The pictures used in this manual
The photographs used as examples of pictures in this manual are reproduced images, and are not actual images shot using this camera.
On the data specifications described in this Instruction Manual
The data on performance and specifications is defined under the following conditions, except as described in this Instruction Manual: at an ordinary ambient temperature of 25C (77F), and using a fully charged battery pack.

Table of Contents

Notes on using your camera... 7

Preparing the camera

Checking the accessories supplied.. 13 Preparing the battery pack.. 14 Attaching a lens... 20 Inserting a memory card.. 22 Preparing the camera.. 25 Using the accessories supplied.. 27 Checking the number of recordable images.. 29 Cleaning... 32 Identifying parts and screen indicators.. 35 Front side... 35 Rear side... 36 Sides/Bottom.. 37 LCD monitor.. 38 Selecting a function/setting.. 40 The functions selected by the Control button. 41 The functions selected by the Fn (Function) button. 42 The functions selected by the MENU button. 42 Shooting an image without camera shake.. 45 Correct posture... 45 Using the SteadyShot function.. 46 Using a tripod... 47 / Shooting with the automatic setting.. 48 Shooting with a suitable setting for the subject (Scene Selection)... 50 Taking portrait photos.. 51 Taking landscape photos.. 52 Taking small-subject photos.. 53 Taking moving-subject photos.. 54 Taking sunset photos.. 55 Taking night view photos. 56

Before your operation

Shooting images Adjusting the angle of the LCD monitor.. 44
Shooting an image the way you want it (Exposure mode)... 57 Shooting with program auto.. 59 Shooting by controlling the blur of the background (Aperture priority).. 60 Shooting a moving subject with various expressions (Shutter speed priority).. 62 Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually (Manual exposure).. 64 Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB).. 66 Shooting with the viewfinder (OVF). 68 Switching to the viewfinder.. 68 Adjusting the focus of the finder (diopter adjustment)... 69 Switching the recording information display (DISP)... 70 LCD monitor (Graphic Display).. 71 LCD monitor (Standard Display). 73 Viewfinder... 75 Selecting the focus method... 76 Using the Using autofocus... 76 shooting function Shooting with your desired composition (Focus-lock)... 78 Selecting the focus method to suit the movement of the subject (Autofocus mode).. 79 Selecting the focus area (AF area).. 80 Adjusting the focus manually (Manual focus). 81 Zooming in in one step.. 82 Using the flash... 84 Performing wireless flash shooting.. 87 Adjusting the brightness of the image (Exposure, Flash compensation, Metering).. 88 Using brightness compensation for the entire image (Exposure compensation).. 88 Adjusting the amount of flash light (Flash compensation)... 90 Selecting the method for measuring the brightness of a subject (Metering mode).. 91

The battery life varies according to how it is stored and the operating conditions and environment in which each battery pack is used. How to store the battery pack If the battery pack is not to be used for a long time, fully charge it and then fully use it up once a year on your camera before storing the battery pack in a dry, cool place to prolong the battery life.

Attaching a lens

1 Remove the body cap from the
camera and the packaging lid from the rear of the lens.
When changing the lens, quickly change the lens away from dusty locations so as to keep dust or debris from getting inside the camera.

Body cap Packaging lid

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

Orange index marks

3 Turn the lens clockwise until it
clicks into the locked position.
Notes 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 the camera, purchase the Rear Lens Cap ALC-R55. When attaching a lens, do not press the lens release button. Do not use force when attaching a lens.

To remove the lens

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

Lens release button

2 Replace the packaging lid on the
lens and attach the body cap to the camera.
Before you attach them, remove dust from them. When you purchase the DT mm F3.5 5.6 SAM Lens Kit, purchase the Rear Lens Cap ALC-R55 also.
Note on changing the lens When changing the lens, 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, quickly change the lens away from dusty locations when attaching/removing a lens. If dust or debris lands on the image sensor Clean the image sensor using [Cleaning mode] in the (page 33).

Setup menu

Inserting a memory card
Only Memory Stick PRO Duo media, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media, SD memory cards and SDHC memory cards can be used with this camera. A MultiMediaCard cannot be used with this camera. The Memory Stick PRO Duo media and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media are referred to as the Memory Stick PRO Duo media and the SD memory card and SDHC memory card are referred to as the SD memory card in this Instruction Manual.

1 Open the memory card cover.
2 Insert Memory Stick PRO Duo
media or an SD memory card.
Insert the memory card until it clicks as illustrated.
Face side (SD memory card) Terminal part
Face side (Memory Stick PRO Duo) Terminal part
3 Select the type of memory card
you want to use using the memory card switch.
4 Close the memory card cover.
To remove the memory card Check that the access lamp is not lit, then open the memory card cover, and push the memory card once. Preparing the camera

Access lamp

Notes on using memory cards
Do not strike, bend or drop the memory card. Do not use or store the memory card under the following conditions: High temperature locations such as the hot interior of a car parked in direct sunlight. Locations exposed to direct sunlight. Humid locations or locations with corrosive substances present. 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 is lit, do not remove the memory card or the battery pack, or turn off the power. The data may be corrupted. Data may be damaged if you place the memory card near stronglymagnetized material or use the memory card in a static-prone or electrically noisy environment. We recommend backing up important data, such as to a hard disk of a computer. When you carry or store the memory card, put it in the case supplied with it. Do not expose the memory card to water. Do not touch the terminal section of the memory card with your hand or a metal object. When the write-protect switch of a memory card is set to the LOCK position, you cannot perform operations, such as recording or deleting images.
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 properly with this camera. The memory cards formatted with a computer are not guaranteed to operate with this camera. Data read/write speeds differ depending on the combination of the memory cards and the equipment used. Do not press down hard when you write down on the memo area. Do not attach a label on the memory cards themselves. Do not disassemble or modify the memory cards. Do not leave the memory cards within the reach of small children. They might accidentally swallow it. Notes on the Memory Stick media used with the camera The types of Memory Stick media that can be used with this camera are listed in the table below. However, proper operation cannot be guaranteed for all Memory Stick PRO Duo media functions.

See the pages in parentheses for details of operation.

Front side

A Shutter button (48) B Power switch (25) C Control dial (61, 123) D Self-timer lamp (100) E Lens contacts* F Remote sensor G Mirror* H Mount I Built-in flash* (84) J
M Focus mode switch (76, 81)
* Do not directly touch these parts.
Image sensor position mark (78)
K Mode dial (48 67) L Lens release button (21)

Rear side

A 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-adjustment dial (69) H LIVE VIEW/OVF switch (68) I

M Control button

When the menu is turned on: v/ V/b/B (40) When the menu is turned off: DISP (39, 70, 104)/ (99)/ ISO (92)/ (84)
(Delete) button (112) (Playback) button (104)
(Smart teleconverter) button (82) (Exposure) (Zoom in) button (88) For viewing: button (105)

J For shooting:

K Fn (Function) button (42) L Control button (Enter) (40)/

Spot AF button (80)

Sides/Bottom
A HDMI terminal (114) B Memory card switch C Memory card cover D Memory Stick PRO Duo

K Tripod receptacle

media insertion slot (22)
E SD memory card insertion slot
Use a tripod with a screw length of less than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch). You will be unable to firmly secure the camera to tripods having screws longer than 5.5 mm (7/32 inch), and may damage the camera.
(USB) terminal (132, 148)
G Access lamp (23) H Hooks for shoulder strap (27) I DC IN terminal
When connecting the ACPW10AM AC Adaptor (sold separately) to the camera, turn the camera off, then plug the connector of the AC Adaptor to the DC IN terminal on the camera.

J Battery cover (17)

LCD monitor
The indicators on the monitor are displayed as follows in Live View mode. For the indicators in viewfinder mode, see page 71.
A Display 1.4 Indication Remaining battery (18) Smart teleconverter (82) Image quality (119)
B Display Indication Drive mode (99)
Histogram (89) Image size (118)/Aspect ratio (118) Memory card (22) 100 Remaining number of recordable images (29) PASM Focus mode (79) AF area (80) Metering (91) Mode dial (48 67)

Aperture (F-number)

3 Adjust the focus and shoot the

subject.

The shutter speed is automatically adjusted to obtain correct exposure. When the camera judges that the proper exposure is not obtained with the selected aperture value, the shutter speed flashes. In such cases, adjust the aperture again.

Shutter speed

The shutter speed may become slower depending on the aperture value. When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod. To blur the background more, use a telephoto lens or a lens that is equipped with a smaller diaphragm (bright lens). Set the flash mode to (Fill-flash) when you shoot with the flash (page 84). However, the flash range differs according to the aperture value. When you shoot with the flash, check the flash range (page 86).
Shooting a moving subject with various expressions (Shutter speed priority)
This mode is suitable for z Shooting a moving subject at a moment in time. Use a faster shutter speed to crisply shoot an instant of the movement.
z Tracing the movement to express the
dynamism and flow. Use a slower shutter speed to shoot a trailing image of the moving subject.
1 Set the mode dial to S.
2 Select the shutter speed with the

control dial.

The aperture is automatically adjusted to obtain correct exposure. When the camera judges that the proper exposure is not obtained with the selected shutter speed, the aperture value flashes. In such cases, adjust the shutter speed again.
When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod. When shooting an indoor sport, select a higher ISO sensitivity.
Notes The (Camera shake warning) indicator is not indicated in shutter speed priority mode. The higher the ISO sensitivity, the more conspicuous the noise. When the shutter speed is one second or more, noise reduction (Long exp.NR) will be done after shooting. You cannot do any further shooting during the reduction. Set the flash mode to (Fill-flash) when you shoot with the flash (page 84). However, when using the flash, if you close the aperture (a larger F-number) by making the shutter speed slower, the light of the flash will not reach distant subjects.
Shooting with the exposure adjusted manually (Manual exposure)
This mode is suitable for z Shooting with the desired exposure setting by adjusting both the shutter speed and aperture.
1 Set the mode dial to M. 2 Rotate the control dial to adjust
the shutter speed, and while pressing the button, rotate the control dial to adjust the aperture.
You can select the item the control dial adjusts (shutter speed or aperture) with [Ctrl dial setup] (page 123).

on the control button t (Bracket: Cont.) t Select the desired bracket step
The base exposure is set at the first shot in the bracket.

* (Bracket: Cont.)

Shoots three images with the exposure shifted by a selected step. Press and hold the shutter button until the recording stops. When the flash is fired, press the shutter button shot by shot. is the step currently selected.

* _ EV displayed with

Notes When the mode dial is set to M, the exposure is shifted by adjusting the shutter speed. When you adjust the exposure, the exposure is shifted based on the compensated value. The bracket cannot be used when the recording mode is set to AUTO or Scene Selection.
The EV scale in bracket shooting
Ambient light* bracket 0.3 steps, three shots Exposure compensation 0 LCD monitor (Live View mode) LCD monitor (Viewfinder mode/ Standard Display) Flash bracket 0.7 steps, three shots Flash compensation 1.0

Shown in the top row.

Shown in the bottom row.
* 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. In bracket shooting, the same number of indices as the number of recordable images is displayed on the EV scale. However, in flash bracket shooting, the indices are not displayed in the viewfinder. When the bracket shooting starts, the indices that indicate already recorded images start to disappear one by one.
In viewfinder mode, if the shutter button is pressed halfway down and released, br 1 appears. Fbr 1 appears for the flash bracket. When flash bracket shooting starts, it indicates what number the next frame is, for instance, Fbr 2, Fbr 3.
Shooting with the Remote Commander
You can shoot using the SHUTTER and 2SEC (the shutter is released after 2 seconds) buttons on the RMT-DSLR1 Wireless Remote Commander (sold separately). Also, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the Wireless Remote Commander.

The items for Link Menu

Delete Image Index Slide show Protect Specify Printing Selects the method for deleting images from single or all images (page 112). Switches to the image index screen. Plays back images automatically (page 107). Protects all the images/cancels the protections of all the images (page 111). Specifies/unspecifies DPOF on all the images (page 145). Specifies the number of images to be printed. Dates images or not. Returns to the single-image screen.

Single-image playback

Notes The operations available are restricted when the camera is connected to a TV using an HDMI cable. Only TVs that support BRAVIA Sync can provide these operations. For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the TV.
If the camera performs unnecessary operations in response to the TV Remote Control when the camera is connected to another manufacturers TV using an HDMI connection, set [CTRL FOR HDMI] in the Setup menu to [Off].
Setting image size and image quality

Image size

[Aspect ratio]: [3:2] DSLR-A380
L:14M M:7.7M S:3.5M pixels pixels pixels
1 t [Image size] t Select the desired size
L:10M M:5.6M S:2.5M pixels pixels pixels
[Aspect ratio]: [16:9] DSLR-A380
L:12M M:6.5M S:2.9M pixels pixels pixels
L:8.4M M:4.7M S:2.1M pixels pixels pixels
Note When you select a RAW image with [Quality], the image size of the RAW image corresponds to L. This size is not displayed on the LCD monitor.

Aspect ratio

MENU button t ratio 1 t [Aspect ratio] t Select the desired

3:2 16:9

A normal ratio. An HDTV ratio.

Quality

1 t [Quality] t Select the desired setting
File format: RAW (raw data) This format does not perform any digital processing on the images. Select this format to process images on a computer for professional purposes. The image size is fixed to the maximum size. The image size is not displayed on the LCD monitor. File format: RAW (raw data) + JPEG A RAW image and a JPEG image are created at the same time. This is suitable when you need two image files, a JPEG for viewing, and a RAW for editing. The image quality is fixed to [Fine] and the image size is fixed to [L]. File format: JPEG The image is compressed in the JPEG format when recorded. Since the compression rate of (Standard) is higher than that of (Fine), the file size of is smaller than that of. This will allow more files to be recorded on one memory card, but the image quality will be lower.

This section describes how to copy images in a memory card to a computer connected using a USB cable.
Recommended computer environment
The following environment is recommended for a computer connected to the camera to import images. x Windows OS (pre-installed): Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional SP4/ Windows XP*1 SP3/Windows Vista*2 SP1 Operation is not assured in an environment based on an upgrade of the operating systems described above or in a multi-boot environment. *1 64-bit editions and Starter (Edition) are not supported. *2 Starter (Edition) is not supported. USB jack: Provided as standard x Macintosh OS (pre-installed): Mac OS X (v10.1.3 v10.5) USB jack: Provided as standard
Notes on connecting your camera to a computer Operations are not guaranteed for all the recommended computer environments mentioned above. If you connect two or more USB devices to a single computer at the same time, some devices, including your camera, may not operate, depending on the types of USB devices you are using. Operations are not guaranteed when using a USB hub or an extension cable. Connecting your camera using a USB interface that is compatible with Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compliant) allows advanced transfer (high speed transfer) as this camera is compatible with Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compliant). When your computer resumes from a suspend or sleep mode, communication between your camera and your computer may not recover at the same time.
Stage 1: Connecting the camera and your computer
1 Insert a memory card with recorded images into the camera. 2 Select the type of memory card you want to copy images from
using the memory card switch.
3 Insert the sufficiently charged battery pack in the camera, or
connect the camera to a wall outlet (wall socket) with the AC Adaptor (sold separately).
When you copy images to your computer using an insufficiently charged battery pack, copying may fail or image data may become corrupted if the battery pack shuts down too soon.
4 Turn on the camera and the computer. 5 Check that [USB connection] in 6 Connect the camera and your

computer.

The AutoPlay wizard appears on the desktop.

USB cable

3 is set to [Mass Storage].

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.

Troubleshooting

If you experience trouble with your camera, try the following solutions. Check the items on pages 154 to 163. Consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.
Check the following items. Remove the battery pack, and insert the battery pack again after about one minute, and turn on the power. Reset the settings (page 129). Consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

Battery pack and power

The battery pack cannot be installed.
As you insert the battery pack, use the tip of the battery pack to push the lock lever (page 17). Check the model number of the battery pack (pages 13, 18).
The remaining battery indicator is incorrect, or sufficient remaining battery indicator is displayed but the power runs out too quickly.
This phenomenon occurs when you use the camera in an extremely hot or cold location (page 167). The battery pack is discharged. Install a charged battery pack (page 14). The battery pack is dead (page 18). Replace it with a new one.
Cannot turn on the camera.
Install the battery pack correctly (page 17). The battery pack is discharged. Install a charged battery pack (page 14). The battery pack is dead (page 18). Replace it with a new one.
The power turns off suddenly.
If you do not operate the camera for given period of time, the camera turns to power saving mode and nearly shuts down. To cancel the power save, operate the camera, such as pressing the shutter button halfway down (page 124).
The CHARGE lamp flashes when charging the battery pack.
Remove and re-insert the battery pack correctly. Charge the battery pack under the suitable temperatures between 10 and 30C (50 and 86F).
Nothing is displayed on the LCD monitor in viewfinder mode when the power is turned on.
In the default setting, the LCD monitor will turn off if no operation is registered for more than 10 seconds to minimize the battery consumption.
The image is not clear in the viewfinder.
Adjust the diopter scale properly using the diopter-adjustment dial (page 69).

No images in the viewfinder.
The LIVE VIEW/OVF switch is set to LIVE VIEW. Set it to OVF (page 68).
The image has not been recorded.
A memory card is not inserted.
The shutter does not release.
You are using a memory card with a write-protect switch, and the switch is set to the LOCK position. Set the switch to the recording position. The position of the memory card switch is wrong. Set it to the correct position (page 22). Check the free capacity of the memory card (page 29). If it is full, do one of the following: Delete unnecessary images (page 112). Change the memory card.
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 is not attached properly. Attach the lens properly (page 20). When an astronomical telescope, etc., is attached to the camera, set the recording mode to M and do your shooting. The subject may require special focusing (page 77). Use the focus-lock or manual focus function (pages 78, 81).
Recording takes a long time.
The noise reduction function is turned on (page 122). This is not a malfunction. You are shooting in RAW mode (page 119). Since the RAW data file is large, the RAW mode shooting may take time.
The image is out of focus.
The subject is too close. Check the minimum focal distance of the lens. You are shooting in manual focus mode, set the focus mode lever to AF (autofocus) (page 76). When the focus mode switch is equipped with the lens, set it to AF. Ambient light is insufficient.
Eye-Start AF does not work.
Set [Eye-Start AF] to [On] (page 68). Press the shutter button halfway down.

The flash does not work.

The flash mode is set to [Autoflash]. If you want to make sure the flash fires without fail, set the flash mode to [Fill-flash] (page 84).
Fuzzy specks appear in images shot using the flash.
Dust in the air reflected the flash light and appeared in the image. This is not a malfunction.
The flash takes too long to recharge.
The flash has been fired in succession in a short period. When the flash has been fired in succession, the recharging process may take longer than usual to avoid overheating of the camera.
A 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 will be dark because the flash light does not reach the subject. If the ISO is changed, the flash range also changes with it (page 86). In the following cases, the image may be dark. Remove these accessories, then shoot. An ND filter or a PL filter. A diffuser. A wide panel for the HVL-F36AM flash.
The date and time are recorded incorrectly.
Set the correct date and time (pages 25, 125).
The aperture value and/or shutter speed flashes when you press the shutter button halfway down.

Printing

Also see PictBridge compliant printer (as follows) in conjunction with the following items. The color of the image is strange.
When you print the images recorded in Adobe RGB mode using sRGB printers that are not compatible with Adobe RGB (DCF2.0/Exif2.21), the images are printed at a lower intensity level (page 98).
Images 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. Especially when you print an image shot with the aspect ratio set to [16:9], the lateral end of the image may be cut off. When printing images using your own printer, cancel the trimming or borderless settings. Consult the printer manufacturer as to whether the printer provides these functions or not. When having images printed at a digital print shop, ask the shop whether they can print the images without cutting off both edges.
Cannot print images with the date.
Using PMB, you can print images with date (page 143). This camera does not have a feature for superimposing dates on images. However, because the images shot with the camera include information on the recording date, you can print images with the date superimposed if the printer or the software can recognize Exif information. For compatibility with Exif information, consult the manufacturer of the printer or the software. When you print images at a shop, images can be printed with the date if you ask them to do so.
PictBridge compliant printer
For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the printer or consult with the manufacturer of the printer. A connection cannot be established.
The camera cannot be connected directly to a printer that is not compliant with the PictBridge standard. Consult the printer manufacturer as to whether the printer is compliant with PictBridge or not. Set [USB connection] to [PTP] (page 147). Disconnect and connect the USB cable again. If an error message is indicated on the printer, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the printer.

Cannot print images.

Check that the camera and the printer are properly connected using the USB cable. RAW images cannot be printed. Images shot using cameras other than this camera or images modified with a computer may not be printed.

Camera error System error
Turn the power off, remove the battery pack, then re-insert it. If the message appears frequently, consult your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility.

No images

There is no image in the memory card.
Unable to magnify. Unable to rotate image.
Images recorded with other cameras may not be enlarged or rotated.

Image protected

You tried to delete protected images.
No images changed Unable to print.
You tried to mark RAW images with a DPOF mark. You attempted to protect images or specified DPOF without changing the specification of those images.
Initializing USB connection.
A USB connection has been established. Do not disconnect the USB cable.
Cannot create more folders. Others
The folder with a name beginning with 999 exists on the memory card. You cannot create any folders if this is the case.
Check the connected device.
A PictBridge connection cannot be 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.

Unable 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 is corrupted.

Printer busy

Check the printer.

Precautions

Do not use/store the camera in the following places
In an extremely hot, dry or humid place In places such as in a car parked in the sun, the camera body may become deformed and this may cause a malfunction. Under direct sunlight or near a heater The camera body may become discolored or deformed, and this may cause a malfunction. In a location subject to rocking vibration Near strong magnetic place In sandy or dusty places Be careful not to let sand or dust get into the camera. This may cause the camera to malfunction, and in some cases this malfunction cannot be repaired.
On operating temperatures
Your camera is designed for use under the temperatures between 0 and 40C (32 and 104F). Shooting in extremely cold or hot places that exceed this range is not recommended.

On moisture condensation

If the camera is brought directly from a cold to a warm location, moisture may condense inside or outside the camera. This moisture condensation may cause a malfunction of the camera. How to prevent moisture condensation When bringing the camera from a cold place to a warm place, seal the camera in a plastic bag and allow it to adapt to conditions at the new location over about an hour. If moisture condensation occurs Turn off the camera and wait about an hour for the moisture to evaporate. Note that if you attempt to shoot with moisture remaining inside the lens, you will be unable to record clear images.