Sony a (alpha) SLT A57 User Manual

4-420-759-11(1)  
Interchangeable Lens  
Digital Camera  
Preparing the camera  
Shooting and viewing  
images  
Shooting images to suit  
your subject  
Instruction Manual  
A-mount  
Using the shooting  
functions  
Using the playback  
functions  
Functions list  
Viewing images on a  
computer  
Others  
Index  
SLT-A57  
• 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 packs promptly  
as described in 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).  
If you have any questions about this  
product, you may call:  
Sony Customer Information Center  
1-800-222-SONY (7669)  
The number below is for the FCC related  
matters only.  
The power cord (mains lead), if supplied, is  
designed specifically for use with this  
camera only, and should not be used with  
other electrical equipment.  
Regulatory Information  
Declaration of Conformity  
Trade Name: SONY  
Model No.: SLT-A57  
Responsible Party: Sony Electronics  
Inc.  
Address:16530 Via Esprillo,  
San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.  
Telephone No.: 858-942-2230  
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  
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.  
recycling location nearest you.  
For more information regarding recycling  
of rechargeable batteries, call toll free  
1-800-822-8837, or visit http://  
CAUTION  
You are cautioned that any changes or  
modifications not expressly approved in  
this manual could void your authority to  
operate this equipment.  
Caution: Do not handle damaged or  
leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.  
Battery Pack and lens  
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
Note:  
For Customers in Europe  
Notice for the customers in the  
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.  
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.  
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.  
– Consult the dealer or an experienced  
radio/TV technician for help.  
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).  
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.  
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.  
4
Disposal of Old Electrical &  
Electronic Equipment (Applicable in  
the European Union and other  
European countries with separate  
collection systems)  
Disposal of waste batteries  
(applicable in the European Union  
and other European countries with  
separate collection systems)  
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.  
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.  
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  
disposal service or the shop where you  
purchased the product.  
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.  
5
Notice for customers in the  
United Kingdom  
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  
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.  
6
Table of Contents  
..................................................................................... 20  
adjustment)......................................................... 28  
Sweep Panorama/  
3D Sweep Panorama ....... 39  
7
..................................................................................... 52  
..................................................................................... 54  
Learning more about the camera (α Handbook) .............. 78  
..................................................................................... 79  
8
Notes on using your camera  
Shooting procedure  
No compensation for contents of the  
• This camera has 2 modes for monitoring  
subjects: the LCD screen mode using the  
LCD screen, and the viewfinder mode  
using the viewfinder.  
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.  
• The recorded image may be different  
from the image you monitored before  
recording.  
Back up recommendation  
To avoid the potential risk of data loss,  
always copy (back up) data to other  
medium.  
Notes on the functions available with  
the camera  
• To check whether it is a 1080 60i-  
compatible device or 1080 50i-  
Notes on the LCD screen, electronic  
compatible device, check for the  
following marks on the bottom of the  
camera.  
1080 60i-compatible device:60i  
1080 50i-compatible device:50i  
• This camera is compatible with 1080 60p  
or 50p-format movies. Unlike standard  
recording modes up to now, which record  
in an interlacing method, this camera  
records using a progressive method. This  
increases the resolution, and provides a  
smoother, more realistic image.  
• 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 among 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  
6 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.  
viewfinder, lens, and image sensor  
• The LCD screen 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 screen  
and electronic viewfinder. These points  
are normal in the manufacturing process  
and do not affect the images in any way.  
• Do not hold the camera by taking hold of  
the LCD screen.  
• 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 screen. Do not bring anything that  
is easily affected by a magnet, such as  
floppy disk, credit cards near the LCD  
screen.  
• 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.  
Notes on long-time recording  
• When you continue to shoot for a long  
time, the temperature of the camera rises.  
9
   
Notes on using your camera  
If the temperature reaches above a certain  
level, the mark is indicated on the  
• 1080 60p/50p movies can be played back  
on compatible devices only.  
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.  
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 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.  
• The surface of the camera may get warm.  
This is not a malfunction.  
On the data specifications described  
Notes on importing AVCHD movies to  
in this manual  
a computer  
The data on performance and specifications  
is defined under the following conditions,  
except as described in this manual: at an  
ordinary ambient temperature of 25ºC  
(77°F), and using a battery pack that is  
charged for about 1 hour after the  
CHARGE lamp goes out.  
When importing AVCHD movies to a  
computer, for Windows computers, use the  
“PlayMemories Home” software on the  
CD-ROM (supplied).  
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.  
– Other devices compatible with  
AVCHD format that does not support  
High Profile  
– Devices incompatible with the  
AVCHD format  
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.  
Model name  
This manual covers several models  
supplied with different lenses.  
The model name varies depending on the  
supplied lens. The available model varies  
depending on the countries/regions.  
Model name  
SLT-A57  
Lens  
SLT-A57K  
SLT-A57Y  
DT18-55mm  
DT18-55mm and  
DT55-200mm  
10  
 
Preparing the camera  
Checking the supplied items  
First check the model name of your camera (page 10). The accessories  
supplied differ depending on the model.  
The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.  
Common accessories  
• Camera (1)  
• Body cap (1) (Attached on the  
camera)  
• BC-VM10A Battery charger (1)  
• Eyecup (1) (Attached on the  
camera)  
• CD-ROM (1)  
– Application Software for α  
camera  
• Power cord (mains lead) (1) (not  
supplied in the U.S.A. and  
Canada)  
α Handbook  
• Instruction Manual (1) (This  
manual)  
• Rechargeable battery pack NP-  
FM500H (1)  
SLT-A57K  
• DT18-55mm zoom lens (1)/Front  
lens cap (1)/Packaging lid (1)  
SLT-A57Y  
• USB cable (1)  
• DT18-55mm zoom lens (1)/Front  
lens cap (1)/Packaging lid (1)  
• DT55-200mm zoom lens (1)/  
Front lens cap (1)/Rear lens cap  
(1)/Lens hood (1)  
• Shoulder strap (1)  
11  
   
Identifying parts  
See the pages in parentheses for details of operation.  
Front side  
A Shutter button (30)  
B Power switch (26)  
C Control dial  
L Mode dial (36)  
(Flash pop-up) button (41,  
52)  
M
N Mounting index (23)  
O Lens release button (24)  
P Focus mode switch (52)  
D Remote sensor (45)  
E Self-timer lamp (45)  
F Lens contacts*  
G Mirror*  
* Do not directly touch these  
parts.  
** Do not cover this part  
during movie recording.  
Doing so may cause noise  
or lower the volume.  
H Preview button (52)/Focus  
Magnifier button (52)  
I Mount  
J Built-in flash* (41)  
K Microphone**  
12  
 
Identifying parts  
Rear side  
A Eyepiece sensors  
H Control button  
v/V/b/B/DISP (Display) (46)/  
WB (White balance) (52)/  
(Drive) (45, 52)/  
B Viewfinder*  
• 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 screen  
mode.  
(Picture Effect) (52)  
I Control button (Enter)/AF  
button/Object Tracking button  
J
(In-Camera Guide) button  
For viewing: (Delete) button  
C Diopter-adjustment dial (28)  
D LCD screen (73)  
E Light sensor  
F Eyecup  
K
(Playback) button (33)  
G For shooting: Fn (Function)  
* Do not directly touch this  
part.  
For viewing:  
(Image  
rotation) button (52)  
13  
Identifying parts  
Top side  
A Auto-lock Accessory shoe  
B MENU button (56)  
button (49)/  
button (50)  
(Image index)  
C MOVIE button (32, 52)  
D FINDER/LCD button (52)  
E
(Exposure) button (43)  
F ISO button (52, 59)  
Image sensor position  
mark  
G
H For shooting: ZOOM button  
For viewing:  
button (52)  
(Zoom in)  
I For shooting: AEL (AE lock)  
button (52, 59)/AV (Aperture  
value) button (52)  
For viewing:  
(Zoom out)  
14  
Identifying parts  
Sides/Bottom  
A Hooks for shoulder strap  
C Speaker  
• Attach both ends of the strap  
onto the camera.  
D DC IN terminal  
• When connecting the AC-  
PW10AM AC Adaptor (sold  
separately) to the camera, turn  
the camera off, then plug the  
connector of the AC Adaptor to  
the DC IN terminal on the  
camera.  
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.  
B REMOTE terminal  
• When connecting the 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.  
F HDMI mini terminal (51)  
G
(USB) terminal  
H Access lamp (21)  
I Memory card insertion slot (20)  
J Memory card cover (20)  
15  
   
Identifying parts  
K Battery insertion slot (20)  
L Battery cover (20)  
M Tripod receptacle  
• 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  
with a screw length of 5.5 mm  
(7/32 inch) or longer, and  
attempting to do so may  
damage the camera.  
16  
Identifying parts  
Lens  
DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM  
(Supplied with the SLT-A57K/A57Y)  
A Focusing ring  
B Zoom ring  
C Focal-length scale  
D Focal-length index  
E Lens contacts  
F Focusing mode switch  
G Mounting index  
DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM  
(Supplied with the SLT-A57Y)  
• The DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6  
SAM/DT 55-200mm F4-5.6  
SAM are designed for Sony A-  
mount cameras (models equipped  
with an APS-C sized image  
sensor). You cannot use these  
lenses on 35mm-format cameras.  
• For the lenses other than DT 18-  
55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM/DT 55-  
200mm F4-5.6 SAM, refer to the  
operating instructions supplied  
with the lens.  
17  
 
Charging the battery pack  
When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP-  
FM500H “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.  
The battery pack is discharged little by little, even when you do not use it.  
To avoid missing an opportunity to shoot, check the remaining battery level  
before you shoot. If the battery level is low, charge it again.  
Insert the battery pack onto  
the battery charger.  
Push the battery pack until it clicks.  
1
18  
 
Charging the battery pack  
For the U.S.A and Canada  
Connect the battery charger  
to the wall outlet (wall  
socket).  
2
Plug  
Light on: Charging  
Light off: Charge completed  
Charging time About 175 minutes  
• When charging a fully depleted  
battery pack at a temperature of 25°C  
(77°F).  
• The CHARGE lamp turns off when  
charging is completed.  
CHARGE lamp  
For countries/regions other than the  
U.S.A. and Canada  
CHARGE lamp  
To a wall outlet  
(wall socket)  
Notes  
• The charging time differs depending on the remaining capacity of the battery pack or  
charging conditions.  
• We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between  
10°C to 30°C (50°F 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).  
19  
Inserting the battery pack/memory  
card (sold separately)  
While sliding the battery  
cover open lever, open the  
cover.  
1
Firmly insert the battery pack  
2
all the way while pressing  
the lock lever with the tip of  
the battery.  
Lock lever  
Close the cover.  
3
While sliding the memory  
card cover, open the cover.  
4
20  
   
Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately)  
Insert a memory card.  
• With the notched corner facing as  
illustrated, insert the memory card  
until it clicks into place.  
5
6
Ensure the notched corner faces  
correctly.  
Close the cover.  
To remove the battery pack  
Turn off the camera. Slide the lock lever  
in the direction of the arrow 10 seconds  
after turning off the camera, then remove  
the battery pack. Be careful not to drop  
the battery pack.  
Lock lever  
To remove the memory card  
Check that the access lamp is not lit, then open the cover, and push the  
memory card once.  
To check the remaining battery level  
The supplied battery pack is a lithium-ion battery pack that has functions  
for exchanging information related to operating conditions with your  
camera. The remaining battery time in percent figures is displayed  
according to the operating conditions of your camera.  
21  
   
Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately)  
“Battery  
exhausted.”  
Battery level  
You cannot shoot  
Low  
High  
any more pictures.  
Available memory cards  
The following memory cards are compatible with this camera. However, all  
memory cards are not guaranteed to work with this camera.  
Still  
images  
Types of memory card  
Movies  
In this manual  
Memory Stick PRO Duo  
Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo  
SD memory card  
(Mark2)  
Memory Stick  
PRO Duo  
(Class 4 or faster)  
(Class 4 or faster)  
(Class 4 or faster)  
SDHC memory card  
SD card  
SDXC memory card  
• MultiMediaCard cannot be used.  
Note  
• 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.)  
22  
Attaching a lens  
Front lens cap  
Remove the body cap from  
1
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.  
• When shooting, remove the front lens  
cap from the front of the lens.  
Body cap  
Packaging lid  
Mount the lens by aligning  
2
the orange index marks  
(mounting indexes) on the  
lens and camera.  
Orange index marks  
Turn the lens clockwise until  
3
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.  
• When carrying the camera with a lens attached, hold both the camera and the lens  
firmly.  
23  
   
Attaching a lens  
• Do not hold the part of the lens that is extended for the zoom or focus adjustment.  
To remove the lens  
Press the lens release button  
1
all the way in and turn the  
lens counterclockwise until it  
stops.  
Lens release button  
Attach the caps to the front  
2
and rear of the lens and 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.  
To attach a lens hood  
It is recommended that you use a lens  
hood to reduce flare and ensure  
maximum image quality.  
Fit the hood into the mount on the end of  
the lens barrel and rotate the hood  
clockwise until it clicks.  
Notes  
• A lens hood is not included with the DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM. You can use the  
ALC-SH108 (sold separately).  
• The lens hood may block the light of the flash. Remove the lens hood when using the  
flash.  
24  
 
Attaching a lens  
• When storing, turn over the lens hood and place it onto the lens backwards.  
Note on changing the lens  
When changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camera and  
adheres to the surface of the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it  
may appear as dark spots 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.  
25  
Turning the camera on and setting the  
clock  
When you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup screen  
appears.  
Set the power switch to ON to  
turn the camera on.  
The screen used for setting date and  
time appears.  
1
• To turn the camera off, set it to OFF.  
Verify that [Enter] is selected  
2
on the LCD screen, then  
press the center of the  
control button.  
Select your area with b/B on the control button, then  
press the center of the control button.  
3
Select each item with b/B  
and set the numeric value  
4
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.  
26  
   
Turning the camera on and setting the clock  
Repeat step 4 to set other items, then press the center  
of the control button.  
5
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.  
27  
 
Before shooting  
Adjusting the viewfinder to the visual acuity (diopter  
adjustment)  
Adjust the diopter-adjustment  
dial to your eyesight until the  
display appears clearly in the  
viewfinder.  
• If you cannot see the entire screen in  
the viewfinder, you can change the  
scale of the viewfinder screen  
Note  
• The dioptic adjustment attachment (sold separately) cannot be used with this camera.  
Holding the camera properly  
Stabilize your upper body and take a position that keeps the  
camera from moving.  
In LCD screen mode  
In viewfinder mode  
In viewfinder mode  
(vertical position)  
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.  
28  
       
Before shooting  
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.  
29  
Shooting and viewing images  
Shooting still images  
The “Intelligent 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.  
Set the mode dial to  
or  
1
(Flash Off).  
or  
Hold the camera, monitoring your shot with the LCD  
screen or viewfinder.  
2
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.  
• When the camera recognizes the  
scene, the Scene Recognition icon  
appears on the screen and suitable  
settings for that scene will be put into  
effect.  
(Camera shake  
warning) indicator  
AF area  
When using a zoom lens,  
turn the zoom ring, then  
decide on your shot.  
4
Zoom ring  
30  
     
Shooting still images  
Press the shutter button  
halfway down to focus.  
5
6
When the focus is confirmed, z or  
(Focus indicator) lights up.  
Focus indicator  
Press the shutter button fully  
down to shoot.  
• When the camera detects and  
shoots a face with [Auto Port.  
Framing] set to [Auto], the  
captured image is automatically  
trimmed into a suitable  
composition. Both the original and  
the trimmed images are saved  
31  
 
Recording movies  
MOVIE button  
Press the MOVIE button to  
start recording.  
• Movie recording can be started from  
any exposure mode.  
1
• The shutter speed and aperture are  
adjusted automatically. If you want to  
set them to particular values, set the  
mode dial to  
(Movie) (page 36).  
• The camera continues to adjust the  
focus when it is in autofocus mode.  
Press the MOVIE button again to stop recording.  
2
Notes  
• The sound of the camera and the lens in operation may be recorded while recording a  
movie. You can disable sound recording by setting [Audio Recording] to [Off]  
• The continuous recording time of a movie may be shorter, depending on the ambient  
temperature or the status of the camera. See “Notes on continuous movie recording.”  
• 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.  
32  
 
Playing back images  
Press the  
button.  
1
button  
MENU button t  
desired mode  
1 t [View Mode] t Select the  
2
• To play back still images, select [Folder View(Still)], and to play back  
movies, select [Folder View(MP4)] or [AVCHD View] according to the  
file format.  
Select an image with b/B on the control button.  
• To play back movies, press the center of the control button.  
3
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  
• The movie is played back frame-by-  
frame.  
To adjust sound volume  
V t v/V  
To display the information  
v
Note  
• Movies recorded with other devices may not be played back on this camera.  
33  
 
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  
Display the image you want  
to delete and press the  
button.  
1
button  
Select [Delete] with v on the control button, then press  
the center of the control button.  
2
34  
 
Shooting images to suit your subject  
Adjusting the angle of the LCD screen  
Adjust the LCD screen to an easily  
viewable angle.  
• The LCD screen tilts 180 degrees.  
• The LCD screen can be rotated leftward  
270 degrees from the position in which  
the LCD screen is facing forward.  
• When the LCD screen is not used, it is  
recommended that you close it with the  
screen side facing to the camera.  
Note  
• When the LCD screen is open, the eye sensor  
may not be able to function in situations  
involving low-position shooting. If you look  
into the viewfinder and the monitor is not  
switched automatically, press the FINDER/  
LCD button.  
35  
   
Shooting with the various shooting  
modes  
Set the mode dial to the desired  
mode.  
The following shooting modes are provided with the camera:  
(Intelligent  
The “Intelligent Auto” mode allows you to easily shoot any  
Auto)/  
(Flash Off) subject under any conditions because the camera makes  
appropriate judgments on the situation to adjust the settings.  
Select “Flash Off” when you want to shoot without the flash.  
(Superior  
The camera recognizes and evaluates the shooting condition,  
and appropriate settings are set automatically. The camera  
saves 1 appropriate image by combining or separating  
images, as necessary.  
Auto)  
(Scene  
Selection)  
Selecting an appropriate mode for the subject or the shooting  
conditions allows you to shoot the image with a suitable  
setting for the subject.  
(Sweep  
Panorama)  
Allows you to shoot panoramic images.  
(3D Sweep  
Panorama)  
Allows you to shoot 3D panoramic images for playback on a  
3D compatible TV.  
(Cont. Priority The camera continues to shoot while the shutter button is  
AE Mode)  
pressed fully down. The camera records the images  
continuously at a maximum of about 12 or 10 images per  
second.  
(Movie)  
Allows you to shoot movies with the exposure adjusted  
manually (both the shutter speed and the aperture value).  
(Program Auto)  
Allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically  
(both the shutter speed and the aperture value). The other  
settings can be adjusted manually.  
(Aperture  
Priority)  
Allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value  
manually using the control dial.  
(Shutter Priority) Allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed  
manually using the control dial.  
36  
       
Shooting with the various shooting modes  
(Manual  
Exposure)  
Allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure manually  
(both the shutter speed and the aperture value) using the  
control dial.  
Superior Auto  
1 Set the mode dial to  
(Superior 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.  
Scene recognized by the camera  
(Night Scene)  
(Backlight Portrait)  
(Backlight)  
(Hand-held Twilight)  
(Portrait)  
(Landscape)  
(Tripod Night Scene)  
(Night Portrait)  
(Baby)  
(Macro)  
(Spotlight)  
(Low Brightness)  
Shooting function  
Cont. Shooting (45)  
Daylight Sync.  
Slow Sync. (41)  
Slow Shutter  
Auto HDR (54)  
Hand-held Twilight (38)  
37  
     
Shooting with the various shooting modes  
Scene Selection  
1 Set the mode dial to  
(Scene Selection).  
2 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.  
3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.  
(Portrait)  
Blurs away backgrounds and sharpens the subject. Expresses  
skin tones softly.  
(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.  
(Macro)  
Shoots close subjects such as flowers, foods.  
(Landscape)  
Shoots the entire range of scenery in sharp focus with vivid  
colors.  
(Sunset)  
Shoots the red of the sunrise or sunset beautifully.  
(Night Scene)  
Shoots night scenes at a distance without losing the dark  
atmosphere of the surroundings.  
(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.  
(Night Portrait)  
Shoots portraits in night scenes.  
38  
   
Shooting with the various shooting modes  
Sweep Panorama/  
3D Sweep Panorama  
1 Set the mode dial to  
Panorama).  
(Sweep Panorama)/  
(3D Sweep  
2 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  
3 Press the shutter button fully down.  
4 Pan or tilt the camera to the end,  
following the guidance on the  
screen.  
Guidance bar  
39  
 
Shooting with the various shooting modes  
Continuous Advance Priority AE Mode  
1 Set the mode dial to (Cont. Priority AE Mode).  
2 Select the desired mode with v/V on the control button, then  
press the center z on the control button.  
• To change the mode, press the Fn button, then select another mode.  
3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subjects.  
• The camera continues to shoot while the shutter button is pressed fully  
down.  
(Tele-zoom  
Cont. Priority AE)  
The camera records the images continuously at a maximum  
of about 12 images per second.  
• The minimum zoom scale of the camera is set to 1.4 times  
and the image size can be set to M or S.  
(Cont. Priority  
AE)  
The camera records the images continuously at a maximum  
of about 10 images per second. The image size can be set to  
L.  
40  
 
Using the shooting functions  
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  
• For further information on the flash modes available for each shooting  
mode, see page 77.  
button  
2 Press the button.  
The flash pops up.  
• In Intelligent Auto, Superior 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.  
Flashing: The flash is being charged.  
When the indicator flashes, you cannot  
release the shutter.  
Lit: The flash has been charged and  
is ready to fire.  
(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).  
41  
   
Using the flash  
(Flash Off)  
Does not fire even the built-in flash pops up.  
• You cannot select this item when the mode dial is set to P,  
A, S, or M. However, the flash will not be fired if it is not  
pulled up.  
(Autoflash)  
(Fill-flash)  
Fires if it is dark or against light.  
Fires every time you trigger the shutter.  
(Slow Sync.)  
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 every time you  
trigger the shutter.  
Fires an external flash (sold separately) that is off the camera  
and away from it (Wireless flash shooting).  
42  
Adjusting the brightness of the image  
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. You can make the entire image brighter  
by shifting to the + side. The entire image becomes darker when you shift it  
to the – side (Exposure compensation).  
button  
1 Press the  
button.  
The LCD screen after the  
exposure is adjusted.  
2 Adjust the exposure with the  
control dial.  
Toward + (over): Brightens an image.  
Toward – (under): Darkens an image.  
• In viewfinder mode, confirm the  
exposure using the EV scale.  
Compensated exposure  
The screen in the viewfinder  
Standard exposure  
3 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.  
Shooting techniques  
• Adjust the compensation level by checking the recorded image.  
43  
   
Adjusting the brightness of the image  
• Using bracket shooting, you can shoot multiple images with the exposure  
shifted to the plus or minus sides (page 45).  
Note  
• This item cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to Intelligent Auto, Superior  
Auto, or Scene Selection.  
44  
Selecting the drive mode  
You can use an appropriate drive mode to suit your purposes, such as  
single-shot advanced, continuous advanced, or bracket.  
on the control button t  
Select the desired mode  
(Single  
This mode is for normal shooting.  
Shooting)  
(Cont. Shooting) The camera records the images continuously.  
(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.  
(Bracket:  
You can shoot 3 images, each with different degrees of  
exposure.  
Cont.)  
(Single  
Bracket)  
You can shoot 3 images, shot by shot, each with different  
degrees of exposure.  
(WB  
Based on the selected white balance, and the color  
temperature/color filter, 3 images are recorded with the white  
balance shifted.  
bracket)  
(Remote Cdr.)  
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).  
45  
         
Switching the recording information  
display (DISP)  
Each time you press DISP on the control  
button, the recording information display  
changes as follows.  
You can select the available displays in  
the viewfinder or on the LCD screen  
separately.  
Graphic Display  
Display All Info.  
No Disp. Info.  
Level  
Digital level gauge  
Graphic Display  
The Graphic Display shows the shutter  
speed and aperture value as graphs, and  
clearly illustrates how the exposure  
works. The pointers on the shutter speed  
indicator and aperture indicator indicate  
the current value.  
Aperture value  
Shutter speed  
46  
 
Setting image size  
Image Size  
MENU button t  
1 t [Image Size] t Select the desired size  
[Aspect Ratio]: [3:2]  
Image size  
L:16M  
Usage guidelines  
4912 × 3264 pixels  
3568 × 2368 pixels  
2448 × 1624 pixels  
For prints up to A3+ size  
For prints up to A4 size  
For prints up to L/2L size  
M:8.4M  
S:4.0M  
[Aspect Ratio]: [16:9]  
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  
Note  
• When you select a RAW image with [Quality], the image size of the RAW image  
corresponds to L. This size is not displayed on the screen.  
Panorama: Size  
You can set the image size of panoramic images. The image size varies  
depending on the setting of the shooting direction (page 56).  
MENU button t  
1 t [Panorama: Size] or [3D Pan.: Image  
Size] t Select the desired size  
[Panorama: Size]  
Standard  
[Panorama: Direction] is set to [Up] [Down]: 3872 × 2160  
[Panorama: Direction] is set to [Right] [Left]: 8192 × 1856  
Wide  
[Panorama: Direction] is set to [Up] [Down]: 5536 × 2160  
[Panorama: Direction] is set to [Right] [Left]: 12416 × 1856  
47  
     
Setting image size  
[3D Pan.: Image Size]  
16:9  
1920 × 1080  
Standard  
Wide  
4912 × 1080  
7152 × 1080  
48  
Using the playback functions  
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  
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 center of the control button so that the image returns to the normal  
size.  
49  
   
Switching to the display of the image  
list  
You can display multiple images on the screen simultaneously.  
Press the  
button.  
The image index screen is displayed.  
• You can select the number of images  
displayed on one page of the image  
index screen using [Image Index] in the  
Playback menu.  
button  
To return to the single-image screen  
Press the center of the control button when you select the desired image.  
To display the desired folder  
Select the left bar on the image index  
screen with the control button, then select  
the desired folder with v/V. Pressing the  
center of the control button when the left  
bar is selected switches the view mode.  
50  
 
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 mini terminal  
2 Turn on the TV and switch the input.  
• See also the operating instructions supplied with the TV.  
3 Turn on the camera, and press the  
button.  
Images shot with the camera appear on  
the TV screen.  
Select the desired image with b/B on the  
control button.  
• The LCD screen on the camera does  
not turned on.  
Control button  
button  
51  
 
Functions list  
Functions that can be operated with  
the buttons/switch  
You can set up or operate various functions with these buttons/switch.  
For the location of the buttons/switch, see “Identifying parts” (page 12).  
button  
button  
Pops the flash up.  
Compensates the exposure.  
Adjusts the ISO sensitivity.  
ISO button  
FINDER/LCD button  
Switches the display between the LCD screen and the  
viewfinder.  
MENU button  
MOVIE button  
Displays the menu screen for setting up the menu item.  
Records movies.  
AEL button/AV button/  
button/ button  
Fixes the exposure of the entire screen./Sets up the  
aperture value./Displays multiple images on the screen  
simultaneously./Scales down an image that has been  
scaled up when viewing images.  
ZOOM button/ button  
Magnifies and shoots the subject using the zoom feature  
of the camera (ZOOM)./Scales an image up when  
viewing images.  
Fn button/  
Control button  
button  
button  
Displays the setup screen of the function that is set using  
the Fn button./Rotates images.  
Sets up the following functions: Display, White  
Balance, Drive mode, Picture Effect, and Autofocus.  
Plays back images.  
button/ button  
Displays a shooting tip or In-Camera Guide./Deletes  
images.  
Focus mode switch  
Switches the autofocus and manual focus.  
Preview button/Focus  
Magnifier button  
Checks blurring of the background./Allows you to check  
the focus by enlarging the image before shooting.  
52  
               
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.  
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.  
53  
 
Functions that can be selected with  
the Fn (Function) button  
The functions that can be selected with the Fn button are as follows:  
Scene Selection  
Selects an appropriate mode from among the Scene Selection  
preset settings to suit shooting conditions.  
(Portrait/Sports Action/Macro/Landscape/Sunset/Night  
Scene/Hand-held Twilight/Night Portrait)  
Movie  
Selects the exposure mode to suit your subject or your effect  
and records movies.  
(P/A/S/M)  
Cont. Priority AE  
Mode  
Sets the speed for continuous shooting.  
(Tele-zoom Cont. Priority AE/Cont. Priority AE)  
Drive Mode  
Sets the drive mode such as continuous shooting.  
(Single Shooting/Cont. Shooting/Self-timer/Bracket: Cont./  
Single Bracket/WB bracket/Remote Cdr.)  
Flash Mode  
Sets the flash mode.  
(Flash Off/Autoflash/Fill-flash/Slow Sync./Rear Sync./  
Wireless)  
Autofocus Mode  
Selects the method for focusing according to movement of  
the subject.  
(Single-shot AF/Automatic AF/Continuous AF)  
AF area  
Selects the area of focus.  
(Wide/Zone/Spot/Local)  
Object Tracking  
Smile/Face Detect.  
Keeps the focus on a subject while tracking it.  
(On/Off)  
Automatically captures people’s face(s) with the optimal  
focus and exposure./Shoots when a smile is detected.  
(Face Detection Off/Face Detection On (Regist. Faces)/Face  
Detection On/Smile Shutter)  
Auto Port. Framing  
ISO  
Analyzes the scene when capturing face and automatically  
saves another image with well-balanced composition.  
(Auto/Off)  
Sets the sensitivity to light. The larger the number, the faster  
the shutter speed.  
(Multi Frame Noise Reduct./ISO AUTO to 16000)  
Metering Mode  
Selects the method for measuring brightness.  
(Multi segment/Center weighted/Spot)  
54  
               
Functions that can be selected with the Fn (Function) button  
Flash Comp.  
Adjusts the intensity of flash output.  
(+2.0EV to –2.0EV)  
White Balance  
Adjusts the color tone of images.  
(Auto WB/Daylight/Shade/Cloudy/Incandescent/Fluor.:  
Warm White/Fluor.: Cool White/Fluor.: Day White/Fluor.:  
Daylight/Flash/C.Temp./Filter/Custom)  
DRO/Auto HDR  
Creative Style  
Picture Effect  
Compensates for the brightness and contrast automatically.  
(Off/D-RangeOptimizer/Auto HDR)  
Selects your desired image processing.  
(Standard/Vivid/Portrait/Landscape/Sunset/Black & White)  
Shoots with the desired effect filter to achieve more  
impressive expression.  
(Off/Toy Camera/Pop Color/Posterization/Retro Photo/Soft  
High-key/Partial Color/High Contrast Mono./Soft Focus/  
HDR Painting/Rich-tone Mono./Miniature)  
55  
       
The functions selected with 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, then set up the desired item with v/V/b/B on the  
control button, then press the center of the control button.  
Select a page of the menu  
Select an item on the menu  
Still shooting menu  
Image Size  
Selects the size of still images.  
(L:16M/M:8.4M/S:4.0M (When [Aspect Ratio] is set to 3:2)  
L:14M/M:7.1M/S:3.4M (When [Aspect Ratio] is set to 16:9))  
Aspect Ratio  
Quality  
Selects the aspect ratio for still images.  
(3:2/16:9)  
Sets the image quality for still images.  
(RAW/RAW & JPEG/Fine/Standard)  
Panorama: Size  
Selects the size of panoramic images.  
(Standard/Wide)  
Panorama: Direction Sets the shooting direction for panoramic images.  
(Right/Left/Up/Down)  
3D Pan.: Image Size Selects the size of 3D-images.  
(16:9/Standard/Wide)  
3D Pan.: Direction  
Clear Image Zoom  
56  
Sets the shooting direction for 3D-images.  
(Right/Left)  
Zooms an image with higher quality than Digital Zoom.  
(On/Off)  
         
The functions selected with the MENU button  
Digital Zoom  
Zooms an image with higher magnification than Clear Image  
Zoom. This feature can be also available in movie recording.  
(On/Off)  
Long Exposure NR  
Sets noise reduction processing for shots in which shutter  
speed will be 1 second or longer.  
(On/Off)  
High ISO NR  
Flash control  
AF Illuminator  
Sets noise reduction processing for high-sensitivity shooting.  
(High/Normal/Low)  
Sets the method for determining the intensity of flash output.  
(ADI flash/Pre-flash TTL)  
Sets the AF illuminator, which sheds light on a dark scene to  
aid focusing.  
(Auto/Off)  
Color Space  
SteadyShot  
Changes the range of reproducible colors.  
(sRGB/AdobeRGB)  
Sets SteadyShot.  
(On/Off)  
Shooting Tip List  
Allows you to access all shooting tips.  
Movie shooting menu  
File Format  
Selects the movie file format.  
(AVCHD/MP4)  
Record Setting  
Selects the size of the recorded movie frame.  
(60i 24M(FX)/50i 24M(FX)/60i 17M(FH)/50i 17M(FH)/60p  
28M(PS)/50p 28M(PS)/24p 24M(FX)/25p 24M(FX)/24p  
17M(FH)/25p 17M(FH)/1440×1080 12M/VGA 3M)  
Audio Recording  
Sets whether or not to record audio when shooting a movie.  
(On/Off)  
Wind Noise Reduct. Reduces wind noise during movie recording.  
(On/Off)  
SteadyShot  
Sets SteadyShot.  
(On/Off)  
57  
               
The functions selected with the MENU button  
Custom menu  
Eye-Start AF  
Sets whether or not to use auto focus when you look through  
the viewfinder.  
(On/Off)  
FINDER/LCD Setting Sets the method for switching between the viewfinder and  
LCD screen.  
(Auto/Manual)  
Viewfinder Magnifi. Changes the screen size in the viewfinder. If you cannot see  
the entire screen in the viewfinder, set it to [Standard].  
(Maximum/Standard)  
Red Eye Reduction  
Reduces the red-eye phenomenon during flash use.  
(On/Off)  
Release w/o Lens  
Sets whether shutter can open when lens is not attached.  
(Enable/Disable)  
S. Auto Cont.  
Shooting  
Sets whether or not to shoot continuously in Superior Auto  
mode.  
(Auto/Off)  
S. Auto Image  
Extract.  
Sets whether or not to save all the images that were shot  
continuously in Superior Auto mode.  
(Auto/Off)  
Grid Line  
Sets a grid line display to enable alignment to a structural  
outline.  
(Rule of 3rds Grid/Square Grid/Diag. + Square Grid/Off)  
Auto Review  
Displays the captured image after shooting. Sets auto review.  
(10 Sec/5 Sec/2 Sec/Off)  
DISP Button(Monitor) Allows you to select the available screen display modes of  
the LCD screen that can be selected by pressing DISP on the  
control button.  
(Graphic Display/Display All Info./No Disp. Info./Level/  
Histogram/For viewfinder)  
DISP Button(Finder) Allows you to select the available screen display modes of  
the viewfinder that can be selected by pressing DISP on the  
control button.  
(Graphic Display/Display All Info./No Disp. Info./Level/  
Histogram)  
58  
                 
The functions selected with the MENU button  
Peaking Level  
Enhances the outline of in-focus ranges with a specific color  
in manual focus mode.  
(High/Mid/Low/Off)  
Peaking Color  
Sets the color used for the peaking function.  
(Red/Yellow/White)  
Live View Display  
Sets whether or not to display the effect of a function on the  
screen, such as the effect of the exposure compensation  
value.  
(Setting Effect ON/Setting Effect OFF)  
Func. of AEL button Assigns the desired function to the AEL button.  
(Exposure Comp./Drive Mode/Flash Mode/Autofocus Mode/  
AF area/Face Detection/Smile Shutter/Auto Port. Framing/  
ISO/Metering Mode/Flash Comp./White Balance/DRO/Auto  
HDR/Creative Style/Picture Effect/Image Size/Quality/AEL  
hold/AEL toggle/ AEL hold/ AEL toggle/Object  
Tracking/AF lock/Aperture Preview/Shot. Result Preview/  
Zoom/Focus Magnifier)  
ISO Button  
Assigns the desired function to the ISO button.  
(Exposure Comp./Drive Mode/Flash Mode/Autofocus Mode/  
AF area/Face Detection/Smile Shutter/Auto Port. Framing/  
ISO/Metering Mode/Flash Comp./White Balance/DRO/Auto  
HDR/Creative Style/Picture Effect/Image Size/Quality/AEL  
hold/AEL toggle/ AEL hold/ AEL toggle/Object  
Tracking/AF lock/Aperture Preview/Shot. Result Preview/  
Zoom/Focus Magnifier)  
Preview Button  
Selects the method to be used for the operating preview  
button.  
(Shot. Result Preview/Aperture Preview/Focus Magnifier)  
Focus Hold Button  
MOVIE Button  
Sets the function of the focus hold button of the lens.  
(Focus Hold/D.O.F.Preview)  
Selects the appropriate mode for the MOVIE button.  
(Always/Movie Mode Only)  
Lens Comp.: Shading Compensates for the shaded corners of the screen caused by  
the lens attached.  
(Auto/Off)  
59  
             
The functions selected with the MENU button  
Lens Comp.: Chro.  
Aber.  
Reduces the color deviation at the corners of the screen  
caused by the lens attached.  
(Auto/Off)  
Lens Comp.:  
Distortion  
Compensates for distortion on the screen caused by the lens  
attached.  
(Auto/Off)  
Front Curtain Shutter Sets whether or not to use the electronic front curtain shutter  
function.  
(On/Off)  
Face Registration  
Registers or changes the person to be given priority in the  
focus.  
(New Registration/Order Exchanging/Delete/Delete All)  
Face Priority  
Tracking  
Sets whether to preferentially-track a certain face or not when  
the camera detects that face during object tracking.  
(On/Off)  
Playback menu  
Delete  
Deletes images.  
(Multiple Img./All in Folder/All AVCHD view files)  
View Mode  
Slide Show  
Image Index  
3D Viewing  
Protect  
Allows you to determine how to group the playback images.  
(Folder View(Still)/Folder View(MP4)/AVCHD View)  
Shows a slide show.  
(Repeat/Interval/Image Type)  
Displays the image list.  
(4 Images/9 Images)  
Plays back 3D-images using a 3D-compatible TV connected  
to the camera.  
Protects or cancels protection for an image.  
(Multiple Img./Cancel All Images/Cancel All Movies(MP4)/  
Cancel All AVCHD view files)  
Specify Printing  
Specifies or unspecifies the images for DPOF.  
(DPOF Setup/Date Imprint)  
Volume Settings  
Playback Display  
Sets the volume for movie playback.  
Sets how to play back an image recorded in portrait.  
(Auto Rotate/Manual Rotate)  
60  
                   
The functions selected with the MENU button  
Memory Card Tool menu  
Format  
Formats the memory card.  
File Number  
Sets the method used to assign file numbers to still images  
and MP4 movies.  
(Series/Reset)  
Folder Name  
Sets the folder format for still images.  
(Standard Form/Date Form)  
Select REC Folder  
Changes the selected folder for storing still images and MP4  
movies.  
New Folder  
Creates a new folder for storing still images and MP4 movies.  
Recover Image DB  
Recovers the image database file 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  
Area Setting  
Sets date and time, and daylight savings.  
Sets the location of use.  
Setup menu  
Menu start  
Sets the default position of the cursor on the menu to the top  
item or the last-selected item.  
(Top/Previous)  
LCD Brightness  
Viewfinder Bright.  
Eco Mode  
Sets the brightness of the LCD screen.  
(Auto/Manual)  
Sets the brightness of the viewfinder.  
(Auto/Manual)  
Sets the level of the power saving feature.  
(Standard/Max)  
Power Save  
Sets the interval after which power save mode engages.  
(30 Min/5 Min/1 Min/20 Sec/10 Sec)  
61  
             
The functions selected with the MENU button  
HDMI Resolution  
CTRL FOR HDMI  
Sets the resolution when the camera is connected to an HDMI  
TV.  
(Auto/1080p/1080i)  
Operates the camera from a TV that support “BRAVIA”  
Sync.  
(On/Off)  
Upload Settings*  
Sets the upload function of the camera when using an Eye-Fi  
card.  
(On/Off)  
USB Connection  
Audio signals  
Sets the USB connection method.  
(Auto/Mass Storage/MTP)  
Sets whether or not to use the beep sound when the focus is  
achieved or the self-timer is working.  
(On/Off)  
Cleaning Mode  
Starts the cleaning mode to clean the image sensor.  
* Appears when an Eye-Fi card (sold separately) is inserted in the camera.  
Version  
Language  
Displays the camera software version.  
Selects the language.  
Mode Dial Guide  
Turns on or off the mode dial guide (the explanation of each  
shooting mode).  
(On/Off)  
Demo Mode  
Initialize  
Sets the demonstration playback of a movie to on or off.  
(On/Off)  
Restores the settings to their defaults.  
(Reset Default/Rec mode reset/Custom reset)  
62  
             
Using the guide function of the camera  
In-Camera Guide  
When you press the (In-Camera Guide)  
button on the Fn screen or menu screen, a  
guide in accordance with the currently  
selected function or setting appears  
(In-Camera Guide) button  
automatically.  
Select unavailable functions or settings  
on the Fn screen, then press the center of  
the control button, the appropriate setup  
is indicated in order to enable them.  
Shooting Tip  
The camera displays the shooting tips in accordance with the shooting  
mode selected.  
1 Press the (In-Camera Guide)  
button when the recording  
information display is displayed.  
A shooting tip list in accordance with the  
(In-Camera Guide) button  
current subject appears automatically.  
2 Select the desired shooting tip with v/V on the control button,  
then press the center of the control button.  
The shooting tip is displayed.  
• You can scroll the screen with v/V.  
• You can select the item with b/B.  
To access all shooting tips  
You can search through all the shooting tips from the menu.  
Use this item when you want to read shooting tips you have seen before.  
63  
       
Using the guide function of the camera  
MENU button t  
3 t [Shooting Tip List]t Select the desired  
shooting tip  
64  
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.  
• “Image Data Converter”  
You can open RAW format image files.  
• “PlayMemories Home”  
You can import still images or movies recorded with the camera to your  
computer so that you can view them, and use various convenient features  
to enhance the images you have shot.  
For detailed notes on installation, also see page 67.  
Notes  
• Use “Image Data Converter” to play back RAW images.  
• “PlayMemories Home” is not compatible with Mac computers. When you play back  
images on Mac computers, use the appropriate application software supplied with  
the Mac computer.  
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* SP3/Windows Vista** SP2/  
Windows 7 SP1  
“PlayMemories  
Home”  
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,  
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.26 GHz or faster (AVC HD (FX/FH)),  
Intel Core 2 Duo 2.40 GHz or faster (AVC HD (PS)))  
Memory: Windows XP 512MB or more (1 GB or more is  
recommended), Windows Vista/Windows 7 1 GB or more  
Hard Disk: Disk space required for installation-  
approximately 500 MB  
Display: Screen resolution-1024 × 768 dots or more  
“Image Data  
Converter Ver.4”  
CPU/Memory: Pentium 4 or faster/1 GB or more  
Display: 1024 × 768 dots or more  
*
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.  
65  
   
Using with your computer  
** Starter (Edition) is not supported.  
Recommended computer environment (Mac)  
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 – 10.7  
“Image Data Converter Ver.4”: Mac OS X v10.5, 10.6  
(Snow Leopard), 10.7 (Lion)  
“Image Data  
Converter Ver.4”  
CPU: Intel Core Solo/Core Duo/Core 2 Duo or 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 2 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.  
66  
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  
(PMHOME) 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 “Image Data Converter” and “PlayMemories Home” are  
checked and follow the instructions on the screen.  
• Connect the camera to the computer during the procedure following the  
instructions on the screen.  
• 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”  
“PlayMemories Home”  
“PlayMemories Home Help Guide”  
Note  
• If “PMB” (Picture Motion Browser) supplied with a camera that was purchased  
before 2011 has already been installed on the computer, “PMB” is overwritten by  
“PlayMemories Home,” and you may be unable to use some functions of “PMB.”  
67  
   
Using the software  
Installing the software (Mac)  
Log on as Administrator.  
1 Turn on your Mac computer, and insert the CD-ROM (supplied)  
into the CD-ROM drive.  
2 Double-click the CD-ROM icon.  
3 Copy the [IDC_INST.pkg] file in the [MAC] folder to the hard  
disk icon.  
4 Double-click the [IDC_INST.pkg] file in the copy-to folder.  
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation.  
Using “Image Data Converter”  
With “Image Data Converter” 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.  
• To display and compare RAW/JPEG images recorded with this camera.  
• To rate the images on a scale of five.  
• To set color labels.  
To use “Image Data Converter,” refer to Help.  
Click [Start] t [All Programs] t [Image Data Converter] t [Help] t  
[Image Data Converter Ver.4].  
Using “PlayMemories Home”  
With “PlayMemories Home” you can do the following, etc.:  
• To set images shot with the camera and display them on the computer.  
68  
   
Using the software  
• To organize images on the computer on a calendar by shooting date to  
view them.  
• To retouch (red-eye reduction, etc.), print, send still images as e-mail  
attachments, and change the shooting date.  
• To print or save still images with the date.  
• To create Blu-ray discs or DVD discs from AVCHD movies imported to  
a computer. (An Internet connection environment is required when a Blu-  
ray disc/DVD disc is created for the first time.)  
Notes  
• “PlayMemories Home” is not compatible with Mac computers. When you play back  
images on Mac computers, use the appropriate application software supplied with  
the Mac computer.  
• Movies recorded with the [60p 28M(PS)]/[50p 28M(PS)], [60i 24M(FX)]/[50i  
24M(FX)] or [24p 24M(FX)]/[25p 24M(FX)] setting in [Record Setting] are  
converted by “PlayMemories Home” in order to create an AVCHD recording disc.  
This conversion can take a long time. Also, you cannot create a disc with the original  
image quality. If you want to keep the original image quality, you must store your  
movies on a Blu-ray disc.  
To use “PlayMemories Home,” refer to “PlayMemories Home Help  
Guide.”  
Double-click the shortcut of  
(PlayMemories Home Help Guide) on the  
desktop. Or, click [Start] t [All Programs] t [PlayMemories Home] t  
[PlayMemories Home Help Guide].  
“PlayMemories Home” support page (English only)  
69  
Selecting the method for creating a  
disc of movies  
You can create a disc from AVCHD movies that have been recorded with  
this camera.  
Depending on the disc type, playable devices may vary. Select the method  
that suits your disc player.  
Here, 2 ways of creating a disc of movies are described; creating a disc with  
a computer using “PlayMemories Home” or creating a disc with devices  
other than a computer such as a DVD writer.  
Record setting available  
Disc type/usage  
Player  
PS  
FX  
FH  
Blu-ray disc playback  
devices  
(Sony Blu-ray disc player,  
PlayStation®3, etc.)  
To keep high-definition  
image quality (HD)  
AVCHD format playback  
devices  
(Sony Blu-ray disc player,  
PlayStation®3, etc.)  
–*  
–*  
–*  
–*  
To keep high-definition  
image quality (HD)  
(AVCHD recording  
disc)  
Ordinary DVD playback  
devices  
(DVD player, computer  
that can play DVDs, etc.)  
–*  
To keep standard  
definition image quality  
(STD)  
* When creating a disc using “PlayMemories Home,” changing the image quality to a  
lower setting allows you to create a disc.  
Creating a disc using a computer  
You can import AVCHD movies to a computer using “PlayMemories  
Home” and create an AVCHD recording disc or a standard definition image  
quality (STD) disc.  
70  
   
Selecting the method for creating a disc of movies  
For details on the method for creating a disc using “PlayMemories Home,”  
see “PlayMemories Home Help Guide.”  
Notes  
• To create Blu-ray discs with “PlayMemories Home,” you have to install proprietary  
add-on software. For details, access following URL:  
• The PlayStation®3 may not be available in some countries/regions.  
• Movies recorded with the [60p 28M(PS)]/[50p 28M(PS)], [60i 24M(FX)]/[50i  
24M(FX)] or [24p 24M(FX)]/[25p 24M(FX)] setting in [Record Setting] are  
converted by “PlayMemories Home” in order to create an AVCHD recording disc.  
This conversion can take a long time. Also, you cannot create a disc with the original  
image quality. If you want to keep the original image quality, you must store your  
movies on a Blu-ray disc.  
• To play back movies recorded with the [60p 28M(PS)]/[50p 28M(PS)] setting on a  
Blu-ray disc, a device compatible with the AVCHD Ver 2.0 format is required.  
Creating a disc with a device other than a computer  
You can create a disc with a Blu-ray disc recorder and DVD writer.  
The disc type you can create depends on the device used.  
Device  
Disc type  
Blu-ray disc recorder: To  
create a Blu-ray disc or  
DVD with standard image  
quality (STD)  
High-definition Standard  
image quality  
(HD)  
definition  
image quality  
(STD)  
DVD writer other than  
DVDirect Express: To  
create an AVCHD  
recording disc or DVD  
with standard image  
quality (STD)  
High-definition Standard  
image quality definition  
(HD) (AVCHD image quality  
recording disc) (STD)  
HDD recorder, etc.: To  
create a DVD with  
standard image quality  
(STD)  
Standard definition image quality  
(STD)  
71  
Selecting the method for creating a disc of movies  
Notes  
• For details on how to create a disc, refer to the operating instructions of the device  
you use.  
• If you create a disc using Sony DVDirect (DVD Writer), use the memory card slot of  
the DVD Writer or connect the DVD Writer via USB connection to transfer the data.  
• If you use Sony DVDirect (DVD Writer), check that the firmware is updated to the  
newest version.  
For details, see the following URL:  
• To copy movies recorded with the [60p 28M(PS)]/[50p 28M(PS)] setting to a Blu-  
ray disc, a device compatible with the AVCHD Ver 2.0 format is required. To play  
back the created Blu-ray disc, a device compatible with the AVCHD Ver 2.0 format  
is required.  
72  
Others  
List of icons on the screen  
Graphic Display (LCD screen)  
A
Display  
Indication  
P
A S M  
Display All Info. (LCD screen)  
Scene Recognition icons  
Memory card (20)/  
Upload (61)  
100  
Remaining number of  
recordable images  
For playback (Basic information  
display)  
Aspect ratio of still  
images (56)  
3D Sweep Panorama (39)  
16M 8.4M Image size of still images  
4.0M 14M (47)  
7.1M 3.4M  
Image quality of still  
images (56)  
Frame rate of movies (57)  
73  
   
List of icons on the screen  
C
Display  
Indication  
Image size of movies (57)  
Display  
Indication  
REC 0:12  
Recording time of the  
movie (m:s)  
100% Remaining battery (21)  
z
Focus (31)  
Flash charge in progress  
1/250  
F3.5  
Shutter speed (36)  
Aperture (36)  
Setting Effect OFF (58)  
EV scale (43) (Only for  
viewfinder)  
No audio recording of  
movies (57)  
+3.0  
Exposure compensation  
SteadyShot/Camera  
shake warning (56, 57)  
Auto HDR image  
warning  
SteadyShot error  
Overheating warning (9)  
Picture Effect error  
ISO sensitivity (52)  
Database file full/  
Database file error  
ISO400  
3/7  
File number/Number of  
images in the view mode  
View Mode (60)  
2012-1-1  
10:37AM  
Date of recording  
100-0003 Folder - file number  
-
Protect (60)  
DPOF  
DPOF set (60)  
D
Remaining battery  
Display  
Indication  
B
Display  
Indication  
Flash mode (41)/Red-eye  
reduction (58)  
Spot metering area (54)  
AF area (54)  
Smart Zoom (52)  
AF area (54)  
Clear Image Zoom (52)  
Digital Zoom (52)  
Shutter speed indicator  
Object tracking (54)  
Aperture indicator (46)  
74  
List of icons on the screen  
Display  
Indication  
Face Detection (54)/  
Smile Shutter (54)  
Auto Portrait Framing  
Smile Detection  
Sensitivity indicator (54)  
E
Display  
Indication  
Metering mode (54)  
Flash compensation (54)  
AWB  
White balance (Auto,  
Preset, Custom, Color  
temperature, Color filter)  
7500K  
A5 G5  
D-Range Optimizer (54)/  
Creative Style (54)/  
Contrast, Saturation,  
Sharpness  
+3 +3 +3  
Picture Effect (54)  
75  
Functions available for each shooting  
mode  
The functions you can use depend on the selected shooting mode.  
In the table below, indicates the function available. – indicates the  
function not available.  
The functions you cannot use are displayed in gray on the screen.  
Exposure  
Shoot Mode Comp.  
Cont.  
Face  
Shooting Detection Shutter  
Smile  
Auto Port.  
Framing  
Self-timer  
/
*
* When [Manual Exposure] is selected, this function is not available.  
76  
 
Flash modes available  
The flash modes you can select depend on the shooting mode and functions  
selected.  
In the table below, indicates the function selectable. – indicates the  
function not selectable.  
The flash modes you cannot select are displayed in gray on the screen.  
(Fill-  
(Autoflash) flash)  
(Slow  
Sync.)  
(Rear  
Sync.)  
Shoot Mode (Flash  
Off)  
(Wireless)  
/
77  
 
Learning more about the camera  
(α Handbook)  
α Handbook,” which explains how to use the camera in detail, is included  
on the CD-ROM (supplied). Refer to it for in-depth instructions on the  
many functions of the camera.  
For Windows users  
1 Turn on your computer, and insert the CD-ROM (supplied) into  
the CD-ROM drive.  
2 Click [Handbook].  
3 Click [Install].  
4 Start “α Handbook” from the shortcut on the desktop.  
For Mac users  
1 Turn on your computer, and insert the CD-ROM (supplied) into  
the CD-ROM drive.  
2 Select the [Handbook] folder and copy “Handbook.pdf” stored  
in the [GB] folder to your computer.  
3 After copying is complete, double-click “Handbook.pdf.”  
78  
 
Checking the number of recordable  
images/recording time  
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  
memory card (pages 34, 60).  
• 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  
Aspect Ratio: 3:2*  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
(Units: Images)  
Capacity  
2GB  
4GB  
8GB  
16GB  
32GB  
Size  
Standard  
Fine  
410  
295  
80  
820  
590  
160  
220  
1650  
1150  
325  
3350  
2400  
650  
6700  
4800  
1300  
1750  
RAW & JPEG  
RAW  
110  
445  
890  
* When [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).  
79  
   
Checking the number of recordable images/recording time  
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.  
LCD screen mode  
Viewfinder mode  
Approx. 590 images  
Approx. 550 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).  
– [Quality] is set to [Fine].  
– [Autofocus Mode] is set to [Automatic AF].  
– Shooting once every 30 seconds.  
– The flash strobes once every 2 times.  
– The power turns on and off once every 10 times.  
• The measurement method is based on the CIPA standard.  
(CIPA: Camera & Imaging Products Association)  
Available recording time for a movie  
The table below shows the approximate total recording times using a  
memory card formatted with this camera.  
80  
 
Checking the number of recordable images/recording time  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo”  
Capacity  
Record  
Setting  
(h (hour), m (minute))  
2GB  
4GB  
8GB  
16GB  
32GB  
60i 24M(FX)/50i  
24M(FX)  
10 m  
10 m  
9 m  
20 m  
30 m  
15 m  
20 m  
30 m  
40 m  
1 h  
1 h 30 m  
2 h  
3 h  
60i 17M(FH)/50i  
17M(FH)  
4 h 5 m  
2 h 30 m  
3 h  
60p 28M(PS)/50p  
28M(PS)  
35 m  
40 m  
1 h  
1 h 15 m  
1 h 30 m  
2 h  
24p 24M(FX)/25p  
24M(FX)  
10 m  
10 m  
24p 17M(FH)/25p  
17M(FH)  
4 h 5 m  
1440×1080 12M  
VGA 3M  
20 m  
40 m  
1 h 20 m  
4 h 55 m  
2 h 45 m  
10 h  
5 h 30 m  
20 h 5 m  
1 h 10 m  
2 h 25 m  
Notes  
• The recordable time of movies varies for the reason that the camera equipped with  
VBR (Variable Bit Rate) which automatically adjusts image quality depending on  
shooting scene. When you record fast-moving subject, the image is clearer but the  
recordable time is shorter because it spends much memory to record. The recordable  
time also vary depending on the shooting condition or subject or setting of image  
quality/size.  
• 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 33.  
Notes on continuous movie recording  
• It requires a lot of power to perform high quality movie recording or continuous  
shooting using the APS-C size image sensor. Therefore, if you continue to shoot, the  
temperature inside the camera will rise, especially that of the image sensor. In such  
cases, the camera is turned off automatically since higher temperatures affect the  
quality of the images or burden the internal mechanism of the camera.  
• The duration of time available for movie recording is as follows when the camera  
starts recording after the power of the camera has been turned off for a while. (The  
81  
Checking the number of recordable images/recording time  
following values indicate the continuous time from when the camera starts recording  
until the camera stops recording.)  
Continuous recording time  
Ambient temperature  
for movies  
20°C (68°F)  
30°C (86°F)  
40°C (104°F)  
About 29 minutes  
About 29 minutes  
About 13 minutes  
• The duration of time available for movie recording varies with the temperature or  
condition of the camera before you start recording. If you frequently recompose or  
shoot images after the power is turned on, the temperature inside the camera rises  
and the recording time available is shorter than the values indicated in the table  
above.  
• If the camera stops recording due to the temperature, leave it for several minutes  
with the power turned off. Start recording after the temperature inside the camera  
drops fully.  
• If you observe the following points, the recording time is longer.  
– Keep the camera out of direct sunlight.  
– Turn the camera off when it is not being used.  
– If possible, use a tripod and disable the SteadyShot function.  
• The maximum size of a movie file is about 2 GB. When the file size is about 2 GB,  
the recording stops automatically when [File Format] is set to [MP4], and a new  
movie file is created automatically when [File Format] is set to [AVCHD].  
• The maximum continuous recording time is 29 minutes.  
82  
Specifications  
Camera  
[System]  
Camera Type  
Lens  
Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera  
A-mount lens  
[Image sensor]  
Image format  
23.5 mm×15.6 mm (APS-C format) CMOS image  
sensor  
Total pixel number of image sensor  
Approx. 16 700 000 pixels  
Effective pixel number of camera  
Approx. 16 100 000 pixels  
[SteadyShot]  
For still images  
System: Image sensor-shift mechanism  
Effect: Approx. 2.5 EV to 4.5 EV in shutter speed  
(depending on shooting conditions and the attached  
lens)  
For movies  
System: Electronic  
[Anti-Dust]  
System  
Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and  
image sensor-shift mechanism  
[Auto focus system]  
System  
TTL phase-detection system, 15 points (3 points cross  
type)  
Sensitivity Range  
AF illuminator  
–1 EV to 18 EV (at ISO 100 equivalent)  
Approx. 1 m to 5 m (3.3 feet to 16.4 feet)  
[Electronic viewfinder]  
Type  
Electronic viewfinder (color)  
1.2 cm (0.46 type)  
Screen size  
Total number of dots  
Effective number of dots  
1 440 000 dots equivalent  
When [Viewfinder Magnifi.] is set to [Maximum]:  
1 440 000 dots equivalent  
When [Viewfinder Magnifi.] is set to [Standard]:  
1 253 280 dots equivalent  
83  
 
Specifications  
Frame coverage  
Magnification  
100%  
When [Viewfinder Magnifi.] is set to [Maximum]:  
1.04× with 50 mm lens at infinity, –1 m–1 (diopter)  
When [Viewfinder Magnifi.] is set to [Standard]:  
0.97× with 50 mm lens at infinity, –1 m–1 (diopter)  
Eye Point  
When [Viewfinder Magnifi.] is set to [Maximum]:  
Approximately 23.1 mm from the eyepiece, 18 mm  
from the eyepiece frame (at –1 m–1)  
When [Viewfinder Magnifi.] is set to [Standard]:  
Approximately 25.2 mm from the eyepiece, 20.1 mm  
from the eyepiece frame (at –1 m–1)  
Diopter Adjustment  
–4.0 m–1 to +3.0 m–1 (diopter)  
[LCD screen]  
LCD panel  
7.5 cm (3.0 type) TFT drive  
Total number of dots  
921 600 (640 × 3 (RGB) × 480) dots  
[Exposure control]  
Metering Cell  
“Exmor” CMOS sensor  
Metering method  
Metering Range  
1 200-zone evaluative metering  
–2 EV to +17 EV on Multi segment, Center weighted,  
Spot modes (at ISO 100 equivalent with F1.4 lens)  
ISO sensitivity (Recommended exposure index)  
Still images: AUTO (ISO 100 – 3 200), ISO 100 to  
16 000 (1 EV step)  
Movies: AUTO (ISO 100 – 3 200 equivalent), ISO 100  
to 3 200 equivalent (1 EV step)  
Exposure compensation  
3.0 EV (1/3 EV step)  
[Shutter]  
Type  
Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane  
type  
Speed range  
Still images: 1/4 000 second to 30 seconds, bulb  
Movies: 1/4 000 second to 1/4 second (1/3 step), up to  
1/60 in AUTO mode  
Flash sync speed  
1/160 second  
[Built-In-Flash]  
Flash G.No.  
GN 10 (in meters at ISO 100)  
Approx. 3 seconds  
Recycling time  
84  
Specifications  
Covering 18 mm lens (focal length that the lens  
Flash coverage  
indicates)  
Flash compensation  
Flash range  
2.0 EV (1/3 EV step)  
Aperture F2.8  
F4.0  
F5.6  
100 1 m – 3.6 m 1 m – 2.5 m 1 m – 1.8 m  
(3.3 feet –  
11.8 feet)  
(3.3 feet –  
8.2 feet)  
(3.3 feet –  
5.9 feet)  
200 1 m – 5 m  
(3.3 feet –  
1 m – 3.6 m 1 m – 2.5 m  
(3.3 feet –  
11.8 feet)  
(3.3 feet –  
8.2 feet)  
16.4 feet)  
400 1.4 m – 7.1 1 m – 5 m  
m (4.6 feet – (3.3 feet –  
1 m – 3.6 m  
(3.3 feet –  
11.8 feet)  
23.3 feet)  
16.4 feet)  
800 2 m – 10 m 1.4 m – 7.1 1 m – 5 m  
(6.6 feet –  
32.8 feet)  
m (4.6 feet – (3.3 feet –  
23.3 feet) 16.4 feet)  
[Continuous shooting]  
Continuous shooting speed Tele-zoom cont. priority AE: Maximum 12 images per  
second/Cont. Priority AE: Maximum 10 images per  
second/  
: Maximum 8 images per second/  
:
Maximum 3 images per second  
• Our measurement conditions. The speed of  
continuous shooting may be slower, depending on  
shooting conditions (Image size, ISO setting, High  
ISO NR, or the setting of [Lens Comp.: Distortion]).  
The maximum number of continuous shots  
In Tele-zoom cont. priority AE mode  
Fine: 23 images/Standard: 25 images  
In Cont. Priority AE mode  
Fine: 23 images/Standard: 27 images/RAW & JPEG:  
18 images/RAW: 21 images  
In Continuous shooting  
Fine: 25 images/Standard: 29 images/RAW & JPEG:  
19 images/RAW: 21 images  
[Image zooming playback]  
Scaling range  
Image size: L: Approx. ×1.0 – ×15.4/M: Approx. ×1.0 –  
×11.2/S: Approx. ×1.0 – ×7.7  
85  
Specifications  
[Recording format]  
File format  
JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver. 2.3, MPF Baseline)  
compliant, RAW (Sony’s exclusive ARW2.3 format)  
3D still images  
MPO (MPF Extended (Disparity Image)) compliant  
Movie (AVCHD format)  
AVCHD format Ver. 2.0 compatible  
Video: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264  
Audio: Dolby Digital 2ch, equipped with Dolby Digital  
Stereo Creator  
• Manufactured under license from Dolby  
Laboratories.  
Movie (MP4 format)  
Video: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264  
Audio: MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch  
[Recording media]  
“Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, SD card  
[Input/output terminals]  
USB  
miniB, Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0)  
HDMI minijack  
HDMI  
Mic Terminal  
REMOTE Terminal  
3.5 mm Stereo minijack  
[Power, general]  
Used battery pack  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H  
[Others]  
Microphone  
Stereo  
Speaker  
Monaural  
Print features  
Exif Print compatible, PRINT Image Matching III  
compatible, DPOF compatible  
Dimensions  
Approx. 132.1 mm × 97.5 mm × 80.7 mm  
(5 1/4 inches × 3 7/8 inches × 3 1/4 inches) (W/H/D,  
excluding protrusions)  
Mass  
Approx. 618 g (1 lb 5.7 oz) (with battery and “Memory  
Stick PRO Duo” media)  
Approx. 539 g (1 lb 2.9 oz) (body only)  
Operating temperature  
0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)  
86  
Specifications  
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 Association).  
• 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.  
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.  
Battery charger/Battery  
BC-VM10A Battery charger  
Input rating  
100 V - 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 9 W  
Output rating  
8.4 V DC, 0.75 A  
Operating temperature range 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)  
Storage temperature range  
Maximum dimensions  
–20°C to +60°C (–4°F to +140°F)  
Approx. 70 mm × 25 mm × 95 mm (2 7/8 inches ×  
1 inch × 3 3/4 inches) (W/H/D)  
Mass  
Approx. 90 g (3.2 oz)  
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H  
Used battery  
Lithium-ion battery  
Maximum voltage  
Nominal voltage  
Maximum charge voltage  
Maximum charge current  
Capacity  
DC 8.4 V  
DC 7.2 V  
DC 8.4 V  
2.0 A  
Typical  
11.8 Wh (1 650 mAh)  
11.5 Wh (1 600 mAh)  
Minimum  
Maximum dimensions  
Mass  
Approx. 38.2 mm × 20.5 mm × 55.6 mm (1 9/16 inches  
× 13/16 inches × 2 1/4 inches) (W/H/D)  
Approx. 78 g (2.8 oz)  
87  
Specifications  
Lens  
DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM  
Name (Model name)  
(SAL1855)  
(SAL55200-2)  
Equivalent 35mm-  
format focal length*  
(mm)  
27–82.5  
82.5–300  
Lens groups-elements  
7–8  
9–13  
Angle of view*  
76°-29°  
29°-8°  
Minimum focus** (m  
0.25 (0.82)  
0.34  
0.95 (3.2)  
0.29  
(feet))  
Maximum  
magnification (X)  
Minimum f-stop  
f/22-36  
55  
f/32-45  
55  
Filter diameter (mm)  
Dimensions (maximum  
diameter × height)  
(approx., mm (in.))  
69.5×69  
(2 3/4 × 2 3/4)  
71.5×85  
(2 7/8 × 3 3/8)  
Mass (approx., g (oz.))  
210 (7 4/8)  
305 (10 3/4)  
*
The values for equivalent 35mm-format focal length and angle of view are based  
on Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera equipped with an APS-C sized image  
sensor.  
** Minimum focus is the shortest distance from the image sensor to the subject.  
• This lens is equipped with a distance encoder. The distance encoder allows more  
accurate measurement (ADI) by using a flash for ADI.  
• Depending on the lens mechanism, the focal length may change with any change of  
the shooting distance. The focal length assumes the lens is focused at infinity.  
• The infinity position provides for some adjustment to compensate for focus shift  
caused by change in temperature. To shoot a subject at infinite distance in MF mode,  
use the viewfinder and set focus.  
On focal length  
The picture angle of this camera is narrower than that of a 35 mm-format  
camera. You can find the approximate equivalent of the focal length of a 35 mm-  
format camera, and shoot with the same picture angle, by increasing the focal  
length of your lens by half.  
88  
 
Specifications  
For example, by using a 50 mm lens, you can get the approximate equivalent of  
a 75 mm lens of a 35 mm-format camera.  
89  
Specifications  
• Intel, Intel Core, MMX, and  
Pentium are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of Intel  
Corporation.  
Trademarks  
is a trademark of Sony  
Corporation.  
• “Memory Stick,”  
Stick PRO,”  
, “Memory  
,
• SDXC Logo is a trademark of SD-  
3C, LLC.  
“Memory Stick Duo,”  
• Eye-Fi is a trademark of Eye-Fi Inc.  
• MultiMediaCard is a trademark of  
MultiMediaCard Association.  
• “ ” and “PlayStation” are  
registered trademarks 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.  
, “Memory Stick  
,
“Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo,”  
, “Memory  
Stick Micro,” “MagicGate,” and  
are trademarks of  
PRO Duo,”  
Sony Corporation.  
• “InfoLITHIUM” is a trademark of  
Sony Corporation.  
• “PhotoTV HD” is a trademark of  
Sony Corporation.  
• “AVCHD Progressive” and  
“AVCHD Progressive” logotype  
are trademarks of Panasonic  
Corporation and Sony Corporation.  
• Blu-ray Disc ™ and Blu-ray ™ are  
trademarks of the Blu-ray Disc  
Association.  
• 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  
• Add further enjoyment with your  
PlayStation 3 by downloading the  
application for PlayStation 3 from  
PlayStation Store (where available.)  
• The application for PlayStation 3  
requires PlayStation Network  
countries.  
• HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-  
Definition Multimedia Interface are  
trademarks or registered trademarks  
of HDMI Licensing LLC.  
account and application download.  
• Mac and Mac OS are trademarks or  
registered trademarks of Apple Inc.  
• PowerPC is a registered trademark  
of IBM Corporation in the United  
States.  
90  
Specifications  
Accessible in areas where the  
PlayStation Store is available.  
91  
Index  
Index  
Numerics  
E
3D....................................................... 39  
Electronic Front Curtain Shutter........ 60  
Enlarged image .................................. 49  
EV scale ............................................. 43  
Exposure compensation ..................... 43  
Eye-Fi................................................. 62  
Eye-Start AF ...................................... 58  
A
AE Lock............................................. 52  
AEL button......................................... 52  
AF area............................................... 54  
AF illuminator.................................... 57  
Aperture Priority ................................ 36  
Area Setting ....................................... 27  
Aspect ratio........................................ 56  
Audio signals ..................................... 62  
Auto HDR.......................................... 55  
Auto Port. Framing ............................ 54  
Auto review........................................ 58  
Autofocus mode................................. 54  
AVCHD ....................................... 57, 70  
F
Face Detection ................................... 54  
Face Priority Tracking ....................... 60  
FINDER/LCD Setting........................ 58  
Flash compensation............................ 55  
Flash mode................................... 41, 77  
Flash Off ...................................... 30, 41  
Fn button...................................... 52, 54  
Focal length........................................ 88  
Focus Hold Button............................. 59  
Focus Magnifier................................. 52  
Folder Name....................................... 61  
Format................................................ 61  
Func. of AEL button .......................... 59  
B
Battery pack ................................. 18, 20  
Bracket............................................... 45  
C
Cleaning mode ................................... 62  
Clear Image Zoom ............................. 56  
Continuous Advance Priority AE ...... 40  
Continuous shooting .......................... 45  
Creative Style..................................... 55  
H
Hand-held Twilight............................ 38  
Histogram........................................... 58  
I
Image Data Converter........................ 68  
D
Date imprint ....................................... 60  
Image Index ....................................... 50  
Image quality ..................................... 56  
Image size .......................................... 47  
In-Camera Guide................................ 63  
Initialize ............................................. 62  
Intelligent Auto .................................. 30  
ISO Button ......................................... 59  
ISO sensitivity.................................... 54  
Date/Time setup................................. 26  
DC IN terminal .................................. 15  
Delete........................................... 34, 60  
Digital Zoom...................................... 57  
Diopter-adjustment ............................ 28  
Disc creation ...................................... 70  
DISP................................................... 46  
DPOF Setup ....................................... 60  
D-Range Optimizer............................ 55  
Drive mode......................................... 45  
J
JPEG .................................................. 56  
L
Landscape .......................................... 38  
92  
 
Index  
Language ............................................62  
LCD brightness...................................61  
LCD screen...................................35, 73  
Lens ..............................................17, 23  
Lens Compensation ............................59  
Red Eye Reduction.............................58  
Remote Commander...........................15  
Reset ...................................................62  
Rotate..................................................52  
S
Scene Selection...................................38  
M
Macro..................................................38  
Select REC Folder..............................61  
Self-timer............................................45  
Set the clock .......................................26  
Shooting..............................................30  
Shooting Tip.......................................63  
Shutter Priority ...................................36  
Slide show ..........................................60  
Slow Sync...........................................41  
Smile Shutter ......................................54  
Software..............................................67  
Specifications .....................................83  
Sports Action......................................38  
SteadyShot function ...........................57  
Sunset .................................................38  
Superior Auto .....................................37  
Superior Auto Cont. Shooting............58  
Superior Auto Image Extract..............58  
Sweep Panorama ................................39  
Manual Exposure................................37  
Manual focus ......................................52  
Memory card ......................................20  
Menu...................................................56  
Metering mode ...................................54  
Movie Audio Recording.....................57  
MOVIE Button...................................59  
Movie File Format..............................57  
Multi frame noise reduction ...............54  
N
Night Portrait......................................38  
Night Scene ........................................38  
Noise reduction.............................54, 57  
Number of recordable images ......79, 80  
O
Object Tracking..................................54  
P
Peaking ...............................................59  
T
Picture Effect......................................52  
Playback Display................................60  
PlayMemories Home....................67, 68  
Portrait................................................38  
Power Save.........................................61  
Preview Button...................................59  
Program Auto .....................................36  
Protect.................................................60  
Tele-zoom Continuous Priority AE....40  
U
USB connection..................................62  
V
Version ...............................................62  
View Mode.........................................33  
Viewfinder..........................................58  
Viewing image ...................................33  
Viewing images on a TV screen.........51  
Volume Settings .................................60  
Q
Quality................................................56  
R
W
RAW...................................................56  
White balance.....................................55  
Record Setting ....................................57  
Recording information display...........46  
Recording movies...............................32  
Recover Image DB .............................61  
Z
Zoom ............................................30, 52  
93  
94  
95  
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.  
© 2012 Sony Corporation Printed in Thailand  

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