preparing the battery packWhen using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP-FM500H “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (

130Setting the method for recording on a memory cardMENU button t 2 t [File number] t Select the desired settingThe recorded images are stored in aut

Changing your setup131You can create a folder in a memory card for recording images.A new folder is created with a number incremented one higher than

132Changing the noise reduction settingWhen you set the shutter speed to a second or longer (Long exposure shooting), noise reduction is turned on for

Changing your setup133Changing the function of the AEL buttonThe function of the AEL button can be selected from the following two functions: – Holdin

134Changing other settingsSelects the sound produced when the shutter is locked, during self-timer countdown, etc.MENU button t 2 t [Audio signals] t

Changing your setup135Setting the LCD monitorThe brightness of the LCD monitor is automatically adjusted to the surrounding lighting conditions using

136When the LIVE VIEW/OVF switch is set to “OVF,” looking into the viewfinder turns off the LCD monitor.In the default setting, while looking into the

Changing your setup137Confirming the version of the cameraDisplays the version of your camera. Confirm the version when a firmware update is released.

138Resetting to the defaultYou 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

Changing your setup139Custom menuPlayback menuSetup menuSteadyShot (48) OnColor Space (102) sRGBLong exp.NR (132) OnHigh ISO NR (132) NormalItems Rese

14• We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 to 30°C (50 to 86°F). You may not be able to efficiently charge the

140Viewing images on a computerUsing your computerThis section describes how to copy images in a memory card to a computer connected using a USB cable

Viewing images on a computer141Stage 1: Connecting the camera and your computer1 Insert a memory card with recorded images into the camera.2 Select th

142For WindowsThis section describes an example of copying images to a “Documents” (For Windows XP: “My Documents”) folder.When you use the supplied “

Viewing images on a computer143For MacintoshFor Windows1Click [Start] t [Documents] (For Windows XP: [My Documents]).• To view RAW images, the supplie

144For MacintoshDouble-click the hard disk icon t the desired image file to open the image file.Perform each procedure for Windows or Macintosh listed

Viewing images on a computer145The image files recorded with your camera are grouped as folders on the memory card.Example: viewing folders on Windows

146Notes• 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 ima

Viewing images on a computer147Using the softwareTo utilize images recorded with the camera, the following software is provided:• Sony Image Data Suit

148x MacintoshRecommended environment for using “Image Data Converter SR Ver.3”/“Image Data Lightbox SR”OS (pre-installed): Mac OS X v10.4/Mac OS X v1

Viewing images on a computer149x Macintosh• Log on as Administrator.Note• When the restart confirmation message appears, restart the computer followin

Preparing the camera15Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the world.The representative supply voltage and plug type a

150Note• If you save an image as RAW data, the image is saved in the ARW2.1 format.With “Image Data Converter SR” you can:• Edit images recorded in RA

Viewing images on a computer151Note• “PMB” is not compatible with Macintosh computers.• Print or save still images with the date.• Create a data disc

152Printing imagesSpecifying DPOFUsing the camera, you can specify the images and the number of images to print before you print images at a shop or w

Printing images153You can date images when printing them. The position of the date (inside or outside the image, character size, etc.) depends on your

154Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge compliant printerNote• You cannot print RAW images.Note• It is recommended to use the AC A

Printing images155To cancel the printDuring printing, pressing the center of the controller cancels the print. Remove the USB cable or turn off the ca

156OthersSpecificationsCamera[System]Camera TypeDigital Single Lens Reflex Camera with built-in flash and interchangeable lensesLens All of α Lenses[I

Others157Eye Relief Approximately 19 mm from the eyepiece, 15 mm from the eyepiece frame at –1 m–1Dioptor Adjustment–2.5 to +1.0 m–1[Exposure control]

158Dimensions Approx. 137 × 104 × 84 mm (5 1/2 × 4 1/8 × 3 3/8 inches) (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)Mass DSLR-A550Approx. 599 g (1 lb 5.1 oz) (withou

Others159On image data compatibility• This camera conforms with DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) universal standard established by JEITA (Japa

16OceaniaNorth AmericaCentral AmericaSouth AmericaMiddle EastAfricaSingapore 230 50 BFTaiwan 110 60 AThailand 220 50 C/BFVietnam 220 50 A/CCountries/r

160TroubleshootingIf you experience trouble with your camera, try the following solutions. Check the items on pages 160 to 168. Consult your Sony deal

Others161The power turns off suddenly.• If you do not operate the camera for given period of time, the camera turns to power saving mode and nearly sh

162• The shutter cannot be released when the subject is out of focus.• The lens is not attached properly. Attach the lens properly (page 20).• When an

Others163The date and time are recorded incorrectly.• Set the correct date and time (page 25).The aperture value and/or shutter speed flashes when you

164The EV scale b B is flashing on the LCD monitor or in the viewfinder.• The subject is too bright or too dark for the metering range of the camera.T

Others165Your computer does not recognize your camera.• Check that the camera is turned on.• When the battery level is low, install the charged batter

166You have formatted a memory card by mistake.• All the data on the memory card is deleted by formatting. You cannot restore it.“Memory Stick PRO Duo

Others167• When you print images at a shop, images can be printed with the date if you ask them to do so.For details, refer to the operating instructi

168The message “Set date and time?” appears when you turn on the camera.• The camera has been left unused for sometime with a low battery or no batter

Others169Warning messagesIf the following messages appear, follow the instructions below.Incompatible battery. Use correct model.• An incompatible bat

Preparing the camera17To remove the battery packInserting the charged battery pack1 While sliding the battery cover open lever, open the battery cover

170No “Memory Stick” inserted. Shutter is locked.No SD memory card inserted. Shutter is locked.• No memory card is inserted. Insert a memory card.Proc

Others171Unable to magnify.Unable to rotate image.• Images recorded with other cameras may not be enlarged or rotated.No images changed• You attempted

172PrecautionsDo not use/store the camera in the following places• In an extremely hot, dry or humid placeIn places such as in a car parked in the sun

Others173This rechargeable battery is continually charged as long as you are using the camera. However, if you use the camera for only short periods,

174IndexIndexNumerics40-segment honeycomb pattern metering...157AAdobe RGB ...102AE Lock...

Index175EV scale ... 68, 93, 111Exposure ... 61Exposure compensation ... 93Exposure mod

176Multi segment ...97NNew folder ...131Night Port./View...60Noise reduct

Index177Viewing image ... 115Viewing images on a TV screen... 125WWhite balance ...

178

18To remove the battery coverTo check the remaining battery levelCheck the level with the following indicators and percent figures displayed on the LC

Preparing the camera19Effective use of the battery pack• Battery performance decreases in low temperature surroundings. So, the time that the battery

2Owner’s RecordThe model and serial numbers are located on the bottom.Record the serial number in the space provided below.Refer to these numbers when

20Attaching a lensNotes• When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release button.• Do not use force when attaching a lens.1 Remove the body cap fr

Preparing the camera21To remove the lensNote on changing the lensWhen changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camera and lands on the sur

22Inserting a memory cardOnly “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media, SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards can be used with th

Preparing the camera23To remove the memory card• Do not strike, bend or drop the memory card.• Do not use or store the memory card under the following

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.• D

Preparing the camera25Preparing the cameraWhen you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup screen appears.Setting up the date1 Set

26To cancel the date/time setting operationPress the MENU button.To set up the date/time againMENU button t 1 t [Date/Time setup]5 Verify that [OK] i

Preparing the camera27Using the accessories suppliedThis section describes how to use the shoulder strap, the eyepiece cover, and eyecup. The other ac

28You can prevent light from entering through the viewfinder and affecting the exposure. When the shutter is released without the use of the viewfinde

Preparing the camera29Checking the number of recordable imagesNotes• When “0” (the number of recordable images) flashes in yellow, the memory card is

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

30DSLR-A500 (Units: Images)SD memory cardDSLR-A550 (Units: Images)DSLR-A500 (Units: Images)* When [Aspect ratio] is set to [16:9], you can record more

Preparing the camera31The approximate number of images that can be recorded is as follows when you use the camera with the battery pack (supplied) at

32Cleaning• Do not touch the inside of the camera, such as lens contacts, or the mirror. Since dust on the mirror or around the mirror may affect the

Preparing the camera33If dust or debris enters the camera and lands on the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it may appear on the photo i

34Note• The camera starts beeping if the battery pack becomes low during cleaning. Stop cleaning immediately and turn the camera off.6 Use the blower

Before your operation35Before your operationIdentifying parts and screen indicatorsSee the pages in parentheses for details of operation.A Shutter but

36A 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

Before your operation37O Controller (v/V/b/B) (43)P Controller (Enter) (43)/AF button (83)* Do not directly touch these parts.

38A Accessory shoe (91)B LIVE VIEW/OVF switch (71, 87)C MF CHECK LV (Manual focus check Live View) button (85)D Image sensor position mark (81)E ISO

Before your operation39A HDMI terminal (125)B (USB) terminal (141, 154)C REMOTE terminal• When connecting the RM-S1AM/RM-L1AM Remote Commander (sold

4Regulatory InformationCAUTIONYou are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to o

40Switching the recording information display (DISP)Each time you press the DISP button, the screen changes as follows in Live View mode. For the indi

Before your operation41The Graphic Display graphically shows the shutter speed and aperture value and clearly illustrates how the exposure works.ABCLC

42DEDisplay Indication Drive mode (108)• is only for the DSLR-A550. Flash mode (88)/Red-eye reduction (90) Focus mode (82) AF area (8

Before your operation43Selecting a function/settingYou can select a function for shooting or playback with the one of buttons, such as the Fn (Functio

44This button is used for setting up or executing functions used frequently in shooting.To set up the camera directly from the recording information s

Before your operation45Drive mode (108)Flash mode (88)Autofocus mode (82)AF area (83)Face Detection (52)Smile Shutter (113)ISO sensitivity (103)Meteri

46Playback menu 1Delete (123)Format (131)Slide show (118)Protect (122)Specify Printing (152)PlaybackDisplay (115)Setup menu 1LCD brightness (135)Date/

Shooting images47Shooting imagesShooting an image without camera shake“Camera shake” refers to unwanted movement of the camera that occurs after the s

48Point 3Lightly tuck your elbows against your body.When shooting in a kneeling position, steady your upper body by placing your elbow on your knee.Ca

Shooting images49Note• The SteadyShot function may not work optimally when the power has just been turned on or when the shutter button has been press

5Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU DirectivesThe manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 10

50/ Shooting with the automatic settingThe “AUTO” mode allows you to easily shoot any subject under any conditions because the camera makes appropria

Shooting images51Note• Since the camera turns on the automatic setting function, many features will be unavailable, such as exposure compensation, ISO

52The camera detects faces, adjusts the focus, exposure, performs image processing, and adjusts flash settings. The Face Detection function is set to

Shooting images53• The camera may not detect any faces, or may detect some other object, depending on the shooting conditions.

54Shooting with a suitable setting for the subject (Scene Selection)Selecting an appropriate mode for the subject or the shooting conditions allows yo

Shooting images55Set the mode dial to (Portrait).• To blur the background more, set the lens to the telephoto position.• You can shoot a vivid image

56Set the mode dial to (Landscape).• To accentuate the openness of the scenery, set the lens to wide angle. Taking landscape photosThis mode is suit

Shooting images57Set the mode dial to (Macro).• Get close to the subject and shoot at the minimum distance of the lens.• You can shoot a closer subj

58Set the mode dial to (Sports Action).• The camera shoots images continuously while the shutter button is pressed.• Press and hold the shutter butt

Shooting images59Set the mode dial to (Sunset).• Used to shoot an image accentuating the red color compared with other modes. This is also suitable

6Disposal of waste batteries (applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)This symbol on the batter

60Set the mode dial to (Night Port./View).Set the flash mode to (Flash Off) when you shoot a night view without persons (page 88).• Take care that

Shooting images61Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)With a single lens reflex camera, you can adjust the shutter speed (how long the

62 Shooting with program autoThis mode is suitable forz Using the automatic exposure, while keeping the custom settings for ISO sensitivity, Creative

Shooting images63 Shooting by controlling the blur of the background (Aperture priority)This mode is suitable forz Putting the subject in sharp focus

64• The shutter speed may become slower depending on the aperture value. When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod.• To blur the background more,

Shooting images65 Shooting a moving subject with various expressions (Shutter speed priority)This mode is suitable forz Shooting a moving subject at a

66• When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod.• When shooting an indoor sport, select a higher ISO sensitivity.Notes• The (Camera shake warning

Shooting images67 Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually (Manual exposure)This mode is suitable forz Shooting with the desired exposure setting

68Notes• The (Camera shake warning) indicator is not indicated in manual exposure mode.• When the mode dial is set to M, the ISO setting [AUTO] is s

Shooting images69 Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB)This mode is suitable forz Shooting trails of light, such as fireworks.z Shooting trails of

7Notes on using your cameraShooting procedure• This camera has two modes for shooting: the Live View mode using the LCD monitor, and the viewfinder mo

70• Use a tripod.• Set the focus to infinity in manual focus mode when shooting fireworks, etc.• Use the Wireless Remote Commander (sold separately) (

Shooting images71Shooting with the viewfinder (OVF)You can select either the LCD monitor (Live View) or the viewfinder (OVF) to shoot images.When you

72When it is hard to rotate the diopter-adjustment dialAdjusting the focus of the finder (diopter adjustment)Adjust the diopter-adjustment dial to you

Shooting images73Switching the recording information display (DISP)Press the DISP button to switch between the Graphic Display and the Standard Displa

74The Graphic Display graphically shows the shutter speed and aperture value and clearly illustrates how the exposure works. In AUTO or Scene Selectio

Shooting images75DDisplay Indication1/250 Shutter speed (65)F4 Aperture (63)+1.0 Exposure compensation (93)AE lock (92)SteadyShot (48)

76See pages in parentheses for details of operation.ABLCD monitor (Standard Display)In AUTO or Scene Selection mode In P/A/S/M modeDisplay Indication

Shooting images77CDisplay Indication1/125 Shutter speed (65)F2.8 Aperture (63)+1.0 Exposure (93)AE lock (92)SteadyShot (48)

78AB* When using the HVL-F58AM/HVL-F42AM Flash (sold separately), you can shoot with the High-speed sync feature at any shutter speed. For details, re

Using the shooting function79Using the shooting functionSelecting the focus methodThere are two methods for adjusting the focus: autofocus and manual

8Table of ContentsNotes on using your camera ... 7Preparing the cameraChecking the accessories supplied ..

80• To select the AF area used for focusing, set up [AF area] (page 83).Focus indicatorSubjects that may require special focusingUsing the autofocus,

Using the shooting function81To measure the exact distance to the subjectNote• If the subject is closer than the minimum shooting distance of the atta

82Fn button t (Autofocus mode) t Select the desired setting• Use (Single-shot AF) when the subject is motionless.• Use (Continuous AF) when the

Using the shooting function83Fn button t (AF area) t Select the desired settingNotes• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection, or th

84When it is difficult to get the proper focus in autofocus mode, you can adjust the focus manually.Notes• In the case of a subject that can be focuse

Using the shooting function85You can check the focus by enlarging the image before shooting using the image sensor used for recording.Checking the foc

86• If you press the MF CHECK LV button when the camera is in AE lock mode, you can check a version of the image that reflects the compensated exposur

Using the shooting function87Zooming in in one stepYou can zoom in to the center of an image using the smart teleconverter (Digital zoom) and record t

88Using the flashIn a dark location, using the flash allows you to shoot the subject brightly, and it also helps to prevent camera shake. When shootin

Using the shooting function89• The lens hood (sold separately) may block the light of the flash. Remove the lens hood when using the flash.• When usin

9Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)... 61 Shootin

90The flash rangeThe range of the built-in flash depends on the ISO sensitivity and aperture value. Refer to the following table.The AF illuminator• A

Using the shooting function91With a flash that has a wireless shooting function (sold separately), you can shoot with the flash without a cord, even w

92Adjusting the brightness of the image (Exposure, Flash compensation, Metering)When shooting into the sun or by a window, the exposure may not be app

Using the shooting function93Except for exposure mode M, the exposure is automatically selected (Automatic exposure).Based on the exposure acquired by

94• Adjust the compensation level by checking the recorded image.• Using bracket shooting, you can shoot multiple images with the exposure shifted to

Using the shooting function95Notes• The histogram displayed in Live View mode does not indicate the final recorded image. It indicates the condition o

96• If you have adjusted the flash level, appears in the viewfinder when the built-in flash is pulled up. When you adjust it, be careful not to forg

Using the shooting function97– A filter with an exposure factor, such as an ND filter, is used.– A close-up lens is used.• ADI flash is only available

98Compensating for the brightness and contrast automatically (D-Range)* Lv_ displayed with is the step currently selected.D-RANGE button t Select th

Using the shooting function99Notes• The setting is fixed to (Off) when (Sunset) or (Night Port./View) is selected in Scene Selection. The settin