Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product 4-187-045-11(1) Sony
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SL T -A33/A55/A55V 4-187-045- 11 (1) Printed using V OC (V olatile Orga nic Compound)-free vegetab le oil based in k. Addi tional information on this p roduct and answers t o f requently a sked questions can be found a t our Customer S upport W ebsite.
2 Owner’s Reco rd 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. SLT-A55/A55V/A33 Serial No.
3 • Keep the battery pack out of the reach of small children. • Keep the battery pack dry. • Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by Sony.
4 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.
5 Hereby, Sony Corporation, declares that this SLT-A55V Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the Directive 1999/5/EC. For details, please access the following URL: http://www.
6 Disposal of waste batt eries (applicabl e in the European Union and other E uropean co untries wi th separate co llection systems) This symbol on the battery or on the packaging indicates that the battery provided with this product shall not be treated as household waste.
7 Notes on using your camera Shooting pr ocedure • This camera has two modes for shooting: the LCD monitor mode using the LCD monitor, and the viewfinder mode using the viewfinder. • The recorded image may be different from the image you monitored before recording.
8 Notes on long-ti me recording • When you continue to shoot for a long time, the temperature of the camera rises. If the temperature reaches above a certain level, the mark is indicated on the screen and the camera is turned off automatically.
9 Table of Contents Notes on using your camera ................ .................. ............ 7 Preparing the camera Checking the ac cessories su pplied ...... .................. .......... 13 Identifying parts ...... ....................... .......
10 Shooting with a suitable sett in g for the subject ........... .... 63 Shooting wi th preset setting s according to the sc ene (Scene Selection) .. .................. ................... ........ 63 Shooting pa noramic im ages (Sweep Shooting) . 66 Shooting co ntinuous ly at high sp eed (Conti nuous Advance Priority AE) .
11 Using bright ness compensation for the entire image (Exposure compensatio n) ........... .................. ... 101 Adjustin g the amou nt of flas h light (Fla sh Compensation) ............. ....................... ............ 103 Selectin g the flas h control mo de to set the amount of flash light (Flash control) .
12 Using the viewing function Playing back images ................ ....................... ............... 121 Checking the information of re corded images .............. 127 Protecting images (Pro tect) .................. ................... ...... 131 Deleting images (Delete) .
Preparing the camera 13 Preparing t he camera Checking the accessories supplied The number in p arentheses indicates the number of pieces. • BC-VW1 Battery charger (1) • Power cord ( mains lead) (1) (not supplied in the U.
14 Identifying parts See the pages in parenthese s for details of operation. A Shutter button (59) B Power switch (28) C Control dial (73) D Remote sensor E Self-timer lamp (117) F Lens contacts* G Mi.
15 Preparing the camera A Microphone** B Auto-loc k Accessory shoe (99) C MENU button (49) D Viewfinder* (39) E Eyepiece sensors (39) F Diopter-adjustment dial (29) G LCD monitor (42, 12 1, 127) H Lig.
16 T Control button When the menu is turned on: v / V / b / B button (46) When the menu is turned off: DISP (Display) (40, 121)/WB (White balance) (1 12)/ (Drive) (116) /ISO (106) U Control button (Enter) (46) /AF button (89) * Do not directly touch these parts.
17 Preparing the camera A REMOTE terminal • Whe n connecting the RM- S1AM/RM-L1AM Remote Commander (s old separately) to the camera, insert the plug of the Remote Commander into the REMOTE termin al, aligning t he guide of the plug with the guide of the RE MOTE terminal.
18 Charging the battery pack When using the camera for the first t ime, be sure to charge the NP-FW50 “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (s upplied). The “InfoLITHIUM ” battery pack can be charged even when it has not been fully depleted. It can also be used when it has not b een fully char ged.
19 Preparing the camera Notes • The charging time differs depending on the remainin g capacity of the battery back or charging conditions. • We recommend charging the battery pack in an ambient temperatur e of between 10 to 30°C (50 to 86°F). You m ay not be able to efficiently charg e the battery pack outside of this temperature rang e.
20 Inserting the battery pack/memory card (sold separately) 1 While sliding the cover open lever, open the cover. 2 Firmly insert the battery pack all the way while pressing the lock lever with the ti p of the battery. Lock lever 3 Insert a memory card.
21 Preparing the camera Available memory card s • Only “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media, “Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo” media, SD memory cards, SDHC memory cards and SDXC memory cards can be used with this camer a. A MultiMediaCard cannot be used with this camera.
22 To remove the memory card To check the remain ing battery level Check the level with the following indi cators an d percent figu res displayed on the screen.
23 Preparing the camera Effective use of the battery pack • Battery perfo rmance decr eases in low temperatur e surroundings. So, the time that the battery pack can be used is shorter in cold places and the speed of continuous shooting slows down.
24 • We recommend backing up important da ta, such as to a hard disk of a computer. • When you carry or stor e 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.
25 Preparing the camera 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.
26 Attaching a lens Notes • When attaching a lens, do not press t he lens release button. • Do not use force whe n attaching a lens. • E-mount lenses are not compatible with this camera.
27 Preparing the camera To remove the lens Note on ch anging 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 act s as the film), it ma y appear on the image, depending on the shooting environment.
28 Preparing the camera When you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup scree n appears. Setting up the date 1 Set the power switch to ON to turn the camera on. The screen used for s etting dat e and time appears. • To turn the camera off, s et it to OFF.
29 Preparing the camera To cancel the date/ time setting operation Press the MENU button. To set up the date/time again When you turn the camera on for the first time, the date/time setup scree n appears automatically. The next time , set up the date and time from the menu.
30 Using the accessories supplied This section descri bes how to us e the shoulder s trap and eye cup. The other accessories are described in the following pages. • Rechargeable batte ry pack (page 18) • Battery charger (page 18) • Power cord (mains lead) (not supplied in the U.
31 Preparing the camera When attaching the FDA-A1AM Angle Finde r (sold separately) to the camera, remove the eyecup. Note • The Magnifier and Magnifying Eyepiece cannot be used with this camera. Removing the eyecup Carefully slide the eyecup off by pushing on each side of the eyecup.
32 Checking the numbe r of recordable images Notes • When “0” (the number of recordable imag es) flashes in yellow, the me mory card is full. Replace the memory card with another one, or delete i mages in the current memory card (page 132).
33 Preparing the camera SLT-A33 (Units: Images) * When [Image: Aspect R atio] is set to [16:9 ], you can record more images t han the numbers shown in the table above (except when [RAW] is selected). The approximate number of images that can be recorded is as follows when you use the camera with the battery pack (supplied) at full capacity.
34 – [Image: Quality] is set to [Fine]. – [Autofocus Mode] is set to [Automatic AF]. – Shooting once every 30 seconds. – The power turns on and off once every ten times. – [GPS On/Off] is set to [O n]. • About the number of images you can shoot when the flash is used: – The flash strobes once every two times.
35 Preparing the camera Cleaning • Do not touch the inside of the camera, such as lens contac ts, or the mirror. Since dust on the mirror or around the mirror may affect the images or the performance of the came ra, blow the dust away using a comm ercially available blower*.
36 If dust or debris enters the camera an d lands on the image sensor (the part that acts as the film), it may a ppear on the photo image, depending on the shooting envir onment. If there is dust on the imag e sensor, clean the image sensor following the steps below.
37 Preparing the camera To clean the image sensor using a blower If another cleaning is needed after us ing the cleaning mode, clean the image sensor using a blower following the steps below. 4 Select [Enter] with v , and pre ss the center of the control button.
38 Notes • After the cleaning is fi nished, confirm that the mirror is locked down firmly when you attach the lens. Otherwise, the lens may be scratc hed or this may be the cause of additional trouble. Also, if the mirror is not locked down firmly , the autofocus does not work during shooti ng.
39 Before your operation Before your operatio n Screen indicators To focus on a subject quickly using the viewfi nder When you look into the viewf inder, the subject located in the AF area comes into focus automa tically (Eye -Start AF).
40 The digital level ga uge of this camera Notes • The error of the digital leve l gauge is larger if you tilt t he camera too far forward or backward.
41 Before your operation Recording information di splay (For viewfinder) You can switch the “Recording info rmation on” display on the LCD monitor to a screen that is suitable for shooting when y ou look into the viewfinder. The screen in the v iewfinder is for Live View.
42 The Graphic Disp lay graphically show s the shutter speed and aperture value and clearly ill ustrates how the exposu re works. A Recording information displ ay (Graphic Display/Recording informatio.
43 Before your operation B C D E GPS triangulating status (138) (SLT-A55V only) Display Indication Spot metering area (105) AF area (89) Shutter speed indicator (75) Apertu re indi cator (7 2) Display Indication REC 0:12 Recording tim e of the movie (m:s) z Focus (86) 1/250 Shutter speed (75) F3.
44 See pages in parentheses for details of operation. A B Recording information di splay (For viewfinder) In AUTO, AUTO+, or Scene Selection mode In Continuous Advance Priority AE/ P/A/S/M mode Displa.
45 Before your operation C AF area (89) ISO sensitivity (106) AWB 7500K G9 White balance (Auto, Preset, Custom, Color temperature, C olor filter) (112) D-Range Optimizer (107)/Auto HDR (108) Creative .
46 Selecting a function/setting You can select a function for shooting or playback with the one of buttons, such as the Fn (Function) bu tton, or the MENU button.
47 Before your operation This button is used for setting up or executing functions used frequent ly in shooting. To set up the camera directly from the recording in formation screen Selecting a function with the Fn (Function) button 1 Press the Fn button.
48 The functions selected by the Fn (Function) button Scene Selection (63) Selects an appropriate mode from among the Scene Selection preset settings to suit shooting conditions. Sweep Shooting (66) Switches b etween Sw eep Panorama and 3D Sweep Panorama.
49 Before your operation You can set up the basic settings fo r the camera as a whole or execute functions such as shooting, play back, or other operations. Press the MENU button, select the desire d page with b / B on the control button, and select the desired item with v / V .
50 Panorama: Size (142) Selects the size of pa noramic images. Panorama: Direction (68) Sets the shooting direct ion for panoramic images. 3D Pan.: Image Size (142) Selects the size of 3D-ima ges. 3D Pan.: Direction (68) Sets the shooting direction for 3D-images.
51 Before your operation Custom me nu Eye-Start AF (39) Sets whether or not to use auto focus when you look through viewfinder. FINDER/LCD Setting (154) Sets the method for switching between the viewfinder and LCD monitor. AEL button (150) Sets the operation method of the AE lock butt on for fixing exposure during shooting.
52 Playback menu Delete (132) De letes images. Still/Movie Select (122) Switches between the still image playback screen and the movie playback screen. Slide Show (125) Shows a slide show. Image Index (125) Displays the image list. 3D Viewing (135) Plays back 3D-images using a 3D-compatible T V connected to the ca mera.
53 Before your operation Memory Card T ool menu Clock setup menu Format (146) Formats the memory card. File Number (145) Sets the method used to assi gn file numbers to still images and m ovies. Folder Name (145) Sets t he folder format for still images.
54 Setup menu * Appears wh en an Eye-Fi card (sold se parately) is inserted in the camera. LCD Brightness (153) Sets the brightness of the LCD monitor. Viewfinder Bright. (153) Sets the brightness of the viewfinder. GPS Settings (138) (SLT-A55V only) Sets the GPS functions.
55 Shooting imag es Shooting images Adjusting the angle of the LCD monitor You can adjust the angle of the LCD monitor to meet variou s shooting situations. You can shoot from various shooting positions. Low position High position Adjust the LCD monitor to an easily viewable angle.
56 Shooting an image wi thout camera shake “Camera shake” refers to unwanted m ovement of the cam era that occurs after the shutter button has been pr essed, resulting in a blurred image . To reduce camera shake, follo w the instructions below. Stabilize your upper body and take a position that keeps the camera from moving.
57 Shooting imag es Point 3 Lightly tuck you r elbows against your body. When shooting in a knee ling position, steady your upper body by placing your elbow on your knee. Camera shake warning indicator Note • The (Cam era shake warning) indicator i s displayed only in the m odes that automatically set the shutt er speed.
58 Note • The SteadyShot function may not work opti mally when the power h as just been turned on, right aft er you point the camera t owards a subject, or when the s hutter button has been pressed all the way down withou t stopping halfway . In the following cases, we recommend that you mount the camera on a tripod.
59 Shooting imag es Shooting with the automatic setting The “AUTO” mode allows you to easily sho ot any subject under any conditions because the camera makes appropriate judgments on the situation to adjust the settings. Select when shooting in a location wh ere the use of a flash is restricted.
60 Note • Since the came ra turns on the automati c setting fun ction, many fe atures will be unavailable, such as exposure co mpensation, ISO setting. If you want to adjust various settings, set the m ode dial to P, then shoot yo ur subject. 5 Press the shutter button halfway down to focus.
61 Shooting imag es The camera recognizes and eval uates the shooting condition, and appropriate settings are set auto matica lly. The camera saves one appropriate image by combining or separating images, a s necessary.
62 To set the continuous shooting MENU button t 2 t [ Auto+ Cont. Advance] t Select the desired setting To select the storage method to be us ed for recorded images In continuous shooting, yo u can sel ect a storage method that allows the camera either to store on e appropriate image fro m among the continuously shot images or store all the images.
63 Shooting imag es Shooting with a suit able setting for the subject Selecting an appropriate mode for the subject or the shooting co nditions allows you to shoot the image with a suitable setting for the subject.
64 (Portrait) Blurs away b ackgrounds and sharpens the subject. Expresses skin tones softly. • To blur the background more, set the lens to the telephoto position. • You can shoot a vivid imag e by focusing on the eye t hat is closer to the l ens.
65 Shooting imag es • When you want finer images, set the mo de dial to P, A, S, or M and use the creative style function (page 110). In such cases, you ca n adjust the exposure, ISO, etc. Notes • Since the ca mera judges th e settings automatica lly, many fea tures will be unavailable, such as exposur e compens ation, ISO setting.
66 Shooting panoramic images (Sweep Shooting) This mode is suitable for z Shooting expansive scenery, or high-rise buildings with dynamic composition. 1 Set the mode dial to (Sweep Shooting). 2 Press the center of the control button. 3 Select [Sweep Panorama] with v / V , then press the center of the control button.
67 Shooting imag es Notes • If yo u cannot pan or tilt the camera acros s the entire subject with in the given time, a gray area occurs in the composed image. If this happens, move the camera fast to record a full panorami c image. • Since several images are stitched together , the stitched par t will not be re corded smoothly.
68 Tips for shooting a pano ramic image • In Sweep Panorama, it is recommended that you use a w ide-angle lens. • When you use a lens that has a long focal length, pa n or tilt the camera more slowly than when you use a wide-angle lens.
69 Shooting imag es • When the autofocus mode is set to [Continuous AF], the focus and the exposure continue to be adjusted during shooting. When it is set to [Single-shot AF], you can adjust the aperture using the control dial. The focus is fixed at the first image.
70 Shooting an image th e way you want it (Exposure mode) With an Interchangeable Lens Digita l Camera, you ca n adjust the shutter speed (how long the shu tter is open) and ap erture (the range that is in focus: depth of field) to enjoy a vari ety of photographic expres sions.
71 Shooting imag es Shooting with program auto This mode is suitable for z Using the a utomati c exposu re, while keeping the custom settings for ISO sensitivity, Creative Style, D-R ange optimizer, etc. 1 Set the mode dial to P. 2 Set the shooting functions to your desired settings (pages 85 to 120).
72 Shooting by controlling the blur of the background (Aperture priority) This mode is suitable for z Putting the subject in sharp focus and blur everything in front of and beyond the subject. Opening the aperture narrows th e range that is in focus. (Depth of field becomes shallower.
73 Shooting imag es • The shutter speed may become slower depending on the apertur e value. When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod. • To blur the backgro und more, use a telephot o lens or a lens that is equipped with a smaller ap ertur e value (bright lens).
74 To check blurring of the background (Preview button) • Press the preview button af ter you adjust the focus. • You can adjust the aper ture in preview mode.
75 Shooting imag es 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 move ment. z Tracing the movement to express the dynamism and flow.
76 • When the shutter speed is slower, use a tripod. • When shooting an indo or sport, select a higher ISO sensitivity. Notes • The (Camera shake warning) indicato r is not indicated in shutt er speed priority mode. • The h igher the ISO sensitivity, the m ore conspicuous the noise.
77 Shooting imag es 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.
78 Notes • The (Camera shake warning) indicato r is not indicated in manual expo sure mode. • When the mode dial is set to M, the ISO setting [AUTO] is set to [100]. In M mode, the ISO setting [AUTO] is not available. Set the ISO sens itivity as necessary (page 106).
79 Shooting imag es Shooting trails with long exposure (BULB) This mode is suitable for z Shooting trails of light, such as fireworks. z Shooting trails of stars. 1 Set the mode dial to M. 2 Rotate the control dial to the left until [BULB] is indicated.
80 • Use a tripod. • Set the focus to infinity in manual focus mode when shooting fireworks, etc. When the infinity po sition of the lens is not known, first adjust the focus on fireworks that is set off in the same general ar ea, then shoot them.
81 Shooting imag es Recording movies • The following settings that were se t during still image shooting are used without change. – White Balance – Creative Style – Exposure compen sation – AF area – Metering mo de • Exposure compensation can be used during movie recording.
82 • When y ou continue to shoo t for a long time, the temperature of the camera rises and the image quality may det eriorate. • When t he mark i s indicated, the temperature of the camera is too hi gh. Turn the camera off and wait unti l the temperature of t he camera drops.
83 Shooting imag es To change the size MENU button t 1 t [Movie: Size] t Select the desired size For details, see page 142. The table below shows the approxim ate total recording times using a memory card formatte d with this camera.
84 • Each cont inuous recording time value i ndi cated is depe nding on the temper ature or status of the camera. • The recording tim e is longer when you disable the SteadyShot function that calls for using a tripod or a sim ilar device.
85 Using the shooting function Using the shooting fun ction Selecting the focus method There are two methods for adjusting th e focus: autofocus and manual focus. Depending on the lens, th e method for switching between the auto focus and manual focus is different.
86 • To select the AF area used for fo cusing, set up [ AF area] (page 89). Focus indicator Subjects that may require special focusing Using the autofocus, it is hard to focus on the follo wing subjects. In such cases, use the focus lock shooting fe ature (page 87) or manual focus (page 90).
87 Using the shooting function To measure the exact distance to the subj ect Note • If the su bject is closer than the minimum shooti ng distance of the attach ed lens, the focus cannot be confirmed. Make sure you put enough distance b etween the subject and the camera.
88 Fn button t (Autofocus Mode) t Select the desired setting • Use [Single-shot AF] when the subject is motionless. • Use [Continuous AF] when the subject is in motion.
89 Using the shooting function Fn button t (AF area) t Select the desired setting Notes • W hen the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, Sweep Panorama or Scene Selection, or th e Smile Shutter is act iva ted, [AF area] is fixed to [Wide] and you cannot select the other sett ings.
90 When it is difficult to get the proper focus in autofo cus mode, you can adjust the focus manually. Notes • In the case of a subject that can be focused in autofocus mode, the z indi cator lights up when the focus is confirmed.
91 Using the shooting function You can check the focu s by enlarging the im age before shooting. Checking the focus by enlarging the image 1 MENU button t 1 t [Focus Magnifier] t [On] 2 Press the Focus Magnifier button.
92 5 Press the shutter button fully down to shoot the image. • You c an record images when an image i s enlarged , however t he record ed image is fo r full d isplay.
93 Using the shooting function Detecting faces The camera detects faces, adjusts the focus, exposu re, performs image processing, and adjusts flash settings.
94 • Up t o eight faces can be detect ed. • The camera may not detect a ny faces, or may detect so me other object, dependin g on the shootin g conditions.
95 Using the shooting function • To focus on the smile, overlay the Face Detection f rame and AF area. • Do not cover the eyes with bangs, e tc. Keep the eyes narrowed. • Do not obscure the face with a hat, a mask, sunglasses, etc. • Try to orient the face in front of the camera and keep it as level as possible.
96 Using the flash In a dark location, using the flash allo ws you to shoot th e subjec t brightly, and it also helps to preven t camera shake. When shoo ting into the sun, you can use the flash to shoot a brig ht image of th e backlit subject. 1 Fn button t (Flash Mode) t Select the desired setting 2 Press the button.
97 Using the shooting function • The lens hood ( sold separately) may block the light of the flash. Rem ove the lens hood when using the flash. • When using the flash, shoot the subject at a dis tance of 1 m (3.
98 The flash range The range of the built-in flash depend s on the ISO sensitivity and aperture value. Refer to the following table. The AF illuminator • AF illuminator does not operate wh en [Autofocus Mode] is set to (Continuous AF) or the subject is moving in (Automatic AF).
99 Using the shooting function With a flash that has a wireless shootin g function (sold separately), you can shoot with the flash withou t a cord, even when the fl ash is not attached to the camera.
100 Adjusting the bright ness of the image (Exposure, Flash compensation, Metering) When shooting into the sun or by a window, the expos ure may not be appropriate for the subjec t because of the big diff erence in lighting between the subject and th e background.
101 Using the shooting function Except for exposure mode M, the expos ure is automatically selected (Automatic exposure). Based on the exposure acqu ired by the automatic exposure, you can perform exposure compensatio n by shif ting the exposur e to either the + side or the – side, depending on your preference.
102 • Adjust the compensation level by checking the r ecorded image. • Using bracket shooting, you can shoo t multiple images with the exposure shifted to the plus or minus sides (page 118). Note • Thi s item cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to AUTO , AUTO+, or Scene Selection.
103 Using the shooting function Notes • The h istogram does not indicate the final re corded image. It in dicat es the con dition of the image just mo nitored on the scree n. The histogram will differ based on aperture setting, etc. • The h istogram differs between shooting and playback in the fol lowing situations: – When firin g the flash.
104 Fn button t (Flash Compensation) t Select the desired setting Toward +: Makes the flas h level higher. Toward –: Makes the flash level lower. Notes • Thi s item cannot be set when the expos ure mode is set to AUT O, AUTO+, Sweep Panorama, or Scene Selection.
105 Using the shooting function Notes • When the distance between the subject and the external fla sh (sold separately) cannot be determined (wireless flash shooting usin g an external flash (sold separately), shooting with an off-camera fl ash using a cable, shooting with a macro twin flash, etc.
106 Setting ISO Sensitivity to light is expressed by the ISO number (recomm ended exposure index). The larger the nu mber, the higher the sensitivity. Notes • When the exposure mode is set to AUTO, AUTO+, Sweep Panorama, or Scene Selection, ISO is fixed to AUTO and you cannot select other ISO numbers.
107 Using the shooting function Compensating for th e brightness and contrast automa tically (D-Range) * Lv_ dis played with is the s tep currently selected. D-RANGE button t Select the desired setting D-RANGE button (Off) Does not use the DRO/Auto HDR fun ctions.
108 Notes • The setting is fixed to [Off] when [Sunset] , [Night View], [Night Portrait], or [Han d- held Twilight] is selected i n Scene Selecti on. The setting is fixed t o [Auto] when other modes are sele cted in Scene Selection. • When s hooting with the D-R ange optimizer, the image may be noisy.
109 Using the shooting function • You cannot select [Auto HDR] during Smil e Shutter. If you tu rn on the Smile Shutter function with [Auto HDR] selected, the camera will temporarily use with the DRO setting. • Y ou cannot start the next shoot unt il th e capture process is completed after yo u shoot.
110 Image processing In addition to the desired image processing, you can adjust the exposure (shutter speed and aper ture) as you lik e with [Creative Style], unlike Sc ene Selection where the camer a adjusts the exposure.
111 Using the shooting function (Contrast), (Saturation), and (Sharpness) can be adjusted for each Creative Style item. Notes • When t he exposure mode is set to AU TO, AUTO+, or Scene Selection, [Creative Style] is fixed to [Standard] a nd you canno t select other settings.
112 Adjusting the color tones (White balance) The color tone of the subject changes depending on the characteristics of the light source. The table below show s how the color tone changes based on various lig ht sources, compared with a subject that appears white under the sunlight.
113 Using the shooting function • Use the white balance bracket function if you cannot get the desired color in the selected option (page 119). • When you select [5500K] (Color Temp .) or [0] (Color Filter), you can adjust the value to th e desired value (below).
114 *1 The value is the color temperat ure value currently selected. *2 The value is the color filter val ue currently selected. In a scene where the ambient light consists of multiple types of light source, use of custom white balanc e is recommen ded in or der to accurately reproduce the whiteness.
115 Using the shooting function Note • The m essage “Custom WB error” indi cate s that the value is beyon d the expected range. (When the flash is used on a sub ject in close proxim ity or a subject with a bright color is in the frame .) If you register this val ue, the indicator turns yellow on the recording informat ion display.
116 Selecting the drive mode This camera has six drive modes, su ch as single-shot advanced, and continuous advanced. Use them to suit your purpose. This mode is for normal shooting. Note • W hen the exposure mode i s se t to [Sports Action] in Scene Sel ection, you cann ot shoot single shot.
117 Using the shooting function The maximum n umber of continuous shots The number of continuous sho oting images obtainable has an upper limit. • To shoot continuously faster, set the exposure mode to Continuous Advance Priority AE (page 69). Notes • When is selected, the imag e record ed between the frames is displayed.
118 To cancel the self-timer Press on the control button. Bracket shooting allows you to shoot several images, each with different degrees of e xposure. Specify the value of deviation (s teps) from the b ase exposure, and the camera shoots thre e images while auto matically shifting the exposure.
119 Using the shooting function The EV scale in bracket shooting * 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.
120 You can shoot using the SHUT TER and 2S EC (the shutter is released af ter 2 seconds) buttons on the RMT-DSLR1 Wireless Remote Com mander (sold separately). Also, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the Wireless Remote Commander. Shooting with the Wireless Remote Commander 1 on the control button t (Remote Cdr.
121 Using the viewing function Using the viewing function Playing back images The last recorded image is displayed on the L CD monitor. To return to the shooting mode Press the button again. To switch the record ing data display Press DISP on the control button.
122 Note • W hen you play back the i mage on a TV or a com puter, the image wi ll be displayed in the portrai t position e ven if [Manu al Rotate] is selected. To scroll panoramic ima ges Select a panoramic image, then pre ss the center of the control button.
123 Using the viewing function To select the date of movies to be played back Movies are s tored by date. MENU button t 2 t [Select Date] t Select the desired date Note • M ovies recorded with other devices may not be pl ayed back on t his camera. To return to the normal playb ack screen Press the button.
124 A still image can be enlarged for closer e xamination. This is convenient to check the focus condition of a r ecorded image. To cancel the enlarged playback Press the button so that the im age returns to the normal size. Scaling range The scaling range is as follows.
125 Using the viewing function MENU button t 1 t [Image Index] t Select the desired number of images to be displayed on one page • You can also display the im age list using the button. To return to the single-ima ge screen Press the center of the contr ol button when you select the desired image.
126 To play back movies You cannot play back s till images and movies in the same slide show. Switch to a movie playback with [Still/Mo vie S elect], then select the movie type.
127 Using the viewing function Checking the inform ation of recorded images Each time you press DISP on the cont rol button, the in formation display changes (page 121).
128 B C Display Indication GPS information (SLT- A55V only) N35° 37 ’ 32” W139° 44’ 31” Latitude and longitude display (SLT-A55V only) 2010 1 1 10:37AM Date of recordin g Auto HDR image warning (108) 1/125 Shutter speed (75) F3.
129 Using the viewing function AB Histogram display Display Indication Memory card (20) Still image 100-0003 Folder - file number (166) Image size of still images (141)/Aspect ratio of still images (1.
130 * When the im age has a high-key or low-key portion, that porti on is flashed on the histogram displ ay (Luminance limit warning). 2010 1 1 10:37AM Date of recordin g 3/7 File number/total number .
131 Using the viewing function Protecting images (Protect) You can protect images ag ainst accidental erasure. To cancel the pro tection of all the images or m ovies You can cancel the protection of all th e images in the folder currently selected or of all the movies with the same date.
132 Deleting images (Delete) Once you have deleted an image, you canno t restore it. Check whether to delete the image or not beforehand. Note • Protected im ages cannot be deleted. Deleting the image that is currently displayed 1 Display the image you want to delete and press the button.
133 Using the viewing function Deletes all still images in t he fold er. This appears during still image playback only. Deletes all movies of that date. This appears during movie playback only. 4 Press the MENU button. 5 Select [Delete] with v , th en press the center of the control button.
134 Viewing images on a TV screen To view images recorded on the camera on a TV se t, an HDMI cable (sold separately) and an HD TV equipped with an HDMI connecto r are required.
135 Using the viewing function • Do n ot connect the outpu t connector of the device with t he HDMI terminal on the camera. This may cause a malfuncti on.
136 By connecting the camera to a TV that supports “BRAVIA” Sync u sing an HDMI cable, you can operate the camera w ith the TV Remote Control. The items for Sync Menu Notes • The operations available are restricted wh en the camera is connected to a TV using an HDMI cable.
137 Using the viewing function When you view images on a TV scr een, the camera and TV must use the same TV color system. NTSC system (1080 60i) Bahama Islands, Boliv ia, Ca nada, Central America, C hile, Colombia, Ecuador, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Surina m, Taiw an, the Philippines, the U.
138 Changing your setu p GPS setting (SLT-A55V only) If the camera has acquired location in fo rmation using the built-in GPS feature, this information is recor ded in the images or movies at that location.
139 Changing your setup The time for the GPS acquiring location inform ation can be shortened by taking in GPS assist data. If the camera connects to the computer that the supplied “PMB” software has been installed, the GPS assist data can be updated automatically.
140 Your camera maintains cor rect clock time by using GPS to acquire time information during starting up. The tim e is corrected when the power is turned off. MENU button t 1 t [GPS Settings] t [GPS Auto Time Cor.] t [On] Notes • [ GPS Auto Time Cor.
141 Changing your setup Setting image size and image quality MENU button t 1 t [Image: Size] t Select the desired size [Image: Aspect Ratio]: [3:2] SLT-A55/A55V SLT-A33 [Image: Aspect Ratio]: [16: 9] SLT-A55/A55V SLT-A33 Note • When you select a RAW image with [Image: Quality], the image size of the RAW image corresponds to L.
142 You can set the image size of pano ramic images. T he image size varies depending on the [Panorama: Direc tion] or [3D Panorama: Size] setting (page 68). MENU button t 2 t [Panorama: Size] or [3D Pan.: Image Size] t Select the desired size [Panorama: Size ] [3D Pan.
143 Changing your setup Note • A telephoto image results except when th e [VGA] image size is selected for movies (SLT-A33 only). MENU button t 1 t [Image: Aspect Ratio] t Select the desired ratio Note • Thi s item cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to Sweep Pan orama.
144 Notes • Thi s item cannot be set when the exposure mode is set to Sweep Pan orama. • For detail s on the number of images t hat can be taken when the image q uality is changed, see page 32.
145 Changing your setup Setting the method for recording on a memory card MENU button t 1 t [File Number] t Select the desired setting The recorded still im ages are stored in automatic ally-created folders in the DCIM folder of the memory card.
146 You can create a folder in a me mory card for recording images. A new folder is created with a numb er incremented one higher than the largest number currently used, and the folder becomes the current recording folder. A folder for still images and a folder for movies are created at the same time.
147 Changing your setup When inconsistencies are found in the image database file of movies, caused by p rocessing mo vies on c omp uters, etc., movies on the memory card will not be played back in this fo rm. If this ha ppens, the camera repairs the file.
148 Notes • Before using an Eye-Fi card, set up the wireless LAN access point and forwarding destination. For details , refer to the operating manual suppli ed with the Eye-Fi card. • Eye -Fi cards ar e sold in the U.S.A, C anada , Japan, and som e countries in the EU (as of March in 2010).
149 Changing your setup Changing the noise reduction setting When you set the shutter speed to a sec ond or long er (Long ex posure shooting), noise r eduction is turned on for the same duration that the shutter is open. This is to reduce the gr ainy noise typical in a long exposure.
150 Changing the function of the buttons The function of the AEL butto n can be selecte d from the following two functions: – Holding the locked exposure value by pressing the AEL button while the button is held down ([AE L hold]). – Holding the locked expo sure value by pressing the AEL button until the button is pres sed again ([AEL toggle]).
151 Changing your setup Changing other settings Selects the sound produ ced when the sh utter is locked, during self-timer countdown, etc. MENU button t 2 t [Audio signals] t Select the desired setting You can turn off the Help Guide that is displaye d when you oper ate the camera.
152 Note • C orrect metering cannot be ach ieved when you use lenses that do not provide a lens contact, such as the lens of an astronom ical telescope.
153 Changing your setup Setting the LCD monitor/electronic viewfinder The brightness of the LCD monitor is automatically ad justed to the surroundin g lighting conditions using the light sensor (page 15). You can set the brightness of the LCD monitor manual ly or select the setting that is suitable fo r outdoors on a sunny day.
154 You can check the recorded image on the screen ri ght after the shooting. You can change the displayed time. MENU button t 2 t [Auto Review] t Select the desired setting Note • In aut o review, the im age will not be di splayed i n the vertical pos ition even if [Playback Display] is set to [Auto Rotate] (page 121).
155 Changing your setup Confirming the vers ion of the camera Displays the version of your camera. Confir m the version when a firmware update is released. MENU button t 2 t [Version] Note • An u pdate can be performed only when th e battery leve l is (t hree rema ining battery icons) or more.
156 Resetting to the default You can reset the main functions of the camera. MENU button t 2 t [Reset Default] t [En ter] The items to be reset are as follows.
157 Changing your setup Custom me nu Playback menu Movie: File Format (82) AVCHD Movie: Audio Rec. (82) On SteadyShot (57) On Panorama: Size (142) Standard Panorama: Direction (68) Right 3D Pan.
158 Memory Card T ool menu Setup menu Specify Printing – Date Imprint (1 73) Off Volume Settin gs (122) 2 Playback Display (121) Auto Rotate Items Reset to File Numb er (145) Series Folder Name (145) Standard Form Items Reset to LCD Brightness (153) Auto Viewfinder Bright.
159 Viewing images on a computer Viewing images on a computer Using with your computer Following applications are contained on the CD-ROM (supplied) to allow more versatile use of images shot with your ca mera.
160 The following computer environment is recommended when using the supplied software and importin g images via a USB connection. Notes • Operatio n is not assured in an envi ronm ent based on an upgrade o f the operating systems described above or in a multi-boot env ironment.
161 Viewing images on a computer Using the software Log on as Administrato r. Notes • If “PMB” has already been installe d on th e computer, and the version num ber of the previously installed “PMB” is lo wer th an that of the “PMB” on the CD-ROM (supplied), install “PM B” also from the CD-ROM (supplied).
162 • If “PM B” has already been ins talled on the compu ter, and the version of the previously installed “PM B” is higher than that o f the “PMB” on the CD-ROM (supplied), installation i s not required. Th e usable functions are activated wh en the camera is connected to t he computer using the USB cable.
163 Viewing images on a computer To use “Image Data Co nverter SR,” refe r to Help. Click [Start] t [All Programs ] t [Sony Image Data Suite] t [Help] t [Image Data Converter SR Ver.3]. “Image Data Converter SR” support pag e (English only) http://www.
164 environment is required when a Blu- ray disc/D VD disc is created for the first time.) Notes • “PMB ” is not compatible with M acintosh computers . • The confi rmation message of the In forma tion tool appears on the screen when starting “P MB” for the fir st time.
165 Viewing images on a computer Connecting the camera to the computer “PMB” allows you to easily import images. For details on “PMB” functions, see the “PMB H elp.
166 File name • ssss (file number) stands for any nu mber within the range of 0001 to 9999. • When [Image: Quality] is set to [RAW & JPEG], the numerical portions of the name of a RAW data fil e and its correspond ing JP EG file are the same. Notes • F or operations such as importing AVCHD movies to the co mputer, use “PMB.
167 Viewing images on a computer Note • Use “iM ovie” bundled wit h a Macintosh comp uter to import or operate AV CHD format movies. Perform the procedures from step 1 to 3 below before: • Disconnecting the USB cable. • Removing the memory card.
168 Creating a movie disc You can create a disc from AVCHD format movies recorded on the camera. Select the method that best suits your disc player . See “PMB Help” for det ails on creating a disc using “PMB.
169 Viewing images on a computer Characteristics of each type of disc Discs you can use with “PMB” You can use 12 cm discs o f following type with “PMB .” For Blu-ra y disc, see page 170. • Always maintain your PlayStation®3 to use the latest version of the PlayStation®3 system software.
170 Notes • Inst all “PMB” beforehand. • Sti ll images and MP4 mov ie files cannot be recorded on the AVCHD format disc. • It m ay take a long time to create a disc. Playing AVCHD format disc o n a computer You can play back AVCHD format di scs using “Playe r for AVCHD” that is installed together with “PMB.
171 Viewing images on a computer You can create a standard definiti on image quality (STD) disc from AVCHD format movies imported to a computer using supplied sof tware “PMB.” Notes • Inst all “PMB” beforehand. • M P4 movie files cann ot be recorded on a disc.
172 Printing images Specifying DPOF Using the camera, you can specify th e still images and the number of images to print before you print images at a shop or with your printer. Follow the procedure belo w. DPOF specifications are left with imag es after printing.
173 Printing images You can date images when printing them. The position of the date (inside or outside the image, character si ze, etc.) depends on you r printer. MENU button t 1 t [Specify Printing] t [Date Imprint] t [On] Note • Thi s function may not be pro vided, depending on the printer.
174 Others Specifications Camera [System] Camera Type Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera Lens A-mount lens [Image sensor] Image format SLT-A55/A55V 23.5×15.6 mm (APS-C format) CMOS image sensor SLT-A33 23.4×15.6 mm (APS-C format) CMOS image sensor Total pixel number of image sensor SLT-A55/A55V Approx.
175 Others Dioptor Adjustment –4.0 to +4.0 m –1 (diopter) [LCD monitor] LCD panel 7.5 cm (3.0 type) TFT drive Total number of dots 921 600 (640 × 3 (RGB) × 480) dots [Exposure c ontrol] Metering.
176 [Others] Exif Print Compatible PRINT Image Matching III Compatibl e Dimensions Approx. 124 .4 × 92 × 84.7 mm (4 7/8 × 3 5/8 × 3 1/3 inches) (W/H/D, excluding protrusions) Mass SLT-A55V Approx. 500 g (1 lb 1.6 oz) (with battery and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” media) Approx.
177 Others On image data compatibil ity • This c amera conforms with DCF (Design rule for Came ra File system) unive rsal standard establis hed by JEITA (Japan Electronic s and Information Technology Industr ies Associatio n).
178 • Intel, In tel Core, MMX, and Pentium ar e trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation . • SDXC, SDHC Logo are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC. • E ye-Fi is a trademar k of Eye-Fi Inc. • MultiMediaCard is a tr ademark of MultiMedia Card Asso ciation.
179 Others Troubleshooting If you experience trouble with your camera, try the following solutions. Check the items on pages 179 to 188. Consu lt your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. The battery pack ca nnot be installed. • As yo u insert t he battery pack, use the tip of the batt ery pack to push the lock lever ( page 20).
180 The power turns off suddenly. • If you do not op erate the c amera for gi ven period of time, th e camera tur ns to power saving mod e and nearly shut s down. To cancel the power save, operate th e camera, suc h as pres sing the s hutter but ton halfway down (page 151).
181 Others The shutter does not release. • You are u sing a memory c ard with a writ e-protect swi tch, and the s witch is set to the LOCK positio n. Set the switch to the record ing position. • Check the free capacity of the memor y card (page 32).
182 The flash does not work. • The flash mode is s et to [Autoflash]. If you wa nt to make sure the flas h fires without fail, set the flash mode to [Fill-flash] (page 96). The flash take s too long to recharge. • The flash ha s been fired in su ccession in a shor t period.
183 Others The eyes of the subject come out re d. • Activate the re d eye reduction functi on (page 98). • Get c lose to th e subjec t, and shoot the subj ect withi n the flash range us ing the flash (page 98) . Dots appear and re main on the LCD monitor.
184 The camera is not receiving a GPS signa l. • Set [GPS On/Off ] to [On] (page 138). • Your camera may no t be able to receive radio sig nals from GPS satellit es because of obstructi ons. • To triangulate the location inform ation correctly, bri ng your camera to an open area, a nd turn on the camera ag ain.
185 Others Your computer does not recognize your camera. • Chec k that the camera is turned on. • When the batter y level is low, install th e charged battery pack (page 18), or use the A C Adaptor (sold separ ately). • Use the USB cabl e (supplied) (page 16 5).
186 You have formatted a memory car d by mistake. • All th e data on the memory c ard are del eted by for matting. You cannot restore it . Cannot print images. • RAW image s cannot be printed. To print RAW ima ges first, c onvert them to JPEG image s using “Image Data Converter SR” on the su pplied CD- ROM.
187 Others The lens gets fo gged. • Moisture con densation has occur red. Turn off the came ra and leave it for about an ho ur before using it ( page 192) . The message “Set Area /Date/Time.” appears when you turn on the camera. • The camera ha s been left unu sed for sometime with a low battery or no battery pa ck.
188 “--E-” is indicated on the screen. • Remov e the memory card, and insert it again. If this proc edure doe s not turn off the indica tion, forma t the memory card .
189 Others Warning messages If the following m essages appear, follow the instru ctions below. Incompatible battery. Use correct model. • An incompatibl e battery pack is being used. Set Area/Date/Time. • Set the ar ea and date, time. If you have no t used the camera for a long time, ch arge the internal rechargeab le battery (pages 28, 192).
190 Check the lens attachment. If the lens is not supporte d, you can permit use of the lens in the custom menu. • The lens is not atta ched properly, or the len s is not at tached. • When a ttachin g the came ra to an astronomic al telesc ope or something similar, set [Rel ease w/oLens] to [ Enable].
191 Others Image Database F ile error. Recover? • You can not record o r play back AVCHD format mo vies because the Image Datab ase File is damaged. Fo llow the on-scree n instruction s to recover data. Unable to magnify. Unable to ro tate image. • Images recorded with other cameras may not be enlarged or rotated .
192 Precautions Do not use/store the camera in the following places • In an extremely ho t, dry or humid place In places such as in a car parked in the sun, the c amera body may become def ormed and this may cause a malf unction.
193 Others This rechar geable bat tery is continuall y charge d as long as you are using the camera. Howev er, if you use the camera for only sh ort perio ds, it dischar ges gradual ly, and i f you do not use the camera at all for ab out 3 months it becomes completely discharged .
194 • Cl ean the fl ash surf ace befor e use. The heat of flash emis sion may cause dirt on the flash surface to become di scolored or to stick to the flash surface, re sulting in insufficien t light emission. • Keep the camera, supplied accessorie s, etc.
195 Others AVCHD format The AVCHD format is a high definiti on digital video camera format used to rec ord a high de finition (HD) signal of e ither the 1080i specificat ion* 1 or the 720p specificat ion* 2 using eff icient da ta compress ion coding technology .
196 GPS (SLT-A55V only) This system allows you to pinpoi nt your exact location on the ea rth. The GPS satellites ar e located in 6 orbits, 20,000 km abov e the ear th.
197 Others not match the loca tion on the map based on the GPS informa tion. Meanwhile, the GPS satel lites are controlled b y the United States Department of Defense, and the degree of accuracy may be changed intentional ly.
198 3D-shootings Notes on recording • [3D Pa norama] is no t suitable whe n shooting: – Subjects ar e moving. – Subjects a re too cl ose to the camera. – Subjects w ith a repeating patter n such as tile s, and sub jects with little contra st such as sky, sandy beach, or la wn.
199 Index Index Index A Adobe RGB ....... ............. .......... 111 AE Lock ............ ............. .......... 100 AEL button .... ............ ............. . 150 AF area ........... ............ ................ 89 AF illuminator ............ .
200 Drive mode ................... ............ 116 E Enlarged image ............. ............ 124 EV scale ..... ............. ....7 8, 101, 119 Exposure .... ................ ............. ....7 0 Exposure compe nsation ... ......... 101 Exposure mode .
201 Index Memory card .................. ...... 20, 23 “Memory Stick PR O Duo” ................ ............ ............. 20, 23 Menu ........... ............ ............. ...... 4 9 Metering mode ..... ............. ....... 105 Moisture condensation .
202 Sweep Panorama ....... ......... 66, 142 Sweep Shooting ......... ................ .6 6 U USB connection ................... ..... 165 V Version ............. ............ ............ 155 Viewfinder . ............. ............ 39, 154 Viewing image .
203 Notes on the License “C Library”, “Exp at”, “zlib”, “ dtoa”, “pcre”, an d “libjp eg” soft ware are provided i n the camera .
An important point after buying a device Sony 4-187-045-11(1) (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
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If you already are a holder of Sony 4-187-045-11(1), but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Sony 4-187-045-11(1).
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Sony 4-187-045-11(1). Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Sony 4-187-045-11(1) along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
