Sony A900 User Manual

DSLR-A900 3-877-682-14 (1)Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.Additional informat

10Table of ContentsIMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS... 3Read this first ...

1005 Select [Delete] with v on the multi-selector, then press the center of the multi-selector.

Using the viewing function101Viewing 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 an

102To use your camera abroadIt may be necessary to switch the video signal output to match that of your TV system (page 128).On TV color systemsIf you

Using the viewing function103To change the type of the HDMI output signalThe output signal from this camera is determined automatically according to a

104Connecting the camera to a TV and turning to the playback mode allows you to play back images using the Remote Commander. Most of the buttons on th

Using the menu105Using the menuMenu function listThis section describes how to set up the function using the MENU button. After pressing the MENU butt

106Playback menu (pages 123 to 126) 1DeleteFormatProtectDPOF setup• Date imprint• Index printPlaybackDisplay 2Slide show• IntervalSetup menu (pages 12

Recording menu107Recording menu Recording menu 1[Aspect ratio]: [3:2][Aspect ratio]: [16:9][APS-C size capt.]: [On]Notes• When you select a RAW format

108* “c” of “cRAW” means “compressed.” The data is compressed up to about 60 to 70% compared to an image not compressed. Use this setting when you wan

Recording menu109The functions you can registerAF lock/AF/MF control/Optical Preview/IntelligentPrev./ISO/White balance/Exposure comp./Flash compens./

11Using a flash (not supplied) ... 65Selecting the flash mode ...

110 Recording menu 2For details, see page 66.You can select the flash control mode to set the amount of flash light.ADI: Advanced Distance Integration

Recording menu111For details, see page 73.You can select a compensation increment for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure.Flash compens.Exposure ste

112 Recording menu 3For details, see page 63.For details, see page 60.Select a setting for shutter release.Note• The shutter can be released regardles

Recording menu113In the default setting, adjusting the focus is carried out by pressing the shutter button halfway down. You can deactivate this actio

114 Recording menu 4For details, see page 91.You can reset the main functions of the recording mode when the mode dial is set to P, A, S, or M.The ite

Recording menu115AF w/ shutter (113) OnLong exp.NR (113) OnHigh ISO NR (113) NormalItems Reset to (default setting)

116Custom menu Custom menu 1When [AF/MF button] is set to [AF/MF control], you can change how you operate the AF/MF button.You can select the speed of

Custom menu117If you use a lens equipped with a focus hold button, you can change the function of the button to preview a shot.After an image is recor

118 Custom menu 2The function and the mode of operation of the AEL button can be changed.Notes• While the exposure value is locked, appears on the L

Custom menu119You can compensate the exposure with the front control dial ( ) or rear control dial ( ).For example, when [Ctrl dial setup] is set to [

12Using the menuMenu function list ... 105 Recording menu 1 ...

120In the default setting, pressing the ISO button, WB button, DRIVE button, button, or C button will put the exclusive screen on the display. You ca

Custom menu121 Custom menu 3You can select a method for exposure compensation when a flash is used.• With the flash compensation, you can limit the co

122You can reset the items of the Custom menu.The items to be reset are as follows.Custom resetItems Reset to (default setting)AF/MF button (116) AF/M

Playback menu123Playback menu Playback menu 1You can delete multiple images. Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. Check whether you

124You can protect images against accidental erasure.Using the camera, you can specify the images and the number of images to print before you print i

Playback menu125You can date images when printing them. The position of the date (inside or outside the image, character size, etc.) depends on your p

126 Playback menu 2Repeatedly plays back the recorded images in the memory card. You can view the previous/next image with b/B on the multi-selector.T

Setup menu127Setup menu Setup menu 1You can adjust the brightness of the LCD monitor.Adjust the brightness with b/B on the multi-selector, then press

128Sets the video signal output according to the TV color system of the connected video equipment. Different countries and regions use different TV co

Setup menu129 Setup menu 2You can select the types of memory cards that you use for recording or playback.Selects the method used to assign file numbe

Preparing the camera13Preparing the cameraChecking the accessories suppliedThe number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.• BC-VM10 Battery

130Select the desired folder with v/V on the multi-selector, then press the center of the multi-selector.Note• You cannot select the folder when you a

Setup menu131 Setup menu 3You can select the default screen when you press the MENU button.You can select the default item of a confirmation screen wh

132You can finely adjust the focus of each lens.Perform this operation only when needed. Note that you may not be able to properly focus on a subject

Setup menu133You can change the focusing screen to Type L (not supplied) or Type M (not supplied) according to your purpose. Select the appropriate se

134 Setup menu 4Captures an image in the area equivalent to the APS-C size.Decide on composition using (APS-C size area) in the viewfinder as a guid

Setup menu135Custom menuFlash control (110) ADI flashFlash compens. (73) ±0.0Exposure step (111) 0.3 EVISO Auto Range (111) 200 – 800AF-A setup (112)

136Playback menuSetup menuItems Reset to (default setting)DPOF setup – Date imprint (124) OffPlaybackDisplay (125) Auto rotateSlide show – Interval (1

Viewing images on a computer137Viewing images on a computerCopying images to your computerThis section describes how to copy images in a memory card t

138Stage 1: Connecting the camera and your computer1 Insert a memory card with recorded images into the camera.2 Insert the sufficiently charged batte

Viewing images on a computer139For WindowsThis section describes an example of copying images to a “Documents” (For Windows XP: “My Documents”) folder

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

140For Macintosh4 Double-click the [Documents] folder. Then, right-click on the “Documents” window to display the menu and click [Paste].The image fil

Viewing images on a computer141Viewing images on your computerThis section describes the procedure for viewing copied images in the “Documents” (For W

142x For WindowsDouble-click on the tasktray, then click (USB Mass Storage Device) t [Stop]. Confirm the device on the confirmation window, then c

Viewing images on a computer143The image files recorded with your camera are grouped as folders on the memory card.Example: viewing folders on Windows

144Notes• You may be unable to play back some images depending on the image size.• When an image file has been processed by a computer or when the ima

Viewing images on a computer145Using the softwareTo utilize images recorded with the camera, the following software is provided:• Sony Image Data Suit

146x MacintoshRecommended environment for using “Image Data Converter SR Ver.3”/“Image Data Lightbox SR”/“Remote Camera Control”OS (pre-installed): Ma

Viewing images on a computer147x Macintosh• Log on as Administrator.Note• When the restarting confirmation message appears, restart the computer follo

148Note• If you save an image as RAW data, the image is saved in the ARW2.1 format.With “Image Data Converter SR” you can:• Edit images recorded in RA

Viewing images on a computer149To start the Help from the Start menu, click [Start] t [All Programs] t [Sony Image Data Suite] t [Help] t [Image Data

Preparing the camera15• 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

150Notes• When you press the shutter button without looking into the viewfinder, close the eyepiece shutter with the eyepiece shutter lever.• In Inter

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

152Printing imagesPrinting images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge compliant printerNote• You cannot print RAW images.Note• It is recommended

Printing images153Stage 2: Connecting the camera to the printer1 Connect the camera to the printer.2 Turn on your camera and the printer.The screen us

154To cancel the printDuring printing, pressing the center of the multi-selector cancels the print. Remove the USB cable or turn off the camera. When

Printing images155LayoutDate imprintPage 2Unmark allAfter the message appears, select [OK], then press the center of the multi-selector. The DPOF mark

156Notes• Regardless of the menu setup of the camera, setup for printing is fixed as follows:– The number of sheets: 1-up– Paper size: Auto– Layout: A

Others157OthersSpecificationsCamera[System]Camera TypeDigital Single Lens Reflex Camera and interchangeable lensesLens All of α Lens (except for DT le

158[Shutter]Type Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane typeSpeed range 1/8000 second to 30 seconds, bulbFlash sync speed1/250 seco

Others159Maximum charge voltageDC 8.4 VCapacity 11.8 Wh (1 650 mAh)Maximum dimensionsApprox. 38.2 × 20.5 × 55.6 mm (1 9/16 × 13/16 × 2 1/4 inches) (W

16Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the world.The representative supply voltage and plug type are described in this

160TroubleshootingIf you experience trouble with your camera, try the following solutions. Check the items on pages 160 to 166. Consult your Sony deal

Others161Nothing 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 i

162The image is whitish (Flare).Blurring of light appears on the image (Ghosting).• The picture was taken under a strong light source, and excessive l

Others163Your computer does not recognize your camera.• Use the USB cable (supplied) (page 138).• Disconnect the USB cable, and connect it again firml

164• Point the remote sensor away from strong light sources such as direct sunlight or overhead lighting. Otherwise, the Remote Commander may not func

Others165For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the printer or consult with the manufacturer of the printer.A connection canno

166The setting is reset without the resetting operation.• The battery pack was removed when the power switch was set to ON. When removing the battery

Others167Warning messagesIf the following messages appear, follow the instructions.For “InfoLITHIUM” battery only• An incompatible battery pack is bei

168Use Memory Stick slot to format.• You attempt to format the “Memory Stick Duo” that is inserted into the CF card insertion slot using an adaptor. I

Others169Cannot create more folders.• The folder with a name beginning with “999” exists on the memory card. You cannot create any folders if this is

Preparing the camera17OceaniaNorth AmericaCentral AmericaSouth AmericaMiddle EastAfricaSingapore 230 50 BFTaiwan 110 60 AThailand 220 50 C/BFVietnam 2

170PrecautionsDo 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

Others171discharged. In this case, be sure to charge this rechargeable battery before using the camera.However, even if this rechargeable battery is n

172IndexIndexNumerics40-segment honeycomb pattern metering...69AAdobe RGB ...109AE lock...

Index173EEnlarged screen... 95EV scale ... 55, 72, 86Exposure compensation ... 70Exposure lock

174NNew folder ...130Noise reduction...113Number of recordable images...

18To remove the battery packInserting the charged battery pack1 While sliding the battery cover open lever, open the battery cover.2 Firmly insert the

Preparing the camera19To check the remaining battery levelSet the power switch to ON and check the level on the LCD monitor. The level is indicated wi

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

20• The measurement method is based on the CIPA standard.(CIPA: Camera & Imaging Products Association)• The battery capacity decreases as the numb

Preparing the camera21Attaching a lensNotes• The shutter is not released if the lens is not attached, except when the mode dial is set to M (page 55).

22Note on changing the lensThe camera is equipped with an anti-dust function to prevent dust from landing on the image sensor. However, quickly change

Preparing the camera23Inserting a memory cardYou can use a CompactFlash card (CF card), Microdrive, or “Memory Stick Duo” as a memory card.Note• In th

24To remove the memory cardTo shoot using a “Memory Stick Duo”After turning on the camera, follow the steps below to switch the memory card setting.Ch

Preparing the camera25• The memory card may be hot just after it has been used for a long time. Be careful when you handle it.• When the access lamp i

26• A “Memory Stick Duo” formatted with a computer is not guaranteed to operate with this camera.• Data read/write speeds differ depending on the comb

Preparing the camera27Preparing the cameraWhen you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup screen appears.Setting up the date1 Set

28To cancel the date/time setting operationPress the MENU button.When it is hard to rotate the diopter-adjustment dial5 Verify that [OK] is selected,

Preparing the camera29Using the accessories suppliedThis section describes how to use the shoulder strap, Remote Commander clip, and Remote Commander.

3For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference.Caref

30You can catch the cord of the RM-S1AM Remote Commander (not supplied) on the shoulder strap to secure it.Using the Remote Commander clip1 Open the R

Preparing the camera31The names of the buttonsTo change the battery of the Remote CommanderA 2 SEC (shutter release in 2 seconds) button (83, 88)B SHU

32Note• When the lithium battery becomes weak, the operating distance of the Remote Commander may shorten, or the Remote Commander may not function pr

Preparing the camera33Checking the number of recordable imagesNotes• If “0” flashes in yellow, the memory card is full. Replace the memory card with a

34“Memory Stick Duo”* When [Aspect ratio] is set to [16:9], you can record more images than the numbers shown in the tables above. However, if you rec

Preparing the camera35CleaningWipe the screen surface with an LCD cleaning kit (not supplied) to remove fingerprints, dust, etc.• When cleaning the le

36If dust or debris enters the camera and lands on the image sensor, it may appear on the photo image, depending on the shooting environment. If there

Preparing the camera37Note• The camera starts beeping if the battery pack is discharged during cleaning. Stop the cleaning immediately and turn the ca

38Before your operationIdentifying parts and screen indicatorsSee the pages in parentheses for details of operation.A ISO button (74)B (Exposure) but

Before your operation39A Viewfinder (28)B Eyepiece sensors (127)C Power switch (27)D MENU button (105)E DISP (Display) button/LCD brightness button (4

4– Never block the slots and openings by placing the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.– Never place the set in a confined space, such

40A “Memory Stick Duo” insertion slot (23)B Memory card cover (23)C CF card insertion slot (23)D CF card eject lever (24)E Hooks for shoulder strap (2

Before your operation41• The illustration above is an example of the detailed display in the horizontal position.ABCLCD monitor (Recording information

42DSwitching the recording information display• You can set the display so as not to be rotated with [Rec.info.disp.] in the Custom menu (page 120).A

Before your operation43Note• You can display the screen used for adjusting the brightness of the LCD monitor by pressing the DISP button a little long

44AB* Even when the remaining number of recordable images is more than 999, “999” is displayed on the display panel.To turn on the backlight of the di

Before your operation45ABViewfinderDisplay IndicationAF area (60)Spot AF area (60)Spot metering area (69)Shooting area for aspect ratio 16:9 (107)APS-

46Camera shake warning indicatorDue to potential camera shake, the (Camera shake warning) indicator flashes in the viewfinder.Note• The (Camera sh

Before your operation47Selecting a function/settingYou can select a function for shooting or playback on the recording information display that is dis

48Using the Quick Navi screen, you can change settings directly on the recording information display.• Gray items on the Quick Navi screen are not ava

Shooting images49Shooting images Shooting with the automatic settingThe “AUTO” mode allows you to easily shoot any subject under any conditions.Notes•

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

50• The actual setting may not correspond to the positions of the focus mode lever and metering mode lever on the camera. Refer to the information dis

Shooting images51Exposure modeP: Program auto mode (below)Allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically (both the shutter speed and the

52Program ShiftYou can temporarily change the shutter speed and aperture value combination with the correct exposure determined by the camera maintain

Shooting images53 Shooting with Aperture priorityIf you set the aperture (a smaller F-number) wider, the in-focus range becomes narrower. Only the mai

54Notes• The (Camera shake warning) indicator is not indicated in shutter speed priority mode.• When using the flash (not supplied), if you close th

Shooting images55You can manually adjust the shutter speed and aperture values.This mode is useful when you maintain the setting of the shutter speed

56Manual shiftYou can change the shutter speed and aperture value combination without changing the exposure you set.Rotate the front control dial whil

Shooting images57• Using a Remote Commander (either the one supplied, or another of your choice) reduces the camera shake and continues the exposure w

58Using the shooting functionSelecting the focus methodSelecting the focus mode (Auto focus)1 Set the focus mode lever to the desired position.Auto fo

Using the shooting function59• You can set the function of the “A” position of the focus mode lever to DMF (Direct Manual Focus) with [AF-A setup] in

6Regulatory InformationCAUTIONYou are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to o

60Selecting the focus areaSelect the desired AF area to suit the shooting conditions or your preference. The area used for focusing is illuminated bri

Using the shooting function61Notes• The supplementary ranging points are activated only when (Wide) is selected. They are not displayed in the viewf

62• The AF illuminator does not operate when the focus mode is set to Continuous AF or the subject is moving in Automatic AF.• The AF illuminator does

Using the shooting function63Notes• In the case of a subject that can be focused in auto focus mode, the z indicator lights up in the viewfinder when

64You can switch between auto focus and manual focus without relaxing your position (AF/MF control).• You can maintain the selected mode without press

Using the shooting function65Using a flash (not supplied)In a dark location, using the flash allows you to shoot the subject brightly, and it also hel

66To perform wireless flash shooting1Set the flash mode of the camera to (Wireless).2Set the HVL-F58AM as the wireless controller and attach it to t

Using the shooting function675Shoot the image.The flash of the HVL-F58AM and another flash are fired.Notes• Change the channel of the external flash w

68• For details on High Speed Sync, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the flash.• You can use a flash equipped with a flash sync termi

Using the shooting function69Adjusting the brightness of the image (Metering, Exposure, Flash compensation)You can select the method for measuring the

7This 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

70Multi segment meteringExcept for exposure mode M, the exposure is automatically acquired (Automatic exposure).Based on the exposure acquired by the

Using the shooting function71• The exposure is compensated by 1/3 of a step between ±3.0 EV. You can set this exposure step to 1/2 EV increments with

72To check the exposure of the image2 Press the AEL button to lock the exposure. (AE lock mark) appears in the viewfinder and on the LCD monitor.AEL b

Using the shooting function73When shooting with the flash, you can adjust the amount of flash light alone, without changing the exposure compensation.

74Setting ISOSensitivity to light is expressed by the ISO number (recommended exposure index). The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity.Notes

Using the shooting function75Adjusting the color tones (White balance)The color tone of the subject changes depending on the characteristics of the li

76* Mired: a unit to indicate the color conversion quality in color temperature filters.* Since the color of fluorescent light cannot be expressed by

Using the shooting function77*1 The value is the color temperature value currently selected.*2 The value is the color filter value currently selected.

78Note• 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 function79Image processingThe camera analyzes the subject almost instantly and automatically compensates to improve the image quali

8A 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 rep

80• For enlarged RAW images, the effects of the D-Range optimizer other than (Standard) cannot be checked on the camera.• When shooting with the D-R

Using the shooting function81To use image styles other than the default onesImage styles1Select the style box for which you want to change the setting

82ParametersNotes• When (B/W) or (Sepia) is selected, you cannot adjust the saturation.• If you adjust (Zone), you cannot adjust (Contrast). (

Using the shooting function83Selecting the drive modeThis camera has nine drive modes, such as single-shot advanced, continuous advanced. Use them for

84When you press and hold the shutter button, the camera records the images continuously.* Our measurement conditions: [Image size] is set to [L:24M],

Using the shooting function85To cancel the 10-second self-timerPress the DRIVE button.Notes• When you press the shutter button without looking into th

86* _._ EV beneath / is the step currently selected and _ to the right of EV is the number currently selected.• In the default setting, the camera s

Using the shooting function87• When Single bracket is selected, if the shutter button is pressed halfway down and released, “br 1” appears for the amb

88• If you use the Remote Commander (not supplied), you can reduce the camera shake furthermore.Notes• The mirror automatically moves downward after 3

Using the shooting function89Using the preview functionYou can check the approximate sharpness of the subject in the viewfinder before the actual shoo

9Notes on using your cameraNo compensation for contents of the recordingThe contents of the recording cannot be compensated for if recording or playba

90When you want to activate only the Optical preview functionSet [Preview Function] to [Optical Preview] in the Custom menu (page 117).Notes• The im

Using the shooting function91Registering your own settingsYou can register three combinations of frequently used modes and settings in the memory. You

92Using the viewing functionPlaying back imagesThe last recorded image is displayed on the LCD monitor.To return to the shooting modePress the butto

Using the viewing function93A histogram is the luminance distribution that shows how many pixels of a particular brightness exist in the picture.To re

94To return to the normal playback screenPress the button.The exposure compensation will change the histogram accordingly. The right illustration is

Using the viewing function95Note• When you copy rotated images to a computer, “PMB” contained on the CD-ROM (supplied) can display the rotated images

96Note• For enlarged RAW images, the effect of the D-Range optimizer other than (Standard) cannot be checked on the camera.Scaling rangeTo return to

Using the viewing function97Checking the information of recorded imagesBasic information displayDisplay Indication Memory card (23)100-0003 Folder -

98ABHistogram displayDisplay Indication Memory card (23)100-0003 Folder - file number (143)- Protect (124)DPOF3 DPOF set (124) Image quality (10

Using the viewing function99Deleting images (Delete)Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. Check whether you delete the image or not b