Viewing images on a TV screen... 89
Operating with the Remote Commander.. 91

Using the menu

Menu list... 92 Recording menu 1... 94
Image size Aspect ratio Quality D-RangeOptimizer Creative Style Custom button Exposure step

Recording menu 2... 99

Flash mode Flash control Power ratio Flash compens. ISO Auto max. ISO Auto min.

Recording menu 3...101

AF-A setup AF area Priority setup AF illuminator AF w/ shutter Long exp.NR High ISO NR

Recording menu 4...104

Memory Rec mode reset

Custom menu 1...105

Eye-Start AF EyeStart trigr. AF/MF button AF/MF control AF drive speed AF area disp. FocusHoldButton

Custom menu 2...107

AEL button Ctrl dial setup Dial exp.comp Ctrl dial lock Button ops. Release w/oCard Release w/oLens

Custom menu 3...110

Red eye reduc. Exp.comp.set Bracket order Auto review Auto off w/ VF Rec.info.disp. Img.orientation

Custom menu 4...113

Custom reset

Playback menu 1... 114

Delete Format Protect DPOF setup Date imprint Index print PlaybackDisplay

Playback menu 2... 119

Slide show Interval

Setup menu 1... 120

LCD brightness Info.disp.time Power save Video output HDMI output Language Date/Time setup

Setup menu 2... 123

Memory card File number Folder name Select folder New folder USB connection MassStrg.card

Setup menu 3... 125

Menu start Delete confirm. Audio signals Cleaning mode Reset default
Enjoying your computer...127 Connecting the camera and your computer..129 Copying images to your computer..130 Image file storage destinations and file names..133 Copying images stored on a computer to a memory card and viewing the images....134 Using the software (supplied)...135 Installing the software...136 Using the Picture Motion Browser..137 Using the Image Data Converter SR..139 Using the Image Data Lightbox SR...140 Using the Remote Camera Control...142
How to print images...145 Printing images directly using a PictBridge compliant printer.146
Troubleshooting...149 Warning messages...158
On the memory card (not supplied)..161 On the InfoLITHIUM battery pack..163 On the battery charger...164 Optional accessories....165 Precautions...168 Specifications...170 Reset default....172

Landscape

Shoots scenery with vivid and sharp colors.
It is recommended that you push down the flash not to fire the flash. The shutter speed becomes slower when the subject is dark. If appears in the viewfinder, be careful about camera shake or use a tripod. The Super SteadyShot function is also effective.
Shoots close subjects such as flowers, insects. You can achieve clear and sharp focus.
When shooting with the built-in flash within the range of 1 m (39 3/8 inches), shadows may appear on the lower part of the image. Do not use with the built-in flash. The minimum recording distance is not changed even if you select Macro. To shoot a larger image, using a macro lens is recommended.

Sports action

Shoots moving subjects outdoors or in bright places.
The camera continues to focus while the shutter button is pressed and held halfway down (Continuous AF, page 52). The camera shoots the image continuously while the shutter button is pressed (Continuous adv., page 56). Do not use the flash if the subject is out of the flash range (Push the built-in flash back down). Flash range t page 65

Sunset

Shoots the red of the sunset beautifully.

Night view/portrait

The shutter speed is slower, so using a tripod is recommended. The Super SteadyShot function is also effective.

Night portrait

Shoots portraits in night scenes. Pull up the flash to use it.
Take care that the subject does not move to prevent the image from blurring.

Night view

Shoots night scenes at a distance without losing the dark atmosphere of the surroundings. Do not use the flash (Push the flash back down).
The picture may not be taken properly when shooting a wholly dark night scene.
Shooting with program auto P
In program auto mode, the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed and the aperture according to the brightness of the subject just as in the auto adjustment mode (mode dial: AUTO).
z The difference between auto adjustment mode and program auto mode In both auto adjustment and program auto mode, the shutter speed and aperture are automatically adjusted. You can change other settings. In auto adjustment mode, the new settings will be reset when another mode is selected or the power is turned off. In program auto mode, the new settings will be maintained if another mode has been selected or the power has been turned off. When the camera is in auto adjustment mode and the flash is up, the camera flashes automatically whenever it is necessary. When the camera is in program auto mode and the flash is up, the camera always flashes when it shoots.

(Multi segment)

This divides the whole screen into 40 segments to measure light (40-segment honeycomb pattern metering). This is suitable for general shooting, including shooting into direct sunlight.

(Center weighted)

While emphasizing the central area of the screen, this mode measures the average brightness of the entire screen. If you shoot directly into the sunlight or the subject is not in the center of the image, you must use exposure compensation (page 45).

(Spot)

This mode measures light only in the spot metering circle in the center of the frame. This is suitable for shooting a subject with strong contrast or measuring the light of a specific area of the screen. If the area to be measured is not in the center of the screen, use AE lock to take the picture (page 46).
Spot metering area Position of the subject.
z Multi segment metering The screen of this camera is equipped with 39 honeycomb sharped metering elements and one metering element that covers the surrounding area. These elements work in sync with auto focus, allowing the camera to accurately measure the position and brightness of the subject in order to determine the exposure. In multi segment metering, if the focus is locked, the exposure (the shutter speed and the aperture) is locked simultaneously (only when (Singleshot AF) or (Automatic AF)).
When you hold the grip and look into the viewfinder, or press the shutter button halfway down, the camera adjusts the focus automatically (Auto focus). Make it a habit to press the shutter button only halfway down to confirm that the subject is visually in focus.

Setting the AF area

You can change the focus method. Change the method when it is difficult to get the proper focus.
Front control dial Multi-selector Fn (Function) button 1 Press the Fn (Function) button to display the Quick Navi screen (page 30). 2 Select the AF area item with the multi-selector.
3 Select the desired mode with front or rear control dial.
After selecting the AF area in step 2, if you press the center of the multi-selector, the screen switches to the Exclusive disp screen. On this screen, select the desired mode with v/V on the multi-selector, then press the center. You can also select the AF area from the Recording menu (page 101).

(Wide)

: The default setting)
The camera determines which of the 11 AF area is used in focusing within the wide AF area.

AF area

The camera uses the spot AF area exclusively.

Using AF illuminator

In the auto focus mode, even when you shoot a subject under dark conditions or a low contrast subject, the AF illuminator allows the camera to focus more easily on a subject. Press the shutter button half way down, a red illuminator is automatically emitted until the focus is locked to focus more easily on a subject.

AF illuminator

The range of the AF illuminator is approximately 1 to 7 m (3.3 to 23 feet). AF illuminator does not operate when the focus mode is set to Continuous AF or the subject is moving. (The or indicator lights in the viewfinder) The AF illuminator may not operate with focal lengths of 300 mm or longer. When an external flash is attached, the AF illuminator of the external flash is used. You can deactivate the AF illuminator with [AF illuminator] in the Recording menu (page 102). The AF illuminator does not operate when the center area is not selected with AF area set to Local AF area.

Drive mode

You can use continuous shooting, self-timer, bracket, and shooting using the Remote Commander, with the DRIVE button.
DRIVE button Using the shooting functions
1 Press DRIVE to display the drive mode screen. 2 Select the desired mode with v/V on the multi-selector, then select the
desired setting with b/B on the multi-selector.
Select the mode Select the setting
3 Press the center of the multi-selector to turn off the screen.

Single-shot adv.

Also used for canceling other drive modes.
Continuous adv. (page 56) Self-timer (page 57) Bracket: Cont. (page 57) Bracket: Single (page 58) WB bracket (page 59) DRO adv. bracket (page 59) Remote Commander (page 60)
You can substitute the Fn (Function) button for the DRIVE button (page 30).
For details on the operation 1 page 55

Shooting continuously

When you press and hold the shutter button, the camera records the images continuously. Shoots at a maximum of 5 images per second* Shoots at a maximum of 3 images per second*
* Our measurement conditions: [Image size] is set to [L:12M], [Quality] is set to [Fine], the focus mode is set to (Single-shot AF) or (Manual focus), and the shutter speed is 1/250 second or faster. However, the speed of continuous shooting is slower when shooting under dark conditions or the DRange Optimizer is set to (Advanced Auto) or (Advanced: Level). The number of images that can be shot continuously is indicated in the viewfinder, and when shooting continuously, this number decreases. After the images have been recorded on the memory card, the number returns to the original number, depending on the camera memory buffer.

Bracket: Single

Press the shutter button shot by shot. Shoots three images shot by shot with the exposure shifted by 0.3 of a step. Shoots five images shot by shot with the exposure shifted by 0.3 of a step. Shoots three images shot by shot with the exposure shifted by 0.5 of a step. Shoots five images shot by shot with the exposure shifted by 0.5 of a step. Shoots three images shot by shot with the exposure shifted by 0.7 of a step. Shoots five images shot by shot with the exposure shifted by 0.7 of a step.
When using the flash, press the shutter button shot by shot regardless of the setting. The following is an example of shooting order. You can change the order with [Bracket order] in the Custom menu (page 111). Three shots : 0 t -0.3 t +0.3 Five shots : 0 t 0.5 t +0.5 t 1.0 t +1.0 The base exposure is set at the first shot in the bracket. The base exposure moves if exposure compensation is used. Normally, the focal point changes in every shooting. The focal point is fixed only in continuous bracket shooting when the focus mode is set to Single-shot AF or Automatic AF with an still subject. When the flash is not used, ambient* bracket shooting is performed and the shutter speed and aperture are changed to accommodate bracket shooting. When the flash is used, flash bracket shooting is performed and the flash light is changed. In ambient bracket shooting, the shutter speed and aperture change in program auto mode, the shutter speed changes in aperture priority mode, and aperture changes in shutter speed priority mode. Normally, the shutter speed changes in manual mode. You can change the aperture by pressing and holding the AEL (AE Lock) button while taking a picture. * Ambient light: Any light other than the flash light that shines on the scene for an extended period of time, such as natural light, a light bulb, or a fluorescent light.
The EV scale in bracket shooting
When bracket shooting is selected, the EV scale is changed.
Ambient bracket 0.3 steps, three shots Exposure compensation 0 LCD monitor Shown in the top row. Viewfinder Shown in the top row. Shown in the bottom row. Ambient bracket 0.5 steps, five shots Exposure compensation 1.0 Flash bracket 0.7 steps, three shots Flash compensation 1.0

In ambient bracket shooting, the EV scale appears in the viewfinder, too, but it does not appear in flash bracket shooting.
When the bracket shooting starts, the indexes that indicate already recorded images start to disappear one by one. 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 1 appears for the flash bracket in the viewfinder. When bracket shooting starts, it indicates what number the next frame is, for instance, br 2, br 3.
Shooting with the WB bracket
Based on the selected white balance, three pictures are taken while automatically shifting the color temperature. One shot records three images in the order of an image with normal white balance, side (an image with paler colors), and + side (an image with reddish colors). Shifts the white balance by 10 mired* when taking a picture. Shifts the white balance by 20 mired* when taking a picture.
* Mired: a unit to indicate the color conversion quality in color temperature filters. Only the image recorded last is displayed in auto review (page 111).
Shooting with the DRO advanced bracket
DRO advanced bracket shooting takes three pictures while separately optimizing the gradation and colors in each image area. One shot records three images in the following order: low t mid t high. (DRO: D-Range Optimizer) Lowers the DRO bracket when taking a picture. Amplifies the DRO bracket when taking a picture.
When DRO advanced bracket shooting is selected, the D-Range Optimizer setting (page 66) is temporarily deactivated. Correction with DRO advanced bracket has no effect on RAW files.
Shooting with the Remote Commander
To shoot with the Remote Commander, set the drive mode to
Transmitter SHUTTER button When the button is pressed, the shutter is released right away.

(Remote Commander).

2 SEC button After you press the button, the shutter is released about two seconds later.
Verify that the subject is visually in focus, and point the transmitter at the remote sensor located on the front of the camera, then press the SHUTTER or 2 SEC button.
You cannot use the other drive modes (Continuous advanced, etc.). To lock the focus (focus lock shooting, page 51), press the shutter button on the camera halfway down and release the button, then shoot with the Remote Commander. After shooting, the focus remains locked. Any operation on the camera will release the focus lock. In BULB shooting (page 43), the camera starts exposure right away when you press the SHUTTER button, and the camera starts exposure two seconds later when you press the 2 SEC button. By pressing the SHUTTER or 2 SEC button again, the exposure will be done right away. The other buttons are used when the camera is connected to a TV (pages 91, 148).

(Sunset) (Night view) (Autumn leaves) (B/W) (Sepia)
Front control dial Multi-selector Fn (Function) button
1 Press the Fn (Function) button to display the Quick Navi screen (page 30).
When the enlarged display screen is used (page 23), you cannot display the Quick Navi screen. In this case, set up from the menu.
2 Select a Creative Style item with the multi-selector.
If you do not make adjustments on contrast, etc., you can make other settings from this menu using the front or rear control dial.
3 Press the center to display the Creative Style screen.
You can select this screen from the
Recording menu (page 97).
4 Select the desired image style with v/V on the multi-selector.
You can select Standard, Vivid, Neutral, Adobe RGB, Portrait, Landscape, and B/W with the default setting. To select other image styles, see Advanced operation (below).
5 To adjust (Contrast), adjustments with v/V.

(Saturation), and

(Sharpness), select the item with b/B and make
6 Press the center of the multi-selector after the setting is completed.

Advanced operation

Of the seven image styles explained in Basic operation, the last three styles are Styleboxes 1 3, which can be switched. Example: When you have assigned Standard to one stylebox and Landscape to two styleboxes.
Standard Vivid Unswitchable Neutral Adobe RGB Standard Switchable Landscape Landscape
Saturation, contrast, and sharpness can be adjusted.
Brightness and Zone Matching can be adjusted, in addition to saturation, contrast, and sharpness. Different adjustments can be set for each Landscape.
To switch image styles for the stylebox
1 Display the Creative Style screen (steps 1 to 3 on page 69).
2 Select a switchable stylebox with v/V on the multi-selector. 3 Move the cursor to the right side with B, and select an image style with v/V.
4 To adjust (Contrast), (Saturation), (Sharpness), (Brightness), and Matching), select an item with b/B and make adjustments with v/V. 5 Press the center of the multi-selector after the setting is completed.

Zone Matching

Image styles in the switchable style boxes can adjust the Zone Matching. You can keep the image from becoming overexposed or underexposed. This function is also available for a RAW file.
This keeps the image from becoming underexposed with shooting a high-keyed subject. Use in low-key (predominantly dark) scenes is recommended, as the image tends to become whitish. Zone Matching is not performed. This keeps the image from becoming overexposed with shooting a low-keyed subject. Use in high-key (predominantly light) scenes is recommended, as the image tends to have heightened noise level.

0 +1 to +2

When Zone Matching is not set to 0, the contrast cannot be adjusted. Refer to the following table to determine the flash range.

To select the folder

1 Select the folder bar with b/B on the multi-selector, then press the center. The currently selected folder/The total number of folders The currently number of images contained in the folder

Folder bar

2 Select the desired folder with v/V, then press the center.
To delete all the images in the folder
1 Select the folder you want to delete with v/V on the multi-selector. 2 Press the (Delete) button.
3 Select Delete with v, then press the center.
You can set the confirmation screen to [Delete], as previously selected with [Delete confirm.] in the Setup menu (page 125). When you want to delete selected images, see page 114. Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. Protected images cannot be deleted.

Displaying the histogram

Pressing the (Histogram) button displays the histogram and recording data of the displayed image. Pressing it again turns the screen to a previous screen.

(Histogram) button

When the image has a high-key or low-key portion, that portion is illuminated on the histogram display (Luminance limit warning).
Luminance R (Red) G (Green) B (Blue)
z About Histogram A histogram is the luminance distribution that shows how many pixels of a particular brightness exist in the picture. This camera has four histogram displays that are separately for luminance and RGB, and each shows the brightness on the horizontal axis (left side is black, right side is white) and the number of pixels on the vertical axis. The exposure compensation will change the histogram accordingly. Below is an example.
Both ends of the histogram consist only of data of 100% black or white*. Checking the histogram allows you to know the status of the image beforehand. * To be exact, a color image is expressed with RGB. Thus, the white is equal to R255, G255, B255, and the black is equal to R0, G0, B0.

Enlarging images

An image can be enlarged for closer examination.
Number of pixels Dark Light (Enlarge) button Multi-selector (Playback) button
Use the exposure compensation on the positive side.
This compensation brightens the whole picture, making the entire histogram shift to the bright side (right side). If the exposure compensation is applied on the negative side, the histogram will shift to the other side.

Connecting 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 the Remote Commander have the same functions as the buttons on the camera.
Buttons on the Remote Commander Page

A C D E G H I

(Histogram) (Index) (Rotate) (Playback) (Slide show) / (Scale up/down) (Delete)

119 86

B DISP (Display)

F MENU

step 6 in Read This First

J v/V/b/B/

The other buttons are used when the camera is in recording mode or is connected to a PictBridge printer (pages 60, 148).

Slide show

The (Slide show) button on the Remote Commander easily starts/stops a slide show (page 119). During a slide show, the following operations are available from the Remote Commander.
Displaying the previous/next image with b/B. Pausing/playing back the slide show with.

Menu list

For details on how to operate the menu, see page 32.
Recording menu (pages 94 to 104)
Image size Aspect ratio Quality D-RangeOptimizer Creative Style Custom button Exposure step Flash mode Flash control Power ratio Flash compens. ISO Auto max. ISO Auto min.
AF-A setup AF area Priority setup AF illuminator AF w/ shutter Long exp.NR High ISO NR Memory Rec mode reset
Custom menu (pages 105 to 113)
Eye-Start AF EyeStart trigr. AF/MF button AF/MF control AF drive speed AF area disp. FocusHoldButton AEL button Ctrl dial setup Dial exp.comp Ctrl dial lock Button ops. Release w/oCard Release w/oLens
Red eye reduc. Exp.comp.set Bracket order Auto review Auto off w/ VF Rec.info.disp. Img.orientation Custom reset
For details on the operation 1 page 32
Playback menu (pages 114 to 119)
Delete Format Protect DPOF setup Date imprint Index print PlaybackDisplay Slide show Interval
Setup menu (pages 120 to 126)
Memory card File number Folder name Select folder New folder USB connection MassStrg.card Menu start Delete confirm. Audio signals Cleaning mode Reset default

Recording menu 1

Recording menu
The default settings are marked with

Image size

A digital image is made up of a collection of small dots called pixels. Image size is shown by the number of pixels. Although you cannot see the differences on the screen of the camera, the fine detail and data processing time differ when the image is printed or displayed on a computer screen.
Many pixels (Fine image quality and large file size) Few pixels (Rough image quality but small file size)

To cancel the protection

1 Select [Cancel all] in [Protect]. The message Cancel all? appears. 2 Select [OK] with v on the multi-selector, then press the center of the multi-selector. The image protection is canceled, and the screen returns to the playback screen.

DPOF setup

Using the camera, you can specify the images and the number of images to print before you print images at a shop or with your printer. Follow the procedure below.
You cannot mark RAW data files. You can specify any number up to 9.
Specifies DPOF only on the selected images. Specifies DPOF on all the images in the memory card. Unspecifies DPOF on all the images in the memory card.
To specify DPOF on selected images
1 Select [Marked images] in [DPOF setup]. 2 Select the image you want to mark with b/B on the multi-selector, then select the number of sheets with the rear control dial. A DPOF mark appears on the selected image, and the number of sheets is selected.
To cancel a selection, rotate the rear control dial to remove the DPOF mark.
3 To specify DPOF on other images, repeat step 2.
4 Press MENU. The message Set DPOF? appears. 5 Select [OK] with v, then press the center of the multi-selector. The DPOF is specified on the selected images, and the screen returns to the playback screen.
To specify DPOF on all the images
1 Select [All images] in [DPOF setup]. The message Number of copies? appears. 2 Select a number of sheets with v/V on the multi-selector, then press the center of the multiselector. The message Set DPOF? appears. 3 Select [OK] with v, then press the center of the multi-selector. The DPOF is specified on all the images, and the screen returns to the playback screen.
If you insert a memory card that contains DPOF-marked images specified with other cameras into this camera, then specify images to which to attach a DPOF-mark, the DPOF specifications made with other cameras are canceled.
To unspecify DPOF on all the images
When you do so, the index print is also canceled. Since the DPOF marks are left on after printing, it is recommended that you just clear the marks.
1 Select [Cancel all] in [DPOF setup]. The message Cancel all? appears. 2 Select [OK] with v on the multi-selector, then press the center of the multi-selector. The DPOF is unspecified on all the images, and the screen returning to the playback screen.

Date imprint

You can impose the date onto images when printing images. The position of the date (inside or outside the image, character size, etc.) depends on your printer.
Imposes the date. Does not impose the date.
Normally, only the date is inserted, however, imposed items may be different depending on the printer. This function may not be provided, depending on the printer.

To exit

Click the the screen. button on the upper-right of

x Macintosh To start up

Double-click [Image Data Converter SR Ver.2] in the [Sony Image Data Suite] folder from the [Application] folder.
Click [Quit Image Data Converter SR] from the [IDC SR] menu.
Using the Image Data Lightbox SR
Overview of Image Data Lightbox SR
Image Data Lightbox SR allows you to do the following:
Display and compare RAW/JPEG images recorded with this camera. Rate the images on a scale of five. Display an image in Image Data Converter SR and make adjustments to it. For details, please refer to the Help.

Displaying an image

When you start up, the operation menu will be displayed. Click [Open an Image File] or [Open a Folder of Images] to display the image.
To start the Help from the Start menu, click [Start] t [All Programs] (in Windows 2000, [Programs]) t [Sony Image Data Suite] t [Help] t [Image Data Lightbox SR].
Starting up or exiting Image Data Lightbox SR
Double-click [Image Data Lightbox SR] on the desktop. When starting up from the Start menu, click [Start] t [All Programs] (For Windows 2000: [Programs]) t [Sony Image Data Suite] t [Image Data Lightbox SR].
You can continue to add images by selecting [Open a Folder of Images] or [Open an Image File] from the file menu. Images in another folder can be also displayed or operated.
Comparing and prioritizing Images
You can rate the images on the screen, and identify the most important images.

1 Compare images.

You can display up to four images at a time to make comparisons.
Click the button on the upper-right of the screen. The dialogue used for saving a collection appears. For details on a Collection, see page 141.
Double-click [Image Data Lightbox SR] in the [Sony Image Data Suite] folder from the [Application] folder.
Click [Quit Image Data Lightbox SR] from the [Image Data Lightbox SR] menu.

Close the memory card cover to start
images modified with a computer may not be able to be displayed.

shooting.

Check that the access lamp is not lit,

No images

There is no image in the memory card.
then open the cover when you replace the memory card.

Image protected

You tried to delete protected images.
Unable to magnify. Unable to rotate image.
Images recorded with other cameras

Release the protection.

may not be enlarged or rotated.

Unable to print.

You tried to mark RAW images with a

No images changed

You attempted to protect images or

DPOF mark.

specified DPOF without changing the specification of those images.
Initializing USB connection.
A USB connection has been
Cannot create more folders.
The folder with a name beginning with
established. Do not disconnect the USB cable.
Check the connected device.
A PictBridge connection cannot be
999 exists on the memory card. You cannot create any folders if this is the case.
established. Disconnect the USB cable and connect it again.

Printing canceled

The print job was canceled. Disconnect
the USB cable or turn the camera off.
Camera overheating. Allow it to cool.
The camera has become hot because

Unable to mark.

You attempted to mark RAW images on
you have been shooting continuously. Turn the power off. Cool the camera and wait until the camera is ready to shoot again.

the PictBridge screen.

No printable image
You attempted to print images from a
folder that has no images when [Folder print] was selected.

Printer error

Check the printer. Check if the image you want to print is

corrupted.

Printer busy

Check the printer.

On the memory card (not supplied)

On the Memory Stick Duo

A Memory Stick Duo is a compact, portable IC recording medium. The types of Memory Stick Duo that can be used with this camera are listed in the table below. However, proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all Memory Stick Duo functions.
Memory Stick type Recording/ Playback a a*1*2 a*1 a*1*2 a*1*2
Notes on using a Memory Stick Duo

Vertical Grip.. 165 Video output.. 121 Viewing image. 83 t step 6 in Read This First
Warning messages. 158 White balance.. 61 White balance bracket.. 59 Wide AF area.. 49 Windows computer Recommended environment. 128 Wireless flash.. 74
RAW..96 Rear sync..74 Rec mode reset.104 Rec.info.disp..112 Recording information display..20, 23, 112 Recording menu 1.94 Recording menu 2.99 Recording menu 3.101 Recording menu 4.104 Red eye reduc..110 Release w/oCard..109 Release w/oLens..109 Remote Camera Control..142 Remote Commander..16, 60, 166
Zone Matching.. 68, 71 Zoom t step 5 in Read This First
Troubleshooting.. 149 Tungsten (WB).. 62 TV.. 89

Trademarks

is a trademark of Sony Corporation. Memory Stick, , Memory Stick PRO, , Memory Stick Duo, , Memory Stick PRO Duo, , Memory Stick PROHG Duo, , Memory Stick Micro, MagicGate, and are trademarks of Sony Corporation. InfoLITHIUM is a trademark of Sony Corporation. PhotoTV HD is a trademark of Sony Corporation. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/ or other countries. Macintosh, Mac OS, iMac, iBook, PowerBook, Power Mac, and eMac are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC. Intel, Intel Core, MMX, and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. Microdrive is a registered trademark of Hitachi Global Storage Technologies in the United States and/or other countries. Adobe is a registered trademark or a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. D-Range Optimizer Advanced uses technology provided by Apical Limited. In addition, system and product names used in this manual are, in general, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective developers or manufacturers. However, the or marks are not used in all cases in this manual.

3-216-919-11 (1)

Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera

Read This First

DSLR-A700
Operating Instructions Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.
Before operating the unit, please read this manual and Users Guide/Troubleshooting (separate volume) thoroughly, and retain them for future reference.
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetableoil based ink.

Printed in Japan

2007 Sony Corporation
Checking the accessories supplied
The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces.
BC-VM10 Battery charger (1) Video cable (1)
Power cord (mains lead) (1)
Shoulder strap with eyepiece cover and Remote Commander clip (1)
Rechargeable battery pack NP-FM500H (1)
Body cap (1) (Attached on the camera)
Wireless Remote Commander (Remote Commander) (1)
Accessory shoe cap (1) (Attached on the camera) Eyecup (1) (Attached on the camera) CD-ROM (Application Software for camera) (1)

USB cable (1)

Operating instructions: Read This First (this manual) (1) Operating instructions: Users Guide/ Troubleshooting (1)
Composition of the operating instructions

This manual

Explains the set-up and basic operations for shooting/playback with your camera. Prepare the camera and shoot images easily.
Checking the accessories supplied... Prepare the battery pack.... Attach a lens.... Insert a memory card (not supplied)... Turn the camera on/set the clock... Shoot images easily (Auto adjustment mode).. 12 The number of images that can be recorded.. 13 Holding the camera... 13 Super SteadyShot function... 14 Focus.... 15 Using the flash.... 16 Adjusting the diopter... View/delete images.... 18
Users Guide/Troubleshooting (separate volume)
Get more friendly with your camera
Shoot with your favorite settings t Using the shooting functions Playback with your favorite settings t Using the viewing functions Enjoy various shooting/playback functions using the menu t Using the menu
Connect your camera to a PC or a printer
Copy your images to a computer and enjoy editing them in various ways t Using your computer Print images by connecting your camera directly to a printer (PictBridge compliant printers only) t Printing images

Prepare the battery pack

Insert the battery pack.
Push the battery pack until it clicks.
Battery charger CHARGE lamp
Connect the power cord (mains lead).

Power cord (mains lead)

Light on: Charging Light off: Completed (Normal Charge)
To wall outlet (wall socket)
If you continue charging the battery pack for approximately one more hour, until it is fully charged (Full Charge), the battery life will be slightly longer.
Connect the battery charger to an easily accessible wall outlet (wall socket) close by. Even if the CHARGE lamp is not lit, the battery charger is not disconnected from the AC power source (mains) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet (wall socket). If some trouble occurs while using the battery charger, immediately shut off the power by disconnecting the plug from the wall outlet (wall socket). When charging is finished, disconnect the power cord (mains lead) from the wall outlet (wall socket), and remove the battery pack from the battery charger. Time required to charge a fully depleted battery pack (supplied) at a temperature of 25C (77F). Charging may take longer under certain circumstances or conditions. Full charge Approx. 235 min. Normal charge Approx. 175 min.

Insert the charged battery pack.
While sliding the battery cover open lever, open the battery cover.
Lock lever Firmly insert the battery pack all the way while pressing the lock lever with the tip of the battery.

Close the cover.

Note on the battery pack
Use only an NP-FM500H battery pack. Note that the NP-FM55H, NP-FM50 and NP-FM30 cannot be used.
Using the AC Adaptor/charger
You can connect the camera to a wall outlet (wall socket) using the AC-VQ900AM AC Adaptor/charger (not supplied). t Users Guide/Troubleshooting (page 165)
To check the remaining battery level
Set the POWER switch to ON and check the level on the LCD monitor. The level is indicated with the percent figures. The displayed level may not be correct under certain circumstances. Battery exhausted High Low You cannot shoot any more pictures.

LCD monitor

Battery level
To remove the battery pack
Slide the lock lever in the direction of the arrow. Be careful not to drop the battery pack. Before removing the battery pack, check that the power is turned off.

Lock lever

To use your camera abroad Power sources
You can use your camera and the battery charger and the AC-VQ900AM AC Adaptor/charger (not supplied) in any country or region where the power supply is within 100 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Use a commercially available AC plug adaptor [a], if necessary, depending on the design of the wall outlet (wall socket) [b].
Do not use an electronic transformer (travel converter), as this may cause a malfunction.

Attach a lens

Remove the body cap from the camera and the rear cap from the lens.

Body cap

Rear cap
Make sure not to leave the interior of the camera exposed to dust or water droplets. If dust enters the camera, perform [Cleaning mode] (t Users Guide/Troubleshooting (page 125)) and brush the dust away using a commercially available blower brush.

Attach the lens.

Orange index marks
Mount the lens by aligning the orange index marks on the lens and camera.

Turn the lens clockwise until it clicks into the locked position.
When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release button. Do not use force when attaching a lens. When shooting without the flash, using a lens hood is recommended to prevent unnecessary light from affecting your images. For details on attaching the lens hood, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the lens.

To remove the lens

Press the lens release button all the way in and turn the lens counterclockwise until it stops.

Lens release button

Replace the cap on the lens and attach the body cap (or another lens) to the camera after removing the lens.
Keep dust from getting inside the camera when changing lenses!
If dust or debris gets inside the camera and lands on the surface of the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it may appear on the image, depending on the shooting environment. The camera is equipped with an anti-dust function to prevent dust from landing on the image sensor. However, take note of the following reminders when attaching/removing a lens.
Avoid changing lenses in a dusty location. When storing the camera, always attach a lens or the body cap. When attaching the body cap, remove all the dust from the cap before placing it on the camera.
If dust or debris gets inside the camera, select [Cleaning mode] in the Setup menu, and use a commercially available blower brush to clean the image sensor. t Users Guide/ Troubleshooting (page 125)
Insert a memory card (not supplied)
Available memory cards for the camera

Memory Stick Duo

CompactFlash/ Microdrive
You can use a Memory Stick Duo, CompactFlash card (CF card), or Microdrive as a memory card.
Before using a memory card, be sure to format it using this camera. Otherwise, satisfactory performance may not be obtained. t Users Guide/Troubleshooting (page 115) For more information about the memory card t Users Guide/Troubleshooting (page 161)
Insert a memory card Memory Stick Duo

Terminal side

Insert a memory card all the way in until it clicks. Open the memory card cover.

CompactFlash/Microdrive

Wrong directions Terminal side

Front side

Insert a memory card from the terminal side (the terminal side has a number of small holes).
Be careful not to pinch your fingers when opening the cover. Straight insert a memory card by pressing the center of the memory card. Do not press the edges of the memory card. Be careful about insertion direction of a memory card. Inserting a memory card in a wrong direction may cause a malfunction.
When shooting using a Memory Stick Duo
You must set [Memory card] to [Memory Stick] in the below after turning on the camera.

Multi-selector MENU button
Setup menu. Follow the procedure
1 Press MENU. 2 Set up using the multi-selector.
Move the multi-selector to the right to select [ ] t [2], then press the center.
Move the multi-selector up and set [Memory card] to [Memory Stick], then press the center.
3 Press MENU to turn off the menu.
To remove the memory card
1 Open the memory card cover. 2 Memory Stick Duo: Push the Memory Stick Duo once. CompactFlash/Microdrive: Push down the CF card eject lever.
The memory card may be hot just after it has been used. Be careful when you handle it. CF card eject lever
When the access lamp is lit

Access lamp

Never remove the memory card or the battery pack, or turn off the power. The data may be corrupted.
We have checked the operations, however, we cannot guarantee proper operation of all CF cards/Microdrives.
The Microdrive is a compact and lightweight hard disk drive that complies with CompactFlash Type II standards. For more information about the CompactFlash/Microdrive t Users Guide/ Troubleshooting (page 162)
Turn the camera on/set the clock
Set the clock with the multiselector.
The direction in which the multi-selector is moved is expressed as v/V/b/B. v: Move up V: Move down b: Move to the left B: Move to the right
Set the POWER switch to ON by sliding it in the direction of the arrow.
Press the center to execute.
1 Verify that [OK] is selected, then press the center of

the multi-selector.

If you want to set the clock later, select [Cancel] with V, then press the center of the multi-selector.
2 Select each item with b/B and set the numeric value

with v/V.

3 Repeat Step 2 to set other items.
[YYYY/MM/DD] represents the order of year, month, and day. You can change this order with v/V.
4 Press the center of the multi-selector. 5 After checking whether [OK] is selected, press the
center of the multi-selector.

To cancel, press MENU.

To change the date and time
See the Users Guide/Troubleshooting (page 122) Select [Date/Time setup] in the Setup menu and perform the procedure in step 2-2 to -5.
When turning on the power
Unless you set the clock, Set date and time? appears each time the camera is turned on.

To turn off the power

Set the POWER switch to OFF sliding in the arrow direction. Attach the lens cap. After you remove the lens, store the camera with the body cap attached.
Power Save (The camera nearly shuts down if it is not operated)
If you do not operate the camera for about five seconds, the recording mode display on the LCD monitor disappears. Also, if you do not operate the camera for about three minutes, the camera turns to power saving mode and nearly shuts down (Power Save). To cancel the power save, operate the camera, for example, by pressing the shutter button halfway down.

You can change the time that must elapse to activate the function (the default settings are [5 sec]/[3 min]). t Users Guide/Troubleshooting (page 120)
Changing the language setting
You can change the screen display to show messages in a specified language. To change the language setting, follow the procedure below. 1 Press MENU to display the menu. 2 Select [ 3 Select [ selector. ] t [1] with b/B on the multi-selector. Language] with v/V on the multi-selector, then press the center of the multi-
4 Select the desired language with v/V on the multi-selector, then press the center of the multi-selector.
Shoot images easily (Auto adjustment mode)
The main functions of the camera are adjusted automatically in auto adjustment mode. Using this mode, you can shoot easily, depending entirely on the camera. However, you can change any of the settings.
Set the mode dial to AUTO.
Hold the grip and look into the viewfinder.
The subject at the intersection of (the 11 focus area sensors) comes into focus.
When using a zoom lens, turn the zoom ring, then decide on your shot.
Shoot with the shutter button.
Press the shutter button halfway down to focus. Press the shutter button fully down to shoot. The shutter sounds.
Focus indicator (Indicates the status of the autofocus (page 15))
Sensor used for focus adjustment (Illuminated in red briefly to indicate the point of focus.)
The image is not displayed on the LCD monitor before the recording is completed. Use the viewfinder for monitoring. After shooting, the recorded image is displayed for two seconds on the LCD monitor. You can change the display time. t Users Guide/Troubleshooting (page 111) While the image is being recorded, the access lamp lights. Do not remove the memory card or turn off the power while this lamp is lit.
The number of images that can be recorded
Once you insert a memory card into the camera and set the POWER switch to ON, the number of images that can be recorded (should you continue to shoot using the current settings) is displayed on the LCD monitor. To identify items on the LCD monitor t Users Guide/ Troubleshooting (page 20)
The number of images that can be recorded on a memory card differs depending on the capacity of the memory card, the image size setting, and the image quality setting. t Users Guide/Troubleshooting (page 24) If 0 is flashing in yellow, the memory card is full. Replace the memory card with another one, or delete images in the current memory card (pages 8, 18). Since the data amount of each image is different, the remaining number of recordable images may not change after shooting.

Holding the camera

Hold the camera steady to avoid blurring of images due to hand movement. Turning on the Super SteadyShot function is also recommended (page 14).

Grip the camera firmly with your right hand, keep your elbows at your side, and support the lens with the palm of your left hand. Step out with one foot to stabilize your upper body. Leaning against a wall or putting your elbow on a table will also provide support. When shooting in dark light without the flash, shooting in macro, or using a telephoto lens, camera shake that cannot be compensated for by the camera tends to occur. In such cases, turn off the Super SteadyShot function and use something to stabilize the camera, such as a tripod.
Super SteadyShot function
1 Make sure that the (Super SteadyShot) switch is set to ON to activate the function.
2 Press the shutter button halfway down, and then press it fully down.
(Camera-shake warning) indicator (Super SteadyShot) switch Super SteadyShot scale

Super SteadyShot scale

This scale is displayed whenever the Super SteadyShot function is activated. A higher scale indicates more pronounced camera-shake (on a scale of five). When the Super SteadyShot function is deactivated, the scale will not be displayed.
(Camera-shake warning) indicator
This indicator flashes regardless of the status of the Super SteadyShot function. It indicates the likelihood of camera-shake calculated from the shutter speed and focal length. If the indicator flashes, reduce the camera-shake by setting the (Super SteadyShot) switch to ON or using the built-in flash or a tripod.
The Super SteadyShot function may not work optimally when the power has just been turned on, when the subject has just entered the frame, or when the shutter button has been pressed all the way down without stopping halfway. Wait for the Super SteadyShot scale to go down, and then press the shutter button down slowly. Since the Super SteadyShot function is less effective in the following cases, mount the camera on a tripod. Shooting a subject that is located within a very close range. Shooting a moving subject Shooting with shutter speeds of 1/4 second or longer, which are typically used in night-time shooting. When using a tripod, deactivate the Super SteadyShot function as it will not be fully effective. This Super SteadyShot function can reduce the effect of camera-shake by the equivalent of approximately 2.5 to 4 increments of shutter speed.
Within the focus area, there are 11 sensors to lock the focus on the subject. Press the shutter button halfway down, and the sensor in the focused area illuminated briefly in red to indicate where the focus is.

Focus area

Focus area sensor

Focus indicator

Holding the grip and looking into the viewfinder or pressing the shutter button halfway down triggers the autofocus system. The focus indicator in the viewfinder indicates the status of the autofocus system.

Focus indicator z lit lit lit z flashing Status Focus locked. Ready to shoot. Focus is confirmed. Focal point moves following a moving subject. Ready to shoot. Still focusing. You cannot release the shutter. Cannot focus. The shutter is locked. If the subject is closer than the minimum shooting distance of the attached lens, the focus cannot be confirmed. Make sure you put enough distance between the subject and the camera. You can manually release the shutter even when the indicator is flashing. t Users Guide/Troubleshooting (page 102)

Using the flash

Pull the built-in flash up with your finger. With the flash pulled up, the camera triggers the flash if the amount of light is insufficient in auto adjustment mode (AUTO). Push the flash down with your finger when not using it.
Do not hold the camera by grabbing the flash emitter. If you want to make sure the flash fires without fail, set the flash mode to Guide/Troubleshooting (page 73)

(Fill-flash). t Users

Flash indicators in the viewfinder
flashing: The flash is being charged. When the indicator flashes, you cannot release the shutter. lit: The flash has been charged and is ready to fire.

The flash range

The flash range depends on the aperture value and ISO sensitivity setting. The following chart shows the approximate flash range when the ISO sensitivity is set to [AUTO] in auto adjustment mode (AUTO).

Aperture

ISO sensitivity t Users Guide/Troubleshooting (page 64)
The built-in flash is designed to be used with lenses with focal lengths of 16 mm or longer.

Aperture F2.8 F4 F5.6

Flash range m (6.feet) 1.4 8.6 m (4.feet) m (3.feet)
Notes on using the built-in flash
When shooting with the built-in flash, the lens may block the flash light and a shadow may appear on the lower part of the image. Be careful about the following:
Shoot the subject at a distance of 1 m or longer. Remove the lens hood.

Adjusting the diopter

Diopter-adjustment dial

Eyecup

Adjust the diopter-adjustment dial to your eyesight until the indicators appear clearly in the viewfinder.
Turn the dial toward + when you are far-sighted, toward when you are near-sighted. The direction is indicated on the dial if you remove the eyecup. t Users Guide/Troubleshooting (page 44) Training the camera on the light allows you to adjust the diopter easily.

View/delete images

To view images

(Playback).

Select an image with b/B on the multi-selector.
You can easily view the next/previous image by turning the front or rear control dial. Front control dial Rear control dial (Enlarge) button
(Index) button DISP (Display) button (Delete) button
To return to the recording mode

Press

(Playback) again.

Press the shutter button halfway down.

To delete images

1 Display the image you want to delete and press (Delete). 2 Select [Delete] with v, then press the center of the multi-selector.
To cancel delete operation
Select [Cancel], then press the center of the multiselector.
While viewing images, you can operate the following functions. Switching the screen display with the DISP (Display) button. Viewing an image list on the index screen with the (Index) button. Enlarging images with the (Enlarge) button. t Users Guide/Troubleshooting (pages 83, 84, 86)