Sony DSLR-A200W User Manual

DSLR-A200 3-277-950-11 (1)Printed in JapanPrinted on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.Add

10Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)... 56 Shooti

100How to check the histogramA histogram is the luminance distribution that shows how many pixels of a particular brightness exist in the picture.When

101Using the viewing functionProtecting images (Protect)You can protect images against accidental erasure.MENU button t 1 t [Protect] t [All images]

102Deleting images (Delete)Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. Check whether you delete the image or not beforehand.Note• Protected

103Using the viewing functionMENU button t 1 t [Delete] t [All images] t [Delete]Note• It may take a long time to delete a lot of images by selecting

104Viewing images on a TV screen1 Turn off both your camera and the TV, and connect the camera to the TV.2 Turn on the TV and switch the input.• See a

105Using the viewing functionTo use your camera abroadIt may be necessary to switch the video signal output to match that of your TV system.MENU butto

106Changing your setupSetting image size and image qualityMENU button t 1 t [Image size] t Select the desired size[Aspect ratio]: [3:2][Aspect ratio]

107Changing your setupNote• For details on the number of images that can be taken when the image quality is changed, see page 29.About RAW filesYou ne

108Setting the method for recording on a memory cardMENU button t 2 t [File number] t Select the desired settingThe recorded images are stored in the

109Changing your setupYou can create a folder in a memory card for recording images.A new folder is created with a number incremented one higher than

11Adjusting the color tones (White balance) ... 83Adjusting the white balance to suit a specific light source (Auto/Preset white b

110Changing the noise reduction settingWhen you set the shutter speed to a second or longer (Long exposure shooting), the noise reduction is turned on

111Changing your setupChanging the conditions under which the shutter can closeTo prioritize the shutter opportunity, select [Release] so you can shoo

112Changing the functions of the button and dialThe function of the AEL button can be selected from the following two functions: – Holding the locked

113Changing your setupChanging other settingsSelects the sound produced when the shutter is locked, during self-timer countdown, etc.MENU button t 2

114Setting the LCD monitorMENU button t 1 t [LCD brightness] t Select the desired setting• On the recording information or playback screen, you can a

115Changing your setupIn the default setting, while looking into the viewfinder, the LCD monitor is turned off to prevent the battery pack wearing dow

116Resetting to the defaultYou can reset the main functions of the recording mode when the mode dial is set to P, A, S, or M.MENU button t 2 t [Rec m

117Changing your setupYou can reset the main functions of the camera.MENU button t 3 t [Reset default] t [OK]The items to be reset are as follows.Res

118Custom menuPlayback menuSetup menuItems Reset toEye-Start AF (69) OnAEL button (112) AEL holdCtrl dial setup (112) Shutter speedRed eye reduc. (73)

119Viewing images on a computerViewing images on a computerCopying images to your computerThis section describes how to copy images in a memory card t

12OthersSpecifications ... 139Troubleshooting ...

120Stage 1: Connecting the camera and your computer1 Insert a memory card with recorded images into the camera.2 Insert the sufficiently charged batte

121Viewing images on a computerFor WindowsThis section describes an example of copying images to a “My Documents” (For Windows Vista: “Documents”) fol

122For Macintosh4 Double-click the [My Documents] (For Windows Vista: [Documents]) folder. Then, right-click on the “My Documents” window to display t

123Viewing images on a computerViewing images on your computerThis section describes the procedure for viewing copied images in the “My Documents” (Fo

124Perform the procedures listed below beforehand when:• Disconnecting the USB cable.• Removing the memory card.• Turning off the camera.x For Windows

125Viewing images on a computerExample: viewing folders on Windows XPThis section describes the process using a Windows computer as an example.AFolder

126Notes• You may be unable to play back some images depending on the image size.• When an image file has been processed by a computer or when the ima

127Viewing images on a computerUsing the softwareTo utilize images recorded with the camera, the following software is provided: “Picture Motion Brows

128Display: 1024 × 768 dots or more, 32,000 colors or moreYou can install the software (supplied) using the following procedure.x Windows• Log on as A

129Viewing images on a computerx Macintosh• Log on as Administrator for installation.Note• When the restarting confirmation message appears, restart t

13Preparing the cameraPreparing the cameraChecking the accessories suppliedThe number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.• BC-VM10 Battery

130Note• “Picture Motion Browser” is not compatible with Macintosh computers.For details on “Picture Motion Browser,” refer to “Picture Motion Browser

131Viewing images on a computerNote• If you save an image as RAW data, the image is saved in the ARW2.0 format.With “Image Data Converter SR Ver.2.0”

132With “Image Data Lightbox SR” you can:• Display and compare RAW/JPEG images recorded with this camera.• Rate the images on a scale of five.• Displa

133Printing imagesPrinting imagesSpecifying DPOFUsing the camera, you can specify the images and the number of images to print before you print images

134You can date images when printing them. The position of the date (inside or outside the image, character size, etc.) depends on your printer.MENU b

135Printing imagesPrinting images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge compliant printerNote• You cannot print RAW data files.Note• It is recommen

136Stage 2: Connecting the camera to the printer1 Connect the camera to the printer.2 Turn on your camera and the printer.The screen used for selectin

137Printing imagesTo cancel the printDuring printing, pressing the center of the controller cancels the print. Remove the USB cable or turn off the ca

138LayoutDate imprintPage 2Unmark allAfter the message appears, select [OK], then press the center of the controller. The DPOF mark on each image is c

139OthersOthersSpecificationsCamera[System]Camera TypeDigital Single Lens Reflex Camera with built-in flash and interchangeable lensesLens All of α Le

14Preparing the battery packWhen using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP-FM500H “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (supplied).The “InfoL

140[Shutter]Type Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane typeSpeed range 1/4000 second to 30 seconds, bulb, (1/3 EV step)Flash sync

141OthersRechargeable battery pack NP-FM500HUsed batteryLithium-ion batteryMaximum voltageDC 8.4 V Nominal voltageDC 7.2 VMaximum charge current2.0 AM

142• Microdrive is a registered trademark of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies in the United States and/or other countries.• Adobe is a registered t

143OthersTroubleshootingIf you experience trouble with your camera, try the following solutions. Check the items on pages 143 to 151. Consult your Son

144The power turns off suddenly.• If you do not operate the camera for given period of time, the camera turns to power saving mode and nearly shuts do

145Others• You are shooting in RAW mode (page 106). Since the RAW data file is large, the RAW mode shooting may take time.The image is out of focus.•

146The image is whitish (Flare).Blurring of light appears on the image (Ghosting).• The picture was taken under a strong light source, and excessive l

147OthersThe image does not appear on the TV screen.• Check [Video output] to see if the video output signal of your camera is set to the color system

148You cannot copy images.• Make the USB connection by properly connecting the camera with your computer (page 120).• Follow the designated copy proce

149Others“Memory Stick PRO Duo” is not recognized by a computer with a “Memory Stick” slot.• If “Memory Stick PRO Duo” is not supported on your comput

15Preparing the camera• We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperature of between 10 to 30°C (50 to 86°F). You may not be able to ef

150For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the printer or consult with the manufacturer of the printer.A connection cannot be e

151OthersThe lens gets fogged.• Moisture condensation has occurred. Turn off the camera and leave it for about an hour before using it (page 154).The

152Warning messagesIf the following messages appear, follow the instructions.For “InfoLITHIUM” battery only• An incompatible battery pack is being use

153OthersNo images• There is no image in the memory card.Image protected• You tried to delete protected images.Unable to print.• You tried to mark RAW

154PrecautionsDo not use/store the camera in the following places• In an extremely hot, dry or humid placeIn places such as in a car parked in the sun

155Othersdischarged. In this case, be sure to charge this rechargeable battery before using the camera.However, even if this rechargeable battery is n

156IndexIndexNumerics40-segment honeycomb pattern metering...80AAdobe RGB ...87AE lock...

157IndexExposure compensation ... 78Exposure lock ... 76Exposure mode ... 56Eyecup ...

158Noise reduction...110Number of images ...29, 30PPictBridge ...135Picture Motion Br

16To remove the battery packInserting the charged battery pack1 While sliding the battery cover open lever, open the battery cover.2 Firmly insert the

17Preparing the cameraTo remove the battery coverTo check the remaining battery levelSet the POWER switch to ON and check the level on the LCD monitor

18Effective use of the battery pack• Battery performance decreases in low temperature surroundings. So, the time that the battery pack can be used is

19Preparing the cameraAttaching a lensNotes• When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release button.• Do not use force when attaching a lens.Lens

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

20To remove the lensNote on changing the lensWhen changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camera and lands on the surface of the image se

21Preparing the cameraInserting a memory cardYou can use a CompactFlash card (CF card), Microdrive, or “Memory Stick Duo” as a memory card.1 Open the

22To remove the memory card• The memory card may be hot just after it has been used for a long time. Be careful when you handle it.• When the access l

23Preparing the camera• The Microdrive is a compact hard disk drive. Since the Microdrive is a rotating disk, the Microdrive is not strong enough to r

24• 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 in

25Preparing the cameraPreparing the cameraWhen you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup screen appears.Setting up the date1 Set

26To cancel the date/time setting operationPress the MENU button.When it is hard to rotate the diopter-adjustment dial4 Repeat step 3 to set other ite

27Preparing the cameraUsing the accessories suppliedThis section describes how to use the shoulder strap and the eyepiece cover. The other accessories

28Note• The eyepiece sensors located below the viewfinder may be activated depending on the situation, and the focus may be adjusted or the LCD monito

29Preparing the cameraChecking the number of recordable imagesNote• If “0” is flashing in yellow, the memory card is full. Replace the memory card wit

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

30The approximate number of images that can be recorded is 750 when you use the camera with the battery pack (supplied) at full capacity.Note that the

31Preparing the cameraCleaningWipe the screen surface with an LCD cleaning kit (not supplied) to remove fingerprints, dust, etc.• When cleaning the le

32If dust or debris enters the camera and lands on the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it may appear on the photo image, depending on t

33Preparing the cameraNote• The camera starts beeping if the battery pack becomes low during cleaning. Stop the cleaning immediately and set the POWER

34Before your operationIdentifying parts and screen indicatorsSee the pages in parentheses for details of operation.A Shutter button (48)B Control dia

35Before your operationA Accessory shoe (40)B Viewfinder (26)C Eyepiece sensors (69)D POWER switch (25)E MENU button (41)F DISP (Display) button/LCD b

36A VIDEO OUT/USB terminal (104, 120)B Memory card coverC Memory card insertion slot (21)D Memory card eject lever (22)E Hooks for shoulder strap (27)

37Before your operation• The illustration above is for the detailed display. The enlarged display is displayed as the default setting.ABCLCD monitor (

38DDisplay Indication 90% Battery remaining (17) Image quality (106) Image size (106)100 Remaining number of recordable images (29)

39Before your operationSwitching the recording information displayNote• You can display the screen used for adjusting the brightness of the LCD monito

4– Never place the set in a confined space, such as a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided.– Do not place the set near

40AB* When using the HVL-F56AM/HVL-F36AM Flash (not supplied), you can shoot with a High-speed sync feature at any shutter speed. For details, refer t

41Before your operationSelecting a function/settingYou can select a function for shooting or playback from the menu list. To display the menu list, pr

42The operation guide listThe operation guide also indicates operations other than the controller operation. The indications of icons are as follows.2

43Before your operationFlash mode (page 74)Autofocus mode (page 69)White balance (page 83)Metering mode (page 80)AF area (page 70)D-RangeOptimizer (pa

44Playback menu 1Delete (102)Format (109)Protect (101)DPOF setup (133)• Date imprint (134)• Index print (134) 2PlaybackDisplay (93)Slide show (97)• In

45Shooting imagesShooting imagesShooting an image without camera shake“Camera shake” refers to an unwanted movement of the camera that occurs after th

46Camera shake warning indicatorNote• The (Camera shake warning) indicator is displayed only in the modes that the shutter speed is automatically se

47Shooting imagesNote• The Super SteadyShot function may not work optimally when the power has just been turned on, when the subject has just entered

48/ Shooting with the automatic settingThe “AUTO” mode allows you to easily shoot any subject under any conditions.Select when shooting in a locati

49Shooting imagesNote• If you turn the camera off or change the recording mode in AUTO or Scene Selection mode, the settings you set up with the Fn bu

5Read this firstReplace the battery with the specified typeonly. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat su

50Shooting with a suitable setting for the subject (Scene Selection)Selecting an appropriate mode for the subject or the shooting conditions allows yo

51Shooting imagesSet the mode dial to (Landscape).• To accentuate the openness of the scenery, set the lens to wide angle. Taking landscape photosTh

52Set the mode dial to (Macro).• Get close to the subject and shoot at the minimum distance of the lens.• You can shoot a closer subject using a mac

53Shooting imagesSet the mode dial to (Sports action).• The camera shoots images continuously while the shutter button is pressed.• Press and hold t

54Set the mode dial to (Sunset).• Used to shoot an image accentuating the red color compared with other modes. This is also suitable for shooting th

55Shooting imagesSet the mode dial to (Night portrait/Night view).Set [Flash mode] to (Flash Off) when you shoot a night view without persons (pag

56Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)With a single lens reflex camera, you can adjust the shutter speed (how long the shutter is ope

57Shooting images Shooting with program autoThis mode is suitable toz Use the automatic exposure, while keeping the custom settings for ISO sensitivit

58To use Program shiftNotes• If you turn the camera off and on or a certain period of time is passed, Program shift “PS” or “PA” is canceled and retur

59Shooting images Shooting by controlling the blur of the background (Aperture priority)This mode is suitable toz Put the subject in sharp focus and b

6Note:This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.These limi

60• The shutter speed may become slower depending on the aperture value. When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod.• The flash range differs acco

61Shooting images Shooting a moving subject with various expressions (Shutter speed priority)This mode is suitable toz Shoot a moving subject at a mom

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

63Shooting images Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually (Manual exposure)This mode is suitable toz Shoot with the desired exposure setting by a

64Notes• The (Camera shake warning) indicator is not indicated in manual exposure mode.• When the mode dial is set to M, the ISO setting [AUTO] is s

65Shooting images Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB)This mode is suitable toz Shoot trails of light, such as fireworks.z Shoot trails of stars.

66• Use a tripod.• Set the focus to infinity in manual focus mode when shooting fireworks, etc.• If you use a Remote Commander that is equipped with a

Using the shooting function67Using the shooting functionSelecting the focus methodThere are two methods for adjusting the focus: autofocus and manual

68Focus indicatorSubjects that may require special focusing:Using the autofocus, it is hard to focus on the following subjects. In such cases, use the

Using the shooting function69To deactivate the Eye-Start AF functionMENU button t 1 t [Eye-Start AF] t [Off]• When attaching the FDA-M1AM Magnifier (

7Disposal of waste batteries (applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)This symbol on the batter

70• Use (Single-shot AF) when the subject is motionless.• Use (Continuous AF) when the subject is in motion.Fn button t [AF area] t Select the des

Using the shooting function71Note• The AF area may not be illuminated during continuous shooting or when the shutter button is pressed all the way dow

72Using the flashIn a dark location, using the flash allows you to shoot the subject brightly, and it also helps to prevent camera shake. When shootin

Using the shooting function73The flash rangeThe range within which the correct exposure is provided depends on the combination of the flash range and

74Note• The red-eye reduction is available only when the built-in flash is used.Fn button t [Flash mode] t Select the desired setting• When shooting i

Using the shooting function75Fn button t [Flash mode] t (Wireless)• To do a pre-flash test, pull up the flash and press the AEL button on the camera.

76Adjusting the brightness of the image (Exposure, Flash compensation, Metering)When shooting into the sun or by a window, the exposure may not be app

Using the shooting function77To check the exposure of the image3 Press the AEL button to lock the exposure. (AE lock mark) appears in the viewfinder a

78Except for recording mode M, the exposure is automatically acquired. (Automatic exposure)Based on the exposure acquired by the automatic exposure, y

Using the shooting function79• Adjust the compensation level by checking the recorded image.• Using bracket shooting, you can shoot multiple images wi

8Notes on using your cameraNo compensation for contents of the recordingThe contents of the recording cannot be compensated for if recording or playba

80ADI: Advanced Distance IntegrationTTL: Through the lens• When [ADI flash] is selected, using a lens that is provided with a distance encoder feature

Using the shooting function81• Use (Multi segment) metering for general shooting.• When shooting a subject with strong contrast in the focus area, m

82Setting ISOSensitivity to light is expressed by the ISO number (recommended exposure index). The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity.Notes

Using the shooting function83Adjusting the color tones (White balance)The color tone of the subject changes depending on the characteristics of the li

84• Use the white balance bracket function if you cannot get the desired color in the selected option (page 92).• When you select [5500K] (ColorTemper

Using the shooting function85*1The value is the color temperature value currently selected.*2The value is the Color filter value currently selected.In

86Note• The message “Custom WB error” indicates that the value is beyond the expected range. (When the flash is used on a subject in close proximity o

Using the shooting function87Image processingFn button t [D-RangeOptimizer] t Select the desired settingMENU button t 1 t [Creative Style] t Select t

88 (Contrast), (Saturation), and (Sharpness) can be adjusted for each Creative Style item.About Adobe RGB color spaceAdobe RGB color space has a w

Using the shooting function89 Selecting the drive modeThis camera has five drive modes, such as single-shot advanced, continuous advanced. Use them fo

9Table of ContentsIMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS ... 3Read this first ...

90The 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

Using the shooting function91* _ ._ EV beneath / is the step currently selected.Notes• When the mode dial is set to M, the exposure is shifted by ad

92• When Single bracket is selected, if the shutter button is pressed halfway down and released, “br 1” appears for the ambient light bracket and “Fbr

93Using the viewing functionUsing the viewing functionPlaying back imagesThe last recorded image is displayed on the LCD monitor.To return to the shoo

94Note• When you play back the image on a TV or a computer, the image will be displayed in the portrait position even if [Manual rotate] is selected.T

95Using the viewing functionTo cancel the enlarged playbackPress the button so that the image returns to the normal size.To enlarge the image center

96Scaling rangeThe scaling range is as follows.To return to the single-image screenPress the button or the center of the controller when you select

97Using the viewing functionTo select a folderMENU button t 2 t [Slide show]Plays back recorded images in order (Slide show). The slide show automati

98Checking the information of recorded imagesEach time you press the DISP button, the information display changes (page 93).Basic information displayD

99Using the viewing functionABHistogram displayDisplay Indication100-0003 Folder - file number (124)- Protect (101)DPOF3 DPOF set (133) Image qualit