Sony a (alpha) SLT A33 User Manual

Preparing the camera  
Before your operation  
Shooting images  
Interchangeable Lens  
Digital Camera  
Using the shooting function  
Using the viewing function  
Changing your setup  
Instruction Manual  
A-mount  
Viewing images on a  
computer  
Printing images  
Others  
Index  
Additional information on this product and  
answers to frequently asked questions can be  
found at our Customer Support Website.  
Printed using VOC (Volatile Organic  
Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.  
Owner’s Record  
IMPORTANTSAFETY  
INSTRUCTIONS  
SAVE THESE  
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. SLT-A55/A55V/A33  
Serial No. __________________________  
INSTRUCTIONS.  
DANGER - TO  
REDUCE THE RISK  
OF FIRE OR  
WARNING  
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do  
not expose the unit to rain or  
moisture.  
ELECTRIC SHOCK,  
CAREFULLY  
FOLLOW THESE  
INSTRUCTIONS.  
If the shape of the plug does not fit the  
power outlet, use an attachment plug  
adaptor of the proper configuration for the  
power outlet.  
Caution  
Battery pack  
If the battery pack is mishandled, the  
battery pack can burst, cause a fire or even  
chemical burns. Observe the following  
cautions.  
• Do not disassemble.  
• Do not crush and do not expose the  
battery pack to any shock or force such as  
hammering, dropping or stepping on it.  
• Do not short circuit and do not allow  
metal objects to come into contact with  
the battery terminals.  
• Do not expose to high temperature above  
60°C (140°F) such as in direct sunlight or  
in a car parked in the sun.  
• Do not incinerate or dispose of in fire.  
• Do not handle damaged or leaking  
lithium ion batteries.  
• Be sure to charge the battery pack using a  
genuine Sony battery charger or a device  
that can charge the battery pack.  
2
• Keep the battery pack out of the reach of  
small children.  
• Keep the battery pack dry.  
accept any interference received, including  
interference that may cause undesired  
operation.  
• Replace only with the same or equivalent  
type recommended by Sony.  
This Class B digital apparatus complies  
with Canadian ICES-003.  
• Dispose of used battery pack promptly  
described the instructions.  
For Customers in the U.S.A.  
Battery charger  
UL is an internationally recognized safety  
organization.  
The UL Mark on the product means it has  
been UL Listed.  
Even if the CHARGE lamp is not lit, the  
battery charger is not disconnected from the  
AC power source (mains) as long as it is  
connected to the wall outlet (wall socket).  
If some trouble occurs while using the  
battery charger, immediately shut off the  
power by disconnecting the plug from the  
wall outlet (wall socket).  
When a power cord (mains lead) is  
supplied, the power cord (mains lead) can  
be used with this unit only, and should not  
be used with any other unit.  
For Customers in the U.S.A.  
and Canada  
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION  
BATTERIES  
Lithium-Ion batteries are  
recyclable.  
You can help preserve  
our environment by  
returning your used  
rechargeable batteries to  
the collection and  
recycling location nearest you.  
For more information regarding recycling  
of rechargeable batteries, call toll free  
1-800-822-8837, or visit http://  
www.rbrc.org/  
Caution: Do not handle damaged or  
leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.  
Battery pack  
This device complies with Part 15 of the  
FCC Rules, Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions:  
(1) This device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device must  
3
If you have any questions about this  
product, you may call:  
Sony Customer Information Services  
Center  
1-800-222-SONY (7669)  
The number below is for the FCC related  
matters only.  
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  
installed and used in accordance with the  
instructions, may cause harmful  
interference to radio communications.  
However, there is no guarantee that  
interference will not occur in a particular  
installation. If this equipment does cause  
harmful interference to radio or television  
reception, which can be determined by  
turning the equipment off and on, the user  
is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the  
following measures:  
– Reorient or relocate the receiving  
antenna.  
– Increase the separation between the  
equipment and receiver.  
– Connect the equipment into an outlet  
on a circuit different from that to which  
the receiver is connected.  
Regulatory Information  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name: SONY  
Model No.: SLT-A55V  
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics  
Inc.  
Address:16530 Via Esprillo,  
San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.  
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230  
This device complies with Part 15 of the  
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions: (1) This  
device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device must  
accept any interference received,  
including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
– Consult the dealer or an experienced  
radio/TV technician for help.  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name: SONY  
Model No.: SLT-A33  
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics  
Inc.  
Address:16530 Via Esprillo,  
San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.  
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230  
The supplied interface cable must be used  
with the equipment in order to comply with  
the limits for a digital device pursuant to  
Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.  
This device complies with Part 15 of the  
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions: (1) This  
device may not cause harmful  
interference, and (2) this device must  
accept any interference received,  
including interference that may cause  
undesired operation.  
CAUTION  
You are cautioned that any changes or  
modifications not expressly approved in  
this manual could void your authority to  
operate this equipment.  
4
Disposal of Old Electrical &  
Electronic Equipment (Applicable in  
the European Union and other  
European countries with separate  
collection systems)  
For Customers in Europe  
Hereby, Sony Corporation, declares that  
this SLT-A55V Interchangeable Lens  
Digital Camera is in compliance with the  
essential requirements and other relevant  
provisions of the Directive 1999/5/EC. For  
details, please access the following URL:  
http://www.compliance.sony.de/  
This symbol on the product or on its  
packaging indicates that this product shall  
not be treated as household waste. Instead it  
shall be handed over to the applicable  
collection point for the recycling of  
electrical and electronic equipment. By  
ensuring this product is disposed of  
correctly, you will help prevent potential  
negative consequences for the environment  
and human health, which could otherwise  
be caused by inappropriate waste handling  
of this product. The recycling of materials  
will help to conserve natural resources. For  
more detailed information about recycling  
of this product, please contact your local  
Civic Office, your household waste  
Notice for the customers in the  
countries applying EU Directives  
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 to the addresses given in separate  
service or guarantee documents.  
This product has been tested and found  
compliant with the limits set out in the  
EMC Directive for using connection cables  
shorter than 3 meters (9.8 feet).  
disposal service or the shop where you  
purchased the product.  
Attention  
The electromagnetic fields at the specific  
frequencies may influence the picture and  
sound of this unit.  
Notice  
If static electricity or electromagnetism  
causes data transfer to discontinue midway  
(fail), restart the application or disconnect  
and connect the communication cable  
(USB, etc.) again.  
5
Disposal of waste batteries  
Notice for customers in the  
United Kingdom  
(applicable in the European Union  
and other European countries with  
separate collection systems)  
A moulded plug complying with BS 1363  
is fitted to this equipment for your safety  
and convenience.  
Should the fuse in the plug supplied need to  
be replaced, a fuse of the same rating as the  
supplied one and approved by ASTA or  
BSI to BS 1362, (i.e., marked with an  
mark) must be used.  
or  
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 chemical  
symbol. The chemical symbols for mercury  
(Hg) or lead (Pb) are added if the battery  
contains more than 0.0005% mercury or  
0.004% lead.  
If the plug supplied with this equipment has  
a detachable fuse cover, be sure to attach  
the fuse cover after you change the fuse.  
Never use the plug without the fuse cover.  
If you should lose the fuse cover, please  
contact your nearest Sony service station.  
By ensuring these batteries are disposed of  
correctly, you will help prevent potentially  
negative consequences for the environment  
and human health which could otherwise be  
caused by inappropriate waste handling of  
the battery. The recycling of the materials  
will help to conserve natural resources.  
In case of products that for safety,  
performance or data integrity reasons  
require a permanent connection with an  
incorporated battery, this battery should be  
replaced by qualified service staff only.  
To ensure that the battery will be treated  
properly, hand over the product at end-of-  
life to the applicable collection point for the  
recycling of electrical and electronic  
equipment.  
For all other batteries, please view the  
section on how to remove the battery from  
the product safely. Hand the battery over to  
the applicable collection point for the  
recycling of waste batteries.  
For more detailed information about  
recycling of this product or battery, please  
contact your local Civic Office, your  
household waste disposal service or the  
shop where you purchased the product.  
6
Notes on using your camera  
Shooting procedure  
Back up recommendation  
• This camera has two modes for shooting:  
the LCD monitor mode using the LCD  
monitor, and the viewfinder mode using  
the viewfinder.  
To avoid the potential risk of data loss,  
always copy (back up) data to other  
medium.  
Notes on the LCD monitor, electronic  
• The recorded image may be different  
from the image you monitored before  
recording.  
viewfinder, lens, and image sensor  
• The LCD monitor and electronic  
viewfinder are manufactured using  
extremely high-precision technology so  
over 99.99% of the pixels are operational  
for effective use. However, there may be  
some tiny black points and/or bright  
points (white, red, blue or green in color)  
that constantly appear on the LCD  
monitor and electronic viewfinder. These  
points are normal in the manufacturing  
process and do not affect the images in  
any way.  
Notes on the functions available with  
the camera  
• To check whether it is a 1080 60i-  
compatible device or 1080 50i-  
compatible device, check for the  
following marks on the bottom of the  
camera.  
1080 60i-compatible device:60i  
1080 50i-compatible device:50i  
• You may feel uncomfortable symptoms  
such as eyestrain, nausea, or a tired  
feeling while watching 3D-images  
recorded with the camera on 3D-  
compatible monitors. When you watch  
3D-images, we recommend that you take  
a break at regular time intervals. Since  
the need for or frequency of break times  
varies between individuals, please set  
your own standards. If you feel sick, stop  
watching 3D-images, and consult a  
doctor as needed. Also, refer to the  
operating instructions of the connected  
device or the software used with the  
camera. A child’s vision is always  
vulnerable (especially for children under  
six years of age). Before allowing them  
to watch 3D-images, please consult with  
an expert, such as a pediatric or  
ophthalmic doctor. Be sure to make sure  
your children follow the precautions  
above.  
• When you change your focus on the  
viewfinder, red, green, or blue flickers  
may appear on the screen. This is not a  
malfunction. These flickers are not  
recorded on the image.  
• Do not hold the camera by taking hold of  
the LCD monitor.  
• Do not expose the camera to sunlight or  
shoot sunward for a long time. The  
internal mechanism may be damaged. If  
sunlight is focused on a nearby object, it  
may cause a fire.  
• There is a magnet on the back and around  
the rotating shaft of the hinge part of the  
LCD monitor. Do not bring anything that  
is easily affected by a magnet, such as  
floppy disk, credit cards near the LCD  
monitor.  
• Images may trail across on the screen in a  
cold location. This is not a malfunction.  
When turning on the camera in a cold  
location, the screen may become  
temporarily dark. When the camera  
warms up, the screen will function  
normally.  
No compensation for contents of the  
recording  
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.  
7
     
Notes on long-time recording  
On GPS-compatible devices (SLT-  
• When you continue to shoot for a long  
time, the temperature of the camera rises.  
If the temperature reaches above a certain  
A55V only)  
• To determine whether your camera  
supports GPS function, check the model  
name of your camera.  
level, the  
mark is indicated on the  
screen and the camera is turned off  
automatically. If the power is turned off,  
leave the camera for 10 minutes or longer  
to allow the temperature inside the  
camera to decrease to a safe level.  
• Under high ambient temperatures, the  
temperature of the camera rises quickly.  
• When the temperature of the camera  
rises, the image quality may deteriorate.  
It is recommended that you wait until the  
temperature of the camera drops before  
continuing to shoot.  
GPS-compatible: SLT-A55V  
GPS-incompatible: SLT-A55/A33  
• Use GPS in accordance with regulations  
of countries and regions where you use it.  
• If you do not record the location  
information, set [GPS On/Off] to [Off]  
• In an airplane, make sure to turn off the  
camera following cabin announcements.  
Warning on copyright  
Television programs, films, videotapes, and  
other materials may be copyrighted.  
Unauthorized recording of such materials  
may be contrary to the provisions of the  
copyright laws.  
• The surface of the camera may get hot.  
This is not a malfunction.  
Notes when playing movies on other  
devices  
• This camera uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264  
High Profile for AVCHD format  
recording. Movies recorded in AVCHD  
format with this camera cannot be played  
with the following devices.  
The pictures used in this manual  
The photographs used as examples of  
pictures in this manual are reproduced  
images, and are not actual images shot  
using this camera.  
– Other devices compatible with  
AVCHD format that does not support  
High Profile  
– Devices incompatible with the  
AVCHD format  
On the data specifications described  
in this Instruction Manual  
The data on performance and specifications  
is defined under the following conditions,  
except as described in this Instruction  
Manual: at an ordinary ambient  
temperature of 25ºC (77°F), and using a  
battery pack that is charged for about an  
hour after the CHARGE lamp goes out.  
This camera also uses MPEG-4 AVC/  
H.264 Main Profile for MP4 format  
recording. For this reason, movies  
recorded in MP4 format with this camera  
cannot be played on devices other than  
those that support MPEG-4 AVC/H.264.  
• Discs recorded with HD image quality  
(high definition) can be played back only  
on AVCHD format-compatible devices.  
DVD-based players or recorders cannot  
play back HD image quality discs, as  
they are incompatible with the AVCHD  
format. Also, DVD-based players or  
recorders may fail to eject HD image  
quality discs.  
8
Table of Contents  
..................................................................................... 20  
............................................................................ 40  
9
..................................................................................... 70  
............................................................................ 87  
Adjusting the brightness of the image (Exposure, Flash  
10  
Compensating for the brightness and contrast automatically  
.......................................................................... 110  
.......................................................................... 111  
.......................................................................... 119  
11  
12  
Preparing the camera  
Checking the accessories supplied  
The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.  
• BC-VW1 Battery charger (1)  
• Eyecup (1) (Attached on the  
camera)  
• CD-ROM (Application Software  
for α camera) (1)  
• Instruction Manual (This manual)  
(1)  
• Power cord (mains lead) (1) (not  
supplied in the U.S.A. and  
Canada)  
• Rechargeable battery pack NP-  
FW50 (1)  
• USB cable (1)  
• Shoulder strap (1)  
• Body cap (1) (Attached on the  
camera)  
13  
   
Identifying parts  
See the pages in parentheses for details of operation.  
Front side  
A Shutter button (59)  
B Power switch (28)  
D Remote sensor  
E Self-timer lamp (117)  
F Lens contacts*  
G Mirror*  
N Lens release button (27)  
O Focus mode switch (85, 90)  
* Do not directly touch these  
parts.  
** Do not cover this part  
during movie recording.  
H Preview button (74)  
I Mount  
K Microphone**  
L Mode dial (59 – 80)  
M
(Flash pop-up) button (96)  
14  
 
Rear side  
A Microphone**  
N Speaker  
Image sensor position  
mark (87)  
B Auto-lock Accessory shoe (99)  
C MENU button (49)  
O
P D-RANGE (Dynamic range)  
D Viewfinder* (39)  
F Diopter-adjustment dial (29)  
G LCD monitor (42, 121, 127)  
H Light sensor (153)  
Q For shooting: AEL (AE lock)  
button (78, 100)  
For viewing:  
(Zoom in)  
(Exposure)  
R For shooting:  
For viewing:  
I
(Playback) button (121)  
J Access lamp (22)  
(Zoom out)  
(Image index)  
K For shooting: Focus Magnifier  
button (91, 150)  
For viewing: (Delete) button  
S For shooting: Fn (Function)  
button (47, 48)  
For viewing:  
(Image  
L MOVIE button (81)  
rotation) button (123)  
M FINDER/LCD button (39, 154)  
15  
   
T Control button  
When the menu is turned on: v/  
V/b/B button (46)  
When the menu is turned off:  
DISP (Display) (40, 121)/WB  
(White balance) (112)/  
(Drive) (116)/ISO (106)  
U Control button (Enter) (46)/AF  
* Do not directly touch these  
parts.  
** Do not cover this part  
during movie recording.  
16  
Sides/Bottom  
• Use a tripod with a screw length  
of less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch).  
You will be unable to firmly  
secure the camera to tripods  
having screws longer than 5.5  
mm (7/32 inch), and may  
A REMOTE terminal  
• When connecting the RM-  
S1AM/RM-L1AM Remote  
Commander (sold separately) to  
the camera, insert the plug of  
the Remote Commander into  
the REMOTE terminal,  
aligning the guide of the plug  
with the guide of the REMOTE  
terminal. Make sure that the  
cord of the Remote Commander  
faces forward.  
damage the camera.  
G Memory card insertion slot (20)  
H Battery/memory card cover  
I Connection plate cover  
B Hooks for shoulder strap (30)  
C HDMI terminal (134)  
D
(USB) terminal (165)  
E Microphone jack  
• When an external microphone  
is connected, the internal  
microphone is turned off  
automatically. When the  
external microphone is a plug-  
in-power type, the power of the  
microphone is supplied by the  
camera.  
• For using the AC-PW20 AC  
Adaptor (sold separately)  
Be careful not to catch the cord  
of the AC Adaptor in the cover  
when you close the cover.  
F Tripod receptacle  
17  
   
Charging the battery pack  
When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP-FW50  
“InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (supplied).  
The “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack can be charged even when it has not  
been fully depleted.  
It can also be used when it has not been fully charged.  
1 Insert the battery pack onto the  
battery charger.  
Push the battery pack until it clicks.  
For the U.S.A and Canada  
2 Connect the battery charger to the  
Plug  
wall outlet (wall socket).  
Light on: Charging  
Light off: Charge completed  
• The CHARGE lamp turns off when  
charging is finished.  
• Time required to charge a fully  
depleted battery pack at a temperature  
of 25°C (77°F) is about 250 minutes.  
CHARGE lamp  
For countries/regions other than the  
U.S.A. and Canada  
CHARGE lamp  
Power cord (mains lead)  
18  
   
Notes  
• The charging time differs depending on the remaining capacity of the battery back or  
charging conditions.  
• 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 battery pack  
outside of this temperature range.  
• Connect the battery charger to the nearest wall outlet (wall socket).  
• Do not try to charge the battery pack again right after it has been charged, or when it  
has not been used after being charged. Doing so will affect the performance of the  
battery pack.  
• Do not charge any battery pack other than the “InfoLITHIUM” W series battery  
pack in the battery charger (supplied) with your camera. Batteries other than the  
specified kind may leak, overheat, or explode if you attempt to charge them, posing a  
risk of injury from electrocution and burns.  
• When the CHARGE lamp flashes, this may indicate a battery error or that a battery  
pack other than the specified type has been installed. Check that the battery pack is  
the specified type. If the battery pack is the specified type, remove the battery pack,  
replace it with new one or another one and check if the battery charger operates  
correctly. If the battery charger operates correctly, a battery error may have  
occurred.  
• If the battery charger is dirty, charging may not be performed successfully. Clean the  
battery charger with dry cloth, etc.  
To use your camera abroad — Power sources  
You can use your camera and the battery charger and the AC-PW20 AC  
Adaptor (sold separately) in any country or region where the power supply  
is within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz.  
Note  
• Do not use an electronic transformer (travel converter), as this may cause a  
malfunction.  
19  
Inserting the battery pack/memory card  
(sold separately)  
1 While sliding the cover open  
lever, open the cover.  
2 Firmly insert the battery pack all  
the way while pressing the lock  
lever with the tip of the battery.  
Lock lever  
3 Insert a memory card.  
• With the notched corner facing as  
illustrated, insert the memory card until  
it clicks into place.  
Ensure the notched corner faces  
correctly.  
4 Close the cover.  
20  
   
Available memory cards  
• Only “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo”  
media, SD memory cards, SDHC memory cards and SDXC memory  
cards can be used with this camera. A MultiMediaCard cannot be used  
with this camera. However, proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all  
memory cards functions.  
• The “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media and “Memory Stick PRO-HG  
Duo” media are referred to as the “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media and  
the SD memory card, SDHC memory card and SDXC memory card are  
referred to as the “SD card” in this Instruction Manual.  
• For recording movies, it is recommended that you use following memory  
cards.  
(Mark2) (“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media  
(Mark2))  
(“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media)  
– SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC memory card (Class 4 or  
more)  
• Images recorded on an SDXC memory card cannot be imported to or  
played on computers or AV devices that are not compatible with exFAT.  
Make sure that the device is compatible with exFAT before connecting it  
to the camera. If you connect your camera to an incompatible device, you  
may be prompted to format the card. Never format the card in response to  
this prompt, as doing so will erase all data on the card. (exFAT is the file  
system used on SDXC memory cards.)  
To remove the battery pack  
Turn off the camera and slide the lock  
lever in the direction of the arrow. Be  
careful not to drop the battery pack.  
Lock lever  
21  
To remove the memory card  
Check that the access lamp is not lit, then  
open the cover, and push the memory  
card once.  
Access lamp  
To check the remaining battery level  
Check the level with the following indicators and percent figures displayed  
on the screen.  
“Battery  
exhausted.”  
Battery level  
You cannot shoot  
any more pictures.  
High  
Low  
What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack?  
An “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has  
functions for exchanging information related to operating conditions with  
your camera. Using the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack, the remaining  
battery time in percent figures is displayed according to the operating  
conditions of your camera.  
Notes on using the battery pack  
• The displayed level may not be correct under certain circumstances.  
• Do not expose the battery pack to water. The battery pack is not water-  
resistant.  
• Do not leave the battery pack in extremely hot places, such as in a car or  
under direct sunlight.  
22  
     
Effective use of the battery pack  
• Battery performance decreases in low temperature surroundings. So, the  
time that the battery pack can be used is shorter in cold places 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 it  
in your camera immediately before you start shooting.  
• The battery pack will run out quickly if you use the flash frequently, use  
continuous shooting often, or turn the camera on and off frequently.  
Battery life  
• The battery life is limited. Battery capacity decreases little by little as you  
use it more and more, and as time passes. If the battery operating time  
seems shortened considerably, a probable cause is that the battery pack  
has reached the end of its life. Buy a new battery pack.  
• The battery life varies according to how it is stored and the operating  
conditions and environment in which each battery pack is used.  
How to store the battery pack  
If the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, charge it and then fully  
use it up once a year on your camera before storing the battery pack in a  
dry, cool place to prolong the battery life.  
Notes on using memory cards  
• Do not strike, bend or drop the memory card.  
• Do not use or store the memory card under the following conditions:  
– High temperature locations such as the hot interior of a car parked in  
direct sunlight.  
– Locations exposed to direct sunlight.  
– Humid locations or locations with corrosive substances present.  
• The memory card may be hot just after it has been used for a long time.  
Be careful when you handle it.  
• When the access lamp is lit, do not remove the memory card or the  
battery pack, or turn off the power. The data may be corrupted.  
• Data may be damaged if you place the memory card near strongly-  
magnetized material or use the memory card in a static-prone or  
electrically noisy environment.  
23  
   
• We recommend backing up important data, such as to a hard disk of a  
computer.  
• When you carry or store the memory card, put it in the case supplied with  
it.  
• Do not expose the memory card to water.  
• Do not touch the terminal section of the memory card with your hand or a  
metal object.  
• When the write-protect switch of a memory card is set to the LOCK  
position, you cannot perform operations, such as recording or deleting  
images.  
• 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 depending on the combination of the  
memory cards and the equipment used.  
• Do not press down hard when you write down on the memo area.  
• Do not attach a label on the memory cards themselves.  
• Do not disassemble or modify the memory cards.  
• Do not leave the memory cards within the reach of small children. They  
might accidentally swallow it.  
24  
Notes on the “Memory Stick” media used with the camera  
The types of “Memory Stick” media that can be used with this camera are  
listed in the table below. However, proper operation cannot be guaranteed  
for all “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media functions.  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
media*1*2*3  
Available with your camera  
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo”  
media*1*2  
“Memory Stick Duo” media  
Unavailable with your camera  
Unavailable with your camera  
“Memory Stick” media and  
“Memory Stick PRO” media  
*1 This is equipped with MagicGate function. MagicGate is copyright protection  
technology that uses encryption technology. Data recording/playback that requires  
MagicGate functions cannot be performed with this camera.  
*2 Supports high-speed data transfer using a parallel interface.  
*3 When using “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media to record movies, only those  
marked with Mark2 can be used.  
Notes on using “Memory Stick Micro” media (sold separately)  
• This product is compatible with “Memory Stick Micro” media (“M2”).  
“M2” is an abbreviation for “Memory Stick Micro” media.  
• To use a “Memory Stick Micro” media with the camera, be sure to insert  
the “Memory Stick Micro” media into an “M2” Adaptor as large as of  
Duo size. If you insert a “Memory Stick Micro” media into the camera  
without an “M2” Adaptor as large as of Duo size, you might not be able  
to remove it from the camera.  
• Do not leave the “Memory Stick Micro” media within the reach of small  
children. They might accidentally swallow it.  
25  
Attaching a lens  
1 Remove the body cap from the  
camera and the packaging lid  
from the rear of the lens.  
• When changing the lens, quickly  
change the lens away from dusty  
locations so as to keep dust or debris  
from getting inside the camera.  
Body cap  
Packaging lid  
2 Mount the lens by aligning the  
orange index marks on the lens  
and camera.  
Orange index marks  
3 Turn the lens clockwise until it  
clicks into the locked position.  
• Be sure to put the lens on straight.  
Notes  
• When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release button.  
• Do not use force when attaching a lens.  
• E-mount lenses are not compatible with this camera.  
• When you use a lens for which a tripod socket is provided, attach the lens onto the  
tripod using the tripod socket provided to help balance the weight of the lens.  
26  
 
To remove the lens  
1 Press the lens release button all  
the way in and turn the lens  
counterclockwise until it stops.  
Lens release button  
2 Replace the packaging lid on the  
lens and attach the body cap to  
the camera.  
• Before you attach them, remove dust  
from them.  
A rear lens cap is not supplied with the DT  
18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM Lens Kit. When  
you store the lens without attaching it to  
the camera, purchase the Rear Lens Cap  
ALC-R55.  
Note on changing 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 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 image sensor. However, quickly change the lens away from  
dusty locations when attaching/removing a lens.  
If dust or debris lands on the image sensor  
Clean the image sensor using [Cleaning Mode] in the Setup menu  
27  
 
Preparing the camera  
Setting up the date  
When you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup screen  
appears.  
1 Set the power switch to ON to turn  
the camera on.  
The screen used for setting date and time  
appears.  
• To turn the camera off, set it to OFF.  
2 Verify that [Enter] is selected on  
the LCD monitor, then press the  
center of the control button.  
3 Select your area with b/B on the control button, then press the  
center of the control button.  
4 Select each item with b/B and  
set the numeric value with v/V.  
[Daylight Svg.:]: Turns on or off the  
daylight saving time setting.  
[Date Format:]: Selects the format to  
display date.  
• Midnight is indicated as 12:00 AM, and  
noon as 12:00 PM.  
28  
     
5 Repeat step 4 to set other items, then press the center of the  
control button.  
6 Verify that [Enter] is selected, then press the center of the  
control button.  
To cancel the date/time setting operation  
Press the MENU button.  
To set up the date/time again  
When you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup screen  
appears automatically. The next time, set up the date and time from the  
menu.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Date/Time Setup]  
To set up the area again  
You can set the area where you are using the camera. This allows you to set  
the local area when you use the camera abroad.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Area Setting]  
Maintaining the date and time setting  
This camera has an internal rechargeable battery for maintaining the date  
and time and other settings regardless of whether the power is on or off, or  
the battery is installed or not. For details, see page 192.  
Adjusting the focus of the finder (diopter adjustment)  
Adjust the diopter-adjustment 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.  
Note  
• The dioptic adjustment attachment (sold separately) cannot be used with this camera.  
29  
     
Using the accessories supplied  
This section describes how to use the shoulder strap and eyecup. The other  
accessories are described in the following pages.  
• Rechargeable battery pack (page 18)  
• Battery charger (page 18)  
• Power cord (mains lead) (not supplied in the U.S.A. and Canada)  
• USB cable (page 165)  
• CD-ROM (page 161)  
Attaching the shoulder strap  
Attach both ends of the strap onto  
the camera.  
30  
     
Removing the eyecup  
When attaching the FDA-A1AM Angle Finder (sold separately) to the  
camera, remove the eyecup.  
Carefully slide the eyecup off by  
pushing on each side of the eyecup.  
• Put your fingers under the eyecup, and  
slide it upward.  
Note  
• The Magnifier and Magnifying Eyepiece cannot be used with this camera.  
31  
 
Checking the number of recordable  
images  
Once you insert a memory card into the  
camera and set the power switch to ON,  
the number of images that can be  
recorded (should you continue to shoot  
using the current settings) is displayed on  
the screen.  
Notes  
• When “0” (the number of recordable images) flashes in yellow, the memory card is  
full. Replace the memory card with another one, or delete images in the current  
• When “NO CARD” (the number of recordable images) flashes in yellow, it means  
no memory card has been inserted. Insert a memory card.  
The number of images that can be recorded on a memory  
card  
The table shows the approximate number of images that can be recorded on  
a memory card formatted with this camera. The values are defined using  
Sony standard memory cards for testing. The values may vary depending  
on the shooting conditions and the type of memory card used.  
Image: Size: L 16M (SLT-A55/A55V)/L 14M (SLT-A33)  
Image: Aspect Ratio: 3:2*  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
SLT-A55/A55V  
(Units: Images)  
Capacity  
2GB  
4GB  
8GB  
16GB  
32GB  
Size  
Standard  
386  
270  
74  
781  
548  
154  
220  
1587  
1116  
319  
3239  
2279  
657  
6406  
4510  
1304  
1840  
Fine  
RAW & JPEG  
RAW  
106  
452  
928  
32  
   
SLT-A33  
(Units: Images)  
Capacity  
2GB  
4GB  
8GB  
16GB  
32GB  
Size  
Standard  
433  
305  
84  
875  
618  
176  
251  
1778  
1258  
362  
3626  
2569  
745  
7172  
5083  
1478  
2089  
Fine  
RAW & JPEG  
RAW  
122  
514  
1054  
* When [Image: Aspect Ratio] is set to [16:9], you can record more images than the  
numbers shown in the table above (except when [RAW] is selected).  
The number of images that can be recorded using a battery  
pack  
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 be less than those indicated depending on  
the conditions of use.  
With the flash  
SLT-A55  
SLT-A55V  
SLT-A33  
Approx. 390  
images  
Approx. 380  
images  
Approx. 340  
images  
LCD monitor mode  
Viewfinder mode  
Without the flash  
Approx. 350  
images  
Approx. 330  
images  
Approx. 270  
images  
SLT-A55  
SLT-A55V  
SLT-A33  
Approx. 450  
images  
Approx. 430  
images  
Approx. 380  
images  
LCD monitor mode  
Viewfinder mode  
Approx. 380  
images  
Approx. 370  
images  
Approx. 290  
images  
• The number is calculated with a battery pack at full capacity and in the  
following situation:  
– At an ambient temperature of 25°C (77°F).  
– Using the battery pack that is charged for an hour after the CHARGE  
lamp goes out.  
– Using Sony “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media (sold separately).  
33  
 
– [Image: Quality] is set to [Fine].  
– [Autofocus Mode] is set to [Automatic AF].  
– Shooting once every 30 seconds.  
– The power turns on and off once every ten times.  
– [GPS On/Off] is set to [On].  
• About the number of images you can shoot when the flash is used:  
– The flash strobes once every two times.  
– The measurement method is based on the CIPA standard.  
(CIPA: Camera & Imaging Products Association)  
34  
Cleaning  
Cleaning the camera  
• 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 images or the  
performance of the camera, blow the dust away using a commercially  
available blower*. For details on cleaning the image sensor, see the next  
page.  
* Do not use a spray blower. Using one may cause a malfunction.  
• Clean the camera surface with a soft cloth slightly moistened with water,  
then wipe the surface with a dry cloth. Do not use the following as they  
may damage the finish or the casing.  
– Chemical products such as thinner, benzine, alcohol, disposable cloths,  
insect repellent, sunscreen or insecticide, etc.  
– Do not touch the camera with the above on your hand.  
– Do not leave the camera in contact with rubber or vinyl for a long time.  
Cleaning the lens  
• Do not use a cleaning solution containing organic solvents, such as  
thinner, or benzine.  
• When cleaning the lens surface, remove dust using a commercially  
available blower. In case of dust that sticks to the surface, wipe it off with  
a soft cloth or tissue paper slightly moistened with lens cleaning solution.  
Wipe in a spiral pattern from the center to the outside. Do not spray lens  
cleaning solution directly onto the lens surface.  
35  
 
Cleaning the image sensor  
If 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 image, depending on the  
shooting environment. If there is dust on the image sensor, clean the image  
sensor following the steps below.  
Notes  
• Cleaning cannot be performed when the battery level is 50% or less.  
• The camera starts beeping if the battery pack becomes low during cleaning. Stop  
cleaning immediately and turn the camera off. The use of an AC-PW20 AC Adaptor  
(sold separately) is recommended.  
• The cleaning should be completed quickly.  
• Do not use a spray blower because it may scatter water droplets inside the camera  
body.  
To clean the image sensor automatically using the cleaning mode of the  
camera  
1 Confirm that the battery is fully charged (page 22).  
2 Press the MENU button, then  
select  
2 with b/B on the  
control button.  
MENU button  
3 Select [Cleaning Mode] with v/V,  
then press the center of the  
control button.  
36  
     
4 Select [Enter] with v, and press the center of the control  
button.  
The image sensor vibrates for a short time, and eliminates dust from the  
sensor.  
5 Turn off the camera.  
To clean the image sensor using a blower  
If another cleaning is needed after using the cleaning mode, clean the image  
sensor using a blower following the steps below.  
1 Perform the cleaning operation described in steps 1 to 4 of “To  
2 Detach the lens (page 27).  
3 Push the V mark on the mirror  
lock lever with a finger to lift up  
the mirror.  
• Be careful not to touch the surface of  
the mirror.  
Mirror lock lever  
37  
4 Use the blower to clean the image  
sensor surface and the  
surrounding area.  
• Do not touch the image sensor with the  
tip of the blower and do not put the tip  
of a blower into the cavity beyond the  
mount.  
• Hold the camera’s face downward to  
prevent the dust from resettling in the  
camera. Complete the cleaning quickly.  
• Also clean the back of the mirror using  
a blower.  
5 After the cleaning is finished,  
lower the mirror with a finger  
until it clicks.  
• Lower the frame of the mirror back  
down with a finger. Be careful not to  
touch the surface of the mirror.  
• Lower the mirror down until it locks  
firmly.  
6 Attach the lens and turn the camera off.  
• Confirm that the mirror is locked down firmly when you attach the lens.  
Notes  
• After the cleaning is finished, confirm that the mirror is locked down firmly when  
you attach the lens. Otherwise, the lens may be scratched or this may be the cause of  
additional trouble. Also, if the mirror is not locked down firmly, the autofocus does  
not work during shooting.  
• You cannot shoot while the mirror is lifted up.  
38  
Before your operation  
Screen indicators  
Switching the screen mode between the LCD monitor and  
the electronic viewfinder  
FINDER/LCD button  
When you look into the viewfinder, the  
viewfinder mode is activated, and when  
you take your face away from the  
viewfinder, the screen mode returns to  
the LCD monitor mode.  
You can also switch the screen mode  
using the FINDER/LCD button.  
Viewfinder  
LCD monitor  
To focus on a subject quickly using the viewfinder  
When you look into the viewfinder, the subject located in the AF area  
comes into focus automatically (Eye-Start AF).  
MENU button t  
1 t [Eye-Start AF] t [On]  
When the FDA-A1AM Angle Finder (sold separately) is attached to the  
camera, setting [Eye-Start AF] to [Off] is recommended because the  
eyepiece sensors located below the viewfinder may be activated.  
39  
         
Switching the recording information display (DISP)  
Each time you press DISP on the control  
button, the recording information display  
changes as follows.  
The status of the screen in the viewfinder  
changes as follows (“Recording  
information on” (For Live View) is  
skipped).  
Graphic Display  
Recording  
information on  
(For Live View)  
Recording  
information off  
Digital level gauge  
on  
Digital level gauge  
The digital level gauge of this camera  
The digital level gauge indicates whether  
the camera is level in both the horizontal  
and front-back directions. When the  
camera is level in both directions, the  
indicator turns to green.  
Horizontal direction  
Front-back direction  
Notes  
• The error of the digital level gauge is larger if you tilt the camera too far forward or  
backward.  
• A tilt of 1° may be indicated even if the camera is almost level.  
40  
   
Recording information display (For viewfinder)  
You can switch the “Recording information on” display on the LCD  
monitor to a screen that is suitable for shooting when you look into the  
viewfinder. The screen in the viewfinder is for Live View.  
MENU button t  
2 t [Display Rec. Data] t [For viewfinder]  
Each time you press DISP on the control button, the screen changes as  
follows.  
Graphic Display  
Recording  
information display information off  
(For viewfinder)  
Recording  
Digital level gauge  
on  
41  
   
Recording information display (Graphic Display/Recording  
information (For Live View))  
The Graphic Display graphically shows the shutter speed and aperture  
value and clearly illustrates how the exposure works.  
Graphic Display  
Recording information display  
(For Live View)  
A
Display  
Indication  
Image quality of still  
images (143)  
Display  
Indication  
(SLT-A55/A55V)/  
(SLT-A33)  
P A  
Image size of movies  
S M  
100  
100% Remaining battery (22)  
Overheating warning  
Memory card (20)  
Remaining number of  
recordable images (32)  
Database file full (190)/  
Database file error (190)  
Image size of still images  
(141)/Aspect ratio of still  
images (143)/Image size  
of panoramic images  
Camera shake warning  
No audio recording of  
42  
 
Display  
Indication  
Display  
Indication  
GPS triangulating status  
(138) (SLT-A55V only)  
AF area (89)  
Face Detection (93)  
Smile Shutter (94)  
Smile Detection  
Sensitivity indicator (94)  
B
Display  
Indication  
Spot metering area (105)  
AF area (89)  
Shutter speed indicator  
E
Aperture indicator (72)  
Display  
Indication  
ISO sensitivity (106)  
C
Display  
Indication  
+2.0  
AWB  
Flash compensation (103)  
REC 0:12  
Recording time of the  
movie (m:s)  
White balance (Auto,  
Preset, Custom, Color  
temperature, Color filter)  
z
7500K G9 (112)  
1/250  
F3.5  
Aperture (72)  
D-Range Optimizer  
Creative Style (110)  
EV scale (78, 119)  
SteadyShot scale (57)  
D
Display  
Indication  
Drive mode (116)  
Flash mode (96)/Red-eye  
reduction (98)  
Focus mode (88)  
43  
Recording information display (For viewfinder)  
See pages in parentheses for details of operation.  
In AUTO, AUTO+, or  
Scene Selection mode  
In Continuous Advance Priority AE/  
P/A/S/M mode  
A
Display  
Indication  
GPS triangulating status  
(138) (SLT-A55V only)  
Display  
Indication  
P A  
(SLT-A55/A55V)/  
(SLT-A33)  
S M  
100  
B
Memory card (20)  
Display  
Indication  
Remaining number of  
recordable images (32)  
Flash mode (96)/Red-eye  
reduction (98)  
Image size of still images  
(141)/Aspect ratio of still  
images (143)  
Drive mode (116)  
Focus mode (88)  
Image quality of still  
images (143)  
Image size of movies  
Face Detection (93)  
Smile Shutter (94)  
100% Remaining battery (22)  
No audio recording of  
movies (82)  
44  
 
Display  
AWB  
Indication  
AF area (89)  
ISO sensitivity (106)  
White balance (Auto,  
Preset, Custom, Color  
temperature, Color filter)  
7500K G9 (112)  
D-Range Optimizer  
Creative Style (110)  
Metering mode (105)  
Exposure compensation  
(101)/Metered Manual  
Flash compensation (103)  
EV scale (78, 119)  
C
Display  
1/125  
F2.8  
Indication  
Aperture (72)  
Exposure (101)  
SteadyShot (57)  
+1.0  
45  
Selecting a function/setting  
You can select a function for shooting or playback with the one of buttons,  
such as the Fn (Function) button, or the MENU button.  
When you start an operation, an operation  
guide of control button functions will be  
displayed at the bottom of the screen.  
: Press v/V/b/B on the control  
button to move the cursor.  
z: Press the center button to execute the  
selection.  
In this Instruction Manual, the process of selecting a function with the  
control button and the Fn button from the list displayed on the screen is  
described as follows (we explain the process with the default icons.):  
Example: Fn button t AWB (White Balance) t Select the  
desired setting  
The operation guide list  
The operation guide also indicates operations other than the control button  
operation. The indications of icons are as follows.  
MENU button  
Returns with MENU button  
(Delete) button  
(Zoom in) button  
(Zoom out) button  
(Playback) button  
Control dial  
Help guide  
The Help Guide shows the information on a function selected with the Fn  
button, MENU button, etc. You can also turn it off (page 151).  
46  
   
Selecting a function with the Fn (Function) button  
This button is used for setting up or executing functions used frequently in  
shooting.  
1 Press the Fn button.  
2 Select the desired item with v/V/  
b/B on the control button, then  
press the center z to execute.  
The setup screen appears.  
3 Following the operation guide,  
select and execute the desired  
function.  
• For details on how to set up each item,  
see the corresponding page.  
Operation guide  
To set up the camera directly from the recording information screen  
Turn the control dial without pressing the  
center z in step 2. You can set up the  
camera directly from the recording  
information screen.  
47  
 
The functions selected by the Fn (Function) button  
Scene Selection (63) Selects an appropriate mode from among the Scene Selection  
preset settings to suit shooting conditions.  
Sweep Shooting (66) Switches between Sweep Panorama and 3D Sweep  
Panorama.  
Drive Mode (116)  
Sets the shooting mode to single-shot adv., continuous adv.,  
self-timer, bracket shooting, etc.  
Sets the flash mode to Autoflash, Fill-flash, Flash Off, etc.  
Autofocus Mode (88) Selects the method for focusing according to movement of  
the subject.  
AF area (89)  
Selects the area of focus.  
Face Detection (93) Automatically captures people’s face(s) with the optimal  
focus and exposure.  
Smile Shutter (94)  
Camera shoots when a smile is detected.  
Sets the sensitivity to light. The larger the number, the faster  
the shutter speed.  
Metering Mode (105) Selects the method for measuring brightness.  
Flash Compensation Adjusts the intensity of flash output. + direction increases  
brightness of subject, and the - direction increases darkness.  
White Balance (112) Adjusts the color tone of images.  
DRO/Auto HDR (107) Compensates for the brightness and contrast automatically.  
Creative Style (110) Selects your desired image processing.  
48  
 
The functions selected by the MENU button  
You can set up the basic settings for the camera as a whole or execute  
functions such as shooting, playback, or other operations.  
Press the MENU button, select the desired page with b/B on the control  
button, and select the desired item with v/V.  
Recording menu  
Image: Size (141)  
Selects the size of still images.  
Image: Aspect Ratio Selects the aspect ratio for still images.  
Image: Quality (143) Sets the images quality for still images.  
Movie: File Format  
Selects the movie file format.  
Movie: Size (142)  
Selects the size of the recorded movie frame.  
Movie: Audio Rec.  
Sets whether or not to record audio when shooting a  
movie.  
SteadyShot (57)  
Sets SteadyShot.  
49  
 
Panorama: Size  
Selects the size of panoramic images.  
Panorama: Direction Sets the shooting direction for panoramic images.  
3D Pan.: Image Size Selects the size of 3D-images.  
3D Pan.: Direction  
Sets the shooting direction for 3D-images.  
Flash control (104)  
AF Illuminator (98)  
Color Space (111)  
Sets the method for determining the intensity of flash  
output.  
Sets the AF illuminator, which sheds light on a dark  
scene to aid focusing.  
Changes the range of reproducible colors.  
Long Exposure NR  
Sets noise reduction processing for shots in which  
shutter speed will be 1 second or longer.  
High ISO NR (149)  
Sets noise reduction processing for high-sensitivity  
shooting.  
50  
Custom menu  
Eye-Start AF (39)  
Sets whether or not to use auto focus when you look  
through viewfinder.  
FINDER/LCD Setting Sets the method for switching between the viewfinder  
and LCD monitor.  
AEL button (150)  
Sets the operation method of the AE lock button for  
fixing exposure during shooting.  
Focus Hold Button  
Sets the function of the focus hold button of the lens.  
Focus Magnifier  
Sets whether or not to assign the  
the functions used with the Focus Magnifier feature.  
(Delete) button to  
Red Eye Reduction  
Reduces the red-eye phenomenon during flash use.  
Release w/oLens  
Sets whether shutter can open when lens is not  
attached.  
Grid Line (154)  
Histogram (102)  
Sets a grid line display to enable alignment to a  
structural outline.  
Sets whether or not to include the histogram display  
when switching screen display.  
Display Rec. Data  
Selects the status of the recording information display  
on the LCD monitor, either [For Live View] or [For  
viewfinder].  
Auto Review (154)  
Displays the captured image after shooting. Sets auto  
review.  
Auto+ Cont. Advance Sets whether or not to shoot continuously in AUTO+  
(62) mode.  
Auto+ Image Extract. Sets whether or not to save all the images that were  
(62) shot continuously in AUTO+ mode.  
51  
Playback menu  
Deletes images.  
Still/Movie Select  
Switches between the still image playback screen and  
the movie playback screen.  
Slide Show (125)  
Image Index (125)  
3D Viewing (135)  
Shows a slide show.  
Displays the image list.  
Plays back 3D-images using a 3D-compatible TV  
connected to the camera.  
Protect (131)  
Protects or cancels protection for an image.  
Specifies or unspecifies the images for DPOF.  
Specify Printing  
Volume Settings  
Sets the volume for movie playback.  
Select Folder (121)  
Select Date (123)  
Changes the folder for images to play back.  
Displays images from another date.  
Playback Display  
Sets how to play back an image recorded in portrait.  
52  
Memory Card Tool menu  
Formats the memory card.  
File Number (145)  
Sets the method used to assign file numbers to still  
images and movies.  
Folder Name (145)  
Sets the folder format for still images.  
Select REC Folder  
Changes the selected folder for storing still images.  
Creates a new folder for storing still images and  
movies.  
Recover Image DB  
Recovers the image database file for movies and  
enables recording and playback.  
Display Card Space Displays the remaining recording time of movies and  
the recordable number of still images on the memory  
card.  
Clock setup menu  
Date/Time Setup (28) Sets date and time, and daylight savings.  
Area Setting (29) Sets the location of use.  
53  
Setup menu  
LCD Brightness (153) Sets the brightness of the LCD monitor.  
Viewfinder Bright.  
Sets the brightness of the viewfinder.  
GPS Settings (138)  
(SLT-A55V only)  
Sets the GPS functions.  
Power Save (151)  
Sets the interval after which power save mode  
engages.  
CTRL FOR HDMI  
Operates the camera from a TV that support  
“BRAVIA” Sync.  
Language (152)  
Selects the language.  
Help Guide Display  
Sets the display of the help guide for explaining  
functions displayed during operation.  
Upload Settings  
(147)*  
Sets the upload function of the camera when using an  
Eye-Fi card.  
USB Connection  
Sets the USB connection method.  
Audio signals (151) Sets whether or not to use the beep sound when the  
focus is achieved or the self-timer is working.  
Cleaning Mode (36) Starts the cleaning mode to clean the image sensor.  
Displays the camera software version.  
Demo Mode (152)  
Sets the demonstration playback of a movie to on or  
off.  
Reset Default (156) Restores the settings to their defaults.  
* Appears when an Eye-Fi card (sold separately) is inserted in the camera.  
54  
Shooting images  
Adjusting the angle of the LCD monitor  
You can adjust the angle of the LCD  
monitor to meet various shooting  
situations.  
You can shoot from various shooting  
positions.  
Low position  
High position  
Adjust the LCD monitor to an easily  
viewable angle.  
• The LCD monitor tilts 180 degrees.  
• The LCD monitor can be rotated  
leftward 270 degrees from the position  
in which the LCD monitor is facing  
forward as illustrated.  
• When the LCD monitor is not used, it is  
recommended that you close it with the  
screen side facing to the camera.  
55  
   
Shooting an image without camera shake  
“Camera shake” refers to unwanted movement of the camera that occurs  
after the shutter button has been pressed, resulting in a blurred image.  
To reduce camera shake, follow the instructions below.  
Correct posture  
Stabilize your upper body and take a position that keeps the  
camera from moving.  
In LCD monitor mode  
In viewfinder mode  
Point 1  
One hand holds the grip of the camera, and the other hand supports the lens.  
Point 2  
Take a secure stance with your feet shoulder-width apart.  
56  
   
Point 3  
Lightly tuck your elbows against your body.  
When shooting in a kneeling position, steady your upper body by placing  
your elbow on your knee.  
Camera shake warning indicator  
Due to potential camera shake, the  
(Camera shake warning) indicator  
flashes. In this case, use a tripod or the  
flash.  
(Camera shake warning) indicator  
Note  
• The  
(Camera shake warning) indicator is displayed only in the modes that  
automatically set the shutter speed. This indicator is not displayed in M/S modes.  
Using the SteadyShot function  
The SteadyShot function can reduce the effect of camera shake by the  
equivalent of approximately 2.5 to 4 Ev in shutter speed.  
The SteadyShot function is set to [On] in the default setting.  
The SteadyShot scale indicator  
The  
(SteadyShot scale) indicator  
shows the camera shake status. Wait until  
the scale becomes low, then start  
shooting.  
(SteadyShot scale) indicator  
To deactivate the SteadyShot function  
MENU button t  
1 t [SteadyShot] t [Off]  
57  
     
Note  
• The SteadyShot function may not work optimally when the power has just been  
turned on, right after you point the camera towards a subject, or when the shutter  
button has been pressed all the way down without stopping halfway.  
Using a tripod  
In the following cases, we recommend that you mount the camera on a  
tripod.  
• Shooting without a flash under dark conditions.  
• Shooting with slow shutter speeds, which are typically used in night-time  
shooting.  
• Shooting a close subject, such as in macro shooting.  
• Shooting with a telescopic lens.  
Note  
• When using a tripod, deactivate the SteadyShot function because there is a potential  
for malfunction of the SteadyShot function.  
58  
 
Shooting with the automatic setting  
Shooting with appropriate settings automatically  
The “AUTO” mode allows you to easily shoot any subject under any  
conditions because the camera makes appropriate judgments on the  
situation to adjust the settings.  
Select  
when shooting in a location where the use of a flash is restricted.  
1 Set the mode dial to  
(Flash Off).  
or  
or  
2 Adjust the LCD monitor to an easily viewable angle and hold  
the camera.  
3 Overlay the AF area on the  
desired subject.  
• If the  
(Camera shake warning)  
indicator flashes, carefully shoot the  
subject, holding the camera steady, or  
by using a tripod.  
(Camera shake warning)  
indicator  
AF area  
4 When using a zoom lens, turn the  
zoom ring, then decide on your  
shot.  
Zoom ring  
59  
   
5 Press the shutter button halfway  
down to focus.  
When the focus is confirmed, z or  
(Focus indicator) lights up (page 86).  
• Waiting until the  
(SteadyShot  
scale) indicator is low makes the  
SteadyShot function more effective.  
Focus indicator  
(SteadyShot scale) indicator  
6 Press the shutter button fully  
down to shoot.  
Note  
• Since the camera turns on the automatic setting function, many features will be  
unavailable, such as exposure compensation, ISO setting. If you want to adjust  
various settings, set the mode dial to P, then shoot your subject.  
60  
 
Shooting with the settings that the camera adjusts  
automatically  
The camera recognizes and evaluates the shooting condition, and  
appropriate settings are set automatically. The camera saves one  
appropriate image by combining or separating images, as necessary.  
1 Set the mode dial to  
(Auto+).  
Recognized scene mode mark  
2 Point the camera towards the  
subject.  
When the camera recognizes and adjusts  
for shooting conditions, the following  
information is indicated: recognized  
scene mode mark, appropriate shooting  
function, the number of images to be  
shot.  
Shooting function  
Number of images to be shot  
3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.  
The camera shoots with the automatically selected settings.  
Scene recognized by the camera  
(Night View)  
(Hand-held Twilight)  
(Portrait)  
(Landscape)  
(Backlight Portrait)  
(Backlight)  
(Tripod Night View)  
(Night Portrait)  
(Macro)  
Shooting function  
Continuous shooting (116) Hand-held Twilight (63)  
Auto HDR (108) Daylight Sync.  
Slow Sync. (96)  
Slow Shutter  
61  
 
To set the continuous shooting  
MENU button t  
2 t [Auto+ Cont. Advance] t Select the  
desired setting  
To select the storage method to be used for recorded images  
In continuous shooting, you can select a storage method that allows the  
camera either to store one appropriate image from among the continuously  
shot images or store all the images.  
MENU button t  
2 t [Auto+ Image Extract.] t Select the  
desired setting  
Notes  
• Even when you set [Auto+ Image Extract.] to [Off] with [Hand-held Twilight]  
selected from recognized scene mode, one combined image is saved.  
• The numbers of images that were not saved are skipped when the images are  
extracted.  
62  
   
Shooting with a suitable setting for the  
subject  
Selecting an appropriate mode for the 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 explanation of the selected mode and  
methods of shooting are displayed on the screen (Help Guide Display).  
Shooting with preset settings according to the scene  
(Scene Selection)  
This mode is suitable for  
zShooting with preset settings  
according to the scene  
1 Set the mode dial to  
(Scene Selection).  
2 Press the center of the control button.  
3 Select the desired mode with v/V, then press the center of the  
control button.  
• To change the scene, press the Fn button, then select another scene.  
63  
     
(Portrait)  
Blurs away backgrounds and sharpens  
the subject. Expresses skin tones softly.  
• To blur the background more, set the  
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 separately) to shoot backlit  
subjects.  
• Use the red-eye reduction function if the eyes of your  
subject turn red from the flash (page 98).  
(Sports Action)  
Shoots a moving subject at a fast  
shutter speed so that the subject looks  
as if it is standing still. The camera  
shoots images continuously while the  
shutter button is pressed.  
• Press and hold the shutter button halfway down until the  
right moment.  
(Macro)  
Shoots close subjects such as flowers,  
foods.  
• You can shoot a closer subject using  
a macro lens (sold separately).  
• Set the flash mode to [Flash Off]  
when you shoot a subject within 1 m (3.3 feet).  
• When shooting in macro mode, the SteadyShot function  
will not be fully effective. Use a tripod to achieve better  
results.  
• The shortest focal distance does not change.  
(Landscape)  
(Sunset)  
Shoots the entire range of scenery in  
sharp focus with vivid colors.  
• To accentuate the openness of the  
scenery, set the lens to wide angle.  
Shoots the red of the sunrise or sunset  
beautifully.  
(Night View)  
Shoots night scenes at a distance  
without losing the dark atmosphere of  
the surroundings.  
• The shutter speed is slower, so using  
a tripod is recommended.  
• The picture may not be taken properly when shooting a  
wholly dark night scene.  
64  
(Hand-held  
Twilight)  
Shoots night scenes with less noise and  
blur without using a tripod. A burst of  
shots are taken, and image processing  
is applied to reduce subject blur,  
camera shake, and noise.  
• Reducing blur is less effective even in [Hand-held  
Twilight] when shooting:  
– Subjects with erratic movement  
– Subjects are too close to the camera  
– Subjects with a repeating pattern such as tiles, and  
subjects with little contrast such as sky, sandy beach, or  
lawn  
– Subjects with constant change such as waves or water  
falls  
• In the case of [Hand-held Twilight], block noise may occur  
when using a light source that flickers, such as fluorescent  
lighting.  
(Night Portrait)  
Shoots portraits in night scenes.  
• The shutter speed is slower, so using  
a tripod is recommended.  
Shooting technique  
• When you want finer images, set the mode dial to P, A, S, or M and use  
the creative style function (page 110). In such cases, you can adjust the  
exposure, ISO, etc.  
Notes  
• Since the camera judges the settings automatically, many features will be  
unavailable, such as exposure compensation, ISO setting.  
• The flash is set to [Autoflash] or [Flash Off] for each Scene Selection mode. You can  
change these settings (page 96).  
65  
Shooting panoramic images (Sweep Shooting)  
This mode is suitable for  
zShooting expansive scenery, or high-rise buildings with dynamic composition.  
1 Set the mode dial to  
(Sweep Shooting).  
2 Press the center of the control button.  
3 Select [Sweep Panorama] with v/V, then press the center of  
the control button.  
• To select [3D Sweep Panorama], press the Fn button, then select it.  
4 Point the camera at the edge of  
the subject, then press the shutter  
button halfway down to adjust the  
focus.  
This part will not be taken  
5 Press the shutter button fully down.  
66  
 
6 Pan or tilt the camera to the end,  
following the guidance on the  
screen.  
Guidance bar  
Notes  
• If you cannot pan or tilt the camera across the entire subject within the given time, a  
gray area occurs in the composed image. If this happens, move the camera fast to  
record a full panoramic image.  
• Since several images are stitched together, the stitched part will not be recorded  
smoothly. While shooting, do not tilt the camera back and forth, or right and left  
when you swing the camera straight ahead.  
• Under low light conditions, panoramic images may be blurred or not be recorded.  
• Under lights that flicker such as fluorescent light, the brightness or color of the  
combined image is not always the same.  
• When the whole angle of panoramic shooting and the angle in which you fixed the  
focus and exposure with AE/AF lock are extremely different in brightness, color and  
focus, the shooting will not be successful. If this happens, change the lock angle and  
shoot again.  
• [Sweep Panorama] is not suitable when shooting:  
– Subjects are moving.  
– Subjects are too close to the camera.  
– Subjects with a repeating pattern such as tiles, and subjects with little contrast such  
as sky, sandy beach, or lawn.  
– Subjects with constant change such as waves or water falls.  
– Subjects with the sun or electric lights, etc. that are much brighter than  
surroundings.  
• [Sweep Panorama] recording may be discontinued in the following situations:  
– You pan or tilt the camera too fast or too slow.  
– There is too much camera shake.  
• The camera continues shooting during [Sweep Panorama] recording, and the shutter  
keeps clicking until the end of the shooting.  
67  
Tips for shooting a panoramic image  
Pan or tilt the camera in an arc with a  
constant velocity and in the same  
Vertical  
direction  
Horizontal direction  
direction as the indication on the screen.  
[Sweep Panorama] is better suited for  
still subjects, rather than moving ones.  
Radius as short as  
possible  
• In Sweep Panorama, it is recommended that you use a wide-angle lens.  
• When you use a lens that has a long focal length, pan or tilt the camera  
more slowly than when you use a wide-angle lens.  
• Determine the scene and press the shutter button halfway, so that you can  
lock the focus, exposure, and white balance.  
• If a section with greatly varied shapes or scenery is concentrated along a  
screen edge, the image composition may fail. In such case, adjust the  
frame composition so that the section is in the center of the image, then  
shoot again.  
• You can select the image size: MENU button t  
2 t [Panorama:  
Size].  
To create 3D-images  
Set the mode dial to  
(Sweep Shooting), select [3D Sweep Panorama],  
and shoot the image. Using the same operation as that for Sweep Panorama,  
the camera records multiple images and combines them to create a 3D-  
image. You can view these 3D images using a 3D-compatible TV. For  
details on 3D-shooting, see page 198.  
To set the pan or tilt direction  
You can set the direction in which to pan or tilt the camera.  
MENU button t  
2 t [Panorama: Direction] or [3D Pan.:  
Direction] t Select the desired setting  
68  
   
Shooting continuously at high speed (Continuous  
Advance Priority AE)  
This mode is suitable for  
zShooting a fast-moving subject  
continuously to capture a moment.  
zShooting a child’s expressions,  
changing continuously from moment  
to moment.  
1 Set the mode dial to  
(Cont. Priority AE).  
(SLT-A55/A55V) or  
(SLT-A33)  
2 Adjust the focus and shoot the subjects.  
• The camera continues to shoot while the shutter button is pressed fully  
down.  
• The camera records the images continuously at a maximum of about 10  
images per second (SLT-A55/A55V) or at a maximum of about 7 images  
per second (SLT-A33).  
Shooting technique  
• When the autofocus mode is set to [Continuous AF], the focus and the  
exposure continue to be adjusted during shooting. When it is set to  
[Single-shot AF], you can adjust the aperture using the control dial. The  
focus is fixed at the first image.  
Notes  
• The Face Detection function is turned off.  
• When [Auto HDR] is selected, the DRO process is performed temporarily according  
to the DRO setting.  
• Our measurement conditions. The speed of continuous shooting is slower,  
depending on shooting conditions.  
69  
 
Shooting an image the way you want it  
(Exposure mode)  
With an Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera, you can adjust the shutter  
speed (how long the shutter is open) and aperture (the range that is in focus:  
depth of field) to enjoy a variety of photographic expressions.  
Adjusting the shutter speed and aperture not only creates the photographic  
effects of movement and focus, but also determines the brightness of the  
image by controlling the amount of exposure (the amount of light the  
camera takes in), which is the most important factor in photo shooting.  
Changing the brightness of the picture by the amount of exposure  
Amount of  
exposure  
low  
high  
When using a faster shutter speed, the camera opens the shutter for a  
shorter time. This means less time for the camera to take in light, resulting  
in a darker picture. To take a brighter picture, you can open the aperture  
(the hole through which the light passes) to some extent in order to adjust  
the amount of light the camera takes in at one time.  
The brightness of the picture adjusted by the shutter speed and aperture is  
called “exposure.”  
This section will show you how to adjust the exposure and enjoy various  
photo expressions by the use of movement, focus, and light.  
70  
 
Shooting with program auto  
This mode is suitable for  
zUsing the automatic exposure, while  
keeping the custom settings for ISO  
sensitivity, Creative Style, D-Range  
optimizer, etc.  
1 Set the mode dial to P.  
2 Set the shooting functions to your desired settings (pages 85 to  
• To fire the flash, press the button.  
3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.  
71  
 
Shooting by controlling the blur of the background  
(Aperture priority)  
This mode is suitable for  
zPutting 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.)  
zShooting the depth of the scenery.  
Narrowing down the aperture widens  
the range that is in focus. (Depth of  
field becomes deeper.)  
1 Set the mode dial to A.  
72  
 
2 Select the aperture value (F-  
number) with the control dial.  
• Smaller F-number: The foreground and  
background of the subject are blurred.  
Larger F-number: The subject and its  
foreground and background are all in  
focus.  
• You cannot check the blurring of an  
image on the LCD monitor or in the  
viewfinder. Check the recorded image  
and adjust the aperture.  
Aperture (F-number)  
3 Adjust the focus and shoot the  
subject.  
The shutter speed is automatically  
adjusted to obtain correct exposure.  
• When the camera judges that the proper  
exposure is not obtained with the  
selected aperture value, the shutter  
speed flashes. In such cases, adjust the  
aperture again.  
Shutter speed  
Shooting techniques  
• 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, use a telephoto lens or a lens that is  
equipped with a smaller aperture value (bright lens).  
• You can check the approximate blurring of the image before recording  
using the preview button.  
Note  
• Press the button when you shoot with the flash. However, the flash range differs  
according to the aperture value. When you shoot with the flash, check the flash range  
73  
 
To check blurring of the background (Preview button)  
The LCD monitor and the viewfinder  
shows an image captured with the widest  
aperture. The change in aperture affects  
the sharpness of the subject image,  
creating a discrepancy between the  
sharpness of the image before shooting  
and that of the actual image.  
Preview button  
While you are pressing the preview  
button, you can see the image with the  
aperture used in the actual shot so that  
you can check the approximate sharpness  
of the subject before shooting.  
• Press the preview button after you adjust the focus.  
• You can adjust the aperture in preview mode.  
74  
 
Shooting a moving subject with various expressions  
(Shutter speed priority)  
This mode is suitable for  
zShooting a moving subject at a  
moment in time. Use a faster shutter  
speed to crisply shoot an instant of  
the movement.  
zTracing the movement to express the  
dynamism and flow. Use a slower  
shutter speed to shoot a trailing  
image of the moving subject.  
1 Set the mode dial to S.  
75  
 
2 Select the shutter speed with the  
control dial.  
Shutter speed  
3 Adjust the focus and shoot the  
subject.  
The aperture is automatically adjusted to  
obtain correct exposure.  
• When the camera judges that the proper  
exposure is not obtained with the  
selected shutter speed, the aperture  
value flashes. In such cases, adjust the  
shutter speed again.  
Aperture (F-number)  
Shooting techniques  
• When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod.  
• When shooting an indoor sport, select a higher ISO sensitivity.  
Notes  
• The  
(Camera shake warning) indicator is not indicated in shutter speed priority  
mode.  
• The higher the ISO sensitivity, the more conspicuous the noise.  
• When the shutter speed is one second or more, noise reduction (Long Exposure NR)  
will be done after shooting. You cannot do any further shooting during the reduction.  
• Press the button when you shoot with the flash. However, when using the flash, if  
you close the aperture (a larger F-number) by making the shutter speed slower, the  
light of the flash will not reach distant subjects.  
76  
Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually (Manual  
exposure)  
This mode is suitable for  
zShooting 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 the aperture.  
button  
Aperture (F-number)  
Shutter speed  
77  
 
3 Shoot the image after the  
exposure is set.  
• Check the exposure value on the EV  
scale (Metered Manual*).  
Toward +: Images become brighter.  
Toward –: Images become darker.  
The b B arrow appears if the set  
exposure is beyond the range of the EV  
scale. The arrow starts flashing if the  
difference becomes greater.  
Standard value  
* When the camera is in M mode, it will  
show an under or over compensation  
value based on the correct exposure  
using the index on the exposure  
compensation indicator.  
Notes  
• 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 set to [100]. In M mode,  
the ISO setting [AUTO] is not available. Set the ISO sensitivity as necessary  
• Press the button when you shoot with the flash. However, the flash range differs  
according to the aperture value. When you shoot with the flash, check the flash range  
Manual shift  
You can change the shutter speed and aperture value combination without  
changing the exposure you set.  
Rotate the control dial while pressing the  
AEL button to select the shutter speed  
and aperture value combination.  
AEL button  
78  
     
Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB)  
This mode is suitable for  
zShooting trails of light, such as  
fireworks.  
zShooting 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  
79  
 
4 Press the shutter button halfway down to adjust the focus.  
5 Press and hold the shutter button for the duration of the  
shooting.  
As long as the shutter button is pressed, the shutter remains open.  
Shooting techniques  
• Use a tripod.  
• Set the focus to infinity in manual focus mode when shooting fireworks,  
etc. When the infinity position of the lens is not known, first adjust the  
focus on fireworks that is set off in the same general area, then shoot  
them.  
• Use the Wireless Remote Commander (sold separately) (page 120).  
Pressing the SHUTTER button on the Wireless Remote Commander  
triggers BULB shooting and pressing it again stops BULB shooting. You  
do not need to press and hold the SHUTTER button on the Wireless  
Remote Commander.  
• If you use a Remote Commander that is equipped with a shutter button  
lock function (sold separately), you can leave the shutter open using the  
Remote Commander.  
Notes  
• When using a tripod, turn off the SteadyShot function (page 57).  
• The longer the exposure time, the more conspicuous the noise on the image.  
• After shooting, noise reduction (Long Exposure NR) will be done for the same  
amount of time that the shutter was open. You cannot do any further shooting during  
the reduction.  
• When the Smile Shutter or Auto HDR function is activated, you cannot set the  
shutter speed to [BULB].  
• If the Smile Shutter or Auto HDR function is used with the shutter speed set to  
[BULB], the shutter speed is temporarily set to 30 seconds.  
• It is recommended that you start BULB shooting after the temperature of the camera  
drops to prevent the quality of the image from deteriorating.  
80  
 
Recording movies  
MOVIE button  
1 Press the MOVIE button to start  
recording.  
• Movie recording can be started from  
any exposure mode.  
• The shutter speed and aperture are  
adjusted automatically.  
• The camera continues to adjust the  
focus when it is in autofocus mode.  
2 Press the MOVIE button again to stop recording.  
Shooting techniques  
• The following settings that were set during still image shooting are used  
without change.  
– White Balance  
– Creative Style  
– Exposure compensation  
– AF area  
– Metering mode  
• Exposure compensation can be used during movie recording.  
• Start recording after you adjust the focus.  
• When [AF area] is set to [Local], you can change the AF area during  
shooting.  
Notes  
• The angle of view of movies is narrower than that of still images. After you press the  
MOVIE button, the camera shows the actual range to be recorded (SLT-A33 only).  
• The Face Detection function cannot be used.  
• When [Display Rec. Data] is set to [For viewfinder], the LCD monitor is switched to  
the recording information display at the moment movie recording starts.  
• Do not shoot a strong light source, such as the sun. The internal mechanism of the  
camera may be damaged.  
• When you import AVCHD movies to a computer, use “PMB” (page 165).  
81  
 
• When you continue to shoot for a long time, the temperature of the camera rises and  
the image quality may deteriorate.  
• When the  
mark is indicated, the temperature of the camera is too high. Turn the  
camera off and wait until the temperature of the camera drops. If you continue to  
shoot, the camera is turned off automatically.  
To change the movie file format  
MENU button t  
1 t [Movie: File Format] t Select the  
desired format  
AVCHD  
This file format is suitable for viewing smooth video images  
on a high-definition TV.  
Movies shot with this camera are recorded in AVCHD  
format, approximately 60 fields/sec (1080 60i-compatible  
devices) or 50 fields/sec (1080 50i-compatible devices), in  
interlace mode, with Dolby Digital audio, AVCHD format.  
• To check if your camera is a 1080 60i-compatible device or  
1080 50i-compatible device, check for the following marks  
on the bottom of the camera.  
1080 60i-compatible device: 60i  
1080 50i-compatible device: 50i  
MP4  
This file format is suitable for WEB uploads, e-mail  
attachments or playing back on computers.  
Movies shot with this camera are recorded in MPEG-4  
format at approximately 30 frames/sec (1080 60i-compatible  
devices) or approximately 25 frames/sec (1080 50i-  
compatible devices), in progressive mode, with AAC audio,  
mp4 format.  
Audio recording  
When you record movies, the operating noise of the camera or lens may be  
recorded. You can reduce the noise of the camera by using a tripod, and  
setting the SteadyShot function to off.  
You can also record movies without audio.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Movie: Audio Rec.] t [Off]  
82  
   
To change the size  
MENU button t  
1 t [Movie: Size] t Select the desired  
size  
For details, see page 142.  
Available recording time for a movie  
The table below shows the approximate total recording times using a  
memory card formatted with this camera.  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
SLT-A55/A55V  
(Units: hour : minute : second)  
Capacity  
File  
2GB  
4GB  
8GB  
16GB  
32GB  
format/  
Size  
AVCHD 1920 ×  
1080  
0:14:00  
0:28:30  
0:58:10  
1:58:50  
3:55:20  
MP4 1440 × 1080  
MP4 VGA  
0:20:40  
1:15:10  
0:41:40  
2:31:10  
1:24:40  
5:06:20  
2:52:30  
5:41:00  
10:23:50  
20:33:00  
SLT-A33  
(Units: hour : minute : second)  
Capacity  
File  
2GB  
4GB  
8GB  
16GB  
32GB  
format/  
Size  
AVCHD 1920 ×  
1080  
0:14:00  
0:28:30  
0:58:10  
1:58:50  
3:55:20  
MP4 1440 × 1080  
MP4 VGA  
0:20:40  
1:15:10  
0:41:40  
2:31:10  
1:24:40  
5:06:20  
2:52:30  
5:41:00  
10:23:50  
20:33:00  
Notes  
• The values shown are not the continuous recording time.  
• Recording time may depend on shooting conditions and the memory card used.  
• When is indicated, stop recording the movie. The temperature inside the camera  
has increased to an unacceptable level.  
• For details on movie playback, see page 122.  
83  
 
Notes on continuous movie recording  
• Each continuous recording time value indicated is depending on the temperature or  
status of the camera.  
• The recording time is longer when you disable the SteadyShot function that calls for  
using a tripod or a similar device.  
• Each continuous recording time limit indicated for a movie is available for about  
nine minutes (SLT-A55/A55V) or for about 11 minutes (SLT-A33) at a room  
temperature of 20°C (68°F). When you disable the SteadyShot function, it is  
available for about 29 minutes (SLT-A55/A55V/A33).  
• If  
is indicated or the camera is turned off automatically since the temperature  
inside the camera is too high, you can record movies again after turning off the  
camera for several minutes.  
• The maximum size of a movie file is about 2 GB. When the file size is about 2 GB,  
the recording stops automatically when the file format is MP4, and a new movie file  
is created automatically when the file format is AVCHD.  
• The maximum continuous recording time is 29 minutes.  
84  
 
Using the shooting function  
Selecting the focus method  
There are two methods for adjusting the focus: autofocus and manual focus.  
Depending on the lens, the method for switching between the auto focus  
and manual focus is different.  
The switch to be To switch to auto  
used focus  
To switch to manual  
focus  
The type of lens  
The lens is  
equipped with a  
focus mode switch switch on the  
camera to AF.)  
Lens (Always set Set the focus mode Set the focus mode  
the focus mode switch on the lens to switch on the lens to  
AF. MF.  
The lens is not  
equipped with a  
focus mode switch  
Camera  
Set the focus mode Set the focus mode  
switch on the camera switch on the camera  
to AF.  
to MF.  
Using autofocus  
1 Set the focus mode switch on the  
camera to AF.  
2 When the lens is equipped with  
the focus mode switch, set it to  
AF.  
85  
     
3 Press the shutter button halfway  
down to check the focus and shoot  
the image.  
• When the focus is confirmed, the focus  
indicator changes to z or  
(below).  
• The AF area where the focus has been  
confirmed turns green.  
AF area  
Focus indicator  
Shooting technique  
• To select the AF area used for focusing, set up [AF area] (page 89).  
Focus indicator  
Focus indicator  
Status  
z lit  
Focus locked. Ready to shoot.  
lit  
Focus is confirmed. Focal point moves following a moving  
subject. Ready to shoot.  
lit  
Still focusing. You cannot release the shutter.  
Cannot focus. The shutter is locked.  
z flashing  
Subjects that may require special focusing  
Using the autofocus, it is hard to focus on the following subjects. In such  
cases, use the focus lock shooting feature (page 87) or manual focus  
• A subject that is low in contrast, such as blue sky or a white wall.  
• Two subjects at different distances overlapping in the AF area.  
• A subject that is composed of repeating patterns, such as the facade of a  
building.  
• A subject that is very bright or glittering, such as the sun, the body of an  
automobile, or the surface of water.  
• Ambient light is not sufficient.  
86  
   
To measure the exact distance to the subject  
The mark located on the top of the  
camera shows the location of the image  
sensor*. When you measure the exact  
distance between the camera and the  
subject, refer to the position of the  
horizontal line.  
* The image sensor is the part of the  
camera that acts as the film.  
Note  
• If the subject is closer than the minimum shooting distance of the attached lens, the  
focus cannot be confirmed. Make sure you put enough distance between the subject  
and the camera.  
Shooting with your desired composition (Focus-lock)  
1 Place the subject within the AF  
area and press the shutter button  
halfway down.  
The focus and exposure are fixed.  
2 Keep the shutter button halfway  
down, and put the subject back in  
the original position to re-  
compose the shot.  
3 Press the shutter button fully down to take the picture.  
87  
     
Selecting the focus method to suit the movement of the  
subject (Autofocus Mode)  
Fn button t  
(Autofocus Mode) t Select the desired setting  
(Single-shot  
AF)  
The camera focuses and the focus is locked when you press  
the shutter button halfway down.  
(Automatic AF) The [Autofocus Mode] is switched between Single-shot AF  
and Continuous AF according to the movement of the  
subject.  
When you press and hold the shutter button halfway down, if  
the subject is motionless, the focus is locked and if the  
subject is in motion, the camera continues to focus.  
(Continuous  
The camera continues to focus while the shutter button is  
pressed and held halfway down.  
AF)  
• The audio signals will not sound when the subject is in  
focus.  
• Focus-lock cannot be used.  
Shooting techniques  
• Use [Single-shot AF] when the subject is motionless.  
• Use [Continuous AF] when the subject is in motion.  
Notes  
• [Automatic AF] is selected when the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+ or one  
of the following Scene Selection modes: [Portrait], [Landscape], [Sunset], [Night  
View], [Night Portrait], or [Hand-held Twilight].  
[Single-shot AF] is selected when the exposure mode is set to [Macro] in Scene  
Selection.  
[Continuous AF] is selected when the exposure mode is set to [Sports Action] in  
Scene Selection.  
• [Continuous AF] is selected when the Smile Shutter function is used.  
88  
 
Selecting the focus area (AF area)  
Select the desired AF area to suit the  
shooting conditions or your preference.  
The AF area where the focus has been  
confirmed turns green and the other AF  
areas disappear.  
AF area  
Fn button t  
(Wide)  
(AF area) t Select the desired setting  
The camera determines which of the 15 AF areas is used in  
focusing.  
(Spot)  
The camera uses the AF area located in the center area  
exclusively.  
(Local)  
Choose the area for which you want to activate the focus  
from among 15 AF areas with the control button. Press the  
AF button to display the setup screen and select the desired  
area.  
Notes  
• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, Sweep Panorama or Scene  
Selection, or the Smile Shutter is activated, [AF area] is fixed to [Wide] and you  
cannot select the other settings.  
• The AF area may not be illuminated during continuous shooting or when the shutter  
button is pressed all the way down without pause.  
89  
   
Adjusting the focus manually (Manual focus)  
When it is difficult to get the proper focus in autofocus mode, you can  
adjust the focus manually.  
1 Set the focus mode switch on the  
lens to MF.  
2 When the lens is not equipped  
with the focus mode switch, set  
the focus mode switch on the  
camera to MF.  
3 Rotate the focusing ring of the  
lens to achieve a sharp focus.  
Focusing  
ring  
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 area is used, the center area is  
used, and when the Local AF area is used, the area that is selected with the control  
button is used.  
• When using a tele converter (sold separately), etc., rotation of the focusing ring may  
not be smooth.  
• The correct focus in the viewfinder is not achieved if the diopter is not adjusted  
properly in viewfinder mode (page 29).  
90  
   
Checking the focus by enlarging the image  
You can check the focus by enlarging the image before shooting.  
1 MENU button t  
1 t [Focus Magnifier] t [On]  
2 Press the Focus Magnifier button.  
Focus Magnifier button  
3 Press the Focus Magnifier button  
again to enlarge the image and  
select the portion you want to  
enlarge with v/V/b/B on the  
control button.  
• Each time you press the Focus  
Magnifier button, the zoom scaling  
changes as follows: Full display t  
Approx. ×7.5 t Approx. ×15 (SLT-  
A55/A55V)/Full display t Approx.  
×7 t Approx. ×14 (SLT-A33)  
4 Confirm and adjust the focus.  
• Rotate the focusing ring to adjust the focus in manual focus mode.  
• If you press the AF button in autofocus mode, the Focus Magnifier function  
is canceled and the autofocus is activated.  
• The Focus Magnifier function is canceled if you press the shutter button  
halfway down.  
91  
 
5 Press the shutter button fully down to shoot the image.  
• You can record images when an image is enlarged, however the recorded  
image is for full display.  
• The Focus Magnifier function will be released after shooting.  
92  
Detecting faces  
Using the Face Detection function  
The camera detects faces, adjusts the focus, exposure, performs image  
processing, and adjusts flash settings. The Face Detection function is set to  
[On] in the default setting.  
The Face Detection frame  
When the camera detects faces, white  
Face Detection frames appear. When the  
camera judges that autofocus is possible,  
the Face Detection frames turn orange.  
When you press the shutter button  
halfway down, the Face Detection frames  
Face Detection frames  
(white)  
turn green.  
• If a face is not positioned inside the AF  
area available when you press the  
shutter button halfway down, the AF  
area that is used for focusing turns  
green.  
Face Detection frames (orange)  
• When the camera detects multiple  
faces, the camera automatically selects  
a priority face and the single Face  
Detection frame turns orange.  
To deactivate the Face Detection function  
Fn button t  
(Face Detection) t [Off]  
Shooting technique  
• Compose to overlay the Face Detection frame and the AF area.  
Notes  
• When the exposure mode is Sweep Panorama, Continuous Advance Priority AE, or  
during movie recording, the Face Detection function cannot be used.  
93  
   
• Up to eight faces can be detected.  
• The camera may not detect any faces, or may detect some other object, depending on  
the shooting conditions.  
Capturing smiling faces (Smile Shutter)  
When the camera detects a smile, the shutter is released automatically.  
1 Fn button t  
(Smile Shutter) t [On] t Select the  
desired Smile Detection Sensitivity mode  
• When the Smile Shutter is activated, the Smile Detection Sensitivity  
indicator appears on the screen.  
2 Wait detecting a smile.  
The camera detects a smile and the focus  
is confirmed. When the smile level  
exceeds the b point on the indicator, the  
camera records images automatically.  
• When the camera detects faces, orange  
Face Detection frames appear around  
the faces. The Face Detection frames  
turn green when these subjects come  
into focus.  
Face Detection frame  
Smile Detection Sensitivity indicator  
• The smile level of the face surrounded  
by the double Face Detection frame is  
indicated on the Smile Detection  
Sensitivity indicator.  
3 To stop shooting, Fn button t  
(Smile Shutter) t [Off]  
Smile Detection Sensitivity  
You can set the sensitivity of the Smile Shutter function for detecting  
smiles to one of the following three options: (Slight Smile),  
(Normal Smile), and (Big Smile).  
94  
 
Shooting techniques  
• To focus on the smile, overlay the Face Detection frame and AF area.  
• Do not cover the eyes with bangs, etc. Keep the eyes narrowed.  
• Do not obscure the face with a hat, a mask, sunglasses, etc.  
• 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 while the Smile Shutter function is  
activated, the camera shoots the image, and then returns to Smile Shutter.  
Notes  
• When the exposure mode is set to Sweep Panorama or Continuous Advance Priority  
AE, the Smile Shutter function cannot be used.  
• The drive mode is automatically set to [Single-shot Adv.].  
• The AF illuminator does not work with the Smile Shutter function.  
• If the camera does not detect a smile, change the settings for Smile Detection  
Sensitivity.  
• Smiles may not be detected correctly, depending on the shooting conditions.  
95  
Using the flash  
In a dark location, using the flash allows you to shoot the subject brightly,  
and it also helps to prevent camera shake. When shooting into the sun, you  
can use the flash to shoot a bright image of the backlit subject.  
1 Fn button t (Flash Mode) t Select the desired setting  
button  
2 Press the button.  
The flash pops up.  
• In AUTO, AUTO+ or Scene Selection  
mode, the flash automatically pops up  
if the amount of light is insufficient or  
the subject is backlit. The built-in flash  
does not pop up even if you press the  
button.  
3 After the flash has finished  
charging, shoot the subject.  
z Flashing: The flash is being charged.  
When the indicator flashes, you cannot  
release the shutter.  
z Lit: The flash has been charged and is  
ready to fire.  
z (Flash charging) indicator  
• When you press the shutter button  
halfway down under dark lighting in  
autofocus mode, the flash may be fired  
to help focus on a subject (AF  
Illuminator).  
z is indicated only in the recording  
information display (For Live View)  
mode.  
96  
 
(Flash Off)  
(Autoflash)  
(Fill-flash)  
(Slow Sync.)  
Does not fire even the built-in flash pops up.  
Fires if it is dark or against light.  
Fires every time you trigger the shutter.  
Fires every time you trigger the shutter. Slow sync shooting  
allows you to shoot a clear image of both the subject and the  
background by slowing the shutter speed.  
(Rear Sync.)  
(Wireless)  
Fires right before the exposure is completed everytime you  
trigger the shutter.  
Fires an external flash (sold separately) that is off the camera  
and away from it (Wireless flash shooting).  
Shooting techniques  
• The lens hood (sold separately) may block the light of the flash. Remove  
the lens hood when using the flash.  
• When using the flash, shoot the subject at a distance of 1 m (3.3 feet) or  
greater.  
• When shooting indoors or shooting nightscapes, you can use slow sync to  
shoot a brighter image of people and backgrounds.  
• You can use rear sync to shoot a natural image of the trail of a moving  
subject such as a moving bicycle or a walking person.  
• 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, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the flash.  
Notes  
• Do not hold the camera by grabbing the flash emitter.  
• Shooting conditions required to prevent shadows from appearing on an image vary,  
depending on the lens.  
• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, or Scene Selection, the [Slow  
Sync.], [Rear Sync.], and [Wireless] items cannot be selected.  
• When the exposure mode is set to P, A, S, M, the [Flash Off] or [Autoflash] items  
cannot be selected. If you do not want to use the flash, push the flash down.  
• If you use the flash with a stereo microphone or similar device attached to the Auto-  
lock Accessory shoe, the flash may not pop up to the correct position and recorded  
images may have a shadow on their corners. Remove any device from the Auto-lock  
Accessory shoe.  
97  
 
The flash range  
The range of the built-in flash depends on the ISO sensitivity and aperture  
value. Refer to the following table.  
Aperture  
F2.8  
1 – 3.6 m (3.3 – 12 1 – 2.5 m (3.3 – 8.2 1 – 1.8 m (3.3 – 5.9  
feet) feet) feet)  
1 – 5.1 m (3.3 – 17 1 – 3.5 m (3.3 – 12 1 – 2.5 m (3.3 – 8.3  
F4.0  
F5.6  
ISO  
setting  
100  
200  
400  
800  
feet)  
feet)  
feet)  
1.4 – 7.1 m (4.7 – 23 1 – 5 m (3.3 – 16  
1 – 3.6 m (3.3 – 12  
feet)  
feet)  
feet)  
2 – 10 m (6.6 – 33  
feet)  
1.4 – 7.1 m (4.6 – 23 1 – 5.1 m (3.3 – 17  
feet) feet)  
The AF illuminator  
• AF illuminator does not operate when [Autofocus Mode] is set to  
(Continuous AF) or the subject is moving in (Automatic AF).  
or indicator lights.)  
(The  
• The AF illuminator may not operate with focal lengths of 300 mm or longer.  
• When an external flash (sold separately) that is equipped with an AF  
illuminator is attached, the AF illuminator of the external flash is used.  
• AF illuminator does not operate when [Smile Shutter] is set to [On].  
To deactivate the AF illuminator  
MENU button t  
2 t [AF Illuminator] t [Off]  
To use the red-eye reduction  
The red-eye reduction reduces the red-eye phenomenon by providing pre-  
flash (low-flash light) a few times before shooting when using the flash.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Red Eye Reduction] t [On]  
98  
       
Performing wireless flash shooting  
With a flash that has a wireless shooting function (sold separately), you can  
shoot with the flash without a cord, even when the flash is not attached to  
the camera. By changing the position of the flash, you can shoot an image  
with a three dimensional feel by highlighting the contrast of light and  
shadow on the subject.  
For the actual steps of shooting, refer to the operating instructions of the  
flash.  
1 Attach the wireless flash to the Auto-lock Accessory shoe and  
turn both the camera and the flash on.  
2 Fn button t (Flash Mode) t (Wireless)  
3 Remove the wireless flash from the Auto-lock Accessory shoe  
and pop up the built-in flash.  
• If you perform a test fire of the flash, press the AEL button.  
Notes  
• The camera cannot carry out the wireless lighting ratio control.  
• Turn off the wireless flash mode after wireless flash shooting. If the built-in flash is  
used while the wireless flash mode is still active, inaccurate flash exposures will  
result.  
• Change the channel of the external flash when another photographer is using a  
wireless flash nearby and his/her built-in flash light causes your external flash to fire.  
To change the channel of the external flash, refer to the operating instructions  
supplied with it.  
Setup of the AEL button  
When using a wireless flash, it is recommended that you set [AEL button]  
to [AEL hold] in the  
Custom menu (page 150).  
99  
 
Adjusting the brightness of the image  
(Exposure, Flash compensation,  
Metering)  
Shooting with fixed brightness (AE Lock)  
When shooting into the sun or by a window, the exposure may not be  
appropriate for the subject because of the big difference in lighting between  
the subject and the background. In such cases, use the light meter where the  
subject is bright enough and lock the exposure before shooting. To reduce  
the brightness of the subject, point the camera forwards a spot that is  
brighter than the subject and use the light meter to lock the exposure of the  
entire image. To make the subject brighter, point the camera forwards a  
spot that is darker than the subject and use the light meter to lock the  
exposure of the entire image.  
This section describes how to shoot a brighter image of the subject using  
the (Spot).  
The spot where you  
lock the exposure.  
1 Fn button t (Metering Mode) t (Spot)  
2 Adjust the focus on the portion you want to lock the exposure.  
The exposure is set when the focus is achieved.  
100  
     
AEL button  
3 Press the AEL button to lock the  
exposure.  
(AE lock mark) appears.  
4 While pressing the AEL button, focus on the subject, and shoot  
the subject.  
• If you continue to shoot with the same exposure value, press and hold the  
AEL button after the shooting. The setting is canceled when the button is  
released.  
Using brightness compensation for the entire image  
(Exposure compensation)  
Except for exposure mode M, the exposure is automatically selected  
(Automatic exposure).  
Based on the exposure acquired by the automatic exposure, you can  
perform exposure compensation by shifting the exposure to either the +  
side or the – side, depending on your preference. You can make the entire  
image brighter by shifting to the + side. The entire image becomes darker  
when you shift it to the – side.  
Adjust in the –  
direction  
Base exposure  
Adjust in the +  
direction  
101  
 
button  
1 Press the  
button.  
2 Adjust the exposure with the  
control dial.  
Toward + (over): Brightens an image.  
Toward – (under): Darkens an image.  
Standard exposure  
3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.  
Shooting techniques  
• Adjust the compensation level by checking the recorded image.  
• Using bracket shooting, you can shoot multiple images with the exposure  
shifted to the plus or minus sides (page 118).  
Note  
• This item cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, or Scene  
Selection.  
To shoot while checking the screen using the histogram  
The histogram displays the luminance  
distribution that shows how many pixels  
of a particular brightness exist in the  
picture.  
Dark  
Light  
102  
 
MENU button t  
2 t [Histogram] t [On]  
• Instead of the Graphic Display, the histogram is displayed after you press  
DISP on the control button several times.  
The exposure compensation will change  
the histogram accordingly. The right  
illustration is an example.  
Shooting with the exposure  
compensation on the positive side  
brightens the whole picture, making the  
entire histogram shift to the bright side  
(right side). If the exposure compensation  
is applied on the negative side, the  
histogram will shift to the other side.  
Both ends of the histogram show a high-  
key or low-key portion. It is impossible to  
restore these area with a computer later.  
Adjust the exposure if necessary and  
shoot again.  
Notes  
• The histogram does not indicate the final recorded image. It indicates the condition  
of the image just monitored on the screen. The histogram will differ based on  
aperture setting, etc.  
• The histogram differs between shooting and playback in the following situations:  
– When firing the flash.  
– When the subject has low intensity, such as night scenery.  
Adjusting the amount of flash light (Flash Compensation)  
When shooting with the flash, you can adjust the amount of flash light  
alone, without changing the exposure compensation. You can only change  
the exposure of a main subject which is within the flash range.  
103  
 
Fn button t (Flash Compensation) t Select the desired  
setting  
Toward +: Makes the flash level higher.  
Toward –: Makes the flash level lower.  
Notes  
• This item cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, Sweep  
Panorama, or Scene Selection.  
• The higher flash effect may not be visible due to the limited amount of flash light, if  
the subject is outside the maximum range of the flash. If the subject is very close, the  
lower flash effect may not be visible.  
Exposure compensation and flash compensation  
Exposure compensation changes the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity (when  
[AUTO] is selected) to perform the compensation. If the flash is used, the amount of  
flash light is also changed.  
However, flash compensation only changes the amount of flash light.  
Selecting the flash control mode to set the amount of flash  
light (Flash control)  
MENU button t  
2 t [Flash control] t Select the desired  
setting  
ADI flash  
This method controls the lighting of the flash, factoring in the  
focus distance information and light metering data from the  
pre-flash. This method enables an accurate flash  
compensation with virtually no effect from the reflection off  
the subject.  
Pre-flash TTL  
This method controls the amount of flash light depending on  
the data only from pre-flash light metering. This method is  
susceptible to the reflection off the subject.  
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 perform more accurate flash compensation by using  
more accurate distance information.  
104  
 
Notes  
• When the distance between the subject and the external flash (sold separately)  
cannot be determined (wireless flash shooting using an external flash (sold  
separately), shooting with an off-camera flash using a cable, shooting with a macro  
twin flash, etc.), the camera automatically selects Pre-flash TTL mode.  
• Select [Pre-flash TTL] in the following cases, as the camera cannot perform flash  
compensations with ADI flash.  
– A wide panel is attached to the HVL-F36AM flash.  
– A diffuser is used for flash shooting.  
– A filter with an exposure factor, such as an ND filter, is used.  
– A close-up lens is used.  
• ADI flash is only available in combination with a lens that is provided with a  
distance encoder. To determine if the lens is equipped with a distance encoder, refer  
to the operating instructions supplied with the lens.  
Selecting the method for measuring the brightness of a  
subject (Metering Mode)  
Fn button t (Metering Mode) t Select the desired mode  
(Multi segment) This mode measures light on each area after dividing the total  
area into multiple areas and determines the proper exposure  
of the entire screen.  
(Center weighted) While emphasizing the central area of the screen, this mode  
measures the average brightness of the entire screen.  
(Spot)  
This mode measures light only in the spot metering circle  
located in the center area.  
Shooting techniques  
• Use [Multi segment] metering for general shooting.  
• When there is a high contrast subject in the AF area, measure the light of  
the subject you want to shoot with the optimal exposure using the spot  
metering function and take advantage of an AE lock shooting (page 100).  
Note  
• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, or Scene Selection, [Metering  
Mode] is fixed to [Multi segment] and you cannot select other modes.  
105  
 
Setting ISO  
Sensitivity to light is expressed by the ISO number (recommended  
exposure index). The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity.  
1 Press ISO on the control button to  
display the ISO screen.  
2 Select the desired setting with v/V on the control button.  
• The larger the number, the higher the noise level.  
• If you select [Multi Frame NR], select the desired value with b/B.  
Notes  
• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, Sweep Panorama, or Scene  
Selection, ISO is fixed to AUTO and you cannot select other ISO numbers.  
• When the exposure mode is set to P/A/S and ISO is set to [AUTO], ISO is  
automatically set between ISO 100 and ISO 1600.  
• The [AUTO] setting is not provided in exposure mode M. If you change the  
exposure mode to M with the [AUTO] setting, it is switched to [100]. Set the ISO  
according to your shooting conditions.  
Multi frame noise reduction (Multi Frame NR)  
The camera automatically shoots multiple images continuously, combines  
the images, reduces the noise, and records one image. In Multi Frame NR,  
you can select larger ISO numbers than the maximum ISO sensitivity.  
The image recorded is one combined image.  
Notes  
• Press and hold the shutter button until the continuous shooting stops.  
• When [Image: Quality] is set to [RAW] or [RAW & JPEG], this function cannot be  
used.  
• The flash, D-Range optimizer, and [Auto HDR] cannot be used.  
106  
 
Compensating for the brightness and  
contrast automatically (D-Range)  
D-RANGE button  
D-RANGE button t Select the  
desired setting  
(Off)  
Does not use the DRO/Auto HDR functions.  
(D-  
By dividing the image into small areas, the camera analyses  
the contrast of light and shadow between the subject and the  
background, producing the image with the optimal brightness  
and gradation.  
RangeOptimizer)  
(Auto HDR)  
Shoots three images with different exposures, and then  
overlays correctly exposed image, the bright areas of an  
under exposed image and the dark areas of an over exposed  
image to create an image with rich gradation.  
Two images are recorded: an image with the correct exposure  
and an overlaid image.  
Correcting the brightness of the image (D-Range  
Optimizer)  
1 D-RANGE button t  
(D-RangeOptimizer)  
2 Select an optimal level with b/B on the control button.  
(Auto)  
(Level)*  
Corrects the brightness automatically.  
Optimizes the gradations of a recorded image in each area of  
the image. Select the optimal level between Lv1 (weak) and  
Lv5 (strong).  
* Lv_ displayed with  
is the step currently selected.  
107  
   
Notes  
• The setting is fixed to [Off] when [Sunset], [Night View], [Night Portrait], or [Hand-  
held Twilight] is selected in Scene Selection. The setting is fixed to [Auto] when  
other modes are selected in Scene Selection.  
• When shooting with the D-Range optimizer, the image may be noisy. Select the  
proper level by checking the recorded image, especially when you enhance the  
effect.  
Compensating automatically with rich gradation (Auto High  
Dynamic Range)  
1 D-RANGE button t  
(Auto HDR)  
2 Select an optimal level with b/B on the control button.  
(Auto Exposure  
Diff.)  
Corrects the exposure difference automatically.  
(Exposure  
Difference Level)*  
Sets the exposure difference, based on the contrast of the  
subject. Select the optimal level between 1.0Ev (weak) and  
6.0Ev (strong).  
For example: When 2.0Ev is selected, three images are  
overlaid: an image with –1.0Ev, an image with the correct  
exposure, and an image with +1.0Ev.  
* _Ev displayed with  
is the step currently selected.  
Shooting technique  
• Since the shutter is released three times for one shot, be careful about the  
following:  
– Use this function when the subject is motionless or does not blink.  
– Do not recompose.  
Notes  
• You cannot use this function on RAW images.  
• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, Sweep Panorama, or Scene  
Selection, you cannot select [Auto HDR].  
108  
 
• You cannot select [Auto HDR] during Smile Shutter. If you turn on the Smile  
Shutter function with [Auto HDR] selected, the camera will temporarily use with the  
DRO setting.  
• You cannot start the next shoot until the capture process is completed after you  
shoot.  
• You may not obtain a desired effect depending on the luminance difference of a  
subject and the shooting conditions.  
• When the flash is used, this function has little effect.  
• When the contrast of the scene is low or when camera shake or subject blur is  
occurred, you may not obtain good HDR images. If the camera has detected a  
problem,  
is indicated on the recorded image to inform you of this situation.  
Shoot again, as necessary, paying attention to the contrast or blur.  
109  
Image processing  
Selecting your desired image processing (Creative Style)  
In addition to the desired image processing, you can adjust the exposure  
(shutter speed and aperture) as you like with [Creative Style], unlike Scene  
Selection where the camera adjusts the exposure.  
1 Fn button t  
(Creative Style) t Select the desired  
setting  
2 When you want to adjust (Contrast), (Saturation), or  
(Sharpness), select the desired item with b/B on the control  
button, then adjust the value with v/V.  
(Standard)  
(Vivid)  
For shooting various scenes with rich gradation and beautiful  
colors.  
The saturation and contrast are heightened for shooting  
striking images of colorful scenes and subjects such as  
flowers, spring greenery, blue sky, or ocean views.  
(Portrait)  
For shooting the skin color in a soft tone, ideally suited to  
shooting portraits.  
(Landscape) The saturation, contrast, and sharpness are heightened for  
shooting vivid and crisp scenery. Distant landscapes also  
stand out more.  
(Sunset)  
(Black &  
For shooting the beautiful red of the setting sun.  
For shooting images in black and white monotone.  
White)  
110  
   
(Contrast), (Saturation), and  
Creative Style item.  
(Sharpness) can be adjusted for each  
(Contrast)  
The higher the value selected, the more the difference of light  
and shadow is accentuated, thus making an impact on an  
image.  
(Saturation)  
(Sharpness)  
The higher the value selected, the more vivid the color. When  
a lower value is selected, the color of the image is restrained  
and subdued.  
Adjusts the sharpness. The higher the value selected, the  
more the contours are accentuated, and the lower the value  
selected, the more the contours are softened.  
Notes  
• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, or Scene Selection, [Creative  
Style] is fixed to [Standard] and you cannot select other settings.  
• When [Black & White] is selected, you cannot adjust the saturation.  
Changing the range of color reproduction (Color Space)  
The way colors are represented with combinations of numbers or the range  
of color reproduction is called “color space.” You can change the color  
space, depending on your purpose.  
MENU button t  
2 t [Color Space] t Select the desired  
setting  
sRGB  
This is the standard color space of the digital camera. Use  
sRGB in normal shooting, such as when you intend to print  
out the images without any modification.  
AdobeRGB  
This has a wide range of color reproduction. When a large  
part of the subject is vivid green or red, Adobe RGB is  
effective.  
• The file name of the image starts with “_DSC.”  
Notes  
• Adobe RGB is for applications or printers that support color management and  
DCF2.0 option color space. Using some applications or printers that do not support  
them may result in or print images that do not faithfully reproduce the color.  
• When displaying images that were recorded with Adobe RGB on the camera or non-  
Adobe RGB-compliant devices, the images are displayed with low saturation.  
111  
 
Adjusting the color tones (White balance)  
The color tone of the subject changes depending on the characteristics of  
the light source. The table below shows how the color tone changes based  
on various light sources, compared with a subject that appears white under  
the sunlight.  
Daylight  
Cloudy  
Fluorescent  
Incandescent  
Weather/  
lighting  
Characteristics  
of light  
White  
Bluish  
Green-tinged  
Reddish  
White balance is a feature that adjusts the color tone to approximate what  
you see. Use this feature when the color tone of the image did not come out  
as you expected, or when you want to change the color tone on purpose for  
photographic expression.  
Notes  
• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, or Scene Selection, [White  
Balance] is fixed to [Auto WB] and you cannot select other modes.  
• If the only light source available is a mercury lamp or a sodium lamp, the camera  
will not be able to acquire the accurate white balance because of the characteristics  
of the light source. Use the flash in such cases.  
Adjusting the white balance to suit a specific light source  
(Auto/Preset white balance)  
WB on the control button t Select  
the desired setting  
• When [AWB] is not selected, you can  
fine tune the color tone with b/B.  
Adjusting it toward + turns the image  
reddish and adjusting it toward – turns  
the image bluish.  
112  
   
AWB (Auto WB)  
The camera automatically detects a light source and adjusts  
the color tones.  
(Daylight)  
(Shade)  
If you select an option to suit a specific light source, the color  
tones are adjusted for the light source (preset white balance).  
(Cloudy)  
(Incandescent)  
(Fluorescent)  
(Flash)  
Shooting techniques  
• Use the white balance bracket function if you cannot get the desired color  
• When you select [5500K] (Color Temp.) or [0] (Color Filter), you can  
adjust the value to the desired value (below).  
• When you select [Custom], you can register your setting (page 114).  
Setting the color temperature and a filter effect (Color  
Temperature/Color Filter)  
WB on the control button t  
[5500K] (Color Temp.) or [0] (Color  
Filter)  
• To set the color temperature, select the  
value with b/B.  
• To set the color filter, select the  
compensation direction with b/B.  
Note  
• Since color meters are designed for film cameras, the values differ under fluorescent/  
sodium lamp/mercury lamps. We recommend that you use the custom white balance  
or do a test shooting.  
113  
 
5500K*1 (Color  
Temp.)  
Sets the white balance by the color temperature. The higher  
the number, the more reddish the image and the lower the  
number, the more bluish the image.  
0*2 (Color Filter)  
Achieves the effect of CC (Color Compensation) filters for  
photography.  
Based on using the set color temperature as the standard, the  
color can be compensated to G (Green) or M (Magenta).  
*1 The value is the color temperature value currently selected.  
*2 The value is the color filter value currently selected.  
Registering the color tones (Custom white balance)  
In a scene where the ambient light consists of multiple types of light source,  
use of custom white balance is recommended in order to accurately  
reproduce the whiteness.  
1 WB on the control button t  
(Custom)  
2 Select [  
SET] with b/B on the control button, then press the  
center of the control button.  
3 Hold the camera so that the white area fully covers the AF area  
located in the center, and then press the shutter button down.  
The shutter clicks and the calibrated values (ColorTemperature and Color  
filter) are displayed.  
4 Press the center of the control button.  
The monitor returns to the recording information display with the memorized  
custom white balance setting retained.  
• The custom white balance setting registered in this operation is effective  
until a new setting is registered.  
114  
   
Note  
• The message “Custom WB error” indicates that the value is beyond the expected  
range. (When the flash is used on a subject in close proximity or a subject with a  
bright color is in the frame.) If you register this value, the  
indicator turns yellow  
on the recording information display. You can shoot at this point, but it is  
recommended that you set the white balance again to get a more correct white  
balance value.  
To call the custom white balance setting  
WB on the control button t  
(Custom)  
Note  
• If the flash is used when the shutter button is pressed, a custom white balance is  
registered with the flash light taken into account. Take pictures with the flash in later  
shootings.  
115  
Selecting the drive mode  
This camera has six drive modes, such as single-shot advanced, and  
continuous advanced. Use them to suit your purpose.  
Shooting single shot  
This mode is for normal shooting.  
on the control button t  
(Single-shot Adv.)  
Note  
• When the exposure mode is set to [Sports Action] in Scene Selection, you cannot  
shoot single shot.  
Shooting continuously  
The camera records the images continuously at the following speeds*.  
SLT-A55/A55V  
SLT-A33  
Maximum 6 images per second  
Maximum 3 images per second  
Maximum 6 images per second  
Maximum 2.5 images per second  
* Our measurement conditions. The speed of continuous shooting is slower,  
depending on shooting conditions.  
1
on the control button t  
(Continuous adv.) t Select  
the desired speed  
2 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.  
• When you press and hold the shutter button, the recording continues.  
116  
     
The maximum number of continuous shots  
The number of continuous shooting images obtainable has an upper limit.  
SLT-A55/A55V  
28 images  
28 images  
19 images  
19 images  
SLT-A33  
14 images  
16 images  
7 images  
7 images  
Fine  
Standard  
RAW & JPEG  
RAW  
Shooting technique  
• To shoot continuously faster, set the exposure mode to Continuous  
Advance Priority AE (page 69).  
Notes  
• When  
is selected, the image recorded between the frames is displayed.  
• You cannot shoot continuously when using Scene Selection modes other than  
[Sports Action].  
• When [Face Detection] is set to [On], the speed of continuous shooting may be  
slower.  
Using the self-timer  
The 10-second self-timer is convenient when the photographer appears in a  
photo and the 2-second self-timer is convenient to reduce the camera shake.  
1
on the control button t  
(Self-timer) t Select the  
desired setting  
• The number after  
is the number of  
seconds that is currently selected.  
2 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.  
• When the self-timer is activated, audio signals and the self-timer lamp  
indicate the condition. The self-timer lamp flashes quickly and the audio  
signal sounds quickly right before the shooting.  
117  
 
To cancel the self-timer  
Press  
on the control button.  
Shooting images with the exposure shifted (Exposure  
bracket)  
– direction  
+ direction  
Base exposure  
Bracket shooting allows you to shoot several images, each with different  
degrees of exposure. Specify the value of deviation (steps) from the base  
exposure, and the camera shoots three images while automatically shifting  
the exposure. Press and hold the shutter button until the shooting stops.  
When the flash is fired, flash bracket shooting is used to shift the amount of  
flash light. To shoot, press the shutter button shot by shot.  
1
on the control button t  
(Bracket: Cont.) t Select  
the desired bracket step  
2 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.  
The base exposure is set at the first shot in the bracket.  
• Press and hold the shutter button until recording stops. In flash bracket  
shooting, press the shutter button three times.  
Notes  
• When the mode dial is set to M, the exposure is shifted by adjusting the shutter  
speed.  
• When you adjust the exposure, the exposure is shifted based on the compensated  
value.  
• The bracket cannot be used when the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+,  
Sweep Panorama, or Scene Selection.  
118  
   
The EV scale in bracket shooting  
Ambient light* bracket  
Flash bracket  
0.3 steps, three shots  
Exposure compensation 0  
0.7 steps, three shots  
Flash compensation –1.0  
LCD monitor/  
Viewfinder  
LCD monitor (When  
[Display Rec. Data] is  
set to [For viewfinder])  
Shown in the top row.  
Shown in the bottom row.  
* 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 bracket shooting, the same number of indices as the number of  
recordable images is displayed on the EV scale.  
• When the bracket shooting starts, the indices that indicate already  
recorded images start to disappear one by one.  
Shooting with white balance shifted (WB bracket)  
Based on the selected white balance, and the color temperature/color filter,  
three images are recorded with the white balance shifted.  
1
on the control button t  
(WB bracket) t Select  
the desired setting  
• When Lo is selected, it is shifted by 10  
mired*, and when Hi is selected, it is  
shifted by 20 mired.  
2 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.  
* Mired: a unit to indicate the color conversion quality in color temperature filters.  
119  
       
Shooting with the Wireless Remote Commander  
You can shoot using the SHUTTER and 2SEC (the shutter is released after  
2 seconds) buttons on the RMT-DSLR1 Wireless Remote Commander  
(sold separately). Also, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the  
Wireless Remote Commander.  
1
on the control button t  
(Remote Cdr.)  
2 Focus on the subject, point the transmitter of the Wireless  
Remote Commander to the remote sensor, and shoot the  
image.  
120  
   
Using the viewing function  
Playing back images  
The last recorded image is displayed on the LCD monitor.  
1 Press the  
button.  
button  
2 Select an image with b/B on the control button.  
To return to the shooting mode  
Press the  
button again.  
To switch the recording data display  
Press DISP on the control button.  
Each time you press DISP on the control button, the screen changes as  
follows.  
Without recording  
data  
With recording data  
Histogram display  
To select the folder to be played back  
MENU button t  
2 t [Select Folder] t Select the desired  
folder  
To select the orientation when playing back an image recorded in the  
portrait position  
MENU button t  
2 t [Playback Display] t Select the  
desired setting  
121  
           
Note  
• When you play back the image on a TV or a computer, the image will be displayed  
in the portrait position even if [Manual Rotate] is selected.  
To scroll panoramic images  
Select a panoramic image, then press the center of the control button.  
Pressing it again pauses the playback.  
3D Sweep Panorama images cannot be scrolled. Scrolling playback is not  
available for images that were recorded with [3D Pan.: Image Size] set to  
[16:9].  
Playing back movies  
1 MENU button t  
1 t [Still/Movie Select] t [Movie]  
2 Select the desired movie with b/B on the control button, then  
press the center of the control button.  
During movie playback  
To pause/resume  
To fast-forward  
Control button/control dial operation  
z
B
b
To fast-rewind  
To slow-forward  
Rotate the control dial to the right during  
pause  
To slow-reverse  
Rotate the control dial to the left during  
pause  
To adjust sound volume  
V t v/V  
To display the information  
v
To adjust the volume  
MENU button t  
2 t [Volume Settings] t Select the  
desired valve  
122  
   
To select the date of movies to be played back  
Movies are stored by date.  
MENU button t  
2 t [Select Date] t Select the desired  
date  
Note  
• Movies recorded with other devices may not be played back on this camera.  
Rotating an image  
1 Display the image you want to  
rotate, then press the  
button.  
button  
2 Press the center of the control button.  
The image is rotated counter-clockwise. When you want to do another  
rotation, repeat step 2.  
• Once you rotate the image, the image is played back in the rotated position,  
even if you turn off the power.  
To return to the normal playback screen  
Press the  
button.  
Notes  
• You cannot rotate movies.  
• When you copy rotated images to a computer, “PMB” contained on the CD-ROM  
(supplied) can display the rotated images correctly. However, the images may not be  
rotated depending on the software.  
123  
   
Enlarging images  
A still image can be enlarged for closer examination. This is convenient to  
check the focus condition of a recorded image.  
1 Display the image you want to  
enlarge, then press the button.  
button  
2 Zoom the image in or out with the  
button or button.  
• Rotating the control dial switches the  
image at the same display  
magnification. When you shoot  
multiple images with the same  
button  
composition, you can compare their  
focus conditions.  
3 Select the portion you want to enlarge with v/V/b/B on the  
control button.  
To cancel the enlarged playback  
Press the  
button so that the image returns to the normal size.  
Scaling range  
The scaling range is as follows.  
Scaling range  
Image size  
SLT-A55/A55V  
SLT-A33  
L
Approx. ×1.1 – ×11.8  
Approx. ×1.1 – ×8.8  
Approx. ×1.1 – ×6.0  
Approx. ×1.1 – ×11.8  
Approx. ×1.1 – ×8.0  
Approx. ×1.1 – ×5.5  
M
S
124  
 
Switching to the display of the image list  
MENU button t  
1 t [Image Index] t Select the desired  
number of images to be displayed on one page  
• You can also display the image list using the  
button.  
To return to the single-image screen  
Press the center of the control button when you select the desired image.  
To turn to the movie index screen  
To display movies on the image index  
screen, select  
(movie) on the tab with  
b/B on the control button, then press the  
center of the control button.  
Still image/movie switching tab  
Playing back images automatically (Slide show)  
MENU button t 1 t [Slide Show]t [Enter]  
Plays back recorded images in order (Slide show). The slide show  
automatically stops after all the images have been played back.  
• You can view the previous/next image with b/B on the control button.  
• You cannot pause the slide show.  
To end in the middle of the slide show  
Press the center of the control button.  
To choose the interval between the images in slide show  
MENU button t  
1 t [Slide Show] t [Interval] t Select  
the desired number of seconds  
To play back repeatedly  
MENU button t  
1 t [Slide Show] t [Repeat] t [On]  
125  
     
To play back movies  
You cannot play back still images and movies in the same slide show.  
Switch to a movie playback with [Still/Movie Select], then select the movie  
type.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Slide Show] t [Movie Type] t  
Select the desired movie type  
To play back 3D-images  
If you connect the camera to a 3D-compatible TV using an HDMI cable  
(sold separately), you can play back 3D-images recorded with the 3D  
Sweep Panorama mode. For details on 3D-shooting, see page 198. Also  
refer to the operating instructions supplied with the TV.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Slide Show] t [Image Type] t  
[Display 3D Only]  
126  
 
Checking the information of recorded  
images  
Each time you press DISP on the control button, the information display  
Basic information display  
Still image  
Movie  
A
Display  
DPOF3  
Indication  
Display  
Indication  
Remaining battery  
Memory card (20)  
Still image/Movie  
100% Remaining battery (22)  
100-0003 Folder - file number  
Database file full (190)/  
Database file error (190)  
2010 1 1  
Recording date  
Overheating warning  
Image size of still images  
(141)/Aspect ratio of still  
images (143)/Image size  
of panoramic images  
AVCHD  
MP4  
Image size of movies  
Image quality of still  
images (143)  
-
Protect (131)  
127  
 
B
Display  
Indication  
GPS information (SLT-  
A55V only)  
N35° 37’  
32”  
Latitude and longitude  
display (SLT-A55V only)  
W139° 44’  
31”  
2010 1 1 Date of recording  
10:37AM  
Auto HDR image  
1/125  
F3.5  
Aperture (72)  
ISO200  
3/7  
ISO sensitivity (106)  
File number/total number  
of images  
N
Playback  
Playback bar  
Counter  
5:40  
C
Display  
Indication  
Volume  
128  
Histogram display  
A
B
Display  
Indication  
Display  
Indication  
Memory card (20)  
Still image  
Histogram* (102)  
Exposure mode (59 – 80)  
(SLT-A55/A55V)/  
(SLT-A33)  
100-0003 Folder - file number  
P A  
S M  
Image size of still images  
(141)/Aspect ratio of still  
images (143)/Image size  
of panoramic images  
1/125  
F3.5  
Shutter speed (75)  
Aperture (72)  
ISO200  
ISO sensitivity (106)  
–0.3  
Exposure compensation  
Image quality of still  
images (143)  
–0.3  
Flash compensation (103)  
Metering mode (105)  
Focal length (176)  
-
Protect (131)  
35mm  
DPOF3  
DPOF set (172)  
Creative Style (110)  
Remaining battery  
warning (22)  
AWB +1 White balance (Auto,  
5500K M1 Preset, Color  
temperature, Color filter,  
100% Remaining battery (22)  
Database file full (190)/  
Database file error (190)  
Overheating warning  
D-Range Optimizer  
HDR image warning  
129  
Display  
Indication  
2010 1 1 Date of recording  
10:37AM  
3/7  
File number/total number  
of images  
* When the image has a high-key or  
low-key portion, that portion is flashed  
on the histogram display (Luminance  
limit warning).  
130  
Protecting images (Protect)  
You can protect images against accidental erasure.  
Protecting selected images/canceling the protection of the  
selected images  
1 MENU button t  
1 t [Protect] t [Multiple Img.]  
2 Select the image you want to  
protect with b/B on the control  
button, then press the center of  
the control button.  
-
A - mark appears on the selected  
image.  
• To cancel a selection, press the center  
again.  
3 To protect other images, repeat step 2.  
4 Press the MENU button.  
5 Select [Enter] with v, then press the center of the control  
button.  
To cancel the protection of all the images or movies  
You can cancel the protection of all the images in the folder currently  
selected or of all the movies with the same date.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Protect] t [Cancel All Images] or  
[Cancel All Movies]  
131  
   
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 on the control button, then press the  
center of the control button.  
Deleting the selected images  
1 MENU button t  
1 t [Delete] t [Multiple Img.]  
2 Select the images you want to  
delete with the control button,  
then press the center of the  
control button.  
A
mark appears on the selected  
image.  
Total number  
3 To delete other images, repeat step 2.  
132  
 
4 Press the MENU button.  
5 Select [Delete] with v, then press the center of the control  
button.  
Deleting all the images in the folder  
Deletes all still images in the folder. This appears during still image  
playback only.  
1 MENU button t  
1 t [Delete] t [All in Folder]  
2 Select [Delete] with v on the control button, then press the  
center of the control button.  
Deleting all the movies with the same date  
Deletes all movies of that date. This appears during movie playback only.  
1 MENU button t  
1 t [Delete] t [All in Date Rng.]  
2 Select [Delete] with v on the control button, then press the  
center of the control button.  
133  
Viewing images on a TV screen  
To view images recorded on the camera on a TV set, an HDMI cable (sold  
separately) and an HD TV equipped with an HDMI connector are required.  
1 Turn off both your camera and the 1 To the HDMI  
connector  
TV, and connect the camera to the  
TV.  
HDMI cable  
(sold separately)  
2 To the  
HDMI terminal  
2 Turn on the TV and switch the input.  
• See also the operating instructions supplied with the TV.  
3 Turn on the camera.  
Images shot with the camera appear on  
the TV screen.  
Select the desired image with b/B on the  
control button.  
• The LCD monitor on the camera does  
not turned on.  
Control button  
Notes  
• Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo.  
• Use an HDMI mini connector on one end (for the camera), and a connector suitable  
for connection to your TV on the other end.  
• Some devices may not work properly.  
134  
   
• Do not connect the output connector of the device with the HDMI terminal on the  
camera. This may cause a malfunction.  
On “PhotoTV HD”  
This camera is compatible with the “PhotoTV HD” standard.  
By connecting Sony’s PhotoTV HD-compatible devices using an HDMI  
cable, a whole new world of photos can be enjoyed in breathtaking Full HD  
quality.  
“PhotoTV HD” allows for a highly-detailed, photo-like expression of  
subtle textures and colors.  
On “<BRAVIA> Photo Map”  
This camera is compatible with the “<BRAVIA> Photo Map” standard.  
By connecting the camera to a TV that supports “<BRAVIA> Photo Map”  
using a USB cable, you can display the shooting location on the map when  
the image is recorded with the location information.  
To view 3D-images with a 3D-compatible TV  
If you connect the camera to a 3D-compatible TV using an HDMI cable  
(sold separately), you can play back 3D-images recorded with the 3D  
Sweep Panorama mode automatically. For details on 3D-shooting, see page  
198. Also refer to the operating instructions supplied with the TV.  
MENU button t  
1 t [3D Viewing]  
135  
 
Using “BRAVIA” Sync  
By connecting the camera to a TV that supports “BRAVIA” Sync using an  
HDMI cable, you can operate the camera with the TV Remote Control.  
1 Connect a TV that supports “BRAVIA” Sync to the camera  
The input is automatically switched and the image shot with the camera  
appears on the TV screen.  
2 Press the SYNC MENU button on the TV Remote Control.  
3 Operate with the buttons on the TV Remote Control.  
The items for Sync Menu  
Slide Show  
Plays back images automatically (page 125).  
Returns to the single-image screen.  
Single-image  
playback  
Still/Movie Select  
Image Index  
Selects still images or movies to be played back.  
Switches to the image index screen.  
3D Viewing  
Plays back 3D-images when connected to a 3D-compatible  
TV.  
Select Folder  
Select Date  
Delete  
Selects the folder of images to be played back.  
Selects the date of movies to be played back.  
Deletes images.  
Notes  
• The operations available are restricted when the camera is connected to a TV using  
an HDMI cable.  
• Only TVs that support “BRAVIA” Sync can provide these operations. The SYNC  
Menu operations differ depending on the TV connected. For details, refer to the  
operating instructions supplied with the TV.  
• If the camera performs unnecessary operations in response to the TV Remote  
Control when the camera is connected to another manufacturer’s TV using an HDMI  
connection, set [CTRL FOR HDMI] in the  
Setup menu to [Off].  
136  
 
To use your camera abroad  
When you view images on a TV screen, the camera and TV must use the  
same TV color system.  
NTSC system (1080 60i)  
Bahama Islands, Bolivia, Canada, Central America, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador,  
Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surinam, Taiwan, the Philippines, the U.S.A.,  
Venezuela, etc.  
PAL system (1080 50i)  
Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,  
Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New  
Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain,  
Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, Viet Nam, etc.  
PAL-M system (1080 50i)  
Brazil  
PAL-N system (1080 50i)  
Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay  
SECAM system (1080 50i)  
Bulgaria, France, Greece, Guiana, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.  
137  
Changing your setup  
GPS setting (SLT-A55V only)  
If the camera has acquired location information using the built-in GPS  
feature, this information is recorded in the images or movies at that  
location.  
Using the supplied software “PMB,” you can import images recorded with  
location information to a computer and enjoy viewing them with a map  
which shows their shooting location. See “PMB Help” for details.  
MENU button t  
1 t [GPS Settings] t [GPS On/Off] t [On]  
The indicator changes according to the strength of GPS signal reception.  
GPS indicators GPS reception status  
No indicator  
[GPS On/Off] is set to [Off].  
Your camera cannot record the location information. Use your  
camera in an open area.  
Calculating the location information. Wait until the location  
information is recordable.  
The last acquired location information will be recorded. To record  
the correct location information, use your camera in an open area.  
The current location information is recordable.  
There is a problem with the GPS feature. Turn the camera off and  
on.  
To receive a GPS signal  
• Proper triangulation is not possible indoors or near tall buildings.  
Use your camera in an open area outside, and turn on your camera again.  
• It may take several tens of seconds to several minutes to acquire the  
location information. You can shorten the positioning time by using GPS  
assist data.  
Notes  
• During take off and landing of an airplane, turn off the camera, as you will be  
instructed to do by the on-board announcement.  
• Use GPS in accordance with the regulations of the place or situation.  
• For detailed notes on the GPS feature, see page 196.  
138  
     
Shortening the time needed for the GPS to acquire location  
information (GPS assist data)  
The time for the GPS acquiring location information can be shortened by  
taking in GPS assist data.  
If the camera connects to the computer that the supplied “PMB” software  
has been installed, the GPS assist data can be updated automatically.  
To check the state of GPS assist data  
MENU button t  
1 t [GPS Settings] t [Use GPS Assist  
Data]  
To delete GPS assist data  
MENU button t  
1 t [GPS Settings] t [Delete GPS Ass.  
Data]  
Notes  
• The computer is required to connect to the Internet when updating data.  
• If the term of validity of assist data has run out, the time until you can record  
location information cannot be shortened. It is recommended that you update the  
assist data regularly. The expiration date of the assist data is about 30 days.  
• If [Date/Time Setup] is not set, or set time is shifted greatly, the time for the GPS  
acquiring location information cannot be shortened.  
• The assist data service may be closed for various reasons.  
To update the GPS assist data by inserting a memory card into the  
computer  
Start up [GPS Support Tool] from  
(PMB Launcher), select the memory  
card drive from your computer, and then update the GPS assist data. Insert  
the memory card that has been updated into the camera.  
139  
 
Correcting clock time automatically  
Your camera maintains correct clock time by using GPS to acquire time  
information during starting up. The time is corrected when the power is  
turned off.  
MENU button t  
1 t [GPS Settings] t [GPS Auto Time Cor.]  
t [On]  
Notes  
• [GPS Auto Time Cor.] is invalid if [GPS On/Off] is set to [Off].  
• You must set [Date/Time Setup] on the camera before using it.  
• There may be discrepancies of a few seconds.  
• Depending on the area, it may not function correctly.  
140  
   
Setting image size and image quality  
Image: Size  
MENU button t  
1 t [Image: Size] t Select the desired  
size  
[Image: Aspect Ratio]: [3:2]  
SLT-A55/A55V  
Image size  
Usage guidelines  
L:16M  
4912 × 3264 pixels  
For prints up to A3+ size  
For prints up to A4 size  
For prints L/2L size  
M:8.4M  
S:4.0M  
3568 × 2368 pixels  
2448 × 1624 pixels  
SLT-A33  
Image size  
L:14M  
Usage guidelines  
4592 × 3056 pixels  
3344 × 2224 pixels  
2288 × 1520 pixels  
For prints up to A3+ size  
For prints up to A4 size  
For prints L/2L size  
M:7.4M  
S:3.5M  
[Image: Aspect Ratio]: [16:9]  
SLT-A55/A55V  
Image size  
Usage guidelines  
L:14M  
4912 × 2760 pixels  
For viewing on a high-definition  
TV  
M:7.1M  
S:3.4M  
3568 × 2000 pixels  
2448 × 1376 pixels  
SLT-A33  
Image size  
L:12M  
Usage guidelines  
4592 × 2576 pixels  
3344 × 1872 pixels  
2288 × 1280 pixels  
For viewing on a high-definition  
TV  
M:6.3M  
S:2.9M  
Note  
• When you select a RAW image with [Image: Quality], the image size of the RAW  
image corresponds to L. This size is not displayed on the screen.  
141  
     
Setting the size of panoramic images  
You can set the image size of panoramic images. The image size varies  
depending on the [Panorama: Direction] or [3D Panorama: Size] setting  
MENU button t  
2 t [Panorama: Size] or [3D Pan.: Image  
Size] t Select the desired size  
[Panorama: Size]  
(Standard)  
Vertical: 3872 × 2160  
Horizontal: 8192 × 1856  
(Wide)  
Vertical: 5536 × 2160  
Horizontal: 12416 × 1856  
[3D Pan.: Image Size]  
(16:9)  
Horizontal: 1920 × 1080  
(Standard) Horizontal: 4912 × 1080  
(Wide)  
Horizontal: 7152 × 1080  
Movie: Size  
The larger the image size, the higher the image quality.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Movie: Size] t Select the desired  
size  
[AVCHD] mode  
(1920 × 1080) 17 Mbps: Records with the highest image quality for viewing  
on a high-definition TV.  
[MP4] mode  
(1440 × 1080) 12 Mbps: Records with high image quality for viewing on a  
high-definition TV.  
(VGA) (640 × 3 Mbps: Records in the suitable size for WEB uploads.  
480)  
142  
       
Note  
• A telephoto image results except when the [VGA] image size is selected for movies  
(SLT-A33 only).  
Image: Aspect Ratio  
MENU button t  
1 t [Image: Aspect Ratio] t Select the  
desired ratio  
3:2  
A normal ratio.  
An HDTV ratio.  
16:9  
Note  
• This item cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to Sweep Panorama.  
Image: Quality  
MENU button t  
1 t [Image: Quality] t Select the desired  
setting  
(RAW)  
File format: RAW (Records using the RAW compression  
format.)  
This format does not perform any digital processing on the  
images. Select this format to process images on a computer  
for professional purposes.  
• The image size is fixed to the maximum size. The image  
size is not displayed on the screen.  
(RAW &  
JPEG)  
File format: RAW (Records using the RAW compression  
format.) + JPEG  
A RAW image and a JPEG image are created at the same  
time. This is suitable when you need two image files, a JPEG  
for viewing, and a RAW for editing.  
• The image quality is fixed to [Fine] and the image size is  
fixed to [L].  
(Fine)  
File format: JPEG  
The image is compressed in the JPEG format when recorded.  
Since the compression rate of  
(Standard)  
(Standard) is higher than  
that of  
of  
(Fine), the file size of is smaller than that  
. This will allow more files to be recorded on one  
memory card, but the image quality will be lower.  
143  
       
Notes  
• This item cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to Sweep Panorama.  
• For details on the number of images that can be taken when the image quality is  
changed, see page 32.  
About RAW images  
You need the “Image Data Converter SR” software included on the CD-ROM  
(supplied) in order to open a RAW image recorded on this camera. With this software,  
a RAW image can be opened and converted to a common format, such as JPEG or  
TIFF, and its white balance, color saturation, contrast, etc., can be readjusted.  
• The RAW format image cannot be printed using a DPOF (print) designated printer.  
• You cannot set [Auto HDR] on RAW format images.  
144  
Setting the method for recording on a  
memory card  
Selecting the method for assigning file numbers to images  
MENU button t  
1 t [File Number] t Select the desired  
setting  
Series  
The camera does not reset numbers and assigns numbers to  
files in sequence until the number reaches “9999.”  
Reset  
The camera resets numbers in the following cases and assigns  
numbers to files from “0001.” When the recording folder  
contains a file, a number one higher than the largest number  
is assigned.  
– When the folder format is changed.  
– When all the images in the folder are deleted.  
– When the memory card is replaced.  
– When the memory card is formatted.  
Selecting the folder name format  
The recorded still images are stored in automatically-created folders in the  
DCIM folder of the memory card.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Folder Name] t Select the desired  
setting  
Standard Form  
The folder name format is as follows: folder number +  
MSDCF.  
Example: 100MSDCF  
Date Form  
The folder name format is as follows: folder number + Y (the  
last digit)/MM/DD.  
Example: 10000405 (Folder name: 100, date: 2010/04/05)  
Note  
• The movie folder form is fixed as “folder number + ANV01.”  
145  
         
Creating a new folder  
You can create a folder in a memory card for recording images.  
A new folder is created with a number incremented one higher than the  
largest number currently used, and the folder becomes the current recording  
folder. A folder for still images and a folder for movies are created at the  
same time.  
MENU button t  
1 t [New Folder]  
Notes  
• When you insert a memory card that was used with other equipment into the camera  
and shoot images, a new folder may be automatically created.  
• Up to 4 000 images can be stored in a folder. When the folder capacity is exceeded, a  
new folder is created automatically.  
Selecting the recording folder  
When a standard form folder is selected and there are two or more folders,  
you can select the recording folder to be used to record images.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Select REC Folder] t Select the  
desired folder  
Notes  
• You cannot select the folder when you select the setting [Date Form].  
• You cannot select the folder for movies.  
Formatting the memory card  
Note that formatting irrevocably erases all data on a memory card,  
including protected images.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Format] t [Enter]  
Notes  
• During the format, the access lamp lights up. Do not eject the memory card while the  
lamp is lit.  
• Format the memory card using the camera. If you format it on a computer, the  
memory card may not be usable with the camera, depending on the format type used.  
• Formatting may take several minutes depending on the memory card.  
146  
     
Recovering image database  
When inconsistencies are found in the image database file of movies,  
caused by processing movies on computers, etc., movies on the memory  
card will not be played back in this form. If this happens, the camera repairs  
the file.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Recover Image DB] t [Enter]  
Note  
• Use a sufficiently charged battery. Low battery power during repairing can cause  
damage to data.  
Checking the remaining space of the card  
Displays the remaining recording time of movies and the number of  
recordable still images on the memory card.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Display Card Space]  
Setting the upload function for an Eye-Fi card  
Sets whether or not you use the upload function when using an Eye-Fi card  
(commercially available). This item appears when an Eye-Fi card is  
inserted in the camera.  
MENU button t  
2 t [Upload Settings] t Select the desired  
setting  
The status indicators in communication  
Standby. No images are to be sent.  
Upload standby.  
Connecting.  
Uploading.  
Error  
147  
       
Notes  
• Before using an Eye-Fi card, set up the wireless LAN access point and forwarding  
destination. For details, refer to the operating manual supplied with the Eye-Fi card.  
• Eye-Fi cards are sold in the U.S.A, Canada, Japan, and some countries in the EU (as  
of March in 2010).  
• For more information, please contact the manufacturer or vendor directly.  
• Eye-Fi cards can be used only in the countries/regions where they were purchased.  
Use Eye-Fi cards in accordance with the law of the countries/regions where you  
purchased the card.  
• Eye-Fi cards include a wireless LAN function. Do not insert any Eye-Fi cards in the  
camera when it is prohibited to do so, such as on an airplane. If there is an Eye-Fi  
card inserted in the camera, set [Upload Settings] to [Off].  
screen when [Upload Settings] is set to [Off].  
is displayed on the  
• When you use a brand-new Eye-Fi card for the first time, copy the install file of Eye-  
Fi manager recorded on the card to your computer before formatting the card.  
• Use an Eye-Fi card after updating the firmware to the latest version. For details, refer  
to the manual that comes with the Eye-Fi card.  
• The power save function of the camera does not work while it is uploading images.  
• If  
(error) is displayed, remove the memory card and reinsert it, or turn off then  
appears again, the Eye-Fi card may be damaged.  
turn on the power again. If  
• Wi-Fi network communication may be influenced by other communication devices.  
If the communication status is poor, move closer to the access point of the Wi-Fi  
network.  
• For details on the file types that can be uploaded, refer to the operating instructions  
supplied with the Eye-Fi card.  
• If you upload an image that was recorded with [GPS On/Off] set to [On], the  
location information of the image may be made available to a third party. To prevent  
this, set [GPS On/Off] to [Off] (page 138) (SLT-A55V only).  
• This product does not support the Eye-Fi “Endless Memory Mode.” Make sure that  
Eye-Fi cards that you insert into this product have “Endless Memory Mode” turned  
off.  
148  
Changing the noise reduction setting  
Disabling the noise reduction during long exposure  
shootings  
When you set the shutter speed to a second or longer (Long exposure  
shooting), noise reduction is turned on for the same duration that the shutter  
is open.  
This is to reduce the grainy noise typical in a long exposure. When noise  
reduction is in progress, a message appears and you cannot take another  
picture. Select [On] to prioritize the image quality. Select [Off] to prioritize  
the timing of shooting.  
MENU button t  
3 t [Long Exposure NR] t [Off]  
Notes  
• When the exposure mode is set to Sweep Panorama, Continuous Advance Priority  
AE, or continuous shooting, continuous bracketing, [Hand-held Twilight] in Scene  
Selection, or ISO is set to [Multi Frame NR], noise reduction is not performed even  
when it is set to [On].  
• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+ or Scene Selection, you cannot  
turn off noise reduction.  
Setting the noise reduction at high ISO sensitivity settings  
The camera reduces the noise that becomes more noticeable when the  
camera sensitivity is high.  
Select [Auto] to prioritize the image quality. Select [Weak] to prioritize the  
timing of shooting.  
MENU button t  
3 t [High ISO NR] t Select the desired  
setting  
Notes  
• [Weak] is selected automatically for continuous shooting or continuous bracketing  
images, even when you set it to [Auto].  
• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, Sweep Panorama, or Scene  
Selection, you cannot select [Weak].  
• Noise reduction is not performed on RAW images.  
149  
         
Changing the function of the buttons  
Changing the operation of the AEL button  
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 ([AEL hold]).  
– Holding the locked exposure value by pressing the AEL button until the  
button is pressed again ([AEL toggle]).  
MENU button t  
1 t [AEL button] t Select the desired  
setting  
Notes  
• While the exposure value is locked,  
appears on the LCD monitor and in the  
viewfinder. Be careful not to reset the setting.  
• The [AEL hold] and [AEL toggle] settings affect the manual shift (page 78) in the  
manual exposure mode.  
• When [AEL toggle] is selected, be sure to press the AEL button again to release the  
lock.  
Changing the function of a focus hold button to the preview  
function  
If you use a lens equipped with a focus hold button, you can change the  
function of the button to preview a shot.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Focus Hold Button] t [D.O.F.Preview]  
Enabling the Focus Magnifier function  
You can zoom the image to check the focus using the  
shooting.  
button during  
MENU button t  
1 t [Focus Magnifier] t [On]  
150  
             
Changing other settings  
Setting the sound on/off  
Selects the sound produced when the shutter is locked, during self-timer  
countdown, etc.  
MENU button t  
2 t [Audio signals] t Select the desired  
setting  
Removing the Help Guide from the screen  
You can turn off the Help Guide that is displayed when you operate the  
camera. This is convenient when you want to perform the next operation  
quickly.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Help Guide Display] t [Off]  
Setting the time to turn the camera to the power save mode  
You can set different time intervals for the camera to switch to power save  
mode (Power Save). Pressing the shutter button halfway down returns the  
camera to the shooting mode.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Power Save] t Select the desired  
time  
Note  
• Regardless of the setting here, the camera turns to power save mode after 30 minutes  
when the camera is connected to a TV or the drive mode is set to [Remote Cdr.].  
Releasing the shutter when no lens is attached  
You can release the shutter when no lens is attached. Select this when you  
attach the camera on an astronomical telescope, etc.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Release w/oLens] t [Enable]  
151  
                 
Note  
• Correct metering cannot be achieved when you use lenses that do not provide a lens  
contact, such as the lens of an astronomical telescope. In such cases, adjust the  
exposure manually by checking it on the recorded image.  
Selecting the language  
MENU button t  
1 t [ Language] t Select the language  
Setting the demonstration playback of a movie  
You can set the camera to start the demonstration playback of a movie if  
you do not operate the camera for about one minute.  
MENU button t  
2 t [Demo Mode] t [On]  
152  
     
Setting the LCD monitor/electronic  
viewfinder  
Setting the brightness of the LCD monitor  
The brightness of the LCD monitor is automatically adjusted to the  
surrounding lighting conditions using the light sensor (page 15).  
You can set the brightness of the LCD monitor manually or select the  
setting that is suitable for outdoors on a sunny day.  
MENU button t  
1 t [LCD Brightness] t Select the desired  
setting  
Notes  
• When it is set to [Auto], do not cover the light sensor with your hand and so on.  
• When using the camera with the AC-PW20 AC Adaptor (sold separately), the  
brightness of the LCD monitor is always set to the brightest setting even if you select  
[Auto].  
• Set it to [Auto] or [Manual] for interior photography because [Sunny Weather] is too  
bright.  
Setting the brightness of the viewfinder manually  
The brightness of the viewfinder is automatically adjusted to the lighting  
conditions of the subject.  
You can set the brightness of the viewfinder manually.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Viewfinder Bright.] t [Manual] t  
Select the desired setting  
Note  
• When using the camera with the AC-PW20 AC Adaptor (sold separately), the  
brightness of the viewfinder is always set to the brightest setting even if you select  
[Auto].  
153  
         
Setting the displayed time of the image right after shooting  
(Auto review)  
You can check the recorded image on the screen right after the shooting.  
You can change the displayed time.  
MENU button t  
2 t [Auto Review] t Select the desired  
setting  
Note  
• In auto review, the image will not be displayed in the vertical position even if  
[Playback Display] is set to [Auto Rotate] (page 121).  
Setting the method used to switch the LCD monitor and the  
viewfinder  
You can disable the automatic switching of the LCD monitor and the  
viewfinder and enable only the FINDER/LCD button to switch them.  
MENU button t  
1 t [FINDER/LCD Setting] t [Manual]  
Setting the grid line  
The grid line is an auxiliary line for shooting composition. You can set the  
grid line to on/off or select the type of grid line. The available range of  
movie recording is also displayed.  
MENU button t  
2 t [Grid Line] t Select the desired setting  
154  
           
Confirming the version of the camera  
Displays the version of your camera. Confirm the version when a firmware  
update is released.  
MENU button t  
2 t [Version]  
Note  
• An update can be performed only when the battery level is  
(three remaining  
battery icons) or more. We recommend that you use a sufficient battery or the AC-  
PW20 AC Adaptor (sold separately).  
155  
 
Resetting to the default  
You can reset the main functions of the camera.  
MENU button t  
2 t [Reset Default] t [Enter]  
The items to be reset are as follows.  
Items  
Reset to  
Exposure compensation (101)  
Recording information display (40)  
Playback display (121)  
0.0  
Graphic Display  
Single-image screen (with recording  
information)  
Flash Mode (96)  
Single-shot Adv.  
Fill-flash (differs based on whether the  
built-in flash is open or not)  
AF-A  
Wide  
Face Detection (93)  
Smile Shutter (94)  
On  
Off  
AUTO  
Metering Mode (105)  
Flash Compensation (103)  
White Balance (112)  
Color Temp./Color Filter (113)  
Custom white balance (114)  
DRO/Auto HDR (107)  
Creative Style (110)  
Scene Selection (63)  
Multi segment  
0.0  
AWB (Auto white balance)  
5500K, Color Filter 0  
5500K  
D-Range Optimizer: Auto  
Standard  
Portrait  
Recording menu  
Items  
Reset to  
Image: Size (141)  
L:16M (SLT-A55/A55V)/  
L:14M (SLT-A33)  
Image: Aspect Ratio (143)  
Image: Quality (143)  
Movie: Size (142)  
3:2  
Fine  
1920 × 1080  
156  
 
Items  
Reset to  
AVCHD  
On  
Movie: File Format (82)  
Movie: Audio Rec. (82)  
SteadyShot (57)  
On  
Panorama: Size (142)  
Panorama: Direction (68)  
3D Pan.: Direction (68)  
Flash control (104)  
AF Illuminator (98)  
Color Space (111)  
Standard  
Right  
16:9  
Right  
ADI flash  
Auto  
sRGB  
On  
Long Exposure NR (149)  
High ISO NR (149)  
Auto  
Custom menu  
Items  
Reset to  
Off  
Eye-Start AF (39)  
FINDER/LCD Setting (154)  
AEL button (150)  
Auto  
AEL hold  
Off  
Focus Magnifier (150)  
Focus Hold Button (150)  
Red Eye Reduction (98)  
Release w/oLens (151)  
Focus Hold  
Off  
Disable  
Off  
Histogram (102)  
Off  
Auto+ Cont. Advance (62)  
Auto+ Image Extract. (62)  
For Live View  
Off  
Auto  
Auto  
Playback menu  
Items  
Reset to  
3 sec  
Slide Show – Interval (125)  
Slide Show – Repeat (125)  
Off  
157  
Items  
Reset to  
Specify Printing – Date Imprint (173)  
Volume Settings (122)  
Playback Display (121)  
Off  
2
Auto Rotate  
Memory Card Tool menu  
Items  
Reset to  
File Number (145)  
Folder Name (145)  
Series  
Standard Form  
Setup menu  
Items  
Reset to  
Auto  
Auto  
On  
LCD Brightness (153)  
Viewfinder Bright. (153)  
GPS Settings – GPS On/Off (138)  
(SLT-A55V only)  
GPS Settings – GPS Auto Time Cor.  
(140) (SLT-A55V only)  
On  
1 Min  
CTRL FOR HDMI (136)  
Help Guide Display (151)  
Upload Settings (147)  
USB Connection (165)  
Audio signals (151)  
On  
On  
On  
Mass Storage  
On  
Off  
158  
Viewing images on a computer  
Using with your computer  
Following applications are contained on the CD-ROM (supplied) to allow  
more versatile use of images shot with your camera.  
• Sony Image Data Suite  
“Image Data Converter SR”  
“Image Data Lightbox SR”  
• “PMB” (Picture Motion Browser)  
Note  
• “PMB” is not compatible with Macintosh computers.  
Recommended computer environment (Windows)  
The following computer environment is recommended when using the  
supplied software and importing images via a USB connection.  
OS (pre-installed)  
Microsoft Windows XP*1 SP3/Windows Vista*2 SP2/  
Windows 7  
“PMB”  
CPU: Intel Pentium III 800 MHz or faster  
(For playing/editing the High Definition movies: Intel Core  
Duo 1.66 GHz or faster/Intel Core 2 Duo 1.66 GHz or faster)  
Memory: 512 MB or more (For playing/editing the High  
Definition movies: 1 GB or more)  
Hard Disk: Disk space required for installation-  
approximately 500 MB  
Display: Screen resolution-1024 × 768 dots or more  
“Image Data  
CPU/Memory: Pentium 4 or faster/1 GB or more  
Converter SR Ver.3” Display: 1024 × 768 dots or more  
“Image Data  
Lightbox SR”  
*1 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not supported. Windows Image  
Mastering API (IMAPI) Ver.2.0 or later is required to use the function  
for creating discs.  
*2 Starter (Edition) is not supported.  
159  
   
Recommended computer environment (Macintosh)  
The following computer environment is recommended when using the  
supplied software and importing images via a USB connection.  
OS (pre-installed)  
USB Connection: Mac OS X (v10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6)  
“Image Data Converter SR Ver.3”/“Image Data  
Lightbox SR”: Mac OS X (v10.4, 10.5, 10.6 (Snow  
Leopard))  
“Image Data  
CPU: Power PC G4/G5 series (1.0 GHz or faster is  
Converter SR Ver.3” recommended)/Intel Core Solo/Core Duo/Core 2 Duo or  
“Image Data  
Lightbox SR”  
faster  
Memory: 1 GB or more is recommended.  
Display: 1024 × 768 dots or more  
Notes  
• Operation is not assured in an environment based on an upgrade of the operating  
systems described above or in a multi-boot environment.  
• If you connect two or more USB devices to a single computer at the same time, some  
devices, including the camera, may not operate, depending on the types of USB  
devices you are using.  
• Connecting the camera using a USB interface that is compatible with Hi-Speed USB  
(USB 2.0 compliant) allows advanced transfer (high speed transfer), as the camera is  
compatible with Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compliant).  
• When your computer resumes activity from suspend or sleep mode, communication  
between the camera and your computer may not recover at the same time.  
160  
Using the software  
Installing the software (Windows)  
Log on as Administrator.  
1 Turn on your computer, and insert the CD-ROM (supplied) into  
the CD-ROM drive.  
The installation menu screen appears.  
• If it does not appear, double-click [Computer] (For Windows XP: [My  
Computer]) t  
(SONYPMB) t [Install.exe].  
• If the AutoPlay screen appears, select “Run Install.exe” and follow the  
instructions that appear on the screen to proceed with the installation.  
2 Click [Install].  
Make sure that both “Sony Image Data Suite” and “PMB” are checked and  
follow the instructions on the screen.  
• Connect the camera to the computer during the procedure following the  
instructions on the screen (page 165).  
• When the restarting confirmation message appears, restart the computer  
following the instructions on the screen.  
• DirectX may be installed depending on the system environment of your  
computer.  
3 Remove the CD-ROM after the installation is complete.  
The following software is installed and shortcut icons appear on the desktop.  
“Image Data Converter SR”  
“Image Data Lightbox SR”  
“PMB”  
“PMB Launcher”  
“PMB Help”  
Notes  
• If “PMB” has already been installed on the computer, and the version number of the  
previously installed “PMB” is lower than that of the “PMB” on the CD-ROM  
(supplied), install “PMB” also from the CD-ROM (supplied).  
161  
 
• If “PMB” has already been installed on the computer, and the version of the  
previously installed “PMB” is higher than that of the “PMB” on the CD-ROM  
(supplied), installation is not required. The usable functions are activated when the  
camera is connected to the computer using the USB cable.  
• If a version of “PMB” under 5.0.00 has been installed on your computer, you may be  
unable to use some functions of those “PMB” when installing the “PMB” from the  
supplied CD-ROM. Also, “PMB Launcher” is installed from the supplied CD-ROM  
and you can start “PMB” or other software by using the “PMB Launcher.” Double-  
click the “PMB Launcher” short-cut icon on the computer screen to start “PMB  
Launcher.”  
Installing the software (Macintosh)  
Log on as Administrator.  
1 Turn on your Macintosh computer, and insert the CD-ROM  
(supplied) into the CD-ROM drive.  
2 Double-click the CD-ROM icon.  
3 Copy the [IDS_INST.pkg] file in the [MAC] folder to the hard  
disk icon.  
4 Double-click the [IDS_INST.pkg] file in the copy-to folder.  
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.  
Using “Image Data Converter SR”  
With “Image Data Converter SR” you can do the following, etc.:  
• To edit images recorded in RAW format with various corrections, such as  
tone curve, and sharpness.  
• To adjust images with white balance, exposure, and creative style, etc.  
• To save the images displayed and edited on a computer.  
• You can either save the image as RAW format or save it in the general  
file format.  
162  
 
To use “Image Data Converter SR,” refer to Help.  
Click [Start] t [All Programs] t [Sony Image Data Suite] t [Help] t  
[Image Data Converter SR Ver.3].  
“Image Data Converter SR” support page (English only)  
http://www.sony.co.jp/ids-se/  
Using “Image Data Lightbox SR”  
With “Image Data Lightbox SR” you can do the following, etc.:  
• To display and compare RAW/JPEG images recorded with this camera.  
• To rate the images on a scale of five.  
• To set color labels and so on.  
• To display an image with “Image Data Converter SR” and make  
adjustments to it.  
To use “Image Data Lightbox SR,” refer to Help.  
Click [Start] t [All Programs] t [Sony Image Data Suite] t [Help] t  
[Image Data Lightbox SR].  
“Image Data Lightbox SR” support page (English only)  
http://www.sony.co.jp/ids-se/  
Using “PMB”  
With “PMB” you can do the following, etc.:  
• To set images shot with the camera and display them on the computer.  
• To organize images on the computer on a calendar by shooting date to  
view them.  
• To retouch (red-eye reduction, etc.), print, and send still images as e-mail  
attachments, change the shooting date.  
• To display the shooting location of the image on the map (SLT-A55V  
only).  
• To print or save still images with the date.  
• To create a data disc using a CD burner drive or DVD burner drive.  
• To create Blu-ray discs, AVCHD format discs or DVD discs from  
AVCHD format movies imported to a computer. (An internet connection  
163  
 
environment is required when a Blu-ray disc/DVD disc is created for the  
first time.)  
Notes  
• “PMB” is not compatible with Macintosh computers.  
• The confirmation message of the Information tool appears on the screen when  
starting “PMB” for the first time. Select [Start]. This function informs you of news,  
such as software updates. You can change the setting later.  
To use “PMB,” refer to “PMB Help.”  
Double-click the shortcut of  
(PMB Help) on the desktop. Or, click  
[Start] t [All Programs] t [PMB] t [PMB Help].  
“PMB” support page (English only)  
http://www.sony.co.jp/pmb-se/  
164  
Connecting the camera to the computer  
1 Insert a sufficiently charged battery pack into the camera, or  
connect the camera to a wall outlet (wall socket) using the AC-  
PW20 AC Adaptor (sold separately).  
2 Turn on the computer, then press the  
(Playback) button.  
3 Check that [USB Connection] in  
2 is set to [Mass Storage].  
4 Connect the camera to your  
computer.  
1 To a USB terminal of the  
computer  
• When a USB connection is established  
for the first time, your computer  
automatically runs a program to  
recognize the camera. Wait for a while.  
USB cable (supplied)  
2 To the USB terminal  
Importing images to the computer (Windows)  
“PMB” allows you to easily import images.  
For details on “PMB” functions, see the “PMB Help.”  
Importing images to the computer without using “PMB”  
When the AutoPlay Wizard appears after making a USB connection  
between the camera and a computer, click [Open folder to view files] t  
[OK] t [DCIM] or [MP_ROOT] t copy the desired images to the  
computer.  
165  
       
File name  
Folder  
The type of file  
File name  
DCIM folder  
JPEG file  
DSC0ssss.JPG  
_DSCssss.JPG  
DSC0ssss.ARW  
_DSCssss.ARW  
MAH0ssss.MP4  
MAQ0ssss.MP4  
JPEG file (Adobe RGB)  
RAW file  
RAW file (Adobe RGB)  
MP4 file (1440 × 1080)  
MP4 file (VGA)  
MP_ROOT folder  
ssss (file number) stands for any number within the range of 0001 to  
9999.  
• When [Image: Quality] is set to [RAW & JPEG], the numerical portions  
of the name of a RAW data file and its corresponding JPEG file are the  
same.  
Notes  
• For operations such as importing AVCHD movies to the computer, use “PMB.”  
• Use “PMB” to import the movies with GPS location information to a computer  
(SLT-A55V only).  
• When the camera is connected to the computer, if you operate AVCHD format  
movies or folders from the connected computer, images may be damaged or cannot  
be played. Do not delete or copy AVCHD format movies on the memory card from  
the computer. Sony is not held liable for consequences resulting from such  
operations via the computer.  
Importing images to the computer (Macintosh)  
1 Connect the camera to your Macintosh computer first. Double-  
click the newly recognized icon on the desktop t the folder  
where the images you want to import are stored.  
2 Drag and drop the image files to the hard disk icon.  
The image files are copied to the hard disk.  
166  
 
3 Double-click the hard disk icon t the desired image file in the  
folder containing the copied files.  
The image is displayed.  
Note  
• Use “iMovie” bundled with a Macintosh computer to import or operate AVCHD  
format movies.  
Deleting the USB connection  
Perform the procedures from step 1 to 3 below before:  
• Disconnecting the USB cable.  
• Removing the memory card.  
• Turning off the camera.  
1 Double-click the disconnect icon  
Windows Vista  
on the tasktray.  
Windows XP  
Disconnect icon  
2 Click (USB Mass Storage Device) t [Stop].  
3 Confirm the device on the confirmation window, then click  
[OK].  
Note  
• Drag and drop the icon of the memory card or the drive icon to the “Trash” icon  
beforehand when you use a Macintosh computer, and the camera is disconnected  
from the computer.  
167  
 
Creating a movie disc  
You can create a disc from AVCHD format movies recorded on the  
camera.  
Selecting the method for creating a disc  
Select the method that best suits your disc player.  
See “PMB Help” for details on creating a disc using “PMB.”  
To import movies, see page 165.  
Player  
Method  
Disc type  
Create a Blu-ray disc of movies  
and photos imported to a  
computer using “PMB.”  
Blu-ray disc playback devices  
(Blu-ray disc player,  
PlayStation®3, etc.)  
AVCHD format playback devices Create an AVCHD format disc of  
(Sony Blu-ray disc player,  
PlayStation®3, etc.)  
movies and photos imported to a  
computer using “PMB.”  
Creating an AVCHD format disc  
with a DVD writer/recorder other  
than DVDirect Express.  
Ordinary DVD playback devices Create a standard definition  
(DVD player, DVD playable  
computer, etc.)  
image quality (STD) disc of  
movies and photos imported to a  
computer using “PMB.”  
Notes  
• If you use a Sony DVDirect (DVD Writer), you can transfer data by inserting a  
memory card into the memory card slot of the DVD writer, or connecting your  
camera to the DVD writer with a USB cable.  
• When you use Sony DVDirect (DVD writer), make sure that the version of DVD  
writer’s firmware is the latest.  
For details, refer to the following URL:  
http://sony.storagesupport.com/  
168  
 
Characteristics of each type of disc  
A Blu-ray disc enables you to record high definition image quality  
(HD) movies of a longer duration than DVD discs.  
High definition image quality (HD) movie can be recorded on DVD  
media, such as DVD-R discs, and a high definition image quality  
(HD) disc is created.  
• You can play a high definition image quality (HD) disc on AVCHD  
format playback devices, such as a Sony Blu-ray disc player and a  
PlayStation®3. You cannot play the disc on ordinary DVD players.  
Standard definition image quality (STD) movie converted from high  
definition image quality (HD) movie can be recorded on DVD media,  
such as DVD-R discs, and a standard image quality (STD) disc is  
created.  
Discs you can use with “PMB”  
You can use 12 cm discs of following type with “PMB.” For Blu-ray disc,  
Disc type  
Features  
DVD-R/DVD+R/DVD+R DL  
DVD-RW/DVD+RW  
Unrewritable  
Rewritable  
• Always maintain your PlayStation®3 to use the latest version of the  
PlayStation®3 system software.  
• The PlayStation®3 may not be available in some countries/regions.  
Creating an AVCHD format disc  
You can create a high definition image quality (HD) AVCHD format disc  
from AVCHD format movies imported to a computer using the supplied  
software “PMB.”  
1 Select the AVCHD format movies you want to write on “PMB.”  
2 Click  
(HD)].  
(Create Discs) to select [Create AVCHD Format Discs  
The screen used for creating a disc appears.  
• For details, see “PMB Help.”  
169  
Notes  
• Install “PMB” beforehand.  
• Still images and MP4 movie files cannot be recorded on the AVCHD format disc.  
• It may take a long time to create a disc.  
Playing AVCHD format disc on a computer  
You can play back AVCHD format discs using “Player for AVCHD” that  
is installed together with “PMB.”  
To start the software, click on [Start] t [All Programs] t [PMB] t  
[PMB Launcher] t [View] t [Player for AVCHD].  
For detailed operations, see the Help for “Player for AVCHD.”  
Note  
• Movies may not be played smoothly depending on the computer environment.  
Creating a Blu-ray disc  
You can create a Blu-ray disc with AVCHD movies previously imported to  
a computer. Your computer must support the creation of Blu-ray discs.  
BD-R (non-rewritable) and BD-RE (rewritable) media can be used to create  
Blu-ray discs. You cannot add contents to either type of disc once it has  
been created.  
Click [BD Add-on Software] on the installation screen of “PMB,” and  
install this plug-in according to the on-screen instructions.  
Connect your computer to the Internet when you install [BD Add-on  
Software].  
See “PMB Help” for details.  
170  
 
Creating a standard definition image quality (STD) disc  
You can create a standard definition image quality (STD) disc from  
AVCHD format movies imported to a computer using supplied software  
“PMB.”  
1 Select the AVCHD format movies you want to write on “PMB.”  
2 Click  
(Create Discs) to select [Create DVD-Video Format  
Discs (STD)].  
The screen used for creating a disc appears.  
• For details, see “PMB Help.”  
Notes  
• Install “PMB” beforehand.  
• MP4 movie files cannot be recorded on a disc.  
• It will take a longer time to create a disc because AVCHD format movies are  
converted to standard definition image quality (STD) movies.  
• An Internet connection environment is required when creating a DVD-Video (STD)  
disc for the first time.  
171  
Printing images  
Specifying DPOF  
Using the camera, you can specify the still images and the number of  
images to print before you print images at a shop or with your printer.  
Follow the procedure below.  
DPOF specifications are left with images after printing. It is recommended  
that you unspecify them after printing.  
Specifying /unspecifying DPOF on selected images  
1 MENU button t  
1 t [Specify Printing] t [DPOF Setup]  
t [Multiple Img.]  
2 Select the image with b/B on the control button.  
3 Select the number of sheets with the center of the control  
button.  
• To unspecify DPOF, set the number to “0.”  
4 Press the MENU button.  
5 Select [Enter] with v, then press the center of the control  
button.  
Notes  
• You cannot specify DPOF on RAW data files.  
• You can specify any number up to 9.  
172  
     
Dating images  
You can date images when printing them. The position of the date (inside  
or outside the image, character size, etc.) depends on your printer.  
MENU button t  
1 t [Specify Printing] t [Date Imprint] t  
[On]  
Note  
• This function may not be provided, depending on the printer.  
173  
 
Others  
image sensor-shift  
mechanism  
Specifications  
[Auto focus system]  
Camera  
System  
TTL phase-detection  
system, 15 points (3 points  
cross type)  
[System]  
Camera Type  
Sensitivity Range  
–1 to 18 EV (at ISO 100  
equivalent)  
Interchangeable Lens  
Digital Camera  
Lens  
A-mount lens  
AF illuminator  
Approx. 1 to 5 m (3.3 to  
16.4 feet)  
[Image sensor]  
Image format  
SLT-A55/A55V  
[Live View]  
Type  
23.5×15.6 mm (APS-C  
format) CMOS image  
sensor  
Main sensor Live View  
(Translucent mirror  
mechanism)  
SLT-A33  
Image format  
23.4×15.6 mm (APS-C  
format) CMOS image  
sensor  
“Exmor” CMOS sensor  
Frame coverage  
100%  
Total pixel number of image sensor  
SLT-A55/A55V  
[Electronic viewfinder]  
Type Electronic viewfinder  
(color)  
Approx. 16 700 000 pixels  
SLT-A33  
Approx. 14 600 000 pixels  
Screen size 1.2 cm (0.46 type)  
Effective pixel number of camera  
SLT-A55/A55V  
Total number of dots  
Approx. 16 200 000 pixels  
SLT-A33  
Approx. 14 200 000 pixels  
1 440 000 dots conversion  
Available screen size displayed  
1.1 cm (0.43 type)  
[SteadyShot]  
Available number of dots displayed  
1 152 000 dots conversion  
System  
Image sensor-shift  
mechanism  
Frame coverage  
100%  
Effect  
Approx. 2.5 to 4 EV in  
shutter speed (depending  
on shooting conditions and  
the attached lens)  
Magnification  
1.10 × with 50 mm lens at  
infinity, –1 m–1 (diopter)  
Eye Relief Approximately 19 mm  
from the eyepiece, 18 mm  
from the eyepiece frame at  
–1 m–1  
[Anti-Dust]  
System  
Charge protection coating  
on Low-Pass Filter and  
174  
   
Dioptor Adjustment  
–4.0 to +4.0 m–1 (diopter)  
Flash coverage  
Covering 18 mm lens  
(focal length that the lens  
indicates)  
[LCD monitor]  
LCD panel 7.5 cm (3.0 type) TFT  
drive  
Flash compensation  
2.0 EV (1/3 EV step)  
Total number of dots  
921 600 (640 × 3 (RGB) ×  
480) dots  
[Recording format]  
File format JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif  
Ver. 2.3, MPF Baseline)  
compliant, DPOF  
[Exposure control]  
compatible  
Metering Cell  
“Exmor” CMOS sensor  
Movie (AVCHD format)  
AVCHD Ver. 1.0  
compliant  
Metering method  
1200-zone evaluative  
metering  
Video: MPEG-4 AVC/  
H.264  
Audio: Dolby Digital 2ch,  
equipped with Dolby  
Digital Stereo Creator  
Metering Range  
–2 to +17 EV on Multi  
segment, Center weighted,  
Spot modes (at ISO 100  
equivalent with F1.4 lens)  
• Manufactured under  
license from Dolby  
Laboratories.  
ISO sensitivity (Recommended  
exposure index)  
Movie (MP4 format)  
Video: MPEG-4 AVC/  
H.264  
AUTO, ISO 100 to 12800  
Exposure compensation  
2.0 EV (1/3 EV step)  
Audio: MPEG-4 AAC-LC  
2ch  
[Shutter]  
Type  
Electronically-controlled,  
vertical-traverse, focal-  
plane type  
[Recording media]  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
media, SD card  
Speed range 1/4000 second to 30  
seconds, bulb, (1/3 EV  
step)  
[Input/output terminals]  
USB  
miniB  
Flash sync speed  
1/160 second  
HDMI  
HDMI type C minijack  
Mic Terminal  
3.5 mm Stereo minijack  
[Built-In-Flash]  
REMOTE Terminal  
Flash G.No.  
GN 10 (in meters at ISO  
100)  
[Power, general]  
Used battery pack  
Recycling time  
Rechargeable battery pack  
NP-FW50  
Approx. 4 seconds  
175  
[Others]  
Exif Print Compatible  
Rechargeable battery pack  
NP-FW50  
PRINT Image Matching III  
Compatible  
Used battery  
Lithium-ion battery  
Dimensions Approx. 124.4 × 92 ×  
84.7 mm (4 7/8 × 3 5/8 ×  
3 1/3 inches) (W/H/D,  
Maximum voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
Nominal voltage  
DC 7.2 V  
excluding protrusions)  
Mass  
SLT-A55V  
Maximum charge voltage  
DC 8.4 V  
Approx. 500 g (1 lb 1.6 oz)  
(with battery and “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” media)  
Approx. 441 g (15.6 oz)  
(body only)  
Maximum charge current  
1.02 A  
Capacity  
SLT-A55/A33  
Typical 7.7 Wh (1 080 mAh)  
Minimum 7.3 Wh (1 020 mAh)  
Approx. 492 g (1 lb 1.3 oz)  
(with battery and “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” media)  
Approx. 433 g (15.3 oz)  
(body only)  
Maximum dimensions  
Approx. 31.8 × 18.5 × 45  
mm (1 5/16 × 3/4 × 1 13/16  
inches) (W/H/D)  
Operating temperature  
0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F)  
Mass  
Approx. 57 g (2.1 oz)  
USB communication  
Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0  
Design and specifications are subject  
to change without notice.  
compliant)  
BC-VW1 Battery charger  
Input rating 100 V - 240 V AC, 50 Hz/  
60 Hz, 4.2 W  
On focal length  
The picture angle of this camera is  
narrower than that of a 35 mm-format  
film camera. You can find the  
approximate equivalent of the focal  
length of a 35 mm-format film  
camera, and shoot with the same  
picture angle, by increasing the focal  
length of your lens by half.  
For example, by using a 50 mm lens,  
you can get the approximate  
equivalent of a 75 mm lens of a 35  
mm-format film camera.  
Output rating  
8.4 V DC, 0.28 A  
Operating temperature range  
0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F)  
Storage temperature range  
–20 to +60°C (–4 to  
+140°F)  
Maximum dimensions  
Approx. 63 × 95 × 32 mm  
(2 1/2 × 3 3/4 × 1 5/16  
inches) (W/H/D)  
Mass  
Approx. 85 g (3 oz)  
176  
 
On image data compatibility  
• This camera conforms with DCF  
(Design rule for Camera File  
system) universal standard  
established by JEITA (Japan  
Electronics and Information  
Technology Industries  
Trademarks  
is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
• “Memory Stick,”  
Stick PRO,”  
, “Memory  
,
“Memory Stick Duo,”  
, “Memory Stick  
,
Association).  
PRO Duo,”  
• Playback of images recorded with  
your camera on other equipment  
and playback of images recorded or  
edited with other equipment on  
your camera are not guaranteed.  
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo,”  
, “Memory  
Stick Micro,” “MagicGate,” and  
are trademarks of  
Sony Corporation.  
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of  
Sony Corporation.  
• “PhotoTV HD” is a trademark of  
Sony Corporation.  
• “AVCHD” and “AVCHD”  
logotype are trademarks of  
Panasonic Corporation and Sony  
Corporation.  
• “Blu-ray Disc” and the logo are  
trademarks.  
• Dolby and the double-D symbol are  
trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.  
• Microsoft, Windows, DirectX, and  
Windows Vista are either registered  
trademarks or trademarks of  
Microsoft Corporation in the  
United States and/or other  
countries.  
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-  
Definition Multimedia Interface are  
trademarks or registered trademarks  
of HDMI Licensing LLC.  
• Macintosh and Mac OS are  
trademarks or registered trademarks  
of Apple Inc.  
• PowerPC is a registered trademark  
of IBM Corporation in the United  
States.  
177  
• Intel, Intel Core, MMX, and  
Pentium are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of Intel  
Corporation.  
• SDXC, SDHC Logo are trademarks  
of SD-3C, LLC.  
• Eye-Fi is a trademark of Eye-Fi Inc.  
• MultiMediaCard is a trademark of  
MultiMediaCard Association.  
• “PlayStation” is a registered  
trademark of Sony Computer  
Entertainment Inc.  
• Adobe is a registered trademark or  
a trademark of Adobe Systems  
Incorporated in the United States  
and/or other countries.  
• In addition, system and product  
names used in this manual are, in  
general, trademarks or registered  
trademarks of their respective  
developers or manufacturers.  
However, the ™ or ® marks are not  
used in all cases in this manual.  
178  
Troubleshooting  
If you experience trouble with your camera, try the following solutions.  
Check the items on pages 179 to 188. Consult your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility.  
1
Check the following items.  
2
Remove the battery pack, and insert the battery pack again after  
about one minute, and turn on the power.  
3
Reset the settings (page 156).  
4
Consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.  
Battery pack and power  
The battery pack cannot be installed.  
• As you insert the battery pack, use the tip of the battery pack to push the  
lock lever (page 20).  
• You can use an NP-FW50 battery pack only. Make sure that the battery is  
NP-FW50.  
The remaining battery indicator is incorrect, or sufficient remaining  
battery indicator is displayed but the power runs out too quickly.  
• This phenomenon occurs when you use the camera in an extremely hot or  
cold location (page 192).  
• The battery pack is discharged. Install a charged battery pack (page 18).  
• The battery pack is dead (page 23). Replace it with a new one.  
Cannot turn on the camera.  
• Install the battery pack correctly (page 20).  
• The battery pack is discharged. Install a charged battery pack (page 18).  
• The battery pack is dead (page 23). Replace it with a new one.  
179  
   
The 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 shuts down. To cancel the power save,  
operate the camera, such as pressing the shutter button halfway down  
The CHARGE lamp flashes when charging the battery pack.  
• You can use an NP-FW50 battery pack only. Make sure that the battery is  
NP-FW50.  
• If you charge a battery pack that has not been used for a long time, the  
CHARGE lamp may flash.  
• The CHARGE lamp flashes in two ways, fast (about 0.15-second intervals)  
and slow (about 1.5-second intervals). If it is flashing fast, remove the  
battery pack and reattach the same battery pack securely. If the CHARGE  
lamp flashes fast again, it suggests that there is something wrong with the  
battery pack. Slow flashing indicates that charging is suspended because the  
ambient temperature is outside the suitable range for charging the battery  
pack. Charging will resume and the CHARGE lamp will be lit when the  
ambient temperature returns to within the suitable temperature.  
Charge the battery pack under the suitable temperatures between 10°C and  
30°C (50°F and 86°F).  
Shooting images  
Nothing is displayed on the LCD monitor in viewfinder mode when the  
power is turned on.  
• If you do not operate the camera for given period of time, the camera turns  
to power saving mode and nearly shuts down. To cancel the power save,  
operate the camera, such as pressing the shutter button halfway down  
The image is not clear in the viewfinder.  
• Adjust the diopter scale properly using the diopter-adjustment dial  
No images in the viewfinder.  
• [FINDER/LCD Setting] is set to [Manual]. Press the FINDER/LCD button  
180  
The shutter does not release.  
• You are using a memory card with a write-protect switch, and the switch is  
set to the LOCK position. Set the switch to the recording position.  
• Check the free capacity of the memory card (page 32).  
• You cannot record images while charging the built-in flash (page 96).  
• The shutter cannot be released when the subject is out of focus.  
• The lens is not attached properly. Attach the lens properly (page 26).  
• When the camera is attached to another device, such as an astronomical  
telescope, set [Release w/oLens] to [Enable] (page 151).  
• The subject may require special focusing (page 86). Use the focus-lock or  
manual focus function (pages 87, 90).  
Recording takes a long time.  
• The noise reduction function is turned on (page 149). This is not a  
malfunction.  
• You are shooting in RAW mode (page 143). Since the RAW data file is  
large, the RAW mode shooting may take time.  
• The Auto HDR is processing an image (page 107).  
The same image is shot several times.  
• The drive mode is set to [Continuous adv.] or [Bracket: Cont.]. Set it to  
[Single-shot Adv.] (page 116).  
• The exposure mode is set to Continuous Advance Priority AE (page 69).  
• The exposure mode is set to AUTO+ and [Auto+ Image Extract.] is set to  
[Off] (page 62).  
The image is out of focus.  
• The subject is too close. Check the minimum focal distance of the lens.  
• You are shooting in manual focus mode, set the focus mode switch to AF  
(autofocus) (page 85).  
• When the focus mode switch is equipped with the lens, set it to AF.  
• Ambient light is insufficient.  
Eye-Start AF does not work.  
• Set [Eye-Start AF] to [On] (page 39).  
• Press the shutter button halfway down.  
181  
The flash does not work.  
• The flash mode is set to [Autoflash]. If you want to make sure the flash fires  
without fail, set the flash mode to [Fill-flash] (page 96).  
The flash takes too long to recharge.  
• The flash has been fired in succession in a short period. When the flash has  
been fired in succession, the recharging process may take longer than usual  
to avoid overheating of the camera.  
A picture taken with the flash is too dark.  
• If the subject is beyond the flash range (the distance that the flash can  
reach), the pictures will be dark because the flash light does not reach the  
subject. If the ISO is changed, the flash range also changes with it  
The date and time are recorded incorrectly.  
• Set the correct date and time (page 28).  
• The area selected with [Area Setting] is different from the actual area. Set  
up [Area Setting] again (page 28).  
The aperture value and/or shutter speed flashes when you press the  
shutter button halfway down.  
• Since the subject is too bright or too dark, it is beyond the available range of  
the camera. Adjust the setting again.  
The image is whitish (Flare).  
Blurring of light appears on the image (Ghosting).  
• The picture was taken under a strong light source, and excessive light has  
entered the lens. Attach a lens hood (sold separately).  
The corners of the picture are too dark.  
• If any filter or hood is used, take it off and try shooting again. Depending on  
the thickness of the filter and improper attachment of the hood, the filter or  
the hood may partially appear in the image. The optical properties of some  
lenses may cause the periphery of the image to appear too dark (insufficient  
light).  
182  
The eyes of the subject come out red.  
• Activate the red eye reduction function (page 98).  
• Get close to the subject, and shoot the subject within the flash range using  
the flash (page 98).  
Dots appear and remain on the LCD monitor.  
• This is not a malfunction. These dots are not recorded (page 7).  
The image is blurred.  
• The picture was taken in a dark location without the flash, resulting in  
camera shake. The use of a tripod or the flash is recommended (pages 58,  
96).  
The 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.  
Viewing images  
Your camera cannot play back images.  
• The folder/file name has been changed on your computer (page 165).  
• When an image file has been processed by a computer or when the image  
file was recorded using a model other than that of your camera, playback on  
your camera is not guaranteed.  
• Use “PMB” to play images stored on a PC with this camera.  
• The camera is in USB mode. Delete the USB connection (page 167).  
Deleting/Editing images  
Your camera cannot delete an image.  
• Cancel the protection (page 131).  
You have deleted an image by mistake.  
• Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. We recommend that  
you protect images that you do not want to delete (page 131).  
You cannot mark a DPOF mark.  
• You cannot mark DPOF marks on RAW images.  
183  
GPS (SLT-A55V only)  
The camera is not receiving a GPS signal.  
• Set [GPS On/Off] to [On] (page 138).  
• Your camera may not be able to receive radio signals from GPS satellites  
because of obstructions.  
• To triangulate the location information correctly, bring your camera to an  
open area, and turn on the camera again.  
Excessive error in location information.  
• The margin of error can be up to several-hundred meters depending on  
surrounding buildings, weak GPS signals, etc.  
• Your camera cannot receive a GPS signal. Previously-triangulated location  
information may be used in the present location instead. Check the  
triangulation status with the GPS indicator displayed on the screen during  
It takes time to triangulate although GPS assist data has been taken in.  
• [Date/Time Setup] is not set, or set time is shifted greatly. Set the date and  
time correctly (page 28).  
• The term of validity of assist data has expired. Update the GPS assist data  
• As the positions of GPS satellites vary constantly, it may take longer to  
determine the location or the receiver may not be able to determine the  
location at all, depending on the location and time you use the camera.  
• “GPS” is a system for determining geographic location by triangulating  
radio signals from GPS satellites. Avoid using the camera in places where  
radio signals are blocked or reflected, such as a shadowy place surrounded  
by buildings or trees, etc. Use the camera in open sky environments.  
The location information has not been recorded.  
• Use “PMB” to import the movies with GPS location information to your  
computer.  
Computers  
You do not know if the OS of your computer is compatible with the  
camera.  
184  
Your computer does not recognize your camera.  
• Check that the camera is turned on.  
• When the battery level is low, install the charged battery pack (page 18), or  
use the AC Adaptor (sold separately).  
• Use the USB cable (supplied) (page 165).  
• Disconnect the USB cable, and connect it again firmly.  
• Set [USB Connection] to [Mass Storage] (page 165).  
• Disconnect all equipment other than the camera, the keyboard and the  
mouse from the USB jacks of your computer.  
• Connect the camera directly to your computer without passing through a  
USB hub or other device (page 165).  
You cannot copy images.  
• Make the USB connection by properly connecting the camera with your  
• Follow the designated copy procedure for your OS (page 165).  
• When you shoot images with a memory card formatted by a computer, you  
may not be able to copy the images to a computer. Shoot using a memory  
card formatted by your camera (page 146).  
The image cannot be played back on a computer.  
• If you are using “PMB,” refer to the “PMB Help.”  
• Consult the computer or software manufacturer.  
After making a USB connection, “PMB” does not start automatically.  
• Make the USB connection after the computer is turned on (page 165).  
Memory card  
Cannot insert a memory card.  
• Insertion direction of the memory card is wrong. Insert it in the correct  
direction (page 20).  
Cannot record on a memory card.  
• The memory card is full. Delete unnecessary images (page 132).  
• An unusable memory card is inserted (page 20).  
185  
You have formatted a memory card by mistake.  
• All the data on the memory card are deleted by formatting. You cannot  
restore it.  
Printing  
Cannot print images.  
• RAW images cannot be printed. To print RAW images first, convert them  
to JPEG images using “Image Data Converter SR” on the supplied CD-  
ROM.  
The color of the image is strange.  
• When you print the images recorded in Adobe RGB mode using sRGB  
printers that are not compatible with Adobe RGB (DCF2.0/Exif2.21), the  
images are printed at a lower intensity level (page 111).  
Images are printed with both edges cut off.  
• Depending on your printer, the left, right, top, and bottom edges of the  
image may be cut off. Especially when you print an image shot with the  
aspect ratio set to [16:9], the lateral end of the image may be cut off.  
• When printing images using your own printer, cancel the trimming or  
borderless settings. Consult the printer manufacturer as to whether the  
printer provides these functions or not.  
• When having images printed at a digital print shop, ask the shop whether  
they can print the images without cutting off both edges.  
Cannot print images with the date.  
• Using “PMB,” you can print images with date (page 163).  
• This camera does not have a feature for superimposing dates on images.  
However, because the images shot with the camera include information on  
the recording date, you can print images with the date superimposed if the  
printer or the software can recognize Exif information. For compatibility  
with Exif information, consult the manufacturer of the printer or the  
software.  
• When you print images at a shop, images can be printed with the date if you  
ask them to do so.  
186  
Others  
The lens gets fogged.  
• Moisture condensation has occurred. Turn off the camera and leave it for  
about an hour before using it (page 192).  
The message “Set Area/Date/Time.” appears when you turn on the  
camera.  
• The camera has been left unused for sometime with a low battery or no  
battery pack. Charge the battery pack and set the date again (pages 28, 192).  
If the date setting is lost every time the battery pack is charged, consult your  
Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.  
The number of recordable images does not decrease or decreases two at  
a time.  
• This is because the compression rate and the image size after compression  
change depending on the image when you shoot a JPEG image (page 143).  
The setting is reset without the resetting operation.  
• The battery pack was removed when the power switch was set to ON. When  
removing the battery pack, make sure the camera is turned off and the  
access lamp is not lit (pages 15, 20).  
The camera does not work properly.  
• Turn off the camera. Remove the battery pack and insert it again. If the  
camera is hot, remove the battery pack, and allow it to cool down before  
trying this corrective procedure.  
• If an AC Adaptor (sold separately) is used, disconnect the power plug.  
Connect the power plug and turn on the camera again. If the camera does  
not work after doing these solutions, consult your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility.  
The five bars of the SteadyShot scale flashes.  
• The SteadyShot function does not work. You can continue to shoot but the  
SteadyShot function will not work. Turn the camera off and on. If the  
SteadyShot scale continues to flash, consult your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility.  
187  
“--E-” is indicated on the screen.  
• Remove the memory card, and insert it again. If this procedure does not turn  
off the indication, format the memory card.  
188  
 
Warning messages  
Memory Card Error  
• An incompatible memory card is  
inserted or the format has failed.  
If the following messages appear,  
follow the instructions below.  
Reinsert memory card.  
Incompatible battery. Use correct  
model.  
• An incompatible battery pack is  
being used.  
• The inserted memory card  
cannot be used in your camera.  
• The memory card is damaged.  
• The terminal section of the  
memory card is dirty.  
Set Area/Date/Time.  
Memory card locked.  
• Set the area and date, time. If  
you have not used the camera for  
a long time, charge the internal  
rechargeable battery (pages 28,  
192).  
• You are using a memory card  
with a write-protect switch, and  
the switch is set to the LOCK  
position. Set the switch to the  
recording position.  
Power insufficient.  
This memory card may not be  
capable of recording and playing  
normally.  
• The inserted memory card  
cannot be used with the camera.  
• You tried to perform [Cleaning  
Mode] when the battery level is  
insufficient. Charge the battery  
pack or use the AC Adaptor  
(sold separately).  
Processing...  
Unable to use memory card.  
Format?  
• When Long exposure noise  
reduction will be done for the  
same amount of time that the  
shutter was open. You cannot do  
any further shooting during this  
reduction.  
The memory card was formatted  
on a computer and the file format  
was modified.  
Select [Enter], then format the  
memory card. You can use the  
memory card again, however, all  
previous data in the memory card  
is erased. It may take a some time  
to complete the format.  
Unable to display.  
• Images recorded with other  
cameras or images modified with  
a computer may not be able to be  
displayed.  
If the message still appears,  
change the memory card.  
189  
 
Check the lens attachment. If the  
lens is not supported, you can  
permit use of the lens in the  
custom menu.  
• The lens is not attached properly,  
or the lens is not attached.  
• Because you have been  
recording for a long time, the  
temperature inside the camera  
has increased to an unacceptable  
level. Stop recording.  
• When attaching the camera to an  
astronomical telescope or  
something similar, set [Release  
w/oLens] to [Enable].  
Recording is unavailable in this  
movie format.  
• Set [Movie: File Format] to  
[MP4].  
Contains no still images.  
Contains no movies.  
• The number of images exceeds  
that for which date management  
in a database file by the camera  
is possible.  
• There is no image in the memory  
card.  
Image protected.  
• You tried to delete protected  
images.  
• Unable to register to the database  
file. Import all the images to a  
computer using “PMB” and  
recover the memory card.  
Unable to print.  
• You tried to mark RAW images  
with a DPOF mark.  
Camera Error  
System Error  
Camera overheating. Allow it to  
cool.  
• Turn the power off, remove the  
battery pack, then re-insert it. If  
the message appears frequently,  
consult your Sony dealer or local  
authorized Sony service facility.  
• The camera has become hot  
because you have been shooting  
continuously.  
Turn the power off. Cool the  
camera and wait until the camera  
is ready to shoot again.  
Image Database File error.  
Reboot.  
• There is something wrong  
occurred in the Image Database  
File. Execute [Recover Image  
190  
     
Image Database File error.  
Recover?  
• You cannot record or play back  
AVCHD format movies because  
the Image Database File is  
damaged. Follow the on-screen  
instructions to recover data.  
Unable to magnify.  
Unable to rotate image.  
• Images recorded with other cameras  
may not be enlarged or rotated.  
No images changed  
• You attempted to specified  
DPOF without specifying  
images.  
Cannot create more folders.  
• The folder with a name beginning  
with “999” exists on the memory  
card. You cannot create any  
folders if this is the case.  
191  
On operating temperatures  
Precautions  
Your camera is designed for use  
under the temperatures between 0 and  
40°C (32 and 104°F). Shooting in  
extremely cold or hot places that  
exceed this range is not  
Do not use/store the camera in  
the following places  
• In an extremely hot, dry or humid  
place  
recommended.  
In places such as in a car parked in  
the sun, the camera body may  
become deformed and this may  
cause a malfunction.  
• Storing under direct sunlight or  
near a heater  
The camera body may become  
discolored or deformed, and this  
may cause a malfunction.  
• In a location subject to rocking  
vibration  
• Near strong magnetic place  
• In sandy or dusty places  
Be careful not to let sand or dust get  
into the camera. This may cause the  
camera to malfunction, and in some  
cases this malfunction cannot be  
repaired.  
On moisture condensation  
If the camera is brought directly from  
a cold to a warm location, moisture  
may condense inside or outside the  
camera. This moisture condensation  
may cause a malfunction of the  
camera.  
How to prevent moisture  
condensation  
When bringing the camera from a  
cold place to a warm place, seal the  
camera in a plastic bag and allow it to  
adapt to conditions at the new  
location over about an hour.  
If moisture condensation occurs  
Turn off the camera and wait about an  
hour for the moisture to evaporate.  
Note that if you attempt to shoot with  
moisture remaining inside the lens,  
you will be unable to record clear  
images.  
On storing  
Be sure to attach the lens cap or  
body cap when not using the  
camera. When attaching the body  
cap, remove all the dust from the  
cap before placing it on the camera.  
When you purchase the DT 18 – 55  
mm F3.5 – 5.6 SAM Lens Kit,  
purchase the Rear Lens Cap ALC-  
R55 also.  
On the internal rechargeable  
battery  
This camera has an internal  
rechargeable battery for maintaining  
the date and time and other settings  
regardless of whether the power is on  
or off, or the battery pack is charged  
or discharged.  
192  
             
This rechargeable battery is  
before shooting. Note that  
formatting permanently erases all  
data on the memory card, and is  
unrecoverable. Save precious data  
on a computer, etc.  
• If you repeatedly record/delete  
images, fragmentation of data may  
occur on the memory card. Movies  
may not be able to be saved or  
recorded. In such a case, save your  
images to a computer or other  
storage location, then format the  
memory card (page 146).  
continually charged as long as you  
are using the camera. However, if you  
use the camera for only short periods,  
it discharges gradually, and if you do  
not use the camera at all for about 3  
months it becomes completely  
discharged. In this case, be sure to  
charge this rechargeable battery  
before using the camera.  
However, even if this rechargeable  
battery is not charged, you can still  
use the camera as long as you do not  
record the date and time. If the  
camera resets the settings to the  
defaults each time you charge the  
battery, the internal rechargeable  
battery may be dead. Consult your  
Sony dealer or local authorized Sony  
service facility.  
• Before you record one-time events,  
make a trial recording to make sure  
that the camera is working  
correctly.  
• This camera is neither dust-proof,  
nor splash-proof, nor water-proof.  
• Do not look at the sun or a strong  
light through a removed lens or the  
viewfinder. This may cause  
irrecoverable damage to your eyes.  
Or it may cause a malfunction of  
your camera.  
• Do not use the camera near a  
location that generates strong radio  
waves or emits radiation. The  
camera may not be able to record or  
play back properly.  
• Using the camera in sandy or dusty  
locations may cause malfunctions.  
• If moisture condensation occurs,  
remove it before using the camera  
Charging method of the internal  
rechargeable battery  
Insert a charged battery pack in the  
camera, or connect the camera to a  
wall outlet (wall socket) using the AC  
Adaptor (sold separately), and leave  
the camera for 24 hours or more with  
the power off.  
On memory cards  
Do not attach a label, etc. on a  
memory card or a card adaptor. This  
may cause a malfunction.  
• Do not shake or strike the camera.  
In addition to malfunctions and an  
inability to record images, this may  
render the memory card unusable,  
or cause image data breakdown,  
damage or loss.  
Notes on recording/playback  
• When you use a memory card with  
this camera for the first time, it is  
recommended to format the card  
using the camera for stable  
performance of the memory card  
193  
• Clean the flash surface before use.  
The heat of flash emission may  
cause dirt on the flash surface to  
become discolored or to stick to the  
flash surface, resulting in  
insufficient light emission.  
• Keep the camera, supplied  
accessories, etc., out of the reach of  
children. A memory card, etc., may  
be swallowed. If such a problem  
occurs, consult a doctor  
immediately.  
194  
Recording media: Memory card  
AVCHD format  
*1 1080i specification  
A high definition specification which  
utilizes 1,080 effective scanning lines  
and the interlace system.  
The AVCHD format is a high  
definition digital video camera format  
used to record a high definition (HD)  
signal of either the 1080i  
*2 720p specification  
specification*1 or the 720p  
A high definition specification which  
utilizes 720 effective scanning lines  
and the progressive system.  
*3 Data recorded in AVCHD format  
other than the above mentioned  
cannot be played on your camera.  
specification*2 using efficient data  
compression coding technology. The  
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format is  
adopted to compress video data, and  
the Dolby Digital or Linear PCM  
system is used to compress audio  
data.  
The MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format is  
capable of compressing images at  
higher efficiency than that of the  
conventional image compressing  
format. The MPEG-4 AVC/H.264  
format enables a high definition video  
signal shot on a digital video camera  
recorder to be recorded on 8 cm DVD  
discs, hard disk drive, flash memory,  
memory card, etc.  
Recording and playback on  
your camera  
Based on the AVCHD format, your  
camera records with the high  
definition image quality (HD)  
mentioned below.  
Video signal*3:  
1080 60i-compatible device  
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 1920 ×  
1080/60i  
1080 50i-compatible device  
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 1920 ×  
1080/50i  
Audio signal: Dolby Digital 2ch  
195  
 
from the GPS satellites do not reach  
the camera as follows.  
– In tunnels, indoors or under the  
shade of buildings.  
GPS (SLT-A55V  
only)  
– Between tall buildings or at  
narrow streets surrounded by  
buildings.  
– In underground locations,  
locations surrounded by dense  
trees, under an elevated bridge, or  
in locations where magnetic fields  
are generated, such as near high  
voltage cables.  
– Near devices that generate radio  
signals of the same frequency  
band as the camera: near 1.5 GHz  
band mobile telephones, etc.  
This system allows you to pinpoint  
your exact location on the earth. The  
GPS satellites are located in 6 orbits,  
20,000 km above the earth. The GPS  
system consists of 24 or more GPS  
satellites. A GPS receiver receives  
radio signals from the satellites, and  
calculates the current location of the  
receiver based on the orbital  
information (almanac data) and travel  
time of the signals, etc.  
Determining a location is called  
“triangulating.” A GPS receiver can  
determine the location’s latitude and  
longitude by receiving signals from 3  
or more satellites.  
• As the positions of GPS satellites  
vary constantly, it may take longer  
to determine the location or the  
receiver may not be able to  
On triangulating errors  
• If you move to another location  
right after turning on the camera, it  
may take a longer time for the  
camera to start triangulating,  
compared to when you stay in the  
same place.  
determine the location at all,  
depending on the location and time  
you use the camera.  
• “GPS” is a system for determining  
geographic location by  
triangulating radio signals from  
GPS satellites. Avoid using the  
camera in places where radio  
signals are blocked or reflected,  
such as a shadowy place  
surrounded by buildings or trees,  
etc. Use the camera in open sky  
environments.  
• If triangulating fails, previously-  
triangulated location information  
may be written onto the image in  
the camera.  
• Error caused by the position of GPS  
satellites  
The camera automatically  
triangulates your current location  
when the camera receives radio  
signals from 3 or more GPS  
satellites. The triangulating error  
allowed by the GPS satellites is  
about 30 m (98 feet). Depending on  
the environment of the location, the  
triangulating error can be greater. In  
this case, your actual location may  
• You may not be able to record  
location information at locations or  
in situations where radio signals  
196  
 
not match the location on the map  
based on the GPS information.  
Meanwhile, the GPS satellites are  
controlled by the United States  
Department of Defense, and the  
degree of accuracy may be changed  
intentionally.  
• Error during the triangulating  
process  
The camera acquires location  
information every about 15 seconds  
during triangulating. There is a  
slight time difference between  
when the location information is  
acquired and when the location  
information is recorded on an  
image, therefore, the actual  
recording location may not match  
exactly the location on the map  
based on the GPS information.  
On the restriction of use of  
GPS on an airplane  
During take off and landing of an  
airplane, turn off the camera, as you  
will be instructed to do by the on-  
board announcement.  
On the other restriction  
Use GPS in accordance with the  
regulations of the place or situation.  
On the geographic coordinate  
system  
The “WGS-84” geographic  
coordinate system is used.  
197  
change the lock angle and shoot  
again.  
• The available shooting direction is  
horizontal only.  
• For details on the procedure used  
for shooting 3D-images, see page  
68.  
3D-shootings  
Notes on recording  
• [3D Panorama] is not suitable when  
shooting:  
– Subjects are moving.  
– Subjects are too close to the  
camera.  
– Subjects with a repeating pattern  
such as tiles, and subjects with  
little contrast such as sky, sandy  
beach, or lawn.  
• [3D Panorama] recording may be  
discontinued in the following  
situations:  
Note on playback of 3D-  
images  
When you play back 3D-images on  
the LCD monitor of the camera or on  
a non-3D-compatible TV, the images  
are played back without the 3D  
effect.  
– You pan or tilt the camera too fast  
or too slow.  
Notes on 3D-image files  
• A JPEG file and an MPO are  
combined to create a 3D-image. If  
you erase one of these files from the  
computer, the 3D-image may not be  
played back properly.  
• For details on the procedure used  
for viewing 3D-images, see pages  
– There is too much camera shake.  
• If you cannot pan or tilt the camera  
across the entire subject within the  
given time, a black area occurs in  
the composed image. If this  
happens, move the camera fast to  
record a full panoramic image.  
• Since several images are stitched  
together, the stitched part will not  
be recorded smoothly.  
• Under low light conditions, images  
may be blurred.  
• Under lights that flicker such as  
fluorescent light, images may not  
be recorded properly.  
• When the whole angle of 3D  
panoramic shooting and the angle  
in which you fixed the focus and  
exposure with AE/AF lock are  
extremely different in brightness,  
color and focus, the shooting will  
not be successful. If this happens,  
198  
 
Index  
Index  
A
C
Continuous Advance Priority AE  
D
B
199  
 
E
H
I
F
J
L
M
G
200  
R
N
S
P
Q
201  
SEE  
Notes on the License  
HTTP://WWW.MPEGLA.COM  
“C Library”, “Expat”, “zlib”, “dtoa”,  
“pcre”, and “libjpeg” software are  
provided in the camera. We provide  
this software based on license  
agreements with their owners of  
copyright. Based on requests by the  
owners of copyright of these software  
applications, we have an obligation to  
inform you of the following. Please  
read the following sections.  
Read “license1.pdf” in the “License”  
folder on the CD-ROM. You will find  
licenses (in English) of “C Library”,  
“Expat”, “zlib”, “dtoa”, “pcre” and  
“libjpeg” software.  
On GNU GPL/LGPL applied  
software  
The software that is eligible for the  
following GNU General Public  
License (hereinafter referred to as  
“GPL”) or GNU Lesser General  
Public License (hereinafter referred  
to as “LGPL”) are included in the  
camera.  
This informs you that you have a  
right to have access to, modify, and  
redistribute source code for these  
software programs under the  
conditions of the supplied GPL/  
LGPL.  
Source code is provided on the web.  
Use the following URL to download  
it.  
http://www.sony.net/Products/Linux/  
We would prefer you do not contact  
us about the contents of source code.  
SLT-A55/A55V/A33 IS LICENSED  
UNDER THE AVC PATENT  
PORTFOLIO LICENSE FOR THE  
PERSONAL AND NON-  
COMMERCIAL USE OF A  
CONSUMER TO  
(i) ENCODE VIDEO IN  
COMPLIANCE WITH THE AVC  
STANDARD (“AVC VIDEO”)  
AND/OR  
(ii) DECODE AVC VIDEO THAT  
WAS ENCODED BY A  
CONSUMER ENGAGED IN A  
PERSONAL AND NON-  
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY AND/  
OR WAS OBTAINED FROM A  
VIDEO PROVIDER LICENSED TO  
PROVIDE AVC VIDEO.  
Read “license2.pdf” in the “License”  
folder on the CD-ROM. You will find  
licenses (in English) of “GPL”, and  
“LGPL” software.  
To view the PDF, Adobe Reader is  
needed. If it is not installed on your  
computer, you can download it from  
the Adobe Systems web page:  
http://www.adobe.com/  
NO LICENSE IS GRANTED OR  
SHALL BE IMPLIED FOR ANY  
OTHER USE.  
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  
MAY BE OBTAINED FROM  
MPEG LA, L.L.C.  
203  

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