Sony DSLR-A100 User Manual

DSLR-A100 2-681-187-11 (1)2-681-187-11 (1)Before your operationUsing the shooting functionsUsing the viewing functionsUsing the menuUsing your compute

10 Adjusting the exposure ... 65 Locking the exposure (AE lock) ...

100For details on the operation 1 page 80 Setup menu 2The default settings are marked with .Selects the method used to assign file numbers to images.

101Setup menuFor details on the operation 1 page 80When a standard form folder is selected and there are two or more folders, you can select the recor

102For details on the operation 1 page 80 Setup menu 3The default settings are marked with .During shooting, the recording information display appear

103Setup menuFor details on the operation 1 page 80Before deleting images or folders, a confirmation screen, such as “Delete this image?”, appears. No

104For details on the operation 1 page 80• When cleaning the CCD, do not put the tip of a blower brush into the cavity beyond the lens mount. You do n

105Using your computerUsing your computerEnjoying your Windows computerFor details on using a Macintosh computer, refer to “Using your Macintosh compu

106The following environment is recommended for a computer connected to the camera.Recommended environment for copying imagesOS (pre-installed): Micro

107Using your computerCopying images to your computerThis section describes the process using a Windows computer as an example.You can copy images fro

108• With Windows XP, the AutoPlay wizard appears on the desktop.• For Windows 2000/Me, follow the procedure explained in “Stage 3-B: Copying images t

109Using your computer3 Click the check box of unwanted images to remove the checkmark so they are not copied, then click [Next].The “Picture Name and

11 Custom menu 1...93Priority setupFocusHoldButt.AEL buttonCtrl dial se

1101 Double-click [My Computer] t [Removable Disk] t [DCIM].2 Double-click the folder where the image files you want to copy are stored.Then, right-cl

111Using your computerThis section describes the procedure for viewing copied images in the “My Documents” folder.1 Click [Start] t [My Documents].The

112The image files recorded with your camera are grouped as folders on the recording medium.Example: viewing folders on Windows XPA Folders containing

113Using your computerViewing image files stored on a computer with your cameraThis section describes the process using a Windows computer as an examp

114Installing the software (supplied)You can install the software (supplied) using the following procedure.• In Windows 2000/XP, log on as Administrat

115Using your computerUsing the software (supplied)You can use images from the camera more than ever by taking advantage of the software.This section

1163 Import the images.To start importing images, click the [Import] button.By default, images are imported into a folder created in “My Pictures” tha

117Using your computerHour display screen• To list images from a particular year or month, click that period on the left of the screen.3 Displaying in

118Preparing images stored on the computer for viewingTo view them, register the folder that contains the images as one of the “Viewed folders”. 1 Cli

119Using your computerUsing “Image Data Converter SR Ver. 1.1” stored on the CD-ROM (supplied), you can edit images recorded in RAW mode with various

12How to print images ... 122Printing images directly using a PictBridge co

120Using your Macintosh computerYou can copy images to your computer or edit a RAW data file using “Image Data Converter SR Ver.1.1”.• “Picture Motion

121Using your computer4 View images on the computer.Double-click the hard disk icon t the desired image file in the folder containing the copied files

122Printing imagesHow to print imagesPrinting directly using a PictBridge compliant printer (page 123)You can print images by connecting the camera di

123Printing imagesPrinting images directly using a PictBridge compliant printerEven if you do not have a computer, you can print images shot using you

1241 Connect the camera to the printer.2 Turn on your camera and the printer.The following screen appears.• If the screen does not appear, press the s

125Printing images4 Press the center of the controller.The print confirmation screen appears.5 Press the center of the controller again.The image is p

1262 (Page 2)[Paper size][Layout][Print quality][Data print]3 (Page 3)[DPOF Print] Printer setup9×13cm/3.5"×5"Hagaki card13×18cm/5"×7&q

127TroubleshootingTroubleshootingTroubleshootingIf you experience trouble with your camera, try the following solutions. Check the items on pages 127

128Nothing is displayed on the LCD monitor when the power is turned on.• In the default setting, the LCD monitor will turn off if no operation is regi

129TroubleshootingThe image is out of focus.• The subject is too close. Check the minimum focal distance of the lens.• You are shooting in manual focu

13Basic techniques for better imagesWhen you look into the viewfinder, or you press the shutter button halfway down, the camera adjusts the focus auto

130The image is too bright.• You are shooting a spotlighted subject in a dark location such as on a stage. Adjust the exposure (pages 37, 65).• The br

131TroubleshootingAn error is displayed when setting the custom white balance.• The custom white balance was performed at too short a distance using t

132You do not know if the OS of your computer is compatible with the camera.• Check “Recommended computer environment” on page 106 for Windows, and pa

133TroubleshootingImages are not displayed correctly.• Make sure the folder of the images is registered in “Viewed folders”. If the images are not dis

134“Memory Stick PRO Duo” is not recognized by a computer with a “Memory Stick” slot.• If “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is not supported, connect the camera

135Troubleshooting• Disconnect and connect the USB cable again. If an error message is indicated on the printer, refer to the operating instructions s

136Your camera does not work.• Use the type of battery pack you can use with this camera (page 142).• The battery level is low (The indicator appear

137TroubleshootingWarning messagesIf the following messages appear, follow the instructions.Incompatible battery.Use correct model.• An incompatible b

138Image protected.• You tried to delete protected images. Release the protection.Unable to print.• You tried to mark RAW images with a DPOF set mark.

139OthersOthersOn the “Memory Stick”A “Memory Stick” is a compact, portable IC recording medium. The types of “Memory Stick” that can be used with thi

14When the subject is outside the focus frame (Focus-lock)Normally, in auto focus mode, place the subject within the focus frame and take the pictur

140• Do not use or store the “Memory Stick Duo” under the following conditions:– High temperature locations such as the hot interior of a car parked i

141OthersOn the CF card/Microdrive• Be sure to format the recording medium using this camera when you use it for the first time.• Data may be damaged

142On the battery packUse only an NP-FM55H battery pack. Note that the NP-FM50 and NP-FM30 cannot be used.On charging the battery packWe recommend cha

143OthersOn the battery chargerx On the battery charger• Do not charge any battery pack other than the NP-FM series battery pack in the battery charge

144Optional accessoriesThis section introduces how to connect and operate popular accessories for this camera.For details, refer to the operating inst

145OthersWith the Remote Commander clip attached to the shoulder strap, you can catch the cord to secure it.HVL-F56AM/HVL-F36AM Flash A powerful flash

146• High speed sync mode is not available when the two-second self-timer or [Rear sync.] is selected.• If a flash meter or a color meter is used, hig

147OthersPrecautionsx Do not use/store the camera in the following places• In an extremely hot, dry or humid placeIn places such as in a car parked in

148x On the internal rechargeable batteryThis camera has an internal rechargeable battery for maintaining the date and time and other settings regardl

149OthersSpecificationsCamera[System]Camera Type Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera with built-in flash and interchangeable lensesLens All of Sony Lens

152 Keep the shutter button halfway down, and put the subject back in the original position to re-compose the shot.3 Press the shutter button fully do

150Operating temperature0 to +40°C (+32 to +104°F)(When using the Microdrive: +5 to +40°C (41 to +104°F))Exif Exif Ver. 2.21USB communicationHi-Speed

151OthersReset defaultz: reseta: not reset* t Pages on the “Read This First”Using the dial or buttonA: AUTO shooting (page 31)B: Scene Selection (page

152Recording menuA: AUTO shooting (page 31)B: Scene Selection (page 32)C: Reset of recording function (page 87)D: Reset default (page 104)Playback men

153OthersCustom menuA: AUTO shooting (page 31)B: Scene Selection (page 32)C: Reset of recording function (page 87)D: Reset default (page 104)Items Res

154Setup menuA: AUTO shooting (page 31)B: Scene Selection (page 32)C: Reset of recording function (page 87)D: Reset default (page 104)Items Reset to A

155IndexIndexIndexNumerics40-segment honeycomb pattern metering...59AAC Adaptor/charger...144Access lampt step 4 in “Re

156Eyecup...41Eyepiece cover...41Eye-Start AF...85FFile # memory ...

157IndexPower cordt step 1 in “Read This First”Power save ...102t step 3 in “Read This First”Precautions...

158Trademarks• is a trademark of Sony Corporation.• “Memory Stick”, , “Memory Stick PRO”, , “Memory Stick Duo”, , “Memory Stick PRO Duo”, , “MagicGa

159

16You can create various images by adjusting the shutter speed and aperture. Exposure is the amount of light that the camera will receive when you rel

17The apparent color of the subject is affected by the lighting conditions.Example: The color of an image affected by light sourcesThe color tones are

18Selecting the image size for useThe default settings are marked with .* The images recorded using the camera are the same 3:2 ratio as used photogr

19Before your operationBefore your operationIdentifying parts* Do not directly touch these parts.See the pages in parentheses for details of operatio

2To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.WARNINGFor Customers in the U.S.A.This symbol is intended to alert the use

20N For shooting: +/– (Exposure) button (37, 65)For viewing: (Reduce) button (72, 77)O For shooting: AEL (AE lock) button (39, 67)For viewing: (En

21Before your operationAttaching the shoulder strapThis camera has two hooks to attach the shoulder strap. Attach the end of the strap with the remote

22Indicators on the monitorSee the pages in parentheses for details of operation.ViewfinderABLCD monitor (Recording information display)• The illustra

23Before your operationCDOperation guideThe next operation may be indicated on the lower portion of the LCD monitor.Display Indication Color mod

24LCD monitor (single-image playback) LCD monitor (Histogram display)Display IndicationL:10M M:5.6M S:2.5MImage size (83)FINE STD RAW RAW+Image qualit

25Before your operation3 DPOF set (91)[0002/0009] File number/total number of imagesDisplay Indication

26Switching the recording information displayWhen recording, the LCD monitor on the back of the camera displays various recording information. Press t

27Before your operationNumber of imagesThe tables show the approximate number of images that can be recorded on a recording medium formatted with this

28CF cardImage size: L:10M(Units: Images)Image size: M:5.6M (Units: Images)Image size: S:2.5M (Units: Images)CapacitySize256MB 512MB 1GB 2GB 4GBStanda

29Before your operationThe number of images that can be recorded when using the battery packThe table shows the approximate number of images that can

3IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDSFor your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for fu

30Operation workflowThe chart below shows the workflow for the following operations - preparation, shooting, and playback. Perform the following confi

31Using the shooting functionsUsing the shooting functionsUsing the mode dialSet the mode dial to the desired function.In this Operating Instructions,

32You can shoot with the following preset settings according to the scene.• You can change any of the settings except [Color/DEC] (page 49). Portrait

33Using the shooting functions Night view/portrait• The shutter speed is slower, so using a tripod is recommended. The Super SteadyShot function is al

343 Select the aperture value or the shutter speed using the control dial when the shutter speed and the aperture value are displayed.• When the shutt

35Using the shooting functions1 Set the mode dial to A.2 Select an aperture value using the control dial.• The aperture range depends on the lens.• Th

36You can adjust the shutter speed manually. If you shoot a moving subject at a higher shutter speed, it appears as if frozen on the image. At a lower

37Using the shooting functionsManual exposureYou can manually adjust the shutter speed and aperture values.This mode is useful when you maintain the s

38• In the manual exposure mode, even when [ISO] (page 44) is set to [AUTO], it is fixed to ISO 100.• You can assign the function of the control dial

39Using the shooting functionsz How to use the AEL button in manual modeWhile you press and hold the AEL (AE Lock) button, the exposure determined by

4LightningFor added protection for this set during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it fro

40BULB (long exposure) shootingAs long as the shutter button is pressed, the shutter remains open. You can shoot trails of light, such as fireworks. A

41Using the shooting functionsTo attach the eyepiece coverWhen the shutter is released without the use of the viewfinder, as in bulb exposure or shoot

42Using the function dialSet the function dial to the desired function. You can set the focus frame, AF mode, metering mode, flash compensation, color

43Using the shooting functions1 Set the function dial to the desired position.2 Press the Fn button so that the function screen appears.3 Select the d

44You can adjust the ISO sensitivity and switch the Zone Matching setup.ISO is a unit of measurement of sensitivity to light. The larger the number, t

45Using the shooting functionsYou can keep the image from becoming overexposed or underexposed when shooting a high-keyed or low-keyed subject.This fu

46Normally, the camera automatically adjusts the color tones. However, you can also adjust them according to the lighting conditions.1 Display the Whi

47Using the shooting functions4 Press the center of the controller.( : The default setting)• For details on the white balance t page 17• If the ambien

48• Pressing v compensates toward M (Magenta), and pressing V toward G (Green). This compensation can adjust among nine steps in each direction.• The

49Using the shooting functionsThe camera analyzes the shooting conditions and automatically corrects the image to improve the image quality.1 Display

5Read this firstReplace the battery with the specified typeonly. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIESLithium-Ion batte

503 When adjusting the contrast, saturation, or sharpness, move to the screen used for adjustments with V, select the desired item with v/V, then adju

51Using the shooting functionsAdobe RGB color spaceAdobe RGB color space has a wide range of color reproduction, compared to sRGB. If the main purpose

52( : The default setting) (Wide AF area)The camera determines which of the nine local focus frames is used in focusing within the wide focus frame.•

53Using the shooting functions• While the controller or the spot AF button is held down, the focus stays locked. If the controller or the Spot AF butt

54To make a fine adjustment in (Direct Manual Focus)1 Select (Direct Manual Focus) in AF mode.2 Press the shutter button halfway down to lock the

55Using the shooting functions• The flash indicator is displayed only when the flash is pulled up.( : The default setting)To perform wireless flash sh

566 Press the AEL (AE Lock) button on the camera to test fire the flash.• If the flash does not fire, change the camera, external flash, or subject po

57Using the shooting functionsSpecifications with wireless flashes at ISO 100• The camera’s flash sync speed is 1/125 second with the Super SteadyShot

58( : The default setting)• You can set the degree of compensation in 1/3 increments.• When the built-in flash is pulled up, the set flash compensatio

59Using the shooting functions (Spot)This mode measures light only in the spot metering circle in the center of the frame. This is suitable for shooti

6The 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

60Using the (Drive) buttonYou can use continuous shooting, self-timer, bracket, white balance bracket with the (Drive) button.1 Press the (Drive

61Using the shooting functionsFor details on the operation 1 page 60( : The default setting)When you press and hold the shutter button, the camera rec

62For details on the operation 1 page 60After you press the shutter button, the shutter will be released either about ten seconds or two seconds later

63Using the shooting functionsFor details on the operation 1 page 60( : The default setting)• When using the flash, press the shutter button frame by

64For details on the operation 1 page 60• When Single bracket is selected, if the shutter button is pressed halfway down and released, “br 1” appears

65Using the shooting functions Adjusting the exposureYou can manually shift the exposure value determined by the camera. Use this mode when you do not

66z Shooting techniquesWhile shooting images, the camera automatically determines the exposure. When shooting a whitish overall image such as a backli

67Using the shooting functions Locking the exposure (AE lock)You can fix the exposure before deciding on the composition when taking a picture. This i

68Example: When the composition is determined in the scene below and the AEL (AE lock) button is pressedThe indicator displays are as follows when the

69Using the shooting functions Slow Sync (Shooting the dark background with flash)When you shoot a portrait outdoors at night with a dark background,

7Notes on using your cameraTypes of “Memory Stick” that can be used (not supplied)There are two types of “Memory Stick”.“Memory Stick”: you cannot use

70Depth-of-field previewThe viewfinder shows an image captured with the widest aperture. The change in aperture affects the sharpness of the subject i

71Using the shooting functionsFocusing manuallyWhen it is difficult to get the proper focus in auto focus mode, you can adjust the focus manually.1 Se

72Using the viewing functionsSwitching the playback screenDuring playback, each time you press the (Display) button, the screen changes between the

73Using the viewing functionsTo delete all the images in the folderYou can delete all the images in the folder when the file browser index screen is d

74Displaying the histogramThe histogram and recording data of the displayed image can be displayed.Press v on the controller to display the histogram

75Using the viewing functionsz About HistogramA histogram is the luminance distribution that shows how many pixels of a particular brightness exist in

76Rotating an imageYou can rotate a playback image.1 Display the image you want to rotate in single-image playback.2 Each time you press V on the cont

77Using the viewing functionsEnlarging imagesAn image can be enlarged for closer examination.1 Press the (Enlarge) button in single-image (or index)

78Viewing images on a TV screenYou can view images on a TV screen by connecting the camera to a TV.Turn off both your camera and the TV before connect

79Using the viewing functionsOn TV color systemsIf you want to view images on a TV screen, you need a TV with a video input jack and the video cable.

8Notes on the LCD monitor and lens• The LCD monitor is manufactured using extremely high-precision technology so over 99.99% of the pixels are operati

80Using the menuUsing menu items1 Turn on the power.2 Press MENU to display the menu.3 Select the desired menu with b/B on the controller, then press

81Using the menu6 Display the options with B on the controller.• To return to the menu options, press b.7 Select the desired option v/V on the control

82For details on the operation 1 page 80Menu list Recording menu (pages 83 to 87) Playback menu (pages 88 to 92) Custom menu (pages 93 to 97) Setup me

83For details on the operation 1 page 80Recording menu Recording menu 1Recording menuThe default settings are marked with .For details, see page17.•

84For details on the operation 1 page 80z About RAW filesThe digital camera receives the image of the subject captured by the CCD (Charge-Coupled Devi

85Recording menuFor details on the operation 1 page 80Long exposure makes noise conspicuous. When the shutter speed is one second or slower, noise red

86For details on the operation 1 page 80 Recording menu 2The default settings are marked with .Reduces the red-eye phenomenon by providing low-flash

87Recording menuFor details on the operation 1 page 80The order in bracket shooting (page 62) can be selected. The order is common to both ambient lig

88For details on the operation 1 page 80 Playback menu 1Playback menuThe default settings are marked with .You can delete unnecessary images.• Once y

89Playback menuFor details on the operation 1 page 80Formats the recording medium.• Note that formatting irrevocably erases all data on a recording me

9Table of contentsNotes on using your camera ...7Basic techniques for better images

90For details on the operation 1 page 80You can select the index screen format from the following settings.Index format16 imageDisplays 16 images on t

91For details on the operation 1 page 80Playback menu Playback menu 2The default settings are marked with .Plays back recorded images in order with a

92For details on the operation 1 page 80To mark all the images1 Select [All on card] in [ DPOF set].2 Select the number of sheets with v/V on the con

93For details on the operation 1 page 80Custom menu Custom menu 1Custom menuThe default settings are marked with .Select a setting for shutter releas

94For details on the operation 1 page 80• While the exposure value is locked, “AEL” appears on the LCD monitor and in the viewfinder. Be sure to remem

95Custom menuFor details on the operation 1 page 80In the default setting, if exposure compensation is selected when the flash is used, shutter speed,

96For details on the operation 1 page 80 Custom menu 2The default settings are marked with .You can set the shutter lock to keep the shutter from rel

97Custom menuFor details on the operation 1 page 80The eyepiece sensors located right below the viewfinder determines whether the photographer is look

98For details on the operation 1 page 80 Setup menu 1Setup menuThe default settings are marked with .You can adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor

99Setup menuFor details on the operation 1 page 80Selects the sound produced when the shutter is locked, during self-timer countdown, etc.Select the l