Preparing the camera Before your operation Shooting images Using the shooting function Using the viewing function Changing your setup Viewing images on a computer Printing images
Additional information on this product and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at our Customer Support Website.
Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera Instruction Manual

DSLR-A500/A550

Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.

Owners Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. DSLR-A500/A550 Serial No. __________________________

WARNING

To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. DANGER - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
If the shape of the plug does not fit the power outlet, use an attachment plug adaptor of the proper configuration for the power outlet.

Caution

Battery pack
If the battery pack is mishandled, the battery pack can burst, cause a fire or even chemical burns. Observe the following cautions. Do not disassemble. Do not crush and do not expose the battery pack to any shock or force such as hammering, dropping or stepping on it. Do not short circuit and do not allow metal objects to come into contact with the battery terminals. Do not expose to high temperature above 60C (140F) such as in direct sunlight or in a car parked in the sun. Do not incinerate or dispose of in fire. Do not handle damaged or leaking lithium ion batteries. Be sure to charge the battery pack using a genuine Sony battery charger or a device that can charge the battery pack.
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 Sony. Dispose of used battery pack promptly described the instructions.
For Customers in the U.S.A.
UL is an internationally recognized safety organization. The UL Mark on the product means it has been UL Listed. If you have any questions about this product, you may call: Sony Customer Information Services Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669) The number below is for the FCC related matters only.

Battery charger

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).
For Customers in the U.S.A. and Canada
RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment by returning your used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you. For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822-8837, or visit http:// www.rbrc.org/ Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DSLR-A500 Responsible Party: Sony Electronics Inc. Address:16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A. Telephone No.: 858-942-2230 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Adjusting the amount of flash light (Flash compensation)... 95 Selecting the flash control mode to set the amount of flash light (Flash control).. 96 Selecting the method for measuring the brightness of a subject (Metering mode).. 97 Compensating for the brightness and contrast automatically (D-Range).. 98 Correcting the brightness of the image (D-Range Optimizer).. 98 Compensating automatically with rich gradation (Auto High Dynamic Range).. 99 Image processing... 101 Selecting your desired image processing (Creative Style)... 101 Changing the range of color reproduction (Color Space)... 102 Setting ISO... 103 Adjusting the color tones (White balance).. 104 Adjusting the white balance to suit a specific light source (Auto/Preset white balance).. 104 Setting the color temperature and a filter effect (Color Temperature/Color filter).. 105 Registering the color tones (Custom white balance) 106 Selecting the drive mode.. 108 Shooting single shot.. 108 Shooting continuously... 108 Using the self-timer.. 109 Shooting images with the exposure shifted (Exposure bracket).. 110 Shooting with white balance shifted (WB bracket)... 111 Shooting with the Wireless Remote Commander. 112 Capturing smiling faces (Smile Shutter).. 113
Using the viewing Playing back images.. 115 Checking the information of recorded images. 120 function
Protecting images (Protect).. 122 Deleting images (Delete).. 123 Viewing images on a TV screen. 125

Changing your setup

Setting image size and image quality.. 128 Setting the method for recording on a memory card.. 130 Changing the noise reduction setting.. 132 Changing the function of the AEL button. 133 Changing other settings.. 134 Setting the LCD monitor.. 135 Confirming the version of the camera.. 137 Resetting to the default.. 138 Using your computer... 140 Using the software.. 147 Specifying DPOF... 152 Printing images by connecting the camera to a PictBridge compliant printer.. 154 Specifications... 156 Troubleshooting... 160 Warning messages.. 169 Precautions... 172
Viewing images on a computer Printing images

Others

Index.... 174
Checking the accessories supplied
The number in parentheses indicates the number of pieces. BC-VM10 Battery charger (1)/ Power cord (mains lead) (1) Instruction Manual (This manual) (1)
Rechargeable battery pack NPFM500H (1)

USB cable (1)

Shoulder strap (1)

Eyepiece cover (1)

Body cap (1) (Attached on the camera)
Eyecup (1) (Attached on the camera) CD-ROM (Application Software for camera) (1)
Preparing the battery pack
When using the camera for the first time, be sure to charge the NPFM500H InfoLITHIUM battery pack (supplied).

Note Do not use an electronic transformer (travel converter), as this may cause a malfunction.
Representative plug of power supply cord of countries/regions around the world.

A Type (American Type)

B Type (British Type)

BF Type (British Type)

B3 Type (British Type)

C Type (CEE Type)

SE Type (CEE Type)

O Type (Ocean Type)

The representative supply voltage and plug type are described in this chart. Depend on an area, Different type of plug and supply voltage are used. Attention: Power cord meeting demands from each country shall be used. -For only the United States Use a UL Listed, 1.5-3 m (5-10 ft.), Type SPT-2 or NISPT-2, AWG no. 18 power supply cord, rated for 125 V 7 A, with a non-polarized NEMA 1-15P plug rated for 125 V 15 A.
Europe Countries/regions Austria Belgium Czech Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Luxemburg Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia Slovak Spain Sweden Switzerland UK Asia Countries/regions China Hong Kong India Indonesia Japan Korea (rep) Malaysia Philippines Voltage 127/Voltage 220 200/220 230/240 127/220/230 Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz) 50/Plug type C C C C C C C C C C C/BF C C C C C C C C C C C C BF Plug type A BF C C A C BF A/C
Singapore Taiwan Thailand Vietnam Oceania Countries/regions Australia New Zealand North America Countries/regions Canada USA Central America Countries/regions Bahamas Costa Rica Cuba Dominican (rep) El Salvador Guatemala Honduras Jamaica Mexico Nicaragua Panama South America Countries/regions Argentina Brazil Chile Colombia Peru Venezuela Middle East Countries/regions Iran Iraq Israel Saudi Arabia Turkey UAE Africa Countries/regions Algeria Congo (dem) Egypt Ethiopia Kenya Nigeria South Africa Tanzania Tunisia
Voltage 240 230/240 Voltage Voltage 120/110/120/127 120/240 110/220 Voltage 220 127/120 Voltage 230 127/240 Voltage 127/220/220
Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz) 60 Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz) 50
BF A C/BF A/C Plug type O O Plug type A A Plug type A A A/C A A A A A A A A Plug type C/BF/O A/C C A A/C A Plug type C/BF C/BF C A/C/BF C C/BF Plug type C C C C C/BF C/BF C/BF C/BF C
Inserting the charged battery pack
1 While sliding the battery cover
open lever, open the battery cover.
2 Firmly insert the battery pack all
the way while pressing the lock lever with the tip of the battery.

Lock lever

3 Close the battery cover.
To remove the battery pack Turn off the camera and slide the lock lever in the direction of the arrow. Be careful not to drop the battery pack.
To remove the battery cover The battery cover can be removed to attach the VG-B50AM Vertical Grip (sold separately). To remove the cover, push the lever in the direction of the arrow and slide it out. To attach the cover, put the knob in the hole, pull down the lever, and slide it in.

Memory Stick PRO Duo media* Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo media* Memory Stick Duo media
Available with your camera
Unavailable with your camera
Memory Stick media and Memory Stick PRO media
* This is equipped with MagicGate function. MagicGate is copyright protection technology that uses encryption technology. Data recording/playback that requires MagicGate functions cannot be performed with this camera. * Supports high-speed data transfer using a parallel interface.

Setting up the date

When you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup screen appears. Preparing the camera
1 Set the power switch to ON to turn

the camera on.

To turn the camera off, set it to OFF.
2 Verify that [OK] is selected on the
LCD monitor, then press the center of the controller.
3 Select each item with b/B and
set the numeric value with v/V.
When changing the sequence of [YYYY/MM/DD], first select [YYYY/ MM/DD] with b/B, then change it with v/V.
4 Repeat step 3 to set other items, then press the center of the

controller.

5 Verify that [OK] is selected, then press the center of the
To cancel the date/time setting operation Press the MENU button. To set up the date/time again

MENU button t

1 t [Date/Time setup]
Using the accessories supplied
This section describes how to use the shoulder strap, the eyepiece cover, and eyecup. The other accessories are described in the following pages. Rechargeable battery pack (page 13) Battery charger, Power cord (mains lead) (page 13) USB cable (pages 141, 154) CD-ROM (page 148)
Attaching the shoulder strap
Attach both ends of the strap onto the camera.
You can also attach the eyepiece cover (page 28) on the strap.

Eyepiece cover

Using the eyepiece cover and eyecup
You can prevent light from entering through the viewfinder and affecting the exposure. When the shutter is released without the use of the viewfinder in viewfinder mode, as in shooting with the self-timer, attach the eyepiece cover.
1 Tilt the LCD monitor downward.
2 Carefully slide the eyecup off by
pushing on each side of the eyecup.
Put your fingers under the eyecup, and slide it upward. When attaching the FDA-M1AM Magnifier (sold separately), the FDAA1AM Angle Finder (sold separately), or the FDA-ME1AM Magnifying Eyepiece (sold separately) to the camera, remove the eyecup as illustrated and attach them.

C Display z 1/125 F3.5 Indication Focus (80) Shutter speed (65) Aperture (63) EV scale (68, 111) AE lock (92) Camera shake warning (48) SteadyShot scale (48)
D Display Indication Drive mode (108) is only for the DSLR-A550. Flash mode (88)/Red-eye reduction (90) Focus mode (82) AF area (83) Face Detection (52) Smile Shutter (113) Smile Detection Sensitivity indicator (113)
E Display Indication ISO sensitivity (103) Metering (97) +2.0 AWB Flash compensation (95) White balance (Auto, Preset, Custom, Color temperature, Color filter) (104) D-Range Optimizer (98)/ Auto HDR (99) Creative Style (101)

7500K G9

Selecting a function/setting
You can select a function for shooting or playback with the one of buttons, such as the Fn (Function) button, or the MENU button. When you start an operation, an operation guide of controller functions will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. : Press v/V/b/B on the controller to move the cursor. z: Press the center button to execute the selection. In this Instruction Manual, the process of selecting a function with the controller from the list displayed on the screen is described as follows (we explain the process with the default icons.):
Example: Fn button t AWB (White balance) t Select the desired setting
The operation guide list The operation guide also indicates operations other than the controller operation. The indications of icons are as follows.
MENU button Returns with MENU button Fn button (Delete) button (Zoom in) button (Zoom out) button (Playback) button Control dial
Selecting a function with the Fn (Function) button
This button is used for setting up or executing functions used frequently in shooting.

1 Press the Fn button.

2 Select the desired item with v/V/
b/B on the controller, then press the center z to execute.
The setup screen appears.
3 Following the operation guide,
select and execute the desired function.
For details on how to set up each item, see the corresponding page.

Operation guide

To set up the camera directly from the recording information screen Turn the control dial without pressing the center z in step 2. You can set up the camera directly from the recording information screen.
The functions selected by the Fn (Function) button
Drive mode (108) Flash mode (88) Autofocus mode (82) AF area (83) Face Detection (52) Smile Shutter (113) ISO sensitivity (103) Metering mode (97) Flash compens. (95) White balance (104) DRO/Auto HDR (98) Creative Style (101) Before your operation
The functions selected by the MENU button
You can set up the basic settings for the camera as a whole or execute functions such as shooting, playback, or other operations. Recording menu

Image size (128) Aspect ratio (128) Quality (129) 1 Flash control (96) AF illuminator (90) SteadyShot (48) Color Space (102) Long exp.NR (132) High ISO NR (132) 2

Custom menu

Eye-Start AF (71) AEL button (92) Red eye reduc. (90) 1 Auto review (135) Auto off w/ VF (136) Grid Line (136)

Playback menu

Delete (123) Format (131) Slide show (118) 1 Protect (122) Specify Printing (152) PlaybackDisplay (115)
LCD brightness (135) Date/Time setup (25) Power Save (LV) (134) 1 Power Save (OVF) (134) CTRL FOR HDMI (127) Language (134) Help Guide disp. (134) Cleaning mode (33) Pixel mapping (163) Version (137) Reset default (138) File number (130) Folder name (130) Select folder (131) 2 New folder (131) USB connection (141, 154) Audio signals (134)

Shooting images

Shooting an image without camera shake
Camera shake refers to unwanted movement of the camera that occurs after the shutter button has been pressed, resulting in a blurred image. To reduce camera shake, follow the instructions below.

Correct posture

Stabilize your upper body and take a position that keeps the camera from moving.

In Live View mode

In viewfinder mode
Point 1 One hand holds the grip of the camera, and the other hand supports the lens. Point 2 Take a secure stance with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Point 3 Lightly tuck your elbows against your body. When shooting in a kneeling position, steady your upper body by placing your elbow on your knee. Camera shake warning indicator Due to potential camera shake, the (Camera shake warning) indicator flashes. In this case, use a tripod or the flash.
(Camera shake warning) indicator
Note The (Camera shake warning) indicator is displayed only in the modes that automatically set the shutter speed. This indicator is not displayed in M/S modes.
Using the SteadyShot function
The SteadyShot function is set to [On] in the default setting. The SteadyShot scale indicator The (SteadyShot scale) indicator shows the camera shake status. Wait until the scale becomes low, then start shooting.
(SteadyShot scale) indicator
To deactivate the SteadyShot function

1 t [SteadyShot] t [Off]

Note The SteadyShot function may not work optimally when the power has just been turned on or when the shutter button has been pressed all the way down without stopping halfway.

Using a tripod

In the following cases, we recommend that you mount the camera on a tripod. Shooting without a flash under dark conditions. Shooting with slow shutter speeds, which are typically used in night-time shooting. Shooting a close subject, such as in macro shooting. Shooting with a telescopic lens.

D Display 1/250 F4 +1.0 Indication Shutter speed (65) Aperture (63) Exposure compensation (93) AE lock (92) SteadyShot (48)
LCD monitor (Standard Display)
See pages in parentheses for details of operation. In AUTO or Scene Selection mode In P/A/S/M mode
Display P A S M Mode dial (50 70)
Indication Drive mode (108) is only for the DSLR-A550. Focus mode (82)
Image quality (129) AF area (83) AWB Image size (128)/Aspect ratio (128) Memory card (22) 100 Remaining number of recordable images (29) 100% Remaining battery (18) B Display Indication Flash mode (88)/Red-eye reduction (90) White balance (Auto, Preset, Custom, Color temperature, Color filter) (104) D-Range Optimizer (98)/ Auto HDR (99) Creative Style (101)
Metering mode (97) Exposure compensation (93) Flash compensation (95) EV scale (68, 111) ISO sensitivity (103)
C Display 1/125 F2.8 +1.0 Indication Shutter speed (65) Aperture (63) Exposure (93) AE lock (92) SteadyShot (48)

Viewfinder

A Display Indication AF area (83) Spot metering area (97) Shooting area for aspect ratio 16:9 (128) B Display Indication Flash compensation (95) Flash charging (88) WL Wireless flash (91) High-speed sync* Manual focus (84) z 125 5.6 Focus Shutter speed (65) Aperture (63) EV scale (68, 111) AE lock (92) 0 Shooting unavailable warning (108) Camera shake warning (48) SteadyShot scale (48) Aspect ratio 16:9 (128)
* When using the HVL-F58AM/HVLF42AM Flash (sold separately), you can shoot with the High-speed sync feature at any shutter speed. For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the flash.
Using the shooting function
Selecting the focus method
There are two methods for adjusting the focus: autofocus and manual focus. Depending on the lens, the method for switching between the auto focus and manual focus is different.
The type of lens The switch to be used The lens is Lens (Always set equipped with a the focus mode focus mode switch switch on the camera to AF.) The lens is not Camera equipped with a focus mode switch To switch to auto focus Set the focus mode switch on the lens to AF. To switch to manual focus Set the focus mode switch on the lens to MF.

2 Adjust the focus and shoot the subject.
When you press and hold the shutter button, the recording continues.
The maximum number of continuous shots The number of continuous shooting images obtainable has an upper limit.
DSLR-A550 Fine Standard RAW & JPEG RAW 32 images 116 images 7 images 14 images DSLR-Aimages 58 images 3 images 6 images
To shoot continuously at higher speeds (DSLR-A550 only) The camera shoots continuously at a maximum of seven images per second. The exposure and focus are set at the first shot.

(Spd.Prty.Cont.Adv.)

Notes You cannot shoot images continuously when 0 flashes in the viewfinder. Wait until the indicator disappears. You cannot shoot continuously when using Scene Selection modes other than (Sports Action). When [Face Detection] is set to [On], the speed of continuous shooting may be slower.

Using the self-timer

The 10-second self-timer is convenient when the photographer appears in a photo and the 2-second self-timer is convenient to reduce the camera shake.

The number after

(Self-timer) t Select the desired setting
is the number of seconds that is currently selected.
When the self-timer is activated, audio signals and the self-timer lamp indicate the condition. The self-timer lamp flashes quickly and the audio signal sounds quickly right before the shooting.
To cancel the self-timer Press the button.
Note When you shoot images using the viewfinder, use the eyepiece cover (page 28).
Shooting images with the exposure shifted (Exposure bracket)

Base exposure

direction

+ direction

Bracket shooting allows you to shoot several images, each with different degrees of exposure. Specify the value of deviation (steps) from the base exposure, and the camera shoots three images while automatically shifting the exposure. Press and hold the shutter button until the shooting stops. When the flash is fired, flash bracket shooting is used to shift the amount of flash light. To shoot, press the shutter button shot by shot.

button t bracket step

(Bracket: Cont.) t Select the desired
The base exposure is set at the first shot in the bracket.
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 exposure 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) Viewfinder Flash bracket 0.7 steps, three shots Flash compensation 1.0

You can protect images against accidental erasure.
Protecting selected images/canceling the protection of the selected images

1 MENU button t

1 t [Protect] t [Marked images]
2 Select the image you want to
protect with b/B on the controller, then press the center of the controller.
A - mark appears on the selected image. To cancel a selection, press the center again.
3 To protect other images, repeat step 2. 4 Press the MENU button. 5 Select [OK] with v, then press the center of the controller.

Deleting images (Delete)

Once you have deleted an image, you cannot restore it. Check whether to delete the image or not beforehand.
Note Protected images cannot be deleted.
Deleting the image that is currently displayed
delete and press the button.
2 Select [Delete] with v, then press the center of the controller.
Deleting the selected images
1 t [Delete] t [Marked images]
2 Select the images you want to
delete with the controller, then press the center of the controller.
A mark appears on the selected image.

Total number

3 To delete other images, repeat step 2. 4 Press the MENU button. 5 Select [Delete] with v, then press the center of the controller.
Deleting all the images in the folder
2 Select the folder bar with b on

the controller.

3 Press the center of the controller, then select the folder you

want to delete with v/V.

4 Press the
5 Select [Delete] with v, then press the center of the controller.
Deleting all the images all at once
MENU button t 1 t [Delete] t [All images] t [Delete]
Note It may take a long time to delete a lot of images by selecting [All images]. It is recommended that you delete images on a computer or format the memory card using the camera.
Viewing images on a TV screen
To view images recorded on the camera on a TV set, an HDMI cable (sold separately) and an HD TV equipped with an HDMI connector are required.
1 Turn off both your camera and the
TV, and connect the camera to the TV.

1 To the HDMI connector

HDMI cable (sold separately)

2 To the HDMI terminal

2 Turn on the TV and switch the input.
See also the operating instructions supplied with the TV.

3 Turn on the camera.

Images shot with the camera appear on the TV screen. Select the desired image with b/B on the controller. The LCD monitor on the camera does not turned on.

Controller

Notes Use an HDMI cable with the HDMI logo. Use an HDMI mini connector on one end (for the camera), and a connector suitable for connection to your TV on the other end.
By connecting your camera to Sonys VIDEO-A compatible TV using an HDMI cable, the TV automatically selects the appropriate image quality for viewing still pictures. Please refer to the operating instructions of Sonys VIDEO-A compatible TV for more details. Some devices may not work properly. Do not connect the output connector of the device with the HDMI terminal on the camera. This may cause a malfunction.

2 t [High ISO NR] t [Normal]
Note [Normal] is selected automatically for continuous shooting or continuous bracketing images, even when you set it to [High].
Changing the function of the AEL button
Changing the operation of the AEL button
The function of the AEL button can be selected from the following two functions: Holding the locked exposure value by pressing the AEL button while the button is held down ([AEL hold]). Holding the locked exposure value by pressing the AEL button until the button is pressed again ([AEL toggle]).
1 t [AEL button] t Select the desired
Notes While the exposure value is locked, appears on the LCD monitor and in the viewfinder. Be careful not to reset the setting. The Hold and Toggle settings affect the manual shift (page 68) in the manual exposure mode.

Changing other settings

Setting the sound on/off
Selects the sound produced when the shutter is locked, during self-timer countdown, etc.
2 t [Audio signals] t Select the desired
Removing the Help Guide from the screen
You can turn off the Help Guide that is displayed when you operate the camera. This is convenient when you want to perform the next operation quickly.
1 t [Help Guide disp.] t [Off]
Setting the time to turn the camera to the power save mode
You can set different time intervals for the camera to switch to power save mode (Power save) for the Live View (LV) and viewfinder modes (OVF). Pressing the shutter button halfway down returns the camera to the shooting mode.
MENU button t 1 t [Power Save (LV)] or [Power Save (OVF)] t Select the desired time
Note Regardless of the setting here, the camera turns to power save mode after 30 minutes when the camera is connected to a TV or the drive mode is set to (Remote Commander).

Selecting the language

MENU button t 1t[ Language] t Select the language

Setting the LCD monitor

Setting the brightness of the LCD monitor manually
The brightness of the LCD monitor is automatically adjusted to the surrounding lighting conditions using the light sensor (page 36). You can set the brightness of the LCD monitor manually.
MENU button t 1 t [LCD brightness] t [Manual] t Select the desired setting

Operating temperature 0 to 40C (32 to 104F) File format JPEG (DCF Ver. 2.0, Exif Ver. 2.21, MPF Baseline) compliant, DPOF compatible USB communication Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0 compliant)

BC-VM10 Battery charger

Input rating 100 V 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 9 W Output rating 8.4 V DC, 0.75 A Operating temperature range 0 to 40C (32 to 104F) Storage temperature range 20 to +60C (4 to +140F) Maximum dimensions Approx. 95 mm (2 7/3 3/4 inches) (W/H/D) Mass Approx. 90 g (3.2 oz)
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice. On focal length The picture angle of this camera is narrower than that of a 35 mm-format film camera. You can find the approximate equivalent of the focal length of a 35 mm-format film camera, and shoot with the same picture angle, by increasing the focal length of your lens by half. For example, by using a 50 mm lens, you can get the approximate equivalent of a 75 mm lens of a 35 mm-format film camera.
On image data compatibility This camera conforms with DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) universal standard established by JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association). Playback of images recorded with your camera on other equipment and playback of images recorded or edited with other equipment on your camera are not guaranteed. Trademarks is a trademark of Sony Corporation. Memory Stick, , Memory Stick PRO, , Memory Stick Duo, , Memory Stick PRO Duo, , Memory Stick PRO-HG 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. HDMI, the HDMI logo and HighDefinition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.
Macintosh and Mac OS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. PowerPC is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation in the United States. The SDHC logo is a trademark. MultiMediaCard is a trademark of MultiMediaCard Association. Intel, Intel Core, MMX, and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Adobe is a registered trademark or a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. 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.

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 exposure mode to M and do your shooting. The subject may require special focusing (page 80). Use the focus-lock or manual focus function (pages 81, 84).
Recording takes a long time.
The noise reduction function is turned on (page 132). This is not a malfunction. You are shooting in RAW mode (page 129). Since the RAW data file is large, the RAW mode shooting may take time. The Auto HDR is processing an image (page 98).
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 switch to AF (autofocus) (page 79). 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 71). 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 88).
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 90).
The date and time are recorded incorrectly.
Set the correct date and time (page 25).
The aperture value and/or shutter speed flashes when you press the shutter button halfway down.
Since the subject is too bright or too dark, it is beyond the available range of the camera. Adjust the setting again.
The image is whitish (Flare). Blurring of light appears on the image (Ghosting).
The picture was taken under a strong light source, and excessive light has entered the lens. Attach a lens hood (sold separately).

You cannot mark a DPOF mark.
You cannot mark DPOF marks on RAW images.

Computers

You do not know if the OS of your computer is compatible with the camera.
Check Recommended computer environment (pages 140, 147).
Your computer does not recognize your camera.
Check that the camera is turned on. When the battery level is low, install the charged battery pack (page 13), or use the AC Adaptor (sold separately). Use the USB cable (supplied) (page 141). Disconnect the USB cable, and connect it again firmly. Set [USB connection] to [Mass Storage] (page 141). Disconnect all equipment other than the camera, the keyboard and the mouse from the USB jacks of your computer. Connect the camera directly to your computer without passing through a USB hub or other device (page 140).

You cannot copy images.

Make the USB connection by properly connecting the camera with your computer (page 141). Follow the designated copy procedure for your OS (page 142). When you shoot images with a memory card formatted by a computer, you may not be able to copy the images to a computer. Shoot using a memory card formatted by your camera (page 131).
The image cannot be played back on a computer.
If you are using PMB, refer to the PMB Guide. Consult the computer or software manufacturer.
After making a USB connection, PMB does not start automatically.
Make the USB connection after the computer is turned on (page 141).

Memory card

Cannot insert a memory card.
Insertion direction of the memory card is wrong. Insert it in the correct direction (page 22).
Cannot record on a memory card.
The memory card is full. Delete unnecessary images (page 123). An unusable memory card is inserted (page 23).
You have formatted a memory card by mistake.
All the data on the memory card is deleted by formatting. You cannot restore it.
Memory Stick PRO Duo media are not recognized by a computer with a Memory Stick media slot.
If Memory Stick PRO Duo media are not supported on your computers Memory Stick media slot, connect the camera to the computer (page 141). The computer will recognize the Memory Stick PRO Duo media.

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 102).