Sony DSLR-A330 User Manual

DSLR-A330/A380 4-137-175-11 (1)Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.Additional inf

10Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)... 57 Shooti

100The maximum number of continuous shotsThe number of continuous shooting images obtainable has an upper limit.Notes• You cannot shoot images continu

Using the shooting function101To cancel the self-timerPress on the control button.Note• When you shoot images using the viewfinder, use the eyepiece

102* _ EV displayed with is the step currently selected.Notes• When the mode dial is set to M, the exposure is shifted by adjusting the shutter spee

Using the shooting function103• In viewfinder mode, if the shutter button is pressed halfway down and released, “br 1” appears. “Fbr 1” appears for th

104Using the viewing functionPlaying back imagesThe last recorded image is displayed on the LCD monitor.To return to the shooting modePress the butt

Using the viewing function105To return to the normal playback screenPress the button.Note• When you copy rotated images to a computer, “PMB” contain

106To cancel the enlarged playbackPress the button so that the image returns to the normal size.Scaling rangeThe scaling range is as follows.Fn butt

Using the viewing function107The slide show can be operated either using the Fn button or the MENU button. Here operation using the Fn button is descr

108Checking the information of recorded imagesEach time you press DISP on the control button, the information display changes (page 104).Basic informa

Using the viewing function109ABHistogram displayDisplay Indication Memory card (22)100-0003 Folder - file number (137)- Protect (111)DPOF3 DPOF set (

11Setting ISO ... 92Adjusting the color tones (White balance) ...

110About the flashing segments on the histogram displayWhen the image has a high-key or low-key portion, that portion is flashed on the histogram disp

Using the viewing function111Protecting images (Protect)You can protect images against accidental erasure.The protect function can be operated either

112Deleting images (Delete)Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. Check whether to delete the image or not beforehand.The delete funct

Using the viewing function113Fn button t [Delete] t [All images] t [Delete]Note• It may take a long time to delete a lot of images by selecting [All i

114Viewing images on a TV screenTo view images recorded on the camera on a TV set, an HDMI cable (sold separately) and an HD TV equipped with an HDMI

Using the viewing function115• By connecting your camera to Sony’s VIDEO-A compatible TV using an HDMI cable, the TV automatically selects the appropr

116PAL-N systemArgentina, Paraguay, UruguaySECAM systemBulgaria, France, Guiana, Iran, Iraq, Monaco, Russia, Ukraine, etc.By connecting the camera to

Using the viewing function117• If the camera performs unnecessary operations in response to the TV Remote Control when the camera is connected to anot

118Changing your setupSetting image size and image qualityMENU button t 1 t [Image size] t Select the desired size[Aspect ratio]: [3:2]DSLR-A380DSLR-

Changing your setup119MENU button t 1 t [Quality] t Select the desired settingNote• For details on the number of images that can be taken when the im

12OthersSpecifications ... 150Troubleshooting ...

120Setting the method for recording on a memory cardMENU button t 2 t [File number] t Select the desired settingThe recorded images are stored in aut

Changing your setup121You can create a folder in a memory card for recording images.A new folder is created with a number incremented one higher than

122Changing the noise reduction settingWhen you set the shutter speed to a second or longer (Long exposure shooting), noise reduction is turned on for

Changing your setup123Changing the functions of the control dialWhen the recording mode is M (Manual exposure), you can set the camera so that the adj

124Changing other settingsSelects the sound produced when the shutter is locked, during self-timer countdown, etc.MENU button t 3 t [Audio signals] t

Changing your setup125Note• Regardless of the setting here, the camera turns to power save mode after 30 minutes when the camera is connected to a TV

126Setting the LCD monitorThe brightness of the LCD monitor is automatically adjusted to the surrounding lighting conditions using the light sensor (p

Changing your setup127When the LIVE VIEW/OVF switch is set to “OVF,” looking into the viewfinder turns off the LCD monitor.In the default setting, whi

128Confirming the version of the cameraDisplays the version of your camera. Confirm the version when a firmware update is released.MENU button t 3 t

Changing your setup129Resetting to the defaultYou can reset the main functions of the camera.MENU button t 3 t [Reset default] t [OK]The items to be

Preparing the camera13Preparing the cameraChecking the accessories suppliedThe number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.• BC-VH1 Battery c

130Custom menuPlayback menuSetup menuItems Reset toEye-Start AF (68) OnCtrl dial setup (123) Shutter speedRed eye reduc. (86) OffAuto review (126) 2 s

Viewing images on a computer131Viewing images on a computerCopying images to your computerThis section describes how to copy images in a memory card t

132Stage 1: Connecting the camera and your computer1 Insert a memory card with recorded images into the camera.2 Select the type of memory card you wa

Viewing images on a computer133For WindowsThis section describes an example of copying images to a “Documents” (For Windows XP: “My Documents”) folder

134For 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 computer135Viewing images on your computerThis section describes the procedure for viewing copied images in the “Documents” (For W

136x 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 computer137The image files recorded with your camera are grouped as folders on the memory card.Example: viewing folders on Windows

138Notes• 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 computer139Using the softwareTo utilize images recorded with the camera, the following software is provided:• Sony Image Data Suit

14Preparing the battery packWhen using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NP-FH50 “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (supplied).The “InfoLIT

140x MacintoshRecommended environment for using “Image Data Converter SR Ver.3”/“Image Data Lightbox SR”OS (pre-installed): Mac OS X (v10.4/v10.5)CPU:

Viewing images on a computer141x Macintosh• Log on as Administrator.Note• When the restart confirmation message appears, restart the computer followin

142Note• 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 computer143To start Help from the Start menu, click [Start] t [All Programs] t [Sony Image Data Suite] t [Help] t [Image Data Ligh

144To start up/exit “PMB”Double-click the (PMB) icon on the desktop.Or, from the Start menu: Click [Start] t [All Programs] t [Sony Picture Utility]

Printing images145Printing imagesSpecifying DPOFUsing the camera, you can specify the images and the number of images to print before you print images

146• You can select a value for the number of images to be printed after you have selected [All images]. The same value will be used for all images.Yo

Printing images147Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge compliant printerNote• You cannot print RAW images.Note• It is recommended

148Stage 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

Printing images149To cancel the printDuring printing, pressing the center of the control button cancels the print. Remove the USB cable or turn off th

Preparing the camera15About charging time• Time required to charge a fully depleted battery pack (supplied) at a temperature of 25°C (77°F) is as foll

150OthersSpecificationsCamera[System]Camera TypeDigital Single Lens Reflex Camera with built-in flash and interchangeable lensesLens All of α Lenses[I

Others151Eye Relief Approximately 19.7 mm from the eyepiece, 14.1 mm from the eyepiece frame at –1 diopter (–1 m–1)Dioptor Adjustment–3.0 to +1.0 m–1[

152File format JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver. 2.21, MPF Baseline) compliant, DPOF compatibleUSB communicationHi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compliant)BC-VH1 Bat

Others153Trademarks• is a trademark of Sony Corporation.• “Memory Stick,” , “Memory Stick PRO,” , “Memory Stick Duo,” , “Memory Stick PRO Duo,” ,

154TroubleshootingIf you experience trouble with your camera, try the following solutions. Check the items on pages 154 to 163. Consult your Sony deal

Others155The 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 sh

156• You cannot record images while charging the built-in flash (page 84).• The shutter cannot be released when the subject is out of focus.• The lens

Others157A picture taken with the flash is too dark.• If the subject is beyond the flash range (the distance that the flash can reach), the pictures w

158Dots appear and remain on the LCD monitor.• This is not a malfunction. These dots are not recorded (page 7).• You may reduce the effect of these is

Others159You have deleted an image by mistake.• Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. We recommend that you protect images that you d

16• When the CHARGE lamp flashes fast, remove the battery pack being charged, and then insert the same battery pack into the battery charger securely

160After making a USB connection, “PMB” does not start automatically.• Make the USB connection after the computer is turned on (page 132).You do not k

Others161Images are printed with both edges cut off.• Depending on your printer, the left, right, top, and bottom edges of the image may be cut off. E

162Cannot print images.• Check that the camera and the printer are properly connected using the USB cable.• RAW images cannot be printed.• Images shot

Others163The setting is reset without the resetting operation.• The battery pack was removed when the power switch was set to ON. When removing the ba

164Warning messagesIf the following messages appear, follow the instructions below.Incompatible battery. Use correct model.• An incompatible battery p

Others165Unable to display.• Images recorded with other cameras or images modified with a computer may not be able to be displayed.No lens attached. S

166Unable to mark.• You attempted to mark RAW images on the PictBridge screen.Printer error• Check the printer.• Check if the image you want to print

Others167PrecautionsDo 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 t

168This rechargeable battery is continually charged as long as you are using the camera. However, if you use the camera for only short periods, it dis

Index169IndexIndexNumerics40-segment honeycomb pattern metering ... 151AAdobe RGB... 98AF are

Preparing the camera17To remove the battery packInserting the charged battery pack1 While sliding the battery cover open lever, open the battery cover

170Eyecup ...28Eyepiece cover...28Eyepiece sensors...68, 127Eye-Start AF .

Index171OOVF ... 68PPictBridge ... 147Pixel mapping ... 15

18To check the remaining battery levelSet the power switch to ON and check the level on the LCD monitor.What is an “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack?An “Info

Preparing the camera19• The battery life varies according to how it is stored and the operating conditions and environment in which each battery pack

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

20Attaching a lensNotes• 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 th

Preparing the camera21To remove the lensNote on changing the lensWhen changing the lens, if dust or debris gets inside the camera and lands on the sur

22Inserting a memory cardOnly “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media, SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards can be used with th

Preparing the camera23To remove the memory card• Do not strike, bend or drop the memory card.• Do not use or store the memory card under the following

24• The “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media with a capacity up to 16 GB or the SD memory cards with a capacity up to 32 GB have been confirmed to operate pro

Preparing the camera25Preparing 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.To set up the date/time againMENU button t 2 t [Date/Time setup]5 Verify that [OK] i

Preparing the camera27Using the accessories suppliedThis section describes how to use the shoulder strap, the eyepiece cover, and eyecup. The other ac

28You can prevent light from entering through the viewfinder and affecting the exposure. When the shutter is released without the use of the viewfinde

Preparing the camera29Checking the number of recordable imagesNotes• When “0” (the number of recordable images) flashes in yellow, the memory card is

3• Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small children.• Keep the battery pack dry.• Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by

30DSLR-A330 (Units: Images)SD memory cardDSLR-A380 (Units: Images)DSLR-A330 (Units: Images)* When [Aspect ratio] is set to [16:9], you can record more

Preparing the camera31The approximate number of images that can be recorded is as follows when you use the camera with the battery pack (supplied) at

32CleaningWipe the screen surface with a commercially available LCD cleaning kit to remove fingerprints, dust, etc.• When cleaning the lens surface, r

Preparing the camera33If 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 i

34Note• The camera starts beeping if the battery pack becomes low during cleaning. Stop cleaning immediately and turn the camera off.5 Detach the lens

Before your operation35Before your operationIdentifying parts and screen indicatorsSee the pages in parentheses for details of operation.A Shutter but

36A Accessory shoe (87)B Viewfinder* (68)C MENU button (42)D Eyepiece sensors (68, 127)E LCD monitor (38, 44, 104, 108)F Light sensor (126)G Diopter-a

Before your operation37A HDMI terminal (114)B Memory card switchC Memory card coverD “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media insertion slot (22)E SD memory card

38The indicators on the monitor are displayed as follows in Live View mode. For the indicators in viewfinder mode, see page 71.ABLCD monitorDisplay In

Before your operation39CTo switch the recording information displayDisplay Indicationz Focus (77)1/125 Shutter speed (62)F3.5 Aperture (60)EV scale

4Regulatory InformationCAUTIONYou are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to o

40Selecting a function/settingYou can select a function for shooting or playback from the menu list. To display the menu list, press the control butto

Before your operation41The operation guide listThe operation guide also indicates operations other than the control button operation. The indications

42• Continuous adv. (page 99)• Self-timer (page 100)• Self-timer(Cont.) (page 100)• Bracket: Cont. (page 101)• Remote Commander (page 103)This button

Before your operation43Playback menu 1Delete (112)Format (121)Slide show (107)Protect (111)Specify Printing (145)PlaybackDisplay (104)Setup menu 1LCD

44Shooting imagesAdjusting the angle of the LCD monitorYou can adjust the angle of the LCD monitor to meet various shooting situations.You can shoot f

Shooting images45Shooting an image without camera shake“Camera shake” refers to unwanted movement of the camera that occurs after the shutter button h

46Point 3Lightly tuck your elbows against your body.When shooting in a kneeling position, steady your upper body by placing your elbow on your knee.Ca

Shooting images47Note• The SteadyShot function may not work optimally when the power has just been turned on or when the shutter button has been press

48/ Shooting with the automatic settingThe “AUTO” mode allows you to easily shoot any subject under any conditions because the camera makes appropria

Shooting images49Note• Since the camera turns on the automatic setting function, many features will be unavailable, such as exposure compensation, ISO

5Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU DirectivesThe manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 10

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

Shooting images51Set the mode dial to (Portrait).• To blur the background more, set the lens to the telephoto position.• You can shoot a vivid image

52Set the mode dial to (Landscape).• To accentuate the openness of the scenery, set the lens to wide angle.• Set the flash mode to (Fill-flash) wh

Shooting images53Set the mode dial to (Macro).• Get close to the subject and shoot at the minimum distance of the lens.• You can shoot a closer subj

54Set the mode dial to (Sports Action).• The camera shoots images continuously while the shutter button is pressed.• Press and hold the shutter butt

Shooting images55Set the mode dial to (Sunset).• Used to shoot an image accentuating the red color compared with other modes. This is also suitable

56Set the mode dial to (Night Port./View).Set the flash mode to (Flash Off) when you shoot a night view without persons (page 84).• Take care that

Shooting images57Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)With a single lens reflex camera, you can adjust the shutter speed (how long the

58When you turn the mode dial, the explanation of the selected mode and methods of shooting are displayed on the screen (Help Guide disp.). You can cl

Shooting images59 Shooting with program autoThis mode is suitable forz Using the automatic exposure, while keeping the custom settings for ISO sensiti

6Disposal of waste batteries (applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)This symbol on the batter

60 Shooting by controlling the blur of the background (Aperture priority)This mode is suitable forz Putting the subject in sharp focus and blur everyt

Shooting images61• The shutter speed may become slower depending on the aperture value. When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod.• To blur the b

62 Shooting a moving subject with various expressions (Shutter speed priority)This mode is suitable forz Shooting a moving subject at a moment in time

Shooting images63• When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod.• When shooting an indoor sport, select a higher ISO sensitivity.Notes• The (Camer

64 Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually (Manual exposure)This mode is suitable forz Shooting with the desired exposure setting by adjusting bo

Shooting images65Notes• The (Camera shake warning) indicator is not indicated in manual exposure mode.• When the mode dial is set to M, the ISO sett

66 Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB)This mode is suitable forz Shooting trails of light, such as fireworks.z Shooting trails of stars.1 Set th

Shooting images67• Use a tripod.• Set the focus to infinity in manual focus mode when shooting fireworks, etc.• Use the wireless Remote Commander (sol

68Shooting with the viewfinder (OVF)You can select either the LCD monitor (Live View) or the viewfinder (OVF) to shoot images.When you look into the v

Shooting images69When it is hard to rotate the diopter-adjustment dialAdjusting the focus of the finder (diopter adjustment)Adjust the diopter-adjustm

7Notes on using your cameraShooting procedure• This camera has two modes for shooting: the Live View mode using the LCD monitor, and the viewfinder mo

70Switching the recording information display (DISP)Press DISP on the control button to switch between the Graphic Display and the Standard Display.Wh

Shooting images71The Graphic Display graphically shows the shutter speed and aperture value and clearly illustrates how the exposure works. In AUTO or

72DDisplay IndicationRemaining battery (18) Image quality (119) Image size (118)/Aspect ratio (118) Memory card (22)100 Remaining number of rec

Shooting images73See pages in parentheses for details of operation.ABLCD monitor (Standard Display)In AUTO or Scene Selection mode In P/A/S/M modeDisp

74CDisplay IndicationRemaining battery (18) Image quality (119) Image size (118)/Aspect ratio (118) Memory card (22)100 Remaining number of rec

Shooting images75AB* When using the HVL-F58AM/HVL-F42AM Flash (sold separately), you can shoot with the High-speed sync feature at any shutter speed.

76Using the shooting functionSelecting the focus methodThere are two methods for adjusting the focus: autofocus and manual focus.Depending on the lens

Using the shooting function77• To select the area used for focusing, set up [AF area] (page 80).Focus indicatorSubjects that may require special focus

78To measure the exact distance to the subjectNotes• If the subject is closer than the minimum shooting distance of the attached lens, the focus canno

Using the shooting function79Fn button t [Autofocus mode] t Select the desired setting• Use (Single-shot AF) when the subject is motionless.• Use

8On the data specifications described in this Instruction ManualThe data on performance and specifications is defined under the following conditions,

80Fn button t [AF area] t Select the desired settingNotes• When the exposure mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection, [AF area] is fixed to (Wide) and

Using the shooting function81When it is difficult to get the proper focus in autofocus mode, you can adjust the focus manually.Notes• In the case of a

82Zooming in in one stepYou can zoom in to the center of an image using the smart teleconverter (Digital zoom) and record the image.The image size is

Using the shooting function83• When the smart teleconverter is available, [Metering mode] is set to (Multi segment).

84Using 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 function85• The lens hood (sold separately) may block the light of the flash. Remove the lens hood when using the flash.• When usin

86The flash rangeThe range of the built-in flash depends on the ISO sensitivity and aperture value. Refer to the following table.The AF illuminator• A

Using the shooting function87With an external wireless flash (sold separately), you can shoot with the flash without a cord when the external flash is

88Adjusting the brightness of the image (Exposure, Flash compensation, Metering)Except for recording mode M, the exposure is automatically selected (A

Using the shooting function89• Adjust the compensation level by checking the recorded image.• Using bracket shooting, you can shoot multiple images wi

9Table of ContentsNotes on using your camera ... 7Preparing the cameraChecking the accessories supplied ..

90Notes• The histogram displayed in Live View mode does not indicate the final recorded image. It indicates the condition of the image just monitored

Using the shooting function91Fn button t [Metering mode] t Select the desired mode• Use (Multi segment) metering for general shooting.Note• When the

92Setting ISOSensitivity to light is expressed by the ISO number (recommended exposure index). The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity.Notes

Using the shooting function93Adjusting the color tones (White balance)The color tone of the subject changes depending on the characteristics of the li

94• When you select (Custom), you can register your setting (below).In a scene where the ambient light consists of multiple types of light source, u

Using the shooting function95Note• The message “Custom WB error” indicates that the value is beyond the expected range. (When the flash is used on a s

96Image processingFn button t [D-RangeOptimizer] t Select the desired settingNotes• (Advanced) is selected when the exposure mode is set to AUTO or o

Using the shooting function97 (Contrast), (Saturation), and (Sharpness) can be adjusted for each Creative Style item.Notes• When the exposure mode

98The way colors are represented with combinations of numbers or the range of color reproduction is called “color space.” You can change the color spa

Using the shooting function99 Selecting the drive modeThis camera has five drive modes, such as single-shot advanced, and continuous advanced. Use the